Metformin and renal protection

Metformin as a biguanid drug entered to the market 50 years ago, and now is generally recommended as the first-line treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in overweight patients. However, in recent years ,new indications for its use have found. Recently, much attention has been directed toward the possible renal protective efficiency of metformin. Recent studies have proven that metformin, possesses antioxidant efficacy as well. Reduction of apoptosis, induced by oxidative stress in endothelial cells and prevention of vascular dysfunction is found with metformin treatment, too. © 2014, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved

Ameliorative effects of metformin on renal histologic and biochemical alterations of gentamicin-induced renal toxicity in Wistar rats

Background: The aim of this study was to test the potential properties of metformin (MF) to protect the kidney from gentamicin (GM)-induced renal toxicity. Materials and Methods: In this preclinical study, 50 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats in each. In the first group (group I), they were kept in the same condition as others without receiving drugs for 10 days. In group II, the rats were injected intraperitoneally with 100 mg/kg/day of GM for 10 consecutive days. Group III rats received 100 mg/kg/day MF orally for 10 days. In group IV, the rats received GM (100 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) for 10 days and 100 mg/kg/day MF orally for the next 10 days. In the last group (group V), the rats received a combination of GM 100 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally and MF 100 mg/kg/day orally for 10 days simultaneously. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) values were measured and renal tissues of the animals were processed for light microscope examination. Results: The levels of BUN in groups II, IV, and V, and also the serum level of Cr in groups II and V were increased significantly after the experiment. Furthermore, post-treatment with MF or co-treatment with MF could prevent the elevation of serum BUN and Cr induced by GM and also attenuates the damage score (P < 0.05). Conclusions: MF may prevent or ameliorate GM-induced acute renal failure, and therefore it might be beneficial in patients under treatment with this medicine

Endothelial Function: The Impact of Objective and Subjective Socioeconomic Status on Flow-Mediated Dilation

Although objective and subjective indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) are linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), little is known about their relationship to endothelial dysfunction, which often precedes CVD. This study examined how objective and subjective SES relate to brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD). FMD was assessed in 72 healthy adults (mean age 36 years). The MacArthur Scale of Subjective Social Status assessed perceived social standing in the USA (SSS-USA) and local community (SSS-Community). Objective SES measures included income and the Hollingshead Two-Factor Index of Social Position (education, occupation). Adjusted regressions revealed that SSS-Community positively correlated with FMD (p &lt; 0.05) and explained 8% of the variance. No other SES measures were significant for FMD. The association between FMD and SSS-Community remained significant (p &lt; 0.01) after adjustment for objective SES and other covariates. Lower subjective social status in one’s community may be linked to CVD via impaired vasodilation

Reviewing Sexual Function After Delivery and Its Association with Some of the Demographic Marital Satisfaction Factors

Background: Desirable sexual function has an important role in strengthening the marital life of the couples. Sexual disorders can cause mental pressure and affect quality of life and marital relationship. Methods: This was a descriptive correlation study in one group and one phase covering multivariables. The study sample included 384 women after delivery period that had the following inclusion criteria: the age of at least 18 years, delivery in 38-42 pregnancy weeks, primiparous and multiparous women, living in the city, single pregnancy, and twelve months elapsed from the delivery. The required data such demographic, marital satisfaction and sexual function index were collected through reporting questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods using software SPSS. Results: The findings of the study indicated that the most prevalent disorder of the sexual relationship in postpartum was dyspareunia and the least prevalent was the sexual desire. There was no significant association between sexual function and, age, education degree , body mass index ,body size and job, but there was a significant association for other factors such as the economic, residence and marital satisfaction (p<0.01). Conclusion: It is recommended that sexual problems after delivery be placed on the list of health teaching issues to pass easily this period of time. Women should be assured that these problems gradually would be improved and they should learn using proper techniques to decrease dyspareunia which is a sexual disorder in postpartum period

A Review on Ethnobotanical and Therapeutic Uses of Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graceum

Fenugreek with the scientific name of Trigonella foenum-graceum L and with leaves consisting of 3 small obovate to oblong leaflets is an annual herbaceous plant of the Fabaceae family. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean but is cultivated worldwide. This plant has medicinal alkaloids, steroid compounds, and sapogenins and many uses have been mentioned for this plant in traditional medicine. This plant has been used to ease childbirth, to aid digestion, and as a general tonic to improve metabolism. Trigonelline is considered as the most important metabolite of fenugreek, which is very effective in treating diabetes and decreasing blood cholesterol. Diaszhenin is another important compound in seeds of this plant, which is used in producing medicinal steroids like contraceptive pills. Many studies have been performed on the therapeutic effects and identification of chemical compounds of this plant. In this article, the most important biological effects and reported compounds about fenugreek seed are reviewed and its therapeutic applications are investigated. © 2015, © The Author(s) 2015