Previous studies have found that the metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) exerts its biological effects on the progression of diabetic nephropathy by sponging microRNAs and affecting the gene transcription of downstream molecules. In this study, the primary emphasis is placed on the functions that MALAT1 plays in relation to the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy as well as the processes that underlie these roles. In addition, the usage of this long noncoding RNA as a possible biomarker or therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy will be discussed.

Obesity, a global health crisis, is associated with metabolic disorders and escalating healthcare burdens. This review explores the multifaceted dynamics of obesity, investigating the interplay of genetic, physiological, and environmental factors. Adipose tissue, traditionally regarded for energy storage, now emerges as a crucial contributor to systemic metabolism through the secretion of adipokines. Key adipokines, such as adiponectin, leptin, and the CTRPs superfamily (CTRP1, CTRP3, CTRP9, and CTRP12), are examined for their influence on inflammation, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis. A critical understanding of the complex interplay between adipokines, inflammation, and insulin resistance is essential for comprehending the intricacies of metabolic dysfunction in obesity. Adipokines emerge as potential therapeutic targets to alleviate inflammation-related pathologies associated with obesity and related disorders. Ongoing research is pivotal to deepen the understanding of adipokine roles, paving the way for innovative therapeutic interventions. This review delves into the role of adipokines in cardiometabolic diseases, particularly emphasizing the intricate links between inflammation and insulin resistance in the context of obesity.

Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disease in reproductiveage women, which interferes with fertility, menstruation, and body composition. Some biochemical parameters change in women with PCOS, a feature which can be a consequence of the disease itself or of the accompanying obesity. This study investigated the glucose and lipid profiles, sex hormones, and hsCRP in normal weight and overweight/ obese Iranian women with and without PCOS.
Methods: 314 women with PCOS and 138 healthy and fertile women were recruited for the study. The patients and controls were divided according to body mass index (BMI) into two groups as follows: BMI<25 Kg/m2 and BMI≥ 25 Kg/m2. Blood samples were collected from all participants to assess fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, lipid profile, FSH, LH, free testosterone, and hs-CRP levels. The homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated for assessing insulin sensitivity.
Results: BMI, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, triglyceride, FT, LH, and hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group, while lower levels of FSH were observed in comparison to non-PCOS women. Among overweight PCOS women, hs-CRP levels were significantly elevated compared to normal-weight PCOS women. However, there was no significant difference in circulating hs-CRP levels between normal-weight and overweight participants in the control group.
Conclusion: The study results suggest that both insulin resistance and an increase in hs-CRP may be relevant to PCOS. Moreover, the findings indicated that chronic inflammation in PCOS is not solely dependent on the pathogenesis of the disease but may be exacerbated by increased body weight.

Objectives: The elevation of inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), is associated with a high risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). The primary objective of the present study was to identify the primary inflammatory factors in patients who were candidates for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).
Methods: This study included 30 subjects scheduled to undergo CABG surgery, as well as 30 control subjects. Serum levels of hs-CRP, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and TNF-α were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.
Results: There were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI) and age between the patient and control groups. However, the patient group had significantly higher triglyceride (TG) levels compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the patient group exhibited significantly elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α (P < 0.001 for both), as well as higher circulating levels of CRP and hs-CRP compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicated that patients recommended for surgical intervention often have elevated levels of inflammatory factors. It is advisable to take these findings into consideration before proceeding with surgery.

Objectives: Recently, the counts of leukocyte subtypes to HDL-C concentration ratios, including monocyte to HDL-C ratio (MHR), neutrophil to HDL-C ratio (NHR), lymphocyte to HDL-C (LHR) have been proposed as potential new indices of inflammation. This study aims to investigate the correlation between these indices with the severity and mortality of COVID-19.
Methods: This study is performed on 1224 non-vaccinated and hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The association between blood parameters and indices on admission with severity and mortality are analyzed using multivariate regression models. Receiver operating characteristic curves are used to compare the utility of different blood parameters.
Results: The severe patients and deceased groups show low level of HDL-C, high values of WBC, neutrophil, monocyte, eosinophil, WBC/HDL-C, NHR, MHR, LHR, and EHR compared with the mild and survivor groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis reveals that high levels of WBC, neutrophil, WBC/HDL-C, NHR, MHR, EHR, and low levels of HDL-C are still independently associated with severity and mortality after adjusting for age, gender, and comorbidities. The correlation of LHR with severity and mortality is attenuated to insignificance. Also, patients with high eosinophil and monocyte levels have a higher risk of severe disease. According to the AUC values, the best predictors for severity are the level of WBC, neutrophil, and NHR (AUC: 0.724, 0.725, 0.724 respectively), and the best predictors for mortality are WBC/HDL-C and NHR (AUC: 0.788, 0.790 respectively).
Conclusion: In summary, low level of HDL-C and high level of WBC, neutrophil, WBC/HDL-C, NHR, MHR, and EHR which can be easily calculated from the CBC and HDL-C concentrations, may provide valuable and readily available prognostic information for severity and mortality of COVID-19.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to design an enzyme immunoassay based on a modified ELISA with high sensitivity for detecting digoxin.
Methods: The first step in development involved the conjugation of digoxin to the HRP (Horse Radish Peroxidase) enzyme via sodium metaperiodate oxidation. Surface modification, and thus assay modification, was achieved by the covalent immobilization of an anti-digoxin monoclonal antibody on a functional plate using 3-ATPES (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane).
Results: The developed ELISA demonstrated superior sensitivity (0.026μg/ml) and lower variability in measurements repeated throughout a day, compared to a conventional ELISA (0.051μg/ml). This assay detected the exact amount of digoxin. The sensitivity and specificity of the modified ELISA surpassed other methods, and measurements were performed within a few hours. 

Conclusion: An efficient ELISA kit was produced, characterized by its affordability, ease of learning, and absence of a hand-washing step.

Objectives: Increasing evidence has demonstrated that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of muscle insulin resistance. The beneficial impacts of genistein (GEN) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) on insulin resistance have already been revealed. However, their combined effects on skeletal muscle oxidative stress and insulin resistance have not been completely understood. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of GEN in combination with CGA on skeletal muscle insulin resistance in high-fat diet (HFD) fed C57BL/6 mice.
Methods: C57BL/6 male mice were fed an HFD for 15 weeks. The mice were then divided into five groups: standard chow diet (SCD), HFD, HFD + GEN, HFD + CGA, and HFD + GEN + CGA for 10 weeks.
Results: The findings indicated that single treatment with GEN or CGA, and with a stronger effect of GEN+CGA combined treatment, decreased body weight gain and improved glucose intolerance. Moreover, following treatment with GEN and CGA alone or in combination with further effect, the level of plasma and muscle triglyceride (TG) were reduced. Furthermore, the combination therapy of GEN and CGA with greater efficacy than the single treatments, could decrease several oxidative stress markers in the skeletal muscle. Treatment with GEN and CGA alone or in combination could increase the expression of NF-E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P): Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1).
Conclusion: The data of this study suggest that the combination of GEN and CGA might ameliorate insulin resistance and reduce oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle of mice fed HFD.