Archives of Razi Institute最新文献

Cancer is a persistent global health problem that necessitates innovative therapeutic approaches for effective intervention. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in research focusing on the potential anti-cancer properties of various filamentous Aspergillus molds. This review aims to systematically assess the scientific evidence regarding the potential anti-tumor effects of distinct Aspergillus species and their secondary metabolites in the context of lung cancer. A multitude of Aspergillus species, with Aspergillus fumigatus being a prominent example, have exhibited the capacity to generate compounds that hold considerable promise in the realm of anti-cancer therapeutics. Gliotoxin, a notable example, has been identified as a crucial agent inducing apoptosis in lung cancer cells while impeding tumor growth. Furthermore, Emericellamide A, a secondary metabolite derived from Aspergillus nidulans, exhibits significant toxicity against lung cancer cells. Serotonin, a natural product of Aspergillus terreus, has also been shown to have significant cytotoxic effects on lung cancer cells. Cycloopiazonic acid, a natural product of Aspergillus flavus, has exhibited significant anti-lung cancer properties, thus augmenting the existing repertoire of potential anti-cancer agents. The inhibitory effects on cancer cells extend beyond mere toxicity, involving processes such as apoptosis, regulation of angiogenesis, immune modulation, and suppression of proliferation. Despite the encouraging array of anti-cancer compounds presented by Aspergillus fungi, significant challenges persist in their identification, scalable production, and understanding of their interactions with existing therapeutic modalities. Addressing these challenges necessitates collaborative efforts, fostering synergy among researchers, clinicians, and industry stakeholders. Research into the pharmacological repertoire offered by Aspergillus fungi can only be successful with the concerted efforts of researchers to determine the best possible treatment options for lung cancer, leveraging the wide variety of therapeutic options available.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a significant zoonotic disease, transmitted primarily from canines to intermediate hosts such as humans, sheep, and cattle. This disease is caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. CE can lead to severe health complications, including liver and lung cysts, which can cause organ dysfunction and even death if left untreated. The present study utilized serum specimens from 25 newborn babies as the negative control group, while an additional 25 serum samples were collected from surgically confirmed cases of CE to serve as the positive control group.The Iranian native antigen B was used to design the specific detection of hydatidosis in humans using an AuNP-ELISA method.The AgB isolated from sheep CE fluid was used for the design using the AgB-ELISA method. The study was meticulously executed in three stages.Initially, the commercial ELISA kit was employed. The second method entailed the utilization of native AgB to devise the ELISA method. Ultimately, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with anti-human conjugate combination and AgB-ELISA method were employed. The results demonstrate that the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of hydatidosis were 92% and 100%, respectively, using the commercial ELISA kit; 96% and 100% with the AgB-ELISA method; and 100% with the Gold Nanoparticle-ELISA method.The utilisation of Ag B in ELISA design for hydatidosis diagnosis has recently garnered significant attention from researchers in the field. The findings suggest that incorporating AgB in ELISA design is highly advantageous; however, sensitivity can be significantly enhanced by utilising gold nanoparticles with anti-human conjugate, particularly in cases with lower titers that require high accuracy.

The nucleus incertus (NI) is a discrete region within the brainstem, situated in close proximity to the posterior aspect of the tegmentum. This region of the brain contains a diverse population of neurons that are involved in a range of functions, including stress response, arousal, learning, and modulation of the hippocampal theta rhythm. Additionally, orexin neuropeptides exhibit extensive distributions and overlapping actions within the NI. Nevertheless, the functions of orexin receptors within the NI remain poorly understood. The present study examined the effect of post-training and pre-probe intra-NI administration of SB-33486-A (OX1R antagonist) (12 μg/0.5 μl) and TCS-OX2-29 (OX2R antagonist) (10 μg/0.5 μl) on consolidation and retrieval in a Morris Water Maze (MWM) task. In Experiment 1, rats were trained in the Morris Water Maze (MWM) task and immediately after each training session received injections of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (control group), SB-334867-A, and TCS-OX2-29 into the nucleus incertus (NI). Experiment 2 was analogous to Experiment 1, with the exception that the rats received DMSO, SB-33486-A, and TCS-OX2-29 15 minutes prior to the probe test. In subsequent experiments, the probe and visible tests were conducted following the final training period, and the distance moved, escape latency, and velocity were recorded. In Experiment 3, rats that had undergone training in Experiments 1 and 2 were immediately subjected to trials for the assessment of visuomotor coordination on the visible platform. The results demonstrated that the spatial reference memory consolidation phase was markedly impaired by SB-334867-A or TCS-OX2-29 (P < 0.05), whereas the retrieval phase remained unaltered (P > 0.05). In light of these findings, it can be concluded that the orexinergic system in the NI plays a pivotal role in consolidation in rats through both OX1 and OX2 receptors.

L. monocytogenes is a significant foodborne pathogen that is associated with a range of clinical illnesses, from self-limited gastroenteritis to invasive infection, which can lead to hospitalization of immunocompromised individuals. In the present study, the incidence of L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) food samples from Tehran, Iran, was therefore measured. A total of 110 samples were collected from various ready-to-eat (RTE) foods in different zones of Tehran from April to September of 2022. The samples were obtained from various types of food, including Caesar salad, Olivier salad, burger, schnitzel, sushi, and sausage. The identification of isolates was facilitated by the detection of hlyA and prfA genes through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach. The antimicrobial resistance profile of the isolates was assessed through the use of a disc diffusion assay and the PCR amplification of resistance genes. Among the 110 samples, 14 (12.7%) were identified as Listeria spp., and 6 (5.5%) were confirmed as L. monocytogenes by molecular methods. The prevalence of Listeria spp. was observed to be highest in schnitzel and burgers, with 30% of schnitzel samples and 25% of burger samples being positive. Among the 14 isolates, 6 samples (42%) were identified as L. monocytogenes. The highest rate of L. monocytogenes was observed in burgers, accounting for 20% of the total burger samples. In contrast, no L. monocytogenes was identified in Caesar salad, sausage, and sushi samples. The L. monocytogenes isolates demonstrated resistance to oxacillin, streptomycin, cotrimoxazole, clindamycin, and cefoxitin, and were susceptible to chloramphenicol. Furthermore, the isolates demonstrated intermediate susceptibility to fosfomycin and ampicillin. Furthermore, the isolates demonstrating resistance to erythromycin contained genes associated with resistance to the macrolide class of antibiotics, including ermA and ermB. However, the presence of cfxA and mecA genes was detected in a single isolate resistant to cefoxitin and oxacillin. The prevalence of these findings underscores significant concerns regarding the potential for listeriosis to pose a threat to consumers of ready-to-eat (RTE) food products.

Sheep pox (SP), goat pox (GP), and lumpy skin disease (LSD) are caused by subspecies of the capripox virus (CaPVs). They are significant pathogens of sheep, goats, and cattle. The causative agent is the capripox virus (CaPV), which was first isolated in South Africa. The viruses responsible for sheep pox (SP), goat pox (GP), and lumpy skin disease (LSD) are morphologically indistinguishable and have been adapted to different host species (4). Serologically, distinguishing between these viruses is challenging, and cross-immunity exists among them (2). The present study reports the evaluation and optimization of a novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique for the rapid detection of capripox viruses (CaPVs) and compares it with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. LAMP primers were selected from the P32-protected gene of CaPV. The Safe-Red fluorescent dye was used to monitor the color change from red to bright yellow at a wavelength of 320 nm in positive cases, and the final results were documented through electrophoresis. The proposed LAMP test for the capripox virus demonstrated high specificity and did not cross react with other viruses in the Poxviridae family that present similar clinical symptoms. The optimized LAMP test was then compared with the PCR. The diagnostic sensitivity of LAMP and PCR was found to be identical (100%). The specificity of the LAMP test was evaluated using 30 samples of cow skin that were suspected of lumpy skin disease, along with16 additional samples, including nine positive references, fivenegative references, and two negative controls. A negative reference sample was used to assess the diagnostic sensitivity of LSDV. The proposed LAMP test is simple to implement, cost-effective, and highly sensitive, making it particularly well-suited for the detection of the capripox virus in less developed regions, laboratories, and facilities with limited resources.

The objective of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of a chitosan (CHT) film loaded with an Arnebia euchroma extract, both in vitro and in vivo. Arnebia euchroma contains shikonin (SHKN), a naphthoquinone that exhibits notable anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. A high-quality SHKN extract was standardised and incorporated into CHT films, which were then evaluated in terms of their stability, drug release, antibacterial effectiveness and anti-inflammatory activity. Two concentrations of SHKN were employed the preparation of CHT films. In vitro studies showed that the optimal CHT film formulation remained stable for a period of four weeks at 4°C. A biphasic SHKN release profile was observed from the films, indicative of a sustained drug release mechanism. The films exhibited a strong antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) due to the presence of SHKN, but no such effect against Escherichia coli (E. coli). Furthermore, a synergistic antibacterial effect was noted when CHT was combined with A. euchroma extract against S. aureus. In vivo, the CHT film with A. euchroma extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in a mice paw swelling test, comparable to betamethasone. The mice were divided into four groups of six, and the difference was not statistically significant (p-value>0.05). Histological examination substantiated the reduction of immune cell infiltration in the treatment group. The study concluded that CHT films containing A. euchroma extract exhibit promising anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, they are suitable for use as wound dressings, offering high portability, mechanical strength, and non-adhesive properties, which makes them suitable for use in a variety of medical and pharmaceutical applications, as well as potential carriers for antimicrobial agents and antioxidants in various industries. In conclusion, the utilisation of chitosan films embedded with Arnebia euchroma extract may provide an accessible and convenient therapeutic application for a range of wounds and inflammatory conditions.

The investigation of serum amyloid A (SAA), IL-6, and IL-8 concentrations in serum during episodes of clinical and subclinical mastitis is of significant value. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of Serum Amyloid A (SAA), IL-6, and IL-8 in the early detection of subclinical mastitis in cows infected with Escherichia coli (E. coli) and staphylococcus infections. This cross-sectional analytical study, conducted in 2023 at the Veterinary Laboratory in Urmia, Iran, evaluated inflammatory markers in 79 dairy cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis. The cows were divided into three groups: healthy cows, cows with subclinical mastitis, and cows with clinical mastitis. Each of these groups was then evaluated for Serum Amyloid A (SAA), IL-6, and IL-8. The diagnostic value of the inflammatory markers was determined by calculating the areas under the curves (AUCs) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. In general, among patients with a positive culture test result (57%), 19% were found to be infected with E. coli, 22.8% with Streptococcus uberis, and 15.2% (12 cases) with Staphylococcus aureus. A strong correlation was observed between the mean SCC and the values of IL-6 (P<0.005), IL-8 (P<0.005), and SAA (P<0.005). Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between SAA and IL-8 (P<0.005). The value of IL-6 exhibited a moderate correlation with both IL-8 (P<0.005) and SAA (P<0.005). The sensitivity and specificity of SCC (0.98), SAA (0.90), IL-6 (0.95), and IL-8 (0.87) were high for the diagnosis of mastitis in cows. The present study demonstrated that mastitis in dairy cows is associated with an increase in inflammatory cytokines, including amyloid A, IL-6, and IL-8. The findings of this study indicate that fluctuations in these biomarkers may serve as a potential indicator for disease diagnosis.

The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents a significant public health concern among long-term hospitalized patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients. This is primarily due to MRSA's ability to resist antimicrobial agents and drugs. The objective of this study is to ascertain the antibiotic resistance pattern of MRSA in cancer patients admitted to hospitals in the southwest region of Iran. The samples obtained from the patients were cultivated on blood agar and EMB medium. Subsequently, the positive samples containing S. aureus were identified through the application of a phenotypic method. Subsequently, the cefoxitin antibiogram was employed for the isolation of MRSA. Furthermore, the isolates were subjected to testing for simultaneous drug resistance against 12 different antibiotics. To detect the presence of the mec gene, a molecular method was employed, namely the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, and electrophoresis of the obtained products was conducted. Of the 41 S. aureus samples identified, 33 were found to be methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Of the 33 MRSA isolates, the presence of the mec gene was confirmed, and they exhibited simultaneous drug resistance. Individuals with cancer, who frequently have indwelling catheters and receive a variety of drugs and blood products, are at an elevated risk of contamination with this bacterium due to its presence on their skin and the hands of healthcare providers. The indiscriminate use of drugs and the subsequent rise in drug resistance can contribute to prolonged hospitalization and even death among these individuals. Given that Ahvaz hospitals, particularly Bagai Hospital, serve as primary treatment centers for patients with incurable and cancerous conditions in southwestern Iran, it is of significant value and importance to investigate the resistance patterns observed in patients undergoing chemotherapy and post-transplantation.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of varying levels of synbiotic supplementation on the growth performance and intestinal physiology of broiler chickens. A total of 360-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six different treatments, with four replicates per treatment and 15 birds per replicate. The control treatment was not supplemented, while the remaining treatments were supplemented with four different levels (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 g/kg) of synbiotic to the basal diets. The treatments were as follows: (1) control (not any supplement), (2) zinc bacitracin 0.04 g/kg, and (3) the remaining four treatments, which were supplemented with four different levels of synbiotic. On days 10, 24 and 35, the feed remaining and the birds were weighed in order to measure the body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. On day 10 and throughout the experimental period, there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in both body weight and weight gain, as well as a significant improvement in feed conversion ratio (FCR) with rising level of synbiotic. The control group exhibited a poorer feed conversion ratio than the other experimental groups (P<0.05). Up to 10 days, there was a significant increase in feed intake in birds on diets supplemented with 0.25 and 0.75 g/kg synbiotic. However, when the data from the 35-day experimental period were analyzed, it was found that the birds that had received 0.75 g/kg of synbiotic had significantly (P<0.05) decreased feed intake compared to the other experimental groups. The relative weight of the internal organs was not affected by the dietary treatments. The carcass yield and breast meat were found to increase significantly (P<0.05) with rising levels of dietary synbiotic. The length of the villi was found to be significantly affected by the treatment, with the villi in birds on diets supplemented with 0.5 g/kg of synbiotic being longer than those in the control group. Significantly, the shortest villi were observed in birds that received the highest supplement level (1 g/kg) of synbiotic. The number of Escherichia coli in the ileum was not affected by the dietary treatments. It can be concluded that synbiotic dietary supplementation exerts beneficial effects on growth output at an early age and during the broiler development cycle. In terms of performance, synbiotics supplementation resulted in an improvement in performance and a positive effect on carcass yield and breast meat production. The current research has demonstrated that the administration of synbiotics at a dosage of 0.75 g/kg exerts beneficial effects on the efficiency and subsequent physiological processes of broilers during the course of their growth.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant pathogen responsible for nosocomial infections. P. aeruginosa is a multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterium that is postulated to be the result of its plasmid-borne and intrinsic resistance to a number of pharmaceutical agents. This study examined the potential for biofilm formation, the distribution of the pslD, pelF, and algD genes, and the expression of the MexAB-OprM efflux pump genes. Furthermore, the study examined the pattern of antibiotic resistance in multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa isolates obtained from a range of clinical samples. A total of 76 strains of P. aeruginosa were obtained for this investigation from a range of clinical specimens. The susceptibility of the isolates to antibiotics was evaluated using the disk agar diffusion method. In conclusion, the term "multi-drug resistance" (MDR) is used to describe a specific pattern of resistance. The isolates were evaluated for the presence of three pivotal biofilm genes and their antimicrobial resistance patterns against ten standard antibiotic disks. The data were analyzed using version 25 of the SPSS statistical software. The examination of the isolates revealed that the most antibiotic sensitivity was associated with polymyxin, piperacillin, and ciprofloxacin. Additionally, the prevalence of biofilm-producing genes, specifically pslD, pelF, and algD, was determined to be 68.4%, 80.3%, and 69.7%, respectively. The prevalence of MexAB-OprM efflux genes in the examined isolates was 89.5% for the mexA gene, 90.8% for the mexB gene, and 90.8% for the oprM gene. The majority of the isolates in this investigation exhibited the presence of efflux pump genes, as evidenced by the findings. Furthermore, a robust correlation was identified between a select number of efflux genes and biofilm formation or the antibiotics tetracycline, meropenem, amikacin, and polymyxin B.