Scientific Journal of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences
Year:2021 | Volume:25 | Issue:6 (110)|Papers Count:12

Background and Aim: Nandrolone decanoate is known as one of the most destructive environmental factors in the reproductive system in men and women. In this study, we assessed the protective effect of gonadotropins (hMG) on histological changes of rat ovarian structure. Materials and Methods: 50 female rats were divided into 5 groups, including control, nandrolone decanoate (ND), hMG, ND + hMG, and sham group (0. 1 ml of olive oil and 0. 1 ml sodium chloride 0. 09%). After 4 weeks, qualitative histological studies were performed, and the total volume of ovarian vessels was estimated by stereological methods. Results: Nandrolone decanoate increased the mean volume of vessels (66%) and the use of hMG + ND led to an increased mean volume of vessels (83%) compared to the use of 0. 1 ml of olive oil and 0. 1 ml sodium chloride 0. 09% (sham group) (P<0. 001). Histological studies showed induction of ovarian cysts in ND treated group and the administration of hMG + ND decreased follicular damage. Conclusion: Nandrolone decanoate increased the total volume of ovarian vessels and induced histological changes in ovarian tissue. The use of hMG with ND increased the total volume of ovarian vessels and prevented the harmful effects of ND on ovarian follicles.

Background and Aim: Acute promyelocytic leukemia is a malignancy of myeloid cells that are associated with resistance to apoptosis and differentiation arrest in promyelocytes in the bone marrow. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Origanum vulgare aqueous extract on apoptosis induction in an acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60). Materials and Methods: The viability of HL-60 cells under treatment with various doses of Origanum vulgare extract was assessed by using a cell cytotoxic assay. Then, IC50 values were determined after 24, 48, and 72 hours. The expression of Caspase8, Caspase9, Bax, Bcl2, and Nrf2 genes were measured by real-time PCR assay and different stages of apoptosis and necrosis in HL-60 cells were investigated using acridine orange/ethidium bromide double staining. Finally, data were introduced into SPSS software and analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: The results showed that Origanum vulgare extract decreased HL-60 cell survival and Caspase9, Caspase8, Bax, Bcl2, and Nrf2 gene expressions were changed after 72 hours of treatment with 1/5 of IC50 of Origanum vulgare extract. Also, morphological changes in the nucleus indicated apoptosis induction in HL-60 cells. Conclusion: It seems that the aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare leaves can induce apoptosis in an acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60) under experimental conditions.

Background and Aim: Octopamine herbal supplement, recommended for weight loss along with exercise, has antioxidant effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the simultaneous effect of aerobic training and octopamine on inflammatory factors of brown adipose tissue produced as a result of feeding with deeply heated oil in male rats. Materials and Methods: 30 Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into controlpoisoning (CP; n=6), training-poisoning (TP; n=6), supplement-poisoning (SP; n= 6), supplement-training-poisoning (STP; n=6), and healthy control (HC; n=6) groups. The rats were fed for four weeks with deeply heated oil. The training program continued for four weeks with an average intensity of 50-65% vo2max for 20 minutes every other day. Octopamine (81 μ mol / kg) was given as a supplement 5 days a week for 4 weeks by intraperitoneal injection. Also, we used real-time PCR and Western blot methods to evaluate the expressions of CCR2 gene and MCP1 protein respectively. Results: The results showed that after training, MCP1 gene expression was significantly lower in the SP (p=0. 001), TP (p=0. 027), and STP (p=0. 013) groups than that in the CP group. Also, we found that CCR2 gene expression was significantly lower in the SP (p=0. 013) compared to that in the CP group, but, the least rate of CCR2 gene expression belonged to the TP and STP groups CP (p≤ 0. 05). Conclusion: The results showed that aerobic training with octopamine supplementation does not have synergistic effects on CCR2 and MCP-1 gene modifications although aerobic training or octopamine supplementation alone can affect the gene modifications.

Background and Aim: Recent studies on the treatment of melanoma, have focused on designing efficient methods with low side effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of quercetin-omega-3 and chrysin-omega-3 complexes on proliferation and apoptosis in the A-375 melanoma cell line. Materials and Methods: The cells were cultured and then were treated with different concentrations of quercetin-omega-3 and chrysin-omega-3 complexes. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the effects of the above compounds on the rate of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results: Chrysin-omega-3 and quercetin-omega-3 complexes in the experimental concentrations, inhibited cell growth in a time and concentration-dependent manner. No significant changes in cell growth rate were observed after 24 and 48 hours of treatment with 0-125μ M of chrysin-omega-3 complex. However, concentrations of 150, 175, and 200μ M chrysin-omega-3 complex significantly decreased the growth of melanoma cells after 24 and 48h (p <0. 05). After 72hours, the inhibitory effect was more potent, so that the inhibitory effect was also seen in lower concentrations (100 and 125μ m). The highest rate of induction of apoptosis was observed after 72hours (p< 0. 05). In regard to quercetin-omega-3 complex, the results of the study were similar. Conclusion: Antiproliferative effects of quercetin-omega-3 and chrysin-omega-3 complexes on melanoma cells are very promising, and suggest these compounds can be considered as potential therapeutic candidates.

Background and Aim: Aflatoxin B1 is a common contaminant of poultry feed and has the highest rate of acute and chronic toxicity among all mycotoxins. Over the past decade, studies have well established the negative effects of aflatoxin B1 on the health of poultry. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the maximum concentration of aflatoxin B1 in poultry feed. Materials and Methods: In this study, in order to determine the aflatoxin B1 concentration in poultry feed, 45 samples were collected via a simple random method during autumn 2018 and winter 2019, and then the concentration of this contaminant was measured by the ELISA method. Results: The experimental results showed that the contamination range in the positive samples was between 6. 44 and 18. 34 μ g/Kg. Moreover, the mean concentration of aflatoxin in contaminated samples was 10. 5 μ g/Kg. The concentration of contaminant in 46. 66% of the samples exceeded the standard limit. Due to higher temperatures and suitable environmental conditions for the growth of fungi, the samples prepared in autumn were more contaminated than those prepared in winter. Conclusion: The level of aflatoxin B1 contamination in poultry feed in Sanandaj is high. In order to prevent the entry of this toxin into the human food cycle regular survey and monitoring of poultry feed by health institutions are necessary.

Background and Aim: Helicobacter pylori is a a gram-negative bacillus which causes stomach ulcer and chronic gastritis. Curcumin is the effective component of turmeric. Considering the high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and also safety and antimicrobial effects of turmeric we investigated the effect of curcumin on patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. Materials and Methods: We selected 40 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms suspected of Helicobacter pylori infection. These patients had undergone endoscopy, and their biopsies were positive for RUT. Serum specimens of the participants were tested for serum Hpylori IgG. Patients who had positive samples for both tests were considered positive for Helicobacter pylori. We gave the three-drug treatment regimen including clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and omeprazole as the treatment base to both groups for two weeks. Curcumin capsule (500 mg ) was administered for the treatment group and placebo for the control group in addition to the therapeutic regimen. Then PPI treatment was started for one and a half months after cessation of the three-drug regimen. UBT test was performed two weeks after cessation of the medications in both groups. Results: The mean age of the patients was 41. 53 ± 12. 65 years. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender (P = 0. 32) and age (P = 0. 6). Also, no significant differences were found between the two groups in relation to other demographic data and risk factors(P> 0. 05). Also, eradication rates of the infection in the two groups showed no significant difference (P> 0. 05). Conclusion: The addition of curcumin as a supplement to the standard treatment regimen for Helicobacter pylori infection is not effective in the treatment and eradication of the infection.

Background and Aim: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral mononeuropathy which is caused by nerve compression, in the wrist area (carpal tunnel). The use of ultrasound for the examination and diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases has been increasing over the last few decades. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic values of clinical examination, sonography, and electrodiagnosis in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study (descriptive-analytic) we examined 70 wrists with symptoms consistent with CTS. Sonography and neural conduction studies were performed. Demographic data included age, height, gender, dominant hand, and underlying diseases associated with CTS. Clinical examination was performed and median nerve cross section and thickness were measured by ultrasound. Then, the results of clinical examination, sonography, and neural conduction study were compared with one another. Results: We examined 70 wrists with symptoms consistent with CTS. Among 70 symptomatic wrists, 91. 4% belonged to the women (mostly housewives) and the rest belonged to the men. The mean age of the patients was 49. 56 ± 11. 63 years. The results of NCV, clinical examination, distal flexor retinaculum sonography and proximal sonography were positive in 82. 9%, 67. 1%, 45. 7% and 32. 9% of the patients respectively. The results of this study showed that sonography of the entrance of the carpal tunnel with a cut-off point of 8. 5 mm2 had the highest diagnostic value with a sensitivity of 27% and a specificity of 42%. Conclusion: Measuring the median nerve surface area with ultrasound is useful for detecting and grading the severity of CTS, but it cannot replace neural conduction studies. The use of ultrasound as the first-line measure can be effective in decreasing the number of neurotransmission studies.

Background and Aim: Surgically induced menopause after bilateral oophorectomy, leads to a sudden drop in the secretion of sex hormones from the ovaries. Hysterectomy is another surgical procedure that leads to menopause, without an abrupt drop in the secretion of sex hormones. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence rates of metabolic disorders between hysterectomized and oophorectomized women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included postmenopausal women participating in Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Initially, 549 surgically induced postmenopausal women (age range of 20-70 years) entered the study. Then, all the subjects with menopausal age of 50 years or older were excluded. Data were extracted from Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study Questionnaires. Results: The mean age of the participants and age at menopause were 60. 8 ± 9. 8 and 43. 7 ± 4. 6 years, respectively. The prevalence rate of the metabolic syndrome in the postmenopausal women who had undergone bilateral oophorectomy (71. 3%) was higher than that in the hysterectomized women (66. 5%), but this difference was not significant. Prevalence of pre-hypertension was higher in the oophorectomized women after adjusting for confounding variables (31. 7% vs. 23. 0%, P = 0. 01). Conclusion: Our findings showed the prevalence rate of pre-hypertension was higher in oophorectomized women. Therefore, screening measures for the prevention of this disorder in these women are necessary.

Background and Aim: In recent decades, widespread antibiotic resistance in nosocomial infections due to gram-negative bacteria which can cause high mortality rates have significantly increased, especially in intensive care units. Polymyxin resistance, colistin in particular, as the last therapeutic resort, has been reported globally. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms of resistance to colistin and the logical approach to the use of this antibiotic. Materials and Methods: The research method was a narrative review. Data were collected by searching WOS (Web of Science), Scopus, PubMed, SID (Scientific Information Database), Science Direct, and Google Scholar search engines by using the keywords of colistin, antibiotic resistance, gram-negative bacteria, epidemiology, Iran, extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), molecular mechanisms or combinations of them from 2000 to 2019. Results: The most common molecular mechanisms of colistin resistance were mcr-1, mcrlike genes, increased pmrC expression, outer membrane changes in gram-negative bacteria, and mutations in the mgrB. Combination therapy using colistin with other antibiotics was an effective treatment strategy in life-threatening infections. Conclusion: mcr-1 and pet-1 transferase were the most prevalent molecular mechanisms for colistin resistance and combinations of colistin with other antibiotics were effective in the treatment of severe infections.

Background and Aim: Seasonal migrant workers are among the groups which are exposed to the risk of social harm, including HIV, because of entering into a new environment and staying away from their families. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HIV and risky behavior among seasonal migrant workers in Kurdistan Province. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 600 seasonal migrant workers in Kurdistan Province from 2018 to 2019. Data about high-risk behavior were collected by using a standard questionnaire. A rapid HIV test was used to detect HIV in the study participants. Using Stata software V14, data were analyzed by chi-square, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression modeling. Results: We did not find any positive rapid HIV test in the participants, in other words, the prevalence of HIV in the study population was zero. Ninety-two (15. 3%) individuals reported a history of drug abuse, among them one (1. 1%) had a history of drug injection. One hundred and twenty-one (20. 2%) of the individuals had a history of sexual behavior outside marriage. Multivariate analysis showed a significantly higher rate of risky sexual behavior among individuals with a history of drug abuse and single persons (P <0. 001). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of HIV infection among seasonal migrant workers was zero, the history of drug abuse and risky sexual behavior were high among this vulnerable group. Low knowledge about HIV is also a serious cause for concern. Continuous surveillance of risky behavior and administration of interventional programs for this group seems necessary.

Background and Aim: Physical activity, especially in women, decreases with age, which can lead to disabling fractures in the elderly. In this study, we investigated the factors related to physical activity based on the theory of planned behavior in retired women in Rasht City from 2017 to 2018. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was included 196 female members of ten active retirement centers in Rasht City in 2017. We designed a questionnaire on the basis of Ajzen's planned behavioral model which included regular physical activity, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, attitude, and subjective norms. A standardized physical activity questionnaire was used for the elderly. The method of data collection was an interview. Using SPSS software version 16, data were analyzed by a descriptive statistical method and pearson correlation coefficient. p<0. 05 was considered significant. Results: The results showed that the mean value for the physical activity of the elderly was 329. 18± 28. 18, which was about %82 of the PASE tool score. Planned behavior theory constructs and underlying demographic variables had no significant effect on PASE. We found a significant relationship between behavioral intention and perceived behavioral control, and also between attitude and perceived behavioral control. Attitude had significant correlations with behavioral intention and subjective norms. Conclusions: Although the relationship between planned behavior model constructs and physical activity were not significant in this study, planned behavior theory constructs had significant relationships with one another.

Background and Aim: Occurrence of pregnancy in a perforated uterus is a rare phenomenon and can have serious consequences. Absence of peritoneal symptoms may be due to healthy amniotic membranes and lack of extrusion of intra-abdominal pregnancy products. Bleeding may be vaginal or inside the abdominal pelvic cavity. We report a case of pregnancy in a perforated uterus in a woman with history of curettage in the last year. Case presentation: A 38-year-old woman, gravid 1, with gestational age of 36 weeks and 4 days, was admitted to "Besat Hospital" in Sanandaj with complaint of labor pain and reduced fetal movement. The patient had a history of endometrial polyp removal through curettage surgery in the last year, and underwent emergency cesarean section due to recurrent variations in the fetal heart rate and fetal distress. During the cesarean section, we noticed a hole measuring 3×3 cm and an apparently healthy live baby boy. The baby was born with an Apgar score of 􀀁 􀀂 􀀃 . The hole in the fundus of the uterus was repaired. Conclusion: Pregnancy with perforated uterus and birth of a healthy baby in such condition are rare phenomena. In order to reduce the incidence rates of maternal mortality and loss of pregnancy products in gynecological surgeries, such as curettage, at reproductive age more care is required.