Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Topical buspirone accelerates wound healing in rats through modulation of inflammation, angiogenesis, and collagen formation.","authors":"Mehdi Zahmatkesh, Pari Tamri, Mojdeh Mohammadi, Fatemeh Mirzaei","doi":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.96004.20706","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.96004.20706","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Cutaneous wound healing is a complex, multistep process that requires coordinated regulation of inflammation, cell proliferation, extracellular matrix deposition, and angiogenesis. This study evaluated the effects of topical buspirone, a partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist, on wound healing in a rat excisional wound model.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Full-thickness dorsal wounds were created in Wistar rats and treated with topical 0.5% buspirone, 1% phenytoin, vehicle, or left untreated. Wound contraction was assessed macroscopically, and hydroxyproline content, TNF-α, and TGF-β levels were measured to evaluate collagen deposition and inflammatory and fibrotic responses. Histopathological analysis and a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay were also performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Buspirone treatment significantly accelerated wound contraction at all time points compared with the control, vehicle, and phenytoin groups (<i>P</i><0.001). Hydroxyproline levels were significantly increased, indicating enhanced collagen deposition. In addition, TNF-α levels were reduced, whereas TGF-β levels showed a moderate increase, suggesting balanced modulation of inflammation and fibrosis. Histological findings demonstrated improved re-epithelialization and dermal organization in the buspirone-treated group. Enhanced angiogenesis was also observed in the CAM assay.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, topical buspirone may promote wound healing through coordinated effects on inflammation, collagen synthesis, tissue organization, and angiogenesis. This suggests that buspirone is a potential therapeutic agent for wound healing.</p>","PeriodicalId":14495,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences","volume":"29 11","pages":"1728-1735"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13669769/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149216340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Therapeutic potential of a pullulan polysaccharide-based hydrogel with antibacterial peptide for skin wound healing.","authors":"Maziar Malekzadeh, Mehrdad Moosazadeh Moghaddam, Masoud Ghorbani","doi":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.90215.19450","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.90215.19450","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Eliminating skin defects using scaffolds, especially hydrogels, has been a promising method to accelerate regeneration. The utilization of hydrogels composed of carboxymethyl chitosan and pullulan oxide, synthesized via Schiff base reaction, represents an effective approach for skin repair.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Carboxymethyl chitosan was reacted with oxidized pullulan (CMCS/OPL), and the hydrogel was formed. In addition, an antibacterial peptide was incorporated into a hydrogel. In <i>in vitro</i> conditions, the samples were evaluated by a characterization test. <i>In vivo</i>, H&E and real-time PCR tests were taken from the removed samples. Experiments confirmed the formation of the Schiff base reaction.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two groups of hydrogels exhibited the appropriate viscosity, porosity, and degradation. The rate of cell proliferation on the 7^th day in the hydrogel with the peptide was the same as that of the control group. An <i>in vivo</i> test showed that the peptide-containing hydrogel significantly enhanced the regeneration process (<i>P</i>≤0.05). Tissue examination of the samples showed that the rate of angiogenesis and skin repair increased in the hydrogel with the peptide group. The use of peptides strengthened the repair processes in the skin area.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These hydrogels represent a promising strategy to promote skin regeneration and provide a significant avenue for future clinical applications in regenerative medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":14495,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences","volume":"29 3","pages":"412-422"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13135185/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147815286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pitolisant disrupts memory consolidation and hippocampal synaptic plasticity: Impaired excitability and long-term potentiation in the CA1 area.","authors":"Siamak Beheshti, Adeleh Badiyifard, Zahra Badiei Darani, Mansour Azimzadeh, Alireza Halabian","doi":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.90953.19621","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.90953.19621","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The histaminergic system plays a vital role in memory function, but the underlying cellular and circuit mechanisms remain poorly understood. Pitolisant, an inverse agonist of the histamine H3 receptor (H3R), is widely used in the treatment of narcolepsy and has shown potential anti-seizure effects. However, its impact on memory and synaptic plasticity is unclear. This study investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of pitolisant on passive avoidance memory consolidation. Meanwhile, the impact of pitolisant on synaptic excitability, short-term plasticity, and long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus was investigated.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Adult male Wistar rats received pitolisant (10 or 100 µg/rat; ICV) or saline immediately after training in the passive avoidance apparatus to test memory consolidation. Meanwhile, pitolisant was microinjected into the CA₁ region to assess its targeted effects. Subsequently, field potentials were recorded to measure fundamental synaptic properties: input-output (I/O) function, paired-pulse facilitation, and LTP function.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pitolisant significantly impaired memory consolidation. It also reduced the fEPSP slope in I/O function and paired-pulse facilitation, suggesting impaired synaptic excitability and increased presynaptic inhibition. Additionally, LTP was reduced in pitolisant-treated groups, indicating disrupted long-term plasticity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings highlight a potential inhibitory effect of pitolisant on passive-avoidance memory consolidation in healthy rats and on hippocampal synaptic function, raising concerns about its use in neurological disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":14495,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences","volume":"29 3","pages":"378-386"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13135182/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147815309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antibody therapies in glioblastoma: Overcoming micro-environmental barriers.","authors":"Moeen Fuad Dababneh, Faris Anad Muhammad, Abdulkareem Shareef, S Renuka Jyothi, Ashish Singh Chauhan, Apurav Gautam, Lola Makhmudova, Hayder Naji Sameer, Ahmed Yaseen, Zainab H Athab, Mohaned Adil, Amirmohammad Khalifehsoltani, Reza Akhavan-Sigari","doi":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.90689.19548","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.90689.19548","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most aggressive adult brain tumor, with median survival largely unchanged over two decades. Antibody-based therapies have shown promise in hematologic and systemic cancers, but translation to GBM has been hindered by the tumor's hostile microenvironment and immune evasion mechanisms. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Eligible publications included preclinical investigations, clinical trials, and reviews addressing antibody-based therapies, tumor microenvironmental barriers, and computational innovations. Data were synthesized into thematic categories: mechanisms of resistance, antibody-based platforms, nanotechnology-assisted delivery, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven strategies. Antibody therapeutics including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and photoimmunotherapy show potential to enhance tumor targeting and immune activation. Key barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, immunosuppressive cell infiltration, and tumor heterogeneity significantly restrict efficacy. Novel approaches, including AI-enabled antibody design, digital twin modeling, and biomarker-driven patient stratification, offer opportunities to improve precision and overcome resistance. Combination strategies with radiotherapy, vaccines, or adoptive cell therapies further expand therapeutic potential. By reframing antibody therapy through the lens of barrier disarmament and technological integration, this review positions antibody-based approaches as realistic pillars of future GBM management. Strategic innovations in delivery, engineering, and computational modeling may transform antibodies from experimental tools into cornerstone therapies for this lethal malignancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":14495,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences","volume":"29 3","pages":"353-377"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13135184/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147815122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fabrication and analysis of a PVP-carboxymethyl chitosan/forsterite nanocomposite scaffold with stainless steel base via freeze-drying and neural network techniques.","authors":"Negin Ghanbari, Bahareh Kamyab Moghadas, Fereshteh Samadi, Amirsalar Khandan","doi":"10.22038/ijbms.2025.89859.19382","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ijbms.2025.89859.19382","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to design and fabricate innovative polymer-ceramic-metal scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, utilizing 3D printing and freeze-drying techniques to enhance bone repair.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Stainless steel scaffolds were produced via selective laser melting (SLM) and coated with varying weight percentages (0, 5, 10, 15) of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), and forsterite using freeze-drying. The scaffolds were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess functional groups, phase purity, porosity, and pore size. Biological assessments included bioactivity, ion emission tests (ICP-AES), and wettability evaluations. Artificial neural networks (ANN) were employed to predict mechanical and biological properties.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis revealed that scaffolds with 15% forsterite exhibited optimal mechanical and biological performance, enhancing the scaffold's potential for clinical applications in bone repair.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study introduces a novel scaffold design that significantly improves bone tissue regeneration processes. The integration of advanced materials and predictive modeling through ANN paves the way for future research in the field of bone tissue engineering.</p>","PeriodicalId":14495,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences","volume":"29 1","pages":"101-112"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12867111/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146119028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Parthenolide attenuated the endometriosis-like lesions by activating autophagy and suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activity.","authors":"Luhongyuan Jin, Tingting Fu, Chi Chi, Jiayi Zhou, Jun Lin, Wenjie Hou","doi":"10.22038/ijbms.2025.90575.19521","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ijbms.2025.90575.19521","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Parthenolide (PTL) has significant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, but its regulatory mechanisms in endometriosis (EMs) remain unclear. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of PTL on cellular models and a murine EMs model, with a focus on its regulatory roles in autophagy and the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells, murine immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophages, and 30 female C57BL/6 mice were used. Autophagy-related proteins (Beclin1, LC3, p62) and inflammasome components (NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1) were detected by Western blotting, and the activation of the AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway was assessed after treating with PTL at a concentration of 10 mg/ml for 1 hr. A murine EMs model was established by peritoneal implantation, followed by intraperitoneal injections of PTL (10 mg/ml). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and GSDMD in ectopic lesions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong><i>In vitro</i>, PTL (10 mg/ml) significantly inhibited the activation of NLRP3, caspase-1-p20, IL-1β, and GSDMD, while increasing the phosphorylation levels of Beclin1 and AMPK/ULK1, and decreasing the expression of p62 and LC3, indicating enhanced autophagic flux. <i>In vivo</i>, PTL treatment markedly reduced the number, surface area, and weight of ectopic lesions in mice, and significantly suppressed the expression of inflammatory proteins in the lesions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PTL exerts its therapeutic effect on EMs by simultaneously activating autophagy through the AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway and inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and its downstream effectors.</p>","PeriodicalId":14495,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences","volume":"29 1","pages":"90-100"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12867106/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146119037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phenotypic alterations in the immune system and tolerance induction in tumor-draining lymph nodes.","authors":"Zohreh Koohini, Mansoureh Karimi Kakh, Zeinab Rajabian, Zahra Koohini","doi":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.90374.19478","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.90374.19478","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The cause of 90% of all cancer-related fatalities is metastasis. There are two main pathways for the spread of cancer cells: the blood and lymphatic systems. The underlying mechanism of lymphatic metastasis has been well established. However, our understanding of the molecular basis of lymphatic metastasis is still incomplete. Conceptually, cancer cells invade lymphatic vessels (LVs), passively disseminate towards lymphatic nodes, migrate to sentinel lymphatic nodes (SLNs; the first LNs to which cancer cells spread from the primary tumor), and then enter the bloodstream. Before arrival, cancer cells release specific soluble factors that modulate the SLN microenvironment, creating an immunosuppressive environment. After colonization, cancer cells suppress anti-tumor immunity by stimulating regulatory T cells, inhibiting dendritic cell and CD8+ T cell function, and promoting the release of immunosuppressive cytokines. SLNs serve as a microanatomical site for metastasis and play a crucial role in immune modulation. Developing new strategies to reverse tumor-induced remodeling of SLNs may reactivate immunity and reduce accumulation and metastasis. This review discusses the immunological changes induced by tumors in tumor-draining LNs (TDLNs). We also explore their reciprocal relationship and their impact on metastasis and LN immunity, demonstrating how a proper understanding of events occurring in TDLNs can create new opportunities for cancer immunotherapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":14495,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences","volume":"29 4","pages":"488-497"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13213439/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148054277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Targeting amyloid-β in Alzheimer's disease: A critical analysis of clinical trials and their implications for drug development.","authors":"Mengyu Han, Zhonghua Li, Tiancheng Sun, Bingyu Xiao, Jiaxin Zhang, Sijia Liu, Jige Yang, Jinlian Ma, Pan Wang","doi":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.92189.19902","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.92189.19902","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alzheimer's disease (AD), a prevalent neurodegenerative dementia, is characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, with Aβ playing a central pathogenic role. Approved AD drugs, primarily acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, only alleviate symptoms without modifying disease progression. Aβ-targeting strategies aim to inhibit Aβ production or enhance its clearance, leveraging early deposition for proactive intervention. Preclinical studies show Aβ reduction mitigates neurodegeneration, but clinical trials reveal challenges: γ-secretase inhibitors face off-target toxicities and limited efficacy, while BACE1 inhibitors suffer from safety issues or failure to improve cognition. Despite setbacks, advancing understanding of AD pathogenesis and optimized drug design/ trial protocols sustain the potential of Aβ-targeted therapies. This review aims to advance Aβ-targeted therapies for AD by integrating lessons from prior clinical trials and outlining strategic directions for future research and development.</p>","PeriodicalId":14495,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences","volume":"21 2","pages":"531-543"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13215636/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148053990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization of exosomes from hypoxia-activated human amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cells.","authors":"Hadiseh Kholgh, Fatemeh Eshghabadi, Hanieh Jafary, Kavosh Zandsalimi, Nazanin Akbari, Azadeh Soltani, Banafsheh Heidari","doi":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.90923.19618","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.90923.19618","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Hypoxia is a physical stimulus that enhances stem cell activities to produce more cellular derivatives, particularly exosomes. Enhancing the quantity and quality of exosomes can improve their therapeutic properties. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of normoxic (22%O₂) and hypoxic (1%O₂) conditions on the characteristics of amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AM-MSCs) and their exosomes.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>AM-MSCs were isolated, confirmed, and cultured under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Exosomes were extracted from AM-MSCs and assessed for morphological characteristics (size/distribution/surface topography), structural properties (aggregation/colloidal particle behavior/surface charge/stability), chemical features (functional groups/ionic interactions), biological capacities (total protein concentration), and biocompatibility (microbiological quality/cytotoxicity/irritation/sensitization).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Hypoxia did not adversely affect the stemness potential of AM-MSCs (<i>P</i>>0.05). The average sizes of exosomes derived from AM-MSCs (AM-MSCs-Exo) were 185.7±23 nm (PI=0.756) and 145.4±36 nm (PI=0.420) under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, respectively (<i>P</i>≤0.05). Zeta potential of AM-MSCs-Exo was -12.57±0.5 mV under normoxia, while it was -2.37±0.73 mV in the hypoxic conditions. Exosomes from hypoxia-treated cells exhibited greater uniformity, dispersion, and stability than those from the normoxic group, resulting in reduced fluctuation under scattered light over time (<i>P</i>≤0.05). The total protein concentration in the hypoxic group was significantly higher than in the normoxic conditions (5.003 mg/ml vs. 4.109 mg/ml, representing a 1.22-fold increase) (P≤0.01). Exosomes extracted under normoxic and hypoxic conditions demonstrated acceptable biocompatibility with no signs of cytotoxicity, irritation, sensitivity, or microbial contamination.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Hypoxic preconditioning enhances the yield and physicochemical stability of AM-MSC-derived exosomes, due to their unique composition and functional properties.</p>","PeriodicalId":14495,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences","volume":"29 4","pages":"544-577"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13213442/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148054301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Combining sorafenib and <i>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i> GG reduces liver fibrosis and hepatic encephalopathy following bile duct ligation in rats.","authors":"Tina Rahjoo, Ghorbangol Ashabi, Soheila Adeli, Shahnaz Halimi, Mahshid Panahi, Omid Reza Tamtaji, Reihaneh Ghasemi-Tarie, Fatemeh Nabavizadeh","doi":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.91566.19763","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ijbms.2026.91566.19763","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Liver fibrosis can progress to hepatic encephalopathy (HE). While sorafenib is a drug employed to treat liver fibrosis, its use is linked to drug resistance and adverse effects. We examined the potential benefits of combining sorafenib with the probiotic <i>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i> GG (LGG) on liver fibrosis and HE in bile duct ligated (BDL) rats.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Forty male rats were randomly assigned to five groups of eight rats each, including sham, BDL, BDL+probiotic (LGG, 1×10⁹ CFU/ml/day), BDL+sorafenib (20 mg/kg), and BDL+probiotic+sorafenib. First, rats receive probiotic LGG or solvent for 2 weeks. Following a one-week post-BDL recovery period, the animals received sorafenib and probiotic LGG for three consecutive weeks. Next, various parameters were appraised.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The combination of sorafenib with LGG led to less liver fibrosis when compared with sorafenib alone. This combination therapy also alleviated inflammation and oxidative species present in the liver and frontal cortex. Further, this combination diminished hepatic Toll-like receptor 4/ Nuclear factor kappa-β expression. Finally, it led to improved cognitive function in behavioral assessments compared to using sorafenib alone.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, combining a low dose of sorafenib with probiotic LGG may offer significant benefits for treating liver fibrosis and HE.</p>","PeriodicalId":14495,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences","volume":"29 5","pages":"752-765"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13254793/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148251592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}