Background and Aim: Periostin acts as necessary protein in tissue development and has a key role in tooth-supporting tissues such as periodontal ligament. The effect of inflammation on reducing periostin level has been shown in some studies. The aim of this study was to compare the salivary and Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) periostin levels in patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy peers.
Methods & Materials: In this matched case-control study, 106 participants (53 patients with chronic periodontitis and 53 healthy controls) were studies after signing a informed consent form. They were matched for age, gender, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI). The GCF and salivary samples were collected from all participants and were assessed using standard Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The statistical analysis was conducted in Stata V. 11.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.34).
Results: The salivary and GCF periostin levels was significantly lower in patients than in healthy subjects (P<0.001). Moreover, the periostin levels was significantly different based on periodontal parameters (P<0.001).
Conclusion: There is association between the incidence of chronic periodontitis and salivary and GCF periostin levels. Hence, the periostin may act as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis  of chronic periodontitis and prevention of its progression.

Background and Aim: Fennel with phytoestrogenic, antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties is used in traditional Iranian medicine to treat Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Chronic inflammation is a new proposed mechanism in PCOS pathogenesis that suggests the role of immune system in this disease. Due to the main role of Treg cells in maintaining immune homeostasis, their impaired function, along with increased production of inflammatory compounds such as nitric oxide, can lead to persistent inflammation.
Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, 18 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups including control group, untreated PCOS-induced group, and fennel-treated group. The control group received 0.1 ml sesame oil for 21 days. PCOS was induced by subcutaneous injection of Dehydroepiandrosterone (60 mg/kg/day) plus 0.1 mL sesame oil for 21 days. Mice in third group were treated by intraperitoneal injection of 500 mg/kg/day fennel extract after 21 days. The regulatory of T cells (Tregs) were analyzed by flow cytometry method and nitric oxide level determination was performed by Griess Reaction method. Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay was used to measure the total antioxidant power.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.312).
Results: The estrous cycle was normalized after treatment with fennel. Fennel significantly reduced the number of ovarian cysts. Nitric oxide concentration decreased significantly while FRAP concentrations did not significantly alter. The number of Treg cells was also increased significantly.
Conclusion: Due to the role of immune system in the incidence of inflammation, concurrent modulation of both immune and endocrine systems may open new horizons in the design of new therapeutic interventions for PCOS.

Background and Aim: Tendon is the extracellular matrix of the muscle that mechanically and structurally adapts to the mechanical load. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of this adaptation are not known yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of resistance training on expression of two Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1) and myostatin genes in the tendon of fast- and slow-twitch muscles including Extensor Digitorum Longus (EDL) and Soleus (SOL).
Methods & Materials: Twelve male Wistar rats with 8 weeks of age were randomly divided into two groups of exercise (n=6) and control (n=6). The exercise group performed resistance training (Carrying weights with 40-160% body weight on the ladder) for 6 weeks, 5 sessions per week. Forty-eight hours after the last training session, all rats were sacrificed and the tendons of SOL and EDL muscles were extracted. The mRNA expression level of TGF-β1 and myostatin genes was assayed using real time polymerase chain reaction. Independent t-test was used for statistical analysis. 
Ethical Considerations: All experiments on animals were according to the ethical guidelines of Research Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch (ethical code: IR.IAU.PS.REC.1398.296)
Results: The expression of TGF-β1 gene in EDL (P≤0.001) and SOL (P≤0.01) muscle tendons significantly increased, while the expression of myostatin gene in EDL (P≤0.001) and SOL (P≤0.05) tendons were significantly reduced. 
Conclusion: Resistance training appears to up-regulate the basal levels of TGF-β1 gene and down-regulate the basal levels of myostatin gene in tendons of fast- and slow-twitch muscles, where these effects are significantly more pronounced in the tendon of fast-twitch muscle.

Background and Aim: The long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is an important type of RNAs that can regulate gene expression and, therefore, are involved in the development of various cancers. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) is used to identify phenotype-related loci within non-coding regions. However, the biological functions and exact relationships between phenotype-related loci and lncRNAs have not fully been identified. No study was found on the relationship between rs8506C>T polymorphisms in the lincRNA-NR_024015 exon and breast cancer susceptibility and clinical factors. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of polymorphism rs8506C>T on the breast cancer risk.
Methods & Materials: In this case-control study, participants were 120 patients with breast cancer, 120 healthy controls. The genetic variant was genotyped by using the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method. Interactions between the polymorphism and clinical factors were further evaluated, and Odds Ratio (OR) was measured for risk assessment.
Ethical Considerations: This study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee at Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences (code:????) .
Results: There was a correlation between rs8506 C>T polymorphism and breast cancer risk in the dominant model (CC and CT+TT genotypes; P=0.027; OR=1.84; 95% CI: 1.067‐3.201). In the co-dominant model, CT genotype had a statistically significant association with breast cancer risk (P=0.038). Subjects with T allele in the rs8506 polymorphism had an increased risk of breast cancer (OR=1.69; 95% CI: 1.047-2.736; P=0.031). No relationship between rs8506 polymorphism and clinical factors including metastasis, tumor grade, and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) status was observed.
Conclusion: Genetic variant rs8506 C>T polymorphism in the lincRNA-NR_024015 exon may contribute to the breast cancer risk. Allele T in this variant confers an increased risk of breast cancer. Further functional analyses are required to detect the detailed mechanism underlying the observed association.

Background and Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between Endoplasmic Reticulum autophagy (ER-phagy) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) by analyzing the expression patterns of related genes in animal models.
Methods & Materials: Microarray data of AD patients’ brain tissues were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. These data were first analyzed in GEO2R online tool. Then, the expression of ER-phagy related genes were isolated and the protein interaction networks were plotted by STRING database for the genes with increased expression. Finally, the relationship between the genes that had significant increased expression were designed, and the expression of new identified genes in each study was examined. 
Ethical Considerations: All ethical principles were considered in this article. 
Results: Genes involved in ER-phagy showed a sporadic expression in different AD models. An increase in the expression of ER-phagy regulatory 1 (FAM134B) gene was observed in studies with the mutation in both Microtubule-associated Protein Tau (MAPT) and Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) genes. Increase in the expression of NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 1 (NPC1) gene was observed in two studies that had mutations in APP, Presenilin 1 (PSEN1) and MAPT genes. Moreover, SEC62 homolog and Cell Cycle Progression 1 (CCPG1) genes both showed decreased expression in one study. Finally, the expression of Reticulon 3 (RTN3) was not significant in any of the studies.
Conclusion: The genes involved in ER-phagy have a sporadic expression in AD models, where only two genes FAM134B and NPC1 are involved in AD. The FAM134B gene seems to interact with the Wnk1 gene, which plays a role in cell survival and proliferation, in the hippocampus and forebrain. It also interacts with the Map1lc3b gene, which has a role in phagosome deletion and protein ubiquitination, in the forebrain. It also interacts with the Map1lc3b gene, which has a role in phagosome deletion and protein ubiquitination, in the forebrain. NPC1 had interaction with the Abcg1 gene, which activates lipid homeostasis, in the subventricular zone.

Background and Aim: Although there are methods such as the use of mouthwashes to prevent periodontal diseases, these diseases are still the most common oral diseases. Given the side effects of chemical methods, the present study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory and antibacterial effects of peppermint essential oil on periodontal pathogens.
Methods & Materials: Antibacterial effect of the peppermint essential oil by the disk diffusion and Microplate dilution techniques was performed on 4 standard bacteria purchased from the microbial bank of Iran, including Enterococcus Faecalis, Streptococcus Sanguinis, Eikenella corrodens, and Actinomyces Viscosus. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of the essential oil were also evaluated. The amount of biofilm formation was obtained by calculating the average biofilm formation in the three wells and comparing it with the optical density of negative control by the Elisa Reader device.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences with code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.15.
Results: Results of diffusion test showed the inhibitory effect of 0.1 g/mL essential oil on Enterococcus Faecalis and Streptococcus Sanguinis. Pure essential oil of peppermint showed the strongest inhibitory effect on streptococcus sanguinis followed by enterococcus faecalis, actinomyces viscosus and eikenella corrodens. 
Conclusion: The peppermint plant has antibacterial and inhibitory effects on the bacteria of enterococcus faecalis, streptococcus sanguinis, eikenella corrodens, and actinomyces viscosus. Therefore, peppermint as a natural and effective antibacterial agent, has a potential application in the prevention of periodontal disease.

Background and Aim: Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of death, and its prevalence is increasing annually because of the change in lifestyle. Increased blood glucose level and dyslipidemia are the major symptoms of this metabolic disease. Currently, the main and effective treatment for diabetes is the use of medication such as insulin. Its control by using herbal products has received a lot of attention in the world. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of bioflora (a probiotic supplement) and aqueous extract of cinnamon in improvement of blood glucose level, dyslipidemia, and reduction of cardiovascular diseases in diabetic rats. 
Methods & Materials: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were prepared and randomly divided into five groups of negative control, positive control, probiotic (treated with bioflora 3.2×108 CFUs/day for 30 days), cinnamon (treated with 200 mg/kg of cinnamon aqueous extract for 30 days), and probiotic + cinnamon. Diabetes was induced by intra-peritoneally injection of streptozotocin. The rats’ weight, blood glucose level, lipid profile, high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and Atherogenic Index (AI) were measured at the end of experiment to predict the risk of cardiovascular diseases.  
Ethical Considerations: This study ethically approved in Research Centre of Islamic Azad University of Arak (Code: IR.IAU.ARAKREC1397.005). All interventions performed in accordance with the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals prepared by the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources.
Results: Induction of diabetes caused severe weight lost in rats, but the weight loss was lower in groups treated with probiotic. The blood glucose level in probiotic + cinnamon group was significantly reduced. Bioflora reduced triglyceride, cholesterol, and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, while cinnamon extract significantly reduced triglyceride and LDL-C levels compared to the positive control group. AI and hs-CRP values were reduced in the probiotic group compared to control groups. There was no synergistic effect by combined use of bioflora and cinnamon extract. 
Conclusion: Bioflora effectively prevented dyslipidemia by improving intestinal microbiota, lowering blood glucose level, and improving lipid profile and, therefore, reduced the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Background and Aim: In patients suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the secretion of the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) increases while adiponectin secretion and dopamine release decreases. Dopamine and adiponectin exert inhibitory effecs on LH secretion. In the present study the effects of L-dopa and dopamine receptor antagonists were investigated on LH secretion and adiponectin gene expression of in PCOS model rats to determine whether dopaminergic pathway might be involved in the decreasing LH via affecting adiponectin.
Methods & Materials: Following estradiol valerate- induced PCOS, fifteen PCOS rats were divided into 3 groups including saline receiving group, L-dopa(100 mg/kg) or simultaneous injections of sulpride(10 mg/kg), SCH23390 hydrochloride (1 mg/kg) and L-dopa(100 mg/kg), Five intact rats received saline as negative control group. Blood samples were collected via tail vein. Ovary and hypothalamus were dissected and frozen. Serum concentration of LH and relative gene expression of adiponectin in ovary and hypothalamus were determined by radioimmunoassay and real time-PCR method. 
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Committee of University of Mohaghegh Ardabili (Code: 95.125.1). 
Results: Induction of PCOS caused a significant increase in mean serum concentration of LH and a significant decrease in mean relative gene expression of ovarian and hypothalamic adiponectin compared to control group. L-dopa caused a significant decrease in serum concentration of LH, a significant decrease in hypothalamic gene expression of adiponectin compared to PCOS rats. But it did not significantly increase ovarian adiponectin gene expression in comparison to PCOS rats. Dopamine receptor antagonists inhibit the effects of L-dopa on LH and hypothalamic gene expression of adiponectin.
Conclusion: Dopaminergic signaling pathway may be involved in decreasing LH secretion via increasing hypothalamic adiponectin gene expression level in PCOS rats.

Background and Aim: Cervical Cancer (CC) is the third most common malignancy in the women, the main cause of which is human papillomavirus (HPV). Both E6 and E7 oncogenes of the virus play an important role in its tumorigenesis. Today, methods available for screening CC are not capable of detecting the disease at an early stage. Therefore, it is important to identify new biomarkers for early detection of this cancer. For this purpose, in the present study, miRNAs targeting the two oncogenes E6 and E7 of human papillomavirus (types 16 and 18) were studied in CC by bioinformatics.
Methods & Materials: First, using the NCBI database, the E6 and E7 gene sequences were obtained for both human papillomavirus types 16 and 18. Then, using the miRBase and RNA22 bioinformatics databases, the most appropriate targeting miRNAs for these genes were selected.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences.
Results: Based on the P obtained from bioinformatics databases, miRNA including miR-92a-5p (P=7.51e-2), miR-195-3p (P=2.24e-1), miR-34a-5p (P=2.73e-1) and miR-155-5p (P=4.95e-2) were introduced for the two genes E6 and E7.
Conclusion: Results from bioinformatics studies revealed that of the four miRNAs identified, miR-155-5p and miR-92a-5p are probably the targeting miRNAs specific for the E6 and E7 genes, respectively. Therefore, it seems that these miRNAs can be a suitable candidate for in vitro studies in CC patients.

Background and Aim: Epilepsy is a common brain disorder. Brain function can be affected by the intestinal microflora. The intestinal microflora have a major role in modulating immune responses, producing essential metabolites and mediating neurotransmitters. Antibiotics can affect and reduce these roles and functions by eliminating the intestinal microflora. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intestinal natural micro flora removal on seizure susceptibility and seizure behavior modification with the use of probiotics in male Wistar rats.
Methods & Materials: This study was performed on 32 male Wistar rats with weight range 200-250 gr. The animals were randomly divided into four groups: 1. Control group; 2. Antibiotic group; 3. Probiotic group and 4. Antibiotic + probiotic group. To remove the microflora, antibiotics (neomycin, ampicillin, and metronidazole) for three weeks and for replacement of microflora, probiotics (Lactobacilli casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) for four weeks were administered. Seizures were performed by intraperitoneal injection of pentylentrazole. The microflora was examined by the MRS Agar medium and the Pure Plate method. The data were statistically analyzed in Graph Pad Prism V. 8.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1395.176).
Results: The use of antibiotics lead to decrease the number of intestinal bacteria (P<0.0001), increased the severity and stability of seizure stages (P<0.05) and decreased the time delay of seizure onset (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Probiotic consumption by modifying the intestinal microflora (P<0.0001) reduced the severity of seizure and increased the time delay of seizure onset (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Elimination of microflora has the potential to induce seizures, which can be compensated by administration of probiotics.

Background and Aim: Tendon, like the skeletal muscle, exhibits mechanical and morphological adaptations resulted from exercise training; however, little is known about the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate these responses. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of aerobic training on the TGF-β1, myostatin and MMP9 mRNAs expression in the tendon of fast- and slow-twitch muscles. 
Methods & Materials For this purpose, 12 male Wistar rats at 8 weeks of age were randomly divided into two groups: experimental (n=6) and control (n=6). The exercise group performed aerobic training for 6 weeks, 5 sessions per week. Forty-eight hours after the last training session, all rats were sacrificed and the tendons of soleus and Extensor Digitorum Longus (EDL) muscles were extracted. Expression of TGF-β1, myostatin and MMP9 mRNAs were assayed using RealTime-PCR. Independent t-test was also used for statistical analysis.
Ethical Considerations: All stages of the study were conducted according to the ethical guidelines and authorization of Research Deputy of Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch No. IR.IAU.PS.REC.1398.296. 
Results: The results showed that the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA in EDL and soleus tendons significantly increased (P≤0.001), whereas the expression of myostatin in EDL tendon was significantly reduced (P≤ 0.001). Increased mRNA expression of MMP9 in the tendon of EDL and soleus muscles was not statistically significant (P>0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that aerobic exercise can modulate the expression of genes involved in the regulation of tendon collagen in a muscle type-dependent manner.

Background and Aim: In the microbial contamination of food and water, identifying the trace amounts of contaminating bacteria has always been of researchers’ interest and concern. The most frequent approach to resolve this problem is using culture-based methods to increase and enrich bacteria samples; accordingly, it extends the bacterial detection process to several hours or days. One of the smart strategies to solve this problem is the concentration of bacteria using physical methods. The present study aimed to enrich Vibrio cholerae as the most essential water-polluting germs. Accordingly, we used the filtration method and evaluated its function by culture method and two detection approaches of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and PCR assay.
Methods & Materials: A certain concentration of V. Cholerae was artificially added to a specified volume of sterile water. Then, the bacteria were extracted from the medium and filtered using 0.450 µm separable filters. Finally, the performance of the pre- and post-filtration processes was compared using bacterial cell culture (CFU), ATP, and PCR assay with the specific primers for the ompW gene of V. cholerae.
Ethical Considerations: This article is a meta-analysis with no human or animal sample.
Results: The present research results indicated that the applied method presented high efficiency and recovery performance. In other words, samples provided no positive response before filtration in both methods; however, after filtration in isolated and recovered samples, the presence of bacteria was detected in the ATP and PCR methods. 
Conclusion: In conclusion, the employed strategy can detect V. cholerae in non-culture and in the shortest time in contaminated water samples.

Background and Aim: The genus of Lactococcus lactis belonging to the Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) group, is a gram-positive, faculative anaerobic, non-spore-forming, and non-motile bacterium. The present study aimed to introduce LAB, especially non-pathogenic, non-invasive, and safe Lactococcus lactis. Accordingly, we examined the previous studies concerning the advantages, limitations, promotion methods, and future prospects of oral vaccines based on this bacterium. This is because it is a potentially promising strategy for the vaccine production and prevention of some infectious diseases.
Methods & Materials: In this review article, 62 studies related to Lactococcus lactis and its application in producing oral vaccines were collected through searching databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus published from 1981 to 2020.
Ethical Considerations This article was approved by the Ethical Research Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences with the number 1396/99.
Results: Lactococcus lactis, as a safe microorganism, is widely used in the food industry. Live recombinant Lactococcus lactis as a "biologic drug" is orally administered as one of the live vaccines expressing viral and bacterial antigens.
Conclusion: Recombinant Lactococcus-based vector can be suitable substitutes for live attenuated vaccines. Moreover, it can be a safe and food-grade host for manufacturing the desired products of human consumption over other systems. It also presents a high potential for vaccine delivery, especially through mucosal methods to prevent or treat certain diseases.

Background and Aim: Deferasirox (Exjade) is an iron-chelating drug used in patients with beta-thalassemia major. Oxidative stress is among f the major causes of nephrotoxicity and its progression. Deferasirox, due to oxidative stress and increased cell apoptosis causes the dysfunction of renal tubules and renal toxicity. According to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the present study explored the effect of vitamin C on deferasirox-induced kidney damage.
Methods & Materials: This study was performed on 30 Wistar rats in 3 groups of control, deferasirox, and deferasirox plus vitamin C. To induce the nephrotoxicity, the intra-peritoneum injection of deferasirox (75 mg/kg/day) was used. After taking plasma from the blood samples of the explored rats, we determined the values of Cr, Na+, K+, Mg+, osmolality, and BUN in the obtained plasma and urine samples. The creatinine clearance, as well as the relative and absolute excretion of sodium and potassium, were also calculated. After separating the two kidneys, they were used for the histologic study with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, as well as Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP)  biochemical studies.
Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1396.309).
Results: Cotreatment with deferasirox and vitamin C reduced renal tissue MDA and relative and absolute Na and K excretion and urine osmolarity; this method also increased creatinine clearance and renal tissue FRAP.
Conclusion: The co-administration of vitamin C presented a significant protective effect on the renal toxicity induced by deferasirox. The protective property of deferasirox is because of the antioxidant impacts of vitamin C in reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. 

Background and Aim: Phonological awareness skills, as part of phonological processing abilities, can predict the extent of success in acquiring written and reading skills. Phonological awareness skills are of concern in children with severe and profound hearing loss, which has been less studied in this population. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate these skills in Cochlear-Implanted (CI) children and compare them with their healthy counterparts.
Methods & Materials: The study population included 25 CI children and 25 healthy children, aged 4-6 years, who were monolingual Persian speakers. The selected CI and healthy children were selected from the Rehabilitation Center of Naqmeh and the Kindergartens in Mashhad, City, Iran, respectively. After selecting each participant, the test of phonological awareness was administered. To compare the mean scores of each subtest, the obtained data were analyzed in SPSS v. 21 using the Mann-Whitney U test.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.MUMS.REC.1396.263).
Results: The mean scores of CI children were significantly lower than that of their healthy peers in all phonological awareness subscales (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The obtained data suggested that healthy children presented better performance than the CI children in the phonological awareness test. Poor phonological awareness skills in CI children seem to be associated with hearing deprivation before cochlear implantation; thus, it requires to speed up surgery at an early age and the implementation of an effective rehabilitation program.