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Introduction: Cinnamon is one of the most common spices that have been studied for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties in wound healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of polycaprolactone nanofiber mats coated with chitosan microcapsules loaded with cinnamon essential oil on wound healing. Material and methods: For this purpose, chitosan microcapsules containing cinnamon essential oil (µCS-CiZ) were prepared by ion gelation and PCL nanofibers by electrospinning. The size of the µCS-CiZ and the morphology of nanofibers were evaluated by DLS and FESEM methods. In order to evaluate wound healing, 48 rats in 4 groups of control, µCS-CiZ, nanofibers, and nanofibers coated with µCS-CiZ (PCL+µCS-CiZ) were examined on days 7, 14, and 21 in terms of macroscopy (wound closure rate) and histology (edema, inflammation, vascularity, fibrotic tissue, and re-epithelialization). Results: The particle size of the µCS-CiZ and the diameter of the nanofibers were estimated at about 6.33±1.27 μm and 228 ± 33 nm, respectively. On day 21, both µCS-CiZ and PCL groups showed a significant decrease in wound size compared to the control group (pConclusion: The results of the study showed that the combined use of PCL+µCS-CiZ indicates a synergistic effect in improving wound healing.

The goal of this study was to synthesize nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) by the sol–gel method, which involved the use of salvia macrosiphon Boiss plant extract, Ni(NO3)2·6H2O as a capping agent, and a nickel precursor, respectively. The synthesized NiO-NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field electron scanning electron microscopy (FESEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermo-gravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analyzes. Also, according to the results of UV–Vis, the gap band of nanoparticles was calculated to be in the range of about 2.9–3.9 eV. The photocatalytic activity of nanoparticles on methylene blue (MB) degradation was investigated and according to the results, about 80% MB was apparently degraded in the presence of NiO-NPs under UV-A light (11 W) after 5 h in pH ~ 11. We have evaluated the cytotoxicity of NiO-NPs on the multiple tumor cells by materials method, and all the utilized concentrations were observed to cause non-toxic effects; therefore, it can be suggested that these samples have the potential of being employed in different fields of medicine.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), one of the main mortality causes worldwide is considered to be affected by general oxidative stress and inadequacy antioxidant system. Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), a cytosolic antioxidant enzyme has a key role in neutralizing the excessive prooxidant by scavenging the super oxide anions. SOD1 polymorphic variants exhibit the altered activity properties. In the current study, we are aimed to investigate the association between the SOD1 polymorphism and CVD prevalence. A 6-years case control follow up study was designed to genotype the 526 participants (311 controls and 215 cases) for studying the 50 bp INS/DEL polymorphism at SOD1 promoter gene and analyze their blood lipid profile and anthropometric characteristics. Among the two possible alleles of the SOD1 gene (Wild [W] and Mutant [M]) the meaningful association was detected between the Mutants' frequency and the prevalence of CVD patients (p-value

The green synthesis of nanomaterials stands as a new strategy in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology throughout the past decays. The aim of this study was to perform the green synthesis and characterization of nanoceria (NCs) by the utilization of Tannic acid (TA) as a polyphenolic compound. The NCs have been synthesized via the chemical reduction method, which involved the usage of TA in the role of a green reducing and stabilizer agent. The NCs have been sintered in 400, 500, and 600 °C to obtain NCs in the form of light-yellow fine powders. The prepared NCs have been characterized by the employment of UV–vis, TG/DTG, XRD, FESEM, TEM, and FTIR. The cytotoxicity and oxidative stress of NCs, which had ranged between 6.25 and 800 μg/ml, have been evaluated on L929 and HFFF2 cell lines through the MTT and DCFH-DA assays. Statistical analysis of the data has been performed via One-way ANOVA, while p

Background: Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is an intracellular chaperone constitutively expressed in many cell types including cardio myocytes and endothelial cells. Circulating levels of HSP27 and anti-HSP27 antibody are higher in patients with CVD. Anti-HSP27 antibody concentrations were also reported to be increased in atherogenesis. We aimed to evaluate serum anti-HSP27 antibody titers in individuals with, or without, MetS in the MASHAD study cohort with large sample size in 6,568 subjects. Methods: Participants with MetS were identified from MASHAD cohort (n=3358) using the IDF criteria, and the control group were those individuals who did not meet these criteria (n=3210). In-house enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) method was used for measuring Anti-HSP27 antibody levels. The two groups were matched for age, sex and smoking habit. Results: As expected, there were significant differences in height (p= 0.004), waist and hip circumference, weight, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, TGs, TC, HDL-C, Hs-CRP, glucose, with the presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (p Conclusion: In conclusion, our results revealed serum anti-HSP27 antibody titers were not statistically different between individuals with and without MetS. However, it is possible that drug treatment may affect antibody titers and confound our findings in this population sample..

Effective drug delivery is one of the most important issues associated with the administration of therapeutic agents that have low oral bioavailability. Curcumin is an active ingredient in the turmeric plant, which has low oral bioavailability due to its poor aqueous solubility. One strategy that has been considered for enhancing the aqueous solubility, and, thus, its oral bioavailability, is the use of chitosan as a carrier for curcumin. Chitosan is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer that is relatively water-soluble. Therefore, various studies have sought to improve the aqueous solubility of chitosan. The use of different pharmaceutical excipients and formulation strategies has the potential to improve aqueous solubility, formulation processing, and the overall delivery of hydrophobic drugs. This review focuses on various methods utilized for chitosan-based delivery of curcumin.

Curcumin contains many biological activities as a natural bioactive substance, however, its low solubility stands as a huge bioavailability disadvantage. Recently, different methods have been developed for utilizing the tremendous medicinal properties of this material. In this study, an Oil/Water nano-emulsion of curcumin (Nano-CUR) has been woven in zein polymer at three percentages of 5%, 10%, and 15% (v/v). We have investigated the physicochemical properties of nanofibers (NFs) including FESEM, FTIR, tensile strength, encapsulation efficiency, and release profile, as well as biological properties. According to the data, the NFs have been observed to become significantly thinner and more uniformed as the involved percentage of Nano-CUR had been increased from 5 to 15%. It is considerable that the tensile strength can be increased by heightening the existing Nano-CUR from 5% towards 15%. The resultant NFs of zein/Nano-CUR 15% have exhibited higher in vitro release and lower encapsulation efficiency than the other evaluated zein/Nano-CUR NFs. It has been confirmed through the performed viability and antioxidant studies that zein/Nano-CUR 10% NFs are capable of providing the best conditions for cell proliferation. Considering the mentioned facts, this work has suggested that Nano-CUR can be successfully woven in zein NFs and maintain their biological properties.

Obesity is an important feature of the metabolic syndrome and is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body fat percentage and an imbalance of the prooxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and inflammation (serum hs-CRP) and increase risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. In this study, 9154 individuals were recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Association Disorder (MASHAD) study. Subjects were categorized into two groups according to body fat percentage as defined >25% in male and > 30% in female, according to gender. Biochemical factors, including serum PAB, SOD1, and hs-CRP were measured in all subjects. SPSS version 18 was used for statistical analyses for all. GraphPad Prism 6 for figures was used. Of total number of subjects (9154), 6748 (73.7%) were found to have a high body fat (BF) percentage. Serum hs-CRP and PAB were significantly higher in individuals with a high BF percentage (P 0.05). BF percentage, serum PAB and serum hs-CRP were significantly higher in individuals with metabolic syndrome and diabetes versus those without metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus (P < 0.05), however serum SOD1 was significantly lower in individuals with metabolic syndrome (P < 0.005). Oxidative stress and inflammation are two factors that may link the presence of high BF percentage with the development of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(1):35-42, 2019.

Background Inflammation is a primary response to infection that can pathologically lead to various diseases including neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of β-Amyrin, a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, on inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferone-γ (IFN-γ) in rat microglial cells. Materials and methods Cytotoxicity of β-Amyrin (3–100) μM on microglial cells was evaluated using the MTT assay. Also, the protective effect of various β-Amyrin (2–16 μM) concentrations with LPS/IFN-γ-induced mice microglial cells was studied. The concentrations of TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α), IL-1β (Interleukin-1β), IL-6 (Interleukin-6) and PGE-2 (Prostaglandin E2) were evaluated using ELISA. Gene expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2 (Cyclooxygenase-2), iNOS and arginase-1 were also evaluated using the Real-Time PCR method. Nitrite oxide and urea were measured using biochemical methods. Results The studied concentrations ​​of β-Amyrin had no significant effects on the viability of microglial cells. Interestingly, β-Amyrin concentration dependently and significantly increased the reduced cell proliferation concerning to LPS/IFN-γ exposure (p Conclusion β-Amyrin reduces inflammation in microglial cells and can be used as a potential anti-inflammatory agent in central nervous system neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and multiple sclerosis, by affecting the inflammatory cytokine and differentiation of microglia as resident CNS macrophages.

Peritoneal adhesion between abdominal organs is a complication of surgery. It causes major complications like pain, bowel obstruction, infertility and increases risk of death. Honey is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties potentially relevant for adhesive protection.Thirty rats were divided into five groups: negative control without any surgical procedure (normal group), control group treated with normal saline, experimental group I treated with 1ml of 10% honey, experimental group II treated with honey at half concentration of group I (honey0.5), and positive control group receiving 1ml of dextrose 5%. Inflammatory, growth and angiogenesis factors (TNF-α, Il-6, IL-1β, TGF-β1 and VEGF) of the adhesion tissue were assessed using ELISA. Antioxidant factors (NO, GSH and MDA) were also assessed using biochemical procedures.The difference between peritoneal adhesion scores, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β1, VEGF, NO, GSH and MDA value of all groups was strongly significant (p0.001). We showed that honey can decrease peritoneal adhesion (p0.001), TNF-α (p0.001), IL-1β (p0.001), IL-6 (p0.001), TGF-β1 (p0.001), VEGF (p0.001), NO (p0.001), MDA (p0.001) and increase GSH (p0.001) compared with control group. Honey 0.5 also significantly decreased peritoneal adhesion (p0.001), TNF-α (p0.001), IL-1β (p0.01), IL-6 (p0.001), VEGF (p0.001), NO (p0.001), MDA (p0.01) and increase GSH (p0.001) compared with control group.We find that honey can decrease inflammatory, growth and angiogenesis factors which can advance peritoneal adhesion and increase antioxidant factors. Honey could serve as a protective agent for peritoneal adhesion.

Metabolically obese normal weight (MONW) individuals are potentially at increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Serum zinc and copper concentrations were assessed in individuals with MONW to determine whether MONW is associated with altered serum zinc and/or copper status. Normal weight subjects (total n = 2419; 1298 men and 1121 women), were recruited as part of Mashhad Stroke and Heart Association Disorder (MASHAD) Study cohort. They were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of MetS, defined using IDF criteria. Serum zinc and copper concentrations were determined by atomic absorption. Of the 2419 normal weight adults, 377 had MetS. Of this group, 53.7% and 49.7% had a serum zinc 131 µg/dl (Q4) (p = 0.034), and 18.8% had a serum zinc >95 µg/dl (Q4). Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the odds ratio (OR) for an association of serum zinc, copper and zinc to copper ratio with MetS in normal weight subjects. The subjects with a serum zinc >95 µg/dl (Q4) had 0.386 [OR: 0.614(95%CI 0.457–0.823)] lower chance of MetS (p = 0.001) and the subjects with a serum copper >131 (Q4) had OR 1.423 (95% CI: 1.09–1.857) higher chance of MetS (p = 0.009). These data remained significant after adjustment for age and sex, for serum zinc and copper, respectively. Furthermore, our results strongly suggested that zinc and copper were the independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome in normal weight subjects. There is an imbalance between serum copper and zinc concentrations among individuals with MONW when compared with normal BMI individuals without MetS. This may increase the risk of individuals with MONW developing conditions associated with this imbalance, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Obesity is an important feature of the metabolic syndrome and is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body fat percentage and an imbalance of the prooxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and inflammation (serum hs-CRP) and increase risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. In this study, 9154 individuals were recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Association Disorder (MASHAD) study. Subjects were categorized into two groups according to body fat percentage as defined25% in male and30% in female, according to gender. Biochemical factors, including serum PAB, SOD1, and hs-CRP were measured in all subjects. SPSS version 18 was used for statistical analyses for all. GraphPad Prism 6 for figures was used. Of total number of subjects (9154), 6748 (73.7%) were found to have a high body fat (BF) percentage. Serum hs-CRP and PAB were significantly higher in individuals with a high BF percentage (P0.05) but SOD1 was not significantly different between the two groups (P0.05). BF percentage, serum PAB and serum hs-CRP were significantly higher in individuals with metabolic syndrome and diabetes versus those without metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus (P0.05), however serum SOD1 was significantly lower in individuals with metabolic syndrome (P0.005). Oxidative stress and inflammation are two factors that may link the presence of high BF percentage with the development of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(1):35-42, 2019.

The prevalence of hypertension (HTN) is increasing globally. It has been shown that there is an association between micronutrient deficiency and HTN. In the current study, we aimed to assess the association between HTN with serum copper and zinc concentrations in a large representative Iranian population. The participants were enrolled into the Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorders study (MASHAD study), a cohort study that was initiated in 2010. Anthropometric indices were assessed using standard procedures. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were measured using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, uric acid and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and hs-CRP were measured using routine methods. HTN defined as persons who had SBP ≥ 130 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 85 mmHg and/or medication use. Flame atomic absorption (Varian AA240FS) was used to measure serum Zn and Cu concentrations. SPSS software was used for all statistical analyses. A total of 9588 participants were recruited into the MASHAD study project. Participants were divided into two groups; 5695 healthy (non-hypertensive) (mean age 45.85 ± 7.5 years) and 3893 hypertensive participants (mean age 51.18 ± 7.67 years). Systolic (p 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p 0.001) were significantly different for different serum copper quartiles. The participants with serum copper levels 80 μg/dl had 1.33 times greater risk of an increased blood pressure than other participants. Participants with serum copper levels 130 μg/dl had a 1.94-fold higher risk of raised blood pressure. Serum zinc was not associated with systolic blood pressure, but individuals in the first quartile level of serum zinc had a diastolic blood pressure that was significantly higher than other quartiles (p = 0.035). Serum copper is associated with blood pressure status in adults in a U-shaped relationship, with a range of serum copper between 80 and 130 μg/dl being associated with normal blood pressure.

Poor wound healing is a highly prevalent clinical problem with, as yet, no entirely satisfactory solution. A new technique, termed electrospinning, may provide a solution to improve wound healing. Due to their large surface area to volume ratio and porosity, the nanofibers created by electrospinning are able to deliver sustained drug release and oxygen to the wound. Using different types of polymers with varying properties helps strengthening nanofiber and exudates absorption. The nanofibers appear to have an ideal structure applicable for wound healing and, in combination with curcumin, can blend the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin into a highly effective wound dressing. The use of suitable curcumin solvents and the slow release of curcumin from the nanofiber help in overcoming the known limitations of curcumin, specifically its low stability and limited bioavailability. Here, we review the studies which have been done on synthesized nanofibers containing curcumin, produced by the electrospinning technique, for the purpose of wound healing.

Inflammation is a primary response to infection that can pathologically lead to various diseases including neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of β-Amyrin, a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, on inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferone-γ (IFN-γ) in rat microglial cells.Cytotoxicity of β-Amyrin (3-100) μM on microglial cells was evaluated using the MTT assay. Also, the protective effect of various β-Amyrin (2-16 μM) concentrations with LPS/IFN-γ-induced mice microglial cells was studied. The concentrations of TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α), IL-1β (Interleukin-1β), IL-6 (Interleukin-6) and PGE-2 (Prostaglandin E2) were evaluated using ELISA. Gene expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2 (Cyclooxygenase-2), iNOS and arginase-1 were also evaluated using the Real-Time PCR method. Nitrite oxide and urea were measured using biochemical methods.The studied concentrations ​​of β-Amyrin had no significant effects on the viability of microglial cells. Interestingly, β-Amyrin concentration dependently and significantly increased the reduced cell proliferation concerning to LPS/IFN-γ exposure (p 0.001). The concentrations and expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE-2, COX-2 were significantly reduced after β-Amyrin treatment in LPS/IFN-γ-induced microglial cells (p 0.05-0.001). β-Amyrin also decreased the levels of nitric oxide, increased urea and down regulated the expression of nitric oxide synthesis while arginase-1 expression was enhanced (p 0.001). The ratio of NO/urea and iNOS/Arg1 were also markedly increased in comparison to the LPS/IFN-g group (p 0.001).β-Amyrin reduces inflammation in microglial cells and can be used as a potential anti-inflammatory agent in central nervous system neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and multiple sclerosis, by affecting the inflammatory cytokine and differentiation of microglia as resident CNS macrophages.

Peritoneal adhesion is a major complication of surgery that can lead to serious problems such as bowel obstruction, pain, infertility and even mortality. Propolis is a honey bee product with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities that could potentially protect against adhesive surgical complications.Forty 8-weeks-old rats (275 ± 25 g) were divided into five groups: normal group without any surgical procedure, and experimental groups treated with normal saline, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of propolis. Peritoneal adhesions were examined macroscopically and also, the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α), growth factors (TGF-β1 and VEGF) were evaluated in the study groups using ELISA. Biochemical indices of oxidative status including Nitric Oxide (NO), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Glutathione (GSH) were also measured.Peritoneal adhesion scores, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β1, VEGF, NO, GSH and MDA levels were significantly different between the study groups (p 0.001). Propolis treatment reduced peritoneal adhesion (p 0.001), TNF-α (p 0.001), IL-1β (p 0.001), IL-6 (p 0.001), TGF-β1 (p 0.001), VEGF (p 0.001), NO (p 0.001) and MDA (p 0.001), while GSH levels were increased (p 0.001) compared with the vehicle group. Our results showed that higher dose of propolis was associated with significantly greater reductions in peritoneal adhesion (p 0.001), TNF-α (p 0.001), IL-1β (p 0.001), IL-6 (p 0.001), VEGF (p 0.001), NO (p 0.001) and MDA (p 0.001), a greater increase in GSH levels (p 0.001) compared with the lower dose.Propolis treatment can dose-dependently reduce peritoneal adhesion through its anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and antioxidant properties. Therefore, propolis might serve as a protective agent against post-surgical adhesive complications.

Formaldehyde (FA) is the leading cause of cellular injury and oxidative damage in testis that is one of the main infertility causes. There has been an increasing evidence of herbal remedies use in male infertility treatment. This assay examines the role ofFicus carica(Fc) leaf extracts in sperm parameters and testis of mice intoxicated with FA. Twenty-five adult male mice were randomly divided into control; sham; FA-treated (10 mg/kg twice per day); Fc-treated (200 mg/kg); and FA + Fc-treated groups. Cauda epididymal spermatozoa were analyzed for viability, count, and motility. Testes were weighed and gonadosomatic index (GSI) was calculated. Also, histoarchitecture of seminiferous tubules was assessed in the Haematoxylin and Eosin stained paraffin sections. The findings showed that FA significantly decreased GSI and increased percentage of immotile sperm compared with control group. Disorganized and vacuolated seminiferous epithelium, spermatogenic arrest, and lumen filled with immature germ cells were also observed in the testes. However, Fc leaf extracts improved sperm count, nonprogressive motility of spermatozoa, and GSI in FA-treated testes. Moreover, seminiferous tubule with spermatogenic arrest was rarely seen, indicating that Fc has the positive effects on testis and epididymal sperm parameters exposed with FA.

The aim of this research was to demonstrate the effects of 50 Hz sinusoidal extremely low frequency of magnetic fields (ELF-MF) on preincubated chicken embryo hearts at histopathological, biochemical, and ultrastructural levels.Ninety healthy fertilized eggs were divided into six groups of control, sham and four (1-4) experimental groups exposed to 1.33, 2.66, 5.52, and 7.32 mT flux intensities. Sham groups were placed inside the coil with no exposure for 24 h, while the eggs of experimental groups were exposed to four different intensities inside the coil for 24 h before incubation. Then, all were incubated in an incubator (37 ± 0.5°C and 60% humidity) for 14 days.Evidence proved that ELF-MF create damaged myocytes in experimental group 1; condensed dark nuclei, an increase in the number of apoptotic cells in addition to increased intracellular spaces in experimental group 2; light inflammation and myocyte necrosis in experimental groups 3 and 4; an increase in the number of nuclear membranes' pores, small round unclear cristae mitochondria, and a decrease in the number of mitochondria in the myocytes of experimental group 4; and also an increase in alkaline phosphatase activities in the experimental groups.The effects of ELF-MF on the preincubated chicken embryos' hearts show the necessity for conservation plans for prevention from possible harm.