Hassan Fazelinejad; Nayyereh Keighobadi
Abstract
One of the main features of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the amyloid aggregation of specific proteins in the brain tissue. Inhibition of protein misfolding and aggregation is results of utmost importance in the prevention and treatment of such diseases. In the experimental ...
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One of the main features of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the amyloid aggregation of specific proteins in the brain tissue. Inhibition of protein misfolding and aggregation is results of utmost importance in the prevention and treatment of such diseases. In the experimental present study the possible effects of Portulaca oleracea extract on amyloid fibrillation of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) as a protein model and possible its role in treatment of amyloidosis diseases were explored. Lysozymal amyloid was prepared in the harsh condition such as acidic pH and high temperature and confirmed by various techniques including Congo red (CR), Thioflavin T (ThT) binding assays and atomic force microscopy. Data were analyzed through SPSS 16 using descriptive statistics as well as independent t-test. The collected and dried Portulaca oleracea was first dechlorophyllized and then its hydroalcoholic extract was obtained. The extract was concentrated and dried for 48 h, then stored at -20º. This studies by ThT showed that, amyloid formation in the presence of Portulaca oleracea extract significantly (p˂0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner was inhibited. The Amyloid formation inhibition in presence of the extract also were confirmed by Congo red assay and AFM images. Both Intrinsic and ANS fluorescence showed that inhibition effect of the extract is not due to stabilization of native structure of the protein. The results suggested that aromatic compounds in the extract may directly insert into amyloidogenic core of aggregates and disrupt pi-pi stacking interactions and thus inhibit amyloid fibril formation. These results may ultimately find applications in the development of potential inhibitors against amyloid fibril formation and its biologically adverse effects.
Animal physiology
Fatemeh Danesh Pajooh; Shahrbanoo Oryan; Ramesh Ahmadi; Pejman Mortazavi
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a reversible disease that can be caused by various causes of liver damage and ultimately lead to severe complications such as cirrhosis, liver cancer or even death. Traditional treatments have several limitations, including insufficient therapeutic effects and side effects. Since the ...
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Liver fibrosis is a reversible disease that can be caused by various causes of liver damage and ultimately lead to severe complications such as cirrhosis, liver cancer or even death. Traditional treatments have several limitations, including insufficient therapeutic effects and side effects. Since the internalization, penetration and delivery of drugs have been facilitated with the help of nanomedicine, therefore, the use of nanotechnology in targeted drug delivery to improve liver fibrosis seems to be a suitable option. Male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were randomly divided into 5 groups of 8: control (healthy rats), sham (healthy rats + K3PO4), CCL4 (liver fibrosis model rats), Y2O3 30 (healthy rats + 30 mg/kg Y2O3) and CCL4+ Y2O3 30 (fibrotic rats + 30 mg/kg Y2O3). After induction of liver fibrosis by CCL4, rats received Y2O3 once daily for four weeks. At the end, the rats were anesthetized and blood was taken from the heart. A part of the liver samples was kept in 10% formalin and another part was kept at -80°C. Finally, oxidative stress markers (CAT, GPX, SOD and MDA) and liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT, ALP and GGT) were measured using ELISA method. Also, the expression of TGF-β and α-SMA genes in the liver was investigated by Real Time RT-PCR method. The use of 30 mg/kg of Y2O3 NPs did not have a favorable effect on regulating the levels of CAT, SOD, GPX, TGF-β and α-SMA, as well as MDA, AST, ALT, ALP and GGT in fibrotic rats. However, a significant improvement was observed in reducing liver tissue inflammation in CCL4+ Y2O3 30 group rats. The dose of 30 mg/kg of Y2O3 nanoparticles did not have a favorable effect on the antioxidant and biochemical indices of the liver in order to reduce liver fibrosis. But its favorable effects were observed in the fibrotic liver tissue of mice treated with Y2O3 30, especially the reduction of inflammation.
Somayeh Bahram; Mohammad Khezri; Seyed Rohollah Javadian
Abstract
Todays, with the clarifying of the toxicity and side effects of synthetic preservatives, consumers are looking for natural compounds with anti-oxidant and antimicrobial effects. In the present study, lizardfish (Saurida tumbil) muscle was hydrolyzed by Alcalase at two concentrations of 2 and 4% and two ...
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Todays, with the clarifying of the toxicity and side effects of synthetic preservatives, consumers are looking for natural compounds with anti-oxidant and antimicrobial effects. In the present study, lizardfish (Saurida tumbil) muscle was hydrolyzed by Alcalase at two concentrations of 2 and 4% and two times of 90 and 180 min. Then the antioxidant activity of fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) was evaluated by measuring DPPH, ABTS and OH free radical scavenging activity, and reducing power and ferrous ion-chelating assays. Antimicrobial activity was determined by disc diffusion and mic test. Alcalase enzymes hydrolyzed proteins showed remarkable activity in removing DPPH (37.92%), ABTS (77.34%) and hydroxyl (21.79%), as well as ferrous ion (26.95%) and poor activity in ion ferric degradation (Optical absorption of 0.001 ± 0.00 at a wavelength of 700). In the present study, the most inhibitory activity of DPPH and OH radicals was observed by hydrolyzed samples with 4% enzyme for 180 minutes. The most protein recovery yield was observed by the above sample. FPH showed no antibacterial activity against the studied bacterial strains. FPH of lizard fish with potential antioxidant activity can be recommended as an inexpensive antioxidant for use in the food industry, functional foods and animal feed.
Atta Mouludi-Saleh; Soheil Eagderi; Keivan Abbasi
Abstract
This study was conducted to study sexual dimorphism of Caspian kutum, Rutilus kutum collected from the Rudsar coast and Anzali Wetland, Guilan Province. After collecting, the left lateral face of the fresh specimens were photographed, then 13 Landmark-points were defined and digitized using tpsDig2 software. ...
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This study was conducted to study sexual dimorphism of Caspian kutum, Rutilus kutum collected from the Rudsar coast and Anzali Wetland, Guilan Province. After collecting, the left lateral face of the fresh specimens were photographed, then 13 Landmark-points were defined and digitized using tpsDig2 software. Generalized procrustes analysis was performed to eliminate non-shape effects, including size, direction and position. Then date was analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant function analysis (DFA) based on P-value obtained from Hoteling’s t-test. The results showed a significant difference in the body shape of the male and female (P<0.05). The observed differences confirm the presence of the sexual dimorphism in the study species during reproductive season. The observed morphological can be shown presence of the sexual dimorphism in this species. Based on the findings, the females have deeper body and smaller head, which can related to reproductive performance of each sex.
Mokhtar Fathi; Mohamad Heydari; Mehran Mohamadikhah
Abstract
The present study was performed to investigate the effect of furosemide on oxidative stress, mortality due to ascites and some blood parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 450 Ross 308 days-old chicks were assigned to 3 groups (control and two treatments of 30 and 60 ppm zamide) in a completely randomized ...
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The present study was performed to investigate the effect of furosemide on oxidative stress, mortality due to ascites and some blood parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 450 Ross 308 days-old chicks were assigned to 3 groups (control and two treatments of 30 and 60 ppm zamide) in a completely randomized design with 5 replications and 30 chicks per replicate. The birds were subjected to a special cold temperature program to induce ascites. Blood parameters: red blood cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, white blood cells, activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase and oxidative stress parameters such as; Plasma antioxidant capacity, plasma malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity, glucose, protein, triglyceride, cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were measured. Performance parameters of body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were also evaluated. Deaths were recorded daily and described to differentiate the cause of death and determine ascites. The results showed that administration of 60 ppm of furosemide significantly reduced weight and feed intake as well as improved feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). In addition, furosemide, significantly decreased ascites index and ascites losses (P<0.05). Also, level of 60 ppm furosemide, increased white blood cells, plasma antioxidant capacity, glutathione-peroxidase activity). Decreased plasma protein, malondialdehyde and activity of plasma aspartate, aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine kinase (P<0.05). The results of this research show that the level of 60 ppm Furosemide can reduce the problems caused by high blood pressure in birds with this metabolic syndrome by improving its antioxidant status.
Davoud Fazli; Aliakbar Malekirad
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are cytotoxic agents that lead to significant oxidative damage. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a contaminant toxic, oxidative and estrogenic effects. Purslane is a promising natural product, which could be useful for the prevention of chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress. In ...
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Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are cytotoxic agents that lead to significant oxidative damage. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a contaminant toxic, oxidative and estrogenic effects. Purslane is a promising natural product, which could be useful for the prevention of chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress. In this study 49 adult male rats (250 10g) were divided randomly in 7 groups (n=7): Control, Sham (500 ug corn oil\Kg BW), Toxin group (500ug BPA\kg BW), Positive control (100mg purslane hydroalcoholic extract\kg BW) and 3 purslane treated groups (500ug BPA + 50,100&150 mg purslane\kg BW). All injections are done by i.p rout in 14 consequently days. At the end of administration time (14 day) all animals were anesthetized with Chloral hydrate and sacrificed, then liver samples isolated to preparing tissue homogenates for measure antioxidant enzymes including SOD, CAT, TAC, GPX and MDA. Data are analyzed in SPSS statistical software by one way ANOVA with Tukey posttest. Analyzed data showed that MDA, TAC, CAT, GSH and GPX measures are modified in purslane treated groups compared to the bisphenol A group which indicates that the portulaca oleracea extract can improve the hepatotoxicity of bisphenol A induced.
Leila Danshvar; Nasrin Sakhaei; Babak Doustshenas; Ahmad Savari; Amir Ashtari
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the abundance of biofouling communities and compare their growth in different panels of concrete, PVC and iron in the port of Kushkonar (N W Parsian Gulf).A total of 162 panels were placed in Kushkonar port. The panels were placed by the diving team in 3 stations ...
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The aim of this study was to determine the abundance of biofouling communities and compare their growth in different panels of concrete, PVC and iron in the port of Kushkonar (N W Parsian Gulf).A total of 162 panels were placed in Kushkonar port. The panels were placed by the diving team in 3 stations in March 2016. The first harvest of the panels was done after 6 months in the summer and second harvest was done in winter 2016. A total of 162 panels were placed in Kushkonar port. Different panels (with 3 repetitions) at a depth of 5-7 meters were placed horizontally by the diving team in 3 stations in March 2016. The first harvest of the panels was done after 6 months in the summer and second harvest was done in winter 2016. Overall24 species have settled, Crustaceans (6), Gastropoda (5), Bivalvia (4), Polychaeta (10), Polyplacophora (2), Bryozoan (1) and Macroalgae( 4).The abundance of biofouling communities in the second harvest was much higher than the first harvest. In the second harvest, the highest density of biomass was related to PVC multilayer panels with 10696.67±447.75/m-2,There were also no specimens of Polyplacophora, Polychaeta and Bryozoa in the iron panels. Also, another factor in increasing the frequency of biofouling communities on PVC multilayer panel and concrete panel, was the presence of many pores in these panels, which created a shelter for larvae to settle and thus increase their adult abundance.
Fisheries
Habibollah Sadeghi; Arash Shakouri; Mohammad Mohammadi
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the diet of Pharaoh cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) caught by pot during the sampling seasons in the Konarak fishing ground located in the Sistan and Baluchestan province. Tiger squid samples were collected for biological studies in the period from October to January 2021. ...
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This study aimed to investigate the diet of Pharaoh cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) caught by pot during the sampling seasons in the Konarak fishing ground located in the Sistan and Baluchestan province. Tiger squid samples were collected for biological studies in the period from October to January 2021. Based on the obtained data, the highest number was recorded in January (113 specimens), and the highest ranges of length (18.2-2.41 cm) and weight (426.17-17.3886 grams) were recorded in October. Based on the results of non-linear regression between length and weight, the values of a, b, and R2 parameters were 0.17038, 2.6962, and 0.9842, respectively. The highest Fulton index was obtained in December (0.93) and the lowest index was obtained in October (0.64). The highest value of the GaSI index was observed in December (1.02) and the lowest value was observed in November (0.7). Also, the highest SFI index was observed in January (0.535) and the lowest in November (0.31). The changes in the ESR index also showed that this index was 68% in October, 57% in November, 34% in December, and 41% in January. Based on the results of gastric dilatation, the highest state of the empty stomach (53%) and three-quarter dilation (13%) were observed in October. Also, most one-quarter dilation (18%), one-half dilation (24%), and full stomach (22%) were observed in January. The results showed that there is a significant relationship between the nutritional status of Pharaoh Cuttlefish caught by fishing trap in the Konarak in different sampling (P<0.05). Also, they have a varied diet (Fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other digested materials) during different sampling months.
Raha Fadaei Rayeni; Hamid Reza Bidmal; Behzad Eiri; Sepideh Ghani
Abstract
Recently, plant protection products have become commonly used in aquaculture as immune stimulants to strengthen the fish safety system. Some plants are a rich source of tannins, polysaccharides, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and polyphenols, which have been shown to play different roles, including ...
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Recently, plant protection products have become commonly used in aquaculture as immune stimulants to strengthen the fish safety system. Some plants are a rich source of tannins, polysaccharides, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and polyphenols, which have been shown to play different roles, including having antimicrobial effects and strengthening the immune system of fish. In the present study, 150 goldfish (mean weight 135 g) were divided into three groups: control group (T1), metal + extract of green tea (T2) and metal (T3) with three replicates. The optimum dose of extract in fish diet was determined (0.65 mg/kg), sub-lethal concentrations of cadmium (0.5 mg/l) and mercury (0.5 mg/l). In order to study the biochemical parameters of blood, sampling was carried out on days 3, 7, and 14, after exposure to the concentration of heavy metals of cadmium and mercury. The results showed that total protein, cholesterol, glucose and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes were significantly different in treatment of herbal extracts (T2) than other treatments. On the other hand, the values of the mentioned indices in the treatment of metal containing the extract of the plant were significantly higher than other treatments (P<0.05). According to the results, it can be stated that increased the immunity system in fish that fed with plant extract and the biochemical parameters were optimally. Regarding the fact that heavy metals in water resources affect the biochemical parameters of blood of fish, the results of this study suggest that the use of herbal extract increases the fish's physiological capacity against the negative effects of environmental pollutants. Therefore, the use of Camelia siensies extract in fish is recommended to increase the physiological capacity and reduce liver damage in the exposure of wastewater and industrial contaminants.
Shahrzad Fouladi; Reza Haji Hosseini; Masoud Torkzadeh; Hooshang Hamidian
Abstract
Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts that can affect the structure, stability, and function of proteins. Researchers have recently been interested in finding ionic liquids that increase the stability, activity and solubility of enzymes. In this study, efforts are made to investigate the effect of triethylammonium ...
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Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts that can affect the structure, stability, and function of proteins. Researchers have recently been interested in finding ionic liquids that increase the stability, activity and solubility of enzymes. In this study, efforts are made to investigate the effect of triethylammonium propionate (TEAP) on the function of urate oxidase (UOX). We treated the enzyme in different concentrations of TEAP. The volume percentages of TEAP in the solvent phase are 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10% and 15%. The results indicate that TEAP has a concentration-dependent effect on the activity of UOX enzyme. The use of 1% TEAP ionic liquid increased the enzymatic activity in comparison to untreated enzyme. We concluded that this ionic liquide was able to alter the structure of the uricase in a way that increased the activity and improve its catalytic efficiency of the enzyme. Also the thermodynamic prameters such as ΔG#, ΔH#, and ΔS# values indicate that the use of 1% of triethylammonium propionate increases the thermostability of uricase and reduces the conformational changes of this enzyme during thermal inactivation process.
Shahrzad Fouladi; Reza Haji Hosseini; Masoud Torkzadeh-Mahani; Hooshang Hamidian
Abstract
Urate oxidase or uricase (UOX) (EC 1.7.3.3) is an globular tetramer oxidoreductase enzyme which lacks cofactor. Much research on this enzyme has been done so far due to its biomedical applications as a therapeutic and diagnostic agent. Urate oxidase catalyzes uric acid degradation and produces allantoin. ...
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Urate oxidase or uricase (UOX) (EC 1.7.3.3) is an globular tetramer oxidoreductase enzyme which lacks cofactor. Much research on this enzyme has been done so far due to its biomedical applications as a therapeutic and diagnostic agent. Urate oxidase catalyzes uric acid degradation and produces allantoin. An imbalance in the excretion of uric acid causes the hyperuricemia. Part of a clinically important diagnostic kit used to measure the concentration of uric acid in the blood is the enzyme uricase. In this research, efforts are made to investigate the effect of triethylammonium maleate (TEAM) ionic liquid on the function of urate oxidase (UOX). Ionic liquids are salts with important properties like high thermal stability, high solvating capacity and high polarity. These salts have been considered in biochemical and biomedical fields. They can also be utilized as a stabilizer for long-term protein storage and they can extend the shelf life of some proteins such as therapeutic or industrial proteins. In this study, we treated the enzyme in different concentrations of triethylammonium maleate ionic liquid. The volume percentages of TEAM in the solvent phase are 1%, 2%, 5%, 10% and 15%. The results indicate that TEAM has a concentration-dependent effect on the activity of UOX enzyme. The use of 5% TEAM ionic liquid increased the enzymatic activity in comparison to untreated enzyme. We concluded that this ionic liquid was able to alter the structure of the uricase in a way that increased the activity and improve its catalytic efficiency of uricase.
Najmeh Maleki; Mehdi Dadmehr; Mohammad Ali Karimi
Abstract
In this research, a comparison was made between the concentration of secondary metabolites of Hibiscus sabdariffa content in its leaves and induced transgenic hairy roots. The levels of anthocyanins and flavonoids and total phenol were measured in both samples. In the next step, polyphenols were measured ...
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In this research, a comparison was made between the concentration of secondary metabolites of Hibiscus sabdariffa content in its leaves and induced transgenic hairy roots. The levels of anthocyanins and flavonoids and total phenol were measured in both samples. In the next step, polyphenols were measured by HPLC. The concentration of catechin flavonoids in the transgenic hairy root extract was 22.8 mg/g dry matter which was several times higher than that of 0.9 mg/g in leaf extract of dry matter. The obtained results clearly demonstrated that, the rate of concentration of secondary metabolites during the process of induction of transgenic hairy root was increased. Then, the extracts of leaf and transgenic hairy root samples at various concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 50, 100, 200, 400 mg / ml were added to HepG2 liver cancer cell lines and the percentage of cell survival was calculated by MTT method. The cell survival rate in the sample treated with transgenic hairy roots samples was less than the leaf extract samples, which was most likely due to the higher concentration of Catechin in the transgenic hairy roots extract. The best concentrations of extracts of transgenic hairy root extract showed that, the highest percentage of cell apoptosis was 100 mg/ ml.
Biochemistry
Milad Saffary; Zolfaghar Lotfi; Amir Arasteh
Abstract
Aloysia citrodora is very important in Iranian traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to produce silver nanoparticles with aqueous extract of A. citrodora and investigate its antioxidant and inhibitory effects on the amyloid nanofibers from BSA as model protein. For synthesis of silver nanoparticles, ...
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Aloysia citrodora is very important in Iranian traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to produce silver nanoparticles with aqueous extract of A. citrodora and investigate its antioxidant and inhibitory effects on the amyloid nanofibers from BSA as model protein. For synthesis of silver nanoparticles, aqueous A. citrodora extract was prepared and one mM silver nitrate was added to solution. To confirm the presence and determine the size of silver nanoparticles, UV-Vis spectroscopy and TEM were used. The antioxidant effect of the extract was evaluated by DPPH and the production of amyloid fibers was measured by Congored absorption method. The toxicity effect of nanoparticles on neuroblasts was investigated by MTT method and the inhibitory properties of the extract on amyloid production were investigated by TEM. Caryophyllene (7.66%), phytol (7.47%) and limonene (2.68%) were the most abundant compounds. TEM also confirmed spherical crystalline nanoparticles with a size between 30–70 nm. By increasing the concentration of the extract, the antioxidant properties of nanoparticles increased, so that 97.35% of DPPH free radicals were inhibited at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. The highest inhibition of amyloid fibrils production was observed at concentration of 2 mg/ml by 96%, and the highest level of cytotoxicity at a concentration of 2 and with an IC50 of 2.25 mg/ml. The results showed that nanoparticles from A. citrodora leaves with anti–amyloid, antioxidant and anticancer properties can be considered as a new bio–nanomaterial in reducing Alzheimer's and cancer complications.
Ghazaleh Fotouhi; Mojtaba Naderi; Fatemeh Shahbazi; Mostafa Alinaghizadeh
Abstract
Prolongation of wound healing time can be led to chronic infections. Therefor, to achieve infection preventive methods to accelerate of wound improvement process is one of essential needs of Human. In this study, the effects of methanolic extract of Holothuria leucospilota was investigated on restoration ...
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Prolongation of wound healing time can be led to chronic infections. Therefor, to achieve infection preventive methods to accelerate of wound improvement process is one of essential needs of Human. In this study, the effects of methanolic extract of Holothuria leucospilota was investigated on restoration of created wound in rat skin. Methanolic extracts of collected sea cucumber from depth of 10 to 15 meters was prepared by rotary. The amount of 0.5 and 1 gr of obtained extraction were added to base ointment. In continuing, 40 rats (average mean of 185±5 gr) were divided into 4 groups which included control, sham (base cream), 0.5% ointment and 1% ointment. Wound (diameter of 6±1 mm) was created on rats’ skin by punch biopsy. Each group were treated (1ml) with prepared concentrations ointment during 13 days. On days of 0, 4, 7, 10 and 13, the wound improvement process was investigated and the diameter of the wounds was measured. According to results, accelerate the wound recovery process was more obvious in treated groups with 0.5% and 1% ointment compared to control and sham groups. Also, there was significant different between treated group with 1%, sham and control during days of 7, 10, 13 (P<0.05).
Mostafa Robatsarpooshi; Reza Haji Hosseini; Majid Halimi Khalilabd; Gholam Reza Bakhshikhaniki
Abstract
Metal oxide nanoparticles, including Nano-silver, have antimicrobial effects against a wide range of microorganisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Nano-silver obtained from different parts of Saffron on Acinetobacter baumannii has always been identified as one of the most important ...
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Metal oxide nanoparticles, including Nano-silver, have antimicrobial effects against a wide range of microorganisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Nano-silver obtained from different parts of Saffron on Acinetobacter baumannii has always been identified as one of the most important nosocomial infections. In this study, saffron stigma, stamens, and petals were prepared, only stamens and petals caused the synthesis of Nano-silver. The diameter of Nanosilver was measured using TEM, then its effect on Acinetobacter baumannii was investigated by Disk and Well diffusion, MBC, and MIC methods. The results of the Disk diffusion method and the well diffusion method showed that with increasing the concentration of silver nanoparticles, the diameter of the bacterial growth aura increases. Also, the average MBC and MIC for saffron petal Nano-silver are 781 ppm and 390 ppm, respectively, and for saffron stamens Nano-silver, 3125 ppm, and 1562 ppm, respectively. It can be concluded that the petals and stamens of saffron reduce silver ions well and cause the synthesis of silver Nano-silver. The resulting Nano-silver also had a lethal effect on Acinetobacter baumannii. The abundance of saffron in Iran can be a good option for the production of Nano-silver.
Biochemistry
Asiye Seyyed; Fatemeh Harfsheno; Maryam Khorasani nejad; omolbanin ghasemian; Hassan Johari
Abstract
Statement of the problem: The liver is the main organ responsible for metabolic control and metabolic detoxification, which significantly contributes to the clearance of beta-amyloid plaques. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise with a supplement of vitamin ...
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Statement of the problem: The liver is the main organ responsible for metabolic control and metabolic detoxification, which significantly contributes to the clearance of beta-amyloid plaques. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise with a supplement of vitamin C on liver enzymes and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values in rats with Alzheimer's disease.Materials and Methods: This was an experimental and fundamental research with a post-test and a control group conducted on 35 aged male Sprague-Dawley rats. The samples were randomly assigned to five groups (7 cases in each group), including 1) Alzheimer, 2) the healthy, 3) the exercise group, 4) the vitamin C, and 5) the exercise+vitamin C group. Aerobic exercise was continued for eight weeks, Total protein in liver tissue was measured to assess TAC, Malondialdehyde (MDA, alanine aminotransferase (AST), alkane phosphatase (AST), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels.Results: The values of AST, ALT and ALP, MDA, and TAC in the control group with Alzheimer's disease were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group (P<0.05). After the intervention, AST, ALT, and ALP in the exercise and vitamin C supplement groups were significantly lower than in the non-exercise groups (P=0.001).Conclusion: Aerobic exercise and vitamin C supplementation are effective in improving liver factors in rats with Alzheimer's disease; however, they have no therapeutic effect on MDA and TAC levels in rats with Alzheimer's.
Hamid Alibahar; Yousef Paridar; Maysam Mard-soltani; Reza Haji Hosseini
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common types of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer mortality. Delay in diagnosis and lack of screening are the main causes of high mortality from this disease. Finding an accurate and effective diagnostic biomarker seems to be essential for effective ...
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Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common types of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer mortality. Delay in diagnosis and lack of screening are the main causes of high mortality from this disease. Finding an accurate and effective diagnostic biomarker seems to be essential for effective treatment of GC. In this regard, using a gastroscope, we collected tissue samples from patients with GC and healthy individuals. The obtained samples were used to extract their RNA using Trizol solution kit. RNA samples were used for qRT-PCR using specific primers designed for BTG1 and GAPDH genes. QRT-PCR results were analyzed using 2-ΔCt method and various statistical tests using SPSS software. In total, 40 samples of GC and healthy controls were collected and their demographic information was recorded. RNA extraction produced the amount of RNA required for qRT-PCR. The qRT-PCR results showed that BTG1 expression was significantly decreased in GC samples. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that the reduction of BTG1 expression can act as an accurate biomarker for GC. This gene can also be an indicator of GC pathogenicity. These results could indicate possible diagnostic and therapeutic applications of BTG1 for GC.
Somayeh Farahmand; Faezeh Fatemi; Marzieh Dehghan Shasaltaneh; Reza Haji Hosseini; Shahriar Saeedyan
Abstract
In Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, proteins, like CoxB, present in the electron transmission pathway. The structure of CoxB has two copper atoms (CuA, CuB). CuA plays an important role in electron transport. According to previous studies, the conversion of histidine to methionine in a similar protein ...
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In Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, proteins, like CoxB, present in the electron transmission pathway. The structure of CoxB has two copper atoms (CuA, CuB). CuA plays an important role in electron transport. According to previous studies, the conversion of histidine to methionine in a similar protein leads to an increase the stability of protein and to improve its function. Also, the binding of methionine to CuB in the wild protein structure is another reason for the selection of the H230M mutation in CuA site. Wild-type and H230M mutants are simulated in the presence of a bilayer membrane POPC using the gromacs version 5.1.4. The conformational changes of mutated protein were investigated by RMSD, RMSF, SASA, Rg, DSSP, density, MSD, thickness, PCA, ED, DCCM and FEL analysis. The results of the wild protein and H230M mutant analysis show that the bacteria still preserves its sustainability after mutation. It seems that the H230M mutation leads to the increase of the amount of electron reception that requires further studies in this regard. Molecular dynamic simulation and principal component analysis provide compelling evidence that this H230M mutation contributes to increase the stability of protein. Thus, this finding defines new approaches in structural properties, accurate survey, and probability improves the electron transfer.
Mehrdad Amooghli-Tabari; Hassan Ghahari
Abstract
Rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the key pest of paddy fields in northern Iran which the overwintering larvae look for shelters after rice harvesting. Since these natural shelters are the main infestation centers for the next crop year, an investigation included ...
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Rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the key pest of paddy fields in northern Iran which the overwintering larvae look for shelters after rice harvesting. Since these natural shelters are the main infestation centers for the next crop year, an investigation included two experiments was conducted in 10 localities of Mazandaran province (including, Mahmud-Abad, Fereydon-Kenar, Babolsar, Hassan-Abad, Naej, Babolkan, Haraz, Bandpey, Nezam-Abad, Amol Rice Research Institute) for three years. The conducted experiments were: Appointment of population transportation process of overwintering larvae and appointment of rice infestation to the larvae in cultural season. The results indicated that the highest density of living larvae was determined in the first stage of sampling (after crop harvesting) in Babolsar, Fereydon-Kenar and Amol, and the lowest one was obtained in the last stage of sampling (February) in Haraz region. The highest (%1.25) and the lowest (%0.87) percent of dead heart were obtained in Fereydon-Kenar and Haraz, and the highest (%1.3) and the lowest (%0.88) percent of white head in Babolsar and Bandpey, respectively. The results of faunistic surveys indicated that there is a diverse fauna of natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) of C. suppressalis in paddy fields of Mazandaran province. In total, 30 species of predators (Aves: 4 species; Chilopoda: 3; Araneae: 5; predator insects: 18), and 28 species of parasitoids of Acari (one species) and parasitoid insects (27 species) were collected and identified.
Abbas Ashoori; HOSSEIN VARASTEH MORADI; Farhad Hosseini Tayefeh
Abstract
Anzali International Wetland is one of the most important bird sites in Iran and the region, but so far no comprehensive study has been conducted to determine the diversity and status of its birds. In this study, all parts of the wetland were monitored monthly from January 2014 to December 2015 with ...
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Anzali International Wetland is one of the most important bird sites in Iran and the region, but so far no comprehensive study has been conducted to determine the diversity and status of its birds. In this study, all parts of the wetland were monitored monthly from January 2014 to December 2015 with the aim of identifying and surveying the status of the birds in the wetland. A total of 243 bird species including 112 waterbirds and 131 terrestrial species were identified. The highest number of species was recorded in April and the lowest number in June, and more than 70% of the birds in the wetland were passage and wintering migrants. The highest number of birds was counted in January (134,167 individuals) and the lowest number in May (6,979 individuals). Twenty-six percent of the birds were globally threatened, near-threatened and nationally protected in Iran, and nine species of were named: Sociable Lapwing in the critically endangered, White-headed Duck, Saker Falcon and Steppe Eagle in the endangered, and Common Pochard, Horned Grebe, Greater Spotted Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle and European Turtle Dove in the vulnerable category. Breeding of Ferruginous Duck, Savi’s Warbler, Little Crake and Little Tern was recorded for the first time in this wetland and more than one percent of the global population of Whiskered Tern, Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, Whooper Swan, Pygmy Cormorant, Great cormorant and Dalmatian Pelican occur in this wetland. This study shows that Anzali wetland, despite being included in the Ramsar Convention’s Montreux Record of listed sites experiencing change in ecological character, is still one of the most important sites for birds, especially waterbirds, and still satisfies all the waterbird-related criteria of the Ramsar Convention. Therefore, maintaining the quality and extent of the wetland and its valuable habitats is essential.
Fatemeh Safariyan; Shahrokh Pashaei Rad; Shahrzad Khakpour
Abstract
Ants with more than 13.700 species belong to Formicidae family and Hymenoptera order. Ants are the most well-known social insects that have a significant impact on the ecosystems of their habitat. The role of these insects in the physical and chemical changes of the soil and their interaction with plants, ...
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Ants with more than 13.700 species belong to Formicidae family and Hymenoptera order. Ants are the most well-known social insects that have a significant impact on the ecosystems of their habitat. The role of these insects in the physical and chemical changes of the soil and their interaction with plants, microorganisms and other living organisms is undeniable. Iran, with its diverse climatic conditions and habitat variety, has a great diversity of plant and animal species. The research is conducted in order to complete the faunistic of ants located in the eastern part of Kurdistan province in Iran. The region is divided into 11 zones according to different ecological conditions in which samples are collected either manually or by hand and pit fall. In the work about 23 species derived from 11 genus and three subfamilies are identified. All species are obtained from Kurdistan province for the first time, statistically coming from Messor syriacus species from Myrmicinae subfamily in abundance. All species are verified by professor Taylor from the Royal Museum of England.
Mohsen Ahmadpour; Hamid Reza Kamyab; Nafiseh Momeni; Kamran Nasirahmadi; Mohammad Hosein Sinkakarimi
Abstract
Determining the habitat suitability, understanding the relationship between species and environment, and choosing it as a niche is one of the main steps of management and a key step of wildlife species protection. Miankaleh biosphere reserve is one of the important habitats for the Caspian comment pheasant ...
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Determining the habitat suitability, understanding the relationship between species and environment, and choosing it as a niche is one of the main steps of management and a key step of wildlife species protection. Miankaleh biosphere reserve is one of the important habitats for the Caspian comment pheasant (Phasianus colchicus persicus), and suitability of its habitat was investigated in this study. The modeling of habitat suitability was conducted using 61 occurrence records of the species and environmental variables, including; distance to farm, cattle rearing, ranger’s station, water resources, roads and NDVI; based on the maximum entropy algorithm. We found that proximity to water resources, high density of vegetation, and proximity to ranger’s station play as the major role in habitat suitability of the species, respectively. The habitat of the Caspian comment pheasant was not most suitable in the Miankaleh biosphere reserve due to destruction of coastal habitats, road construction, conversion to agricultural land, intentional and unintentional fires of vegetation, use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in the edge of woodland and farm. So that, its habitat sustainability was very limited and inclined to the southwestern habitats of the region.
Hajimohammad Shirmohammadli; Majid Mohammadnejad
Abstract
Environmental, nutritional, size and age conditions cause many direct and indirect changes in the blood and serum indices of fish in different species. The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate the changes in hematological indicators and some biochemical indicators of Cyprinus carpio blood ...
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Environmental, nutritional, size and age conditions cause many direct and indirect changes in the blood and serum indices of fish in different species. The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate the changes in hematological indicators and some biochemical indicators of Cyprinus carpio blood serum in different weights. For this purpose, common carp farmed in the weight range of 500 to 2000 g were examined and analyzed in 5 weight groups of 500, 700, 1000, 1300 and 1600 g. The studied fish were bred and examined in a 2-hectare pool in one of the farms of Sari city under the same conditions. To perform blood tests, 5 fish were used in each weight group and blood sampling was performed by cutting the vein of the caudal stem vein. The results of the study of hematological indicators and some serum biochemical indicators showed that in different weights, significant changes in the amount of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean red blood cell volume, mean hemoglobin concentration, mean red blood cell hemoglobin concentration, white blood cells, lymphocyte, monocyte, granulocytes, glucose, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, potassium, albumin, and total protein were not observed (P> 0.05). The results of the present study showed that weight changes did not affect the hematological indicators and some biochemical indicators of common carp blood serum.
Najmeh Kamali; Ali Gholamhosseini
Abstract
The Rollers or Coraciidae (Passeriformes) are distributed in Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and New Guinea. The family has two genera including Coracias with nine species and Eurystomus with four species. Of this species diversity, only European Roller (Coracias garrulus) and Indian Roller (Coracias ...
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The Rollers or Coraciidae (Passeriformes) are distributed in Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and New Guinea. The family has two genera including Coracias with nine species and Eurystomus with four species. Of this species diversity, only European Roller (Coracias garrulus) and Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis) are found in Iran. Evolutionary biologists have always emphasized the importance of recording contact zones for sister species and relatives. The occurrence of hybridization in Coraciiformes was reported at about 14%. The reproductive range of European and Indian roller is broadly geographically separated, however their geographic distributions are in contact in eastern Iraq, western and southern Iran, and Pakistan. There is no information on the contact zone and hybridization between the two species. Therefore, in this study the distribution of these two rollers in the Fars province (southwestern Iran), contact zone and hybridization were investigated in fieldworks conducted during spring and summer in 2017 and 2018 years. The results showed that the European Roller was distributed throughout all of Fars province except narrow range in the south of the province but the distribution of Indian Roller is more restricted to the southern and western half of the province, so the two species has overlapping zones in the southern half and western parts of the province. In the present study, no hybrid specimens were observed in terms of plumage colors.
Arash Jouladeh Roudbar; Negar Hossein rahimi; Dorsa Cheraghi
Abstract
Isfahan basin, with 18 species of fish, has a relatively good variety of fish among the Endorheic basins of Iran. In previous studies, the presence of one species of the pupfishes family Aphaniidae was recorded in this basin. However, a recent report of the presence of Esmaeilius vladykovi based on morphological ...
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Isfahan basin, with 18 species of fish, has a relatively good variety of fish among the Endorheic basins of Iran. In previous studies, the presence of one species of the pupfishes family Aphaniidae was recorded in this basin. However, a recent report of the presence of Esmaeilius vladykovi based on morphological evidence from this basin has been recorded, which needs further investigation. For this purpose, samples of E. isfahanensis, E. vladykovi were obtained from their type localities and Hoz mahi village (where the presence of a new species has been reported) by electro fisher and Hand net. After DNA extraction from the samples, their COI gene was amplified in a thermocycler and then sequenced. Subsequent sequences of other species in this family were obtained from the NCBI Gene Bank. The best evolutionary model and the phylogenetic tree were selected and drawn by IQTREE. The results of the phylogenetic tree showed that at least nine valid species of this family are present in Iran. In addition, due to the location of specimens in the village of Hoz Mahi in the cluster of specimens caught from the type locality of E. vladykovi, the presence of this species in the Isfahan and Sirjan basin was confirmed. Also, due to the few genetic distance observed between the population of Isfahan and Sirjan basin and Karun, it was possible that this species was transferred to mentioned basin by local people.
