[Effects of iron and vitamin E on thickness of carotid artery wall of hyper cholesterolemic rabbits]

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed countries. One of the indices of vascular injuries in atherosclerosis is proliferation and migration of smooth muscles of tunica media of arteries with lipids peroxidation by endothelial cells causing an increase in thickness of arterial wall. It is distinguished that iron can reduce antioxidant levels indirectly and also has a major effect in LDL per oxidation. As there is still doubt about anti-oxidative role of vitamin E in atherosclerosis formation, in this study, we observed the effect of vitamin E and iron on the thickness of the media of the carotid artery of hypercholestrolemic male rabbits. Thirty white male rabbits were fed with cholesterol, Iron and Vitamin E for 42 days, and then these groups, and the carotid arteries were dissected. The samples were fixed in 10% formalin, and after tissue processing, serial sections were obtained, and H and E staining was done. Morphometrical studies were done by Motic Plus 2 and light microscope. Statistical analyses were conducted with SPSS software and ANOVA test. Intima-media thickness of arterial wall in those received iron and cholesterol, was significantly increased [p<0.05], but in the group receiving Vitamin E and cholesterol, this size was reduced [p<0.05]. According to our findings, Vitamin E due to its anti-oxidative effects on free radicals, was found to prevent arterial wall thickness, and thus has a protective role during atherosclerosis

[Effect of isolated soy protien on prevention of rheumatoid arthritis in collagen-induced rats]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of isolated soy protein on prevention of rheumatoid arthritis in collagen-induced rats. A total of 24 female Sprague-Dawley rats [body weights: 180-200g] were randomly divided into four equal groups including normal; control of rheumatoid arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis + isolated soy protein [7g/kg]; rheumatoid arthritis + dexamethasone [1mg/kg]. Experimentally rheumatoid arthritis in rats was induced by subcutaneous injection of collagen II emolsified in Incomplete Frund s Adjuvant in days 1 and 7. Treatments were gavaged to animals for 30 days, once a day. The severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in paws were daily measured in double blind format by standard method. The statistical comparison between the experimental groups was performed by Independent -samples t- test and One-Way ANOVA using SPSS software. The clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis started from day 17.4 +/- 2.4, 20 +/- 4 and 14.1 +/- 1.9 in isolated soy protein, dexamethasone and control groups, respectively [P<0.05]. The severity of clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis on day 30 was 3.84 +/- 2.04, 2 +/- 1.78 and 6.5 +/- 1.76 in isolated soy protein, dexa methasone and control groups, respectively [p<0.05]. At the end of the study, the incidence rates of rheumatoid arthritis in isolated soy protein and control groups was 83.33% and 100%, respectively. Isolated soy protein decreased the severity of clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, it could be a key factor in prevention and even treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Therapeutic effects of vitamin D and calcium in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is the most important cause of oligoovulation and anovulation in women of reproductive age and in infertile women. Considering insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in this syndrome, it is believed that calcium, as well as vitamin D, will have a unique role in correcting the impairment in insulin secretion and help the development of oocytes in mammals. Therefore, this study was carried out with the objectives of evaluating the effects of calcium on human ovulation and on the size of follicles in comparison with the current use of metformin. In this research, all PCOS patients [In accordance with the Rotterdam criteria and diagnosis confirmation by a gynecologist] who attended the infertility unit of Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center from 2004 to 2005, after expressing their willingness to participate in the research were assigned to three 20-patient treatment groups as it follows: The cases were treated daily with: 1] Calcium/Vit. D [1000/mg], 2] Calcium/Vit. D [1000 mg] and metformin [1500mg] or 3] Metformin [1500mg] tablets for 3 months and were followed up for 3 more months. After this 6-month period, the size of dominant follicles, regularity of menses and pregnancy were checked for. After data collection and entry, statistical analysis [Kruskal Wallis, t-test, ANOVA and Generalized Estimating Equation [GEE] Regression] on the basis of the hypothesis, with a significance level of p=0.05 was performed by using SPSS software [Version 11]. Considering the response to treatment by the patients [Dominant follicle >/= 12mm in size], GEE showed that the response was significantly higher during the 5[th]-6[th] months in the Calcium/Vit. D and metformin treatment group than the ones from the other groups [p= 0.03]. Considering the effects of metformin in reducing and regulating insulin production, and vitamin-D in regulating and correcting serum insulin levels, simultaneous administration of these two medications is suggested for the treatment of insulin impairment and reduction of androgen levels for better oocyte maturation

Enhancing open wound healing of the skin by low power He-Ne laser radiation

Reducing pain and enhancement of wound healing have several advantages. Wound healing is a complicated but regular process that includes synchronized and organized phenomena such as parenchymal cells migration, proliferation and synthesis of extra- cellular matrix proteins. Rate of wound healing is affected by various factors. The aim of our research was to study the effects of low power He-Ne laser radiation [632.8 nm] on metabolic process, cell proliferation and finally wound repairment. In our research about 50 healthy mature rats were studied by case-control method. After shaving, small cuts 10 mm in length were made at the neck. Then they were divided randomly into control and case groups. The rats of the case group were radiated by He-Ne laser to their wounds about four minutes each day. After a weak we did wound biopsy of both groups and all the specimens were studied microscopically. The data was analyzed by t-test. Findings showed that there were significant increase in the fibroblast and connective tissue fibers and also vascularisation in the case group compared with the control group. Wound healing in the case group was accelerated and wound diameter was smaller significantly. So low power He-Ne laser radiation accelerates wound healing process