amir abdolmaleki

Infertility is considered as one of the major human health challenges. Approximately, 40% of infertility cases are associated to the azoospermia. Reactive oxidative stress (ROS) damages the spermatozoa and causes male infertility. Human serum albumin (HSA) can potentially reduce DNA damage and increse the sperm capacity for successful fertilization. In the present study we assessed the potential therpeutic effects of HSA on spermatogenic parameters, protamine gene expression and DNA fragmentation index in non-obstructive azoospermic infertile patients.

Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) was used to collect the testicular biopsy (to collect sperm samples) from 20 azoospermia patients (20-40 years) on the basis of the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The samples were divided into two groups of control (n=10, no intervention) and treatment (n=10, sperm samples incubated with HSA for 24hrs). Then, various spermatic parameters (motility, morphology, viability), DNA fragmentation, and protamine contents were assessed. The results were evaluated using SPSS software (v.19). p<0.05 was considered significant.

Incubation of sperm with HSA (for 24 hours) can significantly (p<0.05) promote the progressive motility of sperm and lead to increased expression of protamine gene (type I and II). Also, HSA can significantly reduce the rate of sperm DNA fragmentation (p<0.05). Meanwhile, incubation with HSA had no significant effect on sperm morphology and survival rate.

Incubation of sperm extracted from infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia (for 24 hours) can potentially increase the progressive movement and protamine content of sperm and reduce DNA fragmentation.

Colorectal cancer (CC) is one of the most prevalent cancers globally. Due to the severe side effects and the development of drug resistance in CC treatments, current therapeutic strategies often prove ineffective. As a result, there is a growing interest in exploring traditional medicinal plants as alternative treatment options for various human diseases. Diosgenin, a bioactive compound derived from plants, has shown potential in inhibiting the growth of human CC cells. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a critical role in colorectal tumorigenesis.

This study investigates the effects of Diosgenin on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in CC cells.

Colorectal cancer cells were treated with Diosgenin, and cell viability and plasma membrane integrity were assessed using the MTT assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assay, respectively. Apoptosis was evaluated through Annexin V/PI staining. The expression of Wnt/β-catenin-related genes was analyzed by quantitative PCR (qPCR).

Diosgenin significantly inhibited CC cell viability in a time- and concentration-dependent manner after 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours of exposure (P < 0.05). The IC50 values were determined to be 203.55, 122.95, 70.11, and 7.34 µM at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, respectively. Diosgenin at its IC50 concentration induced a significant increase in cell apoptosis after 24 hours of treatment (P < 0.05). Additionally, it caused a significant reduction in the expression of β-catenin, cyclin D1, and Pin1 (βCP).

Diosgenin exhibits anti-CC effects by inhibiting the expression of βCP genes involved in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for CC.

Fumaria Parviflora L. (FP) is a well-known herb in Iranian traditional medicine, widely used for gastrointestinal diseases. Additionally, the detrimental effects of carbon tetrachloride (CT) on the liver and kidneys have been scientifically established.

This study was designed to assess the therapeutic effects of FP on HepG2 cells exposed to CT toxicity.

After treatment with hydroalcoholic extract of the FP plant and/or CT, cell viability (using the MTT technique and lactate dehydrogenase assay) and apoptosis (using the diphenylamine assay and Annexin V/PI staining) were investigated. The ratio of BCL2/BAX mRNA expression levels was measured using real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

A significant (P < 0.05) reduction in cell viability was observed at doses of 100 and 200 µg/mL of FP in HepG2 cells. The decreased survival rate following CT exposure was concentration-dependent and significant (P < 0.05). The IC50 of CT was determined to be 1.05 μg/mL for 24 hours. Effective detoxification associated with CT was found at 6.25 µg/mL in both the pre-treatment and simultaneous treatment groups. Cell apoptosis was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased following FP administration in CT-treated cells, with an increase in the ratio of BCL2/BAX mRNA expression levels.

The hydroalcoholic extract of FP demonstrated hepatoprotective effects on CT-treated HepG2 cells.

Melanoma, one of the most lethal cancers, originates from epidermal layer. An advanced type of malignant melanoma represents a poor response to chemotherapy or other medications due to intrinsic and/or acquired resistance to antineoplastic drugs. Taraxasterol is a pentacyclic-triterpene agent mainly extracted from Dandelion herb with anti-proliferative and apoptotic features on cancer cells. Thus, this paper investigated the apoptosis pathway caused by Taraxasterol in the human melanoma cell line (hMCL).

hMCLs were treated with Taraxasterol and IC50 index was calculated using MTT assay. Then, apoptosis rate was evaluated by DNA Fragmentation Calorimetric technique. Finally, apoptosis pathway was investigated through various molecular laboratory assays.

Low cellular viability level was found as concentration and time-dependent routes. Induction of apoptosis by IC50 value of Taraxasterol was found significantly (p<0.05) effective. Mitochondria membrane potential index was reduced by Taraxasterol significantly (p<0.05). Also, the cytosolic levels of cytochrome C and expression level of caspase 3, 8, and 9 genes in hMCL were increased significantly (p<0.05) following Taraxasterol administration.   

Taraxasterol represents anti-proliferative and toxic effects against hMCL by induction of apoptosis.

Neurulation, as the formation of the basis of the nervous system, is the earliest and crucial stage of embryonic development, affecting the development of other parts of the embryonic body. During neurulation, the neural plate is formed through morphological changes. At the end of this stage, the neural tube is established and the central nervous system could be formed in the future. Although this embryonic process occurs morphologically, the precise study of nervous system evolution can be considered by different gene mutations in rodent embryos. Genetic assessments of embryos can finally cause the accurate discovery of the role of genes in embryo development, the stages of nervous system development, and possible associated diseases. Explanation of new findings in the field of neurulation with emphasis on genetics can be helpful in future embryonic studies, abnormalities, and treatments. Thus, the study of neural plate formation can play an important role in increasing the insight of embryological researchers in this field. In this review article, we aimed to collect basic embryonic data in rodent neurulation to provide important information for more laboratory investigations in this field.

Based on the laboratory assays, there is no definitive decision about embryo selection with the proper embryogenic stage for successful transfer in the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) technique leading to live birth.

This experimental study critically aimed to evaluate the efficacy of embryo transfer in cleavage and blastocyst stages based on the Identical Population (IP) concept.

The IP concept was explained based on several critical points, including the strain (Balb/c), weight (30 g), age (six and eight weeks for females and males, respectively), number of previous sexual cycles, and the same generation. All embryos in each group were divided into grades A, B, and C. Finally, the produced embryos were transferred by trans-cervical procedure, and the mortality rate was recorded.

The number of implantation sites and live births increased in all grades of the blastocyst stage compared to the cleavage stage. The number and percentage of implantation sites in blastocysts and cleavage stages were 11 (45.83%) vs. 3 (8.57%) for grade A, 8 (29.62%) vs. 1 (5.26%) for grade B, 2 (10%) vs. 0 (0%) for grade C (P > 0.05), and number and percentage of live births in blastocysts and cleavage stages were 5 (20.83%) vs. 1 (2.85%) grade A, 3 (11.11%) vs. 0 (0%) grade B, and 1 (5%) vs. 0 (0%) grade C (P > 0.05).

Based on the results, the frequency of implantation sites and the live birth was higher in blastocyst transfer than in the cleavage stage in IVF.

Mercuric chloride (Merc; HgCl2) is toxic to humans and animals and contributes to environmental pollution, which usually results in nerve and systemic harm to different organs. Falcaria vulgaris (FV) is a medicinal plant rich in antioxidants. This research aimed to assess the FV hydroalcoholic extract effects on kidney toxicity induced by Merc. Forty-eight male rats were divided into eight groups: the control group: received saline; the Merc group: received 0.5 ml/day of 0.5 ppm aqueous Merc; FV1, 2, and 3 groups: received 50, 100, 150 mg/kg FV, respectively; and Merc + FV1, 2, and 3 groups: received Merc and FV at three doses. The administration period was 14-days. Subsequently, kidneys and sera were cumulated from each group for the analysis. Samples were analyzed via hematoxylin-eosin staining and biochemical tests. The rats that received Merc displayed significant decrement in the kidney index, the diameter of renal corpuscles, total antioxidant capacity levels, superoxide dismutase activity (all, p<0.01), and 150 mg/kg FV mitigated these outcomes (all, p<0.05). Urea, creatinine, nitric oxide, and the level of apoptosis revealed a significant increment in the kidney of the rats that received Merc (all, p<0.01), and 150 mg/kg FV decreased these results. Furthermore, FV ameliorated histological changes induced by Merc (all, p<0.05). The FV hydroalcoholic extract protects the kidneys against Merc-induced nephrotoxicity. Antioxidant and anti-apoptotic FV hydroalcoholic extract properties were involved in this healing effect.

Currently, replacement of hazardous chemicaltreatments with environmentally-friendly alternativescoupled with assimilation of different processes in onestep in order to save water and energy and prevent theproduction of waste is one of the priorities of industriesthat seek sustainable development and cleaner production.Conventional demineralization of cotton fabric is mostlycarried out using mineral acids which are corrosive, toxic,and above all, could cause fabric damage. In addition,demineralization as a separate step requires a high rate ofwater and energy consumption. This study examines thepossibility of simultaneous desizing and demineralizationusing an acidic and nonvolatile ionic liquid. Evaluation ofdifferent experimental conditions revealed that under propercondition via morpholinium hydrogen sulfate, simultaneousdemineralization and starch desizing of the cellulosicsubstrate could be carried out with a significant decrease inthe concentration of cationic metal ions like Fe2+, Cu2+, Mg2+,Ca2+, and Zn2+ while the quality of desizing is at the samerange as conventional enzymatic hydrolysis (Tegewa: 8-9).This new method did not show any negative effects on thesubstrate tensile properties.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known as the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder inthe reproductive-age women. Due to the effects of PCOS on the physical and mental health, the investigation of the factorsaffecting the development of PCOS is crucial. Hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PD) is a microsomal enzymethat catalyzes the first two reactions of the oxidative chain of the pentose phosphate pathway. The present study examinedthe polymorphisms of the H6PD gene (R453Q and D151A) in PCOS patients of Iranian Kurdish women. In this case-control study, a total, of 200 female volunteers in two equal groups participatedin our study. The PCOS patients were selected based on the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria. The association of H6PDgene polymorphisms, D151A and R453Q, with the development of PCOS were investigated. The polymerase chainreaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used for genotyping. Statistical analysiswas applied by the SPSS (version 16) software. Statistically significant lower frequencies of AA+AG genotype (37% vs. 55%, P=0.01) and A allele (22.5%vs. 34%, P=0.01) of R453Q were observed in the patients compared to the controls. In the case of D151A, no significantdifferences were observed in the frequency of genotypes and alleles between the two groups. The findings of this study suggest that variants of H6PD R453Q affect the risk of PCOS.

IntroductionSatellites in geodesy receive and transport important information. Among those, satellites with Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which are at altitudes less than 1000 km, have a significant role in the advancement of geophysical sciences such as earth’s potential field. Many parameters have an impact on the precision and accuracy of their information. Atmospheric friction is one of the most principal forces on satellites, which may cause deviation and falling of satellite on a short period. From the beginning of aerospace missions, many efforts have been done to determine atmospheric friction by geodesists, e.g., empirical models of atmosphere neutral density. Because of the complex nature of atmosphere behavior and also data limitations, these models may have low accuracy. So, there is a need for methods to improve the accuracy of empirical models by means of combining observations of atmospheric density to predict its future state. Materials & MethodsAlong with the extension of computer science, new reliable algorithms have been introduced which are able to predict a time series; Artificial Intelligent (AI) and Neural Networks (NN) are the best of these methods. These simple algorithms are inspirations of the human brain and its ability to learn and have been used in many different scientific fields. In these techniques without any requirement for constructing complex modeling, the relation between input and output will be provided only using weight and bias vectors during the training procedure. Simple Neural Networks are memoryless meaning that the value of time-series in previous can’t be used for predicting the future value of time series and therefore some important dependency of signal values with time will be lost. A Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) has been implemented to overcome this issue. RNN’s can store some important information of the values of the time series in the previous steps in a chain-like structure and using this information for predicting the next value of time series that will improve the accuracy of prediction. In this study, the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Neural Network which is a kind of Recurrent Neural Network’s has been implemented to predict the scale for correcting atmospheric density of numerical models. The data of Grace Accelerometer observation in the 6 first month of the year 2014 have been used for training the LSTM for univariate training. Also, the LSTM has been trained in multi-variants mode once with using the coefficient of atmospheric correction expansion up to degree 2 and once with using sun geomagnetic information along with information of k_p index. Results & DiscussionAfter training the LSTM network, by using the estimated parameters of the model, the zero degrees coefficient of harmonic expansion for a scale factor of correcting atmospheric density has been predicted in periods of 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days. The results of the univariate model show that the lower RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) is obtained about 0.054 in the period of prediction of about 14 days. Also, the results show that the multi-variants model with input data of sun geomagnetic information and k_p index has lower RMSE values in considered prediction periods compared to the other modes and the lowest RMSE is about 0.03 and belongs to the prediction of about 7 days. For evaluation of LSTM parameters in the obtained results, the predictions have been implemented with various Window sizes. The results show that by increasing windows size, the RMSE of the prediction will be reduced and the lowest RMSE was for prediction of 7 days with a window size of about 90 days. For the purpose of more evaluation, with the predicted atmospheric densities correction coefficient, the orbit of GRACE satellites has been propagated and the calculated position and velocity of satellites have been compared with the real orbit data. The results show that the lower RMSE will be provided with the prediction of 7 days with an RMSE for position and velocity of about 50 meters and 0.15 m/s respectively. ConclusionIn this study, due to the complex nature of the atmosphere, the LSTM Neural Network has been used for modeling and predict the zero-order scale for correcting atmospheric densities harmonic expansion. For training the network, the data of Grace Satellites Accelerometer in the 180 days of the year 2014 have been used. The LSTM has been in univariate and multi-variant models. In the multi-variants model, once with using the coefficient of atmospheric correction expansion up to degree two and once with using sun geomagnetic information along with information of k_p index the network have been trained. The period of prediction was considered of about 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days.The results show that the LSTM is capable to predict the correction coefficient in considered periods with a mean RMSE of about 0.05 for zero-order degree. Also, the results show that the lowest RMSE was for the 7 and 14 days of prediction and by increasing the window size of LSTM the RMSE will be decreased. The results of calculating the position of GRACE satellites position and velocity using predicted correction coefficients with real data show that the lowest RMSE was for prediction of 7 days for implemented method.

This paper was published in the Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology in 2020 (doi: 10.15171/jhp.2020.09) (1). Based on an email received from the team of young researchers recently, we were informed that this published paper presented some data as same as data presented in two other published papers (2,3), which are considered as ethical misconduct. This issue was investigated by the editorial team of the Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology. As a result, based on the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines, the editors decided to retract this paper. The authors were informed and advised on this serious ethical breach. This article has been retracted at the request of the corresponding author. Given that both studies on hepatotoxicity were performed and published by the authors at the same time. Some data and Excel files were inadvertently moved from the first article (Determination of histopathological and biomedical parameters in protective effects of Petroselinum crispum on hepatotoxicity induced by dichlorvos in male Wistar rats) to the second article (Histopathological and biomedical parameters determination in the protective effect of crocin on hepatotoxicity induced by methotrexate in rats) and caused the similarity of figures 1, 2 and 5 in the two articles. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be watermarked on each page as ‘retracted’. References 1. Jalili C, Abdolmaleki A, Roshankhah SH, Salahshoor MR. Effects of gallic acid on rat testopathy following morphine administration: an experimental study. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2020;9(1):61-67. doi: 10.15171/jhp.2020.09. 2. Salahshoor MR, Faramarzi A, Roshankhah S, Jalili C. The protective effect of Pentoxifylline on testopathy in male rats following Dimethyl Nitrosamine administration: An experimental study. Int J Reprod BioMed. 2019;17(10):727-38. 3. Salahshoor MR, Abdolmaleki A, Jalili C, Roshankhah S. Can pentoxifylline recover reproductive parameters’ damage induced by high-protein diet in male rats? Advances in Human Biology. 2019;9(3):203-9.

This paper was published in the Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology in 2020 (doi: 10.15171/jhp.2020.07) (1). Based on an email received from the team of young researchers recently, we were informed that the results of this article have been published in another study (2), which is considered ethical misconduct. This issue was investigated by the editorial team of the Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology. As a result, based on the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines, the editors decided to retract this paper. The authors were informed and advised on this serious ethical breach. This article has been retracted at the request of the corresponding author. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be watermarked on each page as ‘retracted’. References 1. Jalili C, Abdolmaleki A, Roshankhah S, Salahshoor MR. Histopathological and biomedical parameters determination in the protective effect of crocin on hepatotoxicity induced by methotrexate in rats. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2020;9(1):48-54. doi: 10.15171/jhp.2020.07. 2. Salahshoor MR, Abdolmaleki A, Jalili C, Roshankhah S, Ziapour A. Determination of histopathological and biomedical parameters in protective effects of Petroselinum crispum on hepatotoxicity induced by dichlorvos in male Wistar rats. Comp Clin Path. 2020;29(2):501-9. doi: 10.1007/s00580-019-03087-7.

Despite clinical use, the efficacy of methotrexate is often limited by some adverse effects, mainly nephrotoxicity. The most common mechanism of methotrexate-induced kidney damages is oxidative stress. Harmine as a plant-derived compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of harmine, against methotrexate -induced nephrotoxicity.

The mice were divided into six groups: control (saline only); 20 mg/kg methotrexate; 20 mg/kg harmine, and 20 mg/kg methotrexate + harmine at three doses of 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg. Administrations were intraperitoneally and the treatment period was a 14-days. After this time, the sera and kidneys were collected from each group for the following analyses. Samples were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, qRT-PCR, and biochemical assays.

The mice that received methotrexate showed significant increase in creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, and 10, or 20 mg/kg harmine mitigated these results. The number and diameter of glomeruli were improved by harmine in methotrexate -treated groups. Moreover, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels showed significant increase in the kidney of the mice that received methotrexate, while total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase were diminished. Harmine treatment suppressed oxidative stress markers and also enhanced antioxidant defense parameters. Harmine inhibited methotrexate-induced oxidative stress as shown by the decreased expression of Nqo1, Ho-1, Trx1 and Nrf2 at mRNA level. Harmine also ameliorated histological alterations induced by methotrexate.

Our results suggested that harmine has the potential to protect against methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity.

 Allium jesdianum (AJ), as a plant in onion category, has antioxidant features. Moreover, γ-ray potentially generates oxidative stress in living organisms.

 In this study, the probable therapeutic effects of AJ on destruction of pancreas tissue following γ-ray were evaluated.

 Sixty-four mature NMRI mice (8 animals in each group) were assigned to eight groups as follows: (1) Control; (2) γ-ray (dose rate of 1 Gy/min); (3-5) AJ extract (500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg); and (6-8) AJ + γ-ray. AJ extract was prepared, and all administrations were applied orally for 70 consecutive days. Antioxidant parameters (nitrite oxide, peroxidation, and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP)), the expression of apoptotic genes (p53 and Bax, by quantitative real-time PCR), and blood concentrations of glucose and insulin were determined biochemically and genetically. Inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by ELISA technique. The number and diameter of Langerhan islets were also studied histologically.

 In this study, γ-ray increased the levels of all parameters significantly (except for FRAP, insulin, and morphometric parameters, which were reduced) in the γ-ray group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In the γ-ray and AJ + γ-ray groups, all factors were reduced significantly (except for FRAP, insulin, and morphometric parameters, which were increased) compared to the γ-ray group (P < 0.05).

 Administration of AJ extract can decrease the damage and radiosensitization in pancreatic cells induced by γ-ray.

Prior to chemotherapy interventions, in vitro maturation (IVM) of folliclesthrough vitrification can be used to help young people conserve their fertility.   This experimental study was conducted on immature female BALB/c mice (12-14 days). Follicles were gathered mechanically and placed in α-Minimal Essential Medium (α-MEM) containing 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Some pre-antral follicles were frozen. The fresh and vitrified follicles were cultured in different concentrations of sodium alginate (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) and two dimensional (2D) medium for 12 days. The samples were evaluated for viability percentage, the number of MII-phase oocytes and reactive oxygen specious (ROS) level. Additionally, Gdf9, Bmp15, Bmp7, Bmp4, Gpx, mnSOD and Gcs gene expressions were assessed in the samples.  The highest and lowest percentages of follicle viability and maturation in the fresh and vitrified groups were respectively 0.5% concentration and 2D culture. There was no significant difference among the concentrations of 0.25% and 1%. Viability and maturation of follicles showed a significant increase in the fresh groups in comparison with the vitrified groups. ROS levels in the both fresh and vitrified groups with different concentrations of alginate showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. ROS levels in follicles showed a significant decrease in the fresh groups in comparison with the vitrified groups (P≤0.0001). The highest gene expression levels were observed in the 0.5% alginate (P≤0.0001). Moreover, the viability percentage, follicle maturation, and gene expression levels were higher in the fresh groupsthan the vitrified groups (P≤0.0001).   Alginate hydrogel at a proper concentration of 5%, not only helps follicle get mature, but also promotes the expression of developmental genes and reducesthe level of intracellular ROS. Follicular vitrification decreases quality of the follicles, which are partially compensated using a three dimensional (3D) cell culture medium.

 Aflatoxin (AF) is a mycotoxin produced by various strains of the Aspergillus</em> family. AFG1 as one of the most important types is highly found in cereals and grains. AF affects sperm production or even its quality. This study was designed to test the effects of AFG1 on mice testicular tissue. 

Experimental approach:

Twenty-four Albino mice were divided into four groups of 6 each; a control group (0.2 mL corn oil and ethanol), three treatment groups with different periods (20 µg/kg AFG1 for 7, 15, and 35 consecutive days). All treatments were applied intraperitoneally. Biosynthesis of cyclin D1, p21, and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) proteins was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Levels of cyclin D1, p21, and ERα mRNA were evaluated by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Tubular differentiation index (TDI), reproductive index (RI), and spermiogenesis indices were also analyzed.

 AFG1 increased the percentage of seminiferous tubules with negative TDI, RI, and SPI compared to the control group (P</em> < 0.05). RT-PCR and IHC analyses illustrated time-dependent enhancement in p21 expression and cyclin D1 biosynthesis in AFG1-treated groups significantly (P</em> < 0.05). While the protein and mRNA levels of ERα were significantly (P</em> < 0.05) decreased in a time-dependent manner.

Conclusion and implications:

 The chronic exposure to AFG1 reduced the expression and synthesis of ERα, increased the expression and synthesis of p21 and cyclin D1, impaired apoptosis, which in turn could impair spermatogenesis. </strong>

 Pathophysiology of Ischemia/Reperfusion (Isc/R) can cause renal and hepatic damages. Naringenin (NAR) is a flavonoid with potent antioxidant properties. In the present study, the effects of NAR on the liver after the renal Isc/R procedure were investigated.

 Sixty-four Wistar rats were divided into eight groups. The animals in the control group received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Group 2 as the Isc/R group went under the Isc/R procedure. Groups 3, 4, and 5 as the NAR groups received 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg of NAR, respectively. Groups 6, 7, and 8 were the Isc/R+NAR groups. The NAR was administrated for four consecutive weeks orally. Levels of the expression of p53, Bcl2, and Bax genes were assessed. The histomorphometric features, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory cytokines, and hepatic enzymes were analyzed.

 We observed that Isc/R increased inflammatory cytokines, NO level, histomorphometric parameters, the expression of p53 and Bax genes, and enzymes, compared to the control group (P<0.05). On the other hand, the latter intervention decreased TAC and Bcl2 gene expression significantly (P<0.05), in comparison with the control group. All values significantly (P<0.05) diminished in the NAR and NAR+Isc/R groups, compared to the Isc/R group. However, the TAC level and Bcl2 were higher in the NAR and NAR+Isc/R groups than the Isc/R group.   

 The NAR could recover the liver damage resulting from Isc/R. This impact could be attributed to the antioxidant effects.

Blood vessel development is one of the most prominent steps in regenerative medicine due tothe restoration of blood flow to the ischemic tissues and providing the rapid vascularizationin clinical-sized tissue-engineered grafts. However, currently tissue engineering technique isrestricted because of the inadequate in vitro/in vivo tissue vascularization. Some challenges likeas transportation in large scale, distribution of the nutrients and poor oxygen diffusion limit theprogression of vessels in smaller than clinically relevant dimensions as well in vivo integration.In this regard, the scholars attempted to promote the vascularization process relied on the stemcells (SCs), growth factors as well as exosomes and interactions of biomaterials with all of themto enable the emergence of ideal microenvironment which is needed for treatment of unhealthyorgans or tissue regeneration and formation of new blood vessels. Thus, in the present reviewwe aim to describe these approaches, advances, obstacles and opportunities as well as theirapplication in regeneration of heart as a prominent angiogenesis-dependent organ.

Busulfan drug for cancer treatment, due to the oxidation properties and free radicals production, causes disturbance on male fertility parameters, and leaves water spinach plant have antioxidant features. The current study was aimed to evaluate the effect of water spinach leaf on recovery of male genital injuries caused by Busulfan.

This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 48 male rats of Wistar race in 2019. The specimens were divided into 8 groups including; normal saline, Busulfan, water spinach leaf extract with doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, extract + Busulfan. Daily treatment for 2 months was administered intraperitoneally. Sperm parameters by colorimetric techniques and light microscopy, level of testis malondialdehyde by spectrophotometry, total antioxidant capacity and testosterone by ELISA method, and height of germinal layer through optical microscopy and Motic software were evaluated. Data analysis was applied by SPSS software (version 20) and Tukey post-hoc test. P< 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

The values of sperm parameters, testosterone hormone, and total antioxidant capacity were significantly decreased in negative control group than positive control (P < 0.01). Treatment by extract and extract + Busulfan in all doses significantly increased whole mentioned parameters compared to the negative control group (P < 0.01). In evaluated parameters in extract group alone, no significant changes were observed compared to the positive control group (P > 0.05).

Leaf extract of water spinach plant increases the sperm quality and improves the Busulfan-induced adverse effects on male reproductive parameters.

Morphine (MOR) as a psychoactive agent in opium family causes free radicals accumulation which leads to failure in spermatogenesis. Gallic acid (GA), a polyphenolic acid, is found in various plants with antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-allergic activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of GA against MOR-induced damage to the reproductive parameter of rats.

Sixty-four male Wistar rats (8 weeks, 220-250 g) were categorized into 8 groups by random (n=8/each); normal control and MOR control groups; GA groups (5, 10, 20 mg/kg) and MOR + GA groups (5, 10, 20 mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally (i.p), daily for 4 weeks. The sperm parameters, spermatogenesis index (SI), total antioxidant capacity, testosterone level, and seminiferous tube diameter (STD) were assessed.

All sperm parameters reduced significantly in MOR control group than to the normal control group (P < 0.01). All parameters were significantly improved in GA and GA + MOR treatment groups compared to the MOR control group (P < 0.01).

MOR caused a detrimental effect on male reproductive parameters. Also, no significant modifications were observed in all doses of GA treatments in comparison with the normal control group. GA compensates the toxic effect of MOR on reproductive parameters. Hence, GA administration is beneficial in MOR users.

Methotrexate (Met) as a chemotherapy drug has many side effects, such as infiltration of neutrophils and development of oxidative stress. Crocin (Cro), a carotenoid isolated from saffron, has numerous therapeutic characteristics including anticancer and antioxidant activities. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Cro against hepatic damage in rats induced by Met.

In this study, 48 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 8 groups, control normal (saline), Met control-treated group (20 mg/kg), Cro groups (12.5, 25, 50 mg/ kg) and Met + Cro treated groups (12.5, 25, 50 mg/kg). Treatments were administered by intraperitoneal injection daily for 28 days. Griess technique was hired for the determination of serum nitrite oxide (NO) level. Concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined in order to assess liver function disturbances. In addition, Thiobarbituric acid reactive species, antioxidant capacity, diameter of hepatocytes and central hepatic vein (CHV) were investigated.

Met administration significantly increased the liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO level, the mean diameter of CHV, hepatocytes and hepatic enzymes. Met also decreased the tissue FRAP level compared to the normal control group (P<0.01). The Cro and Cro + Met treatments in all doses significantly reduced the mean diameter of hepatocytes and CHV, hepatic enzymes, hepatic MDA and NO levels and increased the tissue FRAP level compared to the Met control group (P<0.01).

It seems that Cro administration improves liver injury induced by Met in rats.

Busulfan (BUS) as a drug for cancer treatment can produce free radicals. Crocin (CRO) is a potent antioxidant with beneficial effects. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of CRO against BUS-related damages to the male rats reproductive parameters.

Forty-eight male rats were randomly assigned into 8 groups; Group 1 (normal control group) received normal saline; Group 2 (BUS control group) received 10 mg/kg/body weight (b.w.) of BUS; Group 3-5 (CRO groups) received 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 mg/kg/b.w. of CRO, respectively; Group 6-8 (BUS + CRO groups) received BUS + CRO. Treatments were administered daily by intraperitoneal injection in a five-week period. The sperm parameters, testis malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), testosterone level, and germinal layer height were evaluated histologically and analyzed statistically.

All parameters reduced significantly in the BUS control group compared to the normal control group (P<0.01) except the MDA level (which increased). The CRO and CRO + BUS treatments in all doses increased whole parameters significantly compared to the BUS control group (P<0.01) except MDA level (which decreased). No significant modifications were observed in all CRO groups compared to the normal control group (P>0.05).

It seems that CRO could increase the quality of spermatozoa and improves BUS -induced adverse effects on male fertility parameters.

Carbon backbone polymers are prepared by the polymerization of olefins. The carbon backbone is built two carbon atoms at a time. The reaction is fundamentally different from conventional olefin polymerizations in that the carbon backbone is built one carbon atom at a time (C1 polymerization). The general reaction involves the polymerization of ylide (a neutral dipolar molecule containing an anionic site attached directly to a heteroatom carrying a formal positive charge) or ylide like monomers via a Lewis acidic borane initiator or catalyst. Living polyhomologation allows for the production of extremely low molecular weight PEs and PE mimics with the best molecular weight distribution control out with relatively mild conditions. The greatest challenge for living polyhomologation is the availability of raw materials. Not only is their
a limited selection of suitable monomers and catalysts, but these materials also are not commercially available and must be synthesized. Here in, a new one-pot boron-catalyzed polymerization of tetrahydrotiophenium methylide which was synthesized in situ has been used to prepare polymethylenes. The living polymerization via the intermediacy of sulfur ylides was initiated and catalyzed by the organoborane as a one-pot procedure. Termination of the resulting tris(polymethylene) organoborane with acetic acid produced polymethylenes. One-pot synthesis of polymethylene was easily achieved under mild conditions in high yields and purity through sulfur ylide mediated homologation. The reactions were used to produce polymethylenes with molecular weights in the range of 17000-260000 (based on GPC) with low polydispersities between 1.07-1.18.

Despite technological advances and numerous published investigations, sexual dimorphism of Corpus Callosum (CC) remains a matter of ongoing controversy. In the present study on neurologically healthy Iranian adults, we investigated the possible gender- and age-related variations in anthropometric callosal measurements.
Our sample comprised 35 male and 35 female subjects with the mean (SD) age of 42.8 (14.7) and 44.7 (15) years, respectively, who referred to Partow Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) center in North of Iran for headache work-up. Individuals with known neurologic disorders, history of head trauma, left handed subjects, and those younger than 20 and older than 80 years old were excluded. We measured callosal and brain dimensions on the midsagittal section and analyzed the data using Independent sample t test, analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression.
The unadjusted dimensions were larger in male participants compared to female ones. Corpus callosum area on the midsagittal plane, the longitudinal brain and callosal measurements and dimensions related to the width of CC were significantly larger in males than females (P We found apparently larger callosal dimensions in the male participants, which could be an artifact caused by the significantly larger male brain dimensions. Our investigations on the less studied racial groups also provide further evidence regarding the confounding effect of brain volume on the observed sexual dimorphism of CC.

Interhemispheric transmission of signal is done by corpus callosum (CC) as the largest fiber tract in brain. CC comprised 5 segments of rostrum, genu, body, isthmus, and splenium. Contradictory reports exist about sexual dimorphism of CC. We designed this study to assess probable sexual differences of CC and its different parts in men and women.
We analyzed magnetic resonance (MR) images of 68 females and 60 males in midsagittal view by PmsDViewer software. Data were analyzed by Student t test. These cases had no neurologic and pathologic diseases.
MRI anthropometric analysis indicates that all segments of CC are larger in men compared to women. Moreover, our results also revealed that although all segments of CC were bigger in men, this increase in size was more prominent in the anterior segments of CC.
These findings indicate gender-related differences regarding CC segments. Notably, brain size as an interfering variable was eliminated in this study.