Stem cell therapy in stroke: a review literature

Stroke is an important cause of death in the world and disability world-wide especially in developed countries. Following acute phase of stroke, some procedures and medical treatment such as thrombolytic agents has been recommended; nevertheless many patients have enduring deficits. Thus, there is a realistic need to develop treatment strategies for reducing neurological deficits. However, the stem cell [SC] therapy could arrange an alternative intervention for disease modifying therapy. In this article, we present a brief review of different methods of SC therapy in stroke patients and discuss the results with different cell types and routes of administration

Is anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody a good value biomarker for Alzheimer disease?

Alzheimer's disease [AD] is one of the most important neurodegenerative disorder. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide [anti-CCP] may all be involved in the development of vascular disease such as AD. The aim of this study is detection of seropositivity for anti-CCP antibody in AD patients. In our study, 30 patients with AD and 29 healthy controls [age and-sex matched] were recruited. Homocysteine and anti-CCP was measured by spectrophotometrically and immunoassay. Mean +/- SE anti-CCP was higher significantly between AD [13.6 +/- 3] and healthy subjects [4.8 +/- 0.2] [P = 0.006]. In the patients, anti CCP serum level was in high range [32.1%] of abnormal levels, but there was no significant difference in serum homocysteine in AD patients compared with controls. There is no correlation between anti-CCP and homocysteine levels in AD patients [P = 0.75], but between age and anti-CCP level observed a significantly correlation [P = 0.04]. It needs more studies to clarify confirmation the role of anti-CCP antibody production in AD patients

effect of pioglitazone on the Alzheimer's disease-induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Alzheimer's disease [AD] is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and nowadays the role of endothelial cell [EC] injury has been proposed in pathological process in AD. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- gamma [PPAR- gamma] agonist has anti-inflammatory properties through activation in glial cells and improves vascular function and prevent atherosclerotic disease progression. The aim of this study is evaluation of pioglitazone effects as a drug of PPAR- gamma agonist on endothelial apoptosis induced by sera from AD patients. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells [HUVECs] were treated with sera from AD patients [n = 10] and sera from controls [n = 10]. Apoptosis was identified by annexin V-propidium iodide staining and cell death detection kit. Apoptosis was evaluated after and before adding of 10 micro M pioglitazone on EC. Nitrite [NO[2]] levels were determined in the culture supernatants. Induced apoptosis by the serum of patients was inhibited markedly when pioglitazone used before treating HUVECs with the sera of AD. Also, the measurement of nitrite concentration showed significantly greater levels of dissolved NO[2]/NO[3] metabolite in the culture media of HUVECs treated by sera of AD patients [P < 0.05], while the rate of nitric oxide significantly decreased when pioglitazone exists in culture media. Further studies are justified to investigate the novel role of the PPARs in the prevention of the neuronal and endothelial damage in neurological disorder and present a new therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's patients

Can vitamin D suppress endothelial cells apoptosis in multiple sclerosis patients?

Multiple sclerosis [MS] is an autoimmune disease of central nerves system, in which neurological disabilities occur in young adults. Despite increasing number of studies on MS, some aspects of this disorder are still unclear. In the previous studies, it has been proven that there is direct relation between MS incidence and vitamin D deficiency. Thereby, strong evidence in MS pathogenesis suggests that endothelial cells [EC] could be harmed in MS. In addition, functional changes in EC and macrovascular injuries lead blood-brain barrier disruption in MS. Current study is the first investigation to elucidate positive influences of vitamin D against EC apoptosis in MS. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells [HUVECs] were cultured and then treated with sera from patients with active MS [in relapse] and sera from healthy volunteer participants as control group [each group n=15]. 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-5- [3-carboxymethoxyphenyl]-2-[4-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt [MTS] assay for cell surveillance and cell-death detection kit for evaluating apoptosis were used in this study. There was a significant decrease in apoptosis rate by the serum of patients, just when 1,25[OH][2]D[3] applied before treating HUVECs with sera from active MS [in relapse]. Furthermore, the cells surveillance increased markedly with the presence of 1,25[OH][2]D[3] in culture, too. With regard to increment in EC apoptosis rate, which treated by the sera from MS patients and decrement in apoptosis rate by the presence of vitamin D in culture media, it could be proposed that vitamin D pre-treatment can be used for MS patients, due to its beneficial effects on protecting EC apoptosis

Identification of morphine accumulation in the rat embryo central nervous system: a C14-morphine administration study

Previous studies have shown that morphine consumption during pregnancy may cause delay or defect of embryo development or abnormal nervous system function in the human and animal models. In the present study, the highest density of morphine accumulation in the central nervous system of rat embryos was evaluated using C14-morphine. Female Wistar rats [W 170-200 g] used and were crossed with male rats and coupling time was recorded [Embryonic day 0-E0]. Experimental groups received 0.05 mg/ml of C14-morphine in drinking water daily. On the 10[th] and 17[th] days of pregnancy, pregnant rats were anesthetized and the embryos with these uterus and placenta were surgically removed and were fixed in formalin 10% for 4 week. Then the embryos were processed, sectioned in 25 micro m and 5 micro m thicknesses, fixed on the glasses for further evaluations. The sectioned in 25, the glasses were fixed on the Blanc black and white film for 6 h. Then, the films were appeared and their negatives were prepared. The sectioned in five staining hematoxylin and eosin by light microscope and MOTIC software. Our results indicated that the highest C14-morphine accumulation was observed in the vesicles and the ventricular choroid plexus [CP] of [E17] embryos, whereas, in the [E10] embryos. Highest concentration was observed in the brain vesicles and the ventricular CP. In addition, this study showed the surface area of lateral, 3[rd] and 4[th] ventricular CP in the experimental groups were increased in compared to control groups. Our results indicated that effects of morphine on reduction of embryos brain development may be due to the highest accumulation of C14-morphine in the CP and brain vesicles

Anxiety of women employees and the process of maternal role

Regarding the social and economic changes and developments, the increasing presence of working women in the present society and their important role in the family, paying more attentions to the importance of maternal role among working women who face multiple roles seems to be necessary. Hence, the process of maternal role among working women has been investigated in this study. The grounded theory approach is used in this qualitative research. In-depth and unstructured interviews were the main way in collecting the data. Initially, the targeted sampling was started and continued gradually to the data saturation, in the form of theoretical sampling based on the obtained classes. The data was analyzed using Strauss and Corbin analysis. Accuracy and validity by four criteria in this study included: Credibility, dependability, Confirmable potential, Transferability or Fittingness. Data analysis led to the identification of the core variable of role conflict. The main classes of occupied mothers' experiences included: different pregnancy experience, returning concerns, supportive umbrella, role assignation, role overlap, role strain, gradual acceptance, satisfaction and erosion. The acceptance of numerous roles such as maternal and marital roles by working women creates various role expectations of them from their children, spouses, family and the society which in turn forces them to meet both family and job requirements and expectations; This causes role conflict in working mothers and endure a lot of pressure and stress, that can influences of mental and physical health of the mothers

Olanzapine versus haloperidol: which can control stuttering better?

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of olanzapine versus haloperidol to control the signs and symptoms of stuttering. Ninety-three patients were recruited in a 12-week single-blind randomized clinical trial, which was held between October 2009 and October 2010. Forty-three patients received olanzapine [5 mg/day] and 50 patients, haloperidol [2.5 mg/day]. Before and after the study, they were evaluated by a speech pathologist by Van Riper's questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 16. T-test was used to compare the data between the two groups. Mean of stuttering score [SD] before treatment was 4.67 [0.81] and 4.40 [1.14] in haloperidol and olanzapine groups, respectively [P > 0.05]. After treatment, the mean [SD] score was 2.87 [1.32] and 1.56 [0.71] in haloperidol and olanzapine groups, respectively [P = 0.000]. It seems that olanzapine does have better impact in controlling stuttering, and it may be recommended to prescribe olanzapine for stutters as the first choice to control the stuttering under a careful follow-up

Study of type A and B behavior patterns in patients with multiple sclerosis in an Iranian population

In adults, throughout life, uniqueness maintains the equivalent; but, it might be tailored in the track of neurological disarrays. As in the partition of cognitive function associated with multiple sclerosis [MS], numerous studies have been performed, but there are very few reports in this area of behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of personality types A and B in relation to individuals' behaviors with MS and type A behavior with demographic characteristics and the level of disability. A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed between September 2010 and March 2011 on 50 patients who were referred to MS clinic [located at the Kashani hospital], Isfahan Neurosciences Research Centre [INRC]. The subjects were evaluated using Friedman and Rosenman questioner and the Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]. The data were analyzed by SPSS software [version 17] based on Chi-square test and independent T-test. Of the subjects, 65% were of personality type A and 35% were of personality type B [X2: 3.5, P < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in individuals with type A behavior in relation to gender and marital status. In connection to EDSS [EDSS < 4.5 or EDSS > 4.5], patients with higher EDSS score, i.e., individuals with EDSS > 4.5 mostly had type A behavior pattern. People with type A behavior pattern are reported to have more stress, nervousness, and anxiety. In this study, MS patients had more characteristics of type A than type B behavior. This behavior was increased in individuals with EDSS score >4.5

Identification of site of morphine action in pregnant wistar rat placenta tissue: a C[14]-morphine study

In previous studies it has been emphasized that the site of morphine action may be either in the embryo or the placenta. In the present study, we attempt to identify the site of morphine action on the fetal section of Wistar rat placenta by using C14-morphine. In this study [experimental], female Wistar rats [weights: 170-200 g] were mated with male rats and their coupling times recorded. Experimental groups received daily doses of 0.05 mg/ml of C14-morphine in their drinking water. On the 9[th] and 14[th] embryonic days, the pregnant rats were anesthetized and the placenta and uterus surgically removed. Placentas were fixed in 10% formalin for two weeks, then processed, sectioned in 5 micro m and 25 micro m thicknesses, and fixed on glass slides for further evaluation. The 25 micro m sections were delivered to black and white film for three days. Films were processed and evaluated with a digital inverse microscope for possible radiological impression. The 5 micro m sections were processed for hematoxylin and eosin [H and E] staining, and evaluated by light microscope and MOTIC software. Our results indicated that the site of action of C14-morphine was possibly located on the blood plexus of the fetal portion of the placenta. In addition, oral morphine consumption was shown to inhibit fetal and maternal placental development in the experimental groups. We conclude that morphine's effectiveness on the reduction of embryo growth and development may be via its effects on the blood plexus of the fetal section of the placenta

Effect of oral morphine consumption in female rats on development of brain cavities, central canal and choroid plexus of their embryos

Previous studies have shown that morphine consumption during pregnancy may delay embryo development or cause abnormal nervous system function. The present study focused on the effects of maternal morphine consumption on brain cavities and central canal development in Wistar rats. In this study Wistar rats [average weight: 170-200 g] were used. The experimental group, after pregnancy, received 0.05 mg/ml of morphine by tap water while the control group received water. On the 17[th] day of pregnancy, the pregnant animals were anesthetized by chloroform and embryos were surgically removed. The samples were fixed in 10% formalin for four weeks. Then, tissues were processed and sectioned. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin [H and E] and examined for ventricle, central canal and choroid plexus development by light microscopy and MOTIC software. Severe reductions of the third and lateral ventricles were observed in the experimental group. In addition, an increase in the choroid plexus [CP] area in the experimental group with regards to the control group was identified. The study showed that oral morphine consumption lead to reduction in the third and lateral brain cavities and an increase in the CP area. This defect may cause behavioral changes observed in the F1 generation from addicted pregnant animals

effect of morphine consumption on plasma corticosteron concentration and placenta development in pregnant rats

Previous studies have shown that morphine consumption during pregnancy may delay embryo development or cause abnormal nervous system function. The present study focused on the effect of maternal morphine consumption on development of placenta and blood corticosteron concentration in addictive pregnant mothers. 24 female rats, 170-200g weight, were used. The experimental groups after pregnancy received an oral dose of 0.05 mg/ml of morphine by tap water while the control group received only tap water. On 10[th] and 14[th] day of pregnancy, rats were anesthetized and placenta removed surgically, 1ml blood was collected from each pregnant mother from retro-orbital sinus, the concentration of blood corticosteron was determined by corticosteron Elisa kit after centrifugation. The fixed tissue was processed, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Placenta was studied microscopically according to the thickness of layers, area of blood cisterns, and the number of cells. Comparing the plasma corticosteron concentration of the treatment and the control groups, not only a severe increase in the treatment group was detected, but also the thickness of maternal and embryonic portions of the placenta at day 10th and 14th of gestation was different significantly [p

Effects of oral morphine on the larvae, pupae and imago development in drosophila melanogaster

Previous studies, focusing on the effects of abused drugs, have used mice or rats as the main animal models; the present study tries to introduce a simple animal model. For this propose, we investigated the effects of oral morphine consumption by parents on the development of larvae, pupae and imago in Drosophila Melanogaster [D. Melanogaster]. In this experimental study, twenty male and 20 female D. Melanogaster pupae were housed in test tubes with banana [5 pupae /tube]. Male and female groups each were divided into three experimental group and one control group, which were maintained at 25 [degree sign] C. Morphine [0.2, 0.02, 0.002 mg/ml] was added into the test tubes of the experimental groups. The control group maintained at morphine-free test tube. The male and female groups with the same treatment were coupled and then female fertilization, egg deposit, larval, pupae and imago stages were studied macro and microscopically. The SPSS software [version 9.01] was used for statistical evaluations. In the experimental groups, in the larvae stage, both increase and decrease of length and surface area in the pupae stage were observed. The number of larvae pupae, and imago was reduced in the experimental groups. The study showed that oral morphine consumption by parents may affect the development of larvae, pupation and imago stages in D. Melanogaster. The results also showed that D. Melanogaster may be a reliable animal model to study on the concerns about abused drugs especially those with opioids