The effect of endurance and resistance exercises and consumption of hydro-alcoholic extract of nettle on the changes in weight and plasma levels of nesfatin-1 in type 1 diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic diseases and nettle is a plant that has been introduced as an anti-diabetes medication. Nesfatin-1 is an adipokine secreted from an adipose tissue and involved in the mechanism for glucose metabolism. This study aimed at examining the effect of an 8-week endurance and resistance training program along with the consumption of the hydro-alcoholic extract of nettle on plasma levels of nesfatin-1 in type 1 diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, Wistar rats were divided into four groups and diabetes was induced in them by streptozotocin. The nettle extract (1mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected daily in the "nettle", "endurance+nettle" and "resistance+nettle" groups. The "endurance+nettle" group swam in water for eight weeks, five sessions per week, and each session from 60 to 120 minutes. The "resistance+nettle" group began the exercise with 50, 75, 90, and 100 percent weight on the designed ladder, and then they gradually increased their record. Blood samples were taken directly from the hearts of the animals at the end of the 8th week. Results: Weight loss was observed in all groups after 8 weeks. The least amount of weights in the "control", "nettle" and "resistance+nettle" groups were significantly lower than those in the beginning of the study (P<0.001). The results showed a significant increase in nesfatin-1 in the "nettle" group compared to the "control" group (P<0.01). Also, this increase was observed in the "endurance+nettle" and "resistance+nettle" groups compared to the "control" group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Consumption of the nettle extract with exercise can increase the plasma nesfatin-1, which can be effective in controlling diabetes and preventing weight loss due to this disease

Formulation and Optimization of Oral Mucoadhesive Patches of Myrtus Communis by Box Behnken Design

Purpose: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common painful ulcerative disease of oral mucosa happening in ~20% of people. Aimed to develop Myrtus communis L. (Myrtle) containing oral patches, we applied box-behnken design to evaluate the effect of polymers such as Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), Gelatin, Methylcellulose (MC) and Pectin. Methods: The patches properties such as tensile strength, folding endurance, swelling index, thickness, mucoadhesive strength and the pattern of myrtle release were evaluated as dependent variables. Then, the model was adjusted according to the best fitted equation with box behnken design. Results: The results indicated that preparation of myrtle patch with hydrophilic polymers showed the disintegration time up to 24h and more. Using of polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a water soluble polymer and a pore-former polymer led to faster release of soluble materials from the patch to 29 (min-1). Also it decreases swelling index by increasing the patch disintegration. Gelatin and Pectin, with rigid matrix and water interaction properties, decreased the swelling ratio. Pectin increased the tensile strength, but gelatin produced an opposite effect. Thinner Myrtle patch (about 28μm) was obtained by formulation of methyl cellulose with equal ratio with polyvinyl pyrrolidone or gelatin. Conclusion: Altogether, the analysis showed that the optimal formulation was achieved with of 35.04 mg of Gelatin, 7.22 mg of Pectin, 7.20 mg of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, 50.52 mg of methyl cellulose and 20 mg of Myrtle extract

Bilateral Carotid Artery Occlusion and Cochlear Oxidative Stress and Hearing Loss in Rats

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of bilateral carotid artery occlusion on cochlear oxidative stress and hearing status in rats. Methods: The rats were divided into two sets. The first set was used for electrophysiological recording (click and 4 kHz tone burst auditory brainstem responses and electrocochleography) on the day before surgery and then on the first, fourth, and seventh days after surgery. Animals of the second set were used for biochemical analysis. The cochlea of animals in the second set was collected on the first, fourth, and seventh days after carotids occlusion for biochemical analysis. For the control groups, no carotids occlusion was done. For ischemia induction, both common carotid arteries were occluded for 20 minutes. Results: Electrophysiological analysis showed that burst auditory brainstem thresholds significantly elevated after common carotid arteries occlusion on the first, fourth, and seventh days after surgery with abnormal electrocochleography results at 75%, 70%, and 85% on the first, fourth, and seventh days after surgery, respectively. The electrophysiological finding confirmed by biochemical results that showed malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels increased and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities decreased after occlusion in cochlea tissue. Conclusion: This study showed that bilateral common carotid artery occlusion increases cochlear oxidative stress and induces hearing loss in rats

An overview of the role of bacterial infection in male infertility

An important cause of male infertility is the bacterial infections of the genitourinary tract. These infections affect sperm cell function and whole spermatogenesis and also cause deterioration in spermatogenesis, obstruction of the seminal tract, and impairment of spermatozoa function. The most important bacteria associated with genitourinary tract infections include chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and genital mycoplasma species. Inappropriate or delayed therapy of the bacterial infections of the genitourinary tract will lead to reduced fertility and, subsequently in severe cases, infertility. In other words, a good understanding of the interaction between bacterial infections and the reproductive system plays an important role in the treatment of infertile men. In this review article, we will discuss clinical and laboratory findings related to the bacterial infection of the genitourinary tract and its effects on male infertility

A Review: Role of oxidative stress in male infertility

Recent studies have shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) have a very important role in the intracellular signaling process in physiological conditions. On the other hand, during the recent decade it has been indicated that ROS play a role in various types of male infertility and it is due to the overproduction of ROS or decrease in the antioxidant defense system in the reproductive system and sperm. In pathological conditions, ROS via interferences in the spermatogenesis process, sperm function, and sperm structure (motility, viability, acrosome reaction, sperm-oocyte fusion, and damage to DNA and cell membrane) as well as reduction in fertilization and implantation can lead to infertility. Knowledge of how ROS affect the physiological process of the reproductive system is crucial in the treatment of infertility. Thus, in this review article we will discuss experimental and clinical findings related to the effects of ROS on male fertility

The effect of endurance and resistance exercises and consumption of hydro-alcoholic extract of nettle on the changes in weight and plasma levels of nesfatin-1 in type 1 diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic diseases and nettle is a plant that has been introduced as an anti-diabetes medication. Nesfatin-1 is an adipokine secreted from an adipose tissue and involved in the mechanism for glucose metabolism. This study aimed at examining the effect of an 8-week endurance and resistance training program along with the consumption of the hydro-alcoholic extract of nettle on plasma levels of nesfatin-1 in type 1 diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, Wistar rats were divided into four groups and diabetes was induced in them by streptozotocin. The nettle extract (1mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected daily in the "nettle", "endurance+nettle" and "resistance+nettle" groups. The "endurance+nettle" group swam in water for eight weeks, five sessions per week, and each session from 60 to 120 minutes. The "resistance+nettle" group began the exercise with 50, 75, 90, and 100 percent weight on the designed ladder, and then they gradually increased their record. Blood samples were taken directly from the hearts of the animals at the end of the 8th week. Results: Weight loss was observed in all groups after 8 weeks. The least amount of weights in the "control", "nettle" and "resistance+nettle" groups were significantly lower than those in the beginning of the study (P<0.001). The results showed a significant increase in nesfatin-1 in the "nettle" group compared to the "control" group (P<0.01). Also, this increase was observed in the "endurance+nettle" and "resistance+nettle" groups compared to the "control" group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Consumption of the nettle extract with exercise can increase the plasma nesfatin-1, which can be effective in controlling diabetes and preventing weight loss due to this disease

Effects of Aqueous Matricaria Recutita extract on anxiety-like behavior in rat’s model kindled by Pentylenetetrazole

Background and Aim: Kindling can increase anxiety-like behavior in rodents. Oxidative stress has an important role in arousing anxiety. It is known that Matricaria Recutita has an antioxidant effect. Thus, the present study aimed at assessing the effects of this plant&rsquo;s extract. on anxiety-like behavior induced by kindling in rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar Albino rats (wt:200-250 g) were randomly divided into 4 equal groups; namely control (intact), kindling, diazepam (2 mg/kg), and aqueous extract of Matricaria Recutita (30 mg/kg) intrapertoneally. Kindling was done by a sub-convulsive dose of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ; 40 mg/kg, i.p.) in the remainder . groups. Kindling parameters in all these animals were evaluated by a plus elevated maze. The percent of time spent in the open arms of maze (OAT %) and percent of entries in the open arms (OAE %) were accounted for anxiety evaluation. Increase in OAT % and OAE % indicated an anxiolytic effect. Finally,the obtained data was analyzed by means of Any-Maze software and P<0.05 was taken as the significant level. Results: Kindling significantly (P<0.05) increased anxiety response in rats for at least 24h following the last seizure (decrease in OAT % and OAE %). Administeration of diazepam and Matricaria Recutita induced a significant increase in OAT % and OAE %, thereby . displaying a decrease in the anxiety in the kindled rats (P<0.05). Activity rate of the animals increased in the extract-treated group. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that Matricaria Recutita was able to improve elevated levels of anxiety in kindled rats. Therefore, further works are needed to elucidate the extent and mechanism of these effects

The Effects of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Administration on Depression Symptoms Induced by LPS in Male Wistar Rats

Introduction: Depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for one to several weeks. Several studies have shown that iron nanoparticles have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to evaluate anti-depressive effect of iron nanoparticles in male rats. Methods: Depression was induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) adminstration. Rats were randomly assigned into six groups (10 in each group): 1) control (sterile saline solution; 200 &micro;L, IP); 2) LPS (LPS;100 &mu;g/kg, IP); 3) Low dose Iron Nanoparticle (LINP) (1 mg/kg, IP); 4) High dose Iron Nanoparticle (HINP), 5 mg/kg IP); 5) LPS/LINP (LPS; 100&mu;g/kg IP+INP 1 mg/kg IP); and 6) LPS/HINP (LPS; 100 &mu;g/kg IP+INP 5 mg/kg IP). All injections were performed every other day. To assess the effect of iron nanoparticles on depression symptoms, rats were subjected to two behavioral tests: Forced Swim Test (FST) and Open Field Test (OFT). Results: Iron nanoparticles treatment in 1 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg doses groups significantly improved depression symptoms when assessed by OFT and FST. In OFT, the number of line crossings, entrance to central square, rearing and duration of attending in central square increased after iron nanoparticles adminstration in depressed rats. Iron nanoparticles adminstration reduced immobility time confirmed by FST and OFT. Also, iron nanoparticles adminstration significantly increased duration of swimming in FST depressed rats. Conclusion: Our results for the first time showed potential advantageous effect of iron nanoparticles administration in attenuating depression symptoms, which was possibly mediated by modulation of neurotransmitters and anti-inflammatory effects of iron nanoparticles

Treadmill Exercise during Pregnancy Decreased Vulnerability to Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia through Reducing Inflammation and Increasing Antiapoptotic Gene Expressions and Antioxidant Capacity in Rats

Background. The purpose of present study was to assess the impact of maternal treadmill exercise during pregnancy on inflammation, oxidative stress, expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in neonatal rat brain after the hypoxia-ischemia injury. Material and Methods. A total of 24 female Wistar rats were utilized in this research. Two groups are randomly considered for rats: (1) not exercised through pregnancy and (2) exercised during pregnancy. Offsprings were divided into four groups including after delivery: (1) sham, (2) sham/exercise (sham/EX), (3) HI, and (4) HI+exercise. HI was induced in pups at postnatal day 8. Neurobehavioral tests were done seven days after HI induction. Then, the brain tissue was taken from the skull to estimate Bcl-2 and Bax gene expressions, BDNF, cerebral edema, infarct volume, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and neurological function. Results. The BDNF level in the HI+exercise group was considerably higher than the HI, sham, and sham/EX groups. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and the whole oxidant capacity (TOC) levels in the HI group were significantly higher than the sham and sham/EX groups. TNF-α, CRP, and TOC levels in the HI+exercise group were significantly lower than the HI group. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level in the HI+exercise group was significantly higher than the HI group. Infarct volume and edema percent in the HI+exercise group were significantly lower than the HI group. Neurological function in the HI+exercise group was significantly better than the HI group. Bax expression in the HI+exercise group was significantly lower than the HI group. Bcl-2 expression in the HI+exercise group was significantly higher than the HI group. In the sham group, BDNF, TNF-α, CRP, TAC, TOC, edema levels, and neurological function had no significant difference with the sham/EX group. Conclusion. It appears that the maternal treadmill exercise during pregnancy exerts a supportive impact against neonatal HI brain injury through increasing antioxidant capacity, Bcl-2 expression, and BDNF levels and decreasing inflammation that is resulted in the lower infarct volume and sensorimotor dysfunction