mojtaba karimipour

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination of foods and animal feeds is a public health issue. Exposure to AFB1 induces oxidative stress and can cause male reproductive toxicity. Melatonin (MLT) is a neuro-hormone produced by the pineal gland and the testis and is known as a potent antioxidant.

This study aims to determine the protective effect of MLT on testicular tissue alterations, sperm parameter indexes, and in vitro fertility assays in mice treated with AFB1.

In this experimental study, 28 adult male NMRI mice (8-10 wk old, 25-27 gr) were divided randomly into 4 groups: control, MLT (20 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally), AFB1 (50 μg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) and MLT+AFB1. After 35 consecutive days, testis histological changes, sperm quality parameters, the rate of sperm with DNA damage, and in vitro fertilization outcomes up to the blastocyst stage were surveyed and compared between groups.

Our results showed that AFB1 administration induced histological alterations in the testis and significantly decreased all the sperm parameters and in vitro fertility (fertilization and blastocyst formation rates) compared to control. Additionally, the percentages of immature sperms and sperms with DNA damage significantly (p < 0.001) increased in the AFB1-treated group. MLT treatment in the MLT+AFB1 group significantly increased testis quality and sperm parameters and improved in vitro fertilizaton rate and in vitro embryonic development.

These findings demonstrated that MLT can compensate for the adverse effects of AFB1 on the quality of testicular tissue, sperm parameters, sperm DNA, and in vitro fertilization outcomes.

Gum arabic (GA) contains anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds and protects tissues.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of GA on the spinal cord’s motor neurons after ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury.

Thirty-five male rats (Sprague-Dawley) were randomly divided into five groups: Intact, sham surgery, control (4 mL/kg distilled water+I/R), low-dose gum arabic (GA 1 g/kg+I-R), and high-dose gum arabic (GA 4 g/kg+I-R). In the experimental groups, oral gavages’ treatment was performed for 21 days before surgery. Three days after I-R, the rats were evaluated for neurological function, biochemical, and histological analysis.

The mean motor deficit index (MDI) in the GA groups versus the control group was significantly lower (P<0.01). About 72 hours after I-R, the mean plasma level of superoxide dismutase and total anti-oxidant capacity in the GA 4 g/kg group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the plasma level of catalase between the GA 4 g/kg and the control groups (P<0.05). Approximately 67% of the motor neurons were destroyed in the control group, while this ratio was about 18% in the GA 4 g/kg group.

This study showed that GA (4 g/kg) protects the motor neurons of the spinal cord against ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum), a medicinal mushroom, exerts protective effects on cardiovascular diseases but, it’s effect in isoproterenol-induced heart failure has not been studied. Therefore, the aim of the present study was whether G. lucidum has protective effects in isoproterenol-induced heart failure.

Thirty male Wistar rats were assigned into five groups (n=6) of control, heart failure (HF) and G. lucidum (50, 100 and 200mg/kg). For induction of HF in rats, isoproterenol (5mg/ kg) was injected subcutaneously for two weeks. In G. lucidum treated groups, G. lucidum was orally gavaged for three weeks and on day 8 isoproterenol was injected for two weeks. Then, Electrocardiogram pattern and cardiodynamic parameters, as well as myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde level, cardiac remodeling and apoptosis were studied.

G. lucidum improved hemodynamic factors such as mean arterial blood pressure as well as electrocardiogram pattern. Pre-treatment with G. lucidum also decreased myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde level and apoptosis in cardiac tissue. Histopathologic results showed a decrease in cardiac necrosis and fibrosis. However, it had no significant effect on cardiac hypertrophy.

Our results show that pre-treatment with G. lucidum demonstrates protective effects against HF, and thereby suggest that G. lucidum can be considered as a possible clinical use for preventive and adjuvant treatment in heart failure.

Stroke is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. Memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, has protective effects on neuronal cells and is important candidate as a neuroprotective agent in cerebral ischemia. On the other hand, thyroid hormones are one of the important factors in the development of the central nervous system (CNS) and its activity and the long-term adverse effects of transient thyroid function abnormalities at birth on intellectual development has been proven. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of memantine on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced injuries in transient congenital hypothyroidism (TCH). The adult male Wistar TCH rats (240±20 g) were underwent forebrain ischemia by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 17 min. Memantine (20 mg/kg) alone or in combination with vitamin C (200 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally (ip) for 7 days after cerebral ischemia. Then, histopathology, cerebral infarct size and malondialdehyde level were evaluated. Histopathological analysis showed that memantine significantly decreased leukocyte infiltration in comparison to I/R group (p<0.01). Memantine also reduced infarct size and malondialdehyde level compared with I/R group (p<0.01). Memantine and vitamin C combination group had no significant effects on leukocyte infiltration, infarct size and malondialdehyde level. Our results showed that memantine through reduction in leukocyte infiltration, lipid peroxidation and infarct size could reduce cerebral ischemia/reperfusion induced injuries in transient congenital hypothyroidism. Hence, memantine might be considered as a neuroprotective agent in hypothyroidism.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) bears antioxidant properties with protective effects on different tissues. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of CGA on follicular development, hormonal status and biomarkers of oxidative stress in a rat model of PCOS. In this experimental study, 18 rats were divided into three equal groups including: control, non-treated PCOS [(estradiol valerate (EV): 40.00 mg kg-1 intramuscularly)], and PCOS-CGA (EV: 40.00 mg kg-1 intramuscularly and CGA: 100 mg kg-1 intraperitoneally once a week for eight consecutive weeks). At the end of treatment period, all rats were anesthetized. Then 5.00 mL blood samples of rats in the three groups were taken and prepared for hormonal analyses and their ovaries were isolated and dissected mechanically free of fat and mesentery. The ovaries underwent the following analyses: Morphological study with Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and biochemical study using the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and total antioxidant activity. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s test. The serum level of luteinizing hormone, estrogen, testosterone, antioxidant capacity, glutathione and the number of cystic follicles in the PCOS group treated with 100 mg kg-1 Chlorogenic acid compared to the non-treated PCOS group were significantly decreased, however, the serum level of follicle stimulating hormone, progesterone, MDA and the number of secondary, graafian follicles and corpus luteum were significantly increased. Chlorogenic acid could be effective in ameliorating follicular development as well as hormonal and biochemical disorders in rats with PCOS.

Skin flap necrosis has been remained as an unsolved problem in plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Here, we explored the effects of metformin post-treatment on random skin flap survival in rats. An 8.00 × 2.00 cm dorsal skin flap was created in 24 rats and they were then divided into three groups (n = 8) including Control, metformin (Met) 50.00 mg kg-1 and Met 100 mg kg-1. All animals were administrated orally until seven days after flap surgery. Flap survival, the number of blood vessels and mast cells in the flap tissues were analyzed. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression levels in flap tissues was also determined using immunohistochemical methods. The percentage of survival area in Met 50.00 mg kg-1 and Met 100 mg kg-1 groups were significantly higher compared to control. The blood vessel density and the VEGF positive cells in the viable areas of flaps showed a significant increase in Met 50.00 mg kg-1 group compared to control group. The results of this study suggested that treatment with metformin, especially with low dose following skin flap surgery was effective in improving the flap survival and increasing the neovascularization in the flaps tissues of rats.

Aortic artery stenosis leads to Ischemia-Reperfusion (I-R) injury, which can cause certain clinical expressions, such as paraplegia.

To appraise the effect of Catechin Hydrate (CH) against spinal cord I-R injury.

A total of 35 male rats (250-300 g) were divided randomly into five groups:  intact, sham surgery, dimethyl sulfoxide (I-R+DMSO), low-dose CH (I-R+10 mg/kg CH), and high-dose CH (I-R+20 mg/kg CH). Abdominal aorta clamping was done for 60 min. Seventy-two hours after I-R, animals were evaluated for neurologic function, biochemical analysis, and histology. The data analysis was conducted by SPSS v. 16 using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests.

The mean Motor Deficit Index (MDI) score and white matter damage in the CH (20 mg/kg) group were lower than in the DMSO group (P=0.032). The mean plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the CH groups were lower than that of the DMSO group (P<0.05). The plasma level of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in the CH (20 mg/kg) group was higher than in the DMSO group (P=0.032). In addition, the plasma level of catalase in the CH (20 mg/kg) group was higher than in the DMSO and CH (10 mg/kg) groups (P<0.001). The average number of normal motor neurons in the experimental groups was lower than in the sham surgery group (P<0.001). 

These results showed that CH may be effective in reducing spinal cord I-R injury.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) as an important nanomaterial have a wide range of applications in many fields and human beings’ exposure to this nanomaterial is unavoidable. The effects of CeO2 NPs on the male reproductive system are controversial.

To determine the effects of the administration of CeO2 NPs on the testis tissue, sperm parameters, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in mice.

Twenty-four male mice were divided into three groups (n = 8/each): one control and two experimental groups receiving CeO2 NPs at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 35 days. At the end of the experiment, the diameter of seminiferous tubules (SNTs), epithelial height of SNTs, spermiogenesis index in testes, sperm parameters (count, motility, viability, and morphology), sperm chromatin condensation, DNA integrity, and IVF assays were analyzed.

Histological results showed that the tubular diameter, the epithelial height of the SNTs, and the spermiogenesis index were significantly decreased in the experimental groups receiving CeO2 NPs. All sperm parameters in the experimental groups were significantly reduced and, additionally, the percentages of immature sperms and sperms with DNA damage were significantly increased in groups treated with CeO2 NPs compared to the control. Furthermore, the rates of IVF and in vitro embryo development were decreased.

Collectively, the current study showed that oral administration of CeO2 NPs in mice had detrimental effects on the male reproductive system through inducing testicular tissue alterations, decreasing sperm parameters quality, and also diminishing the IVF rate and in vitro embryonic development.

This study investigated the potential effects of Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Tio2NPs) followed by maternal gavage on fetal development and neural tube formation during pregnancy in mice.

Thirty pregnant mice were randomly divided into five main study groups including the untreated control and 4 experimental groups (n=6 per group). The control group was treated with normal saline and the experimental groups were orally treated with doses of 30, 150, 300, and 500 mg/kg Body Weight (BW) of Tio2NPs during pregnancy. On gestational day 16 and 19 (n=3 per group), pregnant mice were euthanized and then examined for neural tube defects and compared with control. Serial transverse sections were prepared in both cranial region and in lumbar region of spinal cord.

Treatment with Tio2NPs resulted in low fetal weight and short length, dilation of lateral ventricle, thinning of cerebral cortex and spinal cord, spina bifida occulta and an increase in the number of apoptotic neurons in exposed embryos at doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg (p<0.05).

It seems that exposure to nanoparticles of Tio2 during pregnancy induces growth retardation and for the first time, teratogenicity of this nanomaterial in neural tube development and induction of defects such as spinal bifida, reduction in cortical thickness and  dilatation of lateral ventricles were verified which can be related to incidence of apoptosis in central nervous system.

Titanium dioxide particles (TiO2) as the second most widely used materials in consumer products are composed of nano-sized (100 nm) particles (FPs). Toxicological studies on animals have shown that TiO2 NPs exposure can cross the blood-testis barrier and accumulate in the testis resulting in testicular tissue damage and reduction of sperm count and motility. However, there is no information on the toxic effects of TiO2 FPs on male reproductive fertility. Twenty-four adult male mice were randomly divided into three groups including control, TiO2 NPs, and TiO2 FPs (150 mg kg-1 per day). After intragastric administration for 35 days, testicular tissue alterations (seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelial height), sperm parameters (count, motility, viability, morphology, and DNA quality), in vitro fertilization potential, oxidative stress assays such as malondialdehyde (MDA) content, level of glutathione (GSH) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in testicular tissue were investigated. The results showed that both sizes of TiO2 caused pathologic changes in the testis and significantly increased MDA level and decreased GSH levels and activities of SOD and GPx in testicular tissue. Moreover, the administration of both sizes of TiO2 significantly decreased all of the sperm parameters and in vitro fertility (fertilization rate and pre-implantation embryos development) compared to control. Administration of TiO2 FPs similar to TiO2 NPs through inducing damages to testis led to a marked reduction in sperm quality, in vitro fertilization, and embryos development in male mice.

The production of stress oxidative condition in body which is caused by consumption of ecstasy (3,4‑methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]) leads to a liver damage. As an antioxidant, Vitamin E can protect cells and tissues against the deleterious effects of free radicals. This study evaluates the protective effects of Vitamin E on MDMA induced liver toxicity.

Twenty‑eight male albino mice were randomly assigned to four equal groups. Group 1 received saline (control), Group 2 received MDMA and saline, Group 3 received MDMA, and Vitamin E and Group 4 received Vitamin E. MDMA was injected with single daily dose, three sequential days/week for 5 weeks. At the end of the period, blood samples were collected for a biochemical analysis and then the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation for histopathological and biochemical examinations of liver.

The administration of Vitamin E attenuated the increased levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes in serum. Vitamin E treatments significantly restored endogenous antioxidant enzymes (reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase enzyme) activities as compared with MDMA‑treated animals. Histological examination of liver revealed significant morphological tissue injuries in hepatocytes after MDMA being used, but in coadministration of vitamin E and MDMA, these morphological alterations reduced.

The study showed that MDMA administration has adverse effects on the liver. Vitamin E lessened the deleterious impact considerably.

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor is commonly prescribed to treat maternal depression in pregnancy and lactation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal exposure to fluoxetine via lactation on testicular tissue, sperm parameters including count, motility, viability, and normal morphology and testicular oxidative stress status in male mice offspring. Ten mice dams were divided into control and experimental groups. The control group received water and the experimental group received fluoxetine (20 mg kg-1) by gavage daily from postnatal days of 0-21. Histology of testis, sperm parameters and oxidative stress in the testicular tissue were analyzed at 80 days after birth in their male offspring (n = 8). Significant reductions in the body and testes weights were observed in animals exposed to fluoxetine. Additionally, fluoxetine exposure significantly reduced all sperm parameters, tubular diameter and epithelial height of the seminiferous tubules as well as Leydig cells number. Significant increases in the testicular malondialdehyde levels and percentage of sperm with chromatin/DNA damage were observed in mice exposed to fluoxetine compared to control. These findings suggest that maternal exposure to fluoxetine during lactation in mice has a negative effect on the testicular tissue of their offspring and impairs the spermatogenesis process which in turn can induce infertility.

Acute exposure to MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) has some adverse effects on reproductive and cardiovascular systems, possibly because of oxidative stress induction. Supplementary vitamins such as vitamin E can decrease the rate of oxidative stress and prevent the incidence of dysfunction in organs.

This study was designed to evaluate the adverse effects of MDMA exposure on the testis and heart tissue and elucidate the protective effect of vitamin E as a potent antioxidant.
Patients and

We assigned 28 male albino mice into four equal groups including control, MDMA, MDMA + vitamin E, and olive oil as a solvent of the vitamin. Mice were killed at the end of day 35 to conduct histological and plasma examinations. To find the relationship and make pair-wise comparisons, the one-way ANOVA test and Tukey test were used, respectively.

The mean values of seminiferous epithelial height (SEH), seminiferous tubular diameter (STD), spermatogenesis indices, and the average number of Leydig and Sertoli cells were significantly lower in testicular tissues of the MDMA group. The mentioned parameters were significantly higher in the MDMA + vitamin E group than in the MDMA group (P < 0.05). The apoptosis rate in both testis and heart tissues was significantly lower in the MDMA + vitamin E group than in the MDMA group (P < 0.05). Moreover, CPK and LDH as cardiac markers were significantly higher in the MDMA group than in the other groups.

The results clearly suggest that vitamin E considerably attenuates the deleterious effects of MDMA.

Myocardial infarction can be associated with irreversal myocardial ischemia and the necrosis of the affected site of the heart. Curcumin has a protective effect on Myocardial Ischemia.

Our study aimed to combine a regenerative medicine with a traditional antioxidant effects as an adjuvant for the treatment of isoproterenol-induced MI.

This experimental study conducted on 36 adult male Wistar rats in an university-affiliated animal lab, Urmia, Iran, in 2016. Male rats were divided into six groups of six rats, including control, MI (ISO 100 mg/kg), curcumin (80 mg/kg by oral gavage), Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs; 4 × intravenous injection), and Cur-BMSCs. The efficiency of these methods was evaluated by histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry, measurement of heart rate, heart to body weight ratio, size of infarction, and serum levels of CK-MB, LDH, MDA, and SOD.

The benefit of curcumin was apparent in two recipient groups. The rats that received curcumin or were treated with BMSCs showed significant reductions in heart to body weight ratio (P < 0.001). The elevation of serum levels of CPK, LDH, MDA, and SOD (P < 0.001) was done in curcumin treatment groups. Decreases in the number of apoptotic cells were significant in cur (P < 0.001) and cur-BMSCs (P = 0.023) groups; histopathological injuries were recognized significantly in cur (P < 0.001) and cur-BMSCs (P = 0.012) groups, and infarct size was significant in both curcumin groups (P < 0.001).

Curcumin pretreatment of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells helps in stem cells transplantation and acts as a synergist.

Morphine is an analgesic drug from the opium family that directly affects central nervous system (CNS) to reduce pain. Naloxone is a pure opioid antagonist that eliminates their respiratory suppressive effects in CNS. The aim of present study was to compare the effect of morphine on testes, and serum level of cholesterol and testosterone in male rats.

In this experimental study, 18 mature male Wistar rats were selected, and randomly divided in 3 equal groups. The groups received normal saline, morphine alone (5 mg/kg), or combination of morphine (5 mg/kg) and naloxone (0.4 mg/kg) subcutaneously 4 days in week for 7 weeks. After one week, the histological structure of testes was studied microscopically, and serum levels of cholesterol and testosterone were determined and compared between the groups.

In histology, degeneration of some seminipherous tubules and increase of distance between them was seen in morphine group; these changes were not seen in morphine-naloxone and control groups. There was not any significant difference between the groups in terms of serum level of cholesterol and testosterone.

Our study suggests that morphine can result in changes in the structure of the testes but the effect of morphine-naloxone on rats was only changes in body weight.

Paraplegia is deterioration in motor or sensory function of the lower limbs that can occur after modification of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. The purpose of this survey was to determine the protective action of lutein on spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) damage. Thirty-five male rats were distributed into five groups: intact, sham, dimethyl sulfoxide (I-R+DMSO), low dose lutein (I-R+0.2 mg/kg lutein), and high dose lutein (I-R + 0.4 mg/kg lutein). Thirty minutes before surgery, a single dose lutein or DMSO was administered to rats of experimental groups. Next, the abdominal aorta was clamped exactly under the left renal artery and proximal to the abdominal aortic bifurcation for 60 min. All animals were evaluated by neurological function and histological and biochemical examinations at 72 hr after I-R. The mean motor deficit index (MDI) scores in lutein groups were lower compared with the DMSO group (P<0.001). Plasma level of malondialdehyde in lutein groups decreased compared with the DMSO group (P<0.05). Plasma level of total antioxidative capacity was increased in the high lutein group compared with low dose lutein and sham groups (P<0.05). Mean number of normal motor neurons in lutein groups was greater compared with the DMSO group (P<0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between MDI scores and the number of normal neurons (r= -0.764, P<0.001). Findings of the present study demonstrate that lutein may support spinal cord neurons from I-R damage.

Phenylhydrazine (PHZ) induced anemia and was shown to have harmful effects on the male reproductive system.

To investigate the protective effect of vitamin C (Vit C) on sperm parameters quality, in vitro fertilization potential and embryonic development in a mouse model of hemolytic anemia induced by PHZ.

Thirty-two NMRI adult male mice (n = 8/each) were randomly classified into four groups. Group I (control) received normal saline, Group II (PHZ) received 8 mg/100 gr body weight PHZ as initial dose, continued by 6 mg/100 gr intraperitoneally every 48 hr, Group III (Vit C) received Vit C (10 mg/kg, daily, intraperitoneally), and group IV (PHZ + Vit C) received PHZ and Vit C. After 35 days, sperm quality parameters, the percentage of sperm with DNA damage and in vitro fertilization outcomes up to blastocyst stage were evaluated.

A significant (p < 0.001) reduction in all of the sperm parameters (count, motility, viability and normal morphology) were observed in group II (PHZ) compared with group I (control). In group IV (PHZ ± Vit C), these parameters and sperm DNA damage (p < 0.001) improved significantly when compared with PHZ-treated mice. Furthermore, PHZ caused a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the fertilization rate and the percentage of pre-implantation embryos’ (two cell embryo and blastocyst) formation in comparison to group I (control), and Vit C supplementation in mice of group IV improved significantly the fertilization rate (p = 0.002), but it could not improve the percentage of two cell embryos and blastocyst production.

The data from this study indicated that Vit C decreased the adverse effects of PHZ on the quality of sperm parameters and in vitro fertilization rate, but it is insufficient to restore the in-vitro embryonic development and fertility potential.

Nowadays, the rapid recovery of skin lesions and functional return are among the goals of researchers. The skin is the first defensive barrier against microorganisms in the body and its failure causes infection to spread in all systems of the body. By taking into account the contradictory results of previous studies on the impact of phototherapy on wound healing and also the considerable anti-oxidative properties of curcumin, this novel study was carried out with the aim of determining the histopathological impact of compact fluorescent light (CFL) and curcumin on the process of wound healing. Forty-eight adult male wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. The control group received 2.0 ml of ethyl oleate, and the curcumin group received only 0.2 ml curcumin daily for 15 days via intraperitoneal injection. The fluorescent group received 0.2 ml of ethyl oleate daily for 15 days via intraperitoneal injection, and were exposed to CFL for 12 hours per day for 15 days. The curcumin plus fluorescent group received 0.2 ml curcumin daily for 15 days via intraperitoneal injection, and were exposed to CFL for 12 hours per day for 15 days. The size of the wound was measured by a scale ruler, and the morphology of the wound site was assessed. The results of this study showed that the best percentage of repair was observed in the fluorescent group on days 6 and 15 (50±5 and 90±2, respectively), while the least repair was seen in the group receiving fluorescent plus curcumin (33±7). In the curcumin group, the wound healing was, not significantly (P=0.872) reduced on the sixth day, compared to the control group, whereas compared to the fluorescent and fluorescent plus curcumin groups, the reduction was significant (P?0.0001 and P=0.05, respectively). On the fifteenth day, however, the wound healing was significantly decreased in the curcumin group compared to the control and fluorescent groups (P?0.0001 and P?0.0001 respectively), while it was significantly increased compared to the fluorescent plus curcumin group (P?0.0001). In the fluorescent plud curcumin group, the wound healing was significantly reduced compared to the other groups on the fifteenth day (P?0.0001). Fluorescent alone resulted in wound healing, in contrast to the control and curcumin plus fluorescent groups. Accelerating the repair in this group is likely due to the increase in blood flow and helping the homeostasis to return to its primary state. The absence of wound healing in the curcumin group is probably due to the high dose of curcumin. Moreover, in the fluorescent plus curcumin group, the causes of no wound healing and weight loss were probably disorders in the inflammation process and spread of infection.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO2NP) is commonly used in industrial products including food colorant, cosmetics, and drugs. Previous studies have shown that oral administration of TiO2NP can be toxic to the reproductive system, but little is known if TiO2NP could be able to affect the functions of the female reproductive system, in particular fertility.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of TiO2NP on histological changes in ovaries, pregnancy rate and in vitro fertility in mice.

In this experimental study, 54 adult female NMRI mice were randomly assigned to two groups: control group (received vehicle orally) and TiO2NP group (received 100 mg/kg/daily TiO2NP solution orally). After 5 wk, pregnancy and in vitro fertilization rates, histological changes in ovaries, malondyaldehyde and estrogen hormone levels in the blood serum were investigated and compared between groups.

Our results revealed that TiO2NP administration induced histological alterations in ovary including, degenerating and reduction of ovarian follicles, ovarian cyst formation and disturbance of follicular development. Compared to control, animals in TiO2NP group have shown significant reduction of pregnancy rates and number of giving birth (p=0.04). TiO2NP caused significant reduction in oocyte number, fertilization rate, and pre-implantation embryo development (p

Our findings suggest that TiO2NP exposure induces alterations on mice ovary resulting in a decrease in the rate of embryo development and fertility.

Operation on the thoraco-abdominal aorta may lead to paraplegia or paraparesis is after spinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of the spinach extract on spinal cord I/R injury. Thirty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: Intact, sham surgery, normal saline (NS), low dose spinach extract (20 mg kg-1), high dose spinach extract (50 mg kg-1). Neurological function, biochemical and histological evaluations were performed in 72 hr after ischemia. The mean motor deficit index scores of the spinach extract groups were significantly lower than in the NS group at 72hr after spinal cord ischemia. In addition, Spinach extract groups significantly increased plasma level of total antioxidative capacity and decreased the plasma level of malondialdehyde than the NS group. The spinach extract groups displayed a significantly large number of normal motor neurons compared with the NS group. In conclusion, the present study showed that the spinach extract may preserve more neurons in a rat model of spinal cord I/R injury.

MDMA (Ecstasy; 3, 4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine), an illicit drug that has been increasingly abused by young people, affects target organs including reproductive system induced by oxidative stress. In biological systems, lipid peroxidation is probably reduced effectively by Vitamin E, a strong antioxidant inhibiting free radicals.
The current study was an attempt to assess the protective effects of Vitamin E on serum biochemical indices and sperm quality parameters in MDMA treated mice.
In the present study, 28 male albino mice were randomly assigned to four equal groups. Group 1 (control) received saline by gastric gavage and i.p.; Group 2 (MDMA) received MDMA (10 mg/kg) i.p. and saline by gastric gavage; Group 3 (MDMA Vitamin E) received MDMA (10 mg/kg) i.p.and vitamin E (150 mg/kg) by gastric gavage; and Group 4 (olive oil) received virgin olive oil (150 mg/kg) by gastric gavage and saline i.p. MDMA was injected with single daily dose, three sequential days/week for 5 weeks (35 days). Blood samples were collected, and then the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Animals’ cauda epididymis were dissected and used for analyzing and evaluating sperm parameters including sperm count, motility, viability, DNA damage, nuclear maturation, and sperm morphology.
Comparison of the MDMA group with the other groups indicated a significant (P The results of the present study showed that MDMA caused induced toxicity in sperm parameters, reduced TAC, and increased MDA level. However, Vitamin E was proven to decrease effectively the deleterious and harmful effects of MDMA on sperm parameters.

To explore the effects of pre versus post ischemic treatment with metformin after global cerebral ischemia in rats.
Male Wister rats underwent forebrain ischemia by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 17 min. Metformin (200 mg/kg) or vehicle was given orally by gavage for 7-14 days. Rats were divided into: control, metformin pre-treatment, metformin post-treatment and metformin pre and post continuous treatment groups. Cerebral infarct size, histopathology, myeloperoxidase and serum malondialdehyde were measured 7 days after ischemia.
Histopathological analysis showed that metformin pre-treatment significantly decreased leukocyte infiltration, myeloperoxidase activity and also malondialdehyde level. Metformin pre-treatment and metformin post-treatment reduced infarct size compared with the control group, but it was not significant in the pre and post continuous treatment group.
Our findings suggest that pre-treatment with metformin in comparison with post-treatment in experimental stroke can reduce the extent of brain damage and is more neuroprotective at least in part by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation.

Background and Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most disabling diseases with various physical and psychological consequences. One of the treatments of SCI is using agents that have neuroprotective effects such as Vitamin C and ubiquinone. This research aimed at investigating the effect of co-administration of these agents on rat experimental model of SCI.
Adult male Wistar rats (n=40) were divided into sham, lesion, AA, CO10, and AAࣤ groups. In sham group only laminectomy was performed and in other groups contusion model of SCI was done. After 24 hr, the animals in AA, COQ10, and AAࣤ groups received intraperitoneal injection of AA, COQ10 and AAࣤ, respectively. Then, behavioral assessment and biochemical study were performed. Eight weeks after treatment, the brains were removed and 5µ sections were prepared. Finally, cresyl violet staining was done.
There was a significant difference in BBB score of AA, COQ10 groups compared to that of the AAࣤ group (P Co-administration of AA and COQ10 in contusion model of SCI led to functional recovery, reduction of MDA, increase of GR level in serum and increase of motor neurons survival in anterior spinal horn.

When the nerve is injured near its entrance to the muscle belly, we cannot perform conventional methods. One useful method in such a situation is neurotization surgery. In this study, Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) implanted into the paralyzed muscle after neurotization surgery. These cells can stimulate axon growth and motor endplate formation, also prevent muscle atrophy.
Thirty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into six groups: intact group, sham surgery group, control group, DMEM group, cellು group, denervated group. The motor nerve of the lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle was cut, and the proximal portion of the severed nerve was transplanted to the proximal third of the muscle paralysis. BMSCs with/or DMEM was injected into the site of injury. All animals were evaluated by withdrawal reflex latency (WRL), electromyography, muscle weight, histology and immunohistochemistry.
The WRL difference between the control and cellು groups at weeks 4 and 12 post-operation was statistically significant (P0.05). In weeks 4 and 12 post-operation, the mean fiber diameters in cellು group were more than control group (P The results of this study demonstrate that transplantation of BMSCs after neurotization surgery, prevent muscle atrophy and improve muscle function.