Cytotoxicity of some 1-[2,4-dihydroxyphenyl]-3-[4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl] prop-2-en-1-one derivatives using MTT assay

Some N-substituted piperidine structures were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxic activity against four different cell lines using the standard MTT assay method and Doxorubicin was used as the reference drug. The result of cytotoxic activity as a measurement of IC50 values revealed that three of the synthesized compounds were active against breast cancer cell line. Compound 6a bearing hydroxyl at para position of piperidine ring was the most active compound within this series. The N-subtituted piperidine with propene substructure could be considered as a lead structure for further studies of structure activity relationship to develop more potent compounds in future. The compounds were evaluated against four different cell lines using the standard MTT assay method and doxorubicin was used as the reference drug. The IC50 values were determined by constructing dose-response curves and revealed that three of the synthesized compounds were active against breast cancer cell lines. Compound 6a bearing hydroxyl at para position of piperidine ring was the most active compound within this series

Effects of chitosan and salvadora persica on blood lipids in the wistar rat

Hypercholesterolemia is a metabolic disorder that ultimately results in arterial sclerosis and complications like hypertension and coronary arterial diseases. Various drugs have been used for treatment of this condition and many studies are underway to be used in the future. Chitosan and Salvadora Persica are two such drugs. Chitosan is produced by deacetylation of chitin which is present mainly in the exoskeleton of crustaceans. The aim of this in vitro study was to study the effects of these two drugs on blood lipid levels. In this Interventional Laboratory Trial, 30 mature vistar rats weighing 200-250 grams were selected and after a period of two weeks of adaptation to the surroundings, they were allotted randomly to 6 groups. The rats were then fed for a period of 15 days with normal or fatty diet, with or without the drugs. Chitosan in pure powder form and persica in the form of hydro alcoholic, Salvadora persica stem extract were added to the diet of the respective study groups. At the end of this period, blood samples were taken in order to measure cholesterol, triglyceride, and HDL and LDL levels. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS software program and Scheffe, ANOVA and Descriptive statistical tests. Both chitosan and persica decreased cholesterol and LDL levels in the groups ingesting fatty diet [P < 0.05] and the mean reduction was not statistically different for the two drugs [P > 0.05]. The two drugs had no effect on triglyceride and HDL levels [P > 0.05]. Both chitosan and persica had no effect on blood lipid levels of subjects on normal diet whose cholesterol levels were normal [P > 0.05]. Persica and chitosan have similar effects on reduction of cholesterol and LDL levels in cases of hypercholesterolemia, but have no effect on triglyceride and HDL levels

relationship between seasonal variability and pregnancy rates in women undergoing assisted reproductive technique

Backgrownd: Studies in regions with seasonal climatic variations have revealed a correlation between human natural conception and birth rates. Holidays and other cultural activities probably have influence on conception, but the ambient temperature and emotional influences on the female hormones related to fertility may play an important part in the seasonal variation in conception

Objectives: The aim of study was to determine the relationship between the success rate of Assisted Reproductive Technique [ART] treatment cycles and temperature in different seasons

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study on all individuals undergoing assisted ART at our institution was performed during June 2000 to June 2001. The study population represented 258 IVF-ET cycles and 821 ICSI treatment cycles. Different variables were analyzed using jj test

Results: In IVF treatment cycles, conception was more common from early spring [March to June]. This decreased from spring, with the minimum in fall, 22% and 14%, respectably. A significant seasonal variability in the number of eggs, embryo transferred and sperm motility was not demonstrated [p>0.05], but sperm count was significantly higher in spring than any other season [72 +/- 4 xl0[6] and 52 +/- 7xl0[6], respectively]

Conclusion: The seasonal changes should be taken into account together with other factors when evaluating infertility data