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International audience; The possibility of using a small cheap dairy protein, beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG), as a carrier for oxali-palladium for drug delivery was studied. Their binding in an aqueous solution at two temperatures of 25 and 37 degrees C was investigated using spectroscopic techniques in combination with a molecular docking study. Fluorescence intensity changes showed combined static and dynamic quenching during beta-LG oxali-palladium binding, with the static mode being predominant in the quenching mechanism. The binding and thermodynamic parameters were determined by analyzing the results of quenching and those of the van't Hoff equation. According to obtained results the binding constants at two temperatures of 25 and 37 degrees C are 3.3 x 10(9) M-1 and 18.4 x 10(6) M-1 respectively. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) showed that the experimental results and the molecular docking results were coherent. An absence change of beta-LG secondary structure was confirmed by the CD results. Molecular docking results agreed fully with the experimental results since the fluorescence studies also revealed the presence of two binding sites with a negative value for the Gibbs free energy of binding of oxali-palladium to beta-LG. Furthermore, molecular docking and experimental results suggest that the hydrophobic effect plays a critical role in the formation of the oxali-palladium complex with beta-LG. This agreement between molecular docking and experimental results implies that docking studies may be a suitable method for predicting and confirming experimental results, as shown in this study. Hence, the combination of molecular docking and spectroscopy methods is an effective innovative approach for binding studies, particularly for pharmacophores.

Neurotensin receptors are overexpressed in several human tumors and can be targets for tumors diag- nosis and therapy. In this study, a new neurotensin ana- logue was labeled with 99m Tc via HYNIC and tricine/ EDDA as coligands and investigated further. (HYNIC 0 , Gly 7 ,L ys 9 , D-Tyr 11 )-Neurotensin (7-13) was synthesized using a standard Fmoc strategy. Labeling with 99m Tc was performed at 100 C for 10 min and radiochemical ana- lysis involved ITLC and HPLC methods. The stability of radiopeptide was checked in the presence of humane serum at 37 C up to 24 h. The receptor bound internalization and externalization rates were studied in neurotensin receptor expressing HT-29 cells. Biodistribution of radiopeptide was studied in nude mice bearing HT-29 tumor. Labeling yield of 98.6 ± 0.54 % (n = 3) was obtained correspond- ing to a specific activity of 81 MBq/nmol. Peptide conju- gate showed good stability in the presence of human serum. The radioligand showed specific internalization into HT-29 cells (12.43 ± 0.52 % at 4 h). In biodistribution studies, a receptor-specific uptake was observed in neurotensin receptor positive organs so that after 1 h the uptakes in mouse intestine and tumor were 0.87 ± 0.16 and 0.63 ± 0.12 % ID/g respectively.

Repair or replacement of damaged tissues using tissue engineering technology is considered to be a fine solution for enhanced treatment of different diseases such as skin diseases. Although the nanofibers made of synthetic degradable polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA), have been widely used in the medical field, they do not favour cellular adhesion and proliferation. To enhance cell adherence on scaffold and improve biocompatibility, the surface of PLA scaffold was modified by gelatin in our experiments. For electrospinning, PLA and gelatin were dissolved in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) solvent at varying compositions (PLA:gelatin at 3:7 and 7:3). The properties of the blending nanofiber scaffold were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Modified PLA/gelatin 7/3 scaffold is more suitable for fibroblasts attachment and viability than the PLA or gelatin nanofiber alone. Thus fibroblast cultured on PLA/gelatin scaffold could be an alternative way to improve skin wound healing.

Objective(s): The adverse effects of pyridaben on reproductive system in male animals are not well established. This study was designed to elucidate how pyridaben can effects the histomorphometric, hormonal alternations and reproductive functions of BALB/c mice. Materials and Methods: For this study, 80 adult and apparently healthy male BALB/c mice were divided into three groups Viz, control, test group 1 and test group 2. Test groups 1 and 2 were received the toxin at doses of 53 mg/kg. BW, and 212 mg/kg. BW, respectively. The experiment period for both groups was 10, 25 and 45 days. Results: The levels of FSH, LH and testosterone were significantly (P

Imbalance in Ca2+ concentration and dysfunction of the chaperone system are linked with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Two-dimensional protein profiling of pancreatic beta cells in T2DM subjects has shown that the Ca2+ binding chaperone, calreticulin (CALR), plays a role in the pathophysiology of this disease. In a case/control study, we performed mutation screening of the promoter region, 9 exons, and exon/intron boundaries of CALR by PCR-SSCP and sequencing in 120 patients with T2DM and 530 controls. Two novel mutations with an estimated frequency of 0.0005 were detected in T2DM patients, which were absent in the control pool (Mid P exact T transversion in intron 2 conserved polypurine tract at IVSII-142. The second mutation was a 9-bp deletion in the highly conserved exon 9 encompassing amino acids 397–399. To our knowledge, the current study reports for the first time, that CALR gene mutations that occur with T2DM. Studying larger groups of patients with T2DM for the CALR gene as well as other genes in the chaperone system is warranted to further elucidate the role of low frequency mutations in the causation of this complex disorder.

Background: Bee venom (BV), like many other complementary medicines, has been used for thousands of years for the treatment of a range of diseases. More recently, BV is also being considered as an effective composition for the treatment of cancer. Cancer is a major worldwide problem. It is obvious that the identification of compounds that can activate apoptosis could be effective on the treatment of cancer. BV is a very complicated mixture of active peptides, enzymes, and biologically active amines. The two main components of BV are melittin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Of these two components, melittin, the major active ingredient of BV, has been identified to induce apoptosis and to possess anti-tumor effects. We tried to review antineoplastic effects of BV in this study. Materials and Methods: The related articles were derived from different data bases such as PubMed, Elsevier Science, and Google Scholar using keywords including bee venom, cancer, and apoptosis.Results: According to the results of this study, BV can induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor cell growth and metastasis. Results of in vivo experiments show that the anti-tumor effect of the BV is highly dependent on the manner of injection as well as the distance between the area of injection and the tumor cells.Conclusion: The results obtained from the reported studies revealed that BV has anti-cancer effects and can be used as an effective chemotherapeutic agent against tumors in the future.

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been shown to have promising potential for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. In the present study, osteogenic differentiation of human iPSCs was evaluated on polyethersulfone (PES) nanofibrous scaffold. According to the results, higher significant expressions of common osteogenic-related genes such as runx2, collagen type I, osteocalcin and osteonectin was observed in PES seeded human iPSCs compared with control. Alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase activity of differentiated iPSCs demonstrated significant osteoblastic differentiation potential of these cells. In this study biocompatibility of PES nanofibrous scaffold confirmed by flattened and spreading morphology of iPSCs under osteoblastic differentiation inductive culture. Taking together, nanofiber-based PES scaffold seeded iPSCs showed the highest capacity for differentiation into osteoblasts-like cells. These cells and PES scaffold were demonstrated to have great efficiency for treatment of bone damages and lesions.

Introduction: Salep tubers have been used in traditional medicine as a drug for improving sexual function and vigor. We did not find sufficient scientific evidence to support it. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Salep tuber extract on the structure of testis and sexual hormones in adult male mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we used 18 adult male mice (mean age of 4 weeks) and randomly divided them into three groups: the control group did not receive anything, the placebo group received only 200 µl deionized water, and the experimental group received 40 mg salep extract/200µl deionized water intraperitoneally for 7 days. Two weeks after the last injection, we took blood sample for biochemical analysis of LH, FSH and Testosterone and removed the testis of animals for histopathological study. Results: The results showed a significant increase in LH (ng/ml) in the experimental group (0.6 ± 0.09) compared to the placebo (0.39 ± 0.006) and control (0.38 ± 0.007) groups (p

Spermatogenesis in the Caspian Bent-toed Gecko, Cyrtopodion caspium, was studied in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. Sampling took place periodically every 15 days during the activity period of this species at night, from 5 April to 20 October 2011. In total, 70 adult males were captured by hand. Testes were removed and processed for histological and morphometric studies. The results show that spermatogenesis begins in early April, reaches its peak in late May and early June, and ends in early to mid August. The maximum level of sperm production occurred in early June. The minimum diameter, weight and volume of testes were observed in early August. Three phases were observed during the activity period for spermatogenesis in C. caspium: active, transitional and inactive phases. Spermatogenesis of C. caspium in Iran is seasonal and alternate.

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline antibiotic, is a widely used anticancer agent. In spite of its high antitumor efficacy, the use of DOX in clinical chemotherapy is limited due to diverse toxicities, including gonadotoxicity. Objective: We investigated the protective effect of nano-zinc oxide (nZnO) as an established antioxidant on DOX-induced testicular disorders. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 24 adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups including one control and three experimentals (6 rats per group). They received saline (as control), DOX alone (6 mg/kg body weight, i.p.), nZnO alone (5 mg/kg body weight, i.p.), and nZnO followed by DOX. Animals were sacrificed 28 days after treatment and evaluations were made by sperm count and measuring sex hormone levels in plasma. Also total antioxidant power (TAP) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in plasma were tested. Data was analyzed with SPSS-14 and one way ANOVA test. P

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is one of the main causes of acute renal failure, leading to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ensuing oxidative stress, which results in unfolded/misfolded protein accumulation and its dependent response pathways, generally known as unfolded protein response (UPR), in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We studied the effects of renal I/R on the expression of ER-stress genes, as well as concomitant effects of oral pretreatment with pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) pith and carpellary membrane (PPCM). An in vivo model of rat kidney I/R followed by conventional and real-time RT-PCR was used to evaluate the modulation of GRP78 and XBP1 as central UPR and ER-stress markers. Ischemia followed by reperfusion (60 and 150 min, respectively) resulted in decreased antioxidant properties of plasma (lowered ferric reducing ability of plasma [FRAP] value) and GRP78 transcript levels. Oral administration of PPCM aqueous extract for 10 days with or without ischemia (PPCM and PPCM/Isc groups, respectively) was able to further decrease the GRP78 expression, while it increased the FRAP value. PPCM pretreatment also reduced the XBP1 splicing in the PPCM/Isc group compared to the Isc group. These results suggest that UPR is activated during oxidative insults induced by I/R, while PPCM can reduce I/R-induced ER stress in rat kidneys via antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Objective: Methoxsalen is a natural photoactive compound which is found in many seed plants. A number of epidermal proliferative disorders can be treated by methoxsalen along with long wave ultraviolet A (UVA). Materials and Methods: In an experimental study, we aimed to demonstrate the effect of methoxsalen, UVA and their combination on oogenesis Balb/C mice. There were two experimental groups and a control group. The experimental groups were composed of i. a short term group with treatment duration of 15 days and ii. a long term group with treatment duration of 5 weeks. Both the long term and short term experimental groups were further subdivided into a UVA group, a methoxsalen group and a methoxsalen plus UVA group. After treatment, mature females in prosterus phase of ovarian cycle were scarified with ether, while their ovaries were removed and prepared for histological studies. Results: Both macro and microscopic studies showed significant anomalies (p

Cancer is one of the main cause of mortality in the world which appears by the effect of enviromental physico-chemical mutagen and carcinogen agents. Lymphoblastic leukemia is one the prevalence cancer in human. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy improve remission of the disease but some probability relaps is observed between 20-30% patients. Tumorgenesis and tumor progression are strongly associated with abnormal apoptosis. A number of natural antitumor drugs exert their therapeutic effect by inducing or promoting apoptosis [1]. In the last years, many studies have been performed on the anticancer effects of flavonoids. In cancer therapies, natural compounds have been considered as effective inhibitor agents. There is evidence to support the concept that 2`,3,4`,5,7 pentha hydroxyl flavone (morin) has a great potential to develop into novel cancer preventative agent [2].

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of amniotic membrane impregnated with betamethasone on regeneration of transected sciatic nerve injury in adult albino Wister rats.In this research, 42 male adult rats were divided into six equal groups. 1) Normal (intact) group: healthy rats without any injury; 2) CONTROL GROUP: sciatic nerve was cut and sutured; 3) Sham group: 0.2 mL culture medium was injected on the epineurium in the injury; 4) Amniotic membrane group (AM): Acellular amniotic membrane was used around the damaged sciatic nerve; 5) Betamethasone group (B): 0.2 mL Betamethasone (4 mg/mL) was injected in the site of damaged nerve and 6) Amniotic membrane group and Betamethasone (AM/B) group: Acellular amniotic membrane impregnated with 0.2 mL betamethasone was used around the damaged sciatic nerve. The rate of recovery was studied by Sciatic Functional Index (SFI), withdrawal reflex latency (WRL) test and electroctrophysiological assessments at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after surgery. Histological assessment was done 8 weeks after surgery.At 8 weeks after surgery, SFI, WRL test and electrophysiological values in AM/B group were significantly improved compared to control and sham groups (P0.05). Histological results showed improvement in therapeutic groups, especially AM/B group compared to control and sham groups and other therapeutic groups (P0.05).The present study showed the positive effects of Amniotic membrane and Betamethasone on nerve regeneration of transected sciatic nerve in a rat model.

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common but complex endocrine disorder and is the major cause of anovulation and consequent subfertility. In this study the effect of grape seed extract (GSE) on triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), highdensity lipoprotein-cholestrol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholestrol (LDL-C) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in PCOS Wistar rats were assessed. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, 84 adult female Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups (n=12) including control (intact), Sham (estradiol valerate solvent injection), control PCOS and 4 experimental PCOS groups. To induce the syndrome, a single subcutaneous injection of 2 mg estradiol valerate was applied. In experimental groups, PCOS rats were treated with different doses of 50, 75, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) GSE by intraperitoneal injection for 10 consecutive days. After harvesting blood serum, TG was measured by Glycerol-3-phosphate Oxidase-Peoxidase (GPO- PAP), TC by Cholesterol Oxidase-Peroxidase (CHOD-PAP), and HDL-C by sedimentation method, LDL-C by Friedwald calculation and IL-6 by ELISA method. The serum values of each parameter were analyzed using one-way ANOVA at P≤0.05. Results In all experimental groups significant decrease of visceral fat was obvious as compared with control PCOS group. LDL-C, TC and IL-6 levels in experimental groups, particularly at dose of 50 mg/kg of GSE, were significantly decreased as compared with PCOS group. However, HDL-C levels were not significantly changed. Conclusion : According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that GSE with its effects on serum TC, LDL-C and IL-6 could reduce the effects of dyslipidemia and inflammation in PCOS rats and improve systemic symptoms of PCOS.

Summary This study investigated the effect of spermatogonial stem cell encapsulated in alginate hydrogel during cryopreservation, as cells were protected against damage during cryopreservation within the hydrogel. Spermatogonial stem cells were isolated from the testes of Balb/c mice pups (6 days old), purified in laminin-coated dishes and CD90.1 microbeads, encapsulated in alginate hydrogel and then cryopreserved. After thawing, cell viability and Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) colony diameter were evaluated. After RNA was isolated and cDNA was synthesised, the expression of stemness genes was considered using RT real-time PCR. Finally, spermatogonial stem cells labelled with BrdU were transplanted to busulfan azoospermic mouse models. Lin28a and Sall4 genes were significantly upregulated after cryopreservation in alginate hydrogel. However, cell viability was significantly decreased. The diameter of colonies consisting of spermatogonial stem cells freeze-thawed in alginate microbeads showed no significant difference with fresh spermatogonial stem cells and the control group. The injection of freeze-thawed spermatogonial stem cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel resulted in spermatogenesis recovery. Alginate mimics the extracellular matrices (ECM) for spermatogonial stem cells; therefore, it can support stemness potential during the cell cryopreservation process and restart spermatogenesis after transplantation.

Background: Holothuroids (sea cucumbers) are members of the phylum echinodermata, which produce saponins. Saponins exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological and biological activities. In this study, we isolated the crude saponins from the body wall of the dominant Iranian species of sea cucumber, Holothuria leucospilota (H. leucospilota). The purpose of this study was to confirm the presence of saponins in the Persian Gulf H. leucospilota and study the hemolytic and cytotoxic activities of these compounds. Methods: The body wall of sea cucumber was dried and powdered and the crude saponins were isolated using various solvents. The crude saponins were further purified by column chromatography using HP-20 resin. The foam test, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), hemolytic assay, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of saponins. Cytotoxicity was analyzed using a 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on A549 cells, a human lung cancer cell line. Results: The foam test, hemolytic assay, and TLC supported the presence of saponin compounds in the 80% ethanol fraction of H. leucospilota. The infrared (IR) spectrum of the extract showed hydroxyl (-OH), alkyl (C-H), ether (C-O) and ester (–C=O) absorption characteristic of teriterpenoid saponins. The C-O-C absorption indicated glycoside linkages to the sapogenins. The crude saponin extracted from sea cucumber was cytotoxic to A549 cells. Conclusion: The 80% ethanol fraction of saponin isolated from H. leucospilota exhibited hemolytic activity and offers promise as an anti-cancer candidate.

Background Introduction of therapeutic genes into the injured site of nervous system can be achieved using transplantation of cellular vehicles containing desired gene. To transfer exogenous genes into the cellular vehicles, lentiviral vectors are one of interested vectors because of advantages such high transduction efficiency of dividing and non-dividing cells. Unrestricted somatic stem cells are subclasses of umbilical cord blood derived stem cells which are appreciate candidates to use as cellular vehicles for ex vivo gene therapy of nervous system. Objectives In current study we investigated the effect of lentiviral vector transduction on the neuronal related features of unrestricted somatic stem cells to indicate the probable and unwanted changes related to transduction procedure. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, lentiviral vector containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) were transduced into unrestricted somatic stem cells and its effect was investigated with using MTT assay, qPCR and immunohistochemistry techniques. For statistical comparison of real time PCR results, REST software (2009, Qiagen) was used. Results Obtained results showed lentiviral vector transduction did not have cytotoxic effects on unrestricted somatic stem cells and did not change neuronal differentiation capacity of them as well the expression of some neuronal related genes and preserved them in multilineage situation. Conclusions In conclusion, we suggested that lentiviral vectors could be proper vectors to transfer therapeutic gene into unrestricted somatic stem cells to provide a cellular vehicle for ex vivo gene therapy of nervous system disorders.

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to produce an intracellular photo-sensitizer, a protoporphyrin molecule IX (PPIX) which absorbs light and targets cells, is a promising cancer treatment. Unfortunately, treatment failures are still a common occurrence when ALA is used. In this study, in order to enhance the efficacy of ALA-dependent photodynamic therapy, the effects of photodynamic therapy on melanoma cancer cells were studied after treating them with tocopherol succinate.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study melanoma cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium for 24 h. then, cells were treated with tocopherol succinate (6μm/ml). After 48 and 72 hours, the mediums were replaced by serum-free medium in the darkness, with ALA, 0.1mg/ml and then cells incubated for 4h. After that, cells were irradiated by using Nd: YAG laser (532 nm). After 24h, cell survival was measured by the MTT assay.Results: Twenty-four hours after PDT, among compared groups, pretreated cells with tocopherol succinate showed significant lower cell viability than control group. Conclusion: Induction of differentiation by using tocopherol succinate augmented intracellular PPIX accumulation in cells treated with ALA. Therefore phototoxic cell death after exposure to 532nm light enhances significantly in tocopherol succinate-pretreated cells. This study suggests that tocopherol succinate may act as a biological enhancer of ALA based photodynamic therapy

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition has recently attracted great attention in studying the malignant progression of cells through a converging pathway of oncogenesis and metastasis. Twist1 and Mastermind-like 1 (MAML1) are major regulators of EMT through different pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological relevance of the expression of MAML-1 and Twist1 genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).Tumoral and corresponding normal tissues from 55 treatment-naive ESCC patients were subjected for expression analysis with quantitative real-time RT-PCR.Overexpression of MAML-1 and Twist1 were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and the surgical staging of tumor. Overexpression of Twist1 was associated with tumor depth of invasion. Mean relative expression (MRE) of MAML1 was significantly higher in patients with metastasis to lymph nodes (3.07 ± 0.51 vs. 0.86 ± 0.58, P = .008). MRE of Twist1 was significantly higher in patients with invasion of tumor to adventitia (T3, T4) (1.97 ± 0.29 vs. 0.39 ± 0.73, P = .036). In advanced stages of tumor (stage III, IV), a significantly higher MRE of Twist1 (2.47 ± 0.41 vs. 1.25 ± 0.36, P = .035) and MAML1 (3.05 ± 0.45 vs. 1.07 ± 0.59, P = .021) mRNA was observed.We introduce Twist1 and MAML1 as new molecular markers of advanced tumor, which determine the characteristics and aggressive behavior of ESCC. Along with the emerging evidence of their role in different cellular processes and aberrations in various cancers, they are suggested as potentially interesting therapeutic targets to reverse a broad spectrum of functional aberrations that promote ESCC development.

s) strain of P. pastoris was used as the host cell. Molecular analysis, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing, restriction enzyme analysis and survival of P. pastoris to increase concentration of zeocin antibiotic showed that human calcitonin gene was successfully integrated into the P. pastoris genome. The expected peptide which had an apparent molecular mass of 5.5 kDa was detected by Tricine-SDS-PAGE analysis and confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

The interaction between cyclophosphamide hydrochloride (CYC) and aspirin (ASA) with human serum albumin (HSA) was studied by various kind of spectroscopic, ζ potential and molecular modeling under physiological conditions. The fluorescence data showed that the binding of drugs to proteins caused strong static fluorescence quenching. The analysis of the fluorescence quenching of HSA in the binary and ternary systems displayed that ASA was affected by the complex formed between CYC and HSA. Moreover, CYC was influenced by the HSA-ASA complex. The inherent binding information, including the quenching mechanism, binding constants, number of binding sites, effective quenching constant, fraction of the initial fluorescence and thermodynamic parameters were measured by the fluorescence quenching technique at various temperatures. In addition, according to the synchronous fluorescence spectra of HSA, the results showed that the fluorescence quenching of HSA originated from the Trp and Tyr residues, and indicated a conformational change of HSA with the addition of the drugs. Far-UV CD spectra of HSA were recorded before and after the addition of ASA and CYC as binary and ternary systems. An increase in intensity of the positive CD peak of HSA was observed in the presence of the drugs. The results were interpreted by excited interactions between the aromatic residues of the HSA binding sites and the drugs bound to them. The distance r between donor and acceptor was obtained by the Forster energy according to fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and found to be 2.35 nm and 1.78 nm for CYC and ASA, respectively. This confirmed the existence of static quenching for proteins in the presence of CYC and ASA. Furthermore, docking studies pointed at a reduction of the affinity of each of the drug compounds to the protein in the presence of the other in meaningful amounts. Pre-binding of any of the said compounds forced the second to bind in a non-optimized location and orientation. The potential at the electrokinetic shear surface of the protein-drug solution were measured at several concentrations of the drugs by the ζ potential technique, which confirmed experimental and theoretical results.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection is a worldwide health problem and a protective vaccine is desperately needed to control the AIDS pandemics. To address this concern, we previously constructed single-cycle replicable (SCR) HIV-1 virions, which completely maintained the antigenic structures of HIV-1. Herein, to optimize a vaccination strategy, we studied the immunogenicity of produced SCR virions and adjuvant-formulated HIV-1 virus-like particles (VLPs) in homologous and heterologous prime-boosting regimens. Accordingly, BALB/c mice received three doses of immunogens in 3-week intervals and their immune responses were evaluated using ELISA, cytokine and IFN-γ ELISpot assays. These analyses not only indicated the superiority of SCR prime-VLP boosting for strong induction of specific IFN-γ producing cells, but also showed the capability of this strategy over the others for better stimulation of humoral response, which was evidenced with the detection of highest titer of total IgG against HIV ENV glycoprotein. Furthermore, determination of IgG subclasses and IFN-γ/IL4 secretion ratio in cultured splenocytes demonstrated the efficient augmentation of mixed responses with the dominancy of Th1 immunity following SCR/VLP immunization strategy. Our results additionally pointed towards the applicability of Montanide ISA 720 + CpG as a potent Th1-directing adjuvant mixture. Overall, this study suggests SCR prime-VLP boosting as a promising approach in HIV vaccine development.

Trans-chalcone (1,3-diphenyl-2-propen-1-one), a biphenolic core structure of flavonoids precursor was tested for inhibitory activity toward alpha-amylase. Porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase was observed to be effectively inhibited by this compound, which showed competitive behavior with a K(i) of 48 μM. Soluble starch (the natural substrate of the enzyme) was used in this study in order to obtain more realistic results. The possible binding mode of the compound was assessed in silico, and the two residues Trp59, and Tyr62 were proposed as main interacting residues with trans-chalcone. In conclusion, this compound could be used to design effective inhibitors of alpha-amylase.

The cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) gene, is one of the candidate genes for susceptibility to Graves' disease. This study aimed to investigate the association of Graves' disease and Graves' ophthalmopathy with polymorphisms at position +49 in exon 1 and positions -318 and -1147 in the promoter region of CTLA-4 gene in Iranian patients.A total of 205 unrelated Iranian patients with Graves' disease who were referred to the outpatient endocrine clinic of a large university general hospital and 103 sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Venous blood was obtained, genomic DNA was extracted by a salting out method, and the polymorphisms at positions +49, -318 and -1147 of the CTLA-4 gene were determined using the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP). Genotype and allele frequencies were determined.The frequency of the G allele at position +49 was significantly higher in patients with Graves' disease than in the control group (27.1% vs. 15.1%, OR=2.096, 95%CI=1.350-3.253 and p0.01). Significant trends were not seen for the other two polymorphisms studied. In patients with ophthalmopathy, the frequency of the G allele at position +49 was higher than in those without ophthalmopathy (33.8% vs. 20.0%, OR=2.043, 95%CI=1.304-3.202 and p0.01).The results of this study suggest that the G allele at position +49 in exon1 of the CTLA-4 gene is associated with Graves' disease and Graves' ophthalmopathy in Iranian patients.

Background Imatinib mesylate, a small-molecular analog of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that potently inhibits tyrosine kinase activities of Bcr–Abl, PDGFR-β, PDGFR-α, c-Fms, Arg and c-kit, is one of the novel molecularly targeted drugs being introduced into cancer therapy. We tested the effect of imatinib on the ovarian histological structure and the concentration of estrogen and progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in the serum of female Wistar rats. Materials and methods Two groups of rats (180 ± 15 grams) were gavaged with doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight imatinib dissolved in distilled water for 14 days. The control group received sterile water. On day 7, after termination of the treatment, blood serum concentration was measured with the radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. Also, sections (5 μm thick) of ovaries stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) were investigated histologically. Results Progesterone concentration in the experimental groups was increased (p

Objective: Amino acid alignment analysis of deduced amino acid residues revealed a tripeptide(SKI) at the carboxy terminus of peroxisomal protein cDNA. In order to see the importanceof the above sorting signal, we have performed a site-directed mutagenesis to deleteSKI tripeptide and its transfection into CHO-K1 and P19 cells.Materials and Methods: In order to create the appropriate site-directed mutant, PCR wasdone with specific primers. Amplified PeP cDNAs either containing SKI or deleted ones wereconstructed downstream of EGFP cDNA under regulation of the cytomegalovirus (CMV)promoter in a pEGFP-C1 vector. Transfection of P19 and CHO cells was done with lipofectamine2000.Results: Gradient PCR showed that the best annealing temperature was 71.6 ºC. Transfectionof plasmids containing chimera of EGFP-PEP cDNAs into the CHO-K1 and P19 cellsshowed several punctuate structures, presumably peroxisomes, while SKI deletion showeda cytosolic mislocalization of the EGFP pattern.Conclusion: Taken together, these data strongly suggest that SKI, which is located at theC- terminus of the protein, is required for sorting this protein.

The formation of the intermediate state of papain was induced by n-alkyl sulfates including sodium octyl sulfate, SOS; sodium decyl sulfate, SDeS; and sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS at different concentrations. A systematic investigation of n-alkyl sulfates induced conformational alteration in molten globule state under an acidic condition and the native state of papain was examined by tryptophan fluorescence, 1-anilino 8-naphtalene sulfonic acid (ANS) binding and UV absorbance. The addition of n-alkyl sulfates to molten globule state at pH 2 shows a decrease in tryptophan fluorescence intensity and quenched ANS fluorescence relative to the native state that leads to enhancement in tryptophan fluorescence and an increase in ANS fluorescence as well. In the presence of n-alkyl sulfates in various conditions, two intermediate (IA and IB) with different conformations were obtained at acidic and native states, respectively. Thus, we can assume that the intermediate states in folding and unfolding pathways in various conditions have different structures. The results show that SDS is much more effective than SDeS and SOS for the formation of the intermediate states for papain in the two different pathways due to the presence of its hydrophobic tail. Therefore, hydrophobic interactions play an important role in inducing the two different intermediates along the two various thermodynamic pathways.

Summary Aims A number of chemical compounds such as sodium tungstate and vanadyl sulfate have been assessed for their anti-diabetic effects in several animal models of diabetes. This study investigates the proper time for initiation of sodium tungstate treatment in diabetic Wistar rats and its histopathological effects on pancreas. Materials and methods Animals were divided into five groups ( n = 10). Control (C), sodium tungstate-treated control (TC), streptozotocin-induced diabetic (D), streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated by sodium tungstate form 1 week before streptozotocin (STZ) injection (TD 1 ), and diabetic rats treated with sodium tungstate 1 week after STZ administration (TD 2 ). The histopathologic changes in pancreas were investigated by light microscopy. Body weight, blood glucose, insulin levels, food intake and fluid intake were compared between groups. Serum insulin levels were determined by ultra-sensitive rat insulin kit, using double-antibody ELISA. Results Group D and TD 2 showed significant weight loss, polydipsia, polyuria and polyphagia compared to groups C and TC ( p 1 group protects diabetic-induced rats from elevation of glucose compared to groups D and TD 2 ( p 1 showed significant decrease in fasting glucose levels and oral glucose tolerance test in comparison to groups D and TD 2 ( p 1 group, tungstate protects STZ-induced beta-cells degenerations. Conclusion Pre-treatment with sodium tungstate leads to amelioration of diabetic complications and short-term pre-treatment with tungstate can converts the diabetic state by sustaining a few, although it is critical, amount of beta-cells that adequately maintain normoglycemia.

Background: The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) comprise a heterogeneous group of severe late-onset neurodegenerative diseases that are promoted by the expansion of a tandem-arrayed DNA sequence that modifies the primary structure of the protein. Methods: Genomic DNA of 20 patients affected with SCAs was extracted from peripheral blood and screened for deletions in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Sequencing of tRNALeu,tRNALys, cytochrome oxidase II, ATPase 6/8 and NADH dehydrogenase I (NDI) genes belonging to mtDNA from patients with SCAs was also carried out to detect the presence of variations. Results: We identified cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeat expansions in 20 patients. Seven of these patients had at least one nucleotide change in mtDNA. In such cases, 5 nucleotide variations resulted in amino acid changes with two novel variations T8256G and G9010A. Conclusion: SCA patients showed high levels of mtDNA variations in lymphocytes. It can be proposed that the SCA gene proteins (Ataxins) are involved in the complicated intracellular mechanisms that affect cellular organelles and their components, such as the mitochondrial genome. The instability of CAG repeats in polyglutamine diseases such as SCAs and Huntington’s disease might be a causative factor in mtDNA variation or possible damage.

Summary Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with progressive dementia. Multiple processes have been implicated in AD, notably including abnormal β-amyloid production, tau hyperphosphorylation and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), synaptic pathology, oxidative stress, inflammation, protein processing or misfolding, calcium dyshomeostasis, aberrant reentry of neurons into the cell cycle, cholesterol synthesis, and effects of hormones or growth factors. The complexity of the disease, which affects numerous molecules, cells, and systems and impedes attempts to determine which alterations are specifically associated with early pathology. Chlamydia pneumoniae is an obligate intracellular bacterium. Infection with this organism has been suggested to be a risk factor for AD. C. pneumoniae has two phages phiCPAR39 and phage related to phiCPG1. Hypothesis: we propose that these two phages by entering into mitochondria of chlamydia ’s host cell can work as slow viruses and can initiate AD.

Lithium carbonate is used as a standard treatment for manic depression. While researchers have investigated the teratogenic effects of lithium carbonate on embryos of various animals in later stages of development, very limited work has been done on the probability of effects at early stages of development. In this study, the teratogenic effect of lithium carbonate was investigated at earlier preimplantation through implantation stages of development of Balb/C mouse embryos. A therapeutic dose (i.e., 300 mg/kg b.w.) was injected into mice intraperitoneally on days 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5 of pregnancy. Then, on day 15.5 of gestation, embryos were collected from the pregnant animals. Among the embryos, 71.7% were healthy, 10.7% resorbed, 3.1% showed lordosis, 8.1% were underdeveloped and 8.4% had eye malformations. Significant increases (P < 0.05) in the number of hepatic megakaryocytes and nucleated red cells were also observed among experimental embryos. Analysis of maternal serum proteins prepared from dissected animals showed a significant increase or decrease (P < 0.05) in the levels of serum proteins albumin, α2 globulin, β globulin, and γ globulin. This research on early developmental stages suggests that pregnant mothers need to be aware of possible teratogenic effects at early stages of pregnancy, although it has been thought that the egg envelope can prevent teratogens from entering. In this case, mothers may need to stop lithium carbonate treatment before they make a decision to become pregnant. Anat Rec, 291:1088–1096, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Despite remarkable progress in the cloning of mammals using different somatic nuclei, there is little information available regarding the choice of donor cell origin (type and/or gender) for mammalian somatic cell nuclear transfer. This study was designed to investigate the efficiency of in vitro sheep somatic cell nuclear transfer using donor nuclei derived from different cell origins. Donor fibroblast cell lines were produced from biopsies taken from a male and a female adult sheep and cumulus cell lines were harvested from the same ewe. For cell cycle synchronization, donor cells were cultured to confluence and then subjected to a serum-starved medium for a period of 4–5 days. Abattoir-derived sheep oocytes matured in vitro for 22 h were used for enucleation. A direct, whole cell injection procedure was used for reconstitution of the enucleated oocytes and the activated reconstructed embryos were cultured in SOF medium for 8 days. Throughout the study, the ratio of oocyte lysis during nuclear transfer and fragmentation–degeneration during in vitro embryo development were significantly higher in the reconstructed fibroblast vs. the cumulus cells—possibly due to the larger cell size and less oocyte-compatibility of the fibroblast, compared to the cumulus cells. Regarding the rate of in vitro cloned embryo development, the only significant difference recorded was between the cumulus and male fibroblast vs. the female fibroblast cells at the 5–8 cell stage (70.7% and 82.6% vs. 56.5%, respectively) and between the male fibroblast with cumulus cells at the 8–16 cell stage (60.9% vs. 33.8%, respectively). The blastocyst formation rates were not significantly different between the cumulus, male and female fibroblast donor cells (19.5%, 17.4% and 15.2%, respectively). As the overall ratios of in vitro embryo development were not different between the three SCNT groups, it could be concluded that neither the type of the donor cell nor gender has a significant effect on the overall efficiency of in vitro production of SCNT sheep embryo production.

There is evidence that both cholinergic and GABAergic systems are involved in the neurobiology of anxiety. In the present study, we investigated the effects and interaction of nicotinic and GABAergic systems in the central amygdala of rats, using the elevated plus maze test of anxiety. Bilateral administration of nicotine (1 and 2 µg/rat; 1 µl/rat; 0.5 µl/rat in each side) into the central amygdala (intra-CeA) induced an anxiogenic-like effect, shown by specific decreases in the percentage of open-arm time (%OAT) and percentage of open arm entries (%OAE). Intra-CeA injection of mecamylamine, a selective nicotine acetylcholine receptor antagonist (20, 30 and 50 ng/rat; 1 µl/rat; 0.5 µl/rat in each side) produced significant anxiolytic-like behaviour. The intra-CeA injection of the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 µg/rat; 1 µl/rat; 0.5 µl/rat in each side) decreased %OAT and %OAE, indicating anxiogenic-like behaviour. However, intra-CeA administration of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (0.25, 0.5 and 1 µg/rat; 1 µl/rat; 0.5 µl/rat in each side) produced significant anxiolytic-like behaviour. Nicotine in a subeffective dose (0.25 µg/rat) when co-administered with muscimol did not significantly increase the anxiety behaviour. An effective dose of nicotine (2 µg/rat) in combination with bicuculline (0.25, 0.5 and 1 µg/rat) had no interaction on %OAT, %OAE and locomotor activity. It can be concluded that in the central amygdala, the GABAergic system is not involved in the anxiogenic response to nicotine.

Serious concerns have been expressed about potential health risks of Nano silver containing consumer products (AgNPs) therefore regulatory health risk assessment on such nanoparticles has become mandatory for the safe use of AgNPsinbiomedicalproducts with special concerns to the mutagenic potentials. In this study, we examined the inhibitory and mutagenicity effects of AgNPs in three different sizes of three colloidal AgNPs by Minimal Inhibitory concentration (MIC), Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Bacterial Reverse Mutation Assay (Ames test).All samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). DLS analysis showed lack of large agglomeration of the AgNPs and TEM results showed the spherical AgNPswith the average sizes of 15, 19.6, 21.8 nms. Furthermore the XRD analysis showed the crystalline samples with a face centered cubic structure of pure silver.AmestestresultsonColloidal silver nanoparticles showed lack of any mutation in TA100, TA98, YG1029S. typhymuriumstrains.In addition colloidal silver nanoparticles reduced the mutation ratesin all three strains in a concentration dependent manner .This finding creates a new issue in the possible antimutagenic effects of colloidal AgNPsas a new pharmaceutical productwhich should be consideredinfuture studiesby focusing onthephysicochemical properties of AgNPs.

Background Trans-chalcone is the precursor molecule to flavonoids and possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of trans -chalcone on atheroma plaque formation and the relevant biochemical parameters in high cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed NMRI mice. Methods Fifty male NMRI mice were divided into 5 groups ( n = 10 per group): control (received a normal diet); HCD (received an additional 2% cholesterol for 18 weeks); sham (received a HCD for 12 weeks and were then shifted to a normal diet and trans -chalcone vehicle (sunflower oil) for 6 weeks), and two experimental groups (received a HCD for 12 weeks and were then shifted to a normal diet and either 12 mg/kg or 24 mg/kg trans -chalcone for 6 weeks). Results After 12 weeks, HCD-induced atheroma plaques were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining of aortic sections. At the end of experiment, the following factors had significantly increased in the HCD group: body weight, insulin resistance, and serum levels of triglycerides, total-cholesterol, glucose, insulin, leptin, liver enzymes (AST and ALT), malondialdehyde and direct bilirubin. The serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adiponectin, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione had considerably decreased. Histologic analysis of liver sections indicated hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. Treatment by both doses of trans-chalcone, particularly the 24 mg/kg dose, significantly attenuated these alterations. Conclusions Administration of tran s-chalcone improved the consequences of atheroma plaque formation and liver fibrosis via increased expression of adiponectin, generation of higher levels of antioxidant enzymes, as well as modulation of serum leptin and lipid profiles.

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) are used in medicine, manufacturing and food industries. Because of their extensive application in our daily lives, environmental exposure to these nanoparticles is inevitable. The present study examined the effects of MgONPs on zebrafish (Danio rerio) early developmental stages. The results showed that, at different concentrations, MgONPs induced cellular apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species. The hatching rate and survival of embryos decreased in a dose dependent manner. The 96-h LC50 value of MgONPs on zebrafish survival was 428 mg/l and the 48-h EC50 value of MgONPs on zebrafish embryo hatching rate was 175 mg/l. Moreover different types of malformation were observed in exposed embryos. The results demonstrate the toxic effects of MgONPs on zebrafish embryos and emphasize the need for further studies.

To investigate the effects of an electromagnetic field (EMF) on limb bud development in vitro, an organ culture system was applied.Three test groups of amputated mouse limb buds included the experimental (E) group which received EMF (50 Hz/13.1 mT, for 2 h), a sham (Sh) group exposed to no EMF treatment and the control (C) group. The limb buds of E and Sh groups (n = 20 per group) were amputated from mouse embryos on day 11.5 of development and cultured in minimum essential medium Eagle (MEM Eagle), supplemented with 15% human embryo cord serum, for 2 days, while those of group C (n = 20) were removed on day 13.5 of development. All samples were fixed in Bouin's fluid, embedded in paraffin, serially sectioned (5 microm thick) and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Limb bud measurements were performed using a scaled graticule.Morphological and histological examinations showed significant changes in the experimental limb bud group as compared with the sham and control groups. The growth rate in both fore and hindlimb buds in proximal-distal (P-D) and anterior-posterior (A-P) axes were significantly increased. Chondrocyte counts and mitotic figures of mesenchymal and red blood cells were significantly increased as compared with those of sham and control groups. There was also a significant reduction of mesenchymal cell counts, while no significant difference was observed in the degenerated cell counts among the three groups.These findings suggest that EMF, under the conditions applied, has progressive effects on the limb bud development and that both proliferation and differentiation can be stimulated in vitro.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) components significantly influence the growth characteristics of cardiomyocytes, development of spontaneous contractile activity and morphologic differentiation. The present study involves characterization of ES cell-derived cardiomyocytes cultured on different ECMs. We hypothesized that cardiogel, which is a naturally occurring ECM containing a complex mixture of laminin, fibronectin may better support ES cell-derived cardiomyocytes maturation in terms of chronotropic characteristics and subcellular structure development. Spontaneously differentiated cardiomyocytes from 7-day embryoid bodies (EBs) derived from mouse ES cells line Royan B1 (C57BL/6) were cultured on commercial ECM (matrigel), a fibroblast-derived ECM (cardiogel), and control (without ECM) for 7 + 21 days. The growth characteristics of cardiomyocytes were assessed by immunocytochemistry, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), positive and negative chronotropic drugs and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The spontaneously beating cells expressed markers characteristic of cardiomyocytes including alpha-actinin, desmin, troponin-I, sarcomeric myosin heavy chain (MHC), pan-cadherin, connexin-43, cardiac alpha-MHC, cardiac beta-MHC, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and myosin light chain isoform-2V (MLC-2V). In addition, spontaneous beating of cardiomyocytes on both ECMs was enhanced by treatment of cells with isopernaline, while reduced more on matrigel, by carbacol when compared with control and cardiogel. However, the change in beating was similar in all groups upon treatment with phenylephrine and/or Bay-K. Ultrastructure analysis showed myofibrillar bundle organization and exhibited intercalated discs, T-tubules, Z-, A-, I-, H- and M-bands and the showed earlier maturation of the cardiomyocytes on cardiogel. We conclude that substructurally matured cardiomyocytes can be produced from ES cells and the cardiac fibroblast-derived ECM (cardiogel) supported earlier maturation of ES-derived cardiomyocytes, in terms of chronotropic characteristics and subcellular structure development.

In the present study, the effects of the histamine and cholinergic systems on memory retention in adult male rats were investigated. Post-training intracerebroventricular injections were carried out in all the experiments. Cholinoceptor agonist, acetylcholine (1-10 microg/rat) or nicotine (1-10 microg/rat), increased, while a cholinoceptor antagonist, scopolamine (5-20 microg/rat), decreased memory retention. The response to acetylcholine was attenuated by scopolamine. Administration of histamine (5-20 microg/rat) reduced, but the histamine H(1) receptor antagonist, pyrilamine (10-50 microg/rat), and the histamine H(2) receptor antagonist, cimetidine (1-50 microg/rat), increased memory retention in rats. The histamine receptor antagonists attenuated the response to histamine. Histamine reduced the acetylcholine- or nicotine-induced enhancement. The histamine receptor antagonists enhanced the nicotine- or acetylcholine-induced response. Histamine potentiated the inhibitory effect induced by scopolamine. It is concluded that histaminergic and cholinergic systems have opposing effects on memory retention. Also, the histaminergic system elicits an interaction with the cholinergic system in memory retention.

In the present study, the effects of the histamine and cholinergic systems on memory retention in adult male rats were investigated. Post-training intracerebroventricular injections were carried out in all the experiments. Cholinoceptor agonist, acetylcholine (1-10 microg/rat) or nicotine (1-10 microg/rat), increased, while a cholinoceptor antagonist, scopolamine (5-20 microg/rat), decreased memory retention. The response to acetylcholine was attenuated by scopolamine. Administration of histamine (5-20 microg/rat) reduced, but the histamine H(1) receptor antagonist, pyrilamine (10-50 microg/rat), and the histamine H(2) receptor antagonist, cimetidine (1-50 microg/rat), increased memory retention in rats. The histamine receptor antagonists attenuated the response to histamine. Histamine reduced the acetylcholine- or nicotine-induced enhancement. The histamine receptor antagonists enhanced the nicotine- or acetylcholine-induced response. Histamine potentiated the inhibitory effect induced by scopolamine. It is concluded that histaminergic and cholinergic systems have opposing effects on memory retention. Also, the histaminergic system elicits an interaction with the cholinergic system in memory retention.

Omentum mesenchymal stem cells (OMSCs) could be induced to differentiate into cell varieties under certain conditions. We studied differentiation of OMSCs induced by using placenta extract in NMRI mice. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from omentum and cultured with mice placenta extract. MSCs, were assessed after three passages by flow cytometry for CD90, CD44, CD73, CD105, CD34 markers and were recognized their ability to differentiate into bone and fat cell lines. Placenta extract dose was determined with IC50 test then OMSCs were cultured in DMEM and 20% placenta extract.The cell cycle was checked. OMSCs were assayed on 21 days after culture and differentiated cells were determined by flow cytometry and again processed for flow cytometry. CD90, CD44, CD73, CD105 markers were not expressed, only CD34 was their marker. OMSCs were morphologically observed. Differentiated cells are similar to the endothelial cells. Therefore, to identify differentiated cells, CD31 and FLK1 expression were measured. This was confirmed by its expression. G1 phase of the cell cycle shows that OMSCs compared to the control group, were in the differentiation phase. The reason for the differentiation of MSCs into endothelial cells was the sign of presence of VEGF factor in the medium too high value of as a VEGF secreting source.

Background and Aim: Thyroid is one of the endocrine glands, (T3 and T4) play a significant role in the development of prenatal brain and the following stages. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism on the amount of expression of NT4, NT3, nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in brain of one-day rat neonates with hypothyroidism.Materials and Methods: In total, 25 mature mice of Albino NMRI race were selected after mating, divided into three group, control, as well as low-dose and high-dose intervention groups. Samples of the control group received pure water during pregnancy, whereas subjects of the intervention group with low and high doses of the medication were administered with 20 mg and 100 mg methimazole powder (dissolved in 100 cc water), respectively. After child delivery, blood samples were obtained from mother mice to determine the level of T3 and T4 in blood serum. Following that, the brain of one-day mice were removed by surgery and assessed to determine the amount of expression of NT4, NT3, NGF and BDNF using the complete kit of RT-PCR.Results: Levels of T4 and T3 in the control group were 28 ug/dl and 1.59 ug/dl, respectively. In the low-dose intervention group, the amounts of the mentioned hormones were 8 ug/dl and 0.85 ug/dl, significantly, indicating a significant reduction in the expression of NT4, NT3, NGF and BDNF genes, compared to the control group. Moreover, T4 and T3 were 6 ug/dl and 0.79 ug/dl in the high-dose group, respectively, conveying a significant decrease in the expression of NT4, NT3, NGF and BDNF genes, compared to the control group (P

Objective(s): The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fisetin to promote osteogenic differentiation in mice bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).Materials and Methods: In this study cytotoxicity and viability of fisetin was measured by MTT assay. The differentiation effects of fisetin on BMSCs into osteoblast was assessed with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measurement. Alizarin red staining and Real time PCR for osteoblast specific marker, Osteocalcin (OCN) ,Osteopontin (OPN), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), ERK and MAPK were investigatedResults: The results showed that fisetin does not have toxicity effect on BMSCs and it causes cell proliferation; hence 200, 400 and 800 µg/ml of fisetin was selected for the assessment of differentiation progress. Alizarin red staining (ARS) showed that fisetin promotes osteogenic differentiation on BMSCs at 21st day; dependently also higher alkaline phosphates activity was observed in the treatment groups of 10 days culture, compared to the control groups. The evaluation of Real time -PCR result evaluated showed that OCN OPN, RUNX2,ERK and MAPK genes expressions were increased.Conclusion: The results of this method, showed that differentiation in bone marrow stem cells took place through p38 MAPK, and ERK1 gene activation.

The importance of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as adult stem cells (ASCs) able to divide into a variety of different cells is of utmost importance for stem cell researches. In this study, the ability of cartilage extract to induce differentiation of rat derived omentum tissue MSCs (rOT-MSCs) into chondrocyte cells (CCs) was investigated. After isolation of rOT-MSCs, they were co-cultured with different concentrations of hyaline cartilage extract and chondrocyte differentiation was monitored. Expression of MSCs markers was analyzed via flow cytometry. Moreover, expression of octamer- binding transcription factor-4 (Oct-4), Wilm's tumor suppressor gene-1 (WT-1), aggrecan (AG), collagen type-II (CT-II) and collagen type-X (CT-X) was analyzed using RT-PCR on 16, 18 and 21 days. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry and western blot were performed for CT-II production. Finally, proteoglycans (PGs) were examined using toluidine blue and alcian blue staining. The phenotypic characterization revealed the positive expression of CD90, CD44 and negative expression of CD45 in rOT-MSCs. These cells also expressed mRNA of Oct-4 and WT-1 as markers of omentum tissue. Differentiated rOT-MSCs in the presence of 20 µg/ ml cartilage extract expressed AG, CT-II, CT-X, and PGs as specific markers of CCs. These observations suggest that cartilage extract is potentially able to induce differentiation of MSCs into chondrocyte lineage and may be considered as an available source for imposing tissue healing on the damaged cartilage. More investigations are needed to prove in vivo cartilage repair via cartilage extract or its effective factors.

Despite the enormous progress in studying retinal cell differentiation from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), none of the reported protocols have produced a cost-effective eye field cells with the capability to further differentiate into retinal derivatives. In this study, by drawing chemicals on our four-step differentiation strategy, we demonstrated the ability of hESCs in assembling such qualifications to follow human retinogenesis in a serum- and feeder-free adherent condition. Two-dimensional (2D) populations of eye field cells arose within early forebrain progeny upon hESCs differentiation. Gene expression analysis showed that the treatment of hESCs with a combination of selected small molecules (SMs) gave rise to the higher expressions of eye field-specific genes, PAX6, RX, and SIX3. Thereafter, a subset of cells gained the transient features of advancing retinal differentiation, including optic vesicle (OV)-like structures, which expressed MITF and CHX10 in a manner imitated in vivo human retinal development. The competency of derived cells in differentiation to retinal derivatives was further investigated. The gene analysis of the cells showed more propensity for generating retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) than neural retina (NR). The generation of OV-like structures in 2D cultures can shed light on molecular events governing retinal specification. It can also facilitate the study of human retinal development.

Many efforts have been made to improve the targeting and potential applications of oral drug delivery systems. In this paper, we have demonstrated and investigated how biopolymer nanocapsules can be used as a novel oral drug delivery system for metal-based drug delivery in colon cancer therapy. In this work, β-lactoglobulin nanocapsules containing oxali-palladium were chosen to be synthesized and investigated for the use in colon cancer therapy. These nanocapsules were fabricated in three different pHs (3, 4.5 and 7) and investigated both in the presence and absence of low methoxyl pectin. The results obtained from these experiments indicated that the soluble and stable β-lactoglobulin nanocapsules which contained oxali-palladium had the ability to be formed at a size smaller than 200 nm when in the presence of low methoxyl pectin and at pH 4.5. The in vitro release data indicated that the maximum release occurs at pH 7.0 and 7.5. There lease mechanism demonstrated an anomalous diffusion with a predominant contribution from erosion. Finally, it can be concluded that the β-LG nanocapsules containing oxali-palladium complexed with low methoxyl pectin can be a very promising candidate for the use in oral drug delivery for colon cancer treatment.

Background: Nucleostemin has been shown to be essential for proliferation and survival of colon cancer cells. In this study, we evaluate and comparing nucleostemin expression in CD133+ and CD133- colon cancer cell line HT29. Materials and Methods: After preparation and culturing of HT29 cell line, isolation was performed using magnetic cell separation system by CD133 MicroBeads and phycoerythrin conjugated to monoclonal anti-human CD133 monoclonal antibody and analyzed with flow cytometry. For quantitative expression of nucleostemin in HT29, CD133+ and CD133- cells used specific nucleostemin primer and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase primer as endogenous control. Results: The results showed the percentage of CD133+ cells in HT29 colon cancer cell line ranged from 36.5% to 41.5%, whereas the percentage of CD133- cell ranged from 58.5% to 63.5%. The expression rate of nucleostemin in HT29, CD133+ and CD133- cells were 1.44 ± 0.78, 1.60 ± 0.70 and 1.00 ± 0.18 (respectively). The comparison of expression rate represents no significant difference in nucleostemin expression in CD133+, CD133- and HT29 colon cancer cells. Conclusion: It is concluded that nucleostemin expression could not be specific in a certain type of cells in colon cancer cell line HT29 and controlling strategies in colon cancer must not be focused on one certain type of colon cancer cells as main expressing nucleostemin gene.