[Protective effects of aqueous extract of internal septum of walnut fruit on diabetic hepatopathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice]

Backgrounds and Aim: Treatment of diabetes by ethnomedicinal plants which have fewer side effects than chemical drugs has been on the rise. In this study we assessed hepatoprotective and antidiabetic effects of aqueous extract of internal septum of walnut fruit [ISWF] on diabetic mice

Material and Methods: In this experimental study 35 mature male mice were made diabetic by administration of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin intraperitoneally. The mice were randomly divided into 5 groups. The negative [non diabetic] and positive [diabetic] control groups received normal saline and the 1[st], 2[nd] and 3[rd] treatment groups received 0.5 mg/kg of glibenclamide, 200 and 400 microl/kg of aqueous extract of ISWF through gavage respectively for 15 days. On the last day, serum levels of blood glucose, ALT [alanine aminotransferase], AST [aspartate aminotransferase] and ALP [alkaline-phosphatase] were measured. After tissue processing, we measured total volume of the liver, hepatocytes, sinusoids, portal vein, central vein, hepatic arteries and bile ducts in the sections of the tissues

Results: Use of aqueous extract of ISWF in the treatment groups led to significant decrease in blood glucose levels, AST and ALP enzymes and also total volume of liver, sinusoids and central vein [p<0.05] compared to those in the non-treated diabetic group

Conclusion: According to the results, aqueous extract of ISWF, can regulate the blood glucose level and inhibit hepatic damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

[Morphometrical and histometrical study on Syrian mice testis treated with pure phenol]

Phenol is a toxic organic chemical found in many foods and chemicals in our environment. Regarding to the wide use of phenol and its harmful effects, this study was done to determine the effect of pure phenol on morphometrical and histometrical structure of testis. 24 mature male Syrian mice divided to one control and 3 treatment groups that received pure phenol at 30, 75 and 100 mg/kg doses through gavage during 35 days. Finally, body, testis and tunica albuginea layer weight, gonadosomatic index [GSI] and length, width and thickness of the testis were measured. For histometrical assessment, the diameter of seminiferous tubules and the thickness of germinal layer were measured. Body weight in 75 and 100 mg/kg doses [2.02 +/- 4.09 and 2.33 +/- 3.35g, respectively] had significant decrease [p<0.05] comparing with control group [10.16 +/- 3.97g]. The difference in weight, length, width and thickness of testis between treated groups and control group was not significant, but the GSI in 30, 75 and 100 mg/kg doses [0.53 +/- 0.11, 0.53 +/- 0.07, 0.5 +/- 0.07%, respectively] had significant increase [p<0.05] comparing with control group [0.088 +/- 0.0083%]. Weight of tunica albuginea layer had increased significantly [p<0.05] only at dose of 75 mg/kg [0.01 +/- 0.006g] comparing with control group [0.002 +/- 0.002g]. There were significant differences [p<0.05] in diameter of seminiferous tubules in control group [100.42 +/- 12.41 micro m] comparing with 30 mg/kg [130.18 +/- 49.14 micro m] and 75 mg/kg doses [156.89 +/- 53.36 micro m] and thickness of germinal layer in control group [47.96 +/- 18.42 micro m] comparing with 30 mg/kg [37.18 +/- 14.44 micro m] and 75 mg/kg [30.13 +/- 50.04 micro m] doses. Pure phenol can cause changes in body weight, GSI and histometrical structure of testis

effectiveness of group contracting and behavioral activation therapy on relapse prevention opioid substance use disorders

The objective of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of Group Contracting and Behavioral Activation Therapy [GCBAT] for treatment of opioid substance use disorders. In this clinical trial study, 120 patients suffering from opioid dependence enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment programs were assigned randomly in four groups including., Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy [CBT]., group A, Group Contracting and Behavioral Activation Therapy [GCBAT]., group B, Group Contracting and Behavioral Activation Therapy plus family support education [GCBAT- FSE]., group C, and group D received only treatment of methadone. Two experimental groups [B and C] received 8 weekly sessions group therapy. Group [A] took 12 weekly sessions group therapy and group D took methadone only. All participants 5 months later followup Outcome data were analyzed with using chi-square test. Results revealed that three experimental groups had more effectiveness than methadone alone, GCBAT and CBT in relapse prevention. Patients in relapse prevention and remaining on treatment follow up their experience of a relapse group C were superior from patients in groups A, B and D