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Aliabadi A, Haghshenas MR, Kiani R, Panjehshahin MR, Erfani N. Promising anticancer activity of cromolyn in colon cancer: in vitro and in vivo analysis. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:207. [PMID: 38647571 PMCID: PMC11035410 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05741-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Colon cancer is a prevalent cancer globally, representing approximately 10% of all cancer cases and accounting for 10% of all cancer-related deaths. Therefore, finding new therapeutic methods with high efficiency will be very valuable. Cromolyn (C), a common anti-allergic and mast cell membrane stabilizing drug, has recently shown valuable anti-cancer effects in several studies. This study was designed to investigate the anti-cancer activity of cromolyn on colon cancer in vitro and in vivo and to determine values such as selectivity index and survival effect. METHODS HT-29 (colon cancer) and MCF-10 (normal epithelial) cell lines were treated with C and Doxorubicin (DOX; Positive control). IC50 values and the effects of C and DOX on apoptosis were explored using methyl thiazole diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Annexin V/PI Apoptosis Assay Kit. To investigate in an animal study, colon cancer was subcutaneously induced by CT26 cells (mouse colon cancer) in bulb/c mice. Mice were treated with 0.05 LD50 intraperitoneal every other day for 35 days. After the death of mice, tumor volume, tumor weight, and survival rate were evaluated. RESULTS C selectively and significantly suppressed the proliferation of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 values for the MCF-10 and HT29 cell lines were 7.33 ± 0.78 μM and 2.33 ± 0.6 μM, respectively. Notably, the selective index (SI) highlighted that C displayed greater selectivity in inhibiting cancer cell growth compared to DOX, with SI values of 3.15 and 2.60, respectively. C exhibited higher effectiveness and selectivity in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells compared to DOX, with a significant p-value (61% vs. 52%, P-value ≤ 0.0001). Also, in mice bearing colon cancer, C reduced the tumor volume (6317 ± 1685mm3) and tumor weight (9.8 ± 1.6 g) compared to the negative control group (weight 12.45 ± 0.9 g; volume 7346 ± 1077) but these values were not statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION Our study showed that cromolyn is a selective and strong drug in inhibiting the proliferation of colon cancer cells. Based on our results, the efficacy of C in vitro analysis (MTT assays and apoptosis), as well as animal studies is competitive with the FDA-approved drug doxorubicin. C is very promising as a low-complication and good-efficacy drug for cancer drug repositioning. This requires clinical research study designs to comprehensively evaluate its anti-cancer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Aliabadi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Haghshenas
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Razie Kiani
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Nasrollah Erfani
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Aliabadi A, Haghshenas MR, Kiani R, Koohi-Hosseinabadi O, Purkhosrow A, Pirsalami F, Panjehshahin MR, Erfani N. In vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of mebendazole in colon cancer: a promising drug repositioning. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2024; 397:2379-2388. [PMID: 37837472 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02722-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers and one of the main causes of death worldwide. Therefore, new treatment methods with better efficiency and fewer risks are very necessary. Mebendazole (MBZ), a drug commonly used for helminthic infections, has recently received attention as a suitable candidate for the treatment of various cancers. This study aimed to investigate, in vitro and in vivo, anticancer activity and selectivity Index of MBZ on colon cancer. HT-29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma) and MCF-10 (non-tumorigenic epithelial) cell lines were treated with MBZ and Doxorubicin (DOX; positive control drug). IC50 values were estimated using methyl thiazole diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. We employed flow cytometry using annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide dyes. For the animal study, colon cancer was subcutaneously induced by CT26 cells (mouse colon cancer) in Bulb/C mice. The mice were treated with 0.05 of LD50, intraperitoneal, every other day for 35 days. Finally, the survival rate, tumor volume, and tumor weight were calculated. Our results demonstrated that IC50 values after 72 h for HT29 and MCF-10 cell lines were 0.29 ± 0.04 µM and 0.80 ± 0.02 µM, respectively. MBZ was more selective than DOX in inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells compared to normal cells (2. 75 vs. 2.45). Annexin V/PI staining demonstrated that MBZ treatment at IC50 concentrations induced (78 ± 12%) apoptosis in the HT29 cancer cell line after 48 h (P ≤ 0.0001). Also, in mice bearing colon cancer, MBZ significantly reduced the tumor volume (1177 ± 1109 mm3; P ≤ 0.001) and tumor weight (2.30 ± 1.97 g; P ≤ 0.0001) compared to the negative control group (weight 12.45 ± 2.0 g; volume 7346 ± 1077). Also, MBZ increases mean survival time (MST) and increase life span (ILS) percentage in the animal study (51.2 ± 37% vs 93%, respectively). This study suggests that mebendazole strongly and selectively inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells. It may be, accordingly, a promising drug for clinical research and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Aliabadi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Haghshenas
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Razie Kiani
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Azar Purkhosrow
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatema Pirsalami
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Panjehshahin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Nasrollah Erfani
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Amini E, Etemadi M, Shahabi S, Barth CA, Honarmandi F, Karami Rad M, Lankarani KB. Barriers and enabling factors for utilizing physical rehabilitation services by Afghan immigrants and refugees with disabilities in Iran: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:893. [PMID: 38528498 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18374-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals with a migrant background often underutilize physical rehabilitation services (PRS) compared to the host population. This disparity is attributed to various barriers, including limited access to information, language barriers, illiteracy, and cultural factors. To improve PRS utilization by Afghan immigrants and refugees in Iran, it is crucial to identify these barriers and enabling factors. In response, this study explored the barriers and enabling factors for utilizing PRS among Afghan immigrants and refugees with disabilities in Iran. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted in Iran between January and March 2023. Participants were selected through convenient and snowball sampling. Individual, semi-structured interviews were carried out both in face-to-face and online formats. Data analysis occurred concurrently with data collection, using the directed content analysis approach. RESULTS Findings from our research indicate that common barriers to PRS utilization among Afghan immigrants and refugees include insufficient insurance coverage, high service costs, expensive transportation and accommodation, limited knowledge about Iran's health system, inadequate awareness of available supports, restricted access to PRS in remote areas, impatience among PRS providers, fear of arrest and deportation, a lack of trust in modern treatments, stringent immigration rules, high inflation rates limiting the ability to pay for PRS, and limited social support. On the other hand, several enabling factors were identified, such as strengthening insurance coverage, utilizing the capacities of charities and NGOs, providing information about available services, promoting respectful behavior by healthcare providers towards patients, facilitating cultural integration, and increasing immigrants' awareness of available services and eligibility criteria. CONCLUSION The barriers and enabling factors uncovered in this study offer valuable insights into the complexities surrounding PRS utilization by Afghan immigrants and refugees with disabilities in Iran. Understanding and addressing these factors is essential for developing targeted interventions and policies that can improve access and utilization, ultimately leading to enhanced health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Amini
- The International Committee of the Red Cross, Tehran Delegation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Manal Etemadi
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Saeed Shahabi
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Cornelia Anne Barth
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Farzaneh Honarmandi
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marzieh Karami Rad
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kamran Bagheri Lankarani
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Paksa A, Azizi K, Yousefi S, Dabaghmanesh S, Shahabi S, Sanei-Dehkordi A. First report on the molecular phylogenetics and population genetics of Aedes aegypti in Iran. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:49. [PMID: 38303048 PMCID: PMC10835860 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06138-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of various human arboviral diseases, is a significant public health threat. Aedes aegypti was detected in Iran in 2018, in Hormozgan province, but comprehensive information regarding its genetic diversity and origin within the country remains scarce. This study aimed to determine the origin and genetic diversity of Ae. aegypti in southern Iran. METHODS Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were collected from Bandar Abbas City, Hormozgan Province, southern Iran, between May and July 2022. Specimens were morphologically identified. Origin and assess genetic diversity were assessed based on the mitochondrial DNA-encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtDNA-COI) gene. RESULTS BLAST (basic local alignment search tool) analysis confirmed the accuracy of the morphological identification of all specimens as Ae. aegypti, with 100% similarity to GenBank sequences. Calculated variance and haplotype diversity were 0.502 and 0.00157, respectively. Among the 604 examined nucleotide sequences, only a single site was non-synonymous. Total nucleotide diversity and average pairwise nucleotides were determined as 0.00083 and 0.502, respectively. Fu and Li's D test values were not statistically significant. Strobeck's S statistic value was 0.487, and Tajima's D value was 1.53395; both were not statistically significant (P > 0.10). CONCLUSIONS Phylogenetic analysis revealed two distinct clades with minimal nucleotide differences and low haplotype diversity, suggesting the recent establishment of Ae. Aegypti in the southern region of Iran. The phylogenetic analysis also indicated an association between Ae. aegypti populations and mosquitoes from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azim Paksa
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kourosh Azizi
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Sorna Dabaghmanesh
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Shahabi
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Sanei-Dehkordi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, Faculty of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
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Ahmadvand S, Norouzi LA, Mohammadi Y, Safaei A, Khademi B, Motiee-Langroudi M, Ghaderi A. Negative prognostic behaviour of PD-L1 expression in tongue and larynx squamous cell carcinoma and its significant predictive power in combination with PD-1 expression on TILs. BMC Immunol 2024; 25:7. [PMID: 38229027 PMCID: PMC10790382 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-024-00597-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomarkers that can predict outcome will improve the efficacy of treatment for HNSCC patients. In this regard, we retrospectively evaluated the prognostic effect of PD1, PD-L1, and CD45RO in tongue and larynx squamous cell carcinomas. METHODS FFPE tissue blocks of 63 larynx and 40 tongue squamous cell carcinoma samples were selected, cut into 3 µm sections, and immunohistochemically stained for PD1, PD-L1, and CD45RO. The slides were evaluated by an expert pathologist, and results were analysed using Chi-square, univariate, and multivariable Cox regression methods. RESULTS TC-PD-L1 expression (P = 0.001) and its expression intensity (P = 0.002) were significantly correlated with a higher percentage of PD-1 + tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. In univariate survival analysis, TC-PD-L1 and its expression intensity had a significant impact on both DFS (HR: 0.203; P = 0.003 and HR: 0.320; P = 0.005) and OS (HR: 0.147; P = 0.002 and HR: 0.322; P = 0.005). Based on the multivariate analysis, PD1 (DFS: HR: 3.202; P = 0.011, OS: HR: 2.671; P = 0.027) and TC-PD-L1 (DFS: HR: 0.174; P = 0.006, OS: HR: 0.189; P = 0.009) were found to be independent prognostic markers. In the second part, scoring systems were defined based on the expression status of PD1 and PD-L1. Patients with higher scores were expected to have longer DFS and OS. In multivariate analysis, the PD1/TC-PD-L1 (DFS: P = 0.001, OS: P = 0.003) scoring systems showed superior prognostic effects. Interestingly, at the highest levels of this score, none of the patients experienced recurrence or cancer-caused death. CONCLUSION Collectively, this study suggests negative prognostic behaviour for TC-PD-L1 protein and introduces the PD-1/TC-PD-L1 scoring system as a strong prognostic marker in OS and DFS prediction of tongue and larynx HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Ahmadvand
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lotf-Ali Norouzi
- Otolaryngology Research Centre, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Yousef Mohammadi
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Akbar Safaei
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bijan Khademi
- Otolaryngology Research Centre, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Abbas Ghaderi
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION On entry into the clinical environment, nursing students are confronted with many challenges. It is a common problem throughout the world, including Iran. Although many studies have been conducted on the problems of nursing students in the clinical environment, limited information is available on nursing students' experiences of the clinical learning environment and the way they respond to these experiences. Identifying nursing students' experiences is essential to develop interventions to reduce challenges. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore nursing students' experiences in a clinical learning environment and the way they responded to these experiences. DESIGN The present study was conducted based on the qualitative research design of the grounded theory methodology. SETTING This study was conducted at schools of nursing in academic settings in Iran. PARTICIPANTS The participants included 19 nursing students, 4 nursing instructors and 3 clinical nurses. METHODS The data were collected using semistructured interviews, field notes and observation, and were analysed using Strauss and Corbin's approach. RESULTS Students, as a result of the inadequacy of the educational environment, were faced with 'confusion of identity', stating this as their main concern. When confronted with this concern, they employed specific strategies, some of which prevented them from getting into unpleasant conditions. These strategies did not help students solve their problems and also prevented them from accepting their professional roles and responsibilities. Conversely, some other strategies led them to advanced professional development and enabled them to accept their role and the clinical environment. CONCLUSION According to the results of this study, educational policymakers should focus on improving the clinical environment. Identifying professional models and increasing their influence on management, education and clinical education, as well as teaching positive and constructive strategies, will promote positive strategies in coping with inadequate educational contexts. This is necessary for the professional development of nursing students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Najafi Kalyani
- Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, The Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Nahid Jamshidi
- Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, The Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Zahra Molazem
- Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, The Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Camellia Torabizadeh
- Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, The Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Sharif
- Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, The Islamic Republic of Iran
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