Cell and Tissue Journal

Abstract Aim: An endogenous repairman of the central nervous system is possible via neural stem cells. Some researchers have suggested the neural protective of some medicinal herbs such as; Urtica dioica. The purpose of this study is creating an oxidative condition in the neural stem cell cultures and then treated the cells with methanolic extract of nettle leaves in vitro.
Material and Methods: In this experimental study, the hippocampal neural stem cells extraction was performed by enzymatic digestion in newborn rats. The verification of these cells as nerve cells was carried out by the morphological and immunocytochemistry examinations. Before treatment, the cells were exposed for 24 hours to oxidative stress condition and then nettle leaf extract was added to the cell plates at of 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 μg/ml and cells were maintained for 24 hours, separately. The final evaluation of the cell proliferation was performed by MTT viability test. The groups included; an experimental group that was treated with extract and the control group.
Results: Neural stem cells had neural morphology and expressed nestin marker. Proliferation percentage of the neural stem cells was higher in the treatment groups than the control group. In addition, MTT assay results showed that the percentage of live cells in the treated groups increased, as the proliferation of the neural stem cells significantly increased (p < 0/05) at 20μg/ml.
Conclusion: Methanolic extract of nettle leaf have neuroprotective effects and could adjust oxidative stress condition in vitro. It was able to improve the dysfunction of the central nervous system, following the production of free radicals.
 

Abstract Aim: Cancer is a life threatening disease determined by uncontrolled differentiation and proliferation of cells. Chemotherapy is the conventional method in treatment of cancer, but the tumor often will be resistant to chemotherapy regimen leading to crucial side effects. Many bio-toxins are biologically active compounds with anti-tumor activity. This study was aimed to find an anti-cancer agent from the venom of Iranian cobra snake.
Material and methods: The process of collection, lyophilisation of Iranian cobra (Naja naja oxiana) venom. Protein concentration of Iranian cobra venom was determined by BCA assay. Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), SDS-PAGE, Anion exchange chromatography were used for purification of Iranian cobra venom. Standard cell biology methods were employed to characterize Iranian cobra venom abilities (in vitro) to inhibit Platelet aggregation, adhesion, migration and invasion of tumor cells. Its anti-cancer activity in (Jurkat E6.1) (in vitro) was tested by MTT assay.
Results: Peak 3 of FPLC was active on cell lines and selected for anion exchange chromatography. Four anionic and one cationic fractions collected for anticancer activity. Peak 2 of anion exchange chromatography had the most toxic activity as 43%±1 at 1.5 micrograms. This fraction showed about 8%±1 toxicity on fibroblast cells. (P-value ≤ 0.05)
Conclusion: Natural anti-cancer compounds derived from the Naja naja oxiana venom, can fight against cancer. It is the first report of an anticancer fraction from Iranian cobra with toxicity on Jurkat E6.1 cell line with less toxicity to normal cells.