Age-associated changes on axonal regeneration and functional outcome after spinal cord injury in rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the association between aging and regenerative potential of spinal cord injury. Three groups of male Sprague�Dawley rats, including young (40 days), mature (5-6 months) and old (28-29 months) were spinally hemisected at the L1 level. The locomotor performance was assessed weekly for eight weeks after lesion using locomotors� rating scale developed by Basso, Bresnahan and Beattie (BBB). In the tracing study, retrograde labeled neuron was counted in the lateral vestibular nucleus for axonal regeneration. From 4-8 weeks, the functional recovery of the young and mature age rats was significantly increased in comparison to the old age group. At 8 weeks, young and mature animals achieved a plateau score of (mean ± SD), 17 ± 1.47 and 16.8 ± 0.70 respectively, and the old rats reached an average score of 13.8±1.63 (P<0.05). The mean number of labeled neurons in the vestibular nucleus in the young group (mean ± SD): 32.05 ± 1.03 increase significantly compared to the older age group 5.01 ± 1.31 (P<0.05). Current findings suggest that axonal repair and functional improvement decrease in aged animals after partial spinal cord injury. Thus, the aging process may affect the regenerative capacity of the injured central nervous system, and axonal regeneration is age dependent. © 2015 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Transplantation of olfactory mucosa improve functional recovery and axonal regeneration following sciatic nerve repair in rats

Background: Olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) has been shown to have a neuroprotective effect after being transplanted in rats with spinal cord injury. This study was conducted to determine the possible beneficial results of olfactory mucosa transplantation (OMT) which is a source of OEG on functional recovery and axonal regeneration after transection of the sciatic nerve. Methods: In this study, 36 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The sciatic nerve was transected in 24 rats and immediately repaired by sciatic-sciatic anastomosis, and randomly divided equally into two groups. The experimental group received the OMT at the transected site and the control group received the respiratory mucosa transplant. In another twelve rats as sham-operated animals, the sciatic nerve was exposed but no transection was made. DiI retrograde tracing was injected in the gastrocnemius muscle two months after surgery to allow visualization of the extent of axonal regeneration. Functional recovery was also assessed at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after surgery using walking track analysis and sciatic function index (SFI) calculations. Results: The total number of DiI labeled motorneurones in the ventral horn (L4-L6) and the SFI scores were significantly higher in the group of rats that received olfactory mucosa rather than respiratory mucosa. Conclusions: The outcome indicates that olfactory mucosa is a useful treatment to improve nerve regeneration in mammals with peripheral nerve injury

Improving learning of anatomy with reusable learning objects

Introduction: The use of modern educational technologies is useful for learning, durability, sociability, and upgrading professionalism. The aim of this study was evaluating the effect of reusable learning objects on improving learning of anatomy. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study. Fourteen (reusable learning objects) RLO from different parts of anatomy of human body including thorax, abdomen, and pelvis were prepared for medical student in Yasuj University of Medical Sciences in 2009. The length of the time for RLO was between 11-22 min. Because their capacities were low, so they were easy to use with cell phone or MP4. These materials were available to the students before the classes. The mean scores of students in anatomy of human body group were compared to the medical students who were not used this method and entered the university in 2008. A questionnaire was designed by the researcher to evaluate the effect of RLO and on, content, interest and motivation, participation, preparation and attitude. Result: The mean scores of anatomy of human body of medical student who were entered the university in 2009 have been increased compare to the students in 2008, but this difference was not significant. Based on the questionnaire data, it was shown that the RLO had a positive effect on improving learning anatomy of human body (75.5%) and the effective relationship (60.6%). The students were interested in using RLO (74.6%), some students (54.2%) believed that this method should be replaced by lecture. Conclusion: The use of RLO could promote interests and effective communication among the students and led to increasing self-learning motivation

The effect of hydroalcohlic extract of Valeriana officinalis on the astrocytes of hippocampus in rats

Introduction: The Valeriana officinalis has therapeutic properties in neurological disorders, insomnia and hysteria. Thus, we evaluated the protective activity of Of ethanol extract of this plant on the proliferation and diameter of astrocytes in the hippocampus. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, forty Sprague Dawley rat (200–230 g) were randomly divided equally into 4 groups, in which the control group received distilled water. The treatments groups I, II and III received Valeriana officinalis extracts 300, 400 and 600 mg/kg respectively, daily for three weeks. Then, the rats were killed and brain were removed and fixed. The numbers and large diameter of the astrocytes cells were measured in the hippocampus of different groups. Results: The mean numbers of astrocytes of the CA1 and CA2 in the group that received 600 mg/kg of Valeriana officinalis extracts were 16.79±6.48 and 9.11±3.91 respectively, which significantly increased compare to the control group. The mean of large diameter of astrocytes in the CA1 region of the animals with 300, 400 and 600 mg/kg of Valeriana officinalis were 10.41±2.87, 7.85±2.36 and 5.5±2.06 respectively, that decreased significantly compare to the control group 13.1±4.01. Conclusion: The Valeriana officinalis extract with antioxidant property has potential to proliferate the astrocytes cells in the hippocampus

Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Carum copticum on withdrawal syndrome in adult rats addicted to morphine

Background & Aim: Long-term useofopioidcreates toleranceandphysical and psychologicaldependence. Discontinuation of the drug, creating ashortageofendogenousopioidsandwithdrawal syndromeemerges.Addictiontreatmentin traditional medicine isusing ofherbssuch asCarumcopticumthathas manytherapeutic effects. The purpose of thisstudy was to evaluatethe effects of hydro-alcoholic extractof Carumcopticum onwithdrawalsyndromein adult ratsaddictedto morphine. Material & Method: In this study70male Wistarratsdividedinto seven groups of 10, six groups were addicted by morphinesulfateinjection (the first 5days10 mg/kg, the second 5days15 mg/kg andon the dayfrom11 to21, 20mg/kg) subcutaneouslyfor 21 days.Groups three, four and five were fed respectively 10%, 20% Carumcopticum extract and methadone (mg/kg 5) after addiction of animals until the end of period. Groups sixandseven were given respectively10%and 20% of Carumcopticumextractfrom the beginning to the end of treatment period orally.Group one(control) andGrouptwo (morphine) were fed daily 0.5 mL of saline orally to the end of the treatment period (day 21to 35).Datacollected from body weight, jumping, itchingand diarrhea ofanimals wereanalyzedby SPSS software, using Unpaired T test, ANOVA and LSD as post-hoc statistical tests. Finding: Comparing the mean of weight loose ofthe animals in different treatmentgroupson day21with 35showed statistical significant reduction in the group that received extract of Carumcopticum 10%. On the day 21,itchingand jumping, in the group that received extract of Carumcopticum 10%,and the diarrhea, in the group that receivedthe extract ofCarumcopticum20%compared withthe control groupshoweda significant decrease(P<0.05).On day35,Jumping and diarrheain thegroupsreceived theextract ofCarumcopticum10 and 20percent comparedwith the control groupshoweda significant decrease(P<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, hydro-alcoholic extract of carumcopticum inconcentration of 10and 20percent are effectivein reducingwithdrawal syndromeofmorphine as like as methadone.Perhapsitcan be usedas an alternative tomethadoneinaddictiontoreducepainfulwithdrawalsyndromeand freed from the side effects ofmethadone.This suggestionneeds a widerinvestigation

The Effect of Vitamin D on dryness and pale vaginal mucosa

Introduction: Vaginal dryness is a common symptom after menopause and reduction of estrogen levels. Prescription of the drug can temporarily be effective but it will not be possible for most of the women to take them for a prolonged period of time. Therefore, as an alternative to estrogen replacement, this study was conducted to determine the effect of vitamin D on vaginal dryness in menopause women. Methods: In the present double-blind clinical trial study, forty-four women were randomly divided into two groups. Treatment group received the vitamin D vaginal suppository, and the control group received placebo vaginal suppository in an 8-week period. The vaginal paleness and dryness were assessed in first, 2, 4 and 8 weeks of visit. The mean of maturation index of parabasal cells were measured in the beginning of the study as well as at the end of the eighth week. The Mann-whitney and independent T-test were utilized in order to analyze the data. Results: The mean of vaginal dryness in treatment and control groups were (Mean ± SD), 1.42±0.5, 2.09±0.76, respectively, at the end of eighth week (P<0.05). Mann Whitney test determined a significant difference (P<0.05) of vaginal palenss in the treatment group (1.9±0.62) compared to the control group (2.8±o.67). The mean of parabasal cells in the treatment group decreased significantly compare to the control group. Conclusion: Vitamin D vaginal suppository is effective on decrease of vaginal dryness and paleness in menopause women

Protective effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Nasturtium Officinalis Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Damage in Rats

Abstract: Background and aim: Leaves and flowers of Nasturtium officinalis L. contain flavonoid compounds. This plant has several characteristics, such as anticancer properties, blood suger insucer and blood lipids. In the present study, the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of grasses in liver toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in Wistar rats was investigated. &nbsp; Methods: In this research, 32 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four equal groups of&nbsp; control (received olive Oil), positive control (received olive Oil + CCl4), and four groups as treatment 1 and 2 received olive oil intraperitoneal administration and 250, 500mg/kg body weight hydroalcoholic extract Nastartium officinals respectively. Animals were treated orally by gavage daily for 32 days. At the end of experiment, serum levels of aspartate and alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase and total proteins were assessed. The Data was analyzed with using of one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's HSD tests using SPSS 21. &nbsp; Results: The mean of ALT, AST, ALP reduced and total protein increased significantly in the in the fourth group compared to the second group (P<0.05). Histological investigation demonstrated that necrosis and inflammation of liver reduced following carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity. &nbsp; Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extract of Nasturtium officinal's can protect liver cells against toxic oxidative damage caused by carbon tetrachloride. &nbsp; &nbsp

The effects of Vitreous Humor on Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Bone Marrow to Lens Fiber Like Cells

Introduction & Objective: The function and transparency of the lens actually diminishes with aging as a result, external intervention is necessary to amend it. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of vitreous humor on the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to lens fiber like cells. Materials & Methods: The present experimental study was conducted at Tarbiat Moallem University in 2010. Bone marrow was collected from tibias in NMRI mice and then cultured. Immuno-cytochemistery was done to confirm the mesenchymal stem cells using Oct4 antibody. Subsequently, MSCs were treated with bovine vitreous body for 7 and 21 days. The morphology of the MSCs to the lens fibers were studied using Phase Contrast Microscope. Results: During the primary culture, the cell population was heterogeneous and in the subsequent passages, the number of the spindle-shaped cells increased. Immuno-cytochemistery study confirmed the MSCs. Morphological studies showed that most cells in the experimental group were locally longer and more aligned in parallel compared to control group cells. Moreover, lens fiber like with large nuclei and multiple nucleoli was observed. Furthermore, the concentration of 25% of vitreous body had more induction effect on MSCs in comparison with the 50% concentration. Conclusion: The MSCs derived from mouse bone marrow could differentiate into lens fiber like cells by treating them with vitreous humor

The Effect of Resveratrol on Fetal Heart Tissue Changes after Preeclampsia Induced by L-name in Rats

Introduction: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on fetal heart tissue changes as well as to investigate the serum level of alanine aminotransferase (SGOT) and aspartate aminotransferase (SGPT) enzymes in pregnant rats after preeclampsia. Methods: In this experimental study, 36 pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 equal groups. The normal and L-name groups received respectively, normal saline and 70 mg/kg L-name intra peritoneally (IP). Two other groups named L-Res10 and L-Res20 groups received L-name 70 mg/kg plus 10 and 20 mg/kg of resveratrol, respectively. Injections were given for all groups from 9th to 20th days of the pregnancy. The fetal heart tissue changes as well as the serum level of SGOT and SGPT enzymes of the pregnant rats were measured on the 20th day of the pregnancy. Moreover, the study data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests. Results: The mean thickness of left ventricle in the L-res20 was reduced significantly compared to the L-name rats (P<0.05). The mean thickness of endocardium and epicardium was increased in rats which received resveratrol compared to the L-name group, though the difference was not proved to be significant. The mean serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase did not reveal to be significant between the groups. Conclusion: The results of the current study proposed that the resveratrol can have protective effects on fetal heart tissue and liver enzyme normal range in a rat model of preeclampsia

The effect of Hydro Alcoholic Extract of Quercus Species on Lipid Peroxidation and Brain Histology Following Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

Background & aim: The production of free radicals and lipid peroxidation are harmful to health. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the ethanol extract of Quercus species on lipid peroxidation and the histology of the gyrus dentatus after rat cerebral ischemia. Methods: In the present experimental study, thirty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into three groups. Experimental groups 1 and 2 received 500 and 1000 mg kg hydro alcoholic extract of Quercus and control group were given distilled water at the same time, respectively. In all groups, both sides of common carotid artery was blocked and then opened for 15 minutes. After fifteen days, the mice were killed and the right and left hemisphere were used to determine the level of malondialdehyde by histological studies. Data were analyzed by one-way AOVA. Results: The average number of granular cells in the dentate gyrus of experimental groups were 32.5±1.5, 31.2±2.8, respectively, which was not significantly different in comparison to the control group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Hydro alcoholic extract of Quercus species inhibit lipid peroxidation by preventing the process of reducing ischemia-reperfusion after injury of nerve cell