[Effect of doxorubicin on Bcl2 and Bax expression in Rat heart]

The anthracyclin drug doxorubicin [Adriamycin] is one of the most effective antineoplastic agents, and widely used to treat a number of malignancies. However, its use has been restricted due to the dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. The mechanisms of Doxorubicin - induced cardiotoxicity is not entirely clear. This study investigates the effect of Doxorubicin on Bcl2 and Bax genes expression as key molecules that involve in intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in rat heart. In this experimental study Doxorubicin administration, male Wistar rats were exposed to intraperitoneal injections [2.5 mg/kg, six times for 2 weeks, n=20]. Animals were randomly assigned to the healthy untreated control [n=10] and to the Doxorubicin treatment groups [n=10]. Three weeks after completion of treatment myocardial fibrosis, Bcl2 and Bax genes expression were investigated by Masson's trichrome staining and Real Time- PCR analysis respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS-16 and independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney and Kaplan- Meyer method. Masson's trichrome staining showed that Doxorubicin increased fibrosis in the cardiac muscle [16.4 +/- 1] in compare to control group [1 +/- 0.79]. Real Time- PCR analysis showed that Doxorubicin decreased Bcl2 expression levels [0.1 +/- 0.07] and increased Bax expression levels [2.1 +/- 0.1] in the myocardium in compare to control group [P<0.01]. This study showed that administration of Doxorubicin increase interstitial fibrosis of myocardium and Bax expression levels and decrease Bcl2 expression that are the key genes of mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway

[Toxicity effects on aluminium chloride on uterus and placenta of pregnant mice]

Aluminium has been known to cause toxic effects on organ systems. Although the knowledge on aluminium [AL] toxicity has markedly improved in recent years, information concerning the reproductive toxicity of this element is still very limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of graded dose of aluminium chloride administered to pregnant mice on their placenta and uterine in a short time. This study was performed on plug-positive female NMRI [National Medical Research Institute] mice that were randomly divided into six groups [12 mice in each group]. Three groups of plug- positive female NMRI mice were given IP injections of ALCL[3] at 150 mg/kg on days 10, 11 and 12 of gestation, respectively. Three other groups were given normal saline on the same days as control groups. Mice were killed on day 15 of gestation, the weight and diameter of placenta were recorded. Both placenta and uterus were examined with stereomicroscope and also uterus fixed and stained for microscopic examination. In all experimental groups, in 14.3%, 13.8% and 13.3% of fetuses, placenta showed abnormal appearance and some degrees of atrophy on days 10, 11, 12 of gestation, respectively that in comparison to control group it was significantly higher [p<0.05]. Also, the diameter of placenta in experimental groups [7.2, 7.2 and 7.3mm respectively] was significantly smaller than control groups [7.6mm] [p<0.05]. The uterine of All treated groups showed hemorrhagic area in external examination and infiltration reaction and dispersed nectrotic foci in myometer in microscopic examination. According to the results, AlCl [3] showed toxic effect on placenta and uterus of pregnant mice. It could explain at least part of teratogenic effects of AlCl [3]

Effects of co-culture of granulosa cells on one-cell mouse embryo development in vitro.

Improvements in "embryo in vitro cultures" provide novel possibilities in the treatment of infertility. To evaluate the quality of culture media, successful development of embryos beyond the growth block phase, is a useful criteria. Coculture is a newly developed technique that could optimize the culture media environment. During the present study we have evaluated the effects of coculture of granulosa cells on mouse one-cell embryo development in vitro. One-cell embryos were obtained through super-ovulation by HMG and HCG. Granulosa cells were collected from cumulus mass using hyaluronidase 0.1% and purified by percol method. Harvested one-cell embryos were cultured in Ham's F10 [control] and granulosa cells coculture [case] for 120 hours. Of harvested embryos in coculture media, 22.4% successfully passed the growth block phase, this figure was significantly lower in the control group [12.8%, p < 0.05]. Also 11.2% of embryos in the case group and 2.4% of controls developed to blastocyst stage, [p < 0.05].Results have revealed that granulosa coculture system could improve culture conditions for early embryos

[Incidence of gross congenital malformations after short-term exposure to aluminium chloride in mice]

Aluminium [Al], the third common element in the earth's crust has a significant toxin potential for humans. Although the knowledge of AL toxicity has markedly improved in recent years, there is relatively little information regarding the embryotoxic and teratogenic potential of AL. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a short-term exposure of pregnant mice to aluminium chloride on the external organ formation of their fetuses. Mature NMRI mice [24-33g] were used in this study. Day 0 of pregnancy defined as the day in which the vaginal plug was found. Plug-positive mice were randomly divided into size groups. The first, secound and third groups of animals were given IP injection of single dose of Alcl3 at 150 mg/kg/day on days 10, 11 and 12 of gestation respectively. Mice in the 3 other groups [controls] received single injection of 0.3ml saline on days 10,11 and 12 respectively. Mice were killed on day 15 of gestation. Live fetuses were weighed and examined for external abnormalities. The fetal body weight was significantly reduced in all Al-treated groups [P<0.05]. The proportions of external malformations in 10th, 11th and 12th days treated were 47.0%, 37.0% and 33.1% groups respectively with significantly increase comparing to controls [P<0.05]. It is concluded that a single dose of the AL administered to pregnant mice can cause external malformations in their fetuses