Antidepressant Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Origanum Vulgare L. Using Adult Male Mice Model of Depression Induced by Reserpine

Introduction: Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) is a plant rich in antioxidant compounds and has therapeutic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Oregano alcoholic extract on complications of depression in reserpine-poisoned mice.  Methods: In this experimental study, 42 male BALB/c mice were divided into 6 groups of 7, including control (normal saline), negative control (reserpine), fluoxetine (positive control), and three reserpine groups treated respectively with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of Oregano via the intraperitoneal route. Depression was evaluated using forced swim test. Brain and serum total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde level were also determined. The data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software and One-Way ANOVA test. The significant was shown with (p≥0.05). Results: Negative control group significantly increased immobility time and decreased swimming time compared to the control group in the forced swim test (p≥0.001) and the extract at levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg similar to fluoxetine significantly reduced the immobility and increased the swimming time (p≥0.001). Reserpine in the negative control group decreased the antioxidant capacity and increased the level of malondialdehyde in serum and brain compared to the control group (p≥0.001).Compared to the negative control group, the extract at the level of 200 mg/kg, similar to fluoxetine, increased the antioxidant capacity in the brain (p≥0.01) and decreased the level of malondialdehyde in the serum and brain (p≥0.001). In addition, the extract at level of 400 mg/kg similar to fluoxetine significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and decreased the level of malondialdehyde in serum and brain (p≥0.001) compared to control group. Conclusion: Oregano seems to have significant potential in reducing depressive symptoms and reducing oxidative stress due to its active antioxidant compounds

Platelet indices in acute coronary syndrome patients

Background & Aims: platelets play crucial role in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The importance of platelets in the development and spread of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is well known. Most studies tried to find an association between platelet indices and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk factors; however, the results contradict, and despite the relative ease of obtaining the platelet indices, their use in clinical practice is still limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between platelet indices and other influencing factors including age, gender, underlying diseases, and fat profile in determining the risk of ACS. Materials & Methods: From September 2019 to March 2020, a consecutive of 101 patients (76 men and 25 women) admitted to the CCU in firoozabadi hospital, Tehran, Iran, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients who had a history of platelet disorders, myeloproliferative disorders, thyroid dysfunctions, receiving blood products, cancers and chemotherapy, and patients who had missing Mean platelet volume (MPV) in current or prior admissions were excluded from the study. Patients were divided into the MI and the UA (Unstable Angina) groups. Data were presented as means ± SD and qualitative variables as frequency (percentage) were considered. Statistical analyzes were performed with SPSS software version 20. Results: The mean age of patients was 62.5 ± 13.16 years. Age, gender, underlying disease, troponin, ejection fraction, HDL, LDL, cholesterol, and triglyceride were assessed in the patients. The mean fasting blood sugar and LDL were significantly different between the two groups of MI and Unstable Angina (UA), in which P-values were 0.001 and 0.02, respectively. Comparing platelet indices, including platelet count, PDW, and MPV in the two groups, indicated a difference in the PDW variable (P-value 0.008). Conclusion: Platelet count did not show any significant changes or relation with MI and UA patients. MPV was not significantly higher in the MI group than the UA group, but higher MPV values were related to a higher mortality rate. Elevated PDW was significantly correlated with both MI groups and mortality, thus can be used as a prognostic factor