Inhalation of Spray-Dried Extract of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn Alleviates Lung Inflammatory, Oxidative, and Remodeling Changes in Asthmatic Rats.

INTRODUCTION: For centuries, Salvia rosmarinus Spenn has been applied as folk medicine to cure different diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, and antitumor effects. To find bioactive medicinal herbs exerting a protective effect on airway inflammation and remodeling, we assessed the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of an aqueous spray-dried extract of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. (rosemary) in an ovalbumin-induced asthmatic rat model. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into normal control (control), asthma, asthma+rosemary extract (RE) (13 mg/kg), asthma+RE (50 mg/kg), and asthma+budesonide groups. After 50 days, animals were anesthetized, and then blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung tissues were collected for subsequent serological and pathological studies. Histopathology of lung tissues was evaluated by H&E staining. The oxidative stress parameters and airway inflammation factors in BALF and lung tissue were explored. RESULTS: Using thin layer chromatography, the presence of rosmarinic acid was confirmed in aqueous extract of rosemary. Furthermore, RE markedly decreased immunoglobulin E levels (50 mg/kg; p < 0.001 vs. asthma group) and inflammatory cytokines (50 mg/kg; p < 0.001 vs. asthma group) and increased antioxidant enzymes (50 mg/kg, p < 0.001 vs. asthma group). Furthermore, RE at a concentration of 50 mg/kg obviously reduced the number of inflammatory cells, goblet cells, and pathological changes compared to the asthma group. CONCLUSION: The results showed that RE administration might prevent or alleviate allergic asthma-related pathological change, probably via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Association of the ESR1 (rs9340799), OLR1 (rs3736234), LIPC (rs2070895), VDR (rs2228570), and CETP (rs708272) Polymorphisms With Risk of Coronary Artery Disease in Iranian Patients.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a devastating illness and a leading cause of death worldwide, primarily caused by atherosclerosis resulting from a genetic-environmental interaction. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the ESR1 (rs9340799), OLR1 (rs3736234), LIPC (rs2070895), VDR (rs2228570), and CETP (rs708272) polymorphisms, lipid profile parameters, and CAD risk in a southeast Iranian population. METHODS: A total of 400 subjects (200 CAD patients with hyperlipidemia and 200 healthy controls) were enrolled in this case-control study. Five selected polymorphisms were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. RESULTS: For all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the population under study was in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The T-risk allele frequency of rs2228570 was associated with an increased risk of CAD. The TT and CT genotypes of rs2228570 had also been associated with the risk of CAD. Additionally, the TT genotype was associated with higher serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. The GG genotype of the rs3736234 was associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and triglyceride (TG) levels, and the AA genotype of the rs708272 was associated with higher HDL-c levels. Based on these findings, we propose that the VDR (rs2228570) polymorphism was associated with serum HDL-c and LDL-c levels and may serve as potential risk factors for CAD within the Iranian population. Moreover, rs3736234 and rs708272 influence the concentrations of TG and HDL-c, respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings provided insights into the complex interplay between genetic variations, cardiovascular risk, and lipid metabolism.

Identification of a Novel Deletion Variant (c.2999_3005delTGTGTGT/p.Asn1000SerfsTer4) in NPHP4 Associated With Nephronophthisis-4.

BACKGROUND: Nephronophthisis-4 (NPHP4) is an inherited renal ciliopathy described by renal fibrosis and progressive impairment of kidney function. This study aimed to investigate the genetic basis and clinical manifestations of NPHP4 in two Iranian siblings. METHODS: The proband was a 27-year-old male with features of end-stage renal disease, including anemia, uremia, polyuria, and polydipsia. It is worth mentioning that he has a 22-year-old sister with a similar presentation. Clinical diagnosis procedures, such as renal biopsy, brain imaging, blood and urine tests, cardiac evaluation, ophthalmic inspection, and auditory function assessment, were carried out to evaluate organ involvement and potential comorbidities. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and segregation analysis were performed to identify and confirm genetic variants associated with the condition. Computational variant analysis was conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity of the candidate variant. Furthermore, the SWISS-MODEL server was utilized for protein modeling. RESULTS: The brain, cardiac, ocular, and auditory functions were normal. Renal biopsy of the proband showed chronic interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. We found a novel homozygous 7-base pair deletion (c.2999_3005delTGTGTGT/ p.Asn1000SerfsTer4) in exon 21 of NPHP4 by WES. Segregation analysis confirmed homozygosity for the NPHP4 variant in affected individuals and heterozygous carrier status in parents, supporting autosomal recessive inheritance. 3D protein modeling indicated significant structural changes due to the variant. CONCLUSION: This study expands the genetic causes and phenotypic spectrum of nephronophthisis-4 and reveals the importance of genetic analysis in diagnosing and managing rare inherited kidney disorders, particularly those involving consanguinity.

A Study of Associations Between rs9349379 (PHACTR1), rs2891168 (CDKN2B-AS), rs11838776 (COL4A2) and rs4880 (SOD2) Polymorphic Variants and Coronary Artery Disease in Iranian Population.

Recent genome-wide association studies reported the association of polymorphic alleles of PHACTR1 (rs9349379 (G)), CDDKN2B-AS1 (rs2891168 (G)), COL4A2 (rs11838776 (A)) and SOD2 (rs4880 (T)) with increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of our study was to assess the association of genetic variants with risk of CAD and its severity and in Southeast Iranian population. This study was examined in 250 CAD-suspected patients (mean age 53.49 ± 6.9 years) and 250 healthy individuals (mean age 52.96 ± 5.9 years). The Taqman SNP genotyping assay was used for genotyping of rs9349379 and rs2891168 variants. Tetra-primer Amplified refractory mutation system-PCR (Tetra-primer ARMS-PCR) was employed for rs11838776 and rs4880. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that the G allele of rs9349379 and rs2891168 were associated with increased risk of CAD. The GG homozygous genotype of rs9349379 and rs2891168 had also been associated with risk of CAD. Additionally, the AG genotype of rs2891168 was associated with CAD. The significance of association of rs2891168 (G, GG, AG) increases with severity of CAD; but the rs9349379 (G, GG) have shown reverse association with severity of CAD. The genetic variants of COL4A2 (rs11838776) and SOD2 (rs4880) reflected no association with CAD in Southeast Iranian population. The findings of this study revealed that the PHACTR1 (rs9349379) and CDKN2B-AS1 (rs2891168) genetic variants might serve as genetic risk factor in CAD.

Clinical Manifestations Associated with the Domain-Containing Protein 2 Gene Mutation in an Iranian Family with Spastic Paraplegia 54.

INTRODUCTION: Spastic paraplegia type 54 (SPG54) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by bi-allelic mutations in the DDHD-domain-containing protein 2 (DDHD2) gene. Worldwide, over 24 SPG54 families and 24 pathogenic variants have been reported. Our study aimed to describe the clinical and molecular findings of a pediatric patient from a consanguineous Iranian family with significant motor development delay, walking problems, paraplegia, and optic atrophy. METHODS: The patient was a 7-year-old boy with severe neurodevelopmental and psychomotor problems. Neurological examinations, laboratory tests, electroencephalography, computed tomography scan, and brain magnetic resonance scan (MRI) were carried out for clinical evaluation. Whole-exome sequencing and in silico analysis were undertaken to identify the genetic cause of the disorder. RESULTS: The neurological examination showed developmental delay, spasticity in the lower extremities, ataxia, foot contractures, and deep tendon reflexes in the extremities. The computed tomography scan was normal, but MRI revealed corpus callosum thinning with atrophic changes in the white matter. The genetic study reported a homozygous variant (c.856 C>T, p.Gln286Ter) in the DDHD2 gene. The homozygous state was confirmed by direct sequencing in the proband and his 5-year-old brother. This variant was not reported as a pathogenic variant in the literature or genetic databases and was predicted to affect the function of the DDHD2 protein. CONCLUSION: The clinical symptoms in our cases were similar to the previously reported phenotype of SPG54. Our results deepen the molecular and clinical spectrum of SPG54 to facilitate future diagnoses.

A novel homozygous splice-site mutation in SCARB2 is associated with progressive myoclonic epilepsy with renal failure.

BACKGROUND: Progressive myoclonic epilepsy-4 with or without renal failure (EPM4) is a rare neurological autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in SCARB2 gene. In this study, we described clinical features and genetic causes of an Iranian family with two affected individuals whose clinical manifestations closely resembled progressive myoclonus epilepsy. METHODS: Our proband was a 38-year-old male with a history of tremor, generalized seizures, action myoclonus, ataxia, and dysarthria that presumptive diagnosed as progressive myoclonus epilepsy. His older sister has the same symptoms. Whole-exome sequencing of DNA sample from the proband was performed. Candidate variant and cosegregation were confirmed by direct sequencing. Functional prediction of candidate variant was performed using appropriate prediction tools. RESULTS: Genetic analysis identified a homozygous splicing c.423+1 G>A variant in the SCARB2 gene of the proband and his affected sister. Segregation study identified heterozygous state in four unaffected family members (parents and two children). The variant is localized at the first nucleotide of intron 3 and was not detected among in-house healthy controls. This variant was not reported in genetic databases and predicted to potentially alter the 5' donor splice site and disease causing using online prediction tools. It was classified as a likely pathogenic variant according to ACMG standards and guidelines. CONCLUSION: This is the first report that demonstrates c.423+1 G>A variant in the SCARB2 gene segregating with the phenotype of EPM4 in a consanguineous Iranian family.

Anti-inflammatory and Apoptotic Effects of Levisticum Officinale Koch Extracts on HT 29 and Caco-2 Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Lines.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is among the deadliest cancers in the world. Due to the occurrence of side effects related to current standard therapy, researchers are seeking better alternative treatments. For many years, herbs have been a promising source for discovering therapeutic compounds. Therefore, the primary objective of this research was to examine the distinctive apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by Levisticum officinale Koch (lovage) on HT-29 and Caco-2 cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The maceration method was used to prepare different extracts (ethanol, dichloromethane, petroleum, and residues) from the plant. These extracts were then tested on two colon cancer cell lines - HT-29 and Caco-2 - using the MTT assay to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. In addition, we evaluated the expression levels of several inflammatory genes (IKKb, IKKa, and REIB) using real-time PCR. We also assessed Cox-2 protein expression using western blot analysis. The western blot was also used to analyze apoptosis-related proteins, including Caspase-3, BAX, and Bcl-2. RESULTS: The dichloromethane extract of Levisticum officin (DELO) exhibited a high cytotoxic effect on Caco-2 and HT-29 cell lines, with IC50 values of 106.0±2 µg/mL in HT-29 cells and 175.3±4 µg/mL in Caco-2 cells after 72 hours. None of the lovage extracts showed a significant cytotoxic effect on non-cancerous cells (3T3 cell line). Furthermore, the group treated with DELO showed a lower expression level of inflammatory genes and COX-2 protein compared to the control group. Notably, treatment with DELO resulted in an increase in Caspase-3 protein and BAX/Bcl-2 ratio in both HT-29 and Caco-2 cells. CONCLUSION: According to this study, DELO has the potential to act as an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. Further research on the compounds present in DELO and their effect on various signaling pathways could help in the development of new drugs for diseases where inflammation or cells escape from apoptosis play a crucial role.

Circular RNAs: Epigenetic regulators of PTEN expression and function in cancer.

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression, without altering the DNA sequence, is involved in many normal cellular growth and division events, as well as diseases such as cancer. Epigenetics is no longer limited to DNA methylation, and histone modification, but regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) also play an important role in epigenetics. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), single-stranded RNAs without 3' and 5' ends, have recently emerged as a class of ncRNAs that regulate gene expression. CircRNAs regulate phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression at various levels of transcription, post-transcription, translation, and post-translation under their own regulation. Given the importance of PTEN as a tumor suppressor in cancer that inhibits one of the most important cancer pathways PI3K/AKT involved in tumor cell proliferation and survival, significant studies have been conducted on the regulatory role of circRNAs in relation to PTEN. These studies will be reviewed in this paper to better understand the function of this protein in cancer and explore new therapeutic approaches.

The Potential of Nanotechnology in Anti-Cancer Drug to Regulate Nrf2 Signaling for Cancer Therapeutic Purposes.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a regulator of the cellular antioxidant defense system that plays an important role in reducing the risk of various pathophysiological conditions, including cancer. Targeting Nrf2 presents an attractive therapeutic approach to overcome these challenges and improve cancer treatment outcomes. Nanoparticles, with their unique physicochemical properties, offer several advantages over conventional therapies for targeting Nrf2. These include enhanced stability, improved permeability and retention effect, and precise targeting capabilities. Moreover, delivery systems based on nanotechnology have shown promise in overcoming the limitations of conventional cancer therapies, including ineffective precision targeting and momentous complications. The therapeutic efficacy of Nrf2 inhibitors may be enhanced by using nanoparticles for specific drug targeting and deeper tissue penetration. This involves optimizing nanoparticle formulations, understanding their interactions with the biological environment, and ensuring their safety and biocompatibility. Effective nanoparticle formulations are being developed to transport Nrf2 inhibitors, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes and address the limitations of conventional cancer therapies. Further studies are needed to explore the potential of nanotechnology in targeting Nrf2 for cancer therapeutic purposes.

CDKN2B-AS (rs2891168), SOD2 (rs4880), and PON1 (rs662) polymorphisms and susceptibility to coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Iranian patients: A case-control study.

Background and Aims: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a devastating illness and primary cause of death worldwide that arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Several large-scale studies found that 9p21.3, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) polymorphisms increase type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. Our research aimed to investigate whether the SNPs of the 9p21.3 locus (rs28911698), SOD2 (rs4880), and PON1 (rs662) genes were associated with the risk of T2DM and/or CAD in the Iranian population. Methods: In this case-control study four group subjects including patients with CAD non-T2DM, with CAD and T2DM, non-CAD with T2DM, and non-CAD non-T2DM were recruited to the study from 2019 to 2020. Molecular analysis was carried out by allele specific-polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) technique for rs4880, Taqman genotyping assay for rs2891168, and PCR followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique for rs662. Results: The rs2891168 polymorphism presented an elevated risk of CAD in non-T2DM with CAD and with T2DM CAD groups compared to the non-T2DM non-CAD group with GG genotype and dominant model after adjustment (p < 0.05). G-allele in PON1 rs662 polymorphism associated with increased risk of T2DM in T2DM non-CAD, and T2DM CAD groups compared to non-T2DM non-CAD group with dominant model, GG and AG genotypes (p < 0.05). However, SOD2 rs4880 polymorphism presented no significant association with the development of diabetes or CAD. Conclusion: These results provide a prime witness that rs2891168 and rs662 gene variants might have a possible increased risk of CAD and T2DM occurrence, respectively. To obtain more definitive and accurate results in this area, further research is required.

Clinical and genetic screening in a large Iranian family with Marfan syndrome: A case study.

Background and Aims: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by pathogenic variants of the fibrillin-1-encoding FBN1 gene that commonly affects the cardiovascular, skeletal, and ocular systems. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features and genetic causes of the MFS phenotype in a large Iranian family. Methods: Seventeen affected family members were examined clinically by cardiologists and ophthalmologists. The proband, a 48-year-old woman with obvious signs of MFS, her DNA sample subjected to whole-exome sequencing (WES). The candidate variant was validated by bidirectional sequencing of proband and other available family members. In silico analysis and molecular modeling were conducted to determine the pathogenic effects of the candidate variants. Results: The most frequent cardiac complications are mitral valve prolapse and regurgitation. Ophthalmic examination revealed iridodonesis and ectopic lentis. A heterozygous missense variant (c.2179T>C/p.C727R) in exon 19 of FBN1 gene was identified and found to cosegregate with affected family members. Its pathogenicity has been predicted using several in silico predictive algorithms. Molecular docking analysis indicated that the variant might affect the binding affinity between FBN1 and LTBP1 proteins by impairing disulfide bond formation. Conclusion: Our report expands the spectrum of the Marfan phenotype by providing details of its clinical manifestations and disease-associated molecular changes. It also highlights the value of WES in genetic diagnosis and contributes to genetic counseling in families with MFS.

Identification of a Novel ARSA Gene Mutation Through High-Throughput Molecular Diagnosis Method in Two Girls with Late Infantile Metachromatic Leukodystrophy.

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare leukoencephalopathy caused by pathogenic mutations in the ARSA gene. It manifests as severe motor symptoms, mental problems, and sometimes, seizures. We aimed to investigate the phenotypic manifestations and genetic causes of MLD in an Iranian family. We present the case of a 3-year-old girl who presented with hypotonia, muscular atrophy, and seizures. Neurological and neuromuscular examinations were performed to evaluate clinical characteristics. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was used to detect disease-causing variants. In silico analysis was performed to predict the pathogenicity of this variant. GROMACS software was utilized for molecular dynamic simulation (MDS). Neurological studies revealed marked slowing of motor conduction velocities and an increased motor unit action potential duration. Brain MRI scan revealed white matter abnormalities. By applying WES, we identified a novel homozygous missense variant (NM_000487.6, c.938G > C, p.R313P) in ARSA. Direct sequencing identified this homozygous variant in her asymptomatic younger sister, whereas both parents carried a heterozygous variant. This mutation has not been reported in genetic databases or in literature. In silico analysis predicted that any variation in this DNA position would cause disease, as it is highly conserved. The c.938G > C variant was classified as a pathogenic variant according to ACMG/AMP guidelines. MDS analysis indicated that c.938G > C had a significant impact on both the structure and stabilization of ARSA, ultimately resulting in impaired protein function. The identification of this variant expands the spectrum of ARSA gene mutations associated with MLD and highlights the importance of genetic testing for the diagnosis of MLD.

Circulatory long noncoding RNAs (circulatory-LNC-RNAs) as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cardiovascular diseases: Implications for cardiovascular diseases complications.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders with major global health consequences. The prevalence of CVDs continues to grow due to population-aging and lifestyle modifications. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as key regulators of cell signaling pathways have gained attention in the occurrence and development of CVDs. Exosomal-lncRNAs (exos-lncRNAs) are emerging biomarkers due to their high sensitivity and specificity, stability, accuracy and accessibility in the biological fluids. Recently, circulatory and exos-based-lncRNAs are emerging and novel bio-tools in various pathogenic conditions. It is worth mentioning that dysregulation of these molecules has been found in different types of CVDs. In this regard, we aimed to discuss the knowledge gaps and suggest research priorities regarding circulatory and exos-lncRNAs as novel bio-tools and therapeutic targets for CVDs.

Mutation Status and Prognostic Value of KRAS and BRAF in Southeast Iranian Colorectal Cancer Patients: First Report from Southeast of Iran.

MAIN PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine any association of KRAS and BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer with clinicopathological features and overall survival (OS) of Southeast Iranian colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. METHODS: Overall, KRAS and BRAF status were assessed in 100 Iranian CRC subjects. A hundred consecutive stages I-IV CRC patients, who underwent surgical tumor resection from February 2012 to August 2015, were prospectively attained from three centers and were enrolled in the research. Direct sequencing and real-time PCR methods were used to the detection of KRAS and BRAF mutations, respectively. Logistic regression models were used to detect associations of KRAS and BRAF mutations with clinical/clinicopathological features. Kaplan-Meier model was used to estimate overall survival. RESULTS: In total, KRAS and BRAF mutations were detected in 29 (29%) and 7 (7%) of 100 CRC patients, respectively. BRAF mutations that all comprised V600E and KRAS mutations were found in codon 12, 13, and 61 (72.4%, 20.7 and 6.9%), respectively. In a multivariate analysis, older age (≥ 60) was significantly associated with higher KRAS mutations rate and high BRAF mutation rate was significantly associated with older age (≥ 60) and poorly differentiated tumors. KRAS and BRAF mutant vs. wild type of KRAS and BRAF, 5-year OS was 62.1% vs. 71.8% (p value > 0.05) and 57.1% vs. 67.7% (p value > 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: Mutations were found in both KRAS and BRAF genes in Iranian colorectal cancers patients and were associated with clinical/clinicopathologic features. Our data emphasizes the importance of these molecular features in Iranian CRC patients.

KRAS and BRAF mutations in Iranian colorectal cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the EGFR signaling pathway play an important role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Mutations in these genes, like KRAS and BRAF, affect the treatment strategies and associated with poor prognosis and relative resistance to anti-EGFR therapies. Our aim was to conduct a systematic and meta-analysis on all studies that have been conducted on the prevalence of these gene mutations in Iranian CRC patients. METHODS: Four science citation index databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane library) and local databases were searched up to March 2018 with related keywords. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted the data. Quality of all included studies was assessed using an adapted checklist from STROBE. A random-effect model was used to calculate the total prevalence of KRAS and BRAF mutations in CRC subjects by the event rate (ER). Meta-regression was utilized to explore heterogeneity causes. RESULTS: In total, from 573 records, 23 eligible studies (2662 patients) were included for data extraction and analysis. In 18 of 23 included studies, the prevalence of KRAS mutations was 33.9% (95% CI=30.1-37.9) with I2=65.17 (p<0.001). The occurrence of KRAS mutations in codon 12 and 13 was 76.9% (95% CI = 70.4-82.3%) with I2=84.88 (p<0.001) and 23.5% (95% CI=17.9-30.3) with I2=85.85 (p<0.001), respectively. In 9 of 23 studies, the BRAF mutation rate was 3.2% (95% CI=0.003-13.6) with I2=88.61 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of these mutations in CRC patients shows a significant difference in the different regions of Iran, which is probably due to environmental and racial factors.