The Effects of Resveratrol on Silica-Induced Lung Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rat

Background@#Chronic exposure to silica is related with the provocation of an inflammatory response and oxidative stress mechanism. Vitamin D has multiple benefits in biological activities particularly respiratory system disease.MethodIn this research, 20 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups (5 rats /group) as follow: Group1 received saline as (negative control) group. The group 2 received a single IT instillation of silica (positive control) group; the group 3 was co-administrated with single IT silica and Vitamin D (20 mg/kg/day) daily for a period of 90 days. The rats of group 4 received Vitamin D daily for a period of 90 days. @*Results@#Silica significantly increased serum and lung total Oxidant Status (TOS). Meanwhile, silica reduced serum and lung total antioxidant capacity (TAC), GSH and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-a). Vitamin D treatment meaningfully reversed oxidative stress, antioxidants status and inflammatory response. Also, Vitamin D improved histopathological changes caused by silica. @*Conclusion@#These findings indicate that Vitamin D exerts protective effects against silica-induced lung injury. It seems that Vitamin D has potential use as a therapeutic object for silica induced lung injure.

Protective Effects of 5-HT1A Receptor Inhibition and 5-HT2A Receptor Stimulation Against Streptozotocin-Induced Apoptosis in the Hippocampus

@#Introduction: Intracerebroventricular administration of streptozotocin (icv-STZ) induced apoptosis changes in neurons similar to Alzheimer's disease. The serotonergic system via its receptor involved in survival of neurons. The present study examined the ability of selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist (NAD-299) and 5-HT2A receptor agonist (TCB-2) to attenuate the apoptosis caused by the icv-STZ in the rat. Methods: The icv-STZ (3 mg/kg, 10 μL, twice) induced neuronal loss in the hippocampus of adult male rats. Animals were divided into naive control, sham-operated, STZ+saline (1 μL, icv), STZ+NAD-299 (5 μg/μL, icv), STZ+TCB-2 (5 μg/μL, icv), and STZ+NAD-299+TCB-2 (5 μg/μL of any agent, icv) groups. Following the 35 days’ treatment period, neuronal apoptosis was detected using the Tunnel. Cells with morphological features of apoptotic cell were contended by microscopy. Results: TCB-2 and NAD-299 administration decreased number of apoptotic neurons in the treatment group compared with the STZ group. Combined treatment of STZ rat with NAD+TCB more decreased number of apoptotic cells in compare to TCB-2 or NAD-299 treated STZ groups. Conclusion: Treatment with 5-HT1A receptor antagonist or 5-HT2A receptor agonist diminished apoptosis. The beneficial effect of 5HT1A receptor inhibition was potentiated with activation of 5-HT2A receptor in prevention of apoptosis in hippocampus.

Evaluation of the melatonin and oxidative stress markers level in serum of fertile and infertile women

Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve the pregnancy within a year of unprotected intercourse. Infertility is a complex issue and different factors such as stress oxidative can be involved in this problem. So, any attempt to neutralize oxidative stress would be helpful in the treatment of infertility. Melatonin is a known scavenger of free radicals. The aim of our study was to evaluate the level of melatonin and its correlation with oxidative biomarkers in fertile and infertile women. The participants including fertile and infertile women were divided into two groups of 30 people. Blood sampling was performed and sera were collected. The level of Malondialdehyde [MDA], total antioxidant capacity [TAG] and melatonin were detected. Data were analyzed using T-test and their correlation was assessed using Spearman test. Serum melatonin from fertile women was higher than infertile women but the difference was not significant [p= 0.46]. MDA level in fertile women was significantly lower than infertile women [p<0.001] and the level of TAG in fertile women was significantly higher than infertile women [p<0.001]. Spearman test revealed a significant and direct correlation between melatonin and TAG in fertile and infertile women and a significant but reverse correlation between melatonin and MDA in infertile and fertile women. Differences in the level of oxidative stress biomarkers in fertile and infertile individuals have been reported. This study revealed a significant correlation between melatonin and oxidative stress biomarkers, concluding that melatonin level could be involved in infertility

Sexual dysfunction in Breast Cancer survivors

Background: Approximately 12.3 percent of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lifetime. Breast cancer is accompanied by alternation in body image and worries about sexual attractiveness. Thus, sexual life of breast cancer survivor's needs special attention. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of breast cancer on women's sexual function

Methods: In this case-control study, 30 women who referred to surgical departments of breast cancer and 30 healthy women in Shiraz, Iran were selected through purposive sampling. These women underwent treatment during two months. The study data were gathered using a demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire based on DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria which evaluated the women's sexual dysfunctions. Then, the data were entered into the SPSS statistical software [version 16] and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests

Results: Two groups were matched according to age, education level, occupation, number of treatments for breast cancer, types of treatment and menopausal age. The results indicated that sexual desire disorder, sexual arousal disorder, and orgasmic disorder were more prevalent in the case group compared to the control group [P<0.05]. In contrast, sexual pain disorder and aversion disorder were similar in the two groups. Moreover, a significant difference was found between the two groups concerning the sex-related imagination and fantasizing [P=0.007], lubrication, orgasm, and remaining aroused [P<0.05]. The study results revealed no significant relationship between type of surgery and sexual dysfunction. Whereas, a significant relationship was observed between years after treatment and sexual dysfunction

Conclusion: Our findings showed that breast cancer adversely affects women's sexual function. It is highly recommended to pay attention to the sexual aspect of the women with breast cancer using couple therapy

Vitamin C can alter lead-induced passive avoidance learning impairment in rats

Introduction: Lead [Pb] is a neurotoxin that its different effects on the central nervous system are well-known. Previous studies have reported the potent effects of vitamin C on memory.The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effects of vitamin C against leadinduced amnesia

Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: the control [saline], negative control [lead], positive control [Vitamin C, 150 mg per kg], and experimental [Lead+Vitamin C]. To induce lead toxicity, the rats received water containing 0.2% Pb instead of regular water for 1 month. Passive avoidance learning was assessed by Shuttle Box 2 months later. Retention was tested 24 hours after training

Results: The results showed that lead causes impairment in acquisition and retrieval processes of passive avoidance learning and memory. However, vitamin C administration reinforced passive avoidance learning and memory. All results were significant [P<0.001]

Conclusion: Vitamin C administration in rats counteracts the negative effect of lead on spatial learning and memory

effect of conflict resolution training on children's behavioral problems in Shiraz, southern Iran: a randomized controlled trial

There is evidence that marital problems can contribute to child behavior problems. In fact, the way that parents solve their conflicts, such as aggression, physical violence, and poor communication skills, can eventually culminate in aggression and emotional problems in children. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of conflict resolution training on children's behavioral problems in a sample of Iranian couples. This randomized controlled trial study was carried out on the couples who referred to counseling centers in Shiraz, Iran. In this study, 56 couples were selected through convenience sampling and assigned to an intervention and a control group. The intervention group received 10 sessions of communication skills training. All the participants filled out conflict resolution questionnaire and Child Behavior Problem Checklist [CBCL]. To analyze the data we used the SPSS statistical software [version 16], using repeated measurement test, paired t-test, and independent t test. In this study, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups regarding the demographic characteristics. Also, no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the mean score of child behavior problems. Besides, a significant difference was found in the intervention group's mean score of marital conflict in post-test compared to the pre-test; however, no such trend was observed in the control group. Conflict resolution skill training was effective in reducing marital conflict. Also, it showed a slight reduction in the score of child behavior problems after the intervention. But this reduction wasn't statisticaly significant

Transforming growth factor -alpha improves memory impairment and neurogenesis following ischemia reperfusion

Stroke is most important cause of death and disability in adults. The hippocampal CA1 and sub-ventricular zone neurons are vulnerable to ischemia that can impair memory and learning functions. Although neurogenesis normally occurs in the dentate gyrus [DG] of the hippocampus and sub-ventricular zone [SVZ] following brain damage, this response is unable to compensate for severely damaged areas. This study aims to assess both neurogenesis and the neuroprotective effects of transforming growth factor-alpha [TGF-alpha] on the hippocampus and SVZ following ischemia-reperfusion. In this experimental study, a total of 48 male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: surgical [n=12], phosphate buffered saline [PBS] treated vehicle shams [n=12], ischemia [n=12] and treatment [n=12] groups. Ischemia was induced by common carotid occlusion for 30 minutes followed by reperfusion, and TGF-alpha was then injected into the right lateral ventricle. Spatial memory was assessed using Morris water maze [MWM]. Nestin and Bcl-2 family protein expressions were studied by immunohistochemistry [IHC] and Western blot methods, respectively. Finally, data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences [SPSS, SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA] version 16 and one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA]. TGF-alpha injection significantly increased nestin expression in both the hippocampal DG and SVZ areas. TGF-alpha treatment caused a significant decrease in Bax expression and an increase in Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic protein expression in the hippocampus. Our results showed a significant increase in the number of pyramidal neurons. Memory also improved significantly following TGF-alpha treatment. Our findings proved that TGF-alpha reduced ischemic injury and played a neuroprotective role in the pathogenesis of ischemic injury

Study of ultrastructure and apoptosis in the endometrium of women with or without endometriosis

More than 40% of infertilities are due to endometriosis. Ultrustructural and histochemical study of endometrium will help to clarify the etiology of endometriosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ultrastructure and occurrence of apoptosis in endometrial cells of women with or without endometriosis. In the present case-control study, endometrial specimens from 12 women without endometriosis [as control] and 12 women with endometriosis [as case] were examined. Specimens for control group were obtained from the patients that were referred to gynecology hospital for hysterectomy due to various reasons. In case group the endometriosis was diagnosed according to laparoscopy and endometrial samples were taken using pippel biopsy. The specimens from both case and control groups were processed for Transmission Electron Microscopy [TEM], TUNEL reaction technique and morphometric studies. The results show that endometrial epithelium lost its continuity in women with endometriosis and endometrial cells have euchromatic nucleus in comparison to those from non-endometriosis. There were several apoptotic cells in the luminal and glandular endometrial epithelium and stroma from endometrium of control group. However, apoptotic cells were rarely seen in the endometrium from women with endometriosis. The difference in number of apoptotic cells between two groups statically was significant [p<0.001]. Regarding the ultrastructural characteristics of endometrial epithelial cells and comparison of apoptotic occurrence in control and case groups it is concluded that endometrial cells in endometriosis group have higher potential to survive and possibly implant.

Ultrastructural and morphometrical study of preimplantation endometrium in superovulated mice treated with progesterone or sildenafil

Endometrial development has an important role in blastocyst adhesion and implantation. During IVF cycles, endometrial development is enhanced by progesterone. The aim of this study was to compare ultrastructural and morphometrical characteristics of mice uterine endometrium in natural cycle with those in superovulated cycles received progesterone or Sildenafil. In This study, 60 female bulb/c mice were divided into 4 groups: a control and 3 experimental; gonadotropin, gonadotropin+ Sildenafil and gonadotropin+ progesterone. In experimental groups the mice superovulated mated. In the gonadotropin+ progesterone and gonadotropin+ Viagra groups, the mice respectively received 1mg progesterone and 3 mg Sildenafil citrate. Their uterine specimens were prepared for morphometrical and ultrastructural study. Height of the epithelial cells was measured, using motic software. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. Microscopy revealed that in control group the cells had numerous apical microvilli and the height of the cells was 20.52 +/- 2.43 microm. In gonadotropin+ progesterone group, the granules were found in basal and apical portions and cellular height were 17.91 +/- 2.78 microm which were significantly shorter than in the control and gonadotropin groups [p<0.001]. In this group, the apical membrane also contained pinopodes. In gonadotropin +Sildenafil group, the granules were found in both apical and basal portions and the height of the cells were 17.60 +/- 2.49 microm which were significantly shorter than in the control and gonadotropin groups [p<0.001]. In this group, pinopodes appeared slightly extensive than the other groups. It is concluded that superovulatory drugs in mice stimulate endometrial maturation but injection of Sildenafil is nearly more positive

Evaluation of Bcl-2 family gene expression in hippocampus of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine treated rats

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] is an illicit, recreational drug that causes cellular death and neurotoxicity. This study evaluates the effects of different doses of MDMA on the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and genes in the hippocampus of adult rats. In this experimental study, a total of 20 male Sprague Dawley rats [200-250 g] were treated with MDMA [0, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg i.p. twice daily] for 7 days. Seven days after the last administration of MDMA, the rats were killed. Bax and Bcl-2 genes in addition to protein expressions were detected by western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR].Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and p

Zingiber officinale alters 3,4-methylenedioxymeth amphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in rat brain

The spice Zingiber officinale or ginger possesses antioxidant activity and neuroprotective effects. The effects of this traditional herbal medicine on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] induced neurotoxicity have not yet been studied. The present study considers the effects of Zingiber officinale on MDMA-induced spatial memory impairment and apoptosis in the hippocampus of male rats. In this experimental study, 21 adult male Sprague Dawley rats [200-250 g] were classified into three groups [control, MDMA, and MDMA plus ginger]. The groups were intraperitoneally administered 10 mg/kg MDMA, 10 mg/kg MDMA plus 100 mg/kg ginger extract, or 1 cc/kg normal saline as the control solution for one week [n=7 per group]. Learning memory was assessed by Morris water maze [MWM] after the last administration. Finally, the brains were removed to study the cell number in the cornu ammonis [CA1] hippocampus by light microscope, Bcl-2 by immunoblotting, and Bax expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]. Data was analyzed using SPSS 16 software and a one-way ANOVA test. Escape latency and traveled distances decreased significantly in the MDMA plus ginger group relative to the MDMA group [p<0.001]. Cell number increased in the MDMA plus ginger group in comparison to the MDMA group. Down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax were observed in the MDMA plus ginger group in comparison to the MDMA group [p<0.05]. Our findings suggest that ginger consumption may lead to an improvement of MDMA-induced neurotoxicity

Neuroprotective effects of carnosic acid in an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease in rats

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of neurodegenerative disorder. It has been suggested that oxidative stress can be one of the pathological mechanisms of this disease. Carnosic acid [CA] is an effective antioxidant substance and recent studies have shown that its electrophilic compounds play a role in reversing oxidative stress. Thus we tried to find out whether CA administration protects hippocampal neurons, preventing neurodegeneration in rats, Animals were divided into four groups: Sham-operated [sham], CA-pretreated sham-operated [sham+CA], untreated lesion [lesion] and CA-pretreated lesion [lesion+CA]. Animals in all groups received vehicle or vehicle plus CA [CA: 10mg/ kg] intra-peritoneally one hour before surgery, again the same solution injected 3-4 hours after surgery [CA: 3 mg/kg] and repeated each afternoon for 12 days. A lesion was made by bilateral intra-hippocampal injection of 4 microl of beta amyloid protein [1.5 nmol/microl] or vehicle in each side. 14 days after surgery, the brains were extracted for histochemical studies. Data was expressed as mean +/- SEM and analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results showed that pretreatment with carnosic acid can reduce cellular death in the cornu ammonis 1 [CA1] region of the hippocampus in the lesion+CA group, as compared with the lesion group. Carnosic acid may be useful in protecting against beta amyloid-induced neurodegeneration in the hippocampus

Protective effects of N-Acetyl-L-cystein on 3,4-Methylene Dioxymethamphetamie-induced Neurotoxicity in Cerebellum of male rats

3-4, methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] causes apoptosis in nervous system and several studies suggest that oxidative stress contributes to MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of N-acetyl-L-Cystein [NAC] as an antioxidant on MDMA-induced apoptosis. 21 Sprague dawley male rats [200-250mg] were treated with MDMA [2x0,5mg/kg] or MDMA plus NAC [100mg/kg IP for 7 day]. After last administration of MDMA, rats were killed, cerebellum was removed and Bax and Bcl-2 expression was assessed by western blotting method. The results of this study showed that MDMA causes up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and NAC administration attenuated MDMA-induced apoptosis. The present study suggests that NAC treatment may improve MDMA-induced neurotoxicity.