Correlation between plasma biochemical parameters and cardio-hepatic iron deposition in thalassemia major patients.

INTRODUCTION: Major Thalassemia patients suffer from iron overload and organ damage, especially heart and liver damage. Early diagnosis and treatment with a chelator can reduce the complications and mortality of iron overload. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the biochemical and hematological predictors as an alternative and indirect indicator of iron deposition in heart and liver cells in comparison with the MRI T2* method as the gold standard. MATERIAL AND METHOD: MRI T2* was evaluated in the heart and liver tissues of 62 major beta-thalassemia patients undergoing regular transfusion and chelator therapy. Biochemical and hematological factors were also measured, including serum ferritin, serum electrolytes, liver enzymes, hemoglobin, blood glucose, and serum magnesium. The correlation between these factors was assessed using statistical evaluations. RESULT: Serum ferritin had a positive and significant correlation with liver siderosis based on MRI T2* (p-value = .015), and no significant association was observed with cardiac siderosis (p-value = .79). However, there was a significant positive correlation between cardiac iron deposition and fasting blood sugar level (p-value = -.049), and plasma level of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p-value = .001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST ((p-value = .01)). Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between cardiac iron overload and plasma magnesium level (p-value = .014). According to MRI T2*, there was no significant correlation between cardiac and hepatic iron overload (p value = .36). CONCLUSION: An increase in blood sugar or liver enzymes and a decrease in serum magnesium was associated with an increase in cardiac iron overload based on MRI T2*. Liver iron overload based on MRI T2* had a significant correlation with serum ferritin.

A delayed resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the COVID-19 pandemic: An unpredictable outbreak in a small proportion of children in the Southwest of Iran, April 2022.

The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an emerging disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and strict restrictions implemented to control the infection have impacted the circulation and transmission of common seasonal viruses worldwide and subsequently the rate of hospitalizations in children at young ages. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surprisingly disappeared in 2020-2021 in many countries due to lockdown and precautions were taken because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Herein, we showed a notable change in the rate of hospitalization and reported an unpredictable outbreak of RSV in a small proportion of children admitted to a children's hospital in Dezful (a city in Southwest Iran) in the early spring of 2022. We performed a descriptive study of hospitalized young children (aged ≤ 5 years) with acute respiratory infections. Together with clinical information, 30 nasopharyngeal swabs were prospectively collected and 3 important respiratory viruses (RSV, influenza viruses, and SARS-CoV-2) were tested through the real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) method. The age distribution of 30 hospital-admitted children was 1 month to 5 years old and males were the most included subjects 18/30 (60%) in this study. Although the viral genome of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses was not detected, the presence of RSV was confirmed in 16/30 (53.33%) patients. Results showed that the majority of RSV-infected cases were males 10/16 (62.5%), within 12 months of life, and had changes in parameters of the complete blood count. Almost all patients with RSV infection had a cough as the most common clinical manifestation and had no history of past medical conditions as a risk factor. The presented study is the first investigation that documented an outbreak of RSV infection in young children reported since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran. Our cases highlight the potential threats of important but neglected pathogens during the ongoing pandemic as described here for RSV, which would be challenging by easing the preimposed restrictions.

Liothyronine could block the programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1) activity: an e-Pharmacophore modeling and virtual screening study.

PURPOSE: The interaction between PD-L1 on tumor cells and the programmed death 1 (PD1) on immune cells helps them to escape the immune system elimination. Therefore, developing therapeutic agents to block this interaction has garnered a lot of attention as a therapeutic approach. In the present study, we have tried to screen for an inhibitory compound to inhibit the interaction between the PD1/PD-L1 molecules. METHODS: In this regard, the structure of PD-L1 and its inhibitor were prepared and employed to generate an e-Pharmacophore model. A library of approved compounds was prepared and toxicity analysis using Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) predictor was performed. The built e-Pharmacophore model was validated and used to screen the prepared compound library. Ligand docking and binding energy calculation were performed on the screened ligands. RESULTS: A seven-feature e-Pharmacophore model was generated using the PD-L1 complex. All of the compounds within the library passed the ADMET criteria. Performing the virtual screening, only 79 compounds have survived the criteria to fit four pharmacophoric features. The compound with the highest binding energy was the liothyronine (T3). CONCLUSION: The ability of T3 in PD1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade along with its potential in T4 reduction could be a desirable combination in cancer treatment. These abilities of T3 could be used to restore the ability of the immune system to eliminate tumor cells.

The role of epigenetic modifications in drug resistance and treatment of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is defined as a biological and molecular heterogeneous disorder that originates from breast cells. Genetic predisposition is the most important factor giving rise to this malignancy. The most notable mutations in breast cancer occur in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Owing to disease heterogeneity, lack of therapeutic target, anti-cancer drug resistance, residual disease, and recurrence, researchers are faced with challenges in developing strategies to treat patients with breast cancer. RESULTS: It has recently been reported that epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation and histone modification, as well as microRNAs (miRNAs), have potently contributed to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. These observations have persuaded researchers to move their therapeutic approaches beyond the genetic framework toward the epigenetic concept. CONCLUSION: Herein we discuss the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying breast cancer progression and resistance as well as various aspects of epigenetic-based therapies as monotherapy and combined with immunotherapy.

PD-1/PD-L1-dependent immune response in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is still considered as the third most frequent cancer in the world. Microsatellite instability (MSI), inflammation, and microRNAs have been demonstrated as the main contributing factors in CRC. Subtype 1 CRC is defined by NK cells infiltration, induction of Th1 lymphocyte and cytotoxic T cell responses as well as upregulation of immune checkpoint proteins including programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). Based on the diverse features of CRC, such as the stage and localization of the tumor, several treatment approaches are available. However, the efficiency of these treatments may be decreased due to the development of diverse resistance mechanisms. It has been proven that monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can increase the effectiveness of CRC treatments. Nowadays, several mAbs including nivolumab and pembrolizumab have been approved for the treatment of CRC. Immune checkpoint receptors including PD-1 can be inhibited by these antibodies. Combination therapy gives an opportunity for advanced treatment for CRC patients. In this review, an update has been provided on the molecular mechanisms involved in MSI colorectal cancer immune microenvironment by focusing on PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and treatment of patients with advanced immunotherapy, which were examined in the different clinical trial phases. Considering induced expression of PD-L1 by conventional chemotherapeutics, we have summarized the role of PD-L1 in CRC, the chemotherapy effects on the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and novel combined approaches to enhance immunotherapy of CRC by focusing on PD-L1.

In silico design and in vitro development of a highly accurate test to detect Brucella species

Background: Conventionalmethods of detecting Brucella spp. suffer from technical and biological complications. Besides, newly characterized species of the genus Brucella could be neglected by previously designed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Therefore, a more accurate PCR-based test seems to be imminently needed Materials and methods: Blood samples were collected from 39 patients diagnosed with brucellosis and 25 healthy controls. Multiple sequence alignments (MSA) were performed on 500 Omp2-related protein and gene sequences. Thereafter, specific primers were designed and synthesized for the regions with highest conservancy. The collected samples were assessed by PCR test. To overcome the cross-reactivity issue, PCR thermal program was optimized regarding annealing time and temperature. Results: The MSA results indicated that the N terminus region of the Omp2 protein (DNA 5' end) is associated with highest conservancy. Primers with highest specificity were designed and synthesized. A two-step PCR reaction was successfully designed and optimized. The desirable bands were observed in clinical samples with high accuracy. Conclusion: It should be pointed out that using a precisely designed primer pair would bring about early infection detection, more success to detect all natural variants and higher cost-to-efficacy ratio in comparison to other detection methods

Anti-CD37 targeted immunotherapy of B-Cell malignancies.

CD37 is a member of tetra-spanning superfamily (characterized by their four transmembrane domains). It is one of the specific proteins for normal and malignant mature B cells. Anti CD37 monoclonal antibodies are reported to improve the overall survival in CLL. These therapeutics will increase the efficacy and reduce the toxicity in patients with both newly diagnosed and relapsed and refractory disease. Recent clinical trials have shown promising outcomes for these agents, administered both as monotherapy and in combination with standard chemotherapeutics. Long-term follow-up of combination regimens has even raised the question of whether the patients with CLL could be treated with intensive chemo-immunotherapy. In the present study, CD37 is introduced as an appealing target to treat B cell malignancies. The anti-CD37 antibodies as one of the most successful therapeutics against CD37 are introduced and the clinical outcomes of their exploitation are explained.

Eliciting an antibody response against a recombinant TSH containing fusion protein.

Designing novel antigens to rise specific antibodies for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) detection is of great significance. A novel fusion protein consisting of the C termini sequence of TSH beta subunit and a fusion sequence was designed and produced for rabbit immunization. Thereafter, the produced antibodies were purified and characterized for TSH detection. Our results indicate that the produced antibody is capable of sensitive and specific detection of TSH with low cross reactivity. This study underscores the applicability of designed fusion protein for specific and sensitive polyclonal antibody production and the importance of selecting an amenable region of the TSH for immunization.

Causality relationships between coagulation factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus: path analysis approach.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetic mellitus patients are amongst the most susceptible groups to vascular abnormalities, which predominantly lead to myocardial disease. The hypercoagulable state has been widely studied by researchers as being the major suspicious mechanism facilitating the consecutive chain of molecular events leading to these complications. However, there is no consensus on the definition of the hypercoagulable state with respect to coagulation quantities, their interrelations and basic factor(s) initiating this pathogenic event, by which the prognosis of myocardial complications could be determined. METHODS: Path analysis was used to study the interactions between coagulation factors as well as other factors beyond coagulation factors in relation with pathogenic events in both diabetics and healthy subjects. In the present work, coagulation factors of 40 healthy and 40 type 2 diabetics were determined experimentally. The data were then analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software. Multivariate regression analysis was done to draw path diagrams. RESULTS: Our results show that FII, as the main cause for hypercoagulable state, is directly induced by FX and FVIII in normal individuals and by FX, FXI, FV and VWF cofactors in diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: In general, our findings showed complicated relationship between coagulation factors and their effects either separately or combined.

Therapeutic and diagnostic applications of exosomes in colorectal cancer.

Exosomes play a key role in colorectal cancer (CRC) related processes. This review explores the various functions of exosomes in CRC and their potential as diagnostic markers, therapeutic targets, and drug delivery vehicles. Exosomal long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) significantly influence CRC progression. Specific exosomal lncRNAs are linked to drug resistance and tumor growth, respectively, highlighting their therapeutic potential. Similarly, miRNAs like miR-21, miR-10b, and miR-92a-3p, carried by exosomes, contribute to chemotherapy resistance by altering signaling pathways and gene expression in CRC cells. The review also discusses exosomes' utility in CRC diagnosis. Exosomes from cancer cells have distinct molecular signatures compared to healthy cells, making them reliable biomarkers. Specific exosomal lncRNAs (e.g., CRNDE-h) and miRNAs (e.g., miR-17-92a) have shown effectiveness in early CRC detection and monitoring of treatment responses. Furthermore, exosomes show promise as vehicles for targeted drug delivery. The potential of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes in CRC treatment is also noted, with their role varying from promoting to inhibiting tumor progression. The application of multi-omics approaches to exosome research is highlighted, emphasizing the potential for discovering novel CRC biomarkers through comprehensive genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses. The review also explores the emerging field of exosome-based vaccines, which utilize exosomes' natural properties to elicit strong immune responses. In conclusion, exosomes represent a promising frontier in CRC research, offering new avenues for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Their unique properties and versatile functions underscore the need for continued investigation into their clinical applications and underlying mechanisms.

Protective effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of corn silk on nicotine-induced reproductive system disorders in male mice.

OBJECTIVE: The protective effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of corn silk on reproductive disorders induced by nicotine was investigated in the present study. METHODS: In this experimental study, 30 male NMRI mice (25-30gr) were divided into 5 groups: controls, sham, nicotine 2.5mg/kg, nicotine+aqueous extract of corn silk 400mg/kg, and nicotine+methanolic extract of corn silk 400mg/kg for 34 days. One day after the last nicotine and extracts administration, the serum samples were collected through cardiac puncture for hormonal measurements, and the testis and tail of the epididymis were isolated for the testis antioxidant, morphology, histopathology assessments, and sperm count. RESULTS: Luteinizing hormone (LH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased in the nicotine group. Testosterone, sperm count, and glutathione (GSH) decreased when compared to the control group. Both aqueous and methanolic extracts of corn silk led to the improvement of mentioned changes; Except for GSH, because only treatment with methanolic extract could lead to its increase (p<0.05). Nicotine decreased the thickness of the epithelium of seminiferous tubules and the separation between them, and the administration of corn silk extracts improved that. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine consumption increased oxidative stress, LH levels, and decreased testosterone and sperm count, which indicate the induction of primary hypogonadism in animals. Moreover, the use of corn silk extracts has recovered the amounts of sex hormones and sperm count to normal conditions by reducing lipid peroxidation.

Different combinations of monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antibodies in the design of neonatal hypothyroidism diagnostic kit.

Neonatal hypothyroidism is a deficiency of thyroid hormones at birth that can cause lifelong mental and physical disorders in humans. Lack of timely detection could lead to irreversible damage by neonatal hypothyroidism. However, it could be managed quickly and efficiently via timely diagnosis. The screening programs rely on immunoassays to diagnose neonatal hypothyroidism in most countries. This method is time-consuming, needs laboratory equipment, and should be performed by trained and skilled technicians. Given these circumstances, the ELISA method is not a preferable method for the diagnosing of neonatal hypothyroidism. However, it can be used as a confirmatory method in infants with suspected and unknown neonatal hypothyroidism. In the present study, the homemade SR95-1, SR95-2, and SR95-3 anti-ß-TSH polyclonal and the commercially available monoclonal antibodies were used to detect ß-TSH in a rapid assay kit design hypothyroidism screening. To design the kit, the different combinations of the antibodies were used to establish a sandwich immune-chromatography method. The designed rapid neonatal hypothyroidism tests were used to measure neonatal ß-TSH in 100 dry blood samples. This study showed that the best antibody pair in terms of sensitivity is the SR95-1 antibody as capture antibody and the SR95-2 as a conjugated antibody. Using 100 clinical samples, the designed assay was shown to have 94% sensitivity, 83% specificity, and 94% accuracy. The results showed that polyclonal antibodies (SR95-1 as capture) and SR95-2 (as detector) antibodies can detect the reference range of ß-TSH in dried blood samples and can be used in the screening of neonatal hypothyroidism.

Pierce into Structural Changes of Interactions Between Mutated Spike Glycoproteins and ACE2 to Evaluate Its Potential Biological and Therapeutic Consequences.

The structural consequences of ongoing mutations on the SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein remains to be fully elucidated. These mutations could change the binding affinity between the virus and its target cell. Moreover, obtaining new mutations would also change the therapeutic efficacy of the designed drug candidates. To evaluate these consequences, 3D structure of a mutant spike protein was predicted and checked for stability, cavity sites, and residue depth. The docking analyses were performed between the 3D model of the mutated spike protein and the ACE2 protein and an engineered therapeutic ACE2 against COVID-19. The obtained results revealed that the N501Y substitution has altered the interaction orientation, augmented the number of interface bonds, and increased the affinity against the ACE2. On the other hand, the P681H mutation contributed to the increased cavity size and relatively higher residue depth. The binding affinity between the engineered therapeutic ACE2 and the mutant spike was significantly higher with a distinguished binding orientation. It could be concluded that the mutant spike protein increased the affinity, preserved the location, changed the orientation, and altered the interface amino acids of its interaction with both the ACE2 and its therapeutic engineered version. The obtained results corroborate the more aggressive nature of mutated SARS-CoV-2 due to their higher binding affinity. Moreover, designed ACe2-baased therapeutics would be still highly effective against covid-19, which could be the result of conserved nature of cellular ACE2. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10989-021-10346-1.

The correlation of cardiac biomarkers and myocardial iron overload based on T2* MRI in major beta-thalassemia.

Cardiac hemosiderosis is the primary factor to derive the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction in patients with transfusion dependent thalassemia. Biomarkers assessment along with T2 * MRI study could be employed to evaluate the severity of iron deposition-related damage and determination of the diagnostic and prognostic value of these inflammatory factors. The study was conducted on 62 patients (12-44 years old) with major thalassemia. The patients were under regular blood transfusion and they had no signs of cardiac defects, and chronic diseases. The serum levels of inflammatory factors (NT-proBNP, CRP, Copeptin HS) were determined before routine transfusion. Cardiac iron overload was assessed by T2* MRI (within the last three months), and T2* lower than 20 ms was considered as cardiac siderosis. The obtained results were analyzed using statistical methods. 92% of patients showed an increased level of hs-CRP (> 2 µg/dL). All cases showed increased levels of NT-proBNP (> 150 pg/mL). Only 29% of subjects showed high level of Copeptin, 25.8% of patients demonstrated cardiac siderosis based on the T2* MRI (< 20 ms) results. The serum levels of inflammatory factors were not significantly correlated with cardiac siderosis. Given the obtained results, it could be deduced that the serum levels of inflammatory factors could not be exploited for early detection of cardiac siderosis in major beta-thalassemia patients.

SARS-CoV-2 Proteome Harbors Peptides Which Are Able to Trigger Autoimmunity Responses: Implications for Infection, Vaccination, and Population Coverage.

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) could occur due to infectious diseases and vaccination programs. Since millions of people are expected to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and vaccinated against it, autoimmune consequences seem inevitable. Therefore, we have investigated the whole proteome of the SARS-CoV-2 for its ability to trigger ADs. In this regard, the entire proteome of the SARS-CoV-2 was chopped into more than 48000 peptides. The produced peptides were searched against the entire human proteome to find shared peptides with similar experimentally confirmed T-cell and B-cell epitopes. The obtained peptides were checked for their ability to bind to HLA molecules. The possible population coverage was calculated for the most potent peptides. The obtained results indicated that the SARS-CoV-2 and human proteomes share 23 peptides originated from ORF1ab polyprotein, nonstructural protein NS7a, Surface glycoprotein, and Envelope protein of SARS-CoV-2. Among these peptides, 21 peptides had experimentally confirmed equivalent epitopes. Amongst, only nine peptides were predicted to bind to HLAs with known global allele frequency data, and three peptides were able to bind to experimentally confirmed HLAs of equivalent epitopes. Given the HLAs which have already been reported to be associated with ADs, the ESGLKTIL, RYPANSIV, NVAITRAK, and RRARSVAS were determined to be the most harmful peptides of the SARS-CoV-2 proteome. It would be expected that the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccination against this pathogen could significantly increase the ADs incidences, especially in populations harboring HLA-B*08:01, HLA-A*024:02, HLA-A*11:01 and HLA-B*27:05. The Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania are at higher risk of AD development.

Serum DKK1 is correlated with γ peak of serum electrophoresis in multiple myeloma: a multicenter biomarker study.

Aim: DKK1 is reported to be produced at high levels by myeloma cells. Therefore, the applicability of DKK1 as a tumor marker for multiple myeloma (MM) diagnosis was examined. Methods: Serum samples were collected and analyzed by DKK1 concentration kit and capillary zone electrophoresis. Then, the obtained results were statically analyzed. Results: It has been determined that the 10 ng/ml of DKK1 is the optimal level for MM diagnosis. Moreover, there was an ascending linear correlation between the DKK1 concentration and γ peak. Discussion: The observed correlation could be rooted in the positive feedback loop between MM cells and the mesenchymal stem cells. In view of these results, DKK1 could be deemed as diagnostic marker for MM.

The Effect of Differentially Designed Fusion Proteins to Elicit Efficient Anti-human Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Immune Responses.

The production of human thyroid stimulating hormone (hTSH) immunoassays requires specific antibodies against hTSH which is a cumbersome process. Therefore, producing specific polyclonal antibodies against engineered recombinant fusion hTSH antigens would be of great significance. The best immunogenic region of the hTSH was selected based on in silico analyses and equipped with two different fusions. Standard methods were used for protein expression, purification, verification, structural evaluation, and immunizations of the white New Zealand rabbits. Ultimately, immunized serums were used for antibody titration, purification and characterization (specificity, sensitivity and cross reactivity). The desired antigens were successfully designed, sub-cloned, expressed, confirmed and used for in vivo immunization. Structural analyses indicated that only the bigger antigen has showed changed 2 dimensional (2D) and 3D structural properties in comparison to the smaller antigen. The raised polyclonal antibodies were capable of specific and sensitive hTSH detection, while the cross reactivity with the other members of the glycoprotein hormone family was minimum and negligible. The fusion which was solely composed of the tetanus toxin epitopes led to better protein folding and was capable of immunizing the host animals resulting into high titer antibody. Therefore, the minimal fusion sequences seem to be more effective in eliciting specific antibody responses.

A Novel Molecular Design for a Hybrid Phage-DNA Construct Against DKK1.

Nucleic acid immunization has recently exhibited a great promise for immunotherapy of various diseases. However, it is now clear that powerful strategies are imminently needed to improve their efficiency. In this regard, whole bacteriophage particles have been described as efficient DNA vaccine delivery vehicles, capable of circumventing the limitations of naked DNA immunization. Moreover, phage particles could be engineered to display specific peptides on their surfaces. Given these inherent characteristics of phages, we have designed a novel hybrid phage-DNA immunization vector using both M13 and pAAV plasmid elements. Following the construction and in vitro confirmation of the designed vectors, they were used for comparative mice immunization, carrying the same DNA sequence. The results indicated the efficacy of the designed hybrid phage particles, to elicit higher humoral immunity, in comparison to conventional DNA-immunization vectors (pCI). In light of these findings, it could be concluded that using adeno-associated virus (AAV) expression cassette along with displaying TAT peptide on the surface of the phage particle could be deemed as an appealing strategy to enhance the DNA-immunization and vaccination efficacy.