Saffron (Crocus sativus) and its constituents in ovalbumin-induced asthma model: a preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Animal and human studies have demonstrated that the saffron and the active components of saffron, including crocin, crocetin, and safranal, possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. In this meta-analysis, the preclinical evidence and potential mechanism of saffron were explored in an animal model of ovalbumin-induced asthma. Methods: Studies related to saffron and its constituents in an animal model of ovalbumin-induced asthma from the beginning to March 2024 were searched from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the 15-item CAMARADES checklist. Data analysis was performed using STATA software version 17. Results: Thirteen studies with 536 animals (268 animals in the intervention group and 268 animals in the ovalbumin-induced group) were analyzed. The meta-analysis findings demonstrated that saffron and its constituents played a significant role in reducing total WBC, eosinophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts. Moreover, saffron showed a significant decrease in the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE, histamine, endothelin, nitric oxide, and nitrite. Moreover, saffron was found to elevate EC50 thresholds and lower maximum response rates in experimental animals. The analysis revealed a significant identification of modulation in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers and miRNAs pathways. Conclusion: Saffron and its components may impact ovalbumin-induced asthma model in animals through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory pathways, as well as improving pulmonary function and modulating ER stress markers and miRNAs pathways. As a result, saffron should be considered for further clinical trials in individuals suffering from asthma.

Potential role of saffron and its components on miRNA levels in various disorders, a comprehensive review.

The potential therapeutic benefits of saffron and its active constituents have been investigated for the treatment of numerous illnesses. In this review, the impacts of saffron and its essential components on the levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) in different diseases have been delineated. Relevant articles were obtained through databases such as PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to the end of November 2022. miRNA expression has been altered by saffron and its active substances (crocin, crocetin, and safranal) which has been of great advantage in treating diseases such as cardiovascular, type 2 diabetes, cancers, gastrointestinal and liver disorders, central and peripheral nervous system disorders, asthma, osteoarthritis, ischemic-reperfusion induced injury conditions, and renal disorder. This study uncovered the potential restorative advantages of saffron and its derivatives, in miRNA imbalances in a variety of diseases.

Prognostic Value of Admission Neutrophil Count in Asthma Patients with COVID-19: A Comparative Analysis with other Systemic Inflammation Indices for In-Hospital Mortality Prediction.

Despite studies indicating that asthma patients do not exhibit a higher mortality rate or severity compared to the general population when infected with COVID-19, there have been few reports on predictive factors for mortality in this context. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of systemic inflammation indices including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), systemic inflammation response index (SIR-I), and systemic inflammation index (SII) in determining mortality rate among patients with COVID-19 and asthma. In this prospective study, the laboratory parameters of 1792 COVID-19 patients were examined, with a subgroup consisting of 112 patients with asthma and 1680 patients without asthma. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to assess the potential of inflammatory indices in indicating COVID-19 severity, while Kaplan-Meier curves were utilized to analyze the survival probability with death as the outcome. In deceased non-asthma patients, the levels of leukocyte and differential cell counts, and the values of PLR, NLR, MLR, SII, and SIR-I were higher than in survivors. In contrast, all the above values except PLR and MLR were significant in the asthma groups. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves were consistent with the ROC analysis. However, a multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that neutrophil counts in non-asthma subjects and leukocyte and neutrophil counts in asthma patients remained significant for survival. In conclusion, while numerous inflammatory indices were associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients without asthma, neutrophil counts could independently predict mortality risk in asthma COVID-19 patients.

Aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) in admission as a reliable predictor of mortality in COPD patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The role of leukocytes and systemic inflammation indicators in predicting the severity and mortality of inflammatory diseases has been well reported, such as the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil/lymphocyte*platelet ratio (NLPR), derived neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), as well as systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and systemic inflammation index (SII). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the prognostic role of systemic inflammatory indicators in the mortality of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This retrospective study included 169 COPD patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained from the patients' electronic records. The ability of systemic inflammation indeces to distinguish the severity of COVID-19 was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and survival probability was determined by the mean of Kaplan-Meier curves, with the endpoint being death. RESULTS: ROC curves showed that the AUD level was significant for WBC, MLR, SIRI, and AISI. Interestingly, Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that survival was lower with higher MLR (HR = 2.022, 95% CI = 1.030 to 3.968, P < 0.05) and AISI (HR = 2.010, 95% CI = 1.048 to 3.855, P < 0.05) values. However, the multivariate Cox regression model showed that only AISI was significantly associated with survival. CONCLUSION: AISI in COPD patients with COVID-19 was a reliable predictor of mortality.

Role of Lipid Profile and Its Relative Ratios (Cholesterol/HDL-C, Triglyceride/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, WBC/HDL-C, and FBG/HDL-C) on Admission Predicts In-Hospital Mortality COVID-19.

Background: Lipid profile and its related ratios such as total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), TG/HDL-C ratio, TC/HDL-C ratio, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, white blood cell (WBC)/HDL-C ratio, and fasting blood glucose (FBG)/HDL-C ratio are valuable indicators that have been studied in various disorders to predict mortality. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the role of lipid profile ratios in predicting mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: At the beginning of hospitalization, laboratory tests were taken from all patients (n = 300). The ability of lipid profile ratios to determine the COVID-19 severity was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC). In addition, survival probability was determined with the average of Kaplan-Meier curves, so that the end point was death. Results: In deceased patients, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C parameters were significantly lower than those of surviving patients, while WBC/HDL-C and FBG/HDL-C were significantly higher. TC (HR = 3.178, 95%CI = 1.064 to 9.491, P < 0.05), TG (HR = 3.276, 95%CI = 1.111 to 9.655, P < 0.05), LDL-C (HR = 3.207, 95%CI = 1.104 to 9.316, P < 0.05), and HDL-C (HR = 3.690, 95%CI = 1.290 to 10.554, P < 0.05), as well as TC/HDL-C (HR = 3.860, 95%CI = 1.289 to 11.558, P < 0.05), TG/HDL-C (HR = 3.860, 95%CI = 1.289 to 11.558, P < 0.05), LDL-C/HDL-C (HR = 3.915, 95%CI = 1.305 to 11.739, P < 0.05), WBC/HDL-C (HR = 3.232, 95%CI = 1.176 to 8.885, P < 0.05), and FBG/HDL-C ratios (HR = 4.474, 95%CI = 1.567 to 12.777, P < 0.01), were detectably related to survival. The multivariate Cox regression models showed that only FBG/HDL-C ratio (HR = 5.477, 95%CI = 1.488 to 20.153, P < 0.01) was significantly related to survival. Conclusion: The results suggested that FBG/HDL-C ratio in hospital-admitted COVID-19 patients was a reliable predictor of mortality.

Effect of saffron supplementation on oxidative stress markers (MDA, TAC, TOS, GPx, SOD, and pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance): An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.

Introduction: This study aimed to perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of saffron supplementation on oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and prooxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB)] in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: We searched PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar until December 2022. Trial studies investigating the effects of oral saffron supplements on MDA, TAC, TOS, GPx, SOD, and PAB concentrations were included in the study. To analyze the results, mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q and I 2 values. Sixteen cases were included in the meta-analysis (468 and 466 subjects in the saffron and control groups, respectively). Results: It was found that saffron consumption caused a significant decrease in MDA (SMD: -0.322; 95% CI: -0.53, -0.16; I 2 = 32.58%) and TOS (SMD: -0.654; 95% CI: -1.08, -0.23; I 2 = 68%) levels as well as a significant increase in TAC (SMD: 0.302; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.47; I 2 = 10.12%) and GPx (SMD: 0.447; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.80; I 2 = 35%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in MDA levels in studies with a saffron dosage of >30 mg/day, age of <50 years, and study duration of <12 weeks. Among the limitations of the study, we can point out that the studies were from Iran, the different nature of the diseases included, and were not considered of some potential confounders such as smoking, physical activity, and diet in the studies. Discussion: In summary, the results showed that saffron has beneficial effects on oxidative stress markers.

Effect of crocin of Crocus sativus L. on serum inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Different factors, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation and apoptosis, affect the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as a progressive disease characterised by permanent airflow limitation. Herbal supplements with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help treat certain chronic diseases. The current study aimed at investigating the preventive effects of crocin supplementation on the serum concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α, exercise capacity and pulmonary function tests (PFT) in patients with COPD. The present prospective randomised clinical trial equally divided fifty-seven patients with COPD into a placebo and an intervention group, who respectively received a placebo and crocin (15 mg twice day for 12 weeks) as a supplement. ELISA was used to measure serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, also PFT and exercise capacity based on 6-min walking distance test (6MWD), which was performed at the beginning and end of the study. Crocin improved the results of PFT (P < 0·05) and 6-MWD (P < 0·001) and exerted preventive effects by increasing the serum levels of IL-6 in patients with COPD compared with those in the placebo group (P < 0·05). Intervention with crocin significantly lowered serum levels of TNF-α at the end of the study (P < 0·01). The present findings suggest crocin supplementation improves exercise capacity and PFT in patients with COPD by reducing serum levels of inflammatory factors.

The effect of convalescent plasma on the treatment of COVID-19 patients in Ardabil, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Infection with COVID-19 has resulted in considerable mortality all around the world. This study aimed to investigate the effect of convalescent plasma on the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Imam Khomeini Hospital at Ardabil, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this quasi-experimental clinical trial, patients over 18 years of age with polymerase chain reaction-positive COVID-19 were admitted based on the clinical criteria of respiratory distress with hypoxia (O2 saturation <90) and tachypnea (R Relative Risk (RR) >24) with moderate-to-severe lung involvement and in the 1st week of respiratory disease who were not intubated were nonrandomly assigned to two groups: convalescent plasma therapy (CPT) group (197 cases) and control group (200 cases). We used the Chi-square, t-test, Fisher's exact test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Analyses revealed that length of stay in hospital was significantly lower in the CPT group as compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Twenty-four cases (22.0%) in the CPT group and 85 cases (78.0%) in the control group needed intubation. Furthermore, mortality was 17 cases (18.3%) in the CPT group and 76 cases (81.7%) in the control group, the difference of which was also found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that CPT can be used as an alternative treatment at the early stages of COVID-19 to prevent the progress of the disease, reduce the need for intubation and consequently the length of stay in hospital, and finally, decrease mortality.

Adipolin and IL-6 Serum Levels in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Objective(s): One of the adipokines that have insulin-sensitizing properties is adipolin, whose reduced levels have been reported in obesity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The present study investigated serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and adipolin levels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Method: A control case study included 60 COPD patients and 30 healthy subjects in the research and measured adipolin and IL-6 serum levels. In addition, serum adipolin levels in COPD patients were assessed according to the GOLD grade. The relationship between serum adipolin levels and study variables were also analyzed. Results: The results showed reduced adipolin levels in COPD patients compared with healthy individuals (p < 0.001). Furthermore, increased levels of IL-6 were evident in the COPD group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Adipolin serum levels were positively correlated with PFTs and negatively correlated with IL-6 levels. Conclusion: Decreased adipolin levels enhanced disease severity in COPD patients. It seems that the existence of a significant relationship between adipolin and IL-6 may indicate the role of adipolin in the pathophysiology of COPD.

Role of leukocytes and systemic inflammation indexes (NLR, PLR, MLP, dNLR, NLPR, AISI, SIR-I, and SII) on admission predicts in-hospital mortality in non-elderly and elderly COVID-19 patients.

Background: Systemic inflammation indices, including neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), derived neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), neutrophil/lymphocyte*platelet ratio (NLPR), aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), systemic inflammation response index (SIR-I), and systemic inflammation index (SII) are well-expressed inflammatory indices that have been used to predict the severity and mortality of various inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the role of systemic inflammatory markers in predicting mortality in non-elderly and elderly COVID-19 patients. Methods: In a retrospective study, laboratory parameters were examined for 1,792 COVID-19 patients (elderly = 710 and non-elderly = 1,082). The ability of inflammatory markers to distinguish the severity of COVID-19 was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and survival probability was determined by the mean of Kaplan-Meier curves, with the endpoint being death. Results: In the non-survivor non-elderly and elderly patients, the parameters PLR, MLR, dNLR, NLPR, AISI, SIR-I, and SII were significantly higher than in the surviving patients. WBC count (HR = 4.668, 95% CI = 1.624 to 13.413, P < 0.01), neutrophil count (HR = 6.395, 95% CI = 2.070 to 19.760, P < 0.01), dNLR (HR = 0.390, 95% CI = 0.182 to 0.835, P < 0.05), and SII (HR = 10.725, 95% CI = 1.076 to 106.826, P < 0.05) were significantly associated with survival. On the other hand, in elderly patients, it was found that WBC count (HR = 4.076, 95% CI = 2.176 to 7.637, P < 0.001) and neutrophil count (HR = 2.412, 95% CI = 1.252 to 4.647, P < 0.01) were significantly associated with survival. Conclusion: WBC count and neutrophil count in non-elderly and elderly patients, were reliable predictors of mortality.

The probability of diagnostic delays for tuberculosis and its associated risk factors in northwest Iran from 2005 to 2016: a survival analysis using tuberculosis surveillance data.

OBJECTIVES: Early diagnosis is essential for effective tuberculosis (TB) control programs. Therefore, this study examined the risk of delays in TB diagnosis and associated factors in Ardabil Province in northwest Iran from 2005 to 2016. METHODS: This longitudinal retrospective cohort study was conducted using data obtained from the Iranian National Tuberculosis Control Program at the provincial level between 2005 and 2016. The total delay in diagnosis was defined as the time interval (days) between the onset of symptoms and TB diagnosis. Survival analysis was conducted to analyze the delay in diagnosis. Associated factors were identified using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: A total of 1,367 new TB cases were identified. The 12-year median diagnostic delay was 45 days (interquartile range [IQR], 30-87). The annual median diagnostic delay decreased from 68 days (IQR, 33-131) in 2005 to 31 days (IQR, 30-62) in 2016. The probability of a delay in TB diagnosis decreased by 5.0% each year (hazard ratio [HR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 1.07). Residence in a non-capital county (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.92) and referral from the private health system (HR, 0.74%; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.84) were significantly associated with an increased risk of delay in TB diagnosis over the 12-year study period. CONCLUSIONS: The median delay decreased during the study period. We identified factors associated with a longer delay in TB diagnosis. These findings may be useful for further TB control plans and policies in Iran.

Urinary concentrations of BTEX in waterpipe smokers and nonsmokers: Investigating the influence of conventional activities and multiple factors.

The aim of this study was to compare the concentrations of the benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds in the urine of smokers and the control group considering the role of age, weight, job, history of waterpipe and cigarette smoking, and driving time. The chemicals in the urine of 99 smokers and 31 nonsmokers were extracted by liquid-liquid extraction method and their concentrations were measured by liquid injection GC/MS. The mean concentration of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m-xylene, o-xylene, p-xylene, and total BTEX in waterpipe smokers were found to be 471.40, 670.90, 127.91, 167.64, 90.62, 46.04, and 1574.50 ng/g. creatinine, respectively. For the waterpipe&cigarette smokers, the concentration of the compounds were 708.00, 959.00, 146.40, 192.50, 93.30, 53.07, and 2152.00 ng/g.creatinine, respectively. For nonsmokers the concentrations of these compounds were 88.12, 140.40, 36.68, 57.29, 31.53, 26.21, and 380.30 ng/g.creatinine, respectively. Driving time, waterpipe smoking and cigarette smoking were positively associated with BTEX concentration (p < 0.05). Fruity tobacco showed higher concentrations of BTEX compared to the regular tobacco, and athlete persons had les urinary BTEX than the non-athletes. There was not significant correlation between the BTEX and age, height, weight, and BMI. High concentrations of BTEX compounds in the urine of waterpipe and cigarette smokers compared to nonsmokers indicate that waterpipe and cigarette can be an important source of exposure to these compounds and the known adverse effects of these compounds, especially carcinogenicity, threaten the health of smokers.

A case of recurrent pneumothorax and skin lesions diagnosed with Birt-Hogg-Dubé.

Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease that is manifested as benign cutaneous tumors, multiple lung parenchymal cysts and an increased risk of renal cancer. Its symptoms usually do not appear until adulthood. We report a patient who was admitted with recurrent pneumothorax. Discovering typical cutaneous lesions accompanied with a history of the same condition in his son, BHD syndrome was diagnosed.

Effect of Crocin From Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Supplementation on Oxidant/Antioxidant Markers, Exercise Capacity, and Pulmonary Function Tests in COPD Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive and chronic respiratory disorder characterized by reversible airflow limitation and lung parenchyma destruction. The main feature of COPD is inflammation and disturbance of the oxidant/antioxidant balance in the airways. The therapeutic use of herbal supplements with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties seems to be very useful in the medical management of patients with COPD. Method: COPD patients were divided into placebo and intervention groups (each group n = 23) in a clinical trial study. The intervention group received crocin supplementation (30 mg/day for 12 weeks), and the control group received a placebo. Pre- and after the intervention, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), exercise capacity (using a 6-min walking distance test (6MWD)), and serum levels of total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), and NF-kB were assessed using the ELISA test. Results: Intervention with crocin for 12 weeks in COPD patients decreased serum levels of TOS and NF-κB as well as increased TAOC. In addition, the results of the 6MWD test reveal an improvement in patients' exercise capacity. Conclusion: Crocin supplementation appears to effectively establish oxidant/antioxidant balance and improve inflammatory conditions in patients with COPD.

Altered gene expression levels of IL-17/TRAF6/MAPK/USP25 axis and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in lung tissue of obese ovalbumin-sensitized rats.

AIMS: The association between asthma and obesity has been shown but its accurate mechanism is unknown. In the current study, we sought to investigate the gene expression levels of IL-17/TRAF6/MAPK/USP25 axis and pro-inflammatory cytokine level (IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α) in obese Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized female and male Wistar rats lung tissue. MAIN METHODS: Animals in both males and females were divided into eight groups (four groups in each sex) based on diet and OVA-sensitization: normal diet, a normal diet with OVA-sensitization, high-fat diet (HFD), and OVA-sensitization with an HFD. KEY FINDINGS: In both sexes, obese OVA-sensitized rats, the methacholine concentration-response curve shifted to the left and EC50 methacholine decreased. Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as elevated IL-17/TRAF6/MAPK axis genes and decreased USP25 gene expression were identified in obese OVA-sensitized groups. SIGNIFICANCE: The results indicate that in obese OVA-sensitized rats, the IL-17 axis were involved in the pathogenesis of the disease and can be considered as a therapeutic target in subjects with obesity-related asthma.

Implanting jejunostomy tube as conservative management of tracheoesophageal fistula in a COVID-19 patient.

A 44-year-old woman with Behcet's disease experienced a severe COVID-19 infection and developed a tracheoesophageal fistula. Despite the need for surgical treatment, she did not consent. Therefore, the patient underwent supportive treatment with a jejunostomy tube. After four weeks of follow-up, the fistula was repaired spontaneously.

The efficacy of corticosteroids therapy in patients with moderate to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection: a multicenter, randomized, open-label trial.

BACKGROUND: We performed a multicenter, randomized open-label trial in patients with moderate to severe Covid-19 treated with a range of possible treatment regimens. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to one of three regimen groups at a ratio of 1:1:1. The primary outcome of this study was admission to the intensive care unit. Secondary outcomes were intubation, in-hospital mortality, time to clinical recovery, and length of hospital stay (LOS). Between April 13 and August 9, 2020, a total of 336 patients were randomly assigned to receive one of the 3 treatment regimens including group I (hydroxychloroquine stat, prednisolone, azithromycin and naproxen; 120 patients), group II (hydroxychloroquine stat, azithromycin and naproxen; 116 patients), and group III (hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir (116 patients). The mean LOS in patients receiving prednisolone was 5.5 in the modified intention-to-treat (mITT) population and 4.4 days in the per-protocol (PP) population compared with 6.4 days (mITT population) and 5.8 days (PP population) in patients treated with Lopinavir/Ritonavir. RESULTS: The mean LOS was significantly lower in the mITT and PP populations who received prednisolone compared with populations treated with Lopinavir/Ritonavir (p = 0.028; p = 0.0007). We observed no significant differences in the number of deaths, ICU admission, and need for mechanical ventilation between the Modified ITT and per-protocol populations treated with prednisolone and Lopinavir/Ritonavir, although these outcomes were better in the arm treated with prednisolone. The time to clinical recovery was similar in the modified ITT and per-protocol populations treated with prednisolone, lopinavir/ritonavir, and azithromycin (P = 0.335; P = 0.055; p = 0.291; p = 0.098). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show that therapeutic regimen (regimen I) with low dose prednisolone was superior to other regimens in shortening the length of hospital stay in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. The steroid sparing effect may be utilized to increase the effectiveness of corticosteroids in the management of diabetic patients by decreasing the dosage.

Serum levels of visfatin, sirtuin-1, and interleukin-6 in stable and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Visfatin is an adipokine that increased under inflammatory conditions. Moreover, sirtuin-1 possesses regulatory effects on inflammatory factors. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the serum level of visfatin in patients with stable and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a case-control study, thirty patients with stable COPD (S-COPD), thirty patients with AE-COPD, and thirty control subjects were enrolled. Pulmonary function tests and blood sampling were performed on all participants. Serum visfatin, sirtuin-1, and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were measured using the sandwich ELISA method and assessed their association with study parameters. RESULTS: The findings of the current study revealed that serum levels of visfatin in AE-COPD patients were higher than those of healthy controls and S-COPD (for healthy control; standardized mean difference [SMD] = 2.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.31-2.83, P < 0.001, and for S-COPD; SMD = 1.53, 95% CI = 0.21-2.85, P < 0.05). On the other hand, the serum levels of sirtuin-1 were higher in healthy controls compared to the S-COPD and AE-COPD patients (for S-COPD; SMD = 1.56, 95% CI = 0.018-3.11, P < 0.05, for AE-COPD; SMD = 1.50, 95% CI = 0.048-3.04, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Elevated visfatin and IL-6 levels demonstrated their pro-inflammatory effects in patients with COPD, especially in AE-COPD patients. In addition, the negative association found between serum visfatin and sirtuin-1 levels suggested the pathophysiologic and therapeutic roles of these factors in COPD patients.

Restoration and stabilization of acrylamide-induced DNA, mitochondrial damages and oxidative stress by chrysin in human lymphocyte.

BACKGROUND: Acrylamide (AA) is a water-soluble toxic chemical that is considered one of the most important food contaminants. Furthermore, AA is considered a major public health risk. METHODS: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of AA on cytotoxicity, oxidative damage and genotoxicity in human lymphocytes and also to evaluate the protective effects of the chrysin (CH). Lymphocytes after isolation from the blood were treated with AA (50 µM), AA (50 µM) plus CH (10, 25, 50 µM) and CH (50 µM), and parameters such as cell viability, mitochondrial and lysosomal damage, as well as oxidative damage to DNA were examined. RESULTS: The results showed that CH was able to reduce cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, collapse in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and oxidative damage of DNA caused by AA in human lymphocytes. Also, co-treatment of the AA-exposed human lymphocytes with CH increases the glutathione (GSH) levels. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that CH (10, 25, 50 µM) shows a protective role in AA-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage and DNA oxidative damage.

Epidemiological characteristics and mortality risk factors among COVID-19 patients in Ardabil, Northwest of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease highly contagious, is prevalent in all age and sex groups infecting the respiratory system. The present study seeks to investigate the epidemiology and effective factors in mortality of patients with COVID-19 in Ardabil province, northwestern Iran. METHODS: In a retrospective study, the hospitalized patients with laboratory-diagnosed COVID-19 between February to August 2020 were enrolled. The data registration portal was designated according to Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education guidelines. In this portal, demographic information, clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging data were registered for patients in all hospitals in the same format. The Hosmer-Lemeshow strategy was used for variable selection in a multiple model. RESULTS: Of the patients involved 2812(50.3%) were male and 150 (2.7%) had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days. Pre-existing comorbidity was reported in 1310 (23.4%) patients. Of all patients, 477(8.5%) died due to COVID-19. the result of the multiple logistic regression model indicated that after adjusting for other factors, higher age (OR = 3.11), fever or chills (OR = 1.61), shortness of breath (OR = 1.82), fatigue (OR = 0.71), headache (OR = 0.64), runny nose (OR = 1.54), Skeletal muscle pain (OR = 1.53), hospitalization (OR = 5.66), and hospitalization in ICU (OR = 5.12) were associated with death. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization had the strongest effect on mortality followed by hospitalization in ICU, and higher age. This study showed that having some extra-pulmonary symptoms in contrast with pulmonary symptoms can predict as good prognostic factors.