The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of allium latifolium on the liver phosphatidate phosphatase and serum lipid profile in hyperlipidemic rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Allium latifolium has polyphenolic compounds with power antioxidant properties which reduce serum lipids. Phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (PAP) is a key enzyme in controlling the synthesis of glycerophospholipids. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Allium latifolium on the liver PAP and serum lipid profile in hyperlipidemic rats. METHODS: In this experimental study, 40 male rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (8 in each group). Group I (normal) received standard diet, group II received cholesterol and oil diet (without treatment group), and groups III and IV were the rats which received cholesterol (Chol) and oil plus 150 and 300 mg/kg bw Allium latifolium extract, respectively. Group V were the rats which received cholesterol and oil diet plus 30 mg/kg bw gemfibrozyl. At the end of the study, liver PAP activity, liver triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol, and serum lipoprotein levels were determined and compared. FINDINGS: In group II, liver PAP activity showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) compared to other groups. In groups III and IV (the rats which received Allium latifolium extract), the liver Chol and TG, serum HDL-C, TG, total Chol, and VLDL (Very Low Density Lipoprotein) concentrations showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) compared to group II (the rats without treatment). In group IV, serum total cholesterol indicated a significant elevation (62.30) with respect to group III (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The consumption of Allium latifolium in the low dose can reduce the side effects of hyperlipidemia such as elevated serum Chol and TG

Antimicrobial effects and evaluation of total phenols flavonoids and flavonols contents of ethanolic extracts of Scrophularia striata

زمینه و هدف: ترکیبات فنولی و فلاونوئیدی گیاهان غالباً اثر ضد میکروبی دارند. لذا این مطالعه با هدف بررسی اثرات ضد میکروبی و تعیین میزان ترکیبات فنولی، فلاونوئیدی و فلاونولی عصاره اتانولی گیاه گل میمونی (Scrophularia striata) انجام گرفت. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه توصیفی آزمایشگاهی، عصاره اتانولی گیاه تهیه و برای تعیین حداقل غلظت ممانعت کننده از رشد باکتری (MIC) و حداقل غلظت کشندگی باکتری (MBC) از روش ماکرودایلوشن علیه باکتری Ecoli O157:H7 استفاده شد، آمیکاسین (µg30) به عنوان ماده ضد میکروبی مرجع بکار رفت. همچنین ترکیبات فنولی، فلاونولی و فلاونوئیدی آن با استفاده از روش های رنگ سنجی فولین- سیوکالتیو و کلرید آلومینیوم اندازه گیری شد. یافته ها: میزان ترکیبات فنولی، فلاونولی و فلاونوئیدی عصاره اتانولی گل میمونی به ترتیب 66/6±180، 6/3±74 و 66/6±100 mg/gبود. همچنین مقدار MIC و MBC در روش ماکرودایلوشن به ترتیب برابر mg/ml 90 و mg/ml100 بود. نتیجه گیری: نتایج نشان داد که عصاره گیاه گل میمونی دارای اثر ضد میکروبی بر روی باکتری مذکور بوده و علیرغم این مطلب، انجام تحقیقاتی بالینی و همچنین استفاده از دیگر روش های عصاره گیری، اثرات ضد باکتریایی گل میمونی را روشن تر خواهد کرد.

The Survey of Malnutrition Prevalence in Patients With Parkinson Disease In Tehran, Iran

Background: Parkinson disease (PD) introduced as the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease following Alzheimer disease. A patient’s nutritional status may be compromising in PD. This study aimed to describe the outpatient nutritional status in patients with PD at a third-level hospital in Iran.Methods: The validated Persian version of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire was used to evaluate the nutritional status of 158 Iranian PD patients (age, 35-85 years). The exclusion criteria were as follows: chronic comorbidities affecting the nutritional status (e.g., diabetes and hypertension); adherence to special diets; and cognitive disorders. Based on the MNA questionnaire, a total score below 17 represented malnutrition, while scores 17-24 indicated a risk of malnutrition.Results: Based on the findings, 26% of the participants had low weight, 67% of whom were over 65 years. According to the MNA questionnaire, 14.3% of the participants showed malnutrition and 26.2% were at risk of malnutrition.Conclusion: Based on our findings, PD can contribute to reduced nutritional status. More than one-fourth of the PD population was at risk of malnutrition, which highlights the need for more attention towards nutritional assessment. Nutritional assessment is essential for the development of nutritional interventions and early detection of PD patients who are at risk of malnutrition

Incidence and bacteriological profile of neonatal conjunctivitis in Hajar Hospital, Shahrekord, Iran

Background and Objective: In Iran, prenatal Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening of pregnant women and neonatal eye prophylaxis are not routine practice. The present research aimed to identify bacterial agents of neonatal conjunctivitis. Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on all babies born over a period from April 2007 to April 2008 in Hajar Hospital of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. Babies presenting clinical signs of erythema and edema of eyelid and purulent eye discharge were considered as clinical conjunctivitis. Specimens were obtained in all cases with conjunctivitis and were performed gram staining and cultures in specific media. A simple ELISA has been performed for measurement the immunoglobin M antibody to C. trachomatis and positive result rechecked by indirect immunoflurescent test. Results: During the period of one year, 223 neonates have revealed bacterial conjunctivitis. The incidence rate of neonatal conjunctivitis was 2.8. Chlamydia conjunctivitis was identified in 13.6 of cases and gonococcal conjunctivitis was identified in 5.5 of cases. Discussion: The high incidence rate of Chlamydia and gonococcal conjunctivitis, have revealed that the eye prophylaxis from ophthalmia neonatorum is needed promptly

Towards Hypoxia-responsive Drug-eluting Embolization Beads

Drug release from chemoembolization microspheres stimulated by the presence of a chemically reducing environment may provide benefits for targeting drug resistant and metastatic hypoxic tumours. A water-soluble disulfide-based bifunctional cross-linker bis(acryloyl)-(l)-cystine (BALC) was synthesised, characterised and incorporated into a modified poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) hydrogel beads at varying concentrations using reverse suspension polymerisation. The beads were characterised to confirm the amount of cross-linker within each formulation and its effects on the bead properties. Elemental and UV/visible spectroscopic analysis confirmed the incorporation of BALC within the beads and sizing studies showed that in the presence of a reducing agent, all bead formulations increased in mean diameter. The BALC beads could be loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride and amounts in excess of 300mg of drug per mL of hydrated beads could be achieved but required conversion of the carboxylic acid groups of the BALC to their sodium carboxylate salt forms. Elution of doxorubicin from the beads demonstrated a controlled releaseviaionic exchange. Some formulations exhibited an increase in size and release of drug in the presence of a reducing agent, and therefore demonstrated the ability to respond to anin vitroreducing environment

Long-term biocompatibility, imaging appearance and tissue effects associated with delivery of a novel radiopaque embolization bead for image-guided therapy

The objective of this study was to undertake a comprehensive long-term biocompatibility and imaging assessment of a new intrinsically radiopaque bead (LC Bead LUMI™) for use in transarterial embolization. The sterilized device and its extracts were subjected to the raft of ISO10993 biocompatibility tests that demonstrated safety with respect to cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, blood contact, irritation, sensitization, systemic toxicity and tissue reaction. Intra-arterial administration was performed in a swine model of hepatic arterial embolization in which 0.22–1 mL of sedimented bead volume was administered to the targeted lobe(s) of the liver. The beads could be visualized during the embolization procedure with fluoroscopy, DSA and single X-ray snapshot imaging modalities. CT imaging was performed before and 1 h after embolization and then again at 7, 14, 30 and 90 days. LC Bead LUMI™ could be clearly visualized in the hepatic arteries with or without administration of IV contrast and appeared more dense than soluble contrast agent. The CT density of the beads did not deteriorate during the 90 day evaluation period. The beads embolized predictably and effectively, resulting in areas devoid of contrast enhancement on CT imaging suggesting ischaemia-induced necrosis nearby the sites of occlusion. Instances of off target embolization were easily detected on imaging and confirmed pathologically. Histopathology revealed a classic foreign body response at 14 days, which resolved over time leading to fibrosis and eventual integration of the beads into the tissue, demonstrating excellent long-term tissue compatibility

Comparing the effects of nigella sativa extract and gentamicin in treatment of urinary tract infection caused by Ecoli

Background and purpose: The antibiotics' side effects and microbial resistance have increased the need for natural antimicrobial agents in treating infections. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effects of Nigella sativa extract and its possible nephrotoxicity compared with gentamicin. The effect of N. sativa on gentamicin induced renal toxicity and its synergistic effect were evaluated on urinary tract infection caused by Ecoli in rabbits. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 36 male New Zealand rabbits were designated into seven groups: gentamicin-bacteria, N. sativa-bacteria, N. sativa-gentamicin-bacteria, N. sativa-gentamicin, bacteria, gentamicin and control groups. The animals were anesthetized after ten days of treatment, and the kidney specimens were collated for histopathological examination. The nephrotoxic effects of gentamicin and protective effects of N. sativa on kidney were studied. Antibacterial effects of the extracts were evaluated with laboratory tests and the MBC and MIC values were obtained for N. sativa. Results: The level of urea nitrogen and creatinine in urine increased in bacteria group compared to control group (P<0.05). But, they decreased in bacteria- N. sativa group compared with the bacterial group (P<0.05). Histopathological examination of kidney tissue showed that renal lesions in bacterial and, bacteria- gentamicin groups (ATN) were more than N. sativa -bacteria and bacteria-gentamycin- N. sativa (minor necrosis) groups. Conclusion: According to the results, N. sativa in addition to antibacterial effect against E. coli, can prevent the nephrotoxic effects of gentamicin. Therefore, it may be considered as an alternative, or in combination with gentamicin

Effects of Sesamum indicum L. on fibrinogen and factor 7 in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

زمینه و هدف: فعالیت بیش از حد فاکتورهای هموستاتیک به عنوان عوامل خطر در بیماری های قلبی-عروقی شناخته شده اند. هدف از این مطالعه بررسی اثر کنجد و روغن کنجد بر میزان فیبرینوژن و فاکتور 7 در خرگوش های مصرف کننده کلسترول بالا بوده است. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه تجربی تعداد 32 سر خرگوش نر به طور تصادفی به چهار گروه آزمایشی هشت تایی تقسیم شدند. طی یک دوره 60 روزه، گروه اول غذای معمولی، گروه دوم غذای پر کلسترول (1)، گروه سوم غذای پر کلسترول به همراه کنجد (10) و گروه چهارم غذای پر کلسترول به همراه روغن کنجد (5) دریافت نمودند. میزان فاکتور هفت و فیبرینوژن سرم در زمان قبل از شروع آزمایش و بعد از پایان ماه دوم تعیین و در گروه های مختلف به کمک آزمون های آماری ANOVA و شفه با یکدیگر مقایسه شدند. یافته ها: در ابتدای دوره میانگین فاکتورهای بیوشیمیایی در بین گروههای مورد مطالعه تفاوت معنی داری نداشتند ولی میزان فیبرینوژن در گروه پرکلسترول نسبت به رژیم پایه افزایش معنی داری پیدا کرد (05/0

Effect of medicinal smokes on some nosocomial infection factors

زمینه و هدف: مقاومت دارویی امروزه یکی از مشکلات اساسی در درمان عفونت هاست و مقابله با این پدیده و استفاده از جایگزین های طبیعی اهمیت زیادی دارد. در این میان استفاده از دودهای طبی در درمان بسیاری از بیماری ها و از جمله بیماری های میکروبی و عفونی در ایران و بخصوص در استان چهارمحال و بختیاری از قدیم الایام رواج داشته که از جمله این دودها، دود حاصل از سوزاندن اسپند و سرگین می باشد. این مطالعه با هدف مقایسه خواص ضد میکروبی دود حاصل از دانه های اسپند و سرگین بر روی سودوموناس آئروژینوزا و استافیلوکوک اورئوس طراحی و انجام شد. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه تجربی آزمایشگاهی، گروه های دود اسپند و سرگین الاغ ماده به عنوان مورد و گروه های آنتی بیوتیک و دود کاه به عنوان شاهد در نظر گرفته شدند. سوش های استاندارد سودوموناس آئروژینوزا و استافیلوکوک اورئوس در محیط کشت های مناسب (مولر هینتون آگار، EMB و بلادآگار) کشت داده شدند. دیسک های بلانک آنتی بیوگرام دود دهی شده با سرگین، اسپند و کاه به طور جداگانه با کمک پنس استریل بر روی سطح پلیت های حاوی این سوش ها قرار داده شده و پس از 48 ساعت انکوباسیون در 37 درجه سانتی گراد از نظر وجود یا عدم وجود هاله رشد بررسی گردید. عمل دود دهی در محفظه های طراحی شده هر 20 دقیقه یکبار و حداکثر تا 24 بار تکرارگردید. یافته ها: هر دو گونه نسبت به دود کاه مقاوم بودند. استافیلوکوک اورئوس نسبت به دود سرگین و اسپند و سودوموناس آئروژینوزا نسبت به سرگین حساس بودند. در گروه شاهد نیز استافیلوکوک اورئوس نسبت به کلوگزاسیلین مقاوم بوده و سودوموناس آئروژینوزا تنها نسبت به اریترومایسین و سیپروفلوکساسین حساس بود. با افزایش زمان دود دهی، قطر هاله عدم رشد در موارد حساس بزرگتر شده و به عبارت دیگر اثرات ضد میکروبی دود افزایش می یافت. نتیجه گیری: با توجه به یافته های پژوهش و اثرات ضدمیکروبی دود سرگین بر روی میکروب های بسیار مقاومی مانند استافیلوکوک اورئوس و سودوموناس آئروژینوزا، لزوم انجام تحقیقات وسیع تر در مورد مواد موثره و خواص دود سرگین مطرح می گردد