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Background: We aimed to compare different clinical characteristics of epilepsy among two age groups of 20-60 and more than 60 years old. Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted during 2014-2015 in epilepsy clinics located in Isfahan city, Iran. The inclusion criteria were defined as definitive diagnosis of epilepsy, age of older than 20 years, and having medical record in Isfahan epilepsy clinics. Patients with incomplete medical records were excluded. Patients’ medical records were reviewed for seizure characteristics, demographic and paraclinical data; these findings were compared between the two age-groups. 200 patients were included in the study and 23 of them were excluded because of incomplete medical records. Findings: 120 cases (67.8%) were under 60 years old and 81 cases (45.8%) were men. The most frequent seizure type in younger and older age-group was generalized tonic-colonic (35.0%) and mixed seizures (29.8%), respectively. Abnormal brain magnetic resounance imaging (MRI) (66.7% versus 37% and P < 0.001), computed tomography (CT) scan (59.6% versus 30.9% and P < 0.001) and laboratory data (22.8% versus 8.5% and P = 0.009) were more frequent in older age-group. Family history of seizure was seen more in younger age-group (51.7% versus 29.8%, P = 0.006). Conclusion: We found that elderly patients presented more with complex partial and mixed seizures while the younger population presented more with generalized seizures. Abnormal findings in brain CT scan and MRI were seen more in older patients and younger patients were more likely to have family history of epilepsy.

Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a serious threat to global tuberculosis (TB) control efforts. This study aims to investigate the trend of MDR-TB prevalence in Iran over 20 years. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in various databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, from 1981 to 2023. Studies reporting the prevalence of MDR-TB in Iran were included in the meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Results: A total of 58 studies from different provinces of Iran were included in the meta-analysis. The majority of studies were from Tehran (n = 33), Kermanshah (n = 5), Mashhad (n = 4), and Tabriz (n = 4) provinces. Overall, 1885 cases of MDR-TB were reported in Iran during the study period. The highest number of MDR-TB cases was reported in 2000 (582 cases) and the lowest in 2001 (1 case). An increasing trend in MDR-TB prevalence was observed, particularly between 2018 and 2019. The pooled prevalence of MDR-TB in Iran was 12.31% (95% CI: 11.83–12.80) using the fixed-effects model and 20.21% (95% CI: 15.70–26.01) using the random-effects model. No evidence of publication bias was found. Conclusion: The results of this comprehensive meta-analysis highlight the increasing trend of MDR-TB in Iran over the past two decades. This underscores the urgent need for strengthening TB control strategies, including improved surveillance, case detection, treatment, and management of MDR-TB in the country. Developing diagnostic and treatment approaches for MDR-TB should be prioritized by Iranian medical universities and public health authorities.

Background: Endophytic fungi live inside the plant tissue, and can produce bioactive compounds. Methods: Herein, the molecular identification, phenols metabolites analysis, and biological properties (enzymatic and antioxidant) of endophytic fungi isolated from the aerial parts of Tragopogon graminifolius were studied. The enzyme produced by endophytic fungi was tested by the formation of a clear zone/pink around the colonies. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method was used for the investigation antioxidant properties of isolated fungi. Moreover, the total flavonoid and phenol contents were studied using aluminum chloride colorimetric and Folin–Ciocalteu methods, respectively. Furthermore, the phenolic acids analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: In this study, two isolates were identified (Talaromyces amestolkiae and Rhizopus oryzae). Evaluation of the enzymatic activities indicated that R. oryzae had the ability to produce amylase and pectinase, whereas T. amestolkiae exhibited extracellular activity for amylase, L-asparaginase, and pectinase. The result of the antioxidant property study indicated that T. amestolkiae had the highest antioxidant property and its IC50 value was 617 μg/mL. Moreover, these fungi had the highest flavonoids and phenols amounts. The phenolic acid analysis indicated that m-coumaric acid was the major phenolic acid which was determined by the studied fungi. Conclusion: This report was the first study of endophytic fungi from T. graminifolius, and the outcome of this study can be a way to produce m-coumaric acid at an industrial scale.

Background: There is an ongoing debate about the optimal dosage of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)agonist for oocyte triggering in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients at risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome(OHSS). In this study, we intend to ascertain whether the use of repeated doses of a GnRH agonist for oocytetriggering in these patients can enhance the outcomes of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles.Materials and Methods: This randomised clinical trial enrolled 70 PCOS women candidates for IVF/ICSI with thestandard antagonist protocol at Royan Institute (Tehran, Iran) from May 2020 to June 2022. Patients at risk of OHSSwith oestradiol (E2) levels >3000 pg/ml on the day of trigger were randomly assigned to a control or experimentalgroup. Group A (control group) patients received 0.2 mg triptorelin (Decapeptyl®) for final oocyte maturation. GroupB (experimental group) patients received a second dose of 0.1 mg Decapeptyl®12 hours after their first dose, for a totaldose of 0.3 mg. IVF/ICSI outcomes were compared between the groups.Results: Ultimately, 35 women from the study group and 33 from the control group completed the treatment cycle. Bothgroups were comparable in terms of demographic characteristics, baseline hormonal profiles, and PCOS phenotypes.The dosage of gonadotropin, stimulation duration, number of retrieved oocytes, oocyte maturation rate, and oocyte recoveryratio did not significantly differ between the groups. No significant differences were found in terms of the numberof blastocyst and cleavage embryos, nor the quality of obtained embryos between the groups. The mild to moderateOHSS rate was significantly lower in the study group (P=0.038).Conclusion: A second dose of GnRH agonist 12 hours after the first dose did not improve the number and maturity ofoocytes, or pregnancy outcomes in PCOS patients (registration number: NCT04600986).

Background: Pharmacogenetic research has led to significant progress in understanding how genetic factors influence drug response in tuberculosis (TB) treatment. One ongoing challenge is the variable occurrence of adverse drug reactions in some TB patients. Previous studies have indicated that genetic variations in the N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) and solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1) genes can impact the blood concentrations of the first-line anti-TB drugs isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF), respectively. This study aimed to investigate the influence of pharmacogenetic markers in the NAT2 and SLCO1B1 genes on TB treatment outcomes using whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis. Methods: DNA samples were collected from 30 healthy Iranian adults aged 18–40 years. The allelic frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the NAT2 and SLCO1B1 genes were determined through WES. Results: Seven frequent SNPs were identified in the NAT2 gene (rs1041983, rs1801280, rs1799929, rs1799930, rs1208, rs1799931, rs2552), along with 16 frequent SNPs in the SLCO1B1 gene (rs2306283, rs11045818, rs11045819, rs4149056, rs4149057, rs2291075, rs201722521, rs11045852, rs11045854, rs756393362, rs11045859, rs74064211, rs201556175, rs34671512, rs71581985, rs4149085). Conclusion: Genetic variations in NAT2 and SLCO1B1 can affect the metabolism of INH and RIF, respectively. A better understanding of the pharmacogenetic profile in the study population may facilitate the design of more personalized and effective TB treatment strategies. Further research is needed to directly correlate these genetic markers with clinical outcomes in TB patients.

BackgroundGlycemic variability is a novel predictor for diabetic complications. Different studies have demonstrated contradictory results for the association between HbA1c variability and diabetic retinopathy. We aimed to assess the relationship between visit-to-visit variability in glycemic profile (HbA1c, 2hPP, and FBS) and diabetic retinopathy.MethodsPatients with type 2 diabetes were monitored for the development of retinopathy for 10 years. The association between the incidence of retinopathy and glycemic variability was assessed via Cox regression analysis, and coefficient of variation for glycemic indices was compared using independent sample t-test.ResultsPatients with diabetic retinopathy had significantly higher glycemic profile variability. The incidence of retinopathy was positively correlated with cv-FBS10% (10% of coefficient of variance), cv-FBS20%, cv-2hpp10%, and cv-HbA1c5%. Our analysis revealed that the higher variability of FBS increased the incidence and progression of retinopathy (HR: 12.29, p-value = 0.003).ConclusionOur findings demonstrated glycemic profile variability as an independent risk factor for diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and support glycemic profile variability measurement in addition to common glycemic parameters to improve risk stratification in patients with type 2 diabetes. Further investigation is required to demonstrate the long-term effects of alleviating glycemic variability on the prognosis of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objective: The relationship between oxidative stress (OS), insulin resistance (IR), and polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) is an important medical issue in human reproduction. Some of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) geneshave been previously studied in granulosa and muscle cells of PCOS patients. Cumulus cells (CCs) remain close to theoocyte even after ovulation. This research has been designed to compare the expression of OXPHOS genes in CCs ofPCOS, with or without insulin resistance.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, patients were included in PCOS insulin-resistant, PCOS insulinsensitive(IS), and control (fertile women with male infertility history) groups. The expression of NCF2, TXNIP, UCP2,NDUFB6, ATP5H, COX7C, NDUFA3, SDHA, and SDHB was studied by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR),aand normalization was performed considering HPRT1 and CYC1 as reference genes. One-way ANOVA and Tukey testwere used for data analysis.Results: The results showed that the expression of NCF2, TXNIP, UCP2, and ATP5H was significantly higher in theIR group than IS and control groups (P

Background: There is a definite shift in assisted reproductive centres from cleavage-stage embryo transfer (ET) toblastocyst transfer that is attributed to improvements in laboratory environments and advances in the development ofembryo culture media. The aim of the study was to investigate the reproductive outcomes of thawed cleavage-stage ET versusblastocysts derived from an extended culture of these embryos.Materials and Methods: This open-label, randomised, parallel group clinical trial study enrolled 182 women aged ≤37years who underwent frozen-thawed ET from November 2015 to June 2020 at Royan Institute Research Centre, Tehran,Iran. The women were randomly assigned to either the thawed cleavage ET group (n=110) or the post-thaw extended cultureblastocysts group (n=72). The primary outcome measure was the clinical pregnancy rate. Secondary outcome measureswere implantation rate, live birth rate (LBR), and miscarriage rate. A P

Background: The overexpression of efflux pumps (Eps) was reported to contribute to multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Increases in Eps that expel structurally unrelated drugs contribute to reduced susceptibility by decreasing the intracellular concentration of antibiotics. In the present study, an association of mycobacterial membrane protein (MmpS5-MmpL5) Ep and its gene regulator (Rv0678) was investigated in MDR-tuberculosis isolates. Methods: MTB strains were isolated from patients at two different intervals, i.e., once when they had persistent symptoms despite 3–15 ≥ months of treatment and once when they had started new combination therapy ≥2–3 months. Sputum specimens were subjected to Xpert MTB/rifampicin test and then further susceptibility testing using proportional method and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed on them. The isolates were characterized using both 16S-23S RNA and hsp65 genes spacer (PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was investigated on two isolates from culture-positive specimen per patient. The protein structure was simulated using the SWISS-MODEL. The input format used for this web server was FASTA (amino acid sequence). Protein structure was also analysis using Ramachandran plot. Results: WGS documented deletion, insertion, and substitution in transmembrane transport protein MmpL5 (Rv0676) of Eps. Majority of the studied isolates (n = 12; 92.3%) showed a unique deletion mutation at three positions: (a) from amino acid number 771 (isoleucine) to 776 (valine), (b) from amino acid number 785 (valine) to 793 (histidine), and (c) from amino acid number 798 (leucine) to 806 (glycine).” One isolate (7.6%) had no deletion mutation. In all isolates (n = 13; 100%), a large insertion mutation consisting of 94 amino acid was observed “from amino acid number 846 (isoleucine) to amino acid number 939 (leucine)”. Thirty-eight substitutions in Rv0676 were detected, of which 92.3% were identical in the studied isolates. WGS of mycobacterial membrane proteins (MmpS5; Rv0677) and its gene regulator (Rv0678) documented no deletion, insertion, and substitution. No differences were observed between MmpS5-MmpL5 and its gene regulator in isolates that were collected at different intervals. Conclusions: Significant genetic mutation like insertion, deletion, and substitution within transmembrane transport protein MmpL5 (Rv0676) can change the functional balance of Eps and cause a reduction in drug susceptibility. This is the first report documenting a unique amino acid mutation (insertion and deletion ≥4–94) in Rv0676 among drug-resistant MTB. We suggest the changes in Mmpl5 (Rv0676) might occurred due to in-vivo sub-therapeutic drug stress within the host cell. Changes in MmpL5 are stable and detected through subsequent culture-positive specimens.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinological disorder associated with abdominalobesity (AO) and some reproductive complications including low pregnancy rate. Embryo-endometrium cross-talkhas a key role in successful embryo implantation and subsequent normal pregnancy rate. The primary objective ofthis study is to evaluate the decidualization potential of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) using the embryo conditionmedia (ECM) collected from PCOS patients with AO, compared to ECM of those patients without AO.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we measured the capacity of ECM collected from PCOS patientswith or without AO for decidualization induction in healthy ESCs after coculture. A total number of 53 embryos from40 couples belonging to PCOS with AO, PCOS without AO, nonPCOS with AO, and nonPCOS without AO patients,were included in our study. The embryosof four groups were single-cultured up to the blastocyst stage. Their ECM(45λ/well) were pooled and added to healthy ESCs monolayer culture media to investigate their effects on decidualizationpotential via gene (PRL, IGFBP1, IL1-β, HOXA10, IL-6 and TNF-α) and protein (PRL, IGFBP1, IL1-β)expression analysis and ESCs migration assay.Results: The morphological analysis, migration assay (P≤0.0321), protein (P≤0.0139) and gene expression analysisshowed PCOS with AO accounted for the highest gene (PRL, IGFBP1, IL1-β, HOXA10, IL-6, TNF-α) and proteinmarkers (PRL, IGFBP1, IL1-β) (P≤0.05). NonPCOS individuals without AO had the lowest level of both gene andprotein decidualization markers (P≤0.05).Conclusion: Considering decidualization as an inflammatory process, a higher level of decidualization markers wasassociated with a higher inflammatory status created by AO and PCOS, separately. Inflammation may disrupt the processof inflammatory to anti-inflammatory phase required for prevention of pregnancy loss, this could explain the highrate of abortion in these cases.

Abstract Recent developments in sequencing technology and analytical approaches have allowed researchers to show that the healthy gut microbiome is very varied and capable of performing a wide range of tasks. The importance of gut microbiota in controlling immunological, neurological, and endocrine function is becoming well-recognized. Thereby, numerous inflammatory diseases, including those that impact the gastrointestinal system, as well as less obvious ones, including Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cancer, gestational diabetes (GD), type 1 diabetes (T1D), and type 2 diabetes (T2D), have been linked to dysbiotic gut microbiota. Microbiome engineering is a rapidly evolving frontier for solutions to improve human health. Microbiome engineering seeks to improve the function of an ecosystem by manipulating the composition of microbes. Thereby, generating potential therapies against metabolic, inflammatory, and immunological diseases will be possible through microbiome engineering. This essay first provides an overview of the traditional technological instruments that might be used for microbiome engineering, such as Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT), prebiotics, and probiotics. Moreover, we will also discuss experimental genetic methods such as Metagenomic Alteration of Gut microbiome by In situ Conjugation (MAGIC), Bacteriophage, and Conjugative plasmids in manipulating intestinal microbiota.

Abstract Cancer is a complex disease with many contributing factors, and researchers have gained extensive knowledge that has helped them understand the diverse and varied nature of cancer. The altered patterns of DNA methylation found in numerous types of cancer imply that they may play a part in the disease’s progression. The human cancer condition involves dysregulation of the DNA methyltransferase 3 beta (DNMT3B) gene, a prominent de novo DNA methyltransferase, and its abnormal behavior serves as an indicator for tumor prognosis and staging. The expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which include microRNAs (miRNA), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), is critical in controlling targeted gene expression and protein translation and their dysregulation correlates with the onset of tumors. NcRNAs dysregulation of is a critical factor that influences the modulation of several cellular characteristics in cancerous cells. These characteristics include but are not limited to, drug responsiveness, angiogenesis, metastasis, apoptosis, proliferation, and properties of tumor stem cell. The reciprocal regulation of ncRNAs and DNMT3B can act in synergy to influence the destiny of tumor cells. Thus, a critical avenue for advancing cancer prevention and treatment is an inquiry into the interplay between DNMT3B and ncRNAs. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the ncRNAs/DNMT3B axis in cancer pathogenesis. This brings about valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms of tumorigenesis and provides a foundation for developing effective therapeutic interventions.

Background and Objectives. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disorder in western countries. Although the etiology of NAFLD is unknown, insulin resistance is a key mechanism of lipid deposition in hepatocytes leading to steatosis and potentially steatohepatitis in patients with diabetes. These factors accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis and development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods and Results. In this prospective cohort study, 1197 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were divided into two groups (360 patients with NAFLD and 847 without NAFLD) and were followed for a median of 5 years for the incidence of CVD. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the association between NAFLD, liver enzyme level, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and the incidence risk of CVD and its subgroups (i.e., myocardial infarction, chronic heart disease, coronary artery bypass grafting, and percutaneous coronary intervention). There was a significant positive association between CVD incidence and NAFLD (HR = 1.488, 95% CI = 1.041–2.124, p value = 0.029). Although patients with NAFLD had higher levels of ALT and AST levels (p value =

Abstract Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery complications are a major issue affecting morbidity and mortality rates. Anastomotic stricture, which occurs in almost 30% of patients after surgery for rectal cancer, is one of the most serious but underreported side effects. In this study, we tried to assess the effect of stapler size on anastomotic stricture rate. Materials and Methods At our facility, all patients underwent low anterior resections (LAR) performed using an open laparotomy technique. A contour‐curved stapler and an end‐to‐end anastomosis (EEA) circular stapler were used in the double stapling technique (DST). All patients also underwent a protective loop ileostomy. Patients who developed stricture following leakage were excluded. Results This study comprised a total of 173 rectal cancer patients. A 29‐mm circle stapler was used to anastomose 77 patients (44.5%), while a 31‐mm circular stapler was used to anastomose 96 patients (55.5%). Six individuals experienced strictures; two had a 29 mm stamper and four (4.4%) had a 31 mm one. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p:0.575). On aggregate, 8 patients experienced leakage; 3 (3.8%) of these patients received treatment with a 29 mm stapler, whereas 5 (5.2%) received treatment with a 31 mm stapler. Conclusion this study found no statistically significant difference in the stricture rates and stapler size. The findings of this study provide credibility to the notion that in rectal cancer patients having LAR, strictures can be safely avoided by performing the anastomoses with both staplers.

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous short non-coding RNAs that can regulate the expression of target genes post-transcriptionally and interact with mRNA-coding genes. MiRNAs play vital roles in many biological functions, and abnormal miRNA expression has been linked to various illnesses, including cancer. Among the miRNAs, miR-122, miR-206, miR-21, miR-210, miR-223, and miR-424 have been extensively studied in various cancers. Although research in miRNAs has grown considerably over the last decade, much is yet to be discovered, especially regarding their role in cancer therapies. Several kinds of cancer have been linked to dysregulation and abnormal expression of miR-122, indicating that miR-122 may serve as a diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker for human cancer. Consequently, in this review literature, miR-122 has been analyzed in numerous cancer types to sort out the function of cancer cells miR-122 and enhance patient response to standard therapy.

Background: Proline-glutamate (PE)/proline-PE (PPE) proteins play an important role in the development of mycobacterial pathogenicity by modulating the host immune system. In the present investigation, the structural changes in PE-polymorphic GC-rich sequences (PGRS) family protein Wag22 (Rv1759c), PE_PGRS31 (Rv1768), PE_PGRS32 (Rv1803), and PE_PGRS33 gene (Rv1818c) were compared and analyzed in exponential state and under in vitro model of latency in same clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Methods: MTB strains were isolated from clinically and laboratory-confirmed cases of tuberculosis (TB). The TB isolates were subjected to the Xpert MTB/rifampin test and then, further susceptibility testing using proportional methods was performed on them. The isolates were characterized using both 16S–23S RNA and hsp65 genes spacer polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Selected isolates studied at two experimental set–up at exponential phase OD 600 = 0.05 (5 cfu/mL × 106 cfu/mL) and under zero oxygen and nutrition for 26 months to selected isolates studied at two experimental setup in exponential phase OD600 = 0.05 (5 cfu/mL × 106 cfu/mL) and under zero oxygen and nutrition after 26 months. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on studied isolates and the protein structures were analyzed using a bioinformatics web server. Results: No deletion, insertion, or substation occurred in susceptible, mono-drug and multidrug resistant-TB isolates were observed at PE-PGRS family protein Wag22 (Rv1759c) and PE_PGRS31 (Rv1768) at exponential phase. Although, a large deletion (at Rv1759c; Rv1768) was observed in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and totally drug-resistant (TDR) TB isolates at the exponential phase. All studied TDR-TB isolates had a common deletion position from amino acid 1 (methionine) to amino acid 83 (glycine) and from amino acid 725 (proline) to amino acid 914 (threonine) at PE-PGRS family protein Wag22 (Rv1759c). At PE_PGRS32 (Rv1803), deletion occurred from amino acid 1 (methionine) to amino acid 212 (glycine) in latent TDR-TB bacilli. No changes in Rv1803 were observed in other studied isolates. In contrast, 66.6% of studied isolates had either insertion, deletion, substitution, or combination of changes at PE_PGRS33 (Rv1818c). However, the majority of changes at Rv1818c occurred in drug-resistant isolates. We also documented the region of deletion and insertion at PE_PGRS33 (Rv1818c) is different in active and latent TDR-TB isolates. Conclusions: Changes in these PE-PGRS family protein was associated with drug susceptibility patterns of individual isolates. Our result showed a total frameshift mutation of protein that had a different length in comparison to the original protein. These changes might disturb the interactions between XDR and TDR-TB isolates and immune responses, which needs further investigation.

Background: Immune responses may be involved in the development of pseudoexfoliation (PEX), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG), and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of IL12B rs3212227 A/C and INFG rs1861494 T/C polymorphisms with the risk of PEX, PEXG, and POAG in an Iranian population. Methods: Totally, 55 POAG, 57 PEX, and 78 PEXG patient cases as well as 79 healthy controls were included in this study. Genotyping of the IL12B and INFG polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods using TaqI and FauI restriction enzyme, respectively. Results: Results indicated that IL12B AC genotype was significantly higher in POAG (36.4%; P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] = 4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7–10.0) and PEX patients (36.4%; P = 0.023; OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1–6.9) compared to the control group (12.6%). The C allele could be considered a risk factor for POAG (P = 0.002; OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 3.1–6.8) and PEX (P < 0.001; OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 3.4–7.3). INFG TC genotype was significantly higher in PEX (38.6%; P = 0.007; OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.3–6.3) and PEXG patients (37.2%; P = 0.009; OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1–6.9) compared to the control group (19.0%). The C allele seemed to be a risk factor for PEX (P = 0.002; OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4–5.7) and PEXG (P = 0.009; OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2–4.7). Conclusion: Overall, IL12B was associated with susceptibility to POAG and PEX, and IL12B C allele increased the risk of POAG and PEX. In addition, INFG was associated with susceptibility to PEX and PEXG, and the INFG C allele seemed to be a risk factor for PEX and PEXG.

Introduction: In recent years, the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in the etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome has received more attention. Evaluation of the existing studies regarding the effects of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress on ovarian function in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) indicates the key role of these factors in the progress and development of disease complications. The current review study was conducted with aim to summarize the presence and role of the aforementioned inflammatory mediators as well as the effect of recent treatment approaches including the use of antioxidant supplements and anti-inflammatory agents in improving the results of infertility treatment cycles in these patients.Methods: In the present review article, to find the related articles, databases of PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched with the keywords of polycystic ovary syndrome, inflammation, oxidative stress, oxygen-free radicals, antioxidant supplementation, infertility treatment, androgens, cytokines, and insulin resistance using the "AND" and "OR" operators from January 1991 to December 2020. Results: After reviewing all the articles in this field, it was found that PCOS, as a genetic and autoimmune disease, is associated with low degrees of inflammation, which plays an important role in the etiology, progression and occurrence of the disease. Moreover, ovulatory dysfunction, increased concentrations of oxygen free radicals in granulosa cells, as well as the follicular fluid of infertile PCOS patients under ART treatment, have been reported.Conclusion: It seems that the coordination between three main factors, namely high dietary carbohydrate intake, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism, can be considered as the initiator for inflammation induction and oxidative stress in PCOS patients. The antioxidant supplements and anti-inflammatory agents can be useful to improve the results of infertility treatment cycles in these patients; however, concluding the results still requires further studies.

Abstract Since paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) was first described in 1881, the diagnosis and follow‐up patients diagnosed with the illness has remained an area of concern, with several different techniques of varying sensitivity having been described in the literature for both the diagnosis and monitoring treatment of the disease. PNH is a rare and life‐threatening disease that manifests symptoms of haemolytic anaemia. Hence, a quick and reliable technique for precise diagnosis would be crucial. PNH patients who have previously been diagnosed with aplastic anaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome carry small PNH clones and for more than a century traditional method with low sensitivity was used for such patients. In 2010, the International Clinical Cytometry Society described a highly sensitive method for detection and quantification of different types of PNH clones using multi‐colour flow cytometry. In this method, a three‐colour flow cytometer is essential to detect PNH affected cells amongst monocytes and granulocytes. This started a new era in the diagnosis of patients who carry small clones of PNH cells. Before this, flow cytometric analysis was used only for detection of PNH cells amongst erythrocytes. By using flow cytometry instruments with more light sources, the sensitivity of detection and quantification of PNH clones would be augmented. However, standardisation and crosstalk compensation would be the most concerning issue. For the first time in Iran, we set up and standardised multi‐colour flow cytometry technique to detect PNH cells in erythrocytes and leukocytes at Payvand medical laboratory.

Objective: Scarcity of oocytes for assisted reproduction in endangered species can be bypassed by interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT). In Felids, domestic cat (Felis catus) oocytes can serve as recipients for the nucleus of the endangered Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor). However, in vitro oocyte maturation is still suboptimal in cats, whereas it has been reported to benefit from micro-vibration in non-felid species. Therefore, thepresent study is aimed to determine whether micro-vibration, applied during in vitro maturation (IVM), improves the embryogenic potential of cat oocytes transplanted with fibroblast nuclei of the Persian leopard.Materials and Methods: In the experimental study, cat cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were randomly assignedto the treatment group (micro-vibration) or control group (static culture). Resultant metaphase II (MII) oocytes were enucleated and reconstructed with nucleus transplants from leopard fibroblasts, followed by artificial oocyte activation and embryo culture under the same condition (static) for 7 days.Results: While cumulus cell expansion and oocyte maturation profited from micro-vibration (P0.05).Conclusion: The present study indicated that micro-vibration at a frequency of 44 Hz for 5 secs per hour enhanced nuclear maturation and cumulus cell expansion of cat oocytes. However, exposure to micro-vibration during IVM impaired the survival rate of reconstructed oocytes during the iSCNT process and their developmental competence toward the blastocyst stage.

Objective: Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a challenging issue encountered during assisted reproductive technology. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) belong to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily which are essential for folliculogenesis. We aimed to the evaluationof the GDF9 and BMP15 expression in the granulosa cells (GCs) of DOR patients.Materials and Methods: This case-control study included 14 women with DOR and 12 controls, who were between 28-40 years of age undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation with a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol. DOR patients were selected by the Bologna criteria. The GCs were extracted from the aspirated follicular fluids and RNA isolated from this. The fold change of gene expressions was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results: GDF9 expression in patients was 0.23 times lower than the control group, which was significant (P

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver enzymes with the incidence of microvascular complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy) in a cohort of Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsFor a total population of 3123 patients with type 2 diabetes, a prospective study was designed for 1215 patients with NAFLD and 1908 gender and age-matched control patients without NAFLD. The two groups were followed for a median duration of 5 years for the incidence of microvascular complications. The association between having NAFLD, the level of liver enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) value, and the incidence risk of diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy were assessed through logistic regression analysis.ResultsNAFLD was found to be associated with incidence of diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy (Odds ratio: 1.338 (95% confidence interval: 1.091-1.640) and 1.333 (1.007-1.764), respectively). Alkaline-phosphatase enzyme was found to be associated with higher risks of diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy ((Risk estimate: 1.002 (95% CI: 1.001-1.003) and 1.002 (1.001-1.004), respectively)). Moreover, gamma-glutamyl transferase was associated with a higher risk of diabetic nephropathy (1.006 (1.002-1.009). Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were inversely associated with the risk of diabetic retinopathy (0.989 (0.979-0.998) and 0.990 (0.983-0.996), respectively). Furthermore, ARPI_T (1), ARPI_T (2), and ARPI_T (3) were shown to be associated with NAFLD (1.440 (1.061-1.954), 1.589 (1.163-2.171), and 2.673 (1.925, 3.710), respectively). However, FIB-4 score was not significantly associated with risk of microvascular complications.ConclusionDespite the benign nature of NAFLD, patients with type 2 diabetes should be always assessed for NAFLD to ensure early diagnosis and entry into proper medical care. Regular screenings of microvascular complications of diabetes is also suggested for these patients.

Infertility is a complex multifactorial problem that affects about 7% of men and 15% of couples worldwide. Many molecularmechanisms involved in male infertility. Destructive effects of infertility on the next generations are not wellunderstood. Approximately 60-75% of male infertility cases have idiopathic causes, and there is a need for additionalinvestigations other than routine examinations. Molecular factors that surround DNA, which are mitotically stable andindependently regulate genome activity of DNA sequences, are known as epigenetics. The known epigenetic mechanismsare DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs. Prevalence of metabolic diseases has beenincreased dramatically because of changes in lifestyle and the current levels of inactivity. Metabolic disorders, suchas obesity and diabetes, are prevalent reasons for male infertility; despite the association between metabolic diseasesand male infertility, few studies have been conducted on the effects of epigenetic alterations associated with thesediseases and sperm abnormalities. Diabetes can affect the reproductive system and testicular function at multiple levels;however, there are very few molecular and epigenetic studies related to sperm from males with diabetes. On theother hand, obesity has similar conditions, while male obesity is linked to notable alterations in the sperm moleculararchitecture affecting both function and embryo quality. Therefore, in this review article, we presented new and developedtechnologies to study different patterns of epigenetic changes, and explained the exact mechanisms of epigeneticchanges linked to metabolic diseases and their relationship with male infertility.

Abstract Background and Aim Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a monoclonal malignancy of B lymphocytes. Since common mutations in NOTCH1 and SF3B1, along with other possible chromosomal alterations, change disease severity and survival of patients with CLL, we aimed to evaluate the correlation of common mutations in NOTCH1 and SF3B1 as the poor prognostic markers with chromosomal abnormalities and clinical hematology. Method This retrospective study was performed on the peripheral blood of 51 patients diagnosed before chemotherapy with CLL. G‐banding karyotype and FISH were performed. For NOTCH1, exon 34 and for SF3B1, exons 14,15,16 were assessed using Sanger sequencing. Results The mutation frequency of NOTCH1 and SF3B1 with the pathogenic clinical status was 6:51 (11.76%), and variants obtained from both genes were 9:51 (17.64%). The frequency of SF3B1 mutation (K666E) was higher than in previous studies (p‐value