Hydroalcoholic extract of Scrophularia striata has a significant therapeutic effect on thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Liver cirrhosis is one of the most important causes of death from liver diseases. Nowadays, the use of herbal medicines has increased due to its availability, less side effects and cheapness for the treatment of liver diseases. The present study was conducted to examine therapeutic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Scrophularia striata (S. striata) on thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis in rats through evaluate its effects on oxidative stress markers and the expression of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP 1), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), and Mitofusin (MFN2) genes. METHODS: 24 male rats were selected by simple random sampling. Rats were randomly assigned to four groups: group I: healthy rats, group II: thioacetamide (TAA) injected rats, group III: TAA injected rats+100 mg/kg bw of S. striata and group IV: TAA injected rats+200 mg/kg bw of S. striata. Liver cirrhosis was induced in rats by a 300 mg/kg bw TAA administration twice with an interval of 24 h. After 8 weeks of treatment by S. striata at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw, biochemical factors and oxidative stress markers (SOD, TAC, GPX, CAT and MDA) were measured using spectrophotometric methods. Also, gene expression of TIMP 1, TLR-4, and MFN2 were analyzed using real-time PCR. ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test analysis were applied to evaluate the data. RESULTS: The results showed the S. striata extract significantly improve the serum ALT, AST and ALP levels, TIMP 1, TLR-4, and MFN2 genes and oxidative stress markers (SOD, TAC, GPX, CAT and MDA) in the liver tissues when compared to control group (p<0.05). Also, it was found that the beneficial effects of the S. striata were dose-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results obtained S. striata by reducing the expression of TIMP 1, TLR-4, and MFN2 genes and improving oxidative stress might be used as adjuvant treatment for liver cirrhosis.

Biochanin-A has antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and protective effects on diabetic nephropathy via suppression of TGF-ß1 and PAR-2 genes expression in kidney tissues of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

One of the major complications of diabetes is diabetic nephropathy, and often many patients suffer from diabetic nephropathy. That is why it is important to find the mechanisms that cause nephropathy and its treatment. This study was designed to examine the antidiabetic effects of biochanin A (BCA) and evaluate its effects on oxidative stress markers and the expression of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and protease-activated receptors-2 (PAR-2) genes in the kidney of type 1 diabetic rats. After induction of diabetes using streptozotocin (STZ), 55 mg/kg bw dose, rats were randomly divided into four groups with six rats in each group as follows: normal group: normal control receiving normal saline and a single dose of citrate buffer daily; diabetic control group: diabetic control receiving 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide daily; diabetic+BCA (10 mg/kg) group: diabetic rats receiving biochanin A at a dose of 10 mg/kg bw daily; diabetic+BCA (15 mg/kg) group: diabetic rats receiving biochanin A at a dose of 15 mg/kg bw daily. TGF-ß1 and PAR-2 gene expression was assessed by real-time. Spectrophotometric methods were used to measure biochemical factors: fast blood glucose (FBG), urea, creatinine, albumin, lipids profiles malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The course of treatment in this study was 42 days. The results showed that in the diabetic control group, FBG, serum urea, creatinine, expression of TGF-ß1 and PAR-2 genes, and the levels of MDA in kidney tissue significantly increased and SOD activity in kidney tissue and serum albumin significantly decreased compared to the normal group (p < 0.001). The results showed that administration of biochanin A (10 and 15 mg/kg) after 42 days significantly reduced the expression of TGF-ß1 and PAR-2 genes and FBG, urea, creatinine in serum compared to the diabetic control group (p < 0.001), also significantly increased serum albumin compared to the diabetic control group (p < 0.001). The level of MDA and SOD activity in the tissues of diabetic rats that used biochanin A (10 and 15 mg/kg) was significantly reduced and increased, respectively, compared to the diabetic control group (p < 0.001). Also, the result showed that in the diabetic control group lipids profiles significantly is disturbed compared to the normal group (p < 0.001), the results also showed that biochanin A (10 and 15 mg/kg) administration could significantly improved the lipids profile compared to the control diabetic group (p < 0.001). It is noteworthy that it was found that the beneficial effects of the biochanin A were dose dependent. In conclusion, administration of biochanin A for 42 days has beneficial effect and improves diabetes and nephropathy in diabetic rats. So probably biochanin A can be used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of diabetes.

Amelioration of STZ-induced nephropathy in diabetic rats by saffron hydro alcoholic extract.

OBJECTIVES: Type 1 diabetes is one of the most important causes of microvascular complications such as nephropathy. On other hand, the use of herbal medicines is more affordable and has fewer side effects. Therefore, this study was conducted to assessment the therapeutic effect of saffron in diabetic nephropathy by regulating the expression of CTGF and RAGE genes as well as oxidative stress in rats with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: In this study, we used 24 Wistar rats in four groups. To induce diabetes, we used a 55 mg/kg.bw dose of streptozotocin intraperitoneally. Type 1 diabetic rats were administered saffron (20 and 40 mg/kg/day) by gavage once daily for 42 days. Finally, serum urea, creatinine, albumin and SOD, MDA levels in kidney tissue were measured using spectrophotometric methods and CTGF and RAGE gene expression in kidney tissue was measured using real-time PCR method. RESULTS: Diabetes significantly increases serum FBG, urea, creatinine and decreases albumin (p<0.001). AS well as increased the CTGF and RAGE genes expression, MDA level and decreased the SOD activity in the kidney tissue (p<0.001). Serum urea, creatinine, albumin was significantly ameliorated by saffron (p<0.001). It was shown the saffron significantly decrease the kidney expression CTGF and RAGE genes and MDA level and increased the SOD activity (p<0.001). Also, it was found that the beneficial effects of the saffron were dose-dependent (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that saffron as an adjunct therapy may prevent development and treatment of diabetic nephropathy by regulating the expression of the CTGF and RAGE genes and oxidative stress.

Allium jesdianum hydro alcoholic extract ameliorates diabetic nephropathy by suppressing connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) gene expression in diabetic rats with streptozotocin.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic nephropathy is one of the major complications of diabetes, the use of medicinal plants is increasing due to fewer side effects. This study was designed to examine antidiabetic effects of Allium jesdianum (A. jesdianum) ethanolic extract and evaluate its effects on oxidative stress markers and the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) genes in the kidney of type 1 diabetic rats. METHODS: In this study, we randomly divided 24 rats into four groups with six rats in each group as follows: Cnt group: normal control receiving normal saline, Dibt group: diabetic control receiving normal saline daily, Dibt + A. jesdianum 250 group: diabetic rats receiving A. jesdianum at a dose of 250 mg/kg bw daily, Dibt + A. jesdianum 500 group: diabetic rats receiving A. jesdianum at a dose of 500 mg/kg bw daily. To induce diabetes, we used 55 mg/kg bw dose of streptozotocin intraperitoneally. The concentration of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and serum urea, creatinine and albumin, SOD, MDA (using spectrophotometric methods) and gene expression of CTGF and RAGE in kidney tissue (using real-time PCR methods) were quantified in the diabetic rats that received A. jesdianum for 42 days, and were compared to control rats. RESULTS: The results showed that in the diabetic group the FBG and serum urea, creatinine and expression of kidney CTGF and RAGE genes and the levels of SOD and MDA significantly increased and serum albumin significantly decreased compared to the Cnt group (p<0.001). Administration of A. jesdianum significantly improved the FBG and serum urea, creatinine and albumin compared to Dibt group (p<0.05). It was shown the A. jesdianum significantly decrease the kidney expression levels of CTGF and RAGE genes and improve oxidative stress (increased SOD and decreased MDA) in the kidney tissues when compared to Dibt group (p<0.001). Also, it was found that the beneficial effects of the A. jesdianum were dose-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that administration of A. jesdianum for 42 days has beneficial anti-diabetic and anti-nephropathic effects in diabetic rats and can be used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of diabetes.

Serum and Saliva Levels of Cancer Antigen 15-3, Carcinoembryonic Antigen, Estradiol, Vaspin, and Obestatin as Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women.

OBJECTIVE: To find suitable biomarkers for diagnosis of Breast cancer in serum and saliva; also, to examine the correlation between salivary and serum concentrations of suitable biomarkers. METHODS: This case-control study included 30 women with breast cancer as a case group and 30 healthy women as a matched control group. Blood and saliva specimens were collected from all participants. We evaluated serum and salivary cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), estradiol, vaspin, and obestatin concentrations. Mann-Whitney U testing and Spearman correlation coefficients were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Serum and salivary concentrations of estradiol were significantly higher in patients with breast cancer (BC) than in healthy women (P < .05). Also, serum CEA and salivary obestatin concentrations were significantly higher in BC patients than in the control group (P < .05). However, there was no significant difference between other parameters in patients with BC and controls. We observed a positive correlation between serum and salivary concentrations of CA15-3, as well as a negative correlation between serum and salivary concentrations of vaspin and obestatin. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that concentrations of CEA and estradiol in serum, obestatin in serum and saliva, and estradiol in saliva were significantly different between the 2 groups.

Serum and Saliva Concentrations of Biochemical Parameters in Men with Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To find suitable biomarkers for diagnosis of prostate cancer (PC) in serum and saliva; also, to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of saliva in patients with PC. METHODS: This case-control study included 20 patients with PC and 20 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Blood and saliva were collected from the participants and centrifuged. Serum and supernatant saliva were used for biochemical analysis. We evaluated serum and salivary levels of urea, creatinine, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), creatine kinase BB (CK-BB), zinc, ß-2 microglobulin (B2M), and melatonin. Also, we used Mann-Whitney U testing, Spearman correlation coefficients, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to evaluate the data. RESULTS: Serum and salivary concentrations of urea, creatinine, PSA, CK-BB, zinc, and B2M were significantly higher in patients with PC, compared with the BPH group (P <.05). However, serum and salivary concentrations of melatonin were significantly lower in patients with PC, compared with BPH group (P <.05). In both groups, salivary concentrations of all markers were lower (P <.05), compared with those values in serum. We observed positive correlation between serum and salivary concentrations of all markers studied (P <.05). CONCLUSION: From the data, we conclude that investigation using saliva specimens is a noninvasive, simple, and effective tool for screening of biochemical parameters.

A comparative study of the antidiabetic effect of two training protocols in streptozotocin-nicotinamide diabetic rats.

Background Physical inactivity is the major risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D). The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of resistance training and endurance training on diabetic-related metabolic parameters in diabetic rats. Materials and methods Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups of six rats each: control group (C), diabetic group (D), resistance training group (RES) and endurance training group (END). T2D was induced intraperitoneally using nicotinamide (120 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg). The training period was 70 days. The irisin, betatrophin, insulin, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipid profiles were measured in the serum of all rats. Results Diabetes significantly increased serum levels of FBG (p < 0.001), which were decreased significantly after the administration of training (p < 0.001). Training administration had a significant effect in normalizing serum lipid profiles (p < 0.001) and it was shown to increase the serum levels of irisin, betatrophin (p < 0.001) and insulin (END: p < 0.001 and resistance training: p < 0.05). It was also found that the endurance training was more effective in improving this parameters when compared with resistance training (p < 0.05). In addition, the irisin revealed a significant positive association with betatrophin (END: p < 0.01 and resistance training: p < 0.05) and insulin (END: p < 0.01 and RES: p < 0.05) values in diabetic groups. Conclusion This study demonstrated that endurance training was more effective in diabetic related metabolic derangement compared with resistance training. This effect is probably due to better regulation of irisin, betatrophin and insulin relative to resistance training.

Antidiabetic and protective effects of Scrophularia striata ethanolic extract on diabetic nephropathy via suppression of RAGE and S100A8 expression in kidney tissues of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Background The present study was conducted to examine the antidiabetic effects of Scrophularia striata ethanolic extract and to evaluate its effects on oxidative stress markers and RAGE and S100A8 gene expressions in the kidney of type 1 diabetic rats. Methods A total of 36 rats (weight 200-250 g) were randomly assigned into six groups as follows: Cnt, Cnt + S. striata 100, and Cnt + S. striata 200 that received normal saline, 100 mg/kg bw, and 200 mg/kg bw of ethanol extract of S. striata, respectively; and group Dibt, Dibt + S. striata 100, and Dibt + S. striata 200 that received normal saline, 100 mg/kg bw, and 200 mg/kg bw of ethanol extract of S. striata, respectively. Type 1 diabetes was induced in rats by a single injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg bw). After 60 days of treatment, biochemical factors and oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and malondialdehyde [MDA]) were measured using spectrophotometric methods. RAGE and S100A8 gene expressions were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Diabetes significantly impairs serum and urine fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, creatinine, urea, and albumin parameters. After the treatment with S. striata extract, these parameters are close to the normal range. It was shown that the S. striata extract significantly decreased the kidney expression levels of RAGE and S100A8 genes and improved oxidative stress markers (SOD and MDA) in the kidney tissues when compared with the diabetic control group. It was also found that the beneficial effects of the S. striata were dose dependent. Conclusions The ethanolic extract of S. striata has beneficial antidiabetic effects. Moreover, by reducing RAGE and S100A8 gene expressions and by improving oxidative stress, S. striata might be used as adjuvant treatment for diabetic complications.