Crocin Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation by Regulating miR-143/145 and KRAS/RREB1 Pathways.

BACKGROUND: As a chemoprevention agent, crocin effectively decreases the risk of human cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanism underlying the anti-cancer effects of crocin is not entirely explained. Considering that in this study, we investigated the crocin effect on miR-143/145 and related signaling pathways in CRC cells. METHODS: HCT-116 and HT-29 CRC cells were treated with different concentrations of crocin and then were subjected to MTT and qRT-PCR assays to investigate cell viability and miR-143/miR-145, KRAS, and RREB1 expression, respectively. Also, western blotting was performed to evaluate gene expression at protein levels. RESULTS: Our results showed that treating CRC cells with crocin decreases cell viability by upregulating miR-143/145 expression and reducing KRAS and RREB1 expression dose-dependently. These effects on gene expression in CRC cells were reversed by removing crocin from the media after 48 h. Furthermore, western blotting results exhibited that crocin significantly reduced the protein expression of KRAS and RREB1. Also, it was found that treatment of CRC cells by crocin led to the inactivation of AKT by decreasing its phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that crocin may inhibit CRC cell proliferation by modulating KRAS, REEB1, and AKT signaling pathways mediated through miR-143/145 upregulation.

Silencing of SiX-4 enhances the chemosensitivity of melanoma cells to Cisplatin.

Melanoma is the riskiest type of skin cancer. Its prevalence has been rapidly increased over the last three decades. SIX1, SIX2, SIX3, SIX4, SIX5, and SIX6 are members of the sine oculis homeobox (SIX) homolog family. It is imperative to identify new melanoma biomarkers to improve the predictive value for melanoma prognosis, which could enhance our understanding of carcinogenesis and tumor progression. In this study, we investigated whether silencing of SIX4 in a melanoma cell line (A375 cells) in combination with Cisplatin can affect the apoptosis and suppression of cell cycle progression, migration of the melanoma cells. MTT test and colony formation assay was applied to determine the IC50 of Cisplatin and the combined effect of SIX4 siRNA and Cisplatin on the viability and clonogenesis of the A-375 cells. qRT-PCR was performed to determine the c-myc, BCL-2, BAX, MMP-9, CXCR4, and Rock genes expression. Furthermore, flow cytometry was applied to evaluate apoptosis, autophagy, and the cell cycle status in different groups. Finally, wound healing assay was employed to evaluate the effect of this combination therapy on migratory capacity. SIX4 suppression increased the chemosensitivity of A-375 cells to Cisplatin and decreased its efficient dose. Furthermore, SIX4 suppression alongside Cisplatin reduced cell migration rate, arrested the cell cycle at the G1 phase, induced apoptosis by modulating the expression of apoptotic target genes, induced autophagy, and also significantly inhibits clonogenesis of A-375 cells. SIX4 plays a significant role in the chemosensitivity and pathogenesis of melanoma. Therefore, SIX4 suppression, in combination with Cisplatin, may be a promising therapeutic approach in treating melanoma.

The effect of hydroxy citric acid supplementation with calorie-restricted diet on metabolic, atherogenic and inflammatory biomarkers in women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of hydroxy citric acid (HCA) extracts from Garcinia cambogia on metabolic, atherogenic and inflammatory biomarkers in obese women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present clinical trial was carried out on 40 overweight/obese women with NAFLD. The patients were randomly allocated into either the "HCA group" (receiving calorie-restricted diet (-700 kcal d-1) accompanied by HCA tablets) and the "control group" (receiving only calorie-restricted diet) for eight weeks. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile, liver enzymes, as well as inflammatory biomarkers were determined at baseline and after the intervention. Dietary intake was assessed at baseline and at the end of the trial and food intake data were analyzed by the Nutritionist IV software. Results showed a decrease in energy and macronutrient intake in both groups (p < 0.05). Weight, BMI, WC, and hip circumference as well as FBS, triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased significantly in the HCA group (p < 0.05). There were also significant reductions in WC, FBS, TG, total cholesterol, LDL-C in the control group while inter-group changes in FBS, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C were statistically significant. Although atherogenic indices reduced significantly in both groups, inter-group comparison revealed that the HCA group showed greater decrease in the TG/HDL-C ratio than the control group (p = 0.004). Other atherogenic indices including TC/HDL-C and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio showed greater reduction in the control versus HCA group (p < 0.01). Some inflammatory factors were reduced in the HCA group; however, no significant within- or between-group differences were revealed post-intervention. Our results indicated that HCA supplementation plus calorie-restricted diet could improve some metabolic factors without any significant effect on inflammation in patients with NAFLD.

Comparison between cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels of myelin-associated glycoprotein, total antioxidant capacity, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by demyelinated lesions in the brain, the spinal cord, and the optic nerve. It is one of the most common neurological disorders. In this study, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were investigated to determine their effects on MS. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this study, 25 serum and cerebrospinal samples from MS patients as a case group and 40 serum and CSF samples from healthy participants as a control group were collected and analyzed. Concentrations of TAC, MAG, and 8-OhdG were determined in the samples using a dedicated kit and relayed using the ELISA device. RESULTS: The mean serum antibody levels of MAG and TAC were higher in the case group than the control group, although the difference in the MAG level was not significant (P > 0.05). However, the mean serum level of -8 OHdG was lower in the case group than the control group. Moreover, the mean levels of the evaluated biomarkers in the CSF samples were higher in the case group than in the control group. Still, the difference was only significant in terms of TAC levels (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.71 and 0.69 for 8-OhdG and TAC serum levels, respectively, and 0.73 for both TAC and CSF levels, which was not significantly different from that in other biomarkers. CONCLUSION: Elevated TAC levels in serum and CSF samples and 8-OhdG in serum samples may be associated with MS pathogenesis. However, further investigation is needed to consider these cases as a follow-up to the therapeutic goals or treatment process.

Oral α-lipoic acid supplementation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: effects on adipokines and liver histology features.

Considering the importance of adipokines in the pathophysiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and due to the possible beneficial effects of α-lipoic acid (α-LA) on these adipose-derived hormones, this study aimed to investigate the effect of α-LA supplementation on adipokines and liver steatosis in obese patients with NAFLD. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial with two parallel groups, fifty patients with NAFLD were randomized to receive daily supplementation with either two capsules of α-LA (each capsule containing 600 mg α-LA) or two placebo capsules, daily for 12 weeks. At the baseline, all participants received consultation on how to implement a healthy diet into their daily lives. Anthropometric measures, dietary intakes, liver enzymes and adipokines were assessed at the baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. A significant reduction was observed in the serum levels of insulin (P = 0.024) and leptin (P = 0.019) in the α-LA group compared to the placebo group, but changes in anthropometric and body composition measures, serum glucose (FSG), resistin, irisin and liver enzymes did not differ between the groups. α-LA supplementation resulted in a statistically significant elevation in the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (P = 0.033), serum levels of adiponectin (P = 0.008) and adiponectin-to-leptin ratio (P = 0.007) compared to the placebo. The liver steatosis intensity improved significantly. Nonetheless, no significant differences were observed between the study groups in the liver steatosis intensity, at the end of the study. According to the results, α-LA supplementation for 12 weeks improved insulin resistance, serum levels of insulin, adiponectin and leptin without changing anthropometric measures, serum liver enzymes, resistin and irisin.

Ultrasensitive bioassay of epitope of Mucin-16 protein (CA 125) in human plasma samples using a novel immunoassay based on silver conductive nano-ink: A new platform in early stage diagnosis of ovarian cancer and efficient management.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is known to be one of the most lethal malignancies associated with women disease. The CA-125 protein is a repetitive epitope of MUC-16, which plays key role in enhancing the proliferation of cancer cells and inhibiting anticancer immune responses. It is the most widely used biomarker for early stage diagnosis of OC. Also it is the only serum marker which currently used in clinical diagnosis. Monitoring of CA-125 protein in the serum sample is also valuable in evaluating the response of ovarian cancer to treatment. In this research, a novel immunoassay based on immobilization of CA-125 antibody on the biointerface of silver nanoparticles modified graphene quantum dots ink (Ag NPs-GQDs) was successfully designed to recognition of CA-125 protein in a human plasma sample. The supplied immunoassay presents the proper ability to detect and determine the amount of CA-125 biomarker in low concentrations of CA-125 biomarker. The proposed immunosensor was employed for the detection of CA-125 using differential pulse voltammetry (DPVs) and square wave voltammetry (SWVs) techniques. The proposed interface leads to enhancement of accessible surface area for immobilizing a high amount of anti-CA-125 antibody, increasing electrical conductivity, boosting stability, catalytic properties and biocompatibility. Under the optimized operating conditions, the low limit of quantitation (LLOQ) for the proposed immunosensor was recorded as 0.01 U/mL, which this evaluation was performed at highly linear range of 0.01-400 U/mL. The proposed immunoassay was successfully applied for the monitoring of CA-125 in unprocessed human plasma samples.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation along with weight loss diet on meta-inflammation and fat mass in obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) is common in obese people. Obesity is associated with a state of low-grade inflammation (meta-inflammation). There is an increasing evidence indicating that vitamin D has anti-adipogenic activity and immunoregulatory effect. This study aimed to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on meta-inflammation and fat mass in obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 44 obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency (25OHD < 50 nmol/L) were assigned into vitamin D (a weight reduction diet + bolus weekly dose of 50 000 IU vitamin D) or placebo group (weight reduction diet + edible paraffin weekly) for 12 weeks. Weight, fat mass and serum levels of 25OHD, calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Vitamin D supplementation resulted in significant increase of serum 25OHD level (P < 0.001), and significant decrease in PTH (P < 0.001), MCP-1 (P < 0.05), IL-1ß (P < 0.05) and TLR-4 (P < 0.05); compared to the baseline values in vitamin D group. Weight, BMI and fat mass decreased in both groups (P < 0.05). Between the groups, there were significant decrease in weight, fat mass, serum MCP-1 and PTH concentrations and significant increase in serum 25OHD concentrations after intervention with vitamin D supplementation compared to placebo (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in vitamin D status in obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency in combination with weight loss diet resulted in weight, fat mass and MCP-1 decrease. Weight loss and vitamin D supplementation may act synergistically to reduce levels of meta-inflammation.

Ultrasensitive immunoassay of tumor protein CA 15.3 in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lysates and unprocessed human plasma using gold nanoparticles doped on the structure of mesoporous silica.

Breast cancer is the most common threat in women worldwide. Increasing death rate of diagnosed cases is the main leading cause of designing specific immunoassay for tumor marker in breast cancer. Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a tumor protein for many types of cancer, most notably breast cancer. Herein, we report a sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor based on signal amplification strategy of multiple nanocomposites to detection of CA 15-3 biomarker. The proposed immunosensor fabricated by reduced graphene oxide (rGO), poly-dopamine (PDA) and amino functionalized mesoporous silica (MCM-41-NH2) doped by gold nanoparticles composite on the glassy carbon electrode with a large surface area which was prepared a new platform to immobilization of primary antibodies and provide excellent conductivity. To further amplify the electrochemical signal, the trace tag on the foundation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is coated with MCM-41-NH2 nanocomposite through thionine linking, which provides more amino groups to capture more horseradish peroxidase-labeled antibodies (HPR-Ab2) and enhances the conductivity. Under optimal conditions, the developed immunosensor exhibits excellent analytical performance for the determination of CA 15-3 with a wide linear range from 0.002 to 125 U/mL and a low limit of quantification of 0.002 U/mL. Furthermore, satisfactory results are obtained for the determination of CA 15-3 in human plasma samples, indicating the potential of the immunoassay to be applied in clinical analysis.

Ultrasensitive immunoassay of carcinoma antigen 125 in untreated human plasma samples using gold nanoparticles with flower like morphology: A new platform in early stage diagnosis of ovarian cancer and efficient management.

Ovarian cancer, as one of the most life-threatening malignancies among women worldwide, is usually diagnosed at the late stage despite up regulation of molecular markers such as carcinoma antigen 125 (CA 125) at the early stages of the malignancy. CA 125 is the only tumor marker recommended for clinical use in the diagnosis and management of ovarian cancer. The potential role of CA-125 for the early detection of ovarian cancer is controversial and has not yet been adopted for widespread screening efforts in asymptomatic women. Therefore, early detection of CA 125 in human biofluids is highly demanded. In the present study, a novel method was proposed for the fabrication of electrochemical immunosensor based reduced graphene oxide (RGO). Cysteamine capped gold nanoparticle (Cys-AuNPs) were deposited over the surface of ERGO probe using electrophoretic deposition method. These Cys-AuNPs/ERGO probes provide the favorable sites to attach the monoclonal antibody specific to CA 125 antigen. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), and square wave voltammetry (SWV) were applied for the electrochemical recognition of the biolayer. The represented signals demonstrates excellent figure of merits and good capability of the engineered immunosensor towards sensitive detection of CA 125. Quantitative measurements of CA 125 in human plasma samples have been demonstrated, showing the potential of the practical application of this novel immunosensor for the analysis of this biomarker in blood serum samples. This immunosensor has the ability of direct electron transfer as compared to earlier reported electrochemical immunosensors based electrochemical methods. Further, this immunosensor provides a very suitable and convenient alternative to replace the expensive commercially available methods such as immunohistochemistry. The following regression equation between the electrochemical current response and the CA 125 concentration range from 0.1 to 400 U/mL was found. The low limit of quantification for this immunosensor was 0.1 U/mL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported on the direct immobilization of antibody on the surface of Cys-AuNPs/ERGO for fabrication of immunosensors.

A novel DNA based bioassay toward ultrasensitive detection of Brucella using gold nanoparticles supported histidine: A new platform for the assay of bacteria in the cultured and human biofluids with and without polymerase chain reactions (PCR).

Brucella organisms, which are small aerobic intracellular coccobacilli, localize in the reproductive organs of host animals, causing abortions and sterility. In this work, we used a novel method to preparation of excellent genosensor on the surface of low-toxic substrate (gold nanoparticles) supported histidine prepared by fully electrodeposition method. The results of the present work show that the nano-Au-Hist provide suitable active sites for the DNA probe immobilization. The fabricated DNA genosensor employs cyclic voltammetry (CV), and square wave voltammetry (SWV) techniques for monitoring the behavior of the redox probe. To survey the morphological pattern and surface structural characterizations, the Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) has been applied. In summary, the gold nanoparticles supported by histidine was checked for immobilization of a Brucella-specific probe and detection of hybridization with a variety of sequences with a high sensitivity. The high sensitivity would be related to more favorable conformation and deflection angle of the probe for an efficient hybridization, higher surface concentration of the probe, and/or enhanced diffusion regime. These lead to better display of the entangled target sequences arising from the nanobiotechnology. The proposed genosensor showed a perfect distinction between complementary, non-complementary and mismatched DNA sequences. The engineered genosensor for detection of the complementary/non-complementary sequences were assayed. The fabricated genosensor was evaluated for the assay of the bacteria in the cultured and human samples with and without polymerase chain reactions (PCR). The genosensor could detect the complementary sequence in linear concentration range of 1 × 10-1 to 1 × 10-10 µM, and a low limit of quantification 0.1 pM.

Electrochemical recognition of taurine biomarker in unprocessed human plasma samples using silver nanoparticlebased nanocomposite: A new platform for early stage diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases of the nervous system.

The rapid and accurate determination of the level of taurine biomarker in various tissues and body fluids can be of great interest in the early diagnosis of several important pathologies and diseases. In the present study, an innovative electrochemical interface for quantitation of taurine based on ternary signal amplification strategy was fabricated. In this work, silver nanoparticles were electrodeposited onto green and biocompatible nanocomposite containing α-cyclodextrin as conductive matrix. Therefore, a double layer film based on α-cyclodextrin and silver nanoparticles was exploited to develop a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for detection of taurine. Fully electrochemical methodology was used to prepare a transducer on a glassy carbon electrode which provided a high surface area towards sensitive detection of taurine biomarker. The surface morphology of electrode surface was characterized by high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The proposed sensing platform provides a simple tool for taurine detection. The calibration curve for taurine concentration was linear in 0.7 nM to 0.1 mM with low limit of quantification of 0.7 nM. The practical analytical utility of the modified electrode was illustrated by determination of taurine in unprocessed human plasma samples with recovery of 90.8% to 104%.

Aptamer-based assay for monitoring genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU).

The genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) is the inability to metabolize phenylalanine because of a lack of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. Phenylalanine is used to biochemically form proteins, coded for by DNA. The development of an apta-assay for detection of l-Phenylalanine is presented in this work. A highly specific DNA-aptamer, selected to l-Phenylalanine was immobilized onto a gold nanostructure and electrochemical measurements were performed in a solution containing the phosphate buffer solution with physiological pH. We have constructed an aptamer immobilized gold nanostructure mediated, ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor (Apt/AuNSs/Au electrode) for l-Phenylalanine detection without any additional signal amplification strategy. The aptamer assemble onto the AuNSs makes Apt/AuNSs/Au electrode an excellent platform for the l-Phenylalanine detection in physiological like condition. Differential pulse voltammetry were used for the quantitative l-Phenylalanine detection. The Apt/AuNSs/Au electrode offers an ultrasensitive and selective detection of l-Phenylalanine down to 0.23 µM level with a wide dynamic range from 0.72 µM-6 mM. The aptasensor exhibited excellent selectivity and stability. The real sample analysis was performed by spiking the unprocessed human serum samples with various concentration of l-Phenylalanine and obtained recovery within 2% error value. The sensor is found to be more sensitive than most of the literature reports. The simple and easy way of construction of this apta-assay provides an efficient and promising diagnosis of phenylketonuria.

An innovative immunosensor for ultrasensitive detection of breast cancer specific carbohydrate (CA 15-3) in unprocessed human plasma and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lysates using gold nanospear electrochemically assembled onto thiolated graphene quantum dots.

The accurate quantification of the level of breast cancer specific protein CA 15-3 in serum is crucial for cancer prognosis. This work, a novel and sensitive label-free immunoassay based on gold nanospear (Au NSs) electrochemically assembled onto thiolated graphene quantum dots (CysA/GQDs) for the detection of CA 15-3 antibodies. The CysA/Au NSs/GQDs hybrid interface provides a large surface area for the effective immobilization of CA 15-3 antigens, as well as it ascertains the bioactivity and stability of immobilized CA 15-3 antigens. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and EDS photoelectron spectroscopies were used to monitor the sensor fabrication. Also, cyclic voltammetry was used to quantify the extent of Au NSs' surface coverage by CA 15-3 antigens. Square wave voltammetry (SWV) was employed to investigate the immunosensor fabrication and to monitor the binding events between CA 15-3 antigens-antibodies. Under optimized experimental conditions, the immunosensor displayed good sensitivity and specificity. The CA 15-3 were detected in a concentration as low as 0.11U/mL with a linear range from 0.16-125U/mL. The high sensitivity of the immunosensor may derive from the high loading of CA 15-3 antibodies on CysA/Au NSs/GQDs hybrid interface which increases the number of binding events. The method was successfully applied assay of the CA 15-3 in unprocessed human plasma samples. Also, proposed immunosensor was applied to the assay of CA 15-3 malignant cell line lysates (human breast adenocarcinoma cell line-MCF-7).

Angiogenic potential of YKL-40 in the dynamics of tumor niche.

A multitude of clinical studies showed the elevation of YKL-40 in subjects with different kinds of tumors. It is predicted that an inherent correlation exists between survivals of cancer patients with total YKL-40 serum levels, making this factor as a potential novel biomarker. However, the crucial role of YKL-40 in the dynamics of cancers, especially angiogenesis, has not yet been completely addressed. In this review, we highlighted the various facets of YKL-40 and its importance in cancer biology as a bio-shuttle in gene therapy.

Aptamer based assay of plated-derived grow factor in unprocessed human plasma sample and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lysates using gold nanoparticle supported α-cyclodextrin.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a protein biomarker, is directly involved in many cell transformation processes, such as tumor growth and progression. Elevation platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) concentration in plasma could indicate the accelerating growth of metastatic breast tumors and angiogenesis. The development of an apta-assay for detection of PDGF-BB in is presented in this work. A highly specific DNA-aptamer, selected to PDGF-BB was immobilized onto a gold nanoparticles supported α-cyclodextrin and electrochemical measurements were performed in a solution containing the phosphate buffer solution with physiological pH. Variety of shapes of gold nanostructures with different sizes from zero-dimensional nanoparticles to spherical structures were prepared by one-step template (α-cyclodextrin)-assistant green electrodeposition method. Fully electrochemical methodology was used to prepare a new transducer on a gold surface which provided a high surface area to immobilize a high amount of the aptamer. The surface morphology of electrode was characterized by high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The prepared aptasensors represented different electrochemical activities toward the redox processes of PDGF-BB attributing to the size and shape of the gold nanoparticles. The aptasensor was employed for the detection of PDGF using square wave voltammetry (SWV) and Cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques. Under optimized condition the calibration curve for PDGF-BB was linear in 0.52-1.52nM with low limit of quantification of 0.52nM. Also, under the optimized experimental conditions, the proposed aptasensor of GNPs-cubic-α-CD-Apt-Au electrode exhibited excellent analytical performance for MCF-7 cells determination, ranging from 328 TO 593 cells mL-1 with low limit of quantification of 328 cells mL-1. As a result, the electrochemical aptasensor was able to detect cancer-related targets in unprocessed human plasma samples.

An innovative immunosensor for detection of tumor suppressor protein p53 in unprocessed human plasma and cancer cell lysates.

An innovative mediator-free electrochemical immunosensor for quantitation of p53 tumor suppressor protein based on signal amplification strategy was fabricated. In this work, biotin conjugated p53-antibody (anti-p53) was immobilized onto a green and biocompatible nanocomposite containing poly l-cysteine (P-Cys) as conductive matrix and 3D gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as signal amplification element. Therefore, a novel nanocomposite film based on P-Cys and GNPs was exploited to develop a highly sensitive immunosensor for detection of p53 protein. Importantly, GNPs prepared by sonoelectrodeposition method which lead to compact morphology. Fully electrochemical methodology was used to prepare a new transducer on a gold surface which provided a high surface area to immobilize a high amount of the anti-p53. The surface morphology of electrode was characterized by high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The immunosensor was employed for the detection of p53 in physiological pH using square wav voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry (DPVs) techniques. Under optimized condition the calibration curve for p53 concentration by SWV and DPV was linear in 0.0369-50pM and 0.018-2.5pM with lower limit of quantification of 48fM and 18fM, respectively. The method was successfully applied assay of the p53 in unprocessed human plasma samples. Also, the method was applied to the assay of p53 in human plasma sample and normal and malignant cell line lysates such as (L929 normal cell Line from mouse C3H (L929), colon cancer cell-HCT, prostate cancer cell line PC-3, and human breast adenocarcinoma cell line-MCF7).

Poly arginine-graphene quantum dots as a biocompatible and non-toxic nanocomposite: Layer-by-layer electrochemical preparation, characterization and non-invasive malondialdehyde sensory application in exhaled breath condensate.

This study reports on the electropolymerization of a low toxic and biocompatible polymer with entitle poly arginine-graphene quantum dots (PARG-GQDs) as a novel strategy for surface modification of glassy carbon (GC) surface and preparation a new interface for biomedical application. The fabrication of PARG-GQDs on GCE was performed using Layer-by-layer regime. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was confirmed dispersion of GQDs on the surface of PARG which lead to increase of surface coverage of PARG. The redox behavior of prepared sensor was then characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and chronoamperometry (CHA), square wave voltammetry (SWV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The electroactivity of PARG-GQDs coating towards detection and determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) as one of the most common biomarkers of oxidative stress, was then studied. Then, application of prepared sensor for the detection of MDA in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is described. Electrochemical based sensor shows the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) were 0.329nanomolar. This work is the first report on the integration of GQDs to poly amino acids. Further development can lead to monitoring of MDA or other exhaled breath biomarkers by GQDs functionalized poly amino acids in EBC using electrochemical methods.

Poly-dopamine-beta-cyclodextrin: A novel nanobiopolymer towards sensing of some amino acids at physiological pH.

A novel nanobiopolymer film was electrodeposited on the surface of glassy carbon through cyclic voltammetry from dopamine, ß-cyclodextrin, and phosphate buffer solution in physiological pH (7.40). The electrochemical behavior of polydopamine-Beta-cyclodextrin modified glassy carbon electrode was investigated for electro-oxidation and determination of some amino acids (l-Cysteine, l-Tyrosine, l-Glycine, and l-Phenylalanine). The modified electrode was applied for selected amino acid detection at physiological pH using cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry, chronocoulometery. The linear concentration range of the proposed sensor for the l-Glycine, l-Cysteine, l-Tyrosine, and l-Phenylalanine were 0.2-70, 0.06-0.2, 0.01-0.1, and 0.2-10µM, while low limit of quantifications were 0.2, 0.06, 0.01, and 0.2µM, respectively. The modified electrode shows many advantages as an amino acid sensor such as simple preparation method without using any specific electron transfer mediator or specific reagent, good sensitivity, short response time, and long term stability.

Graphene quantum dots decorated with magnetic nanoparticles: Synthesis, electrodeposition, characterization and application as an electrochemical sensor towards determination of some amino acids at physiological pH.

This study reports on the synthesis and characterization of a novel nano-composite, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles/graphene quantum dots (Fe3O4 MNP-GQDs), for sensing of some amino acids. For the first time, as-synthesized GQDs and Fe3O4 MNPs-GQDs was electrodeposited on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by cyclic voltammetry (CV) regime in the potential range from -1.0 to 1.0V. Fe3O4 MNP-GQDs is engineered to specifically and effectively capture and enhancement the electrochemical signals of some amino acids at physiological pH due to the synergy among GQDs and magnetic nanoparticles. We have illustrated that the obtained Fe3O4 MNPs-GQDs exhibited a much higher electroactivity individual GQDs and Fe3O4 MNPs for the electrooxidation and detection of amino acid which was about 10 fold higher than for GQDs. Magnetic and specific properties of the Fe3O4 MNP-GQDs can be exploited to capture and pre-concentration the amino acids onto its surface, which are important for detection of multi-amino acids.

The Effect of Tomato Juice Consumption on Antioxidant Status in Overweight and Obese Females.

Tomatoes and their products are the main source of lycopene, a powerful potent antioxidant. Tomato products improve antioxidant defenses and reduce the risk of oxidative stress, at least partly, due to the presence of lycopene. Lycopene, as an antioxidant, induces the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes and reinforces the total enzyme capacity of the human body. Obesity is a chronic condition in which destructive mechanisms increase the reactive oxygen species and attenuation of antioxidant status. We hypothesized that the consumption of a lycopene-rich food would improve the antioxidant defense of women who were overweight or obese. A total of seventy-five overweight or obese female students of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences were enrolled and randomly allocated to one of two groups, intervention (n = 40) or control (n = 35), consuming 330 ml/d of tomato juice or water, respectively, for a 20-day period. At baseline and day 20, total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) were analyzed using ELISA kits and spectrophotometric methods and then compared between the two groups. Lycopene consumption had no effect on these aforementioned variables. Therefore, it seems that more research with longer duration and more sensitive indicators will be required.