The Relationship between Body Mass Index, Metal Elements, and Antioxidant Capacity of Semen on The Human Sperm Chromatin.

BACKGROUND: Sperm chromatin abnormalities are defects in nuclear maturation and DNA integrity. These defects originated from defective spermatogenesis due to a lack of DNA repair during chromatin remodeling. Changes in semen elements can cause damage to chromatin. There is little information about the relationship between changes in trace metal elements and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with sperm chromatin damage. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between Selenium (Se), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) and the TAC of semen with the status of human sperm chromatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, semen samples (n=30) were collected from healthy men referred to Kermanshah Motazadi Hospital and stored in liquid nitrogen; after thawing and centrifugation, sperm were separated. The atomic absorption method was used to measure the concentration of metal elements. The TAC was evaluated using the ferric-reducing antioxidant capacity of the plasma method. Furthermore, the integrity of sperm chromatin was measured using the sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) method. RESULTS: The status of sperm chromatin had a non-significant correlation with body mass index (BMI, P=0.25, r=0.21) and a non-significant negative correlation with sperm count (P=0.71, r=-0.71) and motility (P=0.75, r=0.61). In addition, there was no significant relationship between sperm chromatin and the TAC of semen (P=0.92, r=0.01). Additionally, there was no significant correlation between Se, Zn, or Cu concentration (P>0.05) and Fe concentration, which had a partially positive relationship with the chromatin state of sperm (P=0.24, r=0.20). CONCLUSION: The trace metal elements in the seminal fluid did not play a significant role in the status of sperm chromatin.

Harmine mitigates cisplatin-induced renal injury in male mice through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis effects.

Background and purpose: Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat cancer, however, causes kidney toxicity. Harmine is a plant-derived alkaloid with a wide range of therapeutic applications. The effects of harmine on the renal side effects of cisplatin in mice were studied in this study. Experimental approach: Forty-eight male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 6). They were treated with saline, cisplatin (5.5 mg/kg), harmine (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg/day), cisplatin + harmine (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg/day), respectively. All administrations were done daily and intraperitoneally for 4 days. The criteria related to histology, oxidation, anti-oxidation, inflammation, and apoptosis of renal tissue were evaluated. Findings / Results: There was a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity of renal tissue, renal corpuscles diameter, and IL-10 expression level in the cisplatin group than in the control group, while the values of these parameters were significantly similar to the control group in the moderate or high doses of harmine + cisplatin groups. There were significant increases in serum urea and creatinine levels, bowman space, the amounts of malondialdehyde, apoptosis rate, and TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-1ß, and caspase-3 gene expressions in kidney tissue of the cisplatin group compared to the control group, while these criteria did not differ in the moderate or high doses of harmine + cisplatin groups. Conclusion and implications: Harmine protected the kidneys against cisplatin-induced damage. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic harmine properties were involved in this healing effect.

The effect of Crocin on sperm parameters disorders induced by peripheral administration of nitrosamines in male rats.

Nitrosamines are carcinogenic agents which can unfavorably affect some male reproductive parameters. Humans are exposed to nitrosamines through various routes, the most important of which is the diet. Crocin is a carotenoid and is accountable for the red color of saffron. Crocin has numerous pharmacological actions, such as antioxidant roles and radical scavenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Crocin against Nitrosamine - induced damage to the reproductive parameter of male rats. In this experimental study, 48 male rats were randomly assigned to 8 groups: control normal and Nitrosamine control groups (40 mg/kg); Crocin (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) and Nitrosamine + Crocin (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally and gavaged daily for 28 days. The sperm parameters, total antioxidant capacity, testosterone level, and seminiferous tube diameter were assessed. Nitrosamine significantly decreased sperm parameters (p<0.001). The Crocin and Crocin + Nitrosamine treatments at complete doses significantly improved all parameters (p<0.001). Crocin compensated for the toxic effect of Nitrosamine on reproductive parameters.

Evaluation of co-cultured spermatogonial stem cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel with Sertoli cells and their transplantation into azoospermic mice.

An in vitro spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) culture can serve as an effective technique to study spermatogenesis and treatment for male infertility. In this research, we compared the effect of a three-dimensional alginate hydrogel with Sertoli cells in a 3D culture and co-cultured Sertoli cells. After harvest of SSCs from neonatal mice testes, the SSCs were divided into two groups: SSCs on a 3D alginate hydrogel with Sertoli cells and a co-culture of SSCs with Sertoli cells for 1 month. The samples were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) tracing, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining after transplantation into an azoospermic testis mouse. The 3D group showed rapid cell proliferation and numerous colonies compared with the co-culture group. Molecular assessment showed significantly increased integrin alpha-6, integrin beta-1, Nanog, Plzf, Thy-1, Oct4 and Bcl2 expression levels in the 3D group and decreased expression levels of P53, Fas, and Bax. BrdU tracing, and H&E and PAS staining results indicated that the hydrogel alginate improved spermatogenesis after transplantation in vivo. This finding suggested that cultivation of SSCs on alginate hydrogel with Sertoli cells in a 3D culture can lead to efficient proliferation and maintenance of SSC stemness and enhance the efficiency of SSC transplantation.

The effect of royal jelly and silver nanoparticles on liver and kidney inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: Royal jelly (RJ) is a honey bee product for which, anti-inflammatory properties were shown in vitro. Nanoparticles, including nano-silver (NS), are plausible inflammation inducers that act by activation of immune cells and consequent production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This project aimed to explore immunomodulatory effects of royal jelly and nano-silver on the kidney and liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this project, 40 male rats were grouped as follows: 10 rats as controls, 10 rats treated with RJ; 10 rats treated with both NS and RJ and 10 rats treated with NS. Liver and kidney interleukin (IL)-1ß, -2, -6, and -33 levels were determined using commercial ELISA kits. RESULTS: RJ reduced kidney IL-6 levels in comparison to control and NS--RJ groups. RJ and NS reduced kidney and liver IL-1ß levels. Kidney IL-33 levels were decreased in the RJ and nano-silver groups in comparison to the NS--RJ group. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, it may be concluded that RJ together with NS can play anti-inflammatory roles and may affect the function of immune cells.

Nurses' Work-Related Quality of Life and Its Influencing Demographic Factors at a Public Hospital in Western Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The quality of life as a concept beyond physical health stands one of the protuberant indexes, and various health-based studies required distinct measurements, which deemed necessary for their significant implications. The nurses fight at the front and play a leading role in providing services to patients at healthcare centers. They deserve a higher quality of life in catering to physical health services. This present study focuses on examining nurses' work-life quality standards and how demographic variables contribute to the hospital of Imam Reza in Kermanshah of Western Iran. METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study recruited a sample of 271 nurses affiliated with Imam Reza Hospital and Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences by incorporating the stratified random sampling in 2019. This study used a two-part questionnaire to collect data from the targeted respondents. The first part presented the participants' demographic profiles, and the second part showed the nurses' work-related quality of life (WRQoL) on the scale developed by Van Laar et al. The study screened the data and performed analyses through the SPSS version-23. The research study conducted a descriptive analysis to measure mean and standard deviation with inferential statistics, including independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The study findings specified that nurses' average quality of the work-life was at a moderate level 3.11 ± 0.47. Besides, results indicated that 57.50% of the nurses reported high standards of quality of work-life, 36.50% showed a modest and 5.20% revealed a lower level of work-life quality. The findings indicated that the quality of work-life significantly correlated with respondent'' age, marital status, education, work experience, position, department, shifts, and employment status (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this research demonstrated that the nurses' quality of work-life was higher than the average standard. The results provide useful insight for nurses and hospital managers. The policymakers and health managers need to pay more attention to providing a better quality of work-life to the nurses.

The effect of different concentrations of cerium oxide during pregnancy on ovarian follicle development in neonatal mice.

OBJECTIVES: Cerium is a member of the rare metals group and widely used in drug delivery, gene therapy, molecular imaging and medicine. In this study, we investigated the effect of different doses of Cerium (IV) oxide (CeO2 ) during pregnancy on neonatal mice ovaries, as well as its effect on blood biochemical parameters. METHODS: Thirty pregnant NMRI mice were divided into five groups: Control and 4 groups treated with CeO2 (10, 25, 80, 250 mg/kg.bw i.p) at the GD7 and GD14. The ovarian histological of neonatal (2 and 6 day-olds), as well as blood serum of neonates at 15-dpp were analyzed. RESULTS: Count of ovarian primordial follicles in neonates at 2 dpp showed a significant decrease in the groups treated with 80 and 250 mg/kg.bw doses of CeO2 . There was also a significant decrease in ovarian primordial and primary follicles in neonates at 6-dpp at 250 mg/kg.bw doses of CeO2 in the control (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in serum levels of malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity between the experimental and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the effects of CeO2 on the ovarian tissue of neonatal mice during pregnancy may be dose-dependent.

A study of internet addiction and its effects on mental health: A study based on Iranian University Students.

INTRODUCTION: The Internet has drastically affected human behavior, and it has positive and negative effects; however, its excessive usage exposes users to internet addiction. The diagnosis of students' mental dysfunction is vital to monitor their academic progress and success by preventing this technology through proper handling of the usage addiction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study selected 447 students (232 females and 215 males) of the first and second semesters enrolled at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2018 by using Cochrane's sample size formula and stratified random sampling. The study applied Young's Internet Addiction Test and Goldberg General Health Questionnaire 28 for data collection. The study screened the data received and analyzed valid data set through the t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient by incorporating SPSS Statistics software version 23.0. RESULTS: The results of the current study specified that the total mean score of the students for internet addiction and mental health was 3.81 ± 0.88 and 2.56 ± 0.33, correspondingly. The results revealed that internet addiction positively correlated with depression and mental health, which indicated a negative relationship (P > 0.001). The multiple regression analysis results showed students' five significant vulnerability predictors toward internet addiction, such as the critical reason for using the Internet, faculty, depression, the central place for using the Internet, and somatic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings specified that students' excessive internet usage leads to anxiety, depression, and adverse mental health, which affect their academic performance. Monitoring and controlling students' internet addiction through informative sessions on how to use the Internet adequately is useful.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant actions of Middle Eastern Phoenix dactylifera extract on mercury-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo.

Mercuric chloride (MC) is a complex substance which is capable to produce free radicals. Middle Eastern Phoenix dactylifera (MEPD) is a flowering plant of palm family with potent antioxidant feature. Due to the increasing use of herbs in medicine, this study was designed to assess the effects of MEPD and MC on inflammatory apoptogenic, oxidative and histomorphometric alterations in liver. Sixty-four male rats were assigned to 8 groups including: control groups (normal group and MC (50 mg/kg)), MEPD groups (30, 90, 270 mg/kg) and MC + MEPD treated groups. All experimental groups were treated intraperitoneally and orally daily for 5 weeks. The relative expression level of apoptotic genes (p53, Bcl2 and Bax) and hepatocyte apoptotic index were analyzed. Also, Nitrite oxide (NO), lipid peroxidation (LP), Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) assays were conducted to assess the antioxidant levels. Cytokines involved in inflammation, hepatic enzymes and histomorphometric parameters (hepatocytes diameter (HD) and central hepatic vein (CHV)) were evaluated. All factors showed incremental trends following MC administration (else FRAP level and Bcl2, which were decreased) in MC group than normal group (P < 0.05). In comparison with the MC group, total values in MEPD and MEPD + MC groups were decreased (P < 0.05) (except FRAP level and Bcl2, which were increased). According to the obtained data, the administration of MEPD extract has potent antioxidant property that attenuates the destructive hepatic effects of MC by initiation of cellular antioxidant pathways and restoration of pathological changes into the physiological form.

Does Tribulus terrestris improve toxic effect of Malathion on male reproductive parameters?

BACKGROUND: Tribulus terrestris has antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging properties. Malathion is the most common organophosphate, which is capable to produce free radicals and induce disturbance on some of male reproductive parameters. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of T. terrestris extract against damage induced by Malathion to the reproductive parameter of male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to eight groups: first group, sham group (normal saline); second group, Malathion (250 mg/kg) group; third to fifth groups, T. terrestris groups (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively); and sixth to eight groups, Malathion + T. terrestris groups (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg). Tribulus terrestris extract (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively) administrated orally, and daily for 8 weeks. The sperm parameters, testis malondialdehyde (MDA), serum total antioxidant capacity, serum testosterone level, and the height of germinal layer were evaluated and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: All the values of male reproductive parameters reduced significantly in the Malathion group as compared to the sham group (P < 0.01) except MDA level, which increased significantly. The T. terrestris and T. terrestris + Malathion treatments in all doses increased the whole parameters significantly as compared to the Malathion group (P < 0.01) except MDA level, which decreased significantly. No significant changes were observed in all T. terrestris groups as compared to the sham group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Tribulus terrestris extract administration attenuates the toxic effects of Malathion on some of the male reproductive parameters.

Evaluation of male infertility treatment following Rhus coriaria extract administration on rats exposed to morphine.

Morphine is the most common analgesic drug that is widely used in post-operative interventions. This drug causes free radical accumulation leading to spermatogenesis failure. Antioxidant agents like Sumach (Rhus coriaria) neutralize cellular free radicals. In this study, the properties of antioxidative, modulative of inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic genes following Sumach extract administration on morphine-induced fertility destruction in male Wistar rats was evaluated. Sixty-four animals were grouped (n = 8) including; 1: control, 2: morphine, 3-5: Sumach (200, 400, 800 mg/kg), and 6-8: morphine + Sumach. Hydroalcoholic extract of Sumach seeds was prepared. Treatments with Sumach extract were applied orally and intraperitoneally daily for 8 weeks. The P53, Bcl2 and caspase-3 genes expression were measured by real-time PCR. Cytokines involved in inflammation were evaluated by ELISA. Sperm parameters, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), testosterone, and germinal layer height (GLH) were assessed. All parameters (investigated in this study) in Morphine group reduced significantly than the control group (P ˂ 0.01) (except P53 and caspase-3 genes expression and inflammatory cytokine which were improved). All factors in Sumach and Sumach + Morphine groups were significantly enhanced compared to the Morphine group (P ˂ 0.01) (except P53 and caspase-3 genes expression and inflammatory cytokine which were declined). Morphine disrupted the physiological function of male fertility system. Besides, all doses of Sumach showed no therapeutic changes compared to the control group. Sumach with anti-infertility features compensates the toxic effect of Morphine administration.

Thymus vulgaris Attenuates Myleran-induced Reproductive Damage by Decreasing Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation in Male Rats.

CONTEXT: Thymus vulgaris is an herbal with potent antioxidant and it has been shown to have beneficial effects during short-term administration. Myleran (MYL) is used for treatment of certain types of tumors. MYL produces free radicals and induces disturbance in sperm parameters. AIMS: This study is designed to assess the effects of T. vulgaris against damage to the male rats' reproductive features induced by MYL. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into eight groups: control group; MYL (10 mg/kg) group; T. vulgaris groups (4.5, 9, and 18 mg/kg); and MYL (10 mg/kg) + T. vulgaris groups (4.5, 9, and 18 mg/kg; separately). Treatments were administered daily intraperitoneal injection for 60 days. Total antioxidant capacity, sperm factors, malondialdehyde (MDA), testosterone, and germinal layer height were analyzed. RESULTS: Whole variables of MYL group decreased signifcantly compared to the control group (P < 0.05) except MDA level (which increased). The T. vulgaris and T. vulgaris + MYL treatments in all doses increased all parameters significantly except MDA level (which decreased) compared to the MYL group (P < 0.05). No significant modifications were observed in all T. vulgaris groups compared to the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: T. vulgaris reduces the poisonous properties of MYL on male reproductive factors.

Improvement of Petroselinum crispum on Morphine Toxicity in Prefrontal Cortex in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Petroselinum crispum (P. Crispum) is an associate of the umbelliferae family with several therapeutic attributes. Morphine is known as a major risk factor in the development of functional disorder of several organs. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of P. Crispum extract against morphine-induced damage to the brain prefrontal cortex (PC) of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 64 Wistar male rats were randomly assigned to 8 groups: Sham group, Morphine group, P. Crispum groups (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg), and Morphine + P. Crispum groups. Daily intraperitoneal treatment applied for 20 days. Ferric reducing/antioxidant power method was hired to determine the total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The number of dendritic spines was investigated by Golgi staining technique. Cresyl violet staining method was used to determine the number of neurons in the PC region. Furthermore, Griess technique was used to determine the level of serum nitrite oxide. RESULTS: Morphine administration increased nitrite oxide levels and decreased TAC, density of neuronal dendritic spines and neurons compared to the sham group significantly (P < 0.05). In whole doses of the P. Crispum and Morphine + P. Crispum groups, the number of neurons and neuronal dendritic spines increased significantly while nitrite oxide level and TAC decreased compared to the morphine group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It seems that the administration of P. Crispum extract protects the animals against oxidative stress and nitrite oxide, also improves some PC parameters including the number of neurons, and dendritic spines because of the morphine application.

Quercetin postconditioning attenuates gastrocnemius muscle ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Quercetin, an antioxidant derived from plants, can play a beneficial role in the protection of various tissues against ischemia-reperfusion injuries (IRI). The purpose of the present research was to investigate the protective effects of quercetin on gastrocnemius muscle ischemia-reperfusion. A total of 80 adult male Wistar rats (weights: 250-300 g) were divided into ten groups (n = 8 per group). We used silk 6.0 surgical thread to create a knit to occlude the femoral artery and vein for 3 hr. The treated groups, which comprised half of each experimental group, received intraperitoneal injections of 150 mg/kg quercetin after the ischemia. Blood flow was subsequently reestablished in the reperfusion phase. The rats were kept in reperfusion for 3, 7, 14, or 28 days after which they were killed with high doses of anesthetic drugs, and the gastrocnemius muscles were removed and fixed. Tissue processing, hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue staining, and immunohistochemistry were used to assess tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) levels. A comparison between treated and untreated ischemic sites showed that on the third day of reperfusion, the severity of edema and NF-κB level decreased significantly; on the 7th day of reperfusion, the severity of edema and the levels of TNF-α and NF-κB decreased significantly; and on the 14th day of reperfusion, all of the parameters showed significant decreases. On the 28th day of reperfusion, there were significantly decreased levels of TNF-α and NF-κB, and decreased mast cell infiltration when compared with the untreated groups. According to the results, administration of quercetin after ischemia could significantly prevent gastrocnemius muscle IRI.

Ipomoea aquatica extract reduces hepatotoxicity by antioxidative properties following dichlorvos administration in rats.

Ipomoea aquatica (IA) with antioxidant properties is used in therapeutic trends. An organophosphate, dichlorvos (Dich), is a common insecticide with various side effects on living tissues. This study examines the role of IA on Dich-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats. Sixty-four male rats were divided into eight groups including sham, Dich (4 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally), IA 1, 2, and 3 (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively, orally), and Dich + IA 1, 2, and 3. All treatments were applied daily for 60 days. At the end of the treatment, the animals were sacrificed. The histopathological changes, leukocyte infiltration, and apoptosis were assessed by light and fluorescent microscopy. The serum levels of hepatic enzymes, nitrite oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated biochemically. Dich statistically significantly increased the NO level, hepatic enzyme activity, apoptosis, leukocyte infiltration, the mean diameter of hepatocytes (DHs), and central hepatic vein diameter (CHVD) and also decreased the TAC, mean weight of liver, and the total weight of rats compared to the sham group (P < 0.01). In all IA and Dich + IA groups, a statistically significant decrease was detected in apoptosis, leukocyte infiltration, hepatic enzyme activity, NO level, mean DH, and CHVD, whereas an increase in TAC level, mean liver weight, and total weight was detected compared to the Dich group (P < 0.01). IA, due to the antioxidant property, recovers the Dich-related catastrophic changes in liver.

Retraction Note to: The protective effect of Pentoxifylline on testopathy in male rats following Dimethyl Nitrosamine administration: An experimental study.

[This retracts the article on p. 738 in vol. 17.].

Evaluation of biomarkers in liver following Solanum melongena green calyx administration in diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Solanum melongena green calyx (SMGC) has antioxidant properties. Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases oxidative stress and causes cellular damages in liver. This study attempts to show the protective effects of SMGC against morphometric, inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic changes in liver following DM induction. METHODS: For DM induction, the streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. After the preparation of the SMGC extract, phytochemical content was analyzed. Sixty-four rats were categorized into 8 groups (n = 8); control, diabetic, SMGC, and diabetic + SMGC. SMGC administration was applied orally with doses of 100, 300, 500 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The assays of nitrite oxide, lipid peroxidation (LP), and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) were conducted for sample analysis. P53, Bcl2, and Bax genes expression, inflammatory cytokines, enzymes, and morphological features were measured. Apoptotic cell index, body weight, and levels of glucose and insulin were also analyzed. A one-way ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis. RESULT: According to the phytochemical analysis, the SMGC is rich in Tannins and Saponins. Antioxidant values, p53 and Bax genes expression, inflammatory cytokines, enzymes, body weight, serum glucose, and morphometrical features were increased significantly (except insulin and FRAP levels and Bcl2 gene expression which were decreased) in diabetic group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Also, evaluated parameters were reduced significantly (except insulin and FRAP levels and Bcl2 gene expression which were increased) in SMGC and diabetic + SMGC groups in comparison with the diabetic group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings revealed that the SMGC attenuates blood glucose levels in diabetic animals and also eliminates destructive effects of DM on liver through antioxidant features.

Toxic Effects of Methotrexate on Rat Kidney Recovered by Crocin as a Consequence of Antioxidant Activity and Lipid Peroxidation Prevention

Background: The application of methotrexate (MTX) as a chemotherapy agent and immune system suppressant has various side effects. Crocin, a xanthine derivative plant, has many therapeutic benefits. This study was planned to assess the effect of crocin on renal toxicity of MTX in a rat model. Methods: Forty eight rats were divided randomly into eight groups (n = 6), which received normal saline, MTX, crocin, and MTX + crocin for 28 days intraperitoneally. The levels of oxidative stress in kidney and blood serum were measured, and the kidney was analyzed histologically. Results: MTX caused an enhancement in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and biochemical marker (creatinine and BUN). Besides, a significant decrease was observed in tissue parameters and antioxidant capacity compared to the normal control group (p < 0.001). The crocin and crocin + MTX decreased the biochemical markers, the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species, and tissue parameters considerably at entire dose (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) and enhanced the antioxidant capacity levels compared to the MTX group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Administration of crocin improves the damage caused by MTX in rats. The crocin by the establishment of balance in the levels of antioxidant prevents the damage to the renal cell membrane, and subsequently the renal damage repairs.

Plasma Leptin Does Not Reflect the Effect of High Body Mass Index on Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background: The effect of obesity on disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains controversial. Adipocytes secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines which may contribute to RA disease activity. The goal of the present study is to address the association between body mass index (BMI) with plasma levels of leptin, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and RA disease severity.Methods: Fifty RA patients (20 newly diagnosed and 30 under treatment) as well as 30 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were included in this survey. The plasma levels of leptin and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, were measured, and the results were compared among the patients in the three different categories of BMI, including <25, ≥25-30, and ≥30.Results: In our study, a significant positive correlation was observed between disease activity score-28 (DAS-28) and BMI in overweight (OW) RA patients (p = .036 r = 0.440). The plasma levels of leptin were significantly higher in patients group, compared to healthy subjects (p < .05); moreover, leptin levels were significantly higher in OW and obese patients compared to RA patients with normal BMI (p = .011, p = .001, respectively) and also BMI had positive correlation with leptin concentrations just in the newly diagnosed patients (p < .0001, r = 0.748). There was no correlation between leptin and DAS-28. The plasma IL-6 and TNF-α did not show significant differences between RA patients and healthy subjects, and also the plasma leptin did not have any correlation with plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α.Conclusion: BMI contribution to RA disease severity is independent of systemic levels of leptin and pro-inflammatory cytokines.