In vivo effects of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells in a rat model of acute ischemic kidney injury

Objective(s): Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) as a severe condition of acute kidney injury (AKI) is the most common clinical problem with high mortality rates of 35-60% deaths in hospital. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) due to unique regenerative characteristics are ideal candidates for the treatment of the ischemic injuries. This work is focused on the administration of MSC to IRI-induced AKI Wistar rats and evaluating their significance in AKI treatment. Material and Methods: Animals underwent surgical procedure and AKI was induced by 40 min bilateral renal pedicle clamping. Immediately after reperfusion, 2×106 rat bone marrow derived MSCs were injected via intra-parenchymal or intra-aortic route. Results: Animals subjected to AKI after days 1 and 3 showed significant increase in the serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration along with a declined glomerular filtration rate (GFR) when compared with non-ischemic animals. On the other hand, treated animals showed a significant enhanced regeneration as compared to ischemic animals in both administration route groups. Conclusion: According to the results concluded from the renoprotective effects of MSC in IRI/AKI, MSCs could be considered as promising therapeutic approach for AKI in clinical applications

Evaluation of Crystal, Crack and Ethanol on viability of Mesenchymal Stem cells

Introduction Nowadays, due to drug abuse the world community has suffered  considerable  losses,  resulting  from productivity loss;  transmission  of  infectious  diseases; physical,  mental,  social  and  family  problems  and disabilities; increased crime rates; the need for providing health care  practices;  threatened  personal  safety;  and decreased life quality.   Crack, a cheap, highly addictive derivative of heroin unique to Iran, is rife in the poorer quartes of Irans big cities. Home-produced crystal-meth. Known as shishe, meaning glass, has also entered the market. It is favoured by many poor and disheartened young men and by many middle-class women trying to stay thin. Harmful of these agents is clear. In this study we investigated effects of them on stem cells in comparison with ethanol. Method: Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from rat and human adipose tissue then exposed to crystal (60-2000µg/ml), crack (60-2000µg/ml), and ethanol (1.5%-50%). Results: After 1 h microscopic observation showed that high concentration of crystal and crack changed shape of cells. After 24 h we determined viability of cells by MTT assay. MTT assay confirmed our microscopic observation. At high doses (1000 and 2000µg/ml, p5%). Conclusion: In result, moreover theses agent affected on different organs, they destroyed cells. It can be suggested the loss of these cells may have a role in lake of regeneration of damaged tissues.     Keyword: Adipose tissue, Crack, Crystal, Mesenchymal stem cells.

Effects of microinjection of angiotensin II and captopril to VTA on morphine self-administration in rats

The dopaminergic mesolimbic system is considered to be crucial in rewarding actions of opiates. Recent studies have suggested probable interaction between the renin-angiotensin and mesolimbic dopaminergic systems. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of Ang II and captopril injection into VTA on morphine self-administration. Male Wistar rats were initially trained to receive small pellets of food by pressing the active lever in self-administration apparatus. The animals were divided into 4 groups (saline, morphine, captopril and Ang II) and were placed in self-administration apparatus and allowed to self-administer morphine (0.5 mg per infusion all test groups) or saline (saline group) during consecutive days, for 2 h/sessions. Captopril (30 μg) and Ang II (0.25 nmol) were injected into the VTA in the corresponding groups before each session. The numbers of active and passive levers pressed in each group have been recorded. The number of active lever pressing of morphine group was significantly higher than saline group (p < 0.001). In Ang II group, the number of active lever pressing was significantly lower than morphine group (p < 0.01). This study suggests the probable interaction between Ang II and opioid system in the VTA

The protective effect of Nigella sativa against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Objective: The clinical use of cisplatin is highly restricted, because of its nephrotoxicity.In this study the protective effect of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was investigated in rats. Materials and Methods: In the current study, the effects of the administration of aqueous-ethanolic extract of N. sativa (100 and 200 mg/kg, BW) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg, BW) against blood and urine biochemical alterations and kidney function in rats treated with cisplatin were investigated. Cisplatin was injected at a dose of 6 mg/kg, BW, on the sixth day of the experiment. Results: The results indicated significant changes in serum urea and creatinine concentration, urine glucose concentration, and urine output in cisplatin group compared with control group. Serum urea and creatinine concentration in preventive and preventive+treatment vitamin E and preventive+treatment N. sativa (200 mg/kg, BW) groups and also serum creatinine concentration in preventive+treatment N. sativa (100 mg/kg, BW) group significantly decreased compared with cisplatin group. Urine glucose concentration in preventive and preventive+treatment N. sativa groups and urine output in preventive and preventive+treatment N. sativa (200 mg/kg, BW) groups significantly decreased compared with cisplatin group.Osmolarity excretion rate in preventive and preventive+treatment vitamin E and preventive N. sativa groups was significantly higher than control group. Conclusions: The current study suggests that N. sativa extract and vitamin E in a dose- and time-dependent manner improved the serum and urine biochemical parameters and kidney function in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. However, it needs more investigations to determine the mechanism of N. sativa action on cisplatin-induced kidney toxicity

Effect of commercial (vimang) and hydroalcoholic extract of Mangifera indica (Mango) on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rat

Objectives: Mangifera indica (Mango) is used in folk medicine for treatment of different types of diseases, and its anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities have been demonstrated. The present study evaluated the effects of commercial (vimang) and hydroalcoholic extract of Mango on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rat. Materials and Methods: Female Wistar rats were treated with vimang (50 and 100 mg/kg) for 18 days, or hydroalcoholic extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 18 days as preventive groups and others with vimang (100 mg/kg) for 8 days, or hydroalcoholic extract (400 mg/kg) for 8 days as treatment groups and also gentamicin (GM) was used at 80 mg/kg/day for eight days, starting from day 10. At the end of treatment, blood and urine samples were taken for measurement of creatinine (Cr) and BUN. The kidney was prepared for histological evaluation. Results: Serum Cr and urea concentrations as well as renal tissue injury increased significantly in GM group compared with the control group. Hydroalcoholic extract of Mango at 200mg/kg was able to reduce plasma Cr and urea concentrations significantly as well as kidney tissue necrosis. Vimang (50 and 100 mg/kg) and hydroalcoholic extract of Mango (200mg/kg) also prevented kidney tissue damage compared with the control group. Conclusion: Mango products were able to improve kidney function in an established model of GM-induced nephrotoxicity in the rat. The beneficial effects of Mango on the rat kidney seem to be dose and time-dependent. However, more investigations are needed to elucidate Mango action on GM-induced renal toxicity

Effect of Nigella sativa on ischemia-reperfusion induced rat kidney damage

Objective(s):There are a few previously reported studies about the effect of Nigella sativa oil on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis whether pre- or post-treatment with N. sativa hydroalcoholic extract (NSE) would reduce tissue injury and oxidative damages in a clinically relevant rat model of renal IRI.    Materials and Methods: IRI was induced by clamping of bilateral renal arteries for 40 min fallowed by reperfusion for 180 min. NSE was prepared in a Soxhlet extractor and administrated with doses of 150 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg at 1 hr before ischemia induction (P-150 and 300) or at the beginning of reperfusion phase (T-150 and 300), via jugular catheter intravenously. The kidneys were then removed and subjected to biochemical analysis, comet assay or histopathological examination. Results: The kidneys of untreated IRI rats had a higher histopathological score (

Does propolis have any effect on rheumatoid arthritis? A review study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in its pathophysiology. Complementary therapies along with medications may be effective in the control of RA. Propolis is a natural substance extracted from beehives, which have confirmed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study aimed to review the possible effects of propolis on inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid profile in patients with RA. English articles in online databases such as PubMed‑Medline, AMED, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched. Pieces of evidence show that supplementation with propolis may have therapeutic effects on RA patients. Due to increased inflammation and oxidative stress in the affected joints of RA patients, propolis could inhibit the inflammatory cascades by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B pathway and reducing reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-17 by increasing some antioxidants. Therefore, inflammation and pain reduce, helping improve and control RA in patients. Further investigations are required with larger sample sizes and different doses of propolis to demonstrate the definite effects of propolis on various aspects of RA