Medical Sciences Journal of Islamic Azad University,Tehran Medical Branch
Year:2010 | Volume:19 | Issue:4 (58)|Papers Count:16

Background: Inflammation is a mechanism involving a complex series of events including dilatation of arterioles, venules and capillaries with increased vascular permeability, exudation of fluids including plasma proteins and leukocyte migration into the inflammatory area. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory effects of Eucalyptus globulus alcoholic extract and essential oil leaves were studied in NMRI mice.Material and methods: In this experimental study, 15 minutes after intra-peritoneal injection of the ethanolic extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.), essential oil (0.1, 0.4, 0.5 ml/kg, i.p.) and dexamethasone (10 mg/kg, i.p.), 0.03 ml of xylene was applied to the anterior surface of the right ear of NMRI mice. The left ear was considered as control. Two hours after xylene application, mice were sacrificed and both ears removed. The effect on acute inflammation was assessed using vascular permeability increased by xylene-induced ear edema in mice.Results: Alcoholic extract of Eucalyptus globulus with doses 100 and 200 mg/kg and essential oil leaves of Eucalyptus globulus with doses of 0.4 and 0.55 ml/kg showed significant and dosedependent anti-inflammatory activity against acute inflammation induced by xylene ear edema test. Its anti-inflammatory effects were similar to dexamethason.Conclusion: The present study indicated that Eucalyptus globule has anti-inflammatory effect on mice and should be considered in future therapeutic studies.

Background: Increased oxidative stress with increasing age is a source of damage to cellular structure and function. Tissue with few or no cell divisions, such as heart is theoretically more susceptible to accumulative damage caused by oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of age progression on apoptosis rate of rat hearts.Materials and methods: In this experimental study, Forty eight male Wistar rats (three months old and body mass of 230±14 g) were randomly assigned to four groups, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months of age. Six hearts of each group were assigned to apoptosis analysis by TUNEL method and fixed in 10% formalin. Six remaining hearts of each group were washed out and homogenized in ice cold buffer and the supernatant were assigned to apoptosis analysis by ELISA method. Results: The results of TUNEL and ELISA apoptosis detection showed that the rates of apoptosis were increased with age in 12 and 15 months groups compared to 6 months rats (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Moreover the results of TUNEL method depicts a significant increase in apoptosis rate in 9 months group compared to 6 months group (p<0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that the age of animals might be important factor in the increase of the heart apoptosis rate.

Background: FLT3-gene mutations cause leukemic cells to proliferate uncontrollably and leads to a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to explore appropriate at diagnostic molecular tests and to screen mutations that occur in patients with acute leukemia.Materials and methods: In this basic study, 91 children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) were investigated for FLT3-gene mutations, including ITD mutation (Internal Tandem Duplication) and the point mutation that is coded by exon 17. ITD mutation in FLT3 receptor was analyzed by PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) in 11, 12 exons and 11 intron using designed primers. For analysis of point mutation of Exon 17 in FLT3 receptor gene, the genomic DNA of patient was amplified using the PCR. Resulted PCR products were studied by ECORV enzyme and restriction length polymorphism (RFLP). In cases of positive ITD, the sequencing method was applied.Results: Of 91 acute leukemia patients, ITD mutation was observed in 7 cases. Two of 91 patients had point mutation of D835. Distribution of ITD and point mutation of D835 mutation was not identical in FAB subtypes.Conclusion: FLT3-gene mutations are prevalent mutation in children with acute leukemia. So, it can be decided about the treatment after molecular diagnosis of this mutaions, independent of FAB classification and before the treatment get started.

Background: According to symptom oriented of drug therapy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eye movement, desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were increasingly used. The aim of this study was to compare effects of EMDR and CBT in acute stress.Materials and methods: In this case-control study, 51 combatants with PTSD hospitalized in Isar Hospital of Ardabil province or were inhabited in Ardabil were randomly divided to three groups. The method was extended test method and study design was multi-group test-retest. Used tools included boring memories test, subjective units of distress or anxiety (SUD) scale, validity of cognitions (VOC) scale and hospital anxiety and depression scale.Results: EMDR and CBT significantly decreased boring memories, mental distress, anxiety and depression, and also increased positive cognition. Although both EMDR and CBT caused significant reduction of anxiety and depression, EMDR was superior to CBT in reduction of PTSD symptoms of Iranian combatants.Conclusion: Regarding efficacy of EMDR and CBT in the treatment of PTSD , it is suggested to prevent and decrease symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Background: Educational program for drug abuse prevention should emphasize on trans-theoretical model (TTM). This study was designed to survey effects of TTM in substance abuse prevention among petrochemical workers in Iran.Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was done on 181 workers of petrochemical company in Assaluyeh. Education program was prepared according to resistance skills, decisional balance, processes of change (cognitive & behavior), self esteem, self-efficacy and life skills. Intervention group received educational program by lecture and group discussion about principles of TTM. Intervention and control groups was compared before and 5 month after intervention.Intervention group received educational package, including posters and pamphlets, within 5 months. Results: Educational activities had significant impact on awareness of substance abuse, risk factors and protective factors, self efficacy, decisional balance for apply resistance skills contain pros and cons, attitude and also processes of change on resistance skills in cognitive and behavioral domain, while there found no significant changes in control group.Conclusion: According to positive effects of TTM as a educational program for drug abuse prevention, application of this model recommended in prevention of drug abuse among industrial workers.

Background: In addition routine conservative management for decreasing the difficulties of stroke patients, complementary treatments such as massage therapy is also applied that is considered as one of the most important nursing managements. The goal of this study was assessment of the effect of massage therapy on the level of blood pressure and anxiety of stroke patients. Material and methods: This quasi-experimental study with two groups, two steps and pre- Post design was done on 50 patients with CVA (cerebrovascular accident). Sampling was done with convenience method and patients were divided randomly to two groups. Including criteria were documented CVA, the ability of speaking, complete consciousness, one week hospitalization period and having the motivation for the entering in this study. In massage group, relatives to patient should massage the patient body 7 times per day after receiving complete administration and doing the right technique at the next days. Control group received only the routine management. Blood pressure and Cattle test for anxiety were evaluated before and the end of study.Results: In massage group, mean blood pressure had been significantly decreased at the end of study (p<0.05). Anxiety score in the massage group had been decreased after study, but there was no significant difference (NS).Conclusion: Results showed the positive effect of massage on decreasing blood pressure and anxiety level. Therefore, it could be suggested as complement method alongside of the routine treatment of stroke for increasing the welfare and remediation sense of the patients.

Background: Despite importance of Preeclampsia (PE), as a major cause of maternal mortality and fetal death especially in developing countries, its etiology remains unclear. This study was performed to analyze the susceptibility of erythrocytes and to evaluate antioxidant enzymes activity such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) in women with preeclampsia and normal pregnancy.Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional-comparative study, circulating levels of GPX, SOD, CAT and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed in 30 healthy pregnant women, 25 women with mild PE and 26 with severe PE hospitalized in Rasoule Akram and Akbarabadi hospitals of Iran University of Medical Sciences. Results: Susceptibility of erythrocytes in severe and mild PE pregnant women were significantly higher than healthy pregnant women (p<0.05). Levels of MDA, GPX, SOD and CAT in severe and mild PE pregnant women were significantly higher than healthy pregnant women (p<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that oxidative stress plays a significant role in pathophysiology of PE. Therefore, determination of antioxidant enzyme activity in these patients and using supplemental dietary with antioxidants such as vitamins C and E may play a role in prevention of preeclampsia.

Background: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) strains are one of the most important enteric pathogens which cause of the food-borne disease in humans. The purpose of this study was to survey the prevalence of diarrhea arising from this bacteria and infection source and antibiotic resistance of isolated strains in children under 5 years old in Marvdasht.Materials and methods: In this descriptive study, Stool samples of under 5 years old children in Marvdasht were collected. After enrichment in specific culture media and evaluation sorbitol fermentation and their b-glucoronidase activity (MUG test) with specific antisera, the isolation of EHEC O157:H7 strain was confirmed. Then, virulence genes verotoxin, intimin and hemolysin with multiplex PCR and antibiotic resistance strains with disk diffusion method were tested. Also, getting infection with water, food and animal contact was evaluated.Results: Out of 615 cases, 89 sorbitol negative colonies isolated which 7 strains O157 (1.14%) confirmed with antisera. Of virulence genes, only 1 of the isolated strains (0.16%) had stx1 and eaeA genes. All isolated bacteria had resistance to penicillin, ampicillin and erythromycin. There was no significant relation between isolated EHEC strains and the different seasons of the year.Conclusion: Hospital based surveillance to estimate the burden of EHEC strains in clinical centers in all less than 5 years old children with acute gastroenteritis and studies on etiology and genotyping of this bacterium in other parts of the country are recommended.

Background: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH), as very common and complicated cerebrovascular disease, is responsible for 30% of cerebrovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the angiographic findings of patients with SAH.Materials and methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, all 51 patients with SAH who were presented to the Imam Khomeini Imaging Center from 1385-1386 were evaluated. Patients were assessed by either flat panel or conventional method.Results: Saccular aneurysm was the most finding in angiography. The most prevalent site of involvement was ant. Communication artery. History of cerebrovascular disorders and history of polycystic kidney disease were significantly associated with pathologic findings of SAH in angiography, while there was no significant correlation between history of cigarette smoking, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure and being treated in ICU & CCU for heart problems, and SAH. Flat panel radiography was superior to conventional method in diagnosis of patients with SAH. Conclusion: This study showed that flat panel studies are superior to conventional methods, and history of cerebrovascular disorders and polycystic kidney disease increases the possibility of developing SAH.

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common human enzyme defect, being present in more than 400 million people worldwide. The aim of this study was the molecular analysis of common G6PD mutations, including Mediterranean, Chatham, Cosenza and A-(G202A/A367G) in the patient with favism in Fars and Esfahan provinces.Materials and methods: In this basic study, 96 non-relative patients with G6PD deficiency (34 from Fars and 62 from Esfahan province) were studied. Genomic DNA was analyzed by PCR-RFLP and product electrophoresis method for known mutations such as Mediterranean(C-T)nt, Chatham, Cosenza and A202(G-A)/367(A-G) mutation.Results: Of 96 samples, 79 (82.3%) and 8 (8.3%) had G6PD Mediterranean and G6PD Chatham, respectively. None of the samples had Cosenza and A-(G202A/A367G) mutation. Conclusion: This study showed that G6PD Mediterranean is the most prevalent mutation in Iran.

Background: Hypothyroidism is a chronic disease which could affect perception of health and quality of life of patients. The present study was designed to determine the quality of life in hypothyroidism patient referred to hospitals affiliated by Tehran Medical universities in 2007.Materials and methods: In this descriptive- analytic study, 100 hypothyroidism patients were studied. Patients were evaluated by a 4-part questionnaire: demographic characteristics (10 items), physical dimension (15 items), mental dimension (9 items) and social health dimension (7 items). Patients stated their personal perception about quality of life.Results: The highest mean score in response to question of quality of life belonged to social health domain (45.5) and the lowest means score belonged to physical health domain (39.9). Most patients (73%) had moderate level of quality of life. In physical dimensions, cold intolerance with mean score of 25.75; in mental dimension, irritability with mean score of 30.25 and in social dimension, social disability in task with mean score of 43 were the most prevalent symptoms. Conclusion: This study showed that most patients with hypothyroidism have moderate level of quality of life.

Ostheoarticular tuberculosis is a chronic disease that destroys bones and joints. A woman presented to Imam Hossein hospital because of pain, joint swelling and limitation of joint motion in her right knee. Her chief complaints were pain, swelling and limitation of right knee motion from 2 week ago. There was a large mass around the knee with spontaneously drainage after one week of swelling. At admission, she had mild fever, swelling in the posterior of right knee joint, tenderness and limitation of join motion. ESR was reported 55 mm/ 1 hour. Imaging showed narrowing of the joint cleft. Acid-fast staining organism of joint fluid was positive. After confirming tuberculosis of knee joint, standard anti-tuberculosis regimen was started. After two months of treatment, symptoms and signs were improved.