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Background: This research was aimed at assessing the relationship between the follicular fluid (FF) antioxidants activity, aging and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out on 65 women undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles due to unexplained infertility. Ovarian stimulation was performed using the long gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol. After ovum pickup, FF was collected and processed to measure the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione (GSH). Day 3 after ICSI, fresh embryos were transferred and later, possible pregnancy was assessed. Patients participating in this study were divided into four groups on the basis of age and pregnancy outcome. Results: SOD activity was not significantly different between the groups (P=0.218). GSH in the group whose participants were aged ≤35 years and were pregnant was higher than that in other groups. CAT activity in groups with younger participants was higher compared to the other groups. The mean TAC was higher in groups with pregnant participants compared to the non-pregnant women. Correlation analysis showed that: GSH level had a significant negative correlation with age (P<0.001, R -0.55) and a significant positive correlation with pregnancy (P=0.015, R=0.30). CAT level also had a significant negative correlation with age (P<0.001, R=-0.42) and the level of TAC had a significant positive correlation with pregnancy (P<0.001, R=0.59). Conclusion: According to our results, the levels of TAC, GSH and CAT in younger and pregnant women were higher compared with those undergoing ICSI cycles. Given the correlation of FF antioxidant activity with age and pregnancy, it is necessary to carry out more research on these compounds and the maintenance of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to glucocorticoids (GCs) leads to numerous changes in various biological systems including the reproductive system. The aim of the present study was to find out whether dexamethasone (Dex), a widely used GC, would influence the apoptosis and expression of Bax, an important proapoptotic protein, in the mouse testicular germ cells. Experimental groups of 8 male NMRI mice received one of the following treatments daily for 7 days: 4, 7 and 10 mg/kg Dex. Control groups were treated with equivalent volumes of saline. Experimental and control animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last injection. Immunohistochemical procedure was used to evaluation of Bax expression and the deoxyuridine nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was applied to assessment of the apoptotic germ cells. Bax expression was upregulated mainly at stages VII-VIII of spermatogenic cycle (p

In this research, the effect of changes in energy prices on output of different sectors by using of regional input output of Hormozgan province is investigated. The AFLQ method is used for regionalization of national I_O table. Three scenarios for the increase in energy prices have been considered. The results showed that except of water, electricity and gas/sector, the output of other sectors has decreased. In the first scenario, the increase in the output of Water, Electricity and Gas/sector was equal to 38574.52 million Rials whereas the output of transportation sector had the largest decrease in production. Industry and agriculture sectors are the other sectors that have the largest decrease in output after transportation. Total decrease of regional output in first scenario was 1896633.17 million Rials. As a result of the research, 20% increase in the price of energy carriers, about 0.28% of the total production of the province has decreased. In the second and third scenario total decrement of regional output was 512973.80 and 3048927.86 million Rials, respectively. Decrement of agriculture output in these two scenarios was 362099.15 and 512973.80 million Rials. Considering the importance of the agricultural sector in food production, supporting the production of this sector is necessary using appropriate policies such as guaranteed purchase or decrease of tax rate and technology subsidies in different sectors. These policies can provide the necessary incentives to adjust towards more efficient energy technologies, in order to ultimately reduce the negative effects of the increase in the price of energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Destruction of pancreatic beta-cells induces an insulin deficiency and causes type 1 diabetes. The role of autophagy in inducing insulin-secreting cells (ISCs) from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) was investigated in the current study. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the isolated AMSCs were characterization and exposed to a cocktail differentiation medium (CDM) in the absence or presence of 3-methyladenine (3MA), an autophagy inhibitor. The differentiation of ISCs was confirmed by the evaluation of the expression of beta-cell-specific genes including pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1), musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (MAF-A), Nk class of homeodomain-encoding genes 6.1 and 2.2 (NKX6-1 and NKX2.2), Glucose transporter 2 (GLUT-2) and INSLIN. Using Newport Green (NG), insulin-positive cells were identified. Insulin secretion in response to various glucose concentrations was measured. Autophagy was evaluated by Acridine orange (AO) staining. Also, expression of autophagy-associated genes, including autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG-5), autophagy-related gene 7 (ATG-7), BECLIN-1, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), was evaluated by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: We observed a significant increase of beta-cell specific genes expression in the CDM-treated cells (P<0.01 or P<0.001), whereas the expression of these genes was down-regulated in 3MA-exposed cells. Expression of INSULIN and GLUT-2 genes (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively), insulin secretion in response to glucose (P<0.01), and percentage of NG-positive cells (P<0.05) in the 3MA-exposed cells were considerably lower than the cells treated with CDM. The percentage of AO-positive cells (P<0.01) and the expression of autophagy-related genes (P<0.001) was significantly enhanced in the CDM group. These events were significantly prevented by the 3MA. Conclusion: Our data showed that autophagy is necessary for beta-cell differentiation, and preventing autophagy by 3MA causes the reduction of beta-cell differentiation and insulin secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a substance used in the packaging of food and beverages. It can bind to estrogen receptors with destructive consequences. Exendin-4 is a 39-amino acid peptide that bonds with GLP-1 receptors and stimulates insulin secretion. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of exendin-4 on resolving BPA side effects. Materials and Method: We tested the effects of five concentrations of exendin-4 alone in combination with BPA on insulin secretion from isolated islets in in-vitro assay. Following in-vivo part of an examination, both BPA and exendin-4 were prescribed alone. Then, in combination for 20 days, next blood glucose, plasma insulin level, and Pdx1 and GLUT2 gene expression were examined. Result: Studies showed that BPA increased the blood glucose level, whereas exendin-4 was useful in removing these symptoms. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results (PCR) showed that BPA decreased the expression level of Pdx1 and GLUT2 genes in pancreatic tissue, whereas exendin-4 had a preventive role. In an in-vitro experiment, BPA increased the percentage of apoptotic cells, whereas exendin-4 restrained it. Conclusion: We observed evidence, such as a decrease in apoptosis in pancreatic islet cells and increase in Pdx1 and GLUT2 gene expression in the pancreas tissue. This can be an indication of the protective and supportive effects of exendin-4 on the pancreatic tissue, as well as the prevention of hyperglycemia in this assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the toxic effects of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) on cell viability, aromatase (Aro) activity and steroid production using ovarian and brain cell cultures obtained from Mullet, Liza klunzingeri. The brain and ovary were minced and digested, and the cells were suspended in Leibovitz's L‐15 medium supplemented with 15% and 20% fetal bovine serum. The cell suspensions were seeded on 25‐cm2 cell‐culture flasks at 1 × 106 cells/mL and incubated at 25 °C for 2 weeks. A BaP concentration of 10−5 mol/L was accepted as the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration. Ovarian and brain cells were exposed to different concentrations of BaP [0 (control), 10−6, 2 × 10−6, 3 × 10−6 mol/L] and incubated at 30 °C. At different sampling times (0, 12, 24 and 48 h) 40 ng/105 cells of 1,4,6‐androstatriene‐3,17‐dione (ATD) was added to each well. Aro activity, 17β‐estradiol (E2) and ATD production were determined. The sensitivity of the cultivated ovarian and brain cells to BaP increased dose dependently. BaP was a potent inhibitor of Aro activity at 2 × 10−6 and 3 × 10−6 mol/L, both in the cultivated brain and ovarian cells at different sampling times, with 10−6 mol/L BaP found to be the least potent Aro inhibitor. E2 production decreased from cultivated ovarian and brain cells treated by different concentrations of BaP. In conclusion, BaP is able to change the activity of Aro and disrupt the biosynthesis of estrogens, and thus affects reproduction in fish. We assessed the toxic effects of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) on cell viability, aromatase (Aro) activity and steroid production using ovarian and brain cell cultures obtained from Mullet, Liza klunzingeri. BaP was a potent inhibitor of Aro activity and 17β‐estradiol production in both cultivated brain and ovarian cells. In conclusion, BaP is able to change the activity of Aro, and disrupt the biosynthesis of estrogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Fabrication of an antibiotic-loaded scaffold with controlled release properties for wound dressing is one of tissue engineering challenges. The aim of this study was to evaluate the wound-healing effectiveness of 500-μm thick polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous mat containing silver sulfadiazine (SSD) as an antibacterial agent. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, an electrospun membrane of PCL nanofibrous mat containing 0.3% weight SSD with 500 μm thickness, was prepared. Morphological and thermomechanical characteristics of nanofibers were evaluated. Drug content and drug release properties as well as the surface hydrophobicity of the nanofibrous membrane were determined. Antimicrobial properties and cellular viability of the scaffold were also examined. A full thickness wound of 400 mm2 was created in rats, to evaluate the wound-healing effects of PCL/SSD blend in comparison with PCL and vaseline gas used as the control group. Results: SSD at a concentration of 0.3% improved physicochemical properties of PCL. This concentration of SSD did not inhibit the attachment of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) to nanofibers in vitro, but showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ST) and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PS). Overall, results showed that SSD improves characteristics of PCL nanofibrous film and improves wound-healing process in one-week earlier compared to control. Conclusion: Cytotoxicity of SSD in fabricated nanofibrous mat is a critical challenge in designing an effective wound dressing that neutralizes cellular toxicity and improves antimicrobial activity. The PCL/SSD nanofibrous membrane with 500- μm thickness and 0.3% (w/v) SSD showed applicable characteristics as a wound dressing and it accelerated wound healing process in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bifunctional radiosensitizer agents in which nitroaromatic moieties are attached through a linker to antineoplastic moieties have demonstrated higher cytotoxicity and radiosensitizer effects than the corresponding counterparts. This study was conducted to investigate the cytotoxicity and radiosensitizer activities of 2, 4-dinitrobenzene as a radiosensitizer moiety which connected to α, β unsaturated aryl ketones against the radioresistant human HT29 colon cancer cells. Methods: A series of bifunctional radiosensitizer derivatives that are composed of electron-affinic 2, 4-dinitrophenyl moiety and thiol reactive unsaturated conjugated ketones were prepared. The designed compounds were synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding 2, 4-dinitrobenzaldehyde, cyclohexanone and different aryl aldehydes. The cytotoxicity and radiosensitizer activity of the tested compounds were examined against HT29 colon cancer cells under aerobic condition. The IC50 value of the tested compounds and percent of survival cells were analyzed by the MTT assay. The clonogenic assay was used to assess the cell viability following treatment with the tested compounds with or without the combination of radiation. Results: This approach demonstrated that the tested compounds at the concentrations utilized have little or no cytotoxicity towards the radioresistant HT29 cell line but have great cytotoxicity and radiosensitizer activity when combined with irradiation. Conclusion: The novel bifunctional unsaturated conjugated aryl ketones which are thiol alkylators found to exhibit radiosensitivity activity. Consequently, these new developed compounds should be evaluated further to assess their potential efficacy with radiotherapy to combat malignancies in a pre-clinical animal model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic β‐cells are destroyed by the immune system, in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and are impaired by glucose insensitivity in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Islet‐cells transplantation is a promising therapeutic approach based on in vitro differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to insulin‐producing cells (IPCs). According to evolutionary stages in β‐cell development, there are several distinct checkpoints; each one has a unique characteristic, including definitive endoderm (DE), primitive gut (PG), posterior foregut (PF), pancreatic epithelium (PE), endocrine precursor (EP), and immature β‐cells up to functional β‐cells. A better understanding of the gene regulatory networks (GRN) and associated transcription factors in each specific developmental stage, guarantees the achievement of the next successful checkpoints and ensures an efficient β‐cell differentiation procedure. The new findings in signaling pathways, related to the development of the pancreas are discussed here, including Wnt, Activin/Nodal, FGF, BMP, retinoic acid (RA), sonic hedgehog (Shh), Notch, and downstream regulators, required for β‐cell commitment. We also summarized different approaches in the IPCs protocol to conceptually define a standardized system, leading to the creation of a reproducible method for β‐cell differentiation. To normalize blood glucose level in diabetic mice, the replacement therapy in the early differentiation stage, such as EP stages was associated with better outcome when compared with the fully differentiated β‐cells' graft. We summarized the current knowledge on the developmental biology of the pancreas to understand the mechanism underlying the insulin‐producing cell (IPC) protocols, and discussed the appropriate signaling involved in the early body axes and endoderm patterning up to endocrine precursor (EP) and β‐cell specification. In addition, we showed that transplantation of differentiated embryonic stem (dES) cells in early differentiation stage, leads to a better outcome, compared with full differentiation of mature β‐cells' graft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of nanofibrous biomaterials composed of natural and synthetic materials that incorporated with antibiotic and growth factors with controlled release manner is an attractive topic in wound healing. The purpose of this study was to prepare optimal composite of materials as biomimetic nanofibrous mats for application in wound healing. The mat was prepared of polycaprolactone (PCL) in the bottom, chitosan/poly ethylene oxide (Cs/PEO) in the middle, and PCL/collagen (PCL/Coll) in the top layer. A panel of standard characterization tests of nanofibrous mat was performed and its compatibilities in strength and integration were confirmed. Middle layer was loaded with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and silver sulfadiazine (SSD) was incorporated in the bottom layer as an anti‐infection factor. Then, on the dorsum of rats, a 400‐mm2 wound was created and surrounded by a silicone ring to control the usual tissue contractions. Nanofibrous mats with or without growth factors were applied as wound dressings and at day 14, the healing process was evaluated. At day 14, the treated group by designed mat showed faster epithelialization and angiogenesis. Silicone ring in the test group was desirable in wound closure compared to the control group. Reformation of skin tissue was manifested in a shorter time. This composite nanofibrous mat could be introduced as a dynamic and effective candidate for wound dressing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin-derived precursors (SKPs) are remnants of the embryonic neural crest stem cells that reside in the dermis until adulthood. Although they possess a wide range of differentiation potentials, their differentiation into keratinocyte-like cells and their roles in skin wound healing are obscure. The present study aimed to investigate the differentiation of SKPs into keratinocyte-like cells and evaluate their role in healing of third degree burn wounds. To this aim, SKPs were differentiated into keratinocyte-like cells on tissue culture plate and collagen-chitosan scaffold prepared by freeze-drying. Their differentiation capability was detected by real-time RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. Thereafter, they were cultured on scaffold and implanted in a rat model of burn wound. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were employed to examine the reconstituted skin. The research findings revealed that SKPs were able to differentiate along the epidermal lineage and this ability can be enhanced on a suitable scaffold. Additionally, the results indicated that SKPs apparently promoted wound healing process and accelerate its transition from proliferating stage to maturational phase, especially if they were differentiated into keratinocyte-like cells. Regarding the results, it is concluded that SKPs are able to differentiate into keratinocyte-like cells, particularly when they are cultured on collagen-chitosan scaffold. Moreover, they can regenerate epidermal and dermal layers including thick collagen bundles, possibly through differentiation into keratinocyte-like cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]