Wonders of Human Physiology from Tawhid Mofazal Perspective

For downloading the full-text of this article please click here.Background and Objective: Mankind as one of the most complex creatures has been the subject of many sciences. One of the sciences that consider growth and health parameters of body and circumstances of its activities is “physiology”. Also, there is a considerable amount of information about this topic in Islamic religious sciences and various sources, including the Quran and religious books of saints and religious leaders who have many things to say about this topic. The main objective of this study was to get a comprehensive view of the compatibility of science and religion.Method: In this study, comparison and analysis of content as well as library research were used. Various books related to fields of Islamic sciences and books on the field of physiology and medical and religious papers were examined. In this study, all the ethical issues were considered. Moreover, the authors declare no conflict of interest.Results: Findings showed that many of the cases related to field of physiology and medicine are stated in the complete religion of Islam by religious leaders, especially the Imams who have divine knowledge and they corroborate the science of the day.Conclusion: Comparative discussion around the physiology science in both religion and experimental sciences leads us to the conclusion that the religion as a source establishes doctrines, matches experimental science, and has a lot to share. This brings us to the relation between science and religion. There is no sharp contrast between these two categories and the relationship between science and religion is confirmed. It is also concluded that religious beliefs are effective in the medical physiology and experimental sciences. Consequently, steps must be taken to hold them together.For downloading the full-text of this article please click here

The effects of cyclooxygenase inhibitors on the gastric emptying and small intestine transit in the male rats following traumatic brain injury

Objective(s): This study was carried out to investigate the effects of COX-2 selective inhibitor (Celecoxib) or non-selective COX inhibitor (Ibuprofen) on gastrointestinal motility. Materials and Methods: The rats were randomly divided into five groups including: intact, sham, traumatic brain injury (TBI) group (intact rats under TBI), Celecoxib group (10 mg/kg), Ibuprofen group (10 mg/kg). Rats of the treatment groups received gavages at 1 hr before the TBI induction. The TBI was moderate and diffused using the Marmarou method. The gastric emptying and small intestine transit were measured by phenol red method. Results: The gastric emptying didn't change following TBI induction compared to intact group. The consumption of ibuprofen or celecoxib didn't have any effect on gastric emptying compared to sham group. TBI induction didn't have any effect on the intestinal transit. Also, there was no significant difference between ibuprofen or celecoxib consumption vs. sham group (P>0.05). Conclusion: The COX-2 selective inhibitor (celecoxib) or non-selective COX inhibitor (ibuprofen) have no effects on gastric or small bowel transit. Further work is necessary to investigate the effects of non-selective COX inhibitors and their impact on gastrointestinal motility disorders

Protective effect of Mumiju against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats

Objective: In this study, we elucidated the ameliorative effect of aqueous extract of leaves of Mumiju against acetic acid-induced experimental colitis in male rats. Materials and Methods: The animals were randomly divided into four groups (n=7) including I: control group, II: vehicle group (injected with 2 ml acetic acid (4%) intra rectally), III and IV: treatment groups which received Mumiju (250 mg/kg) orally or intraperitoneally for 4 consecutive days after ulcer induction. Ulcer index, severity of inflammation, colonic levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and histological changes were recorded after the treatment regimen of 4 days. Results: The ulcer index, severity of inflammation and colonic MDA levels were increased following intrarectal instillation of acetic acid. Also, acetic acid significantly decreased the SOD and GSH levels. Treatment with Mumiju for 4 days exhibited significantly lowered oxidative stress, while elevated of SOD and GSH levels. Regenerative-healing patterns also was seen by histopathological findings after treatment with Mumiju. Conclusion: The present investigation demonstrates that Mumiju could be regarded as a herb with potent therapeutic value in the amelioration of experimental colitis in laboratory animals by modulation of oxidant- antioxidant system

Anti-edema effect of Aloe vera leaf extract following traumatic brain injury: Role of pro-inflammatory cytokines

Objective: Based on anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe vera, the effect of aqueous extract of this plant on brain edema and changes in some pro-inflammatory cytokines was investigated after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Materials and Methods: In this study, adult male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: Sham, TBI, vehicle (Veh), and low dose (LA) and high dose (HA) Aloe vera. The vehicle and aqueous extract of Aloe vera were injected intraperitoneally 30 min after induction of diffuse TBI by Marmarou’s method. Brain edema (brain water content), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-1β levels in serum and brain were measured 24 hr after TBI induction. Results: Increased brain edema by TBI was reduced by both LA and HA (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). IL-6 increased in the brain of TBI group compared to sham, and which was inhibited by both Aloe vera doses compared to Veh (p<0.001). The differences in the IL-6 serum levels among Veh, LA and HA groups were not significant. Increases in serum and brain IL-1β levels were reduced only in the HA group (p<0.001). Although only in the brain, TNF-α level increased after trauma, but both LA and HA inhibited it in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively) . The amount of TGF-β in the brain was reduced by both doses of the extract (p<0.001). Conclusion: These results indicated that Aloe vera has a neuroprotective effect induced by reducing brain edema. The probable mechanism particularly for HA is decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β

Luteolin Reduced the Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Memory Impairments in Rats: Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Dark Neurons of Hippocampus

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is generally recognized as a major risk factor for memory impairments and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this experimental study, our aim was to investigate the ameliorating effects of luteolin (LUT) on the memory impairments, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes induced by TBI in rats. The adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups including: Control (Co), sham, TBI, TBI+LUT (10 mg/kg), TBI +LUT (25 mg/kg), TBI +LUT (50 mg/kg). To evaluate the protective effects of LUT on the memory of the rats, passive avoidance test using shuttle box was performed. Finally, the animals were anesthetized, and the brain tissues were removed and analyzed for oxidative stress parameters. Using histological methods, dark neuron production was also evaluated. There was a significant decrease in the latency time to enter the dark compartment in passive avoidance test in TBI animals. This latency time was significantly increased in TBI+LUT (25 mg/kg) and TBI+LUT (50 mg/kg) groups along with significant increases in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in the hippocampal zone and a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA). The number of dark neurons in the hippocampus decreased with all three doses of LUT. In the present study, LUT showed neuroprotective effects, improvement in learning and reduction in memory impairment induced by TBI in rats. Protection against oxidative stress might be a possible mechanism behind these effects. Further works are necessary to work out if LUT is potentially a suitable therapeutic candidate for neural disorders

The effects of female sexual steroids on gastric function and barrier resistance of gastrointestinal tract following traumatic brain injury

Aim: The aim was to assess the alteration of gastric function and barrier function of gastrointestinal (GI) tract following diffuse brain injury in varying ovarian hormone status. Materials and Methods: Diffuse traumatic brain injury (TBI) was induced by Marmarou method. Rats were randomly assigned into 10 groups: Intact, sham + ovariectomized female (OVX), TBI, TBI + OVX, vehicle, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), E2 + P, estrogen receptor alpha agonist and estrogen receptor beta agonist (DPN). Endotoxin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. All the parameters were measured 5 days after TBI. Results: Intragastric pressure was significantly decreased in TBI as compared to the intact group (P < 0.001) and this was lower in TBI group versus TBI + OVX group (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with steroid hormones and their agonists did not have any effect on the gastric pressure compared to TBI + OVX or vehicle groups. Inflammation, congestion, ulcer and erosion were seen in the TBI rats. All treatment groups worsen the tissue condition so that the presence of thrombosis also was seen. The trauma induction did not have any effect on the serum and intestinal endotoxin levels. DPN had caused a significant reduction in serum levels of endotoxin compared with OVX + TBI group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Pretreatment with sexual steroids is not useful in the treatment of GI dysfunction induced by TBI. The treatment with all sexual female hormones worsens the gastric tissue condition. Furthermore, the applied weight was not enough for releasing of endotoxin. It seems that estrogen reduced the endotoxin levels by estrogen beta receptor

شگفتی‌های فیزیولوژی انسانی از دیدگاه توحید مفضّل

Background and Objective: Mankind as one of the most complex creatures has been the subject of many sciences. One of the sciences that consider growth and health parameters of body and circumstances of its activities is “physiology”. Also, there is a considerable amount of information about this topic in Islamic religious sciences and various sources, including the Quran and religious books of saints and religious leaders who have many things to say about this topic. The main objective of this study was to get a comprehensive view of the compatibility of science and religion. Method: In this study, comparison and analysis of content as well as library research were used. Various books related to fields of Islamic sciences and books on the field of physiology and medical and religious papers were examined. In this study, all the ethical issues were considered. Moreover, the authors declare no conflict of interest. Results: Findings showed that many of the cases related to field of physiology and medicine are stated in the complete religion of Islam by religious leaders, especially the Imams who have divine knowledge and they corroborate the science of the day. Conclusion: Comparative discussion around the physiology science in both religion and experimental sciences leads us to the conclusion that the religion as a source establishes doctrines, matches experimental science, and has a lot to share. This brings us to the relation between science and religion. There is no sharp contrast between these two categories and the relationship between science and religion is confirmed. It is also concluded that religious beliefs are effective in the medical physiology and experimental sciences. Consequently, steps must be taken to hold them together.سابقه و هدف: انسان؛ یکی از پیچیده‌ترین مخلوقاتی که نمود «فتبارک الله احسن الخالقین» است، موضوع بسیاری از علوم قرار گرفته است. یکی از علومی که به بررسی انسان ازجهت عوامل رشد و حیات و چگونگی فعالیت اعضای بدن می‌پردازد، «فیزیولوژی» است. از سوی دیگر بررسی انسان از این منظر در علوم دینی اسلامی هم صورت گرفته است و منابع مختلف دینی ازجمله قرآن و کتب باقی‌مانده از معصومان و بزرگان دینی نیز به آن پرداخته‌است. هدف اصلی این پژوهش رسیدن به دیدی جامع نسبت به امکان تطابق علم با دین و درک جدانبودن این دو مقوله از یکدیگر است. روش کار: روش این پژوهش تطبیق و تحلیل مطالب و مراجعه به کتابخانه است و برای اجرای آن، از کتاب‌های مختلف حوزه‌ی علوم اسلامی و کتب مربوط به دانش فیزیولوژی و پزشکی و مقالات حوزه‌ی‌ دینی و پزشکی استفاده شده است. در این پژوهش همه‌ی موارد اخلاقی رعایت شده است. علاوه‌براین، نویسندگان مقاله هیچ‌گونه تضاد منافعی گزارش نکرده‌اند. یافته‌ها: یافته‌ها نشان می‌دهد بسیاری از مواردی که در حوزه‌ی علم فیزیولوژی و پزشکی به آنها اشاره شده، بزرگان دین اسلام، به‌ویژه امامان معصوم (ع) که دارای علم الهی و عصمت بالغه هستند نیز به آنها اشاره کرده‌اند، که با علوم روز منطبق است. نتیجه‌گیری: بحث مقایسه‌یی درباره‌ی علم فیزیولوژی در دو حوزه‌ی علوم تجربی و دینی، نشان می‌دهد که دین (منبعی که دارای آموزه‌های وحیانی است)، با علم تجربی منطبق است و در حوزه‌ی علوم تجربی نیز حرفی برای گفتن دارد. این امر موجب می‌شود در حوزه‌ی ارتباط علم و دین به تعارض‌های کامل بین این دو مقوله قائل نباشیم و ارتباط بین این دو را بپذیریم که این امر منجر می‌شود در بُعد پزشکی، فیزیولوژی و علوم تجربی عقاید دینی را مؤثر بدانیم و گام‌های بلندی برای ارتباط تنگاتنگ بین آنها برداری

Ulcer healing activity of Mumijo aqueous extract against acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in rats

Objective: Gastric ulcer is an important clinical problem, chiefly due to extensive use of some drugs. The aim was to assess the activity of Mumijo extract (which is used in traditional medicine) against acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in rats. Materials and Methods: The aqueous extract of Mumijo was prepared. Animals were randomly (n = 10) divided into four groups: Control, sham-operated group (received 0.2 ml of acetic acid to induce gastric ulcer), Mumijo (100 mg/kg/daily) were given for 4 days postacetic acid administration, and ranitidine group (20 mg/kg). The assessed parameters were pH and pepsin levels (by Anson method) of gastric contents and gastric histopathology. Ranitidine was used as reference anti-ulcer drug. Results: The extract (100 mg/kg/daily, p.o.) inhibited acid acetic-induced gastric ulceration by elevating its pH versus sham group (P < 0.01) and decreasing the pepsin levels compared to standard drug, ranitidine (P < 0.05). The histopathology data showed that the treatment with Mumijo extract had a significant protection against all mucosal damages. Conclusion: Mumijo extract has potent antiulcer activity. Its anti-ulcer property probably acts via a reduction in gastric acid secretion and pepsin levels. The obtained results support the use of this herbal material in folk medicine

The effects of cyclooxygenase inhibitors on the gastric emptying and small intestine transit in the male rats following traumatic brain injury

Objective(s):This study was carried out to investigate the effects of COX-2 selective inhibitor (Celecoxib) or non-selective COX inhibitor (Ibuprofen) on gastrointestinal motility. Materials and Methods: The rats were randomly divided into five groups including: intact, sham, traumatic brain injury (TBI) group (intact rats under TBI), Celecoxib group (10 mg/kg), Ibuprofen group (10 mg/kg). Rats of the treatment groups received gavages at 1 hr before the TBI induction. The TBI was moderate and diffused using the Marmarou method. The gastric emptying and small intestine transit were measured by phenol red method. Results: The gastric emptying didn’t change following TBI induction compared to intact group. The consumption of ibuprofen or celecoxib didn’t have any effect on gastric emptying compared to sham group. TBI induction didn’t have any effect on the intestinal transit. Also, there was no significant difference between ibuprofen or celecoxib consumption vs. sham group (P>0.05). Conclusion: The COX-2 selective inhibitor (celecoxib) or non-selective COX inhibitor (ibuprofen) have no effects on gastric or small bowel transit. Further work is necessary to investigate the effects of non-selective COX inhibitors and their impact on gastrointestinal motility disorders

The Effects of Female Sex Steroids on Gastric Secretory Responses of Rat Following Traumatic Brain Injury

AbstractObjective(s)Gastric ulceration is induced by various forms of stress like surgery, ischemia and trauma. The female sex has more resistance to stress and the gastrointestinal lesions happen fewer than male sex. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of estradiol and progesterone on the gastric acid and pepsin levels following traumatic brain injury (TBI) induction.Materials and MethodsDiffuse TBI was induced by Marmarou method in female rats. Rats randomly assigned into 9 groups: intact, OVX (ovarectomized rat), Sham+OVX, TBI (intact rats under TBI), TBI+OVX (ovarectomized rats under TBI) and treated OVX rats with vehicle (sesame oil), E2 (estradiol), P4 (progesterone) or E2+P4 combination. The acid content and pepsin levels of each gastric washout sample were measured 5 days after the TBI induction.ResultsThere was no significant difference in gastric acid output between groups either after TBI induction or after treatment with E2 or P4 or E2+P4. Gastric pepsin levels were increased in Sham+OVX, TBI (P< 0.001) and TBI+OVX (P< 0.05) compared to intact group. Gastric pepsin levels were significantly lower in E2 and E2+ P4 treated rats than vehicle treated group (P< 0.01). P4 treatment increased gastric pepsin level compared to TBI+OVX group (P< 0.05) and this increment was higher than rats that were treated with the E2 and E2+P4 (P< 0.01).ConclusionThese results suggest that protective effect of estradiol and E2+P4 combination against mucosal damage after TBI, might be mediated by inhibition of pepsin secretion