mahmoud hosseini

 Melatonin is a product of the pineal gland, which regulates the circadian cycle. Neurotoxicity is the most important side effect of methamphetamine (Met) abuse during pregnancy. This study aimed to explore the effect of Met exposure during gestation and lactation periods on the learning and memory of offspring mice. The protective effect of melatonin and the role of oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase were also investigated.

The pregnant mice were randomly divided into 2 groups. Saline or Met (5 mg/kg) was injected daily during pregnancy and lactation. After the lactation period, the offspring mice of each group were divided into 2 subgroups, and saline or melatonin (10 mg/kg) was orally (gavage) administered to the offspring mice from the post-delivery (PD) day 21 up to PD Day 60. The offspring mice were examined in the passive avoidance (PA) test. Finally, oxidative stress markers and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity were measured in the brains.

As a result, Met decreased delay and light time while increasing the frequency of entry and time in the dark region of PA. However, melatonin alleviated the impairing effect of Met on PA performance. Meanwhile, the administration of Met increased malondialdehyde while decreasing superoxide dismutase and thiol content. Furthermore, AchE activity was significantly increased in Met-treated mice. Melatonin reversed the levels of antioxidants, lipid peroxidation, and AchE activity in the brain. 

Together, these results suggested that melatonin may be a potential therapeutic agent for alleviating Met-induced memory impairment by restoring redox hemostasis and AchE.

The war in Ukraine has caused different behavior from Europe. This war shows us new approaches of solidarity, difference, flexibility and participation in the European Union. The present research, which is organized by descriptive-analytical method, seeks to answer the question, what was the behavior model of Europe towards the war in Ukraine? The findings of the research show that the reaction of the European Union in facing this war was passive and defensive rather than active and fluctuated from strategic convergence to passive divergence. This issue is caused by the widening of the divisions within this union and the different positions of the members following the outbreak of this war. As a result, the vacuum of powerful leadership and the creation of a political divide in the face of Russia (political), the failure to create a realistic vision of the future of energy supply and the chain of food sources (economic), the emergence of social divide in the face of the flood of Ukrainian refugees and in At the same time, emphasizing the need for the unity of both sides of the Atlantic (social) and trying to provide the goals of the European Union's defense-security strategic compass (security) is one of the most important patterns of behavior of the European Union regarding the war in Ukraine.

 Hypothyroidism and cardiovascular diseases are associated with oxidative stress. Vitamin C is widely recognized for its antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin C during the neonatal and juvenile periods on oxidative stress induced by hypothyroidism in the hearts of rats.

 Sixteen pregnant rats were randomly divided into five groups after delivery: a control group, a group receiving propylthiouracil (PTU), and three treatment groups receiving PTU along with 10, 100, and 500 mg/kg of vitamin C. The experimental treatments continued for the first eight weeks of the offspring’s life, following the lactation period, and the offspring were treated in the same manner. At the end of the study, the rats were sacrificed, and serum, aortic, and cardiac tissues were collected for antioxidant evaluation.

 In the group receiving PTU, levels of thyroxine and antioxidant enzymes were decreased in serum, heart, and aortic tissues. In contrast, the groups receiving PTU along with various doses of vitamin C demonstrated an attenuation of these parameters.

 Based on the findings, vitamin C supplementation improved cardiovascular oxidative stress induced by hypothyroidism in rats.

 Evidence declared lipopolysaccharide (LPS) initiates inflammatory responses by stimulating the abandon of cytokines, which may perturb organ function. On the other side, it has been suggested Cedrol has potential properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. Herein, this study was done to assess the protective effect of Cedrol against LPS-associated heart damage.

 Thirty-five rats (200-250 g) were sorted into five groups, including control, LPS, LPS-Cedrol 7.5 mg/kg, LPS-Cedrol 15 mg/kg, and LPS-Cedrol 30 mg/kg groups. Cedrol was administrated through injected intra-peritoneally for two weeks. The heart tissues were removed and malondialdehyde (MDA) as a lipid peroxidation marker, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) as antioxidant markers were assessed. Furthermore, the interleukin (IL)-6 level in cardiac tissue was measured and Masson’s trichrome methods were employed to appraise cardiac inflammation and fibrosis, respectively.

 Inflammation induced by LPS was significantly accompanied by myocardial fibrosis which was shown by Masson’s trichrome staining (P<0.001). In addition, LPS administration enhanced the MDA level while it diminished the activity of anti-oxidant markers such as CAT and SOD (P<0.001 for all cases). In the histological results, Cedrol improved LPS-induced inflammation and cardiac fibrosis (P<0.01 to P<0.001). Cedrol also enhanced CAT and SOD activities, whereas declined MDA level in the cardiac tissue (P<0.01 to P<0.001).

 The current findings proposed that the administration of Cedrol exerted a protective role in LPS-associated heart damage by reducing inflammation, cardiac fibrosis, and oxidative stress.

Carvacrol is a phenolic monoterpenoid compound that has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is derived from the outer cell wall of gram-negative bacteria and is responsible for acute kidney injury. In this research, the protective effect of carvacrol on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury was studied. For this purpose, 40 male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were used. Animals were randomly divided into 5 equal groups: 1) control, 2) LPS group, 3) LPS+carvacrol (25 mg kg-1), 4) LPS+carvacrol (50 mg kg-1) and 5) LPS+carvacrol (100 mg kg-1). To induce acute renal injury, daily 1 mg kg-1 LPS for 2 weeks was injected intraperitoneally. Carvacrol was administered intraperitoneally daily for 30 minutes before LPS injection. LPS-induced kidney injury was evaluated by blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and nitric oxide levels in kidney tissue by spectrophotometric methods. The level of the interleukin 1 beta was detected by ELISA in the kidney. Our results showed that LPS injection increased BUN, creatinine, nitric oxide, and IL-1β levels (P <0.001). Pretreatment with carvacrol reduced BUN at 25 mg kg-1 (P <0.001), 50 mg kg-1 (P <0.01), and 100 mg kg-1 (P <0.001) doses, nitric oxide at 25 mg kg-1 (P <0.05), 50 mg kg-1(P <0.01) and 100 mg kg-1(P <0.001) doses, and IL-1β levels (P <0.001) at all doses significantly but did not affect serum creatinine. These results indicate that carvacrol has an anti-inflammatory effect and protects kidneys against LPS by reducing pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β and nitric oxide.

Oxidative stress has a crucial role in epileptic seizures. Several studies have shown the protective effect of Artemisia absinthium (A. absinthium) against neuronal damage and oxidative stress. In the current research, the effect of A. absinthium on oxidative stress indicators in an animal model of seizure provoked by injecting pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) was estimated in mice. The mice were allocated into the following groups: a control group in which vehicle was administered; PTZ group (a single dose of 100 mg kg-1, ip); and other groups, which daily received 6.25-200 mg kg-1 of the A. absinthium extract during 3 consecutive days before PTZ. The first recorded MCS and minimal clonic seizure and the first generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) latencies were analyzed. The brain segments, including the cortex and hippocampus of the animals, were then removed and harvested for oxidative stress evaluation. The extract significantly postponed the onsets of the MCS and GTCS when injected before PTZ. The seizure attacks provoked by PTZ also increased MDA in the cortex and hippocampus to levels greater than the control (P<0.001). In addition, the extract had an ameliorative effect on MDA concentration in the cortex and hippocampus (P<0.05-P<0.001). A lower concentration of total thiol was observed in the brain of the PTZ injected mice than the control ones (P<0.01- P<0.001). Pretreatment with the extract corrected the thiol level in the brain tissue (P<0.05- P<0.001). The current research shows that A. absinthium hydro-ethanolic extract has considerable anti-oxidant properties in a PTZ-induced seizure model in mice.

 Inflammation and oxidative stress are contributed to cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin D (Vit D) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the current research, the effect of Vit D on cardiac fibrosis and inflammation, and oxidative stress indicators in cardiovascular tissues was studied in lipopolysaccharides(LPS) injected rats.

 Rats were distributed into 5 groups and were treated for 2 weeks. Control: received vehicle(saline supplemented with tween-80) instead of Vit D and saline instead of LPS, LPS: treated by 1 mg/kg of LPS and was given vehicle instead of Vit D, LPS-Vit D groups: received 3 doses of Vit D (100, 1000, and 10000 IU/kg) of Vit D in addition to LPS. Vit D was dissolved in saline supplemented with tween-80 (final concentration 0.1%) and LPS was dissolved in saline. The white blood cell (WBC) was counted. Oxidative stress markers were determined in serum, aorta, and heart. Cardiac tissue fibrosis was also estimated using Masson’s trichrome staining method.

 WBC and malondialdehyde (MDA) were higher in the LPS group than the control group, whereas the thiol content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were lower in the LPS group than the control group (P<0.01 and P<0.001). Administration of Vit D decreased WBC (P<0.001) and MDA (P<0.05 and P<0.001) while enhanced thiol (dose 10000 IU/Kg) (P<0.001), SOD (dose 10000 IU/kg) (P<0.001), and CAT (P<0.05 and P<0.001) compared to the LPS group. All doses of Vit D also decreased cardiac fibrosis compared to the LPS group (P<0.001).

 Vit D protected the cardiovascular against the detrimental effect of LPS. This cardiovascular protection can be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Vit D.

The discovery of gas reserves has had a significant impact on the economic, geopolitical and political balance in the Eastern Mediterranean. The development of fields and the motivation of government actors for possible extraction and export have led to the formation of an energy zone in the Eastern Mediterranean. Although in classical theories of regionalism, the formation of the region is tied to the geographical proximity and security motives of state actors and social, cultural and economic factors are considered as dependent and sub-elements, but in this study we try to determine the energy factor. Consider it as an independent factor in the formation of the region. This has led to new forms of the process of regionalization and the emergence of a new logic of governance in which the issues of difficult security in the formation of the region are ignored and instead the energy factor as the goal and focus of governance This has created a platform for the actions and reactions of various actors, including upstream gas companies (exploration and extraction) and national and international regulators, and the logic of regional exchanges from regional conflicts to It turns into intergovernmental competition.

Neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum) against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures were investigated. 

Mice were divided as follows: (Group 1) Control, (Group 2) PTZ, (Groups 3-5) 50,100 and 200 mg/kg hydro-ethanolic (HE) extract, and (Groups 6-8) 200 mg/kg ethyl-acetate (EAF), N-hexane (NHF) and water (WF) fractions. Minimal clonic seizures (MCS) and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) latencies were measured. Biochemical and histological studies were done.

MCS and GTCS latency in HE groups were longer than the PTZ group (p<0.05 to p<0.001). EAF and NHF prolonged the onset of MCS and GTCS (p<0.001). PTZ increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and dark neuron (DN) production while decreased thiol, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p<0.05 to p<0.001).  Pre-treatment by HE and all fractions of the plant attenuated MDA and DN while increased thiol, CAT and SOD (p<0.01 to p<0.001).

EAF and NHF had anticonvulsant properties. The extract and fractions protected the brain from PTZ-induced oxidative damages and showed neuroprotective effects.

 Datura stramonium L. is a medicinal herb from the family of Solanaceae. It has been used in herbal remedies for promoting health and treating several diseases. The current study was set up to compare the effects of Datura stramonium L. extract on the naloxone-precipitated opiate-withdrawal in mice.

 Male BALB/c mice (30–35 g, n = 40) were arbitrarily separated into 4 groups. The control group received morphine and normal saline and other groups received three doses of D. stramonium extract (10, 20, or 30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, i.p.). Physically dependent was made by the administration of morphine in increasing doses (50-75 mg/kg, i.p.). The withdrawal signs were elicited by intraperitoneal injections of naloxone (5 mg/kg) 2 h after the last injection of morphine.

 Administration of D. stramonium extract in doses of 20 and 30 mg/kg markedly diminished the jumping numbers compared to the control group (P<0.05). All three doses of D. stramonium extract could significantly suppress the increase in climbing (P<0.05, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively) and diarrhea (P<0.001). D. stramonium in higher doses (20 or 30 mg/kg) significantly decreased rearing and itching (P<0.001).

 The study findings suggest that D. stramonium extract is effective in alleviating the signs of morphine withdrawal. Additional research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms underlying D. stramonium for inhibiting morphine withdrawal syndrome.

The beneficial effect of carvacrol on neuroinflammation, oxidative damage of brain tissue, and depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration were evaluated in rats.

Vehicle (1% Tween 80), 1 mg/kg of LPS, and carvacrol (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg administered prior to LPS) were injected and behavioral and biochemical tests were done.

The results of forced swim test revealed that carvacrol attenuated immobility time and increased activity and climbing times (p<0.05 to p<0.001). The results of elevated plus maze also revealed that treatment by carvacrol prolonged the open arms time and entries and decreased the time and entries in the closed arms (p<0.05 to p<0.01). Carvacrol enhanced crossing, time, and traveled distance in the central segment of the open field and increased total crossing and distance while attenuating the peripheral zone time (p<0.05 to p<0.001). All doses of carvacrol attenuated TNF- α (tumor necrosis factor α) and NO (nitric oxide) in the brain (p<0.01 to p<0.001). The 50 and the 100 mg/kg doses of carvacrol decreased malondialdehyde (p<0.001 for both), and the 100 mg/kg dose of carvacrol increased the content of the thiol (p<0.001).

In conclusion, carvacrol improved the behavioral consequences of LPS challenge and attenuated neuroinflammation and brain tissue oxidative stress in rats.

Rosa damascena Herrm (R. damascena) is a species of the Rosaceae family. The R. damascena has been shown to improve depression, anxiety and grief. It also suppresses allergic reactions and migraine headache. In addition, amelioration of learning and memory deficits, delay in onset of seizure attacks, alleviation of pain and improvement of sleep disorders have been attributed to extract and essential oil of R. damascena. This review was conducted to integrate the neuropharmacological effects of R. damascena.

Employed scientific databases for collecting information were including PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar.

The results of animal and clinical trial studies indicate that the extract of R. damascena and its essential oil apply useful therapeutic effects on depressant and anxiety-like behaviors, epileptic seizures, learning and memory impairments, sleep disturbances and pain.

Based on scientific findings, the neuroprotective effects of R. damascena can be mainly linked to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Thyroid hormones are essential to maintain the tissue’s metabolism throughout the life. Thyroid hormones exert their effects on physiology and almost all body functions. Carrot is a rich source of iodine and carotenoids that can interfere in the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of carrot consumption on T4 levels and its effect on memory, nerve conduction velocity (NCV), animal weight, and finally, on water and food intake in Wistar rats. In this study, 24 male rats were used and divided into three groups: Control, Ca 200 mg/kg, and Ca 400 mg/kg.

The results indicated that carrot consumption at Ca 200 mg/kg treated group increased the level of serum T4 and induced hyperthyroidism. Animal weight in both treated groups did not change compared to the control group (P > 0.05). Water and food consumption, and the level of T4 in Ca 200 mg/kg group increased when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). NCV in both treated groups was not significantly different in comparison with the control group (P > 0.05). Spatial memory and passive avoidance memory in both treated groups significantly decreased compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

Carrot consumption, via increases the synthesis of thyroid hormones, creates hyperthyroidism, but due to induced moderate hyperthyroidism did not impact on weight. Moderate hyperthyroidism induced appetite and memory impairment. Then increased food intake or effect of hyperthyroidism on metabolism increased water intake

The study was aimed to evaluate the effects of hydro-ethanol extract Zataria multiflora on the brain tissue oxidative damage, and hippocampal interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as learning and memory capacity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - challenged rats. The rats were randomized into five groups as follow: Control group: Rats were treated with saline, LPS group: Rats were treated with LPS 1.00 mg kg-1, ZM50, ZM100 and ZM200 groups in which the rats were treated with Z. multiflora extract (50.00, 100 or 200 mg kg-1 per day, respectively). The treatments including extract or vehicle were administered intraperitoneally ‎and given three days before the behavioral tests and were continued within a6-day behavioral experiment. Injection of LPS was daily done before the behavioral tests. Finally, the brains were collected for biochemical evaluations. Although LPS administration prolonged the latency in Morris water maze and shortened the latency to enter the dark chamber in passive avoidance test, ZM extract restored these changes to approach control group values. Also, LPS increased IL-6, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites levels and lowered thiol, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels in the brain, however, Z. multiflora extract reduced IL-6, MDA and NO metabolites concentrations, but increased thiol content, SOD, and CAT levels. The results of this study showed that Z. multiflora ameliorated learning and memory dysfunction in LPS - challenged rats by alleviating of inflammatory responses and brain tissue oxidative damage.

Oxidative stress plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of seizures. In this study, we investigated the effect of ethyl acetate fraction of Tanacetum parthenium against oxidative brain damage in a pentylenetetrazole(PTZ)-induced seizure model in mice.

 In this experimental study, mice were divided into 6 groups: control, PTZ, and 4 other groups that, besides PTZ, received 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of the fraction. PTZ (100 mg/kg) and a fraction (30 min before PTZ) were administered intraperitoneally for 3 weeks. Delay in the onset of the minimal clonic seizure (MCS), generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS), and the level of oxidative stress indexes in cortical and hippocampal tissues were measured.

 Pretreatment with fraction resulted in postponing the onset seizures in the Fraction+PTZ groups compared to the PTZ group (P<0.05, P<0.01, and P<0.001). In addition, all doses of ethyl acetate fraction decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the level of tom thiol groups and the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes in the brain tissues compared to the PTZ group. 

Ethyl acetate fraction of Tanacetum parthenium attenuated PTZ-stimulated seizures through improving brain tissue oxidative stress.

Medicinal plants are used for different purposes in traditional medicine. Boswellia serrata (B. serrata) from Burseracea family has been widely used for human medical purposes. This plant known as frankincense or olibanum has a resin with therapeutic properties. The main constituent of this resin is boswellic acid that plays an important role in various fields. From past to present, many studies had been shown that olibanum and its main constituent, boswellic acid, have antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-arthritic, antimicrobial and anti-carcinogenic effects. In addition, many findings about effects of B. serrata and its ingredients on central nervous system (CNS) are available. Therefore, the aim of this study is to review in vivo and in vitro evidence attributed to this plant and its constituents on CNS. Databases including Web of Sciences, Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar were explored for entries from the beginning of January 2000 until the end of November 2020. Findings reveal that B. serrata and its constituents have neuroprtotective effects and ameliorate learning and memory malfunction. These effects mainly are attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this plant.

Oxidative stress has pernicious effects on the brain. Pinus eldarica has antioxidant properties. We explored neuroprotective effect of P. eldarica against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures.

Male mice (BALB/c) were grouped as control, PTZ, Soxhlet (Sox) 100, Sox 200, Macerated (Mac) 100 and Mac 200 groups. Sox and Mac extracts (100 and 200 mg/kg) were injected during 7 days. Delay in onset of minimal clonic seizure (MCS) and generalized tonic- clonic seizure (GTCS) was measured. Number of dark neurons (DN) and levels of oxidative stress indicators in the hippocampus were evaluated.

Onset of MCS and GTCS was later in groups treated with the extracts than the PTZ group (p<0.01 and p<0.001). Number of DN in the hippocampus in the PTZ group was higher than the control group (p<0.001) while in the extract groups, was lower than the PTZ group (p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001). MDA level was higher whereas total thiol level and activity of SOD and CAT were lower (p<0.001) in the PTZ group than the control group. MDA level in the Sox 100 (p<0.01), Sox 200 (p<0.001) and Mac 200 (p<0.01) groups was less than the PTZ group. Total thiol level in the Sox 200 (p<0.001), SOD in the Sox 100 (p<0.05), Sox 200, and Mac 200 and CAT in the Sox 200 (p<0.001) groups were higher than the PTZ group.  

P. eldarica prevented neuronal death and reduced seizures caused by PTZ via improving brain oxidative stress.

The West Asian region has been the center of gravity of US strategies throughout history. American attention to the region began in the 1970s with the retreat of Britain. Since then, US foreign policy has been based on a set of consistent policies toward the West Asian region. In 2016, with the election of Trump as President, he promised to restore the power and greatness of the United States, and in this regard, put on the agenda policies at home and abroad, some of which are referred to as the phenomenon of Trumpism. Given this, the present article seeks to answer the question: What were the general directions of Trump's foreign policy in the West Asian region and what principles did he follow? Findings from the article show that during the Trump era, the role of the president's personal character became a key element in front of the legal and political decision-making structures in the United States. The principles of the Trump Doctrine were a combination of realistic teachings and approaches. According to this doctrine, Trump has implemented a strategy of remote balancing towards the West Asian region and tried to keep this region within the sphere of influence of the United States of America. During this period, the United States shifted to remote management policy as it shifted its front-line role and became a foreign mediator in regional conflicts. From this perspective, the United States ceded the region to Saudi Arabia and the Zionist regime. Although US policies have not been consistent in dealing with the drawbacks of what were once considered the axis of evil, Trump has sought to counter Iran in West Asia by imposing large-scale, unprecedented economic sanctions, aside the military strategy of large presence of heavily equipment and expanding its "gray area" by providing small forces while using drones extensively during sustained, gradual, and increasing operations below the threshold of all-out war. Elsewhere, under the slogan "America First," Trump sought unilateralism based on support for domestic production and American national interests. At the same time, Trump sought world supremacy. Under Trump, the United States sought to maintain its supremacy by imposing additional costs on rivals, reducing its global commitments, increasing US military power, and domestic economic power.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is an annual herb belonging to the Apiaceae (Umbellifera) family that is used as food additives traditionally. This plant is called “Geshniz” in Persian and is native to Mediterranean regions but it is currently cultivated in several countries. All parts of coriander are edible and have been traditionally used to treat different disorders, including digestive problems, flatulence, diarrhea, colic and other gastrointestinal diseases.

The databases PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Scopus were considered. The search terms were “Coriandrum sativum” or “linalool” and “anti-anxiety”, “sedative”, “antioxidant effect”, “anticonvulsant” and “neuroprotective effect”.

Antioxidant, diuretic, cholesterol lowering, anxiolytic, sedative-hypnotic and anticonvulsant activities were reported for the seeds and leaves of the plant. Furthermore, linalool as the main component of coriander has different neuropharmacological effects, including anti-anxiety, sedative, anticonvulsant and anti-Alzheimer’s disease activities.

Various neuropharmacological effects of C. sativum and its component which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, have been summarized in the current review article.