Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research最新文献

{"title":"Melatonin Aids in Treating Mood and Sleep Problems Resulting from Hormonal Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial.","authors":"Nima Vaziri, Melika Shakourifar, Parinaz Sattari, Aliereza Sadeghi, Mehran Sharifi, Ayda Moghadas, Azadeh Moghaddas","doi":"10.5812/ijpr-156581","DOIUrl":"10.5812/ijpr-156581","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hormone therapy is commonly used to treat breast cancer but can cause mood disorders and sleep disturbances, negatively impacting patients' well-being.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This trial aimed to evaluate the effects of melatonin on sleep problems and mood changes in breast cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was conducted at Omid Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, using a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled design. Participants were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and were randomly assigned to receive either 6 mg of melatonin or a placebo daily for 4 weeks. Sleep quality, depression levels, and mood states were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) Questionnaires at the beginning and end of the 4-week follow-ups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty participants (34 in the melatonin group and 26 in the placebo group) completed the study. Melatonin administration significantly improved sleep quality, latency, duration, and reduced the use of sleep-promoting medication, according to the PSQI scores. However, there were no significant improvements in depression severity or mood disorders, as assessed by the CES-D and POMS questionnaires, in either group following the 4-week melatonin supplementation period.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Melatonin supplementation effectively alleviated sleep disturbances caused by hormone therapy in breast cancer patients. However, the study did not find substantial evidence supporting the use of melatonin for improving mood disorders or depression in this specific context.</p>","PeriodicalId":14595,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research","volume":"23 1","pages":"e156581"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11892750/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143596795","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":"The Impact of Coenzyme Q10 on Cognitive Dysfunction, Antioxidant Defense, Cholinergic Activity, and Hippocampal Neuronal Damage in Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Obesity.","authors":"Zahra Erfanmanesh, Mohammad Amin Edalatmanesh, Mokhtar Mokhtari","doi":"10.5812/ijpr-157068","DOIUrl":"10.5812/ijpr-157068","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Obesity, a rising global health issue, is linked to numerous disorders, including cognitive impairment.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study investigates the effects of coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) on cognitive performance, antioxidant defense, cholinergic activity, and hippocampal neuron damage in rats rendered obese by monosodium glutamate (MSG) exposure.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty-eight neonatal male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Control, MSG, MSG + Q10-10, and MSG + Q10-20. Monosodium glutamate (4 g/kg BW) was administered subcutaneously into the cervical region from postnatal day (PND) 2 to PND 10. Coenzyme Q10 (10 mg/kg BW and 20 mg/kg BW) was administered intraperitoneally from PND 30 to PND 42. At the end of the treatment period, working memory and avoidance learning tests were conducted. Anthropometric data were collected, followed by evaluations of hippocampal catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The density of apoptotic/dark neurons (DN) in the CA₁ and CA₃ regions of the hippocampus was also assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Monosodium glutamate treatment increased Body Mass Index (BMI) and Lee Index, impaired working memory and avoidance learning, and reduced CAT, SOD, and GPx activities. Additionally, MSG exposure led to elevated MDA levels, increased AChE activity, and higher DN density in the CA₁ and CA₃ hippocampal regions. Treatment with Co-Q10 resulted in a decrease in BMI, enhanced memory and learning, noteworthy increases in CAT, SOD, and GPx activities in the hippocampus, and reductions in MDA levels, AChE activity, and DN density in the CA₁ and CA₃ regions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Coenzyme Q10 mitigates hippocampal neuronal damage and improves cognitive function in MSG-induced obesity, primarily through its antioxidant and AChE inhibitory properties.</p>","PeriodicalId":14595,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research","volume":"23 1","pages":"e157068"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11892755/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143596883","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":"Bupropion Showed Neuroprotective Impacts Against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.","authors":"Saeid Baba Ahmadi, Zeinab Afrand Khalilabad, Seyedeh Sepideh Alemohammad, Hasan Yousefi Manesh, Alireza Abdollahi, Farahnaz Jazayeri, Seyyedeh Elaheh Mousavi","doi":"10.5812/ijpr-156838","DOIUrl":"10.5812/ijpr-156838","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the most prevalent form of brain stroke, affecting many patients worldwide. It is believed that oxidative stress and inflammation play major roles in the damage that occurs after the initiation of the disease.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Therefore, for the first time, the current study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of bupropion against cerebral I/R damage in a rat model.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty male rats were divided into four groups: Control, cerebral I/R, and two diseased groups that received 60 and 100 mg/kg of bupropion. One day after induction of the disease, behavioral tests, including grid walking, novel object recognition, and modified neurological severity score (mNSS), were performed on the rats. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10, were measured in the rats' brain homogenates. Additionally, the levels of MDA, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and NO₂ ^- were measured.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Bupropion administration was associated with improved performance in the novel object recognition and grid walking behavioral tests, as well as in the neurological disorder scores, in cerebral I/R rats. Moreover, BCAAO-induced inflammation was reduced by the administration of this drug, evidenced by reduced levels of cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 and upregulation of IL-10. Additionally, membrane lipid peroxidation was reduced in the cerebral I/R rats receiving 100 mg/kg bupropion, and the level of SOD activity was improved in these animals. Finally, the administration of bupropion prevented the increase in NO₂ ^- levels induced by BCAAO.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In conclusion, bupropion has neuroprotective effects against cerebral I/R damage by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.</p>","PeriodicalId":14595,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research","volume":"23 1","pages":"e156838"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11892747/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143596755","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":"Exploring Herbal Compounds as Targeted Therapies for Breast Cancer: Insights from Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, MD Simulation, ADME-Toxicity and DFT Profiles.","authors":"Haixia Zhang","doi":"10.5812/ijpr-153579","DOIUrl":"10.5812/ijpr-153579","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Herbal compounds sourced from various plants are becoming targeted therapies for breast cancer.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to explore the potential of focusing on herbal compounds as targeted therapies for breast cancer using computational techniques.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 129 herbal compounds linked with breast cancer were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database. Molecular docking and MD simulation were carried out against three protein targets linked with breast cancer. Network pharmacology was used to identify the common plant sources for the bioactive compounds, and interaction networks were constructed. The ADME-toxicity profiles and density functional theory (DFT) analysis were calculated for the top docking hits.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Dipiperitylmagnolol and sophoranone were identified as the top docking hits and lead compounds. Network pharmacology analysis revealed <i>Magnolia species</i> as the common plant sources having multiple bioactive compounds. MD simulation analysis revealed conformational stability of the top docking hits. The analyses underscore the robust binding potential of dipiperitylmagnolol and its possible therapeutic relevance in targeting breast cancer pathways. ADME-toxicity and DFT analysis provided insights into the pharmacokinetic and electronic behavior of the top docking hit. Combinatorial study of herbal therapies with conventional treatments will increase the therapeutic efficacy for breast cancer treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study provides insights into the implications of herbal compounds as targeted therapy for breast cancer. Therefore, the study recommends further experimental validation and development of herbal-based compounds for the treatment of breast cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":14595,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research","volume":"23 1","pages":"e153579"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11892757/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143596787","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":"Evaluating the Inhibitory Effects of Probiotic Bacteria and Propolis Extracts on the Growth and Histopathological Changes in Gastric Tissues of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Challenged Wistar Rats.","authors":"Roghayeh Kiani, Naheed Mojgani, Farzad Kobarfard, Parvaneh Saffarian, Seyed Abdulmajid Ayatollahi, Mona Khoramjouy","doi":"10.5812/ijpr-148158","DOIUrl":"10.5812/ijpr-148158","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Helicobacter pylori</i> is a significant contributor to a range of gastrointestinal conditions, with conventional treatment methods primarily relying on antibiotics. However, the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains has necessitated the exploration of alternative therapeutic approaches.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine the <i>in vitro</i> antibacterial potential of probiotic bacteria (<i>Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus</i> BLRH 260 and <i>Limosilactobacillus reuteri</i>) and four propolis extracts against <i>H. pylori</i> and to analyze their impacts on body weight index and histopathological changes in <i>H. pylori</i>-challenged Wistar rats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The inhibitory effects of probiotic bacteria (<i>L. rhamnosus</i> BLRH 260 and <i>L. reuteri</i>) and propolis extracts on the growth of <i>H. pylori</i> were evaluated using an agar well diffusion assay. In vivo analysis involved fifty-four male Wistar rats (200 - 250 g) infected with an <i>H. pylori</i> suspension (10⁸ CFU/mL) and orally administered propolis or probiotics (10⁸ CFU/mL) via gavage for 21 days. The effects of different treatments on body weight and histopathological changes in gastric tissue samples were assessed, and the results were statistically analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The tested propolis extracts and the supernatant fluids from the mentioned probiotic strains showed significant antibacterial activity against <i>H. pylori</i> in the agar well diffusion assay, with notable variations. In vivo, the findings demonstrated that oral administrations of propolis and probiotics, either separately or in combination, led to significant increases in body weight and amelioration of histopathological changes in gastric tissue samples, particularly in terms of erosion depth, hemorrhagic inflammation, and apoptosis in the infected animals. Histopathological differences between antibiotic-treated animals and those receiving other treatments were observed, with significant differences.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results of this study underscore the potential therapeutic benefits of propolis and probiotics in addressing <i>H. pylori</i>-induced gastropathy. Additional research is necessary to clarify the mechanisms involved and to refine dosage and treatment protocols for optimal effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":14595,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research","volume":"23 1","pages":"e148158"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11892748/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143596784","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":"Evaluation of Oral Nano-Silymarin Formulation Efficacy in the Prevention of Hand-Foot Syndrome and Neuropathy Induced by XELOX or m-FOLFOX6 Regimens in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Triple-Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial.","authors":"Hedyieh Karbasforooshan, Hossein Rahimi, Omid Arasteh, Abolghasem Allahyari, Mehdi Varmaghani, Mahdi Jannati, Vahid Ghavami, Mahmoodreza Jaafari, Sepideh Elyasi","doi":"10.5812/ijpr-152364","DOIUrl":"10.5812/ijpr-152364","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) and oxaliplatin and capecitabine (XELOX) are the most widely used chemotherapy regimens for treating metastatic colorectal carcinoma (CRC). These regimens are associated with various adverse reactions, including neuropathy and hand-foot syndrome (HFS). Silymarin, a flavonoid derived from <i>Silybum marianum</i>, has a wide range of biological activities. It has been used to counteract chemotherapy side effects due to its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The purpose of this study was to assess the preventive effect of nano-silymarin on neuropathy and HFS induced by the FOLFOX6 and XELOX regimens.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients who were randomly assigned to receive 70 mg capsules containing 15% silymarin nano micelles twice a day after meals, starting from the first day of the first chemotherapy course and continuing for six courses of the XELOX or m-FOLFOX6 regimen. The severity of adverse effects was assessed after the third and sixth courses based on the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) version 5.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median CTCAE scores for HFS and neuropathy were significantly lower in the nano-silymarin group at the end of the third course (P < 0.001). However, the difference remained significant only for HFS at the end of the sixth course (P = 0.022). Additionally, the scores increased significantly in both the placebo and nano-silymarin groups during the therapy (P < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Nano-silymarin may be considered an adjuvant medication for the prevention of certain chemotherapy-induced adverse reactions. Further research with larger sample sizes and various doses of nano-silymarin is recommended for a more comprehensive evaluation.</p>","PeriodicalId":14595,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research","volume":"23 1","pages":"e152364"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11892790/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143596786","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":"The Effect of Intrauterine Administration of Growth Hormone on IVF Success Rate in Recurrent Implantation Failure Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.","authors":"Fatemeh Amirkhanloo, Mohammad Javanbakht, Sarah Lotfi, Ghazal Sahraiyan, Razieh Akbari, Elham Feizabad, Shima Rahimi, Mahbod Ebrahimi, Firouzeh Akbari Asbagh, Fateme Davari Tanha","doi":"10.5812/ijpr-153636","DOIUrl":"10.5812/ijpr-153636","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The positive effects of growth hormone (GH) on the endometrium, including increased endometrial blood supply and enhanced expression of cytokines associated with endometrial receptivity, have been noted. However, data on the effect of GH on the endometrium remain limited.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the effect of intrauterine administration of GH on the IVF success rate in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 60 infertile women under 40 years old with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 30 kg/m², all diagnosed with RIF-defined as at least three failed pregnancies after transferring a minimum of four good-quality embryos due to unknown causes. Women with uterine malformations, Asherman syndrome, cavity-distorting lesions, severe endometriosis, or other underlying diseases were excluded. After six days of estrogen therapy, transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) was performed to measure and compare the thickness and quality of the endometrium. Participants were divided into two groups. In the intervention group, 10 units of GH were administered using an IUI catheter positioned one centimeter above the cervical os. Study outcomes included changes in endometrial thickness (ET) and quality, as well as pregnancy rates. Primary endpoints were changes in ET and quality, while secondary endpoints were pregnancy rates. Adverse drug responses were also evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age was 34.96 ± 4.04 years, and the mean BMI was 24.89 ± 2.91 kg/m², with no significant differences in baseline variables between the study groups. The average ET on the 8th day of the cycle was 5.38 ± 0.96 mm in the intervention group and 5.20 ± 0.80 mm in the control group, showing no significant difference (P = 0.467). The ET on the day of initiating progesterone was 7.60 ± 1.03 mm in the intervention group and 7.40 ± 0.60 mm in the control group, with no significant difference (P = 0.264). The odds ratio for achieving a high-quality endometrium was 2.37 (95% CI 0.80 - 6.98, P = 0.116) for the GH group compared to the non-GH group. The odds ratio for achieving a clinical pregnancy was 3.06 (95% CI 0.54 - 17.37, P = 0.205) for the GH group compared to the non-GH group. Two cases of cervicitis were reported in the GH group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Intrauterine administration of GH appears to enhance endometrial receptivity in women with RIF.</p>","PeriodicalId":14595,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research","volume":"23 1","pages":"e153636"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11892745/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143596876","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":"Dual Modulation of Canonical and Non-canonical TGF-β/ROS/Erk1/2 Pathways: Synergistic Activation of Nrf-2 and Antioxidant Enzymes (SOD1, GPx, HO-1) by Quercetin Loaded in Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Curcumin in Atherosclerosis Therapy.","authors":"Masoumeh Shamsi, Ghorban Mohammadzadeh, Mahdi Hatami, Mohammadreza Roshanazadeh, Mojgan Noor-Behbahani, Mojtaba Rashidi","doi":"10.5812/ijpr-151428","DOIUrl":"10.5812/ijpr-151428","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for innovative treatments targeting chronic inflammation. Recent research indicates that quercetin (QCT) and curcumin, two naturally occurring compounds, have potential therapeutic benefits in cardiovascular diseases.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study focuses on the novel synthesis of nano-quercetin (N-QCT) encapsulated in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and investigates the synergistic cardioprotective effects of N-QCT and curcumin on human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly the involvement of the TGF-β signaling pathway in VSMCs, are explored.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The VSMCs, including TGF-β-stimulated VSMCs, were treated with N-QCT, curcumin, or a combination of both. The MTT assay was performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of these treatments. The cytotoxicity of various concentrations of curcumin and QCT was used to calculate the Combination Index (CI), with CI analysis quantifying synergy or antagonism. Furthermore, following TGF-β stimulation, antioxidant enzyme activity, nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) mRNA expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, NADPH oxidases (NOX) expression, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 phosphorylation were measured in the treated VSMCs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The N-QCT and curcumin significantly influenced Nrf2 mRNA expression and upregulated downstream antioxidant enzymes, including HO-1, GPx, and SOD1. The combination treatment further enhanced Nrf2 protein expression and modulated Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Notably, the synergistic effect of the combination produced pronounced cardioprotective outcomes, characterized by reduced ROS production and decreased phosphorylation of Erk1/2 via the TGF-β/NOX/Erk1/2 and ROS/Nrf2 signaling pathways.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings demonstrate that the combination of QCT encapsulated in SLNs and curcumin synergistically reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in TGF-β-stimulated VSMCs. This effect is achieved through the inhibition of ROS/Erk1/2 signaling and the activation of Nrf2 and antioxidant enzymes. These natural compounds, when used together, represent a promising therapeutic approach for mitigating the inflammatory processes associated with atherosclerosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":14595,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research","volume":"23 1","pages":"e151428"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11892753/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143596783","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":"Predictive Insights Into Bioactive Compounds from Streptomyces as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mutant Strains by Receptor Binding Domain: Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation Approaches.","authors":"Hourieh Kalhor, Mohammad Hossein Mokhtarian, Hamzeh Rahimi, Behzad Shahbazi, Reyhaneh Kalhor, Tahereh Komeili Movahed, Hoda Abolhasani","doi":"10.5812/ijpr-150879","DOIUrl":"10.5812/ijpr-150879","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 interacts with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in humans. To date, numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly those involving mutations in the RBD, have been identified. These variants exhibit differences in transmission, pathogenicity, diagnostics, and vaccine efficacy.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Although therapeutic agents are currently available to inhibit SARS-CoV-2, most provide supportive and symptomatic relief. Moreover, different variants may exhibit resistance to these treatments. This study aimed to identify a potential compound with favorable antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 variants.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study explored drug discovery through structure-based virtual screening of natural products (NPs) from the StreptomeDB database, targeting the ACE2-binding pocket of the SARS-CoV-2 RBD protein. The analysis included the wild-type protein (PDB ID: 6VW1) as well as the Alpha, Beta, Delta, Lambda, Omicron/BA.1, and Omicron/BA.2 variants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In silico screening identified 'Stambomycin B' as a potential compound with the highest binding affinity. Molecular dynamics simulations of the complexes, conducted over 100 ns, confirmed the prediction that 'Stambomycin B' could inhibit different SARS-CoV-2 variants effectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study concludes that 'Stambomycin B', a macrolide compound produced by <i>Streptomyces ambofaciens</i>, may be a candidate NP for effectively combating all mutants that occur in the binding of SARS-CoV-2 RBD to ACE2, even those that may arise in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":14595,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research","volume":"23 1","pages":"e150879"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11892749/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143596870","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":"Pethidine, Maybe a Rearrangement in the Pharmaceutical Group Is Needed!","authors":"Reza Aminnejad, Ali Solhpour, Sahar Kavousi Sisi","doi":"10.5812/ijpr-156667","DOIUrl":"10.5812/ijpr-156667","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14595,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research","volume":"23 1","pages":"e156667"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11892746/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143596808","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}