ABSTRACT
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis [EAE] is an animal model of multiple sclerosis, which is a demyelinating and an inflammatory disease of central nervous system. Recent studies have established that some molecules such as Lipocaline2 [LCN2], which expresses during inflammatory conditions, play an important role in EAE pathogenesis and might involve in its treatment process. Recently, it has been proved that MS 14, an herbal-marine drug, has anti-inflammatory properties through reduction of TNF-a and IL-lp. Thus, the present study investigated the effects of MS 14 on the course of EAE and its relation to LCN2 expression in both protein and gene levels. EAE was induced in female C57BL/6 mice using Hooke kits. Animals were scored for clinical signs of the disease according to a 10-point EAE scoring system. On 21[st] and 35[th] days after immunization, mice [n = 4/group] were deeply anesthetized, and the spinal cords were removed. Inflammatory cell infiltration and LCN2 expression in spinal cord were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immuno-histochemistry, and real-time PCR methods. MS 14 significantly ameliorated EAE symptoms and decreased lymphocyte infiltration into the spinal cord [P<0.05]. Our data also revealed that LCN2 expression was significantly down-regulated in acute and chronic phases of EAE both at protein and gene levels after MS 14 treatment [P<0.05]. The results demonstrated that MS 14 regulatory effect on EAE is accompanied by LCN2 down-regulation after treatment with the herb; however, more studies are required for clarifying the other involved mechanisms
ABSTRACT
It is proved that testis is sensitive to electromagnetic field [EMF] and its damage results in infertility. Exposure to EMF induces reactive oxygen species production and affects on anti-oxidants defense mechanisms. Metallothionein [MT] is a name for a group of low molecular weight [6-7 kDa], sulfhydryl rich proteins. Expression of MT1 and MT2 genes in testis tissue after EMF exposure was aimed in this study. Male BALB/c mice [8 weeks old] were exposed to 3 MT EMF for 8 weeks, 4 hours/day. After 8 weeks, the mice were sacrificed and the testis tissue was removed. The testis pieces were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and analyzed under an optical microscope. Assessment of MT1 and MT2 genes and also protein expression was performed by real-time PCR and Western-blot, respectively. In light microscopic observation, the number of primary spermatocytes was increased significantly in EMF group [P<0.01]. In addition, in interstitial space, the number of leydig cells was increased significantly in EMF group [P<0.01] and basement membrane thickness was increased as well. MT1 and MT2 genes were down-regulated significantly in testis tissue of mice exposed to EMF both in mRNA and protein level compared to control. It is clear that MT is mediated in testis development and spermatogenesis. Down-regulation of MT1 and MT2 after EMF in mouse testis might be followed by some consequences that result in infertility