Association of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Asthma Disease in Western Iran.

Asthma is a complex disease caused by a combination of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is involved in the pathogenesis of asthma by inactivating bradykinin, substance P, and neurokinin A. It has been shown that the level of ACE variation in serum is associated with an insertion-deletion (I/D) polymorphism.

Association of AHSG gene polymorphisms with serum Fetuin-A levels in individuals with cardiovascular calcification in west of Iran.

Fetuin-A (AHSG) is a multifunctional secretory protein and acts as an ectopic valve and artery calcification inhibitor. We assessed the correlation between serum levels of Fetuin-A and both exon 6 (248 C/T) and exon 7 (256 C/G) mutations in patients with coronary artery calcification (CAC), mitral annular calcification (MAC), and aortic valve calcification (AVC). 184 patients and 184 healthy individuals as control group were included.

Effects of temozolomide on U87MG glioblastoma cell expression of CXCR4, MMP2, MMP9, VEGF, anti-proliferatory cytotoxic and apoptotic properties.

Temozolomide is an alkylating agent which is used in glioblastoma treatment. We aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of temozolomide and exposure time on U87MG glioblastoma cell expression of CXCR4, MMP2, MMP9 and VEGF. U87MG cells were cultured in different temozolomide concentrations and incubation time and the effects of temozolomide on inducing apoptosis was investigated.

Erratum to epidemiology, incidence and mortality of lung cancer and their relationship with the development index in the world.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2016.

Study of Serum Malondialdehyde Level in Opioid and Methamphetamine Dependent Patients.

Opioid compound and methamphetamine are commonly used in drug abuse; these can disrupt the normal function of cellular and molecular systems, leading to several events such as oxidative stress, aging, apoptosis, and necrosis. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is the most important biomarker for evaluation of oxidative stress and determination of lipid peroxidation. In this study, 42 drug abusers and 22 healthy persons participated as case and control groups, respectively.

Incidence and Mortality of Nasopharynx Cancer and Its Relationship With Human Development Index in the World in 2012.

Background: One of the most common cancers in head and neck is nasopharynx. Knowledge about the incidence and mortality of this disease and its distribution in terms of geographical areas is necessary for further study, better planning and prevention. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the incidence and mortality of nasopharynx cancer and its relationship with human development index (HDI) in the world in 2012.

A Practical Non-Extraction Direct Liquid Chromatography Method for Determination of Thiopurine S-Methyltransferase Activity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Thiopurine drugs remain pivotal therapies for the wide varieties of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) phenotype, the main metabolizing enzyme of thiopurine-drugs, was studied. This is for the first time that TPMT activity is measured in Iranian IBD patients.

Silymarin (Livergol®) Decreases Disease Activity Score in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Non-randomized Single-arm Clinical Trial.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease, which can lead to joint destruction and disability. Pannus formation due to chronic synovitis is the hallmark of RA. Oxidative stress as a consequence of immune cell activation and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs can prevent inflammation and tissue destruction.

Epidemiology, incidence and mortality of lung cancer and their relationship with the development index in the world.

Background: The highest incidence of lung cancer is seen in North America and the lowest incidence in central Africa. Socioeconomic factors of inequality reflect regional disparities in human development. Due to the importance of awareness about incidence and mortality of lung cancer in health programming and the possible role of the human development index (HDI), this study was done with the aim to investigate the epidemiology of lung cancer in the world and its relationship with HDI.