Armaghane Danesh
Year:2019 | Volume:24 | Issue:2 (133)|Papers Count:10

Background & aim: Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that has been used extensively in over 200 million people in more than 90 countries in various food products and pharmaceuticals. There are many controversial reports about the toxicity of aspartame on various tissues of the body. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of long-term aspartame on histomorphometric and histochemical adrenal glands in NMRI mice. Methods: In the present experimental study, 36 male NMRI male rats weighing 20-25grs were perched from Pasteur Institute of Experimental Animals. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: three groups received aspartate at dose of 40 (low dose of aspartame), 80 (medium dose of aspartame) and 160 (high dose of aspartame) mg/kg body weight by oral gavage for 90 days, respectively. And the control group was also considered. 24 hours after the last treatment, histological and histomorphometric changes were evaluated by digital microscopy. Also, specific stains of periodic acid schiff, trichrome masson and toluidine blue were used to determine carbohydrate compounds, amount of fibrosis and the number of mast cells in adrenocortical tissue. The collected data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. Results: Aspartate in the high dose group resulted in the collusion of cellular structure between glomerular cell and reticularis cells. Also, aspartame in the fashiculate region in medium to high dose groups caused cellular collusion and disintegration of the cellular columns and inflammatory and necrosis coronals were also observed in the feccilata region. In the central part of the adrenal gland, there were medium and high necrosis points in the adrenal gland. Histometric changes showed a significant increase in the size of the sponge cells, the number of mast cells, and the thickness of the layers of the fashiculate and reticularis. A significant reduction was observed in the large diameter of the central region of the adrenal gland in medium and high dose groups. No significant changes were seen in glomerular layer thickness and adrenal gland capsule parameters. In the histochemical studies of Trichromus Mason staining, it was found that aspartame increased the fibrosis tissue in the high dose group. Also, there was no significant change in the level of carbohydrate in the periodic acid staining in the groups. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that aspartame as an oxidant in medium and high dose groups resulted in negative effects on histomorfrometry parameters and tissue damage in the adrenal gland by producing reactive oxygen species. It also increased the number of mast cells and fibrosis of the adrenocortical gland tissue.

Background & aim: S-triazine, is one of the most widely used herbicides of estrazines, and S-triazine, contains of atrazine, amtryn and prom ether. S-triazine is one of the most stable herbicides that pollute water resources. This material is used for controlling broad-leaved weeds and corn. The purpose of this study was to determine the bioavailability of SBR bioreactor enzyme inhibitor, which was stimulated with hydrogen peroxide. Methods: in this biodegradation enzyme study which took place in 2017, the toxin-induced enzymatic biodegradation of atrazine in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was performed. Synthetic sewage was prepared by dissolving 1 gram of atrazine powder in 1000 ml distilled water. Different stages of the experiment included enrichment of atrazine degrading bacteria and determination of initial concentration of atrazine (10025 mg / l), determination of the effect of hydrogen peroxide concentration (H2O2), determination of reaction time and microbial activity. The pH of the test was stationary at 7. The concentration of atrazine was measured by HPLC. Results: The validity of this study was 72 days. The number of days required to completely eliminate atrazine was reduced and from 32 days in the first stage, it was reduced to 1 day. The optimal H2O2 / ATZ ratio was 11, with atrazine concentration of 25 mg / L with a concentration of 7. 5 mmol per hour at the reaction time (HRT) of 24 hours completely eliminated. In atrazine concentrations, 25 and 100 mg / l were eliminated at 15 and 54 hours, respectively. With increasing atrazine concentration from 25 mg/l to 50 mg / l, the activity of the enzyme dehydrogenase increased from 8. 8 to +9. 7 TF/g biomass. d. was increased. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, atrazine decomposition using peroxidase enzyme in the presence of hydrogen peroxide is an effective and novel biodegradable enzyme for the complete decomposition and removal of this pollutant from contaminated water and sewage.

Background & aim: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease which damages the central nervous system. Disruption of walking is one of the characteristics of multiple sclerosis. Currently, exercise training is known as an effective tool in the rehabilitation of multiple sclerosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect(s) of aerobic training with/without blood flow restriction on the length and balance of women with multiple sclerosis. Methods: In a Quasi-experimental study, a pre and post-test design, 24 volunteers with disability degree between 1-4 (height: 159. 5 ± 7. 27 cm, weight: 61. 54 ± 8. 58 kg, age: 37. 08 ± 8. 23 years) were randomly divided into two equal groups: aerobic training without blood flow restriction and blood flow restriction (BFR) aerobic training group. Both groups were ridden for 6 weeks and 3 sessions per week on a bicycle (3 times 6 minutes with 1 minute rest between turns and HR60 6560 percent). To limitation of the blood flow a cuff was used on the upper part of the foot with a pressure of 96 ± 10 mmHg. In order to measure step length and balance, the camera and leaf balance scale were used respectively. Data were analyzed using covariance and Bonferroni post hoc. Results: The results indicated that both types of exercises significantly increased the left foot stroke length (p <0. 05) and balance (p <0. 05) in patients with multiple sclerosis, but a significant decreased was seen on the right foot stroke (P <0. 05). Also, there was no significant difference between the effect of two types of exercises on the length of left and right foot steps and the balance. Conclusion: It seems both types of aerobic training, with and without blood flow limitation, improve the balance in patients with multiple sclerosis, but their effect on the length of the step needs to be further investigated.

Background & aim: Formostontin is a non-steroidal phytostrogenic polyphenolic plant with estrogen-like properties found in some plants, including red clover. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of formostontin during pregnancy on the onset of puberty, estrus cycle, genital weights and their children's lordosis behavior. Methods: In the present experimental study, twenty pregnant mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: control (non-treated), control (sesame oil) and the three experimental groups receiving formonotonin at doses of 5, 50 and 500 mg / kg body weight. . All of the prescriptions were administered intraperitoneally to pregnant mice from the 7th day of pregnancy to the end of pregnancy. Female children (6-8 = number) were examined for vaginal opening, estrus cycle, reproductive organs weight and lordosis behavior. Data were analyzed using Kolmogrov-Smirnov statistical tests, one way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. Results: The vaginal opening days were significantly higher in the 500 mg of formonotonin (p <0. 01). The first estrus was significantly delayed in groups 50 (p <0. 05) and 500 (p <0. 01). A reduction in the number of estrous cycles and an increase in the duration of the estrous cycle was observed in group 500 (p <0. 05) and diasteretic index increased in groups 50 (p <0. 05) and 500 (p <0. 01). Reduction in ovarian weight and reduction in the number of flesh in group 500 (p <0. 05) and uterine weight gain (p <0. 05) were observed in groups 50 and 500. In addition, increased concentrations of estradiol were observed in the groups 50 (p <0. 05) and 500 (p <0. 001), and LH level and lordosis reduction in group 500 (p <0. 001) in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that the exposure of pregnant mice with Formentontin resulted in premature puberty, estrus cycle disorder, weight loss in sexual organs, and decreased sexual behavior in offspring of their female sex.

Background & aim: Glaucium flavum is used as an anti-diabetes herb in traditional medicine in the southern regions of Iran. Regarding the widespread secondary complications of diabetes, including nephropathy and hepatopathy. The present study was conducted to compare the effects of glacial auricularis and glibenclamide on the changes in serum levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and total and direct bilirubin in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methods: In the present experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five equal groups: control, diabetic control, diabetic treatment with 250 mg / kg glaucium flavum extract, diabetic treated with mentioned extract with daily dose of 500 mg / kg and diabetic treatment with glibenclamide at daily dose of 5 μ g / kg. Groups 2 to 5 received single dose (120 mg / kg) of alloxan. After thirty days, the animals were anesthetized and blood samples were taken from the heart. Creatinine, urea nitrogen, totals and direct bilirubin were measured by enzymatic method. The obtained cultivars were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test. Results: A significant differences was seen between the means of 250 treated group and diabetic control group among all four factors (P<0. 001). Moreover, the difference of means were not significant between 500 treated group and healthy control in BUN, creatinine, total and direct bilirubin (P>0. 05), this reduction for the drug treated group was limited to creatinine and total bilirubin. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the oral administration of the aqueous extracts may help to improve the activity of liver and kidney cleansing of diabetic rats by using anti-inflammatory properties of its compounds, including glucosin, as well as the anti-oxidant effects of Berberine.

Background & aim: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacillus and an opportunistic pathogen that causes high mortality in immunocompromised patients. The main antimicrobial activity of Satureja khuzestanica essence is due to carvacrol phenolic components. Nanomaterials can be a good choice because of low toxicity to fight pathogenic microbes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Satureja khuzestanica essence and copper nanocomplex on the expression of alkaline protease gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: In this study, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of essence and nanocomplex were detected against the strains by microdilution broth method. After exposure to MIC concentration, the alteration of alkaline protease gene expression by RT-PCR was investigated. The viability percentage was determined by MTT assay method in the presence of essence and nanocomplex. Results: The MIC of essence for standard and clinical p. aeruginosa strains was 4 and 8 μ g/ml respectively, and the MIC for the standard and clinical p. aeruginosa strains was 25 and 50μ g/ml, respectively. It was found that essence and nanocomplex in MIC concentration had an inhibitory effect on the expression of alkaline protease gene. Conclusion: The results showed that the essence has a stronger antimicrobial and inhibitory effect on the expression of alkaline protease gene than the nanocomplex.

Background & aim: Escherichia coli is one of the most important causes agents of urinary tract infection in human. Thus, identification of Escherichia coli resistance patterns seems to be necessary. traT gene has been reported variable in E. coli strains isolated from urinary tract infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of uropathogenic E. coli and detection of traT gene in isolated from patients referred to Abadan hospitals. Methods: In this experimental study, 138 urine specimens were collected from patients suffering from urinary tract infection in Abadan hospitals and medical centers during 2017-2018. A number of100 E. coli strains were identified using microbiological and biochemical tests. The drug sensitivity definition test was done by PCR method. The collected data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and T-test. Result: Among isolates isolated from E. coli, 15 isolates were resistant to all used antibiotics. The highest resistance rates of E. coli isolates to Nalidixic acid and Tetracycline were 92% and 91%, respectively. The least resistance was observed for Nitrofurantoin and Cefoxitin (23% and 24%). Also, in 11 isolates, the presence of traT gene was confirmed; therefore, the prevalence of the traT gene was 73. 33% Conclusion: Based on the results, the traT virulence gene was highly prevalent among strains isolated from Abadan hospitals. Therefore, traT gene could be considered as a therapeutic target in the future.

Background & aim: In recent years, the Internet has become one of the most important academic and recreational tools for students. Internet addiction is a newly emergent disorder. It has been found to be associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders. Information about such coexisting psychiatric disorders is essential to understand the mechanism of Internet addiction. The present study aimed to investigate psychopathologic correlates of internet addiction among high school students in Yasuj. Methods: The sample consisted of 220 high school students (118 female and 102 male, aged 15-19) from the Yasuj highschools. The Internet Addiction Test, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were employed in the collection of data. The data was analyzed using SPSS-21. Pearson correlation, regression analysis, and the t-test were used for data analysis. Results: Results revealed a significant positive correlations between depression, anxiety, and stress with Internet addiction (P< 0. 01). Furthermore, depression, stress, and anxiety were found to be significant predictors of Internet addiction (P< 0/000). Anxiety which accounted for 12% of the variance, was the best predictor, followed by depression (2%) and stress (2%). Prevalence of internet addiction was significantly higher among male subjects. Finally, our results suggested that Self-Esteem is largely irrelevant for internet addiction (P> 0. 05). Conclusion: The present research proposed that depressive, anxious and stressful individuals were particularly susceptible to problematic internet use. Furthermore, depression, stress and anxiety may be one of the strongest influences, if not the major determinant of internet addiction. These findings were compatible with the social compensation hypothesis that states the internet primarily benefiths individuals who feel uncomfortable communicating face to face. This findings also is compatible with the explanation that depressed, tense, and anxious individuals may find it easier to interact online where anonymity can be maintained rather than engage in face to face interaction where being observed by others might induce a fear of negative evaluation.

Background & aim: Different psychological factors may have a negative effect on our physical health and may also cause or exacerbate various diseases such as heart disease. The purpose of the present study was to compare stress, emotional suppression, rumination and anxiety in two groups of patients with coronary artery disease and healthy subjects. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 38 men. 19 male patients with coronary artery disease who were referred to Tehran Rajaie Shahid Heart Center in 2014. Moreover, 19 healthy men were selected using Targeted and peer-oriented methods. The tools of this research include the "beliefs about emotions", "worry", "rumination" and "perceived stress". Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), t-test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and multivariate analysis of variance. Results: The results of t-test showed that the two groups of patients and non-patients are similar in terms of age and level of education and were not different. The results of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test displayed that the assumption was that the data were normal and a parametric test can be used. The results of multivariate analysis of variance showed that the patients were not significantly different in terms of perceived stress (p = 0. 15), however, the two groups considered the variables of emotional suppression (p = 0. 05), rumination (0. 05) = p) and worry (p = 0. 001). Also, the results of Mbox test and Loon test, homogeneity of covariance and variance for multi-variable variance analysis were confirmed. Conclusion: The findings of the research indicate that healthy group and coronary artery disease patient experience an equal level of stress, but the patients experience worry, rumination and emotional suppression more than healthy control group. The results Indicate that the high level of emotional suppression in the patient group may lead to increased rumination and mental worry and mental continuity of stress and, consequently, adversely affects the health worsens the condition of illness over time.

Background & aim: Kynurenine pathway (KP) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disorders. In neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD) and Multiple sclerosis (MS), brain neurons are initially involved and gradually disappear. In the present review article, the role and effect of changes in the balance of Kinorin pathway metabolites in the process of exacerbation of neurodegenerative and MS diseases will be discussed. Methods: The present review study applied various databases to collect all research reports which had been conducted in recent years to study and evaluate the Kinorenic pathways and metabolites in neurodegenerative and MS. Results: Regarding the prevalence and importance of these diseases, there is an urgent need to develop new and more effective therapeutic strategies to fight these destructive diseases. One of the molecular pathways, along with the metabolites derived from it in all of the diseases, is the Kinorenic Path. The effect of the Kinorenic pathway on many diseases, including neurodegenerative and MS is observed in all of which imbalances in the levels of tryptophan and its metabolites. That is, if the amount of Kin Orin pathway metabolites is returned to the normal range, it will reduce the symptoms of the disease, while a change in the balance of these metabolites, seen in neurodegenerative diseases and MS, will worsen and progress the disease. Conclusion: Kinorenin is known as an important determinant of immune responses and tolerance in T cells. In this case, it seems that the destruction of tryptophan and the production of a number of downstream metabolic pathways of Kin Orin, a disruption of protein synthesis, and the suppression of the production and proliferation of T cells is regulated in favor of diseases such as MS.