---

Background and Objective: Morphological alterations of hippocampus and dentate gyrus due to opium were reported in humans and animals. Also other evidences have shown that astrocytes actively participate in synaptic plasticity. This study was done to determine the conditioning place preference (CPP) on astrocytes number of Rat dentate gyrus by immunohistochemical technique.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar Rat weighted average 220-250 g were used. For behavioural tests, Rats divided into eight experimental groups. The Rats were received morphine at different doses (2.5, 5, 7.5 mg/kg) for three days by subcutaneous injection and sham groups, received saline dose (1 mg/kg) and then CPP test in them were investigated. 48 hours after behavioural testing animals were decapitated under chloroform anesthesia and their brains fixed and after tissue processing, slices stained with immunohistochemistery techniques. For morphometric study PTAH staining of astrocytes was used.

Results: The most dose responses of morphine was observed in 7.5mg/kg. The number of astrocytes in the controls (20.627±6.129) was similar to control-saline group (17.339±4.71). This difference was not significant, while the difference in the number of astrocytes in control group with morphine-treated experimental groups was significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion: We concluded that the phenomenon of conditioned place preference induced by morphine can cause a significant increase in the number of astrocytes of sham and experimental groups compared to controls.

---

Background and Objective: Age is the greatest risk factor for cardiovascular disease that is associated with shortens telomere. TRF2 and TERT genes expression in heart tissue   reduce in elderly. These geness are associated with shortens telomere. Exercise can play a useful role in maintaining the length of telomeres. This study was carry out to determine the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and continuous endurance training on TRF2 and TERT gene expression in heart tissue of aged male rats.

Methods: In this experimental study 24 adult aged male rats (88-96 weeks, 363±12 g) allocated into three groups including control, endurance training (5 sessions per week: with 60-70 of maximum speed of group) and HIIT (5 sessions per week: 80 percent in the first and second week, 90% maximum speed of the third week, 100 % until the end of the exercise for 6 weeks). Gene expression of TRF2 and TERT were assessment by Real-time - PCR and the quantification of gene expression levels using the Pfaffl formula.

Results: TRF2 gene significantly increased in HIIT and CET groups in compared to control group (P<0.05). TERT gene non- significantly increased in HIIT and CET groups in compared to the control group.

Conclusion: It seems, 6 weeks of high-intensity interval training and continuous endurance training to be able regulate the growth and longevity of the heart cells by maintaining the length telomere by increasing TRF2 gene expression.

---

Background and Objective: Increased ferritin levels have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes. This study was done to determine the effect of continuous and interval aerobic exercise training on serum ferritin and iron level of induced diabetic rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 32 wistar rats weighing 205±54 g were randomly allocated into four groups including healthy control, diabetic control, diabetic interval training and diabetic continuous training. The diabetic training groups were received 10 weeks of training following one week after the induction of diabetes by streptozotocin and nicotinamide. Fasting blood sugar ferritin and iron level was measured in each animal.
Results: Induction of diabetes significantly increased serum ferritin and iron levels in diabetic control group compared to healthy control group (P<0.05). Serum ferritin and iron levels and fasting blood sugar significantly reduced in interval aerobic exercise and continuous aerobic training groups compared to diabetic control group (P<0.05). There was not any significant difference in the dependent variables between interval aerobic exercise and continuous aerobic training.
Conclusion: In conclusion, it seems the training of two methods of aerobic interval and continuous training in induced diabetic rats with reduction of serum ferritin and iron levels, as well as improving fasting blood glucose and serum insulin seems to reduce insulin resistance index and improve glycemic status in induced diabetic rats.

---

Background and Objective: Evaluation of effective factors in the incidence of leukemia, especially pollutants, such as Sodium Sulfide and lead acetate, can contribute to the treatment of cancer and prevention of disease. Npm1 gene is a multiple Phosphoprotein that contains several action domains. Npm1 gene is encoded between nucleus and cytoplasm and performs several functions including protein ribosome transfer and control of centrosome proliferation. Npm1 mutations are transferred from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This study was conducted to compare the effect of lead static poisoning and sodium sulfide on Npm1 gene expression in adult male rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 48 adult male rats were allocated into 6 groups. The experimental groups include control, the first and second experimental groups were received sodium sulfide with doses of 300 mg/kg/bw and 600 mg/kg/bw, respectively. The third and fourth experimental groups were received lead acetate with doses of 30 mg/kg/bw and 60 mg/kg/bw, respectively. The fifth experimental groups were received maximum doses of sodium sulfide and lead acetate, respectively. Lead acetate and sodium sulfide were gavaged daily for 4 months. After that, blood was taken from the mice and RNA was extracted. Then, CDNA synthesis and Npm1 gene expression compared to Ywhaz gene were evaluated quantitatively using Real Time PCR.
Results: Npm1 gene expression reduced in groups were received sodium sulfide at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight. Npm1 expression increased in lead static groups with doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg body weight.
Conclusion: This study showed that by increasing the expression of Npm1 gene expression, Threshold Cycle value decreases.

---

Background and Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disease that increases oxidative stress and causes immune system disorders. Curcumin is the active component of turmeric with anti-inflammatory properties. This study was conducted to determine the effects of curcumin on cortisol, catalase, and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression in an animal model of MS.
Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 30 female Wistar rats. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was chosen as an experimental model of MS. The rats were divided into 3 groups of 10, including a healthy control group, an affected group, and a group treated with curcumin. The disease was induced by immunization of rats with homogenized guinea pig spinal cord and Freund's complete adjuvant. Then, the immunized animals were allocated into two equal groups. Treatment with curcumin (100 mg/kg daily) was started 12 days after the immunization when the rats showed the first symptoms of neurologic disability. The treatment was continued until day 24 post-immunization. Simultaneously, the EAE group received the medicine solvent (distilled water). Finally, the rats' weights as well as cortisol, catalase, and NGF levels were measured in the study groups.
Results: Curcumin significantly increased the level of cortisol to a level equal to that of healthy rats (P<0.05). It also significantly increased the expression of NGF and reduced the amount of catalase in the affected rats (P<0.05). The curcumin administration significantly increased the overall weight of rats with MS but had no significant effect on the spleen weight of the treated rats.
Conclusion: Curcumin can be beneficial for treating EAE by reducing the destructive effects of oxidative damage and increasing NGF.
 

---

Background and Objective: The liver is the main organ involved in the metabolism of various drugs and toxins. Thus, it is highly vulnerable to damage caused by drugs and toxins. Alpinia officinarum belongs to the Ginger family and has been used in traditional Iranian medicine for its therapeutic effects on the digestive system, including strengthening the function of the stomach and organs, improving digestion and reducing bloating. In addition, the plant has anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer and antioxidant properties. This study investigated the hepatotoxic effects of Alpinia officinarum rhizomes aqueous extract in male Wistar rats.
Methods: This experimental study was performed on 35 male Wistar rats that were randomly allocated into 5 groups of 7. Four groups received 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of the extract for 28 days, while a group did not receive the extract (control group). Tissue sections (5 microns) were stained by hematoxylin and eosin at the pharmacology laboratory of Golestan University of Medical Sciences. The groups were examined for liver tissue pathology, and the level of liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was measured by Pars Azmoun ELISA kit.
Results: Administration of the aqueous extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizome for 28 days by gavage increased the level of AST, ALT and ALP in the serum of rats. Tissue damage was observed in most groups receiving the extract.
Conclusion: The results show that consumption of the aqueous extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizome at a dose of more than 100 mg/kg can cause liver damage and is lethal at a dose of 800 mg/kg.
 

---

Background and Objective: Understanding the cellular signaling mechanisms involved in muscle hypertrophy is considered a scientific challenge. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is one of the regulatory factors in this process that increases protein synthesis in skeletal muscle through phosphorylation. This study aimed to determine the effect of six weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on phosphorylated mTOR protein in the quadriceps muscles of adult male Wistar rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 16 adult male Wistar rats (six weeks old and weighing an average of 190.93±4.97g) were used. The animals were randomly divided into two groups of control and training (n=8). The training group underwent six weeks of HIIT on a treadmill, with five sessions per week. The load was increased during the six weeks from repeating the interval of 30 meters per minute for 30 seconds in the first sessions to eleven repetitions of the interval of 35 meters per minute for 30 seconds at the end of the sixth week, with rest intervals between the intervals at a speed of 13 meters per minute for 60 seconds. The control group did not undergo any training. The mice were anesthetized, and the Vastus lateralis of the quadriceps muscle was extracted. The level of phosphorylated mTOR protein in the quadriceps muscle was measured using the immunohistochemical method.
Results: HIIT significantly increased the levels of mTOR phosphorylation protein in male Wistar quadriceps femoris muscle compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Interval activity can have a positive effect on muscle hypertrophy through mTOR.
 

---

Background and Objective: Molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃) is a type of nanoparticle used in the industry as an antibacterial agent. The kidney is one of the most important organs in the body, responsible for filtering waste products and regulating blood factors that are affected by various agents. Due to the widespread use of MoO₃ in disinfecting operating room equipment and the importance of renal glomeruli in blood plasma purification, this study aimed to determine the effect of molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles on rat kidneys.
Methods: In this experimental study, thirty Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into five groups (n=6), including a control group, a sham group (receiving normal saline), and three experimental groups (receiving MoO₃ at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/bw IP). Intraperitoneal injections were given for 35 days. After the treatment period, the animals were anesthetized, and blood samples were collected from the heart. The right kidney was then removed, and after tissue preparation, the samples were examined by stereology to determine changes in the volume of cortex, medulla, urinary space, renal body, and glomeruli.
Results: Significant increases in urinary space volume were observed in the groups receiving MoO₃, and a decrease in medulla volume was observed in the group receiving a dose of 200 mg/kg/bw compared to the control and sham groups (P<0.05). A significant increase in cortex volume was observed in the group receiving nanoparticles at a dose of 50 mg/kg/bw compared to the control and sham groups. MoO₃ caused weight reduction in animals, as well as an increase in urea and a decrease in renal volume (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles can cause changes in the morphology of rats' kidneys.
 

---

Background and Objective: Obesity is a well-known public health problem that affects people of all ages. It has myriad effects on several body tissues, including the thyroid, in both human and animal models. Some treatments, such as dietary modification and physical activity, may be effective or ineffective in reducing obesity. Accordingly, the present research investigated the effects of obesity on thyroid tissue and the impact of diet modification and aerobic exercises on histopathological and hormonal changes in the thyroid tissue of obese male rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, for obesity induction, 50 three-week-old male Wistar rats were exposed to a high-fat diet (including 40% fat, 40% protein, and 20% carbohydrate) for 12 weeks. Then, 25 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: healthy control, obese + high-fat diet, obese + normal diet, obese + high-fat diet + aerobic, obese + normal diet + aerobic. After the induction of obesity, 2 groups were given a standard diet (including 20% fat, 10% protein, and 70% carbohydrates). Aerobic exercises for 8 weeks included 30 minutes per day, 8 m/min, and 5 days per week. After anesthesia, an autopsy was performed, and the thyroid tissue was sent to the laboratory for histopathological studies. Also, 5 cc of blood was taken to study TSH, T3, and T4 using a radioimmunoassay kit.
Results: The serum levels of TSH hormone increased slightly in the high-fat diet groups compared to the control group and the normal diet with/without aerobic activity group. Also, the amount of T3 hormone in the group receiving a normal diet along with aerobic activity was significantly lower than in the control, high-fat diet, and high-fat diet along with aerobic activity groups (P<0.05). The T4 hormone increased significantly in all obesity groups compared to the control group (P<0.05), and these values were at the level of the control group (P<0.05) only in the group receiving the normal diet along with aerobic activity. Regarding the histopathological results, many changes were found in the follicular, parafollicular, and follicle cells of the thyroid tissue in the obesity group continuing the high-fat diet; these changes were significantly reduced in the groups for which the diet was changed to the normal diet alone and with aerobic activity.
Conclusion: Induction of obesity causes significant structural and biochemical changes in the thyroid, and the combination of diet modification and aerobic activity is more effective in alleviating these changes.

---

Background and Objective: The application of different nanoparticles using green synthesis is increasing due to fewer complications. This study was conducted to identify the effect of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized with sumac extract on changes in biochemical and histological factors in rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 30 five-month-old male Wistar rats with an approximate weight of 250-300 mg/kg of body weight were divided into three groups: The control group (saline receiving), the experimental groups receiving intraperitoneal cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized with sumac extract at a dose of 10 and 20 mg/kg of body weight. Serum and tissue samples (liver, kidney, and spleen) were isolated. Serum concentrations of urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatinine were determined. The photometric method was used to measure liver enzymes, the calorimetric method without omitting proteins based on the Jaffe method was used to measure creatinine, and the urease-glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) method was used to measure urea. Tissue samples were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) microscopic studies were used for microscopic investigations.
Results: No statistical significance was observed in blood samples and factors (urea, creatinine, ALT, and AST) in the experimental groups compared to the control group. Similarly, in the morphological investigation, the size of the liver, kidney, and spleen of the groups receiving cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized with sumac extract was normal compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized with sumac had no toxic effect on the rats’ liver, spleen, and kidney tissues.

---

Background and Objective: Ketamine, a derivative of phencyclidine, is utilized as an anesthetic agent in surgical procedures. Like other medications, it can be associated with various adverse effects on different organs in the body. This study was conducted to determine the effect of injectable ketamine on the histopathological changes in the liver in neonates born to pregnant rats subjected to short-term and long-term anesthesia.
Methods: In this experimental study, 15 pregnant female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 5 each: A control group, a short-term anesthesia group (receiving an intraperitoneal injection of ketamine at a dosage of 25 mg/kg/bw), three times per week for 4 weeks), and a long-term anesthesia group (receiving an intraperitoneal injection of ketamine at a dosage of 75 mg/kg/bw, once per week for 4 weeks). Following parturition and during the lactation period, when the neonatal rats reached two weeks of age, they were initially anesthetized and sacrificed for tissue sampling via intraperitoneal injection of 7 units of ketamine and 3 units of xylazine. Tissue samples, with a thickness of 5 to 6 microns, were sectioned and examined using light microscope after fixation in formalin.
Results: In the short-term anesthesia group, dilation of the centrilobular veins and fluid accumulation were observed, with an intensity score of 2. Additionally, some hepatocytes exhibited degenerative-necrotic changes, characterized by acidophilic and dark cytoplasm, with an intensity score of 1. In the long-term anesthesia group, the liver tissue showed hyperemic changes in the portal space with a score of 1, as well as increased dilation of sinusoidal spaces and centrilobular veins of varying sizes and irregularities, also with an intensity score of 1. Fluid and blood accumulation were also noted in some of these structures. In the control group, cellular structures were maintained with complete regularity, and the intensity score of changes was determined to be zero.
Conclusion: Ketamine administration to pregnant rats can induce histopathological changes in the liver tissue of their offspring. These detrimental changes were more pronounced in the long-term group compared to both the short-term and control group.