Background: Breast cancer, one of the most common and lethal cancers in women, faces multiple therapeutic challenges, including side effects and the lack of selectivity of conventional drugs. In this regard, Nigella sativa, due to its numerous bioactive compounds and proven therapeutic properties, has emerged as a promising candidate for cancer treatment. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects and toxicity of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of N. sativa on human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells and normal human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Methods: Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of N. sativa were prepared, and their compound profiles were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay across a concentration range of 6.25 to 6400 µg/mL after 24 hours of treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The results demonstrated that the effects of the extracts were dependent on their type, concentration, and the nature of the target cells. The aqueous extract significantly reduced the viability of HDF cells at concentrations of 100 µg/mL and above, while its significant anticancer effect on MCF-7 cells began only at 400 µg/mL and above. The hydroalcoholic extract exhibited a dual effect: At low concentrations (12.5 - 50 µg/mL), it increased the viability of normal cells, whereas at high concentrations, it decreased it. This extract also showed a dual effect on cancer cells, increasing their viability at very low concentrations (6.25 and 12.5 µg/mL) and significantly reducing it only at a high concentration (800 µg/mL) (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings indicate that although N. sativa extracts possess concentration-dependent anti-proliferative potential, they lack the desired therapeutic selectivity, as concentrations effective against cancer cells also impose significant toxicity on normal cells. These results underscore the pharmacological complexity of the response and highlight the need for future studies to optimize dosage and formulation for the safe and effective exploitation of this potential.
Background: Dust storms are natural phenomena in which soil particles are transported in large quantities from one area and deposited in other areas. This phenomenon has adverse effects on the life and health status of individuals. Objectives: Considering the importance of this issue, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the frequency distribution of respiratory diseases caused by fine dust and dust in the Sistan region. Methods: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on patients referred to Amir Al-Momenin Hospital in Zabol with complaints of respiratory problems due to dust storms. Data related to air index pollutants and dust storms were collected from the Sistan Meteorological Center. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect information, and its validity was confirmed through content validity with the opinions of approved experts. SPSS V22 software was used for data analysis. Results: In the present study, 71 patients were studied. In this study, 57.7% (41 people) of the participants were female. Most of the participants (52.1%) were engaged in agriculture and/or animal husbandry. Also, 47.9% of the patients stated that they had a laborer's job. In this study, the frequency distribution of various underlying diseases among the participants indicated that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (35.2%), hypertension (35.2%), and diabetes (25.4%) were among the most common underlying diseases in the patients studied. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that exposure to excessive dust causes a significant increase in the symptoms of respiratory diseases and a significant decrease in lung function parameters. Therefore, to reduce or eliminate the prevalence of these symptoms, plans should be made to reduce the amount of dust in the area.
Background: Schrenkiella parvula is a halophyte capable of maintaining root growth under salt stress, making it a valuable model for studying stress adaptation. The glucose-TOR signaling pathway regulates root development in Arabidopsis; however, its role in extremophytes such as S. parvula under saline conditions remains poorly understood. This study investigated TOR-related gene regulation in S. parvula using gene co-expression network analysis. Objectives: This study aimed to identify key gene modules and hub genes downstream of the glucose-TOR signaling pathway that contribute to the maintenance of root growth under salt stress in S. parvula. Methods: A set of TOR-regulated genes in Arabidopsis roots was used to identify orthologs in S. parvula. RNA-seq data from salt-stressed S. parvula roots were normalized using DESeq2. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed on 1,858 genes to identify modules correlated with salt stress. Hub genes were identified based on high module membership (kME) values and visualized using Cytoscape. Results: Seven co-expression modules were identified. The green module showed the strongest correlation with salt stress and contained six hub genes associated with cell division and expansion, cell wall modification, detoxification, and osmotic balance. Conclusions: S. parvula may maintain root growth under salinity through the activation of TOR-regulated genes. The identified green module supports cellular and metabolic adaptation. Key genes, such as MEI2-like and expansin, may sustain root development, whereas other genes may contribute to detoxification and osmotic balance. These results provide potential targets for improving stress tolerance in crops.
Background: Cervical cancer is associated with a relatively high mortality rate in women. Conventional therapies often cause significant adverse effects, highlighting the need for novel treatments with improved safety and efficacy. Objectives: Considering that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has anticancer effects in various malignancies, this study evaluated the impacts of EGCG on cervical cancer cells, with emphasis on identifying the mechanism of action. Methods: After culture, HeLa and CaSki cells were exposed to a range of EGCG concentrations. The MTT assay was used to assess cell viability, and flow cytometry was used for apoptosis. Finally, using designed primers, expression levels of bax, CASP3, p53, bcl-2, CASP9, and EGFR were quantified by qRT-PCR. Results: The EGCG decreased cell viability in both cervical cancer cell lines and increased apoptosis. Notably, at 40 and 80 μg/mL, EGCG upregulated pro-apoptotic genes (bax, p53, CASP3, CASP9) and downregulated anti-apoptotic bcl-2 and EGFR expression. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that EGCG exerts anticancer activity against cervical cancer cell lines, at least in part, by activating the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway as well as inhibiting proliferative signaling. Further mechanistic research is needed to determine the full spectrum of EGCG’s actions in cervical cancer.
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is among the most prevalent endocrine-metabolic disorders impacting individuals capable of conception. Its clinical management poses a significant challenge, particularly for those facing infertility and seeking conception through assisted reproductive technology (ART). While metformin is a cornerstone therapy, its limitations necessitate the exploration of novel combinations. Objectives: This research was conducted to assess and compare the treatment outcomes of two fixed-dose combination drugs — empagliflozin plus metformin and linagliptin plus metformin — and metformin as a single agent against an inert placebo in infertile women with PCOS scheduled for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), aiming to identify a superior metabolic priming strategy to potentially improve the reproductive milieu prior to ART. Methods: Eighty infertile women with PCOS were randomly assigned over an 8-week period to one of four groups receiving either empagliflozin-metformin, linagliptin-metformin, metformin, or a placebo. Anthropometric, metabolic, and hormonal assessments were performed for participants in all groups two months before the ovulation induction cycle and on the day of oocyte aspiration. The primary outcome was the change in serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level. Key secondary outcomes included changes in fasting insulin, body weight, lipid profile, and other hormonal parameters (testosterone, leptin). Results: Significant decreases in body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist measurement were observed in the group receiving empagliflozin-metformin relative to the placebo group (P < 0.05). While insulin levels decreased in all active treatment groups, fasting blood sugar reduction was exclusive to the empagliflozin-metformin group. This group also demonstrated significant improvements in lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein [LDL]) and hormonal parameters (testosterone, leptin, anti-Müllerian hormone) compared to both placebo and metformin monotherapy. Empagliflozin-metformin showed statistically significant superiority over linagliptin-metformin in reducing body weight (mean difference: -1.72 kg, 95% CI: -3.21 to -0.23; P = 0.019), triglycerides (mean difference: -3.35 mg/dL, 95% CI: -6.12 to -0.58; P = 0.013), anti-Müllerian hormone (mean difference: -0.62 ng/mL, 95% CI: -1.15 to -0.09; P = 0.018), and leptin levels (mean difference: -0.79 ng/mL, 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.13; P = 0.015). Conclusions: Combination therapy with empagliflozin-metformin demonstrates superior metabolic and hormonal benefits compared to metformin alone and linagliptin-metformin in infertile women with PCOS, suggesting its potential as a preferred treatment option before assisted reproductive technology.
