Hepatoprotective effects of gentisic acid through its anti-oxidant properties in nicotinamide-streptozotocin induced diabetic mice.

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common metabolic disorder that causes many complications. Liver failure is one of the complications of T2DM. Oxidative stress plays a major role in the development and progression of T2DM-induced liver injury. Gentisic acid (GA) is a metabolite of aspirin and also a phenolic compound found in natural sources that is a highly effective antioxidant and free radical scavenger. So, in this study, the potential preventive benefits of GA against liver damage induced by T2DM were explored. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 24 adult male mice. T2DM was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (at a dose of 65 mg/kg), 15 min after the injection of nicotinamide (at a dose of 120 mg/kg). The grouping was as follows: 1) Normal Control Group; 2) Diabetic Control Group; 3) Positive Control Group: received metformin (150 mg/kg body weight daily) through gavage; 4) Treatment Group: received GA at the dose of 100 mg/kg body weight daily through gavage. Treatments continued for two weeks. Results: Two weeks of GA treatment in diabetic mice reduced fasting blood glucose, improved plasma levels of hepatic enzymes, and increased liver tissue antioxidant capacity. Histopathological examination revealed that GA administration reduced diabetes-induced liver damage. Furthermore, GA treatment led to the down-regulation of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and up-regulation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that GA exerts hepatoprotective effects in STZ-induced T2DM mice.

Sodium Hydrosulfide Modification of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Exosomes Improves Liver Function in CCL4-Induced Hepatic Injury in Mice.

Background: Liver diseases and injuries are important medical problems worldwide. Acute liver failure (ALF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by severe functional impairment and widespread death of hepatocytes. Liver transplantation is the only treatment available so far. Exosomes are nanovesicles originating from intracellular organelles. They regulate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of their recipient cells and have promising potential for clinical application in acute and chronic liver injuries. This study compares the effect of Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) modified exosomes with non-modified exosomes in CCL4-induced acute liver injury to ascertain their role in ameliorating hepatic injury. Methods: Human Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were treated with or without NaHS (1 µmol) and exosomes were isolated using an exosome isolation kit. Male mice (8-12 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): 1-control, 2-PBS, 3- MSC-Exo, and 4- H2S-Exo. Animals received 2.8 ml/kg body weight of CCL4 solution intraperitoneally, and 24 h later MSC-Exo (non-modified), H2S-Exo (NaHS-modified), or PBS, was injected in the tail vein. Moreover, 24 h after Exo administration, mice were sacrificed for tissue and blood collection. Results: Administration of both MSC-Exo and H2S-Exo reduced inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), total oxidant levels, liver aminotransferases, and cellular apoptosis. Conclusion: MSC-Exo and H2S-Exo had hepato-protective effects against CCL4-induced liver injury in mice. Modification of cell culture medium with NaHS as an H2S donor enhances the therapeutic effects of MSC exosomes.

Seroprevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies Among Pregnant Woman in South Khuzestan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Acute toxoplasmosis may lead to congenital toxoplasmosis with fetal complications outcome during pregnancy. Anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibody seroprevalence is unclear in pregnant women of south of Khuzestan province, since limited data about T. gondii seroepidemiology has been published in pregnant women of this area (Abadan, Shadegan, Khoramshar). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to clarify the status of T. gondii seroprevalence in pregnant women of south of Khuzestan province. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 501 full-term pregnant women were included. This study was carried out in Taleghani teaching hospital for six 6 months from May to October 2011. Informed consents signed by the patients were obtained. Blood IgG and IgM were measured using ELISA technique. The data was analyzed by SPSS 13 (Chicago, IL, USA). Chi-square test was used for comparison. RESULTS: The participants' age range was 15 to 45 years (average: 27.4 ± 13). Of the 501 pregnant women, 70.65 % (n = 354) were seronegative for T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. There were statistical relationships between IgG seroprevalence and age, as well as IgG seroprevalence and cat holding. CONCLUSIONS: There was high percentage of seronegative (70.65 %) IgG and IgM antibodies in full-term pregnant women. They were susceptible to acute toxoplasmosis; thus, prenatal screening was recommend in our province after cost-beneficial analyses.