Chronic health effects of sulphur mustard exposure with special reference to Iranian veterans

The widespread use of sulphur mustard (SM) as an incapacitating chemical warfare agent in the past century has proved its long-lasting toxic effects. It may also be used as a chemical terrorist agent. Therefore, all health professionals should have sufficient knowledge and be prepared for any such chemical attack. SM exerts direct toxic effects on the eyes, skin, and respiratory tissue, with subsequent systemic action on the nervous, immunological, haematological, digestive, and reproductive systems. SM is an alkylating agent that affects DNA synthesis, and, thus, delayed complications have been seen since the First World War. Cases of malignancies in the target organs, particularly in haematopoietic, respiratory, and digestive systems, have been reported. Important delayed respiratory complications include chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, frequent bronchopneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis, all of which tend to deteriorate with time. Severe dry skin, delayed keratitis, and reduction of natural killer cells with subsequent increased risk of infections and malignancies are also among the most distressing long-term consequences of SM intoxication. However, despite a lot of research over the past decades on Iranian veterans, there are still major gaps in the SM literature. Immunological and neurological dysfunction, as well as the relationship between SM exposure and mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and teratogenicity are important fields that require further studies, particularly on Iranian veterans with chronic health effects of SM poisoning. There is also a paucity of information on the medical management of acute and delayed toxic effects of SM poisoning—a subject that greatly challenges health care specialists

The effect of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Salvia officinalis on serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone and testicular tissue in rats

Background: Since there is relatively little information pertaining to the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis on the reproductive system of animals, this study was carried out to examine the effect of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Salvia officinalis on serum levels of LH, FSH, testosterone and testicular tissue in male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 31 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups: the control, normal saline and Salvia officinalis extract (100, 150 and 200 mg/kg/body weight) receiving groups. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with Salvia officinalis extract once daily (at 10 a.m.) for 30 days. Blood samples were collected using a cardiac puncture method and the hormone levels were measured using the radioimmunoassay. Moreover, testes were removed and after fixation, sections were cut and stained for histological studies. Results: The results indicated that Salvia officinalis extract (150 and 200 mg/kg) increased the serum testosterone level (