IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Year:2025 | Volume:50 | Issue:12|Papers Count:8

Endometriosis, a complex gynecological disorder characterized by ectopic endometrial-like tissue, affects over 10% of women, causing chronic pain and infertility. Despite extensive research, its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood, with proposed mechanisms including inflammation, hormonal dysregulation, and retrograde menstruation. Given ethical and practical challenges in human studies, animal models are essential for investigating endometriosis pathogenesis and evaluating therapeutic interventions. This review examines hormone-related animal models of endometriosis, comparing induction methods (autotransplantation, xenotransplantation, and spontaneous models) and their applications in studying sex steroid hormones (SSH) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. We analyzed 158 studies (2010–2024) from PubMed Central/Medline, focusing on SSH and HPG axis involvement. A novel scoring system was developed to assess the model’s suitability based on species, induction method, pharmacological effects, hormonal/genetic evaluations, histological confirmation, feasibility, ethics, and cost. Non-human primate models, particularly spontaneous and hormone-induced baboon models, scored highest due to their physiological resemblance to humans. However, rodent models remain widely used due to practicality. Our findings highlight the need for improved preclinical models to enhance translational research, ultimately aiding in the development of targeted therapies for endometriosis. This comprehensive analysis provides a framework for selecting optimal animal models in future endometriosis research.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health burden and one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, affecting up to 74 million people annually. It profoundly impairs mental health, quality of life, and daily functioning. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of nanoherbal compounds from Paraboea leuserensis using combined in silico and in vivo approaches in a rat model of TBI.Methods: In the in silico phase, bioactive compounds from Paraboea leuserensis leaves identified by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were screened through molecular docking to assess their binding affinity and pharmacokinetic properties. For the in vivo study, 30 male Wistar rats were allocated into six groups: G0 (normal control), G+(TBI control), MP (TBI+methylprednisolone 30 mg/Kg BW), and treatment groups PL100, PL200, and PL300 (TBI+nanoherbal extract at 100, 200, and 300 mg/Kg BW, respectively). Antioxidant activity was evaluated through superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test (P<0.05) using GraphPad Prism.Results: GC-MS analysis revealed bioactive compounds with favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Molecular docking showed strong interactions of 9-octadecen-12-ynoic acid methyl ester with ERK2 and CCR2, while 9-octadecenoic acid (Z) displayed notable binding to JNK3. In vivo, PL100 (P<0.01), PL200 (P<0.001), and PL300 (P<0.0001) significantly enhanced SOD activity and reduced MDA levels compared to the TBI control.Conclusion: Both in silico and in vivo findings highlight the neuroprotective potential of Paraboea leuserensis, with PL300 showing the most pronounced antioxidant effect in TBI-induced rats.

Background: The progression of life and cellular senescence can alter the physiological activity of every cell type. Here, the possible effect of oxidative stress on exosome (Exo) biogenesis was studied in endometrial adenocarcinoma Ishikawa cells. Methods: This in vitro study was conducted from 2022 to 2023 at the Stem Cell Research Center affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Cells were treated with 20 μM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 4 days, and physicochemical properties of Exos were analyzed using dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and western blotting. The expression of genes such as ALIX, CD63, TSG101, Rab27a, and Rab27b, along with aging factor senescence-associated 𝛽-galactosidase (SA-β-gal), was studied using real-time PCR analysis. The fatty acid profile was determined in isolated Exos using gas chromatography. We also measured the exosomal content of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA).  Results: The expression of SA-β-gal confirmed the successful induction of aging in Ishikawa cells after 4 days (P=0.0286). DLS analysis indicated a slight increase and decrease in mean Exo size and zeta potential, respectively, in H2O2-treated Exos compared to the control group. Proteomic analysis revealed the lack of changes in exosomal levels of CD63 and CD81 tetraspanins in both groups (P=0.001). Real-time PCR analysis indicated the upregulation of ALIX and TSG101, while the expression of CD63 and Rab27b was reduced in H2O2-treated cells compared to the control group (P=0.0015 and P=0.0129). No statistically significant changes were found in exosomal levels of SOD, GPx, and MDA before and after treatment with the H2O2 (P=0.857, P=0.421, and P=0.3739). Data indicated an increase in exosomal polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids in H2O2-treated cells compared to the control cells.Conclusion: Oxidative stress can influence Exo biogenesis and paracrine activity in endometrial tumor cells via the induction of cellular senescence.

Background: The shift from traditional office visits to internet-based care has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing reliance on telemedicine platforms. This growth has led to more health-related electronic data and heightened risks of unauthorized access, making it essential to prioritize information confidentiality issues. This study aims to reveal the disclosure of confidential information on a Persian televisit website.Methods: In this observational case study, we gathered public health-related electronic data from a Persian televisit website in 2022. SAS software was used to harvest messy data about patients and doctors and create a structured dataset. Meanwhile, Microsoft Excel and RStudio software programs were used for data visualization. A hashing algorithm was applied to encode personal information, preventing the identification of individuals.Results: Our study showed how public web data about 263 patients and 194 doctors, harvested from the target website, can be used to reveal patients’ private information. Using such data, we explored the patient-doctor interaction patterns. With access to the patients’ identifiable information, we recognized the identity of the clients who received internet-based care services and their possible diseases.Conclusion: This analysis revealed that exposure of patients’ confidential information could compromise their identities and underlying medical conditions. This highlights the need for a national framework to ensure the security of health-related electronic data. Health authorities should enforce comprehensive laws, while the owners of televisit websites should implement privacy by design principles into the development of such platforms to prevent the disclosure of sensitive information.

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a pathogen that causes various infections and exhibits antibiotic resistance and virulence factors, requiring alternative therapies. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nanocurcumin on gene expression of S. aureus isolates from burn wounds in Iraqi patients, focusing on inhibiting resistance and virulence genes.   Methods: From March 2023 to May 2024, burn wound samples from Iraqi patients yielded 110 S. aureus isolates. Identification was conducted by Gram staining, biochemical assays, and culture techniques. Fifty isolates were randomly selected for antibiotic susceptibility testing using the VITEK 2 Compact System. Ten isolates showing the highest resistance to multiple antibiotics were selected for molecular characterization via Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (Multiplex PCR) to detect fnbA, icaA, icaB, ftsZ, hla, pvl, femA, and mecA genes. The ten isolates were then divided into two groups: a treatment group exposed to nanocurcumin and an untreated control group. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of nanocurcumin was determined using the broth microdilution method in a 96-well plate. The 16S rRNA gene served as an internal control for evaluating the molecular effects. A two-tailed t test was used to assess the significance of gene expression differences.Results: All 110 isolates were confirmed as S. aureus. The 50 selected isolates were resistant to cefoxitin, amoxicillin, benzylpenicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, piperacillin/tazobactam, cloxacillin, oxacillin, and azithromycin. MecA gene was detected in all isolates. Among the ten tested, femA, icaA, hla, and ftsZ were present in 70%; pvl in 50%; icaB in 20%; and fnbA in 10%. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), showed significant downregulation of icaA, hla, pvl, femA, and mecA in treated isolates. No significant changes were seen in fnbA and ftsZ. Conclusion: Nanocurcumin inhibits S. aureus virulence and resistance genes, reducing biofilm formation and toxin production, but lacks effect on fnbA and ftsZ, requiring further research.

Background: L- glutamate- induced neurotoxicity is linked to neuronal loss in neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. Annexin A5 (ANXA5) is a cytosolic protein that binds calcium in eukaryotic organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of a recombinant ANXA5 against L-glutamate-induced cell death and mitochondrial dysfunction in SH-SY5Y cells.Methods: ANXA5 was expressed in E. coli and subsequently purified using affinity chromatography. The effect of L-glutamate (0-300 mM) alone or in combination with ANXA5 (0-5µg/mL) on the viability of the SH-SY5Y cells was assessed using the MTT assay. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) dissipation was detected by rhodamine 123 staining and the flow cytometry method. The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, and NF-E2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf-2) genes were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. GraphPad Prism 8.0 was used to analyze the data using either one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The findings revealed that L-glutamate reduced the cell viability of SH-SY5Y cells in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.001) (IC50=165 mM). Moreover, treating SH-SY5Y cells with 165 mM of L-glutamate increased MMP dissipation, enhanced Bax expression, and reduced the expression of Bcl-2 and Nrf-2, compared to the control group. ANXA5 alone had no significant effects. However, it reversed the effects of L-glutamate on cell death, MMP dissipation, and gene expression in the SH-SY5Y cells.Conclusion: The data suggest that ANXA5 can protect SH-SY5Y cells against glutamate-induced cell death and mitochondrial dysfunction, indicating its possible protective effect against glutamate-induced neurodegeneration.

Oropharyngeal teratoma (OPT) is a rare congenital tumor that may present either in isolation or in conjunction with craniofacial anomalies, often posing a major risk to infant survival. Recent advances in prenatal imaging, particularly high-resolution ultrasonography, have significantly improved the early detection and characterization of such tumors, enhancing clinical decision-making. Although prenatal sonography and MRI typically enable early diagnosis, the present study reported a case of OPT, diagnosed postpartum in an Iranian female infant weighing 4300 g. Despite the absence of prenatal diagnosis, the mass was successfully managed through prompt surgical intervention. The outcome was favorable, with no complications or recurrence. This case highlighted the critical role of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary perinatal planning in improving the prognosis of rare congenital tumors such as OPT.

Selection bias occurs when a study’s sample is not representative of the entire population, which can lead to incorrect conclusions.