babak mohammadian

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the oxidative damage are the main factors involved in tissue damage caused by arsenic trioxide. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of royal jelly on the parameters of oxidative stress and histopathological damage to lung tissue due to arsenic trioxide toxicity. Forty male Wistar albino rats received arsenic trioxide and royal jelly orally for 30 days and were randomly divided into eight groups of five; The first group received normal saline at a dose of 1 mg /kg, the second group received royal jelly at a dose of 150 mg /kg, the third group received arsenic trioxide at a dose of 1 mg / kg, the fourth group received arsenic trioxide (1 mg /kg) with Royal jelly at a dose of 150 mg /kg, the fifth group received arsenic trioxide (1 mg /kg) with royal jelly at a dose of 100 mg /kg, the sixth group received arsenic trioxide (1 mg /kg) with royal jelly at a dose of 50 mg /kg, the seventh group received arsenic trioxide (1 mg /kg) with vitamin E at a dose of 100 mg /kg, and the eighth group received arsenic trioxide (1 mg /kg) with vitamin E and royal jelly (both) at a dose of mg/ kg 100. Oxidative stress parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were evaluated. Damage to lung tissue was also assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) tissue staining. The results of the present study revealed that arsenic trioxide increased the level of MDA and decreased the levels of GPx, SOD and CAT. Royal jelly treatment decreased MDA levels and increased GPx, SOD and CAT concentrations in lung tissue. The severity of lung tissue damage was also reduced. In general, Royal Jelly reduced oxidative stress and lung tissue damage.

This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between aflatoxin levels and pathological lesions observed in poultry liver.  Out of 50 liver samples including 10 samples with healthy appearance and 40 samples with pale appearance from 10 herds in Ahvaz slaughterhouses were randomly selected. One part of the selected liver was evaluated for histopathological lesions after staining by hematoxylin & eosin and periodic schiff method, and the other part was frozen to measure different types of aflatoxins by HPLC technique. The results showed that none of the 10 liver tissue samples with healthy appearance and 2 of 30 liver tissue samples with swollen and pale appearance were infected with aflatoxins B1, G1, B2 0.19 ± 0.01 , 0.17 ± 0.04, 0.075 ±.007 μg kg, respectively. In liver tissues with healthy appearance and with swollen and pale appearance, histopathological lesions were often observed in the form of hepatocellular swelling and vacuolar degeneration. The results of this study showed that there was no significant relationship between histopathological lesions of the liver and aflatoxin contamination in the relevant samples and these general lesions also occur under the influence of other pathogenesis factors, so the effect of other factors affecting the growth of broilers should be studied.

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is used in treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). One of the major side effects of this drug is liver toxicity. Different doses of this drug have been used in different studies. Based on the ATO treatment protocol in APL patients (0.15 mg / kg) and the dose conversion formula between humans and laboratory animals introduced by the FDA, a dose of 1 mg / kg was selected. Royal jelly has attracted increasing attention in recent years given its high antioxidants capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of royal jelly on histopathologic and biochemical changes of liver based on arsenic trioxide-induced hepatotoxicity in 8 groups of 5 rats. In groups one, two and three respectively, normal saline, royal jelly and arsenic trioxide; in groups four, five and six, different doses of royal jelly along with fixed dose of arsenic trioxide; in group seven arsenic trioxide along with vitamin E; in group eight arsenic trioxide alonge with vitamin E and royal jelly were given orally for 30 days. According to the results, the liver was normal in the normal salin group and royal jelly receiving groups, while it had pathological changes as hyperemia and cellular swelling (reversible changes) in other groups. The severity of these changes was reduced in royal jelly receiving groups. There was no significant change in the liver enzymes activity in all study groups.

Mycoplasmosis is one of the most important diseases in the poultry industry. mycoplasma synoviae is one of the important disease-causing factors in chickens, which causes respiratory tract infection and synovitis. and leads to significant economic losses to the poultry industry all over the world. In this study, mycoplasma infection of broiler flocks in Ahvaz slaughterhouse was investigated using molecular method. For this purpose, 200 samples of lung and trachea tissues and joint fluid of hock joint were collected from 20 broiler flocks with macroscopic symptoms and 20 samples from the mentioned parts from apparently healthy broiler chickens of each flock in the winter season. Tissue DNA extraction was performed. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect Vlha gene of mycoplasma synoviae. Of the 200 samples, 55 lungs and 45 tracheas from flocks with macroscopic symptoms and 4 lung and trachea samples from apparently healthy birds were positive. In the molecular examination of joint samples, no positive cases were observed for the presence of mycoplasma synoviae. The PCR products of positive samples were sent to Gene FanAvaran Company for sequencing. The sequence of a part of the Vlha gene of this isolate was compared with other isolates in the gene bank and it was about 99% similar to the previous Iranian isolates (IRG11/C/09, IRG6/C/08, IRG1/C/08). According to the results of the present study, mycoplasma synoviae is common among broiler flocks under investigation in Ahvaz slaughterhouse. Therefore, the policy makers of the health system of the poultry industry should prevent the economic losses caused by this disease with preventive measures.

This study aimed to determine cytological, histopathological and cytomorphometrical characteristics of endometrium in healthy and endometritic uterus in the water buffalo. Fifty eight non-pregnant reproductive systems were collected from slaughterhouse. Efficiency of three methods of sampling including cotton swab, smear, and aspiration were compared for cytologic study. Concurrent histopathologic examination revealed endometritis in 38 uteri including 8 (21.00%) with mild endometritis, 7 (18.42%) with moderate endometritis, 6 (15.90%) with severe endometritis and 17 (44.73%) with chronic endometritis. Cytomorphometrical results showed significant relationship between diameter and area of epithelial nuclei with phases of estrus cycle. Neutrophil and lymphocytes densities in swab and aspiration samples were significantly higher in severe endometritis than normal and chronic endometritis samples. Similarly, lymphocytes density in smear and aspiration methods was significant between normal and moderates, and also severe and chronic endometritis. Cytomorphometric analysis of epithelial nuclei characteristics (diameter and area) in buffalo were performed for the first time and it could be valuable to identify estrus cycle in this species. Aspiration had the most efficiency to identify endometritis in comparison with other methods.

Clostridium perfringens type D is the cause of an acute and fatal disease; called enterotoxemia which mostly infects sheep and goats. This study aimed to evaluate the pathological, bacteriological, serological and molecular aspects of this disease in sheep in city of Ahvaz. During 23 months, 20 suspected sheep (based on clinical history) were taken for routine necropsy and required specimens were prepared for complementary studies.  In 50% of the cases, sudden death was reported as the most obvious clinical finding. The most common pathological lesions were endocardial hemorrhage (70%) interstitial pneumonia (65%) brain haemorrhage and edema (60%) and acute tubular necrosis (65%). Moreover, in 50% of the cases, glucosuria was also noted. The conventional bacteriological methods on the intestinal content showed 6 suspected strains of C. perfringens which in the PCR method, four were identified as type A and two as type C and D, (each one). The toxin detection in the intestinal content was performed using indirect Elisa test the results of which were consistent with PCR findings. Assuming the brain lesions and glucosuria as indicators of type D enterotoxemia, the disease was suspected at least 50% of the cases, which however didn’t match with finding of the other tests, so it needs to be studied more. The findings of the present study revealed the importance of freshness of samples in the results of tests that can be used to trace C. perfringens and their toxins. Furthermore, considering the history of vaccination in most of the animals studied, the principles of vaccination in local farms are questionable.

Johne’s Disease (paratuberculosis) is granulomatous, progressive enteritis, which is untreatable, especially in domestic and wild ruminants caused by mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. There is no accurate statistical information on the prevalence of Johne’s disease in buffaloes of different regions of the country. This study was performed to detect mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis with different diagnostic ELISA, PCR, Histopathology and their comparison. For this purpose, from December 2016 to October 2017, Among 97 slaughtered buffaloes, above two years of age with poor physical conditions were collected from blood samples, associated ileocecal lymph nodes, ileocecal valve and liver tissue were transferred to the laboratory. The serum level of infection (ELISA) was 4.1%, The molecular (PCR) test showed an infection rate of 32% in the intestin , 31% in the associated lymph node and 24.7% in the liver, Histopathology examination by Ziehl-Neelsen's specific staining, The prevalence of infections in the intestines are 7.2%, associated lymph nodes are 8.2% and 3.1% in the liver. The granulomatous lesions of the intestine were stained by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) method in 11 buffaloes, only in 9 buffaloes their molecular test results were positive. Other histopathology findings of eosinophilic enteritis, Lymphocytic enteritis, granulomatous enteritis, mucu purulent enteritis were 37.9%, 29.3%, 19%, 13.8%, respectively. In the associated mesenteric lymph nodes, granulomatous lymphadenitis was 68.6%, purulent lymphadenitis were 25.7%, and in liver chronic hepatitis were 32.6%, chronic parasitic hepatitis 11.66%, perihepatitis 23.9%, cirrhosis 6.5%, and leiomyoma 25% have been observed. Due to the lack of observation of acid-fast bacilli in the present study, acid-fast granular debris (Paucibacillary) form of suspected Johneʼs disease can be found. At the same time, the increase of Ahvaz buffaloes contamination requires more serious attention to scientific and administrative references than the previous study.

Scorpion envenomation is a main general health problem in developing countries, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Hemiscorpius lepturus as a member of the Hemiscorpiidae family is cause of the most scorpion sting lethality in Iran. In the present study, the oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in serum of envenomated sheep with the venom of Hemiscorpius lepturus were investigated. Nine sheep were randomly divided into three groups (three in each). Groups A, B and C received 0.10, 0.05 and 0.01 mg kg-1 of H. lepturus venom subcutaneously, respectively. Blood sampling were performed 30 min before envenomation (control) and 30 min, 1, 2, 3 and 6 hr after envenomation and serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malonedialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) were determined. The TAC was significantly increased at the doses of 0.10 mg kg-1 (at 3 hr) and 0.05 mg kg-1 (at 6 hr) compared to pre-injection time. However, no significant differences were observed in serum levels of MDA and PCO in different groups. It can be concluded that the dose of 0.01 mg kg-1 of venom had no effect on stress factors of serum, but according to increased level of TAC at the doses of 0.05 and 0.10 and no significant changes in serum levels of MDA and PCO, the oxidative damage has been prevented by the antioxidant defense system response.

Methotrexate as a chemotherapy agent causes oxidative stress in the liver. Chicory (Cichorium intybus), a member of the Asteraceae family, is a well-known herb possessing various biological activities.

The present study was conducted to assess the protective effect of Cichorium intybus extract against methotrexate-induced oxidative stress in rats.

Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. The negative control group was administered 5 mL/kg of normal saline. In the positive control group, normal saline was administered for 11 days, and a single dose of methotrexate (MTX; 20 mg/kg, i.p) was injected on the 7th day. Groups 3 - 5 received Cichorium intybus extract (CIE) at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg p.o., respectively, for 11 days, and a single dose of MTX was administered on the 7th day. The animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last injection. Blood samples were withdrawn to measure serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TB) levels. Glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were assayed in liver tissues. A portion of the liver tissues was used for histological examination.

The results showed a dramatic reduction in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, GSH, CAT, SOD, and GPx and a significant increase in the levels of TB and MDA by MTX administration. The groups pretreated with CIE showed a significant increase in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, GSH, CAT, SOD, and GPx and a significant decrease in the levels of TB and MDA at all the doses, but the most significant change was observed at the dose of 400 mg/kg (P < 0.05). Our histological findings confirmed the above-mentioned results.

The results revealed that Cichorium intybus has protective effects against the liver tissue damage induced by MTX.

Parasitic diseases are one of the limiting factors in the poultry industry especially in intensive farming systems. Histomonas meleagridis has been identified in a wide range of birds including turkey, partridge, guinea fowl, Bobwhite quail, and ostrich. The present study was done after reporting the mortality at a farm of Canadian partridge that was referred to the veterinary hospital of Shahid Chamran university, Iran. Clinical symptoms of the birds included drowsiness, dropping of the wings, depression and anorexia for a few days and mortality was 3.36 % in the infected farm. Microscopically, typhlitis and numerous of histomonads as a pale and ovoid bodies within lacunae in the lamina propria was observed. The birds were administered metronidazole and albendazole, which effectively controlled the histomoniasis There are several reports about histomoniasis in partridge, but it seems this case is the first report of histomoniasis outbreak in a Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) farm in Iran.

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is used for treating patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The extensive application of this drug has been limited due to its severe cardiotoxicity. Montelukast is a selective leukotriene receptor antagonist with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
This study evaluated whether montelukast could protect against As2O3-induced cardiotoxicity in vivo.
Thirty-two male Wistar rats (150 to 200 g) were divided to 4 treatment groups: control (0.2 mL of saline, ip), As2O3 (5 mg/kg, ip), As2O3 plus MONT, and MONT (20 mg/kg, po). All drugs were administered daily for 10 days and pretreatment with MONT was performed 1 hour prior to As2O3 administration. Cardiotoxicity was estimated by electrocardiological, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations.
The results indicated that the combination treatment of montelukast and As2O3 markedly (P In conclusion, the current results demonstrated that montelukast possesses beneficial cardio-protective properties against As2O3 toxicity. It was also proposed that these protective effects were mediated by antioxidant modifications of montelukast.

Cyclophosphamide is a common chemotherapic medicine but it has toxic side effects. Different medicines are used to prevent its side effects. The aim of this study is evaluation of the protective effects of Mesna against cyclophosphamide toxicity in rat placenta tissue.
Fifteen pregnant rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (1) control (normal saline), (2) cyclophosphamide (15 mg/kg), (3) cyclophosphamide (15mg/kg) and Mesna (100mg/kg). Medicines were administered intraperitoneally on the 13th day of pregnancy. Rats were sacrificed on the 20th day. The placentae were separated and floated in fixative solution. Five µm placental tissue sections were prepared and after staining generally and specially they were studied by light microscopy. Cyclophosphamide decreased placental weight and diameters (P0.05) but histologically, increased labyrinth and basal layers thickness and giant cells number (P

Maternal diabetes can induce a number of developmental abnormalities including deformities of the face and palate and these teratogenic effects decrease by application of antioxidant drugs. In this study, the prophylactic effect of quercetin on fetal teratogenesis incidence from diabetes was evaluated.
In this experimental study, 24 female Wistar rats were used into four groups. After intravenous injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) and confirm of diabetes in 2 groups of rats, all rats were mated. One group of diabetic and non-diabetic rats received quercetin (75 mg/kg/ orally) in 0,7,14 and 20 days of gestation while two control groups received normal saline. Fetuses were collected at 20th day of gestation and after determination of weight and length were stained by Alizarin red - Alcian blue method and skeletal abnormalities was evaluated by stereomicroscope.
Cleft palate, wavy rib and rib adhesion incidence were 38.09%, 4.86% and 14.28% range in control diabetic group but their incidence were respectively decreased 16.12%, 0% and 0% by quercetin. Also, quercetin decreased skeletal anomalies incidence including sternum, and ribs.
Quercetin as one antioxidant can decrease teratogenicity induced by diabetes mellitus.

The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of histopathologic lesions of thyroid gland and respective thyroid hormones changes in ewes and their fetuses in hot and cold seasons at the Ahvaz abattoir. The blood and thyroid samples were taken from 29 pregnant ewes and their fetuses at the end of cold season (March) and 25 ewes and their fetuses at the end of hot season (September - October). Tissue samples were subjected to histopathological examination and ELISA procedure was used for detection of T3 and T4 levels. The results showed high prevalence of thyroid lesions in ewes and their fetuses. The observed histopathological lesions included parenchymal cyst, follicular hyperplasia, follicular degeneration, hemorrhagia, inflammation and colloid goiter in the ewes, and parenchymal cyst, hyperemia and follicular degeneration in the fetuses. The hot and cold seasons had not any effect on thyroid lesions in ewes and their fetuses. There was no difference of T3 and T4 in ewes and their fetuses between hot and cold seasons. Also, the results showed that the thyroid lesions had no effect on ewes T3 and T4 levels, but significant increase in the serum concentration of these hormones was noticed in the fetuses with thyroid lesions.

Hemiscorpius lepturus is one of the most dangerous scorpion species, endemic in Khuzestan province. Its venom has hemolytic activity and can lead to hemoglobinuria and death..
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of three different time treatment protocols on changes of coagulation parameters in sheep received Hemiscorpius lepturus venom..
Sixteen healthy male lambs were divided randomly into four groups. Hemiscorpius lepturus venom (0.01 mg/kg of body weight) injected subcutaneously. Blood samples were taken at 30 minutes before and 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 and 168 hours after injection. The sheep of group 1 were treated only by injection of Hemiscorpius lepturus venom. In groups 2, 3 and 4 (Experimental groups), treatment of animals began at 1, 24 and 48 hours respectively after the venom injection. In addition to intravenous injection of 5 mL antivenom, supportive therapy was performed as well. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen were measured by commercial kit and platelet (PLT) count was performed by hematology analyzer. All results were statistically analyzed using two way repeated measures analysis of variance..
In the studied groups, the effect of time on PT and platelets counts was significant (P Hemiscorpius lepturus venom in sheep can cause severe changes in some of the coagulation factors. This should be considered as part of the pathogenesis of scorpion sting and seriously in the treatment protocol of scorpion sting victims..

The most common metal used in the body is iron and since it may produce ROS, it could potentially be a dangerous substance.
Regarding the side effects of nanomaterials such as nano iron particles and possibility of environmental contamination including air pollution with nanoscale iron particle, this study was designed to compare the effects of conventional iron oxide with iron oxide nanoparticles, on certain indexes of ovarian tissue in a rat experimental model.
This animal model was carried out in 5 groups of female rats, including control, iron oxide (15 mg) and iron oxide nanoparticles (5, 15 and 30 mg). The drugs were intraperitoneally injected daily for 16 days. On the seventeenth day the rats were euthanized by chloroform. Ovarian tissue was removed, and histological changes and iron accumulation were assessed by special staining and light microscopy.
According to our findings, folliculogenesis was decreased in all groups receiving iron. The number of corpus luteum in the groups receiving different doses of nanoparticle was reduced and the number of atretic follicles was significantly increased in all groups compared to the control group.
In conclusion, probably iron nanoparticles with impaired cellular oxidative pathways, reduces the number of follicles and corpus luteum and increase atretic follicles by producing oxygen free radicals and destructing microfilaments. This can cause a negative effect on the fertility of female rats.

An infertility cause in women is diabetes. One of the organs that diabetes has adverse effects on its structure and function is ovary. Nano zinc oxide (nZnO) is the one of zinc derivatives that has been mentioned as a potent anti-diabetic agent in recent studies. Moreover, zinc is an important element in fertility. Thus, at the present study nZnO effects on ovary in diabetic rats has been compared with zinc oxide. Fourty adult female wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups as control, sham (normal saline), diabetic (STZ=60 mg/kg, IP), Diabetic receiving ZnO (30 mg/kg) and diabetic receiving nZnO (30 mg/kg). After treatment for 4 weeks, every animal blood glucose and body weight were measured. Following euthanasia, the ovaries were isolated and floated in appropriate fixative. Five µm sections were prepared as routine histotechnique and stained and studied by light microscopy. Diabetes reduced primordial follicles and corpus luteum numbers (P

Benign tumors in liver are rare and appear not to have been previously reported in camel (Camelus dromedarius). This study describes histopathologic characteristics of lipoma, cavernous hemangioma and leiomyoma in the liver of dromedary camels. Seventy livers of dromedary camels which were slaughtered for human consumption were collected from July to November 2011 from the north east of Iran and they had macroscopic lesions and all of them were studied histopathologically. Microscopic examination revealed different metaplastic and neoplastic lesions in the liver of the camels. Lipoma (with multiple large vacuolated cells), cavernous hemangioma (with large lakes filled with oval erythrocytes) and leiomyoma (with homogenous intense eosinophilic spindle cells) were diagnosed as benign tumors. The relatively high occurrence of these mesenchymal neoplastic lesions may be due to some metabolic imbalances and some toxicosis in dromedary camels which live in the deserts. Also, metaplastic changes are the causes of lipoma. According to the literature, this is the first report of hepatic cavernous hemangioma and leiomyoma in camels (Camelus dromedarius).

This survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis in Ahvaz abattoir، khozestan، Iran. From a pathological examination of the intestinal tracts of 1950 sheeps killed at slaughterhouse، 111 cases (5. 69%) were suspected on gross examination، for having paratuberculosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological study and Ziehl-Neelsen staining on direct smears of rectal faeces. High numbers of acid-fast organisms were present in epithelioid macrophages of both intetestine and mesenteric lymph nodes. On microscopic examination، 18. 02 % of the suspected animals (111 cases) were found to have paratuberculosis in comparison with 6. 3 % by direct faecal smears. In addition، 37. 83% and 13. 51% and 4. 5% of the animals were diagnosed as having eosinophilic enteritis، lymphocytic enteritis and suppurative enteritis، respectively. Infection rate in arabian breed (0. 56%) was higher comparing to the rate in Lori (0. 21%) and Bakhtiari breed (0. 26%)، however differences between sheep breeds were not statistically significant (P=0. 34). The age specific infection rates among age groups were not significant (P=0. 59). Significant association was found between caracass condition and the rate of infection recated to Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (P<0. 001). According to the histopathology results، the prevalence of Johne''s disease in Ahvaz abattoir is 1. 03 % which correlates with previously published estimates.

Cystitis and pyelonephnitis in ruminants most often result from ascending urinary tract infection (UTI). Investigating the prevalence of urine infection and its relationship with histopathological findings of bladder and kidney. This study was carried out on 353 slaughtered buffalos (143 female and 210 male) at Ahvaz abattoir, southwest of Iran. After slaughter, urinary samples were taken directly from bladder by sterile syringe. The bladder and kidney were inspected and samples from them were taken for histophatological study. All of the urine samples were incubated for isolation of bacteria on blood agar and MacConkey. Biochemical characterizations of the isolates were performed according to Bergey's manual of systemic bacteriology. Histopathological samples were taken from representative parts of each bladder and kidney and were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Out of the 353 urine samples, 19 (5.38%) were positive. The percentages of infected cattle in female and male were 6.3% and 4.8%, respectively. These bacteria were isolated: E.coli (21%), Staphylococcus spp. (31.6%), Streptococcus spp. (15.8%), Proteus spp. (15.8%), Klebciella spp. (5.3%), Yercinia spp. (5.3%), and Actinimyces and Pasteurelle spp.(5.3%). In histopathological examination, 51(14.4%) and 5 (1.4%) of the buffalos had chronic cystitis and pyelonephritis, respectively. Bacteria were isolated only in 3 cases of chronic cystitis and 2 cases of pyelonephritis. Statistical analysis showed there was no relationship between isolation of bacteria from urine with cystitis and pyelonephritis. Some cases of chronic cystitis are not able to isolate of bacteria from urine and for causing pyelonephritis they need predisposing factors which caused urine retention.

Prenatal rat embryo exposure to retinoid induces some malformations in various organs, the most active and teratogenic metablolite is all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA). The teratogenic effects of some drugs can be prevented by the application of antioxidant drugs and stimulation of the maternal immune system. Also, quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid has excellent antioxidant properties. Therefore, in this study, the prophylactic effect of quercetin on teratogenic effects of atRA was evaluated. In this experimental study, 40 pregnant rats were divided into 7 groups. Control group received normal saline and test groups received dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), quercetin (75 mg/kg), quercetin (200 mg/kg), atRA (25 mg/kg), atRA (25 mg/kg) plus quercetin (75 mg/kg) and atRA (25 mg/kg) plus quercetin (200 mg/kg), intraperitoneally at 8-10th days of gestation. Fetuses were collected at 20th day of gestation and after determination of weight and length; they were stained by Alizarin red-Alcian blue method. Cleft palate, exencephaly and spina bifida incidence were 30.76, 61.53 and 30.76% range in group which received only atRA. Cleft palate, exencephaly and spina bifida incidence were 11.11, 16.66 and 5.55% in group which received atRA plus quercetin (75 mg/kg). However, cleft palate, exencephaly and spina bifida incidence were 10.52, 10.52 and 0% in group which received atRA plus quercetin (200 mg/kg). The means of weight and length of fetuses from rat that received atRA plus quercetin (75 mg/kg) were significantly greater than those received only atRA. It is concluded that quercetin decreased teratogenicity induced by atRA, but this subject needs more detailed evaluation.

Theophylline has been shown to cause heart anomaly in animal and human fetus. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of quercetin on theophylline-induced heart disorders in rat embryo. Theophylline-induced teratogenicity in rats was used as the animal model. Pregnant rats were administered theophylline (259 mg/kg, po) or theophylline plus quercetin (259 mg/kg, po and 100 mg/kg, ip, respectively) on 9th and 10th days of pregnancy. On day 19, cardiac changes were assessed, measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity levels in blood samples and also the fetus heart weight. Histopathological examination was also performed on all specimens. Theophylline-treated rats showed MDA level elevation and GPx activity reduction. Quercetin treatment improved heart conditions and resulted in a significant reduction in MDA levels and elevation in GPx activity. Moreover, co-administration of quercetin and theophylline increased the heart weight significantly. Furthermore, histophatological study showed no changes in the treated groups. This study demonstrated that quercetin have beneficial effects on theophylline-induced-anomalies in rat embryo.

Cobalt is an essential co-factor in red blood cell production and function and its deficiency may produce clinical signs in sheep. Thus، present study was designed to evaluate the effect of cobalt nano-particles on serum biochemical factors and histopathological changes in liver and kidnies of lambs. Study was carried out in 3 groups of lambs (4 lambs per group). One group of lambs was kept as control group. Second and third group respectively received cobalt nano-particles and conventional cobalt chloride suspension daily for a period 25 day. Blood sample and then serum was collected before and at the end of study. Activity of ALT، AST، ALP and level of BUN، creatinine and vitamin B12 were measured in serum of lambs. Tissue sections of liver and kidney were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined by light microscopy. Activity of ALT، BUN and vitamin B12 was significantly increased by cobalt nano-particles and conventional cobalt chloride. Fatty change of hepatocytes occured by conventional cobalt and granulomatous hepatitis، focal necrosis of hepatocytes and degeneration of hepatocytes by the nano cobalt was identified in liver. There were not any significant lesions and alteration in the kidnies of treated groups. Thus، cobalt nano particles have similar effect to conventional cobalt for using in sheep with cobalt deficiency.

Evaluation of healing effects of Echinacea extract in Arsenic induced dermal necrosis in rat is the objective of this study. In this experimental study 20 male Wistar rats were divided to 2 groups. Dermal necrosis was induced by subcutaneously arsenic injection (4mg/kg) for 10 days. In group 2, after arsenic receiving, Echinacea were injected intraperitoneally (400mg/kg). After last day of injection, rats were euthanizes and pathologic samples were collected from dermal ulcers. Histopathologic results revealed necrosis of different dermal layers in arsenic group. There were inflammatory exudates instead of impaired structures. In group 2, there were granulation tissue with high cellularity and new vessels. According to this research findings arsenic can induce dermal necrosis which is a good animal model for dermatologic researches and also Echinacea has healing effects and can protect and limit the Arsenic effects.

Arsenic is one of the most hazardous metals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the preventive effects of vitamin E on a Rat model of arsenic induced hepatotoxicity. In this study 30 Wistar rats (immature and mature) were used and each was randomly divided to 3 subgroups. Subgroup received normal saline and subgroup 2 and 3 both received Arsenic، 3mg/kg، subcutaneously، but subgroup 3 also received vitamin E، 400mg/kg، intraperitoneally for 10 days. Histopathologic examination revealed cell swelling، fatty changes and necrosis in hepatocytes of Arsenic group. In subgroup 3 the severities of lesions were less than group 2. Leukocytosis in both arsenic and arsenic-vitamin E groups was observed، but there was no significant difference between them. Activity of glutathione peroxidase in arsenic group was significantly decreased in compared with control group. However in group 3، the activity of glutathione peroxidase was increased but it was not significant. Vitamin E supplement decreases the hepatotoxic effects of Arsenic.