Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic human autoimmune disease, which is characterized by increased activity of B cells and production of antibodies against tissue antigens. It engages many tissues and organs, including joints, kidneys, heart, and the nervous system. Although the exact pathogenesis of SLE remains to be elucidated, it is suggested that genetic background plays a paramount role in SLE etiology. Increasing evidence is indicating an important role for interleukins in progression of SLE. Interleukins are a group of cytokines secreted by T helper cells, monocytes, macrophages, and B cells, which are involved in growth and differentiation of T and B cells. The expression level of interleukins is influenced greatly by genetic composition. Therefore, some polymorphisms can control the expression of interleukins. Consequently, genetic studies can shed light on our understanding of SLE nature. Therefore, in the present study, the researchers reviewed the roles of eight key interleukin polymorphisms and their effects on SLE pathogenic.

Background: Herbal extracts have recently received the greatest attention in the path of finding naturally occurring chemicals with antibacterial and therapeutic value; however, each type of herbal remedy may have its own side effects. Objectives:The aim of the current experiment was to study the antibacterial effect of myrtle, parsley, mint, henna and chamomile extracts on Escherichia coli and their effects on colony formation and survival of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Materials and Methods: Spermatogonial stem cells were isolated by two-time enzymatic digestion from slaughterhouse origin ovine testis and plant extraction by deionized water. Comparisons between different treatments were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan's multiple range tests. Results:The results showed that there was no significant difference between mint, henna and penicillin, on inhibition of Escherichia coli growth, however parsley, myrtle and chamomile were significantly different from penicillin (P < 0.05). The formation of SSC colonies was not affected by different herbal medicines. Myrtle and chamomile resulted in death of SSC colonies compared with the control, and the survival of spermatogonial and Sertoli cells were significantly affected by myrtle, mint, chamomile and parsley (P < 0.05). Conclusions:The results of these experiments provide evidence that henna by antibacterial activity had no detrimental affect on SSC and Sertoli cells and is a good candidate for substitution of antibiotics.

The genetic manipulation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) can be used as an alternative to somatic cell nuclear transfer method for the production of transgenic animals. SSCs are now in vitro cultured and transplanted in sheep, however, there are no known protocol for DNA transfection of sheep SSCs. The aim of present study was to define the optimal transfection conditions of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in early and late ovine SSC colony formation stages in culture. SSCs were isolated from the slaughterhouse ram testis tissue using a two-step enzymatic digestion process. Results showed that, 2 µl of DNA with 0.5 µg of Lipofectamin or Turbofect were able to transfect SSC colonies at late stage. Since the colonies of SSCs were not in logarithmic growth phase, around 15% of colonies were transfected and no significant difference between Lipofectamin or Turbofect was observed. However, more cells were transfected on early stages of SSC colony formation (7th days), especially when Turbofect was used (around 40 and 45% for Lipofectamin and Turbofect, respectively). Although the early stages SSCs were more suitable for transfection, but the formation of colonies were impaired on transfected cells.