👤 Solmaz Hasani

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a significant health concern, affecting millions worldwide. Key neurotrophic factors, including nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, have shown promise in facilitating neural regeneration. The effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids have been extensively studied, emphasizing the importance of appropriate timing and duration of administration. Antioxidants such as vitamin E and melatonin have exhibited neuroprotective effects in animal models, but further research is necessary to determine their efficacy, optimal dosage, and administration in humans. Immunosuppressive agents like tacrolimus (FK506) and cyclosporin A have demonstrated substantial potential in enhancing peripheral nerve recovery. Supportive strategies, including physical therapy and neuromodulation techniques such as electrical and transcranial stimulation, have shown effectiveness in promoting nerve regeneration. Advances in bioengineering, including nerve conduits and stem cell transplantation, which mimic natural nerve repair mechanisms, hold considerable promise for improving PNI treatments. In conclusion, PNI therapy is progressing towards an integrative approach, combining surgical techniques with pharmacological interventions, bioengineering, and regenerative medicine to enhance outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. This review explores recent advancements in peripheral nerve regeneration using both natural and synthetic agents, highlighting the shift toward more comprehensive treatment strategies. Show less

Obesity is a global health challenge associated with various diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Bariatric surgery not only aids in weight loss but also enhances metabolic health. Apolipoproteins, particularly the Apo B/Apo A1 ratio, serve as key biomarkers for evaluating cardiovascular risk and insulin resistance. Despite their importance, there is limited research on how these markers are affected by bariatric surgery and their long-term health implications. This prospective cohort study was conducted in Mashhad, Iran, involving 42 patients with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. Key metabolic markers, including serum levels of Apo A1, Apo B, the Apo B/Apo A1 ratio, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), were measured preoperatively and 6 months post-surgery. Statistical analyses were used to evaluate changes and correlations among the variables. Significant improvements were observed in several metabolic markers following bariatric surgery. Serum Apo A1 levels increased, while Apo B levels and the Apo B/Apo A1 ratio decreased. Additionally, reductions in the AIP and HOMA-IR were noted. However, no significant correlation was found between the change in ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and weight loss or other metabolic markers. Bariatric surgery improves metabolic health, shown by favorable changes in the Apo B/Apo A1 ratio and insulin resistance. These biomarkers can aid in assessing cardiovascular risk and evaluating surgery candidates. Further research is needed to explore their long-term impacts and predictive value for future health outcomes. Show less

Recent studies have shown that dietary carbohydrate quantity and quality as well as genetic variants may contribute to determining the metabolic rate and general and central obesity. This study aimed to examine interactions between melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R) rs17782313 and dietary carbohydrate intake, glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL) on body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences (WC), basal metabolic rate (BMR), and BMR/kg in overweight/obese women. A total of 282 Iranian women (BMI ≥ 25) aged 18-56 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All participants were assessed for blood parameters, body composition, BMR, and dietary intake. Dietary carbohydrate intake, GI, and GL were determined using a valid, reliable 147-item food frequency questionnaire. MC4R rs17782313 was genotyped by the restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. After adjustment for age and energy intake, significant interactions were observed between carbohydrate intake and MC4R rs17782313 in terms of BMI (P Interaction = 0.007), WC (P Interaction = 0.02), and BMR/kg (P Interaction = 0.003) in this way that higher carbohydrate intake, compared with lower intake, was associated with an increase in BMI and WC for individuals with C allele carriers (TC + CC genotypes), while related to an increase in BMR/kg for those carrying the TT genotype. No significant interaction was found between MC4R rs17782313 and GI and GL on BMI, WC, BMR/kg, and BMR. Interactions between the MC4R rs17782313 and carbohydrate intake probably can have an effect on BMI, WC, and BMR/kg in overweight/obese women. Show less