Search

BACKGROUND: In the aftermath of bone injuries, such as cranium and sternum, bone wax (BW) is used to control bleeding from the bone surfaces during surgery. Made up of artificial substances, however, it is associated with many complications such as inflammation, increased risk for infection, and bone repair delay. We, therefore, in this study set out to design and evaluate a novel BW without the above-mentioned side-effects reported for other therapies. METHODS: The pastes (new BW(s)) were prepared in the laboratory and examined by MTT, MIC, MBC, and degradability tests. Then, 60 adult male Wistar rats, divided into six equal groups including chitosan (CT), CT-octacalcium phosphate (OCP), CT-periostin (Post), CT-OCP-Post, Control (Ctrl), and BW, underwent sternotomy surgery. Once the surgeries were completed, the bone repair was assessed radiologically and thereafter clinically in vivo and in vitro using CT-scan, H&E, ELISA, and qRT-PCR. RESULTS: All pastes displayed antibacterial properties and the CT-Post group had the highest cell viability compared to the control group. In contrast to the BW, CT-Post group demonstrated weight changes in the degradability test. In the CT-Post group, more number of osteocyte cells, high trabeculae percentage, and the least fibrous connective tissue were observed compared to other groups. Additionally, in comparison to the CT and Ctrl groups, higher alkaline phosphatase activity, as well as decreased level of serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and OCN in the CT-Post group was evident. Finally, Runx2, OPG, and RANKL genes’ expression was significantly higher in the CT-Post group than in other groups. CONCLUSION: Our results provide insights into the desirability of pastes in terms of cellular viability, degradability, antibacterial properties, and surgical site restoration compared to the BW group. Besides, Periostin could enhance the osteogenic properties of bone tissue defect site.

Over the past few decades several attempts have been made to introduce a potential and promising therapy for Multiple sclerosis (MS). Calorie restriction (CR) is a dietary manipulation to reduce calorie intake which has been shown to improve neuroprotection and attenuate neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we evaluated the effect of 33% CR regimen for 4 weeks on the remyelination capacity of Cuprizone (CPZ) induced demyelination in a mouse model of MS. Results showed that CR induced a significant increase in motor coordination and balance performance in CPZ mice. Also, luxol fast blue (LFB) staining showed that CR regimen significantly improved the remyelination in the corpus callosum of CPZ + CR mice compared to the CPZ group. In addition, CR regimen significantly increased the transcript expression levels of BDNF, Sox2, and Sirt1 in the corpus callosum of CPZ mice, while decreasing the p53 levels. Moreover, CR regimen significantly decreased the apoptosis rate. Furthermore, astrogliosis (GFAP + astrocytes) and microgliosis (Iba-1 + microglia) were significantly decreased by CR regimen while oligodendrogenesis (Olig2+) and Sirt1 + cell expression were significantly increased in the corpus callosum of CPZ + CR mice compared to the CPZ group. In conclusion, CR regimen can promote remyelination potential in a CPZ-demyelinating mouse model of MS by increasing oligodendrocyte generation while decreasing their apoptosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has no absolute treatment, and researchers are still exploring to introduce promising therapy for MS. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), is a safe, non-invasive procedure for brain stimulating which can enhance working memory, cognitive neurohabitation and motor recovery. Here, we evaluated the effects of tDCS treatment and Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation on remyelination ability of a Cuprizone (CPZ)-induced demyelination mouse model. tDCS significantly increased the motor coordination and balance abilities in CPZ + tDCS and CPZ + tDCS + MSCs mice in comparison to the CPZ mice. Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining showed that tDCS and MSCs transplantation could increase remyelination capacity in CPZ + tDCS and CPZ + MSCs mice compared to the CPZ mice. But, the effect of tDCS with MSCs transplantation on remyelination process was larger than each of treatment alone. Immunofluorescence technique indicated that the numbers of Olig2

Application of a three-dimensional (3D) culture system for in vitro proliferation and differentiation of human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is a useful tool for the investigation of the spermatogenesis process and the management of male infertility particularly in prepubertal cancer patients. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the proliferation of human SSCs co-cultured with Sertoli cells in soft agar culture system (SACS) supplemented by Laminin and growth factors. Testicular cells were isolated from testes of brain-dead patients and cultured in two-dimensional (2D) culture system for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, functional SSCs were evaluated by xenotransplantation and also identification of cells was assessed by immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and RT-PCR. Then, SSCs and Sertoli cells were transferred to the upper layer of SACS for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, the number of colonies and the expression of specific SSCs and Sertoli cell markers, as well as apoptotic genes were evaluated. Our results showed that transplanted SSCs, migrated into the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules of recipient mice. The expression of PLZF, α6-Integrin, and Vimentin proteins in SSCs and Sertoli cells were observed in 2D and 3D culture systems. The expression rate of PLZF, α6-Integrin, Bcl2, and colony number in SACS supplemented by Laminin and growth factors group were significantly higher than non-supplemented groups (P ≤ 0.01), but the expression rate of c-kit and Bax in supplemented group were significantly lower than non-supplemented groups (P ≤ 0.05). This 3D co-culture system decreased apoptosis and increased propagation of human SSCs. Therefore, this designed system can be utilized to increase the proliferation of human SSCs in prepubertal male cancer and azoospermic men to obtain an adequate SSCs number to outotransplant success and in vitro spermatogenesis.

Activation of inflammasome complexes during spinal cord injury (SCI) lead to conversion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) to their active form to initiates the neuroinflammation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) showed anti-inflammatory properties through their extracellular vehicles (EVs). We investigated immunomodulatory potential of human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells derived extracellular vesicles (hWJ-MSC-EVs) on inflammasome activity one week after SCI in rats. The gene expression and protein level of IL-1β, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and caspase1, were assessed by QPCR and western blotting. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was done to measure the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Nestin expression. Cell death, histological evaluation and hind limb locomotion was studied by TUNEL assay, Nissl staining and Basso, Beattie, Bresnaham (BBB), respectively. Our finding represented that intrathecally administrated of hWJ-MSC-EVs significantly attenuated expression of the examined factors in both mRNA (P < 0.05 and P ≤ 0.01) and protein levels (P < 0.05 and P ≤ 0.01), decreased GFAP and increased Nestin expression (P < 0.05), reduced cell death and revealed the higher number of typical neurons in ventral horn of spinal cord. Consequently, progress in locomotion. We came to the conclusion that hWJ-MSC-EVs has the potential to control the inflammasome activity after SCI in rats. Moreover, EVs stimulated the neural progenitor cells and modulate the astrocyte activity.

Human olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells (hOE-MSCs) derived from the human olfactory mucosa (OM) can be easily isolated and expanded in cultures while their immense plasticity is maintained. To mitigate ethical concerns, the hOE-MSCs can be also transplanted across allogeneic barriers, making them desirable cells for clinical applications. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of administering the hOE-MSCs on a spinal cord injury (SCI) model of rats. These cells were accordingly isolated and cultured, and then treated in the neurobasal medium containing serum-free Dulbecco’s Modified Essential Medium (DMEM) and Ham’s F-12 Medium (DMEM/F12) with 2% B27 for two days. Afterwards, the pre-induced cells were incubated in N2B27 with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), fibroblast growth factor 8b (FGF8b), sonic hedgehog (SHH), and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) for six days. The efficacy of the induced cells was additionally evaluated using immunocytochemistry (ICC) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The differentiated cells were similarly transplanted into the SC contusions. Functional recovery was further conducted on a weekly basis for eight consecutive weeks. Moreover, cell integration was assessed via conventional histology and ICC, whose results revealed the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) marker at the induction stage. According to the RT-PCR findings, the highest expression level of insulin gene-enhancer protein (islet-1), oligodendrocyte transcription factor (Olig2), and homeobox protein HB9 was observed at the induction stage. The number of engraftment cells also rose (approximately by 2.5 % ± 0.1) in the motor neuron-like cells derived from the hOE-MSCs-grafted group compared with the OE-MSCs-grafted one. The functional analysis correspondingly revealed that locomotor and sensory scores considerably improved in the rats in the treatment group. These findings suggested that motor neuron-like cells derived from the hOE-MSCs could be utilized as an alternative cell-based therapeutic strategy for SCI.

Background: Hesperetin is a bioflavonoid compound, largely used in Chinese traditional medicine and found plenty in citrus fruits. Hesperetin has beneficial effects against different diseases. The sperm cryopreservation process is a common method that is used in infertility laboratories. It has been reported that during the cryopreservation process, the quality of sperm is significantly reduced. Objective: To investigate the effect of hesperetin on the quality of human spermatozoa during the cryopreservation process. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 22 sperm sample of normozoospermia men who reffered to the infertility department of the Shariati Hospital (Tehran, Iran) Between October and November 2019 were collect and divided in to three groups as: 1) fresh, 2) control (frozen-thawed group without treatment), and 3) treatment group as frozen-thawed samples supplemented with 20 µM hesperetin. Motility, Viability, morphology, Apoptotic-like changes, intracellular H 2 O 2 , intracellular O2 - , and lipid peroxidation (LPO) was measured. Results: Hesperetin treatment during the cryopreservation process of human sperm significantly improved the viability, motility, and morphology rates of the spermatozoa after frozen-thawed process in control group (p < 0.01). In addition, it significantly reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, LPO level and increased the percentage of viable sperm cells with intact plasma membrane (p < 0.01) after frozen-thawed process. Conclusion: Hesperetin can improve the quality of human sperm and also protect human sperm against reactive oxygen species, LPO, and apoptosis during the cryopreservation-thawing process.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disorder in the central nervous system (CNS) with no definitive treatment, but it can be alleviated by changing life habits. Calorie restriction (CR) is effective in preventing or treating metabolic and autoimmune disorders. CR is one of the helpful approaches to control the progression of MS. In the present study, we investigated the preventive effect of caloric restriction on cuprizone induced-demyelination, a model of multiple sclerosis. To induce acute demyelination in C57/BL6 mice, we added 0.2% Cuprizone (CPZ) to their diet for 6 weeks. To induce calorie restriction, 10% Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was added to the diet as a dietary cellulose fiber for 6 weeks. Remyelination was studied by luxol fast blue (LFB) staining. Microglia activity, M1 and M2 microglial/macrophage phenotypes were assessed by immunohistochemistry of Iba-1, iNOS and Arg-1, respectively. The expression of targeted genes was assessed by the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining showed that the CR regimen could decrease the cuprizone-induced demyelination process (p < 0.01). Moreover, the CR application could improve balance and motor performance in cuprizone-intoxicated mice by significantly enhancing protein and gene expression of Sirt1, M2 microglial phenotype marker (Arg-1) and Akt1 gene expression, also decreased M1 microglial phenotype marker (iNOS), Akt2 and P53 gene expressions (p < 0.05). Cumulatively, it can be concluded that caloric restriction was able to counteract MS symptoms through alleviating inflammatory responses.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread endocrine disorder, affecting approximately 20% of women within reproductive age. It is associated with hyperandrogenism, obesity, menstrual irregularity, and anovulatory infertility. Melatonin is the main pineal gland hormone involved in the regulation of the circadian rhythm. In recent years, it has been observed that a reduction in melatonin levels of follicular fluid exists in PCOS patients. Melatonin receptors in the ovary and intra-follicular fluid adjust sex steroid secretion at different phases of ovarian follicular maturation. Moreover, melatonin is a strong antioxidant and an effective free radical scavenger, which protects ovarian follicles during follicular maturation. Objective: In this paper, we conducted a literature review and the summary of the current research on the role of melatonin in PCOS. Materials and Methods: Electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Reaxys were searched from their inception to October 2018 using the keywords ″Melatonin″ AND ″Polycystic ovary syndrome" OR "PCOS.″ Results: Based on the data included in our review, it was found that the administration of melatonin can improve the oocyte and embryo quality in PCOS patients. It may also have beneficial effects in correcting the hormonal alterations in PCOS patients. Conclusion: Since metabolic dysfunction is the major finding contributing to the initiation of PCOS, melatonin can hinder this process via its improving effects on metabolic functions. Key words: Hyperandrogenism, Infertility, Melatonin, PCOS.

Anthropometry is a scientific study of linear dimensions and angles of living subjects. Knowing the details and anthropometric properties of nasofacial for each specific ethnic group is important for cosmetic operation as well as identifying individuals. In this study, facial and nasal anthropometric factors were studied in students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. In a cross-sectional study, 200 students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (100 male and 100 female and age range of 18–30 years) were selected. Nasal width (NW), nasal length (NL), nasal height (NH), face height (FH) and face width (FW) were measured in and the nasal (NI) and facial index (FI) were calculated for each case. Then, the data were analyzed using SPSS-22. The mean age was 21.84 ± 3.18 years. There were significant differences in the facial and nasal measurements including FH (P = 0.0001), FW (P = 0.0001), FI (P = 0.0001), NL (P = 0.002), NH (P = 0.001), NW (P = 0.0001) and NI (P = 0.0001) of sex groups. The most common types of face were mesoprosopic (36%) and hyperleptoprosopic (38%) types and and platyrrhine (63%) were mostly frequent. Based on the findings, all students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences had mesoprosopic (36%) and hyperleptoprosopic (38%) types of face and platyrrhine type of nose. As well, a sexual dimorphism was recorded according to the nasofacial measurements in Iranian population that should be considered in the cosmetic operations. Sexual dimorphism and differences between different populations were recorded.

Multiple sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disorder which characterized by demyelination and axonal loss in the central nervous system (CNS). Several evidences indicate that some new drugs and stem cell therapy have opened a new horizon for multiple sclerosis treatment, but current therapies are partially effective or not safe in the long term. Recently, herbal therapies represent a promising therapeutic approach for multiple sclerosis disease. Here, we consider the potential benefits of some herbal compounds on different aspects of multiple sclerosis disease. The medicinal plants and their derivatives; Ginkgo biloba, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Nigella sativa,Piper methysticum, Crocus sativus, Panax ginseng, Boswellia papyrifera, Vitis vinifera, Gastrodia elata, Camellia sinensis, Oenothera biennis, MS14 and Cannabis sativa have been informed to have several therapeutic effects in MS patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system which is accompanied by demyelination of the nerves, axonal loss, and disability. Currently, no definitive treatment is recognized for MS. Stem-cell therapy for MS has shown promising results and has attracted attention as an alternative therapeutic option. Various stem cell sources such as mesenchymal, embryonic, and neural have been identified. This chapter gives an overview of the advances made in our understanding of these stem cells under two broad categories: exogenous and endogenous. Stem-cell therapy in MS and the substantial literature regarding their therapeutic potential for MS are discussed. Much of the promising data are still in experimental stage, and further clinical trials are needed to rigorously evaluate the safety, validity, and feasibility of these stem cells for the treatment of MS.

Mentha longifolia (wild mint) is a popular folk remedy. Some parts of this plant have been used in traditional medicine of Iran and other countries. Many studies have shown various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of the plant. Our aim in preparing this study was to review the traditional uses of M. longifolia together with the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of its entire extract and major compounds. Mentha longifolia is an herb with a wide range of pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, gastrointestinal, and nervous system effects. Pulegone is the main compound of the plant responsible for most of its pharmacological effects followed by menthone, isomenthone, menthol, 1, 8-cineole, borneol, and piperitenone. Moreover, the plant may dose-dependently exert toxic effects in different systems of the body. Based on the review of various studies, it can be concluded that M. longifolia is a potential natural source for the development of new drugs. However, further studies are required to determine the precise quality and safety of the plant to be used by clinicians.