[ effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Echinops cephalots l. on expression of inflammatory factors in chondrocytes and THB-1 cells as a model of monocyte/macrophage and human cartilage cells in osteoarthritis]

Background: Osteoarthritis [OA] is one of the main causes of physical disability worldwide. Considering the complications of common treatments of OA, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAIDs] and corticosteroids, establishment of new treatments is crucial

Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of Echinops cephalotes extract on the main inflammatory biomarkers in OA

Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of Echinops cephalotes, Ibuprofen and betamethasone were prepared to investigate their effects on inflammatory biomarkers. Human monocyte/macrophage [THP-1] cells and chondrocytes cells were used as a model of monocyte/macrophage and human cartilage cells in osteoarthritis. Lipopolysaccharide [LPS] was used to induce production of inflammatory cytokines in both cells. After RNA extraction and production of cDNA, RT_PCR and PCR were done. Then Real Time-PCR was used to investigate the amount of expression of proinflammatory genes

Results: Echinops cephalotes extract reduced mRNA expression level of proinflammatory cytokines in the cells induced by LPS. Moreover, production of PGE2 and NO in in the LPS-induced THP-1 cells was reduced by this extract. Ibuprofen and betamethasone were more effective in reducing above inflammatory agents than the extract

Conclusion: Echinops cephalotes extract can be used as a supplementary treatment option in osteoarthritis to reduce NSAIDs and corticosteroids dose in treatment of this disease

Differences in growth response of human hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells to herbal extracts and a growth factor

Background: One of the key questions in biochemistry is why cell becomes aged and what are the involved factors? Why cell growth is stopped after some divisions and cells become senescent? This occurs in a greater frame in the whole body and cells dye after a while. Androgenetic alopecia [AGA] is characterized by a loss or decrease in hair follicle size, which could be related to the loss of hair follicle stem cells. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop novel therapies to increase hair follicle stem cells viability and proliferation

Objective: In this study, we examined the effects of bFGF and aqueous Rosemary leaf and Marshmallow root extracts on human hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells [hHF-MSCs] proliferation in order to identify their potential for hair growth

Methods: hHF-MSCs were isolated from hair follicle tissues and their mesenchymal nature confirmed by detecting cell surface antigens via flow cytometry. Bromodeoxyuridine [Brdu] incorporation assay was used to study the cell proliferation effect of herbal extracts in hHF-MSCs

Results: Human hair follicle-derived mesenchymal stem cells [hHF -MSCs] were obtained by organ culture. They exhibited surface markers of mesenchymal stem cells as shown by positive staining for CD44, CD90 and CD105. Herbal extracts and bFGF were found to induce significant proliferation of human hHF-MSCs at concentrations ranging from 10 to 20 micro l/ml and 15 to 25 micro l/ml

Conclusion: These results suggest that herbal extract may produce positive effects on the hair growth promotion of hHF-MSCs and suggesting that herbal extracts may be a good candidate for helping hair growth promotion

potential co-treatment effects of aataria multiflora, camellia sinensis extracts and bacterial lipopolysaccharide on skin wound model

Camellia sinensis and Zataria multiflora as the potent antioxidants and antiinflammations are crucial in the management of wound therapy. Lipopolysaccharide [LPS] was used for the proliferative potential on fibroblast cells and induction of inflammatory mediators

Objective: We examined the effects of LPS and herbal extracts combination in order to identify their mechanisms of action in fibroblast proliferation and tissue regeneration

Methods: Human foreskin fibroblasts were treated by Salmonella enterica LPS [100micro g] and extracts [5%w/w]. Tissues of male Balb/c mice were harvested at 1, 3 and 7 days for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. Effects of LPS and extracts on cell viability, Nitric oxide [NO], Cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2] and Hydrogen peroxide H[2]O[2] levels were examined respectively by XTT assay and related kits

Results: Our pathological investigations for Camellia sinensis and LPS co-treated group indicated inflammatory cells on day 1 and fibroblast proliferation through wound area on day 3. After wound modelling the samples features were the same but with the difference in groups treated by LPS and Camellia sinensis extract which dermis and epidermis were seen. The Camellia sinensis extract and LPS co-treated wounds were showed low levels of H[2]O[2] and higher levels of NO compared to extract treated group [P<0.001]. Results illustrate a dose and time dependent significant difference in cell proliferation between groups

Conclusion: These results suggest that Camellia sinensis extract in combination with LPS may have potential of accelerating inflammatory phase of wound healing process by regulation of COX-2, NO and H[2]O[2] in skin fibroblast

[Study of photodynamic effect of Zn [II] tetrapyridinoporphyrazine complex on HeLa cell line]

Photodynamic therapy is a treatment that uses photosensitizer and intense visible light. When photosensitizers get exposed to a specific light wavelength [preferentially in the red region], they produce reactive oxygen species that are toxic to cells. Recently, attention has been focused on porphyrins and their analogs as photosensitizers. Zn [II] tetrapyridinoporphyrazin complex is a water-soluble photosensitizer that has a good potential for application in photodynamic therapy. In this study, phototoxic effect of this complex on HeLa cancer cell line has been investigated. HeLa cell cultures were treated with different concentrations of Zn [II] tetrapyridinoporphyrazin. The cytotoxic effects were measured both in the presence and absence of light using the MTT assay. The light source was a 150W tungsten halogen lamp equipped with a red filter. Our data indicate that porphyrazine's photocytotoxicity is remarkably more significant than its cytotoxycity in the dark. Statistical analysis showed the effective dose [ED[50]] values in the dark and light conditions were 8.6 and 4.2 microM, respectively. In addition, the results imply that in the range of 0-12 microM, the increase in the complex concentration correlates with the increase in the cytotoxicity effect. However, the cytotoxicity decreases at the higher concentration [50microM], which is likely due to aggregation of the complex. Our results show that Zn [II] tetrapyridinoporphyrazin complex may be a promising photosensitizer for innovative photodynamic therapy and may have a high potential application in cancer treatment. Furthermore, it seems to have more benefits compared to other known photosensitizers

Treatment effects of Ginger rhizome and extract of carrot seed on diabetic nephropathy in rat

Antioxidants have essential effect on tissue regeneration after cells injury. Enhanced oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant capacity are considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic diabetes mellitus. Ginger rhizome and carrot seed are strong antioxidants and long-term treatment of Streptozotocin induced-diabetic animals with these herbs, has been shown to reduce oxidative stress. Evaluation to treatment effect of Ginger rhizome and extract of carrot seed on nephropathy after diabetes inducement. Methods: Wistar male rat [n=70] were allocated into seven groups, control group, carrot seed extract group, ginger group, control- Diabetic group received 55mg/kg [IP] streptozotocin [STZ], treatment diabetic group that received carrot seed extract, treatment diabetic group that received ginger and treatment diabetic group that received carrot seed extract plus ginger. Animals were kept in standard condition. In 30 day after inducing diabetes, 5ml blood were collected for analyzing of TAC and MDA levels, and kidney tissues of Rats were removed in all groups then prepared for analysis. Pathological changes in diabetic group which received carrot seed and ginger together was decreased compared to control group. The rate of serum TAC significantly increased in diabetic groups which received carrot seed and ginger together significantly in comparison to control-diabetic group [p<0.05]. Since in our study 25 mg/kg carrot seed extract and 100 mg/kg ginger have prevented kidney tissue injury by reducing level of Reactive Oxygen Species [ROS] in serum, so it seems that using it can be effective for treatment nephropathy in Diabetic rats

Evaluation of protective effects of nano-formulated silymarin against UV radiation on guinea pig skin

As increased outdoor activities of people, they are more exposed to UV radiation, which causes harmful effects on skin. Silymarin has protective potentials against DNA damage and non-melanoma skin cancers, and also it has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune regulation characteristics. Nano formulation of plant material showed to be more effective than common ones. In present study, nano-formulated silymarin was used in a cream, and its effects were investigated against destructive effects of UV rays. Methods: Silymarin standardized extract was prepared, nano formulated in cream base, and applied to skin of the animals. Four groups of animals [n=15] were examined; Group 1; without any treatment [control], Group 2; Vaseline, Group 3; nano-formulated silymarin extract cream, and Group 4; silymarin-carnosine. UV was radiated on the shaved area of the four groups for 45 minutes with dose of 180 mJ/cm2. Dermal scaling, skin irregularity, erythema, skin hyperpigmentation, and edema were evaluated in animals. Histopathological observation was done on the skin samples of the animals. silymarin nano-formulation was effective in decreasing both physical damages and histopathological injuries significantly. from the observed results, it can be concluded that the cream containing nanoformulated silymarin can prevent UV radiation lesions better than pure silymarin

Compartments of Quercetin and Allium cepa [onion] on blood glucose in diabetic rats

The major concern in diabetes is increased oxidative stress. Maintaining a balance between reactive oxygen species [ROS] and antioxidants is a major mechanism in preventing damage from oxidative stress. Quercetin [QR] is a well-known flavonoid and a strong antioxidant derived from the onion, Allium cepa, and it has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in the long-term treatment of streptozotocin [STZ]-induced diabetes in animals. We aimed to study on beneficial effects of QR and Allium cepa on regulation of blood glucose in diabetic model. Methods: Seventy male 8-week-old Wistar albino rats weighing 250 +/- 10 g were obtained, the rats were divided into seven groups comprising ten animals in each group. Diabetes induced with single intraperitoneal injection of STZ. Diabetic rats treated with quercetin [15mg/kg/day, started 48 hours after STZ injection] and Allium cepa juice [2cc/rat/day, started 48 hours after STZ injection]. After 28 days treatment, analysis on blood glucose and insulin was done. The mean TAC showed a significant increase [p < 0.05] in the QR compared to the control, STZ and STZ + QR groups. Both QR and onion Juice had significant effect in lowering blood glucose [355.3 +/- 104 mg/dl and 353.4 +/- 103 mg/dl respectively] [p<0.05] in STZ induced diabetic animals. Both QR and onion juice had lowering effect in Serum insulin in healthy animals and significant increasing effect on serum insulin level in diabetic animals. Both QR and onion juice had good effect in modifying diabetes related biochemical parameters and they are recommended to be studied more in order to being used in the therapy

[Foodborne listeriosis]

Foodborne listeriosis is a rare and very dangerous disease which is caused by Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium is found in the nature in very high population, but can cause disease only in certain groups of people. Listeriosis usually happens after consumption of unpasteurized dairy products especially soft and unripe cheeses and ready to eat meat products like hot dog by susceptible people. In general, pregnant women, infants, elderly people and immuno deficient patients are susceptible to this disease. Listeria monocytogenes is able to produce septicemia, meningitis and abortion in human. The important characteristic of this bacterium is its ability to live inside the cells of immune system and by this way, it is able to distribute through body easily. In order to prevent listeriosis, susceptible people should avoid eating unpasteurized dairy products and ready to eat meats

Zingiber officinale protective effects on gentamicin's toxicity on sperm in rats

Ginger rhizome [Zingiber officinale R., family: Zingiberaceae] is used medicinally and as a culinary spice and has anti-oxidant and cell-protective effects in animals and humans body. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ginger rhizome toxicity of gentamicin on sperm parameters in male rats. Forty Wistar male rat [n=40] were allocated into four groups, control [n=10] and test groups [n=30], that subdivided into groups of 3 that received ginger rhizome powder [100 mg/kg/day], gentamicin group that received, 5 mg/kg/day and ginger group that received, 5 mg/kg/day gentamicin additionally, for 30 consequence day. Animals were kept in standard conditions. In thirty day the testes tissue of rats in whole groups were collected. Ginger administration caused a marked increase in the testosterone concentrations of the rats even in spite of receiving 5 mg/kg/day gentamicin in compared with the control and gentamicin treated groups. Ginger rhizome is able to overcome reproductive toxicity of gentamicin and induces spermatogenesis probably mainly through the elevation of testosterone levels

Study the effects of oral administration of silymarin in preventing consequences of ethanol on liver during pregnancy

Alcoholic mothers who consume ethanol give birth to infants with high percentage of hepatic diseases. Alcohol can cause cellular damage in different tissues, including liver. Finding a drug which is effective and efficient in reducing ethanol misuse consequences during pregnancy can assist the decrease of harmful effects of this habit. This research aims to study the effects of oral administration of silymarin in preventing consequences of ethanol on liver during pregnancy. 45 female rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, each including 15 ones. After the first day of pregnancy, the study was performed as follows. The first group was given distilled water. The second group received ethanol equivalent to 35% of the total required calorie. Furthermore, the third group received the same amount of ethanol plus 200 mg/kg silymarin. At day 21, biopsy of liver tissue of the born infants was carried out for light microscopy studies. Findings of the present study indicate that, in the group which received ethanol, this extract can have a considerable effect on decreasing the hepatic cellular death as well as reducing hepatic hyperemia. Oral consumption of silymarin extract can reduce the damage and inflammation in liver tissue of infants born from alcoholic mothers

[Evaluation of Ocimum basilicum effects on uterus apoptosis in rats exposures in electromagnetic fields]

In the industrial world, almost everyone is unavoidably exposed to ambient electromagnetic field [EMF] generated from various technical and household appliances. Controversy exists about the effects of EMF on various tissues of the living bodies. Uterus play an important role in reproductive and the effects of EMF on its tissue is worthy of investigation. In order to examine this, 40 rat were selected and kept for one weeks in quarantine and 20 rats subdivided to two groups were exposed to 50 Hz [non-ionizing radiation] for 6 weeks, one of this exposed group received 0.7 g/kg Ocimum basilicum, other experimental group just received 0.7 g/kg Ocimum basilicum, The materials were processed and observed apoptosis under a light microscope. In the experimental rats apoptotic cells showed significantly increased in emf groups, but in exposed group that received Ocimum basilicum, apoptotic cells were decreased [p<0.05]. As exposure to EMF may result in pathological changes then lead to sub fertility and infertility, Since in our study 0.7 g/kg Ocimum basilicum have significantly Preventive effect on uterus cells damages by reducing number of Apoptotic cells, so it seems that using it can be effective for treatment in emf exposed Rat

[Study of oral administrated silymarin effects on UV-induced changes on albino guinea pigs skin]

Studies have shown that Silymarin is one of the infrequent herbal materials which have protective effects against sunburn, non melanoma skin cancer and immunosupression in oral administration. Easiness of use, low cost and availability of Silymarin can propose it for use in many topical sunscreen products. Regarding to the skin damages caused by the ultraviolet ray of sun and necessity to use of protective agents against mal effects of this ray, in this study the effects of oral use of Silymarin against effects of UV irradiation was evaluated. In this study 60 albino guinea pigs were selected and they divided in two equal groups. Animals in the experimental group administered 50 mg/kg Silymarin 20 days before and through the irradiation period orally. Control group received distilled water only. Then each group exposed to 180mj/cm2 UV ray. Finally clinical signs were noted and sampling was done from irradiated skin areas for histopathological evaluation. Histopathological and clinical findings showed that oral administration of Silymarin had protective effects against mal effects of UV irradiation on guinea pig skins. The results of this study can be incentive for introduction and use of this herbal agent in sun ray protective oral products because any topical sunscreen has not perfect protective effects against all UV irradiation spectrums

[Increasing rate of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation in the presence of silymarin]

Mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs], the non-hematopoietic progenitor cells found in various adult tissues are characterized by their ease of isolation and their rapid growth in vitro while maintaining their differentiation potential, allowing for extensive culture expansion to obtain large quantities suitable for therapeutic application. Silymarin has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities with positive effect on proliferation on some cell types. The aim of this study was to find out the optimal condition of silymarin treatments on mesenchymal stem cell growth and multiplication. Human MSCs in third passage were divided into 12 groups treated by 50, 75, and 100 micro g/ml of silymarin for 2, 7 and 14 days. Cell viability was assayed on day 2 using trypan blue exclusion test. The cell proliferation rate in presence of silymarin was determined using a day-response curve for each dose. Viability was 89%, 93%, and 96% for cells treated with 50, 75, and l00 microg/ml silymarin, respectively. Cell viability showed significant increase in all treated cells in comparison with the control group [83%]. Based on the day- response curve, it was shown that the rate of cell proliferation in treated cells is significantly higher when exposed to silymarin for 2 - 7 days. However, from 7[th] day to 14[th], silymarin exposure lowers hBMSCs proliferation rate compared to control group. Under optimal condition of silymarin exposure time, the rate of MSC proliferation can be stimulated

[Treatment effects of onion on spermatogenesis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat]

Onion has significant blood sugar lowering action. Antioxidants have essential effect on spermatogenesis and sperm parameters. Streptozotocin can dioceses oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant capacity are considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic diabetes mellitus. Wistar male rat [n=30] were allocated into three groups, control group [n=10] and onion [O] group that received 1cc/rat [gavages]; [n=10], and Diabetic group that received 55mg/kg [IP] streptozotocin [STZ] [n=20] which was subdivided to two groups of 10; STZ group and treatment group. Treatment group received 55 mg/ kg [IP] STZ plus 15 mg/kg [O], daily for, 4 weeks, respectively; however, the control group just received an equal volume of distilled water daily[gavages]. Diabetes was induced by a single [IP] injection of streptozotocin [55mg/kg]. Animals were kept in standard condition. In 28 day after inducing diabetic 5cc blood were collected for testestrone, TAC, MDA and Ox-LDL levels and testes tissues of Rat in whole groups were removed and sperm was collected from epididymis then prepared for analysis. Sperm population, percentage of sperm viability and motility and Serum total testosterones significantly increased in group that has received 1cc/rat onion [p<0.05] in significantly decreased in comparison to control group [p<0.05]. Since in our study 1cc/rat onion have significantly preventive effect on Sperm percentage of viability and motility and serum total testosterones by reducing level of Reactive Oxygen Species [ROS] in serum, so it seems that using it can be effective for sperm healthy parameters in Diabetic Rat

Evaluation effects of quercetin on liver apoptosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat

Quercetin is a strong antioxidant and long-term treatment of STZdiabetic animals and it has been shown to reduce oxidative stress. Antioxidants have essential effect on spermatogenesis and sperm parameters. Enhanced oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant capacity are considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic diabetes mellitus. Wistar male rat [n=40] were allocated into three groups, control group [n=10] and Quercetin [QR] group that received 15mg/kg [IP] QR, [n=10], and Diabetic group that received 55mg/kg [IP] streptozotocin [STZ] [n=20] which was subdivided to two groups of 10; STZ group and treatment group. Treatment group received 55mg/kg [IP] STZ plus15mg/kg QR, daily for,4 weeks, respectively; however, the control group just received an equal volume of distilled water daily[IP]. Diabetes was induced by a single [IP] injection of streptozotocin [55mg/kg]. Animals were kept in standard condition. In 28day after inducing diabetic 5cc blood were collected for TAC,MDA and Ox-LDL levels and Liver tissues of Rat in whole groups were removed then prepared for Apoptosis analysis by Tunel method. Apoptotic cells significantly decreased in group that has received 15mg/kg [IP] Quercetin [P < 0.05] in comparison to experimental groups [P < 0.05]. Since in our study 15mg/kg [IP] Quercetin have significantly Preventive effect on liver cells damages by reducing number of Apoptotic cells in liver, so it seems that using it can be effective for treatment in Diabetic Rat

[Study on effects of Cassia Angustifolia vahl. syrup on liver and kidney of rat by analysis of biochemical factors]

Cassia Angustifolia Extract [CA] has indication as a colon irritant. For rapid and full action of this extract or their derivatives need to high dosage of them. CA can have toxic effects on different organ of body, therefore it is necessary to study effects of them on liver and kidney. In this study effect of Cassia Angustifolia syrup on liver and kidney of rat were assigned by analysis of biochemical factors which related to these organs. 40 rats randomly divided in two groups with 20 members. First group was received 0.9 mi/kg CA containg of 1.85 mg CA extract in 30ml sterile water. Second group was received only 30ml sterile water. After 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours blood samples were taken from these groups and then analysis of biochemical factors related to liver and kidney activity were done. Also, the clinical conditions were recorded four times a day. diarrhea as a clinical condition showed only in the first group during 72 hours. 1 hour after receiving CA or water in both groups the ALP, ALT and AST showed no changes but after 24, 48 and 72 hours these factors showed significant differences between two groups. There were no significant differences between bilirubin levels after 24 hours in both groups but there were after 48 and 72 hours. There were no significant differences in levels of nitrogen urea during 72 hours. Considering to significant changes showed by statistical analysis of biochemical factors which results in two groups after study and also due to no significant changes in clinical condition, We suggest more study about effects of CA is necessary