Impact of social isolation on corticosterone release and recovery after stroke in aged rats: A behavioral and biochemical analysis.

Social isolation (SI) after stroke reduces recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SI on corticosterone release and recovery after stroke in aged rats. A total of 64 male Wistar rats (aged 24 months) were used in the present study. All rats were housed in pairs for two weeks. After two weeks, rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) rats underwent sham surgery and kept socially isolated (control/social isolated (CO/SI) group); (2) rats underwent sham surgery and kept pair housed (control/pair housed (CO/PH) group); (3) rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery and kept socially isolated (stroke/isolated (ST/SI) group); (4) rats underwent MCAO surgery and kept pair housed (stroke/pair housed (ST/PH)) group. Behaviors were assessed using the adhesive removal test, rotarod test and social interaction test at 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st days after stroke. Serum biochemical analysis was also performed on the behavioral testing days. Results showed THAT serum corticosterone and MDA levels in CO/PH group were significantly lower than CO/SI group. Serum BDNF levels in CO/PH group was significantly higher than CO/SI group. Serum corticosterone and MDA levels in ST/PH group were lower than ST/SI group. In ST/PH group, serum Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and BDNF levels were significantly higher than ST/SI group. Biochemical analysis of certain regions of the brain (hippocampus, striatum and cerebral cortex) was performed on 21st day after stroke. In the hippocampus of CO/PH group, BDNF and TAC levels were significantly higher than CO/SI group. The hippocampal MDA level of CO/PH group were significantly lower than CO/SI group. BDNF and TAC levels in the hippocampus, striatum and cerebral cortex of ST/PH group were significantly higher and MDA level was significantly lower as compared with ST/SI group. Both ischemic groups showed sensorimotor recovery over a 21-day period, but recovery of ST/PH group was significantly greater than ST/SI group. Total social interaction time in ST/PH group was significantly longer than ST/SI group. Based on the results of this study, social interaction after stroke enhances histologic and sensorimotor recovery through reduction of HPA activity and corticosterone release, leading to increased TAC and BDNF levels.

Neuroprotective effects of levothyroxine on cognition deficits and memory in an experimental model of Huntington's disease in rats: An electrophysiological study.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive deficits and motor function. Levothyroxine (L-T4) is a synthetic form of Thyroxine (T4), which can improve cognitive ability. The aim of the present study was to determine the neuroprotective effect of L-T4 administration in rats with 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP)-induced Huntington's disease. Forty-eight Wistar male rats were divided into six groups (n = 8): Group 1 control group that received physiological saline, Group 2 and 3: which received L-T4 (30 and 100 µg/kg), Group 4: HD group that received 3-NP and Groups 5 and 6: The treatment of the HD rats with L-T4 (30 and 100 µg/kg). Spatial memory, locomotor activity, and frequency of neuronal firing were assessed. After decapitation, the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels in the striatum was measured. The results showed that the indices of spatial memory (mean path length and latency time) and motor dysfunction (immobility time) significantly increased, while time spent in the goal quadrant, swimming speed, spike rate, and striatum levels of BDNF significantly decreased in the HD group compared to the control group. L-T4 treatment significantly enhanced time spent in the goal quadrant, swimming speed, motor activity (number of line crossing and rearing), spike rate and striatal BDNF level. This research showed that L-T4 prevented the disruption of motor activity and cognitive deficiencies induced by 3-NP. The beneficial effects of L-T4 may be due to an increase in the concentration of BDNF and enhancement of the spike rate in the striatum.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum levels as a candidate biomarker for withdrawal in crack heroin dependence.

BACKGROUND: Crack heroin is a novel opiate derivative with highly addictive properties and unfamiliar health consequences. It causes a variety of brain dysfunctions that are mediated by neurochemical alterations and abnormal neuroplasticity. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a widely recognized biological marker implicated in the neuropathology of substance use during substance use disorder and withdrawal. Its involvement can significantly contribute to the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate BDNF levels in crack heroin users before and after withdrawal. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 148 male participants were recruited and divided into two groups: persons with crack heroin use disorder (n = 74) and the controls (n = 74). The BDNF serum levels were measured in both crack heroin users and control groups upon hospitalization and again after twenty-one days of withdrawal using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that BDNF levels in persons with crack heroin use disorder upon admission were significantly lower than the levels observed upon discharge and in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant difference in BDNF levels was found between persons with crack heroin use disorder at admission and discharge (p = 0.038). Furthermore, BDNF levels showed an inverse correlation with the daily dose of substance use (r= -0.420, p = 0.03) and the duration of crack heroin use (r= -0.235, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A progressive increment in BDNF levels during early detoxification is associated with the daily amount of substance use and the duration of substance use. Our findings suggest that changes in BDNF serum levels during crack heroin use disorder and withdrawal could serve as potential biomarkers for assessing the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and substance use-related behaviors.

Levothyroxine attenuates behavioral impairment and improves oxidative stress and histological alteration 3-nitropropionic acid induced experimental Huntington's disease in rats.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by degeneration of the striatum; it results in oxidative stress and motor deficits. Thyroid hormones regulate oxidative metabolism. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of administration of levothyroxine (LT-4) on neurobehavioral, oxidative stress, and histological changes in a rat model of HD. Forty-eight Wistar male rats were divided into the following six groups (n = 8): Group 1 (control) received physiological saline intraperitoneally (ip). Groups 2 and 3 received L-T4,30 and L-T4100 (µg/kg, ip, respectively) daily for 7 days. Group 4 (HD) received 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) (25 mg/kg, ip) daily for 7 days. Groups 5 and 6 received L-T4,30 and L-T4100 (µg/kg, ip, respectively) 30 min after 3-NP (25 mg/kg, ip) injection for the same duration. On the 8th day, behavioral parameters were evaluated with the Rotarod, Narrow beam walk, and Limb withdrawal tests. Oxidative markers such as Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Glutathione (GSH) levels and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, in striatum tissue were measured. Moreover, striatum tissues were analyzed by Hematoxylin-eosin staining for histological alterations. We found that 3-NP administration caused motor incoordination and induced oxidative stress increased but reduced free radical scavenging. Also, increased amounts of lipid peroxides caused striatal damage as shown by histopathological evaluation. Administration of L-T4 led to increased falling time in the Rotarod, but reduced the time taken in Narrow beam walking and Limb withdrawal test. Furthermore, L-T4 increased antioxidant activity, decreased lipid peroxidation and ameliorated 3-NP-induced degeneration in neurons.

Effects of prenatal mobile phone radiation exposure on MMP9 expression: Implications for inflammation, oxidative stress, and sensory-motor impairment after neonatal hypoxia- ischemia in rats.

Objective: Non-ionizing radiofrequency radiation, which finds application in various sectors such as industry, commerce, medicine, and particularly in mobile phone technology, has emerged as a topic of significant concern during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cell phone radio-frequency (RF) radiation during pregnancy on the Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and (MMP-9) 9 expressions after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) in rats. Materials and methods: Two groups were formed by randomly assigning female Wistar rats: Group 1 consisted of female rats that were not exposed to RF radiation during pregnancy, while Group 2 comprised female rats that were exposed to RF radiation during pregnancy. After delivery, male offspring were divided into four groups including: (a) SHAM, (b) Exposure (EXP), (c) hypoxia-ischemia (HI), (d) HI/Exposure (HI/EXP). Seven days after HI induction, neurobehavioral tests were performed, and then brain tissue was taken from the skull to measure MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions, inflammation, oxidative stress, infarct volume and cerebral edema. Results: MMP-9 mRNA expression in the HI/EXP group was significantly higher than the HI, SHAM and EXP groups. MMP-2 mRNA expression levels in the HI group were significantly higher than Sham and the EXP groups.TNF-α and Total oxidant capacity (TOC) levels in the HI/EXP group were significantly higher than HI, EXP and SHAM groups. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level in the HI/EXP group were significantly lower than HI, EXP and SHAM groups. Cerebral edema and infarct volume in the HI/EXP group were significantly greater than the HI group. Sensory-motor function was significantly weaker in HI/EXP as compared HI group. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that during pregnancy, exposure to mobile phone RF radiation intensifies damage from HI in rat pups by elevating MMP-9 activity.

Relationship between lead concentration in maternal and umbilical cord blood and some neonatal outcomes in primiparous opium-dependent mothers in Zahedan, Southeast of Iran in 2022.

BACKGROUND: There are limited studies on maternal and umbilical cord blood lead levels and their relationship with each other and with pregnancy outcomes in women addicted to opium. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between lead concentrations in maternal blood and umbilical cord blood with some neonatal outcomes in primiparous opium-dependent mothers. METHOD: The present study is a cross-sectional and analytical research. A total of 35 mothers addicted to opium and 35 women without addiction from Zahedan city of Iran participated in this study in 2022. Convenience sampling was done, lead levels were measured and pregnancy outcomes checked by a checklist to collect information. Data analysis was done by independent t-tests, Pearson's correlation coefficient, Point-Biserial Correlation Coefficient, multivariate linear regression and multivariate logistic regression using SPSS version 26 software. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in maternal blood lead levels (24.97 ± 8.45 in addicted mothers and 7.5 ± 4.25 in healthy mothers) and in umbilical cord blood lead concentrations (18.68 ± 6.95 in the addicted group and 5.7 ± 2.84 in the healthy group) between the two groups (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively).The lead concentration of all the samples in the addicted group was higher than the high-risk levels. Birth weight, Apgar score, admission to NICU and need for resuscitation were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). Based on the results of multivariate linear regression test, only addiction can reversely predict the birth weight (Beta= -0.74, P < 0.0001), 1-minute Apgar score (Beta = -0.47, P = 0.004) and 5th minute (Beta= -0.62, P = 0.001). According to multivariate logistic regression test, OR of none of the predictor variables was significant with the outcomes. Maternal and umbilical cord blood lead concentrations were not predictors of pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSION: The use of opium during pregnancy leads to an increase in the level of lead in maternal blood and umbilical cord blood. Addiction increased adverse pregnancy outcomes but lead concentration did not predict pregnancy complications. It is recommended that the addiction treatment program be included in pre-pregnancy and pregnancy care plans.

Effect of type 1 diabetes during pregnancy and lactation on neonatal hypoxia-ischemia injury and apoptotic gene expression.

OBJECTIVE: Hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is one of the major disorders that causes a variety of abnormalities and infant mortality. Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common worldwide metabolic disorders, and its prevalence has become one of the public health concerns of the 21st century. This study aims to evaluate the effect of type 1 diabetes during pregnancy and lactation on vulnerability to neonatal HI in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female Wistar rats (weighing 200 ± 220 g) were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1 (rats that received 0.5 mL/day of normal saline solution) and Group 2 (type 1 diabetes was induced in rats on the second day of pregnancy with a single dose of intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate [150 mg/kg]). After delivery, offspring were divided into four groups: (a) Control (Co), (b) Diabetic (DI), (c) Hypoxia-ischemia (HI), (d) HI + Diabetic (HI + DI). Seven days after HI induction, neurobehavioral tests were performed, and then cerebral edema, infarct volume, inflammatory factors, Bax-Bcl2 expression, and oxidative stress were measured. RESULTS: The BAX level in the DI + HI (p = 0.0355) group was significantly higher than the HI group. The Bcl-2 expression levels in the HI (p = 0.0027) and DI + HI (p < 0.0001) groups were significantly lower than the DI group. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels in the DI + HI (p < 0.0001) group were significantly lower than HI and CO groups. TNF-α, CRP, and total oxidant status (TOS) levels in the DI + HI (p < 0.0001) group were significantly higher than the HI group. Infarct volume and cerebral edema in the DI + HI (p < 0.0001) group were significantly higher than the HI group. CONCLUSION: According to the results, type 1 diabetes during pregnancy and lactation increased the destructive effects of HI injury in pups. It also decreased the expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and increased the expression BAX apoptosis factor gene in pups.

Maternal treadmill exercise ameliorates impairment of neurological outcome, caspase-1 and NLRP3 gene expression alteration in neonatal hypoxia-ischemia rats.

Objectives: Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is one of the most important causes of neurological disorders in children. Various studies suggest that maternal exercise during pregnancy has a beneficial impact on the health status of offspring infants. In this study, the effect of maternal treadmill exercise during pregnancy on neurological and molecular changes induced by HI in newborn rats was investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, 24 pregnant female rats were divided into two groups; the first group was subjected to treadmill exercise for six weeks. The treadmill exercise program was initiated by running for 17 min at 5-10 m/min at 0 inclination in the first week, followed by running for 21 min at 5-25 m/min at 5° inclination in the second week, running for 25 min at 5-30 m/min at 10° inclination in the third and fourth weeks, running for 25 min at 5-15 m/min at 10° inclination in the fifth and sixth weeks. The second group was left untreated and did not perform the exercise. Newborn rats were assigned to four groups; (1) control, (2) control+exercise, (3) HI, and (4) HI+exercise. HI was developed in the offspring on the 8th postnatal day. One week following the induction of HI, the Garcia test was carried out. The histological morphology of neonates was assessed, and the expression levels of caspase-1 and NLRP3 were evaluated. Results: The data showed that maternal exercise during pregnancy significantly improved neural cell death (P<0.001) and the Garcia score (P<0.05), while it attenuated the expression levels of caspase-1 (P<0.001) and NLRP3 (P<0.05) genes in newborn rats induced by HI. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that maternal treadmill exercise during pregnancy could reverse the neurological deficits, as well as the expression levels of caspase-1 and NLRP3 genes, which occur in neonatal hypoxia-ischemia.

Decrease in serum asprosin levels following six weeks of spinning and stationary cycling training in overweight women.

OBJECTIVES: Secreted by white adipose tissue, asprosin is a newly recognized adipokine whose physiological function is not well comprehended. This study intended to determine the effect of spinning and stationary cycling on serum asprosin levels in overweight women. METHODS: Forty-five overweight women with BMI>25 kg/m2 in the age range of 30-40 years were assigned randomly to three groups of 15 participants: control, spinning (group cycling with music), and stationary bike (individual pedaling on a stationary bike). The participants performed the exercises three sessions per week for six weeks. Lipid profile and asprosin levels were measured by enzymatic and ELISA methods, respectively. Moreover, the paired t-test and one-way ANOVA were employed to make within-group and between-group comparisons, respectively. RESULTS: The stationary cycling and spinning exercise groups experienced significant reductions in weight, BMI, serum triglyceride, and asprosin levels from the pretest to the posttest. The control group showed no statistically significant differences. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein only declined in the spinning group. In this regard, neither the control group nor the stationary bicycle exhibited no significant change over time. The spinning group demonstrated a significant rise in high-density lipoprotein levels, which was not observed in the control group. In addition, there was no significant difference in WHR index between the intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS: By lowering the serum asprosin level, a spinning exercise program appears to be effective in reducing disorders linked to metabolic diseases in overweight women.

Comparison of the effect of face-to-face training and telemedicine on self-care in adolescent pregnant women: A quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Improving self-care in adolescent pregnancy leads to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy. However, self-care in adolescent pregnancy is less than other women. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of face-to-face training and telemedicine on self-care in adolescent pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a quasi-experimental study that was conducted in Zahedan in 2021 and 120 adolescent pregnant women with a gestational age of 15-20 weeks participated in it. The sampling was done in multistage, and the samples were divided into three groups: Face-to-face training, telemedicine, and control. Face-to-face training was presented in five sessions and the telemedicine group received the similar educational content through the mobile applications. The samples completed a researcher-made self-care questionnaire before the intervention and at 28 weeks of gestation. SPSS software version 21 was used for the analysis, and data were analyzed by ANOVA, Tukey post hoc, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in face-to-face and telemedicine training in improving the scores of nutritional performance, smoking and narcotics use, personal hygiene, and routine pregnancy care (P > 0.05), but face-to-face training caused more improvement in the scores of sports and physical activity as compared to telemedicine group (P = 0.04). Face-to-face training and telemedicine training in all domains led to a significant improvement in scores as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the face-to-face training and telemedicine methods were proper methods for self-care education in pregnant adolescent women. It is recommended to use these methods in promoting self-care in pregnant adolescent women.

Waterpipe Smoking in Pregnant Women of Zahedan City in 2020: Prevalence and Associated Factors.

Background: Waterpipe smoking is associated with maternal and fetal complications, and valid data contribute to evidence-based planning. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and factors related with waterpipe smoking among pregnant women of Zahedan city in 2020. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020, and 400 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy who lived in Zahedan participated in it by single stage randomized cluster sampling. A questionnaire was used to measure awareness of waterpipe complications, and another one investigated the status of waterpipe smoking to collect data. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were used through SPSS 21. Results: The findings indicated that the prevalence of waterpipe smoking was 18.8%. In the waterpipe smoking group, 46.6% smoked every day, 89.3% had tried to reduce the smoking, and 64.8% reported fetal death as their main motivation to reduce smoking. Only 5.6% of subjects stated receiving training as the reason for reduction of their waterpipe smoking. The women's level of education, economic status, ethnicity, and awareness of the risks of waterpipe smoking were the predictors for waterpipe smoking (P < 0.05, P = 0.03, P = 0.006, and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The results of this study show the high prevalence of waterpipe smoking in pregnant women of Zahedan. Further investigation and training in this regard are essential for pregnancy as well as pre-pregnancy care. Special attention should be paid to groups with better economic status and level of education, Baluch women, and those with low level of awareness.

Association of maternal and umbilical cord blood asprosin with excessive gestational weight gain.

Maternal obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) may have persistent effects on offspring obesity and be risk factors for both mother and child. Studies have reported that asprosin concentration is associated with metabolism and weight changes during pregnancy. This study therefore evaluated the association of maternal and newborn asprosin with normal weight gain and EGWG and nutritional intake in pregnancy. The study included 30 pregnant women with normal weight gain and 30 women with EGWG referred to Ali ibn Abi Talib Hospital in Zahedan, Iran, September 2020 to June 2021. A demographic questionnaire and neonatal complications checklist were completed. Asprosin concentrations at the time of delivery in maternal venous blood samples and umbilical vein blood samples were measured by ELISA technique. Macronutrient and energy intake were assessed by a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire and compared with standard Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and Dietary References Intake (DRI) values. Asprosin levels were significantly higher in the EGWG group's umbilical cord blood than in the control group but there was no difference in maternal asprosin concentrations between the two groups. The Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity and Respiration (Apgar) score was significantly lower in the EGWG group than in the control group, although there was no difference in birthweight between the groups. Weight gain during pregnancy, energy intake and protein and carbohydrate consumption were significantly higher in the EGWG group than in the control group (p < 0.05). It seems that differences in asprosin secretion do not mediate an imbalance in energy intake and other macronutrients during pregnancy that affect pregnancy weight gain and birthweight. However, excessive gestational weight gain was associated with neonatal asprosin levels and newborn Apgar scores.

Treadmill Exercise during Pregnancy Decreased Vulnerability to Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia through Reducing Inflammation and Increasing Antiapoptotic Gene Expressions and Antioxidant Capacity in Rats.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of present study was to assess the impact of maternal treadmill exercise during pregnancy on inflammation, oxidative stress, expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in neonatal rat brain after the hypoxia-ischemia injury. Material and Methods. A total of 24 female Wistar rats were utilized in this research. Two groups are randomly considered for rats: (1) not exercised through pregnancy and (2) exercised during pregnancy. Offsprings were divided into four groups including after delivery: (1) sham, (2) sham/exercise (sham/EX), (3) HI, and (4) HI+exercise. HI was induced in pups at postnatal day 8. Neurobehavioral tests were done seven days after HI induction. Then, the brain tissue was taken from the skull to estimate Bcl-2 and Bax gene expressions, BDNF, cerebral edema, infarct volume, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and neurological function. RESULTS: The BDNF level in the HI+exercise group was considerably higher than the HI, sham, and sham/EX groups. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and the whole oxidant capacity (TOC) levels in the HI group were significantly higher than the sham and sham/EX groups. TNF-α, CRP, and TOC levels in the HI+exercise group were significantly lower than the HI group. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level in the HI+exercise group was significantly higher than the HI group. Infarct volume and edema percent in the HI+exercise group were significantly lower than the HI group. Neurological function in the HI+exercise group was significantly better than the HI group. Bax expression in the HI+exercise group was significantly lower than the HI group. Bcl-2 expression in the HI+exercise group was significantly higher than the HI group. In the sham group, BDNF, TNF-α, CRP, TAC, TOC, edema levels, and neurological function had no significant difference with the sham/EX group. CONCLUSION: It appears that the maternal treadmill exercise during pregnancy exerts a supportive impact against neonatal HI brain injury through increasing antioxidant capacity, Bcl-2 expression, and BDNF levels and decreasing inflammation that is resulted in the lower infarct volume and sensorimotor dysfunction.

Opium Effect in Pregnancy on the Dynamics of Maternal Behavior: Testing a Neurochemical Model.

BACKGROUND: Investigations into neurochemical mechanisms of opioid addiction are difficult due to the complexity of behavior and multiplicity of involved neurotransmitter and hormonal systems. The aim of this study was to examine the benefits of structured analysis of these mechanisms using the framework of the neurochemical model Functional Ensemble of Temperament (FET) and the example of maternal behavior under the condition of opium consumption in pregnancy. The FET differentiates between (a) endurance, (b) speed of integration, and (c) emotionality aspects of behavior suggesting that these systems are differentially regulated by (a) serotonin-neuropeptides-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), (b) dopamine-GABA, and (c) opioid receptor systems, correspondingly. The FET also suggests that mu-opioid receptors (MORs) binding the endorphines (including opium's ingredient morphine) have a stronger association with regulation endurance, whereas delta-OR have a stronger association with integration of behavior and kappa-OR - with the perceptual mobilization seen in anxiety. To test the predictions of this model, we compared the impact of massive MOR dysregulation on 3 behavioral aspects of behavior and on serotonin, BDNF, and corticosterone levels. METHODS: The study used 24 female white Wistar rats which were randomly divided into (1) control group: pregnant rats without any intervention; (2) opium-exposed group: animals that were exposed to opium during pregnancy and after the delivery until the end of the study. At the end of the study, the levels of BDNF, serotonin (5-HT) in the hippocampus of the mother's brain, and serum corticosterone, as well as 12 aspects of the maternal behavior were evaluated. The differences between control and experimental groups were assessed using the t test for independent samples. RESULTS: The BDNF and serotonin concentrations in the hippocampus of the mother rats which were exposed to opium were lower than in the control group; the mean corticosterone in exposed mothers was higher than in the control group. Behaviorally, opium-consuming mothers showed lower endurance in 4 distinct behavioral categories (nesting, feeding, grooming, and retrieval) than the mothers in the control group. Ease of integration of behavior was affected to a lesser degree, showing a significant effect only in 1 out of 5 applied measures. Self-grooming, seen as an emotionality-related aspect of behavior, was not affected. CONCLUSION: Opium exposure during pregnancy in our experiment primarily reduced the endurance of rat's maternal behavior, but the speed of integration of behavioral acts was less affected. This negative impact of opium on endurance was associated with a decrease of BDNF and serotonin levels in the hippocampus and an increase in corticosterone level in opium-consuming mothers. There is no effect of opium exposure on self-grooming behavior. This pattern supports the FET hypothesis about the role of 5-HT and BDNF in endurance, differential regulation of endurance, integrative and emotionality aspects of behavior, and differential association of the MOR system with endurance aspects, in comparison with kappa- and delta opioid receptors.

Comparing the effect of group training and telemedicine on exercise during pregnancy: An application of the health belief model.

INTRODUCTION: Many women refuse to exercise during pregnancy due to lack of awareness and not receiving training. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effect of group and telemedicine education on exercise during pregnancy by using the health belief model (HBM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was carried out in 2019 in Zahedan, and a total of 135 pregnant women participated in it. Samples were randomly assigned to the following three groups: group training (n = 45), telemedicine (n = 45), and control (n = 45). Group training was presented in three sessions, and the telemedicine group received the educational content through mobile applications. The samples completed the HBM questionnaire before and 6 weeks after the intervention. In addition, within 6 weeks after the intervention, they completed the exercise activity schedule. SPSS software Ver. 16 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA) was used for analysis, and data were analyzed by ANOVA, Tukey's post-hoc test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: After intervention, the scores of HBM constructs and exercise levels in group training, telemedicine group, and control group, respectively, were as follows: perceived susceptibility 25.91 ± 3.24, 25.51 ± 1.97, and 22.55 ± 3.78; perceived severity 27.48 ± 2.27, 25.13 ± 2.29, and 22.51 ± 3.88; perceived benefits 27.28 ± 2.97, 25.68 ± 3, and 22.8 ± 3.05; perceived barriers 10.69 ± 2.69, 10.66 ± 3.19, and 14.17 ± 3.14; cues to action 24.71 ± 4.35, 23.9 ± 2.48, and 22.84 ± 3.02; self-efficacy 26.17 ± 3.05, 25.2 ± 2.82, and 22.51 ± 3.38; and exercise levels 70.99 ± 20.43, 56.51 ± 21.99, and 37.62 ± 29.66. Group training and telemedicine led to significant improvement in all HBM constructs and exercise levels (P < 0.05, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.003, respectively). Group training provided more improvement than telemedicine in the scores of perceived severity (P < 0.0001), perceived benefits (P = 0.001), cues to action (P = 0.02), and mean exercise time (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the HBM is a proper model for exercise education in pregnant women. It is recommended to use HBM as a group training and telehealth in promoting the rate of exercise in pregnant women.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood of opium-addicted mothers.

BACKGROUND: It is reported that opium consumption during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and neurodevelopmental defects in infants. BDNF and NGF alterations during pregnancy cause neurobehavioral deficits in the offspring. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of opium addiction of pregnant women on BDNF and NGF levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood as well as pregnancy outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present research was a cross-sectional study. Thirty-five addicted pregnant women and 35 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. Blood samples were taken immediately after delivery from the maternal vein and umbilical cord. Then, BDNF and NGF concentrations in serum were measured by ELISA kits. The outcomes of pregnancy were determined by a checklist. Descriptive, t test, Mann-Whitney, and Chi-squared test were used to analyze the data. SPSS version 21 software was used for the analyses. A p-value <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: BDNF levels were significantly lower in maternal and umbilical cord blood in the opium-addicted group (917.2 31 ± 316.5 and 784.6 ± 242.9 pg/ml, respectively) compared to the control group (1351 ± 375 and 1063 ± 341 pg/ml, respectively) (p < .0001 and p < .0002, respectively). Similarly, NGF level was significantly lower in maternal and umbilical cord blood in the opium-addicted group (302.7 ± 35.50 and 226.6 ± 45.43 pg/ml, respectively) compared to the control group (345.7 ± 43.16 and 251.2 ± 37.72 pg/ml, respectively) (p < .0001 and p = .0165, respectively). Adverse pregnancy outcomes such as NICU admissions, congenital anomalies, neonatal deaths, meconium contaminated amniotic fluid, respiratory problems, neonatal resuscitation, and low Apgar score were significantly higher in the opium-addicted group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed that opium consumption during pregnancy reduces BDNF and NGF levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood, which may cause neurodevelopmental disorders in later periods of infants' life.

Morphine consumption during pregnancy exacerbates neonatal hypoxia-ischemia injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Hypoxia-Ischemia (HI) is the most common cause of death and disability in human infants. The use of opiate in pregnant women affects their children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of morphine consumption during pregnancy and lactation on vulnerability to neonatal HI in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1-Rats that did not receive any treatment during pregnancy and lactation and Group 2-Rats that received morphine during pregnancy and lactation. After delivery, male offspring were divided into four groups including: (a) SHAM, (b) SHAM/Morphine (SHAM/MO), (c) HI, (d) HI/Morphine (HI/MO). Seven days after HI induction, neurobehavioral tests were performed, and then, brain tissue was taken from the skull to measure cerebral edema, infarct volume, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). RESULTS: Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and BDNF levels in the HI/MO group were significantly lower than HI and SHAM groups. TNF-α, C-reactive protein and total oxidant capacity levels in the HI/MO group were significantly higher than HI and SHAM groups. Cerebral edema and infarct volume in the HI/MO group were significantly higher than the HI group. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, morphine consumption during pregnancy and lactation enhanced the deleterious effects of HI injury in pups.

Bilateral Carotid Artery Occlusion and Cochlear Oxidative Stress and Hearing Loss in Rats.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of bilateral carotid artery occlusion on cochlear oxidative stress and hearing status in rats. METHODS: The rats were divided into two sets. The first set was used for electrophysiological recording (click and 4 kHz tone burst auditory brainstem responses and electrocochleography) on the day before surgery and then on the first, fourth, and seventh days after surgery. Animals of the second set were used for biochemical analysis. The cochlea of animals in the second set was collected on the first, fourth, and seventh days after carotids occlusion for biochemical analysis. For the control groups, no carotids occlusion was done. For ischemia induction, both common carotid arteries were occluded for 20 minutes. RESULTS: Electrophysiological analysis showed that burst auditory brainstem thresholds significantly elevated after common carotid arteries occlusion on the first, fourth, and seventh days after surgery with abnormal electrocochleography results at 75%, 70%, and 85% on the first, fourth, and seventh days after surgery, respectively. The electrophysiological finding confirmed by biochemical results that showed malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels increased and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities decreased after occlusion in cochlea tissue. CONCLUSION: This study showed that bilateral common carotid artery occlusion increases cochlear oxidative stress and induces hearing loss in rats.

The Effects of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Administration on Depression Symptoms Induced by LPS in Male Wistar Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for one to several weeks. Several studies have shown that iron nanoparticles have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to evaluate anti-depressive effect of iron nanoparticles in male rats. METHODS: Depression was induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) adminstration. Rats were randomly assigned into six groups (10 in each group): 1) control (sterile saline solution; 200 µL, IP); 2) LPS (LPS;100 µg/kg, IP); 3) Low dose Iron Nanoparticle (LINP) (1 mg/kg, IP); 4) High dose Iron Nanoparticle (HINP), 5 mg/kg IP); 5) LPS/LINP (LPS; 100µg/kg IP+INP 1 mg/kg IP); and 6) LPS/HINP (LPS; 100 µg/kg IP+INP 5 mg/kg IP). All injections were performed every other day. To assess the effect of iron nanoparticles on depression symptoms, rats were subjected to two behavioral tests: Forced Swim Test (FST) and Open Field Test (OFT). RESULTS: Iron nanoparticles treatment in 1 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg doses groups significantly improved depression symptoms when assessed by OFT and FST. In OFT, the number of line crossings, entrance to central square, rearing and duration of attending in central square increased after iron nanoparticles adminstration in depressed rats. Iron nanoparticles adminstration reduced immobility time confirmed by FST and OFT. Also, iron nanoparticles adminstration significantly increased duration of swimming in FST depressed rats. CONCLUSION: Our results for the first time showed potential advantageous effect of iron nanoparticles administration in attenuating depression symptoms, which was possibly mediated by modulation of neurotransmitters and anti-inflammatory effects of iron nanoparticles.

Minerals in Pregnancy and Lactation: A Review Article.

Micronutrients (include vitamins and minerals) are essential for normal function, growth and development. Minerals have important effects on the health of the mother and foetus. But biological mechanisms of minerals are not completely understood. Micronutrient deficiency during pregnancy can lead to anaemia, hypertension, obstetric complications and even maternal death and in foetus lead to a fail in growth and development. Mineral deficiency during pregnancy, particularly exist in developing countries. During pregnancy due to the increased demands caused by physiological changes, deficiency is exaggerated and as a result its complications occur. Thus, ensuring to receive enough macronutrients and micronutrients before and during pregnancy, is important. Nevertheless, there are controversies regarding administrating supplements. There are not enough studies about some of the minerals and the challenges remain. Regarding the importance of minerals in pregnancy and lactation, in this review we will analyze the role of them in pregnancy and lactation.