fariba mahmoudi

Chrysin is a phytochemical compound and was found to be a potent anti-anxiety and neuroprotective. However, it is unclear whether chrysin has beneficial effects on stress-related metabolomic profiles. The current study aimed to assess the anti-stress effects and corresponding mechanisms of chrysin on male rats using a metabolomics method.

The male rats weighing 220 ± 10 g segregated into different groups (n = 6). To induce stress, animals subjected to stress for 2 hours. The control and stressed groups received saline. Also, the intact and stressed groups, received chrysin at doses of 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally (IP). Then, behavioral tests were performed. All injections performed 30 min before stress induction. Then the serum was collected. The metabolic profiles were analyzed using the HNMR method.

Serum metabolic profiling showed comprehensive metabolic variation among the four groups. A series of metabolic pathways including pyrimidine, arginine and phenylalanine-tyrosine-tryptophan biosynthesis were affected. Eighteen potential biomarkers such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, alanine and arginine were identified. Chrysin could correct the disturbed metabolic pathways and restore the variation of these potential markers (P ≤ 0.05). Also, behavioral tests showed a significant improvement in anxiogenic behaviors in the male rats receiving chrysin compared to the stress group (P ≤ 0.05).

The metabolic changes and the associated pathways, provide insights into the mechanisms of anti-anxiety of chrysin, and further studies are needed to confirm its anti-anxiety effect.

 Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the endocrine diseases of the reproductive system, with a prevalence of 5‒10% in women, and one of its symptoms is an increase in the serum amount of pro-inflammatory adipokines from adipose tissue.

 This study was performed on six groups of 6 female rats, including a sham group, an estradiol valerate experimental group that received a concentration of 2 mg per kg of estradiol valerate, and two trans-anethole experimental groups that received concentrations of 50 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of trans-anethole. The other groups were two experimental groups of estradiol valerate treated with trans-anethole that received concentrations of 50 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of trans-anethole 60 days after receiving estradiol valerate. The data were statistically analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test via SPSS.

 Increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), chemerin, and resistin genes in the visceral fat tissue of rats caused by the intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate was reduced by the intraperitoneal injection of concentrations of 50 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of trans-anethole (P < 0.05).

 Trans-anethole ameliorated the expression of TNF-α, chemerin, and resistin genes in the visceral fat tissue of female rats suffering from PCOS.
Practical Implications. The use of trans-anethole as an extract of anise and fennel may be effective in reducing the inflammatory complications of women with PCOS.

Diseases of the nervous system, in addition to the limitations they create for the patient, bring a lot of economic and social costs. Despite a lot of efforts to treat these injuries, it is still challenging to improve and fully recover the patients. Following neurological disorders, a series of events such as inflammation, increased oxidative stress, and damage spreading occur, which can lead to neuronal mitochondrial damage, protein degradation, and cell apoptosis. Investigating the role of gender, as a biological variable, is of great importance in research studies. The development of sex-specific therapies may improve our ability to treat the nervous system diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this review study is to investigate the role of gender in neurological diseases.In the present review, articles published in the scientific databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct were reviewed and analyzed according to various keywords including gender, nervous system diseases, sex hormones, and gender differences in the incidence and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Gender differences lead to differences in the functioning and response to stimuli in the nervous system. As a result, in different nervous system diseases, the prevalence and symptoms of the disease and the rate and speed of response to treatment in men and women can be different. In this article, the role of gender as a biological variable in nervous system diseases is emphasized. Comparison of genders can pave the way for the development of personalized medicine and treatment methods in nervous system lesions.

Formononetin is a phytoestrogen that exhibits antioxidant, analgesic, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is limited information about the central molecular mechanisms mediating the analgesic effects of formononetin.

The present study aimed to assess the impacts of formononetin on hypothalamic mRNA levels of hypocretin ( HCRT ), corticotropin-releasing hormone ( CRH ), and melanin-concentrating hormone ( MCH ).

Twenty male Wistar rats weighing 200 ± 10 g were divided into four groups (n = 5). Groups 1 and 2 were the control and the pain model groups, respectively, which received saline. Groups 3, 4, and 5 were the pain model rats that received 20 and 40 µg of formononetin and 20 µg of diclofenac via the third cerebral ventricle, respectively. To induce pain, formalin (50 µL of 5%) was injected into the plantar surface of the hind paw subcutaneously. Behavioral tests were performed. Hypothalamic samples were removed, and gene expression was measured using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method.

Formalin-induced pain caused a significant increase in the mRNA levels of HCRT, CRH, and MCH compared to the control. Administration of 20 and 40 µg of formononetin significantly decreased the mRNA levels of HCRT , CRH , and MCH in comparison to the formalin group.

Downregulation of hypothalamic CRH and blocking the effects of neuropeptide orexin and MCH signaling pathways upstream of CRH neurons may mediate the antinociceptive effects of formononetin.

Chrysin is a natural bioactive compound belonging to the flavonoid group. The pain-relieving effects of chrysin have been reported in several studies; however, the molecular mechanism underlying its analgesic properties remains unknown. In the present study, the analgesic effect of chrysin was investigated on the hypothalamic Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) and Tachykinin 1 (Tac1) gene expression in a formalin-induced pain model.

Twenty male rats weighing 200 ± 10 g were divided into four groups. Pain was induced by injecting 50 μl of formalin into the hind paw. The control and formalin groups received saline. In addition, 20 or 40 µg of chrysin was injected into pain-induced rats via the third cerebral ventricle. After 30 minutes, a behavioral test was conducted. Hypothalamus samples were then dissected, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to measure gene expression.

The mRNA levels of CGRP and Tac1 significantly increased in the formalin-treated rats compared to the control group. In contrast, the mRNA levels of CGRP and Tac1 were significantly reduced in the chrysin-treated groups compared to the formalin group. Furthermore, the pain score was significantly lower in the chrysin-treated groups compared to the formalin group.

The pain-relieving effects of chrysin were mediated through the downregulation of hypothalamic CGRP and Tac1 in the pain model rats.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder and a leading cause of infertility in women. Studies suggest that naringenin may improve ovarian function; however, its molecular mechanism within the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis remains unclear.

This study investigated the role of naringenin on the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and nesfatin-1 genes in the hypothalamus of PCOS rats.

Twenty rats, each weighing 180 - 200 g, were divided into four groups (n = 5). Polycystic ovary syndrome was induced by administering estradiol valerate (2 mg per rat). The control and PCOS groups received saline, while the other two PCOS groups received intraperitoneal injections of naringenin at doses of 20 and 50 mg/kg for 14 days. Hypothalamic samples were collected to measure gene expression via real-time PCR.

The PCOS group showed a significant decrease in CRH and nesfatin-1 gene expression compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). Naringenin treatment significantly increased the expression of CRH and nesfatin-1 genes in comparison to the PCOS group (P ≤ 0.05).

Naringenin appears to have therapeutic potential in improving ovarian function in PCOS. Its effects are mediated through up-regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides upstream of GnRH neurons.

Stress is an aversive stimulus that disrupts the organism's biological balance. Formononetin, an isoflavone, has been implicated in anxiolytic responses. However, the intra-hypothalamic molecular mechanisms by which formononetin controls stress remain unknown.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of formononetin on hypothalamic Mch and Crh gene expression in a rat model of stress.

Male Wistar rats (200 - 220 g) were used. Thirty minutes before exposure to stress, the rats were injected with either saline or formononetin. Two hours after stress induction, hypothalamic samples were dissected and stored at -70°C until the measurement of Mch and Crh gene expression using real-time PCR.

Stress induction led to a significant increase in Mch and Crh mRNA levels. However, animals receiving formononetin showed a significant reduction in Mch and Crh mRNA levels compared to the stressed rats.

Formononetin may exert anxiolytic effects by down-regulating intra-hypothalamic CRH and MCH signaling pathways.

Chrysin is a natural flavonoid with several demonstrated neuro-pharmacological effects in brain areas related to anxiety. However, the intra-hypothalamic molecular mechanisms underlying the anxiolytic effects of chrysin remain unclear.

The current study revealed the effects of chrysin on hypothalamic corticotrophin-releasing hormone ( CRH ) and calcitonin gene-related peptide ( CGRP ) gene expression levels in a rat model of stress.

Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 200 ± 10 g were divided into six groups for this investigation. Acute restraint stress was induced in the animals for 2 hours. Intact or stress-induced rats received 20 or 40 µg of chrysin via the third cerebral ventricle, respectively. Open-field and forced swimming tests were performed to evaluate stress-related behaviors. Hypothalamic samples were then removed, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure relative gene expression.

The results showed that in the rats receiving chrysin, CRH and CGRP gene expression levels were significantly decreased compared to the stress group. Additionally, chrysin injection reduced anxiogenic behaviors.

Chrysin decreased the expression of hypothalamic CRH and CGRP genes in stressed rats.

Pain, an unpleasant feeling resulting from physical or psychological damage, manifests in various diseases such as migraine, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, and neuropathy, disrupting the physiology of the body system. Prolonged pain can detrimentally affect other body tissues, leading to disorders by interfering with hormone secretion. Several studies show that pain can damage the reproductive process. Within the hypothalamus, a population of kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin (KNDy) neurons plays an important role in regulating the reproductive axis. This study aims to investigate the effect of pain on hypothalamic neuron activity and its subsequent implications on the reproductive pathway.

In healthy people, dopamine stimulates ghrelin secretion. The level of dopamine release  and ghrelin is lower in the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In the present study,we investigated the effects of doplamin and L-dopa on relative gene expression of ghrelin in PCOS model rats.

In the first step of the study, PCOS was induced in 25 female Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus) by injection of estradiol. Then, the rats received saline, dopamine (5µg), L-dopa (5µg) or simultaneous injections of sulpride (10µg/kg), SCH23390 hydrochloride (10µg/kg) and dopamine or L-dopa respectively via third cerebral ventricular. In the second part of the study, 15 PCOS rats received saline L-dopa (100mg/kg) or dopamine (50mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Hypothalamic and ovarian samples were dissected. Mean relative ghrelin gene expression was determined by real- time-PCR method. 

Mean relative gene expression of ghrelin significantly decreased in the hypothalamus and ovary of the rats with PCOS compared to those in the intact rats. Intraventricular injection of dopamine or L-dopa significantly increased the hypothalamic ghrelin gene expression in comparison to that in the rats in the PCOS group. Dopamine or L-dopa did not significantly increase the gene expression of ovarian ghrelin in comparison to that in PCOS group. Injections of sulpride and SCH23390 significantly blocked the stimulatory effects of dopamine or L-dopa on the ghrelin gene expression in hypothalamus compared to those in the dopamine or L-dopa group.

The dopaminergic pathway may be involved in increasing ghrelin gene expresion extremely via hypothamic level in PCOS condition.

Chrysin is a bioactive component of herbal medicines such as Passiflora incarnate, Passiflora caerulea, and Oroxylum indicum. Although evidence has demonstrated the neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects of chrysin, the intra-hypothalamic molecular mechanisms underlying the anxiolytic effects of chrysin are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of chrysin on hypothalamic orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) gene expression in a rat model of stress.

Twenty male Wistar rats (200 ± 10 g) were segregated into four groups (n = 5). For the induction of stress, the animals were placed in the restraint cage for 2 hours. The intact and stressed groups received saline. Thirty minutes before the induction of stress, chrysin was injected into the other two groups of the stress model at a dosage of 20 or 40 μg via the third cerebral ventricle. Hypothalamic samples were removed and frozen, and the relative gene expression of orexin and MCH was measured using the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique.

The induction of stress significantly increased mRNA levels of orexin and MCH compared to the control rats. The mRNA levels of MCH and orexin significantly declined in rats receiving chrysin compared to the stress group.

The inhibition of the hypothalamic MCH and orexin neuronal circuits may be involved in the preventive effects of chrysin against stressful situations. Chrysin may be a potential target to manage anxiogenic behaviors due to the down-regulation of MCH and orexin gene expression upstream the hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone.

The application of different nanoparticles using green synthesis is increasing due to fewer complications. This study was conducted to identify the effect of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized with sumac extract on changes in biochemical and histological factors in rats.

In this experimental study, 30 five-month-old male Wistar rats with an approximate weight of 250-300 mg/kg of body weight were divided into three groups: The control group (saline receiving), the experimental groups receiving intraperitoneal cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized with sumac extract at a dose of 10 and 20 mg/kg of body weight. Serum and tissue samples (liver, kidney, and spleen) were isolated. Serum concentrations of urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatinine were determined. The photometric method was used to measure liver enzymes, the calorimetric method without omitting proteins based on the Jaffe method was used to measure creatinine, and the urease-glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) method was used to measure urea. Tissue samples were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) microscopic studies were used for microscopic investigations.

No statistical significance was observed in blood samples and factors (urea, creatinine, ALT, and AST) in the experimental groups compared to the control group. Similarly, in the morphological investigation, the size of the liver, kidney, and spleen of the groups receiving cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized with sumac extract was normal compared to the control group.

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized with sumac had no toxic effect on the rats’ liver, spleen, and kidney tissues.

Improvement of peripheral nerve damage is one of the most important challenges clinically. Using new methods such as nano drugs and natural compounds can be a suitable option due to their effective effects and less side effects. In this study, the synergistic effects of eugenol and cerium oxide nanoparticles was investigated on sciatic nerve recovery in a rat model.

Method and material: 

In this study, twenty-eight male rats weighing 250-300 g were divided into four groups (n=7). The control group and sciatica model injected saline (0.5ml, IP). Two groups model sciatic received intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg eugenol and 20 mg/kg cerium oxide nanoparticles) or (100 mg/kg eugenol and 20 mg/kg cerium oxide nanoparticles). Then sensory and motor behavioral tests performed. The muscle tissue removed. Finally, changes in muscle weight investigated.

Intraperitoneal injection of eugenol plus cerium oxide nanoparticles increased the recovery speed of sensory and motor neurons compared to the sciatica model group. Also, in the group receiving eugenol plus cerium oxide the amount of muscle atrophy was lower. The improvement of nerve tissue was significant in the high-dose group.

The results showed that eugenol/cerium oxide accelerates the regeneration of nerve tissue. Therefore, its neuroprotective potential can be used to treat diseases related to peripheral nerve damage.

Although damaged peripheral nerves have the ability to repair, axon regeneration proceeds slowly and often poor functional results are observed. Many methods are used to repair peripheral nerve lesions, but very few have demonstrated clinical success. Hence, the intention of the present study was to explore the regenerative outcomes of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles coated with sumac on rat sciatic nerve injury. Forty male Wistar rats were separated into four groups: the sham group (surgery without damage to the nerve), the negative control (nerve compression without nanoparticle injection), the experimental group 1 (nerve compression given 10 mg/kg dose of drug), and the experimental group 2 (nerve compression given 20 mg/kg dose of drug). The sciatic nerve was then compressed one centimeter above the point where it splits into three branches, tissue and muscle sections were examined in addition to foot print and hot plate tests. When compared to the negative control group, the speed of recovery and restoration of sensory and motor neuron function was significantly faster in groups treated with cobalt ferrite nanoparticles coated with sumac.  Injection of cobalt ferrite nanoparticle coated with sumac increases the speed of repair of peripheral nerve damage in rats.

Context: 

The SLC6A4 gene encodes the serotonin transporter. Mutations in this gene can lead to various diseases, such as diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders with a genetic background. This review study evaluated the role of SLC6A4 gene polymorphisms in the risk of diabetes.

Evidence Acquisition:

 In this review article, a literature search was conducted in scientific databases, including Google Scholar and PubMed, to find studies published within 2000 to 2021 on the role of SLC6A4 gene polymorphisms on the risk of diabetes.

 Some genetic and environmental factors are involved in the development of diabetes. Additionally, the association between diabetes and disorder in different genes has been investigated in numerous studies. The discovery of these genetic changes in diabetes might shed light on the functional role of genetic mutations in the development of diabetes.

 Further genomic research is needed to determine the possible role of SLC6A4 gene polymorphisms in diabetes and obesity.

Stress is defined as a physiological response to environmental conditions which could cause changes in the level of neuropeptides in the central nervous system. Trans- anethole is the secondary active compound with anti-stress and antioxidant properties. This research investigates the effects of trans-anethole on the hypothalamic CRH and CGRP gene expression in stress model rats.

Twenty male rats weighing 200-220 g were used. Animals were divided into four groups (n=5). The intact control or stress groups received saline. Two stress groups received trans-anethole (150 mg/kg or 250 mg/kg, IP). Thirty minutes following the injection of drugs, animals were subjected to acute immobilization stress for two hours. Then, behavioral tests were performed. The hypothalamic samples were removed. CRH and CGRP gene expression was measured using RT-PCR.

The mRNA levels of CGRP and CRH significantly increased in the stress group compared to those of the control. In rats receiving 150 mg/kg or 250 mg/kg of trans-anethole, the mRNA level of CGRP and CRH decreased significantly compared to that of the stress group. Also, injection of 150 mg/kg or 250 mg/kg of trans-anethole significantly improved the stressful behaviors compared to what happened in the stress group.

Trans-anethole may be considered as a potential anti-stress factor due to its inhibitory effects on the activity of hypothalamic stress pathways such as CRH and CGRP

The role of the central nervous system in pain control is prominent via the regulation of neuropeptides. Plant derivatives such as trans-anethole could be effective due to analgesic properties. The present study investigated the analgesic effect of trans-anethole via modulation of hypothalamic orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) gene expression in rats.

Twenty male Wistar rats (180-200 g) grouped into four groups of five rats (n=5). To induce pain, 50 μl of formalin was injected into the hind paws of the animals. The intact and formalin control groups received saline. Formalin induced pain groups received 150 or 250 mg/kg of trans-anethole. Pain score was evaluated by performing the formalin test. The hypothalamic samples were removed to analyze the gene expression levels via real-time PCR technique.

The pain score decreased in rats receiving 150 or 250 mg/kg trans-anethole compared to formalin control group. The relative gene expression of Orexin and MCH significantly increased in the formalin group compared to the intact rats. Injection of 150 or 250 mg/kg trans-anethole significantly reduced the relative gene expression of orexin and MCH in formalin induced pain groups compared to the formalin control rats.

Trans anethole caused downregulation of hypothalamic orexin and MCH gene expression due to its pain relieving properties. So, analgesic effects of trans anethole may be mediated via central mechanism.

As a specialized organ consisting of complex tubules with different functional parts, the mammalian testis has evolved specifically to produce sperm and male sex hormones. Each of these functional parts consists of specialized cells whose functional units, the seminiferous tubules, are located within a network of loose connective tissue and interstitial cells. In seminiferous tubules, the epithelium is compartmented due to the presence of unique somatic cells called Sertoli cells. These cells, which contain cytoplasmic bundles, are essential for testicular formation and spermatogenesis and surround the spermatogonia all the way to the central lumen of the fallopian tubes. Many factors are synthesized and secreted by these cells, including proteins, growth factors, anti-inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins, and key enzymes. Sertoli cells have a high therapeutic potential in the treatment of neurological diseases due to their immunity and resistance to immune system reactions, and secretion of nutritional and anti-inflammatory agents. These cells outside the testis have the ability to provide immune protection for connective tissues, increase cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation, and survive for long periods that are non-toxic to the central nervous system if transplanted into the brain and therefore are regarded as a good cellular source for transplantation.

Cell transplantation, nowadays, has been introduced as a promising way to cure debilitating neurological diseases. In this review study, the role of Sertoli cells in the treatment of movement disorders of the central nervous system is discussed.

Metabolomics is a science for identifying small molecules in biological tissues and fluids. These metabolites are the final product of chemical reactions in the biological system. Metabolomics together with chemistry tools such as nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry can play a key role in identifying metabolic profiles. Metabolic profiles include small molecules, and their amount may change in different diseases. Identifying changes in the quantity of these small molecules with a metabolomics approach can help in early diagnosis of diseases and treatment of people. Therefore, accurate understanding of molecular changes related to the disease is necessary to identify new pathways for treatment and diagnosis using new methods. The purpose of this review study is to introduce the science of metabolomics as a new technique and its application in the field of early diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Trans-anethole is a steroidogenic plant derivative. Adiponectin secretion and dopamine release is lower in patients suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In the present study the effects of interaction of trans-anethole and L-dopa were investigated on serum concentration of adiponectin in PCOS model rats. Following estradiol valerate- induced PCOS, forty-five PCOS rats in 9 groups received saline, trans-anethole (50 mg/kg), L-dopa (100 mg/kg), sulpride (10 mg/kg), SCH23390 hydrochloride (1 mg/kg) or simultaneous injections of these drugs via intraperitoneal injection. Five intact rats received saline. Blood samples were collected via tail vein. Serum concentration of adiponectin was determined by ELISA. Mean serum concentration of adiponectin significantly decreased in PCOs rats compared to intact group. Adiponectin concentration in PCOS rats receiving trans- anethole or L-dopa significantly increased compared to PCOS group. Simultaneous injections SCH23390 hydrochloride and sulpride inhibit the stimulatory effects of L-dopa on serum concentration of adiponectin via exerting synergistic effects. Simultaneous injections of trans- anethole and L-dopa synergistically caused a significant increase in serum concentration of adiponectin compared to PCOS group. Trans-anethole as a steroidogenic plant derivative, may be an effective agent for increasing the activity of dopaminergic neurons and controlling the metabolic complication derived of decreased levels of adiponectin secretion in PCOS.

 Novel nanoparticle drug therapy could be an effective method to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration.

 The current study aimed to determine the effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NP) coated with omega-3 on sciatic nerve regeneration in Wistar rats.

 The rats' left sciatic nerve was crushed with a non-serrated clamp. Animals in experimental groups were given Fe3O4@ω3 NPs (10 or 30 mg/kg/d) for one week. The recovery of functions was then assessed over eight weeks using a walking track analysis and a hot plate test. In addition, histomorphometry was used to assess the histomorphometric factors.

 Results showed that Fe3O4@ω3 NPs may have enhanced sciatic nerve regeneration and improved sensorimotor rehabilitation in comparison to the negative controls. These therapeutic effects were significantly greater in Fe3O4@ω3 NPs at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Furthermore, Fe3O4@ω3 NPs treatment, compared to negative controls, significantly reduced gastrocnemius muscle atrophy and improved histomorphometric parameters.

 It was determined that Fe3O4@ω3 NPs had great potential for nerve regeneration due to the ease of their manufacturing and their desired efficacy.

The process of steroidogenesis is crucial to the normal function of the ovaries. In individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the activity of related enzymes in this process is disrupted. In the present study, the effect of trans-anethole was investigated on gene expression of steroidogenesis enzymes in PCOS model rats.

In this experimental study, thirty female rats were divided into six groups (n=5 per group). Fifteen PCOS rats in three groups received intraperitoneal injections of distilled water, 50, and 80 mg/kg of trans-anethole, respectively. Also, 15 intact rats in three groups received intraperitoneal injections of distilled water, 50, and 80 mg/kg trans-anethole. The expression of steroidogenesis genes was determined using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

The mRNA level of Cyp19 significantly increased in intact rats receiving 80 mg/kg trans-anethole compared to the control group. The Cyp19 level in PCOS groups was significantly reduced compared to the control group. The mRNA level of Cyp19 in PCOS groups that resived 50 or 80 mg/kg trans-anethole increased compared to PCOS rats, but this increase was not statistically significant. The mRNA level of Cyp17 did not significantly change in intact and PCOS rats that received trans-anethole compared to the control group.

Trans-anethole may improve PCOS complications due to its involvement in regulating steroidogenesis.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed as the cause of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The disease presents with a wide range of clinical signs and symptoms involving vital organs such as the lungs, heart, gastrointestinal tract, liver, central nervous system, blood, and kidneys. It also potentially affects other organs, including the placenta.The present systematic review aimed to evaluate effects of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnant women, fetuses, and infants born to infected mothers.

The search fields used in this study were angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor (ACE2), fetus, pregnancy, and SARS-CoV-2. We reviewed articles published in 2020 and 2022. The inclusion criteria were articles on receptor expression, virus entry into the host cell, studies on the characteristics and outcomes of pregnant or recently pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection who were approved and characteristics and outcomes of infants whose mothers were infected with SARS-CoV-2.

The virus uses the ACE2 to enter the cell. The coronavirus can be expected to affect any cell or organ that expresses ACE2. Female reproductive system is one of the systems that express ACE2. The destructive effects of COVID-19 on maternal and fetal health are strongly influenced by the spatial-temporal distribution of ACE2.

The harmful role of COVID-19 in pregnancy is highly controversial, although maternal COVID-19 infection contributes to adverse consequences of pregnancy. There is a limited amount of information on the efficacy of COVID-19 on pregnants and their fetuses.

In addition to the limitations imposed on the patient, ischemic stroke has high economic and social costs. Despite many efforts to treat these injuries, there is still no complete recovery and complete improvement in patients with ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke is followed by a series of events, such as inflammation, increased oxidative stress, and the spread of damage, that can lead to mitochondrial damage, protein degradation, and cellular apoptosis. Any approach that can protect nerve cells from ischemic injuries can improve the healing process. One of these methods is the use of intracellular factors in the treatment of stroke, which can control various cellular pathways, such as apoptosis, division, and other pathways.

In this article, the role of some factors involved in improving the process of ischemic stroke and the treatment strategies with these factors are discussed.

Thymoquinone stimulates the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG). Diabetes, ghrelin and aromatase are associated with decreased function of HPG axis. This study aimed to investigate the influence of thymoquinone on aromatase and ghrelin gene expression in intact and diabetic rats.
Twenty male Wistar rats weighing 190-220 g were used. Diabetes type 1 was induced by alloxan. Saline or thymoquinone (10 mg/kg) was injected into intact or diabetic rats intraperitoneally for two weeks. One day after last injection, the hypothalamic samples were removed. Relative gene expression of aromatase and ghrelin was determined by RT-PCR method.
Thymoquinone did not alter the aromatase expressions in the healthy rats. However, it caused a marked decrease in ghrelin expression in healthy rats. The aromatase and ghrelin expression significantly reduced in the diabetic rats receiving thymoquinone in comparison with diabetic group.
Thymoquinone may be a drug to improve decreased HPG axis activity of diabetic rats due to its inhibitory effects on aromatase and ghrelin upstream GnRH neurons.