Pharmacology, Genetics, Pharmacology (medical), Cancer Research
54
Scopus Publications
1469
Scholar Citations
22
Scholar h-index
40
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Evaluation of the circulating levels of IL-33 in patients with osteoarthritis: role of rs1929992 variants Nahid Alimoradi, Fatemeh Jahankhah, Habibollah Jokardarzi, Mohammad Tahami, Negar Firouzabadi Cytokine, 2025 BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is among the common chronic health conditions which impacts many aspects of an individual's life from physical function to mental health. Inflammation, in the joint as well as system inflammation is among the many mechanisms hypothesized to be involved in OA. IL-33 which belongs to the IL-1 family, is considered as an alarmin in OA. IL-33 binds to a group of receptors to stimulate signaling among which is the ST2L receptor that induced the activation of NFƙb, thus, working as a booster of the inflammatory cascade. Many polymorphisms have been identified on the IL-33 gene which are assumed to be associated with inflammatory diseases. METHODS: In the current double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial study, patients diagnosed with knee OA were randomly divided into two groups: one group received metformin and the other received a placebo for 16 consecutive weeks (starting at 0.5 g/day, increasing to 1 g/day at week two, and increasing to 1.5 g/day for the remaining 14 weeks). Besides the evaluation of the clinical response to metformin using the Knee Injury and OA Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire, the serum levels of IL-33 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits before (time 0) and after treatment (month 4). Genetic polymorphism of rs1929992 was assessed using in extracted DNAs using PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: Serum levels of IL-33 were significantly higher in OA patients compered to healthy individuals (P<0.001). Mutant allele (G allele) of the rs1929992 was significantly associated with OA (P=0.028; OR=1.9; 95%CI: 1.02-3.6). AG+GG genotypes were also associated with OA (P=0.004; OR=3.8, 95%CI: 1.5-9.5). Metformin did not affect IL-33 levels (P>0.05). Variants of rs1929992 were not associated with response to metformin (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings support the role of polymorphisms of IL-33 gene and circulating levels of IL-33 in OA. Drugs targeting IL-33 signaling pathway may propose beneficial effects in OA.
Comparison between Inhibition of CatSper and KSper Channels with NNC 55-0396 and Quinidine on Human Sperm Function Ali Zarei, Sara Keshtgar, M Haghani, Negar Firouzabadi, Mohammad Hossein Nasr‐Esfahani Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2025 Background: ) and membrane potential. Our study aims to investigate and compare the contributions of these channels in capacitated sperm function. Results: in live spermatozoa (P=0.05), and induced the acrosomal reaction (P=0.012). Conclusion: can inhibit sperm motility and increase mortality rate. It seems that the function of KSper is as vital as CatSper in human sperm physiology.
Metformin Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory Effects by Regulating microRNA-451/CXCL16 and B Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma 2 in Patients With Osteoarthritis Nahid Alimoradi, Amin Ramezani, Mohammad Tahami, Negar Firouzabadi Acr Open Rheumatology, 2025 ObjectiveOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of chronic disability in joints among older individuals. The primary goal of OA treatment is pain relief to improve the quality of life. Inflammation and aging are involved in the pathogenesis of pain in OA. In this study, we evaluated the ability of metformin to regulate microRNAs, such as miR‐451 and miR‐15b, and their target proteins, CXCL16 and B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL‐2), involved in inflammation and apoptosis.MethodsIn this double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial, patients were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving metformin and the other receiving a placebo for four months (starting at 0.5 g/day for the first week, increasing to 1 g/day for the second week, and increasing to 1.5 g/day for the remaining period). In addition to evaluating the clinical response using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire, miR‐451 and miR‐15b expression levels were detected using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The serum levels of CXCL16 and BCL‐2 were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits before (time zero) and after treatment (month four).ResultsMetformin increased miR‐451 expression levels simultaneously with pain reduction, whereas miR‐15b expression did not change significantly after four months of treatment. Also, metformin decreased the serum levels of BCL‐2 and CXCL16 in patients with OA.ConclusionThe effects of metformin in reducing pain can be attributed to many factors, including its anti‐inflammatory and antiaging effects. Our findings suggest that metformin may reduce pain and inflammation in patients with OA through the regulation of miR‐451/CXCL16 and BCL‐2.
Modulation of ACE2/Ang1-7/Mas and ACE/AngII/AT1 axes affects anticancer properties of sertraline in MCF-7 breast cancer cells Reihaneh Fatehi, Mohammad Nouraei, Morteza Panahiyan, Marzieh Rashedinia, Negar Firouzabadi Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, 2024 The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is best known for playing a major role in maintaining the physiology of the cardiovascular system. Dysregulation of the RAS pathway has been proposed as a link to some malignancies and contributes to cancer metastasis. Breast cancer is considered as one of the leading causes of cancer death in women and its prevention remains yet a challenge. Elements of RAS are expressed in both normal breast tissue and cancerous cells, signifying the essential role of RAS in breast cancer pathology. Sertraline, a widely used antidepressant, has shown anti-proliferative properties on a variety of malignancies. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sertraline and its combination with agonists and antagonists of RAS (A779, Ang 1-7 and losartan) on viability of MCF-7 cells along with their effect on apoptosis and distribution of cell cycle. Our results indicated that sertraline, losartan and Ang 1-7 significantly decreased cell viability, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. A779 blunted the effect of sertraline on cell viability, ROS generation and cell cycle arrest. Combination treatment of sertraline with losartan as well as Ang 1-7 caused a remarkable decline in cell viability. In conclusion, results of the present study support the anti-cancer properties of sertraline, losartan and Ang 1-7 via induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) signaling pathways and cancer: foes versus allies Bahareh Hassani, Zeinab Attar, Negar Firouzabadi Cancer Cell International, 2023 The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), is an old system with new fundamental roles in cancer biology which influences cell growth, migration, death, and metastasis. RAAS signaling enhances cell proliferation in malignancy directly and indirectly by affecting tumor cells and modulating angiogenesis. Cancer development may be influenced by the balance between the ACE/Ang II/AT1R and the ACE2/Ang 1–7/Mas receptor pathways. The interactions between Ang II/AT1R and Ang I/AT2R as well as Ang1-7/Mas and alamandine/MrgD receptors in the RAAS pathway can significantly impact the development of cancer. Ang I/AT2R, Ang1-7/Mas, and alamandine/MrgD interactions can have anticancer effects while Ang II/AT1R interactions can be involved in the development of cancer. Evidence suggests that inhibitors of the RAAS, which are conventionally used to treat cardiovascular diseases, may be beneficial in cancer therapies.Herein, we aim to provide a thorough description of the elements of RAAS and their molecular play in cancer. Alongside this, the role of RAAS components in sex-dependent cancers as well as GI cancers will be discussed with the hope of enlightening new venues for adjuvant cancer treatment. Graphical abstract
Impact of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms (TaqI and BsmI) on the incidence and severity of coronary artery disease: a report from southern Iran Boshra Akhlaghi, Negar Firouzabadi, Farzaneh Foroughinia, Marzieh Nikparvar, Pouyan Dehghani BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 2023 Background The association of vitamin D level and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms with the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) has been evaluated in various studies; however, the reported results were inconsistent. Hence, we aimed to investigate the impact of two VDR gene polymorphisms, TaqI (rs731236) and BsmI (rs1544410), on the incidence and severity of CAD in Iranian population. Methods Blood samples were collected from 118 CAD patients underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 52 control subjects. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was performed for genotyping. SYTNAX score (SS) was calculated as a grading tool for complexity of CAD by an interventional cardiologist. Results TaqI polymorphism of VDR was not associated with the incidence of CAD. A significant difference was observed between CAD patients and controls regarding BsmI polymorphism of VDR (p < 0.001). GA and AA genotypes was significantly associated with a decreased risk of CAD (p = 0.01, p-adjusted = 0.01 and p < 0.001, p-adjusted = 0.001 respectively). A allele of BsmI polymorphism was shown to have a protective effect against CAD (p < 0.001, p-adjusted = 0.002). No association was found between TaqI and BsmI polymorphisms of VDR and SS as a measure of CAD severity. Conclusion Association of BsmI genotypes with the incidence of CAD revealed that the genetic variation of VDR might play a role in the pathogenesis of CAD.
Repurposing melatonin for its potential roles in gastrointestinal cancers: highlighting the molecular mechanisms K Yousefipour, SS Razavi Rohani, SMM Hosseini, K Kafilzadeh, NS Alavi, ... Cancer Cell International , 2026 2026
Evaluation of the circulating levels of IL-33 in patients with osteoarthritis: role of rs1929992 variants N Alimoradi, F Jahankhah, H Jokardarzi, M Tahami, N Firouzabadi Cytokine 194, 156996 , 2025 2025
Investigation on the association between Osteopontin and Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms and vancomycin-induced acute kidney injury: a pharmacokinetic/pharmacogenetic study … N Firouzabadi, D Karbasi, P Ghasemiyeh, F Sadeghi, N Alimoradi, ... Gene 952, 149386 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
A pharmaceutical perspective on the potential of monkeypox outbreak to tackle future pandemics A Dehshahri, S Hossaini Alhashemi, Z Taheri, N Firouzabadi Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies , 2025 2025
Binding interaction of food preservatives with glycosylated DNA: In vitro assessment and computational studies L Emami, S Hoshyar, S Bina, F Zare, P Mardaneh, M Haghshenas, ... Journal of Molecular Structure 1324, 140824 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Comparison between Inhibition of CatSper and KSper Channels with NNC 55-0396 and Quinidine on Human Sperm Function AA Zarei, S Keshtgar, M Haghani, N Firouzabadi, MH Nasr-Esfahani Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences 50 (3), 187 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
EUR Research Information Portal N Firouzabadi, D Karbasi, P Ghasemiyeh, F Sadeghi, N Alimoradi, ... Gene 952, 149386 , 2025 2025
Metformin exhibits anti‐inflammatory effects by regulating microRNA‐451/CXCL16 and B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 in patients with osteoarthritis N Alimoradi, A Ramezani, M Tahami, N Firouzabadi ACR open rheumatology 7 (1), e11755 , 2025 2025 Citations: 10
Smart nanogels as promising platform for delivery of drug, gene, and vaccine; therapeutic applications and active targeting mechanism F Farjadian, S Mirkiani, P Ghasemiyeh, HR Kafshboran, ... European Polymer Journal 219, 113400 , 2024 2024 Citations: 41
Modulation of ACE2/Ang1-7/Mas and ACE/AngII/AT1 axes affects anticancer properties of sertraline in MCF-7 breast cancer cells R Fatehi, M Nouraei, M Panahiyan, M Rashedinia, N Firouzabadi Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports 38, 101738 , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
Signaling pathways and genetics of brain Renin angiotensin system in psychiatric disorders: State of the art R Barak, G Goshtasbi, R Fatehi, N Firouzabadi Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 236, 173706 , 2024 2024 Citations: 8
Polymorphism of glucocorticoid receptor gene ( rs41423247 ) in functional seizures (psychogenic nonepileptic seizures/attacks) N Firouzabadi, AA Asadi‐Pooya, N Alimoradi, L Simani, M Asadollahi Epilepsia Open 8 (4), 1425-1431 , 2023 2023 Citations: 9
Polymorphism of glucocorticoid receptor gene (rs41423247) in functional seizures N Firouzabadi, A Asadi-Pooya, N Alimoradi, L Simani, M Asadollahi EPILEPSIA 64, 543-543 , 2023 2023
Combination of metformin and gallic acid induces autophagy and apoptosis in human breast cancer cells M Haghshenas, N Firouzabadi, AR Akbarizadeh, M Rashedinia Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences 18 (6), 663-675 , 2023 2023 Citations: 14
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) signaling pathways and cancer: foes versus allies B Hassani, Z Attar, N Firouzabadi Cancer Cell International 23 (1), 254 , 2023 2023 Citations: 79
The Effective Participation of a Clinical Pharmacist in Detecting Medication Errors in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit D Firouzabadi, SM Hosseini Saadi, N Firouzabadi Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies 9 (3), 171-182 , 2023 2023
The effect of size, morphology and surface properties of mesoporous silica nanoparticles on pharmacokinetic aspects and potential toxicity concerns U Niroumand, N Firouzabadi, G Goshtasbi, B Hassani, P Ghasemiyeh, ... Frontiers in Materials 10, 1189463 , 2023 2023 Citations: 88
FKBP5 blockade may provide a new horizon for the treatment of stress‐associated disorders: An in‐silico study AA Asadi‐Pooya, M Malekpour, B Zamiri, M Kashkooli, N Firouzabadi Epilepsia Open 8 (2), 633-640 , 2023 2023 Citations: 9
Potential role of FKBP5 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in functional seizures AA Asadi‐Pooya, L Simani, M Asadollahi, FS Rashidi, E Ahmadipour, ... Epilepsia Open 8 (2), 479-486 , 2023 2023 Citations: 16
Update on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines on different variants of SARS-CoV-2 N Firouzabadi, P Ghasemiyeh, F Moradishooli, S Mohammadi-Samani International immunopharmacology 117, 109968 , 2023 2023 Citations: 125
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Update on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines on different variants of SARS-CoV-2 N Firouzabadi, P Ghasemiyeh, F Moradishooli, S Mohammadi-Samani International immunopharmacology 117, 109968 , 2023 2023 Citations: 125
A focused review on technologies, mechanisms, safety, and efficacy of available COVID-19 vaccines P Ghasemiyeh, S Mohammadi-Samani, N Firouzabadi, A Dehshahri, ... International immunopharmacology 100, 108162 , 2021 2021 Citations: 125
The effect of size, morphology and surface properties of mesoporous silica nanoparticles on pharmacokinetic aspects and potential toxicity concerns U Niroumand, N Firouzabadi, G Goshtasbi, B Hassani, P Ghasemiyeh, ... Frontiers in Materials 10, 1189463 , 2023 2023 Citations: 88
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) signaling pathways and cancer: foes versus allies B Hassani, Z Attar, N Firouzabadi Cancer Cell International 23 (1), 254 , 2023 2023 Citations: 79
SNPs of ACE1 (rs4343) and ACE2 (rs2285666) genes are linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection but not with the severity of disease N Alimoradi, M Sharqi, D Firouzabadi, MM Sadeghi, MI Moezzi, ... Virology Journal 19 (1), 48 , 2022 2022 Citations: 63
Association of ACE gene D polymorphism with left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with diastolic heart failure: a case–control study E Bahramali, M Rajabi, J Jamshidi, SM Mousavi, M Zarghami, A Manafi, ... BMJ open 6 (2), e010282 , 2016 2016 Citations: 60
Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism with elevated serum ACE activity and major depression in an Iranian population N Firouzabadi, M Shafiei, E Bahramali, SA Ebrahimi, H Bakhshandeh, ... Psychiatry research 200 (2-3), 336-342 , 2012 2012 Citations: 56
Metformin attenuates symptoms of osteoarthritis: role of genetic diversity of Bcl2 and CXCL16 in OA N Alimoradi, M Tahami, N Firouzabadi, E Haem, A Ramezani Arthritis Research & Therapy 25 (1), 35 , 2023 2023 Citations: 42
Smart nanogels as promising platform for delivery of drug, gene, and vaccine; therapeutic applications and active targeting mechanism F Farjadian, S Mirkiani, P Ghasemiyeh, HR Kafshboran, ... European Polymer Journal 219, 113400 , 2024 2024 Citations: 41
Metformin enhances anti-cancer properties of resveratrol in MCF-7 breast cancer cells via induction of apoptosis, autophagy and alteration in cell cycle distribution R Fatehi, M Rashedinia, AR Akbarizadeh, N Firouzabadi Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 644, 130-139 , 2023 2023 Citations: 39
Metformin and insulin-resistant related diseases: Emphasis on the role of microRNAs N Alimoradi, N Firouzabadi, R Fatehi Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 139, 111662 , 2021 2021 Citations: 39
Genetic variants of angiotensin-converting enzyme are linked to autism: a case-control study N Firouzabadi, N Ghazanfari, A Alavi Shoushtari, N Erfani, F Fathi, ... PloS one 11 (4), e0153667 , 2016 2016 Citations: 37
Association of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system gene polymorphisms with left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a case … E Bahramali, N Firouzabadi, M Rajabi, A Manafi, M Zarghami, ... Clinical and Experimental Hypertension 39 (4), 371-376 , 2017 2017 Citations: 36
Influence of ACE gene on differential response to sertraline versus fluoxetine in patients with major depression: a randomized controlled trial E Bahramali, N Firouzabadi, I Yavarian, MRH Shayesteh, N Erfani, ... European journal of clinical pharmacology 72 (9), 1059-1064 , 2016 2016 Citations: 33
Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme polymorphism with coronary artery disease in Iranian patients with unipolar depression N Firouzabadi, N Tajik, E Bahramali, H Bakhshandeh, SA Ebrahimi, ... Clinical biochemistry 45 (16-17), 1347-1352 , 2012 2012 Citations: 32
Drug-based therapeutic strategies for COVID-19-infected patients and their challenges K Zarkesh, E Entezar-Almahdi, P Ghasemiyeh, M Akbarian, M Bahmani, ... Future Microbiology 16 (18), 1415-1451 , 2021 2021 Citations: 28
ncRNAs and polyphenols: new therapeutic strategies for hypertension E Shirazi-Tehrani, A Chamasemani, N Firouzabadi, M Mousaei RNA biology 19 (1), 575-587 , 2022 2022 Citations: 27
How metformin affects various malignancies by means of microRNAs: a brief review N Alimoradi, N Firouzabadi, R Fatehi Cancer Cell International 21 (1), 207 , 2021 2021 Citations: 26
A longitudinal item response model for aberrant behavior checklist (ABC) data from children with autism E Haem, M Doostfatemeh, N Firouzabadi, N Ghazanfari, MO Karlsson Journal of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics 47 (3), 241-253 , 2020 2020 Citations: 26
Pharmacogenetic‐based management of depression: Role of traditional Persian medicine A Jalali, N Firouzabadi, MM Zarshenas Phytotherapy Research 35 (9), 5031-5052 , 2021 2021 Citations: 25
