Effects of lead on the development of Drosophila melanogaster

Background and Purpose: Lead as a heavy metal and environmental pollutant causes sperm abnormalities, organogenesis, morphogenesis disorders and miscarriage. There are some similarities between mammals and Drosophila melanogaster. The present study is to investigate the lead-ion effects on some developmental aspects of Drosophila as a model. Materials and Methods: Five pairs of three-day flies were added to the culture containing different concentrations of lead-ion to mate and lay eggs. Transformation rate of larvae to pupa, pupa to adult, the required time for insect development and morphometric changes as well as eggs hatching rate for insects that developed in culture containing lead-ion were studied. Results: Culture-medium lead-ion (20-300 mg/L) increased larvae and pupae periods, but decreased the conversion rate of larvae to pupa, pupa to adult and eggs hatching. It also decreased the growth rate of larvae length/ width, pupa length/width and adult length. The results show that eggs length/width did not change. Conclusion: Factors such as the lead-ion interference with enzymes performances were involved in metamorphosis, reducing the mitochondrial cristae and ATP synthesis. In addition, the negative effect of lead on the production of growth hormones, metabolic enzymes and genes expression are the suggesting aspects for future study

Evaluation of Cannabis sativa leaves aquatic extract effect on triple regions of hippocampus neuronal density in male rats

زمینه و هدف: در گیاه شاهدانه (sativa Cannabis ) بیش از 61 ماده شیمیایی یافت شده که کانابینوئید نامیده می شود. کانابینوئیدها در تمام مراحل حافظه نقش دارند. هدف از انجام این تحقیق بررسی اثر عصاره آبی برگ گیاه شاهدانه بردانسیته نورونی نواحی CA1,CA2,CA3 (CA Ammonis, Cornu) هیپوکامپ می باشد. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه تجربی 24 سر موش صحرایی نر نژاد ویستار با وزن تقریبی 350-300 گرمی، به سه گروه تجربی 1 و تجربی 2 و گروه شاهد تقسیم شدند. عصاره آبی برگ گیاه شاهدانه با روش سوکسله تهیه شد و در دو گروه تجربی به ترتیب با دوزهای 25 و 50 میلی گرم به کیلوگرم به روش داخل صفاقی برای مدت 3 هفته (هر هفته یکبار) و به گروه شاهد نرمال سالین تزریق شد. پس از یک ماه حیوانات با رامپون و کتامین بیهوش و مغز به آرامی از جمجمه خارج و در فرمالین نمکی 10 قرار گرفت. پس از طی مراحل پاساژ بافتی از مغز برش های سریال 7 میکرونی تهیه شد و با هماتوکسیلین، ائوزین رنگ آمیزی شد. از نواحی CA1,CA2,CA3 عکسبرداری و به طریقه دایسکتور دانسیته نورونی محاسبه و نتایج گروه ها با استفاده آزمون های آماری t، ANOVA و توکی با هم مقایسه شدند. یافته ها: میانگین دانسیته نورونی ناحیه CAlدر گروه کنترل و تجربی 1 و 2 به ترتیب 553±37396، 233±10081 و 382±10986، ناحیه CA2 449±33045، 284±14648 و 378±17147 و در ناحیه CA3 437±26324، 215±10469 و 359±13829 بود. آنالیز های آماری کاهش معنی داری را در دانسیته نورونی نواحی CA1,CA2,CA3 گروه تجربی (دوز 25 و 50 mg/kg عصاره آبی) نسبت به گروه کنترل نشان داد (001/0>P). نتیجه گیری: احتمال می رود عصاره آبی برگ گیاه شاهدانه با داشتن ترکیبات کانابینوییدی آزادسازی دوپامین را افزایش داده و تولید ایمپالس های مهاری می کند و از این طریق باعث تخریب نورونی شده بنحوی که دانسیته نورونی این ناحیه کاهش یافته است

Thiamine as a peripheral neuro-protective agent in comparison with N-acetyl cysteine in axotomized rats

Objective(s): In this study, the impact of thiamine (Thi), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and dexamethasone (DEX) were investigated in axotomized rats, as a model for neural injury.Materials and Methods: Sixty-five axotomized rats were divided into two different experimental approaches, the first experiments included five study groups (n=5): intrathecal Thi (Thi.it), intraperitoneal (Thi), NAC, DEX, and control. Cell survival was assessed in L5DRG in the 4th week by histological assessment. In the second study, 40 animals were engaged to assess Bcl-2, Bax, IL-6, and TNF-α expression in L4-L5DRG in the 1st and 2nd weeks after sural nerve axotomy under treatment of these agents (n=10).Results: Ghost cells were observed in morphological assessment of L5DRG sections, and following stereological analysis, the volume and neuronal cell counts significantly were improved in the NAC and Thi.it groups in the 4th week (P<0.05). Although Bcl-2 expression did not show significant differences, Bax was reduced in the Thi group (P=0.01); and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased in the NAC group (1st week, P<0.01). Furthermore, the IL-6 and TNF-α expression decreased in the Thi and NAC groups, on the 1st week of treatment (P≤0.05 and P<0.01). However, in the 2nd week, the IL-6 expression in both Thi and NAC groups (P<0.01), and the TNF-α expression in the DEX group (P=0.05) were significantly decreased. Conclusion: The findings may classify Thi in the category of peripheral neuroprotective agents, in combination with routine medications. Furthermore, it had strong cell survival effects as it could interfere with the destructive effects of TNF-α by increasing Bax

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Ferula persica resin on induced rheumatoid arthritis by Freund\'s complete adjuvant in rat

Background and Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune-inflammatory disease with possible joint destruction and disability. Persica plant, seems contain anti-inflammatory capabilities. This study was done to determine the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Ferula persica resin on induced rheumatoid arthritis by Freund's complete adjuvant in rat. Methods: In this experimental study, 36 male Wistar rats (200-250 g) and 8 weeks old were randomly allocated in 6 groups including normal group, positive control, negative control, and groups treated with the hydroalcoholic extract of persica resin with 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg/bw doses. The resin of persica was extracted by Maceration method. On the first day, inflammation was induced with injection of 0.2 ml of Freund's complete adjuvant into the right knee joint of rats and from the fifteenth day hydroalcoholic extract was injected intraperitoneally and daily for 15 days. On the 30th day, blood samples were taken from hearts for rheumatoid factor measurement. Histological slides were prepared from knee joint. Results: The level of RF in the three treatment groups was significantly reduced compared to the negative control group (p<0.05). Destruction of cartilage were observed in treated group with dose of 25 mg/kg/bw in comparision with positive control group, treated group with 50 and 75 mg/kg/bw doses. Also in the negative control group, synovial hyperplasia, pannus and the destruction of cartilage were observed. Conclusion: It seems that hydroalcoholic extract of Ferula persica resin can causes dose dependent reduction of inflammation and destruction of cartilage result from induced rheumatoid arthritis in the rats

The local effect of Persian Gulf brittle star (Ophiocoma erinaceus) alcoholic extract on cutaneous wound healing in Balb/C mouse

Background and Aim: Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process with the wound environment changing with the changing health status of the individual. Therefore identification new natural products is necessary for accelerate wound healing. The present study investigated the effect of topical application of Persian Gulf brittle star alcoholic extract on wound healing in Balb/C mice. Materials and Methods: 40 Balb/C mice were divided randomly into 4 groups including: control group, positive control (treatment with honey), negative control (treatment with physiological serum), and experimental group (treatment with extract 1% of brittle star). In all groups in posterial part 1 hole (6 mm in diameter) wound created. On the 3th, 6th, 9th and 12th day after creation wound, samples were collected from the healing hole. Histopathological changes were investigated and analyzed by Spss software and using ANOVA test for repeated measured data with p<0.05. Results: Significant changes in proliferation of inflammatory cells (on the 12th day), epithelium thickness (on the 6th day), more angiogenesis (on the 6th- 9th day), in the experimental wounds were compared with those in the control group. However, experimental group with positive control were not significantly different in these days. Conclusion: Findings of this research indicated that the topical application of brittle star extract posse positive impact on wound healing process

Antifungal effect of cerumen on fungi causing otomycosis

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate anthropometric parameters of lip - nose complex in 11-17 years old males in Mashhad using photographic analysis.   Materials and Methods: Number of 357 Fars boys (11-17 years old), residence in Mashhad were included in this study. They were all class.I. Some frontal and lateral photographs of natural head position were taken by a digital camera. After landmark determination, anthropometric parameters including alar width, mouth width, nose height, cupid arch width, vertical height of lips, columellar width, nasolabial angle and nasal root slope angle were determined by Smile Analyzer software while Kruskal – Wallis test was used for data analyses. Results: This study revealed that alar width, nasal height and mouth width were increasing gradually within 11 to 16 years of age. But nose height to nose width proportion did not show any significant differences in different age groups (P=0.097). Nasolabial angle in different age groups had no significant statistical differences and it was between 95.83 and 100.05 (P=0.315). However for Cph-Cph, the distance was decreasing first and then increasing with no significant differences among age groups. Conclusion: Except significant differences observed in different age groups about nasolabial angle and nasal index, there were not any other significant differences for other anthropometric parameters. It could be helpful in orthodontic and surgical treatment planning.

Investigating the effects of co-treatment of type one interferons and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on Glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol of blood serum in Syrian mouse

Background and purpose: granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has a major role in blood cells differentiation especially in neutrophils, therefore G-CSF widely has been used in treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Different lines of evidence indicated that G-CSF is increased in inflammatory situation and has inflammatory characteristics. Unlike G-CSF, type I interferones (IFNs) have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether type I IFNs can normalize the effects of G-CSF on blood factors. Materials and methods: forty-two mice (male, eight weeks) were divided into six groups of seven, which includes Group 1 (control) injection of distilled water, Group 2 injection 200 µg/kg b.w. G-CSF, Group 3 injection 200 µg/kg b.w. Alfa interferon (IFN-α), Group 4 injection 200 µg/kg b.w. interferon beta (IFN-β), Group 5 injection 200 µg/kg b.w. G-CSF+200 µg/kg b.w. IFN-α, Group 6 injection 200 µg/kg b.w. G-CSF+200 µg/kg b.w. IFN-β. After 28 days, blood was taken from each mouse heart and blood biochemical parameters (Glucose, Triglyceride, Cholestrol) was investigated. Results: surprisingly, in most cases, the G-CSF and type one IFNs alone or simultaneously reduced the levels of Glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol. Also the reduction of glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol were higher in G-CSF and INFs in compare with G-CSF alone. Our data raise the possibility that, G-CSF and INF-α/β have some similarity in signaling pathway which has to be investigated

Protective Effect of the Persian Gulf brittle star Ophiocoma Erinaceus extract on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage in adult male Wistar rats

Background and Aim: &nbsp;Brittle star possess&nbsp; bioactive compounds which confer the wound healing capacity and regenerative potency of damaged&nbsp; arms and organisms to this creature. The aim of the current study was to assess the&nbsp;&nbsp; protective&nbsp; effect&nbsp; of&nbsp; the&nbsp; star extract on liver damages induced by carbon tetrachloride in adult male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 32 adult male rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: control, Sham exposed, experimental 1 (treated with %25 extract) and experimental 2 (treated with %50 extract) of star Ophiocoma Erinaceus. The control group received no treatment. The sham exposed groups received carbon tetrachloride .(50% in olive oil) .0.5 ml/kg for 7 days. The experimental groups firstly received carbon tetrachloride, then received %25, %50 brittle star extract as intragastric for 7 days. Finally, the animals were sacrificed, and their bodies and livers were weighed. Then, the livers sections were prepared and were examined by means of light microscope. Finally, the obtained&nbsp; quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS (V; 20), Mini Tab software, ANOVA, and Tukey. at the significant level of P<0.001. Results: Carbon tetrachloride significantly decreased the rats&rsquo; body weight, but it increased their livers weight (P<0.001). Histopathological evaluations showed .extensive liver damage. On the other hand, treatment with brittle star extract .ncreased liver weight, reduced. body weight and significantly altered other induced changes by carbon tetrachloride on liver structure such as hepatocytes number, Kupffer cells, and arteritis, which indicated&nbsp; the improvement of damaged liver tissue (P<0.001). Conclusion: It was found that brittle star extract can exert protective effects on&nbsp; liver damages induced by carbon tetrachloride on male Wistar rat

The impact of sheep testis extract on hair follicle growth and skin healing of Wistar rats

Since administration of androgens has been considered appreciable in hair follicle growth and wound healing, therefore the main objective in this study is evaluation the effect of sheep testis extract on improvement and growth of hair follicle and regeneration of injured Wistar rat skin. In this experimental study, rats were randomly divided into 7 groups, control (negative control), sham (treatment with physiologic serum), experimental group 1 (treatment with 100% sheep testis extract), experimental group 2 (treatment with 75% extract), experimental group 3 (treatment with 50% extract), positive control 1 (treatment with honey) for evaluation of wound healing and positive control 2 (treatment with Minoxidil) for evaluation of hair follicle growth. Then, rats were killed after and removed approximate wound skin, fixed in 10% formalin, kept in paraffin block. In addition, it was prepared serial section with 6 µm thickness and performed hematoxylin eosin staining. Then, epidermal thickness, the number of fibroblast, basal cells, inflammatory cells, vessel bud and hair follicle were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed by one way ANOVA, Tukey test at p ˃0.05. The results showed that wound healing process, hair follicle formation, the re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, the number of basal cell, fibroblasts, and the number of follicles was significantly improved in the experimental group 1, 2, rather than control group (p ˃0.05).  Results of this study demonstrated that the sheep testis extract induced improvement in regeneration process, wound healing and hair follicle growth in rats which can be suggested as an appreciable candidate due to rich source of androgen and growth factors in clinical wound healing studies