The effect of 12 weeks Anethum graveolens (dill) on metabolic markers in patients with metabolic syndrome; A randomized double blind controlled trial

Background: The clustering of metabolic abnormalities defined as metabolic syndrome is now both a public health and a clinical problem .While interest in herbal medicine has greatly increased, lack of human evidence to support efficacies shown in animals does exist. This clinical trial study designed to investigate whether herbal medicine, Anethum graveolens (dill) extract, could improve metabolic components in patients with metabolic syndrome. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial using a parallel design was conducted. 24 subjects who had metabolic syndrome diagnostic criteria (update of ATP III) were randomly assigned to either dill extract (n = 12) or placebo (n = 12) for 3 months. Results: Across lipid component of metabolic syndrome, no significant differences in triglyceride (TG) concentration and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were seen between the two groups. However TG improved significantly from baseline (257.0 vs. 201.5p = 0.01) with dill treatment but such a significant effect was not observed in placebo group. Moreover, no significant differences in waist circumference, blood pressure and fasting blood sugar were seen between two groups after 3 months follow up period. Conclusion: In this small clinical trial in patients with metabolic syndrome, 12 weeks of dill extract treatment had a beneficial effect in terms of reducing TG from baseline. However dill treatment was not associated with a significant improvement in metabolic syndrome related markers compared to control group. Larger studies might be required to prove the efficacy and safety of long-Term administration of dill to resolve metabolic syndrome components. © 2012 Mansouri et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd

Identification and Prioritization of Energy Consumption Optimization Strategies in the Building Industry Using the Hybrid SWARA-BIM Model

Energy consumption in buildings has become one of the most critical problems in all countries and principles of sustainability suggest that a satisfactory solution must be found to reduce energy consumption. This study aims to identify and prioritize energy consumption optimization strategies in buildings. Data collection consists of gather-ing primary data from the existing literature and secondary data from interviews, questionnaires, and simulations through building information modeling (BIM) tools. Twenty-nine strategies were identified and categorized into five groups according to their nature and ranked using one of the multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods called the step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA). A case study building in Shiraz, Iran, was simulated using BIM software, and the energy saving potential of the highest ranked strategies were obtained. According to the results, significant contributors to the energy consumption optimization were “Using renewable energy resources,” “Using efficient insulation,” and “Using suitable materials,” providing 100%, 35%, and 23% efficacy, respectively. The results obtained from this study can inform the building industry’s key stakeholders regarding the best strategies to apply in order to reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability in the construction industry

Effects of 1-MCP and ethylene on antioxidant enzymes activity and postharvest physio-biochemical characterics of cut carnation flower cv. Fortune

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) flowers are one of the most important cut flowers in the world. The majority of carnation cultivars are sensitive to ethylene which affects the physiological and biochemical postharvest characteristics of these flowers. Applying inhibitors of biosynthesis and action of ethylene is important factor to protect the display quality and extend postharvest life. In order to evaluate the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and ethylene on the antioxidant enzyme activity of cut carnation cv. Fortune and subsequently on the extension of vase-life, this experiment was designed as a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Carnation cut flowers were treated with 1-MCP at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 μl/l for 24 h and subsequently exposed to ethylene (1 μl/l) for 16. Data were analyzed using MSTAT-C statistical software and means were compared based on Least Significant Differences (LSD) test (p< 0.01). Our results showed that 1-MCP treatment had significant effects on vase life and biochemical characteristics like contents of leaf chlorophyll, petal anthocyanin, petal cell membrane stability and antioxidant enzymes activity such as catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase. The highest vase life and cell membrane stability were appeared in samples treated with 1.5 μl/l 1-MCP which was significantly higher than 0 and 0.5 treatments, although there was no significant difference with 1 μl treatment. The highest chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents were also measured under 1.5 μl/l 1-MCP which was significantly higher than other treatments. The highest and lowest catalase and peroxidase activity were related to 1 and 0 μl/l 1-MCP, respectively. The highest and lowest superoxide dismutase activity was observed in 1.5 and 0 μl/l 1-MCP. In conclusion, application of 1-MCP improved and delayed the onset of senescence symptoms resulted in extending the vase life of cut carnation cv. Fortune

Hepatoprotective effect of the root extract of green tea against malathion-induced oxidative stress in rats

Introduction: Organophosphorus (OPs) pesticides such as malathion intoxication has been shown to generate oxidative stress due to the production of free radicals and alteration of the antioxidant defense system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of extracts from green tea (GT) hydroalcoholic extract on liver function.Methods: Male Wistar rats were separated into 4 groups of 8 rats each. Group I (control), group II was given GT (10 mg/kg/day). Animals of groups III received only malathion, group IV was given GT+ malathion. Animals received malathion 150 mg/kg by gavage and GT 30 mg/kg for 1 week through intraperitoneal injection. Twenty-four hours after treatment, blood samples were collected. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations as well as biomarkers of oxidative stress such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total thiol groups (TTG) were measured.Results: A decrease in ALT and AST levels in GT group were observed compared with the ones in control group. Also, the results showed that malathion could increase liver toxicity in rats through reduction of ALT and AST. Conclusion: Amelioration of malathion toxicity through reduction of inflammation may suggest a prolonged therapeutic option against pesticides-induced hepatotoxicity

Antioxidative effects of tempol on mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy

Introduction. Oxidative stress has a well-known role in diabetic nephropathy, and mitochondria are the major source of reactive oxygen species production. This study aimed to assess the effect of tempol, a superoxide dismutase mimetic agent, on mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes and cell viability in diabetic nephropathy. Materials and Methods. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 7 animals. Diabetes mellitus was induced by injection of streptozotocin in 2 groups, the rat in one of which were also treated with tempol for 4 weeks. Another group without diabetes mellitus received tempol, and the last group was the control. At the end of the treatment period, the kidney mitochondria were isolated and their antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase were assessed. Malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, and kidney cells viability were studied, as well. Results. The diabetic group was significantly different compared with the control group in malondialdehyde, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. Superoxide dismutase and total antioxidative capacity did not show any significant differences among the four groups. Moreover, the diabetic group treated with tempol had significantly different glutathione peroxidase level and kidney cells viability, compared to the other diabetic group (P <.05) Conclusions. Diabetic nephropathy induces changes in mitochondrial antioxidative biomarkers and cells viability, some of which can be modified by tempol administration in rats. © 2018, Iranian Society of Nephrology. All rights reserved