Mojgan Sheikhpour

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the deadliest bacterial infectious diseases worldwide, with rising cases of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. Bedaquiline (BDQ)-containing regimens have become important for the treatment of MDR/XDR-TB, and resistance to BDQ is increasing. Understanding genetic mutations is crucial for early detection of BDQ-resistant strains and thus maintaining the effectiveness of these drugs. This study aimed to review mutations associated with BDQ-resistant TB globally. This study systematically searched the keywords TB, XDR, MDR, BDQ, and genes in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases for studies reporting BDQ-resistant TB and their associated genes globally from 2014 to 2025. This systematic review included 40 studies and 25,234 patient samples with MDR and XDR-TB from around the world. Results showed significant variation in BDQ resistance across the World Health Organization (WHO) regions, with the highest in the Eastern Mediterranean and the lowest in the Western Pacific. Furthermore, the data collected showed that, among the continents studied, resistance was highest in Africa and lowest in the Americas. The country distribution showed that resistance rates were higher in Iran (n = 24), Moldova (n = 26), and Armenia (n = 35), and lower in Italy (n = 1001) and the Philippines (n = 724) than in other countries in the analysis. Genetically, the most resistance-associated mutations were observed in the Rv0678, atpE, and pepQ genes, respectively. Given the increasing BDQ resistance and regional variability, it is essential to develop early detection systems, genomic surveillance, robust drug policy enforcement, and rapid diagnostics to maintain treatment effectiveness and curb the spread of resistance. Future research should focus on elucidating resistance mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Background Lung cancer continues to be among the most fatal malignancies globally and exhibits a complex interplay with tuberculosis (TB). These conditions share several pathogenic pathways, notably involving apoptosis and autophagy, which play critical roles in disease progression and therapeutic responsiveness. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as pivotal post-transcriptional regulators, with miR-34a and miR-182 increasingly recognized as key modulators. Beyond their established roles in tumor development and host-pathogen interactions, these miRNAs influence diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic approaches in both lung cancer and TB Methods To investigate miRNA-driven regulatory mechanisms, A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells and THP-1 monocytic cells were transfected with vectors designed to overexpress miR-34a and miR-182. Apoptotic and autophagic processes were quantitatively assessed using high-resolution flow cytometry alongside functional validation assays. Additionally, the expression of key apoptotic and autophagy-related genes was analyzed to characterize downstream molecular effects resulting from miRNA modulation. Results Quantitative real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that miR-34a upregulated Bax while downregulating Bcl-2, leading to a pronounced increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. In contrast, miR-182 enhanced the expression of both Bax and Bcl-2, yet still facilitated apoptosis through an overall elevation of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Within the autophagy-related signaling network, miR-34a exerted a suppressive effect on IL6, FOXO3, and TNFα expression, whereas miR-182 promoted the expression of genes associated with autophagic activity. These molecular findings were corroborated by flow cytometry, which revealed increased apoptotic activity accompanied by diminished autophagy. Collectively, the data indicate distinct yet complementary regulatory functions of miR-34a and miR-182 in determining cellular fate. Conclusions miR-34a and miR-182 exert significant regulatory effects on apoptotic and autophagic pathways in the context of lung cancer and tuberculosis. Their differentiated but coordinated actions highlight their potential utility as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic modulators. These findings suggest promising translational implications for the precision management of both infectious and malignant pulmonary disorders.

Tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer (LC) are among the leading causes of death worldwide and present serious challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, developing new strategies for their treatment is crucial. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are biological molecules that play a critical role in regulating essential processes, such as apoptosis and autophagy, in TB and LC by targeting specific genes. Recently, carbon nanotubes functionalized with Polyethyleneimine (CNT-PEI) to deliver miRNAs to target cells have been investigated to enhance therapeutic effects. In this study, miR-146a was transfected into LC (A549), macrophages infected with TB (THP1), and healthy lung cells (MRC5) using CNT-PEI. Then, the expression of miR-146a and its target gene, TNF receptor-associated factor-6 (TRAF6), and other genes involved in apoptosis and autophagy pathways including BCL-2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), were measured using Real-Time PCR. Finally, the effect of overexpression of miR-146a on these genes was investigated in all three cell lines. The results showed successful transfection of miR-146a using the CNT-PEI nano delivery system in LC and TB cell models. Then, increased expression of miR-146 increased apoptosis and autophagy by targeting the TRAF6 gene and affecting other genes such as BCL-2, IL-6, and TNFα through the NF-kB signaling pathway. The findings suggest an important role for miR-146a in TB and LC, which regulates inflammatory responses and treats these diseases. However, further studies are needed on using CNT-PEI in vivo, as well as the balance between local anti-inflammatory and non-inflammatory factors. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12896-025-01019-8.

Background Tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer (LC) are among the leading causes of death worldwide and present serious challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, developing new strategies for their treatment is crucial. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are biological molecules that play a critical role in regulating essential processes, such as apoptosis and autophagy, in TB and LC by targeting specific genes. Recently, the use of carbon nanotubes functionalized with Polyethyleneimine (CNT-PEI) to deliver miRNAs to target cells has been investigated to enhance therapeutic effects. Methods In this study, miR-146a was transfected into LC (A549), macrophages infected with TB (THP1), and healthy lung cells (MRC5) using CNT-PEI. Then, the expression of miR-146a and its target genes, including BCL-2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), and TNF receptor-associated factor-6 (TRAF6), were measured using Real-Time PCR. Finally, the effect of overexpression of miR-146a on these genes was investigated in all three cell lines. Result The results showed successful transfection of miR-146a using the CNT-PEI nano delivery system in LC and TB cells. Then, increased expression of miR-146 increased apoptosis and autophagy by targeting the TRAF6 gene and affecting other genes such as BCL-2, IL-6, and TNFα through the NF-kB signaling pathway. Conclusion The findings suggest an important role for miR-146a in TB and LC, which regulates inflammatory responses and treats these diseases. However, further studies are needed on the use of CNT-PEI in vivo, as well as the balance between local anti-inflammatory and non-inflammatory factors.

In NSCLC, miR-200a plays a significant role in apoptosis. One of the genes involved in this pathway is XIAP, which has been shown anti-apoptotic activity. Research has indicated a significant association between miR-200a and the XIAP gene in this pathway. The present study investigated the expression profiles of miR-200a and the XIAP gene in NSCLC patients compared to normal individuals, as well as cancer cells compared to normal and apoptosis-inducing conditions. In this study, 40 blood specimens were collected from NSCLC patients and 40 from healthy individuals. After isolating plasma and PBMC from these samples, we analyzed the miR-200a and XIAP gene expression levels using real-time PCR. Subsequently, normal and lung cancer cells were treated with paclitaxel as a model of apoptosis. The antiproliferative effects and induction of apoptosis were then evaluated using the MTT and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Finally, the expression patterns of miR-200a and the XIAP gene were investigated through a real-time PCR method. Results indicated that the miR-200a expression level was lower in NSCLC patients than in healthy ones, while the expression level of XIAP gene increased in the NSCLC Patients’ blood. The MTT and flow cytometry results demonstrated a decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis rates in two lung line cells (A549 and MRC5) treated with paclitaxel. XIAP expression level also decreased in A549 cells treated with paclitaxel compared to untreated A549 cells. MiR-200a may be associated with the XIAP gene expression and the induction of the apoptosis pathway in NSCLC.

Background: Lung cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers and tuberculosis is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world. Many studies have confirmed the connection between lung cancer and tuberculosis, and also the microRNAs (miRNAs) that play a major role in the development of these two diseases. This study aims to use different databases to find effective miRNAs and their role in different genes in lung and tuberculosis diseases. It also aims to determine the role of miR-34a and miR-182 in lung cancer and tuberculosis.Methods: Using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, the influential miRNA databases were studied in the two diseases. Finally, considering bioinformatics results and literature studies, two miR-34a and miR-182 were selected. The role of these miRNAs and their target genes was carefully evaluated using bioinformatics. The expression of miRNAs in the plasma of patients with lung cancer and tuberculosis and healthy individuals was investigated.Results: According to the GEO database, miR-34a and miR-182 are miRNAs that affect tuberculosis and lung cancer. By checking the miRBase, miRcode, DIANA, miRDB, galaxy, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases, the role of these miRNAs on genes and different molecular pathways and their effect on these miRNAs were mentioned. The results of the present study showed that the expression of miR-34a and miR-182 was lower than that of healthy people. The p-value for miR-182 was <0.0001 and for miR-34a was 0.3380.Conclusion: Reducing the expression pattern of these miRNAs indicates their role in lung cancer and tuberculosis occurrence. Therefore, these miRNAs can be used as a biomarker for prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment methods.

Lung cancer has a high morbidity rate worldwide due to its resistance to therapy. So new treatment options are needed to improve the outcomes of lung cancer treatment. This study aimed to evaluate ... Plain language summary A lot of research has been done to find a cure for lung cancer. Among the methods investigated is the treatment of cancer using a type of virus called an oncolytic virus (OV)...