Non-coding RNAs modulate function of extracellular matrix proteins

The extracellular matrix (ECM) creates a multifaceted system for the interaction of diverse structural proteins, matricellular molecules, proteoglycans, hyaluronan, and various glycoproteins that collaborate and bind with each other to produce a bioactive polymer. Alterations in the composition and configuration of ECM elements influence the cellular phenotype, thus participating in the pathogenesis of several human disorders. Recent studies indicate the crucial roles of non-coding RNAs in the modulation of ECM. Several miRNAs such as miR-21, miR-26, miR-19, miR-140, miR-29, miR-30, miR-133 have been dysregulated in disorders that are associated with disruption or breakdown of the ECM. Moreover, expression of MALAT1, PVT1, SRA1, n379519, RMRP, PFL, TUG1, TM1P3, FAS-AS1, PART1, XIST, and expression of other lncRNAs is altered in disorders associated with the modification of ECM components. In the current review, we discuss the role of lncRNAs and miRNAs in the modification of ECM and their relevance with the pathophysiology of human disorders such as cardiac/ lung fibrosis, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, asthma, osteoarthritis, and cancers. © 2021 The Author(s

The Effect of Weight-Bearing Exercise on the Strength of Femur Bone in Ovariectomized Rats

Introduction & Objective: Fractures due to osteoporosis after menopause in women is widespread. Osteoporosis may occur in case of inadequate lack of physical activity .The aim of this study was to determine the effect of running training on femur bone strength in ovariectomized rats. Materials & Methods Forty matured Sprague Dawley rats were chosen for this study. A group of 10 were killed randomly to measure their initial femur strength. The remaining rats had ovarian surgery. After three months, in order to reach menopause period, they were randomly divided into 3 groups, including pre test, running training and control groups. The running training program was carried out for one hour a day, five days a week, for eight weeks. Femur bone strength was measured by HOUNSFIELD system. Data was analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance and dependent T- tests by the SPSS software. Results: Results of this study showed that ovariectomy leads to significant decrease of femur bone strength. On the other hand the eight weeks running training lead to significant increase of femur bone strength. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that life style is important factors in preventing of osteoporosis and running training program had an inhibitory or reversal effect on decrease of menopause-induced femur bone strength

The Effect of Algorithm-Based Learning on Clinical Decision Making Abilities of Medical Emergency Students

Introduction: Improvement of students’ clinical decision making is one of the main challenges in medical education. There are numerous ways to improve these skills. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of algorithm-based learning on clinical decision making abilities of medical emergency students. Method: in this experimental study, twenty five medical emergency students were randomly assigned to algorithm based learning group  (n=13) and control group  (n=12). Student in algorithm-based learning group were educated the diagnosis and treatment of selected medical emergency situation with algorithmic approach. Education in the control group was conducted by a routine lecture, along with copies of educational content. Three-hour training period was held for both groups  (two separate sessions with an interval day). After intervention, clinical decision making of the students in both group were measured by clinical scenarios and clinical decision making self-efficacy scale. Results: The mean of acquired scores from clinical scenarios among students in algorithm-based learning group was 17.50  (±1.67) and in the control group was 14.50 (±2.63). The differences was statistically significant  (t=0.006, P=0.006). The students in algorithm-based learning group had better scores in the clinical decision making in terms of self-efficacy scale and it was 13.30 (1.57) and in the control group this mean was 10.32  (3.05). In this case, the differences was statistically significant (t=3.01, P=0.009). Conclusion: algorithm-based learning is effective in improvement of clinical decision making and applying of this method along with other educational methods could promote students’ clinical decision making especially in medical emergency situations

Vitronectin and Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Gene Expression Levels Are Increased in Patients with Coronary Artery In-Stent Restenosis

Neointimal hyperplasia is known as a main factor contributing to in-stent restenosis (ISR). Monocytes may play a central role in vessel restenosis process after stent implantation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU) and vitronectin (Vtn) gene expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples isolated from whole blood of 66 patients undergoing coronary artery angiography (22 controls, stenosis 70). The Vtn and PLAU gene expression levels were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique. The age- and gender-independent increases in the expression levels of Vtn (17-fold; p < 0.001) and PLAU (27-fold; p < 0.0001) genes were found in the patients with ISR as compared with the control group. The results suggested that the Vtn and PLAU genes may be involved in the coronary artery ISR. © Copyright 2017 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc