[Study of photodynamic effect of Zn [II] tetrapyridinoporphyrazine complex on HeLa cell line]

Photodynamic therapy is a treatment that uses photosensitizer and intense visible light. When photosensitizers get exposed to a specific light wavelength [preferentially in the red region], they produce reactive oxygen species that are toxic to cells. Recently, attention has been focused on porphyrins and their analogs as photosensitizers. Zn [II] tetrapyridinoporphyrazin complex is a water-soluble photosensitizer that has a good potential for application in photodynamic therapy. In this study, phototoxic effect of this complex on HeLa cancer cell line has been investigated. HeLa cell cultures were treated with different concentrations of Zn [II] tetrapyridinoporphyrazin. The cytotoxic effects were measured both in the presence and absence of light using the MTT assay. The light source was a 150W tungsten halogen lamp equipped with a red filter. Our data indicate that porphyrazine's photocytotoxicity is remarkably more significant than its cytotoxycity in the dark. Statistical analysis showed the effective dose [ED[50]] values in the dark and light conditions were 8.6 and 4.2 microM, respectively. In addition, the results imply that in the range of 0-12 microM, the increase in the complex concentration correlates with the increase in the cytotoxicity effect. However, the cytotoxicity decreases at the higher concentration [50microM], which is likely due to aggregation of the complex. Our results show that Zn [II] tetrapyridinoporphyrazin complex may be a promising photosensitizer for innovative photodynamic therapy and may have a high potential application in cancer treatment. Furthermore, it seems to have more benefits compared to other known photosensitizers

[ effects of sodium benzoate [C[6]h[5]COONa] on ovaries and its hormones and gonadotropins on female balb/C mice]

Sodium benzoate [C[6]H[5]COONa] is used as a disinfectant against microorganisms existing in healthy foods and drugs. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sodium benzoate on ovaries and its hormones and gonadotrophins on balb/C mice. Eighteen adult female mice [balb/c] were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each. Two groups of animals were treated with 280 or 560mg/kg/day sodium benzoate for 60 days [Group II and III, respectively]. Animals of group I were administrated water without sodium benzoate for 60 days and served as the controls. On the 61st between 08:00 to 10:00, blood samples were collected from the left ventricle after anesthesia with diethyl ether. After that the mice were killed following ethical procedure, the ovaries were dissected out, then, it was immediately fixed in formalin 10% and embedded in paraffin. Sections of 5 micro m thickness were taken from the mid portion of each ovary. Plasma levels of FSH and LH were significantly decreased in group III compared to control group [P<0.0001]. Plasma level of progesterone was significantly decreased in treatment groups compared to control group [P<0.001]. Decrease of oogenes and disorganization of ovaries in electron microscopy investigation determined. The results of present study indicate that sodium benzoate affect and decrease the oogenesis and reduce of follicles and corpus luteum. Thus, it is suggested to replace it if necessity

Identification and classification of industrial solid wastes in ammonia unit of Razi petrochemical complex and feasibility of waste minimization

Petrochemical industries are considered as strategic and important sectors in economic development of Iran. Razi petrochemical factory is one of complex in Iran, established in 1970 with 100 hectare. In this research, the possibility of waste minimization in the ammonia unit of Razi petrochemical complex with about 1000 tons per year was studied for a period of 18 months from September 2003 to April 2005. More than 20 site visits were conducted and the required information was collected. Factors such as industrial solid wastes quality and quantity, sources of generation, production period and the present management practice, were studied. Petrochemical solid wastes were classified based on the recommended method of the United Nations and appropriate policies were suggested for waste minimization. The collected results of this study show production of 185 tons of industrial solid wastes from 45 sources which contained 68.5% catalysts, 10.25% metal barrels, 18.61% aluminum ball, 2.62% plastic barrels and 0.02% paper. 93.3% of these wastes were generated as the result of catalysts change, 3.3% as the result of using chemicals and oils, 1.7% as the result of methanol solution amid application, and 1.1% because of aluminum ball changes. Based on the UNEP methods, the ammonia unit wastes classified as 19/7%hazadrous and 87,12% non hazardous. At present 87.12% of these wastes are being dumped in the area and 12.88% are sold. Proposed procedures for waste minimization contain 68.5% reuse and recycling and 31.5% recycling