The relationships between dietary patterns and socioeconomic status with anthropometric and body composition indices in Iranian preschool children: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Iranian children is on the rise. Dietary patterns (DPs) and socioeconomic status ( socioeconomic status (SES)) may relate to children's excess weight as a predictor of the risk of obesity in adulthood that may vary by geographical regions. Aim: The relationship between DPs and the development of obesity in preschool children has not been adequately evaluated. The present study evaluates this relationship by considering SES. Methods: A total of 320 preschool children (4-6 years) were randomly selected from three different areas of Mashhad based on economic status. Dietary intake was evaluated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire completed by the children's parents. Anthropometric and body composition variables were measured by means of valid tools and standard methods. socioeconomic status data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire. Results: Three dominant DPs of 'healthy', 'unhealthy', and 'meat-free' were identified using factor analysis. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the children who followed meat-free DP was significantly higher than that of other children (p = 0.004). The means and standard deviations of energy intake, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat-free mass, and fat mass were 1187.97 ± 356.87 Kcal/day, 16.23 ± 2.28 kg/m2, 54.28 ± 6.49 cm, 16.24 ± 2.23 kg, and 4.62 ± 2.70 kg respectively. Being in the higher levels of SES was significantly related to height (p = 0.02), energy intake (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.003), waist circumference (p = 004), and fat mass (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Adherence to meat-free DP and being in the highest levels of SES may be associated with a greater chance of developing overweight and obesity. Therefore, meat consumption and SES can be used to predict childhood overweight and obesity.

Effect of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Pain Management of Patients with Post-Stroke Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a common complication leading to significant activity limitation. Some approaches have been recommended for the management of HSP, and most of them have various adverse effects, while none were established to be effective. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of minimally invasive extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on patients with HSP pain management. Materials and Methods: Using a single-blind, randomized clinical trial, 43 patients with HSP were randomly assigned to complete three focus ESWT sessions once a week and additional five radial ESWT sessions twice a week. Patients in the control arm received zero energy ESWT. Visual analog scale, passive range of motion (ROM), Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA-UE), and shoulder pain and disability scale (SPADI) were measured at baseline, at the end of the interventions, and within four and eight weeks' intervals to evaluate the pain, function, and ROM in the affected shoulder. Result: Both groups showed an improvement in pain scores on the fourth and eighth weeks visits (P-value <0.001). Intervention with ESWT could effectively lead to a less severe pain score compared to the control group (P-value <0.001). In the intervention group, the ROM improved in both passive abduction and forward flexion (P-value <0.05), but no significant change was observed in the control group (P-value >0.05). FMA-UE and SPADI did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the combination of rESWT and focused ESWT can efficiently improve stroke-induced HSP.

Prediction of blood pressure based on anthropometric measurements in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Recently, an important health issue in children is obesity, leading to hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine association of blood pressure with anthropometric variables in adolescents. METHODS: In this study, 1992 adolescents aged 11-18 years old between 2000 and 2007 were included. Cut point of anthropometric indices of waist circumference (WC), waist-to-stature ratio (WSR) and body mass index (BMI) was identified using Youden's index. RESULTS: Cut point of BMI for identification of hypertension was 19.69, 25.5, 20.65 and 24.13 for boys at middle and high school, girls at middle and high school, respectively. This measure for WSR was 0.44, 0.50, 0.45 and 0.517 for boys at middle and high school, girls at middle and high school, respectively. Regarding WC, it was 69.50, 96.5, 65.5 and 77.5 for boys at middle and high school, girls at middle and high school, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In middle school boys, WSR, WC and BMI are associated with DBP but by increasing age, only BMI and weight are associated with DBP. BMI is the consistent anthropometric determinant of DBP. We also observed the relationship between WSR and SBP in boys, which could be applied as a predictive measure.

In vitro comparative effects of laser photodynamic therapy with methylene blue or aminolevulinic acid on oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line.

Background: This study aimed to compare the effects of laser photodynamic therapy (PDT) with methylene blue (MB) or aminolevulinic acid (ALA) on the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell line. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, the C152 (KB) OSCC cell line was cultured in a culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. The cells were exposed to 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 mM concentrations of MB and ALA alone and combined with diode laser irradiation with 660 nm wavelength, 40 mW power, and 10 J/cm2 energy density in continuous-wave mode perpendicular to the surface. Cell viability was assessed using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay and compared among the groups by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The results showed that the reduction in cell viability in the MB + laser and ALA + laser groups was greater than that in the MB and ALA groups without laser (P < 0.001). Significant differences were noted in cell viability in the presence of some different concentrations of MB and ALA (P < 0.05), such that by an increase in their concentration, cell viability decreased. Cell viability in the MB + laser group was significantly lower than that in the ALA + laser group in some photosensitizer concentrations (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the results showed that laser PDT with MB (high concentrations) was more effective than laser PDT with ALA against the OSCC cell line.

Is household food insecurity related to mothers' stress, anxiety and depression in Iran?

Food insecurity is a public health concern with pervasive effects on numerous human biological factors. In addition to physical problems, food insecurity may have adverse social and psychological impacts. The present study aimed to determine the correlations between household food insecurity and stress, anxiety, and depression in mothers living in Mashhad, Iran. In this cross-sectional study we recruited 312 mothers. We collected data on the food insecurity status of households using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and used the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) to assess the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in the subjects. The prevalence rate of food insecurity was 51.9%, and the prevalence rate of stress, anxiety, and depression was 70.2%, 70.2%, and 55.1%, respectively. In the food-insecure group, 94.3% of the mothers had stress, 91.4% had anxiety, and 87.1% had depression. While in the food-secure group, 60.7%, 61.3%, and 37.3% of the mothers had stressed, anxiety, and depression, respectively. In all the analytical models, food insecurity was significantly and positively associated with stress, anxiety, and depression (P < 0.001). Our results suggested that a higher level of food insecurity correlates with extreme degrees of stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, the improvement of mothers' mental health in terms of stress, anxiety, and depression depends on the improvement of household food insecurity.

The effect of propolis supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in women with rheumatoid arthritis: A double-blind, placebo, controlled randomized clinical trial.

Propolis has gained popularity in recent years because of its beneficial properties, which make it a possible preventative and therapeutic agent as well as a valuable food and cosmetic ingredient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of propolis supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in women with rheumatoid arthritis. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed among 48 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Subjects were randomly assigned to placebo and intervention groups, supplemented with 1000 mg/day of propolis for 12 weeks. Cardiovascular risk factors including, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), Nitric oxide, blood pressure, and lipid profile were assessed pre-and post-intervention. The atherogenic index of plasma value, as well as total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride/HDL-C, and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratios, were significantly reduced in the intervention group, compared with the placebo group post-intervention (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant reduction in the serum level of hs-CRP in the intervention group when compared with the placebo group (p = 0.001). Furthermore, propolis supplementation could marginally reduce MCP-1 (p = 0.051). These data indicate that propolis supplementation may be a promising treatment strategy for cardiovascular complications among rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Proteinase 3 promotes formation of multinucleated giant cells and granuloma-like structures in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

OBJECTIVES: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) are autoimmune vasculitides associated with antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies that target proteinase 3 (PR3) or myeloperoxidase (MPO) found within neutrophils and monocytes. Granulomas are exclusively found in GPA and form around multinucleated giant cells (MGCs), at sites of microabscesses, containing apoptotic and necrotic neutrophils. Since patients with GPA have augmented neutrophil PR3 expression, and PR3-expressing apoptotic cells frustrate macrophage phagocytosis and cellular clearance, we investigated the role of PR3 in stimulating giant cell and granuloma formation. METHODS: We stimulated purified monocytes and whole peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with GPA, patients with MPA or healthy controls with PR3 or MPO and visualised MGC and granuloma-like structure formation using light, confocal and electron microscopy, as well as measuring the cell cytokine production. We investigated the expression of PR3 binding partners on monocytes and tested the impact of their inhibition. Finally, we injected zebrafish with PR3 and characterised granuloma formation in a novel animal model. RESULTS: In vitro, PR3 promoted monocyte-derived MGC formation using cells from patients with GPA but not from patients with MPA, and this was dependent on soluble interleukin 6 (IL-6), as well as monocyte MAC-1 and protease-activated receptor-2, found to be overexpressed in the cells of patients with GPA. PBMCs stimulated by PR3 formed granuloma-like structures with central MGC surrounded by T cells. This effect of PR3 was confirmed in vivo using zebrafish and was inhibited by niclosamide, a IL-6-STAT3 pathway inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide a mechanistic basis for granuloma formation in GPA and a rationale for novel therapeutic approaches.

Interval training and Crataegus persica ameliorate diabetic nephropathy via miR-126/Nrf-2 mediated inhibition of stress oxidative in rats with diabetes after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Myocardial disorders are the most common cause of renal failure and mortality in diabetic patients, but the molecular mechanism of this process is not yet clear. The reduction of nuclear Erythroid2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) and positive regulators of Nrf-2 proteins, such as DJ-1 and microRNA-126 (miR-126), after hypoxia and the promotion of reactive oxygen species, might be an intervention indicator in renal failure after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. Therefore, this study evaluates the renoprotective effect of exercise training and Crataegus persica extract (CE) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion-induced kidney injury in diabetic rats. Fifty rats were divided into five groups: healthy sedentary control (Con), sedentary diabetic (D), interval trained diabetic (TD), diabetic plus Crataegus persica extract treatment (CD), and interval trained diabetic plus Crataegus persica extract treatment (TCD) groups. The rats in the exercise groups were subjected to moderate-intensity interval training five days per week for ten weeks. The rats in CD and TCD groups received 300 mg/kg of Crataegus persica through gavage for ten weeks. Then, the subjects underwent 30 min of myocardial ischemia and subsequently reperfusion for 24 h. At the end of the experiment, insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress, renal function, histopathology of the kidney, Nrf-2, miR-126, and DJ-1 gene expression levels were evaluated. The results show that the treatments decreased elevated levels of renal oxidative stress, glomerular filtration rate, insulin sensitivity, and pathological score in diabetic rats. Also, the expression of Nrf-2 and miR-126, unlike DJ-1, decreased in diabetic rats due to interval training. Due to the results, diabetes aggravates acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion-induced kidney injury, while moderate-intensity interval training and Crataegus persica treatment simultaneously ameliorate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion-induced renal injury via miR-126/Nrf-2 pathway and improve insulin sensitivity and renal function in type 1 diabetic rats.

Effect of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid accumulation product and cardiovascular indices in women with overweight/obesity who have knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is associated with obesity, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. It has been hypothesized that L-carnitine can improve cardiovascular risk factors. We aimed to investigate the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid accumulation product (LAP) and atherogenic indices in women with overweight/obesity who have knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, seventy-six women with overweight/obesity who had knee osteoarthritis were assigned into the intervention group and control group for 12 weeks. The intervention group received 1000 mg/day L-carnitine as capsule, and the control group received placebo. The primary outcomes were LAP, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC) and Castelli risk index II (CRI-II). RESULTS: We found no significant difference between the groups in baseline values of LAP, AIP, AC and CRI-II. After the intervention, a significant reduction in LAP was observed in intervention group compared to the control group (- 11.05 (- 28.24 to 0.40) vs. - 5.82 (- 24.44 to 2.68); P = 0.03). However, there was no significant difference between two groups in AIP (- 0.05 ± 0.16 vs. - 0.01 ± 0.13; P = 0.19), AC (- 0.40 ± 0.81 vs. - 0.30 ± 0.67; P = 0.67) and CRI-II (- 0.20 ± 0.76 vs. - 0.21 ± 0.47; P = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: L-carnitine supplementation for 12 weeks can improve LAP, but it has no effect on cardiovascular outcomes. To reach a definitive conclusion, further clinical trials with larger sample sizes and higher dosages of L-carnitine are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on 27/4/2017 at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2017011932026N2.

Association study of novel single nucleotide polymorphisms of androgen receptor and estrogen receptor-α genes with male infertility in Northwest of Iran: A case-control study.

Background: Observational evidence on the association of novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor-α (ER- α ) genes with odds of male infertility are rare. This is particularly relevant in the Iranian population where male infertility is relatively high. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the relationship between different SNPs of these genes and male infertility among the Iranian population. Materials and Methods: The present project was a population-based, case-control study conducted on 120 idiopathic azoospermia or severe oligospermia infertile cases alongside 120 age-matched subjects enrolled as controls. Overall, 3 variants from the AR gene and 2 variants from ER- α were genotyped - ARrs137852568, ARrs137852599 and AR rs137852563, and ER- α rs796065354 and ER- α rs104893956- using amplification refractory mutation system methods. Results: The obtained results indicated a significant association between AR rs1378525568 TT genotype as well as AR rs137852599 C allele with odds of male infertility (OR: 0.433, CI: 0.197-0.951 and OR: 0.545, CI: 0.304-0.978, respectively). Other variants of AR were not related to male infertility. A significant association was noted between predisposition polymorphism ER- α rs796065354 genotypes with male infertility. This significant association was not seen between ER- α rs104893956 and the risk of idiopathic azoospermia or severe oligospermia. Heterozygote overdominance was also observed in ESR rs796065354 but not in the other variants studied. Conclusion: Pieces of evidence were found on the association of novel polymorphisms of AR and ER- α with male infertility among the Iranian population. However, larger studies are warranted to confirm our findings.Key words: Male infertility, Androgen receptor, Estrogen receptor- α .

Therapeutic Effect of Crocin on the NASH Model by Targeting the Fas Receptor Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: The role of hepatocyte apoptosis and inflammation has been implicated in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) appears to accelerate these pathways through the activation of Fas receptor signaling. Therefore, we explored the hepatoprotective effects of crocin as a strong free radical scavenger against oxidative damages leading to NASH development. METHODS: Thirty-two male mice were randomly divided into control, NASH, NASH + crocin, and crocin groups. They received an intraperi- toneal injection of crocin twice a week, for 3 weeks. For NASH model induction, the animals were fed with a Western diet and exposed to cigarette smoke for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, liver histology, biochemical, and biomolecular analyses were done to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities of crocin in the NASH model. RESULTS: Evaluation of the features of the NASH model revealed steatosis, inflammatory infiltrate, and ballooning degeneration. Metabolic dysfunction was associated with elevated serum levels of the lipid profile and decreased hepatic liver enzymes. The increased content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced antioxidant activities confirmed hepatotoxicity induction. There was a significant increase in expression level of Fas, caspase 3, and NF-κB genes that was also associated with elevation in hepatic TNF-α content. Moreover, expression the of Fas receptor protein was significantly detected on the hepatocyte membrane. Treatment with crocin effectively improved NASH-related parameters, and the histopathological findings were also parallel with the resulting changes. CONCLUSION: Crocin can be introduced as a candidate hepatoprotective agent against NASH by virtue of its anti-inflammatory, antioxi- dant, and anti-apoptotic properties, possibly through regulation of the Fas death receptor pathway.

Association of rs2013162 and rs2235375 Polymorphisms in IRF6 Gene with Susceptibility to Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate.

Background: Non-syndromic cleft lip occurs by the interaction of environmental and genetic factors. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in IRF6 and NSCL/P in an Iranian population. Methods: A group of 105 children with NSCL/P and 185 normal controls were included in the current study. Genotyping of IRF6 rs2013162 and rs2235375 was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Results: A substantial association of AA and CA genotypes in rs2013162 with the risk of NSCL/P (AA vs. CC; OR=2.36; 95%CI [1.05-5.29], p=0.004; and CA vs. CC; OR=0.47; 95%CI [0.28-0.79], p=0.018) was found. However, there were no important associations between A allele and risk of NSCL/P (p=0.980). According to logistic regression analysis results, subjects with GG genotype and G allele in rs2235375 polymorphism had increased risk of NSCL/P. Conclusion: The IRF6 polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to NSCL/P in Iranian population.

Does propolis have any effect on rheumatoid arthritis? A review study.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in its pathophysiology. Complementary therapies along with medications may be effective in the control of RA. Propolis is a natural substance extracted from beehives, which have confirmed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study aimed to review the possible effects of propolis on inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid profile in patients with RA. English articles in online databases such as PubMed­Medline, AMED, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched. Pieces of evidence show that supplementation with propolis may have therapeutic effects on RA patients. Due to increased inflammation and oxidative stress in the affected joints of RA patients, propolis could inhibit the inflammatory cascades by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B pathway and reducing reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-17 by increasing some antioxidants. Therefore, inflammation and pain reduce, helping improve and control RA in patients. Further investigations are required with larger sample sizes and different doses of propolis to demonstrate the definite effects of propolis on various aspects of RA.

Anticonvulsant activity of oxaprozin in a rat model of pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure by targeting oxidative stress and SIRT1/PGC1α signaling.

The effect of oxaprozin (OXP) on an experimental model of seizures in rats was investigated in this study. Seizures in Wistar rats (200-250 g) were induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 60 mg/kg). The anticonvulsant effect of OXP (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was evaluated in a seizure model. After behavioral tests, the animals underwent deep anesthesia and were put down painlessly. Animal serum was isolated for antioxidant assays (nitric oxide (NO) and glutathione (GSH)). The animals' brains were also isolated to gauge the relative expression of genes in the oxidative stress pathway (sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (Pgc1α)). Intraperitoneal injection of OXP increased the mean latency of myoclonic jerks and generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) and decreased the number of myoclonic jerks and GTCS duration compared with the PTZ group. Biochemical tests showed that pretreatment with OXP was able to restore GSH serum levels and reverse the augmented NO serum levels caused by PTZ induction to the normal level. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction results also revealed that OXP counteracts the negative effects of PTZ by affecting the expression of the Sirt1 and Pgc1α genes. Overall, this study suggests the potential neuroprotective effects of the nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory OXP drug in a model of neural impairment caused by seizures via the mechanism of inhibition of the oxidative stress pathway.

Correlation of Novel Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms ofUSP26, TEX15, and TNP2 Genes with Male Infertility in North West of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies that inspected the association of USP26, TEX15, and TNP2 novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with odds of male infertility are sparse. Male infertility prevalence in Iran is reported more than global prevalence, while about 30-50% of infertile male have no distinct reason yet and they are considered as idiopathic male infertility. This study was conducted to investigate association of different SNPs of USP26, TEX15, and TNP2 genes with male infertility among the Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this population-based case-control study, 120 diagnosed idiopathic azoospermia or severe oligospermia infertile cases range of 25-45 years old, and 120 age-matched fertile controls were recruited. Overall, six different variants from three genes were genotyped including USP26 rs61741870, USP26 rs144039408, TEX15 rs323344, TEX15 rs61732458, TNP2 rs11640138 and TNP2 rs199536093 by using amplification-refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) methods. RESULTS: Although there was no significant association of USP26 gene variants (rs61741870 and rs144039408) with men infertility, we found a significant association of TEX15 rs323344 T allele and odds of idiopathic azoospermia compared to recessive allele (odds ratio [OR]: 0.259, confidence intervals [CI]: 0.083-0.811). We determined significant associations of TEX15 rs61732458 AC and CA+AA with male infertility compared to normal homozygote (OR: 3.776, CI: 2.049-6.957, OR: 3.818, CI: 2.077-7.016, respectively). Significant association was seen among TNP2 rs199536093 GG genotype and idiopathic azoospermia compared to normal homozygote (OR: 0.348, CI: 0.129- 0.939). We also observed heterozygote overdominance in TEX15 rs61732458 and TNP2 rs199536093. CONCLUSION: We found novel polymorphisms related to male infertility among Iranian population. However, larger studies are needed to confirm the obtained results.

Differentiation of multipotent stem cells to insulin-producing cells for treatment of diabetes mellitus: bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived cells comparison.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from human adipose tissue and bone marrow have a great potential for use in cell therapy due to their ease of isolation, expansion, and differentiation. Our intention was to isolate and promote in vitro expansion and differentiation of MSCs from human adipose and bone marrow tissue into cells with a pancreatic endocrine phenotype and to compare the potency of these cells together. METHODS AND RESULTS: MSCs were pre-induced with nicotinamide, mercaptoethanol, B-27 and b-FGF in L-DMEM for 2 days and re-induced again in supplemented H-DMEM for another 3 days. Expression of five genes in differentiated beta cells was evaluated by Real-time PCR and western blotting and the potency of insulin release in response to glucose stimulation was evaluated by insulin and C-peptide ELISA kit. The differentiated cells were evaluated by immunocytochemistry staining for Insulin and PDX-1. Quantitative RT-PCR results showed up-regulation of four genes in differentiated beta-islet cells (Insulin, Ngn-3, Pax-4 and Pdx-1) compared with the control. Western blot analysis showed that MSCs cells mainly produced proinsulin and insulin after differentiation but nestin was more expressed in pre-differentiated stem cells. Glucose and insulin secretion assay showed that insulin levels and C-peptide secretion were significantly increased in response to 10 mM glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that both adipose and bone marrow stem cells could differentiate into functional beta-islet cells but it seems that adipose stem cells could be a better choice for treatment of diabetes mellitus according to their higher potency.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Oxaprozin is Beneficial Against Seizure-induced Memory Impairment in an Experimental Model of Seizures in Rats: Impact On Oxidative Stress and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway.

There is substantial evidence that anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants have neuroprotective properties and may be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In this regard, the effects of oxaprozin (OXP) (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) on the experimental model of seizure and memory impairment caused by seizures in rats were investigated in the present study. Seizures in male Wistar rats (200-250 g, 8 weeks) were induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 60 mg/kg). The anticonvulsant effects of OXP (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally) were evaluated in the seizure model. The effect on memory was assessed using the passive avoidance (PA) test. After behavioral tests, the animals underwent deep anesthesia and were euthanized painlessly. Animal serum was isolated for antioxidant assays (MDA and GPx). The animals' brains (hippocampus) were also isolated to gauge the relative expression of genes in the oxidative stress pathway (Nrf2/HO-1). Intraperitoneal injection of OXP decreased the mean score on the Racine scale compared to the PTZ group. Moreover, in the PA test, OXP caused a significant increase in retention latency (RL) and total time spent in the light compartment (TLC) compared to the PTZ group. Biochemical tests showed that OXP was able to significantly increase GPx serum levels and significantly reduce MDA serum levels compared to the PTZ group. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results also revealed that OXP counteracted the negative effects of PTZ by significantly increasing the expression of the Nrf2 and Hmox1 genes. Overall, this study suggests the potential neuroprotective effects of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug OXP in a model of memory impairment caused by seizures via inhibition of the oxidative stress pathway.

Biological and pharmacological effects and nutritional impact of phytosterols: A comprehensive review.

Phytosterols (PSs), classified into plant sterols and stanols, are bioactive compounds found in foods of plant origin. PSs have been proposed to exert a wide number of pharmacological properties, including the potential to reduce total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and thereby decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Other health-promoting effects of PSs include anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Also, anticancer effects have been strongly suggested, as phytosterol-rich diets may reduce the risk of cancer by 20%. The aim of this review is to provide a general overview of the available evidence regarding the beneficial physiological and pharmacological activities of PSs, with special emphasis on their therapeutic potential for human health and safety. Also, we will explore the factors that influence the physiologic response to PSs.

Anxiogenic and anxiolytic effects of memantine injected into the ventral hippocampus in male stressed mice.

OBJECTIVES: The effects of intra-ventral hippocampal memantine administration in male NMRI stressed mice were studied. METHODS: Two stainless steel gauge 23 guide cannulas were placed in the middle part of the mice ventral hippocampus using stereotaxic coordination. Seven days later, the animals were undergone to the stress protocol as follows: They experience four consecutive electro-foot shock stress sessions lasting for 10 min. Five or 30 min before each stress session, the animals received intra-ventral hippocampal (0.1, 1 and, 5 µg/mouse) or intraperitoneal (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) memantine respectively. Eight days after stress termination, the animals were tested either for the maintenance of either anxiety (elevated plus maze) or depression (forced swimming test). RESULTS: Animals show anxiety eight days after stress termination. Intra-ventral hippocampal infusion of memantine (5 µg/mouse) 5 min before stress inhibited the anxiety-like behaviors. However, other doses of the drug exacerbate the stress effect. The drug, when injected peripherally exacerbated the stress effect in all doses. The drug by itself had no effect. In addition, animals also show depression nine days after stress termination and memantine (0.1, 1, and 5 µg/mouse) reduced the stress effect. The drug (0.1 µg/mouse) by itself induced depression in the animals. However, the drug when injected peripherally reduced the stress effect in all doses. CONCLUSIONS: It could be concluded that NMDA glutamate receptors in the ventral hippocampus may play a pivotal role in the mediation of maintenance of anxiety and depression induced by stress in the mice.

Validity of a modified food and nutrition literacy questionnaire in primary school children in Iran.

The present study aimed to assess the relative validity and reliability of a modified Food and Nutrition Literacy (M-FNLIT) questionnaire in primary school children in the city of Mashhad. The study was conducted in four phases. In the first step, the content and face validity of the questionnaire were evaluated by Delphi consensus as well as interviewing the students. Then, construct validity was examined using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The internal consistency and reliability of the questionnaire were also assessed using Cronbach α and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), respectively. Finally, a receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to detect the cut-off scores of the M-FNLIT scale. Findings of two rounds of Delphi showed satisfactory levels of Content Validity Ratio: 0·72 and 0·92, Content Validity Index (CVI): 0·92 and 0·98, respectively. The results of CFA for domains and subscales of the M-FNLIT questionnaire including cognitive domain (understanding food and nutrition information and nutritional health knowledge) and skill domain (functional, food choice, interactive, and critical skills) indicated acceptable fit indices. M-FNLIT subscale-specific Cronbach α values ranged between 0·68 and 0·8 and ICC was 0·95 (95 % CI 0·93, 96). The final questionnaire included forty items (thirty-six Likert-type and four true-false items). FNLIT scores were categorized as low (≤ 58), medium (> 58­< 81), and high (≥ 81). The M-FNLIT questionnaire has a good level of validity and reliability to measure food and nutrition literacy in primary school children. The questionnaire can be applied in the evaluation of nutritional interventions in this age group.