The effect of Syrian mesquite (Prosopis farcta) seed extract on thioacetamide-induced oxidative stress in rats

Background: This experimental study aimed at investigating the effect of Prosopis farcta seeds hydro-alcoholic extract on thioacetamide-induced oxidative stress in rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 adult male rats were randomly divided into three groups: healthy control, positive control, and P. farcta- treated group received thioacetamide. The healthy control rats received normal saline orally. The positive control rats received thioacetamide (50 mg/kg IP) for three times at one-day interval (oxidative stress induction). The P. farcta seed extract (100 mg/kg) was administered orally for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken from the rats' heart to separate serum and the serum catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined. After euthanasia, liver and kidney were separated to determine malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Results: The activities of CAT and SOD were significantly lower in the thioacetamide- intoxicated group compared to those in the healthy control group (P<0.001). The treatment with P. farcta seed extract significantly increased the activities of these enzymes compared to the positive control group (P<0.001). Moreover, after three weeks of oral treatment, the P. farcta seed extract significantly reduced the liver MDA concentrations compared with the positive control rats (P<0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that P. farcta seed hydro-alcoholic extract can protect against thioacetamide-induced oxidative stress

Study of Toxic Effects of Oxothiazole Derivative as a New Antibacterial Agent

The spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in many humans and animals has driven researches to identify and design novel antibacterial agents. In vitro inhibitory activity of (2E)-2-(4,5-dihydro-4-oxothiazol-2-yl)-2-(thiazolidin-2-ylidene) acetonitrile against many bacterial pathogens has been proven in both veterinary and human medicine. In this study, its in vivo toxic effects was studied in mice. The median lethal dose (LD50) value of 239.88 mg/kg was estimated using intraperitoneal injection in 8 groups of mice after 48 h treatment. Then, intraperitoneal injections of LD50 of oxothiazole solution into 4 other mice were done to evaluate histopathological changes in their liver and kidney tissues. The histopathological studies were identified as fatty change, hepatitis, necrosis and regeneration in liver, and fibrosis, necrosis, nephritis, hyaline cast and hyperaemia in kidney. In conclusion, the synthesized oxothiazole derivative causes renal and hepatic toxicity in mice at medium concentrations. The change of thiazole substituents and complexation may reduce its toxicity

COVID‑19 associated rhino‑orbito‑cerebral mucormycosis, risk factors and outcome predictors; a multicentric study

Background Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, an increase in mucormycosis cases has been observed in many countries, including Iran. However, the role of covid-19 and associated risk factors have not been thoroughly investigated. Objective This study is designed to identify epidemiologic characteristics, risk factors, and outcome predictors of Covid-19-Associated Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis (C-ROCM). Methods Data of pathology proven Covid Associated ROCM cases were retrospectively obtained from 7 tertiary care centers throughout Iran from February 20, 2021, to July 22, 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using binary logistic regression to assess the effects of various factors on the outcome. Results A total of 132 patients with C-ROCM were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 61.6 ± 13.9 (60.6% male). In 12 patients (9.1%), both eyes were involved. Diabetes was the mostcommon comorbidity (94.7%). The mortality rate was 9.1%, higher in males (12.5%) than females (3.8%). Severe vision impairment was seen in 58 patients (43.9%). Main factors that had a negative impact on the outcome in the univariate analysis include older age (P < 0.001), higher steroid dosage (P < 0.001), higher HbA1c level (P < 0.001), Covid-19 severity (P < 0.001), and brain involvement (P < 0.001). However, in the multivariate analysis, the effects of age (P = 0.062), steroid dosage (P = 0.226), and Covid- 19 intensity (P = 0.084) decreased, and the difference was no longer statistically significant. CRAO was a predictor of mortality in the univariate analysis (P = 0.008, OR = 4.50), but in the multivariate analysis, this effect decreased and was no longer significant (P = 0.125). Conclusion The risk of C-ROCM and its complications may increase in patients with more severe Covid-19, steroid over-prescription, ICU admission due to Covid-19, and poor glycemic control during and after Covid-19 treatment

Antibacterial effects of novel thiazole derivatives and the toxicity of oxothiazole on liver histopathology of mice

Abstract Background and Objectives: Antibiotic resistance in bacteria has actuated researchers toward evaluating many new antibacterial compounds of which are the thiazoles. In this research the inhibitory effects of novel thiazole derivatives were unraveled on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae and oxothiazole liver toxicity effects were assessed on mice. Methods: The antibacterial effect of thiazole derivatives was evaluated by measuring the halo zone with disk diffusion method and dilution procedure in microplate in order to discriminate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the liver toxicity of oxothiazole, also, was discerned by injecting 160 mg/kg, 265 mg/ kg and 350 mg/kg doses to mice as well as scrutinizing the liver histopathology. Results: Derivatives utilized in experiment had no inhibitory effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, though their inhibitory effect was observed on Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae. For Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae the diameters of growth inhibition zone were 8.9-22.3 mm and 16.1-25.6 mm, respectively and MIC of 50-200 and 25-100 µg/ml by order. Additionally, by increasing the injection dose of oxothiazole with 160 mg/ml, 265 mg/ml and 350 mg/ml doses, the hepatitis lesions and liver necrosis were observed in experimental mice. Discussion: The thiazole derivatives possessed more inhibitory trace on gram positive bacteria than gram negative ones. Furthermore, the likely presence of oxygen link to thiazole ring in tested compounds results in the enhancement of inhibitory potency of these substances. Besides, our results suggest that high doses of oxothiazole cause severe liver damage and rapid death less than 24 hours

Mixed infection zones may be important in the epidemiology of contagious agalactia

Introduction: The current study was designed to detect Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma), Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri (Mmc), Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum (Mcc) and Mycoplasma putrefaciens (Mp) in sheep and goats with clinical signs consistent with contagious agalactia

Effects of Averrhoa Carambola Hydro-Alcoholic Extract on Liver Histopathological Changes in Rats with a High-Fat Diet

Background & Objective: In the present study the effects of Averrhoa carambola fruit hydro-alcoholic extract on hepatic tissue, liver enzymes, and serum lipids were investigated in rats submitted to a high-fat diet. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided to 3 equal groups as follows: (1) control, (2) rats fed a high-fat diet and (3) rats receiving a high fat diet and hydro-alcoholic extract of Averrhoa carambola (A. carambola) at a dose of (200 mg/kg bw). Rats received a high-fat diet for one month. Then, two rats were selected from each diet group and hyperlipidemia was confirmed by measurement of serum triglyceride and serum cholesterol levels. After confirming hyperlipidemia, rats of group 3 were orally treated by Averrhoa carambola (200 mg/kg bw) for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, serum liver enzymes, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were assayed. Afterward, for histopathological investigation, hepatic tissue samples were prepared and routine tissue processing protocol was performed. Results: The administration of Averrhoa carambola fruit extract significantly reduced serum triglyceride and cholesterol when compared with the hyperlipidemic group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 respectively). Serum ALT and AST in rats that received Averrhoa carambola fruit extract significantly decreased compared to hyperlipidemic group (P< 0.05). In the histopathological examination, degeneration, vacuolation and intra-cytoplasmic accumulations in the treated group were improved in comparison with the hyperlipidemic group. Conclusion: These results showed that the Averrhoa carambola fruit extract can protect against hyperlipidemia- induced liver damage in rats

A Survey on the Prevalence and Histopathological Findings of Lernaea spp. in Schizocypris altidorsalis Fish From Chahnimeh Lakes and Hamoun Wetland in Southeast Iran

The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and pathology of Lernaeid parasites in Schizocypris altidorsalis (Anjak Fish) fish from Chahnimeh lakes and Hamoun wetland in Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran. A total of 1000 S. altidorsalis fish were collected from October 2014 to September 2015. The prevalence of Lernaea spp. infestation in examined fish was found to be 61.1% (611/1000). Among the examined weight groups, the highest infestation rate (61.7%) was recorded in the weight group of 80-100g, followed by 60.5% and 58.7% in 100-150g and 150-200g weight groups, respectively (P>0.05). The frequency of Lernaea spp. in winter (75.2%) was higher than other seasons and the lowest prevalence was observed in summer (38%). The association between the season and the prevalence of Lernaea spp. infestation was statistically significant (P<0.001). The histopathological examination of the sections revealed lesions and ulcers in the epidermis, dermis, and muscles of the fish. Chronic inflammatory reaction and infiltration of inflammatory cells including lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, and eosinophils around the parasite attachment sites were observed. In severe cases, various degrees of degeneration and necrosis were seen in the muscle. The present survey revealed a high prevalence of Lernaeid parasites in S. altidorsalis fish and necessitates appropriate control programs

Prediction of Quality of life by Self-Efficacy, Pain Intensity and Pain Duration in Patient with Pain Disorders

The quality of life (QOL) has been defined as ‘‘a person’s sense of well-being that stems from satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the areas of life that are important to him/her’’. It is generally accepted that pain intensity and duration have a negative impact on the QOL. One specific type of control is “self-efficacy”, or the belief that one has the ability to successfully engage in specific actions. The ability to adapt to pain may play an important role in maintaining the QOL. In this study, we investigated the role of self-efficacy, pain intensity, and pain duration in various domains of quality of life such as physical, psychological, social and environmental domains. In this study, 290 adult patients (146 men, 144 women) completed coping self-efficacy and the WHOQOL-BREF Questionnaire. Moreover, we illustrated numerical rating scale for pain intensity. The results were analyzed using SPSS version of 19.0 and means, descriptive correlation, and regression were calculated. Our data revealed that self-efficacy but not the pain duration could significantly anticipate the QOL and its four related domains (P<0.001). In addition, it is noticeable that the effect of self-efficacy on the prediction of QOL is much more obvious in the psychological domain. However, the pain intensity could predict all of the QOL domains (P< 0.001) except social and environmental ones. In conclusion, to predict the quality of life (QOL) in person suffering from chronic pain, self-efficacy and pain intensity are more important factors than the pain duration and demographic variables

The Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tamarix dioica Flower on Thioacetamide - Induced Histomorphological Changes in Rats

Background and Objectives: The present experimental study was aimed to investigate the effect of T. dioica flower hydroalcoholic extract on thioacetamide induced histopathological changes.   Methods: Thirty adult male Wistar rats, were randomly divided into three groups of control (normal saline); negative control (thioacetamide 50 mg/kg) and group that received thioacetamide and T. dioica flower extract (200 mg/kg). The third group received the T. dioica flowers extract two weeks before the injection of thioacetamide and two weeks after the injection of thioacetamide. The healthy control group and the negative control group received normal saline. At the end of the experiment, blood samples, were obtained from the heart to determine lever enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine. After euthanasia, tissue samples, were examined using a light microscope after staining with haematoxylin-eosin. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA statistical test. Statistical significance was considered as p < 0.05.   Results: The levels of serum liver enzyme, were significantly increased after the administration of thioacetamide. The administration of T. dioica extract significantly decreased serum ALT and AST levels compared to the negative control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, treatment with T. dioica extract significantly reduced serum BUN and creatinine levels compared to the negative control group (p < 0.05). In the histomorphometric investigation of liver, the fatty change and necrosis was lower in the T. dioica – treated group compared to the negative control group (p < 0.05). Renal histopathological examination also revealed lower kidney damage compared to the group treated with thioacetamide.   Conclusion: hydro-alcoholic extract of T. dioica flowers can reduce thioacetamide induced liver and kidney injury

Protective Effect of Opuntia dillenii Haw Fruit against Lead Acetate-Induced Hepatotoxicity: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Lead is one of the most common environmental contaminants in the Earth’s crust, which induces a wide range of humans biochemical changes. Previous studies showed that Opuntia dillenii (OD) fruit possesses several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study evaluates OD fruit hydroalcoholic extract (OHAE) hepatoprotective effects against lead acetate- (Pb-) induced toxicity in both animal and cellular models. Male rats were grouped as follows: control, Pb (25 mg/kg/d i.p.), and groups 3 and 4 received OHAE at 100 and 200 mg/kg/d + Pb (25 mg/kg/d i.p.), for ten days of the experiment. Thereafter, we evaluated the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), catalase (CAT) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum, and liver histopathology. Additionally, the cell study was also done using the HepG2 cell line for measuring the direct effects of the extract on cell viability, oxidative stress MDA, and glutathione (GSH) and inflammation tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) following the Pb-induced cytotoxicity. Pb significantly increased the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and MDA and liver histopathological scores but notably decreased CAT activity compared to the control group (p<0.001 for all cases). OHAE (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the levels of serum liver enzyme activities and MDA as well as histopathological scores while it significantly increased CAT activity compared to the Pb group (p<0.001–0.05 for all cases). OHAE (20, 40, and 80 μg/ml) concentration dependently and significantly reduced the levels of MDA and TNF-α, while it increased the levels of GSH and cell viability in comparison to the Pb group (p<0.001–0.05 for all cases). These data suggest that OHAE may have hepatoprotective effects against Pb-induced liver toxicity both in vitro and in vivo by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities