IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY
Year:2013 | Volume:25 | Issue:4|Papers Count:20

Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of death among the gynecologic malignancies. This outcome is due to the lack of tools for early detection and also effective therapeutic strategies. Neurotensin, is a neuromodulator of dopamine transmission and exerts potent hypothermic and analgesic effects in the brain, whereas in the periphery, neurotensin is a paracrine and endocrine hormone of the digestive tract and of the cardiovascular system. In addition, neurotensin has been shown to stimulate the growth of numerous gastrointestinal tissues including pancreas, gastric antrum, small bowel and colon. Interestingly, neurotensin also acts as a growth factor in a variety of human cancers. Neurotensin fulfills its central and peripheral function through its interaction with three specific receptors: NTR1, NTR2 and NTR3/sortilin. In this study we have investigated five human ovarian cancer cell lines as well as normal ovary tissues for expression of three neurotensin receptors using RT-PCR. We found that NTR1 and NTR3 were expressed in ovarian cancer cell lines while neither of them expressed in normal ovary. Neither of the normal ovary nor the ovarian cancer cell lines expressed NTR2 receptor. The heterodimerization of NTR1 and NTR3 has been shown to be necessary for internalization of neurotensin following activation of downstream signaling cascade. Therefore, we hypothesize that such co-expression of NTR1 and NTR3 might play a functional impact on tumorogenesis of ovarian carcinoma.Furthermore, such ectopic expression in ovarian carcinoma make them possible candidates for developing a more valued diagnostic tool and also possible therapeutic target in patients with ovarian carcinoma.

In this study the inhibitory effect of metabolites produced by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (probiotic bacteria) on the growth of human colon cancer cell line CacoII was examined. After accuracy examination of bacterial genus and species MRS (DE Man , Rogosa & Sharpe) broth culture from L. rhamnosus GG was prepared and two supernatant from MRS broth culture which was incubated for 24, 48 and 72 hours were provided. One of these supernatant with normal pH (pH=4) and the other one with using NaoH 1N was reached to pH 7. CacoII cells were seeded on 96-well microplates at 8×103 cells/well and obtained supernatants at concentrations of 100, 200 and 300 ml/mL were inoculated to CacoII cell culture. In average, the metabolites of L. rhamnosus GG at concentrations of 100, 200 and 300 ml/mL inhibited the growth of CacoII cells by 60.8%, 71.5% and 82.1% respectively.

We studied Fusarium graminearum, a filamentous ascomycets that causes severe epidemics of wheat head blight worldwide and contaminates grain with thrichothecene mycotoxins. An effective way to study the plant – pathogen interaction, the disease causing mechanism and genomics studies of plant pathogen fungi is fungi transformation. The availability of a perfect transformation system would let to study gene exchange, epidemiology and to utilize techniques such as gene disruption or gene silencing to investigate the role of fungal products in pathogenesis. Typical procedures for transforming filamentous fungi such as Fusarium sp. involve the preparation of fungal protoplast. The effect of spore amount, enzymes exposing time and mycelium age on preparation of protoplast were studied in this article.

Solid-state fermentation has the potential to produce inexpensive enzymes for use in high volume industrial application. In this study, T. longibrachiatum was used for production of amylolytic enzyme on wheat straw and wheat bran as solid substrate.Optimization of culture condition was performed by using statistical design of experiments on Taguchi method basis. Effect of temperature, moisture, pH, inoculum size and nitrogen source were studied. Maximum amylase activity was obtained 363.82 U/g, which was 7.1% higher than primary condition (moisture 55%, pH 6.5, temperature 25oC, inoculums, 106 nitrogen source (NH4)2SO4).

The adults and nymphs of Anthocoris nemoralis are efficient predators of eggs and nymphs of pear psylla, Psylla pyricola in pear orchards. The effect of temperature on different developmental stages of A. nemoralis was investigated under controlled conditions (65±5% RH, 16L: 8D).A. nemoralis were fed by eggs and nymphs of pear psylla. The developmental threshold and thermal constant required for each stage and for egg-adult period were determined. The mean developmental time for egg to adult was 28.8, 19, 14 and 10.9 days for 20, 25, 30 and 35±1 oC, respectively. Comparing developmental period of different stages showed that the fifth instar nymph with 28.23% and egg with 20.97%, had the greatest proportion of the total generation period Developmental threshold calculated from 8.04 (for fifth nymphal instar) to 13.89 (for egg stage). Lower developmental threshold and mean thermal constant for egg to adult were 11.8 oC and 259.92 degree-days, respectively.

This study was designed to evaluate variation and differentiation in the Tajan river and investigation Shahid-Rajaei dam effects upon Siah Mahi. A total 65 fish specimens were collected by electeroshocker set that 31 individual related to up stream station and 35 individual related to down stream station.28 morphometric factor and 22 morphometric specialties were measured and was standardized with Beacham formula.Univariate analysis (One-Way ANOVA) of 16 characteristics among the samples showed significant differences with varying degrees that showed relatively high phenotypic diversity in the Capoeta capoeta gracilis population in the two zones sampling. The data were subjected to a principle component analysis (PCA) which grouped in eight factors, and scatter plot showed that two stations were differenced.Discriminate function analysis (DFA) or the overall random assignment of individuals into their original groups was high (98.5% for morphometric factor and in case of relative measurements was 92.4%), indicating that these specimens are highly divergent from each other. Clustering analysis based on Euclidian distance also showed these stations are separated. The results of this study indicating that the dam probably severely limit downstream dispersal by Siah Mahi, and eliminate upstream migration altogether. Consequently construction of Shahid-Rajaei dam on Tajan River presumably could create two morphologic different populations of C. c. gracilis in the upstream and downstream.

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of light color and music on stress indices in goldfish (Carassius auratus). The experiment was designed on random factorial test including 2 light color treatments (red and white) and 3 music treatment (M0=without music, M30=30 min music and M60=60 min music). According to obtained results polar effect of light and music and effect of music was not significant on fish growth, blood cortisol, glucose and calcium level (p>0.05). According to these results red color causes decrease growth at goldfish (p<0.01). red color also causes increasing blood calcium level (p<0.01). But it had not effect on blood cortisol and glucose level (p>0.05). Thus red color causes to induce stress on goldfish, but music does not induce stress on this fish and it shows that goldfish is able to recognize music from surround noise.

Rutilus frisii kutumis one of the commercially valuable species that has a great demand due to its taste in the southern parts of Caspian Sea. Investigation shows that natural reproduction of this species has been decreased during recent years. To restock this species, about 200 million fry are produced by artificial breeding and released into the sea annually. In the current study, ten microsatellite loci were used to investigate the genetic variation of Rutilus frisii kutum in Tajan and Tonekabon regions of Mazandaran province. Despite the high value of observed heterozygosity, the allelic diversity was low in the populations and the signs of genetic bottleneck were observed in the populations, due to the decrease of population effective size. The results showed no obvious genetic differentiation among the regions by Fst, Rst and analysis of molecular variance, and only 1% of observed variation is among the populations. A relatively high level of gene flow was found between populations. Genetic variation of two regions was not statistically different. These results could be useful for the genetic management of kutum populations and may serve as a baseline in monitoring future genetic change in their genetic diversity.

The experiments were carried out to determin efficiency of aeration and clinoptilolite zeolite on water quality in fish culture on emphasis total ammonia absorption.3 concentrations including 0, 15, 30 g/l of Clinoptilolite zeolite have been used in the experiments. Some environmental factors e.g pH, salinity, Ec, NO2, NO3, N-NH4 and total hardness recorded at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 144 hours from the begin of the experiments. The results revealed that there was significant difference in total hardness, total ammonia and EC among the treatments after 144 hours. So there was no significant difference in other factors among in the treatments. There was no significant difference in the treatments when aeration was used. At the same time, more than %80 of total ammonia has been absorbed. The observations showed that the zeolite have been saturated after 96 hours.

To investigate the effects of probiotic (BioPlus 2B) (including Bacillus subtilis and B. licheniformis) and iron (Fe (So4)2 (7H2O)) supplementation on rainbow larvae blood, a 60 day feeding experiment was conducted.2700 larvae (average weight 0.135±0.01 gr) were selected and as a treatments aith 3 replications. The application of probiotic and iron suplements were considered as: T1: Probiotic: 1.6×109 CFU (Colony Forming Unit) /g; T2: Probiotic: 1.2×109 CFU/g; T3: Iron: 7mg/kg; T4: Iron: 5mg/kg; T5: Probiotic: 1.6×109 CFU/g with Iron: 7mg/kg; T6: Probiotic: 1.6×109 CFU/g with Iron: 5mg/kg; T7: Probiotic: 1.2×109 CFU/g with Iron: 7mg/kg, T8: Probiotic: 1.2×109 CFU/g with Iron: 5mg/kg; and T9: control treatment (without supplementation with probiotic and iron). At the end of experiment, The highest levels of IgM and WBC were obtained of T1 and T2 (P≤0.05). T8 and T7 showed the highest levels of iron, ferritin and transferrin (P≤0.05). Our findings support that if probiotic just added to feed, IgM levels and WBC of trout larvae would be increased. Whiles administration of both probiotic and iron will be increased iron, ferritin and transferrin levels in blood serum.

The study of this fish is important due to its biological value in malaria disease control and its negative impacts on other species. This study aimed to determine sex ratio, age, growth and reproduction of the populations of G. holbrooki in Fasa city in spring and summer 2007, 458 mosquito fish were caught in the Baba Sheikh Khalil subterranean and Ghomp-Atashkedeh spring. In both populations, the ratio of females were higher than the males (P<0.05) and fish included two age groups of 0+ and 1+. Total weight (W) and total length (TL) in the subterranean population was 0.14-2.89 g and 21.8-54.9 mm, in the spring population was 0.12-2.13 g and 20.98-49 mm, respectively. The condition coefficient of males was higher than that of females, of 0+ age group was higher than that of 1+ age group and of spring season was higher than that of summer season in the both population. The slope (b) of the total length-weight regression indicated negative allometric growth in males and positive allometric in females in the both population (p>0.05). The average number of eggs was 24.48±17.4 (range: 2-81) in the subterranean, and 19.08±12.26 (range: 1-86) in the spring. Fecundity (F) with fish total length (TL) and weight (W) had significant correlation (p<0.05). Biological data obtained from this study will help in further planning and modifications of the efforts in mosquito control.

In order to the better understanding and to defense against environmental factors affecting yield, it is necessary to know patterns of plant physiological behaviors and association between biosynthetic pathways of biomolecules. Therefore, wheat variety of‘ Kouhdasht’ was planted and activity of acetyl coa-carboxylase (ACoC) enzyme of the plants was stopped using sethoxydim in 3-4 leaf old stage. Sampling was done from wheat seedlings at various stages and the parameters of dry matter production, membrane stability index, activities of scavenging enzymes of hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide accumulation, malondialdehyde and lipoxygenase enzyme were analyzed. The growth and development of the seedlings were inhibited by activity ceasing of ACoC. It has been made by inhibition of fatty acid biosynthesis needed to generate new cells and to increase the cells sizes. During activity ceasing of ACoC, there was no significant changes in activity of hydrogen peroxide scavenging enzymes except to guaiacol peroxidase. Activity of the all enzymes was resulted in accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in plants with ceased activity of ACoC. The accumulation of hydrogen peroxide also caused to increase lipids peroxidation and also increasing activity of lipoxygenase enzyme. The obtained results displayed ceasing of ACoC enzyme resulted in inhibition of plant growth and disruption of plant defense mechanisms.

In the current study, the effect of ascorbic in control of lipid peroxidation and delaying senescence of cut rose cv. Ruyal class was investigated. Flowers were pulse treated with 100 ppm ascorbic acid for 12 h and distil water was used as control. Some factors such as Vase life, fresh weight, water uptake, lipid peroxidation, anthocyanin content, total phenol and total protein were determined. Based on results, fresh weight, water uptake and vase life in ascorbic acid pulse treated flower were increased than control. With flower senescence gradually protein content, anthocyanin and total phenol declined. But Ascorbic acid treatments prevented declining these compounds as compared to control during senescence. Lipid peroxidation content increased during flower senescence.Ascorbic acid with preventing from increase lipid peroxidation delayed flower senescence in cut rose flowers. In addition, ascorbic acid as an antioxidant extended may with scavenging reactive oxygen species delay flower senescence.

In last research, effects of foliar amino acid solution application with or without three important macro elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was evaluated on leaf of pistachio plants, Ohadi cultivar in Iranian research institute of pistachio, Kerman station. The experiment was carried out in statistical design full random blocks (RCBD) contain five treatments and three replicates. After treatments of solutions, different parameters such as leaf area, stomata transpiration and conductance rate, percentage of fruit Shell Indehiscence, percentage of empty fruits, total weight of fruit, in leaf and fruit, and other some parameters was determined. The data were analyzed by using statistical software SPSS version 12.0 on 5% significance level statistically. For comparison of variables one-way ANOVA and Duncan test was used. Results show that in general, amino acid treatments has positive effect on growth, function and quality of pistachio, Ohadi cultivar fruit in comparison control on 5% significance level. Amino acid treatments containing nutritional elements cause increasing of total weight of fruit than control significantly. Therefore, it is results that application of amino acid solutions containing macro elements (NPK) as spraying form on leaf surface, can increases quality and quantity pistachio cultivar Ohadi production. This manner of foliar application of solutions can be suitable method for different pistachio fertilizers that used via addition to soil.

The Triticum aestivum (common wheat) with more than 20, 000 cultivars has a major importance in human nutrition and all the attempts in genetic researches have been to increase its yield and quality. Thus, identifying of valuable and effective genes on quality of yield, resistant to disease and biotic and abiotic stresses have been studied and in the modern biotechnology the aim is to transfer the useful traits from wheat relatives to this economically important crop. Also, there are remarkable advances in phylogenetic and comparative genomic. One of the approaches used frequently in comparative genomic is in situ hybridization. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) uses the total genomic DNA of an analyzer (a genomically known species) as a probe in order to detect the chromosomal DNA homology of the analyzer with the genome of a species with another genome constitution, which provides a more direct approach for genomic studies at both chromosomal and DNA levels. In this study, genomic homology of three Iranian wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties cultivated in different part of Kerman province and some other provinces, Chamraan, Roshan and Pishtaaz, were studied with regular barley (Hordeum vulgar) by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). In this method, genomic DNA of barley has been extracted and then labeled with fluorescein-12-dUTP. Then, the labeled probes were used in in situ hybridization with wheat metaphasic chromosomes. Studies showed that Chamraan, Roshan and Pishtaaz varieties had 12.5460, 12.1923 and 12.4764 percent homology with regular barley, respectively. Comparing this data showed that these three wheat varieties had no significant difference with each other in their genomic homology with regular barley.Thus, it is suggested that genomic homologies of this three wheat varieties with regular barley are similar and at the same level.