Armaghane Danesh
Year:2019 | Volume:24 | Issue:1 (132)|Papers Count:11

Background & aim: The anti-inflammatory effects of cabergoline have been documented in various studies. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of cabergoline administration (as a potent D2 agonist) on clinical aspects and immune responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) induced in Wistar rats. Methods: In the present experimental study, the population consisted of 40 male Wistar rats with a weight range of 160 to 180 g. Animals were randomly allocated into four groups of 10, including the control group (healthy), RA group treated with PBS (100 mg/kg orally), RA group treated with cabergoline (50 μ g/kg-orally) and ultimately RA group treated with Prednisolone (10 mg/kg orally). Changes in severity of disease and changes in temperature were recorded every three days. All treatments were initiated at day 7, after induction and observation of the first symptoms of foot inflammation in all rats. Finally, the serum of rats was isolated to evaluate the levels of nitric oxide (Griess assay) and myeloperoxidase (evaluation of the ability to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide). Spleen cells were isolated in sterile conditions in order to evaluate the lymphocyte proliferation rate (MTT reduction assay), the intensity of the respiratory burst (NBT reduction assay), and the potential of neutral red phagocytosis. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests and one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results: The cabergoline drug was similar to prednisolone, which led to a reduction in the severity of the disease and the swelling of soles of the feet (p=0. 15). The serum levels of nitric oxide (p=0. 0001) and myeloperoxidase (p=0. 0001), the intensity of the respiratory burst of splenic phagocytic cells (p=0. 002) and the proliferation rate of splenic lymphocytes (p=0. 02) were significantly decreased in both treatment groups. Prednisolone indicated a more profound effect than cabergoline in reducing the lymphocyte proliferative index (p=0. 001), while cabergoline effectively reduced respiratory burst activity (p=0. 002). Moreover, cabergoline significantly revealed a more profound effect than prednisolone in reducing the increased levels of neutral red uptake by splenic phagocytic cells (p=0. 01). Conclusion: Considering the appropriate results in the animal model, the use of cabergoline may be considered as a useful approach to control RA.

Background & aim: Stachys pilifera Benth (Lamiaceae) is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases. Despite some reports on the antitumor effects of some species of this genus, anticancer activity of Stachys pilifera has not been yet reported. In the present study, the researchers examined the cytotoxic effect and cell death mechanisms of methanolic extract of Stachys pilifera and its alkaloid and terpenoid fractions on the HT-29 colorectal cell line. Methods: In the present study, HT-29 cells were cultivated and afterwards incubated in the methanolic extract of Stachys pilifera and its fractions at various concentrations for 24 hours. Cell viability was measured by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The effects of the extract and the tests performed on cell death mechanisms such as fragmentation of DNA and apoptosis were performed by flow cytometry. Cisplatin was used as the positive control. The collected data was analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test. Results: The results of IC50 of methanolic extract, alkaloid, tropenoid, and cisplatin on HT-29 cells after 24 hours were 612. 8, 46. 4, 46. 8 and 4. 06 μ g / ml, respectively. The results indicated that the inhibition of cell proliferation was dose-dependent. The methanolic extracts of Stachys and cisplatin resulted in DNA fragmentation. The results of apoptosis test revealed that the highest percentage of apoptosis was observed in cisplatin (30. 8%) and methanolic extracts (23. 2%) than the control (untreated) group (P <0. 05). Conclusion: These findings provide a basis for the therapeutic potential of S. pilfera in the treatment of colon cancer.

Background & aim: Toxoplasmosis is one of the common parasitic diseases of humans and animals that is caused by a protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Henna plant (Lowsonia inermis) is effective against a wide range of diseases. Since pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine medications are first-line drugs for treatment of toxoplasmosis, they have adverse effects. On the other hand, there has been a particular booming despite the increasing resistance of parasites to chemical drugs, traditional treatments and the use of medicinal plants. The aim of this study was to study the effect(s) of henna hydroalcoholic extract on Toxoplasma gondii parasite in in-vitro and in-vivo environments. Methods: The present experimental study was conducted on 35 mice. A sample of Henna leaves was prepared and extracted using 80% ethanol. The direct effect of henna hydroalcoholic extract at concentrations of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 and 512 μ g / ml on Toxoplasma tachycardia was investigated by flow cytometry. In order to evaluate the anti-toxoplasmic effect of henna extract on in vivo, 4 groups of 5 mice were infected with Toxoplasma tachyzoites of 16, 32, 64, and 128 mg / kg Hana hydroalcoholic extracts concentrations as gavage. A group of 5 mice were infected with tachyzoite of Toxoplasma which received sulfadiazine as a positive control group and a group of 5 mice were infected with tachyzoite of Toxoplasma without a prescriptive drug as a negative control. Finally a group of 5 mice were considered for measuring toxicity of henna extract. The collected data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Kaplan-Meier tests. Results: Flow cytometric results indicated that IC50 of henna on Toxoplasma tachyzoites was 100 μ g /ml. The results of the anti-Toxoplasma effect of henna extract on intact media indicated that no significant difference were appreciated between different concentrations and survival rate in rats (p = 0. 85) among the test groups treated with different concentrations of the extract in compared with positive and negative control. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the effect of henna hydroalcoholic extract on in-vivo settings was not significant, although it was effective in in-vitro environment. The unsuccessfulness of the extract in in-vivo conditions may have been due to inadequate absorption of the drug in the gastrointestinal tract, problems during gavage, the metabolism of the drug and rapid clearance of the drug.

Background & aim: Parkinson's disease is a disorder in the nervous system due to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Dopaminergic system is susceptible to neurological disorders caused by exposure to stressors early. Positive experiences are one of the most powerful treatments to increase neuroplasticity and motor function at any time of life. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of pre-treatment endurance training on the balance of Parkinson's rats with perinatal stress. Methods: In the present experimental study, 48 neonates rats of 30 days of age, with half of them under perinatal stress, were randomly divided into 8 groups consistening of no stress groups (control, sham, parkinson, endurance training + Parkinson's) and stress groups (control, Sham, Parkinson's, Endurance Exercise + Parkinson's). After 8 weeks of endurance training, stereotoxic surgery was performed on mice to create a Parkinson's model. After three weeks, theapomorphine test was used for diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and balance beam equilibrium test. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. Results: The results indicated that the endurance exercises improved balance in both groups with and without prenatal stress(p<0. 05). Furthermore, prenatal stress reduced balance, but this reduction was not significant(p=0. 059), and perinatal stress also reduced the beneficial effects of exercise on balance test(p <0. 05). Conclusion: According to the findings, perinatal stress seems to reduce the balance of Parkinson's rats and endurance exercises reduce the negative effects of perinatal stress, which leads to a reduction in the negative effects of Parkinson's on balance.

Background & aim: Due to the toxic effects of lead at low levels which causes several disorders, such as weakness, impaired ability and behavioral thinking and children's learning, loss of hearing and vision, damage to cerebellum gray cells and brain hippocampus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective role of wheat germ in controlling oxidative stress and tissue damage of lead-exposed brain hippocampus. Methods: In the present experimental study, 30 female Wistar rats (240 ± 20 g) were divided into 6 groups: control (without treatment), treat with 10 mg lead, wheat germ extract with 100 and 200 mg, synchronous lead and wheat germ extracted at doses of 100 and 200 mg. On the 36th day, the mice were killed and their brain were dissected. After the stabilization of the samples, the dewatering, clarifying, and molding processes took place. The molds were cut in a thickness of 5-7 micrometers and stained with H & E. The collected data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. Results: A significant differences was observed in the treatment group regarding the number of pyramidal cells in CA1, the number of granulary granulomatous cells in the teeth and the thickness of the vaginal layers of the teeth compared to the control group. On the other hand, at concentration of 20 mg lead group, the 20 mg lead group with 100 mg of wheat germ, the number of pyramidal cells in CA1 and the number of cells and the thickness of the granular ventricular layer of the teeth were significantly different compared to the other groups. No significant difference was observed in the thickness of the teething tubes, the number of pyramidal cells in CA1 and granular layer cells, and the weight of the mice in all groups at dose of 20 mg lead and gram wheat germ wheat extract 100 and 200 mg compared to the control howerer, the weight of the brain in all groups was significantly higher than the control group. Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, the use of wheat germ extracts due to the oxidative anti stress effect could be effective in improving the lesions induced by lead on the rat's hippocampus. Wheat germ extract had the ability to compensate for lead-induced lesions in the hippocampus, which depends on the dose administered.

Background & aim: Metabolic syndrome is the result of a general imbalance of metabolic processes in the body which increases mortality due to cardiovascular disease. The syndrome has recently attracted the attention of health care researchers to its impact on quality of life. Rational differences and occupational diversity affect the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of the disease among Gachsaran oil industry employees. Methods: The present paper was a descriptive cross-sectional study. During the years 2016-20173, 360 employees were randomly selected using a questionnaire, Alpikado pressure gauge, and Scala scale. Fasting blood samples were taken to measure triglyceride, glucose, LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol. Diagnosis was performed using NCEP ATP III criteria, with prevalence of less than 10, 10-25 and above 25% as low, moderate and high prevalence respectively. The collected data were analyzed using Chi-Square and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the whole sample was 30. 3, 31. 2 and 7. 1%, respectively. Furthermore, the prevalence of abdominal obesity was 74. 1%, thyroid triglyceride 46. 6%, high systolic blood pressure 39, HDL cholesterol Low 33, fasting blood glucose was 13. 3 and high diastolic pressure was 13%. A reduction in serum HDL cholesterol and one increase in waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and triglyceride were associated with a 15, 14, 7, 4 and 1 percent increase the odds of contracting a disease, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of high metabolic syndrome was higher; in addition, the prevalence was higher in men than in women. This indicated the impact of gender differences and occupational situations on the prevalence of this metabolic disorder. Therefore, the necessity of paying more attention to specific occupations in periodic studies is recommended.

Background & aim: The purpose of this study was to design a questionnaire for prenatal health care in order to step through the design of a standard tool for measuring and promoting prenatal care. Reducing maternal mortality rates requires extensive management of various aspects of care during different stages of pregnancy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to design a management questionnaire for prenatal care. Methods: This descriptive-comparative study was carried out to accomplish a comparative study among the advanced countries; therefore, a simple random sampling method based on the population and availability of information available to the three countries (Iran, Japan, and the United Kingdom) was selected. Required data were collected through referrals to official sites, scientific journals, books and databases, and identified the dimensions and indicators that affect health care management and were ranked by experts. Subsequently, with the opinion of specialists and experts, the initial questionnaire was prepared and reassessed by experts. The final questionnaire was distributed to 420 network administrators, randomly assigned to health experts. The data from the field study were analyzed using statistical methods (confirmatory factor analysis). Results: In the present study, the reliability of the reagents, the composite reliability of the conceptual model, the convergent validity of the model and the differential validity were confirmed, and the indicators of the designed questionnaire included the contents of the package of care that included 15 questions; human resources care 8 questions, equipment and logistics 5 questions, system of statistics and information 3 questions, financial resources 5 questions and management of health care delivery 17 questions, reliability of reagents was confirmed by factor load above 0. 7. Conclusion: Designing a questionnaire and its application for prenatal care can help managers of Kohgiloyeh and Boyer Ahmad provinces focus on structures that are effective in promoting health care during pregnancy and can improve the quality and quantity of prenatal health care.

Background & aim: Marital problems and conflicts among couples have made it necessary to consider some interventions before the crisis condition. In the realm of family psychology and counseling, different couples-therapy approaches have been shaped in order to reduce conflicts and messiness in couple's relationship. The aim of the present study was to meta-analyze the studies done on the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) on reducing marital problems. Methods: The present descriptive stusy applied meta-analysis; therefore, data was collected using internal and external databases about all research reports published from 2006 to 2016 which had evaluated Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT). Among the total of 33 research reports collected, 10 methodologically acceptable reports which contained appropriate statistical information for a meta-analysis were selected. A meta-analysis checklist was used to organize data. Data collected from these 10 research reports was object to meta-analysis using Schmidt & Hans effect size combination method, and then interpreted using Cohen's table. Statistic analysis was done by 2nd version of comprehensive meta-analysis software. Results: The study results, using incorporation of effect size by Schmitt and Hunts method, indicated that EFCT may be effective in reducing couples problems. Results displayed that the total average effect size for all analyzed research reports about the effectiveness of EFCT for reducing couples problems was 1. 31 for fixed model of effect size and 1. 39 for the random effects model, which were significant in both levels (P<0. 0001). The EFCT effect size for reducing couples problems was interpreted as high according to Cohen's table. Conclusion: The meta-analysis conducted in this study revealed that EFCT interventions were highly effective in reducing couples problems. This demonstrates the importance of using this approach in therapeutic planning and clinical interventions regarding couple issues.

Background & aim: social supports protect us from annoying affections, sadness, instability and doubts of oneself which are accompanied by loneliness. Social supports and the lack of them are a great predictor of other behaviors that risky behaviors can be one of the most important ones of such behaviors and can also be effected by different aspects of social support. Risky behaviors refer to behaviors which have possibly increase devastating consequences of physical, psychological and social for the individual. Risky behaviors include a wide range of behaviors such as failing to wear a seat belt, lack of helmet use when riding, carrying firearms, assault, think and act of suicide, poor diets, lack of physical activity, risky sexual behavior, consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs and. The occurrence of whichever of these individual behaviors is a strong predictor of any other behaviors in the future. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of high-risk behaviors among adolescents and their relation to perceived social supports in Yasuj, Iran, in 2016. Methods: The present correlational study had a sample of 500 high school students (281 males and 219 females) of Yasuj, Iran. Multistage cluster sampling method was used to develop a highrisk behavior questionnaire with social support for data collection. Results: The results indicated that the overall prevalence of risky behavior among the study population was 0. 44. There was a relationship between risk behaviors and perceived social support. Moreover, there were prevalence of risk behaviors associated with some aspects of perceived social support (family, friends, and classmates’ public perceived social support). Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that the perceived social support from friends was a stronger predictor of high-risk behavior than other aspects. Accordingly, in this context, efforts should be made to improve and strengthen the dimensions of perceived social support from friends in order to avoid risky behaviors.

Background & aim: The food that man needs is produced in a relatively long chain and after various stages of procurement, transportation, processing, storage, packaging and finally consuming, thus proper management of this chain is of great importance for providing health. The purpose of this study was to design and develop an appropriate and native model for controlling food health control in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad Province using the experience and nutrition models of several developed countries and the views of experts and nutritionists. Methods: The present study applied a qualitative-quantitative and applied-qualitative, descriptive and comparative method was used in a cross-sectional mannerin. At the initial design stage, the model initially identified several factors and program aspects Management and food safety, and food safety monitoring of food products in the country (province) and selected countries. Primary criteria and components of applied questionnaires were developed using the theory of nutrition experts and experts in this field, extracted, classified and tailored to the specific objectives of the study. To test the pattern with a survey approach by receiving the views through a questionnaire in three stages, the review and necessary amendments were made based on the proportion of each of the indicators and criteria. The methods of analysis are mainly descriptive and conceptual analysis, Structural modeling analysis tool and use of LaserLevel software. Results: This model was developed in the form of 80 sub-components, and four main factors, including: factors affecting food control management 33 factors, 28 factors planning, organizing monitoring, 12 factors and factors influencing the financing of health control management Food is 7 factors. This pattern can be used as a framework for ensuring the quality and safety of the food industry. Finally, in order to determine the appropriateness of the proposed model and its adaptation to the needs and requirements of the industries and companies and food and nutrition management unit organizations, using the hierarchical analysis method, the importance coefficients of each dimension, components and indicators available in the pattern for the country of Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad Province. Conclusion: This study may be useful in providing an appropriate management system for managing food health control in Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad Province, which provides the improvement of the state of health of the food industry, an appropriate technique for monitoring and control in organizations that are part of their duties in the field of food.

Background & aim: Dandy Walker syndrome is a rare congenital disorder which displays a wide range of symptoms due to intracranial abnormalities which is usually not diagnosed at birth, and the most important disorder of this disorder is the fourth ventricle of the brain and it is associated with a high incidence of disability and mental retardation. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, clinical protests, prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of a baby with Dandy Walker syndrome. Case: The child was a 7-yaer-old boy with Dandy Walker Syndrome. The boy was the first child of the family. The parents had no familial relationship and no suffering from anomalies or chronic illness was observed. The mother had no sign of infection or kidney disease nor hypertention before or during pregnancy; besides, no drug was used during her pregnancy. In the baby's birth exam, the following were observed: weight 2200 grams, height 43 cm, and head circumference 28, all of which were below 100%. In the 32nd week of gestation, due to microscopic sonography, the magnitude of the posterior cavity of the brain and the heart problem were diagnosed beyond the gestational age for legal abortion. Child suffering from seizures, hypotonia, microcephaly, large posterior fossa brain and heart problem which were diagnosed by Ultrasound Microcephaly prior to birth and at the moment the baby was suffering from mental retardation, movement problems, and growth disorders and is under the treatment with medication to control the seizures. Conclusion: Dandy Walker's syndrome is a fetal abnormality which may occur without a family relationship and family history, and if diagnosed late in embryonic screening, a child is born which will suffer from physical, mental and mental disabilities for years, and there is no definitive treatment for it. Therefore, ultrasound screening of exact embryo in pregnant mothers without risk factors for fetal abnormalities is recommended.