Neuroprotective Effects of Ellagic Acid in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Antioxidants have protective effects against free radicals-induced neural damage in Parkinson's disease (PD). We examined the effects of ellagic acid (EA) on locomotion, pallidal local EEG, and its frequency bands' power and also cerebral antioxidant contents in a rat model of PD induced by 6-hydroxidopamine (6-OHDA). 6-OHDA (16 µg/2µ l) was injected into the right medial forebrain bundle (MFB) in MFB-lesioned rat's brain. Sham group received vehicle instead of 6-OHDA. PD-model was confirmed by rotational test using apomorphine injection. EA (50 mg/kg/2 ml, by gavages) was administered in PD+EA group. One group of MFB-lesioned rats received pramipexole (PPX; 2 mg/kg/2 ml, by gavages) as a positive control group (PD+PPX group). Motor activity was assessed by stride length, rotarod, and cylinder tests. Pallidal local EEG was recorded in freely moving rats. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) besides Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured in both striatum and hippocampus tissues. MFB lesion caused significant reduction of stride-length (P<0.001), bar decent latency (P<0.001) and frequency bands' power of pallidal EEG (P<0.001). Use of 6-OHDA caused a reduction in the GPx (P<0.001) and SOD (P<0.001) activities while increased significantly the levels of MDA (P<0.001) in MFB-lesioned rats. EA significantly restored all above parameters. The results show that EA can improve the motor impairments and electrophysiological performance in the MFB-lesioned rats via raising the cerebral antioxidant contents. Therefore, EA can protect the brain against free radicals-induced neural damage and may be beneficial in the treatment of PD.

Run probabilities and the motion of a particle on a given path

Let {Xn} be a sequence of independent (or Markov dependent) trials taking values in a given set S. Let JR be a given path of length k in S, i.e. R is a run of length k whose elements come from S. {Xn} may indicate the motion of a particle on S. We consider the problem of finding the probability that at trial m, the particle has for the first time moved length l ≦ k on R which is equivalent to finding the probability of the first occurrence of any subrun of length l ≦ k of R. In the case of l = k this gives the result of Schwager [6].

Combination effect of melatonin and dexamethasone on liver ischemia/reperfusion injury

OBJECTIVE

Liver failure following ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major concern in liver surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate combination pretreatment with melatonin (MEL) and dexamethasone (DEX) on liver I/R model. Male Wistar rats (n = 60) were assigned to 5 groups of 12 animals each: (1) Sham: laparotomy without I/R; (2) I/R: hepatic I/R; (3) I/R+MEL: hepatic I/R+melatonin injected intraperitoneally (20 mg/kg); (4) I/R+DEX: hepatic I/R+ dexamethasone injected intravenously (10 mg/kg); (5) I/R+MEL+DEX: hepatic I/R+ melatonin injected intraperitoneally+dexamethasone injected intravenously. The liver was subjected to ischemia by clamping the portal triad for 30 minutes and then reperfused for 6 hours after ischemia by removing the clamps.

RESULTS

The levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased after hepatic I/R in all groups. Levels of GPx and SOD were higher in I/R+MEL+DEX group compared to I/R, I/R+MEL and I/R+DEX groups and they were significantly higher in I/R+MEL group compared to I/R and I/R+DEX groups (p < 0.05). Levels of ALT, AST, TNF-α, hepatic tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), liver injury index, and apoptotic index increased after hepatic I/R. Levels of ALT, AST, tissue MDA, tissue injury index and apoptotic index were lower in I/R+MEL+DEX group compared to those in I/R, I/R+MEL and I/R+DEX groups, and in I/R+MEL they were significantly lower than in I/R+DEX group (p < 0.05). TNF-α level was lower in I/R+MEL+DEX group compared to other groups and it was significantly lower in I/R+DEX group than in I/R+MEL and I/R groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Combination therapy with melatonin and dexamethasone had better results in decreasing the liver injury compared to when each of them was administered alone (Tab. 3, Ref. 58).

Preventive effects of procyanidin A2 on glucose homeostasis, pancreatic and duodenal homebox 1, and glucose transporter 2 gene expression disturbance induced by bisphenol A in male mice

Procyanidins (PCs) as oligomeric compounds with antidiabetic properties formed from catechin and epicatechin molecules. Bisphenol A(BPA) is a common chemical material use in food and beverage packaging. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of procyanidin A2 (PCA2) against glucose homeostasis disturbance and gene expression of pancreatic and duodenal homebox 1 (Pdx1) as well as glucose transporter 2 (Glut2) induced by BPA in male mice. First tested these five concentrations of PCA2 (3 - 300 μM) alone and in combination with BPA(100 μg/L), on insulin secretion from isolated islets at in vitro condition. Next, examined the influence of BPA and PCA2 on islet apoptosis using flowcytometry. At in vivo condition, the BPA (100 μg/kg) and PCA2 (10 μmol/kg) administered for 20 days then, blood glucose and insulin, Pdx1 and, Glut2 genes expression, and oxidative stress markers examined. The results indicated that PCA2 strongly prevents islet cells apoptosis induced by BPA and, co-administration of PCA2 and BPA modified hyperglycemia. BPA reduced Pdx1 and Glut2 mRNA expression and antioxidant level in pancreas tissue, whereas PCA2 prevented from these effects. The findings from these studies suggest that use of PCA2 rich plants have preventive effects on hyperglycemia, and type 2 diabetes.

Chemical composition of PM10 and its in vitro toxicological impacts on lung cells during the Middle Eastern Dust (MED) storms in Ahvaz, Iran

Reports on the effects of PM10 from dust storm on lung cells are limited. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and in vitro toxicological impacts of PM10 suspensions, its water-soluble fraction, and the solvent-extractable organics extracted from Middle Eastern Dust storms on the human lung epithelial cell (A549). Samples of dust storms and normal days (PM10 < 200 μg m(-3)) were collected from December 2012 until June 2013 in Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan Province in Iran. The chemical composition and cytotoxicity were analyzed by ICP- OES and Lactase Dehydrogenase (LDH) reduction assay, respectively. The results showed that PM10 suspensions, their water-soluble fraction and solvent-extractable organics from both dust storm and normal days caused a decrease in the cell viability and an increase in LDH in supernatant in a dose-response manner. Although samples of normal days showed higher cytotoxicity than those of dust storm at the highest treated dosage, T Test showed no significant difference in cytotoxicity between normal days and dust event days (P value > 0.05). These results led to the conclusions that dust storm PM10 as well as normal day PM10 could lead to cytotoxicity, and the organic compounds (PAHs) and the insoluble particle-core might be the main contributors to cytotoxicity. Our results showed that cytotoxicity and the risk of PM10 to human lung may be more severe during dust storm than normal days due to inhalation of a higher mass concentration of airborne particles. Further research on PM dangerous fractions and the most responsible components to make cytotoxicity in exposed cells is recommended.

Effects of Exendine-4 on The Differentiation of Insulin Producing Cells from Rat Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of Exendine-4 (EX-4), a Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, on the differentiation of insulin-secreting cells (IPCs) from rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(ADMSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, ADMSCs were isolated from rat adi- pose tissue and exposed to induction media with or without EX-4. After induction, the existence of IPCs was confirmed by morphology analysis, expression pattern analysis of islet-specific genes (Pdx-1, Glut-2 and Insulin) and insulin synthesis and secretion.

RESULTS

IPCs induced in presence of EX-4 were morphologically similar to pancre- atic islet-like cells. Expression of Pdx-1, Glut-2 and Insulin genes in EX-4 treated cells was significantly higher than the cells exposed to differentiation media without EX-4. Compared to EX-4 untreated ADMSCs, insulin release from EX-4 treated ADMSCs showed a nearly 2.5 fold (P<0.05) increase when exposed to a high glucose (25 mM) medium. The percentage of insulin positive cells in the EX-4 treated group was ap- proximately 4-fold higher than in the EX-4 untreated ADMSCs.

CONCLUSION

The present study has demonstrated that EX-4 enhances the differen- tiation of ADMSCs into IPCs. Improvement of this method may help the formation of an unlimited source of cells for transplantation.

Human Split-Thickness Skin Allograft from Brain-Dead Donors

BACKGROUND

Looking for an appropriate skin substitute for temporary and permanent coverage of wounds remains one of the main obstacles of medical researchers.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the rate of inflammation, symbiosis, and survival of grafted allograft skin from brain-dead donors (BDDs) in rabbits.

METHODS

After receiving negative serologic tests of BDDs, we prepared partial thickness skin grafts. They were then used in treating wounds of 5 rabbits in comparison with split-thickness skins taken from cardiac dead donors.

RESULTS

On histopathological examinations, we found no difference between the skins. All samples were separated from the baseline in 15-20 days.

CONCLUSION

Gamma-irradiated freeze-dried human split-thickness skin taken from BDDs is safe and can be used for the treatment of deep skin burns.

The effect of the melatonin on cryopreserved mouse testicular cells

BACKGROUND

After improvements in various cancer treatments, life expectancy has been raised, but success in treatment causes loss of fertility in many of the survived young men. Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissues or cells introduced as the only way to preserve fertility. However, freezing has some harmful effects. Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, has receptors in reproductive systems of different species. It is assumed that melatonin has free radical scavenger properties.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of melatonin on the cryopreserved testicular cells in mouse.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cells from 7- 10 days old NMRI mice testes were isolated using two step enzymatic digestion. The testicular cells were divided into two groups randomly and cryopreserved in two different freezing media with and without the addition of 100 µm melatonin. Finally, apoptosis of the cells was assayed by flow cytometry. Also, lactate dehydrogenase activity test was performed to assess the cytotoxicity.

RESULTS

The results of lactate dehydrogenase showed the nearly cytotoxic effect of melatonin. The results of flow cytometry showed increase in apoptosis in the cryopreserved cells in the media containing melatonin compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that melatonin has an apoptotic effect on cryopreserved mouse testicular cells.

In Vitro Toxic Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Rat Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Objective

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are increasingly used in sunscreens, bio- sensors, food additives, pigments, manufacture of rubber products, and electronic materi- als. There are several studies about the effects of NPs on dermal fibroblast or keratino- cytes, but very little attention has been directed towards adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs). A previous study has revealed that ZnO-NPs restricted the migration capability of ASCs. However, the potential toxicity of these NPs on ASCs is not well un- derstood. This study intends to evaluate the effects of ZnO-NPs on subcutaneous ASCs.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, In order to assess toxicity, we ex- posed rat ASCs to ZnO-NPs at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 µg/ml for 48 hours. Tox- icity was evaluated by cell morphology changes, cell viability assay, as well as apoptosis and necrosis detection.

Results

ZnO-NPs concentration dependently reduced the survival rates of ASCs as re- vealed by the trypan blue exclusion and 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazo- lium-bromide (MTT) tests. ZnO-NPs, at concentrations of 10 and 50 µg/ml, induced a significant increase in apoptotic indices as shown by the annexin V test. The concentration of 10 µg/ml of ZnO-NPs was more toxic.

Conclusion

Lower concentrations of ZnO-NPs have toxic and apoptotic effects on subcutaneous ASCs. We recommend that ZnO-NPs be used with caution if there is a dermatological problem.

Molecular Cloning and Expression of a New Allergen of Acacia farnesiana (Aca f 2)

Inhalation of pollens from different species of Acacia is a common cause of respiratory allergy in tropical areas of the world. Acacia farnesiana is commonly used as street trees in towns and ornamental shade trees in parks and gardens throughout arid and semi-arid regions of Asia. This study aimed to produce and purify the A. farnesiana pollen profilin (Aca f 2) and evaluate its nucleotide sequence homology with profilins of common allergenic plants to predict allergenic cross-reactivity. Thirty-nine patients who were allergic to Acacia pollens were included in the study. Cloning of Acacia profilin-coding sequence was performed by polymerase chain reaction using primers from Acacia pollen RNA. The cDNA of Acacia pollen profilin was then expressed in Escherichia coli using pET-21b(+) vector and purified by metal affinity chromatography. Immunoreactivity of the recombinant Acacia profilin (rAca f 2) was evaluated by specific ELISA, immunoblotting, and inhibition assays. The coding sequence of the Acacia profilin cDNA was recognized as a 399-bp open reading frame encoding 133 amino acid residues. Eighteen patients (18/39, 46.15%) had significant specific IgE levels against Aca f 2. Immunodetection and inhibition assays indicated that purified Aca f 2 might be the same as that in the crude extract. Aca f2, the first allergen from A. farnesiana pollen, was identified as belonging to the family of profilins. The amino acid sequence homology analysis showed high cross-reactivity between Aca f 2 and other profilins from botanically unrelated common allergenic plants.

Pro j 2 is mesquite profilin: molecular characteristics and specific IgE binding activity

BACKGROUND

Pollens from mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) are potent allergen responsible in causing immediate hypersensitivity reactions in susceptible people in tropical countries.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to clone, express and purify the mesquite pollen profilin (Pro j 2) as well as evaluating its nucleotide sequence homology in order to predict allergenic cross-reactivity with profilins of common allergenic plants.

METHODS

Immunoblotting assay and specific ELISA were applied to determine the immunoreactivity of sera from 35 patients who were allergic to mesquite pollen. The mesquite profilin-coding sequence was cloned into PTZ57R/T vector and amplified. The cDNA of mesquite pollen profilin was then expressed in Escherichia coli using pET-21b (+) vector and puri?ed by one-step Ni2+ a?nity chromatography. IgE binding capacity of the recombinant mesquite profiling (rPro j 2) was analyzed by specific ELISA, immunoblotting, and inhibition assays.

RESULTS

cDNA nucleotide sequencing revealed an open reading frame of 399bp encoding for 133 amino acids which belongs to the profilin family. Seventeen patients (17/35, 48.57%) had significant specific IgE level for rPro j 2. Immunodetection and inhibition assays indicated that puri?ed rPro j 2 might be similar as that in the crude extract.

CONCLUSION

Pro j 2, as a new allergen from mesquite pollen, was produced in E. coli with an IgE-reactivity similar to that of its natural counterpart. The amino acid sequences homology analysis of mesquite profilin and several profilin molecules from other plants showed high degree of cross-reactivity among plant-derived profilins from unrelated families.

Increased P-35, EBI3 Transcripts and Other Treg Markers in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Breast Cancer Patients with Different clinical Stages

PURPOSE

Currently, cancer as a major problem around the world threatens human health and has a high incidence in developing countries. Many reports have indicated that patients suffering from cancer demonstrate decreased antitumor immune responses as well as a high prevalence of T regulatory population. It has been reported that Foxp3(+)Tregs exert suppression by cell contact-dependent mechanisms which are mediated by soluble factors such as immunosuppressive cytokines like IL-10, TGF-β and IL-35. Consequently there is a great need to identify prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers of regulatory T cells for vaccine and drug development.

METHODS

In this study IL-10, TGF-β, IL-35 and Foxp3 mRNA gene expression has been measured in peripheral blood of 40 breast cancer patients and 40 normal age-matched women using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) method with Master Mix reaction containing SYBER Green. GAPDH gene was used as housekeeping gene.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrated a significant up-regulation of IL-10, TGF-β, P35, EBI3 and Foxp3 gene expression in patients' peripheral blood compared to normal healthy controls (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The data suggests that the immune system is suppressed in breast cancer patients, which may be due to elevated Treg cells population. These results may be useful for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. However it may require more investigations.

Hemiscorpius lepturus venom induces expression and production of interluckin-12 in human monocytes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the capacity of the venom from Hemiscorpius lepturus to induce expression and production of interleukin-12 (IL-12) on isolated human monocytes. For this purpose, isolated human monocytes (250,000-300,000 cells/ml) were exposed to different concentrations of the venom (0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 μg/ml) in 96-well plates for varying incubation periods (6, 12, and 24 h). The end point of assessment included LDH cytotoxicity assay, measurement of expression of IL-12,p40 mRNA by real-time PCR, and quantification of IL-12 release using sandwich ELISA technique. The results showed that this venom produced concentration- and time of incubation-dependent cytotoxicity. The level of enhancement of expression and production of IL-12 were found significantly higher with lowest concentration and after 6 h of incubation. The findings demonstrated that the venom from this scorpion contains active constituents which can direct the immune system to produce IL-12.

Ellagic Acid Protects the Brain Against 6-Hydroxydopamine Induced Neuroinflammation in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Neuroinflammation may play as an important risk factor in progressive degeneration of dopaminergic cells. Antioxidants have protective effects against free radicals-induced neural damage in Parkinson's disease (PD). In the present study, we examined the effects of ellagic acid (EA) on locomotion and neuroinflammatory biomarkers in a rat model of PD induced by 6-hydroxidopamine (6-OHDA).

METHODS

6-OHDA (16 μg/2 μl) was injected into the right medial forebrain bundle (MFB) in MFB-lesioned rat's brain. Sham group received vehicle instead of 6-OHDA. PD-model was confirmed by rotational test using apomorphine injection. EA (50 mg/kg/2 ml, by gavages) was administered in PD+EA group. One group of MFB-lesioned rats received pramipexole (PPX; 2 mg/kg/2 ml, by gavages) as positive control group (PD+PPX group). Motor activity was assessed by stride length and cylinder tests. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured in both striatum and hippocampus tissues.

RESULTS

MFB lesion caused significant reduction of stride-length (P<0.001) and also increased the contralateral rotations (P<0.001) and score of the cylinder test (P<0.001). Use of 6-OHDA to induce the PD significantly increased the levels of TNF-α (P<0.001) and IL-1β (P<0.001) in MFB-lesioned rats. EA significantly restored all of the above parameters.

DISCUSSION

EA can improve the motor impairments in the MFB-lesioned rats via reducing the neuroinflammatory biomarkers and protect the brain against free radicals-induced neural damage. The results suggest that EA can be helpful in management of PD treatment.

Three-dimensional differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells into insulin-producing cells

The aim of this study is to evaluate the collagen/hyaluronic acid (Col/HA) scaffold effect on the differentiation of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs). In this experimental study, ASCs were cultured and seeded in a Col/HA scaffold (3D culture) and then treated with induction media. After induction, the presence of IPCs was evaluated using gene expression (PDX-1, GLUT-2 and insulin) analysis and immunocytochemistry, while functional maturity was determined by measuring insulin release in response to low- and high-glucose media. The induced IPCs were morphologically similar to pancreatic islet-like cells. Expression of the islet-associated genes PDX-1, GLUT-2 and insulin genes in 3D-cultured cells was markedly higher than the 2D-cultured cells exposure differentiation media. Compared to the 2D culture of ASCs-derived IPCs, the insulin release from 3D ASCs-derived IPCs showed a nearly 4-fold (p < 0.05) increase when exposed to a high glucose (25 mmol) medium. The percentage of insulin-positive cells in the 3D experimental group showed an approximately 4-fold increase compared to the 2D experimental culture cells. The results of this study demonstrated that the COL/HA scaffold can enhance the differentiation of IPCs from rat ASCs.

Characterization and Deactivation Study of Mixed Vanadium and Potassium Oxide Supported on Microemulsion-Mediated Titania Nanoparticles as Catalyst in Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane

The influence of potassium addition to the vanadia supported on the microemulsion-mediated TiO2 nanoparticles in propane oxidative dehydrogenation was studied. Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that the addition of potassium caused enhanced dispersion of vanadia species on the support surface. Also, potassium existence affects the H2 temperature programmed reduction maximum reduction temperature and shifted it to 520°C, which was in accordance with its lesser catalytic activity. Nevertheless, a propylene selectivity enhancement was observed by potassium addition. In spite of the fact that the catalytic performance loss was not severe in vanadia-supported TiO2 anatase, potassium addition led to improve the catalyst lifetime. After deactivation test, potassium-containing vanadia catalyst possessed lower surface area loss (i.e. from 52 to 49 m2 g−1). Average crystallite size of potassium-containing vanadia catalyst exhibited lower decrease than that of potassium-free vanadia catalyst after deactivation test. According to Raman spectra, deactivation phenomena had influenced the population of vanadia species so that monovanadates decreased and polyvanadates increased.

Immunochemical characterization of prosopis juliflora pollen allergens and evaluation of cross-reactivity pattern with the most allergenic pollens in tropical areas

Allergy to Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) pollen is one of the common causes of respiratory allergy in tropical countries. Mesquite is widely used as street trees in towns and ornamental shade trees in parks and gardens throughout arid and semiarid regions of Iran. The inhalation of mesquite pollen and several species of Amaranthus/Chenopodiaceae family is the most important cause of allergic respiratory symptoms in Khuzestan province. This study was designed to evaluate IgE banding proteins of mesquite pollen extract and its IgE cross-reactivity with other allergenic plants. Twenty patients with allergic symptoms and positive skin prick tests (SPT) for mesquite pollen extract participated in the study. Crude pollen extract was prepared from local mesquite trees and used for the evaluation of allergenic profiles of P. juliflora pollen extract by Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and IgE-immunoblotting. There were several protein bands in mesquite pollen extract using SDS-PAGE with the approximate range of molecular weight of 10-85 kDa. The most frequent IgE reactive bands among the patients' sera were approximately 20 and 66 kDa. However, there were other IgE reactive protein bands among the patients' sera with molecular weights of 10, 15, 35, 45, 55 and 85 kDa. Inhibition experiments revealed high IgE cross-reactivity between mesquite and acacia. There are several IgE-binding proteins in P. juliflora pollen extract. Results of this study indicate that proteins with a molecular weight of 10 to 85 kDa are the major allergens in P. juliflora pollen extract.

Ellagic acid improves hyperalgesia and cognitive deficiency in 6-hydroxidopamine induced rat model of Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVES

Parkinson's disease (PD) is known for motor impairments. But often, there are non-motor symptoms such as cognitive deficiency and pain misperception, owing to possible role of nigrostriatal pathway. Antioxidants have protective effect on free radical-induced neuronal damage in PD. To further address, we examined the effects of ellagic acid (EA) in a rat model of PD induced by 6-hydroxidopamine (6-OHDA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Right medial forebrain bundle (MFB) was lesioned by injecting 6-OHDA (16 µg/2 µl), in PD-animals. Sham operated animals received vehicle instead of 6-OHDA. PD was approved by apomorphine-induced contralateral rotation. EA (50 mg/kg/2 ml, PO, for 10 days) was administered to PD-EA group. Some PD-animals received pramipexole (PPX; 2 mg/kg/2 ml, PO) as a positive control group. Analgesia was measured by tail-flick and hot-plate tests. Passive avoidance task was measured by shuttle box apparatus to record the initial and step-through latency. Spatial cognition task was evaluated by Morris water maze test, measuring the escape latency time, path length, swimming speed and time spent in target quadrant.

RESULTS

MFB-lesioned rats showed hyperalgesic responses to the stimulus in tail-flick and hot-plate tests. Also they showed memory and learning deficit in cognitive tests. These effects reversed by EA treatment.

CONCLUSION

6-OHDA can induce oxidative stress and can disrupt the neural mechanisms underlying proper integration of painful stimuli and cognitive processes in MFB-lesioned rats. Consequently, nigrostriatal pathway can play possible role in nociception and cognition. EA, a natural antioxidant, has neuroprotective effect on this pathway and can ameliorate this defect and be considered in PD management.

Protective effects of interleukin-4 on tissue destruction and morphological changes of bovine nasal chondrocytes in vitro

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that some cytokines have protective effects on cartilage in joint diseases. In the current study, effects of IL-4 against morphological changes and tissue degradation induced by IL-1α on bovine nasal cartilage (BNC) explants were investigated.

METHODS

Fresh BNC samples were prepared from a slaughterhouse under sterile conditions. BNC explants culture was treated with both IL-lα (10 ng/ml) and IL-4 (50 ng/ml) at the same time for 28 days. The morphological characteristics of explants were assessed by using histology techniques and invert microscopy. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) production was assessed within different days by using Western blotting.

RESULTS

IL-lα induced prominent cartilage morphology degradation. The pro and active form of MMP-1 band substantially increased at day 21 of culture. In the presence of both IL-lα and IL-4, chondrocytes preserved their ordinary normal phenotype with intact extracellular matrix. In addition, a significant reduction in pro-MMP-1and inhibition of active MMP-1 was seen.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, IL-4 could be regarded as a potential candidate in cartilage protecting against the degradation changes of IL-lα. It seems that the preservation effect of IL-4 is associated with significant reduction of MMP-1.

IL-23/IL-27 Ratio in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (IL)-23 and IL-27 are two IL-12-related cytokines which their function may dramatically influence the inflammatory response to tumor development. IL-12 and IL-27 seem to have antagonistic roles with IL-23 in tumor site. In this study, IL-23 and IL-27 mRNA expressions were analyzed in peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer and healthy volunteers using quantitative real-time PCR.

METHODS

Peripheral blood samples were collected from 50 women with breast cancer and 50 healthy ones. The total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood after lysis with ammonium chloride and TRizol reagent and the cDNA was synthesized. The expression of IL-23 and IL-27 gene transcripts was determined with real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) using Syber Green PCR Master Mix.

RESULTS

It is found that IL-23 and IL-27 transcripts had significantly higher expression in peripheral blood of patients compared with the healthy controls. The ratio of IL-23 transcript expression to IL-27 was 3.4 fold lower in the studied patients compared with the normal individuals.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the over expression of IL-23 and IL-27 gene transcript in peripheral blood of breast cancer patients may be an immune response against tumor development and the inflammatory response plays a critical role in tumor development via up regulating the corresponding cytokines. However, the IL-23/IL-27 ratio may play an important role in cytokine-based immunotherapy against cancer. Further research should be carried out to assess these cytokines in a larger sample size. .