Anis Elhami’s research while affiliated with Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences and other places

Background Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, characterized by its aggressive nature, propensity for metastasis, and resistance to standard treatment modalities. Traditional therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, often encounter significant limitations such as systemic toxicity and lack of specificity. Objective This review aims to evaluate the recent advancements in phage-based nanomedicines as a novel approach for targeted breast cancer therapy, focusing on their mechanisms of action, therapeutic benefits, and the challenges faced in clinical implementation. Methods A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing studies that investigate the application of bacteriophages in cancer therapy, particularly in breast cancer. The review highlights the integration of nanotechnology with phage therapy, examining the potential for enhanced targeting and reduced side effects. Results Phage-based nanomedicines have shown promise in selectively targeting breast cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy and safety profiles. The unique properties of bacteriophages, including their ability to be engineered for specific targeting and their natural ability to induce immune responses, present significant advantages over conventional treatments. Conclusion: The integration of phage therapy with nanotechnology represents a promising frontier in the fight against breast cancer. This review underscores the need for continued research to address existing challenges and to explore the full potential of phage-based nanomedicines in improving patient outcomes in breast cancer treatment. Graphical abstract

Malignancies of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx rank as the seventh most prevalent cancers globally, characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Despite advancements in conventional therapies, these cancers often demonstrate recurrence and treatment resistance. This review investigates ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death mechanism, as a novel therapeutic target to overcome resistance and recurrence in these cancers. A narrative review study was conducted using online databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search incorporated keywords such as “ferroptosis”, “oral squamous cell carcinoma”, “oropharyngeal cancer”, “hypopharyngeal cancer”, “laryngeal cancer”, “iron metabolism”, and “lipid peroxidation”. Studies focusing on molecular mechanisms, ferroptosis regulation, and therapeutic applications were included. Key findings highlighted the involvement of genes like CA9, CAV1, and SLC7 A11 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), contributing to progression and resistance. Ferroptosis inducers such as resveratrol and quercetin effectively promoted ferroptosis in OSCC by targeting pathways like p53/SLC7 A11. In hypopharyngeal and oropharyngeal cancers, agents like ascorbic acid and RSL3 enhanced lipid peroxidation, while laryngeal cancers showed resistance through molecules like SLC3 A2 and KPNA2, which could be counteracted with targeted therapies. Nanotechnology-based approaches, including photodynamic therapy and nanofiber membranes, offer potential for localized and effective ferroptosis induction. Ferroptosis holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for treating head and neck cancers by addressing treatment resistance and recurrence. Future research should focus on optimizing combination therapies, understanding molecular heterogeneity, and translating preclinical findings into clinical applications to improve patient outcomes. Graphical Abstract

A growing body of research indicates that a wide range of cancer types may correlate with human microbiome components. On the other hand, little is known about the potential contribution of the oral microbiota to oral cancer. However, some oral microbiome components can stimulate different tumorigenic processes associated with the development of cancer. In this line, two prevalent oral infections, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum can increase tumor growth. The microbiome can impact the course of the illness through direct interactions with the human body and major modifications to the toxicity and responsiveness to different kinds of cancer therapy. Recent research has demonstrated a relationship between specific phylogenetic groupings and the results of immunotherapy treatment for particular tumor types. Conversely, there has been a recent upsurge in interest in the possibility of using microbes to treat cancer. At the moment, some species, such as Salmonella typhimurium and Clostridium spp., are being explored as possible cancer treatment vectors. Thus, understanding these microbial interactions highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy oral microbiome in preventing oral cancers. From this perspective, this review will discuss the role of the microbiome on oral cancers and their possible application in oral cancer treatment/improvement.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains a formidable challenge in the field of neurodegenerative disorders, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Nanomedicine, leveraging nanomaterials, has emerged as a promising avenue for AD treatment, with a key emphasis on overcoming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to enhance drug delivery efficiency. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the application of nanomaterials for AD therapy, highlighting their unique properties and functions. The blood-brain barrier, a complex physiological barrier, poses a significant hurdle for traditional drug delivery to the brain. Nanomedicine addresses this challenge by utilizing various nanomaterials such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and metal nanoparticles. These nanocarriers enable improved drug bioavailability, sustained release, and targeted delivery to specific brain regions affected by AD pathology. The review discusses the diverse range of nanomaterials employed in AD treatment, exploring their capacity to encapsulate therapeutic agents, modulate drug release kinetics, and enhance drug stability. Additionally, the multifunctionality of nanomaterials allows for simultaneous imaging and therapy, facilitating early diagnosis and intervention. Key aspects covered include the interaction of nanomaterials with Aβ aggregates, the role of antioxidants in mitigating oxidative stress, and the potential of nanomedicine in alleviating neuroinflammation associated with AD. Furthermore, the safety, biocompatibility, and toxicity profiles of various nanomaterials are scrutinized to ensure their clinical applicability. In conclusion, this review underscores the pivotal role of nanomedicine and nanomaterials in revolutionizing AD treatment strategies. By specifically addressing BBB challenges, these innovative approaches offer new avenues for targeted drug delivery and improved therapeutic outcomes in the complex landscape of Alzheimer’s disease.

Infertility is a condition where a male or female is unable to achieve pregnancy through at least 1 year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. There are several known causes and risk factors associated with infertility. The gut microbiota is a complex community of trillions of microorganisms living in the gut. Due to modern lifestyle changes, such as dietary habits, physical inactivity, and increasing antibiotic use, the diversity and composition of these microbes may change in a detrimental manner. Dysbiosis or an imbalance of the gut microbiota compared to a normal composition can lead to various abnormalities, such as obesity, Alzheimer’s, metabolic disorders, and infertility. This review will cover the factors influencing gut microbiota composition, the mechanisms by which gut microbiota contributes to infertility in men and women, the effects of gut microbiota on problems that may arise during pregnancy, and therapeutic methods for diseases caused by dysbiosis of the gut microbiota.

Metastatic disease and cancer recurrence are the primary causes of cancer-related deaths. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) are the driving forces behind the spread of cancer cells. The emergence and development of liquid biopsy using rare CTCs as a minimally invasive strategy for early-stage tumor detection and improved tumor management is a promising advancement in recent years. However, before blood sample analysis and clinical translation, precise isolation of CTCs from patients’ blood based on their biophysical properties, followed by molecular identification of CTCs using single-cell multi-omics technologies is necessary to understand tumor heterogeneity and provide effective diagnosis and monitoring of cancer progression. Additionally, understanding the origin, morphological variation, and interaction between CTCs and the primary and metastatic tumor niche, as well as and regulatory immune cells, will offer new insights into the development of CTC-based advanced tumor targeting in the future clinical trials. Graphical Abstract

Women diagnosed with late‐stage ovarian cancer suffer a very high rate of mortality. Accordingly, it is imperative to detect and diagnose the disease as early as possible in its development. Achievement of this aim implies relatively large‐scale screening of women at an age of clinical significance through assay of biomarkers for disease present in blood or serum. Biosensor detection offers an attractive technology for the automated detection of such species. Among several biomarkers that have been identified that are present in patients with ovarian cancer, the only one that is commonly tested for in clinical use is cancer antigen 125, which is considered to be a poor biomarker for the disease. Here, we describe several biosensors that developed in the past decade for the detection of ovarian cancer biomarkers such as CA125, human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) and apolipoprotein A1. The challenges presented by the fabrication of biosensor devices for detecting ovarian cancer and the limited number of biosensors developed for this purpose are discussed.

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world, so that it can be considered as one of the reasons for the increase in the prevalence of sudden death. Also, this disease can impose heavy costs on the patient. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most cardiovascular diseases. Despite the design of new treatment methods to prevent and treat atherosclerosis, the number of deaths related to cardiovascular diseases has remained constant in most countries. . Several studies have been conducted on the role of various microbial agents of inflammatory diseases in relation to atherosclerosis. The purpose of this is to study the impact of periodontal disease on the cardiovascular system and also to review its mechanism through the collection of existing materials in this field. According to the above contents, it is very important to strictly follow oral hygiene and prevent the development of periodontal disease, and if it occurs, early treatment in preventing the development of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that the people of the society receive the necessary training regarding the correct way to observe oral hygiene and become familiar with the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, and about the disadvantages of chronicity of this disease, including its adverse effect on the cardiovascular system and, therefore, the importance Get to know the quick treatment in case of symptoms of periodontal disease. Keywords: Cardiovascular disease, periodontal diseases, Healthcare, prevention disease