Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal element, which probably cause infertility by impairment in spermatogenesis. The present work aimed (i) to study the toxic effect of cadmium on spermatogenesis in rat, as well as (ii) the protective effect of Crocus sativus L. on cadmium-intoxicated rats. Cadmium chloride was administered intraperitoneally during 16 days at intervals of 48 h between subsequent treatments. Crocus sativus L. was pre-treated in both of control and cadmium-injected rats. Animals were sacrificed on day 17 after the first treatment. The left cauda epididymis was removed and immediately immersed into Hank's balanced salt solution for the evaluation of sperm count and viability, and left testis was fixed in 10% formalin for histological evaluation. Following contamination with cadmium, a decrease was observed in the number and viability of cauda epididymis sperm, which were increased by Crocus sativus L. pre-treatment (P < 0.05). In addition, cadmium decreased both cell proliferation and Johnsen Scores in the seminiferous tubules, which were reversed by Crocus sativus pre-treatment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, cadmium-induced decrease in the amount of free serum testosterone as well as an increase in lipid peroxidation activity in the testicular tissue was reversed by Crocus sativus L. (P < 0.05). These findings may support the concept that Crocus sativus L. can improve the cadmium toxicity on spermatogenesis.

Architecture and composition of Scaffolds are influential factors in the regeneration of defects. Herein, synthesised iron oxide (magnetite) nanoparticles (MNPs) by co-precipitation technique were evenly distributed in polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-gelatine Scaffolds. Hybrid structures were fabricated by freeze-casting method to the creation of a matrix with tunable pores. The synthesised MNPs were characterised by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer analysis. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs of porous Scaffolds confirmed the formation of unidirectional microstructure, so that pore size measurement indicated the orientation of pores in the direction of solvent solidification. The addition of MNPs to the PLGA-gelatine Scaffolds had no particular effect on the morphology of the pores, but reduced slightly pore size distribution. The MNPs contained constructs demonstrated increased mechanical strength, but a reduced absorption capacity and biodegradation ratio. Stability of the MNPs and lack of iron release was the point of strength in this investigation and were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The evolution of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells performance on the hybrid structure under a static magnetic field indicated the potential of super-paramagnetic constructs for further pre-clinical and clinical studies in the field of neural regeneration.

Placenta harbors a plentiful source of various cells with stem cells or stem-like cell properties, which can be used in therapeutic procedures and research. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted much attention due to their specific differentiation potential and tolerogenic properties. MSCs have been isolated from different parts of placenta; however, in this study, we isolated MSCs from amnion and chorion membrane, as well as umbilical cord (Wharton's jelly [WJ]) and compared their capacity regarding differentiation toward female germ cells under influence of 10 ng/mL BMP4. All placenta samples were collected from delivering mothers by normal cesarean section and cells were isolated by different methods. Results showed that all isolated cells were mostly positive for the MSC markers CD73, CD166, and CD105, and minimally reacted with CD34 and CD45 (hematopoietic markers). After differentiation induction using third passage cultured cells, immunocytochemistry staining showed that cells were positive for germline cell-related genes Ssea4, Oct4, and Ddx4, and oocyte-related gene Gdf9. RT-qPCR results indicated that human chorion MSCs (hCMSCs) had a greater potential to be differentiated into female germline cells. Moreover, the results of this study indicate that human umbilical cord MSCs originated from either male or female umbilical cord have the same differentiation potential into female germline cells. We recommend that for presumptive application of MSCs for infertility treatment and research, hUMSCs are best candidates due to their higher differentiation potential, ease of proliferation and expansion, and low immunogenicity.

Synthesis of new substituted pyrazolo[4,3-f]thieno[3,2-b]quinoline-10-carbonitriles has been accomplished by the nucleophilic substitution of hydrogen in 5-nitroindazole derivatives. The synthesised compounds revealed fluorescent properties and the characteristics of the compounds were studied using UV absorption and emission spectroscopy.

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