Different Gene Expression Patterns of IL-1 Family Members in Parkinson's Disease: Results from Bayesian Regression Model.

Parkinson's disease, the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder lacking a recognized etiology, is influenced by oxidative stress and alterations in inflammatory cytokine levels. This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of Interleukin(IL)1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP), IL1ß, IL1α, IL33, and IL36 genes in blood cells and serum IL-1ß levels in Parkinson's disease patients compared to healthy controls (HCs).I n this case-control study, 44 Parkinson's disease patients and 44 age- and sex-matched HCs were included. Gene expression levels were assessed using Quantitative Real-time PCR, and serum IL-1ß levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Advanced statistical analyses using the Bayesian regression model in R software were employed. Parkinson's disease patients exhibited elevated expression levels of IL-1RAcP and IL1ß genes  but decreased levels of IL1α, IL33, and IL36 compared to HCs. Age-based differences were not significant. Regarding gender, IL33 transcript levels were significantly higher in males, and serum IL-1ß levels were increased in patients. Subgroup analysis by gender indicated alterations in IL1ß and IL-1RAcP expression in both genders, while IL1α, IL33, and IL36 showed reduced expression only in males. Remarkably, only female patients displayed significantly higher serum IL-1ß levels than female HCs. These findings suggest that dysregulation of immune-related factors plays a crucial role in Parkinson's disease.

New data on Dysdera Latreille, 1804 and Harpactea Bristowe, 1939 (Araneae: Dysderidae) of the Caucasus, with new species and records.

In this paper, we provide new taxonomic and faunistic data on the dysderid spider genera Dysdera Latreille, 1804 and Harpactea Bristowe, 1939 based on material collected in the Caucasus region. We identified a total of seventeen species, of which D. atabekia sp. n. (; Goychay and Ismayilli districts, Azerbaijan), H. abasgiana sp. n. (; Republic of Abkhazia, Georgia), and H. dunini sp. n. (; Zagatala district, Azerbaijan) are described as new to science and their distributions are mapped. Furthermore, three new records are provided: D. daghestanica Dunin, 1991 from Krasnodar Krai, D. concinna L. Koch, 1878 from Iran, and D. mazini Dunin, 1991 from Azerbaijan. By examining the type series of Harpactea caucasia (Kulczyski, 1895), we found that at least a part of Dunins records of this species refer to H. abasgiana sp. n., and his figures of this species in fact refer to an undescribed species. Brief notes are provided on the northernmost distribution limits of Dysderidae.

Immunomodulatory chitosan nanoparticles for Toxoplasma gondii infection: Novel application of chitosan in complex propranolol-hydrochloride as an adjuvant in vaccine delivery.

The study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of propranolol hydrochloride (PRO) in combination with chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) as an adjuvant to develop an effective vaccine against T. gondii. A total of 105 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into seven equal groups including PBS alone, CS NPs, SAG1 (Surface antigen 1), CS-SAG1 NPs, CS-PRO NPs, SAG1-PRO, and CS-SAG1-PRO NPs. The immunostimulatory effect of each adjuvant used for vaccine delivery was evaluated in a mice immunization model. The results showed that the mice immunized with CS-SAG1-PRO NPs exhibited the highest lymphocyte proliferation rate, along with increased secretion of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-23, as well as elevated levels of protective cytokines such as TGF-ß, IL-27, and IL-10. Although, the CS-SAG1-PRO NPs immunized mice showed the highest level of T. gondii specific IgG compared to the other groups, a significant production of IgG2a and IgG1 was observed in the sera of mice immunized with the CS-SAG1-PRO NPs compared to the other group (p <0.001). The higher IgG2a/IgG1 ratio observed in the CS-SAG1-PRO NPs group indicates a bias towards Th1 cell polarization, suggesting the promotion of Th1 cell-mediated immune responses. Considering the combination of the highest lymphocyte proliferation and survival rates, IgG2a/IgG1 ratio, and cytokine levels in the mice immunized with CS-SAG1-PRO NPs, this approach holds promise for immunostimulation and vaccine delivery against T. gondii infection.

Notes on Dysderidae (Arachnida, Araneae) of Armenia and Iran, with new species and records.

New data are provided on dysderid spiders of Armenia and Iran. Dysderahaykanasp. nov. is described based on male specimens collected in Kotayk and Lor provinces, central and northern Armenia. The female of Dysderanakhchivanica Beydizade, Shafaie & Guseinov, 2018 is described for the first time, and the species is newly recorded from Armenia. Furthermore, new distribution data are provided for Harpacteaarmenica Dunin, 1989, including the first record of the species from Iran. Photographs and a distribution map are provided for all three species.

Mitochondrial biogenesis and apoptosis as underlying mechanisms involved in the cardioprotective effects of Gallic acid against D-galactose-induced aging.

BACKGROUND: Aging is a main risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Gallic acid (GA) is a phenolic compound derived from a wide range of fruits. GA has a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. This research was conducted to determine the cardioprotective effect of GA on cardiac hypertrophy in aged rats. METHODS AND RESULTS: Following histological evaluation and through observing the heart, we found that GA improved the cardiac hypertrophy induced by D-galactose (D-GAL) in cardiac cells. To clarify the causes for this anti-aging effect, we evaluated the malonic dialdehyde levels and antioxidant enzyme activity in rat cardiac tissue. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK-MB) in serum were measured. The levels of genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, and apoptosis in cardiac tissue were surveyed. The findings represented that GA ameliorated antioxidant enzyme activity while significantly decreasing the malonic dialdehyde levels. Real-time PCR analysis proposed that GA effectively improved mitochondrial biogenesis in the heart via regulating the expression levels of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), PPARγ coactivator 1α (PGC1-α), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). GA also mitigated apoptosis in the heart by modulating the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax). In addition, GA improved serum LDH and CK-MB levels. CONCLUSIONS: GA may alleviate aging-induced cardiac hypertrophy via anti-oxidative, mitoprotective, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.

The effect of low-dose aspirin on aspirin triggered lipoxin, interleukin 1 beta, and prostaglandin E2 levels in periapical fluid: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The role of pro-resolving mediators in inflammation is a new concern in research. The effect of low-dose aspirin on production of a special kind of these mediators named aspirin triggered lipoxin (ATL) has been studied on different tissues. This randomized clinical trial evaluated the effect of low-dose aspirin on ATL and pro-inflammatory mediators' level in periapical fluid of necrotic teeth with large lesions. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with necrotic pulp and periapical lesion were randomly assigned to low-dose aspirin and placebo groups. In the first appointment, canals were shaped up to F3 size and #40 K-file and cleaned with 10 milliliters 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Periapical fluid was sampled by a paper cone. The tooth was temporized without any intracanal medication. Tablets were administered for 7 days, then the teeth were re-opened and the sampling were repeated. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and ATL were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed with paired t-test using SPSS statistical software, version 21 (α = 0.05). RESULTS: A significant reduction in PGE2 and IL-1ß was noted in the aspirin-treated group while an increase in ATL was observed (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the mediator scores before and after in the placebo-treated group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Low-dose aspirin can influence the inflammatory process by reducing pro-inflammatory mediators such as PGE2 and IL-1ß, as well as increasing the pro-resolving mediators such as ATL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20191211045702N1.

Redescription of Periplanetaarabica (Bey-Bienko, 1938) (Blattodea, Blattidae), with a comparative analysis of three species of Periplaneta Burmeister, 1838 (sensu stricto).

The blattid cockroach Periplanetaarabica (Bey-Bienko, 1938) has been poorly understood since its original description. In this study, male and female (including nymph) of P.arabica are paired using DNA barcoding, and their morphological characters (including both external characteristics and genitalia) are described. A detailed comparative morphological study of this species and the closely related Periplanetaamericana (Linnaeus, 1758) and Periplanetalateralis Walker, 1868 was carried out to explore phylogenetically relevant characters.

A survey of the spider genus Dysdera Latreille, 1804 (Araneae, Dysderidae) in Iran, with fourteen new species and notes on two fossil genera.

The taxonomy of the Iranian species of the dysderid spider genus Dysdera Latreille, 1804 is revised. Currently, the only species of this genus known from Iran is D.pococki Dunin, 1985, albeit on the basis of a doubtful record. The following 14 species are described as new to science in this paper: D.achaemenessp. nov. (♀; Fars), D.bakhtiarisp. nov. (♂; Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari), D.damavandicasp. nov. (♂; Mazandaran), D.genoensissp. nov. (♂♀; Hormozgan), D.hormuzensissp. nov. (♀; Hormozgan), D.iranicasp. nov. (♂♀; Fars, Hormozgan), D.isfahanicasp. nov. (♂♀; Isfahan), D.mazerunisp. nov. (♀; Mazandaran), D.medessp. nov. (♂; Tehran), D.persicasp. nov. (♂♀; Golestan, Mazandaran), D.sagartiasp. nov. (♂♀; Tehran), D.tapuriasp. nov. (♂♀; Mazandaran), D.verkanasp. nov. (♂; Golestan), and D.xerxesisp. nov. (♂; Bushehr). Distribution records of all species are mapped. Also, the taxonomy of Mistura Petrunkevitch, 1971 and Segistriites Straus, 1967, two fossil genera currently considered in Dysderidae, is discussed and the latter is transferred to Segestriidae.

A new genus of Textricini Lehtinen, 1967 (Araneae, Agelenidae) from Anatolia.

Türkiye is known to have the highest diversity of the spider family Agelenidae in the Western Palaearctic and the highest diversity of the subfamily Ageleninae globally. The new agelenid genus Anatextrixgen. nov. (Ageleninae, Textricini) and its type species, A.spectabilissp. nov. (♂♀; Mersin and Adana provinces, southern Türkiye), are described. A key to all four genera of Textricini is provided.

Evaluation of CD137 and CD137L Transcript Levels and the Serum sCD137 in Immune-mediated Polyneuropathy.

Background: Abnormal humoral and cellular immune responses have been reported in immune-mediated polyneuropathies. CD137, as a costimulatory molecule and a TNF receptor superfamily member, has been demonstrated to have a key role in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune as well as inflammatory disorders. Objective: To evaluate the transcripts levels of CD137, its ligand (CD137L), and the serum levels of soluble CD137 (sCD137) in patients with immune-mediated polyneuropathy. Methods: A total of 45 patients and 46 sex and age-matched healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. CD137 and CD137L transcript levels were assessed by the Real-Time PCR, and the serum level of sCD137 was measured using the ELISA technique. The Bayesian regression model was used for statistical analysis at the 0.05 significance level in R 4.1.0 statistical environment. Results: Transcript levels of the CD137 and CD137L were higher in polyneuropathy patients in comparison with the healthy subjects (P=0.006 for both). Conversely, the mean level of sCD137 was significantly lower in the sera of patients compared to the controls (P<0.001). Conclusion: Our findings point to the possible role of CD137 and CD137L in immune-mediated polyneuropathy pathogenesis. More investigations are required to clarify the exact contributions of the mentioned molecules to the pathogenesis of immune-mediated polyneuropathies.

Effect of 50-Hz magnetic fields on the expression of activation-induced deaminase, B-cell lymphoma 6 and serum levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-21.

BACKGROUND: Investigations showed different effects of magnetic fields (MFs) on the immune system. During humoral immune responses, genes of activation-induced deaminase (AID) and B-cell lymphoma-6 (Bcl-6) are expressed and interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-21 are produced. These factors play significant roles in class switching, affinity maturation of antibodies and activations of B cells germinal centers (GCs). Therefore, this study investigated the effect of 50-Hz MFs exposure with different densities on these factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty rats were divided into four exposures and control groups. The treatment groups were exposed to magnetic flux densities of 1, 100, 500, and 2000 µT (50 Hz, 2 h/d for 60 d). To activation of the immune system, all the animals were immunized with human serum albumin on days 31, 44, and 58 of exposure. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assay the expression levels of AID and Bcl-6 genes in the spleen. The serum levels of IL-6 and IL-21 were also detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the pre-and post-immunization phases. RESULTS: AID expression was significantly declined at 1µT magnetic flux density, while no change was observed in the expression of Bcl-6. Serum IL-6 was increased only in the 500 µT group at the post-immunization phase. CONCLUSIONS: It seems exposure to 50-Hz MFs at 1 µT density, suppresses AID and may cause a decline in class switching and affinity maturation of Abs. On the other hand, exposure to 500 µT, may activate them. These findings demonstrate the various potential effects of MFs on the humoral immune system.

An inclusive study on cytokine gene expression in Parkinson's disease: Advanced analysis using Bayesian regression model.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease throughout the globe whose specific pathophysiology is unknown. Researchers believe that inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to PD development. Also, alterations in cytokines production appear to have a key role in the pathogenesis of PD. The aim of the current study was to evaluate gene expression levels of nine cytokines in the peripheral blood of PD patients compared to a healthy control group. METHODS: Real-time PCR was used to analyze cytokines gene expression followed by advanced statistical analysis performed using Bayesian regression model in R (version 4.1.0) statistical software. RESULTS: TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-17 and IL-6 transcript levels were upregulated in patients compared to healthy controls. However, CXCL8 expression was downregulated in patients compared to controls and IFN-ß expression was not statistically different between the two groups. While we found no significant difference between the groups based on gender and age regarding TNF-α, IL-1ß, CXCL8, IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ and IFN-ß gene expression, IL-6 and IL-17 transcript levels showed significant upregulations in older subjects and in females, respectively. In addition, we found that the interaction effects between gender and group on gene expression levels were not significant. In this way, the subgroup analysis within gender revealed that in each gender, expression levels of TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-17 were significantly higher in patients than controls. However, IFN-ß expression level did not show any significant difference between groups and subgroups. CONCLUSION: The present study provides evidence on significant alterations in cytokine expression with different patterns and points to immune system dysregulation in PD.

New data on cave spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of Iran, with new species and records.

New data on Iranian spiders is provided based on 92 specimens collected from the interiors or surroundings of 27 caves. These specimens belong to 17 species in nine families, of which five species are described as new to science: Tegenaria pallens Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Gakal Cave, Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad Province) (Agelenidae); Dysdera elamana Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Barreh Zard Cave, Ilam Province); and Harpactea zagros Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Raad-e Gharbi Cave, Ilam Province) (both Dysderidae); Troglohyphantes megagynus Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Kabootarlan Cave, Ilam Province) (Linyphiidae); and Mesiotelus iranicus Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Mir Melas Cave, Lorestan Province) (Liocranidae). Additionally, two genera, Scotargus Simon, 1913 and Odontodrassus Jzquel, 1965, and three species, Odontodrassus mundulus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) and Synaphosus syntheticus (Chamberlin, 1924) (both Gnaphosidae), and Scotargus pilosus Simon, 1913 (Linyphiidae), are recorded in Iran for the first time. The newly described and recorded species are accompanied by illustrations.

An updated and annotated checklist of the spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of Iraq.

An updated and annotated checklist of the spiders of Iraq, currently comprising 104 species in 75 genera and 29 families is presented, including six endemic and four subendemic species. Twenty-three records are considered misidentifications and therefore omitted from the checklist. Where possible, the misidentified records are attributed to other species based on their distribution and morphology; as a result of this, three species are recorded in Iraq for the first time: Dictis striatipes L. Koch, 1872 (Scytodidae), Hippasa deserticola Simon, 1889 (Lycosidae) and Latrodectus cinctus Blackwall, 1865 (Theridiidae). The history of studies and the geographical distribution of records are reviewed and discussed. The list is dominated by members of the families Gnaphosidae, Lycosidae, and Salticidae, comprising 15.4%, 13.5% and 10.6% of the total number of species, respectively.

A new species of Chaetopelma Ausserer, 1871 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from Iran.

New data on the tarantula genus Chaetopelma Ausserer, 1871 are provided. A new species, Ch.persianumsp. nov., is described based on a single female specimen collected in northwestern Iran, which represents the easternmost record of the genus within its entire known range. Additionally, the correct publication date of Ch.olivaceum C.L. Koch, 1842 is discussed, and the known distribution records of all Chaetopelma species are mapped.

New taxonomic data on Zodariinae (Araneae: Zodariidae) of Azerbaijan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

New taxonomic considerations on several species of the zodariid spider subfamily Zodariinae Thorell, 1881 occurring in Azerbaijan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan are presented. Three species, Trygetus cyrus sp. n. (; Fars, south-central Iran), T. nakhchivanicus sp. n. (; Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan) and Zodarion sharurensis sp. n. (; Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan) are described as new, and the hitherto unknown male of Trygetus susianus Zamani Marusik, 2021 is described based on topotype material from Khuzestan, southwestern Iran. Indozodion Ovtchinnikov, 2006 stat. rev. is rediagnosed and removed from the synonymy of Tropizodium Jocqu Churchill, 2005, and here considered to comprise I. inayatullahi Ovtchinnikov, 2006 comb. rev. (type species) and I. lindbergi (Roewer, 1960) comb. n. (ex. Zodarion Walckenaer, 1826); the latter species, previously known only from Afghanistan, is redescribed and reported from Pakistan. One of the paratypes of I. lindbergi, reported as a subadult female in the original description, is found to be an adult female of Parazodarion raddei (Simon, 1889). An error in a previous publication (attributing figures of Acanthinozodium elburzicum Zamani Marusik, 2021 to P. raddei) is also corrected here.

New taxonomic considerations in Zodariellum Andreeva amp; Tyshchenko, 1968 (Araneae: Zodariidae), with notes on the presence of cymbial diverticulum in different zodariid genera.

New taxonomic considerations in the zodariid spider genus Zodariellum Andreeva Tyshchenko, 1968 are proposed. On the basis of male specimens collected in Turkmenistan, Z. turanicum sp. n. and Z. turkmenicum sp. n. are described as new to science. Six species, namely Z. hunanense (Yin, 2012) comb. n., Z. planum (Zhang Zhang, 2019) comb. n., Z. spasskyi (Charitonov, 1946) comb. n., Z. tadzhikum (Andreeva Tyshchenko, 1968) comb. n., Z. testaceofasciatum (Spassky, 1941) comb. n. and Z. zebra (Charitonov, 1946) comb. n., are newly transferred from Zodarion Walckenaer, 1826 to Zodariellum. Two new synonymies are proposed: Zodarion apertum Zhang Zhang, 2019 syn. n. is synonymized with Zodariellum mongolicum Marusik Koponen, 2001, and Zodarion martynovae Andreeva Tyshchenko, 1968 syn. n. is synonymized with Z. continentale (Andreeva Tyshchenko, 1968). Additionally, illustrations are provided for three poorly known Central Asian species, namely Z. asiaticum (Tyshchenko, 1970), Z. bactrianum (Kroneberg, 1875) and Z. nenilini (Eskov, 1995). A deep and conical diverticulum of unknown function, located on the retrodorsal side of the cymbium is documented in Zodariellum for the first time; the presence of similar structures in different zodariid genera is discussed.

New taxonomic considerations in the spitting spider family Scytodidae (Arachnida: Araneae).

New taxonomic considerations in the spitting spider family Scytodidae Blackwall, 1864 are proposed. Here, the family is considered to include two subfamilies: Scytodinae Blackwall, 1864, comprising the genera Scytodes Latreille, 1804 and Dictis L. Koch, 1872, and Scyloxinae subfam. n., comprising the genera Scyloxes Dunin, 1992 and Stedocys Ono, 1995. Scytodes arwa Rheims, Brescovit van Harten, 2006 is considered a senior synonym of Scytodes makeda Rheims, Brescovit van Harten, 2006 syn. n. and the male of Scytodes kumonga Zamani Marusik, 2020 is described for the first time, with the species being newly recorded from Oman. Observations on the natural history of S. kumonga were made using specimens raised to maturity from egg-sacs produced by females collected in Oman. The monotypic genus Soeuria Saaristo, 1997 is synonymized with Dictis, hence the transfer of its type species, D. soeur (Saaristo, 1997) comb. n. to this genus. Dictis thailandica Dankittipakul Singtripop, 2010 is considered incertae sedis, and Dictis striatipes L. Koch, 1872 is considered a senior synonym of Dictis lugubris Thorell, 1887 syn. n., Scytodes bilqis Rheims, Brescovit van Harten syn. n., Dictis denticulata Dankittipakul Singtripop, 2010 syn. n., Dictis ganeshi Keswani, 2015 syn. n. and D. mumbaiensis Ahmed, Satan, Khalap Mohan, 2015 syn. n., and the species is newly reported from several countries. Scyloxes magna (Bristowe, 1952) comb. n. and Scyloxes zhaoi (Wu Li, 2017) comb. n. are transferred to Scyloxes from Scytodes and Stedocys, respectively.

A new genus and ten new species of spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) from Iran.

One new genus (Sestakovaia gen. nov.; Liocranidae) and 10 new species of five families of spiders are described from different provinces of Iran: Brigitteaavicenna sp. nov. (♂♀, Alborz and Kurdistan provinces) (Dictynidae), Micariaatropatene sp. nov. (♂, East Azerbaijan Province), Zagrotesborna sp. nov. (♂, Hormozgan Province), Z.parla sp. nov. (♂, Kerman Province) (Gnaphosidae), Sestakovaiahyrcania sp. nov. (♂, Golestan Province), Mesioteluspatricki sp. nov. (♂, Golestan Province) (Liocranidae), Palpimanuscarmania sp. nov. (♂, Kerman Province), P.persicus sp. nov. (♂♀, Hormozgan Province) (Palpimanidae), Rhysodromusgenoensis sp. nov. (♂, Hormozgan Province), and R.medes sp. nov. (♂, Hormozgan Province) (Philodromidae). Furthermore, Sestakovaiaannulipes (Kulczynski, 1897), comb. nov. (ex. Mesiotelus) and Zagrotesbifurcatus (Zamani, Chatzaki, Esyunin & Marusik, 2021), comb. nov. (ex. Berinda) are proposed as new combinations.