Nazanin Akbari

Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad. Iran., Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Research Assistant

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I am a dedicated research assistant with a strong background in cellular and developmental biology, biotechnology, and clinical research, focusing on wound healing. My experience at prestigious institutions such as Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and Shahid Beheshti University has allowed me to contribute to significant medical regeneration and biotechnology projects. I have also participated in high-impact clinical trials. I am passionate about advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative solutions for biomedical challenges.

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Papers by Nazanin Akbari

Sperm Preparation Techniques Affect Biological Parameters, Fertility Indices, and DNA Fragmentation in Patients with Oligo-Astheno-Teratozoospermia

Reproduction & fertility , 2025

In normozoospermia, the Albumin Gradient Filtration (AGF) and swim-up processing techniques are u... more In normozoospermia, the Albumin Gradient Filtration (AGF) and swim-up processing techniques are used to isolate spermatozoa with the highest biological parameters and specific sperm fertility indices (SSFI). In contrast, the highest number of sperms with the best motility rate, velocity, and SSFI, and the lowest DNA damage and nuclear fragmentation are isolated using the Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC) preparation technique in Oligo-Astheno-Teratozoospermia (OAT) patients. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of DGC, AGF-1, AGF-2, and swim-up preparation techniques on biological parameters, including SSFI, chromatin integrity, and DNA fragmentation in patients with OAT and normozoospermia. One hundred men with normozoospermia and OAT participated in the study. Biological parameters (concentration, velocity, total motility, and normal morphology), SSFI [Progressively Motile

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Human Placental Extract: A Multifunctional Biological Agent-Current Status, Challenges and Promising Directions

Bratislava Medical Journal , 2025

The human placenta, a transient and necessary embryonic-maternal organ, is a promising biotherape... more The human placenta, a transient and necessary embryonic-maternal organ, is a promising biotherapeutic agent due to its complex bioactive components and diverse pharmacological properties. Biologically, this metabolically active organ contains enzymes, peptides, polynucleotides, cytokines, growth factors, vitamins, and trace elements that underpin its therapeutic potential. Beyond its physiological properties, human placental extract (HPE) has attracted considerable attention in early diagnostics and innovative therapy. Several studies demonstrate the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, analgesic, immunomodulatory, and skin-rejuvenating properties of HPE, often mediated through nuclear factor kappa B, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and toll-like receptor 4 pathways. The review described current knowledge on HPE, focusing on its structural, morphological, biochemical, and functional characteristics. Additionally, we highlight advantages of placental extract therapy compared to traditional cell therapies, such as cost-effectiveness, low immunogenicity, no proliferation and differentiation in the host, safe cryopreservation, low medical complications, enhanced penetration across impermeable physiological barriers, and customizable bioactivity. Recent advancements demonstrate HPE's promise in gene therapy, immune activation, drug delivery, and early diagnosis of various diseases. However, HPE's challenges, including method-dependent inconsistencies, variable compositions, lack of standardization and regulation, limited scientific validation, potential contamination, expensive procedures, data privacy issues, ethical and legal concerns, have restricted their therapeutic applications. This comprehensive overview highlights HPE as a promising agent for diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis across different medical fields.

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Three-dimensionally decellularized human amniotic membrane scaffold: structure, processing, and biological properties

Cell and tissue banking, 2025

Tissue engineering (TE) combines cells, biomaterials, and bioactive molecules to create functiona... more Tissue engineering (TE) combines cells, biomaterials, and bioactive molecules to create functional tissue constructs aimed at restoring tissue function and improving patient outcomes. The human amniotic membrane (HAM) is a widely studied biological scaffold for various biomedical applications. Decellularization of HAM (dHAM) is necessary to reduce graft rejection but depletes stem cells and growth factors, potentially limiting regenerative potential. This study investigates the recellularization of dHAM with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) to enhance its bioactivity using a novel 3D seeding technique. Decellularized HAM (dHAM) was recellularized with AdMSCs employing a novel 3D seeding method to achieve uniform cell distribution within the scaffold. The viability, differentiation potential, and morphology of AdMSCs were assessed in both 2D and 3D culture systems. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the differentiation capacity of AdMSCs into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was utilized to analyze cell morphology and penetration depth within the scaffold. AdMSC viability was comparable between 2 and 3D cultures, indicating that dHAM scaffolds effectively support cell survival regardless of the culture technique. The composition and properties of dHAM preserved cell functions in both culture systems. Flow cytometry confirmed the multilineage differentiation potential of AdMSCs. FESEM imaging revealed AdMSCs with extending filopodia on the scaffold surface and cell penetration up to 17.68 µm into the dHAM matrix. The successful 3D recellularization of dHAM with AdMSCs demonstrates its potential as a biological scaffold for stem cell delivery. This approach holds promise for tissue repair and wound healing applications, enhancing the regenerative efficacy of dHAM-based constructs.

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Preclinical evaluation of decellularized bovine articular cartilage scaffolds for treatment of chronic diabetic wounds in BABL/C mice

Cell Tissue Bank, 2025

Chronic diabetic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, pose a significant health challenge due to... more Chronic diabetic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, pose a significant health challenge due to their prolonged healing times and high recurrence rates. Conventional treatments are often inadequate, driving interest in advanced therapeutic approaches like biological scaffolds. Decellularized scaffolds, which replicate the extracellular matrix (ECM), have shown potential in promoting tissue regeneration and wound healing. This study evaluated the efficacy of decellularized bovine articular cartilage scaffolds in enhancing wound healing in a preclinical murine model of chronic diabetic wounds. Bovine articular cartilage was decellularized using a combination of chemical and physical processes. The scaffolds were characterized through H and E staining (to assess histomorphological characteristics), FTIR, and SEM analyses to confirm ECM preservation and effective decellularization. Twenty female diabetic BALB/c mice were divided into two groups: a control group (treated with Atrauman Ag® dressings) and an experimental group (treated with decellularized bovine articular cartilage scaffolds). This study examined the effects of decellularization on the structural and chemical properties of the cartilage scaffolds, as well as their impact on wound healing and closure rates in diabetic mice compared to the control group. Mice treated with the decellularized cartilage scaffolds demonstrated a significantly faster wound closure rate (100% closure by day 17) compared to the control group (75% closure by day 17, P < 0.01). Histological analysis revealed more organized epidermal regeneration, fibrin deposition, and granulation tissue formation in the scaffold-treated group. SEM and FTIR analyses confirmed the preservation and integrity of the ECM before and after the decellularization process.
Decellularized bovine articular cartilage scaffolds significantly enhance wound healing in chronic diabetic wounds by promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation. These findings suggest that such scaffolds represent a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds.

format_quoteDecellularized cartilage scaffolds achieved 100% wound closure by day 17, outperforming the control group (75% closure, P < 0.01).format_quote

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Identification and Manipulation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells with the Aim of Inducing Spermatogenesis in Vitro

Reproductive sciences , 2024

Assisted reproduction techniques for infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia require a suf... more Assisted reproduction techniques for infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia require a sufficient number of functional germ cells produced in vitro. Understanding the mechanisms that allow the resumption of spermatogenesis outside the testicular environment is crucial for fertility preservation in these patients. A review of the literature was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, with keywords including "spermatogonial stem cell," "germ cells," "male factor infertility," and "enrichment and propagation of SSCs in vitro." Currently, two models-"in vivo" and "in vitro"-have been developed for producing haploid germ cells. The "in vivo" models include spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and testicular xenograft techniques. In contrast, the "in vitro" models consist of conventional culture systems, organ culture, and three-dimensional culture systems, all designed to induce spermatogenesis in vitro. These culture systems enable the simulation of the seminiferous epithelium in vitro, which facilitates better regulation of cell-signaling pathways that control the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs. This review provides up-to-date information on the organization of SSCs, focusing on the identification, proliferation, and differentiation of spermatogonia in vitro.

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Screening of Biosurfactant-producing Bacteria from Symbiotic Microbes with Gastropods in the Persian Gulf

Research in Biotechnology and Environmental Science, Sep 1, 2022

Introduction: Biosurfactants or surface-active compounds with amphiphilic molecular structures,... more Introduction: Biosurfactants or surface-active compounds with amphiphilic
molecular structures, including a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic domain, are produced
by microorganisms. These compounds increase the biodegradation of hydrocarbons in
the environment due to their ability to emulsify hydrocarbon-water mixtures. This
study was conducted to isolate and characterize biosurfactant-producing bacteria
from the samples of Gastropods.
Materials and Methods: The gastropod samples were collected from oil-contaminated
sites in the Persian Gulf, Middle East. Biosurfactant-producing strains were isolated from
these samples. The biosurfactant production ability was analyzed using Drop Collapse
TEST, oil spreading test, emulsification activity test, and BATH test.
Results: In total, 11 biosurfactant-producing strains were isolated. Two isolates with
higher growth rates and biosurfactant production ability were selected for further
studies. The best isolates were identified as Halomonas sp. isolate BHA16 and Vibrio
alginolyticus isolate BHA 17 based on molecular analysis. Gas chromatography
analysis of remaining crude oil confirmed that these strains could degrade to 51.44 %
and 67.58% of crude oil, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated the surfactant activity of the bacterial
strains isolated from Gastropods had a good potential for the biodegradation of crude
oil and could be used for the cleanup of oil-contaminated marine environments.

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Association of Three Novel Inflammatory Markers: Lymphocyte to HDL‐C Ratio, High‐Sensitivity C‐Reactive Protein to HDL‐C Ratio and High‐Sensitivity C‐Reactive Protein to Lymphocyte Ratio With Metabolic Syndrome

Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism, Apr 8, 2024

Objective We aimed to compare the association of three novel inflammatory indicators with metabo... more Objective
We aimed to compare the association of three novel inflammatory indicators with metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder (MASHAD) cohort participants.

Methods
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, the cohort participants were divided into the MetS(+) and MetS(−) groups. The lymphocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (LHR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) to HDL-C ratio (HCHR) and hs-CRP to lymphocyte ratio (HCLR) were calculated and were compared between the groups. Binary logistic regression (LR) analysis was performed to find the association of the indices with the presence of MetS among men and women. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to establish cut-off values in predicting MetS for men and women. p-Values <0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Results
Among a total of 8890 participants (5500 MetS(−) and 3390 MetS(+)), LHR, HCHR and HCLR were significantly higher in the MetS(+) group than in MetS(−) group (p < 0.001). In LR analysis, after adjusting for multiple cofounders, LHR remained an independent factor for the presence of MetS among men (OR: 1.254; 95% CI: 1.202–1.308; p < 0.001) and women (OR: 1.393; 95% CI: 1.340–1.448; p < 0.001). HCHR also remained an independent factor for the presence of MetS only in women (OR: 1.058; 95% CI: 1.043–1.073; p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that LHR had the higher AUC for predicting MetS in both men (AUC: 0.627; 95% CI: 0.611–0.643; p < 0.001) and women (AUC: 0.683; 95% CI: 0.670, 0.696; p < 0.001).

Conclusion
This suggests that among both genders, the LHR as an inexpensive and easy-to-access marker has a better diagnostic performance and could be a promising alternative to the traditional expensive inflammatory markers such as hs-CRP for the evaluation of inflammation in patients with MetS.

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Effects of vitamin D3-fortified low-fat yogurt and milk on serum cytokine levels and anti hsp-27 antibody titer in adults with abdominal obesity: A randomized clinical trial

Obesity Medicine, 2022

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of nano-encapsulated 25 (... more Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of nano-encapsulated 25
(OH)D fortified (1500 IU Nano-encapsulated 25(OH)D dairy products on anti-heat shock protein
27 antibody (anti-Hsp27) titers, pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and cytokines concen
tration in adults with abdominal obesity.
Materials and methods: This study was part of SUVINA project and designed as a randomized trial.
Middle aged adults (n =306) recruited among students and staff of Mashhad University of
Medical Sciences [Iran]. Subjects were randomly assorted into four groups: a low-fat yogurt
fortified with 1500 IU 25(OH)D (n =76), and unfortified yogurt (n =77), a low-fat milk fortified
with 1500 IU 25(OH)D (n =76), and unfortified milk (n =77) were followed up for 10 weeks. A
total of 289 subjects completed the study. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were
measured before and after the ten weeks of intervention. The following biochemical markers were
determined: serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), 25(OH) D, anti-Hsp27 titers and cy
tokines concentration, at baseline and at the end of the study.
Result: There was a significant difference between serum 25(OH)D concentration and PAB at
baseline and the end of intervention with fortified milk and yogurt. After the intervention period,changes between groups of intervention group of both of the milk and yogurt and control group
were statistically significant for serum 25(OH)D concentration (p < 0.001) and PAB (p < 0.05). In
the group provide with fortified milk, waist circumference was decreased ( 2.01 ± 3.85 cm, p <
0.05) and serum 25(OH)D concentration increased significantly (5.02 ± 4.07 ng/ml, p < 0.001).
In the group taking the fortified yogurt, serum 25(OH)D status increased by 6.75 ± 3.42 ng/ml (p
< 0.001) and PAB decreased by 21.85 ± 48.07 HK (p < 0.05). Our results did not show any
significant differences in mean weight between the groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Our results showed that after the intervention with 25(OH)D fortified yogurt or milk
in obese subjects, serum PAB concentrations decreased and serum 25(OH)D increased signifi
cantly. Therefore, fortification of low-fat yogurt and milk with 25(OH)D may be effective in
reducing the pro-oxidant anti-oxidant balance with effect thsat are greater than for unfortified
dairy products.

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In Silico Analyzes for the Inhibition of HIV Protease by Ritonavir and Indinavir

by Nazanin Akbari and Reza Sahebi

Research in Biotechnology and Environmental Science, 2022

This research was conducted to investigate the molecular interaction of HIV protease inhibitor dr... more This research was conducted to investigate the molecular interaction of HIV protease inhibitor drugs using molecular docking. HIV protease is responsible for processing gag and gag-polyproteins during virion maturation. The activity of this enzyme is essential against viral infections and has beneficial therapeutic effects on HIV treatment. Materials and Methods: To meet the aim of the study, indinavir and ritonavir were selected as HIV Protease inhibitor drugs. The necessary information on molecular docking was collected through information servers, such as Drug bank and Program database (PDB). Then, molecular docking was performed using Molegro virtual docker software. In order to check the stability of the resulting complex structure and its cellular penetration, a molecular dynamics simulation was run for 50 nanoseconds using GROMACS2019.6 package and Amber99SB force force field. During the molecular dynamics simulation, root mean square deviations (RMSD), root mean square fluctuations (RMSF), the radius of gyration (RG), hydrogen bonds, and distance between ligands and complex were investigated. Results: The obtained results indicated that the RMSD of the complex of the ligands and HIV protease at the end of 50 nanoseconds had a linear slope. Hydrogen bonds decreased at beginning of simulation but they increase at the end of simulation However RG was decreased at the end of the simulation Also the RMSF was decreased at the end of simulation rather than beginning of simulation, So all the obtained results showing the stability and strength of the structure. Conclusion: Molecular docking method can indicate the relationship between structure-activity and the effectiveness of ligands on HIV protease based on the level of interaction between the ligands and the receptors.

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A Summary of Autophagy Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

by Nazanin Akbari and Reza Sahebi

Research in Biotechnology and Environmental Science, 2022

Autophagy is a well-known vital process in cells and plays a significant role in biological evolu... more Autophagy is a well-known vital process in cells and plays a significant role in biological evolution, the immune system, and cell death. It can be effective in fatal disorders, such as nervous system degeneration, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Autophagy has a dual role; on the one hand, it increases cell survival, and on the other hand, it causes cell death in advanced stages although no agreement has yet been accomplished on the role of autophagy in cellular processes. There is evidence that autophagic signaling regulation is inversely related to oncogenic signaling. Numerous commonly activated oncogenes (class I PtdIns3K, Akt, TOR, Bcl-2) inhibit autophagy, while commonly mutated or epigenetically silenced tumor suppressor genes (p53, PTEN, TSC1/TSC2) promote autophagy. Autophagy promotes cancer progression by supplying sufficient nutrients that enable cancer cell growth. FIP200, a related-autophagy protein, interacts with ATG 13 and induces autophagy. Increased autophagy causes the interaction of Becklin 118 with HER2, resulting in an increase in tumorigenesis. In order to make complete use of the autophagic properties in cancer treatment, further studies on its role in disease in the different biologics fields are essential. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) can regenerate, cause cancer, and enhance resistance to treatment, metastasis, and recurrence. Autophagy moderates stressful conditions and promotes resistance to anticancer therapy. In addition, autophagy regulates the ability of radiation in CSCs and leads to failure in anticancer therapies.

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Bacterial Resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii: A Global Concern

Research in Biotechnology and Environmental Science, 2022

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii), one of the five most important bacteria with global threa... more Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii), one of the five most important bacteria with global threat to human health due to constantly increasing resistance (ESKAPE organisms), identified as a enormous threat in healthcare facilities, can create antibiotic resistance. The implementation of early detection and identification of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii is serious to control its spread. The this study presents the human infection of A. baumannii, pathological findings, virulence factors of A. baumannii, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and the therapeutic options available for treating A. baumannii infections. The ability of A. baumannii to develop antibiotic resistance mechanisms allows the organism to prosper in hospital settings, facilitating the global spread of multidrug-resistant strains. To dominate this problem, knowledge of the pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance mechanisms of A. baumannii is important. As reported, A. baumannii resistance to aminoglycosides, fluoro...

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