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Abstract Background Myrtus communis L. (MC) has been used in Mesopotamian medicine. Here, the cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory potential of its methyl alcohol extracts has been investigated and computationally dissected. Method The ChE inhibition has been measured based on usual Ellman’s colorimetric method compared to a canonical ChE inhibitor, eserine. Through a deep text mining, the structures of phytocompounds (= ligands) of MC were curated from ChemSpider, PubChem, and ZINC databases and docked into protein targets, AChE (PDB 1EVE) and BChE (PDB 1P0I) after initial in silico preparedness and binding affinity (BA; kcal/mol) reported as an endpoint. The calculation of ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) features of phytocompounds were retrieved from SwissADME ( http://www.swissadme.ch/ ) and admetSAR software to predict the drug-likeness or lead-likeness fitness. The Toxtree v2.5.1, software platforms ( http://toxtree.sourceforge.net/ ) have been used to predict the class of toxicity of phytocompounds. The STITCH platform ( http://stitch.embl.de ) has been employed to predict ChE-chemicals interactions. Results The possible inhibitory activities of AChE of extracts of leaves and berries were 37.33 and 70.00%, respectively as compared to that of eserine while inhibitory BChE activities of extracts of leaves and berries of MC were 19.00 and 50.67%, respectively as compared to that of eserine. Phytochemicals of MC had BA towards AChE ranging from -7.1 (carvacrol) to -9.9 (ellagic acid) kcal/mol. In this regard, alpha-bulnesene, (Z)-gamma-Bisabolene, and beta-bourbonene were top-listed low toxic binders of AChE, and (Z)-gamma-bisabolene was a more specific AChE binder. Alpha-cadinol, estragole, humulene epoxide II, (a)esculin, ellagic acid, patuletin, juniper camphor, linalyl anthranilate, and spathulenol were high class (Class III) toxic substances which among others, patuletin and alpha-cadinol were more specific AChE binders. Among intermediate class (Class II) toxic substances, beta-chamigrene was a more specific AChE binder while semimyrtucommulone and myrtucommulone A were more specific BChE binders. Conclusion In sum, the AChE binders derived from MC were categorized mostly as antiinsectants (e.g., patuletin and alpha-cardinal) due to their predicted toxic classes. It seems that structural amendment and stereoselective synthesis like adding sulphonate or sulphamate groups to these phytocompounds may make them more suitable candidates for considering in preclinical investigations of Alzheimer’s disease.

Objective: Oxidative stress conditions and metabolic complications are common among polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. There are various reports about hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of Salvia officinalis L. (common sage). This study evaluated the possible medicinal effects of sage tea drinking on oxidative status, lipid profile, and insulin resistance in rats with testosterone-induced PCOS. Materials and Methods: Eighteen immature female Wistar rats (21-day old) were divided into 3 groups: 1) The Control group (n=6) that received no treatment. 2) The PCOS group (n=6) that received testosterone enanthate 10 mg/kg BW for 35 days subcutaneously. (3) The PCOS -sage tea group (n=6) to which after induction of PCOS by injection of testosterone enanthate, the sage tea was administered as a replacement of water for 14 days. The beverages were refreshed every day. The serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), glucose, insulin, HDL-C, total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, total triglycerides, and atherogenic index were measured. Results: Sage tea consumption increased serum TAC and decreased serum HDL-C, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and atherogenic index levels but it did not change the levels of MDA, insulin, total triglycerides, and VLDL-C. Conclusion: Results suggested that sage tea consumption may influence the oxidative status and reduce the blood glucose and atherogenic index and may have cardiovascular protective effects in PCOS women.

Background and Objectives: Epilepsy is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which based on the evidences of prenatal factors, has a significant influence on the development of nervous system in offspring. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of seizure in pregnancy on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure behavior in offspring. Methods: In this experimental study, after pregnancy stabilization in mice, one group was classified as the negative control group and the rest of the kindled pregnant mice were assigned to three groups, including: 1) seizure induction group between the fourteenth and nineteenth days of pregnancy (once in 48 hours), 2) sham group received normal saline intraperitoneally on the fourteenth to nineteenth days of pregnancy (once in 48 hours), and 3) control group consisting of pregnant mice kindled without injection during pregnancy. On the day 15 (weanling period) and 24 (post-weanling period), seizure susceptibility to PTZ in offspring of the studied groups, was evaluated. Data were analyzed using Kruskal - Wallis statistical test. Results: In this study, the seizure susceptibility of the offspring in PTZ-treated group in post-weanling period significantly was higher compared to the offspring in other groups (p0.05). Conclusion: The present study findings showed that with increasing age, the seizure potential of offspring of the mice treated with PTZ increases compared to the offspring of the control group.

Introduction: Depression is one of the most important psychological disorders in people with epilepsy. However, the effect of seizure on depression during pregnancy has not been studied experimentally. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Seizure on depression in pregnant mice under treatment with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Materials & Methods: After pregnancy stabilization in mice, one group was classified as the naive group. the rest of the kindled mice were assigned into three groups including: seizure induction group between the 14th and 19th days of pregnancy once in 48 hours, the sham group received normal saline equal to PTZ intraperitoneally on the 14th and 19th days of pregnancy once in 48 hours and the control group which consisted of pregnant mice kindled without injection during pregnancy. The rate of depression in pregnant mice was measured between 14th and 19th days of pregnancy once in 48 hours and two h after PTZ injection using Forced Swim Test. Findings: The results showed that depression in PTZ-treated pregnant mice was significantly higher than in other groups; moreover, the difference was statistically significant (P

Background and Aim: Allergic asthma is an inflammatory disease of the respiratory system which causes an increase in inflammatory factors such as IL-2,IL-4,IL-5, lymphocytes and eosinophils. These factors can increase the level of free radicals and oxidants. Pomalidumide, an anti-inflammatory drug that has stronger effects than its analogues, can significantly reduce inflammatory factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pomalidumide on inflammatory factors and pro-oxidant antioxidant balance in the rat model of ovalbumininduced asthma. Material and Methods: Male rats were divided into 5 groups (n=8): normal saline, ovalbumin+normal saline, ovalbumin+dexamethasone, ovalbumin+pomalidimide (0.4 0.8 mg/kg, ip). We used ELISA method to determine the level of inflammatory factors. We measured pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) for assessment of blood oxidant level. Results: We found significant decrease in the levels of inflammatory factors in the pomalidumide group. This decrease was more significant in the group that received pomalidumide 0.8 mg/kg, ip. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that pomalidomide prevented the pro-oxidant antioxidant balance shift towards increasing oxidant factors in the asthmatic rats. Also it prevented increase in inflammatory factors including IL-2, IL-4,IL-5, lymphocytes and eosinophils in the ovalbumin-induced asthma rat model.

Background and Aim: Allergic asthma is an inflammatory disease of the respiratory system which causes an increase in inflammatory factors such as IL-2,IL-4,IL-5, lymphocytes and eosinophils. These factors can increase the level of free radicals and oxidants. Pomalidumide, an anti-inflammatory drug that has stronger effects than its analogues, can significantly reduce inflammatory factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pomalidumide on inflammatory factors and pro-oxidant antioxidant balance in the rat model of ovalbumin-induced asthma. Material and Methods: Male rats were divided into 5 groups (n=8): normal saline, ovalbumin+normal saline, ovalbumin+dexamethasone, ovalbumin+pomalidimide (0.4 0.8 mg/kg, ip). We used ELISA method to determine the level of inflammatory factors. We measured pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) for assessment of blood oxidant level. Results: We found significant decrease in the levels of inflammatory factors in the pomalidumide group. This decrease was more significant in the group that received pomalidumide 0.8 mg/kg, ip. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that pomalidomide prevented the pro-oxidant antioxidant balance shift towards increasing oxidant factors in the asthmatic rats. Also it prevented increase in inflammatory factors including IL-2, IL-4,IL-5, lymphocytes and eosinophils in the ovalbumin-induced asthma rat model.

Background: Epilepsy is one of the major and common neurological disorders. It has been observed that physical activity can be a complementary therapy to treat seizures. Nevertheless, studies regarding the effects of physical activity on epilepsy are largely performed on males, and there is little information on the extent of these effects in females, especially during pregnancy; since it appears that seizures during pregnancy have adverse effects on development of the offspring. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of aerobic training during pregnancy on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure in mice. Methods: The kindled female mice were divided into 4 groups; 1. the pregnant mice treated with pentylenetetrazol between the fourteenth and nineteenth days of pregnancy once in 48 hours, without physical training during the pregnancy; 2. the pregnant mice treated with pentylenetetrazol between the fourteenth and nineteenth days of pregnancy once in 48 hours, with moderate-intensity aerobic training during pregnancy between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.; 3. the non-pregnant mice treated with pentylenetetrazol in yoked days with pregnant mice group and without physical training; and 4. the non-pregnant mice treated with pentylenetetrazol in yoked days with pregnant mice group with moderate-intensity aerobic training between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. The seizure activity was measured for half an hour after pentylenetetrazol injection. Findings: The aerobic training reduced seizure severity in female mice; and there was no difference in seizure severity between pregnant and non-pregnant mice. Conclusion: These findings revealed that middle-intensity aerobic training could be a complementary therapeutic strategy to reduce the severity of seizure, especially in pregnancy.

CT Background & objectives: So far, various reports have been presented on the relationship between sex hormones and gender-related differences in pain and analgesia in humans and laboratory animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of testosterone hormone and spironolactone anti-androgen drug on morphine-induced analgesia in male mice using formalin test. Methods: In this study, 80 male mice were divided into 10 groups (N=8); normal saline (control), sesame seed oil (as testosterone solvent), testosterone (5 and 10 mg/kg body weight), spironolactone, morphine, sesame seed oil + morphine, testosterone (5 and 10 mg/ kg body weight) + morphine and spironolactone + morphine. Formalin test was performed in all the mice, and data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: The results showed that sesame seed oil + morphine (p

Abstract Background: Several studies have shown that developmental exposure to phytoestrogens causes adverse effects on the reproductive functions. Fennel as a phytoestrogen plant has a rich history in household use and traditional medicine.So, the current study was designed to investigate the effects of in utero and neonatal exposure with fennel on the puberty onset, estrus cycle, reproductive organs and sexual behavior of their offspring. Materials and Methods: BALB/c mice were injected intraperitoneally with 0 (control), 100, 200 and 400 (mg/kg bw) aqueous fennel seed extract (AFSE), daily from day 7 of gestation to postnatal day (PND) 7. Results: Vaginal opening (sign of puberty onset) was advanced in 200 (p

Background and Aim: Baneh (Pistacia Atlantica) is a valuable oily fruit that has gained considerable attention because of its pharmaceutical, nutritional and industrial applications. This study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive effect of rubbing baneh oil using formalin test during acute and chronic phases in male laboratory mice. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 30 male mice. They were allocated into 5 groups including control (without treatment), rubbing vaseline, morphine (positive control), baneh oil, and baneh oil plus morphine. Before the formalin test, the animals were treated with rubbing baneh oil for six hours. Morphine (10 mg/kg) was injected with a single dose subcutaneously. Pain scores were obtained using formalin test by injecting 0.02 ml of 2.5% formalin into the animals’ right palm. Results: Rubbing baneh oil significantly reduced the pain in acute pain (P

Several therapeutic effects have been reported for Peganum harmala and Piper longum. These plants contain flavonoids that probably can affect reproductive endocrine system and reduce fertility. In this study, the impacts of hydroalcoholic extracts of Peganum harmala and Piper longum on pituitary-gonadal axis were investigated. Male mice were divided into one control group and three experimental groups. The first experimental group received the extract of Peganum harmala (200 mg/lit), while the second experimental group received the extract of Piper longum (200 mg/lit) and the third experimental group received the combination of both extracts (200 mg/lit) for 30 days. After the treatment, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids were counted and serum levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Levels of testosterone, FSH and LH showed a significant decrease in the first and third experimental groups in comparison with the control group. Moreover, the number of spermatogonia, spermatocyte and spermatid decreased in these groups. The results of the present study demonstrated that hydroalcoholic extract of Peganum harmala and Piper longum can decrease the pituitary gonadal axis function and spermatogenesis in male NMRI mice.

Background & objectives: Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) is a medicinal plant usually used in traditional medicine to reduce toothache. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of topical Clove oil on acute and chronic pain in male mice using formalin test. Methods: In this study, 24 mice were divided into 4 groups: control, morphine (as positive control), Clove oil, and Clove oil plus morphine groups. Before the formalin test, the animals were treated topically with clove oil for 6 hours. A single dose of morphine (10 mg/kg) was prescribed subcutaneously. Pain scores were obtained using the formalin test through an injection of 20 microliter of formalin 2.5% into the palm of the animal's right hand. Results: Topical administration of Clove oil significantly decreased acute pain (the initial phase of the formalin test) and chronic pain (the second phase of the formalin test). Furthermore, topical Clove oil increased the analgesic effect of morphine in acute pain phase. Conclusions: This study showed that the analgesic effect of topical Clove oil was comparable to morphine.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. Pomalidomide (POM) a therapy for multiple myeloma has been stated to have an anti-inflammatory effect. The main goal of the present study was to assess its possible effect on airway contraction and inflammation in a rat model of ovalbumin-induced asthma. Different groups of rats received saline or pomalidomide (0.4, 0.8 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg). The asthma was induced by ovalbumin (OVA). Trachea contraction was assayed by organ bath system. Airway histology was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin method. Serum Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level was analyzed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGFα) Gene expressions were evaluated by Real-time PCR. Pomalidomide prevented ovalbumin-induced airway contraction and histopathological damage. In addition serum, TNF-α level was significantly (p

Background & Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. Here, the effects of co-administration of zinc and vanadium sulfate on blood glucose levels in diabetic animals were studied. Notably, the study on the effects of the separation of zinc and vanadium has been done previously. Materials &methods: Moderate diabetic hyperglycemia was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) 40 mg/kg, ip injection. Five groups were selected (n=5), Group I: As normal group, during the trial did not receive any drug treatment and consumed tap water during 45 days. Group II: As control diabetic group, received STZ 40mg/kg, ip injection and consumed tap water, but they did not receive any drug treatment. The diabetic animals (STZ 40mg/kg, ip) with 500-600 mg/dl blood glucose levels were randomly divided into three groups: Group IIIAs under treatment 1, used drinkable water containing 1mg/ml of vanadium sulfate. Group IV: As under treatment 2, used drinkable water (0.25 mg/ml zinc sulfate). Group V: As under treatment 3, used drinkable water (1mg/ml of vanadium sulfate and 0.25 mg/ml zinc sulfate). Results: FBS remained high in group II (468±55.32mg/dl), whereas in group III vanadium reduced the FBS level to 209.2±32.29 mg/dl. In group IV zinc reduced the FBS level to 216.4±10.44 mg/dl. In group V vanadium and zinc sulfate reduced the FBS level to 139.2±92.9 mg/dl. Conclusion: Zinc and vanadium sulfate separately can lower the blood sugar and their simultaneous oral administration has stronger impact on lowering the blood sugar.

Background & Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. Here, the effects of co-administration of zinc and vanadium sulfate on blood glucose levels in diabetic animals were studied. Notably, the study on the effects of the separation of zinc and vanadium has been done previously. Materials &methods: Moderate diabetic hyperglycemia was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) 40 mg/kg, ip injection. Five groups were selected (n=5), Group I: As normal group, during the trial did not receive any drug treatment and consumed tap water during 45 days. Group II: As control diabetic group, received STZ 40mg/kg, ip injection and consumed tap water, but they did not receive any drug treatment. The diabetic animals (STZ 40mg/kg, ip) with 500-600 mg/dl blood glucose levels were randomly divided into three groups: Group IIIAs under treatment 1, used drinkable water containing 1mg/ml of vanadium sulfate. Group IV: As under treatment 2, used drinkable water (0.25 mg/ml zinc sulfate). Group V: As under treatment 3, used drinkable water (1mg/ml of vanadium sulfate and 0.25 mg/ml zinc sulfate). Results: FBS remained high in group II (468±55.32mg/dl), whereas in group III vanadium reduced the FBS level to 209.2±32.29 mg/dl. In group IV zinc reduced the FBS level to 216.4±10.44 mg/dl. In group V vanadium and zinc sulfate reduced the FBS level to 139.2±92.9 mg/dl. Conclusion: Zinc and vanadium sulfate separately can lower the blood sugar and their simultaneous oral administration has stronger impact on lowering the blood sugar.

Background: In the present study, histopathological effects of chronic exposure to sodium arsenate in drinkable water were studied on a quantity of organs of rat. Methods: Rats were divided into two groups, group I; served as control group, were main-tained on deionized drinkable water for 2 months, and group II; the study group were given 60 g/ml of sodium arsenate in deionized drinkable water for 2 months. Blood and urine samples from two groups of animals were collected under anesthesia and the animals were sacrificed under deep anesthesia (a-chloralose, 100 mg/kg, I.P). Their kidney, liver, aorta, and heart were dissected out and cleaned of surrounding connective tissue. The organs were kept in formaldehyde (10%) for histopathologic examination. Serum and urine samples from two groups were collected and analyzed for arsenic level. Total quantity of arsenic in serum and urine of animal was measured through graphic furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). Results:Examination with light microscopy did not show any visible structural changes in the aorta, myocardium, and liver of chronic arsenic treated animals.However, a significant effect was observed in the kidneys of chronic arsenic treated rats showing distinct changes in proxi-mal tubular cells. There was high concentration of arsenic in serum and urine of arsenic ex-posed animals (group II) significantly (P

Background: One of the problems that addicts suffer from is decreased libido. Erectile dysfunction has been reported in men using opioids for treatment of heroin addiction. Objective: The study was performed to investigate the effects of morphine and detoxification with methadone as causes of sexual dysfunction in addiction. Methods and Methods: A total of 40 adult male rats (Wistar) were used. Animals were divided in to 4 groups. Control groups received saline for 30 days. Other 2 groups received 10 mg/kg morphine on day 1 and the morphine doses increased daily by 2 mg/kg increments per day until in day 30 a maximum of 68 mg/kg twice daily was achieved. Withdrawal syndrome sings were evaluated. At the end of period, one group of 2 morphine dependent groups was treated with methadone during 14 days. Animals in group 4 (saline solution+ methadone) received saline for 30 consecutive days and then detoxified with methadone during 14 days. Partial weights of seminal vesicles, testes, prostates, seminal vesicles content, concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and testosterone in serum were determined. Results: In the dependent group serum levels of testosterone (p

Background & aim: The analgesic effects of Clove plant is due to the presence of phenolic substances. Since no study has yet evaluated the analgesic effect of this plant extract during lactation, hencethe present study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of clove oil orally on offspringmalemiceduringlactation. Methods: Inthe present experimental study, two groupsoffemalemice, receiving cloveoil and control groupwere used. After delivery, animalsweretreatedorallywith cloveextract at the dose of 4% on the first day of delivery. In order toassess pain,formalin was used inmaleoffspringafterthirty daysofbirth. Data were analyzed using GraphPad prismstatistical software. Results: The results of this study showed that treating lactating female mice during lactation by clove oil induced analgesic effects of male offspring and this analgesia in the chronic phase of itself was shown significantly (P

Appendicovesical fistula (AVF) is an uncommon type of enterovesical fistula and a very rare complication of acute appendicitis. Herein, we report a case of 39-year-old male patient who presented with persistent urinary tract infection, recurrent abdominal pain, and pneumaturia. Imaging techniques including ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed to identify the abnormality. However, definitive diagnosis of AVF was made by cystoscopy.

In both flies and mammals, almost one-third of the newly emerging male germ cells are spontaneously eliminated before entering meiosis. Here, we show that in Drosophila, germ cell death (GCD) involves the initiator caspase Dronc independently of the apoptosome and the main executioner caspases. Electron microscopy of dying germ cells revealed mixed morphologies of apoptosis and necrosis. We further show that the lysosomes and their catabolic enzymes, but not macroautophagy, are involved in the execution of GCD. We then identified, in a screen, the Parkinson's disease-associated mitochondrial protease, HtrA2/Omi, as an important mediator of GCD, acting mainly through its catalytic activity rather than by antagonizing inhibitor of apoptosis proteins. Concomitantly, other mitochondrial-associated factors were also implicated in GCD, including Pink1 (but not Parkin), the Bcl-2-related proteins, and endonuclease G, which establish the mitochondria as central mediators of GCD. These findings uncover an alternative developmental cell death pathway in metazoans., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)