Born in Iran in 1996, I began my career in medicine at Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, where I earned my medical degree (MD) in 2021. After practicing as a General Practitioner for two years, my passion for research led me to pursue a Ph.D. at Taipei Medical University in Taiwan.
Since 2017, I have been actively engaged in research, focusing on the application of computational methods to solve complex problems in oncology. My work integrates the fields of cancer biology, drug design, and molecular simulation. I utilize techniques such as molecular docking and dynamics to study drug-target interactions. More recently, my research has centered on harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to revolutionize drug discovery, with a specific aim of developing novel and effective treatments for cancer.
EDUCATION
- Ph.D. in Medicine | Taipei Medical University (TMU), Taipei, Taiwan (Present)
International Ph.D. Program, Department of Medicine.
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) | Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran (2014 - 2021)
Graduated as a General Practitioner (GP).
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Cancer Research, Drug Discovery, Artificial Intelligence, Modeling and Simulation
Antibacterial Potential of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Against Clostridium Perfringens: An Experimental In Vitro and In Silico Study Sirous Banafi, Mohammad Hossein Marhamatizadeh, Nader Tanideh, Ebrahim Rahimi, Afshin Zare, et al. Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2026 Background: protein-protein docking. Methods: enzymes using ClusPro. OD600 values were compared across exosome concentrations using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (P<0.05). Results: RNA polymerase and ATP synthase, and between cathelicidin and DNA gyrase, with lower but consistent docking scores for Annexin A1 across targets. Conclusion: interactions with key bacterial enzymes.
Effects of exercise interventions on health-related quality of life in older adults with osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis Guldariya Kenzhegazova, Akmaral Baspakova, Roza Suleimenova, Afshin Zare, Nadiar Mussin, Kulyash Zhilisbayeva, Ramazon Safarzoda Sharoffidin, Amin Tamadon Peerj, 2026 Background Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal disorder that substantially impairs quality of life (QoL) through reduced bone mineral density, increased fracture risk, and functional decline, particularly in older adults. Aims To evaluate the effects of exercise interventions on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults aged ≥50 years with osteoporosis and to identify the most effective exercise modalities and intervention durations. Methods PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched to February 4, 2026, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Randomized controlled trials assessing exercise interventions and HRQoL outcomes in adults aged ≥ 50 years with osteoporosis were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool, and certainty of evidence using GRADE. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted using standardized mean differences (SMDs) for overall mixed-instrument analyses and mean differences (MDs) for subgroup analyses restricted to comparable instruments or domains. Results Eighteen trials involving 1,591 participants were included, with 1,448 contributing data to the meta-analyses. Exploratory pooling across heterogeneous HRQoL instruments showed no significant overall effect (SMD = −0.18, 95% CI [−0.42–0.06]; I 2 ≈ 95%). In contrast, prespecified subgroup analyses demonstrated significant improvements in HRQoL, particularly with resistance training (MD = 10.58, 95% CI [6.79–14.36]) and multicomponent exercise (MD = 5.62, 95% CI [2.65–8.58]). Short-term exercise programs (<20 weeks) produced the most consistent benefits (MD = 9.91, 95% CI [7.27–12.55]). Improvements were observed across physical and mental HRQoL domains. Certainty of evidence was moderate for resistance training and short-term interventions, and low for longer-duration and multicomponent programs. Conclusions Exercise interventions, particularly resistance training, meaningfully improve HRQoL in adults aged ≥ 50 years with osteoporosis. Shorter-duration programs appear most effective, although further high-quality trials are needed to strengthen the evidence base.
From Mice to Primates: Assessing Hormone-Based Endometriosis Models for Preclinical and Therapeutic Insights Amin Tamadon, Afshin Zare, Mahdi Mahdipour, Aria Salehpour, Nadiar M. Mussin, et al. Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2025 Endometriosis, a complex gynecological disorder characterized by ectopic endometrial-like tissue, affects over 10% of women, causing chronic pain and infertility. Despite extensive research, its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood, with proposed mechanisms including inflammation, hormonal dysregulation, and retrograde menstruation. Given ethical and practical challenges in human studies, animal models are essential for investigating endometriosis pathogenesis and evaluating therapeutic interventions. This review examines hormone-related animal models of endometriosis, comparing induction methods (autotransplantation, xenotransplantation, and spontaneous models) and their applications in studying sex steroid hormones (SSH) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. We analyzed 158 studies (2010-2024) from PubMed Central/Medline, focusing on SSH and HPG axis involvement. A novel scoring system was developed to assess the model's suitability based on species, induction method, pharmacological effects, hormonal/genetic evaluations, histological confirmation, feasibility, ethics, and cost. Non-human primate models, particularly spontaneous and hormone-induced baboon models, scored highest due to their physiological resemblance to humans. However, rodent models remain widely used due to practicality. Our findings highlight the need for improved preclinical models to enhance translational research, ultimately aiding in the development of targeted therapies for endometriosis. This comprehensive analysis provides a framework for selecting optimal animal models in future endometriosis research.
Autologous and allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies for diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis Raisa A Aringazina, Afshin Zare, Seyyed Mojtaba Mousavi, Nurgul Abenova, Nadiar Maratovich Mussin, Amin Tamadon World Journal of Stem Cells, 2025 BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health concern, characterized by insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Traditional treatments often fail to address underlying mechanisms, necessitating alternative therapies. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies have shown promise due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. However, evidence on their efficacy and safety in type 2 DM remains limited and further evaluation is needed. AIM To evaluate the safety, efficacy and therapeutic potential of MSC-based therapies in type 2 DM. METHODS This systematic review analyzed studies published between 2000 and 2025, focusing on autologous and allogeneic MSC therapies in DM. Studies were identified from various databases, including clinical and preclinical trials. Outcomes related to glycemic control, insulin requirements, β-cell function, and safety were assessed. RESULTS MSC-based therapies significantly improved glycemic control, reduced insulin requirements and enhanced β-cell function in both clinical and preclinical settings. Safety profiles were favorable, with minimal adverse effects observed, primarily transient and self-limiting. No fatal events were reported. Variability in treatment outcomes and the need for standardized protocols were challenges. CONCLUSION MSC-based therapies offer a promising alternative to conventional DM treatments, significantly improving glycemic control and safety. Further research is needed to refine protocols and confirm long-term efficacy.
Extracellular Vesicles Present in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell Conditioned Media Restore Spermatogenesis in Azoospermic Mice Rano Zhankina, Afshin Zare, Alireza Afshar, Arezoo Khoradmehr, Mohammad Reza Dorvash, et al. International Journal of Fertility and Sterility, 2025 Background: We aimed to examine the therapeutic efficacy of exosome-enriched conditioned media (CM), known for its high concentration of extracellular vesicles (EVs), in comparision with mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) in treating non-obstructive azoospermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, we used adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AT-MSCs), bone marrowderived MSCs (BM-MSCs), and BMCM containing EVs to treat busulfan-induced azoospermia in animal models. The study included thirty adult male Balb/C mice and two female enhanced green fluorescent protein-positive (eGFP+/+) Balb/C mice for experimental groups and stem cell culturing. Groups consisted of an intact control, an azoospermia group, an AT-MSC therapy group, a BM-MSC therapy group, a BMCM therapy group, and a spontaneous healing group. Testes were removed from all mice, and histomorphometry and flow cytometry analyses were performed 60 days post-treatment. Additionally, protein structure extraction, protein-protein docking analysis, and data visualization were conducted. RESULTS: Histomorphometry and flow cytometry showed that most seminiferous tubules in the therapy groups exhibited normal morphology and restored spermatogenesis, unlike the azoospermia group. In silico protein docking analysis revealed that exosome factors in BM-MSCs positively impacted spermatogenesis. The BM-MSC and BMCM therapy groups showed more favorable outcomes compared to other groups. Key exosome factors like Basigin, E3 ubiquitinprotein ligase (UBR2), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) interacted with receptors critical to this process. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that both BMCM enriched with EVs and the administration of AT-MSCs and BM-MSCs effectively induced spermatogenesis in mice with busulfan-induced azoospermia. Specifically, BM-MSC therapy exhibited superior outcomes compared to AT-MSCs and BMCM alone. This study highlights the potential of EV-based therapies, particularly BMCM, as a promising strategy for treating non-obstructive azoospermia. Furthermore, the interaction of key exosome factors with critical receptors enhances our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in restoring reproductive function in testes.
Uncovering Novel Anti-Lung Cancer Compounds: Insights from Marine Sponge-Derived Agents: A Bibliometric Review Afshin Zare, Alireza Afshar, Nadiar M. Mussin, Asset A Kaliyev, Raisa Aringazina, et al. Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2025 Background: Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, necessitating improved treatment strategies. This study collectively highlights the valuable potential of marine sponges as a source for discovering new anti-tumor agents. Methods: We conducted a bibliometric analysis to identify anticancer compounds from marine sponges using PubMed (2018-2023). The search included keywords such as "marine sponge," "cancer," "neoplasm," "proliferation," "cytotoxicity," "tumor," "sesquiterpene," "alkaloid," and "quinones." Inclusion criteria focused on studies related to lung cancer and marine sponge-derived compounds, excluding non-cytotoxic activities and unrelated species. Data were extracted in comma-separated values (CSV) format and analyzed via VOSviewer. Molecular docking identified compounds with strong binding to apoptotic receptors in lung cancer cells. PROTOX and Way2Drug tools predicted the pharmacological properties of selected compounds as potential drugs. Results: The bibliometric analysis identified alkaloids, sesquiterpenes, and quinones as key keywords. Dactyloquinone B-D, dysidavarone D, smenohamien F, and sollasin E demonstrated strong binding to apoptotic receptors in lung cancer cells, suggesting potential as anti-lung cancer drugs. Pharmacological analyses revealed promising effects and potential side effects, highlighting their suitability for further drug development. These findings provide a foundation for novel targeted therapies for lung cancer. Conclusion: , and clinical investigations to validate their therapeutic efficacy.
Therapeutic Effects of Cynodon dactylon (C. dactylon) against Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Induced by Letrozole in Adult Rats: Ovarian and Uterine Aspects Masoumeh Ahmadi, Afshin Zare, Mohammad Reza Jafarzadeh Shirazi, Samaneh Askari, Arezoo Khoradmehr, et al. International Journal of Fertility and Sterility, 2025 BACKGROUND: hydroalcoholic extract of on letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adult rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: extract on receptors involved in the pathophysiology of PCOS. RESULTS: extract mitigates PCOS-induced hormonal imbalances including a significant decrease in testosterone and estrogen levels, as well as increased progesterone levels. Ovarian and uterine structures were improved including reducing theca layer thickness, enhancing antral follicular areas, and a significant decrease in the luminal area of the perimetrial layer, endometrial glands, and the total uterine area when compared to the PCOS group. Besides, molecular docking analysis showed that Ar-tumerone, Tumerone, Tricyclo[6.3.0.0(1,5)] undec-2-en-4-one, 2,3,5,9- tetramethyl, Curlone, and 3-Tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole showed the most binding affinity to the receptors that play crucial role in the pathophysiology of PCOS. CONCLUSION: had therapeutic effects on the ovary and uterus of PCOS-induced rat models.
