Search

Background: The high mortality rate of Gastric Cancer (GC) is a consequence of delayed diagnosis. The early diagnosis of GC could increase the five-year survival rate among patients. We aimed to find a panel of microRNAs (miRNA) for the detection of GC in the early stages. Methods: In this case-control study, we selected consistently upregulated miRNAs from the results of 12 high-throughput miRNA profiling studies in GC. In the profiling phase, the differential expressions of 13 candidate miRNAs were analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) in two pooled RNA samples prepared from the plasma of eight GC patients and eight matched controls. In the validation phase, significantly upregulated miRNAs from the profiling phase were further evaluated in the plasma samples of 97 patients with stage I-IV gastric adenocarcinoma and 100 healthy controls. Results: In the profiling phase, six miRNAs (miR-18a, 21, 25, 92a, 125b and 221) were significantly upregulated in the GC patients compared to the controls (p<0.05). However, in the validation phase, only significant up-regulation of miR-18a, 21 and 125b was confirmed (p<0.05). A panel of miR-18a/21/125b was able to detect GC patients with stage I-IV from the controls (p<0.001; AUC=0.92, sensitivity=86%; specificity=85%). In addition, the panel could distinguish the early-stage GC (I+II) from the control group with an AUC of 0.83, a sensitivity of 83%, and a specificity of 75%. Conclusion: A panel of circulating miR18a/21/125b could be suggested as a potential biomarker for the early detection of GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most of Gastric Cancer (GC) patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage with poor prognosis. Hypermethylations of several tumor suppressor genes in cell-free DNA of GC patients have been previously reported. In this study, an attempt was made to investigate the methylation status of P16, RASSF1A, RPRM, and RUNX3 and their potentials for early diagnosis of GC. Methods: Methylation status of the four tumor suppressor genes in 96 plasma samples from histopathologically confirmed gastric adenocarcinoma patients (Stage I-IV) and 88 healthy controls was determined using methylation-specific PCR method. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed and Area Under the Curve (AUC) was calculated. Two tailed p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Methylated P16, RASSF1A, RPRM, and RUNX3 were significantly higher in the GC patients (41.7, 33.3, 66.7, and 58.3%) compared to the controls (15.9, 0.0, 6.8, and 4.5%), respectively (p<0.001). Stratification of patients showed that RPRM (AUC: 0.70, Sensitivity: 0.47, Specificity: 0.93, and p<0.001) and RUNX3 (AUC: 0.77, Sensitivity: 0.59, Specificity: 0.95, and p<0.001) had the highest performances in detection of early- stage (I+II) GC. The combined methylation of RPRM and RUNX3 in detection of early-stage GC had a higher AUC of 0.88 (SE=0.042; 95% CI:0.793-0.957; p<0.001), higher sensitivity of 0.82 and reduced specificity of 0.89. Conclusion: Methylation analysis of RPRM and RUNX3 in circulating cell free-DNA of plasma could be suggested as a potential biomarker for detection of GC in early-stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) gene has a key role in xenobiotic metabolism through the conjugation of acetyl group to xenobiotic substances. NAT2 has been suggested as a susceptibility factor in endometriosis; however, the results of studies have been controversial. In this study, the association of NAT2 polymorphisms with susceptibility to endometriosis was evaluated in an Iranian population. Methods: This is an association study and totally 141 women with diagnosis of endometriosis and 158 healthy women as control group were analyzed for NAT2 gene polymorphisms (C481T, A803G, G857A and G590A) by PCR-RFLP methods. Results: The 590 GA genotype was significantly lower (p=0.001; OR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.25-0.71) in the patients (38.3%) than the control group (55.1%). The 590A allele was significantly lower (p=0.033; OR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.49-0.79) in the patients (31.2%) compared with the controls (39.6%). Analysis of haplotypes showed that NAT2 481C, 803A, 590A, 587A combination was significantly different between the case and control women (p= 0.029; OR=3.11, 95% CI: 1.13-8.52). Conclusion: The NAT2 G590A SNP may be associated with susceptibility to endometriosis and the 590A allele may have a protective role in development of endometriosis. The NAT2 481C, 803A, 590A, 587A haplotype was associated with a higher risk of endometriosis in Iranian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease (SAD) is caused by genetic risk factors, aging and oxidative stresses. The herbal extract of Rosa canina (R. canina), Tanacetum vulgare (T. vulgare) and Urtica dioica (U. dioica) has a beneficial role in aging, as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agent. In this study, the neuroprotective effects of this herbal extractin the rat model of SAD was investigated. Methods: The rats were divided into control, sham, model, herbal extract -treated and ethanol-treated groups. Drug interventions were started on the 21st day after modeling and each treatment group was given the drugs by intraperitoneal (I.P.) route for 21 days. The expression levels of the five important genes for pathogenesis of SAD including Syp, Psen1, Mapk3, Map2 and Tnf-α were measured by qPCR between the hippocampi of SAD model which were treated by this herbal extract and control groups. The Morris Water Maze was adapted to test spatial learning and memory ability of the rats. Results: Treatment of the rat model of SAD with herbal extract induced a significant change in expression of Syp (p=0.001) and Psen1 (p=0.029). In Morris Water Maze, significant changes in spatial learning seen in the rat model group were improved in herbal-treated group. Conclusion: This herbal extract could have anti-dementia properties and improve spatial learning and memory in SAD rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Familial Idiopathic Basal Ganglia Calcification (IBGC) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder which is usually transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. IBGC is genetically heterogeneous and SLC20A2, on chromosome 8p21.1-8q11.23, is the first gene found in IBGC-affected patients with varied ancestry. On the other hand, several candidate genes for IBGC on chromosome 2q37, including the SPP2 gene, may play a role in inhibiting calcification. Methods: Totally, 22 members of a three generational Iranian family affected by IBGC, with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance were included in this study. DNA was extracted from the whole blood using standard salting out method. To find a mutation responsible for IBGC, we sequenced the coding region of SLC20A2 as well as promoter and coding region of SPP2 in the index subject of IBGC-affected family. Results: Pathogenic mutation was found neither in SLC20A2 nor in SPP2. Conclusion: Our results strengthen genetic heterogeneity of this condition. Additional mutation studies are necessary to find a gene or genes responsible for IBGC in this affected family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zinc-finger Enhancer Binding protein (ZEB1) acts as a transcription factor to promote cancer progression through regulating Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). It is well-known that ZEB1 mRNA expression is directly induced by both Estrogen Receptor (ER) and Progesterone Receptor (PR). Moreover, Androgen Receptor (AR) and PR could bind to the same regulatory element. Since it has been shown that AR overexpresses in Gastric Cancer (GC) as a male-predominant tumor, the goal of this study was to evaluate whether AR could regulate ZEB1 expression in GC. Methods: The expression profile of ZEB1 in 60 fresh GC and adjacent non-tumor tissues and 50 normal gastric specimens was assessed by qRT-PCR, and the association of ZEB1 expression with clinicopathological features was investigated. Furthermore, possible correlation between ZEB1 and AR was evaluated to elucidate a novel prognostic marker using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model. Finally, molecular interaction of ZEB1 and AR was assessed using a potent AR antagonist in GC cells. Results: Among GC patients, 70.2% (40/57) overexpressed ZEB1 and 64.91% (37/57) overexpressed AR relative to normal gastric tissues. ZEB1 overexpression was significantly correlated with the AR overexpression in GC patients. Moreover, ZEB1 overex-pression was remarkably associated with lower overall survival; however, it was not an independent prognostic factor. Evidence shows that simultaneous evaluation of ZEB1 and AR expression could independently predict survival of GC patients (HR= 2.193, p=0.047). Conclusion: These findings have clinical importance suggesting simultaneous evaluation of ZEB1 and AR expression as a potential prognostic marker. Moreover, AR may regulate ZEB1 expression in GC cells proposing a possible promising targeted therapy for GC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) is the most common orofacial birth defect, often attributed to ethnic and environmental differences. Up to now, linkage analyses and genome-wide association studies have identified several genomic susceptibility regions for NSCL/P. The WNT genes including WNT3 are strong candidates for NSCL/P, since they are involved in regulating mid-face development and upper lip fusion. This study tested association of the WNT3 polymorphisms, rs- 3809857 G/T and rs9890413 G/A, with the risk of NSCL/P in a population of Iranian in- fants. Methods: The allelic and genotypic frequencies for each participant were determined in 113 unrelated Iranian subjects with NSCL/P and 220 control subjects using PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The WNT3 rs3809857 GT genotype was significantly lower (p=0.039, OR=0.55, 95% CI=0.30-0.97) in the NSCL/P (21.2%) than the control group (30.42%). For the WNT3 rs9890413 G/A polymorphism, neither genotype nor allele frequencies were sig- nificantly different between the case and control groups. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the WNT3 rs3809857 GT genotype may have a protective effect against NSCL/P in Iranian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Possible mechanisms of Alzheimer Disease (AD) such as inflammation and oxidative stresses in the brain led us to investigate potential AD therapeutics of Melilotus officinalis, an herbal extract, with possible role as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent. Among different genes which had important role in Sporadic AD (SAD), three genes including DAXX, NFkB and VEGF have shown significant statistical diversity in the brains of Alzheimer patients. Methods: These genes were chosen to be investigated for neuroprotective effects of the extract by comparing the expression level in the hippocampus of Sporadic AD (SAD) rat model using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in the treated and untreated groups. In addition, therapeutic effects at the behavioral, learning and memory level by Morris Water Maze (MWM) test were investigated. Results: The results represented significant decreased expression in Daxx, Nfkb and Vegf genes in the SAD rat’s model treated with the herbal extract compared to the Streptozotocin-induced (STZ-induced) rats. Furthermore, no significant changes were seen in swimming distance and time for finding the hidden platform in the herbaltreated compared to the STZ-induced group. In memory level, no significant changes were observed among treated and untreated groups. Conclusion: It seems that the herbal extract may have significant effect on Alzheimerrelated gene expression changes but not on clinical levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study we differentially showed the effects of cell-seeded bilayer scaffold wound dressing in accelerating healing process in diabetic ulcers that still remains as a major clinical challenge. The aim of the study was to compare immunomod-ulatory and angiogenic activity, and regenerative effect differences between Menstrual blood-derived Stem Cells (MenSCs) and foreskin-derived keratinocytes/fibroblasts. Methods: The streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice model was developed in male C57/BL6 mice. A bilayer scaffold was fabricated by electrospining silk fibroin nano-fibers on human Amniotic Membrane (AM). Dermal fibroblasts and keratinocyte isolated from neonatal foreskin and MenSCs were isolated from the menstrual blood of healthy women. The diabetic mice were randomly divided into three groups including no treatment group, fibroblast/keratinocyte-seeded bilayer scaffold group (bSC+FK), and MenSCs-seeded bilayer scaffold group. The healing of full-thickness excisional wounds evaluations in the diabetic mice model in each group were evaluated at 3, 7, and 14 days after treatment. Results: The gross and histological data sets significantly showed wound healing promotion via re-epithelialization and wound contraction along with enhanced regeneration in MenSCs-seeded bilayer scaffold group with the most similarity to adjacent intact tissue. Immunofluorescence staining of mouse skin depicted a descending trend of type III collagen along with the higher expression of involucrin as keratinocyte marker in the MenSCs-seeded bilayer nanofibrous scaffold group in comparison with other treatment groups from day 7 to day 14. Moreover, higher levels of CD31 and von Willebrand factor (VWF), and also a higher ratio of M2/M1 macrophages in association with higher levels of the neural marker were observed in the bSC+MenSCs group in comparison with bSC+FK and no treatment groups. Conclusion: Healing symptoms in wounds dressed with keratinocyte/fibroblast-seeded bilayer scaffold was significantly lower than MenSCs-seeded bilayer scaffold done on impaired diabetic wound chronicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) is one of the most common congenital anomalies and the etiology of orofacial clefts is multifactorial. Transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA) is expressed at the medial edge epithelium of fusing palatal shelves during craniofacial development. In this study, the association of two important TGFA gene polymorphisms, BamHI (rs11466297) and RsaI (rs3732248), with CL/P was evaluated in an Iranian population. Methods: The frequencies of BamHI and RsaI variations were determined in 105 unrelated Iranian subjects with nonsyndromic CL/P and 218 control subjects using PCR and RFLP methods, and the results were compared with healthy controls. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The BamHI AC genotype was significantly higher (p=0.016) in the patients (12.4%) than the control group (5.0%). The BamHI C allele was significantly higher (p=0.001; OR=3.4, 95% CI: 1.6-7.4) in the cases (8.0%) compared with the control group (2.5%). Conclusion: Our study showed that there was an association between the TGFA BamHI variation and nonsyndromic CL/P in Iranian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emergence of drug resistance has brought major problems in chemotherapy. Using nutrients in combination with chemotherapy could be beneficial for improvement of sensitivity of tumors to drug resistance. Soybean-derived isoflavones have been suggested as chemopreventive agents for certain types of cancer, particularly breast cancer. In this study, the synergistic effects of soy isoflavone extract in combination with docetaxel in murine 4T1 breast tumor model were investigated. Methods: In this study, mice were divided into 4 groups (15 mice per group) of control, the dietary Soy Isoflavone Extract (SIE, 100 mg/kgdiet), the Docetaxel (DOCE, 10 mg/kg) injection and the combination of dietary soy isoflavone extract and intravenous docetaxel injection (DOCE+SIE). After 3 injections of docetaxel (once a week), 7 mice were sacrificed to analyze MKI67 gene and protein expressions and the rest were monitored for diet consumption, tumor growth and survival rates. Results: In DOCE+SIE group, diet consumption was significantly higher than DOCE group. While lifespan showed a trend towards improvement in DOCE+SIE group, no significant difference was observed among the 4 studied groups. Tumor volume was not significantly affected in treated groups. A lower but not significant MKI67 protein expression was detected in western blot in DOCE+SIE group. The mRNA expression was not significantly different among groups. Conclusion: The results suggest that the combination of soy isoflavone as an adjunct to docetaxel chemotherapy can be effective in improving diet consumption in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the expression level of CRISP2, CATSPER1, PATE1 and SEMG1 genes in the sperm of men with asthenozoospermia (AZS). AZS is a cause of infertility in men in which the motility of the sperm is reduced. So far, a few genes have been associated with AZS; however, in most of the cases, its molecular etiology is unclear., Methods: A total of 35 subjects with idiopathic AZS and 35 fertile and healthy men as control were included. In study after total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, relative quantification was performed. B2M was used as the normalizer gene and fold change was calculated by 2 -ΔΔCt method. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the expression levels between the case and control groups with significance level of p<0.05., Results: Our results showed that CRISP2 (p=0.03) and SEMG1 (p=0.03) were significantly down-and up-regulated in AZS men respectively compared to the controls. But CATSPER1 and PATE1 did not show significant changes., Conclusion: Down-regulation of CRISP2 and up-regulation of SEMG1 were associated with AZS, which could be suggested as the potential candidate genes for the development of a diagnostic marker or potentially for more studies for treatment of AZS., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The study was supported by the Avicenna Research Institute, Tehran, Iran.