Journal of Advances in Medical and Biomedical Research
Year:2017 | Volume:25 | Issue:110|Papers Count:14

Backgrounds and Objective: The main important factors in decreasing cognitive performance are aging, proinflammatory and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this research was investigation the effect of twelve week aerobic exercise whit moderate intensity on IL-6, IL-10, and cognitive performance in 50-65 years old women with syndrome metabolic.Materials and Methods: 24 women with metabolic syndrome (MetS) voluntarily took part in the study and were divided into two groups: MetS exercise (ME), MetS control (MC). The ME group participated in an aerobic exercise training (AT) program (12 weeks), three sessions per week, each session containing three performance parts and two rest parts. Also blood samples were drawn before and after training to evaluate levels of IL-6, IL-10. Cognitive performance was measured by digit span memory test. Data were analyzed using Pearson coefficient, pried-sample T-Test, and independent samples T-Test.Results: After three months of aerobic exercise, IL-6 levels decrease while IL-10 levels and cognitive performance increased significantly (P<0.05). IL-6, IL-10, and cognitive performance in the control group were not altered after three months (P<0.05).Conclusion: These findings indicate that three months of aerobic exercise can increase IL-10 level and decrease IL-6 while ameliorating cognitive performance.

Background and Objective: Obesity is a serious global health problem. In this study the effects of cumin extract in rats receiving high fat diets were investigated and compared with metformin.Materials and Methods: Eighty rats were divided into two sets of forty and each set was divided into four groups: the first group was a control group, the second group received a high fat diet, the third group received a high fat diet with metformin and forth group received a high fat diet with an extract of cumin.After treatment Malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) were measured.Results: In the first set, the weight of the second group increased in comparison to the group receiving a normal diet. Weight in rats receiving metformin in combination with cumin extract decreased compared to the second group. MDA in rats belonging to the second group showed a greater increase compared to the control group, however FRAP was decreased.Results gathered from the second set are as follows: MDA increased in rats belonging to the second group more than the control group but, FRAP and catalase declined. MDA and catalase increased in the metformin group compared to the second group. PON1 activity, catalase and FRAP in cumin receiving rats increased compared to the second group and MDA declined.Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that cumin extract has better protective effects against oxidative stress in high fat diet and obesity in comparison to metformin in rats.

Background and Objective: Although Ferula spices have been used in traditional medicine, their therapeutic effects on gastric ulcers have not yet been proven in modern medicine. In this study we examined the healing effects of the root powder of Ferula Ovina against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in male rats.Materials and Method: In this experimental study 56 male rats (280-320gr) were randomly divided into four treatment groups (n=8) and three control groups.72 hours after fasting, indomethacin (30mg/kg) was administered through gavage in all groups (except in normal control). After 5 hours, the root powder suspension was administered in four doses (125, 250, 500, 1000mg/kg) while in the positive control groups omeprazole (20mg/kg) was administered orally and in the normal control group equal distilled water was administered two times per day for two weeks. In the negative control group, treatment intervention was not performed. After completion of treatment period (two weeks), the animals were killed and stomach ulcers were examined both macroscopically and microscopically.Results: All different concentrations of Ferula root powder suspension were effective in treating gastric ulcers especially 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg doses which proved to be the most effective (100%). In the 125 mg/kg dose, stomach ulcers were observed in 2 out of 6 mice (33.33%). In the omeprazole group, ulcer healing was observed in 2 of 5 rats (40%). All animals in the negative control group expired without any effect on gastric ulcers. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the treatment groups and the omeprazole group.Conclusion: Our results suggest that root powder of Ferula Ovina is more effective in healing indomethacin-induced ulcers in comparison to omeprazole.

Background and Objective: Diabetes influences the normal function of the pituitary-thyroid axis. According to the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of curcumin and the different effects of electromagnetic fields on animal cells, this study was done to evaluate the effect of curcumin and weak low frequency electromagnetic fields on thyroid hormone serum levels in male diabetic rats.Materials and Methods: 49 male rats were divided into 7 equal groups: control and diabetic control (DMSO), diabetic 1 (200 mg/kg of curcumin), diabetic 2 (curcumin+EMF 30 gauss), diabetic 3 (curcumin +EMF 500 gauss), diabetic 4 (EMF 30 gauss), diabetic 5 (EMF 500 gauss). Diabetic control and experimental diabetic groups became diabetic only one time by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan.Curcumin was intraperitoneally injected to experimental diabetic groups 1, 2 and 3 for 25 days. Diabetic groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 received daily exposure to an electromagnetic field for 60 minutes. At the end of injection, serum levels of thyroid hormones were measured using ELISA. The statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey tests (p>0.05).Results: Thyroid hormones serum levels of diabetic groups 1, 2 and 4 significantly increased compared to the diabetic control group (p>0.05) and significantly decreased in diabetic group 5 (p>0.05).Conclusion: Findings indicate that curcumin increases thyroid hormones in diabetic rats. This effect was intensified with simultaneous use of a 30 gauss electromagnetic field.

Background and Objective: Cisplatin is one of the most important chemotherapy agents but its clinical use has been restricted due to nephrotoxicity.Nigella sativa (N.sativa) is an annual plant with many pharmacologic properties that has been used as a natural remedy for a number of illnesses. In the present study preventive and preventive-treatment effects ofN.sativa extract was evaluated against nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin in rats.Materials and Methods: In this study, the effects of N.sativa extract and vitamin E administration in rats treated with cisplatin was investigated using serum biochemical parameters including serum creatinine, albumin, osmolarity, glucose and kidney index.Results: The results indicated significant changes in serum concentrations of creatinine, albumin, osmolarity and kidney index in the cisplatin group. Serum creatinine concentration in preventive and preventive-treatment vitamin E and preventive-treatmentN.sativa (100, 200 mg/kg) groups was significantly lower than the cisplatin group. Serum osmolarity in preventive vitamin E, preventive and preventive-treatmentN.sativa (100, 200 mg/kg) groups showed a significant decrease in comparison to the cisplatin group. Serum albumin concentrations in preventive-treatment vitamin E group were significantly higher than the cisplatin group. Kidney index in preventive and preventive-treatment vitamin E and preventive-treatmentN.sativa (100 mg/kg) groups showed a significant decrease compared with the cisplatin group.Conclusion: The current study suggests that N. sativa extract and vitamin E partially improved some serum and urine biochemical parameters and kidney index in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. However more studies are needed to determine the effects ofN.sativa on cisplatin-induced kidney toxicity.

Background and Objective: Fatty liver disease occurs due to disturbances in lipid metabolism (increased fat synthesis and halting of catabolism) which eventually leads to the accumulation of large amounts of fat (triglycerides) in liver cells, that if left untreated lead to inflammation and cirrhosis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of concomitant use of HESA-A and atorvastatin on biochemical parameters in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease compared with atorvastatin alone.Methods and Materials: 28 rats weighing 180±20 g were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (n=7) with standard diet and a HFD (high-fat diet) group (n=21) which were fed for 8 weeks. To confirm the induction of fatty liver; controls along with seven rats from the HFD group were killed. The remaining 14 animals were divided into two groups. The first group received atorvastatin and the second group received HESA-A in combination with atorvastatin daily for 30 days. Finally, biochemical parameters (glucose, lipid profile and liver enzymes) were measured and histological studies were performed on the liver samples.Results: Biochemical parameters in the HESA-A combined with atorvastatin group were significantly decreased in comparison to the atorvastatin group (p<0.01). The histopathological study of liver tissue showed a significant reduction in the amount of fat tissue and conversion of fattyliver from grade ІІІ to grade І.Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the use of HESA-A as a complementary treatment for fatty liver disease without side effects can be integral role in reducing the incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, especially in severe cases.

Background and Objective: The Ventral Tegmental Area is a part of the mesolimbic structure. In addition to its role in motivation, mood, cognition, schizophrenia, addiction and Parkinson’s disease, it is involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular system. The presence of cholinergic afferent fibers in the VTA has been demonstrated but there is no specific information about its role in cardiovascular regulation. This study was performed to determine the possible role of the cholinergic system on mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) by microinjection of different doses of acetylcholine into the VTA of urethane anesthetized rats.Materials and Methods: Experiments were performed on 50 male Wistar rats (250–300 g). Acetylcholine was microinjected into the VTA in volumes of 100 nl using a stereotaxic system. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before and throughout each experiment bypower lab system. The average changes in the mean arterial pressure and heart rate at different intervals, were compared using paired t-test and one-way ANOVA.Results: Acetylcholine microinjections in VTA (Ach 5, 10, 20 and 40 nmol/100 nl) caused a dose related decrease in mean arterial pressure. The best physiological response was elicited by Ach 20 nmol/100 nl that decreased both mean arterial pressure and heart rate (MAP: -30.61 mmHg and HR: -14beats/min).Microinjection of the same volume of saline produced no significant changes in either MAP or HR.Conclusion: We showed for the first time that, microinjection of acetylcholine into the VTA evokes a depressive cardiovascular response.

Backgrounds and Objective: Fear of the side effects associated with drug treatments is one of the most common causes of ineffective pain relief after surgery. In this study, we determined the effects of aromatherapy (lavender essential oil) in discectomy postoperative pain.Materials and Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial study, sixty patients were equally divided into two groups based on random allocation block. The rate of postoperative pain was measured by using the visual analog scale at 4, 8 and 12 hours after the onset of postoperative pain. If VAS>3, patients of the intervention group received inhalation aromatherapy with lavender essence while the control group received inhalation aromatherapy with placebo (Almond). The data obtained were analyzed by statistical software SPSS version 22 and using the nonparametric tests.Results: The pain severity changes between the two groups after intervention in the first and second phases (4 and 8 hours after postoperative pain onset) was not significant (p>0.01), but the third phase (12 hours after postoperative pain onset) was significant (p<0.01).Conclusion: Results of this study indicates that using aromatherapy with lavender essential oil for pain relief after discectomy surgery in the early hours after pain onset is not effective, but it can be recommended to be administered in acute pain with moderate to mild severity, as an effective way to reduce discomfort.

Background and Objective: Increased homocysteine levels resulting from renal failure and physical inactivity in hemodialysis patients can put them at risk for cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, exercise training may have a favorable effect on homocysteine levels and physical performance in these patients. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of intermittent intradialytic aerobic exercise training on plasma homocysteine levels and physical performance in hemodialysis patients.Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, sixteen hemodialysis patients (with a mean age of 54.75 years) were randomly divided into two equal groups: experimental and control. The experimental group performed intermittent intradialytic aerobic exercise training for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week, which corresponded to 40 to 45 percent of their maximum heart rate reserve at the first week and reached to 65 to 70 percent during the final week. Homocysteine levels and physical performance were measured before and after the 8 weeks of aerobic exercise training.Results: Plasma homocysteine levels (P=0.029) and physical performance parameters including: Gait speed (P=0.001), Chair-rising time for 5 times (P=0.001) and Stair-climbing time (P=0.002) significantly improved in the experimental group after eight weeks of intermittent intradialytic aerobic exercise training.Conclusion: Intermittent intradialytic aerobic exercise training may have a favorable effect on the cardiovascular condition of hemodialysis patients through reducing homocysteine levels and can improve physical performance in these patients.

Background and Objective: Constipation is the predominant gastrointestinal complication experienced after a stroke and can result in increased intracranial pressure. The main treatment for constipation is symptomatic treatment including taking laxatives and increasing dietary fiber; this treatment is associated with complications and limitations. Due to the positive effects of probiotics in the treatment of digestive problems, this study aimed to investigate the effect of synbiotic supplements on the constipation of stroke patients admitted to the ICU.Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, subjects were randomly divided into two groups; intervention (n=33) and control (n=32). Defecation frequency was measured before initiating the study.Patients in the intervention group, in addition to routine treatment, received synbiotic supplements, every 12 hours for a week while the control group received only conventional treatment. During the one-week study, the frequency of defecation was measured and recorded.Results: In the experimental group; the average number of defecations was more than once a day; (1.22); while in the control group this value in one day and two days equaled 0.62 and 1.24 respectively (P<0.0001).Conclusion: This study showed that synbiotic supplementation in stroke patients increased the frequency of defecation. Therefore probiotics can be used as a non-drug therapy in the treatment of constipation in these patients.

Background and Objective: Changes in the cervical spine curvature leads to increased shear force and compression stress on cervical spine and axial loading in different cervical segments. The objective of this study was to compare the general and segmental curvature in the upper and lower cervical spine of women with postural neck pain and Forward Head Posture (FHP), women without neck pain but with FHP and healthy women.Material and Methods: 45 women were divided into three groups: 15 women with postural neck pain and FHP, 15 women without neck pain but with FHP and 15 healthy women. Photography was used to assess neck posture while cervical spine curvature was measured using fluoroscopy imaging and the Harrison Tangent method.Results: There was no significant difference in general and segmental lordosis in the three groups (P>0.05).Despite the lack of significant difference, the results showed that the segmental lordosis in C5-C6 and C6-C7 segments was decreased in patients with cervical pain and FHP and women without cervical pain but with FHP while segmental lordosis in C3-C4 had increased in patients with cervical pain and FHP.Conclusion: The general and segmental cervical lordosis may be altered in women with postural neck pain and women with FHP. More studies are needed to investigate the effect of neck pain and head posture on cervical spine segmental lordosis.

Background and Objective: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy in children, accounting for about a quarter of all malignancies. This study aimed to identify the prognosis of patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Dr. Sheikh Hospital in Mashhad from 2006 to february 2015 using competing risk models.Materials and Methods: Patients with ALL from March 2006 to February 2015 were reviewed retrospectively, yielding 424 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We considered the recurrence of cancer as a main event and death without recurrence as a competing risk. We employed Cox models and subdistributions by univariate and multivariate analysis. Data analysis was performed using Stata and R softwares.Results: The event free 5-year survival and the overall 5-year survival rates of all 424 patients were 70.2% and 81.9% respectively. The 5-year cumulative incident probability of recurrence and death prior to recurrence were 12 and 17 percent respectively. Based on the subdistribution models, white blood cells and blood platelets have been known to affect the recurrence of cancer.Conclusion: Our results showed that Cox and competing risk models have different results to determine the prognosis factors affecting leukemia patients’ survival despite the competing risks. Also subdistribution models reduce the duration of response to therapy and thus reduce the rate of mortality by providing significant health policies.