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Introduction: Alteration of abusing pattern of addictive drugs from classic opioid to ps-ychostimulant drugs threatens young people life. Glass abusing has been increasing am-ong young adult, although this drug has not been incoming Iran for a long time. The main compound of glass is methamphet-amine. Heroin and glass in addition to nervous system have very toxic effects on cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to compare the toxic effects of heroin and glass exposure on the blood and serum parameters. Materials & Methods: Male adult rats were given intraperitoneal injection of heroin or glass (10 mg/kg, once per day) for 15 days. At the end of 15 days, the blood samples were taken from rats and analyzed for red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL. Findings: Our data showed that glass sign-ificantly decreased the total red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin and haem-atocrit(P<0.05). Also, heroin decreeased the level of hemoglobin(P<0.05). Serum trigly-ceride, cholesterol and HDL did not change significantly in heroin and glass group wh-en compared to control group. The level of LDL in heroin group significantly decree-sed compared to glass group. (P<0.05) Discussion & Conclusion: Industrial psyc-hostimulant drugs in comparison with clas-sic opioids have more impairing effects on blood factors and during short time lead to cardiovascular problems, anemia, weak-ening immune system and, ultimately pre-dispose addicted people to infectious disea-ses.

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The heavy metal pollution has become one of the most important environmental problems. Heavy metals are the most important environmental pollutants, especially for human health and aquatic systems are a serious threat. Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology of yeast Saccharomyces carlsbergensis PTCC 5051, and received as a lyophilized culture YEDPA environment and then the proliferation of malt extract broth is used. The effects of pH, temperature, kinetics and isotherm of lead on metal uptake were evaluated by the SC. Absorption maximum at about pH 5 the optimum temperature was 25 degrees Celsius. A kinetic study showed that batch biosorption of lead to rapid removal by the biomass of Saccharomyces was the first test was done in less than 30 minutes. Method using FT-IR, surface functional groups of fungi were identified. With active and passive absorption of lead by Saccharomyces has revealed more attracted by the yeast is active. With yeast and control yeast on the autoclave, the pre-treated with sodium azide and 2 and 4 DNP nitro phenol showed that claims of capturing, respectively, 0/68, 0/12, 0/44 and 0/48 mmol g was obtained. Results showed that, even using the passive yeast are suitable for the absorption of lead

                                                                     . Keywords: Biosorption, lead, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, 2, 4-Dinitrophenol, Sodium azide

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Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone-4), a derivative of vitamin K in the body is synthesized by intestinal bacteria. This vitamin is present at a higher concentration in the brain more than the other tissues. There is a potential ability for conversion of vitamin K derivatives to the type of K2 in the body. Vitamin K2 in turn is the main form of the vitamin K in the nervous system. These all together are indicating the importance of the functions of this vitamin in the central nervous system. Some of them are including its importance in the process of myelin synthesis and development of the nervous system. Vitamin K2 is known as one of the factors involved in the inflammatory processes. Actually vitamin K2 is associated with inflammation, pain, Alzheimer's, osteoporosis and some types of cancers. Regard to the probable role of vitamin K2 in the treatment of many human diseases that today have fallen within the biggest human concerns (such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases), vitamin K2 is hoped to be considered in new research as an effective strategy for prevent or treatment of such diseases with minimum possible side effects.

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Introduction: Aging is one of the most important risk factors for some disease, so that one of the major aims of aging research is the identification and analysis of compounds that playing role in delay aging and increase longevity. In rodents’ Caloric Restriction (CR), in a way that does not cause malnutrition, increased lifespan 50%, however it leave harmful effects, so researchers sought to find a combination that can imitate the effects of CR without any harmful effects. Resveratrol is one of the natural chemicals derived from plants that it is a member of polyphenols family, and it has great antioxidant nature. This article reviews the mechanisms of resveratrol functions on longevity and prevention from aging and aging-related diseases and processes.
 Materials & methods: This study has reviewed 40 published articles by using PubMed, Elsevier, NCBI and EBSCO databases to explaining the resveratrol function in longevity. Findings: Recently, it has been proven that, Resveratrol by delaying all the processes of aging, increased lifespan in many animals in Laboratory model, including fruit flies, nematodes, fishes and mice.
 Discussion & Conclusion: The action mechanism of resveratrol is very similar to CR action mechanism, both can extend lifespan by improving disease related to aging, such as, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer and cancer which this resveratrol effects depended on Sirtuins activity that evolutionarily, they are classified as conserved family of NAD+-dependent class III histone deacetylase, particularly SIRT1, which is the main regulator of molecular mechanism of aging processes.

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Introduction: Considering the evidence which show the effect of herbal medicine on nephrolithiasis treatment, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Smyrnium cordifolium Boiss root on prevention of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in rats.

Materials & methods:  Thirty-two female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Normal control received water and other three groups received ethylene glycol (EG) (1% v/v) in distilled water for 28 days. Extract was given 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg orally in distilled water for 28 days in groups III and IV. The urea, uric acid and creatinine were measured on 28th day. 24 hr urinary volume and oxalate were measured on day 0 and 28.

Findings: EG significantly had increased serum creatinine, urea and uric acid in comparison to the normal control. Whereas serum creatinine, urea and uric acid were reduced non-significantly in groups III and IV in comparison to EG group. Smyrnium cordifolium extract significantly increased urinary volume but decreased urine oxalate level compared to EG group (P<0.05).

Discussion & Conclusions: This study showed that Smyrnium cordifolium extract was able to reduce urine oxalate in the rat. Therefore, the beneficial action of extract on human kidney stones may be suggested. However, further studies must clarify the mechanism.

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Introduction: The use of antimicrobial compounds in plants and nanoparticles for control and treatment of disease agents have been extensively studied. The present study aimed to biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf aqueous extract of Sambucus ebulus L. and study of their antimicrobial activity.

Materials & methods: To biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles, fresh extract was prepared and added to silver nitrate solution with concentration 1 mM. Effective parameters on synthesis of silver nanoparticles such as; pH, the volume of extract, silver ion concentration, temperature and reaction time were optimized and studied to obtain individual shape and size of nanoparticles. Antimicrobial activities of extract and silver nanoparticles were studied with the Disc diffusion and MIC methods against four bacterias such as; Staphylococcus aureus (PTTC 1112), Bacillus cereus (PTTC 1154), Escherichia coli (PTTC 1399), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PTTC 1707) and two Fungus such as; Aspergillus niger (PTTC 5012) and Candida albicans (PTTC 5027).

Findings:  After adding the extract to the silver nitrate solution, the color changed to brown that represents to successful synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles showed maximum absorbance at 405 nm and they were spherical shape and the average size of them had been between 8-12 nm. These nanoparticles showed significant antimicrobial activity on samples, so that they were prevented the growth of bacterias and fungus in very low concentration.

Discussion & conclusions: Because of existing the antioxidant properties and many secondary compounds in plant, they have a role in reducing and stabilizing the nanoparticles. In this study, the silver nanoparticles synthesized by leaf aqueous extracts of S. ebulus. The silver nanoparticles showed high antimicrobial activity.

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Introduction: Most of the newborns’ diseases transfer to them through their mothers. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most prevalence infections which transfer from mother to embryo. CMV is the cause of congenital infection and is known as spontaneous abortion in mothers. This virus can cross the placenta and cause clinical signs in embryo and infant. The aim of this study was to develop a PCR and Real Time PCR for diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus using molecular tests.

Materials & methods: In this study, out of 100 infants with clinical signs (under 3 weeks) who referred to Qom and were suspected to infection with CMV. The urine samples were studied for existence of DNA for using PCR and Real Time PCR methods and using specialized primers and probe.

Findings: Out of 100 newborn, DNA of CMV was excreted through urine. 58 newborns have CMV DNA in their urines. The results with 2 methods have similar PCR and Real Time PCR. The CMV DNA was not found in 19 newborns.

Discussion & conclusions: The results show that the molecular tests are influential for fast diagnosis especially tracking viral DNA using PCR method. Also on the strength of this research, the importance of this study and submitting solutions for fast and accurate diagnosis of this Virus in newborns immediately after delivery is necessary for treatment and preventing this Virus.

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Introduction: In the current study, to reduce the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs and increase their specificity, a new pharmaceutical inhibitor was designed by computational Biology and Bioinformatics knowledge.

Materials & methods: For this purpose, first, 150000 compounds with medicinal properties from ZINC database and also the files related to the structure of the enzyme cyclooxygenase2 from RCSB (Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics) were extracted. After preparing them, all of these chemical compounds were docked with the target enzyme in order to select the best pharmaceutical inhibitor (ligand).

Findings: After checking the computation, 10 compounds of ligands that were the results of Docking, were selected according to the Gibbs free energy (least ΔG). Based on the results of the docking operation, inhibitor binding to cox2 causes conformational changes of enzyme, potential energy reduction, and increasing the stability of inhibitor-enzyme complex.

Discussion & conclusions: According to the results obtained from the study, the inhibitors can reduce the inflammation and pain in different inflammatory diseases, by placing in the active site on the basis of more specificity and finally less toxicity.

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Introduction: Acute alcohol consumption leads to induction of lipid peroxidation in renal tissues, but its chronic consumption has moderate effects on biochemical and histological characteristics of this organ. Antioxidants have protective effects against ethanol-induced oxidative stress and tissue injury. The aim of this study was to assess antioxidant activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra leaf and stem extracts and the protective effect of its leaf extract on ethanol-induced nephrotoxicity.
 
Materials & methods: Total phenol and flavonoid contents of leaf and stem extracts of G. glabra were measured by Folin Ciocalteu and AlCl₃ assays, respectively. Antioxidant activity of both extracts was assessed using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging. In addition, protective effect of the leaf extract was assessed using biochemical and histological analyses of renal tissues of male Wistar rats, which were divided into four groups including group 1 or control (received 1 ml distilled water daily), group 2 or ethanol group (received 1 ml of 50% ethanol daily), group 3 or ethanol + leaf extract group (received 1 ml of 50% ethanol + 500 mg/kg leaf extract daily), and group 4 (received 500 mg/kg of leaf extract daily). All treatments are performed through intragastric administration. Biochemical and histological analyses were used for the evaluation of nephrotoxicity. For histological study, the samples were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and examined by light microscopy. Finally, all the data were analyzed by SPSS (Ver. 20) and grouped by Duncan's Multiple Range Test at P <0.05 level.
 
Findings: There was no significant difference between total phenol contents of the stem and leaf extracts. However, the stem extract showed a higher total flavonoid content than the leaf extract. Also, both the extracts showed higher antioxidant activities (86-93%) than that of ascorbic acid (71%). Results from biochemical analysis indicated a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and H₂O₂ content in the renal tissues of ethanol-treated rats in comparison with other groups; however, there were no significant changes in total protein and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. Results from histological examination showed that alcohol consumption intensity injured kidney tissues, which was effectively moderated by the studied extract.
 
Discussion & Conclusions: Results from the present study showed that G. glabra extract has biological activity and can be used in future as a new natural antioxidant in food and drug industries.

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Introduction: There are many reports on the application of medicinal plants in traditional medicine, as well as numerous applications of metallic nanoparticles in different biomedical fields. Plant extract mediated green synthesis of nanoparticles and investigations on their therapeutic effects are new concepts. The medicinal plant of Cuminum cyminum L. includes a wide range of secondary metabolites with a high reducing power, which can be used for green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. The main aims of this study were phytochemical analysis of seed aqueous extract of Cuminum cyminum, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using this extract, the achievement of optimization condition for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, and assessment of biological activaties of both the extract and the synthesized nanoparticles.
 
Materials & Methods: Total phenol and flavonoid, reducing sugar, starch, and ascorbic acid contents were measured by Folin-Ciocalteo, aluminum chloride, dinitrosalicylic acid, anthrone, and dinitrophenyl hydrazine reagents, respectively. The Ag⁺ ions reduction and characterization of silver nanoparticles were assessed by UV-Visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Antioxidant activity of the samples was screened by DPPH free radical scavenging. Antibacterial activity of the samples was also evaluated against four gram-positive and -negative bacteria namely, Bacillus cereus (PTCC 1247), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) by disc diffusion method. In addition, antifungal activity was assessed against Fusarium oxysporum.
 
Findings: The indings indicated that the seed extract contained the high amounts of total phenolic and flavonoidic compositions, as well as sugar, starch, and ascorbic acid. Different analyses showed that the mean size of the synthesized nanoparticles was 5-45 nm in the optimal condition. The samples had proper antioxidant potential (IC₅₀=1.35-1.67 mg/ml) and the extract in combination with silver nanoparticles represented synergistic effect in DPPH free radical scavenging (IC₅₀=1.35 mg/ml). In addition, the investiogated samples had a good antibacterial activity against some of tested bacteria and also antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum.
 
Discussion & Conclusions: It seems that the secondary metabolites of Cuminum cyminum have good potential for the reduction and stabilization of the synthesized Ag nanoparticles. Both the seed extract and synthesized nanoparticles using this extract have considerable biological activities and may be used in antioxidant nutrient production or medicinal supplements in future.
 

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Introduction: During pregnancy, major changes occur in the mother's body; sometimes these changes are dangerous for both mother and the fetus. By recognizing these changes mother's pregnancy conditions could be managed. In this study, changes in blood cells and spleen tissue were investigated in female Wistar rats on the 10^th and 20^th days of pregnancy and the first week of lactation.
 
Materials & Methods: In this study, 54 rats (12 males and 42 females) were selected. After observing vaginal plug in female rats, 18 pregnant and 6 non-pregnant rats were selected randomly and divided into four groups of 6 as follows: the non-pregnant control group, 10^th day of pregnancy group, 20^th day of pregnancy group, and first week of lactation group. Blood samples were taken from all the groups. Spleen tissues were stained using the hematoxylin-eosin method for histopathological evaluation. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s test.
Findings: Platelets on the 10^th and 20^th days of pregnancy showed a significant reduction compared to the control group (P<0.001). White cells and lymphocytes on the 10^th day of pregnancy showed a significant increase compared to the control group (P<0.05). Macrophages on the 10^th and 20^th days of pregnancy were significantly elevated compared to the control group (P<0.001). The diameter of white pulp on the 10^th day of pregnancy showed a significant increase compared to the control group (P<0.05).
 
Discussion & Conclusions: Pregnancy increases white blood cells and reduces platelets in pregnant rats. It also increases the diameter of white pulp and spleen tissue macrophages. These changes can be caused by alterations in mother's immune system.
 

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Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a common clinical anomaly, with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors. Increased inflammatory mediators, such as reactive protein,as well as the inflammatory cytokines can be associated with the incidence and progression of metaboli syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
 
Materials & Methods: This study was performed on 35 male and female patients with an average age of 55 years, type 2 diabetes mellitus with metabolic syndrome and 35 healthy subjects as control group. Separated serum samples were kept at -20 ° C for quantitative evaluation of serum IL-18 by ELISA kit and C-reactive protein. RNA extraction from cells was performed by JenaBioscience kit and finally Gene expression assay was performed quantitatively using Real Time RTPCR.
 
Findings: The mean serum levels of IL-18 were significantly increased (P=0.008), and serum reactive protein (P<0.001) was significantly increased in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with metabolic syndrome compared with healthy subjects. Also, expression of IL-18 gene (P=0.003) in lymphocyte cells of type II diabetes patients with metabolic syndrome was significantly higher than healthy subjects.
 
Discussion & Conclusions: The present study showed that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with metabolic syndrome have high levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-18 in their serum. it can be concluded that serum levels of IL-18, C-reactive protein and IL-18 expression play an important role in inflammatory response and progression. Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

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Introduction: The use of nanotechnology in drug delivery to the cells can somewhat address some of the problems involved in the delivery of herbal medicines, including non-targeting and high oxidizing features. Therefore,this study aimed to investigate the niosomal nano-carriers containing Rosmarinus officinalisessential oil to improve itsphysicochemical characteristics and increase its antitumor properties.
 
Materials & Methods: The vesicles of niosome were preparedby thin-film method using span 60, cholesterol and polyethylene glycol and the Rosmarinus officinalisessential oil were loaded into the niosomes. Thereafter, theirphysicochemical characteristics were evaluated using Zeta Sizer, FTIR, SEM, and the essential oil release amount was calculated at 37° C and 42° C. Finally, MTT assay was performed to assess the toxicity of the nano-carrier containingessential oil against the KG-1 cell line of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
 
Findings: The results of the present study indicated thatprepared nano-carriers containing essential oil have encapsulation efficiency, size and zeta potential include 86.75 , 73.6 nm and -45.46 mV, respectively. SEM images have indicated the spherical morphology of nano-niosomes.Furthermore,the results showed the appropriate position of the essential oil in the nano-carriers and controlled release at 37^oC and 42^oC. Additionally, MTT assay results demonstrate that the encapsulated essential oil has a higher toxicity against KG-1 cell line than the free essential oil.
 
Discussion & Conclusions: The results of this study, while confirming the method used for niosomesynthesizing, the use of niosome as an effective carrier for essential oil encapsulation ,andits slow-releasing feature, suggests that this nanosystem can increase its stability without altering the chemical nature of the essential oil.Accordingly, it can be suitable for the delivery of rosemary essential oils to KG-1 cells the and the exertion of its effects on the cells.

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Introduction: Today, with the advancements in technology and the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)in various products, serious concerns have been raised about the use of this substance. This study aimed to determine the effect of Alpha Lipoic Acid(ALA) as a potent antioxidant against the toxicity of AgNPs on kidney tissue of NMRI mice.
 
Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 24 adult male NMRI mice with a mean weight of 36±2 g were randomly allocated into four groups of control, AgNPs (500 mg/kg/day), ALA (100 mg/kg/day), and AgNPs+ALA. Subsequently, they were treated orally for 35 days and sacrificed. The left kidney was taken out, fixed, sectioned, processed, and stained using the hematoxylin-eosin method. Following that, the biochemical and stereological parameters of the kidney, such as the volume calculation of its various components were measured in this study. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16). Ethics code: P/2/97s3113
 
 
Findings: In this study, there was a significant increase in the mean volume of the renal corpuscle (P<0.005), glomerulus (P<0.001), Taft (P<0.001), and Bowman capsule membrane (P<0.001); however, a significant decrease was observed in the mean total volume of Bowman capsule space (P<0.001) and proximal tubule lumen volume (P<0.05) in the AgNPs group, compared to the control group. The level of urea and malondialdehyde (P<0.001) was increased in the AgNPs group, compared to the control group.  In addition, total antioxidant capacity (P<0.001) showed a significant decrease.
 
Discussions & Conclusions: The ALA has a protective role in ameliorating kidney damage caused by silver nanoparticles.

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Introduction: Stem cell-based therapies create new hope for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since the mesenchymal stem cells have neuroprotective and regeneration effects, this study aimed to investigate the memory, learning, and antioxidant capacity of the hippocampus following human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (Ad-MSC) transplantation in Trimethyltin (TMT) rat's model of AD.
Material & Methods: In total, 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (8 animals per group) of control (without any treatment), TMT+PBS (Trimethyltin+Phosphate buffer saline), and TMT+Ad-MSC (Trimethyltin+Stem cells). For the induction of the AD, TMT was peritoneally injected (8 mg/Kg). After 48 h, the TMT+Ad-MSC group received 1 million stem cells intravenously. One month after transplantation, avoidance and working memories were evaluated. Afterward, hippocampal levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured using ELISA.
Findings: The results showed a significant increase in the percentage of correct motor frequency in the Y maze, a decrease in the spent time in the dark room (P<0.05), and an increase in the latency time to the dark room in the TMT+Ad-MSC group, compared to the TMT+PBS group (P<0.01). Moreover, a significant increase in the CAT, SOD, and GPX enzymes activity, as well as a decrease in the MDA level in the hippocampus were observed in the TMT+Ad-MSC group, compared to the TMT+PBS group (P<0.05).
Discussion & Conclusion: Xenotransplantation of human adipose tissue stem cell improved learning and memory, reduced tissue oxidative stress, and increased hippocampal antioxidant capacity in an animal model of AD.

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Introduction: Increasing levels of free radicals in the ova reduce the quality of their fertilization. Investigations have revealed the elevated production of tissue and serum-free radicals in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Sirtuin-3 is located in mitochondria and plays an important role in the deactivation of free radicals. This study aimed to investigate the expression of the Sirtuin-3 gene in the ova of polycystic ovary syndrome affected mice.
Material & Methods: Polycystic ovary syndrome was induced by the injection of estradiol valerate (40 mg/kg) in six NMRI mice (age: six weeks old; weight: 25±5); moreover, six mice were selected as a control group. Following the induction, the structure of the ovaries was examined using the histotechnique, and the serum levels of sex hormones were determined using ELISA. The ova were collected from the ovaries, and their RNA was extracted by a special kit and converted to cDNA. Real-Time PCR was performed to analyze the expression of Sirtuin-3, and the Gapdh gene was selected as an internal control.
(Ethic code: 97/6505)
Findings: In the mice with polycystic ovary syndrome, hydatid cysts were formed in the ovaries. Furthermore, serum FSH hormone levels decreased in the affected mice, while LH and testosterone levels elevated, compared to those in the control mice (P<0.001). The expression of Sirtuin-3 was reduced in the ova of mice with polycystic ovary syndrome, compared to that in healthy mice in the ratio of 0.18 (P<0.05).
Discussion & Conclusion: The result of the present study showed that the expression of the Sirtuin-3 gene was decreased in the ovum of mice with polycystic ovary syndrome. Moreover, the disrupted expression of the Sirtuin-3 in the ovum can be suggested as one of the causes of reduced quality of the ovum in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
 

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Introduction: The unique properties of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) produced using plant extract make them attractive for use in medical and industrial applications. Bunium persicum from the Apiaceae family is native to Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and some Central Asian countries, which is locally known as "Kermanin Black Cumin" in Iran. In this study, Ag-NPs were synthesized using methanol extract of B. persicum as the regenerating and stabilizing agent for the first time and were followed by the characterization and evaluation of its biological potency.
Material & Methods: Synthesis of Ag-NPs was conducted using the B. persicum extract. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy was used to detect the presence of nanoparticles. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was also employed to visualize the surface morphology, shape, and size distribution of nanoparticles. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is very sensitive to the chemical surface of nanoparticles and was utilized to identify functional groups in the nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines and antileishmanial activities were investigated using MTT assay, and the well diffusion method was used to detect the antibacterial property of the synthesized nanoparticles.
Findings: UV-VIS spectrum exhibits an absorption band at around 400-450 nm suggesting the formation of biological Ag-NPs. The size and morphological properties of nanoparticles were assessed by SEM which showed that particles have spherical shapes with a diameter of about 20-70 nm. Ag-NPs showed cytotoxicity against human glioblastoma cancer cell line A-172 (IC50:7.2 µg/ml) and breast cancer cell line MCF-7 (IC50:7.6 µg/ml) after 48 h treatment. Ag-NPs presented antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The present study confirmed good antileishmanial activity against the promastigote and amastigote stages of Leishmania major. The IC50 values of Ag-NPs and Glucantime® were 73.89 and 16.17μg/mL for promastigote, as well as 171.02 and 398.21 μg/mL for amastigotes assays, respectively.
Discussion & Conclusion: The extract of B. persicum has the ability to reduce Ag+ ions to Ag nanoparticles. Moreover, the fabricated Ag-NPs have good cytotoxicity, antibacterial, and antileishmanial activities.
 

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Introduction: The increasing trend of cancer morbidity and mortality is a major human health concern, indicating the necessity for the design and introduction of novel anticancer compounds. The use of nanotechnology products is a new approach to cancer treatment. Therefore, the current study was performed to synthesize Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with glutamine and conjugated to Thiosemicarbazide (TiO₂@Gln-TSC) to inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cells line (HepG2) and evaluate the effect of TiO₂@Gln-TSC NPs on the expression of apoptotic genes.
Material & Methods: TiO₂@Gln-TSC NPs were synthesized by a chemical method and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The cytotoxicity of the Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles was evaluated by the MTT assay, and relative gene expression was studied by Real Time PCR method.
Findings: The results showed that the synthesized Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles were spherical with a size range of 59 to 82 nm. The particles had a considerable anti-proliferative effect on liver cancer cells line with IC₅₀ of 80 µg/mL. The treatment of the cancer cell line with TiO₂@Gln-TSC NPs significantly increased the expression of the CASP3, BAX, and BCL2 by 2.8, 2.7, and 1.3 folds, respectively, which indicated the activation of apoptotic pathways in the treated cells.
Discussion & Conclusion: The results showed that the TiO₂@Gln-TSC NPs could inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cells line and by triggering the apoptosis pathway.

 

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Introduction: Assisted reproductive techniques and Preimplantation Genetic Test (PGT) are performed to detect aneuploidy to achieve a euploid baby's birth in infertile or low-fertility couples. miRNAs are single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules and essential regulators of gene expression in various biological and physiological processes. The present study aimed to investigate some miRNAs damaged in the culture media of human embryos (as diagnostic biomarkers) and their relationship with the degree of aneuploidy of the embryo and assisted reproductive methods.
Material & Methods: The PGT cycles derived sperm intracytoplasmic injection (April 2021 to June 2021) were evaluated using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Following that, the culture medium of three euploids and three aneuploid embryos with an X sex chromosome (Turner) was collected and the expression of has-miR-199a-5p, has-miR-199b-3p has-miR-379-5p, has-miR-483-5p, has-miR-99a-5p, and has-miR-432-5p were investigated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
Findings: In the culture medium of euploid embryos, a significant increase was observed in the expression of three miRNAs, including hsa-miR-379-5p, hsa-miR-199a-5p, hsa-miR-199b-3p. Moreover, a decrease was detected in the expression of three miRNAs, including hsa-miR-432-5p, hsa -miR-483-5p, and hsa-miR-99a-5p, with a significant difference (P<0.0001). The expression of these miRNAs in the culture medium of Turner embryos with the model was the opposite.
Discussion & Conclusion: In examining the expression level of miRNAs investigated in this project, the increase in the expression of three miRNAs and the decrease in the expression of three other miRNAs in euploid embryos demonstrated the opposite expression pattern of the same miRNAs in Turner embryos. These results can be considered promising for using non-invasive methods instead of fetal biopsy in the diagnostic studies of the number of sex chromosomes.