Golestan University of Medical Sciences

Doxorubicin (DOX), a widely utilized anthracycline chemotherapy agent, is known for its potent anticancer efficacy across various malignancies. However, its clinical use is considerably restricted due to the risk of dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, which can lead to long-term heart dysfunction. The underlying mechanism of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity has been associated with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disrupting cellular signaling pathways. This is particularly relevant to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which triggers inflammation and pyroptosis in cardiac cells. In recent years, there has been growing interest in natural compounds that exhibit potential cardioprotective effects against the adverse cardiac effects of DOX. The present study showed that specific natural compounds, such as honokiol, resveratrol, cynaroside, and curcumin, can confer significant protection against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through the modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways. In summary, incorporating natural compounds into treatment plans could be a practical approach to improve the safety profile of DOX, thereby protecting cardiac health through the regulation of the NLRP3 pathway.

Background With the growing population of older adults and the prevalence of negative attitudes towards them, the issue of ageism and its health and economic impacts in both benevolent and hostile contexts warrants special attention. It is crucial to examine the attitudes of other age groups towards older adults across different societies. Particularly, the benevolent dimension of ageism, which has been less explored in research, requires more focus. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a psychometric evaluation of The Ambivalent Ageism Scale among the adult population in Iran. Methods This methodological study was conducted in comprehensive health centers in Gorgan city in 2023. A total of 381 eligible adults participated. The Ambivalent Ageism Scale (AAS) was utilized, and the psychometric assessment included translation, face validity, and content validity. Additionally, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed. The reliability of the scale was evaluated using the internal consistency method. The research findings were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software version 24. Results Qualitative face and content validity assessments led to textual and editorial modifications of the items. The Content Validity Ratio (CVR), Item-Content Validity Index (I-CVI), and Kappa (K*) scores were acceptable for all items. In the exploratory factor analysis (EFA), similar to the original questionnaire, three factors were extracted, accounting for approximately 54% of the total variance. The fit indices in the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated an acceptable model fit. During CFA, four items were eliminated. The reliability of the entire questionnaire was deemed acceptable with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.763. Consequently, the Persian version of the Ambivalent Ageism Scale was confirmed with nine items. Conclusion The Persian version of The Ambivalent Ageism Scale demonstrates sufficient validity and reliability for measuring attitudes towards aging within Iranian society. Given the cultural adaptation of this tool, the questionnaire can be utilized to assess adults’ views and attitudes towards older adults in both hostile and benevolent dimensions. Furthermore, it can aid in formulating family-oriented policies for older adult care and facilitate improvements in the quality of care for this population group.

Background and aim Hyperalgesia and hypersensitivity in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can be related to central nervous system (CNS) changes, particularly in the pain pathways. The objective of this study was to examine the neuronal density of the cingulate cortex area (CC) and amygdala in an animal model of colitis. Materials and methods In this experiment, 13 male Wistar rats were subjected to study. Colitis was induced in the rats by transrectally administering 1 cc of acetic acid 3% under sedation with xylazine 10% (5 mg/kg). After 14 days of colitis, the rats were euthanized under high doses of anesthesia with ketamine (50 mg/kg), xylazine (10 mg/kg), and diazepam (2.5 mg/kg). Their brains were then removed surgically. Six-micrometer-thick brain slices were stained with cresyl violet, and the neuronal density of the amygdala, area 1 of the cingulate cortex area (CC1), and area 2 of the cingulate cortex area (CC2) was assessed via microscopic imaging. Results The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the neuronal density in CC1 was significantly decreased in rats with colitis compared to the control group in both the right CC1 (43.53 ± 9.63 vs. 62.7 ± 11.89; p-value ˂ 0.001), and left CC1 (41.19 ± 9.05 and 63.1 ± 7.44; p-value ˂ 0.001). Additionally, the neuronal density of CC2 in the colitis group was found to be significantly lower than that of the controls in both the right CC2 (57.8 ± 13.23 vs. 87.95 ± 8.76; p-value ˂ 0.001), and left CC2 (55.42 ± 11.3 vs. 98 ± 8.99; p-value ˂ 0.001). Furthermore, the amygdala had a lower neuronal density in both hemispheres in rats with colitis in comparison to the controls bilaterally: right hemisphere (24.51 ± 5.49 and 36.3 ± 7.44; p-value = 0.360), and left hemisphere (24.52 ± 5.53 VS. 35.25 ± 5.6; P-value = 0.869). Conclusion This study showed that colitis can reduce the neuronal density within cortical areas and amygdala of both hemispheres. Considering the cingulate cortex’s role in suppressing pain perception, any harm inflicted upon this region of the brain can has the ability to impact the cognitive and sensory aspects of pain.

This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) supplementation on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Relevant research was discovered via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and EMBASE up to June 2024. The assessment of study quality was conducted using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Thirteen trials, with interventions ranging from 4 to 12 weeks and involving 521 participants, demonstrated significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD] = − 0.67; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] − 1.01, − 0.32; P < 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD = − 0.51; 95% CI − 0.96, − 0.05; P = 0.028), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (SMD = − 0.74; 95% CI − 1.16, − 0.32; P < 0.001), and a marginally significant effect on fasting blood sugar (FBS) (SMD = − 0.57; 95% CI − 1.16, 0.02; P = 0.057). Subgroup analyses revealed that sesame supplementation significantly reduced CRP and malondialdehyde (MDA) in populations without chronic diseases, while total cholesterol (TC) and MDA were reduced in those with chronic diseases. MDA was significantly reduced in females, especially those aged 50 or older. At dosages of 10 g per day or less, CRP, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and TC showed significant improvements. Meta-regression highlighted a significant dose-dependent reduction in TC levels at 10 g/day, and a significant duration-dependent decrease in TG levels at 8 weeks of supplementation. Sesame supplementation demonstrates potential benefits in improving glycemic control, inflammatory markers, and lipid profiles, making it a promising adjunct therapy for reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors. Graphical abstract

Introduction Perinatal grief is one of the most stressful events in women’s lives and can be influenced by various factors, such as cultural and ethnic background. Gorgan City in Golestan province is populated by two main ethnic groups, Fars and Turkmen, with differences in various dimensions such as language, clothing, and customs. The study aimed to compare grief among Fars and Turkmen women who experienced perinatal loss in Gorgan − 2020–2021. Materials and methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 860 Fars and Turkmen mothers with a history of PL. A convenience sampling method was used. Participants with inclusion criteria completed the questionnaire, including demographic information and the Persian version of the Perinatal Grief Scale. A chi-square test, univariate and multiple logistic regressions were used via SPSS 16. Results Fars women experienced severe grief more than Turkmen women (26% vs. 18.4%, p = 0.009). The univariate logistic regression showed that the variables of ethnicity, women’s education level, and number of living children were significantly associated with the intensity of grief. After controlling for the covariates, multiple logistic regression showed that only the number of live children had a significant effect on the intensity of perinatal grief. In other words, the risk of severe grief was 79%, 77%, and 76% lower in women with one, two, and three or more children than women with no children, respectively. Conclusion The frequency of severe grief was higher in Fars women than in Turkmen. The severe grief was also associated with childlessness. It is suggested that the above differences be taken into account in providing care services to bereaved mothers.

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the important challenges for health systems in various societies which results in high mortality. The present study aimed to investigate the association between the severity of COVID-19 and dietary patterns in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. A total of 218 subjects (108 patients in the diabetic group and 110 participants in the non-diabetic group) participated in the present cross-sectional study. Demographic data, COVID-19 outcomes, and biochemical variables were gathered based on the medical records in the hospital. The dietary intake of participants was assessed using a 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). A multivariate regression test was carried out to determine the association between dietary patterns and severity of COVID-19. All of the statistical analyses were conducted by SPSS version 21. We determined three major dietary patterns including Healthy, Unhealthy, and Traditional dietary patterns in the current study. Statistical analysis indicated that there was a significant inverse association between Healthy dietary pattern and the severity of disease in the diabetic group (OR:0.75, 95%CI:0.62–0.89), while adherence to an Unhealthy dietary pattern increased the severity of COVID-19 in diabetic (OR:1.94, 95%CI:1.56–2.63), and non-diabetic (OR:1.92, 95%CI:1.27–3.54), groups. In addition, there was an indirect significant association between length of hospitalization and Healthy dietary pattern (Beta: -0.253, P: 0.008). However, statistical analysis didn’t demonstrate a substantial relationship between dietary patterns and inflammatory variables. According to the findings of the current study higher adherence to a Healthy dietary pattern had beneficial effects on the severity of COVID-19, but Unhealthy dietary patterns exacerbate the situation of patients infected with coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

Background and Aim Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) commonly have cardiometabolic risk factors. Oxidative stress (OS) significantly contributes to the development of cardiometabolic diseases. Curcumin (CUR) exhibits antioxidant properties that aid in OS regulation. This systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluated the effects of CUR supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors in women with PCOS. Methods A systematic search across various databases was implemented to identify eligible RCTs published until January 2024. A meta‐analysis was conducted employing a random‐effects model. Results Eight RCTs were included in the meta‐analysis. It was indicated that CUR supplementation substantially reduced fasting blood sugar (FBS) (standardized mean difference [SMD]: −0.40 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.59, −0.21; p < 0.001), insulin (SMD: −0.32 µU/mL, 95% CI: −0.49, −0.14; p < 0.001), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (SMD: −0.36, 95% CI: −0.54, −0.19; p < 0.001), and total cholesterol (TC) (SMD: −0.34 mg/dL, 95% CI: −0.61, −0.08; p = 0.01). In addition, it substantially increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (SMD: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.61; p < 0.001) in the CUR‐treated group compared with the control group. However, CUR did not have significant impacts on body mass index (BMI), body weight, serum levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), triglycerides (TG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), testosterone, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Conclusion This study revealed that CUR may have the potential to enhance cardiometabolic health by reducing hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and serum TC levels in women with PCOS.

Melatonin exhibits various biological functions, including regulation of circadian and endocrine rhythms, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Aging and damaged mitochondria are major sources of oxidative stress (OS), and mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is crucial for maintaining normal mitochondrial function. Myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury is a major complication that can arise during reperfusion therapy for coronary heart disease. However, effective intervention strategies are currently lacking. Mitochondrial dysfunction and OS are considered central mechanisms of myocardial reperfusion injury, with mitochondrial‐targeted interventions being a potential treatment direction. Recent studies have shown that melatonin improves mitochondrial structure and function through multiple pathways. This review discusses the mechanisms by which melatonin ameliorates myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury, focusing on MQC, and explores its potential applications in the prevention and treatment of myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury.

Background Total hip arthroplasty (THA) stands as the definitive gold standard treatment for degenerative hip disorders. Various approaches have been proposed for THA, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This study aimed to compare the initial functional outcomes of the lateral and posterolateral approaches to determine the approach with superior functional outcomes. Materials and Methods Through a retrospective cohort study, THA candidates over a 1-year period were analyzed. Patients who underwent surgery via the lateral or posterolateral approaches were included. Demographic characteristics of patients and postoperative outcomes were compared. Patients were followed up for 1 and 6 months to evaluate their functional outcomes using the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Results A total of 50 THA candidates, divided into two groups of lateral (N = 25) and posterolateral (N = 25) approaches, were evaluated in this study. Comparison of demographic data revealed a significant difference in height and body mass index between the two groups ( P < 0.05), whereas age and weight showed no significant difference ( P > 0.05). The mean HHS and range of motion significantly improved in each group after 6 months ( P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the lateral and posterolateral approaches in terms of HHS and hip range of motion ( P > 0.05). Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate no significant difference between the outcomes of the lateral and posterolateral approaches for THA. The choice of the optimal THA approach remains contingent on the surgeon’s experience and the patient’s preference.

This research aims to improve the synthesis of triterpenoids in cell suspension cultures of Betula pendula Roth stem cells using biological elicitors, including basidiomycete fungi (Arthrinium arundinis, Hyphodontia paradoxa, and Stereum hirsutum) and endophytes (Fusarium fuckelii, Alternaria alternata, and Penicillium citrinum). Five of the mentioned fungi were isolated from the bark, while A. arundinis was isolated from lichen of birch trees. Their extracellular extracts were used as elicitors. In most cases, these factors were significantly higher than the control. The growth index of Birch stem cells under the influence of different elicitors mostly yielded positive results. The highest percentage of cell viability was observed after a 24-hour treatment with 300 mg/L of F. fuckelii extract. Elicitation for 24 h with P. citrinum at concentrations of 150 and 450 mg/L, respectively, caused the greatest increase in betulin (8.8 times) and its terpenoid derivatives (2 times) compared to the control. A 36-hour elicitation with H. paradoxa at 450 mg/L resulted in a fourfold increase in betulinic acid compared to the control. The highest function of betulin and betulinic acid was achieved with A. alternata at concentrations of 300 mg/L and 150 mg/L respectively, within 36 h of exposure time. The highest function of terpenoid derivatives was achieved after 12 h of elicitation with 450 mg/L P. citrinum (5 times). This report presents, the positive effect of fungal elicitors extracted from birch trees on induced betulin, betulinic acid, and their triterpenoid derivatives production in cell suspension cultures of Betula pendula, for the first time.

This review aimed to assess the impact of okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus L. ) consumption on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Relevant studies were identified through electronic searches of databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and EMBASE up to January 2025. Twelve trials involving 770 participants with interventions ranging from 2 to 12 weeks and doses varying from 125 to 40,000 mg/day, were included. Okra supplementation significantly reduced body mass index (BMI) (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD] = -0.70; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -1.23, -0.16; P = 0.011), fat mass (FM) (SMD = -0.74; 95% CI: -1.13, -0.36; P < 0.001), hip circumference (HC) (SMD = -0.85; 95% CI: -1.41, -0.28; P = 0.003), weight (SMD = -0.77; 95% CI: -1.42, -0.11; P = 0.022), fasting insulin (SMD = -0.35; 95% CI: -0.63, -0.07; P = 0.013), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (SMD = -1.07; 95% CI: -1.75, -0.38; P = 0.002), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (SMD = -0.38; 95% CI: -0.71, -0.05; P = 0.023), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SMD = -0.56; 95% CI: -0.84, -0.29; P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD = -0.32; 95% CI: -0.52, -0.11; P = 0.003), total cholesterol (TC) (SMD = -0.45; 95% CI: -0.74, -0.16; P = 0.003), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SMD = -0.45; 95% CI: -0.73, -0.17; P = 0.002). Okra supplementation demonstrated significant benefits in improving anthropometric measures, glycemic control, lipid profiles, and liver function tests, suggesting its potential as an adjunct therapy for improving cardiovascular disease risk factors.

The primary objective of this study is to harness computer-aided drug repurposing (CADR) techniques to identify existing FDA-approved drugs that can potentially disrupt the assembly of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) core protein (HBcAg), an essential process in the virus’s life cycle. By targeting this critical step, our study aims to expand the repertoire of therapeutic options for managing chronic Hepatitis B infection, a major global health challenge. Utilizing a combination of computational methods, including the CavityPlus server for ability to analyze druggable protein cavities and extract pharmacophore features and LigandScout for pharmacophore-based virtual screening of a vast library of FDA-approved drugs was conducted. Molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) was employed to evaluate the stability of HBcAg, complexed with Heteroaryldihydropyrimidine (HAP) and statins exhibiting particularly strong binding energies and conformational compatibility. Our approach focused on identifying pharmacophore features that align with known HBcAg inhibitors. The study identified several promising candidates, including Ciclopirox olamine, Voriconazole, Enasidenib, and statins, demonstrating potential interactions with HBc protein residues. Molecular docking further validated these interactions. The significance of these findings lies in their potential to offer new, effective therapeutic strategies for HBV treatment, particularly as alternatives to current therapies that often suffer from issues of viral resistance and adverse side effects. MDS analysis verified the robustness of HAP and statins by showing a high level of binding energies and compatibility with HBcAg. Our results provide a foundation for further experimental validation and underscore the utility of computer-aided drug repurposing as a rapid, cost-effective approach to drug discovery in antiviral research. This study contributes to our understanding of HBV biology and opens avenues for developing novel anti-HBV therapies based on repurposed drugs. The highlighted compound may also enhance the challenges of drug resistance when used as a combination therapy.

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in women worldwide, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies to enhance treatment efficacy and safety. This study focuses on the development and optimization of novel paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) that incorporate components of MF59, an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant approved for use in influenza vaccines and known for its safety in humans. The formulation of these NLCs is designed to overcome significant challenges in PTX delivery, particularly its poor solubility and the side effects associated with traditional formulations containing Cremophor EL. We prepared two sets of NLC formulations using different liquid-to-solid lipid ratios through hot melt ultrasonication. Characterization of the selected formulations, NLCPre and NLCLec, was conducted using dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The mean diameters were 120.6 ± 36.4 nm and 112 ± 41.7 nm, with encapsulation efficiencies (EE) of 85% and 82%, and drug loading (DL) of 4.25% and 4.1%, respectively for NLCPre and NLCLec. In vitro cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that these MF59-based NLCs effectively target MCF-7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation) breast cancer cells while minimizing toxicity to normal HDF (human dermal fibroblasts) cells, thus enhancing the therapeutic index of PTX and offering promising clinical implications for breast cancer treatment.

Background Supplementation with pine bark extract (PBE) may improve risk factors associated with cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS). The effects of PBE supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors were evaluated in this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods A comprehensive search of various databases was performed to identify relevant RCTs published up to September 2024. A random-effects model was employed for the meta-analysis, which included 27 RCTs with 1,685 participants. Results The findings indicated that PBE supplementation significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) (weighted mean difference (WMD): -2.26 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.73, -0.79; P = 0.003), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: -2.62 mmHg, 95% CI: -3.71, -1.53; P < 0.001), fasting blood sugar (FBS) (WMD: -6.25 mg/dL, 95% CI: -9.97, -2.53; P = 0.001), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (WMD: -0.32%, 95% CI: -0.54, -0.11; P = 0.003), body weight (WMD: -1.37 kg, 95% CI: -1.86, -0.88; P < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (WMD: -5.07 mg/dL, 95% CI: -9.21, -0.94; P = 0.016) in the PBE-treated group compared to their untreated counterparts. However, no significant impact of PBE was observed on waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), or serum levels of insulin, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC). Conclusions Supplementation with PBE may ameliorate specific cardiometabolic risk factors, as indicated by reductions in body weight, DBP, SBP, FBS, LDL, and HbA1c levels. This approach can be regarded as an adjunct therapeutic strategy for CMS management. Further high-quality trials with larger sample sizes and longer durations are required to validate these findings.

Background Mycobacterium avium subspecies Paratuberculosis (MAP) is a bacterium known to cause Johne’s disease in ruminants and has been implicated in several autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to investigate the potential association between MAP infection and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Methods A total of 119 patients with RA and 120 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in the study. The participants were outpatient attendees at a rheumatology specialist’s clinic, selected according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria for RA. Their serum samples were analyzed for antibodies against two peptides, MAP_402718–32 and IRF5424-434, using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results A significant difference was found in the levels of anti-MAP antibodies between RA patients and HCs. RA patients were more likely to have anti-MAP_402718–32 antibodies (44.5%) vs. 10.8% in HCs. Among RA patients, treatment group patients had more antibodies (51.6%) against MAP_402718–32 than no-treatment group patients (36.4%), but this difference was not statistically significant. The antigen IRF5424-434 showed the highest antibody seroreactivity, being present in a higher percentage of RA patients (60.5%) compared to HCs (8.3%). This difference was statistically significant. There was a moderate correlation between IRF5424-434 and its MAP_402718-32 homolog. Conclusions The study findings suggest that anti-MAP antibodies are more prevalent in RA patients compared to healthy controls, potentially implicating MAP in the development of RA. The strong immunological response to the antigen IRF5424-434 warrants further investigation. Although the difference in antibody levels between previously diagnosed and newly diagnosed RA patients was not statistically significant, the overall higher prevalence of these antibodies in the RA cohort supports the hypothesis of MAP’s involvement.