Identification of chemical compositions in some medicinal plants by GC/MS analysis

Medicinal plantsused in treatment of diseases earlier times, are potential sources of new drugs. In this study, chemical compositions of Echium khuzestanicum, Marrubium anisodan and Echinops cephalotes were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry(GC/MS).M.anisodanand E.cephalotes aerial organs and E.khuzistanicum flowers were extracted by maceration method. According to the results, 46 kinds of chemical compounds found in methanol extract of E.khuzestanicum. There are mucilage, fatty acids, flavonoid and diterpenes in the flower of E.khuzestanicum. Seventy sixkinds of chemical compounds were found in methanol extract of E.cephalotesincludingaldehydes (7.9%), phenols (7.5%), fatty acids (5.8%) and furfural (5.4%)and86 kinds of chemical compounds found in M.anisodan extract. Furfural, steroids, vitamin B and flavonoids are the main compounds of M.anisodan.

Meta-analysis of the prognostic role of perioperative platelet count in posthepatectomy liver failure and mortality

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests that the perioperative platelet count (PLT) can predict posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the impact of perioperative PLT on PHLF and mortality was evaluated.

METHODS

MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were searched systematically for relevant literature up to January 2018. All studies comparing PHLF or mortality in patients with a low versus high perioperative PLT were included. Study quality was assessed using methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) criteria. Meta-analyses were performed using Mantel-Haenszel tests with a random-effects model, and presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies containing 5260 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Two different cut-off values for PLT were used: 150 and 100/nl. Patients with a perioperative PLT below 150/nl had higher PHLF (4 studies, 817 patients; OR 4·79, 95 per cent c.i. 2·89 to 7·94) and mortality (4 studies, 3307 patients; OR 3·78, 1·48 to 9·62) rates than patients with a perioperative PLT of 150/nl or more. Similarly, patients with a PLT below 100/nl had a significantly higher risk of PHLF (4 studies, 949 patients; OR 4·65, 2·60 to 8·31) and higher mortality rates (7 studies, 3487 patients; OR 6·35, 2·99 to 13·47) than patients with a PLT of 100/nl or greater.

CONCLUSION

A low perioperative PLT correlates with higher PHLF and mortality rates after hepatectomy.

Benchmarking of Siemens Linac in Electron Modes: 8-14 MeV Electron Beams

BACKGROUND

Radiation therapy using electron beams is a promising method due to its physical dose distribution. Monte Carlo (MC) code is the best and most accurate technique for forespeaking the distribution of dose in radiation treatment of patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We report an MC simulation of a linac head and depth dose on central axis, along with profile calculations. The purpose of the present research is to carefully analyze the application of MC methods for the calculation of dosimetric parameters for electron beams with energies of 8-14 MeV at a Siemens Primus linac. The principal components of the linac head were simulated using MCNPX code for different applicators.

RESULTS

The consequences of measurements and simulations revealed a good agreement. Gamma index values were below 1 for most points, for all energy values and all applicators in percent depth dose and dose profile computations. A number of states exhibited rather large gamma indices; these points were located at the tail of the percent depth dose graph; these points were less used in in radiotherapy. In the dose profile graph, gamma indices of most parts were below 1. The discrepancies between the simulation results and measurements in terms of Z_max, R₉₀, R₈₀ and R₅₀ were insignificant. The results of Monte Carlo simulations showed a good agreement with the measurements.

CONCLUSION

The software can be used for simulating electron modes of a Siemens Primus linac when direct experimental measurements are not feasible.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Curcumin on Insulin Resistance Index, Levels of Interleukin-6, C-Reactive Protein, and Liver Histology in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Induced Rats

OBJECTIVES

Curcumin protects the liver against injury and fibrosis through suppressing hepatic inflammation, attenuating hepatic oxidative stress (OS), and inhibiting hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are considered as common metabolic disorders. Low-grade chronic inflammation with different markers, such as elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, play a crucial role in PCOS. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of curcumin on IL-6 and CRP levels as well as insulin resistance (IR) index on liver function in PCOS rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, 90 adult Wistar rats were divided into control (n=18), sham (n=18), PCOS (n=18) and curcumin-treated PCOS groups (n=36). PCOS group was injected subcutaneously with 2 mg estradio-valerate (E2V). After 60 days, PCOS group was treated with curcumin [100 and 300 mg/kg body weight (BW)] for 14 days and anesthetized by chloroform. Blood and liver samples were collected for histological and serological analyses. Data were analyzed using In-Stat 3 via one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

Histological and serological analyses showed a reduction in number of necrotic cells, IR index, as well as IL-6 and CRP levels in PCOS rats that were treated with various concentrations of curcumin.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, curcumin decreased liver inflammation by induction of insulin sensitivity and reduction of hepatic necrosis. Therefore, curcumin may be considered as protective factor against inflammatory state of PCOS.

Immunomodulation in systemic lupus erythematosus: induction of M2 population in monocyte-derived macrophages by pioglitazone

Macrophages have recently gained attention in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis for their role in the anti-inflammatory clearance of apoptotic cells. The M1/M2 polarization of macrophages improves efferocytic capability. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ is proposed to function in the expansion of the M2 subpopulation. Pioglitazone is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist with a variety of anti-inflammatory effects. In this paper, we investigated the ex vivo alterations of monocyte-derived macrophages of 15 newly diagnosed SLE patients and 10 normal subjects triggered by apoptotic cells among SLE patients following pioglitazone treatment. The phagocytosis capacity of macrophages and M1/M2 polarization (CD86/CD163) was evaluated. The supernatants were also analyzed for the expression of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12, transforming growth factor β1 and TNF-α. The mRNA expression of IL-1β and mannose receptor C-type 1 were also quantified among treated and non-treated monocyte-derived macrophages. We found that efferocytosis is defective among monocyte-derived macrophages of SLE patients and might be a major underlying mechanism involved in the sustained inflammation. Pioglitazone could enhance alternative activation of monocyte-derived macrophages and consequently immunomodulation in these patients.

The Effect of Curcumin on TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP Expression in a Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as an Inflammation State

BACKGROUND

Having low-grade chronic inflammation such as elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays a crucial role in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed at investigating the therapeutic effects of curcumin on IL-6, CRP and TNF-α and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.

METHODS

In this research, 72 female adult Wistar rats were divided into control (n=12), PCOS (n=12) and curcumin-treated PCOS groups (n=48). PCOS was induced by injection of estradiol valerate (2 mg/kg-one-step). PCOS rats were divided into control and experimental groups which received daily intraperitoneal injection of curcumin. After 60 days of syndrome induction, ovaries were collected for histological and immunohistochemical evaluations. Serum IL-6 and CRP was detected by the ELISA kit. Data were analyzed using In-Stat 3 via one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Histological studies showed a significant reduction in thickness of theca layer and increase in the number of corpus luteum (CL) diameter in the curcumin-treated group compared with the PCOS group; also inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and CRP significantly decreased in groups treated with curcumin compared with PCOS groups. Regarding immunohistochemical analysis, the expression of TNF-α in granulosa layer and follicular fluid of follicles and ovarian cysts in PCOS group was more than the control group's expression. However, expression of this factor in the ovaries treated with curcumin was decreased.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of curcumin on PCOS may be due to its inhibitory effect on expression and levels of TNF-α, serum IL-6 and CRP.

An odd very early marjolin's ulcer after minimal hand burn

Marjolin's ulcer refers to any malignant transformation of chronic wounds. Different chronic wounds may be transformed into malignancies, although they usually have a latency period of between 25 to 40 years after the primary injury. We herein present an otherwise healthy man who developed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) three weeks after burn injury. It is an interesting case because of this acute transformation into SCC, and may be considered as different to the usual presentation of Marjolin's ulcers.

Elegant pH-Responsive Nanovehicle for Drug Delivery Based on Triazine Dendrimer Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles

Owing to properties of magnetic nanoparticles and elegant three-dimensional macromolecule architectural features, dendrimeric structures have been investigated as nanoscale drug delivery systems. In this work, a novel magnetic nanocarrier, generation two (G2) triazine dendrimer modified Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ magnetic nanoparticles (MNP-G2), was designed, fabricated, and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The prepared MNP-G2 nanosystem offers a new formulation that combines the unique properties of MNPs and triazine dendrimer as a biocompatible material for biomedical applications. To demonstrate the potential of MNP-G2, the nanoparticles were loaded with methotrexate (MTX), a proven chemotherapy drug. The MTX-loaded MNP-G2 (MNP-G2/MTX) exhibited a high drug-loading capacity of MTX and the excellent ability for controlled drug release. The cytotoxicity of MNP-G2/MTX using an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide based assay and MCF-7, HeLa, and Caov-4 cell lines revealed that MNP-G2/MTX was more active against the tumor cells than the free drug in a mildly acidic environment. The results of hemolysis, hemagglutination, and coagulation assays confirmed the good blood safety of MNP-G2/MTX. Moreover, the cell uptake and intracellular distribution of MNP-G2/MTX were studied by flow cytometry analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). This research suggests that MNP-G2/MTX with good biocompatibility and degradability can be selected as an ideal and effective drug carrier in targeted biomedicine studies especially anticancer applications.

[Computational neuroanatomy and microstructure imaging using magnetic resonance imaging]

BACKGROUND

Current computational neuroanatomy focuses on morphological measurements of the brain using standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. In comparison quantitative MRI (qMRI) typically provides a better tissue contrast and also greatly improves the sensitivity and specificity with respect to the microstructural characteristics of tissue.

OBJECTIVE

Current methodological developments in qMRI are presented, which go beyond morphology because this provides standardized measurements of the microstructure of the brain. The concept of in-vivo histology is introduced, based on biophysical modelling of qMRI data (hMRI) for determination of quantitative histology-like markers of the microstructure.

RESULTS

The qMRI metrics can be used as direct biomarkers of the microstructural mechanisms driving observed morphological findings. The hMRI metrics utilize biophysical models of the MRI signal in order to determine 3‑dimensional maps of histology-like measurements in the white matter.

CONCLUSION

Non-invasive brain tissue characterization using qMRI or hMRI has significant implications for both scientific and clinical applications. Both approaches improve the comparability across sites and time points, facilitate multicenter and longitudinal studies as well as standardized diagnostics. The hMRI is expected to shed new light on the relationship between brain microstructure, function and behavior both in health and disease. In the future hMRI will play an indispensable role in the field of computational neuroanatomy.

Protective effect of crocin and voluntary exercise against oxidative stress in the heart of high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetic rats

Background Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of type 2 diabetes and diabetic-associated cardiovascular complications. This study investigated the impact of crocin combined with voluntary exercise on heart oxidative stress indicator in high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Materials and methods Rats were divided into four groups: diabetes, diabetic-crocin, diabetic-voluntary exercise, diabetic-crocin-voluntary exercise. Type 2 diabetes was induced by high-fat diet (4 weeks) and injection of streptozotocin (intraperitoneally, 35 mg/kg). Animals received crocin orally (50 mg/kg); voluntary exercise was performed alone or combined with crocin treatment for 8 weeks. Finally, malondialdehyde (MDA), activity of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) were measured spectrophotometrically. Results Treatment of diabetic rats with crocin and exercise significantly decreased the levels of MDA (p < 0.001) and increased the activity of SOD, GPx, and CAT compared with the untreated diabetic group. In addition, combination of exercise and crocin amplified their effect on antioxidant levels in the heart tissue of type 2 diabetic rats. Conclusion We suggest that a combination of crocin with voluntary exercise treatment may cause more beneficial effects in antioxidant defense system of heart tissues than the use of crocin or voluntary exercise alone.

Block ionomer micellar nanoparticles from double hydrophilic copolymers, classifications and promises for delivery of cancer chemotherapeutics

A class of double hydrophilic copolymers comprising ionic and nonionic water-soluble blocks, which are also called block ionomers, represent an interesting type of polymer assembly forming stable, homogeneous core-corona dispersions. They exhibit the solution behavior of normal polyelectrolytes, whereas assembly into micelle, vesicle or disk morphology happens by an external stimulus (pH, temperature or ionic strength) or complex formation with metal ions, ionic surfactants, polyelectrolytes, etc. Temperature, pH, redox or salt sensitivity affords a unique opportunity to control the triggered release of payloads accommodated through electrostatic interaction, coordination or chemical conjugation. Moreover, the non-ionic block provides the surface passivation, prolongation of the blood circulation and tumor accumulation, supporting targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents based on pathophysiology of tumor microenvironment. Potentiation of antitumor activity, sensitization of the resistant tumors, increased tolerated dose and translation into clinical practice are among their most intriguing characteristics. Their high functionality has been suggested for co-delivery of multiple agents for reversal of chemo-resistance as well as simultaneous therapy and diagnostics. Nevertheless, some stability concerns may be raised due to the polymer disassembly beyond a critical concentration of pH, salt and polyion concentration that can be modulated by introducing crosslinks between the polymer chains (Nano-networks).

Morphological variations of the vermiform appendix in Iranian cadavers: a study from developing countries

BACKGROUND

The vermiform appendix is a worm-like tube containing a large amount of lymphoid follicles. In our knowledge, there is a little standard data about the vermiform appendix in Iranian population. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the normal appendix size in Iranian cadavers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was undertaken between June 2014 and July 2015, in the autopsy laboratory, Legal Medicine Organisation, Razavi Khorasan province, Iran. A total of 693 cadavers with the mean age of 40.46 ± 20.99 years were divided into 10 groups. After writing down position of the appendix, the length, diameter and weight of the appendix were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

The mean values of the demographic characteristics included - age: 40.46 ± 20.99 years; weight: 63.47 ± 17.84 kg; height: 159.95 ± 28.23 cm. The mean values of the appendix length, diameter, weight and index in the cadavers were 8.52 ± 2.99 cm, 12.17 ± 4.53 mm, 6.43 ± 3.26 g and 0.013 ± 0.01, respectively. The most common position of the appendix was retrocaecal in 71.7% of cases. Significant correlations were evident between the value of demographic data and appendix size (p < 0.05). The diameter (p = 0.002) and index of the appendix (p = 0.003) showed significant difference between males and females.

CONCLUSIONS

Having standard data on the vermiform appendix is useful for clinicians as well as anthropologists. The findings of the present study can provide information about morphologic variations of the appendix in Iranian population.

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Studies on the DNA Binding Interactions of Platinum(II) Rollover Complexes Containing Phosphorus Donor Ligands

Cyclometalated rollover complexes of the type [PtMe(κ² N,C-bipyO-H)(L)] [bipyO-H=cyclometalated 2,2'-bipyridine N-oxide; L=tricyclohexylphosphine (PCy₃ , 2 a), 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine (PPh₂ py, 2 b), P(OPh)₃ (2 c)] were synthesized by treating [PtMe(κ² N,C-bipyO-H)(SMe₂ )] (1) with various monodentate phosphine and phosphite ligands. These complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and the structure of 2 a was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 was treated with bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) at a 1:1 ratio to give the corresponding [PtMe(κ² N,C-bipyO-H)(κ¹ P-dppm)] (3 b) complex, in which the dppm ligand acts as a monodentate pendant ligand. The biological activities of these complexes were evaluated against a panel of four standard cancer cell lines: lung carcinoma (A549), ovarian carcinoma (OV-90 and SKOV3), and breast carcinoma (MCF-7). Complexes 2 c and especially 3 b indicated effective potent cytotoxic activity regarding the cell lines. Electrophoresis mobility shift assays and molecular-modeling investigations were performed to determine the specific binding mode and the binding orientation of these alkylating agents to DNA. Detection of cellular reactive oxygen species was also determined.

Aberrant promoter hypermethylation of selected apoptotic genes in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia among North Indian population

Promoter hypermethylation mediates gene silencing in many neoplasms. Acute leukemia has been reported to harbor multiple genes aberrantly silenced by hypermethylation.

AIM

In present study, we investigated the prevalence of hypermethylation of caspase-8 (CASP8), TMS1 and DAPK genes in correlation with clinicopathological factors in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case-control study has been conducted based on bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from 125 ALL patients and 100 sex-age matched healthy controls. Methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bisulfite sequencing PCR was performed to analyze the methylation status of these genes. Reverse transcription PCR and real time PCR was carried out to determine changes in the mRNA expression level of the genes due to hypermethylation.

RESULTS

Hypermethylation of the 5´CpG islands of the CASP8, TMS1 and DAPK gene promoters was found in 3.2, 6.4, and 13.6% of 125 childhood ALL samples from north Indian population, respectively. There were significant differences in pattern of hypermethylation of TMS1 (p = 0.045) and DAPK (p &lt; 0.001) between patients and healthy controls. Down-regulation of mRNA expression was found in cases in which CASP8, TMS1 and DAPK were hypermethylated.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicated the impact of hypermethylation-mediated inactivation of CASP8, TMS1 and DAPK genes, which is associated with risk of childhood ALL. This abnormality occurs in leukemogenesis and it may be used as a biomarker and for predicting the prognosis of ALL.

Parthenolide reduces gene transcription of prosurvival mediators in U937 cells

In acute myeloid leukemia (AML) the functional abnormalities of osteopontin (OPN), NF-kB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR/PTEN pathway or β-catenin have been considered.

AIM

To analyze the response of U937 cells to parthenolide (PTL) through the involvement of expression of OPN protein, RelB, AKT1, mTOR, PTEN and β-catenin genes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The U937 cells were treated with PTL at concentrations of 4 μM (IC25) or 6 μM (IC50) and with OPN siRNA for MTT assay and colony forming assay. Western blot analysis using antibodies against OPN was performed with lysates of PTL-treated cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed using primers for OPN siRNA, RelB, AKT1, mTOR, PTEN and β-catenin.

RESULTS

PTL reduces OPN protein level and down-regulates RelB mRNA in U937 cell line. Suppression of OPN with siRNA increases the cytotoxic effects of PTL. Also, mRNA expression of AKT1, mTOR, PTEN, and β-catenin decreases with PTL or OPN siRNA.

CONCLUSION

Sensitivity of U937 cells to PTL can be associated with the reduction in expression of prosurvival mediators.

A high performance supercapacitor based on decoration of MoS2/reduced graphene oxide with NiO nanoparticles

GO and MoS₂ solution in combination with NiO nanoparticles present a high performance supercapacitor and excellent cycling stability.

Testosterone and Voluntary Exercise, Alone or Together Increase Cardiac Activation of AKT and ERK1/2 in Diabetic Rats

Background

Impaired angiogenesis in cardiac tissue is a major complication of diabetes. Protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways play important role during capillary-like network formation in angiogenesis process.

Objectives

To determine the effects of testosterone and voluntary exercise on levels of vascularity, phosphorylated Akt (P- AKT) and phosphorylated ERK (P-ERK) in heart tissue of diabetic and castrated diabetic rats.

Methods

Type I diabetes was induced by i.p injection of 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin in animals. After 42 days of treatment with testosterone (2mg/kg/day) or voluntary exercise alone or in combination, heart tissue samples were collected and used for histological evaluation and determination of P-AKT and P-ERK levels by ELISA method.

Results

Our results showed that either testosterone or exercise increased capillarity, P-AKT, and P-ERK levels in the heart of diabetic rats. Treatment of diabetic rats with testosterone and exercise had a synergistic effect on capillarity, P-AKT, and P-ERK levels in heart. Furthermore, in the castrated diabetes group, capillarity, P-AKT, and P-ERK levels significantly decreased in the heart, whereas either testosterone treatment or exercise training reversed these effects. Also, simultaneous treatment of castrated diabetic rats with testosterone and exercise had an additive effect on P-AKT and P-ERK levels.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that testosterone and exercise alone or together can increase angiogenesis in the heart of diabetic and castrated diabetic rats. The proangiogenesis effects of testosterone and exercise are associated with the enhanced activation of AKT and ERK1/2 in heart tissue.