Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Concurrent Use of Crocin During Chemoradiation for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Crocin is the major active carotenoid of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Its pluripotent effects have led to a growing body of literature investigating its antitumor properties as well as its diverse potentials for mood stabilization, normal tissue protection, and inflammation reduction; However, there is a gap in clinical trials testing this substance in cancer patients. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, patients with newly diagnosed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were randomly assigned to either 30 mg/day of crocin or placebo, prescribed during the neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. The primary endpoints were pathological response and toxicity, and secondary endpoints were depression and anxiety levels and survival analysis.

Polymorphism of LRP4 Gene (rs9667108) among Post Menopause Women with Osteoporosis.

Background: Many studies have been done to identify the factors that influence the development and progression of osteoporosis. One genetic factor is polymorphisms of LRP4 gene. Regarding the lack of comprehensive study on polymorphisms of LRP4 gene in the north of Iran, mainly Mazandaran Province, we decided to investigate the polymorphism of this gene in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Methods: This case-control study has been conducted at GhaemShahr Valiasr Hospital on 100 female patients with osteoporosis (average age of 58.1) and 90 healthy females without osteoporosis (average age of 55.2). After sampling and extraction of genomic DNA via of the salt deposition method, the genotype and SNP (rs9667108) polymorphism of LRP4 gene were evaluated with the PCR-RFLP method. Restriction enzymes cut the PCR products. In order to identify patients, their bone mineral density was tested by the DEXA method. The results of digestion (digestion enzyme) were analyzed by MedCalc, SPSS software, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and Chi2. Results: The statistical analysis has shown the significant relationship between SNP (rs9667108) polymorphism and the risk of osteoporosis disease in patients and control groups (P<0.05). In SNP (rs9667108), the GC genotype, compared to GG, increased the risk of disease significantly (1.556 time). Similarly, CC genotype, compared to GG genotype, increased the risk of this disease by 2.091 time. Conclusion: The existence of mutation in the LRP4 gene could increase susceptibility to osteoporosis disease. Moreover, determining this patient's genotype in SNP (rs9667108) can be used to identify individuals who are in endanger osteoporosis.

Correction to: Evaluation of curcumin effect on Il6, Sirt1, TNFα and NFkB expression of liver tissues in diabetic mice with STZ.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s40200-022-01090-4.].

Evaluation of curcumin effect on Il6, Sirt1, TNFα and NFkB expression of liver tissues in diabetic mice with STZ.

Background: Curcumin is active ingredient of turmeric The main purpose of this study is evaluating impact of curcumin on suger, hypoalgesia and inflammatory factors in diabetic mice. Materials and methods: Male mice divided into six groups of 6. One group as a negative and the other five groups injected with Streptozotocin (STZ) (200 mg/kg). Diabetic mice in each group given different treatments for twenty-one days.After that, blood sugar and neuroathy studies have been done and tissue samples the liver were studied for gene expression. Result: Curcumin reduced blood sugar, but the rate of hypoglycemia was significantly lower than metformin group P > 0.05, and the comparison of the synergistic effect of curcumin and metformin with metformin was not significant P > 0.05. Also, in neuropathy studies, the groups which recieved curcumin and metformin have shown a significant difference with diabetic group P < 0.01, Also, by evaluating inflammatory factors, there was a significant difference in the expression of TNF-a, IL-6 and NfkB, but there is no significant difference in the expression of Sirt1 P < 0.05. Conclusions: The analgesic effect of curcumin was quite evident, probably due to the significant impact of this herbal drug in reducing the expression of inflammatory genes NF-kB, IL6, and TNF-α. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-01090-4.

Hydrogen sulfide: physiological roles and therapeutic implications against COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) poses a major menace to economic and public health worldwide. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) are two host proteins that play an essential function in the entry of SARS-COV-2 into host cells. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a new gasotransmitter, has been shown to protect the lungs from potential damage through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-aging effects. It is well known that H2S is crucial in controlling the inflammatory reaction and the pro-inflammatory cytokine storm. Therefore, it has been suggested that some H2S donors may help treat acute lung inflammation. Furthermore, recent research illuminates a number of mechanisms of action that may explain the antiviral properties of H2S. Some early clinical findings indicate a negative correlation between endogenous H2S concentrations and COVID-19 intensity. Therefore, reusing H2S-releasing drugs could represent a curative option for COVID-19 therapy.