Journal of Birjand University of Medical Sciences
Year:2021 | Volume:28 | Issue:3|Papers Count:10

In recent years, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have accounted for about 70% of the world's deaths. The most common NCDs are cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, and chronic respiratory diseases. These diseases have four common risk factors, including inadequate physical activity, unhealthy diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Cardiovascular diseases, despite their high prevalence, are the most preventable chronic diseases. The most common risk factor for cardiovascular disease is high blood pressure, which can be prevented if it is diagnosed and controlled carefully. Recent guidelines have changed the methods of blood pressure measurement, definition, and treatments. Recently, more emphasis has been placed on Out-of-Office Blood Pressure Measurement. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the methods of measuring blood pressure at home and 24-hour Holter blood pressure monitoring, as well as understanding its standards. The use of automatic arm sphygmomanometers to measure blood pressure is more acceptable than manual ones (mercury or Aneroid). The most accepted definitions of hypertension are BP≥ 140/90 mm Hg in the clinic, the average blood pressure at home≥ 135/85 mm Hg, and the average blood pressure in 24-hour Holter monitoring≥ 130/80 mm Hg. Proper treatment of hypertension by changing lifestyle and proper medication therapy can control blood pressure and prevent serious complications. Today, the use of combination drugs, especially a single pill in a single dose, has been emphasized. This study aimed to review the most recent hypertension treatment protocols based on the guidelines of the American Heart Association (AHA 2017), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC 2018), the British Heart Association (NICE 2019), and the International Society of Hypertension (ISH 2020). Furthermore, this study attempted to assess the symptoms, complications, methods of diagnosing, definitions, as well as pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments of hypertension.

Background and Aim: Caspase family genes promote degeneration and are involved in apoptotic processes. The Ziziphora clinopodioides from the mint family (Lamiaceae) is one of the plants strong with antiinflammatory effects and involved in the process of nervous system repair. The present study aimed to determine the effects of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Ziziphora clinopodioides on apoptosis and alteration of caspase-3 and caspase-9 gene expression after sciatic nerve compression in male rats. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 24 male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6 in each group): control, compression, treatment with aqueous, and treatment with alcoholic extracts at a dose of 75 mg/kg. The extract was injected intraperitoneally on compression day and seven days later. After 28 days, samples were taken from the lumbar spinal cord subsequent to performing the perfusion method, and the samples were studied in two ways. Thereafter, in each group, total RNA was extracted from the lumbar spinal cord, cDNA was synthesized; subsequently, the expression changes in caspases-3 and caspases-9 were compared. Results: Based on the results, the number of neurons significantly decreased in the compression group, as compared to that in the control group, and demonstrated a significant increase in the aqueous extract group, in comparison with the compression group. Furthermore, the amount of caspases-3 and caspases-9 expression increased significantly in the compression group, compared to that in the control group. Moreover, caspase-3 and caspase-9 gene expression increased in the aqueous extract group, as compared to that in the compression group (P<0. 001). Conclusion: It seems that, the extract of Ziziphora clinopodioides has neuroprotective effects due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as phenolic and flavonoid compounds, such as pulegone.

Background and Aims: Broccoli sprout extract (Brassica oleracea) has extensive biological activities that are mainly attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as sulforaphane. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of cooked and raw extracts of broccoli sprouts. Materials and Methods: The amount of sulforaphane in broccoli sprout extract was evaluated by highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, the amount of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and antioxidant capacity were investigated by the DPPH free radical scavenging method. In addition, the antibacterial activity of raw and cooked sprout extracts on some bacteria was explored using disk diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by macro dilution method. Significant differences were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) through Duncan's multiple range test. Results: Based on the results obtained by HPLC, the amount of sulforaphane in the raw broccoli sprout extract was determined to be 787. 46 μ g/mL. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of raw and cooked sprout extracts depicted a higher antioxidant activity with an increase in concentration. Furthermore, the antibacterial study showed that cooked sprout extract had higher antimicrobial activity, compared to the raw sprout extract (at a significance level of 0. 05). The highest growth inhibition zone was found against Grampositive Bacillus cereus strain with a diameter of 18± 0. 6 mm; moreover, the lowest amounts of MIC and MBC were obtained at 0. 39 and 0. 78 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: In general, the results show that cooked broccoli sprout extract has significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities, compared to the raw sprout. Accordingly, it can be utilized in food, health, and medical products as a highly promising source. However, further studies are required to be conducted in this regard.

Background and Aims: Researchers have recently considered the impact of herbal supplements combined with exercise on weight control. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Spirulina platensis green-blue algae consumption, and circuit resistance training (CRT) on lipid profile in overweight and obese middleaged men. Materials and Methods: This was a single-blind, quasi-experimental, and applied study. The study population included 60 overweight and obese men in the age range of 30-55 years with a body mass index of more than 25 (kg/m2). The participants were purposefully selected and randomly divided into four groups of training plus spirulina (N=15); training plus placebo; spirulina; and Placebo. The intervention and placebo groups took two 500 mg spirulina capsules, and placebo capsules daily for eight weeks, respectively. The CRT was performed for eight weeks and three sessions per week based on a flexible timing pattern, with the observation of the principle of overload with rest intervals between stations and sets. Results: There was a significant difference between the study groups in terms of the levels of triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) of the participants (P<0. 05). Moreover, in the intra-group investigation, there was a significant reduction in the values of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride (TG), in the groups of training plus spirulina and training plus placebo, cholesterol (TC), and (Aspartate aminotransferase) AST in the groups of training plus spirulina had a significant decrease, Moreover, a significant increase was observed in the levels of HDL and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the group of training plus spirulina. Conclusion: It seems that the consumption of Spirulina platensis green-blue algae combined with CRT can be effective in controlling weight and obesity and preventing obesity-related diseases through the improvement of some indices of metabolic profile and body composition.

Background and Aims: The CYP2E1 gene encodes cytochrome P450 enzymes that play an essential role in liver fat metabolism. Additionally, grapefruit reduces plasma lipids in the body. Therefore, herbal medicines can be considered as an important treatment strategy. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of grapefruit juice on CYP2E1 gene expression in obese and control rats. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was performed on 24 male Wistar rats weighing 180± 20 g. Rats were divided into four groups: control (no treatment), high-fat diet group, treatment group 1 (high cholesterol diet with grapefruit juice 4 ml/kg), and treatment group 2 (high-fat diet with grapefruit juice) (8 ml/kg). They also gavaged for 6 weeks and CYP2E1 gene expression was finally determined. Statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS software (version 22). Results: The results of CYP2E1 gene expression indicated that grapefruit juice at a dose of 8 ml/kg can further reduce the expression of CYP2E1 gene in rats with fatty liver (1. 09 ± 0. 038) than the dose of 4 ml/kg (1. 27 ± 0. 24). This reduction in expression was statistically significant compared to that of the high-fat diet group (3. 61 ± 0. 25) (P=0. 003). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that grapefruit juice reduces the expression of the CYP2E1 gene in obese rats due to naringin and recovers the disease by reducing the accumulation of triglycerides in the liver. Therefore, grapefruit juice can be considered as a therapeutic target in fatty liver disease and obesity.

Background and Aims: SNARE proteins are composed of a combination of SNAP-23, Stx-4, and VAMP-2 isoforms that are significantly expressed in skeletal muscle. These proteins control the transport of GLUT4 to the cell membranes. The modifications in the expression of SNARE proteins can cause Type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to assess the effect of metformin on the expression of these proteins in rats. Materials and Methods: For the purpose of the study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly selected. Streptozotocin and Nicotinamide were used for the induction of type 2 diabetes. The animals were assigned to five groups (n=8), including healthy and diabetic groups as control, as well as three experimental groups which were treated with different doses of metformin (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days. The quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) method was applied to evaluate the expression of SNARE complex proteins. Results: Based on the results, metformin (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight) decreased serum glucose levels and increased serum insulin levels. This difference in dose of 200 mg/kg body weight was statistically significant (P<0. 05). Moreover, all three doses of metformin increased the expression of SNAP-23, syntaxin-4, and VAMP-2 proteins in skeletal muscle tissue. Metformin at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight demonstrated the most significant effects (P<0. 05). Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of the current study, another anti-diabetic mechanism of metformin is to increase the expression of SNARE proteins, which effectively improves insulin resistance and lowers blood glucose.

Background and Aim: The FoxO1 gene is a substantial regulator of cellular metabolism in heart tissue. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of Kelussia extract and exercise on FoxO1 expression in cardiac tissue. Materials and Methods: In the present study, A total of 30 adult male Wistar rats weighing 180 to 200 g were selected and divided into five groups of control, negative control, a group of obese rats with exercise (rats became obese in 6 weeks and were trained 5 days a week for one hour and the extract was given to them for 6 weeks) and two treatment groups with doses of 400 and 800 mg/Kg of Kelussia extract. Molecular tests were performed on the hearts of 30 rats using Real-Time RT PCR. Finally, Statistical analysis of results was performed by SPSS software and ANOVA TEST with a significance level of P<0. 05. Results: Kelussia extract at doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg can significantly reduce FoxO1 expression level (0. 61 ± 0. 14) and (0. 70 ± 0. 25), respectively, compared to the obese group (P<0. 05). Also, in the group of rats with exercise, gene expression was significantly reduced compared to that of the obese group (0. 54 ± 0. 13). Furthermore, the results of biochemical tests confirmed the reduction of cholesterol, sugar, LDL, and triglyceride in the hearts of obese rats treated with 400 and 800 mg/kg of Kelussia. Conclusion: Exercise as well as Kelussia extract can reduce FoxO1 expression level and, could be used as a therapeutic target in heart disease if confirmed in further studies.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world; however, it is rarely observed with cysts. Although prostate cysts are mostly benign, malignancies should not be ignored. A 66-year-old male presented with complaints of urinary retention and frequency. Regarding the results of clinical and paraclinical examination, elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) with a large cystic lesion was suspected. Initially, transrectal ultrasound prostate biopsy (TRUS BX), drainage, and cyst sclerotherapy with alcohol was performed. Pathology results confirmed the intra ductal carcinoma of prostate. The Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D CRT) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT( were initiated. It is worth mentioning that his symptoms have improved now. In cases in which prostate is accompanied by cysts with high PSA, prostate cancer should not be ignored, and according to the guidelines, biopsy should be performed as needed. In the investigations of the prostate cysts causes, cancers are among the differential diagnosis, and therefore, malignancy should be a concern in the prostate cysts cases.

Herpes simplex virus is considered one of the most common human infections in most parts of the world, among which, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is one of the most important human pathogenic viruses that cause numerous skin and oral lesions. Practitioners of the dental profession and related fields are in close contact with numerous patients referring to dental clinics and are at risk of cross-infection. Regarding this, one of the infections that dental professionals are exposed to is herpes simplex virus infection. This study aimed to evaluate the level of HSV1 antibody among dental students of Birjand in 2018-2019. This crosssectional study was performed on 100 dental students of Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Iran. After obtaining informed consent, a peripheral blood sample (5 ml) was collected from participants and the presence of anti-virus antibody was examined using an Anti-Herpes-1 IgG kit with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was revealed that 41% of the subjects had anti-herpes type 1 antibodies. Based on data analysis, the prevalence of HSV1 antibody was higher in pre-clinical and clinical level than in basic science; however, there was no significant relationship between students' educational level and antibody prevalence.

From the earliest days of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks, all countries have been trying to develop vaccines and medications to fight the virus. Finally, a year after the COVID-2019 pandemic, several companies developed vaccines that were safe against this disease. However, the lack of doses of these vaccines created problems for various countries. Ethically, some groups should be highly prioritized according to their need and necessity of receiving the vaccine. Based on the results of current studies, safe and effective vaccination can be effective for the elderly and patients with chronic diseases and prevent the death of such people extensively. Since the national vaccination in Iran has started on February 12, 2021, with the priority of the medical staff, it is necessary to pay more attention to the elderly and patients with chronic diseases in future planning regarding the COVID-19 vaccination.