Distribution of ophthalmologists and optometrists in Islamic Republic of Iran and their associated factors

We aimed to determine the distribution of ophthalmic care providers and its correlation with health and socioeconomic status and health system indicators. Data were gathered from the Iran Medical Council and the Iranian Societies of Ophthalmology and Optometry. Concurrent indicators were collected from the Statistical Center of Iran and national studies. A population-adjusted number of combined ophthalmologists and optometrists was used as the main dependent variable. Optometrist/ophthalmologist ratio was 0.9. We had 1 ophthalmologist and 1 optometrist for every 40 000 and 45 000 individuals, respectively. We observed a direct correlation between the number of ophthalmologists, optometrists and life expectancy at the provincial level. Gross provincial income and expenditure and provincial literacy were correlated as well. Provincial unemployment had a negative correlation. Provincial hospital statistics and population density were also significantly correlated. The Islamic Republic of Iran has met the World Health Organization's desired per capita number of ophthalmologists and optometrists, but there is wide variation in their density

Growth performance parameters in chicken experimental coccidiosis treated with Diclazuril and Clopidol: The need for assessing new anticoccidial resources

BACKGROUND: Coccidiosis is recognized as the parasitic disease that has the greatest economic impact on poultry production. Modern poultry production is largely dependent upon anticoccidials.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the efficacy of two chemical anticoccidials [Clopidol and Diclazuril] on oocyst shedding and their probable effects on growth performance and feed efficiency of broilers in experimental coccidiosis.

METHODS: One hundred and twenty Ross 308 one day old broilers were randomly assigned into 4 groups: CON+, infected with Eimeria mixed oocysts but not medicated; CON-, not infected and not medicated; CLO, infected and medicated with Clopidol; DIC, infected and medicated with Diclazuril. Chickens in all groups except negative control were inoculated by mixed sporulated oocysts of pathogenic Eimeria at the end of the 3rd week of age. Oocyst shedding was counted using a Mc Master counting chamber. Body weights, body weight gains, and feed conversion ratio were determined on weekly basis.

RESULTS: Obtained results showed that Diclazuril was more effective in reducing oocyst shedding than Clopidol. As expected, mean body weight in the positive control group was lower than other groups. But surprisingly, no significant difference was found between Diclazuril or Clopidol treated birds and positive control group, at the end of the experiment. In comparison of weight gain in different treatment groups except for the 4 and 5th week, no significant difference was found in different groups. In the last week of the experiment, difference in weight gain between groups was not significant. According to feed conversion ratio [FCR] results, anticoccidial supplementation did not have any significant effect on improving FCR.

CONCLUSIONS: It is reported that some anticoccidials reduce feed consumption and feed conversion. It seems that neither of the present synthetic anticoccidials is completely satisfactory in controlling coccidiosis economic losses and new strategies are urgently required.

Determining the organizational intelligence level of hospitals in our region

A new and unique tool for survival of organizations among their competitors is the use of organizational intelligence; Organizational intelligence means having a comprehensive knowledge of all the environmental factors that affect on the organization. This research is one of the few studies with the aim of determine the organizational intelligence level of hospitals and ranking of organizational intelligence components to enable administrators to provide more accurate identification of strengths and weaknesses and take more effective steps to improve service delivery. This is a descriptive-analytical and applicable study performed in the 2012 at 12 General Hospital related to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Data collection was performed by Albrecht organizational intelligence questionnaire. The data gathering tool was the questionnaire Albrecht Organizational Intelligence. The collected Data were analyzed using T-test and Smirnov test with SPSS-16 software. The significance level for all tests was considered 0.05. All components of organizational intelligence were in the optimum status. Component of Shared fate gained the first rank and component of knowledge Deployment gained the last rank. Ranking of organizational intelligence components is different in hospitals of the province and the county; representing different features and conditions. Considering the importance of organizational intelligence role in the promotion of organization, hospital managers can take active steps to improve organizational intelligence based on done rankings.

study of anion density in influent water to dialysis machines and its comparison with association for the advancement of medical instrumentation and european pharmacopeia standards in qom hospitals

This is a descriptive-analytic study which was carried out on 45 samples of influent water to dialysis machines in hospitals of Qom.Then results comparised with related standards.The results showed that means of anions in this study were below AAMI and EPH standards. It should also be mentioned that in few samples, these amounts were above the standard levels. Then it should be analysed influent water to dialysis machine continually

[ effect of oral administration of coated methionine on the female goats and suckling kids hair follicles: a histomorphometrical approach]

Using methionine in the diet of the small ruminants can induce the growth of follicles and their fibre growth. In this study, the effect of oral coated methionine on the hair follicles was determined in female Rayeni goats and their breastfed kids during the first 2 months of infancy. For this purpose, 60 healthy singleton born Rayeni goats, approximately 3 to 4 years of age with their one-day-old kids were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. The treated mothers group was given 3 gr/day pure oral methionine manually for 60 days. Skin samples of the 4 groups were taken from the middle of the left and right side, on zero, 30 and 60 days of experience. Routine histological processes were done. In each sample, primary and secondary follicles and skin follicles traits, the diameter of the primary and secondary follicles, the diameter of hair and cashmere, the diameter of dermal papilla of primary and secondary follicles and the number of primary and secondary follicles were measured respectively by linear graticule under light microscope. The diameter and percentages of the cashmere of mothers and kids, the firmness, and the length of the cashmere of kids were measured macroscopically. All data were analyzed with SPSS statistical software. The results showed that the oral coated methionine in the diet of the mothers could significantly increase the diameter of primary and secondary follicles and their dermal papilla. In the treated kids, the diameters of the primary and secondary follicles, the dermal papilla of the primary and secondary follicles and the number of secondary follicles showed significant change. According to the study, the oral coated methionine in the diet of the mothers during the first 2 months of infancy can significantly increase the diameter of primary and secondary follicles and their dermal papilla in the mothers and their treated kids. It can also increase the number of secondary follicles in the kids

[Evaluation of plasma beta-2-microglobulin level in hemodialysis patients with carpal tunnel syndrome]

In dialysis patients, insufficient exertion of amyloid particles can cause beta-2-microglobulin [beta 2M] to deposit in periarticular structures and consequently complications like carpal tunnel syndrome. This study was conducted to evaluate the plasma beta 2M level in hemodialysis patients with carpal tunnel syndrome in Kashan. This cross-sectional study was performed on 60 hemodialysis patients, with more than 10 years history of hemodialysis with low flux membrane through an AV fistula, referred to dialysis center in Kashan. Samples of venous blood [5cc] were taken from each patient to measure the beta 2M level using the ELISA method. The carpal tunnel syndrome establishment was made through EMG/NCV under the supervision of a neurologist. The mean age of participants was 59.3 +/- 13.2 years. A total of 44 subjects [73.3%] had been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. There was a significant difference in plasma beta 2M level in hemodialysis patients with and without carpal tunnel syndrome [52.2 +/- 6.2 and 44.8 +/- 6.1, respectively; P=0.002]. There is a significant relation between beta 2M level and the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in hemodialysis patients. Thus, performing serial beta-2 microglobulin measurement is recommended in these patients

[Factor analysis of social capital questionnaire used in urban heart study in Tehran]

Social capital composed of networks, norms and values, which facilitates cooperation within and between groups to achieve mutual benefits and common goals. Social capital increases the benefits of investing in physical and human capital. In a society that favors more social capital, collaboration is easier. This study investigates the validity and reliability of a social capital tool, which had been administered through a large population-based survey using factor analysis. Data were obtained from Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool [Urban HEART-1] survey in Tehran. Factor analysis is a method of discovering structural position of variables to reduce them into a limited number of components which are more fundamental. The reliability of the questionnaire and main components of the tool were investigated through factor analysis. According to factor analysis, three main components of social capital including, individual trust, cohesion/ social support and social trust/associative relations, were recognized. These three components explained 66.14% of total variance of the social capital tool. Also, overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.88 which indicates high reliability of the questionnaire. Social capital tool, which was administered in Urban HEART project, covers the main components of social capital framework with high reliability and validity, which is suitable to be used in other population-based surveys

[Chemical quality of water entrance to dialysis machines and its comparison with AAMI and EPH standards in hospitals of Qom province, Qom, Iran]

The presence of certain chemical compounds in dialysis water which enter patients' bodies through haemodialysis can cause various problems such as acute poisoning, brain damage, osteoarthritis, Therefore, applying the standards for dialysis water is indispensible. This study was carried out to determine the chemical quality of water entrance to dialysis machines and its comparison with AAMI and EPH standards in the hospitals of Qom province. This is a descriptive-cross sectional study which was carried out on 45 samples of water entrance to dialysis machines in hospitals of Qom province. Since there were 3 hospitals in Qom having dialysis units, out of each one 15 samples were chosen as the samples of this study. The following machines were used for analysis of samples in the research: Atomic Absorption, DR4000 and Flame photometer. The gathered data were then analyzed by independent t-test [p<0.5]. The means of all measured compounds were statistically lower than standard levels and had a significant difference with standard levels. The elements and compounds such as Lead, Zinc, Potassium, Sodium, Sulphate, Nitrate, and Chloride in all the measured samples were below the standard levels, but elements such as Aluminum, Cadmium, and Fluoride were above the standard levels in 13, 6 and 9 percent of samples, respectively. The results of the study showed that in all cases the means of all the studied compounds were below the standard levels, indicating high quality dialysis water in the hospitals. However, the presence of high level of elements such as Aluminum, Cadmium, and Fluoride compared with the standard levels signifies that much should be done in examining dialysis water

[ effect of two types of Iranian gum tragacanth on some rheological, physical and sensory properties of date milk beverage]

Date syrup, as a native and nutritious additive, is one of the best choices for milk flavoring. In this study, some of the rheological, physical and sensory properties of date milk made from three different concentrations of two types of Iranian gum tragacanth, as a substitute for imported gums, were determined. Rheological properties of samples of date milk containing three different concentrations [0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% w/w] of two types of gum tragacanth [Astragalus. gossypinus and Astragalus. rahensis] were measured using a rheometer at 3°C, and at three different time periods [one, two and three days] after production. Particle size distribution was determined by laser diffractometry, and colorimetric assays were done by using reflection spectrometer. Sensory analysis was performed by 25 semi trained panelists, using a 5-point hedonic scale. Findings showed that flow behavior parameters, particle size and color parameters [L*, a*,b*] were significantly affected by concentration of the gum tragacanth and the impact severity was influenced by the type of gum. Based on sensory evaluation, samples containing 0.3% A.gossypinus and 0.2% A.rahensis showed higher desirability than others. Using an appropriate type and concentration of gum in date milk formulation can improve the milk texture and mouthfeel by affecting the particle size and flow behavior

Carbenoxolone induces apoptosis and inhibits survivin and survivin-AEx3 genes expression in human leukemia K562 cells

Leukemia is a malignant disorder of the blood progenitor/stem cells which is characterized by abnormal proliferation of white blood cells. Although anti-cancer drugs induce apoptosis in cancerous cells, drug resistance is the significant problem mainly due to over-expression of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins [lAPs] such as survivin. In this content, it has been reported that an anti-inflammatory drug, Carbenoxolone [CBX], could induce apoptosis and growth inhibition in several types of cancerous cells. In the present study, effects of CBX on apoptosis and level of the expression of survivin gene and its deltaEx3 splicing variant have were evaluated in K562 cells. K562 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of CBX: [50-300 microM] at different time intervals [12-48 hrs]. Trypan blue exclusion test was used to evaluate cell viability. Fluorescent microscopy [Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide double staining] and DNA fragmentation assay were used to study apoptosis. The expression level of survivin and its deltaEx3 splice variant were studied by RT- PCR. It was found that both growth inhibition and apoptosis occurred in K562 cells. In addition, down-regulation of survivin and survin-deltaEx3 were observed, after 2-4 hrs treatment with 150 microM of CBX. However, the expression level of survivin and its deltaEx3 splice variant increased in subsequent time [6-12 hrs] nearly to the level of control cells. From the results of this study, it may be concluded that CBX can be considered as a candidate for further studies in CML treatment, especially in the case of drug- resistant leukemia cells

[Qualitative and quantitative performance of equipment and non-structural vulnerability in selected public hospitals in Tehran city during an earthquake]

One of the important tasks of medical centers is to provide emergency services to the injured during an earthquake. Therefore, these medical centers always should be prepared to deal with such circumstances. Non-structural elements are the important components of medical centers that should be considered. In this study, qualitative and quantitative performance of equipment and non-structural vulnerability of seven public hospitals in Tehran city have been evaluated during an earthquake. In this cross-sectional research, all public hospitals in Tehran city were studied including governmental or public, private, military and also social security. Using WHO/PAHO Standard Checklist, seven public hospitals were selected and evaluated by convenience sampling method in eleven sections. According to the results, the lowest functional level was observed in emergency exit systems, communication systems, furniture and equipment. The studied hospitals were at a satisfactory level in heating and cooling systems, ventilation systems of care units, fire detection and extinguisher. Although 56% of the mentioned hospitals were at a satisfactory level in overall assessment of performance in non-structural features, the critical, vital and effective sections of the hospitals were functioning at an average and some in even low levels of safety. Totally, the hospitals lacked a proper preparation in disaster in non-structural evaluation; furthermore, there was a standard instruction in non-structural immunization that hospitals should consider in preparation

Interaction of acrylonitrile vapors on a bench scale biofilter treating styrene-polluted waste gas streams

Considering concurrent use of styrene and acrylonitrile as raw materials in the production of synthetic resins and plastic and their associated differences in physiochemical properties and biodegradability, our experiments were conducted in a three-stage downflow bench-scale biofilter to study the potential suppressive effects of acrylonitrile on styrene removal. A Mixture of yard waste compost and shredded plastics and activated sludge was used as bed media. Gas phase concentration of styrene and acrylonitrile was determined via gas chromatographic analysis. Under steady-state conditions, maximum elimination capacity of styrene and acrylonitrile was 44 and 120 g/m[3] h, respectively. The effect of moisture was very significant in reducing the specific adsorptive capacity [microg/g of bed media] of styrene and acrylonitrile. The bed media with 60% moisture content lost styrene absorption capacities by more than one order of magnitude when compared to dry media. The existence of water increased the absorption capacity of medium for acrylonitrile about 95%. Styrene elimination capacity of the biofilter during co-treatment was less as compared to pure styrene biodegradation indicating the likelihood of inhibitory kinetics. Introduction of acrylonitrile into the air stream reduced elimination capacity of styrene to 103 g/m[3] h. The adverse impact on removal rate of acrylonitrile due to the presence of styrene in the gas stream was minimal. Carbonequivalent removal for the system amounted to about 85 g C/m[3] h at empty bed retention time of 120 s

Detection and molecular characterization of cryptosporidium species in recreational waters of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiyari province of Iran using nested-PCR-RFLP

The aim of this study was to detect and characterize Cryptosporidium spp. in water samples collected from recreational ponds of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiyari Province of Iran. Thirty water samples were collected from November 2009 to May 2010. Each sample contained 10 liters of water. We used the SSU rRNA-based PCR-RFLP technique. Out of thirty samples examined, 6 [20%] were positive for different Cryptosporidium spp. Restriction pattern analysis showed that C. parvum has been the most prevalent genotype, followed by C. hominis and C. canis, respectively. In this area, the higher prevalence of C. parvum compared with other genotypes is consistent with the distribution of cattle. Farm animals, particularly cattle are the main source of cryptosporidial contamination for recreational waters in this area

Standardization of three hope scales, as possible measures at the end of life, in Iranian population

Hope is an essential and dynamic life force that grows out of faith, is supported by relationships, resources and work circumstances, which lead to the energy necessary to live for a desired future. Hope gives meaning and happiness. Four central attributes of hope are: experiential, spiritual, relational thought, and relational process. A sound instrument to measure hope, which should be theoretical base, fairly vigorous psychometric and user-friendly, would be a useful complement to interviews for assessing hope in palliative care. Assessment of 'hope' is a necessary foundation for enabling the implementation of various intervention strategies to foster hope especially in cancer patients and their family members. There is no suitable instrument to measure hope in palliative care for Iranian patients; therefore the aim of this study was to assess the understandability, reliability, validity and superiority of three relevant instruments to measure hope. Three questionnaires including the Herth Hope Index [HHI], Herth Hope Scale [HHS], and Miller Hope Scale [MHS] alongside with a generic health-related quality of life tool [EQ-5D] were completed by 70 normal randomly selected individuals aged 14-73 years. Cronbach's alpha was 0.76 for HHS, 0.67 for HHI and 0.81 for MHS, indicating satisfactory internal consistency. Concurrent criterion-related validity was assessed by calculating the correlations of the HHS and the MHS [r = 0.43], HHS and HHI [r=0.49] and MHS and HHI [r=0.62], at <0.001 significance level. MHS discriminated significantly better most of EQ-5D components including anxiety and depression, pain, personal and usual activities. Finding suggested that these instruments have satisfactory reliability and validity to be used in Iranian population. Miller Hope Scale showed superiority among these tools

[Frequency of depression in 207 patients with copd in Qom city, 2008]

Depression is one of the common problems of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]. Depending on the severity of lung disease in patients and the kind of study, the prevalence of depression has been reported to lie between 10%-80%. Depression may not be diagnosed in routine examinations, so the patients may not receive appropriate treatment. Due to the lack of similar studies in Iran, the main purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression in COPD patients in Qom. In this cross-sectional study, 207 known cases of COPD were evaluated for depression and its severity by using standardized tests of Beck depression screening. Other variables in the study such age, sex, educational level, marital status and smoking rates were taken into account. SPSS version 15 and Chi square test were utilized for data analysis [p<0/05]. Data analysis showed that 83.3% of patients suffer edfrom varying degrees of depression, of whom 12.9% had severe or very severe depression. Moreover, a significant relationship was found between depression and education level. Depression is one of the common problems in COPD patients reducing their quality of life. It can be treated by physicians which can lead to improved quality of life for these patients

[Growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of carbenoxolone in human leukemia K562 cell line]

Leukemia is a malignant and progressive disorder in which genetic defects in hematopoietic cells lead to uncontrolled proliferation of blood cells. Different drugs have been proposed for the treatment of leukemia but none of them resulted in complete remission. Recently, anti-cancer effects of carbenoxolone [CBX], that is a 3- hemisuccinate, have been reported in several cell lines. In the present study we evaluated the effects of CBX on K562 cell line as an experimental model of chronic myeloid leukemia [CML]. K562 cells were cultured and treated for various time intervals with different concentrations of CBX [50-300 micro M]. Trypan blue exclusion test and tetrazolium salt absorption test [MTT] were used to evaluate the growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of the drug. Fluorescence microscopy and DNA fragmentation assay were used to study apoptosis. The results of this study showed that CBX induced growth inhibition of K562 cells in a dose- and time- dependent manner. For example, growth inhibition rates after 48 hours treatment with concentrations of 50 micro m, 100 micro m, 150 micro m, 200 micro m and 300 micro m were 11%, 41%, 59%, 79% and 92%, respectively. Furthermore results of fluorescence microscopy and DNA fragmentation assays indicated that apoptosis, is the cause of cell death induced by CBX. Considering the growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of CBX on human myeloid leukemia K562 cells, the drug can be considered as a potential candidate for further studies on CML treatment

Effects of semelil [ANGIPARS[TM]] on focal cerebral ischemia in male rats

Cerebral ischemia is one of the main causes of long term disability and death in aged populations. Many herbal drugs and extracts have been used for the treatment of cerebral ischemia induced insults. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of Semelil [ANGIPARS[tm], a new herbal drug, on focal cerebral ischemia in male rats. Male rats were divided into five groups: sham-operated, ischemic animals treated with distilled water as vehicle, ischemic animals treated with 1.10 and 100 mg/kg of Semilil respectively. Middle cerebral artery occlusion [MCAO] model was used in NMRI rats and neuronal injury analyzed in hippocampal CA1 sector after 48 hrs of Middle Cerebral Artery [MCAO]. Results of this study showed that treatment with semelil attenuated ischemic damages and has positive effects on focal cerebral ischemia

Effect of coronary artery bypass graft on qt interval dispersion: a measure of inhomogeneity in ventricular repolarization

The QT interval dispersion [QTd] has been described as the maximum minus minimum QT intervals in simultaneously 12-lead electrocardiographic recording which reflect inhomogeneity in myocardial repolarization. Increased QTd has been illustrated in patients with a variety of cardiac diseases such as myocardial infarction and left ventricular dysfunction and was suggested as a risk factor for development of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. QTd may also be a prognostic factor in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting [CABG]. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of CABG on QTd in patients with coronary artery disease. In this retrospective study we evaluated the effect of CABG on QTd in 79 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease. Measurement of QTd was performed on ECGs taken before and 24 hours after operation. There was no significant QTd changes in post CABG patients compared with baseline QTd [0.06 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.06 +/- 0.03, P=0.18]. In subgroups analysis, decrease in QTd was observed following CABG only in those with two-vessel coronary involvement compared with baseline [0.05 +/- 0.04 SD seconds versus 0.07 +/- 0.02SD seconds, P<0.05]. The present study showed that CABG does not affect QTd except in few patients with two-vessel coronary involvement

Comparision of barry and barry-taguchi ureterovesical reimplantation techniques in kidney transplantations: a randomized clinical trial

Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for chronic renal failure. Using a suitable uretero- vesical anastomosis technique can prevent most of risks for kidney graft. Extravesical ureteroneocystos- tomy is becoming popular in renal transplantation because of the low complication rate and technical ease. The decreased complication rate is due to limited bladder dissection and the need for a shorter ureteral segment from the donor. In this study we assessed the effectiveness and complications of a new technique, Barry-Taguchi technique and compared it with Barry technique. We recorded all urological complications developed in the recipient's kidney between September 2004 and March 2007 [mean follow-up 12 months] after performing extravesical Barry-Taguchi [new tech- nique] and Barry ureteroneocystostomy. The urological complications studied included complicated hema- turia, urinary fistula, and ureteral stenosis. A total 100 patients who underwent Barry-Taguchi technique and 98 patients who underwent Barry technique were studied. The incidence of urological complications in Barry-Taguchi and Barry re-implan- tation technique was 4% [n=4] and 5% [n=5%], respectively. These complications included 1 urinary leak- age and 3 ureteral obstructions for Barry-Taguchi technique, and 4 obstructions and 1 leakage from Barry group. In both trial groups, no complicated hematuria has occurred. In addition, the recorded time taken for ureteral anastomosis ranged from 4 to 16 [mean 8.3] min for Barry-Taguchi technique and 5 to 20 [mean 9.9] min in Barry technique. The Barry-Taguchi extravesical ureteroneocystostomy technique is a rapid and rather simple tech- nique. Without increasing the incidence of urological complication rate, it is a reliable method for perform- ing ureteroneocystostomy

[Effect of saffron extract on electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins in the male mice]

Due to widespread use of saffron [Crocus sativus L] as food colorant and flavor, and its reputation in folk medicine as a drug, recent studies revealed that main components of saffron are the carotenoids: crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal which have a large number of physiological effects on different biological systems. Our objective was to assess the efficacy of Crocus sativus on serum proteins pattern in the male mice. Five groups including eight adult male Balb/C mice were used in this study. Normal saline administered as placebo to control group and saffron extract in doses of 25 mg/Kg/48hr, 50 mg/Kg/48hr, 100 mg/Kg/48hr and 200 mg/Kg/48hr were injected intra peritoneally for 20 days to experimental groups. The levels of Albumin, Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Beta and Gamma globulins were separated electrophoretically and A/G ratio was calculated from the pattern of electrophoretogram. The result indicated that the levels of Albumin increased significantly in two experimental groups that had received 50 mg/Kg/48h and 100 mg/Kg/48h extract of Saffron as compared to the control group, the levels of Alpha-1 didn't have any remarkable changes in any group. The injection of 50 mg/Kg/48h, 100 mg/Kg/48h and 200 mg/Kg/48hr extract of saffron decreased [p < 0.05] the Alpha-2 level in plasma as compared to the control group and levels of Beta globulins increased significantly in these three groups. The levels of Gamma globulins increased significantly in 100 and 200 mg/kg-treated groups as compared to the placebo controlled group. A/G ratio [Albumin/Globulin ratio] were significantly [p < 0.05] lower than control group in any groups that received saffron extract in a dose-dependent manner. Albumin were significantly increased in two groups and A/G ratio was decreased in any groups. This can be interpreted that in the absence of antigen stimulation, serum globulins did alter markedly by extract of saffron. The study shows that since albumin synthesis occurs in the liver cells, thus administration of saffron may improve the status of liver function significantly