The immunoregulatory property of mesenchymal stem cells in Crocin treatment by expression modulation of microRNA-155, microRNA-21, microRNA-23b, microRNA-126a, and their target inflammatory genes.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have high priority in clinical applications for treatment of immune disorders because of their immunomodulatory function. A lot of researches have currently been undertaken to enhance the stemness capacities of the cells and pick an excellent type of MSCs for clinical approaches. This study aims to assess the immunomodulatory related MicroRNAs (miRNAs) expression as well as their target genes in both adipose derived stem cells (Ad-SCs) and dental pulp derived stem cell (DP-SCs) in the presence or lack of Crocin (saffron plant's bioactive compound). For this purpose, first MSCs were extracted from adipose and dental pulp tissues, and then their mesenchymal nature was confirmed using flow cytometry and differentiation tests. Following the cell treatment with an optimal-non-toxic dose of Crocin (Obtained by MTT test), the expression of 4 selected immunomodulatory-related micro-RNAs (Mir-126, -21, -23, and-155) and their target genes (PI3K/ Akt 1 and 2/ NFKB and RELA) were assessed by RT-PCR. Our findings revealed that miRNA-23 and miRNA-126 were up-regulated in both types of cells treated with Crocin, while in the other side, miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 were down-regulated in DP-SCs and were up-regulated in Ad-SCs under treatment. Moreover, the real-time PCR results indicated that Crocin could significantly down regulate the expression of PI3K/ Akt1/ Akt2/ NFKB/ RELA genes in DP-SCs and PI3K/Akt2 genes in Ad-SCs and up regulate the expression of Akt1/ NFKB/ RELA genes in recent cells. Based on the analysis of the obtained data, the immunoregulatory effects of Crocin were higher in DP-SCs than in Ad-SCs. In conclusion, Crocin could control essential signaling pathways related to the inflammation by regulating the expression of related- miRNAs genes that play a key function in the immune regulation pathways in MSCs. Our findings can give an understanding of the mechanisms by which Crocin enhances the immunomodulatory feature of MSCs. According to the research findings, DP-SCs are probably a better immunomodulator in Crocin treatment than Ad-SCs and it may be helpful for MSCs selection in clinical applications for modulation or treatment of autoimmune disorders.

Quantitative analysis of biochemical characteristics and anti-cancer properties in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line: a comparative study between Ziziphus jujube honey and commercial honey.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that honey has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects. This study aims to assess and contrast the cytotoxic, anti-metastatic, and apoptotic effects of Ziziphus jujube honey and commercial honey on MCF7 cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two honey samples, Ziziphus jujube (JH) and commercial honey (CH), were categorized into high and low groups based on their phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and diastase activity (PAD score). The viability and migration ability of MCF-7 cells treated with JH and CH were evaluated. Also, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) was performed to assess the effect of the two honey samples on the expression of Bax, p53, p21 and Bcl-2 genes. JH had a total phenolic content of 606.4 ± 0.1 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg, while CH had a value of 112.1 ± 0.09 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg. The total antioxidant capacity of the two samples was compared. It was 203.5 ± 10.5µM/l in JH and 4.6 ± 10.5 µM/l in CH. In addition, JH had a diastatic activity of 524.1 ± 0.25 U/l, while CH had a value of 209.7 ± 0.56 U/l. According to the results, JH had a high PAD value, while CH had a low PAD value. Cell viability was measured using the results of the MTT assay. The results showed that JH inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells more strongly (IC50 of 170 ± 4.2 µg/ml) than CH (IC50 of 385.3 ± 4.5 µg/l). The scratch assay showed that treatment with JH decreased the migration rate of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner compared to the CH and control groups. In addition, the results of q-PCR analysis showed significant upregulation of Bax, p53 and p21 genes and downregulation of Bcl-2 gene in the JH-treated group compared to the CH and control groups. CONCLUSION: These results showed that honey with an increased content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and diastatic activity has anticancer properties by effectively suppressing tumor development. This suppression occurs via several mechanisms, including suppression of proliferation and metastasis, and promotion of apoptosis.

Effect of Dill (Anethum graveolens) Oil on Pruritus and Quality of Life of Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Three-Arm Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Anethum graveolens (AG), commonly known as dill, is a plant from the Apiaceae family that has been traditionally used as a skin softener and purifying agent in Persian medicine. In a previous study conducted on male rats, dill was found to have anti-inflammatory effects. The current study aimed to examine the efficacy of topical application of Anethum graveolens oil on pruritus severity, skin dryness, sleep quality, and quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: In the current clinical trial, the participants were randomly assigned to one of these groups: topical AG preparation, sesame oil, or a control group receiving no treatment. The study was double-blind and placebo-controlled. The topical treatment was applied twice a day for one month to areas of the skin affected by pruritus. The outcome measures included the severity of skin dryness, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Duo's Uremic Pruritus Severity Scale, and the Itchy QoL questionnaire. Results: This study involved 106 hemodialysis patients, and after intervention for one month, the medication group had a significantly lower mean score of sleep quality (3.24 ± 2.41) than the placebo (4.54 ± 3.11) and control (5.05 ± 3.21) groups (P=0.032). The mean change in pruritus severity was significantly greater in the medication group (-17.28 ± 8.938) than the placebo (-5.91 ± 5.398) and control (-3.43 ± 3.228) groups (P < 0.001). Moreover, a significant difference was observed in the mean changes in quality of life between the medication, placebo, and control groups, with values of -14.88 ± 7.89, -5.34 ± 4.50, and -1.92 ± 2.86, respectively (P < 0.001). Furthermore, both the medication and placebo groups showed improvement in skin dryness compared to the control group having the values of -1.65 ± 0.91, -1.11 ± 0.79, and -0.38 ± 0.54, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Topical Anethum graveolens preparation significantly improved the sleep quality and quality of life and reduced skin pruritus and dryness in hemodialysis patients. It could be considered as a simple therapeutic modality to control pruritus in hemodialysis patients. This trial is registered with IRCT2017022032671N1.

Effect of Elaeagnus Angustifolia extract on in vitro wound healing of human dermal fibroblast cells.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of Elaeagnus Angustifolia extract (EA) on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) survival, migration, and wound healing-related genes. METHODS: After preparing the hydroalcoholic extract of EA, MTT and scratch tests were used to determine the effect of EA on the viability and migration of HDFs. In addition, the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) was conducted to evaluate the impact of EA on the expression of wound healing-related genes in HDFs. RESULT: According to the MTT test, a nontoxic concentration of EA (100 µg/ml) was obtained for further investigations. The scratch test results demonstrated that EA improved HDFs' capacity to migrate when compared to the control group. Additionally, q-PCR results revealed that EA could significantly increase wound healing-related genes (VEGF-A, HLA-G5, and IL-6) in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The EA could have a significant impact on the viability and migration of HDFs. Also, EA increased the expression of wound healing-related genes.

Green synthesis of nanohydroxyapatite trough Elaeagnus angustifolia L. extract and evaluating its anti-tumor properties in MCF7 breast cancer cell line.

BACKGROUND: One of the most common types of cancer in women is breast cancer. There are numerous natural plant-based products, which exert anti-tumoral effects including Elaeagnus Angustifolia (EA). It modulates cell-cycle process, heat-shock proteins expression, anti-proliferative properties, apoptosis induction, blocking of angiogenesis, and cell invasion inhibition. The current study aimed to synthesize and evaluate the anticancer effects of hydroalcoholic EA extract (HEAE), Nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) and nHAp synthesized trough EA (nHA-EA) in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. METHODS: In the present study, HEAE preparation and green synthesis of nHA-EA was done and phase composition, functional groups, and crystallin phase of nHA-EA and nHAp were determined using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The characteristics of synthesized nanoparticles including structural and morphological parameters were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Then, by using MTT-assay (Dimethylthiazoldiphenyltetrazolium), the in vitro cytotoxic and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of EA extract, nHAp, and nHA-EA in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line was evaluated. Next, we assessed the expression of apoptosis-related genes Bax, Bcl2 and p53 using quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction (qRT-PCR) and migration of MCF-7 cells by scratch assay. RESULTS: The FTIR results demonstrated formation of nHAp and its interaction with HEAE during synthesis process. The XRD results of the synthesized nanoparticles showed similar XRD pattern of nHA-EA and nHAp and purity of synthesized nanomaterials. The average IC50 of HEAE, nHAp, and nHA-EA extract after treatment of cancer cells for 24 h was 400 µg/mL, 200 µg/mL, and 100 µg/mL, respectively. Our results revealed that nHA-EA significantly reduced the migration and invasion of the MCF-7 cells, in comparison to the nHAp and EA extract. Moreover, level of Bax/Bcl2 and p53 was significantly higher in the nHA-EA extract group in comparison to the EA extract and nHAp group. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results demonstrated that bioactive constituents of EA medicinal plant in form of nHA-EA particles, can effectively exerts potential anticancer and chemo preventive effect against breast cancer growth and can be proposed as a promising beneficial candidate for BC therapy. However, further investigations are required to discover what bioactive compounds are responsible for the chemo preventive effect of this extract.

The Effect of Metabolic Persian Diet on Ovulation Induction in Infertile Women.

Introduction: Infertility is an important issue with a high social and psychological burden. From the perspective of Persian Medicine (PM), uterine cold temperament is one of the important causes of female infertility. Aim: The aim of this study was to study the effect of PM or Iranian traditional medicine on improving ovulation and fertility. Methods: From January 2017 to August 2017, sixty infertile women with eugonadotropic ovulation disorder were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups were treated with clomiphene citrate, except that the intervention group also received metabolic Persian diet (MPD). In each cycle, the dominant follicles and endometrium were investigated with ultrasound. At the end of the cycle, beta human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG) was evaluated and if positive, another ultrasound was performed two weeks later to confirm early pregnancy. Results: The number of dominant follicles from the first to third cycle increased from 2.15 ± 1.14 to 2.28 ± 0.61 in the intervention group and decreased from 1.86 ± 0.79 to 1.30 ± 0.47 in the control group. The dominant follicle size changed from 16.00 ± 4.08 to 18.78 ± 2.78 and from 15.05 ± 3.11 to 15.80 ± 3.89 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. But endometrial thickness did not change significantly in the intervention group. Pregnancy results based on ß-HCG and ultrasound findings were positive in 19 and 16 patients in the intervention group and in 10 and 7 patients in the control group, implying significantly higher numbers in the first group. Conclusion: It seems that MPD may be effective in the success of ovulation induction.

Saffron carotenoids reversed the UCMS-induced depression and anxiety in rats: Behavioral and biochemical parameters, and hippocampal BDNF/ERK/CREB and NR2B signaling markers.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a debilitating condition that affects the mind and the individual's body. The improving effects of saffron on depression and anxiety have long been discussed, with limited information about the molecular mechanism of action. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: Investigating the effect of saffron carotenoids, Crocin and Crocetin, on depression and anxiety in rats by emphasizing some signaling pathways involved. STUDY DESIGN: Depression and anxiety were induced in rats via unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). Then different rat groups were treated with Crocin, Crocetin, Fluoxetine, and vehicle. Behavioral tests were done before and after treatment. METHODS: The serum Serotonin and Corticosterone and the expression of some hippocampal signaling proteins were studied. Furthermore, bioinformatics tools were used to predict the interactions of Crocin/ Crocetin with the Serotonin transporter and NMDA receptor subunit NR2B. Then, the patch-clamp was used to study the interaction of Crocetin with the NMDA receptor. RESULTS: Various behavioral tests confirmed the induction of depression and the improvement of depression by these natural carotenoids. In addition, Crocin/ Crocetin significantly increased the decreased serum Serotonin and reduced the increased serum Corticosterone in the depressed groups. They also increased or caused a trend of increase in the CREB, ERK, BAD, BDNF, p11, and 5-HT1B expression in the hippocampus of the depressed groups. In addition, there were an increase or a trend in p-CREB/CREB, p-ERK1/2 /ERK1/2, and p-BAD/BAD ratios in the Crocin/ Crocetin treated depressed groups. However, the NR2B and FOXO3a expression showed a trend of decrease in depressed groups after treatment. The bioinformatics data indicated that Crocin/ Crocetin could bind to the Serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) and NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor. Both carotenoids bind to the same site as Fluoxetine in the SLC6A4. However, they bound to different sites on the NR2B. So, Crocetin binds to NR2B at the same site as Ifenprodil. But Crocin bound to another site. The whole cell patch-clamp recording on the normal rat hippocampus revealed a significant decrease in the NMDA peak amplitude after Crocetin treatment, indicating its inhibitory effect on this receptor. CONCLUSION: The antidepressant activities of Crocin/ Crocetin are possibly due to their effects on Serotonin and Corticosterone serum concentrations, NR2B expression, and the downstream signaling pathways. Furthermore, these natural carotenoids, like Fluoxetine, induced an increasing tendency in p11 and 5HT1B in depressed rats.

Relationship between anthropometric indices and Mizaj (temperament) in Persian medicine.

Background: The process of diagnosis and treatment in Persian medicine (PM) are based on the concept of Mizaj (temperament). Among the indices of Mizaj determination, anthropometric indices are less influenceable regarding age change and other environmental factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between anthropometric indices and Mizaj. Methods: Four PM experts determined the Mizaj of 121 participants. Those who had ≥70% agreement in their Mizaj determination by the experts were selected and their anthropometric indices were measured. The best cutoff point of each index and its relationship with the defined Mizaj were extracted using Receiver Operative Characteristic Curve and Binary Logistic Regression. Results: 52 out of 121 participants entered the main study. The warm-Mizaj people had larger dimensions in height, shoulder, chest, palm and sole width, and head height. Cold-Mizaj people had smaller dimensions in weight, height, shoulder, chest and head. High levels of BMI, chest depth and head dimensions had the highest correlation with the wet Mizaj and lower dimensions of these indices had the highest correlation with the dry Mizaj. Conclusion: Among the anthropometric indices, chest, palm, sole dimensions, head height and weight had the highest correlation with warmness/coldness and BMI, head width and chest dimensions had the highest correlation with wetness/dryness. The BMI which is more closely related to the soft tissue, only correlates with the wetness/dryness, while, bone dimensions are associated with warmness/coldness. Further studies are needed to metricize the anthropometric indices for Mizaj determination.

Effect of HM-Exos on the migration and inflammatory response of LPS-exposed dental pulp stem cells.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of human milk exosomes (HM-Exos) on the viability, migration, and inflammatory responses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-exposed human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) in vitro. METHODS: HM-Exos were isolated, and dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyze their physical properties (size and shape). To construct an in vitro inflammation model, HDPSCs were exposed to LPS. The MTT test and migration assay were used to investigate the effect of HM-Exos on cell proliferation and migration, and the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to assess the expression of inflammatory genes in HDPSCs. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's post-test. RESULTS: DLS measurement revealed that HM-Exos were 116.8 ± 3.6 nm in diameter. The SEM and TEM images revealed spherical shapes with diameters of 97.2 ± 34.6 nm. According to the results of the cell viability assay, the nontoxic concentration of HM-Exos (200 µg/ml) was chosen for the subsequent investigations. The migration assay results showed that HM-Exos improved the potential of LPS-exposed HDPSCs to migrate. The qPCR results indicated that HM-Exos significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in HDPSCs after LPS stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: HM-Exos increased LPS-exposed HDPSCs migration and proliferation and reduced gene expression of inflammatory cytokines. They may be a viable candidate for pulpitis therapy.

A Mediterranean diet is associated with improved total antioxidant content of human breast milk and infant urine.

BACKGROUND: The composition of breast milk (BM) is dynamic and can be influenced by maternal variables that include the diet and nutritional status. This study examined the association between maternal adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and total antioxidant content of BM and infant urine. METHODS: We collected 350 BM samples from mothers and urine samples from their infants. The dietary intakes of the mothers were recorded using a validated 65 items-food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The total antioxidant status of the samples was assessed using the ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and thiol quantification assays. Milk protein, calcium, and triglyceride (TG) were also determined using standard biochemical kits. RESULTS: Subjects with the highest MedDiet scores were among the women in the highest tertile (T3) for consumption of dietary fiber, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and seeds, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and the lowest consumption of red meat, sweetened beverages, and sodium, compared to women in the first tertile (T1) with the lowest MedDiet scores. After adjustment for potential confounders, the individuals in the highest tertile for MedDiet score had a significantly higher level of milk DPPH, and infant urinary DPPH than the lowest tertile and had a significantly higher level of milk protein, FRAP and infant urinary FRAP compared to the T2 (P < 0.05). In addition, the mothers in the T3 for the MedDiet pattern had a significantly lower level of milk TG compared to those within the T1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that a high maternal adherence to a MedDiet can affect BM composition and their infants' urine.

The association of maternal food quality score (FQS) with breast milk nutrient content and antioxidant content of infant urine: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Breast milk (BM) is a complex fluid with a variable composition within women over time and between women in the population. The BM compositional differences are likely to be partly due to maternal dietary patterns. This study aimed to evaluate food quality score (FQS) in lactating mothers and its association with quality indicators of BM and antioxidant content of infant urine. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in 350 lactating women aged 20 to 35 years. Data on dietary intake was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) containing 65 food items. The FQS was calculated by integrating the scores obtained from healthy and unhealthy food groups. Subjects were categorized according to FQS adherence, with the greatest adherence being allocated to the third tertile and those with the lowest FQS in the first tertile. Antioxidant activity of the BM and infant urine samples was assessed using the Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2, 2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), and Ellman's assay. The total content of BM protein, calcium, and triglyceride was measured using standard biochemical kits. RESULTS: BM from mothers from the third tertile of FQS contained significantly higher DPPH, thiol, calcium, and protein levels compared to BM from those in the lowest tertile (p˂0.05). Infant urinary DPPH and FRAP was also significantly higher in the highest tertile vs. the lowest tertile (p˂0.05). CONCLUSION: High maternal adherence to the FQS was associated with a high BM quality and antioxidant content of infant urine.

Dentin regeneration based on tooth tissue engineering: A review.

Missing or damaged teeth due to caries, genetic disorders, oral cancer, or infection may contribute to physical and mental impairment that reduces the quality of life. Despite major progress in dental tissue repair and those replacing missing teeth with prostheses, clinical treatments are not yet entirely satisfactory, as they do not regenerate tissues with natural teeth features. Therefore, much of the focus has centered on tissue engineering (TE) based on dental stem/progenitor cells to create bioengineered dental tissues. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the use of cells in regenerating sections of a tooth or a whole tooth. Tooth tissue engineering (TTE), as a promising method for dental tissue regeneration, can form durable biological substitutes for soft and mineralized dental tissues. The cell-based TE approach, which directly seeds cells and bioactive components onto the biodegradable scaffolds, is currently the most potential method. Three essential components of this strategy are cells, scaffolds, and growth factors (GFs). This study investigates dentin regeneration after an injury such as caries using TE and stem/progenitor cell-based strategies. We begin by discussing about the biological structure of a dentin and dentinogenesis. The engineering of teeth requires knowledge of the processes that underlie the growth of an organ or tissue. Then, the three fundamental requirements for dentin regeneration, namely cell sources, GFs, and scaffolds are covered in the current study, which may ultimately lead to new insights in this field.

Effect of MS14® on physical activity of multiple sclerosis patients: A randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder with an increasing global prevalence and severe complications. MS14® is a Persian-medicine-derived natural product with herbal and marine origin which has shown beneficial effects in the management of MS complications. In this study, its effect on physical activity of MS patients was investigated. METHODS: A triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Participants used either MS14 capsule or placebo 3 times a day for 3 weeks. At baseline and end of the study, physical activity indices were assessed using international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Secondary outcome measures were Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), timed 10 m walk, Ashworth scale, and Timed Get up and Go. RESULTS: A total number of 80 MS patients completed the study. At the end of study, improvement of general physical activity (p-value=0.047) and Timed 10 m walk index (p-value=0.003) in the MS14 group was significant when compared to placebo. No serious adverse effects were observed in this study. CONCLUSION: Considering the improvement of some physical activity indices, MS14® is seems to be a safe natural product which could be considered as a supplementary treatment in MS patients. Future larger trials are suggested to further evaluate its efficacy.

Effects of hydroxyapatite nanorods prepared through Elaeagnus Angustifolia extract on modulating immunomodulatory/dentin-pulp regeneration genes in DPSCs.

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a new type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) found in the oral cavity with immunomodulation and tissue regeneration capacities. This study determined the impacts of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) prepared through Elaeagnus Angustifolia extract (EAE) to enhance the relative expression of immunomodulatory/dentin-pulp regeneration genes in DPSCs. To produce nHA and modified nHA via EAE (nHAEA), the sol-gel technique was used. The functional groups of nanoparticles (NPs), morphological, and optical features were determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The cell viability was then determined using the MTT method in the presence of various EAE, nHA, and nHAEA concentrations. Target gene expression was quantified using a real-time PCR procedure after treating DPSCs with an optimally non-toxic dose of EAE and NPs. The presence of the HA phase was reported with the XRD and FTIR results. According to the results of SEM and TEM, the rod-like NPs could be fabricated. nHAEAs were found to be characterized with low crystallite size, reduced diameter, lengthier, needle-like, and less agglomerated particles compared with nHA. The real-time PCR results demonstrated that nHAEA remarkably increased the expression of human leukocyte antigen-G5 (HLA-G5), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), and interleukin6 (IL6) genes compared to the nHA group. These findings suggest that nHAEAs might have the potential application in the stemness capability of DPSCs for the treatment of inflamed/damaged pulp.

Almond intake during pregnancy in rats improved the cognitive performance of adult male offspring.

Background: Based on evidence there are accepted links among early nutrition, epigenetic processes, and cognitive performance. Almond as a nutritious food could exert neuroprotective effects and improve anxiety, learning, and memory.Methods: In the current study, female rats were fed with a diet containing 5% (w/w) almonds during the mating period (two days) and gestation period (21 consecutive days). Then, the effect of the almond diet on short-term memory (Y maze), anxiety (elevated plus maze), and stress adaptation (forced swimming test) were investigated in the adult male offspring. The hippocampus (HIP), prefrontal cortex (PFC), and amygdala (AMY) of offspring were collected, and the level of cyclic AMP response element-binding proteins (CREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was assessed by western blotting. Also, Monoamine oxidases (MAO)-A and B activity were evaluated via enzymatic assays.Results: Our results indicated that prenatal almond consumption improved memory, made a modest reduction in anxiety-like behavior, and increased stress adaptation in adult male offspring. Also, molecular assessments showed an increased level of CREB phosphorylation and BDNF in the HIP and PFC of the almond group, while the activity of MAO-A and MAO-B was inhibited by almond consumption in mentioned areas.Discussion: These findings introduce almonds as a beneficial diet during pregnancy, for improving short-term memory, stress adaptation, and cognitive performance in adult offspring.

Vitamin D role in hepatitis B: focus on immune system and genetics mechanism.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, viral hepatitis has been a problem in human society. Vitamins play a significant role in preventing the hepatocarcinoma and liver cirrhosis. In this report, we will first focus on the vitamin D function in the immune system reactions, and then investigate its role in the viral infections and the signaling pathway of hepatitis B virus. The existence of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 27B1 enzyme, which is involved in vitamin D synthesis in immune system cells, has drawn researchers ' attention to the field of immune system. Toll like receptor (TLR) play a significant role in the immune system, and are one of the primary receptors of the innate immune system. In addition, the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines, such as Interferon γ (IFNγ) and Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is one of the key roles of T helper type 1 (Th1) cells; these cells can suppress two cited cytokines via vitamin D. In the chronic phase of hepatitis B, Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) cells have weaker performance than the acute phase of the disease. The association between vitamin D physiologies with viral infections is also confirmed by genetic studies, carried out on genetic variations of vitamin D receptor (VDR) R-encoding disease susceptibility gene. Vitamin D affects different phases of the disease. Therefore, further experiments in this area are proposed.

Effect of PCL/nHAEA nanocomposite to osteo/odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells.

PURPOSE: The green synthesis of nanoparticles has recently opened up a new route in material production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) synthesized from Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) extract in polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers (PCL/nHAEA) to odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and their potential applications for dentin tissue engineering. METHODS: Green synthesis of nHA via EA extract (nHAEA) was done by the sol-gel technique. Then electrospun nanocomposites containing of PCL blended with nHA (P/nHA) and nHAEA (P/nHAEA) were fabricated, and the characterization was evaluated via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the contact angle. The morphology of nanofibers and the cell adhesion capacity of DPSCs on nanofibers were evaluated using SEM. Cytocompatibility was assessed by MTT. Osteo/odontogenic differentiation ability of the nanocomposites were assessed using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alizarin red S (ARS) staining, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique. RESULTS: Viability and adhesion capacity of DPSCs were higher on P/nHAEA nanofibers than PCL and P/nHA nanofibers. ARS assay, ALP activity, and qPCR analysis findings confirmed that the nHAEA blended nanofibrous scaffolds substantially increased osteo/odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. CONCLUSION: PCL/nHAEA nanocomposites had a noticeable effect on the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs and may help to improve cell-based dentin regeneration therapies in the future.

Aqueous extract of Teucrium polium ameliorates diabetes and induced-prostatic complication.

Purpose: Prostatic complications are common among diabetic patients. Previous research demonstrates that Teucrium polium (T. polium) has beneficial effects in diabetic cases. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the impacts of T. polium aqueous extract on the prostate of diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). a total of 40 Rats were randomly divided into the following groups: Control, Control + TP100 (TP100), Diabetic, Diabetic + TP100 (DTP100) and Diabetic + TP200 (DTP200). The intervention was done orally once per day for 56 days (8 weeks). An oral glucose tolerance test was conducted, glucose and insulin levels were assessed. Microscopic features of the ventral prostatic lobe were evaluated pathologically. Results: T. polium at both doses significantly reduced glucose levels in an insulin-independent pathway. T. polium at both doses significantly improved prostate weight, prostate epithelium height, and prostate secretory activity in comparison with the diabetic group. Interestingly, treatment of T. polium to healthy rats led to decreased epithelial height. Conclusion: It could be deduced that T. polium has useful impacts on glucose control and may prevent prostatic complications. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-00979-4.

Medical education in the first university of the world, the Jundishapur Academy.

The Academy of Jundishapur was the world's first university established during the Sassanid Empire in old Persia. Some of the important features of this scientific center of the ancient world include a policy of tolerance, conducting annual international congresses, compiling the first comprehensive medical textbook, doing the hospital rounds, physician licensure exam, special attention to the ethics, and using an educational curriculum. Moreover, its unique style of education made Jundishapur a brilliant school in the history of science. This outstanding academy maintained its impact on the scientific movement of that era for four centuries. It finally declined after transmission to Baghdad medical school. In this study, we have discussed the features of the Jundishapur school which made it a successful model for medical education.