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Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers worldwide with a high prevalence among middle-aged people. This study aimed to evaluate and compare changes in serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), as two important tumor markers, in the diagnosis of different stages of colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: This basic research was conducted on hospitalized patients with colorectal cancer (n=67). At first, tissue samples and venous blood samples were collected from patients. Subsequently, CEA and CA19-9 tumor markers were measured by enzyme-linked fluorescence assay and cellular changes were investigated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: In this study, 57.6% and 43.3% of the patients were male and female, of which 59.7% (40 patients) cases were over 61 years old. The most common sites of tissue involvement were found to be the rectum and sigmoid. In the acute phase of the disease, a decrease was observed in the number of red blood cells (P=0.0091) and the level of hemoglobin (P=0.141); however, the number of platelets remained unchanged (P=0.212). In addition, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts increased at first, while they decreased later. The findings showed that there was a significant relationship between these two tumor markers and disease levels. Conclusion: Our results indicated that although these tumor markers are not suitable factors for the diagnosis of this cancer in the early stages, they can be used as two important markers to diagnose the progression of the disease.

In the current study, the created variation of second-generation mutant (M2) camelina lines in terms of fatty acid profiles and ISSR molecular markers inFor this purpose, while producing the first-generation of mutant plants (M1), 200 M2 seeds with 0.1% and 0.5% ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutations were treated in two replications for 8 and 16 hours based on a completely randomized design.The results of mean comparisons showed that there was no significant difference between treatments in terms of fatty acids of palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, eicosadienoic acid, oleic acid and erucic acid. The cluster analysis revealed that all the treatments used with five replications were divided into eight groups. It was found that all replications of the treatment with a concentration of 0.1% and a time of 16 hours (C1T2) were in the second group with the lowest palmitic acid was present among other treatments. Therefore, C1T2 treatment is recommended as the best treatment to reduce palmitic acid. Examination of the information content of ISSR molecular markers also showed that markers 2, 5, and 6 were the best informative markers in the detection of camelina fatty acid profiles.A significant variation has been created in the fatty acids profile and it can be applied in future breeding programs depending on the intended purpose.

Background: The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system is one of the molecular pathways involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis that consists of several genes, including MLH1 (MutL homolog 1), MSH6 (MutS homolog 6), MSH2 (MutS homolog 2), and MSH3 (MutS homolog 3). The protein encoded by PMS2 (post-meiotic segregation 2) is also essential for MMR. Here, we address the correlation between immunohistochemical and transcriptional expression of PMS2 with the tumor grade and clinical stage of non-hereditary/sporadic CRC disease. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 67 colorectal resections performed for 38 male and 29 female patients. Random biopsies were taken by a gastroenterologist from patients referring to three hospitals in the cities of Zanjan, Urmia and Qazvin (Iran) during 2017-2019. All specimens were examined and classified for localization of tumor, pathological stage and grade. The PMS2 protein expression was studied immunohistochemically and analysis of mRNA expression was performed in the same tissue sections. Results: Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed a decrease in PMS2 expression compared with paracancerous tissue (P\textless 0.001), which correlated with tumor stage. In addition, reduced PMS2 expression was correlated with the tumor differentiation grade, underlining a connection between downregulation of PMS2 and progression of CRC. Comparing the PMS2 mRNA levels in different groups showed the following results: 0.92 ± 0.18 in patients with Stage I CRC tumor, 0.86 ± 0.38 in Stage â i, 0.50 ± 0.29 in Stage â ¢, and 0.47 ± 0.23 in Stage â £. Conclusion: These findings suggest that PMS2 may provide a potential reliable biomarker for CRC classification by combined immunohistochemical and mRNA analysis. © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of octopine (phytogenic-derivative of arginine) on antioxidant indices, trace elements and lipid profiles of a mouse model of breast cancer. Methods: In this study, 48 Balb/c mice were divided into six groups: healthy control, cancer control, cancer group receiving 50 mg of octopine, cancer group receiving 100 mg of octopine and cancer group receiving 150 mg of octopine. The octopine treatment was carried out for three weeks. The 4T1 cell line was used to induce cancer. Fasting blood samples were taken from mice to evaluate lipid profile, copper and zinc levels. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in breast tumor tissues was evaluated. Data were analyzed by SPSS 18 software using one-way ANOVA and t-test. Results: Octopine had no significant effect on superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in the treatment group compared with the control cancer group. However, it significantly increased total antioxidant capacity and decreased malondialdehyde activities. Furthermore, treatment with octopine significantly decreased serum zinc, copper, TG, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels but significantly increased high-density lipoprotein compared with the untreated cancer group. Conclusion: Octopine administration is effective in reducing some oxidative stress indices and improving trace elements abnormalities and lipid profile in mouse models of breast cancer.

Background and aims Among the factors associated with cancer are the oxidative stress and increased expression of some microRNA (miRs). Silibinin has an anti-tumor effect. Therefore, this study evaluates the effects of silibinin on oxidative stress indices and miR-10b expression in the animal models of breast cancer. Material and methods In this study, 48 Balb/c mice were divided into six groups (each group contains eight mice): the healthy control, the cancer control, the healthy group receiving 20 mg of silibinin, the cancer group receiving 20 mg of silibinin, the cancer group receiving 40 mg of silibinin and the cancer group receiving 80 mg of silibinin for three weeks. In order to induce cancer, 4T1 cell line was used. After obtaining breast tumor samples, the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and miR-10b expression in breast tumor biopsy were evaluated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney and t-test (p Results The use of silibinin at different doses increased the activity of SOD and GPX (significantly) and the level of TAC (significantly) in the treatment group compared to untreated cancerous mice, but mir-10b and MDA were decreased non-significant and significantly respectively. Conclusion Silibinin led to a non-significant reduction of miR-10b in the treatment group compared to untreated cancerous mice. Silibinin has been shown to improve oxidative stress in breast cancer mice.

Background We pursued to find out the possible association of Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) A1298C gene polymorphism, blood homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate with Coronary artery disease (CAD) in the study population in Guilan, north of Iran. Material and Methods Ninety patients with CAD and 76 healthy controls were evaluated. MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and its genotype frequency, the plasma level of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate were evaluated by using ARMS-PCR, ELISA, and Chemiluminescence methods, respectively. Results The frequency of genotypes, A, AC and CC in CAD were 40, 35.6, 24.4%, respectively which was significantly different (p=0.016) from the control group that were 26.3, 57.9 and 15.8%, respectively. The serum level of vitamin B12 and folate in genotype A1298C were not statistically significant between two groups (p>0.05), however, the plasma homocysteine in patients with CAD was remarkably higher than the control group (p Conclusion It is thus concluded that MTHFR A1298C gene polymorphism is associated with CAD. It seems that the AC genotype of MTHFR A1298C polymorphism might have a protective effect on CAD.

Background and Objectives: Studies have shown that Scrophularia striata has various treatment effects. For this purpose, in this study, the cytotoxic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Scrophularia striata was investigated on MCF-7 cell line, and BAX and KAI1 genes expression was assessed. Methods: In this laboratory experimental study, at first, extract of the plant was prepared using maceration method. The effect of different concentrations of the extract (0.001, 0.001, 0.1, 1, and 10mg/ml) was investigated on the viability of MCF-7 cells using MTT assay method. Also, the effects of doses of 1, 0.1, and 0.01mg/ml of the extract, was evaluated on BAX and KAI1 genes using real-time PCR. The data were analyzed using one way AN0VA test. Results:.In this study, all concentrations of the extract caused a significant decrease in viability of MCF7 cells compared to the control group (p

Purpose Cancer disease is the second cause of death in the world. Now a days, high percentage of drugs, which are involved in treatment of cancers, have natural origin. Introduction of microalgae strains as anti-cancer drugs origin is a valuable approach for cancer therapy. Methods In the present study we describe the isolation, characterization, and anti-proliferative activity of a new microalga strain (Picochlorum sp. RCC486) from Iran. The cytotoxic activity of four different algal extracts including methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and hexane were evaluated against MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, Hep-G2, and A-549 cell liens. Cell viability was determined using MTT assay in both monolayer and spheroids 3D cultures. The apoptosis was confirmed by different methods such as AO/EB and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, caspase-3 colorimetric assay, ROS and MMP assay. Results The results of MTT assay and fluorescent double staining confirmed that methanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed the best cytotoxic activity against the cancer cell lines. The production of ROS, caspase-3 activity and depolarized MMP were quite significant in MDA-MB-231 cell line treated with methanol and ethyl acetate extracts. Conclusion In this research we revealed that cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects of the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts in human cancer cells make them good candidates for further pharmacological studies to discover effective drugs for cancer therapy. Graphical abstractThe present study describes the isolation, characterization, and anti-proliferative activity of different extracts of a new microalga strain (Picochlorum sp. RCC486) from Iran. The antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing activity of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts with high content of phenol and carotenoid make them as good candidates for further pharmacological studies to discover effective drugs for cancer therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40199-018-0213-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background: Herbal medicine is used in all parts of the world mainly for prevention and treatment of various disorders due to better cultural suitability, lower cost and less side effects. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the hypoglycemic and kidney-protective effects of the aqueous extract of Trigonella foenum and Cinnamon on diabetic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, rats were randomly divided into 6 groups as follows: Group 1: control group in which animals received chow diet, group 2: diabetic rats, group 3: diabetic rat + 2% T. foenum extract (w/w), group 4: diabetic rat + 8% of Trigonella foenum extract (w/w), group 5: diabetic rat + 2% Cinnamon extract (w/w) and group 6: diabetic rat + 8% of Cinnamon extract (w/w). Aqueous extract of T. foenum leaves and Cinnamon were administered to diabetic rats for 4 weeks. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level and total antioxidant capacity were also measured in kidney of the animals. In addition, morphological changes of the kidney were also analyzed by the light microscope. Results: Trigonella foenum and Cinnamon extract in diabetic animals significantly reduced MDA levels and restored antioxidant capacity (P

The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system is one of the molecular pathways involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis that consists of several genes, includingThis study retrospectively analyzed 67 colorectal resections performed for 38 male and 29 female patients. Random biopsies were taken by a gastroenterologist from patients referring to three hospitals in the cities of Zanjan, Urmia and Qazvin (Iran) during 2017-2019. All specimens were examined and classified for localization of tumor, pathological stage and grade. The PMS2 protein expression was studied immunohistochemically and analysis of mRNA expression was performed in the same tissue sections.Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed a decrease in PMS2 expression compared with paracancerous tissue (These findings suggest that

Regarding the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour effects of arginine and its derivatives, this study evaluates matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) expression in an animal model of breast cancer following administration of octopine. In this study, 40 animals of Balb/C mice were divided into 5 groups: the healthy control, the cancer control, the cancer group receiving 50 mg of octopine, the cancer group receiving 100 mg of octopine and the cancer group receiving 150 mg of octopine for 3 weeks. 4T1 cell line was used to induce cancer. Biopsy specimens were enrolled from mice and

Background: Sepsis is a systemic body reaction to invasive microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, it is one of the top ten main causes of death among all patients admitted to the hospital. Multiple potential drug therapies have been investigated in this area; however, an effective pharmacotherapy for sepsis remains undiscovered. Therefore, we explored the effect of Aspirin or Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) on the treatment outcomes and reduction of sepsis complications concerning the parameters involved in the oxidative damage of liver tissue. To perform an in vivo experiment, an experimental inflammatory model Cecal Ligation and Puncture (CLP) was performed in rats. Methods: The investigated rats were divided into 4 groups (n=40), as follows: 1. controls, 2. Laparotomy (LAP) group ,­ 3. CLP group, and 4. the treatment group with aspirin 2 mg/kg bw for 48 h after CLP induction. Then, the explored rats were anesthetized and blood samples were collected from their hearts. Next, the animals were sacrificed and the liver tissue was separated for histopathologic and biochemical studies. Results: The obtained data suggested that the treatment of animals with aspirin was effective in adjusting the antioxidant and inflammatory parameters. Pathological studies also indicated that sepsis led to injuries in the liver tissues, which could be improved by interventions. Conclusion: In conclusion, sepsis caused oxidative damage in the liver tissue, and using aspirin was effective in preventing and improving these injuries.

Background: Recently, medicinal plants have become the focus of more attention due to their potentially effective roles in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. Objectives: The aim of this research was to examine the effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZ) on lipid profile and histological changes due to LDL receptor (LDL-R) gene expression in hamsters fed a high cholesterol diet. Methods: Thirty-two male hamsters were allocated into four groups (eight in each group under four weeks of treatment) as follows: group ND were fed a standard normal diet; group HCD were fed a normal diet supplemented with high cholesterol; group HCD + CZ2 were fed a high cholesterol diet (HCD) along with 2% CZ; and group HCD + CZ8 were fed an HCD diet along with 8% CZ. After the treatment process, blood samples were taken from all of studied animals, and sera were prepared for lipid profile assays. Liver LDL-R gene expression was assayed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Liver histological changes were determined using the hematoxylin and eosin staining method. Results: A significant reduction was observed in serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in the HCD + CZ8 group, while serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels increased when compared with the HCD group (P < 0.001). The HCD group demonstrated decreased LDL-R gene expression in the animals’ livers, whereas treatment with CZ up-regulated its expression. The scores for hepatic steatosis in the HCD + CZ8 group were diminished significantly. Conclusions: The administration of CZ improved dyslipidemia in hypercholesterolemic animals, probably by increasing LDL-R gene expression in the liver; consequently, it can be concluded that CZ can reverse hepatic steatosis. Therefore, CZ was determined as having a protective role against hypercholesterolemia.

Background Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Over the last few years, the relationship between the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis and depression has been the focus of increasing attention. Objectives In this study, the serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH in patients with major depressive disorder have been compared to the healthy adults in Hamedan, northwestern Iran. Patients and Methods In this case-control study, serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH were measured in 32 patients with major depression, diagnosed according to the beck depression inventory (BDI), who were referred to the Hamedan psychiatric hospital and were age- and sex-matched normal adults. Sampling was conducted through convenience sampling in a completely randomized design. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. A logistic regression model was used for depression occurrence probability prediction. Results Serum T4 and TSH levels were significantly higher in depressive patients than in the control group (P = 0.01), whereas there was no significant difference in T3 serum levels between the two groups (P = 0.08). The serum TSH level was significantly higher in depressive patients compared to non-depressive patients (P = 0.001). According to logistic regression analysis, a one unit increase in serum T4 or TSH levels may enhance non-clinical depression probability by 1.3 or 1.7 times and clinical depression probability by 1.2 or 2.9 times, respectively. Conclusions Serum T4 and TSH levels in depressive patients were found to be significantly higher than those of the control group, indicating the association between serum T4 and TSH levels and depression in the subjects in 2010 - 2011 in Hamedan, northwestern Iran.