Transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells optimized with IFN-γ is a potential procedure for modification of motor impairment in multiple sclerosis cases: a preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis study.

Stem cells transplantation (SCT) is known as a newfound strategy for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) contain various regenerative features. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a laboratory model of MS. This meta-analysis study was conducted to assess the overall therapeutic effects of hUCMSCs on reduction of clinical score (CS) and restoration of active movement in EAE-induced animals. For comprehensive searching (in various English and Persian databases until May 1, 2024), the main keywords of "Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis", "Multiple Sclerosis", "Human", "Umbilical Cord", "Mesenchymal", and "Stem Cell" were hired. Collected data were transferred to the citation manager software (EndNote x8) and duplicate papers were merged. Primary and secondary screenings were applied (according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria) and eligible studies were prepared for data collection. CS of two phases of peak and recovery of EAE were extracted as the difference in means and various analyses including heterogeneity, publication bias, funnel plot, and sensitivity index were reported. Meta-analysis was applied by CMA software (v.2), P<0.05 was considered a significant level, and the confidence interval (CI) was determined 95% (95% CI). Six eligible high-quality (approved by ARRIVE checklist) papers were gathered. The difference in means of peak and recovery phases were -0.775 (-1.325 to -0.225; P=0.006; I2=90.417%) and -1.230 (-1.759 to -0.700; P<0.001; I2=93.402%), respectively. The overall therapeutic effects of SCT of hUCMSCs on the EAE cases was -1.011 (95% CI=-1.392 to -0.629; P=0.001). hUCMSCs transplantation through the intravenous route to the animal MS model (EAE) seems a considerably effective procedure for the alleviation of motor defects in both phases of peak and recovery.

The global prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with thyroid gland disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: fluctuation in serum levels of thyroid hormones or thyroid-associated dysfunction can negatively affect the sexual behaviors or performance, and disruption in couples` relationship or satisfaction. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis study was aimed to investigate the global prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with thyroid gland disorders (TGD). Methods: this systematic review and meta-analysis study conducted based on PRISMA statement criteria regarding the available evidences representing the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with TGD. The initial searching process was applied on July, 2023. In this era, the main keywords of "Prevalence", "Sexual disorders", "Sexual disorder", "Sexual dysfunction", "Male sexual dysfunction", "Erectile dysfunction", "Males", "Men", "Thyroid disorders", "Thyroid diseases", "Hyperthyroidism", "Thyroid", and "Thyroiditis" were hired. Also, "AND" and "OR" operators were used for keywords combination. All intended studies were searched using the databases of Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Embase. Random effects model was used to perform the analysis and the heterogeneity of the studies was assessed through I2 index. Data analysis was applied with CMA software (v.2). Results: following the assessment of 17 eligible studies with a sample size of 501 individuals, the global prevalence of male sexual dysfunction with TGD was found 51.5% (95% CI:38.7-64). Also, the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism cases was 59.1% (95% CI:37.2-77.8) and 41.5% (95% CI:25.9-59.1), respectively. The meta-regression analysis showed that following incremental trend in sample size, the global prevalence of male sexual dysfunction with TGD decreases. This assessment also revealed that the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction increases with the year of study conduction, significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: the global prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with TGD was found relatively high. also, the highest prevalence of sexual disorders was reported in hypothyroid cases. Thus, health policymakers are suggested to inform the individuals prone to this pathology regarding the negative effects of TGD on sexual dysfunction. Besides, TGD-affected cases can prevent sexual disorders and unpleasant consequences through timely medical treatments.

Intraperitoneal injection of mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned media (MSCS-CM) treated monocyte can potentially alleviate motor defects in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis female mice; An original experimental study.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS), as a destructive pathology of myelin in central nervous system (CNS), causes physical and mental complications. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is laboratory model of MS widely used for CNS-associated inflammatory researches. Cell therapy using macrophage M2 (MPM2) is a cell type with anti-inflammatory characteristics for all inflammatory-based neuropathies. This experimental study investigated the probable therapeutic anti-inflammatory effects of intraperitoneal (IP) injection of MPM2 on alleviation of motor defect in EAE-affected animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 C57/BL6 female mice were divided into four groups of EAE, EAE + Dexa, EAE + PBS, and EAE + MP2. EAE was induced through deep cervical injection of spinal homogenate of guinea pigs. MPM2 cells were harvested from bone marrow and injected (106cells/ml) in three days of 10, 13 and 16 post-immunizations (p.i). Clinical score (CS), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10), pro-inflammatory gene expression (TNF-α, IL-1ß) and histopathological investigations (HE, Nissl and Luxol Fast Blue) were considered. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (v.19) and p < 0.05 was considered significant level. RESULTS: During EAE induction, the mean animal weight was decreased (p < 0.05); besides, following MPM2 injection, the weight gain was applied (p < 0.05) in EAE + MPM2 groups than control. Increased (p < 0.05) levels of CS was found during EAE induction in days 17-28 in EAE animals; besides, CS was decreased (p < 0.05) in EAE + MPM2 group than EAE animals. Also, in days 25-28 of experiment, the CS was decreased (p < 0.05) in EAE + MPM2 than EAE + Dexa. Histopathological assessments revealed low density of cell nuclei in corpus callosum, microscopically. LFB staining also showed considerable decrease in white matter density of corpus callosum in EAE group. Acceleration of white matter density was found in EAE + MPM2 group following cell therapy procedure. Genes expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß along with IL-4 and IL-10 were decreased (p < 0.05) in EAE + MPM2 group. CONCLUSION: IP injection of MPM2 to EAE-affected female mice can potentially reduce the CNS inflammation, neuronal death and myelin destruction. MPM2 cell therapy can improve animal motor defects.

The global prevalence of E-cigarettes in youth: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Smoking, especially cigarettes, is known as one of the most common social and health problems among people. E-cigarettes are another form of tobacco that has been an ordinary daily occurrence.Study Design: systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Systematic searching of databases was performed in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, MagIran, IranDoc, SID and Google search engine based on the PRISMA 2020 guideline. This search was conducted by the end of May 2021. Following full-text assessments, the related data were extracted from the papers. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was also used to evaluate the quality of methodology of the articles. Finally, study analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (version 2) based on the random effect model. Results: Global prevalence of E-cigarette in younger individuals was 16.8 (95 % CI: 10.6-25.6) and 4.8 (95 % CI: 3-7.6) in the Ever and Current modes of E-cigarette, respectively. We also found that E-cigarettes were used more common in young boys than young girls in both Ever and Current modes. In young boys, the prevalence of E-cigarette were 18.8 (95 % CI: 8.4-36.8) and 4.9 (95 % CI: 3-8) in both modes of Ever and Current, respectively. In young girls, these factors were 9.9 (95 % CI: 5-18.6) and 1.6 (95 % CI: 1-3.1) in both modes of Ever and Current, respectively. Conclusions: The global prevalence of e-cigarettes among young people, especially young boys, is increasing. Based on this, the prevention and management of the damage of this social phenomenon requires comprehensive global study, planning and policy.

Mechanical properties of simulated dentin caries treated with metal cations and L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate.

This pH cycling study aimed to investigate the effects of L-Ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA2P) salts of Mg, Zn, Mn, Sr, and Ba on the surface microhardness, compressive strength, diametral tensile strength (DTS), and solubility of root canal dentin. 186 cylindrical dentin specimens from 93 teeth were fortified with optimal concentrations of AA2P salts of Mg (0.18 mM), Zn (5.3 µM), Mn (2.2 × 10-8 M), Sr (1.8 µM), and Ba (1.9 µM). Saline was used as the control group. These dentin specimens underwent a 3-day cycling process simulating dentin caries formation through repeated sequences of demineralization and remineralization. Surface microhardness at 100 and 500 µm depths (n = 10/subgroup), scanning electron microscopy (n = 3/group), compressive strength (n = 10/group), DTS (n = 6/group), and solubility (n = 5/group) tests were performed to analyze the dentin specimens. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, one-way ANOVA, and Post Hoc Tukey tests (p < 0.05). The control group had significantly lower microhardness at both depths (p < 0.001), reduced DTS (p = 0.001), decreased compressive strength (p < 0.001), and higher weight loss (p < 0.001) than all other groups. The Sr group had the highest compressive strength and microhardness among all the groups. The microhardness was significantly higher for the 500 µm depth than the 100 µm depth (p < 0.001), but the difference in microhardness between depths across groups was not significant (p = 0.211). All fortifying solutions provided some protection against artificial caries lesions. Therefore, these elements might have penetrated and reinforced the demineralized dentin against acid dissolution.

Falcaria vulgaris L. hydroalcoholic extract protects against harmful effects of mercuric chloride on the rat kidney.

Objective: Mercuric chloride (Merc; HgCl2) is toxic to humans and animals and contributes to environmental pollution, which usually results in nerve and systemic harm to different organs. Falcaria vulgaris (FV) is a medicinal plant rich in antioxidants. This research aimed to assess the FV hydroalcoholic extract effects on kidney toxicity induced by Merc. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight male rats were divided into eight groups: the control group: received saline; the Merc group: received 0.5 ml/day of 0.5 ppm aqueous Merc; FV1, 2, and 3 groups: received 50, 100, 150 mg/kg FV, respectively; and Merc + FV1, 2, and 3 groups: received Merc and FV at three doses. The administration period was 14-days. Subsequently, kidneys and sera were cumulated from each group for the analysis. Samples were analyzed via hematoxylin-eosin staining and biochemical tests. Results: The rats that received Merc displayed significant decrement in the kidney index, the diameter of renal corpuscles, total antioxidant capacity levels, superoxide dismutase activity (all, p<0.01), and 150 mg/kg FV mitigated these outcomes (all, p<0.05). Urea, creatinine, nitric oxide, and the level of apoptosis revealed a significant increment in the kidney of the rats that received Merc (all, p<0.01), and 150 mg/kg FV decreased these results. Furthermore, FV ameliorated histological changes induced by Merc (all, p<0.05). Conclusion: The FV hydroalcoholic extract protects the kidneys against Merc-induced nephrotoxicity. Antioxidant and anti-apoptotic FV hydroalcoholic extract properties were involved in this healing effect.

The global prevalence of myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the life-threatening coronary-associated pathologies characterized by sudden cardiac death. The provision of complete insight into MI complications along with designing a preventive program against MI seems necessary. METHODS: Various databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Embase, and Google scholar search engine) were hired for comprehensive searching. The keywords of "Prevalence", "Outbreak", "Burden", "Myocardial Infarction", "Myocardial Infarct", and "Heart Attack" were hired with no time/language restrictions. Collected data were imported into the information management software (EndNote v.8x). Also, citations of all relevant articles were screened manually. The search was updated on 2022.9.13 prior to the publication. RESULTS: Twenty-two eligible studies with a sample size of 2,982,6717 individuals (< 60 years) were included for data analysis. The global prevalence of MI in individuals < 60 years was found 3.8%. Also, following the assessment of 20 eligible investigations with a sample size of 5,071,185 individuals (> 60 years), this value was detected at 9.5%. CONCLUSION: Due to the accelerated rate of MI prevalence in older ages, precise attention by patients regarding the complications of MI seems critical. Thus, determination of preventive planning along with the application of safe treatment methods is critical.

The global prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sexual function is often impaired following neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Young women with MS encourage disruptions in sexual function, sexual behaviors, and family formation as common global problems. Thus, the aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis study was to investigate the global prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) worldwide. METHODS: Various databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ScienceDirect) along with Google Scholar search engine were hired for systematic searching in the field of the prevalence of FSD (by July 2022). The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using I2 index, and random effects model was used to perform the analysis (CMA software, v.2). RESULTS: Following assessment of 14 included studies with the sample size of 2115 women, a total prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in women with MS was reported 62.5% (95% CI 53.9-70.5). Meta-regression assessment also showed that FSD accelerates following increasing the sample size and the year of the studies. CONCLUSION: The total prevalence of SD in women with MS was found considerably high (62.5%) in the world, which needs more serious attention by health policymakers. Correct implementation of health policies can potentially increase the society's awareness and successful treatment of SD in MS patients.

Cell therapy procedure using anti-inflammatory macrophage M2 can potentially reduce Clinical Score in animals with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis: A preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis study.

Macrophage M2 (MP2)-based cell therapy is a novel medicinal treatment for animals with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) as an experimental model of multiple sclerosis (MS). This systematic review and meta-analysis study was designed to assess the overall therapeutic effects of MP2 cell therapy on Clinical Score and motor impairment in EAE-induced animals. All experiments on MP2 cell therapy in animals with EAE were gathered (by October 2, 2022) from English (PubMed, Scopus, WoS, Science Direct, and ISC) and Persian (MagIran and SID) databases. The searching strategy was designed using "Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis," "Multiple Sclerosis," and "Macrophage M2" keywords. Following primary and secondary screenings, eligible papers were selected based on the PRISMA 2020 guideline, and the study quality was assessed using the Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) checklist. The difference in means of Clinical Score (score 0-5) as the effect size (ES) was analyzed based on the random effect model (CMA software, v.2). Subgrouping (EAE phases of Onset, Peak, and Recovery) was applied, and I2 index was used to assess the heterogeneity index. Publication bias and sensitivity indices were also evaluated. P < 0.05 was considered significant, and the confidence interval (CI) was determined 95%. Among 22 gathered papers, medium to high quality studies were selected for meta-analysis. Difference in means, P value, and I2 for Onset, Peak, and Recovery phases were 0.082 (CI95%: -0.323-0.159, P value: 0.504, I2 : 67.961%), -0.606 (CI95%: -1.518 to -0.305, P value: 0.192, I2 : 96.070%), and -1.103 (CI95%: -1.390 to -0.816, P value: 0.000, I2 : 30.880%), respectively and Overall Effect was found -0.509 (CI95%: -0.689 to -0.328, P value < 0.001). Also, P value (two-tailed) indices for publication bias were 0.366 and 0.583 for Egger's regression intercept and Begg rank correlation, respectively. The P value for sensitivity was detected 0.003. Cell therapy procedure using MP2 can potentially alleviate the Clinical Scores Index and correct the motor defects in Recovery phase of EAE animals. In healthy mice, the brain and myelin surrounding neurons are in a healthy and physiological state (1). To evaluate MS in humans, it is necessary to model this type of disease in animals using EAE procedure through subcutaneous injection of CFA, MOG35-55 , MT, and Pert. Thus, inflammation and autoimmunity occur, which finally lead to myelin destruction and motor symptoms (2). By aspiration of progenitor cells available in bone marrow, the MP2 can be isolated and cultured. By activation of these types of cells, a rich collection of MP2 can be prepared for the cell-therapy process (3). After injection through the tail vein or intra-peritoneal procedure, these cells can be located in CNS through crossing from the BBB. They begin their anti-inflammatory activities and help repair the damaged myelin (4). Eventually, the clinical symptoms can be modified considerably, and the animal motor function improves (5). CFA, complete Freund's adjuvant; MOG35-55 , myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein; MT, Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Pert, pertussis; EAE, Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis; BM, bone marrow; MP2, macrophage M2; and BBB, blood brain barrier.

The effects of smoking on female sexual dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The increased number of female smokers is considered a global health challenge in recent years. One of the detrimental effects of smoking is sexual hormone fluctuation causing female sexual dysfunction (FSD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of smoking leading to FSD. Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) were hired for systematic searching. Until June 2022, whole qualified studies reporting the consequences of smoking on FSD were gathered for data analysis based on the random effects model (CMA software, v.2). Study heterogeneity and publication bias were also assessed using I2 index and Egger test, respectively. Ten eligible studies with a sample size of 15,334 female smokers (18-79 years) were selected. Following data analysis, the odds ratio representing the effects of smoking on FSD was found 1.48 (95%CI: 1.2-1.83), indicating that female smokers were 48% more susceptible to FSD than non-smokers. Also, the publication bias was reported as non-significant (p = 0.178). Since smoking is an increasingly common phenomenon in females and women smokers are 48% more susceptible to the FSD, preparation of necessary health measures by the health policymakers to reduce the number of female smokers and subsequent health services seems necessary.

Fas cell surface death receptor/Fas ligand genetic variants in gastric cancer patients: A case-control study.

Background & objectives: Various studies have suggested a correlation between Fas cell surface death receptor/Fas ligand (FAS/FASL) variants and multiple types of cancers. The present study aimed to investigate the association between FAS-670A/G and FASL-844C/T and the synergistic effects of both variants on the risk of gastric cancer (GC) in the Kurdish population of west of Iran. Methods: This study was conducted by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique using MvaI and BsrDI restriction enzymes in 98 GC patients and 103 healthy control individuals. Results: According to the obtained results, a significant association (P=0.008) of FASL polymorphism among GC patients and the control group was detected. Furthermore, no significant differences were found in the FAS polymorphism frequencies between GC patients and the control group. Codominant and dominant models in FASL polymorphism showed significant protective effects against GC [odds ratio (OR)=0.307, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.134-0.705), P=0.005; OR=0.205, 95% CI (0.058-0.718), P=0.013 and OR=0.295, 95% CI (0.129-0.673), P=0.004 for models of codominant CC vs. CT, codominant CC vs. TT and dominant, respectively]. Furthermore, the presence of both FAS-670G and FASL-844T alleles represented a significant protective effect against GC occurrence [OR=0.420, 95% CI (0.181-0.975), P=0.043]. Interpretation & conclusions: So far, we believe this is the first study, the results of which suggest that FASL gene variation and its synergistic effects with FAS gene could be associated with the risk of GC in the Kurdish population in the west of Iran.

H6PD Gene Polymorphisms (R453Q and D151A) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case-Control Study in A Population of Iranian Kurdish Women.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known as the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder in the reproductive-age women. Due to the effects of PCOS on the physical and mental health, the investigation of the factors affecting the development of PCOS is crucial. Hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PD) is a microsomal enzyme that catalyzes the first two reactions of the oxidative chain of the pentose phosphate pathway. The present study examined the polymorphisms of the H6PD gene (R453Q and D151A) in PCOS patients of Iranian Kurdish women.
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, a total, of 200 female volunteers in two equal groups participated in our study. The PCOS patients were selected based on the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria. The association of H6PD gene polymorphisms, D151A and R453Q, with the development of PCOS were investigated. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used for genotyping. Statistical analysis was applied by the SPSS (version 16) software.
Results: Statistically significant lower frequencies of AA+AG genotype (37% vs. 55%, P=0.01) and A allele (22.5%
vs. 34%, P=0.01) of R453Q were observed in the patients compared to the controls. In the case of D151A, no significant
differences were observed in the frequency of genotypes and alleles between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that variants of H6PD R453Q affect the risk of PCOS.

Effects of cisplatin and acacetin on total antioxidant status, apoptosis and expression of OCTN3 in mouse testis.

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic medication that also exhibits toxic effects on normal cells. Acacetin (ACA) is an herbal compound that exhibits anticancer properties with few side effects. We investigated the use and side effects of ACA and cisplatin on the male reproductive system. Mature male mice were divided into six groups: control group treated with DMSO, cisplatin group treated with 1 mg/kg cisplatin and three ACA groups treated with 10, 25 or 50 mg/kg ACA. All treatments were applied for three days. A final experimental group was treated with 50 mg/kg ACA for 10 days. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed and reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), OCTN3 gene expression and apoptosis were measured in testis. TAC and OCTN3 gene expression were decreased, while ROS and apoptosis were increased in cisplatin group compared to other groups. All ACA groups exhibited decreased apoptosis and ROS levels, and increased TAC and OCTN3 gene expression compared to the cisplatin treated mice. ACA caused fewer adverse effects in testicular tissue than cisplatin. ACA appears to improve the oxidant-antioxidant system, accelerates cell regeneration and inhibits apoptosis.

New rat to mouse xenograft transplantation of endometrium as a model of human endometriosis.

Background: Endometriosis can lead to infertility. Since there is no definitive treatment for endometriosis, animal modelling seems necessary to examine the possible treatments. Mouse endometrium cannot be separated for endometriosis induction. In addition, transplantation of uterus into the abdominal viscera to induce endometriosis causes organ damage. In this study, we defined a new model of endometriosis leading to separability of endometrium and a safe anatomical region for transplantation. Methods: Forty female mice were allocated to 5 groups: 1, sham; 2, allograft uterus transplantation of mice to anterior abdominal wall of mice; 3, allograft uterus transplantation of mice to mesentery of mice; 4, xenograft endometrial transplantation of rat to anterior abdominal wall of mice; 5, xenograft endometrial transplantation of rat to mesentery of mice. Adult female rats with a previous pregnancy experience were selected and placed in the vicinity of male rats for 2 weeks to induce estrogen secretion and increase endometrial thickness. Results: In the 4th group of animals, compared to sham, the peritoneal concentrations of VEGF-A, TNF-α, NO, MDA, and serum levels of CA-125 and IL-37 were increased and total body weight was decreased, while weight and size of endometrial lesions were increased significantly (P < .05). Genes expression of HOXA10 and HOXA11 were decreased significantly (P < .05) in groups 2 and 4 compared to sham. Conclusions: Xenograft transplantation of endometrium from rat to anterior abdominal wall of mice can potentially mimic human endometriosis morphologically, histologically, and genetically.

Alteration of TGFB1, GDF9, and BMPR2 gene expression in preantral follicles of an estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovary mouse model can lead to anovulation, polycystic morphology, obesity, and absence of hyperandrogenism.

OBJECTIVE: In humans, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an androgen-dependent ovarian disorder. Aberrant gene expression in folliculogenesis can arrest the transition of preantral to antral follicles, leading to PCOS. We explored the possible role of altered gene expression in preantral follicles of estradiol valerate (EV) induced polycystic ovaries (PCO) in a mouse model. METHODS: Twenty female balb/c mice (8 weeks, 20.0±1.5 g) were grouped into control and PCO groups. PCO was induced by intramuscular EV injection. After 8 weeks, the animals were killed by cervical dislocation. Blood serum (for hormonal assessments using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique) was aspirated, and ovaries (the right ovary for histological examinations and the left for quantitative real-time polymerase) were dissected. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the PCO group showed significantly lower values for the mean body weight, number of preantral and antral follicles, serum levels of estradiol, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, and gene expression of TGFB1, GDF9 and BMPR2 (p<0.05). Serum progesterone levels were significantly higher in the PCO animals than in the control group (p<0.05). No significant between-group differences (p>0.05) were found in BMP6 or BMP15 expression. CONCLUSION: In animals with EV-induced PCO, the preantral follicles did not develop into antral follicles. In this mouse model, the gene expression of TGFB1, GDF9, and BMPR2 was lower in preantral follicles, which is probably related to the pathologic conditions of PCO. Hypoandrogenism was also detected in this EV-induced murine PCO model.

Genetic, biochemical and histopathological evaluations of thymoquinone on male reproduction system damaged by paclitaxel in Wistar rats.

This study was aimed to evaluate therapeutic effects of thymoquinone on male reproductive damages induced by paclitaxel. Forty-eight male rats were divided; control, paclitaxel (4 mg/kg), paclitaxel + thymoquinone (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg) and thymoquinone (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg). Paclitaxel and thymoquinone were administrated intraperitoneally for 4 and 14 days respectively. Then, the testes were removed for H&E staining, sperm parameters and apoptotic genes expression assessments. Serum levels of nitric oxide, total antioxidant capacity and testosterone were evaluated, and sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed. Paclitaxel significantly (p < .05) increased nitric oxide, decreased total antioxidant capacity and reduced testosterone levels than control group. Sperm motility, viability and count were significantly (p < .05) reduced in paclitaxel group than control. Co-administration of thymoquinone + paclitaxel caused decreased levels of nitric oxide and increased total antioxidant capacity, testosterone levels and reproductive parameters than paclitaxel group significantly (p < .05). Paclitaxel significantly (p < .05) increased caspase-3 and p-53 and decreased Bcl-2 genes expression than control. Sperm DNA fragmentation index was also increased significantly (p < .05) in paclitaxel group than control, and this value was decreased in whole doses of paclitaxel + thymoquinone groups than paclitaxel. Thymoquinone can alleviate the side effects of paclitaxel on the male reproductive system.

Expression of cyclin D1, p21, and estrogen receptor alpha in aflatoxin G1-induced disturbance in testicular tissue of albino mice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aflatoxin (AF) is a mycotoxin produced by various strains of the Aspergillus family. AFG1 as one of the most important types is highly found in cereals and grains. AF affects sperm production or even its quality. This study was designed to test the effects of AFG1 on mice testicular tissue. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Twenty-four Albino mice were divided into four groups of 6 each; a control group (0.2 mL corn oil and ethanol), three treatment groups with different periods (20 µg/kg AFG1 for 7, 15, and 35 consecutive days). All treatments were applied intraperitoneally. Biosynthesis of cyclin D1, p21, and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) proteins was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Levels of cyclin D1, p21, and ERα mRNA were evaluated by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Tubular differentiation index (TDI), reproductive index (RI), and spermiogenesis indices were also analyzed. FINDINGS/RESULTS: AFG1 increased the percentage of seminiferous tubules with negative TDI, RI, and SPI compared to the control group (P < 0.05). RT-PCR and IHC analyses illustrated time-dependent enhancement in p21 expression and cyclin D1 biosynthesis in AFG1-treated groups significantly (P < 0.05). While the protein and mRNA levels of ERα were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in a time-dependent manner. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The chronic exposure to AFG1 reduced the expression and synthesis of ERα, increased the expression and synthesis of p21 and cyclin D1, impaired apoptosis, which in turn could impair spermatogenesis.

Effects of Three-Dimensional Sodium Alginate Scaffold on Maturation and Developmental Gene Expressions in Fresh and Vitrified Preantral Follicles of Mice.

BACKGROUND: Prior to chemotherapy interventions, n vitroi maturation (IVM) of folliclesthrough vitrification can be used to help young people conserve their fertility. The aim of s tudy was to inves tigate effect of sodium alginat scaffold on follicles development and improvement of the culture medium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental study was conducted on immature female BALB/c mice (12-14 days). Follicles were gathered mechanically and placed in α-Minimal Essential Medium (α-MEM) containing 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Some pre-antral follicles were frozen. The fresh and vitrified follicles were cultured in different concentrations of sodium alginate (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) and two dimensional (2D) medium for 12 days. The samples were evaluated for viability percentage, the number of MII-phase oocytes and reactive oxygen specious (ROS) level. Additionally, Gdf9, Bmp15, Bmp7, Bmp4, Gpx, mnSOD and Gcs gene expressions were assessed in the samples. RESULTS: The highest and lowest percentages of follicle viability and maturation in the fresh and vitrified groups were respectively 0.5% concentration and 2D culture. There was no significant difference among the concentrations of 0.25% and 1%. Viability and maturation of follicles showed a significant increase in the fresh groups in comparison with the vitrified groups. ROS levels in the both fresh and vitrified groups with different concentrations of alginate showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. ROS levels in follicles showed a significant decrease in the fresh groups in comparison with the vitrified groups (P≤0.0001). The highest gene expression levels were observed in the 0.5% alginate (P≤0.0001). Moreover, the viability percentage, follicle maturation, and gene expression levels were higher in the fresh groupsthan the vitrified groups (P≤0.0001). CONCLUSION: Alginate hydrogel at a proper concentration of 5%, not only helps follicle get mature, but also promotes the expression of developmental genes and reducesthe level of intracellular ROS. Follicular vitrification decreases quality of the follicles, which are partially compensated using a three dimensional (3D) cell culture medium.

The evaluation of physical properties of a polyurethane expandable endodontic sealer: a preliminary study.

Endodontic sealers play a vital role in providing 3-dimensional (3D) filling of complex root canal system (RCS). This study intended to compare the physical properties of a Polyurethane Expandable Sealer (PES), AH Plus and EndoSequence. Three properties including setting time, radiopacity and flow (rheology) were evaluated based on ISO 6876 standard. For evaluation of each of these physical properties, five samples from experimental groups: AH Plus, EndoSequence, PES (controlled expansion) and PES (high expansion) were used (n = 5). Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey tests (a = 0.05). EndoSequence showed the longest setting time (P < 0.000); AH Plus showed that highest radiopacity (P < 0.000); and PES (high expansion) showed the highest flow (diameter and surface area) (P < 0.000). EndoSequence and PES (controlled expansion) showed promising and comparable physical properties to the AH Plus sealer in terms of flow, setting time and radiopacity.

Regenerative Medicine and Angiogenesis; Challenges and Opportunities.

Blood vessel development is one of the most prominent steps in regenerative medicine due to the restoration of blood flow to the ischemic tissues and providing the rapid vascularization in clinical-sized tissue-engineered grafts. However, currently tissue engineering technique is restricted because of the inadequate in vitro/in vivo tissue vascularization. Some challenges like as transportation in large scale, distribution of the nutrients and poor oxygen diffusion limit the progression of vessels in smaller than clinically relevant dimensions as well in vivo integration. In this regard, the scholars attempted to promote the vascularization process relied on the stem cells (SCs), growth factors as well as exosomes and interactions of biomaterials with all of them to enable the emergence of ideal microenvironment which is needed for treatment of unhealthy organs or tissue regeneration and formation of new blood vessels. Thus, in the present review we aim to describe these approaches, advances, obstacles and opportunities as well as their application in regeneration of heart as a prominent angiogenesis-dependent organ.