JOURNAL OF ADVANCED BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
Year:2015 | Volume:5 | Issue:1 |Papers Count:21

Metabolic syndrome refers to a set of conditions that include high blood pressure, increased insulin level in the blood, the accumulation of the excess fat around the abdomen, and increased blood lipids. In metabolic syndrome, the vast majority of these conditions are simultaneously present, and the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes rises. Besides, osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is the most common joint disease in humans and is also the main cause of pain and disability in the elderly. The end result of this process is pain and reduced range of motion, and in advanced cases joint inflammation, cartilage destruction, and disability are clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis. Considering the high prevalence of these two disorders in the country and many common pathologic aspects of these two diseases such as obesity and elderly, we decided to review their relationship.

Background & Objective: In recent years, mucoadhesive drug delivery systems has shown interested for prolonging the residence time of the dosage form and for providing a controlled rate of drug release. Mucoadhesive buccal films can enhance drug bioavailability by absorption through buccal mucosa and bypassing the first pass metabolism for improved therapeutic effect. In addition, buccal films have advantages such as providing a convenient accessibility, painless method of drug delivery, and improved patient compliance. Buccal tablets allow drinking, eating, and speaking without any major discomfort.Materials & Methods: Buccal films of diphenhydramine were prepared by solvent casting technique using Hydroxyl Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) 6000cps, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (NaCMC), and Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA). Prepared films were evaluated for weight, thickness, swelling index, drug content uniformity, tensile strength, and in vitro release studies.Results: The thickness of the films were between 0.13 and 0.25 mm. Their weight were in range of 0.98 and 1.26. F1 (containing 875mg HPMC and 125mg PVA), F5 (made of HPMC 50 mg and PVA 950mg), and F6 (containing 800mg PVA) showed success in the primary tests. No bubble or shrinkage was observed in them. F1, F5, and F6 released 97.8%, 96.7%, and 97.6% of the drug, respectively during five hours, two hours, and 40 minutes.Conclusion: F6, which contained 800mg PVA, released 97.6% of the drug in 40 minutes. This film has proper pharmaceutic characteristics to be used.

Background & Objective: Changes made in the nature of the work increases significant attention to the relationship between psychosocial factors relevant to work and health factors. The objective of this study was to assess the level of burnout, job demand–control, in addition to the relationship between burnout, psychological demand, and job control among nurses.Materials & Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 415 nurses working in the hospitals of Hamedan University of Medical Sciences were selected randomly. The Persian version of Job Content Questionnaire (P-JCQ) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were applied for data analysis by SPSS software.Results: Mean and standard deviation score for emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment were (25.3±12.42), (5.91±5.1), and (33.30±9.59), respectively. About 51% of nurses reported high job psychological demands and 57% of them stated high control over their tasks. About 30% of nurses reported their job active, 21% passive, 22% high strain, and 27% low strain. Passive job means reduce in personal accomplishment aspect of burnout syndrome. (OR=0.432).Conclusion: Based on the results of the study it should be stated that if job control and psychological job demands are high, nurses will not be prone to burnout. In addition, the probability of burnout syndrome from the view point of decrease in personal accomplishment is more among nurses with reduces psychological job demands and lower job control.

Background & Objective: CuO is one of the most important transition metal oxides due to its exclusive properties. It is used in various technological applications such as superconductors and gas sensors. Recently, it has been used as an antimicrobial agent against various bacterial species. In this study, we synthesized CuO nanoparticles and evaluated their antibacterial property.Materials & Methods: Single crystalline nanoparticles of copper oxide having almost uniform particle size of 5-6 nm have been synthesized. The used technique is free from toxic solvents and amines, and it is based on a simple reaction of copper sulfate and De-ionized water (DI). In addition, their bactericidal effects against Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 7966T bacteria were investigated. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined with well diffusion method and liquid culture for all of the Aeromonas hydrophila culture medias.Results: XRD(X Ray Diffraction) spectra confirmed the formation of single phase CuO nanoparticles. A minimum crystallite size of 5-6 nm was observed in the case of CuO nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy results corroborate well with XRD results. CuO nanoparticles exhibited inhibitory effects against Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion: The present study confirms that copper oxide nanoparticles have great ability as an antimicrobial agent against Aeromonas hydrophila.

Background & Objective: Major body injury or surgery is associated with metabolic and hormonal responses. Alterations in blood glucose levels is one of the necessary metabolic changes to surgical stress. One of the most effective ways to decline the endocrine-metabolic response is spinal anesthesia. Therefore, we conducted this study to compare blood glucose levels before, during, and after surgery in order to complete the pieces of anesthesia puzzle.Materials & Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study performed on 126 patients aged between 18-38 years old selected for cesarean section. Group one included 63 women with spinal anesthesia and group two included 63 patients with general anesthesia. Glucose levels were recorded by glucometer 30 min before surgery, during operation, and 30 min after surgery.Results: The average of the blood glucose levels in spinal anesthesia group was significantly different between the three measurements (P-value = 0.007). In addition, in the general anesthesia group, these differences were more significant (Pvalue < 0.001). Mean of blood glucose 30 min before surgery in spinal and general anesthesia were 81.49±14.64 and 84.09±10.95, respectively (p value = 0.26), and during surgery they were 86.50±23.49 and 90.74±17.82 (P-value = 0.256), and finally 30 min after operation they were 79.93±18.35 and 94.87±16.32 respectively (P-value < 0.001). Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia is more effective to decease blood sugar alterations and its adverse effects on mothers’ hormonal system during cesarean sections.

Background & Objective: Zinc is an essential trace element which plays a key role in the growth and the development of the embryo during pregnancy. This study was designed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on embryonic development and to assess the weight of body, kidney, and liver in Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice.Materials & Methods: 25 female of NMRI mice weighting 30±3.0 gram were randomly divided into five groups (five in each group, four experimental groups and one control group). Mice in experimental groups one, two, three, and four received intraperitoneal ZnO nanoparticle with the concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg / kg, respectively during 15 days (every other day). At the end, the weight of the body, the kidney, and the liver of the pregnant mice and the embryos were measured. In addition, histopathological evaluations were performed on embryos. The data were analyzed by SAS software in P≤0.05.Results: Based on the macroscopic observations, the embryo and the kidney weights decreased and increased, respectively with increasing different concentrations of nanoparticle compared with controls (P≤0.05). Our data showed that at different concentrations of nanoparticles, the distance, the size, and the number of vertebral bodies increased compared to the control group. At the concentration of 150 mg/kg, an accumulation of mesenchymal cells for cartilage were observed and it seems that high dose of nanoparticles prevents embryo growth.Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that ZnO nanoparticles cause embryonic developmental delay, undifferentiated and disorganized vertebral bodies in NMRI mice.

Background & Objective: Ginkgo biloba is an herbal medicine that has a positive effect on improving memory. It prevents oxidative damage in mitochondria and cell death in a variety of Neuropathies. Besides, baclofen is prescribed for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects but has negative impact on memory. The objective of this study is to investigate the interaction of ginkgo with GABA b receptor agonist (baclofen) by passive avoidance behavior in mice. Materials & Methods: Passive avoidance learning and memory method was used to evaluate memory by I maze shuttle box. The rats were divided into six groups. The first group were fed with only oral Ginkgo. The second and the third groups received different dosages of intraperitoneal baclofen. Groups four and five received both ginkgo and baclofen. The sixth group, as the control group, received only saline. All the injections were performed at a certain time in a day. Result: The injection of ginkgo alone, compared with control group, didn’t create any significant change in memory. The injection of different dosages of baclofen decreased the memory significantly (p<0.05). The injection of both ginkgo and baclofen improved memory (p<0.05).Conclusion: Administration of baclofen reduces and impairs memory. Ginkgo improved baclofen induced amnesia. It seems that this operation is done by interference with GABA neurotransmitters. Ginkgo biloba can possibly be used as an adjuvant drug to decrease the side effects of baclofen.

Background & Objective: Diabetes is a major chronic metabolic disease in the world. Islet transplantation is a way to treat diabetes. Unfortunately, this method is restricted due to graft rejection and lack of donor islets. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCS) have the ability to differentiate into Insulin-Producing Cells (IPCs). In this study, Human Umbilical Mesenchymal Stem Cells (HUMSCS) were induced to differentiate into pancreatic b-like cells.Materials & Methods: The samples were collected after cesarean section delivery at Hafez hospital. HUMSCS were cultured in sterile condition, in three steps for 20 days in DMEM-F12, Retinoic Acid (RA), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), exendin-4, Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), and antibiotic. Then, they were differentiated into IPC. DTZ staining employed for determining the presence of insulin and Reveres Transcription- Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was done for identifying of gene expression including insulin, PDX1, and NGN3. The Insulin concentration was also evaluated by Immunoradiometric assay.Results: HUMSCS gradually changed from fibroblast-shaped cells to epithelial-like cells and eventually to IPC under special conditions. RT-PCR experiments revealed that these cells expressed insulin, PDX1, and NGN3 genes. The cells became red color when stained with DTZ and the insulin secretion was confirmed.Conclusion: HUMSCS have the ability to differentiate into islet-like cells in vitro and may be a new potential source for cell transplantation in diabetes treatment.

Background & Objective: Due to the relevant use of aspirin to relieve pain and common symptoms of gastric ulcer and possible malicious effects on fetus, this study investigates the histomorphologic effects of aspirin on the stomach tissue in rat embryos.Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 30 pregnant female rats were randomly divided into six groups including control group with no intervention, sham group, and four experimental groups receiving different dosages of 75, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg aspirin by gavage. Pregnant rats were sacrificed on the 20th day of pregnancy and the fetuses and their placenta were examined from morphologic viewpoint. Fetal stomachs were removed, fixed, processed, and sectioned. Histological sections were stained with hematoxylin – eosin and were measured by histomorphometric methods.Results: There were no apparent abnormalities in the fetus of all studied groups. Mean fetal and placental weights and the Crown Rump Length (CRL) in experimental group at the dosage of 100 mg /kg increased significantly compared to control and sham groups. Our results showed a significant increase in the average thickness of the submucousal layer in both stratified cornified squamous epithelium and simple columnar epithelium of fetal stomach in the experimental groups receiving 200 and 300 mg/kg aspirin compared to sham and control groups. Conclusion: No fetal apparent abnormality was seen. However, histologic evaluations revealed that the use of high dosages of aspirin increase the submucousal layer thickness in both the keratinized and glandular epithelium, significantly.

Background & Objectives: Non enzymatic glycation is a reaction that occurs between reducing sugars and amino groups of proteins. Advanced Glycation End-products (AGE) have been accounted for principal biological processes like aging and pathogenesis of some diseases. Accumulation of AGE during hyperglycemia can cause structural and functional changes of long-lived proteins. Therefore, it will be effective to inhibit protein glycation formation in order to reduce or to improve diabetes complications. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium Hirtifolium on the formation of glycated hemoglobin.Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, the effects of the various concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 gr/dl of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium Hirtifolium on the inhibition of hemoglobin glycation were examined. Hemoglobin A1c formation was assayed by ion exchange chromatography. The P-value < 0.05 was considered as the significant level. Results: 10 and 14 days after incubation, at the concentration of 40 millimollar glucose, hemoglobin A1c formation decreased significantly by using 0.5 gr/dl of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium Hirtifolium.Conclusion: The results revealed that Allium Hirtifolium can inhibit hemoglobin A1c formation in hyperglycemic condition. Therefore, it is suggested that Allium Hirtifolium can be useful for preventing the complications of diabetes.

Background & Objective: Apium graveolens has antioxidant property because of its flavonoid compounds. In the present study, we investigated the hepatoprotective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Apium graveolens in Sprague Dawley male rats treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).Materials & Methods: In this study, 48 rats (weighted 180-200 gram) were divided into six groups each having eight rats. The six groups were control, sham, CCl4, and three experimental groups. The experimental groups (4-6) received 1ml/kg CCl4 twice a week and olive oil with the ratio of 1:1 by intraperitoneal injection for 40 days. In addition, they received 2 cc hydroalcoholic extract of Apium graveolens by daily gavage with the concentrations of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg/cc, respectively. The sham group received only olive oil with the mentioned ratio and the other group received CCl4 and olive oil. At the end, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate amino Transferase (AST), Alanine amino Transferase (ALT), and the serum concentrations of albumin, total and direct bilirubin were measured and analyzed by using statistical ANOVA Test.Results: Injection of CCl4 increased the serum levels of liver enzymes and total and direct bilirubin but it decreased the concentration of serum albumin. On the other hand, hydroalcoholic extract of Apium graveolens decreased the liver enzymes and increased albumin level (p<0.001).Conclusion: The results of this study reveals that the consumption of hydro-alcoholic extract of Apium graveolens maintain the integrity of the liver and protects it against damage.

Background & Objectives: Ecologic conditions affect production of effective pharmaceutical products. We evaluate the effect of ecologic conditions on antibacterial effects of herbal plants in Fars.Materials & Methods: We collected eight plant species including Trachyspermum copticum, Withania somnifera, Laurus nobilis, Carum carvi, Thymus, Rosemary, Zataria multiflora, and Lavandula in Fasa and Sepidan. Their antibacterial effects were studied by disk diffusion method, well assay method, and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Ecological and weather conditions were derived from internet.Results: Comparing with standard antibacterial indexes the following results were achieved. Fasa herbs including Trachyspermum copticum, Zataria multiflora, Laurus nobilis, and Rosemary had the most effect on Staphylococcus aureus, while Carum carvi had the least effect. This effect in Sepidan herbs was the most in Trachyspermum copticum, Zataria multiflora, and Rosemary, while Carum carvi had the least effect. Surveying the effects against E.coli among Fasa herbs, Zataria multiflora had the most and Carum carvi and Lavandula had the least effects. On the other hand, among Sepidan herbs, Trachyspermum had the highest and Carum carvi, Lavandula, and Laurus nobilis had the lowest effects on E.coli. Antibacterial effects of Fasa herbs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most in Zataria multiflora and Thymus and the least in Carum carvi. In Sepidan herbs, it was the highest in Zataria multiflora and the lowest in Carum carvi.Conclusion: Considering the differences in antibacterial effects of the herbs in two ecologic conditions, we suggest other researchers to pay attention to the mentioned effects in their studies.

Background & Objective: The serum levels of adipose tissue hormons, Vaspin and Chemerin, alter in some disorder conditions such as diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of two anti-diabetic drugs (Metformin and Acarbose) and their combination on serum concentration of Vaspin and Chemerin in type 2 diabetic rats. Materials & Methods: 30 male, wistar rats are randomly divided into 5 groups, while 4 groups are suffered from type 2 diabetes, and 3 groups of these diabetics are cured using metformin, acarbose, and combination of both, respectively, during 6 weeks. Body weight, fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile, and serum’s vaspin and chemerin are being examined. Statistic data are analyzed using SPSS software. Results report by mean ± standard deviation, and statistic difference considers significant by P˂0.05.Results: Findings of this study show a significant decrease for vaspin (P=0.001) and a significant increase for chemerin levels (P=0.004) in diabetic control group compared with normal control group. Treatment of all groups show a significant increase in serum levels of vaspin (P=0.001) while treatment by metformin results in a significant decrease in chemerin level in this group (P=0.036). In this study, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile in treated group with both of drugs show decrease that is more significant.Conclusion: Probably metformin and acarbose through increase of serum level of vaspin leads to reduction of insulin resistance.

Background & Objective: Nanomedicine delivery systems are known as potent therapeutictools. In addition to possessing an effective agent of turmeric, Curcumin shows antibacterial properties as well. Curcumin is not water-soluble and it can be solved in water via nanotechnology-base methods. Chitosan is a natural and biodegradable substance that is utilized for the Production of Nanoparticles (NPs) carrying drug. In the following investigation, curcumin is loaded in chitosan NPs and ultimately, the resulting nano-drug is studied as an antibacterial agent.Materials & Methods: In this study, NPs are produced using chitosan and Tripolyphosphate (TPP) salt. Curcumin solution was loaded in chitosan NPs during their production. Next, the skins of BALB/c mice infected with staphylococcus aureus are treated by curcumin-loaded chitosan NPs for 3 days. Afterwards, in order to evaluate the antibacterial property of the nano-drug, these skin suspensions of mice are cultured in bacterial medium.Results: Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) reveals the charge of + 7 ± 2 mV and the size of 160 ± 10 nm in curcuminloaded chitosan NPs. Moreover, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicates a spiral shape. Therefore, the evaluation of the optical density by spectrophotometry demonstrates that 75 ± 2 % of curcumin are loaded in chitosan NPs. Bacterial culture shows that curcumin-loaded chitosan NPs significantly inhibited staphylococcus aureus growth.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that curcumin-loaded chitosan NPs can be applied as a potent agent in treatment of bacterial skin infections.

Background & Objective: Epilepsy is one of the common neurological diseases and carbamazepine is an antiepileptic drug that causes oxidative stress, endocrine and the reproductive system long term disorders. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of wheat germ oil, as a rich source of antioxidants on sex hormones and uterine tissue in epileptic mice treated with carbamazepine.Materials & Methods: In this study 48 adult female mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=8). Including: 1- control. 2- received pentylenetetrazol at dose of 40 (seizure control). 3- received pentylenetetrazol + carbamazepine at dose of 30. 4- received pentylenetetrazol + carbamazepine at dose of 180. 5- received pentylenetetrazol + carbamazepineat dose of 30 + wheat germ oil receiver at dose of 500. 6- received pentylenetetrazol + carbamazepine at dose of 180 + wheat germ oil at dose of 500.(units of doses are as grams/kilogram of body weight). At the end of the treatment period, ELISA method was used to measure estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels. In addition, histological studies were performed on the uterus. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test in SPSS20 software.Results: Carbamazepine levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and except of myometrium, the uterine thickness and average uterine glands decreased significantly. In the group with wheat germ oil + carbamazepine (30, 180), levels of mentioned factors changed near-normal significantly.Conclusion: Results showed that the wheat germ oil improves reproductive system performance and reduces the complication of carbamazepine.