Retraction Note to: The protective effect of Pentoxifylline on testopathy in male rats following Dimethyl Nitrosamine administration: An experimental study

This article has been retracted at the request of the IJRM editorial board, based on research the results of an investigation which found serious flaws in publishing the study results. &nbsp

The effect of royal jelly and silver nanoparticles on liver and kidney inflammation

Objective: Royal jelly (RJ) is a honey bee product for which, anti-inflammatory properties were shown in vitro. Nanoparticles, including nano-silver (NS), are plausible inflammation inducers that act by activation of immune cells and consequent production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This project aimed to explore immunomodulatory effects of royal jelly and nano-silver on the kidney and liver. Materials and Methods: In this project, 40 male rats were grouped as follows: 10 rats as controls, 10 rats treated with RJ; 10 rats treated with both NS and RJ and 10 rats treated with NS. Liver and kidney interleukin (IL)-1β, -2, -6, and -33 levels were determined using commercial ELISA kits. Results: RJ reduced kidney IL-6 levels in comparison to control and NS--RJ groups. RJ and NS reduced kidney and liver IL-1β levels. Kidney IL-33 levels were decreased in the RJ and nano-silver groups in comparison to the NS--RJ group. Conclusion: Based on this study, it may be concluded that RJ together with NS can play anti-inflammatory roles and may affect the function of immune cells

Pharmacy Students’ Satisfaction Rate with their Majors and its Relationship with Educational Status in Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (2014)

Introduction: Satisfaction of the students as educational institutions’ customers plays a major role in the performance and activities of the university. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of satisfaction of pharmacy students and their educational status in Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in the year 2014. Methods: 48 pharmacy students at 9th to 11th semesters participated in this cross-sectional study. The students' satisfaction was evaluated in 14 different domains. Various fields related to basic and specialized training, educational space, communications, groups' performance, facilities and teaching space were investigated. Data were collected using a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by experts, and its reliability has already been proven by Cronbach's alpha test. For comparing scores between bimodal variables, Mann-Whitney U test was used, and for comparisons between multimodal variables, Kruskal-Wallis test was used. The collected data were coded and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS.17. Results: The moderate students’ satisfaction with the entire fields was 70.8%, with women's satisfaction more than men’s. Students' satisfaction with the effectiveness of the education system and whether training is to increase the professional capabilities was 82.9%. Average students' satisfaction with the facilities such as laboratories, library and electronic sources was 77.1%. Conclusion: The overall satisfaction of pharmacy students with the School of Pharmacy was assessed as moderate. Thus, doing some actions to increase the level of satisfaction is necessary

Falcaria vulgaris extract attenuates diabetes–induced kidney injury in rats

Objective: To assess the effects of Falcaria vulgaris (F. vulgaris) as an antioxidant on damage to kidney of diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetic rats were established via streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Various doses of F. vulgaris extracts (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) and streptozotocin + F. vulgaris extracts were administered via intraperitoneal (i.p) injection to 48 rats (n=8 per group) for 28 d. Subsequently, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of renal tissue, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, blood glucose concentrations, insulin, nitrite oxide, the weight of animals, glomeruli characteristics and kidney function were evaluated. Results: Compared with the control rats, diabetic rats showed significant increase in malondialdehyde, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, blood glucose, nitrite oxide contents in renal tissues, and glomerular diameter. Furthermore, tissue FRAP level, body weight, number of glomeruli and plasma insulin were markedly reduced in diabetic rats when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). However, in all F. vulgaris and F. vulgaris + streptozotocin groups, malondialdehyde level, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glomerular diameter, nitrite oxide, and glucose levels were decreased significantly; meanwhile, tissue FRAP level, body weight, glomeruli number and insulin serum level were increased, compared to the control diabetic group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: F. vulgaris extract alleviates renal damage in diabetic rats

Effects of Crocin on Sperm Parameters and Seminiferous Tubules in Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes can increase the generation of free radicals and can be harmfully effective in spermatogenesis. Crocin is a carotenoid and is accountable for the red color of saffron. Crocin has shown numerous pharmacological actions such as antioxidant roles and radical scavenging. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of crocin on sperm parameters and the diameter of seminiferous tubules in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, diabetic rats were induced by Streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg). Sixty-four rats were equally divided into the following eight groups; (1) normal control group, (2–4) crocin groups, receiving various doses of crocin (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg), (5) diabetic control group, and (6–8) diabetic groups, receiving STZ plus crocin (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) injected intraperitoneally once a day for 28 consecutive days. The sperm count, motility, morphology, viability, spermatogenesis index (SI), and the diameter of seminiferous tubules were examined and compared. Results: The results demonstrated that count, motility, viability, normal sperm morphology, SI, and the diameter of seminiferous tubules decreased significantly in the diabetic control group compared to the normal control group (P < 0.05). However, in the diabetic groups, count, motility, normal morphology, viability, SI, and the diameter of seminiferous tubules enhanced significantly in total doses compared to those of the diabetic control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that, as a strong antioxidant, crocin could compensate for the toxicity induced through STZ and raise the quality of some sperm parameters

Improvement of Phaseolus vulgaris on breastfeeding in female rats

Objective: To evaluate effect of Phaseolus vulgaris (P. vulgaris) on the breastfeeding in female rats. Methods: This experimental study was done from May 2018 to December 2018 in the Anatomical Department of Medical School in Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in Iran. In this study, after one-week adaptation and fertilization by male, 40 female rats within 20 days of pregnancy (on average, every mother had 10 newborns) were equally separated into four groups (animals were administrated after delivery of offspring). Group 1 was control group receiving normal saline interaperitoneally, and groups 2, 3, 4 were treatment groups receiving the dose of 20, 50, 100 mg/kg of P. vulgaris interaperitoneally respectively once a day for 60 days. The prolactin hormone was measured by radio immune assay, number and diameter of alveoli via histological and morphometrical examinations, and receptor prolactin gene expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Results: P. vulgaris significantly improved alveoli’s number and diameter, prolactin hormone and receptor prolactin expression when compared to the control group (P<0.001). Conclusions: P. vulgaris is helpful to improve the breastfeeding parameters of rats’ mammary glands

Effect of Genistein on reproductive parameter and serum nitric oxide levels in morphine-treated mice

Background: The predominant phytoestrogen in soy and derived products is the isoflavone Genistein. Genistein has antioxidant properties. Morphine is a main psychoactive chemical in opium that can increase the generation of free radicals and therefore it could adversely affects the spermatogenesis. Objective: The main goal was to investigate whether the Genistein could protect morphine adverse effects on sperm cells viability, count, motility, and testis histology and testosterone hormone and nitric oxide in blood serum. Materials and Methods: In this study, various doses of Genistein (0, 1, 2, and 3 mg/kg) and Genistein plus morphine (0, 1, 2, and 3 mg/kg) were administered interaperitoneally to 48 male mice for 30 consequent days. These mice were randomly assigned to 8 groups (n=6) and sperm parameters (sperm cells viability, count, motility and morphology), testis weight and histology, testosterone hormone (ELISA method), FSH and LH hormones (immunoradiometry) and serum nitric oxide (griess assay) were analyzed and compared. Results: The results indicated that morphine administration significantly decreased testosterone (0.03 ng/mg) LH and FSH level, histological parameters, count, viability (55.3%), morphology and motility of sperm cells (1%), testis weight (0.08 gr) and increase nitric oxide compared to saline group (p=0.00). However, administration of Genistein and Genistein plus morphine significantly boosted motility, morphology, count, viability of sperm cells, seminiferous tubules diameter, germinal thickness, testosterone, LH and FSH while decrease nitric oxide level in all groups compared to morphine group (p<0.025). Conclusion: It seems that Genistein administration could increase the quality of spermatozoa and prevent morphine- induced adverse effects on sperm parameters

Genistein Improves Liver Damage in Male Mice Exposed to Morphine

Background: Morphine is commonly used to treat severe pain. This substance is significantly metabolized in the liver and causes disturbing effects. Genistein is an isoflavone and has antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of genistein against morphine damages on mouse liver. Methods: Between May 2017 and March 2018, 48 male mice were divided into six groups (n = 8 in each group). Various doses of genistein (25 and 50 mg/kg) and morphine plus genistein (25 and 50 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally to 48 male mice for 20 consequent days. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum nitric oxide (NO) levels, liver weight, and the diameter of hepatocytes and central hepatic vein were studied and compared using one-way analysis of variance. Results: Morphine administration significantly increased the mean diameter of the central hepatic vein (22.76 ± 1.9 μm vs. 15.04 ± 0.60 μm, χ2 = 21.814, P = 0.001) and hepatocytes (3.03 ± 0.10 μm vs. 1.10 ± 0.05 μm, χ2 = 9.873, P = 0.001) respectively, blood serum NO level (38.00% ± 2.09% vs. 18.72% ± 4.40%, χ2 = 20.404, P < 0.001), liver enzyme level (AST: 111.80 ± 5.10 ng/ml vs. 81.93 ± 2.20 ng/ml, χ2 = 32.201, P < 0.0001; ALT: 45.14 ± 4.10 ng/ml vs. 35.49 ± 2.50 ng/ml, χ2 = 18.203, P < 0.0001; and ALP: 3.28 ± 0.20 ng/ml vs. 2.14 ± 0.10, χ2 = 5.04, P < 0.0001, respectively), and decreased liver weight (18.50 ± 0.90 g vs. 27.15 ± 0.50 g, χ2 = 22.415, P = 0.001) compared to saline group (0.535–0.750, P < 0.0001). However, administration of genistein plus morphine significantly enhanced liver weight (25 mg/kg: 21.15 ± 2.13 g vs. 18.50 ± 0.90 g, χ2 = 19.251, P < 0.0001; 50 mg/kg: 21.20 ± 1.00 g vs. 18.5 ± 0.9 g, χ2 = 19.502, P < 0.0001, respectively) and reduced the mean diameter of hepatocyte (25 mg/kg: 2.17 ± 0.30 μm vs. 3.03 ± 0.10 μm, χ2 = 22.780, P = 0.001; 50 mg/kg: 2.01 ± 0.20 μm vs. 3.03 ± 0.10 μm χ2 = 7.120, P = 0.001, respectively), central hepatic vein (25 mg/kg: 19.53 ± 1.00 μm vs. 22.76 ± 1.90 μm, χ2 = 20.681, P = 0.001; 50 mg/kg: 19.44 ± 1.20 μm vs. 22.76 ± 1.90 μm, χ2 = 18.451, P = 0.001, respectively), AST (25 mg/kg: 95.40 ± 5.20 ng/ml vs. 111.80 ± 5.010 ng/ml, P < 0.0001; 50 mg/kg: 90.78 ± 6.00 ng/ml vs. 111.80 ± 5.10 ng/ml, χ2 = 17.112, P < 0.0001, respectively), ALT (25 mg/kg: 35.78 ± 5.01 ng/ml vs. 45.14 ± 4.10 ng/ml, χ2 = 15.320, P < 0.0001; 50 mg/kg: 33.78 ± 2.60 ng/ml vs. 45.14 ± 4.10 ng/ml, χ2 = 14.023, P < 0.0001, respectively), ALP (25 mg/kg: 2.35 ± 0.30 ng/ml vs. 3.28 ± 0.20 ng/ml, χ2 = 4.101, P < 0.0001; 50 mg/kg: 2.34 ± 0.10 ng/ml vs. 3.28 ± 0.20 ng/ml, χ2 = 2.033, P < 0.0001, respectively), and NO levels (25 mg/kg: 25.92% ± 2.30% vs. 38% ± 2.09%, χ2 = 17.103, P < 0.0001; 50 mg/kg: 24.74% ± 4.10% vs. 38% ± 2.09%, χ2 = 25.050, P = 0.001, respectively) compared to morphine group. Conclusion: It seems that genistein administration might improve liver damages induced by morphine in mice

Impacts of low-protein diet on the hippocampal CA1 neurons and learning deficits in rats

Introduction: Proteins are the essential part of all organism cells. Nutrition plays the most important role in the structure and function of the brain. CA1 region belongs to hippocampus and plays a vital role in converting short-term to long-term memory. This study was designed to assess the effects of low-protein diet on hippocampal region CA1 and learning deficit in rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 male rats were randomly assigned to two groups: control group and low-protein diet group (8% protein). Animals in a low-protein diet group have eaten food with low protein daily for 10 months. Body weight was measured. Transcardiac perfusion method was applied to tissue fixation. Passive avoidance learning of animals was examined by the shuttle-box apparatus technique. The number of dendritic spines was investigated by the Golgi staining technique. Furthermore, Cresyl violet staining method was used to determine the number of neurons in the hippocampal region CA1. Results: The passive avoidance learning of the low-protein diet rats was reduced significantly compared to the control ones (P < 0.001). Low-protein diet decreased the body weight, number of neuronal dendritic spines and neurons compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: It seems that administration of low-protein diet had harmful effects of structure and function of hippocampal region CA1 in rats