The capability to hinder microbial growth on the implant surfaces is of great interest in medical applications. This paper presents our study on the synthesis of zeolite/silver-graphene oxide (Zeo/Ag-GO) nanocomposite to enhance antibacterial activities of bone implants. Zeo/Ag-GO was synthesized using via semi-powder metallurgy and then characterized in terms of microstructure, antibacterial activities, and biocompatibility. Our microstructure results demonstrated that the Ag particles were anchored and uniformly distributed in the composite structure; assessment of antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) revealed that Zeo/Ag-GO was better than Zeo/Ag, but Zeo has no antimicrobial activity observed; and biocompatibility assays showed that both Zeo/Ag and Zeo/Ag-GO had no negative effect on the proliferation of MG-63, while Zeo/Ag-GO promoted better cell viability. Taken together, Zeo/Ag-GO has great antimicrobial performance with suitable cytocompatibility, thus potentially being used to reduce implant-associated infections.

Background: The process of steroidogenesis is crucial to the normal function of the ovaries. In individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the activity of related enzymes in this process is disrupted. In the present study, the effect of trans-anethole was investigated on gene expression of steroidogenesis enzymes in PCOS model rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, thirty female rats were divided into six groups (n=5 per group). Fifteen PCOS rats in three groups received intraperitoneal injections of distilled water, 50, and 80 mg/kg of trans-anethole, respectively. Also, 15 intact rats in three groups received intraperitoneal injections of distilled water, 50, and 80 mg/kg trans-anethole. The expression of steroidogenesis genes was determined using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: The mRNA level of Cyp19 significantly increased in intact rats receiving 80 mg/kg trans-anethole compared to the control group. The Cyp19 level in PCOS groups was significantly reduced compared to the control group. The mRNA level of Cyp19 in PCOS groups that resived 50 or 80 mg/kg trans-anethole increased compared to PCOS rats, but this increase was not statistically significant. The mRNA level of Cyp17 did not significantly change in intact and PCOS rats that received trans-anethole compared to the control group. Conclusion: Trans-anethole may improve PCOS complications due to its involvement in regulating steroidogenesis.

Background & Aim:According to globally development of stomach cancer especially in Ardabil, Iran, as the second major cause of mortality throughout the world, increased drug-resistant bacteria including Helicobacter pylori as the most important risk factors for stomach cancer, and side effects of antibiotics and chemical drugs normally used to treat. Experimental: The current research was conducted to investigate the anticancer and antimicrobial effects of native herbs of liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) extractions for finding a solution with the lowest complications in control or treatment of stomach cancer.The extractions were firstly obtained using Soxhlet and methanol solvent and then their compounds were determined by GC/MS. Antimicrobial activity, MIC and MBC of the extractions were assessed respectively using agar diffusion and broth dilution test and the anticancer effect on stomach cancer (cell line AGS) was assessed by MTT assay. H. pylori ATCC 26695 was respectively revived and purified on Brucella broth containing 7% citrated horse serum and Columbia agar. Results: The analysis showed thatliquorice extract contains 15 compositions, mainly consists of 26.48% Nonane, 23.38% Ethylcyclohexan, 8.29% 3-Bromodecane, 10.31% trans-2-Heptenal, 8.93% 9-Octadecenamide and 4.68% β-pregna and pennyroyal extract contains 17 compositions, mainly including 3.36% Camphor, 22.79% Pulegone, 4.92% Paramenth-3-n8-l, 8.06% Menthoforan, 7.54% Cis-Isopulegon and 24.58% α-Selinene. The bacteria were resistant or semi-sensitive to common antibiotics, whereas had considerable sensitivity to herbal extracts and liquorice showed almost three times more antibacterial effect. Pennyroyal extract had no cytotoxic effects, but the anticancer effect was observed in liquorice extract with optimal concentration of 25 μg/ml after 48 hours. Recommended applications/industries: In conclusion, liquorice extract due to the significant health benefits of anticancer and antibacterial activity can be selective and highly effective herbal medicine as an alternative to antibiotics and other chemical drugs.