Effect of testosterone on the mRNA expression of Wnt-2 and dickkopf1 (DKK1), collagen deposition and oxidative stress in the cardiac tissue in male rats.

Some studies suggest that misuse of androgenic-anabolic steroids may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in males. This study explored the effects of testosterone enanthate (TE) on the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as biomarkers of oxidative stress in the cardiac tissue of rats that were treated with TE. Also, we evaluated the levels of collagen deposition as a marker for cardiac fibrosis and the mRNA expression of the Wnt-2 and dickkopf1 (DKK1) as potential factors that may be involved in the increase of collagen deposition. In this study, 21 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n=7): CO: controls; T-T: normal rats that were treated with 25 mg/kg/day TE for 2 weeks and served as an androgen abuse model; V-T: these animals were treated with the sesame oil as a solvent of TE. At the end of treatment, the relative mRNA expression of Wnt-2 and DKK1 in the ventricular tissue was determined by q-RT-PCR. The degree of collagen deposition in the myocardial tissue was evaluated by Masson's trichrome staining. Results showed that the mRNA expression of DKK1 was down-regulated following excess androgen exposure (p=0.009) but Wnt-2 mRNA expression wasn't affected (p=0.069). Increased collagen deposition was observed in the T-T group (p=0.000). The levels of MDA and TAC in heart tissue weren't altered significantly (p>0.05). These results suggest that the raised collagen deposition by exogenous testosterone may be mediated, at least in part, by the reduction of expression of DKK1 mRNA. These findings may explain some structural alterations in the heart of some androgens abusers.

Protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa canina L. fruit on cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity in mice.

Objective: Cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced testicular toxicity has been reported in recipient patients. The current study was designed to evaluate protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa canina L. fruit (HARF) against CP-induced testicular toxicity in BALB/c mice. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five mice were divided into five groups as follows: group I (control), group II (CP, received CP 100 mg/kg on days 1, 8, 15, and 22), group III (CP + HARF 250 mg/kg), group IV (CP + HARF 500 mg/kg), and group V (CP + HARF 750 mg/kg). In the groups III, IV, and V that received CP, the HARF was simultaneously administered via intraperitoneal injections for 28 consecutive days starting from day 1. On the 29th day, sperm parameters, stress oxidative biomarkers, and mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid-derived-2 (Nrf2) in testis tissue, as well as blood testosterone were evaluated. Results: The CP exposure decreased sperm parameters, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, testosterone, and Nrf2 mRNA expression levels and increased the malondialdehyde (MDA). HARF at the dose of 500 mg/kg improved sperm count and viability and increased SOD and catalase activities, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, testosterone level, and Nrf2 expression and reduced MDA. Also, HARF at the dose of 750 mg/kg improved sperm parameters and increased SOD, catalase, and GPx activities, total testosterone level, and Nrf2 expression, and reduced MDA in comparison with the CP group. Conclusion: According to our findings, HARF at the doses of 500 and 750 mg/kg inhibited the ruinous effects of CP on the reproductive system in mice.

Demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings of mushroom-poisoned patients in Kermanshah province, west of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Mushroom poisoning can cause gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic symptoms and even death. This descriptive study examined the demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings of patients with fungal poisoning, a type of fungus causing the poisoning, and the incidence and mortality rates of fungal poisoning in Kermanshah province, western Iran, from 2014 to 2018. METHODS: The medical records of 193 patients with mushroom poisoning from 2014 to 2018 were evaluated. The liver and kidney function tests, electrolytes, abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, chest x-ray, coagulation tests, and coagulation factors (fibrinogen, prothrombin) were assessed. Data were collected from the medical records of patients admitted to the Poisoning Center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran using a researcher-made checklist. Data were analyzed by SPSS (version 16) using descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and frequency distribution tables. Trend analysis for proportion was done by chi-square statistics in STATA-14 software (ptrend command). RESULTS: Of cases, |51.3% were male, 92.6% were city dwellers, 38.3% were aged 21-40 years, and 92.5% were poisoned during the spring. The fungus that caused poisoning was Amanita virosa. The gastrointestinal, nervous, and visual systems were the most common systems involved. The most common gastrointestinal symptoms included nausea and vomiting (72.0%) and abdominal pain (71.0%). Vertigo (11.9%) and headache (9.3%) were the most common neurological symptoms. The most common visual manifestation was blurred vision (7.8%). Of cases, 23.7% had metabolic acidosis. The increased alkaline phosphatase level was the most common liver disorder in 98.7% of the cases. Increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were also reported in 21.0% and 17.7% of the cases, respectively. The serum lactic dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase levels also increased in 99.3% and 30.2% of the patients, respectively. The mortality rate was 1.6% (n = 3). CONCLUSION: The fungal poisoning diagnosis should always be considered in young patients referred to the emergency department with gastrointestinal complaints, a history of consuming wild self-picked mushrooms, and high liver and kidney test values. Since most fungal poisonings occur in the spring, it is necessary to inform the community of the dangers of consuming self-picked wild mushrooms, especially in this season.

Optimization of Quercetin-Assisted Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis and Evaluation of Their Hemocompatibility, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antibacterial effects.

In the present study, different effective parameters (temperature, reaction time, and pH) on the synthesis of quercetin-assisted silver nanoparticles (QE-AgNPs) are optimized. These biogenic NPs are characterized by different physico-chemical analyses, including transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy. In addition, the biological properties of QE-AgNPs are evaluated through antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hemolysis, and coagulation time assays. The formation of QE-AgNPs is affected by different parameters. The optimum condition for the synthesis of QE-AgNPs is attained at 70 °C and pH 7. Prepared QE-AgNPs show a spherical shape with a crystalline nature and an average particle size of 20 ± 3.6 nm. The role of QE as a reducing and capping agent in the preparation process of QE-AgNPs is demonstrated using FTIR analysis. These NPs with excellent antioxidant activity (82.3% at a concentration of 400 µg mL-1) and anti-inflammatory properties (82.5% and 100% at concentrations of 37.25 and 500 µg mL-1, respectively), show good antimicrobial effects, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the results of the hemolytic and coagulation assay of QE-AgNPs indicate their hemo-compatibility. Therefore, hemo/bio-compatible QE-AgNPs with excellent and unique properties can be employed in different medicinal and pharmacological applications.

Inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and hypertension as mediators for adverse effects of obesity on the brain: A review.

Nowadays, the incidence of obesity is a global challenge and it is estimated that the total number of overweight and obese adults will increase up to 1.35 billion by 2030. Evidence obtained from clinical and experimental studies shows that obesity may be associated with cognitive performance and executive function impairments. Considering various evidence for the poor episodic memory tasks and verbal learning as well as the destruction of cortical gray matter in the obese individuals, here, we collected some causal pathways for contribution of inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and hypertension in the development of brain disorders in obesity. The present study focuses on the providing an overview of the some negative effects of obesity on the brain. Different evidence mentioned in this review has thrown light on the obesity-associated complications which may predispose obese people to brain damage, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.

A new strategy for the green synthesis of chondroitin sulfate-reduced gold nanoparticles; in vitro evaluation of synthesized nanoparticles.

Introduction: The application of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in medicine is expanding as an effective therapeutic and diagnostic compound. Different polysaccharides with high biocompatibility and hydrophilic properties have been used for synthesis and capping of GNPs. Chondroitin sulfate (CHS) as a polysaccharide possesses a wide range of biological functions e.g. anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-coagulation, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-thrombosis with insignificant immunogenicity and has not been used for the green synthesis of GNPs. Methods: GNPs were synthesized using CHS, and their physicochemical properties were evaluated. The antibacterial activity of CHS-GNPs was estimated against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The cytotoxicity of CHS and CHS-GNPs was obtained by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test, and the electrocatalytic activity of CHS-GNPs was investigated. The blood compatibility was evaluated by the in vitro hemolysis assay. Results: The absorption band at 527 nm reveals the reduction of Au3+ into GNPs. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image displays the spherical shape of GNPs in the range of 5.8-31.4 nm. The CHS and CHS-GNPs at 300 µg/mL revealed a maximum DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity of 73% and 65%, respectively. CHS-GNPs showed antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis , while CHS has no antibacterial activity. CHS-GNPs exhibited a cytotoxicity effect against MDA-MB-468 and ßTC3 cancer cell lines, and the electrochemical study indicated a significant increase in electrocatalytic properties of CHS-GNPs coated electrode compared by the bare electrode. The hemolysis test proved the blood compatibility of CHS-GNPs. Conclusion: The results indicate the advantages of using CHS to produce blood-compatible GNPs with antioxidant, cytotoxic, and electrochemical properties.

Effects of Salvia officinalis L. (common sage) leaves tea on insulin resistance, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in rats with polycystic ovary: An experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress conditions and metabolic complications are common among polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. There are various reports about hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of Salvia officinalis L. (common sage). This study evaluated the possible medicinal effects of sage tea drinking on oxidative status, lipid profile, and insulin resistance in rats with testosterone-induced PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen immature female Wistar rats (21-day old) were divided into 3 groups: 1) The Control group (n=6) that received no treatment. 2) The PCOS group (n=6) that received testosterone enanthate 10 mg/kg BW for 35 days subcutaneously. (3) The PCOS -sage tea group (n=6) to which after induction of PCOS by injection of testosterone enanthate, the sage tea was administered as a replacement of water for 14 days. The beverages were refreshed every day. The serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), glucose, insulin, HDL-C, total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, total triglycerides, and atherogenic index were measured. RESULTS: Sage tea consumption increased serum TAC and decreased serum HDL-C, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and atherogenic index levels but it did not change the levels of MDA, insulin, total triglycerides, and VLDL-C. CONCLUSION: Results suggested that sage tea consumption may influence the oxidative status and reduce the blood glucose and atherogenic index and may have cardiovascular protective effects in PCOS women.

One-month of high-intensity exercise did not change the food intake and the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus proopiomelanocortin and neuropeptide Y expression levels in male Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) circuitries are involved in the inhibition and stimulation of the appetite, respectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of one-month lasting high-intensity exercise on the POMC mRNA and NPY mRNA expression in the above-mentioned brain structure and appetite and food intake levels. METHODS: Fourteen male Wistar rats (250±50 g) were used and kept in the well-controlled conditions (22±2 °C, 50±5% humidity, and 12 h dark/light cycle) with food and water ad libitum. The rats were divided into two groups (n=7): 1) control group (C, these rats served as controls) and 2) exercised group (RIE, these rats performed a high-intensity exercise for one month (5 days per week) 40 min daily with speed 35 m/min. The total exercise time was 60 min. The body weight and food intake were recorded continuously during the experiments. RESULTS: The results showed relative mRNA expression of POMC and NPY estimated in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. There were no significant differences in the NPY and POMC mRNAs expression levels and food intake between C and RIE groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicate that one-month regular intensive exercise did not alter the levels of NPY and POMC mRNAs expression (as two important factors in the regulation of appetite) in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and food intake suggesting that this type of exercise itself is not an appropriate procedure for the body weight reduction.

The effect of resveratrol on oxidative stress in the liver and serum of a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Studies of oxidative status in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients are limited with inconsistent results. The effects of resveratrol as a natural antioxidant on oxidative status in PCOS aren't clear. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated effects of resveratrol on oxidative stress in the liver and serum of the PCOS rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen female Wistar rats (3 wk old) were divided into 3 groups (n=5/each e): Control group, PCO-Control group, and PCO-Resveratrol group. For induction of polycystic ovary phenotype, testosterone enanthate 10 mg/kg was injected for 35 days subcutaneously. Then, resveratrol 10 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally for 28 days to rats of the PCO-Resveratrol group. Ovarian sections were stained with hematoxylin/eosin. The serum glucose and insulin and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in serum and liver were measured. RESULTS: Control animals showed normal ovarian morphology and PCO-Control animals exhibited cystic follicles. There were no significant differences in liver TAC between groups. The serum MDA (p=0.034), and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p=0.014) levels in PCO-Control rats were higher than the controls. The liver MDA in PCO-Control rats was more than that of controls (p=0.001). The HOMA-IR (p=0.008) and serum MDA (p=0.006) levels in PCO-Control rats were more than those of PCO-Resveratrol rats (p=0.008). In PCO-Resveratrol group, serum TAC was higher than that of PCO-Control group (p=0.022) and liver MDA was more than controls (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Results indicated that the induction of PCOS in rats increased lipid peroxidation and insulin resistance and resveratrol improved these complications.

Evaluation of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNAs expressions in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues of polycystic ovarian rats and effects of resveratrol.

OBJECTIVES: Some studies suggest that chronic low-grade inflammation is involved in insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study assessed possible involvement of alteration in expression of two pro-inflammatory factors, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in adipose tissues of PCOS rats in the impairment of insulin actions. Also, effects of resveratrol as an anti-inflammatory agent were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen female Wistar rats (21 days old) were divided into three groups (n=5): I) Control, II) PCO-model-saline: served as PCOS rats and to induce PCOS, received subcutaneously testosterone enanthate 1 mg/100 g body weight subcutaneously for 35 days, III) PCO-model-resveratrol, after receiving testosterone, received resveratrol 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 28 days. The expression of Tnf-α and Il-6 mRNAs in adipose tissues was determined by the qRT-PCR method. RESULTS: The Il-6 mRNA expression in the visceral adipose tissue of PCOS rats was increased in comparison to controls (P<0.05). Tnf-α and Il-6 mRNA expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues of polycystic ovarian rats was similar to controls. The expression of Tnf-α mRNA in subcutaneous adipose tissue and Tnf-α and Il-6 mRNAs in the visceral adipose tissue of the PCO-model-resveratrol group were lower than PCOS rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Increased expression of Il-6 mRNA in the visceral adipose tissue of polycystic ovarian rats may be one cause of insulin resistance observed in them and resveratrol as an anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic agent may decrease the risk of diabetes by reduction of expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in PCOS patients.

Impact of morphine dependency and detoxification by methadone on male's rat reproductive system.

BACKGROUND: One of the problems that addicts suffer from is decreased libido. Erectile dysfunction has been reported in men using opioids for treatment of heroin addiction. OBJECTIVE: The study was performed to investigate the effects of morphine and detoxification with methadone as causes of sexual dysfunction in addiction. METHODS AND METHODS: A total of 40 adult male rats (Wistar) were used. Animals were divided in to 4 groups. Control groups received saline for 30 days. Other 2 groups received 10 mg/kg morphine on day 1 and the morphine doses increased daily by 2 mg/kg increments per day until in day 30 a maximum of 68 mg/kg twice daily was achieved. Withdrawal syndrome sings were evaluated. At the end of period, one group of 2 morphine dependent groups was treated with methadone during 14 days. Animals in group 4 (saline solution+ methadone) received saline for 30 consecutive days and then detoxified with methadone during 14 days. Partial weights of seminal vesicles, testes, prostates, seminal vesicles content, concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and testosterone in serum were determined. RESULTS: In the dependent group serum levels of testosterone (p<0.001), folicle stimulating hormone (p=0.0097) and luteinizing hormone (p=0.0031) as well as the weights of testes (p=0.0051), partial weights of prostates, seminal vesicles and seminal vesicles contents (p<0.001) were reduced as compared with control group. In the morphine dependent animals detoxified with methadone, testosterone concentrations and seminal vesicles contents remained lower than levels in the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that morphine dependence may impair the reproductive function in male rats.