Effect of snake venom on prostate cancer: a systematic review

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the second deadly cancer in men. One way to deal with tumor resistance is using natural sources like snake venoms that contain a wide spectrum of anti-cancer components. The aim of this study was to review the anti-neoplastic property of snake venom against prostate cancer. Methods and Results: In this systematic review, based on PRISMA guidelines, two persons independently searched MeSH and other relevant terms like “snake venom”, “prostatic neoplasms” and 3 others in databases including PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Sciverse( Elsevier, ScienceDirect), Cochrane library, Sid, Magiran, and iranmedex up to October 2017, and all articles with considered inclusion criteria were added to the study. 82 articles were obtained by primary searching and after removing irrelevant and duplicate articles 14 articles with all inclusion criteria were added to this study. Many snake venoms’ components are effective on prostate cancer; some of them changed gene expression of tumor cells while others like enzymes have a direct effect on cancer cells. Although there are many compounds with anti-cancer property in snake venoms there are some with carcinogenic effect. For example Prokineticins and Hyaluronidase in some venoms induced angiogenesis and growth of the tumor. Walterinnesia aegyptia venom alone and its combination with silica nanoparticles, Rhodostomin, a proteinase from Vipera lebetina, Vipera lebetina turanica venom, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, Disintegrins, lectin and many other components had wide range of anti-cancer properties like inhibiting cancer cells’ invasion, migration, growth, and their adhesion to the extracellular matrix, inducing apoptosis by down-regulated antiapoptotic proteins like Bcl-2 and increasing the expression of proapoptotic proteins like Bcl-2-binding component 3, Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9 and other mechanisms. Conclusions: Snake venoms are good sources for treating prostate cancer but application of nanoparticles in combination with venoms could make the results more efficient. However, their side effects must be considered

Application of Nanoparticles as New Therapeutic Methods on Monitoring and Treating Obesity: a Systematic Review

Introduction: Nowadays, obesity has become a major global health challenge and it is closely linked with many metabolic disorders like diabetes and hypertension. Although various types of drugs have been developed, the prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide. One of the effective way to treat obesity and prevent metabolic disorders coming after, is using nanoparticles as new therapeutic methods.  This study reviewed nanoparticles effects on monitoring and treating obesity. Methods and Results: In this systematic review, based on PRISMA guidelines, two persons independently searched MeSH terms “nanoparticles”, “drugs” and “obesity” and some other relevant terms in databases including PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane library up to July 2017, and all the articles with considered inclusion criteria were added to the study. 145 articles were obtained by primary searching. After removing 12 irrelevant and 57 duplicate articles, 76 with inclusion criteria were added to this study. Nanoparticles could be used on both monitoring and treating obesity. These nanoceria when conjugated with antibodies are used for monitoring proteins involve in inflammation and insulin signaling without cell lysis. For example, due to TNF- α inflammatory cytokine that has an important role in insulin resistance in obesity, these nanoceria can be applied on monitoring some proteins like multiple kinases that ameliorate insulin resistance in obesity. Drug delivery via nanoparticles made it more possible to have better effects on regulating lipase cycle in adipose cells and tissues. Furthermore, application of nanoparticles conjugated with some agents can affect intracellular signaling or mechanisms in order to treat obesity. For example, silica nanoparticle has anti-brown adipogenic effect via regulation of p38 phosphorylation which involves in obesity. Conclusions: Application of nanoparticles increases the accessibility of adipose targeting cells. these nanoceria might be used to detect and treat many metabolic disorders like obesity. Producing more efficient and complicated nanoparticles in sizes depended manner, provides more opportunities to access better on targeted cells for treatment, however,  their side effects on normal cells should be considered

Post-operative ascites of unknown origin after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Case report

Introduction and importance: Post Laparoscopic cholecystectomy ascites is a rare complication that might be due to biliary leak, lymph duct injuries, infections, peritoneal reaction bowel injuries, malignancies and etc.& nbsp;Case presentation: Here we have reported post-cholecystectomy ascites presented with hypovolemic shock in a women of unknown origin. Different possible etiologies have been ruled out for her but her intra-peritoneal secretions had been decreased about one week of hospitalization and was discharged without figuring out its etiology.& nbsp;Clinical discussion: Post-cholecystectomy ascites is a rare condition that could be caused by biliary leak, lymphatic leak, ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome, infections, peritoneal reactions and malignancies that all of them should be considered for these patients to manage their problem.& nbsp;Conclusion: The exact cause of ascites in the presented case was still unknown and the condition was controlled by administration of corticosteroids, octreotide, albumin, and insertion of the stents in biliary ducts. More investigation esp. on immunologic causes are needed

Evaluation of antibacterial effect of sesame oil, olive oil and their synergism on Staphylococcus aureus in vitro

Background and aims: Nosocomial infections are the main cause of the problems related to health and health care costs. One of the pathogens that causes these infections is Staphylococcus aureus. Its resistance to antibiotics forced researchers to find herbal substitution such as Sesame and Olive. This study was aimed to determine antibacterial effect of sesame oil, olive oil and their synergism on S. aureus. Methods: In this experimental study, at first, olive oil and sesame oil was extracted by cold press assay and the mixture of them was prepared with equal proportion of both oils, and then the standard strain of lyophilized S. aureus ATCC 25923 was prepared from the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology. To determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the oils, micro-broth dilution method was used. Results: This study indicated the amounts of MIC for sesame oil, olive oil and their synergism; 32 mg/ml, 32 mg/ml, 8 mg/ml and the amounts of MBC; 128 mg/ml, 128 mg/ml, 32 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The results showed the same antibacterial activity for olive oil and sesame oil. It also showed that mixture of these oils enhances the growth inhibitory and bactericidal properties of the oils compared to using them individually

Massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage in patients with COVID-19: a case series

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) initiates several life-threatening complications including coagulopathies with a unique characteristic that made this problem challenging. Here we presented 4 cases of RT-PCR positive patients that have experienced deadly intraperitoneal hemorrhage with fourth WHO Bleeding Grade after overcoming their respiratory phase. COVID-19 could induce several coagulopathies with different features that besides iatrogenic interventions increases its mortality and morbidity due to lack of clinical evidence based on well-designed randomized clinical trials on anticoagulation therapies (AT) and administration of varieties of newly approved and non-approved medicines. This report showed the urgent need for investigation on the pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy esp. in hemorrhagic events which are needed to make the best therapeutic decision

Suicide attempt and severe depression in a patient with COVID-19, the possible effect of therapeutic regimes

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has different manifestations including neurologic manifestations. Lack of a suit-able therapeutic regime and administration of a variety of treatments could worsen disease manifestations. Some medical interventions besides the high level of stress and quarantined conditions could induce severe depression and even suicide attempts. Here we presented a 42-year-old man without a history of psychiatric disorders that had been admitted to the clinic due to worsening of his dyspnea. After history taking and physical examination, he had been hospitalized and interferon, corticosteroids, and other conservative treatments had been started. According to his clinical manifestations, the doses and medications had been changed the next days. On the morning of his seventh day of hospitalization he had several suicidal attempts which were not successful and after changes in his medications, starting antidepressant drugs, and visiting his family members he had been discharged without the idea of suicide and depressed mood. This report showed the important role of medical staff in monitoring the mental health of COVID-19 patients as there are many risk factors for them to develop psychiatric disturbance. They should be aware of the possible effect of drugs in the alternat-ing mood of patients and even causing suicidal thoughts. We also suggest increasing the level of tryptophan sources in meals of patients and administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in patients with signs of depression after further studies

Maternal separation stress through triggering of the neuro‐immune response in the hippocampus induces autistic‐like behaviors in male mice

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest-growing neurodevelopmental disease throughout the world. Neuro-immune responses from prenatal to adulthood stages of life induce developmental defects in synaptic signaling, neurotransmitter imbalance, and even structural changes in the brain. In this study, we aimed to focus on the possible role of neuroinflammatory response in the hippocampus in development of the autistic-like behaviors following maternal separation (MS) stress in mice. To do this, mice neonates daily separated from their mothers from postnatal day (PND) 2 to PND 14 for 3 h. During PND45–60, behavioral tests related to autistic-like behaviors including three-chamber sociability, Morris water maze (MWM), shuttle box, resident-intruder, and marble burying tests were performed. Then, hippocampi were dissected out, and the gene expression of inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-1β, TLR4, HMGB1, and NLRP3 was assessed in the hippocampus using RT-PCR. Results showed that MS mice exerted impaired sociability preference, repetitive behaviors, impaired passive avoidance, and spatial memories. The gene expression of inflammatory mediators significantly increased in the hippocampi of MS mice. We concluded that MS stress probably via activating of the HMGB1/TLR4 signaling cascade in the hippocampus induced autistic-like behaviors in mice

Ant‐induced alopecia: A new differential diagnosis for nonscarring alopecia

Ant-induced alopecia is a rare condition caused by Pheidole pallidula species. This particular cause of nonscaring alopecia should be considered a new differential diagnosis. Keywords: Pheidole pallidula; alopecia; ants; arthropods; hair

Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis following COVID-19 BBIBP-CorV vaccine: A case report

COVID-19 and its vaccination could initiate autoimmunity including ANCA-associated vasculitis that could mimic COVID-19 infection symptoms. This misdiagnosis could increase the morbidity of AAV. Herein a case of AAV post-BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) COVID-19 vaccine was reported. A 32-years-old woman was admitted with flu-like symptoms, flank pain, hemoptysis, hematuria, and oliguria following the second dose of BBIBP-CorV vaccination. Due to her severe clinical course, she needed ICU care while plasma exchange, renal replacement therapy, corticosteroid pulse, and tocilizumab were the primary therapies that improved her symptoms. After more evaluation, she was diagnosed with AAV, and conservative therapy was initiated. Her pulmonary condition and renal function were resolved gradually. Reports of post-COVID-19 vaccination raised the need for assessment of the immune response caused by these vaccines. Physicians also should be aware of the misdiagnosis of AAV and other infectious diseases

Pneumomediastinum: A case report of baclofen toxicity

Introduction: Baclofen is a γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist used to treat spasticity; however, it may be toxic at dosages above 200 mg. The psychological, nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and respiratory systems are all affected. This report represents a case with the rare respiratory complications brought on by baclofen toxicity: atelectasis and pneumomediastinum. Presentation of case: A 19-year-old female was admitted to the emergency department after attempting suicide by taking 20 baclofen tablets (500 mg). Imaging revealed pneumomediastinum, atelectasis, and a leftward displacement of mediastinal structures. Her therapy included a chest tube to relieve the pneumomediastinum and sodium valproate, promethazine, biperiden, and quetiapine for neurological symptoms. Four days after being admitted, she was successfully extubated without any complications. Discussion: Baclofen activates GABA-A and GABA-B receptors. High doses of baclofen may induce central nervous system and respiratory depression, requiring intensive care. GABA receptors may cause hallucinations, delusions, and agitation in baclofen overdose. High dosages of baclofen may cause bronchial and bronchiolar muscular spasms, leading to breathing problems and atelectasis. Recent animal studies on baclofen toxicity showed that increased alveolar pressure, circulatory abnormalities, edema, alveolar hemorrhages, and infiltration cause rupture and pneumomediastinum. Pneumomediastinum may need bed rest, oxygen, antitussives, and analgesics, but severe cases may necessitate a chest tube. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis of acute baclofen poisoning, which could manifest as respiratory complications, including pneumomediastinum and atelectasis. Since most cases are benign, it is still crucial for clinicians to detect complications early for further management