ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity of gold nanorods [GNRs] on the viability of spermatogonial cells [SSCs] and mouse acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells [EL4s]
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, SSCs were isolated from the neonate mice, following enzymatic digestion and differential plating. GNRs were synthesized, then modified by silica and finally conjugated with folic acid to form F-Si-GNRs. Different doses of F-Si-GNRs [25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 140 microM] were used on SSCs and EL4s. MTT [3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] proliferation assay was performed to examine the GNRs toxicity. Flow cytometry was used to confirm the identity of the EL4s and SSCs. Also, the identity and functionality of SSCs were determined by the expression of specific spermatogonial genes and transplantation into recipient testes. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using an annexin V/propidium iodide [PI] kit
Results: Flow cytometry showed that SSCs and EL4s were positive for Plzf and H-2kb, respectively. The viability percentage of SSCs and EL4s that were treated with 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 140 microM of F-Si-GNRs was 65.33 +/- 3.51%, 60 +/- 3.6%, 51.33 +/- 3.51%, 49 +/- 3%, 30.66 +/- 2.08% and 16.33 +/- 2.51% for SSCs and 57.66 +/- 0.57%, 54.66 +/- 1.5%, 39.66 +/- 1.52%, 12.33 +/- 2.51%, 10 +/- 1% and 5.66 +/- 1.15% for EL4s respectively. The results of the MTT assay indicated that 100 microM is the optimal dose to reach the highest and lowest level of cell death in EL4s and in SSCs, respectively
Conclusion: Cell death increased with increasing concentrations of F-Si-GNRs. Following utilization of F-Si-GNRs, there was a significant difference in the extent of apoptosis between cancer cells and SSCs
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Scorpion (Hemiscorpius lepturus) stings are a public health concern in Iran, particularly in south and southwestern regions of Iran. The gold standard for the treatment of a scorpion sting is anti-venom therapy. However, immunotherapy can have serious side effects, such as anaphylactic shock (which can sometimes even lead to death). The aim of the current study was to demonstrate the protective effect of ozone against toxicity induced by Hemiscorpius lepturus (H. lepturus) venom in mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eight hours after the injection of ozone to the experimental design groups, the male mice were decapitated and mitochondria were isolated from five different tissues (liver, kidney, heart, brain, and spinal cord) using differential ultracentrifugation. Then, assessment of mitochondrial parameters including mitochondrial reactive oxidative species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP level, and the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria was performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Our results showed that H. lepturus venom-induced oxidative stress is related to ROS production and MMP collapse, which is correlated with cytochrome c release and ATP depletion, indicating the predisposition to the cell death signaling.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In general, ozone therapy in moderate dose can be considered as clinically effective for the treatment of H. lepturus sting as a protective and antioxidant agent.</p>