Journal of Gorgan University of Medical Sciences
Year:2016 | Volume:17 | Issue:4 (56)|Papers Count:27

Several medicines are used in the nervous system disorders. Since there are several adverse effects of neurological medicines are reported, traditional and complementary medicine itself as new alternative regiment, which require further knowledge about the herbal medicine which the core center of complementary medicine. Lavandula angustifolia with the formal name of Lavandula Officinalis has many effects including widespread effect on central and peripheral nervous system, including anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis, antioxidant, antimutant, and neuroprotective effects. It shows analgesic effects and can alleviate pain, tolerance and dependency similar to morphine. Lavandula angustifolia has anti - inflammatory effect. Also this plant affects on cellular mechanisms like oxidative reactions (decrease of oxidative stress), apoptosis (anti - apoptosis), and nitric oxide production decrease of no production), anti - mutation and anti - cancer by this plant is reportd. It seems that effects of Lavandula are mediated through Calcium-Calmodulin and its kinase dependent.

Background and Objective: Somatic and psychological altrations during menopause have negative impact on quality of life. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Aphrodit on somatic symptoms in postmenopausal women.Methods: In this clinical trial study 63 menopausal women were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Subjects in interventional group were received Aphrodit capsule (40 mg of Tribulus terrestris fruits, 12.27 mg ginger, 33 mg saffron and 11 mg of cinnamon) for four weeks. Somatic symptoms of menopause (including hot flashes, night sweats and tachycardia) and sleep disorder and muscluskeletal disorder were evaluated using Menopause Rating Scale.Results: After intervention, the mean of hot flash score in interventional and control groups was 1.29±0.1 and 3.1±0.6 (P<0.05).The mean of sleep disorder score in interventional group and controls was 1.82±0.2 and 2.82±3.1 (P<0.05). The mean of muscluskeletal disorder score in interventional group and controls was 1.03±0.1 and 2.81±1.2 (P<0.05).There was no diference in the heart problem score between interventional and control groups.Conclusion: Consumption of Aphrodit capsule reduces hot flash, sleep disorder and muscluskeletal disorder in postmenopausal women.

Background and Objective: Respiratory failure is one of the most important respiratory problems in premature infants. Several studies have shown the efficacy of corticosteroids in gestational age less than 34 weeks. This study was done to determine the effect of prenatal betamethasone injection during 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy on the prevention of newborn respiratory failure.Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted on 140 women with risk of preterm labor at 34 to 36 weeks of gestational age. Women in interventional group were received betamethasone 12 mg IM (2 doses, 12 hours apart).Women in control group were received the same volume of normal saline. Sex and birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, requiring hospitalization in neonatal intensive care units and require respiratory support were recorded for each newborn.Results: No significant difference was seen in sex and weight of newborns between two groups. The precent of newborns with respiratory distress syndrome in the intervention and control groups was 12.5% and 22%, respectively. This difference was not significant. No significant difference was seen in the need to respiratory support, hospitalized in the NICU between intervention and control groups.Conclusion: Adminestration of betamethasone in 36-34 weeks of pregnancy has no effect on the prevention of respiratory failure in preterm infants.

Background and Objective: A few data is available about effect of exercise training on level of resistin and novel insulin resistance indices in underweight inactive men. This study was performed to determine the effect of a period of resistance training on serum level of resistin and insulin resistance indices in underweight inactive men.Methods: In this clinical trial study, nineteen underweight inactive men were randomly divided into resistance training (n=9, 20.9±3.6 yr) and controls (n=10, 21.4±2.7 yr). Resistance training protocol consisted of twelve weeks weight training, 3 sessions training per week, each session for 60 minutes. General characteristics of subjects, serum concentration of resistin, and indices adiponectin-resistin (AR), homeostasis model assessment - adiponectin ratio (HOMA-AD) and insulin resistance (IRAR) were assessed before and after the training.Results: HOMA-AD and IRAR were reduced in resistance training group compare to controls, while serum resistin and AR did not significant reduce. Pretest-posttest difference means of HOMA-AD and IRAR were different between resistance training and control groups, while no significant differences were observed in the case of serum resistin concentration and AR. These parameters were not significant in the control group.Conclusion: Resistance training is associated with improved insulin resistance (decrease of HOMA-AD and IRAR indices), while did not change resistin level in underweight inactive men.

Background and Objective: Cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 activities on arachidonic fatty acids of cell membrane produces prostaglandins which involved in inflammatory processes. This study was done to evaluate the effect of hexanic and hydro alcoholic extract of Cannabis sativa flowers on inflammatory paw edema in rats.Methods: In this experimental study, 56 male Wistar rats were allocated into the control, sham, sodium salicylate (300mg/kg/bw) and hydro alcoholic extract of heated flowers in 1, 10 and 50 mg/kg/bw, hydro alcoholic extract of unheated flowers in 50mg/kg/bw and hexanic extract of heated flower in 50mg/kg/bw, intraperitonally. 30 minutes after injection, inflammatory edema volume due to sub plantar injection of formalin (0.05 ml, 2.5%) measeared using plethysmometric method.Results: Intraperitonally injection of 50mg/kg/bw, of hydro alcoholic and hexanic extracts of heated flowers significantly reduced in inflammatory paw edema induced by formalin (P<0.05). Also, 50mg/kg/bw, hydro alcoholic extract of unheated flowers reduced the inflammatory paw edema in comparison with heated extracts (P<0.05).Conclusion: Hydro alcoholic extract of heated flowers decreased inflammation-induced paw edema in dose-dependent manner. The extract of unheated flowers, leads to more reduction of the inflammatory paw edema in comparison to heated flower extract, it can be due to carboxylated cannabinoid present in the hydro alcoholic extract of unheated flowers.

Background and Objective: Diabetes meltius is a metabolic disorder which characterized with disorder in carbohytdrate and lipid metabolism. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of turnip root (Brassica rapa) on glucose and lipid Profile in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Methods: In this experimental study 40 male wistar rats randomly allocated into 5 equal groups including diabetic control, Metformine 50mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg/bw of aqueus extract of turnip root and normal control groups. Alloxan monohydrate 150 mg/kg/bw was used to induce diabetes mellitus and two weeks after Alloxan injection rats with fasting blood sugar (FBS) more than 350mg/dl considered as diabetic rats. All administrations were done orally and daily in a same volume for 28 consecutive days. The FBS concentrations were determined on the first, 14th and 29th days. On 29th day, blood was collected from overnight fasted rats. Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), aspartate amino transfarase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) activities were measured.Results: The statistical data indicated (P<0.05) in the levels of FBS (4.5 times), TC, TG, AST and ALT (about 2.5 times) and LDL-c (2 times) significantly increased in diabetic rats compare to healthy normal control group. Administration of 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg/bw of turnip root extract did not exhibit hypoglycemic activity. Turnip root extract significantly inhibited the increasing of TC, TG, LDL-c and ALT in diabetic rats (P<0.05), but had no effect on AST sera level.Conclusion: Although, the aqueous extract of turnip root had not any hypoglycemic activity but it was effective in reduction of TC, TG, LDL-c and ALT in diabetic rats.

Background and Objective: Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive facultative intracellular non spore forming bacillus. The epidemiologic studies have shown that Listeria monocytogenes is the cause of abortion and abnormalities in human embryo. This study was done to determine the effect of listeria monocytogenes colonization on maternal and fetal liver and spleen in mice.Methods: In this experimental study, Inbred BALB/c dams allocated into case and control groups. Dams in interventional and control groups were received 200mL of 1.2 LogFCU/ml, Listeria monocytogenes and normal salin intraperitoneally, respectively. Few mice from each group were randomally selected and 5ml of blood collected, placenta, uterus liver and spleen were removed subsequently in 13 and 24 day of gestation and listeria monocytogenes colonization were determined. Liver and spleen of full term offsprings were stained for the histological studies.Results: L.monocytogenes strains were detected in different organs of mice damsup for 30 day of gestation. The higest and lowest of organ contamination were seen in liver and blood samples, respectively. The ratio of weight/volume of organ was higher in case than control groups. Hepatocytes degenration, hepatocyte size alteration, cell cord atrophy and sinusoid dilatation were seen in the liver. Disruption of red pulp, disorganization of lymphoid nodules and necrosis were noticed in the spleen.Conclusion: Contamination of BALB/c dams causes the histological alterations in the liver and spleen of offesprings.

Background and Objective: Overweight and obesity are increasing in the last three decades indicates the strong influence of environmental factors. Fats are the most important sources of human food which is considered as one of the reason for obesity. Among the components of the diet, poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are resulting in obesity. This study was done to evaluate the effect of diets containing poly unsaturated fatty acid on body weight and colon macroscopic properties in rabbit.Methods: In this experimental study, 24 female rabbits were allocated into three experimental groups including short, medium and long term and control groups (three subgroups). Animals in experimental groups were received diet containing corn oil for one month (short term), two months (medium term) and three months (long term). Animals at the end of the first, second and third months, were weighed and dissected and taken biopsy from colon. The macroscopic properties of the samples including shape and arrangement of Haustration were evaluated.Results: Over weight was not in the long – term consumption of corn oil in comparison with controls, but Haustra organization in different parts of the colon were disappeard in experimental animals.Conclusion: The diet containing poly unsaturated fatty acid causes macroscopic alteration in rabbit colon.

Background and Objective: Extensive exercise may be disrupting oxidant and antioxidant balance and cause the phenomenon of oxidative stress in human and decrease athletics performance. This study was done to determine the effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation for two weeks on markers of lipid peroxidation in soccer player.Methods: In this queze – experimental study, 36 soccer players (mean age, 20.08±1.12 years, weight 63.28±1.65 kg and maximal oxygen uptake 53.12±0.98 ml per kg/bw) divided into three groups for 14 days and the desired experiment was done during this period of time. Soccer players in control group did not receive the supplements and exercise. Subjects in placebo group were received 5 mg/kg/bw aspartame capsules. Subjects in supplement group were received 5 mg/kg/bw of Ubiquinone-10. Soccer players also performed two 90-minute soccer matches with less than 48 hours. Blood samples 24 hours before and after the period were collected. Malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured.Results: Serum level of MDA and AST after two consecutive football matches was significantly increased in the placebo group in compared to supplementation and placebo groups (P<0.05). The serum levels of AST and MDA in supplementation group did not significantly increased when compared to control and placebo groups.Conclusion: Short-term supplementation of coenzyme Q10 before and during of the two consecutive soccer matches can prevent the elevation of lipid Peroxidation indeces.

Background and Objective: Several studies reported the contraventional effects of L-Carnitine on body fat percentages and lipoprotein profile. This study was done to evaluate the effect of six weeks supplementation of L-Carnitine on body fat percentages and lipoprotein profile non-athlete male students.Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 20 non-athlete male students whom were non-randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. Subjects in both groups performed aerobic exercises for six weeks based on the principle of overload. Over the course of this period, subjects in the experimental group were received 13 mg/kg/bw of complement g L-Carnitine, orally. Controls were received 3 mg/ke/g/bw of starch on daily bases. Blood samples were collected before and after the training period. HDL, LDL-c, VLDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, body fat percentage and body mass index were recorded for each subject.Results: Aerobic exercise with supplementation of L-Carnitine significantly increased HDL and reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, body fat percentage and VLDL, but had no significant impact on LDL-c and body mass index.Conclusion: Consumption of slight doses of L-Carnitine in combination with aerobic exercise reduces body fat percentage and lipoprotein profile of non-athlete male students.

Background and Objective: Malnutrition is considered as one of most serious disorder in childhood. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and its relation to serum level of Magnesium, Zinc, Iron and Calcium in 6-36 months hospitalized children.Methods: In this case-control study upon CDC chart, 166 children were in control group diagnosed with no malnutrition and 151 children were also in case group with malnutrition. BMI and serum level of Magnesium, Zinc, Iron and Calcium were measeared for each child.Results: Out of 151 children with malnutrition, 128 (84.76%) and 23 (15.23%) were involved in mild and moderate malnutrition, respectively. The serum level of Magnesium and Zinc in case group was no nsignificantly lower than controls, while the serum level of Calcium and Iron non-significantly higher than controls. BMI was significantly reduced in cases in compared to controls and this reduction was related with malnutrition (95% CI: 0.38-0.59, OR=0.47, P<0.05).Conclusion: Malnutrition in 6-36 month children was not related to serum level of Zinc, Magnesium, Iron and Calcium, while children with malnutrition had lower body mass index.

Background and Objective: Birth defects are important causes of childhood morbidity and disability. This study was done to determine the incidence and pattern of birth defects in live birth in cities of Golestan province, north of Iran.Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 92420 live births in 13 hospitals in Golestan province, northern Iran from 21 January 2008 to 20 March 2011. The newborns were examined for the presence of birth defects. Gender, type of birth defects and residency of parents according to city in Golestan province was recorded for each newborn.Results: The incidence rate of birth defects, in Gorgan, Kordkoy, Aliabad and Gonbad was 20.46, 12.53, 10.86, and 8.99 per 1,000 live births, respectively. The incidence rate of birth defects western area (including Kordkoy, Bandargaz and Kordkoy), center (Gorgan, Capital city) and eastern area (including Aliabad, Gonbad, Minodasht and Kalaleh) of Golestan province) was 9.3, 20.46 and 8.79 per 1,000 live births, respectively. Cardiovascular anomaly was the most frequent birth defects.Conclusion: The incidence rate of birth defects varies in diferent area of Golestan provine and overally was lower than the other region in Iran.

Background and Objective: Skeleton abnormalities have adverse effect on skeleton structure and natural shape of hight. This study was done to compare the postural position and body mass index in elementary male students in public and private elementary schools.Methods: This descriptive - analytic study was done on 1254 boys (627 subjects of elementary public school and private elementary schools Abhar city in North West of Iran. Weight and height and body mass index of students were measured. Stature abnormalities measured with Bob, Kayfometer, Goniometer, Caliper and Padscope.Results: BMI of students was more in private school (18.23±3.76) in compare to public schools (17.4±3.46) (P<0.05). Scoliosis, kyphosis, flat back, lordosis, flat foot and pescavus abnormalities was more in students of public schools in comparision with private school (P<0.05).Conclusion: Physical inactivity and lack of adequate exercise space in private schools cause over weight and stature abnormalities.

Background and Objective: Malnutrition is an important health problem in patients with end stage renal disease which increases morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of malnutrition can be important for nutritional supports in hemodialysis patients. This study was carried out to evaluate the nutritional status and its related risk factors in hemodialysis patients using subjective global assessment.Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was done on 117 hemodialysis patients in the 5th Azar hospital, in Gorgan, Iran during August to October 2013. The nutritional status was evaluated as normal, mild to moderate or severe malnutrition using subjective global assessment (SGA). The anthropometric and biochemical parameters of hemodialysis patients and its relation with nutritional status were determined.Results: Among 116 patients, 29.66%, 69.82% and 0.9% were well nourished, mild to moderate malnutrition and severe malnutrition, respectively. A significant negative correlation was seen between patient’s weight, BMI, mid-arm circumference and serum albumin with SGA score (P<0.05). Patient’s age and duration of hemodialysis positively correlated with malnutrition (P<0.05). No significant association was found between serum concentration of BUN, Cr and WBC count with nutritional status.Conclusion: This study has shown low prevalence of malnutrition in our population in comparison with other studies. However according to important of malnutrition in patients undergoing hemodialysis, the basic evaluation of nutritional status is needed for every patient.

Background and Objective: Family violence is known as a painful reality which does impact on all aspects of the victims' lives. The burden of family violence on the health of 15-44 year old women is more than that of breast cancer, womb cancer and the accident. This study was done to determine the effective factors on confronting violence on married women.Methods: This descriptive - analysis study was done on 273 married women whom referred to health centers in Kordkuy city in Golestan province, north of Iran during 2011. The sample size has been made through casual classification out of proportionate sharing. The rate of exposure to physical, psychological and sexual violence was recorded in questionnaire for each subject.Results: The average age and marital age of women and their husbands was 29.4±7.8, 19.6±3.7 and 23.6± 3.9 years, respectively. 86.2% of the women were housewives. The exposure rate of physical, psychological and sexual violence was: 32.8%, 49% and 33.7%, respectively. The important factors related to womens and husbands were education of women and their husbands, women employement, marriage age of women and their husbands (P<0.05). The important factors related to family were number of children and household income (P<0.05).Conclusion: Level of education, employee, marriatal age and family income were the effective factors in confronting violence on married women in northern Iran.

Background and Objective: Raw water is one of the main sources of water supply in some communities. Filteration of surface water resources is a challenging point in the rainy seasons due to the highly turbidity. This study was done to evaluate the removal of turbidity in raw water using chitosan in electrocoagulation process using aluminum electrodes.Methods: In this the descriptive –analytical study, a Plexiglas electrocoagulation reactor in a lab scale to an approximate volume of 6 liter which was equipped with four aluminum electrodes having dimension of 200´20´2 mm was proposed. The effects of operating parameters including pH (5 to 9), applied voltage (10 to 30 V), the initial turbidity (100-600 NTU), initial chitosan concentration (0.5-2 mg/L) and contact time (5 to 30 min) were evaluated.Results: Turbidity removal efficiency was over 100% (pH=7, applied voltage=30 V and initial turbidity concentration of 100NTU) in the application of electrocoagulation with chitosan but in the application of electrocoagulation without chitosan removed 87% of turbidity in the same condition.Conclusion: Chitosan as coagulant aid in low amount can increase turbidity removal efficiency rather than application of electrocoagulation alone.

Background and Objective: Alpha Thalassemia is one of the most prevalent hemaglobinophaties worldwide. Alpha thalasseima patients may represent wide spectrum of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to severe life threatening anemia. This study was done to assess the carrier frequency of alpha globin gene mutations among newborns in north of Iran.Methods: In this descriptive study, 412 cord blood samples of neonate from Amir Mazandari hospitali were randomly selected during 2012. Genomic DNA was extracted using phenol-chloroform method. Multiplex Gap- PCR and PCR-RFLP methods were applied in order to detect three common gene deletions, one triplication and one point mutation.Results: Total allelic frequency of investigated mutations was 0.0825. The -a3.7 deletion with allelic frequency of 0.0485 was the most prevalent mutation among 412 neonates. Allelic frequencies of -a4.2, αααanti3.7 triplication and α-5nt mutations were 0.0206, 0.0109 and 0.0024; respectively and –Med double gene deletion was not detected.Conclusion: Most mutated cases had single gene deletion that is asymptomatic while -Med double gene deletion was not detected among the neonates. Therefore, there is low probability of a child birth with Hb H disorder in the region.

Background and Objective: Parathyroid proteins involved in calcium homeostasis. With increasing age and other relevant factors, this hormone is not able to perform its role. Using recombinant parathyroid hormone prevent disease progression and effective in improvement of disease. This study was done to design and build the desired construct genes, cloning process and synthesis of soluble parathyroid hormone in E. coli.Methods: In this laboratory study, design and optimization sequence of the gene parathyroid hormone (PTH) was carried out for expression of soluble proteins in bacteria. The construct contining PTH gene (puc 57) transformed into bacteria and cultivation was done in SOB medium then Plasmid extraction was performed. Fragment encoding the PTH was isolated by digestion of the cloning vector and ligate to expression vector (PET-32a). Subcloning process followed by induction with IPTG 1mM. The recombinant parathyroid hormon was expressed in bacteria, subsequently.Results: After enzymatic digestion, the fragment encoding the protein of interest was properly localized. The process was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Following performing a transformation, induction process performed by IPTG with final concentration 1mM that caused the soluble parathyroid proteins to be expressed in bacteria and the process was confirmed by Western blot technique.Conclusion: Protein expression in bacteria due to its rapid growth and the need to inexpensive medium is cost-effective. Soluble recombinant protein expression reduces downstream of recombinant protein production.

Background and Objective: Nano-sized particles at scale of 1 to 100 nm, called nanoparticles. In addition, the composition and structure of materials is also one of the factors influencing the material properties. With the advent of nanotechnology and due to increasing antimicrobial properties of nanoscale silver it can also be used in the fight against various human pathogens. This study was carried out to evaluate the antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles synthesized by green method against the standard strains Escherichia coli k12 and Escherichia coli 25922.Methods: In this descriptive study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Prosopis farcta seed exudates and analyzed by UV visible spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles was evaluated using broth macro-dilution method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of silver nanoparticles was determined on the standard strains of Escherichia coli k12 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922.Results: Transmission electron microscopy showed nanoparticles with diameters in the range between 5-35 nm with a maximum frequency range in 20-25 nm. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of bacteria, of E. coli k12 and E. coli 25922 respectively, were 1.56 and 0.39 mg/ml (ppm) and minimum bactericidal concentrations of 3.12 and 0.78 mg/ml wiring (ppm).Conclusion: Biological synthesis using P. farcta seed is a inexpensive, method and require no energy. Due to the strong antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles, can be a suitable alternative for disinfectants, disinfection and control of pathogens.

Background and Objective: Sea cucumber (Holothuria leucospilota) is used for food purposes and traditional medicine in the South East and East Asia. This study was done to determine the antiviral effect of methanolic extract, of Holothuria leucospilota species against HIV-1 virus.Methods: In this laboratory study, sea cucumbers were collected from Larak Island, Persian Gulf, Iran at depths of 10-30 m. Methanol solvent was used for extraction process. Extract was concentrated by rotary evaporator at 40-45oC, and subsequently was prepared in the form of dry powder using vacuum freeze dryer lyophilization.Results: The extract in 100 and 1000 mg/ml of concentrations inhibited by 94% and 92.5% the replication of HIV-1, respectively. 10 mg/ml of extract had not specific antiviral effect. Approximately the half of concentration of extract (35.89 μg/ml) prevents 50% of proliferation of HIV-1, which was 50% toxic of on host cells (P<0.05).Conclusion: Sea cucumber methanolic body wall extract of Holothuria leucospilota species had no antiviral effect against HIV-1 virus. It can be due to cytotoxic effect of extract on the host cells.