Tehran University of Medical Sciences

About: Tehran University of Medical Sciences is a education organization based out in Tehran, Iran. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 35661 authors who have published 57234 publications receiving 878523 citations. The organization is also known as: TUMS.

Induction of oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in organophosphorous pesticide manufacturing workers.

Abstract: Oxidative stress status and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were studied in blood samples obtained from 45 organophosphorous (OP)-formulating pesticide workers with a minimum work history of 1 year in the age range of 23-55. Controls were age-matched workers of a food-making factory. They were evaluated for oxidative stress markers, including thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) indicator of lipid peroxidation (LPO), ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) indicator of total anti-oxidant capacity, total thiol (SH) groups and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels in blood and AChE activity in erythrocytes. The results show marked inhibition of AChE activity, increased TBARS, decreased FRAP and decreased thiol group levels in workers. The reduction in activity of AChE correlated well with increased TBARS and decreased FRAP in OP formulators. It is concluded that OP-formulating workers are exposed to more oxidative stress. The measurement of erythrocyte AChE activity in pesticide workers who formulate OPs can be a good monitoring factor and is recommended to be performed in a regular manner.

Regulation of Macrophage Recognition through the Interplay of Nanoparticle Surface Functionality and Protein Corona

Abstract: Using a family of cationic gold nanoparticles (NPs) with similar size and charge, we demonstrate that proper surface engineering can control the nature and identity of protein corona in physiological serum conditions. The protein coronas were highly dependent on the hydrophobicity and arrangement of chemical motifs on NP surface. The NPs were uptaken in macrophages in a corona-dependent manner, predominantly through recognition of specific complement proteins in the NP corona. Taken together, this study shows that surface functionality can be used to tune the protein corona formed on NP surface, dictating the interaction of NPs with macrophages.

Anti-inflammatory MicroRNAs and their potential for inflammatory diseases treatment

Abstract: Inflammation is a complicated biological and pathophysiological cascade of responses to infections and injuries, and inflammatory mechanisms are closely related to many diseases. The magnitude, the complicated network of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors, and the direction of the inflammatory response can impact on the development and progression of various disorders. The currently available treatment strategies often target the symptoms and not the causes of inflammatory disease and may often be ineffective. Since the onset and termination of inflammation are crucial to prevent tissue damage, a range of mechanisms has evolved in nature to regulate the process including negative and positive feedback loops. In this regard, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key gene regulators to control inflammation, and it is speculated that they are fine-tune signaling regulators to allow for proper resolution and prevent uncontrolled progress of inflammatory reactions. In this review, we discuss recent findings related to significant roles of miRNAs in immune regulation, especially the potential utility of these molecules as novel anti-inflammatory agents to treat inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the possibilities of using miRNAs as drugs in the form of miRNA mimics or miRNA antagonists.

Metabolic and endocrinologic complications in beta-thalassemia major: a multicenter study in Tehran

Abstract: The combination of transfusion and chelation therapy has dramatically extended the life expectancy of thalassemic patients. The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of prominent thalassemia complications. Two hundred twenty patients entered the study. Physicians collected demographic and anthropometric data and the history of therapies as well as menstrual histories. Patients have been examined to determine their pubertal status. Serum levels of 25(OH) D, calcium, phosphate, iPTH were measured. Thyroid function was assessed by T3, T4 and TSH. Zinc and copper in serum were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements at lumbar and femoral regions have been done using dual x-ray absorptiometry. The dietary calcium, zinc and copper intakes were estimated by food-frequency questionnaires. Short stature was seen in 39.3% of our patients. Hypogonadism was seen in 22.9% of boys and 12.2% of girls. Hypoparathyroidism and primary hypothyroidism was present in 7.6% and 7.7% of the patients. About 13 % of patients had more than one endocrine complication with mean serum ferritin of 1678 ± 955 micrograms/lit. Prevalence of lumbar osteoporosis and osteopenia were 50.7% and 39.4%. Femoral osteoporosis and osteopenia were present in 10.8% and 36.9% of the patients. Lumbar BMD abnormalities were associated with duration of chelation therapy. Low serum zinc and copper was observed in 79.6% and 68% of the study population respectively. Serum zinc showed significant association with lumbar but not femoral BMD. In 37.2% of patients serum levels of 25(OH) D below 23 nmol/l were detected. High prevalence of complications among our thalassemics signifies the importance of more detailed studies along with therapeutic interventions.