Novel nucleotide variations in the thrombomodulin (THBD) gene involved in coagulation pathways can increase the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a common but complex complication in fertility conditions, affecting about 15-20% of couples. Although several causes have been proposed for RPL, it occurs in about 35-60% of cases without a known explanation. A strong assumption is that genetic factors play a role in the etiology and pathophysiology of PRL. Therefore, several genes are proposed as candidates in the pathogenesis of RPL. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of nucleotide changes in the THBD (thrombomodulin) gene as an RPL-related candidate gene. This gene encodes a cell receptor for thrombin and is involved in reproductive loss in RPL cases. Its involvement in the natural anticoagulant system has been extensively studied. By genetic screening of the entire coding and noncoding regions of the THBD gene, we found twenty-seven heterozygous and homozygous nucleotide changes. Ten of them led to amino acid substitutions, seven variants were identified in the promoter region, and eight of them occurred in 3'UTR. Potentially, the pathogenicity effects of these variations on THBD protein were evaluated by several prediction tools. The numerous genomic variations prompted noticeable modifications of the protein's structural and functional properties. Furthermore, in-silico scores were consistent with deleterious effects for these mutations. The results of this study provide genetic information that will be useful in the future for clinicians, scientists, and students to understand the unknown causes of RPL better. It may also pave the way for developing diagnostic/prognostic approaches to help treat PRL patients.

Which anthropometric and metabolic index is superior in hypertension prediction among overweight/obese adults?

BACKGROUND: Although the effectiveness of some combined anthropometric and metabolic scores were evaluated in hypertension prediction, none of them had addressed their accuracy in association with overweight/obese populations. This study examined the accuracy of several anthropometric parameters in this regard and compared the novel indices to the ancient ones. METHODS: Through a cross-sectional study, 5115 patients have been evaluated at the weight loss clinic. Data on demographic information, anthropometric indices, and biochemical measurements were assembled into a checklist. Multivariable regression modeling and the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) were analyzed using SPSS version 20. To find new combined scores, SEM (structural equation modeling) analysis was also adopted. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Considering ancient indices, WHtR (waist-to-height ratio) showed a sufficient area under the curve in predicting hypertension among both genders concomitant with WC (waist circumference) in men, and BRI (body roundness index) in women as highest AUC. The highest odds ratio (OR) for the presence of hypertension, based on the age-adjusted model, was BRI in females (OR, 3.335; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58-7.28) and WC in males (OR, 13.478; 95% CI: 1.99-45.02). The combined scores were not superior to the single ones. CONCLUSION: The most powerful association between hypertension and sufficient discrimination ability of normotensives from hypertensive patients was detected for BRI in women and WC among men. However, neither the BSI and BAI nor FMI and FFMI showed superiority to WC or WHtR in predicting the presence of hypertension.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of astaxanthin supplementation on the expression of miR-146a and miR-126 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with chronic oxidative stress and inflammation. It is well known that the expression of some miRNAs such as miRNA-146a is upregulated in diabetic and hyperglycaemic patients, whereas circulating miRNA-126 is reduced. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effects of astaxanthin (AST) supplementation on the circulating malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels, and the expression of miR-146a and miR-126 in patients with T2DM. METHODS: This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 44 patients with T2DM randomly receiving 8 mg/d of oral AST (n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) for 8 weeks. RESULTS: We observed that AST supplementation could decrease plasma levels of MDA and IL-6 (P < .05) and decrease the expression level of miR-146a over time (fold change: -1/388) (P < .05). CONCLUSION: AST supplementation might be beneficial for improving circulating MDA and IL-6 and the down-regulation of miR-146a. However, future investigations are suggested to confirm these results.

Evaluation of Several Anthropometric and Metabolic Indices as Correlates of Hyperglycemia in Overweight/Obese Adults.

AIM: Rapid and growing rise in obesity and diabetes mellitus, as serious human health-threatening issues, is alarming. The aim of the present study was assessing the accuracy of several obesity indices to predict hyperglycemia in overweight and obese Iranian populations and determining the value of such indices in comparison to the conventional parameters. We also evaluated new latent combined scores in this matter. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Overall, there were 2088 patients recruited from the weight loss clinic of Sina Hospital, an educational hospital of Tehran University of Medical Sciences for this cross-sectional study. Demographic information, anthropometric indices and biochemical measurements were collected and calculated. The multivariable regression modeling as well as area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used. To detect the existence of new combined scores, we used SEM (structural equation modeling) analysis through SmartPLS. RESULTS: Combined latent scores and WHtR (waist-to-height ratio) gave us a higher area under the curve in predicting hyperglycemia associated with WC (waist circumference) in women, whereas FFMI (fat-free mass index) gave low values. Additionally, BRI (body roundness index) and latent scores had slightly higher AUC values in predicting hyperglycemia in men. According to the age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) in the presence of hyperglycemia, OR was the highest for WHR (waist to hip ratio) in women (OR, 7.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71-15.13). The association of WHR and hyperglycemia remained significant by adjusting for BMI (body mass index), WC and menopausal status. CONCLUSION: WHR had the strongest association with hyperglycemia in women with only sufficient discrimination ability. However, neither BSI (body shape index) and BAI (body adiposity index) nor FMI (fat mass index) and FFMI were superior to BMI (body mass index), WC or WHtR in predicting hyperglycemia. It was revealed that BRI and combined scores had a more predictive power compared to the BSI, BAI, FMI and FFMI, simplifying hyperglycemia evaluation.

A Survey on Inhibitory Effect of Whole-Body Extraction and Secretions of Lucilia sericata's Larvae on Leishmania major In vitro.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is a skin disease caused by Leishmania parasite. Despite being self-limiting, must be treated. Available drugs have side effects and drug resistance has also been seen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) is using sterile fly larvae (maggots) of blow flies (Lucilia sericata) for the treatment of different types of tissue wounds. Larvae have excreted and secreted substances that have been proved to have antimicrobial effects, in addition to the some other specifications. RESULTS: In this study, the anti-leishmanial effects of extracts and secretions of sterile second- and third-instar larvae of L. sericata on the growth of Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes in the J774 macrophages have been evaluated in vitro. CONCLUSION: The results showed that extracts and secretions had almost the same leishmaniocidal effect on promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes without cytotoxic effect on macrophages.

Hepatoprotective effects of Berberis vulgaris leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic sickness is a serious problem for human health. The researchers are interested in using medicinal plants including barberry to cure many of these sicknesses. In this study, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Berberis vulgaris leaf on hepatic protection was assessed in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty healthy male Wistar rats were divided randomly into five groups (n = 8): Group 1 (healthy control), intraperitoneal injection of olive oil; Group 2 (hepatotoxic control), intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride and daily gavage of distilled water; and testing groups, intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride along with daily gavage of B. vulgaris leaf extract 40, 80, and 120 mg/kg of weight, respectively. After 6 weeks, the following were checked: enzyme level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as serum level of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and histopathological status of the liver. RESULTS: The level of AST, ALP, and ALT was increased to 109 (IU/L), 95(IU/L), and 71(IU/L), respectively, in hepatotoxic control group than healthy control group, and there was a decrease of 0.86 (g/dl) and 0.04 (g/dl) in TP and ALB levels, respectively. The B. vulgaris extract in every three doses caused a significant decrease in hepatic enzymes level. However, the TP had a significant increase in 80 and 120 mg/kg of body weight. Regarding ALB, there was no significant difference among these groups. The histopathological results were not conformed to biochemical findings. CONCLUSION: Using the appropriate dose of B. vulgaris leaf extract can help the improvement of laboratory symptoms of fatty liver.