[Effect of linseed [seed of flax] on blood lipid levels]

Linseed [seed of flax] contains high amounts of omega-3 Fatty acids, which is said to have antihyperlipidemic effects. In this study, blood lipid levels [Triglycerids, Cholesterol, LDL, HDL] of 56 hyperlipidemic patients were measured before and after Linseed administration [6 gr linseed powder daily as a biscuit formulation for 3 months as a supplementation to their simple diet]. The results were analysed by t-test using SPSS software. There were some decreases in the mean level of serum total cholesterol [about 10% decrease, P=0.001], mean serum triglyceride [about 12% decrease, P=0.001], and mean serum LDL [about 10% decrease, P=0.001] before and after Linseed administration. The total-Cholesterol/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios decreased concordantly as well. However, there was no significant alteration in serum HDL level after linseed administration. Linseed administration combined with a simple diet, clinically decreases blood lipid levels. Hence, supplementation of simple diet with 6 gr Linseed powder daily, seems to be helpful in reducing patients blood lipid levels

[Influence of diazinon on spermatogenesis in mice]

Diazinon [DZN] is an organophosphate that inhibits of acetylcolinesterase activity by phosphorylating is active site, in which could be resulted in damages of germinal cells and reproductive functions. Since this compound is extensively using in the agriculture, especially in the northern regions of Iran in order to control of pests, the present study was performed to investigate the influence of DZN on spermatogenesis in mice. Male mice were divided into three experimental, sham and control groups. The animals in the experimental group were injected with the consecutive doses of DZN [30mg/kg i.p, five consecutive days per week for one month]. The sham mice were received only water injection and no injection was performed on animals in the control group. Animals were scarified 35 days after the latest injection of DZN. Then, the mice testis sections were prepared and morphologic aspects of testis and spermatogenesis processes assessed. The DZN showed a significant decrease in number of germ cells, spermatocytes, spermatids, Leydig cells, blood vessels. In addition, the diameter of seminiferous in the testis of the mice decreased. The current finding showed that Diazinon is an environmental factor that can cause toxic effects on the morphologic parameters of germ cells. These results suggested that the DZN might be a factor that results in infertility in mice