-
1.
Effects of Dietary Modification Based on Complementary and Alternative Iranian Medicine in Patients with Secondary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
Moravejolahkami, AR, Hadi, S, Hadi, V, Mirghazanfari, SM, Mohajeri, M
Journal of integrative and complementary medicine. 2023;(11):747-756
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of dietary modifications based on complementary and alternative Iranian medicine (CAIM) in patients with secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). Design: In this randomized controlled trial, 70 SPMS patients were randomized to receive either a moderate-nature diet based on Persian medicine (as intervention) or usual diet plus health-related diet recommendations (as control) for 2 months. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Global Pain Scale (GPS), Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), anthropometric measurements, and quality of life (QOL) were assessed at baseline and end of trial. Analysis of covariance was performed, and the results were adjusted for potential confounders using SPSS v.14. Results: All participants completed the study for 2 months. There were significant improvements across the mean changes of hs-CRP (-0.1 ± 0.2 mg/L for intervention vs. -0.01 ± 0.13 mg/L for control; padjusted = 0.012), MFIS (-11.0 ± 11.8 vs. -0.7 ± 9.9; padjusted <0.001), GSRS (-19.9 ± 16.3 to 1.2 ± 17.5; padjusted <0.001), GPS (padjusted = 0.032), and QOL (padjusted <0.05). No significant difference was observed across the ESR, EDSS, STAI, and anthropometric measurements. Conclusion: Dietary modifications based on CAIM may improve inflammation and clinical manifestations in SPMS patients. Nonetheless, further trials are required to confirm these findings. Clinical Trial Registration: IRCT20181113041641N2.
-
2.
Promising clinical outcomes of nano-curcumin treatment as an adjunct therapy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.
Sadeghizadeh, M, Asadollahi, E, Jahangiri, B, Yadollahzadeh, M, Mohajeri, M, Afsharpad, M, Najafi, F, Rezaie, N, Eskandari, M, Tavakoli-Ardakani, M, et al
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2023;(8):3631-3644
Abstract
Different immunomodulation strategies have been used to manage COVID-19 due to the complex immune-inflammatory processes involved in the pathogenesis of this infection. Curcumin with its powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties could serve as a possible COVID-19 therapy. In this study, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was performed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of nano-curcumin oral soft gels as a complementary therapy in moderate-severe COVID-19 patients. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) plus sofosbuvir was routinely administered to all 42 COVID-19 patients, who were randomly assigned to receive 140 mg of nano-curcumin or placebo for 14 days. CT scans of the chest were taken, and blood tests were run for all patients at time points of 0, 7, and 14 days. Our results indicated that C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels significantly decreased from baseline in the nano-curcumin-treated group on day 7. Furthermore, blood levels of D-dimer, CRP, serum ferritin, ESR, and inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 decreased more significantly in the nano-curcumin-treated group after 14 days. Additionally, the nano-curcumin group showed significant improvements in chest CT scores, oxygen saturation levels, and hospitalization duration. Based on our data, oral administration of nano-curcumin may be regarded as a promising adjunct treatment for COVID-19 patients due to its ability to speed up chest clearance and recovery.
-
3.
Diosgenin: Mechanistic Insights on its Anti-inflammatory Effects.
Karami-Mohajeri, S, Mohammadinejad, R, Ashrafizadeh, M, Mohamadi, N, Mohajeri, M, Sharififar, F
Anti-inflammatory & anti-allergy agents in medicinal chemistry. 2022;(1):2-9
Abstract
Diosgenin (DG), a well-known steroid saponin, has shown anti-inflammatory effects. This review was aimed to discuss all published literature concerning the anti-inflammatory effects of diosgenin. Based on the modulatory impact of DG on the NF-κB pathway, its supplementation is associated with downregulation of the NF-κB pathway and TGF-β, resulting in inhibition of inflammation. It appears that upstream modulators of NF-κB signaling pathways such as Tlrs and downstream mediators include iNOS and COX-2, leading to the inhibition of the inflammatory response and development of pathological conditions. Due to the low toxicity of the herbal compounds, the risk of the side effects of DG use for the management of inflammatory disorders such as asthma, rheumatism, rhinitis, and arthritis is lower than that of synthetic glucocorticoids. It has been shown that regulation of NF-κB and oxidative stress signaling pathways by DG is beneficial against cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin.
-
4.
Glutamine supplementation can reduce some atherosclerosis markers after exhaustive exercise in young healthy males.
Alipanah-Moghadam, R, Molazadeh, L, Jafari-Suha, Z, Naghizadeh-Baghi, A, Mohajeri, M, Nemati, A
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2022;:111506
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Glutamine can be beneficial to athletes for its antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of glutamine supplementation on some atherosclerosis markers after exhaustive exercise in young healthy males. METHODS In an intervention study, 30 healthy males (case = 15 and control = 15) were randomly assigned into two groups. For 14 d, the intervention group received 0.3 g of glutamine per kilogram of body weight per day, with 25 g of sugar in 250 mL of water, and the control group received 25 g of sugar per 250 mL of water. At the end of the intervention, the participants completed one session of exhaustive exercise, and then fasting blood samples were taken to test serum levels of atherosclerosis markers. RESULTS In the intervention group, the serum levels of leptin, cholesterol, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein were lower than in the control group after 2 wk of glutamine supplementation (P < 0.05). Interleukin-6 serum levels were lower in the intervention group compared to the control group after supplementation, but not significantly. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6, cholesterol, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein, as well as the ratio of oxidized low-density lipoprotein to high-density lipoprotein, were significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group after exhaustive exercise (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Glutamine supplementation has beneficial effects for athletes, particularly those doing strenuous physical exercise, through reducing atherosclerosis-related biomarkers and elevating serum adiponectin levels, and it can potentially play a role in decreasing the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis.
-
5.
Cell encapsulation in alginate-based microgels using droplet microfluidics; a review on gelation methods and applications.
Mohajeri, M, Eskandari, M, Ghazali, ZS, Ghazali, HS
Biomedical physics & engineering express. 2022;(2)
Abstract
Cell encapsulation within the microspheres using a semi-permeable polymer allows the two-way transfer of molecules such as oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors. The main advantages of cell encapsulation technology include controlling the problems involved in transplanting rejection in tissue engineering applications and reducing the long-term need for immunosuppressive drugs following organ transplantation to eliminate the side effects. Cell-laden microgels can also be used in 3D cell cultures, wound healing, and cancerous clusters for drug testing. Since cell encapsulation is used for different purposes, several techniques have been developed to encapsulate cells. Droplet-based microfluidics is one of the most valuable techniques in cell encapsulating. This study aimed to review the geometries and the mechanisms proposed in microfluidic systems to precisely control cell-laden microgels production with different biopolymers. We also focused on alginate gelation techniques due to their essential role in cell encapsulation applications. Finally, some applications of these microgels and researches will be explored.
-
6.
Mercury Exposure and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Ghorbani Nejad, B, Raeisi, T, Janmohammadi, P, Mehravar, F, Zarei, M, Dehghani, A, Bahrampour, N, Darijani, MH, Ahmadipour, F, Mohajeri, M, et al
International journal of clinical practice. 2022;:7640227
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
METHODS Scopus and PubMed databases were systematically searched from their inception to November 2021 to obtain pertinent studies. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the difference in Hg levels between people with and without T2DM. The association of the Hg exposure with T2DM was assessed using a random-effects model by pooling the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. RESULTS A total of 17 studies, with 42,917 participants, aged ≥18 years, were analyzed. Overall, Hg levels were significantly higher in T2DM patients compared with non-T2DM controls (SMD = 1.07; 95%CI = 0.59 to 1.55, P ≤ 0.001), with significant heterogeneity across studies (I2 = 96.1%; P=≤0.001). No significant association was found between Hg exposure and risk of T2DM in the overall analysis and subgroup analysis based on the source of sample and study design. However, higher exposure to Hg was related to reduced risk of T2DM in men (OR = 0.71; 95%CI = 0.57 to 0.88), but not in women. No significant evidence for publication bias was detected. CONCLUSIONS Although the Hg level in T2DM is significantly higher than that of nondiabetics, there was no association between Hg exposure and the overall risk of T2DM. Nevertheless, our study shows that higher exposure to Hg might reduce the risk of T2DM in men.
-
7.
Carbon-based Nanomaterials and Curcumin: A Review of Biosensing Applications.
Mohajeri, M, Behnam, B, Tasbandi, A, Jamialahmadi, T, Sahebkar, A
Advances in experimental medicine and biology. 2021;:55-74
Abstract
Curcumin, the main active constituent of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), is a naturally occurring phenolic compound with a wide variety of pharmacological activities. Although it has multiple pharmaceutical properties, its bioavailability and industrial usage are hindered due to rapid hydrolysis and low water solubility. Due to the growing market of curcumin, exact determination of curcumin in trade and human biological samples is important for monitoring therapeutic actions. Different nanomaterials have been suggested for sensing curcumin; and in this case, carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) are one of the most outstanding developments in nanomedicine, biosensing, and regenerative medicine. There are a considerable number of reports which have shown interesting potential of CNMs-based biosensors in the sensitive and selective detection of curcumin. Therefore, this review aims to increase understanding the interaction of curcumin with CNMs in the context of biosensing.
-
8.
The effect of glutamine supplementation on serum levels of some inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and appetite in COVID-19 patients: a case-control study.
Mohajeri, M, Horriatkhah, E, Mohajery, R
Inflammopharmacology. 2021;(6):1769-1776
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malnutrition is seen in COVID-19 patients, and reducing malnutrition with appropriate therapies may improve these patients' health. This case-control study aimed to assess and compare serum levels of some inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and appetite in COVID-19 patients with respiratory infections that receive glutamine treatment with a control group. METHODS In this study, patients who consented to use glutamine were considered as the case group and other patients who did not use glutamine were considered as a control group. Two hundred twenty-two COVID-19 patients (51.2 ± 6.7) using L-Glutamine and 230 COVID-19 patients (51.3 ± 8.2) with similar age, gender, and clinical status, as the control group, were included in the study. For 5 days, the case group consumed 10 g of glutamine supplement three times per day. At the end of the 5 days, blood samples were taken again to test for serum levels of IL1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, malondialdehyde, and total antioxidant capacity, then all data were analyzed. RESULTS Serum levels of β-1 interleukin, tumor necrosis factor-α and hs-CRP were significantly reduced with five days of glutamine supplementation (p < 0.05), and patients' appetite during 5 days of glutamine supplementation compared with the control group had a significant increase (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Glutamine supplementation in COVID-19 patients with respiratory infection significantly reduces serum levels of interleukin-1 β, hs-CRP, and tumor necrosis factor-α and significantly increases appetite, so glutamine supplementation may be useful for COVID-19 patients in the hospital.
-
9.
Malva species: Insights on its chemical composition towards pharmacological applications.
Sharifi-Rad, J, Melgar-Lalanne, G, Hernández-Álvarez, AJ, Taheri, Y, Shaheen, S, Kregiel, D, Antolak, H, Pawlikowska, E, Brdar-Jokanović, M, Rajkovic, J, et al
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2020;(3):546-567
Abstract
Malvaceae family is typical from the Mediterranean region, contains 240 genera and more than 4,200 species. They are most commonly used as ornamental plants, although they can also be conceived as a food resource and remedy for various diseases, such as digestive, respiratory, genitourinary, throat infections, and skeletal and skin disorders, as also injuries where they are profoundly applied for skin care and as antiseptic and demulcent. They also possess diuretic, lenitive, spasmolytic, and laxative effects, besides to be used as antidiarrheal. Thus, the present review provides in-depth data on Malva spp. potential applications and phytochemical composition for food and pharmaceutical industries. Habitat and cultivation conditions and the clinical reports related to its biological effects are also emphasized. Malva spp. possess a wide variety of chemical constituents (such as polysaccharides, coumarins, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, terpenes, and tannins) found in different plant organs, especially in leaves and flowers, connected to their biological activity. In general, Malva spp. have rather moderate antimicrobial activity, high antiinflammatory and wound healing activities, strong antioxidant activity, and anticancer properties. Results from in vitro and in vivo experiments encourage more in-depth studies, namely clinical trials, towards to improve knowledge on the use of Malva spp. for the treatment of various health conditions in humans.
-
10.
Cadmium-induced toxicity is rescued by curcumin: A review.
Mohajeri, M, Rezaee, M, Sahebkar, A
BioFactors (Oxford, England). 2017;(5):645-661
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most common environmental and occupational heavy metals with extended distribution. Exposure to Cd may be associated with several deleterious consequences on the liver, bones, kidneys, lungs, testes, brain, immunological, and cardiovascular systems. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as the main mechanism behind its toxicity causes oxidative stress and subsequent damages to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Therefore, antioxidants along with chelating agents have shown promising outcomes against Cd-induced toxicity. Curcumin with various beneficial effects and medical efficacy has been evaluated for its inhibitory activities against biological impairments caused by Cd. Thus, this article is intended to address the effectiveness of curcumin against toxicity following Cd entry. Curcumin can afford to attenuate lipid peroxidation, glutathione depletion, alterations in antioxidant enzyme, and so forth through scavenging and chelating activities or Nrf2/Keap1/ARE pathway induction. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(5):645-661, 2017.