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Objective(s): Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes a developmental arrest of antral follicles and disrupts oocyte maturation. Retinoic acid (RA) and Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF2) are effective in follicle growth, thus their effects on histopathology and in vitro fertility of oocytes were investigated in PCOS-induced mice.Materials and Methods: Eighty female NMRI mice were randomly divided into 8 groups including 1-Normal mice, 2-PCOS mice without any treatment, 3-Normal mice treated with RA, 4-Normal mice treated with FGF2, 5-PCOS mice treated with RA, 6- PCOS mice treated with FGF2, 7- PCOS mice treated with RA and FGF2, and 8- Normal mice treated with RA and FGF2. Following PCOS induction, the mice were treated with intraperitoneal RA and FGF2 as a treatment. Then ovarian stimulation, for preparing the oocyte and embryo microscopic examinations was performed. After oocyte morphometry, through in vitro fertilization, the embryo formation was assessed. Data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests.Results: The results showed simultaneous injection of RA and FGF2 into PCOS-induced mice increases antral follicles and corpus luteum, but decreases cystic follicles. Simultaneous injection of these two substances into healthy mice increases the pre-antral follicles and corpus luteum. Simultaneous injection of RA and FGF2 increases the number of embryos in both control and intervention groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that RA and FGF2 increase the maturity of ovarian follicles, the number of two-celled embryos, and the number of grade-A embryos in mice with PCOS, which is more effective when these two substances are injected simultaneously.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend in the usage of traditional medicine and herbal treatments. However, the misconception that they are completely safe resulted in irreversible complications and damages. The present study was conducted to investigate the potential renal toxicity of a commonly used drug in Iran's traditional medicine and pharmacy, known as Zaravand Gerd or Nokhod Alvand (Aristolochia rotunda L.). In Iranian traditional medicine, Zaravand Gerd is used as a remedy for respiratory system ailments, back pain, anxiety, headache and septic wounds. Fifty-six male rats were divided into seven groups (n = 8). The first group served as the control and received normal saline, while the second to seventh groups were administered varying doses of the aqueous extract of Zaravand Gerd (0.1, 0.5, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 g/kg) for a period of three weeks. Various parameters were measured to evaluate the potential kidney damage caused by the extract, including serum creatinine and BUN levels, as well as urine protein and glucose levels, which were analyzed using an autoanalyzer. Additionally, kidney tissue samples were examined pathologically, and mitochondria from the kidney tissue were isolated to assess mitochondrial parameters. The results of this study revealed that high doses of Zaravand Gerd extract led to a significant increase in urinary glucose and protein excretion compared to the control group. Pathological examination of the isolated kidney tissues indicated that the concentrations of 2.5 and 5 g/kg of Zaravand Gerd extract resulted in kidney damage and dilation of proximal convoluted tubules. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that high doses of the extract (2.5 and 5 g/kg) caused damage to the mitochondria. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the administration of high doses of Zaravand Gerd extract, which are not commonly used in traditional medicine, can have toxic effects on the kidneys in rats as an animal model. These results highlight the importance of considering the potential risks associated with herbal medicines and the necessity of usage based on scientific evidence.

Background and purpose: In recent years, natural products have been widely used in traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the cardioprotective effect of Achillea millefolium extract against isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, the aerial parts of the plant were extracted with ethanol through maceration and subjected to colorimetry to determine flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The rats were treated with A.millefolium (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) for 14 days. MI was induced by intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol (85 mg/kg) at days 15 and 16. Twenty-four hours after the second dose of ISO injection, the rats were anaesthetized and electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters were recorded and blood samples were obtained for biochemical assay. Results: Isoproterenol increased heart weight/body weight ratio, serum levels of CK-MB, LDH, MDA, and decreased serum levels of total antioxidant capacity. In addition, it produced ST-segment elevation, decreased R-wave amplitude, and increased QT interval and heart rate. Pretreatment with A. millefolium at different doses prevented ISO-induced changes. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were 57.37 mg gallic acid/g DW and 6.74 mg quercetin /g DW, respectively. The IC50 value of the extract was 81.54 μg/ ml in DPPH method. Conclusion: The study showed that yarrow extract (A. millefolium) with its antioxidant properties protects the heart from ischemic damage caused by isoproterenol.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a debilitating mental disorder with various causes involving complex interactions between genetic factors and environmental agents. The immune system plays a vital role in the pathology and function of the nervous system. Interleukin 35 (IL-35) is a regulatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine that can prevent autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the role of autoantibodies against some central nervous system (CNS) antigens and IL-35 serum levels in patients with Schizophrenia. This case-control study involved 80 participants. The serum levels of IL-35 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the autoantibodies in the CNS by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The serum levels of IL-35 were decreased in patient groups compared to healthy subjects. Autoantibodies against N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) were positive in 15% (6/40) and 7.5% (3/40), respectively; however, no antibodies against myelin, aquaporin-4 (AQP4), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPAR), γ-butyric acid receptor type B1 γ-butyric acid receptor type B1 (GABABR), antidipeptidyl peptidase-like protein-6 (DPPX), immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecule 5 (IgLON5), Glycine receptor (R) and acetylcholine receptor (Ach R) were detected (No statistics were computed). We found that decreased serum IL-35 levels and the existence autoantibodies against NMDAR antigen may contribute to the pathogenesis of SCZ.

Abstract Background Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an anti-neoplastic alkylating agent that is extensively used in different chemotherapy regimens. Adverse effects on the reproductive system, especially spermatogenesis, are one of the most important side effects of this drug. It is medically essential to use complementary and alternative drugs. Herbal drugs have long been used as a complementary treatment. Our purpose was to study the effect of hydroalcoholic Allium atroviolaceum L. extract on spermatogenesis in CP-treated mice. Results CP affected a significant decrease in sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology. Sperm count was significantly higher in the all extract groups than in the group of control (p

The aim of present study is to investigate pretreatment with hydroalcoholic extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizome on the severity of epilepsy and memory impairment in rat. In this experimental study, rats were randomly assigned to seven groups. Control group and negative control group were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline and PTZ, respectively, for 10 days. The intervention groups received A. officinarum extract at different doses (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) 30 minutes before PTZ injection. A. officinarum extract treatment in rats with PTZ-induced kindling exerted significant increase in seizure latency and significant decrease in the frequency of total body seizure, frequent spinning, and jumping. Flumazenil significantly inhibited the antiepileptic effects of A. officinarum extract in the rat receiving the extract at 150 mg/kg. A. officinarum extract can inhibit PTZ-induced seizure and memory impairment, and therefore can be considered as a potent agent which warranted further research to clarify its effects.

Background and Aim. Rutin is a flavonol with neuroprotective activity. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of the glutamatergic system in the antidepressant-like effect of rutin in a mouse model of maternal separation (MS) stress focusing on histological changes in the CA3 area of the hippocampus. Methods. Mouse neonates were exposed to MS paradigm 3 hours daily from postnatal days (PND) 2 to 14. The control and MS mice were divided separately into 16 groups (n=8) (8 groups for each set) including mice that received normal saline, mice that received rutin at doses of 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, mice that received NMDA at a dose of 150 mg/kg, mice that received ketamine (NMDA antagonist) at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg, mice that received NMDA antagonist plus a subeffective dose of rutin, and mice that received NMDA plus an effective dose of rutin. Forced swimming test (FST) was performed. Afterwards, the hippocampus was evaluated in cases of histopathological changes as well as expression of NR2A and NR2B genes. Results. Rutin significantly reduced immobility time in the FST. The expression of NR2A and NR2B subunits of NMDA receptor in MS mice was significantly higher than that in the control group. Rutin significantly decreased the expression of NR2B and NR2A subunits in the hippocampus. The CA3 diameter and percentage of dark neurons in the hippocampus of MS mice significantly decreased and increased, respectively, which partially reversed following rutin administration. Conclusion. Rutin, partially, through a neuroprotective effect on the hippocampus exerted antidepressant-like effect. We concluded that NMDA receptors, at least in part, mediated the beneficial effect of rutin.

Increasing use of cell-phone is one of the most important risk factors for population health. We designed an experimental study aimed at evaluating the effects of cell-phone radiofrequency (RF) waves exposure on fertilization in mice. Two hundred male and female NMRI-mice were used. One hundred males divided in five groups (n = 20) as control and exposed groups. Those irradiated with cell-phone RF in “Standby-mode” 1, 5 and 10 h daily named groups II, III and IV; respectively. Group V irradiated with cell-phone on “Active-mode” one hour daily. After 30 days irradiation, 50 males and 50 females were kept 24 h to assess their embryos. Fifty males were scarified to evaluate both in vitro and in vivo parameters, and 50 females received PMSG & HCG for both quantitative and qualitative evaluation. Comparing groups III, IV and V with control-group showed significantly decreased in the number of two-cell embryos (p = .000); however, a significant increase was found in the number of dead embryos (p = .000). Furthermore, 5 h daily irradiation significantly decreased grade-A embryos (p = .015); while, it significantly increased grade-B, C and D embryos (p-values = 0.026, 0.007, 0.006; respectively). Moreover, comparing groups IV and V to control-group, significant increase was found in pregnancy duration (p = .005, p = .009; respectively). However, in the mentioned groups a significant decrease was seen in number of newborn mice (p = .001, p = .004; respectively). In conclusion our findings showed that the cell-phone radiation can affect development of embryos as well as the number of newborn and pregnancy duration in NMRI-mouse, which might be a significant cause of reproductive failure. Keywords: Fertility, IVF, RF, Cell-phone, Embryo

Aims: The aim of this study was to present a new method for removing Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) detergent from decellularized bovine pericardium using vacuum. Materials and Methods: The cows’ pericardia were collected and decellularized. The samples were incubated with SDS1% for 48 h at 40 °C. To perform vacuum washing (VW: negative pressure was used to wash and remove detergents), every decellularized tissue was cut in 75mm diameter and fixed via a stainless-steel ring with 60mm diameter in the center of filtration Buchner Funnel which was connected to glass filtration flask The system was connected to a vacuum pump by a hose, and a negative pressure of -100 mmHg was applied for 15 min. Then, the samples were shaken and washed at 40-rpm in 100 ml of distilled water for 45 min. This process was repeated for samples of each group (6 times for sample VW6h, 12 times for sample VW12h, and 24 times for sample VW24h). At the end of every cycle, the effluent was collected to take a sample for SDS measurement. The normal washing (NW) group containing distilled water (NWd) and PBS (Phosphate buffered saline) (NWp) were used to wash and remove detergents. SDS measurements, MTT Assay, histological and tensile test, to compare two methods were used. Results: The highest SDS in the effluent was in groups VW12h and VW24h (P ≤ 0.001) and the lowest residual SDS in scaffold was in two groups of VW12h and VW24h (P ≤ 0.001). MTT assay showed that cell survival in the VW12h and VW24h groups was higher than other groups and there' was no significant difference between cell survival in the VW12h and VW24h groups. Histological study showed destruction of tissue in the VW24h group. The results of the tensile test were shown that the native group had the highest module and the lowest amount was the VW24h sample which was reported with P ≤ 0.001 significance for all groups. Conclusion: VW12h can be used as an effective method for SDS removal from decellularized pericardium which morphologically demonstrated a good structure in ECM.

Introduction: Endurance training has significant effects on the renewal of heart tissue, including myosin heavy chain (MHC) proteins. On the other side, Purine-rich element-binding protein ;beta (purB) decreases the ;alphaMHC gene expression. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of exercise endurance training on purB gene expression in the heart of Wistar rats. Methods: Fourteen rats have been kept under controlled conditions and after familiarizing with training protocol, they were divided into control groups and experimental groups. The experimental group performed a 10-week treadmill running program for 30 min/day, 5 days/week. 48 hours after the last training session, the rats were anesthetized and the heart and their left ventricle were taken out and purB expression was measured using real time PCR method. All data were analyzed using t test. Results: In this study, the results of M-mode echocardiography showed that endurance training led to cardiac hypertrophy. After endurance training, the heart weight, especially the left ventricular weight significantly increased. The purB gene expression significantly decreased in the left ventricular tissue of endurance-trained rats. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that endurance training has considerable effects on heart size and purB gene expression. The purB gene also repressed Alpha-MHC gene expression it seems that the changes in heart structure related to Alpha-MHC gene expression.

Introduction: Today, the use of electromagnetic waves in medical diagnostic devices, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has increased, and many of its biological effects have been reported. The aim of the present study was to assess the biological effects of 1.5 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on fertility and reproductive parameters. Methods: Eighty adult male and female NMRI mice (NMRI: Naval Medical Research Institute) of age 6-8 weeks were studied and randomly divided into two study and control groups. After confirmation of pregnancy, the mice in the study group were exposed to the MRI (1.5 T) machine’s waves over the next three weeks, once a week for 36 minutes. One day and thirty-five days after the last radiation, the mice were killed in order to do the in vitro fertilization (IVF) by neck beads’ displacement and the impact on the evolution of embryos, and its quality was studied. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and the significance level of less than 0.05 was considered. Results: Embryo morphometry showed that the total diameter and the cytoplasm diameter of the study group embryos suffered significant reduction compared to the control group, 1 day after the last irradiation (p < 0.05), but the diameter of the perivitelline space of this group’s embryos had a significant increase (p < 0.05). The qualitative results during 35 days after irradiation showed that morphologically parameters of the embryos in the study group had no significant differences from the control group. Conclusion: Exposure to MRI irradiation can transiently disturb the development of mouse embryos and fertility, but these effects are reversible 35 days after the last irradiation.

Objective(s): Today, consumers are looking for food products providing health benefits in addition to meeting the basic nutritional needs of the body. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of Liza klunzingeri protein hydrolysate both in vivo and in vitro.Materials and Methods: Fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) was prepared using enzymatic hydrolysis with papain. In vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using five different antioxidant assays. The cytotoxic effect on 4T1 cell line was evaluated using the MTT assay. The distribution of the molecular weight of FPH was measured using HPLC. In the in vivo study, CCl4-exposed Wistar rats were orally treated with FPH (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) or gallic acid (50 mg/kg) for 28 consecutive days.Results: Enzymatic hydrolysis gave hydrolysate rich in low molecular weight peptides (Conclusion: L. klunzingeri protein hydrolysate can be considered as a functional food to alleviate oxidative stress.

Understanding neuroectoderm formation and its subsequent diversification to functional neural subtypes remains elusive. We have shown here for the first time that embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can differentiate into neurons and motor neurons (MNs) by using a coculture embryonic notochord model in vitro. Mouse ESCs were induced to form neural precursors via timed exposure to retinoic acid (RA) using the 4−/4 RA protocol. These cells were then cocultured with alginate bead-encapsulated notochords isolated from Hamburger and Hamilton stage 6–10 chick embryos. The use of notochord alone was not able to induce neural differentiation from ESCs, and, therefore, notochord does not possess neural inducing activity. Hence, the most successful neuronal cells and MN differentiation was only observed following the coculture of RA-pretreated ESCs with notochord. This resulted in a significantly greater number of cells expressing microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2), HB9, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and MN-specific genes. While further characterization of these differentiated cells will be essential before transplantation studies commence, these data illustrate the effectiveness of embryonic notochord coculture in providing valuable molecular cues for directed differentiation of ESCs toward an MN lineage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]