Dietary trans and saturated fatty acids effects on semen quality, hormonal levels and expression of genes related to steroid metabolism in mouse adipose tissue.

Our objectives were to assess sperm alteration and adipose tissue (AT) genes expression related to steroid metabolism subsequent to fatty acids consumption. Twenty-nine mature male mice were divided into: fat diet (FD; n = 15) and the control group (n = 14). FD group was fed with low level of trans and saturated fatty acids source for 60 days. Sperm parameters, levels of hormones and the mRNA abundance of the target genes in AT were assessed. The sperm concentration, total and progressive motilities were lower in FD group compared to that of control (p < 0.01). Blood estradiol levels increased in FD (p < 0.001), whereas no significant difference was observed in testosterone. The mRNA levels of StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, 17ßHSD7 and 17ßHSD12 in AT of FD were higher than those of the control (p < 0.05). In contrast, mRNA level of Cyp19a1 in FD was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of control. 17ßHSD12 and 17ßHSD7 (as oestrogenic genes) increased, while 17ßHSD5 and 17ßHSD3 (as androgenic genes) remained unchanged, indicating that dietary trans/saturated fatty acids affect AT genes expression. Probably, sperm parameters were altered by increment of expression level of genes involved in oestrogenic metabolism rather than those engaged in androgenic metabolism after fatty acids consumption.

SiO2 nanoparticles modified CPE as a biosensor for determination of i-motif DNA/Tamoxifen interaction.

Cytosine-rich DNA sequences can form a highly ordered structure known as i-motif in slightly acidic solutions. The stability of the folded i-motif structure is a good strategy to inhibit the telomerase reaction in cancer cells. The electrochemical biosensor was prepared by modifying carbon paste electrode with SiO2 nanoparticles to investigate drugs which can stabilize this structure. Tamoxifen (Tam), an antiestrogen hormonal agent for treatment of breast cancer, was chosen as the model ligand and its interaction with i-motif structure was examined. The interaction between i-motif DNA and Tam was studied in PBS buffer and [Fe(CN)6](3-) through the cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry methods. The oxidation peak of Tam, due to the i-motif DNA/Tam interaction, was observed after i-motif immobilized on the surface of the electrode. The i-motif formation was investigated by circular dichroism spectroscopy and the results showed that this structure can certainly be made with pH around 4.5, but its stability reduced by going to the more alkaline pH. The selectivity which was studied in the presence of complementary strand demonstrated that i-motif structure could be stabilized in acidic pH even in the presence of its complementary strand.

Assessment of Tooth Preparation via Er:YAG Laser and Bur on Microleakage of Dentin Adhesives.

OBJECTIVE: Microleakage can be responsible for tooth hypersensitivity, secondary caries, and the possibility of pathological pulp alterations in restored teeth. Recently, alternative methods for tooth preparation such as laser irradiation have been studied; but there are limited studies on primary teeth. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the degree of microleakage of composite restorations prepared by Er:YAG laser and conventional bur preparation with two adhesive systems in primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty primary canine teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups. Class V cavities were prepared by Er:YAG laser or diamond bur on buccal surface. The groups were as follows: group1: High speed drill + self-etching adhesive Adper Prompt-L-Pop, group 2: Er:YAG laser + etch & rinse adhesive Adper Single Bond, group 3: High speed drill + Adper Single Bond, group 4: Er:YAG laser + Adper Prompt-L-Pop. Cavities were restored with Filtek Z250 composite resin. Then all of the specimens were polished, thermocycled, immersed in 2% methylene blue solution and sectioned longitudinally. Degree of microleakage was evaluated by two evaluators who assigned the micrleakage score (0 to 3). The original data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. RESULTS: There were significant differences between bur-prepared cavities in the Adper Single Bond and other groups. There were no statistically significant differences between other groups. CONCLUSION: Laser-prepared cavities showed higher microleakage scores than cavities prepared with diamond bur with etch and rinse adhesive system. No significant difference was revealed between the laser and bur-prepared cavities using self-etch primers.