CTLA-4 expression and polymorphisms in Schizophrenia; a systematic review of literature.

Schizophrenia constitutes a severe psychiatric disorder with detrimental impacts on individuals, their support systems, and the broader economy. Extensive research has revealed a notable association between variations in the Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) gene and an increased susceptibility to schizophrenia.This study represents the first systematic review of the literature investigating the impact of CTLA-4 polymorphisms and expression on the development and progression of schizophrenia.Our investigation involved a comprehensive search strategy, using a combination of title, abstract, and MESH terms in four databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, until August 29th, 2023. The complete texts of the identified records were obtained and rigorously assessed based on predefined exclusion and inclusion criteria. Out of the numerous records, a total of 88 were identified through the databases. 10 studies met the criteria; therefore, their quality was assessed and included in this systematic study. The records were then categorized into polymorphism and expression groups. Our investigation emphasizes an association between rs3087243, rs231779, rs231777, rs16840252, rs5742909, and rs231775 polymorphisms and the development of schizophrenia. The results demonstrate a correlation between CTLA-4 polymorphisms and schizophrenia, compelling the need for further research to thoroughly examine the role of CTLA-4 in schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.

Association of T-wave electrocardiogram changes and type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional sub-analysis of the MASHAD cohort population using the Minnesota coding system.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has become a major health concern with an increasing prevalence and is now one of the leading attributable causes of death globally. T2DM and cardiovascular disease are strongly associated and T2DM is an important independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease. T-wave abnormalities (TWA) on electrocardiogram (ECG) can indicate several pathologies including ischemia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between T2DM and T-wave changes using the Minnesota coding system. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the MASHAD cohort study population. All participants of the cohort population were enrolled in the study. 12-lead ECG and Minnesota coding system (codes 5-1 to 5-4) were utilized for T-wave observation and interpretation. Regression models were used for the final evaluation with a level of significance being considered at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 9035 participants aged 35-65 years old were included in the study, of whom 1273 were diabetic. The prevalence of code 5-2, 5-3, major and minor TWA were significantly higher in diabetics (p < 0.05). However, following adjustment for age, gender, and hypertension, the presence of TWAs was not significantly associated with T2DM (p > 0.05). Hypertension, age, and body mass index were significantly associated with T2DM (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although some T-wave abnormalities were more frequent in diabetics, they were not statistically associated with the presence of T2DM in our study.

Therapeutic potential of Capparis spinosa in experimental model of acute acetic acid-induced colitis: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Introduction: This study examined the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Capparis spinosa L. (caper) in order to determine its medicinal potential in the treatment of acute colitis. Method: Sixty male rats were divided into six groups. After the experimental period, distal colonic extension was collected for determination of colonic damage, oxidative stress markers, along with antioxidant markers. The impact of altered levels of inflammatory cytokines in colon tissues on the underlying mechanisms examined. Results: The results showed that administering different doses of caper led to significant decreases in TNF-α and IL-6 levels when compared to the control colitis group (p < 0.001). Caper treatment effectively lowered elevated oxidative stress factors (MDA, NO, and MPO) compared to the control colitis group (p < 0.001). Caper treatment resulted in a significant increase in antioxidant factors (CAT, SOD, and GSH) compared with the control colitis group (p < 0.001).Significant improvements in tissue repair were observed in caper-treated groups compared to positives and control colitis (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study highlights caper may be useful in the treatment of acute colitis due to its ameliorative effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue repair.