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Background: Angiogenesis is one of the most important biological processes which is characterized by the formation of new blood vessels in many developmental and pathological stages. Therefore, angiogenesis blockage using anti-angiogenic drugs can be effective in treatment of such diseases as hemorrhages and cancers. Citrullus colocynthis (bitter melon) is a medicinal plant with cytotoxicity effects that its anti-angiogenic effects were investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: In an experimental study, at first, Citrullus colocynthis alcoholic extract was prepared. Then, 30 Highline fertilized eggs were randomly divided into control, sham-exposed, and treatment groups. On the seventh day of incubation, the sham-exposed group was treated with normal salin and the treatment group was treated with the plant extract. On the 10th day of incubation, CAMs were examined and photographed by research photostereomicroscope. The number and length of vessels around the treated region were measured and analyzed through SPSS and t-test (p<0.05). Results: According to data analysis, the number (31.40±5.87) and length (46.60±7.33 cm) of vessels in the control group did not reveal a significant difference in comparison to the number (27±5.16) and length (42.40±5.05 cm) of vessels in the sham-exposed group. However, a significant decrease was observed in the number (6.70±2.05) and length (14.79±3.34 cm) of vessels in the treatment group in comparison to the control group(p<0.05). Conclusion: The alcoholic extract of Citrullus colocynthis seems to have had a repressive effect on angiogenesis in chick chorioallantoic membrane. Therefore, it decreases the number and length of vessels around the treated area.

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Background: Chronic diabetes mellitus is accompanied with disturbances in learning, memory, and cognitive skills. Noticing the existing evidence regarding the anti-diabetic potential of hesperetin, the effect of its chronic administration on learning and memory in diabetic rats was investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were divided into control, hesperetin-treated control, diabetic, and hesperetin/glibenclamide-treated diabetic groups. For evaluation of learning and memory, initial (IL) and step-through latencies (STL) were determined at the end of the study using passive avoidance test, and the alternation behavior percentage was obtained using Y maze. Results: STL significantly decreased in the diabetic (p<0.01) and hesperetin-treated diabetic (p<0.05) groups in comparison to the control group however, the difference between these two groups was not significant. Alternation percentage in the diabetic group was significantly lower in comparison to the control group (p<0.05), but the hesperetin-treated diabetic group revealed a significant difference in comparison to the diabetic group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Although long-term treatment with hesperetin does not enhance the capability of retention and recall in diabetic animals on the passive avoidance test, it can improve the short-term spatial memory in diabetic animals.

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Background: Molybdenum is an essential trace element for both animals and plants. Molybdenum (Mo), which functions as a cofactor for a limited number of enzymes including xanthine dehyrogenase, aldehyde oxidase, and sulfite oxidase in mammals, is believed to be an essential trace element in animal nutrition. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of sodium molybdate against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage. Materials and Methods: In an experimental study, adult male rats received daily oral administrations of different doses of sodium molybdate (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 g/kg bw) along with intrapertioneal CCl4 (50% CCl4 in olive oil, 1 ml/kg bw) twice a week for 28 consecutive days. Results: Histopathological examinations in CCl4-treated rats showed extensive liver injuries characterized by extensive hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis, fat degeneration, and inflammatory cell infiltration while histopathological changes induced by CCl4 were significantly attenuated by sodium molybdate treatment. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that sodium molybdate could protect liver against the CCl4-induced oxidative damage in rats, and this hepatoprotective effect might be contributed to the protection of liver by preventing the toxic chemical reactions which generate oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and molecular changes which ultimately lead to liver tissue necrosis.

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Background: Molybdenum is an essential trace element for both animals and plants. Molybdenum (Mo), which functions as a cofactor for a limited number of enzymes including xanthine dehyrogenase, aldehyde oxidase, and sulfite oxidase in mammals, is believed to be an essential trace element in animal nutrition. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of sodium molybdate against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage. Materials and Methods: In an experimental study, adult male rats received daily oral administrations of different doses of sodium molybdate (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 g/kg bw) along with intrapertioneal CCl4 (50% CCl4 in olive oil, 1 ml/kg bw) twice a week for 28 consecutive days. Results: Histopathological examinations in CCl4-treated rats showed extensive liver injuries characterized by extensive hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis, fat degeneration, and inflammatory cell infiltration while histopathological changes induced by CCl4 were significantly attenuated by sodium molybdate treatment. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that sodium molybdate could protect liver against the CCl4-induced oxidative damage in rats, and this hepatoprotective effect might be contributed to the protection of liver by preventing the toxic chemical reactions which generate oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and molecular changes which ultimately lead to liver tissue necrosis.

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Background: In pyoderma infections, the density of pus is related to desoxiribo-nucleoproteins. The use of streptodornase (DNase) in combination with streptokinase can help dissolve purulent secretions of infections which results in healing the wound through the discharge of pus from the necrotic tissue. The aim of this study was to produce recombinant streptodornase from group A strain of Streptococcus pyogenes which is highly efficient in terms of active streptodornase production using expression vector. Materials and Methods: In this applied-fundamental study, genomic DNA of streptodornase gene (sd) was extracted by phenol-chloroform. Then by using specific primers of streptodornase gene, it was amplified through PCR. The resulting streptodornase gene was cloned in pGEX4T1-sd transformer for expression and the pGEX4T1-sd plasmid was transferred to the sd. E.coli BL21. Protein production was done by induction via IPTG and optimization of the conditions. The recombinant protein was purified using the glutathione sepharose 4B kit. Results: The nucleotide sequence of PCR and group A streptodornase Streptococcus was totally the same. The production of the streptodornase recombinant protein was done by inducing pGEX4T1-sd plasmid via Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside. Protein purification was done through affinity-chromatography by using glutathione sepharose 4B. The recombinant protein was reacted with anti-streptodornase mouse serum through Western-Blot method. Conclusion: Recombinant streptodornase can be produced by pGEX4T1 in E. coli. The recombinant protein maintains its antigenic property desirably. Noticing the domestic need in Iran, low rate of production, and pathogenesis of streptococci, production of this recombinant product is feasible.

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Background: Noticing the practical significance of stem cells, this study was conducted to culture and screen bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells derived from Raf and Hilline chicken strains and investigate the effect of age and race on the morphology and differentiation of the generated cells. Materials and Methods: In this fundamental study, bone marrow cells from 3 to 25 day-old Raf and Hiline chicken strains were cultured in low glucose DMEM, 10% BFS. Then third passage bone marrow cells of the two strains were compared in terms of morphology, differentiation to bone, cartilage, and adiposity. Data were analyzed through SPSS software. Results: In culturing Raf chicken derived bone marrow cells, in contrast to Hiline chicken strain, colonization took place and they almost had a better fibroblastic morphology. The results indicated higher yields of differentiation to bone, cartilage, and adipose tissues in Raf chicken derived bone marrow cells than Hiline chicken. These differences were statistically significant. Also, 15 days was the most suitable age for screening the mesenchymal stem cells of chicken. Conclusion: Screening and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells from 15-day old Raf chicken bone marrow cells are good resources for differentiation and purification of chicken bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

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Background: Falcaria vulgaris has different properties and it used as dietary and medicinal herb in the west of Iran. Previously, we showed that this plant has protective and repairing effect on gastric ulcer were demonstrated .The aim of present work was to investigate the effects of F. vulgaris extract on female rat's fertility. Material and methods: In this Exprimental study Virgin female NMRI rats (160-190 gr) were used in three experiments. In each experiment, animal divided into two subgroups (n=8): control which received Distilled Water (DW) (2cc/kg) and case which received herb extract (150mg/kg) interaperitonealy. In first experiment, animals received single dose of extract or DW. In second experiment، female rat received extract or DW in perimplantation period (day 1 to 5 of pregnancy) and in third experiment ( day 5 to 7 of pergnancy). In both experiments implantation sites and neonates were counted in three experiments. Data were analyzed by T-Test test and p<0.05 were considered significant. Results: All three experiments showed significant differences between control and case groups in implantation sites and neonates number. This differences were more prominence in first and third experiment.

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Background: Food contamination with fungi and the production of mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin, allow the toxins to enter human body. Continuous contamination with low doses of these agents can act as a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus the present study was carried out to evaluate the detection of contamination in eggs with aflatoxin by PCR method. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 144 suspicious and 211 intake eggs were collected and three samples of fungi including aspergillus niger, penicillium expansum, and fusarium verticillioides as negative controls and 14 samples of aspergillus flavus as positive controls were selected and examined using TLC and PCR. The results were analyzed through SPSS software. Results: By PCR, neither aflR, omt-A, and ver-1, nor-1 was detected in intake eggs by PCR. Of the suspected eggs, four samples with nor-1, two samples with aflR, and two samples with omt-A could be detected. Three samples of the 14 strains of aspergillus flavus were shown to be positive through the use of TLC and the four primers. One strain of aspergillus flavus was positive with all of the four primers however, it was negative in TLC. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that PCR is a sensitive, fast, and specialized technique, but it cannot detect the presence of the fungi before the appearance of colonization. Thus for indicating toxcification, other complementary tests are also required.

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Background: Hyaluronidase A is an antigenic protein that is secreted by Streptococcus pyogenes. Nowadays, streptococcal infections are diagnosed by tracking down anti-hyaluronidase A antibodies. In this study, the attempt was made to generate recombinant hyaluronidase A in E. coli. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, through designing specific primers and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), hyaluronidase A gene was amplified and after purification, it was sub-cloned in plasmid expression vector pET32a. Then pET32a-hylA was transferred to E. coli BL21-DE3-plySs. Protein generation induced by IPTG. The recombinant protein was purified by Ni-NTA kit and its concentration was assayed by Bradford method. Western-Blot analysis was run for verifying the recombinant hyaluronidase A. Results: The nucleotide sequencing of the gene amplified by PCR was the same as hyaluronidase A gene from Streptococcus pyogenes. Production of the recombinant hyaluronidase A via induction by pET32a-hylA plasmid was done through IPTG. The expressed protein was purified by affinity chromatography by Ni-NTA resin. The concentration of purified protein was 500µg/ml. analysis using a mouse anti-hyaluronidase A serum was reacted with the generated protein using Western-Blot analysis. Conclusion: Recombinant HylA protein can be generated in E.coli and the resulting protein maintains its antigenic properties desirably.

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Background: Hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the effects of physalis alkekengi extract on the levels of cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), and triglycerides (TG) were evaluated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, fifty adult male Wistar strain rats were selected and divided into five groups of ten: Control group with a normal diet, control group with a high fat diet receiving interpritoneal injection of saline for 21 days, and treatment groups with fatty diets which received maximum (0.1 g/kg), moderate (0.2 g/kg), and minimum (0.4 g/kg) dose interpritoneal injections of the extract. After this period, blood sampling was done and the obtained results were analyzed through SPSS software. Results: According to the obtained results, LDL and cholesterol concentrations decreased significantly (P<0.05), whereas HDL and TG plasma concentrations did not reveal any significant changes. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that such changes are mainly due to the lycopene existing in the plant. Lycopene is a strong antioxidant which inhibits the production of LDL and presumably increases the excretories through releasing cholesterol therefore, it reduces blood cholesterol level and controls cholesterol synthesis.

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Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common causes of loss of mental function broadly known as “Dementia”. Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 2% (6.5 Million) of people in the developed countries and responsible for over 100,000 death per year in USA Alzheimer’s disease usually occurs between sixth to ninth decade and its progressive deterioration comprised of gradual destruction of memory, judgment, language, reasons in addition to behavioral alterations. Microscopic biopsy shows cortical atrophy along with ventricular enlargement of the brain. These clinical manifestations reflect the neurotic degeneration in cerebral cortex, especially, the temporo-parietal cortex and the hippocampus. Pathological abnormalities of Alzheimer’s disease include brain deposition of two fibrillary proteins. These two are known as Beta-amyloid proteins containing Apolipoprotein E and Tau proteins. Alzheimer’s disease affects primarily cholinergic neurons, therefore, treatment is followed by specific drugs that inhibit the degradation of acetylcholine within synapses. Current medications only treat the cognitive symptoms but not the underlying disorder. Several lines of ongoing research are showing promising scientific results. These include, uncovering the biological markers for early detection and developing new effective drugs. Also, new approaches have been employed to block the molecular processes that lead to this disease. Moreover, many clinicians are exploring alternative pathways for Alzheimer’s disease treatment, such as good diet along with mental and physical exercise as preventive methods.

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Background: Some plant extracts, including species of Santolina have antibacterial effects and they can be used as antimicrobial agents in treatment of infections. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the compounds of essential oil and the anti-microbial properties of its essential oil and extract. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, yarrow plant in late spring was collected from Sistan region in 2008. The compounds of the essential oil were analyzed by GC/MS. In this study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and diameter of inhibition zone of growth for the standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, P.aeruginosa, and Candida.albicans were determined through disk diffusion and agar-well diffusion methods and dilution in the liquid medium, respectively. Results: Camphor was the major compound of the essential oil. The standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus presented the greatest sensitivity to the stem extract and leaf extract in MIC> 0.573 and MBC> 1.146, respectively and to the flower extract in MBC> 1.663 and MIC> 0.831, respectively. In addition, it presented an intermediate sensitivity to standard strains E.coli with MBC> 2.293 and MIC> 1.146, respectively to the stem and leaf extract and MBC> 6.650 and MIC> 3.325 respectively to the flower extract. However, the standard strains of Candida albicans and P.aeruginosa did not show a significant sensitivity to the extracts. Also, the essential oil of this plant in comparison with the extracts did not have any significant antimicrobial effects. Conclusion: The plant extracts, especially stem and leaf possess anti-bacterial effects. But further investigations are needed for determining its exact mechanism

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Background: Research has shown that healthy individuals with no known cardiovascular risk factors who experience a stressful life are likely to develop cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, stress can be one of the most important risk factors involved in cardiovascular diseases. This study evaluated the possible effects of chronic stress induced by obligatory swimming and noise on coronary arteries histological changes. Materials and Methods: In this experimental trial, male Wistar rats were exposed to two different types of chronic stresses, including physical obligatory swim stress and psychological noise stress. After the last stress session, the rats were examined in terms of the ratio of the vessel lumen diameter to outer diameter, ratio of media diameter to outer diameter, ratio of adventitia diameter to outer diameter, and ratio of wall thickness to outer diameter of vessels. Results: Obligatory swimming stress and noise stress each significantly increased the ratio of media diameter to the outer diameter of vessels (P<0.001) and decreased the ratio of vessels lumen diameter to the outer diameter (P<0.05). Swimming stress and noise stress induced increases in the ratio of wall thickness to the outer diameter of vessels (P<0.01, P<0.05, respectively). In addition, swimming stress significantly increased the ratio of adventitia diameter to the outer diameter of vessels (P<0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that chronic stress can induce coronary vessel remodelling which results in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases

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Background: Bacterial cellulose synthesized by acetobacter xylinum is a harmless microbial product with unique characteristics as an ideal dress that many studies have been done on. The aim of this study was to consider the capability of this product in absorption and release of tetracycline hydrochloride. Indication of this capability can pave the way for supplying a new dressing containing antibiotic from bacterial cellulose. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, cellulose sheet was initially impregnated on aqueous solution of tetracycline hydrochloride. Then the release process was considered in diluted water and normal saline. Ultra violet spectrophotometry method was applied to the detection of the antibiotic during absorption and release processes. Results: The results of data analysis demonstrated that bacterial cellulose has a great potential in absorption of tetracycline hydrochloride and can release it in a wet environment. Conclusion: Considering the advantages of bacterial cellulose over traditional dressings, the results of this study can provide the ground for further research on supplying an ideal dressing containing antibiotic from this microbial product.

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Background: Vibrio cholera toxin B (CTB) subunit is the pentameric non-toxic portion of cholera toxin (CT) which is responsible for the holotoxin binding to the GM1 ganglioside receptor present on nucleated cells. this study was to produce, purify, and verify recombinant CTB (rCTB) subunitin prokaryotic system. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, rCTB expression vector (pET-28a) which could be induced in E. coli (BL21) was designed and synthesized. Then the recombinant expression strains containing the result of IPTG interaction were induced and the rCTB was generated on small and large scales. The rCTB produced through Ni2+-charged resin, after refolding and free of possible CTA contaminants, was extracted. After purification, rCTB was verified by Western blotting. Results: The results indicated the level of purification to be about 480µg of purified active pentameric rCTB for each liter of the induced culture. Also, Western blotting analysis showed that recombinant CTB is strongly and specifically recognized by polyclonal antibodies against the cholera toxin. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated that E.coli is an available host for production of CTB. In addition, the designed host and vector can be used in large scale production of this protein

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Arterial baroreceptors are located in the carotid and aortic arteries and play a pivotal role in rapid control of cardiovascular system. The purpose of this article is to review the effects of baroreceptors stimulation on heart rate at rest and during exercise and cerebral blood flow rate in young and middle aged male and female individuals. There is ample evidence indicating that the arterial baroreflex remains functional during exercise by readjustment which is in direct relation to the intensity of exercise. These adjustments might be done through somatosensory afferents from peripheral regions of the body, pathways obeying central command neurons, or vasopressin and oxytocin pathways that converge into the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). Cerebral blood flow autoregulation is a process by which cerebral blood flow is maintained at a fixed rate despite fluctuations in cerebral perfusion pressure. Similar to that in young individuals, this mechanism, despite fluctuations in baroreceptors sensitivity, stabilizes cerebral blood flow rate in a certain range in middle-aged individuals, although with aging the absolute cerebral blood flow rate decreases in both genders. In addition, it has also been shown that after termination of carotid baroreceptors stimulation, heart rate increases which is known as postvagal tachycardia (PVT). It seems that two components, adrenergic and non-adrenergic, are involved in PVT.

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Background: In traditional medicine, Olive oil (Olea europaea L.) from Oleaceae family is known as a remedy for alleviating pain. This study investigates the antinociceptive effects of olive oil on male adult NMRI mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, using the acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests, the anticipative effects of olive oil were evaluated. Olive oil (1, 5, and 10 ml/kg bodyweight), morphine (10 mg/kg bodyweight), and indomethacin (10 mg/kg bodyweight), as standard drugs, were injected intraperitoneally. The control group did not receive any treatment. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey test. Results: Olive oil significantly decreased acetic acid-induced abdominal writhes (P<0.001). Olive oil could only decrease the induced pain in the second phase of the formalin test (P<0.001). Conclusion: Olive oil decreases inflammatory pain (the second phase of the formalin test and acetic acid-induced writhing tests), but it has no significant effects on neurogenic pain (the first phase of the formalin test). Further studies are required to elucidate the antinociceptive effects of olive oil.

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Background: Today, there is growing interest in using traditional medicine for healing cutaneous wounds. Probiotics are defined as different microorganisms that may have positive effects on prevention or treatment of special pathologic conditions. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus brevis on cutaneous wound healing. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, through phenol-sulfuric acid method, 22 strains of lactobacillus isolated from dairy-traditional products were investigated in terms of exopolysaccharide production. Lactobacillus brevis, which had high exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, was selected. A wound was created on the back of male Wistar rats in control, negative control, and experimental groups. Control and experimental groups underwent regional treatment by eucerin and eucerin contained Lactobacillus brevis, respectively, but the negative-control group did not receive any treatment. On days 1, 7 and 21, the rats were killed and their cutaneous wound samples were studied. Data analysis was done through SPSS version 11.5. Results: The percentage of wound healing (99.53%) and inflammation in the experimental group on day 21 compared to control (90.55%) and negative groups (91.14%) was significantly higher (P<0.001). The number of neutrophils in the experimental group decreased in later phases of wound healing compared to the control and negative control groups. Conclusion: The present study showed that Lactobacillus brevis significantly decreases inflammation and accelerates wound healing in treated rats. The findings of this study can be applied clinically in near future

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Background: Type III Interferon (IFN) is a novel member of the interferon family, which contains three ligands: IFN-λ1 (IL-29), IFN-λ2 (IL-28A) and IFN-λ3 (IL-28B).These three ligands use the same unique heterodimeric receptor composed of CRF2-12 (IFN-λ-R1/IL-28Ra) and CRF2-4 (IL10-R-b) chains which are completely different from type I & type II IFN receptors. IFNsλ exhibit several features such as antiviral activity, antiproliferative activity, immunomodulatory activity and in vivo antitumour activity. In this work we aimed to clone the ogene of IFN-λ1 obtained from dendritic cells and assess protein production in eukaryotic expression vector. Materials and methods: in thid experimental study, total RNA was extracted from monocyte derived dendritic cells stimulated with 100 ng/ml of LPS. cDNA was synthesized from total RNA .Then cDNA of IFN-λ1 was amplified by PCR with specific primers and cloned into the PTZ57R/Tvector in the E.coli (DH5α). This was subsequently subcloned into plasmid pcDNA3.1+, using KpnI and BamHI restriction endonucleases. After tranfection into HEK293 T, expression of protein was tested by sandwich-ELISA method. Results: The DNA sequence of the insert was identical to the published sequences encoding IFN-λ1 in GeneBank. It was demonstrated that IFN-λ1 gene was markedly transcribed in transfected cells. Expression of IFN-λ1 in HEK293 T cells was confirmed by sandwich ELISA. Conclusion: Successful cloning and expression IFN-λ1 can be the first step for more production and further investigation about other activities of this cytokine and provides grounds for research on obtaining new therapeutic approaches for cancer, viral, autoimmune and allergic disease and designing more effective vaccines.

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Background: Leishmania major and leishmania tropica are the main causes of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran, especially in Isfahan and Bam regions. In this study, noticing the effect of diversity of this parasite strains on designing disease control strategies, human isolates were examined through PCR-RFLP to determine the type of strains. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 340 samples obtained from CL patients due to Leishmania were cultured and prepared for microscopic study and examined through PCR-RFLP. The products of some of these samples were sequenced and analyzed. ITS1 region of genomic DNA was extracted and amplified with LITSr and L5.8s primers. Data on sequencing the samples were related to ITS1 region that in extracted DNAs with LITSr and L5.8s primers appeared with four kinds of genotype patterns, two for L.major and two for L.tropica in Isfahan and Bam regions. Results: Genotypic groups, LmA and LmB, were detected from L.major isolates while LtA and LtB genotypic groups were indicated for L.tropica in these two regions. The most prevalent genotypes related to isolates of Isfahan were LmA geneotype, whereas LtA geneotype was mostly reported in isolates of Bam. Conclusion: Leishmania major and leishmania tropica, the causative agents of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Isfahan and anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in Bam, respectively, are genetically polymorphic species. There exists a relationship between genetic heterogeneousness and clinical manifestation and geographical regions of this disease in human