<b>Background: </b>Red blood cells (RBCs) undergo structural and biochemical alterations during storage which are collectively called RBC storage lesion and cause a decrease in RBC recovery and survival. During storage, erythrocytes release an increasing number of microvesicles (MVs) that have key roles in biological processes. We aimed to investigate the procoagulant activity (PCA) of RBC-derived MVs during storage. <b>Methods:</b> 20 packed RBCs were stored for up to 42 days. Samples were taken at seven different times and evaluated for the presence of RBC-MVs. MVs were separated, and following filtration flow cytometry was used to characterize RBC-MVs based on the expression of glycophorin A (Gly.A) and annexin V (AnnV) antigens. The coagulant activity of RBC-MVs was tested by clotting time (CT) and PCA assays. Results were compared before and after filtration. <b>Results: </b>Flow cytometry revealed a 17.6-fold increase in RBC-MVs after 6 weeks of storage. Significant correlations were found between AnnV+ MVs and PCA (r = 0.96; p < 0.001), and CT (r = -0.77; p < 0.001) which was associated with increased PCA and shortened CT with RBC aging. Filtration of samples efficiently removed MVs (p < 0.001) and also reduced in vitro PCA of MVs (p < 0.001). <b>Conclusion: </b>RBC-MVs are procoagulant (particularly AnnV+ MVs) Reduction of MVs from RBC concentrates may reduce the risk of transfusion-induced thrombotic complications.

Background and Aim: Medicinal plants have played an important role in human health since the Stone Age. According to WHO, 80% of Asian and African people rely on traditional medicine and medicinal plants to conserve their health. Saffron has received much attention among the herbal compounds related to cancer treatment. Methods: This review aims to provide an overview of in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation molecule mechanism for anti-tumor activity, cancer preventing and protective effects of saffron extract. The review is based on the available data accessible in PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Magiran.ir, and SID.ir databases. Results: Saffron has selective toxic and preventive effects on cancerous cells and without adverse effects on normal cells and prevents tumor formation. Saffron appears to reduce the toxic effects of anticancer drugs. Saffron has toxicity effects when used in high amounts, which are far greater than those are used in human food culture. Conclusions: Considering the observed effects of saffron on the removal of cancer cells, saffron extract can be used in the treatment and prevention of cancer after confirmation in human clinical trials. According to the high IC 50 of saffron extracts in normal cells, its toxicity against non-cancerous cells is low and its use is safe. Besides, the studies suggested the cytotoxic effects of saffron on some of the more cancers, including nervous system cancer and common cancers. Further studies are required to determine the effective dose and influence of mechanism of saffron in various animal type of cancers.

Objective: Breast cancer is the main cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Elevated plasma levels of circulating cell-derived microparticles (MPs) have been reported in various types of cancer, including breast cancer, with the ability to mediate inflammation and thrombosis. Microparticles are bioactive agents, and it has been suggested that MPs can be used as a diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic biomarker in various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of platelet-derived MPs (PMPs) in breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 30 patients with breast cancer and 20 normal subjects were sampled after obtaining written consent. MPs were isolated from blood samples by centrifugation technique. CD42b and annexin V markers were used respectively for counting PMPs and procoagulant MPs with flow cytometry. Results: Flow cytometry results showed that the number of PMPs and procoagulant annexin V positive MPs was significantly higher in the breast cancer patients than normal subjects (p<0.001). The number of the annexin V MPs differed significantly in patients with high tumor size (T2) compared to the patients with low tumor size (T1) and controls (p<0.001). Significant and positive correlations were found between PMP levels and tissue-based biomarkers, tumor grading, and distant metastasis (P<0.05). Tumor histological type did not correlate with the numbers of PMPs (p=0.065). Conclusion: Increased levels of PMPs and activity in terms of hemostasis and having a positive and significant relationship with tumor grading and metastasis may indicate the effective role of PMPs in the pathogenesis and prognosis of breast cancer.

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Background and Objectives Autologous platelet gel (APG) has healing growth factors and is used in most surgeries to treat a variety of tissue defects. This study was conducted to investigate the healing effects of APG on cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) wounds. Materials and Methods In this clinical trial, 15 patients with CL were recruited and followed for two months. The patients had more than one cutaneous wound, one of which was examined as the control and the other one as the intervention wound. APG was applied to the intervention wounds once a week, up to eight times. The response to treatment was evaluated base on the histopathology analyses. Results The use of APG on the wounds in the intervention group was associated with complete and faster healing in 66% of the cases and partial healing in 34% of the wounds. During study, none of the control wounds were completely healed. Following eight weeks treatment of CL lesions with APG, the inflammatory process in the epidermis, and dermis were decreased significantly. Conclusion This study demonstrated for the first time that APG can be effective in wound healing and removal of scars caused by CL. Trial registration IRCT, IRCT20190212042694N1. Registered 20 February 2019, https://en.irct.ir/trial/37522