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Cadaver dissection stands as a crucial component in medical curricula around the world, although computer-based multimedia programs have been introduced in order to replace the need for cadaver donations. Due to a decrease in the number of unclaimed bodies and rather few donations, there is an insufficient number of cadavers for anatomical studies in Iran. This study was carried out to evaluate medical students' awareness and willingness regarding body donation in Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. In this study, a questionnaire was designed to focus on the cultural acceptability and personal willingness to donate one's body after death. Students from the university's anatomy classes (n = 331) participated in this study. Seventy-seven percent of the students expressed their agreement toward the idea of utilizing body donation services, though only 25.4% of participants were willing to donate their own bodies. None of the demographic factors were associated with cultural acceptability or personal willingness towards body donation. These findings indicated that besides "payment", other factors were associated with students' willingness to become donors. All factors of awareness except "previous awareness of organization" were associated with cultural acceptability. In this study, students suggested that encouraging people to register for body donation using mass media (25.6%) and teaching students to respect cadavers in the dissection environment (24.8%) were the best solutions for addressing the lack of cadavers. These findings indicated that a lack of awareness about body donation might be the main factor responsible for unwillingness towards body donation; therefore, improving the public's awareness and addressing the willingness of students regarding body donation may help overcome the current lack of donated cadavers.

Background: The femur is the longest bone in the body. Injury or fracture in this bone strongly affects the quality of life of people. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphometric parameters of femur proximal part and its relationship with body mass index (BMI). Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 200 patients over 50 years of age referred to Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan and Ayatollah Kashani Hospital in Isfahan during 2018-2019. The participants had radiographs in the supine position of femur proximal part. BMI and bone mineral density of patients were determined by the DXA method. Using radiographic images of the femur, the morphological features were evaluated. Also, the relationship of these characteristics with age, gender, BMI and bone mineral density was investigated. Results: The values of six morphological parameters of the femur in the patients under study were Q-angle=121.93±3.78, TW=86.06±7.65, HW=52.4±4.69, FW=37.74±4.29, HAL=118.43±10.47 and FAL=105.34±7.59 mm, which were higher in men. There was a direct and significant correlation of 23% between age and TW, which was significant according to the Pearson Correlation Test (P=0.039). Inverse correlation of 14% was observed between HAL width and BMI, which was statistically significant (P=0.042). FAL variable had a decreasing trend with decreasing BMD (P=0.031). Conclusion: Proximal femur characteristics were significantly related to factors such as gender and BMI. The morphological specifications of femur proximal were higher in men than in women. Compared to evaluations in other regions, the included characteristics are distinct from other countries, which these differences can be caused by genetic characteristics, environment, nutritional status, and lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemic stroke is a major common cause of death and long‐term disability worldwide. Several pathophysiological events including excitotoxicity, oxidative/nitrative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are involved in ischemic injuries. Recently, the molecular mechanisms involved in cerebral ischemia through a focus on a member of small heat shock proteins family, Hsp27, has been developed. Notably, following exposure to ischemia, Hsp27 expression in the brain could be increased rather than the normal condition and it may play an important role in neuroprotection after ischemic stroke. The neuroprotection effects of Hsp27 may arise from its anti‐oxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐apoptotic, and chaperonic properties. Moreover, some therapeutic strategies such as stem cell therapy and pharmacotherapy have been developed with Hsp27 targeting. In this review, we describe the function and structure of Hsp27 and its possible role in neuroprotection after ischemic stroke. Finally, we present current studies in stroke therapy, which focused on Hsp27 targeting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steroids promote the myelination and regeneration in the peripheral nervous system. Whereas, little is known about the inducing effects by which the hormones exert their effects on Schwann cells differentiation. This could be revealed by the expression of Schwann cell markers in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). The purpose of this study was to present the effects of progesterone and 17 β-estradiol on the Schwann cell markers in rat ADSCs. The mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD73, and CD90) were assayed by flow cytometry. Rat ADSCs were sequentially treated with β-mercaptoethanol, and all-trans-retinoic acid, followed by a mixture of basic fibrobroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, forskolin and heregulin. In experimental groups, forskolin and heregulin were substituted by progesterone and 17 β-estradiol. After induction, the expression of Schwann cell markers P0, and S-100 and the cellular immunocytochemical staining positive rate of anti-S100 and antiglial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibodies were compared in the experimental and control groups. Progesterone and 17 β-estradiol triggered P0 and S-100 genes expression and induced a cellular immunocytochemical staining positive rate of S-100 and GFAP in rats ADSCs. Progesterone induced these changes stronger than 17 β-estradiol. Thus, progesterone may induce rat ADSCs toward Schwann-like cells by expression of Schwann cell markers and is more potent than 17 β-estradiol in the expression of these markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steroids promote the myelination and regeneration in the peripheral nervous system. Whereas, little is known about the inducing effects by which the hormones exert their effects on Schwann cells differentiation. This could be revealed by the expression of Schwann cell markers in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). The purpose of this study was to present the effects of progesterone and 17 β-estradiol on the Schwann cell markers in rat ADSCs. The mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD73, and CD90) were assayed by flow cytometry. Rat ADSCs were sequentially treated with β-mercaptoethanol, and all-trans-retinoic acid, followed by a mixture of basic fibrobroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, forskolin and heregulin. In experimental groups, forskolin and heregulin were substituted by progesterone and 17 β-estradiol. After induction, the expression of Schwann cell markers P0, and S-100 and the cellular immunocytochemical staining positive rate of anti-S100 and antiglial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibodies were compared in the experimental and control groups. Progesterone and 17 β-estradiol triggered P0 and S-100 genes expression and induced a cellular immunocytochemical staining positive rate of S-100 and GFAP in rats ADSCs. Progesterone induced these changes stronger than 17 β-estradiol. Thus, progesterone may induce rat ADSCs toward Schwann-like cells by expression of Schwann cell markers and is more potent than 17 β-estradiol in the expression of these markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Stroke is the most common neurological disorder and genetic susceptibility has an important role in its etiology. Polymorphism in several genes such as lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is propounded as a risk for stroke. This meta-analysis investigated the association of rs285 and rs320 LPL polymorphism with stroke risk. Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed, Clarivate Analytics Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases for appropriate studies. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the strength of this association. Also, the effects of four common polymorphisms (rs268, rs285, rs320, and rs328) on the molecular aspects of LPL were evaluated by in silico tools. Five studies were included in meta-analysis after screening. Results: Our data indicated that rs320 significantly decreased the risk of stroke (G vs. T: OR= 0.64, 95%CI=0.54-0.76; GG vs. TT: OR=0.47, 95%CI=0.29-0.75; TG vs. TT: OR=0.65, 95%CI=0.53-0.80; TG+GG vs. TT: OR=0.62, 95%CI=0.51-0.75; GG vs. TT+TG: OR=0.51, 95%CI=0.32-0.82). Moreover, a significant association between rs285 and diminution of stroke risk was seen (P- vs. P+: OR=0.72, 95%CI=0.58-0.91; P-P- vs. P+P+: OR=0.50, 95%CI=0.31-0.82; P+P-+P-P- vs. P+P+: OR=0.72, 95%CI=0.53-0.96; P-P- vs. P+P++P+P-: OR=0.581, 95%CI=0.369-0.916). Also, the same results were observed after stratifying, without any publication bias (PEgger>0.05). Furthermore, computational analysis revealed that rs268 and rs328 may affect the protein structure (prediction: non-neutral; score=19; expected accuracy=59%) while rs320 could affect the RNA structure (distance=0.2264, P-value=0.0534; P<0.2 is significant). Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicated that risk of stroke was decreased in rs320 and rs285 polymorphisms in the LPL gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) are known as an attractive source of stem cells for regenerative medicine. hEnSCs are easily isolated and are capable of repairing uterine through their strong ability of creating new capillaries. In this study, a three‐dimensional (3D) nanofibrous polycaprolactone (PCL)/collagen scaffold was fabricated and characterized in order to be applied as a new approach for skin reconstruction. Furthermore, the behavior of hEnSCs on this scaffold was investigated. First, a PCL 3D scaffold was constructed using electrospinning technique. Plasma treated and PCL was grafted by collagen. The constructs were characterized for mechanical and structural properties. Cell attachment, proliferation, viability, and differentiation of hEnSCs were assessed after being seeded on PCL and PCL/collagen scaffolds using scanning electron microscopy, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction tests. The results showed higher wettability for the PCL/collagen scaffold with desirable mechanical and structural characteristics compared to PCL and collagen alone. The attachment and proliferation rates of hEnSCs on the PCL/collagen scaffold were higher compared to those on the bare PCL. Hence, hEnSCs are newly discovered stem cell source for skin tissue engineering in vitro, particularly when developed on PCL/collagen nanofiber scaffolds. Therefore, application of hEnSCs for skin regeneration is a novel therapeutic approach for temporary skin substitute. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1578–1586, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Apoptosis plays an important role in the progression of the ischemic penumbra after reperfusion. Estrogen and progesterone have neuroprotective effects against ischemic brain damage, however the exact mechanisms of neuroprotection and signaling pathways is not completely understood. In this study, we investigated the possible regulatory effects of a combined steroid treatment on extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways after cerebral ischemia. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) using an intraluminal filament technique for 1 h followed by 23 h reperfusion. Estrogen and progesterone were immediately injected after tMCAO subcutaneously. Sensorimotor functional tests and the infarct volume were evaluated 24 h after ischemia. Protein expression of calpain-1 and Fas receptor (FasR), key members of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, were determined in the penumbra region of the ischemic brain using western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL staining. Results: Neurological deficits and infarct volume were significantly reduced following hormone therapy. Calpain-1 up-regulation and caspase-3 activation were apparent 24 h after ischemia in the peri-infarct area of the cerebral cortex. Steroid hormone treatment reduced infarct pathology and attenuated the induction of both proteases. FasR protein levels were not affected by ischemia and hormone application. Conclusion: We conclude that a combined steroid treatment inhibits ischemia-induced neuronal apoptosis through the regulation of intrinsic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have noticeable self-renewal ability and can differentiate into several cell lines such as adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and myocytes. Progesterone plays a significant role in the myelination of peripheral nerves. Regarding the role of progesterone on the myelination of peripheral nervous system, we evaluated its effects on the in-vitro expression of P0, S100 and Krox20 mRNA in adipose-derived stem cells. Methods: In this experimental study, rat adipose-derived stem cells were isolated from the inguinal region of the animals and were evaluated by flow cytometry before culture. In preinduction phase, the cells were sequentially treated with various factors such as β- mercaptoethanol and all-trans-retinoic acid, followed by different induction mixtures. The cells were divided into four groups including two control groups (receiving either fibroblast and platelet derived-growth factors, or fibroblast growth factor, platelet derived-growth factor, forskolin and heregulin) and two experimental groups (receiving either fibroblast growth factor, platelet derived-growth factor, forskolin and progesterone, or fibroblast growth factor, platelet derived-growth factor, heregulin and progesterone). Expression of Schwann cell markers, S-100, P0 and Krox20 mRNA, was determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Results: ADSCs expressed CD90, CD73, and CD31 but showed lack of CD45, and VEGFR2 expression. After the induction stage, S-100, P0 and Krox20 mRNA were expressed in the progesterone receiving experimental groups, but expression of S-100 and Krox20 mRNA were less than the control group which was receiving forskolin and heregulin (P<0.0001). Conclusion: Progesterone can promote the in-vitro expression of S-100, P0, and Krox20 genes in adipose-derived stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective (s) Porin is a mitochondrial outer membrane channel, which usually functions as the pathway for the movement of various substances in and out of the mitochondria and is considered to be a component of the permeability transition (PT) pore complex that plays a role in the PT. We addressed the hypothesis that porin interacts with other mitochondrial proteins after ischemic injury. Materials and Methods For this purpose, we used in vivo 4-vessel occlusion model of rat brain and porin purification method by hydroxyapatite column. After SDS gel electrophoresis and silver nitrate staining, Western blotting was done for porin, adenine nucleotide translocase and cyclophilin-D proteins. Results Porin was purified from mitochondrial mixture in ischemic brain and control groups. Investigation of interaction of adenine nucleotide transposes (ANT) and cyclophilin-D with porin by Western blotting showed no proteins co-purified with porin from injured tissues. Conclusion The present study implies that there may not be interaction between porin, and ANT or cyclophilin-D, and if there is any, it is not maintained during the purification procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders which cause anovulatory infertility and hyperandrogenism in young women. The common feature in PCOS women is increased ovarian androgen secretion which can effect on the prevalence of miscarriage rate. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PCOS patient's serum on in vitro developmental stages of mouse embryo from two cells to hatching blastocyst. Materials and Methods: After superovulating and fertilizing Balb/c mice, 219 two cells embryos were retrieved, 109 embryos were cultured in 10% PCOS patient's serum and 90% medium and 110 embryos were cultured in 10% normal serum and 90% medium to hatching blastocyst stage. The PCOS patient's serum which added to medium had higher hormonal concentrations than normal serum. The early developmental stages of embryos were studied in 2, 4, 8 cells, morula, early, late and hatching blastocyst stages. Results: The statistical analysis confirmed the decreasing rate in the number of embryos in all developmental stages from 2 cells to hatching blastocyst in PCOS group in comparison with the normal group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The PCOS patient's serum causes the decreasing rate of in vitro development of the early stage in mouse embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the expression of the genes associated with different development stages of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). The cells were cultured in three groups of control, 10 -8 M of all-trans retinoic acid and the combination of 10 -7 M of Progesterone and retinoic acid for 7, 12, 17, and 22 days. Immunofluorescent and Quantitative RT-PCR were used to evaluate the effect of progesterone on the differentiation of mESCs into primordial germ cells. RA-treated cells exhibited increased expression of Fragilis, Stella, Dazl, Stra8, Sycp3, and Gdf9 genes and decreased expression of Oct4, Mvh genes compared to the non-treated controls. Furthermore, RA in combination with progesterone (RA?P) led to increased expression of Oct4, Fragilis, Stella, Dazl, Sycp3, Gdf9 and decreased expression of Mvh , and Stra8 genes compared to the RA-treated scenario. Immunofluorescence detection of Stella and Mvh showed that the expression levels of the cells treated with RA+P are much higher than those of the other groups. Our project showed that under the influence of the induced factors, mESCs can spontaneously differentiate into germ cells. Also, the combination of RA+P can enhance and accelerate the differentiation of mESCs into germ cells.

Background: Breast cancer is a complex, heterogeneous disease and one of the most common malignancies in women worldwide. The efficacy of chemotherapy as an important breast cancer treatment option has been severely limited because of the inherent or acquired resistance of cancer cells. The molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) upregulated in response to cellular stress is required for functions such as conformational maturation, activation and stability in more than 200 client proteins, mostly of the signaling type. In this study, the expression of HSP90 isoforms including HSP90α and HSP90 β in breast cancer cell lines before and after treatment with doxorubicin (DOX) was assessed., Material and Methods: The cell cytotoxicity of DOX in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines was determined using the MTT assay. Immunofluorescence and western blotting techniques were used to determine the expression of HSP90 β in the cell lines before and after DOX treatment. Immunofluorescence was also conducted to ascertain the expression of HSP90α., Results: The MTT assay results showed that the MDA-MB- 231 cells (IC 50 =14.521 μM) were more sensitive than the MCF-7 cells (IC 50 =16.3315 μM) to DOX. The immunofluorescence results indicated that the expression of HSP90α in both cell lines decreased after exposure to DOX. The western blot and immunofluorescence analyses showed that HSP90 β expression decreased in the MCF-7 cells but increased in the MDA-MB- 231 cells after DOX treatment. Conclusion: The obtained results suggested that HSP90α and HSP90 β expression levels were reduced in the MCF-7 cells after exposure to DOX. In the MDA-MB-231 cells, HSP90α expression was reduced while HSP90 β was found to be overexpressed following DOX treatment., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Objective: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and very common malignancy in women worldwide. The efficacy of chemotherapy as an important part of breast cancer treatment is limited due to its side effects. While pharmaceutical companies are looking for better chemicals, research on traditional medicines that generally have fewer side effects is quite interesting. In this study, apoptosis and necrosis effect of Arctium lappa and doxorubicin was compared in MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Materials and Methods: MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 containing 10% FBS and 100 U/ml penicillin/streptomycin. MTT assay and an annexin V/propidium iodide (AV/PI) kit were used respectively to compare the survival rate and apoptotic effects of different concentrations of doxorubicin and Arctium lappa root extract on MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells. Results: Arctium lappa root extract was able to reduce cell viability of the two cell lines in a dose and time dependent manner similar to doxorubicin. Flow cytometry results showed that similar to doxorubicin, Arctium Lappa root extract had a dose and time dependent apoptosis effect on both cell lines. 10μg/mL of Arctium lappa root extract and 5 μM of doxorubicin showed the highest anti-proliferative and apoptosis effect in MCF7 and MDA231 cells. Conclusion: The MCF7 (ER/PR-) and MDA-MB-231 (ER/PR+) cell lines represent two major breast cancer subtypes. The similar anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of Arctium lappa root extract and doxorubicin (which is a conventional chemotherapy drug) on two different breast cancer cell lines strongly suggests its anticancer effects and further studies., (Creative Commons Attribution License)

Background: An appropriate animal model of ischemia stroke is essential for evaluation of different therapeutic methods. Two and four-vessel global ischemia models are one of the most common types of transient cerebral ischemia., Objectives: In this study, the morphology of rat hippocampal CA1 neurons in modified models of two and four-vessel ischemia and reperfusion were evaluated., Materials and Methods: In this study, 20 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. In group 2 and 3, both common carotid arteries were occluded for 10 minutes in either 3 or 24 hours of reperfusions, respectively. In group 4 and 5, both common carotid and vertebral arteries were occluded for 10 minutes in either 3 or 24 hours of reperfusions, respectively. Group 1 as control, underwent the whole surgery without any arteries occlusion. Hippocampi of the rats in all groups were processed and tissue sections were stained using the Nissl method. The morphology of CA1 neurons were studied under a light microscope and compared different groups., Results: In all groups ischemic changes were apparently observed in hippocampus CA1 neurons. In two-vessel occlusion model, after 3 and 24 hours of reperfusions, ischemic cells accounted for 14.9% and 23.2%, respectively. In four-vessel occlusion model, after 3 and 24 hours of reperfusions, ischemic cells accounted for 7.6% and 44.9% (P < 0.0001), respectively., Conclusions: Modified four-vessel occlusion model resulted in significant ischemic changes after 24 hours of reperfusion in CA1 neurons of rat hippocampus.

Objective: Vasectomy, though in some cases are being confronted with irreversibility, has been accepted as an effective contraceptive method. It is estimated that near 2-6% of vasectomised men ultimately show a tendency to restore their fertility. In some cases, vasectomy has been considered as an irreversible procedure due to many post-vasectomy complications causing this debate. The aim of present study was to investigate the pattern of expression of galectin-3, an inflammatory factor secreted by macrophages and immune cells, following the vasectomy in mice testis tissue., Materials and Methods: IN THIS EXPERIMENTAL STUDY, TWENTY MATURE MALE BALB/C MICE, AGED TWO MONTHS, WERE DIVIDED INTO TWO EQUAL GROUPS: sham and vasectomised groups (n=10). They were sacrificed four months after vasectomy, while the pattern of galectin-3 expression was investigated using a standard immunohistochemistry technique on testicular tissues. Stereological analyses of testes parameters in vasectomised and shamoperated groups were compared by mixed model analysis., Results: Based on observations, although galectin-3 was not expressed in sham-operated group, it was expressed in 40% of testicular tissues of vasectomised mice, like: seminiferous tubules, interstitial tissues and tunica albugina. Also, our result showed a significant alteration in number of germ and sertoli cells of testicular tissue in vasectomised group in comparison to sham-operated group. In addition, the result of mixed model method confirmed a significant reduction in germ and sertoli cells of vasectomised group., Conclusion: The expression of galectin-3 at different parts of testicular tissue in vasectomised group is higher than sham group. This express illustrates the increase of degenerative changes and inflammation reactions in testicular tissue, leading to chronic complications and infertility, after the vasovasostomy.

Background: Axotomy causes sensory neuronal loss. Reconnection of proximal and distal nerve ends by surgical repair improves neuronal survival. It is important to know the morphology of primary sensory neurons after the surgical repair of their peripheral processes., Methods: Animals (male Wistar rats) were exposed to models of sciatic nerve transection, direct epineurial suture repair of sciatic nerve, autograft repair of sciatic nerve, and sham operated. After 1 and 12 weeks of the surgery, the number of L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and ultrastructure of L4-L5 DRG neurons was evaluated by fluorescence and electron microscopy, respectively., Results: Nerve transection caused sensory neuronal loss and direct epineurial suture but no autograft repair method decreased it. Evaluation of morphology of the neurons showed classic features of apoptosis as well as destructive changes of cytoplasmic organelles such as mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus in primary sensory neurons. These nuclear and cytoplasmic changes in primary sensory neurons were observed after the surgical nerve repair too., Conclusion: The present study implies that the following peripheral nerve transection apoptosis as well as cytoplasmic cell death contributes to neuronal cell death and reconnection of proximal and distal nerve ends does not prevent these processes.