ABSTRACT
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by memory impairment, dementia, and diminished cognitive function. This disease affects more than 20 million people worldwide. Amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are important pathological markers of AD. Multiple studies have indicated a potential association between elevated cholesterol levels and increased risk of AD, suggesting that lowering the cholesterol level could be a viable strategy for AD treatment or prevention. Statins, potent inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis, are widely used in clinical practice to decrease the plasma levels of LDL cholesterol in patients with hyperlipidemia. Statins are known to play a neuroprotective role in limiting Aβ pathology through cholesterol-lowering therapies. In addition to Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the brains of AD patients exhibit signs of oxidative stress, neuroinflammatory responses, and synaptic disruption.Consequently, compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and/or neuroprotective properties could be beneficial components of AD treatment strategies. In addition to lowering LDL cholesterol, statins have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in various forms, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. These properties of statins are potential mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this review was conducted to provide an overview of the protective effects of statins against AD.
ABSTRACT
Background: Royal jelly [RJ] is a complementary diet widely prescribed by traditional medicine specialists for treatment of in- fertility. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of RJ on a set of reproductive parameters in immature female rats
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, thirty two immature female rats [30-35 g] were divided into four groups [n=8/group]: three experimental groups and one control. The experimental groups received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/body weight doses of RJ daily for 14 days, and the control group received 0.5 ml distilled water interaperitonealy [i.p]. The treated rats were sacrificed and their ovaries were dissected for histological examination. The serum levels of ovarian hormones, nitric oxide [NO] and ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP] were evaluated, and the ratios of the ovarian and uterine weight to body weight were calculated. One-way ANOVA was used for data analysis
Results: The body weights were significantly different [P=0.002] among the rat groups, with an increase in all RJ treated animals. Uterine and ovarian weights and the serum levels of progesterone [P=0.013] and estradiol [P=0.004] were significantly increased in experimental groups compared to the control group. In addition, a significant increase in the number of mature follicles and corpora lutea [P=0.007] was seen in RJ recipients compared to the controls. A significant increase in the serum levels of FRAP [P=0.009] and a significant decrease in NO level [P=0.013] were also observed
Conclusion: RJ promotes folliculogensis and increases ovarian hormones. This product can be considered as a natural growth stimulator for immature female animals
ABSTRACT
Objective: Glioblastoma multiforme is the most malignant form of brain tumors. Trifolium pratense L. has been suggested for cancer treatment in traditional medicine. Here we have investigated the effects of T. pratense extract on glioblastoma multiforme cell line [U87MG]
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study the effect of T. pratense extract on cell viability was investigated using trypan blue staining, MTT assay, and lactate dehydrogenase activity measurement. Apoptosis and autophagy cell death were detected by fluorescent staining. Nitric oxide [No] production was measured using Griess reaction. Expression levels of some apoptotic and autophagic-related genes were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. The combination effects of T. pratense extract and temozolomide [TMZ] were evaluated by calculating the combination index and dose reduction index values
Results: After treatment with T. pratense extract, the cell viability was significantly reduced in a time- and dosedependent manner [P<0.05]. Apoptosis and autophagy of U87MG cells were significantly increased [P<0.05]. Also, T. pratense extract significantly decreased NO production [P<0.05] by U87MG cells. Combination of TMZ and T. pratense extract had a synergistic cytotoxic effect
Conclusion: T. pratense showed anti-cancer properties via induction of apoptosis and autophagy cell death
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study was aimed to evaluate the factors affecting the results of comprehensive pre-internship exam (CPIE) among medicals students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. METHODS: In this descriptive-analytical study, all students (n=240) participating in CPIE over a 3-year period (2012–2014) were selected. Data were gathered by a questionnaire, including the CPIE results and educational and demographic data. Spearman correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney U-test, and analysis of variance were used to analyze the association of students' success with study variables. Also, regression analysis was applied to determine the role of independent variables in students' success. RESULTS: The frequency of the failed units in apprenticeship course was one of the most important risk factors associated with failure in CPIE. Average scores of pre-internship course were the most important factors of success in CPIE. The CPIE score had the highest direct relationship with grade point average (GPA) of apprenticeship course, total GPA of all three courses, GPAs of physiopathology and basic sciences courses, and score of comprehensive basic sciences examination, respectively. CONCLUSION: CPIE showed the highest inverse correlation with the number of failed units in apprenticeship course. The most important factors influencing this exam were failure in apprenticeship course and GPA of previous educational stages.
Subject(s)
Humans , Education, Medical , Internship and Residency , Risk Factors , Students, MedicalABSTRACT
In vitro maturation [IVM] is emerging as a popular technology at the forefront of fertility treatment and preservation. However, standard in vitro culture [IVC] conditions usually increase reactive oxygen species [ROS], which have been implicated as one of the major causes for reduced embryonic development. It is well-known that higher than physiological levels of ROS trigger granulosa cell apoptosis and thereby reduce the transfer of nutrients and survival factors to oocytes, which leads to apoptosis. ROS are neutralized by an elaborate defense system that consists of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The balance between ROS levels and antioxidants within IVM media are important for maintenance of oocytes that develop to the blastocyst stage. The effects of antioxidant supplementation of IVM media have been studied in various mammalian species. Therefore, this article reviews and summarizes the effects of ROS on oocyte quality and the use of antioxidant supplementations for IVM, in addition to its effects on maturation rates and further embryo development
ABSTRACT
Objective: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. Chemotherapeutic agents have been shown to have adverse side-effects, and natural compounds have been recommended for cancer treatment, nowadays. Crab shell has been shown to have cancer preventative and suppressive effects in vivo and in vitro. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of crab shell extract on prostate cancer cell line [LNcap] in vitro
Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, LNcap cells were treated with different concentrations [0, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1000 micro g/ml] of crab shell hydroalcoholic extract in three different culture periods [24, 48 and 72 hours]. LNcap viability was evaluated by trypan blue staining and MTT assay. Cell apoptosis and nitric oxide [NO] secretion were determined by TUNEL and Griess assays, respectively. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA test and P<0.05 was considered significant
Results: LNcap viability was decreased dose- and time-dependently. Thus 400, 800, and 1000 micro g/ml doses showed significant differences compared to control group [P<0.001]. Dose-dependent increase in the apoptotic index was also observed in 800 and 1000 micro g/ml concentrations [P<0.001]. Nitric oxide secretion of LNcap cell was decreased time- and dose-dependently, while it was significant for 1000 micro g/ml [P<0.05]
Conclusion: Crab shell extract showed anti-prostate cancer effect, by inducing cell apoptosis and decreasing NO production
ABSTRACT
Background: Endometriosis is a complex disorder in reproductive age women which consist of stromal and epithelial cells implantation outside the uterine cavity. Adiponectin is a member of cytokine family with various metabolic roles and proliferation inhibition of many cancer cells. The aim of the present research was to determine adiponectin effect on human endometriotic stromal cells [ESCs] proliferation and their expression of adiponectin receptors
Methods: In this experimental study, endometrial biopsies [n=7] were taken. ESCs isolation was done by enzymatic digestion and cell filtrations. ESCs of each biopsy were divided into four groups: 0 [control], 10, 100, and 200 ng/ml adiponectin concentrations in three different times [24, 48, or 72 h]. The effect of adiponectin on ESC viability and expression of mRNA Adipo receptorl [Rl] and Adipo receptor2 [R2] was determined by Trypan blue staining and semi-quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and unpaired student's t-test, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant
Results: Adiponectin inhibited human endometriotic stromal cell proliferation in time- and dose-dependent manners significantly [P=0.001]. Expression of AdipoRl and AdipoR2 gene receptors was increased in human ESCs significantly [P<0.05]. Adiponectin can suppress endometriosis by inhibiting ESC proliferation and increased AdipoRl and AdipoR2 expression
ABSTRACT
Background: Toxic effects of anti-cancer and other drugs on the normal tissues could be reduced by the herbal plants and their fractions. This study investigated the protective effect of thymoquinone [TQ] as a fraction of Nigella sativa on methotrexate [MTX]- induced germ cell apoptosis in male mice
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, thirty male Balb/c mice were divided randomly into 5 groups [n=6]. A single dose of MTX [20 mg/kg] and different concentrations of TQ were administrated for 4 consecutive days. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling [TUNEL] assay was performed on paraffin embedded tissue sections to analysis the occurrence of apoptosis in the testis. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] of apoptosis-related genes was performed with RNA extracted from testes of the mice. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA
Results: In the MTX group, there was a significant increase in morphologic sign of germ cell degeneration of tubules [48 +/- 0.6%], apoptotic index [AI; 2.3 +/- 0.6%], as well as mRNA expression of p53 [P=0.008], caspase 8 [P=0.002], caspase 3 [P=0.005], caspase 9 [P=0.000], bax [P=0.004] and the ratio of bax/bcl-2 [P=0.000], whereas there was an decrease in the expression of bcl-2 [P=0.003], as compared to control group. In MTX+TQ groups, the data showed that different concentrations of TQ could improve the harmful effects caused by the MTX. The best protective effects were achieved in MTX+TQ [10 mg/kg]
Conclusion: TQ protects testicular germ cell against MTX-induced apoptosis by affecting related genes regulation
ABSTRACT
Objective: Thymoquinone [TQ], as the main component of Nigella Sativa plant, shows anticancer properties. This study was aimed to evaluate the combined effect of TQ and Tamoxifen [TAM] on viability and apoptosis of human breast cancer cell lines
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, estrogen positive MCF-7 and estrogen negative MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines were induced by TAM [2 microM] or different doses of TQ [50, 75, 100, 150 microM], individually or in combination. Cell viability and apoptosis were investigated by MTT assay and TdT-mediated deoxy-uracil nick end labeling [TUNEL] assay; Acridine orange [AO]/Ethidium bromide [EB] staining respectively. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA and P<0.05 was considered significant
Results: In 24 hours treatment, TAM and all doses of TQ, solely or in combination, significantly reduced cell viability of both cell lines, except in MCF-7 cells treated with 50 microM TQ, and MDA-MB-231 cells treated with 50 or 75 microM TQ [P<0.01]. After 48 hours treatment, cell viability of both cell lines was reduced in all treated groups [P<0.05]. Remarkable apoptotic index was observed in combination treatment of MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 cell lines with TAM and TQ [P<0.001]
Conclusion: The synergistic effect of TQ and TAM on human breast cancer cell lines showed cell viability reduction as well as apoptosis induction, independent to estrogen
ABSTRACT
Objective: this study aimed to evaluate the effects of royal jelly [RJ] on serum biochemical alterations and oxidative stress status in liver and pancreas of streptozotocin [STZ]-induced diabetic rats
Materials and Methods: in this experimental study, thirty two male Wistar rats were divided into the following four groups [n=8/group]: i. Control [C], ii. Diabetic [D], iii. Royal jelly [R], and iv. Royal jelly-treated diabetic [D/R] groups. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal [IP] injection of STZ [60 mg/kg]. The RJ [100 mg/kg body weight [BW]] was administered orally for 42 days. Blood samples were used to determine serum levels of insulin, high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c], total protein [TP], albumin, alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], and fasting blood glucose [FBG]. Also, the antioxidant status was evaluated by determining the levels of malondialdehyde [MDA], catalase [CAT] and ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP] in liver and pancreas. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA] with P<0.05 as the significant level
Results: STZ-induced diabetic rats showed a significant elevation in the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP and FBG, whereas there was a significant decrease in serum levels of insulin, albumin, HDL-c and TP [P<0.05]. Treatment of the diabetic rats with RJ restored the changes of the above parameters to their normal levels [P<0.05]. In addition, RJ significantly improved reduced levels of FRAP and CAT as well as high MDA level in liver and pancreas [P<0.05]
Conclusion: RJ improves oxidative damage induced by STZ in the liver and pancreas of rats; therefore, it can be considered as an effective and alternative treatment for diabetes
ABSTRACT
Background: diabetes is the most common endocrine disease. It has adverse effects on male reproductive function. Royal Jelly [RJ] has antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects and show protective effects against diabetes
Objective: this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of RJ on histopathological alterations of the testicular tissue in streptozotocin [STZ]-induced diabetic rats
Materials and Methods: in this experimental study, 28 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into control [C], royal jelly [R], diabetic [D] and RJ-treated diabetic [D+R] groups. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ at 50 mg/kg body weight [BW]. The rats from the R and D+R groups received daily RJ [100 mg/kg BW] for 6 wks orally. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was used to analyze histopathological changes including: tunica albuginea thickness [TAT], seminiferous tubules diameter [STsD], Johnsen's score, tubular differentiation index [TDI], spermiogenesis index [SPI], Sertoli cell index [SCI], meiotic index [MI], and mononuclear immune cells [MICs] in testes. The antioxidant status was examined by evaluating testicular levels of ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP] and catalase [CAT] activity
Results: histological results of the testis from diabetic rats showed significant decrease in STsD, Johnsen's score, TDI, SPI, SCI and MI, and significant increase in TAT and MICs, while administration of RJ significantly reverted these changes [p<0.05]. RJ treatment markedly increased activity of CAT and FRAP. There were significant differences in FRAP levels among C [13.0+/-0.5], RJ [13.4+/-0.3], D [7.8+/-0.6] and D+R [12.4+/-0.7] groups [p<0.05]
Conclusion: RJ improved diabetes-induced impairment in testis, probably through its antioxidant property
ABSTRACT
Background: Crocin, a carotenoid isolated from Crocus sativus L. [saffron], is a phar-macologically active component of saffron. Nicotine consumption can decrease fertility in males through induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of crocin on reproductive parameter damages in male mice exposed to nicotine
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we divided 48 mice into 8 groups [n=6 per group]: control [normal saline], nicotine [2.5 mg/kg], crocin [12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg] and crocin [12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg]+nicotine [2.5 mg/kg]. Mice received once daily intraperitoneal injections of crocin, nicotine and crocin+nicotine for 4 weeks. Sperm parameters [count, motility, and viability], testis weight, seminiferous tube diameters, testosterone, and serum nitric oxide levels were analyzed and compared
Results: Nicotine administration significantly decreased testosterone level; sperm count, viability, and motility; testis weight and seminiferous tubule diameters compared to the control group [P<0.05]. However, increasing the dose of crocin in the crocin and crocin+nicotine groups significantly boosted sperm motility and viability; seminiferous tubule diameters; testis weight; and testosterone levels in all groups compared to the nicotine group [P<0.05]
Conclusion: Crocin improves nicotine-induced adverse effects on reproductive parameters in male mice
Subject(s)
Animals, Laboratory , Nicotine/adverse effects , Mice , Fertility , Antioxidants , SpermatozoaABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus has a variety of structural and functional effects on the male reproductive system. Diabetes results in reduced sperm parameters and libido. The present study aims to investigate the effects of royal jelly [RJ] on reproductive parameters of testosterone and malondialdehyde [MDA] production in diabetic rats. This experimental study was conducted on adult male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups [n=8 per group]: control, RJ, diabetic and diabetic treated with RJ. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg body weight [BW] of streptozotocin [STZ]. RJ, at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW was given by gavage. The duration of treatment was six weeks. After the treatment period the rats were sacrificed. The testes were weighed and changes in sperm count, motility, viability, deformity, DNA integrity and chromatin quality were analyzed. Serum testosterone and MDA concentrations of testicular tissue were determined. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with p<0.05 as the significant level. STZ-induced diabetes decreased numerous reproductive parameters in rats. Testicular weight, sperm count, motility, viability and serum testosterone levels increased in the diabetic group treated with RJ. There was a significant decrease observed in sperm deformity, DNA integrity, chromatin quality, and tissue MDA levels in diabetic rats treated with RJ compared to the diabetic group [p<0.05]. RJ improved reproductive parameters such as testicular weight, sperm count, viability, motility, deformity, DNA integrity, chromatin quality, serum testosterone and testicular tissue MDA levels in diabetic rats
Subject(s)
Reproduction , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental , Streptozocin , Rats, Wistar , Spermatozoa , Testosterone , MalondialdehydeABSTRACT
Since the introduction of the "cancer stem cell" theory, significant developments have been made in the understanding of cancer and the heterogenic structure of tumors. In 2003, with the isolation of cancer stem cells from the first solid tumor, breast cancer, and recognition of the tumorigenicity of these cells, this theory suggested that the main reason for therapy failure might be the presence of cancer stem cells. This review article describes breast cancer stem cell origin, the related cellular and molecular characteristics, signaling pathways, and therapy resistance mechanisms. The databases PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase were explored, and articles published on these topics between 1992 and 2015 were investigated. It appears that this small subpopulation of cells, with the capacity for self-renewal and a high proliferation rate, originate from normal stem cells, are identified by specific markers such as CD44+/CD24-/low, and enhance a tumor's capacity for metastasis, invasion, and therapy resistance. Cancer stem cell characteristics depend on their interactions with their microenvironment as well as on the inducing factors and elements. Although uncertainties about breast cancer stem cells exist, many of researchers believe that cancer stem cells should be considered as possible therapeutic targets.
Subject(s)
Biomarkers , Breast Neoplasms , Breast , Neoplasm Metastasis , Neoplastic Stem Cells , Stem CellsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. Despite various pharmacological developments, the identification of new therapies is still required for treating breast cancer. Crab is often recommended as a traditional medicine for cancer. This study aimed to determine the in vitro effect of a hydroalcoholic crab shell extract on a breast cancer cell line. METHODS: In this experimental study, MCF7 breast cancer cell line was used. Crab shell was powdered and a hydroalcoholic (70degrees ethanol) extract was prepared. Five concentrations (100, 200, 400, 800, and 1,000 microg/mL) were added to the cells for three periods, 24, 48, and 72 hours. The viability of the cells were evaluated using trypan blue and 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays. Cell apoptosis was determined using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling method. Nitric oxide (NO) level was assessed using the Griess method. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Cell viability decreased depending on dose and time, and was significantly different in the groups that were treated with 400, 800, and 1,000 microg/mL doses compared to that in the control group (p<0.001). Increasing the dose significantly increased apoptosis (p<0.001). NO secretion from MCF7 cells significantly decreased in response to different concentrations of the extract in a dose- and time-dependent manner (p<0.050). CONCLUSION: The crab shell extract inhibited the proliferation of MCF7 cells by increasing apoptosis and decreasing NO production.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Apoptosis , Breast Neoplasms , Cell Line , Cell Survival , DNA Nucleotidylexotransferase , MCF-7 Cells , Medicine, Traditional , Nitric Oxide , Trypan BlueABSTRACT
The endometrium plays a pivotal role in implantation and pregnancy. Cyclooxygenase II [COX-2] has an important function in biological processes such as cell proliferation and inflammation. Celecoxib is a selective inhibitor of COX-2 with numerous pharmacologic functions. The aim of present study is to investigate the effects of celecoxib on the human endometrium in a three-dimensional [3D] culture model. In this experimental study, normal human endometria [n=10] obtained from reproductive age women were cut into 1x1 mm sections. Endometrial explants were placed between two layers of fibrin gel. To create the fibrin gel, we poured a thin layer of fibrinogen solution [3 mg/ml in medium 199 [M199]] into each well of a 24-well culture dish and added thrombin enzyme. Endometrial fragments were placed in the center of each well and covered with a second layer of fibrinogen solution. M199 supplemented with L-glutamine, fetal bovine serum [FBS, 5%] and antibiotics were added to each well. The media in each experimental well contained either1, 10 or 50 micro M of celecoxib. At the end of the study, we calculated endometrial tissue growth changes by scoring methods and determined the percentage of angiogenesis. Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis method. P<0.05 was considered significant. The growth scores were as follows: control [1.37 +/- 0.16], 1 micro M [1.96 +/- 0.28], 10 micro M [2.01 +/- 0.25], and 50 micro M [1.17 +/- 0.14] celecoxib, all of which were significantly different. The angiogenesis percentages were: 25.56 +/- 6.72% [control], 31.98 +/- 6.18% [1 micro M], 42.67 +/- 7.27% [10 micro M] and 23.44 +/- 4.03% [50 micro M], which were not significantly different from each other. Lower celecoxib concentrations had stimulatory effects on the growth of normal endometrium
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Pyrazoles/pharmacology , Endometrium/drug effects , Endometrium/growth & development , Organ Culture Techniques , Angiogenesis Inducing AgentsABSTRACT
There is tremendous concern regarding the possible adverse effects of cell phone microwaves. Contradictory results, however, have been reported for the effects of these waves on the body. In the present study, the effect of cell phone microwaves on sperm parameters and total antioxidant capacity was investigated with regard to the duration of exposure and the frequency of these waves. This experimental study was performed on 28 adult male Wistar rats [200-250 g]. The animals were randomly assigned to four groups [n=7]: i. control; ii. two-week exposure to cell phone-simulated waves; iii. three-week exposure to cell phonesimulated waves; and iv. two-week exposure to cell phone antenna waves. In all groups, sperm analysis was performed based on standard methods and we determined the mean sperm total antioxidant capacity according to the ferric reducing ability of plasma [FRAP] method. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test using SPSS version 16 software. The results indicated that sperm viability, motility, and total antioxidant capacity in all exposure groups decreased significantly compared to the control group [p<0.05]. Increasing the duration of exposure from 2 to 3 weeks caused a statistically significant decrease in sperm viability and motility [p<0.05]. Exposure to cell phone waves can decrease sperm viability and motility in rats. These waves can also decrease sperm total antioxidant capacity in rats and result in oxidative stress
Subject(s)
Male , Animals, Laboratory , Cell Phone , Sperm Motility/radiation effects , Semen/radiation effects , Electromagnetic Fields/adverse effects , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Rats, Wistar , Infertility, MaleABSTRACT
Adiponectin is one of the most important adipokines secreted from fatty tissue that has a direct inhibitory effect on the development of cancer cells. Adiponectin plays an important role in human reproduction system and fertility of women. Adiponectin concentration decreases in women with endometriosis and endometrial cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of adiponectin on human endometrial stromal cell [HESC] viability as well as mRNA expression of Adipo R1 and Adipo R2 receptors. In this experimental study, eight endometrial biopsies were taken and stromal cells were separated by enzymatic digestion and cell filtrations. Stromal cells of each biopsy were divided into four groups: control, 10, 100, and 200 ng/ml adiponectin concentrations. The effect of adiponectin on viability of the normal HESCs was studied by trypan blue staining and the relative expression levels of Adipo R1 and R2 were analyzed by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA and unpaired student's t test and p<0.05 was considered significant. Adiponectin decreased viability of normal human endometrial stromal cells in a dose and time dependent manner. Expression of Adipo R1 and Adipo R2 receptors did not change in the presence of adiponectin. Adiponectin can directly influence the viability of HESCs and decrease their viability, but it didn't change expression of adiponectin receptors
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Stromal Cells/drug effects , Tissue Survival/drug effects , Endometrium , Receptors, Adiponectin/genetics , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
The secretion of thyroxin [T4] as the main hormone of thyroid gland is regulated by androgens. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of testosterone and finasteride administration and castration on serum levels of T4 and to show the effect of this regulation on total body weight, weight of testis, and the weight of prostate. Male adult rats [n = 32] were divided into 4 groups [n = 8]: Group 1 [control], Group 2 [castration], Group 3 [finasteride: 20 mg/kg/day] and Group 4 [testosterone: 5 mg/kg/day]. At the end of the study [35 days], serum level of thyroxin, body weight, weight of testis, and prostate were determined. The data showed that the body weight increased in castrated [P = 0.04] and decreased in testosterone [P = 0.00] groups but did not differ in finasteride [P>0.05] group. There were not any differences in the weight of testis among control, finasteride, and testosterone groups but the weight of prostate increased in testosterone group [P = 0.00] and decreased in castrated [P = 0.03] and finasteride groups [P = 0.04]. In addition, the serum level of T4 [nmo/ml] decreased in the three groups: finasteride [P = 0.03], testosterone [P = 0.04], and castrated [P = 0.00]. Testosterone in both high and low levels decreased the amount of T4 with a time-dependent manner