There is an inevitable association between cell signaling pathways and tumorigenesis. Wnt and notch pathways play important roles during development and self-renewal. Beside the independent role of such pathways on tumor progression, different cross talks between these pathways through tumorigenesis are emphasized. In this study, we analyzed cross talk between Wnt and NOTCH signaling pathways through assessment of probable correlation between MAML1 and PYGO2 as the main transcription factors of these pathways, respectively in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Levels of MAML1 and PYGO2 mRNA expression in 48 ESCC patients were compared to the correlated margin normal tissues using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Eleven out of 48 patients (22.9 %) have shown the concomitant MAML1/PYGO2 over expression in significant correlation with tumor size (p = 0.046) and depth of tumor invasion (p = 0.050). We showed that there is a significant correlation and feedback between these markers during the ESCC progression and metastasis.

Deregulation of developmental signaling pathways such as Wnt/b-catenin and NOTCH are commonly observed in different cancers. A normal wnt pathway is essential for development and tissue homeostasis to preserve a normal balance between the differentiation and proliferation. PYGO2 is the main transcription factor of wnt pathway, while Msi1 is one of the wnt inhibitors. In this study we assessed the correlation between Msi1 and PYGO2 mRNA expression using Real time polymerase chain reaction in 48 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Although, there was not any significant correlation between the levels of Msi1 and PYGO2 mRNA expression, we observed a significant correlation between the Msi1 and PYGO2 overexpressed cases and depth of tumor invasion (p = 0.05). In conclusion, despite the role of these markers in tumor depth of invasion there is not any feedback between Msi1 and PYGO2 gene expression in ESCC.

HMB is highly prevalent among young women. Considering the significance of appropriate and timely treatment and also the importance of prevention of unwanted consequences, ginger may be considered as an effective therapeutic option for HMB.

We showed that there is not any direct correlation and feedback between the Msi1 and MAML1 in ESCC patients.

Background Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common condition accompanied by nerve injury. To date, there is no definite treatment approved for this disorder. In addition, many drugs that are used for NP cause adverse reactions. Luteolin is a naturally occurring flavonoid with diverse pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer. We sought to investigate luteolin effects on chronic, acute and neuropathic pain as well as its potential to increase morphine anti-nociceptive effects in mice. Methods Albino mice (20-25 g) were randomly divided into 14 groups (n=7) including morphine 1 mg/kg body weight +luteolin (5 mg/kg body weight), morphine (9 mg/kg body weight, i.p.), luteolin (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight), imipramine 40 mg/kg body weight and normal saline (NS) (0.9 %) as vehicle and subjected to hot plate test. Formalin test was done in the following groups: NS, diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg body weight, i.p.), morphine (9 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) and luteolin (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight). Results Administration of luteolin single dose (5 and 10 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced neuropathic pain ( p<0.05$\rm{p}<0.05$) in comparison to negative control. Anti-nociceptive effects of luteolin were comparable to imipramine as the standard positive control ( p<0.001$\rm{p}<0.001$). Co-administration of luteolin and morphine potentiated morphine 1 mg/kg body weight painkilling effects ( p<0.001$\rm{p}<0.001$). Conclusions Our results showed that luteolin alone reduces neuropathic pain. Furthermore, when co-administered with morphine 1 mg/kg body weight, luteolin potentiates morphine effects. Therefore, luteolin-morphine co-administration might be a valuable alternative for the conventional treatment.

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Background:Studies over the past two decades have shown that various personality traits of substance-dependent men measure differently than compared to normal individuals. However fewer studies have addressed the role of identity as an influential factor in the onset and continuation of drug dependency.Methods:The objective of this study was to compare the Big Five personality factors and identity styles in methamphetamine dependent women and non-user group. Forty eight methamphetamine dependent women under treatment in Welfare Organization’s residential centers filled out the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the Berzonsky’s Identity Style Inventory. They were compared with 48 non-dependent women who were matched in terms of age, education, marital status, and occupation. Data was analyzed with t student test. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS V.16 software. Differences were considered significant at P<0.05.Results:Results found that methamphetamine dependent woman had significantly higher levels of neuroticism and lower levels of conscientiousness, agreeableness and openness to experience compared to normative sample of female respondents. In addition, mean scores of diffuse/avoidant identity style in methamphetamine user women was significantly higher than non-user group. This is while non-user women had a significantly higher mean in normative identity style.Conclusion:Identity styles along with personality traits can be a key role in drug use in women in this study. Therefore, enhancing understanding about the role of identity can be helpful in treatment programs especially in harm reduction approaches.

Background:The genus Artemisia belonging to the Compositae (Asteraceae) family and many traditional uses from the Artemisia species were reported. Artemisia absinthium is one of the species in this genus and commonly used in the food industry in the preparation of aperitifs, bitters, and spirits.Objective:Evaluation of the effect of different harvesting stages on the composition of essential oil and antioxidant capacity of A. absinthium.Materials and Methods:Essential oils from the aerial parts of A. absinthium, collected in three stages (preflowering, flowering, and after-flowering) from plants grown in the North Khorasan province of Iran were obtained by steam distillation and the chemical composition of the oils was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were determined by 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay and Folin-Ciocalteu method.Results:Analysis of the isolated oils revealed the presence of 44 compounds, mainly alpha-pinene, sabinene, beta-pinene, alpha-phellandrene, p-cymene and chamazulene. Alpha-phellandrene, and chamazulene were major compounds in preflowering stage, but beta-pinene and alpha-phellandrene were major in flowering and past-flowering stages. Flowering stage had highest yield and after flowering stage had lowest yield. The essential oil of preflowering stage had the highest amount of antioxidant compound (chamazulene). Preflowering stage with highest amount of phenolic compounds had the strongest antioxidant activity with the lowest amount of EC50.Conclusion:This study showed that the harvesting stage had significant effects on chemical composition and antioxidant properties of essential oils, and chamazulene is main compound for antioxidant activity in A. absinthium.