Research in Medicine
Year:2018 | Volume:41 | Issue:4 |Papers Count:10

Backgrond: Hemorrhagic choroidal neovascularization in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a serious complication that if left untreated may cause severe consequences in patients’ visual acuity. Although there is not a standard treatment for this condition, intravitreal tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) with gas is a classic and highly enthusiastic approach. Using this treatment, however, may become in vain in long term because of the progression of the underlying pathology. So, some authors have proposed using anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents such as Avastin in these patients. The aim of this study is to compare outcomes of treatment with intravitreal t-PA or t-PA plus Avastin.Materials and Methods: A total of 43 patients with AMD-related hemorrhagic choroidal neovascularization were randomized in two groups, receiving either intravitreal 1.25 Avastin (n=21) or intravitreal 1.25 Avastin plus 50 microgram t-PA (n=22). Visual acuity (using LogMar) and central macular thickness were measured at months 2 and 6 post-treatment and compared between the two groups.Findings: Thirteen males and 9 females with the median age of 74 years (combined treatment group) were compared with 12 males and 9 females with the median age of 73 years (single treatment group) (p=0.89 and 0.81, respectively).Median percent changes in visual acuity were 4.3% decrease in the combined treatment group and 8.6% in the single treatment group at month 2 and 10% in both groups at month 6. Visual acuity ameliorated significantly in both groups 6 months after treatment, but there was no significant difference between the two groups in this regard (p=0.93 and p=0.96 at months 2 and 6 post-treatment). Median percent changes in central macular thickness were 16.9% decrease in the combined treatment group and 16.8% in the single treatment group at month 2 and 19.1% in combined treatment and 18.2% in single treatment group at month 6. Central macular thickness decreased significantly in both groups 6 months after treatment, but again there was no significant difference between the two groups in this regard (p=0.97 and p=0.79 at months 2 and 6 post-treatment).Conclusion: Both therapeutic approaches were effective in treating AMD-related hemorrhagic choroidal neovascularization after six months, but there was no significant difference between the two methods in this regard.

Background: Today, due to the increased use of antibiotics and spread of resistant strains, using natural compounds as an alternative to synthetic compounds, with fewer side effects, has been widely importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts of seven medicinal herb include; green tea (Camellia sinensis), thyme Khorasani (Thymus transcaspicus), ziziphora (Ziziphora clinopodioides), pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), purple basil (Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascence), and peppermint (Mentha piperita) on three gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli Famp (ATCC 700891), Salmonella enterica TA100 (PTCC 1709) and Pectobacterium caratovorum).Materials and Methods: An experimental study was conducted at in vitro condition. Ethanolic extracts of above plants prepared by maceration method. Antimicrobial activity of these extracts at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1 mg/ml were evaluated by disk diffusion and well diffusion methods. Variables were included extract types, different concentrations of extracts and bacterial strains and statistically were analyzed.Findings: Green tea extract had the highest inhibitory effect in both antimicrobial test methods. So that green tea extract in 1 and 0.8 mg/ml concentration had the highest inhibitory effect on E. coli and P. caratovorum showed the lowest and the most resistance, respectively.Conclusion: It seems the types and concentrations of extracts and also bacterium type are influenced on growth inhibition zone. With increasing concentration, in both disk and well diffusion methods, the inhibition zone was increased. Inhibition zone in well diffusion method was higher than disk diffusion method.

Backgrond: In recent years, mesenchymal stem cell functions have been at the center of attention of researchers.Evidence shows that mesenchymal stem cells act as paracrine manner and thus, biological agents such as exosomes and soluble factors are present in the supernatant that can act as same as mesenchymal stem cells. Therefore, isolating exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells and determining their properties and their validation can be used to achieve therapeutic goals in autoimmune diseases and cancers. The use of exosomes isolated from soup and supernatant mesenchymal stem cell culture does not have any of the risks and problems of cell therapy, and also it is more effective than cell culture.Materials and Methods: In this study, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were used, after the identification of mesenchymal stem cells; mesenchymal stem cells were separated from supernatant using the ultra-centrifugation method. Concentration is determined by Bradford method and also their qualitative properties were determined using an electron microscope and Dynamic Light Scattering.Findings: After culturing and passaging mesenchymal stem cells, supernatant were collected after 48 hours and its exosomes were separated with a diameter of 40 to 100 nm using an ultra-centrifuge with an approximate acceleration of 60000g. Its Average concentration was 630 mg/ml, and the electron microscope images show that the membrane was not damaged during the separation process and spherical structure was maintained. Analyzed results from the Light differential device shows that almost 70% of the particles have an average diameter of 50-90 nm.Conclusion: Comparing the two methods of isolating with acceleration of 100, 000g and 60000g from the results obtained in other experiments, exosome particles are more pure using acceleration of 10000 g, but using the acceleration 60, 000 g, larger particles of exosomes such as microvesicle may be seen, but ultimately due to difficulty of accessing of a centrifuges with an approximate range of 100, 000 gm, separation with the lower accelerations are also applicable. Also, the isolation of mesenchymal derived stem cell exosomes and its mass production may be considered as a bio-safe product in the treatment of diseases.

Backgrond: Memory is a process by which the information is stored and retrieved. In fact memories are stored in synapses. The change of the number of neurons and their synapses is an effect in factor for the increase or the decrease of the memory. One of the areas of the brain which has an important role in temporary categorizing of the events is the Hippocampus. The reduction of the Hippocampus’s volume creates disturbances in memory and learning, and of the reasons for the change of the volume of the Hippocampus, is the change in the member of its neurons Rosa canina L, is a perennial plant of Rosaceae family. The antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds in the fruit of Rosa canina L can inhibit oxygen radicals in cellular and non-cellular systems. This study aimed to determine the effect of aqueous extract of the fruit of Rosa canina L plant on hippocampus neuronal density.Materials and Methods: First, the soxhelet of aqueous extract form the fruit of the Rosa canina L plant with herbarium code 9737 was prepared. This experimental study was conducted on 24 adult male mice. Mouse were randomly divided into 4 groups of control and treat with extract with a dose of 25, 50, 75 mg/kg. In the groups of treat with extract, intraperitoneally (IP), for 21 day continuously with an invertal of 24 hours and the control group received normal saline injection. One month after the first injection, the animals were anesthetized and brain gently was out of the skall. After processing, seven-micron serial sections were stained with blue toluidine and erythrosine. Then different regions of the hippocampus were photographed and neuronal densities of different regions of the hippocampus in different groups were evaluated by stereological methods and were compared with control groups.Findings: The result of this study showed that in the group treated with aqueous extract of the fruit of Rosa canina L plant with a dose of 25 mg/kg in all regions of the hippocampus has an increased neuronal density compared to the control group. So the density of neurons in CA1 area in control group, treat 25.50, 75 mg/kg of body weight respectively 55, 80, 67, 58. In CA2, 65, 89, 75, and 72 and in CA3, 76, 95, 89, 81 were determined. Conclusion: This study showed that the aqueous extract of the fruit of Rosa canina L plant with a dose of 25 mg/kg, increases the density of neurons in the hippocampus of mouse, which may be due to vitamin C, polyphenols and Flavonoids compounds in the extract.

Backgrond: Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological complaints and problems considered in young girls. Scientific findings suggest that exercise and physical activity positively affects the problem. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the effect of 8 weeks high intensity interval and continuous moderate trainings on pain reduction, IL-6 and TNF-a blood levels in femals with primary dysmenorrhea. Materials and Methods: Thirty females (Mean±SD: height: 162.5 cm, weight: 60.5 kg, age: 18.5 year) were participated in this study. All subjects were randomly divided in to 3 groups: interval, continuous and control. 24 hours before starting training intervention, blood samples were taken to determine blood levels of IL-6, TNF-a, and VAS questionnaire completed for examining the pain reduction. Then, experimental groups trained for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week. But control group did not perform any training program. Using analyzes of variance (ANOVA) data were analyzed. Findings: A significant reduction was observed in pain rate in both training groups, as pain more reduced in continuous moderate training group compared to high interval group (p˂0.05). In addition, no significant difference was observed between the rates of IL-6, TNF-a from pretest to posttest in all 3 groups (p˃0.05).Conclusion: It is can be recommended to female with using interval training, specially continuous average training can reduce own menstrual pain. However, further research is needed to identify possible mechanisms for reducing pain and inflammation in primary pysmenorrhea.

Backgrond: Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially adenocarcinoma, is the most common type of lung cancer. Most cases of adenocarcinoma will occur due to KRAS mutations or EGFR mutations and amplifications. The polymorphism rs884225 which is associated with increased EGFR expression is located in the 3'UTR of the EGFR within the miR-214 binding site, and near the miR-27 and miR-128 binding sites. This study aims to investigate the association between rs884225 and lung cancer in Isfahan population.Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on genomic DNA from the blood samples of 111 healthy subjects and 61 patients. After finishing the primer design, the genotypes were determined using the Tetra Primer ARMSPCR technique. The statistical analysis was performed on the Power Marker software, and the SISA website.Findings: The frequency of the alleles C/T at rs884225 was almost similar among the Isfahan population with and without lung cancer, and a significant association between this polymorphism and lung cancer wasn't observed (CC: OR=2.24, p>0.05). The Odd Ratio (OR) of this polymorphism in different kinds of lung cancer was also determined in the population that were not statistically significant (CC in NSCLC: OR=4.6, p>0.05).Conclusion: It seems that no rs884225 is associated with lung cancer, and for more precise conclusions, it is recommended to study in larger statistical societies.

Backgrond: Physical health is one of the main dimensions of health and wellbeing that it is necessary to use an appropriate tool to be examined regarding lack of validity and reliability questionnaire for measuring physical health, The purpose of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of physical health questionnaire (PHQ) in Iranian population.Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive study that according to the aim of the study, it conducted in a cross-sectional study. Four hundred and seventeen (213 women and 204 men) of the general population who were selected by cluster sampling responded to PHQ and quality of life questionnaire (SF-36). To evaluate the reliability of internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha was calculated. As for criterion validity of the physical dimension of quality of life questionnaire and convergent validity of the psychological dimension of quality of life questionnaire were used. As well as to evaluate the construct validity of the PHQ exploratory factor analysis with principal components analysis was used.Findings: The internal consistency by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated PHQ and with correlation coefficients of 0.61 to 0.81 was confirmed. Results of exploratory factor analysis supported four factors for the PHQ. Convergent validity of the PHQ with the psychological dimension of SF-36 was calculated and statistically significant correlation was obtained. Criterion validity revealed significant negative correlation between PHQ and physical dimension SF-36.Conclusion: Results showed that the PHQ in order to measure physical health of its reliability and validity.

Background: Scientific production investigation is a suitable facility to make policy and taking decision and will provide recognizing of past situation and also can be effective on the aim of scientific movement, Determination of research priorities and identifying available weaknesses. This study aimed to quality and quantity evaluation of scientific production among Iranian researchers in the field of cancer during 2006-2015.Materials and Methods: This is Survey-descriptive study (sectional) and uses scientometrics approach. Statistical populations include 3283 articles and documents in the field of cancer which published in Scopes’ Scientific Journal during 2006-2015. To Analysis data and draw graphs we use SPSS, NodeXL and VOSviewer. Findings: Findings show that Iranian scientific production increased during the period of study and the rate of growing was 25% every year. Also ratio of international scientific collaboration in the field of cancer was 19.3%. Superior medical universities founded as the most important producer center and developed and industrials countries founded as the most important co-worker in publishing scientific outputs. Also measure of scientific production in some categories like bone (41 Documents), child cancer (67), and uterus (69) were not in the good level. Conclusion: Though Iranian scientific production in the recent years had a great growth, but these articles published in the not good valid and high quality journals. Supporting of ministry of health and medical education and their medical universities to researches, increasing the rate of Iranian scientific researchers’ interaction and collaboration with their co-worker in other countries, growth of budget and financial supporting related to research, providing laboratory facilities and training courses related to methods of writing scientific articles could be useful and effect on quality and quantity of scientific production increasing.

Background: In the serum of healthy people, IgG4 has the lowest concentration among the different subclasses of IgG. Elevation of serum IgG4 in response to chronic antigenic stimulation and inflammation has been reported. Inflammation, histopathologic lesions, and systemic organ involvement have been reported in the IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). In this article, we review IgG4 unique features and its role in the immunopathogenesis of IgG4RD, a new class of human disease. In this article, we emphasize on the potential role of IgG4 for the treatment in tumor immunity. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched the Pub Med, Google Scholar, Scopus and Science Direct databases with IgG4, IgG4 related disease and IgG4-RD keywords .Finally, Seventy-four English-language articles reporting IgG4 and IgG4 RD were included.Conclusion: IgG4-RD is classified as rare diseases and to date, the exact prevalence of it has not been reported. In recent years the disease features have been described, but a long way is ahead of scientists to understand of IgG4RD mechanisms. The role of humoral (antibody) immune response against tumor antigens is the main interest of scientists. Histological studies in some tumors such as melanoma show the presence of anti-tumor antibodies within inflammatory tumor lesions. Unique biological property of IgG4, such as the ability to switch Fab arms, results in inhibition of immune complex formation and ineffective antibody dependent cell killing. IgG4 as blocking antibody has a protective role in allergy by inhibiting the release of mast cells granules. Also in malignant melanoma, IgG4 suppresses antitumor immune response via inhibition of IgG1 binding to tumor cells. These findings emphasize that new investigations are necessary for understanding the importance of IgG4 in health and diseases.