Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Year:2007 | Volume:9 | Issue:4 (32)|Papers Count:11

ObjectiveA significant reduction in arterial blood oxygen saturation during fiberoptic bronchoscopy has been proved but it is not yet known whether all patients need supplemental oxygen during this procedure. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between PEFR before bronchoscopy and oxygen desaturation during bronchoscopy.Material and Methods Measurement of PEFR (% predicted) performed before bronchoscopy and arterial O2 desaturation was assessed with a pulse oximeter during bronchoscopy. Study performed on 66 patients with a median age of 53 years, who had been referred to our bronchoscopy unit. None of the patients received supplemental oxygen before the procedure.Results39 cases (59%) had an episode of O2 desaturation during bronchoscopy. Of them 25 cases (38%) had sustained O2 desaturation, requiring oxygen therapy while 14 cases (21%) had momentary desaturation (<20s) not requiring O2 therapy. Oxygen therapy was administered in 58 % of cases with PEFR % < 60 and in 83 % of cases with PEFR % less than 45 (p=0.008 and 0.001, respectively). We also observed a significant fall in mean O2 saturation during bronchoscopy (88±%4) compared to prebronchoscopy levels (95±2%) (p<0.0001 ).ConclusionIt is concluded that PEFR % < 60 and especially < 45 is a reliable predictor ofhypoxemia and the need to O2 therapy during bronchoscopy.

ObjectiveLiposomes have been identified as effective immunological adjuvants and have potential for the intranasal and oral delivery of protein antigens. The physicochemical properties of liposomes including the liposome size can influence their utility as a delivery system and vaccine adjuvant. Materials and MethodsFollowing nasal administration of liposomes, the effect of various sizes of extruded liposomes encapsulated with tetanus toxoid (TT), on the induction of systemic and mucosal immune responses were studied. Liposomes containing TT were prepared by dehydration-rehydration method (DRV) from phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cholestrol. The 1000,400 and 100 nm sized liposomes were prepared from DRV liposomes by extrusion method. Animals were immunized three times with liposomal or solution of 40 Lf TT. The serum IgG titers and nasal lavage sIgA titers were determined by ELISA method.ResultsThe volume mean diameter of DRVs was 2.2 mm. Encapsulation efficiency of TT in liposomes ranged betvyeen64.3 -74% (40 LfTT/ 200 ml liposome suspension). Encapsulated TT kept its intact structure, as shown by SDS-PAGE method. The highest serum IgG titers were observed in groups immunized with solution formulations (p< 0.05). However the highest mucosal sIgA titers were achieved by 100nm sized liposomes. Among the liposomal formulations, the highest serum IgG titers were observed in DRV group (p< 0.001). It is concluded that the mucosal and systemic immune responses are differently affected by liposome size. The mucosal immune responses were increased by 100 nm liposomes, but the systemic immune responses were suppressed.ConclusionAfter nasal immunization with liposomal TT, however, a relation between the liposome size and mucosal or systemic immune responses could not be indicated.

ObjectiveDermatoglyphic patterns, like other organs and different parts of our body, are not similar. Fluctuating asymmetry can help organism to survive in some adverse developmental factors. There are evidences that show the relationship between neural developmental markers and schizophrenia. In this study the asymmetry in dermatoglyphic patterns in schizophrenic patients is compared with normal persons.Materials and MethodsWe studied the dermatoglyphic patterns in normal people and 91 schizophrenic patients with age of 31.35±7.46 by using the special ink. Then quantitative and qualitative patterns was investigated and compared between groups by T-test and GLM with SPSS software.ResultsOur results show that there isn't any significant difference in a-b counting with hand between men and women in control group. When comparing finger patterns in patients and control (p=0.895) and men and women (p=0.781), there wasn't any difference based on hand or sexuality.ConclusionDespite of different proofs about dermatoglyphic asymmetry, we can't show any asymmetry in fmger patterns in schizophrenic and normal persons. With view to environmental and genetically factors that can influence on this disease, it is possible that short time of formation of this patterns, reduced the influence of environmental factors on FA.

ObjectiveSeveral studies have reported that thyroid dysfunction can induce disturbances in element content in different tissues, both in experimental and human studies. Minerals have essential role in multifarious function of organs; and disturbances in their content in different tissues can induce several disturbances in affected organs, which produce clinical symptoms and signs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impacts of hypothyroidism on certain mineral concentration in rat tissues.Materials and MethodsIn this study 24 Wistar-Albino rats aged 2-3 months with 190 - 270 g B.W. were randomly divided into case and control groups. Animals in the case group were received methimazol powder (0.03%) in drinking water. After 4 weeks a sample of blood was taken from all animals for TT4 to determine that if rats in case group were hypothyroid; then animals were treated for another 3 weeks. At the end of the experiment (day52) all the animals were killed and tissues were removed and kept at -20°C until element concentration were measured. The content of different elements was determined in skull bone, skin and three different regions in brain [cerebral cortex (C.C.), medulla & midbrain (M.M.) and paleocortex (PC)] by Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) method. Sulfur, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and P were determined as PPM for all tissues; the results were represented as Mean±SD and compared between hypothyroid and control groups by unpaired T- test. The differences were considered to be significant when p<0.05. ResultsThe results are as follows: A) Skull bone: in control group the content of calcium was 11646±47188 (ppm) which in experimental group was significantly increased to 172401±27856 (p<0.03). B) Skin: in control group the content of S was 16854±3961 (ppm) which in case group significantly increased to 20738±3739 (p=0.033). C) Brain: in Cerebral Cortex (C.C.): S, Cl, Cu, P, Fe, Ca and K were increased in experimental group (p>0.05), although insignificant.In Medulla and Midbrain (M.M.): in control group the content of P was 17447±5889 (PPM) which significantly increased to 23189±4115 in case group (p<0.03).In paleocortex (PC): Cl, K, Ca and Zn were increased, and Cu was decreased in experimental group, although insignificant.ConclusionThese data demonstrated that hypothyroidism can change the content of several elements in the examined tissues and these variations may be involved in part in several clinical manifestations which are present in hypothyroidism.

ObjectiveMicrowave is widely used in industry, medical science, scientific and domestic devices. Application of 915 MHz frequency in microwave of mobile phone causes thermal and non thermal effects. In respect of exceeding use of mobile phone by many people for long periods of time, and with respect to the important role of antioxidant in heath, we carried out investigation of biological effects of microwave mobile phones on antioxidant in rabbit blood, in this study.Materials and MethodsIn this study, fourteen white male rabbits (three months old, 1400- 1700 g) were used. The animals were randomly divided into two groups of case and control (7 each). Three weeks exposure period for 8 hours daily was conducted for case group and whole body was exposed to 915 MHz microwave by a stimulator device in radiation chamber. The average of power density of whole body was 0.6789 mW/cm2. Blood samples by cardiac puncher carried out 12 hours after last day in case and control groups and oxidative stress measured by FRAP assay. The absorbance of TPTZ-Fe+2 was read in 593nm by spectrophotometer. Statistic analyses were carried out by t-test in SPSS statistic software. ResultsTotal antioxidant capacity in case and control groups was 630.619±151.08 and 890.619±104.55 in plasma, respectively. This result was significant statistically (p£0.003). Average of total antioxidant capacity in case group was decreased by 30 percent.ConclusionThese results show. that 915MHz microwave on, decreases total antioxidant capacity and may be a physical adverse agent and causes oxidative stress. Therefore, reduction of power density in mobile phone and more use of antioxidant by users, can reduce oxidative stress strongly.

ObjectivePhysical activity increases brain activity through mechanisms, not yet known. Several research suggest that exercise could have modified neurotransmission of the brain. In addition, recent researches show that glutamate play important role in the morphine dependent rats. On the basis of these results, we studied the effect of treadmill running on variation of glutamate concentration from hypocampal dentate gyrus in the intact and morphine dependent rats.Materials and MethodsTwenty-eight healthy male rats, weighting about 250 g, were assigned to one of four groups as follows: control, morphine, physical activity, morphine with physical activity. Intraperitoneal injection of dissolved morphine with increasing doses of 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, for first, second and third three days, respectively, were applied to make rats morphine dependence. Compulsive running on rat treadmill were performed in a ten-day period (2hr a day, at a speed of 12m/min and an incline of 15 degrees) for the two groups of physical activity and morphine with physical activity. Microdialysis was perfoffi1edseparately and individually for each group (one rat per day). At microdialysis stage, rat was correctly weighted and the anesthetic agent of chloral hydrate 10% at a dose of 450 mg/kg was received through intraperitoneal injection. Then the anesthetized rat was placed in rat specified stereotaxis apparatus, the skull was opened and cleaned, so that the Bregma and Lambda points were identified, and the dimensions of the hypocampal dentate gyrus (DG) were obtained from the atlas of rats brain stereotaxis and hole was made by dentists drill in the location and the micodialysis probe was placed in the measured location in a very accurate manner. Then a CSF (NaCl, KCI, MgCl2, Na2HPO4, NaH2PO4, CaCl2 and Glucose) was entered into probe by microinjection pump with speed of 2 ml/min and the output of the probe was collected in numbered vials. The first hour of output was discharged and afterwards the output of the probe was collected every 20 minutes and immediately kept at -70°C. Finally, glutamate concentration was measured by HPLC method using florescence detector and the results were statistically analyzed.ResultsThe results indicated that in any of three 20-min time periods of sampling after the first hours discharge, the amount of glutamate released into the Dentate gyrus of the fourth group rats (morphine with physical activity) is elevated significantly compared to other groups (p<0.05). In comparison of the control group with the groups of morphine and physical activity, no significant difference was found in any of sampling times (p>0.05).ConclusionTo justify these results, perhaps we can say that morphine would make consistent changes in transmission of glutamatergic synapses and in this way increase its extracellular amount. On the contrary physical activity would decrease its extracellular amount through the elevation of glutamate transmitters (GLTs). Injection of morphine and physical activity thereafter (morphine with physical activity group) interestingly, because of unknown reasons, probably with a synergism effect between two factors (physical activity and morphine) cause a great increase in extracellular glutamate at the dentate gyrus.

ObjectiveThe chemical composition of phoenix dactylifera spathe includes proteins, fibers, moisture, reducing sugar, none-reducing sgar, three kind of cumarin, organic compounds of camphor family, phytosterols and 1, 2-Dimethoxyl 4 methyl benzene. These chemical compounds have biological effects of the antimitotic, estrogenic, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiobesity and antimutation. In the present research, effect of extract of phoenix dactylifera spathe on spermatogenesis, and concentrations of LH, FSH and testosterone and histological changes in testis were studied.Materials and MethodsExperiments were done on 50 male wistar rats weighing 280±10 g. Rats were divided into five groups (n=10) including: the control group receiving nothing, the sham group in which an equal volume of water was injected, the experimental groups receiving 0.05,.0.1,0.2 (g/kg) extract of phoenix dactylifera spathe. Injections were performed intraperitoneally for 14 days. The blood sample were taken 8 hours after receiving last dose at 14th day and the concentrations of lutein hormone (LH), follico stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone were measured by RIA method. The results were evaluated, using SPSS and Tukey test. In addition at the 14thday the testis was separated and histological changes were studied among experimental, control and sham groups.ResultsStatistical analysis of the results indicated that concentration of testosterone showed a significant decrease to different dosage of extract 0.5, 0.1 (g/kg) in comparison to the control and sham groups. In addition histological studies showed a significant effect caused by extract of phoenix dactylifera spathe such as decreased density of spermatozoa in seminiferous tubules and disorders in spermatogenesis. So body weight and testis showed significant decrease in experimental groups in comparison to control and sham groups. Serum levels of LH and FSH didn't show a significant difference in experimental groups compared to control and sham groups.ConclusionAccording to the results alcoholic extract of phoenix dactylifera spathe reduces body weight. This effect is probably due to the presence of phytosterols which decreases total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycireds and also due to the presence of fiber which decreases blood cholesterol levels and impair to lateral parts of hypothalamus. Also extract reduces testicular weight. This effect is probably due to the presence of phytosterols and cumarin which have antiandrogenic effects which decrease serum levels of testosterone and proteins synthesis. In addition, extract reduces tissue sensitivity to androgens and androgens activity. These effects are probably due to the presence of phytosterols which inhibit 5-areductase and aromatase enzymes activity. Also extract reduces concentration of sperm cells in seminiferous tubules. This effect could be due to the presense of phytosterols and cumarin which have estrogenic effects.

ObjectiveThe exact mechanisms of addiction and drug dependency are not clear yet, but several neurotransmitters may involve in them. Exercise has long proved to have an astonishing effect on the treatment of many diseases and disabilities and thus it has been in the center of focus for many years. Besides, it can activate the same pathways as morphine and other opiates, and may thus affect the reward system by releasing several neurotransmitters. This research attempts to study the effect of short-term and mid-term exercise (esp. the obligatory running of rats on a tread mill) on the enthusiasm of the male rats to self-administer morphine.Materials and MethodsIn this research, male wistar rats (250-300g) were first trained to receive small pellets of food by pressing the active lever in self-administration apparatus. Then Jugular vein was canullated and rats were divided into 4 groups: saline, morphine, exercise lean 11- day exercise) and exercise 2 (a 30-day exercise). After recovery, the animals were placed in the self- administration apparatus 2 hours a day for 11 days. The first 6 days imposing a food restriction was performed while there was no food restriction in the later 5 days. The animals received 0.1 ml of morphine together with small pellets of food in first 6 days and only 0.1 ml of morphine in the later 5 days by pressing the active lever while receiving no food at the time (rats received saline in state of morphine in saline group). The animals received no food or morphine by pressing the passive lever. Rats were running for 90 minutes daily on the tread mill and upon a 30 - minute break, they were placed in the self-administration apparatus in the exercise group 1.The exercise group 2 just followed the same routine, except that they were running for 30 days before cannullation. A computer recorded the number of active as well as passive lever pressing which, finally enabled a full comparison between the number of active and passive lever pressing in each group and the number of active lever pressing among all four groups.ResultsThe number of active lever pressing in saline group was more than the passive lever within the first 8 days (p<0.05). However, during the last 3 days no significant difference could be observed between the numbers of active lever pressing. In the morphine group the number of active lever pressing was significantly more than the passive lever all through the 11 days (p<0.05). Besides, in the last 3 days the number of the active lever pressing by morphine group was significantly higher than that of the Saline group. The number of active lever pressing in exercise group 1 and 2 was significantly lower than the morphine group.ConclusionThis study showed that exercise can decrease the tendency to receive morphine. As exercise can activate many neurotransmitter systems involved in the addiction process (e.g. Dopaminergic, Serotonergic) and increase the release of endorphins, it is likely that it could decrease the rats tendency to morphine.

ObjectiveCisplatin is the most effective chemotherapeutic agent against solid tumors including ovarian, head and neck carcinomas. The major side effect of cisplatin is nephrotoxicity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage are the most important factors in cisplatin-induced acute renal failure. The main site of cisplatin toxicity is the straight portion of proximal tubules (S3 segment). Crocin, a carotenoid of saffron, is responsible for the red color of saffron and has many pharmacological effects. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effect of crocin against cisplatin-induced acute renal damage in rat.Materials and MethodsIn this study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (6 each) and put in metabolic cages. Group one received normal saline (2 ml/day) for four days as control group. Group 2 received a single dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg) for one day. Groups 3 to 5 received (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) crocin respectively, for 4 consecutive days followed by a single dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg) only on first day. All injections were carried out intraperitoneally. On the fifth day, all animals were killed; blood samples were taken out by cardiac puncture for measuring the level of urea and creatinine. The right kidney was removed and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathological examination. On the fourth day, 24-hour urine samples were collected for measuring glucose and protein concentration.ResultsAccording to the results, urea, creatinine, glucose and protein concentrations in cisplatin-treated group were significantly higher than control and crocin-treated groups. Blood urea and creatinine and urinary glucose and protein concentrations in crocin-treated groups were significantly lower than cisplatin-treated group. Histopathological studies showed massive damage in the S3 segment of proximal tubules in cisplatin-treated group. No damage was observed in crocin-treated groups.ConclusionThe results of the present study suggest that crocin has protective effect against cisplatin-induced acute renal damage, by reducing the level of blood urea and creatinine and urinary glucose and protein.