Journal of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences

Role of Gut Microbiome in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases

Ameneh Marzban — 2025-06-01

Introduction: Human health is closely connected to both internal and external factors, and the gut microbiome, as one of the key factors regulating human health, has become a focus of life science research. In this regard, a deeper understanding of the role of the gut microbiome in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases might pave the way for new therapeutic approaches.

A Review of the Application of Poly (Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Copolymers in Bone Tissue Regenerative Medicine

Alireza Davaripour — 2025-06-01

Introduction: Bone tissue has the inherent ability to regenerate and repair, responding effectively to injuries such as fractures or minor traumas. However, in cases where the damage is extensive or there is no possibility of spontaneous repair, the need for more advanced methods becomes necessary. Bone tissue engineering is proposed as a new approach for repairing damaged bones and includes material science, biomechanics, immunology, and biology. The components of this field include cells, scaffolds, and active biomolecules. Scaffolds are usually made of polymers and composites, and selecting the best biomaterials for bone regeneration is still debatable. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) is widely utilized in bone tissue engineering because of its tunable biocompatibility and biodegradability. This research reviewed the latest developments in the creation of bone regeneration materials based on Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) and analyzed their applications in nanofibrous scaffolds, 3D printing, nanoparticles, and hydrogels. These substances can accelerate the regeneration process by stimulating the growth of bone cells and improving the quality of life of patients with bone injuries.

Conclusion: Thanks to the combination of varying amounts of lactic acid and glycolic acid, this polymer provides a range of mechanical properties and can be designed to have a degradation period in the body that varies from several weeks to several years. These properties enable researchers to create tissue regeneration scaffolds that gradually break down and make space for new tissue. Consequently, Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) is recognized as an essential substance in tissue engineering and promoting bone cell growth, thus supporting regenerative mechanisms in medicine.

Investigating the Potential Use of Glycolipid Surfactants Extracted from Microbes as Anti-Aging Compounds in Cosmetic Formulations

Amir Mohammad Bagheri — 2025-06-01

Introduction: Skin aging is a complex process of genetic and environmental factors, such as chemical pollution and ultraviolet radiation. There is increasing evidence that microbial surfactants can exert significant antiaging effects on the skin through various mechanisms, such as stimulating fibroblast growth, possessing high antioxidant capacity, and exhibiting desirable anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, their biodegradable nature, high surface activity, good compatibility with the body's environment and stability against changes in temperature and pH have led to an increased interest among researchers in using these compounds for bio-medical and cosmetic-sanitary applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of glycolipid surfactants of microbial origin as anti-aging ingredients in cosmetic-hygiene products.

Conclusion: This study examined the potential applications of key glycolipid surfactants (rhamnolipids and sophorolipids) derived from microbial sources to combat skin aging. Consequently, due to features such as high antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory properties, stimulation of collagen biosynthesis, modulation of the metabolism of fibroblasts, and more, these substances may serve as effective compounds to combat the aging process in cosmetic-hygiene products

Effect of 8-Week- - Concurrent Training and Capsaicin Supplementation on the Expression of IGF-1 and FOXO3 Genes in the Quadriceps Muscle of Aged Male Wistar Rats

Fatemeh Madani — 2025-06-01

Introduction: Aging is a gradual and progressive process accompanied by fundamental changes in the structure of skeletal muscles. These alternations include decreased muscle mass and strength, leading to serious challenges in the lives of the elderly. This study investigated the effects of concurrent training and capsaicin administration on the expression of IGF-1 and FOXO3 genes in aging male aged Wistar rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, 32 male Wistar rats (22-month-old) were randomly assigned to four groups: control, capsaicin administration, concurrent training, and capsaicin administration combined with concurrent training. Concurrent trainings were performed following the standard protocol for a duration of 8 weeks. Moreover, the participants received a capsaicin supplement of 5 mg per kg of body weight via gavage. The research indices were measured using Real-time PCR, and the data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance at a significance level of alpha less than 0.5 percent.

Results: Based on the statistical results, compared to the control group, both combined exercise (P=0.011) and capsaicin consumption (P=0.001) independently led to a significant decrease in FOXO3 expression. Furthermore, capsaicin consumption on its own led to a notable increase in IGF-1 expression (P=0.001). Conversely, there was no significant difference observed in the expression levels of both FOXO3 and IGF-1 among the other groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the findings, capsaicin consumption during combined training is associated with improvements in signaling pathways that promote hypertrophy in the quadriceps muscles of aged rats. Understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for these changes requires further cellular-molecular studies.

Effect of Circadian Rhythm Following a Period of Continuous Physical Activity in the Morning and Evening on Neuronal Degradation Factors and Mir-132 in the Hippocampus of Mice with Metabolic Syndrome

Asieh Sadat Mousavian — 2025-06-01

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome, through its effects on hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the biological rhythm of the body after 8 weeks of continuous exercise in relation to the risk factors for neuronal degeneration, with a focus on miR-132 as a determinant factor in neurodegenerative disorders.

Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male NMRI laboratory mice with an average weight of 26 ± 3.22 grams were included. Initially, 24 mice were randomly selected and fed a high-fat, high-calorie diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, confirming the parameters of metabolic syndrome. The mice were then randomly divided into 6 groups: healthy morning control, healthy afternoon control, metabolic syndrome morning control, metabolic syndrome afternoon control, continuous exercise morning metabolic syndrome, and continuous exercise afternoon metabolic syndrome. During the intervention, the exercise groups underwent 8 weeks of continuous physical activity (5 days per week at 50-60% Vmax intensity) on a treadmill. The levels of miR-132 were measured using the Real-time PCR method, and the β-42 amyloid protein levels in the hippocampus were assessed across all groups. Data analysis was performed using a two-way analysis of variance.

Results: The results of the 8 weeks of continuous exercise on miR-132 expression in the hippocampus of the metabolic syndrome mice showed that the main effect of the group, the main effect of time, and the interaction effect (group × time) on miR-132 protein expression were statistically significant among the study groups. The miR-132 levels in the metabolic syndrome + exercise group were significantly higher than those in the metabolic syndrome group, both in the afternoon (P = 0.001) and in the morning (P = 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the two time points. The Aβ42 protein levels in the metabolic syndrome - exercise group were significantly lower than those in the metabolic syndrome group, both in the afternoon (P = 0.002) and in the morning (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the Aβ42 protein levels in the metabolic syndrome - exercise group were also significantly lower than in the healthy mice group, but only in the afternoon (P = 0.002).

Conclusion: Appropriate timing of continuous exercise, particularly in the afternoon, appears to modify metabolic factors and may serve as a preventive or controlling factor for neurodegenerative diseases. This suggests that it could be a promising candidate for further clinical studies aimed at improving the quality of life for patients with metabolic syndrome.

Investigating the Effect of ORA-AID Mucosal Adhesive on the Patient's Pain Level after Tooth Extraction

Mohsen Barzegar — 2025-06-01

Introduction: ORA-AID adhesive is recognized as an effective dressing for dental sockets in adults, yet its effectiveness in adolescents has not been explored. This study compared ORA-AID with conventional dressings in the patients younger than 18.

Methods: A double-blind clinical trial was conducted involving 29 patients. On one side, a tooth was extracted and dressed using a standard method. After two weeks, the tooth on the other opposite side was extracted, and the ORA-AID adhesive was utilized. Patients reported their pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 5, 12, 24, and 48 hours following the extraction. Repeated Measures ANOVA was employed for comparisons between the two methods.

Results: Pain was significantly lower with ORA-AID, except for the first 5 hours (p=0.669), and remained and remained so for up to 48 hours after extraction (all p<0.001). Increased pain levels were observed in older patients (24 and 48 hours) as well as in individuals with greater dental plaque (5 and 12 hours). The highest decrease in pain with ORA-AID in comparison to conventional dressing was observed at 24 hours after extraction.

Conclusion: ORA-AID significantly reduces post-extraction pain when compared to conventional dressings, except for the initial 5 hours. Therefore, ORA-AID may reserve as an appropriate alternative for routine dental dressings in adolescents.

Improvement of Fasting Glucose in Response to Resistance Training with Emphasis on the Expression of Hepatic PGC1α and HNF4α Genes in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Sayed Sadegh Salehi — 2025-06-01

Introduction: Genetic studies have supported the importance of hepatic glucose release in hyperglycemia among individuals with type 2 diabetes. This study investigated the effect of 6 weeks of resistance training on hepatocytes genes PGC1α and HNF4α expression as well as fasting glucose levels in rats with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods: This experimental study involved 21 male Wistar rats made obese by a 6-week high-fat diet. Subsequently, T2D was induced in 14 rats through STZ administration via intraperitoneal injection. Finally, the observed rats were divided into 3 groups (n=7): 1) non-diabetes, 2) diabetic control, 3) resistant to diabetic. The rats in the resistance group were completed resistance training for six weeks (5 times a week) by climbing a ladder while applying resistance. The control obese and control T2D groups did not participate in the resistance training. Forty-eight hours following the prolonged exercise session, hepatocytes genes PGC1α and HNF4α expression, along with serum insulin, glucose, and insulin resistance, was analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test across different groups.

Results: T2D induction led to significant decrease in insulin levels and an increase in fasting glucose, alongside increased insulin resistance and hepatocytes genes PGC1α and HNF4α expression when compared to non-diabetes rats. Resistance training resulted in a significant increase in serum insulin (p = 0.043) and a decrease in fasting glucose (p = 0.001), insulin resistance (p = 0.001) and hepatocytes HNF4α expression (p = 0.001), compared to the control diabetic group.

Conclusion: Six weeks of resistance training resulted in a reduction in fasting glucose, and this improvement may be linked to a decrease in HNF4α expression and insulin resistance resulting from the resistance training.

Comparative Study of Gestational Diabetes in Mothers of Children with Cerebral Palsy and Healthy Children: A Case-Control Study

Hosein Eslamiyeh — 2025-06-01

Introduction: Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disorder in the developing brain that causes long-term neurological complications. Diagnosis of risk factors which result to this diagnosis has a crucial role for providing appropriate interventions to optimize the child's potential for growth and development.

Methods: This study was a case-control type, with the statistical population consisting of mothers of children with diagnosed cerebral palsy (case group) and mothers of healthy children (control group) referring to Khatam al-Anbia Clinic in Yazd City, Iran. Sampling was carried out using the census method to fulfill the sample size (100 individuals in each group). All information concerning risk factors was obtained through the researcher via direct interviews from the mothers.

Results: The results of the study showed that the frequency of gestational diabetes in both the case and control groups was not significantly different. Furthermore, the results showed that the frequency distribution of gestational diabetes did not vary significantly based on gender. A significant relationship between gestational diabetes and cerebral palsy related to delivery method, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), the history of the baby's admission in the NICU, and family marriage. Nonetheless, when combined with other elements like delivery method, NICU admission history, family marital status, and low birth weight, it may elevate the risk of cerebral palsy; conversely, gestational diabetes lowers the risk of IUGR and later cerebral palsy.

Conclusion: According to the results of study, gestational diabetes by itself was not recognized as an effective risk factor in the development of cerebral palsy. Nonetheless, in combination with other factors such as type of delivery, history of NICU admission, family marriage, and low birth weight, it can increase the risk of cerebral palsy, on the other hand, gestational diabetes reduces the risk of IUGR and subsequent cerebral palsy.