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Abstract Background: Fetal Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) develops viability and proliferation of nerve cells. Also this fluid contains many valuable factors for protection of nervous system injury cells. In this research, the effect of cerebrospinal fluid intraperitoneal injection on alpha motor degeneration after sciatic nerve compression in rat was determined. Materials and Methods: In this experimental-laboratory study, 18 male Wistar rats divided randomly in 3 groups (control, compression, and experimental). In compression and experimental group, right sciatic nerves were highly compressed. CSF was injected in experimental group each three days. After 1 month care, all rats were cordially perused by 10% formaldehyde and their L4-L6 lumbar segments of spinal cord were sampled and with processed for histological examination, the paraffin blocks were serially cut (7mm). Slices were stained with toluidine blue and numerical densities of motoneurons in spinal ventral horn were estimated stereological (dissector) technique. Quantitative data were analyzed by T-test. Results: Significant reduce in motoneurons number of compression group (47026) in comparison with control group (173978) was seen. Also there was significant difference between compression and experimental groups (992±141) in neuron density. Conclusion: CSF intraperitoneal injection may have a beneficial effect in neural regeneration.

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Background: Following the reduction of neurons due to peripheral nervous injuries, the number of neuroglial cells also decline because of not receiving vital factors. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects of curcuma longa total extract on spinal cord neuroglia cell degeneration after sciatic nerve compression in rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental clinical- trial, Wistar rats were categorized in five groups (control, compression, treatment1, treatment 2 and treatment 3), each including six rats. For inducing the injury in the compression and treatment groups, the right sciatic nerve in the upper thigh was compressed using clamp forceps. In the treatment groups, 100mg/kg doses of the extract were injected in group1(3 times a day), group 2 (6 times a day) and in group3 ( 9 times a day). After 28 days, following being anesthetized, the rats underwent perfusion and samples were taken out of the lumbar segments of their spinal cord. Then the samples, after going through tissue processes, were cut in 7 m serial sections and stained in blue toluidine. Through the stereological quantitative technique, neuroglial cells were counted. Results: A significant decrease was seen in the number of neuroglial cells in the compression group (6913±208) in comparison with the control group (10184±791). Also, through the comparison of the compression group with treatment group 1(7077±293), treatment group2 (9372±252) and treatment group 3 (8715±252) a significant difference among dnsity of neuroglial cells in groups and 3 with conppnessin group was seen. a remarkable increase in the numerical density of neuroglial cells was obtained (p<0.05). Conclusion: Due to its antioxidant effects, curcuma longa extract increased the numerical density of neuroglia cells following the compression of the sciatic nerve. The antioxidant effects of this extract probably inactivate the apoptosis channels which have been activated due to peripheral nerve injuries.

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Background: Salvia staminea, belonging to lamiaceae family, has positive effects on the nervous system and possesses anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the neuro-protective effects of salvia and its total ethanol extract on spinal cord motoneurons in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods:In an experimental trial, 54 male Wistar rats were divided into nine groups of six: Control, compression, treatment A (ethanol extract of root in 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg doses), treatment B (aqua extract of root in 25 and 50 mg/kg doses), treatment C (aqua extract of leaves in 50 mg/kg doses), and treatment D (ethanol extract of leaves in 75 mg/kg doses). In compression and treatment groups, 28 days after inducing impairment in α motoneurons, sampling of the left leg sciatic nerves was done in the rats. Following tissue passage, 7 micron cuts were obtained and painted with blue toluidine. Neuralgia motoneurons count was, then, carried out through steriology and dissector methods. Results: Neuron number density in the rats treated with 50 mg/kg doses of total aqua and ethanol extracts of leaves and 75 mg/kg dose of ethanol extract of root showed significant differences in comparison to that of the compression group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study prove the neuroprotective effects of these extracts on neuralgia motoneurons of spinal cord.

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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: Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of irreversible central visual loss in individuals over 50 years old. The aim of this study was to assess visual loss due to age-related macular degeneration and some of its associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 150 patients with age-related macular degeneration and 150 controls, both aged over 50. A questionnaire on demographic and medical information was completed for each participant and an ophthalmological examination was performed. The results were recorded andthe data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Results: Mean age of the subjects in the case and control groups was 78.38 and 79.28 years, respectively.In a multivariable model, hypertension(p=0.003), diabetes(p=0.006), light iris color(p=0.05), hypercholesterolemia (p=0.036), lens opacity (p=0.029), and previous cataract surgery(p=0.029) were significantly associated with age-related macular degeneration. There was not a significant relationship between body mass index (p=0.11) and refractory errors (p=0.94) andage-related macular degeneration. Conclusion: Age-related macular degeneration is associated with hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, light iris color, lens opacity, and previous cataract surgery.

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Background: Peripheral nervous system damages reverse as retrograde to alpha neuron cell bodies and cause spinal degeneration. The fact that herbs, due to their antioxidant properties, have an important role in viability and reproduction of neurons has led to the application of their extracts. Hence, this study was done to determine the neuro-protective effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Nigella sativa on alpha-motoneurons degeneration after sciatic nerve injury in rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male Wistar rats with average bodyweight of 250-300gr were divided into four groups of six: Control, compression, A (compression+hydroalcoholic extract 50 mg/kg), and B (compression+hydroalcoholic extract 75 mg/kg). In compression and treatment groups, the right leg sciatic nerve was subjected to compression (30 seconds). In treatment groups, the extract was injected intraperitoneally two times after compression. After 28 days, lumbar segments of spinal cord, L2-L4, were sampled through perfusion method. After going through tissue passage stages, they were cut in serial sections (7µ) and stained with toluidine blue. Then the density of alpha motoneurons of the spinal cord ventral horn was measured by dissector method.

Results: Neuronal density showed a significant difference between the compression and control groups (p<0.05). Also, in treatment groups A and B, it had a significant increase compared to the compression group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The results indicated that the hydroalcoholic extract of Nigella sativa has neuro-protective effects and the increase in neuronal density is relevant to the amount of extract used.