Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Year:2016 | Volume:19 | Issue:3|Papers Count:16

Zakhireh Khaˆ razmshaˆ hi is the greatest Persian medical book in Islamic traditional medicine. One of the interesting aspects of this book is it’ s precise description of various diseases and their treatments. While the viral nature of many diseases, including herpes simplex, has recently been referenced in modern medicine, Jorjaˆ ni described the labial and genital form of the disease in Zakhireh in the 13th century AD.

Objective(s): This study aims to investigate the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and breast cancer using meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: Relevant studies were identified reviewing the national and international databases. We also increased the search sensitivity by investigating the references as well as interview with research centers and experts. Finally, quality assessment and implementation of inclusion/exclusion criteria determined the eligible articles for meta-analysis. Based on the heterogeneity observed among the results of the primary studies, random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of HPV infection and also pooled odds ratio between HPV and developing breast cancer using Stata SE V. 11 software. Results: This meta-analysis included 11 primary studies investigating the HPV infection prevalence among 1539 Iranian women. Pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) of HPV infection among Iranian women with breast cancer was estimated as of 23. 6% (6. 7-40. 5), while, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) between HPV infection and developing breast cancer was estimated as of 5. 7% (0. 7-46. 8). Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of HPV infection among women with breast cancer. We also found that the odds of developing breast cancer among women with breast cancer was more than that of women without breast cancer.

Objective(s): Analgesic effects of oxytocin and it's the other physiological effects were well-known. The aim of present study was determination of nitric oxide role on analgesic effects of oxytocin in mice. Materials and Methods: 216 male Albino mice were divided randomly into two experimental groups, tail flick and formalin test. Each experimental group consists of three main groups including: saline, L-arginine (50 mg/kg) and L-NAME (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneal (IP) injection. 15 min after injection in each of the following groups, the animals in each groups divided to the three subgroups including: saline (n=12), oxytocin (1 mg/kg) (n=12) and oxytocin (1 mg/kg) + atosiban (1 mg/kg) (n=12) was injected IP and then after 30 min of use the formalin test and tail flick were to evaluate the response to pain. Results: Area under the curve (AUC) in the late phase of the formalin test, in sub-groups oxytocin + saline and L-NAME were significantly decreased compared with saline + saline group (P<0. 05 to P< 0. 001), and AUC in L-arginine + saline and atosiban + saline + oxytocin were significantly increased compared with oxytocin + saline group (P<0. 05). Tail flick tests as well as a significant reduction in the AUC in oxytocin + L-arginine and atosiban + saline + oxytocin groups were compared with Oxytocin + Saline group (P<0. 001). Conclusion: Oxytocin has analgesic effects in the acute and late phase of pain in the formalin test. Moreover, exogenous increasing of nitric oxide reduced the analgesic effect of oxytocin.

Objective(s): The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, whether the effects of low-dose adropin administration is effective in rats with hyperlipidemia. Materials and Methods: Twenty one Wistar albino female rats were randomly divided into 3 groups and fed with high-fat diet for 4 weeks to establish the hyperlipidemia model. Meanwhile, adropin was administrated intraperitonealy (2. 1 μ g/kg/day), once a day for continuous 10 days. Then, body weights and serum biochemical parameters, adropin, insulin and blood glucose levels were determined. Additionally, in liver tissue, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA gene expressions were evaluated by RT-PCR. Results: The results showed that intraperitoneal administration of adropin to hyperlipidemic rats for 10 days were extremely effective in decreasing the levels of serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma glutamil transferase (GGT) and increasing the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). It could decrease mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 via regulating the expressions of iNOS. In addition, treatment with adropin showed a significant reduction in blood glucose, serum insulin levels, HbA1c (%), and HOMA-IR, and increase in serum adropin levels. Conclusion: Adropin may ameliorate lipid metabolism, reduce insulin resistance, and inhibit hepatocytes inflammation. Thus, adropin had significant therapeutic benefits and could be suggested as a potential candidate agent against hyperlipidemia.

Objective(s): Progestrone is a prequisite for pre-implantation angiogenesis and induce decidual angiogenesis. It is unknown the effect of progestrone administration on the endometrium of hyperstimulated mice at pre-implantation time. Material and Methods: Adult female NMRI mice were divided in three groups [control group, ovarian stimulated group and progestrone treated mice after ovarian stimulation]. Uterine horn samples removed at pre-implantation time in each group. Motic image Plus 2 software was used to assess the quantitative vascular parameters of endometrium. Gene expression was determined for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), FMS-like tyrosine kinase (FLT) and Kinase insert domain protein receptor (FLK) genes using the real time PCR method. Data analysis was done with LinReg PCR and Rest-RG software. Results: Comparison between progestrone treated mice after ovarian stimulation with control group showed that increase in rate of VEGF gene expression [0. 775] and decrease in rate of FLK [6. 072] and FLT [1. 711] gene expression. Analysis of the data on quantitative vascular parameters were indicated remarkable increase in quantitative vascular parameters of progestrone treated mice compare to control group. Conclusion: Biological effect of progestrone on the vascular changes after ovarian stimulation resulted in an increase in VEGF receptors experession, it seems that induced angiogenesis by progesterone could result in better condition for implantation.

Objective(s): High-intensity interval training (HIIT) increases energy expenditure and mechanical energy efficiency. Although both uncoupling proteins (UCPs) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) affect the mechanical efficiency and antioxidant capacity, their effects are inverse. The aim of this study was to determine whether the alterations of cardiac UCP2, UCP3, and eNOS mRNA expression following HIIT are in favor of increased mechanical efficiency or decreased oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control group (n=12), HIIT for an acute bout (AT1), short term HIIT for 3 and 5 sessions (ST3 and ST5), long-term training for 8 weeks (LT) (6 in each group). The rats of the training groups were made to run on a treadmill for 60 min in three stages: 6 min running for warm-up, 7 intervals of 7 min running on treadmill with a slope of 5° to 20° (4 min with an intensity of 80-110% VO2max and 3 min at 50-60% VO2max), and 5-min running for cool-down. The control group did not participate in any exercise program. Rats were sacrificed and the hearts were extracted to analyze the levels of UCP2, UCP3 and eNOS mRNA by RT-PCR. Results: UCP3 expression was increased significantly following an acute training bout. Repeated HIIT for 8 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in UCPs mRNA and a significant increase in eNOS expression in cardiac muscle. Conclusion: This study indicates that Long term HIIT through decreasing UCPs mRNA and increasing eNOS mRNA expression may enhance energy efficiency and physical performance.

Objective(s): Diabetic nephropathy is an important long-term complication of diabetes mellitus which appears to be partially mediated by an increase in secretion of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β ). Fibromodulin, the small leucine-rich proteoglycan, has been proposed to be the potent TGFβ 1 modulator. In this study, the therapeutic effects of recombinant adenoviral vectors expressing fibromodulin on TGF-β 1 expression on diabetic nephropathy were assessed. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: STZ-induced diabetic rats (diabetic-control), fibromodulin adenovirus vector treated STZ rats (Ad-fibromodulin), and Ad-lacZ-treated STZ rats (Ad-lacZ), and vehicle control (PBS-control). At 10 weeks after STZ treatment, we measured urinary albumin excretion (UAE), urine creatinine was measured by Jaffe method. We also measured kidney TGF-β 1 levels by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Real-time PCR. Results: Urine albumin to creatinine ratio or UAE level were listed in four groups. UAE difference between healthy and diabetic rats in all three groups were significant (P≤ 0. 005) and between the control group and treated groups were not significant. Our results indicated that TGF-β 1gene expression in diabetic rats were increased and difference between normal group and diabetic group were significant (P≤ 0. 001). Fibromodulin gene transfection mediated by a recombinant adenovirus decreased TGF-β 1 level in STZ-induced diabetic rats and TGF-β 1 mRNA in diabetic kidney were reduced 2 weeks after Ad-fibromodulin injection. Conclusion: Intraperitoneal injection of adenoviral vectors expressing fibromodulin reduced TGF-β 1 level in diabetic rat models. The molecular mechanisms involved in this process require further study.

Objective(s): Spinal cord injury (SCI) often causes serious and irreversible neurological deficit leading to disability or impairment of normal physical activity. Atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine transporter (NET) inhibitor has gained much attention in the field of the neurodevelopmental disorder, but its effect on SCI has not been evaluated. The present study has been undertaken to investigate the neuroprotective effects of atomoxetine. Materials and Methods: Administration of atomoxetine 20 mg/kg IP was compared with methylprednisolone (MP) 30 mg/kg IP in traumatic spinal cord injured Wistar rats. Tissue samples were evaluated for apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, along with histopathological examination and neurological evaluation. Results: There was no significant difference in the caspase-3 activity between the control and the sham groups or between the MP and the atomoxetine groups (P=0. 811). The administration of atomoxetine significantly reduced tissue tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α ), and nitric oxide (NO) levels compared to the trauma group (P<0. 001). Treatment with atomoxetine also decreased the tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (P=0. 026) and increased the tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity compared to the trauma group (P=0. 001 and P=0. 004, respectively). Histopathological examination showed less degenerated neurons in the atomoxetine group compared to trauma group. Conclusion: This is the first experimental evidence showing meaningful neuroprotective effects of atomoxetine over SCI through anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects by reducing lipid peroxidation, which was confirmed by biochemical, histopathological and the functional evaluation.

Objective(s): Phospholipase C ζ (PLCζ ) is considered as a nominee for sperm associated oocyte activating factors and is located back-to-back with CAPZA3, an actin-capping protein controlling actin polymerization during spermiogenesis. They contain a common bidirectional promoter. The objective of this study was to identify individuals with parallel low expression of PLCζ and CAPZA3 mRNA, in hope of detecting genetic defects in this bidirectional promoter. Materials and Methods: Semen samples were collected from 24 fertile and 59 infertile individuals with total failed, low and high fertilization rate post intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), as well as globozoospermic individuals. Expression of PLCζ and CAPZA3 were assessed by Real time PCR. In addition, PLCζ was assessed by Western blot. Results: Significant correlations between PLCζ with CAPZA3 and also between these two genes with fertilization were observed. Individuals with low fertilization presented significantly lower expression of these two genes. Low expression of PLCζ was also verified by Western analysis. Sequence analysis of bidirectional promoter of these two genes in an individual with parallel low expression of both PLCζ and CAPZA3, revealed a mutation within the CAPZA3 predicted promoter, known as human regulatory factor X4 which is a testis-specific dimeric DNA-binding protein. In the opposite stand, in the same location, the mutation appears to be outside but in the vicinity of PLCζ , in a binding region predicate by Genomatix. Conclusion: Parallel assessment of CAPZA3 with PLCζ at mRNA level in individuals with inability to induce oocyte activation may help researcher to identify genetic defects associated with failed fertilization.

Objective(s): Occludin is essential for proper assembly of tight junctions (TJs) which regulate paracellular endothelial permeability. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω-3 PUFA) protect endothelial barrier function against injury. Materials and Methods: We examined anti-inflammatory effect of Ω-3 PUFA intake (30 mg/kg/day for 10 days) on expression and location of occludin in the aorta of adult Wistar rats after a single dose of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, Escherichia coli, 1 mg/kg). The ultrastructure of TJs after LPS administration was also investigated. We measured plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and CD68 expression and determined the total activity of NO synthase (NOS) in the aortic tissue. Results: LPS induced a significant decrease of occludin expression accompanied by structural alterations of TJs. Levels of CRP, MDA, CD68 and NOS activity were elevated after LPS injection compared to controls indicating presence of moderate inflammation. Ω-3 PUFA supplementation did not affect occludin expression in treated inflammatory group. However they reduced CRP and MDA concentration and CD68 expression, but conversely, they increased NOS activity compared to inflammatory group. Conclusion: Our results indicate that a single dose of LPS could have a long-term impact on occludin expression and thus contribute to endothelial barrier dysfunction. 10-day administration of Ω-3 PUFA had partial anti-inflammatory effects on health of rats without any effect on occludin expression.

Objective(s): Chemoresistance remains the main causes of treatment failure and mortality in cancer patients. There is an urgent need to investigate novel approaches to improve current therapeutic modalities and increase cancer patients' survival. Induction of drug efflux due to overexpression of P-glycoproteins is considered as an important leading cause of multidrug resistance. In this study, we investigated the role of combination treatments of docetaxel and vinblastine in overcoming P-glycoprotein mediated inhibition of apoptosis and induction of cell proliferation in human non-small cell lung carcinoma cells. Materials and Methods: Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using MTT assay and DAPI staining, respectively. P-glycoprotein expression was evaluated in gene and protein levels by Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results: Combination treatment of the cells with docetaxel and vinblastine decreased the IC50 values for docetaxel from (30± 3. 1) to (15± 2. 6) nM and for vinblastine from (30± 5. 9) to (5± 5. 6) nM (P≤ 0. 05). P-glycoprotein mRNA expression level showed a significant up-regulation in the cells incubated with each drug alone (P≤ 0. 001). Incubation of the cells with combined concentrations of both agents neutralized P-glycoprotein overexpression (P≤ 0. 05). Adding verapamil, a P-glycoprotein inhibitor caused a further increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells when the cells were treated with both agents. Conclusion: Our results suggest that combination therapy along with P-glycoprotein inhibition can be considered as a novel approach to improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutics in cancer patients with high P-glycoprotein expression.

Objective(s): Osteoarthritis (OA), as a known degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. In this study, we aimed to elucidate unclear pathogenesis of OA. Materials and Methods: Rabbit models of OA were established by the transection of the anterior cruciate ligament. Rabbits were randomly divided into three equal groups: the experimental group (OA modeling, treated with estradiol), the control group (OA modeling, treated with normal saline) and the normal group (without OA modeling). The glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and hyaluronan (HA) content of knee joint were collected and assayed. In addition, gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-13 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 were evaluated by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Results: Animal models were developed successfully. GAG and HA concentrations were significantly increased in the experimental and the normal group compared with the control group (P<0. 05 and P<0. 01, respectively). Significant increase of GAG level in 6, 9 and 12 week-samples were found in the experimental group compared with the control group (P<0. 01). The expression level of MMP-1 and MMP-13 in the experimental group were lower than the control group (P<0. 01), but still higher than those of the normal group (P<0. 01). TIMP-1 expression level was found to be higher in the experimental group than that of the control and normal group (P<0. 01). Conclusion: The results suggested the possible role of estradiol in the pathological process of OA via its effect on the MMPs. The results also implied the effect of estradiol intervention on OA.

Objective(s): Ten-eleven translocation (TET) family members have been shown to be involved in the development of many tumors. However, the biological role of the TET family and its mechanism of action in colorectal carcinogenesis and progression remain poorly understood. Materials and Methods: We measured the expression levels of TET family members in colorectal cancer (CRC) specimens, in the corresponding normal tissues and in cell lines using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH). Both the protein function and the protein-independent role of TETs were investigated by cell viability assays and cell invasion assays using in vitro and in vivo models. Results: We found that all three TET genes were strongly up-regulated at the transcript level in CRC samples compared to matched normal tissues. The same results were observed in colorectal cancer cell lines. Knockdown of TETs by shTET1/2/3 showed that TET family members inhibited CRC growth and metastasis. We showed that TET family member degradation by miR-506 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion in colorectal cancer. Conclusion: Through this study, we advance our understanding of the expression levels TETs and miR-506 in CRC and further clarify the internal regulatory mechanism of miR-506 by targeting TET during CRC processes. These findings may contribute to a novel avenue for researching and developing targeted therapies for CRC.

Objective(s): Recently cell therapy is a promising therapeutic modality for many types of disease including acute kidney injury (AKI). Due to the unique biological properties, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive cells in this regard. This study aims to transplant MSCs equipped with nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in rat experimental models of acute kidney and evaluate regeneration potential of injured kidney especially expression of injury and repaired biomarkers. Materials and methods: Nrf2 was overexpressed in bone marrow-derived MSCs by pcDNA. 3. 1 plasmid. AKI was induced using glycerol in rat models. The regenerative potential of Nrf2-overexpressed MSCs was evaluated in AKI-Induced animal models using biochemical and histological methods after transplantation. Expression of repaired genes, AQP1 and CK-18, as well as injury markers, Kim-1 and Cystatin C, was also assayed in engrafted kidney sections. Results: Our results revealed that transplantation of Nrf2-overexpressed MSCs into AKI-induced rats decreased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and ameliorated kidney regeneration throughout 14 days. Upregulation of repaired markers and downregulation of injury markers were considerable 14 days after transplantation. Conclusions: Overexpression of Nrf2 in MSCs suggests a new strategy to increase efficiency of MSC-based cell therapy in AKI.

Objective (s): Mucoadhesive disc is one of the various routes of drug delivery for curing buccal disease. Materials and Methods: Every discs containing 70 mg stem bark extract of Ziziphus jujuba were formulated by using Carbopol 934, PVP k30 and gelatin as polymers. Discs were made by granulation and direct compression. Discs were standardized based on the total phenol. Properties such as in vitro and in vivo mucoadhesion, drug release, water uptake, and disintegration were carried out. Results: Discs showed excellent mucoadhesion and released high amount of the active ingredients (47%) immediately and completed after approximately the first hour. They had a good adhesion in buccal cavity. Conclusion: This study showed that the kinetics of release of the active substance from the mucoadhesive disc obeyed the zero order kinetic and didn’ t follow the fick’ s law. The water uptake and dissolution (DS), increased with the passing of time.

Objective(s): Gentamicin is used for the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections. However, gentamicin administration is limited because of nephrotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of crocin against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty two male Wistar rats received gentamicin (100 mg/kg, IP), with or without crocin (100 mg/kg, IP) for seven consecutive days. Plasma creatinine and urea-nitrogen concentrations, oxidative stress and histopathological changes of kidney tissues were monitored. Results: Administration of gentamicin resulted in significant increases in plasma creatinine and urea-nitrogen concentrations and renal tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and a decrease in the renal tissue ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) level. Crocin decreased plasma creatinine and urea-nitrogen concentrations and tissue MDA level, but increased the level of tissue FRAP. In addition, gentamicin led to cellular damages including glomerular atrophy, cellular desquamation, tubular necrosis and fibrosis, epithelial oedema of proximal tubules, perivascular edema, vascular congestion and intra-tubular proteinaceous casts, all of which were partially recovered by crocin. Conclusion: Crocin has protective effects against functional disturbances, oxidative stress and tissue damages induced by gentamicin.