Research in Medicine
Year:2019 | Volume:43 | Issue:2|Papers Count:9

Background: During the recent years, much attention has been paid to sleeve gastrectomy (SG). However, it is important to know whether SG really improves the patients' quality of life (QoL). So far, no study has been conducted in Iranian society in this regard. Thus, in the current study, the effects of SG on QoL in Iranian patients with morbid obesity was investigated. Materials and methods: In the present before-after study, the patients with indication of SG who signed the informed consent were enrolled. The qualified patients included patients with a BMI ≥ 40 Kg/m 2 or those with 35 kg/m2

Backgrond: Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to a serious neurological condition, associating with sensory and motor dysfunctions as well as urinary infections. In the experimental situations, using a valid SCI model helps to understand pathophysiological mechanisms and better ascertainment of therapeutic interventions. Because contusion type of SCI occurs commonly in human, in the present study, we designed a modified impactor device (NSRC Impactor) in Tabriz University of medical sciences and examined it to evaluate with inducing different severities of injury according to kilodyne (kdyn) in the spinal cord of rats. Materials and Methods: In the current experimental intervention study, in order to standardize and determine the optimal performance of the NSRC Impactor to create very mild to very severe SCIs, three different forces (100, 150, 250 kdyn) were applied at T10 level of vertebra. For evaluating tissue changes and behavioral deficits, Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining and Basso-Beattie-Brenham (BBB) locomotor tests were performed. Data were analyzed using SPSS, v. 16. Results: Our results have shown that by increasing the level of forces, histological changes in the spinal cord increases statistically. Meanwhile, different injuries had significant effects on the BBB score test in SCI groups in comparison with the laminectomy group (100 kdyn group vs laminectomy group: P=0. 019, 150 kdyn group vs laminectomy group: P=0. 001, 250 kdyn group vs laminectomy group: P=0. 0003). Conclusion: Our outcomes demonstrated that this device is a validated experimental instrument to induce precise SCI models in order to replicate SCI in humans. Nevertheless, it should be noted that different aspects of SCI models are elaborated and more studies are obligatory to develop a more accurate model.

Background: There are reports on the ability of chitin microparticles to modulate the TH1 and TH2 responses, depending on the size and administration route. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the immunoadjuvant effects of the small-sized (less than 40 microns) chitin microparticles (CMP) in vaccination against Leishmania major for preventing leishmaniasis in BALB /c mice by determining IgG1 and IgG2a. Methods: BALB⁄ c mice in test and control groups (6 mice per group), during 21 days were immunized subcutaneously three times with soluble Leishmania antigens (SLA) or SLA/CMP. Three weeks after the last immunization, blood sampling was performed and immunoglobulin isotype was determined using ELISA. Then 2 × 105 L. major promastigotes were injected into the base of the tail of the mice. Next, onset and size of the lesions were measured in each group. In the eighth week, blood samples were obtained from the eye for evaluation of IgG1 and IgG2a level and then the mice were sacrificed and their lymph nodes were isolated to determine the parasitic burden using Limiting dilution assay (LDA). Results: The SLA / CMP-immunized mice in compared to the non-immunization group, the onset of the wound were postponed and the parasitic load [(0. 41± 3. 9 Vs. 0. 82± 5. 8 Log (Parasites per lymph node)] (P≤ 0. 05) and the extended area of the wound (P≤ 0. 007) were significantly decreased. The results of the serum IgG1 and IgG2a assay showed that immunization by chitin microparticles caused significant decrease in the serum IgG1 level before (P≤ 0. 001) and after (P≤ 0. 014) the challenge but not IgG2a. Conclusion: Co-administration of CMP/SLA cause significant inhibition of IgG1 responses. It seems that CMP could downregulate unbridled TH2 response in Leishmania infection.

Backgroundm: Post-acrosomal sheath WW domain binding protein (PAWP) is one of the proteins that is expressed during spermatogenesis process and has several roles in sperm differentiation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. The aim of this study was assessment of the relationship between PAWP expression with fertilization rate in infertile men candidate for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In addition, sperm DNA fragmentation was also assessed in these infertile men. Materials and method: In this descriptive study, semen samples were collected from 54 infertile men, of aged 32. 5± 4. 44 candidate for ICSI referring to Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center. Sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation, expression of PAWP at RNA, and protein level were assessed by Computer Assisted Semen Analysis, TUNEL assay, real time PCR, and western blot, respectively. Data was analyzed by SPSS (version 16) using Independent t-test and Pearson Correlation. P-values <0. 05 were considered statistically significant. Resultst: Significant correlations were observed between expression of PAWP at RNA and protein level with fertilization rate. When infertile men were categorized according to the percentage of fertilization lower and higher than 50%, the expression of PAWP was significantly lower and percentage of DNA fragmentation was significantly higher In the first group, in infertile men with fertilization rate lower than 50% compared to with the other group. (p<0. 05). Conclusion: Normal expression of sperm PAWP at gene and protein levels, and also low percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation may be considered as normal spermatogenesis processes in men.

Background: Given the prevalence of obesity among adolescents and the use of various methods of nutrition and training to reduce the metabolic abnormalities associated with increased adipose tissue, the purpose of the present study was to examine interactive effects of interval training and Dark chocolate on serum levels of Apelin, Vaspine, and body composition in obese boys. Materials and Methods: In the current experimental study, 40 obese boys were randomly assigned to four groups of training (n=10), supplement (n=10), training with supplement (n=10), and control (n=10). The training groups performed Rope Jumping Training for six weeks, five days a week. Supplementary groups consumed 30 grams of chocolate per day, containing 83 percent cocoa. Prior to the start of the research protocol and 48 hours after the last session, the participants’ body compositions were taken using a body analyzer and blood samples to measure the amounts of applein and vaspin. Data were analyzed using Paired t-test, one way ANOVA, and Tukey’ s post hoc test at P≤ 0/05 level. Results: After performing the protocol, Apelin, weight, and BMI decreased significantly in the training (Respectively p=0. 002, 0. 001, 0. 003), supplementation (Respectively: p=0. 003, 0. 008, 0. 008), and training with supplement groups (P=0. 00). However, the values of vaspin, fat percentage, and WHR were significantly reduced in training (Respectively p=0. 001, 0. 009, 0. 007) and training with supplement groups (Respectively p=0. 004, 0. 001, 0. 002). Conclusion: It seems that performing aerobic interval training of type Rope Jumping Training and consuming Dark chocolate containing 83% cocoa improves the body composition and decreases the amount of applein and vaspin in obese boys and can prevent the development of obesity-related diseases.

Background: Regular exercise has been shown to improve diabetes-related biological markers. However, for some groups, exercises that require weight bearing are difficult. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of eight weeks of aerobic aquatic and land exercise training on leptin, resistin, and insulin resistance in obese women. Materials and Methods: In the present randomized clinical trial, 30 obese women were randomly assigned to aquatic exercise, land exercise, and control groups (n=10) and 24 hours before and 48 hours after the intervention, blood samples were collected and glucose, insulin, leptin, resistin, and insulin resistance levels were measured. For statistical analysis, mixed analysis of variance was used. Results: The results showed that eight weeks of aerobic aquatic or land exercise training resulted in significant decrease in insulin (P = 0. 003), glucose (P = 0. 001), insulin resistance (P = 0. 001), and leptin (P = 0. 001) in obese women, but not in resistin. Weight, BMI, and fat percentage of participants significantly decreased in training groups (P = 0. 001). There was no significant difference between the two types of exercises. Conclusion: The aquatic exercises appear to have the same effects as land exercises in reducing leptin and insulin resistance in obese women. Therefore, people who do not tolerate weight bearing during land exercises due to joint injuries or recommendations from orthopedic practitioners can benefit from aquatic exercises to improve diabetes-related indices.

Background: The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of P aeruginosa has become a serious concern today. This bacterium is resistant to a wide range of antimicrobial drugs. There are several ways to treat and control infections caused by MDR bacteria. One of these methods is to find active plant compounds with antimicrobial properties and antimicrobial combination of herbal plants with antibacterial agent with synergistic effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of 19 aqueous, ethanoic, and methanolic extracts of medicinal plants on standard and MDR strains of P. aeruginosa. At the end, the synergistic effect of the most active plant extract with ceftazidime was evaluated. Methods: Antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants was investigated using agar dilution method on five ceftazidime sensitive and 20 MDR clinical isolates of P. aeroginosa resistance to ceftazidime with an MIC range of 64-1024 µ g/ml. After determining the best extract, its antimicrobial effect with ceftazidime was investigated by agar dilution using checkerboard assay. Results: Methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Quercus infectoria with concentration of 1000 µ g/ml inhibits the growth of all standard and clinical strains of P. aeruginosa. The water extract of Quercus infectoria and methanolic and ethanolic extract of Eucalyptus galbie and Myrtus communis also reduced the growth at this concentration but did not inhibit the growth completely. The results showed that the synergistic effects of methanolic extract of Quercus infectoria and ceftazidime were significant and the MIC of the drug decreased from 1024 μ g/ml to 4 μ g/ml, and also the MIC of the extract was reduced to four folds of MIC. Conclusion: It was shown that the most effective extracts against Pseudomonas aeruginosa are methanolic and ethanoic extracts of Quercus infectoria, which have significant synergistic effects with ceftazidime.

Background: Leishmania major (L. major) is a causative agent of leishmaniasis. The disease has now become a public health problem. Modulation of the immune responses to inhibit the infection or the proliferation of the parasite is an effective way to overcome the leishmaniosis. Leishmania parasite secretory-excretory antigens are responsible for immune system modulation; therefore, they are used in vaccine design and immunotherapy. Nanoparticles have been considered in recent years due to the features that stimulate the immune system. The purpose of the present study was to produce a combination of nanoparticles and secretory-excretory antigens to induce immune responses. Materials and methods: L. major secretory-excretory antigens were isolated from supernatant of parasite culture using ultracentrifugation and protein molecular weight and concentration were determined using SDS-PAGE and Bradford methods. The chitosan nanoparticle were loaded with antigens which confirmed by FTIR. MTT test was performed to determine the cytotoxic effect of nanoparticles on macrophages. Five groups of female BALB/c mice were sensitized with nanoparticles and nanoparticles loaded with the protein on days 0. 10 and 21. The macrophages were isolated from the mice and infected with L. major for one hour. After 72 hours of incubation, NO production and inhibition of parasite growth were measured in response to L. major. Result: In the present study, the excretory-secretory antigens of the L. major were in the range of 75-110 kDa, and loaded with chitosan nanoparticle by %76 efficacy. The results showed that the excretory-secretory antigens of the L. major parasites significantly increased the production of nitric oxide in the macrophages and the presence of chitosan induced this increase (P<0. 01). In addition, the group that received chitosan loaded with the excretory secretory antigens of the L. major showed the least proliferation of the parasites (P<0. 05). Conclusion: If chitosan nanoparticles loaded with L. major excretory-secretory antigens can increase the activity of macrophage killing function by increasing nitric oxide production; therefore, they can be nominated as candidates for vaccine development and disease improvement.

Background: In spite of promising results of conventional treatments for myocardial infarction, including medications, stent implantation, and coronary artery bypass grafting, the disease and its complications, especially heart failure, are highly prevalent because these methods could not reverse the cell loss, which is the main problem. Currently, heart transplantation, as the last option for treatment of heart failure, has major limitations including the low number of appropriate donors and underlying diseases in recipients. Materials and Methods: The present study is presented as a review paper. Using related keywords, including myocardial infarction, cell therapy, stem cell, cardiac tissue engineering, and clinical trials, studies published up to 2018 were collected from reliable databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Elsevier. Among potential candidates, those which were the most relevant to the purposes of the study were selected and evaluated. Results: The stem cells application for regeneration of damaged tissues is one of the great researchers’ achievements. In spite of various scientific, legal, and ethical concerns, several companies target stem cells transplantation for cardiac diseases in commercial way. There are many in situ, in vitro, and cell-loaded scaffold and cell sheet engineering studies in tissue engineering field. Conclusion: Despite the promising results of stem cells application, many challenges still lay ahead of this pathway including optimal cell, dosage, time and route administration selection, and the immune response modulations. Currently, extensive research is ongoing. In this regard, the successful results of various clinical trials made by different companies and health centers have led to commercialization of products. Some of them are addressed in the current review article. However, more research is needed to clarify the efficacy of these studies.