Interindividual differences in radiation-induced apoptosis of peripheral blood leukocytes in normal individuals and breast cancer patients

Quantification of radiation-induced apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes [PBLs] has been proposed as a possible screening test for cancer-prone individuals and also for the prediction of normal tissue responses after radiotherapy. The neutral version of the comet assay [single-cell gel electrophoresis] was used 24, 48, 72 hours after irradiation with 8 Gy gamma rays to assess interindividual differences in gamma rays-induced apoptosis in peripheral blood leucocytes between a panel of 30 normal individuals, and 30 breast cancer patients who hadn't received radiotherapy or chemotherapy previously. Slides were stained with ethidium bromide and comets were assessed using visual and computer analysis. In all incubation times, the baseline and radiation induced apoptosis values were higher in breast cancer patients compared to normal individuals which were significantly different [p<0.01]. Although, both baseline and radiation induced values were higher in young breast cancer patients, the age did not seem to have a significant effect on apoptosis values both in cancer cases and controls. The increased rate of apoptosis observed in the leukocytes of breast cancer cases might be associated with their deficient DNA repair mechanisms. This finding might indicate that the radiation induced apoptosis could have some predictive potential. However, large interindividual variation has been a drawback. More studies are required to investigate the causes of interindividual variation and how it might be minimized

[Strategic educational planning of dermatology in Iran]

Strategic thinking is the most essential part of educational planning. The main purpose of the present study is developing the Strategic educational planning of dermatology in Iran from 2007 to 2010. A qualitative investigation using focused group discussion was implemented for developing educational strategy in dermatology. Six to ten academic members of dermatologic departments and other stakeholders participated in this study. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of dermatology education in Iran were analyzed. Strategic objectives in three domains, viz. education, research, and provision of health services were identified. Educational objectives included training personnel at different academic levels ranging from general practice and specialization to fellowship in dermatology in accordance with the needs of the general public. In the field of research, necessity for more national and international participation and scientific discourse was recognized. In the health services domain designing cost-effective techniques for optimal management of dermatological problems are needed. Results of this study underscore the necessity of support for decision makers in Iranian health system

In vitro antiviral effect of "Nanosilver" on influenza virus

Influenza is a viral infectious disease with frequent seasonal epidemics causing world-wide economical and social effects. Due to antigenic shifts and drifts of influenza virus, long-lasting vaccine has not been developed so far. The current annual vaccines and effective antiviral drugs are not available sufficiently. Therefore in order to prevent spread of infectious agents including viruses, antiseptics are considered by world health authorities. Small particles of silver have a long history as general antiseptic and disinfectant. Silver does not induce resistance in microorganisms and this ability in Nanosize is stronger. The aim of this study was to determine antiviral effects of Nanosilver against influenza virus. TCID50 [50% Tissue Culture Infectious Dose] of the virus as well as CC50 [50% Cytotoxic Concentration] of Nanosilver was obtained by MTT [3- [4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2y1]-2 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide, Sigma] method. This compound was non-toxic to MDCK [Madin-Darbey Canin Kidney] cells at concentration up to 1 micro g/ml. Effective minimal cytotoxic concentration and 100 TCID50 of the virus were added to the confluent cells. Inhibitory effects of Nanosilver on the virus and its cytotoxicity were assessed at different temperatures using Hemagglutination [HA] assay, RT-PCR [Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction], and DIF [Direct Immunofluorescent]. RT-PCR and free band densitometry software were used to compare the volume of the PCR product bands on the gel. In this study it was found that Nanosilver has destructive effect on the virus membrane glycoprotein knobs as well as the cells

[Evaluation of association between androgenic alopecia and coronary artery diseases in men]

Several stydies have indicated that compared to the men without baldness, bald ones have higher risk for development of coronary artery diseases [CAD], and androgen alopecia [AGA] is some how related to CAD. However, none of the previous reports has considered the coronary angiography as the gold standard for diagnosis of CAD. This study was performed to evaluate the validity of such conclusions from the dermatological and cardiological point of view. This Case-Control study was carried out on 400 men, who underwent angiography procedures for diagnosis of CAD. Sampled subjects were matched through their gender and age. Case group consisted of 200 male subjects who had positive results in their angiography and another 200 male subjects whom were found to have no pathological finding through their angiography were considered as control group. Subjects in both group were matched together as well as they were blindly assessed for scaling their baldness and in following, their data were analyzed by Chi-square test and their Odds ratio was calculated, as well. Androgenetic alopecia was found in 137 [68.5%] of patients in case group, whereas only 88 [44%] patients in control group had AGA. There was a statistically significant correlation between male's AGA and CAD [P=0.001]. [95% CI: 1.8-4.2]. Furthermore, patients with CAD were 2.8 times more than subjects in control group at risk of development of AGA. According to our findings, it seems that patients who have stage III of Vertex type of AGA [or above], have greater risk for developing CAD than patinets without AGA

Effect of Allium sativum L. aqueous extract on contraction power of isolated atrium from rats following administration of adrenaline

Synthetic drugs, although very effective, have their own side effects. Recently, herbal plants have received more attention to avoid the unpleasant effects of synthetic agents. To investigate the effects of garlic aqueous extract on contraction power of isolated atrium from male rats following administration of adrenalin. Male rats [Spirague Dawley, Albino, 200-250 gr] were divided into 7 groups as follows: Control, adrenalin, garlic extract [10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 40mg/kg], Propranolol and Propranolol plus garlic extract at a single concentration of 40 mg/kg. Later the contraction power was recorded using a physiograph set. Garlic extract at all three concentrations used in our study caused a reduction of atrial contraction power in adrenalin group. When the degree of contraction power reduction was compared between garlic extract [40mg/kg] and garlic extract plus Propranolol groups, no statistically significant difference found. Atrial contraction power decreased in presence of garlic aqueous extract and the degree of reduction was significant in both low and high doses, statistically

[Effects of Trachyspermum copticum L. on Morphine'sWithdrawal Syndrome Signs in rats]

Drug addiction is destructive misfortune. At the present time we have over 1.2 million addicted people in Iran. So, proper and definite treatment must be noticed. Using the medical plants in ancientness like human life and thousand documents in medicinal history have valuable informations and expriments in this field. According to extant investigations, Trachyspermum copticum has numerous effects, such as antiseptic, expectorant, Spasm relaxation and useful in cholesteralemia. But in the belief of Iranian people, this plant is used for treatment of addiction. This project is the first investigation in the world that Iranian researchers evaluated the effect of trachyspermum copticum extract in treatment of morphine dependency. After preparing the trachyspermum copticum fruit from height of the mountain in KHozestan [between izeah and dehdaz], aqueous extract at different concentration [10%, 20%, 30%] was prepared by suckcele display. After the pilot study, 5 groups [50 rats] were dependent by subcotaneus injection with morphine. After insuring the animal dependency. First group has set as a testifire. Second group was affected with methadon treatment and other groups were treated by trachyspermum copticum at different concentration [10%, 20%, 30%]. In all groups after naloxane injection by intraperitoneum injection, we studies morphine dependency that manifestated like diarrhea, weight loss and jumping. At 30% concentration, seven animals were deaed for the reason high concentration of extract. Data evaluation with ANOVA and LSD test showed that trachyspermum copticum is effective like methadone therapy to decrease withdrawal syndrome signs [p<0.05]

Potent radioprotective effect of therapeutic doses of ranitidine and famotidine against gamma - rays induced micronuclei in vivo

Previous investigations have revealed, cimetidine, a histamine H2-receptor antagonist, show radioprotective effects against gamma- and neutron-induced micronuclei in bone marrow erythrocytes. In this study, the anticlastogenic effects of famotidine and ranitidine, which act similar to cimetidine as histamine H2-receptor antagonists, was investigated. Materials and Balb/c male mice were injected i.p. with various doses of famotidine and ranitidine two hours before 2 Gy gamma irradiation. Frequency of micronuclei was determined in bone marrow erythrocytes following each treatment. The results indicated that gamma irradiation alone can cause a high frequency of micronuclei formation and decrease cell proliferation ratio. Pre-irradiation injection of famotidine and ranitidine, of various doses, effectively reduced the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes [MnPCEs], yet has no effect on cell proliferation ratio [PCEs/PCEs+NCEs]. In fact, these two drugs reduce the clastogenic effects of gamma rays, while they are ineffective against the cytotoxic properties of gamma rays. The dose reduction factor [DRF] calculated, shows a DRF=2 for famotidine and a DRF=1.8 for ranitidine which is indicative of a high radioprotective property of these drugs. The mechanism in which these drugs reduce clastogenic effect of gamma radiation is not fully understood. It might be due to their antioxidant and free radical-scavenging properties