Journal of Guilan University of Medical Sciences
Year:2021 | Volume:29 | Issue:116|Papers Count:7

Ganoderma lucidum is known in China and Japan as Ling-Zhi and Reishi. Due to medicinal properties and different nutritional compositions, ganoderma lucidum is currently used in food products. It contains essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, and a wide range of polysaccharides; all of which seem to be effective in lowering blood sugar level. This study aims to review the anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic effects of various powders, extracts, and components of ganoderma lucidum, by searching articles in Persian and English published from 2001 to 2020 in SID, MagIran, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases using the keywords: Active compounds, ganoderma lucidum, diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia. The results showed that ganoderma lucidum uptake in most cases reduced fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, and insulin resistance in diabetic patients due to the its active compounds including the extracted polysaccharides, proteins and triterpenoids. Moreover, its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties seems to reduce the complications of diabetes. In conclusion, the consumption of ganoderma lucidum in diabetic patients can be effective in controlling and preventing the disease, although more studies are needed on its effective dose, side effects and toxicity in human samples.

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an advanced neurological disorder characterized by symptoms such as deficits in social interaction, communication, and cognition. Although sumac fruit contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its effectiveness is limited due to its low bioavailability. Objective: This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effect of sumac extract and sumac nano-phytosome on memory and oxidative stress in the hippocampal area of ASD rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, pregnant female rats were first divided into healthy and patient groups. In the patient group, 500 mg/kg body weight valproic acid was injected intraperitoneally on day 12. 5 of pregnancy. Male rats born in the healthy group were further divided into two healthy control and positive control groups, and those in the patient group were divided into two treatment groups of Sumac Extract (n=6) and Sumac Nano-Phytosome (n=6) 21 days after birth. The control groups received only saline, while treatment groups received SE and SNP (40 mg/kg/PO) for 4 weeks. Novel object recognition test was performed to assess recongnition memory of rats on day 49 after birth. Finally, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione Reductase (GRx) and Catalase (CAT) were measured in the hippocampus of rats. Results: Valproic acid significantly decreased the discrimination index in novel object recognition test as well as GPx, GRx and CAT, and TAC levels in the hippocampus (P<0. 001). Treatment with sumac nano-phytosome significantly improved the memory and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (GPx, GRx and CAT) and TAC (P<0. 001). Conclusion: Sumac nano-phytosome can improve memory deficits and oxidative stress more compared to sumac extract in ASD rats due to increased bioavailability.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic bacterial infection. Simultaneous onset of diabetes and TB can interfere with the treatment and control of TB. Objective: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of TB in diabetic patients living in rural areas of northern Iran. Materials and Methods: Participants were 925 diabetic patients living in rural areas of Kordkuy County, Golestan, Iran. Data were collected using a checklist surveying demographic characteristics and medical records of patients. To diagnose TB, they underwent a TB skin test, sputum smear test, chest radiography, and referring to an infectious diseases specialist, if needed. Results: Seven hundred sixteen of participants were female. The mean age of participants and their mean duration of diabetes were 58. 4± 11. 1 and 8. 39± 5. 47 years, respectively. Results of test showed that 62 patients had abnormal chest x-ray; 14 had coughing more than two weeks; 1 had fever; 2 had night sweats; 11 had sputum; 152 had positive TB skin test result; 10 had a history of previous TB; and 1 had active TB. Conclusion: The prevalence and incidence of TB in diabetic patients is 60 and 6 times higher than in general population, respectively.

Background: One of the mechanisms associated with morphine neurotoxicity is oxidative stress. Jujube fruit extract may reduce oxidative stress due to its antioxidant properties. Objective: This study aims to investigate the protective effect of jujube fruit extract on the Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity and oxidative stress in the cortex and serum of morphine-treated male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 42 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of 7 which were given oral administration of jujube extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) and intraperitoneal injection of 0. 5 mg/kg morphine for 30 days. After blood collection, separation of the serum, and homogenization of brain tissue, the activities of Catalase (CAT), AchE, and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) enzymes were assessed. Collected data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: Oral administration of jujube extract at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly increased the activity of AchE, CAT, and SOD in the serum and cortex of rats compared to morphine injection (P<0. 01). Oral administration of 200 mg/kg jujube extract plus morphine injection significantly increased the activity of cortical AchE compared to morphine injection alone (P<0. 01). Conclusion: Jujube extract can prevent the side effects of morphine in the cortex by increasing antioxidant activity.

Background: Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa that can affect the quality of life of patients. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in patients with allergic rhinitis and healthy people. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants were 100 patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (Mean± SD age = 30. 1± 7. 6 years) and 100 healthy individuals (Mean± SD age = 29. 7± 6. 0 years) referred to Amir Al-Momenin Hospital in Rasht, Iran. After obtaining an informed consent from them, a demographic form and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) were completed for them. T-test was used to compare the scores between the two groups. All statistical analyzes were performed in SPSS V. 19 software. Results: The Mean± SD of the HRQOL score in patients (66. 66± 13. 77) was lower than in controls (72. 88± 12. 40). This difference was statistically significant (P<0. 001). Results showed a significant relationship of low HRQOL with male gender and higher level of education (P<0. 001). Conclusion: HRQOL in patients with allergic rhinitis is significantly poor. Further studies on the effect of this disease in different age groups and the role of pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological treatment methods in improving their HRQOL are recommended.

Background: Acanthamoeba spp., can cause severe and fatal diseases including encephalitis, skin granulomatous and keratitis. Contaminated waters can be a threat to high risk people such as contact lens wearers, patients with eye surgery or eye trauma, and immunocompromised patients. Objective: The present study aims to investigate the presence of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba in coastal water of Caspian Sea in Guilan Province, Iran based on morphological criteria and thermotolerance assay. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study conducted in 2018, a total of 60 water samples were collected randomly from the shores of Rudsar, Chamkhaleh, Kiyashahr, Zibakenar and Bandar-e Anzali (12 samples of 500 mL from each site). Water was filtered by cellulose nitrate membranes with a 0. 45 µ m pore size and then cultured on non-nutrient agar. They were checked daily for the presence of Free-Living Amoeba (FLA) based on morphologic characteristics of both trophozoite and cyst using a light microscope (100X). Thermotolerance assay was used to determine the potential pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba spp., and its growth was examined at a temperature of 42° C. Results: FLA were grown in 30 out of 60 samples (50%) at a room temperature and in 8 (26. 6 %) at a temperature of 42° C. Acanthamoeba were identified in all sampling sites, where 8 samples were potentially pathogenic using thermotolerance assay. Conclusion: There is pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp in coastal waters of Caspian Sea in Guilan Province. Since this province attracts many tourists annually, it is necessary that high-risk people including contact lens wearers and immunocompromised patients in this area be warned by health organizations.

Background: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world. Pattern of skin cancer is different in various geographical regions, depending on the genetic and environmental factors. Objective: This study aims to investigate the incidence rate of skin cancer and its trends in Guilan province of Iran during 2010-2014. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the five-year data related to all cases of skin cancer recorded for Guilan Province during 2010-2014 were used. The age-sex incidence of skin cancer was standardized using the standard population of the World Health Organization. The age-standardized incidence rate of skin cancers including Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Melanoma was calculated, and then its trends were evaluated. Results: A total of 1664 cases with skin cancer, 1014 men and 650 women, were reported in the province from 2010 to 2014. Incidence of skin cancer was higher in men. BCC was the most common skin cancer. The most common site for BCC was face and scalp, and for SCC it was the lip. Melanoma was mostly occurred on acral regions. The incidence of skin cancer had a rising trend and had raised in all age groups. Conclusion: There is an increasing trend of skin cancers in Guilan Province. Therefore, planning for detection, prevention and control of its risk factors is necessary.