[Differentiation of embryonal carcinoma stem cells into insulin-producing cells by using pancreas extract in vitro]

Type I diabetes mellitus results from the autoimmune destruction of the p cells in pancreatic islets. Currently, extensive research is being conducted on the generation of insulin-producing cells [IPCs] from stem cells. P19 embryonal carcinoma cells are multipotent and can differentiate into cell types of all three germ layers. In this study, the differentiation of P19 cells into IPCs by using mouse pancreas extract [MPE] was investigated. Embryoid bodies [EBs] obtained from P19 cells were cultured in medium containing 3% fetal bovine serum, supplemented by concentration of 50, 100, 200,300 pg/mL MPE for 7-14 days. Dithizone [DTZ] staining was used to detect IPCs derived from EBs in vitro. Mouse monoclonal insulin-proinsulin and monoclonal insulin receptor beta antibodies were used for immunoflourescence. Insulin content from the cells and insulin secreted by differentiated cells in response to concentrations of 5.5 and 25 mM glucose were measured using ELISA kits. DTZ-positive cells showed purple-red clusters, immunoflourescence indicated expression of Beta cell markers [insulin-proinsulin and insulin receptor beta] in these cells. Increasing glucose concentration, caused more insulin to be secreted by differentiated ceils. P19 cells can in the presence of pancreas extract differentiate to cell producing and secreting insulin cells. Differentiated cells can increase insulin secretion in response to increasing glucose medium

[Effect of 3-4,methylenedioxymethamphetamine in CA1 hippocampal neurons in male rats]

Considering the role of the hippocampus in memory, this study was done to evaluate the effect of 3-4,methylenedioxymethamphetamine on CA1 hippocampal neurons in male rats. In this experimental study 18 sprague dawley male rats [200-250g] were randomly allocated into three groups as follow: control [intact], control sham and experimental groups. Sham and experimental groups were received normal salin [1 cc] and MDMA10mg/kg IP for 7 days, respectively. Following transcardial perfusion by paraformaldehid 4%, structure and ultrastructure of right CA1 hippocampus were assessed by crysel violet staining and electronic microscope. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, ANOVA and Tukey tests. There was no significant difference between control [mean=210 +/- 40.38] and sham groups [mean=199 +/- 38.7] in neuron density. Neuron number decreased significantly in experimental group [mean=98 +/- 25.4] in compare to control and sham groups [P<0.001]. There was no ultrastructural abnormality in control and sham groups. Finally, ultrastructural changes with apoptosis characterized by mitochondrial cristae reduction, distribution of nuclear chromatin and loss of cytoplasmic organelles in MDMA groups. This study shows that MDMA administration can stimulate the cell death with apoptotic pattern in hippocampus

Relationship among panoramic radiogaphy findings, biochemical markers of bone turnover and hip BMD in the diagnosis of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Recent investigations have shown that panoramic radiography might be a useful tool in the early diagnosis of osteoporosis. In addition, bone turnover biochemical markers might be valuable in predicting osteoporosis and fracture risks in the elderly, especially in post-menopausal women. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship among the radiomorphometric indices of the mandible, biochemical markers of the bone turnover and hip BMD in a group of post-menopausal women. Evaluation of mandibular cortical width [MCW], mandibular cortical index [CI], panoramic index [PMI] and alveolar crest resorption ratio [M/M ratio] were carried out on panoramic radiographs of 140 post-menopausal women with an age range of 44-82 years. Hip BMD was measured by DEXA method. BMD values were divided into three groups of normal [T score >-1.0], osteopenic [T score, -2.5 to -1.0]and osteoporotic [T score<-2.5]. Serum alkaline phosphatase and 25 [OH] D3 were measured. A decrease in MCW by 1mm increase the likelihood of osteopenia or osteoporosis up to 40%, having taken into consideration the effect of menopause duration. A 1 mm decrease in MCW increased the likelihood of moderate or severe erosion of the lower cortex of the mandible up to 28% by taking age into consideration. The results did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between bone turnover markers and mandibular radiomorphometric indices. Panoramic radiography gives sufficient information to make an early diagnosis regarding osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Panoramic radiographs may be valuable in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures in elderly women

[Comparison the shade of upper central incisor with three shade guides]

Tooth shade selection has long been a challenge in dentistry. According to huge number number of edentulous people, in need for prosthetic treatment, determination of natural teeth shade distribution is necessary. Based on deficiencies in regard to prevalence of tooth shade and their matching shade guides, this study was designed to compare upper central incisors shade with three different shade guides. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 maxillary central incisors of dental students, all over 18 years old. Census of the students was performed to complete sampling. After stain and plaque removal two observers [a dental student and a prosthodontist] determined the shade of upper right or left incisor visually and then by aid of three different shade guides [Polident, Ivoclar Chromascop, Vitapan classic]. In order to compare the chosen shades by the two observers and also to with the shade guides kappa coefficient was used. 58.3% of the samples were female and 41.7% were male. The average age was 24 +/- 3.5 years with minimum 19 and maximum 41 years. The highest rank reported by the two observers in Vitaclassic shade was A hue [prevalence: 77-78%] followed by A2 [42.9%, 45.9%] and A1 [23.5%, 25%]. Hue C had the least prevalence [1.2%]. Shade selection by Ivoclar chromascop shade guide revealed that the color [120] and the color [110] had the greatest prevalence [44. 2% and 41.7% respectively]. In Polident shade guide group, the color [Y1] had the highest prevalence [71.7%]. According to the findings distribution of natural teeth shade is higher in Vitaclassic shade guide which makes it a more practical guide. The shades in Ivoclar and Polident guides were found in smaller proportion of natural teeth determing their lower matching to natural teeth

[Activity of T-helper lymphocytes in opium dependent and non-dependent individuals]

Opium derivatives affect the function and differentiation of peripheral leucocytes, directly or indirectly. Previous researches have shown that these cells respond to the endorphins through their opioid receptors [delta, micro and kappa]. There are many reports about the effect of morphine and heroin on immune system of dependent people, but there is no report on the functions of T-helper lymphocytes in opium dependent individuals. For this reason, this study was designed to survey [In vivo and ex vivo] the effect of opium smoking on immune system of dependent male individuals. To carry out the investigation, 5 ml of heparinized peripheral blood was collected from each of the 23 opium dependent males [28.44 +/- 4.05 years old] and 12 males [26.50 +/- 4.30 years old] who served as control group. Individuals in both groups were smoking cigarettes [15-25 cigarettes per day]. Part of the collected blood was used for blood cell count [CBC] and preparation of 0.5 ml plasma for evaluation of IL-2, IL-10 and TGF beta1 and the rest was used for stimulation of the whole blood with a mixture of LPS [10 microg/ml] and PHA [10 micro g/ml] for 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours. According to the results, in the dependent group plasma concentration of IL-10 and TGF-beta1 were higher [P<0.05], while IL-2 concentration was lower [P<0.05] comparing to the control group. Evaluation of TGF-beta1 in the supernatant of stimulated whole blood of both groups showed similar pattern for TGF-beta1 [Non-significant], while synthesis and release of IL-10 were less and concentration of IL-2 was higher [P<0.001] in the opium dependent group. In conclusion opium dependent cigarette smokers have higher numbers of circulating TH2 and TH3 lymphocytes and lower number of TH1 than non-dependent cigarette smokers. However, due to lower activity of TH2 and higher activity of TH1 lymphocytes, dependent individuals may be at higher risk during infections

[Activity of T-helper lymphocytes in opium dependent and non-dependent individuals]

Opium derivatives affect the function and differentiation of peripheral leucocytes, directly or indirectly. Previous researches have shown that these cells respond to the endorphins through their opioid receptors [sigma, micro and kappa]. There are many reports about the effect of morphine and heroin on immune system of dependent people, but there is no report on the functions of T-helper lymphocytes in opium dependent individuals. For this reason, this study was designed to survey [in-vivo and ex-vivo] the effect of opium smoking on immune system of dependent male individuals. To carry out the investigation, 5 ml of heparinized peripheral blood was collected from each of the 23 opium dependant males [28.44 +/- 4.05 years old] and 12 males [26.50 +/- 4.30 years old] who served as control group. Individuals in both groups were smoking cigarettes [15-25 cigarettes per day]. Part of the collected blood was used for blood cell count [CBC] and preparation of 0.5 ml plasma for evaluation of IL-2, IL-10 and TGFbeta1 and the rest was used for stimulation of the whole blood with a mixture of LPS [10 microg/ml] and PHA [10 microg/ml] for 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours. According to the results, in the dependent group plasma concentration of IL-10 and TGF-beta1 were higher [P<0.05], while IL-2 concentration was lower [P<0.05] comparing to the control group. Evaluation of TGF-beta1 in the supernatant of stimulated whole blood of both groups showed similar pattern for TGF-beta1 [non- significant], while synthesis and release of IL-10 were less and concentration of IL-2 was higher [P<0.001] in the opium dependent group. In conclusion opium dependent cigarette smokers have higher numbers of circulating TH2 and TH3 lymphocytes and lower number of TH1 than non-dependent cigarette smokers. However, due to lower activity of TH2 and higher activity of TH1 lymphocytes, dependent individuals may be at higher risk during infections