Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz

This research aims to use neural-like cells (NLCs) derived from endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (EnMSCs) on a polylactic acid/chitosan scaffold (PLA/CS) along with the use of bacopa monnieri (Memocopa) in a rat sciatic nerve injury model for sciatic nerve regeneration. While previous studies have explored stem cell therapies and scaffold-based approaches for nerve regeneration, using EnMSCs in combination with a PLA/CS scaffold and Memocopa represents a novel, potentially synergistic approach.

EnMSCs were isolated, characterized, and differentiated in a study. The expression of specific genes in the differentiated cells was confirmed using RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. PLA nanofiber and chitosan hydrogel scaffolds were created for neural tissue engineering. Memocopa was administered orally alongside scaffold and cell transplantation. The study involved 25 adult male Wistar rats with a 3 mm sciatic nerve gap, divided into five groups based on treatment. Animals were monitored for 8 weeks, during which SFI was measured. Tissue samples were then prepared for histological examination, including various staining techniques.

The combination of scaffold, cells, and Memocopa showed significant improvements in sciatic nerve function, as indicated by the SFI results in the eighth week: conduit group -33.87, conduit/cells group -25.92, conduit/cells/Memocopa group -22.86, Memocopa group -30.93, and control group -38.87. Histological findings revealed improvements in various aspects, including percentages of new nerve formation across the different treatment groups: conduit group 4.62 %, conduit/cells group 16.45 %, conduit/cells/Memocopa group 21.32 %, Memocopa group 7.07 %, and control group 0.22 %.

The results of this study showed that efficient differentiation of EnMSCs into NLCs is possible, and with the help of PLA/CS scaffold and simultaneous use of Memocopa, it is possible to repair and improve sciatic nerve injury in a rat animal model.

Alpha-pinene is a natural compound that has recently attracted the attention of researchers due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study aimed to investigate the impact of alpha-pinene on the NLRP3-Caspase 1 pathway activity in colon tissue in a colitis model. The colitis was induced by directly administering 4 % acetic acid (A.A) into the colon. Twenty-four hours after this treatment, the test compound alpha-pinene (at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg), sulfasalazine (50 mg/kg), or the vehicle (liquid paraffin) was given orally. Seven days after inducing colitis, the colonic segments were examined for disease score index, changes in the colon weight/length ratio, oxidative stress factors, and NLRP3-Caspase 1 pathway activity. Alpha-pinene improved the disease score index and the colon weight/length ratio. Alpha-pinene balanced oxidative stress factors in acetic acid-induced colitis by reducing MDA levels and increasing GSH, SOD, and CAT levels. Additionally, alpha-pinene decreased NLRP3 pathway activity by reducing MAPK P38 activity, leading to decreased expression of NF-KB, NLRP3, and Caspase 1, as well as decreased levels of IL-1B and IL-18. Our research suggests that alpha-pinene may be effective in treating colitis by reducing oxidative stress and decreasing the activity of the NLRP3 caspase-1 pathway.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a valuable source of bioactive compounds with high nutritional importance.This study evaluated sesame oil extraction using aqueous enzymic extraction (AEE) with cellulase and pepsin enzymes, comparing it to a control.The oil yield increased by 7.5 % and 3.4 % for cellulase and pepsin, resp., compared to the control (p < 0.05).GC-MS anal. revealed no significant changes in fatty acid composition, with oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids being the dominant fatty acids.The enzymic extraction resulted in a significant increase in total phenols and flavonols compared to the control (p < 0.05).The antioxidant activity of oils extracted with cellulase, pepsin, and control were 92.6 %, 94.7 %, and 83.4 %, resp. (p < 0.05).Vitamin B₁₂ and E concentrations were significantly higher in the enzymically extracted oils, with values of 4.24, 4.21, and 1.75 μmol/100 g for B₁₂ and 1.13, 1.13, and 0.767 mg/100 g for vitamin E, resp. (p < 0.05).No significant differences were observed for vitamins C and B₉ (p > 0.05).Volatile compound anal. showed significant differences in key compounds such as 2-methoxyphenol and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol.Quality indexes, including acid value, saponification value, and unsaponifiable matter, remained within standard limits.Reduction in peroxide and anisidine values indicated significant improvement in oxidative stability (p < 0.05).Hyperspectral imaging revealed significant differences between samples, particularly in the 750-900 nm range.In conclusion, enzymic extraction enhanced the nutritional value, phytochem. content, oxidative stability, and yield of sesame oil, making it a superior method for improving oil quality.