Ginger as a miracle against chemotherapy-induced vomiting

Vomiting is one of the most prevalent side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ginger plant on chemotherapy-induced vomiting, since the previous studies were somehow imperfect and have provided controversial results. This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 80 women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy and suffering from vomiting in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between July and December 2009. During a convenience sampling the participants were randomly allocated into treatment and placebo groups after taking a written informed consent. Two groups were matched based on the age and emetic risk of chemotherapy drugs. The treatment group received 250 mg ginger powder capsules [Zintoma] and placebo group 250 mg starch capsules 4 times a day [1 g/day] for 6 days since 3 days before chemotherapy session. A two-part self-made questionnaire was used to assess the effect of ginger. Patients completed the instrument every day. Then by STATA software version 8, the gathered data were analyzed using Fisher's exact, Kruskal-Wallis, and Chi-square tests. The 2 groups had no significant age differences and were matched [ginger: 41.8 +/- 8.4 vs placebo: 45.1 +/- 10, P = 0.1]. Vomiting cases were significantly lower in ginger group at anticipatory [P = 0.04], acute [P = 0.04], and delayed [P = 0.003] phases. Also, heartburn was the only and venial reported side effect [P > 0.05]. Taking ginger capsules [for 6 days since 3 days before chemotherapy] accompanied by the routine antiemetic treatment could relieve chemotherapy-induced vomiting in all phases.

Effects of educational intervention on long-lasting insecticidal nets use in a Malarious area, Southeast Iran

Long-lasting insecticidal nets [LLINs] have been advocated as an effective tool against malaria transmission. However, success of this community based intervention largely depends on the knowledge and practice regarding malaria and its prevention. According to the national strategy plan on evaluation of LLINs [Olyset nets], this study was conducted to determine the perceptions and practices about malaria and to improve use of LLINs in Bashagard district, one of the important foci of malaria in Southeast Iran. The study area comprised 14 villages that were randomized in two clusters and designated as LLINs and untreated nets. Each of households in both clusters received two bed nets by the free distribution and delivery. After one month quantitative data collection method was used to collect information regarding the objectives of the study. On the basis of this information, an educational program was carried out in both areas to increase motivation for use of bed nets. Community knowledge and practice regarding malaria and LLIN use assessed pre- and post-educational program. The data were analyzed using SPSS ver.16 software. At baseline, 77.5% of respondents in intervention and 69.4% in control area mentioned mosquito bite as the cause of malaria, this awareness increased significantly in intervention [90.3%] and control areas [87.9%], following the educational program. A significant increase also was seen in the proportion of households who used LLINs the previous night [92.5%] compared with untreated nets [87.1%]. Educational status was an important predictor of LLINs use. Regular use of LLIN was considerably higher than the targeted coverage [80%] which recommended by World Heaths Organization. About 81.1% and 85.3% of respondents from LLIN and control areas reported that mosquito nuisance and subsequent malaria transmission were the main determinants of bed net use. These findings highlight a need for educational intervention in implementation of long-lasting insecticidal nets; this should be considered in planning and decision-making in the national malaria control program during the next campaigns of LLINs in Iran

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 influences neural differentiation of induced mouse mesenchymal stem cells

Members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, including bone morphogenetic protein 4 [BMP4], have been implicated as regulators of neural differentiation. The aim of this study was to establish whether BMP4 could influence neuronal differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs]. Therefore, neuronal differentiation of MSCs was induced by basic fibroblast growth factor [bFGF] and epidermal growth factor [EOF] and treatment. The expression of neuronal specific markers such as Nestin, MAP2, p-Tubulin III and NKX6.1 were detected by RT-PCR, flow cytometery and/or immunostaining. While the percentage of Nestin positive cells was increased significantly during treatment, the addition of BMP4 during the first 4 days of treatment with bFGF and EGF reduced Nestin expression as showed by flow cytometry. This observation was further confirmed by relative gene expression which showed the reduction in expression of neural markers such as Nestin, MAP2 and NKX6.1 following treatment with BMP4. The results of this study suggest that BMP4 downregulates the neural fate of induced mouse MSCs

Analysis of contrasting effects of alloxan and magnesium on plasma free fatty acids [FFA] in diabetes induced rats

Alloxan is on of the xenobiotic agents which is classified as diabetogenic materials. Magnesium is an important cofactor regulating the activity of carbohydrate enzymes and lipid synthesis. In this study the contrasting effects of Alloxan and magnesium on plasma free fatty acids [FFA] in rats was investigated. Male mature rats were used as test models for the diabetes induction. 28 rats received Alloxan [120mg/kg] intraperitoneally and plasma glucose level measurement after 72 hours demonstrated diabetes induction. The results were compared to the control groups, and confirmed the presence of diabetes in rats. Analysis of plasma FFA showed a significant increase [751.25 mM], compared to the control group [286.68 mM]. In contrast, Measurement of red blood cell [RBC] Magnesium showed a significant decrease from 7.18 mg/dL in control group to 4.89 mg/dL in diabetic rats. The results of this study showed that in diabetic condition, there was an inverse relationship between plasma FFA and RBC Magnesium. Therefore, these data suggest that analysis of the effects of Magnesium upon induction of diabetic condition could provide important information for management of diabetes

Effects of hydroalchoholic extract of anethum graveolens [DILL] on plasma glucose an lipid levels in diabetes induced rats

Type 1 diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease probably caused by various factors such genetics, environmental stresses, viral infections and diet. The disease is associated with damage to pancreatic insulin-producing beta cells. Many researches have been performed to study the therapeutic effects of herbal medications on diabetes mellitus. The protective effects of some plants such as Cuminum cyminum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Saliva sclarea, Allium ampeloprasum etc in diabetes induced rats were reported. Dill with the scientific name of Anethum graveolens, is a plant from umbellifera. This family which contains flavonoid compounds. In this research, effects of hydroalchoholic extract of this plant on blood glucose level, lipids and lipoproteins in Alloxan induced diabetic rats was investigated. Fifteen adult male rats, weighing 200-250 gr, were used in three five member groups. Rats in the control group, received physiological serum, as intraperitoneal [IP]. In diabetic control group [DCG], diabetes was induced using Alloxan monohydrate at a dose of 120 mg/kgbw. In addition to diabetes induction just like DCG, the treated diabetic control group [TDCG] rats were dosed with 300 mg/kgbw hydroalcoholic Anethum graveolens extract. All rats received all materials via intraperitoneal injection [IP]. 48 hours after the last IP, blood sample was taken from each animal via cardiac puncture to measure blood factors. The results indicated significant reduction in glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL levels in TDCG rats compared to DCG rats. Due to the use of dill extract, HDL level was significantly increased. Effect of Anethum graveolens is related to antioxidant compounds. This compounds affect glucose absorbtion and beta cells regeneration. The results of this research indicate that using hydroalcoholic extract of Anethum graveolens could effectively decrease blood sugar levels