Showing 9 results for Fateh
Fateh Rahimi, Malihe Talebi, Mahnaz Saifi, Mohammad R. Pourshafie,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (7-2007)
Abstract
Enterococci are important because of their role as the leading cause of nosocomial infections which have a significant role in the dissemination and persistence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Methods: In this study, we determined the distribution of enterococcal species in the sewage treatment plants in Iran. Furthermore, we improved a rapid and specific PCR method using primers (sodA and ddl genes) for identification of enterococci spp. Results and Conclusion: A total number of 712 enterococci spp. were isolated and the results showed that 56%, 24%, 12%, 4%, 2%, 1% and 1% isolates were E. faecium, E. hirae, E. faecalis, E. gallinarum, E. casseliflavus, E. mundtii and other enterococcal spp., respectively. The use of species-specific PCR was in agreement with the biochemical tests. Furthermore, multiplex PCR was developed to study the presence of vancomycin resistant genes in E. faecium or E. faecalis. The multiplex PCR appeared to be a useful, rapid and specific method for detecting and discriminating genotypes for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus.
Fateme Ettehad Marvasti, Arfa Moshiri, Mina Sadat Taghavi, Soheil Riazi, Majid Taati, Seyedeh Fatemeh Sadati, Azadeh Ghaheri, Morteza Masoomi, Farzam Vaziri, Abolfazl Fateh, Pejman Rohani, Samira Tarashi, Andrea Masotti, Sara Ahmadi Badi, Seyed Davar Siadat,
Volume 24, Issue 3 (5-2020)
Abstract
Background: Obesity is a complex disorder influenced by various genetic and environmental factors. It has been shown that gut microbiota, which colonizes gastrointestinal tract, has a substantial role as an environmental factor in the pathophysiology of obesity. Since the composition of gut microbiota alters with regard to different criteria, such as ethnicity, geographical location, diet, lifestyle, age, and gender, we aimed to determine firmicutes/bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and the abundance of important gut microbiota members, Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia, Bifidobacterium, and Prevotella in Iranian obese and normal weight individuals, for the first time. Methods: In this study, 50 normal and 50 obese subjects were recruited and classified based on their BMI into normal weight and obese groups. Stool samples were collected. Following DNA extraction from the samples, quantitative PCR was conducted based on 16s rDNA universal primers. Finally, the correlation between the bacterial abundance and obesity was analyzed by statistical analyses. Results: We observed a significant increase of F/B ratio in the obese group, compared to the normal weight group (p = 0.002). Although A. muciniphila (p = 0.039) and Bifidobacterium (p = 0.049) abundance significantly decreased, the abundance of F. prausnitzii (p = 0.046) significantly elevated with BMI increase in the studied groups. Conclusion: Owing to the importance of the gut microbiota composition in obesity development, determination and targeted restoration of gut microbiota pattern could be valuable in the control and treatment of obesity in certain populations.
Samira Tarashi, Mohammad Saber Zamani, Golnaz Bahramali, Andrea Fuso, Farzam Vaziri, Morteza Karimipoor, Abolfazl Fateh, Seyed Davar Siadat,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis infection still represents a global health issue affecting patients worldwide. Strategies for its control may be not as effective as it should be, specifically in case of resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb.) In this regard, the role of mycobacterial methyltransferases (MTases) in TB infection can be fundamental, though it has not been broadly deciphered.
Methods: Five resistant isolates of M.tb were obtained. M.tb H37Rv (ATCC 27249) was used as a reference strain. Seven putative mycobacterial MTase genes (Rv0645c, Rv2966c, Rv1988, Rv1694, Rv3919c, Rv2756c, and Rv3263) and Rv1392 as SAM synthase were selected for analysis. PCR-sequencing and qRT-PCR were performed to compare mutations and expression levels of MTases in different strains. The 2-ΔΔCt method was employed to calculate the relative expression levels of these genes.
Results: Only two mutations were found in isoniazid resistance (INHR) strain for Rv3919c (T to G in codon 341) and Rv1392 (G to A in codon 97) genes. Overexpression of Rv0645c, Rv2756c, Rv3263, and Rv2966c was detected in all sensitive and resistant isolates. However, Rv1988 and Rv3919c decreased and Rv1694 increased in the sensitive strains. The Rv1392 expression level also decreased in INHR isolate.
Conclusion: We found a correlation between mycobacterial MTases expression and resistance to antibiotics in M.tb strains. Some MTases undeniably are virulence factors that specifically hijack the host defense mechanism. Further evaluations are needed to explore the complete impact of mycobacterial MTases within specific strains of M.tb to introduce novel diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Nasim Ebrahimifard, Shima Hadifar, Mansour Kargarpour Kamakoli, Ava Behrouzi, Sharareh Khanipour, Abolfazl Fateh, Seyed Davar Siadat, Farzam Vaziri,
Volume 26, Issue 4 (7-2022)
Abstract
Background: Autophagy induction has been shown to differ in magnitude depending on the mycobacterial species. However, few studies have investigated the specific autophagic capacity of different Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains in alveolar epithelial cells (ATs). This study aimed to elucidate the host autophagic response to different Mtb strains in ATs responsible for TB in the capital of Iran, Tehran.
Methods: A549 cells were infected with three different Mtb clinical isolates (Beijing, NEW1, and CAS1/Delhi) and the reference strain H37Rv. Following RNA extraction, the expression of eight ATG genes, four mycobacterial genes, and three miRNAs was evaluated using quantitative RT-PCR.
Results: The results revealed that all four strains influenced the autophagy pathway in various ways at different magnitudes. The Beijing and H37Rv strains could inhibit autophagosome formation, whereas the CAS and NEW1 strains induced autophagosome formation. The expression of genes involved in the fusion of autophagosomes to lysosomes (LAMP1) indicated that all the studied strains impaired the autophagolysosomal fusion; this result is not unexpected as Mtb can block the autophagolysomal fusion. In addition, the Beijing and H37RV strains prevented the formation of autophagic vacuoles, besides mycobacterial targeting of lysosomes and protease activity.
Conclusion: This preliminary study improved our understanding of how Mtb manages to overcome the host immune system, such as autophagy, and evaluated the genes used by specific strains during this process. Further studies with a large number of Mtb strains, encompassing the other main Mtb lineages, are inevitable.
Yaghoub Ahmadyousefi, Massoud Saidijam, Bagher Amirheidari, Fatehmeh Rahbarizadeh, Meysam Soleimani,
Volume 26, Issue 6 (11-2022)
Abstract
Background: Ferritin has an important role in iron storage in the cells, and due to its nanocage structure and self-assembly properties, it has wide application prospects in nanobiotechnology.
Methods: The maize (Zea mays) ferritin gene ZmFer1 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for the first time. Change in macromolecular structure of ZmFer1 ferritin due to heat treatment was investigated using native PAGE electrophoresis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Change in the secondary structures of the protein was evaluated using circular dichroism spectroscopy. Moreover, alteration in the conformation of the protein was evaluated using UV-absorption spectra and intrinsic fluorescence spectra. The melting temperature (Tm) of ZmFer1 was obtained using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Finally, the effect of heat on the function of ZmFer1 was assessed by iron loading ability.
Results: The purified ZmFer1 protein showed a homopolymer nanocage structure. The results of native PAGE electrophoresis, DLS, and TEM techniques showed that ZmFer1 protein nanocage is stable to heat treatment up to 90 °C, and some of the protein nanocages retain their macromolecular structures even at 100 °C in liquid aqueous solution. Based on the DSC results, ZmFer1 protein nanocage had a Tm of 81.9 °C. After treatment at 100 °C, stable ZmFer1 protein nanocages were able to store iron atoms.
Conclusion: Recombinant ZmFer1 ferritin with a Tm > 80°C is a hyperthermostable protein nanocage. The results of this study are beneficial for the development of protein nanocages that are stable under extreme temperature conditions, as well as application of ZmFer1 in nanobiotechnology, biomaterials, and biomedical fields.
Maryam Meskini, Behrouz Ebadi Sharafabad, Parisa Jamour, Sara Yahyaei, Abolfazl Fateh, Seyed Davar Siadat,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the principal cause of tuberculosis, is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Once the immune system encounters this bacterium, it uses different inflammation pathways to combat it. Inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and pro-inflammatory pathways are associated with numerous genes, which makes testing them all challenging, costly, and time-consuming. Currently, researchers are interested in discovering the hub genes of this pathway.
Methods and Materials: Based on the literature survey and using the KEGG database, a list of genes involved in pro-inflammatory, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory pathways was derived from dendritic cells infected with M. tuberculosis strains in Homo sapiens and was used as a KEGGParser plugin in Cytoscape. Centiscape2.2 was then employed to determine these gene networks' degree, betweenness, and closeness. A gene network was then drawn and analyzed using the STRING database.
Results: Several genes were identified as hub genes of pro-inflammatory, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory pathways. The research successfully identified several hub genes: IL-6, IL1-β, IL-12β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10. These genes were highlighted as central to the pro-inflammatory, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory pathways in dendritic cells infected by M. tuberculosis. Each gene plays a significant role in the immune response. IL-6 is known for its dual roles, which promote inflammation. However, it has anti-inflammatory properties too. This duality makes it a critical target for understanding and modulating the immune response in tuberculosis. IL1-β is pivotal in the inflammatory response, helping mediate fever and activate various immune cells. IL-12β is essential for differentiating naive T cells into Th1 cells, and it is crucial for a robust immune response against intracellular pathogens like M. tuberculosis. TNF-α, a critical inflammatory mediator, plays a significant role in systemic inflammation and is essential for controlling
M. tuberculosis infection, though its dysregulation, can lead to detrimental effects. IFN-γ cytokine is central to activating macrophages and promoting antigen presentation, thereby enhancing the host's ability to control M. tuberculosis infection. IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, regulates the immune response to prevent excessive tissue damage during infection.
Conclusion: We found six critical genes involved in the pro-inflammatory, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory pathways of immature dendritic cells infected with active strains of M. tuberculosis.
Mohammad Moslehi, Samaneh Esmaeili Talkhoncheh, Nazanin Fatehi,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Neonatal jaundice is common, especially during the first week of life. According to existing evidence, 80% of preterm infants exhibit clinical signs such as yellowing of the skin and sclera due to elevated serum bilirubin levels. Extremely high bilirubin levels can lead to kernicterus, resulting in permanent brain damage. Given the importance of neonatal jaundice prevalence and the lack of extensive studies on its causes and frequency in the early days of life, investigating its causes for effective prevention and treatment is essential. This study aimed to examine the frequency of risk factors for pathological jaundice in the first seven days of neonatal life in patients admitted to Shariati Hospital in Isfahan in 2021.
Methods and Materials: This research is a cross-sectional study conducted on 350 neonates with jaundice at Shariati Hospital in Isfahan in 2021. Hyperbilirubinemia was the criterion for inclusion in this study. Neonate sampling was based on clinical outcomes. Additionally, the researcher collected data from medical records and interviews with mothers. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 statistical software. After recording demographic information and data related to delivery and pregnancy, the causes of jaundice were also recorded. Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test were used to compare the data.
Results: Among 350 neonates with jaundice who entered our study, 200 (57.1%) had physiological jaundice, and 150 (42.9%) had pathological jaundice. The mean gestational age was 38.08 ± 2.04 weeks. Of the 350 neonates, 197 were boys and 153 were girls. The most common causes of pathological jaundice were blood incompatibility (44.7%), dehydration (21.3%), infection (16%), G6PD deficiency (10.7%), and other causes (7.3%). Additionally, our study findings indicated no significant differences in pathological jaundice based on gestational age (p = 0.409), gender (p = 0.47), or birth weight (p = 0.158). However, it was found that the frequency of positive family history in neonates with pathological jaundice (60%) was significantly higher than in those with physiological jaundice (46.5%; p = 0.012).
Conclusion and Discussion: This study revealed that a positive family history in neonates with pathological jaundice was significantly higher than in those with unknown causes. Given the high prevalence of pathological jaundice and that it is the most common cause of readmission after maternal discharge, timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent and untreatable complications such as brain and nerve damage like kernicterus. Preventive measures and appropriate education should be implemented to reduce this jaundice.
Narges Fatehi-Firouzabadi, Bahareh Sasanfar, Amin Salehi-Abargouei,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), significantly contribute to global mortality and negatively impact the quality of life of young people and adults. Unhealthy diets are one of the most important modifiable risk factors for CVDs. Grains like wheat and rice are dietary staples in Iran. While whole grains are beneficial and can play a key role in a healthy diet, research on their association with CVD compared to refined grains is limited. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between whole and refined grain consumption and compare their roles in developing CVD, specifically coronary artery disease (CAD).
Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 720 patients undergoing coronary angiography at Afshar Hospital, a referral hospital in Yazd, Iran. The convenience method was used for sampling. The coronary artery stenosis was assessed using Gensini (GS) and SYNTAX scores (SS). Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 178-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Corn on bread, wheat flour, corn, barley, and bulgur were classified as whole-grain sources. In contrast, various pieces of bread (Lavash, barbecue, Sangak, Taftoon, baguette, and toast), rice, spaghetti, biscuits, digestive biscuits, vermicelli, and Reshte were considered refined grain sources. Multi-variable adjusted logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios for coronary artery stenosis severity across whole grain and refined grain tertiles. The analyses were first adjusted for age, energy, and sex in the first model and additionally for marriage, menopausal status, physical activity, economic status, job, educational level, smoking, drug addiction, Diabetes, and body mass index (BMI) in model 2. Subgroup analysis based on BMI was also performed. Statistical data analysis was performed using STATA software version 14.
Results: No significant association was found between whole grain intake and GS or SS in the crude and fully adjusted model. Additionally, there was no significant association between refined grain intake and GS or SS in the crude and fully adjusted models. After subgroup analyses based on BMI, these associations remained non-significant.
Conclusion and Discussion: The findings of this study show a nonsignificant association between whole grain or refined grain consumption and CAD. Further prospective studies are crucial to investigate this association in more detail.
Armita Jamshidi, Denise Motazakker, Parsa Sameei, Sina Fatehfar, Naseh Abdollahzade, Leila Chodari, Shiva Roshan Milani,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Pregnancy-related stresses have an enormous impact on the development of the embryo and can cause various kinds of neurological diseases later in life. The harmful impact on the morphology and function of the central nervous system, which can ultimately affect memory and learning abilities, is the most required of these alterations. Prenatal stress (PS) can generate neurological abnormalities that can be prevented or lowered with the use of physical or pharmacological therapies. The present study investigates the consequences of maternal zinc supplementation and prenatal physical activities on PS-induced cognitive and memory disorders in female rat offspring.
Methods and Materials: Pregnant rats were divided into five groups: control, stress, stress + exercise, stress + zinc, and stress + exercise + zinc. The stress groups were exposed to restrain stress for five consecutive days (Gestational days 15-19). The exercise and zinc groups were similarly exposed to stress and subjected to either forced treadmill exercise (30 min/daily), zinc sulfate (30 mg/kg/orally), or both throughout the pregnancy. On the 30th post-natal day, the Morris Water Maze (MWM) examined the female offspring's cognitive function. Newborns received four consecutive days of training in the maze before passing a test on the fifth day.
Results: The time spent finding the plate was used to evaluate learning, and the time spent in the target zone was used to evaluate memory. The results showed that the exercise and zinc groups took less time to find the plate and spent more time in the target area than the stress group. Accordingly, the escape latency significantly increased from 11.8 ± 1 seconds in the control group to 17.6 ± 2 seconds in the prenatally stressed group on training day four, indicating the impairment of spatial learning in these rats. Prenatal exercise and zinc supplementation completely reversed PS-induced learning impairments. Furthermore, prenatally stressed rats spent a significantly shorter time in the target zone (37.5 ± 2.3 s) than their non-stressed counterparts (43.9 ± 2.4 s). The time spent in the target zone for the offspring in the stress + exercise and stress + zinc groups significantly differed from the prenatally stressed rats and approached the control levels. The combined effects of exercise and zinc supplementation produced non-additive effects on cognitive impairments.
Conclusion and Discussion: Both prenatal exercise and zinc supplementation demonstrated beneficial effects on the learning and memory performance of the prenatally stressed offspring. These outcomes highlight the importance of zinc and physical activity in preventing PS-induced cognitive decline. However, it seems that zinc and exercise independently affected stress responses in the offspring, and as such, their combined effects did not yield more significant effects than either alone.
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