Effects of astaxanthin on expression of apoptosis and oxidative stress related genes in H2O2 induced oxidative stress BE(2)-C human neuroblastoma cell line.

Antioxidants may affect the apoptosis induced by oxidative stress experimental models. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of astaxanthin on expression of apoptosis and oxidative stress-related genes in H2O2 induced oxidative stress BE(2)-C human neuroblastoma cell line. This experimental study consisted of six groups including control, H2O2 induced oxidative stress control, 100 mM vitamin C intervention, 25 µM astaxanthin intervention (Ax1), 50 µM astaxanthin intervention (Ax2) and 100 µM astaxanthin intervention (Ax3). Real-time PCR was used to study the expression of BAX, BCL2, Caspase3 (CAS3), P53, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX), catalase (CAT) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). According to the results, among the apoptosis-related genes, CAS3 was down-regulated in groups vitamin C, Ax1 and Ax2 compared with H2O2 group, while P53 was down-regulated only in group vitamin C (P < 0.05). Among the oxidative stress-related genes, GPX was up-regulated in groups Ax1, Ax2 and Ax3 compared with H2O2 group, while all the experimental groups showed up-regulation for CAT and NRF2 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, astaxanthin as a powerful antioxidant could inhibit apoptosis via amelioration of CAS3 gene which might be through amelioration of some antioxidant-related genes.

Protective Effects of Cinnamic Acid Against Hyperglycemia Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in HepG2 Cells.

Background: Cinnamic acid, a phenylpropanoid acid, has been investigated as a potential alternative therapy for diabetes and its complications in some studies. Methods: In the first stage, the viability of HepG2 cells at different concentrations of glucose and CA was assessed by MTT assay. Oxidative stress markers) CAT, GPx, GSH, and MDA) were measured spectrophotometrically. After RNA extraction, the effect of different concentrations of CA on the expression of DPP4 and inflammatory factors (IL-6, NF- κB) in HepG2 cells was assessed using real-time PCR. Results: In HepG2 cells, CA increased catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity and GSH production in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of high glucose concentrations, with the greatest effect seen at a concentration of 75 mg/ml. Also, it reduced the amount of MDA in high-glucose HepG2 cells. Furthermore, CA decreased the expression of DPP4, NF- κB, and IL-6 genes in HepG2 cells in the presence of high glucose levels. Conclusions: The results of our study indicated that CA reduced hyperglycemia-induced complications in HepG2 cells by decreasing inflammatory gene expression, including IL-6 and NF- κB and inhibiting the expression of DPP4, and limiting oxidative stress.

Effect of progesterone administration on tissue mast cell population and histamine content in mice uterus after ovulation induction.

OBJECTIVE: Mast cell population and histamine affect on blastocyst implantation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of progesterone administration after induction of ovulation on the uterine tissue mast cell population and histamine content in mice. METHODS: We ran an experimental study on three groups of mice; control group, ovulation induction (induction group), and ovulation induction along with progesterone administration (progesterone group). Mast cells were counted using toluidine blue staining, and the histamine level was measured through spectrophotometry. RESULTS: According to the analysis of variance (ANOVA), there was no difference in mast cell population in endometrium (p=0.138) nor in myometrium (p=0.611). The ratio of mast cells in the myometrium per endometrium increased in the progesterone group in comparison to the control group based on a generalized linear model (p=0.041). The uterine histamine level was different between the groups, based on the ANOVA (p=0.039), in which the progesterone group had lower amounts of histamine. CONCLUSIONS: Progesterone administration after ovulation induction did not decrease the number of endometrial mast cells and could have increased the ratio of myometrium mast cells per endometrium mast cell. The histamine level in uterus decreased by the administration of progesterone in the ovulation-induced mice.

Development of Data Mining Algorithms for Identifying the Best Anthropometric Predictors for Cardiovascular Disease: MASHAD Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Many studies have been published to assess the best anthropometric measurements associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but controversies still exist. AIM: Investigating the association between CVDs and anthropometric measurements among Iranian adults. METHODS: For a total population of 9354 aged 35 to 65, a prospective study was designed. Anthropometric measurements including ABSI (A Body Shape Index), Body Adiposity Index (BAI), Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR), Body Round Index (BRI), HC (Hip Circumference), Demispan, Mid-arm circumference (MAC), Waist-to-hip (WH) and Waist Circumference (WC) were completed. The association between these parameters and CVDs were assessed through logistic regression (LR) and decision tree (DT) models. RESULTS: During the 6-year follow-up, 4596 individuals (49%) developed CVDs. According to the LR, age, BAI, BMI, Demispan, and BRI, in male and age, WC, BMI, and BAI in female had a significant association with CVDs (p-value < 0.03). Age and BRI for male and age and BMI for female represent the most appropriate estimates for CVDs (OR: 1.07, (95% CI: 1.06, 1.08), 1.36 (1.22, 1.51), 1.14 (1.13, 1.15), and 1.05 (1.02, 1.07), respectively). In the DT for male, those with BRI ≥ 3.87, age ≥ 46 years, and BMI ≥ 35.97 had the highest risk to develop CVDs (90%). Also, in the DT for female, those with age ≥ 54 years and WC ≥ 84 had the highest risk to develop CVDs (71%). CONCLUSION: BRI and age in male and age and BMI in female had the greatest association with CVDs. Also, BRI and BMI was the strongest indices for this prediction.

Blood serum levels of selected biomarkers of oxidative stress among printing workers occupationally exposed to low-levels of toluene and xylene.

Printing workers (PWs) are exposed to a mixture of solvents, yet the health risks associated with such exposuer are unknown. This study aimed to compare the serum levels of selected biomarkers of oxidative stress among occupationally exposed PWs to low-level of toluene and xylenes and unexposed controls. Associations between levels of such biomarkers and occupational exposures to toluene and xylene were also investigated. Urinary levels of hippuric acid (HA) and methyl hippuric acids (MHAs) as exposure biomarkers of toluene and xylenes, respectively, and serum levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were measured among the 84 subjects, comprising 44 PWs and 40 unexposed subjects. Mean concentrations of urinary HA and MHAs of PWs showed a significant increase compared with the unexposed controls. Although levels of urinary biomarkers of exposure to toluene (HA) and xylenes (MHAs) were well below the biological exposure indices (BEIs; ACGHI), PWs presented significantly increased serum levels of MDA, and significantly decreased serum activities of SOD and GPx compared to the unexposed controls. However, for serum TAC and CAT activity, no significant difference was observed between the two groups. Correlation analyses indicated that urinary levels of HA and MHAs were positively correlated with MDA levels and negatively correlated with GPx and SOD. Our study suggested that the alterations evidenced in serum levels of MDA, SOD, and GPx could be involved in the oxidative stress caused by co-exposure to low levels of toluene and xylene. Further investigation is needed to clarify the effect of low-level occupational exposure to solvents among PWs.

Dose-Dependent Effects of Astaxanthin on Ischemia/Reperfusion Induced Brain Injury in MCAO Model Rat.

Excitotoxicity and oxidative stress are central to the pathology of the nervous system, and inhibition of excitotoxicity induced by glutamate is one of the therapeutic goals determined for stroke. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Astaxanthin, a potent natural antioxidant, on complications caused by acute cerebral stroke. In this research, 60 male Wistar rats were used which were divided into 5 groups as follow: (1) the sham group (vehicle), (2) the ischemic control group (vehicle), and the ischemic groups treated by Astaxanthin with doses of 25, 45, and 65 mg/kg. In the ischemic groups, ischemic model was performed by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method, and the Astaxanthin administration was carried out after the artery occlusion and before opening the artery. The obtained results indicated that Astaxanthin could significantly reduce stroke volume, neurological deficits, and lipid peroxidation. Moreover, it was able to restore total oxidant status (TOS) and caspase 3 level to the normal level. The activity of antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and the expression of catalase, GPx and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκb) genes, which were reduced after ischemia, were increased. This phenomenon was particularly pronounced for glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1). Furthermore, Astaxanthin decreased the augmented pro-apoptotic gene Bax and restored the reduced Bcl2 expression to the normal level. Significant effects on the P53 and PUMA expression were not observed. Overall, the medium dosage of Astaxanthin appears to be more effective in reducing the complications of ischemia, particularly on our major study endpoints (stroke volume and neurological defects). Longer studies with a more frequent administration of Astaxanthin are required to better understand the precise mechanism of Astaxanthin.

Effect of Selenium on Expression of Apoptosis-Related Genes in Cryomedia of Mice Ovary after Vitrification.

INTRODUCTION: Freezing of ovarian tissue is used for preservation of fertility. The freezing-thawing process is accompanied by oxidative stress and induction of apoptosis. Apoptosis is a complex process that has been studied in animal models. The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of selenium on suppression of apoptosis during vitrification-thawing process of mice ovary via studying expression of apoptosis-related genes, and also, we aimed to design statistical models for the roles of single genes and gene-gene interactions in suppression of apoptosis. METHODS: A total of 10 right ovary samples from 10 mice were randomly divided into two groups of selenium treatment (at dose 5 µg/ml sodium selenite, through adding to the media) and control group. Vitrification-thawing process was done according to the existed protocols. Real-time PCR was used for gene expression study. The apoptosis gene profile included P53, Bax, Fas, and Bcl-2. General linear model was applied to study single gene associations and gene-gene interactions. RESULTS: From the studied genes, P53 showed a significant downregulation in the selenium group in comparison to the control group (∆∆CT = 1.96; P = 0.013; relative expression (RE) = 0.28). Bcl-2 showed a significant upregulation in the selenium group in comparison to the control group (∆∆CT = -2.49; P < 0.001; RE = 3.49). No significant result was found for other genes. According to the multiple models, Bcl-2 showed a protective single gene association (beta = -0.33; P = 0.032), and Fas∗Bcl-2 interaction was significantly positive (beta = 0.19; P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Addition of selenium to cryomedia of vitrification-thawing process could reduce the apoptosis induced by freezing-thawing stress in mice ovary via downregulation of P53 and upregulation of Bcl-2 at transcription level. Multivariable statistical models should be performed in future researches to study biological systems.

Effects of Hydroxytyrosol on Expression of Apoptotic Genes and Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in LS180 Cells.

PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer is the third-most commonly occurring cancer in developed countries. Hydroxytyrosol is a potent antioxidant that has several activities, such as oxidative-stress control, inhibition of cell proliferation, and induction of apoptosis. In this study, the effect of hydroxytyrosol on the expression of genes effective in apoptosis - BAX, BCL2, CASP3, P53, PPAR G, and NFE2L2 - and antioxidant-enzyme activity in LS180 cells of human colorectal cancer was investigated. METHODS: The human colorectal cancer cell line LS180 was treated with different concentrations of hydroxytyrosol for 24 hours. Expression of BAX, BCL2, CASP3, NFE2L2, PPAR G, and P53 was investigated using real-time PCR. The activity of antioxidant and malondialdehyde enzymes was measured by calorimetric methods. RESULTS: Analysis of gene expression showed that hydroxytyrosol significantly increased the expression of CASP3 and the BAX:BCL2 ratio in treatment groups compared to the control (P<0.05). Also, hydroxytyrosol significantly reduced the expression of the NFE2L2 gene (P<0.05). Calorimetric analysis showed that hydroxytyrosol increased activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in treatment groups significantly more than the control group and reduced thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances on an oxidative stress index (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Hydroxytyrosol may induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells by increasing the expression of CASP3 gene and increasing the BAX:BCL2 ratio. Also, hydroxytyrosol may increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduce the proliferation of LS180 cells by changing the antioxidant-defense system in cancer cells.

Comparison of thyroid disease prevalence in patients with celiac disease and controls.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of thyroid disease (TD) in untreated CD patients and to evaluate the effect of gender and age on its prevalence. BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is a form of intestinal malabsorption syndrome which is closely related to endocrine disorders, especially autoimmune thyroid disease and diabetes. The prevalence of TD is possibly high among patients with CD which necessitates the need for screening for TD among them. METHODS: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 288 consecutive untreated patients with CD (mean age, 27.9±14) and 250 controls (mean age, 29.01±13.15) referred for endoscopy in a hospital located in Iran. Thyroid function was evaluated by measuring T3, T4, and TSH levels using ELISA technique, and testing anti-thyroperoxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies through electrochemiluminescence method. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS v.22 software using descriptive statistics and chi-squared test. RESULTS: Thyroid disease prevalence was 4-fold higher in patients than in controls (13.6% vs. 3.2%, p<0.05). Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 30 patients and 7 controls, while hyperthyroidism was observed in 9 patients and in one control. Chi-squared test results reported a significant difference in TD prevalence between patients and controls based on gender and age (p<0.05). In both groups, women were significantly more affected than men, and the TD prevalence was higher in younger patients compared to adults. CONCLUSION: There was a strong association between thyroid dysfunction and CD. In this regard, it is necessary to screen patients for TD.

Oncogenesis and Tumor Inhibition by MicroRNAs and its Potential Therapeutic Applications: A Systematic Review.

MicroRNAs appear as small molecule modifiers, which improve many new findings and mechanical illustrations for critically important biological phenomena and pathologic events. The best-characterized non-coding RNA family consists of about 2600 human microRNAs. Rich evidence has revealed their crucial importance in maintaining normal development, differentiation, growth control, aging, modulation of cell survival or apoptosis, as well as migration and metastasis as microRNAs dysregulation leads to cancer incidence and progression. By far, microRNAs have recently emerged as attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. The rationale for developing microRNA therapeutics is based on the premise that aberrantly expressed microRNAs play a significant role in the emergence of a variety of human diseases ranging from cardiovascular defects to cancer, and that repairing these microRNA deficiencies by either antagonizing or restoring microRNA function may yield a therapeutic benefit. Although microRNA antagonists are conceptually similar to other inhibitory therapies, improving the performance of microRNAs by microRNA replacement or inhibition that is a less well- described attitude. In this assay, we have condensed the last global knowledge and concepts regarding the involvement of microRNAs in cancer emergence, which has been achieved from the previous studies, consisting of the regulation of key cancer-related pathways, such as cell cycle control and the DNA damage response and the disruption of profile expression in human cancer. Here, we have reviewed the special characteristics of microRNA replacement and inhibition therapies and discussed explorations linked with the delivery of microRNA mimics in turmeric cells. Besides, the achievement of biomarkers based on microRNAs in clinics is considered as novel non-invasive biomarkers in diagnostic and prognostic assessments.

Achillea biebersteinni Afan may inhibit scar formation: In vitro study.

BACKGROUND: One of the major problems in wound healing is scar formation; however, there are few ways to prevent or treat it. Different species of Achillea are used to treat wounds in folk medicine from the past but there are few studies on the effect of it on wound healing and inhibition of scar formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Achillea biebersteinii Afan hydroethanolic extract on the expression of TGFß1 and bFGF as effective growth factors of wound healing in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. METHODS: Mouse embryonic fibroblast cells were exposed to different concentrations of Achillea extract at two different time (12 and 24 hr); the expression of TGFß1 and bFGF was performed by real-time-PCR and ELISA at the level of gene and protein. RESULTS: It was observed that the plant extract at 5 and 10 µg/ml downregulated the expression of TGFß1 and upregulated the expression of bFGF at the level of gene and protein. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the pattern of changes in the expression of TGFß1 and bFGF by Achillea biebersteinni Afan extract may inhibit scar formation.

Calendula officinalis stimulate proliferation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts via expression of growth factors TGFß1 and bFGF.

BACKGROUND: TGF-ß has an important role in the process of wound healing and scar formation. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Calendula officinalis on the expression of TGFß1 and bFGF in the mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (MEFs). METHODS: Calendula officinalis extract was purchased and different substances defined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. MEFs were prepared and after incubating for 15 min, cell viability analyzed. TGF ß 1 and bFGF gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. TGFß1 and bFGF protein expression analyzed by ELISA. The statistical analysis of data was done by using SPSS software. Differences were considered significant at (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The results of the MTT test showed that the concentrations of 5 µg/ml and10 µg/ml were more suitable for cell proliferation. There was an increase in TGF ß 1 gene expression in the MEFs. Expression of TGF ß 1 gene remains the same after 24 h. Gene expression of bFGF showed a similar pattern with TGF ß 1 expression for both solvents. Analysis of TGFß1 protein expression showed an increase in TGFß1 gene expression in the MEFs. Protein expression of bFGF in the MEFs increased at different concentrations at 12 and 24 h after treatment (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively). CONCLUSION: Calendula officinalis stimulates proliferation of MEFs. Calendula via increased expression of growth factors (TGFß1 and bFGF) at the first 12 h and a decrease of these factors at 24 h after treatment may ameliorate function of the MEFs in the during wound healing.

Astaxanthin induces apoptosis and increases activity of antioxidant enzymes in LS-180 cells.

Astaxanthin, a Xanthophyll carotenoid, has strong antioxidant properties. Some studies have shown the effectiveness of this compound on the prevention and treatment of cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of astaxanthin on induction of apoptosis and antioxidant activity in the LS-180 cell line. In this experimental study, after the treatment of LS-180 50, 100 and 150 µm of Astaxanthin for 24 h, the expression levels of Bax, Bcl2 and Caspase3 genes were investigated by Real-time PCR. Also, the level of malondialdehyde, as an indicator of oxidative stress and activity of anti-superoxide dismutase enzymes, catalase and glutathione peroxidase was investigated by colorimetric methods. The results showed that astaxanthin increases the expression of Bax and Caspase3 genes and decreases that of Bcl2, thereby, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting growth and proliferation of the cells. Additionally, reduction in the levels of malondialdehyde was evident with a significant elevation in antioxidant activity mediated by the action of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. These results suggest that astaxanthin has the potency to induce apoptosis in LS-180 cells by increasing the expression of apoptotic genes and activity of antioxidant enzymes. Thus, astaxanthin has potential in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Can parents' educational level and occupation affect perceived parental support and metabolic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes?

BACKGROUND/AIM: Parents have an important role to play in supporting adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Their education and occupation are important factors for the management of this disease. This study aimed to investigate the parental support that Iranian adolescents with T1DM experience and to examine the effect of parents' education and occupation on adolescents' perceived the parental support and metabolic control. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey. The participants were 98 adolescents (aged 11-18 years) with T1DM referred to Endocrinology Clinics of Shahid Rahimi and Shahid Madani hospitals in Khorramabad, Iran, in 2016. For evaluating the adolescents' perceptions of parental support, the family version of Diabetes Social Support Questionnaire was employed. It measures in five diabetic care areas (insulin administration, blood testing, meal planning, exercise, and emotional support). Data were analyzed in SPSS version 22 software using descriptive statistics and inferential tests including Pearson correlation test, ANOVA, and independent t-test. RESULTS: The parents' educational level had a significant relationship with adolescents' perceived parental support and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level (P < 0.05). Occupation of father had no significant influence on his supportive behavior and HbA1c level in adolescents, but mother's occupation significantly influenced them (P < 0.05). In adolescents with higher perceived parental support, the mean HbA1c was lower. CONCLUSIONS: Parents with higher educational level can improve the metabolic control and provide better meal planning in adolescents with T1DM.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity in glazers with occupational cadmium exposure: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Registration Number: IRCT2016061228407N1 ( www.who.int/ictrp/network/irct/en/ ).

The biochemical effects of occupational exposure to lead and cadmium on markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes activity in the blood of glazers in tile industry.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of occupational exposure to lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) on markers of oxidative stress in glazers in tile industries. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined in the blood of 80 subjects, including 40 glazers and 40 nonexposed subjects. Mean levels of blood Cd (8.90 ± 2.80 µg/L) and blood Pb (62.90 ± 38.10 µg/L) of glazers showed a significant increase compared with the control group. In the serum of glazers, the level of MDA was significantly higher and the level of TAC was significantly lower than the control group. We have noted a disturbance in the levels of antioxidants by a significant increase in the CAT activity and a significant decrease in the activities of SOD and GPx in the serum of glazers compared with the controls. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the serum MDA level and CAT activity were positively associated with the blood levels of Pb and Cd. Also, GPx and SOD were negatively correlated with blood Cd levels. The study clearly indicated that co-exposure to Cd and Pb can induce oxidative stress in glazers, resulting in increased lipid peroxidation and altered antioxidant enzymes.

The risk of hearing loss associated with occupational exposure to organic solvents mixture with and without concurrent noise exposure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study is a meta-analysis of the previous epidemiological studies which investigated the quantitative estimates of the association between independent or combined exposure to noise and mixed organic solvents and hearing loss until October 2014. Overall, 15 studies with information on 7530 individuals (6% female) were included. Having assessed - by puretone audiometry - the adjusted odds ratio estimates for the association between solvents mixture exposure and the risk of developing hearing loss stood at 2.05 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44-2.9). Similarly, for subjects who were concurrently exposed to noise and solvents mixture, an OR of 2.95 (95% CI: 2.1-4.17) was obtained. There was some evidence of heterogeneity within each of the 2 exposure groups (p heterogeneity < 0.001). This heterogeneity was not explained by differences in strength of effect between duration of exposure, the number of solvent and exposure index in subgroups of solvents mixture exposure. Based on the available data, our analysis has provided the evidence of increased risk of developing hearing loss for workers exposed to organic solvents even at quite low concentration. Moreover, if such exposure is accompanied by noise, it will exacerbate the extent of hearing loss. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(4):521-535.

The effect of aloe vera on the expression of wound healing factors (TGFß1 and bFGF) in mouse embryonic fibroblast cell: In vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Aloe vera (A.v) have been used traditionally for topical treatment of wounds and burns in different countries for centuries, but the mechanism of this effect is not well understood. Various growth factors are implicated in the process of wound healing. Among the different growth factors involved in the process, TGFß1 and bFGF are the most importantly expressed in fibroblast cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of A.v on the expression of angiogenesis growth factors in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. METHODS: We exposed mouse embryonic fibroblast cells to different concentrations of A.v (50, 100 and 150µg/ml) at two different time of 12 and 24h. Fibroblast cell without A.v treatment serves as the control. The expression of TGFß1and bFGF was measured by real time-polymerase chain reaction (real-time-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at the level of gene and protein. RESULTS: We observed that A.v gel at first up-regulated the expression of TGFß1 and bFGF, but, these genes were later repressed after a particular time. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that A.v was dose-dependent and time-dependent on the expression of bFGF and TGFß1 in fibroblast cell in vitro. This mechanism can be employed in the prospective treatment of physical lesion.

The effect of Setarud (IMOD(TM)) on angiogenesis in transplanted human ovarian tissue to nude mice.

BACKGROUND: One of the promising methods in fertility preservation among women with cancer is cryopreservation of ovarian cortex but there are many drawbacks such as apoptosis and considerable reduction of follicular density in the transplanted ovary. One solution to reduce ischemic damage is enhancing angiogenesis after transplantation of ovarian cortex tissue. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Setarud, on angiogenesis in transplanted human ovarian tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case control study, twenty four nude mice were implanted subcutaneously, with human ovarian tissues, from four women. The mice were randomly divided into two groups (n=12): the experimental group was treated with Setarud, while control group received only vehicle. Each group was divided into three subgroups (n=4) based on the graft recovery days post transplantation (PT). The transplanted fragments were removed on days 2, 7, and 30 PT and the expression of Angiopoietin-1, Angiopoietin-2, and Vascular endothelial growth factor at both gene and protein levels and vascular density were studied in the grafted ovarian tissues. RESULTS: On the 2(nd) and 7(th) day PT, the level of Angiopoietin-1 gene expression in case group was significantly lower than that in control group, while the opposite results were obtained for Angiopoietin-2 and Vascular endothelial growth factor. These results were also confirmed at the protein level. The density of vessels in Setarud group elevated significantly on day 7 PT compared to pre-treatment state. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that administration of Setarud may stimulates angiogenesis in transplanted human ovarian tissues, although further researches are needed before a clear judgment is made.

Does Twice-weekly Cabergoline Improve Anthropometrical and Biochemical Profiles in Prediabetes? A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial Pilot Study.

Dopaminergic signaling is one of the regulatory pathways being investigated for its implication in glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cabergoline on biochemical and anthropometric parameters in prediabetes stage (impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance). In this double blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study, 27 prediabetic adults were randomized to receive 0.25-mg cabergoline twice weekly for two weeks, followed by 0.5 mg twice weekly for next 14 weeks (n = 13) or placebo (n = 14). All subjects were advised to follow a 500 kcal-deficit energy diet. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), oral glucose tolerance, glycated hemoglobin (A1c), fasting, and 2-h insulin were measured at baseline and at 16-week follow-up. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) 2 was calculated to estimate steady-state beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and insulin resistance. Our results showed significant reductions in fasting (P = 0.004) and 2-h plasma glucose (P = 0.01) after treatment, and significant improvements in beta-cell function (P = 0.03) and insulin resistance (P = 0.04) in the cabergoline group. The trend of non-significant A1c changes was decreasing in the cabergoline group versus an increasing trend in the placebo group. All anthropometric parameters were similar between the two groups. Our results revealed that twice-weekly cabergoline could improve glucose metabolism in prediabetes stage. Larger studies of longer duration are warranted to investigate the effect of cabergoline in preventing progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes mellitus.