مجله زیست شناسی جانوری
سال دهم شماره 3 (بهار 1397)

With increased age, the process of destruction and weakening of the functioning of the organs, including the brain, is predictable. Physical activity and proper nutrition are factors that play an important role in the health of the nervous system. Boswellia serrata is one of the most important herbs in traditional medicine to enhance memory and prevent Alzheimer's disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of aerobic exercise course combined with the use of B. serrata on the amounts of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and alpha-tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) in elderly men. In this quasi-experimental study, 40 elderly men aged 60-70 yr old who were in complete physical and mental health were randomly divided into four groups (exercise, supplement, exercise + supplement, and control). Participants in the training groups participated in the aerobic walking training program for 8  and 3 wk each week. Moreover, the daily supplementary groups received B. serrata 300 mg in chewing and packaged form. The control group did not participate in any intervention during this period. Fasting blood samples were collected before and 24 h after the last intervention. Data were analyzed using t-test, analysis of variance and Tukey at a significance level of 0. 05. In the exercise, supplementation, and exercise + supplementation groups after 8 wk, the levels of BDNF and TNFα increased and decreased significantly, respectively (P≤0. 05). In addition, there was a significant difference in BDNF and TNFα levels in the exercise + supplement group compared to other groups (P≤0. 01). Doing walking and consuming B. serrata independently and combined significantly increase the expression of BDNF and significantly reduce the inflammatory factors in elderly men. Therefore, it is recommended that the combination of walking and consumption B. serrata as a more effective way to maintain health and extend the cognitive and functional benefits of the brain and the nervous system to the elderly.

Approximately 15% of couples are infertile. Male factor infertility is reported in half of infertile couples. Several factors including age, and season are effective on the quality of sperm parameters, which can have different results in different geographic locations. In this study, the effect of these two factors on sperm parameters in infertile men was investigated. Overall, 659 semen samples from infertile men referred to the Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, central Iran were collected. Semen analysis included assessment of volume, concentration, motility and morphology carried out according to WHO (2010). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Quality of sperm parameters, especially sperm motility and count were affected by the age and seasonal changes. Negative significant correlations between male age with sperm count and motility were observed (P<0. 05). As the age increases, the mean of sperm count and motility in infertile men are reduced, and the reduction in these two parameters are more pronounced in the first half of the year than in the second half of the year. However, age and seasonal variations do not affect sperm morphology.

Probiotics are food supplements and pharmaceutical substances prepared from living microorganisms that with enhancement of microbial equilibrium of intestinal microbiota, insert useful effects on the host (human/animal). Nutrients could affect the brain and neurohormones via vagus nerve. Therefore, probiotics can regulate some parts of brain activities and effect in better function. The aim of this study was examination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, the native Iranian probiotic isolated from Tarkhineh dough (a carbonated yoghurt drink) product on the rat passive avoidance. We used 56 male Wistar rats with 250-300 gr weight range. For induced amnesia intra peritoneal pre-training injection ethanol and for one mount administrated with1×10 9 CFU/ml of with or without probiotic bacteria. We used the step-through passive avoidance to examine long-term memory in male Wistar rats. Post-training subcortical (SC) administration of ethanol (1 mg/kg) induced amnesia. This amnesia was reversed in probiotic receiving groups. L. rhamnosus isolated from Tarkhineh dough, enhanced the passive avoidance learning of male Wistar rats that received ethanol. Our data demonstrated the positive effect of this probiotic on learning and memory.

Cancer is an uncontrollable cells growth and breast cancer is a type of it. Its main treatment is chemotherapy with the risk of side effects. Today, the use of natural ingredients, such as chalcones, has been used to treat cancer. The aim of this study was to induce apoptosis with trans-chalcone drugs in breast cancer cells 4T1 and on BALB/c mice. Drug toxicity was measured by MTT assay at 24, 48 h, and at concentrations of 20, 30, 40 and 50 μM (uM). Hematoxylin-azine was evaluated after treatment of tumor mice. Then, significant results were analyzed by SPSS and ANOVA with significance level of P.

Gestational diabetes is a variable amount of glucose intolerance initially diagnosed or diagnosed during pregnancy and can induce developmental disorders in different parts of CNS. We investigated effect of extract of Panax ginseng on histomorphometric changes oncerebrum and cerebellum in 14 d offspring'srat from diabetic mothers. Sixteen rats were divided into four groups: non-diabetic control, non-diabetic recipient of the extract, diabetic control and diabetic recipient of the extract. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in diabetic groups and all 4 groups became pregnant. During pregnancy, recipient of the extract groups received ginseng extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg of body weight every day. Overall, 14 d of normal delivery; offsprings were anesthetized. The cerebrum and cerebellum were removed by cutting the skull. After using the techniques of histology, some histological factors were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and ANOVA and Duncan statistical tests (P≤0. 05). A significant reduction was observed in gray matter thickness and cell count of cerebrum and white matter cell count of cerebellum in diabetic control group than non-diabetic groups (P≤0. 05). Moreover, a significant reduction was observed in white matter cell count of cerebrum in diabetic control group than other groups (P≤0. 01). Extract of P. ginseng could control hyperglycemia and manage diabetes on the cerebrum and cerebellum disorders in offsprings of mothers with gestational diabetes by increasing β-cells stimulation and increase insulin production.

In this study, a total number of 280 Cyprinus carpio weighing on average (22. 30±1. 21g) were randomly distributed in four treatment groups, including control and three experimental groups. In experimental groups, fish were kept under constant bath of ethanolic extract of Lawsonia inermis (henna) at following rate of 0. 01%, 0. 1% and 0. 5% for 60 days. At the end of experiment, the highest values of WBC were recorded in the 0. 01% and 0. 1% C. B of ethanolic  extract of henna respectively and the lowest value were recorded in the control group (P< 0. 05). The highest value of RBC were recorded in the 0. 5% C. B. of ethanolic extract of henna (P>0. 05). The highest value of hematocrite were recorded in the control group and the highest values of hemoglobin in the control group and in the 0. 01% C. B. of ethanolic extract of henna, respectively. The highest value of mean corpuscular hemoglobin were recorded in the 0. 01% C. B. of ethanolic extract of henna and the lowest value of mean corpuscular hemoglobin in the 0. 5% C. B. of ethanolic extract of henna. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin increased under ethanolic extract of henna. The lowest value of mean corpuscular volume were recorded in the 0. 5% C. B. of ethanolic extract of henna and the highest value of mean corpuscular volume were recorded in the control group.

Catalepsy or muscle rigidity is a neurological disease characterized by muscle stiffness or rigidity of muscles, organs decreased sensitivity to pain and stability regardless of external stimuli-known and one of the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease is considered. Due to the increasing levels of acetylcholine in the brain, treatment is focused on the use of muscarinic receptor antagonists. Despite relieve the symptoms, there are severe side effects. In this study, the effect of cinnamon extract on catalepsy in mice model of Parkinson's disease was conducted. Overall, 70 male mice (30 ± 2 g) were randomly divided into seven groups: control group, rotenone solvent, rotenone group and 4 groups of rotenone, subsequent doses 100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg cinnamon extract. To create models of Parkinson's disease, rotenone (2 mg/kg/ 48 h) was administered for 19 d and creating models of Parkinson's disease was evaluated. After verification of the model, different doses of cinnamon for 20 d (every 48 h) were injected intraperitoneally (IP). The effects of cinnamon extract on catalepsy was compared with other groups and the results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test.  PP<0. 05). Cinnamon could reduce catalepsy in mice models of Parkinson's disease, probably due to antioxidant compounds and flavonoids and the impact of these compounds on the nervous system.

In this study, we checked the distractive effects of dimenhydramine antihistamine on liver`s tissue and enzymes thereinafter excessive prescription. Dimenhydramine is a drug with anti-gastric reflux and anti-nausea effects usually used in trip for sensitive persons. This drug absorbed easily from oral usage and during 24 h excreted from kidneys and it has hepatic metabolism. We used 40 male Wistar adult rats whit 250+20 weighting that grouped into four groups. The control group was without treatment and the other fed with 2. 5, 5, 7. 5 mg/kg of dienhydramine doses daily within 28 d. After the examination procedure, rats became unconscious with ether, blood sampling and liver`s biopsy were done and sent to the laboratory for more study. Comparing the enzyme levels of ALT, AST, and ALP in the treatment and control groups, there was a rise in the enzyme levels as a result of liver damage caused by taking dimenhydramine antihistamine. Observing the microscopic slides of the liver tissue of the treatment group, it suggests sinusoid destruction, the loss of bile ducts, irregular placement of adjacent cells and the absence of Kupffer cells, which in turn confirms the negative effect of this drug on liver tissue. Like other medications, dienhydramine can exert adversary effects as well as positive effects. Since one of the tissues which are susceptible to this effect is liver, we must bear in mind when it comes to prescribing this medication.

Skin ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers are an important issue in medicine. Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases of the endocrine system. Artemisia pharmacological, particularly effects on diabetes. The aim of this study was to compare the healing effects of alcoholic extract of Artemisia in the process of healing and skin wounds in normal and diabetic rats is quickly closing. Overall, 20 adult male Wistar rats were used. The rats were divided into four groups of five controls (without diabetes and treatment), sham (diabetes treatment Eucerin), Experimental 1 (diabetes without treatment), Experimental 2 (diabetes treated with alcoholic extract of Artemisia) were divided. Three groups of rats were made diabetic using STZ. Over 2 cm wound on the skin of spinous were created in all groups. The experimental group and the experimental group 2 with wormwood extract 1 Eucerin day with a dose of 100 mg Barba topical treatment over a period of 21 d, respectively. Wound healing was evaluated by macroscopic and microscopic. Wound healing in experimental groups 1 and 2 was treated with than the alcoholic extract of Artemisia control group showed the highest rate. Wormwood extract leads to topical wound healing in diabetic rats and material contained in Artemisia cause, faster wound contraction, and the healing.

Azathioprine has a large application in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and in organ transplant. Results of studies indicate the adverse effects of this medicine on the liver structure and function. Ginger is a medicinal plant with strong antioxidant properties and protective effects against various toxins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ginger extract on liver changes induced by azathioprine in rats. In this experimental study, 56 adult male rats were divided into 7 groups of 8:1- control (ordinary water and food) 2- Sham (distilled water as a solvent) 3- azathioprine (15 mg / kg) 4- hydroalcoholic extract of ginger (200 mg / kg) 4- Ginger extract hydro-alcoholic (200 mg / kg) 5- Azathioprine (15 mg / kg) with ginger extract (50 mg / kg), 6- Azathioprine (15 mg / kg) with ginger extract (100 mg / Kg) 7- Azathioprine (15 mg / kg) with ginger extract (50 mg / kg). On the 21st day after the start of the experiment and after weighing the animals, blood samples were taken from their hearts and serum concentrations of ALT, AST, ALP were measured. Renal tissue was separated and tissue sections were prepared. Zinger hydroalcoholic extract could protect the liver tissue and reduce the severity of azathioprine degradation effects on liver tissue. The hydroalcoholic extract of ginger had a protective effect on liver tissue due to its antioxidant properties by inhibiting free radicals produced by azathioprine and the extract also decreases the severity of azathioprine degradation effects on liver tissues.