Evaluation of IL-38, a Newly-introduced Cytokine, in Sera of Vitiligo Patients and Its Relation to Clinical Features.

Introduction: Vitiligo is thought to be an autoimmune disorder caused by melanocytes dysfunction and depigmentation. Among different executors of the immune system in developing the disease, the role of various cytokines has been defined.

Objectives: We have focused on IL-38, the tenth member of IL-1 cytokine family with a proposed anti-inflammatory role, which has not hitherto been introduced as an anti-inflammatory factor in vitiligo.

The enzymatic synthesis of lactose caprate using lipase immobilized into ZIF-8 and investigation of its anticancer applications against K562 leukemia and HeLa cancer cells.

In this study, a lactose fatty acid ester was enzymatically synthesised using immobilized lipase (CRL). Its anticancer property against K562 leukemia and HeLa cancer cells was carefully investigated. In the first step, a strategy was applied to encapsulate CRL into a microporous zeolite imidazolate framework called ZIF-8.

New anthracene-based Oxime-Palladium complexes loaded on albumin nanoparticles, in vitro cytotoxicity, mathematical release mechanism studies and biological macromolecules interaction investigation.

In this research work, two new palladium complexes [trans-Pd(C15H10NOCH3)2]Cl2 (1) and [cis- Pd(C15H10NOCH3)(PPh3)2Cl]Cl (2) were synthesized using an alkoxyme ligand named isophethalaldoxime. Then structure characterization has been done by FT-IR and different NMR (H, C and P) spectroscopy. Then, their interactions with biological macromolecules including deoxyribonucleic acid and bovine serum albumin were studied using various spectroscopic methods such as UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence emission spectroscopy and circular dichroism.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms rs7799039 and rs2167270 in leptin gene and elevated serum levels of adiponectin predispose Iranians to Behçet's disease.

Background: Behçet's Disease (BD) is a chronic autoimmune disease with unknown etiology. Adipokines due to their roles in the regulation of immune responses might be important in the induction and progression of BD.

Subjects And Methods: This case-control study included 340 patients with BD and 310 healthy controls.

FOXP3 Gene Variants in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Association with Disease Susceptibility in Men and Relationship with Abortion in Women.

Background: FOXP3, an important transcription factor of regulatory T cells has shown a contribution to the development of various autoimmune diseases.

Objectives: To investigate the influence of FOXP3 polymorphisms (rs3761548 and rs2294021) on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility and patients' characteristics.

Methods: Genotyping was performed on 265 patients with SLE and 404 healthy controls using PCR-RFLP.

Accelerated co-cultured dendritic cell (acDC) loaded with autologous apoptotic bodies might be a promising approach for antigen delivery.

Antigens derived from engulfed apoptotic bodies that are presented by dendritic cells can amplify Ag-specific T-cells. Accelerated co-cultured DC (acDC) strategy keeps lymphocytes in contact with differentiating DCs. Therefore, Ag-specific T-cell activation can occur during DC maturation.

Obesity and Adipose Tissue-derived Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by demyelination, neuronal loss, and permanent neurological impairments. The etiology of MS is not clearly understood, but genetics and environmental factors can affect the susceptibility of individuals. Obesity or a body mass index of (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 is associated with serious health consequences such as lipid profile abnormalities, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, reduced levels of vitamin D, and a systemic lowgrade inflammatory state.

Gene Expression in Renal Transplantation Patients.

Background: It has been well-documented that the Fc receptor-like (FCRL) molecule contributes to the pathogenesis of certain autoimmune disorders. FCRL molecules belong to the immunoglobulin superfamily produced by B cells. Also, these molecules induce activating or inhibitory signals of B cells.

Decreased serum levels of IL-27and IL-35 in patients with Graves disease.

Objective: Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disease causing the overproduction of the thyroid hormone from thyroid gland. This disease is mainly the result of the production of antibodies against TSH receptors. Cytokines play an important role in orchestrating the pathophysiology in autoimmune thyroid disease.

In vitro-derived insulin-producing cells modulate Th1 immune responses and induce IL-10 in streptozotocin-induced mouse model of pancreatic insulitis.

Background: Insulitis is defined by the presence of immune cells infiltrating in the pancreatic islets that might progress into the complete β-cell loss. The immunomodulatory properties of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have attracted much attention. This study aimed to evaluate the possible immunomodulatory effects of rat BM-MSCs and MSCs-derived insulin-producing cells (IPCs) in a mouse model of pancreatic insulitis.

Interleukin-27 gene variant rs153109 is associated with enhanced cytokine serum levels and susceptibility to Behçet's disease in the Iranian population.

Behcet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis, characterized by recurrent oral aphthous, genital ulcers, ocular lesions, and other organ involvement. Interleukin (IL)-27 with its pro- and anti-inflammatory effects might be an important effective cytokine in this disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of IL-27 serum concentration and a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs153109 (-964 A > G) with the risk and clinical features of the patients with BD.

The role of FOXP3 rs3761548 and rs2294021 polymorphisms in pediatrics acute lymphoblastic leukemia: association with risk and response to therapy.

FOXP3 X-linked gene has crucial roles in the development and function of regulatory T cells. We investigated the association of FOXP3 rs3761548, rs3761549 and rs2294021 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) susceptibility and response to therapy. Genotyping was performed in 247 patients and 210 healthy subjects.

Experimental and theoretical studies of Palladium-hydrazide complexes' interaction with DNA and BSA, in vitro cytotoxicity activity and plasmid cleavage ability.

New palladium complexes with general formula trans-[Pd(L)(OAc)] (1,2), (L = Benzhydrazide and 2-Furoic hydrazide) have been synthesized and characterized with various methods including elemental analysis, FT-IR, HNMR and mass spectroscopy. Afterward their interactions with bovine serum albumin and calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid have been investigated by UV-vis absorption, fluorescence emission and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Also, site-selective replacement experiments with site probes have been carried out.

Elevated IL-38 Serum Levels in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis and Systemic Sclerosis Patients.

Objective: Interleukin (IL)-38 is a newly discovered member of the IL-1 cytokine family with a proposed anti-inflammatory profile. We studied the probable role of this cytokine in the pathogenesis of two autoimmune diseases: multiple sclerosis (MS) and systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Subjects And Methods: A total of 87 MS patients and 86 SSc patients (40 new and recently untreated cases and 46 treated cases) were selected for this study.

Potent cyclometallated Pd(II) antitumor complexes bearing α-amino acids: synthesis, structural characterization, DNA/BSA binding, cytotoxicity and molecular dynamics simulation.

A rational approach was adopted to design high-potential metal-based antitumor agents. A series of organometallic Pd(ii) complexes with a general formula of [Pd{κ2(C,C)-[(C6H4-2)PPh2]CH(CO)C6H4Ph-4}{κ2(N,O)}] (N,O = alanine (Pd-A), valine (Pd-V), leucine (Pd-L), l-isoleucine (Pd-I) and phenylalanine (Pd-F)) were prepared by cyclopalladation of the phosphorus ylide, bridge cleavage reaction and subsequent chelation of natural α-amino acids. The complexes were fully identified using IR and multinuclear 1H, 13C, 31P NMR spectroscopic methods.

Piperine from Black Pepper Decreased the Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Macrophages.

Background: Macrophages are the main players involved in inflammation. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) facilitates macrophage polarization prior to extravasation into inflamed tissue. Piperine, a natural product derived from black pepper, possesses useful biological and pharmacological activities.

In Vitro Effects of Sodium Benzoate on the Expression of T Cells-related Cytokines and Transcription Factors in Adjuvant-induced Arthritis Model.

Though the exact etiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unknown, the contribution of immune cells in the disease process is completely acknowledged. T helper (Th) 1 and Th17-related cytokines are required for the disease development and progression, while Th2 and regulatory T cells (Tregs)-derived cytokines are protective. Studies have shown that sodium benzoate (NaB) can switch the balance of Th cell subsets toward Th2 and Tregs.

Designing a multi-epitope vaccine against blood-stage of Plasmodium falciparum by in silico approaches.

Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe form of malaria disease and is the major cause of infection-related mortalities in the world. Due to increasing in P. falciparum resistance to the first-line antimalarial drugs, an effective vaccine for the control and elimination of malaria infection is urgent.

Anti-leukemic activity of occurs by apoptosis in human cells.

Failure of apoptosis contributes to leukemia progression. We investigated extracts of a native Iranian plant, , for possible anti-leukemia activity by induction of apoptosis and changes to the cell cycle. Growth inhibition caused by aqueous, butanol, dichloromethane and hexane extracts of on K562 and Jurkat leukemia cells was assessed using a colorimetric assay.

IL-38 serum levels in patients with Behcet's disease and the relationship with clinical features.

Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disorder. Various cytokines take part in the pathogenesis of this disease. Interleukin (IL)-38, a new member of IL-1 cytokine family, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties; however, its role in BD has not been investigated yet.

IL-35 and IL-18 Serum Levels in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: The Relationship With Prognostic Factors.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of cancer among children. In this study, we investigated the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-35 and IL-18 in children with ALL to compare with healthy subjects and find their relationship with prognostic factors and response to therapy. IL-35 and IL-18 serum concentrations in 40 children diagnosed with ALL and 35 age-matched and sex-matched healthy children were measured using ELISA.

A novel Cu(II) distorted cubane complex containing CuO core as the first tetranuclear catalyst for temperature dependent oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butyl catechol and in interaction with DNA & protein (BSA).

The tri-dentate Schiff base ligand 3-(2-hydroxyethylimino)-1-phenylbut-1-en-1-ol (L) produced the tetra-nuclear Cu(II) distorted cubane complex which contain CuO core, upon reaction with Cu(II)acetate.HO. The complex was structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography and found that, in this tetrameric and tetra-nuclear distorted cubane structure, each two-fold deprotonated Schiff base ligand coordinated to a Cu(II) center with their alcoholic oxygens and imine nitrogens and formed six and five-membered chelate rings.

Fas, FasL and Foxp3 gene expression in post-liver transplant autoimmune hepatitis patients with and without acute rejection.

Aim Of The Study: In this study we investigated Fas, FasL and Foxp3 expression in relation to liver graft rejection and its severity in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients.

Material And Methods: Twenty-three AIH patients including five post-transplant patients with acute rejection (AR) and 18 patients without AR (non-AR) were studied for Fas, FasL and Foxp3 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells on days 1, 3 and 7 after transplantation by real-time PCR. The relationships between gene expression and clinical features were determined.

Design and Synthesis of Gatekeeper Coated Dendritic Silica/Titania Mesoporous Nanoparticles with Sustained and Controlled Drug Release Properties for Targeted Synergetic Chemo-Sonodynamic Therapy.

New dendritic silica/titania mesoporous nanoparticles (DSTNs) loaded with curcumin (CUR) were synthesized and coated with polyethylenimine-folic acid groups (PEI-FA) for an ultrasound (US)-triggered drug release and combined chemo-sonodynamic therapy. The PEI-FA groups play a gatekeeper role, strongly encapsulate the CUR molecules inside the nanocarrier, and prevent the unwanted premature release by blocking the mesoporous channels. The results showed that the specific cancer cell uptake is improved by FA groups on the surfaces of DSTNs via receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Allium vegetables for possible future of cancer treatment.

Natural resources such as plants are an upright curing option in treating cancers and reducing the side effects of current therapeutic modalities. Allium genus vegetables are of the most interesting herbs in restricting cancers that includes garlic, onions, leeks, chives, and shallots. These plants have been exploited in folk medicine because of their beneficial health effects in improving numerous diseases.