POTENTIAL ROLE OF CARICA PAPAYA AND THEIR ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF DISEASES

Natural products or products from the plant source show pivotal role in the diseases prevention and treatment since ancient. Numerous plants and their ingredients such as Nigella sativa, curcumin, olive and dates fruits have proven health promoting effects. In this vista, Papaya (C. Papaya family Caricaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been extensively used in traditional medicine due to their versatile approach in diseases treatment and prevention. The health-promoting activities of papaya and their constituents are recognized due to antioxidant activity. C. Papaya holds a range of valuable constituents such as vitamin, flavonoids and minerals in the different parts of plants and each constituent shows role in the disease management. Earlier reports have proven that C. papaya fruits and its ingredients shows role in health management via prevention of the pathogenesis of diseases. Its leaf juice also contains significant constituents, and they shows very effective role in the management of dengue fever with platelet increasing property. In this review, we aimed to evaluate the applications of papaya in cancer, diabetes, wound healing, malaria, dengue fever and other various disease prevention and treatment.Â

FICUS CARICA AND ITS CONSTITUENTS ROLE IN MANAGEMENT OF DISEASES

Alternative medicines or formulation based on natural sources are good option in diseases cure and prevention. Ficus carica is member of Moraceae family and its health management properties have been mentioned in religious books and traditional medicines. It holds various constituents including phenolic compounds, minerals and vitamins and such ingredient shows role in disease cure. Studies based on in vivo and in vitro reported that figs fruits, stem, leaves, and latex have health management effect through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, an inverse correlation between figs use and development of disease has been noticed. Despite its implications in disease management, little is known about their mechanism of action. In this review, efforts are made based on in vivo and in vitro studies to illuminate the role of F. carica leaves and fruits in the prevention of diseases

ROLE OF GREEN TEA AND ITS CONSTITUENT EPIGALLOCATECHIN-3-GALLATE IN THE HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Green tea and its constituents is natural beverage used worldwide especially in Asian countries and also used as natural medicine for thousands of years. The current approaches for diseases treatment based on allopathic drugs offer restricted options, adverse effect and also show alterations in biochemical and genetic pathways. Considerable achievement on green tea and its constituents has been made based on experimental studies to confirm its mechanism of action in disease modulation but the exact mechanism still under investigation. It is thought that, green tea is rich in antioxidant and shows a pivotal role in the scavenging of free radical generation and prevention of disease pathogenesis. However, further studies are needed to confirm the safe dose and the exact mechanism of action in relation to health management. In the present review, an attempt has been made to explore the role of green tea in diseases prevention and its approach on modulation of various biochemical and physiological process.Â

Isolation, characterization and tolerance survey of bacterial strains to cadmium in soils receiving Hamadan industrial parks wastewater treatment plant effluent

Background and Aims: Biosorption is a relatively new clean up method used for the removal of heavy metals from the environment. Entry of heavy metals into the environment may result in change in population structure and further alteration of resistance mechanism(s) in exposed microorganisms. The first question inthis study sought to determine the threshold of bacterial resistance to cadmium (Cd). The second question was to identify indigenous bacterial species capable of removing the Cd from the soil and consequently to achieve a more efficient biological treatment for industrial effluents.Materials and Methods: Natural topsoil samples were obtained from three industrial parks in Hamadan, Iran. The concentration of Cd in soil samples was measured and thence the bacterial cultures were prepared. Following the screening process, the minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] were determined in order to find the threshold of bacterial tolerance. Indeed, theadsorption capacity of bacterial strains came down in favor of the identification of resistant bacteria.Results: Respectively, 42, 4 and 4 bacterial strains were identified for cultures having average cadmium concentrations of 0.78, 500 and 750 mg/L. This experiment did also detect that Tcd2 and Tcd4 showed the highest MIC with 1250 mg Cd/L. Moreover, TCd2, belonging to the family of Enterobacteriaceae and Enterobacter genus, demonstrated the maximum cadmium removal efficiency (30.2%).Conclusion: The test was successful as it was able to identify the indigenous cadmium tolerant bacteria with high adsorption capacity. This finding has important implications for developing special biological wastewater treatment such as a biofilter in the cadmium-releasing industries.Key words: Cadmium, Hamadan, Industrial park, Resistant bacteria, Soi

Effect of oral vitamin C on atrial fibrillation development after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: A prospective randomized clinical trial

Background: Some evidences have shown the role of antioxidant vitamins in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. We sought to determine the effect of oral vitamin C on the incidence of postoperative AF in patients undergoing elective isolated on-pump CABG surgery. Methods: One-hundred patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery were prospectively assigned into two groups: Group 1 — 50 patients received 2 g of oral vitamin C before and 500 mg twice daily lasting for 5 days after surgery; Group 2 — 50 patients as the control group did not receive any. All patients were continuously monitored after surgery in the intensive careunit (ICU), and then Holter monitoring was implemented for 72 h. Results: The mean of patients’ age was 61.31 ± 6.42 years. Postoperative AF occurred in 16 and 4 patients in control and treatment groups, respectively (32% vs. 8%, p = 0.003). The ICU stay was 1.79 ± 0.313 and 2.10 ± 0.61 days for vitamin C and control groups, respectively (p = 0.002). The hospital stay was significantly lower in vitamin C group compared with that of the control group (5.32 ± 0.59 vs. 5.74 ± 1.30 days, respectively, p = 0.041). Baseline erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR 1.030, 95% CI 1.003–1.058, p = 0.030) and taking vitamin C (OR 8.068, 95% CI 1.783–36.517, p = 0.007) were the independent predictors of postoperative AF. Conclusions: Oral vitamin C can be safely used to decrease the incidence of postoperative AF in patients undergoing elective isolated on-pump CABG surgery.

Association of Helicobacter Pylori with Presence of Myocardial Infarction in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, cardiovascular diseases have been recognized as the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most prevalent types of cardiovascular diseases that is caused by the closure of coronary arteries and ischemic heart muscle. Numerous studies have analyzed the role of H. pylori as a possible risk factor for coronary artery diseases, in most of which the role of infection in coronary artery disease is not statistically significant.METHODS: These contradictory findings made us conduct a systematic review to analyze all relevant studies in Iran through a meta-analysis and report a comprehensive and integrated result. All published studies from September 2000 until September 2016were considered. Using reliable Latin databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Google search, Scopus, Science Direct and Persian databases like SID, Irandoc, Iran Mede and Magiran. After quality control, these studies were entered into a meta-analysis by using the random effects model. After evaluating the studies, 11 papers were finally selected and assessed.RESULTS: A total of 2517 participants had been evaluated in these studies, including 1253 cases and 1264 controls. Based on the results of meta-analysis and using random effects model, an overall estimate of OR Helicobacter Pylori with Presence of Myocardial Infarction in Iran was OR=2.53 (CI=1.37-4.67).CONCLUSIONS: The results of this review study show that H. pylori are associated with the incidence of MI so that the odds ratio of MI in the patients with helicobacter pylori is twice greater than that of the people without H. pylori. Future studies are recommended to evaluate the mechanisms associated with relation of H. pylori with MI as well as its association with time.KEYWORDS: Myocardial infarction, H. pylori, Meta-analysis, Ira

Predictors of In-hospital Mortality after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: Treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) has been successfully developed, especially after introducing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) as it nowadays is the recommended treatment for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the in-hospital mortality of STEMI patients treated with PPCI according to gender and other likely risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study presents a part of the results of a single-center registry in Imam Ali cardiovascular center affiliated to Kermanshah University of medical science (KUMS). From June 2016 to December 2017, 731 consecutive patients undergoing PPCI registered. Data were collected using a case report form developed by European Observational Registry Program (EORP). The relationship between in-hospital mortality and predicting variables was assessed using the Chi-square test, t-test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression models (Forward LR). Results: Totally, 155 patients (approximately 21%) were female. The mean age of women and men was 65.2 and 57.5, respectively (p=0.001). There were differences between women and men in hypertension (58.1% vs. 30.4%, respectively, p=0.001), diabetes mellitus (26.5% vs. 14.9%; p=0.001), hypercholesterolemia (37.4% vs. 18.6%; p=0.001), and history of prior congestive heart failure (5.2% vs. 2.0%; p=0.016). Although more men were current smokers (58.7% (men) vs. 15.5% (women); p=0.001). Women had a significantly greater incidence of multi-vessel disease, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade of 0/1 before PPCI, and longer symptom-to-balloon time. In-hospital mortality was higher in women than in men (5.2% vs. 1.9%; p=0.024). Multivariate analysis identified age ≥ 60 years, Killip class≥ II, and post-procedural TIMI flow grade < 3, but not female sex, as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: In-hospital mortality after PPCI in women was higher than men, though this difference was likely due to the severe clinical profile in women. Also, female gender was not identified as an independent predictor of death

Prevalence and association of human papillomavirus, Epstein-Barr virus and Merkel Cell polyomavirus with neoplastic esophageal lesions in northern Iran

Background: Studies concerning on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) etiological factors have been done for several decades, however, results reported from various investigations were not consistent. The present investigation aimed to explore the presence of 3 oncogenic viruses, human papilloma virus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) in the neoplastic and non- neoplastic esophageal lesions collected from Mazandaran, a high risk area of Iran. Methods: In total, 168 esophageal specimens (100 with ESCC confirmed diagnosis and 68 without esophageal malignancy) were analyzed for HPV, EBV and MCPyV by Real Time PCR. Results: HPV DNA was detected in 27 out of the 100 neoplastic esophageal lesions (27.0%) and 28 out of the 68 samples from non-neoplastic group (41.2%). EBV DNA was detected in esophageal specimens of 10 out of the 100 neoplastic cases (10%) and 3 out of the 68 samples in non- neoplastic group (4.4%). MCPyV DNA was detected in esophageal specimens of 30 out of the 100 neoplastic cases (30.0%) and 24 out of the 68 samples in non- neoplastic group (35.3%). There was no statistically significant difference in HPV (p=0.066), EBV (p=0.143) and MCPyV (p=0.471) DNA positivity between neoplastic and non-neoplastic groups. Conclusions: This study showed that HPV, EBV and MCPyV can be detected in both neoplastic and non-neoplastic esophageal tissues and weakens the hypothesis of the pathogenic role of these viruses in esophageal malignant transformation

The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor in the progression of bladder cancer and diabetic retinopathy

Abstract: Bladder cancer and diabetic retinopathy is a major public health and economical burden worldwide. Despite its high prevalence, the molecular mechanisms that induce or develop bladder carcinomas and diabetic retinopathy progression are poorly understood but it might be due to the disturbance in balance between angiogenic factors such as VEGF and antiangiogenic factors such as pigment epithelium derived growth factor. VEGF is one of the important survival factors for endothelial cells in the process of normal physiological and abnormal angiogenesis and induce the expression of antiapoptotic proteins in the endothelial cells. It is also the major initiator of angiogenesis in cancer and diabetic retinopathy, where it is up-regulated by oncogenic expression and different type of growth factors. The alteration in VEGF and VEGF receptors gene and overexpression, determines a diseases phenotype and ultimately the patient's clinical outcome. However, expressional and molecular studies were made on VEGF to understand the exact mechanism of action in the genesis and progression of bladder carcinoma and diabetic retinopathy , but still how VEGF mechanism involve in such type of disease progression are not well defined. Some other factors also play a significant role in the process of activation of VEGF pathways. Therefore, further detailed analysis via molecular and therapeutic is needed to know the exact mechanisms of VEGF in the angiogenesis pathway. The detection of these types of diseases at an early stage, predict how it will behave and act in response to treatment through regulation of VEGF pathways. The present review aimed to summarize the mechanism of alteration of VEGF gene pathways, which play a vital role in the development and progression of bladder cancer and diabetic retinopathy

Post-COVID-19 chest imaging evaluation: which patients should be prioritized for follow-up pulmonary assessment?

Objectives: The current study evaluated the long‑term lung abnormalities based on initial and follow‑up chest computed tomography (CT) images of COVID‑19 patients and investigates the possible factors associated with them. Methods: One hundred and twenty‑four hospitalized COVID‑19 patients who received a follow‑up chest CT scan in three hospitals in Tehran between February 20, 2021 and September, 2021, were included. Based on the presence of persistent lesions in the follow‑up images, patients were divided into residual and nonresidual groups, and logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between different disease characteristics and long‑term lung abnormalities. Results: The most frequent abnormality in the initial imaging was ground‑glass opacities which was observed in 95.3% of patients, and residual lesions were observed in 39.8% of patients at the follow‑up date. Patients in the residual group were generally older, more frequently suffered from hypertension and dyspnea, and had lower oxygen saturation and lymphocyte count, and lymphopenia was more prevalent among them. Moreover, patients in the residual group had higher initial lung involvement score, and the presence of lymphadenopathy and consolidation was more frequent among them. After adjustment for age, gender, and intervals between the two imagings, logistic regression results showed that hospitalization period, dyspnea, decreased oxygen saturation, decreased lymphocyte count, lymphopenia, consolidation, lymphadenopathy, and high initial lung involvement were strongly associated with the presence of long‑term abnormalities. Conclusion: The current study revealed multiple discrepancies between residual and nonresidual groups, which can be used to better identify the patients at risk of long‑term COVID‑19 lung complications