Association Between rs217727 and rs2839698 H19 Polymorphisms and Obesity.

Obesity is a worldwide health problem with an increasing trend. This condition has a significant genetic background. H19 lncRNA has been shown to protect from dietary obesity through decreasing levels of monoallelic genes in brown fat. In the current study, we aimed to find the association between two possibly functional H19 polymorphisms, namely rs217727 and rs2839698 and obesity in Iranian population. These polymorphisms have been shown to affect risk of some obesity-related conditions in different populations. The study included 414 obese cases and 392 controls. Notably, both rs2839698 and rs217727 were associated with obesity in the allelic model as well as all supposed inheritance models. In addition, after adjustment for gender, all P values remained significant. For rs2839698, the OR (95% CI) for T allele vs. C allele was 3.29 (2.67-4.05) (P-value < 0.0001). In the co-dominant model, both TT and CT genotypes were found to confer risk of obesity compared with CC genotype (OR (95% CI)= 14.02 (8.39-23.43) and 9.45 (6.36-14.04), respectively). Similarly, combination of TT and CT genotypes had an OR (95% CI) = 10.32 (7.03-15.17) when compared with CC genotype. For rs217727, the T allele was found to exert a protective effect (OR (95% CI) = 0.6 (0.48-0.75)). Moreover, in the co-dominant model, OR (95% CI) values for TT and TC genotypes vs. CC genotype were 0.23 (0.11-0.46) and 0.65 (0.49-0.87), respectively. Taken together, H19 polymorphisms may affect risk of obesity in Iranian population. It is necessary to conduct functional studies to confirm a causal relationship between the rs217727 and rs2839698 polymorphisms and obesity.

Dietary branched-chain amino acids intake, glycemic markers, metabolic profile, and anthropometric features in a community-based sample of overweight and obese adults.

BACKGROUND: Existing research provides conflicting evidence regarding the relationship between estimated branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) intake and metabolic, glycemic markers, and anthropometric characteristics. This research seeks to examine the association between estimated dietary BCAA consumption and glycemic, and metabolic markers, as well as anthropometric parameters in adults classified as overweight or obese. METHODS: In this cross-sectional analysis, we gathered data from 465 overweight and obese individuals aged between 18 and 37 years. To evaluate dietary data, we employed the food frequency questionnaire, and the BCAA content in foods was determined via the United States Department of Agriculture website. We utilized ELISA kits to measure fasting blood glucose (FBS) and lipid profile markers, and additionally calculated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and insulin sensitivity markers. We assessed sociodemographic status, physical activity (PA), and anthropometric attributes through a method recognized as both valid and reliable. For statistical analysis, we conducted analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), making adjustments for variables including sex, PA, age, energy, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Upon adjusting for confounders, those in the highest tertiles of BCAA intake exhibited an increase in weight, BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and fat-free mass (FFM). Conversely, they demonstrated reduced fat mass (FM) (%) and FM (kg) compared to their counterparts in the lowest tertiles (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a noted association between greater estimated BCAA intake and reduced LDL levels. Nonetheless, our findings did not reveal a significant relationship between dietary BCAA and glycemic indices. CONCLUSIONS: From our findings, an increased estimated intake of BCAA seems to correlate with diminished serum LDL concentrations. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of this association, it is imperative that further experimental and longitudinal studies be conducted.

Associations between GRM7 polymorphisms and obesity in patients selected for sleeve gastrectomy.

Obesity is a worldwide problem in which genetic factors have a prominent role. We have selected two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within glutamate metabotropic receptor 7 (GRM7) gene, namely rs6782011 and rs779867 to weigh their association with obesity in an Iranian cohort. The distribution of rs6782011 alleles was significantly different in the obese patients from normal controls (P < 0.0001; 434 obese patients vs. 297 normal controls). Distribution of alleles was also measured between sex-based groups of obese patients and controls. We detected remarkable differences between female obese cases and female control subjects (P < 0.0001; 374 female obese cases vs. 216 female normal controls); nevertheless, the difference in allele distribution was not significant for male cases compared with corresponding normal controls (p = 0.47; 60 male patients vs. 81 normal males). Contrariwise, distribution of rs779867 alleles was not significantly different between total obese patients compared with normal controls (P = 0.21; 434 obese patients vs. 297 normal BMI controls). There was also no significant difference for female and male obese patients compared with female and male normal BMI controls. Thus, GRM7 can be considered as a risk locus for obesity.

Surgical complications of bariatric surgery among patients with rheumatic diseases.

Background: Obesity is one the most prevalent diseases all around the world. Some studies have shown a relationship between obesity and the worsening of rheumatic disorders. Higher rates of surgical complications might also be seen among these patients. Methods: This retrospective-descriptive study was performed on 25 patients with rheumatic disease referred to Loghman Hakim Hospital (Tehran- Iran) and candidates for bariatric surgery (laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy) from 2018 to 2020. Duration of hospitalization after surgery and history of post-operation surgical and rheumatic complications were assessed. Patients were followed through 6 months after surgery. Results: The age (Mean±SD) of recruited patients was (38.4 ±10.0) years. The mean body mass index was 45.54 kg/m2 with the minimum and maximum values of 37.5 kg/m2 and 56.5 kg/m2. Among them, the prevalence of rheumatic disorders was rheumatoid arthritis 32%, psoriasis 28%, gout 16%, lupus erythematosus 8%, and other rheumatologic disorders 16%, respectively. One patient had a surgical complication that was a port site infection. One patient had a relapse of gout and other patients had remission and also, their therapeutic drugs were discontinued or reduced. Conclusion: Patients with rheumatic disorders revealed no higher surgical complication rate after bariatric surgery, and bariatric surgery helped disease remission among these patients.

Impact of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Uric Acid Levels in Patients with Obesity: A Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of hyperuricemia in obese individuals with or without metabolic syndrome and assess the impact of sleeve gastrectomy surgery on the amelioration of hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on patients with obesity who were candidates for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. These patients were diligently followed for 1 year after the surgical procedure. The assessment of hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome was carried out both before and one year after the surgery. RESULTS: A total of 198 patients (30 males and 168 females) underwent sleeve gastrectomy. After 1 year, there was a notable decline in the prevalence of hyperuricemia, decreasing from 77 to 36 cases (a reduction of 46.75%) among females and from 18 to 8 cases (a reduction of 44.44%) among males. Prior to the surgery, 60.6% of patients (120 out of 198) were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, and 36.7% of these patients exhibited improvements in their metabolic syndrome status. Among individuals with metabolic syndrome, significant enhancements were observed in various anthropometric and laboratory measurements, including reductions in hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, and hypercholesteremia. A logistic regression analysis revealed that in females, changes in creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), weight loss, body mass index (BMI), and triglyceride reduction all had a notable impact on the likelihood of recovering from hyperuricemia. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the clinical relevance of this surgical intervention in managing obesity-related conditions.

Exploring Photobiomodulation Therapy and Regenerative Medicine for Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Pathogenesis and Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach.

Introduction: Diabetes is associated with several debilitating complications, including the development of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which can have serious consequences. This study emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, providing a thorough overview of DFU pathogenesis and available treatments. Methods: An extensive literature review, covering studies published between 2000 and 2023, was conducted to gather data on DFU pathophysiology and treatments, including wound dressings, photobiomodulation, off-loading devices, adjunct medicines, and stem cell therapy. Results: DFUs are complicated due to infection, ischemia, and neuropathy. Sufficient wound dressings maintain a moist environment, promoting autolytic debridement and facilitating the healing process. Through cellular mechanisms, photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) was observed to expedite the healing process. Additionally, off-loading devices were invented to reduce ulcer pressure and promote healing. Adjunct therapies such as negative pressure wound therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy were identified as valuable tools for enhancing healing outcomes. Furthermore, autologous and allogeneic stem cell treatments exhibited the potential for promoting tissue regeneration and expediting the healing process. Conclusion: The complex pathophysiology of DFUs necessitates a multimodal treatment approach. Essential components include PBM, wound dressings, off-loading devices, adjunct treatments, and stem cell therapy.

The Effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Serum Levels of Vitamin A, D and B12 and Iron Profile on Patients with Morbid Obesity.

Background: One of the concerns after bariatric surgery is the lack of nutrients and vitamins due to anatomical and physiological changes that occur after the surgery. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on these nutrients and vitamins. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was performed in Tehran and all the patients who met the inclusion criteria before the surgery were tested for serum levels of vitamins A, B12, D, ferritin, serum iron, and TIBC. The patients were tested once again for the same micronutrients, one year after surgery. Results: A total of 120 patients had the inclusion criteria and all of them completed the follow-up period. Of the patients, 64.2% (77 patients) were female and 35.8% (43 patients) were male. The mean weight of the patients was 122.1 ± 14.8 kg and the mean BMI of patients before surgery was 43.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2. Comparing these parameters before and after surgery showed that serum levels of vitamins A and B12, ferritin, and TIBC were not significantly different from before surgery. However, vitamin D levels after surgery were significantly higher than before (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The result of the present study demonstrated that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most effective surgical methods for obesity treatment and does not cause a lack of nutrients and vitamins in long term and does not require supplementation. In addition, it promotes serum levels of vitamin D, which is effective in preventing the effects of vitamin D deficiency in obese patients.

Prolonged screen watching behavior is associated with high blood pressure among children and adolescents: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Numerous cardio-metabolic risk factors influence screen-related behaviors in children and adolescents. Numerous studies with inconsistent results revealed a relationship between blood pressure and screen time in the children and adolescents. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarized the data regarding the relationship between screen time and hypertension (HTN) in children and adolescents. METHODS: We examined three electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Embase to find the recent research on the relationship between screen time and HTN up to 19 July 2022. Twenty papers were included in the final two-class and dose-response meta-analysis. We conducted subgrouping to identify the source of heterogeneity. RESULTS: The highest category of screen time increased the odds of HTN by 8% [odds ratio (OR): 1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08, 1.23; P < 0.001; I2 = 83.20%] and 1.9 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure [weighted mean difference (WMD): 1.89; 95% CI: 0.18-3.62; P = 0.030; I2 = 83.4]. However, there was no significant difference in diastolic blood pressure. Moreover, screen time in hypertensive children and adolescents was 0.79 h (47.4 min) higher than normotensive subjects (WMD: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.02, 1.56; P = 0.046; I2 = 92.8). A departure from linearity was observed between increased screen time [digital video discs, personal computers, and video games and HTN (Pnonlinearity = 0.049). CONCLUSION: This systematic meta-analysis review is the first to demonstrate a positive correlation between screen time and HTN in children and adolescents.

Role of MAGI2-AS3 in malignant and non-malignant disorders.

MAGI2 Antisense RNA 3 (MAGI2-AS3) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transcribed from a locus on 7q21.11. This lncRNA has been described to be abnormally expressed in a variety of malignancies in correlation with many clinical characteristics. Moreover, it might participate in the pathogenesis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, Alzheimer's disease and intervertebral disc degeneration. Mechanistically, MAGI2-AS3 can serve as a molecular sponge for miR-142-3p, miR-424-5p, miR-15b, miR-233, miR-452-5p, miR-629-5p, miR-25, miR-155, miR-23a-3p, miR-519c-3p, miR-374b-5p, miR-374a, miR-31-5p, miR-3163, miR-525-5p, miR-15-5p, miR-374a-5p, miR-374b-5p, miR-218-5p, miR-141-3p and miR-200a-3p to regulate expression of their mRNA targets. The current review summarizes the role of MAGI2-AS3 in different disorders to highlight its importance in their pathophysiology.

Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of microRNAs-based therapies for treatment of disorders.

miRNAs represent appropriate candidates for treatment of several disorders. However, safe and efficient delivery of these small-sized transcripts has been challenging. Nanoparticle-based delivery of miRNAs has been used for treatment of a variety of disorders, particularly cancers as well as ischemic stroke and pulmonary fibrosis. The wide range application of this type of therapy is based on the important roles of miRNAs in the regulation of cell behavior in physiological and pathological conditions. Besides, the ability of miRNAs to inhibit or increase expression of several genes gives them the superiority over mRNA or siRNA-based therapies. Preparation of nanoparticles for miRNA delivery is mainly achieved through using protocols originally developed for drugs or other types of biomolecules. In brief, nanoparticle-based delivery of miRNAs is regarded as a solution for overcoming all challenges in the therapeutic application of miRNAs. Herein, we provide an overview of studies which used nanoparticles as delivery systems for facilitation of miRNAs entry into target cells for the therapeutic purposes. However, our knowledge about miRNA-loaded nanoparticles is limited, and it is expected that numerous therapeutic possibilities will be revealed for miRNA-loaded nanoparticles in future.

A 20 Years Retrospective Descriptive Study of Human Cystic Echinococcosis and the Role of Albendazole Concurrent with Surgical Treatment: 2001-2021.

Background: Hydatid cyst, caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus, is one of the most severe cestode infections occurring in Iran. The liver is the most commonly involved organ. The present study was carried out to review the demographic of 20 years surgically treated hydatic cysts. Methods: Ninety-eight patients were enrolled in the study. Demographic features, time of surgery, cyst size, and albendazole usage have been reviewed from the medical records of patients in Loghman Hakim Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from 2001 to 2021. Statistical analysis was performed to find any correlation between the uses of concurrent albendazole with surgical procedure. Results: Of 98 patients with hydatid cyst, 57 (58.2%) were female. The mean age of patients was 39.4 ±18.7 yrs, and the mean surgery time was 217.5 ± 81.4 minutes. Regarding the infection site, the liver (60.2%) and lungs (22.4%) were the most affected organs, respectively. 56.1% of patients had one cyst, and 42.9 % had two or more cysts. 20.4% of them had taken albendazole before surgery, but 86.7 % took it after the operation. No recurrent cysts were seen among 91.8% of them, but 8.2% mentioned suffering from a recurrent cyst. 85.7% of those recurrent cases did not receive albendazole before surgery, and 75% of recurrent cases after surgery did not take albendazole (P<0.05). Conclusion: Administration of albendazole before and after the operation was significantly related to reduced recurrence, bleeding, morbidity, and even the time of surgery.

Molecular mechanisms and treatment strategies for methamphetamine­induced neurodegeneration, inflammation and neurotoxicity.

Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive psychostimulant known for its profound impact on the nervous system. Chronic METH use leads to neurotoxicity characterized by various molecular and structural alterations in the brain. This review article primarily aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying METH­induced neurotoxicity. METH's mechanism of action involves the inhibition of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine reuptake, resulting in altered synaptic function. Prolonged METH exposure triggers oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired axonal transport, autophagy, and programmed cell death, ultimately contributing to neurotoxicity. These neurotoxic effects manifest as increased neuronal firing rate, disruptions in intracellular ion balance (Ca2+ and Na+), energy production imbalances, and excessive reactive oxygen species production. The blood­brain barrier is compromised, leading to structural, functional, and neurochemical alterations, particularly in the fronto­striatal circuit. While our comprehensive review addresses these intricate molecular and structural changes induced by METH, we also examined the latest therapeutic strategies designed to mitigate neurotoxicity. Our investigation sheds light on the critical need to comprehend the complex pathways underlying METH­induced neurotoxicity and develop effective treatment approaches.

A concise review on the role of LINC00324 in different cancers.

Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 324 (LINC00324) is an example of lncRNAs whose roles in the carcinogenesis is being elucidated. This lncRNA is encoded by a gene located on 17p13.1. It has been shown to be over-expressed in a variety of cancer cell lines and tumoral tissues. However, there are few reports showing down-regulation of LINC00324 in cancer cell lines and tissues. miR-615-5p/AKT1, miR-139-5p/IGF1R, miR-769-5p/STAT3, miR-3200-5p/BCAT1 and miR-214-5p/CDK6/CCND1/MDM2/MDM4 are examples of miRNA/mRNA axes being influenced by LINC00324. LINC00324 can be regarded as a promising candidate for development of diagnostic and prognostic panels. Moreover, it can be used a therapeutic target for a wide range of cancers. The current review summarizes the evidence regarding the impact of lINC00324 in the carcinogenic processes.

In silico characterization of competing endogenous RNA network in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells in presence of the natural compound atraric acid using RNA-seq analysis.

Atraric acid (AA) is a natural compound used for treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. This agent has an anti-androgen receptor (AR) activity suppressing androgen-mediated neo-angiogenesis. In the current study, we have analyzed the transcriptome data of prostate cancer cells treated with AA (GSE172205) to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with an especial focus on lncRNAs and miRNAs. Then, we assessed expression of the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) in available online sources to validate their association with prostate cancer and their importance in the determination of survival of patients with this type of cancer. We obtained 1871 DEGs, including 914 down-regulated DEGs (such as DAB1 and CD200) and 957 up-regulated DEGs (such as CHRNA2 and TRGC1), and 25 DElncRNAs, including 15 down-regulated DElncRNAs (such as LINC00639 and HOTTIP) and 10 up-regulated DElncRNAs (such as LINC00844 and LINC00160), and one up-regulated DEmiRNA (MIR29B1). The main pathways for the down-regulated genes and the up-regulated genes were Axon Guidance and Steroid BioSynthesis, respectively. Taken together, AA has been found to affect expression of several lncRNAs which are possibly involved in the pathoetiology of prostate cancer.

A review on the role of PCA3 lncRNA in carcinogenesis with an especial focus on prostate cancer.

The prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) with high level of specificity for prostate cancer. This lncRNA has fundamental effects in the prostate carcinogenesis through modulation of expression of miR-132-3p, miR-1261, SREBP1, PRKD3 and LAP2α as well as regulation of p53 signaling. Expression of PCA3 in prostate cancer cells can be enhanced by Snail. Moreover, in vitro studies have documented up-regulation of PCA3 in three other types of neoplastic cells, namely those being originated from choriocarcinoma, ovarian carcinoma and thyroid carcinoma. The diagnostic value of PCA3 in differentiation of prostate cancer from benign prostate hyperplasia has been assessed in different studies. Studies aimed at identification of diagnostic power of PCA3 in prostate cancer using receiver operating characteristic curves have reported area under curve values ranging from 0.66 to 0.86. In the current review, we describe the role of PCA3 in the carcinogenesis particularly in the pathoetiology of prostate cancer. Moreover, we review the results of studies appraising diagnostic value of this lncRNA in prostate cancer.

The Role of Circular RNAs in the Carcinogenesis of Bladder Cancer.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a group of transcripts with enclosed configurations which can regulate gene expression. These transcripts have important roles in normal development and in the pathogenesis of disorders. Recent evidence has supported involvement of circRNAs in the development of bladder cancer. Several circRNAs such as circ_0058063, hsa-circRNA-403658, circPDSS1, circCASC15, circRNA-MYLK, and circRNA_103809 have been upregulated in bladder cancer samples. On the other hand, hsa_circ_0137606, BCRC-3, circFUT8, hsa_circ_001598, circSLC8A1, hsa_circ_0077837, hsa_circ_0004826, and circACVR2A are among downregulated circRNAs in bladder cancer. Numerous circRNAs have diagnostic or prognostic value in bladder cancer. In this review, we aim to outline the latest findings about the role of circRNAs in bladder cancer and introduce circRNAs for further investigations as therapeutic targets.

Demography and Mortality of Body Packers; an Extended Experience from a Referral Center.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of smuggling and illegal transport of substances by internal concealment, also known as body packing, is increasing. The clinical approach to body packers has changed significantly over the past two decades. In addition, the mortality of body packers is an important issue in patient management. The purpose of the current study is to determine the statistics and mortality related to body packing. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, all body packer patients who referred to Loghman Hakim hospital were evaluated from 2010 to 2017. Demographic characteristics, findings of clinical imaging, treatment, and outcome of the patients were recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: A total of 303 patients were enrolled in the study after the diagnosis of body packing by abdominal CT scanning without contrast. Conservative treatment including whole bowel irrigation (WBI) accompanied by close monitoring was done for 78% (n = 236) of patients; moreover, 26 patients (8.5%) underwent surgery after WBI, and 41 patients (13.5%) underwent surgery without bowel irrigation. Mortality was observed in eight patients (2.7%) five of whom (62.5%) died before surgery and had the clinical manifestation of crystal (methamphetamine) and cannabis toxicity. Furthermore, three patients (37.5%) died due to the complications of surgery such as gastrointestinal leakage of an abdominal abscess. CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment seems to be better for the management of body packers. In addition, it is necessary to monitor patients for possible signs and symptoms of intoxication and gastrointestinal obstruction.