Protective effect of Harmine on kidney disorders induced by nicotine in male mice

Introduction: Harmine is one of the Harmal-deived alkaloids with anti-proliferatory effect on cell lines. Nicotine is a major toxic component of cigarette smoke and it is a major risk factor in the development of functional disorder of several organ systems. Nicotine from tobacco products is absorbed into the blood across the lungs,  nasal and buccal mucosa. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of Harmine and Nicotine on the weight of kidney and number of glumeruli and glomerular diameter, kidney tissue and serum levels of nitric oxide, BUN, Creatinine and TAC in mice. Methods and Results: In this study, 48 male Mice were divided in to 8 groups: control, nicotine–treated group (2.5 mg/kg/day); harmine-treated groups (5,10, 15 mg/kg./day); and nicotine and harmine treated group intraperitoneal administration for successive 14 days. These mice were randomly assigned to 8 groups(n=6). After 24 hours animal were killed , the kidney was sampled: tissue sections were prepared and examined by light microscope. weight of kidney  and number of glumeruli and glomerular diameter and serum levels of nitric oxide, BUN, Creatinine and TAC (Total antioxidant capacity) were analyzed (one-way ANOVA). Then data were P<0.05 was considered significant. The results indicate that nicotine administration significantly increased BUN, creatinine and nitric oxide levels compared to saline group (P<0/05). Harmine   (10, 15 mg/kg./day) significantly decreased BUN, creatinine and nitric oxide levels  compared to control group and nicotine group (p<0.05). Nicotine treatment significantly increased glomerular diameter compared to control group (p<0.05). as well as, nicotine administration significantly decreased TAC levels compared to saline group (P<0/05). Histopathology of the kidney confirmed the changes induced by nicotine and the renal protection effect of harmine. Conclusions: It seems that harmine administration could improve kidney changes and prevented nicotine-induced adverse effects on serum levels of nitric oxide, BUN and Creatinine and Total antioxidant capacity

Effects of sodium alginate capsules as 3D scaffolds on hormones and genes expression in preantral follicles of mice compared to 2D medium: An experimental study

Background: The improvement of in vitro maturation methods, which can activate the preantral follicle growth, plays a crucial role in the production of mature oocytes in reproductive technology. Objective: To evaluate the different concentrations of 3D scaffolds of sodium alginate on hormones and gene expression in mice preantral follicles. Materials and Methods: Immature female BALB/c mice (12-14 days) were sacrificed. The follicles were removed mechanically and transferred into α minimal essential medium with 5% fetal bovine serum. The preantral follicles were incubated with different concentrations of sodium alginate (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) and 2D medium for 12 days. The follicles were examined for antral formation following the 10th day and the diameter on days 6th and 12th. The levels of hormones (AMH, androstenedione, 1

Retraction Note to: The protective effect of Pentoxifylline on testopathy in male rats following Dimethyl Nitrosamine administration: An experimental study

This article has been retracted at the request of the IJRM editorial board, based on research the results of an investigation which found serious flaws in publishing the study results. &nbsp

Effect of melatonin on steroidogenesis-related enzymes expression and testosterone synthesis following CoCl2-induced hypoxia in TM3 Leydig cells

Objective(s): This study examined the effects of melatonin treatment on steroidogenesis dysfunction and testosterone impairment, following CoCl2-induced hypoxia in TM3 Leydig cells. Materials and Methods: The TM3 cells were divided into four groups. The first group received no treatment. The MLT group was treated with a concentration of 1 mM melatonin. In the CoCl2 group, 0.2 mM CoCl2 was added to the medium to induce Hif1α overexpression. The MLT+CoCl2 group received 0.2 mM CoCl2 and 1 mM melatonin. After 24 hr treatment, the cells and supernatants were collected and used for further determination. The MTT assay was performed to estimate the decrease in cell viability throughout the CoCl2 and melatonin treatment. The mRNA and the protein levels were evaluated using Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. The ELISA assay kit was used to detect the testosterone content.Results: CoCl2 treatment caused Hif1α overexpression in TM3 Leydig cells. Moreover, CoCl2 treatment of these cells led to considerable downregulation of Star, Hsd3b1, and Gata4 well as Mtnr1a and Mtnr1b mRNA/protein expression coupled with testosterone content repression in the cell culture medium. Melatonin administration in CoCl2 -treated cells decreased Hif1α mRNA/protein expression, but had no significant effect on Star, Hsd3b1, Gata4, Mtnr1a mRNA/protein expression, and the testosterone level in the cell culture medium. Melatonin caused recovery of decrease in the Mtnr1b gene and protein expression. Conclusion: There was no significant effect on steroidogenesis-related genes, proteins, and testosterone synthesis in the absence of gonadotropin treatment plus melatonin following CoCl2-induced hypoxia in TM3 Leydig cells

Melatonin Protects Mouse Type A Spermatogonial Stem Cells against Oxidative Stress via The Mitochondrial Thioredoxin System

Objective: Mitochondrial oxidative stress is an important factor in infertility. The mitochondrial thioredoxin systemplays an important role in this condition. N-acetyl-5-methoxy tryptamine (melatonin) plays a role in reducing oxidativestress and apoptosis in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In this study, we explore the probable protective effects ofmelatonin on the mitochondrial thioredoxin system [thioredoxin 2 (Trx2)/Txnip] in SSCs under oxidative stress.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, SSCs were co-cultured two-dimensionally (2D) with Sertoli cellsin DMEM culture medium that contained 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 1% antibiotics, and 10 ng/ml glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF) for 30 days. The cultured cells were subsequently divided into four groups: control; melatonin(250 μM, 24 hours); melatonin (250 μM, 24 hours)+hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 50 μM, 24 hours); and H2O2 (50 μM, 24hours). Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was determined by flow cytometry. Malondialdehyde(MDA) levels were measured by Fluorometry. The expressions of apoptotic and antioxidant genes and nuclear factorerythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Trx2, and nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) proteins were determinedby quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levelswere measured by fluorometry.Results: Melatonin reduced H2O2-induced ROS levels and apoptosis in the SSCs. Melatonin also increased mRNAexpression of Nrf2, Trx2, NNT, Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3), and decreased mRNA expression of Txnip, and increased proteinexpressions of Nrf2, Trx2, NNT thereby increasing activity of the mitochondrial thioredoxin system. In addition, melatoninincreased ATP levels.Conclusion: Melatonin increased Trx2 expression through the Nrf2 pathway. This study suggests that melatonin mayprotect SSCs from oxidative stress in diseases related to infertility

Synergistic effects of Bacillus coagulans and Newcastle disease virus on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell proliferation

Background and Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common type of cancer that has a high death rate and is becoming more common in developed countries. Currently, there are several treatment options available for CRC patients, and clinical trials are being conducted to improve conventional therapies. This study investigates the combined impact of Bacillus coagulans (B.C) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) on the growth of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT29 cell line). Materials and Methods: The HT29 cell line was cultured under controlled laboratory conditions. They were treated with Fluorouracil (5-FU), NDV, and B.C., after which various assessments were conducted to determine the effects of these treatments. These assessments included MTT assay for cytotoxicity, evaluation of cell viability, and measurement of caspase 8 and 9 activity levels. The significance of the data was determined at a threshold of P<0.05 following analysis. Results: The usage of NDV and B.C significantly increased cell death and reduced cell growth in the HT29 cell line, when compared to the control group. Moreover, the combined application of NDV and B.C along with 5-FU exhibited a synergistic effect in decreasing the proliferation of HT29 cells. Additionally, the results indicated that intrinsic apoptosis pathway was activated by B.C and NDV. Conclusion: It appears that utilizing oncolytic viruses (OV) and bacteria in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs could potentially aid in reducing the growth of colorectal cancer cells. However, further research is necessary, including animal studies, to confirm the efficacy of this treatment method

Protective and modulatory effects of royal jelly used against the induced changes in silver nanoparticles on the hippocampus of male rats

Objective (s): Silver nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable attention owing to their important properties, including antimicrobial and anti-oxidative stress effects. However, high concentrations of silver NPs have been reported to have toxic effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the modulatory and protective effects of royal jelly (RJ) against the harmful effects of silver NPs on hippocampal functions, such as learning and memory. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 40 male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups of 10, including the control group (no silver NPs and RJ), RJ group, silver NPs plus RJ, and silver NPs. Some functions of the hippocampus (e.g., learning and memory) were evaluated using Morris memory function tests for four consecutive days. In addition, the relative expression of TRPV1 was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). At the final stage, hippocampal tissues were collected for histological studies.Results: Levels of learning and memory, relative gene expression ratio of TRPV1, and the histological changes in the hippocampus were significantly different in the groups receiving silver NPs compared to the groups administered with RJ. Conclusion: According to the results, RJ may be the effective in the protection against the adverse effects of silver NPs and improve the function of the hippocampus

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. Methods The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk-outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. Findings Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4.45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4.01-4.94) deaths and 105 million (95.0-116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44.4% (41.3-48.4) of all cancer deaths and 42.0% (39.1-45.6) of all DALYs. There were 2.88 million (2.60-3.18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50.6% [47.8-54.1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1.58 million (1.36-1.84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36.3% [32.5-41.3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20.4% (12.6-28.4) and DALYs by 16.8% (8.8-25.0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34.7% [27.9-42.8] and 33.3% [25.8-42.0]). Interpretation The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.Peer reviewe

Congenital Heart Disease in Children with Down syndrome in Kermanshah, West of Iran during 2002 - 2016

Background Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal anomaly. Dysmorphic features can occur in several organs in this syndrome. Cardiac anomalies with a prevalence of 50% are the most common anomalies responsible for death during the first two years of life. We aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiac anomalies among Down syndrome patients admitted to two tertiary hospitals in Kermanshah, Iran from 2002 to 2016. Materials and Methods In this descriptive study, the medical records of all patients with Down syndrome admitted to two university hospitals namely Imam Ali and Imam Reza, Kermanshah city located in Western part of Iran in the study period were reviewed. All patients had received Echocardiography two-dimensional (2D). The required data including cardiac anomaly type, consanguinity of parents, maternal age, surgical interventions, and survival were collected into a checklist. Results:  During the study period, 166 patients with Down syndrome had received diagnostic and therapeutic services in the studied hospitals. There were 70 males (42.2%) and 96 females (57.8%). Familial consanguinity was documented in 95 patients (57.2%). Mean ± standard deviation (SD) maternal age at delivery was 26.33 (±4.7) years (range, 15 to 45 years). Of 166 studied patients, 123 (74.1%) had cardiac anomaly. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) was the most prevalent single defect seen in 32 (26%) patients, followed by atrial septal defect (ASD) detected in in 22 (17.8%) patients. Seventy patients (42.1%) required surgical interventions. A total of 74 patients experienced relative improvement of the symptoms. Also, seven patients (10.2%) died including five females and two males. Conclusion: The frequency of cardiac anomalies in the studied population of Down syndrome patients was higher than former reported figures. The pattern of the anomalies is compatible with some former reports, but contradicts other reports

Frequency of Cleft Lip and Palate among Live Births in Akbar Abadi Hospital

Cleft lip and cleft palate are one of the most frequent congenital anomalies worldwide. This study was conducted in order to measure the frequency of cleft lip and palate among live births in Akbar Abadi Hospital. This is a descriptive study, dealing with 57526 cases of live birth out of 59477 medical files in Akbar Abadi Hospital from 2004 to 2008. All the collected data were recorded in specific data sheets. The frequency of cleft lip or palate or both was 103 cases in 57526 live births, which is 1.79 per 1000 live births. The frequency of cleft lip, cleft palate and concurrent cleft lip and palate were 0.53, 0.33 and 0.92 per 1000 live births respectively. Among the newborns with any type of this anomaly, 53 (51.5%) were males and 50 (48.5%) were females. Twenty nine neonates (28.2%) had limb anomalies, 13 (12.6%) had syndromic features, 4 (3.9%) had limb anomalies and syndromic features, and 3 (2.9%) had cardiovascular anomalies. Our study indicates a frequency of cleft lip and/or palate near to the average international figure, and close to the findings in European and East Asian countries. Furthermore, the frequency of cleft lip and palate in our study was different from American countries and India probably due to ethnic differences