Potential efficacy of ginger as a natural supplement for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases and its prevalence is likely to reach epidemic proportions.According to the"two-stage hypothesis"proposed for the pathophysiology of NAFLD,insulin resistance,oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines are among the key promoters of the disease. Here,ginger has been hypothesized to prevent NAFLD or blunt its progression via several mechanisms,such as sensitizing insulin effects,activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγwhich induces adiponectin and down-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines,changing the balance between adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor-αin favor of adiponectin,promoting considerable antioxidant effects and antidyslipidemic properties,and reducing hepatic triglyceride content which can prevent steatosis.The aforementioned mechanisms imply that ginger possesses interesting potentials for serving as a natural supplement for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.Therefore,conducting trials to explore its benefits in clinical practice is greatly recommended.

Preparation, characterization and in vivo evaluation of alginate-coated chitosan and trimethylchitosan nanoparticles loaded with PR8 influenza virus for nasal immunization

For efficient mucosal vaccine delivery, nanoparticulate antigens are better taken by microfold cells in the nasal associated lymphoid tissue and also dendritic cells. Nanoparticles based on polymers such as chitosan(CHT) and its water soluble derivative, trimethylchitosan(TMC), could be successfully used as carrier/adjuvant for this purpose. Sodium alginate, a negatively charged biopolymer, could modify the immunostimulatory properties of CHT and TMC NPs and increase their stability. Sodium alginate(ALG)-coated chitosan(CHT)and trimethylchitosan(TMC) nanoparticles(NPs) loaded with inactivated PR8 influenza virus were successfully prepared by direct coating of the virus with CHT or TMC polymers to evaluate their immunoadjuvant potential after nasal immunization. After nasal immunizations in BALB/c mice, PR8-CHT formulation elicited higher IgG2 a and Ig G1 antibody titers compared with PR8-TMC. ALG coating of this formulation(PR8-CHT-ALG) significantly decreased the antibody titers and a less immune response was induced than PR8-TMC-ALG formulation. PR8-TMC-ALG formulation showed significantly higher Ig G2 a/Ig G1 ratio, as criteria for Th1-type immune response, compared with PR8-CHT-ALG and PR8 virus alone. Altogether, the PR8-TMC-ALG formulation could be considered as an efficient intranasal antigen delivery system for nasal vaccines.

Distribution and variability of n-alkanes in waxes of conifers

Epicuticular waxes have vital roles in the growth and development of plants and in defense. Conifers have a considerable amount of waxes on their cones and leaves.Here we characterized the n-alkane composition of Iranian conifers, including Juniperus oblonga, J. foetidissima, J.sabina, J. communis subsp. hemisphaerica, J. excelsa,Cupressus sempervirens, Platycladus orientalis from Cupressaceae and Taxus baccata from Taxaceae for the first time using GC-FID analyses. In the waxes, 25 n-alkane homologs with chain lengths ranging from C7 to C32 were identified. Short-chain n-alkanes were dominant in almost all samples with some exceptions. Complementary studies to elucidate complete wax constituents of Iranian conifers and n-alkane distribution pattern as a function of geographical and bioclimatic variables are recommended.

Phytochemicals as inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor alpha and neuroinflammatory responses in neurodegenerative diseases

Inflammatory processes and proinflammatory cytokines have a key role in the cellular processes of neurodegenerative diseases and are linked to the pathogenesis of functional and mental health disorders.Tumor necrosis factor alpha has been reported to play a major role in the central nervous system in Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and many other neurodegenerative diseases.Therefore,a potent proinflammatory/proapoptotic tumor necrosis factor alpha could be a strong candidate for targeted therapy.Plant derivatives have now become promising candidates as therapeutic agents because of their antioxidant and chemical characteristics,and anti-inflammatory features.Recently,phytochemicals including flavonoids,terpenoids,alkaloids,and lignans have generated interest as tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor candidates for a number of diseases involving inflammation within the nervous system.In this review,we discuss how phytochemicals as tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors are a therapeutic strategy targeting neurodegeneration.

Antibiotic resistance of Neisseria species in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance of Neisseria species in Iran. Methods: A systematic and electronic search using relevant keywords in major national and international databases was performed until 6th July, 2018 in order to find studies reporting the prevalence of antibiotic resistance of Neisseria species in Iran. Results: A total of nine studies were found to be eligible based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our analysis indicated that the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae resistance to different antibiotics was as follows: 66.9% to penicillin, 59.1% to ciprofloxacin, 11.1% to ceftriaxone, 21.6% to spectinomycin, 13.8% to cefixime, 82.4% to co-trimoxazole, 52.7% to tetracycline, 29.9% to gentamicin, 87.5% to ampicillin, 11.1% to azithromycin, 2.2% to chloramphenicol, 50.1% to cefepime and 50.0% to vancomycin. Antimicrobial resistance rates of Neisseria meningitidis was as follows: 30.0% to penicillin, 33.3% to amoxicillin, 33.3% to cephalexin, 55.6% to ampicillin and 0.0% to ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, amikacin, co-trimoxazole, gentamicin, kanamycin, chloramphenicol and ceftizoxime. Conclusion: Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis isolates of Iran show resistance to different types of antibiotics. Therefore, care should be exercised for the use of penicillin, ciprofloxacin, co-trimoxazole, tetracycline, gentamicin, ampicillin, cefepime and vancomycin for gonococcal infections, and also with respect to the use of penicillin, amoxicillin, ampicillin and cephalexin for meningococcal infections in Iran.

Efficacy of combined albendazol and praziquntel and their loaded solid lipid nanoparticles components in chemoprophylaxis of experimental hydatidosis

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of combined ABZ and PZQ and their solid lipid nanoparticles in chemoprophylaxis of cystic echinococcosis(CE).Methods:ABZ and PZQ loaded solid lipid nanoparticles(SLNs) were prepared by high shear homogenization and microemulsion congealing techniques with some minor modification.Nanoparticles average size,polydispersity index(PDI),and particle size distribution were determined by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and photon correlation spectroscopy.Forty females BALB/c were experimentally infected by protoscoleces(PSC) and randomly divided into four equal groups of 10 mice.After the end of the 3 months treatment period and 2 months rest,mice were sacrificed and the peritoneal cavity was opened for removal,counting,measuring,and histological analysis of hydatid cyst.Results:The results indicated that ABZ and PZQ chemoprophylaxis treatment reduced the wet weight and size of developed cysts 77.3% and 79%,respectively.The corresponding result for the ABZ and PZQ loaded SLNs was 83% and 85%,respectively.Conclusions:This study for the first time demonstrated that ABZ and PZQ loaded SLNs is superior to free ABZ and PZQ for the chemoprophylaxis of CE in mice.

Cytotoxicity evaluation of extracts and fractions of five marine sponges from the Persian Gulf and HPLC fingerprint analysis of cytotoxic extracts

Objective: To screen the cytotoxic effects of some marine sponges extracts on HeLa and PC12 cells.Methods: Five marine sponges including Ircinia echinata(I. echinata), Dysidea avara,Axinella sinoxea, Haliclona tubifera and Haliclona violacea were collected from the Persian Gulf(Hengam Island). The cytotoxic effect of these sponges was evaluated by using MTT assay. The metabolic high performance liquid chromatography fingerprint of I. echinata was also carried out at two wavelengths(254 and 280 nm).Results: Among the sponges tested in this study, the extracts of I. echinata and Dysidea avara possessed the cytotoxic effect on HeLa and PC12 cells. The obtained fractions from high performance liquid chromatography were evaluated for their cytotoxic properties against the cell lines. The isolated fractions did not show significant cytotoxic properties.Conclusions: I. echinata could be considered as a potential extract for chemotherapy.Further investigation is needed to determine the accuracy of mechanism.

Gastrointestinal effects of Artemisia absinthium Linn. based on traditional Persian medicine and new studies

One of the most extensively used herbs in traditional Persian medicine (TPM) used in the treatment ofgastrointestinal (GI) disorders, is the plant Artemisia absinthium Linn. (AAL). It also has a wide range of activitiessuch as analgesic and anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial activities, hepatoprotective,and neuroprotective activities in addition to having gastroprotective effects. This article is a review comparingTPM resources with new medicines. This review investigates this herb in major TPM sources and strives toextrapolate the exact function it serves in the digestive tract and compares the collected information on the functionof AAL with information found in new medical resource databases such as ISI, Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar,and Scientific Information Database. AAL from the Asteraceae family of TPM, known as Afsentin, was used in thetreatment of GI weaknesses, stomach pains, swellings, intestinal parasites, diarrhea, and vomiting. AAL increasedappetite, so it was used for insect repellents and insecticide. Recent studies have indicated that the effects of thisplant improved the symptoms of Crohn's disease and played a role in reducing inflammatory factors. It also hasstrong anti-parasitic, anti-insect, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects. Given the widespread use of AAL as atraditional medicine currently in use in different countries, particularly in the treatment of GI diseases, furtherclinical studies that focus on the therapeutic qualities of this plant are required in the future.

Preparation of a pH-sensitive pantoprazole-imprinted polymer and evaluation of its drug-binding and-releasing properties

The aim of this work was to synthesize a pantoprazole-imprinted polymer(MIPs)and study its binding and release properties in an aqueous media.Methacrylic acid(MAA),methacrylamide(MAAM),hydroxyethyl methacrylate(HEMA),and 4-vinyl pyridine(4VP)were tested as functional monomers.Different solvents were also applied as polymerization media under heat or UV radiation.The optimized MIP was prepared in chloroform as a solvent,4-vinyl pyridine as a functional monomer,and ethylene glycole dimethacrylate(EGDMA)as a crosslinker monomer under UV irradiation.Binding and release properties of MIP were studied in comparison with a non-imprinted polymer(NIP)in aqueous media,at different pH values.The protective effect of polymer for drugs against acidic conditions was evaluated at pH 2.Results indicated that the MIP had superior binding properties compared to NIP for pantoprazole.The percentage of drug released from MIP was significantly less than from NIP at all pH values,which was attributed to the presence of imprinted cavities in the MIP matrix.MIP also had a stronger protective effect for pantoprazole in acidic media,in comparison with NIP.

Effects of turmeric(Curcuma longa)and its constituent(curcumin)on the metabolic syndrome:An updated review

Metabolic syndrome(MS)involves people with the following risk factors:obesity,hypertension,high glucose level and hyperlipidemia.It can increase the risk of heart disease,stroke and type 2 diabetes mellitus.The prevalence of MS in the world’s adult population is about 20%–25%.Today,there is much care to use medicinal plants.Turmeric(Curcuma longa)as well as curcumin which is derived from the rhizome of the plant,has been shown beneficial effects on different components of MS.Thus,the purpose of this manuscript was to introduce different in vitro,in vivo and human studies regarding the effect of turmeric and its constituent on MS.Moreover,different mechanisms of action by which this plant overcomes MS have been introduced.Based on studies,turmeric and its bioactive component,curcumin,due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,have antidiabetic effects through increasing insulin release,antihyperlipidemic effects by increasing fatty acid uptake,anti-obesity effects by decreasing lipogenesis,and antihypertensive effects by increasing nitric oxide.According to several in vivo,in vitro and human studies,it can be concluded that turmeric or curcumin has important values as a complementary therapy in MS.However,more clinical trials should be done to confirm these effects.

Fluoroquinolones-resistant Shigella species in Iranian children:a meta-analysis

Background Shigella is one of the most common causes of childhood dysentery along with high rate of morbidity and mortality in both developing and developed countries.According to the World Health Organization(WHO)reports,the prevalence of fluoroquinolones-resistant Shigella species is increasing worldwide which can cause treatment failure of Shigella infections.Since there has not been any comprehensive information on drug-resistant Shigella species in Iran,we conducted the following meta-analysis to raise awareness.Methods We conducted a literature search on antibiotic resistance of Shigella species to collect published studies in Iran using national and international databases.Literature search was performed by up to Jan 30,2019 and eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis by predefined criteria.Results Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disk diffusion technique was the only used method in all included studies.Antibiotic resistance characteristics of Shigella species against WHO recommended therapeutic regimens were as follows:S.dysenteriae 7%,S.flexneri 3.8%,S.boydii 6.9%and S.sonnei 2.6%to ciprofloxacin,S.dysenteriae 27.9%,S.flexneri 19.3%,S.boydii 15.7%and S.sonnei 9.5%to ceftriaxone and also S.dysenteriae 91.7%,S.flexneri 20.7%,S.boydii 46.7%and S.sonnei 32.3%to azithromycin.Resistance to pivmecillinam has not been investigated in Iran.Conclusions Our findings revealed that ciprofloxacin can still be used as the first-line antibiotic for Shigella infections in Iranian children.However,it seems that second-line antibiotics i.e.,ceftriaxone and azithromycin are not good choices for treatment and thus not recommended.

HspX protein as a candidate vaccine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis： an overview

BACKGROUND： Tuberculosis （TB） is a contagious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis （Mtb）. This disease with two million deaths per year has the highest mortality rate among bacterial infections. The only available vaccine against TB is BCG vaccine. BCG is an effective vaccine against TB in childhood, however, due to some limitations, has not proper efficiency in adults. Also, BCG cannot produce an adequately protective response against reactivation of latent infections. OBJECTIVE： In the present study we will review the most recent findings about contribution of HspX protein in the vaccines against tuberculosis. METHODS： Therefore, many attempts have been made to improve BCG or to find its replacement. Most of the subunit vaccines for TB in various phases of clinical trials were constructed as prophylactic vaccines using Mtb proteins expressed in the replicating stage. These vaccines might prevent active TB but not reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection （LTBI）. A literature search was performed on various online databases （PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar） regarding the roles of HspX protein in tuberculosis vaccines. RESULTS： Ideal subunit post-exposure vaccines should target all forms of TB infection, including active symptomatic and dormant （latent） asymptomatic forms. Among these subunit vaccines, HspX is the most important latent phase antigen of M. tuberculosis with a strong immunological response. There are many studies that have evaluated the immunogenicity of this protein to improve TB vaccine. CONCLUSION： According to the studies, HspX protein is a good candidate for development of subunit vaccines against TB infection.