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Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common cancers worldwide. In spite of promising improvements, it has a relatively poor prognosis. Therefore, there is a crucial need for discovering novel and efficient therapies. This study aimed to investigate the potential of phycocyanin as a therapeutic agent for CRC, considering its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: The study used HT-29 and HUVEC cell lines. Cells were exposed to different concentrations of phycocyanin for 24 h. The cytotoxic effects of the phycocyanin on HUVEC and HT-29 cells were evaluated using MTT. Following the treatment, RNA extraction was conducted using TRI reagent. Afterward, real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was performed on Bcl-2, Bax, Akt, PTEN, and ß-actin to study their expression levels. The phycocyanin-treated cells were also stained with Annexin V-FITC to detect any apoptosis and necrosis. Results: Following the MTT assay, the number of living HT-29 cells significantly decreased, with no toxic effect on HUVEC cells. RT-PCR results indicated a significant increase in PTEN and Bax expressions in HT-29 cells due to treatment with phycocyanin, while there was no change in the expression of Bcl-2 and AKT. Flow cytometry on HT-29 cells showed induction of apoptosis and necrosis in 8.79% and 2.9% of cells, respectively, while no necrosis or apoptosis was observed in normal cells. Conclusion: Phycocyanin has a potential for treating colon cancer by affecting AKT/PTEN and Bax/Bcl- 2 and inducing apoptotic genes (Bax and PTEN) while having minimal side effects. Therefore, it could be a promising therapeutic agent for colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): It is worthwhile to note that, some probiotics such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria isolated from dairy products have significant therapeutic effects against cancer cells. Here, we evaluated anti-proliferation and the apoptotic effects of isolated Lactobacillus fermentum Ab.RS22 from traditional dairy products on the HeLa cervical cancer cells in vitro. Materials and Methods: The viability of treated HeLa cells with supernatant of Lactobacillus in 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, and 2 ng/ml concentrations, and IC50 values were detected by tetrazolium bromide. The L. fermentum Ab.RS22-induced cell death by flow cytometry was confirmed through evaluation of the expression of caspase-3, P53, PTEN, and AKT genes by quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR). Results: Most cytotoxicity effects of Lactobacillus on HeLa cells were detected in 2 ng/ml at 24 hr (P<0.01); also, the IC50 value was measured as 1.5 ng/ml. The findings of the flow cytometry assay showed that L. fermentum Ab.RS22 in 1.5 ng/ml concentration at 24 hr increased the percentage of both apoptosis and necrosis cells. Lactobacillus-induced cell death was verified through results of Real-time PCR; where expression of caspase-3, P53, and PTEN genes was increased (P<0.01), and also expression of AKT gene (anti-apoptotic) was decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings showed that L. fermentum Ab.RS22 could dose-dependently inhibit the proliferation of the HeLa cells. Its apoptotic effect was confirmed via modulating PTEN/p53/Akt gene expression and activation of the caspase-3 mediated apoptosis pathway. Therefore, L. fermentum Ab.RS22 can be considered a valuable anticancer candidate against cervical cancer progression in subsequent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among weeds, parasitic plants have more profound effects on host plants. Due to its wide geographical distribution, high host range, and inefficient management methods, the Cuscuta (Cuscuta campestris) plant has become one of the most damaging parasites. The present study aimed to control the Cuscuta weed biologically. To this end, an experiment was conducted to investigate the allelopathic effects of the extract of the Rhazya Stricta plant on the control of this weed population in the laboratory of Velayat University of Iranshahr. The experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with three replicates. In this experiment, negative allelopathic effects of different extracts of the R. stricta plant including acetone, aqueous, methanolic, ethanolic, and hydroalcoholic extracts on the Cuscuta were investigated in comparison with the distilled water (as control treatment). The results of this study revealed that the aqueous extract of R. stricta significantly decreased the germination percentage, germination vigor, germination rate, root length, and stem length of the Cuscuta compared to those of other treatments. Also, the other extracts of the leaves of the R. stricta plant have significant inhibitory effects on seed germination and seedling growth of the tested parasite weed species compared to those of control treatment (distilled water) suggesting the availability of inhibitory chemicals in the leaves of R. stricta to control the Cuscuta weed. It is suggested to test the negative effects of R. stricta leaf and stem extracts, after decomposition, on other weeds and adjacent and sensitive plants to R. stricta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this paper, we study convergence analysis of the sequence generated by extragradient method for an infinite family of the equilibrium problems in Banach spaces. We first prove weak convergence of the generated sequence to a common solution of the infinite family of the equilibrium problems. Then we use Halpern type regularization method in order to prove strong convergence of the generated sequence to a common equilibrium point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, some new type of semigroups of mappings are introduced. Then, by using the theory of invariant means, fixed point theorem, and existence of nonspreading retraction for these semigroup are deduced and the illustrative examples are given. Also, weak convergence theorem of Mann's type, generalized Baillon's nonlinear ergodic theorem and strong convergence theorem of Halpern's type for such semigroups in the Hilbert space are considered. At the end, some applications are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The tyrosinase enzyme catalysis monophenols to melanin pigments through the melanogenesis process. For this reason, various inhibitors have been studied for enzyme regulations in melanogenesis abnormalities in both the food and cosmetics industries. In this study, the effect of humic acid (Hu) and fulvic acid (Fu) on the structure, activity, and stability of mushroom tyrosinase (MT) was investigated. Methods: These two organic acids are the main components of soil humus. Assessment of the thermodynamic and structural stability of enzymes was obtained through thechemical and thermal denaturations and (8-anilino-naphthalene sulfonic acid) ANS fluorescence analysis. The Hu and Fu impact on A375 melanoma cancer cell viability was achieved by MTT assay. Findings: The results of enzyme half denaturation concentration (Cm), melting points (Tm), ΔG0 values and external fluorescence emissions in the presence of Hu and FA proved the reduction of the thermodynamic and structural stability of MT by these compounds. The anti-proliferation effects of the compounds were confirmed by the inhibitory concentrations of 50% (IC50) of 31.5 and 42.7 µM and 12.5 and µM at time points of 24 and 48 hours treatments of the A375 melanoma cell line by Hu and Fu, respectively. Conclusion: Humic and fulvic acids can be expected to contribute to advancing skin disorder science play a crucial role in tyrosinase related disorders and anti-cancer effects, and good candidates for medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, some new type of semigroups of mappings are introduced. Then, by using the theory of invariant means, fixed point theorem, and existence of nonspreading retraction for these semigroup are deduced and the illustrative examples are given. Also, weak convergence theorem of Mann's type, generalized Baillon's nonlinear ergodic theorem and strong convergence theorem of Halpern's type for such semigroups in the Hilbert space are considered. At the end, some applications are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive spread of COVID-19 all over the world has worried everyone. This pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which has an envelope and is a positive-sense RNA. The virus causes mild-to-severe signs and symptoms in the patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between this virus and oxidative stress, which can worsen the conditions of cancer patients through some pivotal pathways. We utilize some international databases using keywords; COVID-19, neoplasm, and reactive oxygen species, and could attain interesting information about neoplasm, COVID-19, and oxidative stress. Based on the research, COVID-19 can induce some crucial routes, such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1a (HIF-1a) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathways through overproduction of ROS. Although not proven, it is hypothesized that COVID-19 may enhance oxidative stress by inducing ROS-activated HIF-1a and NF-κB pathways in the cell, which subsequently can have a lot of disturbing effects on the body, and exacerbate the conditions of cancer patients. To conclude, understanding the precise molecular and cellular mechanisms of ROS-dependent HIF-1a and NF-κB pathways in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 can identify greater therapeutic and management strategies for COVID-19-infected cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Humic acid (HA) and Fulvic acid (FA) are major members of humic substances, which are extracted from organic sources including soil and peat. The pro-apoptotic and anti-melanogenic effects of HA and FA at the cellular and molecular levels in the A375 human melanoma cell line were examined in this study. Materials and Methods: The cytotoxicity effect of HA and FA were evaluated by cell viability assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle were investigated by flow cytometry. Real-time PCR was carried out to measure the expression of BAX, BCL-2, and Tyr genes. Moreover, the changes in nanomechanical properties were determined through atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results: It was found that HA and FA decrease cell viability with an IC50 value of 50 µg/ml (dosedependent) for 14 hr, arrested cells in the G0/G1 phase, and increased the sub-G1 phase (induce apoptosis). Based on the AFM analysis, Young’s modulus and adhesion force values were increased, also ultrastructural characteristics of cells were changed. Results of Real-time PCR revealed that HA and FA lead to a decrease in the expressions of BCL-2 and Tyr genes, and increase the BAX gene expression. Conclusion: These results exhibited that HA and FA possess pro-apoptotic effects through increasing the BAX/ BCL-2 expression in A375 cells. These molecular reports were confirmed by cellular nanomechanical assessments using AFM and flow cytometry. In addition, HA and FA inhibited melanogenesis by decreasing the expression of the Tyr gene. It is worthwhile to note that, HA and FA can be regarded to design new anti-cancer and anti-melanogenesis products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed at evaluating the association between the -429T/C and - 374T/A polymorphisms of RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products) gene promoter and diabetic nephropathy as well as examining its possible application as candidate markers of diabetic nephropathy among the population of Qazvin, Iran. Methods: In this study, the diabetic patients were divided into the two groups of with or without nephropathy. The frequency of genotype and allele were determined using TETRA-Primer ARMS-PCR. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test and correlation of polymorphisms, odds ratio (OR), and FAMHAP software were used for haplotype analysis. Results: Based on our data, the CC genotype of -429T/C polymorphism may play a protective role against the development of nephropathy (OR=0.586, 95%; CI: 0.158-2.167) while, the AA genotype may be associated with increased risk of the disease (OR=1.889, 95%; CI: 0.454-7.854). Allele’s analysis revealed that the C allele of -429T/C polymorphism maybe protective against the appearance of nephropathy (OR=0.794, 95%; CI: 0.48-1.314) whereas, the A allele may be related to increased risk for nephropathy (OR=1.452, 95%; CI: 0.783-2.695). Haplotype analysis demonstrated that there was no significant correlation between the two -429T/C and -374T/A SNPs (χ²=5.125, p value=0.135). However, it was found that the CA haplotype may have a protective effect against the development of nephropathy (OR=0.48, 95%; CI: 0.14-1.64) while, the TA haplotype may increase the risk of the disease (OR=2.06, 95%; CI:1.01-4.23). Conclusion: Overall, no correlation between the -374T/A and -429T/C polymorphisms and the haplotypes in RAGE gene and the occurrence of diabetic nephropathy, was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus (CoV) is a group of viruses that cause disease in humans and animals. These viruses contain crown-shaped spike glycoproteins on their surface. Objective: We conducted a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) study on a series of 36 compounds of allicin to assess their antiviral activities against the main protease of COVID-19. Methods: In the present descriptive-analytic study, the information on the structure of compounds, the COVID-19 protease enzyme, and the Allicin derivatives was obtained from the databases such as the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics’ Protein Data Bank (PDB) and PubChem. The QSAR method, analysis of correlations and multiple linear regressions were carried out. Six molecular descriptors such as constitutional and molecular topology descriptors were selected for the model. Finally, molecular docking was performed in iGEMDOCK 2.1 software. Results: The obtained multi-parametric model reported a correlation coefficient of about 0.89, indicating that the model was able to satisfactory predict the antiviral activity of allicin compounds. Conclusion: The findings obtained can be valuable in designing, synthesizing, and developing novel antiviral agents with allicin-based scaffold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Parkinson's Disease (PD) associates with changes in sex hormones; however, it remains unknown whether this is either a cause for or a result of the disease. To further evaluate it, we investigated if the development of 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced Parkinsonism changes the serum levels of testosterone and prolactin or not. Methods: 6-OHDA was injected into the medial forebrain bundle using stereotaxic surgery. The development of Parkinsonism was evaluated by apomorphine-induced rotational test and the immunofluorescence labeling of Dopaminergic (DA) neurons in substantia nigra. The necessary blood samples were collected before the toxin and in the third and sixth weeks afterward. The hormones levels were determined using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits. Results: The severity of rotations was different among 6-OHDA-treated rats; accordingly, they were divided into two subgroups of severe and mild parkinsonian rats. The degeneration of DA neurons was observed in both subgroups; however, it was significantly less in the mild group. In the sixth week after the toxin, testosterone level increased but only in the severe subgroup. Prolactin increased in both subgroups in the third week after the toxin but returned to normal in the sixth week. There was no association between the pre-toxin levels of these hormones and the intensity of Parkinsonism. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the development of 6-OHDA-induced Parkinsonism increases the serum levels of testosterone and prolactin. Increased prolactin occurred earlier and was observed in rats with less DA neuronal loss. Therefore, prolactin levels can predict the death of DA neurons before the clinical signs of PD were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oxidative stress is a leading factor in developing silver nanoparticle-induced toxicity. Objective: This study evaluated the effects of oral prescription of different doses of silver nanoparticles and propolis on lipid peroxidation in male Wistar rats. Methods: The male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. Control group and three different treatment groups with oral prescription of 30 ppm, 60 ppm, and 60 ppm of silver nanoparticles with 200 mg/kg of propolis. The serum level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured by Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) assay using Thiobarbituric Acid (TBA). Results: The serum level of MDA as a marker of lipid peroxidation in the control group was 1.92 mM/mL, and in other groups that received silver nanoparticles (30 ppm, 60 ppm, 60 ppm with 200 mg/kg propolis) were respectively 2.82, 3.83 and 2.62 mM/mL. MDA level also increased at the doses of 30 ppm and 60 ppm compared to the control group and decreased when propolis was prescribed with silver nanoparticles in the third group; however, its value did not reach the level of the control group. Minimal levels of serum lipid peroxidation were observed when silver and propolis nanoparticles were administered to male rats. Conclusion: The mixture of silver nanoparticles and propolis reduces the toxic effects of silver nanoparticles; it preserves and increases the efficiency of this compound in medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce the concept of generalized asymmetric metric spaces and we prove some fixed point theorems in the setting of this metric spaces and also some illustrative examples are given. The presented results generalize and improve several results of the topics in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]