[Investigation of exon 1 in FXN gene in patients with clinical symptomatic of friedreich ataxia]

Friedreich's ataxia [FRDA] is an autosomal recessive disorder that is typically associated with dysarthria, muscle weakness, spasticity in the lower limbs, scoliosis, bladder dysfunction, absent lower limb reflexes, and loss of position and vibration sense. Approximately two-thirds of these patients suffer from cardiomyopathy and more than 30% have diabetes mellitus. Individuals with FRDA have identifiable mutations in the FXN gene. The most common type of mutation which is observed on both alleles in more than 98% of patients is an expansion of a GAA triplet-repeat in intron of FXN gene. Approximately 2% of individuals with FRDA are compound heterozygotes, who have a GAA expansion in the disease-causing range in one FXN allele and an inactivating FXN mutation in another allele. Aim of the present study was to investigate exon 1 in FRDA gene in patients with clinical symptoms of Friedreich's Ataxia that have not GAA triplet-repeat expansion in intron 1 of FXN gene. In this study, exon 1 in 5 patients suspected of FRDA analyzed using PCR and sequencing. An A to G transition at nucleotide number 815284, in exon 1 was observed in all patients. The results of this study showed that disease-causing homozygous mutations could be because of consanguinity marriage in Iran. Therefore, sequencing of all exons of the gene is necessary

[Effect of bee venom on human acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia cell line apoptosis]

Recent studies indicate the potential role of bee venom [BV] in cancer therapy. Moreover, many evidences suggest that the regulation of apoptosis plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Considering the apoptosis-inducing and anti-tumor effect of BV, this study aimed to determine the type of the cell death induced by BV on MOLT-4 cancer cell line. In this experimental study, MOLT-4 cells were first cultured in RPMI-1640 medium in plate, then the cells were treated with different concentrations [1, 3, 6 and 8 microg/ml] of BV for 24 and 48 h. Morphology of cells, cell viability and type of the cell death were induced by BV were evaluated using inverted microscopy, the MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Cell survival findings showed the BV CC[50] values of 6.3 and 0.6 microg/ ml for the cell line in 24 and 48 h, respectively. Moreover, Morphological and Annexin-V antibody analyses indicated that the BV-induced cell death might be an apoptosis. As BV can induce the apoptosis in MOLT-4 cancer cells. Thus, it would bring hope for designing novel drugs for cancer-therapy in future

Evaluation of the expression of self renewal genes [Oct-4, Nanog, Sox2, Nucleostemin, Bmi and Zfx] in bladder, colon and prostate cancers and in cancer cell lines [LNCaP, HepG2, HT-29, CaCo[2], HT-1376]

Uncontrolled self renewal plays a direct function in different types of carcinoma progression. Here we examined the expression of self renewal regulatory factors such as Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, Nucleostemin, Zfx, Bmi-1 in colon, prostate, bladder and liver cancers in human samples and cancer cell lines. We used RT-PCR to examine the expression of these genes in 10 tumors of bladder, 5 tumors of prostate, 5 tumors of colon, 5 normal tissues of colon, and cancer cell lines. The expression of Oct-4 and Nucleostemin at protein level was further determined by immunocytochemical [ICC] analysis in cancer cell lines. We designed specific primers to amplify a segment of Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, Nucleostemin, Bmi and Zfx. As expected DNA fragment of these genes based on designated primer was amplified in the PCR reaction. We detected the expression of these genes in almost all of the examined tumor samples and cancer cell lines that we used. Oct4 and Nucleostemin proteins were expressed in both nuclear and cytoplasmic in cancer cell lines. No immunoreactivity was observed in negative controls, which were incubated in the absence of primary antibody. Collectively, our results indicated that in a tumor population a rare subpopulation of cells within the tumor cell mass has the potential of self renewal, and suggested that their expression can be used as potential tumor markers in diagnosis and/or prognosis of tumors. These results confirm the potential value of the cancer stem-cell theory in cancer therapy

[ effect of honey bee venom and all-trans retinoic acid on proliferation and differentiation of HL-60 cell line]

Differentiation therapy is one of the methods for treatment of cancer. In this method, some drugs such as All-trans Retinoic Acid, are used which can inhibit proliferation of cancerous cells and induce cell differentiation. Previus experiments showed some anti-proliferation materials, anti-inflammation materials or anti-oxidant materials could influence the effects of such drugs and decrease resulting side effects. In this research the effects of the Honey Bee Venom, on All-trans Retinoic Acid functions was measured. In this experimental project we used HL-60 cell line belonging to acute promyelocyte leukemia. The HL-60 cell line was obtained from Pasteur Institute of Iran, and were grown in RPMI 1640 medium [Roswell Park Memorial Institute] containing 10% FBS [Fetal Bovine Serum] and 1% streptomycin-penicilin. We used MTT [3-[4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-Diphenyltetrazolium bromide] and NBT [Nitro-Blue tetrazolium chloride] tests for these purposes. All experiments were done three times and data were analyzed using SPSS. Both Honey Bee Venom and All-trans Retinoic Acid could inhibit proliferation of HL-60 cells, also All-trans Retinoic Acid could induce differentiation in this cells. The amount of differentiation was increased significantly [p<0.01] in the presence of Honey Bee Venom. On the base of our findings, it seemed that Honey Bee Venom could increase anti cancer effects of All-trans Retinoic Acid

[ effect of trans-chalcone on amylase activity, blood glucose and lipid levels in diabetic and non diabetic rats]

Alpha amylase is the most important decomposing enzyme in starch. Digestion and absorption of starch in the intestine can be prevented and also the blood sugar levels can be controlled by restrain and control of alpha amylase. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of trans-chalcone on amylase activity, blood glucose and lipid levels in diabetic and non diabetic rats. This experimental study was conducted in 1388 at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Sixty rats were randomly divided to ten equal groups: non diabetic control, diabetic control, four non diabetic experiments and four diabetic experiments. Control groups received grape seed oil and experimental groups received 2, 8,16 and 32 mg/kg of body weight in a period of 24 days with a gastric cannula. Blood sugar, every two days, serum insulin levels in days 0,12, and 24 and at the end of the experiment, lipoproteins and alpha amylase activity were measured. The data were analyzed by one way analysis of variance, ANOVA, followed by Turkeys test with SPSS soft ware. On average Chalcone reduced 25.5% of blood sugar in normal and diabetic rats. IT also decreased the serum insulin level. On average, chalcone decreased 34.9% of alpha amylase activity in normal and diabetic rats. Following disturbances in lipids metabolism caused by diabetes, this drug improved lipoproteins metabolism and reduced water, food and urine volume. This study shows that trans-Chalcone reduces blood sugar and body weight via inhibition of alpha amylas. Moreover, improvement of lipoprotein metabolism may happen via the inhibitory effect of this drug on hydroxyl methyl glutaryl -COA reductase and phosphodiesterase

[ effect of silymarin on learning and histological changes of hippocampal regions of rats]

Silymarin, an extract from seeds of milk thistle [Silybum marianum], is known to have hepato-protective, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant and estrogenic effects. The aim of the present study was to test the effect of silymarin on passive avoidance learning in rats. This was an experimental study carried on Wistar rats in Arak Unviersity, Iran. The animals were provided with silymarin [from day 7 of gestational age to 4 weeks after birth] at 2 doses of 180 mg/kg in the experimental group 1 [Exp 1] and 90mg/kg in the experimental group 2 [Exp 2] while the sham group received saline and the control group with regular food and water. The memory retention and duration of step-through latency in male offsprings was determined by passive avoidance apparatus. Neuronal density in hippocampus was established by histopathological value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Both experimental groups showed significantly longer step-through latency compared to control group [p<0.05]. The average number of pyramidal cells in hippocampal CA1 and granular cells in the hippocampal DG were remarkably higher in Exp 1 and Exp 2 groups compared to control group. The difference between Exp 1 and Exp2 for pyramidal cells was found to be significant [p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively]. Silymarin produced a significant increase in learning and memory. Also, our results indicate that silymarin is a dose dependent component. These data may lay a background for application of silybin in treatment of memory impairment diseases

Cloning and expression of human vascular endothelial growth factor gene and inhibition of its expression by antisense in prokaryotic system

Angiogenesis is an important process in physiology and disease pathogenesis and is controlled in a healthy body by a number of stimulatory and inhibitory factors. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of antisense transcript on the sense transcript of the endothelial growth factor [EGF] gene in bacterial system as an approach for the gene regulation in tumors. The hepatoma cell line [HepG2] was stimulated by PMA. VEGF mRNA was used for RT-PCR. VEGF cDNA was synthesised and cloned into T- vector pTZ57R, then sense fragment of VEGF subcloned into pACYC Duet-1 expression vector and antisense VEGF subcloned into pCDNAS expression vector. Recombinant plasmids were transforemed into BL2 1 bacterial cells. Expression of recombinant plasmid was analysed by western blot technique. The recombinant pCDNA3-VEGF [pYZantiVEGF] was successfully expressed in BL21 cells. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of VEGF decreased significantly in the cells transfected with VEGF antisense RNA compared with the pACYCDUET-1 - VEGF [pYZsenseVEGF] transfected and control. The expression of VEGF in BL21 cells was strong. In vitro, antisense of VEGF inhibited VEGF expression significantly in BL21 cells

synergic effects of rapamycin and extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a dynamic and complex activity which is needed for embryogenesis and other physiological processes. However, in many pathological conditions such as solid tumor progression, the disease appears to be associated with persistent up-regulated angiogenesis. In this research we used 0.04 T [tesla] electromagnetic field as a synergic treatment with rapamycin on angiogenesis. In this experimental study, 70 Ross fertilized eggs were randomly divided into 5 groups as following: 1] control, 2] sham-exposed, 3] a group treated with rapamycin, 4] a group treated with electromagnetic field and 5] a group treated with both rapamycin and electromagnetic field. In day 2, a window was opened on eggs in sterile condition. In day 8 a gelatin sponge was placed on chorioalantoic membrane [CAM] and was soaked with 5 micro l rapamycin in group 3 and group 5. Groups 4 and group 5 were placed in 400 Gauss magnetic field for 4 hours in day 10. In day 12, CAMs were examined and photographed by research photo-stereomicroscope in all cases. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Mann-Whitney tests. Comparison between average number and length of vessels in controls and sham-exposed didn't show any significant differences. In group 3 and 4, a significant decrease was shown in the average number and length compared with controls. Finally, comparison between group 3 and group 5 showed a significant decrease in the average number and length of vessels in group 5 which had been treated with both rapamycin and 400 [Gauss] G electromagnetic field. The results of this study showed that 0.04 T magnetic field has an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis in CAM and can enhance the effect of rapamycin as an anti-angiogenesis drug

Anticonvulsant activity of ethanolic extract and aqueous fraction of Launaea acanthodes gum in comparison with diazepam in mice

Launaea acanthodes gum [LAG] contains flavonoids with benzodiazepine-like activity and so it may be helpful in treatment of epilepsy. To determine the effects of ethanolic extract [EE] and aqueous fraction [AF] of LAG on convulsion induced by pentylentetrazole [PTZ] in mice. This experimental study was carried out at the Department of Biology, Science and Research Division, Azad University, Tehran [Iran] in 2005. Lethal doses [LD50] of EE and AF were determined by acute toxicity test. The effect of AF on activity of brain was investigated by using open filed test and the signs [rearing, locomotion] were compared with control group. Later, the animals in experimental groups [10 mice] received different doses of EE [100, 200, 300 mg/kg] and AF [200, 300,400 mg/kg] via intraperitoneal injections 30 min prior to PTZ injection. The members of control group received saline and those in positive control group were given diazepam [10 mg/kg]. Then the epileptiform behaviors were investigated following the subcutaneous injection of PTZ [85 mg/kg] for 30 minutes. In the open filed test, a single dose of AF exhibited a significant decrease in rearing with no such effect on locomotion activity. Also, different doses of EE and AF inhibited convulsions through an increase in latency to the onset of forelimb clonus and tonic-clonic seizures. According to our data, the LAG extracts have anticonvulsant and anxiolytic activities with no obvious sing of depression

[Study of the effect of lemon peel essential oil on blood lipid levels and differential leukocyte count]

Cardiovascular diseases are often the result of vessel occlusion by atherosclerosis and quantitative disturbances such as increased blood cholesterol and other plasma lipid levels, have important role in its pathogenesis. The most important cause of infectious diseases and its progress is insufficiency of immune system and especially insufficient activation of leukocytes. Therefore an increase in the number of leukocytes and augmentation of immune system can lead to prevention of infectious diseases. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of oral lemon peel essential oil on the level of blood lipids and differential leukocyte counts. Materials and Methods: In this research, one class of adult Wistar male rats were used [n=6], including control group that were fed with enough food and water, sham group and experimental groups [1,2,3] which were fed with%2 solution of cholesterol in oleic acid by gavage for five weeks. Simultaneously, lemon peel essential oil 25 micri Lit/Kg, 50 micro Lit/Kg and 100 micri Lit/Kg were given to the first, second, and third experimental groups respectively, but sham group received saline solution. At the end of this period, blood samples were obtained from the heart ventricles of the rats to measure plasma lipids by enzymatic method, in control, sham and experimental groups. Blood smears were prepared to assess differential leukocyte counts. Data were introduced into SPSS [ver12] software and analyzed by means of Kruskul-walis and mann-whitney U statistical tests. The results of this research showed that the effect of low doses of lemon peel essential oil was slight on decreasing the level of cholesterol and LDL in the experimental group in comparison to sham group [p<0.05] and had no significant effect on the level of triglyceride [p>0.05]. However, moderate and high doses of the oil showed significant effects on decreasing cholesterol [p<0.01], LDL [p<0.01] and triglyceride levels [p<0.01]. None of these doses resulted in significant effect on the plasma HDL [p>0.05]. The study revealed that three doses of essential oil had significant effects on increasing the number of leukocytes [p<0.001]. It is concluded that lemon peel essential oil probably can prevent atherosclerosis and decrease incidence of cardiovascular diseases by decreasing plasma lipid levels. In addition, it is likely lemon peel essential oil prevents infectious diseases and cancer by increasing the number of leukocytes and percentage of blood lymphocytes which result in augmentation of immune system

[Effects of amygdala cholinergic system on modulation of anxiety behaviors of rats by use of Elevated Plus Maze test]

Anxiety is a common psychological disorder in the society which can be accompanied by physiologic and behavior disorders. There is evidence that neurons and cholinergic receptors are involved in the neurobiology of anxiety. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors of cholinergic system in amygdala of rats on anxiety, by use of Elevated Plus Maze test. In this study the locations of amygdale in the rats were determined by stereotaxis method and leading cannulas were inserted into the same locations for drug injection into amygdala. The effects of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors of central amygdala for controlling anxiety in the rats were assessed by use of Elevated Plus Maz test. Bilateral intra amygdala injection of physostegmine [2 micro g/rat] decreased percentage of open arm time [OAT] and open arm entries [OAE] [p<0.05] which indicated an increase in the level of anxiety. However bilateral injection of the muscarinic receptor antagonist, pilocarpine [0.25, 0.5, and 1 micro g], did not show a significant change in anxiety-like behavior [p>0.05]. Bilateral administration of nicotine [1 and 2 micri g/rat] into central amygdala [intra-CeA] induced an anxiogenic effect, shown by decreases in the percentage of OAT and percentage of OAE [p<0.05]. Bilateral intra-CeA injection of mecamylamine [20, 30, 50 ng/rat], a selective nicotine acetylcholine receptor [nAChRs] antagonist led to a significant anxiolytic behavior in the rats [p<0.05]. The results of this study indicate the muscarinic and nicotinic receptors of amygdale have a role in controlling anxiety

[Long- term organ culture of fetal Balb/C mouse heart and effects of electromagnetic fields and L-Arginine on the heart development]

There are few studies on the heart development in vitro conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the maintenance time and development of heart in vitro conditions compared with in vivo, and evaluate the effects of electromagnetic field and L-Arginine on the heart development. In this experimental study, hearts of 11- day mice fetuses were excised and cultured in Medium 199, supplemented with 15% newborn calf serum in CO[2] incubator in grid milipore membrane system. The culture period was 3 days at 37°C in an incubator with 5% CO[2] and 95% air. The isolated hearts were divided into sham group which received L-Arginine with no exposure to EMF, control group, and three experimental groups, including El which received EMF [50 HZ/7.83 mT for 30 minutes], E2 which received L-Arginine [350 mg/1] and E3 which received EMF and L-Arginine. Morphological and histological studies showed significant changes in experimental groups as compared with control groups. Length and diameter of heart, internal diameter of atrium and ventricle, length of interatrium septum and diameter of interventricular septum decreased significantly in experimental groups [p<0.001]. Number of red blood cells and heart rate showed significant increase in experimental groups [p<0.001]. Our findings suggest that electromagnetic field and L-Arginine have negative and disruptive effect on the mouse embryo heart development and have positive effect on the number of red blood cells and heart rate

[ effect of adult mouse lung extracts growth factors in differentiation of umbilical cord stem cells into blood cells in vitro condition]

Stem cells [SCs] have great therapeutic indication due to their potency of self-renewal, multilineage differentiation, feasibility and safety for donors. In this study, adult mouse lung extracts containing hematopoietic growth factors were administered to umbilical cord, and evaluated the differentiation of umbilical cord stem cells into erythroid and myeloid lineages. In this basic and practical research, SCs were isolated from umbilical cord by enzyme digestion and cultured in appropriate culture medium. Subjects were divided into four groups: Experimental groups 1 and 2 [E1 and E2] which were exposed to 50% and 70% concentration of lung extract for 7 days, respectively, sham [Sh] group which did not exposed to lung extract and cultured for 7 days, and control group [C]. E1, E2 and Sh groups were incubated for 7 days. All groups were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase detection kit for stem cells. Then, blood cells count and hematopoietic growth factors were assessed. ANOVA was used for data analysis. There were significant changes in E2 groups as compared with Sh and C groups, so that E2 group cells were differentiated into erythroid and myeloid lineages. Growth factors in lung extract could have stimulatory effects on umbilical cord stem cell differentiation into blood cells

Effect of tamoxifen on histological structure of testis in adult male wistar rats

Effect of tamoxifen on histological structure of testis in adult male Wistar rats Oryan S1, Parivar K1, Asle rousta M2 1 Professor, Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Campus, Tehran, Iran. 2 Student of MSc of Physiology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Campus, Tehran, Iran. Tamoxifen is a non-steroidal anti-estrogen which is prescribed for treatment of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tamoxifen on of testes in adult male Wistar rats. This study was an experimental survey. Three groups of adult male Wistar rats received 200, 400 and 600 micro g/kg bw tamoxifen dissolved in a solvent [consisted of ethanol [60%] and physiologic solution] for 30 consecutive days. The sham group received the solvent and controls did not receive any drug or solvent. At the end of this period, the animals were sacrificed and their testes were removed and fixed in Bouin's fluid. Sections of 5 micro m thickness from testes stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin method. Results showed that thickness of tunica alboginea in experimental groups significantly increased compared with control group. Diameter and thickness of seminiferous tubules and number of spermatogonium A, spermatogonium B, primary spermatocyte, spermatid, spermatozoon, leydig and sertoli cells were decreased in experimental groups [p > 0.05]. The most profound effect was observed in the group which received 600 micro g/kg bw of tamoxifen. According to these findings, we concluded that tamoxifen in a dose dependent manner, via negative effects on testis, decreases the fertilization ability in adult male Wistar rats

[Effect of dibenzo-18-crown-6 on haematopoitic cells colony formation of mouse bone marrow]

Known biological effects of crown ethers influence us to investigate its effect in human body and use in drug production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Dibenzo-18-crown-6 on colony formation of bone marrow cells of mouse in culture medium and to find the probable mechanisms of the process. In this experimental study, red bone marrow cells of mouse [Balb/C] were used as source of haemapoietic stem cells. Culture of red bone marrow cells was done in the form of semi solid in the presence of different concentrations of crown ether, cAMP, PHO4H2K and PO4H2Na. Different concentrations of crown ether have significant inhibitory effects on colonizing of red bone marrow cells. The maximum inhibitory effect was observed in concentration of 80 mg/ml crown ether and no colony was found. The inhibitory effects of crown ether was diminished in the presence of cAMP with concentration of 10 X 10[-6] mol, PO4H2Na with concentration of 10 X 10[-6] mol and PO4H2K with concentration of 5 X 10[6] mol, but it couldn't achieve the level of control group without presence of crown ether. HPLC method demonstrated that remaining level of crown ether reached to zero after sixth hour. The inhibitory effects of crown ether in control of colonizing the red bone marrow cells occur via decreasing of cations value and changing the physiological function of membrane resulting disorder in the cAMP signaling pathway

[Protective effects of sodium tungestate on pancreas of diabetic male rats and its histopathological alteration]

Diabetes is a common disorder characterized by abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates, caused by insulin secretion deficiency and or insulin cell membrane receptors dysfunction. In this study, the effects of sodium tungstate on blood sugar and pancreatic islands were investigated in diabetic rats. Forty-eight male Wistar rats, each weighting 250 grams, were studied in eight groups of six. Group one was considered as control 1 and did not receive any drug. Groups 2 and 3 received sodium tungstate at dose of 1.75 and 2.25 g/lit for ad libitum for 60 days. Group 4, as control 2, was diabetized by single dose injection of 60 mg/kg streptozocin [STZ]. Groups 5 and 6 received 1.75 and 2.25 g/lit of sodium tungstate ad libitum for 15 days then were diabetized and received sodium tungstate for another 45 days in the same manner. Groups 7 and 8 were diabetized, and then were treated with sodium tungstate for 60 days. Blood levels of glucose and histopathologic findings of pancreas were evaluated at the end of study. Administration of sodium tungstate at dose of 1.75 and 2.25 g/lit, before and after diabetes, led to a significant blood sugar decrease. Sodium tungstate has had a positive, but not significant, effect on the number and diameters of Langerhans islands. This study showed that sodium tungstate decreases blood sugar, increases the number of cells in each island, regenerates Langerhans islands and prevents further development of diabetes

[Effect of tamoxifen on reproduction capability of male wistar rats]

Tamoxifen is a nonsteroidal antiestrogen agent which is prescribed for treatment of breast cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of tamoxifen on testosterone concentration and structure of testis in male Wistar rats. In this experimental study One group of rats [45 days old and 90g body weight] received 800 micro g/kg b.w tamoxifen dissolved in solvent [consisted of ethanol [60%] and physiological solution] for 10 consecutive days. The sham group received the solvent and controls did not receive any drug or solvent. After treatment period, serum testosterone level of rats was measured by ELISA method and 5 micro m thickness tissue sections from testes were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin. Results showed that testosterone concentration decreased significantly in group which received tamoxifen compared with control group [p<0.01]. A significant decrease was observed in testis diameter, thickness of seminiferous tubules and the number of spermatid and sperm cells [p<0.001]. According to these results, we concluded that the reproduction capability of adult male Wistar rats decreased significantly in animals which received tamoxifen in prepubertal stage

Hypoglycemic effect of alcoholic extract of salvia nemorosa in normal and diabetic male rats

The use of medicinal plants has increased greatly mainly due to their easy availability, fewer side effects and lack of toxicity. The present study was carried out to investigate the antidiabetic effect of the extract of aerial parts of salvia nemorosa in normal and streptozotocin- induced diabetic male rats. After collection and taxonomic identification of plant, the ethanolic extract of Salvia nemorosa was prepared by the soxhlet apparatus. The animals were made diabetic by using 70 mg/kg streptozotocin injected intraperitoneally. The plant extract was administrated orally in doses of 0.01, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg to the normal and diabetic rats for 14 days. Two groups of normal and diabetic rats, which served as sham group, were administered distilled water. Blood samples were obtained from the hearts of all experimental animals after 14 days. Serum glucose and insulin were measured by glucose oxidase and radio immunoassay methods, respectively. Oral administration of the alcoholic extract of Salvia nemorosa significantly decreased serumic glucose [p < 0.001] and increased serumic insulin levels [p < 0.01] in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, but not in healthy rats. Furthermore, it increased weight in diabetic rats [p < 0.01]. The present data indicate that extract of Salvia nemorosa has hypoglycemic effect in diabetic rats. This plant should be considered as a therapeutic option in future experimental researches for the management of Diabetes Mellitus in human

[ effects of mobile phone waves [940MHz] on embryonic development of hematopoiesis system in Balb/C mouse]

Today, increasing usage of microwaves generator sets such as cell phones, have been caused much worry related to their waves effects on human health. In this research, simulated waves effects of cell phones with frequency of 940MHz have been studied on hematopoiesis system of Balb/C mouse embryo. In an experimental study pregnant mice [Balb/C] were used as a laboratory model. The mice were divided into control, sham-exposed and experimental groups. The experimental groups were exposed to the waves on the 8[th] day of embryonic development for 4 or 10 days [everyday for 4 hours]. At the end of treatment period, the experimental samples, sham-exposed and control related to morphology and histology studies of hematopoiesis organs were done by light microscope. Using t-test and Mann-Whitney test, the quantitative data were analyzed. Morphologic study of embryos which were 18 days old didn't show any abnormality but the weight of experimental embryos [1.263 +/- 0.017 gr] compared with sham-exposed [1.268 +/- 0.006 gr] showed significant increase [P<0.05]. The study of tissue sections in embryos which were 12 days old didn't show significant change in tissue and cellular position of yolk sac of experimental samples as compared with control group. Also, tissue studies of embryos which were 18 days old didn't show any changes in general structure of liver, spleen, marrow bone but the number of Megakaryocytes of spleen and erythrocytes which had not nucleus in bone marrow of experimental samples showed significant increase as compared with the sham-exposed. The number of erythrocytes in liver which had not nucleus also showed significant increase as compared with the sham-exposed [P<0.05]. Waves of cell phones with frequency of 940MHz don't affect on general structure of liver, spleen, bone marrow of Balb/C embryos but it causes significant changes in the number of cells of these tissues

[Influence of diazinon on spermatogenesis in mice]

Diazinon [DZN] is an organophosphate that inhibits of acetylcolinesterase activity by phosphorylating is active site, in which could be resulted in damages of germinal cells and reproductive functions. Since this compound is extensively using in the agriculture, especially in the northern regions of Iran in order to control of pests, the present study was performed to investigate the influence of DZN on spermatogenesis in mice. Male mice were divided into three experimental, sham and control groups. The animals in the experimental group were injected with the consecutive doses of DZN [30mg/kg i.p, five consecutive days per week for one month]. The sham mice were received only water injection and no injection was performed on animals in the control group. Animals were scarified 35 days after the latest injection of DZN. Then, the mice testis sections were prepared and morphologic aspects of testis and spermatogenesis processes assessed. The DZN showed a significant decrease in number of germ cells, spermatocytes, spermatids, Leydig cells, blood vessels. In addition, the diameter of seminiferous in the testis of the mice decreased. The current finding showed that Diazinon is an environmental factor that can cause toxic effects on the morphologic parameters of germ cells. These results suggested that the DZN might be a factor that results in infertility in mice