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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

No evidence for a major effect of three common polymorphisms of the GPx1, MnSOD, and CAT genes on PCOS susceptibility.

AIM: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the prevalent endocrine-metabolic disorders. It is proposed that oxidative stress contributes to PCOS susceptibility and its metabolic associations. The current study aimed to investigate the influence of GPx1 (rs1050450), MnSOD (rs4880), and Catalase (rs1001179) variants with PCOS susceptibility, for the first time. METHODS: In a case-control study, 350 Kurdish female volunteers (175 PCOS patients and 175 healthy controls) from Western Iran were studied. Genotyping for GPx1 and MnSOD were done using PCR-RFLP and for CAT the allele-specific PCR method was used. RESULTS: The percentage of patients suffering from hirsutism, acne, and acanthosis among patients with PCOS were 44.6%, 30.3%, and 14.9%, respectively. Distribution of alleles among patients suffering from PCOS versus healthy women was 'Pro' (69.1% vs 68.8%) and 'Leu' (31.4% vs 31.2%) for Gpx1, 'Ala' (61.43% vs 56.57%) and 'Val' (38.57% vs 43.43%) for MnSOD, and 'C' (83.43% vs 84.57%) and 'T' (16.57% vs 15.43%) for CAT. CONCLUSION: GPx1 (rs1050450), MnSOD (rs4880), and CAT (rs1001179) variants might not be a risk factor for PCOS.

Synergistic effects of TIMP2-418G/C and MMP9-1562C/T variants on the male infertility risk.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) involve in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that imbalances their activity and may lead to various diseases. The present study aims to evaluate the association between MMP9-1562C/T and TIMP2-418G/C variants and synergistic effects of both variants on male infertility in an Iranian population. We analyzed these polymorphisms in 101 infertile men and 106 fertile men as a control group using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Based on the obtained results, no considerable association was observed in MMP9-1562C/T polymorphism frequency between infertile men and controls while frequencies of TIMP2-418G/C variant were significantly different in infertile and control groups (P = 0.028). Men with CC, GC and CC + GC genotypes for TIMP2-418G/C polymorphism had an increased risk of infertility compared to men with GG genotype [OR = 1.85, 95% CI (0.917-3.734, P = 0.086), OR = 1.94, 95% CI (1.098-3.437, P = 0.023) and OR = 2.053 95% CI (1.179-3.577, P = 0.011), respectively]. Also, in the presence of both TIMP2-418C and MMP9-1562T alleles the male infertility risk was significantly increased (P = 0.032). The current study suggests that the variation of TIMP2 gene and its interaction with MMP9 gene might be associated with male infertility. However, to confirm these findings, further studies are required in different ethnicities and with a larger sample size.

Can royal jelly protect against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats?

Royal jelly (RJ) is a honeybee secretion, has numerous medicinal properties in particular antioxidant activities. Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is one of the main challenges in acute kidney damage. This study was designed to assess the anti-inflammatory and protective effects of RJ against I/R-induced renal disorders. Forty male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) as sham (0.9% saline) group, I/R group, RJ group (treated for 15 consecutive days by gavage with 300 mg/kg/day RJ), and I/R + RJ group that were pretreated for 15 consecutive days by gavage with 300 mg/kg/day of RJ. The I/R-induced renal inflammation was evaluated by determining leukocyte infiltration and mRNA expression level of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and tumor necrotic factor-alpha (TNF-α). Antioxidant capacity of kidneys and thiobarbituric acid reactive species was measured in kidneys for the evaluation of oxidative stress. In addition, the diameter of renal glomeruli, kidney function indicators, and serum nitrite oxide (NO) levels was determined. The I/R increased the completely measured parameters, except the tissue ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) level, which was decreased compared to the sham group (P < 0.05). However, pretreatment with RJ reduced significantly blood urea nitrogen, kidney malondialdehyde, creatinine, glomerular diameter, leukocyte infiltration, levels of TNF-α, adhesion molecule-1 expression, and NO and increased tissue FRAP compared to the I/R group (P < 0.05). It seems that RJ administration improved I/R-induced acute kidney injury.

Assessment of thymoquinone effects on apoptotic and oxidative damage induced by morphine in mice heart.

Opioids bind to specific receptors that are located in the central nervous system (CNS) and many other organs such as cardiovascular tissue. Morphine binds to opioid receptors and can induce oxidative stress under some certain conditions. Thymoquinone (TQ) has shown many therapeutic effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory ones. Considering the oxidative effects of morphine, antioxidant effects of TQ and effects of oxidative damage in various types of biomolecules, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of morphine plus TQ on the expression of apoptotic genes in the heart of male mice. Hence we used real-time PCR to identify alterations in mRNA expression of genes involved in apoptotic pathway, including p53, Bax and Bcl-2 between the morphine-treated and TQ plus morphine-treated mice. Serum nitric oxide (NO) (Griess assay) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were analyzed and compared. In the morphine group, compared to control group, a significant increase in P53 and Bax mRNA expression and a significant decrease in Bcl-2 mRNA expression were observed (p < 0.01). In TQ plus morphine groups, NO was decreased (P <0 .001) and TAC levels were increased significantly (P < .001). Interestingly, TQ (9 and 18 mg/kg) plus morphine caused a significant decrease in p53 and Bax and a significant increase in Bcl2 mRNA expression, compared to morphine-treated group (p < 0.01). Collectively, the results of this study indicated that TQ, as an antioxidant, can improve the apoptotic effects induced by morphine in the heart tissue of mice.

Effect of Falcaria vulgaris extracts on sperm parameters in diabetic rats.

Diabetes causes a systemic inflammatory response with increased oxidative stress and can adversely effect spermatogenesis. Sickle-weed plant, scientifically called Falcaria vlugaris, contains antioxidants and antimicrobial ingredients. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Falcaria vulgaris vulgaris extract on the sperm parameters of diabetic rats. In this experimental study, diabetes was induced in the animals using streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg). Sixty-four rats were equally divided into eight groups as follows: nondiabetic (normal) controls; normal rats given 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg doses of F. vulgaris extract; diabetic controls induced by STZ; and diabetic animals that received STZ plus 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg F. vulgaris extract. The animals were injected with the extract intraperitoneally once a day for 28 consecutive days. The sperm parameters of count, motility, morphology, viability, total antioxidant capacity and seminiferous tube diameter were analysed and compared. The results indicated that the values of all parameters decreased significantly in the diabetic control groups compared to the normal control group (p < 0.00). The parameters of the diabetic groups that received 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg F. vulgaris extract showed significant increases in all parameters at all doses compared to the diabetic control group (p ≤ 0.001). The administration of F. vulgaris extract as a potent antioxidant was able to compensate for the toxicity induced by STZ and increase the quality of some spermatozoa.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.].

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.

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.