Effects of Dichloromethane and N-Butanol Fractions of Nigella sativa on ACHN and GP-293 Cell Line Morphology, Viability, and Apoptosis.

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is among the top death-causing cancers. Medicinal herbs can also have beneficial effects on RCC treatment. In this project, we aimed to study the antitumor effect of dichloromethane and N-butanol fractions of hydroalcoholic extract of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) on the morphology, viability, and apoptosis of ACHN (human renal adenocarcinoma) and GP-293 (normal renal epithelial) cell lines. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, N-butanol and dichloromethane fractions of N. sativa were obtained, and ACHN and GP293 cell lines were treated with various concentrations of dichloromethane (0-100 µg/mL) and N-butanol (0-12.5 µg/mL) fractions for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Then, morphological changes, viability, and apoptosis were investigated. Results: Our results indicated that dichloromethane and N-butanol fractions cause morphological changes and significant decreases in the percentage of live cells in the ACHN cell line, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In the GP-293 cell line, however, a lower toxicity was observed in comparison with that found for ACHN. The results of flow cytometry showed an apoptotic effect of dichloromethane and N-butanol fractions on the ACHN cell line but a higher rate of apoptosis induction for the total extract compared to the two fractions in the renal cancer cell line compared to the normal cell line. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that these two fractions of N. sativa induce inhibitory effects on the ACHN cell line morphology and viability. These effects were lower than those induced by the total extract. In addition, the two fractions caused more marked effects in the renal cancer cell line compared with the GP-293 cell line.

Insights into the protective capacity of human dental pulp stem cells and its secretome in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity: effects on oxidative stress and histological changes.

OBJECTIVES: Acute renal injury (AKI) is a major limiting factor for cisplatin administration. Recent evidence suggests the potential contribution of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to rehabilitation from several disorders via both direct and indirect routes. Thus, the present study aimed, for the first time, to explore and compare the reno-protective potential of human dental pulp-derived stem cells (hDPSCs) vs. hDPSC-conditioned medium (hDPSC-CM) in recovery of impaired kidney tissues in a rat animal model of cisplatin-induced AKI. METHODS: AKI was induced via cisplatin injection (n=36). One day after, 24 rats were treated with either hDPSCs or hDPSC-CM (n=12). An extra set of rats (n=12) served as sham group. On days 2 or 7 (n=6), rats were humanly sacrificed for further analysis. Renal injury was explored via measuring serum creatinine and BUN. Renal level of oxidative stress was assessed by determining malondialdehyde, and enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Renal histopathological changes were scored for comparison among different experimental groups. RESULTS: A single dose of cisplatin resulted in considerable renal dysfunction and oxidative stress. Treatment with hDPSCs or hDPSC-CM resulted in significantly restored renal function, reduced level of oxidative stress, and improved histopathological manifestations. Furthermore, as compared to hDPSC-CM, administration of hDPSCs led to superior results in AKI-induced animals. CONCLUSIONS: The current study described the first comparative evidence of reno-protective potential of hDPSCs and their CM against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in an AKI rat model, proposing them as useful adjunctive therapy in AKI. Yet, future explorations are still needed.

Effect of the Non-N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor of the Glutamatergic System of the Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus on Cardiovascular Responses in Normotensive and Hydralazine-Induced Hypotensive Rats.

Background: Glutamate is an important excitatory neurotransmitter in the pedunculopontine tegmental (PPT) nucleus. The cardiovascular effect of glutamate and its non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the PPT is unknown; therefore, we evaluated glutamate and its non-NMDA receptor on cardiovascular parameters in normotensive and hypotensive induced by hydralazine (HLZ) in rat. Materials and Methods: After anesthesia, the femoral artery was cannulated for recording of cardiovascular parameters. Microinjection of drugs was done stereotaxically. L-Glutamate (L-Glu) and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) (an antagonist of nonNMDA receptor) were microinjected into the PPT in normotensive and HLZ hypotensive rats. Changes (Δ) of mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) were obtained and compared with the control group. Results: In normotensive rats, L-Glu significantly increased SBP and MAP (P < 0.001) and decreased HR (P < 0.01), whereas CNQX alone did not significantly effect. Coinjection L-Glu + CNQX significantly attenuates the cardiovascular effect of L-Glu (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). In hypotension induced by HLZ, SBP and MAP significantly decrease but HR did not change. In HLZ groups, L-Glu significantly improves (P < 0.05) and CNQX deteriorated hypotension induced by HLZ (P < 0.05). Coinjection of L-Glu + CNQX also attenuates the effect of L-Glu on Δ MAP and Δ SBP. In hypotension, ΔHR induced by L-Glu was significantly higher than CNQX (P < 0.01). In L-Glu + CNQX group, ΔHR also was lower than L-Glu (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings revealed that glutamatergic system of the PPT in both normotensive and hypotension induced by HLZ plays a pressor with bradycardic responses that partly mediated by non-NMDA receptor.

Effect of MK-801, an antagonist of NMDA receptor in the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus, on cardiovascular parameters in normotensive and hydralazine hypotensive rats.

Objectives: In the present study, the cardiovascular effects of glutamate NMDA receptor of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPT) in normotensive and hydralazine (HLZ) hypotensive rats were evaluated. Materials and Methods: In the normotensive condition, MK-801(1 nmol; an NMDA receptor antagonist) and L-glutamate (L-Glu, 50 nmol an agonist) alone and together were microinjected into the nucleus using a stereotaxic device. In hypotensive condition, 2 min after induction of hypotension by HLZ (10 mg/kg, intravenous), drugs, same as in normotensive condition, were microinjected into the PPT. Recorded mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded throughout the experiment by a Power lab apparatus that was connected to a catheter inserted into the femoral arty. The cardiovascular changes (Δ) induced by microinjection drugs were computed and statistically analyzed. Results: In the normotensive condition, L-Glu significantly increased ΔMAP and ΔSBP (P<0.001) and decreased ΔHR (P<0.01) compared with the control. MK-801 alone significantly increased HR (P<0.05) while co-injected with L-Glu + MK-801 it significantly attenuated the L-Glu effect on ΔMAP and ΔSBP but augmented ΔHR (P<0.01). In the hydralazine hypotension condition, L-Glu significantly improved hypotension (P<0.01) and deteriorated bradycardia induced by HLZ (P<0.05). MK-801 alone did not significantly affect ΔMAP, ΔSBP, and ΔHR but when co-injected with L-Glu (L-Glu + MK-801) it could significantly attenuate the cardiovascular effect of L-Glu in the PPT. Conclusion: We found that activation of NMDA receptors of the glutamatergic system in the PPT evoked blood pressure and inhibited HR in both normotensive and hypotensive conditions in rats.

Role of the glutamatergic system of ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) in the cardiovascular responses in normal and hemorrhagic conditions in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Periaqueductal gray (PAG) is a mesencephalic area divided into four columns including ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG). vlPAG plays a role in cardiovascular regulation during normal and hemorrhagic (Hem) conditions. Due to presence of glutamate in this area, we evaluated the effect of glutamatergic receptors of this area on cardiovascular activity in normotensive and hypovolemic Hem rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals were divided into twelve groups: saline (vehicle), Glutamate, GYK52466 (non-NMDA receptor antagonist), and MK801 (NMDA receptor antagonist) with and without Glu microinjected into vlPAG in normal and Hem conditions. Following the femoral artery cannulating and microinjecting, changes (Δ) of heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded via a PowerLab unit. RESULTS: In normotensive conditions, microinjection of Glu increased ΔMAP, ΔSBP, and ΔHR (P<0.001). MK-801 and GYKI-52466 nonsignificant reduced cardiovascular responses than vehicle while their changes were significant compared with glutamate (P<0.001). Co-injection of GYKI- 52466 with Glu did not significantly reduce ΔSBP and ΔMAP induced by Glu (P>0.05) but co-injection of MK-801 with Glu significantly attenuate these effects(P<0.01). In Hem, Glu increased ΔSBP, ΔMAP, and ΔHR (P<0.05). GYKI-52466 alone did not change cardiovascular responses but MK-801 decreased ΔSBP than Hem (P<0.01). Co-injection of GYKI-52466 with Glu had significant(P<0.05) but MK-801 with Glu had no significant effect compared with Hem (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The glutamatergic system of vlPAG increases cardiovascular values that are mostly mediated through the NMDA receptor. Since vlPAG is well known as an inhibitory region, it seems that glutamate does not have a noteworthy cardiovascular role in vlPAG during Hem and normal conditions.

Effect of opioid receptors of the cuneiform nucleus on cardiovascular responses in normotensive and hypotensive hemorrhagic rats.

The presence of opioid receptors in the cuneiform nucleus (CnF), which is a mesencephalic area, and their involvement in the central cardiovascular responses have been shown. Therefore, this study is designed to examine the possible role of mu- (µ) and delta- (δ) opioid receptors in the CnF in the cardiovascular responses in normotensive and hemorrhagic hypotensive rats. Following anesthesia and the recording of the blood pressure, the agonist and antagonist of µ- (morphine and naloxone) and δ- (D-Pen 2, 5]-Enkephalin hydrate (DPDPE) and naltridole) receptors were microinjected into the CnF. In the hemorrhagic groups, the drugs were microinjected into the nucleus 2 min after withdrawing 15 % of the total blood volume (TBV). Time-course changes (Δ) in the mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) were obtained and compared with the control and hemorrhage groups. Microinjecting morphine in both normotensive and hemorrhagic rats significantly decreased ΔSBP, ΔMAP, and ΔHR; also, naloxone significantly increased all these parameters. The cardiovascular effects of DPDPE and naltridole were not significant in the normotensive rats; however, DPDPE attenuated only the tachycardia induced by the hypotensive hemorrhage. The findings of this study revealed that the opioid receptors in the CnF had an inhibitory effect on the cardiovascular parameters in both normotensive and hypotensive hemorrhagic conditions and these effects were mostly mediated by µ-opioid receptors.

Cardiovascular effects of standardized hydroalcoholic extract of Ribes khorasanicum fruit in acute hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: Ribes khorasanicum (R. khorasanicum) traditionally has been used for the treatment of higher blood pressure. In this study, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of R. khorasanicum fruit in normotensive and hypertensive rats was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals were assigned into the following groups: 1) Control, 2) AngII (50 ng/kg), 3) AngII + losartan (Los, 10 mg/kg) and 4-6) Doses 4, 12 and 24 mg/kg of extract +AngII groups. AngII and Los were injected intravenously and the extract was injected intraperitoneal. In R. khorasanicum groups, AngII injected 30 after injection of the extract. The femoral artery was cannulated and mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded by Power Lab software. Maximal changes (∆) of cardiovascular responses were determined and compared with those of control and AngII groups. Finally, oxidative stress parameters in the heart and aorta were also determined. RESULTS: In normotensive rats, 12 mg/kg of the extract showed significant hypotensive effects while 24 mg/kg produced significant tachycardia. Increased ∆SBP and ∆MAP in AngII group were significantly blunted by Los. Doses 4 and 12 mg/kg of the plant also significantly attenuate the effect of AngII on ∆SBP and ∆MAP. Tachycardia induced by 24 mg/kg of the extract didn't affect by AngII. Extract also significantly improved the effect of AngII on MDA, total thiol content, CAT and SOD in both heart and aorta tissues. CONCLUSION: R. khorasanicum at lower doses showed hypotensive effects and attenuated cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive rats via its antioxidant effects.

Ethyl Acetate and Aqueous Fractions of Ziziphus jujuba Prevent Acute Hypertension Induced by Angiotensin II in Rats.

BACKGROUND: The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Ziziphus jujuba (ZJ) on hypertension has been reported previously. OBJECTIVE: This experiment investigates the effect of two ethyl acetate (EA, a polar and semi-polar compound) and aqueous fractions (AQ, a polar compound) of ZJ extract on cardiovascular parameters in acute hypertension induced by angiotensin II (AngII). METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into following groups (n=7 in each group): 1) Control; 2) AngII (50 ng/kg); 3) Losartan (LOS, 30 mg/kg) + AngII; 4, 5) ethyl acetate fraction (EA150 and EA300 mg/kg) + AngII and 6, 7) aqueous fraction (AQ150 and AQ300 mg/kg) + AngII. Rats were treated with both fractions and LOS orally for four weeks and in the experiment day (28th) AngII intravenously injected and cardiovascular parameters (Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Heart Rate (HR)) directly were recorded by a power lab system. RESULTS: AngII could significantly increase SBP and MAP (P<0.001) and decrease HR with respect to the control and these responses were attenuated by LOS. The SBP and MAP in both doses of EA+ AngII and the higher dose of AQ fractions + AngII were significantly lower than the AngII group (P<0.05 to P<0.001). Bradycardia induced by AngII was also reduced by LOS and both fractions. The comparison of two fractions also showed that the effect of EA fraction is greater than the AQ. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that both fractions of the ZJ extract have a beneficial effect on hypertension. Because effect of EA was greater than AQ, we suggested that antihypertensive effects of ZJ mediated polar and nonpolar compounds.

Induction of Apoptosis and Growth-Inhibition by Thymoquinone in ACHN and GP-293 Cell Lines in Comparable with Cis-Platinum.

OBJECTIVE: In the current work, we investigated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Thymoquinone (TQ), an active compound of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) and Cis-platinum, on normal renal epithelial (GP-293) and human renal adenocarcinoma cell lines (ACHN). METHODS: GP-293 and ACHN cell lines were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) with 10% Fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% penicillin plus streptomycin antibiotic. The MTT assay was used for cellular viability assessment. Viability of cells was observed using inverted light microscope 24, 48 and 72 h after exposure of the cells to various concentrations of TQ (1, 2.5, 5, 10, 50 and 100 µg/ml) and Cis-platinum (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 6 and 12.5 µg/ml). Moreover, apoptosis was analyzed with a flow-cytometry method. The untreated cells were considered as control group. RESULTS: Morphological changes such as reduced cell number and increased intercellular distance and reduced cell viability in ACHN and GP-293cell lines were observed in both TQ and Cis-platinum groups; however, Cis-platinum had greater effect on ACHN cell line than GP-293 cell line. In addition, GP-293 cell line was more sensitive to TQ compared to ACHN cell line. Furthermore, TQ and Cis-platinum had apoptotic effects on both ACHN and GP-293 cell lines. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that TQ and Cis-platinum had cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on both cell lines, However, GP-293 cell line was more sensitive to TQ. Additionally, Cis-platinum was more effective on ACHN cell line than on GP-293 cell line.

The Effects of Inactivation of Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus by Cobalt (II) Chloride on Cardiovascular Responses in Hemorrhagic Hypotensive Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Based on the evidence, the Pedunculopontine Tegmental nucleus (PPT) is involved in cardiovascular function regulation. In this study, the probable role of PPT on cardiovascular parameters in the hypotension induced by Hemorrhage (HEM) was evaluated. METHODS: The study rats were divided up into 5 groups: 1. Control (Saline); 2. Cobalt(II) chloride (CoCl2); 3. HEM; 4. Saline+HEM; and 5. CoCl2+HEM. Their right and left femoral arteries were cannulated for recording the cardiovascular responses and blood withdrawal, respectively. Saline and CoCl2 were microinjected into the PPT using the stereotaxic apparatus. Maximum changes of Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), and the Heart Rate (HR) after the microinjection of CoCl2 in normal and Hemorrhage conditions were recorded. Changes of SBP, MAP, and HR were calculated over time at 5-min intervals and compared with those of the control and HEM groups using repeated measures ANOVA. The Independent sample t-test was used to compare the changes in cardiovascular parameters between the control and HEM groups at 0 and 20 min after Hemorrhage. RESULTS: The changes in SBP, MAP, and HR in the CoCl2 group were not significantly different from those in the control group. In the HEM group, the SBP and MAP changes significantly decreased (P<0.001) and HR changes significantly increased (P<0.001) compared to those parameters in the control group. In the CoCl2+HEM group, SBP and MAP changes were significantly attenuated compared to those in the HEM group (P<0.05) and HR changes induced by Hemorrhage decreased compared to that in the HEM group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the PPT has no effects on normal cardiovascular parameters. However, it could modulate cardiovascular responses induced by Hemorrhage.

Beneficial Cardiovascular Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract from Crocus Sativus in Hypertension Induced by Angiotensin II.

OBJECTIVES: Angiotensin II (AngII), a major product of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has important role in induction of hypertension and antihypertensive effect of several medicinal plant was mediated by effect on this agent. Therefore, this study examined the possible effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Crocus sativus (C. sativus) on hypertension induced by AngII. METHODS: Six groups (n = 6) of rats were used as follow: 1) Control, 2) AngII (300 ng/kg), 3) Losartan (Los, 10 mg/kg) + AngII and 4-6) C. sativus extract (10, 20 & 40 mg/kg,) + AngII. The femoral artery and vein were cannulated for recording cardiovascular parameters and drugs administration, respectively. All drugs were injected intravenously (i.v). Los and all doses of C. sativus injected 10 min before AngII. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded throughout the experiment and those peak changes (Δ) were calculated and compared to control and AngII. RESULTS: AngII significantly increased ΔMAP, ΔSBP and ΔHR than control (P < 0. 01 to P < 0.001) and these increments were significantly attenuated by Los. All doses of C. sativus significantly reduced peak ΔMAP, ΔSBP, and ΔHR than AngII group (P < 0. 05 to P < 0.001). In addition, peak ΔMAP, ΔSBP in doses 10 and 20 were significant than Los + AngII group (P < 0.05 to P< 0.01) but in dose 40 only MAP was significant (P < 0.05). Peak ΔHR in all doses of C sativus was not significant than Los+ AngII. CONCLUSION: Regarding the improving effect of the C. sativus extract on AngII induced hypertension, it seems that this ameliorating effect partly mediated through inhibition of RAS.

Preventive Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Rosa damascena on Cardiovascular Parameters in Acute Hypertensive Rats Induced by Angiotensin II.

BACKGROUND: Rosa damascena (R.D) is an aromatic plant with numerous therapeutic effects including cardiovascular effect. The mechanism cardiovascular effect of R.D is unclear and suggested mediated through renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Therefore, in this study, the role of hydroalcoholic extract of R.D on acute hypertension induced by AngII was evaluated. METHODS: After anesthesia, femoral artery and vein of rats were cannulated for recording cardiovascular responses and drug injection, respectively. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded continuously by power lab software. Rats were divided into saline, AngII (50 ng/kg), AngII + Losartan (10 mg/kg), and three groups of R.D extract (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg). Losartan and AngII were administered intravenously and the other ones intraperitoneal. In the R.D groups, 30 min after injection of the extract, AngII was injected and the maximum changes in SBP, MAP, and HR were calculated and compared to that in control and AngII groups. RESULTS: Results show that AngII significantly increased SBP, MAP, and decreased HR than the control group which was blocked by losartan. SBP and MAP in R.D + AngII groups were significantly lower than AngII alone (P < 0.05 -P < 0.001). Only MAP in higher dose (1000 mg/kg) was significantly lower than low dose (250 mg/kg; P < 0.05). Two higher doses also significantly decreased bradycardia induced by AngII (P < 0. 01). CONCLUSIONS: The preventive effect of hydroalcoholic extract of R.D on cardiovascular parameters maybe is mediated by suppression of AngII activity.

GABAA receptor in the Pedunculopontine tegmental (PPT) nucleus: Effects on cardiovascular system.

BACKGROUND: The pedunculopontine tegmental (PPT) nucleus is a heterogeneous nucleus with several functions including cardiovascular regulation. The presence of GABAA receptor has been shown in the PPT. Therefore, the cardiovascular effects of this receptor were examined. METHODS: Rats were divided into: Control; Muscimol; Bicuculline (BMI); Hexamethonium (Hexa)+BMI and Atropine+BMI groups. The femoral vein and artery were cannulated for drug administration and recording of cardiovascular parameters, respectively. Muscimol (a GABAA agonist; 1.5 and 2.5nmol), BMI (a GABAA antagonist; 0.1 and 0.2nmol) were stereotaxically microinjected into the PPT. To evaluate the peripheral cardiovascular mechanisms of GABAA receptors, Hexa (a ganglionic blocker; 10mg/kg) and atropine (a muscarinic receptor antagonist; 1mg/kg) were intravenously (iv) injected before BMI (0.2nmol). The average changes of mean arterial pressure (ΔMAP), systolic blood pressure (ΔSBP) and heart rate (ΔHR) in different intervals were calculated and compared both within and between case group and control group (repeated measures ANOVA). The peak changes in each group were also calculated and compared with those of the control group (independent sample t-test). RESULTS: Both doses of BMI significantly increased ΔMAP, ΔSBP and ΔHR compared to control, while the only higher dose of muscimol significantly decreased ΔSBP. Iv injection of Hexa significantly attenuated ΔMAP, ΔSBP and ΔHR responses induced by BMI but atropine did not affect. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that GABAA receptor of the PPT has a tonic inhibitory effect on the cardiovascular system and its peripheral effect mostly is mediated by sympathetic system.

Role of the Nitrergic System of the Cuneiform Nucleus in Cardiovascular Responses in Urethane-Anesthetized Male Rats.

BACKGROUND: The presence of nitric oxide (NO) in the cuneiform nucleus (CnF) has been previously shown. In this study, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (an inhibitor of NO synthase), L-arginine (L-Arg) (a precursor of NO), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (a donor of NO) were microinjected into the CnF and cardiovascular responses were investigated. METHODS: Seventy male rats were divided into 7 groups (n=10 each): 1) saline, 2 and 3) L-NAME (30 and 90 nmol), 4 and 5) L-Arg (20 and 60 nmol), and 6 and 7) SNP (9 and 27 nmol). After anesthesia, the femoral artery was cannulated and cardiovascular parameters were recorded using a PowerLab system. Time course changes in mean arterial pressure (ΔMAP) and heart rate (ΔHR) were calculated and compared with those in the control group (repeated measures ANOVA). Maximum ∆MAP and ∆HR were also compared with those in the control group (independent sample t test). RESULTS: ∆MAP with both doses of L-NAME (30: P=0.026 and 90: P=0.007) and ∆HR with the higher dose (P=0.034) were significantly higher than those in the control group. Maximal ∆MAP with both doses (P<0.01 and P<0.001, n=10) and maximal ∆HR with the higher dose (P<0.01) were significantly higher than those in the control group. Changes in L-Arg with both doses were not significantly higher than those in the control group (P=0.26, n=8). ∆MAP and ∆HR of SNP only with the higher dose were significantly lower than those in the control group (P=0.006 and P=0.035), and maximal responses with the higher dose were lower than those in the control group (∆MAP: P<0.01 and ∆ HR: P<0.05, n=7). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the nitrergic system of the CnF had an inhibitory effect on central cardiovascular regulation.

Effect of total hydroalcholic extract of Nigella sativa and its n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions on ACHN and GP-293 cell lines.

Medicinal plants are noted for their many advantages including the ability to treat diseases such as cancer. In this study, we examined the antitumor effect of the medicinal plant Nigella sativa on the morphology, survival, and apoptosis of ACHN (human renal adenocarcinoma) and GP-293 (normal renal epithelial) cell lines. From a hydroalcoholic extract of N. sativa, n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions were extracted. Cells were treated with various concentrations of total hydroalcholic extract and n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions; cell viability, morphological changes, and apoptosis were then determined. Results were presented as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for the statistical analysis of the data. The total extract and the fractions in a dose- and time-dependent manner reduced the cell viability in ACHN with no effect on the GP-293 cell line. In addition, the total extract resulted in more morphological changes in the ACHN cells compared to the GP-293 cells. The effect of the total extract in inducing apoptosis after 48 hours in the ACHN cell line was greater than in GP-293. In addition, the effect of the two fractions was lower than the total extract at all used concentrations. Therefore, the effect of total extract and n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of N. sativa on cell viability and apoptosis in the ACHN cell line is greater than in the GP-293 cell line. However, the effect of the total extract is higher than either of the two fractions on their own.

Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Rosa damascena on cardiovascular responses in normotensive rat.

OBJECTIVE: Rosa damascena mill L. (R. damascena) is a well-known plant with fragrant effects. Several therapeutic effects of this plant on respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems have been reported. It is also suggested to have beneficial effect on cardiovascular system especially blood pressure regulation. The present study was carried out to evaluate acute cardiovascular effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of R. damascena. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n= 8 for each group). After anesthesia, a catheter was inserted into the femoral artery and blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were continuously recorded by a power lab system. Animals received three doses of hydro-alcoholic extract (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) via peritoneal (i.p). After 30 min, systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and HR were recorded and maximal changes were compared to control group. RESULTS: Injection of all doses of the extract did not significantly change HR compare to control group. The SBP, dose dependently, was decreased by all doses of the extract and the maximal response was significant compared to saline group (p<0.01 to p<0.001). Different doses of the extract also dose-dependently decreased maximal changes of MAP responses compared to control group. The effect of higher doses of the extract on SBP and MAP was significant compared to lower doses (p<0.05 to p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of a hypotensive effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of R. damascena with no significant effect on HR. Therefore, R. damascena is suggested to have beneficial effect to control blood pressure. However, it needs to be more investigated.