[Detection of viability and metabolic activity of NB4 cell line treated with AZT]

APL is a Prevalent leukemia that Approximately included 5-10% of patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia. ATRA and recently arsenic is used for treatment. ATRA leads to resistance to treatment and arsenic is toxic in high doses. AZT induce cell death in different ways. The purpose of this study was Assessment of effect of AZT, a telomerase inhibitor, on NB4 cell line [APL cell line] to reduce toxic effect of high dose arsenic. In this study, viability and metabolic activity of NB4 cells, treated by different concentrations of AZT[50,100,200 micro M], was assessed by trypan blue dye method and MTT assay respectively. Treated cells with AZT=50,100,200 micro M showed decreased viability, both in dose-dependent and time-dependent through trypan blue dye method and decreased cell metabolic activity by MTT assay. Considering that AZT is able to induce apoptosis and decrease cell activity, it seems AZT is a suitable drug for inhibiting the growth of tumor cells

[Combination effect of low dose of arsenic trioxide and AZT on viability and metabolic activity of NB4 cell line]

Acute promyelocytic leukemia [APL] is a distinct subtype of acute myeloid leukemia. APL is characterized by a balanced reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 15 and 17, t[5;17]]. Important therapeutic strategies for this disease are ATRA and Arsenic trioxide. To eliminate tumor cells with arsenic, high dose of arsenic is needed. But high dose is toxic for normal tissue. The purpose of this study is Assessment of effect of low dose of arsenic trioxide in combination with AZT on NB4 cell line [APL cell line] to reduce toxic effect of high dose arsenic. In this study after NB4 cell line culture and proliferation, the cells treated with low dose of arsenic trioxide[0.5 micro M] in combination with different doses of AZT[50, 100, 200 micro M] and then viability and metabolic activity was assessed by try pan blue and MTT assay respectively. Low dose of arsenic [0.5 micro m] alone and in combination with dose of 50 micro m of AZT has little effect on viability and metabolic activity but in combination with higher dose of AZT has significant effect on viability and metabolic activity and both viability and metabolic activity significantly reduced. Different apoptosis- induced mechanisms cause apoptosis by arsenic and AZT. Since some of these mechanisms between AZT and arsenic are similar, so maybe these similar mechanisms cause synergic effect and significant reduction of viability and metabolic activity in combination of these two drugs

[Evaluation of discrimination indices validity for screening of betas-thalassemia trait]

Beta-thalassemia trait [beta-TT] and iron deficiency anemia [IDA] are the most common forms of microcytic anemia. Screening of beta-thalassemia trait is important for medical counseling before marriage and preventing beta-thalassemia major birth results. The most common problem in screening beta-TT is differentiating it from IDA. The aim of this study was to define the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of some discrimination indices for screening of beta-TT in a sample of such patients. A total of 82 patients with microcytic anemia [MCV< 80 fl] were selected from Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, and 9 discrimination indices were calculated for them. The patients were divided intotwo groups: 42 patients with beta-TT and 40 patients with IDA. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and Youden,s index of each discrimination index were calculated for screening beta-TT. None of the discrimination indices showed 100% of sensitivity and specificity. But the Shin and Lal index, RDW index and RBC count showed the highest and valuable value for screening beta-TT. Some discrimination indices like Shin and Lal index, RDW index and RBC index are valuable indices in screening beta-TT

[Microscopic assessment of the effects of chemoradiotherapy on normal oral mucosa in patients with head and neck cancer]

There are only few studies about effect of chemoradiotherapy based on cellular level. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of such treatment on normal cells of oral mucosa. Seventy patients whose normal oral mucosa was exposed to radiation during the course of chemoradiotherapy were selected. Before starting the treatment, 2 slides from the normal oral mucosa were prepared for each patient, one from keratinized and one from non keratinized mucosa. At the end of treatment 2 other slides were taken from the same area too. After observing the slides under light microscope in blind form, the results of the observation from the first slides were compared with the results of the second one. Statistical analysis was carried out by Mc Nemar, Marginal Homogeneity and Wilcoxon tests. The results revealed changes in nucleus and cytoplasm. and N/C ratio, formation of bizar cells, cellular abnormality, nucleous and cytoplasmic vacuolization in affected cells during treatment. There was statistically significant differences between the groups [p < 0.001]. Keratinization of basal cell mucosa in cytology slide was observed after treatment [P < 0.01] and also there was an increase in number of inflammatory cells [p < 0.001]. Cellular apoptosis, numerous granular cells with large size granules, cells with multiple nucleous and clear nuclei, bacterial colony and candida were observed after treatment. chemoradiotherapy may induce formation of bizar cells, abnormal nocleous and cytoptasm, changes in N/C ratio. Cellular abnormality, and cellular vacuolization

Effects of exposure to portland cement dust on lung function in portland cement factory workers in Khash, Iran

The present study was done to assess cement dust exposure and its relationship to respiratory health effects, both acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function impairment among Portland cement factory workers in Khash located in the south part of Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Khash Portland cement producing factory in Iran in 2001. A total of 170 exposed and 170 unexposed employees were selected. Air transmitted personal respirable dust and total dust samples were collected in a full-time [8h/day] shift. Dust level was determined by the gravimetric method. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information and history of respiratory health among workers [exposed and unexposed to dust] and measurements of lung function were made using a spirometer in both groups. Concentrations of personal respirable dust ranged from 3.7 mg/m[3] in the kilns to 23 mg/m[3] in the ore crushing area, and total dust ranged from 15 mg/m[3] in the kilns to 95 mg/m[3]. Cough and phlegm, with or without shortness of breath, were significantly related to dust concentration. Measuring pulmonary functions of workers exposed to dust and unexposed group showed a significant decrease in vital capacity, forced vital capacity, FEF[25-75] and Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second [P<0.05]. Findings suggest that occupational exposure to Portland cement dust may lead to higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and the reduction of ventilator capacity due to existence of quartz in row material of cement dusts. The study revealed that cement dust exposure is associated with acute as well as chronic respiratory health effects. It is recommended that engineering measures must be taken to reduce the dust level in cement factories, accompanied with health monitoring of exposed employees

Study of the effects of raw garlic consumption on the level of lipids and other blood biochemial factors in hyperlipidemic individuals

Hyperlipidemia is one of the famous disorders that can lead to atherosclerosis. Garlic has been considered as one of the blood lipids lowering agents for ages, and various studies have been carried out, some of them confirmed this effect of garlic and some did not. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of raw garlic consumption on human blood biochemical factors in hyperlipidemic individuals. This clinical trial was conducted on 30 volunteer individuals with blood cholesterol higher than 245 mg/dl. Fasting blood samples were collected for biochemical tests. The volunteers consumed 5 g raw garlic twice a day for 42 days. Second fasting blood samples were collected and the individuals did not use any kind of garlic for next 42 days. After that, the third fasting blood samples were collected and the biochemical factors were measured. After 42 days of garlic consumption the mean of blood total cholesterol [p<0.001] triglycerides [p<0.01] and FBS [p<0.01] were reduced significantly, but HDL-C was increased [p<0.001] significantly. Following 42 days of no garlic consumption total cholesterol [p<0.001], triglycerides and FBS [p<0.05] were significantly increased and HDL-C [p<0.01] decreased. Garlic consumption alone can decrease serum lipids, but it cannot be used as the main therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia. Garlic can be used in mild hyperlipidemia or when the patients cannot tolerate the chemical drugs

Chemical denitrification of nitrate from groundwater via sulfamic acid and zinc metal

Nitrate contamination in drinking water can cause methemoglobinemia, which is especially detrimental to infants and nursing mothers. Batch experiments in two units for catalytic reduction of nitrate from groundwater with Zn catalyst and sulfamic acid were conducted. The system includes chemical denitriphication [ChemDen reactor] and electrolytic recovery reactoers. A batch study was conducted to optimize parameters like pH, sulfamic acid concentration, Zn concentration, temperature and reaction time governing the ChemDen process. The concentrations of remained nitrate and Zn were measured at the end of the reactions. Results showed that near to 100% of nitrate decreased and the quantity of remained nitrate was <1 mg/L. pH and agitation had great effect on denitrification, and the nitrate removal rate changed rapidly when pH value ranged between 3-4. Two water quality parameters which limit this process were sulfate and chloride ions concentrations in nitrate contaminated water