Osteogenic gene expression in osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

During differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs] into various cells, the expression of a variety of genes undergoes some changes; in this study we decided to investigate the expression rate of some genes like osteopontin [OPN] and osteocalcin [OCN] during this process in order to find a better and faster way for these cells to be differentiated into osteoblasts. In this experimental study, the mononuclear cells of bone marrow were separated and then cultured in DMEM-LG culture media with 10% FBS. During some definite days, the RNA of differentiating cells was extracted. Then, the effective genes in osteogenesis like OPN and OCN were amplified by speciefic primers. The mesenchymal cells were cultured on 3D calcium phosphate scaffolds, and finally the activity rate of the alkaline phosphatase was examined. This research has demonstrated that in the process of differentiation, the expression of the two genes of OPN and OCN changed orderly with the maximum expression of OPN in the 6th day and the maximum expression of OCN in the 7th and 8th days of differentiation. The osteogenic differentiation of MSCs was not confirmed by the coloration of mineral sediments. The activity rate of alkaline phosphatase revealed the preference of 3D calcium phosphate scaffold to 2D environment in this differentiation. The calcium phosphate scaffold positively affects the differentiation process. The expression of OPN and OCN genes changes during differentiation and can be used as away to a better and faster differentiation of these cells into osteoblast

[Surveying the effects of Hypericum perforatum on Balb/C rats' pregnancy]

The present study was achieved to investigate the effect of Hypericum perforatum extract on abortion and any changes on embryonic development and oogenesis in pregnant mice. A dose of 1.457g/kg body weight [approximate oral dose in human per day] of dried alchoholic extract of the plant dissolved in water were given orally to Balb/C mice strain, once a day for 7 days [after vaginal plug observation as day 0 of pregnancy up to day 7]. Then experimental embryos were removed from uterus on day 15 of gestation and compared with 15 days control embryos. The external and internal morphological properties of all embryos and the survival rate were determined. In all experiments, no conspicuous external or internal abnormalities in embryos were detected. The gross conditions of nervous system, liver, kidney and their development were normal as compared with sham and controls. There was no significant difference in the thickness of uterus wall and the number of endometrial glands among experimental, sham and control pregnant mice. However, in ovaries there were significant differences in some investigated parameters such as the number of corpus lutei cells and their diameters, and the number of degenerating follicles. Hormonal analysis of pregnant mice serum on day 15 of gestation showed a significant increase in the level of FSH and LH and a significant decrease in the level of progesteron as compared with those of controls. Therefore, according to our results, it can be concluded that using Hypericum perforatum extract during pregnancy has no effect on embryos. It does not produce any abnormalities or change in development, and the significant decrease in the level of progesteron is not sufficient to produce abortion