Hepatitis C virus core protein modulates several signaling pathways involved in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is the fifth most common cancer, and hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection plays a major role in HCC development. The molecular mechanisms by which HCV infection leads to HCC are varied. HCV core protein is an important risk factor in HCV-associated liver pathogenesis and can modulate several signaling pathways involved in cell cycle regulation, cell growth promotion, cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. The dysregulation of signaling pathways such as transforming growth factor β(TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), Wnt/β-catenin(WNT), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α(PPARα) by HCV core protein is implicated in the development of HCC. Therefore, it has been suggested that this protein be considered a favorable target for further studies in the development of HCC. In addition, considering the axial role of these signaling pathways in HCC, they are considered druggable targets for cancer therapy. Therefore, using strategies to limit the dysregulation effects of core protein on these signaling pathways seems necessary to prevent HCV-related HCC.     

In vitro effects of l-arginine on motion parameters in ram epididymal sperm

This study investigated concentration/time-dependent effects of l-arginine on motion parameters of epididymal ram sperm in vitro. After incubation of epididymal sperm samples for 45 and 90 min in the presence of l-arginine (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mM), motion parameters were evaluated by computer-aided sperm analysis. Parameters of rapid progressive motility, slow progressive motility, non-progressive motility, and immotility did not show any significant effects at the four concentrations of l-arginine after 45 and 90 min. Three motion parameters, straightness (at 45 min), curvilinear velocity, and straight-line velocity (at 90 min) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased at an l-arginine concentration of 1 mM when compared with controls. Most other motion parameters such as average path velocity, mean angular displacement, amplitude of lateral head displacement, and linearity showed non-significant reduction at an l-arginine concentration of 1 mM at both 45 and 90 min; whereas, wobble and beat cross frequency showed a non-significant increase. In conclusion, low concentrations of l-arginine had little effect on sperm motion parameters; whereas, high concentration of l-arginine significantly decreased specific motion parameters.     

Congenital chordoma of the skin in a lamb (first report)

Chordoma is a rare tumor in human beings and animals that originates from mesoderm-derived notochord. Although many cases of chordoma have been reported in human, dog, cat, rat, mink, and ferret, no report has been previously described in ruminants. This case report describes the clinical and histopathological findings of a congenital chordoma located in the occipital skin area of a 6-day-old, male, Iranian fat-tailed lamb. Histopathologic examination showed non-encapsulated tumor within the deep dermis. The neoplastic tissue consisted of physaliphorous cells with a fine fibrovascular stroma. The physaliphorous cells were immunoreactive with antibodies against vimentin, pancytokeratin, and S100 protein. Therefore, chordoma was diagnosed. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of chordoma in ruminants in the veterinary literature.     

In vitro effects of pentoxifylline on kinematic parameters, capacitation, and acrosome reaction of ram epididymal sperm

To evaluate effects of different concentrations of pentoxifylline, as phosphodiesterase inhibitor, on kinematic parameters, capacitation, and acrosome reaction, spermatozoa were separated from ram caudal epididymis. Epididymal sperm were incubated at concentrations of 0.01 mM, 0.1 mM, 1 mM, and 10 mM pentoxifylline for 60 min. Motion parameters were assessed using the CASA system. Capacitation and acrosome reaction were also evaluated by CTC staining. Pentoxifylline at 0.01 mM appeared significant (P < 0.05) in increasing progressive motility, straight line velocity (VSL), VCL, average path velocity (VAP), average amplitude of lateral head displacement in micrometers (ALH), and mean angular displacement (MAD) and significant (P < 0.05) in decreasing BCF in spermatozoa compared with controls. Pentoxifylline at 10 mM caused a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in progressive motility, VSL, VAP, ALH, LIN, and WOB compared with controls. There was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in uncapacitated spermatozoa but an insignificant rise in capacitated and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa in 0.01 mM pentoxifylline when compared with controls. Capacitated spermatozoa were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in 0.1 mM pentoxifylline, whereas capacitated and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa were insignificantly higher than controls. In 10 mM pentoxifylline, significant increase was observed in capacitated and significant decrease in acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. In conclusion, a low concentration of pentoxifylline was able to increase most kinematic parameters while high concentration had the opposite effect. Pentoxifylline in high concentration increased capacitation but decreased acrosome reaction.     

Melasma and its association with different types of nevi in women: A case-control study

Background

Very little is known about possible association of nevi and melasma. The study objective was to determine if there is an association between melasma and existence of different kinds of nevi.

Methods

In a case-control study, 120 female melasma patients referred to dermatology clinic of Ardabil and 120 patients referred to other specialty clinics who lacked melasma were enrolled after matching for age. Number of different types of nevi including lentigines and melanocytic nevi were compared between case and control group patients. Data were entered into the computer and analyzed by SPSS 13 statistical software.

Results

Mean number of lentigines was 25.5 in melasma group compared to 8 in control group(P < 0.01). Mean number of melanocytic nevi was 13.2 in cases compared to 2.8 in control group(P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that existence of freckles, lentigines and more than three melanocytic nevi were positively related to developing melasma. The chance of melasma increased up to 23 times for patients having more than three melanocytic nevi. Congenital nevi were observed among 10% both in case and control groups. Campbell de morgan angiomas were seen among 26 patients(21.8%) in case group compared to 6 patients(5%) in control group.

Conclusion

Existence of lentigines and melanocytic nevi increases chance of having melasma     

Therapeutic effects of calcium & vitamin D supplementation in women with PCOS

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of calcium &; vitamin D supplementation in infertile women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and to assess levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in these patients.MethodsIn a case control study, 100 infertile PCOS women based on a randomly divided into two groups. Group I (n = 50) were treated with metformin 1500 mg/day, and group II (n = 50) treated with metformin 1500 mg/day plus Calcium 1000 mg/day and Vitamin D 100000 IU/month for 6 months. Patients were followed by transvaginal sonography at first, 3 and 6 months later for evaluating dominant follicle.BMI, menstrual regularity, follicle diameter, pregnancy, serum 25-OH-vitamin D level were matured and compared in two groups.ResultsBMI decreased almost significantly (25.49 ± 1.88 vs 26.28 ± 2.15, p: 0.054) in group II. A better improvement was gained in regulating menstrual abnormalities (70% vs 58%, p: 0.211), follicle maturation (28% vs 22%, p: 0.698), and infertility (18% vs 12%, p: 0.401) in group II compared with group I, but these results were not statistically significant. Eighty three percent of all the PCOS patients showed vitamin D deficiency while 35% were severely deficient. The serum 25-OH-vitamin D mean levels were 13.38 ± 6.48 ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency was recompensed in 74% of the PCOS patients who had taken calcium &; vitamin D supplementation. There was no correlation between BMI and 25-OH-VD before and after the treatment (p ≥ 0.01).ConclusionThis study showed the positive effects of calcium &; vitamin D supplementation on weight loss, follicle maturation, menstrual regularity, and improvement of hyperandrogenism, in infertile women with PCOS.