Mohammad-Navid Bastani

In the context of COVID-19, a range of neglected biomarkers provide critical insights into the mechanisms of the disease and potential therapeutic targets. This review aims to address this gap by systematically analyzing the diagnostic and prognostic potential of these neglected biomarkers, with particular emphasis on their mechanistic connections to COVID-19 pathophysiology. Reduced levels of adiponectin and prostacyclin (PGI2) and elevated level of endothelin are associated with endothelial dysfunction, whereas elevated levels of endocan and endoglin are indicative of elevated vascular inflammation. Increased concentrations of markers such as angiopoietin, E-selectin, P-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 suggest endothelial activation, while higher levels of fractalkine, galectin, HMGB1, and osteopontin reflect an ongoing inflammatory state. Immunological markers, including HMGB1, neopterin, and serum amyloid A, are significantly elevated, underscoring prolonged immune activation associated with severe COVID-19. Elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (SuPAR) highlight tissue remodeling and fibrinolytic imbalance related to vascular injury. Additionally, increases in soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and pentraxin reflect inflammatory pathways that exacerbate endothelial dysfunction. Elevated levels of syndecan-1 reflect endothelial glycocalyx degradation and impaired endothelial barrier integrity. Increased von Willebrand factor (vWF) indicates endothelial activation and injury with a prothrombotic shift. Elevated surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a marker of pulmonary epithelial injury and disruption of the alveolar–capillary interface. Other biomarkers, such as the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and MR-proADM, signal oxidative stress and endothelial damage. Collectively, these biomarkers emphasize the extensive vascular and endothelial impairment in COVID-19, suggesting their utility as diagnostic tools and potential targets for therapeutic intervention against the systemic effects of the disease. This review advocates for the integration of these biomarkers into standard monitoring and treatment protocols for COVID-19, thereby enhancing personalized care. Furthermore, our analysis underscores the necessity for additional research into the roles of these biomarkers in other endothelial disorders, ultimately contributing to a more nuanced approach to managing viral infections characterized by vascular complications.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A), In combination with other pro‐angiogenic factors, plays a pivotal role in angiogenesis and the pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).Aims: This meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of VEGF‐A and its prognostic relevance in the outcome of patients with ALL.Methods and Results: A comprehensive literature search was conducted up to January 2025 across multiple databases. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random‐effects model to quantify effect sizes. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression were employed to explore heterogeneity sources. Data extracted from 15 studies encompassing 674 patients with ALL demonstrated a significant correlation between elevated VEGF‐A levels and unfavorable prognosis (SMD: 0.878; 95% CI: 0.276–1.479; p = 0.004). Notably, increased VEGF‐A levels were particularly evident in pediatric patients older than 8 years (SMD: 0.758; 95% CI: 0.178–1.338; p = 0.010).Conclusion: The results indicate that heightened VEGF‐A expression is associated with poorer clinical outcomes in ALL, supporting its utility as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in this patient population.

Numerous studies have reported vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) has a significant impact on the pathophysiology of COVID-19. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the prognostic value of increased levels of VEGF-A in individuals with COVID-19. A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, up to January 2024. Studies examining the levels of VEGF-A in the serum or plasma of COVID-19 patients were incorporated, with specific attention given to contrasting severe/critical cases against moderate cases. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model to determine overall effect sizes. Meta-regressions and subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. The meta-analysis synthesized data from 11 studies involving a total of 1119 COVID-19 patients. Elevated levels of VEGF-A were significantly associated with disease severity, with a pooled SMD of 0.525 (95% CI 0.239–0.058; P = 0.028). Research has indicated that the nature of the relationship differs among various age groups, and there were minor discrepancies in the techniques employed to obtain VEGF-A measurements. Furthermore, meta-regression analysis indicated a potential correlation between VEGF-A levels and assay technique and body mass index (BMI). This meta-analysis provides compelling evidence for the prognostic potency of VEGF-A in COVID-19. Understanding the intricate interplay between VEGF-A and COVID-19 pathophysiology holds promise for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies and prognostic indicators in the management of COVID-19.

Surfactant Protein D (SP-D), a key component of the innate immune system, has attracted significant interest for its potential role in the pathophysiology and prognosis of COVID-19. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to clarify the prognostic importance of SP-D levels in COVID-19 patients. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, covering studies published from January 2000 to January 2024. The inclusion criteria focused on studies measuring SP-D levels in the serum or plasma of COVID-19 patients, comparing severe and non-severe cases. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model to assess overall effect sizes. Meta-regressions and subgroup analyses were performed to identify potential sources of heterogeneity, including patient age, assay techniques, and gender ratio. The meta-analysis incorporated data from nine studies involving 5,410 COVID-19 patients. Elevated SP-D levels were significantly correlated with increased disease severity, yielding an SMD of 0.642 (95% CI: 0.314 to 0.870; p = 0.012). This meta-analysis confirms the prognostic significance of SP-D in the context of COVID-19. Elevated SP-D levels are associated with severe disease outcomes, highlighting its potential as a prognostic biomarker.

Background: The emergence of a new pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) resulted in a high mortality rate across the world. This study sought to comprehensively analyze the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) associated with COVID-19 in the Khuzestan province of Iran”. The primary objective was to discern patterns and determinants influencing CFR, shedding light on the evolving impact of the pandemic on morbidity and mortality. Methods: A retrospective examination was performed on a dataset encompassing confirmed COVID-19 cases and related fatalities in Khuzestan. Data, spanning from December 2020 to April 2022, underwent rigorous statistical analysis. Demographic variables, comorbidities, and temporal trends were scrutinized to identify key factors influencing CFR. Results: Preliminary findings revealed dynamic shifts in CFR, capturing the nuanced nature of the pandemic over time. Demographic nuances, particularly age and gender, emerged as significant determinants impacting CFR, the reported CFR of COVID-19 in Khuzestan province was 1.79%. Conclusion: This study contributes critical insights into the CFR landscape of COVID-19 in Khuzestan, providing a foundation for evidence-based decision-making in public health. The identified factors influencing mortality rates offer valuable information for tailoring interventions and optimizing resource allocation. Continuous monitoring and further investigations are recommended to adapt strategies to the evolving nature of the pandemic.

Viral cardiac diseases have a significant impact on global health, and RNA viruses play a crucial role in their pathogenesis. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between RNA viruses and cardiac diseases, focusing on the molecular processes and clinical implications of these interactions. The paper begins by discussing the various RNA viruses that have been linked to cardiac infections. Subsequently, the study explores the mechanisms through which RNA viruses can cause cardiac injury, including direct viral invasion, immune‐mediated responses, and molecular mimicry. The review extensively examines the intricate interplay between the host immune system and RNA viruses, shedding light on both protective and harmful immune responses. Additionally, it investigates the role of viral persistence and chronic inflammation in the long‐term effects on cardiac health. The thorough analysis presented not only enhances our scientific understanding of how RNA viruses contribute to the development of cardiac diseases but also highlights potential avenues for future research and breakthroughs in this field. Given the significant global health threat posed by viral cardiac disorders, unraveling the molecular foundations of these diseases is essential for advancing diagnostic capabilities and therapeutic interventions.

In Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), Epstein–Barr virus-encoded microRNAs (EBV miRNAs) are emerging as crucial regulatory agents that impact cellular and viral gene regulation. This review investigates the multifaceted functions of EBV miRNAs in the pathogenesis of Burkitt lymphoma. EBV miRNAs regulate several cellular processes that are essential for BL development, such as apoptosis, immune evasion, and cellular proliferation. These small, non-coding RNAs target both viral and host mRNAs, finely adjusting the cellular environment to favor oncogenesis. Prominent miRNAs, such as BART (BamHI-A rightward transcript) and BHRF1 (BamHI fragment H rightward open reading frame 1), are emphasized for their roles in tumor growth and immune regulation. For example, BART miRNAs prevent apoptosis by suppressing pro-apoptotic proteins, whereas BHRF1 miRNAs promote viral latency and immunological evasion. Understanding the intricate connections among EBV miRNAs and their targets illuminates BL pathogenesis and suggests novel treatment approaches. Targeting EBV miRNAs or their specific pathways offers a feasible option for developing innovative therapies that aim to disrupt the carcinogenic processes initiated by these viral components. future studies should focus on precisely mapping miRNA‒target networks and developing miRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic tools. This comprehensive article highlights the importance of EBV miRNAs in Burkitt lymphoma, indicating their potential as biomarkers and targets for innovative treatment strategies.

Background: Severe cases of COVID‐19 often lead to the development of acute respiratory syndrome, a critical condition believed to be caused by the harmful effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 on type II alveolar cells. These cells play a crucial role in producing pulmonary surfactants, which are essential for proper lung function. Specifically focusing on surfactant proteins, including Surfactant protein A (SP‐A), Surfactant protein B, Surfactant protein C, and Surfactant protein D (SP‐D), changes in the levels of pulmonary surfactants may be a significant factor in the pathological changes seen in COVID‐19 infection.Objective: This study aims to gain insights into surfactants, particularly their impacts and changes during COVID‐19 infection, through a comprehensive review of current literature. The study focuses on the function of surfactants as prognostic markers, diagnostic factors, and essential components in the management and treatment of COVID‐19.Finding: In general, pulmonary surfactants serve to reduce the surface tension at the gas–liquid interface, thereby significantly contributing to the regulation of respiratory mechanics. Additionally, these surfactants play a crucial role in the innate immune system within the pulmonary microenvironment. Within the spectrum of COVID‐19 infections, a compelling association is observed, characterized by elevated levels of SP‐D and SP‐A across a range of manifestations from mild to severe pneumonia. The sudden decline in respiratory function observed in COVID‐19 patients may be attributed to the decreased synthesis of surfactants by type II alveolar cells.Conclusion: Collectin proteins such as SP‐A and SP‐D show promise as biomarkers, offering potential avenues for predicting and monitoring pulmonary alveolar injury in the context of COVID‐19. This clarification enhances our understanding of the molecular complexities contributing to respiratory complications in severe COVID‐19 cases, providing a foundation for targeted therapeutic approaches using surfactants and refined clinical management strategies.

Background: The adverse consequences of ambient particulate matter (PM) on human health have been extensively studied. However, the association between PM2.5 and PM10 μm, two common sizes of particulate matter, and semen quality remains a subject of debate. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate the relationship between ambient PM2.5 and PM10 μm exposure and semen quality parameters. Main text: A systematic literature search was conducted using electronic databases to identify relevant studies investigating the association between (PM2.5 μm and PM10 μm) exposure and semen quality, covering the period from January 2000 to April 2023. Standard mean difference (SMD) was used to calculate pooled effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Furthermore, meta-regression and subgroup analyses provided additional insight into potential factors contributing to heterogeneity. The meta-analysis included a comprehensive review of nine studies with a total of 6264 participants. The findings demonstrated a significant negative correlation between ambient exposure to PM2.5 μm and PM10 μm and various parameters related to semen quality. The analysis revealed that PM2.5 exposure was linked to reduced semen volume (SMD = −0.028; 95% CI −0.055 to −0.01), total sperm count (SMD = −0.027; 95% CI −0.052 to -0.02), sperm motility (SMD = −0.156; 95% CI −0.26 to -0.04), and progressive motility (SMD = −0.194; 95% CI −0.38 to −0.01). Likewise, exposure to PM10 was associated with decreased sperm concentration (SMD = −0.036; 95% CI −0.06 to −0.01) and sperm motility (SMD = −0.93; 95% CI −0.15 to −0.02). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate a consistent negative association between ambient PM10 and PM2.5 μm exposure and semen quality parameters. The findings suggest that increased levels of ambient particulate matter may have an adverse influence on sperm count and motility. The results highlight the importance of addressing environmental air pollution as a potential risk factor for male reproductive health.

The article is notably comprehensive and meticulously constructed. The inclusion of figures or tables to succinctly encapsulate key data would enhance readability. the immunological section is written very well, but there are some issues which should...