Personalized and Precision Medicine Journal

Abstract Antibiotics are widely accessible. Nevertheless, food-borne bacteria exhibit a vast array of resistance. Utilizing natural ingredients like chitosan and chitosan-cefixime nanoparticles, which have potent antibacterial qualities, in conjunction with innovative technologies like chitosan loaded with antibiotics, the present research seeks to combat germs that are resistant to many drugs. Five strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 were utilized to determine antibiotic resistance. The antibacterial properties of free cefixime and chitosan-cefixime nanoparticles were evaluated against strains of harmful bacteria. The findings demonstrated that E. coli O157:H7 comparatively had significant resistance to many antibiotics.
On the other hand, c chitosan-cefixime nanoparticles showed strong antibacterial activity against E. coli O157:H7, but free cefixime did not demonstrate any inhibitory zone. When compared to strains 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of E. coli O157:H7, the inhibition zones of chitosan-cefixime nanoparticles were 23.3 mm, 19.8 mm, 16.9 mm, 18.2 mm, and 22.4 mm, respectively. According to the results, chitosan-cefixime nanoparticles have better antibacterial action against dangerous pathogens than free cefixime. Therefore, using chitosan-cefixime nanoparticles for food preservation could be suggested.

Abstract Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly prevalent virus responsible for several types of cancers, including cervical, throat, and anogenital cancers. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for preventing the progression of HPV-related diseases. In this study, we introduce a new approach based on Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) method to identify viral DNA, was designed for the conserved region of the L1 gene sequence in high-risk genotypes 16, 18, 31 and 33. In order to create suitable temperature conditions for the attachment and also to identify the fluorescent signal, real time PCR device was used. The results of the specificity test showed 100% specificity and the limit of detection level of the method was reported to be 1000 copies/µl of the virus in the sample. The results of clinical sensitivity in the range of 86-96% between deferent genotype and the rate of false negative results was in the range of 14-22%. Based on this, it can be said that maybe the developed method cannot be proposed as a suitable alternative, but due to the response time and lower cost, it can be proposed as a quick screening method.

Abstract Background and purpose: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in which inflammation plays an essential role in its pathophysiology. One of the secondary effects of asthma is depression, which is probably due to overlapping pathogenic mechanisms. One of the important mechanisms in the treatment of depression and asthma is to pay attention to removing inflammation and reducing oxidative stress. Purslane exerts its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through NFqB and NOS pathways. This study aims to investigate the effect of the aqueous-alcoholic extract of the purslane plant on depression caused by experimental asthma using an Open Field Test and Forced Swimming Test in small laboratory mice.
Materials and methods: To investigate the aqueous-alcoholic extract of the purslane plant on depression caused by experimental asthma, 40 Syrian NMRI male mice were divided into 4 groups: control, asthmatic, and asthmatic receiving the extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. Syrian mice were injected and inhaled ovalbumin to develop asthma, and the control group received PBS solution in the same way. The treated groups received the extract at the same time as asthma induction.
Results: The results show that depression symptoms increased significantly after asthma induction. These symptoms were significantly reduced after the administration of purslane extract in a dose-dependent manner. The results indicated a significant increase in depression in the asthmatic group samples compared to the control group and also a significant decrease in depression in the groups treated with purslane extract compared to the asthmatic group.

Abstract This review synthesizes and elaborates on current studies examining the neurotoxic effects of microplastics, emphasizing their mechanisms of entry into the central nervous system and their possible involvement in the development of neurodegenerative disorders. The pervasive presence of microplastics in the environment has heightened concerns about their accumulation in biological systems, particularly their capacity to traverse biological boundaries and engage with neuronal tissues. This article seeks to synthesize and critically evaluate the existing scientific literature on microplastic neuroinvasion, concentrating on the mechanisms through which these particles penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) specifically via transcellular, paracellular, or Trojan horse pathways—and their ensuing effects on neuronal homeostasis.

We investigate the physiological and molecular reactions triggered by microplastics, encompassing oxidative stress induction, mitochondrial failure, neuroinflammation, and synaptic disruption. These pathogenic processes may facilitate the onset and advancement of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, by intensifying amyloid-beta aggregation, tau phosphorylation, and neuroimmune activation. Additionally, we examine the burgeoning epidemiological and experimental evidence associating microplastic exposure with cognitive deterioration and neuronal impairment.

This review offers a thorough analysis of microplastic neurotoxicity by evaluating both in vitro and in vivo studies, with the objective of elucidating the potential neurological hazards associated with these environmental contaminants. We emphasize significant deficiencies in existing research and propose future avenues, encompassing enhanced detection techniques, public health initiatives, and efforts to reduce human exposure to microplastics.

Abstract Drug resistance is a major obstacle in the effective treatment of cancer, severely impacting patient outcomes and complicating therapeutic strategies. The development of resistance is multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic and epigenetic changes within cancer cells, alterations in drug metabolism, increased DNA repair mechanisms, overexpression of drug efflux pumps, and complex interactions with the tumor microenvironment. These factors work synergistically to render traditional chemotherapy and targeted therapies less effective over time.
Recent advances in molecular biology, particularly next-generation sequencing and the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, have significantly enhanced our understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving resistance. These technologies have enabled researchers to identify novel genetic mutations and signaling pathways that cancer cells exploit to evade treatment, offering new potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, the dynamic role of the tumor microenvironment, including immune cells, stromal cells, and extracellular matrix components, has emerged as a key factor influencing drug resistance, further complicating treatment strategies.
To address these challenges, several innovative therapeutic approaches are being explored. Combination therapies, which involve the use of multiple drugs targeting different pathways simultaneously, hold promise in overcoming resistance by attacking cancer cells from multiple fronts. Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body's immune system to target cancer cells, is also showing significant potential in resistant cancers. Furthermore, nanomedicine, which uses nanoparticles to deliver drugs directly to tumors, may improve drug efficacy and minimize resistance.
Despite these advancements, much remains to be done. Ongoing research focused on identifying reliable biomarkers, developing personalized medicine approaches, and understanding the intricate relationship between cancer cells and their microenvironment is essential. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding drug resistance in cancer, emerging therapeutic strategies, and future research directions in this critical field.

Abstract One of the biggest issues facing Muslim nations like Iran is food safety, namely the contamination of halal and non-halal meats. The adulteration will result in composite items that may not be visibly discernible to consumers, thereby leading to many social and health issues. The availability of a detection technology capable of distinguishing between halal and non-halal meats in processed meals is crucial, particularly for use in small-scale labs. This work aimed to create and improve species-specific primers to differentiate between halal and non-halal meats in processed meals, employing NADH Dehydrogenase and ATP Synthase genes via simplex and multiplex PCR experiments. The findings indicated that DNA from processed beef, poultry, and pig could be effectively amplified with the NADH Dehydrogenase and ATP Synthase primers used in this work. The amplicon bands generated were clearly visible and aligned with the targeted size in both simplex and multiplex PCR testing, in comparison to primers from previous studies. This study's drawback was the detection of non-specific bands in bovine NADH Dehydrogenase and pig ATP Synthase primers; nonetheless, the presence of these non-specific bands was acceptable as the primary targeted band remained clearly apparent. The existence of these primers is anticipated to enhance the efficacy of halal food authentication, particularly in small-scale labs located in rural regions of Iran.

Abstract Free radicals are naturally produced in the body and are inhibited by the body’s antioxidants. The excessive production of free radicals and the inability of the body to remove them lead to oxidative stress in the body, which can lead to many diseases, including cancer. Nanoparticles are compounds that have been given much attention to cancer prevention and treatment, due to their specific biological characteristics and their small size. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and antioxidant potential of serum oxide nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous extract of Hyssopus officinalis.
To perform the MTT assay, first, the MDA-MB231 cancerous cells were cultured, seeded and then treated for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Subsequently, MTT was performed and finally, absorption at 517 nm was recorded. The antioxidant potential of the CeO-NPs was evaluated by estimating the amount of ABTS and DPPH free radicals inhibiting in different concentrations of nanoparticles.
The results showed that the CeO-NPs were able to inhibit the ABTS and DPPH free radicals with a mean concentration (IC50) of about 62 and 31.2 μg / ml. Also, the CeO-NPs inhibited cancer cells with IC50 of about 400 µg/ml, 48 hours after exposure. According to the antioxidant results obtained from this paper, it is suggested that by performing further experiments, this nanoparticle can be used as an antioxidant supplement.

Abstract Salmonella, a prominent foodborne pathogen, poses significant health risks, causing both intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. Recognizing the potential of lactobacilli as probiotics due to their ability to produce substances inhibiting multidrug-resistant bacteria, this study aimed to assess antibiotic resistance, pathogenic gene frequency, antibacterial effects of lactobacillus supernatant from kefir, and its impact on resistance and pathogenicity gene expression.
In Tehran hospitals, 150 isolates from 240 clinical samples were collected and identified as Salmonella Typhimurium using biochemical and serotype tests. Antibiotic sensitivity was assessed, and the frequencies of antibiotic resistance genes (tetA, tetB, and floR) and pathogenicity genes (sip, spvC, and invA) were investigated. Lactobacilli from kefir were isolated, and the minimum inhibitory concentration of lactobacillus supernatant was determined. The relationship between supernatant treatment and tetA and sip gene expression was examined using Real-time PCR.
Results revealed 38% of strains as Salmonella Typhimurium serotype, displaying high resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, and nitrofurantoin. Pathogenicity genes invA and sip exhibited high frequencies of 100% and 70.2%, respectively. Lactobacillus supernatant showed an MIC of 80 μg/ml, effectively reducing tetA and sip gene expression by 42.2% and 55.7%, respectively.
In conclusion, the study underscores the high antibiotic resistance in Salmonella Typhimurium and suggests Meropenem, Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazole, and Ampicillin-Sulbactam as effective treatments. Moreover, lactobacillus supernatant demonstrated significant potential against Salmonella Typhimurium, highlighting lactobacilli as promising probiotics. This health-oriented strategy presents a viable solution for treating Salmonella infections and preventing their spread.

Abstract Background: Lots of people die from heart failure (HF) because of fibrosis formation. As injured myocytes deregulated MMP-2, MMP-4, TIMP-2, Ang, plasma renin activity  (PRA), and ACE leading to fibrosis, their regulation can improve HF. One of the most effective treatments for heart failure is the use of hAMSCs-CM, which has been shown to improve heart function and reduce symptoms. The study innovation was the investigation of the in vivo mode of action of hAMSCs-CM on HF fibrosis focusing on the mentioned proteins for the first time. We expected that this study partly fill the scientific gap in HF treatment.
Methods: Frothy rats were divided into 4 groups; Control, HF, culture medium, and CM. To induce HF, isoproterenol (ISO) was injected into all animals except for the control. CM were injected into the CM group and the culture medium group received culture medium. Then, cardiac functions were measured using echocardiography and serum fibrosis was evaluated by ELISA.
Results: HF model showed decreased MMP-2, MMP-4, Ang, PRA, and ACE and increased TIMP-2, whereas hAMSCs-CM therapy reversed them compared with controls.
Conclusion: Our result has partially filled the HF treatment’s gap as hAMSCs-CM improved cardiac function and reduced cardiac fibrosis and the serum fibrogenic proteins.

Abstract Exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields (LF-EMF) has been considered a global concern because of its harmful effects on human health (cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc.). According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, EMF has been classified as a possible cancerous element for human health. Antioxidants such as vitamin C improve the damage caused by EMF by reducing oxidative stress. To evaluate the effects of EMF on the serum total protein, blood sugar, albumin and triglyceride, and the inhibitory role of vitamin C, 40 male BALB/c mice were recruited. Participants were randomly distributed into four groups 1- exposure to LF-EMF, 2- exposure to LF-EMF which received vitamin C (50 mg/kg), 3- exposure to LF-EMF which received vitamin C (100 mg/kg), and 4- control group (no exposure). The experimental groups (1-3) received LF-EMF (50 Hz, 4 mT, 4 hours/day, and 1 month) while both groups 2 and 3 had intraperitoneally injected vitamin C (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) every other day basis respectively. The obtained results demonstrated higher triglyceride and total protein levels and lower albumin and blood sugar levels in the LF-EMF group compared to controls while vitamin C restricts their alterations (p<0.05). To sum it up, our data show that intraperitoneal injection of vitamin C restricts the effects of LF-EMF exposure on the biochemical parameters in mice. However, the antioxidant characteristics of vitamin C may be probably involved in the LF-EMF effects of biochemical parameters in mice.

Abstract Background: A lot of patients are suffering from asthma. For decreasing the asthma symptoms, we studied the effects of conditioned medium (CM) of human amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cells (hAM-MSCs) as a source of anti-inflammatory cytokines on splenocyte and lung tissue of asthmatic Balb/c mice.
Methods: Forty mice were categorized into four groups; ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma, CM-treated asthma, DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium)-treated asthma, and saline control. Each group received related treatment. The lung alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)  and splenocyte inflammatory cytokines and IgE were examined through Western blot analysis.
Results: Western blot showed α-SMA overexpression in the OVA and DMEM groups compared with the saline group. CM therapy could significantly reverse it compared with OVA and OVA+DMEM categories by elevating IL-10 and IFN-γ and reducing IL-4, IgE, and TGF-β .
Conclusion: CM treatment could improve asthma symptoms by adjusting α-SMA in lung tissue and pro-inflammatory cytokines and IgE in splenocytes.