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Viral infections are a common cause of morbidity worldwide. The emergence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to more attention to viral infections and finding novel therapeutics. The CRISPR-Cas9 system has been recently proposed as a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of viral diseases. Here, we review the research progress in the use of CRISPR-Cas technology for treating viral infections, as well as the strategies for improving the delivery of this gene-editing tool in vivo. Key challenges that hinder the widespread clinical application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology are also discussed, and several possible directions for future research are proposed.

Objective. Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus salivarius are the most important species in dental decay and producing biofilm. Treatment with chlorhexidine 2% mouthwash for 7 days is the best way to eliminate these bacteria. However, due to the ability of these bacteria to survive in harsh environments, increasing emergence of bacterial resistance against available antibiotics, and favorable properties of nanoparticles including broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and lower toxicity, we decided to evaluate reducing biofilm forming bacteria in oral cavity by bismuth nanoparticles. Materials and Methods. This was a cross-sectional study of 40 samples isolated from the patients visiting dental clinics in Shiraz in 2019. Samples, which showed growth, were cultured on blood agar plates and incubated for the PCR procedure. Nanoparticle powder was dissolved in high-purity water, and the final concentration of bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) was measured with a spectrophotometer. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of BiNPs against E. faecalis and S. salivarius was determined by the microbroth dilution method according to methods for antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Also, bactericidal assays were conducted in a Mueller-Hinton broth medium and reported as the concentration of BiNPs that reduced the viable bacterial count by 99.9%. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 21 and one-way analysis of variance, andPvalues less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results. MICs of BiNP suspension against Streptococcus salivarius and Enterococcus faecalis were 2.5 and 5 μg/ml, respectively. Minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of BiNP suspension against Streptococcus salivarius and Enterococcus faecalis were 5 and 10 μg/ml, respectively. Antibacterial activity of BiNPs was compared with chlorhexidine 2%. MICs of BiNPs against Streptococcus salivarius and Enterococcus faecalis were one-twentieth less than those of chlorhexidine. MBC of BiNPs against both pathogens was one-tenth less than those of chlorhexidine. Conclusion. BiNPs were more effective than chlorhexidine, and MIC and MBC of bismuth nanoparticles are lower than those of chlorhexidine.

Background Acinetobacter baumannii is an important human pathogen which has recently gained increased attention due to the occurrence of drug-resistant nosocomial infections in patients suffering from immune system disorders, and those in hospital intensive care units. The aim of this research was to identify and isolate A. baumannii strains resistant to colistin, determine antibiotic resistance pattern of this bacteria, investigate the presence of colistin-resistant genes, and finally assess the effect of expression changes in pmrA and pmrB genes resistant to A. baumannii against colistin via real-time polymerase chain reaction. Methods The samples were initially purified and isolated using biochemical tests and Micro-gen kit. Later, the resistance pattern evaluation of validated samples to different antibiotics and colistin was carried out using two methods viz., disc diffusion and E-test. This was followed by the assessment of genes resistant to colistin via polymerase chain reaction besides gene expression changes via real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results The results of this study indicated that eleven strains of A. baumannii isolated from Shahid Rajaee Trauma Hospital were resistant to colistin. However, in the resistance pattern evaluation of A. baumannii isolated from Ali Asghar Hospital, all the strains were sensitive to colistin. In the evaluation of genes resistant to pmrA and pmrB, most of the strains resistant to colistin were carriers of these genes. Besides, in the expression assessment of these genes, it was demonstrated that expression of pmrA in the strains resistant to colistin significantly increased in relation to sensitive strains, but the expression of pmrB increased at a lower rate in the strains resistant to colistin as compared to the sensitive strains. Conclusion Thus, it can be safely mentioned that increased expression of pmrA was due to the resistance of A. baumannii to colistin.

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women which affect fertility. Clomiphene citrate is used as first-line treatment for this disorder, which is associated with some complications and therapeutic resistance. Objective: In this research, we compare the effectiveness of ginger with clomiphene on sexual hormones such as Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen and progesterone in order to treat PCOS effectively with fewer side effects. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 63 adult female rats (170-200 gr) were studied and divided randomly into 9 groups as control (not received any interventional substance for 60 and 89 days), sham (were given distilled water and ethyl alcohol intraperitoneally daily for 60 and 89 days), and 7 experimental groups receiving estradiol valerate (PCOS inducing agent, intramuscular) alone and with 100 mg/kg clomiphene or different doses of ginger extract (175 and 350 mg/kg) orally daily for 60 and 89 days. Sexual hormones were analyzed and compared in different groups. Results: Our results showed that in the PCOS-induced group, LH and estrogen concentration increased while progesterone and FSH concentration decreased remarkably (p

Free radicals and oxidation of germ cells in the testis tissue can reduce sperm levels and cause infertility in men. Silymarinisis a compound with antioxidant effects. So, this study is aimed to evaluate the effects of Silymarinison spermatogenesis, tissue changes of testis and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis processes in rats. 40 adult male Wistar rats were prepared and divided into 5 groups including control, sham and experimental groups receiving silymarinat. Blood samples wereobtained and serum LH, FSH, GnRH and testosterone levels were measured. Testicular tissue sections were prepared and spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatozoids, Sertoli and Leydigcells were counted by light microscopy. One-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) and Duncan test at significance level of p≤0.05 were used to analyze the data. The mean concentrations of FSH, GnRH and LH hormones in experimental groups receiving silymarin at concentration of 150 mg/kg showed a significant increase compared to the control group. Silymarin at concentrations of 100 and 150 mg/kg significantly increased testosterone hormone compared to the control group. Silymarin at concentrations of 100 and 150 mg/kg significantly increased the number of spermatids and spermatozoa cells compared to the control group. Due to the antioxidant property of silymarin, this compound increases the secretion of LH, FSH, GnRH and testosterone and the number of spermatids and spermatozoa cells in rats.

Thyroid is a very important endocrine gland in living organisms which regulates almost all bodily functions. The aim of the presentstudy is to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Dactylorhiza maculateroots on hypothalamic- pituitary-thyroidaxishormones in adult female rats. Fifty adult female rats were randomly divided into control group, sham group (receiving distilled water) and three experimental groups (receiving aqueous extract of Dactylorhiza maculaterootat a dose of 20, 40 and 80 mg kg-1) each consisting of 10 rats. Intra-peritoneal injections were carried out for 28 days. The injection volume was 2.0 ml in all groups. On the twenty-ninth day, blood samples were taken from the rats to investigate the serum levels of the HPTaxis hormones. Data were analyzed bySPSS (Version 15). Comparisons were carried out employing one-way ANOVA and Duncan's test. The doses of 20 and 40 mgkg-1 of aqueous extract of Dactylorhiza maculaterootshad no significant impact on the serum levels of TRH, TSH, T3 and T4 hormones. However, a dose of 80 mg kg-1 significantly reduced the serumlevels of TRH, TSH, T3 and T4 hormones as compared to the control group (P

Malathion is an organophosphate pesticide which is widely used in agriculture, veterinary and industries. Oxidative stress has been identified as one of Malathion’s main molecular mechanisms of action in plasma, liver, pancreas, muscles and the brain. Green tea (Camellia sinensis), which is the most common drink across the world after water, has many antioxidant properties. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of Malathion on the liver and the preventive effects of green tea on Malathion-induced poisoning. Seventy-two Wistar male rats were randomly divided into the control, the sham, and the experimental groups (receiving respectively 40 mg/kg of Malathion; 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of green tea; and 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of Malathion and green tea respectively). All injections were performed intraperitoneally for 14 consecutive days. On the 15th day, blood samples were taken from the hearts of the rats to measure serum level of hepatic enzymes, and their liver tissues were removed to be studied. To do the statistical analysis One-way ANOVA test and Duncan’s test at the 5% significance level were used. aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Total Oxidation Capacity(TOC) concentrations in the treatment groups with Malathion and green tea extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses showed a significant decline compared to the Malathion group(p

Paraquat is a common herbicide that is used in agriculturem, and Liver damage is a severe complication after its consumption in mammals, which can be prevented by antioxidants. With due attention to the various nutritional materials and antioxidants in aloe vera (a medicinal plant), evaluation of its effect on prevention of paraquat induced hepatotoxity was the goal of this study. In this experimental study, 72 Wistar male rats were randomly divided into control, sham, and 7experimental groups. In experimental groups paraquat with various doses of aloe vera is given to the mice for 2 weeks. After that liver enzymes and histologic changes were compared in different groups. In first experimental group (in which paraquat alone was administered), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were significantly elevated in compare to the control and sham groups (p

Introduction : Cadmium is of the environmental pollutants and is considered as a part of the list of 126 top elements of environmental pollutants which has a long half-life in the body and is estimated at about 10 to 30 years. The use of herbal medicines because of having many antioxidants and lack of side effects is increasing in the today world to be a good alternative for chemical drugs. So the objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of the root of native edible asparagus in Iran ( Asparagus officinalis L.) on the concentration of liver enzymes in male rats exposed to cadmium chloride. Method : 72 male rats were accidentally divided into the control, sham and test groups (100 mg/kg asparagus extract, 200 mg/kg asparagus extract, 400 mg/kg asparagus extract, 5 mg/kg cadmium chloride, cadmium chloride and 100 mg/kg asparagus extract, cadmium chloride and 200 mg/kg asparagus extract, cadmium chloride and 400 mg/kg asparagus extract). All injections were performed by gavage for 28 consecutive days. One-Way ANOVA and Duncan at the significance level of 5% were used for statistical analysis. Results : Cadmium chloride increased the averages of serum ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin significantly and decreased the averages of serum albumin and total protein significantly. Two doses of 200 and 400 of asparagus extract reduced the averages of serum ALT, AST and ALP significantly compared to the group which received cadmium chloride and each three doses of asparagus extract could reduce bilirubin concentration significantly compared to the group which received cadmium chloride. Two doses of 200 and 400 asparagus extract increased the averages of serum albumin and total protein significantly compared to the receivers of cadmium chloride. 400 mg/kg asparagus extract had the greatest effect on improving and adjusting the studied liver parameters. Conclusion : The extract of asparagus root has probably improved the destructive effects of cadmium chloride due to abundant antioxidant property. Of course, 400 mg dose has had the most effect in this study. keywords : Cadmium chloride; roots of native edible.

AIM To evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Salep on Paraquat-mediated liver injury. METHODS In this experimental study, 56 adult male Wistar rats were divided randomly to 7 groups as control, sham, and 5 experimental groups. In control group, rats did not receive any substance during experiment. In Sham group, rats were given distilled water according to their body weight and in experimental groups, Paraquat alone and with different doses of Salep aqueous extract (40, 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneal daily for 14 d. After that, liver biochemical parameter and histologic changes were analyzed and compared in different groups. RESULTS Paraquat compared to control and sham groups, significantly (P < 0.05) increased serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant capacity (TOC); while level of total protein, albumin and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were remarkably decreased by Paraquat. Salep at doses of 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg significantly decreased serum level of ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, MDA and TOC and significantly increased total protein, albumin and TAC level as compared to Paraquat exposed group in dose dependent manner. Aqueous extract of Salep at doses of 40 mg/kg made no significant changes in serum level of mentioned biochemical parameters. Liver microscopic observation revealed that Paraquat could cause hepatocyte necrosis, degenerative changes, proliferation and activation of Kupffer cells (sporadically) which were reduced by Salep treatment. CONCLUSION Salep possesses remarkable hepatoprotection activity against Paraquat-induced hepatic injury by having antioxidant activity and reducing lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.

Background: Asparagus is a plant with high nutritional, pharmaceutical, and industrial values. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of asparagus roots on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and oogenesis in female rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult female Wistar rats were divided into five groups, which consist 8 rats. Groups included control, sham and three experimental groups receiving different doses (100, 200, 400 mg/kg/bw) of aqueous extract of asparagus roots. All dosages were administered orally for 28 days. Blood samples were taken from rats to evaluate serum levels of Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinal hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone hormones. The ovaries were removed, weighted, sectioned, and studied by light microscope. Results: Dose-dependent aqueous extract of asparagus roots significantly increased serum levels of GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen, and progestin hormones compared to control and sham groups. Increase in number of ovarian follicles and corpus luteum in groups treated with asparagus root extract was also observed (p

Background: Salep is used for various purposes in food industries and traditional medicine. Therefore, evaluation of its effect on the liver seems to be necessary. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess salep effect on liver. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, various concentrations of Salep were intraperitoneally administered to five groups of Wistar rats (control, placebo and 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg salep). After one month, liver enzymes and liver tissue were evaluated and compared between different groups. Results: Significant decreased level of liver enzymes, MDA (Malondialdehyde) and TOC (Total Oxidation Capacity) were found in various concentrations of salep administration. On the other hand, a significant increase was found in TAC (Total Antioxidant Capacity) level with various doses of salep. Conclusions: Elevated level of total protein and albumin and decreased level of liver enzyme by salep extract were found in this study. Therefore, this plant may be a useful medicine for patients with liver diseases.