Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire for People With Mobility Impairments.

BACKGROUND: Although physical activity (PA) is an important determinant of health, physically disabled individuals tend to have a sedentary lifestyle. The Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Mobility Impairments (BPAQ-MI) is a self-report instrument evaluating PA barriers. This study was intended to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of BPAQ-MI (P-BPAQ-MI) and to report the prevalence and severity of PA barriers among Persian-speaking individuals. METHODS: The translation and back translation of the BPAQ-MI was conducted according to an internationally accepted guideline and tested on 163 participants to assess its reliability and validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were analyzed using Cronbach alpha and Spearman correlation coefficient. Convergent construct validity was established by comparing the scores of P-BPAQ-MI and The Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire. Known-groups construct validity was assessed with regard to type of assistive device and sex of the individual. Prevalence and severity of the barriers were reported by computing the percentage and means of "yes" answers. RESULTS: The P-BPAQ-MI domains demonstrated very good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha of .77-.95) and excellent test-retest reliability (Spearman rho of .73-.96) with a significant inverse small correlation with Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire indexes. The P-BPAQ-MI successfully discriminated between individuals with different assistive devices and sex. Community Built Environment barriers were the most prevalent and severe. CONCLUSIONS: The P-BPAQ-MI is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the PA barriers of people with physical disability. The community barriers were the most frequently reported obstacles to PA.

Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Viruses Types 1 and 2 in a Population, Age 15-35 Years, of Mashhad City.

Background: Considering the high prevalence and clinical importance of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection worldwide, we aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in a population aged between 15 and 35 years in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 916 cases composed of 288 (31.4%) men and 628 (68.6%) women. Using ELISA method, the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against HSV-1 and HSV-2 was assessed. Results: Among the population studied, 681 (74.3%) cases were positive for anti-HSV antibodies, while 235 (25.7%) cases were negative. Moreover, no IgMs were found and all positive subjects had IgG antibodies. Age (p < 0.001), occupation (p < 0.001), education (p = 0.006), smoking (p = 0.029), and BMI (p = 0.004) demonstrated a significant association with HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection. Conclusion: Our study indicates a high seroprevalence of HSV infection; however, there was no cases positive for IgM antibodies, suggesting the high prevalence of latent infection.

Effect of Vitamin E on Apoptosis of the Endothelial Cells of the Carotid Arteries in Hypercholesterolemic Male Rabbits.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease is the principal cause of mortality and morbidity in developed countries, leading to the formation of atherosclerosis plaques and thrombosis. Apoptosis of endothelial cells is one of the primary factors in vascular thrombosis. Lipids, when oxidized by endothelial cells, result in an increased thickness of the arterial wall. Iron is also recognized as an atherogenic element that induces atherosclerosis. There remains uncertainty about the antioxidative role of vitamin E in the formation of atherosclerosis. In this study, the authors evaluated the effect of iron and vitamin E on the apoptosis of endothelial cells in the carotid arteries of hypercholesterolemic male rabbits. METHOD: Thirty white male rabbits were randomly divided into five groups and fed the following diet for six weeks: Group 1: control, Group 2: cholesterol (1%), Group 3: cholesterol (1%) + vitamin E (50 mg/kg), Group 4: cholesterol (1%) + Iron (50 mg/kg), and Group 5: cholesterol (1%) + vitamin E (50 mg/kg) + Iron (50 mg/kg). Serum cholesterol, TG, HDL, and LDL levels were assessed after six weeks. Finally, the animals were sacrificed with ketamine, and carotid arteries were removed. The samples were fixed in 10% formalin, and TUNEL staining was used after the tissue processing. Cell counts were carried out under a light microscope. RESULTS: Vitamin E decreased Serum cholesterol and apoptotic endothelial cells in the hypercholesterolemic + vitamin E diet (P< 0.05). However, they increased significantly in the interference groups compared to the control group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to our findings, vitamin E showed to have a beneficial effect on preventing cardiovascular diseases and may play a positive role in the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Impact of Intraventricular Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Transplantation with Pregnenolone Treatment on Remyelination of Corpus Callosum in A Rat Model of Multiple Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is known as a nerve tissue disorder, which causes demyelination of central nervous system (CNS) fibers. Cell-based treatment is a novel strategy for the treatment of demyelinating diseases such as MS. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects and pregnenolone as a neurosteroid has remarkable roles in neurogenesis. We intend to examine the impact of intraventricular transplantation of human ADSCs and systemic injection of pregnenolone on the remyelination of a rat model cuprizone-induced demyelination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental study was performed on 36 male Wistar rats that received a regular diet and a cuprizone diet for 3 weeks for M.S. induction. Through lipoaspirate surgery, human-ADSCs (hADSCs) were obtained from a patient. Six groups of rats (n=6): healthy, MS, sham, pregnenolone injection, ADSCs transplantation, and pregnenolone injection/ADSCs transplantation were included in this study. For assessment of remyelination, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunohistochemistry staining, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed. RESULTS: TEM outcomes revealed an increase in the thickness of the fibers myelin in the treatment groups (P<0.05). We also observed a significant upregulation of MBP, PDGFR-α, and MOG after treatment with hADSCs and pregnenolone compared to other study groups (P<0.001). These results were confirmed by immunostaining analysis. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the ADSCs/pregnenolone group and the control group regarding the level of MBP, A2B5, and MOG proteins in ELISA. CONCLUSION: Our data implied that the remyelination and cell recovery were more improved by intraventricular ADSCs transplantation and pregnenolone injection after inducing a rat model of MS.

Design and evaluation of a prosthetic socket for a patient with diabetic-related transtibial amputation: A case report.

This is a report of a diabetic transtibial amputee with severe pain and ulcer in the antero-distal of the tibia. A novel prosthetic socket with an antero-distal silicone wall was designed. The result showed that the patient's satisfaction was increased and the average peak pressure was reduced by using the new socket design.

Comparison of the Modified Lumbar Pelvic Belt with the Current Belt on Low Back and Pelvic Pain in Pregnant Women.

Background: Low back pain is one of the most common problems for pregnant women during pregnancy. Most belts are designed for supporting the surface of the symphysis pubis or upper anterior iliac spine without any support in the lumbar region. Objective: This study aimed to compare the related effects between the new design and the current belt on the pain and function of pregnant women. Material and Methods: In this randomized control trial study, 48 pregnant women with pelvic and lumbar pain participated. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: current belt, modified belt, and control. Pain intensity assessment, pelvic girdle (PG), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) questionnaires were utilized at the beginning of the study and three weeks later. Results: The pain intensity decreased more in the modified belt group than in the current belt group. ODI and PG scores decreased in two belt groups after three weeks of follow-up. However, this decrease was greater in the modified belt group, there was no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The disability decreased in both groups using the belts, and their function was improved. Accordingly, the use of a modified belt with lumbar and PG support can significantly reduce back and pelvic pain in pregnant women compared to the current pelvic belt.

The effect of toe-only rocker sole shoes on gait variability of the elderly.

Gait variability could associate with fall risk in older people. Rocker sole shoes are commonly prescribed to reduce plantar pressure and facilitate forward movement. Thus, it may affect gait stability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of toe-only rocker shoes on gait variability in the elderly. Seventeen healthy elderly participants walked on a treadmill under six different conditions including barefoot (BF), normal shoe (NS), and four types of toe-only rocker sole shoes with various degrees of rocker angle (RS10, RS20, RS30, and RS40). Then the step length variability (SLV), the step time variability (STV), the step width variability (SWV), and the stance time variability were measured. Increasing rocker angle in toe-only rocker did not significantly affect gait variability more than the standard shoe. It seems that different rocker angles in toe-only rocker sole shoes do not pose a threat to gait variability compared to the standard shoes in healthy elderly. Findings of the study suggested that the toe-only rocker sole can be used to facilitate forward progression in the elderly. Further investigation is also required to examine the long-term effects of toe-only rocker sole shoes on gait variability in frail elderly.

Nonlinear analysis of dynamic stability in walking with toe-only rocker sole shoes in elderly.

BACKGROUND: Elderly subjects are at the risk of falling. One type of shoe intervention used for this group of the subjects is the shoe with rocker. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of shoes with various degrees of rockers on dynamic stability of elderly subjects while walking. METHOD: 15 elderly subjects were recruited in this study. A motion analysis system was used to record the motions of body while walking on a treadmill. The local dynamic stability (LDS) was evaluated based on use of Lyapunov exponent of center of mass (COM) movement. The subjects were asked to walk barefoot, with shoe with no rocker and with shoe with various rockers (10, 20, 30 and 40°). RESULTS: The mean values of LDS (λmax-S) in anteroposterior direction were 0.95 ± 0.46, 0.78 ± 0.51 and 0.74 ± 0.54 in bare foot, shoes with no rocker and shoe with 10° rocker, respectively. The mean value of LDS (λmax-S) in vertical direction varied between 1.21 and 1.23. There was no significant difference between LDS of elderly subjects while walking with shoes with various rocker angles. DISCUSSION: Use of shoes with various rocker angles dose not influence on dynamic stability of elderly subjects while walking. Therefore, it is recommended to use this kind of shoe intervention for other trapeutic purposes.

Evaluation of Edaravone effects on the differentiation of human adipose derived stem cells into oligodendrocyte cells in multiple sclerosis disease in rats.

AIMS: Among all the treatments for Multiple Sclerosis, stem cell transplantation, such as ADSCs, has attracted a great deal of scientific attention. On the other hand, Edaravone, as an antioxidant component, in combination with stem cells, could increase the survival and differentiation potential of stem cells. MAIN METHODS: 42 rats were divided into: Control, Cuprizone (CPZ), Sham, Edaravone (Ed), hADSCs, and Ed/hADSCs groups. Following induction of cuprizone, induced MS model, behavioral tests were designed to evaluate motor function during. Luxal fast blue staining was done to measure the level of demyelination and remyelination. Immunofluorescent staining was used to evaluate the amount of MBP, OLIG2, and MOG proteins. The mRNA levels of human MBP, MOG, and OLIG2 and rat Mbp, Mog, and Olig2 were determined via RT-PCR. KEY FINDINGS: Flow cytometry analysis exhibited that the extracted cells were positive for CD73 (93.8 ± 3%) and CD105 (91.6 ± 3%), yet negative for CD45 (2.06 ± 0.5%). Behavioral tests, unveiled a significant improvement in the Ed (P < 0.001), hADSCs (P < 0.001), and Ed/hADSCs (P < 0.001) groups compared to the others. In the Ed/hADSCs group, the myelin density was significantly higher than that in the Ed treated and hADSCs treated groups (P < 0.01). Edaravone and hADSCs increased the expression of Mbp, Mog, and Olig2 genes in the cuprizone rat models. Moreover, significant differences were seen between the Ed treated and hADSCs treated groups and the Ed/hADSCs group (P < 0.05 for Mbp and Olig2 and P < 0.01 for Mog). SIGNIFICANCE: Edaravone in combination with hADSCs reduced demyelination and increased oligodendrogenesis in the cuprizone rat models.

Comparison of TGF-ß3 and avocado/soybean unsaponifiable on chondrogenesis of human adipose-derived stem cells on poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid/ hyaluronic acid hybrid scaffold.

OBJECTIVES: Avocado/soybean unsaponifible (ASU) possesses properties including chondroprotective, anticatabolic, and anabolic. The goal behind this research was to detect the effect of ASU and TGF-ß3 on the chondrogenesis of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) on poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)/ hyaluronic acid (PLGA/HA) hybrid scaffold. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First hADSCs were seeded in PLGA/Hyaluronic acid scaffold and cultured in chondrogenic media. These cells were assigned into 4 groups: control, TGFß-3, ASU, and TGFß-3+ASU. The viability was assessed separately by MTT. Real-time PCR was used to quantify the expression of chondrogenic specific genes [Sox9, collagen type II (ColII), Aggrecan (AGG)] and collagen type X (ColX). Moreover, Western blotting was employed to evaluate protein expression levels of collagens type II and X. RESULTS: These findings indicated a significant increase in the proliferation and survival of hADSCs differentiated cells by ASU compared with the control group (P=0.008). Real-time PCR results revealed significant differences in the expression of AGG, SOX9, ColII, and ColX genes in the control group when compared with other groups (ASU, TGF-ß3, and TGF-ß3+ASU). ColII protein production significantly dropped in the TGF-ß3 group in comparison with the TGF-ß3+ASU group (0.000). The ColII (P=0.002) and ColX (P=0.002) protein production proved significantly higher in the TGF-ß3+ASU group compared with the ASU group. CONCLUSION: Using the synergist form TGFß-3, ASU induces chondrogenesis in hADSCs in PLGA/HA composite scaffold. This can be deduced with reduction of special markers of hyaline cartilage in comparison with ASU and decreased hypertrophic marker compared with TGF-ß3.

Determination of the correlation between muscle forces obtained from OpenSim and muscle activities obtained from electromyography in the elderly.

Measurement of muscle forces related to aging can help to better identify the gait impairment mechanisms in the elderly. To this end, musculoskeletal modeling has been developed to estimate muscle forces. This study aimed to check the validity of OpenSim modeling (i.e., computed muscle control) approach in elderly subjects. Kinematic and kinetic data and Electromyography (EMG) signals for four different muscles were collected in nine healthy elderly males during walking. Dynamic simulation was done within OpenSim. Correlation analysis was performed to quantitatively compare the maximum estimated muscle forces with maximum measured muscle activities during the first double limb support, single limb support, and the second double limb support phases. The area-time plots of OpenSim and EMG data during gait cycle were obtained for qualitative assessment. In quantitative assessment, a low to moderate correlation was observed for the peak of muscle force and muscle activation of four muscles during sub phases of gait. The muscle forces pattern from OpenSim was found to be relatively similar to the muscle activity pattern from EMG especially for Gastrocnemius Medialis. A low to moderate consistency between OpenSim and EMG in the elderly can be explained by using a single mathematical estimation approach.

Improvement of Remyelination in Demyelinated Corpus Callosum Using Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (hADSCs) and Pregnenolone in the Cuprizone Rat Model of Multiple Sclerosis.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have neuroprotective effects, and their repair ability has been approved in neurodegenerative studies. Pregnenolone as a neurosteroid plays significant roles in neurogenesis. We aimed to consider the effect of ADSCs and pregnenolone injection on the multiple sclerosis (MS) model created by cuprizone. Male Wistar rats (n = 36) were fed with an ordinary diet or a diet with cuprizone (0.6%) for 3 weeks. H-ADSCs were taken from patients with lipoaspirate surgery. The rats were divided into six groups (n = 6): healthy, MS, sham, pregnenolone injection, ADSCs injection, pregnenolone and ADSCs injection. Behavioral test, histological examination and TEM were conducted. The specific markers for myelin and cell differentiation were assessed using immunohistochemistry staining. Additionally, the measure of MBP and MOG gene expression and the amount of related proteins were determined using real-time RT-PCR and ELISA techniques, respectively. Histologic results showed that induced demyelination in corpus callosum fibers. TEM revealed an increased thickness of myelin in fibers in the treated groups (P < 0.05). Injection of hADSC and pregnenolone significantly increased the expression levels of MBP and MOG (P < 0.001). The mean percentage of MOG and MBP markers were significantly increased in the treated groups compared to MS and sham groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the OD level of MBP and MOG proteins showed that their values in the ADSCs/pregnenolone group were close to those of the control group without a significant difference. Our data indicated the remyelination potency and cell differentiation can improve with ADSCs and pregnenolone treatments in the multiple sclerosis model which created by cuprizone in rats.

Development and preliminary evaluation of a new anatomically based prosthetic alignment method for below-knee prosthesis.

The objectives of current study were to a) assess similarities and relationships between anatomical landmark-based angles and distances of lower limbs in unilateral transtibial amputees and b) develop and evaluate a new anatomically based static prosthetic alignment method. First substudy assessed the anthropometrical differences and relationships between the lower limbs in the photographs taken from amputees. Data were analyzed via paired t-test and regression analysis. Results show no significant differences in frontal and transverse planes. In the sagittal plane, the anthropometric parameters of the amputated limb were significantly correlated to the corresponding variables of the sound limb. The results served as bases for the development of a new prosthetic alignment method. The method was evaluated on a single-subject study. Prosthetic alignment carried out by an experienced prosthetist was compared with such alignment adjusted by an inexperienced prosthetist but with the use of the developed method. In sagittal and frontal planes, the socket angle was tuned with respect to the shin angle, and the position of the prosthetic foot was tuned in relation to the pelvic landmarks. Further study is needed to assess the proposed method on a larger sample of amputees and prosthetists.

Design and analysis of an original powered foot clearance creator mechanism for walking in patients with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the performance of an original powered foot clearance creator (PFCC) mechanism worn in conjunction with an isocentric reciprocal gait orthosis (IRGO) and evaluate its effect on trunk compensatory movements and spatiotemporal parameters in nine healthy subjects. METHOD: A PFCC motorized mechanism was designed that incorporated twin sole plates, the movements of which enabled increased toe to floor clearance during swing phase. A prototype was constructed in combination with an IRGO, and hence was re-named as an IRGO-PFCC orthosis. The effects of IRGO-PFCC usage on the spatiotemporal parameters and trunk compensatory movements during walking were then analyzed under two conditions, firstly with the PFCC 'active' i.e., with the motorized device functioning, and secondly inactive, where floor clearance was standard. RESULTS: Ambulating with IRGO-PFCC orthosis resulted in reduction in the spatiotemporal parameters of gait (speed of walking, cadence and stride length) in nine healthy subjects. Walking with IRGO-PFCC orthosis led to significant differences in lateral (p = .007) and vertical (p = .008) trunk compensatory movements. In other words, through using IRGO-PFCC orthosis, the lateral and vertical trunk compensatory movements decreased by 51.32% and 42.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: An adapted PFCC mechanism, with a relatively small motor and power supply could effectively increase toe to floor clearance during swing phase and thereby decrease trunk compensatory motions and potentially improve energy consumption. Implications for rehabilitations •The High rejection rates of reciprocal gait orthoses are related to the increasing in energy expenditure and burden loads on the upper limb joints during walking following trunk compensatory movements.•An original powered foot clearance creator mechanism was designed and constructed to assisting floor clearance capability and reduce trunk compensatory movements in subjects with spinal cord injury during swing phase of gait.•This original powered foot clearance creator mechanism by using moveable soleplates and motorized actuation could decrease the trunk compensatory motions during the ambulation of nine healthy subjects.•More experiments are needed to investigate this mechanism on trunk compensatory movements of SCI subjects.

Effects of Two Different Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses on Postural Stability in Subjects with Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Pilot study. PURPOSE: Evaluation of two different hip-knee-ankle-foot orthoses (HKAFOs; medial linkage reciprocating gait orthosis [MLRGO] and isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis [IRGO]) using gait and postural stability analysis in four subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: To the best of our knowledge, no study has evaluated postural stability in subjects with SCI when using MLRGO and IRGO. METHODS: The relative efficacy of each orthosis was evaluated with relevant gait parameters, and an assessment of postural stability and sway during usage was made. Each analysis was conducted following an appropriate period of training and acclimatization. The gait parameters employed in the study were walking speed, cadence, and endurance; these were recorded and analyzed using current, validated methods. Postural stability was assessed using a verified force plate measurement system, and a modified Falls Efficacy Scale (mFES) was used for the measurement of postural sway and the perceived fear of falling. RESULTS: Walking speed, cadence, and endurance increased with the use of both HKAFOs. When the two types of HKAFOs were compared, all the parameters showed a slight (but not significant) increase with the use of MLRGO compared with the use of IRGO. In contrast, there were slight but insignificant improvements in postural sway with the use of IRGO. However, although there were no significant differences between the two sets of mFES scores, there was a slightly reduced fear of falling with the use of MLRGO compared with the use of IRGO in the static standing position. CONCLUSIONS: It is noteworthy that meaningful interpretations of results can only be drawn if a larger sample is employed. This pilot study showed no significant data; however, the results indicate that the use of MLRGO is superior to that of IRGO in terms of potential improvement in the mobility and confidence levels of subjects with SCI.

A systematic review of variables used to assess clinically acceptable alignment of unilateral transtibial amputees in the literature.

Prosthetic alignment is a subjective concept which lacks reliability. The outcome responsiveness to prosthetic alignment quality could help to improve subjective and instrument assisted prosthetic alignment. This study was aimed to review variables used to assess clinically acceptable alignment in the literature. The search was done in some databases including: Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCO, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge and Scopus. The first selection criterion was based on abstracts and titles to address the research questions of interest. The American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics checklists were used for paper risk of bias assessment. A total of 25 studies were included in this study. Twenty-four studies revealed the critics of standing position or walking to locate clinically acceptable alignment, only one study measured outcomes in both situations. A total of 253 adults with transtibial amputations and mean age of 48.71 years participated in included studies. The confidence level of included studies was low to moderate, and before-after trial was the most common study design (n = 19). The joint angle, load line location with respect to joints and center of pressure-related parameters were reported as sensitive outcomes to prosthetic alignment quality in standing posture. The amount of forces at various parts of gait cycle and time of events were sensitive to prosthetic alignment quality during walking. Standing balance and posture and temporal parameters of walking could help to locate clinically acceptable alignment.

The effects of maternal diabetes and insulin treatment on neurogenesis in the developing hippocampus of male rats.

Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with an increasing risk of congenital malformations and central nervous system disorders (CNS) especially hippocampal neuronal circuitry disruption as a discreet region involved in neurogenesis phenomenon. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal diabetes and insulin treatment on the expression and distribution pattern of NeuN and DCX as two important markers of neurogenesis paradigm in developing rat hippocampus. All animals were randomly divided into three groups as follows: Control group, Diabetic (STZ-D), Diabetic treated with insulin (STZ-INS). Diabetes was induced in Wistar female rats by Sterptozotocin intraperitoneal injection (single does). Following confirmation of diabetes, animals were mated with non-diabetic males. Four to six units of protamine-Zinc insulin were delivered subcutaneously (SC) in insulin treated group. At the post-natal day 14 (P14), the brain of male offspring's were removed for further study. In fact Immunofluorescence staining and Real time - PCR assays are used for evaluation of neurogenesis phenomenon. Our results showed a significant higher level of hippocampal DCX expression and an increase in the mean number of DCX positive cells in the DG of diabetic group male offspring (P < 0.05). We also found an insignificant up-regulation in the expression of DCX and the mean number of positive cells in the insulin-treated diabetic group neonates as compared to control group (P > 0.05). Nevertheless the results of immunofluorescence staining for NeuN also indicated that the mean number of NeuN+ cells was significantly lower in dentate gyrus of diabetic group male offspring (P < 0.05). Besides, there were significant down- regulation in the hippocampal mRNA expression of NeuN in diabetic pups compare to control (P < 0.05 each). Our results revealed that diabetes during pregnancy has an adverse effect on the hippocampal neurogenesis in rat neonates. Furthermore, the control of glycemia by insulin is sufficient to prevent the alterations in expression of neurogenesis markers.

Co-Transplantation of Human Neurotrophic Factor Secreting Cells and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Rat Model of Multiple Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: The presence of neurotrophic factors is critical for regeneration of neural lesions. Here, we transplanted combination of neurotrophic factor secreting cells (NTF-SCs) and human adipose derived stem cells (hADSCs) into a lysolecithin model of multiple sclerosis (MS) and determined the myelinization efficiency of these cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 50 adult rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, lysolecithin, vehicle, hADSCs transplantation and NTF-SCs/ hADSCs co-transplantation group. Focal demyelization was induced by lysolecithin injection into the spinal cord. In order to assess motor functions, all rats were scored weekly with a standard experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis scoring scale before and after cell transplantation. Four weeks after cell transplantation, the extent of demyelination and remyelination were examined with Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining. Also, immunofluorescence method was used for evaluation of oligodendrocyte differentiation markers including; myelin basic protein (MBP) and Olig2 in the lesion area. RESULTS: Histological study show somewhat remyelinzation in cell transplantation groups related to others. In addition, the immunofluorescence results indicated that the MBP and Olig2 positive labeled cells were significantly higher in co-cell transplantation group than hADSCs group (P<0.05). Also, outcome of motor functional test showed significant improvement function in cell transplantation groups, as compared to the others (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that the remyelinization process in co-cell transplantation group was better than other groups. Thus, NTF-SCs/ hADSCs transplantation can be proper candidate for cell based therapy in neurodegenerative diseases, such as MS.

Evaluation of Progesterone and Ovulation-stimulating Drugs on the Glandular Epithelium and Angiogenesis in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Human endometrium is a dynamic tissue during the menstrual cycle can be influenced by ovarian hormones. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the endometrium angiogenesis under the influence of human menopausal gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin (HMG and HCG) that stimulate ovulation and progesterone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, thirty adult female mice were randomly divided into three groups as: control, gonadotropin and gonadotropin + progesterone. The mice in the other two groups except the control group received 7.5 IU HMG and later HCG. Subsequently, the mice were placed in a cage for mating. Gonadotropin + progesterone group was administered, 1 mg/mouse progesterone in 24, 48, and 72 h interval, after HMG injection. Ninety-six hours after HMG injection, animals were sacrificed, and their uterine specimens were prepared by immunohistochemistry technique for light microscopic studies, and statistical analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Endometrium angiogenesis in control group showed that mean ± standard deviation was 24.15 ± 11.15, gonadotropin group was 62.50 ± 24.16, and gonadotropin + progesterone group was 41.85 ± 19.54. Significant difference between the control group and gonadotropin group and between the control group and gonadotropin + progesterone was observed. Statistically significant differences were observed in all groups in the endometrial angiogenesis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ovarian induction with gonadotropins and gonadotropins + progesterone could not change the morphometrically index of endometrial glandular epithelium in mice. Ovarian stimulation followed by progesterone injection could modify the angiogenesis of mice endometrium.