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Farrokh-Eslamlou N, Momtaz S, Niknejad A, Hosseini Y, Mahdaviani P, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Abdolghaffari AH. Empagliflozin protective effects against cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity by interfering with oxidative stress and inflammation in Wistar rats. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03088-6. [PMID: 38643451 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03088-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Cisplatin (Cis) is a platinum-based antineoplastic drug used in various types of cancers. This drug can induce nephrotoxicity as a cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Empagliflozin (Empa) is a newly developed inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) approved as an antidiabetic medication for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition to its blood glucose-lowering effect, Empa has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The current study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Empa on Cis-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups, each of six rats: Sham group (received vehicle for 7 days), Control group (received vehicle for 7 days and Cis injection on day 2), Cis + Empa10 (received 10mg/kg Empa for 7 days and Cis injection on day 2), Cis + Empa30 (received 30mg/kg Empa for 7 days and Cis injection on day 2) and, Empa 30 (received 30mg/kg Empa for 7 days). One day after the last injection in each group, rats were weighed and then sacrificed to analyze the hematological, biochemical, and histological parameters. Cis markedly increased levels of inflammatory parameters such as renal tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Notably, malondialdehyde (MDA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels were enhanced after Cis administration. Also, the chemotherapeutic agent significantly reduced antioxidant indicators such as renal catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GpX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, histopathological examinations also revealed severe renal damage following Cis treatment which was improved by Empa administration. Empa treatment at both doses (10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) reversed Cis-induced changes in all the above renal parameters. In conclusion, Empa has protective effects on Cis-induced nephrotoxicity by inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Farrokh-Eslamlou
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, No. 99, Yakhchal, Gholhak, Shariati St., P. O. Box: 19419-33111, Tehran, Iran
- GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Momtaz
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, and Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Niknejad
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, No. 99, Yakhchal, Gholhak, Shariati St., P. O. Box: 19419-33111, Tehran, Iran
- GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasamin Hosseini
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, No. 99, Yakhchal, Gholhak, Shariati St., P. O. Box: 19419-33111, Tehran, Iran
- GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Parvin Mahdaviani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Sero Road, Urmia, 5715799313, Iran.
| | - Amir Hossein Abdolghaffari
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, No. 99, Yakhchal, Gholhak, Shariati St., P. O. Box: 19419-33111, Tehran, Iran.
- GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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Khezri MR, Hsueh HY, Mohammadipanah S, Khalili Fard J, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. The interplay between the PI3K/AKT pathway and circadian clock in physiologic and cancer-related pathologic conditions. Cell Prolif 2024:e13608. [PMID: 38336976 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The circadian clock is responsible for the regulation of different cellular processes, and its disturbance has been linked to the development of different diseases, such as cancer. The main molecular mechanism for this issue has been linked to the crosstalk between core clock regulators and intracellular pathways responsible for cell survival. The PI3K/AKT signalling pathway is one of the most known intracellular pathways in the case of cancer initiation and progression. This pathway regulates different aspects of cell survival including proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, and response to environmental stimuli. Accumulating evidence indicates that there is a link between the PI3K/AKT pathway activity and circadian rhythm in physiologic and cancer-related pathogenesis. Different classes of PI3Ks and AKT isoforms are involved in regulating circadian clock components in a transcriptional and functional manner. Reversely, core clock components induce a rhythmic fashion in PI3K and AKT activity in physiologic and pathogenic conditions. The aim of this review is to re-examine the interplay between this pathway and circadian clock components in normal condition and cancer pathogenesis, which provides a better understanding of how circadian rhythms may be involved in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hsiang-Yin Hsueh
- The Ohio State University Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Somayeh Mohammadipanah
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Javad Khalili Fard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Varzandeh R, Khezri MR, Esmaeilzadeh Z, Jafari A, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Protective effects of topiramate on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats through the inhibition of oxidative stress. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2024; 397:1141-1149. [PMID: 37632553 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02677-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis is an intestinal inflammatory condition characterized by a rise in inflammatory mediator production and oxidative stress. Topiramate is an anticonvulsant agent with effectiveness on a wide range of seizures, which is anti-oxidative. This study aims to examine the protective effects of topiramate on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: control, acetic acid, acetic acid + topiramate, and acetic acid + dexamethasone groups. Topiramate (100 mg/kg/day) or dexamethasone (2 mg/kg/day) was administered for six consecutive days, and ulcerative colitis was induced on the first day of the study by transrectal administration of 4% acetic acid. Four hours after the last dose of treatments, animals of each group were sacrificed, and colon tissues were removed for further macroscopic, histopathologic, and biochemical analyses. Treatment with topiramate markedly decreased colonic lesions and macroscopic scores as well as the improvement of histopathologic changes. Topiramate also effectively decreased the levels of malondialdehyde and upregulated the activity of anti-oxidative enzymes, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Our results reveal that the administration of topiramate ameliorates acetic acid-induced colitis in rats via anti-oxidative properties, and further studies may introduce it as an effective therapeutic candidate to decrease ulcerative colitis severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Varzandeh
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Zeinab Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Abbas Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute On Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Khezri MR, Mohammadipanah S, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. The pharmacological effects of Berberine and its therapeutic potential in different diseases: Role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway. Phytother Res 2024; 38:349-367. [PMID: 37922566 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway plays a central role in cell growth and survival and is disturbed in various pathologies. The PI3K is a kinase that generates phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI (3-5) P3), as a second messenger responsible for the translocation of AKT to the plasma membrane and its activation. However, due to the crucial role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in regulation of cell survival processes, it has been introduced as a main therapeutic target for natural compounds during the progression of different pathologies. Berberine, a plant-derived isoquinone alkaloid, is known because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antitumor properties. The effect of this natural compound on cell survival processes has been shown to be mediated by modulation of the intracellular pathways. However, the effects of this natural compound on the PI3K/AKT pathway in various pathologies have not been reviewed so far. Therefore, this paper aims to review the PI3K/AKT-mediated effects of Berberine in different types of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, and central nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Kalantari E, Zolbanin NM, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Protective effects of empagliflozin on methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115953. [PMID: 38064971 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX), a folic acid antagonist, is commonly prescribed as a cytotoxic drug to treat several conditions such as leukemia and inflammation-related diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. However, its use in clinical practice has been limited due to its fatal side effects, especially hepatotoxicity. Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that has recently been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Empagliflozin on liver injury induced by MTX in rats. The rats were divided into five groups as control, MTX (20 mg/kg; i.p.), Empagliflozin (30 mg/kg/day; i.p.), MTX and Empagliflozin (10 and 30 mg/kg/day; i.p.). Histopathologic alterations were examined for assessment of the liver injury. Furthermore, the levels of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of anti-oxidative enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase, as well as serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were evaluated. Our results revealed that treatment with Empagliflozin significantly improved histopathologic alterations, and elevated levels of AST and ALT induced by MTX administration. Additionally, altered activities of SOD, GPx, and catalase were significantly improved followed by Empagliflozin treatment. However, the higher dose of Empagliflozin was observed to have several benefits compared to the lower dose. Our data suggest that Empagliflozin might possess a protective role against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress in liver tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Kalantari
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Naime Majidi Zolbanin
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Khezri MR, Esmaeili A, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Role of Bmal1 and Gut Microbiota in Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease Pathophysiology: The Probable Effect of Melatonin on Their Association. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3883-3893. [PMID: 37823531 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the role of new factors in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases has been investigated. Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. Although pathological changes such as the accumulation of aggregated proteins in the brain and inflammatory responses are known as the main factors involved in the development of these diseases, new studies show the role of gut microbiota and circadian rhythm in the occurrence of these changes. However, the association between circadian rhythm and gut microbiota in AD and PD has not yet been investigated. Recent results propose that alterations in circadian rhythm regulators, mainly Bmal1, may regulate the abundance of gut microbiota. This correlation has been linked to the regulation of the expression of immune-related genes and Bmal-1 mediated oscillation of IgA and hydrogen peroxide production. These data seem to provide new insight into the molecular mechanism of melatonin inhibiting the progression of AD and PD. Therefore, this manuscript aims to review the role of the gut microbiota and circadian rhythm in health and AD and PD and also presents a hypothesis on the effect of melatonin on their communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Faculty of Pharmacy. Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 571478334, Iran
| | - Ayda Esmaeili
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 5715799313, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 5715799313, Iran
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Khezri MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Protective effects of empagliflozin on testicular injury induced by torsion/detorsion in adult male rats. J Pediatr Urol 2023; 19:545.e1-545.e7. [PMID: 37394304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Testicular torsion is a known urologic emergency condition and one of the common causes of infertility in males. Hence, prompt diagnosis and treatment play a crucial role in prevention of testicular injury. It has been observed that empagliflozin, a drug for management of hyperglycemia, has anti-oxidative properties against different pathologies, the most important of which are ischemia reperfusion related injuries. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of empagliflozin on a testicular torsion injury in adolescent rats followed by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) phenomena. STUDY DESIGN Thirty-six rats were randomly assigned into three groups including sham-operated group received all surgical procedures except testicular torsion-detorsion, torsion/detorsion + dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as vehicle, and torsion/detorsion + empagliflozin (10 mg/kg). Testicular torsion was performed for 2 h through rotating right testis 720° in the clockwise direction. Thirty minutes before detorsion, a single intraperitoneal dose of empagliflozin was injected to treatment group. Four hours later, orchiectomy was conducted for histopathological and biochemical examinations of testicular tissue specimens. RESULTS The malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the torsion/detorsion animals was markedly greater than in the animals under sham operated procedure. Moreover, the testicular MDA levels in the torsion/detorsion + empagliflozin group were significantly lower than in the torsion/detorsion group. Also, significant decreases observed in catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in the torsion/detorsion group in comparison with sham operated group. These values were significantly improved in the empagliflozin group. Furthermore, histopathological examinations also revealed severe testicular injury which were improved by empagliflozin administration. DISCUSSION Empagliflozin prevented increases in oxidative stress markers and subsequently reduced the tissue injury induced by torsion/detorsion in the current study. CONCLUSION It can be concluded that administration of empagliflozin before prevents I/R related cellular damage in testicular torsion, possibly via oxidative stress inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hojjat Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Nazari-Khanamiri F, Jafari A, Esmaeilzadeh Z, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Biochemical and histopathological evidence for beneficial effects of Empagliflozin pretreatment on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:332. [PMID: 37759154 PMCID: PMC10523708 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02958-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a disorder which oxidative stress plays a critical role in its pathogenesis. Empagliflozin (EMPA) is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of EMPA on acetic acid (AA) induced colitis in rats. METHODS A total of twenty-four rats were divided into four groups (six animals in each group) as follows: (1) Control group; (2) acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis group (AA); (3) EMPA treatment group (AA + EMPA); (4) Dexamethasone (Dexa) treatment group (AA + Dexa). Animals in pre-treatment groups received EMPA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or dexamethasone (4 mg/kg, i.p. as reference drug) for four consecutive days before induction of colitis by intra-rectal acetic acid (4% v/v) administration. Twenty-four hours after AA administration, rats were sacrificed and the colon tissues were removed for histopathological and biochemical evaluations. RESULTS Pretreatment with EMPA significantly decreased colon weight/length ratio (81.00 ± 5.28 mg/cm vs. 108.80 ± 5.51 mg/cm) as well as, macroscopic (2.50 ± 0.57 vs. 3.75 ± 0.25) and histological scores (3.3 ± 0.14 vs. 1.98 ± 0.14) compared to the AA-induced colitis group (p < 0.01). Pretreatment with EMPA significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) (324.0 ± 15.93 vs. 476.7 ± 32.26 nmol/mg p < 0.001) and increased glutathione level (117.5 ± 4.48 vs. 94.38 ± 3.950 µmol/mg, p < 0.01) in comparison to the AA-induced colitis group. Furthermore, a significant increase in catalase (44.60 ± 4.02 vs.14.59 ± 2.03 U/mg, P < 0.01), superoxide dismutase (283.9 ± 18.11 vs. 156.4 ± 7.92 U/mg, p < 0.001), and glutathione peroxidase (10.38 ± 1.45 vs. 2.508 ± 0.37, p < 0.01) activities were observed by EMPA pretreatment when compared to the AA-induced colitis group. These results were in line with those of the reference drug. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that EMPA could effectively reduce the severity of tissue injury in experimental colitis. This protective effect may be related to the antioxidative effects of EMPA drug.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abbas Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute on Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Zeinab Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Khezri MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Gut microbiota and circadian rhythm in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology: a review and hypothesis on their association. NPJ Aging 2023; 9:9. [PMID: 37130863 PMCID: PMC10154390 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-023-00104-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Different pathologic changes have been introduced to be involved in its progression. Although amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation are mainly considered the main characterizations of AD, several other processes are involved. In recent years, several other changes, including alterations in gut microbiota proportion and circadian rhythms, have been noticed due to their role in AD progression. However, the exact mechanism indicating the association between circadian rhythms and gut microbiota abundance has not been investigated yet. This paper aims to review the role of gut microbiota and circadian rhythm in AD pathophysiology and introduces a hypothesis to explain their association.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
- Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Afkhami Fard L, Malekinejad H, Esmaeilzadeh Z, Jafari A, Khezri MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Protective effects of sitagliptin on methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. J Environ Sci Health C Toxicol Carcinog 2023; 41:22-35. [PMID: 37010136 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2023.2186683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX), a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressant agent, is widely used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and different types of cancers. However, its use has been limited by its life-threatening side effects, including nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of sitagliptin on methotrexate (MTX)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: control group, which received the vehicle for 6 days; MTX group, which received a single dose of MTX, followed by five daily doses of vehicle dosing; MTX + sitagliptin group, which received a single dose of MTX 1 h after the first sitagliptin treatment and six daily doses of sitagliptin; and sitagliptin group, which received sitagliptin for 6 days. Both MTX and sitagliptin were given as intraperitoneal injections at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight. All rats were euthanized on the seventh day of the study. Kidney tissues were harvested and blood samples were collected. Serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were evaluated. Furthermore, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in kidney tissue. In addition, histopathological analysis was conducted. Histopathological evaluation showed that MTX-induced marked kidney injury. Biochemical analysis revealed a significant increase of BUN and creatinine in the serum of the MTX group. Furthermore, oxidative stress and depressed antioxidant system of the kidney tissues were evident in the MTX group. Sitagliptin did not affect these endpoints when administered alone, but it significantly attenuated the observed MTX-induced effects. These results suggest that sitagliptin exhibits potent anti-oxidant properties against the nephrotoxicity induced by MTX in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Afkhami Fard
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hassan Malekinejad
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Zeinab Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Abbas Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Khezri MR, Mohebalizadeh M, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Therapeutic potential of ADAM10 modulation in Alzheimer's disease: a review of the current evidence. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:60. [PMID: 36918870 PMCID: PMC10012555 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01072-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, is caused by loss of neurons and synapses in central nervous system. Several causes for neuronal death in AD have been introduced, the most important of which are extracellular amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation and aggregated tau proteins. Increasing evidence suggest that targeting the process of Aβ production to reduce its deposition can serve as a therapeutic option for AD management. In this regard, therapeutic interventions shown that a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein (ADAM) 10, involved in non-amyloidogenic pathway of amyloid precursor protein processing, is known to be a suitable candidate. Therefore, this review aims to examine the molecular properties of ADAM10, its role in AD, and introduce it as a therapeutic target to reduce the progression of the disease. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Sero Road, Urmia, 5715799313, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Mohebalizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Sero Road, Urmia, 5715799313, Iran.,Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Sero Road, Urmia, 5715799313, Iran. .,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. .,Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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12
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Khezri MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Moloodsouri D. The PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway and Caspase-3 in Alzheimer's Disease: Which One Is the Beginner? J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 92:391-393. [PMID: 36776071 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
One of the main players in apoptosis during Alzheimer's disease progression are different members of caspase family of proteases. The most well-known member of this family is caspase-3, in which alterations of its levels have been detected in samples from Alzheimer's disease patients. There are numerous intracellular factors involved in regulation of cellular apoptosis through regulation of caspase-3 activity, the most important of which is the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This commentary tries to highlight the probable relations between PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and caspase-3 in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Donya Moloodsouri
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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13
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Khezri MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. The Role of Caspases in Alzheimer's Disease: Pathophysiology Implications and Pharmacologic Modulation. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 91:71-90. [PMID: 36442198 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Although the main cause of the onset and development of AD is not known yet, neuronal death due to pathologic changes such as amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau aggregation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and calcium dyshomeostasis are considered to be the main cause. At the present, there is no cure for this insidious disorder. However, accurate identification of molecular changes in AD can help provide new therapeutic goals. Caspases are a group of proteases which are known because of their role in cellular apoptosis. In addition, different caspases are involved in other cellular responses to the environment, such as induction of inflammation. Emerging evidence suggest that these proteases play a central role in AD pathophysiology due to their role in the processing of amyloid-β protein precursor, tau cleavage, and neuroinflammation. Therefore, it seems that targeting caspases may be a suitable therapeutic option to slow the progression of AD. This review focuses on the role of caspases in AD pathophysiology and introduce results from studies targeted caspases in different models of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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14
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Khezri MR, Yousefi K, Esmaeili A, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. The Role of ERK1/2 Pathway in the Pathophysiology of Alzheimer's Disease: An Overview and Update on New Developments. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:177-191. [PMID: 35038057 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01191-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Several findings suggest that correcting the dysregulated signaling pathways may offer a potential therapeutic approach in this disease. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family, plays a major role in regulation of cell proliferation, autophagy process, and protein synthesis. The available literature suggests dysregulated ERK1/2 in AD patients with potential implications in the multifaceted underlying pathologies of AD, including amyloid-β plaque formation, tau phosphorylation, and neuroinflammation. In this regard, in the current review, we aim to summarize the reports on the potential roles of ERK1/2 in AD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Keyvan Yousefi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Ayda Esmaeili
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. .,Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. .,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, PO Box: 5715799313, Urmia, Iran.
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15
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Khezri MR, Varzandeh R, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Protective effects of metformin against aluminum phosphide-induced acute hepato-renal damage in rats: An experimental approach. Pestic Biochem Physiol 2022; 188:105258. [PMID: 36464363 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Phosphine (PH3), from hydrolysis of magnesium, zinc, and aluminum phosphide (AlP), is a rodenticide and insecticide which is used to avoid losses of the agriculture products. However, using of this agent may affect the human health, in a way that poisoning with AlP has a high rate of mortality and morbidities. This study determined the ameliorative effects of metformin (MET) on AlP-induced hepato- and nephro-toxicity in Wistar rats. Male rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups. Group I was the control group received coconut oil by oral gavage, group II was the model group received AlP (12 mg/kg) distributed in coconut oil by oral gavage, group III received MET (200 mg/kg; i.p.), and group IV received MET (200 mg/kg; i.p.) 30 min after intoxication. After 24 h, the serum, liver and kidney tissues were collected for histopathological and biochemical investigations. The levels of kidney function markers, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, and liver function markers, ALP, AST and ALT, in the plasma were increased significantly followed by AlP intoxication. The results revealed that phosphine causes a significant enhancement of lipid peroxidation, while decreases the activity of superoxide dismutase in both liver and kidney tissues. Furthermore, phosphine significantly induced the up-regulation of TNF-α and phosphorylation of NF-κB in target tissues. Overall, treatment with MET abolished aforementioned alterations resulted by AlP intoxication. Furthermore, histological evaluation indicated a deleterious effect of AlP on the liver and kidney tissues along with marked increase in kidney and liver injury scores, which is mitigated by MET administration. According to our results, although metformin could not bring the changes to the level of the control group, it was indicated that this drug might possess a protective effect against AlP-induced hepato and nephrotoxicity by inhibiting inflammatory responses and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Varzandeh
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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16
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Khezri MR, Esmaeili A, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Platelet Activation and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Probable Role of PI3K/AKT Pathway. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 90:529-534. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-220663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the association between the activity of platelets and risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk has been noticed in numerous studies. However, there in no investigations on the role of specific intracellular pathways to explain this connection. The phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway is one of the main regulators of cell survival which regulates cellular responses to environmental changes. This pathway also regulates the activity of platelets, and its aberrant activity has been linked to platelet dysfunction in different pathologies. On the other hand, the PI3K/AKT pathway regulates amyloid-β (Aβ) production through regulation of amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP), BACE-1, ADAMs, and γ-secretase. In addition, alterations in the activity of all of these factors in platelets has been shown in AD-related pathologies. Therefore, this paper aims to introduce the PI3K/AKT pathway as a molecular inducer of platelet dysfunction during aging and AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayda Esmaeili
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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17
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Khezri MR, Nazari-Khanamiri F, Mohammadi T, Moloodsouri D, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Potential effects of icariin, the Epimedium-derived bioactive compound in the treatment of COVID-19: a hypothesis. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2022; 395:1019-1027. [PMID: 35657423 PMCID: PMC9163523 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02262-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has affected the world's health systems for more than two years. This disease causes a high mortality rate followed by cytokine storm-induced oxidative stress and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Therefore, many drugs have been considered with emphasis on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in controlling the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Icariin is a major bioactive pharmaceutical compound derived from Epimedium plants, which is known due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Additionally, the protective effects of icariin have been studied in different pathologies through modulating intracellular pathways. In addition to the potential effect of this compound on inflammation and oxidative stress caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, it appears to interfere with intracellular pathways involved in viral entry into the cell. Therefore, this paper aims to review the molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of icariin, and hypothesizes its potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells through modulating the intracellular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Nazari-Khanamiri
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Tooba Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Donya Moloodsouri
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
- Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Yazdani I, Majdani R, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Dehpour AR. Beneficial effects of Cyclosporine A in combination with Nortriptyline on germ cell-specific apoptosis, oxidative stress and epididymal sperm qualities following testicular ischemia/reperfusion in rats: a comparative study. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 23:59. [PMID: 35932053 PMCID: PMC9354279 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-022-00601-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Testicular torsion is a pathological condition which needs emergency surgical intervention. However, after surgical reperfusion, oxidative stress factors cause to germ cell apoptosis. The study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of simultaneous use of Cyclosporine A (CsA) and Nortriptyline (Nort) to repair testicular damages in an experimental torsion/detorsion (T/D) rat model. Methods Male rats (n = 112) were allocated into 7 groups 16 each in; (Group 1); Control group, (Group 2); T/D group, (Group 3–4); CsA 1 and 5 mg/kg, (Group 5–6); Nort 2 and 10 mg/kg and (Group 7); concurrent group, CsA (1 mg/kg) + Nort (2 mg/kg). Right uni-lateral torsion was inducted by twisting testis 720 degrees in the clockwise direction for 1 h. For short-term and mid-term studies, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities, caspase-3 level, histopathological changes and germ cell apoptosis were evaluated. Moreover, in long-term investigation, semen analysis was performed. Results After T/D induction, testis abnormalities both functional and structural were appeared. Pre- and post-treatment with CsA and Nort, separately, reduced MDA and caspase-3 levels, normalized antioxidant levels, ameliorate tissue injury and improved sperm criteria. Conclusion The antioxidant and anti-apoptotic characteristics of CsA and Nort and their protective effects have been shown in our study. Concurrent administration of CsA and Nort in selected low-dose indicated a significant positive effect as compared to the individual drug interventions on the reversal of T/D induced oxidative stress in short-term, apoptosis, and histologic changes in mid-term, as well as semen criteria in the long-term appraisal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraj Yazdani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 13145-784, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Raheleh Majdani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, 5715799313, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 13145-784, Tehran, Iran.
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19
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Jafari A, Esmaeilzadeh Z, Khezri MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H, Pashapour S, Sadeghpour S, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. An overview of possible pivotal mechanisms of Genistein as a potential phytochemical against SARS-CoV-2 infection: A hypothesis. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14345. [PMID: 35866873 PMCID: PMC9350103 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has been caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). It is a global problem that humanity has not yet found a definitive solution for it. In this regard, a global effort has been done to find effective or potential adjuvant therapies in order to fight this infection. Genistein is a small, biologically active phytoestrogen flavonoid that is found in high amounts in soy and plants of the Fabaceae family. This important compound is known due to its anti‐cancer, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Additionally, protective effects of genistein have been reported in different pathological conditions through modulating intracellular pathways such as PI3K, Akt, mTOR, NF‐κB, PPARγ, AMPK, and Nrf2. Scientific evidence suggests that genistein could have a potential role to treat COVID‐19 through its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant effects. Furthermore, it appears to interfere with intracellular pathways involved in viral entry into the cell. This review provides a basis for further research and development of clinical applications of genistein as a potential alternative therapy to decrease inflammation and oxidative stress in COVID‐19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Zeinab Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | | | - Sarvin Pashapour
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Sonia Sadeghpour
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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20
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Khezri MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Icariin: A Potential Neuroprotective Agent in Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:2954-2962. [PMID: 35802286 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03667-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. They are characterized by the loss of neurons and synapses in special parts of the central nervous system (CNS). There is no definitive treatment for AD and PD, but extensive studies are underway to identify the effective drugs which can slow the progression of these diseases by affecting the factors involved in their pathophysiology (i.e., aggregated proteins, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress). Icariin, a natural compound isolated from Epimedii herba, is known because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. In this regard, there are numerous studies indicating its potential as a natural compound against the progression of CNS disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this review aims to re-examine findings on the pharmacologic effects of icariin on factors involved in the pathophysiology of AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. .,Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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21
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Ahmadzadeh M, Esmaeilzadeh Z, Khezri MR, Jafari A, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. The Promising Effect of Topiramate on Random-Pattern Skin Flap Survival in Rats. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2022; 46:2548-2555. [PMID: 35715535 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-022-02969-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Partial necrosis of skin flaps following plastic and reconstructive surgeries is one of the major problems in these medical interventions. This study was conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of topiramate an anti-epileptic agent on ischemic random skin flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four Wistar rats were provided and randomly divided into four experimental groups (control group and low-, intermediate- and high-dose treatment groups). A rat random-pattern skin flap model was performed in all groups, and animals in the low-, intermediate- and high-dose experimental groups were administered topiramate intraperitoneally at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, 1 h before raising the flap and once daily for 7 consecutive days after the initial surgical procedure. Control rats received vehicle according to the same schedule. On postoperative day 7 the flap necrotic area was measured, and tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological analysis. Furthermore, the oxidative stress in flap tissue was assessed by measuring the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) level and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). RESULTS Treating animals with 50 and 100 mg/kg topiramate significantly decreased the necrotic flap areas as compared to the control group. Histological studies demonstrated that in intermediate and high dose topiramate groups the inflammatory cell numbers were attenuated and microvessel development were markedly increased. Furthermore, the MDA contents were significantly reduced and GSH levels were significantly increased in these groups as compared to the control group. However, the SOD activity was increased significantly only in high-dose group as compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicated that topiramate in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg increases random skin flap survival. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ahmadzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Zeinab Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Abbas Jafari
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute on Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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22
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Jafari A, Andishfar N, Esmaeilzadeh Z, Khezri MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Gastroprotective effect of topiramate on indomethacin-induced peptic ulcer in rats: Biochemical and histological analyses. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 130:559-568. [PMID: 35261181 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Topiramate is an anticonvulsant drug effective against a wide range of seizures and epilepsies. The present study was conducted to investigate the possible protective effect of topiramate on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats. The animals were randomly distributed into four experimental groups with 10 animals in each group. Group 1 was the control group received vehicle only (DMSO at 1:4 (w/v)), group 2 was the model group received indomethacin (50 mg/kg; i.p.), and groups 3 and 4 received topiramate (100 mg/kg; i.p.) and ranitidine (100 mg/kg; i.p.), respectively, 1 h before indomethacin (50 mg/kg; i.p.). The efficacy of topiramate was compared with ranitidine. Animals were euthanized 4 h after indomethacin administration, and gastric tissues were collected for macroscopical, histopathological, and biochemical analyses. The mucosal lesions in the gastric corpus were evaluated by pathological examinations. The results revealed that the administration of indomethacin caused evident gastric mucosal damage with morphological and histological manifestation, whereas topiramate pretreatment extensively ameliorated the gastric injuries. Topiramate pretreatment also reduced the contents of tissue malonaldehyde, enhanced ferric reducing antioxidant power value and glutathione levels, and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in gastric mucosa compared to the model group. Our results indicate that topiramate might possess a protective role against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers by inhibition of oxidative stress in gastric tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Jafari
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute on Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Andishfar
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Zeinab Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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23
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Khezri MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Moloodsouri D. Hesperetin and the PI3K/AKT pathway: Could their interaction play a role in the entry and replication of the SARS-CoV-2? J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14212. [PMID: 35467022 PMCID: PMC9114900 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hesperetin, mainly found in citrus honey, has antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Recently, the effect of hesperetin on different aspects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection such as viral entry, replication, and inflammatory responses has attracted a lot of attention. However, the exact molecular mechanism for its effects on SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is not stated. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is an intracellular pathway involved in cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and response to environmental changes. Since the role of this pathway in the pathogenesis of SARS‐CoV‐2 has recently been considered, this letter assumes the probable role of this pathway in the function of hesperetin against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Donya Moloodsouri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Nazari-Khanamiri F, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Resveratrol may ameliorate rheumatoid arthritis via the STAT3/HIF-1/VEGF molecular pathway. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14182. [PMID: 35415913 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune erosive disease leading to bone and cartilage destruction. It causes pain, inflammation, and swelling. Because of the severe adverse effects of chemical drugs, phytoremediation is taken to be considered nowadays. It is important to find out novel drug formulations and their mechanisms in rheumatoid arthritis to reduce patients suffering from this long-term disease. We suggest this hypothesis that Resveratrol (RSV) may act its anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects by STAT3/HIF-1/VEGF pathway for these reasons: (A) RSV exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce inflammation of joints, (B) RSV reduces the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines accumulation, (C) RSV can suppress the expression of HIF-1 and VEGF genes and also inhibits STAT3 function. These molecules and their functions cause the disease progression of RA. Thus RSV can act as an anti-RA drug in this way, (D) According to previous findings, angiogenesis plays one of the main roles in RA and RSV inhibits angiogenesis via STAT3/HIF-1/VEGF pathway. By this explanation, RSV may perform its anti-RA function through this molecular pathway. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Resveratrol (RSV) is a kind of stilbenoid that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenesis activities by various molecular pathways. It exists in many plants like grapes, blueberries, etc. and it is the main component of red wine. It is a safe compound and it has beneficial effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RSV decreases pain and helps ameliorate swollen joints which makes it a good candidate for RA patients, also it showed protective effects on osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation markers. We recommend the theory that RSV has therapeutic effects on RA via STAT3/HIF-1/VEGF molecular pathway and we investigate more information about it in this article. As this paper shows pharmacological and clinical documents about RSV in RA, it considers that RSV can ameliorate RA in STAT3/HIF-1/VEGF molecular pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Nazari-Khanamiri F, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. A hypothesis that Notopterol may be effective in COVID-19 via JAK/STAT and other signaling pathways. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2022; 34:405-407. [PMID: 35390234 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2022-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading disease, causing a global pandemic. It is circulating in multiple countries and causing a series of respiratory infections. Due to the uncertain safety and efficacy of the vaccines and lack of specific medicines, it's important to investigate new pharmacological procedures and find out new drugs that help us eradicate this pandemic. We suggest the hypothesis that Notopterol (NOT), the main Secondary metabolite of Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H.T (a common Chinese medicinal herb), may have the potential benefits on SARS-CoV2 infection for this reasons: (a) NOT exhibits anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-angiogenic properties, (b) NOT indicates a significant reduction in cytokines and chemokines releasing including TNFa, IL-6, interferon-γ, which may decrease COVID-19 cytokine storm (c) NOT can suppress the expression of genes which leads to inflammation via Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway. It is exactly acting like tocilizumab, (an approved drug against COVID-19) and (d) Notopterygium incisum has antiviral activity against influenza virus, it can reduce the viral-induced oxidative stress. By these explanations, it is hopeful that NOT may be effective in COVID-19 infections which needs further investigations to examine Notopterol as a beneficial agent against the SARS-CoV2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Urmia, Iran
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Khezri MR, Moloodsouri D, Hodaei D, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Therapeutic potential of loureirin A against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Phytother Res 2022; 36:3011-3012. [PMID: 35355342 PMCID: PMC9110998 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Donya Moloodsouri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Darya Hodaei
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Khezri MR, Varzandeh R, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. The probable role and therapeutic potential of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in SARS-CoV-2 induced coagulopathy. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:6. [PMID: 35016612 PMCID: PMC8751460 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00308-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is associated with a high mortality rate. The majority of deaths in this disease are caused by ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) followed by cytokine storm and coagulation complications. Although alterations in the level of the number of coagulation factors have been detected in samples from COVID-19 patients, the direct molecular mechanism which has been involved in this pathologic process has not been explored yet. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is an intracellular pathway which plays a central role in cell survival. Also, in recent years the association between this pathway and coagulopathies has been well clarified. Therefore, based on the evidence on over-activity of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in SARS-CoV-2 infection, in the current review, the probable role of this cellular pathway as a therapeutic target for the prevention of coagulation complications in patients with COVID-19 is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Sero Road, 5715799313, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Reza Varzandeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Sero Road, 5715799313, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Sero Road, 5715799313, Urmia, Iran. .,Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Sadeghpopur S, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H, Pashapour S, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Using of calcium channel blockers in patients with COVID-19: a magic bullet or a double-edged sword? J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 33:117-119. [PMID: 34881528 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2021-0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Sadeghpopur
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hojat Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Reproductive Biology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sarvin Pashapour
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Can sulfasalazine as an old drug with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects be effective in COVID-19? J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 33:113-115. [PMID: 34855313 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2021-0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Nazari-Khanamiri F, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of genistein in prevention and treatment of diseases: An overview. J Food Biochem 2021; 45:e13972. [PMID: 34664285 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Genistein is the simplest secondary metabolite in soybeans and belongs to a group of compounds called isoflavones. It is a phytoestrogen and it makes up more than 60% of soy isoflavones. Studies have shown the anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic effects of genistein in addition to its modulatory effects on steroidal hormone receptors. In this review, we discuss the pharmacologic and therapeutic effects of genistein on various diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this review, we have discussed the therapeutic effects of genistein as the main constituent of soybeans on health conditions. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and, anti-angiogenic effects need more attention. The pharmacological properties of genistein make this natural isoflavone a potential treatment for various diseases such as postmenopausal symptoms, cancer, bone, brain, and heart diseases. Special emphasis should be given to it, resulting in using it in clinical as a safe, potent, and bioactive molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Khezri MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Mahboubi N. The probable mechanism of reduced androgen level in COVID-19 patients. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2021; 43:hmbci-2021-0052. [PMID: 34674407 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2021-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, has challenged the health care systems of the world. Although the pulmonary complications of the infection have received extensive attention, addressing the other complications (e.g., changes in androgen levels) could further provide a more efficient understanding of the disease, which might aid in combating it. Since the association between androgens and the expression and activity of SARS-CoV-2 receptors has been proven and anti-androgen-based therapies have been considered in this regard, addressing various aspects of androgen level changes can be constructive. The present paper examines the possible mechanisms of changes in androgen levels by the virus. It seems that the infection of the gonads by the SARS-CoV-2 could reduce the androgen levels by affecting different cellular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Negin Mahboubi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Khezri MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Neurological effects of elevated levels of angiotensin II in COVID-19 patients. Hum Cell 2021; 34:1941-1942. [PMID: 34449020 PMCID: PMC8395377 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-021-00605-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Sero Road, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Sero Road, Urmia, Iran
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Jafari A, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H, Nemati M, Pashapour S, Sadeghpour S, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Beneficial effects of memantine on ischemia/reperfusion injury following torsion/detorsion induced testicular damage in rats: Improvement in histological and biochemical parameters. J Pediatr Urol 2021; 17:441.e1-441.e7. [PMID: 33992528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Testicular torsion is a common urologic emergency and one of the causes of infertility in males. Hence, prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent testicular damages. It has been reported that memantine, a drug for Alzheimer's disease has anti-oxidative role against cerebral ischemic stroke and cardiac ischemia reperfusion. OBJECTIVE In this experimental study, the effects of memantine on a testicular torsion injury in adolescent rat testis after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) were evaluated. STUDY DESIGN Thirty-six adolescent rats were divided into three groups with 12 rats per group including sham-operated, T/D (torsion/detorsion) + vehicle, and T/D + memantine (10 mg/kg). Testicular torsion was induced for 2 h by rotating right testis 7200 in the clockwise direction. In treated group 30 min before detorsion, a single intraperitoneal dose of memantine was administered. After 4 h of reperfusion, orchiectomy was conducted and Histopathological and biochemical evaluations of testicular tissue samples were performed. RESULTS The malondialdehyde level in the T/D group was significantly greater than in the sham operated group. Moreover, the testicular malondialdehyde values in the T/D + memantine group were significantly lower than in the T/D group. Also, significant decreases occurred in catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in the T/D group compared with sham operated group. These values were significantly greater in the memantine group than in the T/D group. Furthermore, after induction of T/D, histopathological evaluations also revealed severe testicular damages which were improved by memantine administration. DISCUSSION Memantine prevented increases in oxidative stress markers and reductions of antioxidants during I/R injury in the current study. Subsequently the histologic injury was reduced in rats treated with memantine. The antioxidant characteristics of memantine and its protective effects have been shown in our study. CONCLUSION These results suggest that administration of memantine before detorsion prevents I/R cellular damage in testicular torsion. This drug probably acts through reduction of reactive oxygen species and support antioxidant enzyme systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Jafari
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hojat Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Reproductive Biology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Nemati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Sarvin Pashapour
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Sonia Sadeghpour
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Khezri MR, Zolbanin NM, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Jafari R. Azithromycin: Immunomodulatory and antiviral properties for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 905:174191. [PMID: 34015317 PMCID: PMC8127529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Azithromycin, a member of the macrolide family of antibiotics, is commonly used to treat respiratory bacterial infections. Nevertheless, multiple pharmacological effects of the drug have been revealed in several investigations. Conceivably, the immunomodulatory properties of azithromycin are among its critical features, leading to its application in treating inflammatory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, azithromycin may directly inhibit viral load as well as its replication, or it could demonstrate indirect inhibitory impacts that might be associated with the expression of antiviral genes. Currently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an extra urgent issue affecting the entire world, and it is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is associated with hyper inflammation due to cytokine release, is among the leading causes of death in COVID-19 patients with critical conditions. The present paper aims to review the immunomodulatory and antiviral properties of azithromycin as well as its potential clinical applications in the management of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naime Majidi Zolbanin
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Reza Jafari
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Khezri MR, Yousefi K, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Angiotensin II: A possible target for therapeutic intervention in COVID-19. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 139:111564. [PMID: 33848772 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Keyvan Yousefi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Abstract
The current COVID‐19 pandemic is one of the most devastating events in recent history. In the lack of a specific treatment and vaccine for this novel infection, finding effective drugs against this infection is crucial. We suggest the hypothesis that crocin, the main carotenoid of saffron, has the potential to limit the progression and severity of the SARS‐CoV2 infection for several reasons: (a) crocin possesses powerful antioxidant properties, (b) crocin can alleviate the uncontrolled cytokine production responsible for acute lung injury, (c) crocin can upregulate PPARγ and downregulate NF‐κB expression which leads to a wide range of immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory effects, and (d) crocin can reduce the viral‐induced oxidative stress and downregulates ACE2 expression by activating Nrf2 pathway. We hope our hypothesis, corroborated by preclinical evidence, will inspire further targeted studies to test crocin as a beneficial drug against the SARS‐CoV2 infection. Practical applications Crocin is a natural antioxidant and the main active carotenoid components of saffron. We suggest the hypothesis that crocin has the potential to limit the progression and severity of the SARS‐CoV2 infection because of its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. Furthermore, this compound may prevent viral entry to host cells and reduce SARS‐CoV2‐induced lung injury. Therefore, we suggest further clinical studies on the effects of crocin against SARS‐Cov‐2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Salehi C, Seiiedy M, Soraya H, Fazli F, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Pretreatment with bisoprolol and vitamin E alone or in combination provides neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2021; 394:685-695. [PMID: 33106920 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-02007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induces selective neuronal injury in the hippocampus, leading to severe impairment in behavior, learning, and memory functions. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of bisoprolol (biso) and vitamin E (vit E) treatment alone or in combination on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. A total of 30 male rats were divided randomly into five groups (n = 6), sham, I/R, I/R + biso, I/R + vit E, and I/R + biso+vit E. Cerebral I/R group underwent global ischemia by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 20 min. Treatment groups received drugs once daily intraperitoneally for 7 days before the I/R induction. Locomotive and cognitive behaviors were utilized by open-field and Morris water maze tests. After behavioral testing, the brain was removed and processed to evaluate cerebral infarct size, histopathologic changes, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level. In I/R group tissue MDA and MPO levels and cerebral infarct size were significantly increased in comparison with the sham group. Furthermore, significant deficits were observed in locomotion and spatial memory after I/R. The areas of cerebral infarction, MPO, and MDA levels in biso, vit E, and combination group were significantly reduced compared with I/R group. Histopathological analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in leukocyte infiltration in all treated groups with the most profound reduction in the combination group. According to the behavioral tests, administration of biso and/or vit E protected locomotive ability and improved spatial memory after cerebral I/R. Our findings show that biso and vit E have beneficial effects against the I/R injury and due to their synergistic effects when administered in combination, may have a more pronounced protective effect on the cerebral I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiman Salehi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 5715799313, Urmia, Iran
| | - Monireh Seiiedy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 5715799313, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hamid Soraya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 5715799313, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Farzaneh Fazli
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 5715799313, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 5715799313, Urmia, Iran.
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Abstract
A recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel coronavirus designated as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) started in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019 and then spread rapidly all over the world. However, there are no specific antiviral therapies for COVID-19, using the agents which approved or in development for other viral infections is one of the potentially quickest ways to find treatment for this new viral infection. Favipiravir is an effective agent that acts as a nucleotide analog that selectively inhibits the viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase or causes lethal mutagenesis upon incorporation into the virus RNA. In view of recent studies and discussion on favipiravir, in this mini review we aimed to summarize the clinical trials studying the efficacy and safety of favipiravir in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Sarvin Pashapour
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Motahari Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Abstract
The current COVID-19 is one of the deadliest pandemics in recent decades. In the lack of a specific treatment for this novel infection, knowing the role of cell signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of this infection could be useful in finding effective drugs against this disease. The mammalian or mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an important cell signaling pathway that has important role in the regulation of cell growth, protein synthesis, and metabolism in reactance to upstream signals in both pathological and normal physiological conditions. Recently, some researchers have suggested the therapeutic potential of mTOR inhibitors such as rapamycin against COVID-19. However, it is important to consider the role of activation of this pathway in controlling immune system response against viral activity in drug repositioning of rapamycin and other mTOR inhibitors in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Nazlou Road, Urmia, Iran.
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Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Nemati M, Pourheydar B, Gholizadeh S, Karimipour M, Mohebbi I, Jafari A. Neurological effects of long-term exposure to low doses of pesticides mixtures in male rats: Biochemical, histological, and neurobehavioral evaluations. Chemosphere 2021; 264:128464. [PMID: 33049502 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Humans are usually exposed to multiple pesticides in real life, but little is known as yet about the safety of low-dose pesticides mixtures. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of long-term exposure to very low doses of pesticide mixtures on biochemical, histological, and neurobehavioral alterations in the rat model. For 90 days, four groups of male Wistar rats were given a mixture of five pesticides (in drinking water) in doses of 0, 0.25, 1 and 5 times the legally permitted levels (mg/kg body weight/day). After three-month exposure, the neurobehavioral effects of pesticide mixtures were evaluated by the Morris water maze, elevated plus maze and the open field tests. Then the biochemical and histopathological alterations in the hippocampus of studied animals were evaluated. Results showed that long-term exposure to a combination of five pesticides affected the nervous system in dose-dependent manner. As expected, nearly all of the parameters determined in this study were adversely changed in the high dose group. Exposure to medium dose (permitted level of pesticides mixture) was also able to induce oxidative stress and impaired memory and learning ability, although not all parameters were significantly changed in this group. It means that pesticides may behave differently when mixed. Interestingly, the administration of low doses of these chemicals induced an adaptive response by stimulating the redox system. In conclusion, it seems that the prolonged exposure to pesticide mixtures may cause adverse neurobehavioral effects, even at permitted levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohadeseh Nemati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Bagher Pourheydar
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurophysiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran
| | - Saber Gholizadeh
- Department of Medical Entomology and Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Karimipour
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Iraj Mohebbi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Abbas Jafari
- Department of Toxicology and Neurophysiology Research Center, Faculty of Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Pashapour S, Sadeghpour S. Pentoxifylline: A Drug with Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Effects to Be Considered in the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019. Med Princ Pract 2021; 30:98-100. [PMID: 33049737 PMCID: PMC7923888 DOI: 10.1159/000512234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In December 2019, a new coronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged from China, causing pneumonia outbreaks first in the Wuhan region and has now spread worldwide. There are no specific drugs for the disease caused by this virus, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Considering that new synthesized drugs cannot be applied immediately to patients, conventional drug in new use is a feasible solution. Chloroquine, remdesivir, favipiravir, lopinavir, ribavirin, and ritonavir have shown efficacy to inhibit coronavirus in vitro. Pentoxifylline, a drug with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and bronchodilatory effects, has previously been shown to inhibit several viral infections. Immunological studies have shown that most patients with severe COVID-19 exhibit substantially elevated serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pentoxifylline is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that increases the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, which in turn activates protein kinase, leading to a reduction in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune cell migration. Here, we propose pentoxifylline, a drug with low cost and toxicity, as a possible treatment for COVID-19 based on its interesting properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Science, Urmia, Iran,
| | - Sarvin Pashapour
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Motahari Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Science, Urmia, Iran
| | - Sonia Sadeghpour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Science, Urmia, Iran
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Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Pashapour S, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H. Therapeutic potential for clomiphene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, in the treatment of COVID-19. Med Hypotheses 2020; 145:110354. [PMID: 33129007 PMCID: PMC7578196 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Sarvin Pashapour
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Motahari Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hojat Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Anatomy and Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Pashapour S. SARS-CoV-2 and the Possible Role of Raf/MEK/ERK Pathway in Viral Survival: Is This a Potential Therapeutic Strategy for COVID-19? Pharmacology 2020; 106:119-122. [PMID: 33011728 PMCID: PMC7573895 DOI: 10.1159/000511280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran,
| | - Sarvin Pashapour
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Motahari Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Mahmoudzadeh H, Nikibakhsh AA, Pashapour S, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Relationship between low serum vitamin D status and urinary tract infection in children: a case-control study. Paediatr Int Child Health 2020; 40:181-185. [PMID: 32490740 DOI: 10.1080/20469047.2020.1771244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A link between vitamin D deficiency and susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections has recently been suggested. AIM To investigate a possible association between vitamin D deficiency and urinary tract infection (UTI). METHODS A case-control study was undertaken comprising 75 children aged 2-7 years with UTI (cases) compared with 75 healthy controls in terms of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using a chemiluminescence assay. For cases, dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan was used as the gold standard to distinguish between acute lower UTI (cystitis) and acute pyelonephritis. RESULTS Median (IQR) 25(OH)D levels were lower in the UTI group [14.5 ng/mL (9.4-18.8)] than in the controls [27 ng/mL (22.4-39.0)] (p< 0.001). In addition, the prevalence of 25(OH)D levels <20 ng/mL was higher in the children with UTI than in the controls (68% vs 18%) (p< 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the cystitis and pyelonephritis groups in mean (SD) serum 25(OH)D levels-18.76 (9.35) ng/mL vs 13.94 (6.97) ng/mL, p< 0.05, respectively. CONCLUSION Low serum vitamin D is associated with UTI and supports the hypothesis that children with low vitamin D levels could be at greater risk of UTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashem Mahmoudzadeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences , Urmia, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ali Nikibakhsh
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences , Urmia, Iran
| | - Sarvin Pashapour
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences , Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences , Urmia, Iran
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Sameei S, Soraya H, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. A Novel Effect of Acyclovir on Hair Growth in BALB/c Mice: A Promising Future for Finding a New Topical Drug for the Treatment of Hirsutism. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2020; 13:319-324. [PMID: 32425574 PMCID: PMC7187940 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s243388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hirsutism (ie, terminal hair growth on the face and body in a male-like pattern in women) is a common dermatological disorder in women, with psychosocial implications. Consequently, there is demand for finding novel pharmacological treatments and agents that can safely reduce hair growth. This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of topical acyclovir on hair growth in mice. METHODS In this study, twenty-four female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups in order to evaluate the hair growth-reducing effects of acyclovir (control group, vehicle group, and acyclovir group). Topical acyclovir 5% was applied on the shaved denuded skin of mice. Topical application onto the backs of the animals was performed twice daily for 28 consecutive days. The time (in days) required for hair growth initiation as well as completion of hair growth in dorsal skin of animals were recorded. On day 28, horizontally cut biopsy samples were removed and the numbers of hair follicles were counted, and the diameter of hair follicles was measured under high-field microscopy by a specialist blinded to the treatments. RESULTS Hair growth initiation time was significantly increased with acyclovir, as compared to control and vehicle groups. The time required for complete hair growth in control and vehicle groups were 18±0.68 and 19±1.41 days, respectively; however, the hair growth completion in acyclovir-treated animals was not observed at the end of the experiment. Furthermore, the length of hairs in treatment group was significantly shorter than the control group at the end of the study (P < 0.001). In histologic examination, the count and the diameter of hair follicles in deep subcutis were significantly decreased. CONCLUSION The results of this study, for the first time, showed that topical administration of acyclovir might have inhibitory effects on hair growth in experimental animals; however, further studies are required to understand its mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soran Sameei
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hamid Soraya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Jafari A, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H, Nemati M, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Topiramate: A novel protective agent against ischemia reperfusion-induced oxidative injury after testicular torsion/detorsion. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 44:257-261. [PMID: 32291163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular torsion is a common urologic emergency and one of the causes of genital injury in males. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent testicular damage and infertility. It has been proved that topiramate (TPM) a medication used to treat epilepsy and prevent migraines has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the influence of TPM on ischemia/reperfusion injury following testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D). Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 12 for each group) including sham operated, T/D + vehicle, T/D + TPM(100 mg/kg, 30 min before detorsion). Testicular torsion was induced for 1 h by rotating right testis 7200 in the clockwise direction. After 5 h of reperfusion the testis was removed and histological changes and biochemical markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were evaluated. MDA level significantly increased and GSH level significantly decreased after T/D compared to the sham group (p < 0.001). Moreover, after inducing testicular T/D, GPx, CAT and SOD activity were decreased, whereas administration of TPM significantly increased GSH level and GPx, CAT and SOD activities and decreased MDA level in testis tissue as compared to T/D group. After induction of T/D, histopathological evaluations also revealed severe testicular damages which were improved by TPM administration. Our results indicate that TPM had an ameliorating impact on ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat model of testicular T/D. This protective effect was most likely induced by anti-oxidative properties of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Jafari
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hojat Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Reproductive Biology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Nemati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Jafari A, Karimipour M, Khaksar MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Protective effects of orally administered thymol against titanium dioxide nanoparticle-induced testicular damage. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2020; 27:2353-2360. [PMID: 31782094 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06937-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the potential of thymol and its mode of action to protect against the titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle-induced testicular damage. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, TiO2 (100 mg/kg BW/day) group, TiO2 + thymol (10 mg/kg BW/day) group, and TiO2 + thymol (30 mg/kg BW/day) group. With the exception of the control group, all animals received orally TiO2 nanoparticles for 60 days. In treatment groups, animals were given orally thymol 1 h before TiO2 nanoparticles. Epididymal sperm parameters, testicular histopathology, and spermatogenesis assessments were performed for evaluation of the TiO2 and thymol effects on the testis. Furthermore, antioxidative enzyme activities such as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value were measured. Intragastric administration of TiO2 for 60 consecutive days caused a significant decrease in sperm quality, widespread histopathological alteration, and significantly induced oxidative stress as manifested by elevated MDA levels and a remarkable decline in antioxidant enzyme activities such as CAT, SOD, and GPx, and also FRAP and GSH levels in testis tissue. Nearly all of these alterations were significantly ameliorated in the groups that orally received thymol before TiO2 nanoparticles administration. The results of this study demonstrated that thymol improved the spermatogenesis defects induced by TiO2 nanoparticles in rats in a dose-dependent manner by protecting the testes against the testicular toxicity. Reduction in TiO2 nanoparticle-induced oxidative stress may have a major role in this protective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Jafari
- Department of Occupational Health and Neurophysiology Research Center, School of Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Karimipour
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Khaksar
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 5715799313, Urmia, Iran.
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Yazdani I, Majdani R, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Dehpour AR. Comparison of multiple doses of cyclosporine A on germ cell apoptosis and epididymal sperm parameters after testicular ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Exp Mol Pathol 2019; 110:104271. [PMID: 31251898 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2019.104271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) is an inflammatory problem in men genital system with infertility effects. Cyclosporine A (CsA) as an immunosuppressant medication, exerts anti-inflammatory properties in tissue injuries. We sought to compare the efficacy of 3 doses of CsA on oxidative stress, apoptosis and epididymal sperm quality after ipsilateral testicular T/D. METHODS 96 mature male rats were divided into six groups 16 each in: Control group (Group1), Sham operated (Group2), In rest groups, the right testis was twisted 720° in a clockwise direction for 1 h; T/D + 0.1% dimethylsulfoxide) DMSO((Group3), and in groups 4-6; CsA were administered 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg, intravenously (iv) 30 and 90 min after torsion, respectively. RESULTS Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) level and caspase-3 activity increased and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities decreased in compared with control group 4 h after detorsion (p < .001). In six rats of each group 24 h after detorsion, histopathological changes and germ cell apoptosis were significantly deteriorated by determining mean of seminiferous tubules diameters (MSTD) and TUNEL assay. Moreover, 30 days after T/D, sperm concentration and motility were examined in rest of animals. CONCLUSIONS Pre- and post-reperfusion CsA diminished MDA and caspase-3levels and normalized antioxidant enzymes activities. Germ cell apoptosis was significantly reduced, as well as, MSTD and long-term sperm insults were improved. Inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening is suggested mechanism for cell protection against testicular T/D insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraj Yazdani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Raheleh Majdani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Pashapour S, Golmohammadlou S, Behroozi-Lak T, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H, Sadeghpour S, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Relationship between low maternal vitamin D status and the risk of severe preeclampsia: A case control study. Pregnancy Hypertens 2019; 15:161-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Ghazi-Khansari M, Yazdani I, Nobakht M, Abdollahi A, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H, Mohajer Ansari J, Pashapour S, Dehpour AR. Effect of metformin on germ cell-specific apoptosis, oxidative stress and epididymal sperm quality after testicular torsion/detorsion in rats. Andrologia 2017; 50. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology; School of Medicine; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
- Experimental Medicine Research Center; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
- Department of Pharmacology; Faculty of Pharmacy; Urmia University of Medical Sciences; Urmia Iran
| | - M. Ghazi-Khansari
- Department of Pharmacology; School of Medicine; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - I. Yazdani
- Department of Pharmacology; School of Medicine; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
- Experimental Medicine Research Center; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - M. Nobakht
- Department of Anatomy; School of Medicine; Iran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - A. Abdollahi
- Department of Pathology; Cancer Institute; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - H. Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Anatomy and Reproductive Biology; School of Medicine; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - J. Mohajer Ansari
- Department of Anatomy; School of Medicine; Iran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - S. Pashapour
- Department of Pathology; Urmia University of Medical Science; Urmia Iran
| | - A. R. Dehpour
- Department of Pharmacology; School of Medicine; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
- Experimental Medicine Research Center; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
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