Semnan University of Medical Sciences

Parent-mediated autism interventions are widely implemented, yet fathers’ roles are frequently underreported or aggregated within broader caregiver samples. This systematic review synthesized father-specific quantitative and qualitative evidence from studies published between 2000 and February 2026. Across 29 studies (approximately 470 fathers), controlled group-level evidence suggests that when explicitly included, fathers are associated with small-to-moderate improvements in child social communication and increased parenting self-efficacy, whereas paternal stress often remains stable. Qualitative findings identified recurring themes of motivation, structured engagement preferences, systemic barriers, and role strain. Although pooled estimates were derived from a limited number of controlled trials, findings support father-responsive recruitment, flexible delivery models, and integration of psychosocial supports within family-centered autism care.

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs, ) particularly those from saffron petals (Crocus sativus L.), are nanoscale extracellular vesicles that offer an accessible and cost-effective option for therapeutic applications and possess significant potential in reducing oxidative stress and supporting cell survival. This study aimed to isolate and characterize saffron petal-derived EVs and evaluate their antioxidant properties and cytotoxic effects on L929 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. In this experimental study, EVs were extracted from saffron petals using a multistep centrifugation method. Their morphology and size were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Protein concentration was determined by the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay, and total antioxidant capacity was measured using the ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. EVs were applied to cells at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/ml, and cell viability and migration was assessed via the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and scratch assay. The results showed that the isolated EVs exhibited a predominantly spherical to oval morphology with an average size of 58.37 ± 12.92 nm. DLS analysis revealed a size distribution in the range of 80–140 nm, and the zeta potential of − 12.2 mV indicated a negative surface charge and relative colloidal stability. The protein concentration of the EVs was 11.5 µg/ml, and their antioxidant capacity ranged from 0.21 to 0.71 mmol Vitamin C eq/mg protein, with the highest activity observed at 0.1 mg/ml. MTT assay results demonstrated that L929 cell viability significantly increased at 0.5 mg/ml and slightly decreased at 1 mg/ml, yet remained higher than the control, whereas the protective effect on MDA-MB-231 cells was lower, with approximately half of the cells dying at 0.5 mg/ml. These findings indicate that saffron petal-derived EVs possess favorable physical and biological characteristics and can serve as natural carriers of antioxidant compounds, supporting healthy cells. They hold considerable potential for the development of novel plant-based therapeutic strategies.

The complexity of breast cancer cells complicates the process of enhancing our understanding, which may lead to the development of effective therapeutic agents and approaches. Among the novel medical interventions, menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Mens-MSCs) demonstrate proactive and immunomodulatory interactions with malignant cells. This study aims to evaluate the effects of Mens-MSCs-derived exosomes (MM-Exos) on breast cancer cell behaviors, with particular emphasis on apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis. MM-Exos were characterized using DLS, flow cytometry, and TEM. After determining the effective concentration by MTT assay, the exosomes were applied to MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 cell lines. Cell motility was evaluated using a scratch assay, while apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and ROS generation were assessed by flow cytometry and ELISA. Gene expression of BAX, BCL-2, MMP-2, and VEGF was analyzed by qPCR, and corresponding protein levels were confirmed through Western blotting. Based on the results, MM-Exos dose-dependently decreased breast cancer cell survival across both cell lines. Furthermore, MM-Exos at 50 and 100 µg/ml significantly reduced the migratory rate of cell lines (P < 0.001). Treatment with MM-Exos (100 µg/ml) significantly increased ROS production (P < 0.001), enhanced apoptosis (P < 0.001), induced cell cycle arrest (P < 0.001), and altered gene and protein expression. Both cell lines exhibited significant down-regulation of VEGF(P < 0.001), BCL-2 (P < 0.01), and MMP-2 (P < 0.01) after treatment with MM-Exos, whereas BAX demonstrated significant up-regulation (P < 0.001). Based on results, MM-Exo demonstrates anticancer functions by enhancing cytotoxicity, ROS generation, apoptosis, while reducing migration rate. Thus, MM-Exo may represent a potential therapeutic option for breast cancer; however, further comprehensive studies are required.

Excessive sugar consumption has been implicated in the development of insulin resistance and diabetic nephropathy (DN). The present study aimed to establish a novel animal model of DN using a high-sugar diet (HSD) and evaluate the renoprotective effects of empagliflozin. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Normal, Normal + Empagliflozin, Diabetic, and Diabetic + Empagliflozin. Diabetes was induced using a 35

To evaluate posterior segment structural changes in patients with keratoconus (KC), and to assess their association with anterior segment parameters across disease severity stages using the ABCD classification system. This cross-sectional observational study graded staged KC severity I–IV based on the ABCD grading system. All participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation, including corneal tomography (Pentacam HR), optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging (Spectralis EDI-OCT), and ocular biometry. Posterior segment parameters were compared across KC stages and with controls. Correlation analyses were performed to assess associations between anterior and posterior segment metrics. The study included 124 eyes from 124 patients with keratoconus and 32 right eyes from healthy control individuals. RNFL thickness was significantly reduced in KC eyes compared to controls (103.7 ± 11.6 μm vs. 110.0 ± 12.0 μm; P = 0.008), with a progressive decline observed from stage I to IV. Central foveal retinal thickness showed a mild, non-significant reduction in stages III and IV (234.6 ± 20.9 μm and 232.8 ± 19.7 μm, respectively) compared to earlier stages and controls (P = 0.066). SFCT remained relatively unchanged across all KC stages and between KC and control groups (416.6 ± 85.4 μm vs. 420.3 ± 70.2 μm; P = 0.824). Correlation analyses revealed no significant associations between anterior segment parameters (e.g., apex pachymetry, thinnest corneal thickness) and posterior segment measurements (P > 0.05 for all). KC is associated with significant RNFL thinning, particularly in advanced stages, suggesting posterior segment involvement. However, retinal and choroidal thicknesses remain largely unaffected.