Turmeric extract decreased frequency of polychromatic erythrocytes micronuclei induced by iodine-131

Background: Ionizing radiation irradiated from iodine-131 can induce DNA damage and cell death. The cellular DNA damage is the cause of mutation and cancer. The micronucleus assay in polychromatic erythrocytes was applied to assess the radio-protective effect of Turmeric extract on genotoxic potential of iodine therapy. Materials and Methods: Thirty six male albino rats were randomly divided in six groups. A single dose [200 or 500 mg/kg] of Turmeric extract was injected to the rats 30 min before iodine therapy. Iodine-131 [5.55 MBq] was administrated intra peritoneal to the experimental animals. The percentage of micronuclei in PCE, NCE and ratio of PCE / [PCE + NCE] was determined 48 h after iodine injection for each experimental group to assess iodine-131 radiation effects with or without Turmeric extract. Results: Iodine therapy showed a significant increase in the number of micronucleus formation. The animals treated with different doses of Turmeric extract + iodine showed a significant reduction in the frequency of micronucleus compared to the animals treated with iodine-131 alone. Both doses of Turmeric extract had the same effect when injected 30 min prior to iodine therapy. Conclusion: Our results indicate protective effect of Turmeric extract against genetic damages induced by iodine-131 administration

[Effect of a sesame seed regimen on the adult rat testicular structure]

Studies show that antioxidants are beneficial for male infertility. Considering that sesame seed contains several important antioxidants, this study was designed to examine the effect of a sesame seed regimen on the testicular structure and sex hormones in adult rats. This experimental study was conducted on 30 adult male Wistar rats [200 g] prepared from Physiology Research Center at Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Rats were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups. The control group received the standard regimen, while the experimental group received a special regimen [70% standard food+30% sesame seed] after weaning for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, the weight and volume of the testis and seminiferous tubules, the lumen epithelium diameter, LH, FSH and testosterone levels were evaluated. No significant difference was found between the two groups in body weight, the weight and volume of the testis and the volume percentage of vessels in seminiferous tubules, while the mean number and motility of sperms in epididymis, the number and volume percentage of epithelial cells, lumen and interstitial space as well as the diameters of the tubules were significantly different in the experimental compared to the control group [P<0.0001]. Moreover, there was a significant difference between the two groups in LH level [P=0.03]. Sesame seed intake improves the testicular parameters, fertility and sperm production in male rats

[Different interactions of Hsp90alpha and Hsp90beta with different substrates]

The Hsp90 chaperone complex functions in assembly, folding and activation of numerous substrates. The two vertebrate homologues encoded by hsp90alpha and hsp90 beta genes are differentially expressed in embryonic and adult tissues and during stress, however, it is not known if they possess identical functional activities in chaperone complexes. This question was addressed by examining potential differences between the Hsp90 isoforms with respect to both co-chaperone and substrate interactions. Epitope-tagged proteins were expressed in mammalian cells or Xenopus oocytes and subjected to immunoprecipitation with an array of co-chaperones. Both isoforms were shown to participate equally in multi-chaperone complexes and no significant difference in co-chaperone distribution was observed. The substrates Raf-1, HSF1, Cdc37 and Mek interacted with both Hsp90 alpha and Hsp90 beta, and the relative patterns of these interactions were not affected by heat shock. The substrates kinases c-Src, CKIIB, A-raf, and Erk interacted with both isoforms, however, significantly more Hsp90 alpha was recovered after heat shock. The results demonstrate that the Hsp90 alpha and Hsp90beta exhibit similar interactions with co-chaperones, but significantly different behaviors with respect to substrate interactions under stress conditions

effect of aqueous extracts of purtulaca oleracea on withdrawal syndrome in mice

Purtulaca pleracea [PO] overgrows in the different parts of Iran. In previous studies, the extract of P.O showed antinociceptive, anxiolytic and anti inflammation effects in Mice and rats. This study was designed to evaluate different doses of the aqueous extracts of PO on withdrawal syndrome on mice. In this study, 40 male albino mice [25-30 gr] were used. Morphine was used to produce drug dependency by Marshall Method [10 doses of drug in four days]. Different doses of the extract. [25, 50, 75 mg/kg IP] were injected to the separated groups and saline [10 ml/kg-ip] were injected to the one control group 30 min before of noloxone 2 mg/kg. The number of Jumping and amount of weight losses were used for assessment of classic withdrawal syndrome sign. The results indicated that the extract of PO significantly decreased the number of Jumping [p= 0.000] and also weight losses in 25 mg doses of extract [dose-dependent] in mice [p=0.045] It is concluded that the aqueous extract of PO may be play an important role on the modulation of withdrawal syndrome in mice

Evaluation of topical Matricaria chamomilla L. oil extract activity on linear incisional wound healing in albino rats

There are some information about antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect of Matricaria chamomilla flower oil extract, but there isn't any information about its effect on linear incisional wound healing. In this investigation, the effect of Matricaria chamomilla flower oil extract on linear incisional wound healing was studied. Thirty male Wistar rats were subjected to a linear 3cm incision made over the skin of the back. The animals were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups, as Sham operated, Control [Olive oil] and treatment. Sham group did not receive any treatment. Control group received topical olive oil twice a day from beginning of experiments to complete wound closure. Treatment group were treated topically by M. chamomilla extract dissolved in olive oil at the same time. For computing the percentage of wound healing, the area of the wound measured at the beginning of experiments and the next 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17 and 20 days. The percentage of wound healing was calculated by Walker formula after measurement of the wound area. Results showed that there were statistically significant difference between treatment and Control animals [p < 0.05] in most of the days. We conclude that the topical administration of M. chamomilla extract has wound healing potential in linear incisional wound model in rats

Assessing the effect of aqueous extract of the cuminum cyminm seed on the acute peripheral pain in hot plate and tail flick models in mice

Background and Purpose: Cuminum Cyminm [CC] is one of the plants whose aqueous extract is used in traditional medicine as anti-convulsive, anti-epileptic and as a tretment for some visceral pains. However, no substantial reports can be found of its effects on the peripheral pain in lab animals. Therefore, this study was condcated to determine the eefects of the IP injection of the aqueous extract of CC on the acute peripheral pain in Hot Plate [HP] and Tail Flick [TF] tests in mice

Methods and Materials: This experimental study was conducted on 56 male Albino mice [8 groups each with 7 mice] weighing 25-30 gr. 200 and 500 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of CC or saline of the volume were injected intraperitoeally 30 minutes prior to the tests. Pain measrment criteria in the TF test was the response time to the pain by raising the tail, and in the HP test the time to begin to lick the front legs or raising the rear feet

Results: The IP injection of the CC aqueous extract with the doses of 200 and 500 mg/kg significantly increasd the response time to the pain in HP and TF tests [P<0.01] in cmparison with the control groups and the group receiving saline. The efect was however more remarkable with the 500 mg/kg dose

Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the aqueous extract of CC reduced the acute peripheral pain in the mice

[Comparison between the effect of dexamethasone luntophoresis and drug therapy on 60 cases with carpal tunnel syndrome]

Carpal tunnel syndrome [CTS] is the most common entrapment neuropathy in all peripheral nervous system e of it is one of the most important causes of disability in patients. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of luontophoresis and medical treatment for idiopathic CTS. 60 consecutive patients with CTS confirmed by electromyography participated randomly in two experimental groups [drug therapy], and luontophoresis. lntervention in each group include 20 daily treatment luontophoresis [4ma, positive electrode, 15 mm/session] applied to the area over the carpal tunnel of the wrist region. Measurement were performed before and after treatment and included pain assessment, electromyo and neurography measurement [motor and sensory latency, motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity], grip strength. Improvement was significantly more pronounced in Iuntophoresis group than drug therapy group for variables, motor latency [P<0/000], sensory latency [P< 0/005], hand grip [P<0/000], and pain relief [P<0/000]. In clinical findings atrophy was not observed. Nocturnal pain and paresthesia were reduced 80% in luntophoresis group but 46/6% in control group. Results indicate both luntophoresis and drugs were effective, but luntophoresis was better than drugs. Further investigation is needed to investigate the effects of combination of these treatments in patients with mild to sever CTS

effects of aqueous extracts of Melissa Officinalis on withdrawal syndrome in rats

Melissa officinalis [MO] grows in the different parts of Iran abundantly. In previous studies, the extract of MO has been reported to have antinociceptive and anticonvulsive effects in rats. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of different doses of the aqueous decoction extracts of MO on withdrawal syndrome in rats. 40 male albino rats [25-30 gr] were selected for this study. Morphine was used to produce drug dependency by Marshall method [injection of 10 doses of drug in four days]. 30 min before injection of naloxone [2 mg/kg], different doses of the extract [5, 10, 25 mg/kg] were injected intraperitoneally and saline [l0ml/kg IP] was injected into the rats of control group. Assessment of classic withdrawal syndrome was based on the number of jumps and the weight of the fecal material for every rat. The results of this study indicated that injection of doses of 10, 25 mg/kg of the extract led to a significant decrease in the number of Jumps [p=0.005] and also in the weight of feces of the rats [p=0.01]. We conclude the aqueous extract of MO can have an important role in the reduction of the severity of withdrawal syndrome in rats

[ rare variation in branches of abdominal aorta]

Although there are many reports about variation of the branches of abdominal aorta, the present report is a very rare case that it has not been reported so far. The coeliac trunk is a wide ventral branch of abdominal aorta with 2.25cm long. The coeliac trunk divided into three branches: left gastric, common hepatic and splenic branch. Normally, the trunk has not any branches for small intestine after duodenum. In cudavr of a man with 65 years old who was dissected with grants method, the following variations were observed: a common trunk which is raised from common hepatic artery and divided to following branches: branches for pancreas near the neck and body of pancreas, a branch for head of pancreas, branches for duodenum, a huge branch for jejunum and ileum from right side, a huge branch for large intestine from left side, a communication branch between right gasteroepiploic and coeliac, arise cystic artery from common hepatic artery. Since the current report is a rare case, which has not been reported in any anatomical and clinical literatures so far, it may be an interesting and important case

Antispasmodic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of thymus vulgaris on the guinea-pig ileum

The widespread use of medicinal herbs among the general population gives rise to the possibility of therapeutic or toxic effects in patients that use these plants. The effects of Thymus vulgaris [TV] hydroalcoholic extract on the contractile responses of the isolated guinea-pig ileum were investigated. Male guinea pigs that were starved for 24 hours were decapitated after cervical dislocation, and terminal ileum were removed. Segments were fixed at a resting tension of 0.5 g in an organ bath containing in Tyrode solution at 37°C, which was bubbled with 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide. The effects of the Thymus vulgaris extracts at six concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 6 mg/ml. Each segment served as its own control. Paired Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. p < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Thymus vulgaris inhibited the contractile response in a dose-dependent manner in 0.6mg/mI concentration decreased the amplitude of the muscles up to 60% [t = -5.67, P<0.02]. This inhibitory activity was blocked by Granisetron and inhibited the contractions induced by acetylcholine, the activities of this plant may be due to the anticolinergic effect and block of serotoninergic pathways. Regression analysis had shown that with increasing in extract concentration the effect of extract was increased [r = 0.96, p<0.001]. The coefficient of extract dose was 0.089 mg. Our results demonstrate that extract prepared from the plant of Thymus vulgaris inhibited electrical induced contractions of the guinea-pig ileum when tested in vitro. This effect is dose dependent and reversible

Effects of aqueous extract of fruit of Foeniculum vulgar on neurogenic and inflamatory pain in mice

Results of some of previous investigations showed that the aqueous extract of fruit of the Foeniculum vulgar [FV] has many medical effects. The aim of this study was to assess the role of Aquinus extract of fruit of FV on acute and chronic pain in formalin test in mice. In this study 42 male albino mice of 25-30 gr. weight were devided into 6 groups. FV [100, 200, 500 and 1000 mg/kg] and saline were injected intraperitoneally 30 min before formalin test. The criteria for pain assesment after injection of formalin 5% [25microl] in the right paw of the mice were the durations of licking and elavation of foot [5 min for acute pain and 15-40 min for chronic pain]. The results of this study indicated that all doses of Fv have analgesic effect on pain in acute and chronic phases [p<0.05]. FV can reduce acute and chronic pain after formalin injection. Further studies are required to determine the mechanism [s] of inhibitory effect of FV on pain sensation

[Assessment of aqueous extract of seed of cuminum cyminum L. on neurogenic and inflammatory pain in mice]

The side effects of antinoceception chemical drugs, induced notice to many medical plants [Cuminum cyminum L.] which have modulatory effect in pain. The present work investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Cuminum cyminum [CC] on neurogenic and inflamatory pain in Formalin test in mice. 50 male albino mice [20-30 gr] were used. CC [200, 500 and 1000 mg/kg] and saline were injected 30 min before formaline test. Indices of signs were licking and foot elavation for assessment of acute pain [5 min] and chronic pain [15-40 min] after injection of formaline 5% [25 micro l] in paw. Results indicated that CC has analgesic effect in all doses [p<0.01] but 200 mg/kg in acute phase and 1000 mg/kg in chronic phase was more effective. Finding showed that aqueous extract of CC can modulate acute and chronic pain. Further research is required to determine the mechanism [s] by which CC has an inhibitory effect on pain sensation

[ effect of dexamethasone on anxiety related behavior in mice]

Previous studies have suggested that activation of the glucocorticoid receptors may have a modulatory effect on fear and anxiety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the role of glucocorticoid hormones on modulation of anxiety in elevated plus-maze model in mice. In this experimental study, 60 male mice [25-30 g] were included. They were randomely divided into test and control groups. The test group received different doses of dexamethasone, as an agonist of glucocorticoid receptors, at 0.1, 0.3, 1, 2 and 10 mg/kg, Subcutaneausly, and the control group received the same volume of 2% ethanol in normal saline 30 minutes before the evaluation of their behavior. Twenty five minutes after the injection, the mice were put in a black box for 5 minutes to induce their activity and stress. The animals were then individually transferred to a standard elevated pluse-maze in regulated time and the percentage of time spent in the open arms and the ratio of open arm entries to total entries in 5 mins was measured. Results indicated that dexamethasone with the doses 0.3 and 1mg/kg, significantly reduced anxiety in mice [p<0.01]. However, this effect was not observed at 0.1 and 2mg/kg. Our findings also showed that denamechasone at the dose of 10 mg/kg increased anxiety behavior in mice [p<0.01]. The findings of this study indicated that glucocorticoids have important role in modulation of anxiety related behavior in a dose dependent manner using an elevated plus maze model in mice

[Anxielytic effects of portulaca oleracea aqueous extracts in mice]

Portulaca oleracea [PO] overgrows in different parts of Iran. In previous studies, a 10% hydroalcoholic extract of the PO aerial parts [leaf and stem] showed anticipative and anticonvulsive activity in rats. This study was designed to evaluate anxielytic effects in different doses of the aqueous decoction extracts of PO seed. In this study, forty male mice [25-30gr] were used in a model elevated plus maze [EMP]. Different doses of the extract [25, 50, 75 mg/kg] were injected intraperitoneally [IP] to three separated test groups and normal saline [10 ml/kg, IP] was injected to one control group, intraperitoneally. For increasing their activity, animals were put inside a black box for 5 min. Then they were transferred to the elevated plus maze and evaluated for their anxiety reaction, including number and percent of time spent in open arm. Results indicated that injection of the extract in three doses of PO reduced anxiety reaction in test groups, compared with the control group which had higher number of entrances and spent more time in open arm [P=0.000]. It is suggested that the aqueous extract of PO plays an important role in fear and anxiety reactions and that the anxielytic effects of PO is not related to the dosage of use

relationship between random urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio and 24-hours urine protein in diagnosis of proteinuria in mild preeclampsia

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a random urinary protein / creatinine ratio is a clinically useful predictor of significant proteinuria [>/= 300 mg/24 hr] instead of 24- hours urine protein, among women with suspected preeclampsia. Women with suspected preeclampsia and gestational age of >/= 20 weeks were included in a prospective study. Patients with chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or preexisting renal disease were excluded. Protein/ creatinine ratio was obtained before 24-hours urine collection. Positive and negative predictive values and sensitivity and specificity of the protein/creatinine ratio for significant proteinuria [>/= 300 mg] were calculated, based on 24- hours urine total protein. 100 women were evaluated totally. Mean maternal and gestational ages were 27.3 years and 33.26 weeks, respectively. 73% of cases had significant proteinuria based on 24-hours urine collection. Good correlations were found between the protein/creatinine ratio in random urine samples and both the 24-hours urine protein excretion and the 24- hours urine protein/creatinine ratio in patients with mild preeclampsia [r=0.484, P<0.0001, and r=0.345, P<0.0001, respectively] .Receiver operator characteristic [ROC] analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.944. The best cutoff value was of >0.18 which yields a sensitivity of 86.3%, a specificity of 100%, with a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 73%. The random urinary protein .to- creatinine [P: C] ratio is strongly associated with the 24-hours total protein excretion. A cutoff value of > 0.18 is a good predictor of significant proteinuria .P: C ratio could replace the 24- hours urine collection as a simpler, faster, and more accurate method for the diagnosis of significant proteinuria

[ effects of cimetidine on motor activity: an evaluation the role of opioid receptors]

Effects of cimetidine [CIM] on locomotor is controversial. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of CIM on motor activity and possible roles of opioid receptors in CIM-induced decrement in locomotor activity in mice. Thirty-six male mice [25-30gr] were divided into six groups in this study. Locomotor activity was evaluated using an automated activity monitor system. CIM [50 mg/kg, i.p.] was injected 25 min before testing in presence or absence naloxone [2 mg/kg, sc]. Morphine [5 mg/kg, i.p] was injected 25 min before testing in the presence or absence CIM. Decreased motor activity significantly. Pretreatment of or morphine did not change CIM - induced response significantly. The results showed that CIM significantly decreased motor activity in mice [P=0.000]. Pretreatment of nalxone did not change CIM-induced response significantly. Morphine alone did not change motor activity. Pretreatment of CIM did not change morphine-induced response. Data indicated that cimetidine can reduce motor activity independence from interaction with opioid receptors

[Systemic administrations of Bombesin modulate acute pain in mice]

Bombesin [BBS] is a tetra-decapeptide, which is widely distributed in mammalian central nervous system. Due to presence of BBS in neural pathways that involved in control of pain, the aim of this study was to test the effects of this peptide on acute pain in mice. Male albino mice [25-30 gr.] were used in this study. Hot plate [HP] and Tail Flick [TF] models were applied for the evaluation of BBS effects on acute pain. Five minute prior to measuring pain, different doses of BBS [1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 micro g/kg] or saline were respectively injected to test and control animals by the route of intraperitoneal. The results of current study indicated that peripheral injection of BBS produces significant analgesic effects in both TF and HP models. The present data provide evidences that BBS plays an important role in control of acute pain. Further studies are required to determine the underlying mechanisms

[Assessment of hydro-alcholic extract of Achillea. Millefolium on anxiety-like behaviors in mice]

Anxiety is one of the most common psychotic disorders. Since available antianxiety therapies have many side effects, searching for new drugs with lower side effects is necessary. Achillea. Millefolium is one of the medical plants that have many beneficial effects and it seems that it has some anti-anxiety effects as well. In the current study, the probable influence of hydro-alcholic extract of A. Millefolium on anxiety-like behaviors was investigated in a mice model. Sixty male albino mice [25-30gr] were used in the study. Animals were randomly divided into four treatment groups and two control groups. The treatment groups were received different doses of A. Millefolium extract [50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg] by the route of intraperitoneal. One of the control groups was given the vehicle of A. Millefolium extract, while another one; sham control, received only a blank injection. Twenty-five min following injection of the A. Millefolium extract, the animals have left inside a black wall box for increasing motion activity for 5 min. Then the animals were transferred to a plus maze for the evaluation of anxiety reaction including the number of entries and time spent in the open arms of maze. These anxiety criteria were monitored and recorded for 5 min. The hydroalcohlic extract of A. Millefolium in a dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly increased both the time spent in the open arms and the number of entries to the open arms in the test animals compared to the control animals [p<0.05]. The results of present study showed that A. Millefolium extract modulates anxietylike behaviors in mice

[Verapamil enhances the impairing effects of stress on retrieval of long-term memory in rats]

This study investigated an interaction between acute restraint stress and verapamil, as a blocker of L-type voltage sensitive channels on retrieval of long-term memory. Young adult male rats were trained in one trial inhibitory avoidance task [1mA, 1.5s footshock]. On retention test given 48 hr after training, the latency to re-enter dark compartment and time spent in light chamber of the apparatus were recorded. Thirty min before retention test, the rats were exposed to a 10 min of restraint stress in a Plexiglass with or without prior treatment of verapamil [5, 10, 20 mg/kg]. The results showed verapamil pretreatment enhanced the impairing effect of stress on memory retrieval. The applied stress increased circulating corticosterone levels as assessed immediately after the retention test, indicating that stress-induced impairment of memory retrieval is mediated, in part, by increased plasma levels of glucocorticoids. Verapamil did not affect on this response. These findings indicate that acute restraint stress impair retrieval of long-term memory, and provide evidence for the existence of an interaction between stress and L-type voltage calcium channels on this process

Effects of aqueous extract of seed of Coriandrum sativum on acute pain in mice

Since use of synthetic drugs for relief of pain has many side effects, today medical plants are becoming more prominent as substitute therapeutic agents. Previous findings indicate that Coriandrum sativum [CS] modulates pain in both animal and human. The present work investigated the effects of CS seed on acute pain using hot plate and tail flick models. Albino mice [25-30 g] were used for this study. Aqueous extract of CS seed was injected in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg 30 min before test. The analgesic effect of the drug on acute pain was evaluated using Hot plate and Tail flick models. Results indicated that CS has analgesic effect in both doses in both models and higher dose of the drug was more effective [p<0.01]. The findings above showed that CS could modulate acute pain. Further research is required to determine the mechanisms by which CS has an inhibitory effect on pain sensation