Feyz Medical Sciences Journal
Year:2018 | Volume:22 | Issue:2 |Papers Count:16

Background: The increasing use of nanoparticles has raised concerns about the risks of nanoparticle release to the environment, which has adverse effects on fertility. Disruption of the expression of the USP9Y (Ubiquitin Specific Protease 9 Y chromosome) gene may cause azoospermia or oligospermia in the testes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of copper oxide nanoparticles on the expression of the USP9Y gene in rat testicles. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 24 adult male Wistar rats were divided into three treatment groups and one control group. The treatment groups received different concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles (0. 25, 0. 50 and 0. 75 mg/kg) and the control group received normal saline intraperitoneally for 14 days. Then, the testicles were removed and the size and diameter of the small and large testicles were measured. Finally, the expression of the USP9Y gene was investigated by the real-time PCR method. Results: After 14 days exposure to copper oxide nanoparticles, the rats' body weight, weight and diameter of the testicles, and the USP9Y gene expression were reduced dosedependently in all three treatment groups. Conclusion: It seems that exposure to copper oxide nanoparticles may have a negative effect on fertility by reducing the expression of some genes associated with fertility of the male rats, and also by reducing the weight and size of the testes.

Background: The aging process is associated with a progressive deterioration of tissues and organs. Apoptotic cell death has been known as a possible causal factor in age-related pathologies. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the effect of regular high-intensity interval exercise on some apoptotic factors in the brain tissue of aged female rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 14 aged female Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into two equal groups (n=7) of control and exercise. The animals performed 10 bouts of 1-min high-intensity treadmill running (20– 34 m· min– 1), separated by 2 min of rest, for 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The rats were killed 48 h after the last treatment and their brain Bax and Bcl-2 levels were evaluated by the ELISA method. Results: The results showed that an 8-week, high-intensity interval exercise decreased brain Bax levels in aged rats (P<0. 05). However, a significant increase was observed in the levels of brain Bcl-2 in the exercise group (P<0. 05). Conclusion: It seems that a high-intensity exercise may mediate part of its protective effect against aging-induced apoptosis, by increasing brain Bcl-2 and suppressing Bax levels in brain.Apoptotic,Brain,High-intensity interval training

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise after exposure to black carbon particulate matter 2. 5 (PM 2. 5) on expression of NF-κ B, and TNF-α genes in the lung tissue of male rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats (mean weight, 279. 29± 26. 97 g) were randomly divided into four equal groups: 1) control (without any intervention), 2) without aerobic exercise and with exposure to PM2. 5 black carbon, 3) aerobic exercise without exposure to black carbon, and 4) aerobic exercise after exposure to PM2. 5 black carbon. The aerobic exercise protocol was performed at 50% the maximal speed of each group for 4 weeks 15 minutes after exposure to black carbon particles in the chamber. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last training session and exposure to black carbon particles. The expression of NF-κ B and TNF-α genes were analyzed in the lung tissue of rats by the real-time PCR. Results: A significant difference was found in the NF-κ B expression between the group 1 and other groups and also there was a significant difference in the TNF-α expression between the group 2 and group 3 after exposure to black carbon in the lung tissue of male rats. Conclusion: The findings show that aerobic exercise after exposure to the black carbon particles (PM2. 5) is associated with adjustment in lung inflammatory factors. It seems that these changes in part are associated with a lower risk of inflammatory pulmonary disease.

Background: This study aimed at investigating the effect of boldenone, and endurance and resistance training on liver damage in rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, 70 male Wistar rats aged 12 weeks (weight, 228± 7 g) were randomly divided into 10 equal groups: control, sham, boldenone (2 mg/kg), boldenone (5 mg/kg), resistance training, resistance training-boldenone (2 mg/kg), resistance training-boldenone (5 mg/kg), endurance training, endurance training-boldenone (2 mg/kg) and endurance training-boldenone (5 mg/kg) groups. The resistance training program included an 8-week climb from the ladder, three times a week and each session 3 sets with 5 repetitions and the endurance training program was 8-week running on treadmills, 3 days a week, every day 30 minutes at a speed of 12 meters per minute. The injection was performed in the biceps femoris muscle once a week. After anesthesia, autopsy was performed and the liver tissue was isolated for histological studies. Results: The most liver tissue damage was observed in the boldenone group without training; so that the vacuolar degeneration more than 66% and the presence of 1-3 necrotic cells was very important. In resistance training and high-dose boldenone resistance training, liver damage was also observed as vacuolar degeneration. In the endurance trainingboldenone inflammation group, increased kupffer cells and mild vacuolar degeneration were observed. Histological studies showed that endurance training reduced the vacuolar degeneration and inflammation and did not increase kupffer cells. Conclusion: It seems that boldenone can cause damage to liver and endurance training compared with resistance training may cause more reduction in liver damage, especially reduction in the vacuolar degeneration and inflammation induced by boldenone.

Background: Obesity has adverse effects on respiratory mechanisms and is considered as a risk factor for respiratory problems. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the selected Pilates exercise program on some respiratory parameters of obese sedentary women. Materials and Methods: In this randomized experimental study with pre-and post-test design, 24 inactive obese women (with the mean age 38. 4± 8. 61 years and BMI 35. 6± 2. 95 kg/m2) were randomly divided into two groups of exercise (n=15) and control (n=9). The experimental group participated in a Pilates training program (8 weeks, 3 times per week), while the control group did not participate in any training program. Some respiratory parameters were measured before and after the training program by a spirometer. Results: The results showed that Pilates training increased vital capacity (IVC) by 10%, inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) by 19%, expiratory reserve volume (ERV) by 51%, tidal volume (VT) by 29%, peak expiratory flow (PEF) by 88%, peak inspiratory flow (PIF) by 28%, maximum expiratory flow 25 (MEF25) by 55%, maximum expiratory flow 50 (MEF50) by 63%, maximum expiratory flow 75 (MEF75) by 89%, maximum expiratory flow 75-85 (MEF75-85) by 93%, which this increase was not significant in the IRV and VT indexes. Conclusion: It seems that Pilates exercises can increase the performance of the respiratory muscles in obese sedentary women and improve lung function by increasing some respiratory parameters.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of two weeks ginger supplement on some liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) following eccentric activity in overweight girls. Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 28 overweight female students were randomly divided into two complementary (n=14) and placebo (n=14) groups. The supplement group consumed 2 grams of ginger powder daily for two weeks. The exercise protocol consisted of two sessions of exhausting activity (negative slope on treadmill, one session before and one session after two weeks of supplementation) with an initial speed of 4 km/h and an initial gradient of 2%. Blood samples were measured in four stages before and immediately after the exercise in two steps before and after the use of ginger supplement to measure changes in liver enzymes. Results: The results showed that eccentric activity increased the AST, ALP and ALT levels. Also, there was no significant difference in the AST, ALP and ALT levels between the supplement and placebo groups after two weeks of ginger supplementation (P≥ 0. 05). Conclusion: It seems that the use of ginger had a small effect in the improvement of liver enzyme serum levels. Therefore, the intensity and duration of the effective exercise, especially when consuming ginger, needs to be further investigated.

Background: Drosha and Dicer are important molecules that play critical regulatory roles in the biogenesis of micro-RNA. Genetic polymorphism in the Drosha and Dicer can cause defect on the embryo implantation and lead to the recurrent abortion. The aim of this study was to evaluate an association between Drosha and Dicer gene polymorphisms and the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed on 100 women with RPL (with unknown reasons) and 100 women with a successful pregnancy (one alive child) and no abortion history referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ardebil city during 2015-2017. The frequencies of these polymorphisms were evaluated using the PCR-RFLP method. Results: Results showed no statistically significant difference in the genotype frequency of the Dicer gene polymorphism between the case and control groups (P>0. 05). On the other hand, a statistically significant difference was found in the genotype frequency of the Drosha gene polymorphism between the groups (P<0. 05). Conclusion: It seems that the Drosha gene polymorphism can be a predisposing genetic factor for RPL, whereas the Dicer gene polymorphism cannot be considered as a risk factor for predisposing RPL in the studied population.

Background: There is increasing attention for the role of disgust in psychopathology, especially contamination/washing obsessive-compulsive symptoms by Western researchers in recent decades. There has not been much attention paid to this disorder in Iran. This study aimed at determining the role of disgust propensity and disgust sensitivity in predicting contamination/washing obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Materials and Methods: In this analytical descriptive study, 295 students were selected from Shahed University by the cluster sampling method. The participants completed the demographic questionnaire, Padua Inventory (PI, contamination subscale) and Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity Scale-Revised (DPSS-R). Results: The results of Pearson correlation showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between the disgust propensity and the disgust sensitivity with contamination/washing obsessive-compulsive symptoms and this relationship was stronger in women (0. 41-0. 42) than in men (0. 23-0. 24). The results of regression analysis showed that disgust propensity (β =0. 34, P<0. 001) and disgust sensitivity (β =0. 17, P<0. 001) could predict the contamination/washing obsessive-compulsive symptoms (R=0. 45, R2=0. 20). Disgust propensity had a stronger predictive role (R2=0. 16, P<0. 001). However, age could not predict contamination/washing obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Conclusion: The present study provides support for the role of disgust in the prediction of contamination/washing obsessive-compulsive symptoms and it can be used for early diagnosis and timely treatment of this disorder.

Background: This review aimed at investigating the effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori eradication in improving the symptoms of patients with functional dyspepsia in Iranian adult population. Materials and Methods: This study was a systematic review. Data were collected from the Medline database by searching some keywords including "Helicobacter pylori", "eradication", "effectiveness", "dyspepsia", and "Iran". After obtaining the full text of articles, the critical review was performed based on article titles and abstracts. For each article, information regarding benefits, side effects and efficacy was identified. Then, scenarios were extracted according to the mentioned data. Results: From a total of 28 reviewed papers, 6 were systematic reviews (with the level of evidence 1a), 18 articles were randomized interventional trials (with the level of evidence 1b) and 4 articles were longitudinal studies (with the level of evidence 2b). Most studies reported improvement in symptoms, although some of them did not report the statistically significant difference. After extracting data related to the scenarios from the articles, they were rated regarding the clinical advantage and the ability to localize each scenario. Conclusion: Considering the results of analyzing the articles and extracted scenarios, Helicobacter pylori eradication is recommended in Iranian adult patients with functional dyspepsia, normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and documented Helicobacter pylori infection.

Background: The prevalence of cigarette and water-pipe smoking is gradually increasing among the students in Iran. Considering the psychosocial consequences of smoking, this study aimed at examining the mediating role of mental health and motives to drug abuse in the relationship between adjustment to university and cigarette and water-pipe smoking among students. Materials and Methods: This correlational study with a structural equation modeling approach was conducted on 634 students selected from Kashan universities by cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ), Substance Use Motives questionnaires, Young Risk Behavior Scale (YRBS), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Results: The study model had good fit indices (X2=1. 42, DF=5, P=0. 92, AGFI=0. 99, CFI=0. 99, NFI=0. 99, GFI=0. 99, RMSE=0. 019). The results of the study showed that there was a reverse and meaningful relationship between individual-emotional adjustment and attachment to university with mental health and substance use motives (P<0. 05). Moreover, there was a direct and meaningful relationship between mental health and substance use motives with cigarette use and also between substance use motives and water-pipe use. Conclusion: Findings show decrease in the two dimensions of adjustment to university and individual-emotional adjustment, which can lead to mental health problems. Coping motives for cigarette smoking and enhancement motives for water-pipe smoking may increase the probability of cigarette and water pipe smoking in students. Implementing different smoking prevention programs and screening the students' mental health, especially students with mental disorders, are recommended.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most important bacteria causing the nosocomial infections, which are resistant to most of the antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the drug resistance of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa strains isolated from environmental samples of Hamedan educational hospitals using disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 400 samples were collected from Hamedan educational hospitals. To assess the antibiotic susceptibility of 10 common antibiotics, the agar dilution (Kirby-Bauer) method was used. Also, to determine the MIC of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, vancomycin and ciprofloxacin antibiotics were used. Results: From a total of 400 samples, 39 (9. 7%) isolates were P. aeruginosa and 28 (7%) were S. aureus. Staphylococcus aureus showed the highest resistance to ofloxacin (82. 1%) and the highest drug resistance to P. aeruginosa was related to meropenem (82%). Also, the highest MIC and maximum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for S. aureus to vancomycin were 128 and 256, respectively. In P. aeruginosa, the highest MIC and MBC to ciprofloxacin were 128 and 256, respectively. Conclusion: Staphylococcus aureus and P. aeruginosa showed the highest resistance to ofloxacin and meropenem, respectively. Considering the rapid increase of antibiotic resistance, accurate evaluation of the antibiotic resistance pattern of the bacteria is required.

Background: Antibiotic resistance in pathogens, especially Escherichia coli, has become a major treatment issue. One of the most common resistance mechanisms is the production of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) enzymes. Given the importance of the ESBLproducing bacteria, it is necessary to determine their prevalence in each region. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in pediatric hospitalized patients and outpatients in Shohada Hospital in Qaen city. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 223 samples of E. coli obtained from two groups of hospitalized patients and outpatients in Shohada Hospital in Qaen city. To confirm the E. coli strains, selective culture media and biochemical tests were used. The antibiotic susceptibility of the strains was determined by the disk diffusion method, and detection of the ESBL phenotype strains was performed by the combined disk method. Results: The prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli was 30%. Also, the prevalence rates of ESBL-producing E. coli in hospitalized patients and outpatients were 50% and 24. 4%, respectively. The ESBL strains showed the highest resistance to ceftriaxone, cefexime, cefazolin and cefotaxime antibiotics, and the least resistance to nitrofurantoin and amikacin. Conclusion: The findings show a higher prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in hospitalized patients compared to outpatients, which indicates a wide spread of antibioticresistant strains in hospitals. Therefore, continuous monitoring and rapid identification of these strains can play an important role in preventing the spread of ESBL genes.

Background: Infectious diarrheal diseases are a major cause of death in community, especially in children. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) are considered as a major cause of children's diarrhea in developing countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of both typical Enteropathogenic (tEPEC) and atypical Enteropathogenic (aEPEC) E. coli isolated from patients admitted to the children's hospital in Tehran by the PCR method. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 157 children diarrheal samples were collected from February 2016 to August 2017 and were sent to the microbiology department in the School of Public Health in Tehran University of Medical Sciences for testing. The identification of isolates was performed by conventional biochemical tests. The typical and atypical E. coli isolates were identified for the presence of eae, sxt1, sxt2 genes, and bfp A by the PCR method. The drug resistance patterns of isolated EPEC were tested by the agar disk diffusion method. The antibiotics used were amoxicillinclavulanic, ampicillin, gentamicin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, cefepim, Nitrofurantoin and imipenem. Results: Out of 101 E. coli isolates, 7 were identified as EPEC. All the isolated strains carried eae but not stx1, stx2, and bfp A genes. Also, 100% of the isolates were resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic and ampicillin. Conclusion: A high prevalence of EPEC in children can be considered as a threat to the children's health. In this study, all the isolates were aEPEC.