Effect of electromagnetic field (3mT frequency) on heart ulatrastructure in mice

زمینه و هدف: شرایط زندگی مدرن سبب شده است که انسان به طور مداوم در معرض میدان های الکترومغناطیس قرار گیرد. مطالعات اپیدمیولوژیک و آزمایشگاهی حیوانی اثر سوء میدان های الکترومغناطیس را بر سیستم های بیولوژیک نشان داده است. این مطالعه با هدف تعیین اثرات میدان های الکترومغناطیس بر فرا ساختمان سلول های قلبی انجام شد. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه تجربی 30 سر رت ماده نژاد ویستار به دو گروه آزمایش و کنترل (در هر گروه پانزده سر) تقسیم شدند. رت های گروه آزمایش به مدت 4 ماه و روزانه 4 ساعت در معرض میدان الکترومغناطیس با شدت 3 میلی تسلا قرار گرفتند. پس از اتمام این مدت حیوانات گروه آزمایش و کنترل کشته و نمونه های قلب جهت مطالعه با میکروسکوپ الکترونی آماده شدند. سلول ها از نظر کمی و تعداد در دو گروه کنترل و آزمایش با استفاده از آزمون t-test تجریه و تحلیل شدند. یافته ها: یافته ها نشان داد که هسته سلول های عضله قلبی کوچک، متراکم و هتروکروماتیک شده اند به طوری که میانگین قطر هسته در گروه کنترل و آزمایش به ترتیب 005/±085/0 و 009/0±057/0 میلی متر (001/0

The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl on pregnant mice

Objectives: Stachys lavandulifolia is commonly used for many health problems including anxiety. A couple of reports indicate that this plant might have an abortifacient effect on pregnant women. Here we examined this effect on pregnant mice. Materials and methods: Incremental doses of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg of the extracts or normal saline (control group) were injected intraperitoneally to the pregnant mice between 7th to 12th days of pregnancy. On day 16, uterine tubes were resected and absorbed fetuses were counted. Results: Our study showed that the different average of absorbed fetuses between treated and control groups is significant (P < 0.05). S. lavandulifolia changes the activity level of hypothalamus-pituitary gland-gonad axis due to flavonoid compounds. Also, S. lavandulifolia decreases progesterone concentration resulting in a significant difference between treated and control groups (P < 0.05) and gives rise to failure in fetus survival and consequently, abortion. The length and weight of fetuses decreased in treated groups and there was a significant difference between treated and control groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Owing to the possible abortive effect of Stachys lavandulifolia, it is highly recommended to use it cautiously during pregnancy

Effect of 8 weeks resistance training on sphingosine-1- phosphate level and gene expression of SK1 enzyme, isoforms of MHCs in skeletal muscles of male Wistar Rats

Background and Objective: Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is involved in regulation of proliferation, differentiation, hypertrophy and anti-apoptosis and activation of satellite cells. This study was done to evaluated the effect of 8 weeks resistance training on sphingosine-1-phosphate level and gene expression of SK1 enzyme, isoforms of MHCs in skeletal muscles of male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was done on Twenty four 8-week-old 190-250 gr male Wistar rats. The rats were allocated randomly into control (N=12) and training (N=12) groups. Resistance training was done using a 1 meter height ladder with 2 cm grid with an 85 degree incline, and weights attached to rat's tails. The content of S1P present in the chloroform layer was determined by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Determination of relative mRNA expression was performed by Real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS-17, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and independent t-test. Results: Resistance exercise training increased the total content of S1P in FHL (fast-twitch) and soleus (slow-twitch) muscles in comparison with control group (P<0.05). Resistance exercise training changed the gene expression of FHL SK1, SOL SK1, FHL MHC I, Sol MHC I, FHL MHC IIa, Sol MHC IIa, FHL MHC IIb, Sol MHC IIb, FHL MHC IIx, Sol MHC IIx in comparison with control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that S1P level and gene expression of SK1, MHCs increased at skeletal muscles after training

The effect of sesame oil on the liver phosphatidate phosphohydrolase and serum lipoproteins in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Background and Aim: Nowadays, the effect of medicinal plants on the reduction of the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis has been confirmed. Liver phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (PAP) is a key regulatory enzyme in the glycerolipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of sesame oil on liver PAP activity, liver triglyceride, liver cholesterol and serum lipoprotein levels in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Material and Methods: In this experimental study 27 New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=9). Group1 (control) was fed with standard diet. Group II (hypercholesterolemic group) animals received hypercholesterolemic diet (1) without treatment. Group III was fed with hypercholesterolemic diet (1) plus sesame oil (5). After two months, liver PAP activity, liver triglyceride and cholesterol content, serum lipoproteins and malondialdehyde, and antioxidant capacity were measured. One way ANOVA was used for analysis of the mean values of the variables and for pair-wise comparison of the groups we used Tukey's test. Results: Group III had a significant decrease (P< 0.05) in the liver PAP activity compared to group II. In group II, consumption of the enriched cholesterol diet led to a significant elevation (P< 0.05) in serum lipoproteins compared to group I (control). Also, sesame oil in group III decreased the serum lipoproteins, liver triglyceride, and liver cholesterol in comparison to group II (p<0.05). However, a significant elevation (P< 0.05) in serum antioxidant capacity and a significant reduction in malondialdehyde level occurred in group III compared to group II (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sesame oil can be effective in reducing risk factors of cardiovascular diseases by decreasing serum lipids through making desirable alterations in serum lipoproteins. Also addition of sesame oil to hypercholesterolemic diets can reduce the liver PAP activity resulting in reduced liver triglyceride synthesis, which can decrease the risk of development of fatty liver in hypercholesterolemic diets

Assessing the toxic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl on rat's liver

Aims: Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl is a frequently used plant to treat different diseases, but its probable toxic effects have not been reported yet. This study aimed to study the toxicity of the extract on rats' liver. Methods: In this experimental study, 100 rats were designated into 10 groups and injected normal saline or Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl extract at 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally for 28 days. Four case groups and one control group were examined for ALT, AST and ALP after one month and the other groups were evaluated after two months. Results: In the first month, the increase of ALP at all doses and the increase of AST at 200 mg/kg was significant, compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the second month, AST increased at the dosage of 150mg/kg, and ALP decreased at the dosage of 100 mg/kg, compared to the control group (p<0.05). Histopathological assessment showed a significant dose dependent increase both in necrotic-inflammatory reactions and fibrotic lesions, in the first and second months, compared to the control group (p<0.001). Conclusions: The Stachys lavandulifolia extract injected intraperitoneally has hepatotoxic effect, which is not eliminated by the drug withdrawal. Therefore, it is necessary to be consumed with caution (Tab. 4, Fig. 1, Ref 21). Text in PDF www.elis.sk

Effect of rhus coriaria consumption with high cholesterol food on some atherosclerosis risk factors in rabbit

Background and Objective: Consumption of high fat meal causes a sudden increase in blood lipids, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Sumac has antioxidant activity and this study was aimed to determine the effect of sumac consumption on some atherosclerosis risk factors due to high fat food stress in rabbits. Methods: In an experimental study, 24 male New Zealand rabbits were randomly designated into three groups: normal diet group, a diet containing 1 cholesterol, a diet containing 1 cholesterol with 2 Sumac powder. Oxidative stress and atherosclerosis risk factors, including glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), low density lipoprotein (LDL), nitrite, nitrate, fibrinogen, factor VII, liver transaminases (ALT and AST) were measured before the experiment and 3 hours after feeding. Findings: High cholesterol food (1) increased TC, fibrinogen, TG, glucose, nitrate, LDL-C, ALT and AST (p<0.05). Consumption of sumac caused a significant decrease in glucose (30.15), LDL-C (58.17), TC (29.5), ALT (20.55), AST (17.46) and fibrinogen (17.92) compared to hypercholesterolemic diet group (p<0.05). No significant difference was found between sumac group and hypercholesterolemic diet group in triglyceride (TG), factor VII, nitrite, nitrate and ApoB. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that acute consumption of sumac might have a protective effect on some of risk factors of atherosclerosis, oxidative stress and liver enzymes, due to high fat food stress

The beneficial effects of Vaccinium myrtilus L. intake on atherosclerosis risk factors in male New Zealand rabbits

Background and Objective: The increase in the blood concentration of lipids after meals has a significant effect on induction of atherosclerosis. Vaccinium myrtilus has an antioxidant activity, and in this study, we aimed to determine the effects of this plant on atherosclerosis risk factors. Material and Methods: In an experimental study, 24 male New Zealand rabbits were randomly designated into three groups of 8 rabbits: Group 1, normal diet; Group 2, a diet containing 1 cholesterol; and Group 3, a diet containing 1 cholesterol and 2 Vaccinium myrtilus powder. The blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), LDL-C (low density lipoprotein), nitrite, nitrate, fibrinogen, and factor VII, which are considered as atherosclerosis risk factors, were measured before the experiment and 3 hours after feeding. The data were analyzed using One-Way Analysis of ANOVA. The P-values below 0.05 (P0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study show that acute consumption of Vaccinium myrtilus might have a protective effect on some atherosclerosis risk factors

Ameliorative property of Teucrium polium on second degree burn

Introduction: Traditionally, burn wound healing activities have been claimed for Teucrium polium. Teucrium polium possesses antioxidant and inflammatory activities and seems to ameliorate burn wound healing. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of Teucrium polium on burn healing in Balb/C mice. Materials and Methods: In this preclinical experimental study 56 mice were randomly designated into 4 equal groups. Burn wounds were made using a hot plate with a surface area of 1.5 cm2. Animals were treated with Teucrium 2, Silver sulfadiazine or Vaseline 2 times per day for 21 days. The forth group received no treatment. Results: The percentage of burn wounds healing and total time required for complete healing were evaluated and compared in different groups. Data were analyzed using ANOVA test. Conclusion: Teucrium extract accelerated the burn wound healing more rapidly than control groups (p&lt;0.01). Teucrium polium is effective on burn wounds healing and might be beneficial in these groups of patients.</p

The teratogenic and abortifacient effects of heracleum persicum hydroalcholic extract and its correlation with mothers’ estrogen and progesterone in Balb/C mice

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Heracleumpersicum is an Iranian medicinal plant which is used for various diseases. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove its side effects in pregnancy. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the teratogenic and abortifacient effects of Heracleum persicum hydroalcholic extract in Balb/c mice. METHODS: In this experimental study, 30 Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, after mating and vagina platelets observation. First group received nothing, and second group received distilled water (gavage) and the third roup received 12.5 mg/kg/day Heracleum persicum hydroalcholic extract for 7 days. In 18-19th day of the experiment, caesarean surgery was done and embryos were collected in normal saline. The embryos weight and heights were measured and any defects in skeleton or other observable defects in other parts were evaluated. Estrogen and progesterone levels were also measured to evaluate the mechanisms. FINDINGS: There was a significant difference in estrogen percentage (13.82±9.09ng/ml in case group vs. 2.4±0.4ng/ml in control group) and in progesterone percentage (24.56±18.5ng/ml in case group vs. 52.46±1.35ng/ml in control group) between two groups (p<0.05). The abortifacient effect of the plant was supported by the changes in blood estrogen and progesterone. The percentage of abortifacient was 0.55±0.14 in plant group and zero in control group. There was no significant difference in studied groups regarding embryos heights. However, the embryos weights were less in case group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Considering plant effect on weight and hormone changes in pregnancy and abortifacient effect of Heracleum persicum in experimental group, its consumption should be with cautious during pregnancy. © 2014, Babol University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Effect of turnip on glucose and lipid profiles of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Introduction: In traditional medicine turnip (Brassica napus), is used to reduce blood glucose. Furthermore, Turnip also has antioxidant effects and many plants with antioxidant activities are known to have antidiabetic properties. Therefore in this study, the antihyperglycemic effect of boiled turnip extract and metabolic changes on triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in diabetic rats were investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats, weighing 200 to 250g were divided in to 4 groups: control, diabetic control, diabetic group receiving cooked Turnip and diabetic group receiving Glibenclamide. Diabetes was induced by injection of 120 mg/kg alloxan monohydrate on 3 consecutive days. Rats in the third group received 16ml/kg turnip extract daily for 4 weeks after which the animals were anesthetized and blood samples were taken to measure the factors mentoned. Data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance test using SPSS software. Results: Boiled turnip extract significantly reduced serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL, and increase HDL, in diabetic rats compared to the control diabetic group (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that boiled turnip extract can reduce blood glucose and lipid levels in diabetic rats and may be used as complementary or alternative treatment for diabetic patients