Journal of Advances in Medical and Biomedical Research
Year:2004 | Volume:11 | Issue:45|Papers Count:9

Background: Because of the prevalence of migraine headaches, it is necessary to study the preventive effect of the drugs which currently are in use for this disease. Therefore, this clinical study was conducted to compare the effects of cyproheptadine and phenytoin on frequency, duration and intensity of migraine headaches in 5-15 year-old children who referred to Neurology Clinic in Sharekurd during 2003.Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 119 patients were diagnosed to have migraine on the basis of Headache Classification Committee of International Headache Society criteria. They were later placed in three groups. The study was conducted in three phases. Each phase took 45 days. In the phases 1 and 3 of the study all patients received placebos. In phase two, group one received cyproheptadine (0.3 mg/kg/day), group two phenytoin (4 mg/kg/day) and group three placebos. Throughout the study patients were free to use acetaminophen-codeine on migraine attacks. The intensity of pain was recorded according to the MIDAS questionnaire scaled from 1 to 10 degrees. The result were analyzed by Kruskal - Wallis and Mann - Whitney statistical tests.Results: Compared with phase one, in both drug groups the frequency, duration and intensity of attacks was decreased in the phase two of the study (P<0.05). In cyproheptadine, but not in phenytoin group, the frequency, duration and intensity of attacks were less in phase three compared with phase one (P<0.05). Cyproheptadine was more effective on the frequency, duration and intensity of attacks than phenytoin in phase two of the study. Conclusion: Compared with phenytoin, cyproheptadine seems to be a preferred drug for migraine attacks in children.

Background: In traditional medicine Peganum Harmala plant was known for its hypnotic anticeptic, and hypothermic properties. Seeds of this plant have also been used for the treatment of skin tumors. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of Ethanolic extract of Peganum Harmala and its alkaloid derivatives, Harmine and Harmaline, on a leukemic cell line known as HL60.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study leukemic cells were cultured in sigma medium. Then the cells were exposed to Harmine and Harmaline extracts for five days. Cell viability was measured by MTT and trypan pan blue dye exclusion tests. Cell cycle was determined by flowcytometry. The induction of differentiation was studied by morphological changes and NBT reduction test. The expression of myeloid markers including CD11b and CD14 was studied by felowcytometry. Results: Drug cytotoxicity was time and dose dependent. Cell mortality reached 100% after 48 hours of exposure to 30, 12.8 and 500 µ/ml of Harmine, Harmaline and extract of Peganum Harmala respectively. Proliferation of cells decreased in nontoxic concentration of these agents when compared with control cells. Cell cycle analysis showed partial accumulation of cells in S phase. In nontoxic doses only Harmaline caused maturation of cells towards monocytic lineage with 28% cells positive for NBT and 64% of cells expressed CD11b and CD14 simultaneously. Conclusion: In conclusion, these agents stop cell proliferation in nontoxic doses. However, harmaline in optimal doses induce differentiation towards monocytic lineage.

Background: Skin test using a pure and sterile extract proper allergen substances is one of the most sensitive and important procedures for the diagnosis of environmental allergic agents. However, these extracts are expensive and always are not available. This study was conducted to compare the Iranian and French (Standard) extracts of chenopodium album by Prick skin test in Tehran Children Medical Center in 2002. Materials and Methods: This analytical double blind study was conducted on 100 volunteers (aged 20-58: 54 males , 46 females). Patients who had a severe disease, atopy or taking antihistamins or anticonvulsants were excluded from the study. All the patients, had positive histamine tests. Patients who showed an skin inflation more than 4 mm in diameter considered as positive control and patients who showed no reaction were considered as negative control. Three different dilutions of both extracts were tested in Prick procedure on ulnar area of both arms by a physician. Kind of reaction such as inflation and redness was observed and noted after 20 minutes. Inflation more than 3mm associated with redness around it was considered as a positive reaction. Results: In the study none of the subjects had positive reaction in 100-fold dilution of extracts. In 10-fold dilutions 4 positive reactions (diameter 3-6 mm), and 6 positive reactions (diameter 3-5 mm) with the standard and Iranian extracts were observed respectively. On the other hand, 17 positive reactions (3-10 mm) and 22 positive reactions (3-10 mm) with the Standard and Iranian undiluted extracts were observed respectively. The specificity and sensitivity of the Iranian undiluted extract was 92.7% and 94% respectively and the correlation coefficient between the two extracts was 0.78. Conclusion: Due to the high The sensitivity and specificity of the Iranian extract and the degree of concordance between these two it can be suggested that the Iranian extract can be substituted for the standard extract. The use of undiluted Iranian extract is recommended.

Background: Lead is one of the heavy metals that may have adverse effects on hematopoisis and immune system. Spleen is an organ that is involves in both the hematopoiesis and immunity. In this study, ultra structure and pattern of cytoplasmic granules of neutrophils in fetal rat spleen were studied following chronic lead intoxication in 2002. Materials and Methods: 30 female and 6 male Sprague Dawley rats were chosen by simple random sampling. Following copulation and vaginal plug observation, expectant rats were classified as experimental and control groups. From the first day of pregnancy, both groups received a solution containing 0.13% lead acetate and distilled water respectively. After delivery, 10 newborns from each group were chosen by systematic random sampling. The spleen of the newborn rats were fixed in a solution of 2% glutaraldehyde. After that, specimens were studied by a transmission electron microscope. Results: The ultrastructural changes in neutrophils included irregular nuclei with deep invagination, plasma membrane pockets, presence of vacuoles with a heterogeneous materials and plenty of rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. No differences in the mitochondrial morphology and pattern of cytoplasmic granule (primary granules with electron dense appearance and specific or secondary granules with less electron density and heterogeneous appearance) were seen in both groups. Conclusion: It seems that lead affects cells by interaction with enzyme functions or accumulation in its organelles.

Background: Carthamus tinctures is a popular plant which is used as color and flavor in food industries. It helps the regulation of menstrual bleeding and women tend to use it when their menstrual bleeding is delayed. However, in case of pregnancy, this might have teratogenic effect on the embryo. This study was designed to investigate the probable effects of this plant on ocular abnormalities in mouse embryos in Shiraz during the years 2001-2002. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study a number of Outbreed mice were initially placed in the standard condition. Then two female mice were caged with one male mouse. Following copulation the pregnancy was confirmed by vaginal plug formation. The pregnant mice were divided into experimental and control groups. A single dose intraperitoneal injection of the aqueous extract of carthamus tinctorius was given on the 7th and 8th days of pregnancy to the experimental group. Then a multidose injection of the same extract was admininstered on the 9th and 10th days. Distilled water was given to the control group. The uteruses of the pregnant mice were opened on the 18th day of gestation, and the embryos were examined by an ophthalmologist for ocular malformation.The data were analyzed using Chi-Square and Fisher exact tests. Results: The results showed teratogenic signs at higher doses: 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg; therefore, the ocular defects were dose dependent. Toxicity effects included cataract, lentocorneal adhesion, and eyelid defects. Conclusion: Considering the fact that the extract of carthamus tinctorius has the embryotoxicity effects, pregnant women should use it cautiously. Further studies are needed to reveal the mechanisms involved at the molecular level.

Background: High blood pressure is the most common cardiovascular disease and is a risk factor in many cardiovascular diseases. Many factors including air pollutants are involved in high blood pressure. Lead, as an environmental pollutant, has been shown to cause hypertension in experimental studies. The aim of this study was to find out the relationship between blood lead level and hypertension. Therefore, the present study was carried out on individuals who had a high blood pressure and referred to Tehran Shariati Hospital in 2002. Materials and Methods: In this analytical case- control study 80 hypertensive patients and 80 healthy individuals were chosen as case and control groups respectively. All the members of the experimental group had a history of hypertension over 140/90 mmHg and anti-hypertensive drug use. None of the subjects had a history of renal, pulmonary or systemic diseases. Also none of them were smoker. After necessary preparations, venous blood samples were collected and the blood lead was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The outcome was studied by variance analysis and Toki test. Results: The results showed that the blood lead level of the study group was in the range of zero to 16.5 µg/dl and the mean was 3.8 µg/dl. The analysis of mean blood lead concentration showed significant difference (P<0.0001) between hypertensive patients (5.1±0.4 µg/dl) and normotensive group (2.7±0.3 µg/dl). Comparison of blood lead level in hypertensive men (5.6±0.6 µg/dl) and normotensive men (3-0±3 µg/dl) also showed a significant difference (P<0.0001). Likewise, comparison of blood lead level in hypertensive women (4.8±0.6) and normotensive women (2.3±0.5) showed a significant difference (P<0.0001). Comparison of blood lead level in different age groups (40-59 years) also showed a difference among hypertensive patients and normotensive group (P<0.01). But there was no significant difference between the 60-70 year-old subjects in both groups. Conclusion: The results indicate that elevation of lead concentration in blood probably increases the risk of hypertension. The risk increases when blood lead level is in the range of 5.7±1.2 µg/dl. However, further studies with larger groups are sample is recommended.

Background: A number of non-smokers especially pregnant women unwontedly are exposed to environment tobacco smoke for two hours a day. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of maternal passive smoking on the weight and height of the newborns whose mothers referred to Vali Asr and Imam Hossein hospitals in Zanjan in 2001. Material and Methods: This historical cohort study was carried out on 300 pregnant women. Half of the individuals were exposed to cigarette smoke either at home or at work place for at least 2 hours a day. This group was considered as case group. The other half were not exposed to cigarette smoke and considered as control group. All subjects had the characteristics of a defined checklist. The data was collected using a combination of interview, observation and questionnaire methods. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software. Results: In the control and experimental groups the mean weight of the newborns was 3200±406 and 3057.4±381 grams respectively (P=0.002). The mean height of the experimental group was 49.8±1.5 and that of the control group was 49.6±2.1 cm. The mean head circumference of the control group was 34.7±1.4 cm and that of the case group was (p=0.3) 34.5±1.2 cm. From this study, it can be concluded that exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy can cause newborn weight reduction. Conclusion: Women's knowledge of prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke products, defined as active and passive smoking, should be raised.

Background: Up to 75% of addicts who are released from jail or detoxification centers relapse into drug abuse. This makes the addiction problem more complicated. The aim of this descriptive study was to determine the social and environmental factors which cause addicts to return to drug abuse after their treatment in Hamadan in 2000. Materials and Methods: Structured interviews were used to collect data. Samples comprised of 96 addicted men aged 15-60 years who at least once had given up their addiction habit. Results: Most important factors for these individuals' becoming addicts again were as follows: 1) association with bad friends (87.5%), 2) unemployment (70.9%), 3) poverty (67.7%), 4) family problems (74.1%). Improper behavior of family with unmarried addicts (100%) and improper behavior of wife and children with married addicts (74.1%) were remarkable family factors related to return to drug abuse. Conclusion: Based on the social and environmental factors it seems that training, changing of lifestyle, advice, and employment are ways which may help addicts overcome the problem of relapse into drug abuse.