Effects of cumin extract on oxLDL, paraoxanase 1 activity, FBS, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, Apo A1, and Apo B in in the patients with hypercholesterolemia.

OBJECTIVES Paraoxanase 1 (PON1) plays a protective role against the oxidative modification of plasma lipoproteins and hydrolyzes lipid peroxides in human atherosclerotic lesions. Cumin is the dried seed of the herb Cuminumcyminum that is known as Zeera in Iran. Cumin seeds contain flavonoids which are now generally recognized to have antioxidant activity and improve the antioxidant system. So, they possibly modify PON1 activity and oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) level. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of cumin extract supplementation on oxLDL, paraoxanase 1 activity, FBS, total cholesterol, triglycerides, High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1), and apolipoprotein B (Apo B)in the patients with hypercholesterolemia. METHODOLOGY A fasting venous blood sample was obtained from the voluntary persons before and 45±3 days after taking cumin. Glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were assayed using standard enzymatic procedures. HDL-Cand LDL-C were measured by direct method and ApoA1 and ApoB levels by immunoturbidimeteric methods. The levels of arylesterase and paraoxanase activities in the samples were measured by photometry methods and oxLDL by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. 3 to 5 drops of cumin extract were added to the patient's diet three times a day based on manufacturer's instruction for 45±3 days. The biochemical parameters were compared before and after taking cumin. Data were analyzed using paired Student's t-test in SPSS statistical software (version 11.5). RESULTS The results demonstrated that there was a significant decrease in the level of oxLDL after receiving cumin. Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities increased in serum after taking cumin extract. CONCLUSION Based on the results, cumin reduces oxLDL level and increases both paraoxonase and arylesterase activity

The Effect of Adiponectin on Osteonectin Gene Expression by Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein-Treated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Osteonectin is a bone-associated protein involved in vascular calcification. Adiponectin may protect against cardiovascular disease but possible effects on vascular calcification have been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the modulatory effect of adiponectin on oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced expression of osteonectin in human aorta vascular smooth muscle cells (HA/VSMCs). HA/VSMCs were cultured in F12K media and then treated with oxLDL (100 mu g/mL) in the presence or absence of adoponectin (5 mu g/mL) for 24 and 48 hours. mRNA expression and protein level of osteonectin were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. After exposure to oxLDL, osteonectin expression increased 1.62 +/- 0.23- and 6.62 +/- 0.48-fold after 24 and 48 hours respectively compared to the control. Adiponectin increased oxLDL-induced osteonectin expression in a time-dependent manner after 24 and 48 hours (3.24 +/- 0.39- and 24.93 +/- 2.15-fold, respectively). Western blotting confirmed that osteonectin protein was upregulated by adiponectin. Our data suggest that OxLDL might cause the increase of osteonectin expression both at mRNA and protein level. This upregulation is intensified by adiponectin

The effect of Aluminum on the increasing risk of developing anemia among workers of tile production plants

Background and aims: The aluminum-containing compounds are used as glaze in tile and ceramic production plants. It means that the workers working in these plants are in direct exposure to aluminum-containing compounds. The aim of this study was to assess the potential damages caused by aluminum among tile plant workers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60 workers whom were in direct exposure to glazing material were enrolled as case group and 112 workers whose jobs were different from the case group and who had no exposure to the chemical materials in tile plants were considered as control group. After taking fasting blood samples, it was performed cell count tests using an automated blood cell counter. Serum iron and liver function test were measured using auto analyzer. Serum aluminum measurement was done by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and ferritin was measured by ELISA. Results: The serum aluminum level was significantly higher in the case group (7.26±2.63) than the control group (5.48±1.75) (P<0.001), as well as the mean hemoglobin level was lower in the case group (14.28±0.88) than the control group (15.44±1.19) (P<0.011). However, the mean level of iron and ferritin as well as liver tests exhibited no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Occupational exposure to aluminum in tile production industries could increase the serum aluminum level but may decrease blood hemoglobin concentration, which is a predisposing factor for anemia possibly through intervening in blood iron and ferritin

Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein and Upregulated Expression of Osteonectin and Bone Sialoprotein in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Background: Oxidative stress has been associated with the progression of atherosclerosis and activation of genes that lead to increased deposition of proteins in the extracellular matrix. Bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteonectin are proteins involved in the initiation and progression of vascular calcification. Objective: To investigate the effect of oxidized low-density lipoprotein on osteonectin and BSP expression in human aorta vascular smooth muscle cells (HA/VSMCs). Methods: We treated HA/VSMCs with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and measured the relative expression of osteonectin and BSP genes using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. We investigated the protein levels produced by each gene using the western blotting technique. Results: oxLDL increased osteonectin and BSP levels (mean SD], 9.1 2.1]-fold and 4.2 0.75]-fold, respectively) after 48 hours. The western blotting results also confirmed the increased levels of osteonectin and BSP. Conclusion: oxLDL may enhance vascular calcification by promoting the expression of osteonectin and BSP

Effect of gallic acid on Alkaline phosphatase gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells

Background and purpose: Vascular calcification is an important factor in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that alkaline phosphatase increases vascular calcification. Here we investigated the effect of gallic acid on alkaline phosphatase gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Materials and methods: In this experimental study humans aorta VSMCs were incubated with beta glycerol phosphate as calcification-inducing media. Then these cells were treated with 160, 180 and 200 µMol concentration of gallic acid for 24h, 48h and 72h. The total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized and then alkaline phosphatase expression was measured by real time PCR. Alkaline phosphatase specific activity was measured by spectrophotometry. Results: Overall, 160, 180 and 200 µMol concentration of gallic acid decreased alkaline phosphatase gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cell by 1.98, 2.03, and 3.16 folds, respectively after 72h compared with the control group. The alkaline phosphatase specific activity also decreased compared to that of the control group. Conclusion: Our results showed that gallic acid decreased the expression and activity of alkaline phosphatase suggesting that this antioxidant compound may attenuate vascular calcification

The effect of carvacrol on the interleukin-6 gene expression and cell signaling proteins in prostatic cancer cell line DU-145

زمینه و هدف: اینترلوکین-6 باعث ایجاد خاصیت آنتی آپوپتوزی و مقاومت دارویی در سلول های سرطانی پروستات می شود. هدف از این مطالعه بررسی اثر کارواکرول بر بیان ژن IL-6، پروتئین های سیگنالی آن و توانایی مهاجرت در رده سلول های سرطان پروستات (DU-145) می باشد. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه تجربی آزمایشگاهی، سلول های DU-145 با غلظت های مختلف کارواکرول به مدت 48 ساعت تیمار شدند. سپس، درصد زیست پذیری سلول ها به کمک روش رنگ سنجی تترازولیوم (MTT) اندازه گیری و غلظت مهارکنندگی 50 درصد رشد سلول‌ها (IC50) محاسبه شد. میزان IL-6 در غلظت های مختلف کارواکرول با استفاده از کیت الایزا تعیین شد. بیان ژن IL-6 و پروتئین های سیگنالی آن (pStat3، pErk و pAkt) به ترتیب با استفاده از روش های Real time RT PCR و Western blot تعیین شدند. توانایی مهاجرت و تهاجم سلول های DU-145 با استفاده از تست Invasion بررسی شد. یافته ها: میزان IC50 کارواکرول معادل Mµ2/406 به دست آمد. کارواکرول در غلظت Mµ150 باعث افزایش بیان mRNA مربوط به IL-6 وافزایش سنتز پروتئین آن گردید؛ اما در غلظت های بالاتر از Mµ150 بیان mRNA و سنتز IL-6 به صورت وابسته به دوز کاهش یافت (05/0>P). کارواکرول در غلظت بالاتر از Mµ150 بصورت وابسته به دوز باعث کاهش پروتئین های مسیرهای سیگنالی داخل سلولی pStat3، pErk و pAkt شد؛ همچنین، کارواکرول توانایی تهاجم و زیست پذیری سلول های سرطانی DU-145 پروستات را به طور معنی داری کاهش داد (05/0>P). نتیجه گیری: کارواکرول از طریق کاهش پروتئین های مسیرهای سیگنالی داخل سلولی و بیان ژن IL-6 باعث کاهش رشد، تکثیر و توانایی مهاجرت سلولی و باعث القاء آپوپتوز در سلول های سرطان پروستات (DU-145) می گردد. بنابراین، کاواکرول به عنوان یک ماده درمانی سودمند در درمان سرطان پروستات می تواند مورد توجه قرار گیرد

Protective effect of hydroethanolic extract of cress against hepatotoxicity due to acetaminophen in rats

Background and purpose: Acetaminophen is a routine analgesic and antipyretic agent that in overdose causes liver and kidney necrosis in both humans and animals. The cress (Lepidium sativum L.) contains flavonoid, alkaloid, and antioxidant components. In this study we investigated the hepatic protection of the hydroethanolic extract of cress against hepatotoxicity due to acetaminophen. Materials and methods: Forty-two rats were randomly divided into six groups. The first (control) and second (test without treatment) groups were administered the solvent of drug in the morning (08:00) and evening (16:00) on days 1 and 2 but, the third, fourth, and fifth groups received 200, 500, and 1000 mg/kg b.w of the extract of the cress, respectively. The sixth group (positive control) received 200 mg/kg b.w silymarin. Then all groups, except the control group, received 400 mg/kg acetaminophen per os on day 2 (10:00). After 24 hr, all blood samples were collected for determination of GOT (glutamicoxaloacetic transaminase), GPT (glutamic- pyruvic transaminase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), malondialdehyde (MDA), and serum antioxidant capacity. Also, a piece of liver was used for determining catalase activity and histopathological studies. For statistical analysis of the data, group means were analyzed with one way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test for multiple comparisons. Results: Serum GOT, GPT, ALP, and MDA reduced significantly (P< 0.001) in the treated groups with the extract of cress compared to acetaminophen group without treatment. The reduction of GPT and ALP were dose dependent. The serum antioxidant capacity and liver catalase in treated groups with the extract of the cress and silymarin treated group elevated significantly (P< 0.001) compared to the acetaminophen group without treatment. The liver histopathology in rats treated with the extract of cress showed a remarkable reduction of lymphocyte infiltration compared with rats without treatment (group two). Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the extract of the cress have protection effect against hepatotoxicity due to acetaminophen

Study of I405V polymorphism of cholesterol ester transfer protein gene in efficacy of statins on plasma level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol

زمینه و هدف: پروتئین انتقال دهنده کلسترول استر (CETP) در متابولیسم لیپوپروتئین با دانستیه بالا (HDL) و مسیر انتقال معکوس کلسترول نقش اساسی دارد. چند شکلی های ژن CETP مانند I405V (ایزولوسین به والین) که مستقیماً بر HDL کلسترول تاثیر می‌گذارد رونویسی از این ژن را تحت تاثیر قرار می‌دهد. هدف این مطالعه تعیین تاثیر پلی مورفیسم I405V ژن CETP بر سطح HDL کلسترول در پاسخ به درمان با استاتین‌ها می‌باشد. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه توصیفی - تحلیلی از بین بیمارانی که سطح لیپوپروتئین با دانسیته پایین کلسترول (LDL-C) بالاتر از 120 میلی گرم در دسی لیتر تحت درمان، 196 بیمار دریافت کننده لواستاتین و آتوراستاتین انتخاب شدند. در همه بیماران قبل و بعد از درمان پروفایل لیپیدی اندازه‌گیری شد. پلی مورفیسم I405V ژن CETP توسط تکنیک چند شکلی طول قطعه محدود (PCR- RFLP) تعیین گردید. سپس نتایج آزمایشات بیوشیمیایی در پلی مورفیسم‌های مختلف با استفاده از آزمون‌های t زوجی، ANOVA و توکی مورد مطالعه قرار گرفت. یافته‌ها: پس از درمان با لواستاتین در ژنوتیپ VV سطح کلسترول کاهش بیشتر و سطح HDL افزایش بیشتری نسبت به دو ژنوتیپ دیگر نشان داد (05/0

Molecular dynamics simulation study of the effect of hesperetin on pre-apoptotic factors of bad, bak, and bim

Background and Aim: Many compounds derived from medicinal plants, such as antioxidants and polyphenols have significant roles in prevention and treatment of various cancers. Activation of apoptosis related pathways is one of the mechanisms for inhibition of cancer progression. In this study, we investigated the effect of molecular dynamics simulation of hesperetin on the pre-apoptotic factors of Bad, Bak, and Bim. Material and Methods: In this study we collected data about 3 dimensional structure and Protein Data Bank (PDB) files of three apoptotic factors of Bad, Bak, and Bim from Protein Data Bank (http://www.rscb.org /pdb). Using VMD v1.9.2, AutoDock v.4.2, and Gromacs v.4.5.4 softwares, we started processes such as optimization, simulation, molecular docking and molecular dynamics calculations. Results: Binding of Bad molecule to hesperetin led to release of the highest amount of energy and reduced changes in the radius of gyration of Bad protein. But after binding of Bim and Bak proteins to hesperetin, changes in the radius of gyration, increased. The most frequent change in the secondary protein structure was related to increased amount of Bent structure and decreased amount of β-sheet structure in Bim molecule. Conclusion: Hesperetin can affect the activities of pre-apoptotic factors of Bad, Bak, and Bim by influencing their molecular dynamics. It seems that hesperetin has the highest effect on the activation of Bad molecule. Also, it can activate Bim protein and induce apoptosis via inducing alternations in the secondary structure of the protein

The effect of endurance training intensity on the expression of perlipin-A protein of visceral adipose tissue, serum glucose and insulin levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats

Background and aims: Changes in the expression of lipid droplet adipocyte proteins, such as prelipipin A (PLINA) cause alter lipolysis and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to compare the three endurance training intensities (low, moderate and high) on the expression of PLINA protein in visceral adipose tissue, serum glucose and insulin levels in male diabetic Wistar rats. Methods: 40 male Wistar rats were assigned to five groups (n=8) including diabetic group with low intensity endurance training, moderate intensity group, high intensity group, diabetic and healthy control groups. After induction of diabetic rats by injection of streptozotocin, endurance training was performed with different intensities for eight weeks, three sessions per week. The relative expression of PLINA protein was measured by western blot technique. One-way variance analysis and Tukey's post hoc test were used to determine the difference between the groups. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between PLINA levels in healthy and diabetic control groups with endurance training groups (with low, moderate and high intensity) (P=0.018). These differences were between low intensity training and healthy control groups (P=0.033) and between diabetic and healthy control groups (P=0.020). Serum glucose and insulin levels were significantly different between the diabetic control and endurance training groups (low, moderate and high) (P=0.001). This difference was between high-intensity training group with low intensity training (P=0.046), diabetic control (P=0.001) and healthy control (P=0.011) groups. Conclusion: Moderate and high intensity endurance training can compensate for the loss caused by diabetes in the expression of the PLINA protein and reduces serum levels of insulin and glucose in these mice. It seems that more intensity endurance training leads to more increase in PLINA expression in diabetic rats