فهرست مطالب fereshteh talebpour amiri

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of psychotic illness that can occur after traumatic events such as war, childhood abuse, rape, natural disasters like earthquakes, and other unfortunate life events. These stresses can damage different brain areas, leading to behavioral changes associated with these regions. Chronic stress increases the activity of microglial cells, resulting in the loss of dendritic spines in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Additionally, memory formation is impaired after stress exposure, leading to the inability to replace new memories with previous disturbing ones. The pathophysiology of PTSD involves changes in specific anatomical regions and circuits of the brain. Damage to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) can hinder the ability to forget inappropriate and disturbing memories. The PFC plays a crucial role in the brain's physiological response, providing the necessary functions to create calm, rational, and flexible responses. Studies have shown that acute stress weakens the prefrontal cortex. Medications for psychotic disorders have side effects, and there is a risk of relapse in some patients. Finding new treatment methods with greater benefits and minimal side effects is essential. Exercise, as an adjunctive treatment, may improve the structural and functional changes caused by stress.

In this experiment, Wistar male laboratory rats and a single prolonged stress animal model were used as valid models for PTSD induction. Following a 4-week exercise intervention on a treadmill (forced exercise at moderate intensity) — the first two weeks at a speed of 10 m/min for half an hour a day and the second two weeks at a speed of 15 m/min for half an hour a day, 5 days per week — cognitive memory and fear extinction were evaluated using behavioral tests (ORMT and Extinction). The animals were then euthanized under deep anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine. The brains were removed, and the hippocampus was fixed for histological studies using the Golgi staining method. The prefrontal cortex was also frozen at -80°C for BDNF measurement.

The results of this study showed that rats suffering from PTSD exhibited a decrease in fear extinction (the ability to forget disturbing memories), an increase in freezing behavior, a reduction in cognitive memory, a decrease in BDNF levels in the prefrontal cortex, and a reduction in dendritic branches. The selected exercise program significantly improved behavioral deficits (cognitive memory and fear extinction) and reduced freezing behavior as a measure of fear. Additionally, BDNF levels in the prefrontal cortex increased, and a relative increase in dendritic branches in the hippocampus was observed after the exercise protocol.

A regular 4-week course of moderate-intensity exercise can improve the structural and functional damage caused by stress in an animal model of PTSD, particularly in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, as well as ameliorate deficits in cognitive memory and reduce fear responses.

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an alkylating anticancer drug and one of the most successful drugs with a wide range of clinical activities. This drug has toxic effects on most organs, especially kidney tissue. Piperine, as a flavonoid, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the antioxidant effect of piperine (PIP) on nephrotoxicity following cyclophosphamide (CP) by tissue, serum, and histopathological biochemical evaluation.

In this experimental study, 48 adult male BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks and weighing 30-35 grams were divided into 6 groups, the control group (C), the group receiving cyclophosphamide (CP) with a dose of 200mg/kg, the group receiving piperine (Pip) with a dose of 5mg/kg, the group receiving piperine (Pip) with a dose of 10mg/kg, the group receiving cyclophosphamide and piperine at a dose of 5mg/kg (CP+Pip) and the group receiving cyclophosphamide and piperine with A dose of 10mg/kg (CP+Pip) was used. CP was administered on the third day of the study. Piperine was prescribed for 7 days in the form of pre-treatment and post-treatment. On the eighth day of the study, histochemical (GSH and MDA), histopathology, and serum biochemical evaluations were performed. Then, the data were analyzed with GraphPad Prism software one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests.

CP induced oxidative stress with a significant decrease in GSH level (P<0.001) and increased MDA level (P<0.0001). On the other hand, administration of PIP with two doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg in mice receiving CP could significantly reduce the amount of MDA (respectively: P˂0.001, P˂0.001) and increase the amount of GSH compared to the mice that only received CP (respectively: P˂0.05, P˂0.05). In mice receiving CP, a significant increase (P<0.05) in the amount of urea and creatinine was shown compared to mice in the control group. In contrast, groups treated with piperine (5 and 10 mg/kg body weight) before and after CP administration significantly (P<0.0001) improved the kidney damage towards normalization compared to mice treated with CP alone and histopathological evaluation confirmed this finding. The effect of piperine was seen in a dose-dependent manner in this study. Thus, in the group treated with cyclophosphamide, the loss of epithelial cells and the widening of the lumen of the distal and proximal convoluted tubules, the contraction of the glomerular network, and the expansion of Bowman's capsule between the visceral and parietal layers were seen. The administration of piperine improved these changes, and the 5 mg/kg dose showed a more effective role.

The general results of the present study showed that before and after the administration of piperine in rats treated with CP, it reduces nephrotoxicity caused by CP and has a positive effect on improving kidney function in connection with its antioxidant effect. Piperine can be suggested as a potential candidate for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The kidney ages faster than other organs due to changes in energy metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. This study looked into the anti-aging effect of tropisetron. 

D-galactose was administrated subcutaneously in a mouse model for eight weeks in order to induce renal aging.  Three separate intraperitoneal doses of tropisetron (1, 3, and 5 mg/kg body weight) were given at the same time. We assessed markers of mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Via Real-Time PCR, the expressions of genes linked to aging (SIRT1) and apoptosis (Bax and Bcl-2) were ascertained. In addition, an assessment of histopathological changes, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine concentrations was done. 

In kidney tissue, tropisetron reduces mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which are caused by D-galactose-induced overproduction of inflammatory mediators. Additionally, tropisetron demonstrated antiapoptotic activity in renal tissue and augmented the decrease in SIRT1 gene expression associated with D-galactose administration. Besides, tropisetron significantly improved the histological alterations in the renal tissues of aged mice and effectively decreased the elevated levels of creatinine and also blood urea nitrogen. 

The results provided additional insight into the effect of tropisetron on renal aging and the underlying mechanisms, particularly through its ability to modulate SIRT1 signaling.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine are the firstline choice in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Animal studies have indicated that chronic fluoxetine exposure leads to persistent behavioral changes and neuroplasticity in the hippocampal formation and cortex. Previous studies revealed that adult female rats respond differently to trauma from adult males. Here, we have raised the question of whether a difference is observed in the response of both sexes to the fluoxetine treatment.

In a rat model of PTSD, the single prolonged stress (SPS) model, rats were exposed to SPS (restrained for 2 h, forced to swim for 20 minutes, and exposed to ether anesthesia) and then were kept undisturbed for 14 days. After that, SPS rats were subjected to chronic treatment with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg -28 days), followed by behavioral (object location memory test [OLMT] and object recognition memory test [ORMT]), and biochemical tests, in which (serum insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF-1] levels were measured using a Rat ELISA Kit), and the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of anti-apoptotic factor (B-cell lymphoma 2 [Bcl-2]) and pro-apoptotic makers (Bax, and caspase 3) were determined by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) method and histological assessments by Golgi-Cox staining.

Male and female rats with PTSD, show a reduction of the levels of serum IGF-1, impaired spatial memory in a recognition location memory task and enhanced apoptotic-related factors expression in the hippocampus, and decreased hippocampal dendritic branches. Fluoxetine treatment alleviated these abnormalities in male and female SPS rats, but fluoxetine had no sex-dependent effects on these factors.

Our findings support that fluoxetine treatment can prevent the harmful effects of traumatic events in an animal model of PTSD in both sexes.

Cancer is the second leading cause of global death, and colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide. In this study, the anticancer effect and safety profile of a 3-(pyridyl-4-l-methylthio) triazolotriazine derivative (10b) was investigated. The anti-tumor activity of 10b was evaluated on HT-29 human colon cancer cell. To confirm the in vivo anti-cancer effect of 10b, human colon tumor xenograft mice was used. Tumor bearing mice were treated with 10b and paclitaxel for 10 days, then were sacrificed and their heart, liver and tumor tissues were isolated for pathological evaluation. Mice weight and tumor size were measured daily, and mortality was recorded. The results of cellular experiments showed that IC50 of paclitaxel and 10b was 0.34 and 8.92 µM after 72 hours, respectively. The results of measuring the weight of mice and tumor size didn't show any significant changes in the 10b treated groups. Pathological examinations indicated that the extent of hepatotoxicity and cardiac toxicity in mice receiving 10b was lower than that of the paclitaxel group. Interestingly and hopefully, all mice treated with 10b remained alive during the experiment but 50% of mice treated with paclitaxel and also 50% of mice in the control group were died. Totally, 10b showed acceptable in vitro anti-tumor activity on HT-29 colorectal cells and no mortality in this group confirms the safety profile of 10b.

Background and

Amikacin (AMK) is a commonly used aminoglycoside antibiotic with rapid onset of action, low cost, and high antibacterial efficacy. However, its long-term use has been associated with kidney toxicity, which is a significant concern for patients. Hence, the present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) against amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity in male mice.

Forty-two Balb/c mice were allocated to seven groups as follows: I, control; II, AMK (500 mg/kg/day); III to V, received AMK plus PTX (50,100,200 mg/kg/day); VI, AMK plus vitamin C (500 mg/kg/day); and VII, PTX alone (200 mg/kg). All the treatment was done intraperitoneally for 15 consecutive days. Then, kidney tissues were separated and several factors including level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), protein carbonyl (PrC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant content (glutathione), nitric oxide (NO) production, and expression of apoptosis-related genes (Bax and Bcl-2) were evaluated. Also, evaluation of biochemical parameters (BUN and Cr) as well as histopathological changes were performed.

Administration of AMK led to significant changes in tissue pathology and the level of BUN and Cr. AMK significantly promoted ROS, LPO, PrC, and NO levels in kidney while it reduced GSH storage. Also, AMK injection led to significant increase in Bax/Bcl2 expression ratio. PTX alleviated oxidative stress markers and nitric oxide induced by AMK in kidney tissue. Moreover, AMK recovered biochemical and pathological changes associated with AMK. PTX treatment decreased the Bax expression and increased the expression of Bcl-2 significantly.

Pentoxifylline showed protective effects against amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity which may be attributed to its antioxidant activity and anti-apoptotic effects. So, it can be considered as a therapeutic approach against toxic effects of amikacin in kidney tissue.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent organic pollutant (POP), broadly present in the environment. Due to long biological half-life, it is accumulated in the body, especially the liver, causing hepatocellular damage. This study was designed to assess the effects of rutin on PFOA-induced liver damage in rats. Male Wistar rats were exposed to PFOA (10 mg/kg/day) alone, or in combination with different doses of rutin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage for 4 weeks.  PFOA altered the levels of liver enzymes, induced a notable change in the tissue structure of the liver, caused some levels of mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased the expression of pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory genes. Co-treatment with rutin mitigated the PFOA-induced elevation of liver enzymes, histopathological defects, oxidative damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, rutin declined the stimulatory effects of PFOA on the Bax: Bcl2 ratio and reduced the PFOA-induced gene expression of TNF-α, IL-6, NF-ƙB, and JNK. These findings suggest rutin as a protective agent for PFOA-induced liver injury, albeit the protection was partial. Possible mechanisms are inhibition of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory response.

Cyclophosphamide (CP) as an antineoplastic drug is widely used in cancer patients, and liver toxicity is one of its complications. Sinapic acid (SA) as a natural phenylpropanoid has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.

The purpose of the current study was to determine the protective effect of SA versus CP-induced liver toxicity. In this research, BALB/c mice were treated with SA (5 and 10 mg/kg) orally for one week, and CP (200 mg/kg) was injected on day 3 of the study. Oxidative stress markers, serum liver-specific enzymes, histopathological features, caspase-3, and nuclear factor kappa-B cells were then checked.

CP induced hepatotoxicity in mice and showed structural changes in liver tissue. CP significantly increased liver enzymes and lipid peroxidation, and decreased glutathione. The immunoreactivity of caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa-B cells was significantly increased. Administration of SA significantly maintained histochemical parameters and liver function enzymes in mice treated with CP. Immunohistochemical examination showed SA reduced apoptosis and inflammation. 

The data confirmed that SA with anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities was able to preserve CP-induced liver injury in mice.

Background & Aims:

Currently, cotoneaster is used as the herbal medicine to treat jaundice in neonates. The aim of this study was to create hyperbilirubinemia by phenylhydrazine and investigate the effects of cotoneaster on blood bilirubin levels in the rats with hyperbilirubinemia.

Materials & Methods:

In the present experimental-interventional study, 70 µ/kg of phenylhydrazine was injected intraperitoneally to 15 days old Wistar rats. The rats with hyperbilirubinemia were divided to three groups. 48 hours later, cotoneaster with doses of 1, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg was fed to the animals through oropharyngeal tubes in 3 times for 10 days. Then, by taking blood and measuring total serum bilirubin at different hours, the curve of bilirubin changes was drawn up to 48 hours of the first injection of phenylhydrazine. Also, one group was selected as a control (healthy mice). 10 rats were selected in each group (5 females and 5 males). Descriptive statistics including mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis.

The results showed the comparison of plasma bilirubin levels on day 0 and after phenylhydrazine injection increased significantly (up to 6 mg/dl) (p<0.05). The oral administration of cotoneaster in all three experimental doses caused a significant decrease in bilirubin in jaundiced rats compared to the control group, in such a way that the values were up to 0.2 mg/dl, up to 0.4 mg/dl and even up to 0 mg/dl reported (p < 0.05).

Animal study evidence showed the compound of phenylhydrazine has the ability to be used in creating an animal model of hyperbilirubinemia, and clay milk reduces its hyperbilirubinemic effects.

Buxus hyrcana Pojark. has been traditionally used for the treatment of skin disorders including wound injuries and recent studies have shown the therapeutic potential of some Buxus species in healing skin wounds. In this study, the effect of an ointment containing methanolic extract of B. hyrcana leaves was evaluated on the full-thickness wound healing in a rat model.

The full-thickness wound was made with a scalpel on the dorsum cervical area of 32 Wistar rats (weighing 250-300 g). The animals were randomly divided into four groups: I; control, II; ointment base (eucerin), III; 1 % phenytoin cream, and IV; 5 % B. hyrcana methanolic extract ointment. For histopathological assessment, wound criteria were evaluated on the 12th day of treatment according to the Abramov score method. The collagen fiber deposition in the skin tissue was determined using Masson’s trichrome staining. The spectrophotometric analysis was performed to evaluate the total phenol and total flavonoid content of the extract.

Based on macroscopic observations, herbal ointment increased wound closure in the treatment group compared to the control group. In this way, the collagen deposition, epidermal and keratin formation, neovascularization, and fibroblast maturation increased significantly (P<0.05) with the herbal ointment, the same as the phenytoin group. The extract did not show any antimicrobial effect using the disc agar diffusion method.

The observed wound-healing effect of B. hyrcana seems to be mainly due to the presence of flavonoid compounds in the plant extract.

Radiation therapy is one of the major subsets of cancer treatments. Normal tissue toxicity and tumor cell resistance are two main obstacles during radiotherapy treatments. Toxicity to healthy tissue limits the applied dose, resulting in inadequate tumor control. On the other hand, the resistances of cancer cells lead to increased doses of radiotherapy. Therefore, agents that can simultaneously reduce the toxicity of normal tissues and increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to radiotherapy could be a potential solution to increase the efficiency of radiotherapy during cancer treatment. Many studies have found that atorvastatin, as an HMG coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA) inhibitor, and protects normal tissue while sensitizing cancer cells to radiotherapy via various molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways. This review summarizes the evidence for radioprotective and radiosensitivity effects of atorvastatin in vitro and in vivo studies.

Cancer is one of the most difficult diseases to treat in modern medicine. Annually, many articles are published that propose various ways for preventing carcinogenesis. Furthermore, research into cancer treatments is carried out with minimal side effects. The most common non-invasive cancer treatments include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Low effectiveness of chemo-radiation therapy and normal tissue toxicity caused by these treatments are two of the most difficult challenges. Some medicines have been recommended as adjuvants to increase tumor responses while also reducing normal tissue damage. Cerium oxide as a nanoparticle (nanoceria, CNPs) has recieved a lot of interest as a way to control tumor and normal tissue responses to various cancer treatment regimens. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that it can reduce chemo-radiation toxicity in normal tissues as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, it has the ability to make cancer cells more sensitive to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this paper, we reviewed the potential role of nanoceria for preserving normal tissues and sensitization of cancer cells in combination with different cancer treatment modalities.

Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa). Curcumin has potent free radical scavenger and antioxidant properties that could significantly reduce oxidative damage. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to valproate sodium induced tissue damage. This study investigated the protective effects of curcumin against valproate sodium induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial toxicity in brain of rats.

Male rats were exposed to sodium valproate (500 mg/kg/day, i.p.) alone, or in combination with different doses of curcumin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) and vitamin C (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for eight weeks. Then, brain tissues were separated and factors associated with oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and histopathological changes were investigated.

Sodium valproate induced mitochondrial dysfunction, increased oxidative stress parameters and caused significant histopathological changes in brain tissue. Administration of curcumin attenuated the induction of oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and histopathological changes induced by sodium valproate in brain tissue.

Curcumin showed protective effect against sodium valproate-induced neurotoxicity which may be attributed to its antioxidant activity. So, it can be considered as an effective supplement against oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by sodium valproate in brain tissue.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental and physical complication. Fluoxetine (FLX) as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor is considered as the first line of treatment for PTSD. Exercise can improve the symptoms of PTSD. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of exercise and FLX on testicular tissue and sex hormones in rats with PTSD.

In this experimental study, 80 adult male rats were divided into two groups: PTSD and healthy. Then, each group was divided into four subgroups: control, exercise, fluoxetine, and fluoxetine + exercise. PTSD was induced by single prolonged stress. Fourteen days after induction of PTSD, moderate forced treadmill exercise was performed for 4 weeks, 5 days/week. Fluoxetine was administered at 10 mg/kg/day dissolved in drinking water for 4 weeks. Four weeks after treatment, the fear extinction test, testicular structure, and testosterone and FSH levels were evaluated.

PTSD decreased testosterone level and fear extinction but increased follicle-stimulating hormone. Fluoxetine and exercise had protective effect on testicular damage and also increased testosterone level and extinction index but decreased FSH level. Findings showed that co-administration of exercise and fluoxetine was more effective on these parameters. Combination of exercise and fluoxetine significantly increased fear extinction in PTSD rats (P<0.05).

Exercise and fluoxetine had a protective effect on testicular tissue structure and hormonal disorders caused by PTSD and also decreased fear caused by stress, which is one of the symptoms of this disease.

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Pimpinella anisum L. ethanolic and aqueous extracts on L-asparaginase- associated hepatotoxicity in rats using histopathological and specific 99mTc-Phytate biodistribution studies.

60 female rats were divided into 9 treatment groups including L-asparaginase group, Aqueous extract (100 and 200 mg/kg), Ethanolic extract (100 and 200 mg/kg), Aqueous extract (100 mg/kg) + L-asparaginase, Aqueous extract (200 mg/kg) + L-asparaginase, Ethanolic extract (100-100 mg/kg) + L-asparaginase, and Ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg) + L-asparaginase and one control group. L-asparaginase was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 1000 IU/Kg every other day for a week. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of P. anisum were given by gavage technique for seven consecutive days. 24h after the last day of treatment, 99mTc-phytate was intravenously injected and then, rats were killed with a lethal dose of ketamine/xylazine. Vital organs were removed, weighed, and their activity was counted by a gamma counter. 99mTc-phytate scintigraphy and histopathological assessment were performed for further evaluation.

L-asparaginase-induced liver toxicity was significantly reduced with ethanolic extract in L-asparaginase-treated rats (P˂0.05). It is worth mentioning that the aqueous extract of Anise seed led to hepatotoxicity (P˂0.05) which is likely to be mainly due to contamination of the plant with the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

P. anisum ethanolic extract due to the presence of anethole and phenolic compounds can ameliorate L-asparaginase-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is an environmental pollutant that has genotoxic and carcinogenic effects. Atorvastatin (ATV), as a lipid-lowering drug, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. This study investigated the effects of ATV on chronic liver and kidney damage induced by BaP.

In this experimental study, adult female rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n= 8 per group), including control group, olive oil group, ATV group (10 mg/kg), BaP groups (10 and 20 mg/kg), and ATV + BaP groups (10 and 20 mg). The drugs were administered by oral gavage for ten consecutive days. Histopathologic evaluation of the liver and kidney tissues was done one month after drug administration.

Histopathologic changes in both liver and kidney tissues such as inflammatory cell infiltration, plasma leakage, reduced acidophilia of hepatocytes, and renal tubular cells were seen in the groups receiving BaP. Findings showed that BaP at 20 mg/kg caused more serious harm than that at 10 mg/kg. ATV treatment protected structural changes in liver and kidney tissues.

Current study showed that destructive effects of benzopyrene remain until one month after administration. The protective effects of atorvastatin against benzopyrene-induced hepatotoxicity were confirmed over time.

Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are the most important causes of skeletal disorders and there are controversies over the relationship between these diseases and other factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis and also the association between these two diseases and patients’ demographic and lifestyle characteristics.

This cross-sectional study was performed in patients attending Sari hospitals in the fourth quarter of 2019 selected via census sampling. Knee radiography was performed and the severity of osteoarthritis joint was determined based on Kellgren-Lawrence criterion. Bone mineral density (BMD) was also measured by DXA scan. Data was collected using demographic questionnaire and lifestyle dimensions. Data were analyzed in SPSS V18.

A total of 77 patients were studied. The mean age of patients was 57.3±10.3 years and the majority were females (n= 73, 94.8%). Severity of osteoarthritis was determined as mild in 28 (36.36%), moderate in 31 (40.26%), and severe in 18 (23.38%) patients. The mean BMD level was 0.76±0.06 g/cm2. There was a significant difference between the severity of osteoarthritis and BMD level (P=0.008). Significant differences were found between patients with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis in age, sex, weight, and some lifestyle indicators (P<0.05).

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is associated with osteoporosis. But, demographic and lifestyle characteristics could have a major role in the incidence of these diseases.

Wound is a type of injury with high prevalence in the society. The main requirement for wound management is rapid and complete wound healing without the spread of infection. Medicinal plants are affordable and accessible and suggested as one of the key treatment options. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lipogel formulations containing the extracts of Eryngium campestre L. and Satureja hortensis L. on wound healing in Wistar rats.

In order to prepare the lipogel formula, several formulations were designed with different ratios of paraffin, polyethylene, and extracts which were all examined to find the best formulation. To this end, 20 rats were divided into four groups (n=5 per group), including normal saline, lipogel base, lipogel containing extracts, and active water. Full thickness wounds (2.5 * 2.5 cm) were made on the dorsal neck area. Wound size evaluation and histopathological study were done on days 3,5,7, and 12.

The formulation containing 95% paraffin and 5% polyethylene was selected as the final lipogel formulation due to better skin coverage, good consistency, and better uniformity. In vivo results showed significant differences in wound size between treatment group and other groups (P<0.05). According to histological studies, the rates of collagen deposition in groups treated with lipogel containing extracts and lipogel base were higher than other groups. Furthermore, fibroblast maturity was found to be significantly different between the rats treated with lipogel containing extracts and normal saline group (P< 0.05).

This study showed that lipogel containing extracts of Eryngium campestre L. and Satureja hortensis L. was effective in full thickness wound healing.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that develops after experiencing major trauma. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first-line treatment for PTSD. This study aimed at investigating the effects of moderate treadmill exercise and fluoxetine on anxiety, spatial memory, and positive tunnel cells in the hippocampus in a rat model of PTSD.

We used single prolonged stress (SPS) model as an animal model for PTSD. Male and female rats were divided into two groups: Sham and SPS. After Two weeks, interventions, including treadmill exercise (4 weeks, 5 days per week), fluoxetine (10 mg/kg/day), and combined treatment were performed. Then, anxiety and memory test and tunnel assessments were done.

SPS rats exhibited increased anxiety levels in light/dark box and enhanced hippocampal apoptotic cells. Male SPS rats showed impaired spatial memory in object-location memory task. Treadmill exercise, fluoxetine, and combined treatment reduced anxiety levels, improved spatial memory, and decreased positive tunnel cells in the hippocampus. Furthermore, combined treatment with fluoxetine and treadmill exercise was found to be more effective than fluoxetine alone. Female rats had more resilience than male rats.

Combined intervention with moderate exercise and fluoxetine is more useful in treatment of behavioral and cellular injuries in PTSD patients.

Melissa officinalis (MO) is a medicinal plant and is a rich source of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of Melissa officinalis against ethanol induced sub-chronic testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats.

Ethanol extract of MO was prepared and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. The Animals were divided into seven groups: control (treated with normal saline), ethanol (10 mg/kg,ip), ethanol and MO extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), MO extract alone (400 mg/kg), and ethanol+ Vit C (positive control). After 56 days, the rats were sacrificed and testis and epididymis were harvested. Oxidative stress markers including: level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), and glutathione (GSH), and also nitric oxide (NO) as an inflammatory factor were assayed in testis tissue. Moreover, sperm parameters analysis and histopathological evaluation of testis tissue were performed.

Ethanol increased reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, carbonyl protein, and nitric oxide and decreased glutathione in testicular tissue. Pathological lesions, decrease in motility, count and normal morphology of sperm were also observed in ethanol-treated groups. Melissa officinalis inhibited ethanol-induced oxidative stress in testicular tissue and improved sperm abnormalities and pathological lesions.

Melissa officinalis showed protective effect against ethanol-induced testicular toxicity which may be attributed to its antioxidant activity. So, it can be considered as an effective supplement against oxidative stress induced by chronic ethanol exposure in testis tissue.

Chronic ethanol consumption presents toxic effects on liver tissue by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of lemon verbena were established. 

The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Aloysia citriodora (A. citriodora) on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats by evaluating inflammatory and oxidative stress factors. 

The study animals were randomly divided into 7 groups, (6/group) including control, extract alone (400mg/kg), ethanol 10 mg/kg, vitamin C 500 mg/kg + ethanol 10 mg/kg, and the fifth, sixth and seventh groups respectively received an intraperitoneal injection of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of A. citriodora extract plus ethanol once a day for 6 weeks. Oxidative stress parameters, such as glutathione content, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, and reactive oxygen species were measured. Furthermore, inflammation parameters (nitric oxide) and liver damage were evaluated by determining the levels of liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and histopathological examinations.

In the liver tissue of the ethanol-receiving group, a significant increase (P<0.001) was observed in ALT, AST, and ALP levels and pathological changes, compared to the control group. There was also a significant increase in the levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors. Interestingly, A. citriodora extract could inhibit ethanol-induced liver damage by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation.

A. citriodora extract significantly attenuated inflammation and oxidative stress caused by ethanol. Therefore, it can be suggested as a beneficial supplement for treating ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity.

Ferroptosis is a new type of programmed cell death that plays an important role in various cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction, reperfusion injury, and heart failure. Cardiomyocyte loss is the most important determinant of morbidity and mortality, so, it is crucial to fully understand the regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis signaling. In fact, inhibition of cardiac ferroptosis is a promising therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases. However, the biological and pathological contexts in which ferroptosis might operate are poorly defined. Herein we discuss the role of ferroptosis in various cardiovascular diseases, provide an update on current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms that govern ferroptosis, and discuss about the role of ferroptosis inhibitors in control of ferroptosis induced cardiovascular disease in animal models.

Proper wound management which improves the quality of life and reduces patient costs is required. Lamium album L. has been used in traditional medicine to heal skin wounds and recent studies show anti-inflammatory, haemostatic and antimicrobial properties of this plant.

The effect of the ointment containing methanol extract of L. album aerial parts was evaluated on the full-thickness wound healing in rat model.

Thirty-two Wistar rats (250-300 g) were used to be created a square full-thickness wound on the dorsal cervical area and randomly divided into four groups: I; control, II; ointment base, III; 1 % phenytoin cream and IV; 5 % L. album ointment. Wound size for determination of the percent of wound healing was measured on days 3, 5, 7 and 12 of the experiment. The excisional biopsies were evaluated histopathologically on the 12th day of treatment according to the Abramov score method.

The herbal ointment significantly increased fibroblast maturation, collagen deposition and neovascularization compared to the control group. The wound healing rate was significantly increased in the group treated with L. album ointment, same as phenytoin group, on days 3, 7 and 12. Based on the spectrophotometric analysis, the extract contains phenol and flavonoid compounds.

It seems that L. album could be considered as a new candidate for further studies in the field of wound healing.

The human amniotic membrane (HAM) is a suitable and effective scaffold for cell culture and delivery, and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are an important source of stem cells for transplantation and chondrogenic differentiation.

To assess the practicability of a cryopreserved HAM as a scaffold in cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro.

In this experimental study, adipose tissue samples were harvested from the inguinal region of male patients aged 15-30 years. Flow cytometry was used to identify CD31, CD45, CD90, and CD105 markers in adipose stem cells. HAM was harvested from donor placenta after cesarean section, washed, trypsin-based decellularized trypsinized decellularized, and used as a scaffold via three

1) ADSCs were differentiated into chondrocytes on cell culture flasks (monolayer method), and after 14 days of culture, the cells were transferred and cultured on both sides of the HAM; 2) ADSCs were cultured and differentiated directly on both sides of the HAM for 14 days (scaffold-mediated differentiation); and 3) chondrocytes were differentiated with micromass culture for 14 days, transferred on HAM, and tissue slides were histologically analyzed qualitatively.

Flow cytometry confirmed the presence of mesenchymal stem cells. Histological findings revealed that the cells adhered and grew well on the stromal layer of HAM. Among the three methods, scaffold-mediated differentiation of ADSCs showed the best results.

ADSCs have excellent attachment, viability, and differentiation capacity in the stromal side of HAM. Additionally, the direct culture and differentiation of ADSCs on HAM is more suitable than the culture of differentiated cells on HAM.