Kamyar Moradi

Bio: Kamyar Moradi is an academic researcher from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Medicine & Placebo. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 22 publications receiving 46 citations.

Isolated Hypothyroxinemia in Iranian Pregnant Women, the Role of Iodine Deficiency: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract: Background: Thyroid disorders such as subclinical hypothyroidism and isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia are understudied in pregnant women, despite their possible adverse effects on the health of m...

Efficacy and safety of tipepidine as adjunctive therapy in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Abstract: Aim This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of tipepidine as an add-on to methylphenidate in the drug treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods This study was an 8-week, randomized, parallel group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial recruiting 53 ADHD-diagnosed children. Patients were randomly divided to receive methylphenidate + tipepidine or methylphenidate + placebo for 8 weeks. Participants were assessed using the parent version of ADHD Rating Scale-IV and the Clinical Global Impression scale at baseline, at week 4, and at the end of the trial. Moreover, the safety and tolerability of the treatment strategies were compared. Results On general linear model repeated measures analysis a significant effect was seen for time × treatment interaction on the total and hyperactivity-impulsivity subscales of the Parent ADHD Rating Scale-IV during the trial period (Greenhouse-Geisser corrected: F = 3.45, d.f. = 1.52, P = 0.049, and F = 5.17, d.f. = 1.52, P = 0.014, respectively). The effect for time × treatment interaction, however, was not significant on Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale (Greenhouse-Geisser corrected: F = 1.79, d.f. = 1.43, P = 0.182). The frequencies of adverse events were similar between the two groups. Conclusion Eight weeks of treatment with tipepidine, as a supplementary medication, resulted in satisfactory efficacy and safety of the adjuvant therapy in management of patients with ADHD. Rigorous investigations, however, involving larger sample sizes, more extended treatment periods, and dose responses should be considered.

Prednisolone as Adjunctive Treatment to Risperidone in Children With Regressive Type of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of prednisolone as an adjunctive treatment to risperidone, in children with regressive autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS The current 12-week, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial recruited 37 patients with regressive ASD. The participants were allocated to receive either 1 mg/kg per day prednisolone or matched placebo in addition to risperidone. The Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community Edition (ABC-C) scale and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) were used to measure behavioral outcomes at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 of the study course. The primary outcome was the change in ABC-irritability subscale score, whereas the secondary outcomes were the change in scores of other ABC-C subscales, in CARS score, and in the level of inflammatory biomarkers. RESULTS Twenty-six patients completed the 12 weeks of study period. Repeated-measures analysis demonstrated significant effect for time-treatment interaction in the CARS (F (1, 2.23) = 13.22, P < 0.001), as well as 4 subscales of the ABC-C including: irritability (F (1, 2.12) = 3.84, P = 0.026), hyperactivity (F (1, 2.09) = 3.56, P = 0.039), lethargy (F (1, 2.18) = 31.50, P < 0.001), and stereotypy (F (1, 1.89) = 4.04, P = 0.026). However, no significant time-treatment interaction was identified for inappropriate speech subscale (F (1, 2.03) = 1.71, P = 0.191). In addition, inflammatory biomarkers were significantly decreased after 3 months of prednisolone add-on. No significant adverse event was detected during the trial. CONCLUSIONS Prednisolone, as an add-on to risperidone, could remarkably improve core features in children with regressive ASD.

The interplay between gut microbiota and autism spectrum disorders: A focus on immunological pathways.

Abstract: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in social and cognitive activities, stereotypical and repetitive behaviors and restricted areas of interest. A remarkable proportion of ASD patients represent immune dysregulation as well as gastrointestinal complications. Hence, a novel concept has recently emerged, addressing the possible intercommunication between the brain, the immune system, the gut and its commensals. Here, we provide an overview of how gut microbes and their metabolites are associated with neurobehavioral features of ASD through various immunologic mechanisms. Moreover, we discuss the potential therapeutic options that could modify these features.

Zeaxanthin and Lutein: Photoprotectors, Anti-Inflammatories, and Brain Food.

Abstract: This review compares and contrasts the role of carotenoids across the taxa of life—with a focus on the xanthophyll zeaxanthin (and its structural isomer lutein) in plants and humans. Xanthophylls’ multiple protective roles are summarized, with attention to the similarities and differences in the roles of zeaxanthin and lutein in plants versus animals, as well as the role of meso-zeaxanthin in humans. Detail is provided on the unique control of zeaxanthin function in photosynthesis, that results in its limited availability in leafy vegetables and the human diet. The question of an optimal dietary antioxidant supply is evaluated in the context of the dual roles of both oxidants and antioxidants, in all vital functions of living organisms, and the profound impact of individual and environmental context.

Lower Motor Neuron Involvement in ALS Assessed by Motor Unit Number Index (MUNIX): Long-Term Changes and Reproducibility (P6.254)

Abstract: Objective and Background: Motor unit number estimation (MUNE) techniques such as motor unit number index (MUNIX) have been used to quantify lower motor neuron loss and disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study we investigated the consistency of reproducibility of MUNIX in 30 ALS-patients during the course of the disease. Methods: MUNIX was recorded in abductor pollicis brevis and tibialis anterior muscles bilaterally in ALS-patients in two measurements in first and follow-up visit and in healthy controls. Intra-rater reproducibility of MUNIX was evaluated by three statistical methods: interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), correlation coefficient analysis (CCA), and coefficient of variation (CV). Results: We found significant correlation between the first and second measurement of MUNIX in all tested muscles and in the follow-up visit (r ≥ 0.891, p < 0.01). In the ICC analysis, we found good statistically significant reproducibility of MUNIX in all four measured muscles at the follow-up visit (ICC ≥ 0.946, p < 0.01). In the CV analysis at the follow-up visit, there was a CV of MUNIX ranging from 13.90[percnt] to 32.95[percnt]. Conclusions: This study shows good consistency of reproducibility of MUNIX in the course of ALS and highlights its value as a reliable disease progression index. Disclosure: Dr. Fathi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mohammadi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dengler has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boselt has nothing to disclose. Dr. Petri has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kollewe has nothing to disclose.

The microbiota-microglia axis in central nervous system disorders

Abstract: The innate immune system in the central nervous system (CNS) is mainly represented by specialized tissue-resident macrophages, called microglia. In the past years, various species-, host- and tissue-specific as well as environmental factors were recognized that essentially affect microglial properties and functions in the healthy and diseased brain. Host microbiota are mostly residing in the gut and contribute to microglial activation states, for example, via short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) or aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands. Thereby, the gut microorganisms are deemed to influence numerous CNS diseases mediated by microglia. In this review, we summarize recent findings of the interaction between the host microbiota and the CNS in health and disease, where we specifically highlight the resident gut microbiota as a crucial environmental factor for microglial function as what we coin "the microbiota-microglia axis."

Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis and Epilepsy: A Review on Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutics.

Abstract: The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication between the gut and brain, and regulates intestinal homeostasis and the central nervous system via neural networks and neuroendocrine, immune, and inflammatory pathways. The development of sequencing technology has evidenced the key regulatory role of the gut microbiota in several neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Epilepsy is a complex disease with multiple risk factors that affect more than 50 million people worldwide; nearly 30% of patients with epilepsy cannot be controlled with drugs. Interestingly, patients with inflammatory bowel disease are more susceptible to epilepsy, and a ketogenic diet is an effective treatment for patients with intractable epilepsy. Based on these clinical facts, the role of the microbiome and the gut-brain axis in epilepsy cannot be ignored. In this review, we discuss the relationship between the gut microbiota and epilepsy, summarize the possible pathogenic mechanisms of epilepsy from the perspective of the microbiota gut-brain axis, and discuss novel therapies targeting the gut microbiota. A better understanding of the role of the microbiota in the gut-brain axis, especially the intestinal one, would help investigate the mechanism, diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and treatment of intractable epilepsy.