Comparison between Homocysteine, Fibrinogen, PT, PTT, INR and CRP in Male Smokers with/without Addiction to Opium

Background: Regarding the limited studies about effects of addiction on coagulation factors as a risk factor for increasing coagulation, and its relation to coronary artery disease, we decided to investigate the effect of opium on inflammatory and coagulation factors in a controlled setting.Methods: This case-control study was performed using two groups of smoking males addicted to opium (27 cases) and not addicted to opium (27 cases). After collecting demographic data, venous blood samples were gathered and sent to laboratory for measuring homocysteine, fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), International Normalized Ratio (INR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) quantity. In order to analyze the data, we used independent t-test plus Mann-Whitney test with significance level of P < 0.05.Findings: The average age in this study was 32.2 ± 6.2 in case group and 33.3 ± 6.2 in control group. Comparing case and control groups regarding age and education showed no significant difference (P = 0.598 and P = 0.848, respectively). Mean daily smoking in case group was 7.9 ± 5.4 and 8.1 ± 5.0 in control group. Mean smoking duration in case group and control group was 10.1 ± 6.5 and 9.0 ± 7.2 years, respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups regarding smoking duration (P = 0.567). Comparison of inflammatory and coagulation factors showed no significant difference except for CRP and fibrinogen for which P = 0.661 and P = 0.889, respectively. Consumption-based comparison of inflammatory and coagulation factors showed no significant difference except for PT in oral and inhaled consumptions which showed a significant difference (P = 0.035).Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that opium addiction can be an influential factor in blood parameters and can lead to inflammatory and coagulation processes complications

Pilomatrix carcinoma: Third case report from Iran

Pilomatrix carcinoma is a very rare adenexal tumor which originates in the hair matrix cells and is marked by exophytic growing and common local recurrence, but the metastatic potential is limited. It was first described in 1980 by Lopansri and Mihm, and since then about 90 cases have been reported in the literature. There is no established treatment for the wide local invasion and metastasis of the pilomatrix except wide surgical resection. The case reported here was a 9-year-old boy with Pilomatrix carcinoma presented with a hard mass on the forehead but with normal overlying skin

Tuberculosis of the Breast: A Case Report

Primary tuberculosis of the breast is a rare disease. It usually occurs in female of reproductive age. Any form of tuberculosis mastitis may present with feature of malignancy. Diagnosis is mainly based on identification of tubercle bacilli. We report a 42-year-old woman with primary tuberculosis abscess of the breast, who underwent surgical resection. Fine needle biopsy failed to achieve specific diagnosis before surgical operation. She responded to anti-TB therapy postoperatively. In endemic area, tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of breast tumor

Evaluation of protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Crocus sativus petals on preventing of gentamicin induced peliosis hepatis and hepatic telangiectasis in rats: short communication

Peliosis hepatis is a rare liver disease characterized by blood-filled cavities scattered irregularly throughout the liver. Risk factors for peliosis include chronic illness such as AIDS, tuberculosis, cancer also use of some drugs such as anabolic steroids and azathioprine. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the curative properties of crocus sativus petals on induced peliosis hepatis in rats. Thirty two male Wistar rats (weight: 180-220 g) were randomly divided into four equal groups: group 1 (healthy group) received only IP normal saline, group2 received IP 80mg/kg.bw gentamicin, group3 IP 80mg/kg.bw gentamicin+ 40mg/kg crocus sativus petal extract, and group 4 was given IP 80mg/kg.bw gentamicin+ 40mg/kg crocus sativus petal extract. At the end of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized and their blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture for AST and ALT measurement.Then, the livers of the subjects were excised and fixed in formalin. It was found that AST significantly increased in gentamicin group (P<0.05) compared to the healthy group and groups treated by means of crocus sativus petal extract .Moreover, there was no significant differences between the groups administered the extract and those given gentamicin. Histologically,heterogeneous multiple blood-filled cavities were observed in gentamicin group (2) and the treatment groups (3 and 4). The results of the present study show that doses of hydroalcoholic extract of crocus sativus do not effect on peliosis hepatic and telangiectasis due to gentamicin sulfate in rat

Effect of earthworm oil on formation of collagen type III during wound healing process in BALB/c mice

Abstract Introduction: Eisenia fetida is a species of earthworm. The oil extracted from this species has been found to have antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics as well as omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids in its contents. The regenerative properties of this compound are very impressive. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of earthworm oil on wound healing based on collagen type III formation in the BALB/c mice. Materials and methods: The present experimental study was conducted in Birjand, Iran, in 2019. Forty-eight male adults BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups (12 mice in each group). The intervention group received earthworm oil, the negative and positive control groups received sesame oil and 1% nitrofurazone cream, respectively, whereas the sham group received no treatment at al. A full-thickness excision wound with a 5-mm disposable surgical punch was made on the dorsal skin of all mice after anesthesia. The wounds in groups 1, 2, and 3 were dressed twice a day. At days 4, 7, 10, and 14 after wounding, excisional biopsy was performed and the sample was examined histologically and immunohistochemically using the ImageJ software. Data were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey tests using SPSS software version 22. Results: In the tissue samples treated with earthworm oil, the number of fibroblast cells and granulation tissue formation and epithelialization significantly increased; the thickness of type III collagen fibers in this group predominantly increased in comparison to other control groups. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that the earthworm oil has a positive effect on the wound healing process, especially by promoting the collagen synthesis

The Relationship between Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Metabolic Syndrome in Birjand Children, East of Iran

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is an important risk factor that is associated with vitamin D deficiency, according to recent studies. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and risk of metabolic syndrome in children in Birjand. Materials and Methods: A case-control study on 6 to 18 years old metabolic syndrome patients, this investigation was performed in Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Cardiovascular Research Center. Thirty six children were enrolled in a non-random sampling manner, and the data were analyzed using SPSS-13 using independent t-test and chi square. Results: A total of 36 children entered the study (n=18 per group). The mean serum levels of vitamin D in metabolic and non-metabolic groups was 11.61±3.79 and 14.09±6.41 ng/ml (P>0.05), respectively. The mean serum levels of vitamin D in the group with normal and abnormal triglyceride levels were 11.05±3.80 and 14.65±6.12 ng/ml, respectively (

Effect of earthworm oil on formation of collagen type III during wound healing process in BALB/c mice

Abstract Introduction: Eisenia fetida is a species of earthworm. The oil extracted from this species has been found to have antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics as well as omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids in its contents. The regenerative properties of this compound are very impressive. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of earthworm oil on wound healing based on collagen type III formation in the BALB/c mice. Materials and methods: The present experimental study was conducted in Birjand, Iran, in 2019. Forty-eight male adults BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups (12 mice in each group). The intervention group received earthworm oil, the negative and positive control groups received sesame oil and 1% nitrofurazone cream, respectively, whereas the sham group received no treatment at al. A full-thickness excision wound with a 5-mm disposable surgical punch was made on the dorsal skin of all mice after anesthesia. The wounds in groups 1, 2, and 3 were dressed twice a day. At days 4, 7, 10, and 14 after wounding, excisional biopsy was performed and the sample was examined histologically and immunohistochemically using the ImageJ software. Data were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey tests using SPSS software version 22. Results: In the tissue samples treated with earthworm oil, the number of fibroblast cells and granulation tissue formation and epithelialization significantly increased; the thickness of type III collagen fibers in this group predominantly increased in comparison to other control groups. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that the earthworm oil has a positive effect on the wound healing process, especially by promoting the collagen synthesis

Effect of Atorvastatin on blood and gasometrical parameters in patients with COPD: A double-blind controlled clinical trial: Short Communication

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a syndrome with progressive and irreversible airflow limitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Atorvastatins on blood parameters includingblood gasses in patients with COPD.&nbsp; This randomized double-blind, controlled clinical trial study was conducted on&nbsp; the case and control groups of patients with COPD in Vali-e-asr hospital&nbsp; in Birjand in 2015. In the laboratory, 15 cc of venous blood was taken from each subject. Initial tests included white blood count (WBCs), hemoglobin(Hb), PH, and Pco 2. O2 saturation was observed at rest by means of Pulse Oximeter for the duration of one minute and the highest value was recorded. Out of the 34 patients, 18 cases (52.9%) &nbsp;were treated by atorvastatin and 16(47.1%). . received conventional treatment Mean age of the atorvastatin and control group was 65.8 &plusmn; 11.5 and 63.7 &plusmn; 7/6 years, respectivly. The case group showed a significant decrease in mean count of WBC and hemoglobin, but increase in O2 saturation after intervention. In conclusion, it can be concluded that taking atorvastatin has a significant impact on the reduction of hemoglobin and increase of oxygen saturation in COPD patients, which requires further studies

Trial of atorvastatin on serum interleukin-6, total antioxidant capacity, C-reactive protein, and alpha-1 antitrypsin in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of atorvastatin on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A clinical trial study conducted on 42 cases of COPD (Vali-Asr Hospital, Birjand, East of Iran, years 2014–16). Patients were randomly assigned to 21 controls and 21 cases who treated with atorvastatin (40 mg/day for 6 months). Inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting β-agonist were administrated in both groups. The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (registration number: IRCT2016042527594N1). TAC was measured by ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine IL-6, AAT, and hs-CRP. Spearman's rho test and Wilcoxon, Mann–Whitney, paired, and independent t-tests were used for data analysis in SPSS 23. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Findings: A number of patients completed the study were 16 in atorvastatin and 18 in control group. Mean increments (μmol/L) of TAC (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) were 12.81 ± 605.25 (P = 0.68) in atorvastatin and 160.26 ± 280.54 (P = 0.14) in control group. Mean decrements of IL-6, CRP, and AAT (mean ± SD) were 1.41 ± 5.51 (P = 0.71), 0.98 ± 5.68 (P = 0.72), and 10.94 ± 46.83 (P = 0.21) in atorvastatin and 0.91 ± 11.70 (P = 0.75), 3.23 ± 7.00 (P = 0.19), and 18.77 ± 55.90 (P = 0.21) in control group. Conclusion: Atorvastatin did not succeed in maintaining TAC and CRP reduction. However, less reduction in AAT and more reduction in IL-6 in the atorvastatin group would be likely a beneficial effect in COPD