Antifatigue Effects of the Aqueous Extracts of Myrtle Berries, Apple and Clove: An Animal Study

Background

Fatigue is one of the most prevalent symptoms, increasing worldwide with no specific medication for fatigue. Iranian traditional medicine (ITM), or Persian medicine, is a reliable source for discovering natural medicine for diseases and their symptoms. Myrtus communis L. (Myrtle), Malus domestica Borkh. (Apple), and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L. M. Perry (Clove) have been utilized as brain and heart tonics in ITM. Based on ITM, cardiac tonics decrease fatigue by enhancing heart function and increasing blood flow to tissues. These plants, particularly myrtle berries, have been utilized as potent enlivening agents that reduce mental fatigue.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the effects of aqueous extracts of these plants on weight-loaded forced swimming (WLFS) tests and three doses of aqueous myrtle extract in an animal model of chronic sleep deprivation-induced fatigue.

Methods

Five groups of rats (n = 6) were evaluated: Sham, control, apple-treated, clove-treated, and myrtle-treated groups. After 28 days of treatment, the WLFS test was performed, and swimming time was recorded. Subsequently, central fatigue was induced in rats by chronic sleep deprivation for 21 days. Five groups of rats (n = 6) were evaluated: Sham, control (sleep-deprived, which received water), and three sleep-deprived + treatment groups, which received aqueous myrtle extract (350, 700, and 1000 mg/kg). An open field test on the 20th day and a WLFS test on the 21st day were performed.

Results

The myrtle berries significantly increased glucose, reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, and enhanced swimming time. Fatigue caused by chronic sleep deprivation increased malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and LDH while decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glucose, and swimming time. In all treatment groups, SOD levels and swimming time were increased, whereas MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels were decreased significantly. Only the 1000 mg/kg dose significantly reduced LDH levels (P < 0.001). The treatment significantly improved the velocity and the total distance moved in the open-field test.

Conclusions

According to the results, the myrtle berries reduced fatigue in two animal models, probably due to its phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and polysaccharides.

Molecular detection of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis in domestic ruminants and their ticks in selected areas of western Iran

Background

Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases caused by Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the genus Brucella. Detection of Brucella species in different countries is of utmost importance.

Aims

This study aimed to detect Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis in domestic ruminant blood samples and their ticks in western Iran.

Methods

Sampling was conducted on ruminants from August to September 2020 in four different counties of Kurdistan Province, including Divandareh, Marivan, Baneh, and Sanandaj. Totally, 250 blood samples were collected from 250 small ruminants. There were no ticks on the skin of six (2.4%) ruminants, and 244 ticks were isolated from 244 animals. After genomic DNA extraction from all the collected samples, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to detect IS711 gene.

Results

Based on qPCR results, Brucella genus was detected in two blood samples (0.8%) from female sheep and four ticks (1.6%) from male sheep, including three Dermacentor marginatus (1.22%) and one Rhipicephalus turanicus (0.4%). Although B. melitensis was not detected in any tick or blood sample, one tick sample (D. marginatus) was positive for B. abortus.

Conclusion

Considering the positivity of ticks for brucellosis in this study, there is a possibility of Brucella transmission from infected ticks to humans and animals through tick bites, nevertheless, in order to identify the Brucella transmission relationship between ticks and animals, serological tests should be used in future studies.

Synthesis, characterization, molecular docking, antimalarial, and antiproliferative activities of benzyloxy-4-oxopyridin benzoate derivatives

Background and purpose:

Malaria and cancer are two major health issues affecting millions of lives annually. Maltol complexes and derivatives have been extensively investigated as chemotherapeutic and antimalarial activities. In this study, the design, synthesis, biological activities, and docking study of a novel series of pyridinones derivatives were reported.

Experimental approach:

The chemical structures of synthesized compounds were approved by FTIR, ¹HNMR, ¹³CNMR, and mass spectroscopies. The antimalarial activity was evaluated through β-hematin inhibition assay and the cytotoxicity activities were evaluated against PC12 and fibroblast cell lines via MTT and cell uptake assays. To theoretically investigate the ability of compounds to inhibit hemozoin formation, the synthesized compounds were docked in a heme sheet to explore their binding mode and possible interactions.

Findings/Results:

β-Hematin inhibition assay showed acceptable activity for 7f, 7c, and 7d compounds and the molecular docking study showed 7h and 7f had effective interactions with the heme sheet. The cytotoxic study revealed compound 4b (IC₅₀ = 18 μM) was significantly more active against PC12 cells than docetaxel (IC₅₀ = 280 μM). The observations of cell uptake images were also shown both cell penetration and monitoring potential of synthesized compounds.

Conclusion and implications:

The compounds showed a moderate ability to inhibition of heme polymerization and also good interaction with heme through molecular docking was observed. Additionally, some of them have a good cytotoxic effect on the study2 cell line. So further study on these compounds can lead to compounds that can be considered as anti-malarial and/or anticancer agents.

Effect of Zingiber officinale Roscoe rhizome (ginger) capsule on postpartum pain: Double-blind randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Postpartum pain contributes to increased irritability and excessive stress in the mother and consequently may inhibit successful breastfeeding, reduce a mother's ability to take care of her baby, and cause an imperfect mother-baby interaction. Evidence suggests the positive effect of ginger on reduction in uterus-associated pain. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of ginger capsules on postpartum pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Mahdiyeh Educational Hospital, Tehran. One hundred and twenty-eight mothers having moderate-to-severe pain following vaginal delivery were included. The participants were divided into two groups (A and B). Interventions were performed every 8 h in 24 h. In the first intervention (2 h after the delivery), Group A received 500 mg of placebo capsules (containing chickpea flour) and Group B received 500 mg of Zintoma (ginger rhizome) capsules. In the second and third interventions, Group A received 250 mg placebo capsules and Group B received 250 mg Zintoma capsules. All participants received 250 mg capsules of mefenamic acid in each intervention in addition to ginger or placebo capsules. The pain severity was measured before and half an hour, an hour, and 2 h after each intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software version. 22. The Chi-square, Fisher's, and t tests and the GEE model were applied to assess the pain severity.

RESULTS

The average pain severity was not statistically significant between the groups in the beginning of the intervention (P = 0.623). The mean score of pain significantly decreased within the duration of intervention in both groups (P < 0.001); however, the pain severity was significantly lower in the intervention group as compared to the control group at any point after the intervention (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Ginger can be used as an effective remedy for postpartum pain relief.

Evaluating of Gene Expression Alteration after Garlic Consumption, Analyzing through Bioinformatics Approach

Molecular study of garlic as a popular food ingredient could better understand its health benefits such as immunological effects. For this aim, effects of garlic on the spleen and possible side effects including oxidative stress increment, the molecular mechanism is investigated through network analysis of differentially expressed genes in the treatment of garlic. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of spleen gene expression profile of Mus musculus (8-week old male C57BL/6J mice) in garlic treatments from a microarray study with the code of GSE10344 was analyzed via GEO2R software. Furthermore, Cytoscape V 3.7.1 was applied to construct and analyze a network of up- and down-regulated genes. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed via the CluePedia plugin of Cytoscape to determine expression patterns. After the identification of central nodes, an action map was created. A total of 77 DEGs were achieved which were including 40 up-regulated and 37 Down-regulated. The centrality analysis of the network indicated that Vcan, Lamb1, and Ltbp1 are hubs and Glra1, Wdr17, Nefl, and Becn1 are bottlenecks. Mutual regulatory connections between hubs and Alb and App (as two non-queried hubs) were determined. The findings indicate that garlic effect on the spleen and its mechanism may be involved mostly with App dysregulation.

The safety of continued low dose aspirin therapy during Complete Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (csPCNL)

OBJECTIVE

Using anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs in patients with cardiovascular and medical comorbidities is prevalent. Because of hyper vascular nature of kidney, physicians tend to stop using aspirin before percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We have shown the effects of remaining on low dose aspirin in complete supine PCNL (csPCNL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The records of 643 patients who underwent csPCNL between 2012 and 2018 were analyzed. Surgical outcomes and complications of patients who were on aspirin therapy and continued it daily (group A) were compared with those not taking aspirin (group B).

RESULTS

Of the 643 csPCNLs, 40 (6%) were performed in patients of group A and the rest of 603 (94%) cases were in group B. The differences between the mean age of groups were statistically significant (60.08±9.45, group A and 48.66±12.32, group B) (P<0.001). Thirty-nine (97.5%) of patients in group A and 548 (90.9%) of group B were stone free by the end of the study which was not statistically significant (P=0.118). The mean operative time between groups A and B (43.20±21.37 and 44.83±16.83, respectively) was not considered significant (P=0.561). There was also no significant difference between 2 groups in any types of complications. Multivariate analysis showed that, perioperative aspirin use was not a significant predictor of transfusion, Hb drop, operative time and other complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Remaining on aspirin does not increase the risk of bleeding, transfusionand other complications. Consequently, continuing aspirin prioperatively in csPCNL appears safe. There is no fear for continuing aspirin in csPCNL.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Side effects of omeprazole: a system biology study

AIM

To assess the effects of omeprazole on the human cardiovascular system is the main aim of this study.

BACKGROUND

Omeprazole as a proton pump inhibitor is widely consumed to inhibit gastric acid secretion.

METHODS

Gene expression profiles of "human coronary artery endothelial cells" in the absence and presence of omeprazole were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) interacted as an interactome, and the hub nodes are determined. The DEGs were enriched via gene ontology (GO) analysis. The critical hubs were identified based on the GO findings.

RESULTS

Among 103 queried DEGs, 61 individuals were included in the main connected component. CTNNB1, HNRNPA1, SRSF4, TRA2A, SFPQ, and RBM5 genes were identified as critical hub genes. Six clusters of biological terms were introduced as deregulated elements in the presence of omeprazole.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, long-term consumption of omeprazole may be accompanied with undesirable effects, however more evidence is required.

Pharmacophore Modeling, Synthesis, Scaffold Hopping and Biological β- Hematin Inhibition Interaction Studies for Anti-malaria Compounds

Backgound:

Exploring potent compounds is critical to generating multi-target drug discovery. Hematin crystallization is an important mechanism of malaria.

Methods:

A series of chloroquine analogues were designed using a repositioning approach to develop new anticancer compounds. Protein-ligand interaction fingerprints and ADMET descriptors were used to assess docking performance in virtual screenings to design chloroquine hybrid β-hematin inhibitors. A PLS algorithm was applied to correlate the molecular descriptors to IC50 values. The modeling presented excellent predictive power with correlation coefficients for calibration and cross-validation of r2 = 0.93 and q2 = 0.72. Using the model, a series of 4-aminoquinlin hybrids were synthesized and evaluated for their biological activity as an external test series. These compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic cell lines and β-hematin inhibition.

Results:

The target compounds exhibited high β-hematin inhibition activity and were 3-9 times more active than the positive control. Furthermore, all the compounds exhibited moderate to high cytotoxic activity. The most potent compound in the dataset was docked with hemoglobin and its pharmacophore features were generated. These features were used as input to the Pharmit server for screening of six databases.

Conclusion:

The compound with the best score from ChEMBL was 2016904, previously reported as a VEGFR-2 inhibitor. The 11 compounds selected presented the best Gold scores with drug-like properties and can be used for drug development.

Immunological reactions by T cell and regulation of crucial genes in treated celiac disease patients

AIM

To assess the immunological reactions and gene expression level in the celiac disease (CD) patients under a gluten-free diet (GFD).

BACKGROUND

CD is an autoimmune disorder in genetic susceptible individuals and lifelong gluten free diet is the effective treatment method. It seems that treated patients will experience a normal life style though there are documents about some potential damages.

METHODS

Gene expression profiles of treated CD patients and healthy samples were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and compared to find the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The identified DEGs were introduced in the network and gene ontology (GO) analysis.

RESULTS

Ten differentially expressed genes (DEGs) including CCR2, IRF4, FASLG, CCR4, ICOS, TNFSF18, BACH2, LTF, PRM1, and PRM2 were investigated via network analysis. Seven clusters of biological processes (BP) were determined as the affected BP. PThe finding led to introduction of CCR2, IRF4, FASLG, CCR4, and ICOS as the potential immunological markers that are still active despite GFD in the treated CD patients.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicated that the immune system is already active in treated CD patients despite GFD treatment and exposure to gluten causes potential immunological reactions in these patients.

Evaluation of long-term consumption of omeprazole disadvantages: a network analysis

AIM

Evaluation of deregulated genes after long-term consuming of omeprazole via network analysis.

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used to inhibit gastric high rate of acid secretion in patients. Omeprazole as a PPI is a common drug in this regard. Evaluation of long-term consumption of omeprazole is studied in the present study via its effects on the gene expression of "human coronary artery endothelial cells".

METHODS

Net effect of the presence of omeprazole on gene expression profiles of "human coronary artery endothelial cells" was evaluated through data from gene expression omnibus (GEO). Results of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were assessed via biological process examination to find the critical deregulated genes after long-term consumption of omeprazole.

RESULTS

"Negative regulation of muscle cell apoptotic process", "negative regulation of DNA binding", "telencephalon cell migration", "forebrain cell migration" "response to cadmium ion", "cell-cell recognition", "positive regulation of protein targeting to mitochondrion", and "central nervous system neuron development" were the clusters of biological processes that were associated to the long -term presence of omeprazole. The final critical deregulated genes were JAK2, PTK2, and NRG1.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis and several essential biological processes are affected and nervous system is a possible target related to the long-term consumption of omeprazole.

Assessment of Cytokine-Mediated Signaling Pathway Dysregulation in Arm Skin After CO2 Laser Therapy

Introduction: Laser therapy is known as an efficient approach in dermatology surgery. CO2 laser therapy is a gold standard treatment in skin surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the interferons change after CO2 laser surgery Methods: Significant differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) of arm skin after 7 days of treatment by the CO2 laser relative to the controls are downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and are included in the protein-protein interaction network via a STRING database (an application of Cytoscape software). The central DEGs were identified and enriched via gene ontology by using Clue GO software. Results: A network including 78 DEGs and 100 neighbors was constructed and STAT1, MX1, ISG15, OAS1, IFIT1, IRF8, OASL, OAS2, and RSAD2 as hubs and STAT1, PTPRC, MX1, IRF8, ISG15, IL6, RORC, SAMSN1, and IFIT1 as bottlenecks were introduced. The cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, interferon gamma signaling, hepatitis C, interferon alpha/beta signaling, and the type I interferon signaling pathway were identified as 5 clusters of biological terms which are related to the central nodes. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the cytokine-mediated signaling pathway is the major pathway that is dysregulated after laser application in the treated skin.

Investigating the Effect of Melissa Officinalis on After-Pains: A Randomized Single-Blind Clinical Trial

Introduction: Regarding high prevalence of postpartum pain and side-effects of pharmaceutical analgesics on maternal and neonatal health, the present study aimed to explore the effect of Melissa officinalis on after-pain among mothers hospitalized in Asgariyeh Hospital, Isfahan, 2016.

Methods: In this single-blind clinical trial, 110 women with moderate to severe after-pain were divided into two M.officinalis and mefenamic acid groups by random allocation. Samples in the first group received 250mg of mefenamic acid and the second group received 395mg of M.officinalis oral capsules every 6hours for 24hours following childbirth. The primary outcome (After-pain) was assessed using a numeric 10-point scale before intervention, 1,2 and 3hours after the first intervention and every 6hours to 24hours after delivery for each of second, third and fourth interventions. Data were analyzed, using SPSS by independent t-test, Mann-Whitney and chi-square test.

Results: The demographic and obstetric variables and after-pain severity before the intervention in both groups were homogenous. Pain intensity wasn’t significantly different between the two groups during first and second hours after the first intervention, but there was a significant difference in the third hour, The severity of pain was significantly different between the two groups in different assessments including: an hour after the second, third and fourth intervention (P<0.05). A significant difference was found between mefenamic acid and M.officinalis in pain relief.

Conclusion: M.officinalis can reduce the severity of after-pain, because it eliminates the need for pharmaceutical analgesics and works much better than mefenamic acid.

Methanolic Extract from Aerial Parts of Artemisia Annua L. Induces Cytotoxicity and Enhances Vincristine-Induced Anticancer Effect in Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells

Background: Nowadays, remarkable attention has been drawn towards the effective therapeutic characteristic of natural products targeting cancerous cells. This study aimed to investigate the anti-cancer effect of Artemisia annua extract (AAE), a Chinese herbal medicine alone and in combination with a microtubule binding agent used in ALL treatment, vincristine (VCR), in B-Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) Nalm-6 and Reh cells. Materials and Methods: Cytotoxic activity of AAE and VCR was determined using MTT assay in Nalm-6, and Reh cell lines and synergism was evaluated using the CompuSyn software. Caspase 3 activity and Annexin/PI staining were performed for apoptosis assessment. The expression level of apoptosis-related genes, caspase 3, Bax and Bcl-2 were determined using real time-PCR. One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey multiple comparisons were used for statistical analysis. Results: Our findings revealed that a single administration of AAE exerted an anti-leukemic effect in both ALL-derived cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the growth inhibitory activity of the extract was more potentiated when combined with 0.1 and 1 nM VCR through caspase 3-dependent apoptosis. Moreover, real-time PCR analysis showed that VCR-induced cytotoxicity was augmented by AAE through alteration of Bax, and Bcl-2 mRNA expression. Conclusion: Overall, owing to the nontoxic nature of AAE and its explicit role in enhancing VCR effectiveness, our study provided new insight into the development of a novel combinatorial approach in ALL using natural herbs. The practical implication of the research requires further investigation through clinical trials, opening avenues for forthcoming treatment improvements.

Effects of high fat medium conditions on cellular gene expression profile: a network analysis approach

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate high fat medium (HFM) effect on the gene expression profile of human Sk-hep1 cells and to determine critical differential proteins.

BACKGROUND

There is a correlation between high fat diet (HFD), obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Despite wide range of investigations, understanding molecular mechanism of HFD effect on onset and progression of NAFLD warrants further examination. In this study, network analysis is applied to obtain a clear perspective about HFD effects and NAFLD.

METHODS

Gene expression profiles of human Sk-hep1 cells treated with HFM versus controls were extracted from GEO. Data were analyzed by GEO2R where the significant and characterized DEGs were included in the PPI network. The top 10 nodes of query DEGs based on four centrality parameters were selected to determine central nodes. The common hub nodes with at least other one central group were identified as central nodes. Action map was provided for the introduced central nodes.

RESULTS

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein family including A1, A2/B1, D, R, and D-like, and five proteins (PRPF40A, SRSF1, PCF11, LSM8, and HSP90AA1) were introduced as differential proteins.

CONCLUSION

mRNA processing and several biological terms including hypoxia and oxidative stress, apoptosis, regulation of cell morphology and cytoskeletal organization, and differentiation of micro tubes were introduced as dysregulated terms under HFM condition.

Cytotoxic and Apoptogenic Activity of Bryonia aspera Extract on Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cell Lines

Background: The natural products and conventional chemotherapeutic drug combinations are believed to increase cure rates of anticancer treatment while reducing its toxicity. The current study investigates cytotoxic and apoptogenic effects of methanolic extract of Beryonia aspera, and also synergistic effects of this extract and Prednisolone on acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines. Materials and Methods: The under study populations were NALM-6 and REH cell lines. Cells were treated by Prednisolone and B. aspera extract alone and in combination. The effect of the drugs on survival and apoptosis were examined using MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. Moreover, the effects of the drugs on the mRNA expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 were studied using RQ-PCR. Finally, both the transcriptional and enzymatic activity of caspase-3 were investigated by caspase-3 assay kit. Results: The B. aspera extract induced cell growth inhibition and triggered apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Real-time PCR analysis of apoptotic target genes revealed that this agent shifted the ratio of the death promoter to death repressor genes via alteration of Bax and Bcl-2 expression levels. These changes resulted in caspase-3 activation, which led to DNA fragmentation and subsequent apoptosis. Our study has also demonstrated that the combined treatment of B. aspera extract with Prednisolone did not induce greater cytotoxic effect as compared to treatment series using either Prednisolone alone. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the B. aspera extract has anti-leukemic properties on BCP-ALL cell lines and could be regarded as a promising agent for the treatment of ALL.

Traditional and modern aspects of hemorrhoid treatment in Iran: a review

Hemorrhoidal disease is a prevalent anorectal condition which is generally not managed well with current pharmacologic interventions. However, in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) there are numerous plants with hemorrhoid-healing properties. The present research assembled plants with hemorrhoid-healing properties in ITM; their related pharmacological effects, phytochemical constituents and mechanisms of action in the modern medicine were also gathered. For this purpose, leading ITM textbooks were searched for plants with hemorrhoid-healing effects. Further, in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies on the most cited species were considered using scientific databases. Studying ITM textbooks revealed 37 medicinal plants with hemorrhoid-healing effects. Among the mentioned herbal medicines, six species, including Allium ampeloprasum, Phyllanthus emblica, Aloe vera, Terminalia chebula, Vitis vinifera and Commiphora mukul, had the largest number of related pharmacological effects documented in scientific databases. These herbs from ITM should be considered as important resources for producing novel drugs for hemorrhoid treatment.

Functional Hepatocyte-Like Cells Derived from Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on a Novel 3-Dimensional Biocompatible Nanofibrous Scaffold

Aim

To supporting growth and functional differentiation of adult stem cells into hepatocytes in a well-controlled manner, we performed differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) to hepatocytes-like cells on a constructed 3-dimensional (3D) nanofibrous biocompatible scaffold.

Methods

After characterization of the hBMSCs isolated from human bone marrow, the performance of the cells seeded and their proliferation on the scaffold was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Different approaches such as immunocytochemistry, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and biochemical assays were used to estimate the ability of hBMSC-derived cells to express hepatocyte-specific markers.

Results

Scanning electron micrographs and MTT analysis revealed the cells were able to expand and remained biologically and metabolically active for 21 days. Immunocytochemical analysis of albumin and α-fetoprotein showing the accumulation of these markers in differentiated cells was confirmed by RT-PCR. Additional markers such as cytochrome P450 3A4, cytokeratin-18, and cytokeratin-19 detected by RT-PCR showed progressive expression during 3 weeks of differentiation on 3D scaffold. The hepatocyte-like cells displayed several characteristics of metabolic functions as judged by production of albumin, urea, transferrin, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and serum oxaloacetate aminotransferase (SGOT). Levels of above-mentioned markers, except SGOT in differentiated cells on scaffold, were found to be significantly greater than in the 2D culture system (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Overall data suggest that the engineered nanofibrous scaffold is a conductive matrix for functional hBMSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells and is promising for maintenance of hepatocytes suitable for implantation.

SiRNA/DOX lodeded chitosan based nanoparticles: Development, Characterization and in vitro evaluation on A549 lung cancer cell line

High-mobility group AT-hook2 (HMGA2), involved in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, has a pivotal role in lung cancer metastasis. Lung cancer therapy with HMGA2 suppressing small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been introduced recently while doxorubicin (DOX) has been used as a frequent cancer chemotherapy agent. Both reagents have been faced with obstacles in clinic which make them ineffective. NanoParticles (NPs) provided a platform for efficient co delivery of the anticancer drugs. The aim of this study was production and in vitro characterization of different pharmacological groups (siRNA, DOX or siRNA-DOX) of carboxymethyl dextran thrimethyl chitosan nanoparticles (CMDTMChiNPs) on cytotoxicity, gene expression, apoptosis and migration of metastatic lung cancer cell line (A-549). CMDTMChiNPs were synthesized and encapsulated with siRNA, DOX or siRNA-DOX. Then the effects of HMGA2 siRNA and DOX co delivery was assessed in A549 viability and target genes (HMGA2, Ecadherin, vimentin and MMP9) by MTT and real time PCR, respectively. In addition capability of apoptosis induction and anti-migratory features of formulated NPs were analyzed by flowcytometry and wound healing assays. SiRNA-DOX-CMDTM ChiNPs approximate size were 207±5 with poly dispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential of 0.4 and 16.3±0.3, respectively. NPs loaded with DOX and siRNA were the most efficient drug formulations in A549 cell cytotoxicity, altering of EMT markers, apoptosis induction and migration inhibition. Generally our results showed that co delivery of HMGA2 siRNA and DOX by novel designed CMDTMChiNPs is a new therapeutic approach with great potential efficiency for lung cancer treatment.

Naghibione; A Novel Sesquiterpenoid with Antiplasmodial Effect from Dorema hyrcanum Koso-Pol. Root, a Plant Used in Traditional Medicine

Some Dorema species are used in Persian traditional medicine. In the present study the total extract from the roots of Dorema hyrcanum Koso-Pol. was investigated for its in-vitro (pLDH assay) and in-vivo (Peters' 4-days suppressive test) antiplasmodial effects and assessed for cytotoxicity against the normal cell line MDBK (MTT test). The IC50 values for a chloroquine- sensitive (3D7) and a chloroquine- resistant (K1) strain of Plasmodium falciparum were 28.64 and 9.79 µg/mL, respectively. The inhibition percentage of the rodent parasite, Plasmodium berghei, on day 4 in mice was 77.9% and IC50 value on Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells (MDBK cells) was 59.84 µg/mL. The total extract was subjected to a bioassay-guided fractionation protocol based on the in-vivo model which resulted in the isolation of an acetophenon (compound 1), one new sesquiterpenoid; naghibione (compound 2) and two known sesquiterpenoid derivatives (compounds 3, 4). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR experiments and ESI-MS. All compounds were evaluated for in-vivo antiplasmodial effect and the results revealed that naghibione showed good suppression activity, inhibiting 68.1 % of the parasite growth.

Hepatoprotective herbs, avicenna viewpoint

Background:

Liver injury or dysfunction is considered as a serious health problem. The available synthetic drugs to treat liver disorders are expensive and cause further damage. Hence, hepatoprotective effects of some herbal drugs have been investigated, and one of the methods to choose herbs in order to study their biological effects is to search in ancient medical texts. Avicenna who is known as the prince of physicians had collected and classified Greek, Persian and Islamic medicine in the best possible way in the book of Canon in Arabic.

Objectives:

Avicenna’s book of The Canon of Medicine was reviewed to find the hepatoprotective herbs.

Patients and Methods:

Three different versions of the Canon were prepared and utilized. To find scientific names of plants we took advantage of three botany references. All of the herbs were investigated on the basis of scientific data from hepatoprotective effects point of view. The searched term was “hepatoprotective” without narrowing and limiting. The searched databases included Cochrane library, Web of science, SID, Irandoc and IranMedex.

Results:

18 plants were found. 85% of the presented species, genus or families of plants were reported to have hepatoprotective properties and in the remaining 15% there were no reports of hepatoprotective effect. Flowers and fruits were the most used part of the plants. Most of the plants had simultaneous protective effects on multiple organs but the protective effect on the liver was mostly accompanied by protective effect on the stomach (83%). The average temperament of these herbs is "hot" in the 2nd phase of the 2nd grade, and "dry" in the 3rd phase of the 2nd grade. Hepatoprotective herbs mostly prescribed as a part of hepatoprotective compound drugs formula or other formula for liver diseases are Crocus sativus, Pistacia lentiscus, and Cinnamomum spp.

Conclusions:

Maybe there is common mechanism for protecting both liver and stomach. Aquilaria agallocha, Aquilaria malaccensis, and Ruscus aculeatus whose hepatoprotective effects have not yet been reported are considered as good candidates for future investigations. Given that Crocus sativus, and Cinnamomum spp are used as flavors in most countries, they will be introduced for more investigation in order to produce hepatoprotective drugs.

Effects of fenugreek seed on the severity and systemic symptoms of dysmenorrhea

BACKGROUND

Primary dysmenorrhea is a prevalent disorder and its unfavorable effects deteriorates the quality of life in many people across the world. Based on some evidence on the characteristics of fenugreek as a medical plant with anti-inflammato-ry and analgesic properties, this double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial was conducted. The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of fenugreek seeds on the severity of primary dysmenorrhea among students.

METHODS

Unmarried Students were randomly assigned to two groups who received fenugreek (n = 51) or placebo (n = 50). For the first 3 days of menstruation, 2-3 capsules containing fenugreek seed powder (900 mg) were given to the subjects three times daily for two consecutive menstrual cycles. Pain severity was evaluated using a visual analog scale and systemic symptoms were assessed using a multidimensional verbal scale.

RESULTS

Pain severity at baseline did not differ significantly between the two groups. Pain severity was significantly reduced in both groups after the intervention; however, the fenugreek group experienced significantly larger pain reduction (p < 0.001). With respect to the duration of pain, there was no meaningful difference between the two cycles in the placebo group (p = 0.07) but in the fenugreek group, the duration of pain decreased between the two cycles (p < 0.001). Systemic symptoms of dysmenorrhea (fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, lack of energy, syncope) decreased in the fenugreek seed group (p < 0.05). No side effects were reported in the fenugreek group.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that prescription of fenugreek seed powder during menstruation can reduce the severity of dysmenorrhea.

Investigation of some biologic activities of Swertia longifolia Boiss

Swertia species are widespread in Eastern and Southern Asian countries and used in traditional medicine as anti-pyretic, analgesic, gastro and liver tonic. Among different species, only Swertia longifolia grows in Iran. In this investigation, antioxidant, cytotoxic and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of S. longifolia have been studied. Aerial parts and roots of the plant were collected, dried and extracted with methanol 80% (total extract). Different extracts of the plant were obtained using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, methanol:water (1:1) and water, respectively. Cytotoxic activity was determined by MTT assay on MDBK, HepG2, MCF7, HT29 and A549 cell lines. Antioxidant activity was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChEI) effect was evaluated based on Ellman's method in 96-well microplates.The results showed no cytotoxicity of the plant extracts on MDBK, HepG2, MCF7, HT29 and A549 cell lines up to 100 μg/ml. All samples showed radical scavenging activity but methanol extract of aerial parts and ethyl acetate extract of the roots showed the highest effects.Total extract of the roots showed higher AChEI activity than the aerial parts. Among different extracts, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of the roots and chloroform and methanol:water extracts of the aerial parts were more potent in AChEI assay. It is concluded that aerial parts and roots of the plant are rich in antioxidant agents with no cytotoxicity on selected cell lines up to 100 μg/ml. Moreover, since antioxidant and AChEI activity of compounds play an important role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disorder, this plant might be a potential candidate for isolation of antioxidant and AChEI compounds which could be used as supportive treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Effects of Nepeta menthoides aqueous extract on retention and retrieval of memory in mice

There are several evidences that plants and vegetables with antioxidant activity can reduce oxidative damages in brain and improve cognitive functions. The aim of this study was evaluation of Nepeta menthoides aqueous extract on memory retention and retrieval of mice by using passive avoidance apparatus. For this purpose, mice were classified, coded, weighted and grouped (n = 8) as follow as: control group (Only electric shock), blank group (electric shock plus normal saline) and test groups (electric shock plus Nepeta menthoides extract by doses: 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg kg(-1), i.p.). Delay time of leaving the platform was measured for retention and retrieval test of memory in all mentioned groups. In retention test, plant extract was administered immediately after receiving electric shock while it was administered 24 h after receiving electric shock in retrieval. The results revealed that Nepeta menthoides aqueous extract significantly (p<0.05) increased memory retention and retrieval. The best response for memory retention and retrieval was achieved with 800 mg kg(-1) of Nepeta extract. In conclusion, enhancement of memory retention and retrieval by Nepeta menthoides could be cause of antioxidant activity of its components such as rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and phenolic acids.

Halothane: how should it be used in a developing country?

The anaesthetic agent halothane is still widely used in developing countries including the Islamic Republic of Iran because of its low price. Because of halothane-induced hepatitis, a rare complication, it has been replaced by other inhalation anaesthetics in Western countries; it has been suggested by some Iranian professionals that the Islamic Republic of Iran should do the same. We evaluated various dimensions of this replacement through a literature review to assess the incidence of halothane-induced hepatitis and costs of anaesthetics in the country. We also conducted a questionnaire survey of 30 anaesthesiology/gastroenterology experts about their views on the subject. The results indicate that the incidence of halothane hepatitis in the Islamic Republic of Iran is very low and could mostly be avoided by strict adherence to guidelines. Complete withdrawal of halothane in the Islamic Republic of Iran might not be appropriate at present. Comprehensive cost-effectiveness studies are needed before a decision is made on complete replacement of halothane with other anaesthetics.

Ethnobotanical survey of herbal remedies traditionally used in Kohghiluyeh va Boyer Ahmad province of Iran

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal plants are an important element of medical system. These resources are usually regarded as part of cultural traditional knowledge. We present for the first time the results of an ethnobotanical survey in Kohghiluyeh va Boyer Ahmad province of Iran, conducted between 2008 and 2010. This information could be the basis of an evidence based investigation to discover new drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnobotanical data were analyzed by use-reports in addition important indices like relative frequency of citation (RFC) and cultural importance index (CI) were calculated. Totally 23 informants were interviewed.

RESULTS

Our study reports 138 traditionally used plant species, belonging to 52 plant families from this province. Asteraceae and Lamiaceae are the dominant locally used families. The highest number of species and application were reported for digestive system disorder, metabolic disorder and respiratory system, respectively. The part of the plant most frequently used was the aerial part (31.9%), leaves (14.8%) and fruits (11.7%). The plants are used both for medicinal and non-medicinal purposes. Daphne mucronata Royle. and Teucrium polium L. have the largest value of relative frequency of citation and cultural importance index, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Kohghiluyeh va Boyer Ahmad has good ethnobotanical potential for medicinal plants. This study is the first contribution to the ethnobotany of this region. We have gathered from this province some considerable knowledge about local medicinal plants for treating common health problem that is ready to be further investigated in the laboratory.

Screening of antiplasmodial properties among some traditionally used Iranian plants

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

An investigation of plants was undertaken through interviews and literature surveys on plants used to treat malaria or cancer or microbial diseases in Iran.

AIM OF STUDY

In vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial tests were carried out on selected plants traditionally used in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two plants were extracted with methanol and tested for their in vitro (pLDH assay) activity against Plasmodium falciparum, in vivo activity against Plasmodium berghei and assessed for any cytotoxicity against the human cancer cell line MCF7 and the normal cell MDBK.

RESULTS

Extracts from four plants, Buxus hyrcana Pojark. (Buxaceae), Erodium oxyrrhnchum M. Bieb. (Geraniaceae), Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae) and Ferula oopoda (Boiss and Bushe) Boiss. (Apiaceae) were found to have significant antiplasmodial activity (IC50 ranging from 4.7 to 26.6 microg/ml). These findings lend support to the use of Buxus hyrcana and Glycyrrhiza glabra in traditional medicine. The chloroformic fraction also was active against K1 and 3D7 strains. The chloroformic fraction was studied at 10 mg per kg body weight mouse per day. This fraction reduced parasitaemia by 86.1% compared to untreated control mice.

CONCLUSION

Glycyrrhiza glabra showed antiplasmodial activity and has selectivity for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei when tested on mammalian cells. This is the first report that mentioned in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Cytotoxic activities of selected medicinal plants from Iran and phytochemical evaluation of the most potent extract

Methanolic extract of 15 Iranian medicinal plants were prepared and tested for their cytotoxic activities against three cancer cell lines (MCF7, HepG2, WEHI164) and one normal cell line (MDBK). Some plants showed cytotoxic activities. The extract of Ferula szowitsiana root, which proved to be the most active, was chosen for further phytochemical studies. The major compounds of the most potent acetone extract were isolated. They were identified as chimgin and chimganin, two known monoterpenoids, by spectroscopic means. Their cytotoxic activity was evaluated in three cell lines. The results show that these compounds are responsible, at least in part, for the cytotoxic activity of this plant.

The porphyrin-fullerene nanoparticles to promote the ATP overproduction in myocardium: 25Mg2+-magnetic isotope effect

This is a first case ever reported on the fullerene-based low toxic nanocationite particles (porphyrin adducts of cyclohexyl fullerene-C(60)) designed for targeted delivery of the paramagnetic magnesium stable isotope to the heart muscle providing a sharp clinical effect close to about 80% recovery of the tissue hypoxia symptoms in less than 24 h after a single injection (0.03-0.1 LD(50)). A whole principle of this therapy is novel: (25)Mg(2+)-magnetic isotope effect selectively stimulates the ATP overproduction in the oxygen-depleted cells due to (25)Mg(2+) released by the nanoparticles. Being membranotropic cationites, these "smart nanoparticles" release the overactivating paramagnetic cations only in response to the metabolic acidic shift. The resulting positive changes in the heart cell energy metabolism may help to prevent and/or treat the local myocardial hypoxic disorders and, hence, protect the heart muscle from a serious damage in a vast variety of the hypoxia-caused clinical situations including both doxorubicin and 1-methylnicotineamide cardiotoxic side effects. Both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug proposed make it suitable for safe and efficient administration in either single or multi-injection (acute or chronic) therapeutic schemes.