Tarbiat Modares University Pathobiology Research 2538-3000 25 4 2022 10 01 The effect of different patterns of intermittent fasting diet on the convulsive behaviors: the possible role of glutamic acid decarboxylase enhancement 6 12 19456 EN Seyed Ehsan Fathi 1- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran2- School of medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Arash Nazari Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fahime Zavvari Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran Yasmina Katebi Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fariba Karimzadeh Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Journal Article Introduction: Intermittent fasting diet (IFD) has been known as a supplementary therapy for epilepsy. The main mechanisms involved in the anti-epileptic effect of IFD have not been well understood. This study has investigated the effect of IFD on hippocampal glutamic acid decarboxylase enzyme (GAD65) expression as a critical enzyme to fast modulation of GABA level. Method: Male adult rats were divided into 4 groups of sham, seizure, fasting & seizure, and pre-seizure fasting. Seizures were induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) injection every other day for 4 weeks. The protocol of IFD was alternate-day feeding (24 hours of access to food every 48). In the pre-seizure fasting group, rats were put on the alternate-day feeding schedule for weeks 1–8 and PTZ was injected every other day in weeks 5–8. Hippocampal level and distribution of GAD65 have evaluated using western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis respectively. Result: Study findings revealed a significant reduction of seizure behavior scores in the pre-seizure fasting group on days 10, 16, 20, and 22. In the CA3 area, expression of GAD65 decreased in the seizure group compared to the sham group. In the CA1 area, expression of GAD65 increased significantly in both fasting groups compared to the seizure group. Moreover, the hippocampal protein level of GAD65 increased significantly in both fasting groups compared to the seizure group. Conclusion: The IFD before seizure induction has more potential to modulate the development of seizure behaviors, compared to IFD simultaneously with seizure.

https://mjms.modares.ac.ir/article_19456_0c57998b6a8290670e111c41ae60df33.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Pathobiology Research 2538-3000 25 4 2022 10 01 Introducing a method for implantation of stimulating electrodes in olfactory epithelium for brain stimulation 13 22 19457 EN Seyed Roholah Eftekhari Tarbiat Modares university Navid Heidari Tarbiat modares University Fatemeh Bakhtyarzadeh Tarbiat Modares university Journal Article Olfactory system may be considered as a target for deep brain stimulation. In experimental researches, it is difficult to insert an electrode in the olfactory epithelium (OE) of laboratory animals, including mice, through nasal cavity. Therefore, it is necessary to find a method for insertion of electrodes in the OE. In the present study we introduce a new method for electrode implantation in mice OE. Male C57BL/6 mice, aged 3-4 months were used. Animals were anesthetized and a pair of bipolar electrodes were inserted into the OE through a hole on the nasal bone. Field potential recordings were made from olfactory bulb and confirmed the electrode positions in OE, so that OE stimulation led to field excitatory post synaptic potentials (fEPSP) in olfactory bulb. In addition, considering the connection between olfactory system and hippocampus, the fEPSPs were also recorded in the hippocampus after a long synaptic delay. On the whole, we introduced a method for OE stimulation in mice as a common laboratory animal. This methos may be suitable in deep brain stimulation experiments in different animal models of neurological diseases.

https://mjms.modares.ac.ir/article_19457_e0c4ac2b3663de42c0d23a34498a70bd.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Pathobiology Research 2538-3000 25 4 2022 10 01 Anti-inflammatory reflex - interaction of the nervous system and the immune system 23 29 19458 EN Roham Mazloom Department of Physiology-Pharmacology-Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran. Journal Article The coordination of body systems is important for overcoming various conditions. The nervous system, as a fast coordinator of the body, reflexively manages many functions. At the same time, the immune system is involved in endogenous and exogenous factors that disturb homeostasis at any time to protect the body. Research has shown negative feedback between the two systems. Inflammatory factors such as pro-inflammatory cytokines stimulate the vagus nerve, which increases afferent signals to the central nervous system. The central autonomic network increases efferent vagus nerve impulses. Amplification of efferent vagus nerve activity promotes the release of acetylcholine. Increased acetylcholine suppresses inflammation through its receptors on immune cells. The aforementioned feedback process, which is the two-way communication of the nervous and immune systems, is called the "anti-inflammatory reflex". In the present article, the role of each component and the therapeutic potential of using the anti-inflammatory reflex will be discussed. Moreover, heart rate variability as an index for measuring the state of the anti-inflammatory reflex is considered.

https://mjms.modares.ac.ir/article_19458_a9992f6c7611759605d948f6084808ed.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Pathobiology Research 2538-3000 25 4 2022 10 01 Exploring the link between statins and smoking cessation 31 35 19459 EN Nilofar Aghajani Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Hossein Azizi Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Saeed Semnanian Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Journal Article Cigarette smoking remains a significant public health concern despite established cessation programs and their limited success rates. This persistent struggle compels us to explore innovative solutions. This review examines the potential of statins, the cholesterol-lowering medications, as a novel weapon in the fight against smoking addiction. Statins might offer a novel intervention for smoking cessation by potentially addressing two key aspects of addiction, inflammation, and the reward system. Addiction is often linked to chronic brain inflammation. Statins, with their potential anti-inflammatory properties, could dampen this inflammatory response, potentially weakening the addictive cycle of smoking. Additionally, they might influence the brain's reward system, which plays a crucial role in nicotine dependence. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter heavily involved in reward processing, is a key player. Nicotine triggers dopamine release, leading to pleasurable sensations that reinforce smoking behavior. This review suggests that statins might also modulate dopamine signaling, potentially reducing the pleasurable effects of nicotine, and reducing cravings.

https://mjms.modares.ac.ir/article_19459_16e58d932f3bf986116b9802a7bfeb19.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Pathobiology Research 2538-3000 25 4 2022 10 01 Molecular study of patients with thalassemia major in Ardabil Province 37 42 19460 EN Hassan Izadikia Ardabil University of Medical Sciences - Imam Reza Hospital, Ardabil, Iran Keyvan Radjabalizadeh Department of Biology , Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran 0000-0003-2747-8701 Journal Article Thalassemia is a common disease caused by mutations in the beta globins gene. Today, this disease is high frequency due to some factors including lack of control, the increase of population growth, and lack of implementation of appropriate methods of family planning. In present study, the molecular β-thalassemia has been investigated in patients with thalassemia major in Ardabil, Iran. Blood samples of patients were collected over the province and in the process of collecting; sampling of venous blood was performed under blood expert guidance and with the consent of 50 patients with β-thalassemia major. The samples were stored at -70 ºC in the freezer and DNA after extraction was amplified by amplification refractory mutation system - polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) method. The results showed that the frequency of mutation was 16%, 14% and 4% for IVSI-110, IVSII-1 and IVSI-5 mutations, respectively. It can be concluded that the incidence of β-thalassemia major in Ardabil IVSI-110 has the highest ratio of the disease, IVSII-1 is in the second place and IVSI-5 has a bit effect on the creation of thalassemia major patients. It is recommended to create a database of mutations in β-thalassemia patients to find appropriate therapeutic solutions.

https://mjms.modares.ac.ir/article_19460_646c24129029da404e57ef28757537b8.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Pathobiology Research 2538-3000 25 4 2022 10 01 The Role of Medicinal Plants in Treating Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Focus on Mitophagy Modulation 43 49 19461 EN Omolbanin Karimi Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute on Basic Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran Jalal Hassanshahi Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran Ali Shamsizadeh Occupational safety and health research center, NICICO, WSO and Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran Journal Article Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia, characterized by cognitive decline that is more pronounced than expected for age. While the exact mechanisms underlying MCI remain elusive, mounting evidence suggests that impaired mitophagy, a cellular process responsible for removing damaged mitochondria, may contribute to its development. Medicinal plants, rich in bioactive compounds, have shown promise in treating MCI. This review explores the potential of medicinal plants to ameliorate MCI by modulating mitophagy. We delve into the intricate interplay between mitophagy dysfunction and MCI, highlighting the pathways involved. Furthermore, we examine the reported effects of various medicinal plants on mitophagy, emphasizing their potential to restore mitochondrial homeostasis and protect cognitive function. Finally, we discuss future research directions and perspectives on the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in MCI management.

https://mjms.modares.ac.ir/article_19461_356bf85f16636086250481a79b7bebc4.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Pathobiology Research 2538-3000 25 4 2022 10 01 Pycnogenol improves the destructive results of prenatal bacterial lipopolysaccharide exposure in adult male pups NMRI mice 51 57 19462 EN Fatemeh Karami Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran. Faezeh Abdolmaleki Abdolmaleki Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University. Maryam Azizi Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Negin Vali Nejad Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Maryamalsadat Hosseini Parsa Alborz University of Medical Sciences Arman Vasighmehr Qazvin University of Medical Sciences Mahdi Goudarzvand Alborz University of Medical Science Jalal Solati Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Journal Article Introduction: Prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can lead to structural damage and CNS dysfunction. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of prenatal administration of pycnogenol (PYC) against the negative effects of bacterial LPS on anxiety-like behavior, gonadotropin and sex hormone serum levels, and sperm quality and quantity in the adult male offspring of NMRI mice. Methods: Pregnant mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 per group): 1. Saline group: received a single dose of saline as solvent of pycnogenol by gavage for 3 days on gestation days 16-18. 2. LPS group: received a single dose of LPS (20 µg/kg, subcutaneously) on gestation day 20. 3. PYC: received 200 mg/kg/day of pycnogenol by gavage for 3 days, intraperitoneally, on gestation days 16-18. 4. LPS + PYC: received a single dose of LPS (20 μg/kg) on gestation day 20 and pycnogenol (200 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 3 days on gestation days 16-18. After maturity/puberty in male pups (60 days old), the anxiety-like behavior test was performed. After the behavioral test, serum levels of gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone, LH, follicle stimulating hormone, FSH), testosterone hormone and sperm quality were assessed. Results: LPS administration increased anxiety-like behaviors and decreased serum LH and testosterone levels; however, PYC treatment reversed the negative effects of LPS to normal levels. Conclusion: PYC treatment improves anxiety-like behavior and gonadotropin and testosterone secretions. Therefore, this substance can be used as a protectant and an aphrodisiac agent.

https://mjms.modares.ac.ir/article_19462_a57e40ec230ff3f9c17fadf6ae6b6577.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Pathobiology Research 2538-3000 25 4 2022 10 01 Activation of orexin-A receptors in the periaqueductal gray increases pain tolerance in healthy and diabetic male rats 59 65 19463 EN Talieh Shirafkan Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University of Hamadan, Iran Maryam Sharifi Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Alireza Komaki Department of Neuroscience, School of Sciences and Advanced Technology in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Abdolrahman Sarihi Department of Neuroscience, School of Sciences and Advanced Technology in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Journal Article Introduction: Diabetic neuropathic pain is a common complication of diabetes. While previous research has shown that direct administration of the neuropeptide orexin-A into the brain can elicit analgesic effects, the specific central nervous system regions and mechanisms mediating these pain-relieving actions remain incompletely characterized. Methods: The current study used male Wistar rats to investigate the antinociceptive effects of administering orexin-A directly into the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) region of the midbrain, assessed via the tail-flick test performed 5 minutes post-injection. The experiments compared the effects of intra-vlPAG orexin-A administration in both healthy control and diabetic animal models. Results: In the control groups, the analgesic effects of intra-vlPAG orexin-A were found to be sustained over the 1-hour observation period. Importantly, orexin-A elicited a rapid and potent analgesic response in the diabetic animal groups as well. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings suggest a key functional role for the vlPAG orexinergic system in modulating pain tolerance, with implications for the potential therapeutic targeting of this system in the management of debilitating neuropathic pain conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

https://mjms.modares.ac.ir/article_19463_39ffe0b5809a15fcc7637b21b3026a72.pdf