Feyz Medical Sciences Journal
Year:2018 | Volume:22 | Issue:4 |Papers Count:17

Background: Long-term caffeine intake decreases seizure susceptibility and has protective effect. This protective effect of caffeine may be due to the blockade of A2A adenosine receptors. Considering that activation of adenosine A2A receptors elevates nitric oxide production, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of chronic caffeine intake on the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure threshold and measurement of nitric oxide metabolites levels in mice. Materials and Methods: In this study, NMRI male mice (weighing 25-30 g) were divided into 3 groups including one control and two experimental groups (n=9 in each group). PTZinduced clonic seizure was measured following oral intake of caffeine in experimental groups (100 and 300 mg/L in the drinking water) or only tap water in the control group for 90 days. Measurement of nitric oxide metabolites in the brain tissues was done at the end of the experiments using the Greiss method. Results: The chronic caffeine intake at concentrations of 100 and 300 mg/L in the drinking water for 90 days did not change the seizure threshold. On the other hand, both concentrations of caffeine significantly decreased nitric oxide metabolites levels compared to the control group (P<0. 05). Conclusion: The results of this study confirmed and extended previous studies that chronic caffeine intake has no effect on seizure. Reduced levels of nitric oxide metabolites and resultant decreased neuronal excitability may be the main protective mechanism of the chronic caffeine intake. Blockade of the A2A adenosine receptors following the chronic caffeine intake may be involved in decreased levels of nitric oxide metabolites.

Background: Matricaria recutit (MAT) has a series of flavonoid compounds with benzodiazepine-like properties. So, it may be effective in the treatment of epilepsy and seizures. This study aimed at examining the effect of intraperitoneal injection of the hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita on seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in mice. Materials and Methods: In this study, 56 male mice (25-30 g) were divided into seven groups (n=8): 1-control (saline), 2-control (PTZ), 3-MAT (50mg/kg), 4-MAT (100 mg/kg), 5-MAT (200 mg/kg), 6-diazepam (1mg/kg) and 7-MAT (50 mg/kg)+diazepam (0. 25 mg/kg). After 10 days of treatment in different groups, the PTZ-induced seizure threshold was assessed and nitric oxide (NOX) metabolites in the brain tissue were measured by the Greiss method. Results: The chamomile hydro-alcoholic extract (200 mg/kg), and diazepam (1 mg/kg) significantly increased the seizure threshold (P<0. 001). The chamomile hydro-alcoholic extract (50, and 100 mg/kg) did not show anticonvulsant activity. The concentrations of NOX in the diazepam (1 mg/kg), MAT 100 mg/kg, and MAT 200 mg/kg groups were significantly lower than those in the control (PTZ) group and co-administration of MAT (50 mg/kg) with diazepam (0. 25) decreased the NOX concentration. The hydro-alcoholic extract of MAT (50 mg/kg) had no significant effect on the NOX concentration. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the chamomile hydro-alcoholic extract has an inhibitory effect on the PTZ-induced seizure and NOX in male mice.

Background: Cancer is the second common cause of death in developed countries. Viruses are one of the most important environmental factors which increase the risk of developing cancer. The aim of this study was to identify the human papilloma virus (HPV) in patients with the blood cancer. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, blood serum samples were collected from 35 patients with Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and 25 patients with Acute lymphoblastic leukemi (ALL) from Kerman medical centers. Thirty healthy individuals were considered as a control group. After DNA extraction from the serum samples, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect HPV. Results: The specific sequence of HPV was observed in 15 samples (25%) of the patients’ serum. Out of this number, five samples (14. 25%) of the 35 patients had CLL and 10 samples (40%) of 25 patients had ALL. Also, no positive sample was found in the serum of the patients of the control group. Out of the 15 patients suffering from HPV, seven (46. 62%) and three (19. 98%) had HPV16 and HPV18, respectively and five samples (33. 4%) were of other types of HPV. Conclusion: This study showed that the PCR method with specific primers of Papilloma Virus 16 and 18 is a suitable and accurate method for detecting human papillomavirus.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic diseases and nettle is a plant that has been introduced as an anti-diabetes medication. Nesfatin-1 is an adipokine secreted from an adipose tissue and involved in the mechanism for glucose metabolism. This study aimed at examining the effect of an 8-week endurance and resistance training program along with the consumption of the hydro-alcoholic extract of nettle on plasma levels of nesfatin-1 in type 1 diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, Wistar rats were divided into four groups and diabetes was induced in them by streptozotocin. The nettle extract (1mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected daily in the "nettle", "endurance+nettle" and "resistance+nettle" groups. The "endurance+nettle" group swam in water for eight weeks, five sessions per week, and each session from 60 to 120 minutes. The "resistance+nettle" group began the exercise with 50, 75, 90, and 100 percent weight on the designed ladder, and then they gradually increased their record. Blood samples were taken directly from the hearts of the animals at the end of the 8th week. Results: Weight loss was observed in all groups after 8 weeks. The least amount of weights in the "control", "nettle" and "resistance+nettle" groups were significantly lower than those in the beginning of the study (P<0. 001). The results showed a significant increase in nesfatin-1 in the "nettle" group compared to the "control" group (P<0. 01). Also, this increase was observed in the "endurance+nettle" and "resistance+nettle" groups compared to the "control" group (P<0. 001). Conclusion: Consumption of the nettle extract with exercise can increase the plasma nesfatin-1, which can be effective in controlling diabetes and preventing weight loss due to this disease.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in the metabolism of sugars, fats and proteins in the body, leading to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Resistin is an adipocytokine associated with diabetes. This study aimed at investigating the effect of high intensity interval training and Aloe Vera consumption on resistin and the insulin resistance index in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 32 male Wistar streptozotocin-(STZ) diabetic rats were randomly divided into four groups including the control, training, supplementation and training + supplementation. The training program included 8 weeks, five sessions per week, and each session with 6-12 periods of two minutes activity at 90% maximum speed and one minute rest (10 m/min). The Aloe Vera gel (300 mg/kg) was given as gavage in the supplementation recipient groups, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Results: The results showed that the insulin levels and insulin resistance index increased and resistin decreased significantly in the experimental groups (P<0. 001). Fasting glucose increased in the training group, but decreased in the supplementation and training+ supplementation groups (P>0. 05). Conclusion: It seems that combination of high intensity interval training and the use of Aloe Vera can have a positive effect on diabetes control by reducing resistin and glucose and increasing insulin levels.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disorder, resulting from exceeding fat cumulating in the liver. Adiponectin, a protein secreted from the adipose tissue, reduces liver inflammation. In this study, the relationship between adiponectin rs17300539 gene polymorphism and a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was investigated. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 80 subjects with NAFLD and 80 healthy subjects. The determination of polymorphism rs17300539 of adiponectin gene was performed by the PCR-RFLP method and electrophoresis technique. The plasma levels of adiponectin and insulin hormones were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference in allele frequencies between the two groups of the case and control (P>0. 05). The body mass index (BMI) in genotype GA carriers was higher than that of genotype GG carriers (P<0. 05). Moreover, the diastolic blood pressure in the male patients carrying the genotype GA was higher than that in the genotype GG carriers (P<0. 05). In the female patients carrying the genotype GA, the AST and triglyceride levels were higher than the GG female carriers (P<0. 05). Conclusion: It seems that the allele G can be beneficial in reducing the side-effects of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Backgrounds: Apelin is an adipokine that may play a significant role in regulating energy metabolism. Obesity and physical activity are factors that affect the concentration of apelin, but it is not known which one is more prominent. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of apelin-13 and the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in men who are inactive normal-weight, active and inactive obese. Materials and Methods: Forty-five healthy men (age range, 34-46 years) were assigned to one of the following groups. 1) active-obese: body mass index (BMI)=28-33. 9 kg/m2, 3-5 score in the physical activity rate questionnaire (PAR-Q) and n=16; 2) inactive-obese: BMI = 28-33. 9 kg/m2, 1 in PAR-Q and n=18; 3) inactive normal-weight: BMI=18. 5-24. 9 kg/m2, 1 in PAR-Q and n=11. Blood samples were collected from the subjects in a fasting state; then, the serum level of apelin-13 was measured by the ELISA method. The VO2max was estimated by the non-exercise method and based on the PAR-Q. Results: One-way ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference in the serum levels of apelin-13 between the groups (P=0. 73). It was found that VO2max was significantly lower in the inactive-obese group compared to the other groups (P≤ 0. 001); however, no significant difference was noted between the active-obese and inactive normalweight groups (P=0. 14). Conclusion: Findings of this study show that the moderate physical activity and type 1 obesity could not be effective in apelin-13 concentration. In addition, it can be suggested that the obesity and physical activity indices have the same reciprocal effects in maximal oxygen consumption.

Background: Obesity disturbs glucose homeostasis and inflammatory markers. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a concurrent aerobic and resistance training on glucose homeostasis and high-sensitive serum C-reactive protein (HS-CRP) in overweight and obese anxious adolescent girls. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 30 overweight and obese anxious adolescent girls. The subjects were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Participants in the experimental group performed an aerobic exercise training program consisted of 3 sessions per week and each session of 90 minutes for 8 weeks. Glucose, insulin, HS-CRP and anxiety were measured before and after 8 weeks of the exercise program. Results: The results showed that 8 weeks of the concurrent exercise caused a significant decrease in glucose (P=0. 02), insulin (P=0. 02), insulin resistance (P=0. 05) and anxiety (P=0. 02) compared with the control group. However, there was no significant difference in HS-CRP (P>0. 05). Conclusion: The concurrent aerobic and resistance exercises can be used to improve the blood glucose homeostasis and decrease anxiety in overweight and obese adolescent girls.

Background: Bipolar disorder is a debilitating psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent depression, manic and hippomanic episodes. The effect of a dialectical behavior therapy on executive functions in bipolar disorders has not been addressed so far. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the dialectical behavior therapy on executive function in the bipolar disorder. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with a bipolar disorder were randomly assigned to the intervention (the dialectical behavior therapy combined with medication) and control (only medication) groups. The questionnaires and tests were used at baseline, after 12 weeks intervention, and three months after the intervention. Participants in the intervention group received twelve 90-min sessions of the standard dialectical behavior therapy for the bipolar disorder. Results: The results showed that the intervention group had a lower score in mania, and depression. Also, the intervention group had a higher score in executive functions after three months intervention and three months follow-up. Conclusion: The dialectical behavior therapy in combination with medication can lead to reduce manic and depression symptoms, and improve performance of the patients in planning and problem-solving.

Background: Cell phone plays an essential role in communications throughout the world. This question has been raised whether the over use of the cell-phone could lead to addiction. Addiction to cell phone use is characterized by the overuse and preoccupation with the mobile phone. So, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of depression, distress tolerance and difficulty in emotional regulation with addiction to cell-phone use in students of Kashan University. Materials and Methods: In this analytical-descriptive study, 200 students of Kashan University in the academic year 2016-2017 were selected by the cluster sampling method. The research tools included the cell-phone over-use scale (COS, 2007), Beck depression inventory (BDI), difficulty in emotion regulation scale (DERS), and distress tolerance scale (DTS). Results: The results of the regression analysis showed that depression, distress tolerance and difficulty in emotional regulation explained more than 33% of the changes in addiction to cell-phone use. Also, there was a significant correlation between depression and addiction to cell-phone use (r=0. 22, P<0. 05). In addition, there was a significant correlation between distress tolerance (r=-0. 47, P<0. 05) and difficulty in emotion regulation (r=0. 50, P<0. 05) with cell-phone addiction in Kashan University students. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, addiction to cell-phone use can be predicted by three variables of depression, distress tolerance, and difficulty in emotion regulation. The difficulty in emotion regulation played a stronger role in this prediction.

Background: Complaints of sleep disorders are common in ischemic heart patients, even after taking sleeping drugs. Evaluation of the causes of sleep disorders and modifying these factors that lead to the progression of patients' treatment is very important. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating sleep disorders and their effective factors in cardiac ischemic patients admitted to the cardiac care unit (CCU) with the use of sleeping drugs. Materials and Methods: This descriptive analytical study was conducted on 250 patients in the CCU ward of Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital, during 2017-2018, using the random sampling method. Data were collected by a specific questionnaire with 0. 90 validity and 0. 76 reliability. Results: In total, 80. 4% of the patients reported a degree of sleep disorders. The most common problems were observed subsequently in the onset and duration of sleep, sleep disorders due to environmental factors, daily dysfunction, sleep disorder due to heart disease, and respiratory problems during sleep. Among the environmental factors, there was a significant relationship between sleep disorders and lack of a comfortable bed condition (OR=20. 42), continuous illumination of the lights (OR=19. 05), feeling of hot or cold (OR=15. 44), feeling of the unpleasant odor (OR=13. 60), and high levels of noise in the ward (OR=12. 22). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, paying more attention to these patients, comprehensive review of them, and the establishment of a care plan for the improvement of sleep conditions are necessary in hospitalized patients.

Background: Pedophilia is a paraphilia subtype and it is rarely reported as hypersexuality manifestation in bipolar patients. Various studies have evaluated the co-occurrence of paraphilia disorders with bipolar disorders. Since the prognosis and treatment of pedophilia as a disorder and pedophilia as just a sign are completely different, the present case report is of particular importance. Case Report: The reported case was a 45-year-old man with pedophilia referred to the psychiatric center. The examination revealed that the patient was suffering from the bipolar disorder. In mania phases, he developed pedophilia behaviors and such behaviors were completely resolved with the control of the bipolar disorder through drug therapy. Conclusion: Pedophilia can be a symptom associated with mood disorders; therefore, it is important to be considered in the prognosis and treatment of such form of pedophilia.