A trend over time study of hepatic Farnesoid-X-activated receptor and its downstream targets modulation by valproic acid in mice.

Valproic acid (VA) is a broad-spectrum anticonvulsant agent that acts through several molecular mechanisms to control different types of seizures. The main concern of the drug is its liver toxicity. Considering the regulatory roles of the Farnesoid nuclear receptors and the nuclear transcription factor Nrf2 in modifying and neutralizing the harmful effects of oxidative damage, the present study was designed to evaluate the role of FXR-Nrf2 and some downstream target gene alterations in hepatotoxicity induced by VA.

Safety assessment of the gall hydroalcoholic extract: Single and repeated oral dose toxicity studies.

Objectives: galls (QBGs) are well-known in Iranian traditional medicine for treating various diseases. The aim of study was to assess the acute and repeated oral toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extract of QBG in female rats.

Materials And Methods: The ethanolic extract of QBG was administered in rats by gavage in both acute and repeated dose models.

Oral administration of phenylalanine molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) benefits PKU mouse model.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a defect in the metabolism of phenylalanine (Phe). Currently, the most commonly used treatment for PKU is dietary Phe restriction. Problems associated with Phe restricted diets include lack of universal availability, high treatment costs, and reduced adherence to continued treatment with age and finally the development of psychological and neurological problems in a significant proportion of patients despite early start of treatment.

Rubiadin exerts an acute and chronic anti-inflammatory effect in rodents.

Rubiadin is identified as a bioactive anthraquinone that exists in some quinone rich plants. The current research was carried out to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory impact of Rubiadin in acute and chronic inflammation test models in rodents. The anti-inflammatory activity of Rubiadin was examined in cotton pellet-induced granuloma and carrageenan-induced edema as chronic and acute inflammation models in rats.

Saffron offers hepatoprotection via up-regulation of hepatic farnesoid-X-activated receptors in a rat model of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.

Objectives: The most important toxicity of acetaminophen is hepatotoxicity. Farnesoid X-activated receptors () are one of the nuclear receptor superfamily members which have a pivotal role in the bile acid regulation. The objective of the present study was to examine the role of in mediating the hepatoprotective effects of saffron.

Effect of escitalopram on an acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis model.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and recurrent gastrointestinal (GI) disorder with an unknown aetiology and pathogenesis. Regarding the effectiveness of antidepressants on UC in animal models of depression and the known anti-inflammatory effects of escitalopram this study was conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of escitalopram on an acetic acid-induced UC model without depression. UC model was induced by intra rectal (i.

The Effect of Voluntary Exercise and Prenatal Exposure to Sodium Valproate on Learning, Memory, and Anxiety of Rats' Offspring.

Background: Antiepileptic drugs, such as sodium valproate (SV), are teratogenic as their usage by the pregnant mother has been associated with an increased risk of major congenital abnormalities in the fetus. In this study, the effects of voluntary exercise and prenatal exposure to SV on learning, memory, and anxiety in rats' offspring are investigated.

Methods: In the present study, 70 female albino Wistar rats (200-240g) were used.

A New Potentiometric Sensor for Determination and Screening Phenylalanine in Blood Serum Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymer.

Methods routinely utilized for detection of phenylalanine in new-born blood consist of enzymatic assays, lacking sensitivity and HPLC assays which are expensive and time-consuming to conduct. We, here, report for the first time, the construction of a phenylalanine sensitive electrode, on the basis of a selective molecularly imprinted polymer, offering sensitivity, economy and ease of use for the measurement of phenylalanine .The sensor was constructed of a graphite-rod electrode which was coated by MIP embedded polymer base made from polyvinyl chloride and plasticizer mixture, dissolved in THF.

Safety Assessment of Mentha mozaffarianii Essential Oil: Acute and Repeated Toxicity Studies.

Background: , an endemic species from the family, is used in Iranian traditional medicine. This study evaluated the acute and repeated oral toxicity of the essential oil (MMEO) in rats and mice.

Methods: To assess the toxicity profile of the MMEO, we administered the essential oil to 48 rats and mice of both sexes by gavage in acute and repeated models.

Reproductive toxicity of manganese dioxide in forms of micro- and nanoparticles in male rats.

Background: Manganese Dioxide (MnO ) has long been used in industry, and its application has recently been increasing in the form of nanoparticle. The present study was an attempt to assess the effects of MnO nanoparticles on spermatogenesis in male rats.

Materials And Methods: Micro- and nanoparticles of MnO were injected (100 mg/kg) subcutaneously to male Wistar rats (150 20 gr) once a week for a period of 4 weeks, and the vehicle group received only normal saline (each group included 8 rats).

Anti-inflammatory activity and chemical composition of fruit's essential oil in animal models.

Objectives: is an endemic species found only in Iran. Due to the presence of myristicin as the major component of the fruit's oil we were prompted to assess the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of fruit's essential oil (PBFEO).

Materials And Methods: The analgesic activities of PBFEO (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, IP) were studied by hot-plate and formalin tests in mice.

Effects of Subcutaneous Injection MnO Micro- and Nanoparticles on Blood Glucose Level and Lipid Profile in Rat.

Background: The use of nanotechnology has led to rapid growth in various areas. Thus, health and safety issues of nanoparticles (NPs) should be promptly addressed. Manganese oxide (MnO) nanoparticles (NPs) are typically used for biomedical and industrial applications.

Preparation of a selective L-phenylalanine imprinted polymer implicated in patients with phenylketonuria.

Background: Molecular imprinting is a method for synthesizing polymers with structure-selective adsorption properties with applications such as, selectivity binding, drug delivery systems and anti-bodies. The present study aims at optimizing the preparation of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) against l-phenylalanine, in order to increase phenylalanine-binding in Enzymatic Intestinal Simulated Fluid (ESIF).

Methods: The MIP for l-phenylalanine, as a water-soluble template, was successfully synthesized without derivatization.

Synthesis of a phenylalanine imprinted polymer for attenuation of phenylalanine absorption via the gut in a murine hyperphenylalaninemia model.

Polymer technology plays an influential role in biomedical sciences. Molecular imprinting is a technique for preparation of polymers with structure-selective adsorptive properties. High selectivities of these materials have nowadays advanced to the point that they are being utilized for several biomedical applications such as drug delivery.

The effect of a hydro-alcoholic extract of olive fruit on reproductive argons in male sprague-dawley rat.

Background: Olive (Olea europea), from the Oleaceae family, is known as a phytoestrogen plant compound, containing Lignans and phenoliccompounds. Some studies have shown phytoestrogens to have spermatogenesis-decreasing effects.

Objective: The present study investigated the effects of a hydro-alcoholic extract of olive fruit on reproductive argons in male rats.

The evaluation of the clinical effect of topical St Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) in plaque type psoriasis vulgaris: a pilot study.

In this case series, ten patients with plaque-type psoriasis were treated with Hypericum perforatum ointment. The hypericum ointment was applied to one side of each patient's body and the vehicle to the opposite side twice daily for 4 weeks in a single blinded manner. Modified psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores were significantly lowered where the formulated ointment had been applied.

Chronic morphine consumption increase allograft rejection rate in rat through inflammatory reactions.

Background: Although opioids suppressive effects on immune system function have been reported, this study demonstrates inflammatory reactions, such as production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, are the main causes at organ's allotransplantation rejection in chronic morphine-treated recipients.

Methods: 28 rats were categorized in 4 groups through intra-peritoneal administrations: control, sham, morphine treated animals (20 mg/kg injected of morphine daily until biopsy day), morphine and naloxane treated animals (20 mg/kg morphine and 2mg/kg naloxane daily injected until biopsy day), which their donors were normal rats. The grafts were done at the 14th day of the experiment.