Acute and chronic effects of gold nanoparticles on sperm parameters and chromatin structure in Mice

Background: The particles in the range of 1-100 run are called nanoparticles. Gold nanoparticle is one of the most important metal nanoparticles with wide usage

Objective: This study investigated the effects of gold nanoparticles on sperm parameters and chromatin structure in mice

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 72 male bulb-c mice were divided into 9 groups including: ;4 Sham groups [Sc 1-4], 4 experimental groups [Au 1-4], and 1 control group [C]. Experimental groups received 40 and 200 fig/kg/day soluble gold [Au] nano-particles for 7 and 35 days, by intra peritoneal injection, respectively. Sham groups were treated with 1.2 rnM sodium citrate solution with 40 and 200 jag/kg/day doses for same days and control group did not receive any materials. Motility and Morphology of spermatozoa were analyzed. Chromatin quality was also evaluated using AB [Aniline blue], TB [Toluidine blue] and CMA3 [Chromomycin A3] staining methods

Results: The sperm analysis results showed that motility and morphology of sperm in experimental groups [especially in groups that have been treated for 35 days with nano-particles] had significant decrease in comparison with control group. TB, AB and CM A3 results showed a significant increase in abnormal spermatozoa from all Au-treated groups

Conclusion: Gold nano-particles firstly can reduce the sperm parameters such as motility and normal morphology and secondly affect sperm chromatin remodeling and cause the increase instability of chromatin and also increase the rate of sperm DNA damage. These deleterious effects were more obvious in maximum dose and chronic phase

Antibacterial and antinociceptive activity of Hoya parasitica

The ethanol extract of leaves of Hoya parasitica was tested for its antibacterial and antinociceptive activities. The extract showed moderate antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It also produced significant [P<0.01] writhing inhibition in Swiss albino mice at oral dose of 500 mg/kg body weight comparable to the standard drug diclofenac sodium

Depressive Disorder: Diagnosis and management in general practice in Pakistan

To formulate guidelines for diagnosis and management of depressive illness in general practice in Pakistan. Using guidelines developed through research in primary care, this article explains how depressive illness could be diagnosed using diagnostic and statistical manual [DSM] criteria and managed systematically at general practice level in Pakistan. Diagnosing depression accurately and choosing the right anti-depressant and giving it for adequate length of time are crucial factors in effective management of depression. Depressive illness can be diagnosed and managed effectively in general practice in Pakistan and only a minority of patients would need to be referred to psychiatrists