The Effect of Roaccutane on Development of Ovarian Follicles and Uterine Changes in Adult NMRI Mice Strain

Introduction: Roaccutane, Acuten, and Isotretinoin are derivatives of the vitamin A naturally found in human body. Since vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, it is prescribed through controlling the amount of skin oil by forcing low-secreted sebaceous glands to treat severe skin acne with the risk of permanent scarring. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of Roaccutane on evolution of ovarian follicles and uterine, and possible attendant liver changes in adult NMRI mice.  Materials and Methods: Roaccutane was orally administered by gavage at the doses of 0.5, 10, and 20 mg/kg for 21 days. Then, the mice were dissected, and the uterine, ovarian, and liver tissues were separated. The levels of Estradiol (E2), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were examined by ELISA test and chlorometric biochemical method. Results: Increase in the Roaccutane dose led to the damage to endometrium layers, and there were no significant changes in myometrium and perimetrium. Observations of the tissue of ovaries indicated the maturity of them. Significant reduction in the number of hepatocytes and rise of glands and blood vessels were the results of the liver damage. High level of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) was the important reason for the liver damage. Hormonal findings through the increase of E2 and FSH also showed tissue damage. Conclusion: The results revealed the harmful effect of Roaccutane on evolution of ovarian follicles and uterine and liver changes of adult laboratory NMRI mice (either tissue or hormone). &nbsp

A comparative study of genotoxicity and oxidative stress before and after using lemon balm and cinnamon in subjects exposed to Nickel Welding Fumes

     By producing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, metal-induced toxicity and carcinogenicity alter DNA bases, increase  lipid peroxidation, and change calcium and sulfhydryl homeostasis. The purpose of the study was to investigate putative effects of Lemon balm and Cinnamomum zeylanicum on the blood markers of welding workers. We measured nickel and chromium levels, biochemical parameters, blood oxidative stress markers, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and DNA damage. The study was conducted on 55 male workers who worked in an industrial subjects exposed to Nickel Welding Fumes. The participants were administered Lemon balm and Cinnamon extract infusion 1.5 (0.12 extract) and 0.25(0.013 extract) g/100 mL, respectively, they have drunken twice a day for 30 days at 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM every day. In order to analyze the achieved data, paired t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient have been used. After using the extract infusion, a significant increase revealed in TAC (p= 0.007). Also, administration of infusion decreased DNA damage but it was not statistically significant. After administration of infusion, a decrease in LPO and MPO were observed (p= 0.014, p=0.000 respectively). Also there is positive correlation between ALP and Ni with 8-oH-dG and also, between Ni and TAC. The results indicate that using infusion causes to raise in a TAC and reduce in DNA damage

Critical Role of CA1 Nicotinic Receptors on Memory Acquisition Deficit Under Induction of Total Sleep Deprivation and REM Sleep Deprivation

Objective: Sleep disorder or sleep deprivation (SD) is a common issue in today’s society. Numerous evidences show that sleep is essential for proper brain performance and cognitive processes; on the other hand, cognitive functions have a broad range with learning and long-term memory as the most important ones related to attention. Since many studies show that cholinergic system has a significant role in sleep, learning, and memory, this study aims to investigate the impacts of CA1 Cholinergic Nicotinic Receptors on memory acquisition deficit which is stimulated by total sleep deprivation (TSD) and REM sleep deprivation (RSD).Methodology: In this study a water box or a multi-platform apparatus was used in order to induce total sleep deprivation (TSD) or REM sleep deprivation (RSD). In order to investigate interactions of cholinergic system and hippocampus-dependent memory, nicotinic receptor agonist (nicotine) or nicotinic receptor antagonist (mecamylamine) was injected in hippocampal CA1.  Results: According to the results of this study, 24 hours TSD or RSD decreased memory acquisition and injection of nicotine (0.0001  or mecamylamine (0.001  in TSD and RSD sham groups didn’t change memory acquisition. However, injection of sub-threshold dose of nicotine (0.0001  and mecamylamine (0.001  could reduce negative effects of SD in both TSD and RSD.Discussion; According to the present study, cholinergic nicotinic receptors are effective in learning and memory improvement.

Obestatin inhibits apoptosis and astrogliosis of hippocampal neurons following global cerebral ischemia reperfusion via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms

Objective(s): Obestatin is a newly discovered peptide with antioxidant activities in different animal models. Recent studies have shown that Obestatin inhibits apoptosis following cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury. Brain ischemia/reperfusion induces irreversible damage especially in the hippocampus area. This study aimed at examining the protective impact of Obestatin on apoptosis, protein expression and reactive astrogliosis level in hippocampal CA1 region of rat following transient global cerebral ischemia.Materials and Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups (sham, ischemia/reperfusion, ischemia/reperfusion+ Obestatin 1, and 5 µg/kg, n=12). Ischemia induced occlusion of both common carotid arteries for 20 min. Obestatin 1 and 5 µg/kg were injected intraperitoneally at the beginning of reperfusion period and 24 and 48 hr after reperfusion. Assessment of the antioxidant enzymes and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was performed by ELISA method. Caspase-3 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) proteins expression levels were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining 7 days after ischemia.Results: Based on the result of the current study, lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) (

Preventive effects of the aqueous extract of Cichorium intybus L. flower on ethylene glycol-induced renal calculi in rats

Objective: Urolithiasis remains a global problem. Despite the availability of numerous methods, no definite therapeutic agent has been yet introduced for the prevention or treatment of kidney stones. In this study, we evaluated the possible preventive effects of aqueous extract of Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) flowers on ethylene glycol-induced renal calculi in rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups and were treated for 30 days. Group A received drinking tap water, while groups B, C, and D were administered with 1% ethylene glycol for induction of calcium oxalate stone formation. Rats in groups C and D received intraperitoneal injections of the aqueous extract of chicory flowers (50 and 200 mg/kg, respectively) since the first day of the experiment. The urine volume, urine pH, and urinary levels of oxalate, citrate, calcium, uric acid, and creatinine as well as serum levels of calcium, uric acid, and creatinine were measured. After 30 days, the rats' kidneys were removed and prepared for histological evaluation of calcium oxalate deposits.  One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's test, was performed, using SPSS version 20. Results: The number of calcium oxalate crystals was significantly higher in group B (ethylene glycol-only treated animals), compared to group A (control), group C (50 mg/kg of aqueous extract), and group D (200 mg/kg of aqueous extract) (p0.05), and creatinine (

A Comparative Study of the Quality of Life, Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Farmers Exposed to Organophosphate Pesticides with those in a Control Group

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life, depression, anxiety and stress in farmers exposed to organophosphate pesticides with those in a control group. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 67 farmers of Gheinarje village in Arak, central Iran in 2012. The case group included 35 farmers exposed to organophosphate pesticides, the control group consisted of 32 subjects who had no contact with organophosphate pesticides and were matched with the case group in terms of age, gender, and education.The assessment of the quality of life was done according to the scores obtained in SF-36 questionnaire. To assess the level of depression, anxiety and stress the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS)-42 was used. A significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of mental health and quality of life in such a way that the mental health and life quality of the farmers exposed to organophosphate pesticides were significantly lower than those of the control group were (P<0.05). According to the Pearson correlation analysis there was a significant positive relationship between job history and depression as well as stress (P<0.05). Chronic exposure to organophosphate pesticides can affect the psychological aspects of farmers' lives, including the quality of life, depression, anxiety and stress and may endanger their mental health. Biologic drug development and promotion of the use of protective equipment by farmers are the secure solutions to get rid of the current problems resulted from using chemical pesticides

Comparative Toxicological Study between Exposed and Non-Exposed Farmers to Organophosphorus Pesticides

Objective: The purpose of this work was to compare DNA damage, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, inflammatory markers and clinical symptoms in farmers exposed to organophosphorus pesticides to individuals that had no pesticide exposure. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a total of 134 people. The subject group consisted of 67 farmers who were exposed to organophosphorus pesticides. The control group consisted of 67 people without any contact with pesticides matched with the subject group in terms of age, gender, and didactics. Oxidative DNA damage, the activities of AChE, interleukin-6 (IL6), IL10 and C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum were measured and clinical examinations conducted in order to register all clinical signs. Results: Compared with the control group, substantial gains were observed in the farmers’ levels of oxidative DNA damage, IL10 and CRP. There was significantly less AChE activity in farmers exposed to organophosphorus pesticides. The levels of IL6 in both groups did not significantly differ. Conclusion: The outcomes show that exposure to organophosphorus pesticides may cause DNA oxidative damage, inhibit AChE activity and increase the serum levels of inflammatory markers. Using biological materials instead of chemical pesticides and encouraging the use of safety equipment by farmers are some solutions to the adverse effects of exposure to organophosphorous pesticides

Effects of ethanol extract of Salvia hydrangea on hepatic and renal functions of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objectives: A wide range of liver and kidney disorders are associated with diabetes and there is a mutual relationship between diabetes and these diseases. Herbal medicine with having abundant ingredients is one of these options. The goal of this study was to compare the effects of alcoholic extract of aerial parts of Salvia hydrangea with glibenclamide on functional tests of liver and kidney in diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin. Materials and Methods: In this study, 35 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n= 7 in each group): control, diabetic control, and three experimental diabetic groups. The controls had normal access to water and food, the diabetic control group was given drug solvent and the three experimental groups received ethanol extract of Salvia hydrangea at doses of 100 and 200 mg and glibenclamideat a dose of 10 mg/kg/BW by gavage, respectively. To induce diabetes, a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg/BW) was injected to rats intraperitoneally. Blood samples were collected at day 21 from all groups and the related blood factors were measured and analyzed. Results: The results showed that the levels of creatinine, urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) in all diabetic groups increased compared to the control group. In all experimental groups and the group which received glibenclamide,a significant decrease was shown compared to the diabetic group (

Biological Evaluation of New Oxadiazole-Based Synthetic α-glycosidase Inhibitors for Hyperglycemia Management: A Research Study: New Oxadiazoles act as a-glycosidase inhibitor

The present study was conducted to investigate the hypoglycemic activity of 3,4,5-triphenyl-oxadiazole derivatives and its effects on liver, lung, and kidney function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 4). Diabetes was induced in four groups by a single dose of STZ at 65 mg/kg body weight, administrated intraperitoneal. After 28 days of treatment, fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels and other biochemical parameters such as cholesterol, triglycerides phosphorous, urea creatinine, etc. were measured. Also, the markers of liver and kidney function, such as urea, serum creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were determined. The study showed that the 3,4,5-triphenyl-oxadiazole derivatives at 100 mg/kg body weight had a significant antidiabetic activity after 28 days of treatment as the FBS levels decreased significantly while the serum insulin levels increased. Moreover, a significant decrease in the liver and kidney function markers in treated rats indicated the protective effect of the 3,4,5-triphenyl-oxadiazole derivatives against liver and kidney damage. The serum concentrations were normal in the control and the healthy group treated with these derivatives. The results of this study showed that both derivatives can regulate hyperglycemia and complications of diabetes

Effect of Incubation Time and Vitamin E Supplementation on Sperm Motility, Viability and DNA Fragmentation in Asthenoteratozoospermic Samples

Abstract Background: In Asthenoteratozoospermic‎ men, low motility, defected DNA and highly oxidative stress in ‎sperm ‎‎cause ‎poor‎ assisted reproductive techniques (ART) outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Vitamin E (Vit E), as a potent antioxidant, on sperm motility, viability and DNA integrity at different times of in vitro incubation (after 2, 4 and 6-h) to improve asthenoteratozoospermic semen samples for ART. Materials and Methods: Asthenoteratozoospermic semen samples of 50 volunteers were collected and examined. Each sample was divided into two groups of control and vitamin E (2mM) and kept in the 37 °C and 6 % CO2 for 2, 4 and 6 hours. After this incubation, sperm motility, viability and sperm DNA fragmentation (SCD) were evaluated in each group. Data were analyzed using repeated measurement of ANOVA and T-test. The means were considered significantly different at p<0.05. Results:Significant decrease in total and progressive motility and viability as well as significant increase in sperm DNA damage (after 6h of incubation) were found in control group vs. the control group before incubation (p<0.05). The sperm motility and viability was significantly higher in vitamin E group compared to untreated control group (p<0.05). Our results also showed that DNA fragmentation significantly was lower after 6h of vitamin E treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: In vitro supplementation of vitamin E in asthenoteratozoospermia semen samples may protect spermatozoa from maltreatment effect of ROS during sperm sampling via keeping enzymatic and antioxidant process in optimum condition