Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Chevil (Ferulago angulata) on glucose and lipid in diabetic male rats

Introduction: Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterised by chronic hyperglycemia. Considering the properties antioxidant of the Chevil plant compounds, this study performed to determine the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Chevil on serum glucose and lipid in diabetic male rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, 54 male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were divided into 6 groups (n=9 each) and studied for 4 weeks. The groups were as follows: Control, diabetic, diabetic groups treated 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight of the Chevil extract, respectively and the diabetic rats treated with 150 mg/kg body weight of metformin. At the end of study, FBS, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels were measured. Results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: Findings showed a significant reduction (P<0.05) of FBS in all groups with three doses of the extract, 26%, 59.3%, 69.4% respectively), Triglycerides (at 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract respectively 16.1% and 34.1%), Cholesterol (800 mg/kg of the extract, 20.9%), LDL-C in all three doses of the extract, 25.9%, 49.1% and 53% respectively and a significant increase (P<0.05) in HDL-C in all three doses of the extract, 32.6%, 36.4% and 37.1% respectively compared to the control group was observed in diabetic rats treated with Chevil. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Chevil extract reduces blood sugar and improves blood lipid profiles in diabetic rats

The Role of Biomarkers in Diagnosis, Prognosis, Treatment, Determining Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and complex autoimmune disease. It affects mainly small joints (of the hands and feet) and has many systemic manifestations. The study of biomarkers in rheumatology is important to understand the mechanism involved in some rheumatic diseases. Discovering new biomarkers with key roles in various stages of the disease remains as an important issue in RA patients. Biomarkers are important for diagnosis and prognosis, target therapy, and guiding the clinical and response treatment of all phases of RA. Biomarkers improve diagnosis by closing the serological gap, providing prognostic information that allows disease activity and progression to be monitored. Biomarkers can be correlated with a risk of developing RA and can predict bone erosions and disease progression. Therefore, there is a need for a sensitive biomarker for early diagnosis of the disease. Some biomarkers are not specific (Rheumatoid Factor IgM) and some are not widely used due to technical problems (Antiprenuclear factor). On the other hand, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) in the serum of patients are more specific for these patients.This move from traditional approaches to use more specific biomarkers for patient stratification and targeted treatment should greatly improve patient care and reduce medical costs

Evaluation of the Effect of Andrographolide on the Serum Activity of Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Enzymes and Serum Levels of Malondialdehyde in the Rats with Secondary Iron Overload

Background & objectives: Andrographolide has potent antioxidant properties. There is still not a complete understanding of the antioxidant effects of andrographolide. In this study, the effect of andrographolide on the serum antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase was investigated in the rats with secondary iron overload.&nbsp; Methods: In this experimental study, 32 rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 each. The groups included: 1-Control 2- Receiving iron 3- Receiving iron treated with 7 mg/kg andrographolide 4- Receiving 7 mg/kg andrographolide. The serum activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase and serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured using colorimetric method. Prussian blue was used to evaluate iron deposition in liver. Results: The results showed that iron was deposited in the liver. The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the secondary iron receiving group, compared to control group, was significantly increased (p<0.05). The activity of catalase was significantly decreased in the group receiving iron and treated with andrographolide, compared to the control and iron receiving groups (p<0.05). Also, the activity of superoxide dismutase in the group receiving iron and treated with andrographolide decreased significantly compared to the iron receiving group (p<0.05). Serum levels of malondialdehyde in the iron receiving group were higher than the control group (p<0.05). Serum levels of malondialdehyde in the group receiving iron and treated with andrographolide, compared with the iron receiving group, showed a significant decrease (p<0.05). Conclusion: Andrographolide (7mg/kg) reduced the serum activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde serum levels in rats with secondary iron overload. &nbsp; &nbsp

Effect of Conjugated Blackcurrant Extract and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Histopathologic Damage of Kidney Tissue in Diabetic Rats

Background & objectives: One of the most important diabetes complications is chronic renal failure. This disorder is one of the most important progressive renal problems that is closely associated with high mortality rate in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of conjugated blackcurrant extract and  zinc oxide nanoparticles on histopathologic damages of kidney tissue in diabetic rats. Methods: A total of thirty adult Wistar rats were used and they were randomly divided into the following six groups (n=5): control group; diabetic group (170 mg/kg alloxan); diabetic group treated with insulin (170 mg/kg alloxan & 10 U/kg insulin); diabetic group treated with ZnO nanoparticle (170 mg/kg alloxan & 8 mg/kg ZnO nanoparticle); diabetic group treated with extract (170 mg/kg alloxan & 150 mg/kg blackcurrant extract) and diabetic group treated with extract conjugated with ZnO nanoparticles (170 mg/kg alloxan & 8 mg/kg blackcurrant extract conjugated with ZnO nanoparticle). Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate. Conjugated blackcurrant extract and ZnO nanoparticles were produced using green synthesis method. The tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain. Image J software was used for evaluation of histopathological changes. Results: The comparison between groups treated with blackcurrant extract, ZnO nanoparticles and blackcurrant extract conjugated with ZnO nanoparticle showed that these compounds somewhat protect kidney tissue from diabetes damage . The highest protective effect was observed in diabetic group treated with ZnO nanoparticles conjugated with blackcurrant extract. Conclusion: Our study, for the first time, showed that the conjugation of blackcurrant extract to ZnO nanoparticles can be effective in preventing renal- tissue damage in diabetic patient

Attenuating NF-κB/VCAM-1 Expression in the Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model by Viola Odorata: Protection Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Introduction: The death of neurons and cerebral edema are the main consequences of stroke. However, inflammatory processes play key roles in aggravating cerebral damage following a stroke. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Viola odorata extract (VOE) on the infarct volume (IV), neurologic deficits (ND), and the expression of NF-κB and VCAM-1 in the Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) model. Methods: The animals were randomly separated into 6 groups: (1) control group, (2) vehicle-treated group, (3) MCAO group, (4) VOE25 group, (5) VOE50 group, and (6) VOE75 group (n= 12). VOE (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg) and distilled water were administered daily for 30 days. Two hours after the last gavage, the rats were exposed to MCAO for 60 minutes. Twenty-four hours later, IV, ND, and NF-κB/VCAM-1 expressions were evaluated. Results: Viola odorata extract exhibited excellent neuroprotective effects by reducing IV (mainly in the core and subcortex areas), and induced downregulation of NF-κB and VCAM-1 expression. Conclusion: Viola odorata could also activate intracellular pathways, reducing the expression of NF-κB and VCAM-1. It is useful for developing a novel medical herb for treating cerebral ischemia

Effect of Vaccinium Arctostaphylus Plant Extract on the Histopathological Alterations of Cisplatin on Testicular Tissue

Introduction: The destructive effects of anticancer drugs such as cisplatin are well known. In recent years, it has been found that medicinal plants have a fundamental role in protecting the damage caused by drug. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of vaccinium arctostaphylus plant one of the prevalent materials in traditional medicine in improving the disorders caused by cisplatin in testicular tissue. Methods: In this research, forty rats were divided into 5 groups (G) (n=8) based on administration cisplatin and extract of vaccinium arctostaphylus. In G1 physiological serum was injected and in G2 only cisplatin was administrated. In G3, G4, and G5 Arctostaphylus vaccinium extract with a concentration of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg along with a single dose of cisplatin were administrated. After 24 hours, the rats were sacrificed, and then testis was isolated and subjected to histopathological evaluation with t-test and one-way ANOVA test on Prism-GraphPad 9. Results: Our results showed that in the G2 group, the number of spermatogonial cells was reduced compare with G1 (P=0.01); As well as the thickness of the germinal epithelium and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules were reduced partially. In G3 and G4 groups in comparison with G2, the germinal epithelium was improved (P=0.02). The preservation of spermatogonial cells in G3 significantly increased compare with G2 (P=0.01).   Conclusion: According to the results, Arctostaphyllus vaccine as a native plant in defined dosages has a significant effect on improving cisplatin-induced disorders in the germinal epithelium and the number of spermatogonial cells preservation

Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Blood Lipid Profile in Wistar Male Rats

Background & objectives: Due to the widespread use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and their possible unwanted effects in biological environments, we made an attempt to investigate the effect of ZnO-NPs on the blood lipid profile. Methods: In this study, 24 male Wistar rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, the group receiving ZnO-NPs at 25 mg/kg (ZnO-NPs 25 mg/kg) and the group receiving ZnO-NPs at 50 mg/kg (ZnO-NPs 50 mg/kg). The duration of the test was two weeks. The blood samples were taken and the serums were separated. Serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, VLDL, LDL and HDL were determined using standard kits and methods. Results: Based on the findings of this study, serum levels of triglyceride and VLDL in both ZnO-NPs receiving groups were significantly increased in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). Also, &nbsp;the serum levels of HDL , LDL and LDL/HDL ratio decreased significantly in both ZnO-NPs receiving groups compared to the control group (p<0.05), while the &nbsp;serum cholesterol levels did not change compared with the control group. Conclusion: Our results showed that 25 and 50 mg/kg doses of ZnO-NPs had both harmful (increase triglyceride and VLDL and reduction of HDL) and beneficial (reduction of LDL and LDL/HDL ratio) effects on the blood lipid profile

In vitro evaluation of ScopeSafe fibers and the scope guardian sheath in prevention of ureteroscope endolumenal working damage.

Background and purposeUreteroscope breakage is commonly related to laser fiber damage. Often, the damage is mechanical and not energy related. As such, we evaluated a novel laser fiber and sheath system in preventing mechanical ureteroscope damage during fiber insertion.Materials and methodsWe assessed 200-μm/272/3-μm laser fibers with the laser sheath in a flexible ureteroscope. Diminishment of active deflection and irrigation flow rates were compared with a standard laser fiber alone. Eight nonassembled working channel components were tested in a 0-degree/90-degree/210-degree deflection model. After insertion cycles, external and endolumenal damage to the working channel were classified. We also tested the sheath system in a 0-degree/90-degree/210-degree deflection model for fiber failure and laser damage.ResultsIn all test trials with the sheath and for standard laser fibers in the 0-degree model, there were no channel perforations or damage. With standard laser fibers, in the 210-degree model, superficial scratches and demarcated abrasions were visible after 10 and 60 to 70 insertions for the 273-μm laser fiber and after 30 insertions (superficial scratches) for the 200-μm laser fiber. In the 90-degree model, superficial scratches occurred after 20 insertions for the 273-μm fibers and after 40 insertions for the 200-μm laser fibers. No demarcated abrasions were seen after 100 insertions. In the 210-degree model, there was one perforation with the 272-μm fiber, but none with 200-μm fiber. There were no fiber failures with sheath use; however, the sheath did not prevent laser energy damage. The laser sheath resulted in a 4.7-degree/3.8-degree (1.2%/1.5%) diminishment in deflection (up/down) for the 200 μm and a 3.5-degree/4.3-degree (1.8%/1.5%) diminishment for 272-μm laser fiber compared with standard 200/272-μm laser fiber. Irrigation flow was diminished with the sheath on both the 200-μm and 272-μm laser fiber by 28.7% and 32.6%, respectively.ConclusionThe Scope Guardian Sheath prevented mechanical working channel damage with minimal diminishment of deflection and irrigation flow

In vitro evaluation of ScopeSafe fibers and the scope guardian sheath in prevention of ureteroscope endolumenal working damage.

Background and purposeUreteroscope breakage is commonly related to laser fiber damage. Often, the damage is mechanical and not energy related. As such, we evaluated a novel laser fiber and sheath system in preventing mechanical ureteroscope damage during fiber insertion.Materials and methodsWe assessed 200-μm/272/3-μm laser fibers with the laser sheath in a flexible ureteroscope. Diminishment of active deflection and irrigation flow rates were compared with a standard laser fiber alone. Eight nonassembled working channel components were tested in a 0-degree/90-degree/210-degree deflection model. After insertion cycles, external and endolumenal damage to the working channel were classified. We also tested the sheath system in a 0-degree/90-degree/210-degree deflection model for fiber failure and laser damage.ResultsIn all test trials with the sheath and for standard laser fibers in the 0-degree model, there were no channel perforations or damage. With standard laser fibers, in the 210-degree model, superficial scratches and demarcated abrasions were visible after 10 and 60 to 70 insertions for the 273-μm laser fiber and after 30 insertions (superficial scratches) for the 200-μm laser fiber. In the 90-degree model, superficial scratches occurred after 20 insertions for the 273-μm fibers and after 40 insertions for the 200-μm laser fibers. No demarcated abrasions were seen after 100 insertions. In the 210-degree model, there was one perforation with the 272-μm fiber, but none with 200-μm fiber. There were no fiber failures with sheath use; however, the sheath did not prevent laser energy damage. The laser sheath resulted in a 4.7-degree/3.8-degree (1.2%/1.5%) diminishment in deflection (up/down) for the 200 μm and a 3.5-degree/4.3-degree (1.8%/1.5%) diminishment for 272-μm laser fiber compared with standard 200/272-μm laser fiber. Irrigation flow was diminished with the sheath on both the 200-μm and 272-μm laser fiber by 28.7% and 32.6%, respectively.ConclusionThe Scope Guardian Sheath prevented mechanical working channel damage with minimal diminishment of deflection and irrigation flow

Combined dandelion extract and all-trans retinoic acid induces cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cells

Abstract Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers among women worldwide. Recently, natural compounds have been widely used for the treatment of breast cancer. Present study evaluated antiproliferative and anti-metastasis activities of two natural compounds of dandelion and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) in human MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells. We also evaluated the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, IL-1β, p53, NM23 and KAI1 genes. Data showed a clear additive cytotoxic effect in concentrations of 40 μM ATRA with 1.5 and 4 mg/ml of dandelion extract in MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells, respectively. In both cell lines, compared with the untreated cells, the expression levels of MMP-9 and IL-1β were significantly decreased while p53 and KAI1 expression levels were increased. Besides, MMP-2 and NM23 had different expressions in the two studied cell lines. In conclusion, dandelion/ATRA co-treatment, in addition to having strong cytotoxic effects, has putative effects on the expression of anti-metastatic genes in both breast cancer cells