Mahsa Mahdizadeh, Zahra Arab-Bafrani, Seyyed Mehdi Jafari,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: Esophageal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Because this disease is usually diagnosed in advanced stages, its treatment is challenging and the survival rate of patients is relatively low. One of the parts that is disturbed in the tumor tissue of esophageal cancer is the tight connections between cells. Claudin-4 (CLDN-4) is one of the tight junction regulatory proteins whose changes are involved in cancer formation. In this systematic review, we examine the changes in CLDN-4 and the factors that affect its level in samples and cell lines related to esophageal cancer.
Methods: Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles that examined CLDN-4 gene and protein expression in patients with esophageal cancer or cell lines related to esophageal cancer. A number of 202 manuscripts were obtained in the beginning, and after screening and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six studies remained.
Results: Six studies, including 596 patients and seven cell lines related to esophageal tissues, were included in this systematic review. The studies were related to Japan, South Korea, China, and Finland. In these studies, the level of CLDN-4 in cancer samples related to esophageal cancer and their location in esophageal tissue cells have been examined.
Conclusion: In summary, it can be concluded that the change in the level of CLDN-4 in the tumor tissues of esophageal cancer altered the tight junctions from the normal state in the normal esophageal tissues, leading to a change in normal barrier function. However, considering the conflicting results in the reports, more studies are needed to accurately interpret the role of CLDN-4 in esophageal cancer.
Saeed Mahdianipur , Mahafarin Maralani , Homa Davoodi ,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2024)
Abstract
Monoamine neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, histamine, and adrenaline/noradrenaline (epinephrine/norepinephrine), are key neuromodulators in the nervous system that influence complex behavioral and cognitive functions. They also affect peripheral tissues and inflammation, playing a crucial role in the biology of various malignancies, including breast cancer, the most common cancer among women worldwide. These neurotransmitters are essential for mammary gland development and are linked to depression, a major breast cancer risk factor. Elevated levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines in depression may mediate neuroendocrine, neural, and immune pathways, affecting the metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters. In the tumor microenvironment, serotonin and norepinephrine generally exhibit pro-tumorigenic effects, while dopamine has shown promising anti-tumor activity by enhancing immune responses. Histamine also shows potential in anti-tumor immunity, although its effects on breast cancer progression remain inconclusive. Research into the relationship between these neurotransmitters and breast cancer cell growth highlights their significant role in breast cancer biology and their potential in improving treatment outcomes. This review explores the role of monoamine neurotransmitters in breast cancer progression, their immunomodulatory functions, and the therapeutic potential of targeting these neurotransmitters. By analyzing these complex relationships, we aim to illuminate novel therapeutic strategies that could enhance the clinical management of breast cancer.
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.
Gwunireama Israel Ukie , Collins Gospel Uchechukwu ,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background: This study compares the hand patterns and 2D:4D digit ratios (index finger length divided by ring finger length) of the Ikwerre and Ogoni ethnic groups in Rivers State, Nigeria, documenting their finger measurements and prevalence of specific hand characteristics.
Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 1,925 participants, ranging in age from 15 to 60, were gathered through a straightforward random sampling method. Their index finger (2D) and ring finger (4D) lengths were measured from the basal crease to the tip using a Digital Vernier Caliper. The 2D:4D ratios were then calculated for each subject on both hands. Based on the digit ratios, the overall hand patterns were evaluated, categorized as A, B, and C types, and then examined. IBM SPSS version 24.0 was employed for the data analysis. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value <0.05 and a 95% confidence level.
Results: The findings showed that the digit ratios of male and female Ikwerre subjects were 0.95±0.04 and 0.96±0.05, 0.97±0.08 and 0.98±0.05, respectively. The digit ratios for Ogoni males and females were 0.95±0.05 and 0.96±0.05, 0.97±0.05 and 0.97±0.05, respectively. Moreover, hand pattern A (2D˂4D) showed a higher prevalence in both genders in both ethnic groups. Right hand (82.1% for Ikwerre and 80.5% for Ogoni) and left hand (74.5% for Ikwerre and 77.4% for Ogoni), followed by pattern C (2D˃4D), right hand (17.5% for Ikwerre and 19.4% for Ogoni), and left hand (24.8% for Ikwerre and 22.3% for Ogoni). The least prevalent hand pattern was type B (2D=4D) for both genders across the ethnic groups.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that both Ikwerre and Ogoni groups have similar digit ratios, with hand pattern A being the most common, pattern C less common, and pattern B rare, showing consistent hand characteristics between the two ethnicities.
Aboalfazl Jafari-Sales , Zahra Ghahremani , Aylin Golestani , Mohadeseh Ghorbanpour Koulani Jadid , Kosar Hosseini-Karkaj , Kosar Soleymanpour , Mohammad Mahdi Salek Faramarzi , Mehrdad Pashazadeh ,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background: A major contributor to hospital-acquired infections, particularly in burn units, is Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Because this bacterium produces extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), antibiotic resistance is a significant treatment concern. In this work, P. aeruginosa isolates from burn victims in Tabriz were examined for antibiotic resistance patterns and the presence of the blaTEM gene.
Methods: In this descriptive-cross-sectional study, 100 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected from patients hospitalized in the burn wards of Tabriz hospitals over a six-month period. Standard biochemical methods were used to identify microorganisms. Antibiotic resistance patterns were assessed by the disk diffusion technique according to clinical and laboratory standards institute protocols. Additionally, the presence of the blaTEM gene was investigated by polymerase chain reaction, and ESBL production was confirmed by the combined disk test.
Results: The highest resistance rates were observed for levofloxacin (97%) and meropenem (92%), while the lowest was for ceftazidime (69%). Furthermore, 58% (58/100) of the isolates were ESBL-positive, half of which (50%, 29/58) carried the blaTEM gene.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that P. aeruginosa strains in burn units of Tabriz hospitals exhibited high antibiotic resistance. Half of ESBL-positive isolates carried the blaTEM gene, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring of antibiotic resistance patterns and prudent use of antibiotics.
