Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Year:2005 | Volume:7 | Issue:4 (24)|Papers Count:16

Current methods of predicting prognosis in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder fail to provide consistently reliable information about future tumor behavior. The polyclonal antibody Ki-67 recognizes a nuclear antigen exclusively present in cells in the cell cycle. The Ki-67 reactivity has been shown to correlate with conventional prognostic indicators in several tumors.We studied the proliferative activity of 40 cases of transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder using polyclonal Ki-67 and determined the proportion of cells undergoing active division. A significant correlation was observed between cells with activated DNA (Ki-67), histological grading and staging (P< 0.0001). The differences of mean Ki-67 index in the grade IIa versus IIb (using Pauwell classification) was also significant (P<0.044). Those cases which were limited to epithelial layer (stage Ta) show lower Ki-67 positivity than those infiltrating the lamina properia or deeper layers (stage T1, T2, T3 &T4) (P< 0.05). The differences between stage T1 versus T2 and T3 versus T4 were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The tumors with lymphatic and vascular invasion showed greater Ki-67 positivity than non-invasive tumors (P<0.01) These results suggest that the immunohistochemical assessment of the proliferative activity of transitional tumors of the bladder, using polyclonal antibody Ki-67 correlates with higher tumor stage and grade. Ki-67 staining provides an easy method of determining tumor cell turnover that might provides additional prognostic information. The results also indicate that the number of Ki-67 positive cells in grade II tumors may be useful aid in separating grade II TCC with favorable prognosis (IIa) from those with a poor clinical outcome (IIb).

Pollen is one of the major causes of allergy worldwide. Pollen allergens can cause an immediate hypersensitivity (type I, IgE-mediated) response in susceptible individuals. Hypersensitivity to saffron pollen is a serious problem, especially among the people who working with Saffron flowers. The aim of this study was to identify protein with IgE binding activity (allergenic protein) in a saffron pollen extract. Proteins of the saffron pollen extract recognized by human JgE antibodies were investigated by SDSPAGE and Western blotting. Proteins with IgE binding activity were identified with sera from 23 patients who suffered from continues sneezing, rhino rhea, conjunctivitis, throat irritation, shortness of breath during exposure with Saffron flowers. A chemiluminescent immuno-detection method was used to study IgE binding activity of saffron pollen proteins with patientss sera.Six IgE immunoreactive proteins ranging in molecular weight from 13.5 to 85 KD were identified. From among of these proteins, four with apparent molecular weight of 13.5- 14, 19.5-20, 42-43 and 85 KD could be identified with more than 35% of our allergic patients sera. While two proteins with IgE binding activity (58 and 67 KD) could be demonstrated for only some of our saffron allergic patients. In conclusion, in this study we demonstrated the presence of several IgE binding proteins in the total extract of saffron pollen.

In the nineteenth century recurrent epidemics of cholera and influenza and decreasing cases of diseases in later years produced the question why communicable disease would suddenly produce epidemics and then disappear.Designing one model bases mathematically such as SIR model has been done for the question response. The aim of research survey model has been done on the measles in Iran and determination of outbreaks of measles at 1996 to determine the least vaccine covering for prediction of measles epidemics in the future.With collection of data from disease control centers, the number of suffering with measles, age mean of measles and life expanse was calculated and the amount of R0(Basic Reproduction Rate) resulted. Calculating R0 amount at range 5.5 to 7.49 for the reason R0 resulted in amounts greater than the measles epidemic that occurred in our country and least effective vaccine was 81.8-86.65%. Calculating R0 and the least vaccine predicted for measles epidemics determined that epidemic control vaccine must be more than 82.65% to decrease herd immunity and increase measles age mean under conditions due to another epidemic in the 2005.

Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) is a potent nephrotoxine in rodents. Its toxicity is due to its conjugation by glutathione (GSH) to form glutathione s-conjugate, by the enzyme glutathione S-transferase, and finally to the related cysteine-conjugate. This metabolite is then actively taken up by kidney and cleared in the renal tubular epithelial cells to a reactive thiol derivative, by the enzyme β -lyase that covalently binds to the macromolecules. There are several studies regarding the protective effects of calcium channel blockers against some nephrotoxicants. Also our previous study showed that verapamil is able to protect the kidney against HCBD; therefore, in this study the protective effect of diltiazem and nifedipin (calcium blockers) against HCBD-induced nephrotoxicity in rat was examined.In this study, W/A rats from either sex were divided in 6 groups. Group one dosed with corn oil (1ml/kg, i/p), group two dosed with HCBD (50mg/kg, i.p), and groups 3 to 6 dosed with (50 and/or 100µg/kg, i.p) diltiazem and nifedipine one hour before HCBD (50mg/kg) as single dose. After 24 hours, all animals were killed; blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture for measuring urea and creatinin. The kidneys were removed and fixed in formalin for histopathologic examination.. Concentration of urea as a marker of kidney damage, in group two (66.3±15.3mg/dl) was significantly higher than all other groups (33.8±3.2, 29.3± 8.1, 29.3±9.2, 26.5±4, 33.8± 3.8mg/dl) for control and groups 3-6 respectively. Also concentration of creatinin in group two (1.08± 0.3 mg/dl) was significantly higher than all other groups (0.53±0.05, 0.57± 0.06, 0.57±0.06, 0.53±0.05, 0.53± 0.05mg/dl) for control and groups 3-6 respectively. Microscopic studies showed that there was substantial necrosis in the straight portion of the proximal tubules in HCBD-treated group. In the calcium-blocker treated groups, the renal proximal tubules showed a normal appearance and no damage were observed. In conclusion, diltiazem and nifedipine are able to protect the kidney against toxic effect of HCBD in rat.

The radioprotectory effect of vitamins A and E post and past Gamma-irradiation on mouse bone marrow cells using micronucleus assay was analyzed. Micronucleus assay is a very fast and effective method in evaluating structural as well as numerical chromosomal abnormalities. Search for finding an effective way of protection against harmful effects of induced or spontaneous irradiation is actively progressing. Effects of antioxidants such as vitamin A and E in in vivo have studied extensively. In this study effect of different doses of vitamin A and E post and past Gamma-irradiation of 2 Gy were analyzed. Results showed that both vitamins were able to reduce frequency of micronuclei which were representing chromosomal damages. Of all doses used ( 0.6mg/kg, 1.2mg/kg and 2.4mg/kg for vitamin A and 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg for vitamin E), 2.4mg/kg body weight of vitamin A and 200mg/kg body weight of vitamin E had the best effect on reducing induced-damages. Combination of two vitamins in these doses post and past irradiation revealed that vitamin E was the most effective post irradiation whereas vitamin A was the most effective past irradiation in reducing the frequency of micronucleus.According to our knowledge this is the first time that the anticlastogenic effect of vitamin A and E post and past irradiation in in vivo has been studied at the same time using micronucleus assay.

Testosterone enanthate (TE) due to its anabolic effects is widely used by athletes to increase muscle strength. Despite widespread abuse of anabolic steroids, the endocrine effects of supraphysiologic doses of these compounds remain unclear. Our previous studies showed that the high doses of TE have some effects on the secretion of metabolic hormones. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect(s) of high dosage of TE on serum levels of adrenocortical hormones in rat.In this study, 120 male Charles River rats (210-220g) were divided to five groups of 24. In group I, the control group, rats did not have any operation or injection. In group II rats were gonadectomized and received TE (5mg/100g B.W, i.p injection, weekly). Group III was gonadectomized rats receiving vehicle (olive oil). Group IV was sham-operated non-gonadectomized rats receiving the same dose of TE as group II. Group V was sham operated non-gonadectomiced rats receiving vehicle. In each group, blood samples were taken from eight rats after 21, 42, 63 days and the serum levels of testosterone, cortisol, aldostrone and corticotrophin (ACTH) were measured by radioimmunoassy technique. The results showed that cortisol and aldostrone levels in TE receiving groups, were significantly lower and ACTH was higher than those of the other groups at day 21 (P<0.05). In long term (63 days) these changes came back to the control levels.It seems that acute suppressive effects of high testosterone level on adrenocortical cells, decrease serum levels of cortisol and aldostrone and elavate ACTH. In long-term the feedback mechanisms modulate these effects via hypothalamic-hypophysial-adrenalaxis.

It is known that vitreous humor in rabbit is made of many components including, hyaluronic acid, collagen, hyalocytes, inorganic salts, sugars, ascorbic acid, and water. Based on the fact that hyaluronic acid is a biostimulator, in current project we tried to elucidate the effect of vitreous humor extracts on wound repair and tissue regeneration in rabbits. Ears of several white Newzealand rabbits (n=6), about 2.5kg each, were locally anaesthetized with lidocaine spray solution, and punched-hole manually with a special puncher. Three circular punches whit 8mm in diameter were made in each ear, and used for control or test groups. Daily we applied vitreous humor extracts on the test group wounds, the size of each treated wound was measured carefully and compared with control groups every 3 days, and finally the data representing the ratio between regenerated and non-regenerated tissues of proximal, medial and distal positions were collected. Histograms of macrosopic studies showed that treating of wounds by vitreous humor has obvious effect in their repair. Statistical analysis also showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between mean value of regeneration in test and control groups. Microscopic data showed that in the test groups there was also a significant increase in the following phenomena: 1) in epidermic thickness and presence of dermal papilla, resulting in outgrowth of epidermis, 2) in the formation of fresh fibroblasts and connective tissues, 3) in angiogenesis and hair follicle formation.ln conclusion these data showed that rabbit vitreous humor potentially is a good candidate to improve wound repair and promote tissue regeneration. This extract may exert its effects due to presence of a biostimulator, hyaluronic acid, in its components.

Poly (D, L lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is a biocompatible-biodegradable polymer used as a drug delivery carrier. Also, Cyclosporine A (CyA) is the immunosuppressant that its commercial dosage forms have some disadvantages such as low bioavailability, kidney, liver and neural toxicity and variation of blood concentration after administration. The aim of this study was to prepare microspheres containing CyA by using different grades of PLGA.Microspheres were prepared by Solvent Evaporation Method using three grades of PLGA including PLGA (50:50), PLGA (65:35) and PLGA (85:15). Various characteristics of microspheres such as morphology, size and encapsulation efficiency were evaluated. The mean diameter and particle size distribution of microspheres were measured by particle size analyzer. Release profile of CyA from microspheres was also studied. Complementary studies were carried out by IR (Infrared Spectroscopy) and DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetery) to evaluate the drug and polymer interaction.SEM studies showed that microspheres were spherical in shape and the small CyA was loaded as islands on the surface of microspheres. Microsphere size was varied between 1 to 25 µm with microspheres of PLGA (50:50) having the minimum size. Encapsulation efficiency was varied from 75% to 90% and encapsulation efficiency of PLGA (50:50) microspheres was different compared to other grades significantly. Profile of release was biphasic, with an initial rapid phase during first 5 days followed by a continuous and slower rate thereafter.Microspheres made from grades 50:50 and 85:15 showed the highest and the lowest amount of release,respectively. IR spectra for drug, polymer and microsphere did not indicate any chemical interaction between the components of microsphere and DSC thermograms suggested that CyA is present in its amorphous state.In conclusion, in this study suitable microspheres especially with PLGA (50:50) were prepared which allow the controlled release of CyA over a prolonged period of time and could be used as a slow release particulate drug delivery system and according to microsphere size intact absorption of microspheres after oral administration is expected.

High frequency oscillations (ripples) are proposed to involve in memory consolidation. Ripple oscillations persist in the absence of chemical synaptic transmission and inhibitors of gap junctions were shown to block high frequency oscillations in hippocampal slices. In this study, we investigated the effects of carbenoxolone, as a gap junction blocker, on spatial learning in the rat. Cognitive performance was assessed using Morris water maze (MWM). Adult male rats were bilaterally cannulated into the CA1 region of their hippocampus. Carbenoxolone (1.23, 2.46, 4.92 µg/side),scopolamine (3µg/side)and saline were injected through the cannulas before training for 4 consecutive trials and one probe trial that was conducted 24 h after the training trials with the platform removed. The results showed that carbenoxolone could significantly reduced percent of time spent, distance traveled and quadrant entry in Q2 compared to control group and failed to use a selective search strategy during probe trial in which the platform was removed.The results of the present study suggest that carbenoxolone as a gap junction channels blocker can"decelerate learning performances of rats in a spatial memory task such as the MWM that requires the integrity of hippocampus