Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
Year:2019 | Volume:28 | Issue:169 |Papers Count:25

Background and purpose This research aimed at evaluating the effects of senecionine and Senecio vulgaris extract on apoptosis and cell cycle inhibition. Also، their cytotoxicity on prostate cancer cell lines (PC3، DU145 and HGFs)، antioxidant effects، and influences on AR and CLU gene expression were investigated. Materials and methods In this experimental study، senecionine and S. vulgaris extract were prepared and the induced morphological changes on cell lines were evaluated in DMEM F12 cell culture after 24، 48، 72، and 96 hours by an invert microscope. Then، cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT and fluorescence analysis، respectively. Finally، AR and CLU gene expression and methylation of AR gene were evaluated using Real-time PCR and Bi-Sulfide test، respectively. Results Cytotoxicity data showed morphological changes 24 hours after treatment with senecionine in all cell lines and all concentrations which also increased in longer time. Based on MTT results، senecionine showed cytotoxicity in 50 and 500 μ g/ml on PC3 and du145 prostate cancer cell lines. Conclusion According to current findings، Ragwort aerial part extract are suggested for in vivo studies with minimum destruction on normal cells and inducing effects on destruction and apoptosis of prostate carcinogenic cell lines.

Background and purpose One of the most popular methods to control the synanthropic flies is using parasitoid wasps. The aim of this study was to estimate the experimental parasitism rates of pupae of Musca domestica، Lucilia sericata، and Sarcophaga heamorrhoidalis by parasitoid wasps، including Nasonia vitripennis، Spalangia nigroaenea، and Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae. Materials and methods Pupae of three species of flies، including Musca domestica، Lucilia sericata، and Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis were exposed to three parasitoid female wasps، including Nasonia vitripennis، Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae، and Spalangia nigroaenea in laboratory condition. The exposure rate was 8 wasps to 10 fly pupae on alternate days up to 5 days. The experiments were performed in triplicate and a total of 2700 fly pupae was exposed to 432 wasps. The parasitism rate and parasitoid host preferences were also determined. Results Total parasitism of flies was estimated at 22. 17%. There was no significant differences in parasitism rate of Musca domestica، Lucilia sericata، and Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis by Nasonia vitripennis، and Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae، but there was a significant difference in parasitism rate of house fly by the three parasitoids investigated (P<0. 01). The Spalangia nigroaenea was active just on pupae of Musca domestica. The highest parasitism rate of the fly species studied was found by parasitized wasps of 5– 7 days old. Conclusion Spalangia nigroaenea can be considered as an efficient and specific parasitoid for biological control of Musca domestica. Other wasp species، including Nasonia vitripennis، and Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae could also be used in integrated fly control programs. Also، in biological control program for flies، 5-7 day parasitoid might be more effective.

Background and purpose Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite. Toxoplasmosis is highly prevalent and has a great effect on public health، therefor، there is a need for vaccine and sensitive diagnostic procedures. This study aimed at cloning and investigating the expression of ROP13 gene of T. gondii. Materials and methods In this study، the gene was cloned in pTG19-T vector and transferred to a TOP10 strain of E. coli following ROP13 gene amplification using PCR. Then the ROP13 gene was sub cloned in expression plasmid pcDNA3. Also، pcROP13 was transferred to CHO cells and the expression level was evaluated by IFA method. Results Cloning and sub cloning of ROP 13 gene were confirmed by PCR، sequencing and enzymatic digestion. The gene sequencing showed complete homology with a recorded sequence in the gene bank. Moreover، the expression of ROP13 gene in CHO eukaryotic cells was confirmed by IFA method. Conclusion The results showed that ROP13 gene was successfully sub cloned into the pcDNA3 expression vector and expressed in CHO cells. Therefore، it can be used in the development of vaccines and in diagnostic tests.

Background and purpose The antimicrobial effect of phenytoin on ulcers has been addressed in few studies. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial effect of phenytoin on common contaminating microorganisms of oral cavity ulcers in vitro. Materials and methods Three standard microbial species including Staphylococcus aureus، Actinomyces naeslundii، and Candida albicans were prepared. Twenty four-hour cultures of the species was accomplished on BHI Agar medium at 37° C in aerobic situation in an incubator. After 24 hour، 0. 5 McFarland concentration were prepared from microorganism colonies. Meadow cultivation of microorganisms was done in plates containing BHI Agar medium. In each plate 4 wells were created for 4 concentrations of phenytoin (0. 5، 1، 3، and 5%). Then one drop of each phenytoin solution was poured in the wells in certain concentrations. For each microorganism species، one well containing 0. 2% chlorhexidine was prepared as positive control. The plates were placed in incubator and after 24 hour، diameter of non-growth halo around all wells was measured in all plates using a caliper. These steps were repeated three times to ensure the accuracy of process and results. Results Diameters of non-growth halo around colonies of Staphylococcus aureus، Actinomyces naeslundii، and Candida albicans were 0 millimeter in all four concentrations of phenytoin. Conclusion Phenytoin was found to have no antimicrobial effect on common contaminating microorganisms of oral cavity ulcers in vitro.

Background and purpose Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is widely accepted in many Intensive Care Units (ICU) in the word. The aim of this study was to compare the complications of Modified Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy (MPDT) with or without bronchoscopy. Materials and methods A randomized clinical trial was performed in 270 ICU patients، candidate for tracheostomy in Babol Rouhani Hospital، between April 2013 and May 2018. They were systematically divided into two groups. MPDT was carried out in both groups. At first، the transverse section (2 cm) was given 1 cm below the cricoid cartilage، then PDT was performed after seeing the trachea ring. In the first group، PDT was performed without a bronchoscope and in the second group the PDT was done applying bronchoscopic guide. The procedure time، waiting time to tracheostomy، complications such as hemorrhage، stomal infection، and pneumothorax were compared in two groups. Data were analyzed in SPSS V22 using Chi-square، independent sample، and Fisher exact test. Results There were no differences between the two groups in age، sex، mean apache score، and mortality (P> 0. 05). The mean waiting time to tracheostomy was not significantly different (P= 0. 632). The procedure time in the PDT without bronchoscopy was 6. 44 ± 3. 54 min and in the PDT with bronchoscopy was 9. 25 ± 3. 30 min (P<0. 001). The complication rate in the PDT without bronchoscopy was 14 (10. 4%) and in the bronchoscopy group was 12 (8. 9%) (P= 0. 680). Conclusion Modified PDT without bronchoscopy is as safe as PDT with bronchoscope.

Background and purpose The present study aimed at investigating the effect of a period of cardiac rehabilitation program with consumption of vitamin D on NO، ET1، VEGF، anxiety، and depression levels in cardiac patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery )CABG(. Materials and methods A clinical trial was conducted in 32 cardiac patients undergoing CABG surgery in Sari Fatemeh Zahra Hospital. The subjects were randomly divided into four groups including control، vitamin D، exercise، and exercise-vitamin D. The training program included aerobic exercises (70-85% maximum heart rate/60-85 min) followed by strength exercises in three sets with 10 repetitions (20-60% of maximum repetition for 6 weeks/3 sessions per week). The levels of NO، ET1، VEGF anxiety، and depression were investigated before and after 6 weeks. Data were analyzed using correlated t-test and two-way ANOVA test. Results In the exercise، vitamin D، and exercise-vitamin D groups، the levels of NO and VEGF increased significantly، but ET1 level showed a significant decrease. Furthermore، significant reductions were seen in anxiety and depression levels in all groups (P<0. 05). Conclusion Current study showed vitamin D and exercise-vitamin D could improve the levels of NO، ET1، VEGF، anxiety، and depression in cardiac patients after CABG surgery. Nevertheless، exercise-vitamin D was more effective in improving the NO، ET1، VEGF، anxiety، and depression levels.

Background and purpose Multidisciplinary treatments of chronic pain are found to be effective on reducing disability. However، the effect of this type of treatment is not positive in all patients and interpersonal differences play a significant role in responding to these treatments. We aimed to investigate the predictive factors for reduction in disability after multidisciplinary treatment of patients with chronic pain. Materials and methods Two hundred and forty nine patients with chronic pain were followed up for three months after a 2-week multidisciplinary treatment program in Kassel Pain Center Germany. At baseline and three months later، validated tools were used to assess demographic and pain-related variables such as pain intensity. Also، the scales for disability، depression، catastrophizing، and pain acceptance were completed by the patients. Results Greater reduction in disability was predicted by baseline pain acceptance and its improvement from pretreatment to the 3-month follow up after controlling the baseline pain intensity، disability، and change in pain intensity from pretreatment to the follow up. This model achieved a variance explanation of 76%. Conclusion The data lend support to the importance of pain-related thoughts and emotions in long-term outcome following multidisciplinary pain treatment. Lower levels of pain acceptance can lead to problems in patients with chronic pain، so psychological interventions alongside other treatments may lead to a greater reduction of disability in these patients.

Background and purpose Pain assessment is a challenge in traumatic brain injury (TBI) in critical care units. Therefore، this study aimed at investigating the effect of nociceptive stimulation on heart rate، respiratory rate، and oxygen saturation (SPO2) in patients with traumatic brain injury. Materials and methods A quasi-experimental research was conducted in 35 TBI patients، applying nociceptive and non-nociceptive procedures. Heart rate، respiratory rate، and SPO2 were measured one minute before، during، and 15 minutes after the procedures. Results There was a significant association between the mean scores for physiological variables before، during، and after the intervention. Eta values of physiological variables in nociceptive procedure were higher than those of the non-nociceptive procedures. There were significant associations between the nociceptive procedure and heart rate and SPO2 changes. But، there was no association between nociceptive procedure and respiratory rate (P<0. 05). Conclusion Current findings suggest that painful stimulation could significantly increase heart rate and decrease SPO2 in patients with traumatic brain injury. Therefore، nurses could use these physiological markers as a convenient and easy-to-access method for initial assessment of pain in traumatic brain injury patients.

Background and purpose Normal amount of saliva is necessary for prevention of oral lesions، caries، and proper speech. The purpose of this research was to study the salivary flow rate in HIV-1 seropositive attending Tehran Imam Khomeini Hospital. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 individuals including 25 HIV-1 seropositive patients (case group) and 25 healthy people (control group) attending the Counseling Center for Behavioral Diseases in Tehran Imam Khomeini Hospital، Tehran. The saliva rate was measured during 10 min. The case and control groups were matched in terms of age، gender، history of smoking، and other drugs (p< 0. 9). People with history of drug abuse، alcohol، and systemic diseases were excluded from the study. Data analysis was done in SPSS. Results Salivary flow rate in controls and case group were 4. 6± 0. 86 ml/min and 3. 6± 1. 8 ml/min، respectively. In the case group، the salivary rate was significantly lower than that of the control group (p= 0. 01). Moreover، significant associations were seen between salivary flow rate and educational level (p<0. 05)، anti-retroviral consumption (p=0. 0004)، and low CD4 count (p=0. 0004). Conclusion Salivary flow rate in HIV positive patients could be affected by HIV. So، clinicians should pay attention to oral problems more rigorously in people living with HIV.

Background and purpose Hyperbilirubinemia is the most common cause of neonatal hospitalization and can be a sign of urinary tract infection during infancy. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the reasons for prolonged jaundice. This research aimed at studying the prevalence of urinary tract infection in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia admitted to Tonekabon Shahid Rajaei Hospital، 2015. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 259 infants. The samples were selected by census method. To diagnose the urinary tract infection، urine with a 2-cc syringe was taken by pediatrician through suprapubic method. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test. Results UTI was identified in 18 (6. 9%) neonates، including 10 (55. 5%) boys and 8 (44. 4%) girls. Urine culture revealed 12 E. coli spp. and 6 Proteus spp. Also، in 49 (91. 18%) were found to have prolonged jaundice. Conclusion Due to the prevalence of UTI in neonates، urine culture is suggested in all infants hospitalized for jaundice even in those without prolonged jaundice.

Background and purpose Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Most recently C3435T polymorphism of MDR1 gene is considered as one of the major causes of drug resistance in treatment of this disease. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between C3435T MDR1 gene polymorphism and treatment response in breast cancer patients. Materials and methods In this longitudinal study، blood samples were collected from all cases and gene polymorphism was performed by PCR-RFLP method. Then، all patients underwent chemotherapy and patient response to treatment was evaluated. They were divided into two categories according to clinical response to treatment and lack of treatment response. Results This research included 152 women (mean age: 49. 84± 10. 95 years) with breast cancer. The genotype found more frequently was CT (49. 2%). Among the patients، 74. 3% responded to treatments and in 25. 7% there was no response to treatment. We found no significant differences between different genotypes in response to treatment (P=0. 485). Conclusion There was no direct relationship between the response of breast cancer to treatment and C3435T polymorphism of MDR1 gene.

Background and purpose Breast cancer is the common cancer in women and the major cause of death due to malignancy in women aged 40-44 years old. The routine method for diagnosis of biopsy specimens is pathologic procedure. Expert pathologists could accurately diagnose malignant and benign diseases using cytology methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of touch preparation cytology compared with pathology in diagnosis of breast lesions. Materials and methods In this descriptive cross-sectional study we evaluated patients that had breast operation in Hamadan Bouali Hospital، 2016-2017 by analyzing pathologic recorded reports. Results Totally 121 patients were studied including 114 (94. 2%) females and 7 (5. 8%) males. The mean age of the patients was 40. 7 years (15-74 years). Malignant and benign diseases were observed in 61 and 60 patients، respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of touch preparation cytology were 91. 8% and 95%، respectively. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 94. 91% and 91. 93%، respectively. Conclusion Touch preparation cytology is an accurate and valid method for detecting benign breast lesions and is suggested to be used alongside frozen section to increase sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis.

Background and purpose Thalassemia is a preventable genetic disorder that is a major health problem. It is now two decades since implementation of the national program for preventing β-thalassemia major in Iran. This study was conducted to compare the costs and results of this program from 2010 to 2014 in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Materials and methods Economic evaluation was done in this descriptive analytic study. We extracted the data from surveillance reports of health deputy and costs of laboratory services from the private and public sectors and Legal Medicine Organization tariffs. Other cost items were determined using published reports and articles، and interviewing the administrators and researchers. All costs were calculated in Excel 2007 based on the economic value of 2014. Results The total direct costs of medical services، direct non-medical and non-medical direct costs of implementation of national program for preventing β-thalassemia major in one year were over 18، 418، 872، 744 Rials. The average cost of prevention of a β-thalassemia major birth case was estimated to be be 341، 090، 236 Rials. The cost ratio of prevention to treatment was 1: 12. Five-year implementation of the national program prevented 270 babies born with thalassemia. The success rate of this program was 95% in Mazandaran. Conclusion Cost benefit analysis showed that the national program for preventing β-thalassemia major was efficient and economically valuable in Mazandaran province.

Background and purpose Acanthamoeba spp. are an opportunistic protozoan in environmental sources that can cause respiratory infection and keratitis. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and genotypes of Acanthamoeba in rural drinking water sources in Kashan and Aran-Bidgol، Iran. Materials and methods In this study، 162 samples from 54 drinking water sources were collected in 2017. After samples filtration، they were cultured on non-nutrient agar to isolate free-living amoeba. After DNA extraction، the Polymerase Chain Reaction using JDP1، JDP2 primers was performed to detect Acanthamoeba spp. and finally the genotype of eight isolates was determined. Data analysis was done in SPSS applying Chi-square and Fisher’ s exact test. Results Among the samples 35. 2% were found to be contaminated with free-living amoeba، among which 19 isolates (11. 7%) were confirmed as Acanthamoeba. The rates of free-living amoeba and Acanthamoba were 35. 4% and 11. 8%، respectively، in Kashan، which were higher than those in Aran-Bidgol. Frequency of free-living amoeba in Qanat، well، and spring was 55. 6%، 30. 2%، and 26. 7%، respectively. Acanthamoeba contamination rates were 13. 9%، 11. 5% and 10%، respectively. Acanthamoeba contamination rate was higher in surface wells than that in deep wells. The genotype of all Acanthamoeba isolates belonged to T4. Conclusion This study revealed that drinking water sources were contaminated with free-living amoeba and Acanthamoeba. All isolates were T4 genotype، therefore، these sources could be considered as a risk factor for public health.

Background and purpose Considerable increase on the use of electronic devices increased the rate of public occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields. Assessment of exposure to these fields is highly important due to potential health hazards. This study aimed at investigating the magnetic flux emission from extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields around power lines of high voltage in Neka (north of Iran) and factors affecting the magnetic flux density. Materials and methods In this cross-sectional study، 50 sites around high voltage transmission lines were selected and the magnetic flux density was measured at four different distances from the lines. Humidity and temperature were measured in order to assess their impact on magnetic flux density. The extremely low-frequency magnetic field was measured using an electromagnetic field tester (model TES 1394). Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS V17 applying descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA. Results The highest average magnetic flux density was at the 400 kV power transmission line (2. 11 ± 1. 36 µ T). The average magnetic flux density was higher in the afternoon (2. 55 µ T) compared with that in the morning. The average values for magnetic flux density under the pylon and between two pylons were 1. 18 ± 0. 75 and 2. 55 ± 1. 42 µ T، respectively. Magnetic flux density decreased by increasing distance from the wire and the environment moisture. Conclusion The average magnetic flux density was lower than the standards set by the international commission on non-ionizing radiation protection and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Hence، the health effects would be negligible.

Background and purpose Some people are eligible for psychiatric exemptions before or during military service. This study aimed to investigate the common and uncommon psychological and behavioral situation in applicants for driving license exempt from military service. Materials and methods In this cross-sectional study، the population included applicants for driving license with psychiatric disorders who were exempt from military service in Khuzestan، Lorestan and Ilam provinces، Iran 2015. The sample size was 585. Data were collected using the checklists provided by the medical commissions in The Law Enforcement Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran (NAJA) which was previously used by The General Department of NAJA with approval of the Ministry of Health. Data analysis was done in SPSS V21. Results Among the applicants for driving license، 326 suffered mental disorders during military service and were exempted from military service. The disorders with highest frequency among the patients were seizure (31. 5%) and mood disorders (29. 2%). Among these individuals، 14. 9% were banned from obtaining driving license، 63% were allowed to renew that، and 22% received treatment for mental disorders. The decisions for the driving license of the latter group were made after the treatment. Conclusion Mood disorders were found to be the most prevalent psychiatric disorder among the applicants for driving license، so، necessary precautions should be taken when issuing or renewing the driving license to these people.

Background and purpose Air pollution causes respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study we aimed at statistical modeling of the effects of air pollution on mortality due to chronic pulmonary disease and COPD in Mashhad، Iran، using negative binomial regression. Materials and methods Mortality data due to chronic pulmonary diseases and the average amount of air pollutants per 24 hr were collected from 12 air pollution monitoring stations in Mashhad، 2011. Negative binomial regression was used as an appropriate statistical model to analyze discrete data. Results The effects of all pollutants، except PM particles and ozone particles، were found to have direct significant effect on mortality due to chronic pulmonary disease. The ratio of the incidence rate of mortality among patients with chronic pulmonary disease was highest for CO (IRR= 1. 37، p<0. 001)، SO2 (IRR= 1. 04، p<0. 001)، NO2 (IRR= 1. 01، p<0. 000)، NO (IRR=1. 003، p<0. 000). But ozone had an inverse effect on chronic pulmonary mortality (IRR= 0. 96، p<0. 000). Conclusion Among the pollutants، CO had the highest effect and O3 had a significant reverse effect on the rate of respiratory mortality. At the beginning of winter (January) we observed maximied rate of mortality and air pollution.

Background and purpose In the past، olibanum was used as an incense and perfume and a remedy for treating various diseases. Now، it is confirmed that olibanum improves memory and has a role in treatment and prevention of Alzheimer disease. CaMKIIα gene is known as molecular memory because of its role in cellular processes associated with memory. The aim of this research was to study the effect of ethanolic extract of olibanum on the expression of CaMKIIα in B65 and PC12 cells. Materials and methods To determine the effect of olibanum on cell viability، MTT assay was done and cells were treated with the extract in different concentrations and times. To study the gene expression، the cells were treated by two concentrations of the extract at four time points. Then، RNA was extracted، cDNA was synthesized، and the expression of CaMKIIα was quantified by qPCR. Results The qPCR data revealed that olibanum alternately changed the expression of CaMKIIα in a reducing and increasing pattern over time in B65 cells. However، the extract could not induce the expression of this gene in PC12 cells. Conclusion According to the role of CaMKIIα as molecular memory and the positive effect of olibanum in memory improvement، current results could be helpful in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which olibanum affects memory performance.

Background and purpose Bariatric surgeries are effective treatments for morbid obesity، among which sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become more popular. One of the most serious complications of this method is anastomosis leak which is treated by reoperation or endotherapy. The use of clips is recently proposed as a safe and effective option for treatment of leaks following bariatric surgeries. This article presents the case of a woman with sepsis following sleeve gastrectomy who was diagnosed with anastomosis leak. A 57 year-old woman weighing 140 kg (BMI: 54. 6) underwent sleeve gastrectomy due to menopause obesity and sleep apnea. She had abdominal pain، fever، and leukocytosis following surgery. With suspicion of surgical complications، the patient underwent gastrografin study and leakage was seen at the junction of cardia and fundus. Oral feeding stopped immediately and intravenous antibiotics started. Then، signs of sepsis were seen and the patient underwent upper GI endoscopy and the fistula was closed using an Ovesco clip. She was discharged four days later in good general situation. Anastomosis leak is a rare complication following sleeve gastrectomy which is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Patient’ s follow-up and a clinical suspicion help clinicians to make appropriate decisions for management of these patients.

Background and purpose Behavioral disorders in children will provide a basis for mental disorders in adulthood. Various studies reported different results on the prevalence of behavioral disorders in children، so، this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at determining the prevalence of these disorders in Iranian children. Methods and Materials A meta-analysis was performed in scientific databases including SID، Magiran، Barakat Knowledge Network System، ScienceDirect، Medline (PubMed)، and Google Scholar for relevant articles published in 2000-2017. Reference lists of articles identified were reviewed for additional articles. Heterogeneity between the studies was checked using index. Data were analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA) software. Results The overall prevalence of behavioral disorders was 23% (95% Cl 15. 1%-33. 5%) in Iranian children. The highest and lowest rates of behavioral disorders in children were recorded in Hamedan (54. 7% [95% Cl: 49. 8%-56. 9%]) and Ardebil (1. 8% [95% Cl: 0. 9%-3. 7%])، respectively. According to the meta-regression diagram، the prevalence of behavioral disorders in Iranian Children decreased with an increase in the sample size and increased by the year (time) (p<0. 05). Conclusion High prevalence of behavioral disorders in Iranian children highlights the need for effective measures to prevent، control and treat these disorders.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancers worldwide. Despite the improved therapeutic and diagnostic strategies and screening programs، morbidity and mortality of CRC is still considerable. Currently، most common approaches for diagnosis of CRC are colonoscopy and fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Because of the invasive nature of colonoscopy and low sensitivity of FOBT، it is essential to find precise and noninvasive methods for early diagnosis، monitoring، and control of colorectal cancer. In recent years، there has been growing interest in finding sensitive and non-invasive molecular biomarkers by evaluating expression profiles of miRNAs in patients with colorectal cancer. Many studies have shown the important role of microRNAs in regulating the expression of genes involved in tumorigenesis، which has led researchers to evaluate their ability in diagnosis and treatment of various cancers such as colorectal cancer. In this regard، miR-21 was studied in many researches. miR-21 is one of the earliest identified cancer-promoting ‘ oncomiRs’ ، targeting numerous tumor suppressor genes associated with prolifera tion، apoptosis، and invasion. Overexpression of miR-21 is observed in colorectal cancer and some other cancers. Recent studies have focused on the diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-21 and its implication in drug resis tance of human cancers. The present study is a review of recent findings on the role of miR-21 in the regulation of target genes involved in colorectal carcinogenesis and its potential as a diagnostic and prognosis biomarker in this cancer.