Archives of Razi Institute最新文献

Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) is a serious condition driven by chronic inflammation in the colon, representing a significant challenge in both preventative and therapeutic contexts. Apis mellifera intermissa venom has shown promising therapeutic potential in various disease models, particularly those involving inflammation and tumorigenesis. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of venom derived from honeybees native to Algeria on the progression of CAC in azoxymethane (AOM)-treated mice. A total of 28 male mice were randomly allocated into four groups (n=7 per group): a control group received a tap drinking water, an AOM group (10 mg AOM /kg body weight), a bee venom group (0.76 mg/kg body weight), and a combined bee venom + AOM group. CAC was induced in mice by a single intraperitoneal injection (i.p) of AOM, and a high-fat diet (45% fat by diet weight) for two weeks. The potential therapeutic effect was evaluated by administering bee venom intraperitoneally on a daily basis for two weeks. AOM significantly reduced body weight, food and water intake while increasing colon weight. Hematological analysis revealed significant reductions in red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), and hematocrit (HCT), coupled with increased white blood cell counts, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). Elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels further confirmed systemic inflammation. Macroscopic examination and histopathological analyses of the colon revealed extensive pathological changes in the AOM group, including severe mucosal inflammation, necrotic epithelial damage, and substantial immune cell infiltration. Noteworthy, co-treatment with bee venom effectively mitigated these pathological alterations. Bee venom significantly restored hematological profiles by improving RBC count, HGB, and HCT levels while reducing the elevated WBC count, MCV, and MCH values. CRP levels were significantly reduced, reflecting the anti-inflammatory effects of the venom. Also, macroscopic evaluations demonstrated the preservation of colon morphology, while histopathological assessments revealed an improved epithelial integrity with fewer signs of necrosis and cellular atypia. These findings suggest that Apis mellifera intermissa venom holds potential as an adjunct therapeutic agent for suppressing CAC progression, warranting further investigation into its underlying mechanisms and clinical applicability.

Echinococcosis is a parasitic disease caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus, such as Echinococcosis granulosus. It is characterized by the development of hydatid cysts, which tend to form particularly in the liver and lungs. Echinococcosis granulosus has a complex life cycle involving dogs as definitive hosts and herbivores such as sheep, as intermediate hosts and canbecome infected by consuming contaminated food or water contaminated by Echinococcus eggs. Hydatid cysts are prevalent in rural areas of Africa, the Mediterranean region, South America, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe, where close contact between humans, dogs, and livestock is common. The clinical symptoms of hydatid cyst disease depend on the location and size of the cysts. Many people with hydatid cysts may have no symptoms for years. However, as the cysts grow, they can cause various symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, chest pain, coughing, headaches, seizures, vision problems, and shortness of breath. The most Effective treatments for hydatid cyst are surgery and Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy has adverse side effects, so plants are used for treatment because they have fewer side effects and are safer. If left untreated, a hydatid cyst can lead to serious problems such as organ failure, rupture, and even death. Understanding the epidemiology and life cycle of Echinococcosis granulosus is crucial for improving diagnosis, treatment, and control measures. This review aims to study Echinococcosis granulosus to improve diagnosis and treatment and to enhance epidemiological understanding and prevention strategies, thereby reducing the public health impact of cystic echinococcosis.

Glauconites, a group of clay minerals, have received attention for their potential anti-cancer properties. These properties are attributed to their antioxidant, apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic activities. Glauconites contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids and tannins, which neutralize free radicals. Glauconites are composed of a rich blend of minerals, including iron oxide, aluminium oxide, and potassium oxide. These elementsare arranged in a layered structurethat provide a multifaceted defense against radiation. Glauconite extracts induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death mechanism, in cancer cells, thereby halting their growth and spread. As research on glauconite progresses, it is evident that this naturally occurring mineral has great potential as a radiation shield. With further development and refinement, glauconite could potentially play a crucial role in protecting individuals and environments from the harmful effects of radiation, and safeguarding human health and well-being. Moreover, glauconite inhibits angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which deprives cancer cells of their nutrient supply and hinders their proliferation. Animal studies have provided promising evidence supporting glauconite's anti-cancer properties. Studies in animal models have shown that treatment with glauconite extracts significantly reduces both tumour size and cancer cell proliferation. Further research is imperative to fully elucidate the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of glauconite in cancer treatment.Glauconite has vast potential as a radiation shield. It could be incorporated into protective clothing and materials used in workplaces with radiation exposure, such as nuclear power plants and medical facilities. Additionally, glauconites could be used to purify waterand soil contaminated by radioactivity, thereby protecting public health and the environment. Further research is necessary to fully elucidate the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of glauconite in cancer treatment. Glauconite holds promise as a novel and effective approach to cancer therapy, warranting further investigation for potential clinical applications.

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus, both independently and in combination, in detoxifying skim milk contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). To achieve this, two concentrations of the bacteria (8 and 10 log CFU/mL) were inoculated into skimmed milk contaminated with three levels of AFM1 (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 μg/mL) and incubated at two different temperatures (4 and 42°C). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to measure the removal percentage of AFM1 at various intervals (30, 60, 120 minutes, and 24 hours). Results indicated a significant time-dependent increase in AFM1 removal from the skim milk. The removal efficiency of AFM1 by these bacterial strains ranged from 12% to 87%, influenced by bacterial concentration, incubation time, toxin concentration, and whether the bacteria were used alone or in combination. B. lactis exhibited a superior capacity for AFM1 removal compared to S. thermophilus. The optimal strategy for maximum AFM1 removal (87%) involved treating contaminated milk spiked with 0.5 μg/mL of AFM1 with a mixture of B. lactis and S. thermophilus at concentrations of 10 and 8 log CFU/mL, respectively, and incubating at 42ºC for 24 hours. This study suggests a potentially effective method for reducing AFM1 concentrations in the dairy industry, thereby mitigating public health risks associated with aflatoxin contamination. The implications of these findings could significantly contribute to improving food safety standards and reducing exposure to harmful toxins in dairy products. Further research is recommended to explore the underlying mechanisms of AFM1 removal by these probiotic strains and to validate these findings under commercial dairy processing conditions.

Breast cancer is the first cancer to affect a community. Because of its extremely high mitotic activity, breast cancer that tests positive for HER 2 is considered to have a poor prognosis. Due to the side effects of chemical drugs, patients are increasingly turning to natural medicine, such as phytotherapy and nutritherapy. The study uses a bioinformatics approach (molecular docking) to searchfor new, non-toxic anti-cancer inhibitors. The studyscreens 102 ligands from natural and dietary compounds that are likely to interact with the HER-2. The virtual screening results of the allow us to select the 23 best compounds which can be proposed as the most effective HER-2 inhibitors. Lycopene would be a very promising ligand which presents a DeltaG of -9.82 kcal/mol. Other promising ligands include beta-carotene (DeltaG of -8.58), P-cumaric acid kcal/mol (DeltaG of -8.57) and Curcumin (DeltaG of -8.46). Other compounds, luteolin, anacardium (Anacardic acid) ,and alpha-Tocopherol, were found to have the strongest inhibitory effects with DeltaG values of -7.92 kcal/mol, -7.89 kcal/mol, and-7.85 kcal/mol, respectively. These compounds act directly on residues keys found in the hydrophobic pocket II (ATP binding site) and the hydrophobic region (the αC-β4 loop) of the EGFR domain. Pinoresinol, Kaempferol and Caffeic acid have DeltaGs of -7.48 Kcal/mol, -6.88 Kcal/mol and -6.34 kcal/mol, respectively. These three ligands are specific to the conserved regions of the HER-2 receptor and interact with the C-terminal, the C-lobe activation loop and the N-lobe P loop of the tyrosine kinase domain, respectively. Lapatinib (chemical compound) and quercetin (natural compound) have DeltaG of -7.58 kcal/mol and -7.28 kcal/mol, respectively, form a hydrogen bond with the same residue in the hydrophobic region. All the natural molecules seem very promising and, after in vitro/in vivo tests, could constitute good substitutes for the chemotherapies which are currently used to treat breast cancers as well as other cancers.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy is the leading cause of congenital infections worldwide, often resulting in significant health issues in newborns. These issues include sensorineural hearing loss, which can impair communication and language development, as well as neurodevelopmental delays such as cognitive impairments, motor dysfunction, and behavioral challenges. The virus can be transmitted from the mother to the fetus, particularly if the mother experiences a primary infection during pregnancy. Early detection through maternal screening and fetal diagnostic tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of amniotic fluid, is crucial. Prompt management strategies, including antiviral therapies and immunoglobulin treatments, are essential to reduce viral load and mitigate these risks, thereby improving outcomes for affected infants. In this study, vaginal secretions and blood specimens from 315 pregnant women referred to an educational hospital in northeastern Iran were tested for HCMV using PCR and ELISA (ELISA stands for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). Chi-Square test assessed association qualitative variables, with a significance level at p≤0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics V.26.0. The findings of the molecular and serological investigation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the current population revealed that 16.2% (51/315) of the individuals tested positive for DNA-CMV, 87.6% (276/315) displayed IgG antibodies, and 3.2% (10/315) showed IgM antibodies. Studying the CMV prevalence in pregnant women is crucial to understand maternal and fetal exposure to this virus, which can lead to significant congenital disabilities and developmental issues in newborns. These data are essential for developing effective screening protocols and preventive measures to reduce health risks associated with CMV infections during pregnancy.

The study aimed to determine insulin resistance, beta cell function and insulin sensitivity of diabetic rats treated with melatonin by employing a structural mathematical/computer model (Homeostatic Model Assessment). Alloxan-fructose-induced type 2 diabetic rat model was created by a single-dose of alloxan (150mg/kg, i.p.) given to 14-days fructose solution (20% w/v) pre-treated (in drinking water) rats. Blood glucose level was assessed three days post induction for hyperglycemia, and rats with fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels greater than 200 mg/dL were considered diabetic. Rats were randomly grouped into four (n=6) and treated as control, melatonin, diabetic untreated and diabetic treated groups respectively. Melatonin (10mg/kg, p.o.) was administered daily for 15 days following diabetic induction. Treatment of diabetic rats with melatonin significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the FBG, C-peptide and insulin resistance with increased insulin sensitivity level when compared with diabetic untreated rats. However, no changes were observed in the insulin and HOMA-%B groups. As evidenced from the positive improvements in beta cell function, insulin sensitivity, and decreased insulin resistance; treating type 2 diabetes with a pharmacological dose of melatonin is an important way to boost the body's antioxidant defense system and subsequently improve anti-hyperglycemic conditions by blocking mechanisms that lead to hyperglycemia. These findings suggest that early and intensive treatment of insulin resistance is the best strategy to delay the emergence of long-term complications from type 2 diabetes, slow down the disease's progression, and maybe prevent its onset. The implementation of straightforward and reliable diagnostic techniques, such as the HOMA model, is necessary for the early detection of insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction.

One of the frequent malignant tumors affecting women is breast cancer. This tumor develops and occurs due to several internal and external factors. Resistance remains a key challenge in modern breast cancer therapy. Novel 1-substituted isatin-5-sulfonamides with antiproliferative effects based on isatin-core-containing antitumor compounds were synthesized in three stages via alkylation using benzyl chlorides. The study focuses on the synergistic effect of the obtained 1-substituted isatin-5-sulfonamides, exhibiting pro-apoptotic activity and is combined with heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and protein kinase B (AKT) selective inhibitors in breast cancer cell lines, which are sensitive and resistant to antiestrogens.To create resistance, 4-hydroxytamoxifen (HT) was applied to create a resistant cell subline (MCF7/HT), achieving a resistance index of 2. MCF7/p53-LUC cell subline was obtained through transfection using the p53-responsive luciferase reporter plasmid. The lead compound LCTA-3344, exhibited the most significant antiproliferative effect, with a lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀ ) in MCF7/HT (1.4±0.1 μМ) compared to MCF7 (2.6±0.3 μМ). Synergistic effects were observed when Combining the apoptosis inducer LCTA-3344 and AKT Inhibitor IV in both MCF7 and MCF7/HT, demonstrating the combination index (CI) values of 0.8 and 0.4, respectively (indicating higher activity). Apoptosis inducer LCTA-3344 combined with AKT Inhibitor X and HSP90 inhibitor did not show such significant activity with a minimal CI value of 0.9. Notably,Compound LCTA-3344 did not enhance luciferase activity in the MCF7/p53-LUC cell subline, while chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin has been determined to be its potent inducer. In conclusion, apoptosis inducer LCTA-3344 was 1.9-fold more active toward MCF7/HT in comparison to the parental cell line. Compound LCTA-3344 together with AKT Inhibitor IV was the most active drug combination on the MCF7/HT subline, with a CI of 0.4. Compound LCTA-3344 induced apoptosis through a p53-independent mechanism, which holds promise as a novel therapy for hormone-resistant breast cancers. AKT Inhibitor IV caused apoptosis of MCF7 cells to a greater extent than compound LCTA-3344, and their combination resulted in a synergistic effect.

Infection with fowl adenovirus is associated with different diseases, including hepatitis hydro pericardium syndrome (HHS), inclusion body hepatitis (IBH), and gizzard erosion. Infection with serotype 4 of fowl adenovirus can lead to HHS, which affects 3-to5-week chickens and can result in high mortality and significant financial losses. The first detection of HHS in Iran was announced in March 2021 in a broiler flock. Fowl adenovirus can be detected using various serological and molecular methods, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. In the current study, the level of specific antibodies against the FAdV-4 serotype in 44 blood samples from unvaccinated backyard chicken flocks in Golestan Province, northern Iran, was evaluated using ELISA assay. According to the ELISA results, the overall prevalence was 22.72%, with the highest prevalence found in Saad Abad village at 66.66%. The results also show that the highest antibody titer was found in the Haji Balkhan group (1679.91), and the lowest was found in the Amir Abad group (3.22). Most other titers were between 100 and 300. This study is the first serological investigation of FAdV-4 in Iranian backyard chickens. While the virus can only be detected using molecular techniques, such as PCR, these findings may provide insight into the virus's spread in the northern region of Iran and help develop innovative vaccination strategies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the seriousness of infectious diseases , underscoring the critical role of vaccination in preventing such outbreaks. The aim of study was to examine the effectiveness of the vaccines against COVID-19 in city of Mahabad in the northwestern region of Iran. This retrospective cohort study compared 1077 vaccinated employees of the Mahabad city health department ( the exposed group) with 1338 unvaccinated employees from other departments (the unexposed group). Demographic details, vaccination dates, types, and outcomes were extracted from the local health system. Data on cases came from the disease unit, and hospitalization came from the Medical Care Monitoring Center (MCMC). Attributable fractions for the exposed group and relative risks with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each vaccine dose, stratified by sex, age group, and exposure level. Data analysis was conducted using STATA16, with a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing the disease is 51%, with 26% effectiveness in preventing hospitalization. When stratified by vaccine type, AstraZeneca exhibits an 81% efficacy (95% CI: 0.61-0.91) in preventing infection. This is followed by Sputnik at 41% efficacy (95% CI: 0.086-0.62) and Sinopharm-Baharat at 10% efficacy (95% CI: 0.50-0.46). Similarly, AstraZeneca demonstrates a 79% efficacy (95% CI: 0.083-0.95), Sputnik demonstrates 29% efficacy (95% CI: 0.77-0.71), and Sinopharm-Bharat at 44% efficacy (95% CI: 0.63-0.81) in preventing hopitalization. Notably the efficacy of preventing both disease and hospitalization is higher in men than women. The AstraZeneca vaccine is the most effective at preventing both disease and hospitalization, followed by Sputnik. Analyzing vaccine effectiveness across age groups reveals the lowest efficacy in individuals below 30 years old, and the highest efficacy individuals above 51 years. Despite challenges of selecting and administering vaccines in a timely manner in Iran, our findings demonstrate that three doses of COVID-19 vaccines are over 75% effective at preventing hospitalization and death, underscoring the vital role of vaccination as a primary preventive measure against infectious disease outbreaks. These results highlight the importance of proactive preparation and investment in robust vaccination programs for effective epidemic control.