ABSTRACT
Background: Osteoarthritis [OA] is one of the main causes of physical disability worldwide. Considering the complications of common treatments of OA, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAIDs] and corticosteroids, establishment of new treatments is crucial
Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of Echinops cephalotes extract on the main inflammatory biomarkers in OA
Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of Echinops cephalotes, Ibuprofen and betamethasone were prepared to investigate their effects on inflammatory biomarkers. Human monocyte/macrophage [THP-1] cells and chondrocytes cells were used as a model of monocyte/macrophage and human cartilage cells in osteoarthritis. Lipopolysaccharide [LPS] was used to induce production of inflammatory cytokines in both cells. After RNA extraction and production of cDNA, RT_PCR and PCR were done. Then Real Time-PCR was used to investigate the amount of expression of proinflammatory genes
Results: Echinops cephalotes extract reduced mRNA expression level of proinflammatory cytokines in the cells induced by LPS. Moreover, production of PGE2 and NO in in the LPS-induced THP-1 cells was reduced by this extract. Ibuprofen and betamethasone were more effective in reducing above inflammatory agents than the extract
Conclusion: Echinops cephalotes extract can be used as a supplementary treatment option in osteoarthritis to reduce NSAIDs and corticosteroids dose in treatment of this disease
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Studies of biology and ecology of scorpions in Iran faces with lots of limitations. These studies have to be started with identifying habitats and species of scorpions in a certain region of the country and should be completed with investigation of their biologic and ecologic characteristics. This study aims at identification and characterization of scorpions species in trackless areas of Luristan
Methods: During this descriptive study in 21 trackless nomads areas of Aligudarz and Sepiddasht the spots were sampled. Temperature, humidity and altitude of the sampling places were recorded. In each place, two hours before sunset and within the first hours of night the scorpions were captured with aid of UV flashlight and infra red glasses
Results: A total of 659 scorpions were captured in two areas located in Aligudars and Sepiddasht all of which belonged to Hemiscorpidae and Butidae families . From Hemiscorpidae family: Hemiscorpius leptorus and from family Butidae: Buthotus saulcyi, Mesobuthus eupus, Androctonus crassicauda, Orthochirus iranus, Buthacus macrocentrus species were diagnosed
Conclusion: Butidae family with 5 species had significant diversity and distribution in the study area. B. saulcyi was the most frequent in the areas. H. leptorus in Sepiddasht made up over 32 percent of the scorpions and it is a hazardous scorpion species. Necessary warning should be given to the residents of the area