Journal of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences
Year:2012 | Volume:13 | Issue:6|Papers Count:15

Background and aims: Crown ethers are host molecules of metallic and nonmetallic ions. The capability of crown ether in the controling of cellular cycle and changing the activiti of some enzyme has been reported. In this study the effect of new crown ether (sulfoxo-bilactam-21-crown -7) on testis tissue and spermatogenesis has been investigated.Methods: In this experimental study, 24 mice were allocated to three groups. Control group did not receive anything, while Sham-operated group received Tween 80 and experimental group received new crown ether (sulfoxo-bilactam-21-crown-7). LD50 of drug was considered as 40 mg/kg. Then dose of 20 mg/kg crown ether was injected intraperitoneally once every day for one week. Two weeks after the last injection, animals were anesthetized and dissected. Blood was collected intracardically for hormonal assay. The testis were extruded and then fixed for histological studies. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey test.Results: Intraperitoneal injection of sulfoxo-bilactam-21-crown-7 (20 mg/kg) did not show significant changes in the number of type A and B spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and leydig cells in the experimental group compared to the control and Sham-operated groups. There was a significant increase in the level of testosterone (P<0.001) and a significant reduction was seen in the number of spermatids (P<0.05) and spermatozoa (P<0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control and Sham-operated groups.Conclusion: The results indicate that sulfoxo-bilactam-21-crown-7 diminishes the reproductive system activity and might be useful as a substance for birth control process.

Background and aim: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common causes of latent infection in humans. However, the prevalence and incidence rates of the infection and factors affecting it vary from place to place. The aim of present study was to investigate seroprevalence and some of factors affecting Toxoplasma infection in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiyari province-Iran.Methods: In this descriptive analytical study based on the population age gender pyramid, 990 serum samples were collected by quota sampling from the individuals referred to clinical laboratories of the province. Then samples were examined for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay method. Demographic information was also collected using a questionnaire and data were analyzed using Chi-square and independent t-tests as well as the logistic regression.Results: The individuals aged between 1-85 years (Mean age 27.89±18.23 yr.). Anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were found in 339 samples (34.2%). There was a significant correlation between the age, living style, residence, job, and education level of the participants and seroprevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (IgG) (P<0.05). The logistic regression model also showed a significant relationship between age and residence of the participants and Toxoplasma seropositivity (P<0.05).Conclusion: The study indicated that one third of the population was exposed to Toxoplasma and yet the vast majority of them are susceptible to Toxoplasma infection in future. Therefore, the health staffs should be aware of Toxoplasma seroprevalence and potential risk factors of infection in different areas of the region. Health educational programs are needed to improve the knowledge of population about Toxoplasma transmission routes and the standard preventive measures.

Background and aim: Several studies on animals reveal that some plants like onion can change serum glucose and insulin level. Thus, this study was performed to find out the effect of onion ingestion with breakfast on postprandial glucose and insulin responses in type 2 diabetic patients.Methods: This quasi-experimental research was performed on 26 patients with type 2 diabetes who were referred to Iranian Diabetic Association in 2 different days (1 week interval). In each day of the study, 2 ml fasting blood sample was collected in the morning from each patient and then the patients received their breakfasts. In the second day, patients had the same breakfast plus 60 grams of onion. Blood samples were collected at 60, 120 and 180 minutes after the having the breakfasts in both days. Eventually serum glucose and insulin were measured in the taken blood samples. Data were analyzed with SPSS v.13 and nutritionist IV software and were assessed using the Repeated-measures analysis of variance and paired t-test.Results: The average age of the patients was 49.4±7.4 and mean duration of the disease was 6.9±5.05 years. Effect of onion breakfast on glucose level was not significant (P>0.05), whereas serum insulin level was increased significantly (P<0.001). Significant differences were detected in the area under the curve of glucose between first day and second day (P<0.05).Conclusion: Daily onion ingestion with breakfast may have beneficial effect on glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients.

Background and aim: According to the current protocols made by international organizations, the duration of iron supplementation depends on the severity of iron deficiency, ranging from 3 to 6 months in individuals with iron depletion and iron deficiency anemia, respectively. This study was performed to compare 6 and 12 weeks iron supplementations on iron status among a group of non-anemic iron deficient female students.Methods: In this quasi-experimental study 53 female students were selected. Students were divided into two groups. Control group were consisted of 30 students who had Hemoglobin level more than 12 ml/dl and serum ferritin level more than 23 ng/dl. Experimental group were 23 non-anemic iron deficient female students with ferritin level less than 23 ng/dl. Experimental group were orally given ferrous fumarate (containing 50 mg iron elemental) daily for three months. Blood samples were collected from experimental group in the beginning, 6 and 12 weeks after the study and for the case group samples were collected in the beginning and at the end of the study and the number of blood cells (CBC), ferritin level and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were measured. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance and Paired-t tests.Results: Blood hemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations increased after 6 weeks of supplementation among supplemented group, and were remained almost constant until the 12th week (P<0.001). Changes in serum iron concentrations at the end of study were not statistically different between two groups. Similar trend was observed for TIBC.Conclusion: This study showed that 3-month iron supplementation among iron deficient subjects, as advised by WHO, did not further improve iron status in non anemic iron deficient females compared to 6-weeks daily supplementation of 50 mg elemental Iron. It is obvious that these results cannot be considered to anemic subjects.

Background and aim: It has not been precisely studied for its harmless effects of b-hydroxy b-methylbutyrate (HMB) in human yet and just a few studies have been done on its effects of the indices on the health in animal. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 8 weeks resistance training and consumption HMB (b-hydroxy b-methylbutyrate) on kidney parameters and body composition of untrained males.Methods: In this clinical trial, 24 untrained male students were selected and randomly divided to two groups. Group one took placebo (control n=14) and group two received HMB (case, n=10). The subjects were trained for 8 weeks, 3 sessions every week. Blood and urine samples were taken fasting, one day before and 2 days after resistant training. Creatinine and urea were measured and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was also calculated. The weight and body composition of the subjects were analyzed by the body composition analyzer and the strength of lower and upper limbs were measured by the seat press and squat, respectively. Dependent and independent student t-test were used for statistical analysis.Results: Supplemental group had significant increase in lean body mass (P=0.002) and significant decrease (P=0.006) in fat mass. In addition, HMB group had more increase in strength of one repetition maximum than control group. Furthermore, HMB supplementation caused significant decrease (P=0.036) in blood urea nitrogen in urine. HMB supplement had no effects on blood urea, blood creatinine, urine creatinine and GFR.Conclusion: Consumtion of HMB supplement causes an increase in the lean body mass and the strength of one maximum repetition and decrease in body fat of untrained subjects. In addition consumption of HMB for 8 weeks has no side effect on renal function tests.

Background and aims: Studies show that Vincristine is an anti-cancer drug which has neuropathic effects. Some studies have shown that Salvia officinalis has therapeutic effects on nervous system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Salvia officinalis hydroalcoholic extract and Vincristine on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) -induced seizure threshould in mice.Methods: In this experimental study, 32 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups. The first group received normal saline, second group received Salvia officinalis hydroalcoholic extract (1 g/kg, i.p.), third group received Vincristine (10 mg/kg/day, i.v.) and finally the fourth group received hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis plus Vincristine. Then the seizure threshold was determined for each group after the injections. The data were analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Tukey test.Results: The results of this study showed that hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis significantly increased the PTZ Induced seizure threshold (P<0.05). Simultaneous uses of Vincristine and Salvia officinalis extract caused a significant increase in seizure threshold in Vincristine group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Considering the existence of different types of ingredients in Salvia officinalis extract; such as antioxidants, b-pinene and spathulenol, which have beneficial affects on the nervous system as well as their antioxidant effects, we can use this plant to reduce Vincristine induced neuropathic effects.

Background and aims: Migraine is a common form of headaches with no recognized mechanism and etiology. The relation between iron deficiency and migraine headache is not clear. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of iron therapy on the frequency and severity of headache attacks in migraineurs with iron deficiency.Methods: In this experimental study, 90 women with migraine headaches were designated into three groups (n=30 for each group). The first group had negative iron balance, the second group had iron deficiency anemia and the third group had normal iron level. All groups were treated in three periods of 45 days. Patients received sodium valproate in all periods and iron sulfate (50mg per day) in the second period of the study. The severity and frequency of headache attacks were recorded and compared in three groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA.Results: There were significant decrease in the frequency and severity of migraine attacks in groups one and two, compared with group three (P<0.05).Conclusion: According to the findings, iron therapy seems to be beneficial in migraineurs with iron deficiency.

Background and aim: The black seed belongs to Ranunculaceaes and has been used as a spice and a curative remedy for numerous disorders. With regard to the effect of this plant on infertility this study was designed to investigate the role of the hydro-alcoholic extract of black seed on gonadotropin, estrogen, progesterone and folliculogenesis in mice.Methods: In this experimental study, 40 mice were randomly divided in to 5 groups of 8 animals. (3 experimental groups, one control group and one placebo group). All mice received one dose of Cloprostenol (i.p) and after three days progesterone (s.c.) for menstrual synchronization. Placebo group received normal saline and three other experimental groups received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg Nigella sativa extract (i.p.), every other day for to days. After 10 injections, blood samples were taken from all groups and hormonal measurements, including LH, FSH, estrogen, progesterone were measured by RIA technique. Ovaries were taken out and used for tissue slicing and then were studied using light microscope. Results were analyzed using ANOVA and Donkey tests.Results: Results showed a significant decrease in the level of FSH and LH. In addition, a significance increase was observed in the level of estrogen in all groups, while the level of progesterone was increased in the second experimental group (100 mg/kg extract groups). The third experimental group (200 mg/kg) showed a significant increase in the weight of ovaries and the number of follicles. The number of corpus luteum was significantly increased in second experimental group (100 mg/kg).Conclusion: The hydro-alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa may enhance the number of follicle and corpus luteum which can have positive effect on fertility in female mice.

Background and aim: Amplification of the oncogene HER-2/neu influences the breast cancer progression, prognosis and therapy. Accurate assessment of HER-2/neu status of the tumor is important for management of the disease and correct selection of patients who are able to respond to trastuzumab neu treatment. This study designed to evaluate the HER-2/neu gene status in breast cancer specimens by differential PCR and to show the concordance between these evaluations and IHC test in some specimens.Methods: In this case-control study the quantitative accuracy of differential PCR was evaluated and then 67 fresh and 16 formalin fixed paraffin embedded breast cancer tissues were analysed using this method. IHC reports were available only for 27 of these samples. Data were analysed using McNemar and kappa test.Results: HER-2/neu gene amplification was estimated (35%) in 29 cases out of 83 specimens (35%), as shown by differential PCR. IHC reports showed that 12 out of the 27 specimens contain overexpressed HER-2/neu. So, there was 70% agreement between these two methods (19 out off 27). Among the 8 discordant samples, 6 cases were negative by IHC but positive by differential PCR and 2 cases with HER-2/neu amplification had normal HER-2/neu expression by IHC.Conclusion: Differential PCR is a simple, rapid and cheap method to determine the gene dosage in samples with small amount of tumor tissue but it does not seem to be so accurate, as it compares the end point products of the PCR. Thus, this method has low accuracy and the observation of 6 cases with HER-2/neu amplification in the absence of HER-2/neu over expression may have come from this reality.

Background and aims: Recent evidence showed significant rate of anxiety co-morbidity in patients with a diagnosed bipolar disorder. In this research we tried to study the rate of bipolar spectrum disorder (soft bipolarity) in those who are treating with anxiety disorder diagnosis.Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, 210 patients with a diagnosed anxiety disorder were selected from out patient's clinics and clinic of Noor general hospital in Isfahan (Iran).210 persons from general population were selected as control. Bipolar spectrum diagnostic scale (BSDS) was used as screening tool of bipolar disorder. Data were analyzed using X square and logistic regression.Results: Considering the homologizing between 2 groups, there was no significant difference regarding age, genders and educational level between 2 groups. Bipolar spectrum disorder was 15.8% in patients with anxiety disorders (case group) and 5.4% in the control group (P<0.001, OR=3.38, CI95%=1.65-6.94). This finding means that the probability of bipolar spectrum disorder in patients with anxiety disorders was about 3 times the control group.Conclusion: Co-morbidity of bipolar spectrum disorder (soft bipolarity) is significantly more prevalent in those with a diagnosed anxiety disorders than control group and needs to be considered in prognostication and treatment of the patients with anxiety disorders.

Background and aim: The effect of herbal medicine with antitoxidant activity on burn wound healing has been proven in various studies. Portulaca oleracea L (Purslane) is a rich source of antioxidants and fatty acids. This study was carried out to compare the effect of purslane and silver on the second-degree burn wound healing in Balb/c mice.Methods: In this preclinical study, burn wounds were made with a hot plate on the back of 85 Balb/c mice. Four groups of mice were treated topically for 21 days by vaseline, silver salfadiazin, 1% and 10% purslane. Wound size on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 were measured. Data were analyzed using Kruskal- Wallis and test.Results: Results showed that the recovery was observed in silver group, 10% purslane, 1% purslane and vaseline, respectively. There was no significant difference in burn wound healing between silver and 10% purslane groups on days 14 and 21 (P>0.05), but significant difference between vaseline and 10% purslane groups on days 14 and 21 (P<0.05).Conclusion: Regarding to the finding of this study, extracts of 10% purslane expedites the wound healing process in mice. Therefor, it might be beneficial in patients with burn wound.

Background and aim: After 4 years of delegating health services to private health centers in south of Tehrant, it is necessary to evaluate reaching the goals. The aim of this study was to examine the outcomes of delegating health service to private sector via comparing the private sector with governmental ones.Methods: In this analytical study, 2 sites from the number of non-governmental sites were chosen and checked and its health indicators were addressed. A form was used to collect data from the findings of these paper-based information services units and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and X2 test in the minitab software.Results: Among the health indicators of children, those that were related to infants under 2 months and 5-year children were more favorable in private sector and those differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). In other children age groups, the public sector indicators were more favorable (P<0.05). In addition, the coverage of family planning programs and under 1-year vaccination were significantly lower in private sector (P<0.05). But, maternal care was significantly igher in private sector (P<0.05).Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it seems necessary to promote the programs related to under 5-year care and family planning and vaccination. So, financial regulations with the aim of improving service delivery seems essential.