Life sciences
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The testis is one of the main target organs for lead (Pb) toxicity. The current study was investigated the mechanism (s) of the therapeutic potential of thymoquinone (TQ), the active principle of Nigella sativa seed, against testicular toxicity following subchronic Pb exposure in the light of cytopathic effects, apoptotic signaling pathways, oxidative stress, serum sex hormones levels and testicular aromatase gene expression. ⋯ TQ might exert its acceptable therapeutic potential against Pb-induced testicular and spermotoxicity via anti-oxidative, endocrine and anti-apoptotic pathways.
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Neuropathic orofacial pain conditions represent a challenge to diagnose and treat. Natural substances are promising therapeutic options for the control of pain.
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miRNA-424-5p (miR-424-5p) has been implicated in the development and progression of various tumors. However, the functional mechanisms of miR-424-5p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unclear. In this study, we investigated the specific biological functions of miRNA in HCC. ⋯ miR-424-5p is a tumor suppressor miRNA that inhibits cell proliferation and invasion via directly modulating TRIM29, which is related to cell proliferation and invasion in HCC. Thus, miR-424-5p may be a potential therapeutic and new prognostic marker for HCC.
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In the most of previous experiments, intrathecal administration of stem cells (SCs) was seen in the management of neurogenic bladder (NGB) following contusion or complete transaction in the rodent model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we aimed to investigate whether intra bladder wall autologous bone marrow mesenchymal SC (BM-MSCs) transplantation, as a minimally invasive method, could improve bladder dysfunctions after a chronic phase of hemi- and complete-transection SCI in a female rat model. ⋯ Our study added a notion that urinary dysfunction associated with SCI, was improved following direct injection of autologous BM-MSC transplantation to bladder wall in the chronic phase of SCI injury.
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Pulmonary hypertension due to left heart failure (PH-LHF) is the most common cause of pulmonary hypertension. However, therapies for PH-LHF are lacking. Therefore, we investigated the effects and potential mechanism of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment in an experimental model of PH-LHF. ⋯ DHEA not only prevents the development of PH-LHF and RV failure but also rescues severe preexisting PH-LHF.