Homeostasis status between prooxidants and antioxidants as a potent marker in Iranian preeclamptic patients

To measure the plasma oxidant, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants, ascorbate, to magnify the prooxidants and antioxidants status as a marker of pre-eclampsia. Included in the study were 50 preeclamptic and 100 normotensive pregnant women of singleton gestations in their third trimester, presented in Allavi Hospitals in Ardabil province of Iran from August 2004 to April 2005. Among these patients plasma malonaldehyde [MDA] and vitamin C concentration were analyzed. Blood samples [5 ml] were collected aseptically in heparin bulb. Spectrophotometric methods were employed to determine the plasma concentrations of vitamin C. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences software was used to analyze the data. In preeclampsia, significant increase in prooxidant MDA was observed as compared to controls. A significant fall in antioxidants vitamin C was noted in preeclampsia as compared to control. The MDA showed a significant balance to the level of vitamin C. Administration of regular nutritive supplementation containing reducing systems like vitamin C should help in maintaining the equilibrium during normal pregnancy and theoretically in preeclampsia too but to what extent they help in clinical practice is still being investigated

Plasma level of vitamin C in women with pre-eclampsia in Ardabil, Iran

Pre-eclampsia, a vascular disorder of pregnancy, is a leading cause of maternal morbidity as well as perinatal morbidity and mortality. The cause of pre-eclampsia remains largely unknown. Accumulating evidences from clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that diffuse endothelial dysfunction, resulting from oxidative stress, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. Independent effect of maternal biological markers, such as elevated triglyceride or low plasma vitamin C [ascorbic acid] concentrations are related to increased pre-eclampsia risk. The aim of this study was to determine plasma concentrations of vitamin C in women with pre-eclampsia. This cross-sectional, case controlled study comprises 40 pre-eclamptic and 80 normo-tensive pregnant women of singleton gestations in third trimester, in Allavi Hospital, Ardabil, Iran. Blood samples [5ml] were collected aseptically in heparin tube, and the plasma concentration of vitamin C was determined by spectrophotometric method. SPSS software package was used for analyzing the data. Plasma vitamin C level was found to be significantly lower [p<0.001] in the pre-eclampsia group than this level in the control group. Vitamin C levels in the pre-eclampsia group were found to be influenced by their maternal age [p<0.01], and was positively related to the gestational age [p<0.01]. Knowledge from this study may contribute to the development and evaluation of behavioral and medical interventions aimed at reducing the occurrence of pre-eclampsia

Antifertility effect of Iranian neem seed alcoholic extract on epididymal sperm of mice

About 90% of the world's contraceptive users are women. This gender-based usage has occurred due to the emphasis of family planning programs and contraception research. Condom, vasectomy and withdrawal are the only male contraception devices available with less assurance for men. For new male contraceptive to have an impact, they must be acceptable to both men and women, as well as effective. A hormonal method will likely come to the market within the next few years. It is necessary to use biologically active botanical substances or fertility-regulating agents of plant origin which are ecofriendly. The epididymis is a site which can be exploited for male contraception without undue side effects. It was therefore of interest to investigate the effect of biologically active botanical ecofriendly plants such as Azadirchta Indica [neem] seed alcoholic extract as an efficient and competent male contraceptive on male mouse epididymis. In this experimental case control study sixty adult healthy mice divided into two groups of 40 as the control and 20 as the treated group. The treated group was administered by Iranian Botanical Azadirachta Indica seed alcoholic extract, cultivated at Dashteh Moghan [Ardabil province]. The seeds were extracted with ethanol then administered first 50 mg/kg body weight /day then 100 mg/kg body weight/day orally for 15 days, following WHO guide lines [MB-50]. The target organ, epididymis parameters viz. sperm motility, sperm count fertility rate, Scanning Electron Microscopic [SEM] morphology of spermatozoa and ATPase activity of epididymis of the two groups were compared. The 50 mg/kg body weight [BW] day showed no significant change in epididymis sperm motility, as compare to the control. Therefore the dose was changed to 100 mg/kg BW/day for 15 days. The body and organ weights [epididymis] of the treated animals were not significantly changed as compare to control group [p>0.05]. The treatment brought about a significant reduction in fertility rate when normal cycling female mice were mated with treated males [p<0.001]. Decline in ATPase activity in caput and cauda epididymis was observed [p<0.001]. SEM photographs showed spermatozoa with abnormal head and bent mid-piece region. Decrease in ATPase activity could be attributed to androgen dependent parameters. However, the fertility rate was also significantly reduced which can be due to the decrease in cauda epididymal sperm motility and their morphological abnormalities. Since the effect on epididymal sperm motility and morphology was manifested in short period of 15 days, it is evident that the extract has potential as an antifertility agent. As this extract do not cause change in the body and organ weight, it is likely that no effect occurred on electrolyte balance