A Case Report: An Unusual Variation in the Facial Artery.

The facial artery is the main artery supplying the face occasionally. It gives three branches on the face, the inferior labial, the superior labial, and the lateral nasal, and terminates as the angular artery. Due to congenital vascular variations in the facial artery, it has been considered in the dissection of the head and neck region. During the dissection of a 65-year-old woman to expose this region, we discovered that the left facial artery is terminated by the superior labial artery after giving off the submental and inferior labial branches. At the level of the left oral commissure, the facial artery was attached to the buccinator muscle as connective tissue, with a noticeable decrease in diameter. The purpose of this study is to report a new variation of the facial artery that is particularly important for cadaver dissection, and head and neck surgeries, as well as for facial artery angiography.

In vitro evaluation of the pogostone effects on the expression of PTEN and DACT1 tumor suppressor genes, cell cycle, and apoptosis in ovarian cancer cell line.

Background and purpose: Ovarian cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers among women. Pogostone has anticancer effects and is rich in polyphenol compounds. In the present study, we investigated the effects of pogostone on ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3). Experimental approach: OVCAR-3 cells were treated with pogostone at IC50(90 µg/mL) for 24 and 48 h. Cell viability and apoptotic rate in the cells were measured using MTT assay and flow cytometry. Real-time PCR was used to determine the expression of genes involved in the cell cycle and apoptosis. The expression of caspase-3 (CASP3) protein was evaluated by the CASP3 assay. Findings/Results: Treatment of OVCAR-3 cells with pogostone increased the expression levels of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and Dapper antagonist of catenin-1 (DACT1) tumor suppressor genes, as well as the apoptotic genes CASPs3, 8, and 9. Moreover, the ratio of the expressed BCL2 associated X (BAX)/BCl2 genes, as pro- and anti-apoptotic genes, was increased. The expression levels of the genes related to the cell cycle progression including cyclin D1 (CCND1) and cyclin- dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) were inhibited. The data obtained from flow cytometry indicated that pogostone induced cell apoptosis in 24 and 48 pogostone groups. The CASP3 colorimetric assay revealed that pogostone increased the expression of CASP3 protein in the treated groups. Conclusion and implication: Pogostone, by inducing the expression of PTEN and DACT1 tumor suppressor genes and regulation of downstream genes may decrease cell proliferation and increase the rate of apoptosis in OVCAR-3.

Anti-proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of grape seed extract on chemo-resistant OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ovarian cancer is the deadliest cancer in women. The main challenge in the inhibition of ovarian cancer cells is chemo-resistance. Seeking to overcome this issue, several strategies have been suggested, including the administration of natural products. Grape seed extract (GSE) is a good source of polyphenols and its anticancer effects have been reported by many studies. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of GSE on OVCAR-3, a chemo-resistant ovarian cancer line. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: OVCAR-3 cells were treated with GSE (71 µg/mL) for 24 and 48 h. Cell viability and cell apoptosis were measured by MTT and flow cytometry. The real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of genes involved in the cell cycle (PTEN, DACT1, AKT, MTOR, GSK3B, C-MYC, CCND1, and CDK4) and apoptosis (BAX, BCl2, CASP3, 8 and 9). The expression of CASP3 protein was evaluated by the CASP3 assay. FINDINGS / RESULTS: The results showed that treatment of OVCAR-3 cells with GSE, increased the expression level of PTEN and DACT1 tumor suppressor genes, as well as apoptotic genes, CASP3, 8, and 9 (P < 0.001). Also, the induction of tumor suppressor genes expression was associated with an increase in the expression of BAX/BCL2 gene ratio as pro- and anti-apoptotic genes. The expression of the genes involved in the cell cycle, CCND1 and CDK4, was inhibited (P < 0.001). The results indicated that GSE induced cell apoptosis in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.001). Also, the GSE treatment resulted in the CASP3 protein expression (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: According to the results of this study, GSE may exert anti-tumorigenic effects on chemo-resistant OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells which might be mediated by the expression of tumor suppressor genes that interact with cell signaling pathways, cell cycle, and cell apoptosis. Hence, the consumption of GSE extract during chemotherapy may overcome part of chemo-resistance in ovarian cancer.

Myricetin Exerts its Apoptotic Effects on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells through Evoking the BRCA1-GADD45 Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Myricetin is a polyphenol flavonoid with nutraceutical values which is abundantly found as the main ingredient of various foods and beverages. It has been reported that the function of myricetin is to trigger apoptosis in several types of cancers. The present study intended to investigate the apoptotic effects of myricetin on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and to assess its possible mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MCF-7 breast cancer cells were assigned to four groups: Control (cells in normal condition); myricetin (cells treated with the IC50 dosage of myricetin) in three different incubation times (24, 48, and 72 h). The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, annexin V assay, flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and caspase-3 assay were used to estimate the apoptosis function of myricetin in breast cancer. RESULTS: The expression levels of apoptosis-related genes caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, and the BAX /Bcl-2 ratio as well as the expression of p53, BRCA1, GADD45 genes were significantly increased following the treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells with myricetin. The annexin V assay demonstrated the significant expression of annexin which was also detected by flow cytometry. CONCLUSION: Myricetin efficiently induces apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells by evoking both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Myricetin may exert its apoptotic effects on MCF-7 cells by inducing the BRCA1- GADD45 pathway.
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Protective impact of Rosa damascena against neural damage in a rat model of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure.

OBJECTIVE: Based on the previously-declared anticonvulsant properties of Rosa damascena (R. damascena), this study explored the probable effects of R. damascena on neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of a rat model of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 male Wistar rats were randomely divided into control (n=8) and experimental (n=32) groups which underwent PTZ injection. A one-week pre-medication with 50 (PTZ-Ext 50) (n=8), 100 (PTZ-Ext 100) (n=8), and 200 (PTZ-Ext 200) (n=8) mg/kg of hydro-alcoholic extract of R . Damascene was performed while one experimental group (PTZ-induced group) (n=8) received only saline during the week before PTZ injection. After provocation of PTZ-induced seizures, the brains underwent tissue processing and TUNEL staining assay for apoptotic cell quantification. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that PTZ-induced seizures led to apoptosis in neuronal cells of all sub-regions of the hippocampus; yet, only at CA1, CA3 and DG sub-regions of the PTZ-induced group, the difference in the number of apoptotic neuronal cells was significant in comparison with the control group. In addition, pre-medication with the plant extract led to a significant drop in the quantity of apoptotic neurons in these sub-regions in comparison with the PTZ-induced group which received no pre-medication . CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that R. damascena extract exerts neuro-protective effects on PTZ-induced seizure.

Evaluation of bax, bcl-2, p21 and p53 genes expression variations on cerebellum of BALB/c mice before and after birth under mobile phone radiation exposure.

OBJECTIVES: The increasing rate of over using cell phones has been considerable in youths and pregnant women. We examined the effect of mobile phones radiation on genes expression variation on cerebellum of BALB/c mice before and after of the birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, a mobile phone jammer, which is an instrument to prevent receiving signals between cellular phones and base transceiver stations (two frequencies 900 and 1800 MHz) for exposure was used and twelve pregnant mice (BALB/c) divided into two groups (n=6), first group irradiated in pregnancy period (19th day), the second group did not irradiate in pregnancy period. After childbirth, offspring were classified into four groups (n=4): Group1: control, Group 2: B1 (Irradiated after birth), Group 3: B2 (Irradiated in pregnancy period and after birth), Group 4: B3 (Irradiated in pregnancy period). When maturity was completed (8-10 weeks old), mice were dissected and cerebellum was isolated. The expression level of bax, bcl-2, p21 and p53 genes examined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-Time RT- PCR). RESULTS: The data showed that mobile phone radio waves were ineffective on the expression level of bcl-2 and p53 genes) P>0.05(. Also gene expression level of bax decreased and gene expression level of p21 increased comparing to the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: From the obtained data it could be concluded that the mobile phone radiations did not induce apoptosis in cells of the cerebellum and the injured cells can be repaired by cell cycle arrest.

Preventive effect of Coriandrum sativum on neuronal damages in pentylentetrazole-induced seizure in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum) as a medicinal plant has been pointed to have analgesic, hypnotic and anti-oxidant effects. In the current study, a possible preventive effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract of the plant on neuronal damages was examined in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) rat model of seizure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male rats were divided into five main groups and treated by (1) saline, (2) PTZ: 100 mg/kg PTZ (i.p) and (3-5) 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of hydro-alcoholic extract of C. sativum during seven consecutive days before PTZ injection. After electrocorticography (ECoG), the brains were removed to use for histological examination. RESULTS: All doses of the extract reduced duration, frequency and amplitude of the burst discharges while prolonged the latency of the seizure attacks (p<0.05, p<0.01, and p<0.001). Administration of all 3 doses of the extract significantly prevented from production of dark neurons (p<0.01, and p<0.001) and apoptotic cells (p<0.05, p<0.01, and p<0.001) in different areas of the hippocampus compared to PTZ group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study allow us to conclude that C. sativum, because of its antioxidant properties, prevents from neuronal damages in PTZ rat model of seizure.

Origanum vulgare leaf extract protects mice bone marrow cells against ionizing radiation.

OBJECTIVE: Ionizing radiation produces free radicals which induce DNA damage and cell death. Origanum vulgare leaf extract (OVLE) is a natural compound and its capability of scavenging free radicals and its antioxidant activity have been demonstrated by many researchers. In this study, using micronucleus assay, radioprotective effect of OVLE against clastogenic and cytotoxic effect of gamma irradiation has been investigated in mice bone marrow cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OVLE was injected intraperitoneally to the BALB/c mice 1hr prior to gamma irradiation (3Gy) at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. Twenty four hours after irradiation or treatment, animals were killed and smears were prepared from the bone marrow cells. The slides were stained with May Grunwald-Giemsa method and analyzed microscopically. The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs), micronucleated normochromatic erythrocyte (MnNCEs) and cell proliferation ratio PCE/PCE+NCE (polychromatic erythrocyte/polychromatic erythrocyte + normochromatic erythrocyte) were calculated. RESULTS: The results showed that gamma irradiation (3Gy) increased the frequency of MnPCEs, MnNCEs and reduced the PCE/PCE+NCE ratio in mice bone marrow compared to the non-irradiated control group (p<0.0001). Injection of OVLE significantly reduced the frequency of MnPCEs (p<0.0001) and MnNCEs (p<0.05) and increased the PCE/PCE+NCE ratio as compared to the irradiated control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It seems that OVLE with its antioxidant properties and its capability of scavenging free radicals and reactive oxygen species can reduce the cytotoxic effects of gamma irradiation in mice bone marrow cells.

Anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of Rosa damascena hydro-alcoholic extract on rat hippocampus.

OBJECTIVE: Previously, analgesic, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant effects have been suggested for Rosa damascena (R. damascena). In the present study, possible anti-seizure and neuro-protective effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of R. damascena has been investigated after inducing seizures in rats by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were divided to five groups: (1) CONTROL: received saline, (2) PTZ: 100 mg/kg, i.p., (3) PTZ- Extract 50 mg/kg (PTZ-Ext 50), (4) PTZ- Extract 100 mg/kg (PTZ-Ext 100), and (5) PTZ- Extract 200 mg/kg (PTZ-Ext 200) groups which were treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg respectively of hydro-alcoholic extract of R. dam ascena for one week before PTZ injection. The animals were examined for electrocorticography (ECoG) recording and finally, the brains were removed for histological study. RESULTS: The hydro-alcoholic extract of R. dam ascena significantly prolonged the latency of seizure attacks and reduced the frequency and amplitude of epileptiform burst discharges induced by PTZ injection. Moreover, all three doses of the extract significantly inhibited production of dark neurons in different regions of the hippocampus in the mentioned animal model. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the hydro-alcoholic extract of R. dam ascena has anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects. More investigations are needed to be done in order to better understand the responsible compound(s) as well as the possible mechanism(s).