👤 Jamshid Faraji

The human brain functions as a highly integrated system. Interconnected cellular and molecular networks within this system process sensory information, cognitive functions, and motor responses. The brain also exhibits a remarkable potential for plasticity-driven adaptive learning and memory. Importantly, neuroplasticity serves as a key mechanism of neuroprotection while also enabling the brain to compensate for injury through adaptive structural remodeling. Understanding the brain as a dynamic system requires examining how its components interact to produce adaptive physiological responses and complex behaviors, such as social interactions. Key molecules, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and oxytocin (OT), play pivotal roles in maintaining the brain's dynamic complexity and integrative functioning. In this review, we introduce the concept of "neurosocial plasticity", which refers to the brain's ability to adapt both neural circuitry and social behavior through the dynamic interaction between BDNF and OT. This concept highlights how BDNF-OT interactions may support both neural plasticity and the capacity for adaptive social functioning. We then explore how their co-localization, co-expression, and co-regulation may regulate neural and social plasticity, ultimately shaping the brain's adaptability and the development of social behaviors across various contexts. Show less

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents significant therapeutic challenges. This study investigates the combination effects of Trifolium pratense L. (red clover) and doxorubicin (DOX) on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis in 4T1 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice. Female BALB/c mice were divided into six (n=10) groups: control, DOX (5 mg/kg), and three treatment groups receiving 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg Co-treatment of Show less

Pregnancy is a unique challenge for the immune system. Any disturbance in the immune system in the first trimester could result in further pregnancy complications. In this regard, the current study aimed to investigate the association between serum levels of a group of cytokines in the first trimester of pregnancy with the onset of preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Serum samples were collected from 550 pregnant women at their 11th - 13th weeks of pregnancy and followed up to delivery. Out of all cases, 15 women complicated with preeclampsia and 15 ones diagnosed with FGR were included in the study. The serum levels of IFN-γ, CCL2, IL-10, IL-35 and IL-27 were checked in the collected sera of mentioned patients and compared to 60 women with normal pregnancy outcomes. In the preeclampsia group, the mean level of IFN-γ was significantly higher (p < 0.001) while the CCL2 serum level was significantly lower (p < 0.003) as compared to control group. There was no significant difference between the preeclampsia group and controls regarding other cytokines. In the FGR group, the mean serum level of IFN-γ was significantly higher compared to the healthy pregnancy group (p < 0.001) but other cytokines showed no significant differences. In the FGR group, a significant positive correlation was found between IL-10 level and neonates' weight (p < 0.05). Based on the results of the present study, an elevated level of IFN-γ and a reduced level of CCL2 at the first trimester of pregnancy could lead to complications such as PE and/or FGR. Show less