مجله زیست شناسی جانوری
سال سیزدهم شماره 4 (تابستان 1400)

With age, some functions of the nervous system, including avoidance memory, are impaired. The beneficial effects of exercise on neurogenesis, increasing neuronal synapses, the treatment of mental disorders, helping improve brain injuries, and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases have been proven. Citrus limon is one of the plants mentioned in traditional medicine for its analgesic effects. Therefore, in the present study, the effect of four weeks of lemon essential oil consumption and swimming training on memory and pain in male mice was investigated. To this end, 40 male mice with a weight of 40±  5 g were studied. The mice were randomly divided into 4 groups including control, swimming group, group receiving lemon essential oil, and group of swimming training + consuming lemon essential oil. Swimming practice consisted of four weeks of swimming in water for 30 minutes per session and five sessions per week, and 50 mg/kg lemon essential oil was administered by gavage. The pain threshold was measured to evaluate the avoidance memory of the shuttle box using the tail flick test. The results showed that the essential oil of lemon and swimming training has significantly reduced pain (p < 0.001). Moreover, the combined consumption of lemon essential oil and swimming training increased memory in male mice (p < 0.001). Aerobic exercise, especially swimming, has had a positive effect on memory consolidation and reduction of pain threshold. Probably, consuming lemon essential oil due to the presence of strong antioxidants can reduce the feeling of pain and improve avoidance memory.

Cyclophosphoma iodine is a DNA-inducing drug with anti-neoplastic properties. One of its most important side effects is changing the function of the reproductive system in males, which may lead to infertility. The ODF gene significantly reduced in infertile men. In spite of the effect of this drug on testicular tissue, there was no work on the expression of ODF1 and ZPBP genes in testicular tissue; this was done for the first time. In this study, 20 adult male Wistar rats weighing 220±30 g were selected and all were fed by standard pellet diet in the group receiving cyclophosphamide: receiving standard pellet with water and cyclophosphamide at a dose of 40 mg/kg. The groups were treated intraperitoneally for 30 days. The expression of ODF1 and ZPBP genes was investigated by Real Time method. The results showed that the expression level of ODF1 and ZPBP genes was significantly different between the control and treatment groups, and according to the calculations performed by the software the statistical data (P≤0.05), SPSS, and one-way ANOVA test, it was concluded that ZPBP and ODF1 gene expression decreased 7.26 and 7.5 times in the group exposed to cyclophosphamide compared to the control group, respectively. Moreover, comparing the number of sperm in the control and treatment groups showed that the number of sperms in the treatment group decreased compared to the control group. Reduced number of sperm may affect the fertility rate of male Wistar rats.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that occurs in both men and women, but is more likely to occur in men than women. Epilepsy and many antiepileptic drugs cause reproductive disorders and reduce the quality of semen in men and increase the risk of infertility in men with epilepsy. some medicinal plants prevents the progression of the disease and the occurrence of epileptic seizures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Satureja edmondi on the level of pituitary-gonadal hormones in normal and epileptic rats with pentylenetetrazole. In this study, 48 Wistar rats were used. Rats were divided into two groups: normal and kindling with pentylenetetrazole, and each group was divided into three subgroups, control and treated with doses of 150 and 300 ppm Satureja edmondi essential oil. After 4 weeks, rats were examined for pituitary-gonadal hormone levels. Data analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA method and Tukey post hoc test and P

Studies have shown that sex steroids affect the proliferation of cancer cells at cellular and molecular levels. The present study investigated the apoptotic effects of testosterone on lung cancer (A549) cells in cell culture medium. In this experimental-laboratory study, the cytotoxic effects of testosterone on Hek293 and A549 cells were assayed using MTT method. Real time PCR was used to evaluate the expression levels of Bax and Bcl2 genes in A549 cells exposed to IC50 dose of testosterone. The data were statistically analyzed between groups using one-way ANOVA. Exposure of Hek293 and A549 cells to higher dose of testosterone (1000 microg/ml) of testosterone resulted in significant decrease in cell viability (P<0.001). IC50 dose of testosterone significantly decreased the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene expression level (P<0.001) in A549 cells, however, did not significantly change the expression level of apoptotic Bax gene. The cytotoxic concentration of testosterone induces apoptosis in lung cancer cells by its inhibitory effect on anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene expression level. Accordingly, appropriate dose of testosterone has anti-cancer effects against lung cancer cells.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise and oral consumption of Iranian saffron flower on Nesfatin-1 and Omentin-1 in obese women with type 2 diabetes. Forty-four people from the research community were randomly selected and divided into four groups (11 people in each group) 1. supplement + exercise, 2. exercise + placebo, 3. placebo and 4. supplement. The training protocol in the first session included 20 minutes of activity with an intensity of 40 to 45% of the maximum heart rate, increased by 5 minutes every week for 9 weeks and 5% of the intensity of activity every two weeks. Due to the lack of regular physical activity and low physical fitness of these people, aerobic exercise started with a heart rate of 40-45% of the maximum heart rate and the intensity and duration of exercise increased gradually and continuously every week. The placebo and saffron supplement groups were asked not to exercise during this period. The amount of 200 mg of powdered saffron flower in capsules of the same color and shape with placebo capsules containing 200 mg of wheat flour was prepared. The results within the group indicated a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test of omentin-1 and nesfatin-1 in all groups except the placebo group (P≤0.05). Besides, the comparison of the results between groups in the variables of omentin-1 and nesfatin-1 showed a significant difference between all groups receiving the intervention in the post-test phase with the placebo group (P=0.0001). Although exercise has benefits in improving diabetics, but according to the results of the present study, supplementation with saffron extract can lead to a further increase in omentin-1 and nesfatin-1.

Obesity has become a global problem today. Obesity can be caused by sedentary lifestyle and a high-cholesterol diet. This condition increases oxidative stress and decreases the activity of oxidative enzymes, resulting in many complications, including cardiovascular disorders. Aerobic exercise and avoidance of high-fat diets are used as a non-pharmacological intervention to increase antioxidant capacity; however, the exact mechanisms of this on the cardiovascular system have not yet been fully identified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise on cardiac antioxidant enzymes in mice fed high cholesterol diet. Thirty-two laboratory Wistar rats (191.2 ± 19 g), age 6-8 weeks were randomly assigned to four groups after the hypercholesterolemia induction of half of the rats (adding 1% cholesterol to the food of the rats and sampling the tails of the rats). These four groups comprised of the aerobic exercise-normal nutrition group (n=8), hypercholesterolemic group (n=8), aerobic exercise- hypercholesterolemic group (n=8) and normal nutrition group (n=8). Each endurance exercise training session was held five days a week for 12 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last training session, the rats were killed and the cardiomyocytes were removed. Moreover, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzymes was evaluated by specific kits. The results showed that increasing blood cholesterol had a statistically significant effect on reducing SOD, CAT, and GPX in heart tissue (p=0.001). Furthermore, it was found that aerobic exercise significantly increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes in cardiomyocytes (p=0.001). The highest decrease in the level of antioxidant enzymes was related to the hypercholesterolemic group and the highest increase was related to the aerobic exercise-normal nutrition group. Cholesterol-rich diets reduce the activity of antioxidants in the heart. Although aerobic exercise increases the heart’s antioxidant activity, it seems that avoiding a high-cholesterol diet can play a more effective role.

Anxiety and depression are the most common mental illnesses. Oxidative stress is one of the causes of anxiety and depression. Lepidium sativum has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Lepidium sativum on anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in adult male mice. In this study, male mice weighing 30-35 g were used. First, the tested animals were treated with aqueous extract of Lepidium sativum at doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg for 2 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, the levels of anxiety and depression were assessed by an elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swimming test, respectively. No significant changes were observed in any of the groups receiving Lepidium sativum extract in the time spent in the open arm, the number of entrances to the open arm and motor activity. The results of forced swimming test showed that in animals receiving Lepidium sativum extract at doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg, swimming time and immobility time were significantly increased and decreased compared to the control group, respectively (p < 0.01). The results of this study showed the modulatory effects of Lepidium sativum extract on depressive-like behaviors, but this extract had no significant effects on anxiety-like behaviors.

Recently, mothers’ physical activity during pregnancy has been the subject of many studies and no human studies have reported negative effects of prenatal exercise on fetus. This study aimed to determine the effect of managed exercise during pregnancy on fetal growth. This randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 80 pregnant women in Damghan meeting the inclusion criteria. Samples were randomly selected using randomization website and divided into control and intervention groups. The intervention consisted of a structured individual and group aerobic exercises including individual walking, aerobic exercise, sitting Pilates exercise, and moderate to intense gestational aerobic exercise three times a week from gestational age of 18-20 weeks to 37-39 weeks. There were approximately 60 training sessions. The control group received standard care and had routine activities. The independent t-test revealed an insignificant difference between the control and intervention groups in infant weight (t = 0.957, p = 0.342), head circumference (t = 0.921, p = 0.342), and height (t = 0.739, p = 0.492) and gestational age t=1.218, p=0.277. A moderate intensity managed exercise during pregnancy does not pose a risk to maternal and fetal well-being and it does not endanger the health and growth of the fetus.

The skin is prone to mechanical injuries and damage and the skin collagen changes with age. Herbs and aloe vera gel are used experimentally and traditionally in the skin repair and rejuvenation. In this study, the effect of gelatin-aloe vera nanofibers on the expression of collagen I gene after skin microneedling was investigated in male mice under standard laboratory conditions. Skin microneedling was performed on the backs of the tested mice. Groups were subjected to treatments with saline, aloe vera gel, and gelatin-aloe vera nanofibers for 48 h. The expression of collagen I gene was evaluated through sampling and purification of tissue RNA by Real time PCR method. According to the results, skin injury resulted in a significant reduction in the expression of the collagen I gene in the treatment groups compared to the control group. In comparison, treatment with aloe vera gel and aloe vera/gelatin nanofibers significantly increased gene expression compared to the model group. Furthermore, the existing Glucomannan increased gene expression at the site of injury by passing through pores.

Bone tissue engineering is a promising approach to develop new appropriate treatments for bone tissue damage. One of the important goals in this field is to fabricate the scaffolds by mimicking the extracellular matrix. The aim of this study was to study the fabrication of polylactic acid/Laponite (PLA/LAP) scaffold and to investigate the behavior of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) on it. First, PLA scaffold was fabricated by electrospinning technique, and then LAP (0.8 wt%) was coated on it. The morphology of the scaffold was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The chemical structure of the scaffold was evaluated by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and its hydrophilicity was tested by measuring the water contact angle. Finally, the biocompatibility of the scaffold and cell viability tested with MTT assay was performed on hBMSCs. The results of scaffold morphology showed a successful coat of LAP 0.8% on the surface of PLA scaffold. Furthermore, the hydrophilicity of PLA scaffold improved after coating with LAP 0.8%. The Biocompatibility of scaffold up to 24 hours and hMSCs viability up to 72 hours after cell culture were confirmed (p≤0.001). Based on the results of this study, it seems that PLA/LAP of 0.8% scaffold can be a promising candidate for bone tissue engineering applications by maintaining biocompatibility and cell viability due to the presence of ions in LAP nanoparticles.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract with no definitive drug treatment. If the disease is not prevented, it may lead to dangerous diseases such as colon cancer; thus, it is important to treat or provide medication for this disease. Extensive tests performed on Spirulina show that this cyanobacterium is a unique source of natural bioactive substances with potential healing properties. The aim of this study was to prepare kiwifruit cysteine ​​protease enzyme and optimize the extraction of the bioactive peptide Spirulina platensis by cysteine ​​protease as well as evaluating the anti-inflammatory properties of spirulina-extracted peptides in mice with intestinal inflammation. To this end, the optimal performance of the enzyme was determined by the RSM response surface methodology and the peptides extracted in the freeze dryer were SDS page space to determine the molecular weight of the peptide by electrophoresis. The resulting peptides were stored at -20°C. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects in 28Balb/C mice, inflammation was induced with 4% acetic acid. After confirming the inflammation of the peptide with a concentration of 3.8 mg/kg and omeprazole as positive control and water as negative control, Balb/C mice with intestinal ulcers were gavaged. The results showed that the molecular weight of cysteine ​​protease enzyme is 24 kDa and the optimal enzyme hydrolysis conditions of cysteine ​​protease were obtained at 60 °C, 210 min, and pH 7.5. Histological results showed the presence of inflammation in the control group and in mice whose peptide at a concentration of 3.8 (mg/kg) had completely regenerated intestinal tissue, crypt, and intestinal mucosa during treatment. The enzyme alkaline phosphatase is low in mice receiving the peptide, indicating improved inflammation in mice. As a result, the bioactive spirulina peptides were able to treat inflammation in the intestines of mice.

Sarcocystis is a mandatory intracellular parasitic protozoan that may cause digestive disorders in goats and huge financial losses in the livestock industry. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sarcocystis infection in slaughtered goats in Khoy slaughterhouse, Iran using microscopic method and compare it with macroscopic method. To this end, the carcasses of 202 slaughtered goats was examined ocularly and then microscopically for the presence of macrocysts. According to the results, 1.96% of the studied goats were found to be infected with macrocysts. In microscopic examination, 22.55% of the studied goats were found to be positive for infection. Data analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the rate of infection in different age groups and the rate of infection increased with age (P <0.05);while the rate of infection was gender independent and there was no significant difference between the rates of infection of different sexes (P> 0.05). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference between the amount of infection in different muscles (p <0.05). The highest microcysts were observed in skeletal muscles with 84.78% and the lowest microcysts in heart muscles with 28.26%. This study showed that the microscopic method has a great advantage in determining the rate of sarcocyst infection compared to the ocular method. Therefore, it is necessary to be more careful in determining sarcocyst infections in carcasses of slaughtered goats.