فهرست مطالب tahereh talaei-khozani

Liver transplantation is the gold standard treatment for end-stage liver failure, but the scarcity of organ donors is the main limiting factor for performing liver transplant surgery.

The objective was to evaluate hepatocytes’ phenotype and functionalities after co-culturing with endothelial (HUVEC) and stellate cells (LX2) in the decellularized liver.

The livers were decellularized with 1% sodium lauryl ester sulfate (SLES). Cell removal and preservation of extracellular matrix (ECM) ultrastructure were studied by staining, scanning electron, and Raman confocal microscopy. The cell viability was evaluated by MTT, and the functions of cells were assessed on a decellularized scaffold with/without co-culturing with HUVEC and LX2 cell lines. The results were then compared to cells with the same condition on collagen scaffolds.

The data confirmed that SLES prevented the destruction of the liver ECM ultrastructure along with nuclear material removal. Raman spectra confirmed DNA and cell debris removal. The decellularized liver was suitable for cell survival, but the proliferation rate was lower than those cultured in collagen. The tests showed that the function of individual cells on the decellularized scaffold was better than that in collagen scaffolds. Co-culturing with HUVEC and LX2 cell lines did not improve hepatocyte functions.

As a biocompatible scaffold, co-culturing hepatocytes with endothelial and stellate cells within the decellularized liver improved liver-specific functions.

Thymoquinone (TQ) has some beneficial roles in bone repair. Local administration of the drugs by loading them into a scaffold leads to releasing higher concentrations of a drug in the appropriate position. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the local administration of TQ loaded in an alginate scaffold on bone regeneration in rabbit mandibular defect.

In this experimental study, male rabbits with mandible defect were divided into 3 groups that received either alginate containing 50µM TQ, alginate or remained untreated. Then each group was subdivided into 2 groups that followed for 4 and 8 weeks (n=5). The radiological opacity, histopathology, and histomorphometrical analysis were done and data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey.

Radiological examination indicated that the presence of TQ had no significant effect on the turbidity of the images (P=0.595). TQ treatment significantly increased the bone area after 4 (P=0.011, P=0.0021, respectively) and 8 weeks (8w P=0.019, P<0.001, respectively) compared to alginate-treated and control defects. TQ also elevated the number of osteocytes (4wP<0.001, P=0.001 and 8w P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively) and osteoblasts (P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively) compared to the group receiving alginate and control. However, at 8 weeks, the number of osteoblasts was statistically similar in all the groups. In this week, although the average number of osteoblasts in the defects treated with TQ was significantly higher than the control group (P=0.01), it was similar to the group that received alginate.

It seems that alginate containing TQ has positive effects on bone healing. TQ can be suggested as a good additive to improve bone healing and accelerate bone repair.

Decellularized livers could provide an environment for liver-specific cell migration. Synthetic glucocorticoids induce liver development and hepatocyte differentiation as well as limit immune cell migration, which can both promote or inhibit fibrogenesis in the engineered liver. Although decellularized scaffolds provide a promising approach for liver regeneration, the effect of the implant on the donor's liver remained clear.

This study investigated the impact of the transplanted decellularized liver with/without prednisolone preloading on liver histopathology and functions.

Decellularized rat liver scaffolds were prepared by the perfusion method. After scaffolds characterization, they were grafted to partially hepatectomized rats in prednisolone-free and -loaded groups. After 2 and 4 weeks, the liver and grafts were removed and evaluated by Periodic acid Schiff staining and immunohistochemistry. Serological assessments were also performed on blood sera and compared with untreated control. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and LSD.

Both grafts were invaded by hepatocytes. No histopathological symptom was detected in the recipient's liver; however, oval cells were observed within the epithelium of the bile duct and in the surrounding connective tissue. No significant variation was observed in the levels of alkaline phosphatase(ALP), but the levels of albumin and total protein were significantly reduced in both groups that received the grafts after two weeks; however, after four weeks, total protein and albumin reached the average level.

decellularized liver transplantation with/without the drug is safe enough for the recipient liver to be considered a promising technique in regenerative medicine.

Both low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are demonstrated to promote the repair of mandibular defects.

This study investigated the mechanical properties and calcium content at the tooth extraction site in a rat model exposed to LLLT ( = 808 nm) with or without PRP.

In this experimental rat model study, the left first molar maxillary teeth were extracted in twenty male rats. Then, the animals were randomly divided into four groups. Group one: after extraction, the extraction sockets were treated with 0.9Wgalliumaluminum- arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser irradiation for five minutes every 72 hours for the next 12 days (4 times overall); group two: PRP was placed in the extraction sockets; group three: a combination of both treatments (LLLT+PRP) was applied; group four: the extraction sockets remained untreated (the control group). All rats were sacrificed 30 days post-operative. All bone blocks of the extracted socket were prepared for mechanical strength and calcium content analyses. Mann-Whitney test, one-way ANOVA test, and post hoc Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) were used to analyze the data. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. All analyses were performed by SPSS 16.0. The graph is illustrated in the graph pad 5.

The compressive strength in the laser group was significantly higher than in the control and PRP-treated groups (P = 0.0001 and 0.00044, respectively). Compared to the control and PRP groups, the effects of a combination of PRP and LLLT mechanical strength were statistically similar. Calcium content was influenced by none of the treatments.

The mechanical strength of the bone blocks was significantly stronger in the LLLT group than in the other groups. Platelet-rich plasma alone or combined with LLLT demonstrated a synergistic impact on neither mechanical strength nor calcium content.

Sperm cryopreservation reduces sperm quality. Kisspeptin (KP) has beneficial effects on sperm functions. This study compares the effect of KP and Glutathione (GSH) on mitigating the detrimental effects of the freeze-thaw cycle on sperm.  An experimental study was conducted in Birjand (Iran) during 2018-2020. Thirty normal swim-up semen samples were treated with Ham’s F10 medium (negative control), 1 mM GSH (positive control), or KP (10 µM) for 30 min before freezing. The motility, acrosome reaction, capacitation, and DNA quality of the frozen-thawed sperms were assessed according to the WHO guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t test, one-way analysis of variance, and least significant difference. Pre-incubation with KP significantly increased the percentage of sperm motility (34.00±6.7, P=0.003) compared to the control (20.44±7.4) and GSH-treated (31.25±12.2) aliquots. The frequency of non-capacitated spermatozoa was significantly higher in the KP-treated group (98.73%) than in the control (96.46%) and GSH-treated (96.49%) aliquots (P<0.001). The percentage of acrosome-intact spermatozoa in the KP-treated group (77.44%) was significantly higher than the control (74.3%) and GSH-treated (74.54%) groups (P<0.001). The sperm frequency with normal histone in the KP-treated group (51.86%) and with normal protamine (65.39%) was significantly higher than the controls (P=0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). The percentage of TUNEL-positive sperm was significantly lower in the KP-treated group (9.09±2.71) than both GSH-treated (11.22±2.73) and control (11.31±2.2) groups (both P=0.002). Pre-incubation with KP protects sperm motility and DNA integrity from the detrimental effect of the freeze-thaw cycle. KP is suitable as a pre-treatment to control sperm quality during freezing-thawing.

In infertility clinics, preserving high-quality spermatozoa for a long time is a necessity. Pentoxifylline (PT) and L-carnitine (LC) are effective in improving sperm motility as well as protecting the sperm membrane. The present study aimed to investigate the protective impacts of PT and LC on the quality of the normal sperm motility, protamine content, and viability on prolonged storage for 12 days at 4-6°C.

The present experimental work included 26 samples, which were first prepared based on the swim-up technique, of normozoospermic men. They were divided into three aliquots as untreated control, LC-treated, and PT-treated groups and incubated for up to 12 days at 4-6°C. Thereafter, chromatin maturity, sperm viability, and motility were assessed on 0, 1, 2, 5, 7, and 12 days. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance.

The obtained data revealed that PT supplementation increased the percentage of motile spermatozoa in comparison with control and LC-treated specimens. On the other hand, LC supplementation increased the percentage of viable spermatozoa in comparison with the PT-treated and control samples. During the 12-day storage, the percentage of spermatozoa with a normal protamine content was nearly unchanged in the three groups (P>0.05).

Although LC supplementation can be considered a better alternative than PT for preserving sperm viability, PT could better preserve sperm motility compared to LC during 12 days at 4-6°C.

Ginger in Iranian traditional medicine is known as an effective plant in reducing menopausal symptoms and treating osteoporosis. Therefore, in this study, the effects of ginger on the skeletal system in the fetus and the level of bone formation factors in the mice were investigated.

In this study, 40 pregnant Balb/c mice were equally divided into four groups 1) control group 2) group receiving 100 mg/kg ginger hydroalcoholic extract orally, 3) group receiving 500 mg/kg ginger hydroalcoholic extract orally and 4) group receiving 1000 mg/kg ginger hydroalcoholic extract orally. Alizarin Red S and Alcian Blue staining methods were used to examine the embryo skeletal system. Osteogenesis length and bony area of femur and tibia as well as the length, width, and height of the skull in the embryos were measured. Blood samples were taken on the 19th day of pregnancy to evaluate bone formation factors in pregnant mice and biochemical factors were measured in blood samples.

Evaluations showed that the length of femur and tibia and osteogenesis index in the treated groups relatively increased compared to the control group. Biochemical studies showed a significant increase in calcium, magnesium, and alkaline phosphatase levels in the group receiving 1000 mg/kg ginger hydroalcoholic extract compared to the control group.

The results of this study showed that ginger hydroalcoholic extract can be effective in increasing osteogenesis in the embryos and reducing the risk of osteoporosis in mothers.

Statement of the Problem: 

The administration of both platelet rich plasma (PRP) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) to the bone defects accelerates bone repair and regeneration. Application of both of them may show synergistic regenerative effects. 

Our objective was to evaluate the possible synergistic osteogenic effects of PRP and SiO2 by injecting them using an ad hoc device.

In this experimental study, PRP/SiO2 scaffolds were fabricated by in situ casting method with the help of CaCl2 as the gelation factor and alginate as the stroma; and then, the biodegradability and spatial arrangement were assessed. The injectable scaffold was introduced into the 40 rabbit mandibular defects by an ad hoc two-channel injecting device. Five defects received PRP/SiO2/alginate as the treatment; the other sets of defects were treated by PRP/alginate, SiO2/alginate, and the last five defects served as the control groups by getting only alginate injections. The osteogenicity of the scaffolds was evaluated by radiological and histological procedures; they were then compared with each other. Analysis of variance and least significant difference tests were used to analyze the data.

The SiO2-treated group showed a significant higher bone area compared to PRP/ SiO2-treated groups on day 40 (p= 0.013). The number of osteocytes was higher in SiO2-treated than the control groups on both 20 and 40 days (p= 0.032 and 0.022, respectively). The number of osteoclast was also higher in SiO2-treated than PRP-treated group (p= 0.028). In addition, the cells of this group had just started to create Haversian systems in newly formed bone tissues.

Silica demonstrated a superior osteogenic activity over PRP in both short and long term periods. Evidently, they showed no synergistic regenerative effects. Our ad hoc device was efficiently capable of inserting the scaffolds into the injured sites with no difficulties or complications.

Decellularized greater omentum (GOM) is a good extracellular matrix (ECM) source for regenerative medicine applications. The aim of the current study was to compare the efficiency of three protocols for sheep GOM decellularization based on sufficient DNA depletion and ECM content retention for tissue engineering application. In this experimental study, in the first protocol, low concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS 1%), hexane, acetone, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and ethanol were used. In the second one, a high concentration of SDS (4%) and ethanol, and in the last one sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES 1%) were used to decellularize the GOM. To evaluate the quality of scaffold prepared with various protocols, histochemical staining, DNA, and glycosaminoglycan (GAGs) quantification, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman confocal microscopy, Bradford assay, and ELISA were performed. A comparison of DNA content showed that SDS-based protocols omitted DNA more efficiently than the SLESbased protocol. Histochemical staining showed that all protocols preserved the neutral carbohydrates, collagen, and elastic fibers; however, the SLES-based protocol removed the lipid droplets better than the SDS-based protocols. Although SEM images showed that all protocols preserved the ECM architecture, Raman microscopy, GAGs quantification, total protein, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) assessments revealed that SDS 1% preserved ECM more efficiently than the others. The SDS 1% can be considered a superior protocol for decellularizing GOM in tissue engineering applications.

Sperm quality has an important role in the success of assisted reproductive techniques, by adding some bioactive agents with a positive impact on sperms, it can be improved.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of kisspeptin on the sperm motility criteria, Lactate dehydrogenase-C (LDHC) activity, acrosomal reaction, and capacitation in the mouse testicular sperm in vitro.

Sperm samples were extracted from testes of 96 male Balb/C mice weighing 25-30 gr, aged 6-8 wk. Then, they were separated into 4 parts; 2 controls and 2 kisspeptin-treated aliquots; each one incubated for either 15 or 30 min. The sperm motility and the LDHC activity were evaluated, and also the frequency of the non-capacitated, intact, and acrosomal-reacted sperms were evaluated by staining with Wheat germ agglutinin, Peanut agglutinin, and Concanavalin A, respectively. The stained sperms were analyzed by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscope.

Our result showed that kisspeptin increased both the sperm motility (p = 0.04) and LDHC enzyme activity (p = 0.04) after 15 min of incubation. At the same time, it did not impact the frequency of the non-capacitated, intact and acrosomal-reacted sperms after incubation in the same period (p = 0.16).

A 15 min period of incubation with kisspeptin could be applicable for evaluating sperm motility and LDH activity.

The ability of stem cells to differentiate into different cell types makes them a key component of healing damage in regenerative medicine. As human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly (HUCWJ) is available non-invasively, HUCWJ does not raise any ethical issues with higher differentiation potential compared to adult stem cells. With the ability to express embryonic stem cell markers, HUCWJ can be considered as a good candidate in regenerative medicine applications. The objective of this study was to find if these cells form cell aggregates with the same features as that formed by embryonic stem cells (embryoid body) and could form three germ layers. Eighteen umbilical cords were of healthy infants with parent permission. The umbilical cords were cut into small pieces and the explants were cultured. At the third passage, 1000, 5000 and 10000 cells/ 20 µL were cultured in hanging drops for 3 days. Then, they were incubated for additional 3 days in non-adhesive dishes. As the center of cell aggregates formed from 5000 and 10000 cells were darker than those formed from 1000 cells, this study focused on the aggregates formed by 1000 cells for further assessments. The immunocytochemistry and flowcytometry were performed using 3 color antibodies to detect the markers for three germ cell lineages. The immunohistochemistry data showed that the embryoid-body-like aggregates expressed a low amount of ectodermal and endodermal markers and most of the cells expressed mesodermal markers. The flowcytometry percentage of the cells in each aggregate that expressed ectodermal marker Otx2 was17.1% and endodermal marker, Sox 17 was 5.49%. The frequency of cells expressing mesodermal marker Brachyury was high (75.0%). Flowcytometry also showed the percentages by mathematical evaluation and we did this three times for our result accuracy. These aggregates mainly kept their mesenchymal state and showed a poor differentiation potential toward ectoderm and endoderm identity.

Fetal microchimerism is the persistence of allogeneic cell population that transfer from the fetus to the mother. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of fetal microchimerism in the pancreas of the mouse with acute pancreatitis (AP).
In this experimental study, female wild-type mice were mated with male EGFP. AP model was obtained by injection of caerulein two days after delivery. Sixty mice were divided into 3 groups: the virgin pancreatitis-induced animals, pregnant pancreatitis-induced animals mated with transgenic EGFP mice, and pregnant sham animals. To prove pancreatitis induction, the blood amylase and lipase were assessed; and pancreas was removed from a subpopulation of each group for histopathological examinations after 6 hr. The remaining mice were kept for 3 weeks and histopathological exanimation, immunohistochemistry, and PCR were performed.
EGFP cells were found in acini and around the blood vessels in the pancreas of pregnant pancreatitis-induced animals. They differentiated to acinar, adipocyte-like, and mesenchymal-like cells. PCR showed that 20% of the pregnant pancreatitis-induced animals were EGFP. The histopathological study showed improvement in pancreatitis scores in the mice with history of pregnancy.
It seems that pregnancy has a beneficial impact on caerulein-induced pancreatitis and improves the pancreatitis score in mouse.

The follicular growth and development may be affected by abused drugs. Nandrolone decanoate (ND) as an anabolic androgenic steroid can damage the morphological and functional features of the ovary and may lead to reproductive failure.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of synchronized and non-synchronized administration of Human Menopausal Gonadotropins (hMG) with ND on ovarian tissue and level of sex hormones in the adult female rat.

Forty adult female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into eight groups. The five experimental groups received 3 and/or 10 mg/kg of ND synchronized and non-synchronized with 10 IU of hMG and hMG alone. The two shams and control groups received solvents of ND and hMG. The animal's serum levels of Follicle-stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone, progesterone and estrogen and the weight, volume and dimensions of the ovaries were measured. The ovaries were prepared for apoptosis assessment and morphological study.

The ovarian volume and sex hormones in the experimental groups were decreased, but ovarian weight and dimensions didn’t change. The rate of apoptosis was increased in the experimental groups as follows; a low and high dose of ND synchronized with hMG 48.80±18.70 and 65.20±14.20 respectively vs. Sham 1, 33.20±17.80, a low and high dose of ND non-synchronized with hMD 55.80±17.20 and 75.20±14.30 respectively vs. Sham 2, 31.60±32.40 groups, p˂0.01. Follicular and stromal cells were damaged in the experimental groups except for the hMG group.

Administration of ND decreased the serum level of Luteinizing hormone, Follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone and estrogen and damaged ovarian tissue irreversibly and irreparably and hMG cannot prevent the destruction of the follicles in the adult female rats. This can be a serious warning to women who abuse ND.

The role of growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor of activated omentum on mitosis is clearly known, though not on all the aspects of in vitro oocyte maturation. This study was designed to assess the effect of activated-omental extract (AOE) on in vitro maturation (IVM) of rat cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs).
In this experimental study, the COCs were incubated in Ham’s F-10 supplemented with either 20% AOE, 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS) or serum-free media. Post-culture COCs were studied according to the cumulus cells (CCs) expansion, nuclear maturation and cytoplasmic maturation. Cumuli expansion was evaluated by inverted microscope without staining; nuclear maturation was assessed by aceto-orcein staining (light microscope) and cytoplasmic maturation was also observed by TEM.
Expansion of CCs and nuclear maturation of the oocytes in in vitro for 24 hr was significantly higher in AOE- and FBS-supplemented groups (P=0.000 and 0.013) and (P=0.004 and 0.014), respectively, compared to serum-free group. At ultra-structural level, after 24 hr, both FBS and AOE-supplemented media showed uniformly wide perivitelline space (PVS). After 12 hr, the cortical granules were found in the oocytes cultured in FBS and AOE-supplemented media. Within 24 hr, both granules and mitochondria were large without any detectable topographic tendency across the ooplasm. In AOE and FBS- supplemented oocytes, the number and size of microvilli were more than those in serum-free one.
Although AOE supplementation induced a higher rate of the CCs expansion, and resuming meiosis, it was not as potent as FBS to provide cytoplasmic maturation of rat oocytes.

Protracted and repeated exposure to chronic variable stress (CVS) may lead to reproductive dysfunction. It is a basic cause of male infertility. Curcumin (CUR) is an active fraction of turmeric that used in traditional Chinese medicine. CUR represents various pharmacological activities.

The purpose of this study was to determining the effects of CUR on testis and testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in rats with establishing chronic variable stress.

Twenty-one adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: 1) control, 2) CVS and 3) CVS CUR (100 mg/kg/day dissolved in 0.5 mL of olive oil). All of the animals in control, CVS, and CVSॄ groups were sacrificed after 15 days. Testosterone, FSH, LH, and testis damage were evaluated.

Significant changes in the normal range of testosterone, FSH, LH serum levels and seminiferous tubule apoptotic cells were detected in CVS group compared to the control rats (p=0.02). These parameters changed to a less extent in CVSॄ animals compared to the CVS rats (p=0.02).

Our findings propose that curcumin might have curative potential on the reproductive system function and its impairment. It’s regulated by stress and reproductive-related hormones.

Recapitulating the native cell niche and extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture in vitro helps reconstruct injured tissues. Collagen I and heparin are two important constituents of the ECMs, which play crucial roles in regulating cell behaviors. Specifically in the liver, these components can affect the differentiation and functionality of the cells..
The aims of this study were to first fabricate and characterize a heparin/collagen scaffold and then investigate the scaffold’s efficiency in directing the differentiation of Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) towards hepatocyte..
After fabricating the rat tail collagen I sponge-shaped scaffolds, heparin was chemically immobilized on the scaffolds using N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). The scaffold chemical characteristics and architecture were evaluated by Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. In the next step, Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells were seeded on the scaffolds and cell viability and morphology were assessed using MTT assay and SEM, respectively. Moreover, followed by exposing the WJ-MSCs to the hepatogenic media for 3 weeks, liver-specific marker expression and indocyanine green (ICG) clearance tests were performed..
The data showed that 0.25 mg/mL heparin had no detrimental effects on the cell viability and proliferation compared to the observed effects in non-heparinized conditions. SEM micrographs showed that while immobilizing heparin had no considerable effect on the porosity of the scaffolds, the mean value of the pore sizes of heparinized sponges was higher than that of non-heparinized ones. The hepatocyte differentiation appeared to be enhanced in the cells cultured in heparinized sponges as indicated by higher percentage of the cells expressing cytokeratin 19 and albumin as well as improved indocyanine green clearance levels..
Heparin/collagen scaffold serves as a good platform for promoting differentiation into hepatocytes and therefore, it has the potential to be considered for drug discovery and liver regenerative medicine..

Sound pollution causes kidney damage in adult but this effect of sound exposure on the fetus is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find the effect of noise on the structure and volume of fetal kidney. A total of 32 pregnant mice were divided into four groups. Pregnant mouse in experimental groups were exposed to load 100 dB continuous noise stress, 2.5 hour per day. After birth, fetus kidneys were removed at days 7 and 14. Tissues processing were performed, and sections with 0.5 micron thickness were prepared with orientator method. Total volume and volume of cortex and medulla were calculated according to Cavalier principle. Amount of matrix, inflammatory reaction and necrosis were evaluated by Knodell Scoring system. The results show that there was no significant difference between the volume of different parts of kidney in experimental and control groups (P<0.05). Microscopic evaluations also revealed that sound wave has no effect on the histological structure of kidney. It seems that sound wave has no effect on structure and volume of kidney.

Pomegranate juice has several antioxidant components such as flavenoids and mineral materials such as sodium and potassium. In this study the effects of pomegranate juice on bone calcium content and body weight of adult mice were survived. In this applied study two doses (3.3 and 6.6 ml/kg) of pomegranate juice (PJ) were gavaged to female mice for 30 days. Animals were weighed at days of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30. Bone calcium contents were measured by flame photometer. Bone calcium content of PJE treated mice increased but it was not significant statistically. Pomegranate juice did not affect body weight. Pomegranate juice extracts even its high dose did not show any side effect on body weight and tissues of adult female mice.

One of the most common reasons of infertility is un-ovulatory period. Hormone therapy is the most common treatments of this type of infertility. Gonadotropins may exert toxic effects on the molecular organization of uterine surface, such as glycoconjugates. Glycoconjugates are the most important components of the uterine and trophoblast surface playing an important role in embryo implantation. In this study, the effects of one of these gonadotropin hormones, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), on glycoconjugates distribution of uterine epithelium (apical membrane, Golgi zone and basement membrane of rat endometrial cells) and uterine glands studied during implantation period. The mature female rats were selected and divided into two groups (Experimental, sham and Control). Experimental rats were injected with 10 I.U HCG intraperitoneally in estrus phase and mated with proven fertile male rats. The rats were sacrificed at 5.5 day of pregnancy (time of implantation) and their uteruses removed. The pregnant uterine tissues prepared histologically. Using WGA, DBA, PNA, ConA, SBA and UEA lectins, Lectin histochemistry was done. The intensity of the reactions to WGA in apical membrane and Golgi zone of the uterine epithelium were lower in HCG-treated group compared with the control group. After HCG treatment, uptake of DBA and UEA lectins by uterine glands was low. HCG led to modification of the uterine surface glycoconjugates and affected the content of these critical molecules involved in implantation. Therefore, HCG may also exert adverse impact on the fertility rate.

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases affecting chondrogenesis or the function of articular cartilage. The purpose of the present study was to find the effect of soybean extract on reduction of detoriation effects of oxidativestress in embryonic chondrogenesis in vitro. In order to separate ectoderm from mesenchyme, the limb buds of mouse embryos (12- 13days) removed and incubated in dispase. After separation, the limb bud rinsed and incubated in the trypsin. Adding culture media (DMEM/F12 contain 10% FBS) and pipetting, the limb buds were dissociated. The number of the cells adjusted to 1-2 ×107/mL. Superconfluent micro mass spotting of cell suspension in 96 well tissue culture plate were formed. After incubation for 1.5-2 h at 37 ºC and 5% CO2, the plate flooded with culture media. At day 5, different concentration of H2O2 and soybean extract added to fresh media and in order to induce oxidative stress, incubated for 24h. The cultures were stained with alcian blue to prove the cartilage Differentiation and alizarin red for calcium deposit. The results indicated that cell viability diminished by extract and H2O2 administration; although, the supplementation of the cells exposed to the oxidative stress with the extract improved cell proliferation rate. The soybean also improved the ossification and chondrification of the cells exposed to H2O2. The study demonstrated that soybean extract can reduce the effect of oxidative stress in embryonic chondrogenesis.

The interaction between follicular cells and oocyte leads to a change in gene expression involved in oocyte maturation processes. The purpose of this study was to quantify the expression of more common genes involved in follicular growth and oocyte developmental competence. In this experimental study, the expression of genes was evaluated with qRT-PCR assay in female BALB/c mice pups at 3-day of pre-pubertal and 8 week old virgin adult ovaries. The tissue was prepared by H&E staining for normal morphological appearance. The data were calculated with the 2-ΔCt formula and assessed using non-parametric two-tailed Mann-Whitney test. The p<0.05 was considered as significant. The data showed a significant increase in the level of Stra8 and GDF9 in adult compared with newborn mice ovaries (p=0.049). In contrast, a significant decrease in the level of Mvh, REC8, SCP1, SCP3, and ZP2 was observed in adult mice ovaries compared to those in the newborn mice ovaries (all p=0.049 except SCP1: p=0.046). There was no significant difference in the level of OCT4 and Cx37 expression between adult and newborn mice ovaries. The modifications in gene expression patterns coordinate the follicular developmental processes. Furthermore, the findings showed higher expression level of premeiotic gene (Stra8) and lower level of meiotic entry markers (SCP1, SCP3, and REC8) in juvenile than newborn mouse ovaries.