Showing 27 results for Mohammadi
Faezeh Ajam, Mehrdad Aghaei, Saeed Mohammadi, Mohsen Saeedi, Nasser Behnampour, Ali Memarian,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (7-2019)
Abstract
Study objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic and systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by inflammation and the destruction of the joints. It is well known that CD4+ T cells play a major role in the pathogenesis of RA. Expanded subpopulations of CD4+ T cells have been reported in RA patients. Here, we investigated the expression of PD-1 on subsets of CD4+ T cells (CD4+CD28- and CD4+CD28+ T cells) in the peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) of patients with RA.
Methods: A total of 42 RA patients, including 10 newly diagnosed (ND) and 32 relapsed (RL) cases and also 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Phenotypic characterization subsets of CD4+ T cells were evaluated by flow cytometry, using fluorescence conjugated specific human monoclonal antibodies.
Results: The frequency of CD4+CD28+ T cells was significantly increased in SF versus PB in ND and RL patients. In contrast, the percentage of CD4+CD28- T cells was elevated in PB of ND and RL patients comparison to SF. Expression of PD-1 on CD4+CD28+ and CD4+CD28- T cells in PB of ND and RL patients was significantly higher than the healthy controls. Furthermore, PD-1 expression on CD4+CD28+ and CD4+CD28- T cells in SF versus PB of RL patients were significant increased.
Conclusion: These data suggest that CD4+ T cells subsets in RA patients were resistance to PD-1 mediated effects and PD-1 has insufficient ability to suppression of CD4+T cells.
Saeed Mohammadi,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (12-2019)
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling has been introduced to be involved in macrophages polarization. The perturbation of AHR has been reported in hypoxia and related disorders. Here, I would like to highlight the significance of AHR in hypoxia-mediated macrophages polarization and suggest conducting further experiments on related subjects.
Eraj Baghery Nasab Najaf Abad, Ali Khajehlandi, Amin Mohammadi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (3-2020)
Abstract
Background and objective: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disease that leads to increased levels of lipids, therefore the present study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of aerobic training(AT) with silymarin (S)consumption on lipid profile in men with type 2 diabetes.
Material and Methods: 60 middle-aged male volunteers were randomly divided into 4 groups, including: (1) control(C) + placebo, (2) AT + placebo, (3) S consumption and (4) AT+S consumption. The AT groups performed for eight weeks, three sessions per week and 20-45 minutes per session at an intensity of 60 to 85% of the reserve heart rate, and the S groups of consumed 140 mg / kg of S daily (in two meals). Serum levels of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Cholesterol (CHO), and Triglyceride (TG) were measured before and after the test. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s test, and P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: AT reduced serum levels of LDL, CHO, TG and increased HDL in men with T2D(P ≥ 0.05). Consumption of S reduced LDL, CHO, TG and increased HDL in men with T2D(P ≥ 0.05). AT and S consumption reduced LDL, CHO, TG and increased HDL; also, decrease in LDL, CHO, TG and increase in HDL in the AT and S consumption group was more favorable than the effect of S alone (P ≥ 0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that AT and S consumption simultaneously have interactive effects on reducing LDL, CHO, TG and increasing HDL in men with T2D.
Omid Reza Salehi, Simin Ghabezi, Ali Khajehlandi, Amin Mohammadi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2020)
Abstract
Background and objective: Aging and menopause are associated with decreased antioxidant function, however, the role of exercise and estrogen consumption in the health of these people has been shown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the interactive effect of aerobic training (AT) and estrogen (Es) on serum levels of catalase (Cat) and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) enzymes in ovariectomized rats.
Material and Methods: In this experimental study, 45 ovariectomized rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 9 rats, including (1) control (C), (2) estrogen solvent (sesame oil) (Sh), (3) AT, (4), Es,and (5) AT+Es. Rats in groups 3 and 5 were trained for eight weeks and three sessions, and groups 4 and 5 randomly received 30 micrograms of estradiol valerate daily for eight weeks. Data analysis was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test at the significance level of 0.05.
Results: Cat levels in the AT (P= 0.006), Es (P= 0.005) and AT + Es (P = 0.001) groups were significantly higher than the control group. Cat levels in the AT + Es group were also significantly higher than in the Es group (P = 0.01). Gpx levels in the AT (P = 0.001), S (P = 0.001) and AT + Es (p = 0.001) groups were significantly higher than the control group, while in the S (P = 0.001) and AT + Es (P = 0.001) groups, they were significantly higher than the AT group.
Conclusion: It seems that aerobic training combined with estrogen consumption synergistically improves the function of the antioxidant system in ovariectomized rats. However, it seems that the signaling pathway of interventions requires further study.
Rasoul Azizi, Amin Mohammadi, Ali Khajehlandi,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (12-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Although the efficacy of selected training and antioxidant herbs in the treatment of diabetes mellitus has been determined, the interactive effect of selected training and aqueous extract of barberry on insulin resistance and risk factors of type2 diabetes mellitus is not well understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of barberry and selected training on some blood factors in men with type2 diabetes.
Material and Methods: In this study, 48 middle-aged men an age range of 40-50 years with type2 diabetes participated in the study. The participants were randomly divided into four groups of 12 subjects, including(1)control, (2)aqueous extract of barberry consumption, (3)aerobic training, and (4)aerobic training+ barberry consumption, based on insulin resistance index. The participants in the aqueous extract of barberry consumption group received200 ml of barberry juice daily for8 weeks and the training and training+ barberry consumption groups performed the training protocol designed in the study for 8 weeks, while the control group did not receive any intervention.
Results: After 8 weeks of exercise training and consumption of aqueous extract of barberry, insulin resistance index, fasting insulin level, fasting blood glucose level, triglyceride level, low density lipoprotein (LDL)and total cholesterol were significantly decreased compared to the control group and high density lipoprotein (HDL)had a significant increase; on the other hand, regarding the intergroup changes, only the levels of LDL and CHO were significant compared to the aqueous extract of barberry consumption and aerobic training.
Conclusion: In general, aqueous extract of barberry consumption and regular exercise training seems to be effective in improving insulin resistance index and blood lipids levels in type2 diabetic patients.
Mahmood Poorjam, Zeinab Mohammadi, Seyyed Mehdi Jafari,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Various investigation has shown the magnitude role of adenosine receptors in cancer development. The A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 G-protein-coupled cell surface Adenosine Receptors (ARs) are found to be upregulated in many types of cancers. The adenosine receptor function has been affected by specific ligands such as agonists and/or antagonists regulated cancer (Neoplasms) cells proliferation via signaling pathways. Adenosine not only is an important intermediate metabolite but also acts as the essential ligand of adenosine receptors in physiological and pathological conditions. Furthermore, many studies have shown that adenosine receptors expression has increased in many types of cancer. In this review, we first describe adenosine's role in physiological condition and in cancer development. We further, discuss the type of adenosine receptors, distribution, expression, and their roles in cancer.
Mahmoud Mohammadi, Leila Kohan, Mohsen Saeidi, Marie Saghaeian-Jazi, Saeed Mohammadi,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (5-2022)
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common and mostly progressive pathological outcome in various chronic inflammatory disorders. Dermal (skin) fibrosis, which is associated with intense skin lesions, is a result of an uncontrolled healing process in the dermis, particularly disproportionate fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Animal models are substantial tools in biomedical investigations and have been considerably employed to evaluate miscellaneous features of diseases that cannot be demonstrated otherwise in humans. To date, various skin fibrosis models have been generated, including the transgene and/or genetic models and chemical and drug-induced models. However, genetic models are sophisticated and need access to convoluted methods. Accordingly, the introduction of affordable and easy to generate fibrosis models in the skin is crucial. Here, we aimed to introduce the chemical/drug-induced skin fibrosis animal models to provide an updated list of available approaches.
Yousef Mohammadi-Kebar, Saeed Hoseini-Asl, Ahad Azami, Farhad Salehzadeh, Sanam Sadeghian,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (10-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Behcet's Disease (BD) is a rare severe recurrent inflammatory disorder affecting several body organs. Since Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and BD affect almost a specific population, both diseases can mimic the other clinically, and these two diseases sometimes occur in the same family and the same patient, also due to the high prevalence of BD in Iran and performing a small number of studies about MEFV gene mutations in patients with BD, this study aimed to determine the frequency of MEFV gene mutations in Ardabil patients with BD.
Material and Methods: Fifty patients with BD were diagnosed according to the International Study Group criteria for BD (for oral pests, genital pests, and ocular lesions, 2 points each, skin symptoms, vascular symptoms, positive pathogenesis test, and neurological symptoms, 1 point each). A score of 4 or higher indicated BD. All patients were analyzed for five common MEFV mutations (M694V, V726A, M680I, M694I, and E148Q) using amplification refractory mutation system and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) restriction-digestion testing methods. A cohort of 224 healthy people who had been previously genotyped regarding the five common MEFV mutations served as the control group.
Results: The mean age of patients was 38.68±11 years. Most BD patients (56%) and 50.4% of the control group were women. Of all patients, 66% (33) mentioned that their parents had no family relationship. Among 50 patients with BD, 12 (24%) had mutations in the MEFV gene, of which seven patients (58.3%) had E148Q mutation. Among healthy individuals, 57 patients (25.4%) had mutations, of which 39 (68.4%) had E148Q mutation. The difference between the two groups was not significant.
Conclusion: Results showed that most patients with BD had mutations in the MEFV gene and the most common case was E148Q mutation which was similar to the healthy population in terms of BD agent.
Alireza Shirmohammadi, Farhad Vafae, Farshid Namamian, Mohammad Taban,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Little attention to sustainability in business, particularly in the healthcare sector, together with the absence of a model within acceptable limits for this purpose, were among the main objectives to design a business sustainability model for healthcare facilities (viz., hospitals and medical centers) in the present study.
Material and Methods: The qualitative meta-synthesis approach was implemented in this study, and the most significant factors shaping sustainability in business were identified. The statistical population included the articles, books, and research reports published and retrieved from the reliable journals and databases, between 2002 and 2021. Moreover, the experts, i.e., the university professors and specialists involved in healthcare at Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran, were consulted. At this stage, snowball sampling was done based on the model proposed by Sandelowski and Barroso, until theoretical saturation was reached. In total, 26 articles were selected and finalized for the meta-synthesis. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) was correspondingly utilized to assess the quality of the study samples, and Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ) was employed to measure the validity of the extracted codes.
Results: The study findings demonstrated that the business sustainability model for the healthcare sector comprised of 3 categories (viz. environmental, social, and economic), 12 concepts, and 65 codes, with a very goodness of fit.
Conclusion: In sum, business sustainability in healthcare facilities could be achieved if all environmental, social, and economic components developed in the give model as well as the effective indicators within each category were taken into account.
Seyedeh Almas Fahim Yeganeh, Hanieh Raghimi, Mohammad Reza Mohammadi,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (7-2023)
Abstract
Seyedeh Almas Fahim Yeganeh1 
,
Hanieh Raghimi2 ,
Mohammad Reza Mohammadi 3
Background: Severely contagious, a beta coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread worldwide since December 2019, a life-threatening disease that leads to high mortality.
Methods: This study had 200 cases referred and admitted to 5th Azar Hospital in May and June 2020. Treatment started based on signs and symptoms and confirming positive CT scan findings. RT-PCR test is done for all of them. Patients are categorized due to age, underlying diseases, CT scan findings, and mortality.
Results: Diabetes mellitus (DM) was the most frequent underlying disease (35%), following hypertension (23.5%) and cardiovascular problems (9.5%). Although the severity of CT scan findings within the expired patients’ group was more than survived, the relation was insignificant (P=0.247). The mean age of cases who died was at least ten years more than survived. There was a mortality risk of 5.9 folds in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients comparing patients free of CVD.
Conclusion: In dealing with involved COVID-19 patients considering their age and co-morbidities will help manage earlier and pay more attention to these cases.
Fatemeh Abbasi , Nazanin Mortazavi , Nasser Behnampour , Masoud Mohammadi, Saeed Mohammadi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world and the third most common cancer in developing countries. Early detection of oral cancer can reduce mortality in several ways. The aim of the present study was to combine the quantitative results of various studies concerning serum and salivary microRNAs for early diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guideline. We searched all the relevant English studies in international databases of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, ProQuest, Embase, and Wiley until February 2022. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for each study. A total of 672 articles were found. After screening, 93 articles were approved for systematic review. Finally, 5 completely relevant articles were examined in the meta-analysis.
Results: Considering all studies regarding miRNAs, the combined results indicated that AUC = 0.73, with a sensitivity of 71.68% and a specificity of 69.95%, could be used for HNSCC diagnosis. Due to the moderate sensitivity and specificity of miRNAs, they may be able to confirm or exclude suspected cases of this disease, enhancing their utility as clinical diagnostic indicators.
Conclusion: The available data provide evidence that miRNAs, especially MiR-31 expression in the saliva, serum, or plasma, can be used as a diagnostic biomarker for HNSCC patients. However, controlled clinical trials with large sample sizes are needed to validate different miRNAs.
Yalda Sadeghi, Ali Khajehlandi, Mohabat Salehi, Amin Mohammadi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Obesity carries great risks related to health, such as the development and progression of chronic inflammation and obvious metabolic disorders. This study aimed to examine the effect of eight weeks of moderate-intensity resistance training with garlic supplementation on the lipid profile in overweight women.
Methods: The present research was a semi-experimental study and the participants were 60 overweight women from Gachsaran City with (body mass index: 28/45±6/72) who were randomly divided into four groups (n = 15): supplemental exercise, placebo exercise, garlic supplemental, and placebo. Two training groups performed moderate-intensity resistance training for eight weeks and three sessions per week. One day before the start of training and 48 hours after the last training session, blood samples were collected to measure total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), LDL-C, and HDL-C variables. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and LSD post-hoc test.
Results: Findings showed that there is a significant decrease in the serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C and a significant increase in HDL-C (P<0.05) serum levels in three groups of supplemental exercise, placebo exercise, and garlic supplemental compared to the placebo group.
Conclusion: Moderate-intensity resistance training with and without consuming garlic improves overweight women's lipid profile, and when exercise is accompanied by consuming garlic, the amount of these changes and improving the lipid profile is greater.
Saeed Mahdianipur, Saeed Mohammadi, Afifeh Jaefari, Homa Davoodi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter with extensive physiological effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS) and various biological functions, including the regulation of immunity through 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HTRs) expressed by immune cells such as macrophages. Phenelzine, a medication used in managing treatment-resistant depression, acts as a potent monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). This enzyme metabolizes serotonin into 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). Antidepressants e.g., Phenelzine may benefit patients with neurological disorders, who can also be prone to immune-related conditions and cancer. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of Phenelzine, serotonin, and 5-HIAA on RAW264.7 macrophages.
Methods: We cultured RAW264.7 macrophages as a model that could express transporter receptors and enzymes associated with serotonin. We utilized MTT assay to evaluate the survival of RAW264.7 cells exposed to different concentrations of Phenelzine, serotonin, and 5-HIAA, pre-treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Results: Our findings revealed that LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells exhibited increased resistance to the cytotoxic effects of Phenelzine. Treatment with serotonin resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in RAW264.7 cell proliferation. In contrast, 5-HIAA did not significantly impact cell viability.
Conclusion: The present study reveals the effect of Phenelzine and serotonin on viability of RAW264.7 macrophages, particularly in the context of inflammation. It demonstrates increased resistance to the cytotoxic effects of Phenelzine in RAW264.7 cells treated with LPS. Our study contributes to a broader understanding of the potential systemic impacts of antidepressant medications and the intricate interplay between the serotonergic system and immune responses.
Azar Mohammadi, Abdolhossein Taheri Kalani, Mahnaz Omidi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: When metabolic demands increase due to an obesity-induced high-fat diet (HFD), mitochondrial function is impaired, production can increase, and oxidative stress occurs. This type of stress has been shown to play a key role in various pathological conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cancers. This study aims to evaluate the impact of HFD and resistance training (RT) on oxidative stress biomarkers and cardiac health in rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 21 male Wistar rats (weighing 200-300 g) were randomly and equally assigned into the following groups: control (CTRL), HFD, and HFD+ RT. Animals in the HFD groups received a high-fat diet for 23 weeks. During the treatments, rats in the HFD+ RT group, besides receiving a high-fat diet, performed the progressive RT protocol three times per week with 30- 100% of their body mass in the last eight weeks. At the end of the treatments, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in cardiac tissue were measured by colorimetric method. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test at a significant level of P<0.05.
Results: HFD did not alter levels of SOD, GPX, TAC, or MDA in cardiac tissue. Cardiac SOD (P=0.021), GPX (P=0.024), and TAC (P=0.041) levels in the HFD+ RT increased significantly compared to the HFD group, but there was no significant difference in cardiac MDA levels between the three groups (P=0.438).
Conclusion: RT seems to improve cardiac tissue oxidative stress adaptations in an animal model fed with an HFD.
Ali Khademi , Zeinolabedin Mohammadi , Farideh Tohidi ,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic infection that causes significant health problems. This study aimed to survey the prevalence of Leishmania and Crithidia spp. co-infection in the wounds of patients with suspected Leishmaniasis in Golestan Province, northern Iran.
Methods: This retrospective descriptive study included 140 smears of patients suspected of CL who were referred to the Leishmaniasis Diagnostic Laboratory in Aq-Qala Health Center, Golestan Province, northern Iran, in 2019–2020. The sore smears, along with demographic and epidemiological data of patients, were obtained from the laboratory archives. DNA was extracted from Giemsa-stained smears, and PCR was performed on the ITS1 and GPDH genes for Leishmania and Crithidia spp., respectively.
Results: In our research, 140 patients suspected of CL were studied. PCR results showed that 117 patients (83.5%) were positive for L. major, three patients (2.1%) were positive for L. tropica, and 20 patients (14.2%) were negative for the Leishmania parasite. One patient’s smear was positive for Crithidia species. Five patients (3.5%) had a history of treated leishmaniasis. The results indicated that 74.7% of the patients with one wound, 89.5% of the patients with two wounds, 96.4% of the patients with three wounds, 90.9% of the patients with four wounds, and 100% of the patients with five or more wounds were positive for L. major.
Conclusion: More studies should be conducted in the field of simultaneous infection of Leishmania and Crithidia in humans. In addition, research on the effect of leishmaniasis treatments on Crithidia spp. can be useful.
Samira Juibari, Anna Rashedi, Mohammad Mojerloo, Zeinab Mohammadi, Saeid Amirkhanlou,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background: End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients under maintenance hemodialysis are at higher risk for COVID-19 and severe outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association between ESRD patients who underwent maintenance hemodialysis at 5th Azar and Sayad Shirazi Hospital in Golestan Province in 2019 and their risk of acquiring and experiencing severe outcomes from COVID-19. Furthermore, this study aimed to provide insights into the epidemic status of COVID-19 in this specific population, contributing to better insight into the unique challenges faced by ESRD patients on hemodialysis during the pandemic.
Methods: This retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on patients who underwent maintenance hemodialysis. The diagnosis was made based on diagnostic criteria and COVID-19 PCR test. Medical information of all participants was collected. Medical information including clinical, laboratory, and radiological data as well as morbidity and mortality were collected and analyzed by experts. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Normality was evaluated using Shapiro-Wilk test and comparison between groups was analyzed using student T-test and Mann-Whitney U tests (P-Value < 0.05).
Results: The most prevalent radiological findings were ground glass opacities, observed in 46.7% of cases, followed by linear opacities, noted in 26.7% of cases. Most patients (86.6%) were discharged and four of them (13.4%) passed away. WBC, serum creatinine, and age were significantly associated with ESRD patients’ mortality (P-Value < 0.05). The patients who passed away were old and had higher levels of WBC and creatinine (P-Value > 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the age and BMI of passed away and discharged patients. None of the other laboratory parameters in the two groups of passed away and discharged patients with COVID-19 showed a significant difference (P-Value > 0.05).
Conclusion: ESRD patients who underwent hemodialysis due to their underlying problems and the crowded environment of dialysis wards more than the general population are at risk of getting COVID-19.
Zeinab Mohammadi, Marie Saghaeian Jazi , Seyyed Mehdi Jafari , Seyed Mostafa Mir , Massoud Amanlou , Jahanbakhsh Asadi ,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background: Bone remodeling involves a balance between osteoblast-driven formation and osteoclast-mediated resorption, with disruptions leading to diseases like osteoporosis. Midazolam (MDZ), known for its sedative properties, has shown effects on cellular differentiation and hydroxyapatite formation in dental cells. However, its role in promoting osteogenic differentiation in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) remains unexplored, motivating this study to investigate its potential in bone regenerative therapies.
Methods: Human bone marrow stem cells were cultured in the complete media with α-MEM, 10% FBS, and 1% pen/strep. Cell viability was determined with MTT assay in different concentrations of MDZ (0.125 to 1 µM) for 72 hours. Osteogenic differentiation was induced over 21 days using the selected doses of MDZ with osteogenic medium. The Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining was performed to determine the calcium deposit for osteoblast cells. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The MTT results for different concentrations of MDZ (0.125 to 1 µM) showed no significant cytotoxic effects on hBMSCs after 72 hours. Furthermore, ARS staining revealed increased calcium deposits in 0.5 µM MDZ compared to untreated and DMSO groups (P-Value =0.0001). These findings suggest that MDZ promotes mineralization at lower concentrations, highlighting its potential in osteogenic applications.
Conclusion: Midazolam promotes osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, particularly at 0.5 µM concentration, without cytotoxic effects. These findings demonstrate that MDZ may be a potential compound for osteoblastogenesis; however, these findings require further in vivo studies to confirm the idea.
Milad Ahmad-Aghdami , Saeed Mohammadi ,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by heterogeneous clinical manifestations and the production of autoantibodies, making early diagnosis challenging. Traditional diagnostic methods lack sensitivity and specificity, leading to delayed intervention and irreversible organ damage. Single-cell technologies offer a novel opportunity to investigate the cellular landscape of SLE at the level of individual cells. By profiling the gene expression, protein expression, and functional states of thousands of individual cells simultaneously, these technologies can reveal critical findings such as the expansion of type I interferon-producing pDCs and dysregulated T/B cell subsets involved in SLE pathogenesis. This editorial highlights the transformative potential of single-cell analysis in identifying disease-relevant cell populations and their functional states, ultimately paving the way for earlier diagnosis, personalized treatment, and improved outcomes for patients with SLE.
Jahanbakhsh Asadi , Asra Askari , Zeinab Mohammadi , Babaisan Askari ,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (6-2025)
Abstract
Background: The higher occurrence of NAFLD is associated with insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes. A diet with high fat or sucrose serves as a NAFLD inducer in rats, which exhibits significant variability and generally results in low levels of liver inflammation and fibrosis. Our study highlights the role of combining animal fats with high sucrose in inducing NAFLD in Wistar rats.
Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats, 8 to 10 weeks old, were randomly divided into two groups: Control (healthy) and NAFLD induction. Weekly weight changes were recorded. After one week of adapted feeding, a 30% vegetable oil and 10% solid sugar diet was added to standard pellets to induce the NAFLD model. After ten weeks, the weight/time of progression of each mouse was measured. Serum and tissue samples were separated and stored for biochemical and histopathological studies. Comparisons were made using independent t-test for two groups with SPSS version 22. The significance level was set at 0.05.
Results: Our results illustrated that weight/time progress increased in the NAFLD-induced group (0.679 g ± 0.02, P < 0.001) more than in the control group (0.559 g ± 0.03). Additionally, FBS (P = 0.001), lipid profile [TG/HDL (P = 0.006), LDL/HDL (P = 0.03), Chol/HDL (P = 0.006), TG (P = 0.005), CHOL (P = 0.001), LDL (P = 0.008), VLDL (P = 0.005), HDL (P = 0.01)], liver function enzymes [ALT (P = 0.001), AST (P = 0.001)[ and IL-6 serum levels were significantly increased in the NAFLD-induced group compared to control rats (P = 0.001). Besides, the obtained results illustrated that the serum level of albumin was significantly decreased in NAFLD-induced rats compared to controls (P = 0.004). Moreover, Oil Red and H&E staining confirmed grade two steatosis induction.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates significant metabolic abnormalities and steatosis in NAFLD-induced rats, underscoring the detrimental impact of this disease on liver function and overall health. These findings highlight the urgent need for further research into effective interventions for NAFLD.
Mojtaba Raeisi , Paria Tavakkoli , Masood Aman Mohammadi ,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (6-2025)
Abstract
Background: Essential oils derived from medicinal plants have attracted increasing attention as natural alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial agents, especially in food safety and preservation. Urtica dioica (nettle) and Malva spp. (mallow) are traditionally known for their medicinal properties, yet their combined antibacterial effects remain underexplored. This study investigated the in vitro antibacterial activity of nettle and mallow essential oils, both individually and in combination (1:1 ratio), against ten common foodborne pathogens responsible for spoilage and contamination.
Methods: Essential oils were extracted from U. dioica and Malva spp., then tested alone and in a 1:1 (v/v) combination for their antibacterial efficacy using agar disk diffusion and broth microdilution assays. The tested bacterial strains included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, Alcaligenes faecalis, Serratia marcescens, Salmonella enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae, Listeria monocytogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. Gentamicin (10 µg/disk) was used as a positive control. Data were analyzed to calculate the inhibition zone diameter (DIZ), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). All experiments were performed in triplicate (n = 3), and results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test to compare differences among treatment groups.
Results: All essential oil formulations showed antibacterial activity, with MIC values for nettle essential oil (NEO) ranging from 1,250 to 5,000 µg/mL and for mallow essential oil (MEO) from 2,500 to 10,000 µg/mL. The 1:1 combination of NEO and MEO retained NEO’s favorable MIC and delivered a lower MBC for K. pneumoniae compared to MEO alone. Across strains, MIC differences were not uniformly significant. For L. monocytogenes, NEO showed equal MIC and MBC (1,250 µg/mL), indicating its bactericidal activity.
Conclusion: Nettle and mallow essential oils possess significant antibacterial activity against key foodborne pathogens. Their simultaneous application yielded additive effects against some pathogens. These findings support the potential of these essential oils as natural antimicrobial agents to be used in food preservation systems, including for antimicrobial packaging and as edible coatings or surface sanitizers.
