javad poursamimi

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the partial or complete destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. This study aimed to investigate and analyze the impact of peripheral neuropathy (PN) on the quality of life of patients with diabetes.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on patients with type 1 diabetes from March 21, 2022. The patients were divided into two groups: those with PN and those without it. The presence or absence of PN was identified using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), and the quality of life was assessed by the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0. Of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S), independent t, Mann-Whitney, and one-way ANOVA tests were applied. A statistically significant level lower than 0.05 was deemed significant.

The study involved 30 patients (16 males and 14 females) with a mean age of 14.57±4.51 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) of all patients was 21.88±3.98. The average age of patients with PN was 14.57 ± 4.35 years, while for those without PN were 14.56 ± 4.78 years. In addition, the mean white blood cell (WBC) count in patients with PN was higher at 7.87 ± 1.63 compared to those without PN at 7.31 ± 2.06. The average red blood cell (RBC) count in patients with PN (5.12 ± 0.15) was approximately similar to those without PN (5.13 ± 0.14). Lastly, the mean platelet (Plt) count in patients with PN (270.93 ± 95.71) was lower than in those without PN (325.81 ± 80). Fourteen patients (46.7%) displayed symptoms of PN, including 10 female patients (71.4%) and 4 male patients (28.6%). Additionally, 16 patients (53.3%) did not exhibit PN, including 4 female patients (25%) and 12 male patients (75%). The mean age of patients with PN was 14.57±4.35 years, and it was 14.56±4.78 years in patients without PN (P>0.05). The mean HbA1c level in patients with PN was 5.84±0.30, and it was 5.95±0.48 in patients without it (P>0.05). Overall, there were no significant differences in these blood parameters between the two groups. The mean score of quality of life in patients with PN was 91.86±15.2 and it was 98.19±15.63 in patients without PN. Additionally, men (97.38±13.23) had a higher mean score than women (92.79±17.79) (P=0.011). The mean score of the social relationships domain in patients with PN (10.43±2.10) was significantly lower compared to patients without PN (10.50±2.56). In terms of physical health, patients with PN had a lower score (24.50±3.23) than patients without PN (28.13±4.47) (P=0.018). Similarly, in terms of mental state, patients with PN had a lower mean score (21.17±3.79) compared to patients without PN (25.00±3.48) (P=0.02). Additionally, the Overall quality of life scale for patients with PN (5.79±1.63), was lower than patients without PN (7.44±1.86) (P=0.016).

This study found that increased HbA1c levels did not influence the severity of neuropathy in patients. However, it was observed that the severity of neuropathy had an inverse effect on the quality of life. Furthermore, women had a lower quality of life compared to men.

The side effects of anticancer drugs such as paclitaxel can include hepatotoxicity, which is caused by the destruction of cell structure after inhibiting microtubule polymerization. This study aimed to explore the dose-dependent protective effects of magnesium sulfate on paclitaxel-induced liver damage in Wistar rats.

Thirty-two male Wistar rats weighing between 200 g and 250 g were purchased and divided into four groups of eight, including normal control, paclitaxel, treatment I, and treatment II groups. The normal control and paclitaxel groups only received saline and paclitaxel (at 10 mg/kg), respectively. The treatment group I received paclitaxel at a dose of 10 mg/kg along with magnesium sulfate at a dose of 75 mg/kg, and treatment group II received paclitaxel at a dose of 10 mg/kg along with magnesium sulfate at a dose of 150 mg/kg. Sampling was conducted at the end of the week. Serum and hepatic tissues were used for protein analysis and histomorphological examination.

The mean serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the paclitaxel group were higher than those in the normal control group. However, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) serum level in the paclitaxel group was lower than that in the normal control group. A decreasing trend was observed in the levels of the three enzymes (AST, ALT, and GGT) in the treatment groups I and II, although they were still higher than the normal control group. No significant differences were found in the mean serum ALP levels among the normal control group, paclitaxel group, and treatment groups I and II. Based on other findings, the transformation of hepatocytes into granular cells, balloon nucleus, congestion and sinusoidal dilatation, Grande-Glass appearance, fibrotic tissue in perisinusoidal areas, microvascular steatosis, and lipofuscin pigment were revealed, especially in the paclitaxel group. Recent findings were associated with a decrease in treatment groups I and II.

In our study, more severe hepatic functional and histomorphological changes were found in the paclitaxel-treated group. These changes included higher mean serum levels of AST, ALT, and GGT, as well as characteristics such as granular hepatocytes, lipofuscin pigment, fibrous tissue, ground-glass appearance, ballooned nuclei, pyknosis of nuclei, and microsteatosis. The treatment groups I and II, which received incremental doses of magnesium sulfate, demonstrated better outcomes.

europathic pain can arise from injury or illness affecting the somatosensory system. It can also be triggered by cancer or chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel. Researchers have indicated that magnesium sulfate may help in preventing neuropathy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of magnesium sulfate on paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain by inhibiting the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Alpha - receptor-associated factor 6 - Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (TNF-α-TRAF6-NF-κB) axis. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups: experiment group (E)-1, E2, E3, and the control group (Co). The experimental groups and the control group received paclitaxel at a dosage of 8 mg/kg every other day, totaling four injections over seven days. In addition, magnesium sulfate was administered daily in three doses of 300, 150, and 75 mg/kg, amounting to seven injections over the course of seven days. On the seventh day, peripheral blood samples were collected from the rats, and sera were used for the analysis of TNF-α serum levels and MicroRNA-146a-5p expression using ELISA and qRT-PCR methods, respectively. The serum levels of TNF-α increased in the E1, E2, and E3 groups compared to the control group. However, there was a gradual decrease in the E1, E2 and E3 groups. The miR-146a-5p expression declined in the E1 group and increased in the E2 and E3 groups compared to the control group. This study demonstrated that administering 300 and 150 mg of magnesium sulfate decreased TNF-α synthesis and reduced the function of the TNF-α-TRAF6-NF-κB axis during the initiation step.

Cytokines play an essential role in regulating the interaction of immune cells in diabetes and infections such as toxoplasmosis. The purpose of this study was to examine the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus with toxoplasmosis, and to explore their inter-relationship. Forty patients with diabetes mellitus, including 20 with type 1 and 20 with type 2, as well as 20 healthy subjects, voluntarily participated in the study. Each subject provided 5 mL of peripheral blood for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus who also had toxoplasmosis showed a significant increase in TGF-β levels and a decrease in IL-6 levels. In contrast, patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus displayed a slight increase in IL-6 and IL-17 levels compared to both the patients with type 2 diabetes and the healthy control group. Our findings show an increase in TGF-β and a decrease in IL-6, which may suggest a reduction in inflammation and beta cell destruction in individuals with type 2 diabetes and toxoplasmosis. The elevated serum levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in individuals with type 1 diabetes further support the exacerbation of inflammation.

Urinary stones are hard deposits of salts and minerals in the urinary tract, and their formation depends on various factors, including people's lifestyle. Numerous reports have evaluated the prevalence of urinary stones in different parts of Iran. This study provided an update on the previously mentioned research.

This descriptive-analytical epidemiological study examined 309 cases of patients suffering from urinary stones referred to the Zabol hospitals in 2019-2021.

The frequency of men (68%) was higher than that of women (32%). The mean age of men (39.9 ± 1.02 years) was also higher than that of women (37.6 ± 1.4 years). The distribution of stone formation by location was as follows: kidney 52.1%, ureter 34.3%, and bladder 13.6%. The distribution of occupations among participants was as follows: employees 23.9%, students 5.8%, housewives 18.4%, self-employed 38.2%, unemployed 5.8%, and retired individuals 7.8%. Among the subjects, 6.8% had diabetes, 8.4% had hypertension, 17.5% were obese, 9.4% had both hypertension and diabetes, 3.9% had hypertension and obesity, and 3.6% had obesity and diabetes. Additionally, 32.7% of participants visited the hospital in the spring, 25.6% in the summer, 22.3% in the autumn, and 19.4% in the winter.

In line with previous studies, the most frequent patients were in the men’s group. Considering the high prevalence in jobs, both employee and freelance, lack of movement can be regarded as an influential factor in the occurrence of the disease.

Cytokines play an essential role in regulating the interaction of immune cells in diabetes and infections such as toxoplasmosis. This study was conducted to investigate the serum levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) in diabetic patients with toxoplasmosis.

This study was conducted in Zabol City on patients with type I and type II diabetes, both with and without toxoplasmosis. The serum levels of target cytokines were measured using the ELISA method. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, and chi-square test was utilized to examine demographic indices.

A significant increase in TGF-β levels was observed in the group with type II diabetes and toxoplasmosis. Additionally, a slight rise in serum IL-6 levels was noted in the group with type I diabetes. However, the level of TGF-β was decreased in this group.

The present study revealed that an increase in TGF-β and a decrease in IL-6 in patients with type II diabetes and toxoplasmosis may indicate a reduction in inflammation within this specific group.

Diabetic nephropathy and peripheral neuropathy complications are attributed to the elevated concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. This cytokine, recognized as a crucial biomarker, plays a pivotal role in investigating the pathogenesis of diabetes due to its level fluctuations in glomerular, tubular damage, and fibrosis. This study explores the dose-dependent effect of magnesium sulfate on the serum concentration of TNF-α in an animal model induced with paclitaxel.

Twenty-four male Wistar rats with a mean weight of 200±40 g were randomly divided into four groups: three experimental groups (E1, E2, and E3) and a control group, each comprising six mice. To induce neuropathy, paclitaxel (10 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered every other day. To prevent neuropathy occurrence, magnesium sulfate (doses of 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally prescribed daily. Sampling was conducted after 10 days, and serums were separated to measure TNF-α concentration using the ELISA method.

The mean±SD serum level of TNF-α in the E1 group (2.31±0.26 pg/ml) significantly increased compared to the control group (1.46±0.21) (P<0.05). In the E3 group, the mean±SD serum level of TNF-α (4.54±1.32) also significantly increased compared to the control group. However, there was an insignificant increase in TNF-α serum level in the E2 group (3.34±1.08) compared to the control group (P>0.05).

This study, confirming the rise in TNF-α serum level induced by paclitaxel, demonstrates that the dose-dependent administration of magnesium sulfate (300 and 150 mg/kg) reduces the potential incidence of nephropathy and peripheral neuropathy by lowering TNF-α serum levels

Blood coagulation is a process that prevents blood loss. Lack of coagulation factors (inherited or acquired) disrupts this path. The prevalence of coagulant deficiency including VIII and XIII factors in Sistan and Baluchistan province is higher than in other parts of Iran. This study aimed to investigate the condition of patients suffering from some bleeding disorders (BDs) in terms of regular coagulant takes and their effects on quality of life.

Our cross-sectional study was descriptive-analytical. Thirty-five BD patients suffering the blood coagulant deficiency enrolled, and were sorted into 5 groups.

The mean (±SD) age in the hemophilia A and B groups were (16.25 ± 8.15), and (8.14 ± 3.9), and other coagulation factor deficiencies including VWF, XIII, and IX were (15.1 ± 7.8), (15.5 ± 2.4), and IX (19.0 ± 11.5) respectively. The quality of life in group A (81.3 ± 14.9) compared to groups B (50 ± 0.25) and IX(47.5 ± 24.1) had a significant difference (p value < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference in group XIII (79.2 ± 29.2) compared to groups B (50 ± 0.25) and IX (47.5 ± 24.1) (p value < 0.05). Generally, the quality of life was higher in women (10 people) (72.5 ± 26.2) than in men (26 people) (61.1 ± 24.5). Furthermore, the Visual analog scale for pain in group A (1.3 ± 0.4) had a significant difference compared to group B (3.5 ± 0.43), IX (7.8 ± 0.9), XIII (0.4 ± 4.3) and VWF (3.2 ± 0.38)(p value < 0.05).

In sum, patients with hemophilia A and coagulation factor XIII deficiency had low levels of joint pain and a high level of quality of life dimensions.

A gastric ulcer is a mucosal lesion of the stomach that may occur after taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, especially in cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytoprotective effects of the aqueous extract of oak (Jaft) against the mucosal damage effects of aspirin.

Seventy-two female Wistar rats weighing 200‒240 g were prepared and divided into 6 groups. Groups I, II, and III received the Jaft extract at doses of 250 mg/kg/d, 500 mg/kg/d, and 750 mg/kg/d, respectively, and Group IV received omeprazole at a dose of 200 mg/kg/d. Groups V (patient’s control) and VI (healthy control) both received saline (0.9%) at 1 mL/kg/d . Mice were given aspirin (200 mg/kg/d) for inducing the gastric ulcer. After 14 days, they were anesthetized with ether, their stomachs were removed, and the blocks of tissue were prepared. The tissues were stained using the hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) dye and analyzed by the Olympus light microscope and OLYSIA software. Finally, IBM SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis of the data.

The means ± standard deviation (SD) of the mucosal thickness in groups taking the Jaft extracts (250, 500, and 700 mg) decreased compared to the aspirin group (P < 0.05). In addition, the mean ± SD of the mucosal gland thickness and mucosal folds in group V (with aspirin) decreased compared to the 250, 500, and 700 extract groups (P > 0.05). The epithelial cell destruction, edema, venous congestion, and destruction of the capillaries of the mucosal and sub-mucosal areas in the extract groups decreased compared to the V group. Likewise, the number of mucosal cells in the gastric gland and the size of gastric parietal cells in the extract groups decreased compared to the V group.

This study generally elucidated the cytoprotective effect of the Jaft extract in the mouse model of gastric ulcer.

The autoimmune disease of multiple sclerosis is characterized by inflammation and nerve tissue destruction. There are documents for the nutritional factors' effects on the occurrence and disease cycle. Food pattern is an essential factor in chronic disease prognosis. This study was designed to investigate the status of the nutritional pattern and quality of life of MS patients.

The number 40 MS patients who have been referred to Zabol Red Crescent and MS Association for Services and Medicine during the past year were enrolled in the initial stage of registration. Finally, 30 patients were included in the study and were examined in three types of diet (unhealthy, Mediterranean, and traditional).

Their Mean ± SD of age, height, and weight of women and men were (35.69 ± 1.8; 40.57 ± 4.22.) years, (162.69 ± 1.25; 175.29 ± 2.54) cm, and (64.0 ± 2.36; 71.14 ± 3.78) kg respectively. The majority of women and men were at the high school level 56.67% and 57.14% respectively. 61.89 percent of patients followed the Mediterranean pattern. 82.6% of the women and 71.42% of the men suffered from low levels of mental disorders. The most frequency of body mass index belonged to the women group in the third level (39.13%) and the lowest to the fourth group (8.69%). 63.33% of the patients did not do any type of sports. 6.7% of patients with high activity did not have any symptoms of physical disorders. The economic index of the good level in the women and men was 34.78% and 42.85% respectively.

In this study, the Mediterranean pattern was the most attractive, and the number of physical disorders was more than the number of mental. It was uncovered that providing the required training for modifying dietary patterns can be very effective in the management of disease symptoms.

Gamma rays are widely used in medicine despite their harmful effects on health. Our study evaluated the protective effects of melatonin on kidney, heart, and liver tissues.

Seventy-two adult male Wistar rats were categorized into nine groups. Groups 2 and 3 only received whole-body γ-ray irradiation (WBI) (2.0 Gy), no melatonin,  interval time (IT) 8hr and 24hr. Groups 4 and 5 received WBI (8.0 Gy, no melatonin, 8hr and 24hr). Groups 6 and 7 received melatonin at 60 minutes (min) before WBI(2.0 Gy). Groups 8 and 9 received melatonin before WBI(8.0 Gy). All the rats were sacrificed 8 or 24 h after the experiments for laboratory and histopathological analysis. Serum levels of Blood Urea Nitrogen(BUN), Creatinine (Cr), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Potassium (K), Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase(SGOT), Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase(SGPT), Alkaline Phosphatase(ALP), c-reactive protein(CRP), Troponine(TPO)  and histological features of liver, heart and kidney tissues were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed by One-Way ANOVA.

Our data did not indicate significant differences in BUN, Cr, K, and CRP between groups with or without melatonin treatment (P>0.05); but differences were significant for LDH, GGT, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, and TPO (P<0.05). The results showed that radiation-induced histopathological effects on the liver, heart, and kidneys were mitigated in the groups six to nine.

The existence of significant differences in serum levels of LDH, GGT, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, and TPO in groups(6 to 9) and amelioration of the histopathological effects of irradiation on the liver, heart, and kidneys in the groups six to nine showed that the melatonin(100 mg/kg)  is able to protect the body in gamma-radiation(2.0 Gy and 8.0 Gy).

Acute respiratory infections are caused by a wide range of viruses. Respiratory spread is the main process of disease transmission. We evaluated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) indices.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on patients-files between September 2019 and March 2021. 102 patients were evaluated. 26 men and 30 women were included in the acute coronary group, 16 men and 30 women were included in the non-acute coronary group.

The mean age of women (53.0 ± 1.9) was higher than that of men (50.2 ± 2.02) in the acute coronary group. The mean NLR index in coronary men (65 ± 1.47) was higher than non-acute coronary men (54 ± 1.76). It was also higher in coronary women (54 ± 2.78 ± 10) than non-acute coronary women (24 ± 1.97) (p value > 0.05). PLR index of coronary men (85 ± 43.15) was lower than the non-acute men (48.3 ± 48.15). But this index was lower in coronary women (36.3 ± 5.22) than the non-acute women (2.4 ± 2.25) (p value > 0.05). The mean of MLR index in coronary men (0.16 ± 0.025) was less than the coronary women (0.03 ± 0.26) (p value > 0.05). The mean MLR index in non-acute men (0.04 ± 0.22) was lower than the non-acute women (0.02 ± 0.23) (p value > 0.05). The mean MLR in the coronary men (0.025 ± 0.16) was lower than non-acute men (0.04 ± 0.22). This index was higher in coronary women (0.03 ± 0.26) than the non-acut women (0.02 ± 0.23) (p value > 0.05).

The changes in NLR, PLR and MLR indices were in accordance with global studies but were not significant. It may be due to immune responses of patients and laboratory errors (sampling and performing techniques)

Diabetics usually suffer from chronic complications, including microvascular and macrovascular disorders. The capillaries supplying the sexual organs affect normal sexual functions. The erectile process has been shown to be impaired in diabetics. Vascular damage in diabetics may be associated with decreased testosterone production, sperm count, testicular weight, and seminiferous tubule diameter. In this study, we investigated the effects of Aloe vera gel extract (from Sistan and Baluchistan, Iran) on the male genital system in streptozocininduced diabetic rats.

A total of 24 male Wistar rats were included in the study. Diabetes was induced in 12 rats by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were divided into four groups. The first and third groups received saline (NaCl) by gavage daily. The second and fourth groups received Aloe vera gel extract daily by gavage. Treatments were continued for 30 days. At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were taken and serum glucose and testosterone levels were measured by photometric methods. Histological examinations were performed on the prostate and testes.

Mean weight index, serum levels of glucose and testosterone, mean sperm count, germinal epithelium (GE) thickness, and seminiferous tubule diameter improved significantly in the diabetes + Aloe vera group.

We concluded that consumption of Aloe vera gel extract improved sexual complications in diabetic rats.

Cleft Lip and Palate (CL±CP) are congenital malformations that occur in two forms CL±CP and CL only. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CL±CP and associated risk factors in a group of newborns in Zabol in 2020.

In the present descriptive-analytical study, we examined all newborns born at Amir Al-Momenin (AS) Hospital in Zabol between April 2018 and the end of March 2019. Eighty-eight births in which this complication occurred were studied.

The prevalence of CL±CP in the total study population was 0.22% or 2.22 newborns per 1000 live births. In the present study, 35.2% had left unilateral CL±CP (n = 31), 31.8% had CL (n = 28), 20.5% had bilateral CL±CP (n = 18), 10.2% (n = 9) had CL±CP unilateral at the right side, CL 1.1% (n = 1) and 1.1% had medial cleft. The most common disorders in boys were CL, CL and unilateral left lip. In girls, CL± unilateral CP were the most common complications. Babies with left unilateral cleft lip and palate had the highest rate of anomalies.

The present study showed that the prevalence of CL±CP in newborns in Sistan region is higher than national level. The prevalence of unilateral CL±CP on the left side and cleft palate is one of the most common types of CL±CP. This anomaly occurred more frequently in males.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis associated with gradual joint destruction. The current treatment aims to alleviate pain and inflammation and improve the quality of life. Crocin is an active ingredient in saffron, with anti-inflammatory properties. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. We aimed to evaluate the effect of crocin on the gene expression of microRNA-146a, microRNA-155, microRNA-223, and microRNA-21 in OA patients and compare it with a placebo. This study was approved and registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (2015021910507N2) and ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03375814. Forty OA patients were randomly divided into two equal groups, receiving either crocin or placebo. Peripheral blood samples were collected before and four months after the intervention. The pain was assessed using the visual analog scale, and laboratory tests included C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The expression levels of microRNA-146a, microRNA-155, microRNA-223, and microRNA-21 genes were evaluated by SYBR Green real-time PCR. The results showed that the gene expression levels of microRNA-21 and microRNA-155 in patients receiving crocin were significantly decreased and increased, respectively. No significant changes were observed in microRNA-146a and microRNA-223 gene expression levels. In conclusion, crocin's anti-inflammatory role might be partly attributed to its effects on the gene expression of microRNA-21 and microRNA-155.

inflammatory chemokines such as CCL2 and CCL5 are involved in the progress of osteoarthritis. Crocin with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). This study was performed investigate the effect of Krocina™, on the gene expressions and plasma levels of CCL2 and CCL5 in OA patients.

The study included 35 patients that were randomized in the KrocinaTM and placebo groups. The intervention was Krocina™ 15 mg daily for four months. Clinical and paraclinical parameters were measured. CCL2 and CCL5 genes expression and plasma levels were determined using the SYBR Green Real-Time RT-PCR and Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) techniques.

The C-reactive protein (CRP) value in the KrocinaTM group and the visual analogue scale (VAS) value in the KrocinaTM and placebo groups decreased significantly after the intervention. The gene expression of CCL2 in the KrocinaTM and placebo groups decreased significantly. On the contrary, the gene expression of CCL5 in the KrocinaTM and placebo groups increased significantly. Moreover, the plasma levels of CCL2 in the KrocinaTM and placebo groups decreased meaningfully. There was no difference regarding the plasma levels of CCL5 within the Krocina™ and placebo groups before and after the intervention in either of the groups.

Administration of Krocina™ reduced the clinical signs of inflammation and CRP and VAS value. Also, Krocina™ significantly decreased the plasma levels and gene expression of CCL2 in osteoarthritis patients.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is known to be the most prevalent form of joint disease. We conducted this clinical trial to investigate the effects of KrocinaTM, a natural product containing crocin, on the gene expression of unique transcription factors of various T cell subsets in patients with OA. We collected 40 peripheral blood samples of OA patients receiving Krocina™ and equal number of those who took a placebo (IRCT2015021910507N2, NCT03375814). RNA extraction was performed from the cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the OA patients who received Krocina™ and placebo and SYBR Green Real-time PCR technique was applied to assess the relative gene expression of T-bet, GATA3, ROR-γt, and FOXP3 as the unique transcription factors of various T cell subsets. The relative gene expression of T-bet and ROR-γt insignificantly decreased in the Krocina™ receiving group as compared to the placebo group. In addition, the relative gene expressions of GATA-3 and FOXP3 after the treatment with KrocinaTM showed a significant and insignificant increase, respectively. Moreover, an insignificant decrease was observed in the gene expression of GATA-3 and FOXP3 in the placebo group. A significant and insignificant decrease in the gene expression of T-bet and ROR- γt was detected in the OA patients who received a placebo. GATA-3 is known as a unique transcription factor for the differentiation of T-cells to the Th2 subset. The significant increase in the gene expression of GATA-3 in the patients with OA treated with crocin may suggest the beneficial effect of crocin on shifting towards the Th2 subset and enhancing an anti-inflammatory condition.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the major cause of joint pain and disability. This research was planned to examine the effects of Krocina™, aherbal medicine made of crocin, an ingredient of saffron, in patients with OA. Forty patients suffering from OA were enrolled in our study and randomly divided into two groups, receiving Krocina™ and placebo, and the clinical trial continued for four months.Peripheral blood was taken from all patients and the percentage ofvarious subsets of T cells in addition to the levels of forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3) and interleukin (IL)-17 were measured by flow cytometry technique. The visualan alog scale (VAS) index analysis decreased significantly in both groups (krocinaTM and placebo) (p<0.05). Assessment of the C-reactive protein (CRP) level in serum showed a significant decrease in the krocinaTM group (p<0.05). Moreover, we found a meaningful increase in the percentage of regulatory T cells (Tregs)cellin samples gathered from Krocina™ group (P=0.02) patients. The mean percentages of T helper (Th) 17 cellsinthe Krocina™ group and CD8+ T cellsin the placebo group patients were also meaningfully reduced (p<0.05). The geometric mean fluorescence intensity (GMFI) for IL-17 showed a significant decrease and increase in Krocina™ and placebo groups, respectively (p<0.05). No noticeable difference was observed in the percentages of Th cells and GMFI-FOXP3 in either group. Treg/Th17 ratio was shifted towards Tregscell in Krocina™ group at the end of the intervention. It is concluded that Krocina™ has immunoregulatory effects on patients with OA, ameliorating the disease.