Effects of Rosa Canina L. fruit on glycemia and lipid profile in type 2 Diabetic Patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial

Background: Rosa canina L. [rose hip] has been traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus in Iran. However, no scientific human study has determined its efficacy in diabetic patients

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of R. canina fruit aqueous extract in type 2 diabetic patients

Methods: Sixty patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 35 - 60 years with fasting blood glucose levels between 130 to 200 mg/dL and HbA1c between 7 - 9% despite using conventional oral hypoglycemic drugs were divided randomly to two groups. Two groups of 25 and 23 patients completing the trial received 750 mg R. canina fruit extract and 750 mg toast powder as placebo two times a day respectively for three months. Fasting blood glucose [FBG] and glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c] as primary outcomes and postprandial blood glucose [PBG], lipid profile and hepatic and renal function tests as secondary outcomes were determined at baseline and at endpoint of treatment. The patients were asked to note down any gastrointestinal or other side effects during the study

Results: The FBG level decreased significantly [P = 0.002] in R. canina group after 3 months compared to the baseline. In addition total cholesterol/HDL-C was significantly [P = 0.02] decreased in the R. canina group compared to the baseline. Other blood parameters were not significantly changed during the study compared with placebo and baseline. No serious side effects were reported in both groups during the study

Conclusion: Rosa canina 3-month administration to type 2 diabetic patients may reduce fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol/HDL-C without any side effect

[Effect of Feijoa supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes]

Treatment of hypertension and dyslipidemia in diabetic patients significantly decreases microvascular and coronary artery diseases. Feijoa is the fruit of an evergreen tree in tropical areas which contains high amounts of polyphenols with anti oxidant, antimicrobial and anti inflammatory activity. In view of its composition we evaluated its potential for reducing cardiovascular risk factors [control of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and hypertension] in patients with type 2 diabetes. Subjects were 34 men and women, 40-75 years old with type 2 diabetes, who were randomly assigned to receive either Feijoa [150 mg daily] or placebo. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding age, height and body weight. Blood pressure, serum level of fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, glycosylated hemoglobin, were measured and compared at the beginning and after 12 weeks. Blood pressure decreased after 12 weeks in the Feijoa consumption group. Fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, cholesterol and triglycerides also decreased in the feijoa group in comparison to controls. Feijoa improves control of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetic patients and reduces the risk of coronary vascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes.

[ effects of an aerobic exercise program on LH, FSH, TST and DHEA levels in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome]

Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is an endocrine disorder, characterized by anovulation, hirsutism, acne, hyperandrogenism, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and obesity. Life style modifications are recommended to prevent and treat obese and over weight women with PCOS. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of aerobic exercise program on concentrations of LH, FSH, TST and DHEA in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Seventeen obese female volunteers who were diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome [age: 15-30 y and BMI=29.35 +/- 2.88 Kg/m2] were selected. An aerobic exercise program was performed for 12-weeks, three sessions week]. Anthropometric characteristics, metabolic and hormonal profiles were measured at base line and after 12-week exercises or [36th session]. Data were analyzed by Paired-Samples T Test [t-student], P values <0.05 being considered significant. After the 12-week exercise program, subjects showed a significant reduction in body weight, body fat percent, waist circumference, luteinizing hormone and an increase in Vo2-peak[P<0/05]; changes however in body mass index, FSH, TST and DHEA were not significant. These results suggest that aerobic exercise training affects some of anthropometric characteristics and metabolic and hormonal profiles and also improves metabolic status and ovulation disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome

efficacy of participation of trained general practitioners on promoting the quality of educational curriculum of health internship students working at health centers- Rafsanjan 2009

Professional ability of physicians in urban and rural health centers plays a critical role in success of national health services programs. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of general practitioners' [GPs] participation on promoting the quality of education curriculum of medical students in their health internship courses. In this interventional study, two groups of [n=30 for each group] health internship medical students and all GPs working at University Health Centers were included [n=12]. GPs were trained in a training workshop for reviewing the health internship program. Data were collected during and at the end of the workshop from the two groups; internship medical students educated in the centers with and without trained GPs who participated in the study, using the study instrument. Health internship score, students' satisfaction score and the score of a scientific exam were compared between the two groups. Data were analysed by t-test and Mann-Whitney U test and X[2]test. There was no significant difference between the age and gender of students in the two groups. Educational level of the students in the two groups was also similar. Mean score of health internship in students educated in health centers with trained GPs and health centers without trained GPs were 18 +/- 0.98 and 17.3 +/- 1.2 [out of 20], respectively. Mean score of the scientific exam for these two groups of students were 2.9 +/- 1.1 and 2.1 +/- 0.78 [out of 5], respectively. The results showed a significant difference between these mean scores in the two groups [p<0.01]. The two groups of students were matched based on their age, gender and educational level sufficiently. Our findings showed that GPs participation in educational program of medical students in their health internship not only improves both students scientific knowledge and their health internship score but also increases students satisfaction from their educational program of health internship

[Indirect inguinal hernia without torsion of greater omentum [a case report]]

Inguinal hernias account for 75-85% of abdominal wall hernias. Inguinal hernias are often classified as direct and indirect. The sac of hernia can include intestines, bladder, colons, ovary and appendices. The torsion of greater omentum with unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia is a rare condition. In the present study a different rare case of inguinal hernia is reported. An abnormal swelling was seen on the right scrotal sac of a 50-year old man's cadaver in dissection room of Rafsanjan Medical School. Before dissection of cadaver, and with regard to the age of the case, the cause of swelling was diagnosed as direct inguinal hernia. Dissection of cadaver showed that the greater omentum is normal and without torsion, but a part of it was placed on the right inguinal canal. This part of omentum had entered the deep ring first and then had gone into canal and finally reached scrotal sac causing mentioned swelling and atrophy of testis. After the dissection of other body parts, some variations were seen. This type of inguinal hernia formed by greater omentum is a rare variation because firstly the involved testis was atrophied. Secondly; there was no torsion in the greater omentum and lastly, with regard to atrophied testis, the hernia was from the embryonic period and had remained from the vaginal process. Diagnosis of this type of hernia is difficult for the surgeons especially when there are no clinical signs and pain involved

Serologic activity against HTLV-I in patients with primary sjogren's syndrome in Mashhad, an endemic area

There are accumulating evidences that Human T cell Leukemia Virus type I [HTLV-l] plays a part in the development of Sjogren's Syndrome [SS]. This virus is endemic in some areas of the world. The objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence rates of anti-HTLV-l in 55 patients in Mashhad and to determine whether any association between SS patients and HTLV-l could be observed. We recruited 21 patients with primary SS who consecutively attended our Rheumatology Clinic in Ghaem Hospital affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Mashhad, Northeastern Iran during May 1, 2005 to September 30, 2008. Serum samples were screened for HTLV-l, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. To compare the seroprevalence rates of HTLV-l found in SS patients with those in the community, we used the viral infection rates calculated for the entire population of blood donors in Mashhad by Blood Transfusion Organization. All patients with SS were negative by ELISA versus HTLV-I. This study demonstrates no prevalence of positivity for HTLV-1 in SS patients in Mashhad. These data are against the role of HTLV-I in the development of SS in our region

Cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients in Mashhad city

Cardiovascular disease [CVD] with its high prevalence is mainly responsible for the high mortality and morbidity in type 2 diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. Clinical information for 752 type 2 diabetic patients was collected in a cross sectional survey. History and physical examination were recorded. Laboratory tests were done for all patients. Data for a total of 752 patients [355 males and 397 females] of type 2 diabetes were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 52.7 +/- 10.5 years and the mean duration of first time diagnosis of diabetes was 7.9 +/- 6.4 years, 51.6% of patients had hypertension. The prevalences of overweight and obesity were 52.5% and 25.7% respectively. Lipid abnormalities were prevalent in a large numbers of our patients, 95.2% had total cholesterol > 200 mg/dL, 3.1% of patients had triglycerides > 150 mg/dl. The prevalences of low HDL-c and dense LDL were 86.9% and 65.8% respectively; 73.5% of our patients had metabolic syndrome. HbA1C>7% was found in 75% of patients. Renal involvement was observed in our patients; 21.5% of patients had microalbuminuria, 1.6% macroalbuminuria and 8.8% had chronic kidney disease. The high prevalence of CVD in our type 2 diabetic patients found demonstrate the need for more improvement in prevention and treatment of such patients

Correlation between the ankle - brachial and toe - brachial indexes and coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes

Atherosclerotic coronary vascular disease [CVD] is a major cause of mortality and morbidity among diabetic patients. The ankle-brachial pressure index [ABI] is a simple screening procedure used in primary care settings for high risk populations, such as in diabetic patients, in whom medial arterial calcification results in falsely elevated ABI, which complicates?? the value of ABI in predicting CVD. The aim of this study was to determine whether ABI or Toe-brachial index [TBI] abnormalities can be used to identify asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients with CVD. In this case control study, 91 patients with Type 2 DM were selected. All the patients, who had documented evidence for presence or absence of CVD, completed a questionnaire regarding medical history, following which TBI and ABI were measured using a handheld ultrasound Doppler. ABI values less than 0.9 and TBI less than 0.7 considered abnormal. Forty-four persons [patient group] had documented CVD and 47 had normal angiography [control group]. ABI <0.9 was present in 13.6% of the patient group and in 8.5% of control group; TBI <0.7 was present in 34.1% of the patients group and 23.4% of controls. There was no significant difference between abnormal ABI and abnormal TBI in the patients or and controls. Sensitivity and specificity of abnormal results in prediction of CVD was 13.6% and 91.4% for ABI and 34% and 76.5% for TBI. Our study shows lack of sensitivity of ABI and TBI in identifying diabetic patients with CVD due to accelerated atherosclerosis

Outcome of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy in Mashhad, Iran

Thyroid disorders are common in women during pregnancy, when the excess or deficiency of maternal thyroid hormones has been associated with adverse health outcomes for both the mother and child. This study performed to study the prevalence of thyroid disorders and its effect on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women. In 500 pregnant women in first trimester of pregnancy enrolled for the study, Serum Thyrotropin [TSH], Free T4 [FT4], and Free T3 [FT3] were measured by high-sensitive radioimmunoassay. Overt hyperthyroidism was diagnosed when both TSH was suppressed and FT4 or FT3 were elevated. Sub-clinical hyperthyroidism was diagnosed when TSH was suppressed with normal FT4 and FT3. The diagnostic criteria for overt hypothyroidism was TSH> 4 mU/L accompanied by decreased FT4, and for subclinical hypothyroidism a TSH> 4 mU/L with normal FT4 level. Those with thyroid disorders were referred to an endocrinologist for medical treatment and all subjects were followed until delivery. Mean age of women was 24.5 +/- 4.9 years. Hypothyroidism, both subclinical [7.4%] and overt [2.4%], was found in 49 [9.8%] women. Overt hyperthyroidism found in 3 [0.6%] and subclinical hyperthyroidism in 21 [4.2%] women and was considered a physiologic change of pregnancy. On follow up, 19 women [3.8%] had preterm labor, and 25[5%] women developed pre-eclampsia. There was no significant difference in the incidence of preterm labor and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women with or without thyroid dysfunction. Normal neonates were born to 498 women, while 2 [0.4%] euthyroid mothers delivered fetuses with anomalies. Although thyroid dysfunction is common in pregnant women, the prevalence of complications is not higher in patients with thyroid dysfunction, as compared to normal euthyroid controls

[Evaluation of body iron stores in non-over weight women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and its correlation with insulin resistance]

Polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS] is the most common cause of anovulation and hyperandrogenism, and obesity and insulin resistance are usually associated with this disease. Body iron stores are positively associated with glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes and metabolic syndrome. It is reported that serum ferritin levels increase in obese women with PCOS. The aim of this study was to evaluate this relationship in women, neither overweight or obese, but suffering from PCOS. Fifty women with PCOS, without overweight, were selected based on the Rotterdam workshop criteria. After 12 hours fasting, serum ferritin, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and insulin were measured and insulin resistance was calculated by HOMA-IR data was compared with that of 38 asymptomatic control subjects, matched for BMI and age. In the patient group, mean age was 27 +/- 5.78 years and mean BMI was 21.11 +/- 3.82 Kg/m2 mean serum ferritin in patients was 60.45 +/- 32.39, being 47.48 +/- 23.65 ng/mL in controls. Insulin resistance in patients was 2.61_0.91 and 1.74 +/- 0.72 in controls. Increases in serum ferritin, insulin and insulin resistance in patients were not statistically significant. There was no correlation between body iron stores and serum insulin level, insulin resistance and serum lipoproteins. Results showed that in non-overweight women with PCOS there is no significant increment of body iron stores

Hearing loss in acquired hypopthyroidism

Both clinical and laboratory evidence confirm that hearing loss can result from congenital and acquired hypothyroidism. There is a confirmed correlation between congenital hypothyroidism and hearing loss, but significant controversy still surrounds the association between acquired hypothyroidism and hearing loss.The aim of this study was to evaluate this relationship. Fifty patients with confirmed primary hypothyroidism, were studied and compared with 50 age- and sex- matched controls. All patients were evaluated in the hypothyroidism state before treatment with thyroxine. Auditory assessments included: Toutine ENT examinations, speech reception threshold, pure tone audiometry, speech discrimination score, acoustic reflex and tympanometery The hearing thresholds in all frequencies in both ears of the case group were higher than in controls. Also hearing loss frequencies, i.e. 2000, 4000, 8000 dB in the left and 4000, 8000 dB in the right ears in the case group, were higher than in controls. Hearing loss was symmetric, sensory neural and mild to moderate. Mean speech reception threshold in the right and left ears in the case group were 15 and 15.1 respectively and in controls, 10.6 dB for both the right and left ears. Mean speech discrimination score in the right and left ears in the case group was 97 and in the control group was 99 dB Results demonstrate a strong correlation between acquired primary hypothyroidism and hearing loss

[Association of macroprolactinemia in patients presenting with hyperandrogenic symptoms]

Hyperprolactinemia is an exclusion criterion for the diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome [PSOS] in women presenting with a combination of clinical or paraclinical hyperandrogenism, menstrual dysfunction and polycystic ovaries following ultrasonography; however hyperprolactinemia is common in hyperandrogenemic women. Macroprolactinemia may account for a significant number of hyperprolactinemic sera including hyperandrogenemic women and this may lead to unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and false exclusion of PCOS. The aim of this study was evaluation of macroprolactinemia in women presenting with hyperandrogenemic symptoms and hyperprolactinemia. In a series of 200 hyperandrogenemic women, aged 14-40 years, presenting to the endocrine clinic of Ghaem Hospital between 2004-2006, serum prolactin was measured. If there was significant hyperprolactinemia [>35micro g/L], they were investigated for the presence of macroprolactinemia using the polyethylene glycol precipitation test. Thirty-eight [19%] patients had raised serum prolactin, of whom in 9, the rise was significant. Macroprolactinemia was detected in 5, and they were diagnosed with PCOS. In the remaining 4 patients, there was true hyperprolactinemia It is necessary to rule out macroprolactinemia in women presenting with hyperandrogenemic symptoms and hyperprolactinemia to prevent false exclusion of PCOS, expensive and unnecessary diagnostic procedures and inappropriate use of dopaminergic agonists

Determination of association of macroprolactinemia with macroprolactinoma using poly ethylene glycol precipitation test

Prolactin in human serum exists in 3 different molecular forms, i. e, monomeric, big and at times big big [Macroprolactin]. Macroprolactin is a complex of prolactin and IgG and may account for a significant proportion of idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. Its biological activity is considered low or absent, usually idiopathic and poorly symptomatic. Since its association with a prolactin producing macroadenoma is poorly documented, we performed this study on the patients with Macroprolactinoma for the presence of macroprolactinaemia through its identification with Poly Ethylene Glycol. The study aims is to comparing the clinical [galactorrhea and oligomenorrhea] findings in patients with macroprolactinaemia and those without it. In this study 10 patients with Macroprolactinoma [macroadenoma in MRI of hypophysis, prolactin level more than l00gIL and clinical and radiological response of tumor to dopamionergic agents after treatment] were evaluated for the presence of Macroprolactinemia, using Poly Ethylene Glycol precipitation test. Doing so, one patient infected by Macroprolactinemia was detected. At the time of reception, the clinical findings in all 10 patients were classic and similar and in the follow ups, both clinical and radiological changes were the same. Our Results suggest that Macroprolactinoma may be associated with Macroprolactinemia

Clinical evaluation of Graves ophthalmopathy in north-east Islamic Republic of Iran

This study evaluated the prevalence and severity of ophthalmic manifestations in all Graves disease patients [n = 68] presenting to endocrine clinics at Mashad University of Medical Sciences between December 2002 and September 2005. The mean age of patients was 38.0 [SD 14.0] years, range 15 to 71 years. The most common complaints were foreign body sensation [54.0%] and puffy eyelids [48.4%]. The most common apparent abnormality was lid retraction in 64.2% of patients [bilateral in 95.3% of cases]. The patients had a mean modified Werner's NO SPECS classification score of 3.00 [SD 1.46]. The score was significantly higher in males than females [3.58 [SD 1.44] versus 2.63 [SD 1.35]] and was positively correlated with age

[Determining of methamphetamine effects on sperm parameters of mature rat]

Methamphetamine [MAMP] is a central nervous system stimulant, but it is increasingly abused as a psychedelic tablet by teenagers and young adults. In this experimental study, we evaluate the effects of MAMP on sperm parameters of mature rat. MAMP or saline were injected in three experiments as follow: In the first experiment, twenty-four rats were injected one time with 10mg/kg MAMP, and sperms were sampled from tail of epididymis 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h after injection [n=4, at each time]. Six rats injected with saline served as controls. In the second experiment, four groups of rats each consisting of four rats were administered MAMP [5, 10 and 15 mg/kg] or saline, respectively, and examined 24h later. In the third experiment, 16 rats were evenly divided into four groups [1, 5, and 10 mg/kg MAMP and control] and were injected MAMP or saline once daily for 14 consecutive days [spermatogenesis period] and sperms were sampled 24 h after the last injection. The motility, concentration and morphology of the sampled sperms were evaluated. We also measured the body and testis weights and used the testis/body weight ratio as an index at the end of each experiment. At 24 and 48 h after injection with a single dose of 10 mg/kg MAMP, the number of sperms decreased significantly in comparison with controls [P

[Effect of demineralized bone matrix on induction and conduction of osteogenesis in alveolar bone of type I diabetic rats]

There are few studies on application of Demineralized Bone Matrix [DBM] in presence of a disease, such as type I diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the osteoinductive and osteoconductive effects of DBM on the repair of alveolar bone in diabetic rats treated with insulin. This experimental study was carried out on 50 adult male [8 weeks old] rats [200-250g body weight]. The animals were divided into four groups as follow: first group, containing 8 animals, as control group and second, third and fourth groups, containing 14 animals [in each group], were diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by alloxan. Among the diabetic groups, only group 4 received 1 unit of Insulin NPH daily. After 10 days, the upper right incisor tooth was extracted and the socket was filled with DBM in groups 3 and 4. At the end of the first and second weeks, half of the rats in each group were decapitated. The specimens were prepared and stained with H and E [Hematoxylin-Eozine] method. The histological changes around the DBM particle showing osteoblastic activity were studied. In group 4, at the end of first week, osteoblastic activity and formation of bone trabecula and collagen fibers[5 from 7 animals], and at the end of second week, osteogenesis with formation of more and thicker bone trabecula in vicinity of DBM was observed. In group 3, at the end of first week, osteoinductivity and osteoconductive effects were seen in some area around DBM Particles [3 from 7 animales], meanwhile degeneration of bone matrix were seen by osteoclastic activity. At the end of second week, osteogenesis was dispersly seen. In group 2, hematom and inflammation were the dominant features at the end of first week and at the end of second week, osteogenesis was seen weakly. In group 1, histological findings at the end of first and second weeks, were osteogenesis around periodental ligament [PDL] and osteogenesis with formation of bone trabecula respectively. Our results indicated that DBM particles can stimulate undifferentiated cells to start differentiate to pro-osteoblast and osteoblast in control diabetic rats, so osteogenesis in this group, was better in comparison with other diabetic groups and it is a good mater for graft

rare anatomical innervation of the musculocutaneous nerve

Anatomically the musculocutaneous nerve C[5,6] is a branch of lateral cord of the brachial plexus and its motor nerve fibers innervates the muscles of anterior compartment of the arm. This nerve penetrates into the coracobrachialis of arm muscle and lies between biceps and brachialis muscles. At the lateral bicipital groove becomes superficial and the finally converts to lateral cutaneous nerve of the foream. Here we report a rare case of musculocutaneous nerve variation. We found a rare anatomical form of musculocutaneous nerve during upper left limb dissection of a male cropse who was in dissecting room of Rafsanjan Medical School. His body was tall with muscular limbs, weighed 65-75Kg, 175 cm height, and fifty years old. The following variations were observed after dissecting of the axillary and arm regions. 1] The Musculocutaneous nerve arised from the lateral root of the median nerve. 2] The coracobrachialis muscle was innervated by a branch of the lateral cord of the brachial plexus. 3] The Musculocutaneous nerve did not penetrate into the coracobrachialis muscle but rather passed between the brachialis and biceps muscles. At the level of lateral bicipital groove, it then became a superficial nerve as the lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm. Hense, it was very close to the brachial artery and median nerve in the upper one-third of arm. This study describes a rare innervation of the musculocutanous nerve and requires further study to understand the nature of this unique structure. This atypical innervation is extremely important for surgical procedures performed on the arm muscles and adjecent vessels

[ study of 450 cases of thyroid nodules and evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration]

Thyroid nodule is a common disease and although usually benign, malignancy should always be ruled out. Fine needle aspiration [FNA] is the diagnostic modality of choice in approach to thyroid nodules. The main aim of this study is assessment of characteristics of thyroid nodules, risk of malignancy and accuracy rate of FNA in patients in Mashhad. We studied 450 patients with thyroid nodules during 2003 through 2007 with physical examination, radioisotope scan and FNA. Thyroid surgery performed in 64 patients and histopathology results compared with FNA cytological results. The patients were 383 women [85.1%] and 67women [14.9%] with mean age of 39.8 +/- 12.7 years. The mean length of largest diameter of nodules was 3.97 +/- 1.8 and the smallest one was 3.26 +/- 1.7 [cm]. 59% of nodules were located on right lobe, 36% of them on left lobe and 5% on isthmus of thyroid. 24.4% of nodules were cystic. 30.3% of thyroid nodules were functional or hot and 69.7% of them were cold in thyroid radioisotope scan. In evaluation of cytological findings of nodules aspirate, 288 [68.6%] were benign, 22[5.2%] were malignant, 92 [21.9%] were follicular lesions, 13[3%] were suspicious and 5[%1.2] were non diagnostic. Comparison of cytopathologic results before and after surgery showed that FNA in operated patients yielded a sensitivity of 82. 3%, specificity of 78. 9%, a positive predictive value of 77.7%, negative predictive value of 83. 3% and accuracy of 80.5%

[Evaluation of fetal toxicity of HESA-A, a natural anticancer agent, in mice]

HESA-A is an active natural compound with herbal and marine origin. It contains inorganic, organic and aqueous fractions, and has shown antioxidant, cytotoxic and anticancer effects. In this study, the teratogenic effects of HESA-A in mice have been evaluated. Several doses of HESA-A were administered orally to pregnant mice on days 6 to 14 of gestation. Various parameters in pregnant mice and embryos during and after pregnancy were evaluated and recorded. At the end of pregnancy, embryos were sectioned out and studied for external morphological abnormalities and by specific skeletal staining for skeletal malformations. Weight gain of pregnant mice showed that only the highest dose [800 mg/kg] caused gain retardation. Also, only the highest dose led to reduction of uterus weight, number of viable embryos, and weight and crown-lump length of embryos. Increase in fetal resorption by the highest dose of HESA-A was another important observation. Low and medium doses of HESA-A did not cause any significant external or skeletal abnormalities. However, higher doses caused embryo malformations such as short limbs, spinal abnormalities, dermal cysts, microphtalmia, and cleft palate. According to this study, only high doses of HESA-A, which are many times higher than the usual therapeutic doses, may cause embryonic toxicity. Mechanisms of these abnormalities are not clear and need to be determined

[Succinylcholine-induced fasciculation prevention, with lidocaine]

Succinylcholine is a depolarizing muscular relaxant with rapid onset and short-acting effect. It is of considerable usage in emergency conditions and short - term surgeries; but has several side effects, a great deal of which will be reduced by prevention of fasciculation. This clinical - trial stady was done in the year 2006 In Ear, Nose, Throat department of Imam Reza Hospital.40 patients with ASA ? and ENT operations categorized randomly into two similar groups. Control group recieved sufentanyl 0.2 mg/kg, propofol 2.5 micro g/kg and succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg. In case group lidocaine 1mg/kg and after 1 min succinycholine was administered. Incidence and severity of fasciculation and quality of intubation were evaluated. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, T - test, X - square, valis, and X[2]. Demographic parameters were not different significantly according X[2] test. There was significant difference regarding the incidence of fasciculation but there was no significant difference with respect to the intensity of fasciculation and quality of intubation. This study showed that lidocaine 1mg/kg before induction decreases succinylcholine-induced fasciculation