The food and biomedical applications of curcumin-loaded electrospun nanofibers: A comprehensive review.

Encapsulating curcumin (CUR) in nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, silica nanoparticles, protein-based nanocarriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanocrystals could be efficient for a variety of industrial and biomedical applications. Nanofibers containing CUR represent a stable polymer-drug carrier with excellent surface-to-volume ratios for loading and cell interactions, tailored porosity for controlled CUR release, and diverse properties that fit the requirements for numerous applications. Despite the mentioned benefits, electrospinning is not capable of producing fibers from multiple polymers and biopolymers, and the product's effectiveness might be affected by various machine- and material-dependent parameters like the voltage and the flow rate of the electrospinning process. This review delves into the current and innovative recent research on nanofibers containing CUR and their various applications.

The Exercise Preconditioning Effect on Cardiac Tissue Injury following Induction of Myocardial Infarction in Male Rats.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male rats were divided into 4 groups including MI, Sham, HIIT, and HIIT+MI (N = 6). HIIT and HIIT+MI which underwent high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for 4 weeks (5 days a week). The training protocol included 10 intervals of 1-minute running, with 2 minutes rest between each interval. The training intensity was different every week according to the peak treadmill running speed (v peak) percentage of each rat. Isoproterenol injection was used to induce myocardial infarction (MI). Expressions of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), PGC-1α troponin-I, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and microRNA 126 (miR-126) genes were measured. The variables were measured using biochemical and RT-PCR methods. The significance level (P value≤0.05) was analyzed using ANOVA test. Results: The results showed that 4 weeks of HIIT training led to a significant increase in PGC-1α, TFAm, and VEGF levels in the MI, HIIT, and HIIT+MI groups compared to the sham group (P = 0.001). HIIT exercises increased miR-126 in the different groups compared to the sham group; however, it was not significant. Conclusion: The results obtained showed that HIIT exercise exerts cardio-protective effects to reduce cardiac tissue injury and necrosis against MI. These effects increase mitochondrial biogenesis and angiogenesis by inducing the increased expression of VEGF, TFAM, PGC-1α, and miR-126 genes in the heart tissue. Therefore, HIIT training, as a preconditioning program, was able to protect the cardiac tissue against MI.

Encapsulation of Vitamins Using Nanoliposome: Recent Advances and Perspectives.

Nowadays the importance of vitamins is clear for everyone. However, many patients are suffering from insufficient intake of vitamins. Incomplete intake of different vitamins from food sources due to their destruction during food processing or decrease in their bioavailability when mixing with other food materials, are factors resulting in vitamin deficiency in the body. Therefore, various lipid based nanocarriers such as nanoliposomes were developed to increase the bioavailability of bioactive compounds. Since the function of nanoliposomes containing vitamins on the body has a direct relationship with the quality of produced nanoliposomes, this review study was planned to investigate the several aspects of liposomal characteristics such as size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency on the quality of synthesized vitamin-loaded nanoliposomes.

Recent advances in electrospun protein fibers/nanofibers for the food and biomedical applications.

Electrospinning (ES) is one of the most investigated processes for the convenient, adaptive, and scalable manufacturing of nano/micro/macro-fibers. With this technique, virgin and composite fibers may be made in different designs using a wide range of polymers (both natural and synthetic). Electrospun protein fibers (EPF) shave desirable capabilities such as biocompatibility, low toxicity, degradability, and solvolysis. However, issues with the proteins' processibility have limited their widespread utilization. This paper gives an overview of the features of protein-based biomaterials, which are already being employed and has the potential to be exploited for ES. State-of-the-art examples showcasing the usefulness of EPFs in the food and biomedical industries, including tissue engineering, wound dressings, and drug delivery, provided in the applications. The EPFs' future perspective and the challenge they pose are presented at the end. It is believed that protein and biopolymeric nanofibers will soon be manufactured on an industrial scale owing to the limitations of employing synthetic materials, as well as enormous potential of nanofibers in other fields, such as active food packaging, regenerative medicine, drug delivery, cosmetic, and filtration.

Risk assessment, geochemical speciation, and source apportionment of heavy metals in sediments of an urban river draining into a coastal wetland.

Thirty sediment samples were collected from the Gohar Rood River (Iran) to assess the elemental concentrations, origins, and probable environmental risks in the riverine system. In this study, fifteen elements were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Cr at all sites were exceeded the SEL (Severe Effect Level) value. Zn, Mn, Co, and Cr showed a moderate level of contamination, based on pollution index (PI), modified pollution index (MPI), and enrichment factor (EF). The modified hazard quotient (mHQ) represented low to extreme severity of pollution for some elements. The multi-linear regression of the absolute principal component score model indicated that largest contributors of Zn, Cu, Pb, Sb, and Mo to the riverine sediment were from agricultural runoff, domestic, and municipal sewage. Based on the modified BCR (the European Community Bureau of Reference) fractionation scheme, Mn, Co, and Zn indicated a medium to high risk to the local environment.

Bioaccumulation of selected trace elements in some aquatic organisms from the proximity of Qeshm Island ecosystems: Human health perspective.

In this study selected marine species from north Persian Gulf ecosystems were collected to investigate the concentration of 15 trace elements (Al, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, V, Zn and Hg) in muscle and liver tissues for the purpose of evaluating potential health risks for human consumers. The results indicated that Fe, Zn, Sr, Cu and As are the most abundant TEs in the tissues of the species. The concentration of Cu in P. semisulcatus and As in most investigated species pose the highest risk of exposure. The carcinogenic risk values indicate that As and Ni concentrations in the species are above the acceptable lifetime risk for adults and children in most of the species. The margin of exposure risk approach indicated that the risk of detrimental effects due to dietary Pb intake for age groups is low, except for consumers of T. tonggol.

Evaluation of Radiotherapy on miR-374 Gene Expression in Colorectal Cancer Patient Blood Samples.

Background: Current cancer treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Despite these treatments, a main issue in cancer treatment is early detection. microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as markers to diagnose and treat cancers. This study investigated the effect of radiotherapy on miR-374 expression, and APC and GSK-3ß, two of its target genes, in the WNT pathway, in peripheral blood samples from radiotherapy-treated colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from 25 patients before and after radiotherapy. RNA was extracted from the blood and cDNA synthesized. miR-374, APC, and GSK-3ß expression was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the amplicons were sequenced. Finally, the data were statistically evaluated. Results: Quantitative RT-PCR revealed significant down-regulation of miR-374 (0.63-fold) and up-regulation of APC (1.12-fold) and GSK-3ß (1.22-fold) in CRC patients after five weeks of radiotherapy. Sequencing of PCR-produced amplicons confirmed the conservation of mature and precursor sequences encoding miR-374. miR-374 expression changed with time after radiotherapy treatment and related tumor grading. Increased age and tumor grade positively correlated with decreased miR-374 expression. Conclusion: miR-374 expression, and that of its two target genes, APC and GSK-3ß, changed after radiotherapy. These genes can likely be used as diagnostic radiotherapy markers in CRC.

Potentially toxic elements and microplastics in muscle tissues of different marine species from the Persian Gulf: Levels, associated risks, and trophic transfer.

Selected potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn, along with microplastic particles (MPs) were characterized in the muscle of seafood species in order to study potential health risk and also investigate biomagnification of the contaminants. The results revealed high levels of the analyzed PTEs and MPs in crustaceans. The cancer risk among the consumer population (adult and children) posed by As is higher than the acceptable lifetime risk of 10-4. Portunus plagicus and Platycephalus indicus had the highest and lowest amount of MP particles in their muscles, respectively, among investigated species. Finally, PTEs (except Hg) and MPs are not biomagnified in the collected species. The results of this research emphasize the importance of accounting for health risks posed by potential pollutants via consumption of contaminated seafood.

Concomitant Up-Regulation of Hsa- Mir-374 and Down-Regulation of Its Targets, GSK-3ß and APC, in Tissue Samples of Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The WNT-pathway is involved in several cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Many cell signaling components and pathways are controlled by microRNAs. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the expression of hsa-miR-374, and its two target genes of the Wnt-pathway in CRC clinical samples. METHODS: In this study, we predicted the miRNAs targeting key genes of WNT-pathway using bioinformatics algorithms. The expression levels of hsa-miR-374, APC and GSK-3ß on 48 pairs of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) CRC tumors and marginal-tumors were evaluated using real time-PCR. Additionally, the hsa-miR-374a-5p precursor sequence was amplified by whole-blood DNA as a template. This amplicon was cloned into pEGFP-c1 expression vector and transfected into SW742 cells. Aside from this, MTT assay was performed to evaluate the effect of miR-374 on cell viability. RESULTS: The bioinformatics analysis indicated that hsa-miR-374 binds to the regulatory region the key components of WNT-pathway, including APC and GSK-3ß considering the recognition elements and mirSVR scores. Our results revealed significant down-regulation of GSK-3ß (0.94 times, p= 0.0098) and APC (0.96 times, p= 0.03) and up-regulation of miR-374 (1.22 times, p= 0.0071) on tumor samples compared with their normal pairs. Meanwhile, the results of the over-expression of miR-374 showed down-regulation of APC and GSK-3ß. MTT-assay also indicated that the miR-374 increased cell survival. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicated a concomitant change in the expression of miR-374 and its two related target genes, in clinical samples of CRC. Hsa-miR-374 might be as a helpful biomarker or therapeutic target in CRC.

Functional biocompatible nanocomposite films consisting of selenium and zinc oxide nanoparticles embedded in gelatin/cellulose nanofiber matrices.

In recent decades, environmental concerns and increasing consumer demand for healthy and nutritious food products with prolonged shelf life have made the food packaging industry pay more attention to the preparation of multifunctional biodegradable packaging films based on biopolymers containing active components such as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. In this study, bio-nanocomposite films were fabricated from gelatin (G) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), and different concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO) and/or Selenium (Se) nanoparticles (NPs) by the casting method. The mechanical, barrier, optical, and structural (FTIR, XRD, and SEM) properties of the films were investigated along with their antibacterial and antioxidant features. The incorporation of ZnO and Se NPs improved the physicomechanical and water resistance of G/CNF films. In this regard, the maximum tensile strength value was obtained for the G/CNF containing 5% w/w ZnO NPs (G/CNF/ZnO3) and G/CNF containing 0.1% w/w Se NPs (G/CNF/Se2) films (~2.20-fold and ~2.13-fold higher than the G/CNF film, respectively). Also, G/CNF with 3% w/w ZnO NPs (G/CNF/ZnO2) film had the lowest water vapor permeability and water solubility among all films. Results of the disc diffusion assay showed a stronger antibacterial effect of ZnO NPs compared with Se NPs. The bacterial susceptibility to the antibacterial films was as follows: Listeria monocytogenes > Escherichia coli > Staphylococcus aureus > Pseudomonas fluorescens. The G/CNF films incorporated with Se nanoparticles possessed the higher property of scavenging free radicals in comparison films containing ZnO nanoparticles. Also, the combination of Se NPs and ZnO NPs enhanced the antioxidant effect of the films. In conclusion, gelatin-based edible films containing CNFs, ZnO NPs, and Se NPs can be used in the development of active food packaging products.

Development of an active packaging system containing zinc oxide nanoparticles for the extension of chicken fillet shelf life.

The casting method was employed to prepare gelatin-based nanocomposite films containing different concentrations of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) as a reinforcement filler (2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% w/w of gelatin) as well as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as an antimicrobial agent (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% w/w of gelatin). The results showed that the incorporation of 5% CNFs (optimum concentration) significantly boosted the films' stiffness (YM; by 47%) and strength (TS; by 72%) but decreased its flexibility (EAB; by 28%), water vapor permeability, and moisture absorption. The best G/CNF film antibacterial activity was provided by the 5% concentration of ZnO NPs according to the disk diffusion assay; Gram-positive bacteria were inhibited significantly more than Gram-negative bacteria. The antimicrobial efficacy of the G/CNF/ZnO NPs film as a food packaging material was assessed via counts of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas fluorescens inoculated on chicken fillets (as a food model) in the treatment (G/5% CNF/5% ZnO) and control groups (plastic bag). The antibacterial film led to a significant reduction in the bacterial load of the chicken fillets (p < .05), especially against the Gram-positive strain. This study illustrated that G/CNF/ZnO NPs films can be utilized as active packaging to prolong the shelf life of different perishable foods such as meat.

Molecular Detection of Campylobacter Species: Comparision of 16SrRNA with slyD, cadF, rpoA, and dnaJ Sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter spp. are the main cause of human gastroenteritis. The 16SrRNA sequencing is one of fast molecualr method to detect this fastidious. In this study, we compared the sequencing of 16srRNA genewith four housekeeping genestodetect Campylobacter spp. in patients with diarrhea and healthy people. METHODS: 60 samples of Campylobacter DNA extracted from stool samples of 30 patients with diarrhea and 30 healthy people were used. In order to detect Campylobacter, we designed primers for proliferation of 16SrRNA, cadF, dnaJ, slyD , and rpoA genes using Primer 3, Mega 4.0 and Blast software. Then the PCR products were sequenced using ABI system. RESULTS: The sequencing showed concordance of PCR-products with deposited sequences in the Gene Bank. Among diarrhea patients, 53.3% of samples were significantly (p< 0.05) positive for slyD and cadF genes and 50% of samples were positive using 16SrRNA, rpoA, and dnaJ genes by PCR assay. The average of sensitivity and specificity were found 53.33% and 83.33%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Due to various copies of repeated sequences of 16SrRNA gene, analyzing its amplicons on electrophoresis may be more difficult than the slyD and cadF genes. According to our results, among the 5 studied genes; the highest detection rate was related to slyD and cadF genes. Although, dnaJ and rpoA genes,instead of 16SrRNA gene, can be considered as appropriate genes for molecular detection of Campylobacter bacteria.

The Relationship Between rs3212986C>A Polymorphism and Tumor Stage in Lung Cancer Patients.

Background The nucleotide excision repair (NER) system is one of the most important deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair mechanisms and is critical for chemotherapy resistance. We conducted the present study to investigate the association between two polymorphisms of excision of repair cross-complementing group 1 (ERCC1), the key component of the NER pathway, and the clinicopathological features of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods A total of 38 patients with confirmed NSCLC were included in our study. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. ERCC1 rs3212986 (8092) and rs11615 (118) were genotyped using molecular assays including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with restriction fragment length polymorphism (by MboII and HpyCH4 enzymes) and sequencing. Results The PCR results indicated the correct performance of the genomics extraction and molecular protocols. The distribution of C/C, C/A and A/A genotypes at position 8092 was 42.10%, 47.36%, and 10.52% respectively (P=0.03). Multivariate regression analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between C8092A (rs3212986) polymorphism and metastasis, grade of the tumor, and response to treatment. Individuals carrying the rs3212986 CA genotype and A allele had a significantly worse response to the treatment. Also, the correlation between alteration at this genomics location and patients with NSCLC who used to smoke cigarettes was positive. However, no significant association was detected between rs11615 C118>T polymorphism and demographic characteristics of patients with NSCLC. Conclusion We concluded that in lung cancer patients there is a relationship between tumor stage and rs3212986C>A polymorphism.

Evaluation of Splicing on X-box Binding Protein Transcript in Tissue Samples of Colorectal Cancer.

Background The genetic etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) is the occurrence of mutation in the genes involved in signal transduction pathways including that of cellular responses to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This study examines alterations of pre-messenger ribonucleic acid (pre-mRNA) splicing in X-box binding protein (XBP) transcripts related to the ER stress pathway in CRC. Materials and methods In this study, samples were deparaffinized and underwent RNA extraction. A total of 30 synthesized complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) templates from the extracted RNAs related to tumor and non-tumor CRC samples, collected over three years and containing pathological data, were subjected to semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (sqRT-PCR). These cDNA templates were amplified in reaction tubes with specific primers for both spliced and non-spliced isoforms of XBP. Results with P< .05 were considered statistically significant. Results Microscopic assessment represented lymphocyte-rich effusion in tumor samples. sqRT-PCR electrophoresis results showed spliced and non-spliced forms of XBP messenger RNA in the studied samples. In addition, our data showed there were more than 7.8 times the total number of spliced variants in the marginal tumor samples than in the tumor tissue samples (P<.05). Conclusion Alterations of expression in genes involved in stress signaling pathways in cancer have been identified previously. Our results showed an inverse relationship between XBP splicing and CRC tumor tissue, possibly lead to the inactivation of apoptosis in the downstream response to ER stress. However, we propose that the remaining genes in this pathway should undergo gene expression analysis using a greater number of samples.

Novel Mutations in pncA Gene of Pyrazinamide Resistant Clinical Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

In clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), resistance to pyrazinamide occurs by mutations in any positions of the pncA gene (NC_000962.3) especially in nucleotides 359 and 374. In this study we examined the pncA gene sequence in clinical isolates of MTB. Genomic DNA of 33 clinical isolates of MTB was extracted by the Chelex100 method. The polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were performed using specific primers for amplification of 744 bp amplicon comprising the coding sequences (CDS) of the pncA gene. PCR products were sequenced by an automated sequencing Bioscience system. Additionally, semi Nested-allele specific (sNASP) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods were carried out for verification of probable mutations in nucleotides 359 and 374. Sequencing results showed that from 33 MTB clinical isolates, nine pyrazinamide-resistant isolates have mutations. Furthermore, no mutation was detected in 24 susceptible strains in the entire 561 bp of the pncA gene. Moreover, new mutations of G→A at position 3 of the pncA gene were identified in some of the resistant isolates. Results showed that the sNASP method could detect mutations in nucleotide 359 and 374 of the pncA gene, but the PCR-RFLP method by the SacII enzyme could not detect these mutations. In conclusion, the identification of new mutations in the pncA gene confirmed the probable occurrence of mutations in any nucleotides of the pncA gene sequence in resistant isolates of MTB.

Association of rs1042522 SNP with Clinicopathologic Factors of Breast Cancer Patients in the Markazi Province of Iran.

BACKGROUND: The nucleotide changes in different genetic loci increased the incidence risk of breast cancer. AIM: The aim of present study was to investigate genotype distribution at codon 72 of the TP53 gene (rs1042522) in breast cancer patients to achieve a potential diagnostic marker related to some demographic feathers. METHODS: In our case-control study, blood samples were collected from a total of 34 patients harboured breast cancer. DNA was extracted, and nested-PCR was performed. Products were digested with AccII and subsequently were sequenced. Results were compared with samples characteristics. RESULTS: The PCR results indicated the correct implementation of extraction and amplification protocol. The genotypic distribution at codon 72 of TP53 in control group was 20%, 62.4% and 16.6% for Arg (wildtype), Arg/Pro (heterozygous) and Pro (homozygous variant) respectively. Also, this distribution in the patient group was 23.52% homozygous, 50% heterozygous, and 26.47% another homozygous variant (Adjusted odds ratio: 1.12 and 95%CI = 0.57 to 2.2, P = 0.03). The absence of Arg at codon 72 of TP53 is relevant with age higher than 40 years and metastasis to other organs. CONCLUSION: Polymorphism at codon 72 of TP53 was associated with high-grades of breast cancer risk and different responses to chemotherapy treatment. It is recommended genotype distribution of codon 72 of TP53 before chemotherapy.

Isolation and Genotyping of Acanthamoeba from Soil Samples in Markazi Province, Iran.

AIM: A previous study confirmed the contamination of water sources with this parasite in Arak, Markazi Province, Iran. The current study investigated soil sources and determined the predominant genotype of Acanthamoeba in this region of Iran. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight soil samples, collected from different regions of Arak, Markazi province, Iran, were evaluated in this study. The samples were processed and identified by culturing on a specific medium, performing PCR assay, and sequencing the PCR products. Finally, using the NCBI database, the genotypes were determined. RESULTS: Of 48 soil samples, 33.3% and 31.25% were contaminated with Acanthamoeba according to the culture and molecular assays, respectively. The majority of these isolates belonged to the T4, T5 and T6 genotypes of Acanthamoeba. CONCLUSION: The genotypes of most isolates from soil samples in Arak similar to other regions of Iran belong to T4 genotype of this parasite. New sequence accession numbers include MG066681 and MG298785-MG298794.

miR-199a-5p and miR-495 target GRP78 within UPR pathway of lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common subtype of lung cancer. One of the signal transduction pathways related to NSCLC is Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), which is mainly regulated by GRP78 (HSPA5, Gene ID: 3309). The aim of this study was to employ bioinformatics tools to predict microRNAs (miRNAs) affecting GRP78 expression, experimentally validate interaction of these miRNAs with GRP78 and also evaluating the expression correlation of GRP78 and its predicted miRNAs in clinical samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various software were used to predict miRNAs that simultaneously target all upstream and downstream components of GRP78 in the UPR, as well as the main components of PI3K/AKT, MAPK, ErbB and calcium pathways. For experimental analysis, 36 pairs of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) lung tumor and non-tumor tissue samples were obtained. Additionally, A549 and QU-DB lung cancer cell lines were used for expression determination of GRP78 and its predicted targeting miRNAs. We also employed a luciferase assay to evaluate interactions between candidate miRNAs with the 3'-UTR of GRP78. RESULTS: hsa-miR-495 and hsa-miR-199-5p were chosen based on several criteria including thermodynamic binding features of miRNAs to the target transcripts, number of recognition sites, and conservation of binding sites within the 3'-UTR of GRP78. RT-qPCR data revealed a significant up-regulation of GRP78 (3.87 times, P=0.002) and down-regulation of miR-199a-5p (0.13 times, P=0.0001) and miR-495 (0.085 times, P=0.0001) in tumor samples. Luciferase assay confirmed an interaction of hsa-miR-199a-5p and hsa-miR-495 with the 3'-UTR of GRP78 transcript. In addition, over-expression and competitive inhibition of the aforementioned miRNAs, significantly altered the expression of GRP78 and spliced XBP1 level. CONCLUSION: Our data revealed a significant up-regulation of GRP78 and a concomitant down-regulation of miR-495 and miR-199a-5p in NSCLC. Accordingly, our data suggest a causative role for miR-199-5p and miR-495 in tumorgenesis of lung and probably other cancer types.