Improving DNA nanostructure stability: A review of the biomedical applications and approaches.

DNA's programmable, predictable, and precise self-assembly properties enable structural DNA nanotechnology. DNA nanostructures have a wide range of applications in drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, and theranostics. However, physiological conditions, including low cationic ions and the presence of nucleases in biological systems, can limit the efficacy of DNA nanostructures. Several strategies for stabilizing DNA nanostructures have been developed, including i) coating them with biomolecules or polymers, ii) chemical cross-linking of the DNA strands, and iii) modifications of the nucleotides and nucleic acids backbone. These methods significantly enhance the structural stability of DNA nanostructures and thus enable in vivo and in vitro applications. This study reviews the present perspective on the distinctive properties of the DNA molecule and explains various DNA nanostructures, their advantages, and their disadvantages. We provide a brief overview of the biomedical applications of DNA nanostructures and comprehensively discuss possible approaches to improve their biostability. Finally, the shortcomings and challenges of the current biostability approaches are examined.

The relationship between common mutations in CFTR, AR genes, Y chromosome microdeletions and karyotyping abnormalities with very severe oligozoospermia in Iranian men.

BACKGROUND: Male infertility due to very severe oligozoospermia has been associated with some genetic risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution of the mutations in the CFTR gene, the CAG-repeat expansion of the AR gene, also Y chromosome microdeletions and karyotyping abnormalities in very severe oligozoospermia patients. METHODS: In the present case-control study, 200 patients and 200 fertile males were enrolled. All patients and control group were karyotyped. Microdeletions were evaluated using multiplex PCR. Five common CFTR mutations were genotyped using the ARMS-PCR technique. The CAG-repeat expansion in the AR gene was evaluated for each individual using sequencing. RESULTS: Overall 4% of cases shows a numerical and structural abnormality. 7.5% of patients had a deletion in one of the AZF regions on Yq, and 3.5% had a deletion in two regions. F508del was the most common (4.5%) CFTR gene mutation; G542X, and W1282X were detected with 1.5% and 1% respectively. One patient was found to have AZFa microdeletion and F508del in heterozygote form; one patient had AZFb microdeletion with F508del. F508del was seen as compound heterozygous with G542X in one patient and with W1282X in the other patient. The difference in the mean of the CAG-repeats in the AR gene in patients and control groups was statistically significant (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Our study shows the genetic mutations in men with severe oligozoospermia and given the possibility of transmission of these disorders to the next generation by fertilization, counseling and genetic testing are suggested for these couples before considering ICSI.

The prevalence of common CFTR gene mutations and polymorphisms in infertile Iranian men with very severe oligozoospermia.

Due to progress in infertility etiology, several genetic bases of infertility are revealed today. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of mutations in the CFTR gene, M470V polymorphism, and IVS8 poly T. Furthermore, we aimed to examine the hotspot exons (4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 20, and 21 exons) to find a new mutation in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene among infertile Iranian men very severe oligozoospermia (<1 million sperm/mL ejaculate fluid). In the present case-control study, 200 very severe oligozoospermia (20-60s) and 200 fertile men (18-65s) were registered. Five common CFTR mutations were genotyped using the ARMS-PCR technique. The M470V polymorphism was checked out by real-time PCR, and poly T and exons were sequenced. The F508del was the most common (4.5%) CFTR gene mutation; G542X and W1282X were detected with 1.5% and 1%, respectively. N1303K and R117H were detected in 0.5% of cases. F508del was seen as a heterozygous compound with G542X in one patient and with W1282X in the other patient. Also, in the case of M470V polymorphism, there are differences between the case and control groups (p=0.013). Poly T assay showed statistical differences in some genotypes. The study showed no new mutation in the exons mentioned above. Our results shed light on the genetic basis of men with very severe oligozoospermia in the Iranian population, which will support therapy decisions among infertile men.

in Vitro Effect of Methamphetamine on Proliferation, Differentiation and Apoptosis of Adipose Tissue Stem Cells.

PURPOSE: Among abused substances, methamphetamine is a psychostimulant drug widely used recreationally with public health importance. This study investigated the effect of methamphetamine on proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of human adipose tissue stem cells (AdSCs). METHODS: AdSCs were isolated from human abdominal adipose tissue and were characterized for mesenchymal properties and growth kinetics. MTT assay was undertaken to assess methamphetamine toxicity on proliferation and differentiation properties and apoptosis of hAdSCs. RESULTS: Isolated cells were shown to have mesenchymal properties and a population doubling time (PDT) of 40.1 h. Following methamphetamine treatment, expressions of KI-67 and TPX2 as proliferation genes and Col1A1 and PPARg as differentiation genes decreased. Methamphetamine administration increased the expression of Bax and decreased Bcl-2 genes responsible for apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested when AdSCs were exposed to methamphetamine, it decreased proliferation and differentiation properties of stem cells together with an increase in apoptosis. These findings can be added to the literature, especially when methamphetamine is used recreationally for weight loss purposes.

Association of M55L and Q192R polymorphisms of paraoxonase 1 gene (PON1) with recurrent pregnancy loss risk: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) refers to the incidence of two or more abortions before the first half of pregnancy. Oxidative stress has been hypothesized to play a central role in RPL. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between Q192R and L55M polymorphisms of PON1 as antioxidant enzyme and the risk of RPL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 110 women with RPL (case) and 110 healthy fertile women (control) referred to the Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shiraz, Iran were enrolled. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood in all participants. Polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of Q192R polymorphism showed a significant difference for the RR genotype between the case and control group (OR = 11, CI = 1.39-86.87, p = 0.005) but none for the QR and QQ genotypes. No significant association was observed between the R and Q allelic frequency in the RPL participants compared to the control group (p = 0.53). Also, statistical analysis of the L55M polymorphism for MM genotype in the case group compared with the control group showed a significant difference (OR = 3.59, CI = 0.97-13.30, p = 0.042), but none for the LM and LL genotypes. CONCLUSION: The findings showed a significant correlation between the Q192R polymorphisms and the L55M PON1 enzyme and RPL in this study population.

Association of rs4618210A>G variant in PLCL2 gene with myocardial infarction: A case-control study in Iran.

Introduction: Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of death all over the world. The pivotal roles of Phospholipase C like 2 gene (PLCL2) in calcium homeostasis and immune responses make this gene as a potential candidate for its role in MI pathogenesis. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether rs4618210A>G polymorphism in PLCL2 gene contribute to MI etiology. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study with 600 subjects, including 300 MI patients and 300controls, was conducted. Genotyping of PLCL2 rs4618210 polymorphism was performed using amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS PCR) method. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results: No significant association was found between the PLCL2 rs4618210 alleles and MI risk.However, a significantly increased risk of MI was observed among carriers of the AG genotype (OR= 1.91; 95% CI = 1.24 - 2.93; P = 0.003) compared with AA homozygote. In a dominant mode of inheritance for G allele (GG + AG vs. AA), the frequency of the carriers of at least one G allele was higher in cases compared to controls (OR= 1.56; 95% CI: 1.03 - 2.36; P = 0.037). Conclusion: Our study provided further evidence that PLCL2 gene polymorphism may serve as a prognostic marker for MI.

Association of the ATG9B gene polymorphisms with coronary artery disease susceptibility: A case-control study.

Introduction: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), the main regulator of cardiac cell functioning, is regulated post-transcriptionally by autophagy-related 9B (ATG9B) gene. The proper function of the heart is partly determined by the intact interaction of these molecules. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ATG9B rs2373929 and rs7830 gene polymorphisms on the predisposition to coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: In this hospital-based case-control study, 150 patients with CAD compared with 150 healthy subjects for the genotype distributions of rs2373929 and rs7830 polymorphisms using T-ARMS PCR and ARMS PCR, respectively. Results: Considering rs2373929 polymorphism, increased risk of CAD observed in the presence of TT genotype (OR: 3.65; 95% CI: 1.77-7.53; P < 0.001) and also in the recessive model for T allele (OR: 3.41; 95% CI: 1.76- 6.60; P < 0.001). The frequency of the T allele was higher in cases compared to controls (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.24-2.28; P = 0.001). The genotype and allele frequencies of the rs7830 polymorphism did not differ between the two study groups. Conclusion: The ATG9B gene rs2373929 polymorphism might involve in the pathogenesis of the CAD and can be considered as a screening molecular marker in the subjects prone to CAD.

Down-Regulation of PU.1 Gene in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients from South of Iran.

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is resulted from the infiltration of high amount of non-differentiated cells in bone marrow. Differentiation of the hematopoietic stem cells into specific cell lineage occurs through a highly regulated pathway which is mainly monitored during transcription step. Expression level and pattern of transcription factors e.g. PU.1 determine fate and developmental phases in this pathway. This study was performed to evaluate the expression level of the PU.1 gene in a group of children suffering from ALL. Materials and Methods: The mRNA expression level of the PU.1 gene was compared between 30 children diagnosed as new cases of ALL and 30 sex- and gender-matched healthy children in the present case-control study. The quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the level of PU.1 gene expression. The data were analyzed using Graph Pad Prism statistical software. Results: The mRNA level of the PU.1 gene was significantly lower in the blood samples of the ALL patients compared to the controls (p= 0.002). Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that the PU.1 gene seemed to have key roles in the differentiation pathway of blood cells.

Association of ERAP2 gene variants with risk of pre-eclampsia among Iranian women.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between ERAP2 rs2549782 and rs17408150 polymorphisms and pre-eclampsia among Iranian women. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study comparing 319 women with pre-eclampsia and 291 normotensive pregnant Iranian women between January and August 2016. Pre-eclampsia was diagnosed by the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy's criteria. Demographic data were collected by oral interview. Genotyping was done by allele-specific PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS v. 16. RESULTS: The frequency of the rs2549782TT genotype was 31.0% and 27.5% among cases and controls, respectively (P=0.006). There was no difference in the frequency of the T allele between groups (P>0.05). Regarding the rs17408150 polymorphism, a high portion of women with pre-eclampsia was homozygous for the AA genotype (P<0.001). The frequency of the A allele was 32.5% and 25.05% among cases and controls, respectively (P=0.004). The combined haplotype of the rs2549782A and rs17408150G alleles was associated with increased risk of pre-eclampsia (P=0.031). CONCLUSION: ERAP2 gene polymorphisms were associated with the risk of pre-eclampsia in an Iranian population. The results provide further evidence of the role of ERAP2 in the pathophysiology of this disease.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor gene rs1042658 variant and susceptibility to idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Granulocyte colony-in stimulating factor (G-CSF) gene can be a potential candidate gene implicated recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), a common complication of pregnancy with the prevalence of 1-5% among women of reproductive age. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between rs1042658 polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of G-CSF gene and the risk of unexplained RPL among Iranian women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 122 women with unexplained RPL and 140 healthy postmenopausal women as a control group were enrolled in this case-control study. Tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the rs1042658 genotypes in all subjects. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were detected between the distribution frequencies of both heterozygote CT, and carriage of T allele (TT+CT) genotypes of the rs1042658 between case and control groups. Allelic association was not observed with RPL. CONCLUSION: Regarding the results of the present study, G-CSF rs1042658 gene polymorphism could be considered as a probable risk factor for unexplained RPL among Iranian women.

Association of the rs555172 polymorphism in SENCR long non-coding RNA and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.

Introduction: Variants in long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated as potential biomarkers in prediction of complex disorders such as coronary artery disease (CAD). Studies considering the impact of the SENCR antisense lncRNAs on CAD have not established yet in Iranian population. This study aimed to investigate the association between SENCR rs555172 polymorphism and CAD in south Iranian population. Methods: Amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) was performed to determine the allele and the genotype distribution of SENCR lncRNA polymorphism in 150 patients with CAD compared with 149 healthy controls through this hospital-based case-control study. Results: The frequency of AA, AG, and GG genotypes in cases were 32.7%, 44.7%, and 22.6%, and in controls were 26.8%, 49%, and 24.2%, respectively. Association was not found with any of the genotypes in comparison of cases and controls. The allelic frequencies did not differ between cases and controls. Cross-tabulating the population based on the gender, the frequency of the GG genotype was significantly higher among women of the case group compared to men. The difference was not seen in the control group between two sexes. Conclusion: The results suggested that the SENCR gene polymorphism did not confer susceptibility to CAD.

Glutathione Peroxidase 1 Gene Polymorphism in Nephrolithiasis Patients From South of Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Nephrolithiasis is a common multifactorial kidney disease with worldwide distribution. Compelling evidence, regarding the function of kidney in maintaining the body homeostasis, suggests the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis. Glutathione peroxidase 1 is a major antioxidant enzyme, preventing oxidative damage to renal cells by detoxifying hydrogen and lipid peroxides, which may involve in its pathogenesis. The purpose of the present study was to determine the possible association of glutathione peroxidase 1 gene (GPX1) proline-to-leucine substitution at amino acid 198 (Pro198Leu polymorphism) with the risk of developing nephrolithiasis in south Iranian patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Association of Pro198Leu polymorphism in exon 2 of GPX1 gene was investigated in 150 patients with nephrolithiasis and 184 healthy age-, sex-, and ethnically-matched control group using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: Regression analysis demonstrated that the frequency of the genotypes carrying at least 1 Leu allele, in both dominant and codominant model for this allele, was significantly higher in patients compared with the controls. However, significant association was found neither with wild-type allele, nor with polymorphic allele with the risk of nephrolithiasis. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of our study provide potential support in favor of the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis in patients from south of Iran. The results indicate that GPX1 may be a key player in nephrolithiasis development.

Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 Gene Polymorphisms in Iranian Women with Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association of three functional IRF5 rs10954213, rs3757385, and rs41298401 polymorphisms with susceptibility to unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) among Iranian women from south of Iran. METHODS: 176 women with unexplained RPL and 173 healthy postmenopausal controls were enrolled in this case-control study. Genotyping of the polymorphisms rs10954213 and rs3757385 was carried out using touchdown tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS PCR), and polymorphism rs41298401 was typed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: Genotype frequencies were significantly different between RPL cases and controls regarding AG heterozygote genotype of rs10954213, GT genotype of rs3757385, and GG genotype of rs41298401. In addition, allele variants (G for rs10954213, T for rs3757385, and G for rs41298401) showed protective role against RPL, while GG haplotype of two first variants was shown to be a susceptibility factor for the disease. CONCLUSION: These data provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, of the protective role of the studied IRF5 gene polymorphisms against unexplained RPL among Iranian women from south of Iran.

Association of the +49 A/G Polymorphism of CTLA4 Gene with Idiopathic Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion in Women in Southwest of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Survival of the semi-allograft fetus during pregnancy opens a new area for the immunological based causes of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) is a negative regulator of the T-cell activation, which may modulate peripheral self-tolerance of the allogeneic fetus. The present study aimed to investigate the +49 A/G CTLA4 genetic polymorphism and predisposition to RSA. METHODS: The total participants were 120 women with at least two miscarriages and 120 healthy post-menopausal women as the control group. The +49 A/G polymorphism was genotyped using PCR-RFLP method. Required demographic information was collected through filling out a questionnaire. The obtained data were fed into SPSS software version 16. RESULTS: The results showed a significant association between the minor alleles (G) with the decreased risk of the RSA. The frequency of the G allele in controls and patients was 25% and 12%, respectively. A GG genotype in the co-dominance model (OR: 0.25, 95%CI: 0.09-0.66) and in the dominant model for allele G (GG+AG vs. AA) (OR: 0.84, 95%CI: 0.8-0.87) showed significant association with RSA by imposing the protective role. The frequency of miscarriage is significantly (p=0.04) higher among the relatives of RSA women (33.3%) in comparison with the women in the control group (21.7%). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that +49G allele may act as a dominant allele and reduce the risk of RSA. Family history of miscarriage increased the risk of RSA among women.

CTLA-4 and IL-6 gene polymorphisms: Risk factors for recurrent pregnancy loss.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the possible association between CTLA-4 +49A/G and IL-6 -634C/G polymorphisms, and the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). 240 women (120 healthy controls and 120 with RPL) were enrolled in this case-control study. Genotyping was performed using a PCR-RFLP technique. In the case of polymorphic CTLA-4 +49A/G, the wild type allele G was associated with a decreased risk of RPL (OR: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.25-0.69, p=0.001). As to IL-6 -634C/G polymorphism, a highly significant difference was observed, and those women who carry at least one mutant G allele presented a probability of developing RPL about 5 times greater than controls (OR: 5.1, 95%CI: 1.04-25.3, p=0.04). The results indicate that polymorphisms of CTLA-4 and IL-6 genes may influence the risk of developing RPL among Iranian women, suggesting that more research on the immunogenetics of pregnancy should be conducted to confirm our results, and to declare the exact roles of studied molecules in RPL pathogenesis.

The IL-6 -634C/G polymorphism: a candidate genetic marker for the prediction of idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as two or more miscarriages before the 20(th) week of gestation and its etiology is unknown in 50% of the cases. Interleukin 6 is an immune mediator, plays a regulatory role in embryo implantation and placental development. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to assess the association between IL-6 -634C/G polymorphism and, susceptibility to idiopathic RPL for the first time in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total 121 women with RPL and 121 healthy women as control group were enrolled in this case-control study. This study was performed from August 2013 to October 2014 in the Molecular Genetics Laboratory of Arsanjan University. Candidate polymorphism was evaluated by PCR-RFLP method on extracted genomic DNA. Data was analyzed using the statistical SPSS package. RESULTS: Our results showed an increased risk of RPL in patients with GG + GC genotype (OR=5.1, 95%CI: 1.04-25.3, p=0.04) in comparison to CC genotype. The frequency of mutant allele G in patients and controls was 0.75 and 0.66 respectively. The mutant allele G predisposes women to miscarriage 1.5 times greater than controls (OR=1.5, 95%CI: 1.03-2.27, p=0.036). The mean number of live births in RPL women (1.3±2.3) was significantly lower compared to control women (4.8±2.3). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that the promoter polymorphism (-634C/G) of the IL-6 gene has likely influence on individual susceptibility to RPL.