Neuroprotective effects of rosemary extract on white matter of prefrontal cortex in old rats.

Objectives: During aging, cerebral structures undergo changes due to oxidative stress. The consumption of some plants seems to improve neurological health. For example, rosemary extract (RE) which is widely used as a flavoring food has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of RE on the changes related to the aging process in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats including young and old were purchased. Each group was divided into two subgroups: vehicle and rosemary (old vehicle (OV), old rosemary (OR), young vehicle (YV), and young rosemary (YR) groups). Then, we examined the number of intact neurons, myelin base protein (MBP), white matter (WM), levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the PFC. Results: The results showed that in the old vehicle rats compared to the young group without treatment, except for the MDA level (which increased), other variables significantly decreased (P≤0.05). Additionally, RE consumption demonstrated a significant elevation of WMA, MBP intensity, number of intact neurons, and GPx activity level, while MDA levels significantly reduced in the treated old rats compared to the old vehicle group (P≤0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the OR and YV groups (P≥0.05). Conclusion: Overall, it seems that RE can protect and improve aging damages in the PFC due to its anti-oxidant properties. So, the use of RE can be a suitable strategy to prevent aging complications in the brain.

The preventive effect of Zingiber officinale essential oil on demyelination of corpus callosum in a cuprizone rat model of multiple sclerosis.

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent neurological disability among young adults. Anti-inflammatory drugs have shown to be effective in MS. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of Zingiber officinale (ginger) have been shown and proven in many phytotherapy studies. This study aimed to evaluate effects of ginger essential oil on preventing myelin degradation in a rat model of MS. Materials and Methods: In this study, we divided 49 rats into 7 groups; 4 control and 3 experimental groups that received 3 different dose of ginger essential oil (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg/day) for treatment of cuprizone-induced demyelinated rats. Basket test and transmission electron microscopy were performed in this study. Olig2 and Mbp genes and proteins were respectively evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Histologically, cuprizone created demyelination in the corpus callosum fibers. Remyelination of fibers was seen in the group treated with the medium dose of ginger essence, by toluidine blue staining. transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed increased thickness of the myelin of fibers in all 3 treated groups (p<0.05). Feeding by the medium dose of ginger essence significantly increased the levels of Mbp and Olig2 genes (p<0.05). ELISA test showed that 100 mg/kg/day of ginger caused a significant difference between experimental and the cuprizone-induced groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that administration of ginger essential oil prevented demyelination and improved remyelination of rats` corpus callusom and can be used as an effective substance in the prevention of MS.

Effects of Cyperus rotundus Extract on Spatial Memory Impairment and Neuronal Differentiation in Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the older population and characterized by progressive memory and cognitive impairment. Cyperus rotundus, a traditional medicinal herb, has analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory effects and also used to increase memory in Islamic traditional medicine. This study was designed to consider the effects of C. rotundus extract on memory impairment and neurogenesis in the Beta-Amyloid rats' model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 7) for the evaluation of baseline training performance in the Morris water maze test. Then, amyloid-beta (Aß1-42) was injected in animal hippocampal CA1 bilaterally in four groups. The first probe trial was performed 21 days after Aß injection. Then, 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg of C. rotundus extract were administered to three Aß-injected groups for 1 month; after that, the second probe trial was performed, and rats were sacrificed after 28 days of the second probe trial. The neurogenesis was detected in the hippocampus, by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: This study showed that spatial memory increased in the behavioral test in AD treated group with C. rotundus extract, compared with the AD group (P = 0.02). Immunohistochemical staining revealed that neuronal differentiation has been occurred in the hippocampus in the AD-treated group with C. rotundus extract compared with the AD group (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that C. rotundus extract, repaired spatial memory impairment in the Aß rats, through increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus, which could be related to the flavonoid components in the extract.

Therapeutic effects of Cyperus rotundus rhizome extract on memory impairment, neurogenesis and mitochondria in beta-amyloid rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disturbance leading to memory deficit, cognitive decline, and behavioral disturbance. Deposition of Amyloid beta plaques, neurofibrillary tangle and mitochondrial impairment are common neuropathological signs in AD. In this study, the effect of standardized Cyperus rotundus(C. rotundus) extract in three different doses of 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg on memory, neurogenesis and mitochondrial mass in the beta amyloid rat model was assessed. For this purpose, 42 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 7) to evaluate baseline training performance in Morris water maze test. Amyloid beta (Aß) was injected in animal hippocampal CA1 bilaterally in four groups. After 21 days, a decrease was observed in spending time in target quadrant in the first probe trial in Aß injected groups. Following that, 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg of C. rotundus extracts were administered to three out of four groups for a period of one month. BrdU (Bromodeoxyuridine) was intraperitoneally injected in all groups on the last 7 days of treatment. Then, 28 days after the last BrdU injection, the second probe trial was run, and rats were sacrificed. The neurogenesis and mitochondrial distribution were detected in hippocampus, by immunohistochemical staining. At last, it was observed that C. rotundus, almost recovered memory impairment, in addition to increasing in mitochondrial mass in CA1 and neurogenesis in dentate gyruse in the beta-amyloid rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

Application of Hanging Drop Culture for Retinal Precursor-Like Cells Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Using Small Molecules.

Retinal degenerative diseases lead to blindness due to poorly regenerative potential of the retina. Recently, cell therapy is more considered for degenerative diseases. Autologous mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue are a suitable source for this purpose. Therefore, we conducted a stepwise efficient method to differentiate human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) into retinal precursor-like cells in vitro. We compared two differentiation protocols, monolayer and hanging drop cultures. Through the defined medium and 3D hanging drop culture method, we could achieve up to 75% retinal precursor gene expression profile (PAX6, RAX, CHX10, and CRX) from hADSCs. By imitation of in vivo development, for direct conversion of stem cells into retinal cells, the suppression of the BMP, Nodal, and Wnt signaling pathways was carried out by using three small molecules. The hADSCs were primarily differentiated into anterior neuroectodermal cells by expression of OTX2, SIX3, and Β-TUB III and then the differentiated cells were propelled into the retinal cells. According to our data from real-time PCR, RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and functional assay, it seems that the hanging drop method improved retinal precursor differentiation yield which these precursor-like cells respond to glutamate neurotransmitter. Regarding the easy accessibility and immunosuppressive properties of hADSCs and more efficient hanging drop method, this study may be useful for future autologous cell therapy of retinal degenerative disorders.

Hybrid and Composite Scaffolds Based on Extracellular Matrices for Cartilage Tissue Engineering.

IMPACT STATEMENT: Scaffolds fabricated from extracellular matrix (ECM) derivatives are composed of conducive structures for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation, but generally do not have proper mechanical properties and load-bearing capacity. In contrast, scaffolds based on synthetic biomaterials demonstrate appropriate mechanical strength, but the absence of desirable biological properties is one of their main disadvantages. To integrate mechanical strength and biological cues, these ECM derivatives can be conjugated with synthetic biomaterials. Hence, hybrid scaffolds comprising both advantages of synthetic polymers and ECM derivatives can be considered a robust vehicle for tissue engineering applications.

The Effects of Acorus calamus L. in Preventing Memory Loss, Anxiety, and Oxidative Stress on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Neuroinflammation Rat Models.

OBJECTIVE: Several factors lead to memory loss, the most important of which is brain aging that is caused mostly by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The need of finding preventive treatments of memory impairment in elderly encouraged authors to assess the effect of Acorus calamus on memory loss, anxiety, and antioxidant indices on neuroinflammation rat models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different fractions of A. calamus were prepared. The subject rats were grouped in 11 groups of 10 each. In the nine treated groups, the extract gavage began 1 week before intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and continued for 2 weeks after the last injection of LPS. Behavioral tests, including passive avoidance and elevated plus-maze (EPM) tests, were run on days 24, 25, and 26 and the subjects were sacrificed on the day after the last behavioral test, and their hippocampus was isolated to measure the oxidative stress markers. RESULTS: Assessment of oxidative stress markers in hippocampus samples revealed that the amounts of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant activity) in the groups that received different fractions were less than their equivalent figures in LPS-control group, and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in treatment groups were less than MDA level in LPS-control group. Moreover, the treatment groups with different fractions of A. calamus revealed better performance compared to LPS-control group in shuttle-box test. In EPM test, the groups with different fractions revealed lower stress level in comparison with LPS-control group. The best performance in memory test and the lowest level of stress in EPM was observed in the group with aqueous fraction at 600 mg/kg dose, and the least figures of oxidative stress markers were of the group with aqueous fraction at 600 mg/kg dose. CONCLUSION: The oral administration of different fractions of A. calamus, especially aqueous fraction, prevented from memory deficits and stress through controlling oxidative stress and inflammation processes.

Novel Effects of Traditional Wooden Toothbrush on Bowel Motility Symptoms in Spinal Cord Injury Patients; Findings from a Pilot Quasi-experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of traditional wooden toothbrush usage on most severe constipation, which usually occurs in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. METHODS: In a quasi-experimental study, 61 SCI patients were selected who had injuries in different spinal levels (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar), and severe constipation from one defection in a few days to 3 weeks. They were recommended to use traditional wooden toothbrush for 5 min twice a day, after breakfast and dinner, over a 6 weeks period. Two proper standard scales, called neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD), and "Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS)," were used for evaluating the changes in patients' gastrointestinal (GI) habits during the period of using the wooden toothbrush. Through these scales (NBD and CAS), the therapeutic effects of traditional wooden toothbrush usage on the severity of constipation before and after intervention were measured. RESULTS: The mean of NBD and CAS scores were reduced significantly, from 8.95 ± 0.78 and 3.34 ± 0.28; respectively, to 3.03 ± 0.57 and 1.74 ± 0.25, after 6 weeks using traditional wooden toothbrush (P < 0.0001). There was a significant difference in terms of NBD scores in patients with different levels of injury (P < 0.01), particularly in patients with thoracic injury, before (10.52 ± 0.88) and after (3.13 ± 0.78) treatment, respectively (P < 0.0001). Eventually, all symptoms of bowel problems improved significantly after the intervention (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of traditional wooden toothbrush lead to the improvement of bowel and defecation problems in SCI patients. Yet more studies, particularly randomized control clinical trials are needed to investigate the effect of using wooden toothbrush on other GI reflexes. In addition, if some clinical trials are devised to study the effects of wooden toothbrush on both conscious and unconscious patients in ICU, best results are expected to be found on keeping their mouth and teeth hygiene, as well as, getting rid of their constipations.

Comparison of the Frequency of Y-short Tandem Repeats Markers between Sadat and Non-Sadat Populations in Isfahan Province of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Y chromosome is one of the two sex chromosomes and is male specific. Due to limited genetic exchange, the main part of that is passed virtually unchanged from one generation to next generation. The short tandem repeats (STRs) are almost constant on chromosomes that make them as an appropriate factor for use in population genetic studies. In this study, we used the STRs of Y chromosome markers in Sadat families and comparison with other families was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, sampling was done from fifty unrelated males of Sadat families and fifty unrelated males of non-Sadat families. After the extraction of DNA from blood samples and primer design, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for each primer pairs separately. The PCR products were run on agarose gel that followed by running on polyacrylamide gel for better resolution. In addition, some sequenced samples were used as identified markers to determine the length of other alleles in polyacrylamide gel. RESULTS: The survey of six STR in two case and control groups was carried out, and analysis revealed that the frequency of some alleles is different in case group compared to control group. Allele frequency of the markers DYS392, DYS393, DYS19, DYS390, DYS388, and DYS437 on the Y chromosome in Sadat families was quite different in comparison with other families. CONCLUSIONS: The reason for these differences in allele frequencies of the Sadat family in comparison with other families is having a common ancestor.

Hanging drop culture enhances differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells into anterior neuroectodermal cells using small molecules.

Inspired by in vivo developmental process, several studies were conducted to design a protocol for differentiating of mesenchymal stem cells into neural cells in vitro. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) as mesenchymal stem cells are a promising source for this purpose. At current study, we applied a defined neural induction medium by using small molecules for direct differentiation of hADSCs into anterior neuroectodermal cells. Anterior neuroectodermal differentiation of hADSCs was performed by hanging drop and monolayer protocols. At these methods, three small molecules were used to suppress the BMP, Nodal, and Wnt signaling pathways in order to obtain anterior neuroectodermal (eye field) cells from hADSCs. After two and three weeks of induction, the differentiated cells with neural morphology expressed anterior neuroectodermal markers such as OTX2, SIX3, ß-TUB III and PAX6. The protein expression of such markers was confirmed by real time, RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry methods According to our data, it seems that the hanging drop method is a proper approach for neuroectodermal induction of hADSCs. Considering wide availability and immunosuppressive properties of hADSCs, these cells may open a way for autologous cell therapy of neurodegenerative disorders.

Variation of the cephalic and basilic veins: A case report.

Cephalic and basilic veins begin their path from around the wrist and continue towards the area above the forearm. The basilic vein becomes deep around the mid-arm, while the cephalic vein becomes deep around the upper forearm, in deltopectoral groove. The superficial veins are most commonly used for vein puncture, transfusion, bypass graft, and cardiac catheterization. In renal patients, the basilic vein use as an arteriovenous graft or fistula for haemodialysis access. During a routine dissection in the department of anatomy in Isfahan, we observed a variation in the left arm of an infant boy (six months old). The cephalic and basilic veins directly joined together in the middle of the cubital fossa. The brachial vein began from this point and, unlike the normal anatomy location, there was no paired brachial vein; rather, it was one unpaired brachial vein.

Overview of retinal differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells: A promising approach for retinal cell therapy.

Retinal disease caused by retinal cell apoptosis leads to irreversible vision loss. Stem cell investigation efforts have been made to solve and cure retinal disorders. There are several sources of stem cells which have been used in these experiments. Numerous studies demonstrated that transplanted stem cells can migrate into and integrate in different layers of retina. Among these, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were considered a promising source for cell therapy. Here, we review the literature assessing the potential of MSCs to differentiate into retinal cells in vivo and in vitro as well as their clinical application. However, more investigation is required to define the protocols that optimize stem cell differentiation and their functional integration in the retina.

Genistein potentiates the effect of 17-beta estradiol on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. This cancer may be due to a multistep process with an accumulation of epigenetic alterations in tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), leading to hypermethylation of the genes. Hypermethylation of TSGs is associated with silencing and inactivation of them. It is well-known that DNA hypomethylation is the initial epigenetic abnormality recognized in human tumors. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is one of the TSGs which modulates gene transcription and its hypermethylation is because of overactivity of DNA methyltransferases. Fortunately, epigenetic changes especially hypermethylation can be reversed by pharmacological compounds such as genistein (GE) and 17-beta estradiol (E2) which involve in preventing the development of certain cancers by maintaining a protective DNA methylation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of GE on ERα and DNMT1 genes expression and also apoptotic and antiproliferative effects of GE and E2 on HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells were treated with various concentrations of GE and E2 and the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay was used. Furthermore, cells were treated with single dose of GE and E2 (25 µM) and flow cytometry assay was performed. The expression level of the genes was determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: GE increased ERα and decreased DNMT1 genes expression, GE and E2 inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis significantly. CONCLUSION: GE can epigenetically increase ERα expression by inhibition of DNMT1 expression which in turn increases apoptotic effect of E2. Furthermore, a combination of GE and E2 can induce apoptosis more significantly.

Induction of chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells by low frequency electric field.

BACKGROUND: Since when the cartilage damage (e.g., with the osteoarthritis) it could not be repaired in the body, hence for its reconstruction needs cell therapy. For this purpose, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) is one of the best cell sources because by the tissue engineering techniques it can be differentiated into chondrocytes. Chemical and physical inducers is required order to stem cells to chondrocytes differentiating. We have decided to define the role of electric field (EF) in inducing chondrogenesis process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A low frequency EF applied the ADSCs as a physical inducer for chondrogenesis in a 3D micromass culture system which ADSCs were extracted from subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue. Also enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium, real time polymerase chain reaction and flowcytometry techniques were used for this study. RESULTS: We found that the 20 minutes application of 1 kHz, 20 mv/cm EF leads to chondrogenesis in ADSCs. Although our results suggest that application of physical (EF) and chemical (transforming growth factor-ß3) inducers at the same time, have best results in expression of collagen type II and SOX9 genes. It is also seen EF makes significant decreased expression of collagens type I and X genes. CONCLUSION: The low frequency EF can be a good motivator to promote chondrogenic differentiation of human ADSCs.

Bone Repair with Differentiated Osteoblasts from Adipose-derived Stem Cells in Hydroxyapatite/Tricalcium Phosphate In vivo.

BACKGROUND: Recently, tissue engineering has developed approaches for repair and restoration of damaged skeletal system based on different scaffolds and cells. This study evaluated the ability of differentiated osteoblasts from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) seeded into hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA-TCP) to repair bone. METHODS: In this study, ADSCs of 6 canines were seeded in HA-TCP and differentiated into osteoblasts in osteogenic medium in vitro and bone markers evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied for detection of cells in the pores of scaffold. HA-TCP with differentiated cells as the test group and without cells as the cell-free group were implanted in separate defected sites of canine's tibia. After 8 weeks, specimens were evaluated by histological, immunohistochemical methods, and densitometry test. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 18 version software. RESULTS: The expression of Type I collagen and osteocalcin genes in differentiated cells were indicated by RT-PCR. SEM results revealed the adhesion of cells in scaffold pores. Formation of trabecular bone confirmed by histological sections that revealed the thickness of bone trabecular was more in the test group. Production of osteopontin in extracellular matrix was indicated in both groups. Densitometry method indicated that strength in the test group was similar to cell-free group and natural bone (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This research suggests that ADSCs-derived osteoblasts in HA-TCP could be used for bone tissue engineering and repairing.

Inhibitory Effect of Genistein on PLC/PRF5 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line.

BACKGROUND: Natural compounds including flavonoids like genistein (GE) are able to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. GE is the main representative of these groups. GE inhibits carcinogenic tumors such as colon, stomach, lung, and pancreas tumors. The aim of the present study was to analyze the apoptotic effect of GE in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) PLC/PRF5 cell line. METHODS: Cells were treated with various doses of GE (1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 µM/L) at different times (24, 48, and 72 h) and the MTT assay was commonly used. Furthermore, cells were treated with single dose of GE (25 µM) at different times and flow cytometry was performed. RESULTS: GE inhibited the growth of liver cancer cells significantly with a time- and dose-dependent manner. The percentage of living cells in GE treatment groups with a concentration of 25 µM at different times were 53, 48 and 47%, respectively (P < 0.001). Result of flow cytometry demonstrated that GE at a 25 µM concentration induces apoptosis significantly in a time-dependent manner. The percentage of apoptotic cells at different times were 44, 56, and 60%, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: GE can significantly inhibit the growth of HCC cells and plays a significant role in apoptosis of this cell line.

Neurotrophic factors and their effects in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Neurotrophins are small molecules of polypeptides, which include nerve growth factor (NGF) family, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands, and neuropoietic cytokines. These factors have an important role in neural regeneration, remyelination, and regulating the development of the peripheral and central nervous systems (PNS and CNS, respectively) by intracellular signaling through specific receptors. It has been suggested that the pathogenesis of human neurodegenerative disorders may be due to an alteration in the neurotrophic factors and their receptors. The use of neurotrophic factors as therapeutic agents is a novel strategy for restoring and maintaining neuronal function during neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Innate and adaptive immune responses contribute to pathology of neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, autoimmune and mesenchymal stem cells, by the release of neurotrophic factors, have the ability to protect neuronal population and can efficiently suppress the formation of new lesions. So, these cells may be an alternative source for delivering neurotrophic factors into the CNS.

The effect of estrogen on the expression of cartilage-specific genes in the chondrogenesis process of adipose-derived stem cells.

BACKGROUND: During adolescence, sex hormones play an important role in regulating proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and the scheduled death of chondrocytes. Although some studies have reported the regulatory role of estrogen in the development and progression of cartilage, some of the mechanisms still remain unclear, including the role of estrogen in the expression of cartilage-specific genes in chondrogenesis process, which we cover in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, we used adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to differentiate into cartilage. Differentiated cartilage cells were used in the control (without estrogen E2 in the culture medium) and experimental (with estrogen in the culture medium) groups to evaluate the expression of type II collagen and aggrecan as chondrogenic genes markers, with -real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. RESULTS: Our results indicated that estrogen leads to inhibition of type II collagen gene expression and reduction of aggrecan gene expression. CONCLUSION: Therefore, estrogen probably has negative effects on chondrogenesis process of ADSCs.

Effect of Boswellia serrata gum resin on the morphology of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells in aged rat.

Experimental evidence indicates that administration of Boswellia resin, known as olibanum or Frankincense, increases memory power. It is reported that beta boswellic acid, the major component of Boswellia serrata gum resin, could enhance neurite outgrowth and branching in hippocampal neurons. We therefore studied whether Boswellia treatment produces morphological changes in the superior region of cornu ammonis (CA1) in aged rats. Sixteen male Wistar rats, 24 months of age, were randomly divided in experimental and control groups. The experimental group was orally administered Boswellia serrata gum resin (100 mg/kg per day for 8 weeks) and the control group received a similar volume of water. The Cavalieri principle was employed to estimate the volumes of CA1 hippocampal field, and a quantitative Golgi study was used to analysis of dendritic arborizations of CA1 pyramidal cells. Comparisons revealed that Boswellia-treated aged rats had greater volumes than control animals in stratum pyramidale and stratum radiatum lacunosum-moleculare. The neurons of CA1 in experimental rats had more dendritic segments (40.25 ± 4.20) than controls (30.9 ± 4.55), P = 0.001. The total dendritic length of CA1 neurons was approximately 20 % larger in the experimental group compared to control. Results also indicated that the aged rats treated with Boswellia resin had more numerical branching density in the apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons. The results of the present study show that long-term administration of Boswellia resin can attenuate age-related dendritic regression in CA1 pyramidal cells in rat hippocampus.

The effect of high frequency electric field on enhancement of chondrogenesis in human adipose-derived stem cells.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoarthritis (OA) is globally one of the most common diseases from the middle age onwards. Cartilage is an avascular tissue therefore it cannot be repaired in the body. Conservative treatments have failed as a good remedy and cell therapy as a decisive cure is needed. One of the best and easily accessible cell sources for this purpose is adipose-derived stem cells which can be differentiated into chondrocytes by tissue engineering techniques. Chemical and physical inducers have a key role in stem cell - chondrocyte differentiation. We have tried to determine the role of electric fields (EF) in promoting this kind of chondrogenesis process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) were extracted from subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue during cesarean section. A high frequency (60 KHz) EF (20 mv/cm), as a physical inducer for chondrogenesis in a 3D micromass culture system of ADSCs was utilized. Also, MTT, ELISA, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR techniques were used for this study. RESULTS: We found that using physical electric fields leads to chondrogenesis. Furthermore, results show that using both physical (EF) and chemical (TGFß3) inducers simultaneously, has best outcomes in chondrogenesis, and expression of SOX(9) and type II collagen genes. It also causes significant decreased expression of type I and X collagen genes in pure EF group compared with control group. CONCLUSION: The EF was found as a proper effective inducer in chondrogenic differentiation of human ADSCs micromass culture.