A Randomized Comparative Trial on the Therapeutic Efficacy of Topical Aloe vera and Calendula officinalis on Diaper Dermatitis in Children

Introduction. Diaper dermatitis (DD) is a common inflammatory disorder among children and infants. The objective of the present randomized and double-blind trial was to compare the therapeutic efficacies of Aloe vera cream and Calendula officinalis ointment on the frequency and severity of DD in children. Methods. Sixty-six infants with DD (aged < 3 years) were randomized to receive either Aloe cream (n = 32) or Calendula ointment (n = 34). Infants were treated with these drugs 3 times a day for 10 days. The severity of dermatitis was graded at baseline as well as at the end of trial using a 5-point scale. The adverse effects of study medications were assessed during the trial. Results. Although improvement in the severity of DD was observed in both treatment groups (P < 0.001), patients receiving Calendula ointment had significantly fewer rash sites compared to Aloe group (P = 0.001). No adverse effect was reported from either of the medications. Discussion. The evidence from this study suggests that topical Aloe and in particular Calendula could serve as safe and effective treatment for the treatment of diaper dermatitis in infants

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of sulfur mustard toxicity on spermatozoa and male fertility

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a toxic compound that can target human spermatozoa. SM induces a wide variety of pathological effects in human reproductive organs, including sexual hormone disturbance, testicular atrophy, impaired spermatogenesis, poor sperm quality, defects in embryo development, childhood physical abnormalities, and severe fertility problems. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of SM action on male reproductive health and human sperm function are unclear. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species and the resulting oxidative stress is likely a significant mechanism of SM action, and could be associated with sperm DNA damage, membrane lipid peroxidation, reduced membrane fluidity, mitochondrial deficiency, apoptosis, and poor sperm quality. In this review, we aim to discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SM action on sperm and reproductive health, the significance of OS, and the mechanisms through which SM enhances the infertility rate among SM-exposed individuals

Relationship of oxidative stress with male infertility in sulfur mustard-exposed injuries

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a cytotoxic and chemical agent that targets different tissues such as reproductive system. SM causes a wide variety of pathological effects on reproductive system such as disturbance in reproductive hormones, testis atrophy, spermatogenesis deficiency, low quality of sperm and fertility problem. However, molecular and cellular mechanisms of its adverse effects are still not well known. General events such as tissue damage, inflammation, DNA alkylation, cell membrane defects, apoptosis and cell death are observed frequently in SM-exposed subjects. Oxidative stress (OS) and antioxidants depletion induced by SM seem to be one of the main factors that lead to low sperm quality and male infertility among exposed patients. It is believed that SM can trigger several molecular and cellular pathways linked to OS and inflammation in reproductive system that can cause impaired spermatogenesis, sperm apoptosis and poor sperm quality as well as loss of tissue structure and function. Identification of these signaling pathways and molecules gives us valuable information regarding the mechanisms of SM effect on reproductive dysfunction and the way for developing a better clinical treatment. Therefore, in this review we aimed to discuss the proposed cellular and molecular mechanisms of SM effect on reproductive system, the significance of oxidative stress and the mechanisms by which SM induces OS and antioxidants depletion in SM exposed men

Chromosomal aneuploidies and associated rare genetic syndromes involved in male infertility

Background and objectives: Recent investigations have reported more than 70 genetic syndromes involved in male infertility; however, the majority of these syndromes are extremely rare. We aimed to report the most common chromosomal abnormalities and associated rare genetic syndromes in the context of human male infertility. Materials and Methods: We performed a review of published articles considering the most common chromosomal aneuploidies and rare genetic syndromes associated with male infertility on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Results: Chromosomal abnormalities are frequently found in infertile men, with an incidence rate of 2-15%. The chromosomal aberrations include the sex and autosomal chromosome abnormalities, as well as numerical and structural defects in chromosomes. There are various rare genetic syndromes involved in male infertility that are caused by structural and numerical abnormalities in chromosomes. Klinefelter syndrome is the most common type of sex chromosome aneuploidy in infertile males. Besides, Y chromosome microdeletions, particularly in azoospermia factor regions, serve as the second most common genetic cause of impaired spermatogenetic in infertile men. These molecular genetic abnormalities not only can be inherited, but also they may transmit to the next generation through assisted reproductive techniques and result in the birth of boys with higher risk of congenital abnormalities and infertility. Despite the normal secondary male sexual characteristics, some patients are azoospermic or severe oligozoospermic men. Therefore, identification of these molecular genetic factors and rare genetic disorders is essential in men with unexplained infertility. Discussion and conclusion: Since most of molecular genetic abnormalities can be transmitted to the next generation, identification of these rare genetic disorders is crucial for men with unexplained infertility. It is also essential for clinicians and physicians of reproductive medicine and andrologists to initiate genetic evaluation, aneuploidy screening and counseling prior to any therapeutic procedures

The Effect of 8-Methoxypsoralen on Pituitary-Gonad Axis and Ovarian Function in Mice

Objective: 8-Methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) is a photoactive compound widely used in the treatment of proliferate disorders. The present study investigates the effects of 8-MOP on ovary function and pituitary-gonad axis in mice.Materials and Methods: In this experimental analytical study, 45 female Balb/C mice were divided into three groups (n=15), control, sham (olive oil injection) and experimental. The experimental group were received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the LD50 dose of 60 mg/kg 8-MOP. At 30 days after injection, the animals were sacrificed while in the proestrus stage and examined for morphological and histological changes their ovaries. Blood samples were collected and estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were assessed by radioimmunoassay. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the t test.Results: The mean levels of estrogen and progesterone in the experimental group significantly decreased (p<0.001). However, there was a significant increase in LH and FSH levels in this group compared to the control groups (p<0.001). The mean number and diameter of the corpus luteum (CL) and the number of growing follicles in the experimental group significantly reduced compared to the control and sham groups (p<0.001). The mean granulosa thickness in the experimental group also significantly decreased compared to the control and sham groups (p<0.001).Conclusion: Our data indicated that 8-MOP can affect the levels of LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone. Our findings further suggest that consecutive doses of 8-MOP may impair the female reproductive tract (or development)

Total Antioxidant Capacity and Lipid Peroxidation in Semen of Patient with Hyperviscosity

Semen hyperviscosity (SHV) is one of the factors involved in deficiency in sperm function. This research aimed to evaluate seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in infertile patients with hyperviscous and non-hyperviscous semen samples to understand whether hyperviscous semen is associated with oxidative damage in infertile subjects. In this cross sectional study, 59 semen samples were provided by fertile (n=12) individuals as control, infertile patients with normal viscosity (n=25) and infertile patients with hyperviscosity (n=22). After semen parameters examination, semen viscosity was studied by glass pipettes. Seminal plasma TAC and MDA levels were measured by ferric reducing of antioxidant power (FRAP) and thiobarbituric acid reaction (TBAR) methods, respectively. A probability less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant throughout the article. The mean of sperm parameters including: counts, motility and normal morphology in patients with hyperviscosity were significantly lower than those in non-hyperviscosity patients (p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). The mean of seminal plasma TAC value in seminal plasma of non-hyperviscosity patients (1710.31 ± 458.67 μmol/l) was significantly (p<0.01) higher than that of hyperviscosity group (1230.25 ± 352 μmol/l). A trend toward a higher mean of seminal plasma MDA value was estimated for hyperviscous group compared with non-hyperviscous (1.01 ± 0.41 nmol/ml vs. 0.94 ± 0.28 nmol/l); however, it was nonsignificant. Hyperviscous semen impairs seminal plasma TAC which is eventually associated with sperm membrane lipid peroxidation

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment of Airway Injuries in A Patient after Long-Term Exposure to Sulfur Mustard

Objective Sulfur mustard (SM) is a potent mutagenic agent that targets several organs, particularly lung tissue. Changes in morphological structure of the airway system are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary deficiency following exposure to SM. Although numerous studies have demonstrated pathological effects of SM on respiratory organs, unfortunately there is no effective treatment to inhibit further respiratory injuries or induce repair in these patients. Due to the extensive progress and achievements in stem cell therapy, we have aimed to evaluate safety and potential efficacy of systemic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) administration on a SM-exposed patient with chronic lung injuries. Materials and Methods In this clinical trial study, our patient received 100×106cells every 20 days for 4 injections over a 2-month period. After each injection we evaluated the safety, pulmonary function tests (PFT), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Assessment Test (CAT), St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Borg Scale Dyspnea Assessment (BSDA), and 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT). One-way ANOVA test was used in this study which was not significant (P>0.05). Results There were no infusion toxicities or serious adverse events caused by MSC administration. Although there was no significant difference in PFTs, we found a significant improvement for 6MWT, as well as BSDA, SGRQ, and CAT scores after each injection. Conclusion Systemic MSC administration appears to be safe in SM-exposed patients with moderate to severe injuries and provides a basis for subsequent cell therapy investigations in other patients with this disorder (Registration Number: IRCT2015110524890N1)

Role of oxidative stress and antioxidant therapy in acute and chronic phases of sulfur mustard injuries: a review

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical compound that preferentially targets ocular, cutaneous and pulmonary tissues. Although pathologic effect of SM has been extensively considered, molecular and cellular mechanism of its toxicity, especially at the chronic phase of injury is not well-understood. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS) appears to be involved in SM-induced injuries. SM may trigger several molecular and cellular pathways linked to OS and inflammation that can subsequently result in cell death and apoptosis. At the acute phase of injury, SM can enhance ROS production and OS by reducing the activity of antioxidants, depletion of intercellular glutathione (GSH), decreasing the productivity of GSH-dependent antioxidants, mitochondrial deficiency, accumulation of leukocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Overexpression of ROS producing enzymes and down-regulation of antioxidant enzymes are probably the major events by which SM leads to OS at the chronic phase of injury. Therefore, antioxidant therapy with potent antioxidants such as N-acetylcysteine and curcumin may be helpful to mitigate SM-induced OS damages. This review aims to discuss the proposed cellular and molecular mechanisms of acute and delayed SM toxicity, the importance of OS and mechanisms by which SM increases OS either at the acute or chronic phases of injuries along with research on antioxidant therapy as a suitable antidot

Histopathological Effects of Single Dose Treatment of Diazinon on Testes Structure in Rat

Objective: Diazinon (DZN) is an organophosphorate synthetic insecticide widely usedin agriculture. DZN has been observed to cause many changes, such as alterations inandrogenic hormones. In the present study, the effect of DZN treatment on the structureof the testes and spermatogenesis in young adult Albino rats was evaluated.Materials and Methods: Adult rats were randomly divided into three groups including:controls (n=6), DZN-treatment group A (n=6) and DZN-treatment group B (n=6). CommercialDZN was injected intraperitoneally in a single dose (A=25 mg/kg and B=2.5mg/kg), corresponding to LD50. Thirty five days after injection, animals were sacrificed formorphological and histological examinations.Results: There was a significant reduction in seminiferous tubule size in group A incomparison with both controls and group B (p<0.001). The number of spermatocytes,Leydig and germinal cells were significantly decreased (p<0.001). These differenceswere not significant between the controls and group B; however, the number of spermatocytesin group B was significantly lower than in the controls (p<0.01).Conclusion: This study revealed that the reproductive function of adult rats and spermatogenesisare sensitive to DZN treatment. In addition, the effect of DZN on morphologicalparameters was significantly dose dependent. Further study of the control DZNand the actual mechanism whereby it exerts toxic effects on male infertility is required