Acta Biochimica Iranica

In Commemoration of Professor Mohammad Taghikhani: Pioneer of Clinical Biochemistry in Iran

Reza Meshkani, Abolfazl Golestani — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Article Abstract is not available.

The Significance of the Variable Region of the CD44 Antigen in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 05:05:14 +0000

In the field of cancer biology, elucidating the factors that promote cancer cellinvasion and progression is crucial for the identification of novel therapeutictargets. CD44 has emerged as a vital biomarker with significant implications forinnovative treatment modalities, particularly in immunotherapy. This receptoris predominantly expressed on cancer stem cells, which play a pivotal role intumorigenesis and contribute to therapeutic resistance. Elevated levels of CD44are associated with aggressive cancer phenotypes, including enhanced metastaticpotential and increased resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, targeting CD44may enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments. Notably, CD44 exists in multipleisoforms, each exhibiting unique expression patterns across different tissues andtypes of cancer, highlighting the need for a refined approach to clinical targeting.The variations among these isoforms can influence tumor behavior and treatmentresponses, underscoring the importance of understanding these distinctions for theoptimization of therapeutic strategies. This review aims to delineate key aspectsof breast cancer, emphasize the significance of the CD44 biomarker, and explorethe implications of its isoforms in diagnosis and treatment. By scrutinizing theseelements, we seek to clarify the role of CD44 in cancer biology and its potential forenhancing treatment approaches in breast cancer and other malignancies

Association of Homocysteine with Body Mass Index in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 05:14:38 +0000

Objectives: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder that significantly impacts women. It is closely associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity. However, the exact interplay between serum homocysteine levels and body mass index (BMI) in PCOS patients remains incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated homocysteine levels in normal-weight and overweight/obese Iranian women with and without PCOS.

Methods: A total of 189 women with PCOS and 86 healthy fertile women were enrolled in the study. The patients and controls were divided according to BMI into two groups as follows: BMI < 25 kg/m² and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m². Blood samples were collected from all participants to assess fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, lipid profile, free testosterone, and homocysteine levels.

Results: BMI, HOMA-IR, fasting insulin, total cholesterol (TC), LDL, and free testosterone levels were significantly elevated in the PCOS group compared with controls. Homocysteine levels were increased in both overweight/obese and normal- weight PCOS groups compared with controls. However, no significant difference was observed in homocysteine levels between overweight/obese and normal-weight PCOS groups.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that homocysteine levels were notably elevated in women with PCOS, regardless of their BMI

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil of Leaves of Etlingera velutina

Behnam Mahdavi, Wan A. Yaacob — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objectives: The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oils areimportant because they offer a natural and effective agent. This study aims toinvestigate the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity ofthe essential oil of leaves of Etlingera velutina.

Methods: The essential oils from the leaves of Etlingera velutina were obtainedusing a Clevenger-type apparatus, and the chemical compositions of the oils wereidentified by GC-FID and GC-MS methods. The antioxidant activity of the oil wasanalyzed using three common assays. The antimicrobial activity of the oil wasevaluated by disc diffusion assay.

Results: The oil consists of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons with the highest percentage(63.12%). Aromadendrene (58.30%), α-pinene (10.82%), and caryophyllenylalcohol (10.21%) were identified as the main components of the essential oil. Theleaf oil exhibited antioxidant activity in all the tests: DPPH radical scavengingactivity (RSA), β-carotene bleaching (BCB), and ferrous ion chelating ability(FIC). The oil presented activity against B. subtilis, E. aerogenes, P. vulgaris, andCandida parapsilosis.

Conclusion: The data suggest that the essential oil of the leaves of Etlingera velutinarevealed moderate activity against selected microorganisms in antimicrobial andantioxidant assay. It may be considered as a natural agent for bioactivty

Development and Optimization of Chamomile Extract Pastilles for Potential Oral Ulcer Treatment

Pooya Javaherchian , Mostafa Azimzadeh, Fereshteh Azimzadeh — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 05:26:35 +0000

Objectives: This study aimed to develop and optimize chamomile extract pastilles as apotential therapeutic option for oral ulcer treatment, focusing on masking chamomile’sbitterness, ensuring stability, and achieving controlled release of active constituents toenhance patient compliance.

Methods: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) extract was prepared via percolationusing 80% ethanol. Pastilles were formulated with gelatin, xylitol, aspartame, citricacid, and flavoring agents (eucalyptus, lemon, raspberry, cola). Physical properties(smoothness, elasticity, color), sensory acceptability (rated by 10 volunteers), quercetincontent (UV-Vis spectrophotometry), and dissolution profiles (in artificial saliva, pH 6.8)were assessed. Sensory scores were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s posthoc tests (p < 0.05)..

Results: Formulations J1 and J2, incorporating citric acid, exhibited significantly highersensory scores (p < 0.0001) than G1–G3, effectively masking bitterness. Quercetincontent indicated 85–89% loading efficiency across formulations. Dissolution testsshowed controlled release of chamomile extract from J2 pastilles compared to pureextract, with stable release over 60 minutes. Physical assessments confirmed smooth,cohesive pastilles with favorable elasticity.

Conclusion: Chamomile extract pastilles represent a promising formulation withpotential for oral ulcer treatment, offering improved palatability and controlled release.Their natural composition and high acceptability suggest potential for pediatric and adultuse, warranting further clinical trials to validate efficacy and long-term stability.

Enzyme-free, Colorimetric DNA Detection System Powered by Autocatalytic Assembly Circuits and G-quadruplex DNAzymes

Davood Rajabian, Hadi Ravan, Shahram Salari — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 05:32:44 +0000

Objectives: To develop an enzyme-free colorimetric DNA detection system combining autocatalytic assembly circuits with G-quadruplex DNAzymes for highly sensitive and visual DNA identification.

Methods: The platform utilized toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) integrated with autocatalytic hairpin circuits and a G-quadruplex DNAzyme. Buffer conditions, hemin concentration, temperature, and reaction time were optimized. Spectrophotometric detection at 416 nm was employed, and NUPACK software was used for oligonucleotide design validation.

Results: The optimized system exhibited a detection limit as low as 31 pM. Clear electrophoretic band patterns confirmed correct structure formation. The system showed high reproducibility, sensitivity, and a visible signal without enzymatic components.

Conclusion: This detection method is simple, cost-effective, and highly sensitive, with potential for point-of-care diagnostics, food safety testing, and environmental monitoring. Its enzyme-free nature, label-free operation, and modular design make it adaptable to other nucleic acid targets.

Beta Boswellic Acid Reduces Tau Phosphorylation Level and Enhances Reelin Expression in the brain

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 10:15:55 +0000

Objectives: Learning and memory retention involve a permanent change in behavior based on environmental adaptation. Reelin protein plays a role in learning and memory but has not been extensively studied in the presence of herbal components. This study examines the effect of an optimum dose of beta-boswellic acid (BBA) on reducing tau phosphorylation levels and enhancing Reelin expression in the hippocampus to improve cognitive behavioral outcomes..

Methods: Spatial memory, learning, and locomotor activity were assessed. Histological and Western blot analyses were performed.

Results: The findings demonstrate a significant effect of BBA (35 μg/kg body weight) on memory consolidation during the probe trial of the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test. BBA treatment reduced the formation of dark neurons in the hippocampus and promoted Reelin expression.

Conclusion: A specific dose of BBA enhanced memory consolidation in adult rats, with increased Reelin protein expression—likely due to BBA’s anti-inflammatory properties, a key factor contributing to improved memory performance.

The Effect of Resistance and Aerobic Training with and Without Blood Flow Restriction and Detraining Period on Insulin Resistance in Men with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study

Hassan Moudi, Foad Feizolahi, Alireza Rahimi, Ramin Saravani — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 10:18:57 +0000

Objectives: This study sought to examine the impact of resistance and aerobic exercise, with and without blood flow restriction (BFR), on insulin resistance (IR) in males diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Furthermore, we aimed to comprehend the ramifications of a detraining period on these outcomes.

Methods: We randomly assigned a total of 30 men with T2D to four groups: resistance training with blood flow restriction (RT-BFR), resistance training without blood flow restriction (RT), aerobic training with blood flow restriction (AT-BFR), and aerobic training without blood flow restriction (AT). Training sessions occurred thrice weekly for a duration of 12 weeks, succeeded by a 6-week detraining interval.

Results: The findings of our investigation indicated that insulin levels fluctuate with physical activity. The average insulin level in RT fell, and similarly, the average insulin level in AT-BFR also decreased. The comparison of the average weight and BMI of subjects within the groups indicates that, in all groups, the average weight dropped following AT and RT. This would enhance the BMI’s accuracy and appropriateness.

Conclusion: The findings from this research contribute valuable evidence to the ongoing discourse surrounding exercise and diabetes management. The study reinforces the notion that both resistance and aerobic training are effective in combating IR, particularly when complemented by BFR techniques. This study emphasizes the significance of integrating customized exercise programs, including the possibility of blood flow restriction techniques, to enhance metabolic health in persons with T2D.