khadijeh shahrokhabadi

Nickel is a carcinogenic, heavy metal released through industrial activities and via natural resources. It is able to cause DNA damages by reducing the efficiency of DNA repair mechanisms. However, the exact time point at which it is able to interfere with these mechanisms is not yet clearly understood.

To find the most nickel-vulnerable time of repair mechanisms, human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) were treated with three doses of nickel before and after X-irradiation. The induced frequency of chromosomal abnormality was studied using micronucleus assay in binucleated cells. The cytotoxicity of different treatments was established using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

The results revealed that nickel treatment had a synergistic effect on inducing Micronucleus frequency only when cells were treated 2 hours before X-irradiation. The X-ray treatment of the cells with 5 and 10 mM nickel had a cytotoxic effect mainly when given 6 hours after the irradiation.

The results suggest that nickel can interfere with human DNA repair mechanisms only at the start of the process, while having no significant effect on the human DNA repair mechanisms when activated.

Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is due to a lack of insulin secretion caused by the destruction of beta-pancreatic cells. The genus Perovskia-L belongs to the Persian mint family, with pharmacological effects, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, treatment of infection, and so on. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of extract of Bromelaceae on blood glucose and biochemical factors in male diabetic rats.

In the experimental study, 60 male Wistar rats weighing 250-200 g were randomly divided into 10 groups of 6 rats each:  control, healthy receiving glibenclamide, healthy treated with 300 ,150 and 600 mg / kg. Body extracts of diabetic rats, diabetic control (hyperglycemia), positive control (hyperglycemia treated with glibenclamide), hyperglycemia treated with 300 ,150, and 600 mg / kg body weight of extract were divided  into two groups. After 14 days of gavage, blood samples were taken from the animals and biochemical factors, such as glucose, insulin, triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol, were measured. 

The results showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of Bromzebal reduced the mean glucose in the diabetic group from 11 ± 234 to 5± 140 in the treated diabetic groups, the mean cholesterol reduced from 2 ±114 to 5 ±80, and the mean triglyceride from 3 ± 114 to 14 ± 70. Also, LDL reduced from 2± 82 to 5±44. Moreover, hydroalcoholic extract of Bromzebal significantly inhibited increased glucose levels (p<0.001), triglycerides (p<0.001), and cholesterol (p<0.001), and a significant decrease was observed in LDL levels in treated diabetic mice as compared with untreated diabetic animals.

It seems that hydroalcoholic extract of Precambrian has a controlling effect on blood sugar and modulates blood biochemical factors in  diabetic animals and is likely to be effective in
the treatment of diabetes.

Muscular dystrophy is a hereditary degenerative muscle disease which progressively reduces the strength of the muscles that control movement. In this study, we tried to investigate genetic variants in muscular dystrophy using sequencing of whole exons.

A family with two affected patients with muscular dystrophy was referred for genetic counseling followed by exome sequencing testing on the proband. After filling out informed consent, blood samples were obtained from each available family member. Candidate genetic variant was confirmed using Sanger sequencing.

Exome data analysis revealed a variant of c.2864 + 1G > A in the proband, which altered the exon-intron 26 splice site within the DYSF gene. Genetic changes in this gene are known to be associated with muscular disorders, such as limb-girdle muscular dystrophy and other dysferlinopathies. Assessment of this genetic variant in the patient's sister also showed homozygous variant. Since the patient's sister was married to her cousin, the same variant was tested in her husband, which was normal homozygous. NGS-based techniques, including whole-exome sequencing, can identify the molecular genetic basis of the disease in families with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. The results can be helpful in identifying potential carriers in the family and in prenatal diagnosis to the families involved.

Unfortunately, today cancers such as leukemia metastasize to the central nervous system (CNS). Cancer cells proliferate and resist apoptosis features. On the other hand, exosomes promote cancer through cell-to-cell communication. This study investigated the effect of leukemia exosomes on the expression of apoptosis-related genes in astrocytes.

After the primary culture of brain tissue cells, Immunocytochemical evaluation of cells was performed by specific antibodies Nestin, SOX2, and GFAP. Then, astrocytes were purified from other cells by trypsinage. Exosomes were extracted from supernatant of Nalm6 cell line by ultracentrifugation and their effects on proliferation and expression of Bax and Bcl2 genes were assessed by DAPI and Real-time PCR in astrocytes, respectively.

Results indicated a purity of over 90% of astrocytes in cell culture medium. DAPI test after 48 hours showed a significant increase in astrocytes treated with exosome (50µg/ml) compared to the control group (p < 001). Also, the expression of Bax and Bcl2 genes in exosome-treated astrocytes showed a significant decrease and increase compared to the control group (p <0.01 and p <0.05), respectively.

Leukemia exosomes disrupt the balance of astrocyte proliferation and inhibit apoptosis in them by altering the expression of Bax and Bcl2 genes. Therefore, further studies are recommended to identify exact molecular pathways of cancer.

Infertility is one of the major medical problems in today’s world. Today, some studies have addressed the effects of phytoestrogenic compounds in the treatment of infertility. Red clover is one of the herbs containing phytoestrogenic compounds. In the present study, the effect of red clover leaf extract on expression of genes involved in follicogenesis and proliferation of granulosa cells in NMRI mice was investigated. In this experimental in vitro study, 30 NMRI 18-20 immature female rats were used. For experiments, follicular granulosa cells were isolated, and in vitro cells were randomly divided into 6 groups.Control (untreated) and experimental groups with concentrations (10, 15, 20, 40, 80 μg/ml) of treated red clover leaf extract and cell viability were evaluated by trypan blue staining and MTT staining. Expression changes of BMP15 and FOXO1 genes were evaluated by Real Time PCR. The results of trypan blue staining and MTT assay showed that cell viability decreased with increasing concentration and time of treatment with clover leaf extract. Moreover, the expression level of BMP15 and FOXO1 genes was significantly increased in the 10 μg/ml red clover leaf extract compared to the control group (p < /em> < 0.05). Due to the effect of red clover leaf extract on granulosa cell proliferation and expression of genes involved in follicogenesis, this plant can be considered as a suitable candidate for clinical studies in infertility treatment.

Leukemia is a blood disease which is caused by the inhibition of differentiation and an increased proliferation rate. Nature has been known as a rich source of medically useful substances. High diversity of bioactive molecules extracted from marine invertebrates, makes them ideal candidates for cancer researches. The study has been done to investigate cytotoxic effects of dichloromethane brittle star extract and doxorubicin on EL4 cancer cells. Blood cancer EL4 cells were cultured and treated by different concentrations of brittle star dichloromethane extract for 24, 48 and 72 h. Cell toxicity was studied using the MTT assay. Cell morphology was examined using an invert microscope. Further, apoptosis was examined using Annexin V-FITC, propodium iodide, DAPI and Acridine orange / propodium iodide staining. Eventually, the apoptosis pathways were analyzed using measurement of caspase-3 and -9 activities. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, ANOVA test, Tukey post test. p

recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is the most common cause of pregnancy failure after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Among the different causes of RIF, the role of maternal genetics factors is as one of most important factors. P53 codon 72 polymorphism is one of the notable polymorphisms in this field. According to evidences about the association between P53 polymorphism and increased risk of RIF in different population, if this relationship be justified in Iranian population, this polymorphism can be used to predict IVF success rate. This study was performed with aim to evaluate the association between this polymorphism and incidence of RIF.

This case-control study was performed on 80 infertile couples in Mashhad Montaserieh Infertility Treatment Center in 2010. The infertile couples were divided into three groups of control, RIF-1, and RIF-2. The control group included 40 women who were successfully pregnant after IVF. The patient group 1 were 20 women who no type of pregnancy was observed after two IVF, and patient group 2 were 20 women who failed to be pregnant after at least three IVF. P53 gene polymorphism genotype (Arg72pro allele) was determined using PCR- ARMS technique. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software (version 16) and Pearson Chi-Square test. P<0.05 was considered significant.

The frequency of Arg/Pro genotype in control group, patient group 1, patient group 2 and total patients was 92.5%, 75%, 80% and 77.5%. The frequency of Arg/Arg genotype in these groups was 7.5%, 25%, 20% and 22.5%, respectively. Pro/Pro genotype was observed in none of the groups. According to Pearson Chi-square test results, distribution of genotypes was not significantly different between patient group 1 and patient group 2 and also total patients in comparison with control group.

According to the results of present study in the studied population, there is no association between P53 codon 72 polymorphism and occurrence of RIF. So this polymorphism cannot be used to predict the risk of RIF.

Bee venom, like many other complementary medicine approaches, has been used for thousands of years attempting to alleviate some diseases. In addition, the effect of electromagnetic field on the cell growth in different aspects has been confirmed. In this study, the effect of coadministration of 200 gauss and 50 Hz electromagnetic field (EMF) and bee venom on angiogenesis in chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was evaluated. Sixty ROSS fertilized eggs were randomly divided into 6 groups: the control, sham 1 (treated with PBS); sham 2 (treated with electromagnetic field off); experimental groups 1 (treated with EMF); 2 (treated with bee venom) and 3 (treated with bee venom and EMF). At day 8, a gelatin sponge was placed on CAM and was soaked with 10 μl bee venom in the experimental groups 2 and 3. The experimental groups 1 and 3 were placed in 200 gauss EMF for 4 hours on day 10. At day 12, CAM was examined and photographed by photo-stereomicroscope. No significant difference was seen in the mean number and length of vessels between the controls and sham1 and 2 groups. There was a significant decrease in the mean number and length of vessels in the EMF and bee venom treated groups compared to the control groups (P<0.05). Moreover, a significant decrease was observed in the mean number and length of blood vessels in twin samples exposed to bee venom and EMF compared to the samples were only exposed to bee venom (P<0.05). Results reveal that the 200 gauss EMF has an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis in chorioallantoic membrane and can enhance the anti-angiogenesis effect of bee venom.

Angiogenesis، which is required for embryonic development and many physiological events، plays crucial role in many pathological conditions such as tumor growth and metastasis. Recent studies indicate anticancer and antitumor properties of saffron against human cancers. Many processes are affected by Electromagnetic Field (EMF) and its effect on proliferation and gene expression were examined. In this experimental study، the synergic effects of saffron and EMF on VEGFR2 gene expression in MCF7 cells were investigated. Saffron was extracted using freeze dryer. MCF7 cells were grown in RPMI1640 medium supplemented with 10% FBS and incubated at 37C with 5% CO2. After 24 hr cells were treated with saffron extract at concentrations of 100، 200، 400 and 800 μg/ml. Forty eight hr after treatment all flasks were exposed with EMF (50 Hz، 0. 004 T). Then total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthetized using specific primer. Synthetized products were analyzed by Real Time PCR to determine expression level of VEGFR2. Data were analyzed by SPSS (ANOVA & Tukey). Critical inhibitory effect on VEGFR2 gene expression was 20% at 400 μg/ml. Synergic use of EMF and saffron extract showed most reduction (38%) at 100 μg/ml. On the other hand synergic use of 200، 400 and 800 μg/ml saffron aqua extract and EMF decline noticeably the VEGFR2 level of gene expression to 29، 35 and 36%، respectively. EMF itself also reduced VEGFR2 up to 25% in comparison with control group which is remarkable at p<0. 001. Results indicate a decrease in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor in the treated samples with saffron extract compared to control. This reduction in VEGFR2 level induced by synergic treatment of saffron and EMF which reveals induction of inhibitory effects of saffron on angiogenesis and could be also considered as a promising chemotherapeutic agent in breast cancer treatment.

Various studies have focused on the anticancer effects of saffron. Angiogenesis or new blood vessel formation, which is required for embryonic development and many physiological events, plays a crucial role in many pathological conditions such as tumor growth. One of the main genes which is involved in the process of angiogenesis is VEGF-A. In this in vitro study, the effects of saffron extract on VEGF-A expression were examined. In this experimental study, the saffron extract was obtained by Soxhlet extractor and then the powder was frozen and dried in vacuum (lyophilisation) using a freeze dryer. MCF7 cells were grown in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) and incubated at 37˚C with 5% CO2. After 24 h of cell culture, their adhesion to the bottom flasks was investigated, then, they were treated by the aqueous extract of saffron at concentrations of 100, 200, 400 and 800 µg/ml. 48 hours after treatment, total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized using the sequence of target gene. Finally, the synthesized products were analysed by Real Time PCR to determine the expression level of VEGF-A. The results of data analysis showed the inhibitory effect of saffron extract in concentrations of 100, 200, 400 and 800 µg/ml on VEGF-A expression in MCF7 cells in comparison with control group, indicating the highest reduction of gen expression for the highest concentration of saffron extract (800 µg/ml). Results indicated a decrease in the expression of VEGF-A, specific biomarker of angiogenesis, in the treated samples compared to the control group.

Nowadays Cyanoacrylates glues are widely used in medicine and dentistry. The purpose of the present research is to investigate the role of nano-size SiO2 on the wear behavior of cyanoacrylates nanocomposite under stimulated artificialsaliva condition. Wear behavior of cyanoacrylate samples filled with different levels of nano-sized silica have been investigated using pin-on-disk tester. The wear mechanism of the samples was also evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Besides, changes in hardness, temperature of mass reduction due to the destruction of the polymeras well as released energy content during polymerization have been studied. Furthermore, to investige the biocompatibility of the nanocomposite, cycotexicity test carried on using MTT method. The results have shown that an increase in nano-sized SiO2 content improves hardness and wear resistance of the cyanoacrylate based nanocomposites. It also reduces the increase in temperature during polymerization.Besides, the nanocomposite shows less cycotoxicity compering to the pure cyanoacrylate.