Gastric cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The limitations of conventional therapies, including systemic toxicity and drug resistance, highlight the need for novel therapeutic strategies. In the present study, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were developed as a drug delivery system for the bioflavonoid luteolin, and their anticancer effects were evaluated in human gastric cancer AGS cells. SLNs and luteolin-loaded SLNs were synthesized and characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and morphology. In vitro drug release behavior was investigated under different pH conditions. The biological effects of the formulations were assessed using MTT assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement, qualitative and quantitative apoptosis analysis, and cell cycle evaluation. The results demonstrated that luteolin-loaded SLNs exhibited appropriate nanoscale size, good stability, and a controlled, pH-dependent drug release profile. Blank SLNs showed no significant cytotoxicity, indicating good biocompatibility. Whilst, luteolin-loaded SLNs significantly reduced cell viability, induced controlled ROS generation, enhanced apoptosis, and disrupted cell cycle progression, particularly by inducing S-phase arrest, compared to free luteolin. Overall, these findings suggest that luteolin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles represent a promising and effective drug delivery system for improving gastric cancer therapy. Keywords: Gastric cancer, Luteolin, Solid lipid nanoparticles, Apoptosis, Cell cycle

Background and Aim: The interaction of drugs and nanodrugs with biological macromolecules such as human serum albumin (HSA) and DNA plays a crucial role in their stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy. Previous studies have shown that deferoxamine, in addition to its clinical applications as an iron chelator, exhibits notable anticancer effects, and nanostructuring can enhance its stability and biological performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactions of free deferoxamine and its iron oxide nanoparticle form with HSA and calf thymus DNA, and subsequently to evaluate their anticancer effects on gastric cancer cells.    Materials and Methods: The interactions of the drug and nanodrug with HSA and calf thymus DNA were analyzed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and circular dichroism (CD). Molecular docking studies were also performed to determine precise binding sites. Cellular assays, including MTT, intracellular ROS measurement, cell cycle analysis, and apoptosis evaluation, were conducted to assess anticancer effects on gastric cancer cell lines.    Results: Spectroscopic and molecular docking results indicated that both compounds bind to the warfarin site on HSA and preferentially interact with the minor groove (Hoechst site) of DNA. CD spectra revealed an increase in the ?-helix content of HSA in the presence of both compounds, while structural disorder was induced in DNA. Cellular assays demonstrated significant reductions in cell viability, increased ROS production, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle disruption, with the anticancer effect of the deferoxamine nanodrug being notably stronger than that of the free drug.    Conclusion and Discussion: The results of spectroscopic and docking studies showed that free deferoxamine and its iron oxide nanoparticle form exhibit similar interaction patterns with HSA and calf thymus DNA, binding to the warfarin site in HSA and the minor groove of DNA. Cellular assays further revealed that the nanodrug exerts stronger reductions in cell viability, higher ROS production, greater apoptosis induction, and more pronounced cell cycle disruption in gastric cancer cells, indicating enhanced anticancer effects at the nanoscale.   

   Kermanshah Province, due to its remarkable climatic and habitat diversity, hosts a significant assemblage of snakes, particularly venomous and semi-venomous species, in western Iran. This study aimed to identify, map the distribution, and describe the habitats of venomous and semi-venomous snakes in Kermanshah Province. Data were collected through examination of specimens preserved in the Zoological Museum of Razi University and consultation of authoritative scientific sources. Findings revealed the presence of 10 snake species belonging to four families: Viperidae, Elapidae, Colubridae, and Psammophiidae. Among them, the Levantine viper (Macrovipera lebetina) and the Persian horned viper (Pseudocerastes persicus) were identified as the dominant and widely distributed species. In contrast, rare species such as the spider-tailed horned viper (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides) and the black-headed cat snake (Telescopus nigriceps) were recorded with limited distribution and very few specimens. Notably, the confirmed presence of the Egyptian black snake (Walterinnesia aegyptia) in western Kermanshah expands the known western distributional limit of this species in Iran. The results indicate that regional snake diversity is strongly influenced by climatic conditions, physical habitat structure, and vegetation cover. Kermanshah functions as a crucial ecological ecotone between central, western, and southern Iranian ecosystems. This study provides a foundational reference for future research in systematics, ecology, human-wildlife conflict management (e.g., snakebite prevention), and conservation planning. Kermanshah Province, due to its remarkable climatic and habitat diversity, hosts a significant assemblage of snakes, particularly venomous and semi-venomous species, in western Iran. This study aimed to identify, map the distribution, and describe the habitats of venomous and semi-venomous snakes in Kermanshah Province. Data were collected through examination of specimens preserved in the Zoological Museum of Razi University and consultation of authoritative scientific sources. Findings revealed the presence of 10 snake species belonging to four families: Viperidae, Elapidae, Colubridae, and Psammophiidae. Among them, the Levantine viper (Macrovipera lebetina) and the Persian horned viper (Pseudocerastes persicus) were identified as the dominant and widely distributed species. In contrast, rare species such as the spider-tailed horned viper (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides) and the black-headed cat snake (Telescopus nigriceps) were recorded with limited distribution and very few specimens. Notably, the confirmed presence of the Egyptian black snake (Walterinnesia aegyptia) in western Kermanshah expands the known western distributional limit of this species in Iran. The results indicate that regional snake diversity is strongly influenced by climatic conditions, physical habitat structure, and vegetation cover. Kermanshah functions as a crucial ecological ecotone between central, western, and southern Iranian ecosystems. This study provides a foundational reference for future research in systematics, ecology, human-wildlife conflict management (e.g., snakebite prevention), and conservation planning.