Prediction and analysis of microRNAs involved in COVID-19 inflammatory processes associated with the NF-kB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways.

COVID-19 is the cause of a pandemic associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. As yet, there is no available approved drug to eradicate the virus. In this review article, we present an alternative study area that may contribute to the development of therapeutic targets for COVID-19. Growing evidence is revealing further pathophysiological mechanisms of COVID-19 related to the disregulation of inflammation pathways that seem to play a critical role toward COVID-19 complications. The NF-kB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways are highly activated in acute inflammation, and the excessive activity of these pathways in COVID-19 patients likely exacerbates the inflammatory responses of the host. A group of non-coding RNAs (miRNAs) manage certain features of the inflammatory process. In this study, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of miRNAs and their connection to inflammatory responses. Additionally, we consider the link between perturbations in miRNA levels and the onset of COVID-19 disease. Furthermore, previous studies published in the online databases, namely web of science, MEDLINE (PubMed), and Scopus, were reviewed for the potential role of miRNAs in the inflammatory manifestations of COVID-19. Moreover, we disclosed the interactions of inflammatory genes using STRING DB and designed interactions between miRNAs and target genes using Cityscape software. Several miRNAs, particularly miR-9, miR-98, miR-223, and miR-214, play crucial roles in the regulation of NF-kB and JAK-STAT signaling pathways as inflammatory regulators. Therefore, this group of miRNAs that mitigate inflammatory pathways can be further regarded as potential targets for far-reaching-therapeutic strategies in COVID-19 diseases.

Association between Different Polymorphic Markers and ß-Thalassemia Intermedia in Central Iran.

ß-Thalassemia intermedia (ß-TI) is a clinical condition characterized by moderate, non transfusional anemia and hepatosplenomegaly. The main objective of this study was to determine the molecular basis of the clinical phenotype of ß-TI in Iran. To elucidate the mild phenotype of many patients with ß-TI, we screened for three prevalent ß-globin gene mutations [IVS-II-1 (G>A) HBB: c.315+1G>A, IVS-I-110 (G>A) HBB: c.93-21G>A and IVS-I-5 (G>C) [HBB: c.92+5G>C], deletions on the α-globin genes, XmnI polymorphisms and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) haplotypes on the ß-globin gene cluster in 50 ß-TI patients. Fifty-eight percent of the patients (29 cases) were associated with the mentioned mutations. We showed that the HBB: c.315+1G>A mutation is linked to haplotype [+ - + +] (57.69%). This haplotype is in linkage disequilibrium with the XmnI polymorphism (NG_000007.3: g.42677C>T) and has been associated with increased expression of Hb F in ß-TI patients. The XmnI polymorphism is defined in association with this prevalent mutation. Two patients had a single α-globin gene deletion [-α3.7 (rightward) deletion]. The main genetic factor in mild phenotype ß-TI patients is the linkage of an XmnI polymorphism (NG_000007.3: g.42677C>T) with the HBB: c.315+1G>A (80.76%), which is associated with increased production of Hb F and coinheritance of haplotype [+ - + +] with ß-TI, especially with the homozygous HBB: c.315+1G>A mutation. Molecular basis of ß-TI could be explained by the involvement of different factors that tend to develop the disease phenotype.

Investigation of RFLP Haplotypes ß-Globin Gene Cluster in Beta-Thalassemia Patients in Central Iran.

Introduction: Beta-thalassemia is one of the most prevalent inherited blood diseases among Iranians. The aim of this study was to elucidate the chromosomal background of beta-thalassemia mutations in Esfahan province, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this study, we investigated three frequent mutations (c.315+1G>A, c.93-21G>A and c.92+5G>C in ß-globin gene, the frequency of RFLP haplotypes, and LD between markers at ß-globin gene cluster) in 150 beta-thalassemia patients and 50 healthy individuals. The molecular and population genetic investigations were performed on RFLP markers HindIII in the c.315+1G>A of Gγ (HindIIIG) and Aγ (HindIIIA) genes, AvaII in the c.315+1G>A of ß-globin gene and BamHI 3' to the ß-globin gene. All statistical analyses were performed using Power Marker software and SISA server. Results: Fifty percent of beta-thalasemia patients were associated with these mutations. Haplotype I was the most prevalent haplotype among beta-thalassemia patients (39.33%) and normal individuals (46%). The commonest c.315+1G>A mutation in our population was tightly linked with haplotype III (43.75%) and haplotype I (31.25%). The second prevalent mutation, c.92+5G>C, was 90%, 6.66%, and 3.33% in linkage disequilibrium with haplotypes I, VII, and III, respectively. The c.93-21G>A mutation indicated a strong association with haplotype I (80%). Conclusion: Our study participants like beta-thalassemia patients from Kermanshah province was found to possess a similar haplotype background for common mutations. The emergence of most prevalent mutations on chromosomes with different haplotypes can be explained by gene conversion and recombination. High linkage of a mutation with specific haplotype is consistent with the hypothesis that chromosomes carrying beta-thalassemia mutations experienced positive selection pressure, probably because of the protection against malaria experienced by beta-thalassemia carriers.

Evaluation of Enamel and Dentinal Microleakage in Class II Silorane-Based and Methacrylate-Based Resin Composite Restorations Using Specific and Nonspecific Adhesives.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate enamel and dentinal microleakage in Class II cavities restored with silorane- and methacrylate-based resin composites using specific and nonspecific adhesives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six caries-free human premolars were used. Two Class II cavities were prepared on each tooth. The gingival floor was set at 1 mm above (on the mesial surface) and at 1 mm below (on the distal surface) the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). The samples were randomly divided into four groups, and the cavities were restored with a methacrylate-based composite (Filtek™ P60) and a silorane-based composite (Filtek™ P90) with specific and nonspecific adhesives. Microleakage was tested using a standardized dye penetration method. All samples were examined under a stereomicroscope, and microleakage scores were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney-U tests. One sample from each group was examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the bonding area. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the enamel microleakage (P=0.086). There was a significant difference between the groups with regard to dentinal microleakage (P=0.003). No significant reduction in microleakage was observed in groups restored with Filtek™ P90 composite using its specific adhesive compared to those restored with Filtek™ P60 composite using its specific adhesive (P=0.626). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that the application of methacrylate- and silorane-based composites with specific or nonspecific adhesives had no impact on enamel microleakage, but it affected dentinal microleakage, and specific adhesives showed less microleakage. It seems that a phosphate-methacrylate-based intermediate resin is required to bond dimethacrylate adhesive to silorane-based composites.