Mashhad University of Medical SciencesIranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences2008-386613220100401Effects of Melatonin and Vitamin E on Peripheral Neuropathic Pain in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats18507410.22038/ijbms.2010.5074ENFarrin Babaei-BalderlouDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, IranSamad ZareDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, IranReza HeidariDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, IranFarah FarrokhiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, IranJournal Article20150928Objective(s)
Previous studies have indicated that diabetes mellitus might be accompanied by neuropathic pain. Oxidative stress is implicated as a final common pathway in development of diabetic neuropathy. Pharmacological interventions targeted at inhibiting free radical production have shown beneficial effects in diabetic neuropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the possible analgesic effects of melatonin and vitamin E in diabetic rats.
Materials and Methods
This study was performed on 32 male Wistar rats divided into 4 groups: control, diabetic, melatonin-treated diabetic and vitamin E-treated diabetic. Experimental diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) injection. Melatonin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg, i.p.) were injected for 2 weeks after 21st day of diabetes induction. At the end of administration period, pain-related behavior was assessed using 0.5% formalin test according to two spontaneous flinching and licking responses. The levels of lipid peroxidation as well as glutathione-peroxidase and catalase activities were evaluated in lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia.
Results
Formalin-evoked flinching and total time of licking were increased in both acute and chronic phases of pain in diabetic rats as compared to control rats, whereas treatment with melatonin or vitamin E significantly reduced the pain indices. Furthermore, lipid peroxidation levels increased and glutathione-peroxidase and catalase activities decreased in diabetic rats. Both antioxidants reversed the biochemical parameters toward their control values.
Conclusion
These results suggest that oxidative stress may contribute to induction of pain in diabetes and further suggest that antioxidants, melatonin and vitamin E, can reduce peripheral neuropathic pain in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesIranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences2008-386613220100401Effects of Boswellia Papyrifera Gum Extract on Learning and Memory in Mice and Rats915507510.22038/ijbms.2010.5075ENAmir FarshchiSchool of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, IranDepartment of Pharmocoeconomy and Pharmaceutical Management, Shcool of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranGolbarg GhiasiSchool of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, IranDepartment of Pharmocoeconomy and Pharmaceutical Management, Shcool of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranSamireh FarshchiDepartment of otolaryngology, Amiralam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranPeyman Malek KhatabiRazi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khoramabad, IranJournal Article20150928Objective(s)
Learning is defined as the acquisition of information and skills, while subsequent retention of that information is called memory. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Boswellia papyrifera on learning and memory paradigms in mice and rats.
Materials and Methods
This study was held at the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran from September 2006 to March 2008. Male Wistar rats and male NMRI mice were randomly divided into control, B. papyrifera treated (50, 100, 150 mg/kg, p.o.), and piracetam (150 mg/kg) groups. Radial arm maze (RAM) and Morris water maze (MWM) were the screening tests used to assess the activity of B. papyrifera extract.
Results
The mice treated with B. papyrifera (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) or piracetam (150 mg/kg) showed a decrease in number of days required to learned (P< 0.05) and time taken to find food by the learned mice in radial arm maze (P< 0.01). In Morris water maze, rats treated with the above mentioned doses showed dose dependent improvement in spatial learning. Escape latency during swimming in water maze in piracetam and B. papyrifera treated animals was significantly lower (P< 0.01) than control. Swimming distance was also significantly lower (P< 0.05) in the treated groups.
Conclusion
The results show facilitation of spatial learning and memory processes and thereby validate B. papyrifera traditional use of intelligence improving. The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins might be responsible for this activity of B. papyrifera.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesIranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences2008-386613220100401The Effect of Phencyclidine New Derivatives on Anxiety Behaviors in Rats1623507610.22038/ijbms.2010.5076ENRamin HajkhaniDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic Azad UniversityKaraj branch, Karaj, IranJalal SolatiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic Azad UniversityKaraj branch, Karaj, IranAbbas AhmadiDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic Azad University-Karaj ranch, Karaj, IranAli-Akbar SalariYoung Researchers Club, Islamic Azad University-Karaj ranch, Kara, IranJournal Article20150928Objective(s)
Anxiety is a common disorder which afflicts many people in any society and is often accompanied by physiological sensations such as tachycardia, chest pain, shortness of breath, insensitivity, etc. The purpose of present study was to evaluate the putative anxiolytic-like effects of phencyclidine ('-('-phenylcyclohexyl) piperidine, CAS 956-90-1, PCP, I) and its methyl and methoxy hydroxyl derivatives (II, III) using elevated plus maze test of anxiety.
Materials and Methods
Phencyclidine as well as its methyl and methoxy hydroxyl derivatives (I, II, III) (hydrochloride, 1, 2, 5 mg/kg) were synthesized and administrated intraperitoneally (IP) on adult male Wistar rats.
Results
The results of this study demonstrated that, intraperitoneal (IP) administration of PCP analogues (I, II, III) hydrochloride (1, 2, 5 mg/kg) increases the percentage of open arm time (OAT%) and percentage of open arm entries (OAE%).
Conclusion
This study revealed that both derivatives of phencyclidine (II, III) were more effective than PCP (I) itself in modulation of anxiety behavior in rats.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesIranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences2008-386613220100401Genetically Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells Stably Expressing Green Fluorescent Protein2430507710.22038/ijbms.2010.5077ENRaheleh HalabianResearch Center, Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Tehran IranBiotechnology Department, Tarbiyat Modares University, Tehran, IranMohamad Hosein MohammadiResearch Center, Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Tehran IranMohammad SalimiResearch Center, Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Tehran IranMaryam AmaniResearch Center, Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Tehran IranAmaneh Mohammadi RoushandeDepartment of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Tabriz, Tabriz, IranMahnaz AghaipoorResearch Center, Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Tehran IranNasser AmirizadehResearch Center, Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Tehran IranMajid EbrahimiResearch Center, Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Tehran IranAli Jahanian NajafabadiMolecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IranMehryar Habibi RoudkenarResearch Center, Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Tehran IranJournal Article20150928Objective(s)
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are nonhematopoietic stromal cells that are capable of differentiating into and contribute to the regeneration of mesenchymal tissues. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are ideal targets in cell transplantation and tissue engineering. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) has been an important reporter gene for gene therapy. The aim of this study was establishment of MSCs expressing GFP.
Materials and Methods
MSCs were isolated and characterized by Immunophenotyping. The pEGFP-N1 plasmid was extracted from previously transformed Escherichia. coli cells and transfected into MSCs using FuGENE HD transfection reagent. Stable cells were established in the presence of geneticin. Expression of GFP was detected by RT- PCR, western blot analysis and immunoflorecent microscope.
Results
MSCs were successfully isolated and characterized. The MSCs transfected with the pEGFP-N1 plasmid expressed GFP both in mRNA and protein levels while cells transfected with empty vector did not.
Conclusion
The results suggested that this engineered cell line will be used in the future studies and can easily be traced in vivo.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesIranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences2008-386613220100401Protective Effect of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Portulaca Oleracea Against Cisplatin Induced Nephrotoxicity3135507910.22038/ijbms.2010.5079ENGholamreza KarimiMedical Toxicology Research Center and School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAlireza KhoeiDepartment of Pathology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAbbas OmidiDepartment of Pathology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranMahmudreza KalantariDepartment of Pathology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranJavad BabaeiSchool of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranElahe TaghiabadiSchool of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranBibi Marjan RazaviSchool of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranJournal Article20150928Objective(s)
Portulaca oleracea L. is a herbaceous weed from portulacaceae family. It can be found in many parts of the world. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that P. oleracea have antioxidant effects. The protective effect of aqueous and ethanolic extract of P. oleracea against cisplatin-induced renal toxicity was studied in rats.
Materials and Methods
Single intraperitoneal injection of 4 mg/kg cisplatin was administrated to rats. After 5 days, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) concentration were determined. Effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts, before and after cisplatin injection on BUN and Scr, as well as morphological renal damage, was evaluated.
Results
It was indicated that treatment with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of P. oleracea in the highest dose (0.8 and 2 g/ kg), 6 and 12 hr before cisplatin injection reduced BUN and Scr. Tubular necrotic damage was not observed either.
Conclusion
Results suggest that P. oleracea extract may protect against cisplatin-induced renal toxicity and might serve as a novel combination agent with cisplan to limit renal injury.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesIranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences2008-386613220100401The Inhibitory Effect of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. on Gastric Acid Output at Basal, Vagotomized and Vagal Stimulated Conditions in Rat3639508110.22038/ijbms.2010.5081ENSaeed NiazmandDepartment of Physiology, Medical School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-6595-8170Mohammad DerakhshanDepartment of Clinical Microbiology and Virolog in Ghaem Hospital and Buali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranMahmood Erfanian AhmadpourDepartment of Anatomy, Medical School, Azad University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranKhadijeh HosaeniDepartment of Biology, Sciences School, Azad University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranJournal Article20150928Objective(s)
Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. is a plant widely used in Iranian traditional medicine for gastrointestinal disorders. Several reports have demonstrated antibacterial (Helicobacteria pylori), antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties of Z. clinopodioides. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous- ethanol extract of Z. clinopodioides on rat’s gastric acid output in basal, vagotomized (VX) and vagal stimulated conditions.
Materials and Methods
A total of 24 male Wistar rats weighed 200-250 g were randomly divided into two groups: control and test. Tracheostomy and gastroduodenostomy procedures were performed for each rat. In the vagotomized condition the vagus nerve in the cervical region was dissected and in the vagal stimulation condition the distal portion of the vogues nerve stimulated. Gastric content was collected for 15 min by wash out technique. A volume of 1 ml of three doses (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg) was introduced into the stomach (i.g.) of each rat in the test group and the same volume of saline was used in the control group. Total titratable acid was measured by a titrator.
Results
The extract inhibited acid secretion significantly at basal condition. At VX condition not only this inhibitory effect on acid secretion disappeared but also a stimulatory effect at the dose of 2 mg/kg was shown. In vagal stimulation condition the extract showed a significant inhibitory effect at 1 mg/kg dose.
Conclusion
Taking together our data resulted from comparison of three conditions showed that the extract exerted an inhibitory effect on acid secretion in basal and vagal stimulation. Also, according to our results this inhibitory effect of the extract could be exerted via gastric vagal parasympathetic nerve.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesIranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences2008-386613220100401A Functional Polymorphism of the Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor is not Associated with the Outcome of HTLV-I Infection4047508210.22038/ijbms.2010.5082ENAbbas ShirdelInternal Medicine Department, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranHoushang RafatpanahImmunology Research Centre, BuAli Reserch Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranCentre for Integrated Genomic Medical Research (CIGMR), the University of Manchester, Manchester, UKHassan RahimiInternal Medicine Department, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAbdol Rahim RezaeeImmunology Research Centre, BuAli Reserch Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranMahmoud Reza AzarpajoohNeurology Department, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAkram Beyk YazdiInternal Medicine Department, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranIan V HutchinsonImmunology Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences, the University of Manchester, UKJournal Article20150928Introduction
Genetic background has known to be associated with the outcome of human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) type I infection. In The present study we investigate the association between GM-CSF gene polymorphisms with the outcome of HTLV-I infection.
Materials and Methods
We analyzed 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the promter region of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) at positions -677*A/C, -1440*A/G and -1916*T/C in 68 patients with HTLV- I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and 77 HTLV-I-seropositive asymptomatic carriers and 175 healthy controls from an area in Iran, Mashhad, where HTLV-I is endemic.
Results
No significant differences were observed in the distribution of GM-CSF polymorphisms between HAM/TSP patients, HTLV-I carriers and healthy controls (P> 0.05). The -677*A/C polymorphism fall within the transcriptional enhancer factor-2 (TEF-2) binding site, so an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was performed to determine the effects of polymorphisms on protein binding to the GM-CSF promoter. The result showed a significantly higher binding efficiency of nuclear protein to the A allele compared with the C allele.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that polymorphisms in the GM-CSF promoter is not associated with the outcome of HTLV-I infection, however, GM-CSF polymorphism at position -677 could indeed influence gene expression.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesIranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences2008-386613220100401The Effect of Ramadan Fasting and Weight-Lifting Training on Plasma Volume, Glucose and Lipids Profile of Male Weight-Lifters5762508310.22038/ijbms.2010.5083ENSeyed Morteza TayebiDepartment of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Young Researchers Club, Ayatollah Amoli Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran0000-0003-0459-4443Abbass Ghanbari NiakiDepartment of Physical Education and Sport Sciences of Mazandaran University, Babolsar, IranParichehr HanachiFaculty of Basic Sciences, Biology Department, Biochemistry Unit, Alzahara University, Tehran, IranFatemeh Ghorban-alizadeh GhazianiDepartment of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Young Researchers Club, Ayatollah Amoli Islamic Azad University, Amol, IranJournal Article20150928Objective(s)
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting and weight-lifting training on plasma volume, glucose, and lipids profile of male weight-lifter.
Materials and Methods
Forty male weight-lifters were recruited and divided into 4 groups (n=10 each) and as the following groups: control (C), fasting (F), training (T) and fasting-training (F-T). The T and F-T groups performed weightlifting technique trainings and hypertrophy body building (3 sessions/week, 90 min/session). All subjects were asked to complete a medical examination as well as a medical questionnaire to ensure that they were not taking any medication, were free of cardiac, respiratory, renal, and metabolic diseases, and were not using steroids. Blood samples were taken at 24 hr before and 24 hr after one month of fasting and weightlifting exercise. The plasma volume, fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profiles, and lipoproteins were analyzed in blood samples.
Results
Body weight and plasma volume showed significant (P< 0.05) decrease and increase in the F group (P< 0.05) respectively. Also, a significant reduction was observed in F-T group body weight (P< 0.01). A significant increase was found in FBS level of F group (P< 0.05). The lipid profiles and lipoproteins didn’t change significantly in C, F, T and the F-T groups.
Conclusion
The effect of Ramadan fasting on body weight and plasma volumes may be closely related to the nutritional diet or biochemical response to fasting.