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Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) as a member of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family is expressed in various kinds of malignant cells at a level higher than normal cells. Therefore, HER2 could be consider as a target for specific chemotherapy and selective ablation of cancerous cells. ZHER2affibody as an engineered peptide with great affinity for HER2 receptor could be employed for specific targeting of cancer cells with high HER2 expression level. On the other hand, X-ray radiotherapy is one of the most prevalent approaches in cancer therapy and nanoparticles with high atomic number could enhance its efficiency. As an outcome, targeted delivery of these nanoparticles can increase intensity and focus of X-ray radiation on cancerous cells. In the current in vitrostudy, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in conjugations with ZHER2affibody were investigated for enhancement of X-ray radiation therapy of HER2-positive cancerous cells originated from various kinds of malignancies. Cell lines with high expression of HER2 (SK-BR-3, HN-5, SK-OV-3) and also MCF-7 cell line with normal expression of HER2 were irradiated with X-ray in the presence of various concentrations of AgNPs or AgNP-ZHER2conjugates. Morphology and size of prepared AgNPs and AgNP-ZHER2were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Success of conjugation was confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy and viability of treated cells was assessed by MTT assay. Our results showed that while sensitivity of four examined cell lines to AgNPs, AgNP-ZHER2, and X-ray radiation is different, but presence of AgNP-ZHER2conjugate could significantly enhance efficiency of X-ray radiation in ablation of HER2-overexpressed cells at in vitroconditions.

Objective: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and C-reactive protein (CRP) may be associated with development of diabetic vascular complications. In the current study we evaluated the relationship between PTX3 levels and the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Furthermore, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of PTX3 and CRP for detection of CAD.

Background: Grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts (GSPE) prevent and treat a variety of disorders caused by oxidative stress. However, it is unclear whether GSPE has protective effect on rats with diabetic nephropathy.