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ABSTRACT Introduction & Objective: Vitex agnus castus (Verbenaceae) is a phytoestrogeic herb native to the Middle East and southern Europe. It has clinical usage in so many countries. In this research, the effects of Vitex agnus castus extract was investigated on spermatogenesis of male Balb/C mice. Materials & Methods: This is an experimental study in which adult male mice were chosen and divided into 3 groups: control, vehicle, and experimental. Animals were daily injected (i.p.) with 65, 165 265, 365, and 465 mg/kg of seed extract for ten consecutive days. Then the animals were weighed and eventually killed by cervical dislocation 2 weeks after the last injection. The caudal part of the right epididymis was used for sperm counting. After macroscopic investigation (weight, diameter and volume of testes) tissues were fixed in Buin's fixative. Tissues were cut at 5 µm, stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H& E).Ccollected data was analyzed by the SPSS software by using one-way ANOVA. Results: No significant differences in body weight, volume, weight and diameter of testes was seen. Light microscopic studies showed a significant reduction in germinal epithelium in doses of 265 and 365 mg/kg and increased of interstitial tissue area in doses of 265, 365, and 465 mg/kg of extract. There was no significant difference in epithelium thickness and of the diameter of the epididymis. Germinal cells contained pyknotic nuclei and several holes that were found scattered in the tubules. Testis also showed a general disarrangement in various germinal elements of seminiferous tubules. Result of sperms count indicated a significant decreasing of spermatozoa in animals which received 265 and 365 mg/kg of extract. Conclusion: Vitex agnus castus contains essential oils, iridoid glycosides, flavonoids diterpenes, and essential fatty acids. The results suggest that its contraceptive effects is related to its flavonoids and essential fatty acids but further studies is needed to focus on the pharmacokinetics of this plant.

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Introduction & Objective: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a source of Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC) and progenitor cells that can reconstitute the hematopoietic system in patients with malignant and nonmalignant disorders. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived from umbilical cord blood (UCB) have been differentiated to some kind of cells, such as osteobblast, adipoblast and chondroblast in Vitro. This study examined the differentiation of Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB) derived stem cells to functional hepatocytes. Materials & Methods: The present study was an experimental study which was carried out in the Payam-e-Noor University of Tehran in cooperation with Hamedan University of Medical Sciences in 2008. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) was obtained from Fatemieh hospital (Hamadan, Iran). Stem cells were isolated from the cord blood by combining density gradient centrifugation with plastic adherence. When the isolated cells reached 80% confluence, they differentiated to hepatocyte like cells. The medium which was used was consists of DMEM and 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) supplemented with 20 ng/mL Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), 10 ng/mL basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) and 20 ng/mL Oncostatin M (OSM).The medium was changed every 3 days and stored for Albumin (ALB), Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), and urea assay. Finally PAS stain was done to study Glycogen storage in the differentiated cell. Results: Measurement of biochemical factors in different days showed that concentration of albumin (ALB), alpha fetoprotein (AFP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Urea gradually increased. Also, PAS staining showed the storage of glycogen in these cells. Conclusion: Stem cell-derived from human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) is a new source of cell types for cell transplantation therapy of hepatic diseases and under certain conditions these cells can differentiate into liver cells.

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Introduction & Objectives: Recently, the findings of some studies have shown that, nitric oxide (NO) probably has an important role in differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts. The aim of the present investigation was to study the effects of nitric oxide production inhibitor named, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), on rat mesenchymal stem cells differentiation to osteoblasts in vitro. Materials & Methods: This was an experimental study conducted at Hamedan University of Medical Sciences in 2009, in which rat bone marrow stem cells were isolated in an aseptic condition and cultured in vitro. After third passage, the cells were cultured in osteogenic differentiation medium. To study the effects of L-NAME on osteogenic differentiation, the L-NAME was added to the culture medium at a concentration of 125, 250, and 500 μM in some culture plates. During the culture procedure, the media were replaced with fresh ones, with a three days interval. After 28 days of culturing the mineralized matrix was stained using Alizarian red staining method. The gathered data were analyzed by SPSS software version 12 using one way ANOVA. Results: The findings of this study showed that in the presence of L-NAME, differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts was disordered and matrix mineralization significantly decreased in a dose dependent manner. Conclusion: This study revealed that, inhibition of nitric oxide production using L-NAME can prevent the differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblast. The results imply that NO is an important constituent in differentiation of mesenchymal stem cell to osteoblasts.

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Introduction & Objective: Numerous observations in clinical and preclinical studies indicate that the developing brain is particularly sensitive to lead (PB)'s pernicious effects. The effects of low concentrations of lead on neurodevelopment are complicated. Lead acetate can disrupt both the CNS activity and neurons development. The present study was carried out to assess the effect of low level lead exposure on learning and memory by active avoidance learning. Materials & Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the Islamic Azad University of Parand in 2008. Eight groups of NMRI rats (9 rats in each group) (weight 220±30 gr) consisting of six experimental groups (3 after infancy and 3 adult groups) were exposed to low concentrations of lead for 45 days. The drinking water of the experimental groups was replaced by 0.05 %, 0.1 % and 0.2 % of lead acetate solution whereas the two control groups received distilled water. The results were analyzed using the SPSS software and student t-test. Results: In this study, the learning and memory tests showed no significant differences between experimental groups (infancy and adulthood) and infancy control and adult control in number of shocks for 0.05% concentration of lead acetate. The memory test showed an increase in number of shocks for 0.1% and 0.2% concentration of lead acetate in adult groups and an increase in number of shocks for 0.2% concentration of lead acetate in infancy groups (P<0.05). The learning test showed an increase in number of shocks for 0.2% concentration of lead acetate in infancy groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Mechanisms of lead poisoning in the CNS are not clear and it as been suggested that lead exposure during life alters the granule cell neurogenesis and morphology in the hippocampus of infant or young adult rats.

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Introduction & Objective: There are too many disagreements about the effects of gender and sex hormones on the behavioral responses to noxious stimuli and morphine analgesia. The purpose of this study was to determine the different effects of testosterone and gonadectomy conditions on pain and morphine-induced analgesia, using the formalin test. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted at Razi University, in Kermanshah. Sixty three male NMRI mice were divided into nine groups (n=7). The effects of gonadectomy and testosterone on responses to noxious stimuli were evaluated in five groups (G1 to G5). The effects of these factors on morphine-induced analgesia were investigated in other groups (G6 to G9). According to grouping, each group received normal saline, testosterone, testosterone solvent or morphine and some groups were also gonadectomized and separately received these agents. Finally, the formalin test was taken from all groups. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: The results showed that the response to the painful stimuli had no significant difference in 5 minutes (acute pain) in all groups. Testosterone increased the response to the noxious stimuli in sub acute pain (10-30 minutes) and chronic phase (15-60 minutes) stages. This increase was significant in the group receiving testosterone compared with the gonadectomized group in both stages. In the presence of morphine, there were no significant differences in response to painful stimulus in 5 minutes (acute pain) in all groups. But testosterone in the presence of morphine caused an increased in pain score in sub acute pain (10-30 minutes) and chronic phase (15-60 minutes) stages. Conclusion: Testosterone increased the response to the painful stimuli in sub acute and chronic pain stages. Testosterone also reduced morphine-induced analgesia in peripheral and chronic pain stages in mice.

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Introduction & Objective: In recent years, investigations on different species of Stachys have shown that extracts or components of this species exert various pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antitoxic, antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the aerial parts of the hydroalcoholic extract of Stachys lavanduifolia Vahl in male mice. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study which was conducted at Payam-e-Noor and Shahid Beheshti Medical University in 2009-2010, the analgesic effects of Stachys lavanduifolia Vahl in mice were studied, using the formalin and tail immersion tests. Also, the anti-inflammatory effects of this plant was studied in mice, using xylene-induced ear edema . Male NMRI mice, weighing, 20-25 g, were assigned into five groups: negative control (received 0.5% of aqueous solution of Tween 20), positive control in formalin test (received morphine, 10 mg/kg), positive control in xylene test (received dexamethason 15 mg/kg), and experimental groups. Experimental groups were intraperitoneally injected by 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extracts of Stachys lavanduifolia Vahl. Data were analyzed using SPSS software using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test. Results: Results showed that all doses of Stachys lavandulifolia extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), significantly (p<0.001) reduced the licking time in experimental groups, both in acute and chronic phases of formalin test, compared to the control groups. In the hot water tail immersion test, the hydroalcoholic extracts of the plant (200 and 400 mg/kg) showed maximum inhibitory effect in the xylene test. Moreover, all doses of extracts significantly inhibited (particularly the extracts at dose of 400 mg/kg) the xylene-induced ear edema. There was no significant difference with positive control group in this dose. Conclusion: Findings of this study suggested that the extract of Stachys lavandulifolia have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

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Abstract Background & aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine failure leading to anovulation. TNFα is an effective factor in the regulation of normal functioning of the ovaries. High levels of TNFα causes PCOS is further. In this study, the effects of bumble bee venom (HBV) on TNFα and other symptoms of ovarian PCOS were studied. Methods: In this experimental study, 60 female Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, sham and experimental groups. The experimental group was injected with estradiol valerate-induced PCOS direction. Induced rats (PCOS) were divided into two groups and treated with HBV. The treatment Group received 0.2mg of HBV for 10 consecutive days. Serum and ovarian tissue was collected from each of the four groups to compare the histological and changes in blood sugar levels. Results: A significant increase in ovarian PCOS weight was observed in the control group , whereas in the treated group with HBV rate fell (15.5 mg) Glucose levels in PCOS was 256.5, the control group138, and the treatment group 158. Thickness of the theca layer of antral follicles in the treated group compared with PCOS showed a significant decrease (110 μm and 150 μm respectively). Immunohistochemical results showed increased TNFα factor in PCOS group than in the control group, whereas these levels in samples treated with HBV Reduced. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the beneficial effects of HBV in PCOS may be due to the inhibitory effect on factor TNFα. Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Bumble bee venom, Tumor necrosis factor, Immunohistochemistry

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Backgrounds & aim: apium graveolens contains antioxidant activity and high level of polyphenolics. The purpose of this study was to determaine the effect of Apium graveolens seeds extract on semen parameters and serum testosterone level in mice. Methods: In the present experimental study, sixty male mice were divided into three experimental groups and a control group. The hydroalcoholic seed extract of Apium graveolenas L. was administered intraperitoneally at the doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg for 14 days. A week after the final injection, blood samples were collected for hormonal assay. Then, the testes weight, sperm count and cauda epididymal sperm motility was assessed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test. Results: The results were compared with the control group indicating a significant increase in the total number of sperm at dose 400 mg.kg and increase sperm motility was seen in groups receiving 200 and 400 mg.kg respectively (P<0.001). Increased testosterone levels in the group receiving 400 mg.kg compared with the control group was observed (P<0.01). A significant increase was seen in testes weight compared with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Apium graveolens seed extract appeared to be effective in improving semen parameters and serum total testosterones were dose dependent.

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Abstract


Background and aim: Organophosphate insecticide diazinon is used in agriculture and may affect fertility of men due to the production of free radicals. Because of the antioxidant properties of black currant compounds, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of black currant on spermatogenesis in diazinon-induced toxicity in male rats was investigated.

Methods: In the present experimental study, 30 adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control group without sham, corn oil and saline without intervention; the positive control group received Diazinon poison at a concentration of 16 mg / kg. Experimental 1 and 2 respectively received diazinon poison (16 mg / kg) and black and white extract (100 mg / kg) and 200 mg / kg (3 mg / kg) extract, respectively. They received 3 extracts of black currant with a concentration of 200 mg / kg. All treatments were carried out for 2 months in gavage. After 2 months sperm parameters, number, mobility, life and morphology were investigated. Similarly, testicular tissue was stained with Hematoxylin Eosin for evaluation of spermatogenesis after cutting. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test.

Results: Diazinon with a concentration of 16 mg / kg caused a significant decrease in the number and motility of the sperm in comparison to the sham group (p <0.01) (p <0.001), but significantly altered sperm motility and morphology compared to the group Did not have you The group that received diazinon and extract of black currant with two concentrations of 100 and 200 mg / kg compared to diazinon group showed a significant increase in the number of sperms (p <0.01) (p <0.001), but blackheads caused a significant change Sperm motility was not present in the presence of diazinone. Histological examination showed that the number of primary spermatocyte cells and spermatid in the diazinone group compared to sham group decreased significantly (p <0.05). However, the number of spermatogonia cells, primary spermatocytes and spermatid in experimental groups 1 and 2 showed a significant increase compared to diazinon group (p <0.05). In the experimental group 3, the extract increased the number of sperm in comparison with the sham group (p <0.05), but did not change the testicular tissue.

Conclusion: The results indicated that black currant extract had a protective effect on testicular tissue and could increase spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid and sperm count in diazinon-induced toxicity but did not affect sperm motility.
 
 
 

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Background & aim: Infertility and its individual and social problems are one of the main and important issues and concerns of couples and about half of all infertility is related to men. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell supernatant (SPAS) product in reducing sperm damage during freezing and thawing.

Methods: The present descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed in 20 infertile men referred to Qom University Jihad Infertility Treatment Center in 2017. All of these men had asthenospermia. Samples were prepared from these individuals and then pre-freeze measurements such as; Sperm viability, DNA fragmentation, malondialdehyde and oxidative stress were assessed. After that, the stem cells were frozen with the supernatant product and the same previous studies were performed on the defrosted sample. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance.

Results: The results of the present study indicated that sperm survival increased after supernatant defecation. Sperm survival at 25 and 50% concentration was higher than freezing conditions (p <0.05), but no significant difference was seen in DNA doses and oxidative stress in any of the doses (p> 0.05).  The amount of malondialdehyde also changed. The amount of malondialdehyde in SPAS and untreated samples was significantly different from the frozen samples (p <0.05).

Conclusion: Due to the positive effect on sperm and improving their quality after defecation using fat-derived mesenchymal stem cell supernatant, it may be used as a suitable preservative alone or in combination with other supplements. It seems that the increase in sperm viability in the spasm environment was due to the presence of growth factors in this supernatant.
 

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Background & aim: Reallocating boosted memory can lead to blocking or updating and re-boosting memory. Various factors affect the performance of memory reinforcement. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of aerobic exercise and electrical stimulation of the brain on memory reinforcement in sleepless and sleepless conditions.
 
Methods: 45 young participants aged 20 to 25 years participated in the present quasi-experimental study conducted in 2019. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, Petersburg sleep quality, Edinburgh excellence, Wechsler memory, chain reaction color matching time test, direct cranial electrical stimulation device and heart rate monitor. Subjects were selected based on inclusion criteria and then randomly assigned to three experimental and control groups. The subjects performed the chain color matching task in the acquisition stage (six blocks of 100 attempts), then the first group performed aerobic physical activity for 30 minutes, the second group did 15 minutes of electrical stimulation of the skull and 15 minutes of aerobic physical activity. All groups called the chain color matching task in a 100-item block 30 minutes after the training intervention and participated in the retest tests one and 48 hours later. The collected data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test.
 
Results: The results indicated that the subjects performed better in the third training block than the first and second training blocks (p ≥ 0.05). In the retention test after 1 hour, the aerobic exercise group had the best performance and the combined exercise group had the weakest performance (p ≥ 0.05). In performing the retention test after 48 hours, the combined exercise group had the best and the control group had the weakest performance.
 
Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, aerobic physical activity and electrical stimulation of the brain to increase memory-enhancing performance are recommended.