Hypnotic effect of salvia reuterana boiss for treatment of insomnia

Insomnia, which is difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep, is a very common experience for many people. Considering the increasing interest in medicinal plants in the past decade, many plants such as Coriandrum sativum, Salvia leriifolia, Salvia reuterana and Stachys lavanduli folia have been used in Iranian traditional medicine to abate insomnia. The present study was designed to investigate hypnotic effect of Salvia reuterana on male mice. Ethanolic extract of S. reuterana was prepared. Five groups of 6 animals each were pretreated with vehicle, Salvia extract [50, 100 and 250 mg/kg; i.p.] or diazepam [0.5mg/kg; i.p.] 30 minutes before ketamine injection [100 mg/kg, i.p.]. The latency and total sleeping times were recorded to determine the hypnotic effect of the extract. The results indicated that ethanolic extract of S. reuterana, reduced the latency time and induced the total sleeping time in a dose dependent manner, compared to saline group. The present study suggests that S. reuterana produces hypnotic effect which can be evaluated clinically

Diagnostic accuracy of sixty four multi-slice ct angiography in assessment of arterial cut-off and run-off in comparison with surgical findings

The accurate anatomic mapping and determination of the severity of arterial disease, an important health problem of the elderly, is of great significance. We aimed to determine the diagnostic value of 64-multislice CT angiography [MSCTA] in run-off and cut-off sites of arterial disease. Throughout the study, MSCTA followed by an operative intervention was carried out on a total of 38 patients with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of arterial disease [AD] all of whom had the indication for vascular surgery. The mean age of patients was 34 +/- 15.86 [range, 23 to 93] years. MSCTA was executed using a 64-slice CT scanner, during the arterial phase of injecting the nonionic, contrast medium with a power injector at the rate of 5 ml/sec into the antecubital vein and exploration and revascularization of peripheral arterial disease was performed intraoperatively. Atherosclerosis and arterial disease, the most common causes of vascular occlusion, were more common in the lower extremities. According to MSCTA findings, the most frequent site of stenosis was the superficial femoral artery. Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a high degree of agreement amongst the raters. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV], negative predictive value [NPV] and the accuracy of MSCTA compared to surgery were 83.8%, 96%, 96.8%, 81.3% and 89%, respectively. MSCTA findings were compared with surgery as a standard of reference, which showed concordance in the majority of cases [81.6%]. Cut-off sites were correctly identified by MSCTA in 97.3% of the patients and the most common sites of discordance were the run-off sites [18.2%]. MSCTA angiography as a novel diagnostic modality may be a suitable alternative and a viable choice for routine clinical diagnosis

Mutation of the histidin residue of the DRH motif in vasopressin V2 receptor expression and function

Vasopressin type 2 receptor [V2R], a G protein coupled receptor [GPCR], plays an important role in the regulation of renal antidiuretic function. The highly conserved DRH motif is essential for G protein signaling of V2R; however its role especially regarding the histidin residue is not fully understood. Site directed mutagenesis was performed with replacements of the histidin to isoleucine by using nested polymerase chain reaction. ELISA was performed for receptor expression assay and the adenylyl cyclase activity assay was performed for functional characterization of DRI mutation on V2R signaling. The adenylyl cyclase activity assay in COS-7 cells showed no difference in the amount of cAMP production between the wild type and the mutant V2 receptors. The V2 receptor expression was not changed in the presence of this mutation using ELISA assay. These results suggest that the role of histidin residue is not critical in the V2 receptor function, however further mutagenesis studies are required to define the role of this motif in V2R function

effect of AT[1] receptor blockade on BAX and BCL-2 expression in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Recent studies have indicated the role of apoptosis and angiotensin in the pathogenesis of bleomycin induced-pulmonary fibrosis. Losartan, an angiotensin type 1 receptor [AT1R] antagonist, has ameliorated apoptosis and fibrosis from bleomycin. In this study, alterations in the expression of apoptosis-regulatory genes [bcl-2 and bax] were investigated in different cells of lung tissue of mice treated with bleomycin in the presence of losartan. Losartan [10 mg/kg, i.p.] was given to mice two days before administration of bleomycin [3 U/kg] and throughout the test period. After two weeks, lung tissues of mice were evaluated for fibrosis by biochemical measurement of collagen deposition and semiquantitative analysis of pathological changes of the lung. The expression of bcl-2 and bax was assessed by immunohistochemical assay using biotin-streptavidin staining method on paraffin-embedded lung tissues. Pre-treatment with losartan significantly [P < 0.05] reduced the increase in lung collagen content and also inhibited the histological changes induced by bleomycin. Immunohistochemical studies showed that losartan significantly [P < 0.05] reduced the bax/bcl-2 expression ratio in the alveolar epithelial cells, lymphocytes, macrophages and interstitial myofibroblasts. Losartan also inhibited the bcl-2 upregulation which was educed by bleomycin in neutrophils. By reduction of bax/bcl-2 ratio as a determinant of susceptibility of a cell to apoptosis, losartan exerted protective effects on the alveolar epithelial cells that may be important in the amelioration of pulmonary fibrosis. These results may help to better understanding of the role of angiotensin II and apoptosis in pulmonary fibrosis

[ effects of silymarin in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice]

Silymarin, the active principle of Silybum marianum, has antifibrotic effects in hepatic fibrosis by several mechanisms. Since the pathogenesis of fibroproliferative diseases is similar, the effect of silymarin in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis was evaluated in this study. Silymarin [50 mg/kg, i.p.] was administered two days before the bleomycin instillation [3 U/kg] and throughout the test interval in mice. After two weeks, lung tissues of mice were evaluated for fibrosis by biochemical measurement of collagen deposition and histological analysis of pathological lung changes. Data were evaluated by one-way ANOVA and Dunnett analysis. P<0.05 was considered as significant. Pretreatment with Silymarin significantly [P<0.05] prevented the increase in lung collagen content and also partially inhibited the histologic changes induced by bleomycin. The wet lung weight in silymarin group was similar to that of control group and significantly lower than bleomycin group [P<0.001]. The results of this study indicate that silymarin may prevent the collagen deposition and inflammation and may be protective in fibrogenic effects of bleomycin on lung

[Prediction of early failure of vascular-access arteriovenous fistula based on immediate postsurgical evaluation]

For patients requiring chronic hemodialysis, the preferred site for vascular access is an autogenous arteriovenous fistula. Although a properly formed fistula is advantageous because it is less susceptible than other types of vascular accesses to infection and clot formation and can last longer than any other types of vascular access, AV fistula has a high rate of early failure that can increase immediate cost and complications. In this study, the prognostic value of physical examination of arteriovenous fistula by the surgeon at the end of the surgery was evaluated. In the general surgery ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital in 326 chronic renal failure patients, 354 arteriovenous fistula operations were accomplished by two surgeons from 1377 to 1381 [ca. 1998 to 2002]. The performance of each fistula was divided into the following groups by the surgeon at the end of operation: 1] systolic and diastolic thrill, 2] systolic thrill 3] souffle 4] pulse 5] not functional. Clinical function of the fistula was evaluated by the same surgeon in the following days if no souffle or thrill, early failure was detected on initial inspection.: In the 354 cases of arteriovenous fistula, the total early failure rate was 12.7%. The lowest early-failure rate was 3.5% in the systolic and diastolic thrill group. The highest early-failure rate was in the not functional group [P<0.001]. There was no correlation between early failure and age, sex, surgeon and location of fistula. Optimally, an arteriovenous fistula has a thrill with a soft compressible pulse. At the end of each operation, if the surgeon cannot detect a thrill at the fistula site, can find only pulse, or if the function is otherwise unsatisfactory, considering of a new arteriovenous fistula may be required, however it is better to postpone the surgery

[Function and complications of arteriovenous fistula in chronic hemodialysis patients [a report from two referral centers]]

The rate of end stage renal disease [ESRD] has changed dramatically after innovation of hemodialysis in 1942. Introduction of arteriovenous fistula [AVF] made a new and comfortable vascular access, and since then function and complications of it became a matter of concern. In this study all hemodialysis patients in two referral hospitals [Imam Khomeini and Dr Shariati] were assessed for function and complications of their fistulas. In 108 patients with AVF, the average length of function was 3 years which was positively related to interval between surgery and beginning of dialysis via the fistula [P<0.03], and negatively related to history of dual catheter insertion [P<0.05] and diabetes mellitus [P<0.02]. The mean flow of fistulas was 245 ml/s. Most common complications were aneurysmal degeneration of fistula and venous site punctures which were related to length of using the fistula and diabetes [P<0.02].Among other complications,paresthesia, coldness of fingers and edema had a higher prevalence. Despite earlier convictions,proximal AVFS did not have markedly significant complications compared to distal fistulas. We concluded that after the diagnosis of ESRD is established, AVF operation should be done before the patient needs to central venous access for hemodialysis. Antecubital area can he used in patients with poor distal vessels without concern about more complication rate. Finally diabetes is an important and determining negative factor in both aspects function and complications

Comparison between acute and long-term effects of verapamil on naloxane induced morphine withdrawal in mice

Background: there is growing evidence indicating that neuronal calcium channels play an important role in the mechanism of Morphine dependence

Objective: to investigate the acute and long-term effects of Verapamil in Morphine dependent mice

Methods: mice were rendered dependent on Morphine by subcutaneous injection of Morphine over a period of 5 days. The effects of acute and chronic administration of phenylalkylamine calcium channel antagonist, Verapamil, on Naloxone induced Morphine withdrawal signs was investigated

Results: a single injection of Verapamil proved to be effective in inhibiting some signs of Morphine withdrawal but ineffective in changing the number of jumps. The concurrent injections of Verapamil with Morphine prevented most signs of Morphine withdrawal

Conclusion: the results confirmed the crucial role of voltage-sensitive calcium channels in the adaptations that occur after long-term treatment with Morphine. Concurrent injections of Verapamil with Morphine could be used to prevent some signs of Morphine withdrawal

Cytotoxicologic studies of the extracts of Iranian juniperus Sabina and platycladus orientalis on cancer cells

Background: isolation and identification of some potent anti-tumor compounds from medicinal plants, has motivated researchers to screen different parts of plant species for anti-tumor effects. It has been reported that several conifers posses cytotoxic activities on some human tumor cell lines

Methods: in this study male and female branchlets or fruits of two different species of Iranian conifers were collected from the northern parts of Iran and identified. Hydroalcoholic extracts of them were prepared by perculation. The cytotoxic effects of the extracts on three human tumor cell lines [Hela, KB, and MDA-MB-468] were determined. Different concentrations of extracts were added to cultured cells and incubated for 72 h. Cell survival was evaluated using MTT-based cytotoxicity assay. Cytotoxicity was considered when mor than 50% decrese was seen in cell survival

Results: although the extracts from Platycladus orientalis significantly decreased Hela and MDA-MB-468 cell curvival, their effects were not considerable. Extracts from fruit and branchlets of male and female Juniperus sabina showed cytotoxic activities against Hela and MDA-MB-468 cells

Conclusion: it is concluded that extracts of J. sabin have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells

Comparison of acute and chronic effects of nifedipine on naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal in mice

Mice were rendered tolerant and dependent to morphine by subcutaneous injection of morphine over a period of 5 days. The effects of acute and chronic administration of dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist nifedipine on the development of tolerance and naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal signs were investigated. A single injection of nifedipine proved to be effective in inhibiting some signs of morphine withdrawal but ineffective in blocking the development of tolerance to the ataxic action of morphine. The concurrent injections of nifedipine with morphine prevented most signs of morphine withdrawal but failed to have any effects on the development of tolerance to the ataxic action of morphine. The results suggest that alterations in dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels may be involved in the adaptations that occur on chronic treatment with morphine. It is also possible to conclude that separate mechanisms are involved in the development of tolerance and dependence