ABSTRACT
It has been documented that cytokines play important roles in the induction of normal functions of the placenta. It has been hypothesized that abnormal expression of the cytokines may be associated with unsuccessful pregnancy. The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of interleukin- 17A [IL-17A] and tumor growth factor [TGF-beta] in pre-term, term neonates, and their corresponding mothers. This study was performed on 100 term and 60 pre-term neonates, and also on their corresponded mothers. Serum levels of IL-17A and TGF-beta were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Our results revealed that the serum levels of IL-17A were significantly decreased in pre-term neonates in comparison to full-term neonates. However, the serum levels of IL-17A in the mothers either with pre-term or full-term neonates were not different. Also the serum levels of TGF-beta were not changed in pre-term neonates and their mothers when compared with full-term neonates and their mothers, respectively. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that IL-17A may play crucial roles in induction of normal pregnancies and also probably participates in normal growth of fetus
ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Oxidative stresses are involved in neuronal degeneration of substantia nigra and thereby induction of Parkinson's disease. It is reported that Foeniculum Vulgare L. can affect lactating and modulating dopaminergic system activity and antioxidant activity as well. In the present study, the effects of methanolic extract of Foeniculum Vulgare seeds on a Parkinson's disease model induced by ICV injection of 6-hydroxydopamin [6-OHDA] in female rats were investigated
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 60 female rats were randomly divided into 6 equal groups including saline, Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's groups which were treated by different doses of the extract. Parkinson's disease was induced by i.c.v injection of 6-OHDA. Methanolic extract of Foeniculum Vulgare seeds [100 and 200 mg/kg] was gavaged through two ways including repeated gavage [14 days before and 14 days after 6-OHDA injection] and acute gavage [once every day for 14 days after 6-OHDA injection]. The induced Parkinson`s disease was evaluated using Rotarod and Wire grasping tests on the day 14[th] after 6-OHDA injection
Results: The findings of the study demonstrated that repeated gavage of Foeniculum Vulgare extract improved motility and muscle tone in Parkinson's animals [p<0.05]. However, acute gavage of the extract had no significant effect on the performance of Parkinson's animals
Conclusion: Results of the current study showed that chronic administration of Feoniculum Vulgare extract may improve Parkinson's symptoms in female rats