J Res Med Sci
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The advanced glycation end product (AGE) is produced from the nonenzymatic reaction between glucose and macromolecules by aging. Accumulation of AGE causes functional and structural changes in body proteins that lead to impairment of tissue protein functions. We aimed to validate AGE measurement by skin autofluorescence (SAF) in diabetes mellitus (DM) compared to the nondiabetes population. ⋯ This study could not confirm the validity of SAF as a surrogate marker in diabetes patients. Interestingly, metabolic load and high BMI can increase SAF, considerably. Altogether, SAF could be helpful in the future as a marker for metabolic syndrome or diabetes.
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Different virulence factors are involved in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC); hence, this study aimed to study the prevalence of biofilm formation, virulence factors, and phylogenetic groups and their correlation with biofilm formation among UPEC isolates through a systematic review and meta-analysis. ⋯ Regarding data obtained, the high level of combined biofilm formation (74.7%) and the presence of a positive correlation between biofilm production and virulence genes, or phylogenetic groups as reported by the most studies included in the present review, indicates an important role of biofilm in the persistence of UPEC in the UTI.
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Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) is one of the most popular edible mushrooms in the world which has various pharmacological components. Recently, some animal studies have investigated the lipid-lowering effects of G. lucidum and have shown contradictory results. This study aims to systematically review the effects of G. lucidum on lipid parameters in animal studies. ⋯ G. lucidum has favorable effects on TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and VLDL. Different doses of G. lucidum have various degrees of effectiveness on lipid profiles.
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The incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) has increased in recent years as a result of increasing the incidence of hematologic malignancies (HMs). IFIs, as the opportunistic diseases, are the most important concern in these patients with a high mortality rate. ⋯ Due to the changes in the pattern of organisms causing IFIs, unavailability of effective and safe antifungal drugs, and high rate of drug resistance as well as lack of fast and accurate diagnostic methods, these infections have become a serious and life-threatening problem necessitating effective prevention and treatment strategies using suitable antifungal agents, especially in high-risk patients. The aim of the present study was to review the pathogens causing various types of IFIs, diagnostic methods, and novel prophylactic and therapeutic antifungal regimens in HM patients according to the new published studies and clinical trials.
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Despite a lot of efforts made in the rabies health-care system, Iran is still in an endemic region and millions are spent annually to prevent rabies. ⋯ Estimates reveal that there has been little change in the animal bites over the years. It is necessary to take special actions to control the disease at the national and international levels.