A study on the effects of the alcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Echinophora platyloba on the activity of pituitary-gonadal axis in hypercholesterolemic rats.

The present experimental study was carried out to examine the effects of the alcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Echinophora platyloba on prolactin (PRL) levels and the activity of pituitary-gonadal axis in animal model. Forthy male wistar rats were divided into five groups: control group with normal diet, hypercholesterolemic group with fat diet, and three experimental groups which received Echinophora platyloba alcoholic extract as gavage at the minimum dose of 100, the average dose of 200, and the maximum dose of 400 mg/kgbw over a period of 21 days. At the end of the period, to assess the levels of PRL, cholesterol, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), blood samples were taken and data were analyzed. The levels of testosterone and cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic group compared to the control, showed a significant decrease and increase, respectively (P≤0.05). Echinophora platyloba extract caused significant increases in testosterone, PRL and a significant decrease in cholesterol levels (P≤0.05), however, it had no significant effect on the levels of LH and FSH. The results of this study showed that the consumption of alcoholic extract of Echinophora platyloba is effective in reducing serum cholesterol, increasing testosterone production and enhancing sexual performance.

Inhibition of AGS cancer cell proliferation following siRNA-mediated downregulation of VEGFR2

Objective: vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and VEGF receptors [VEGFRs] play important roles in angiogenesis of different developmental mechanisms such as wound healing, embryogenesis and diseases, including different types of cancer. VEGFR2 is associated with cell proliferation, migration, and vascular permeability of endothelial cells. Blocking VEGF and its receptors is suggested as a therapeutic approach to prevent tumor growth. In this study, we aim to block VEGF signaling via small interfering RNA [siRNA] inhibition of VEGFR2

Materials and Methods: in this experimental study, we used the RNA interference [RNAi] mechanism to suppress expression of the VEGFR2 gene. We conducted the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide [MTT] assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction [PCR], Western blot, and flow cytometry analyses of VEGFR2 expression

Results: real-time PCR and Western blot results showed that VEGFR2 expression significantly downregulated. This suppression was followed by inhibition of cell proliferation, reduction of viability, and induction of apoptosis in the cancer cells

Conclusion: these findings suggest that VEGFR2 has a role in cell proliferation and tumor growth. Accordingly, it is suggested that VEGFR2 can be a therapeutic target for controlling tumor growth and proliferation

Association of two polymorphic codons in P53 and ABCC1 promoter with prostate cancer

Background: in prostate cancer, mutated p53 alleles typically contain missense single-base substitution in codon 72 that resides within exons 5-8. Stable p53 proteins in tumor cell nuclei have been associated with malignancy. A role of p53 is the regulation of drug transporters like ABCC1 [MRP1] by an effect on promoter region

Objectives: the objective of this study was to identify association of mutations of p53 at codon 72 and 282 and promoter region of ABCC1 with increased risks of prostate cancer

Materials and Methods: formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded malignant tissues of 45 patients and 45 control samples were evaluated. PCR-RFLP using BstUI for codon 72 and HpaII restriction enzyme for codon 282 p53 gene, and G-1666A promoter region of ABCC1 gene was performed. To assess the frequency of these mutations and to detect new mutations in cancerous samples, PCR-SSCP analysis was performed

Results: the frequencies of CC, GC and GG genotypes of codon 72 of p53 were 33.33%, 46.67% and 20.00% in patients with cancer and 15.56%, 48.89% and 35.55% in controls, respectively. The relative allele frequencies of ABCC1 promoter polymorphism were 60.00% A and 40.00% G in patients as opposed to 37.78% for A and 62.22% for G in controls. Genotypic frequencies of p53 codon 72 and G1666A of ABCC1 in patients vs. Controls were statistically significant[p<0.05]. The study of these samples with PCR-SSCP displayed some new banding patterns

Conclusions: the present findings suggest that CC homozygosity in codon 72 of p53 gene and AA genotype in G-1666A of ABCC1 gene may play a role in combination in prostate cancer and increased susceptibility for this malignancy in the Iranian Kurdish population

effect of chelidonium majus extract on the lipid profile and activity of pituitary-gonadal axis in hypercholesterolemic rats

Over the past centuries, global population has increased at different rates and so has been the case with cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, given the importance of population and cholesterol control, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Chelidonium majus [C. majus] aerial parts extract on the lipid profile and prolactin levels and the activity of pituitary-gonadal axis in hypercholesterolemic rats. In this experimental study, 35 Wistar rats were selected and categorized into 5 groups. The control group had ordinary diet, the model group had high-fat diet, and experimental groups consisted of hypercholesterolemic rats that respectively received minimal dosages of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of C. majus extract. After 21 days, blood samples were taken and the factors of interest were measured. Then, the gathered data were analyzed using SPSS-11.5. The amount of triglyceride and cholesterol were increased in the model group compared to the control group whereas the same items were decreased in the experimental group. C. majus extract also decreased testosterone and increased prolactin and gonadotropins. In this study, C. majus extract resulted in decreased fat and testosterone levels as well as increased prolactin level; however, since many sources have informed of the toxicity of this plant, cautious use of the plant is advised

investigation on the effect of alcoholic extract of physalis alkekengi on blood indexes in rats

Physalis alkekengi by effective ingredients such as alkaloids, glucocorticoids and because of antioxidant property can play a role in homeostasis. The aim of this study was to examine the possible effects of fruit extract of P. alkekengi on blood homogram. Forty male rats were divided to control, sham [normal saline] and experimental groups [highest, moderate and minimum doses of alcoholic extract]. Then, the blood samples were taken in order to perform laboratory test by Sysmex analyzer, and were analyzed using ANOVA. Results showed that the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit increased and white blood cells decreased. Fruit extract of P. alkekensi is probably effective in treatment of anemia

comparative study on the effects of glutathione and green tea extract [camellia sinensis L.] on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in male adult wistar rats

Flavonoids play significant role in the treatment of many diseases. Green tea [Camellia Sinensis L.] is a common beverage all over the world with antioxidant and detoxification effects related to the presence of flavonoids and catchins. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of green tea on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity. In this experimental study, 64 male Wistar rats were allocated to eight groups. The control group received a normal diet alone, sham group received normal saline, hepatotoxic group received thioacetamide [50 mg/kg thioacetamide for three days], other groups received a thioacetamide for three days and the alcoholic extract of bgreen tea, at minimum [50 mg/kg], moderate [100 mg/kg], and maximum [200 mg/kg] doses, glutathione [250 mg/kg], green tea [200 mg/kg] with glutathione [250 mg/kg] for 21 days [i.p.]. After that, blood samples were drawn and the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, total protein and albumin, as liver injury indices, were measured. The decrease of aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activity in the receptors of different dosages of green tea and glutathione was significant compared with the group treated by thioacetamide. Also, a significant increase was observed in total protein and albumin of serum in green tea receptors compared with thioacetamide group. The study results show the protective effect of green tea on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity which is likely caused by the antioxidant effect of polyphenol compounds controlling thioacetamide activity which in turn controls the cytochrome P450 activity and neutralization of free radicals

Lamisil versus clotrimazole in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis

Vaginal candidiasis is a common disease in women during their lifetime and occurs in diabetes patients, during pregnancy and oral contraceptives users. Although several antifungals are routinely used for treatment; however, vaginal candidiasis is a challenge for patients and gynecologists. The aim of the present study was to evaluate terbinafme [Lamisil] on Candida vaginitis versus clotrimazole. In the present study women suspected to have vulvovaginal candidiasis were sampled and disease confirmed using direct smear and culture examination from vaginal discharge. Then, patients were randomly divided into two groups, the first group [32 cases] was treated with clotrimazole and the next [25 cases] with Lamisil. All patients were followed-up to three weeks of treatment and therapeutic effects of both antifungal were compared. Our results shows that 12 [37.5%] patients were completely treated with clotrimazole during two weeks and, 6[18.8%] patients did not respond to drugs and were refereed for fluconazole therapy. Fourteen [43.8%] patients showed moderate response and clotrimazole therapy was extended for one more week. When Lamisil was administrated, 19 [76.0%] patients were completely treated with Lamisil in two weeks, and 1 [4.0%] of the patients did not respond to the drug and was refereed for fluconazole therapy. Five [20.0%] of our patients showed moderate response and Lamisil therapy was extended for one more week. Our results show that vaginal cream, 1% Lamisil, could be suggested as a first-line treatment in vulvovaginal candidiasis

effects of portulaca oleracea alcoholic extract on induced hypercholesteroleomia in rats

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Portulaca oleracea is a vegetable, known in traditional medicine and has many medicinal properties. In the present study the effects of alcoholic extract of Portulaca oleracea on blood fat profiles are evaluated. In this experimental study, 60 Wistar rats in the weight range of 170 +/- 5 g in 6 groups [n=10] were selected as follows: Control group receiving normal diet, Sham group receiving high fat diet, experimental groups receiving the Portulaca oleracea extract with maximum dose [800 mg/kg], moderate dose [400 mg/kg] and minimum dose [200 mg/kg] as intraperitoneally and injection of 10 mg/kg atorvastatin and treated with high fat diet for 21 days. After the end of this period, blood sampling and measuring obtained samples, data was analyzed using SPSS-11.5 software. Based on the results obtained from all groups receiving the extract of Portulaca oleracea herb, it was found that the level of cholesterol concentration in these groups and the level of cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the group receiving atorvastatin significantly decreased [p

Comparison between the effects of the alcholic extract of mellissia officinalis and atorvastatin on serum levels of thyroid hormones in hypercholesterolemic male rats

Consumption of unsaturated fats reduces the serum level of lipids and leptin. Thyroid hormones and leptin play pivotal roles in metabolism and their amounts are interrelated. This study was done to compare the effects of Mellissia officinalis extract and atorvastatin on the serum levels of thyroid hormones in hypercholesterolemia rats. Consumption of unsaturated fats reduces the serum level of lipids and leptin. Thyroid hormones and leptin play pivotal roles in metabolism and their amounts are inter-related. This study was done to compare the effects of Mellissia officinalis extract and atorvastatin on the serum levels of thyroid hormones in hypercholesterolemia rats. The results showed that in experimental groups receiving the plant extract and atorvastatin, the concentration of thyroid hormones increased, whereas the amount of the thyroid-stimulating hormone showed a significant decrease [p<0.05]. Mellissia officinalis extract decreases TSH but it increases T3 and T4. Further studies are required for applying this extract to the treatment of hyperthyroidism

Production of cloned mice by nuclear transfer of cumulus cells

Over the past several years, mammals have been successfully cloned by either the splitting of an early stage embryo or nuclear transfer of adult somatic cells [NT] into oocytes. Although it has been 15 years since the generation of the first cloned mammals from somatic cells by NT, the success rate for producing live offspring by this technique is low regardless of the cell type and animal species used. However, these techniques have the potential to be important tools for future research in basic biology. In the present study, we described our experiences in producing successfully cloned mouse using NT method and piezo-actuated micromanipulator. B6D2F1 mice, 8-12 weeks old, were superovulated with injections of 5 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and 5 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin administered 48 hr apart. Enucleation and donor nuclei cumulus cell injection were performed with a piezo-actuated micromanipulator after which activation and trichostatin A treatment were used for reconstructed oocytes. Two-cell stage cloned embryos that developed in the mWM medium were transferred into the oviducts of pseudopregnant NMRI mice. Of 367 oocytes collected, 131 [69%] developed into 2-cell stage embryos. Of these, 5 [1%] live pups were successfully delivered. We used NMRI foster mother to raise the pups by lactation. One adult cloned mouse was mated, after which she delivered and raised normal offspring. For mouse cloning, the present study also successfully tested the capability of somatic cell nuclear transfer SCNT using a piezo unit

Evaluation of the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Berberis vulgaris root on the activity of liver enzymes in male hypercholesterolemic rats

Hyperlipidemia can cause a variety of diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and fatty liver which is followed by increased liver enzymes. Since Berberis vulgaris [B. vulgaris] root possesses antioxidant properties, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of its extract on the activity of liver enzymes in rats. In this experimental study, sixty Wistar rats were selected and allocated to six groups of ten each. The control group received a normal diet and the sham group received a fatty diet while the other groups including experimental groups received a fatty diet and the alcoholic extract of B. vulgaris at minimum [75 mg/kg], moderate [150 mg/kg], and maximum [300 mg/kg] doses by intraperitoneal injection [i.p.] or oral atorvastatin [10 mg /kg] with a fatty diet. At the end of this 21-day period, blood samples were drawn and the levels of the intended factors were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 11.5. The comparison of the obtained results showed that the levels of alanine transaminase [ALT] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] enzymes in the sham group that only received fatty food increased [p

Occurrence of fungi in dialysis water system and dialysis solution in dialysis centers in Ahvaz, Iran

The aims of the present study were to examine the water and dialysate for determining the diversity, occurrence, and distribution of fungi in hemodialysis centers of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. One hundred and sixty eight water samples from dialysis machines, and dialysis solution were collected. The samples were cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar and incubated at room temperature. Our study demonstrated that various fungi were present in the water system in haemodialysis centers. Totally, eight genera of filamentous fungi and three genera of yeasts and yeast-likes were identified. The most common filamentous fungi were Fusarium, Peniditium and Aspergittlus, whereas, Candida tropicalis was the most frequently isolated yeast. The water supply for hemodialysis units could be contaminated with several fungal species that occur during piping into kidney machine. In addition, contamination with fungi due to contact with plastic materials in kidney machine pipes is more considerable. For minimizing the exposure of patients suffering from chronic renal insufficiency to contaminated water sources, water distribution systems should also be monitored for mycological contamination. In addition dialysate solutions should also be kept for preventing fungal contaminations

[Molecular detection of phospholipase B3 as an effective factor in virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus]

Phospholipases are the major component of all eukaryotic bilayer cell membranes. and serve as a scaffold for membranes proteins. Phospholipases are a class of ubiquitous enzymes that have estrase activity and due to their ability to lyses of cell membrane can play an important role for pathogenicity of microrganisims. During this study using degenerate primers based on homologous amino acid sequences of some fungi phospholipase B [PLB], detection of Aspergillus fumigatus PLB3 was carried out. After DNA extraction of A. fumigatus, A. niger, Fusarium venonatum and Aurobasidium pullulans PCR reaction was carried out using degenerate primers. Predicted 2100 bp product from A. fumigatus was cloned in pGEMT-Easy vector and then transformed into E. coli Top 10 F' competent cell for extraction of cloned DNA fragment. Sequence analysis of 2100 bp fragments using BLASTX software were revealed a high homology to published PLB sequences from other fungi. Phylogenic tree analysis of PLB3 gene shows that PLB and potential PLB analogues like lysophospholipase are contained in a large cluster of the PLB family. A. fumigatus PLB gene is more closely related to A. oryzae, A. niger, Penicillium chrysogenum and Neurospora crassa than other fungi. Also, sequence availability of full length PLB3 gene represents a noteworthy breakthrough in the study of this opportunistic pathogen and function of PLB3 gene in pathogenesis of A. fumigates. Detection of PLB3 gene can be lead to preparing vaccine, blocker and laboratory marker for recognition of PLB3 gene products either in patient body or clinical samples

Conjunctival mycoflora in patients presenting to eye ward of Imam Khomeini hospital, Ahvaz

To investigate the incidence of fungal mycoflora of conjunctiva in patients attending teaching department of ophthalmology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. One hundred and seventy two swabs were collected from the conjunctiva of patients attending to eye ward of the hospital during autumn 2007 to summer 2008. Swabs were cultured on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar and incubated at ambient temperature for one week. Eleven patients were positive for saprophytic fungi. The most common saprophytic fungus was Cladopsporium [four cases]. Other filamentous fungi were Drechslera [one case], Alternaria [one case], Fusarium [one case] and Epicoccum [one case]. In addition, three isolates of yeasts include Cryptococcus, Candida albicans and Rhodotorula rubra were also isolated from patients. There was a remarkable presence of fungi in the conjunctiva of patients. The environmental conditions, the socioeconomic status and personal poor hygienic conditions, led to the high incidence of conjunctival fungus isolation [6.4%]. The incidence was much higher in males [72.7%] as [27.3%] in females

Clinical and mycological studies of otomycosis

Otomycosis [fungal external otitis] is a common disease especially in persistent or chronic external ear infection. Disease is more prevalent in warm climates. Opportunisus fungi usually cause Otomycosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of otomycosis, species distribution, predisposing factors and sex distribution for otomycosis in Ahvaz, Iran. Secretion and pus were collected from fifty-seven patients by two sterile cotton wool swabs. One swab was used for direct microscopy and next for culture examination. Direct examination of the samples was carried out by staining the smears with methylene blue technique. Collected swab was inoculated onto Sabouraud's dextrose agar. The presence of fungal elements in stained smears was confirmed by growth of fungal colonies. In the present study 53.3% and 46.7% of patients were respectively males and females. The most common fungal pathogens were Aspergillus niger [30.8%] and A. flavus [23.1%]. In conclusion fungi were the etiotogical factor of otomycosis in 45.6% of cases. In order to solve the therapeutic difficulties and to apply the most adequate treatment, comprehensive mycological examinations, often skipped during routine clinical procedures, must be performed

Clinical study of candida vaginitis in Ahvaz, Iran and susceptibility of agents to topical antifungal

To evaluate etiological agents of vaginal candidiasis in Ahvaz, Iran. In addition, susceptibility isolates were also considered against topical anti fungal agents. Cotton swabs were used for sampling from vaginal lesions and inoculated on CHRO Magar Candida. Cultured media were incubated at 37°C for 2-4 days aerobically. Colonies producing a green coloration were presumptively identified as Candida. albicans. C. glabrata produced pink colonies on CHRO Magar Candida. One hundred vaginal isolates of Candida were sub-cultured on SDA and incubated at 37°C. A suspension of isolates containing 1x106 - 5x106 cfu/ml was used for susceptibility tests. Clotrimazole, miconazole and nystatin disks were used for determine of susceptibility. Prevalence of Candida among the 300 women enrolled was found to be 49%. Recurrent and acute vaginal candidiasis were 48.3% and 51.7% respectively. C. albicans was the most common species among the isolates followed by C. glabrata, C. dubliniensis and Candida species. Antifungal susceptibility testing in our study revealed that none of the Candida isolates tested were resistant to tested antifungal. However, isolates were susceptible to clotrimazole followed by miconazole and nystatin. Candida vaginitis is more prevalent among women in Ahvaz and the most common agent is C. albicans. In addition our isolates were sensitive to clotrimazole followed by miconazole and nystatin

Blood lead levels in children with neurological disorders: a single centre preliminary study / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Lead poisoning is a potentially devastating problem among young children. Chronic low level lead exposure can lead to learning disabilities and behavior changes such as colic, insomnia, hyperactivity, impaired growth, hearing loss and upper extremity weakness. The purpose of this cross sectional study was to determine the blood lead level in children with neurological disorders in comparison with healthy controls.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Blood lead concentrations were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry in 100 children aged 1-10 years and suffering from various neurological disorders. One hundred age and sex-matched healthy children served as controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean blood lead concentration was higher in children with neurological disorders than in controls (113.2 + or - 47.5 microg/L vs 84.7 + or - 38.0 microg/L; p<0.01). Overall, 44% of children with neurological disorders and 19% of controls were found to have increased blood lead levels, i.e.>100 microg/L.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>An increase in blood lead level in children might be related to neurological disorders. The measurement of blood lead level might be included in diagnostic eveluation of children with neurological disorders.</p>

Tinea incognito due to epidermophyton floccosum

Tinea incognito is a cutaneous infection with atypical clinical characteristics. Disease is usually caused by administration of steroids. We describe a 25-year-old man who presented with local lesion in groin being treated with corticosteroid. Epidermophyton floccosum, an anthropophilic species, was identified by mycological examinations, direct and culture