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Background and purpose : Zinc has important effects on human health, specially on structural and functional activities of immune system. This study was carried out to examine the in vitro cytotoxic effects of Zinc on Raji and Molt-4cell line.
Materials and methods : Ïn this study (by cell culture) the cell line was exposed to different concentration of Zinc followed by incubation (37 c, 5% Ço2) at various time points (12 to 72 hrs). Viability and proliferation of Raji and Molt-4 cells were then evaluated with florecent (Ëthidium-Bromide and Âcridine-Ôrange) staining. Data were analysed using SPSS (Dunet and analysis of varians test).
Results : The results showed different responces to different amount of Zinc by The Raji & Molt-4 cells. Çoncentrations up to 100µM at different incubation time points had no effects on cell line when compared with the controls. With higher concentrations of Zinc (200-500µM) viability diminished significantly at 12, 24, … hrs of incubation times when compared with the controls (p<0.05).
Çonclusion : We conclude that Zn has dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on Raji and Molt-4 cells.

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Background and purpose: Cyclophosphamide (CP), an antineoplastic drug, is also widely used in treatment of a variety of diseases such as lymphomas, leukemia, neuroblastoma, ovarian carcinoma, breast cancer and auto-immune diseases. However, its use has toxic effects on different tissues of the body, for example, it causes involution and degeneration of ovarian follicles and toxicity in the ovaries. In contrast, growth hormone (GH) improves the function of most body tissues and research has shown that it leads to the increase in the number and size of the ovarian follicles. The purpose of this study was to study the preventive effects of growth hormone during cyclophposphamide induced toxicity on the ovarian follicles.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into three groups containing 10 animals in each. Group 1 was the control group and only received placebo. Groups 2 and 3 were administrated 100 mg/kg body weight CP orally daily. Group 3 was also administered growth hormone 0/15 mg/Kg subcutaneously for 49 days (from 7 days before initiation of CP therapy to 14 days after the last administration of CP).The day after last administration of CP, all 30 rabbits were anesthetized by ether and ovariectomized and the number of different types of developing follicles, regressive follicles and degenerations in ovarian tissue was studied.
Results: Degeneration of follicles was observed in both groups 2 and 3, but the number of degenerated follicles in group two was more than that in group 3 which had received GH. The number of degenerated areas in ovarian tissue in group 2 was also higher than that in the other two groups. The difference between body weight and the weight of the ovaries in groups 1 and 3 was not significant, but there was a significant decrease in body weight and ovarian weight in group 2 compared with the other two groups.
Conclusion: These results suggest that co-administration of GH can improve the function of ovary and preserve the ovary and follicles from CP induced toxicity.

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Background and purpose: Stachys lavandulifolia is used for many diseases. In this study the toxic effect of alcoholic extract of this plant was investigated, in rats. Materials and methods: In present experimental study, 100 Wistar rats (about 250gr, 8-12 weeks old) were divided into 10 groups randomly (8 groups as case and 2 groups as control groups). Alcoholic extract of Stachys lavandulifolia was prepared by maceration method. Normal saline was injected to control groups and doses of 50, 100, 150 and 200mg/kg of the extracts were injected to others groups, intraperitoneally, daily, for 28 days. In 29th day, and one month later, the serum parameters level (ALP, AST, ALT) and pathological samples were evaluated in different groups. Results: On the first month there was significant increase of AST level at dose of 200mg/kg and ALP level at all doses compared to the control group (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in the toxic effect of different concentrations of extract (P>0.05). On the second month, the liver enzymes changes was almost the same as first month, exception for dose of 150mg/kg that was increased significantly in AST level compared to control group and in ALP level compared to dose of 100mg/kg (P<0.05). The main histological finding was necroinflammatory and fibrotic reactions in liver at all doses, compared to control group (P<0.001). On the first month this hepatic damages significantly increased at the higher doses (150 and 200mg/kg) compared to lower doses (50 and 100mg/kg) of the extract (P<0.05). Conclusion: Extract of Stachys lavandulifolia caused toxicity effect in rate's liver, and therefore it should be use with caution.

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Background and purpose: Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of death in the world. Targeted drug delivery to cells, tissues or specialized receptor cells is an advanced technology in treatment of HCC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity properties of DTX nanoparticles. In this research nanoparticles were prepared through radical polymerization. Materials and methods: HepG2 cells were seeded in 96-well plates at a density of 10,000 viable cells per well. Then 0.01-0.50 µg/ml of the nanoparticle and the free drug was added the day after seeding. Afterwards, the number of viable cells was counted and the activity of mitochondrial dehydrogenase enzymes of the cells was detected in 24, 48 and 72 hrs using MTT assay. Results: The results of MTT assay showed strong and dose-dependent inhibition of HepG2 carcinoma cell growth of the nanoparticle compared with DTX. Inhibitory concentrations (IC50) that was obtained for nanoparticles and free drug incubation times of 24, 48 and 72 hours were 1.02 ± 0.68, 0.39 ± 0.86, 0.20 ± 0.93 and 10.39 ± 1.34, 8.87 ± 0.97, 5.99 ± 0.76 µg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The results showed higher cytotoxity effect of nanoparticles in comparison with free drug against HepG2 cell lines in all mentioned incubation times. Hence, thiolated-chitosan nanoparticles could be a potentially useful delivery system for docetaxel as an anticancer agent in treatment of liver cancer.

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Background and purpose: The antibiotics’ side effects and microbial resistance have increased the need for natural antimicrobial agents in treating infections. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effects of Nigella sativa extract and its possible nephrotoxicity compared with gentamicin. The effect of N. sativa on gentamicin induced renal toxicity and its synergistic effect were evaluated on urinary tract infection caused by Ecoli in rabbits. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 36 male New Zealand rabbits were designated into seven groups: gentamicin-bacteria, N. sativa-bacteria, N. sativa-gentamicin-bacteria, N. sativa-gentamicin, bacteria, gentamicin and control groups. The animals were anesthetized after ten days of treatment, and the kidney specimens were collated for histopathological examination. The nephrotoxic effects of gentamicin and protective effects of N. sativa on kidney were studied. Antibacterial effects of the extracts were evaluated with laboratory tests and the MBC and MIC values were obtained for N. sativa. Results: The level of urea nitrogen and creatinine in urine increased in bacteria group compared to control group (P<0.05). But, they decreased in bacteria- N. sativa group compared with the bacterial group (P<0.05). Histopathological examination of kidney tissue showed that renal lesions in bacterial and, bacteria- gentamicin groups (ATN) were more than N. sativa -bacteria and bacteria-gentamycin- N. sativa (minor necrosis) groups. Conclusion: According to the results, N. sativa in addition to antibacterial effect against E. coli, can prevent the nephrotoxic effects of gentamicin. Therefore, it may be considered as an alternative, or in combination with gentamicin.

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Background and purpose: Acetaminophen is a routine analgesic and antipyretic agent that in overdose causes liver and kidney necrosis in both humans and animals. The cress (Lepidium sativum L.) contains flavonoid, alkaloid, and antioxidant components. In this study we investigated the hepatic protection of the hydroethanolic extract of cress against hepatotoxicity due to acetaminophen. Materials and methods: Forty-two rats were randomly divided into six groups. The first (control) and second (test without treatment) groups were administered the solvent of drug in the morning (08:00) and evening (16:00) on days 1 and 2 but, the third, fourth, and fifth groups received 200, 500, and 1000 mg/kg b.w of the extract of the cress, respectively. The sixth group (positive control) received 200 mg/kg b.w silymarin. Then all groups, except the control group, received 400 mg/kg acetaminophen per os on day 2 (10:00). After 24 hr, all blood samples were collected for determination of GOT (glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase), GPT (glutamic- pyruvic transaminase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), malondialdehyde (MDA), and serum antioxidant capacity. Also, a piece of liver was used for determining catalase activity and histopathological studies. For statistical analysis of the data, group means were analyzed with one way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons. Results: Serum GOT, GPT, ALP, and MDA reduced significantly (P< 0.001) in the treated groups with the extract of cress compared to acetaminophen group without treatment. The reduction of GPT and ALP were dose dependent. The serum antioxidant capacity and liver catalase in treated groups with the extract of the cress and silymarin treated group elevated significantly (P< 0.001) compared to the acetaminophen group without treatment. The liver histopathology in rats treated with the extract of cress showed a remarkable reduction of lymphocyte infiltration compared with rats without treatment (group two). Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the extract of the cress have protection effect against hepatotoxicity due to acetaminophen.

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Background and purpose: Therapeutic effects of Stachys lavandulifolia include anxiolytic effects also, it has beneficial effects in rheumatic diseases, genital tumors and cancerous ulcers but it showed adverse effects on liver and kidney. We investigated the subacute and subchronic toxic effect of Stachys lavandulifolia water extract in rat. Materials and methods: The animals were randomly divided into four groups as cases and one group as control respectively received doses of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg of the water extract and normal saline, intraperitoneally, daily, for 14 days. At 8th and 15th days, the serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutathione (GSH), creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were evaluated in different groups. Results: On the subacute study, there was significant increase of AST and ALT levels at dose of 100 mg/kg, BUN level at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, GSH level at all doses except the dose of 150 mg/kg compared to the control group (P < 0.05 for all). On the subchronic administration, only the AST level significantly increased at the dose of 200 mg/kg compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Stachys lavandulifolia extract caused severe toxic effects on the liver and weaker toxic effects on the kidney therefore, it should be used warily in the public.

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Background and purpose: Today cancer is considered as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. An impressive number of modern drugs used in cancer treatment are isolated or derived from natural sources based on their use in traditional medicine. Cornus mas L. (Cornaceae) has medicinal applications in treating a wide range of diseases such as cancer. This study was designed to evaluate the Cytotoxic effect of Cornus mas L.fruit hydroalcoholic extract on normal and cancer cell lines. Material and Methods: Rip fruit and unripe fruit extract was prepared by soxhlet extraction method. The anticancer activity of different concentrations of the extract (0, 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250µg/ml) in three cell lines MCF7 (breast cancer), HepG2 (liver cancer), and CHO (normal hamster ovary) were examined using MTT. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V.16. Results: The findings revealed time and dose-dependent inhibition and also significant differences between the levels of IC50 of unripe and ripe fruit in all cell lines (P< 0.05). Also, the level of IC50 of unripe and ripe fruit on normal cell lines was significantly different from that of the cancer cell lines (P< 0.05). However, cytotoxicity of unripe fruit was found more than ripe fruit.. Conclusion: This study showed that hydroalcoholic extract of Cornus mas L.(unripe and ripe), have a considerable cytotoxic effect on cancer and normal cell lines and should be further investigated to find effective compounds present in the fruit extract. Hence, effective steps could be taken towards finding new drugs in treating cancer.

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Background and purpose: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) such as alcoholic steatosis, hepatitis and cirrhosis are complex multistep chronic diseases reported in many animal studies. Chronic alcohol consumption induces hepatic oxidative stress due to increased generation of reactive oxygen species and/or reduced antioxidant capacity. Trametes versicolor belongs to the more advanced Basidiomycetes class of fungi that grows on tree trunks throughout the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of methanol and hot-water extraction from Trametes versicolor. Materials and methods: Trametes versicolor was collected and maceration extraction was performed. The extraction was then powdered through freeze drying. This study was performed in 20+5g weight male mice that were randomly divided into 8 groups (n=4 per group). Different doses of extract were gavaged for a week. Finally, liver tissues were removed for measuring Glutathione (GSH) level and blood samples were taken for determining AST, ALT and ALP levels. Results: There were statistically significant differences in GSH and ALT, AST, ALP levels between the groups receiving Ethanol + different doses of extracts and Ethanol. No significant differences were found in GSH and liver enzymes level in the group receiving Ethanol + methanol and hot-water extract of Trametes versicolor 200 mg/Kg compared with the normal group. Conclusion: The results showed the antioxidant effect of investigated extracts on hepatotoxicity of ethanol in mice. These extracts can return GSH concentrations to normal levels and protect liver cells from damage and increase of AST, ALT and ALP enzyme levels.

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Background and purpose: Bleomycin as an anticancer drug causes side effects on normal tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Cichorium intybus seed (CI) on antiproliferative activity of bleomycin on human non-malignant skin and ovarian cancer cells. Materials and methods: Human non-malignant fibroblast cells (HFFF2) and ovarian cancer cells (SKOV-3) were treated with bleomycin and methanolic extract of CI at various concentrations (20, 100, 500, 1000 and 2000 µg/ml). Their effects on cell viability were evaluated after 72 hrs. The antioxidant properties of the extract was investigated using DPPH (1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging. Results: Bleomycin killed normal skin and ovarian cancer cells. The cell survival rate increased significantly in groups receiving 100 and 1000 µg/ml of methanolic extract of CI (101% and 103% in HFFF2, respectively), while it was 82% in bleomycin-treated cells. CI did not show any protective effect on SKOV-3 cells treated with bleomycin. The extract exhibited considerable free radical scavenging activity. Conclusion: Our study suggests that methanolic extract of Cichorium intybus seed with antioxidant activity probably protects non-malignant skin cell against toxicity induced by bleomycin without any significant protection on cancerous cell.

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Abstract Background and purpose: Methotrexate as a chemotherapy drug causes chronic liver damage, infiltration of neutrophils, oxidative stress, and direct renal tubular damage. Quercetin is a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of quercetin on eliminating the liver and kidney toxicity of methotrexate. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 32 rats were divided into 4 groups. Group I (control) was given regular diet. Group II received single-dose methotrexate. Group III received methotrexate + a single dose quercetin and the last group (positive control) received methotrexate + a single dose silymarin. After five days, blood samples were taken and the serum GOT, GPT, ALP, Cr, urea and antioxidant capacity of plasma were measured. Some parts of liver and kidney were removed to measure the liver and kidney SOD, MDA, catalase activity and histopathological studies. Results: Serum GOT, GPT, ALP, Cr, and liver and kidney MDA were significantly higher (P<0.05) in group II, compared with those of the control group. These parameters significantly decreased (P<0.05) in group III. Compared to the control group, antioxidant capacity of plasma, activity of the liver and kidney SOD, catalase and serum urea decreased significantly in group II (P<0.05). Administration of quercetin significantly increased these parameters (P<0.05) and decreased hepatic and renal lymphocyte infiltration. Conclusion: According to the results, administration of quercetin could have a protective role in preventing liver and renal toxicity induced by methotrexate which could be due to its antioxidant property.

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Background and purpose: Anthracycline is a topoisomerase-interacting agent that is used in treatment of many cancers. We investigated the effects of anthracycline in adults using conventional echocardiography and pulse tissue Doppler imaging.

Materials and methods: This observational before-after study was performed in 35 patients being recently diagnosed with cancer for whom ANT therapy was planned. Echocardiography studies were performed before chemotherapy and 6 months after initiation of the study. Additionally, troponin I and creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB) were measured one month after the initiation of chemotherapy.

Results: Six months after anthracycline therapy, Changes were seen in the systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) function. LV ejection fraction significantly decreased (P <0.001). Additionally, LV end-diastolic volume, LV end-systolic volume and left atrial diameter significantly increased compared with the baseline measures. According to the tissue Doppler imaging, the mitral annuli early diastolic (e') velocity significantly reduced, and the E/e' ratio (the peak early diastolic velocity) significantly increased.

Conclusion: Altered LV systolic and diastolic function was observed after anthracycline chemotherapy.

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Background and purpose: Sulfur is an essential element used in the amino acids cysteine and methionine. Sulfur toxicity occurs due to its high concentration and volatile compounds in the environment. In various stages of human life, sulfur contaminants cause a variety of disorders in different parts of the body including the immune system. The embryonic period is the most critical stage of life cycle, so, this study investigated the effects of sulfur intoxication in pregnant rats on serum levels of immunoglobulin in their neonates.

Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 36 adult female Wistar rats were divided into three groups: a control, experimental group I with mild poisoning and experimental group II with severe intoxication. Before and during pregnancy the experimental groups I and II received a daily dose of 500mg/kg.bw sodium sulfide dissolved in drinking water for 15 and 30 days, respectively. Blood samples were taken from male and female newborns, 40 days after birth, and the serum levels of IgG and IgM were measured using nephelometric technique. Data was analyzed in SPSS ver. 17.

Results: The results indicated a significant increase in serum levels of immunoglobulin IgG and IgM in male and female neonates with severe maternal toxicity compared to the control group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the concentration of immunoglobulins in female newborns of all groups compared to the corresponding male group. (P>0.05)

Conclusion: Sulfur contaminants or their metabolites can cross the placental barrier during pregnancy and increase serum levels of IgG and IgM in neonates through changes in the function of fetal immune system. Furthermore, these alterations are believed to be gender independent.

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Background and purpose: Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is used in treatment of Gram-negative infections. However, its usefulness is restricted by its nephrotoxicity. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of mummy and Vit E against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 36 adult albino Wistar rats were divided into six groups: Group 1 received 1 ml normal saline intra-peritoneal once daily. Group 2 was treated with gentamicin 100mg/kg daily IP and served as experimental group. Group 3 received Vit E 250 mg/kg/day IM and gentamicin 100 mg/kg/day IP. Groups 4, 5 and 6 were treated with gentamicin 100 mg/kg and mummy at daily dosages of 1000, 500 and 250 mg/kg orally, respectively. All groups had daily treatments for 28 days. At the end of treatment, blood samples were taken for measurement of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin, electrolytes, malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) using standard methods. Also, right kidneys were removed for histological evaluation.

Results: Mummy at 1000 and 500 mg/kg and Vit E (250 mg/kg) significantly reduced gentamicin-induced increases in BUN, MDA and histological changes. Furthermore, mummy at 1000 mg/kg increased FRAP compared to other concentrations.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that mummy and Vit E therapy improved gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity via inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

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Background and purpose: Valproic acid (VPA) is used worldwide as a major drug in the intervention of epilepsy and in control of several kinds of seizures. The aim of our investigation was to evaluate the nephrotoxic potential of VPA and protective effects of zinc and selenium against VPA-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Materials and methods: In this study, the animals were divided into five groups: control, VPA (200 mg/kg IP), VPA + Zn (10 mg/kg IP), PA + Se (1 mg/kg IP), and VPA + Zn + Se. After the administration of VPA for 4 consecutive weeks, the animals were killed and kidney tissues were separated. Finally, oxidative stress markers including glutathione (GSH) content, lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl (PCO) were measured and blood was taken for measuring biochemical markers (BUN and Cr).

Results: The administration of VPA for 4 consecutive weeks resulted in an increase in kidney marker (BUN and Cr). Also, oxidative stress was evident in VPA group by increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl (PCO) and glutathione (GSH) oxidation. Zn and Se administration was able to protect against deterioration in kidney markers and suppressed the increase in oxidative stress markers.

Conclusion: Our study showed the critical role of oxidative damage in Valproate-induced nephrotoxicity that markedly inhibited by administration of Zn and Se. Therefore, Zn and Se supplementation could be suggested for prevention of valproate-induced nephrotoxicity.

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Background and purpose: Myricetin as a natural flavonoids in tea and coffee, has extensive pharmacological effects. Endosulfan is mutagenic and is capable of inducing genetic damage in human blood cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of myricetin against DNA damage caused by endosulfan on human blood lymphocytes.

Materials and methods: Blood samples after 3 hours of incubation with different concentrations of myricetin, were incubated with Mμ10 endosulfan for 24 hours. Then, to evaluate the production of micronucleus in binucleated lymphocytes, the slides were prepared and were evaluated by light microscopy. The mean values were compared using PRISM and ANOVA (posttest: Tukey).

Results: The incubation of blood samples with Endosulfan induced additional genotoxicity in lymphocytes, and Myristin pretreatment significantly reduced the micronucleus frequency (P<0.01). The results showed the effective role of Myristin as protective agent in reducing the genotoxicity of the pesticide Endosulfan.

Conclusion: Myristin appeared to scavenge and trap free radicals to prevent the damage induced by ROS. It is a natural compound and is considered to be safe, therefore, it can be used as a supplement to protect people exposed to chemical or environmental hazards.

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Background and purpose: In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Nasturtium officinale (watercress) against GM-induced mitochondrial dysfunction on isolated rat kidney mitochondria.

Materials and methods: In this study, 36 Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=6 per group): control, solvent, GM (80 mg/kg IP), and GM and three doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg/day, IP) of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of watercress. After 10 consecutive days of injection, the animals were killed and kidney tissues were separated. Then, the mitochondria were isolated using different centrifuge technique and the parameters of mitochondrial damage were evaluated.

Results: Administration of GM for 10 days resulted in decrease in mitochondrial function in MTT test and also the glutathione content in kidney isolated mitochondria. Compared with the control group, increase in lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial swelling was observed in GM group. The Nasturtium officinale extract could significantly reduce (dose dependent) the increase in glutathione oxidation, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial swelling due to GM on kidney isolated mitochondria.

Conclusion: With the considering the protective effects of Nasturtium officinale in attenuating GM-induced mitochondrial damage, it can be suggested for prevention of pathological condition caused by mitochondrial damage.

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Background and purpose: Shadegan wetland as the largest wetland in Iran is constantly exposed to hydrocarbons entering through the main entrance of the lagoon including Jarahi River, outbursts of seasonal rivers from upstream, Persian Gulf tides from downstream, atmospheric deposition, and possible leaks from oil pipelines. The aim of this study was to investigate toxicity and identifying the sources and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in surface sediments of the study area for its appropriate management.

Materials and methods: Sediment samples were collected (in 2015) from 202 stations at the top 5 cm of the sediment according to a systematic-random sampling design. The concentrations of PAHs were analyzed by GC–MS.

Results: The total PAHs (sum of 30 PAH compounds) ranged from 593.74 to 53393.86 ng/g dw. The results of diagnostic ratios indicated that the study area was highly contaminated by petrogenic hydrocarbon sources. The concentrations of PAHs in this research were substantially higher than those found in many other aquatic systems and significantly more than current sediment quality criteria (ERL).

Conclusion: High levels of petrogenic contamination were found in sediments of Shadegan wetland. A vast majority of the study area (90%) is subjected to chronic pollution of oil contaminants that could adversely affect benthic biota.

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Background and purpose: Tumors are one of the most important threats to human life and improving the drugs used in their treatment is always necessary.  Isatin is found in many plants and also synthesized through different methods.  Many studies have been done on Isatin ring, including the construction of Dibromoisatin derivatives that exhibit anti-cancer effects. The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic effects of Dibromoisatin derivatives on cervical and liver cancer cells.
Materials and methods: In this study, 10 Dibromoisatin derivative made at concentrations of 1, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg/mL were tested against cervical (HeLa) and liver cancer cell lines (HepG2). The cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and the IC50 value was calculated in PRISM software.
Results: Comparing the cytotoxic effects of Dibromoisatin derivatives showed that the highest cytotoxic effects in both cell lines was detected in composition No. 9 with IC50 value of HepG2= 1.194 and IC50 value of HeLa= 0.025.
Conclusion: These derivatives were more effective against liver cancer cells and some Dibromoisatin derivatives were found to have high toxicity against cancer cells, therefore, they could be of great benefit in improving the drugs used in chemotherapy.
 
 

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Background and purpose: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in woman. About one million new cases are diagnosed every year worldwide. Many researchers are interested in anti-cancer effects of natural products. In this research, cytotoxic effects of Crocus caspius extract against breast cancer and normal cell lines were investigated and total phenols and flavonoids were also determined.
Materials and methods: Flowers of Crocus caspius were collected from Neka in Mazandaran province, Iran, in autumn 2014. The powder of dried flowers were macerated with 80% methanol, three times every 48 hr. The methanol extract was concentrated under reduced pressure. Cell viability was determined using MTT and trypan blue assay was done on breast carcinoma cell lines (MCF7, 4T1, and SKBR3) and Swiss mouse embryo fibroblast (NIH/3T3) as normal cell lines. Various concentrations (1, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 µg/ml) of the extract and positive control were examined for determination of IC50.
Results: Crocus caspius extract showed no considerable cytotoxic effects against breast cancer and normal cell lines. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were quite high; 238.25±4.35 mg GAE/g and 85.41±6.24 mg quercetin/g of dry extract, respectively.
Conclusion: These results indicated non toxicity of Crocus caspius extract. Further studies are needed to investigate the preventive effect of C.caspius extract against cancer according to its total phenolic and flavonoid contents.