Systemic delivery of menstrual blood stem cells is more effective in preventing remote organ injuries following myocardial infarction in comparison with bone marrow stem cells in rat

Objective(s): Remote organ injury is a phenomenon that could happen following myocardial infarction (MI). We evaluated the potency of menstrual blood stromal (stem) cells (MenSCs) and bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) to alleviate remote organ injuries following MI in rats.Materials and Methods: 2 × 106 MenSCs or BMSCs were administrated seven days after MI induction via the tail vein. Four weeks after cell therapy, activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine, and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) were evaluated. The level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were determined by ELISA assay. The expression of Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Apoptosis activity and tissue damage were also determined by TUNEL and H&E staining, respectively.Results: MenSCs and BMSCs administration caused a significant reduction in AST, urea, and BUN levels compared with the MI group. In addition, systemic injection of MenSCs significantly decreased the IL-1β level compared with BMSCs and MI groups (P0.05).Conclusion: MenSCs are probably more protective than BMSCs on remote organ injuries following MI via decreasing cell death and immunoregulatory properties

Cardioprotective effects of simvastatin‑loaded nano‑niosomes on cardiomyocytes in cardiac ischemia

Background. Cardiac ischemia is the major cause of morbidity and mortality which can be increased by Statins. This study aimed to increase the effectiveness of simvastatin in the form of niosomes. Methods. In this study, 25 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: control, ischemia (induced by closed LAD), ischemia receiving nano-niosomes, ischemia receiving simvastatin, and ischemia receiving simvastatin-loaded nano-niosomes. One month after the drug injection, RNA was extracted from the heart tissue of the studied groups, cDNA was synthesized, and a real-time PCR test was performed using specific primers. SPSS 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Analysis of variance was used to investigate the effect of the interventions, and Tukey's post hoc test was used to investigate a significant difference (P<0.05) between the control groups and other groups as well as between intervention groups. Results. Apoptosis and autophagy increased significantly in the ischemia group compared to the control group (P<0.05). In the simvastatin-loaded nano-niosomes group, compared to the simvastatin group, apoptosis and autophagy showed a significant decrease (P<0.05), and also in both simvastatin-loaded nano-niosomes and simvastatin group, compared to the control group, apoptosis and autophagy showed a significant decrease. (P<0.05). Conclusion. Simvastatin is an effective drug in the recovery of cardiac ischemia, but the main problem in using simvastatin is its instability and degradability, and the use of its niosomes form solves this problem properly. Practical Implications. Simvastatin‑loaded nano‑niosomes is more effective in reducing heart ischemia damage compared to simvastatin

Protective Effects of Nucleobinding-2 After Cerebral Ischemia Via Modulating Bcl-2/Bax Ratio and Reducing Glial Fibrillary Acid Protein Expression

Introduction: Nucleobinding-2 (NUCB2) or nesfatin-1, a newly identified anorexigenic peptide, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Brain ischemia-reperfusion induces irreversible damages, especially in the hippocampus area. However, the therapeutic effects of NUCB2 have not been well investigated in cerebral ischemia. This study was designed for the first time to investigate the protective effects of NUCB2/Nesfatin-1 on the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and reactive astrogliosis level in the CA1 area of hippocampus in an experimental model of transient global cerebral ischemia. Methods: The male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups (sham, NUCB2, ischemia-reperfusion, and ischemia-reperfusion+NUCB21) (n =7). The model of cerebral ischemia was prepared by common carotid arteries occlusion for 20 minutes. Nesfatin-1 (20 µg/kg) and saline (as a vehicle) were injected (intraperitoneally) at the beginning of the reperfusion period. The assessment of the protein expression levels was performed by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining. Results: NUCB2 significantly reduced the Bax and GFAP protein levels in the CA1 area after ischemia (P<0.05). Also, NUCB2 increased Bcl-2 protein level (P<0.05). NUCB2 exerted protective effects against ischemic injury by the inhibition of astrocytes activation as an inflammatory response and decreased neuronal cell apoptosis. Conclusion: The present study provides the possible neuroprotective view of nesfatin-1 in the treatment of ischemia injury model in rat hippocampus

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Human-Derived Amniotic Membrane Stem Cells Using PEGylated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Objective: The label and detection of cells injected into target tissues is an area of focus for researchers. Iron oxide nanoparticles can be used to label cells as they have special characteristics. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on human-derived amniotic membrane stem cell (hAMCs) survival and to investigate the magnetic properties of these nanoparticles with increased contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we initially isolated mesenchymal stem cells from amniotic membranes and analyzed them by flow cytometry. In addition, we synthesized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and characterized them by various methods. The SPIONs were incubated with hAMCs at concentrations of 25-800 μg/mL. The cytotoxicity of nanoparticles on hAMCs was measured by the MTT assay. Next, we evaluated the effectiveness of the magnetic nanoparticles as MRI contrast agents. Solutions of SPION were prepared in water at different iron concentrations for relaxivity measurements by a 1.5 Tesla clinical MRI instrument. Results: The isolated cells showed an adherent spindle shaped morphology. Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated SPIONs exhibited a spherical morphology. The average particle size was 20 nm and magnetic saturation was 60 emu/g. Data analysis showed no significant reduction in the percentage of viable cells (97.86 ± 0.41%) after 72 hours at the 125 μg/ml concentration compared with the control. The relaxometry results of this SPION showed a transverse relaxivity of 6.966 (μg/ml.s)-1 Conclusion: SPIONs coated with PEG used in this study at suitable concentrations had excellent labeling efficiency and biocompatibility for hAMCs

Exercise preconditioning exhibits neuroprotective effects on hippocampal CA1 neuronal damage after cerebral ischemia

Recent evidence has suggested the neuroprotective effects of physical exercise on cerebral ischemic injury. However, the role of physical exercise in cerebral ischemia-induced hippocampal damage remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of pre-ischemia treadmill training on hippocampal CA1 neuronal damage after cerebral ischemia. Male adult rats were randomly divided into control, ischemia and exercise + ischemia groups. In the exercise + ischemia group, rats were subjected to running on a treadmill in a designated time schedule (5 days per week for 4 weeks). Then rats underwent cerebral ischemia induction through occlusion of common carotids followed by reperfusion. At 4 days after cerebral ischemia, rat learning and memory abilities were evaluated using passive avoidance memory test and rat hippocampal neuronal damage was detected using Nissl and TUNEL staining. Pre-ischemic exercise significantly reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells and necrotic cell death in the hippocampal CA1 region as compared to the ischemia group. Moreover, pre-ischemic exercise significantly prevented ischemia-induced memory dysfunction. Pre-ischemic exercise mighct prevent memory deficits after cerebral ischemia through rescuing hippocampal CA1 neurons from ischemia-induced degeneration

Noscapine AntagonizesVasoconstrictor Action of Bradykinin in Isolated Human Umbilical Artery

Background: It has been demonstrated that noscapine, an antitussive opioid alkaloid, could antagonize bradykinin- induced responses such as bradykinin effects in guinea-pig ileum, cough induced by radykinin receptor agonist and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and brain damage after brain edema both in neonatal rat model and in patients with stroke. In the present study, the effect of noscapine on bradykinin-induced constriction of human umbilical artery was investigated. Methods: Segments of human umbilical cords were obtained from women with normal full term pregnancies. Concentration-response curves for bradykinin (1-1000 nM) were constructed in the absence and presence of noscapine (1-1000 nM). To show the specificity of noscapine for bradykinin-induced constriction in the tissue, the effect of noscapine (10 pM) on vasoconstriction produced by histamine were also examined. Results: The results showed that noscapine could antagonize the constriction produced by bradykinin in human umbilical artery. It was also demonstrated that noscapine was capable of reducing histamine-induced contractile sponse. Conclusion: It is concluded that noscapine can antagonize bradykinin-induced constriction of human umbilical artery in a nonspecific manner.Thus, noscapine is likely to find a clinical application in pathologic conditions accompanied by higher vascular sensitivity to bradykinin in pregnancy

The therapeutic effect of conditioned medium of human amniotic membrane stem cells on heart failure in rats

Background. The conditioned medium of stem cells plays an important role in the treatment of various diseases such as heart damage, but its molecular mechanisms are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate one of the mechanisms of the effect of this substance in the treatment of male rats with heart failure. Methods. A total of 20 male rats were divided into four groups, control, heart failure, heart failure receiving culture medium, and medium condition groups. Heart failure was induced in all groups except the comtrol group with isoproterenol, then, culture medium and conditioned medium were injected into the related animals 28 days after HF induction. Afterward, the expressions of caspase 3 and 9 factors were examined. Results. Changes in the expressions of caspase 3, caspase 9, and GAPDH genes in the four groups were evaluated real-time PCR. Furthermore, the average expressions of caspase 3 and 9 in four groups were compared using ELISA. All data revealed that the induction of heart failure increased the expression of apoptotic factors compared to the control group, and that the treatment with a conditioned medium caused a significant decrease in apoptotic factors compared to the heart failure group (P≤0.05). Conclusion. It was concluded that the conditioned medium of human amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cells was able to improve heart failure by targeting the apoptosis pathway. Practical Implications. The findings of this study highlighted the importance of this compound as a suitable candidate for treating heart failure in the future

The effect of Noise on blood pressure and heart rate in an automotive industry

Introduction: One of the possible effects of occupational exposure to high noise is high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Aim of this study was to investigate the association between noise with blood pressure and heart rate in an automotive industry. Methods: 78 male workers who worked in an automobile factory, were participated. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured in the morning and in the middle of the day. All measurements were performed at three noise levels: 85-95, 75-85 and 65-75 dB. All data were analyzed using SPSS and MATLAB. Results: Post Hoc test showed that noise has the same effect on the average systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p= 0.733) but Box-whisker plot showed that after exposure, the variation range of blood pressure and heart rate are much more than the other groups. However, this project didn&rsquo;t show any a specific correlation between the increase in noise level with heart rate but variance analysis showed that the noise level increase lead to changes in heart rate (p= 0.049). &nbsp;Conclusions: Noise level in 75-85dB as same as 85-95 dB caused the changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Due to cardiovascular disease, it is recommended training programs for workers, reduced noise level and periodic monitoring of blood pressure of workers, especially with a history of hypertension

Apigenin improves myocardial function and attenuates cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin in male rats

Background: Doxorubicin has been used in the treatment of malignancies, including lymphoma, leukemia and breast cancer. Cardiotoxicity is the main adverse effect of doxorubicin. Apigenin, as a flavonoid, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti tumoral properties. The aim of this study is the assessment of the effect of apigenin on cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin. Materials and Methods: 60 male wistar rats were divided into 6 groups. Cardiotoxicity was induced by 6 injections of doxorubicin (2 mg/kg, ip) over 12 days. The treatment groups received orally 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg/day apigenin for 12 days simultaneously with cardiotoxicity induction. Results: The heart weight to body weight ratio showed no significant difference between different groups. In the apigenin group (25 mg/kg), EF and FS showed&nbsp; a significant increase (P<0.05) and LVEDs, LDH and CK-MB showed a significant decrease, in comparison to the cardiotoxicity group. Conclusion: Apigenin prevents LDH and CK-MB elevation and also EF and FS reduction and improves cardiac tissue changes and leads to a decrease in cardiac damage induced by doxorubicin.&nbsp