Harnessing the Power of MAGE Proteins in Cancer Immunotherapy for Multiple Myeloma 2 2 This document is a comprehensive review that focuses on the role of melanoma-associated antigen genes (MAGE) family proteins in cancer, with a specific emphasis on their involvement in multiple myeloma (MM). The expression patterns of MAGE proteins in different tissues and their association with critical cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and gene expression regulation were discussed. The document also highlighted the potential utility of MAGE proteins in cancer immunotherapy, including their use in prognosis and the development of MAGE-based cancer vaccines. In cancer vaccine therapy antigen selection is a crucial step, so by focusing on the vast potency of MAGE, we tried to mention it as a potent antigen for therapy of MM by reviewing the current studies. However, we acknowledged the need for further research and extensive clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and potency of MAGE antigens. 1 20 2023/10/10 1402/7/18 2023/12/7 1402/9/16 Mahsa Sohani Mahsa Sohani Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran sohanimahsa1369@gmail.com Amirhossein Rastgar Amirhossein Rastgar Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran amirhosseinrastgar74@gmail.com Setare Kheyrandish Setare Kheyrandish Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 7masterstar@gmail.com Cancer vaccines Multiple myeloma MAGE Cancer immunotherapy Prognosis Ubiquitin-ligases ## ##

Ikaros (IKZF1): From Normal Hematopoiesis to Hematologic Malignancies 2 2 Ikaros zinc finger (IKZF) transcription factors, part of the Krüppel family, have a significant role in the physiological development of immune cells. Ikaros, which is encoded by IKZF1, is a well-researched IKZF transcription factor that specifically impacts the growth and differentiation of lymphocytes. It interacts with various nuclear factors, functioning as either a transcriptional inhibitor or activator; thus, regulates several lymphopoiesis-associated factors like pre-TCR and pre-BCR. Over the years, research has revealed that alterations in IKZF1 as well as Ikaros can cause out-of-control differentiation and proliferation of immune cells, particularly lymphocytes, potentially triggering tumorigenesis in hematologic malignancies such as ALL, AML, CLL, and CML. Recent studies have explored the therapeutic potential of targeting Ikaros or restoring its activities to limit the pathologic differentiation and proliferation of tumor cells. Most of these therapeutic agents are immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) that can selectively ubiquitinate and proteasome degrade Ikaros. This study offers a comprehensive overview of Ikaros’s physiological roles and highlights the oncogenic characteristics of IKZF1 and Ikaros alterations. 21 34 2023/10/102023/11/17 1402/8/26 2023/12/72024/01/26 1402/11/6 Hamed Baghdadi Hamed Baghdadi Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1411718541, Iran Hamedbaghdadi2012@gmail.com Mehdi Shakouri Khomartash Mehdi Shakouri Khomartash Medical Biotechnology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1411718541, Iran Shakourmehdi@gmail.com Nazanin Ahmadi Nazanin Ahmadi Medical Biotechnology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1411718541, Iran Ahmadi.n.1992@gmail.com Ali Faridfar Ali Faridfar AJA Cancer Epidemiology Research and Treatment Center (AJA- CERTC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1411718541, Iran Dr_alifaridfar@yahoo.com Mahdi Ghorbani Mahdi Ghorbani Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1411718541, Iran M.ghorbani@ajaums.ac.ir IKZF1 Ikaros ALL AML Immunomodulatory drugs ## ##

Antibiotic-Induced Obesity in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: An Intricate Network of Antibiotic-Microbiome-Obesity 2 2 Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent cancer among children, necessitating an investigation of its associated complications and comorbidities. Of particular concern is the frequent occurrence of obesity in patients undergoing treatment for childhood leukemia. Obesity is recognized as a risk factor for various cardiovascular conditions, venous thromboembolism (VTE), hypertension, hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Consequently, a comprehensive examination of this issue from multiple perspectives is essential. The disturbance in gut microbiota diversity, resulting from the administration of Chemotherapy drugs and Antibiotics to these patients, may contribute to the development of obesity. Given the heightened risk of obesity in children with ALL, it is imperative to explore the relationship between obesity and factors such as antibiotic usage in this population. This review aims to synthesize and analyze the most recent published evidence concerning the association of obesity and antibiotics in pediatric ALL. Through this comprehensive analysis, we seek to shed light on the intricate interplay between antibiotics, obesity, and childhood ALL, with the ultimate goal of guiding future research and clinical interventions. 35 42 2023/10/102023/11/172023/11/6 1402/8/15 2023/12/72024/01/262023/12/26 1402/10/5 Bita Bandar Bita Bandar Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. bitabnr@gmail.com Alireza Mohebbi Alireza Mohebbi Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. reza.mhb96@gmail.com Najmaldin Saki Najmaldin Saki Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. najmaldinsaki@gmail.com Arshid Yousefi-Avarvand Arshid Yousefi-Avarvand Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Arshid.yousefi5@gmail.com Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Pediatric Obesity Antibiotics Chemotherapy ## ##

Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Growth and Puberty Disorders in Patients with Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia 2 2 ntroduction: Thalassemia, particularly α and β types, are characterized by mutations causing varied clinical manifestations such as anemia, skeletal deformities, and iron accumulation. Patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDTs) often face growth and puberty complications, which are influenced by the disease’s type and severity. These disruptions not only result from chronic anemia, iron chelation therapy, and endocrinopathies but also significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. Methods: A comprehensive guideline was formulated through a systematic literature review and stakeholder engagements. The protocol emphasizes diagnosing and managing growth and puberty disorders in TDT patients, integrating consistent monitoring, documentation, and patient-specific assessments. Results: The guideline proposes a detailed monitoring schedule from birth to adulthood, focusing on growth velocity norms and referral criteria to pediatric endocrinologists. It outlines protocols for hormone treatments in cases of delayed or arrested puberty, with distinctions for boys and girls. The treatment approach is multidisciplinary, combining growth monitoring, hormone therapy, and potential surgical interventions. The complexities demand continuous management, with treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. Conclusions: The research provides a pivotal national protocol for addressing growth and puberty anomalies in TDT patients, aiming to enhance their well-being and standardize care. The emphasis on proactive, individualized strategies will bolster healthcare outcomes and reduce associated costs. 43 52 2023/10/102023/11/172023/11/62024/01/6 1402/10/16 2023/12/72024/01/262023/12/262024/03/5 1402/12/15 Fariba Ghassemi Fariba Ghassemi Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran fariba.ghasemi@yahoo.com Mohammad E. Khamseh Mohammad E. Khamseh Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran m.e.khamseh@gmail.com Negin Sadighnia Negin Sadighnia Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran negin_sadighnia@yahoo.com Mojtaba Malek Mojtaba Malek Research Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran malekmoj@yahoo.com Nahid Hashemi-madani Nahid Hashemi-madani Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran nahid.hashemimadani@gmail.com Neda Rahimian Neda Rahimian 2 Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran rahimian.n@iums.ac.ir Pooya Faranoush Pooya Faranoush Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran pooya1375@yahoo.com Ali Elahinia Ali Elahinia Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran elahinia.ali75@gmail.com Vahid Saeedi Vahid Saeedi Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran vsaeediss@gmail.com Dorsa Fallah Azad Dorsa Fallah Azad Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran dorsafallah99@gmail.com Mohammad Faranoush Mohammad Faranoush Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran faranoush47@gmail.com Guideline Growth puberty Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia Iron Chelators ## ##

Guideline for Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Patients 2 2 The health-related quality of life and management of patients with thalassemia has significantly improved in recent years due to standard treatments and safe blood transfusions with effective chelation therapy to reduce iron overload. Transfusion-dependent thalassemia is associated with numerous skeletal abnormalities, including osteoporosis, which is a significant cause of morbidity in these patients. Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and an increased risk of fractures, particularly in the lumbar spine and in patients with extramedullary hematopoiesis. It remains a significant problem in adult transfusion-dependent thalassemia, particularly in patients under chelation therapy. A fracture history is significantly associated with lower Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) T/Z scores, which decrease with age. Improved management and modern treatments for transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients with osteoporosis should be prioritized to prevent bone fractures and improve quality of life in older age. 53 58 2023/10/102023/11/172023/11/62024/01/62023/12/23 1402/10/2 2023/12/72024/01/262023/12/262024/03/52024/03/13 1402/12/23 Mojtaba Malek Mojtaba Malek Research Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran malekmoj@yahoo.com Mohammad E. Khamseh Mohammad E. Khamseh Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran m.e.khamseh@gmail.com Pooya Faranoush Pooya Faranoush Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran pooya1375@yahoo.com Nahid Hashemi-madani Nahid Hashemi-madani Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran nahid.hashemimadani@gmail.com Neda Rahimian Neda Rahimian Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran rahimian.n@iums.ac.ir Fariba Ghassemi Fariba Ghassemi Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran fariba.ghasemi@yahoo.com Mohammad Reza Foroughi-Gilvaee Mohammad Reza Foroughi-Gilvaee Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran emad.foroughi95@gmail.com Negin Sadighnia Negin Sadighnia Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran negin_sadighnia@yahoo.com Ali Elahinia Ali Elahinia Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran elahinia.ali75@gmail.com Mohammad Reza Rezvany Mohammad Reza Rezvany Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran rezvani.mr@iums.ac.ir Dorsa Fallah Azad Dorsa Fallah Azad Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran dorsafallah99@gmail.com Mohammad Faranoush Mohammad Faranoush Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran faranoush47@gmail.com Osteoporosis Transfusion Thalassemia Bone mineral density Fracture. ## ##

Plasma Production in Iran: Streaming Towards Plasma Self-sufficiency 2 2 Introduction: The role of Plasma-Derived Medicinal Products (PDMPs) in managing life-threatening diseases is remarkable. Human plasma as a raw material for PDMPs is obtained from volunteers through apheresis or whole blood collection. The global PDMPs market in 2021 shows an average annual growth rate of 7.4% since 1996 which is higher than the average annual pharmaceutical market growth rate. In line with WHO policies, Iran has improved its national voluntary non-remunerated donors (VNRD) program to supply the local PDMPs market. This study shows the 10-year Iran PDMPs market evolution to assess its self-sufficiency. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study from 2012 to 2021 to assess the self-sufficiency rate of Iran’s plasma industry for PDMPs including Albumin, Immune globulins, and Antihemophilic Factors. In addition, we show the gap between market supply and demand to lighten the self-sufficiency future. Result: The annual growth rate of total collected plasma was 18.9% over 10 years in Iran from 2012 to 2021. Although the consumption rate of intravenous Immune globulins has increased from 777 kg to 2,108 Kg, due to a significant increase in local plasma production, its self-sufficiency rate increased from 53% to 93%. Similarly, the demand rate for Albumin grew from 21% in 2012 to 90% in 2021. Discussion: Although local plasma production in Iran significantly provided plasma self-sufficiency as a raw material, local market demand for PDMPs is mainly supplied through contract fractionation with European fractionators. Access to complete self-sufficiency in Iran needs increasing plasma production, as well as developing major local plasma fractionators. 59 66 2023/10/102023/11/172023/11/62024/01/62023/12/232023/12/18 1402/9/27 2023/12/72024/01/262023/12/262024/03/52024/03/132024/02/20 1402/12/1 Zahra Ghasemi Zahra Ghasemi Ph.D. Student of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharma Management, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran matinaghasemi@gmail.com Hassan Abolghasemi Hassan Abolghasemi Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Children’s Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran h.abolghasemi.ha@gmail.com Fatemeh Babaei Fatemeh Babaei Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharma Management, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ph.fatemeh@yahoo.com Abdol Majid Cheraghali Abdol Majid Cheraghali Professor of Pharmacology, Board member of Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences, Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran majidcheraghali@gmail.com Nazila Yousefi Nazila Yousefi Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharma Management, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran n.yousefi@sbmu.ac.ir Plasma-Derived Medicinal Products Fractionation Yield Self-Sufficiency Immune Globulin Albumin ## ##

Methylation Dynamics of the PPAR Gamma (PPARγ) Gene during Adipogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells 2 2 Background: Epigenetics is crucial in differentiating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into adipocytes. Specifically, DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification, regulates the expression of genes involved in this process. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) gene is a critical player in adipocyte differentiation, with epigenetic changes affecting its expression. Methods: We isolated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the human bone marrow. The isolated MSCs were expanded and cultured in a differentiation medium for two weeks. DNA extraction was performed on undifferentiated and differentiated adipocytes after the culturing process. The methylation status of the promoter region of the PPARγ gene was assessed using methylation-specific primers (M for methylated and U for unmethylated) in a methylation-specific PCR (MSP) assay. This analysis involved the treatment of DNA samples with sodium bisulfite to convert unmethylated cytosine to uracil, thereby enabling the differentiation between methylated and unmethylated regions of the gene. Results: The successful differentiation of MSCs into adipocytes was confirmed by the accumulation of lipid droplets within the differentiated cells, as visualized by the oil Red O dye staining. This observation provides strong evidence of the commitment of MSCs towards the adipogenic lineage and their ability to undergo adipocyte differentiation. Surprisingly, the MSP analysis revealed no significant changes in the methylation pattern of this gene following differentiation. The PPARγ gene promoter region exhibited an unmethylated status in both undifferentiated and differentiated states. Conclusion: Our study revealed that additional genetic or epigenetic mechanisms control the expression of PPARγ during the adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. These findings highlight the regulatory role of PPARγ in the differentiation pathway from mesenchymal stem cells to adipocytes. 67 77 2023/10/102023/11/172023/11/62024/01/62023/12/232023/12/182023/11/14 1402/8/23 2023/12/72024/01/262023/12/262024/03/52024/03/132024/02/202024/01/30 1402/11/10 Saeid Kaviani Saeid Kaviani Hematology Department, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran kavianis@modares.ac.ir Aryan Salahi-Niri Aryan Salahi-Niri Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. arian.slh12@gmail.com Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran mohamad.mohamadi2@gmail.com Mohsen Hamidpour Mohsen Hamidpour Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran mohsenhp@sbmu.ac.ir Shadi Esmaeili Shadi Esmaeili Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran shadi.esmaeili65@gmail.com Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-gamma (PPARγ) DNA methylation mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) Differentiation ## ##

The Influence of Extracellular Vesicles from Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Acute Lymphoid Leukemia Cells 2 2 Objective: Many studies have suggested Mesenchymal stem cells, as a promising way to develop new treatment strategies for different types of disease. However, due to their possible tumorigenic effects, their clinical use has been limited. Since a great deal of MSCs’ therapeutic benefits depend on MSC-derived extracellular vesicles, these particles have been receiving much attention in the past couple of years. With this in mind, we aimed to study the Effects of both peripheral blood mononuclear cells and human umbilical cord MSC-derived extracellular vesicles on cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis of the Nalm6 cell line. Materials and Methods: Isolated HUCMSCs were cultured, and PBMCs were acquired using the Ficoll-Hypaque technique. Their EVs were then extracted. The Nalm6 cells were divided into five groups: a control group and four treatment groups, which were treated with MSC- and MNC-derived EVs at different concentrations. Cell viability and metabolic assays were evaluated using trypan blue staining and the MTT assay, respectively. Thereafter, a flow cytometric assay was performed to detect cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Results: Our research revealed that the level of metabolic activity between Nalm6-treated EVs and the control group was not significantly different after 3 days. Also, no significant changes were reported in the growth and apoptosis effects of EVs on Nalm6 cells compared to the control group. Furthermore, different concentrations of EVs didn’t cause any inhibition on tumor growth. Conclusion:Obtained EVs neither showed any anti-tumor effect nor caused any progression or aggressiveness in the Nalm6 cell line. 78 88 2023/10/102023/11/172023/11/62024/01/62023/12/232023/12/182023/11/142023/11/15 1402/8/24 2023/12/72024/01/262023/12/262024/03/52024/03/132024/02/202024/01/302024/01/20 1402/10/30 Hajar Mardani Valandani Hajar Mardani Valandani Department of Hematology and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran hajarmardani61@gmail.com Amir mohammad zahedi Amir mohammad zahedi Department of Hematology and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran amirzahedi917@gmail.com Roohollah Mirzaee Khalilabadi Roohollah Mirzaee Khalilabadi Department of Hematology and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Khalilabadi60@gmail.com Mesenchymal Stem Cells Extracellular Vesicles Umbilical Cord Cell Survival Cell Cycle. ## ##

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Impairs Docetaxel-Induced Up-regulation of miR-30a-5p and miR-126-5p Tumor Suppressors in Gastric Cancer Cell Line 2 2 Objective: Owing to the synergistic effects of omega-3 fatty acids with chemotherapeutic agents in boosting response rates in gastric cancer (GC) patients, they became a promising addition to cancer therapy. Due to microRNAs (miRNAs) involvement in various cellular functions, their alterations in response to therapeutic interventions can offer insight into the efficacy of treatments. Our objective was to investigate docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) effects in conjunction with docetaxel on miR-30a-5p and miR-126-5p expressions in the MKN-45 cell line. Materials and Methods: The CancerMIRNome database was used to investigate miR-30a-5p and miR-126-5p expression changes, as well as their relation to diagnosis and survival in GC patients. Then, MKN-45 cells were treated with docetaxel, DHA, and their combination. Later, RT-qPCR was performed to measure miR-30a-5p and miR-126-5p expression levels. Results: It was discovered that miR-30a-5p and miR-126-5p expression were both decreased in GC patients and associated with GC diagnosis and survival, respectively. Following treatment with docetaxel and docetaxel-DHA, miR-30a-5p and miR-126-5p expression levels increased. Of course, the increase in miRNAs' expression observed in the combination form was not as strong as docetaxel alone. DHA alone decreased miR-30a-5p and miR-126-5p expressions. Conclusion: miR-30a-5p and miR-126-5p have important roles in GC tumorigenesis, and response to docetaxel and DHA. Attenuating effects of DHA on miR-30a-5p and miR-126-5p expression levels appear to counteract the beneficial effects of docetaxel on these miRNAs. Therefore, even though there is evidence of the anti-cancer effects of DHA in GC, not all DHA effects are anti-cancer. 89 96 2023/10/102023/11/172023/11/62024/01/62023/12/232023/12/182023/11/142023/11/152024/01/12 1402/10/22 2023/12/72024/01/262023/12/262024/03/52024/03/132024/02/202024/01/302024/01/202024/03/5 1402/12/15 Najibeh Shekari Najibeh Shekari Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran najibe.shekari@gmail.com Hajar Abbasi-Kenarsari Hajar Abbasi-Kenarsari Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran hajar.abbasi64@yahoo.com Behzad Baradaran Behzad Baradaran Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran behzad_im@yahoo.com Tohid Kazemi Tohid Kazemi Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran kazemit@tbzmed.ac.ir Docetaxel Docosahexaenoic acid microRNA-30a-5p microRNA-126-5p Gastric cancer ## ##

Cervical Cancer Screening in Southern Iran: Understanding Prevalence and Predictors through the Health Belief Model Approach 2 2 Background: Despite the low incidence rate of cervical cancer, the mortality-to-incidence ratio from this cancer is currently high in Iran, because it is diagnosed in advanced stages. This study aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of cervical cancer screening among women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman, Iran, 2022. The study population included women aged 21-65 years old referring to primary health care centers and maternity ward of Afzalipour Hospital. The sample size was calculated as 400 individuals. The participants were selected using the convenience sampling method. The data were collected based on the health belief model questionnaire and the validity and reliability of the Persian version were assessed by the researchers. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Results: A total of 372 respondents, 191 (51.3%) had a Pap smear test and 11 (3%) received the HPV vaccine. The participants reported lack of sufficient information as the main reason for not receiving the vaccine (79.2%). Our finding indicated that older age (P<0.001), increasing perceived seriousness of cervical cancer (P=0.006) and decreasing perceived barriers to undergoing a Pap smear test (P<0.001) increase the odds of having a Pap smear test. Conclusion: The results of the present study underscore the need for increasing knowledge with an emphasis on the perceived seriousness of cervical cancer among women. Additionally, the health system should cover the costs of Pap smear test, HPV test, and HPV vaccination to reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in Iran. 97 105 2023/10/102023/11/172023/11/62024/01/62023/12/232023/12/182023/11/142023/11/152024/01/122024/01/12 1402/10/22 2023/12/72024/01/262023/12/262024/03/52024/03/132024/02/202024/01/302024/01/202024/03/52024/03/10 1402/12/20 Ali Torabi Nejad Kermani Ali Torabi Nejad Kermani Student Research Committee, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran alitorabinejad99@gmail.com Zohreh Torabi Nejad Kermani Zohreh Torabi Nejad Kermani Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kerman University of Medical sciences, Kerman, Iran zohrehtorabi20@gmail.com Farshid Sharifi Farshid Sharifi Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran sharififarshid2018@gmail.com Mina Danaei Mina Danaei Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran danaei.mina@gmail.com Mohsen Momeni Mohsen Momeni Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran mohsenmoemeni@gmail.com Cervical cancer Health belief model HPV vaccination Pap smear test Screening ## ##