JOURNAL OF MAZANDARAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Year:2018 | Volume:28 | Issue:159 |Papers Count:16

Background and purpose: Cytokines regulate a broad range of biological and pathologicalprocesses. They play an important role in liver damage. Inflammatory and antioxidant factors areimportant causes of liver damage. Shilajit is known as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine the effect of Shilajit on levels of proinflammatoryand anti-inflammatory cytokines in liver injury. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 80 male Wistar rats were randomly dividedinto two main groups: A and B. Each group was organized into five subgroups: control, acetaminophen(A) or bile duct obstruction (BDL) (B), low dose, high dose, and vehicle. All subgroups except thecontrols in group A received 500 mg/ kg acetaminophen via IP injection, while BDL was performed in allsubgroups in group B. Then in group A, two hours and in group B seven days after injury, the treatmentsubgroups with drug and vehicle received 150 mg/kg (low dose) and 250 mg/kg (high dose)shilajit anddistilled water as vehicle, for one and six days, respectively. After completing treatment, liver sampleswere taken for laboratory analysis. Results: Low-dose Shilajit treatment reduced IL-10, IL-6, IL-1β , and TNF-α levels, which hadbeen increased by a single dose of 500 mg/kg acetaminophen (p<0. 05). Conclusion: Shilajit is effective in reducing inflammation and liver damage caused by high-doseconsumption of acetaminophen.

Background and purpose: Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatoryeffects. Macrophages are major cells that participate in inflammatory and immunity responses. Thepresent study was performed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of hydro-alcoholic extract ofSaffron on rat peritoneal macrophages. Materials and methods: This experimental study was conducted in two groups of male rats; anexperimental and a control group. The animals in treatment group received hydro-alcoholic extract ofSaffron for 4 constitutive weeks (400 mg/kg-daily, orally). The control rats received the same volume ofdistilled water. At the end of the study, macrophages were isolated from peritoneal cavity of rats andchallenged with opsonized yeast. Then, the macrophages were evaluated for the rate of respiratory burst, nitric oxide production, and cytokine production using nitro-blue tetrazolium reduction assay, Griess test, and ELISA, respectively. Results: The results of stimulation of macrophages showed a significant decrease in respiratoryburst (P<0. 001) and nitric oxide production (P<0. 01) in macrophages isolated from treatment groupscompared to that in control rats. Nevertheless, the results of phagocytosis assay and vitality did not showany significant differences between macrophages in controls and treatment group. Moreover, Saffroncaused a significant increase in production of anti-inflammatory IL-10 by macrophages isolated fromtreatment group (P<0. 01). The level of pro-inflammatory IL-12 did not alter significantly. But, the IL-12to IL-10 ratio decreased significantly (P<0. 01). Conclusion: It seems that Saffron is a natural source to intervene the damages caused byinflammatory macrophages in immunopathological conditions.

Background and purpose: The paragigantocellularis lateralis nucleus (LPGi) is one of theimportant nuclei involved in the noradrenergic descending pain modulation. 17β-Estradiol modulatesnociception by binding to the estrogen receptors and also by allosteric interaction with other membraneboundreceptors like the glutamate receptors. In this study, the role of AMPA receptors of the LPGinucleus was investigated in the 17β-estradiol-induced pain modulation in ovariectomized rats. Materials and methods: In this study, female Wistar rats weighing 200-270 gr were used. Toinvestigate the role of the AMPA receptors of the LPGi nucleus, in both acute and persistent painmodulation, cannulation of the LPGi nucleus was performed. Primarily, drugs were injected and 15minutes later 50 μ l of 5% formalin was injected into the rat's hind paw. Then, the paw jerking behaviorwas recorded for 60 min. Results: The results showed that intra-LPGi injection of 17β-estradiol significantly reduced thepaw jerking behavior in both phases of formalin test (P< 0. 01). Pretreatment of LPGi nucleus by AMPAreceptor antagonist (CNQX) neutralized the antinociceptive effect of 17β-estradiol on paw jerkingfrequency in both phases of formalin test (P< 0. 001), and even, the CNQX induced hyperalgesia in bothphases of paw jerking behavior. Conclusion: According to this study, intra-LPGi 17β-estradiol produces modest analgesia onformalin-induced pain in ovariectomized female rats, which is probably mediated via the AMPAreceptors of this nucleus.

Background and purpose: Dicrocoeliasis is a prevalent parasite in ruminants caused bydifferent species of Dicrocoelium spp. This parasite lives in bile duct and gallbladder of ruminants andaccidentally in human. The economic significance of dicroceliasis is due to direct damage to the liver and, consequently, to the loss of significant amounts of protein. The present study aimed to investigate themorphometric and molecular (PCR and PCR-RFLP) parameters of Dicrocoelium species isolates fromsheep, goat, and cattle in Mazandaran province, Iran during 2013-2015. Materials and methods: In this descriptive study, 50 trematodes isolated from livers of sheep(n= 20), goat (n= 20), and cattle (n= 10) were collected form abattoirs in Mazandaran province. Adultworms were studied by morphometric and molecular methods on 28s rDNA. The RFLP technique wasused to identify the genus. Some samples were also sequenced. Results: All isolates of three hosts (sheep, goat, and cattle) showed significant differences inmany morphological parameters. According to characterization of testicles that is a remarkablecharacteristic for differential diagnosis of Dicrocoelium species, they were in tandem position in allisolates. Moreover, no significant difference was observed in their size in different hosts. Four bands, including 116, 145, 393, and 409 bp were produced from PCR method after treatment by enzyme. Inmolecular technique, there were no any significant differences but in morphometric analysis, somedifferences were found. Conclusion: The molecular and morphometric results indicated that D. dendriticum is the onlyspecies infecting sheep, goat, and cattle in Mazandaran province.

Background and purpose: All pregnant women should be screened for diabetes mellitus. Inthis regard, two strategies are proposed that superiority of these two is still not clear. The aim of this studywas to investigate the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) according to theserecommended strategies, (one-step and two-step glucose tolerance tests) in pregnant women attendinghealth centers in rural areas of Sari, Iran during 2012-2014. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, the medical records of pregnant womenwere randomly selected using cluster sampling. In Sari rural areas, the gestational diabetes mellitusscreening had been done by two-step (50-g and 100-g) and one-step (75-g) tests in 2012 and 2014, respectively. Demographic data and the results of the glucose tolerance tests were extracted from therecords and the frequency and odds ratios were calculated with a confidence interval of 95%. Results: Totally, 627 subjects (one-step n= 317 and two-step n=310 patients) were investigated. The mean ages in those screened by one-step and two-step tests were 26. 6± 4. 1 and 26. 5± 4 years, respectively (P= 0. 843). The mean values for BMI, history of pervious gestational diabetes andmacrosomal baby delivery and diabetes familial history were not significantly different between the twogroups. According to one-step screening, the prevalence of GDM was 38. 5% (CI95%: 33. 1-44. 1) while, the two-step test showed a prevalence rate of 4. 2% (CI95%: 2. 3-7. 1) (P< 0. 0001) OR=14. 3 (CI95%: 7. 8-26. 0). Conclusion: Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus is estimated to be much higher in onestepcompared with that of the two-step screening. But, maternal and fetal benefits of this method should beassessed more accurately.

Background and purpose: Body's natural capacity is usually reduced with aging. Elderlypeople are usually faced with different physical and psychological problems. Studies have shown thatrecreational activities positively influence the welfare of elderly. This study aimed at exploring theefficacy of brain teaser on increasing happiness in elderly attending daycare nursing homes in Yazd, Iran. Materials and methods: In this clinical trial study with pretest and posttest design, 60 elderlyfrom four daycare nursing homes were randomly assigned into intervention (n=30) and control (n=30)groups. The intervention group participated in brain teaser sessions, twice a week, for one month. Thecontrol group did not receive any intervention. Happiness was evaluated at three stages: before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention, using demographic and Oxford HappinessInventory scale. Data analysis was done in SPSS V19 applying Independent T test, Repeated MeasureANOVA, and LSD test. Results: The mean ages of the experimental and control groups were 70. 23± 7. 21 and 69. 30± 6. 76years, respectively. Before the intervention, there was no difference between the two groups in meanscores for happiness, But compared to the control group, the mean scores for happiness in interventiongroup significantly increased immediately after (P< 0. 002) and one month after the intervention (P< 0. 001). Conclusion: Brain teaser in elderly may improved their happiness. This intervention isrecommended in nursing homes as it is simple, cheap, and easily done.

Background and purpose: Dental caries are highly prevalent and their exact detection at initialstages is necessary. The laser-based DIAGNOdent device is used to detect these caries. The aim of thisstudy was to assess the level of agreement between visual observation, bitewing radiographs, andDIAGNOdent system in detection of proximal caries in clinical applications. Materials and methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 102 eligible teeth surfaces wereselected and presence of proximal caries was assessed by visual observation, bitewing radiographs, andDIAGNOdent system under standard situation. The agreement between different techniques was assessedby Kappa statistics in SPSS V20. Results: The prevalence of proximal caries in DIAGNOdent system, visual observation, andbitewing radiographs were 36 teeth surfaces (35. 3%) 13 teeth surfaces (12. 7%), and 24 teeth surfaces(23. 5%), respectively. In assessing the agreement between visual observation and DIAGNOdent system theKappa value was 0. 222 (P<0. 006) and it was 0. 255 (P<0. 006) between visual observation and bitewingradiographs. This value was 0. 303 (P<0. 001) between bitewing radiographs and DIAGNOdent system. Conclusion: In this research poor agreement was observed between visual observation, bitewingradiographs, and DIAGNOdent system. But, further studies with more specimens are required.

Background and purpose: Maximum Oxygen Consumption (Vo2max) is a measurement forassessing cardiorespiratory fitness. Its direct measurement is an aggressive method that is technically andoperationally difficult. This study investigated the correlation between this variable and the variables obtainedfrom non-invasive methods of evaluation of body composition indices, step count, and physical activity. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 250 individuals randomlyselected from the staff in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Direct measurement of Vo2maxwas performed using the shuttle standard protocol. Physical composition indices were measured andcomputed using physical examination. Physical activity was measured using a short form of theInternational Physical Activity (IPAQ-S) and step count using step by step method. Results: Among body mass indices, only the values for neck circumference (r= 0. 241) and bodyfat (r= 0. 522) were correlated with the values of Vo2max (P= 0. 000). The correlation between the valuesof Vo2max and the number of steps was also significant (r= 0. 248, P=0. 002). There was no significantcorrelation between IPAQ-S score and Vo2max values. Conclusion: To provide an indirect estimation model of Vo2max based on the values of bodycomposition indices, IPAQ-S score, and step counts, it is necessary to implement similar correlationalstudies with high sample rates.

Background and purpose: Air pollution is one of the most important environmental issues andits impact on human health has been proven in the 20th century. Many air pollutants such as CO, NO2, SO2, O3, particulate matter (PM10), heavy metals, radon, etc. could have negative health effects. The aim of thisstudy was to determine the concentration of PM10, lead, and radon in the air of Spahanshahr, Isfahan, Iran. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in the summer of 2015. Sampling wasperformed using fiberglass filters by High volume sampler. Analysis of PM10, lead, and radon was carriedout by weight discrepancy, ICP device, and CR-39 detector, respectively. Geographic information systemv10 and Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) were used for interpolation and the spatial distribution ofmean concentrations of pollutants in the stations. Data analysis was done in SPSS V16. Results: The mean concentrations of PM10, lead, and radon were 57. 07± 33. 07 μ g/m3, 0. 41± 0. 23μ g/m3, and 466. 78± 86. 92 (Bq/m3), respectively. The concentration of PM10, lead, and radon in mostsampling stations were higher than the WHO and EPA recommendations. The highest concentration ofPM10, lead, and radon was observed in the Southeast, West, and West of the study area. Conclusion: This investigation showed that the high concentration of particulate matter in theSoutheast of study area was mainly due to the vicinity of the confluence of two main highways in Isfahanand construction activities of the commercial center. But high concentrations of lead and radon in WestRegion and in stations near the lead mine could be due to the mining activities and the direction of theprevailing winds in summer (West-East).

Background and purpose: Photocatalysis process with TiO2 is a well-known method forremoval of pollutants from water. However, the small particle size of TiO2, and therefore difficulty in itsseparation after treatment impede its commercialization. The aim of this study was to synthetize theFe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) and evaluation of its efficiency in removal ofmetronidazole (MNZ) from aqueous solutions. Materials and methods: The NPs were synthetized via sol-gel method, and characterized usingSEM, XRD, VSM, and BET analysis. Then, the effect of operational parameters, including catalystdosage, pH, and initial concentration of MNZ on removal efficiency were examined. The order ofreaction and kinetic model, as well as the reusability potential of the catalyst were all investigated in theoptimum run. Finally, comparison was made between the adsorption, direct photolysis, application ofcommercial Degussa P25 TiO2 (p25), and Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 NPs. Results: The so-synthesized catalyst showed good superparamagnetic properties. The optimumconditions for the MNZ removal were pH=8, the catalyst dosage=1. 5 g/L, and initial concentration ofMNZ=40 mg/L under 180 min UV irradiation time. The kinetic study revealed that the photocatalyticdegradation of MNZ followed the pseudo-first order (R2= 0. 9912) and the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model(R2= 0. 9976). Conclusion: According to the results, the Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 NPs were almost as effective ascommercial catalyst Degussa P25 TiO2 in removal of MNZ (P> 0. 05). Due to the simple separation withexternal magnetic field and reusability potential, Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 NPs can be considered as a suitablealternative for Degussa P25 TiO2.

Background and purpose: Pharmaceutical products, particularly antibiotics are emergingcontaminants that cause major environmental challenges due to cumulative effects, different adverseeffects, and leading to drug resistance. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the efficiencyof advanced oxidation process by persulfate activated by UV in removal of ofloxacin from aqueoussolutions. Materials and methods: In order to investigate the removal efficiency of ofloxacin, majoroperating parameters including initial pH of solution (2-12), the concentration of persulfate (50-3500mg/l), concentrations of ofloxacin (2-100 mg/l), reaction time (6-30 min), and UV radiation (8, 15, 30Watt) were studied. Results: Maximum removal efficiency of ofloxacin and COD in optimal conditions (pH =6, persulfate concentration = 350 mg/l, ofloxacin concentration = 40 mg/l, reaction time =20 min and UVradiation = 8 watt) were 94. 35% and 79. 17%, respectively. Advanced oxidation with activated persulfateby UV, deceased the concentrations of ofloxacin and COD to 2. 26 and 37. 21 mg/l, respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that using UV activated persulfate is an efficient method inremoval of ofloxacin from aqueous solutions.

Background and purpose: Postoperative pain is a common problem after hysterectomy. Thepurpose of this study was to compare the effect of general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia on painintensity and hemodynamic changes after abdominal hysterectomy. Materials and methods: This clinical trial was performed in 100 women, ASA class I and II, 35 to 70 years of age, and candidate for abdominal hysterectomy. Patients were randomly divided intotwo groups: spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine and general anesthesia with isoflurane. The pain wasassessed based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest, after coughing at the time of recoveryadmission, and at 6, 24 and 48 hours after surgery. Postoperative hemodynamic changes were assessed inrecovery every 5 minutes for half an hour. Data analysis was done applying T-test, Mann-Whitney, andChi-Square tests. P-value less than 0. 05 was considered significant. Results: The mean scores for pain in rest and coughing at the time of recovery admission in thespinal anesthesia group were 0. 10± 0. 46 and 0. 40 ± 1. 12, and in the general anesthesia group were3. 44± 1. 40 and 5. 88± 1. 79, respectively (P<0. 001). Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in thespinal anesthesia group were significantly lower than those in the general anesthesia group (P<0. 001). Conclusion: Pain score in spinal anesthesia was lower than that in general anesthesia in patientsundergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Spinal anesthesia is believed to be better than general anesthesia forabdominal hysterectomy.

Background and purpose: The antioxidant property of lycopene is well proven. The aim of thisstudy was to evaluate the effect of lycopene on Oral Mucositis (OM) in rat induced by gamma radiation. Materials and methods: This experimental study was conducted in 28 male Wistar rats. Theywere divided into four groups (n=7 per group). 15 Gy of gamma radiation was used for 7 min and 39 sec. The rats were intraperitoneally (IP) injected within 6 days (daily) and their lips and tongues wereexamined to assess the incidence and severity of mucositis. Blood samples were also taken from the miceon days zero and six and the serum total antioxidant was evaluated by biochemical assays. Data analysiswas done in SPSS V18. One-way ANOVA was done to analyze the datasets for mucositis and serumantioxidant capacity. Mann– Whitney test was applied for pairwise comparison of therapeutic groups interms of the severity of mucositis. Results: Lycopene caused no delay in the onset of mucositis but the severity of mucositis waslower in lycopene groups compared to that in the placebo group. According to FRAP test, totalantioxidant capacity changes of serum were significant between treatment groups on day six between L50and PR, L50 and LR25, PR and LR50, and LR25 and LR50 groups. Conclusion: Lycopene did not delay the onset of mucositis in treatment groups, but the severityof mucositis was lower in lycopene groups compared with that in placebo group.

Background and purpose: Monoclonal antibodies market has grown since approval of Muromonab-CD3 (trade name Orthoclone OKT3) in 1986 as immuno-suppressor. Nevertheless, the undesirableeffects of these large specific biomolecules calls for further attempts for more effective alternatives. Variable domain of heavy chain (VHH) are the smallest antibody fragments called Nanobody (Nb), derived from camelid heavy chain-only antibodies (HcAb) by DNA recombinant gene technology. In thisstudy, some of the unique structural and functional features of Nbs are summarized. The main context ofthis review speculate about several experimental therapeutic applications of Nbs against a wide range ofdiseases ranging from infectious, animal toxin, autoimmune, and cancer disease in three differentfunctional platforms. Data about structural and functional features of Nbs and their therapeutic effectswere retrieved from articles indexed in PubMed, Science direct, and Google Scholar. Development andemployment of Nbs in different researches show that their unique physicochemical properties make thema useful tool for biomedical applications and drug discovery. This is because of some exceptional featherssuch as small size, extraordinary stability, high affinity even for occluded epitopes, and cost-effectiveproduction. This review provides an overview of efficacy and success of Nbs as more promisingtherapeutic agents over conventional antibodies against multiple diseases.