Journal of Arak University of Medical Sciences

Evaluating the Effect of Estrogen and Progesterone on Expression of EAAT2 and EAAT3 Glutamate Transporters Following Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

Abolfazl Azami Tameh

Abstract

Background: Glutamate is the most widespread excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) and plays major role in the pathogenesis of ischemia brain injury.Glutamate transporters have a major role in glutamate removal and maintain its concentration below excitotoxic levels. Although estrogen’s and progesterone’s neuroprotective effects were well-described, the exact molecular mechanism has yet to be determined. This study has investigated estrogen and progesterone effect on glutamate transporters expression in the ischemic penumbra/peri-infarct region in rat.

Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) for 1 h. Estrogen and progesterone combination was immediately injected after tMCAO subcutaneously. Sensorimotor functional tests for evaluating behavioral deficits and TTC staining for measurement of infarct volume were performed 24 h after MCAO. Real-time PCR technique was used for gene expression analysis of glutamate transporters EAAT2 and EAAT3.

Results: The combination of estrogen and progesterone could significantly reduce lesion volume. Also, hormone therapy could improve ischemic neurological disorders. After hormone therapy, gene expression of glutamate transporters EAAT2 and EAAT3 did not show significant changes.

Conclusion: Combined estrogen–progesterone treatment significantly reduces neurological deficits and infarct volume; these effects are independent of the glutamate transporters signaling pathways.

Administrative Obstacles to Assess Workers' Exposure to Harmful Agents in the Occupational Risks in Arak, 2010-2017

Mohammad Reza Tavakkol

Abstract

Background: Occupational hygiene is the art and science of the control of the occupational hazards and risk assessment is its most important duty. American Industrial Hygiene Association offered an accurate, sensitive and specific risk assessment method appropriate to the principles of the occupational health. In the present study, Arak Occupational hygienists idea about the strengths, weaknesses, administrative problems and improvement tools was asked.

Materials and Methods: This study is descriptive and analytical research and census in Arak Occupational hygienists(N=53). Data recording forms were designed to improve the appreciation and implementation of the method. An Excel® spreadsheet file was prepared to facilitate the calculations and keeping the recorded data. Experts’ attitude in this regard was evaluated using a questionnaire. Descriptive information was assessed by SPSS software and the relationship between variables was assessed by the Pearson coefficient.

Results Totally, 4% of participants in university were familiar with the method of risk assessment. In this study, 88% of the participants stated that the early identification forms were effective in streamlining the procedure. Furthermore, 84% stated that early identification forms were effective in learning the method. A fundamental issue regarding this method is its simplicity and ability to overall conception; that showed a uniform distribution from appropriate to inappropriate. The relationship between Excel file streamlining and simplicity of its concepts was found to be 0.743.

Conclusion: Application of tools such as identical forms and spreadsheets can help in simplifying and conception of this method and reduce some of the administrative problems.

The Effect of miR-940 Up-regultion on HbF and Erythroid Markers Expression in k-562 Cell Line

Shaban Alizadeh

Abstract

Background: Fetal hemoglobin (α2γ2) is the main oxygen transport protein in the human fetus. Fetal hemoglobin is nearly completely replaced by hemoglobin A, except in a few thalassemia cases and sickle cell anemia. Several studies have indicated that expression of γ-globin might be regulated post-transcriptionally. Small non-coding RNA called microRNAs which target mRNA can lead to translated repression or mRNA decay. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of miR-940 up-regultion on γ-chain gene expression and erythroid markers in k562 cell line.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, k562 cells were cultured in RPMI1640. Then pre miR-940 was transfected by electroporation method in k562 cell line. In 3, 7 and 14 days, RNA was extracted and cDNA synthesized in selected days. Up-regulation of miR-940 was confirmed by miRNA Quantitative real time PCR and then the expression γ of chains and GATA-1 was investigated by QRT-PCR. Finally, erythroid markers were checked by flow cytometry.

Results: In 3, 7 and 14 days after transfection, the GATA-1 and γ-chain expression were increased in comparison with untransfected cells. Also, the expression of erythroid markers was increased.

Conclusion: The data show that up-regulation of miR-940 has a role in the increase of γ-chain gene expression in k-562 cell line. We suggest that miR-940 may be a significant potent therapeutic target for increasing Hb F level. Patients with sickle cell anemia and β-thalassemia are suitable candidate for treatment in this way.

The effectiveness of Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on working memory in patients with major depression

Mahbobe Ebadi

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on working memory in patients with major depression.

Materials and Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with pretest and post-test and follow-up with control group. The research population comprised female outpatient referrals to private psychiatric centers and psychological counseling centers in Tehran in the first half of 2016, They had received a diagnosis of depression by a psychiatrist at least once. Of these, 30 females were selected as a sample group with convenience sampling method and based on the criteria of inclusion and exclusion and were divided randomly into two groups , experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) group. The experimental group received transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in 10 sessions, While this intervention was not provided to the control group. The data were collected by N-BACK. Analysis of variance with repeated measurments was used to test the research hypothesis.

Results: The results showed that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) had a significant effect on increasing working memory and the impact will continue to follow up.

Conclusion: Therefore, this approach can be used to improve working memory in people with major depression.

Effect of Royal Jelly on Blood Glucose and Lipids in Streptozotocin Induced Type 1 Diabetic Rats

Masoumeh Asle-Rousta

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder that leads to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Royal jelly is as a bee-collected natural product has diverse biological properties and that is rich in natural antioxidants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of royal jelly on serum glucose and lipids profile in streptozotocin induced type 1 diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups(8 in each): control, diabetic rats, Glibenclamide, and two groups of royal jelly- treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced in the rats by injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg b.w) intraperitoneally. The royal jelly was gavaged at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg after streptozotocin injection for30 days. At the end of this period, levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL in serum were measured.

Results: Royal jelly and Glibenclamide significantly decreased the levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL in diabetic rats (p<0.01). In addition, significant increase (p<0.01) in HDL level was observed in royal jelly-treating rats in comparison to the diabetic rats.

Conclusion: The results indicated that royal jelly may be used effectively in controlling and attenuating the complications of diabetes. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of royal jelly may be due to the presence of antioxidants.

The Relationship Between Left and Right PAG in Rat in Unilateral Pain in the Formalin Test

Javad Sajedianfard

Abstract

Background: Pain is a protective process in the body. There are different pathways for pain control in the central nervous system. Descending pain control system is one of pathways. The periaqueductal gray (PAG) is a structure known for its role in pain transmission and modulation. The aim of this study is to investigate the percent of interaction between the left and right PAG in unilateral left foot induced pain.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 60 rats (280+30g) in six groups were used (3test groups and 3 controls groups). In test groups, 0.5 microliter lidocaine was injected in the left PAG, right PAG or both to make local anesthesia. In control groups, 0.5 microliter of normal saline were injected. After 15 minutes, 50 microliter of 2.5% of formalin were injected subcutaneously to right hind paw of rats and nociception was detected in every 15 seconds for one hour.

Results: The induction of unilateral pain (left hind paw) in rats, can affect not only the ipsilateral but also the contralateral PAG nucleus.

Conclusion: This study showed that the left and right PAG nuclei have significant role on unidirectional nociception in formalin test in rats. The contralateral PAG, however, has a minor effect on nociception.

Alteration of neurokinin B gene expression and hypothalamic-pituitary- gonadal axis in response to one-month regular moderate physical activity

Homayoun Khazali

Abstract
Background: The advantageous effects of the regular moderate physical activity (Exercise) on reproduction is widely accepted, but until now, the alterations of the expression of hypothalamic arcuate nuclei gene affecting on reproduction axis in response to this type of physical activity are not clear. Therefore, the goal of the present investigation was to study the effect of one –month regular moderate physical activity on neurokinin B gene expression and reproductive axis hormonal changes.
Materials and Methods: In the experimental study, fourteen adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control and one- month regular moderate exercise groups. After one - month physical activity (20m/min), the arcuate nucleus was isolated from brain and stored in -80 refrigerators for neurokinin B gene expression assay by Real-time PCR method. In addition, serum samples were taken to assess the corticosterone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels by ELISA method. Data were analyzed by Independent t-test in SPSS.
Results: Neurokinin-B gene expression level was lower in the group which received physical activity than the control group(p<0.05). Also, corticosterone serum concentration was decreased in the physical activity group(p<0.05). By contrast, the physical activity induced luteinizing hormone and Testosterone serum levels evaluation in exersice group compared with control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Regular moderate physical activity may improve male reproductive performance by reducing the corticosterone hormone level and decreasing neurokinin B expression.

The Effect of Silybin Encapsulated in Nanoparticles on oprM Gene Expression in Drug Resistant Isolates of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Najmeh Ranji

Abstract
Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen that using several classes of antibiotics to treat has been led to the emergence of multiple drug resistance. One of the drug resistance mechanisms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is overexpression of mexXY-oprM efflux pump system. Silybin as main flavonolignan of silymarin extracted from Silybum marianum is a hepatoprotective agent that its anti-bacterial properties was studied, recently. In this study, the effect of combination of silybin and ciprofloxacin on oprM gene expression in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated.
Materials and Methods: In this study, seven ciprofloxacin resistant isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were treated by ciprofloxacin (1/2MIC) only (control sample) and in the combination with silybin-encapsulated micelle (nanoparticles) (test sample). After 24h, RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were performed in silybin treated and un-treated cells and oprM gene expression was quantitatively investigated by realtime PCR method.
Results: Results of this study showed that a silybin encapsulated in nanoparticles (400µg/ml) induces death up to 50% in resistant isolates treated by ciprofloxacin (1/2MIC) during 24h. Also, quantitative Real-Time PCR analysis revealed that silybin encapsulated in nanoparticles decreases the expression of oprM gene compared to silybin untreated cells.
Conclusion: It seems that Decrease of oprM expression in resistant isolates lead to decrease of mexAB-oprM and mexXY-oprM in cell surface, subsequently decrease of antibiotic withdrawal to extracellular environment and increase of sensitivity to antibiotics.

In Silico Screening Hepatitis B Virus DNA Polymerase Inhibitors from Medicinal Plants

Mokhtar Nosrati

Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) is a significant global health problem and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, currently, introducing novel anti Hepatitis B drugs is taken into consideration. This study was planned to in silico screening novel Hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase inhibitors from two medicinal plants Terminalis chebula and Caesalpinia sappan.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive-analytic study. In the study, three-dimensional structure of the Hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase was predicted using homology modeling method. A set of phytochemicals from mentioned plants were retrieved from Pubchem database in SDF format. In silico screening was carried out using molecular docking between mentioned phytochemicals and modeled polymerase by iGemdock 2.1 software.
Results: Results of the study confirmed that all evaluated ligands have appropriate interactions to the polymerase with least toxicity and without genotoxicity potential. Results also showed that most interactions occur in reverse transcriptase domain which located in 354-694 area in the amino acid sequence of tested polymerase. Analysis of energy and amino acids involved in ligand-polymerase interaction revealed that Terchebin, Chebulinic Acid and Terflavin A have more effective interaction with the polymerase in compared to other ligands.
Conclusion: Based on the results it can be concluded that evaluated compounds could be good candidates for in vitro and in vivo research in order to develop novel anti- Hepatitis B drugs.

Evaluation of Serum Biochemical and Histopathological Changes in Mice-Diabetic Kidney Followed by Simultaneous Injection of Nanoparticles of Zinc oxide and Thiamine

Rahmat Allah Fatahian Dehkordi

Abstract
Background: In this study, the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and thiamine on the blood biochemical markers and kidney histopathological changes after experimental diabetes in mice was investigated.
Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 56 mice were randomly divided into 8 groups of 7 each. Two groups of animals as controls (A) and thiamine (G) were considered. Other groups were diabetic by alloxan at a dose of 180 mg/kg. Group B mice were considered as diabetic group. To diabetic mice into Group C and D , ZnO NPs in concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg were intraperitoneally injected. Groups E and F; to these groups of diabetic mice, ZnO NPs in concentration of 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg along with thiamin (30 mg/l) was injected. ZnO NPs in concentration of 0.1 was injected to group H mice. Changes in renal tissue along with some biochemical parameters were measured.
Results: The results showed that diabetes induced changes in some of the serum biochemical factors (GGT, BUN and creatinine) in rats (p<0.05). However, the administration of nanoparticles and thiamine reduced these negative effects. Exposure to diabetes causes changes in the kidney tissue of the mouse, in the disturbance of scaffolds for tissue integrity clutter, fragmentation of some convoluted tubules and congestion within the connective tissue.
Conclusion: Treatment of the diabetes mice by ZnO NPs and thiamine improves renal histopathologic structure and blood biochemistry levels.