OBJECTIVES: The effect of Salvadora persica sticks on prevention of tooth decay is well established, but the effect of S. persica stick extract (SPE) on the prevention/treatment of osteoporosis has not been studied. The purpose of this study is to provide baseline information of the effectiveness of SPE on ovariectomized (OVX) rat model of osteoporosis. METHODS: SPE was administered at 50, 150, and 300 mg/d orally to OVX rats for 16 weeks. Serum osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and phosphorus, and urinary deoxypyridinoline, calcium, and phosphorus were measured. Bone mineral density (BMD), 3-point bending test, and histomorphometric characteristics of the femoral bone were also examined. RESULTS: SPE at doses of 150 and 300 mg/d, but not 50 mg/d, significantly prevented bone loss in OVX rats as proved by decreased biochemical markers of bone resorption and increased BMD and biomechanical indices of the femoral bone. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms a dose-dependent protective action of SPE on rat OVX model of osteoporosis. This effect needs further investigation at the molecular and clinical levels to provide a natural and cost-effective alternative for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Alkaline Phosphatase ; Animals ; Biomarkers ; Bone Density ; Bone Resorption ; Calcium ; Estrogens* ; Female ; Humans ; Models, Animal ; Osteocalcin ; Osteoporosis* ; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal ; Ovariectomy ; Phosphorus ; Rats ; Salvadoraceae* ; Tooth

Tissues such as the lung, liver, and pancreas that have a low steady-state cell turnover yet can respond robustly after injury to replace damaged cells. The airway epithelium is exposed to inhaled particles and pathogens that may lead to the development of a many infectious and inflammatory respiratory diseases. Lung transplantation is an accepted modality of treatment for end-stage lung diseases. Since the early 1990 s, more than 26,000 lung transplants have been performed at centers worldwide. However, the availability of donor tissues and organs is limited, which presents a serious limitation for widespread transplantation surgery. The appearance of bioengineered lung and tracheal tissue transplants is considered a promising alternative to the classical transplantation of donor organ/tissue. Stem cells therapy arises as a new therapeutic approach, with a wide application potential.
Epithelium ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization ; Humans ; Liver ; Lung Diseases ; Lung Transplantation ; Lung* ; Pancreas ; Regeneration* ; Stem Cells* ; Tissue Donors ; Transplants

BACKGROUND: In severe chronic stages of emphysema the only treatment is lung transplantation. SO, an urgent need exists for the development of effective treatments. Stem cells therapy arises as a new therapeutic approach. AIM OF THE WORK: To investigate whether bone marrow mononuclar cells (BMMNCs) can promote lung regeneration and decrease apoptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced pulmonary emphysema in C57Bl/6 mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 14 weeks old female mice (C57Bl/6), weighing around 25 g were used in this study. The mice were divided into 4 groups (10 in each group): group A: mice received no treatment, group B: mice received intranasal instillation of LPS with no further treatment, group C: mice received intranasal instillation of LPS then given a dose of BMMNCs and evaluated 21 days later and group D: the mice that received intranasal instillation of LPS then given a dose of Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) and evaluated 21 days later. Imaging analysis was done using imagej program. To measure apoptotic index, Anti-caspase 3 polyclonal antibody staining was done. RESULTS: Analysis of the mean of airspace equivalent diameters (D0) and its statistical distribution (D1) for the different groups allowed to observe that group treated with BMMNCs (group C) showed the significant improvement in D0 and D1 than the group received LPS only (group B). Analysis of apoptotic index showed significant difference between BMMNCs treated group (group C) and that received LPS only (group B). CONCLUSIONS: BMMNCs effectively promote lung regeneration and reduction of apoptosis in pulmonary emphysema.
Animals ; Apoptosis* ; Bone Marrow* ; Emphysema ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Transplantation ; Lung* ; Mice ; Pulmonary Emphysema* ; Regeneration* ; Stem Cells