New Methods in Treatment of Renal failure in Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Review with Immunological Approach.

Multiple myeloma (MM), as one of a variety of autoimmune diseases, affects the immune system and, on the other hand, is considered to be a hematologic impairment. One of the most common and important complications of MM is renal impairment (RI), which is associated with an increase in serum Cr levels. Although RI is one of the major complications of MM, the routine therapies for MM patients practically lack acceptable efficacy for the improvement of RI patients, and as a result, RI remains a deadly disease with high mortality rate and very bad prognosis; therefore, new treatments have been proposed for the improvement of nephropathy in patients with MM, and extensive research is ongoing in various phases, including clinical trials. Attempts were made in this study to review common and advanced treatments (immunotherapy, cell therapy, new therapies based on genetic engineering) in these patients and to consider this disease from an immunological viewpoint

Phytotherapy of nephrotoxicity-induced by cancer drugs: An updated review

Context: Kidney is one of the vital organs maintaining homeostasis of body and thus dysfunction of kidney affects quality of life and health severely. Anticancer drugs, particularly chemotherapeutic agents, cause high toxicity leading kidney dysfunction and irreparable kidney injury. Therefore, attention has recently been paid to seeking out alternatives such as nature-based drugs that are effective but less toxic. In this regard, this systematic review article is to report and introduce the most important medicinal plants and their derivatives that are used to reduce anticancer drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Evidence Acquisitions: The word nephrotoxicity alongside the words cancer or chemotherapy in combination with some herbal terms such as medicinal plant, plants, herbs, and extracts were administered to search for relevant publications indexed in PubMed. Results: According to this study, 16 medicinal plants, 12 plant-based derivatives, and three traditional plant-based formulations were found to help control and modulate anticancer drug-induced nephrotoxicity indices. Conclusions: Anticancer drugs cause nephrotoxicity through activating pathways of oxidative stress, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) production, inflammatory processes, and cell apoptosis, while medicinal plants and their derivatives can cause reduction in nephrotoxicity and anticancer drugs side effects via their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. © 2017 The Author(s); Published by Society of Diabetic Nephropathy Prevention

Topical gel of Metformin solid lipid nanoparticles: a hopeful promise as a dermal delivery system

The aim of the present study was to enhance the skin delivery of metformin by making solid lipid nanoparticles containing metformin using the ultra-sonication method. To achieve the optimum skin delivery for metformin, the effects of the ratio of two surfactants (Tween:Span) on nanoparticles properties and their performance were investigated. Photon correlation spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Powder X-ray Diffractometer (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize the solid state of metformin in solid lipid nanoparticles. Generally, the particle size of nanoparticles decreased by the addition of co-emulsifier (Span®60). Results showed that all formulations made by binary mixtures of surfactants had low particle size, low Polydispersity index and high zeta potential. It was interesting to note that the smallest nanoparticles (203.8 ± 15.356) was obtained when the HLB of the binary surfactants (HLB of 11.67) was closer to the HLB of beeswax (HLB of 12) used in the preparation of SLN. It was also found that by decreasing the HLB of the system from 14.9 to 10.06 the zeta potential of SLNs increased from −0.651 ± 0.315 to −6.18 ± 0.438 mV. But, a further reduction in the HLB from 10.06 to 8.45 caused a reduction in the zeta potential from −6.18 to −3.596 ± 0.255. Results showed that the highest entrapment efficiency of 45.98 ± 9.20% was obtained for formulation with larger particle size and with the highest HLB value (HLB 14.9). DSC study showed that metformin in SLN is in an amorphous form. FT-IR spectra of Met-SLN showed that the prominent functional groups existed in the formulations which could be an indication of good entrapment of metformin in a lipid matrix. FT-IR results also ruled out any chemical interaction between the drug and the excipients. The amounts of metformin detected in the skin layers and the receptor chamber at all sampling times were higher for nanogel compared to metformin gel. This is an indication of a better performance of Metformin nanogel ex-vivo and could be developed further for clinical studies

Green and practical synthesis of benzopyran and 3-sunstituted coumarin derivatives by Brønsted acid ionic liquid [(CH2)4SO3HMIM][HSO4]

Different benzopyran and 3-substituted coumarin derivatives were synthesized by a green and practical procedure in the presence of catalytic amount of Brønsted acid ionic liquid (BAIL) [(CH2)4SO3HMIM][HSO4] in water.KEY WORDS: Benzopyran derivatives, 3-Substituted coumarin derivatives, Brønsted acid ionic liquid, 1-(4-Sulfonic acid)butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2011, 25(2), 315-320.

EFFICACY AND MECHANISMS OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AS IMMUNOTHERAPY IN TREATMENT OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Allergic rhinitis is a common disease of immune system that negatively affects general health, quality of life, and social relationships. In the recent years, many studies have been conducted to discover novel treatments for this disease particularly using natural products. Here, we review findings of recent studies that harness medicinal plants and phyto-therapies in oriental medicine that have effectively reduced allergic rhinitis complications. We also assess the use of medicinal plants and their derivatives in oriental medicine to treat allergic rhinitis. In addition, these agents have been reported to be used in combination with each other or separately as complementary therapies and even, in some cases, alternative therapies instead of chemical drugs. These plants display their anti-allergy effects through affecting immunoglobulin and inhibiting different cytokines and interleukins. Medicinal plants and traditional approaches can still offer new therapeutic alternatives to researchers and pharmacists so that these alternatives may further contribute to allergic rhinitis drug discovery

Association between hair dye use and cancer in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies

Background: The use of hair dye for cosmetic purposes appears to be increasing worldwide. As 50-80% of women use hair dye throughout their lifetimes, the possible association between hair dye use and cancer is a public health concern. Method: This systematic review was performed by retrieving studies from PubMed, Scopus, WOS, and ProQuest databases. The inclusion criteria were case-control studies evaluating the association between hair dye use and cancer in women. Women with cancer who have used any hair dye were the focus of our study. Results: The present study combined 28 studies, to assess the association between hair dye use and cancer. The pooled odds ratio (OR) of hematopoietic system cancers among those who have generally ever used any type of hair dyes was 1.10 (95% CI:1.01-1.20) in 17 studies. In 11 studies investigating hair dye made before and after 1980 as a risk factor for cancer, the pooled OR for cancer was 1.31(95% CI:1.08-1.59). Likewise, in the 13 studies that evaluated the association of light and dark hair dye with cancer, the risk among those using dark hair dye increased by 9%, compared to non-users (OR=1.09; 95% CI:0.95-1.25). Conclusion: The present study suggests that, although the use of hair dye may increase the risk of cancer among users, a more detailed evaluation is required to assess the type of hair dye use in terms of guidelines and metrics. Keywords: Hair dye; cancer; meta-analysis

MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Migraine Attacks

Background and Aim:Migraine consisting of migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO) is a painful neurovascular disorder affecting approximately 16% of the general population. A combination of genetic and environmental factors is involved in the pathogenesis of migraine. The MTHFR enzyme is involved in homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism and it has been reported that 1298 A to C and 677 C to T mutations   in the MTHFR gene are associated with an increased in plasma Hcy levels. Hcy is a highly reactive amino acid and causes endothelial injury. Because a plausible theory about vascular impairment in migraine, it is considered that mutations in MTHFR gene and folate metabolism are associated with migraine.Materials and Methods:In total, 75 patients with migraine (24 with MA and 51with MO) in accordance with the IHS criteria participated in this case-control study. Control group were 128 normal matched healthy subjecys who selected from same region without history of migraine or other neurologic disorder after interviewing and examining by a physician. Mean age at entry was 36.42±9.6 and 31.64±8.9 years old in migraine and control group respectively.  MTHFR polymorphisms were investigated by PCR-RFLP.Results:Genotypic results indicated that the prevalence of the MTHFR 677TT genotype in migraine subjects was higher than control (17.3% and 3.1% respectively, P<0.001).  Interestingly the risk of migraine was 6-fold higher in subjects possessing the MTHFR 677T homozygous variant (OR=6.5; CI95%: 2.03-20.76). No significant difference in the prevalence of MTHFR A1298C genotypes was observed in migraine group when compared to controls (P>0.001).Conclusion:It seems that MTHFR C677T is a potential genetic risk factor for migraine attacks, both in MA and MO subclasses in Iranian population. C677T and A1298C joint effect could amplify the potential influence of each SNPs.

Suppressive effects of medicinal plants and their derivatives on inflammasome complex: A systematic review

Inflammasome activation is mediated by (NOD)-like receptors (NLR) proteins that respond to stimuli. Among NLRs, NACHT-LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) senses the widest array of stimuli. NLRP3 inflammasome has an important role in the development of many inflammation disorders. Regarding the significance of inflammatory diseases, and the necessity of preventing and treating these diseases, the aim of this review article is to report medicinal plants and their nature-based derivatives that are effective on suppression of inflammasome complex. Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched using the Endnote software for the publications about the role herbal medicine in inflammasome activation pathways from 2000 to February 2016. Sophora flavescens, Lyciumbarbarum, Impatiens textori Miq., Syneilesis palmata (Thunb.), Aloe vera, citral (3, 7-dimethyl-2, 6-octadienal), celastrol, sulforaphane, schisandrin, resveratrol, dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (DHCA), luteoloside, Pulsatilla decoction, and Wuling San have been reported to suppression function of inflammasome. Medicinal plants and their derivatives can be useful for inflammation related disorders by suppress NLRP3 inflammasome activation. However, they should be investigated in clinical trials to help to prevent and treatment of inflammatory diseases

Evaluation of Plantago major L. seed mucilage as a rate controlling matrix for sustained release of propranolol hydrochloride

Polysaccharide mucilage derived from the seeds of Plantago major L. (family Plantaginaceae) was investigated for use in matrix formulations containing propranolol hydrochloride. HPMC K4M and tragacanth were used as standard for comparison. The hardness, tensile strength, and friability of tablets increased as the concentration of mucilage increased, indicating a good compactibility of the mucilage powders. The rate of release of propranolol hydrochloride from P. major mucilage matrices was mainly controlled by the drug/mucilage ratio. Formulations containing P. major mucilage were found to exhibit release rate comparable with HPMC containing matrices at a lower drug/polymer (drug/HPMC 2:1). These results demonstrated that P. major mucilage is a better release retardant compared to tragacanth at equivalent content. The results of kinetic analysis showed that in F3 (containing 1:2 drug/mucilage) the highest correlation coefficient was achieved with the zero order model. The swelling and erosion studies revealed that, as the proportion of mucilage in tablets was increased, there was a corresponding increase in percent swelling and a decrease in percent erosion of tablets. The DSC and FT-IR studies showed that no formation of complex between the drug and mucilage or changes in crystallinity of the drug was occurred

Formulation and Evaluation of Rose Oil Nanoemulsion %0.1 on Skin Properties

Introduction: One of the causes of the skin drying is lack of oil secretion by sebaceous glands in skin. Then this can make skin sensitive to environmental factors and some substances. Ancient Iranians have used rose water for washing the face and increase moister of skin. Nano-emulgel Due to its high stability, biocompatibility and proper solubility in water are considered as good carriers for targeted drug delivery, and have a good potential for drug delivery because they have the properties of nanoparticles of colloids and hydrogels simultaneously. In this research, effects of rose oil nanoemulgel %0.1 are evaluated on the normal and dried skin. Methods and Results: Different formulations of rose oil were evaluated using suitable surfactants. Then the best ratio of nano-emulgel Red flowers and sustainability criteria were determined. Rose oil components were identified by GC/MS. Clinical studies were conducted for an eight-week on 60 healthy volunteers in two groups. A nano-emulgel %0.1 rose oils and other non-essential emulgel with the same basic materials were used and the amount of sebum secretion, melanin, skin redness, hydration and elasticity of the skin and also complications were determined. Quantitative data analysis was done by using Chi-square test and P≤0.05 were considered significant. The results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the rose oils in skin hydration. Two groups with other characteristics such as the skin secretion of sebum, elasticity, pigmentation , and redness have shown similar effects. However, both groups did not show any complications. Conclusions: In this study, the main ingredient of essential oil is alcohol. The most important terpene alcohols are, 31% Nonadecane, 38% Citronellol, 23% Linalool , and 17% Heneicosane. The good effectiveness of Rose oil on increasing of skin moisture is the appropriate treatment of skin drying