Preservation of rooster post-thawed sperm epigenetic modifications, fertility potential and other quality parameters in different extenders using reduced glutathione

Although rooster semen cryopreservation is an efficient procedure to spread qualified semen samples for reproductive goals, some post-thawed qualified semen samples resulted in poor fertility rate that could be related to epigenetic modifications during the cryopreservation process. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of reduced glutathione (GSH) in different cryopreservation extenders (Lake and Beltsville) on preservation of epigenetic modifications, fertility potential and other quality parameters of rooster sperm after thawing. Semen samples were collected and diluted in Lake and Beltsville extenders as follows: L-0: Lake without GSH, L-G: Lake with GSH, B-0: Beltsville without GSH, and B-G: Beltsville with GSH. After freeze-thawing process, sperm motility, membrane functionality, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, viability, apoptosis status, lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, ROS concentration, epigenetic modifications and fertility potential were evaluated. In results, the type of extender had no effect (P > 0.05) of post-thawed sperm quality. The treatments containing GSH presented higher (P ≤ 0.05) total motility, progressive motility, membrane functionality, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, viability, DNA methylation, fertility as well as lower (P ≤ 0.05) lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, DNA fragmentation and ROS concentration than other treatments. Extender supplementation with GSH had no effect (P > 0.05) on histone methylation, histone acetylation and hatching rate. In conclusion, supplementation of rooster sperm cryopreservation extender with GSH could be an effective strategy to preserve post-thawed sperm DNA methylation, fertility and other quality parameters during reproductive programs.

Radiation effect on stagnation point flow of Casson nanofluid past a stretching plate/cylinder

The exclusive behaviour of nanofluid has been actively emphasized due to the determination of improved thermal efficiency. Hence, the aim of this study is to highlight the laminar boundary layer axisymmetric stagnation point flow of Casson nanofluid past a stretching plate/cylinder under the influence of thermal radiation and suction/injection. Nanofluid comprises water and Fe3O4 as nanoparticles. In this article, a novel casson nanofluid model has been developed and studied on stretchable flat plate or circular cylinder. Adequate rational assumptions (velocity components) are employed for the transformation of the governing partial-differential equations into a group of non-dimensional ordinary-differential formulas, which are then solved analytically. The momentum and energy equations are solved through the complementary error function method and scaling quantities. Using various figures, the effects of essential factors on the nanofluid flow, heat transportation, and Nusselt number, are determined and explored. From obtained results, it is observed that the velocity field diminishes owing to magnification in stretching parameter [Formula: see text] and Casson fluid parameter [Formula: see text]. The temperature field increases by amplifying radiation [Formula: see text], and solid volume fraction parameter [Formula: see text]. The research is applicable to developing procedures for electric-conductive nanomaterials, which have potential applications in aircraft, smart coating transport phenomena, industry, engineering, and other sectors.

Curcumin Modulates NOX Gene Expression and ROS Production via P-Smad3C in TGF-β-Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells

Background

Liver fibrosis, associated with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), occurs when a healthy liver sustains damage, thereby impairing its function. NADPH oxidases (NOXs), specifically isoforms 1, 2, and 4, play a role in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during hepatic injuries, resulting in fibrosis. Curcumin has shown strong potential in mitigating liver fibrosis. Our research aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin on lowering NOX and ROS levels. This compound was also studied for its effects on NOXs, ROS concentrations through the inhibition of Smad3 phosphorylation in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-activated human HSCs.

Methods

MTT assay investigated the cytotoxic effects of curcumin on HSCs. The cells were activated by exposure to TGF-β (2 ng/mL) for 24 hours. After activating, the cells were treated with curcumin at 25-150 μM concentrations. After administering curcumin to the cells, we employed RT-PCR and Western blot techniques to evaluate the related gene and protein expression levels. This evaluation was primarily focused on the mRNA expression levels of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4 and phosphorylated Smad3C.

Results

The mRNA expression level of aforesaid NOXs as well as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen1-α, and ROS levels were significantly reduced following 100 μM curcumin treatment. Furthermore, curcumin significantly decreased the p-Smad3C protein level in TGF-β-activated cells, with fold changes of 3 and 2 observed at 75 and 100 μM, respectively.

Conclusion

Curcumin decreased the levels of ROS and NOX, as well as the expression of α-SMA and collagen1-α. The primary mechanism for this reduction could be linked to the level of p-Smad3C. Hence, curcumin could serve as an effective therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis.

Quercetin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles exhibit antitumor activity and suppress the proliferation of triple-negative MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells: implications for invasive breast cancer treatment

BACKGROUND

Quercetin (QC) is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in abundance in fruits and vegetables. Its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties have been previously demonstrated, but its low bioavailability hampers its clinical use. Triple-negative breast cancer is a subtype of breast cancer with a poor response to chemotherapy. This study investigates the anti-cancer effects of quercetin-solid lipid nanoparticles (QC-SLN) on the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB231.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells were treated with 18.9 µM of QC and QC-SLN for 48 h. Cell viability, apoptosis, colony formation assay, and the anti-angiogenic effects of the treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

QC-SLN displayed optimal properties (particle size of 154 nm, zeta potential of -27.7 mV, encapsulation efficiency of 99.6%, and drug loading of 1.81%) and exhibited sustained release of QC over 72 h. Compared to the QC group, the QC-SLN group showed a significant decrease in cell viability, colony formation, angiogenesis, and a substantial increase in apoptosis through the modulation of Bax and Bcl-2 at both gene and protein levels. The augmentation in the proportion of cleaved-to-pro caspases 3 and 9, as well as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), under the influence of QC-SLN, was conspicuously observed in both cancer cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showcases quercetin-solid lipid nanoparticles (QC-SLN) as a promising therapy for triple-negative breast cancer. The optimized QC-SLN formulation improved physicochemical properties and sustained quercetin release, resulting in reduced cell viability, colony formation, angiogenesis, and increased apoptosis in the MDA-MB231 cell line. These effects were driven by modulating Bax and Bcl-2 expression, activating caspases 3 and 9, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm QC-SLN's efficacy and safety.

Impact of Navier's slip and MHD on laminar boundary layer flow with heat transfer for non-Newtonian nanofluid over a porous media

The current studies analytically summarize the impact of magnetohydrodynamic and thermal radiation on the non-Newtonian continuous uniform motion of viscid non-compressible nanofluid across a penetrable stretching/shrinking sheet, even though accomplish Navier's first and second order slips along mass transpiration. Blood-bearing silver and copper nanomaterials have distinct flow and heat transfer properties when exposed to heat. Silver (Ag) as well as copper (Cu) nanoparticles are assumed to be present in blood as the non-Newtonian liquid; this fluid serves as the base. We anticipate that the current study will be useful in fields including food, petrochemical products, and medicines, as well as blood circulation, and highly beneficial for patients who are dealing with blood clotting in the uterus, which may result in infertility or cancer, to evaluate the blood flow in the tube. Employing the similarity conversion technique, the ruling partial differential equations are modified into a couple of non-linear ordinary differential equations. Then the transformed ordinary differential equations are analytically solved with the Laplace transformation and expressed in terms of an incomplete gamma function. The current analytical results are compared to previous studies. It is addressed how several physical features such as magnetic field M, Navier's first and second order slip, permeability, Prandtl number Pr, and radiation parameter affect non-dimensional velocity as well as temperature patterns through graphs. The results obtained reveal that there is an enhancement in the rate of heat transfer with the rise in nanoparticle volume fraction and radiation. The temperature distribution is also influenced by the presence of Prandtl numbers, radiation, solid volume fraction, permeability, and slip conditions. This shows that the solid volume fraction of nanoparticles can be used to control the behaviour of heat transfer and nanofluid flows.

Impacts of organic manganese supplementation on blood mineral, biochemical, and hematology in Afshari Ewes and their newborn lambs in the transition period

OBJECTIVE

Maternal mineral status, including manganese (Mn), is critical for fetal growth as well as the health of the newborn lamb. Consequently, it is essential to supply minerals at sufficient levels for the pregnant animal to achieve the development of the embryo and fetus during gestation.

METHODS

The current research was conducted to investigate the impact of organic Mn supplementation on blood biochemical, other mineral and, hematology in Afshari ewes and their newborn lambs in the transition period. Twenty-four ewes were randomly divided into three groups with eight replications. The control group was fed with a diet without organic Mn. The other groups were fed a diet supplemented with 40 (recommended by the NRC) and 80 (twice-recommended by the NRC) mg/kg of DM organic Mn.

RESULTS

In this study, the consumption of organic Mn caused a significant increase in ewes and lambs plasma Mn concentration. Moreover, in the groups mentioned, levels of glucose, insulin, and superoxide dismutase were significantly increased in both ewes and lambs. Concentrations of total protein and albumin were higher in ewes fed whit organic Mn. In both ewes and newborn lambs, the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular concentration in groups fed with organic Mn raised.

CONCLUSION

In general, the nutrition of organic Mn, improved factors of blood biochemical and hematology in ewes and their newborn lambs, and since the twice-recommended NRC level did not cause poisoning, it was recommended to supplement the diet with 80 mg of organic Mn per kg of DM.

Effective inhibition of breast cancer stem cell properties by quercetin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles via reduction of Smad2/Smad3 phosphorylation and β-catenin signaling pathway in triple-negative breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is a major cause of resistance to cancer therapy and recurrence. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype that responds poorly to therapy, making it a significant global health issue. Quercetin (QC) has been shown to affect CSC viability, but its low bioavailability limits its clinical use. This study aims to increase the effectiveness of QC in inhibiting CSC generation by using solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) in MDA-MB231 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After treating MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells with 18.9 μM and 13.4 μM of QC and QC-SLN for 48 h, respectively, cell viability, migration, sphere formation, protein expression of β-catenin, p-Smad 2 and 3, and gene expression of EMT and CSC markers were evaluated.

RESULTS

The QC-SLN with particle size of 154 nm, zeta potential of -27.7 mV, and encapsulation efficacy of 99.6% was found to be the most effective. Compared to QC, QC-SLN significantly reduced cell viability, migration, sphere formation, protein expression of β-catenin and p-Smad 2 and 3, and gene expression of CD₄₄, zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), vimentin, while increasing the gene expression of E-cadherin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that SLNs improve the cytotoxic effect of QC in MDA-MB231 cells by increasing its bioavailability and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby effectively inhibiting CSC generation. Therefore, SLNs could be a promising new treatment for TNBC, but more in vivo studies are needed to confirm their efficacy.

MHD Casson carbon nanotube flow with mass and heat transfer under thermosolutal Marangoni convection in a porous medium: analytical solution

Current work portrays the flow of Marangoni convection Magneto hydrodynamics Casson fluid with carbon nanotubes under the effect of transpiration and radiation. The carbon nanotube particles namely water-single wall carbon nanotubes are inserted in the fluid to enhance better thermal efficiency. This type of flow problems is applicable for real life situations such as drying of silicon wafers, glues, crystal growth and heat exchangers and so on. The ordinary differential equations (ODEs) form of the result is yield to convert partial differential equations of the given equation by using similarity variables. Then this resulting ODEs are solved analytically, firstly using momentum equation to get solution domain and then by using this domain the energy equation solved to get the temperature profile in terms of Laguerre polynomial. Additionally, mass transpiration is also solved to get the concentration profile in terms of Laguerre polynomial. By using the different controlling parameters, the results can be discussed. And the effect of this parameters are discussed by using graphical arrangements. The newness of the present work is to explain the physically flow problem on the basis of chemically radiative thermosolutal Marangoni convective fluid.

MHD mixed convection and entropy generation of CNT-water nanofluid in a wavy lid-driven porous enclosure at different boundary conditions

In this study, Galerkin Finite Element Method or GFEM is used for the modeling of mixed convection with the entropy generation in wavy lid-driven porous enclosure filled by the CNT-water nanofluid under the magnetic field. Two different cases of boundary conditions for hot and cold walls are considered to study the fluid flow (streamlines) and heat transfer (local and average Nusselt numbers) as well as the entropy generation parameters. Richardson (Ri), Darcy (Da), Hartmann angle (γ), Amplitude (A), Number of peaks (N), Volume fraction (φ), Heat generation factor (λ), Hartmann number (Ha) and Reynolds number (Re) are studied parameters in this study which results indicated that at low Richardson numbers (< 1) increasing the inclined angle of magnetic field, decreases the Nu numbers, but at larger Richardson numbers (> 1) it improves the Nu numbers.

The identification of novel inhibitors of human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and main protease of Sars-Cov-2: A combination of in silico methods for treatment of COVID-19

The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and main protease (MPro), are the putative drug candidates for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this study, we performed 3D-QSAR pharmacophore modeling and screened 1,264,479 ligands gathered from Pubchem and Zinc databases. Following the calculation of the ADMET properties, molecular docking was carried out. Moreover, the de novo ligand design was performed. MD simulation was then applied to survey the behavior of the ligand-protein complexes. Furthermore, MMPBSA has utilized to re-estimate the binding affinities. Then, a free energy landscape was used to find the most stable conformation of the complexes. Finally, the hybrid QM-MM method was carried out for the precise calculation of the energies.

The Hypo1 pharmacophore model was selected as the best model. Our docking results indicate that the compounds ZINC12562757 and 112,260,215 were the best potential inhibitors of the ACE2 and MPro, respectively. Furthermore, the Evo_1 compound enjoys the highest docking energy among the designed de novo ligands. Results of RMSD, RMSF, H-bond, and DSSP analyses have demonstrated that the lead compounds preserve the stability of the complexes’ conformation during the MD simulation. MMPBSA data confirmed the molecular docking results. The results of QM-MM showed that Evo_1 has a stronger potential for specific inhibition of MPro, as compared to the 112,260,215 compound.

Spirometric evaluation of pulmonary function in Yazd’s dental laboratory workers in 1398

Introduction: Spirometry is used as a screening method for occupational lung diseases. Dental laboratory workers are exposed to solvent vapors, toxic gases, and dust from metal alloys, acrylics, and gypsum. This study aimed to investigate the spirometric function of lung function in dental staff in Yazd. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 37 technicians of dental laboratories in Yazd in the three months of spring 2017. To evaluate respiratory problems and their pulmonary function, standard respiratory and spirometry questionnaires according to ATS / ESR guidelines were used, respectively. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 18 using Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and Student's T-test. Results: Mean age of participants was 35.59±1.13. 54% of participants had no respiratory symptoms. The most common respiratory complain were dry and exudative cough. The work field was the only influential factor in FVC%. Age and work experience, and exercise no significant effect on respiratory parameters. Overall spirometry parameters were in the normal pattern range, and only 5% of participants showed a mild restrictive pattern. Conclusion: Spirometric pulmonary function of Yazd'dental laboratory technicians was in the normal range, and possibly working in the dental laboratory did not have a significant effect on the pulmonary Function of technicians based on spirometric indices.

Protective effect of cerium oxide nanoparticle on sperm quality and oxidative damage in malathion-induced testicular toxicity in rats: An experimental study

BACKGROUND

Malathion is an organophosphorus pesticide that commonly used in many agricultural and non-agricultural processes. Previous studies have reported the effects of melatonin on the reproductive system. Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) due to their antioxidative properties are promising to impact on the development of male infertility.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CeNPs on oxidative stress and sperm parameters after malathion exposure of male rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

36 adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n=6/each): Control, CeNPs -treated control (15 and 30 mg/kg/day), malathion (100 mg/ kg/day), and CeNPs -treated malathion groups (15 and 30 mg/ kg/day). At the end of the study (4 wk), the sperm counts, motility, and viability in the testis of rats were measured, also lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity, and total thiol groups in homogenate testis were investigated.

RESULTS

Malathion significantly reduced sperm count, viability, and motility than the control rats (p<0.001). Co-treatment of malathion with CeNPs 30 mg/kg had a protective effect on sperm counts (p=0.03), motility (p=0.01), and viability (p<0.001) compare to malathion group. Also, the results showed that malathion reduced testis total anti-oxidant capacity, the total thiol group, and increased testis malondialdehyde than the control rats (p<0.001). CeNPs 30 mg/kg are increased total antioxidant capacity (p<0.001) and total thiol group (p=0.03) compared to malathion group. CeNPs at both doses (15 and 30 mg/kg) improved malondialdehyde than the malathion group (p<0.001 and p=0.01 respectively).

CONCLUSION

CeNPs 30 mg/kg administered considerably restored testicular changes induced by malathion. The improvement of oxidative stress by CeNPs may be associated with increased sperm counts, motility and viability in the testis.

Embryonic Stem Cell Sphere: A Controlled Method for Production of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Aggregates for Differentiation

Objectives

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are of significant interest as a renewable source of nonproliferating cells. Differentiation of ESCs is initiated by the formation of embryoid bodies (EBs). Standard methods of EB formation are limited in their production capacity, in any variations in EB size and formation of EBs through frequent passages. Here we have reported the utility of a microencapsulation technique for overcoming these limitations by mass production of mouse ESCs in alginate beads called ESC spheres.

Methods

The mouse ESCs were encapsulated in 1.2% alginate solution and cocultured on a feeder layer. The cells were evaluated by flow cytometry, in vitro differentiation, immunofluorescence, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results

Analysis of encapsulated ESC spheres by flow cytometry showed similar percentages of Oct-4 and stage-specific embryonic antigen-1 (SSEA-1) expression in comparison with routine culture of ESCs. Moreover, the ESC spheres maintained a pluripotency potential which was comparable with ESCs cultured on feeder cells directly, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that alginate encapsulation as a simple bioreactor, provides a scalable system for mass undifferentiated ESC sphere production with similar sizes and without the need for frequent passages for differentiation and clinical and pharmaceutical applications.

Tempol effects on diabetic nephropathy in male rats

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of the chronic kidney disease in the world. Oxidative stress on the other hand has a major and well known role in its pathophysiology.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study is to figure out if tempol, a synthetic antioxidant agent, modifies DN and to determine its relevance to changes of serum oxidative biomarkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven male rats were equally divided in to 4 groups (7 rats for each group). Group I (control or C), group II (diabetic or D), groups III (Tempol) which were given tempol (100 mg/kg/day) by gavages for 28 days and group IV (D&T) which includes diabetic rats that also received same dose of tempol. After treatment, blood samples were isolated. Enzymatic scavengers including catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total thiol molecules (TTM) were measured. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) an albumin/Cr ratio were evaluated as well. Statistical differences were assessed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) by SPSS followed by Tukey t test.

RESULTS

Oxidative stress biomarkers modified and Alb/Cr ratio increased in diabetic group (II), however, they were altered to normal in group IV (D&T) compared with diabetic group (D).

CONCLUSION

Tempol can modify oxidative stress biomarkers and presumably nephropathy in diabetic rats.

Computer simulation of MHD blood conveying gold nanoparticles as a third grade non-Newtonian nanofluid in a hollow porous vessel

In this paper, heat transfer and flow analysis for a non-Newtonian third grade nanofluid flow in porous medium of a hollow vessel in presence of magnetic field are simulated analytically and numerically. Blood is considered as the base third grade non-Newtonian fluid and gold (Au) as nanoparticles are added to it. The viscosity of nanofluid is considered a function of temperature as Vogel's model. Least Square Method (LSM), Galerkin method (GM) and fourth-order Runge-Kutta numerical method (NUM) are used to solve the present problem. The influences of the some physical parameters such as Brownian motion and thermophoresis parameters on non-dimensional velocity and temperature profiles are considered. The results show that increasing the thermophoresis parameter (N(t)) caused an increase in temperature values in whole domain and an increase in nanoparticles concentration just near the inner wall of vessel. Furthermore by increasing the MHD parameter, velocity profiles decreased due to magnetic field effect.