Nafiseh Keshavarzian

Bio: Nafiseh Keshavarzian is an academic researcher from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services. The author has contributed to research in topics: CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide & Osteoblast. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 2 publications receiving 3 citations.

Evaluation of Leishmanization Using Iranian Lizard Leishmania Mixed With CpG-ODN as a Candidate Vaccine Against Experimental Murine Leishmaniasis.

Abstract: Background and Objectives: The live non-pathogenic Leishmania tarantolae has recently provided a promising approach as an effective vaccine candidate against experimental leishmaniasis (ILL). Here, we evaluated the immunoprotective potential of the live Iranian Lizard Leishmania mixed with CpG adjuvant against L. major infection in BALB/c mice. Methods: Four groups of female BALB/c mice were included in the study. The first and second groups received PBS and CpG, respectively. The immunized groups received 2 × 105 ILL promastigotes and the CpG-mixed ILL (ILL+CpG). Injections were performed subcutaneously in the right footpad. Three weeks later, all mice were challenged with 2 × 105 metacyclic promastigotes of Leishmania major EGFP ; inoculation was done in the left footpad. The measurement of footpad swelling and in vivo fluorescent imaging were used to evaluate disease progress during infection course. Eight weeks after challenge, all mice were sacrificed and the cytokines levels (IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10) and sera antibodies concentrations (IgG2a and IgG1) using ELISA assay, nitric oxide production using Griess assay, and arginase activity in cultured splenocytes, were measured. In addition, direct fluorescent microscopy analysis and qPCR assay were used to quantify the splenic parasite burden. Result: The results showed that mice immunized with ILL+CpG were protected against the development of the dermal lesion. Moreover, they showed a significant reduction in the parasite load, in comparison to the control groups. The observed protection was associated with higher production of IFN-γ, as well as a reduction in IL-4 level. Additionally, the results demonstrated that arginase activity was decreased in ILL+CpG group compared to other groups. Conclusion: Immunization using ILL+CpG induces a protective immunity; indicating that ILL with an appropriate adjuvant would be a suitable choice for vaccination against leishmaniasis.

Investigation of osteoblast-like cells cultured on nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan based composite scaffold in the treatment of bone defects and limited mobility

Abstract: Objective(s): Design and construction of biocompatible and biodegradable scaffolds are among the main goals of tissue engineering. Recently, use of nano-hydroxyapatite as a bioactive bioceramic agent with high similarity to the mineral phase of the human bone tissue, in combination with biodegradable polymers and implant coatings has attracted the attention of researchers in the field of biomaterial sciences. The present study aimed to assess the differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in osteoblast-like cells on the chitosan/polyethylene oxide (PEO)/nano-hydroxyapatite scaffold in mature rats.Materials and Methods: Chitosan and PEO solution with the weight ratio of 80:20 and 70:30 were prepared, and 2% weight of nano-hydroxyapatite was added. Nanofibers were prepared using the electrospinning method, and the morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Afterwards, the BMSCs of mature rats were cultured on nanofibers and differentiated by adding a differentiation medium. The survival of the differentiated cells was evaluated at the end of the first, second, and third week using acridine orange staining, and the morphology of the differentiated cells exposed to nanofibers was assessed using SEM. Results: The mean diameter of the nanofibers with the ratio of 80:20 was 150±17 nanometers. The differentiation of BMSCs into the osteoblast-like cells on nanofibers was confirmed using Alizarin red staining. The results indicated a significant decrease in the survival of the differentiated cells in the nanofiber groups by the end of the third week of differentiation compared to the control samples.Conclusion: According to the results, BMSCs could be differentiated into osteoblast-like cells in the presence of the chitosan/PEO nanofibers containing nano-hydroxyapatite.

Chitosan-based nano-scaffolds as antileishmanial wound dressing in BALB/c mice treatment: Characterization and design of tissue regeneration

Abstract: Objective(s): Rapid healing of cutaneous leishmaniasis as one of the most important parasitic diseases leads to the decrease of scars and prevention of a great threat to the looks of the affected people. Today, the use of nano-scaffolds is rapidly increasing in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine with structures similar to the target tissue. Chitosan (CS) is a bioactive polymer with antimicrobial and accelerating features of healing wounds, which is commonly used in biomedicine. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CS/polyethylene oxide (PEO)/berberine (BBR) nanofibers on the experimental ulcers of Leishmania major in BALB/c mice.Materials and Methods: CS/PEO/BBR nanofibers were prepared by the electrospinning method, and their morphology was examined by SEM, TEM, and AFM. Then, water absorption, stability, biocompatibility, porosity, and drug release from nano-scaffolds were explored. Afterward, 28 BALB/c mice infected with the parasite were randomly divided into control and experimental groups, and their wounds were dressed with the produced nano-scaffolds. Finally, the effect of nanobandage on the animals was investigated by macroscopic, histopathologic, and in vivo imaging examinations.Results: The prepared nanofibers were completely uniform, cylindrical, bead-free, and biocompatible with an average diameter of 94±12 nm and had appropriate drug release. In addition, the reduced skin ulcer diameter (P=0.000), parasite burden (P=0.003), changes in the epidermis (P=0.023), and dermis (P=0.032) indicated significantly strong effectiveness of the produced nano-scaffolds against leishmania ulcers. Conclusion: Studies showed that CS/PEO/BBR nanofibers have a positive effect on the rapid healing of leishmania ulcers. Future studies should focus on other chronic ulcers treatment.

Leishmania tarentolae: A new frontier in the epidemiology and control of the leishmaniases

Abstract: Abstract Leishmaniasis (or the leishmaniases), classified as a neglected tropical parasitic disease, is found in parts of the tropics, subtropics and southern Europe. Leishmania parasites are transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies and million cases of human infection occur annually. Leishmania tarentolae has been historically considered a non‐pathogenic protozoan of reptiles, which has been studied mainly for its potential biotechnological applications. However, some strains of L. tarentolae appear to be transiently infective to mammals. In areas where leishmaniasis is endemic, recent molecular diagnostics and serological positivity to L. tarentolae in humans and dogs have spurred interest in the interactions between these mammalian hosts, reptiles and Leishmania infantum, the main aetiologic agent of human and canine leishmaniasis. In this review, we discuss the systematics and biology of L. tarentolae in the insect vectors and the vertebrate hosts and address questions about evolution of reptilian leishmaniae. Furthermore, we discuss the possible usefulness of L. tarentolae for new vaccination strategies.

Investigation the Effect of Silver Nanoparticles and Bioresonance Wave Radiation on Leishmania major: An In Vitro Study

Abstract: Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the infectious diseases and health problems in tropical regions. Glucantime is commonly used to treat CL and it, not only has some side effects but also observation shows the drug resistance of some of the various Leishmania species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and bioresonance waves on Leishmania, in vitro. Materials and Methods: In the present experimental study, Leishmania major promastigotes were cultured in RPMI-1640 supplemented with 10% FBS and 1% penicillin and streptomycin at 23°C. After 6 days, the parasites achieved stationary phases of promastigotes, Then the effects of different concentrations of AgNPs (1, 3, 5, 10 and 25 μg/mL) and different radiation times of bioresonance wave (5 and 20 minutes) were investigated. Herein, the effects of various treatment on parasites proliferation were evaluated with live promastigotes counting after 24, 48 and 72 hours treatment. Results: The parasite count showed that the various concentrations of AgNPs, radiation of bioresonance wave and combination significantly decreased the numbers of live promastigotes over time compared with the control group after 72 hours. The highest antileishmanial activity was seen for AgNPs at concentration of 1 μg/mL when combined with 20 minutes radiation of bioresonance wave (proliferation inhibition: 79.92%). Conclusions: Based on our result, AgNPs and bioresonance waves are potent antileishmanial agents. The authors declare that the more studies should be done.