مجله زیست شناسی جانوری
سال چهاردهم شماره 3 (بهار 1401)

Increased blood sugar levels play an important role in the development of diabetes. Thus, inhibition of alpha-amylase enzyme inhibits the conversion of polysaccharides to glucose or reduces it. In diabetics, this enzyme can be effective in absorbing glucose from the gastrointestinal tract and preventing a rapid rise in blood sugar. Ascidians are known as a group of marine fauna rich in bioactive secondary metabolites. This study was aimed at evaluating the inhibitory effect of alpha-amylase activity on Phallusia nigra. Specimens of P. nigra belonged to Qeshm and Hormoz islands. Under vacuum, using a rotary evaporator, the samples were extracted from polarity, i.e. ethyl acetate, methanol and water-methanol, respectively. Moreover, the percentage of alpha-amylase inhibitor activity was evaluated based on DNSA method in vitro and acarbose was used as a positive control. The results revealed that among all extracts, the highest inhibitory percentage was related to acarbose at a concentration of 2000 µg/ml equal to 69.65% and the lowest value was related to water-methanolic extract at a concentration of 500 µg/ml and equal to 15.39%. The highest inhibitory activity was observed as acarbose>ethyl acetate>methanol>water-methanol. Furthermore, the results showed a direct relationship between the level of enzyme inhibition and the concentration of extracts. In this study, ethyl acetate extract had the highest inhibitory effect of alpha-amylase enzyme with IC50 equal to 1327.244 µg/ml, followed by methanolic extract with IC50 equal to 1529.68 µg/ml. Water-methanolic extract had the lowest inhibitory effect with IC50 and equal to 2334.01 µg/ml. The inhibitory percentage of acarbose was higher than other extracts (IC50=1158.40 µg/ml). Due to the inhibitory power of P. nigra extracts, they can be used in the future in the production of anti-diabetic drugs with minimal or no adverse side effects.

This study was mainly aimed at investigating gene expression of MyF5 and MyoG genes of eccentric and concentric resistance activity in the vastus lateralis muscle of healthy individuals. Ten healthy men were randomly assigned to two groups of concentric and eccentric contractions of five. Isokinetic contraction protocols included eccentric and concentric knee extension with a maximum power and angular velocity of 60 degrees per second. The torque set for each subject was considered the same in both protocols in order to match the load, and the reciprocating speed was 60 degrees per second. At the beginning and end of the activity, extensive biopsy was performed to examine the expression of MyF5 and MyoG genes. Results revealed that intra-group changes of MyF5 after one session of exercise were significant in eccentric (p = 0.001) and non-significant in concentric (p = 0.069) group. Moreover, inter-group changes showed no difference between the two group (p = 0.371). Besides, intra-group MyoG changes after one session of exercise were significant in the eccentric group (p = 0.001) and concentric group (p = 0.001). Furthermore, inter-group changes showed no difference between the two groups (p = 0.681). Overall, the present study showed that a session of eccentric and concentric activity leads to changes in the factors involved in skeletal muscle strength and hypertrophy. In addition, these changes in aggregate eccentric contraction are more than concentric.
.

Cerebral ischemia is a condition not reaching all or part of the brain, blood, and therefore oxygen. According to the property oleuropein antioxidant, the current study was performed aiming at using this substance to affect anxiety and improve memory in ischemic animals. In this study, 50 Wistar rats in the weight range of 200 to 250 g were randomly assigned to 5 groups including: control group; the ischemia group was divided by occlusion of both common carotid arteries and the three ischemia groups that received oleuropein at doses (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg) by gavage for 14 days. To cause ischemia, bilateral carotid arteries were isolated, blocked in two, and severed in the middle. Memory assessment was performed using the passive avoidance learning test (shuttle box) and the elevated plus maze device was used to assess anxiety. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and LSD support. Ischemia decreased memory (p <0.001). Anxiety was reduced (p <0.001) and administration of doses of 10, 50, 100 mg/kg oleuropein, especially 100 mg/kg, led to improvement in memory deficits (p <0.001) and anxiety (p <0.001). Based on the results of this study, it seems that oleuropein reduces the severity of cognitive and behavioral disorders caused by hypoperfusion ischemia due to its antioxidant properties and inhibition of free radicals.

The number of training sessions is an important factor in exercise training. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the effect of eight weeks of low and high volume HIIT training on lactate response and some performance indicators of Canadian canoe rowers. Sixteen female rowers invited to the Canadian Canoe National Team Camp were randomly divided into two groups: low frequency interval training and high frequency interval training. Rowing ergometer and respiratory gas analyzer were used and at the same time, physiological variables of aerobic function including maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), minimum speed to reach maximum oxygen consumption (vVo2max) and exhaustion time (Tmax) were measured. Intense intermittent training was performed in both groups in the form of 6 one-minute rowing sessions with 100% vVo2max and with an increase of two rounds per week. The difference was that the low-frequency group practiced 3 sessions per week and the high-frequency group practiced 6 sessions per week. Exercises were performed for eight weeks. Data were analyzed by paired t-test and independent t-test. Significance between variables was considered at the level of P≤0.05. The results showed a significant difference in lactate, VO2max, vVo2max and Tmax between pre-test and post-test of both high-volume periodic training and low-volume periodic training. However, no significant difference was observed in the post-test values ​​between the two groups in any of the variables (P≤0.05). Due to the lack of significant differences between the two groups, the combination of these two methods at different times of a Canadian canoeing season seems to be helpful in preparing athletes.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of mortality in developing countries that can be improved by various factors such as physical activity and proper diet. The present study was aimed at examining the effect of broccoli powder supplementation with combined exercise training on FGF-21 and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes men. This experimental design was conducted with pre-test and post-test and four groups. To this end, 44 volunteer diabetic men after homogenization based on individual characteristics were randomly assigned to four groups of 11 individuals including exercise-supplement group, exercise-placebo group (exercise), control-supplement group (supplement), and control-placebo (controls). Combined exercise program included 12 weeks, three sessions per week. Moreover, broccoli supplement was 10 grams per day for 12 weeks. The blood sample was taken 48 hours before and 48 hours after the last training session and used for analysis. Analysis of intergroup indicators revealed a significant difference between the groups in FGF-21 (p = 0.017) and insulin resistance (p = 0.01). Significant changes in the measured indices were also observed in the intragroup changes (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that 12 weeks of combined exercise with broccoli supplement significantly reduced FGF-21, blood glucose, and insulin resistance in all three groups of exercise- supplement, exercise, and supplement. Therefore, incorporating broccoli into the diet can partially prevent the risky effects of type 2 diabetes.

Bracon hebetor say bee is one of the most important biological control factors that can be effective in controlling larvae of lepidoptera pests such as Helicoverpa armigera hubner at acceptable economic level. The present review was aimed at studying probable adverse effects of Achillea millefolium, Lavandula angustifolia, and Mentha piperita plants extracts on adult insect of the B. hebetor bee. The bee was grown on last instar larvae of Ephestia kueheniella Zell. All bioassay experiments were carried out at temperature of 26±1 °C and relative humidity of 60±5, and under photoperiod conditions of 16 hours of lightness and 8 hours of darkness. Findings of the study indicated that spearmint plant had the highest lethal effect on adult insect of B. hebetor bee in fumigant and contact toxicities and other plants, respectively, Achillea millefolium, Lavandula angustifolia, and Mentha piperita had the least lethal effect on adult insect of B. hebetor bee in fumigant and contact toxicities. The estimated LC50 value for spearmint plant at 48 hours was 6 microliters/ml in fumigant toxicity and 3.2 microliter/ml in contact toxicity. Repellency effect of spearmint, Achillea millefolium, Lavandula angustifolia, and Mentha piperita plants extracts was studied on adult insect using tube -Y olfactory-meter device. Cotton wool soaked with the extract was placed at one end of the device and the other end was closed with web and the insects were released in the main branch. Each iteration of the experiment was conducted on 20 insects. Results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the data related to repellency effect of the studied extracts indicated that being a stronger repellant compared to other two extracts, spearmint extract with lower concentration can repel adult insects of B. hebetor bee.

The incidence of heart disease increases with age. Green tea is an antioxidant that can prevent cellular senescence. Mitochondria play a vital role in the intracellular pathway of apoptosis. Bax and bcl-2 proteins are the main regulators of mitochondrial apoptosis. Thus, the present study is aimed at investigating the effect of 12 weeks of green tea extract consumption on expression Bax and bcl-2 genes of old rats’ heart tissue in response to acute exhaustive exercise. Thirty-two male rats were randomly assigned to two groups of supplement and non-supplement, each consisting of 16 rats. The supplement group received green tea extract for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12 weeks, each of these groups was further divided into two groups of rest and acute exhaustive exercise. The non-supplement with the rest group was called the control group. The non-supplement with exercise group was called exercise group, the supplement group with rest was called the supplement group and finally, the last group was entitled to supplement with exercise. After 12 weeks of taking green tea extract, one session of the acute exhaustive exercise was held on the treadmill. The real-time PCR method was used to measure the expression of Bax and bcl-2 genes. The results showed that 12 weeks of green tea extract consumption significantly reduced Bax gene expression and Bax to bcl-2 gene expression ratio and significantly increased cardiac tissue bcl-2 gene expression in response to acute exhaustive exercise. About acute exhaustive exercise session, it significantly increased Bax gene expression and Bax to bcl-2 gene expression ratio as well as significantly decreasing bcl-2 gene expression in heart tissue. The study concludes that 12 weeks of green tea extract can reduce Bax gene expression and Bax to bcl-2 gene expression ratio and significantly increase cardiac tissue bcl-2 gene expression at rest and after acute exhaustive exercise

Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most malignant and common brain tumors, and after current combination therapy, patient survival is relatively poor and the disease is always fatal. This study was aimed at investigating the expression of SCAMP5 as a possible biomarker in GBM and evaluating the target miR of this gene. 50 tissue samples with GBM form before treatment and 50 healthy tissue samples from the GBM tumor margin were collected as a control. RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were performed for all samples. Subsequently, a specific primer was designed and the expression of SCAMP5 gene was examined using Real-time PCR. ACTB gene was used as the internal control. Statistical analysis was carried out using Graphpad Prism software version 8. Roc curve was used to evaluate the biomarker value of SCAMP5 gene. Decreased expression of SCAMP5 gene was observed in GBM samples and its expression was compared with the pathological characteristics of patients. Expression of SCAMP5 gene with patients’ age with P-value ˂0.05 was statistically significant. However, the expression of this gene with patients’ gender with P-value ˃ 0.05 was not statistically significant. SCAMP5 was expressed in tumor tissue of patients with GBM much lower than healthy tissue around the tumor. The results revealed that SCAMP5 expression decreased in patients older than 50 years. ROC curve showed that the SCAMP5 gene could have a biomarker value. According to this study, it may be possible to use the expression of this gene as a marker as an early diagnostic method.

Medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of our country to treat various diseases are growing, but the effects of biological active compounds of these plants are still unknown on human health. Melissa officinalis and Melilotus officinalis are widely used in west of Iran as herbal medicine. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of ethanol extraction of Melissa officinalis and Melilotus officinalis on the liver enzymes (ALT and AST). Fifty Sprague- Dawley rats were assigned to five equal groups. The animals in groups 1 and 2 received Melissa officinalis extract (600 and 1200 mg/kg, respectively) and the rats of the third and fourth group received Melilotus officinalis extract (600 and 1200 mg/kg, respectively) for 30 days. The blood samples were collected into vacutainers without anticoagulant for biochemical analysis. The results of this study indicate that Melissa officinalis and Melilotus officinalis extracts were able to increase the AST levels in all animals compared to the control group. A significant increase in ALP activity was recorded in group 3 compared to the control (P= 0.027). The highest activity in serum ALT was observed in rats receiving the high dose of Melissa officinalis, but exhibited no statistically significant difference compared to the control group (P>0.05).

Recently, the application of drugs administered for reasons other than male infertility may have profound effect on fertility potential. Ibuprofen, as one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can possibly have a negative effect on the spermatogenesis process which could be dose-dependent. This side effect is likely acquired through oxidative stress. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the effect of different doses of Ibuprofen on spermatogenesis, sperm parameters, and oxidative stress. In this study, 15 male NMRI mice were daily gavaged by different doses of Ibuprofen (0, 5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) for one month. Then, morphometric parameters of testis, sperm concentration, motility and oxidative stress were assessed. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software and ANOVA test. Different doses of Ibuprofen had no effect on Johnson score and sperm concentration as compared to the control group. However, sperm motility was insignificantly reduced only at a dose of 100 mg / kg. In addition, the level of oxidative stress in all doses of Ibuprofen increased compared to the control group and, this increase was only significant at the dose of 100 mg/kg (P=0.03). Based on the results of this study, continuous administration of Ibuprofen for one month has no significant effect on spermatogenesis and sperm parameters but significantly increase ROS production, the effect of which on sperm chromatin integrity, for longer period remain a concern, which needs more studies in the future.

The present study evaluated the efficacy of combining 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Silybum marianum essential oils to suppress in vitro Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth by influencing the Wnt, NF-κB, angiogenesis, apoptosis and autophagy pathways. Silybum marianum essential oils were studied alone and in combination with 5-FU in the HepG2 cell-line. The expression of NF-κB and Wnt signaling pathway genes as well as angiogenesis-, apoptosis- and autophagy-associated genes and proteins were evaluated using Western blot and qRT-PCR techniques. Each treatment decreased the viability of HepG2 cells compared with the control group. Moreover, S. marianum essential oils from Khozestan or Isfahan (Sm-K and Sm-I) in combination with 5-FU reduced the migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. Angiogenesis-related proteins i.e. VEGF, COX-2, Bfgf and HIF-1α were significantly reduced. Apoptosis- and autophagy-related proteins i.e. caspase-8, Bax, Bcl-2, Beclin-1, LC3-I, and LC3-II were modulated by each treatment. Each treatment decreased total NF κB (p65) and phospho NF κB (p65) at protein levels. The expression levels of Wnt pathway-related genes were also decreased. Taken together, these findings revealed that S. marianum, either alone or in combination with 5-Fu, could exert anti-tumor effects via modulating autophagy, apoptosis, angiogenesis, NF κB and Wnt signaling pathways.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of in ovo feeding of carbohydrates and antioxidants in the stored incubating eggs. To perform this experiment, 1200 hatching eggs from the broiler hens of Cob 500 strain were distributed after storage in two time intervals of 3 and 14 days for amniotic injection on the 17.5th embryonic day in a completely randomized design with 10 treatments and 5 iterations (each iteration with 24 eggs). The experimental treatments include: 1) negative control (without injection), 2) positive control (injection of 0.5 ml normal saline solution), 3) injection of 0.5 ml carbohydrate solution, 4) injection of 0.5 ml antioxidant solution and 5) injection of 0.5 ml of a mixture of carbohydrate and antioxidant solution. The percentage of losses in the treatments of mixed carbohydrates and antioxidants in both periods was less than the control (P<0.05). Crypt depth and length-to-width ratio of intestinal villi, as well as the glycogen in the thigh muscle of the chickens hatched from the eggs injected with carbohydrates, a mixture of carbohydrates and antioxidants during two storage periods of 3 and 14 days, had a significant improvement compared to the control (P<0.05). Blood glucose concentration of the chickens hatched from the eggs injected with carbohydrates, antioxidants, and their mixtures with 3 days of storage had a significant increase compared to the control (P<0.05). Total antioxidant capacity in the chickens hatched from the eggs injected with antioxidants and 3 days of storage had a significant increase compared to the control (P<0.05). The results show that the injection of carbohydrates, antioxidants, and a mixture of carbohydrates and antioxidants in the pre-hatching period would be effective on the stored fertile eggs.

We studied concentration of heavy metals Pb and Cd in the Gill, Skin, and Muscle tissues of Chalcalburnus Chalcoides caught from the southern Caspian Sea (Anzali & Shirud lagoon) in spring 2012. After biometrical measurements, the Gill, Skin, and Muscle tissues of samples were separated; metals were extracted from the tissues using chemical digestion method with pure nitric acid and their concentrations were determined by AAS. Average concentrations (in ppm dry weight) were compared with international standards such as FAO, WHO, and Stoskopf. Results showed that in Shirud of Mazandaran in gills, skin and muscle tissues, the maximum average accumulation belonging to Pb are 9.5836 ± 2.52069, 5.9343 ± 1.08995, 6.0264 ± 1.45947 µg/g and minimum average belonging to Cd are 0.0936 ± 0.04763, 0.0957 ± 0.04236, 0.0393 ± 0.02227 µg/g, respectively. In Anzali of Gilan, in gills, skin, and muscle tissues maximum average accumulation belonging to Pb are 20.8380 ± 3.68153, 7.6880 ± 2.04173, 3.5653 ± 0.68273 µg/g and minimum average belonging to Cd are 0.6040 ± 0.22663, 0.1167 ± 0.03897, 0.0233 ± 0.00893 µg/g, respectively. Lead concentrations in this study in both areas compared to international standards of WHO, Netherlands, EOS, and EPA limit is reached, but according to the EPA standard, the muscles in Gilan province are lower than the limit. Cadmium concentrations in all tissues except gill-based standards are lower. The average concentration of lead and cadmium metals between muscle, skin, and gills in Gilan province showed significant difference (P<0.05) and average concentrations of lead and cadmium in the tissues in Mazandaran province were not significantly different (P> 0.5).

Diabetes mellitus refers to a disorder in the metabolism of sugars, fats, and proteins in the body, leading to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. The present study was aimed at evaluating the effect of alpha-pinene on blood glucose and lipid levels in male diabetic rats. Forty male rats were divided into five groups of eight: control group, diabetic group, diabetic control group (receiving tween (80% alpha-solvent)) and experimental groups that in addition to becoming diabetic, the doses of 100 and 200 (mg/kg) of alpha-pinene were administered orally and daily for 14 days, respectively. Finally, blood samples were taken from all groups and their glucose and blood lipids were measured. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and SPSS21 software. The levels of glucose, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in the groups receiving doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg of alpha-pinene showed a significant decrease compared to the diabetic group. High density lipoprotein (HDL) in the groups receiving different doses of alpha-pinene showed a significant increase compared to the diabetic group. These results indicate that alpha-pinene can be effective in the treatment of diabetes. The effect of this active ingredient is probably due to its antioxidant properties.

In the present study, the effect of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) on growth performance and some immune factors of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was investigated at two levels in high- and low-carbohydrate diets. A total of 360 rainbow trout with an average initial weight of 16.12 ± 1.33 g (mean ± SD) were fed by six diets including Diet1 (low carbohydrate level; 20 % carbohydrate), Diet2 (low carbohydrate level and 3 % cinnamon), Diet3 (low carbohydrate level and 5 % cinnamon), Diet4 (high carbohydrate level; 30 % carbohydrate), Diet5 (high carbohydrate level and 3 % cinnamon), and Diet6 (high carbohydrate level and 5 % cinnamon) for 56 days. The results revealed that the effect of diet containing carbohydrates and cinnamon on the final weight and weight gain was significant and the highest final weight and weight gain were observed in diet 2 (low carbohydrates and 3% cinnamon) and Diet 3 (low carbohydrates and 5% cinnamon) with no significant difference with Diet 6 (high carbohydrate and 5% cinnamon). The results of hematopoietic indices related to white blood cells and their differential count in rainbow trout showed no significant difference between the treatments in the number of white blood cells, monocytes, basophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils. However, the lymphocyte level was affected by experimental treatments and the highest level was observed in fish fed by Diet 3. There was no significant difference in lysozyme activity, immunoglobulin, and the complement system. According to the results related to growth performance and some immune indicators, fish fed by Diets 2 and 3 had better performance than other treatments.

Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that has become very popular among adolescents and young people in recent years. Since the use of drugs including methamphetamine can have a potential effect on amniotic fluid, expression of genes can affect mother and fetus, tissues, hormones, and other factors, this study was aimed at investigating the effects of methamphetamine on the amniotic sac of pregnant rat and its effects on subsequent generations. In this study, 60 adult Wistar female rats were assigned to six groups: control group, sham group, group receiving 1 mg/kg amphetamine, group receiving 2 mg/kg amphetamine, group receiving 3 mg/kg amphetamine, and group receiving 4 mg/kg amphetamine. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were taken from the hearts of mice and the desired parameters (testosterone, glucose, LH, FSH, AST, ALT, WBC, and RBC) were measured. The rats were then dissected; amniotic fluid was isolated to evaluate the amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, phospholipids, and urea. Intraperitoneal injection of methamphetamine caused significant changes in the amount of biochemical parameters measured such as LH, T.G, and testosterone compared to the control group. In addition, methamphetamine did not alter FSH. With increasing methamphetamine dose, expression of HOX and TUBB8 genes decreased. The results of this study show that even at low doses, methamphetamine injection increases or decreases ovarian activity and ovogenesis, resulting in impaired ovulation quality and oocyte maturation.

Exposure to alcohol during pregnancy causes a wide range of long-term physiological and behavioral effects, collectively referred to as fetal alcohol syndrome (FASD). Nervous disorders due to alcohol abuse in children with apoptosis in several areas of the brain such as the hippocampus is associated with activation of the oxidative-inflammatory cascade and high levels of nerve degeneration. Studies have shown that metformin (1,1-dimethyl hydrochloride), used as a first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, can rapidly cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) ​​and have neuroprotective effects in several diseases of the nervous system. The aim of this study was to assess the protective activities of metformin on memory impairment and neuronal necrosis in the rat hippocampus by postnatal alcohol exposure received by gavage on days 2-10 after birth. Moreover, infants received 20 and 40 mg/kg of metformin on days 2-10 after birth. To assess spatial memory, the Morris water maze test was performed 36 days after birth. After the behavioral test, nickel staining was performed to assess necrotic cells. The results revealed that metformin treatment could significantly improve spatial memory impairment (P <0.01) and significantly reduced necrotic neurons in the metformin treatment group compared to the ethanol group (P <0.01). Metformin has been shown to improve spatial memory impairment in neonatal rats exposed to ethanol and significantly prevent necrotic death of hippocampal neurons.

Genetic analysis of fish populations is essential for conserving biodiversity and increasing knowledge about the survival of species, and finding the factors threatening or contributing to the survival of these populations. The present study is aimed at investigating phylogenetic relationship of Yellowtail Scad in the northern Persian Gulf and Oman Sea by sequencing mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I gene. Ninety yellow tail Scad have been collected from Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Chabahar port. Genomic DNA was extracted using Ammonium acetate method. After electrophoresis on 1% agarose gel, Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene was amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), using pair of primers. After sequencing of PCR product, the phylogenetic tree was drawn by MEGA7 software with different methods (Maximum Likelihood, Maximum Parsimony, and Bayesian) using (Esox lucius) as an extraspecific group. All samples from Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and three samples from Chabahar port were located in the same clade. Chabahar sample with a little more distance was located in separate clade and due to high supportive degree (bootstrap) showed sister group relationship. Moreover, these two clades were located with more evolutionary distance from extraspecific group. Consequently, COI gene sequencing was an appropriate and reliable method for phylogenetic relationship of Yellowtail Scad, providing useful information about protection and management of this valuable species.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease leading to dementia. There are many studies to find the pretreatment and treating drugs in AD. The neuroprotective role of Salvia genus against neuronal death is well known. In this study, the protective role of Salvia macilenta (S. macilenta) extract on AD was investigated. Rats were gavaged by S. macilenta for 10 days. Then, they were injected by Amyloid beta. The molecular level of Ca2+/cAMP response element binding (CREB), and acetylcholine esterase activity were evaluated in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Our results revealed that S. macilenta pretreatment can improve CREB phosphorylation compared to AD model in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (both P<0.001). Pretreatment with S. macilenta reduced percentage of acetylcholine esterase activity compared to AD model in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). S. macilenta has a protective role against amyloid beta-induced toxicity through enhancement of CREB and regulation of the acetylcholine esterase activity that can be a dominant potential candidate in improving AD.

Although the role of exercise and royal jelly in the health of Alzheimer’s patients has been reported, the interaction effect of these two variables on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is still not well understood. Therefore, the present study was aimed at investigating the interactive effect of positive slope running (PSR) and negative slope running (NSR) with royal jelly on SOD and GPx concentrations in a trimethyltin (TMT) Alzheimer’s animal model. In this experimental trial, 49 rats in the age range of 8-10 weeks, weighing 190-220 g, Alzheimer’s with 8 mg/kg TMT were assigned into seven groups including group one: TMT, group two: sham, group three: Royal jelly, group four: positive slope, group five: negative slope, group six: royal jelly + positive slope and group seven: Royal jelly + negative slope. Moreover, to investigate the effect of Alzheimer’s induction on the research variables, seven healthy rats were included in the healthy control group following the positive slope and negative slope exercises for eight weeks, three sessions per week and each session ran for 60 minutes on a positive 15 and negative 15 slope on the treadmill. Besides, 100 mg/kg of royal jelly was peripherally injected into rats daily. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey post hoc test and two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc test in SPSS 22 software were used to analyze the data (p ≤ 0.05). Negative slope increased SOD and GPx in hippocampal tissue of AD rats. PSR and royal jelly increased GPx. Positive slope and royal jelly and negative slope and royal jelly groups had a significant effect on increasing SOD and GPx. Positive and negative slopes and royal jelly seem to improve antioxidant defense; furthermore, the interaction of positive slope and royal jelly and the interaction of negative slope and royal jelly are more desirable than the effect of each alone.