When Classrooms Become Battlegrounds: The Assault on Iranian Science

en When Classrooms Become Battlegrounds: The Assault on Iranian Science When Classrooms Become Battlegrounds: The Assault on Iranian Science In a shocking escalation, Iran was recently targeted by the Israeli regime in a military operation that, among its many atrocities, aimed to undermine the nation's scientific and intellectual infrastructure. Alarming reports indicate that key figures in Iran’s academic community, especially in fields like physics and medical sciences were directly attacked. Universities and classrooms were struck by missiles and drones. Several academics were assassinated along with their families, including women and children. During the brutal 12-day attack by the Zionist regime on Iran, Shahid Beheshti University and many of its professors, especially in the physics department, were directly attacked with missiles and drones in the classroom and at home, which is a rare incident in the current world. Tragically, six medical doctors and eighteen healthcare workers were martyred, including two pediatricians and gynecologists who lost their lives alongside their young children. Beyond the irreparable human loss, these attacks caused severe psychological trauma. Students preparing for national and final exams experienced acute distress, and many along with their families are now dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (1,2). In light of this devastating assault, we must reflect on the broader implications for scientific progress, particularly in the realm of basic sciences (3). Two opposing perspectives emerge: <ol> <li style="text-align:justify">Support for Basic Sciences is Crucial: Fundamental research, especially when translatable into clinical or applied outcomes, is the backbone of innovation. It fuels optimism, confidence, and problem-solving within academic communities. Supporting basic sciences fosters resilience in both students and faculty, helping societies confront and overcome crises.</li> <li style="text-align:justify">Neglecting Science is Self-Sabotage: A narrow, short-sighted approach to funding where research budgets are cut due to economic pressures risks compounding the damage inflicted by external attacks. When scientific development is deprioritized, the consequences for national resilience and innovation are even more severe than the physical destruction wrought by missiles.</li> </ol> Unfortunately, the challenges Iranian scientists face extend beyond the battlefield. As an editor, I am increasingly concerned by the unscientific treatment of Iranian researchers by international publishers. In recent months, many submissions have been rejected on non-academic grounds, reflecting a troubling politicization of global science. This practice, which echoes earlier directives by U.S. authorities to restrict Iranian authors, is a clear departure from the ideals of impartial and collaborative scientific inquiry (4). Indeed, science should never be a casualty of politics. Yet, despite these adversities, Iran’s scientific community endures. As affirmed in the Holy Qur’an, “Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.” In the face of oppression, our scientists continue to pursue knowledge, serve humanity, and inspire hope. 158 158 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=70623 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/70623.pdf ShahinAkhondzadeh739

en Production and Characterization of IgY Polyclonal Antibodies Specific to Human Interleukin-6 and Their Neutralization Potential for Anti-inflammatory Responses Background: Interleukin-6 plays an essential role in cytokine storm and cytokine release syndrome, which occur in response to pathogen infection or tissue injury and are associated with severe symptoms. Neutralizing IL-6 can help reduce symptom severity. Chicken eggs serve as an excellent alternative antibody source compared to mammalian serum. The immunoglobulin Y (IgY) in the chicken’s blood is transferred to and deposited within the egg yolk in large amounts. Several IgY products have been developed for therapeutic applications in various diseases. This study focuses on producing anti-human IL-6 (IL-6) IgY antibodies to support therapeutic advancements. Methods: Anti-IL-6 IgY was generated by immunizing three hens with recombinant IL-6 protein mixed with alum adjuvant, immunized four times at three-week intervals. Then, IgY was extracted from egg yolks. The specificity of IgY was determined by Western blot. The neutralizing activity against secreted IL-6 was demonstrated by Human Coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43)-infected cells and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. Results: The specific anti-IL-6 was detected starting from day 10 to day 90 after immunization. The average yield of total IgY was 17.97±15.66 mg per egg. The extracted anti-IL6 IgY antibody exhibited efficient neutralizing effects against secreted IL-6 in the HCoV-OC43-infected or LPS-stimulated cells in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: This study highlights the ease of production and the satisfactory yield of anti-IL-6 IgY derived from chicken eggs. The antibody demonstrates an in vitro inhibitory effect on IL-6, with potential applications in therapeutic development. Chickens, Coronavirus, Egg yolks, IgY, Interleukin-6, Lipopolysaccharides 159 166 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=70615 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/70615.pdf PacharapornKhumpimFaculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand92358CharinThawornkunoFaculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand92359SuraponPiboonpocanunInstitute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand92360WongsakornWongwadhunyooFaculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand92361PromsinMasrinoul92362

en Characterization and Evaluation of the Anti-proliferative Activity and Hypersensitivity of L-Asparaginase from Trichosporon asahii Isolate ChL11 and Candida palmioleophila Isolate JK12 Background: L-Asparaginase is a crucial enzyme to treat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), as it depletes L-asparagine, an essential amino acid for cancer cell survival. However, its clinical use is often restricted due to hypersensitivity reactions. This study examined the anti-proliferative effects and hypersensitivity of fungal L-asparaginases (L-ASNases) from Trichosporon asahii isolate ChL11 (TaIChL11 L-ASNase) and Candida palmioleophila isolate JK12 (CpIJK12 L-ASNase). Methods: The enzymes were produced and purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, and Sephadex G-100 chromatography, and tested on leukemia cells and BALB/c female mice to assess immune responses. Results: TaIChL11 L-ASNase had a molecular weight of 40 kDa, Michaelis constant (KM) of 1.66×10⁻² mM, and Vmax of 37.23 mM/min, while CpIJK12 L-ASNase had a molecular weight of 135 kDa, KM of 2.3×10⁻² mM, and Vmax of 14.03 mM/min. Both enzymes exhibited significant anti-proliferative effects against CCRF-CEM cancer cells, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 2.74 U/ml for TaIChL11 L-ASNase and 3.30 U/ml for CpIJK12 L-ASNase after 48 hr, improving further after 72 hr. They also showed low cytotoxicity toward normal Vero E6 cells. in vivo studies demonstrated that TaIChL11 ASNase-treated mice had significantly lower Immunoglobulin (Ig) G levels than those treated with commercial L-ASNase from Erwinia chrysanthemi (Owenism) (p<0.005), with no detectable IgE response. Conclusion: These findings indicate that fungal L-ASNases, particularly TaIChL11 ASNase, with lower L-glutaminase activity and a favorable safety profile, could be promising alternatives to bacterial L-ASNases, potentially enhancing ALL treatment with fewer side effects. Ammonium sulfate, Asparaginase, Asparagine, Dickeya chrysanthemi, Glutaminase, Sephadex, Trichosporon asahii 167 179 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=70616 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/70616.pdf TekebaSisay Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia92363NaomiMainaBiochemistry Department, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, , Nairobi, Kenya 92364VictorMobegiDepartment of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya 92365SabinaWachiraKenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Nairobi, Kenya 92366

en Synthesis of a Unique Dextran Polymer-Conjugated Antibody and Horseradish Peroxidase Complex Background: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a practical technique that utilizes the specific binding between an antigen and antibody to detect and localize specific antigens in tissue and cells. The optimal sensitivity in IHC is of utmost importance to achieve reliable results even when antigens are present at low abundance on the samples. Here, a dextran polymer labeled with Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) and an anti-body to improve the sensitivity of the IHC technique was synthesized. Methods: To this end, free thiol groups were introduced on sodium periodate-activated 30 kDa dextran using cystamine, followed by attachment of sulfo-MBS-activated goat anti-mouse antibody and sulfo-MBS-activated HRP to the activated dextran. Results: The production of Poly-HRP Antibody (PHA) was confirmed by the appearance of a new protein band exceeding 150 kDa on Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Additionally, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and IHC techniques were employed to characterize PHA’s functionality. The data demonstrated that PHA effectively detected target antigens in these assays. Conclusion: The newly synthesized PHA has the potential to provide a more sensitive platform for early detection of biomarkers in IHC. Further research is needed to evaluate its cost-effectiveness. Antibodies, Dextrans, Horseradish peroxidase, Immunohistochemistry 180 185 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=70617 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/70617.pdf BaharehZamaniMonoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran92367NiloofarAgharezaeeMonoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran92368FarshidMoosaviMonoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran92369SaeidehZamani KoukhalooMonoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran92370ParisaYousefiMonoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran92371JafarMahmoudian114

en The Quality and Quantity of Nanoparticles Extracted from Human Adipose Tissue Derived-Mesenchymal Stem Cells Background: Nanoparticles, as small extracellular vesicles, are considered promising tools in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different processing and culture condition on the quality and quantity of extracts derived from human Adipose-Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AD-MSCs). Methods: AD-MSCs were proliferated in both the experimental and control groups. Nanoparticles were extracted from AD-MSCs-extracts and analyzed using SEM, TEM, DLS, Zeta potential, FTIR and BCA analyses. The morphological characteristics (shape, size, distribution, surface topography, and  agglomeration/aggregation), structural appearance (poly-disperse intensity, colloidal particle behavior, surface charge, and stability), chemical properties (functional groups and ionic interactions) and total protein concentration were detected in the extracted nanoparticles. Additionally, the morphological characteristics, apoptosis, mitochondrial oxidoreductase activity, and migration potential of AD-MSCs in both groups were evaluated using acridine orange staining, MTT, and scratch assays. Results: In the experimental group, 100% of the nanoparticles had a diameter of 112.8±25 nm, with the most frequency of 111.4 nm. However, in the control group, 72% of nanoparticles had a diameter of 350.2±43.6 nm with the highest frequency of 339.8 nm (p≤0.05). The Z-average, Poly-disperse intensity, and electrostatic stability of nanoparticles in the control and experimental groups were 171.9 nm, 0.727 and -0.000011 cm2/Vs vs. 103.7 nm, 0.205 and 0.000481 cm2/Vs, respectively (p≤0.05). In the experimental group, Zeta potential was -61.8 mV, which is in the range of ζ >-30mV. Although, Zeta potential in the control group was -1.5 mV, which is in the range of -30 mV <ζ <30 mV (p≤0.05). Total protein concentrations in the control and experimental groups were 11 and 41%, respectively (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Nanoparticles derived from AD-MSCs have high therapeutic applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Acridine orange, Control groups, Fourier transform infrared, Immunologic factors, Nanoparticles, Obesity, Regenerative medicine, Regenerative medicine, Spectroscopy, Static electricity, Tissue engineering 186 195 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=70618 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/70618.pdf MobinaKarimiDepartment of Biology, SR.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, 92372BanafshehHeidari503HaniehJafary Department of Biology, SR.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran92373KavoshZandsalimiDepartment of Medical Laser (MLRC), Medical Laser Research Center, Yara Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran92374

en Resorbable Bone-Fixation Materials: Synthesis, Physical-Chemical and Biological Properties Artificial bone materials were synthesized using the "solvent casting method" using polylactide/hydroxyapatite and various organic-inorganic modifiers. The physicochemical properties of the materials were studied using modern methods. IR spectroscopy showed that interactions between polymer macromolecules and hydroxyapatite occurred. When the powder was studied by the X-ray diffraction method, it was found to have an average crystallinity of 50-60%. When the textural properties were examined using SEM analysis, it was found that the introduction of magnesium phosphate into the samples resulted in the formation of porous particles with dimensions of 100-250 µm. This in turn, leads to the improvement of metabolic processes when the samples are introduced into living tissues. When the microhardness was determined by the Vickers method, it was found to be close to the hardness of natural bone, i.e. 27-34 HV. In vitro resorption was also performed in Simulated Body Fluids (SBF). Non-toxicity was observed when cytotoxic properties were studied. When the resorption process was studied in vivo in the upper third of the femur of rabbits, it was found that the ossification process of the samples was satisfactory after 28 days Durapatite, Femur, Hydroxyapatite-polylactide, Lagomorpha, Porosity, Powders 196 207 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=70619 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/70619.pdf BakhtinisoMuzaffarovaDepartment of Organic synthesis and Bioorganic chemistry, Samarkand State University named after Sharof Rashidov, Samarkand, Uzbekistan92375SherzodEranovDepartment of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Samarkand State Medical University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan92376SanjarTillayev92377

en Short-Term Inflammatory Exposure Affects Umbilical Cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Migration and Differentiation Through Modulation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Expression Background: An innovative approach for tissue restoration using Umbilical Cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UC-MSCs) is hindered by their poor survival rate due to the detrimental effects of the injured tissue microenvironment. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in an inflammatory environment which is followed by cellular impairment, has been reported. However, the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in UC-MSCs in response to the inflammatory environment is not well understood. This study aims to investigate the impact of short-term exposure to an inflammatory environment induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on hUC-MSCs, focusing on cell viability, migration, differentiation, and the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes. Methods: hUC-MSC were exposed to LPS at concentration of 10 and 50 μg/ml for 3 and 6 hr. Cell viability was assessed using CCK-8 assay, migration capacity was evaluated using a scratch test, and differentiation capacity and the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes were measured using qRT-PCR.  Results: Short-term LPS induction did not affect the viability of hUC-MSCs but reduced their migration and differentiation capacity, particularly at 50 μg/ml for both time points (p<0.05). The induction caused an increase in the mRNA levels of NLRP3, TLR-4, and RelA/p65, which correlated with elevated expression of caspase-1 and IL-1β.  Conclusion: Short-term exposure to LPS influences hUC-MSCs by upregulating NLRP3, TLR4/ReIA (p65), IL-1β, and caspase-1 mRNA levels, leading to impaired migration and differentiation ability. This study underscores the significant impact of short-term exposure to an inflammatory microenvironment on hUC-MSC, potentially compromising their migration and differentiation capacity through the NLRP3 pathway. Inflammation, UC-MSC, Cell migration, Differentiation, Lipopolysaccharide, NLRP3 inflammasome 208 215 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=70620 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/70620.pdf HelsyJunaidiFaculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia 92378DewiSukmawati Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia92379AnoopNarayanan V Nitte (Deemed to be University), NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (NGSMIPS), Department of Pharmaceutics, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India92380JeanneA. Pawitan Integrated Service Unit of Stem Cell Medical Technology (IPT TK Sel Punca), Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM), Jakarta, Indonesia92381Sri WidiaJusman Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia92382

en Ameliorating Potential of Quercetin and Curcumin on Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Expression via miRNAs in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is accompanied by a significant risk of oxidative stress. While a link between T2DM and G6PD deficiency has been suggested, their interaction is not precisely understood. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests an expression association between G6PD and miR-1, miR-122, and miR-206. Given the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Curcumin (Cur) and Quercetin (Q), This study aimed to assess the effects of curcumin and quercetin on G6PD expression and its correlation with the mentioned microRNA expression in liver, renal, heart, and muscle in rats with T2DM. Methods: RT-qPCR was employed to determine miR-1, miR-122, miR-206, and G6PD expression. Results: The findings revealed that curcumin and quercetin treatment elevated G6PD gene expression. Also, the treated groups exhibited down-regulation of miR-1, miR-122, and miR-206 (p<0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant inverse correlation between G6PD and miR-1 in heart, miR-122 in all tissues except renal and miR-206 expression in skeletal muscle and heart (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that curcumin and quercetin may prevent the development of T2DM by effectively increasing G6PD expression and reducing miR-1, miR-122, and miR-206 expression. Curcumin, G6PD, miRNA, Quercetin, Type 2 diabetes mellitus 216 224 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=70621 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/70621.pdf MahsimaBagheriInternational Campus of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran92383AmenehKhodarahmi Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran92384FatemehZare MehrjardiDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran92385AliMoradi92386

en Swimming Exercise Attenuates DOX-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Modulating Apoptosis and DRP1/PGC1α/ miR-23a Dependent Pathway in Rat Heart Tissue Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used drug in cancer chemotherapy, but its cardiotoxicity limits its clinical applications. Combining exercise with chemotherapy offers a promising approach to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy drugs. Limited information is available on the effects of swimming exercise on the molecular mechanisms related to Dox cardiotoxicity. This study aims to investigate the modulatory effect of swimming exercise on the apoptosis and miR-23a-dependent mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics pathways in rat heart tissue treated with dox. Methods: In this experimental study, thirty-two adult male Wistar desert rats (200-220 g) were randomly divided into four groups, including control, doxorubicin (DOX; intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg of Dox, once a week, for five weeks), swimming exercise (SE; water exercise for 60 min/day, five days a week, for six weeks) and Dox group along with Swimming Exercise (DOX-SE). At the end of the study, the cardiac expression of proteins related to apoptosis and mitochondrial biogenesis and mir23-a were analyzed using western blot and real-time PCR methods, respectively. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)with Tukey's post hoc test was used to analyze the data. Results: These findings revealed that DOX administration led to a significant decrease in the cardiac expression of PGC-1α and DRP-1 proteins and an increase in apoptotic proteins (caspase 3 and cytochrome C) compared to the control group (p<0.0001). Swimming exercise resulted in a significant increase expression in cardiac tissue of PGC-1α and DRP-1 proteins and a decrease in the expression of apoptotic proteins in the DOX-treated group (p<0.0001, p<0.01). Compared to the control group, the protein levels in the heart of the miR-23a were significantly increased in the DOX-treated group (p<0.001). However, exercise training attenuated the DOX-induced reduction in miR-23a expression gene in the cardiac muscle of DOX-treated mice (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that swimming exercise may protect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating apoptosis and DRP1/PGC1α/ miR-23a pathway. This highlights exercise as a potential non-pharmacological strategy to mitigate chemotherapy-related heart damage. Apoptosis, Cardiotoxicity, Doxorubicin, Swimming 225 232 https://www.ajmb.org/En/Article.aspx?id=70622 https://www.ajmb.org/PDF/En/FullText/70622.pdf HassanDarvakhShohadayehoveizeh Campus of Technology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Dashteazadegan, Iran92387SaiedShakerian92388RohollahRanjbarDepartment of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Sport Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran92389Mohammad rezaTabandeh Department of Basic, Science, Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran92390