Feyz Medical Sciences Journal
Year:2024 | Volume:28 | Issue:1|Papers Count:13

2Background and Aim: 7SK is a long non-coding RNA that interacts with various proteins to regulate gene transcription. This study aimed to assess the impact of exosomal delivery of 7SK on viability, expression of apoptosis-related genes, and migration in the human colorectal cancer cell line HT-29. Methods: In this experimental study, HT-29 cells were treated with exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells loaded with 7SK (Exo-7SK). Control groups included cells treated with unloaded exosomes and untreated cells. The levels of 7SK in the cells, and expression of apoptosis-related genes were measured by real-time PCR, cell viability assessed by the MTT assay, and cell migration evaluated using the transwell assay. Results: Treatment of HT-29 cells with Exo-7SK resulted in increased levels of 7SK, reduced viability, downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene BCL-2, upregulation of the apoptosis-inducing gene BAX, and decreased migration. Conclusion: Exosomal delivery of 7SK can effectively decrease the viability and migration of colorectal cancer cells. Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of this approach in colorectal cancer.

2Background and Aim: The decline in mitochondrial biogenesis capacity with aging is a crucial factor in the development of age-related diseases. This study aimed at investigating the effects of swimming training and liposomal BCAA supplementation on the expression of miR-133 and miR-206 mitochondrial genes in the soleus muscle of aged male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 32 male Wistar rats (18 months old) were randomly assigned to four groups: control, exercise (swimming), supplement (BCAA nanoliposome), and combination (swimming exercise + BCAA nanoliposome supplement). Swimming training was conducted for 8 weeks in a plastic tank, starting with 25 minutes on the first day and increasing to 60 minutes by the eighth week. The water speed ranged from 4 to 10 liters per minute throughout the training protocol. Rats in the supplement and combination groups received 600 mg of BCAA nanoliposome via gavage five days a week for eight weeks. The expression of miR-133 and miR-206 genes was assessed using Real-time PCR. Results: The mean expression levels of mitochondrial miR-133 and miR-206 genes in the soleus muscle of aged male rats in both the swimming training and combination groups were significantly higher compared to the BCAA nanoliposome supplement group and the control group (P=0.001). However, there was no significant difference in gene expression between the combination group and the swimming training group. Conclusion: The findings of the present study show that eight weeks of swimming training and BCAA nanoliposome supplementation has a positive impact on apoptotic mechanisms in the soleus muscle of aged rats. Further research is recommended to explore these effects in more depth.

2Background and Aim: Hexaflumuron, a benzoylphenylurea insecticide, has nephrotoxic effects in mammals. The use of plant antioxidants to improve and prevent poisoning with insecticides has gained popularity. This study aims to evaluate the effects of silymarin, an herbal antioxidant, in ameliorating the lesions caused by hexaflumuron in rat kidneys. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=8): a control group, a group receiving silymarin (200 mg/kg), treatment group 1 (hexaflumuron at 22 mg/kg and silymarin at 100 mg/kg), treatment group 2 (hexaflumuron at 22 mg/kg and silymarin at 200 mg/kg), and a group receiving hexaflumuron (at 22 mg/kg). The gavage lasted for 28 days. After the gavage period, the blood sample was collected from the rats, and kidney tissue samples were obtained post-euthanasia. Histopathological examination was qualitatively conducted to assess lesion presence. Results: Silymarin significantly reduced the elevated concentrations of serum urea and creatinine induced by hexaflumuron (P<0.05). The use of silymarin largely mitigated vacuolar degeneration and hyperemia caused by hexaflumuron in the kidneys. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be inferred that silymarin at a dose of 200 mg/kg, as an herbal antioxidant, effectively prevents the adverse changes induced by hexaflumuron in the kidneys.

2Background and Aim: Acute sports activities can lead to damage to some tissues of the body (e.g., heart) due to the generation of oxidizing substances, resulting in an increase in troponins I and T levels. This study aimed to investigate the impact of two weeks of ginseng extract (Panax ginseng) supplementation on troponins I and T in male rats in response to acute swimming exercise. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats (8 weeks old, mean weight of 239.48 ± 6.7 grams) were randomly assigned to four groups: placebo, placebo + acute swimming exercise, ginseng extract supplement, and acute swimming exercise + ginseng extract supplement. The supplement groups received 0.02 ml of ginseng supplement per day for two weeks via gavage. The acute swimming exercise groups engaged in swimming activity until exhaustion in water after the supplementation period. Blood samples were collected from the rats' hearts two hours after acute swimming exercise to measure troponin I and T proteins. Results: Troponin I and T levels significantly increased after acute swimming exercise in both groups compared to pre-activity levels (P < 0.001). Ginseng extract supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in troponin I (P < 0.001) and troponin T (P = 0.019) levels compared to the placebo group following acute swimming exercise. Conclusion: The findings suggest that acute swimming exercise can induce heart damage in rats, and a two-week regimen of ginseng supplementation may mitigate these effects.

2Background and Aim: Multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii is a prevalent hospital pathogen. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as Oncorhyncin II, have been proposed for treating MDR pathogens. This study aimed to assess the antibacterial activity of recombinant protein Oncorhyncin II against Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC19606) under in vitro conditions. Methods: In this experimental study, the gene construct pET32a-oncorhyncin II was transferred to Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for expressing the recombinant Oncorhyncin II protein. Purification was optimized using nickel affinity chromatography (Ni-NTA), and the peptide's efficacy was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), bactericidal kinetics, and growth kinetics against Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC19606). Results: The recombinant Oncorhyncin II protein was successfully expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) and purified with over 70% purity. The MIC assay confirmed effective antibacterial activity of Oncorhyncin II against Acinetobacter baumannii at a concentration of 95.87 μg/ml. At 2x MIC, Oncorhyncin II led to a rapid reduction in viable cell count and decreased turbidity of the bacterial inoculum in bactericidal and growth kinetics assessments. Conclusion: The produced recombinant Oncorhyncin II exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii. These findings can contribute to the development and production of novel antimicrobial drugs for treating infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii.

2Background and Aim: Skin aging is a natural process, and microneedling is a method used for skin rejuvenation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of microneedling on reducing perioral wrinkles. Methods: A clinical trial was conducted on 30 women referred to a skin clinic in Isfahan, Iran, from December 22, 2021, to June 20, 2022. The patients underwent three microneedling sessions at 2-week intervals. Perioral wrinkles were photographed using a digital camera under consistent conditions and at a distance of 30 cm before the intervention, 6 weeks post-intervention, and 3 months after the final treatment session. Two dermatologists, blinded to the treatment, assessed the photographs. Moreover, patients self-reported improvement using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at the beginning, 6 weeks, and 3 months after the intervention. Results: Following the microneedling sessions, the first dermatologist reported poor improvement in 7 (23.3%), moderate improvement in 14 (46.7%), good improvement in 7 (23.3%), and excellent improvement in 2 (6.7%) cases. The second dermatologist observed good improvement in 13 (43.3%), moderate in 11 (36.7%), and poor improvement in 6 (20%) patients. According to patient reports, perioral wrinkles showed significant improvement at 6 weeks and 3 months post-intervention compared to baseline (P<0.001). Additionally, there was a significant improvement in perioral wrinkles at 3 months compared to 6 weeks post-intervention (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results suggest that three microneedling sessions at 2-week intervals led to a significant improvement in perioral wrinkles based on assessments by dermatologists and patient reports.

2Background and Aim: Balance and postural stability issues are significant complications for patients with knee osteoarthritis. This study aimed to assess the effects of an 8-week neuromuscular exercise program in water on balance and center of pressure fluctuations in women with grade 2 and 3 knee osteoarthritis. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 24 elderly women with knee osteoarthritis were assigned into two groups: grade 2 (n=12) and grade 3 (n=12). Pre- and post-intervention balance assessments were conducted using a single-leg test with the Biodex device, and center of pressure fluctuations were measured using an RSscan plantar pressure distribution device. Results: There were no significant differences in dynamic balance (P=0.679), anterior-posterior pressure center (P=0.469), and internal-external pressure center (P=0.863) between the two groups of women with knee osteoarthritis grades 2 and 3. However, intra-group comparisons revealed a significant improvement in the anterior-posterior pressure center for both groups (grade 2 group: P=0.048; grade 3 group: P=0.005) from pre- to post-test. Conclusion: The results suggest that an 8-week neuromuscular exercise program in water can effectively enhance balance and center of pressure fluctuations in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions for women with grade 2 and 3 knee osteoarthritis.

2Background and Aim: Diabetes is more prevalent in obese individuals compared to non-obese individuals. This study aimed to examine the effects of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) combined with quercetin supplementation on the gene expression levels of peroxisome gamma coactivator alpha-1 (PGC1-α) and nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) in the heart tissue of obese male diabetic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 35 male rats were randomly assigned to seven groups of five: Diabetic control, healthy control, quercetin control, HIIT, MICT, HIIT with quercetin, and MICT with quercetin. The training protocols were conducted daily for eight weeks. Additionally, intraperitoneal injections of quercetin (15 mg/kg) were administered for eight weeks (5 days in each week) in the supplement groups. The expression levels of PGC1-α and NRF-1 genes in rat heart tissue were assessed using the qRT-PCR method. Results: Following the 8-week intervention, a significant decrease in blood glucose levels was observed in the quercetin control group and the four other training groups (P<0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of PGC1-α and NRF-1 genes in the heart tissue of rats significantly increased in both the training groups with and without quercetin supplementation (P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that the combination of quercetin injection with HIIT and MICT resulted in a significant increase in the expression levels of PGC1-α and NRF-1 genes in the heart tissue of rats, along with effective blood glucose level control.

2Background and Aim: Dysmenorrhea is influenced by hormonal imbalances and weight fluctuations. Physical activity plays a crucial role in managing dysmenorrhea. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between IGF1, IGFBP3, BMI, and dysmenorrhea following eight weeks of combined exercise (resistance and aerobic) in obese women. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 24 inactive obese women aged 25 to 37 years, having a BMI of 30 to 35 kg/m2. Participants were randomly assigned to either a combined exercise group (resistance and aerobic) or a control group. The combined training regimen included resistance exercises at 67-80% of maximum strength and aerobic exercises at 60-85% of maximum heart rate, conducted three days a week for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected before and after the training period, and IGF1 and IGFBP3 levels were measured. Dysmenorrhea symptoms were assessed using the Menstrual Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ). Results: Pearson correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between IGF1 and IGFBP3 levels in obese women (P≥0.73, r=0.05). There was no significant relationship between IGF-1 levels and dysmenorrhea (P≥0.61, r=0.07). A significant relationship was found between IGF-1 levels and BMI (P<0.04, r=0.11). IGFBP3 levels did not show a significant relationship with dysmenorrhea (P≥0.52, r=0.09), but a significant relationship was observed between IGFBP3 levels and BMI (P≥0.04, r=0.29). No significant relationship was found between dysmenorrhea and BMI in obese women (P≥0.52, r=0.09). Conclusion: The findings of the present study show no significant difference between dysmenorrhea symptoms and IGF1, IGFBP3, and BMI indices following the combined exercise. Thus, dysmenorrhea appears to be influenced by various factors beyond these parameters. Further research is recommended to explore additional contributing factors.

2Background and Aim: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, often leading to emotional challenges. This study aimed at investigating the mediating roles of resilience and self-efficacy in the relationship between perceived social support and psychological distress among breast cancer patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on women with breast cancer admitted to Imam Khomeini and Imam Hossein Hospitals in Tehran, Iran, in 2023. A total of 250 patients were included using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS) by Lovibond (1995), Resilience Scale (RISC) by Connor and Davidson (2003), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) by Scherer et al. (1982), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) by Zimet et al. (1988). Results: Perceived social support had a direct and significant effect on resilience (β=0.34, P=0.001) and self-efficacy (β=0.19, P=0.019) in women with breast cancer. However, no significant direct relationship was found between perceived social support and psychological distress. Resilience (β=-0.46, P=0.001) and self-efficacy (β=0.33, P=0.001) directly influenced psychological distress, with both factors mediating the relationship between social support and distress. The final model demonstrated good fit indices (CFI=0.93, CMIN/DF=1.82, RMSEA=0.064, P<0.05) and explained 34% of psychological distress variance. Conclusion: Considering the mediating roles of resilience and self-efficacy, implementing educational-therapeutic interventions focused on enhancing self-efficacy and resilience could effectively alleviate psychological distress in women with breast cancer.

2Background and Aim: The clinical course of COVID-19 is influenced by various factors. This study aimed to investigate the frequencies of ABO blood groups and their relationship with clinical, and paraclinical findings, severity, and outcomes of COVID-19 in Kashan, Iran. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of COVID-19 patients admitted to Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan, Iran, between 2020 and 2022, were reviewed. Demographic data, ABO blood groups, disease severity, clinical course, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Among 350 COVID-19 patients, 36% had blood group O, 31.4% A, 25.4% B, and 7.2% AB. Only the frequency of cough showed a significant difference among blood groups (P<0.05), with the highest frequency in blood group B (76.4%). Patients with blood group A had lower mean SPO2 levels compared to other groups (P<0.05). The mortality rate was highest in blood group A (10.9%) compared to AB (8%), O (4.8%), and B (1.1%) (P<0.05). Laboratory findings, disease severity, imaging results, hospitalization duration, and ICU admission did not differ significantly among different blood groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Despite a higher frequency of blood group O among COVID-19 patients, those with blood group A exhibited higher mortality rates. Clinical symptoms, laboratory results, imaging findings, and other outcomes did not show significant associations with ABO blood groups in COVID-19 patients.

2Background and Aim: Lifestyle interventions, including various types of exercise, are considered beneficial in managing type 2 diabetes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at comparing the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on cardiometabolic factors in type 2 diabetes. Methods: A systematic search of English and Farsi papers published in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SID, and Magiran databases was conducted until August 2023. The search utilized keywords such as "high-intensity interval training (HIIT)", "moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICT)", "cardiometabolic factors", and "type 2 diabetes". A meta-analysis was performed to compare the impact of HIIT and MICT training on cardiometabolic factors in type 2 diabetes. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test, and publication bias was evaluated through the visual analysis of funnel plots and Egger's test. Results: Analysis of 10 studies comprising 11 sports interventions involving 271 individuals with type 2 diabetes revealed that HIIT led to a significant reduction in fasting insulin [SMD=-0.93 (-1.25 to -0.6), P=0.001], HOMA-IR [WMD=-0.73 (-1.03 to -0.43), P=0.001], and systolic blood pressure [WMD=-3.15 mmHg (-6.29 to -0.01), P=0.04] compared to MICT in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, there were no significant differences in fasting glucose [WMD=-2.91 mg/dL (-7.97 to 2.14), P=0.2], diastolic blood pressure [WMD=0.3 mmHg (-0.77 to 1.56), P=0.5], and maximum oxygen consumption [SMD=0.49 (-0.004 to 0.99), P=0.05] between HIIT and MICT exercises in patients with type 2 diabetes. Conclusion: HIIT appears to be a favorable training method with efficient outcomes for improving cardiometabolic factors in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to MICT.

2Background and Aim: The quadratus lumborum muscle is a key contributor to chronic back pain. This muscle typically causes a dull and vague pain in the lower back. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise programs targeting the quadratus lumborum muscle in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. Methods: A systematic search was conducted for English-language papers published between 2010 and 2023 in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using keywords like "quadratus lumborum," "chronic low back pain," and "therapy." The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) Scale. Results: Out of 372 retrieved studies, 275 were excluded based on title and abstract screening, 58 were excluded after full-text review, and 28 were excluded for not meeting inclusion criteria. Ultimately, 10 studies were included. The results indicated a significant difference in pain intensity, active lateral bending, trigger points of the quadratus lumborum muscle, and disability index among participants engaging in therapeutic exercises (P<0.05). Conclusion: Myofascial release, stretching techniques, flexibility exercises, pilates exercises, and central stability exercises targeting the quadratus lumborum muscle can alleviate pain and improve functional disability in patients with non-specific chronic back pain. These interventions can also enhance posture, sleeping positions, ergonomics during daily activities like bending, lifting, and turning, ultimately reducing pain levels in affected individuals.