ABSTRACT
Today, the intractions of the immune system of the immune system, nutrition, and nervous system are one of the main research areas of interest in immunology and disease treatment. Due to changes in the mood, behavior, and diet of an individual during fasting period, the body's internal homeostasis is affected. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on lymphocyte subgroups, which are the main specific immune cells in the body. For this purpose, in years 1999 and 2000, thirty?eight healthy Muslims [9 females and 29 males], within the age range of 17 to 51 years [mean age=35.4 years], were assessed before the start and one day before the end of Ramadan. The pre-Lymphocytic subpopulations analysis was conducted using flow cytometery. The results showed that the percentage of total lymphocytes was 25.82% and 26.23% in the pre- and late- Ramadan periods, respectively; the observed difference was insignificant. However, the absolute lymphocyte counts were 2.3x103 and 2.1x103 mm3 before and late Ramadan, respectively, and the difference was considered significant [P-value=0.06]. The percentage of CD3+ cells [T cells] was 70.12% before Ramadan and 70.25% late Ramadan, and the absolute lymphocyte counts were 1.6x103 and 1.5x103 mm3, respectively; therefore, the differences were not significant. Regarding the subgroups of CD4+cells [TH], the percentage ratios of the cells were 53.46% and 52.8% in the pre- and late Ramadan periods, and the absolute counts were 0.087x103 and 0.081x103 mm3, respectively; however, the differences were not significant in this cell subgroup. The percentage of CD8+ [TC] cells was 37.7% before Ramadan and 37.8% late Ramadan, and the absolute counts were 0.6x103 and 0.54x103 mm3 in the pre- and late-Ramadan periods, respectively; therefore, the differences were considered insignificant. In addition, the percentage ratios of Blymphocytes cells were 14.56% and 14.74% in the pre- and late-Ramadan periods, and the absolute count changed from 0.35x103 to 0.3x103 mm3. According to the results, the differences were not significant, therefore, it seems Ramadan fasting does not affect these cells. Moreover, the percentage of activated T cells or TDR+, which are involved in specific immune responses, has not been affected by fasting. In fact, the percentage ratios were reported as 11.14% and 10.54% in the pre- and late-Ramadan periods, and the absolute count changed from 0.14x103 to 0.11x103 mm3; the differences were not considered significant. Finally, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ cells or TH/TC changed from 1.48% before Ramadan to 1.5% late this month; however, this difference was insignificant. Thus, the overall results indicate that Ramadan fasting during winter does not affect the lymphocyte count, percentage ratio, and the main lymphocyte subpopulations
ABSTRACT
Edible mushroom, Pleurotus florida [P.florida] has been used by mankind in ancient times because of its nutritional values and medicinal benefits. Cytotoxicity of fractions isolated from P.florida has been reported. The aim of this study was to isolate some fractions from P.florida and evaluate its cytotoxicity effects on colon cancer cells. In this basic study, R5, R10, R30 and R100 fractions were prepared from P.florida and their cytotoxicity activity were evaluated on HT-29 and HGF cell lines. Also, pattern of cell death was determined. Tumoral [HT-29] and non-tumoral [HGF] cells were treated with various concentrations of isolated fractions. MTT assay was used for the evaluation of cell viability. Pattern of cell death was determined using annexin V and propidium iodine staining followed by FACS analyses. Obtained results were analyzed by SPSS software using ANOVA test. R5, R10, R30 and R100 fractions inhibited cell viability of HT-29 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, but had less cytotoxicity on normal fibroblast-like cells [HGF]. Their IC50 values were 46%, 46%, 8% and 4%, respectively. R30 and R100 had the most anti-inhibitory effect. These fractions inhibited cell viability mostly via induction of early apoptosis in colon cancer HT-29 cells at 18%, 49%, 64% and 72%.Our results showed less sensitivity to R5, R10, R30 and R100 fraction in normal cells in comparison to tumoral cells. These fractions also had significant cytotoxic effect on colon cancer cells. Thus, isolated fractions may be considered candidates as chemotherapeutic agents in cancer treatment in future