Etiopathogenesis of Psoriasis from Genetic Perspective: An updated Review.

Psoriasis is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by the aberrant proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes, leading to skin lesions. Abnormal immune responses mediated by T cells and dendritic cells and increased production of inflammatory cytokines have been suggested as underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Emerging evidence suggests that there is a heritable basis for psoriatic disorders.

An overview on the treatments and prevention against COVID-19.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to plague the world. While COVID-19 is asymptomatic in most individuals, it can cause symptoms like pneumonia, ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), and death in others. Although humans are currently being vaccinated with several COVID-19 candidate vaccines in many countries, however, the world still is relying on hygiene measures, social distancing, and approved drugs.

Is non-high-density lipoprotein associated with metabolic syndrome? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Novel atherogenic lipid indices, including non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) which is calculated by subtracting the HDL-C value from the total cholesterol level, atherogenic index (ratio between triglycerides (TG) and HDL-C concentrations (TG/HDL-C)), and Diff-C (calculated by subtracting low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) from non-HDL-C), have been known as valuable predictors of dyslipidemia and subsequent cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have reported the potential association of novel atherogenic lipid indices with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled association of novel atherogenic lipid indices with MetS or its components.

The regenerative potential of glial progenitor cells and reactive astrocytes in CNS injuries.

Cell therapeutic approaches focusing on the regeneration of damaged tissue have been a popular topic among researchers in recent years. In particular, self-repair scarring from the central nervous system (CNS) can significantly complicate the treatment of an injured patient. In CNS regeneration schemes, either glial progenitor cells or reactive glial cells have key roles to play.

Post-traumatic stress disorder and mental health assessment of seafarers working on ocean-going vessels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: There are increasing concerns about mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic among seafarers. This study aims to assess the effects of the current global health pandemic on life satisfaction and adverse psychological outcomes among seafarers.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 470 multinational seafarers working on board ships of two international shipping companies were assessed.

Effect of curcumin on C-reactive protein as a biomarker of systemic inflammation: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

It has been suggested that curcumin is a potential agent for lowering the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), as markers of inflammation. In the current meta-analysis, we attempted to clarify the efficacy of curcumin supplementation in lowering the concentrations of CRP and hs-CRP in patients with autoinflammatory conditions. Nine studies were found evaluating the effect of curcumin on CRP levels, while 23 studies were identified for hs-CRP.

Implications for the role of lipopolysaccharide in the development of atherosclerosis.

Mounting scientific evidence over decades has established that atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder. Among the potentially critical sources of vascular inflammation during atherosclerosis are the components of pathogenic bacteria, especially lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, expressed on different inflammatory cells involved with the recognition of bacterial LPS, has been recognized to have mutations that are prevalent in a number of ethnic groups.

Effect of resveratrol on C-reactive protein: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

We conducted a meta-analysis on the available randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to assess the role of resveratrol in lowering C-reactive protein (CRP) and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels, as markers of inflammation, in various inflammatory disorders. Literature search through Medline/PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library yielded 35 RCTs (24 studies for hs-CRP and 11 studies for CRP). Pooled results revealed that resveratrol supplementation significantly reduced the hs-CRP (MWD = -0.

Implications on the Therapeutic Potential of Statins Modulation of Autophagy.

Statins, which are functionally known as 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) inhibitors, are lipid-lowering compounds widely prescribed in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Several biological and therapeutic functions have been attributed to statins, including neuroprotection, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and anticancer effects. Pharmacological characteristics of statins have been attributed to their involvement in the modulation of several cellular signaling pathways.

Pre-Clinical Evaluation of the Nanoliposomal antiPCSK9 Vaccine in Healthy Non-Human Primates.

Background: Our previous studies showed the safe preventive and therapeutic effects of immunization using the nanoliposomal antiPCSK9 vaccine called "Liposomal Immunogenic Fused PCSK9-Tetanus plus Alum adjuvant" (L-IFPTA), in mouse models of atherosclerosis. Here we aimed to ascertain the immunogenicity and safety of the L-IFPTA vaccine in a pre-clinical study in healthy non-human primates.

Methods: Five male rhesus macaque monkeys were subcutaneously immunized with the L-IFPTA vaccine, four times with bi-weekly intervals.

Effects of Statins on Renin-Angiotensin System.

Statins, a class of drugs for lowering serum LDL-cholesterol, have attracted attention because of their wide range of pleiotropic effects. An important but often neglected effect of statins is their role in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) pathway. This pathway plays an integral role in the progression of several diseases including hypertension, heart failure, and renal disease.

Effect of curcumin on proinflammatory cytokines: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

It has been suggested that curcumin has the potential for lowering inflammation. In the current meta-analysis, we attempted to clarify the efficacy of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in reducing concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in patients with an inflammatory background. The main databases were searched to identify eligible trials evaluating the effect of curcumin in reducing IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in serum up to March 2021.

COVID-19 Is an Endothelial Disease: Implications of Nitric Oxide.

Endothelial cells are a clinically important infection site for COVID-19, both as a mechanism for disease pathogenesis and as a therapeutic target. People with dysfunctional endothelium, defined by nitric oxide deficiency, appear to have a more severe disease course. As such, nitric oxide has therapeutic potential to mitigate COVID-19 severity.

Statins Attenuate Fibrotic Manifestations of Cardiac Tissue Damage.

Cardiac fibrosis is a maladaptive condition secondary to cardiomyopathy caused by a wide spectrum of stimuli, including myocardial infarction (MI), pressure overload, hyperglycemia, aging, and other factors. Despite having been supposed to be a reparative mechanism, the development of cardiac fibrosis can result in undesirable outcomes like the disruption of excitation-contraction coupling and ventricular hypertrophy, leading finally to heart failure (HF). Statins are known as potent cardioprotective agents widely used to control dyslipidemia; these drugs have exhibited protective effects against manifestations of cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy.

Implications of microRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis and Prospects for Therapy.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs containing around 22 nucleotides, which are expressed in vertebrates and plants. They act as posttranscriptional gene expression regulators, fine-tuning various biological processes in different cell types. There is emerging evidence on their role in different stages of atherosclerosis.

The potential of mitochondrial modulation by neuroglobin in treatment of neurological disorders.

Neuroglobin is the third member of the globin family to be identified in 2000 in neurons of both human and mouse nervous systems. Neuroglobin is an oxygen-binding globin found in neurons within the central nervous system as well as in peripheral neurons, that produces a protective effect against hypoxic/ischemic damage induced by promoting oxygen availability within the mitochondria. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that impaired neuroglobin functioning is implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative disorders.

Prospects for the potential of RNA interference in the treatment of autoimmune diseases: Small interfering RNAs in the spotlight.

The identification of RNA interference (RNAi) has caused a growing interest in harnessing its potential in the treatment of different diseases. Modulation of dysregulated genes through targeting by RNAi represents a potential approach with which to alter the biological pathways at a post-transcriptional level, especially as it pertains to autoimmunity and malignancy. Short hairpin RNAs (shRNA), short interfering RNAs (siRNA), and microRNAs (miRNA) are mainly involved as effector mechanisms in the targeting of RNAi biological pathways.

Antiviral effects of statins.

Introducing statins as possible widely-available drugs for the treatment of viral infections requires an in depth review of their antiviral properties. Despite some inconsistency, a large body of literature data from experimental and clinical studies suggest that statins may have a role in the treatment of viral infections due to their immunomodulatory properties as well as their ability to inhibit viral replication. In the present review, the role that statins may play while interacting with the immune system during viral infections and the possible inhibitory effects of statins on different stages of virus cell cycle (i.

The Role of MicroRNAs in Regulating Cytokines and Growth Factors in Coronary Artery Disease: The Ins and Outs.

Coronary artery diseases (CAD), as a leading cause of mortality around the world, has attracted the researchers' attention for years to find out its underlying mechanisms and causes. Among the various key players in the pathogenesis of CAD cytokines, microRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial. In this study, besides providing a comprehensive overview of the involvement of cytokines, growth factors, and miRNAs in CAD, the interplay between miRNA with cytokine or growth factors during the development of CAD is discussed.

Correction to: Effect of selenium supplementation on antioxidant markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The original version of this article, published on 10 December 2019 contained a mistake.

Epigenetic control of atherosclerosis via DNA methylation: A new therapeutic target?

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which lipid-laden plaques are developed inside the vessel walls of arteries. The immune system is activated, resulting in inflammation and oxidative stress. Endothelial cells (ECs) are activated, arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) proliferate, macrophages are activated, and foam cells are developed, leading to dysfunctional ECs.

Determinants of childhood blood pressure using structure equation model: the CASPIAN-V study.

Background: Childhood hypertension is a predictor of later diseases, increases the risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adulthood and results in major economic burdens. The purpose of this study was to investigate the direct and indirect effect of anthropometric, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors on blood pressure (BP) in a large population-based sample of children and adolescents using a path analysis.

Methods: This multi-centric nationwide study was performed on students aged 7-18 years.

The pivotal role of CD69 in autoimmunity.

Autoimmune disorders are outcomes of impaired activity of the immune system regarding the maintenance of tolerance, which results in tissue damage secondary to an excess in the inflammatory response. Under normal conditions, the cells in the adaptive immune system are highly controlled to remain unresponsive against self-antigens (self-Ags) through various mechanisms and during different stages of maturation. CD69 (cluster of differentiation 69), a C-type lectin disulfide-linked homodimer, is expressed on different leukocytes, including newly-activated lymphocytes, certain subtypes of memory T-cells, infiltrating lymphocytes isolated from patients with chronic inflammatory disorders, and regulatory T-cells (Tregs).