Antidiabetic effects of the ethanolic extract of Allium saralicum R.M. Fritsch on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in a mice model.

Medicinal plants can protect different organs against diabetes-induced oxidative stress due to their antioxidant compounds. The present study was designed to investigate the potential of Allium saralicum R.M. Fritsch (A. saralicum) ethanolic extract to alleviate the adverse effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in male BALB/c mice. Seventy male mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 10). Diabetes was experimentally induced by STZ (60 mg/kg bw). A. saralicum ethanolic extract with doses 5, 20, 80, and 320 mg/kg was administrated for 20 consecutive days in diabetic animals. Based on the obtained results, the untreated diabetic mice showed high blood glucose level, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), white blood cells count (WBC), and platelets, as well as liver enzymes, urea, and creatinine. Administration of different doses of A. saralicum extract significantly reduced blood glucose level similar to glibenclamide. Also, the levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes restored toward normal level. All hepatic and renal function parameters as well as hematological parameters were improved following treatment with A. saralicum extract particularly at high doses. Histopathological studies showed a decrease in hepatic, renal, and pancreatic damage after treatment with A. saralicum extract. The results of the present work indicate that A. saralicum ethanolic extract can attenuate diabetic hepato-renal, pancreatic, and hematological damages.

Anatomical and histological structure of the tongue and histochemical characteristics of the lingual salivary glands in the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus).

This study was carried out to describe the anatomical, histological and mucinous histochemical characteristics of the tongue in the Persian squirrel. This species is a rodent distributed all over the Middle East and recently has been considered a companion animal. Anatomical observations showed the median sulcus on the apex and absence of a lingual prominence in the body. Light and scanning electron microscopy showed that the filiform papillae cover the entire dorsal surface of the tongue, and their sizes increased approaching the root. The fungiform papillae, which contained 1-4 taste buds, were scattered on the apex, margin, body and root of the tongue. Three vallate papillae were observed on the root, each one surrounded by a groove and crescent pad with taste buds on its lateral walls. The foliate papillae on both margins of the tongue contained several laminae with taste buds. The core of the tongue was composed of lingual glands, skeletal muscles and connective tissues. These glands were confined to the body and root, which were composed of serous cells located anteriorly and mucosal and seromucosal cells placed posteriorly. The mucin histochemistry using the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), alcian blue (AB) (pH 1.0 and 2.5), PAS-AB (pH 2.5) and aldehyde fuchsin-AB (pH 2.5) techniques showed that the mucosal content included both carboxylated and sulfated acidic mucins with neutral mucins. The results of this study could contribute to the knowledge of the morphological characteristics of the wild animal tongue and provide data for comparison with other rodents.

Assessment of ovarian follicles and serum reproductive hormones in molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles treated rats / Evaluación de folículos ováricos y hormonas reproductivas en suero de ratas tratadas con nanopartículas de trióxido de molibdeno

SUMMARY: Special features of nanoparticles have resulted in their widespread use. Small molybdenum trioxide (MoO 3) nanoparticles can translocate from the entry portals into the circulatory and lymphatic systems and ultimately to body tissues and organs depending on their composition and size. In this research, sixty Wistar rats weighting 180-250 g were divided into 6 groups (n=10) randomly: Group 1 (Control) did not receive any medicine. Group 2 (Sham) received intraperitoneal normal saline for 35 days on a daily basis. Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 received 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg MoO3, respectively, the same way in the sham group and at the same interval. At the end of the experiment, the rats were weighted again and anesthetised. Then blood samples were taken from their hearts to determine the serum levels of estrogen, progesterone, and gonadotropins. Their ovaries were removed and ovarian volume, follicular diameter, number of each follicle type, and oocyte volume were determined. Results indicated that MoO3 nanoparticles strongly reduced body and ovarian weights in the rats. Moreover, a significant decrease was observed in ovarian volume, the number of follicle types, oocyte volume and follicular diameter. The nanoparticles increased the number of atretic follicles via ovarian tissue structure. MoO3 nanoparticles decreased serum estrogen level and increased serum level of FSH that was associated with disruption in the regulation of progesterone and LH secretion. The findings showed that MoO3 nanoparticles could bear negative effects on ovarian structure and function.

RESUMEN: Las características específicas de las nanopartículas han dado lugar a su uso generalizado. Las pequeñas nanopartículas de trióxido de molibdeno (MoO3) pueden penetrar los sistemas circulatorios y linfáticos y, en última instancia, dependiendo de su composición y tamaño, también los tejidos y órganos del cuerpo. En esta investigación se dividieron 60 ratas Wistar con un peso de 180-250 g en 6 grupos (n = 10) aleatoriamente: el Grupo 1 (Control) no recibió ningún medicamento. El Grupo 2 (Sham) recibió solución salina normal intraperitoneal durante 35 días diariamente. Los grupos 3, 4, 5 y 6 recibieron 50, 100, 200 y 300 mg / kg de MoO3 respectivamente, de la misma manera en el grupo simulado, y en el mismo intervalo. Concluyendo el experimento, las ratas se pesaron nuevamente y fueron anestesiadas. Luego se tomaron muestras de sangre de los corazones para determinar los niveles séricos de estrógeno, progesterona y gonadotropinas. Se retiraron los ovarios y se determinó el volumen ovárico, el diámetro folicular, el número de cada tipo de folículo y el volumen de ovocitos. Los resultados indicaron que las nanopartículas de MoO3 redujeron significativamente los pesos corporal y ovárico en las ratas. Además, se observó una disminución importante en el volumen ovárico, el número de tipos de folículos, el volumen de ovocitos y el diámetro folicular. Las nanopartículas aumentaron el número de folículos auriculares a través de la estructura del tejido ovárico. Las nanopartículas de MoO 3 disminuyeron el nivel sérico de estrógeno y aumentaron el nivel sérico de FSH que se asoció con la interrupción en la regulación de la progesterona y la secreción de LH. Los hallazgos mostraron que las nanopartículas de MoO 3 podrían tener efectos negativos sobre la estructura y la función ovárica.

Anatomical, radiographical and computed tomographic study of the limbs skeleton of the Euphrates soft shell turtle (Rafetus euphraticus).

Euphrates turtle is the only soft shell turtle of Iran, and unfortunately is in danger of extinction due to multiple reasons. Imaging techniques, in addition to their importance in diagnosis of injuries to animals, have been used as non-invasive methods to provide normal anatomic views. A few studies have been conducted to understand body structure of the Euphrates turtle. Since there is only general information about the anatomy of turtle limbs, the normal skeleton of the Euphrates limbs was studied. For this purpose four adult Euphrates turtles were used. Digital radiographic examination was performed by computed radiographic (CR) in dorsoventral (DV) and lateral (L) positions. Spiral CT-scanning was done and 3D images of the bones were reconstructed for anatomical evaluation. For skeletal preparation, the skeleton was cleaned by a combination of boiling and mealworm methods and limbs' bones were examined anatomically. In the present study, simultaneous anatomic, radiographic and CT studies of bones in individual turtles made us possible to describe bones anatomically and provided comparable and complementary conditions to represent the abilities of the radiography and CT for better understanding of the anatomy. Arrangement and the number of carpal and tarsal bones are used in turtles' classification. Among the studied species, Euphrates turtle carpal and tarsal bones show the most similarities to the Apolone spinifera.

Cimetidine administration decreases radiogenic damage on the thyroid gland in mice.

PURPOSE: To study if Cimetidine administration could ameliorate the thyroid damage in external radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty healthy male adult mice were used in the present study. The animals were randomized into four groups. Untreated mice (Group 1) that received 1 mg/kg saline intraperitoneally (IP). Group 2 received a single 10 Gy gamma radiation dose with 1 mg/kg saline IP and group 3 were treated with Cimetidine IP. Group 4 was irradiated 1 hour after treatment with Cimetidine. The serum were assayed for the contents of triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Free T4 (FT4) and Cortisol using a radioimmunological technique 7 days following radiation. The thyroid tissue was processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) for histological examination. Data were statistically analyzed using Tukey's post-hoc test and were considered significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: External radiation resulted in weight loss and reduction of serum thyroid hormone levels. However, Cimetidine administration prevented marked changes. Histological study showed that Cimetidine injection to irradiated mice minimized the thyroid damage. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that Cimetidine administration 1 hour before radiation exposure was potent in ameliorating the thyroid damages.

Does bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell transfusion prevent antisperm antibody production after traumatic testis rupture?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether transfusion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could prevent humoral immune response and autoimmunization against sperms after traumatic testis rupture. METHODS: Immunomodulatory properties of MSCs have been evaluated by a prospective cohort on 50 adult BALB/c mice. In each interventional arms of study, controlled testis rupture and surgical repair were exerted. In addition to tissue repair, single dose of 5×10(5) MSCs labeled by green fluorescent protein was delivered intravenously to 20 cases (cell therapy group). After euthanizing, seroconversion of antisperm antibody (ASA) was compared between 2 interventional groups as response of humoral immune system. Lung and testis tissues were examined for green fluorescent protein-positive cells to assess whether presence of stem cells is correlated with seroconversion rates. RESULTS: Six cases had been lost during the study. Fourteen of 16 mice in cell therapy control group formed ASA (87.5%) but 6 of 18 mice (33.3%) in cell therapy group were immunized and formed ASA (P=.002). Transplanted cells were traced in lungs of 55% (n=10) of cell therapy group and none were found in trauma site. Small volume of mice blood was our main limitation to trace seroconversion or quantitative measurement of ASA in each case. CONCLUSION: In this in vivo model of autoimmune infertility, bone marrow-derived MSC transfusion showed immunosuppressive effects on antibody production. Considering immunomodulatory properties of MSCs even in allogeneic settings, novel clinical application should be investigated further.

Evaluation of histopathologic and histomorphometric changes of testicular tissue and gonadotropin levels following consumption of methylphenidate in male mice.

BACKGROUND/AIM: One of the most common psychiatric disorders in children is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which is treated extensively by methylphenidate. This study investigates the assessment of the effects of methylphenidate on histopathologic and histomorphometric changes of the testes and serum levels of gonadotropin in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 36 adult male mice were used. After determining their body weights, the animals were divided randomly into 2 experimental groups and 1 control group. The experimental groups received methylphenidate (2 and 10 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) via gavage for a period of 40 days. After evaluation of body weight, general anesthesia was used for taking blood samples from the heart in order to measure testosterone and levels of gonadotropin in serum. For the purpose of weighing the bodies and measuring the thickness of the germinal epithelium, the testes were removed and the possibility of any pathological changes was considered. RESULTS: The results showed that methylphenidate could decrease the thickness of the germinal epithelium and body weight significantly, and could increase the levels of spermatogonia and serum gonadotropins and testosterone. Histopathological changes were also seen for vascular dilatation and congestion in interstitial tissue. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that administration of methylphenidate in adulthood may have an effect on spermatogenesis due to the influence of gonadotropin hormones on testis function.

Histological and mucin histochemical study of the small intestine of the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus).

This article describes the histological and mucin histochemical properties of the small intestine of the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus). This species is widely distributed in the Middle East and can be found as a companion animal. The histological studies revealed that the plicae circulares were not visible in the tunica mucosa. The maximum height and width of the villi were observed in the duodenum, which then decreased toward the ileum. The muscularis mucosa was scattered, whereas the tunica submucosa was composed of dense connective tissue. The lymphatic nodules were seen in the submucosa of the distal part of the jejunum and ileum, and Brunner's glands were embedded in the initial portion of the duodenum. The tunica muscularis was significantly thicker in the ileum, and the circular muscle layer was thicker than the longitudinal muscle layer throughout the entire length of the small intestine. The mucin histochemistry, which was examined using the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and alcian blue (AB) (pH 1.0 and 2.5) and also PAS-AB (pH 2.5) and aldehyde fuchsin-AB (pH 2.5) techniques coupled with methylation and saponification reaction for some sections, showed that the small intestine mucous content included both carboxylated and sulfated acidic mucins with few neutral mucins. The results of this study contribute to the knowledge of the histological and histochemical characteristics of the gastrointestinal tracts of exotic mammals and provide data for comparison with other mammals.

The effect of chronic administration of methylphenidate on morphometric parameters of testes and fertility in male mice.

BACKGROUND: Due to common use of methylphenidate (MPH) for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the role of the reproductive system in the production of gametes, studying the effects of this medication on the morphometry of testes, serum testosterone concentration, leydig cells function, and fertility rate was the aim of this study. METHODS: Twenty seven male mice (Balb/C), eight weeks old, were randomly divided into one control and two treated groups. After weighing the mice, the treated groups received MPH (produced in Novartis company) at the doses of 2 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg for 40 days. The control group received only normal saline. Subsequently, after weighing the animals, the weights of testes, dimensions of the testis, and the serum testosterone concentration were measured in six mice belonging to each group. After tissue processing, the samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, then the leydig cells were counted. In order to assess male fertility in each group, 3 male mice were chosen and each of them was kept with three female mice in a separate cage. After 10 days, the fertility rates of the male mice were determined by counting the number of embryos in uterus and the corpora lutea in their ovaries. RESULTS: The results of this study revealed that prescription of different doses of MPH can cause a significant decrease of the body weight. It reduces the number of leydig cells, too (p<0.01). Moreover, serum testosterone concentration (67.72±8.24 ng/ml in control group and 0.302±0.416 ng/ml after treatment with 2 mg/kg/day MPH) and fertility rate (95.42%±4.68% in control group and 64.96%±18.51% after treatment with 2 mg/kg/day MPH) of the male mice declined significantly in the treated groups compared with the control group (p<0.01), but it did not cause any changes in the weight or morphometric parameters of testes. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirmed that MPH can negatively affect serum testosterone concentration and fertility rate of the male mice by decreasing the number of leydig cells and reducing the body weight.

Invasive aspergillosis promotes tumor growth and severity in a tumor-bearing mouse model.

Invasive aspergillosis increases in chronic immunosuppressive diseases such as cancer. There is little information about the mechanisms by which Aspergillus infection affects the immune regulation and microenvironment of cancer cells. Hence, this study was aimed at investigating the effect of invasive aspergillosis on immunosurveillance, metastasis, and prognosis of cancer in tumor-bearing mice. After implantation of mouse mammary tumor in BALB/c mice, they were infected with Aspergillus conidia intravenously. For comparison, groups of mice were experimentally infected with Aspergillus conidia or implanted with tumor cells separately. Seven days after Aspergillus infection, the serum levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were measured by ELISA, and subsequently regulatory T lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. The survival of animals and mean tumor size were then determined. Our results indicated that tumor sizes in mice increased significantly after infection with Aspergillus conidia. Moreover, invasive aspergillosis enhanced the population of regulatory lymphocytes and level of TIMP-1. This study supports the idea that massive Aspergillus infection could stimulate tumor growth and increases the possibility of a bad prognosis. As a result, treatment of Aspergillus infection could be considered an important issue for efficient cancer therapy.

Biocompatibility and mineralization activity of fresh or set white mineral trioxide aggregate, biomimetic carbonated apatite, and synthetic hydroxyapatite.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of apatite formation on tissue contact with white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) and compare this apatite with a synthetic hydroxyapatite (SHAp) in subcutaneous connective tissue of rats. METHODS: Thirty-three Wistar rats were used in this study. Polyethylene tubes filled with WMTA, apatite formed by WMTA (BCAp), and an SHAp along with empty tubes were implanted into dorsal connective tissue of rats for 15, 30, and 60 days. Set MTA covered with BCAp (set MTA/BCAp) was implanted as well. The specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and von Kossa and evaluated for inflammatory reactions and mineralization through a light microscope. RESULTS: All groups evoked a moderate chronic inflammatory reaction at 15 days, which subsided with time. No statistically significant difference was found among the groups (p >.05). BCAp did not stimulate mineralization. WMTA, SHAp, and set MTA/BCAp induced significantly more dystrophic calcification than BCAp (p < .05). WMTA and set MTA/BCAp stimulated the same amount of calcification (p >.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested a possible role of apatite formation on the mineralization induction characteristics of WMTA, which indicated a definite effect on biocompatibility. BCAp produced by WMTA differed from SHAp in mineralization activity.

Isolation and identification of yeast flora from genital tract in healthy female camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Yeasts are commensal organisms found in the skin, genital and gastrointestinal tracts, and other mucosal sites in mammalians. The purposes of this study were to identify yeast flora and to determine the number of colony forming units (CFUs) in genital tract of healthy female dromedary camels, establishing their connection in both mated and unmated conditions. The samples were taken from different parts of genital tract including vestibule, vagina, cervix, uterine body, and uterine horns of 50 camels using sterilized cotton swabs. They were cultured onto Sabouraud glucose agar containing chloramphenicol and incubated at 30 degrees C for 7-10 days. A total of 454 yeast colonies were obtained from genital tract. Yeast isolates belonged to 8 genera: Candida (73.1%), Trichosporon (10.1%), Geotrichum (7.5%), Kluyveromyces (3.5%), Rhodotorula (2.4%), Aureobasidium (1.4%), Cryptococcus (1.1%) and Prototheca (0.8%). Among different Candida species, C. zeylanoides was the most common isolated species, representing significant difference with other Candida species (P<0.05). The mean number of yeasts found in the vestibule (46%) was significantly higher than the results obtained from other parts (P<0.05). In addition, the mean value of CFUs from unmated females (71.1%) was significantly higher than mated females (P<0.05). The results showed that C. zeylanoides was a common component of healthy camel females' genital mycoflora and the number of yeasts varied between mated and unmated females.

Inhibition of the cyclooxygenase pathway attenuates morphine-induced conditioned place preference in mice.

Prostanoids are shown to be important lipid mediators, not only in periphery but also in the brain, where they appear to modulate synaptic transmission. Recent studies have demonstrated that cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway might modulate the neurotransmission of gamma-aminobutyric acid and dopamine in the central nervous system. In this study, we have evaluated the effects of indomethacin (a non-selective COX inhibitor) and celecoxib (a selective COX-2 inhibitor) on the acquisition of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in male Swiss mice. Our data shows that morphine (2.5-7.5 mg/kg) induces place preference conditioning in a dose-dependent manner. Celecoxib (0.01-5 mg/kg) and indomethacin (1 mg/kg) fail to produce a significant CPP or conditioned place aversion (CPA); however, higher doses of celecoxib (10 mg/kg) and indomethacin (5 mg/kg) induce CPA. Co-administration of celecoxib (0.5-5 mg/kg) or indomethacin (1-5 mg/kg) with morphine during the conditioning phase, blocked the acquisition of morphine CPP. These results indicate that the reward properties of morphine can be modulated by inhibiting COX activity in mice.