Neural tissue engineering has been introduced as a novel therapeutic strategy for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been demonstrated to improve functional outcome of brain injury, and RADA4GGSIKVAV (R-GSIK), a self-assembling nano-peptide scaffold, has been suggested to promote the behavior of stem cells. This study was designed to determine the ability of the R-GSIK scaffold in supporting the effects of MSCs on motor function activity and inflammatory responses in an experimental TBI model. A significant recovery of motor function was observed in rats that received MSCs+R-GSIK compared with the control groups. Further analysis showed a reduction in the number of reactive astrocytes and microglial cells in the MSCs and MSCs+R-GSIK groups compared with the control groups. Furthermore, western blot analysis indicated a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TLR4, TNF, and IL6, in the MSCs and MSCs+R-GSIK groups compared with the TBI, vehicle, and R-GSIK groups. Overall, this study strengthens the idea that the co-transplantation of MSCs with R-GSIK can increase functional outcomes by preparing a beneficial environment. This improvement may be explained by the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs and the self-assembling nano-scaffold peptide.

Liver and renal dysfunction accompanying with the tissues' oxidative damage has been reported to occur during Inflammation. Nigella sativa has been well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate preventive effects of N. sativa on liver and renal tissue damage in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -treated rats. The rats were divided into five groups: (1) control; (2) LPS (1 mg/kg, IP, for 10 days), (3-5) N. sativa hydroethanolic extract (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) before LPS. Compared to LPS group, treatment by the extract decreased alondialdehyde, nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, and interleukin-6 while increased thiol content and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in both renal and liver tissues. N. sativa extract also decreased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotrans-ferase, and alkaline phosphatase concentration, while it increased serum protein and albumin compared with LPS group. In LPS group, serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were higher than control group. The extract reversed the negative effects of LPS. The results demonstrated that the N. sativa prevented liver and renal tissue damage in LPS-treated rats. It is suggested that the effects are due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.