mitra salehi

The evolution of resistance to imatinib and disease progression are multifactorial events in CML patients. These events are not only determined by BCR-ABL1 dependent pathway but also are involved a number of other genetic and epigenetic aberrations including DNA methylation. We aimed to investigate the role of DDIT3 (DNA-damage-inducible transcript 3) gene methylation in relation to respose to imatinib, CML progression, and also investigate the impact of the smoking on methylation level.

50 CML patients at different clinical stages of the disease (including 20 good response and 30 non-mutated imatinib resistant patients) and 15 health control were recruited for methylation levels evaluation of promoter DDIT3 gene by MS-HRM (Methylation Sensitive High Resolution Melt) analysis.

There was significant difference in the mean (±standard deviation) of DDIT3 methylation percentage between two response groups (63.8±17.79 vs 47.75±14.18, P=0.002). DDIT3 promoter hypermethylation in 51-100% level indicated a higher risk for progression to advance phase (OR= 5.75; 95% CI: 1.40-23.49; P= 0.01) and imatinib resistance (OR= 8.5; 95% CI: 1.96-36.79; P= 0.004). Importantly, smokers were associated with a higher percentage of DDIT3 methylation (OR= 11.8; 95% CI, 2.67-52.67; P=0.001).

Our findings indicated that hypermethylation of DDIT3 gene is associated with imatinib resistance, CML progression and smoking. Further investigations on a more number is needed to confirm of these results that could be suggest as potential biomarker of disease progression and resistance to imatinib.

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Toxocara parasite larvae found in the human body, with soil contamination rates ranging from 13.2% globally to 63.5-3.5% in Iran. Given the prevalence of stray dogs and the significance of understanding pathogenic parasites like Toxocara, a study was conducted in Gonabad city to determine the exact prevalence of these parasites in the soil of parks and saffron fields.

In a study conducted in Gonabad, 96 soil samples were collected from public parks and saffron fields, and examined for Toxocara eggs using a sucrose flotation method. The data collected was then analyzed using SPSS 26 software.

The study compared soil samples from public parks and saffron farms, finding a higher percentage of contamination in the latter. Despite this, the chi-square test did not show a significant difference in pollution levels between the two locations. The study also revealed a discrepancy in contamination frequency between diagnostic methods, with the sucrose saturation method detecting contamination in 20% of samples. These results emphasize the potential risk of soil pollution in both parks and farms, underscoring the need for accurate diagnostic techniques to assess contamination levels effectively.

The results showed that the soil contamination of public parks and saffron fields in Gonabad city with Toxocara species eggs is high, so it increases the probability of Toxocaria infections in humans, and to reduce the risk of human infection, it is necessary to implement preventive programs by the authorities.

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is a prevalent infectious agent regularly reported from hospital intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Annually, Multi-drug-resistant (MDR) isolates present a significant clinical challenge. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of antiseptic resistance genes and the level of resistance to quaternary ammonium and biguanide compounds in A. baumannii isolates obtained from patients of north Khorasan province.All obtained A. baumannii isolates were examined for in vitro susceptibility to antiseptic agents and the presence antiseptic resistance encoding genes including qacE, qacEΔ1, and blaOXA-23.The broth microdilution method detected the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) against antiseptic compounds. The majority of A. baumannii infections were observed in ICU patients (n=63, 84%). MDR and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) phenotypes were present in 53.2% and 46.7% of cases, respectively. Among 75 isolates, 48 (64%) had at least one resistance gene. This includes 24 (32%) isolates with only the qacE gene and 5 (6.7%) isolates with the qacEΔ1 gene. Coexistence of qacE and qacEΔ1 genes were found in nine (25.3%) isolates. The mean minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) was statistically significantly higher in isolates harboring antiseptic resistance genes than in isolates without such genes (81.4 µg/ml versus 27.9 µg/ml, P=0.001).The increased MIC against antiseptic agents among A. baumannii isolates is a big medical concern. The presence of antiseptic-resistant genes and increased minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) levels against antiseptic agents in MDR and XDR A. baumannii emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive monitoring of all A. baumannii isolates in hospital settings to ensure efficient infection control.

Prostate Cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers and the second leading cause of death in Iranian men. Several factors such as age, endogenous hormone balance, genetic factors and environmental factors are involved in PC incidence. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of rs351855 and rs1983891 polymorphisms with prostate cancer risk in Iranian population.

In this case-control study 185 peripheral blood samples were taken from 101 patients with prostate cancer and 84 healthy individuals. For SNP genotyping in each sample, Tetra-ARMs PCR method was used.

According to the multi-stage method, 58 individuals were selected in the first stage. p-value<0.4 was considered significant. In relation to rs351855, there was a significant difference between the case and control groups (P<0.16), but, there was no significant difference between the groups in regard to rs1983891 (P<0.62). Therefore, rs1983891 was eliminated at this stage. In the second stage, all samples (184 samples) were analyzed in relation to rs351855 at a significance level of P<0.05. A significant difference was observed between the two groups of case and control in relation to rs351855 polymorphism in all samples (P<0.00). In this study, allelic and genotypic frequencies were investigated in multiplicative and additive genetic models. Our data showed a significant relationship between the multiplicative model allele (A) and the risk of prostate cancer, also the data indicated that the additive model AA vs GG and AG vs GG were associated with PC. On the other hand, this polymorphism was associated with all three levels of PSA and Gleason score.

In the present study rs351855 polymorphism was associated with the risk of prostate cancer in Iran, on the contrary, rs1983891 polymorphism was not associated with prostate cancer risk. rs351855 may be considered as a potential biomarker for the screening of prostate cancer.

The presence of aflatoxin M1, a toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic substance, poses significant health risks. Hence, this study assesses the levels of aflatoxin M1 in raw, pasteurized, and sterilized milk obtained from the North Khorasan Province, Iran, and evaluates its potential impact on consumer health.

This descriptive-analytical study randomly collected 189 raw milk samples. Additionally, 70 pasteurized and sterilized milk samples from supermarkets in the North Khorasan Province, Iran, were included. All samples were assessed for aflatoxin M1 contamination using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Meanwhile, statistical analysis (analysis of variance) was performed on the results.

The Mean±SD concentration of aflatoxin M1 in raw milk from the North Khorasan Province, Iran, was 18.44±34.6 ng/L, while pasteurized and sterilized milk had a higher mean concentration of 42.8±21.54 ng/L. The lowest concentration was found in Bojnord City, Iran, at 9.30±8.91 ng/L, while the highest concentration was detected in Jajarm at 30.70±80.50 ng/L. The mean contamination of aflatoxin M1 was not statistically significant (P=0.42) in most cities of the province. Meanwhile, 6.34% of raw milk and 11.4% of pasteurized milk samples had higher levels of aflatoxin M1 than the maximum limit recommended by the Iran National Standard Organization (INSO) (100 ng/L). However, none of the milk samples exceeded the permissible limit set by the Veterinary Organization of the country (500 ng/L).

The mean concentration of aflatoxin M1 in raw and pasteurized milk from the North Khorasan Province is lower than the European Union (EU) standard of 50 ng/L and the approved limit set by the country’s Veterinary Organization (500 ng/L). Therefore, it is not considered a significant threat to the health of adults.

Visceral leishmaniasis, a potentially fatal disease caused by Leishmania infantum, is prevalent in the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. In Iran, it is endemic in the Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, and central regions, with sporadic occurrences elsewhere. This study aimed to ascertain the period prevalence, epidemiological characteristics, and the most common clinical symptoms and laboratory signs of visceral leishmaniasis in North Khorasan Province.

Over a nine-year period from 2010 to 2018, clinical records of visceral leishmaniasis cases were scrutinized to gather demographic and clinical data. Diagnosis was confirmed paraclinically through positive smears for Leishman bodies in bone marrow aspirates. Each patient completed a questionnaire.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 24 diagnosed patients. Reported case numbers varied annually, with prevalence ranging from 0.0 to 1.1 per 100,000, peaking in 2017 and reaching its nadir in 2011. The majority of patients were hailed from rural areas (83.3%), with age distribution spanning from 8 months to 62 years. Most patients (95.8%) were under 10 years old, and 66.7% were male. Predominant clinical symptoms and laboratory signs included fever (91.7%), splenomegaly (79.2%), anemia (83.3%), thrombocytopenia (58.3%), and leukopenia (54.2%).

The incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in North Khorasan Province surpasses the national average by threefold, indicating its significance as an endemic hotspot for the disease in Iran.

Hydatidosis is a leading zoonotic parasitic disease causing economic losses and public health concerns worldwide. The current study aims to determine the seroepidemiological status of hydatid cysts (HCs) and assess the relationship between risk factors and this disease in high-risk individuals in Gonabd City, Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Gonabad health centers in 2018-2019. Sampling was performed using the census method. A total of 393 serum samples were collected from 259 men and 134 women at risk for HC. A questionnaire was prepared for all participants. Demographic information, such as gender, age, place of residence, education level, participation of children in animal husbandry, the way of washing vegetables, and work experience in animal husbandry were recorded. The levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

The infection rate was 9.7% for men and 10% for women, showing no significant correlation between gender and hydatidosis. Among the affected population, the prevalence rate was 10.4% in undergraduates and 16.3% in the age group of 20-30. Additionally, individuals with less than ten years of experience in animal husbandry had a prevalence rate of 11.7%. Those who had contact with dogs had a prevalence rate of 7.9%, while individuals who did not use disinfectants to wash vegetables had a higher rate of 12%.

This study highlights the significant prevalence of HCs in at-risk individuals. This indicates the need for effective preventive measures to reduce the burden of infection. The recommendations include washing vegetables with disinfectants to eliminate any potential sources of contamination. Additionally, obtaining identification certificates for livestock dogs and collecting stray dogs can help control the spread of the disease. It is essential to implement a comprehensive public health strategy to address this issue effectively.

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

Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) is a chronic granulomatous small intestine disease caused by MAP. Diagnosing and isolating infected animals is the most important measure for controlling the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to molecularly identify mycobacterium isolated from ELISA-positive cows with Johne's disease by nested PCR from the samples from Markazi Province, Iran. For this purpose, 2938 samples were decontaminated and then cultured on the Herrold egg culture medium containing mycobactin and no mycobactin. After DNA extraction, PCR for 16S rRNA was first performed, followed by nested PCR on positive samples. Of 2938 samples, 87 were positive, and 26 were suspected. All positive isolates were observed in Ziehl-Neelsen staining in microscopic expansion. A 543-bp band was observed in 26 tested samples and mycobacterium strains in PCR for 16S rRNA, indicating the presence of mycobacterium in the above samples. Nested PCR was performed for all isolates and positive and negative control strains. A 398-bp band was obtained in the first stage, and a 298-bp fragment was obtained in the second stage, indicating the presence of MAP in the samples. Accordingly, nested PCR is suggested as a proper method for the quick and definitive diagnosis of disease cases.

The emergence of drug resistance and treatment- renitent Mycobacterium tuberculosis has made controlling the disease a challenge. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 500,000 new cases of tuberculosis occur annually. Considering that mechanisms involved in drug resistance are yet to be elucidated and results of the studies are not consistent, we decided to investigate the correlation between mutations in thyA gene and resistance to para- aminosalicylic acid (PAS).

In this descriptive cross- sectional study, a total of 255 positive MTB specimens were isolated during a three- year period using standard microscopic and culture methods from which 68 Multidrug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) tuberculosis samples were selected through drug susceptibility testing. Then, to determine potential mutations in thyA gene, the fragment was amplified using conventional PCR and products were sequenced. Afterward, mutations which have been induced amino acid substitutions were evaluated with various protein prediction tools. Also, the correlation between mutations and drug resistance was statistically determined using chi-square test.

From 255 clinical TB samples, 68 (26.7%, CI 21.3%) MDR / or XDR-TB strains were isolated. In total, 13 (19.1%) were PAS- resistant and 5 (38.4%) of them had different nucleotide mutations in thyA gene. All of the mutations were statistically correlated with drug resistance. Moreover, the results of bioinformatics showed that identified mutations could lead to the structural and functional disruption of the protein.

According to our results, mutations in thyA gene have appeared to be associated with resistance to PAS. Also, our findings have shed light on the potential of the analysis of short genomic regions and new computational tools in unraveling the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance.

Aims TORCH syndrome is responsible for 2% to 3% of all congenital anomalies caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), rubella virus (RV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). The current study aims to determine the prevalence of TORCH infection in women in Mashhad City, Iran. 
Methods & Materials This cross-sectional study was conducted on 417 patients who were referred to 3 laboratories in Mashhad City, Iran. The laboratory data were collected from ​April 2016 to March 2020 to detect the specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) against the TORCH syndrome. 
Findings The specific IgG antibodies were found to be positive for CMV in 402 cases (96.4%), RV in 394 cases (94.5%), and T. gondii in 80 cases (19.2%). Moreover, 7 (1.6%) of the participants were found to be positive for anti-CMV IgM, 6 (1.4%) for anti-IgM RV, and 8 (1.9%) for anti-IgM T. gondii. In addition, the relationship between age and anti-T. gondii IgG in the age group of 37-47 years was 6. 44 times higher than the age group of 17-27 years. The relationship between age and anti-CMV IgG in the age group of 27-37 years was 4.13 times higher than in the age group of 37-47 years. 
Conclusion All women in their reproductive age should be regularly screened for TORCH syndrome to prevent congenital TORCH syndrome.

A dog is an animal that is usually kept as a pet and is often allowed to live indoors. However, the issue of the uncleanliness of dogs is an important matter of jurisprudence, and it is necessary to understand the ruling on their uncleanliness. Some people argue that considering dogs unclean is against their rights. The respectful treatment of such issues, especially for those who are not qualified to comment on religious issues, has raised doubts and uncertainties about the nature of certain religious tenets. On the other hand, the hadiths (traditions) of the infallibles clearly mention the uncleanliness of dogs. In the field of medical parasitology, dogs play an important role in the transmission of parasitic diseases such as hydatid cysts and toxocara.

This descriptive-analytical study aims to investigate the views of religious jurists on the uncleanliness of dogs and the effects of dogs on human health from a medical -parasitological and Islamic perspective.

According to the sciences of medical parasitology and Islam, the dog has a great impact on the pathogenesis of human diseases mediated by contact with the feces and urine of this animal.

In accordance with religious traditions about dogs, their impurity is indisputable. Many parasitic diseases in humans, such as hydatid cysts, toxocara, etc., can be transmitted to humans through the feces of dogs. Therefore, the uncleanliness of dogs is also important in terms of health and Islamic rules.

C-phycocyanin, a biliprotein from Spirulina platensis, is a future candidate for cancer management. This agent is originated from edible blue-green algae, and numerous in vivo and in vitro research have reported on its anti-cancer properties. The effects of C-phycocyanin have been investigated on caspases 3, 8, 9, and p53 pathways in the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

In the current study, we investigated the effect of C-phycocyanin on caspase 3, 8, 9, and p53-mediated apoptosis pathways in two cell lines (HT-29 & HUVEC), using quantitative real-time PCR and flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity of phycocyanin on HT-29 cells was compared with HUVEC normal cells via colorimetric assays.

Based on our findings at molecular level, the expression of caspases 3, 8, 9, and p53 genes were increased in colorectal cancer cells treated with C-phycocyanin.The results were confirmed by an increase in the number of colorectal cancer cells in the early and late stages of apoptosis as compared to the control, untreated cells. In addition, the results of colorimetric assay showed that C-phycocyanin has no cytotoxic effects on normal HUVECs cells.

Based on our experimental data, it is evident that C-phycocyanin has measurable effects on cell apoptosis. Since tumorigenesis is halted by apoptosis, C-phycocyanin can be a hopeful candidate for the treatment of human colorectal cancer in the future.

The jigsaw method of learning is a student-centered educational method, and one of its approaches is students' active participation in the class. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare teaching with two methods of jigsaw and lectures on the learning and motivation of laboratory science students in parasitology courses.

This study was carried out based on a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical design. In this study, 25 laboratory science students participated and were assigned to two groups: jigsaw and traditional. In each session, the teacher assigned a topic for each member of the jigsaw groups, and the students were given a week to study the topic. Thereafter, in the educational method of jigsaw, each student explained the presented material to other members. In the traditional method, each session was conducted by a teacher. At the end, the lecture and jigsaw groups were tested with the same questions and the scores of the two groups were compared.

In the examination of the difference between the total score in the jigsaw and lecture groups using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, the mean and median of the total scores in the jigsaw method were higher than the traditional method, and this difference was statistically significant at the 95% confidence level.

Considering the many names of the parasitology course, hard learning, and students' complaints about the amount of content in this course, jigsaw can be a suitable method for teaching this course.

Testicular ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a urological emergency that can lead to male infertility. So far, no suitable treatment has been found for it. Therefore, in the present study, we investigate the therapeutic effects of concomitant administration of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) on testicular I/R damage in rats and the expressions of genes involved in mitochondrial apoptosis, miR-21, andcircRNA0001518.

In this study, after induction of testicular torsion/detorsion, CoQ10 and TiO2-NPs were administered to the rats for ten days. Then, sperm extracted from the epididymides were analyzed for concentration, viability, morphology, and motility. The amount of apoptosis in testicular cells was studied by flow cytometry. Also, the expressions of the Bax and Bcl-2 genes, as well as miR-21 and circRNA0001518 levels were evaluated.

Sperm parameters improved in the rats’ testicular that received CoQ10. Administration of TiO2-NPs to healthy rats increased apoptosis and the Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio. However, its administration to testicular I/R rats alone or in combination with CoQ10 caused a decrease in apoptosis, the Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio, and an increase in miR-21and circRNA0001518 expressions.

Overall, individual or joint administration of TiO2-NPs or CoQ10 can have therapeutic effects on testicular I/R by altering the expressions of genes in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and their regulatory elements.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a major psychiatric disorder with unclear etiology and biological diagnosis. Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is a type-A personality disorder characterized by paranoia and generalized mistrust. The etiology and molecular mechanisms of SCZ and PPD are not clarified. The present study aimed to examine the expression alteration of three major genes of mitochondrial complex I in the peripheral blood of patients with SCZ and PPD, and its correlations with clinical features of patients, especially the five major personality traits.

This case-control study was performed on 735 SCZ, 742 PPD, and 750 non-psychiatric individuals. The mRNAs level of NDUFS1,NDUFV1, and NDUFV2 were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and their correlations with psychiatric symptoms were assessed by the positive and negative syndrome scale and the brief psychiatric rating scale tests, as well as personality traits that were evaluated by NEO Five-Factor Inventory.

Findings showed significant overexpression of NDUFS1, NDUFV1, and NDUFV2 in patients with SCZ (P=0.001, P=0.002, and P=0.004, respectively) and PPD (P=0.001, P=0.003, and P=0.006, respectively) compared with non-psychiatrists. In addition, these genes were associated with positive psychiatric symptoms and neuroticism in SCZ (P=0.008) and PPD (P=0.01).

Overexpression genes that encode subunits of complex I play an important role in SCZ and PPD etiology and severity of symptoms. It may bring evidence about the significant role of bioenergetics dysfunction in psychotic behaviors in different psychiatric situations.

The determination of bovine tuberculosis is made with different tests and with certain limitations. Antigenic proteins can be extracted from Mycobacterium bovis culture that can improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests. One of the targets of this study is to design an indirect ELISA. For this reason, purified Mycobacterium bovis AN5 antigen were utilized to distinguish bovine tuberculosis. Another goal is to review and compare the results of the system designed to Interferon-ɣ (IFN-ɣ) assay. Mycobacterium bovis AN5 antigens were isolated and purified. The selected antigen was then used to design the indirect ELISA system. The sera of 230 cows from different farms were tested with designed ELISA. Their results were at that point compared with interferon-gamma test as a corroborative diagnostic test. Correlation and independent study between variables were performed by Pearson and T test. The sensitivity and specificity of the designed indirect ELISA system were 77.8% and 80.7%, respectively. The p value for Pearson and T test was zero percent. Noteworthy lightweight antigens were purified that might analyze the disease. Due to the high sensitivity and specificity gotten, the ELISA system outlined for starting screening within the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is one of the major global health problems with high mortality. Establishing a rapid and low-cost identification method is significant, especially in developing countries. In this study, we aimed to design an indirect ELISA system with low molecular weight antigens secreted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain C, for identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex infection in human.

The secretory proteins from culture filtrate of Mtb strain C extracted by Sephadex-G50 were used as target antigen in designing an indirect ELISA system. Then, human sera with tuberculin skin test, culture, acid-fast bacilli smear, and PCR test results were selected to detect human serum antibodies against these low molecular weight proteins.

During gel chromatography and SDS-PAGE (12.5%) analysis, the purified protein F2 fractions with approximately 0.7 mg/ml and molecular weights in the range of 14-40 kDa were used as the target antigen in designing the indirect ELISA system. The ELISA system designed by F2 showed 78% sensitivity and 92% specificity in identifying tuberculosis.

The ELISA results based on low molecular weight proteins, with the sensitivity and specificity achieved in this study, might support the hypothesis that the Mtb culture filtrate antigens could be used as a rapid and sensitive assay in ELISA test for detection of pulmonary TB.

Amastin is a surface glycoprotein in Leishmania species and one of the most important vaccine candidates due to its involvement in pathogenesis and being an essential virulence factor for parasite replication within the mammalian host cells. There are more than 60 copies of Amastin gene per genome of the parasite.

Following phylogenetic analysis, a selected Amastin sequence was optimized and cloned with signal peptide in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein was evaluated by SDG-PAGE and a specific antibody by Western blotting.

Among the Amastin sequences within different chromosomes of Leishmania major, the main type known as delta Amastin (primary distributed on chromosome 34) could be expressed in E. coli host and was confirmed by SDG-PAGE and Western blotting.

Due to its copy number and evolutionary conservation and its role in pathogenesis, δ-Amastin is considered as an important vaccine candidate against leishmaniasis which could be expressed as a recombinant protein in E. coli.

Human Serum Albumin (HSA) is one of the most prominent proteins in human blood. Trimethoprim (TMP) is an efficient antibiotic drug for treating pneumocystis pneumonia. Patients with HIV/AIDS and cancer are highly affected by this disease due to immune system deficiency. 

This study aims to evaluate the Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation of HSA with TMP for drug delivery systems. 

In the first step, the 3D structure of HSA and TMP were determined by PDB (Protein Data Bank) and PubChem, respectively. Then, the molecular docking was done via AutoDock Vina software, and the best complex was selected based on the lowest binding energy. Finally, the structural characteristics of the above complex were evaluated. 

 The results showed that TMP binds to the HSA molecule with a binding energy of -7.3 kcal/mol, and this binding causes changes in the third and second structures of the HSA. Thus, Root-Mean-Square Deviation (RMSD) and radius of gyration results proved the third structural change, and the results obtained from DSSP (Database of Secondary Structure assignment for all Protein entries) confirmed the second structural modification. The TMP-HSA complex formation is accompanied by hydrophobic interaction between residues of Tyr150, Ala291, His288, Leu238, Leu219, Lys199, Lys195, Glu153, and TMP. The TMP molecule had two hydrogen bonds with Arg222 residue and three with Ser192. Furthermore, the final PDB file of the MD simulation process showed that the TMP molecule reacted with HSA (IIA chain). 

Because of the extensive application of TMP in infectious diseases and appropriate interaction with HSA, the complex could be used for the purposeful transport of nanoparticles in the future.

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

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) induced by testicular torsion can damage the testicles. In the present study, we assessed the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and diamond nanoparticles on sperm parameters in I/R testes in rats.

Forty-eight Wistar adult male rats were divided into eight groups: healthy control (Ch), diamond nanoparticle healthy control group (Ch+Dia), CoQ10 healthy control group (Ch+Q10), diamond nanoparticles+CoQ10 healthy control group (Ch+Q10+Dia), torsion/ detorsion group (Ct), the Ct group that received diamond nanoparticles (Ct+Dia), the Ct group that received CoQ10 (Ct+Q10), and Ct group that received diamond nanoparticles and CoQ10 (Ct+Q10+Dia). The rats were euthanized, and we collected the semen from the epididymal tissues to evaluate sperm viability, motility, concentration, and morphology parameters.

The I/R of the testicles significantly reduced sperm concentration, motility, viability, and altered sperm morphology in the rats. However, the administration of CoQ10 significantly improved sperm parameters in the rats with testicular I/R. Diamond nanoparticles decreased the sperm parameters; however, simultaneous administration of diamond nanoparticles and CoQ10 led to improved sperm parameters.

CoQ10 potentially appeared to have protective effects against the long-term side-effects of I/R in testes in rats. Co-administration of diamond nanoparticles with CoQ10 significantly improved sperm parameters and greatly reduced the negative effects of diamond nanoparticles alone. Therefore, green synthesis of nanoparticles with the use of antioxidants such as CoQ10 is recommended.

Ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) in testicular tissue is one reason for the worldwide increase in male infertility. In the present study, we assessed the effects of curcumin and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) on sperm parameters in rats with I/R damage.

Forty-eight adult male rats were divided into two groups (n=24 per group): control and torsion/detorsion. The control and torsion/detorsion groups were divided into four subgroups include sham, Fe3O4 NPs, curcumin, and Fe3O4 NPs+curcumin. After the rats were sacrificed, semen was collected from their epididymal tissues to assess sperm viability, motility, concentration, and morphology.

Curcumin significantly improved viability, motility, and normal sperm morphology in rats with I/R damage compared to the control group; however, it did not have a significant effect on sperm concentration (P<0.001). Fe3O4 NPs alone decreased all sperm parameters in the control and I/R rats (P<0.001). However, concomitant administration of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with curcumin significantly improved sperm parameters in rats with I/R damage (P<0.001).

The increase in all semen parameters in the experimental groups with concomitant use of Fe3O4 NPs plus curcumin indicated that green synthesis of NPs could be recommended for future clinical studies.

Testicular torsion is one cause of infertility without proper treatment. In this study, we investigate the effects of NiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and curcumin on sperm parameters in rats and the expressions of genes involved in the apoptotic pathway, as well as expressions of miR-34 and circRNA 0001518.

Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into eight groups: control (healthy rats), control rats that received NiO2-NPs, healthy rats that received curcumin, rats that received simultaneous NiO2-NPs and curcumin, untreated testicular ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) rats, testicular I/R rats that received NiO2-NPs, testicular I/R rats that received curcumin, and testicular I/R rats that received NiO2-NPs and curcumin. Then, sperms were extracted from the rats’ epididymides to analyze concentration, viability, morphology, and motility. The cellular apoptosis level was studied using flow cytometry. Also, Bad and Bcl-X gene expressions, as well as miR-34 and circRNA 0001518 levels were measured.

We observed improved sperm parameters in the testicular I/R) rats that received curcumin and NiO2-NPs. Administration of NiO2-NPs to healthy rats increased both apoptosis and the Bad/Bcl-X expression ratio. However, its administration to testicular I/R rats alone or in combination with curcumin decreased apoptosis and the Bad/Bcl-X expression ratio and increased expressions of miR-34 and circRNA 0001518.

Administration of NiO2-NPs and curcumin, alone or in combination, can have therapeutic effects in testicular I/R conditions by altering the expressions of genes in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and their regulatory elements.