Publications by authors named "Afgar Ali"

Tumor inflammation, as one of the hallmarks of cancer, has been the target for anti-cancer treatments. Celecoxib is a selective inhibitor of the enzyme cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inhibits the production of PGE2, which is an important mediator of tumor inflammation produced by cancer cells and cells of the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we aimed at inhibiting COX-2 using celecoxib, expressed in cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like cells isolated from breast cancer and evaluated the alterations in their cytokine profile and gene expression.

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This investigation delves into the influence of predicted microRNAs on DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and the PODXL gene within the NB4 cell line, aiming to elucidate their roles in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A comprehensive methodological framework was adopted to explore the therapeutic implications of 6-gingerol on DNMTs. This encompassed a suite of bioinformatics tools for protein structure prediction, docking, molecular dynamics, and ADMET profiling, alongside empirical assessments of miRNA and PODXL expression levels.

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Aims: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of pediatrics cancer. Chemokines exert different roles in leukemia process through leukocyte recruitment and regulation of disease severity. Due to the prominent roles of chemokine/receptor axes, this study aimed to measure the blood expression levels of CCR4 and their ligands in pediatrics with B-cell ALL (B-ALL).

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Background: Colon Cancer (CC) incidence has sharply grown in recent years. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are produced by a group of non-protein-coding genes, and have important functions in controlling gene expression and impacting the biological features of various malignancies including CC.

Methods: Our research focused on examining the function of lncRNAs in the development of colon cancer.

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Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite of warm-blooded vertebrates. At present, High-throughput RNA sequencing analysis have made it possible to determine the role of effective genes in host immune response.

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Background: This study explored the impact of predicted miRNAs on DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and the PODXL gene in Nalm6 cells, revealing the significance of these miRNAs in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).

Methods: A comprehensive approach was adopted, integrating bioinformatic analyses encompassing protein structure prediction, molecular docking, dynamics, and ADMET profiling, in conjunction with evaluations of gene and miRNA expression patterns. This methodology was employed to elucidate the therapeutic potential of catechin compounds in modulating the activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and the PODXL gene.

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Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment using time-saving and cost-effective targeted therapies with high selectivity and low toxicity drugs, is a great challenge. In primary investigations on Gallocin, as the most proposed factor in CRC pathogenesis caused by , it was surprisingly found that this bacteriocin has four α-helix structures and some anti-cancer sequences.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the ability of Gallocin-based anticancer peptides (ACPs) against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular epidermal growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and the evaluation of their pharmacokinetic properties using bioinformatic approaches.

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Small noncoding ribonucleic acids called microRNAs coordinate numerous critical physiological and biological processes such as cell division, proliferation, and death. These regulatory molecules interfere with the function of many genes by binding the 3'-UTR region of target mRNAs to inhibit their translation or even degrade them. Given that a large proportion of miRNAs behave as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes, any genetic or epigenetic aberration changeing their structure and/or function could initiate tumor formation and development.

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Article Synopsis
  • Long COVID leads to long-lasting symptoms in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals, significantly impacting their health.
  • A study of 470 patients assessed various biochemical markers during and after hospitalization, revealing that COVID-19 severity correlated with altered levels of certain health indicators.
  • Results showed significant biochemical differences based on gender, with many markers returning to normal levels three months post-infection, though some individuals still displayed abnormalities, suggesting a need for further research on long COVID indicators.
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Background: Plenty of evidence suggests that dysregulated microRNAs are linked to developing autoimmune thyroid diseases. In this study, we aimed to identify commonly linked dysregulated microRNAs in Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT) and explore microRNA-targeted genes and the involved pathways.

Methods: Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched using the MeSH terms and free text terms, which yielded 11879 articles published up to July 2023.

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Background: Colorectal cancer, is one of most prevalent the cancer in the world. 5-Fluorouracil is a standard chemotherapeutic drug while the acquisition of resistance to 5-Fluorouracil is one of the problems during treatment. In this study, we aimed to find the miRNAs that modulate the expression of and as resistance-inducing genes in the resistant cell lines to 5-Fluorouracil.

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Tumor-associated inflammation plays a vital role in cancer progression. Among the various stromal cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts are promising targets for cancer therapy. Several reports have indicated potent anti-inflammatory effects attributed to Curcumin.

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Background: Piperine (Pn), an indole alkaloid compound found in pepper, is an effective compound with anti-leishmanial medications that administered alone or in combination. This study aimed to use Pn for possible biochemical targets and to assess mechanisms of anti-leishmanial action and immunomodulatory roles.

Methods: The ability of Pn to bind to interleukin-12P40 (IL-12P40) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was investigated using molecular docking.

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Article Synopsis
  • Aging leads to increased vulnerability of brain cells due to oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant defenses, significantly affecting brain structure and function.
  • Trehalose, a sugar that may protect neurons, was tested for its effects on the expression of miR-132 and SIRT1 in both young and aged rats.
  • Results showed that trehalose treatment elevated SIRT1 and miR-132 levels, improved antioxidant capacity, and reduced inflammatory markers in the hippocampus, suggesting its potential to counteract age-related brain damage.
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Over-expression of K+ channels has been reported in human cancers and is associated with the poor prognosis of several malignancies. EAG1, a particular potassium ion channel, is widely expressed in the brain but poorly expressed in other normal tissues. Kunitz proteins are dominant in metazoan including the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus.

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Article Synopsis
  • Echinococcus granulosus has a complex life cycle that relies on specific transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs to regulate gene expression during its development.
  • The study identified 394 unique TFs and 818 differentially expressed genes, leading to a network involving 8 specific miRNAs and 8 TFs that influence the parasite’s metabolic processes.
  • By validating TF expression through quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the research highlights potential targets for interrupting the parasite's development and controlling dog infections.
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  • Early exposure to phytoestrogens like those found in fennel and flax may lead to long-term changes in ovarian epigenetics and estrogen receptor expression in offspring.
  • *Pregnant mice were given fennel and flaxseed extracts during gestation and lactation, with results showing significant changes in mRNA levels of key epigenetic enzymes and estrogen receptors in their female offspring.
  • *The study indicates that while fennel and flaxseed may positively influence ovarian function and estrogen signaling, further research is needed before considering their use in humans due to potential health implications.
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Background: GP63, also known as Leishmanolysin, is a multifunctional virulence factor abundant on the surface of spp. small peptides with anticancer capabilities that are selective and toxic to cancer cells are known as anticancer peptides. We aimed to demonstrate the activity of GP63 and its anticancer properties on melanoma using a range of tools and screening methods to identify predicted and designed anticancer peptides.

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  • Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a significant global health issue caused by a type of tapeworm, with unclear mechanisms of how the disease develops in its intermediate hosts.
  • In this study, researchers cultivated protoscoleces (the larval stage of the parasite) for 105 days to observe the effects of growth factors insulin and BMP-4 on the morphology and biology of microcysts.
  • Findings showed that treatment with insulin and BMP-4 led to increased microcyst formation and size, reduced apoptosis, and altered calcium deposition, indicating these hormones potentially influence the progression of the disease.
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Purpose: Cuminaldehyde (CA), an oxidized aldehyde monoterpene, is a major essential oil component in cumin seeds, which has shown different promising medical effects. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the antileishmanial potential of Bunium persicum (Boiss) B. Fedtsch (Apiaceae) and one of its main essential oil constituents, CA, focus on the mechanisms of action.

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Sumac has been traditionally used by people as a medicinal plant for the treatment of different disorders. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the major zoonotic diseases of human with a worldwide distribution. Long term albendazole therapy is usually associated with side effects including impaired liver function and leukopenia.

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Cystic echinococcosis or hydatid disease is one of the most important zoonotic parasitic diseases caused by Echinococcus granulosus, a small tapeworm harbored in the intestine of canines. There is an urgent need for applied genetic research to understand the mechanisms of pathogenesis and disease control and prevention. However, the lack of an effective gene evaluation system impedes direct interpretation of the functional genetics of cestode parasites, including the Echinococcus species.

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The prompt detection of human papillomavirus and discrimination of its genotypes by combining conventional methods in new molecular laboratories is essential to achieve the global call of eliminating cervical cancer. After predicting the melting temperature of an approximately 221 bp region of the L1 gene from different HPV genotypes by bioinformatics software, an innovative technique based on the nested- high resolution melting was designed with three approaches and using conventional PCR, qPCR, and diagnostic standards. HPV-positive samples identified by microarray along with diagnostic standards were evaluated by qPCR-HRM and discordant results were subjected to sequencing and analyzed in silico using reference types.

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Article Synopsis
  • MicroRNAs play a significant role in aging, with trehalose showing protective effects on neurons.
  • Trehalose was administered to aged and young rats, and while it improved learning and memory in older rats, it had no noticeable effect on younger ones.
  • The study found that trehalose increased miR-181c expression in treated rats, suggesting that it may help combat age-related cognitive decline through this microRNA.
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