Probably Role of Antioxidants Against EMFs-Induced Effects on Central Nervous System Structures: A Mini Review

Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are one of the main environmental pollutants inducing adverse effects on life quality. Waves emitted from industrial and domestic equipments always expose humans to the risk of some diseases. The central nervous system (CNS) is one of the structures sensitive to these waves, which could be damaged seriously. Complexity of the neural structure demands more researches based on morphological and histological changes. Important factors involved in EMFs effects on neural function concern the type, frequency, intensity of waves and duration of the exposure. Surely, increased dosage of the electromagnetic waves results in severe consequences on the function of brain neurons. However, antioxidants may prevent chronic injuries via different methods. The critical periods of fetal, childhood, or pregnancy are more susceptible to irreparable risks of electric magnetic waves. There are several strategies to reduce effects of such waves, by using antioxidants, for instance. However, different theories have been presented on their efficiency due to the abundance of antioxidants available in nature. In the present review, we conclude that even low-dosages of EMFs would have negative effects on CNS. According to some previous studies, various dosages of antioxidants have different effects on neural function leading to various theories on this subject

The Effects of 50 Hz Electromagnetic Fields Induction of Apoptosis in Rat Ovarian Follicles

Objective: The increases application of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) equipments in last decades led to some diseases. Therefore, many studies focused in this issue mainly on critical organs like central nervous system and reproductive function. In the meantime, female infertility by EMFs is one of the most important challenges in current studies. Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were selected randomly and divided into 3 groups (n = 10). Group 1 received 50 Hz EMFs for 8 weeks (3 weeks via intrauterine + 5 weeks after births). Group 2 received 50 Hz EMFs for 13 weeks (3 weeks via intrauterine + 10 weeks after birth). Group 3 was considered as a control in the normal condition. After this period, evaluation apoptosis in ovarian follicles were analyzed by TUNEL method. Results: The results of this study show a significantly increased of apoptotic cell members in experimental groups. Degenerative and pathologic changes were found in ovarian tissue and follicles besides which indicates increase the number of apoptotic cells in experimental groups. As well as, this study has shown that oocyte nucleus was smaller and deformed and apoptotic vacuoles increased in granulose cell. Conclusion: According to the results, we observed that EMFs can changes oogenesis cycle through destructive impacts on ovary structure and function. Of course, this problem depends on frequency and duration of exposure to these waves

An Expert System to Evaluate the Impacts of Health, Safety, and Environment System Implementation on Firms’ Financial Performance Using Analytic Network Process and Promethee Techniques

Sustainability involves balancing the environment, equity, and economy, with a focus on the green or low-carbon economy. Four strategic targets for a green economy encompass green management, green production, green lifestyle, and green technologies. Adopting a green economy poses challenges for companies, necessitating innovative systems like green supply chain management, smart homes, and health-safety-environment systems. Companies' concern about financial effectiveness drives the need for investments in these systems, as financial performance is critical for survival and growth. This study investigates the influence of health-safety-environment practices on a firm's financial performance. By determining key health-safety-environment indicators and financial metrics, the research gathered insights through 97 questionnaires, which were completed by experts from four Iranian companies. The collected data was analyzed employing the analytic network process and Promethee techniques, enabling a robust evaluation of the relationship between HSE practices and financial performance. Finally, an expert system was designed based on decision matrices to provide suitable financial indicators derived from HSE data. Linking HSE practices to financial performance enhances overall effectiveness and sustainability, guiding businesses in making informed decisions while respecting growth, success, environmental issues, and finally low carbon economy.   Received: 27 July 2023 | Revised: 25 September 2023 | Accepted: 13 October 2023   Conflicts of Interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work

Protective Effect of Thyme Honey against Valproic Acid Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Introduction. Valproic acid is a medication most commonly used in the treatment of emotional and neurological depression, psychological imbalances, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder. Dark honey, like thyme honey, contains more antioxidant compounds than other samples. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of thyme honey on the potential hepatic effects of valproic acid. Methods. In this study, 48 male rats were randomly divided into 8 groups (n=6): G1 (control): healthy rats (normal saline 0.9%), G2: thyme honey (1 g/kg), G3: thyme honey (2 g/kg dose), G4: thyme honey (3 g/kg dose), G5: VPA (500 mg/kg), G6: VPA (500 mg/kg) and thyme honey (1 g/kg), G7: VPA (500 mg/kg) and thyme honey (2 g/kg dose), and G8: VPA (500 mg/kg) and thyme honey (3 g/kg dose). Groups G1 to G5 received the drug for 28 days. On day 14, administration of thyme honey for G6 to G8 groups was carried out using gavage until day 28. VPA was administered one hour after honey. To carry out the biochemical evaluation, blood samples were collected from all the groups and their serums were used for MDA, TAC, and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and GGT). Tissue samples of each rat were also removed for histological studies with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining. Results. The use of thyme honey significantly improved the histopathological parameters of the liver tissue, including hypertrophic degeneration and nucleus alteration, expansion of sinusoids, fibrosis and hepatic necrosis, and inflammation as well as hypertrophy of Kupffer cells. In the groups receiving VPA, the rate of lipid peroxidation increased, which indicates the destruction of the liver cell membrane due to drug consumption. TAC levels also increased following increase in thyme honey dosage (p≤0.05). The results of liver enzyme analysis showed a decrease in AST and ALT levels in the G6 group and a decrease in GGT level in the G8 group (p≤0.05). Conclusion. Based on the results of this study, it seems that high percentage of antioxidants in thyme honey enabled it to improve hepatic complications and reduce the rate of hepatocellular destruction

Honey and Vitamin E Restore the Plasma Level of Gonadal Hormones and Improve the Fertilization Capacity in Noise-Stressed Rats

Objective: Noise as a natural teratogenic factor affects the body systems including the reproductive organ to reduce the fertility rate and fetus health. Honey and vitamin E as natural antioxidants protects the sperm released from the reproductive system. This study was conducted to examine the efficacy of honey and vitamin E on fertilization capacity in noise-exposed rats by assessing plasma sexual hormones levels i.e., follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone, altered in relation with noise stress. Materials and Methods: This study was targeted the 24 male rats that randomly were divided into four equal groups including one control group (unexposed to noise stress) and three experimental groups pre-induced with noise stress for 50 days and then divided as: no treated, honey and vitamin E treated groups, respectively. Then, the blood samples of experimental and control groups were taken, and the serum level of the sexual hormones was analyzed. Finally, to investigate the fertility capacity of rats, the male rats of all groups were coupled with the female ones. Results: Our results showed that FSH and LH level in noise stressed male rats raised, and the testosterone secretion decreased compared to the control group. Moreover, noise stress injury could reduce weight and the survival rate of the fetus. However, the honey and vitamin E improved the testosterone concentration, declined the plasma FSH and LH level in noise - exposed rats and enhanced the fertility rate. Conclusion: These findings may also spell out a natural curative approach rather than pharmaceutical drugs to optimize of neuroendocrine gonadal axis and testicular integrity induced by pathogenesis stress, i.e., noise and enhance the male fertility capacity

Study of Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) Seed Extract Effects on Serum Level of Oxidative Stress

Objective: The Foeniculum vulgare (FVE), known as fennel, has a long history of herbal uses as both food and medicine. The seed of this plant has been used to promote menstruation, alleviate the symptoms of female climacteric, and increase the number of ovarian follicles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fennel extract effects on serum level of oxidative stress in female mice. Materials and Methods: Totally, 28 virgin female albino mice were divided into four groups (n = 7). Groups 1 and 2 (experimental groups) were administered FVE at 100 and at a concentration of 100 and 200 mg/kg for 5 days, interaperitoneally. Group 3 (negative control) received ethanol and Group 4 (positive control) received normal saline. Animals were scarified at 6th day, sera were collected and the level of oxidative stress was determination of using total antioxidant status kit. Results: Data analysis revealed that there is a significant difference in the mean level of serum oxidative stress between four different groups. P value in experimental groups compared to the control group was (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Fennel extract can decrease the serum level of oxidative factors in female mice; it can be introduced as a novel medicine for treatment of infertilit