OBJECTIVE Methamphetamine is used extensively around the world as a psychostimulant. The complica... more OBJECTIVE Methamphetamine is used extensively around the world as a psychostimulant. The complications related to methamphetamine include methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity, mainly involving intraneuronal processes, such as oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. Curcumin is effective against neuronal injury due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we examined the protective effects of curcumin against methamphetamine neurotoxicity. METHODS Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: control (n = 12), DMSO (n = 12), methamphetamine (n = 12), and methamphetamine + curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively, intraperitoneal [IP]; n = 12). Neurotoxicity was induced by 40 mg/kg of methamphetamine administrated through 4 injections (4 × 10 mg/kg, q2h, IP). Curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg) was administered at 7 days after the last methamphetamine injection. By using a Morris water maze task, the hippocampus-dependent memory and spatial learning were evaluated 1 day after the last curcumin injection. Then, the animal brains were isolated for biochemical measurements, as well as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1(Iba-1) and caspase-3 immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS The current study demonstrated that administration of curcumin significantly attenuates spatial memory impairment (P < 0.01) following methamphetamine neurotoxicity. Curcumin caused a significant increase in the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.05). However, it decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) (P < 0.05) and malondialdehyde (P < 0.01) levels as compared to the methamphetamine group. Also, curcumin significantly reduced Iba-1 (P < 0. 01), GFAP and caspase-3 positive cells in the hippocampus (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Curcumin exerted neuroprotective effects on methamphetamine neurotoxicity because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.
Introduction Research has shown that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can damage the physiological proc... more Introduction Research has shown that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can damage the physiological processes of brain tissue. Given the antioxidant properties of Gingerol (GING), this study aimed to determine the protective effect of 6-gingerol on hippocampal levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), DNA oxidative damage, and the amount of Bax and Bcl2 apoptosis indices of rats exposed to AuNPs. Methods A total of 42 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (30 days 0.5 mL saline), AuNPs (one time injection of 0.5 mL AuNPs, 200 ppm and 60 Nm + 30 days 0.5 mL saline), AuNPs+GING 50 (one time injection of 0.5 mL AuNPs, 200 ppm and 60 Nm + 30 days 0.5 mL density of gingerol 50 mg/kg), and AuNPs+GING100 (one time injection of 0.5 mL AuNPs, 200 ppm and 60 Nm + 30 days 0.5 mL density of gingerol 100 mg/kg). At the end of the treatment period, the hippocampal levels of NGF, BDNF, 8-hydroxy-desoxyguanosine (8-HOdG), and apoptotic indices of Bax ...
The aging process affects all body tissues including the brain and different hormones reduced wit... more The aging process affects all body tissues including the brain and different hormones reduced with age in mammals. This research was performed to study the effects of hormonal changes during the aging process on neurogenesis in the hippocampus. The female Wistar rats were divided into five groups including prepubertal, pubertal in metestrus phase, pubertal treated with 17β-estradiol, post-pubertal in metestrus phase and post-pubertal treated with 17β-estradiol. The groups received 50 μg/kg 17β-estradiol subcutaneously daily injections for 7 days. Groups in metestrus phase were detected in based on the observed cells in the vaginal smear. The results revealed that cell proliferation along with 17beta-estradiol injection in the CA1 region of hippocampus was increased and cell proliferation in the adult group was significantly higher than the after puberty group.
Background & Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of raspberry frui... more Background & Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of raspberry fruit extract (Rubus fruticosus L.) on LH, FSH, testosterone serum levels, and number and percentage of sperm motility in male diabetic rats induced with streptozotocin. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 50 Wistar male rats were used and divided into five groups: (control), diabetic (STZ,55mg/kg, i.p), and treatment groups (DM + raspberry fruit extract: 50, 100, 200 mg/kg/day, 4 weeks). At the end of experiments, the LH, FSH and testosterone serum levels and the number and percentage of sperm motility were examined. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA test. Results: The LH and FSH serum levels increased significantly in DM group compared with other groups (p<0.05). After treatment with raspberry fruit extract, the LH and FSH serum levels decreased significantly compared with DM group (p<0.05). The testosterone serum level and the number and percentage of sperm motility decreased significantly in the DM group (p<0.05). The use of raspberry fruit extract significantly increased testosterone serum level and the number and percentage of sperm motility in treatment groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results showed that raspberry fruit extract increased testosterone hormone in DM rats, and also improved spermatogenesis and ameliorating pituitary-gonadal axis function.
Considering the cardioprotective and antioxidant properties of melatonin, in the present experime... more Considering the cardioprotective and antioxidant properties of melatonin, in the present experiment, we investigated the possible involvement of oxidative stress factors in antiarrhythmic effects of melatonin in ouabain-induced arrhythmia in isolated rat atria. Male rats were divided into two groups, receiving either of melatonin (2 mg/kg) or vehicle, orally once daily for three weeks. Rats were anesthetized, and atria were isolated and incubated with ouabain in an organ bath. Time of onset of arrhythmia and asystole as well as atrial beating rate and contractile force were recorded. We also measured the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in atria after injection of ouabain to animals. Pretreatment of animals with melatonin could significantly postpone the onset of arrhythmia and asystole compared with vehicle-treated group (P ≤ 0.001). Incubation of ouabain boosted the atrial beating rate in vehicle-treated group (P ≤ 0.01), while this response in melatonintreated group was not significant (P > 0.05). Injection of ouabain decreased the activity of SOD and increased the levels of TBARS in atria (P ≤ 0.001, P ≤ 0.01, respectively), while pretreatment of animals with melatonin reversed these effects (P ≤ 0.05). It is concluded that melatonin possesses antiarrhythmic properties, and oxidative stress factors might mediate this response.
Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 2020
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disease that happens at a young age. MS i... more Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disease that happens at a young age. MS is an inflammatory disease; associated with the demyelination of the central nervous system. Therefore, some inflammatory factors are effective in the mechanism and progression of the disease. Melatonin, as a multi-effect substance including anti-inflammatory effects, can reduce symptoms of MS in patients with a change in their inflammatory factors level. In this study, 50 MS patients who were referred to the MS Society of Markazi Province were randomly selected. All patients were treated with routine MS treatment (interferon) and were divided into control (25 placebo recipients) and treatment (25 recipients of 3 mg melatonin per day for 24 weeks) groups. Anthropometric data of patients including height, weight, and age were determined. Blood samples were collected after fasting in order to determine serum levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Then,...
Objective: Methamphetamine (METH) addiction is recognized as one of the major public health conce... more Objective: Methamphetamine (METH) addiction is recognized as one of the major public health concerns, with no approved pharmacological agents for treatment. Berberine hydrochloride, an isoquinoline alkaloid in plants, induces antipsychotic and anxiolytic effects. Hence, we hypothesized that berberine may modulate the METH-induced rewarding effects. Materials and methods: In this study, three groups of rat including control (N= 10), METH + vehicle (N=10), and METH + berberine (N= 10) were kept in separate cages one day before expriments. METH (20 mg/L) was dissolved in tap water inside a bottle, while there was only tap water in the control bottle. Two groups received free METH solutions for two weeks (up to 12 mg/kg). Afterwards, they were abstianced for three weeks. Only one group received 100 mg/kg/day of berberine. After three weeks, locomotor activity and anxiety (elevated plus maze test) were evaluated, then the two-bottles choice model was used for one week to evaluate drug preferences. Finally, the brain of rats was removed for evaluation of oxytocin receptor expression via immunofluorescence staining method. Results: The results showed that METH preference was lower in the berberine + METH group during drug intake compared to the METH group (P< 0.05). During withdrawal, berberine reduced anxiety-like behaviors (P< 0.05) and decreased locomotor activity versus the METH group (P< 0.001). Also, berberine increased numbers of oxytocin receptors in comparison with the METH group (P< 0.01). Conclusion: Considering the modulation of oxytocin receptors, berberine may be considered as a potential therapeutic agent for METH addiction.
Methamphetamine (METH) known as a highly neurotoxic compound associated with irreversible brain c... more Methamphetamine (METH) known as a highly neurotoxic compound associated with irreversible brain cell damage that results in neurological and psychiatric abnormalities. The mechanisms of METH intoxication mainly involve intraneuronal events including oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and dopamine oxidation. Based on recent studies, H 2 S can protect neurons through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic mechanisms. Therefore, we aimed to study the effects of protection of H 2 S against METH neurotoxicity. The 72 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups: control (n, 12), H 2 S (n, 12), METH (n, 12), METH + H 2 S 1 mg/kg (n, 12), METH + H 2 S 5 mg/kg (n, 12), and METH + H 2 S 10 mg/kg (n, 12) groups, (NaHS as a H 2 S donor; 1, 5, 10 mg/kg). METH neurotoxicity was induced by 40 mg/kg of METH in four intraperitoneal (IP) injections (e.g., 4 × 10 mg/kg q. 2 h, IP). NaHS was administered at 30 min, 24 h, and 48 h after the final injection of METH. Seven days after METH injection, the brains were removed for biochemical assessments, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry staining. H 2 S treatment could significantly increase both superoxide dismutase and glutathione (P < 0.01), and a reduction was observed in malondialdehyde (P < 0.05) and TNF-α (P < 0.01) versus the METH group. Moreover, H 2 S could significantly decrease caspase-3 and GFAP-positive cells in the CA1 region of the hippocampus (P < 0.01) compared to the METH group. According to the findings, H 2 S makes significant neuroprotective impacts on METH neurotoxicity due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Spermatogenic cycle in the Green-bellied lizard, Darevskia chlorogaster, was studied in forests o... more Spermatogenic cycle in the Green-bellied lizard, Darevskia chlorogaster, was studied in forests of Sari County in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. Sampling took place periodically every 15 days during the activity period of this species, from 5 April to 20 October 2012. In total, 59 adult males were captured by hand. Testes were removed and processed for histological and morphometric studies. The results show that testes consist of 74.45 seminiferous tubules in average. The mean diameters of seminiferous tubules, lumen, tunica albuginea and germinal layer are 350.14, 162, 17.69 and 64.10 microns, respectively. Spermatogenesis begins in mid March to early April, reaching its peak in late May and early June, and ends between early to mid August. The maximum level of sperm production occurred in early June. The minimum diameter, weight and volume of testes were observed in early August. Four phases were observed during the spermatogenesis of this species: active, transitional, inact...
Modulation of long-term and short-term plasticity in the dentate gyrus granule cells by activatin... more Modulation of long-term and short-term plasticity in the dentate gyrus granule cells by activating the -Adrenergic receptors of the Basolateral Amygdala, Neuroscience Letters (2020), doi:
Ethanol is associated with oxidative stress. Exposure to ethanol during childhood may lead to neu... more Ethanol is associated with oxidative stress. Exposure to ethanol during childhood may lead to neurological disorders. Congenital disorders induced by alcohol are mainly caused by an oxidative-inflammatory cascade due to extensive apoptotic neurodegeneration in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus. Simvastatin, which acts as an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA), is widely used to manage cardiovascular diseases. Recently, the neuroprotective effects of simvastatin against nervous system disorders have been introduced. In this study, we examined the protective effects of simvastatin on ethanol-related neurotoxicity in the hippocampus of rat pups. Ethanol (5.27 g/kg) in a milk solution (27.8 ml/kg) was administered to male rat pups via intragastric intubation at 2-10 days after birth. Also, 10 and 20 mg/kg of simvastatin were injected to the animals. By using Morris water maze task, the hippocampus-dependent memory and spatial learning was evaluated 36 days after birth. An ELISA assay was performed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of simvastatin by measuring the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and antioxidant enzymes. To assess the expression levels of Iba1 immunohistochemical staining and caspase-3 immunofluorescence staining was performed.The current study demonstrated that administration of simvastatin significantly attenuates spatial memory impairment (P< 0.01) after ethanol neurotoxicity. Also simvastatin could considerably increase the total superoxide dismutaseand glutathione levels (P<0.01). Moreover, it was associated with a greater reduction in malondialdehyde (P<0.05) and TNF-α levels, compared to the ethanol group (P<0.01). Furthermore, in the simvastatin group, the hippocampal level of caspase-3 and the level of Iba1-positive cells, reduced (P<0.01). This study demonstrated that apoptotic signaling, mediated by the oxidative-inflammatory cascade, could be inhibited by simvastatin in rat pups with ethanol exposure in the postnatal period.
International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine (IJRM)
Background: Endometriosis is associated with abnormal immunologic responses and combined inflamma... more Background: Endometriosis is associated with abnormal immunologic responses and combined inflammatory and anti-inflammatory conditions. Objective: This study aims to investigate follicular fluid (FF) concentration of interleukin (IL)-3, IL-5, and IL-6 in women with and without endometriosis. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study 68 women who were referred to the in vitro fertilization center of Imam Reza hospital in Mashhad during 2018 were selected randomly. Leaves of cytokines in the FF samples were evaluated in the endometriosis and the control group (n = 34/each). The diagnostic accuracy of cytokines and clinical characteristics were evaluated. Results: IL-3 and IL-6 were significantly changed in the FF of the women with endometriosis compared with the control group (p = 0.04, and p < 0.01, respectively), and the mean concentration of IL-5 in the endometriosis group was lower than in the control group (p = 0.5), but this was not significant. There were signific...
Several experimental and clinical findings suggest that ethanol consumption during pregnancy acti... more Several experimental and clinical findings suggest that ethanol consumption during pregnancy activates an oxidative-inflammatory cascade followed by wide apoptotic neurodegeneration within several brain areas, including the hippocampus. Crocin can protect neurons because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. This study evaluated the crocin protective impact on ethanol-related neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of rat pups exposed to alcohol over postnatal days. Ethanol (5.25 g/kg) was administrated in milk solution (27.8 ml/kg) by intragastric intubation 2-10 days after birth. The animals received crocin (15, 30, and 45 mg/kg) 2-10 days after birth. The hippocampus-dependent memory and spatial learning were evaluated 36 days after birth using the Morris water maze task. Further, the concentrations of TNF-α and antioxidant enzymes were determined using ELISA assay to examine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Also, immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1(Iba-1), and caspase-3 expression. The administration of crocin significantly attenuated spatial memory impairment (P < 0.01) after ethanol neurotoxicity. Also, crocin led to a significant enhancement in SOD (P < 0.05) and GSH-PX (P < 0.01), whereas it caused a reduction in the TNF-α and MDA concentrations compared to the ethanol group (P < 0.01). Moreover, the hippocampal level of caspase-3 (P < 0.01) and the number of GFAP and Iba-1-positive cells decreased in the crocin group (P < 0.001). Crocin suppresses apoptotic signaling mediated by the oxidative-inflammatory cascade in rat pups exposed to ethanol after birth.
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases of the endocrine system. Barberry ( Berberis... more Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases of the endocrine system. Barberry ( Berberis vulgaris ), as a common herb incorporated in treatment of various diseases, is used as anti-itch and anti-microbial medicine as well as lowering blood sugar and blood pressure. In this study, the effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of B. vulgaris on skin wound healing of diabetic rats were investigated. Forty eight male Wistar rats weighting 180 to 230 g were divided into four groups: control group (non-treated non-diabetic rats), sham group (oserin-treated diabetic rats), experimental 1 group (non-treated diabetic rats), experimental 2 group ( B. vulgaris extract-treated diabetic rats) and then, 3-cm-length cuts were created on the skin of the dorsal lumbar region and then the wounds were treated on a daily basis. Lesion length measurements were conducted during the experiments using a caliper. For the purpose of histological studies, wound samples were taken from each group and final...
Objective: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with gradual loss o... more Objective: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with gradual loss of cognitive and memory abilities. It was shown that the hippocampus is one of the first structures in the brain that is affected by the disease. Ziziphora clinopodioides (Z. clinopodioides) is a member of Lamiaceae family and contains various substances. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 72 adult male Wistar rats were used for behavioral and histopathologic studies. They were divided into nine groups included: control, negative control (Alzheimer), positive control (Alzheimer's treated with rivastigmine), aCSF (artificial cerebrospinal fluid) + ziziphora extract with doses of 200,400, and 600 mg/kg, and STZ (stereptozotocine)+ziziphora extract in 200,400,600 mg/kg doses. The injury was created with bilaterally intraventricular injection. The spatial memory was studied by passive avoidance test and neuronal density was evaluated by dissector method. To examine the his...
Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research : IJPR, 2019
Neuronal survival in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating diseases depends on the pres... more Neuronal survival in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating diseases depends on the preservation of myelin and remyelination of axons. Myelin protection is the main purpose to decrease myelin damage in the central nervous system (CNS). Ursolic acid (UA) as a natural product in apple is suggested to protect neural cells. This study is the first to demonstrate an effect for UA on CNS myelin loss induced by cuprizone toxin. In the current study, we hypothesized that daily treatment with UA in drinking water (1 mg/mL) prevents myelin damage by 6 weeks administration of CPZ in mice pellet which lead to corpus callosum axonal demyelination. We assessed the myelin content and the number of myelinating cells in corpus callosum by FluoroMyelin and luxol fast blue staining as well as by immunostaining against MBP and Olig2. Our finding indicated that UA could decrease the extent of demyelination area and enhanced myelin stain intensity within CC and protected oligodendrocyte lineage ...
Introduction: Meth-amphetamine (METH) is a potent stimulant of the central nervous system that im... more Introduction: Meth-amphetamine (METH) is a potent stimulant of the central nervous system that imitates the function of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, releasing dopamine and serotonin and increasing the amount of glutamate in the brain a buse causes movement disorders and there is no medication for treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of berberic on cognitive and motor disorders induced by methamphetamine addiction in rats. Methods: In this study, 30 Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into three equal groups: control, methamphetamine addiction and methamphetamine addiction, with Berberine Hydrochloride (100 mg / kg / day) during the three-week period of withdrawal. Two groups received free methamphetamine solutions for two weeks (up to 12 mg/kg). Then, at the and of three weeks of drug withdrawal was evaluated with behavioral Y maze test and Morris water maze (MWM). Finally, for one week, two bottles of one water and one methamphetamine we...
Orexin receptors expressed in basolateral amygdala (BLA) have been proposed for memory processing... more Orexin receptors expressed in basolateral amygdala (BLA) have been proposed for memory processing and hippocampal plasticity. There are several investigations about the effect of the adrenergic system in BLA on memory enhancement. However, there is no information about the molecular basis of this effect. Adrenergic and orexinergic fibers are found in BLA. In this study, the effects of both adrenergic and orexinergic systems were investigated on the amygdala function. To this end, the selective beta 2 adrenergic agonist (clenbuterol) and orexin receptors' antagonists (OX1R and OX2R, SB-334867-A and TCS-OX2-29, respectively) were administered into the BLA, then the high frequency stimulation (200-Hz) was applied to the perforant pathway and the synaptic plasticity of the dentate granular cells was studied in anaesthetized rats. Clenbuterol injection into the BLA enhanced the population spike (PS) component of LTP in the dentate gyrus (DG), as compared to that observed after dimethyl sulfoxide treatment. In addition, after orexin 1 or 2 receptor antagonists (SB-334867-A and TCS-OX2-29, respectively) injecting into the BLA, the enhancing effect of clenbuterol on PS was reduced. Moreover, the population excitatory post-synaptic potential also decreased in the SB-clenbuterol and TCS- clenbuterol experimental groups. However, the PS amplitude was also decreased in the group treated only by SB or TCS relative to the clenbuterol treated group. The PS amplitude or EPSP slope in the groups treated by both application of orexin receptors' antagonists and clenbuterol was considerably lower relative to the groups treated only by orexin receptors' antagonists. It is concluded that the BLA orexinergic system modulates hippocampal plasticity in relation with the adrenergic system.
OBJECTIVE Methamphetamine is used extensively around the world as a psychostimulant. The complica... more OBJECTIVE Methamphetamine is used extensively around the world as a psychostimulant. The complications related to methamphetamine include methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity, mainly involving intraneuronal processes, such as oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. Curcumin is effective against neuronal injury due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we examined the protective effects of curcumin against methamphetamine neurotoxicity. METHODS Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: control (n = 12), DMSO (n = 12), methamphetamine (n = 12), and methamphetamine + curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively, intraperitoneal [IP]; n = 12). Neurotoxicity was induced by 40 mg/kg of methamphetamine administrated through 4 injections (4 × 10 mg/kg, q2h, IP). Curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg) was administered at 7 days after the last methamphetamine injection. By using a Morris water maze task, the hippocampus-dependent memory and spatial learning were evaluated 1 day after the last curcumin injection. Then, the animal brains were isolated for biochemical measurements, as well as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1(Iba-1) and caspase-3 immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS The current study demonstrated that administration of curcumin significantly attenuates spatial memory impairment (P < 0.01) following methamphetamine neurotoxicity. Curcumin caused a significant increase in the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.05). However, it decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) (P < 0.05) and malondialdehyde (P < 0.01) levels as compared to the methamphetamine group. Also, curcumin significantly reduced Iba-1 (P < 0. 01), GFAP and caspase-3 positive cells in the hippocampus (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Curcumin exerted neuroprotective effects on methamphetamine neurotoxicity because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.
Introduction Research has shown that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can damage the physiological proc... more Introduction Research has shown that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can damage the physiological processes of brain tissue. Given the antioxidant properties of Gingerol (GING), this study aimed to determine the protective effect of 6-gingerol on hippocampal levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), DNA oxidative damage, and the amount of Bax and Bcl2 apoptosis indices of rats exposed to AuNPs. Methods A total of 42 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (30 days 0.5 mL saline), AuNPs (one time injection of 0.5 mL AuNPs, 200 ppm and 60 Nm + 30 days 0.5 mL saline), AuNPs+GING 50 (one time injection of 0.5 mL AuNPs, 200 ppm and 60 Nm + 30 days 0.5 mL density of gingerol 50 mg/kg), and AuNPs+GING100 (one time injection of 0.5 mL AuNPs, 200 ppm and 60 Nm + 30 days 0.5 mL density of gingerol 100 mg/kg). At the end of the treatment period, the hippocampal levels of NGF, BDNF, 8-hydroxy-desoxyguanosine (8-HOdG), and apoptotic indices of Bax ...
The aging process affects all body tissues including the brain and different hormones reduced wit... more The aging process affects all body tissues including the brain and different hormones reduced with age in mammals. This research was performed to study the effects of hormonal changes during the aging process on neurogenesis in the hippocampus. The female Wistar rats were divided into five groups including prepubertal, pubertal in metestrus phase, pubertal treated with 17β-estradiol, post-pubertal in metestrus phase and post-pubertal treated with 17β-estradiol. The groups received 50 μg/kg 17β-estradiol subcutaneously daily injections for 7 days. Groups in metestrus phase were detected in based on the observed cells in the vaginal smear. The results revealed that cell proliferation along with 17beta-estradiol injection in the CA1 region of hippocampus was increased and cell proliferation in the adult group was significantly higher than the after puberty group.
Background & Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of raspberry frui... more Background & Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of raspberry fruit extract (Rubus fruticosus L.) on LH, FSH, testosterone serum levels, and number and percentage of sperm motility in male diabetic rats induced with streptozotocin. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 50 Wistar male rats were used and divided into five groups: (control), diabetic (STZ,55mg/kg, i.p), and treatment groups (DM + raspberry fruit extract: 50, 100, 200 mg/kg/day, 4 weeks). At the end of experiments, the LH, FSH and testosterone serum levels and the number and percentage of sperm motility were examined. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA test. Results: The LH and FSH serum levels increased significantly in DM group compared with other groups (p<0.05). After treatment with raspberry fruit extract, the LH and FSH serum levels decreased significantly compared with DM group (p<0.05). The testosterone serum level and the number and percentage of sperm motility decreased significantly in the DM group (p<0.05). The use of raspberry fruit extract significantly increased testosterone serum level and the number and percentage of sperm motility in treatment groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results showed that raspberry fruit extract increased testosterone hormone in DM rats, and also improved spermatogenesis and ameliorating pituitary-gonadal axis function.
Considering the cardioprotective and antioxidant properties of melatonin, in the present experime... more Considering the cardioprotective and antioxidant properties of melatonin, in the present experiment, we investigated the possible involvement of oxidative stress factors in antiarrhythmic effects of melatonin in ouabain-induced arrhythmia in isolated rat atria. Male rats were divided into two groups, receiving either of melatonin (2 mg/kg) or vehicle, orally once daily for three weeks. Rats were anesthetized, and atria were isolated and incubated with ouabain in an organ bath. Time of onset of arrhythmia and asystole as well as atrial beating rate and contractile force were recorded. We also measured the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in atria after injection of ouabain to animals. Pretreatment of animals with melatonin could significantly postpone the onset of arrhythmia and asystole compared with vehicle-treated group (P ≤ 0.001). Incubation of ouabain boosted the atrial beating rate in vehicle-treated group (P ≤ 0.01), while this response in melatonintreated group was not significant (P > 0.05). Injection of ouabain decreased the activity of SOD and increased the levels of TBARS in atria (P ≤ 0.001, P ≤ 0.01, respectively), while pretreatment of animals with melatonin reversed these effects (P ≤ 0.05). It is concluded that melatonin possesses antiarrhythmic properties, and oxidative stress factors might mediate this response.
Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 2020
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disease that happens at a young age. MS i... more Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disease that happens at a young age. MS is an inflammatory disease; associated with the demyelination of the central nervous system. Therefore, some inflammatory factors are effective in the mechanism and progression of the disease. Melatonin, as a multi-effect substance including anti-inflammatory effects, can reduce symptoms of MS in patients with a change in their inflammatory factors level. In this study, 50 MS patients who were referred to the MS Society of Markazi Province were randomly selected. All patients were treated with routine MS treatment (interferon) and were divided into control (25 placebo recipients) and treatment (25 recipients of 3 mg melatonin per day for 24 weeks) groups. Anthropometric data of patients including height, weight, and age were determined. Blood samples were collected after fasting in order to determine serum levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Then,...
Objective: Methamphetamine (METH) addiction is recognized as one of the major public health conce... more Objective: Methamphetamine (METH) addiction is recognized as one of the major public health concerns, with no approved pharmacological agents for treatment. Berberine hydrochloride, an isoquinoline alkaloid in plants, induces antipsychotic and anxiolytic effects. Hence, we hypothesized that berberine may modulate the METH-induced rewarding effects. Materials and methods: In this study, three groups of rat including control (N= 10), METH + vehicle (N=10), and METH + berberine (N= 10) were kept in separate cages one day before expriments. METH (20 mg/L) was dissolved in tap water inside a bottle, while there was only tap water in the control bottle. Two groups received free METH solutions for two weeks (up to 12 mg/kg). Afterwards, they were abstianced for three weeks. Only one group received 100 mg/kg/day of berberine. After three weeks, locomotor activity and anxiety (elevated plus maze test) were evaluated, then the two-bottles choice model was used for one week to evaluate drug preferences. Finally, the brain of rats was removed for evaluation of oxytocin receptor expression via immunofluorescence staining method. Results: The results showed that METH preference was lower in the berberine + METH group during drug intake compared to the METH group (P< 0.05). During withdrawal, berberine reduced anxiety-like behaviors (P< 0.05) and decreased locomotor activity versus the METH group (P< 0.001). Also, berberine increased numbers of oxytocin receptors in comparison with the METH group (P< 0.01). Conclusion: Considering the modulation of oxytocin receptors, berberine may be considered as a potential therapeutic agent for METH addiction.
Methamphetamine (METH) known as a highly neurotoxic compound associated with irreversible brain c... more Methamphetamine (METH) known as a highly neurotoxic compound associated with irreversible brain cell damage that results in neurological and psychiatric abnormalities. The mechanisms of METH intoxication mainly involve intraneuronal events including oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and dopamine oxidation. Based on recent studies, H 2 S can protect neurons through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic mechanisms. Therefore, we aimed to study the effects of protection of H 2 S against METH neurotoxicity. The 72 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups: control (n, 12), H 2 S (n, 12), METH (n, 12), METH + H 2 S 1 mg/kg (n, 12), METH + H 2 S 5 mg/kg (n, 12), and METH + H 2 S 10 mg/kg (n, 12) groups, (NaHS as a H 2 S donor; 1, 5, 10 mg/kg). METH neurotoxicity was induced by 40 mg/kg of METH in four intraperitoneal (IP) injections (e.g., 4 × 10 mg/kg q. 2 h, IP). NaHS was administered at 30 min, 24 h, and 48 h after the final injection of METH. Seven days after METH injection, the brains were removed for biochemical assessments, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry staining. H 2 S treatment could significantly increase both superoxide dismutase and glutathione (P < 0.01), and a reduction was observed in malondialdehyde (P < 0.05) and TNF-α (P < 0.01) versus the METH group. Moreover, H 2 S could significantly decrease caspase-3 and GFAP-positive cells in the CA1 region of the hippocampus (P < 0.01) compared to the METH group. According to the findings, H 2 S makes significant neuroprotective impacts on METH neurotoxicity due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Spermatogenic cycle in the Green-bellied lizard, Darevskia chlorogaster, was studied in forests o... more Spermatogenic cycle in the Green-bellied lizard, Darevskia chlorogaster, was studied in forests of Sari County in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. Sampling took place periodically every 15 days during the activity period of this species, from 5 April to 20 October 2012. In total, 59 adult males were captured by hand. Testes were removed and processed for histological and morphometric studies. The results show that testes consist of 74.45 seminiferous tubules in average. The mean diameters of seminiferous tubules, lumen, tunica albuginea and germinal layer are 350.14, 162, 17.69 and 64.10 microns, respectively. Spermatogenesis begins in mid March to early April, reaching its peak in late May and early June, and ends between early to mid August. The maximum level of sperm production occurred in early June. The minimum diameter, weight and volume of testes were observed in early August. Four phases were observed during the spermatogenesis of this species: active, transitional, inact...
Modulation of long-term and short-term plasticity in the dentate gyrus granule cells by activatin... more Modulation of long-term and short-term plasticity in the dentate gyrus granule cells by activating the -Adrenergic receptors of the Basolateral Amygdala, Neuroscience Letters (2020), doi:
Ethanol is associated with oxidative stress. Exposure to ethanol during childhood may lead to neu... more Ethanol is associated with oxidative stress. Exposure to ethanol during childhood may lead to neurological disorders. Congenital disorders induced by alcohol are mainly caused by an oxidative-inflammatory cascade due to extensive apoptotic neurodegeneration in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus. Simvastatin, which acts as an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA), is widely used to manage cardiovascular diseases. Recently, the neuroprotective effects of simvastatin against nervous system disorders have been introduced. In this study, we examined the protective effects of simvastatin on ethanol-related neurotoxicity in the hippocampus of rat pups. Ethanol (5.27 g/kg) in a milk solution (27.8 ml/kg) was administered to male rat pups via intragastric intubation at 2-10 days after birth. Also, 10 and 20 mg/kg of simvastatin were injected to the animals. By using Morris water maze task, the hippocampus-dependent memory and spatial learning was evaluated 36 days after birth. An ELISA assay was performed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of simvastatin by measuring the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and antioxidant enzymes. To assess the expression levels of Iba1 immunohistochemical staining and caspase-3 immunofluorescence staining was performed.The current study demonstrated that administration of simvastatin significantly attenuates spatial memory impairment (P< 0.01) after ethanol neurotoxicity. Also simvastatin could considerably increase the total superoxide dismutaseand glutathione levels (P<0.01). Moreover, it was associated with a greater reduction in malondialdehyde (P<0.05) and TNF-α levels, compared to the ethanol group (P<0.01). Furthermore, in the simvastatin group, the hippocampal level of caspase-3 and the level of Iba1-positive cells, reduced (P<0.01). This study demonstrated that apoptotic signaling, mediated by the oxidative-inflammatory cascade, could be inhibited by simvastatin in rat pups with ethanol exposure in the postnatal period.
International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine (IJRM)
Background: Endometriosis is associated with abnormal immunologic responses and combined inflamma... more Background: Endometriosis is associated with abnormal immunologic responses and combined inflammatory and anti-inflammatory conditions. Objective: This study aims to investigate follicular fluid (FF) concentration of interleukin (IL)-3, IL-5, and IL-6 in women with and without endometriosis. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study 68 women who were referred to the in vitro fertilization center of Imam Reza hospital in Mashhad during 2018 were selected randomly. Leaves of cytokines in the FF samples were evaluated in the endometriosis and the control group (n = 34/each). The diagnostic accuracy of cytokines and clinical characteristics were evaluated. Results: IL-3 and IL-6 were significantly changed in the FF of the women with endometriosis compared with the control group (p = 0.04, and p < 0.01, respectively), and the mean concentration of IL-5 in the endometriosis group was lower than in the control group (p = 0.5), but this was not significant. There were signific...
Several experimental and clinical findings suggest that ethanol consumption during pregnancy acti... more Several experimental and clinical findings suggest that ethanol consumption during pregnancy activates an oxidative-inflammatory cascade followed by wide apoptotic neurodegeneration within several brain areas, including the hippocampus. Crocin can protect neurons because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. This study evaluated the crocin protective impact on ethanol-related neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of rat pups exposed to alcohol over postnatal days. Ethanol (5.25 g/kg) was administrated in milk solution (27.8 ml/kg) by intragastric intubation 2-10 days after birth. The animals received crocin (15, 30, and 45 mg/kg) 2-10 days after birth. The hippocampus-dependent memory and spatial learning were evaluated 36 days after birth using the Morris water maze task. Further, the concentrations of TNF-α and antioxidant enzymes were determined using ELISA assay to examine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Also, immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1(Iba-1), and caspase-3 expression. The administration of crocin significantly attenuated spatial memory impairment (P < 0.01) after ethanol neurotoxicity. Also, crocin led to a significant enhancement in SOD (P < 0.05) and GSH-PX (P < 0.01), whereas it caused a reduction in the TNF-α and MDA concentrations compared to the ethanol group (P < 0.01). Moreover, the hippocampal level of caspase-3 (P < 0.01) and the number of GFAP and Iba-1-positive cells decreased in the crocin group (P < 0.001). Crocin suppresses apoptotic signaling mediated by the oxidative-inflammatory cascade in rat pups exposed to ethanol after birth.
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases of the endocrine system. Barberry ( Berberis... more Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases of the endocrine system. Barberry ( Berberis vulgaris ), as a common herb incorporated in treatment of various diseases, is used as anti-itch and anti-microbial medicine as well as lowering blood sugar and blood pressure. In this study, the effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of B. vulgaris on skin wound healing of diabetic rats were investigated. Forty eight male Wistar rats weighting 180 to 230 g were divided into four groups: control group (non-treated non-diabetic rats), sham group (oserin-treated diabetic rats), experimental 1 group (non-treated diabetic rats), experimental 2 group ( B. vulgaris extract-treated diabetic rats) and then, 3-cm-length cuts were created on the skin of the dorsal lumbar region and then the wounds were treated on a daily basis. Lesion length measurements were conducted during the experiments using a caliper. For the purpose of histological studies, wound samples were taken from each group and final...
Objective: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with gradual loss o... more Objective: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with gradual loss of cognitive and memory abilities. It was shown that the hippocampus is one of the first structures in the brain that is affected by the disease. Ziziphora clinopodioides (Z. clinopodioides) is a member of Lamiaceae family and contains various substances. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 72 adult male Wistar rats were used for behavioral and histopathologic studies. They were divided into nine groups included: control, negative control (Alzheimer), positive control (Alzheimer's treated with rivastigmine), aCSF (artificial cerebrospinal fluid) + ziziphora extract with doses of 200,400, and 600 mg/kg, and STZ (stereptozotocine)+ziziphora extract in 200,400,600 mg/kg doses. The injury was created with bilaterally intraventricular injection. The spatial memory was studied by passive avoidance test and neuronal density was evaluated by dissector method. To examine the his...
Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research : IJPR, 2019
Neuronal survival in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating diseases depends on the pres... more Neuronal survival in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating diseases depends on the preservation of myelin and remyelination of axons. Myelin protection is the main purpose to decrease myelin damage in the central nervous system (CNS). Ursolic acid (UA) as a natural product in apple is suggested to protect neural cells. This study is the first to demonstrate an effect for UA on CNS myelin loss induced by cuprizone toxin. In the current study, we hypothesized that daily treatment with UA in drinking water (1 mg/mL) prevents myelin damage by 6 weeks administration of CPZ in mice pellet which lead to corpus callosum axonal demyelination. We assessed the myelin content and the number of myelinating cells in corpus callosum by FluoroMyelin and luxol fast blue staining as well as by immunostaining against MBP and Olig2. Our finding indicated that UA could decrease the extent of demyelination area and enhanced myelin stain intensity within CC and protected oligodendrocyte lineage ...
Introduction: Meth-amphetamine (METH) is a potent stimulant of the central nervous system that im... more Introduction: Meth-amphetamine (METH) is a potent stimulant of the central nervous system that imitates the function of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, releasing dopamine and serotonin and increasing the amount of glutamate in the brain a buse causes movement disorders and there is no medication for treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of berberic on cognitive and motor disorders induced by methamphetamine addiction in rats. Methods: In this study, 30 Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into three equal groups: control, methamphetamine addiction and methamphetamine addiction, with Berberine Hydrochloride (100 mg / kg / day) during the three-week period of withdrawal. Two groups received free methamphetamine solutions for two weeks (up to 12 mg/kg). Then, at the and of three weeks of drug withdrawal was evaluated with behavioral Y maze test and Morris water maze (MWM). Finally, for one week, two bottles of one water and one methamphetamine we...
Orexin receptors expressed in basolateral amygdala (BLA) have been proposed for memory processing... more Orexin receptors expressed in basolateral amygdala (BLA) have been proposed for memory processing and hippocampal plasticity. There are several investigations about the effect of the adrenergic system in BLA on memory enhancement. However, there is no information about the molecular basis of this effect. Adrenergic and orexinergic fibers are found in BLA. In this study, the effects of both adrenergic and orexinergic systems were investigated on the amygdala function. To this end, the selective beta 2 adrenergic agonist (clenbuterol) and orexin receptors' antagonists (OX1R and OX2R, SB-334867-A and TCS-OX2-29, respectively) were administered into the BLA, then the high frequency stimulation (200-Hz) was applied to the perforant pathway and the synaptic plasticity of the dentate granular cells was studied in anaesthetized rats. Clenbuterol injection into the BLA enhanced the population spike (PS) component of LTP in the dentate gyrus (DG), as compared to that observed after dimethyl sulfoxide treatment. In addition, after orexin 1 or 2 receptor antagonists (SB-334867-A and TCS-OX2-29, respectively) injecting into the BLA, the enhancing effect of clenbuterol on PS was reduced. Moreover, the population excitatory post-synaptic potential also decreased in the SB-clenbuterol and TCS- clenbuterol experimental groups. However, the PS amplitude was also decreased in the group treated only by SB or TCS relative to the clenbuterol treated group. The PS amplitude or EPSP slope in the groups treated by both application of orexin receptors' antagonists and clenbuterol was considerably lower relative to the groups treated only by orexin receptors' antagonists. It is concluded that the BLA orexinergic system modulates hippocampal plasticity in relation with the adrenergic system.
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Papers by Vida Hojati