Neuroprotective properties of a thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivative as an inhibitory agent against memory impairment and phosphorylated tau: In vitro and in vivo investigations.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegeneration that results in memory disorders and cognitive impairment. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of the synthesized thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivative, (E)-5-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-3-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (TZ4C), an inhibitor of p-Tau and memory impairment, using a SH-SY5Y cell model of methamphetamine-induced tauopathy and a scopolamine-induced memory impairment model in Wistar rats. In the present study, the neuroprotective effect of TZ4C was studied in a SH-SY5Y cellular model of methamphetamine-induced (2 mM) tauopathy and a scopolamine-induced (1.5 mg/kg/day) memory impairment model in male Wistar rats (n = 48). The memory functions and learning abilities of the rats were evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance tests. Additionally, AChE activity in the rat hippocampus was quantified, and the expression of p-Tau, HSP70, and caspase-3 in both in vitro and in vivo samples was evaluated through Western blot analysis. TZ4C (0.1-1000 µM) did not exhibit significantly toxic effects on SH-SY5Y cell viability. Western blot results indicated that TZ4C led to reduced expression of p-Tau, HSP70, and cleaved caspase-3 in SH-SY5Y cells (3 and 10 µM) and the rat hippocampus (2 and 4 mg/kg). Additionally, the findings suggested that TZ4C enhanced memory function in rats with scopolamine-induced impairment and decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) specific activity. The comprehensive analysis of in vitro and in vivo experiments underscores the neuroprotective potential (improved neuropathology and reduced memory impairment) of TZ4C. These findings highlight the promise of TZ4C as a candidate for drug discovery programs to identify effective therapies for AD.

Successful transcatheter coil embolization of a coronary cameral fistula in a young male with a structurally normal heart: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Coronary-cameral fistulas (CCFs) are the anomalous connection between a coronary artery (CA) and a great vessel or cardiac chamber. About 90 % of CA fistulas are congenital and are related to persistent sinusoids during the embryonic period. Most fistulas originate from the right and left anterior descending CAs. The circumflex CA is rarely involved. CASE PRESENTATION: A 20-year-old male was referred to a tertiary children's heart hospital center due to retrosternal chest pain (CP) and dyspnea on exertion (functional class Ш). The transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was done, and it demonstrated a dilated left coronary artery (LCA) (size:5 mm) with a large aneurysm (2 cm) and a small orifice to the right ventricle (RV) body. Then, cardiac angiography was done, and dilated LCA and CCF were demonstrated in the RV. Subsequently, the aneurysm was occluded by eight coils. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: CCAs can be treated by transcatheter approach or surgical repair. In the presented case, we planned to treat this condition through Cardiac Angiography. Cardiac Angiography was done, and eight coils occluded the aneurysm. The day after the angiography, the symptoms were completely resolved, and the patient didn't complain of CP and dyspnea. CONCLUSION: CCFs represent an uncommon cardiac anomaly with diverse anatomical variations and clinical manifestations. Coronary angiography (CAG) is the most accurate diagnostic test to determine fistula anatomy and possible therapeutic options. Small symptomatic and large fistulas, regardless of symptoms, necessitate intervention through either a transcatheter approach or surgical repair.

Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in rapidly progressing cardiac amyloidosis: a literature review based on case report.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac amyloidosis is a rarely reported and potentially fatal variant of the systemic disease. Its early diagnosis could potentially lead to significantly improved clinical outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old female presented with dyspnea and palpitations. Her physical exam and non-invasive evaluation with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) revealed restrictive cardiomyopathy, and the bone marrow biopsy results showed systemic amyloidosis. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis is not always straightforward, and delay can cause the progression of the disease and an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and histopathologic evaluation are the main methods for diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis. The treatment consists of controlling heart failure symptoms and disease-modifying interventions, including medical and surgical therapeutic methods. CLINICAL LEARNING POINT (CONCLUSION): Cardiac involvement is the main cause of death in systemic amyloidosis. Early suspicion, diagnosis, and treatment are crucial in improving patients' survival. CMRI can play an essential role in the diagnosis of cardiac Amyloidosis. A graphical abstract is provided for visual summary.

A recurrent typical angina pectoris without any finding in coronary angiography: Microvascular angina.

Key Clinical Message: Microvascular angina (MVA) can present with recurrent chest pain and normal coronary angiography. Recognizing MVA is crucial as it significantly impacts patient morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and management with antianginal medications are essential for improving outcomes and quality of life. Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases are still the main cause of death in many parts of the world. Chest pain and dyspnea are always concerning due to the implications of cardiovascular disease. However, in patients with the involvement of the small coronary vessels (Microvascular Angina), symptoms might be recurrent and persistent despite the presence of normal coronary vessel evaluations. A 45-year-old man with a 25-year smoking history presented with recurrent chest pain, especially during physical activity, and mild shortness of breath. He was admitted, and a coronary angiography the next day appeared normal. However, a cardiac PET scan revealed the involvement of small coronary vessels not visible on angiography. The Patient was a 45-year-old man who presented with recurrent chest pain, more prominent during physical activity. He also had mild shortness of breath. The patient was admitted, and the next day, he underwent normal coronary angiography. The cardiac positron emission tomography (PET scan) showed the involvement of small coronary vessels that were not obvious on angiography.

Pediatric coronary cameral fistula in a structurally normal heart: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary cameral fistulas (CCFs) are rare congenital anomalies characterized by abnormal connections between a coronary artery and one of the cardiac chambers. These abnormal connections can lead to significant clinical implications, including heart failure and myocardial ischemia, necessitating timely diagnosis and intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: A 5-year-old Iranian boy was brought to the emergency room at Heart Hospital Center complaining of chest pain and dyspnea on exertion. He had experienced similar episodes over the past 4 months, which had not been evaluated. Physical examination revealed stable vital signs and no remarkable findings. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a dilated left coronary artery with a large aneurysm and a small orifice to the right ventricular body. The left ventricular ejection fraction was 55%. Cardiac computed tomography angiography confirmed the diagnosis. Cardiac angiography showed a dilated left coronary artery and a coronary cameral fistula to the right ventricular . The aneurysm was successfully occluded using two Amplatzer™ devices. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the critical role of multimodal imaging in diagnosing and managing coronary cameral fistulae. Early detection and appropriate intervention are paramount in preventing the progression of symptoms and potential complications such as heart failure and myocardial ischemia. The successful closure with Amplatzer™ devices highlights the efficacy of minimally invasive techniques in treating complex cardiovascular anomalies. Regular follow-up and careful monitoring are essential to ensure long-term success and to manage any potential recurrences. CLINICAL KEY MESSAGE: Timely identification and management of coronary cameral fistulae are crucial to prevent complications. Advances in imaging techniques and minimally invasive treatments, such as transcatheter closure, offer effective solutions. A multidisciplinary approach and regular follow-up are essential for comprehensive care and successful long-term management.

Protective Effect of Bio-Scaffold Against Vitrification Damage in Mouse Ovarian Tissue.

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is regarded as useful method for fertility preservation. This study aimed to preserve most of the follicular reserve from the destructive effects of cryoprotectant solutions and liquid nitrogen. For this purpose, 48 female NMRI mice (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into six groups: Fresh (not vitrified), Vitrification (not encapsulated), Alginate 1 (encapsulated in 1% alginate hydrogel before placing in vitrification solutions), Alginate 2 (encapsulated in 1% alginate hydrogel before placing in liquid nitrogen), Aloe vera 1 (encapsulated in Aloe vera pieces before placing in vitrification solutions), Aloe vera 2 (encapsulated in Aloe vera pieces before placing in liquid nitrogen). After vitrification and warming, the histological evaluation showed that the average number of intact primordial follicles decreased significantly in all groups compared to the Fresh group. (P < 0.05). Results of evaluating the expression of apoptosis-related genes showed that the ratio of Bax/Bcl2 and P53 significantly decreased in the Alginate 2 group compared with the vitrification group. The level of Kit gene (KIT proto-oncogeni receptor tyrosine kinase gene) expression was either the same or lower in the experimental groups than in the vitrification group, but there was no statistically significant difference. Levels of tissue nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in Alginate groups 1 and 2 showed a significant decrease compared with the vitrification group (P < 0.05). To conclude, Encapsulation of ovaries in 1% alginate hydrogel before immersion in liquid nitrogen may reduce the damage caused by cryopreservation.

Familial aggregation of urolithiasis: findings from a Nationwide Middle Eastern study.

This study aimed to determine the potential effect of genetic factors and positive family history on the familial aggregation of urolithiasis in Iran. Of the total 44,186 participants in the Iran National Stone Survey (INSS) database, 34,953 individuals who were members of 8629 nuclear families were included in this study. The mean prevalence of urolithiasis was 5.7% [95%CI: 5.5 - 6.0%] in this subpopulation. Familial aggregation of urolithiasis was analyzed in 34,745 participants (99.6% of those originally included) utilizing a multivariable logistic regression with second order generalized estimating equations approach (GEE2) to adjust for sex, age, urbanization status and ethnicity. Recurrence risk ratios (λ) were used to evaluate the degree of familial aggregation. Our multivariable analysis demonstrated a strong familial aggregation of urolithiasis within sibling pairs (λs = 78.35), parent-offspring pairs (λo = 40.12) and spouse pairs (λsp = 21.62). The respective ORs were 5.65 [95%CI: 3.49, 9.14] for siblings, 2.85 [95%CI: 2.20, 3.68] for parents and 1.27 [95%CI: 1.06, 1.54] for spouses. Urinary stone disease tends to aggregate in families with a positive history of urolithiasis in either the parents or siblings. Siblings have a more prominent effect in inducing familial aggregation compared to parents. Despite the prominent role of familial genetic components in urolithiasis aggregation, shared environmental factors appear to partake in this phenomenon to some extent, as suggested by urolithiasis aggregation among spouse pairs.

Exploring the Impact of Family History, Demographics and Ecological Factors on Urolithiasis Prevalence: Insights from a Nationwide Study.

OBJECTIVE:  This study aimed to evaluate the potential risk factors of lifetime urolithiasis occurrence on a nationwide scale in Iran. METHODS:  All data regarding urinary stone events were extracted from the cross-sectional Iran National Stone Survey (INSS) study, and the possible determinants of urolithiasis incidence were evaluated. RESULTS:  Our multivariable logistic regression suggested that while older age at presentation, male sex, and a positive family history of urolithiasis in either of the patient's parents or siblings were all significantly associated with an increased odds of lifetime urolithiasis occurrence (all P < .001), a positive family history in one's sister (odds ratio; OR=5.56) or brother (OR=4.70) were the most significant predictors. Moreover, belonging to Baluch ethnicity (i.e., an ethnical group indigenous to the south eastern regions of Iran) and residing in regions with higher water hardness (i.e., total concentration of dissolved minerals) were also associated with an increased odds of urolithiasis occurrence (P < .001 and P=.023, respectively). Conversely, living in regions with higher mean humidity decreased the chances of developing a urinary stone event during one's lifetime (OR=0.62, P <.001). CONCLUSION:  Our results indicated that a constellation of demographic, ecological, and familial risk factors are associated with an elevated risk of developing urinary stones during one's lifetime. These findings can assist in implementing novel regional healthcare policies, considering the specific demographic and ecological characteristics. They also support tailoring personalized preventive strategies, particularly for individuals with multiple nonmodifiable risk factors.

Long-term effects of warm water immersion on kidney tissue damage in diabetic rats.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Warm Water Immersion (WWI) on inflammation, kidney function, and kidney tissue damage in rats with diabetes mellitus (DM). Materials and Methods: Forty male rats were divided into four groups: Healthy Control (HC), Diabetic Control (DC), Diabetic Rats treated with WWI (DW), and Healthy Rats treated with WWI (HW). Daily 15-minute WWI sessions at 43 °C were administered for eight weeks. Various parameters including lipids, fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1C, insulin, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), HSP70, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urinary albumin excretion, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), oxidative stress, anti-oxidant parameters, and gene expression of RAGE, VEGF, and TGFß1 were assessed. Histological examination of kidney tissue was also conducted. Results: Significant reductions in FBS, AGEs, glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nitric oxide (NO) levels were observed in the DW group compared to DC. Expression of RAGE, VEGF, and TGFß1 genes decreased in DW. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol were lower in DW. Insulin, HDL cholesterol, catalase, total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), and tissue HSP70 were higher in DW. Histological assessment revealed reduced kidney damage in DW compared to DC. Conclusion: WWI for eight weeks shows promise in mitigating diabetic nephropathy in rats, suggesting its potential as a non-invasive adjunctive therapy for managing diabetes complications.

Effect of magnesium oxide or citrate supplements on metabolic risk factors in kidney stone formers with idiopathic hyperoxaluria: a randomized clinical trial.

Magnesium is one of the recommended treatments for calcium stone formers (CSFs) with hyperoxaluria. In this study, we compared the effect of magnesium oxide (MgO) or magnesium citrate (MgCit) with placebo on 24-hour urine (24-U) metabolites and the calcium oxalate supersaturation index (CaOx SS). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 90 CSFs with idiopathic hyperoxaluria were recruited from a tertiary stone prevention clinic. Patients were randomly assigned into three groups: 120 mg MgO, 120 mg MgCit or placebo (supplements were taken three times per day, with meals). Finally, 76 patients were included in the final analysis. Analyses of 24-U were performed at baseline and after eight weeks. Study outcomes included changes in 24-U oxalate, magnesium, citrate, and CaOx SS. Dietary factors were controlled by 24-hour food recalls. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to compare the results. After the intervention, both MgO and MgCit supplements decreased 24-U oxalate excretion (-8.13±16.45 in the MgO group and -16.99±18.02 in the MgCit group) and CaOx SS compared to the placebo, with the effects of MgCit reaching statistical significance (p=0.011 and p=0.010, respectively). An increasing trend was observed for 24-U magnesium and citrate excretion without significant differences among groups. Interestingly, MgCit exhibited a significantly greater inhibitory effect on 24-U oxalate in patients with normal urine magnesium levels (p=0.021). Clinically, both MgO and MgCit reduced 24-U oxalate and CaOx SS compared to placebo. However, MgCit demonstrated a greater effect, especially in patients with normal urine magnesium levels.

Induction of heat shock protein expression in SP2/0 transgenic cells and its effect on the production of monoclonal antibodies.

The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in SP2/0 transgenic cells and the effect of these proteins on the production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The SP2/0 cell line expressing the PSG-026 antibody, a biosimilar candidate of golimumab, the culture parameters, and the target protein expression were not justified for industrial production and were used for the experiments. Paracetamol and heat shock were used as chemical and physical inducers of HSPs, respectively. The results showed that paracetamol and heat shock increased the expression of HSP70 and HSP27 at the mRNA and protein levels. The expression of HSPs was greater in paracetamol-treated cells than in heat shock-treated cells. Paracetamol treatment at concentrations above 0.5 mM significantly reduced cell viability and mAb expression. However, treatment with 0.25 mM paracetamol results in delayed cell death and increased mAb production. Heat shock treatment at 45°C for 30 minutes after enhanced mAb expression was applied after pre-treatment with paracetamol. In bioreactor cultures, pretreatment of cells with paracetamol improved cell viability and shortened the lag phase, resulting in increased cell density. The production of mAbs in paracetamol-treated cultures was markedly greater than that in the control. Analysis of protein quality and charge variants revealed no significant differences between paracetamol-treated and control cultures, indicating that the induction of HSPs did not affect protein aggregation or charge variants. These findings suggest that inducing and manipulating HSP expression can be a valuable strategy for improving recombinant protein production in biopharmaceutical processes.

Efficacy of intra-ovarian injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma in women with poor responders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: The effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on ovarian reserve markers in poor ovarian response (POR) is challenging. AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis was, therefore, designed to evaluate the effectiveness of intra-ovarian injection of autologous PRP on improving ovarian reserve markers and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in infertile women with POR. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted for the efficacy of intra-ovarian injection of autologous PRP on the improvement of ovarian reserve markers and ART outcomes in infertile women with POR. The methodological quality of the included studies was checked and eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis to find pooled results. Keywords were primary ovarian insufficiency, premature menopause, poor responder, poor ovarian response, diminished/decreased ovarian reserve, platelet-rich plasma, and intra-ovarian or a combination of them. The effect of PRP on fertility indices was evaluated using the standardized mean difference (SMD). The analysis was performed through STATA version 13. KEY RESULTS: 13 studies containing 1289 patients were included. Mean age, body mass index (BMI) and duration of infertility was 37.63 ± 2.66 years, 24 ± 1.23 kg/m2 and 4.79 ± 1.64 years, respectively. Most of the studies measured the outcomes 2-3/3 months after intra-ovarian injection of autologous PRP. The antral follicular count (AFC) after treatment by PRP is higher with an SMD of 0.95 compared to before treatment. The day 3 follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) after treatment by PRP is lower with an SMD of - 0.25 compared to before treatment. The day 3 estradiol (E2) after treatment by PRP is higher with an SMD of 0.17 compared to before treatment. The anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) after treatment by PRP is higher with an SMD of 0.44 compared to before treatment. The total oocytes number after treatment by PRP is higher with an SMD of 0.73 compared to before treatment. The number of MII oocytes after treatment by PRP is higher with an SMD of 0.63 compared to before treatment. The number of cleavage-stage embryos after treatment by PRP is higher with an SMD of 1.31 compared to before treatment. The number of day 5 embryo after treatment by PRP is higher with an SMD of 1.28 compared to before treatment. Pooled estimation of a meta-analysis of prevalence studies reported a prevalence of 22% for clinical pregnancy, 5% for spontaneous pregnancy and 21% for ongoing pregnancy following PRP therapy. CONCLUSION: Intra-ovarian injection of PRP improved ovarian reserve markers with increasing AFC, serum level of AMH and day 3 E2 and decreasing serum level of day 3 FSH. In addition, this treatment improved ART outcomes through the increasing of number total oocytes, number of MII oocytes, number of cleavage-stage embryos and number of day 5 embryos in POR women. IMPLICATIONS: Although treatment of POR women remains challenging, the use of intra-ovarian injection of autologous PRP in POR patients prior to IVF/ICSI cycles is a sign of new hope for increasing the success of IVF/ICSI. However, further well-organized, randomized controlled trials should be conducted to substantiate this result and recommend intra-ovarian injection of PRP as part of routine treatment in women with POR.

Predictors of Recurrent Urolithiasis in Iran: Findings from a Nationwide Study.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of urinary stone recurrence is the ultimate goal in urolithiasis patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the national prevalence rate and possible determinants of increased urolithiasis recurrence risk in a nationwide study in Iran. METHODS: All data regarding stone occurrence and recurrence episodes were extracted from the cross-sectional Iran National Stone Survey (INSS) study, and the possible determinants of recurrence were evaluated in the subset of 2913 patients who had a positive history of at least one episode of urolithiasis. RESULTS: The national prevalence rate of recurrent urolithiasis was 2.6% (95% CI: 2.5, 2.8) in Iran. Moreover, the relative ratio of recurrent stone formers to all stone formers was 39.8% (95% CI: 38.0, 41.6). Our univariable truncated negative binomial regressions suggested that a positive history of urolithiasis in the patient's father (prevalence ratio [PR] [95% CI]=1.83 [1.39, 2.41], P<0.001), mother (PR [95% CI]=1.92 [1.39, 2.66], P<0.001) or brother (PR [95% CI]=1.32 [1.03, 1.69], P=0.026); and residence in urban areas (PR [95% CI]=1.27 [1.04, 1.55], P=0.016) were significant predictors of repetitive recurrence episodes. However, when incorporated into a multivariable truncated negative binomial regression model, the only significant predictors of more frequent recurrence episodes were a positive history in father (PR [95% CI]=1.66 [1.24, 2.22], P<0.001) and mother (PR [95% CI]=1.68 [1.20, 2.36], P=0.002); and urban residence (PR [95% CI]=1.24 [1.01, 1.51], P=0.031). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that a positive family history of urolithiasis in mother and father and residence in urban areas are the significant predictors of recurrence risk in urolithiasis patients in Iran.

The preventive effect of heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum on male reproductive toxicity induced by cholestasis in rats.

This study investigated the preventive effect of heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on cholestasis-induced male reproductive toxicity in rats. Rats were divided into control normal, sham control, bile duct ligation (BDL) control, and BDL with heat-killed L. plantarum supplementation groups. The effects on sexual hormones, testicular and epididymal histology, sperm parameters, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory gene expression were evaluated. Compared to the BDL control group, the BDL + heat-killed L. plantarum group showed higher levels of normal sperm, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase activity, indicating improved reproductive function. Conversely, markers of oxidative stress, such as total oxidative status, oxidative stress index, and carbonyl protein, were lower in the BDL + heat-killed L. plantarum group. The expression levels of inflammatory genes tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 were reduced, while interleukin-10 gene expression was increased in the BDL + heat-killed L. plantarum group. Histological evaluation confirmed the positive effects of heat-killed L. plantarum intervention on testicular parameters. In conclusion, heat-killed L. plantarum supplementation protects against cholestasis-induced male reproductive dysfunction in rats, as evidenced by improvements in hormonal balance, sperm quality, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Longitudinal trend of urolithiasis incidence rates among world countries during past decades.

INTRODUCTION: This study explores the trend of urolithiasis in various countries and categorizes the countries in terms of how their urolithiasis incidence rate has changed over time. METHODS: The incidence rate of urolithiasis in 204 countries from 1990 to 2019, extracted from the Global Burden of Disease study, has been analyzed. RESULTS: According to the results, all regions had experienced an increasing trend in urolithiasis rate, except for Eastern Europe, Central Europe, and Southeast Asia regions (decreasing rates of -71.4, -56.2, and -9.2 per 100000, respectively). Moreover, the Caribbean region had the highest increasing trend of urolithiasis rates, and Central Asia was in the next rank (increasing rate of 48.3 and 34.3 per 100,000, respectively, p-value < .05). Also, African regions revealed significant increasing trends over time (p-value < 0.05). The outstanding findings in cluster analysis showed that Afghanistan, Andorra, and Comoros had the most decreasing trend in urolithiasis rates over time (decreasing rate of -128.2 per 100000, p-value < .001). Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, and Djibouti were in the next rank in terms of decreasing rate (decreasing rate of -92.3 per 100000, p-value < .001). In addition, urolithiasis rates in Congo, Eswatini, Gabon, and Grenada have the most increasing trend (increasing rate of 116.1 per 100000, p-value < .001). CONCLUSION: The trend of urolithiasis rates was significantly increased in most countries, and Congo, Eswatini, Gabon, and Grenada had the highest trend among others. Also, Afghanistan, Andorra, and Comoros revealed the most decreasing rates, and the trend has dropped remarkably in several other countries.

The effect of L-carnitine on oocyte mitochondrial health and biomarkers on cyclophosphamide chemotherapy drug in mice.

Improving oocyte competence during chemotherapy is widely known as a contributing factor to increasing the probability of fertility. Additionally, the role of cumulus cells in oocyte quality is of utmost importance. Therefore, this study was designed to simultaneously probe into the relative gene expression of oocytes and cumulus cells as biomarkers of oocyte quality with cyclophosphamide and L-carnitine treatment. A total of 60 adult NMRI mice were divided into four groups: control, L-carnitine (LC), cyclophosphamide (CP), and cyclophosphamide+L-carnitine (CP+LC). The relative mRNA expression levels of oocyte quality genes including growth differentiation factor 9 (Gdf9), hyaluronan synthase 2 (Has2), and mitochondrial sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) in oocytes, and genes involved in bilateral communication between cumulus cells and between the oocyte and its neighboring cumulus cells including connexin 37 (Cx37) and connexin 43 (Cx43) were detected by Real-time-PCR. DCFH-DA staining analyzed the level of intracellular ROS in oocytes. Under the influence of L-carnitine, Gdf9, Has2, Cx43, and Cx37 were significantly up-regulated (p ≤ 0.05). However, cyclophosphamide considerably reduced the expression of all these genes (p ≤ 0.05). The expression of the Sirt3 gene in the CP group increased significantly compared to the other groups (p ≤ 0.05). Analysis of fluorescent images revealed that the level of intracellular ROS in the cyclophosphamide group was significantly increased compared to the other groups (p ≤ 0.05), while it plummeted in the L-carnitine group (p ≤ 0.05). L-carnitine as an antioxidant can reduce the destructive effects of cyclophosphamide and enhance bilateral communications between oocytes and cumulus cells, and it may ultimately lead to an increase in the fertility rate.

The Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Patients with Heart Failure: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The current study aims to evaluate the effect of bariatric metabolic surgery (BMS) on the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with diagnosed heart failure (HF). Fourteen related articles with 217 patients were included in the final analysis. LVEF significantly improved after BMS in patients with HF with a mean difference of 7.78% (CI 95%: 3.72, 11.84, I2 = 83.75, p-value < 0.001). Also, the NYHA class significantly decreased after BMS with a mean difference of - 0.40 (CI 95%: - 0.62, - 0.19, I2: 47.03, p-value < 0.001). A total of 27 patients with obesity and HF were listed for cardiac transplantation after BMS. Of those, 20 patients successfully underwent heart transplantation after BMS.

Neuroprotective Effect of Thiazolidine-2,4-dione Derivatives on Memory Deficits and Neuropathological Symptoms of Dementia on a Scopolamine-Induced Alzheimer's Model in Adult Male Wistar Rats.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with a decline in memory deficits and neuropathological diagnosis with loss of cholinergic neurons in the brains of older adults. Based on these facts and an increasing number of involved people worldwide, this investigation aimed to study the improvement of memory and cognitive impairments via an anticholinergic approach of thiazolidine-2,4-diones (TZDs) in the scopolamine-induced model of Alzheimer type in adult male Wistar rats (n = 40). The results indicated data analysis obtained from in vivo and in vitro tests for (E)-5-(3-hydroxybenzylidene)-3-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (TZ3O) (2 and 4 mg/kg) with the meta-hydroxy group and (E)-5-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-3-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (TZ4M) (2 and 3 mg/kg) with the para-methoxy group showed a neuroprotective effect. TZ3O and TZ4M alleviated the scopolamine-induced cognitive decline of the Alzheimer model in adult male Wistar rats. These initial and noteworthy results could be assumed as a starting point for the evolution of new anti-Alzheimer agents.

Fertility-enhancing effects of inositol & vitamin C on cisplatin induced ovarian and uterine toxicity in rats via suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Cisplatin can lead to infertility due to its negative impact on the uterus and ovaries. This study aimed to explore the effects of Inositol and vitamin C on cisplatin-induced infertility. Forty-eight adult female Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (N = 6) and orally treated for 21 days. The treatments were as follows: negative control (saline), positive control (saline and cisplatin injected into the abdomen on day 15), T1-T3: rats given vitamin C (150 mg/kg), Inositol (420 mg/kg), and vitamin C + Inositol, respectively, along with cisplatin injected into the abdomen on day 15, T4-T6: rats given only vitamin C, Inositol, and vitamin C + Inositol, respectively. Vitamin C and Inositol enhanced cisplatin-induced histopathological improvements in the uterus and ovaries, raising progesterone and estradiol serum levels. Furthermore, the supplements enhanced ESR1 gene expression in the uterus and ovary, reducing uterine and ovarian apoptosis caused by cisplatin through modulation of caspase 3, 8, and Bcl-2 gene levels. These substances decreased ovarian and uterine malondialdehyde levels, boosted total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase, and alleviated oxidative stress. The findings reveal that vitamin C and Inositol shield against cisplatin-related infertility by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in the uterus and ovaries.

Lifestyle and occupational risks assessment of bladder cancer using machine learning-based prediction models.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers globally, can be regarded as considerable morbidity and mortality for patients. The bladder is an organ that comes in constant exposure to the environment and other risk factors such as inflammation. AIMS: In the current study, we used machine learning (ML) methods and developed risk prediction models for bladder cancer. METHODS: This population-based case-control study is focused on 692 cases of bladder cancer and 692 healthy people. The ML, including Neural Network (NN), Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), Naive Bayes (NB), Gradient Boosting (GB), and Logistic Regression (LR), were applied, and the model performance was evaluated. RESULTS: The RF (AUC = .86, precision = 79%) had the best performance, and the RT (AUC = .78, precision = 73%) was in the next rank. Based on variable importance analysis in RF, recurrent infection, bladder stone history, neurogenic bladder, smoking and opium use, chronic renal failure, spinal cord paralysis, analgesic, family history of bladder cancer, diabetic mellitus, low dietary intake of fruit and vegetable, high dietary intake of ham, sausage, can and pickles were respectively the most important factors, which effect on the probability of bladder cancer. CONCLUSION: Machine learning approaches can predict the probability of bladder cancer according to medical history, occupational risk factors, and dietary and demographical characteristics.