Influences of L-DOPA and Blocking Dopamine Receptors on Aromatase Gene Expression and Serum Concentration of LH in Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background & Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with higher plasma levels of androgens, LH/FSH ratio and lower activity of aromatase and dopaminergic signaling pathways. In the present study, the effects of L-DOPA and dopamine receptor antagonists were investigated on aromatase (Cyp19) gene expression and LH concentration in PCOS rat model. Material & Methods: Following PCOS induction by estradiol valerate, The PCOS rats received saline, L-DOPA(100mg/kg) or simultaneous injections of sulpride (10mg/kg)/ SCH23390 (1mg/kg)/ L-DOPA (100mg/kg). Five intact estrous rats were used as a control group. Mean serum LH concentration and aromatase relative gene expression was evaluated by radioimmonoassay and real- time-PCR method respectively. Results: Mean aromatase mRNA levels significantly decreased in the hypothalamus and ovary of PCOS model rats compared to intact ones. Mean serum LH concentration significantly increased in PCOS group in comparison with intact rats. The L-DOPA significantly increased mean hypothalamic and ovarian aromatase gene expression compared to PCOS rats while it significantly declined serum LH concentration compared to PCOS rats. Dopamine receptor antagonists including sulpiride and SCH23390 blocks the stimulatory or inhibitory effects of L-DOPA on hypothalamic aromatase or serum LH levels respectively. But the sulpride and SCH23390 did not inhibit the stimulatory influences of L-DOPA on ovarian aromatase gene expression. Conclusion: L-DOPA may be involved in the controling of PCOS condition via decreasing LH secretion and increasing the aromatase gene expresion

Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Effect of Eugenol on the Improvement of Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats

Background: Sciatica is a common human disorder associated with chronic pain. To speed up the recovery of damaged sciatic nerve, using plant derivatives, such as Eugenol can be effective due to its known neuroprotective properties. This study, investigated the effects of Eugenol on the regenerative process of experimentally induced sciatic nerve injury in rats. Methods: Twenty eight male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 grams were divided into four groups of seven rats each. The control and sciatica model groups received normal saline only. The other two groups of sciatica model received Eugenol intraperitoneally at either 50 or 100 mg/kg daily for one week. Behavioral tests were also performed, and samples of the gastrocnemius muscles were removed under anesthesia for histopathological examinations. Results: The pace of nerve injury improvement and recovery of both sensory and motor functions increased significantly in Eugenol-treated groups compared to both the sciatica model and control groups. Conclusion: Eugenol administration improved the repair and regenerative process of the induced peripheral sciatic nerve damage in rats. Therefore, this compound may be considered as a beneficial treatment option for sciatica in humans

Determinants of Complementary Feeding Practices among Children Aged 6-23: a Community based Study

BackgroundComplementary feeding practices play an important role in growth and development of the children. This study aimed to determine the complementary feeding practices status among children aged 6- 23 months and its association with various socio- demographic factors.Materials and MethodsThis community based cross-sectional study was conducted at field practice area of Urban Health Centers in Khalkhal city, North West of Iran. In the preset study 576 mothers of children aged 6-23 months were selected with multistage random sampling method and interviewed using structured questionnaire for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) indicators (minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD). Data were analyzed with using SPSS-20.0, Chi-square, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression tests.ResultsFindings showed that MDD, MMF and MAD were adequate in 42.3%, 42.7% and 30.9%, respectively. MDD and MAD was significantly associated with gender of child, type of delivery, birth order of child, mothers literacy and health literacy (