To use or not to use? an ethical analysis of access to data and samples of a deceased patient for genetic diagnostic and research purposes

Using genetic tests on deceased patients’ samples for diagnostic purposes affects the family members' health and lives but raises some ethical issues in today’s practice of medicine and research. In this paper, we address a common ethical dilemma of clinicians regarding whether to perform genetic tests on a deceased patient’s sample upon a request from first-degree relatives against the patient's wishes in the last days of life. In this paper, a real case scenario is presented that echoes the above- mentioned ethical challenge. Reviewing the genetic basis of the case, the ethical arguments for and against the reuse of genetic material in a clinical context are discussed. An ethico-legal analysis of the case is proposed based on Islamic medical ethics resources. As reusing stored samples of expired patients without their consent also challenges the researchers in the field of genetics, a debate is included on the post-mortem use of genetic data and samples for research. Finally, defining the special features of the presented case and positive benefit-risk ratio, it is concluded that reusing the patient's sample may be justified if the first-degree family members insist on genetic testing and are comprehensively informed about the benefits and harms.

Plumbagin attenuates Bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal fibrotic lung disease with limited treatment options. Plumbagin (PL) is an herbal extract with diverse pharmacological effects that have been recently used to treat various types of cancer. This study aims to explore the anti-fibrotic effect of PL and possible underlying mechanisms in IPF.

Methods

We used a bleomycin-induced experimental mouse model of lung fibrosis to assess the potential anti-fibrotic effect of PL. Histological analysis of lung tissue samples by H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining and hydroxyproline assay was performed to evaluate the fibrotic alterations. ELISA and real-time quantitative PCR were conducted to determine the amount of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), tumor growth factor-beta (TGF-β), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and endothelin-1 (ET-1).

Results

Bleomycin exposure induced lung fibrosis, which was indicated by inflammation, collagen deposition, and structural damage. PL remarkably prevented bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Furthermore, PL significantly inhibited TNF-α and TGF-β production. PL also diminished the upregulated expression of CTGF and ET-1 induced by bleomycin.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings suggest PL as an anti-fibrotic agent acting via down-regulation of TGF-β/CTGF or ET-1 axis, as well as TNF-α, to improve lung fibrosis.

Progesterone Aggravates Lung Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of Systemic Sclerosis

Background

Gender-related factors have explained the higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women. Sex hormones play a key role in the immune system and parenchymal cells function; therefore, these hormones can be important in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases as a risk or beneficial factor. Lung fibrosis is the main cause of mortality in systemic sclerosis, a female predominant autoimmune disease. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of progesterone on lung fibrosis in a mouse model of systemic sclerosis.

Methods

Mice with bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis treated with progesterone subcutaneously for 21 and 28 days. Blood was collected for hormone and cytokine measurement at the end of treatment then, skin and lung tissues were harvested for histological assessment, gene expression, cytokine, hydroxyproline, and gelatinase measurement.

Results

Trichrome staining and hydroxyproline measurements showed that progesterone treatment increased the content of collagen in fibrotic and normal lung tissues. Progesterone increased α-SMA (P < 0.01), TGF- β (P < 0.05) and decreased MMP9 (P < 0.05) in fibrotic lung tissues. Also progesterone treatment decreased the gene expression of Col1a2 (P <0.05), Ctgf (P <01), End1 (0.001) in bleomycin- injured lung tissues. The serum level of TNF-α was decreased, but the serum level of cortisol was increased by progesterone treatment in fibrotic mice (P< 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results showed that progesterone aggravates lung fibrosis in a mouse model of systemic sclerosis.

Nicotine and modafinil combination protects against the neurotoxicity induced by 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine in hippocampal neurons of male rats

MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a common recreational drug of abuse which causes neurodegeneration. Nicotine and modafinil provide antioxidant and neuroprotective properties and may be beneficial in the management of MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to characterize how acute and chronic administration of nicotine and/or modafinil exert protective effects against the MDMA-induced impaired cognitive performance, oxidative stress, and neuronal loss. Adult male rats were divided into three groups, namely control, MDMA and treatment (modafinil and/or nicotine). MDMA (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally during a three-week schedule (two times/day for two consecutive days/week). The treated-groups were classified based on the acute or chronic status of treatment. In the groups which underwent acute treatments, nicotine (0.5 mg/kg) and/or modafinil (100 mg/kg) were injected just prior to the MDMA administration (acute nicotine (NA), acute modafinil (MA), and acute nicotine and modafinil (NMA)). In the rats which received chronic treatments, nicotine (0.5 mg/kg) and/or modafinil (100 mg/kg) were injected every day during the three week-schedule administration of MDMA (chronic nicotine (NC), chronic modafinil (MC), and chronic nicotine and modafinil (NMC)). Learning and memory performance, as well as avoidance response, were assessed by Morris water maze and Shuttle box, respectively. Our findings indicate enhanced learning and memory and avoidance response in the NMC group. By TUNEL test and Cresyl Violet staining we evaluated neuronal loss and apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 and found increased neuronal viability in the NMC group. On the other hand, chronic administration of modafinil and nicotine significantly down-regulated the caspase 3 and up-regulated both BDNF and TrkB levels in the MDMA-received rats. The serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated and we found that the alterations of serum levels of GPx and TAC were considerably prevented in the NMC group. The overall results indicate that nicotine and modafinil co-administration rescued brain from MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. We suggest that nicotine and modafinil combination therapy could be considered as a possible treatment to reduce the neurological disorders induced by MDMA.

The importance of CDC27 in cancer: molecular pathology and clinical aspects

Background

CDC27 is one of the core components of Anaphase Promoting complex/cyclosome. The main role of this protein is defined at cellular division to control cell cycle transitions. Here we review the molecular aspects that may affect CDC27 regulation from cell cycle and mitosis to cancer pathogenesis and prognosis.

Main text

It has been suggested that CDC27 may play either like a tumor suppressor gene or oncogene in different neoplasms. Divergent variations in CDC27 DNA sequence and alterations in transcription of CDC27 have been detected in different solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Elevated CDC27 expression level may increase cell proliferation, invasiveness and metastasis in some malignancies. It has been proposed that CDC27 upregulation may increase stemness in cancer stem cells. On the other hand, downregulation of CDC27 may increase the cancer cell survival, decrease radiosensitivity and increase chemoresistancy. In addition, CDC27 downregulation may stimulate efferocytosis and improve tumor microenvironment.

Conclusion

CDC27 dysregulation, either increased or decreased activity, may aggravate neoplasms. CDC27 may be suggested as a prognostic biomarker in different malignancies.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-01860-9.

Behavioral Changes in Combination Therapy of Ethanol and Modafinil on Rats Focal Cerebral Ischemia

Introduction:

Ethanol is considered as an effective agent in reducing brain stroke injury. In this study, we assessed the effects of modafinil along with ethanol as a combination therapy on behavioral function in Wistar rats.

Methods:

The right Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) was performed and the rats were divided into nine groups (n=8 per group). The animal groups in this study were as follows: 1. MCAO control group (ischemia without treatment); 2. Vehicle group; 3. Modafinil group that was randomly subdivided into three groups receiving different doses of modafinil (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) for 7 days before MCAO; 4. Ethanol group receiving 1.5 g/kg ethanol at the time of reperfusion; 5. Modafinil + ethanol group that was further subdivided into three groups receiving modafinil at different doses (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) for 7 days before MCAO and ethanol at the time of reperfusion. The motor behavior was measured using the Garcia test 24, 48, and 72 h after the ischemia, and the elevated body swing test was performed 48 and 72 h after the ischemia. The anxiety and locomotor activity were analyzed by open field test 48 and 72 h post-ischemia.

Results:

The results showed that the neurological deficit score, locomotor activity, and unexpected thigmotaxis (anxiety) in the ethanol, modafinil (in a dose-dependent manner), and ethanol+modafinil treatment groups were significantly higher than the MCAO control group.

Conclusion:

It seems that the combination therapy of modafinil (100 mg/kg) and ethanol (1.5 g/kg) significantly enhanced neuroprotection via an improvement in locomotor activity and neurological functions.

Oxytocinergic system mediates the proconvulsant effects of sildenafil: The role of calcineurin

Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor used to treat male erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. A potential side effect of sildenafil is a noticeable decrease in seizure threshold. Oxytocin (OXT) secretion and the subsequent cAMP-responsive element-binding (CREB) phosphorylation are involved in proconvulsant effects of sildenafil in experimental models. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of OXT receptors and their downstream calcineurin (CN)/inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) pathways in proconvulsant effects of sildenafil. The pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure was used as a standard convulsion model in this study. Cortical CN activity, hippocampal nitrite levels, and proinflammatory cytokine content were measured. Our results indicated that following PTZ administration, sildenafil significantly increased CN activity at 40 mg/kg, respectively, in the control group. The combination of sildenafil and OXT receptor antagonist, atosiban (10 μg/kg, i.c.v) 30 min before sildenafil administration significantly reduced the CN activity. Also, the subeffective dose of CN inhibitor cyclosporine (5 mg/kg) 30 min before the administration of effective dose of sildenafil (40 mg/kg) reversed proconvulsant actions of sildenafil. This effect was iNOS-dependent because pretreatment of a low dose of aminoguanidine (20 mg/kg) 15 min before the administration of a low dose of cyclosporine (1 mg/kg) reversed the proconvulsant action of sildenafil (40 mg/kg). Finally, sildenafil induced the elevation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and the nitrite level was blocked by the administration of cyclosporine in PTZ-treated mice. Collectively, our data provide insights into the role of OXT receptor/CN/iNOS pathway in the proconvulsant aspect of sildenafil.

Intra-arterial Drug Delivery to the Ischemic Brain in Rat Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model

Rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model is one of the most commonly used animal models in ischemic stroke studies. In the model, increasing safety and efficacy of therapeutic agent administration, such as stem cells and drugs directly to the ischemic brain using the internal carotid artery (ICA) is essential, because using the common carotid artery (CCA) for injection can close CCA completely and cause many complications after tMCAO surgery. Also, the pterygopalatine artery (PPA) is an arterial branch of the ICA that supplies blood circulation of the external part of the brain and removing the blood circulation of the PPA is required for more complete induction of ischemia to the brain. Herein, we present the insertion of intra-arterial catheter in the ICA via the external carotid artery (ECA) after the PPA in rats subjected to tMCAO surgery.

Suppression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase expression by miR-154 reduces the viability of breast cancer cells and increases their susceptibility to doxorubicin

Background

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) enzyme acts as the major enzyme in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) synthesis salvage pathway. Deregulation of NAD could be associated with progression of several cancers such as breast cancer. Here, the consequence of NAMPT inhibition by miR-154 was investigated on breast cancer cells.

Methods

MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines were transfected with the mimic and inhibitors of miR-154-5p and their corresponding negative controls. Consequently, levels of NAMPT and NAD were assayed employing qRT-PCR, Western blotting and enzymatic method, respectively. Subsequently, flow cytometry and colorimetric methods were performed to evaluate apoptosis and cell viability. Bioinformatics analyses as well as luciferase assay were done to investigate whether the 3′-UTR of NAMPT is directly targeted by miR-154.

Results

According to the obtained results, NAMPT was recognized as a target for binding of miR-154 and the levels of this miRNA was inversely associated with both mRNA and protein levels of NAMPT in breast cancer cell lines. Functionally, miR-154 inhibited the NAD salvage pathway leading to a remarkable decrease in cell viability and increased rate of cell death. When breast cancer cells were simultaneously treated with doxorubicin and miR-154 mimic, cell viability was considerably reduced compared to treatment with doxorubicin alone in both cell lines.

Conclusions

It was concluded that the inhibition of NAD production by miR-154 might be introduced as an appropriate therapeutic approach in order to improve breast cancer outcome either alone or in combination with other conventional chemotherapeutic agents.

A combination therapy of nanoethosomal piroxicam formulation along with iontophoresis as an anti-inflammatory transdermal delivery system for wound healing

Inflammation accounts as one of the major phases in wound healing, while prolonged and chronic inflammation may lead to adverse pathological conditions. Therefore, transdermal delivery of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) such as encapsulated piroxicam into a nanocarrier seems to be promising. For the first time, a nanoethosomal piroxicam of <200 nm was prepared and combined with iontophoresis. Results showed that there was a critical point at the concentration of 5 mg lecithin with the smallest particle size. Besides, lecithin concentration had direct and inverse linear relationships with turbidity and pH of nanocarriers, respectively. Moreover, as there was no linear relationship between the lecithin concentration and particle size, the effect of lecithin concentration was dominant on turbidity compared with particle size. It seems that a pH higher than 5.5 disturbed the linear relationship of pH and entrapment efficacy percentage (EE%) while at the pH range of 4 to 5.5, the relationship was linear and EE% gradually decreased with increasing pH. These data showed that an optimised nanocarrier with special physicochemical properties is dominant to the just particle size. Besides, ex vivo permeation studies in rat skin showed that there was no significant difference between the permeation of free drug and ethosomal ones. However, iontophoresis significantly enhanced ethosomal piroxicam permeation compared with the free drug. Overall, these data emphasise the superiority of iontophoresis for the transdermal delivery of nanoethosomal medications while nanoethosomal delivery without iontophoresis did not show significant transdermal potential. To sum up, transdermal nanoethosomal piroxicam along with iontophoresis seems to be promising in wound healing.

Up-regulation of miR-381 inhibits NAD+ salvage pathway and promotes apoptosis in breast cancer cells

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), a rate-limiting enzyme involved in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) salvage pathway, is overexpressed in many human malignancies such as breast cancer. This enzyme plays a critical role in survival and growth of cancer cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are among the most important regulators of gene expression, and serve as potential targets for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of breast cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of NAMPT inhibition by miR-381 on breast cancer cell survival. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines were transfected with miR-381 mimic, inhibitor, and their corresponding negative controls (NCs). Subsequently, the level of NAMPT and NAD was assessed using real-time PCR, immuno-blotting, and enzymatic methods, respectively. In order to evaluate apoptosis, cells were labelled with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide and analyzed by flow cytometry. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to recognize whether NAMPT 3′-untranslated region (UTR) is a direct target of miR-381 and the results were authenticated by the luciferase reporter assay using a vector containing the 3′-UTR sequence of NAMPT. Our results revealed that the 3′-UTR of NAMPT was a direct target of miR-381 and its up-regulation decreased NAMPT gene and protein expression, leading to a notable reduction in intracellular NAD and subsequently cell survival and induction of apoptosis. It can be concluded that miR-381 has a vital role in tumor suppression by down-regulation of NAMPT, and it can be a promising candidate for breast cancer therapy.

Melatonin regulates neuroinflammation ischemic stroke damage through interactions with microglia in reperfusion phase

Even today, ischemic stroke is a major cause of death and disabilities because of its high incidence, limited treatments and poor understanding of the pathophysiology of ischemia/reperfusion, neuroinflammation and secondary injuries following ischemic stroke. The function of microglia as a part of the immune system of the brain following ischemic stroke can be destructive or protective. Recent surveys indicate that melatonin, a strong antioxidant agent, has receptors on microglial cells and can regulate them to protective form; yet, more findings are required for better understanding of this mechanism, particularly in the reperfusion phase. In this study, we initially aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of melatonin intra-arterially and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. After that by using an in vitro approach, we evaluated the protective effects of melatonin on microglial cells following the hypoxia condition. Our results proved that a single dose of melatonin at the beginning of reperfusion phase improved structural and behavioral outcomes. Melatonin increased NeuN and decreased GFAP, Iba1 and active caspase-3 at protein level. Furthermore, melatonin elevated BDNF, MAP2, HSPA1A and reduced VEGF at mRNA level. We also showed that melatonin receptor 1B highly expressed in microglial cells after 3 h hypoxia. Besides, melatonin increased the ratio of TREM2/iNOS as a marker of the most protective form of microglia (M2). In summary, our data suggest that melatonin has the possibility to serve as targeting microglial action for preventing secondary injury of reperfusion phase after ischemic stroke.

Neuroprotective effect of ethanol and Modafinil on focal cerebral ischemia in rats

Ethanol is known as an effective agent against cerebral lesions after ischemia. Modafinil is a stimulant of the central nervous system (CNS) with antioxidant properties. We assessed the neuroprotective effect of modafinil in combination with ethanol after focal cerebral ischemia. Male wistar rats weighing 280-300 g were divided into nine groups (n = 12 each group): The groups consisted of the MCAO (middle cerebral artery occlusion) group (i.e. ischemia without treatment); the vehicle group(Dimethylsulfoxide); the modafinil group including three subgroups which pretreated with Modafinil (10, 30, 100 mg/kg), respectively, for seven days prior to the induction of MCAO; the ethanol group which received 1.5g/kg ethanol at the time of reperfusion; and modafinil+ethanol group which was divided into three subgroups that received three doses of modanifil (10, 30,100 mg/kg), respectively, for seven days prior to MCAO as well as ethanol at the time of reperfusion. Transient cerebral ischemia was induced by 60-min intraluminal occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. Edema, infarct volume, glial scar formation (gliosis) and apoptosis were analyzed. The ethanol alone treatment (with a less significant effect), modafinil (in a dose-dependent way), and the combination of modafinil and ethanol significantly decreased the brain infarct volume, edema, apoptosis, and gliosis (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, modafinil+ethanol mediated the restoration of aerobic metabolism and hyper-glycolysis suppress, thereby resulting in an increase in pyruvate dehydrogenase and a decrease in lactate dehydrogenase activity, respectively, which ultimately reduced oxidative reperfusion injury. These results demonstrate that pretreatment with modafinil (100 mg/kg) and modafinil+ethanol(1.5 g/kg) may prevent ischemic brain injuries.

Gelatinases Increase in Bleomycin-induced Systemic Sclerosis Mouse Model

Systemic sclerosis is a fibrotic autoimmune disease in which aberrant remodeling of the extracellular matrix in organs disturbs their functionalities. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of gelatinases on systemic sclerosis. Consequently, a mouse model of systemic sclerosis was employed and the gelatinolytic activity of gelatinases was evaluated on the fibrotic tissues of this model. Two groups of ten mice were considered in this work: a group of systemic sclerosis model and control group. For the generation of systemic sclerosis model, mice received bleomycin, while the control group was subjected to phosphate buffered saline (PBS) reception. Mice were tested for fibrosis by using trichrome staining, hydroxyproline measurement and α-SMA detection in tissue sections. Additionally, the gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 were measured using gelatin zymography in lungs and skin tissue homogenates. The obtained results indicated that subcutaneous injection of bleomycin-induced fibrosis in skin and lung tissues of mice. Pro and active forms of matrix methaloproteinase 9 were increased in fibrotic lung tissues (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively), while, the gelatinolytic activity of MMP2 was unaffected in these tissues. Additionally, in skin tissues of bleomycin-treated animals, both pro and active forms of MMP9 and MMP2 were increased (p<0.05). Pro and active forms of gelatinases increase differently in skin and lung tissues of bleomycin-induced scleroderma.

The Role of Progesterone in Cellular Apoptosis of Skin and Lung in a Bleomycin-injured Mouse Model

Systemic sclerosis is a female predominant, a fibrotic autoimmune disease in which disturbance in tissue homeostasis and cell turnover including cell apoptosis are central events in pathogenesis. Sex hormones are known as the important players in sexual dimorphism of autoimmune diseases and in tissue homeostasis. Progesterone influences autoimmune disease via its immunomodulatory effect or by its direct action on parenchymal cell function. On the other hand, this hormone impacts tissue homeostasis by acting on cell apoptosis in a different situation. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of progesterone on cellular apoptosis of skin and lung tissues in a mouse model of scleroderma. Four group of mice were involved in this study with 10 mice in each. The fibrotic model was induced by daily subcutaneous injection of bleomycin for 28 days. One week after initiation of fibrosis induction, mice received subcutaneous progesterone alone or with bleomycin for 21 days. Control group received only Phosphate buffered saline PBS. After 28 days, under lethal anesthesia skin and lung tissues were harvested for histological assessment and hydroxyproline measurement. Apoptosis in tissue sections was detected by TUNEL assay technique. Bleomycin administration induced fibrosis in skin and lung tissues. Severe apoptosis was seen in skin and lung tissues of the bleomycin-treated group (p<0.001 in the skin and p<0.05 in the lung). Progesterone injection either in the skin (p>0.05) or in the lung (p>0.05) did not alter apoptosis in bleomycin-treated animals. Our data confirm the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of fibrosis in this model; however, progesterone does not affect cellular apoptosis in skin and lung tissues of bleomycin-injured animals.

A Fibroblast Growth Factor Antagonist Peptide Inhibits Breast Cancer in BALB/c Mice

Objective

Given the role of basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) in tumor growth, it has been considered as a potential target for tumor therapy. In this study, we investigate the effect of bFGF antagonistic peptide on the growth and angiogenesis of 4T1 mammary carcinoma tumor (MCT) in BALB/c mice.

Methods

An engineered peptide was injected into BALB/c mice in doses of 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg daily for 14 days. Immunohistochemical analysis using anti-CD31 and anti-CD34 were conducted as indices of angiogenesis. In addition, blood samples were taken from the eyes of treated and control mice and the levels of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA. Data was analyzed by ANOVA using SPSS.

Results

The antagonistic peptide inhibited growth and angiogenesis of MCT (P ≤0.05), and decreased the serum level of IL-8 and TNF-α in treated groups compared to the control groups.

Conclusion

The inhibition of tumor angiogenesis has been considered as an important strategy to halt tumor growth. The results of current study confirm that the antiangiogenic peptide effectively inhibited the growth of MCT, and shows potential for clinical trials for the treatment of cancer in humans.

Cabazitaxel inhibits proliferation and potentiates the radiation response of U87MG glioblastoma cells

Cabazitaxel is a second-generation semisynthetic taxane. The recognized anti-neoplastic effect of Cabazitaxel is cell cycle perturbation by inducing arrest at G2/M. Since glioblastoma tumors have a relatively high expression of P-gp, it is encouraging to find a treatment that is effective against these tumors. This study was conducted to examine the radiosensitizing potential of Cabazitaxel against U87MG cells. In order to evaluate the effect of Cabazitaxel, cells were treated with different concentrations of the drug at different time intervals and then cytotoxicity and cell cycle were assessed using MTT and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Annexin/PI and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to evaluate the extent of apoptosis. Cabazitaxel exerted a consistent G2/M arrest and resulted in a concentration- and time-dependent toxicity. Cabazitaxel enhanced the cytotoxicity response of U87MG cells to radiation. Apoptosis increased following Cabazitaxel-IR administration. At the same time, these results were further supported by apoptotic genes regulation. This study provides the first preclinical evidence supporting that Cabazitaxel can render U87MG cells more susceptible to the cytotoxicity of radiation and could potentially be administered in combination modalities as a promising cell cycle-specific radiosensitizer for the future steps of in vivo evaluation.

Effect of Multiple Intraperitoneal Injections of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Cuprizone Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Background:

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) elicit neuroprotective effects, and their repair ability has been investigated in different experimental models. We aimed to investigate the effect of multiple i.p. BM-MSCs injections in the cuprizone model of multiple sclerosis in mice.

Methods:

Adult male C57BL/6 mice (n = 40) were fed a regular diet or a diet containing cuprizone (0.2% w/w) for six weeks. Bone marrow samples were taken from patients with spinal cord injury. BM-MSCs (2 × 10⁶ in 1 milliliter medium) were administered intraperitoneally for two consecutive weeks at the end of the forth weeks of cuprizone administration. Animals (n = 12) were perfused with 10% paraformaldehyde at the end of sixth week. The brains were sectioned coronally in 6-8-μm thickness (-2.3 to 1.8 mm from bregma). The sections were stained by luxol fast blue-cresyl violet, and images were captured via a microscope. Demyelination ratio was estimated in corpus callosum in a blind manner. A quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the myelin basic protein gene expression at sixth week.

Results:

Histologically, cuprizone induced demyelination in the corpus callosum. Demyelinated area was diminished in the corpus callosum of cell-administered group. Cuprizone could decrease myelin-binding protein mRNAs expression in corpus callosum, which was significantly recovered after BM-MSCs injections.

Conclusion:

Our data indicated a remyelination potency of multiple i.p. BM-MSCs in the cuprizone model of multiple sclerosis in mice.

Plasma microparticles in Alzheimer's disease: The role of vascular dysfunction

Cerebrovascular lesions, a potent stimulus for endothelial cell activation, trigger cognitive and degenerative changes and contribute to pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Circulating microparticles (MPs) are actively involved in the pathogenesis of AD and cerebrovascular diseases, which share common vascular risk factors. We examined the plasma changes of endothelial MPs (EMPs) and platelet MPs (PMPs) in AD patients with vascular risk factors. The plasma Annexin V⁺ CD 41a^- CD144⁺ EMPs and Annexin V⁺ CD41a⁺ CD144^- PMPs of 37 patients with AD, with or without vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, stroke, coronary artery disease, and smoking), and 10 age-matched controls were quantified by flow cytometry. Pearson correlation analysis used to evaluate the linear relationship between variables. Significantly higher plasma levels of EMPs were observed in AD patients with vascular risk factors as compared to the patients without vascular risk factors [Mean Difference (MD): 2587.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 770.30-4404.80], and control subjects (MD: 4990.60, 95% CI, 3054.40-6926.79). Significant correlations were found between circulating EMPs, total MPs, and PMPs. There were no significant correlations between plasma levels of EMPs/ PMPs, and cognitive decline indices. Circulating EMP levels are influenced by AD disease status, and plasma levels of MPs and PMPs are associated with vascular risk factors in patients with AD. EMP phenotyping, as cellular biomarkers of vascular injury/dysfunction, and their effects on cerebral perfusion, and cognitive decline should be further investigated. Graphical abstract Vascular endothelial cell activation results in release of endothelial-derived microparticles (EMPs), which contributing to vascular dysfunction and cognitive decline.

Association of Htra1 gene polymorphisms with the risk of developing AMD in Iranian population

BACKGROUND

Half of the cases of vision loss in people under 60 years of age have been attributed to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is a multifactorial disease with late onset. It has been demonstrated that many different genetic loci are implicated in the risk of developing AMD in different populations. In the current study, we investigated the association of high-temperature ‎requirement A-1 (HTRA1) gene polymorphisms with the risk of developing AMD in the Iranian population.

METHODS

Genomic DNA samples were extracted from 120 patients with AMD and 120 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. A 385 base-pair fragment of the HTRA1 gene promoter region was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and sequenced. The frequencies of the alleles were calculated and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

Our study demonstrated that the rate of polymorphisms rs11200638 -625 G>A and rs2672598 -487T>C were significantly greater in AMD patients than in healthy controls from the Iranian population.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study indicate that HTRA1 gene promoter region polymorphisms are associated with the risk of developing AMD in the Iranian population.

Beyond the 5-HT3 receptors

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), generated by inflammatory cells or other pathological conditions, leads to oxidative stress, which may contribute to the neuronal degeneration observed in a wide variety of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Recent investigations have described effective properties of tropisetron, such as antiphlogistic action or protection against β-amyloid induced-neuroinflammation in rats. Our data revealed that H2O2-induced cell death in rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12) can be inhibited by tropisetron, as defined by 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, caspase 3 and caspase 12 levels. We further showed that tropisetron exerts its protective effects by upregulation of heme oxygenase-1, glutathione, catalase activity, and nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 level. Moreover, tropisetron was recently found to be a partial agonist of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR). The activation of α7nAChR could inhibit inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways in the oxidative stress conditions. In this study, selective α7nAChR antagonists (methyllycaconitine) reversed the effects of tropisetron on caspase 3 level. Our findings indicated that tropisetron can protect PC12 cells against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity through α7nAChR in vitro.

Involvement of PPAR receptors in the anticonvulsant effects of a cannabinoid agonist, WIN 55,212-2

Cannabinoid and PPAR receptors show well established interactions in a set of physiological effects. Regarding the seizure-modulating properties of both classes of receptors, the present study aimed to evaluate the roles of the PPAR-gamma, PPAR-alpha and CB1 receptors on the anticonvulsant effects of WIN 55,212-2 (WIN, a non selective cannabinoid agonist). The clonic seizure thresholds after intravenous administration of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) were assessed in mice weighing 23-30 g. WIN increased the seizure threshold dose dependently. Pretreatment with pioglitazone, as a PPARγ agonist, potentiated the anticonvulsant effects of WIN, while PPARγ antagonist inhibited these anticonvulsant effects partially. On the other hand PPARα antagonist reduced the anticonvulsant effects of WIN significantly. Finally the combination of CB1 antagonist and PPARα antagonist could completely block the anticonvulsant properties of WIN. Taken together, these results show for the first time that a functional interaction exists between cannabinoid and PPAR receptors in the modulation of seizure susceptibility.

Direct immunomodulatory influence of IFN-β on human astrocytoma cells

Astrocytes actively play a pivotal role in inflammatory disease intensity of central nervous system especially multiple sclerosis (MS). Although IFN-β is a selective therapy for MS but the role of IFN-β in stimulating the astrocytes to produce cytokines is not clearly revealed. Therefore, it is encouraging to assess the modulatory role of IFN-β on astrocytes of brain tissue. The aim of our study was to analyze the molecular mechanisms of recombinant IFN-β 1a directly affecting IL-10, iNOS, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression in central nervous system for the first time. In this way, in vitro procedures conducted by human astrocytoma A172 and 1321N1 cell lines as a model system. The total RNA from A172 and 1321N1 cells treated with IFN-β and LPS/IFN-γ/IFN-β and untreated cells were extracted and evaluated for IL-10, iNOS, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression by real-time RT-PCR. We found a significant dose-dependent increase in IL-10 gene expression in A172 and 1321N1 cells treated with IFN-β or LPS/IFN-γ/IFN-β. Moreover, a significant decrease was observed in iNOS expression suggesting a similar mechanism of action for both cells. Eventually there were no significant changes concerning the modulation of the MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in response to IFN-β treatment. In part, the immunomodulatory effect of IFN-β may be due to increase of IL-10 and suppression of iNOS expression in astrocytes of brain tissue.

cAMP protects acute promyelocytic leukemia cells from arsenic trioxide-induced caspase-3 activation and apoptosis

More recently, arsenic trioxide (ATO), was integrated into acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treatment, showing high efficacy and tolerability in patients with both ATRA-sensitive and ATRA-resistant APL. ATO could induce apoptosis at relatively high concentrations (0.5 to 2.0 micromol/L) and partial differentiation at low concentrations (0.1 to 0.5 micromol/L) in leukemic promyelocytes. It is known that cAMP agonists enhance low-dose ATO-induced APL cells differentiation. Less well appreciated was the possible interaction between relatively high-doses of ATO and enhanced levels of cAMP in APL cells. Here, we show that elevation of cAMP levels by forskolin inhibited ATO-mediated apoptosis in APL-derived NB4 cells, and this inhibition could be averted by cell permeable cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor (14-22) amide. Inactivating phosphorylation of the proapoptotic protein Bad at Ser118 and phosphorylation of the CREB proto-oncogene at Ser133 were observed upon elevation of cAMP levels in NB4 cells. Phosphorylation of these PKA target proteins is known to promote cell survival in AML cells. The ability of cAMP to endow the APL cells with survival advantage is of particular importance when cAMP agonists may be considered as adjuncts to APL therapy.

Selective β2 adrenergic agonist increases Cx43 and miR-451 expression via cAMP-Epac

It has been demonstrated that connexin 43 (Cx43) and microRNAs have significant roles in glioma. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is suggested to be a regulator of connexins and microRNAs. However, it remains elusive whether cAMP and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac2), have a regulatory effect on Cx43 and microRNA-451 (miR-451) in astrocytoma cells. We treated 1321N1 astrocytoma cells with a selective β2 adrenergic agonist and a selective Epac activator with and without adenyl cyclase and protein kinase A inhibition. Cx43 and miR-451 expression were measured. Next, we evaluated the effect of miR-451 overexpression on Cx43 expression. Cell proliferation was measured using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results demonstrated that cAMP-Epac2 increased Cx43 and miR-451 expression. However, the alteration of miR-451 expression required a higher dose of drugs. Overexpression of miR-451 had no significant effect on Cx43 expression. The MTT assay showed that cAMP-Epac stimulation and miR-451 overexpression had a synergic inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. These findings may expand our understanding of the molecular biology of glioma and provide new potential therapeutic targets.

Usage of mitochondrial D-loop variation to predict risk for Huntington disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited autosomal neurodegenerative disease caused by the abnormal expansion of the CAG repeats in the Huntingtin (Htt) gene. It has been proven that mitochondrial dysfunction is contributed to the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease. The mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) is proven to accumulate mutations at a higher rate than other regions of mtDNA. Thus, we hypothesized that specific SNPs in the D-loop may contribute to the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease. In the present study, 30 patients with Huntington's disease and 463 healthy controls were evaluated for mitochondrial mutation sites within the D-loop region using PCR-sequencing method. Sequence analysis revealed 35 variations in HD group from Cambridge Mitochondrial Sequences. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was seen between patients and control group in eight SNPs. Polymorphisms at C16069T, T16126C, T16189C, T16519C and C16223T were correlated with an increased risk of HD while SNPs at C16150T, T16086C and T16195C were associated with a decreased risk of Huntington's disease.

Protective effects of N-acetylcysteine on 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats

Exposure to 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) leads to spatial memory impairment and hippocampal cell death. In the present study we have examined the protective effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) on MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. A total of 56 male Sprague Dawley rats (200-250 g) received twice daily intraperitoneal (IP) injections of 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg MDMA plus NAC (100 mg/kg). Rectal temperatures were recorded before and after daily treatment. We used a Morris water maze (MWM) to assess spatial learning and memory. At the end of the study rats' brains were removed, cells were counted and the level of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 expression in the hippocampi were measured. NAC pretreatment significantly reduced MDMA-induced hyperthermia. In the MWM, NAC significantly attenuated the MDMA-induced increase in distance traveled; however the observed increase in escape latency was not significant. The decrease in time spent in the target quadrant in MDMA animals was significantly attenuated (p < 0.001, all groups). NAC protected against MDMA-induced cell death and the up -regulation of Bax and Caspase-3, in addition to the down-regulation of Bcl-2. This data suggested a possible benefit of NAC in the treatment of neurotoxicity among those who use MDMA.

Tropisetron attenuates amyloid-beta-induced inflammatory and apoptotic responses in rats

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder featured by deposition of beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the hippocampus and associated cortices and progressive cognitive decline. Tropisetron, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, is conventionally used to counteract chemotherapy-induced emesis. Recent investigations describe antiphlogistic properties for tropisetron. It has been shown that tropisetron protects against rat embolic stroke. We investigated protective properties of tropisetron in a beta-amyloid (Aβ) rat model of AD and possible involvement of 5-HT3 receptors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Aβ (1-42) was injected into the hippocampus of male rats. Animals were treated intracerebroventricularly with tropisetron, mCPBG (selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist) or mCPBG plus tropisetron on days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Seven days following Aβ administration, inflammatory markers (TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS and NF-κB), apoptotic markers (caspase 3 cytochrome c release) and calcineurin phosphatase activity were assessed in hippocampus.

RESULTS

Seven days following Aβ inoculation, control animals displayed dramatic increase in TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS, NF-κB, active caspase 3, cytochrome c release and calcineurin phosphatase activity in the hippocampus. Tropisetron significantly diminished the elevated levels of these markers and reversed the cognitive deficit. Interestingly, tropisetron was also found to be a potent inhibitor of calcineurin phosphatase activity. The selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist mCPBG, when co-administered with tropisetron, completely reversed the procognitive and anti-apoptotic properties of tropisetron while it could only partially counteract the anti-inflammatory effects. mCPBG alone significantly aggravated Aβ-induced injury.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that tropisetron protects against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in vivo through both 5-HT3 receptor-dependent and independent pathways.

Silymarin inhibits cell cycle progression and mTOR activity in activated human T cells: therapeutic implications for autoimmune diseases

Silymarin, a complex flavonolignan from the 'milk thistle' (Silybum marianum) plant, exhibits anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects. Several reports have demonstrated immunosuppressive activity of silymarin; however, the molecular mechanisms involved in immunomodulatory activities of silymarin are not fully understood yet. In this study, the effect of silymarin on cell cycle and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway of activated T lymphocytes was investigated in vitro. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from healthy volunteers and activated with anti-CD3 (5 μg/ml) and anti-CD28 (2 μg/ml) monoclonal antibodies. Cells were cultured in Complete RPMI medium with 10, 50 and 100 μM silymarin or dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and incubated for 24-96 hrs. Cell cycle analysis was performed by PI staining and flow cytometry. The effect of silymarin on PI3K/AKT signalling pathway and mTOR activity was determined in activated T cells after 72-hr incubation with silymarin or DMSO. A significant G1 arrest in cell cycle of activated T lymphocytes was found after 96-hr incubation with 100 μM silymarin without causing cell death. Silymarin also significantly inhibited the level of phospho-S6 ribosomal protein and mTOR activity in cell lysates of activated T cells after 72-hr incubation in comparison with DMSO. This study shows that silymarin inhibits cell proliferation through G1 cell cycle arrest and also through the suppression of the mTOR signalling pathway in human activated T lymphocytes in vitro. Characterizing molecular mechanism of such immunomodulatory effects may have a great potential in future practical application of silymarin in transplantation and auoimmunity.

Altered expression of TNFSF4 and TRAF2 mRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: association with atherosclerotic symptoms and lupus nephritis

OBJECTIVES

This study compares the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 4 (TNFSF4) and TNF-R-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) mRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) against healthy controls. The association of SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and clinical features of SLE with altered expression levels of TNFSF4 and TRAF2 mRNAs were also evaluated.

DESIGN

We used real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to measure TNFSF4 and TRAF2 mRNAs expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 57 SLE patients and 57 healthy controls.

RESULTS

The expression level of TNFSF4 mRNA was significantly higher in SLE patients than in the control group. Overexpression of TNFSF4 was correlated with arthritis, atherosclerosis and lupus nephritis. TRAF2 mRNA was underexpressed in PBMCs of SLE patients, and its lower expression was associated with atherosclerosis and lupus nephritis. The altered expression levels of TNFSF4 and TRAF2 mRNAs was significantly correlated with SLEDAI.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that changes in the expression levels of TNFSF4 and TRAF2 mRNAs may significantly correlate with the pathogenesis of SLE, the disease activity and different clinical features of lupus, particularly lupus nephritis, atherosclerosis and arthritis.

Adenosine A2A receptors and uric acid mediate protective effects of inosine against TNBS-induced colitis in rats

Inflammatory bowel disease comprises chronic recurrent inflammation of gastrointestinal tract. This study was conducted to investigate inosine, a potent immunomodulator, in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced chronic model of experimental colitis, and contribution of adenosine A(2A) receptors and the metabolite uric acid as possible underlying mechanisms. Experimental colitis was rendered in rats by a single colonic administration of 10 mg of TNBS. Inosine, potassium oxonate (a hepatic uricase inhibitor), SCH-442416 (a selective adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist), inosine+potassium oxonate, or inosine+SCH-442416 were given twice daily for 7 successive days. At the end of experiment, macroscopic and histopathologic scores, colonic malondialdehyde (MDA), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) levels, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were assessed. Plasma uric acid level was measured throughout the experiment. Both macroscopic and histological features of colonic injury were markedly ameliorated by either inosine, oxonate or inosine+oxonate. Likewise, the elevated amounts of MPO and MDA abated as well as those of TNF-α and IL-1β (P<0.05). SCH-442416 partially reversed the effect of inosine on theses markers, while inosine+oxonate showed a higher degree of protection than each treatment alone (P<.0.05). No significant difference was observed between TNBS and SCH-442416 groups. Uric acid levels were significantly higher in inosine or oxonate groups compared to control. Inosine+oxonate resulted in an even more elvelated uric acid level than each treatment alone (P<0.05). Inosine elicits notable anti-inflammatory effects on TNBS-induced colitis in rats. Uric acid and adenosine A(2A) receptors contribute to these salutary properties.

Elevation of cyclic AMP causes an imbalance between NF-kappaB and p53 in NALM-6 cells treated by doxorubicin

We previously showed that cAMP can inhibit DNA damage-induced wild type p53 accumulation in human pre-B NALM-6 cells, leading to a profound reduction of their apoptotic response. Here, we provide evidence for the potentiation of DNA damage-induced NF-kappaB activation by cAMP. We found that inhibition of NF-kappaB activation prevents the inhibitory effect of cAMP on doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Moreover, cAMP exerts its inhibitory effect on doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in a PKA-independent manner. The present study also shows that elevation of cAMP prolongs the phosphorylation of IkappaB and subsequent activation of NF-kappaB in doxorubicin treated NALM-6 cells in a proteasome-dependent manner. Taken together, our results demonstrate that cAMP abrogates the balance between apoptotic and antiapoptotic transcription factors that are hallmarks of DNA damage signaling.

Adverse effects of hydroxyurea in beta-thalassemia intermedia patients: 10 years' experience

The aim of this study was to evaluate the tolerance and adverse effects of hydroxyurea (HU) in thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients who had been treated by HU for a period of 10 years. One hundred forty-three TI patients, including 78 male and 65 female, median age 21 years old (range: 5-37 years old), who were treated by HU were investigated as a case study, and 106 TI, including 63 male and 43 female, median age 22 years old (range: 5-39 years old), who were not treated by any HU as a control group. Mean dose of HU treatment was 10.74 mg/kg/day (range: 8-12 mg/kg/day) and adverse effects of HU were recorded in 44 (30.7%) patients. Dermatologic side effects were most commonly seen, followed by neurological and gastrointestinal adverse effects. There were not any reports of hematologic toxicity or any signs of bone marrow suppression during HU treatment. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between advancing age and the presence of adverse effects during HU treatment (P < .001). But there were not any significant relations among gender, HU dose, and duration of HU treatment and the presence of adverse effects (P > .05). It was also observed that splenectomized patients more frequently experienced adverse effects of HU (P < .05). According to these results, it seems that most of adverse effects in low-dose HU therapy in patients with TI, at least in short and medium terms, are minor and can be tolerated without needs of discontinuation of treatment.

Granisetron ameliorates acetic acid-induced colitis in rats

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronically relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, of which the definite etiology remains ambiguous. Considering the adverse effects and incomplete efficacy of currently administered drugs, it is indispensable to explore new candidates with more desirable therapeutic profiles. 5-HT( 3) receptor antagonists have shown analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. This study aims to investigate granisetron, a 5-HT( 3) receptor antagonist, in acetic acid-induced rat colitis and probable involvement of 5-HT(3) receptors. Colitis was rendered by instillation of 1 mL of 4% acetic acid (vol/vol) and after 1 hour, granisetron (2 mg/kg), dexamethasone (1 mg/kg), meta-chlorophenylbiguanide (mCPBG, 5 mg/kg), a 5-HT( 3) receptor agonist, or granisetron + mCPBG was given intraperitoneally. Twenty-four hours following colitis induction, animals were sacrificed and distal colons were assessed macroscopically, histologically and biochemically (malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6). Granisetron or dexamethasone significantly (p < .05) improved macroscopic and histologic scores, curtailed myeloperoxidase activity and diminished colonic levels of inflammatory cytokines and malondialdehyde. The protective effects of granisetron were reversed by concurrent administration of mCPBG. Our data suggests that the salutary effects of granisetron in acetic acid colitis could be mediated by 5-HT(3) receptors.

Effects of chamomile extract on biochemical and clinical parameters in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder associated with ovulatory dysfunction. Presently, little is known about the primary factors that initiate PCOS. Chamomile flowers are used in alternative medicine for its anti-spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory effects. Antispasmodic properties of chamomile ease menstrual cramps and lessen the possibility of premature labor. This medicinal herb also stimulates menstruation. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Chamomile alcoholic-extract on the biochemical and clinical parameters in a rat model of PCOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Estrous cyclicity of 30 virgin adult cycling rats was monitored by vaginal smears obtained between 0800 and 1200 hours. After about 4 days, each rat received an i.m. injection of Estradiol Valerate (Aburaihan Co., Iran), 2 mg in 0.2 ml of corn oil, to induce PCO. Corn oil was injected to the rats in the control group. All the rats in the experimental group were evaluated for follicular cysts 60 days after the injection. Rats with PCOS were treated by multiple doses (25, 50, 75 mg/kg) of intraperitoneal injections of Chamomile alcoholic-extract for ten days. The data were statistically analyzed at a significance level of p<0.05 by ANOVA, followed by the Student Newman-Keuls post hoc test.

RESULTS

The histological and hormonal results showed that Chamomile can decrease the signs of PCOS in the ovarian tissue and help LH secretion in rats (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The alcoholic-extract of dried Matricaria chamomilla L. flowers can not only induce recovery from a PCO induced state in rats, but also increase dominant follicles. Additionally better endometrial tissue arrangements can be regarded as another therapeutic effect of Chamomile.

Anti-inflammatory effects of 5-HT receptor antagonist, tropisetron on experimental colitis in rats

BACKGROUND

There is a pressing need for research that will lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of tropisetron, a 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-3 receptor antagonist with anti-inflammatory properties in a model of experimental colitis in rat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acetic acid model of colitis in rats was used. Colitis was induced by intracolonal instillation of 4% (v/v) acetic acid. One hour after induction of colitis, intraperitoneal (IP) or intrarectal (IR) tropisetron (2 mg kg(-1), either route) or dexamethasone (1 mg kg(-1), either route) was administered. The severity of colitis was assessed 24 h later using macroscopic and microscopic changes of damaged colon, measurement of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels and oxidative stress markers myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in colonic tissues.

RESULTS

Tropisetron decreased colonic macroscopic and microscopic damage scores. This was associated with significant reduction in both neutrophil infiltration indicated by decreased colonic MPO activity and lipid peroxidation measured by MDA content, as well as a decreased colonic inflammatory cytokines. IR tropisetron decreased colonic damage that was associated with decreased neutrophil infiltration, lipid peroxidation and colonic inflammatory cytokines. Beneficial effects of tropisetron were lower than those of dexamethasone. No significant differences were observed between IP and IR administration with the exception of MDA level more diminished by IP tropisetron and dexamethasone.

CONCLUSIONS

Tropisetron exert beneficial effects in experimental rat colitis and therefore might be useful in the treatment of IBD.

Annual International Geographic Medicine Congress Meetings in Shiraz, Iran: Publication Rates during 1999-2006

The present study aimed to examine which portion of abstracts presented between 1999 to 2006 at Annual International Geographic Medicine Congress meetings in Shiraz, Iran, were published during 1999-2006, and to identify factors affecting publication rate of those abstracts. Two hundred fifty abstracts were reviewed and categorized according to the type of presentation, study design, sample size, main findings, source of funding, and statistical significance of the results. Principal investigators of those abstracts were provided with a questionnaire inquiring whether their abstracts lead to full-length publications in peer-reviewed journals indexed under PubMed. One hundred twenty five authors responded to the questionnaire. The publication rate of the meeting presentations was found 27.2%. Statistically significant associations were found between publication rate and certain characteristics of the presentations including type of the study, achieving positive results, and conducting multi-center trial funded by a sponsor. Insufficient fluency in English, insufficient time to prepare the manuscript, and assuming journals are unlikely to accept those studies were most common reasons for not preparing or submitting the manuscripts. The publication rate of research studies presented in this annual scientific meeting in Shiraz, Iran, is lower than many similar meetings in other countries.

High-tech biomedical research: lessons from Iran's experience

Iran has recently made a significant progress in the field of biomedical science and launched an appreciable number of new high-tech biomedical research projects. Review of Iran's experience in advancing its biomedical research and the pitfalls the country encountered during the years of its progress could be of interest to other countries with similar technological conditions. As needs assessment and human resources have pivotal roles in any research infrastructure, here, we have delineated these factors and explored ways by which optimum advantage could be gained from them.

Mitochondria in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration. Although the pathogenesis of MS is not completely understood, various studies suggest that immune-mediated loss of myelin and mitochondrial dysfunction are associated with the disease. Mitochondria are one of the main cellular sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and play a pivotal role in many neuro-pathological conditions. Mitochondrial dysfunction leading to excessive production of ROS and RNS plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of MS, particularly in loss of myelin/oligodendrocyte complex. The present review summarizes critical role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of MS. Further understanding of the role of mitochondria in MS may provide rationale for novel approaches to this disease and development of novel therapeutic maneuvers.