mokhtar mokhtari

Obesity, a rising global health issue, is linked to numerous disorders, including cognitive impairment.

This study investigates the effects of coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) on cognitive performance, antioxidant defense,cholinergic activity, and hippocampal neuron damage in rats rendered obese by monosodium glutamate (MSG) exposure.

Forty-eight neonatal male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Control, MSG, MSG + Q10-10,and MSG + Q10-20. Monosodium glutamate (4 g/kg BW) was administered subcutaneously into the cervical region frompostnatal day (PND) 2 to PND 10. Coenzyme Q10 (10 mg/kg BW and 20 mg/kg BW) was administered intraperitoneally from PND30 to PND 42. At the end of the treatment period, working memory and avoidance learning tests were conducted.Anthropometric data were collected, followed by evaluations of hippocampal catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD),acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The density of apoptotic/darkneurons (DN) in the CA₁ and CA₃ regions of the hippocampus was also assessed.

Monosodium glutamate treatment increased Body Mass Index (BMI) and Lee Index, impaired working memory andavoidance learning, and reduced CAT, SOD, and GPx activities. Additionally, MSG exposure led to elevated MDA levels, increasedAChE activity, and higher DN density in the CA₁ and CA₃ hippocampal regions. Treatment with Co-Q10 resulted in a decrease inBMI, enhanced memory and learning, noteworthy increases in CAT, SOD, and GPx activities in the hippocampus, and reductionsin MDA levels, AChE activity, and DN density in the CA₁ and CA₃ regions.

Coenzyme Q10 mitigates hippocampal neuronal damage and improves cognitive function in MSG-inducedobesity, primarily through its antioxidant and AChE inhibitory properties.

Escitalopram is a drug that is used for the management and treatment of major depression and generalized anxiety disorders. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of gallic acid as an antioxidant with different doses in rats treated with escitalopram.

In this experimental study, rats were divided into 7 groups including: control group, control group (1 ml of distilled water as drug solvent), experimental groups 1 (10 mg/kg of escitalopram) and 2 (mg 20/kg gallic acid), experimental groups 3, 4 and 5 (first 10 mg/kg escitalopram and then 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg gallic acid respectively) received by gavage for 28 days. At the end of the study, liver enzymes (ALT, AST and GGT) and blood biochemical parameters (ALP, albumin, total protein and total bilirubin) were measured.

Escitalopram administration in experimental group 1 increased the serum levels of ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, albumin, and total bilirubin compared to the control and control groups (P<0.05), but the serum total protein level decreased significantly (P<0.05). The administration of gallic acid in different doses (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) in rats treated with escitalopram decreased the serum levels of ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, albumin and total bilirubin compared to experimental group 1 (P<0.05), but the total protein serum level showed a significant increase (P<0.05).

Escitalopram in a dose of 10 mg/kg can cause disturbances in liver enzymes and blood biochemical parameters. However, gallic acid as an antioxidant, especially at the maximum dose (20 mg/kg), can improve serum levels of liver profile and blood biochemical parameters in male rats treated with escitalopram.

Saffron has anti-seizure, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and memory improvement drugs. In this study, the effect of saffron hydroalcoholic extract on changes in liver-related biochemical factors following chronic vitamin A intoxication in adult male rats was investigated.

For this purpose, 48 adult male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200±20 g were divided into 6 groups of 8. Control group: did not receive any drug treatment, sham group: received only solvent extract, experimental groups 1: Hydroalcoholic extract of saffron alone received 50 mg / kg for 15 days. Experimental group 2: Vitamin A received 50,000 IU for 15 days. Experimental groups 3 and 4: First, they received 50,000 IU of vitamin A for 15 days and then received saffron hydroalcoholic extract at 50 and 80 mg / kg, respectively, for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, the body weight of the animals was measured. Blood samples were taken from the heart and albumin, bilirubin and total protein levels were measured. The results were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test.

The mean body weight in the groups receiving vitamin A and saffron hydroalcoholic extract together and alone did not show a significant change compared to the control and sham groups. Mean serum levels of total protein and albumin in experimental group 2 receiving vitamin A and experimental group 3 showed a significant decrease compared to control and control groups. The mean serum levels of total protein and albumin in experimental group 4 showed a significant increase compared to experimental group 2 receiving vitamin A. The mean serum level of total bilirubin in experimental group 2 receiving vitamin A and experimental group 3 showed a significant increase compared to the control and sham groups. The mean serum level of total bilirubin in experimental group 4 showed a significant decrease compared to experimental group 2 receiving vitamin A (P> 0.05).

Saffron hydroalcoholic extract has a protective effect on changes in liver-related biochemical factors following chronic vitamin A poisoning in adult male rats.

Heavy metals such as lead can have negative effects on the nervous system. Anxiety is one of the most common neurological disorders that can be induced under the influence of lead. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of parsley leaves (Petroselinum crispum; HEPL) on anxiety in rats treated with lead acetate.

Male rats were divided into 6 groups of 10. The control group did not receive drug treatment, but the sham group animals received 1 ml of distilled water as lead acetate solvent by intraperitoneal injection. The animals of the Lead group received lead acetate at a dose of 20 mg/kg and the animals of the HEPL200 group received HEPL at a dose of 200 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection. The animals of the Lead+HEPL100 and Lead+HEPL200 groups received lead acetate with a dose of 20 mg/kg as an intraperitoneal injection 2 hours before the intraperitoneal injection of HEPL with a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. The study period in all groups was 21 days. At the end of the study, the open field test was used to measure anxiety behavior including the parameters of Grooming (cleaning the body, face and legs), Rearing (standing on two rear legs) and Crossing (crossing the lines). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test.

The results of this study showed that there was a significant decrease in the number of Grooming, Rearing and Crossing in the Lead group compared to the control and control groups (P<0.05). In the Lead+HEPL200 group, a significant increase in the number of Grooming, Rearing and Crossing was observed compared to the Lead group (P<0.05).

Lead can cause anxiety behaviors in male rats. However, administration of HEPL can improve anxiety behaviors in male rats treated with lead acetate.

Melon seeds have estrogenic, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and antioxidant effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of melon seeds on the pituitary-gonadal axis and the tissue changes of the testis in adult male rats.

In this experimental study, 50 adult male Wistar rats weighing 210-230 g were assigned to five groups (n=10). The Control group received no extract or solvent; Sham group: 1 ml of distilled water as a solvent; experimental group 1: Melon seed extract (50 mg/kg), experimental group 2: Melon seed extract (100 mg/kg), Experimental group 3: Melon seed extract (150 mg/kg). After 21 days of treatment by the intraperitoneal method, blood was taken from the animals. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Thereafter, the testicles were removed, and tissue changes were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 18) using a one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey's test.

The mean body weight in experimental groups 2 and 3 demonstrated a significant decrease compared to the control and sham groups (P<0.001). The mean weight of the testes in experimental groups 2 and 3 displayed a significant increase compared to the control and sham groups. The mean concentration of testosterone hormones, FSH, LH, the number of spermatogonial cells, primary spermatocytes, spermatids, Sertoli, and Leydig cells, as well as the number of sperm cells in experimental group 3,  had a significant increase compared to the control and sham groups (P<0.001).

As evidenced by the results of this study, the hydroalcoholic extract of melon seeds had stimulating effects on the pituitary-gonadal axis and testicular tissue in adult male rats.

Cadmium chloride causes  lipid dysfunction. In this study, the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora caerulea aerial parts against lipid dysfunction induced by cadmium chloride in male rats were investigated.

In this experimental study, 54 adult male wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 9. The control group, The sham group received  2 ml / distilled water as solvent. The negative control group  received 2 mg / kg cadmium chloride intraperitoneally for 21 days. Experimental 1, 2 and 3 groups: respectively, received 2 mg / kg cadmium chloride intraperitoneally for 21 days and then 150,300 and 450 mg / kg hydroalcoholic extracts of aerial parts of Passiflora caerulea intraperitoneally for 30 days. Blood samples were taken from all animals at the end of the experiment. Blood samples were taken to measure levels of HDL, LDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides. Data were analyzed according to SPSS18 program, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests.

The mean serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in all experimental groups compared to the negative control group showed a significant decrease. Mean serum high-density lipoproteins (HDL) concentration in experimental 2 and 3 groups  showed a significant increase compared to the negative control group (P <0.05).

The hydroalcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Passiflora caerulea probably corrects the lipid dysfunction induced by cadmium chloride in male rats.

This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of dosin (Negilla sativa and honey) on learning and memory in adult male rats after induction of hypothyroidism.

In this experimental study60 adult male Wistar rats with an approximate weight of 225-200 g were divided into six groups . The control group (Ctl), Sham group receiving one milliliter of distilled water, Experimental group 1 of hypothyroidism (Hypo) who received methimazole in the amount of 25 mg/kg. Experimental group 2 receiving Dosin at the rate of 100 mg/kg , experimental groups 3 and 4, in addition to inducing hypothyroidism, received 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively . Memory and learning disorderswere evaluated by the Morris water maze test.

the time and distance traveled to reach the platform in the experimental group 1 (Hypo) was higher than the control group (Ctl) on the third and fourth days. The time and the route traveled in experimental groups 3 and 4 on the third day were less than the experimental group 1. Spatial memory results showed that the average time spent in the target quadrant in experimental group 1 decreased significantly compared to the control group. Also, the average time and distance spent in the target quadrant in experimental group 3 showed a significant increase compared to experimental group 1.

treatment with dossin extract may ameliorate the deleterious effects of hypothyroidism on learning and memory.

Securigera securidaca L. seeds are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that have many biological effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Securigera securidaca seed on alterations in serum biochemical parameters including glucose, lipid profile (cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL), renal function indices (creatinine and BUN) and antioxidant enzymes activity (Catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) in tamsulosin-treated male rats. Seventy-two adult male rats were grouped into 9 groups of 8. The control group did not receive drug treatment but the sham group received 1 ml of extract solvent, the positive control group received 0.4 mg/kg Tamsulosin, negative control groups 1, 2, and 3 received 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg extract, respectively and experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 first received 0.4 mg/kg Tamsulosin and then 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of extract for 28 days, respectively. Finally, blood samples were collected to measure the serum biochemical parameters. Tamsulosin increased the levels of glucose, creatinine and BUN, and decreased the level of antioxidant enzymes activity in the control group (p < 0.05), but did not cause significant changes in the level of lipid profile (p > 0.05). However, treatment with doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg of extract in experimental groups 2 and 3, improved glucose, creatinine, BUN and antioxidant enzymes activity compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Hydroalcoholic extract of Securigera securidaca seeds can improve changes in biochemical parameters and renal function indices in the serum of tamsulosin-treated male rats.

Cadmium chloride causes liver dysfunction. In the present study, the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Alcea rosea against changes in biochemical factors and hepatic tissue induced by cadmium chloride in male Males were investigated.

In this experimental study, 56 adult male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200±10 g  were divided into 6 groups of 9. The control group, The sham group 1 received 0.2 ml distilled water as solvent. The sham group 2 received 2 mg/ kg of cadmium chloride intraperitoneally for 21 days. Experimental groups 1, 2 and 3: 2 mg / kg cadmium chloride intraperitoneally for 21 days and then 450 and 300,150 mg / kg hydroalcoholic extracts of aerial parts of Alcea rosea received intraperitoneally for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, the body weight and liver weight of the animals were measured. Blood samples were taken to measure albumin, bilirubin and total protein levels. Liver tissue samples were studied pathologically after hematoxylin-eosin staining.

The mean body weight in all experimental groups did not show significant changes compared to the sham group2. The mean liver weight in all experimental groups showed a significant increase compared to the sham group2. Mean serum bilirubin concentration in all experimental groups showed a significant decrease compared to the sham group2. The mean serum albumin concentration in the experimental group receiving 3 showed a significant increase compared to the sham group2. Mean serum albumin and total protein concentrations in the experimental group receiving 2 showed a significant increase compared to the sham group2 (P <0.05). In all experimental groups, the improvement of hepatic tissue changes induced by cadmium chloride was dose-dependent.

It is possible that the hydroalcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Alcea rosea improves the changes in biochemical factors and hepatic tissue induced by cadmium chloride in male rats.

Heavy metals such as lead have negative effects on different tissues of the body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aqueous-ethanolic extract of parsley leaves (Petroselinum crispum) on the antioxidant content of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and the expression of the Bak gene as an active gene in the apoptosis pathway in the liver tissue of adult male rats.

Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 10 including control, Sham, experimental1 (20 mg/kg lead acetate), experimental2 (200 mg/kg extract), experimental3 (20 mg/kg lead acetate and 100 mg/kg extract) and experimental4 (20 mg/kg lead acetate and 200 mg/kg extract) were divided. The length of the study period in all groups was 21 days. At the end of the study, blood samples were taken to measure GSH and GPX and liver tissue samples were taken to evaluate Bak gene by real time-PCR method.

Lead acetate decreased the antioxidant content of GSH and GPX in rats and in contrast increased the expression of Bak gene. Administering aqueous-ethanolic extract of parsley leaves in rats treated with lead acetate, increased the antioxidant content of GSH and GPX and decreased Bak gene expression.

Lead acetate has negative effects on liver tissue by reducing the antioxidant content and increasing the expression of apoptosis genes. However, it seems that the aqueous-ethanolic extract of parsley leaves with antioxidant effects can counteract the harmful effects of lead acetate and improve the antioxidant content and modulate the genes involved in the apoptosis of rat liver tissue.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive dysfunction in premenopausal women. PCOS is associated with oxidative stress (OS), which is the main risk factor for renal diseases. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms responsible for renal injury in a hyperandrogenemic female rat model.  This study was conducted from December 2019 to September 2021 at Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran). Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=10), namely control, sham, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Plasma total testosterone, plasma creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were measured. In addition, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), and histopathological changes in the ovaries and kidneys were determined. Data were analyzed using the GraphPad Prism software, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Plasma total testosterone levels increased by nine-fold in DHEA-treated rats compared to controls (P=0.0001). Administration of DHEA increased Cr and BUN levels and caused severe renal tubular cell injury. In addition, plasma and tissue (kidney and ovary) TAC levels decreased significantly, but TOS levels and OSI values were significantly increased (P=0.019). Significant damage to both glomerular and tubular parts of the kidney and ovarian follicular structure was observed in the DHEA group. Hyperandrogenemia caused systemic abnormalities through OS-related mechanisms and damaged renal and ovarian tissues. DHEA treatment in rat models is recommended to study the mechanisms that mediate PCOS-associated renal injury.

Changes related to thyroid hormones cause gonadal dysfunction and infertility Present study aimed at determining the effect of Dosin ( Sativa Nigella and honey mixture) on sex stroids and spermatogenesis following Methimazole induction of hypothyroidism in rats.

In this experimental study, 60 adult male Wistar rats aged about 10-11 weeks were randomly divided into six groups of ten, including the control group, The Sham group,experimental group 1; the adminstration of methimazol  at dose of 25 mg/kg for 10 day  , experimental group 2; the adminstration of Dosin alone at dose of 200 mg/kg for 21 days, groups Experiments 3 and 4 ; the adminstration of Dosin at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg for 21 days, were divided. At the end of the experiment, blood was taken from the heart of the animals and the serum concentrations of dihydrotestosterone, androsterone, dihydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was also performed to examine testicular tissue changes.

The amount of dihydrotestosterone, dihydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione in experimental groups 3 and 4 showed a significant increase compared to experimental group 1. The amount of androsterone in experimental group 4 increased compared to experimental group 1.In experimental groups 3 and 4, primary spermatocyte cells, spermatids and the amount of epididymal sperm storage showed a significant increase compared to experimental group 1.

 Based on the results, black seed and honey (ducin) improve and multiply the cells of spermatogenic germ line in rats with hypothyroidism

The studies have shown that sex steroids affected cancer cells at the cellular and molecular level. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-proliferation effects of testosterone on colorectal cancer (HCT) cell lines and caspase-3, -8 and -9 activity level.

In this laboratory-experimental study, cells were randomly divided into control group (no exposure to hormone) and groups exposed to 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/ml of testosterone. The cytotoxic effect of the extract was measured using MTT assay method. Caspase-3, -8 and -9 activity level was evaluated by ELISA method. The data were statistically analyzed between groups using student’s t-test and ANOVA (Tukey).

0.1, 1 and 10 mg/ml of testosterone significantly reduced the viability of HCT cells compared to the control group (P

Diabetes is a metabolic disease associated with hypoglycemia, hypolipidemia, and liver dysfunction.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of black seed and honey (dozin) on liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

70 adult male rats weighing approximately 220-200 g were divided into 7  groups: Control group: did not receive any medication. The sham  group received only solvent.  Experimental group 1 and 2: Animals in this group received 2 and 4 g / kg of hydroalcoholic extract of black seed and honey (dosin), respectively. Experimental group 3 received streptozotocin intraperitoneally as diabetic group : Animals in this group received 70 mg / kg of streptozotocin intraperitoneally, experimental group 4 and 5,  Animals in this group first received streptozotocin and then 2 and 4 g / kg of extracts. Rats  were treated for 21 days and at the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected and serum levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) were measured.

The results show that the levels of AST and ALP enzymes in experimental groups 5 and 4, respectively, compared with experimental group 3 (diabetic group l) and in experimental groups 1 and 2, compared with control and sham groups, showed a significant decrease at the level of p <0.05. In experimental group 3 (diabetic group), the levels of AST and ALP enzymes showed a significant increase compared to control and sham groups.

This study showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of black seed and honey (dosine) probably improves the destructive effects of diabetes on changes in liver enzymes due to its antioxidant properties.

Alcohol consumption can cause hepatitis and long-term cirrhosis of the liver. Curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of liver damage caused by overuse of ethanol.

In this experimental study, 30 adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 5. The control group received only normal water and food daily. The sham group received only 2cc of olive oil daily. The experimental group1 received only 100 mg / kg curcumin daily. Experimental group 2 daily received 2 cc Ethanol30%. The experimental group3 daily received Ethanol 30%  and 50mg/kg of curcumin and experimentl group 4 daily received Ethanol30% and 100 mg/kg.  of  curcumin. The animals received water, ethanol, curcumin, and food orally daily for 28 days. At the end of the test period, blood samples were taken from the hearts of the animals. Serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, GGT and arginase as well as serum albumin, total protein and blood urea nitrogen were measured. Animal liver tissue was removed in different groups. Hematoxylin-eosin staining method was used to test the testicular tissue.

Ethanol treatment significantly increased the activity levels of serum enzymes ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, arginase 1 and blood urea nitrogen compared to control, sham and experimental   group 1 (p˂0.05), while decreased albumin and the total protein levels (p˂0.05). In addition, ethanol treatment caused the accumulation of fat droplets, hyperemia, necrosis, apoptosis and eosinophilia of the cytoplasm in hepatocytes. However, co-administration of ethanol and curcumin significantly reduced ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, arginase 1 and BUN levels compared to the ethanol group (p˂0.05), while increased albumin and total protein levels (p˂0.05). Histopathologically, a decrease in structural changes in liver tissue and apoptosis was observed, resulting in the improvement of liver tissue.

The administration of curcumin can reduce ethanol-induced liver damage in rats and improve serum liver and blood parameters.

Hypothyroidism among patients with endocrine glands is the most common disease after diabetes. In hypothyroidism, the secretion of the hormone that regulates the metabolism is reduced. This study aimed to investigate the effect of hydro-alcoholic ginger extract as the drug to increase the metabolism on the amount of glucose in normal and hypothyroidism rats.

To perform this test, 60 male Wistar rats were divided into six groups, and the control group did not receive any material. The controls received 0.1 mL of saline solution for 24 days. The experimental group 1 received 60 mg/kg of methimazole for 24 days. The experimental group 2 received ginger hydroalcoholic extracts of 400 mg/kg, experimental groups 3 and 4 received methimazole 60 mg/kg and simultaneously ginger hydroalcoholic extract with doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg for 24 days, respectively. Moreover, 48 h after the first injection, anesthesia was performed using ether, and the blood sample of their heart was collected. The amount of glucose was measured by an autoanalyzer machine. The collected data was analyzed in SPSS software using ANOVA.

There was a significant increase in the amount of glucose in the blood sample of experimental group 1, compared to the control group. A significant decrease was observed in groups 3 and 4 after using hydro-alcoholic ginger extract.

Based on the results, it can be predicted that using ginger can decrease the amount of glucose in the blood of patients with hypothyroidism.

The proprioceptive system is a sensory system based on an individual’s knowledge of his or her body. This knowledge is transmitted to the brain through inputs received from joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. As a result, these inputs inadvertently inform the brain of the state of the body’s muscles. Numerous factors can affect this system. This study aimed to investigate the effect of estrogen and progesterone hormones on understanding and recognizing the proprioceptive sense of hip joint in healthy women during the menstrual cycle.

In this quasi-experimental study, 15 healthy women participated voluntarily. They had regular menstrual cycles without any history of disease and drug use. The concentration of estrogen and progesterone during a cycle in the follicular (4-6 days), ovulation, and luteal phases were evaluated to detect their effects on the sense of perception and cognition of the proprioceptive joint in the two movements of abduction and flexion by the target angle reconstruction method (30°).

The errors of active joint position sense were reduced in abduction and flexion during ovular and luteal phases compared to the follicular phase. However, in the flexion direction of hip movement, there was a significant difference in absolute error during hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle (P=0.000).

The results showed that due to more involvement of motor control of hip muscles joint by motor neuron activity (increase release of estrogen hormone), all errors reduced in ovular and luteal phases compared to the follicular phase. The flexion movement is more disturbed, and due to more flexibility in this direction, absolute errors are significantly reduced. This reduction of errors in ovular and luteal phases compared to the regular stage of hormone release (follicular phase) may cause some rigidity in the hip joint and an increase of trauma in external mechanical forces. This study’s findings showed that the lowest proprioception sensation is in the follicular phase. Decreasing the concentration of sex hormones in this phase is likely to reduce the sense of recognition of the joint, thus increasing the likelihood of injury in this phase. Findings from this study showed that the lowest proprioceptic sensation is in the follicular phase. The results of this study showed that the least sense is Prvpryvsptyk in Fazfvlykvlar.

Objectives: Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) are widespread in the environment and human exposure to these elements has a broad range of toxic effects. However, the knowledge of possible mechanisms of As and Pb in male reproductive toxicity is generally negligible. Materials and Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of the presence of Pb or As in the serum of infertile men and the relation between them and DNA damage in the sperm by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, atomic adsorption, and chromatin attaining. Results: These results showed that there is a significant correlation between high levels of Pb and As in the serum and semen quality in infertile men. Finally, the results of chromatin condensation (CMA3) staining demonstrated a high level of damage in the sperms of infertile men. Conclusions: It was hypothesized that Pb and As have interaction effects on histone to protamine replacement and prevent the chromatin condensation, resulting in a reduction in male fertility

Many diseases, including diabetes, are involve in the development of liver disorders through changes in the expression of genes such as Caspase-3. In the present study, the impact of alcoholic extract of Alhagi maurorum on the expression level of liver Caspase-3 gene was investigated in male Wistar rats following the induction of diabetes mellitus by streptozotocin.

In this experimental study, 42 male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups. The control group was left untreated, the diabetic control group received one dose of 70 mg/kg streptozotocin, the experimental groups 1 and 2 received 250 and 500 mg/kg Alhagi maurorum alcoholic extract peritoneally respectively, and the experimental groups 3 and 4 first received streptozotocin followed by 250 and 500 mg/kg extracts respectively. To investigate the expression level of the Caspase-3 gene, liver samples were obtained from all the groups, and were evaluated using real time PCR.

The expression of Caspase-3 gene, against β actine, increased significantly in experimental groups compared to the control group, while diabetic groups received extract showed reduced gene expression compared to the streptozotocin group.

It appears that Alhagi maurorum extract is effective in reducing hepatic gene expression of Caspase-3, which increases after using streptozotocin. This effect is possibly due to the anti-oxidants contents, such as flavonoids and anthocyanins.

Cadmium chloride causes liver injury. In this study, the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Passifloracaerulea aerial parts against hepatic dysfunction induced by cadmium chloride in adult male rats was investigated.

Fifty-four adult male rats were divided into 6 groups of 9:control group; sham group1:received 0.2ml/kg distilled water daily intraperitoneally as solvent. Sham group2;received 2 mg/kg cadmium chloride daily intraperitoneally during 21 days; experimental groups 1, 2 and 3: received 2 mg/kg cadmium chloride daily intraperitoneally during 21 days and then the hydroalcoholic extract of Passifloracaerulea aerial parts at the doses of 150, 300, 450mg/kg intraperitoneally during 30 days . The serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, LDH, albumin, bilirubin, and total protein were measured. The pathological examination of hepatic tissue samples were done after hematoxylin - eosin staining.

The mean levels of ALT, ALP, GGT, LDH and bilirubin in the all experimental groups showed a significant decrease compared to the group receiving cadmium chloride. The mean levels of AST in the experimental groups 2 and 3 showed a significant decrease compared to the group receiving cadmium chloride. The mean serum albumin and total protein concentration in experimental groups 2and 3 increased significantly compared to the group receiving cadmium chloride. In all experimental groups the hepatic tissue changes induced by cadmium chloride improved which were dose dependent (P˂0.05).

The results of this study showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of Passifloracaerulea aerial parts had protective effects against the hepatic dysfunction induced by cadmium chloride in adult male rats.

Studies have shown that progesterone is effective in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of progesterone on the activity of caspases 8, 9, and 3 and to investigate morphological changes in MCF-7 cell nuclei.

In this experimental study, MCF-7 cells were purchased from the Bank of Pasteur Institute of Iran. The activity of caspases 8, 9, 3 and the morphological changes of the cell nucleus in the cells exposed to the cytotoxic concentration of progesterone (2.5 mg/ml) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test.

The activity of caspases 8, 9, and 3 (P˂0.01, P˂ 0.001 and P˂0.001, respectively) in MCF-7 cells exposed to cytotoxic progesterone concentration (2.5 mg/ml) significantly increased compared with the control group. Exposure of MCF-7 cells to the cytotoxic concentration of progesterone (2.5 mg/ml) caused several changes in MCF-7 cell nuclei.

The results of this study showed that progesterone increases caspase 8, 9, and 3 activity in MCF-7 cells.

Mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) are metals found in the environment from natural and anthropogenic sources. They are highly toxic to humans and other living beings. Most human exposures come from the consumption of contaminated seafood or occupational exposure. It has been accepted that exposure to heavy metals leads to damage the male reproduction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Hg and Cd in infertile men.

In general, 62 men were included in this study among whom, 31 cases were infertile and within the age range of 23-38. The blood samples were collected to measure the concentrations of Cd and Hg in the serum using atomic adsorption spectrophotometry. In addition, semen analyses were performed according to the World Health Organization criteria, followed by sperm characteristics such as motility, head morphology, validity, and total count for at least 200 spermatozoa of each sample. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS software, version 17. Finally, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for parametric distribution.

A considerable level of Hg and Cd was detected in the serum of infertile men compared with the control and there was a statistical difference between them and the control group (P ≤ 0.05) Based on the results, there was a correlation between the high level of heavy metals and impairments in seminal quality. Further, the DNA damage was evaluated using chromatin condensation staining assay and the results showed a high percentage of DNA damage for infertile men in accordance with the levels of Hg and Cd (P ≤ 0.05).

According to our results, Cd and Hg cooperate in affecting the sperm and leading to the DNA damage of the sperm

Diazinon (DZN), as an organophosphorus pesticide (OP), induces oxidative stress leading to the generation of free radicals and causes some pathological changes in the body. The purpose of this study was to assess the protective effects of L-carnitine (LC) and Silybum marianum aqueous extract (SMAE) against DZN-induced hepatotoxicity in male rat liver. Rats were assigned in 9 groups (n=8) including control, sham, DZN15, SMAE100, LC300, SMAE100+LC300, DZN15+LC300, DZN15+SMAE100 and DZN15+SMAE100+LC300. Thirty days after the treatment by oral gavage, blood samples were taken and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), Albumin (Alb) and total protein (TP) were measured using photometric method. Besides, the livers of rats were removed and evaluated histopathologically. The DZN15 treatment significantly increased the AST, ALT, ALP and GGT levels (p<0.05) and conversely decreased the Alb and TP levels (p<0.05). Moreover, administration of the DZN15 resulted in lymphocytic inflammation, congestion, apoptosis hepatocyte, and lesser sinusoids space. However, the DZN15+SMAE100+LC300 treatment did not change the ALT, ALP, GGT, Alb and TP levels (p˃0.05) but increased the AST level significantly compared to the control (p<0.05). Besides that, lesser structural alterations and improvement in the liver tissue were observed. The findings suggest that co-administration of SMAE and LC could reduce DZN-induced hepatic tissue damages and improve the hepatic biochemical parameters in rats.

Researches have shown that progesterone influences the viability of breast cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of progesterone on the viability of MCF-7 cell line and evaluation of Expression level of P53, Bax, and Bcl-2 Genes. In this laboratory-experimental study, MCF-7 cells were purchased from Pasture institute and divided into control group and the group received progesterone in the concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10mg/mL. The viability of the cells was assessed using MTT assay. The relative expression level of P53, Bax, and Bcl-2 genes was investigated by Real Time PCR technique. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and independent samples t-test. Exposure to 10mg/ml of progesterone resulted in decreased viability of MCF-7 cells compared to the control group (p<0.001). However, exposure to 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1mg/ml of progesterone did not significantly alter the viability of the MCF-7 cells, as compared to the control group. The expression level of P53 and Bax genes significantly increased in MCF-7 cells exposed to the concentration 2.5mg/ml of progesterone compared to the control group (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively), but, the expression level of Bcl-2 gene significantly decreased compared to the control group (p<0.001). The results of this study revealed that high concentration of progesterone reduces the viability of MCF-7 cells and the cytotoxic effect of progesterone on MCF-7 cells is performed by induction of Bax dependent apoptosis and increased expression level of P53 tumor suppressor gene. Accordingly, progesterone is important in the treatment of breast cancer.

Various studies have shown that sex steroids affect cancer cells at cellular and molecular level. In this study, the anti-proliferation effects of testosterone, was investigated on gastric cancer cell line (AGS) and activity level of caspase-3, -8 and -9, was evaluated.
  In this laboratory experimental study, AGS cell line, were randomly divided into control group (no exposure to hormone) and groups received testosterone (at concentrations 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10mg/ml). The cytotoxic effect of the extract was measured using MTT assay method. Caspase-3, -8 and -9 activity level was also evaluated using ELISA method. The data were statistically analyzed between groups using one way ANOVA and student’s t-test.
  Testosterone at the concentrations of 0.1 and 1mg/mL significantly reduced the viability of AGS cells compared to the control group (p<0.001). Exposure of gastric cancer cells to 1mg/mL of testosterone significantly increased the activity level of caspase-3 (p<0.001) and -9 (p<0.05) as compared to the control group, but caused no significant change in the activity level of caspase-8. The findings of this study showed that testosterone can exert cytotoxic effects on AGS cell line, which this effect is at least partly mediated by caspase-3 and -9.