Caenorhabditis elegans as a Valuable Model for Studying Apoptosis and Autophagy in Cancer Development: Current insights, Future directions, and Challenges

Abstract Despite significant progress in the fight against cancer, cancer treatment remains a significant public health concern and a societal burden worldwide. To develop better intervention strategies to counter tumor development, it is important to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying oncogenic diseases. In-vivo and in-vitro models have traditionally been utilized to understand the biological processes involved in cancer, including apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, genome instability, and metabolism. The present review aims to look at the way Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) can affect cancer cellular and molecular bases, concentrating on mechanisms like apoptosis and autophagy. In recent years, . elegans has emerged as a promising model organism for studying the molecular basis of tumorigenesis. This model organism is attractive since it is genetically tractable and has a simple and well-understood anatomy. The C. elegans exhibits conserved cellular pathways and mechanisms relevant to human diseases, including cancer. Furthermore, C. elegans has been used to study the roles of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes in tumorigenesis. In conclusion, C. elegans is an emerging animal model that has the potential to facilitate the development of better intervention strategies to prevent or counter tumor development and to advance our understanding of cancer progression with further research. https://jlar.rovedar.com/index.php/JLAR/article/view/1

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Genome Editing: In vivo Review

Abstract The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been a game-changer in genetics and biotechnology. This study aimed to investigate the existing in vivo uses and their potential to increase our understanding of gene function and biological processes in animal models. With its remarkable precision and accuracy, researchers can now easily edit specific genes within cells and organisms. This technology has opened up new avenues for studying genetic diseases and developing therapies to treat them. One of the most significant advantages of the CRISPR/Cas9 system is its ability to create precise cellular and animal models of human diseases. This allows researchers to investigate the role of genetics in disease development and to develop more effective therapies. For example, the system can correct genetic mutations that cause cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia. The therapeutic potential of CRISPR/Cas9 is enormous, especially in gene therapy. By correcting specific genetic mutations, the system can potentially treat human diseases that are currently untreatable with conventional therapies. However, some challenges still need to be addressed before this technology can be used in clinical settings. Despite these challenges, the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 to revolutionize the field of genetics and biotechnology cannot be overstated. Ultimately, this technology has the potential to transform medicine by providing new therapies for a wide range of genetic diseases. https://jlar.rovedar.com/index.php/JLAR/article/view/1

Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals Nickel, Cadmium and Lead in the Coasts of the Persian Gulf Using Mangrove (Avicennia marina)

Phytoremediation is one of the most important sustainable biological methods to deal with the increasing effects of pollutants. In this study, the efficiency of Avicennia marina for refining heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and nickel from aqueous media was investigated. For sampling of mangroves and sediments in 2019, 20 stations throughout Khorkhoran wetland located in the west of Bandar Abbas were identified and samples were collected from water, sediments and different parts of the plant. According to the results, the highest accumulation of metals with a value of 4.38 mg/kg in the root of mangrove was related to lead and the lowest accumulation of metals with a value of 0.261 mg/kg in the root of the mangrove was related to cadmium. The results of transfer coefficient for lead and cadmium in mangrove roots was greater than 1 and for nickel less than 1. Moreover, there was a statistically significant correlation between pH and temperature parameters with the mean concentration of all heavy metals in sediment and between EC and the mean concentration of all heavy metals except nickel in water (P> 0.05). According to the results, the difference in the concentration of metals in the leaf and root tissue of mangroves may be due to differences in the physiological structure of the tissues; Therefore, mangrove roots seem to be more suitable than heavy leaves for refining heavy metals

Epidemiological study on equine coccidiosis in North and Northeast of Iran

Abstract Background Eimeria is a genus of protozoan parasites that infect many animal species, including horses. We conducted a cross‐sectional study of indigenous breeds of horses from the North and Northeast of Iran to establish the prevalence and distribution of Eimeria species. Material and methods Using standard coprological techniques, 340 faecal samples from randomly selected horses (141 from North Iran and 199 from Northeast Iran) were examined for Eimeria oocyst. Results Out of 340 samples, only three from north Iran were positive for coccidiosis. Infections occurred by Eimeria leuckarti. The mean intensity of oocyst output (3–38 o.p.g.) was very low. No clinical signs of gastrointestinal disorders were noticed in horses during this study. Conclusion In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the prevalence of Eimeria species causing coccidiosis in indigenous breeds of horses from the North and Northeast of Iran is relatively low. These findings provide valuable insights into the health status of indigenous horses in Iran and may help guide future efforts to promote their welfare and productivity

Potential Ecological Risk Assessment of Arsenic and Some Heavy Metals in Street Dusts Collected from Industrial, Commercial and Residential Areas of City of Hamedan in 2019 Using the Ecotoxicological Criteria

Trace elements are the common pollutants of soils, sediments and street dust in the urban environment, which pose a potential threat to public health. Therefore, this study was conducted to potential ecological risk assessment of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn in street dust collected from industrial, commercial and residential areas of city of Hamedan in 2019 using ecotoxicological criteria. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive study, a total of 378 street dust specimens were collected from 18 sampling sites. After acid digestion of dust specimens, the element contents were determined using ICP-OES. Also, potential ecological risk factor (Er), risk index (RI) and the ecotoxicological criteria were calculated. All statistical analyses were done by SPSS software. Results: Based on the results obtained, the mean contents of the examined elements in dust specimens (mg/kg) were 2.31, 0.225, 41.3, 48.8, 65.2, 79.2 and 211 for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn, respectively. The computed values of Er showed that, factor values were decreased in the order Cd > As > Pb > Ni > Cu > Zn > Cr. Also, the mean values of RI with 77 represented that, all the examined elements have the "low potential ecological risk". Moreover, the computed values of the ecotoxicological criteria showed that the street dust specimens of the study area were non-polluted with trace elements. Conclusion: Although the examined elements have been shown the low potential ecological risk, Cd with 38.2% of the mean values of RI showed significant potential to occurrence the ecological risk, therefore, source identification and sources control of this element and also periodic monitoring of contaminated soils are recommended for maintenance of public health

Evaluation of Protective Effects of Pomegranate Seed Oil on Experimental Osteoporosis in Rats

Osteoporosis is characterized by a reduction of bone mass and destruction of bone structures, followed by high bone fragility and susceptibility. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) on experimental osteoporosis in rats. Twenty-four female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sham-operated (Sham = 6), Sham with PSO treatment (Sham+PSO = 6), ovariectomized (OVX = 6), and ovariectomized with PSO treatment (OVX+PSO = 6). OVX+PSO and Sham+PSO groups received 0.1 ml of pomegranate juice daily, and OVX and Sham groups received the same amount of paraffin oil. After eight weeks, the femur and tibia bones were removed, and the structure and metabolism of samples were assessed by histological examination. The average thickness of femoral neck trabeculae in group OVX was significantly lower than in groups Sham+PSO and Sham (p < 0.05). Regarding the number of trabeculae in the neck of the femur, a significant difference was observed between groups OVX and Sham+PSO (p < 0.05). Furthermore, trabecular separation in group OVX was significantly more than in the other three groups (p < 0.05). The trabecular separation in group OVX+PSO compared to groups Sham+PSO and Sham was significantly higher (p < 0.05). A histopathologic examination of the upper metaphysis of the tibia indicated that the number of bone trabeculae in Sham+PSO was only statistically significant in the OVX group (p = 0.018). It was also found that the average thickness of bone trabeculae in the OVX+PSO and Sham groups was significantly lower than in the Sham+SO group. The results of the present study suggest that pomegranate seed oil, having estrogenic compounds, can prevent osteoporosis in rats caused by ovariectomy

Nanotechnology innovations for increasing the productivity of poultry and the prospective of nanobiosensors

Abstract Nanotechnology is an innovative, promising technology with a great scope of applications and socioeconomic potential in the poultry industry sector. Nanoparticles (NPs) show the advantages of high absorption and bioavailability with more effective delivery to the target tissue than their bulk particles. Various nanomaterials are available in different forms, sizes, shapes, applications, surface modifications, charges and natures. Nanoparticles can be utilised in the delivery of medicines, targeting them to their right effective site in the body and, at the same time, decreasing their toxicity and side effects. Furthermore, nanotechnology can be beneficial in the diagnosis of diseases and prevention of them and in enhancing the quality of animal products. There are different mechanisms through which NPs could exert their action. Despite the vast benefits of NPs in poultry production, some concerns about their safety and hazardous effects should be considered. Therefore, this review article focuses on NPs’ types, manufacture, mechanism of action and applications regarding safety and hazard impact

Evaluating the Toxocara cati extract as a therapeutic agent for allergic airway inflammation

Abstract Background The hygiene hypothesis suggests that early life exposure to helminth infections can reduce hypersensitivity in the immune system. Objective The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Toxocara cati (T. cati) somatic products on allergic airway inflammation. Methods Between 2018 and 2020, T. cati adult worms were collected from stray cats in Mashhad, Iran (31 out of 186 cats), and their somatic extract was collected. Thirty BALB/c mice were equally divided into three groups, including the OVA group (sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin), the somatic administered group (received somatic extract along with ovalbumin sensitization), and the PBS group (sensitized and challenged with phosphate buffer saline). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected to assess the number of cells, and lung homogenates were prepared for cytokine analysis. Histopathological analysis of the lungs was performed, and inflammatory cells and mucus were detected. Cytokine levels (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and ovalbumin‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were determined using a capture ELISA. Results The somatic group significantly decreased regarding the lung pathological changes, including peribronchiolitis, perivasculitis, and eosinophil influx, compared to the group treated with ovalbumin alone. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐5 and an increase in the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10, indicating a shift toward a more balanced immune response. The number of inflammatory cells in the BAL fluid was also significantly reduced in the somatic group, indicating a decrease in inflammation. Conclusion These preclinical findings suggest that in experimental models, T. cati somatic extract exhibits promising potential as a therapeutic agent for mitigating allergic airway inflammation. Its observed effects on immune response modulation and reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration warrant further investigation in clinical studies to assess its efficacy and safety in human patients

Current status of nano‐vaccinology in veterinary medicine science

Abstract Vaccination programmes provide a safe, effective and cost‐efficient strategy for maintaining population health. In veterinary medicine, vaccination not only reduces disease within animal populations but also serves to enhance public health by targeting zoonoses. Nevertheless, for many pathogens, an effective vaccine remains elusive. Recently, nanovaccines have proved to be successful for various infectious and non‐infectious diseases of animals. These novel technologies, such as virus‐like particles, self‐assembling proteins, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes and virosomes, offer great potential for solving many of the vaccine production challenges. Their benefits include low immunotoxicity, antigen stability, enhanced immunogenicity, flexibility sustained release and the ability to evoke both humoral and cellular immune responses. Nanovaccines are more efficient than traditional vaccines due to ease of control and plasticity in their physio‐chemical properties. They use a highly targeted immunological approach which can provide strong and long‐lasting immunity. This article reviews the currently available nanovaccine technology and considers its utility for both infectious diseases and non‐infectious diseases such as auto‐immunity and cancer. Future research opportunities and application challenges from bench to clinical usage are also discussed

Challenges and Prospective of Enhancing Hydatid Cyst Chemotherapy by Nanotechnology and the Future of Nanobiosensors for Diagnosis

Hydatid cysts have been widely recognized for decades as a common medical problem that affects millions of people. A revolution in medical treatment may be on the prospect of nanotechnology enhancing chemotherapy against hydatid cysts. An overview of nanotechnology’s impact on chemotherapeutics is presented in the current review. It discusses some of the challenges as well as some of the opportunities. The application of nanotechnology to enhance chemotherapy against hydatid cysts is what this review will explore. Nanotechnology is a critical component of delivering therapeutic agents with greater precision and efficiency and targeting hydatid cysts with better efficacy, and minimizing interference with surrounding tissue. However, there are biodistribution challenges, toxicity, and resistance problems associated with nanotherapeutics. Additionally, nanobiosensors are being investigated to enable the early diagnosis of hydatid cysts. A nanobiosensor can detect hydatid cysts by catching them early, non-invasively, rapidly, and accurately. The sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests can be enhanced with nanobiosensors because they take advantage of the unique properties of nanomaterials. By providing more precise and customized treatment options for hydatid cysts, nanotechnology may improve therapeutic options and strategies for diagnosing the disease. In conclusion, treatment with nanotechnology to treat hydatid cysts is potentially effective but presents many obstacles. Furthermore, nanobiosensors are being integrated into diagnostic techniques, as well as helping to diagnose patients earlier and more accurately