The Effects of Different Dose of Chronic Ritalin on the Brain of Prepubertal Female Balb/C Mice

Background Methylphenidate (MPH) is commonly prescribed for children who have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, the action mechanisms of methylphenidate have not been fully elucidated. Studies have shown a relationship between apoptosis signaling pathways and psychiatric disorders, as well as therapeutic targets for such disorders. So, we examined the effects of chronic methylphenidate administration on the brain of mice. Materials and Methods Animals were administered MPH at doses of 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg for 60 days.  At the age of three months and in estrous phase, brian tissues were removed and washed in cold phosphate-buffered saline and some of them were frozen at -80oC for Western blot analysis. We measured the levels of pro-apoptotic protein, Bax and anti-apoptoticprotein, Bcl-2, in the brain of neonate female Balb/c mice. The rest of the brains were fixed in formalin (10% phosphate-buffered, pH = 7.4). Then samples were embedded in paraffin according to routine histologic procedures. Results: Our results showed that MPH with a dose of 10 mg/kg causes a considerable increase in the level of the Bax protein as compared with other groups. In contrast, in the partial cortex of female mice under treatment with high dose of MPH (10 mg/kg) could less Bcl2 levels as compared with 5 mg/kg MPH. However, 5 mg/kg MPH have a significant effect on Bcl2 levels compare with each of mentioned doses (

The Effect of Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Leaves of Vitex on the Gestation Indices of Male Rats

Background: Phytoestrogens are some plant compounds with estrogenic biological effects which are found in many nutritional sources as soybean, flaxseed, and sesame. Vitex agnus-castus, also called Vitex, owns phytoestrogen properties. Studies have shown that phytoestrogens have different impacts on the gestation process and reproduction indices. Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of Vitex extract on the gestation indices in the male rat as well as studying its histological properties in the rat testicles. Materials and Methods: The hydro-alcoholic extract of Vitex (in three doses of 165, 265 and 365 mg/kg), vehicle (normal saline) and the hydro-alcoholic powder of soybean (120 mg/kg) were respectively given to understudy, vehicle and positive control groups for 49 days. After weighing the rats in the 1st and 49th days, the blood samples of all groups were taken and tested for estradiol levels, testosterones, FSH and LH.Moreover, such reproductive indices as sperm count, sperm motion, and prostate and testicle weight were studied and samples were collected for histological studies. Results: Prescription of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Vitex (in three doses of 165, 265 and 365 mg/kg) did not change the rat’s weight, significantly (P-value= 0.06). Hormonal studies reduced the progesterone, LH, and FSH compared to the vehicle group, significantly (P-value<0.05). In addition, the amount of estradiol was significantly more than the vehicle group and the most effect was observed at a dose of 365 mg/kg (P-value=0.02). Histological studies showed a reduction in existing spermatozoa in the seminiferous ducts. Conclusions: This study had shown that the Vitex extract had inhibiting effects on the gestation indices in male rat and due to its destructive effects on the testicle tissues, more studies were required

The Protective Potential Role of ACE2 against COVID-19

Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), researchers all over the world have tried to find an appropriate therapeutic approach for the disease. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been shown as a necessary receptor to cell fusion, which is involved in infection due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is commonly crucial for all organs and systems. When ACE2 is downregulated via the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, it results in the angiotensin II (Ang II)/angiotensin type 1 receptor axis overactivation. Ang II has harmful effects, which can be evidenced by dysfunctions in many organs experienced by COVID-19 patients. ACE2 is the SARS-CoV-2 receptor and has an extensive distribution; thus, some COVID-19 cases experience several symptoms and complications. We suggest strategy for the potential protective effect of ACE2 to the viral infection. The current review will provide data to develop new approaches for preventing and controlling the COVID-19 outbreak

Evaluation of the neuroprotective effects of electromagnetic fields and coenzyme Q 10 on hippocampal injury in mouse

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are reported to interfere with chemical reactions involving free radical production. Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ10) is a strong antioxidant with some neuroprotective activities. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the neuroprotective effects of EMF and CoQ10 in a mouse model of hippocampal injury. Hippocampal injury was induced in mature female mice (25-30g), using an intraperitoneal injection of trimethyltin hydroxide (TMT; 2.5mg/kg). The experimental groups were exposed to EMF at a frequency of 50Hz and intensity of 5.9mT for 7hr daily over 1 week or treated with CoQ10 (10mg/kg) for 2 weeks following TMT injection. A Morris water maze apparatus was used to assess learning and spatial memory. Nissl staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) tests were also performed for the histopathological analysis of the hippocampus. Antiapoptotic genes were studied, using the Western blot technique. The water maze test showed memory improvement following treatment with CoQ10 and coadministration of CoQ10+EMF. The Nissl staining and TUNEL tests indicated a decline in necrotic and apoptotic cell count following treatment with CoQ10 and coadministration of CoQ10+EMF. The Western blot study indicated the upregulation of antiapoptotic genes in treatment with CoQ10, as well as coadministration. Also, treatment with EMF had no significant effects on reducing damage induced by TMT in the hippocampus. According to the results, EMF had no significant neuroprotective effects in comparison with CoQ10 on hippocampal injury in mice. Nevertheless, coadministration of EMF and CoQ10 could improve the neuroprotective effects of CoQ10

Evaluation of the neuroprotective effects of electromagnetic fields and coenzyme Q10 on hippocampal injury in mouse

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are reported to interfere with chemical reactions involving free radical production. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a strong antioxidant with some neuroprotective activities. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the neuroprotective effects of EMF and CoQ10 in a mouse model of hippocampal injury. Hippocampal injury was induced in mature female mice (25–30 g), using an intraperitoneal injection of trimethyltin hydroxide (TMT; 2.5 mg/kg). The experimental groups were exposed to EMF at a frequency of 50 Hz and intensity of 5.9 mT for 7 hr daily over 1 week or treated with CoQ10 (10 mg/kg) for 2 weeks following TMT injection. A Morris water maze apparatus was used to assess learning and spatial memory. Nissl staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) tests were also performed for the histopathological analysis of the hippocampus. Antiapoptotic genes were studied, using the Western blot technique. The water maze test showed memory improvement following treatment with CoQ10 and coadministration of CoQ10 + EMF. The Nissl staining and TUNEL tests indicated a decline in necrotic and apoptotic cell count following treatment with CoQ10 and coadministration of CoQ10 + EMF. The Western blot study indicated the upregulation of antiapoptotic genes in treatment with CoQ10, as well as coadministration. Also, treatment with EMF had no significant effects on reducing damage induced by TMT in the hippocampus. According to the results, EMF had no significant neuroprotective effects in comparison with CoQ10 on hippocampal injury in mice. Nevertheless, coadministration of EMF and CoQ10 could improve the neuroprotective effects of CoQ10. keywords:CoQ10 electromagnetic fields (EMFs) neuroprotective effect trimethyltin hydroxide (TMT

Neuroprotective Effects of Trolox, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, and Carnosic Acid on Hippocampal Neurodegeneration After Ischemia-reperfusion Injury.

INTRODUCTION: One of the serious complications of stroke is memory impairment, which is considered as one of the complications of reperfusion of tissue. The present study was designed to compare the effect of administration of Trolox, carnosic acid and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) immediately after reperfusion of the stroke tissue on the memory and hippocampal histology. METHOD: Ischemia reperfusion model (IRI) was created by bilateral occlusion of the common carotid artery for 15 minutes and the first dose was administered immediately after reperfusion. 10 days after ischemia, passive avoidance memory test and apoptotic protein levels were evaluated. RESULTS: Cerebral Ischemia perfusion reduced the time of latency in entering the dark box in the ischemic group. Administration of Trolox and HCG increased this latency time, while treatment with carnosic acid had no effect. Also, IRI significantly reduced the number of healthy cells in the hippocampus. Administration of Trolox, carnosic acid and HCG increased the number of healthy cells and decreased the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax, but significantly increased expression of Bcl-2 compared to the ischemic group. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate the beneficial effects of HCG and Trolox on the improvement of memory and the number of healthy cells in the hippocampal region. It is worth noting that the amount of apoptosis in the hippocampus was significantly reduced by Trolox, HCG and Carnosic acid

A systematic method introduced a common lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in the different stages of prostate cancer

IntroductionThe present study aimed to investigate the interaction of the common lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network involved in signaling pathways in different stages of prostate cancer (PCa) by using bioinformatics and experimental methods.MethodsSeventy subjects included sixty PCa patients in Local, Locally Advanced, Biochemical Relapse, Metastatic, and Benign stages, and ten healthy subjects were entered into the current study. The mRNAs with significant expression differences were first found using the GEO database. The candidate hub genes were then identified by analyzing Cytohubba and MCODE software. Cytoscape, GO Term, and KEGG software determined hub genes and critical pathways. The expression of candidate lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs was then assessed using Real-Time PCR and ELISA techniques.Results4 lncRNAs, 5 miRNAs, and 15 common target genes were detected in PCa patients compared with the healthy group. Unlike the tumor suppressors, the expression levels of common onco-lncRNAs, oncomiRNAs, and oncogenes showed a considerable increase in patients with advanced stages; Biochemical Relapse and Metastatic, in comparison to the primary stages; Local and Locally Advanced. Additionally, their expression levels significantly increased with a higher Gleason score than a lower one.ConclusionIdentifying a common lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network associated with prostate cancer may be clinically valuable as potential predictive biomarkers. They can also serve as novel therapeutic targets for PCa patients

Neuroprotective Effects of Trolox, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, and Carnosic Acid on Hippocampal Neurodegeneration After Ischemiareperfusion Injury

INTRODUCTION: One of the serious complications of stroke is memory impairment, which is considered as one of the complications of reperfusion of tissue. The present study was designed to compare the effect of administration of Trolox, carnosic acid and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) immediately after reperfusion of the stroke tissue on the memory and hippocampal histology. METHOD: Ischemia-Reperfusion Model (IRI) was created by bilateral occlusion of the common carotid artery for 15 minutes and the first dose was administered immediately after reperfusion. 10 days after ischemia, passive avoidance memory test and apoptotic protein levels were evaluated. RESULTS: Cerebral Ischemia perfusion reduced the time of latency in entering the dark box in the ischemic group. Administration of Trolox and HCG increased this latency time, while treatment with carnosic acid had no effect. Also, IRI significantly reduced the number of healthy cells in the hippocampus. Administration of Trolox, carnosic acid and HCG increased the number of healthy cells and decreased the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax, but significantly increased the expression of Bcl-2 compared to the ischemic group. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate the beneficial effects of HCG and Trolox on the improvement of memory and the number of healthy cells in the hippocampal region. It is worth noting that the amount of apoptosis in the hippocampus was significantly reduced by Trolox, HCG and Carnosic aci