Exosomes are tiny vesicles that cells secrete into the extracellular environment. They are crucial in cellular
communication and have wide-ranging physiological and pathological ramifications. Cargo sorting, MVB
development and maturation, MVB transport, and MVB fusion with the plasma membrane are the four
essential steps in exosome biogenesis. The high heterogeneity of exosomes is due to the fact that each
process is modulated by the competition or coordination of multiple mechanisms, resulting in the sorting
of diverse compositions of molecular cargos into different subpopulations of exosomes. In cancer, exosomes
have been shown to play a crucial role in tumor growth, metastasis, and pre-metastatic niche formation. In
this mini-review, we briefly compile what we know about exosomes at present, including how they are made,
what they carry, and how they promote tumor growth. Exosomes' potential as diagnostic and prognostic
biomarkers is discussed. We also take a look at the research that hasn't been done and the challenges that
have been overlooked.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is a pandemic crisis. Little is known about the treatment of this disease, and supportive care is the only therapy for patients with COVID-19. It has been shown that mineral vitamins have an important role in improving the health status of the patients, and several studies have investigated their effects on patients affected with other coronaviruses. In this review, the probable mechanisms of action of each vitamin against COVID-19 infection, the benefits of co-therapy of vitamins with other supplements, and the recommended daily intake of each nutrient are discussed.

Background: The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease may be associated with the disruption in
interactions between the immune system and gut flora. Epigenetic mechanisms especially, DNAmethylation
appear to be significant regarding the interaction between the environment and genome. ABCB1 is the
encoding gene for multi-drug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) (P-glycoprotein), which is an important
transmembrane protein responsible for the efflux of cellular molecules from the intestinal wall to the lumen.

Method: In this study, we compared the methylation status of the promoter of ABCB1 in rectal mucosa of
patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and healthy controls by using the bisulfite conversion system and real-
time quantitative multiplex methylation-specific PCR (QM-MSP).

Results: We demonstrated that the mucosal specimen of 26 UC patients had significantly higher levels of
promoter methylation in comparison to 26 controls.

Conclusion: As the first investigation of Iranian patients with UC, we showed that patients had higher levels
of ABCB1 promoter methylation in their inflammatory rectal mucosa compared to controls. However, this
altered state of methylation did not associate with the characteristics of the patients such as age and sex. Our
findings are a basis for further studies on concurrent assessment of promoter methylation and expression
of ABCB1 in UC.

Background: Cytokines are important in many pathobiological processes of chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD). This study aimed to determine the relationship between serum levels of interleukin-33 (IL-
33) and the severity of COPD disease.

Method: In this cross-sectional research, the study population consisted of all COPD patients referring to
the pulmonary clinic of Imam-Ali Hospital of Zahedan city. Sixty patients were selected using the
available sampling method. Serum IL-33 levels were measured by the quantitative ELISA method.

Results: Of 60 patients, 23 (38.3%) and 37 (61.7%) subjects were male and female, respectively. Analysis shows
a significant difference between serum IL-33 of the two groups with regard to the severity of COPD disease.
There was a statistically significant negative relationship between the serum level of IL-33 and the severity
(decrease of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)) of COPD disease.

Conclusion: Our results indicate a systemic release of IL-33 correlated with the severity of COPD.

Herein we report a novel case of SHORT syndrome with very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-
IBD). He presented with hematochezia since the first months of life for which he was diagnosed with cow
milk allergy that did not respond to treatment. He underwent a colonoscopy confirming the diagnosis of
ulcerative colitis (UC). His past medical history was also remarkable with delayed growth since 6 months
of age and frequent hospitalizations due to recurrent fever, gastroenteritis, and anemia with no history of
recurrent infectious episodes. Despite appropriate treatment for UC and partial improvement in his bowel
habits and nutrition, there was no improvement in his growth status and he was found to have failure to
thrive. The patient further underwent genetic test evaluation and a novel heterozygous missense mutation
was detected in the PIK3R1 gene (c.2076A>C, P. Lys692Asn) confirming the diagnosis of SHORT syndrome.
He got appropriate treatment and is currently doing well, in good condition and is under regular monthly
follow-up.