Association between serum folate with inflammatory markers, disease clinical activity and serum homocysteine in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Does folate level have an effect on maintaining clinical remission?

Background:

Folate is an important vitamin with protective effect against some human diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum folate levels, inflammatory markers and disease clinical activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods:

The participants were classified into two groups in which 38 IBD patients and 38 healthy controls were studied. Disease clinical activities were evaluated by means of established score systems. Serum folate, homocysteine and C-reactive protein and ESR were measured. Obtained data were analyzed with proper statistical methods and P- value less than 0.05 was considered as statistical significant.

Results:

The level of serum folate was significantly reduced in IBD patients with active disease compared to patients with clinical remission (p=0.043) and also healthy controls (p=0.008). Moreover, there was a significant inverse correlation between serum folate levels and C-reactive protein in IBD patients (r=-0.563 p=0.001). Conclusion: Serum folate levels is associated with inflammatory markers and disease clinical activity in IBD patients, therefore there is a possibility that disease clinical activity is reduced with adequate folate level. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Calprotectin in inflammatory bowel disease

The term IBD is usually used for referring to a group of inflammatory gastro-intestinal diseases (mainly Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). Accordingly, IBD arises as a result of inappropriate immune response to intestinal commensal organisms among genetically susceptible individuals. Performing colonoscopy and histopathologic evaluation on an inflamed bowel biopsy specimen are currently considered as gold standards for diagnosis and management of IBD. Correspondingly, these techniques are known to be invasive and costly. In recent decades, fecal calprotectin, as a biomarker, has received much attention for the diagnosis and non-invasive management of IBD. Up to now, many studies have investigated the efficacy of fecal calprotectin in the areas of IBD differentiation from IBS, prediction of endoscopic and histologic activities of IBD and prediction of disease recurrence. Although some of these studies have reported promising results, some others have shown significant limitations. Therefore, in this paper, we reviewed the most interesting ones of these studies after a brief discussion of the laboratory measurement of fecal calprotectin. Moreover, we attempted to provide an answer for the question of whether fecal-calprotectin could be considered as a potential surrogate marker for colonoscopy.

NORAD, a critical long non-coding RNA in human cancers

The ^incidence of cancer is growing worldwide, and it is becoming the most common cause of death. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of RNA transcripts with a length larger than 200 nucleotides that cannot encode proteins or peptides. LncRNAs regulate different biological functions by controlling gene expressions at transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. Non-coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) is a highly conserved lncRNA necessary for genome stability. LncRNA NORAD is dysregulated in various types of cancers. This biomarker has been involved in numerous processes associated with carcinogeneses, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. In this paper, we reviewed the role of lncRNA NORAD and its biological functions in various human cancers to provide future research insights.

Melatonin and doxorubicin co-delivered via a functionalized graphene-dendrimeric system enhances apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells

A functionalized graphene-dendrimeric system was designed via Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle (NP) as a magnetic nanocarrier for co-delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and melatonin (MLT). Accordingly, β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) was modified by creating amine functional groups. The modified β-CD was grafted with Graphene oxide (GO), and the resulting platform gain many functional groups, including the hydroxyl (-OH), carboxylic acid (-COOH), and amine functional groups (-NH2). Finally, magnetic NPs were synthesized on the prepared platform to efficiently controlling and targeting drugs to tumor sites. The human osteosarcoma cell lines including Saos-2 and MG-63, as well as Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hBM-MSC) line, were used to determine the in vitro biological effects of the functionalized graphene-dendrimeric system. The magnetic nanocarrier has encapsulation efficiency (EE) values of 99.92% for DOX and 21.5% for MLT. The biocompatibility tests of the nanocarrier revealed that the magnetic nanocarrier was appropriate as a drug carrier. Co-delivery of DOX and MLT with an efficiently anticancer performance was also was confirmed by cellular uptake, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, and apoptosis analysis in comparison with free DOX and MLT. Moreover, there was a synergy in the antitumor effect when MLT was combined with DOX, especially in the nano-formulation form, which may be due to the down-regulation of X-linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis (XIAP), survivin, and human telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) (p < 0.0001). Overall, the result of our study suggests that the designed carrier is a promising nanocarrier for targeted co-delivery of DOX and MLT with improved anticancer efficacy in cancer cells and thus reduced toxicity in normal cells.

MicroRNAs and colorectal cancer chemoresistance: New solution for old problem

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies with a significant mortality rate. Despite the great advances in cancer treatment in the last few decades, effective treatment of CRC is still under challenge. One of the main problems associated with CRC treatment is the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs.

METHODS

Many studies have been carried out to identify CRC chemoresistance mechanisms, and shed light on the role of ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC transporters), enzymes as thymidylate synthase, some signaling pathways, and cancer stem cells (CSC) in chemoresistance and failed CRC chemotherapies. Other studies have also been recently carried out to find solutions to overcome chemoresistance. Some of these studies have identified the role of miRNAs in chemoresistance of the CRC cells and the effective use of these micro-molecules to CRC treatment.

RESULTS

Considering the results of these studies, more focus on miRNAs likely leads to a proper solution to overcome CRC chemoresistance.

CONCLUSION

The current study has reviewed the related literature while discussing the efficacy of miRNAs as potential clinical tools for overcoming CRC chemoresistance and reviewing the most important chemoresistance mechanisms in CRC cells.

Effects of atrovastatin on concentrations of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A- reductase (HMG-CoA-R), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and sortilin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetics

Introduction: Atorvastatin hinders cardiovascular disease by reducing cholesterol levels. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) enhances the secretion of insulin by binding to LDL receptor. Sortilin is committed in the transfer of intracellular proteins through the plasma membrane. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of atorvastatin consumption on alterations in the levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA-R), PCSK9 and sortilin in diabetic patients and pre-diabetics. Patients and Methods: This study was carried out on 80 individuals including normal subjects, diabetic patients and pre-diabetics. The participated individuals were divided as control group (i) (healthy individuals without diabetes mellitus), diabetic group receiving statin (ii), diabetic group not receiving statin (iii), pre-diabetic group receiving statin (iv) and pre-diabetic group not receiving statin (v). Levels of HMG-COA-R, PCSK9 and sortilin were determined by ELISA method. Results: In diabetics and pre-diabetics taking atorvastatin, the level of HMG-COA-R was not altered significantly compared to diabetics and pre-diabetics not taking atorvastatin, respectively (P> 0.05). The serum PCSK9 level in diabetics and pre-diabetics was significantly higher than the healthy individuals (P= 0.001). Additionally, the serum PCSK9 level in diabetics and pre-diabetics receiving atorvastatin was significantly higher than diabetics and pre-diabetics not receiving atorvastatin, respectively (P=0.001). The serum sortilin level in diabetics and pre-diabetics was significantly higher than the healthy individuals (P=0.001). In addition, the serum sortilin level in pre-diabetics receiving atorvastatin was significantly higher than pre-diabetics not receiving atorvastatin (P=0.001). Conclusion: Atorvastatin improved insulin secretion and sensitivity by increasing serum sortilin and PCSK9 levels. Thereby, it prevented the development of diabetes in diabetics and the progression of pre-diabetes to diabetes in pre-diabetics.

Evaluation of L-fucose and Sialic Acid Levels in Patients With Colorectal Cancer and Control Subject

Background: Currently, glycans, which are known as functional molecules in the biological system, are being under study as potential cancer markers. This study aimed to determine the level of serum L-fucose and sialic acid as the biomarkers in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Materials and Methods: The patients with CRC (n=40, 20 men and 20 women) participated in the present study. The spectrophotometric method was used to measure the levels of L-fucose and sialic acid in the serum of the patients. SPSS (version 21) was used to analyze the obtained data. The results were expressed as mean ± SD. Results: The mean ± SD L-fucose level in patients with CRC was 27.46 ± 4.8 ng/mL, which was more than this level in the healthy control group (18.64±3.1 ng/mL). Also, the mean ± SD serum concentration of sialic acid in patients with CRC was 2.1 ± 0.41 ng/mL, which was more than the mean ± SD sialic acid level of 1.23±0.21 ng/mL in the healthy controls. Conclusion: Serum concentration of L-fucose and sialic acid increased significantly (P < 0.05) in patients with CRC compared with the healthy controls. We believe that determining serum L-fucose and sialic acid levels could be useful for the detection of CRC patients in the early stage.

The Sensitization of Melatonin in Osteosarcoma Cells by Suppression of Anti-Apoptotic Proteins

Background: Investigation of anti-cancer agents with desirable selective toxicity is critical for cancer therapy. The use of natural adjuvants can be a promising option in reducing the toxicity of the anti-cancer agent. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential application of melatonin (MLT) as a natural adjuvant molecule along with doxorubicin (DOX) to induce cytotoxicity in osteosarcoma (OS) cells. Methods: Human OS cell lines included Saos-2, MG-63, and Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hBM-MSCs) were treated with free DOX, free MLT, DOX-loaded NPs (DOX-NPs), MLT-loaded NPs (MLT-NPs), combination of DOX and MLT (DOX-MLT) and combination of DOX and MLT-loaded NPs (DOX-MLT-NPs) in separated cell culture. Cell proliferation of experiments were evaluated by MTT assay after 24 h. Total protein levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay ELISA. Results: Herein, we found the combination of MLT with DOX, especially formulated in nano-form, is resulted in a significant reduction in the protein levels of both X-linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis (XIAP) and Survivin (p<0.0001). Indeed, there was a significant decrease in the expression of XIAP and Survivin when MLT is combined with DOX compared to the individual treatments. Conclusion: Our findings indicated the synergism of the antitumor effect could be due to the down-regulation of XIAP and Survivin in the levels of protein.

Shelterin Complex at Telomeres: Implications in Ageing

Different factors influence the development‎ and control of ageing. It is well known that progressive telomere shorting is one of the molecular mechanisms underlying ageing. The shelterin complex consists of six telomere-specific proteins which are involved in the protection of chromosome ends. More particularly, this vital complex protects the telomeres from degradation, prevents from activation of unwanted repair systems, regulates the activity of telomerase, and has a crucial role in cellular senescent and ageing-related pathologies. This review explores the organization and function of telomeric DNA along with the mechanism of telomeres during ageing, followed by a discussion of the critical role of shelterin components and their changes during ageing.

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing: A new therapeutic approach in the treatment of infection and autoimmunity

CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein9) may be viewed as an adaptive bacterial immune system. When a virus infects a bacterium, a fragment of the virus genome is inserted into the CRISPR sequence of the bacterial genome as a memory. When the bacterium becomes infected again with the same virus, an RNA molecule that is a transcript of the memory sequence, directs Cas9, an endonuclease, to the complementary region of the virus genome, and Cas9 disables the virus by a double-strand break. In recent years, studies have shown that by designing synthetic RNA molecules and delivering them along with Cas9 into eukaryotic cells, different regions of the cell's genome can be targeted and manipulated. These findings have drawn much attention to this new technology and it has been shown that CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing can be used to treat some human diseases. These include infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases. In this review article, in addition to a brief overview of the biology of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we collected the most recent findings on the applications of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for better investigation of the pathogenesis and treatment of viral infections (human immunodeficiency virus infection, hepatitis virus infections, and onco-virus infections), non-viral infections (parasitic, fungal, and bacterial infections), and autoimmune diseases.

The anticancer effects of curcumin via targeting the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that has been considered as a key regulator of a large number of cellular processes, including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, survival, and motility. Overactivation of mTOR (especially mTORC1) signaling is related to oncogenic cellular processes. Therefore targeting mTORC1 signaling is a new promising strategy in cancer therapy. In this regard, various studies have shown that curcumin, a polyphenol produced from the turmeric rhizome, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. Curcumin may exert its anticancer function, at least in part, by suppressing mTOR-mediated signaling pathway in tumor cells. However, the exact underlying mechanisms by which curcumin blocks the mTORC1 signaling remain unclear. According to literature, curcumin inhibits insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTORC1 pathway which leads to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via suppression of erythroblastosis virus transcription factor 2 and murine double minute 2 oncoprotein. In addition, activation of unc-51-like kinase 1 by curcumin, as a downstream target of IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 axis, enhances autophagy. Curcumin induces AMP-activated protein kinase, a negative regulator of mTORC1, via inhibition of F0F1-ATPase. Interestingly, curcumin suppresses IκB kinase β, the upstream kinase in mTORC1 pathway. Moreover, evidence revealed that curcumin downregulates the E3-ubiquitin ligases NEDD4, neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated 4. NEDD4 is frequently overexpressed in a wide range of cancers and degrades the phosphatase and tensin homolog, which is a negative regulator of mTORC1. Finally another suggested mechanism is suppression of MAOA/mTORC1/hypoxia-inducible factor 1α signaling pathway by curcumin.

Association of serum 25-OH vitamin D₃ with serum IgE and the Pediatric Asthma Severity Score in patients with pediatric asthma

Background: Pediatric asthma is a prevalent disease and has a significant immunologic and inflammatory nature. In recent years, the role of vitamin D₃ in immunologic processes has been studied, and many aspects of this role have been clarified in some human diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship among the vitamin D₃ status, Pediatric Asthma Severity Score (PASS), and inflammatory indicators of pediatric asthma. Methods: Among all of the pediatric patients with asthma and with asthma exacerbation, 100 patients were randomly enrolled in the study and subdivided into three groups according to serum levels of 25-OH vitamin D₃. The control group consisted of 100 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects. Asthma exacerbation severity was evaluated based on the PASS before starting the medical care. The count of the white blood cells, eosinophil count, and serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) plus 25-OH vitamin D₃ were measured in all the subjects. The obtained data were then compared via proper statistical tests. A p value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The median level of serum IgE was increased in patients with vitamin D₃ deficiency compared with other groups. There was a significant inverse correlation between serum levels of 25-OH vitamin D₃ and IgE in pediatric patients with asthma (r = -0.483, p = 0.001). Furthermore, the serum levels of 25-OH vitamin D₃ also significantly inversely correlated with the PASS (r = -0.285, p = 0.004). Conclusion: Vitamin D₃ deficiency is associated with exacerbation severity and serum IgE levels in patients with pediatric asthma; hence, it can have an important role in pediatric asthma pathogenesis, possibly through IgE.

Effect of Rubus anatolicus Leaf Extract on Glucose Metabolism in HepG2, CRI-D2 and C2C12 Cell Lines

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of Rubus anatolicus on glucose metabolism in HepG2, CRI-D2 and C2C12 cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

R. anatolicus was collected in Golestan province, Iran. Three different cell lines HepG2 (human liver cell), CRI-D2 (mice pancreatic cell) and C2C12 (rat myoblast) were used for cell culture experiments. Cell viability was measured using MTT assay. Cells were treated with various concentrations of the extract (6.25-400 μg/mL) and then the extracellular glucose level and intracellular glycogen content were measured using colorimetric methods. The insulin level of the culture medium was measured using the ELISA method.

RESULTS

Our findings showed that R. anatolicus extract enhances glucose uptake and consumption by all three cell lines. The R. anatolicus extract exposure also elevated cellular glycogen content in HepG2 and C2C12 cells (for 200 and 100 μg/mL) significantly. We found a significant increase in glucose uptake and consequently higher stimulation of insulin secretion in CRI-D2 cell pancreatic cells treated with R. anatolicus extract.

CONCLUSION

The R. anatolicus appears to activate glucose uptake and cellular glycogen synthesis probably by activating the glycogenesis or inhibition of glycogenolysis pathways. The extract enhances insulin secretion in the pancreatic cells by increased glucose uptake.

The role of microRNAs in the healing of diabetic ulcers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small protected molecules with a length of 18 to 25 nucleotides. Many studies have recently been conducted on miRNAs, illustrating their role in regulating many biological, physiological, and pathological activities, such as maintaining cellular signalling and regulating cellular pathways. The main role of miRNAs is to regulate the expression of genes after translation, which can lead to the destruction or suppression of translation by binding to mRNAs. As any change in the regulation of miRNAs is associated with several physiological abnormalities, such as type 2 diabetes and its complications, these molecules can be used for therapeutic purposes or as biomarkers for the diagnosis of diseases such as diabetes and its complications. In this review article, we will discuss important findings about the miRNAs and the role of these molecules in different phases of the wound-healing process of chronic wounds, especially diabetic ulcer.

The crosstalk between trace elements with DNA damage response, repair, and oxidative stress in cancer

DNA damage response (DDR) is a regulatory system responsible for maintaining genome integrity and stability, which can sense and transduce DNA damage signals. The severity of damage appears to determine DDRs, which can include damage repair, cell-cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Furthermore, defective components in DNA damage and repair machinery are an underlying cause for the development and progression of various types of cancers. Increasing evidence indicates that there is an association between trace elements and DDR/repair mechanisms. In fact, trace elements seem to affect mediators of DDR. Besides, it has been revealed that oxidative stress (OS) and trace elements are associated with cancer development. In this review, we discuss the role of some critical trace elements in the risk of cancer. In addition, we provide a brief introduction on DDR and OS in cancer. Finally, we will further review the interactions between some important trace elements including selenium, zinc, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic, and DDR, and OS in cancer.

Paraoxonase-2 variants potentially influence insulin resistance, beta-cell function, and their interrelationships with alanine aminotransferase in type 2 diabetes

Background:

The aim of this study was to determine whether insulin resistance, beta-cell function, and their associations with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are affected by the functional variants of paraoxonase-2 (PON2) as an intracellular antioxidant in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and Methods:

Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and homeostasis model assessment for beta-cell function (HOMA-BCF) were assessed in T2D patients. Insulin levels were determined using ELISA. The variants PON2-A148G and PON2-S311C were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results:

According to the PON2-G148A variant, ALT was found to be significantly correlated with QUICKI (r = −0.616, P = 0.005) and HOMA-BCF (r = 0.573, P = 0.01) in the GA + GG group; however, the correlations were not statistically significant in the AA genotypes. Based on the genotypes of PON2-S311C, there was a significant correlation between ALT with QUICKI (r = −0.540, P = 0.031) and HOMA-BCF (r = 0.567, P = 0.022) in the SC + CC group. In the multiple adjusted logistic regression analyses, considering the variants PON2-G148A and PON2-C311S as independent variables and QUICKI and HOMA-BCF as the dependent variables, both variants were significantly associated with the QUICKI (P = 0.019 for PON2-G148A and P = 0.041 for PON2-C311S). Furthermore, PON2-C311S remained significantly associated with HOMA-BCF (P = 0.03).

Conclusion:

These data implicate a role for the functional variants of PON2 in insulin resistance and beta-cell function as well as underscore the effective role of these variants in the associations between them and ALT. Our data contribute to our understanding of the important physiologic functions of PON2 in glucose metabolism and its related metabolic diseases.

MiRNAs and inflammatory bowel disease: An interesting new story

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as a chronic and recurrent inflammatory disorder, is caused by a dysregulated and aberrant immune response to exposed environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite huge efforts in determining the molecular pathogenesis of IBD, an increasing worldwide incidence of IBD has been reported. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a set of noncoding RNA molecules that are about 22 nucleotides long, and these molecules are involved in the regulation of the gene expression. By clarifying the important role of miRNAs in a number of diseases, their role was also considered in IBD; numerous studies have been performed on this topic. In this review, we attempt to summarize a number of studies and discuss some of the recent developments in the roles of miRNAs in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of IBD.

Direct correlation between serum homocysteine level and insulin resistance index in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism: Does subclinical hypothyroidism increase the risk of diabetes and cardio vascular disease together?

BACKGROUND

Subclinical hypothyroidism known as mild thyroid disorder without significant sign and symptoms. The correlation between subclinical hypothyroidism and some of cardiovascular disease risk factors such as serum lipids, homocysteine levels and also insulin resistance index is not well established and the current study was conducted to clarify this issue.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Seventy four patients with mild elevation in levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) along with normal levels of T3 and T4 were selected as patients group and 74 age and sex matched individuals were selected as healthy control group. Serum insulin, triglyceride, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and homocysteine levels were measured. Obtained data compared between groups with independent sample t-test. For evaluation of the correlation between mentioned parameters Pearson correlation coefficient method was used.

RESULTS

Serum levels of LDL-C and total cholesterol significantly increased in SCH group compared to healthy control group. Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOM-IR) and serum homocysteine level significantly elevated in patients with SCH compared to control group. There was a significant direct correlation between HOM-IR and serum homocysteine levels in SCH patients.

CONCLUSION

Subclinical hypothyroidism likely have significant effect on insulin resistance as major diabetes risk factors and also cardiovascular disease risk factors such as homocysteine. The direct correlation between HOM-IR with serum homocysteine level indicate the possible role of insulin resistance in elevation of serum homocysteine in SCH patient group.

Some of the effective factors in the pathogenesis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is one of the most fatal tumours to affect the digestive tract and is the eighth most common malignancy worldwide. Gastro‐oesophageal reflux has an important role in the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus. Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a multifactorial, acid‐peptic disorder that results from the reflux of noxious material from the stomach into the oesophagus. The refluxed material causes the occurrence of oesophageal inflammation which creates a condition that is called reflux oesophagitis. The prevalence of this disease has increased dramatically in recent decades, mostly in the western world, where it affects about 10% to 30% of the population. The aetiology of oesophageal mucosal damage is complicated. Many inflammatory mediators are produced within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but their contributions in pathophysiology and disease pathogenesis have not been well investigated. Despite the protective barrier provided by the oesophageal mucosa, refluxed materials can cause oxidative injury and in?ammatory responses that involve the epithelium and immune cells. The analysing cellular events in gastro‐ oesophageal reflux disease and physiological responses to such conditions are important and necessary for a better grasp of the pathogenesis of GERD and the expansion of new treatments. Therefore, we want to discuss some of the important and key factors of GERD disease in this article.

An investigation of the effects of curcumin on iron overload, hepcidin level, and liver function in β-thalassemia major patients: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

This study investigated the effects of curcumin, the active polyphenol in turmeric, on iron overload, hepcidin level, and liver function in β-thalassemia major patients. This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 68 β-thalassemia major patients. The subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups to receive either 500 mg curcumin capsules (total: 1,000 mg) twice daily or placebo for 12 weeks. Dietary intakes and biochemical variables including hemoglobin, transferrin saturation, total iron binding capacity, nontransferrin bound iron (NTBI), ferritin, hepcidin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assessed at the beginning and end of the trial. Curcumin significantly reduced serum levels of NTBI (2.83 ± 1.08 compared with 2.22 ± 0.97 μmol/L, p = .001), ALT (42.86 ± 11.15 compared with 40.60 ± 9.89 U/L, p = .018), and AST (49.45 ± 12.39 compared with 46.30 ± 10.85 U/L, p = .002) at the end of the study. Based on analysis of covariance, a significant decrease was also observed in levels of NTBI (2.22 ± 0.97 vs. 2.55 ± 0.94 μmol/L, p = .026), ALT (40.60 ± 9.89 vs. 45.01 ± 10.42 U/L, p = .004), and AST (46.30 ± 10.85 vs. 50.99 ± 9.36 U/L, p = .009) in curcumin group in comparison with placebo group. There were no significant changes in hepcidin and other variables in any of the 2 groups. Curcumin administration alleviated iron burden and liver dysfunction by reducing NTBI, ALT, and AST levels in patients with β-thalassemia major.

Assessing the Levels of L-Carnitine and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Adults With Newly Diagnosed and Long-Standing Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVES

This study is essentially a correlative study that examines the potential of reduced levels of L-carnitine (LC) when combined with the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study was to assess the levels of LC, total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglycerides and cholesterol in people with newly diagnosed and long-standing type 2 diabetes and in healthy controls.

METHODS

The study was done in 90 adult subjects, including 30 with newly diagnosed diabetes, 30 with long-standing type 2 diabetes and 30 healthy controls. Plasma samples were used to assay the biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

In this study, both groups (newly diagnosed and long-standing type 2 diabetes) were significantly different in baseline characteristics, such as age, height, weight, body mass index, FBS, cholesterol and triglycerides, compared to the healthy controls. Plasma LC levels in patients with newly diagnosed and long-standing type 2 diabetes were significantly lower than in healthy controls (p<0.001). Also, the mean plasma TAOC level in the patients with newly diagnosed and long-standing type 2 diabetes was slightly lower than in the healthy controls. Nevertheless, TAOC levels were not significantly different across all the groups (p=0.87). The plasma LC levels were significantly positive when compared to the plasma TAOC levels (r=0.516), which means that an increase in LC levels is associated with an increase in TAOC levels. However, a negative correlation was observed between LC levels and FBS (r=-0.387), triglycerides (-0.159) and body mass indexes (r=-0.068). This means that a decrease in LC levels is associated with increases in FBS, triglyceride and body mass index levels.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the effects of reduced LC levels on the metabolic profiles of patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes, setting the LC content value to prevent diabetes through the use of effective drugs or nutrition containing LC can be useful in managing diabetes.

Effect of Popping Chocolate and Candy on Enamel Microhardness of Primary and Permanent Teeth

Aims and Objectives

Dental erosion is a common disease in children. Food diets, due to high amounts of juice, soft drinks, chewing gum, and acidic chocolate, are one of the most important risk factors in erosive processes among children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of candy and chocolate on the microhardness of tooth enamel.

Materials and Methods

Two types of popping candy and one type of popping chocolate were used in this study. Thirty-three healthy permanent premolar teeth and 33 primary incisor teeth (A or B) were selected. Five grams of each popping chocolate or candy was dissolved with 2 ml of artificial saliva. Subsequently, their pH and titrable acidity (TA) as well as microhardness and surface roughness of enamel were examined in the laboratory. Data were analyzed and evaluated Released 2011. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY through independent t-test, paired t-test, Tukey test, and ANOVA.

Results

The results of this study showed that only the pH of the candies was below the critical pH of the enamel (5.5) and their TA was B = 0.20 and C = 0.21. The most significant effect on the enamel microhardness of the permanent and primary teeth was by the following types of candy: orange flavor (C), strawberry flavor (B), and chocolate (A), respectively. This difference was significant (P < 0.001) and the surface roughness increased after exposure.

Conclusions

This study showed that popping chocolate and candy reduces microhardness of enamel.