Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Year:2016 | Volume:19 | Issue:9|Papers Count:15

Cardiac disorders remain one of the most important causes of death in the world. Oxidative stress has been suggested as one of the molecular mechanisms involved in drug-induced cardiac toxicity. Recently, several natural products have been utilized in different studies with the aim to protect the progression of oxidative stress-induced cardiac disorders. There is a large body of evidence that administration of antioxidants may be useful in ameliorating cardiac toxicity. Silymarin, a polyphenolic flavonoid has been shown to have utility in several cardiovascular disorders. In this review, various studies in scientific databases regarding the preventive effects of silymarin against cardiotoxicity induced by chemicals were introduced. Although there are many studies representing the valuable effects of silymarin in different diseases, the number of researches relating to the possible cardiac protective effects of silymarin against drugs induced toxicity is rather limited. Results of these studies show that silymarin has a broad spectrum of cardiac protective activity against toxicity induced by some chemicals including metals, environmental pollutants, oxidative agents and anticancer drugs. Further studies are needed to establish the utility of silymarin in protection against cardiac toxicity.

Objective(s): We aimed to examine association of gene expression of MOR1 and GluN1 at mRNA level in the lumbosacral cord and midbrain with morphine tolerance in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Analgesic effects of morphine administrated intraperitoneally at doses of 0. 1, 1, 5 and 10 mg/kg were examined using a hot plate test in rats with and without a history of 15 days morphine (10 mg/kg) treatment. Morphine-induced analgesic tolerance was also assessed on days 1, 5, 10 and 15 of chronic morphine injections. Two groups with history of 15 days injections of saline or morphine (10 mg/kg) were decapitated on day 15 and their lumbosacral cord and midbrain were dissected for evaluating MOR1 and GluN1 gene expression. Results: The results of the hot plate test showed that morphine (5 and 10 mg/kg) induced significant analgesia in naï ve rats but its analgesic effects in rats receiving 15 days injections of morphine (10 mg/kg) was decreased, indicating tolerance to morphine analgesia. The results also showed that the GluN1 gene expression in tolerant rats was decreased by 71% in the lumbosacral cord but increased by 110 % in the midbrain compared to the control group. However, no significant change was observed for the MOR1 gene expression in both areas. Conclusion: It can be concluded that tolerance following administration of morphine (10 mg/kg) for 15 days is associated with site specific changes in the GluN1 gene expression in the spinal cord and midbrain but the MOR1 gene expression is not affected.

Objective(s): We aimed to study the effect of trimetazidine (TMZ) on urethral wound repair. Materials and Methods: A total of 52 male rats were used; 8 groups were formed: 1-week and 3-week control (C1, C3), sham (S1, S3), oral (OT1, OT3), and intraurethral TMZ (IUT1, IUT3) groups. Serum and urine total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), and 8-hydroxy-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG) were studied. Hematoxyline-Eosin was used for the histopathological study. In addition, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α ), interleukin 1α , and β levels were compared across groups by an immunohistochemical method. Results: There were significant differences between C3 and IUT3, OT3 and IUT3 with respect to serum TAC in 3-week groups (P=0. 013; P =0. 001). Serum TOC levels were significantly different between C3 and IUT3; S3 and OT3; and OT3 and IUT3 groups (P =0. 024; P =0. 019; P =0. 000, respectively). Serum 8-OHdG levels were significantly different between C3 and OT3 groups (P=0. 033). In the immunohistochemical examination, C1 and OT1; C1 and IUT1; and S1, S3, OT1, OT3, IUT1 groups were significantly different with respect to IL-1β staining (P=0. 007; P =0. 000; P=0. 009), while there was a significant difference between C3 and S3 with respect to IL-1β (P =0. 000). Conclusion: TMZ increased urinary total oxidant level; while increasing serum TAC levels in the long-term. It also reduced serum TAC levels in urethral use and caused an increase in serum TOC levels with minimal effects on DNA injury and repair. No effect was detected on IL1 α and TNF, but partially reduced the effect on IL-1 β levels.

Objective(s): Endometriosis is a complex gynecologic disease with unknown etiology. Noscapine has been introduced as a cancer cell suppressor. Endometriosis was considered as a cancer like disorder, The aim of present study was to investigate noscapine apoptotic effect on human endometriotic epithelial and stromal cells in vitro. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, endometrial biopsies from endometriosis patients (n=9) were prepared and digested by an enzymatic method (collagenase I, 2 mg/ml). Stromal and epithelial cells were separated by sequential filtration through a cell strainer and ficoll layering. The cells of each sample were divided into five groups: control (0), 10, 25, 50 and 100 micromole/liter (μ M) concentration of noscapine and were cultured for three different periods of times; 24, 48 and 72 hr. Cell viability was assessed by colorimetric assay. Nitric oxide (NO) concentration was measured by Griess reagent. Cell death was analyzed by Acridine Orange (AO)– Ethidium Bromide (EB) double staining and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: Viability of endometrial epithelial and stromal cells significantly decreased in 10, 25, 50 and 100 μ M noscapine concentration in 24, 48, 72 hr (P<0. 05) and apoptotic index increased in 25, 50 and 100 μ M noscapine concentrations in 48 hr significantly (P<0. 05). Concentrations of NO didn’ t show a significant decrease. Conclusion: Noscapine increased endometriotic epithelial and stromal cell death and can be suggested as a treatment for endometriosis.

Objective(s): Erythropoietin (EPO), is a 34KDa glycoprotein hormone, which belongs to type 1 cytokine superfamily. EPO involves in erythrocyte maturation through inhibition of apoptosis in erythroid cells. Besides its main function, protective effects of EPO in heart and brain tissues have been reported. EPO has a critical role in development, growth, and homeostasis of brain. Furthermore EPO has great potential in the recovery of different brain diseases which are still under studying. In this research, EPO binding pattern to brain proteins in animal model was studied. Materials and Methods: EPO antibody was covalently crosslinked to protein A/G agarose. in order to interact between EPO and its target in brain, about 5μ g EPO added to brain homogenates(500ul of 1 mg/ml) and incubate at 4ο C for 30 min. brain tissue lysate were added to agarose beads, After isolation of target proteins(EPO-protein) both one and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis were performed. Proteins were identified utilizing MALDI-TOF/TOF and MASCOT software. Results: This research showed that EPO could physically interact with eightproteins including Tubulin beta, Actin cytoplasmic 2, T-complex protein 1, TPR and ankyrin repeat-containing protein 1, Centromere-associated protein E, Kinesin-like protein KIF7, Growth arrest-specific protein 2 and Pleckstrin homology-like domain family B member 2. Conclusion: Since EPO is a promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of neurological diseases, identified proteins may help us to have a better understanding about the mechanism of protective effects of EPO in the brain. Our data needs to be validated by complementary bioassays.

Objective(s): Th2 response is related to the aetiology of asthma, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. To address this point, the effect of nebulized inhalation of inactivated Mycobacterium phlei on modulation of asthmatic airway inflammation was investigated. Materials and Methods: 24 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups: control group (Group A), asthma model group (Group B), and the medicated asthma model group (Group C). Group B and C were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Group C was treated with aerosol M. phlei once daily before OVA challenge. Airway responsiveness in each group was assessed. All the animals were killed, and lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were harvested. Inflammatory response, proportion of Th17 and CD4+CD25+ Treg cells, and the levels of cytokines were analyzed in lung tissue. Results: The proportion of Th17 cells and expression level of IL17, IL23, and IL23R were increased, while Foxp3 expression was decreased in Group B. Inhaling inactivated M. phlei inhibited airway inflammation and improved airway hyper-responsiveness, as well as peak expiratory flow (PEF). In addition, it significantly increased Th17 proportion, Foxp3 level, and the proportion of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells in lung tissue in Group C. Conclusion: Inactivated M. phlei was administered by atomization that suppressed airway inflammation and airway hyper responsiveness partially via modulating the balance of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T and Th17 cells.

Objective(s): Cerebral ischemia is often associated with cognitive impairment. Oxidative stress has a crucial role in the memory deficit following ischemia/reperfusion injury. α-Terpineol is a monoterpenoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of α-terpineol against memory impairment following cerebral ischemia in rats. Materials and Methods: Cerebral ischemia was induced by transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in male Wistar rats. The rats were allocated to sham, ischemia, and α-terpineol-treated groups. α-Terpineol was given at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, IP once daily for 7 days post ischemia. Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to assess spatial memory and in vivo extracellular recording of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus was carried out to evaluate synaptic plasticity. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured to assess the extent of lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus. Results: In MWM test, α-terpineol (100 mg/kg, IP) significantly decreased the escape latency during training trials (P<0. 01). In addition, α-terpineol increased the number of crossings over the platform location and decreased average proximity to the target in probe trial (P<0. 05). In electrophysiological recording, α-terpineol (100 mg/kg) facilitated the induction of LTP in the hippocampus which was persistent over 2 hr. α-Terpineol (100 and 200 mg/kg) also significantly lowered hippocampal MDA levels in rats subjected to cerebral ischemia. Conclusion: These findings indicate that α-terpineol improves cerebral ischemia-related memory impairment in rats through the facilitation of LTP and suppression of lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus.

Objective(s): Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) can effectively promote axonal regeneration， limit axonal retraction， and produce a statistically significant improvement in motor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the role in primate animals with SCI is not fully cognized. Materials and Methods: 18 healthy juvenile rhesuses were divided randomly into six groups, observed during the periods of 24 hr, 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after T11 hemisecting. The GDNF localization, changes in the injured region, and the remote associate cortex were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results: Immunohistochemical staining showed that GDNF was located in the cytoplasm and the neurite of the neurons. Following SCI, the number of GDNF positive neurons in the ventral horn and the caudal part near the lesion area were apparently reduced at detected time points (P<0. 05). Moreover, the number in the rostral part of the ventral horn in 7 day, 14 day, and 1 month groups were fewer than those in the caudal part. Importantly, in the contralateral cortex motor area, the positive neurons decreased sharply after hemi-SCI, while gradually increased and went back to normal in 3 months after hemi-SCI. Conclusion: To sum up, GDNF disruption in neurons occurred after SCI especially in cortex motor area. Intrinsic GDNF in the spinal cord, plays an essential role in neuroplasticity. Thereafter extrinsic GDNF supplementing may be a useful strategy to promote recovery after SCI.

Objective(s): Fluvoxamine is a well-known selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI); Despite its anti-inflammatory effect, little is known about the precise mechanisms involved. In our previous work, we found that IP administration of fluvoxamine produced a noticeable anti-inflammatory effect in carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of fluvoxamine on the expression of some inflammatory genes like intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM1), cyclooxygenases2 (COX2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Materials and Methods: An in vitro model of LPS stimulated human endothelial cells and U937 macrophages were used. Cells were pretreated with various concentrations of fluvoxamine, from 10-8 M to 10-6 M. For in vivo model, fluvoxamine was administered IP at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg-1, before injection of carrageenan. At the end of experiment, the expression of mentioned genes were measured by quantitative real time (RT)-PCR in cells and in paw edema in rat. Results: The expression of ICAM1, VCAM1, COX2, and iNOS was significantly decreased by fluvoxamine in endothelial cells, macrophages, and in rat carrageenan-induced paw edema. Our finding also confirmed that IP injection of fluvoxamine inhibits carrageenan-induced inflammation in rat paw edema. Conclusion: The results of present study provide further evidence for the anti-inflammatory effect of fluvoxamine. This effect appears to be mediated by down regulation of inflammatory genes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the complex cellular and molecular mechanisms of immunomodulatory effect of fluvoxamine.

Objective(s): Gemifloxacin is a broad spectrum antibiotic and has shown excellent coverage against a wide variety of microorganisms. In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of gemifloxacin in male swiss albino mice in vivo. Materials and Methods: Three doses of gemifloxacin 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg were used intraperitoneally (IP) for the evaluation of immune responses in mice. Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), heamagglutination assay, jerne hemolytic plaque formation assay and cyclophosphamide induced neutropenia assay were performed to evaluate the effect of gemifloxacin on immune responses. Results: DTH assay has shown the significant immune suppressant potential of gemifloxacin at 25 mg/kg dose and 75mg/kg dose. Total leukocyte count (TLC) has shown decrease in leukocyte count (P<0. 05) in drug treatment groups before cyclophosphamide administration and significant decrease (P<0. 001) in leukocyte count after cyclophosphamide administration as compared to negative control group. Differential leukocyte count (DLC) has shown significant decrease (P<0. 001) in percentage count of lymphocytes in 75 mg/kg treatment group in leukopenic mice while increase (P<0. 01) in monocytes percentage in 50 mg/kg treatment group in leukopenic mice and increase in neutrophil percentage count (P<0. 05) in all treatment groups was observed after cyclophosphamide administration. Humoral immune response is shown to be suppressed in dose dependent manner by both heamagglutination titre values (P<0. 001) and jerne hemolytic plaque formation assay (P<0. 001). Conclusion: The results of this work clearly demonstrate that gemifloxacin has significant immunomodulatory potential.

Objective(s): Yu-Ping-Feng-San (YPFS) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine that is widely used for treatment of the diseases in respiratory systems, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) recognized as chronic inflammatory disease. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here we detected the factors involved in transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β 1)/Smad2 signaling pathway and inflammatory cytokines, to clarify whether YPFS could attenuate inflammatory response dependent on TGF-β 1/Smad2 signaling in COPD rats or cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-treated human bronchial epithelial (Beas-2B) cells. Materials and Methods: The COPD rat model was established by exposure to cigarette smoke and intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide, YPFS was administered to the animals. The efficacy of YPFS was evaluated by comparing the severity of pulmonary pathological damage, pro-inflammation cytokines, collagen related genes and the activation of TGF-β 1/Smad2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, CSE-treated cells were employed to confirm whether the effect of YPFS was dependent on the TGF-β 1/Smad2 signaling via knockdown Smad2 (Si-RNA), or pretreatment with the inhibitor of TGF-β 1. Results: Administration of YPFS effectively alleviated injury of lung, suppressed releasing of pro-inflammatory cytokines and collagen deposition in COPD animals (P<0. 05), whereas exogenous TGF-β 1 promoted releasing of IL-1β , IL-6, TNFα (P<0. 05). Administration YPFS reduced inflammatory response significantly, also down-regulated TGF-β 1/Smad2 signaling in vivo and in vitro. Unexpectedly, knockdown Smad2 or inhibition of TGF-β 1 abolished anti-inflammatory effect of YPFS in CSE-treated cells. Conclusion: YPFS accomplished anti-inflammatory effects mainly by suppressing phosphorylation of Smad2, TGF-β 1/Smad2 signaling pathway was required for YPFS-mediated anti-inflammation in COPD rats or CSE-treated Beas-2B cells.

Objective(s): Many types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been identified, with some leading to cancer and others to skin lesions such as anogenital warts. Studies have demonstrated an association between oncogenic HPV and cervical cancer and many researchers have focused on therapeutic vaccines development. At present, the modulatory effect of opioids on the innate and acquired immune system is characterized. Antagonists of opioid receptors such as naloxone (NLX) can contribute to the shifting Th2 response toward Th1. Herein; we studied the adjuvant activity of NLX/Alum mixture for improvement of the immunogenicity of HPV-16E7d vaccine. Materials and Methods: The mice were administered different regimens of vaccine; E7d, E7d-NLX, E7d-Alum, E7d-NLX-Alum, NLX, alum and PBS via subcutaneous route for three times with two weeks interval. Two weeks after the last immunization, the sera were assessed for total antibody, IgG1 and IgG2a with an optimized ELISA method. The splenocytes culture supernatant was analyzed by ELISA for the presence of IL-4, IFN- and IL-17 cytokines and lymphocyte proliferation was evaluated with Brdu method. Results: Immunization of mice with HPV-16 E7d vaccine formulated in NLX/Alum mixture significantly increased lymphocyte proliferation and Th1 and Th17 cytokines responses compared to other experimental groups. Analysis of humoral immune responses revealed that administration of vaccine with NLX/Alum mixture significantly increased specific IgG responses and also isotypes compared to control groups. Conclusion: NLX/Alum mixture as an adjuvant could improve cellular and humoral immune responses and the adjuvant maybe useful for HPV vaccines model for further studies in human clinical trial.

Objective(s): The main objective of this study was to investigate the variations of β-endorphin (β-EP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) mice as well as the regulatory mechanism of prednison. Materials and Methods: Sixty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group, model group and prednison intervention group. ITP mice model was duplicated by injecting with glycoprotein-antiplatelet serum (GP-APS) except in control group. After ITP disease model was successful established, prednison was used in prednison intervention group. The β-EP, VIP, 5-HT and NE contents of ITP mice were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Compared with the values in control group, the detection values of VIP and 5-HT in model group declined, while the detection values of β-EP and NE increased. Compared with prednison intervention group, the detection values of VIP and 5-HT in model group increased, while the detection values of β-EP and NE showed no significant change. Conclusion: In this study, the β-EP, VIP, 5-HT and NE contents in ITP mice injected with GP-APS were changed by prednison. It shows that prednison as the first-line therapy for ITP with effective hemostasis function is likely to increasing the contents of VIP and 5-HT. These results suggest the therapeutic value of prednison for the treatment of ITP.

Objective(s): This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of total flavonoid extract from Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. (CTF) against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) using an isolated Langendorff rat heart model. Materials and Methods: Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and the maximum rate of rise and fall of LV pressure (± dp/dtmax) were recorded. Cardiac injury was assessed by analyzing lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) released in the coronary effluent. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined. Myocardial inflammation was assessed by monitoring tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α ), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Myocardial infarct size was estimated. Cell morphology was assessed by 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Results: Pretreatment with CTF significantly increased the heart rate and increased LVDP, as well as SOD and GSH-Px levels. In addition, CTF pretreatment decreased the TUNEL-positive cell ratio, infarct size, and levels of CK, LDH, MDA, TNF-α , CRP, IL-6, and IL-8. Conclusion: These results suggest that CTF exerts cardio-protective effects against MIRI via anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities.

Objective(s): Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with circadian disruption. Our previous experimental results have showed that dietary Lycium barbarum. polysaccharide (LBP-4a) exhibited hypoglycemic and improving insulin resistance (IR) activities. This study was to explore the mechanisms of LBP-4a for improving hyperglycemia and IR by regulating biological rhythms in T2DM rats. Materials and Methods: The rats of T2DM were prepared by the high-sucrose-fat diets and injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The levels of insulin, leptin and melatonin were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of LBP-4a on mRNA expression of melatonin receptors (MT2) in epididymal adipose tissue was evaluated by RT-PCR. The expression of CLOCK and BMAL1 in pancreatic islet cells was detected by Western blotting. Results: Our data indicated that the 24-hr rhythm of blood glucose appeared to have consistent with normal rats after gavaged administration of LBP-4a for each day of the 4 weeks, and the effects of hypoglycemia and improving hyperinsulinemia in T2DM rats treated at high dose were much better than that at low dose. The mechanisms were related to increasing MT2 level in epididymal adipose tissue and affecting circadian clocks gene expression of CLOCK and BMAL1 in pancreatic islet cells. Conclusion: LBP-4a administration could treat T2DM rats. These observations provided the background for the further development of LBP-4a as a potential dietary therapeutic agent in the treatment of T2DM.