Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in Mice Kidneys Exposed to Cadmium Chloride

Background: Cadmium is one of the most toxic heavy metals in our environments having a very strong ability to accumulate in body organs especially in kidney. Our aim of this study is to determine of the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in mice kidneys exposed to cadmium. Material and Method: In this study we sacrificed 30 male mice and randomly divided into 2 different groups (control& case). Every 5 mice remained in one cage at the same standard conditions. After a week, the mice were exposed to Cd (300µm/Kg.b.wt) on 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 hrs by peritoneal injections. After 24hrs from the latest injection, the mice were killed and obtained their kidneys, and then the oxidative stress markers (malondialdehide (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) were assayed on homogenized kidneys in order to study of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and DNA damage. We used Comet assay on separated kidney cells. Finally, for analyzing statistical data, we used T-test and ANOVA using SPSS15 software. Results: In treated group, MDA and GSH concentration and also SOD (ρ<0.05) activity significantly increased in comparison with control group. Conclusion: The comet assay results obviously showed DNA breakage stimulated by Cd in treated group it was not seen in the control group

Photocatalytic Degradation of 4-Nitro Phenol in Aqueous Solution by the AgInS2 Nanoparticles Synthesized via Microwave Heating Technique

Background: With increasing demands for environmental protection, photocatalysis has attracted great attention, and AgInS2 based photocatalysis are an attractive system to study.Methods: In this work, AgInS2 (AIS) nanoparticles were synthesized via the microwave heating process with the power of 900 W for 5 min, which showed excellent photocatalytic activities upon the degradation of 4-nitro phenol (4-NP) under visible light irradiation.Results: The optimum catalyst showed the removal efficiency up to 97%, of 4-NP with the 15 mg L−1 concentration from the water after 80 min photocatalytic reaction time. The mechanism of photocatalysis was also analyzed. The product was characterized by PXRD, FE-SEM, TEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. A scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope revealed the particle morphology, with the average size of 70 nm. Powder X-ray diffraction confirmed that the resultant product is a pure orthorhombic phase of AIS nanoparticles. The band gap energy of 1.96 eV estimated by the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), exhibited that this product can be prone for photocatalytic activity in the visible region.Conclusions: It is suggested that the AgInS2 nanoparticles developed in our work can provide a new platform for the design of highly efficient photocatalysts under visible light irradiation

Photocatalytic Degradation of 4-Nitro Phenol in Aqueous Solution by the AgInS2 Nanoparticles Synthesized via Microwave Heating Technique

Background: With increasing demands for environmental protection, photocatalysis has attracted great attention, and AgInS2 based photocatalysis are an attractive system to study.Methods: In this work, AgInS2 (AIS) nanoparticles were synthesized via the microwave heating process with the power of 900 W for 5 min, which showed excellent photocatalytic activities upon the degradation of 4-nitro phenol (4-NP) under visible light irradiation.Results: The optimum catalyst showed the removal efficiency up to 97%, of 4-NP with the 15 mg L−1 concentration from the water after 80 min photocatalytic reaction time. The mechanism of photocatalysis was also analyzed. The product was characterized by PXRD, FE-SEM, TEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. A scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope revealed the particle morphology, with the average size of 70 nm. Powder X-ray diffraction confirmed that the resultant product is a pure orthorhombic phase of AIS nanoparticles. The band gap energy of 1.96 eV estimated by the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), exhibited that this product can be prone for photocatalytic activity in the visible region.Conclusions: It is suggested that the AgInS2 nanoparticles developed in our work can provide a new platform for the design of highly efficient photocatalysts under visible light irradiation

Increased Expression of CCAT2 LncRNA in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Background: The non-melanoma skin cancer is one of the most prevalent type of skin cancers, which at least involves 2-3 million people annually. In recent decades, we have witnessed a considerable rise in the incidence of NMSC in Iran. In this paper, we studied the expression of the new lncRNA colon cancer-associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) in cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).Methods: The sample included 36 patients and 30 healthy subjects, of whom, we extracted the total RNA from tissues. Using the cDNA synthase, we conducted the real time PCR. Using the SPSS software, we analyzed the data and drew the graphs by PRISM software. The index of P<0.05 was considered significant.Results: The values of CCAT2, TCF7L2 and MYC indicated a considerable expression rise in the NMSCs in comparison with the controls. In addition, the expression of CCAT2 was found  to be higher in high-grade tumors than low-grade tumors. According to results, there is a relationship between CCAT2 and NMSC initiation as well as the progression. The CCAT2 functions by its downstream genes, TCF7L2 and MYC, with an impact on the Wnt signaling pathway.Conclusions: based on the results, the lncRNA CCAT2 acts as a potential biomarker for NMSC pathogenesis

Increased Expression of CCAT2 LncRNA in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Background: The non-melanoma skin cancer is one of the most prevalent type of skin cancers, which at least involves 2-3 million people annually. In recent decades, we have witnessed a considerable rise in the incidence of NMSC in Iran. In this paper, we studied the expression of the new lncRNA colon cancer-associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) in cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).Methods: The sample included 36 patients and 30 healthy subjects, of whom, we extracted the total RNA from tissues. Using the cDNA synthase, we conducted the real time PCR. Using the SPSS software, we analyzed the data and drew the graphs by PRISM software. The index of P<0.05 was considered significant.Results: The values of CCAT2, TCF7L2 and MYC indicated a considerable expression rise in the NMSCs in comparison with the controls. In addition, the expression of CCAT2 was found  to be higher in high-grade tumors than low-grade tumors. According to results, there is a relationship between CCAT2 and NMSC initiation as well as the progression. The CCAT2 functions by its downstream genes, TCF7L2 and MYC, with an impact on the Wnt signaling pathway.Conclusions: based on the results, the lncRNA CCAT2 acts as a potential biomarker for NMSC pathogenesis

Inhibition of AGS cancer cell proliferation following siRNA-mediated downregulation of VEGFR2

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) play important roles in angiogenesis of different developmental mechanisms such as wound healing, embryogenesis and diseases, including different types of cancer. VEGFR2 is associated with cell proliferation, migration, and vascular permeability of endothelial cells. Blocking VEGF and its receptors is suggested as a therapeutic approach to prevent tumor growth. In this study, we aim to block VEGF signaling via small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibition of VEGFR2. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we used the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism to suppress expression of the VEGFR2 gene. We conducted the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot, and?ow cytometry analyses of VEGFR2 expression. Results: Real-time PCR and Western blot results showed that VEGFR2 expression signifcantly downregulated. This suppression was followed by inhibition of cell proliferation, reduction of viability, and induction of apoptosis in the cancer cells. Conclusion: These findings suggest that VEGFR2 has a role in cell proliferation and tumor growth. Accordingly, it is suggested that VEGFR2 can be a therapeutic target for controlling tumor growth and proliferation

A Review of Non-pharmacological Oral Supplements Containing Nutrients and Micronutrients in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Since osteoarthritis is the most common musculoskeletal inflammation that causes people to be unable to move with age, a proper diet can be effective in treating it. Therefore, understanding the impact of non-pharmacological nutritional supplements may provide guidelines for the prevention of this disease thereby reducing the costs of medical care. The purpose of this study was to review the effect of various non-pharmacological dietary supplements containing nutrients and micronutrients in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis. Taking these non-pharmacological nutritional supplements over a short to medium term reduced pain and inflammation, and improved patients' quality of life. However, their impact was low to moderate. To achieve the best treatment results in patients with osteoarthritis, it is recommended that these dietary supplements be taken along with medication and adopt a healthier lifestyle

Moderate to low knowledge and Positive Attitude towards Medicinal Plants leads to High Consumption of these Plants during Pregnancy

Background: In recent years, the use of medicinal plants in developing countries has increased significantly. However, these plants can cause adverse effects on the mother and fetus. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of use, knowledge, and attitude towards the use of medicinal plants in pregnant women. Methods: This descriptive–analytical study was performed in 2020 on 290 pregnant women referring to Shahroud health center. The first part of the questionnaire included demographic information and the second part included information related to knowledge, attitude, behavior, reasons for using medicinal plants, source of information, etc. The significant level was set at 0.05. Results: 61% of the participants had used the medicinal plants at least once during pregnancy. Most pregnant women had moderate knowledge (50%) and a positive attitude (73.1%) towards the use of medicinal plants. Behavior was significantly associated with knowledge (Pvalue=0.011) and attitude (Pvalue=0.014). The most common problem during pregnancy that caused the use of medicinal plants was heartburn (43.4%) and the main reason for the use of these plants was the availability of them at home or taking from acquaintances (36.6%). 57.2% had obtained their information about medicinal plants from the family. Conclusions: Due to the relatively high frequency of the use of medicinal plants during pregnancy and low knowledge about it, informing and increasing knowledge about medicinal plants during pregnancy is very important. Keywords: Pregnancy, Pregnant women, Medicinal plants, knowledg

Effect of Thymus Vulgaris Ethanol Extract, on Serum Total Antioxidant in Experimental Induced Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOs) Rats

Background: Poly cystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common female endocrine disorders. One of the side effects of PCOS is oxidative stress.. Here we investigated antioxidants effects of Thymus vulgaris ethanoli extract on experimental PCOS induced rats by estradiol-valerat (PPA).Methods: Wistar female rat (n=70) were divided into 7 groups including C1: an equal volume of (0.9% NaCl) as placebo; C2: extract (0.6cc/rat/orally/daily); C3: induced PCO by single injection of estradiol-valerate (4mg/rat/IM), and T1: PCOS induced  rats + an equal volume of (0.9% NaCl) as placebo, T2: PCOS induced rats + extract(0.2cc/rat/orally/daily), T3: PCOS induced rats + extract (0.4cc/rat/orally/daily), T4:PCOS induced rats+extract (0.4cc/rat/orally/daily) test groups, were received extract supplement, for 60 consequence days. Animals were kept in standard conditions. In last day of study the blood samples of rats in whole groups were obtained and prepared to biochemical analysis.Results: Total antioxidant capacity level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity were significantly increased in PCOS treated groups (P<0.03), these parameters in PCOS groups that did not receive extract significantly decreased (P<0.05) in comparison to control. Level of MDA in PCOS groups were significantly increased as compared to control and extract treated groups (P<0.01).Conclusions: Our results disclosed that administration of Thymus vulgaris ethanol extract significantly restitution tissue antioxidants level in PCOS induced rats.

Effect of Different Activation Mechanism of T Cells on Immunoregulatory Properties of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background: Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) have ability to regulate immune response via proinflamatory cytokines. In this study we aimed to investigate the effect of different mechanism for T cell activation and adjacency on immunoregulatory properties of MSC.Methods: Bone marrow MSCs were purchased and T cells were obtained from whole blood sample. T cells were activated by two different mechanisms using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and then co-cultured with MSC using transwell cultures (Indirect contact) and usual plate (Direct contact). After 96 hours TGF-b concentration in culture medium and indole amine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity in cell lysate were assayed. We used ANOVA and T-test for statistical analysis and 0.05 was considered as significant level.Results: Our result showed a significant increase of TGF-b secretion and IDO activity. Increase in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) groups was more significant than lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) in compare with control.Conclusions: The present study confirmed immunoregulatory effect of BM-MSC. Also this study showed that MLC of BM-MSCs and T cells have more immunoregulatory effects than LTT.