Razi Journal of Medical Sciences
Year:2017 | Volume:24 | Issue:157|Papers Count:12

Background: Various studies have shown that plant extracts may have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Rhamnus frangula miller leaf on viability of breast cancer cells in cell culture.Methods: In this laboratory experimental study breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was used.MCF cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum and 100 unit/ml penicillin and 100 mg/ml streptomycin and were kept in incubator at 37 C and at pressure of 5% CO2. The cells were randomly divided into control group and groups exposed to 10, 1, 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mg/ml of Rhamnus frangula leaf extract. Viability of cells was assayed using MTT test. The data were analyzed using ANOVA.Results: There was no significant difference between viability of MCF7 cells in group exposed to 0.001 mg/ml of extract and control group. However, viability of MCF7 cells significantly decreased in groups exposed to 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/ml of extract compared with control group (p<0.05).Conclusion: Our findings indicated that low dose of the Rhamnus frangula leaf extract has no significant cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells. However, high doses of extract of have cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cells.

Background: Among pathogenic bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria are important. The secreting outer membrane vesicles of the bacteria have important role in physiology, virulence, and the interaction between host and pathogen. These vesicles allow bacteria to transmit enzyme and its contents as conserved form and are involved in their viability. Since they represent bacterial candidate, their study can help us to learn more about bacteria and their interaction with the environment. Therefore, isolation methods of vesicles are important. So, the aim of this study was to introduce a new method for isolation of Escherichia coli outer membrane vesicles.Methods: The bacteria of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli were cultured under standard conditions. Supernatant was removed and then the tangential- trans flow filtration was used for concentrating vesicles, after which high speed centrifuges were used for obtaining the deposition. Isolated vesicles were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and molecular weight of the protein concentration was determined.Results: Vesicle morphology was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and size of vesicles were determined between 50 to 100 nanometers. Electrophoretic pattern reflects the strong and weak bands in the region between 22-41 kDa and concentration of protein was determined as 542 micrograms.Conclusion: In the present study these results show that by using this method, in addition to providing the same product, has positive benefits in regard to time and economic point of view in comparison to common procedures and it can also be used for isolating the vesicles at industrial level.

Background: As nanoparticles have multiple applications, there are many different methods for the production of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). Recently, plants are being used in the synthesis of nanoparticles, due to their cost- effectiveness and eco-friendliness approach. In this study, the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using extract of Citrus aurantium for its antimicrobial properties has been reported.Methods: in this study, the extract of Citrus aurantium as the reducing agent was used for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. Reduction of Ag+ ion was obtained after 24 h using Citrus aurantium extract in the presence of 1 mM silver nitrate (AgNo3) solution. The size, structural, optical and morphological properties of nanoparticles were analyzed by facility of: X-ray Diffraction and Field Emission Scanning (Transmission) Electron Microscope. Result: UV-Vis spectrum exhibit an absorption band at around 400-450 nm suggesting the formation of biological Ag nanoparticles. The size and morphological properties of nanoparticles were assessed by TEM which showed that particles have spherical shape with diameter of about 5-40 nm. Silver nanoparticles presented the antimicrobial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Conclusion: The extract of Citrus aurantium has the ability of reducing Ag+ ion to Ag nanoparticles. Also, Ag nanoparticles produced by green synthesis have good antibacterial activity.

Background: Many biological and psychological processes could be effective in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The aim of the present research was to determine the relationship of metacognitive beliefs and mindfulness skills with severity of symptoms in IBS.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 61 consecutive IBS patients, referred to one of the gastrointestinal tract and liver specialty clinics belonging to the city of Boroujerd, were selected. The patients completed Metacognitive Beliefs Questionnaire, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and the IBS Symptom Severity Scoring System. Data was analyzed by Pearson correlation and Enter regression model.Results: A relationship between metacognitive beliefs and mindfulness skills with symptom severity in patients with IBS was observed (p<0.01).More reviews using regression coefficient test showed that regression coefficients of all factors of metacognitive beliefs and mindfulness is significant in prediction of symptoms severity of IBS (p<0.05).Conclusion: This study showed that there is a relationship between metacognitive beliefs and mindfulness with symptom severity in IBS. So interventions based on metacognitive beliefs and mindfulness skills are proposed for managing symptom severity in IBS.

Background: Due to extensive use of cell cultures in biomedical investigations and researches, there has been a great need to identify, authenticize and accurate quality control of cells. Stem cells are characterized by their self-renewal and differentiation potential. Mesenchymal stem cells are found in various tissues. These cells are vastly used in cell therapy and regenerative medicine and many other cell related studies. Methods: After separation of cells from adipose and dental pulp tissues and confirmation of quality controls, authentication of mesenchymal stem cells were determined by monitoring growth, morphology, expression of specific molecular markers, and the ability to differentiate into adipocyte and osteoblast.Results: In this study, 6 mesenchymal stem cell lines were established from adipose and dental pulp tissues. These cells which were positive for CD90, CD105 and CD29 and negative for CD34 and CD45 expression were isolated, authenticated and stored. Moreover, these cells showed no contamination including bacterial, viral and mycoplasma and are able to differentiate into adipocyte and osteoblast in vitro.Conclusion: The outcome of this project would be introducing authenticated mesenchymal stem cells with related identity documents which facilitate and accelerate the biomedical research in the field of human mesenchymal cells along with a substantial reduction of costs and time.

Background: Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are major causes of mortality worldwide. Obesity is regarded as an independent CVDs risk factor. In this article we focus on the role of adipokines which are involved in CVDs pathogenesis.Methods: The recent studies regarding the role of adipokines such as Leptin, Resistin, TNF- a, IL-6, MCP-1, Visfatin, Chemerin, Apelin, Omentin, Adiponectin and Vaspin in CVDs pathogenesis are reviewed. We searched articles in electronic information databases: Web of knowledge, pubMed, sciencedirect and Google ScholarResults: Adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ which secretes important bioactive mediators that are called adipokines. These proteins have complex function in regulation of insulin sensitivity, glucose and lipid metabolism. Adipokines are involved in cardiovascular system homeostasis. There are well recognized anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects of some adipokines such as Adiponectin. There is adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity state, which is represented by inflammatory cells infiltration and abnormal production of adipokines, so adipokine balance is impaired. In this condition decreased or increased levels of some adipokines are associated with incidence of cardiovascular diseases through several mechanisms such as insulin resistance, vascular calcification, fibrinolysis disturbance, increased adhesion molecules expression, increased foam cell formation, oxidative stress, vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Conclusion: In physiological condition, adipokines have protective effects on cardiovascular system. Adipokines imbalance causes pathological effects on this system. Undoubtedly, further researches in this field can promise appropriate strategies for CVDs prevention, control or even treatment.

Background: In recent years, the use of foreign herbal weight loss supplements is growing in Iran which due to the use of some unauthorized synthetic materials by manufacturers in their products can be problematic. The aim of this study was to analyze the contents of the foreign herbal slimming capsules common in use in the city of Arak in 2015.Methods: From the available foreign herbal slimming capsules, randomly six brands were selected and purchased from the supplier stores in the city of Arak. Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the quantification analysis of the amounts of sibutramine, phenytoin and phenolphthalein in the capsules.Results: In all brands, sibutramine was identified and the highest values were in the brands of Original Super Slim and Slim Fast, as about 75 and 54 mg per capsule, respectively. In some brands, there were phenolphthalein and phenytoin with different values. Other unauthorized materials, such as caffeine, pseudoephedrine and amfepramone (diethylpropion) were identified using GC-MS data library.Conclusion: The foreign herbal slimming capsules included in the study, contain unauthorized synthetic materials not mentioned on the label. Healthcare providers should aware people regarding the use of foreign herbal slimming capsules and their side effects.

Background: The purpose of the present study was the evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of yoga exercise on serum cortisol values, stress, anxiety and depression in women with diabetes type 2.Methods: A total of 45 people were selected from diabetic women residing in Semnan city with an average age of (46.85 ± 3.35 years), weight of (69.79±17.18 kg), height (155.03±5.00 cm), Body Mass Index-BMI (29.64±5.00 kg per square meter) and with 6.46±2.69 years history of being diabetic and randomly divided into three groups of yoga exercise (N=15), aerobic exercise (N=14) and control group (N=12). Exercise program was performed for 12 weeks, three sessions per week and each session 90 minutes. Blood was collected to measure the cortisol level 48 hours before starting the exercise and 48 hours after completing the exercise program. DASS-21 questionnaire was used to measure the stress, anxiety and depression. Data was performed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey statistical methods and t-tests at a significance level of p<0.05 by using the SPSS software version 20.Results: The results of present study showed that 12 weeks of yoga exercise can reduce the cortisol hormone, as well as improve stress, anxiety and depression in women with diabetes type 2. Also 12 weeks of aerobic exercise reduces cortisol hormone and improves stress in women with diabetes type 2.Conclusion: In general, we can say that the effects of yoga and aerobic exercise – both-can have beneficial effects on endocrine and stress in diabetic women, but these effects are greater and more useful after the yoga exercise.

Background: The prevalence of behavioral problems is significantly high in children with epilepsy compared to children with other chronic illnesses which do not affect the central nervous system. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common comorbid disorder with epilepsy. Thus, children with epileptic seizure are in increased risk of cognitive disorders particularly attention problems. Parent Management Training (PMT) can be defined as an approach for the treatment of child behavioral problems in which parents are trained to alter their child's behavior. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of PMT on improvement of symptoms of ADHD in a child with epilepsy. Methods: The study design was single-subject using multiple baseline design. The samples were parents of two children with epilepsy and comorbid ADHD who completed Child Symptom Inventory (CSI-4) part A. Participants received 9 sessions of PMT (1-1.5 hour for each session per week). They completed CSI-4 part A in pretest, during the treatment and one month follow-up. Data were analyzed by visual analysis. Results: Results indicated the effect of PMT on ADHD symptoms was clinically significant. Findings showed positive effect of PMT on monitoring the child's behavior. Conclusion: Hence, the enhancement of parents’ control skills and the improvement of parent-child interaction could result in parents’ anger management and considerable reduction in child behavioral problems and aggression.