Publication Date: 2020
Taxonomy and Biosystematics (23222190)12(42)pp. 51-68
The Afus region with 1146 hectares area is located at 10 Km to Buin Miandasht region (Isfahan province) between the northern latitudes of 33° 05΄ and 33° 58΄ and the eastern longitudes 50° 02΄ and 50° 09΄. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the flora of the region. So, the plant species were collected from different places using the survey sampling method during spring, summer, and autumn 2017-2018 and were identified using valid resources. In this study, a complete list of the flora, life forms, chorotypes of plant elements, and endemic plants was prepared. The identified vascular plants in the region were mostly flowering with 184 species belonging to 37 families and 132 genera. Asteraceae (24 genera, 32 species), Apiaceae (12 genera, 12 species), Poaceae (11 genera, 13 species), and lamiaceae (9 genera, 13 species) were the most important families in this region, respectively. The largest genera were Astragalus (12 species), Euphorbia (5 species), Silene and Stachys (4 species), Cousinia, Fritillaria and Scorzonera (3 species) and Centaurea (2 species), respectively. The largest geographic floral element of the region was related to Irano-Turanian region with 136 species (73/9%). Hemicryptophytes (107 species, 58/15%), geophytes (25 species, 13/59 %), theophytes (24 species, 13/04%), chamaephytes (17 species, 9/24%), phanerophytes (7 species, 3/80%), and cryptophytes (4 species, 2/17%) made up the most important life forms, respectively. © 2020, University of Isfahan.
Publication Date: 2017
Scientific Reports (20452322)7(1)
Decades of research on the highly modified wings of Drosophila melanogaster has suggested that insect wings are divided into two Anterior-Posterior (A-P) compartments separated by an axis of symmetry. This axis of symmetry is created by a developmental organizer that establishes symmetrical patterns of gene expression that in turn pattern the A-P axis of the wing. Butterflies possess more typical insect wings and butterfly wing colour patterns provide many landmarks for studies of wing structure and development. Using eyespot colour pattern variation in Vanessa butterflies, here we show an additional A-P axis of symmetry running between wing sectors 3 and 4. Boundaries of Drosophila mitotic clones suggest the existence of a previously undetected Far-Posterior (F-P) compartment boundary that coincides with this additional A-P axis. A similar compartment boundary is evident in butterfly mosaic gynandromorphs. We suggest that this additional compartment boundary and its associated developmental organizer create an axis of wing colour pattern symmetry and a gene expression-based combinatorial code, permitting each insect wing compartment to acquire a unique identity and allowing for the individuation of butterfly eyespots. © 2017 The Author(s).
Shafaie, S.,
Mirshamsi, O.,
Aliabadian m., M.,
Moradmand, M.,
Marusik, Y.M. Publication Date: 2018
Zootaxa (11755334)4387(2)pp. 350-364
A study of Pardosa pontica (Thorell, 1875) in Iran indicates two distinct morphospecies. A detailed comparison of these morphospecies and types of P. pontica reveals that populations from Mazandaran, Golestan and North Khorasan Provinces of Iran and Balkan Welaýaty of Turkmenistan belong to a newly described species, P. mirzakhaniae sp. n., and populations in western and easternmost Iran belong to P. pontica. Although the two morphospecies differ in colour, size and spination, no molecular differences in 16S rRNA and COI were detected. Copyright © 2018 Magnolia Press.
Shahzeidi, H.,
Bagheri, A.,
Lyskov, D.,
Ajani, Y.,
Zarre, S.,
Blattner, F.R. Publication Date: 2025
Botany Letters (23818107)
A new species, Anisotaenia centrozagrica (Apiaceae), is described from a small area in the Central Zagros Mountains of western Iran. Found on rocky slopes near the Absefid waterfall in Lorestan Province, the species shows a unique combination of morphological traits, such as long, uniform terminal leaf lobes and narrow-winged mericarps that clearly set it apart from other members of the genus. Molecular analyses based on ITS and rps16 sequences support its placement as an independent lineage within Anisotaenia, closely related but separate from A. subvelutina. The new species is currently only known from a single locality representing a specific microhabitat, where it is under pressure from overgrazing and tourism-related disturbance, in addition to climate-related shifts in snow and rainfall patterns. These conditions, combined with its very narrow distribution, suggest that the species should be considered Critically Endangered under IUCN criteria. This finding adds to our understanding of species diversity in the genus and highlights the ecological importance of habitat diversity in the central Zagros region. © 2025 Société botanique de France.
Karbalaei, Z.,
Bagheri, A.,
Maassoumi, A.A.,
Rutten, T.,
Blattner, F.R. Publication Date: 2025
Botanical Studies (1817406X)66(1)
Background: The genus Astragalus is the largest and one of the most diverse genera of flowering plants, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, with a significant concentration of species in the Irano-Turanian region. Within this genus, section Hymenostegis is notable for its complexity and high levels of endemism, especially in northwestern Iran. During recent field explorations in West Azarbaijan province, a distinct population of Astragalus was identified, differing from known species within section Hymenostegis. This study aimes to describe and analyze this new species and clarify its relationship with closely related taxa using an integrative approach. Results: Astragalus kuzehrashensis sp. nov. is described following detailed morphological comparisons with its closest relatives, A. chehreganii and A. hakkianus. The new species is distinguished by unique stipule characteristics, leaflet shape, inflorescence structure, and seed micromorphology. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using ITS and ycf1 sequences reveals that A. kuzehrashensis forms a clade with A. chehreganii and A. hakkianus, although it exhibits genetic differences. Genome size estimation confirms that A. kuzehrashensis is hexaploid (2n = 6x = 48), aligning it more closely with A. hakkianus than with the tetraploid A. chehreganii. The distinct morphological characters and genomic data support recognizing A. kuzehrashensis as a new species within section Hymenostegis. Conclusions: The identification of A. kuzehrashensis underscores the importance of an integrative taxonomic approach, combining morphological, molecular, and cytogenetic data to resolve species boundaries within complex groups like Astragalus section Hymenostegis. This study highlights the rich biodiversity of the Irano-Turanian floristic region, emphasizing the need for ongoing exploration and conservation efforts, particularly in areas of high endemism. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships within the genus Astragalus. © The Author(s) 2024.
Bagheri, A.,
Mahmoodi, M.,
Maassoumi, A.A.,
Blattner, F.R. Publication Date: 2019
Iranian Journal Of Botany (1029788X)25(2)pp. 95-102
Astragalus kazempourii is described as a new species from Firuzkuh in Tehran province, Iran. Morphological data and phylogenetic analyses of the nrDNA internal (ITS) and external transcribed spacer (ETS) regions places this species within sect. Hypoglottidei as sister of Astragalus parvarensis. The new species differs morphologically from A. parvarensis by having a short stem densely covered with basifixed hairs, short peduncles and a long calyx. A distribution map of the new species is provided and the habitat condition of the taxon and close relatives, as well as the conservation status of A. kazempourii are discussed. The phylogenetic analyses conducted also support the recent transfer of Astragalus bojnurdensis from A. sect. Brachylobium to sect. Hypoglottidei, which was in accordance with the morphological characters of this species. © 2019, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands of Iran. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2014
Phytotaxa (11793163)178(1)pp. 38-42
As a result of a recent expedition to the north-west of Iran, we describe here a newly dicovered species, Astragalus makuensis, belonging to sect. Hymenostegis. The new species is described and illustrated with a line drawing, and compared with its most closely related species A. hymenocystis and A. pereshkhoranicus. The new species is endemic to the western Azarbayejan province of Iran. © 2014 Magnolia Press. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2018
Asia-Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering (19322135)13(6)
Chicken fat, a source of unsaturated fatty acid, is obtained from cooked poultry by-products. A fat molecule consists of a glycerol and three fatty acids. This work aimed to introduce a novel chemical–biochemical process technology for full exploitation of chicken fat building blocks, that is, conversion of fatty acids to fatty acid calcium salts (FACSs) and utilization of glycerol for cultivation of microalgae (Dunaliella salina). FACSs are fed to cows as rumen-protected fat. Response surface methodology was used for optimization of calcium salt production in pilot scale reactor. A pilot-scale helical photobioreactor was used for cultivation of D. salina. The results pointed out that from each 1,000 g of chicken fat, approximately 840 g of FACS and approximately 39 g of D. salina powder can be obtained. The proposed process technology is a potentially economic alternative for current commercial FACS production processes where glycerol in their waste is not exploited. © 2018 Curtin University and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Publication Date: 2020
Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (09651748)127
RNA interference (RNAi) has become a widely used technique of knocking down a gene's expression in insects, but its efficacy in some species is limited by a reduced ability of the cells to take in and disperse the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) throughout the cytoplasm. While RNA transport proteins such as SID-1 and its orthologues can facilitate dsRNA uptake in some invertebrate species, dsRNA uptake in many insects examined to date appears to be facilitated by clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). In this study, we used pharmacological inhibitors and RNAi-mediated knockdown of endocytic genes to provide evidence that CME is the primary means of dsRNA uptake in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Inhibition of clathrin-mediated endocytosis was sufficient to supress uptake of short (21 nt) interfering RNAs (siRNAs), short (23 nt) hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), and long (>200 nt) dsRNA molecules in Aedes aegypti cultured cells and larvae. In contrast, we observed that short (23 nt) “paperclip” RNAs (pcRNAs), with partially closed ends, efficiently enter cells via a clathrin-independent pathway and effectively facilitate transcript knockdown. This alternative dsRNA structure may prove useful in insects generally considered recalcitrant to RNAi and in insect populations where resistance to RNAi-insecticides may arise through changes in dsRNA uptake mechanisms. © 2020 The Authors
Karbalaie, Z.,
Balali, G.,
Akhavan roofigar, A.,
Bagheri, A. Publication Date: 2021
Taxonomy and Biosystematics (23222190)13(2)pp. 1-14
Artemisia L. is the largest genus of the Anthemideae tribe and one of the largest genera in the family Asteraceae. Globally, the number of species of this genus has been more than 500 species. A number of 34 of these species have been reported in Iran, with 8 species in Isfahan province. The wide distribution of Artemisia species in Iran makes this genus one of the main elements of the Irano-Turanian region. In order to morphologically investigate the genus Artemisia, the quantitative and qualitative characters related to reproductive and vegetative structures of this plant were collected in 64 samples. The researchers obtained the cluster diagrams and principal component analysis (PCoA) for the morphological characters of the specimens by using GenAlEx 6.5 and NTsys 2.02 software. In the cluster diagram, the Seriphidium Besser ex Less. Dracunculus Besser Rydb. and Artemisia subgenera were placed in separate clusters and next to each other. The results of the present study showed that some traits such as gender and situation of flowers in the capitulum, indumentum of the stem and receptacle, the situation of petiole at the basal and middle leaves, trichrome on both sides of the leaf surface, and the shape of outer phyllaries and their indumentum had more taxonomic value. Finally, the paper presents an identification key for the Artemisia species in Isfahan province, Iran. © 2021 The Authors. Published by University of Isfahan.
Publication Date: 2020
Taxonomy and Biosystematics (23222190)12(43)pp. 1-16
Rivers are a part of the national and natural treasures of the country with a variety of living organisms have high importance. In the present study, in order to investigate the flora of Zayandeh-Rood River, a list of aquatic macrophytes (submerged and emergent) and coastal plants along with geographical distribution (chorotype) and their life forms were compiled. A total of 92 species and 79 genera belonging to 36 families were identified. Poaceae (15 genera and 16 species), Amaranthaceae (8 genera and 10 species), Asteraceae (7 genera and 7 species), Brassicaceae (5 genera and 5 species), Fabaceae (4 genera and 4 species), and Potamogetonaceae (3 genera and 6 species) were the most important plant families. The highest number of identified species had the life forms of hemicryptophytes and throphytes (31.52%), helophytes and hydrophytes (13.04%), geophytes and phanerophytes (4.35), and chamaephytes (2.18%), respectively. Investigating the geographical distribution showed that the largest portion of the geographical distribution of plants in the region belonged to plural elements (25%), cosmopolitan elements (14.13%), Irano–Turanian elements (13.04%), and Irano-Turan-Euro-Sieberian elements (7.61%). The study indicated the diversity of aquatic and coastal vegetation of Zayandeh-Rood River that should be considered for conservation. © 2020, University of Isfahan.
Publication Date: 2023
Iranian Journal Of Animal Biosystematics (24234222)19(1)pp. 13-21
Iran is a large country with diverse and unique climate and ecology; therefore, it is expected to discover an exceptional fauna with high species diversity by carefully examining the unknown areas. A few taxonomic studies have been so far conducted on the genus Pholcus in Iran. Taxonomic and preliminary phylogenetic evaluation of widespread species of the genus Pholcus from Iran is considered in the present study, based on specimens collected from northern and southwestern parts of the country. A molecular study was undertaken on some representatives of species of the Pholcus phalangioides species-group (cellar spiders) using newly designed primers with 350 bp of partial fragments of mtDNA gene, cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI). These preliminary molecular data in line with morphological identifications using characters related to the copulatory organs presented a total of five distinct clades of Pholcus that four clades were contributed with formerly identified species and one represented a distinct lineage unknown for science. © 2023 FERDOWSI UNIVERSITY OF MASHHAD, IRAN.
Publication Date: 2011
Zootaxa (11755334)(2910)pp. 46-62
Four new species of the huntsman spider genus Spariolenus Simon, 1880 are described from Iran: S. aratta spec. nov. (female) from Jebal Barez mountains in Kerman Province, S. iranomaximus spec. nov. (male, female) from Khofash cave in Ilam Province, S. manesht spec. nov. (female) from Manesht mountain in Ilam and S. zagros spec. nov. (male, female) from Kenesht cave, Kermanshah Province. We present an extended diagnosis for the genus and information on the natural history of the new species. This is the first record of the subfamily Heteropodinae in Iran. Females of S. iranomaximus spec. nov. are larger than any spider ever found in the Middle East. All the species occurred in caves and rock crevices of the Zagros mountain range in Iran. According to the geographical distribution of currently known Spariolenus species, palaeontology perspectives and geological history of the area an evolutionary scenario of speciation associated with Zagros orogeny is proposed. Copyright © 2011.
Publication Date: 2023
Taxonomy and Biosystematics (23222190)14(53)pp. 113-130
The honey bee is one of the most economically important insect species due to its crucial role in the pollination of agricultural and non-agricultural plants, as well as its direct product contributions. The western honey bee, Apis mellifera, now considered a cosmopolitan species due to its widespread distribution by humans, originated in Africa, Europe, and West Asia. This study aimed to evaluate the diversity of this bee in parts of northwest Iran. Worker bees were collected from six study stations in West Azerbaijan and East Azerbaijan provinces and assessed using the geometric morphometric method. Changes in the size and shape of the forewings and hindwings were investigated using 16 homologous landmarks at the bifurcation of the wings. Regarding the size of the forewings and hindwings, the Chahar Borj population of West Azerbaijan had the largest, while the Malekan population of East Azerbaijan had the smallest wings. Significant differences were observed between all the study stations of East Azerbaijan and those of West Azerbaijan. In terms of forewing shape, significant differences were found in all pairwise comparisons except between the populations of Sahand Mountain and Kordeh Deh village. However, for the hindwing, significant differences were observed in only three pairwise comparisons. Additionally, the regression analysis revealed that, unlike the hindwing, changes in the forewing's size and shape are interdependent, with allometry also being observed. This study demonstrates that despite the geographical proximity of the study stations, significant diversity exists in the bee populations. © The Author(s).
Publication Date: 2019
Zoology in the Middle East (09397140)65(3)pp. 274-279
Nine species and four genera of Philodromidae are identified and recorded from various parts of Iran including Pulchellodromus medius (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) (genus and species new to Iran) and Thanatus setiger (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) (new to Iran). The male of Rhysodromus hierosolymitanus (Levy, 1977), which was previously known only from females, is described and diagnosed here. © 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis.
Publication Date: 2019
Iranian Journal Of Botany (1029788X)25(2)pp. 103-114
Zannichellia L. (Potamogetonaceae) is a cosmopolitan genus widely distributed in aquatic ecosystems of Iran. The last taxonomic treatment of this genus dates back to 1971 in Flora Iranica, with some recent modifications in Flora of Iran. This research aimed to provide a new taxonomic treatment of Zannichellia in Iran based on distributional, morphological, and molecular studies (using ITS, PHYB, trnH-psbA and rpl32-trnL molecular markers). In this research, one species (Zannichellia palustris) with two varieties is distinguished. An identification key to varieties is presented and descriptions of them are provided. A distribution map of the genus in Iran is compiled. The distribution is concentrated in northern, central and southwestern parts of Iran. © 2019, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands of Iran. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2022
Nordic Journal of Botany (0107055X)2022
A taxonomic revision of Psephellus Cass. sect. Psephelloidei (Boiss.) Wagenitz (Asteraceae) in Iran is preented. Four taxa are recognized and one of them from East Azerbaijan Province, NW Iran, is described as a new species: Psephellus sennikovianus Negaresh. Psephellus gilanicus (Bornm.) Wagenitz and P. leuzeoides (Jaub. & Spach) Wagenitz are lectotypified. Images of the type specimens of all species and photos of the species in their natural habitats are provided. In addition, the geographic distribution of all the four species recognized is presented and mapped. Finally, a taxonomic key to species of the section Psephelloidei in Iran is provided. © 2022 Nordic Society Oikos. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Publication Date: 2022
Iranian Journal Of Botany (1029788X)28pp. 6-20
The taxonomic status of the genus Sorghum Moench in Iran was evaluated. 163 accessions were studied using 75 morphological characters. The results indicated that the genus occurs in Iran with 4 species, S. propinquum, S. halepense, S.× drummondii, and S. bicolor. Sorghum propinquum (Kunth) Hitchc. is reported for the first time from Iran. This species is morphologically similar to S. halepense (L.) Pers. but differs from it in characteristics of rhizomes, leaf mid-vein, and inflorescence. Also, images and identification key for taxa is presented. © 2022, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands of Iran. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2018
Journal Of Medicinal Plants (27172058)17(65)pp. 7-24
Marrubium vulgare L. (common name: Horehound, hoarhound) is one of the medicinal plants which has been used in the treatment of stomach, arrhythmia, asthma, jaundice, lung diseases and liver disorders in Iranian traditional medicine. Other properties are expectorant, antispasmodic, tonic, anti-infective agent and externally, it has been used in ulcers and wounds. Flowers in M. vulgare generally appear in early spring and regularly visited by readily nectar gathering bees. The plant is a good candidate for phytoremediation of Hg contaminated soils. Previous phytochemical studies showed the presence of alkaloids, lactones, steroids, flavonoids, tannins, phenylpropanoid esters, and diterpenoids in M. vulgare. In this review we focused on the several aspects of taxonomy, morphology, chemical composition and traditional medicine of horehound. © 2018 Institute of Medicinal Plants . All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2018
Physiology and Behavior (1873507X)194pp. 491-496
Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is one the most worldwide problems with wide-ranging effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Chronic METH abuse can associate with cognitive abnormalities and neurodegenerative changes in the brain. Agmatine, a cationic polyamine, has been proposed as a neuromodulator that modulates many effects of abused drugs. The aim of this study was to determine if agmatine can decrease the impairment effect of METH on memory and hippocampal CaMKII-α gene expression, a gene that plays a major role in memory. Male wistar rats (200–220 g) were allocated into 7 groups, including 5 groups of saline, METH (1, 2 mg/kg), Agmatine (5, 10 mg/kg) and 2 groups of agmatine (5, 10 mg/kg) with higher doses of METH (2 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days (n = 8 in each group). All injections were done intraperitoneally and agmatine was administrated 10 min before METH treatment. Furthermore, Passive avoidance learning (PAL) test was assessed on the 5th day. Retention test was done 24 h after training and the rats were sacrificed immediately. Hippocampi were removed and stored at −80 °C. Finally, hippocampal CaMKII-α gene expression was measured using Quantitative Real-time PCR. Our data showed that chronic METH dose-dependently impaired PAL retrieval, as it decreased step-through latency (STL) and increased time spent in the dark compartment (TDC). While Agmatine with a higher dose (10 mg/kg) significantly decreased impairment effect of METH (2 mg/kg) on PAL and memory. Also, molecular results revealed that METH (2 mg/kg) markedly decreased hippocampal CaMKII-α gene expression while agmatine (10 mg/kg) co-adminstration prevented it. Taken together, the results propose that agmatine may provide a potential therapy for learning and memory deficits induced by METH. © 2018
Moradmand, M.,
Keimasi, M.,
Salehifard, K.,
Keimasi, M.,
Amirsadri, M.,
Mirshah jafar esfahani, N.,
Moradmand, M.,
Esmaeili, F.,
Mofid, M.R. Publication Date: 2023
Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience (16625099)16
Excitotoxicity is a common pathological process in Alzheimer's disease (AD) which is caused by the over-activity of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptors (NMDARs). The release of neurotransmitters depends on the activity of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). Hyper-stimulation of NMDARs can enhance the releasement of neurotransmitters through the VGCCs. This malfunction of channels can be blocked by selective and potent N-type VGCCs ligand. Under excitotoxicity condition, glutamate has negative effects on the pyramidal cells of the hippocampus, which ends in synaptic loss and elimination of these cells. These events leads to learning and memory elimination through the hippocampus circuit's dysfunction. A suitable ligand has a high affinity to receptor or channel and is selective for its target. The bioactive small proteins of venom have these characteristics. Therefore, peptides and small proteins of animal venom are precious sources for pharmacological applications. The omega-agatoxin-Aa2a was purified, and identified from Agelena labyrinthica specimens, as an N-type VGCCs ligand for this study. The effect of the omega-agatoxin-Aa2a on the glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in rats was evaluated through behavioral tests including Morris Water Maze, and Passive avoidance. The syntaxin1A (SY1A), synaptotagmin1 (SYT1), and synaptophysin (SYN) genes expression were measured via Real-Time PCR. The local expression of synaptosomal-associated protein, 25 k Da (SNAP-25) was visualized using an immunofluorescence assay for synaptic quantification. Electrophysiological amplitude of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in the input-output and LTP curves of mossy fiber were recorded. The cresyl violet staining of hippocampus sections was performed for the groups. Our results demonstrated that the omega-agatoxin-Aa2a treatment could recover the learning, and memory impairment caused by NMDA-induced excitotoxicity in rat hippocampus.
Publication Date: 2020
Phytotaxa (11793163)474(3)pp. 283-292
As a result of recent botanical expeditions to the north of Iran, we describe here a new endemic Allium species from Gilan province named Allium gilanense. Molecular and morphological data indicate that it belongs to Allium sect. Codonoprasum. We provide a morphological description, comparing Allium gilanense with the closest relative taxa A. lenkoranicum and A. paniculatum, the preliminary karyotype of the new species, and molecular phylogenetic data derived from the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and the chloroplast intergenic spacer trnH-psbA. The chromosome number of the new species is 2n = 16 with 0-3 B chromosomes. Copyright © 2020 Magnolia Press.
Publication Date: 2014
Phytotaxa (11793163)170pp. 213-218
Allium kuhrangense, an endemic to Chaharmahal Bakhtiari province (Iran) is described here as a new species. This species grows on gravelly and rocky slopes of a mountainous region. It is morphologically most similar to A. austroiranicum and can be recognized as a member of the A. austroiranicum alliance. Allium kuhrangense is a diploid species with chromosome number of 2n = 2× = 16. Diagnostic characters, description, taxonomic comments, photographs and a distribution map of the new species as well as an identification key for the related taxa are provided. According to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, A. kuhrangense is assessed here as a "Critically Endangered" species. © 2014 Magnolia Press.
Publication Date: 2020
2025 29th International Computer Conference, Computer Society of Iran, CSICC 2025pp. 559-572
Alzheimer’s disease is a complicated neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterized by the pathological accumulation of amyloid-β peptides and neurofibrillary tangles within the brain, which leads to severe cognitive damage. Studies indicate that retinoid signaling in the brain might have crucial impacts on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. All-trans retinoic acid is an active metabolite of vitamin A in the brain and has been argued to have beneficial effects in Alzheimer’s disease. In this chapter, the latest findings on the potential prophylactic and therapeutic effects of retinoid signaling on Alzheimer’s disease will be described. Meanwhile, developing insights into possible mechanisms by which retinoic signaling in the brain modulate aspects of Alzheimer’s disease will be discussed. © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2024
Iranian Journal Of Botany (1029788X)30(2)pp. 109-126
The Hashtad Mountain, with an elevation of approximately 3770 m.a.s.l., is one of the highest peaks of the Zagros Mountains in the west of Isfahan province. The objective of the present work was to study the flora of this mountain across different altitudinal ranges. The results showed that Hashtad Mountain has a rich flora with a high plant diversity. A total of 212 taxa belonging to 39 families and 135 genera were identified. Asteraceae, represented by 27 species, was the largest family, followed by Fabaceae and Lamiaceae with 26 and 20 species, respectively. Astragalus, with 21 species, was identified as the largest genus. The region was dominated by hemicryptophytes (59%) and chamaephytes (13.7%) in terms of life form. In terms of geographical distribution, 65.5% of the identified species belong to the Irano-Turanian region. 63 species (29.7%) were endemic to Iran, with 21 species (9.9%) specifically endemic to the Zagros, highlighting the area's rich biodiversity. However, mining, road construction, and overgrazing are significant threats to the biodiversity of this area. Protection measures, including defining protected areas and regulating human activities, are necessary to conserve the biodiversity of Hashtad Mountain. © 2024, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands of Iran. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2018
Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences (03905616)62(2)pp. 146-152
BACKGROUND: Neurotrophins as polypeptide growth factors have important roles during nervous system development and are involved in neuronal differentiation and survival and spinal cord reorganization. Neurotrophins have been recognized as factors which are involved in the development of damaged axons and increase the axon growth ability and neuroplasticity. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with numerous physiological damages, leading to neuron death, axon extended destruction healthy and intact neurons demyelination, inflammation, cell death and severe motor/sensory defects. The aim of this study was to investigate the alteration in messenger RNAneurotrophin 4 and tyrosine kinase receptors B expression levels following SCI. METHODS: In this research, to know expression level alterations of neurotrophin 4 mRNA and its receptor Trk-B at 6 hours and 1, 3, 7 and 10 days after SCI, we developed competitive RT-qPCR. mRNAwas extracted from T9 injury site (epicenter, rostral and caudal to the epicenter) and reversed to cDNA. RESULTS: The results showed that the expression of these genes changed after SCI. The NT4 mRNAexpression level in the rostral to the epicenter decreased after enhancement in the 1st 6 hours. At the epicenter and in the caudal to the epicenter, it decreased. mRNAexpression level of Trk-B decreased after an increase in the initial hours in all the areas. CONCLUSIONS: The present results showed that NT4 and Trk-B are expressed temporary and spatially following SCIand the adjustment of these neurotrophins rate in SCI may provide therapeutic benefits. © 2016 EDIZIO NI MINERVA MEDICA.
