The Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy on Depression, Anxiety, and Pain-Coping Strategies in Women With Breast Cancer.

ABSTRACT: Cognitive-behavioral group therapy is one of the most effective forms of intervention in therapy for women with breast cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral group therapy on depression, anxiety, and pain-coping strategies in women with breast cancer. The present study is a semiexperimental research with a pretest-posttest with the control group. For this purpose, 50 people of women with breast cancer were admitted to the medical university hospitals of Tehran to method purposive sampling and were randomly selected as experimental ( n = 25) and control ( n = 25) groups. The results showed that cognitive-behavioral group therapy significantly reduces depression and anxiety and increases the use of pain-coping strategies in women with breast cancer. Also in the field of pain-coping strategies between the experimental and control groups, there is a significant difference.

The Dietary Inflammatory Index is positively associated with cardiometabolic risk parameters in atherosclerosis patients.

Inflammation is implicated in the development and progression of a variety of cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesized that the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is associated with anthropometric indices and metabolic parameters in Iranian atherosclerosis patients. The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 Iranian atherosclerosis patients. The DII was estimated using a valid and reliable 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were evaluated for anthropometric indices and metabolic parameters according to the DII score. Linear regression was used to estimate the relationship between DII scores with atherosclerosis-related dependent variables. According to the continuous score of DII, there was no significant association between DII and odds of obesity, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio in all 3 models (P ≥ .05). In linear regression analysis, we found a significant association between DII score and fasting blood sugar, lipid profile (except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), liver enzymes (except for alkaline phosphatase), and serum sodium in adjusted models (P < .05). In this study, patients with atherosclerosis consuming a pro-inflammatory diet was positively associated with fasting blood sugar, lipid, and liver enzymes measures. Future studies with prospective and interventional designs are required to clarify the association between this dietary index and cardiovascular disease risk factors among patients with atherosclerosis.

The Association Between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and Some Serum Oxidative Stress Markers in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Case- Control.

Purpose: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disorder. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and the serum oxidative stress markers in patients with NAFLD. Methods: In this case-control study, 121 patients with NAFLD and 119 healthy subjects were frequency-matched on gender. DII scores were calculated by using a 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Blood samples were collected to measure serum oxidative markers. Linear regression and odds ratio (OR) were also used in this study. Results: The mean ± standard deviation of age for case and control group was 38.04 ± 6.7 and 35.6 ± 10.2, respectively. The gender ratio (female to male) for the case and control group was 1:1.42 and 1:1.38, respectively. The mean of the DII in the patient group was significantly higher than the healthy group, (P-values < 0.01). There was a significant negative relationship between TAC and DII (B = -2.63 (95%CI: -4.59, -0.68) and there was also a positive relationship between Malondialdehyde (MDA) and DII (B = 0.15 (95%CI: 0.02, 0.28) in the healthy group, but they were not significant in the case group. After multivariate adjustment, subjects in the most pro-inflammatory DII group had 73 times higher odds of NAFLD compared to subjects in tertile 1 (OR = 72.9; 95%CI (14.3-371.9)). Conclusions: Our findings suggest a direct association between the pro inflammatory properties of diet in patient and healthy group, but no relationship between TAC, MDA, and DII in the case group.

Effects of tart cherry juice consumption on cardio-metabolic risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Tart cherries are rich in bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins and other phytochemicals known to have antioxidant properties and exert cardiovascular protective effects. However, there is no definitive consensus on this context. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of tart cherry juice consumption on cardio-metabolic risk factors. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception up to December 2021 to identify eligible RCT studies. A random-effect model was utilized to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence (95% CI). RESULTS: Ten RCTs were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed that tart cherry juice consumption led to a significant reduction in the fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels (WMD = -0.51 mg/dl [95% CI: -0.98, -0.06]). This lowering effect of FBS was robust in subgroups with cross-over studies, participants with age range ≥ 40, duration of follow-up ≤ 4 weeks, and baseline BMI ≥ 30. In contrast, tart cherry juice had no effect on total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), insulin, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, in the subgroup analysis, some significant effects were observed for insulin, TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C. CONCLUSION: In summary, this meta-analysis showed that tart cherry juice mostly had a favorable effect on FBG levels. However, further RCTs with long-term intervention with different doses of administration are needed.

The association between major dietary patterns with the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, oxidative stress and metabolic parameters: A case-control study.

Purpose: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by the increase of fat in the liver. The present study aimed to study the association between different dietary patterns and NAFLD in adults. Methods: This study included 121 adult patients with NAFLD and 119 non-NAFLD. Dietary intake was calculated by a 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Biochemical markers were measured. Dietary patterns were determined by factor analysis. The association between dietary patterns and NAFLD was evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Two dietary patterns (healthy, western) were recognized in participants. Western dietary pattern was related with 72 percent increase in the odds of NAFLD (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.32,2.14), after adjustment for covariates. Healthy dietary pattern was associated with 38 percent lower odds of NAFLD (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.65). Adherence to the western diet was related to 0.486 greater amounts of ALT, 3.248 mg/dl higher levels of FBS, and 3.989 mg/dl greater amounts of TG and 2.354 mg/dl greater amounts of MDA after adjusting for confounding factors (p > 0.001, p = 0.042, p > 0.001, p = 0.036 respectively). The healthy dietary pattern score was negatively associated with FBS and Cholesterol and TG levels (p = 0.035, p = 0.048, and p = 0.025), respectively. Moreover, it was associated with 3.211 mg/dl higher levels of TAC (p = 0.049). Conclusions: There is a significant relationship between dietary patterns and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Adherence to a western dietary pattern is related to an increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Effect of Alkaline Drinking Water on Bone Density of Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVES: Postmenopausal women are predisposed to osteoporosis, and those on acidic diets are at a higher risk, because it has been demonstrated that such diets have adverse effects on bone health. In this study, the effect of alkaline drinking water on bone mineral density was evaluated in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. METHODS: One hundred postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (T-score ≤ -2.5) were equally divided into an intervention group and a control group (n = 50 each). The intervention group received calcium D (daily), alkaline drinking water (1.5 L daily with pH 8.6 ± 0.3), and Osteofos tablet (70 mg weekly), whereas the control group received only calcium D and Osteofos tablet for 3 months. T-scores of the femur and spine bones were obtained using bone densitometry before and 3 months after the intervention. RESULTS: After the intervention, the mean T-scores of the femur and spine bones significantly increased in both the control and intervention groups (P < 0.05). However, the mean changes in the spine T-score were significantly higher in the intervention group (0.39 ± 0.07) than in the control group (0.08 ± 0.01) (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the mean changes in the femur T-score between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that drinking alkaline water improves spine T-scores in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Hence, alkaline water can be used to treat osteoporosis due to increased bone density in postmenopausal women. Long-term interventions are necessary to confirm the effects of alkaline water on femur density.

Possible ameliorating effects of Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) on the sperm parameters in rats under high fat diet.

OBJECTIVES: Adverse effects of obesity, which is caused by an imbalance between the energy intake and expenditure, on the male reproductive system have been reported. Considering the anti-obesity effect of Glycyrrhiza Glabra (GC), we conducted this study to elucidate whether it can ameliorate the sperm parameters. METHODS: In this experimental study, male Wistar rats of 6-8 weeks old were divided into four groups: control, high fat diet (HFD), GC50 (HFD plus 50 mg/kg GC extract), and GC100 (HFD plus 100 mg/kg GC extract). During the 16 weeks of the study course, the rats consumed the extract through gavage, daily. Body mass index (BMI), body weight gain, serum lipid profile, leptin concentration, and sperm parameters were investigated. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (post hoc Tukey) to express the significance of mean differences of variables between groups, and linear regression test was used to express the correlation model of variables. Both tests were performed by SPSS software; p≤0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: BMI was significantly decreased by the GC50 and GC100 groups compared to HFD group. GC50 group considerably decreased leptin level compared to HFD group. A significant positive correlation between leptin and triglyceride levels was evident. GC50 and GC100 extensively increased the total sperm motility and ameliorated the sperm abnormal morphology and count compared to HFD group. CONCLUSION: Glycyrrhiza Glabra extract may exert its ameliorating effects on the sperm parameters through its anti-obesity impact. Both doses of the extract were effective, however, the GC100 was more effective in improving the sperm parameters.

Mesenchymal stem cell mediated effects on microglial phenotype in cuprizone-induced demyelination model.

Microglial cells have an essential role in neurodegenerative disorders, such as multiple sclerosis. They are divided into two subgroups: M1 and M2 phenotypes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), with neuroprotective and immunomodulating properties, could improve these diseases. We evaluate the immunomodulating effects of MSC on microglial phenotypes and the improvement of demyelination in a cuprizone (CPZ) model of multiple sclerosis (MS). For inducing the chronic demyelination model, C57BL6 mice were given a diet with 0.2% CPZ (w/w) for 12 weeks. In the MSC group, cells were transplanted into the right lateral ventricle of mice. The expression of targeted genes was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. M1 and M2 microglial phenotypes were assessed by immunohistochemistry of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Arg-1, respectively. Remyelination was studied by luxal fast blue (LFB) staining and electron microscopy (EM). We found that MSC transplantation reduced the expression level of M1-specific messenger RNA (mRNA; iNOS and CD86) but increased the expression level of M2 specific genes (CD206, Arg-1, and CX3CR1) in comparison to the CPZ group. Moreover, cell therapy significantly decreased the M1 marker (iNOS+ cells), but M2 marker (Arg-1+ cells) significantly increased in comparison with the CPZ group. In addition, MSC treatment significantly increased the CX3CL1 expression level in comparison with the CPZ group and led to improvement in remyelination, which was confirmed by LFB and EM images. The results showed that MSC transplantation increases the M2 and decreases the M1 phenotype in MS. This change was accompanied by decrease in demyelination and axonal injury and indicated that MSCs have a positive effect on MS by modification of microglia cells.

Targeting axonal degeneration and demyelination using combination administration of 17ß-estradiol and Schwann cells in the rat model of spinal cord injury.

Schwann cells (SCs) are known to be responsible for axonal ensheathing and myelination, and their transplantation is used commonly for treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). 17ß-estradiol (E2) has also reported for its protective roles in neurons in the transplanted SCs to the SCI model. In the current study, we evaluated the roles of E2 administration before SCs transplantation in targeting SCI-induced axonal degeneration and demyelination. E2 (25 µg/kg, IP) was administered to the male Wistar rats underwent contusive SCI at T10 segment. At 7 days after injury, 1 × 106 SCs were transplanted to the injury epicenter of the spinal cord. The groups were laminectomy, SCI, SCI+E2, and SCI+E2+SCs. Functional recovery was evaluated using the Basso-Bresnahan-Beattie locomotor test. Sections from spinal cord were also assessed for histoloical staining, including Luxol fast blue, Bielschowsky's silver and immunofluorescence evaluation of myelin basic protein (MBP). The SCI group showed impaired locomotion in the hind limb, increased number of cavities within spinal cord, low observable numbers of regenerating fibers, and a significant decrease in the rate of expression for MBP. These changes were counteracted in the treatment groups ( P < 0.05 vs SCI) with no significant changes among them. From the results, it may be concluded that application of E2 and SCs could be effective when axons undergo demyelination and degenerative processes, and their combination could partly provide cumulative outcomes.

Combined effects of rat Schwann cells and 17ß-estradiol in a spinal cord injury model.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating traumatic event which burdens the affected individuals and the health system. Schwann cell (SC) transplantation is a promising repair strategy after SCI. However, a large number of SCs do not survive following transplantation. Previous studies demonstrated that 17ß-estradiol (E2) protects different cell types and reduces tissue damage in SCI experimental animal model. In the current study, we evaluated the protective potential of E2 on SCs in vitro and investigated whether the combination of hormonal and SC therapeutic strategy has a better effect on the outcome after SCI. Primary SC cultures were incubated with E2 for 72 h. In a subsequent experiment, thoracic contusion SCI was induced in male rats followed by sustained administration of E2 or vehicle. Eight days after SCI, DiI-labeled SCs were transplanted into the injury epicenter in vehicle and E2-treated animals. The combinatory regimen decreased neurological and behavioral deficits and protected neurons and oligodendrocytes in comparison to vehicle rats. Moreover, E2 and SC significantly decreased the number of Iba-1+ (microglia) and GFAP+ cells (astrocyte) in the SCI group. In addition, we found a significant reduction of mitochondrial fission-markers (Fis1) and an increase of fusion-markers (Mfn1 and Mfn2) in the injured spinal cord after E2 and SC treatment. These data demonstrated that E2 protects SCs against hypoxia-induced SCI and improves the survival of transplanted SCs.

Comparison of human adipose-derived stem cells and chondroitinase ABC transplantation on locomotor recovery in the contusion model of spinal cord injury in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most serious clinical diseases and its treatment has been a subject of interest to researchers. There are two important therapeutic strategies in the treatment of SCI: replacing lost tissue cells through cells implantation and scar elimination. Therefore, in this study we used human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) implantation and injection of Chondroitinase ABC. Aim of present study was to answer to this question: which one is more efficient for Improvement of locomotor recovery after SCI in rat? Transplantation of hADSCs or injection of ChABC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The spinal cord of rats was injured by contusion using a weight-drop at the level of T8-9, the hADSCs and Chondroitinase ABC were infused in to the spinal cord tissue after injury. BBB test was performed and recorded for each animal weekly for 8 weeks. After the 8(th) weeks, Serial cross-sections were stained with cresyl violet and examined under a light microscope and area of cavity in the spinal cord was measured. RESULTS: At 8(th) weeks after injection, hADSCs and ChABC significantly promote locomotor function (P<0.01) and spinal cords of hADSCs and ChABC group had cavities much smaller than those of the control group (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Results of the present study shows dealing with inappropriate neuro-inhibitory environment and glial scar by ChABC have equal role compare to cell therapy (with hADSCs) for improving motor function after SCI and this result in adoption of proper therapeutic strategies for SCI intervention is important.

Cell therapy in spinal cord injury: a mini- reivew.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating disease which leads to progressive functional damages. Because of limited axonal regeneration in the central nervous system, there is no or little recovery expected in the patients. Different cellular and molecular approaches were investigated in SCI animal models. Cellular transplantation of stem cells can potentially replace damaged tissue and provide a suitable microenvironment for axons to regenerate. Here, we reviewed the last approaches applied by our colleagues and others in order to improve axonal regeneration following SCI. We used different types of stem cells via different methods. First, fetal olfactory mucosa, schwann, and bone marrow stromal cells were transplanted into the injury sites in SCI models. In later studies, was applied simultaneous transplantation of stem cells with chondroitinase ABC in SCI models with the aid of nanoparticles. Using these approaches, considerable functional recovery was observed. However, considering some challenges in stem cell therapy such as rejection, infection, and development of a new cancer, our more recent strategy was application of cytokines. We observed a significant improvement in motor function of rats when stromal derived factor-1 was used to attract innate stem cells to the injury site. In conclusion, it seems that co-transplantation of different cells accompanies with other factors like enzymes and growth factors via new delivery systems may yield better results in SCI.

BD PuraMatrix peptide hydrogel as a culture system for human fetal Schwann cells in spinal cord regeneration.

BD PuraMatrix peptide hydrogel, a three-dimensional cell culture model of nanofiber scaffold derived from the self-assembling peptide RADA16, has been applied to regenerative tissue repair in order to develop novel nanomedicine systems. In this study with PuraMatrix, self-assembling nanofiber scaffold (SAPNS) and Schwann cells (SCs) were isolated from human fetal sciatic nerves, cultured within SAPNS, and then transplanted into the spinal cord after injury (SCI) in rats. First, the peptide nanofiber scaffold was evaluated via scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. With phase-contrast microscopy, the appearance of representative human fetal SCs encapsulated in PuraMatrix on days 3, 5, and 7 in 12-well plates was revealed. The Schwann cells in PuraMatrix were cultured for 2 days, and the SCs had active proliferative potential. Spinal cord injury was induced by placing a 35-g weight on the dura of T9-T10 segments for 15 min, followed by in vivo treatment with SAPNS and human fetal SCs (100,000 cells/10 µl/injection) grafted into spinal cord 7 days after SCI. After treatment, the recovery of motor function was assessed periodically using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scoring system. Eight weeks after grafting, animals were perfusion fixed, and the survival of implanted cells was analyzed with antibody recognizing SCs. Immunohistochemical analysis of grafted lumber segments at 8 weeks after grafting revealed reduced asterogliosis and considerably increased infiltration of endogenous S100(+) cells into the injury site, suggesting that PuraMatrix may play an important role in the repair observed after SAPNS and human fetal SC transplantation.