JOURNAL OF ILAM UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Year:2018 | Volume:26 | Issue:2 |Papers Count:22

Introduction: Health promoting behaviors include behaviors that individuals pay to proper nutrition, regular exercise, keeping away from destructive behavior and drug, protection against accidents, early detection of physical symptoms, control of emotions, feelings and thoughts, coping with stress and psychological problems, adjustment and modification of interpersonal relationships in the social dimension. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 185 employees of Ilam University of Medical Sciences using Convenience Method in 2014. Data was collected through health-promoting lifestyle questionnaire (HPLP II) with dimensions including physical activities, stress management, spiritual growth, nutrition, health and interpersonal relationships responsibility. After data collection, the data entry was done using SPSS 21 statistical software and then analyzed through appropriate statistical tests of descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Linear Regression. In this study, the level of significance was less than 0. 05. Findings: The mean score of promoting behavior among the employees was 130. 47. The highest score was spiritual growth aspect and the lowest was physical activity aspect. Regression models of physical activity (P=0. 006) and nutrition aspects (P=0. 036) were significant with demographic variables. Discussion & Conclusions: According to the results of our study, physical activity score was lower than the other health promotion behaviors dimensions. More steps are suggested to be taken to determine the effective factors to improve the health promotion behaviors through impressive interventions among such a class of employees.

Introduction: Enhancement of testosterone levels or its improper and arbitrary usage can disrupt fertility. Today, application of medicinal herbs is considered to treat hormonal disorders and infertility. In the present study, the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Withania coagulans (WCE) on sperm count and viability, gonadosomatic index, malondialdehyde(MDA) level and total antioxidant capacity(TAC) were investigated in rats’ testis following testosterone injection. Materials & methods: In the current experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 8). Control, Sham, Testosterone propionate (TP), and 3 TP treated with WCE (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day). TP 3 mg/kg/body weight was injected subcutaneously and vehicle or WCE was administrated by oral gavage for 4 weeks. At the end of the gonadosomatic index, sperm count and viability, MDA and TAC level were measured. Findings: The results showed a significant decrease in gonadosomatic index, sperm count, sperm viability and TAC level and an increase in MDA level in TP group compared to that of the control group (P<0. 001). WCE improved the sperm qualitative parameters and TAC significantly, and decreased MDA level in the treated groups as dose-dependent, (P < 0. 05). Discussion & conclusion: As demonstrated by our findings, Withania coagulans extract seems to improve the fertility parameters, and could be useful to treat infertility problems; although, more research needs to be accomplished.

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious clinical disorder, which involves the patient’ s family as well as the community. After sever SCI, astrocytes of the central nervous system become reactive astrocytes, and produce glial scar which is a major obstacle to axons regeneration in the spinal cord. However, some studies have confirmed a spontaneous partial locomotor recovery in injured animals in the course of time and without any therapeutic interventions. Thus, in this study, locomotor function of animals with SCI was assessed to determine the exact scope of such a recovery through BBB (Basso, Bresnahan and Beattie) locomotor test during 20 weeks. Materials and Methods: In this research, 18 adult male Wistar rats were used and randomly divided into 3equale groups: the normal control, the sham, the injured. Animals in the normal control group did not received any intervention, but for the sham and injured groups, laminectomy and contusion model in segment T10 of spinal cord were accomplished, respectively. Locomotor improvement of animals in all the groups was evaluated for 20 weeks. Findings: According to our investigation, comparison of the results of locomotor assessment of the second week against that of the 20th week of the spinal cord injured group without treatment demonstrated a partial locomotor recovery, since the BBB score of lesion in these animals was 1. 4 in the second week and reached up to \16 in the Twentieth week. Discussion & Conclusion: Our Results showed that spontaneous locomotor recovery in animals with spinal cord defects increases after 20 weeks (from 16 21 score) in the course of time and without any therapeutic interventions.

Introduction: Combination of interferonalpha (IFN-α ) and Ribavirin (RBV) drugs is used for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection. Various factors play role in the response rate of HCV infected patients to treatment. HCV genotype along with viral load, age, race, obesity, insulin resistance, fibrosis and interleukin 28B gene (IL-28B) polymorphisms are considered the most important ones. In recent years, it has been claimed that some polymorphisms close to IL-28B gene play a significant role in response to combined therapy among which IL-28B polymorphisms have a more important role in sustained virological response (SVR). In this study, frequency of genotypes of rs8099917 polymorphism of interleukin 28B gene in 2 groups of Iranian healthy individuals and HCV infected patients living in Tehran was compared. Materials & Methods: Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to compare the frequency of genotypes of rs8099917 polymorphism between 105 healthy individuals and 105 chronic HCV infected patients. The results were analyzed with SPSS version 15 using χ 2 test. Findings: The genotype frequency of this polymorphism in the healthy individuals was demonstrated as GG: 1%, GT: 25. 7% and TT: 73. 3%, while in HCV infected patients, it was shown as GT: 58. 1% and TT: 41. 9%. . No GG genotype was detected in the patients infected with HCV. Discussion & Conclusion: Our investigation came to the conclusion that a significant difference existed between the 2 groups of Iranian healthy and HCV infected individuals regarding the frequency of rs8099917 genotypes and frequency of favorable TT genotype, because it was higher among the healthy individuals than that of the patients infected with HCV.

Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) or agalactia is an important cause of infection among the early newborns. The bacterium is transmitted from mother to child and most often leads to infant death. The goal of this study was to detect GBS among clinical samples of pregnant women in Kermanshah province, using Colony PCR and standard microbiological culture and then to compare the phenotypic and genotypic methods against each other. Materials & methods: One hundred cases aged at 30-38 weeks of life were selected during 4 months from April 2014 on at health centers of Kermanshah province. The samples were taken from the women’ s vaginal secretions and tested by standard culture using basic culture medium Todd-Hewitt broth, blood agar and Colony-PCR targeting scpB gene. Findings: The results showed phenotypic test among 100 samples, 5 (5%) as carriers of group B streptococci, compared to 7 patients (7%) by Colony PCR test. Conclusion & discussion: According to our study, the rate of GBS incidence is high in women of Kermanshah. Furthermore, the Colony PCR method that eliminates DNA extraction process can be a rapid, reliable and low cost method to detect the carrier.

Introduction: Angiogenesis is a dynamic procedure that plays a key role in physiological and pathological conditions such as tumor growth. Today, the green synthesized nanoparticles are applied for cancer treatment due to their anti-angiogenic properties. In the green method, the plant extract is used for metal ions exchange into a nanoparticle as an economic and environmental-friendly procedure. In the present study, the anti-angiogenic effects of green ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by Persicaria bistorta root extract were evaluated. Materials & Methods: As to investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles, 30 Ross eggs were randomly divided into 6 groups including the control, laboratory control, and 4 experimental groups treated by 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 μ g/ml ZnO nanoparticles. On the day 12 after incubation, the effects of ZnO were assessed. The obtained data was analyzed using the SPSS software and ANOVA statistical test. The P<0. 05 was regarded as a significance. Findings: The obtained data showed that the 1000 and 2000 μ g/ml of green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles significantly decreased the number and length of chorioallantoic membrane vascular splits (P<0. 001), weight and size and the head to tail length of the chicken’ s embryos in comparison to the normal controls (P<0. 05). Discussion & Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that the green ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by aqueous Persicaria bistorta root extract restricted the angiogenesis.

Introduction: Nanotechnology and nanoparticles have significantly been considered for their potential in various fields including medicine and treatment. Silver nanoparticles are the most important nanoparticles that play an important role in treatment of cancer. Previous studies showed that silver nanoparticles have several properties such as antioxidants, anti-cancer and antibacterial. Therefore, in this study, the antioxidant properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized by Rubina tinctorum L (Ru-AgNPs) were investigated, using standard protocols. Subsequently, the cytotoxicity effects of the synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated on cancer cells( HepG2) compared to normal ones (HDF). Materials & Methods: In this study, the antioxidant effect of Ru-AgNPs was evaluated using ABTS and DPPH free radicals scavenging assay. The MTT procedure was used to evaluate the cytotoxic properties of the nanoparticle against two cell lines examined 24 hours after exposure. Findings: The results showed that Ru-AgNPs was able to inhibit ABTS and DPPH free radicals depending on the concentration. The MTT results demonstrated that this nanoparticle can inhibit liver cancer cells in very low concentrations (IC50: 6μ g/ml), but does not have an inhibitory effect in similar concentration on normal cells (IC50: 100μ g/ml). Conclusion & Discussion: Our results show that Ru-AgNPs has an antioxidant effect and is able to inhibit the HepG2 cells in a low concentration too, but it does not have any toxic effects in a similar concentration on HDF cells, which makes this nanoparticle a suitable candidate for use in inhibiting cancerous cells.

Introduction: Shigella infections caused by gram-negative bacilli intestinal has created problems in the developed and developing countries. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics, regardless of the resistance has caused the emergence of resistant strains. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sulfonamide resistance genes and class 1 integron in Shigella sonnei strains isolated from patients with diarrhea and determination of antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates. Materials &methods: A total of 60 isolates were collected out of the Shigella Sonnei bacteria isolated from fecal infection at Kerman hospitals and cultured in specific media and then confirmed by biochemical tests. Sulfonamide resistance genes were studied including sulI and sulII and intI1 by Multiplex-PCR methods. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined to 8 isolates to different antibiotics by disk diffusion method. Findings: As a result, M-PCR was found in one-sample SulI genes and gene sulII genes in 32 samples, but intI1 gene was not detected in any of the strains. The results demonstrated the greatest resistance to antibiotic of Nalidixic acid (96. 6%) and the highest sensitivity to ciprofloxacin(92. 1%), respectively. Conclusion & discussion: Our study proved the resistance of Shigella sonnei strains to antibiotics. Therefore, it is essential to take deep medical care and conduct an appropriate use of antibiotics to prevent the spread of resistant strains. In addition, it was found that the gene sulII was the most frequent resistance gene to sulfonamide.

Introduction: Leishmania major is a protozoan parasite, which causes cutaneous leishmaniasis. It has been shown that the immune responses induced against the parasite are associated with the host genotype. Although the characteristics of the host immune responses and prevention of the disease through the vaccine have been discussed in many studies, far less attention is paid to the ulceration and inflammatory responses mediated by the innate immune cells in cutaneous leishmaniasis. The main objective of this study was to investigate the expression pattern of pro-inflammatory genes in different stages of cutaneous leishmaniasis progression in order to provide a standard framework for diagnosis of various stages of the disease. Materials & Methods: In this study, 1× 107 Leishmania major promastigotes were intradermally injected for the two groups of BALB/c mice on the base of the tail, then the expression of IL-12p35, CCL3, CCL4, IL-12p40, TNF-α , CCL5, IL-1α , IL-1β , IFN-γ and CCR5 cytokines were examined in the wound and spleen weekly. Findings: The results showed that Leishmania clearly suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in the wound and spleens of the infected mice treated with PBS but not Glucantime. Discussion & Conclusion: IFN-γ , IL-12, TNF-α were postulated to be important factors in immunity against Leishmania as their reduction resulted in progressed lesions in the infected mice.

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is the most common psychiatric disorder among the school age children, leaving a negative impact on the individual’ s general functions. The purpose of our present study was to investigate the epidemiologic and clinical qualities of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) amng the primary school students in Sarpol-e Zahab town, western Iran. Materials & Methods: This was a crosssectional study. The statistical population covered all the primary school students of 7-12 years old in Sarpol-e Zahab town. Based on Krejcie and Morgan table and multi-stage cluster sampling, 740 people were selected; accordingly, demographic variables, Child Symptom Inventories-4 (CSI-4) were completed. The data was Analyzed using Descriptive Statistics, Cho-Square Test, Logistic Regression analysis by SPSS-21 software. The level of significance was considered (P≤ 0. 05). Findings: The results showed that prevalence of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder was 11/22% generally. Such a prevalence was higher in boys than that of the female students. The highest prevalence of ADHD included ADHA-Combined, ADHD-Hyperactivity and ADHDInattention, respectively. All the demographic factors, except for the parents’ jobs demonsterated a significant relationship with the prevalence of ADHD, (P≤ 0. 05). Discussion & Conclusion: Our results indicated that Prevalence of ADHD among the students of Sarpol-e Zahab was of a significant difference compared to other researches conducted inside and outside Iran (11/22%). However, more attention should be paid to mental health policymaking in students to decrease the present behavioral problems and those of future.

Introduction: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Taurine, an essential amino acid, plays a critical role in cardiovascular function. The present study was accomplished to investigate the beneficial role of taurine on atherogenesis and atherothrombosis indexes in patients with MI. Materials & Methods: In this semiexperimental study, 16 cases, 50 to 60 years old suffering from myocardial infarction were randomly classified into two experimental (taurine supplement) and placebo groups. The subjects of the experimental group took 3 supplement capsules containing 500 mg of taurine before the 3 daily meals. The placebo group took 3capsules containing starch, at the same time as the experimental members. Plasma blood sampling was carried out on the subjects at baseline level and after the modified Bruce protocol with and without taurine supplements or placebo in the same conditions. Findings: There were no statistically significant differences in the general data, such as age, weight, BMI and Vo2max between the taurine supplement group and the control (P<0. 05). Taurine supplementation caused significant decrease in the LDL-C/HDL-C، TC/HDLC، TG/HDL-C and Plate/HDL-C ratios in the supplementation and placebo groups at baseline level as well as after exhaustive exercise with modified Bruce protocol. Discussion & Conclusion: Our investigation results confirm the significance of dietary intervention in patients with MI. Taurine may be an essential candidate to enrich nutrition supports for critically ill patients, although more researches seem necessary to get at a conclusive consideration.

Introduction: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is an enveloped DNA virus in the Herpesviridae family which causes various infections globally. Acyclovir (ACV) is a choice treatment, and the widespread usage of ACV has lead to the emergence of HSV strains resistant to ACV. Therefore, the discovery of novel anti-HSV drugs deserves great effort. Oliveria decumbens is a traditional medicinal plant used in Iran for many purposes, particularly for gastrointestinal disorders and analgesia. There is no report about antiviral effects of this plant; so, this report was the first study to evaluate antiviral effects of Oliveria decumbens. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antiviral activity of Oliveria decumbens flowers methanolic extract against HSV-1. Materials & Methods: In this laboratorial study, methanolic extract of the dried powder was obtained through maceration method. Then, the solvent was removed by rotary evaporator. The cytotoxicity and antiviral activity were evaluated by MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay in Vero cell line and at different incubation times. Cell cultures were treated with the extract before, during, and after infection to study its antiviral activity. Findings: The cytotoxicity results revealed that cytotoxic concentration of the extract which reduced viable cells number by 50% (CC50) was above the range of 1500μ g/ml. The findings also indicated that the plant extract had the most antiviral activity when it was mixed with the virus, and this mixture was used to infect the cells where it reached a high antiviral activity of 43. 75percent. Discussion & Conclusion: As demonsterated by our gains, the tested methanolic extract displayed a moderate antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus-1.

Introduction: The increasing drug resistance of bacteria against different antibiotics is a cause of development of antimicrobial compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the synthesis and evaluation of antibacterial effects of 2-amino-5-nitrothiophene derivatives against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Strains. Materials & Methods: As the first stage, 2-amino-5-nitro-thiophene derivatives were synthesized. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by means of IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR measurements. In the second phase, these compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial effects by Agar Well Diffusion Method against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Strains. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these compounds were evaluated. Findings: According to our finds, reaction of malononitrile, aryl isothiocyanate and bromonitromethane in the presence of sodium ethoxide in ethanol led to preparation of compounds 4a-e. The antibacterial effects showed that all the compounds had inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus. Discussion & Conclusion: Our investigation concluded that the structureactivity relationship (SAR) results indicated that the compound 4a showed a potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while this combination proved no effects on Escherichia coli. 4c and 4d compounds demonstrated an inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli strain, while the compounds 4b and 4e indicated similar effects on both the bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). Meanwhile, efficacy of the compounds4b and 4e against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was the same.

Introduction: Fluoroquinolones are among useful antibiotics against infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, but today resistance to these classes of antibiotics is a serious problem in patient’ s treatments. Overexpression of norA gene is a Fluoroquinolone resistance mechanism in Staphylococcus aureus to be studied through our investigation. Materials & Methods: In this study, 50 Staphylococcus aureus strains were isolated from nasal infection in Sanandaj town. These strains were then identified by conventional biochemical tests. Disk diffusion testing for antibiotic resistance assessment and PCR for existence of norA gene were done. Then, PCR products were sent to Bioneer Company for sequential testing. As a result, nucleotides and amino acid mutations were studied, based on sequencing results and Expasy translator. Findings: The results of biochemical tests were as coagulase, mannitol fermentation, DNase and hemolysis positive, novobiocin sensitive and polymyxin resistance. Oxacillin (42%), erythromycin (46%), doxycyclin (10%), amikacin (20%), tetracycline (24%), penicillin (68%), ciprofloxacin (10%), vancomycin (6%), nalidixic acid (70%) were the antibiotics to which resistance rate was assessed. All the resistance strains had norA gene and 4 identical points of mutation were identified as, G491->A, C537-> T, C593-> C and A585->G respectively. Then, after translation in D315 base, aspartic acid (D) had been converted into Glycine (G). Discussion & Conclusion: According to our results, common nucleotide and amino acid mutations were observed in four strains of ciprofloxacin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, more studies are needed to find out if the mentioned mutation is the cause of overexpression of norA.

Introduction: Today, due to the toxicity and carcinogenicity of synthetic compounds, the application of medicinal plants to treat chronic diseases has attracted the attention of many researchers. According to nutritionists’ claims, the inclusion of fruits and vegetables in the food basket, due to the presence of phenolic compounds and antioxidant substances in the plant as well as regarding the role of antioxidants in the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer, the aim of this study was to evaluate the total phenol and flavonoid content of a wide range of local and imported plants of cucurbitaceae, rhamnaceae and citrus family. Materials & Methods: In this study, a wide range of Cucurbits family such as cucumbers and squash, Rhamnaceae and citrus fruits such as tangerine, orange, lemon, etc. from southern Iranian areas of Jiroft, Rodan, Jask and Minab and some seed sellers were evaluated, based on total fenol and flavonoid contents. Folin– Ciocalteu method was used to measure the amount of total phenolic content and the aluminum chloride method was applied to assess the flavonoid content. The data was analyzed by NTsys pc2. 02, SAS 9. 1 and student statistics 9 software. Findings: The results showed that Cucurbitaceous genotypes had the highest rates of total phenolic and flavonoid followed by zucchini and Citrus respectively. Spain Cucumber hybrid of tunnel Hilton Genotypes showed the highest rates of total phenolic (25. 372 mg/gDW), while pumpkin hybrid stewed uni-flower genotypes indicated the highest rates of flavonoid (235. 53 mg/gDW). Our findings also demonstrated that the environment did not prove as significant on anti-oxidant citrus products of Jiroft and Rodan. Furthermore, culsteral analysis segregated all the genotypes into three groups, allowing for their botanical properties. Discussion&Conclusion: As concluded by our investigation, the amount of total phenolic of the imported plants was more than that of the local ones, but the amount of flavonoid in local plants was more than the imported ones. Geographical conditions did not affect the amount of phenol and flavonoid compounds. Due to the high levels of antioxidant substances in Cucurbitaceae family and zucchini plants, and also to the risks of cancer from chemicals and synthetic drugs, this plant is suggested to be used as a rich source of antioxidant in food and pharmaceutical industry.

Introduction: In this study, we investigated the hypothesis of whether short term and moderate intense treadmill exercise could lead to a sustained reversal of peripheral neuropathy induced cold aversion by activation of endogenous opioidergic systems. Materials & Methods: The tibial nerve transection (TNT) was performed in the anesthetized rats. 28 days after TNT surgery, the animals were randomized to three sedentary and four treadmill exercise (14 days, 30 min/day with max speed of 1. 2 Km/h) groups. Animal activity and thermal preference behavior were determined by double plate technique (thermo-neutral plate: 24 º C and cold plate: 14 º C), equipped with a video tracking software. For determination of opioidergic system involvement, intraperitoneal injection of naltroxone (2 mg/kg) was done before exercise. Morphine (2. 5 mg/kg) and naloxone (1 mg/kg) were also used exactly after the end of the last session of exercise. Findings: Tibial nerve transection significantly decreased the animals’ activities (P<0. 001), the time spent in cold plate (P<0. 002) and increased escape index from the cold plate (E. I), (P<0. 0001), in comparison with intact animals. Treadmill exercise significantly prevented cold allodynia (P<0. 002), increased animal activity (P<0. 01) and decreased E. I (P<0. 0001) 42 days after TNT surgery. Administration of morphine in the both exercised and none-exercised groups significantly reduced E. I., (P<0. 0001). Injection of naltrexone before exercise training or naloxone immediately after exercise prevented anti-allodynia effect of exercise on the exercise trained animals. Discussion & Conclusion: Our investigation came to the conclusion that a short period of moderate aerobic exercise could reduce cold aversion and improve animal locomotor activity after peripheral neuropathy via activation of opioidergic system.

Introduction: In spite of recent advances in therapeutic approaches, viral infection management continues to be a big challenge. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is considered an important cause of high morbidity and mortality in kidney transplantations. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency and risk factors of CMV infection in kidney recipients during the first year following kidney transplantation in Mashhad, North Eastern Iran. Materials & Methods: We retrospectively evaluated medical records of 247 patients undergoing kidney transplantation in Montaserie Organ Transplantation Hospital of Mashhad city during 2012-2015. The patients were followed for 1-year. The data were reported by descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and viral infection associated risk factors were analyzed by Logistic regression. Findings: During the first year following transplantation, 64 (21. 9%) episodes of CMV infections were found. 28 episodes (51. 8%) occurred in the first 3 months following the transplantation, 17 (31. 5%) during the second 3 months, and 9 (16. 7%) after the sixth month. Among the evaluated risk factors for CMV infection (gender, age, medical comorbidities and causes of renal failure), diabetes was the only statistically significant factor identified as a cause for comorbidity and renal failure, (P value<0. 05). Discussion & Conclusion: According to our results and conclusions, allograft kidney recipients were more sensitive to develop active CMV. Appropriate prophylaxis intake, vaccination for CMV and posttransplant viral monitoring are suggested to decrease the possibility of infections in kidney recipients.

Introduction: Diabetes is one of the most common and complex problems of today's society. A long-term increase of glucose in diabetes is a major cause of impaired lipid metabolism and indices. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of eggplant extract on blood lipid indices in diabetic male rats. Materials & Methods: In this investigation, male Wistar rats of 200-250g were divided into five groups (n=6): 1-control 2-diabetes (sham), 3, 4 and 5-diabetic group treated with eggplant extract (25, 50 and 100mg/kg). The rats of 60mg/kg were intraperitoneally diabetic with STZ. On the fifth day after receiving Streptozotocin (STZ), the animals with high blood sugar200 mg/dL were regarded as diabetic. The control group received saline and the treated diabetic group received eggplant extract orally for two weeks. The control group did not receive any medication or extract. In the end, after deep anesthesia with ether and splitting the chest, blood samples were taken from the heart to assess the lipid indices, then their serums were separated. Findings: Our results demonstrated that higher doses (50 and 100mg/kg) of eggplant extract would significantly (P<0. 001) reduce blood sugar in diabetic rats. In treated diabetic rats with high levels of triglycerides, a significant decrease was not observed. Eggplant extract at a dose of 50mg/kg in treated diabetic rats significantly reduced the total cholesterol (P<0. 05), while a dose of 100mg/kg caused a more decrease (P<0. 001). The eggplant extract in doses of 50 and 100mg/kg significantly increased High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) levels (P<0. 001). Discussion & Conclusion: As shown by our conclusion, eggplants, due to reducing the blood glucose, appear to have compounds with antioxidant properties that reduce free radical improvement of some indicators of lipid disorders caused by diabetes.

Introduction: Pregnancy and delivering a baby are the most important achievements occurring in a woman`s life and her family. Although it is a physiologic event, there would happen some complications that could mostly be prevented by prenatal care. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship of the first trimester maternal hemoglobin and fetal birth weight. Materials & Methods: This descriptiveanalytical study was performed on 3000 pregnant women of 18 to 40 years old with less than 12 weeks of gestational age, referred to health centers in Qazvin province. Hemoglobin measurements were performed by routine laboratorial tests and then recorded in the questioners; afterward, the mothers were followed throughout the gestation period up to the delivery term. Then, the fetal birth weights were recorded. Anemia was defined as Hb <11 g/dl and low birth weight was defined as Fbwt<2500 grams. Findings: This study presented that 11. 4% of babies had low birth weights (<2500 grams). Anemia prevalence was 22. 2%. 7. 2% of babies in anemia group and 4. 2% of babies in normal Hb group were of low birth weight (<2500 grams) with significant difference (P<0. 001). The relative risk for low birth weight babies in anemic mothers was1. 81 (95% Confidence interval; 1. 24-2. 62). Discussion & Conclusions: This study demonstrated that lower birth weight babies in anemic mothers were more prevalent. Therefore, pre-gestational screening and anemia treatment is highly recommended in women of reproductive age.

Introduction: Bovine milk is the first and most common cause of food allergy in early childhood with a prevalence rate of about 2-7/5%. The milk coagulum consists of four proteins α S1, α S2, β and к-caseins. Cow's milk caseins play a basic role in persistence of cow’ s milk allergy (CMA) in children. Proteolytic system of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has the ability to hydrolyze antigenic epitopes of milk proteins and, as a result, can reduce allergy to caseins. The aim of this study was to isolate the best lactic acid bacteria strain from cow’ s milk samples in order to reduce bovine milk caseins allergenicity. Materials & Methods: In the present study, after isolation of 30 cocci LAB from 20 Iranian cow’ s milk samples, the effect of proteolytic activity of these bacteria on milk caseins was investigated by SDSPAGE and RP-HPLC techniques. Subsequently, among the 15 strains with protease activity, the binding ability of native and hydrolyzed α S1-casein to IgE sera from cow’ s milk allergic patients was determined by competitive ELISA test. Findings: After accomplishing biochemical tests including gram staining and catalase test, molecular identification of the strains was done by 16s rRNA fragment sequencing. The obtained results suggested that Lactococcus lactis was able to hydrolyze casein fractions in both skim milk and sodium caseinate and could reduce allergenicity of bovine milk α S1-casein. Discussion & Conclusions: Our conclusion demonstrated that the isolated Lactococcus lactis strain from cow’ s milk samples can be used as a main or adjunct starter culture in dairy products to reduce immunoreactivity of cow’ s milk caseins.