Ali Razei

Purpose: Sulfur mustard (SM) is a potent blistering agent. This alkylating chemical agent has extremely toxic effects on the eye. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are the two most important matrix metalloproteinase enzymes involved in the pathology of chemical eye injuries. Curcumin is regarded as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. This study aims to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin versus doxycycline on chemically induced corneal injuries. Methods: The HCE-2 cell line was used as a model for corneal cells. The effective concentrations of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) – as an analog of SM – doxycycline, and curcumin were determined using the MTT assay. The gene expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) was evaluated by the real-time PCR method. Also, the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes was determined by zymography. Results: The expression of the MMP-2 and MMP-9 genes increased 5- and 3.3-fold after exposure to CEES, respectively. Following the treatment with curcumin and doxycycline, MMP- 2 expression decreased significantly. Also, after treatment with curcumin and doxycycline, the MMP-9 expression decreased 2.5- and 1.6-fold, respectively. The reduction in activity was 32% for MMP-2 and 56% for MMP-9 after treatment with curcumin. The corresponding values were 12% and 40% following doxycycline treatment. There was no significant difference between the effects of curcumin and doxycycline on reducing MMP-2 expression, but the difference was statistically significant in the case of MMP-9. Conclusion: Doxycycline and curcumin can inhibit MMP expression and activity in chemically exposed corneal cells. Curcumin has a greater ability than doxycycline to inhibit MMP-2 and MMP- 9 enzymes; however, the difference is statistically significant only in the case of MMP-9. After further validation, these substances can be introduced as anti- inflammatory agents to treat corneal chemical burns.

Background and aim: Influenza, commonly referred to as "the flu," is an infectious illness caused by influenza viruses (IV). Despite the availability of efficient antiviral drugs, the IV still significantly increases mortality. Antiviral drugs swiftly remove these viruses from pulmonary secretions, suggesting that a prolonged inflammatory response may be to blame for the poor result. Therefore, using immunomodulatory medications looks advantageous. Numerous anti-inflammatory effects are produced by statins. Numerous retrospective studies recommended that statins be considered for IV therapy. This study set out to comprehensively examine the immunomodulatory potential of statins in IV prophylaxis and therapy. Methods: From the beginning until 25 March 2022, a number of electronic databases (Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, OVID, EBSCO, and CINAHL) were searched for cohort studies and randomized trials assessing the association between outcomes or risk of infections and statin therapy. Data were gathered on the investigated characteristics, measuring statin usage, quality evaluation, and results (set for potential confounders). Results: Finding additional therapeutic agents for influenza prevention and management is crucial since there are uncertain public health issues regarding the clinical efficacy of conventional medications. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are released as a result of influenza. According to the results, by using anti inflammatory medications, severe influenza infections can be prevented along with pleiotropic effects. As a result, statins, which are cardioprotective medications with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, may be beneficial for individuals with IV. Conclusion: Based on the positive immunomodulatory effects of statin administration, our systematic review's findings suggested that IVs may be prevented and treated.

Background and Objectives: The severity and mortality of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 are positively associated with underlying diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this regard, the current study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalized patients with and without CKD. Methods: This cross-sectional matched study was conducted on hospitalized confirmed COVID-19 patients with and without CKD admitted to Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from February 26, 2020 to March 26, 2020. The patients were homogenized in terms of age, gender, body mass index, and underlying diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, and laboratory and radiological findings were collected from patients’ medical records and compared between the patients based on their CKD status. Results: Among the COVID-19 patients, 56 and 97 cases with and without CKD were investigated, respectively. In general, 111 (72.5%) patients with a mean age of 55 years were males. Patients with CKD had higher levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and red cell distribution width (p<0.05). No differences were found regarding chest computed tomography findings, ICU admission, and death among COVID-19 patients with and without CKD. Conclusions: Overall, the findings support the use of red cell distribution width, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine for monitoring the COVID-19 patients with CKD and assessing the risk of disease progression. Eventually, managing comorbidities including hypertension and diabetes will reduce COVID-19 severity in CKD patients.