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This article explores the potential therapeutic implications of phytochemicals on the gut–brain axis (GBA), which serves as a communication network between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system. Phytochemicals, which are compounds derived from plants, have been shown to interact with the gut microbiota, immune system, and neurotransmitter systems, thereby influencing brain function. Phytochemicals such as polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids have been identified as having potential therapeutic implications for various neurological disorders. The GBA plays a critical role in the development and progression of various neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut microbiota composition, has been associated with a range of neurological disorders, suggesting that modulating the gut microbiota may have potential therapeutic implications for these conditions. Although these findings are promising, further research is needed to elucidate the optimal use of phytochemicals in neurological disorder treatment, as well as their potential interactions with other medications. The literature review search was conducted using predefined search terms such as phytochemicals, gut–brain axis, neurodegenerative, and Parkinson in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library.

Introduction: Parkinson disease (PD) results from the destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of natural antioxidants such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) to maintain these neurons. Methods: CAPE is one of the main ingredients of propolis. Intranasal administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2;3;4;6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was used to generate a PD model in rats. A total of 2×bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) were injected from the tail vein. Behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, DiI, cresyl fast violet, and TUNEL staining were used to evaluate the rats 2 weeks after treatment. Results: In all treatment groups with stem cells, the DiI staining method revealed that the cells migrated to the substantia nigra pars compacta after injection. Treatment with CAPE significantly protects dopaminergic neurons from MPTP. The highest number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons was seen in the pre-CAPE+PD+stem cell (administration of CAPE, then the creation of PD, finally injection of stem cells) group. The number of TH+cells in all groups that received CAPE was significant compared to groups that received the stem cells only (P

Abstract Background Busulfan is an antineoplastic medication that is broadly utilized for cancer treatment. It affects the testicular function and leads to sterility. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of ellagic acid on testicular tissue changes, sexual hormones, antioxidant defense system, and caspase-9 and Bcl2 gene expression in the busulfan-induced relative sterile rat model. Methods This is an interventional-experimental animal study that was performed on 65 Adult male rats; they were randomly divided into five groups including control (1 ml of 0.9% normal saline), ellagic acid (50 mg/kg); busulfan (10 mg/kg); and busulfan plus ellagic acid (10 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg). At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected, and plasma levels of sex hormones, antioxidant system, apoptosis-related genes, and testis histology were assessed. Results Busulfan reduced the levels of serum testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, gene expression of Bcl2, testicular volume, seminiferous tubule, germinal epithelium, interstitial tissue volume, and the number of spermatogonia, spermatocyte, round spermatid, elongated spermatid, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells (p

Background & aim: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is an inflammatory process in which multiple inflammatory factors are involved. Recently, one of the ways to alleviate inflammation in AKI is to apply pre-conditioned ischemic remote control (RIPerC). The aim of the present study was to determine and investigate the protective role of long-term ischemic preconditioning in acute injury of all ischemia due to resection through the TLR-4 and TNF-α signaling pathways in the rat. Methods: The present experimental study was conducted in 2016 on 30 male rats of Sprag Dolly breed with a weight range of 250 to 280 grams. Ratings were divided into three equal groups of control, re-ischemic resection (I / R) and re-ischemic resection with long-term ischemic preconditioning (RIPerC) predisposition. In this study, I / R re-bleeding was observed with bilateral closure of the artery and renal vein for 45 minutes and 24 hours. The RIPerC model consisted of four five-minute cycles (two minutes for closing the left femoral artery and three minutes for re-bleeding) at the onset of ischemic-renal failure. At the end of the resuscitation period, urine, blood, and kidney tissue samples were collected for functional, structural, and molecular analysis. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Ischemia-reperfusion caused tissue damage and subsequently impaired renal function, which was demonstrated by a decrease in creatinine clearance and an increase in its relative sodium excretion. In addition, in the I/R group, mRNA level of TLR-4 and TNF-α in tissue increased, whereas RIPerC (in this group, during ischemia, ischemia, and reperfusion in the femoral artery was done) simultaneously with I/R improved kidney structure and function and decreased expression of TLR-4 and TNF-α. Conclusion: RIPerC protected the kidney against ischemia-reperfusion-induced kidney injury and probably this protective effect was exerted by inhibition of TLR-4 signaling pathway in the kidney.

Background: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS) is a noninvasive method to quantify pain. A 1HMRS spectrum is a group of peaks at different radiofrequencies, showing proton nuclei in various chemical environments. These MR spectra provide information about metabolite concentrations, and make MRS a useful procedure to monitor metabolic fluctuations due to disease, and to track the efficacy of treatment. Objective: This study aims to identify correlations between clinical symptoms in patients with tension-type headache (TTH) and concentrations of brain metabolites.Material and Methods: In this observational study, twenty-four patients (4 men and 20 women) with chronic TTH were included. To evaluate their clinical symptoms, the number of trigger points, headache frequency and headache intensity were recorded. The levels of anxiety and depression were recorded with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI- II). Concentrations of brain metabolites were determined in the anterior cingulate cortex, thalamus and primary somatosensory cortex of left hemisphere with 1HMRS. Results: There was a negative correlation between trigger point count and choline/creatine (Cho/Cr) ratio in the primary somatosensory cortex [r= −0.509, n= 24, p= 0.01]. There were no correlations between other clinical symptoms of TTH and concentrations of brain metabolites. Conclusion: Patients with more trigger points had a lower Cho/Cr ratio, which may indicate alterations in brain metabolic activity.

Background: Recent studies have shown that BMSCs have a putative ability to promote neurogenesis and produce behavioral and functional improvement. Our previous study demonstrated that co-treatment of G-CSF and BMSCs have beneficial effects on Parkinson's models. The main purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of these two factors on oxidative stress factors in the brain of Parkinson's rat. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (weighing 200–250 g) were used and randomly divided into five groups of seven each. To create the Parkinson's model, 6-OHDA was injected into the left SNpc. The BMSCs (2 × 106) and G-CSF (75 µg/kg) were used for treatment after creating the PD model. After four weeks, the brains of rats were removed and processed for immunohistochemical studies, such as TH-positive neurons as well as analysis of oxidative stress factors. Results: The results showed that the injected BMSCs could cross the BBB. The injected cells are also able to settle in different areas of the brain. Analyses of the brain oxidative stress factors showed that G-CSF and BMSCs reduced the expression of MDA and induced the activity of SOD, GSH-Px, and FRAP. Conclusion: Co-administration of G-CSF and BMSCs reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and induced the activity of antioxidant enzymes; however, neurogenesis increased in the brain.

Objective(s): Exercise ameliorates the quality of life and reduces the risk of neurological derangements such as Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Irisin is a product of the physical activity and is a circulating hormone that regulates the energy metabolism in the body. In the nervous system, Irisin influences neurogenesis and neural differentiation in mice. We previously demonstrated that co-treatment of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) with a neurotrophic factor reduce Parkinson’s symptoms. Our goal in this project was to evaluate whether Irisin with BMSCs can protect the dopaminergic (DA) neurons in PD. Materials and Methods: 35 adult male Wistar rat weighing (200-250 g) were chosen. They were separated into five experimental groups (n=7). To create a Parkinson’s model, intranasal (IN) administration of the MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) was used. The BMSCs (2×106) and Irisin (50 nm/ml) was used for 7 days for treatment after creation of the PD model. After completion of the tests (4 weeks), their brains were used for the TUNEL and immunohistochemical (IHC) assays.Results: One of the important results of this study was that the Irisin induce BMSCs transport into the injured area of the brain. Co-treatment of the Irisin with BMSCs increased tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons (TH+) in substantia nigra (SN) and striatum of the PD mice brain. In this group, the number of TUNEL-positive cells significantly decreased. Behavioral symptoms were better in the combination group and Irisin simultaneously. Conclusion: Co- treatment of Irisin with BMSCs protects the DA neurons from degeneration and apoptotic process after MPTP injection.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of adolescent girls toward menstrual health during puberty in the rural areas of Fars province. Methods: Thiswasa cross-sectional analytical study of 550girlsfromrural areas intwogroups of students (n=318)andnon-students (n = 232). Data were collected via a 47-item researcher-made questionnaire that included questions on knowledge, attitude, and practice of menstrual health that was completed during interviews. The significance level was set at < 0.05. Results: In our study, the age distribution of the subjects was between 10 and 17 years and the mean age was 14.1±1.1 years. About 77.5% of the subjects had experienced menstruation, of whom 83.1% stated that they had information about the issue before menstruation. Moreover, 10.0% of them experienced fear and worries, 5.4% were surprised, and only 10.8% expressed satisfaction. The analysis of questions related to knowledge showed that the two groups had a moderate level of knowledge. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in all items except for the exercise item. From the practice point of view, the two groups were compared, while the two groups were significantly different in pain sensation (P = 0.006). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice was low among rural students and non-students in Fars province and education is an important and essential factor that should be put on the agenda.

The present study compared linguistic processes and eye movement among individuals diagnosed with oculomotor apraxia (OMA) and the influence of bilingualism on OMA. Four patients consisting of one male and three females were diagnosed with OMA, and a group of four healthy individuals, comprising two males and two females who were all right-hand dominant. Also, a group of four stroke patients without ocular apraxia. Findings show that pointing skills in both the first (L1) and second language (L2) have increased, demonstrating statistical significance (P -value <.001 and P -value =.02, respectively). Also, simple commands over time have increased in L1 and L2, showing statistical significance (P -value <.01 and P -value <.01, respectively). Naming skills in L1 have increased over time, demonstrating statistical insignificance (P -value <.01). However, in L2, no statistically significant change was observed (P -value =.08). This skill in L1 in patients with OMA was significantly reduced compared to the healthy control group (P -value =.03). Still, patients with OMA showed no statistically significant difference from their healthy counterparts (P -value =.15). The orthographic ability of patients in L1 during the study period did not statistically change significantly (P -value =.11). This skill level in L1 between patients with OMA and the healthy control group did not show a statistically significant difference (P -value =.06). Still, there was a statistically significant change in the healthy control group in L2 (P -value <.01). These findings suggest that the bilingual does not reflect a general executive in attentional guidance but could reflect more efficient guidance only under specific tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and cytokines may play a role in the development of MS lesions. Objective: To determine levels of different cytokines in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) compared to healthy controls. Methods: Profiles of pro-inflammatory, Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-related cytokines were compared by quantitative multiplexed ELISA-based chemiluminescent assay in 44 RR-MS and 44 healthy age- and sex-matched individuals from the same ethnicity. Results: Among pro-inflammatory cytokines, the levels of IL-6 (p=0.003), IL-8 (p=0.05) and TNF-α (p=0.002) were higher in patients than controls, though IL-4 and IL-10 as well as ΣTh2 cytokines were lower in patients (p=0.05, p=0.02 and p=0.05, respectively). After gender classification, the higher levels of IL-4 in male patients remained significant and IL-13 also showed significantly higher levels in male patients compared to male controls (p=0.003 and p=0.05, respectively). A significant negative correlation was detected between EDSS and IL-10 or ΣTh2 levels (p=0.005). In addition, IL-1α (r=0.4, p=0.05) and IFN-γ (r=0.35, p=0.05) were also directly correlated with EDSS in female patients. Conclusions: Patients with RR‑MS who are in the relapse clinical phase exhibit higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduction in protective Th2-related cytokines.

Background &Objective: Guillain Barre´ syndrome is an autoimmune neuropathy which is considered to be the most acute areflexic paralysis with albuminocytologic dissociation.1 Areflexia or hyporeflexia, pain in limbs, autonomic dysfunction, progressive bilateral and symmetric weakness of limbs, numbness and paresthesia are described as the clinical features of GBS.Nevertheless, with having less prognosis, the treatment is usually effective. Most patients diagnosed with GBS were previously infected with CMV or C.jejuni. Subtypes of the disease are either Axonal or Demyelinating. Due to increase use of Guillain Barre´ in south of Iran, the present study has done a retrospective study on the epidemiology of Guillain Barre in the south part of Iran.Materials & Methods: We performed our retrospective study in Namazi hospital in Shiraz, Iran. Medical records were analyzed using computer and were presented through percentages.Results: 214 patients were studied in which 119(55.6%) of them were men and 95 (44.4%) of them were women. 15 % of the participants had respiratory disturbance and 5.1% of them had histories of common cold and 1.4 of them were vaccinated before the study. Moreover, six people had died but 208 patients were treated and healed either by prescribed dosage of IVIg (69.2%) or plasmapheresis (24.3%) and one patient was also seen who had HIV virus.Conclusion: This study provides more details on the epidemiology of GBS in Shiraz, and south of Iran. Our study also revealed the difference in pattern of GBS in Iran and other countries. however, there is still a need for further clarification of the issues.

Background ;Objective: Guillain Barre´ syndrome is an autoimmune neuropathy which is considered to be the most acute areflexic paralysis with albuminocytologic dissociation.1 Areflexia or hyporeflexia, pain in limbs, autonomic dysfunction, progressive bilateral and symmetric weakness of limbs, numbness and paresthesia are described as the clinical features of GBS.Nevertheless, with having less prognosis, the treatment is usually effective. Most patients diagnosed with GBS were previously infected with CMV or C.jejuni. Subtypes of the disease are either Axonal or Demyelinating. Due to increase use of Guillain Barre´ in south of Iran, the present study has done a retrospective study on the epidemiology of Guillain Barre in the south part of Iran.Materials & Methods: We performed our retrospective study in Namazi hospital in Shiraz, Iran. Medical records were analyzed using computer and were presented through percentages.Results: 214 patients were studied in which 119(55.6%) of them were men and 95 (44.4%) of them were women. 15 % of the participants had respiratory disturbance and 5.1% of them had histories of common cold and 1.4 of them were vaccinated before the study. Moreover, six people had died but 208 patients were treated and healed either by prescribed dosage of IVIg (69.2%) or plasmapheresis (24.3%) and one patient was also seen who had HIV virus.Conclusion: This study provides more details on the epidemiology of GBS in Shiraz, and south of Iran. Our study also revealed the difference in pattern of GBS in Iran and other countries. however, there is still a need for further clarification of the issues.

Introduction & Objective: Most adults have surely once experienced a headache. A high percentage of these headaches are the referred pain from cervical structures, such as neck muscles, known as cervicogenic headaches. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of injection of methylprednisolone acetate at the Gallbladder-20 acupuncture points in muscle originated chronic and drug resistant headaches. Materials & Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study conducted at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2009-2010, 25 patients with both chronic and drug resistant cervicogenic headaches, who had cervical muscle tender points, underwent methylprednisolone acetate injection. To evaluate the severity of these patients' headache, VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) was used. The collected data was analyzed using the SPSS software and Wilcoxon test. Results: The Mean headache intensity on the visual scale of these people before the injection was 3 .2 ± 76.7. This value was 2.60±2.9, 3 days after injection. The values at 1 and 3 months post procedure were 3.52±3.3, and 3.48±3.5, respectively. In other words, a statistically significant loss of pain score (P