BACKGROUND:Resveratrol (RES), a polyphenol with putative estrogen (E2) -like effects, is believed to counteract left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). However, how RES exerts its protection is not well understood, particularly when prominent risk factors, such as E2 depletion and pressure overload (PO), coexist. Here, we evaluated the impact of RES and E2 on angiogenesis and LVH in rats subjected to ovariectomy (OVX) and PO. METHODS:Three weeks after bilateral OVX induction, abdominal aortic banding was performed on Wistar female rats to trigger PO. The animals were treated with either RES or E2 for six weeks. Finally, the heart-to-body weight ratio (HW/BW), cell size, fibrosis, and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) mRNA expression were assessed. Angiogenesis was determined by evaluating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and protein expression and by CD31 immunostaining. Serum E2 levels were also measured. RESULTS:OVX + PO caused more severe myocardial hypertrophy (HW/BW) and fibrosis compared with PO alone, but did not aggravate cell size and ANP mRNA expression. OVX blunted the angiogenic response to PO, with reduced VEGF expression. RES increased VEGF expression and CD31, and abrogated LVH and fibrosis. E2 treatment improved VEGF expression and fibrosis, but not to the same extent as RES. RES improved serum levels of E2 in OVX + PO rats. CONCLUSION:Our findings suggest that RES limits OVX-induced exacerbation of LVH and fibrosis in a PO model, and targets systemic E2 levels and myocardial angiogenesis as underpinning protective mechanisms. Thus, RES may provide cardioprotection for post-menopausal women.

Sperm motility is a key indicator of male fertility. Decreased motility, or asthenozoospermia, highlights the need for understanding male fertility challenges. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of in vitro use of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on various sperm parameters, sperm DNA integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Semen samples were obtained from 20 asthenozoospermic men. Each sample was divided into control and case groups. In the case group, samples were incubated with FSH at 30 mIU/mL for 1 h, while in the control group, the samples were incubated for 1 h without treatment. Sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation, and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed in the two groups based on WHO 2021 criteria. Progressive motility and rapid progressive motility were higher in the case group compared to the control. However, FSH did not have a significant effect on morphology, viability, DNA fragmentation, or mitochondrial membrane potential in either group. In conclusion, FSH effectively enhanced sperm motility without compromising sperm DNA integrity or mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Therefore, FSH can be recommended as a safe and effective option for sperm selection in patients with asthenozoospermia.

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) poses a significant challenge in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), while effective for male factor infertility, bypasses natural sperm selection, potentially reducing implantation success. Recently, our group has reported the application of a zona-binding sperm selection technique to improve the outcome of ART following ICSI. This report describes two couples with RIF who achieved live births following ICSI with zona pellucida (ZP)-bound sperm selection using sibling immature oocytes. Both couples, with histories of multiple failed in vitro fertilization (IVF)/ICSI cycles, underwent ZP-binding sperm selection, resulting in high-quality embryos and successful pregnancies. These cases highlight the potential of ZP-bound sperm selection to decrease rates of RIF in patients undergoing IVF/ICSI and warrant further investigation.

Depression, considered the most prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder, is multifactorial and complex. Oxidative stress and inflammation significantly contribute to its etiology. Conversely, methane, a novel therapeutic gas, has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing tissue resilience against ischemic injuries and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effect of methane-rich saline (MRS) on depression using the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model. Depressed rats received MRS treatment, and depression-like behaviors and cognitive function were assessed through sucrose preference, open field, forced swimming, and Morris water maze tests. Additionally, we measured serum corticosterone levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, hippocampal malondialdehyde (MDA), and TNFα levels, and investigated histological changes in the hippocampus. Our findings revealed that MRS significantly ameliorated Depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, MRS administration regulated serum corticosterone levels and also MRS reduced hippocampal lipid peroxidation, TNFα, and hippocampus tissue damage. MRS likely exerts its effects by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory factors and modulating the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These results demonstrate the protective effects of MRS on the hippocampus in CUMS animals.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder that can cause infertility. This experimental study was conducted to elucidate the role of adiponectin signaling in rats with PCOS treated with exenatide. Twenty-eight adult female Wistar rats were divided into four groups of seven. The normal group did not receive any drug. The PCOS+vehicle (Veh) group received estradiol valerate to induce PCOS, then was divided into PCOS +E50 and PCOS+E100 groups and treated with 50 or 100 mg/kg doses of exenatide, respectively. The mRNA expression of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor 1 (Adipo-R1) was evaluated using a semi-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated that the level of adiponectin diminished in the PCOS rats while exenatide increased adiponectin expression at both doses. Adiponectin receptor mRNA levels were higher in the PCOS rats than in the normal rats (p<0.05). In addition, exenatide decreased the levels of Adipo-R1 expression. Taken together, our results showed that exenatide may improve PCOS characteristics in rats through the molecular regulation of adiponectin and its receptor.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common heterogeneous reproductive disorder and can affect approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Abnormal vasculogenesis is a common event in polycystic ovary syndrome. This study planned to evaluate the antiangiogenic role of apigenin in ovarian histology, gene expression, and vascular density and stability in an experimental model of PCOS. Twenty-eight rats weighing 180-250 g were divided into 4 groups. Seven rats in the control group remain intact and without treatment. In 21 rats, an ovary polycystic model with a single injection of estradiol valerate was established. The PCOS rats were treated with vehicle, apigenin 10, or apigenin 20 mg/kg in three different PCOS groups for 14 days. At the end, a histological assessment of the ovaries was performed to determine collagen density and follicle counting. The endothelial or periendothelial cells were determined by immunohistochemical assay, and angiogenesis gene expression was determined using molecular assessments. Apigenin treatment partially restored follicular development, decreased the number of cysts, and increased corpora lutea in PCOS rats. Also, apigenin decreased the collagen density in the polycystic ovaries. However, apigenin administration mitigated ovarian angiogenesis by a reduction in endothelial and periendothelial cell numbers. A decrease in VEGF and VEGF R2 (kinase insert domain receptor, KDR) expressions was found after the treatment of rats with apigenin. Conclusively, our data revealed that apigenin improves ovarian histological alterations and follicular dynamics in polycystic ovary rats. The effect is partially mediated by suppression of the VEGF signaling system and reduction in endothelial and periendothelial cell proliferation.

Introduction: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as a therapeutic intervention for regenerating impaired ovarian tissue and improving outcomes in women with premature ovarian failure (POF). One characteristic of POF is the upregulation of proapoptotic genes such as P53 and Caspase3, which lead to the apoptosis of granulosa cells and monocytes. This study aims to evaluate the effects of PRP on reducing the expression of P53 and Caspase3 genes. Methods: A total of 24 adult female Syrian mice aged between 6-8 weeks were utilized in this study. The mice were randomly assigned to four groups: Control, POF, POF+saline, and POF+PRP. Eighteen mice were treated with cyclophosphamide to induce ovarian failure for a duration of 15 days, which was confirmed by vaginal smear. In the POF+PRP and POF+saline groups, 200 mu l of PRP and 200 mu l of 9% normal saline were injected into the ovaries of the mice, respectively. After two weeks, both ovaries of each mouse were surgically removed for analysis. Results: Histopathological analysis revealed a decrease in primary, secondary, and antral follicles in the POF group compared to the control group. Notably, the counts of primary and antral follicles in the POF+PRP group were significantly higher than those in the POF group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the number of atretic follicles increased in the POF group but decreased in the POF+PRP groups, although the differences were not statistically significant. The expression levels of Caspase3 and p53 genes were significantly reduced in the POF+PRP group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that PRP treatment can effectively restore ovarian function by inhibiting apoptosis in a mouse model of ovarian failure.

Two species of common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) and spiny cocklebur (X. spinosum) are common annual summer weeds in soybean fields and other summer crops. The current research was carried out with the aim of determining the cardinal temperatures of germination and determining the phenology stages of these two species in Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. In order to determine the cardinal temperatures of germination of seeds of two weed species, the seeds were examined at constant temperatures of 5 to 45 °C in a completely randomized design in 4 replications in a laboratory experiment. Also, the phenology stages of two weed species were investigated in a field experiment. The highest germination% was observed for the spiny cocklebur (51.3%) and the common cocklebur (58.1%) at temperatures of 25 and 35 °C, respectively. According to the different parameters of segmented model, the base temperature, lower optimum temperature and ceiling temperature for spiny cocklebur are 1.4, 23.2 and 54.7 °C, and for common cocklebur are 4.8, 34.6 and 48.4 °C, respectively. Time from emergence to physiological maturity for the spiny cocklebur and common cocklebur were 136 and 128 days, respectively. The results suggested that seed germination of the two weed species occurs in a wide range of temperatures, i.e. of 5 to 45 °C, and the best time to control this weed is late summer (before the beginning of the flowering stage).

Natural sperm selection in the female reproductive tract involves complicated processes that result in the most competent sperm reaching the fertilization site. This selection is based on various sperm characteristics, including motility, viability, and DNA integrity. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) often bypass these natural selection barriers, leading to concerns about treatment success and offspring health. Nowadays, many researchers are using these biomimetic methods of sperm selection that mimic the selection process occurring in the female reproductive tract. These methods apply microfluidic devices that separate sperm on the basis of guidance mechanisms, such as rheotaxis, chemotaxis, and thermotaxis, and the techniques have also been developed to separate sperm potential biomarkers involved in the sperm binding to the egg envelopes, such as hyaluronic acid and zona pellucida. Conclusively, application of these biomimetic methods could enhance the ART outcomes.

Astrocytes are the most numerous type of glial cells found in the nervous system. They regulate energy homeostasis in collaboration with the neuronal circuits involved in energy balance. These glial cells are equipped with sensors and receptors for nutrients and metabolic hormones in order to control energy homeostasis. Astrocytes, like hypothalamic appetite-regulating neurons, are vulnerable to the negative consequences of a high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, which is associated with an inflammatory response and transforms them into a reactive astrocyte state, consequently leading to the disruption of energy balance. Additionally, these cells have sexually dimorphic characteristics, which will lead to different metabolic outcomes in males and females. In this review, we will discuss the various physiological and pathophysiological roles of astrocytes in regulating energy balance. Finally, we will discuss the sexual dimorphism in astrocytes and the impact of estrogen on eliciting distinct responses.

Amaranthus blitoides S. Watson and A. hybridus L. are common herbaceous annual summer weeds in different regions of Iran, which produce a large number of small seeds per plant. The goal of these experiments was to determine seed germination cardinal temperature and investigate the effect of constant temperature, osmotic and salt stresses, stratification, flooding duration, after-ripening and seed planting depth on seed germination and seedling emergence. Two-piece segmented, dent-like and beta four-parameter models were used to investigate the relationship between germination rate and constant temperature. The dent-like model showed the best description of the effect of constant temperature on seed germination rate of both A. blitoides and A. hybridus. Optimal seed germination of A. blitoides occurred at 35degree celsius, but in A. hybridus optimum germination was observed in a range of constant temperatures from 30 to 40degree celsius. Osmotic and salt stresses and flooding adversely affected seed germination of both species. After ripening for 6 months increased germination percentage of both A. blitoides and A. hybridus. Maximum seedling emergence of A. blitoides (42.8%) and A. hybridus (44.9%) occurred at a planting depth of 3.3 cm, whereas further increased planting depth minimized seedling emergence of both weeds. Information obtained from this study will help us to develop effective techniques for management of A. blitoides and A. hybridus.

Human beta-defensins and interleukins may be auxiliary in sperm maturation. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the expression of Human beta-defensins 1 and 2, interleukins (ILs)- 10 and -18 genes in sperm, as well as seminal plasma levels of these two cytokines in subfertile men with different types of sperm abnormalities compared to those with normozoospermic men. Participants were separated into two experimental groups: the control group (n = 25) and the group with sperm abnormalities (SA) (n = 45). SA participants were further subdivided into the following groups with n = 15 individuals each: Teratozoospermia (T), Asthenoteratozoospermia (AT), and Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) groups. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the mRNA levels of hBDs 1 and 2, IL-10, and IL-18 in sperm. The seminal plasma concentrations of IL-10 and IL-18 were measured by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The mRNA expression of hBD-1 and IL-10 showed a significant decrease in the OAT compared to the controls (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.02, respectively). The lowest seminal plasma concentration of IL-10 belonged to the OAT (P = 0.04). ROC curve analysis showed a sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff value of 82.35%, 86.67%, and 0.63 for hBD-1 levels, respectively. A positive and significant correlation was found between hBD-1 expression and sperm motility and IL-10 expression rate and normal sperm morphology.Therefore, hBD-1 could be considered as the alternative biomaterial to pre-treatments of infertile men with abnormal sperm parameters, specifically OAT men, which led to improving the assisted reproduction success rate.

The objective was to investigate the embryo morphokinitics using a time-lapse monitoring (TLM) system and assessment of clinical outcomes following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with zona pellucida (ZP)-bound sperm selection and conventional methods. A total of 371 metaphase II (MII) oocytes from 50 ICSI cycles were studied. Sibling oocytes were randomly divided into control ( n = 199) and ZP-bound group ( n = 172). All resulting zygotes were cultured and monitored in the TLM system up to Day 3 after ICSI. Fertilization rate, early embryo development, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. No significant differences were found in fertilization rate, time-lapse qualitative and quantitative measures, pronuclear fading time (PNF) t2, t3, t4, t5, t6, and t7 (times of cleavage to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 cells), respectively. However, the t8 (time of cleavage to eight cells) and cc3 (duration of third cell cycle) revealed a significant difference between control and ZP-bound groups ( p < .05). A significant difference between the two groups ( p < .05) in the rates of Grade A embryos (according to Basile algorithm), chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and implantation was observed. Sperm selection using biological materials, such as ZP, improved both embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes, despite not affecting the early embryo development and morphokinetic parameters up to t8. This prospective randomized sibling oocyte trial was registered in October 2020 to January 2022 (IRCT20200705048021N1).

Acrylamide (ACR) has adverse effects on the rat testis. This study aimed to assess the impact of ACR and vit C exposure on reproductive organs in rats. In this experimental study, 32 adult male rats were used. The animals were divided into 4 groups ( n = 8): (1) control group, (2) ACR (10 mg/kg) group, (3) vit C (200 mg/kg), (4) ACR (10 mg/kg) + vit C (200 mg/kg) daily for 5 weeks by gavage. After the administration period, testis, prostate, seminal vesicle, and epididymis of animals are removed; after preparing tissue sections, the structural changes of the tissues are examined by stereology. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test in SPSS software. A value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. The testis weight, volume (mm 3 ), and the mean Johnsen score showed a significant decrease in comparison with the control group and vit C-treated group. These parameters were increased in ACR + vit C group. The number of spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid, and Sertoli and Leydig cells in ACR-treated group showed a significant decrease in comparison with the control and vit C-treated groups. The number of these cells was increased in the ACR + vit C group. Epithelium height and folding of prostate and seminal vesicle in the ACR-treated group were decreased. Epithelium lost its integrity. In the ACR + vit C group, histopathological changes were decreased. Seminal vesicle of ACR + vit C-treated group showed mild degeneration and rupture in epithelium integrity. The epididymis of ACR + vit C group also showed mild degeneration and rupture in epithelium integrity.

The way chemicals affect soil biological properties including the enzymatic activities may reveal soil potential to maintain biochemical processes and soil fertility. The current research was conducted to investigate how soil type and depth, and the rate and application time of pretilachlor herbicide may affect soil biological properties including soil microbial biomass (SMB), soil microbial respiration (SMR), dehydrogenase (DA), and urease activities (UR) at four paddy fields in 2021 in the city of Babol, Mazandaran province, Iran. There is little related data, to our knowledge. The experiment was factorial on the basis of a complete randomized block design with four replicates. Soil physiochemical and biological properties at different depths were determined. The effects of the three experimental factors and the interaction of soil type × soil depth were significant on SMB, SMR, DA, and UR. Accordingly, the biological activities of the soils with higher organic matter were less affected by the herbicide. The deeper depths had significantly less soil biological activities than the shallower ones. Although 7 days after pretilachlor application soil biological activities increased, 14 days after herbicide use, SMB increased, SMR and UR decreased, and DA remained constant. In general, the higher use of herbicide increased soil biological activities (except UR), as linear functions of soil depth (R2 values of 0.87 to 0.99). SMB was a more appropriate indicator to estimate SMR of soil organic matter. Soil organic matter can reduce the toxicity of pretilachlor on soil biological activities.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a toxic gas with harmful effects on various organs. However, recent studies have confirmed the protective effect of SO2 on ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, and lung infections. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of endogenous SO2 on depression. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was performed to cause depression. Depression-like behaviors in animals were determined using an open-field test, forced swimming test, and sucrose consumption. Animal spatial learning and memory were also assessed using the Morris water maze. Besides, the oxidative status of the hippocampus and serum corticosterone level were evaluated. A reduction in the tendency to consume sucrose, mobility, and curiosity, as well as learning and memory disorders were observed in CUMS animals. Depressed animals treated with SO2 revealed a significant improvement in behavioral and cognitive functions. SO2 also reduced neuronal damage and lipid peroxidation of the hippocampus and serum corticosterone level in the CUMS group. Various shreds of evidence support a mutual relationship between inflammation and depression; also, growing studies show the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of mood-related disorders such as depression. This study indicated that increased hippocampal malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum corticosterone levels can be due to the existence of oxidative stress and possible activation of inflammatory processes. SO2 donors diminished MDA and corticosterone levels in depressed animals. According to the study results, SO2 may be able to reduce tissue damage and eventually behavioral disorders caused by depression by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation.

Seed germination studies are often used to predict the potential of plants to extend their global distribution. In this research, the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations, pre-chilling, temperature, water and salt stresses, pH, high-temperature pretreatment, planting depth, and flooding on seed germination and seedling emergence of three Amaranthus retroflexus L. populations was investigated. GA3 concentration significantly affected seed germination of all three A. retroflexus populations grown under light/dark conditions. All three populations germinated under constant (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C) and alternating (20/15, 25/18, and 35/25 °C (day/night)) temperatures. The optimum alternating temperature for germination of all three populations was 18/25 °C day/night. Seed germination was severely reduced under moisture and salt stresses. Seedling emergence was reduced on the soil surface by increasing the planting depth from 2.5 to 7.5 cm, and no seedlings emerged when the planting depth of seeds was more than 10 cm. The results of this research help us to understand the germination capacity and requirements of A. retroflexus in different environments and also provide information to help better control the weed.

Finding a method, which may indicate the contribution of soil parameters including organic matter, pH and clay to pretilachlor leaching (persistence) in the soil, with the use of a suitable indicator, which indicates pretilachlor presence in the soil is of significance. Accordingly, using undisturbed soil columns, four paddy fields (A, B, C, D) in the suburbs of Babol city (Mazandaran province, northern Iran) were sampled before the preparation and irrigation of the fields in April 2021. Soil samples were transferred into PVC pipes (divided into 2 cm layers) measuring 12 (height) × 10 cm (diameter), and were injected with pretilachlor at the recommended (1.75 L/ha) and high doses (3.5 L/ha). The surface layers of all fields had a higher concentration of pretilachlor and organic matter with the highest contribution to pretilachlor persistence followed by clay and pH. In the 0–4 cm depth, herbicide concertation was the lowest in field A (139 mg/kg) and the highest in field C (161 mg/kg). The corresponding values for organic matter were equal to 1.88 and 5.68

Amaranthus blitoides S. Watson and A. hybridus L. competes with summer crops and reduces their growth and yield. Drought stress as an environmental limiting factor can impair plant growth. The goal of the study was to investigate the effect of drought stress (no drought stress, light, moderate, high, and severe drought stress) on physiological characteristics and enzymatic defense system of A. blitoides and A. hybridus in two separate experiments. Drought stress reduced plant chlorophylls a and b content of A. blitoides and A. hybridus. Carotenoid content of both A. blitoides and A. hybridus decreased in response to the drought stress and reached to the maximum in severe drought stress condition. Drought stress increased the content of the activity of catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and proline in both years. The highest level of CAT (102.9 units/mg protein) and SOD activity (2333.3 units/mg protein) was observed in 2019 in response to severe stress. Drought stress decreased the soluble protein content of the plant. In the second year of the experiment, CAT, SOD, proline, and carotenoid showed a further enhancement compared to the first year because of higher temperature in the second year of the experiment. The results of the research showed that A. blitoides and A. hybridus can tolerate prolonged drought stress and survive by modification in biochemical activity and activation of the enzymatic defense system.

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was comparing the effects of Lipoherb with metformin on metabolic changes and sex hormones of rats with polycystic ovary syndrome Methods: Thirty female Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n=6). Group (1): received normal saline for 56 days, group (2): received letrozole (1mg/kg) for 28 days and normal saline for the next 28 days, group (3): in the first 28 days, they received letrozole carrier and in the next 28 days, they received Lipoherb (320 mg/kg), group (4): they received letrozole (1mg/kg) for 28 days and Lipoherb (320 mg/kg) in the next 28 days, group (5): they received letrozole (mg/kg) for 28 days and metformin (250 mg/kg) in the next 28 days. Letrozole at the dose of 1 mg/kg for 28 days induced polycystic ovary syndrome. At the beginning and at the end of the experiment, fasting blood sugar level, lipid profile and sex hormones were measured by ELISA method. Results: Blood sugar in the letrozole plus metformin group was significantly lower than letrozole group (P<0.01). The amount of serum triglyceride and LDL cholesterol in the group that received letrozole and Lipoherb were significantly decreased compared to letrozole group (P>0.05). In the same group, total cholesterol concentration also decreased significantly compared to other groups (P>0.01). The serum level of estrogen in the group received Lipoherb was significantly lower compared to letrozole group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared to metformin, Lipoherb had more ability to correct the metabolic symptoms of rats with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, the hormonal effects of Lipoherb did not differ significantly from the hormonal effects of metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome.