Alkaloids are among the natural phytochemicals contained in functional foods and nutraceuticals and have been suggested for the prevention and/or management of oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated diseases. In this review, we aimed to describe the effects of alkaloids in angiogenesis, the process playing a crucial role in tumor growth and invasion, whereby new vessels form. Antiangiogenic compounds including herbal ingredients, nonherbal alkaloids, and microRNAs can be used for the control and treatment of cancers. Several lines of evidence indicate that alkaloid-rich plants have several interesting features that effectively inhibit angiogenesis. In this review, we present valuable data on commonly used alkaloid substances as potential angiogenic inhibitors. Different herbal and nonherbal ingredients, introduced as antiangiogenesis agents, and their role in angiogenesis-dependent diseases are reviewed. Studies indicate that angiogenesis suppression is exerted through several mechanisms; however, further investigations are required to elucidate their precise molecular and cellular mechanisms, as well as potential side effects.
Background. The life of patients with β-thalassemia major depends on blood transfusion. Regular blood transfusion leads to hemosiderosis in their main organs. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of deferasirox and deferoxamine on renal damage in patients with β-thalassemia major. Method. The present case-control study was conducted on 60 individuals who were referred to the 17th Shahrivar Tertiary Referral Hospital in Guilan province, Iran. In this study, patients with β-thalassemia major who used deferasirox (n=21) and patients who used deferoxamine (n=19) were evaluated. The control group (n=20) was selected from healthy individuals. Serum creatinine (CREA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and Cystatin C were measured from blood samples. Furthermore, urinary (U.) neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), albumin (Alb), interleukin- (IL-) 18, and Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) were measured by the ELISA method and normalized for U. creatinine (CREA). Results. U. NGAL, U. IL-18, and BUN biomarkers in the deferasirox group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.001). U. NGAL/CREA and U. KIM-1/CREA ratios increased in both the deferoxamine and deferasirox groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). U. Alb was significantly higher in patients treated with deferoxamine than in healthy participants (p<0.05). Conclusion. The findings of this study indicate that after taking deferasirox, there was renal damage and an increase in inflammatory factors. Also, minor renal impairment was observed after deferoxamine administration, but it was not confirmed at the molecular level (U. NGAL and KIM-1). Therefore, it seems that patients who are taking these two drugs should be monitored carefully.
The global rate of cancer has increased in recent years, and cancer is still a threat to human health. Recent developments in cancer treatment have yielded the understanding that viruses have a high potential in cancer treatment. Using oncolytic viruses (OVs) is a promising approach in the treatment of malignant tumors. OVs can achieve their targeted treatment effects through selective cell death and induction of specific antitumor immunity. Targeting tumors and the mechanism for killing cancer cells are among the critical roles of OVs. Therefore, evaluating OVs and understanding their precise mechanisms of action can be beneficial in cancer therapy. This review study aimed to evaluate OVs and the mechanisms of their effects on cancer cells.
Introduction: Nephrotoxicity is one of the complications the use of doxorubicin (DXR) which may be caused by the formation of free radicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pravastatin (PS) on doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxocity. Methods: The rats were divided into control, doxorubicin (15 mg/kg, i.p.), PS (20 mg/kg orally, 5 days prior to DXR injection) + DXR and DXR + PS (5 days after DXR injection) groups. At the end of the 20 th day, kidneys were removed for evaluation. Podocin mRNA and protein were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Also, the level of tissue's malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were determined. Results: Adminstration of pravastatin increased (P < 0.005) the mRNA and protein expression of podocin and the activities of CAT, SOD and GPx which were decreased in doxorubicin group. Pravastatin also, reduced (P < 0.005) the elevated MDA level in doxorubicin group. Conclusion: The present study showed that that pravastatin can improve doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats which is associated with the increase in expression of podocin and antioxidant enzymes activities, and decrease in level of MDA.
Background and Aim: Chronic Urticaria is an allergic disorder that affects about 0.5 to 5% of the population in different communities. The disease's chronic course and long-term onset impose high economic and psychological costs on communities, adversely affecting individual and social life. Platelets play a role in various pathophysiological processes, including inflammation and immunology. Growing evidence suggests that platelets are actively involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory skin diseases. This study investigated the relationship between platelet and Immunoglobulin-E markers and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Materials and Methods: In the present case-control study, for the study population, patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria were referred to the Asthma and Allergy Clinic, and their caregivers were selected as the case and control groups, respectively. In this study, the mean platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and Total IgE values were simultaneously measured in the case and control groups. After taking 5CCs of venous blood, a blood sample was sent to the laboratory for platelet and IgE marker measurements. Results: 100 patients and 100 healthy persons were studied in this study. The mean age in the case group was 34.95, and in the control group was 35.78 years. The results showed that the mean values of PLT, MPV, PDW, and Total IgE in the case group were 12.86, 9.83, 252190, and 147.05, respectively. The mean values of PLT, MPV, PDW, and Total IgE in the control group were 16.93, 7.53, 231410, and 15.29, respectively, which was statistically significant (P = 0.001). Moreover, Total IgE in the Autologous Serum Skin Test (ASST) positive group was higher than ASST negative group and was statistically significant (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The study results indicate the possible role of platelets in urticaria and inflammation. MPV in patients with chronic urticaria was higher than in the control group. The present study showed no significant relationship between the severity of urticaria and platelet markers, but there was a significant relationship between the severity of urticaria and ASST. Moreover, the severity of urticaria was higher in the positive skin test group.
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