Investigation in protective effects of sophora pachycarpa extracts on serum level of sex hormones, urea and uric acid in carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated in male rats

Background: Carbon tetrachloride [CC14] is an industrial solvent that causes liver, kidneys, lungs, testis and brain as well as in blood diseases by generating free radicals. Previous studies on the chemical composition of S. pachycarpa have shown the presence of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids

Objective: In the present study we investigated protective effects of Sophora pachycarpa extracts on serum level of sex hormones, urea and uric acid in carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated in male rats

Methods: Thirty six male wistar rats [195-200 g] were selected and randomly divided into 6 groups [n=6]: 3 pre-treatment groups received s.pachycarpa extract at doses 50 mg/kg/day, 100 mg/kg/day and 250 mg/kg/day by gavage for 21 days prior to intraperitoneal injection of CC14 500 micro/kg on 21[st] day, control group, CC14 group received 500 micro/kg CC14 on the 21[st] day, post-treatment group received extract at doses 100 mg/kg/day for 10 day at 12h after CCI4 250 micro/kg injection. At the end of the treatment, blood was collected by cardiac puncture from all of the animals and serum levels of sex hormones, urea and uric acid were assessed

Results: Serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone was significantly increased in serum of pre-treatment group III and serum level of luteinizing hormone and testosterone in serum of pre-treatment groups compared to CC14 was significantly increased [P<0.05]

Also serum levels of urea in pre-treatment and post-treatment groups and serum level of uric acid in serum of pre-treatment II and III [100 and 250 mg/kg] was significantly decreased compared to CC14 [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Together, our data suggest that Sophora pachycarpa extract can potentially ameliorate toxic effects of CCI4

evaluation of antioxidant activities and phenolic compounds in leaves and inflorescence of artemisia dracunculus l. by Hplc

Artemisia dracunculus L. belongs to the Anthemideae tribe of Asteraceae family. This plant has been used in traditional folk medicine. Also, it's anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity has been proved. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of leaves and inflorescence of A. dracunculus and also to identify its phenolic compounds. A. dracunculus was collected in inflorescenceing season from Urmia. In this study, phenolic and flavonoid content, and 2, 2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical scavenging activity for methanol extracts of leaves and inflorescences of A. dracunculus were investigated. Also, phenolic compounds were determined and measured by high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]. Phenolic content of methanolic extracts of inflorescence of the A. dracunculus showed higher values than leaves. The highest flavonoid content was determined in leaves. There was a positive correlation between total phenolic content and the percentage of DPPH radical scavenging. Based on the results of the HPLC, seven phenolic compounds were detected in leaves and inflorescences [gallic acid, p-hydroxy benzoic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, syrinjic acid, ferolic acid, sinapic acid]. A. dracunculus contained phenolic compounds and showed significant antioxidant activity. High performance liquid chromatography results indicated significant differences [p<0.05] between different parts in case of phenolic compounds

[Exploration of context of the cultural care education in Iran]

Since cultural care is not included in nurses' retraining and continuing education, clinical nurses should deal with the cultural needs of patients according to their own personal experiences. While measures to implement cultural interventions are unknown, the recognition of cultural factors influencing cultural care education is necessary to increase nurses' ability to provide efficient care. The purpose of this study was to explore the context of the cultural care education in Iran. Using a qualitative study, 23 clinical nurses with the experience of working in practice, were selected using purposive sampling. Semi-structured were held for data gathering. A content analysis approach was used to analyze the collected data. During the data analysis the following themes were developed: "inadequate academic training", and "inadequate retraining". It was believed that in course planning, how to provide care to patients with different cultures, was a hidden part of the bachelor's degree nursing program. Nurses learnt how to communicate with others based on their own experiences and mostly in the workplace

[Effect of aqueous extract from rhizome of Cynodon dactylon L. pers on renal and hepatic catalase activity and testicular histopathology in diabetic rats]

Cynodon dactylon L. pers is one of the plants with applied medicinal value. This study aimed to examine the effect of C. dactylon [L.] aqueous extract on catalase enzymatic activity in kidney and liver tissues as well as the changes in testicular tissues of diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 30 adult male rats were divided into five groups [n=6]. Control rats were injected with physiological saline and the others were made diabetic by the injection of streptozotocin [STZ; 70 mg/kg, i.p.]. The third, fourth and fifth diabetic groups were given the oral aqueous extract of C. dactylon at different doses [50, 250 and 500 mg/kg], respectively for 4 weeks. The catalase enzymatic activity in kidney and liver tissues were measured using Aebi method at the end of the treatment. Then the testis slices were stained and examined by electron microscopy. The activity of catalase enzyme in kidney and liver of diabetic rats treated with the 500 mg/kg extract was increased significantly compared to the untreated diabetic rats [P<0.05]. In the untreated diabetic group, coiled seminiferous tubules and the increased interstitial space of lubules were observable in testis. The aqueous extract-treated group, compared to the diabetic one, showed a significant recovery in the tissue parameters. Aqueous extract of C. dactylon [L.] have beneficial effects on the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes and changes in testicular tissue during the course of diabetes

[Comparative effects of massage therapy and bandage on shoulder pain, edema and dysfunction after the modified radical mastectomy]

Mastectomic patients experience complications such as edema of the operated hand, shoulder pain and dysfunction. This study was conducted to compare the effects of manual lymph drainage and low pressure bandage on shoulder pain and dysfunction after modified radical mastectomy. In this clinical trial study, 90 women with radical mastectomy referred to the oncology ward of Imam Khomeini hospital [Tehran] were randomly assigned to three groups: the massage, massage+bandage and control groups. Groups were trained how to use manual lymph drainage massage and low pressure bandage. Shoulder pain intensity and dysfunction were measured at 7 and 30 days post-surgery. Edema was measured at 24 hours post-surgery and also 30 days post-intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics [one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis]. There was no statistically significant difference among three groups in the means of three measured variables [the arm circumference, shoulder pain intensity and dysfunction] before the intervention. Moreover, the results showed a significant reduction in the means of shoulder pain intensity and dysfunction among the three groups on the 30th intervention day [P=0.001], but the difference was not significant in the mean of arm circumference. Lymphatic drainage massage and low pressure bandage are effective in reducing post-mastectomy complications

Protective effects of melatonin on lipid profile in fructose induced dyslipidemia

Metabolic dyslipidemia and elevated oxidative stress are very common in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin, on the plasma lipid profile and levels of MDA in tissues of fructose fed rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: 1. controls that received normal chow and tap water. 2. fructose group that received chow +10% fructose solution in drinking water. 3. The melatonin group that received chow +10% fructose solution+ daily injection of 10 mg/kg [BW] melatonin [ip]. After 8 weeks, plasma concentrations of triglycerides [TG], Total cholesterol [TC], low density lipoprotein [LDL], high density lipoprotein [HDL], and MDA in the tissues were measured and the Atherogenic index [AI] was calculated. The fructose fed rats showed significantly higher levels of TG, [p=0.01] compared to control rats, not in the melatonin group. HDL concentrations showed significant decrease in fructose rats, but not in the melatonin group. TC and LDL did not change significantly.Ai increase in fructose rats [p=0.00] and decrease in melatonin treated rats [p=0.01]. The fructose fed rats had higher MDA values compared with controls and melatonin administration decreased MDA values in heart, kidney and liver tissue. Melatonin intake can regulate metabolic dyslipidemia and decrease MDA levels in fructose fed rats

[Changes in unprotected sexual behavior and shared syringe use among addicts referring to Methadone Maintenance Treatment [MMT] centers affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Shiraz, Iran: an uncontrolled interventional study]

AIDS is a lethal disease, for which there is no treatment or any vaccine to prevent it. The injection-drug use and unprotected sexual behavior are two factors important in HIV transmission. This study was conducted to determine changes in high-risk sexual and injection-drug use behaviors associated with HIV among drug users referring to Methadone Maintenance Treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran. This before-after interventional study with no control group included drug-users [n=694] referring to all the 7 MMT centers in Shiraz, Iran in 2009. The data were collected by interviewing patients and using a questionnaire. The software used for data analysis was SPSS 15, the statistical test being the Wilcoxon test. The average age of the clients was 36.5 +/- 9.5 years. Most of them were males [% 92.1] and single [% 43.1]. 37.3% of them being injection-drug users. The proportion of the injection-drug users having had at least one shared injection one week before referring to an MMT center was 23.3%, which decreased to 9.2% after one week. Analysis of the data also showed that 25.2% of the addicts had had at least one unprotected sexual contact during the previous month; the proportion decreased to 21.0% one month after referring to an MMT center. The reductions in the mean numbers of both shared injections and unprotected sexual contacts were statistically significant [p <0.001]. Considering the effectiveness of the MMT centers in reducing risky behaviors of injection-drug users, it is essential to expand these centers at both the national and regional levels quantitatively and qualitatively and encourage drug-users to refer to them and seek help. This will help greatly in the prevention of HIV

[ effect of trinitroglycerine injection on angiographic complications]

Currently the ischemic heart disease [IHD] is common worldwide. Coronary angiography is gold standard for detecting coronary artery disease. Death, myocardial infarction, nausea, coronary vessels spasm, chest pain, bradyarrhythmia, hypotension, and hypertension are among the common complications occurring following angiography. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of simultaneous administration of trinitroglycerine [TNG] and the contrast agent on early complications of angiography. This was a clinical trial carried out in Isfahan Shahid Chamran Hospital in 2005. Patients were randomly allocated to two intervention [n=111] and placebo [n=112] groups. Nausea, coronary vessels spasm, chest pain, bradyarhythmia, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both intervention [TNG plus contrast agent] and placebo [distilled water plus contrast agent] groups were investigated during and after angiography. The mean age in intervention and placebo groups were 59.93 +/- 9.14 and 59.37 +/- 10.12 years, respectively. Also, sex distribution showed no significant difference. Between TNG group and placebo group we had considering the nausea [4.5% vs 6.2%], coronary vessels spasm [0.9% vs 5.4%], chest pain [1.8% vs 6.3%], and bradyarrythmia [7.1% vs 7.1%] respectively, that had not any significant lower in TNG group compared to placebo group [p=0.001]. Based on data obtained in the present study, except for blood pressure no benefit in simultaneous administration of TNG and the contrast agent on early complication of angiography was demonstrated. Further investigations using different dose, time tables and also selection of high risk patients are recommended. Furthermore, the late complications and mortality as well as the cost-effectiveness are the subjects deserving more attention

effectiveness of educational intervention in the health promotion in elderly people

More than 8% of Iran's populations are elderly. The greatest challenge in this generation is improvement of health and quality of life. So we decided to perform an interventional study with the aim of promoting the health of the elderly. This study was a community interventional in Ekbatan Complex. Subjects were elderly. At first, need assessment was done with the participation of 200 elderly by questionnaire. Based on the need assessment, we designed the educational interventions in different fields such as nutrition, mental health, and exercise and then, we compared the results. One hundred elderly participated as interventional group. There were 86% women and 24% of men. Almost 59% were in the 60-69 age group. More than 1/4 of the subjects were university graduates. Pre and post interventional groups were matched in age, education and gender. Regarding nutrition, second priority food in women aged 60-69 was rice and after the intervention, it was changed to vegetables [P=0.05] but in other age groups and in the men's groups no difference were noted. Aerobic exercises in women has increased after the intervention [P=0.01]. With regards to mental health, life satisfaction among women under study has increased from 68% to 90% after the intervention [P=0.01]. Feeling happy most of the time has increased from 53% to 83% in women aged 60-69 [P=0.01] and in men from 64% to 83% [P=0.05] respectively. Policymakers should design long-term educational programs to promote the elderly lifestyles

Effect of melatonin on peripheral neuropathic pain in diabetic rat

Diabetes mellitus is often accompanied by chronic neuropathic pain. Studies indicate that oxidative stress has an important role in the appearance of neurological and behavioral changes in diabetes. Necessitating researching therefore the antioxidants effects in alleviation of diabetic neuropathic pain. In this study, 32 male Wistar rats weighing 200 +/- 20 g were used, and were divided into four groups: Control[C], melatonin[M], diabetic[D] and melatonin-treated diabetic[MD]. Experimental diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin [STZ]. Melatonin was injected [10 mg/kg/day, i.p.] for 2 weeks, after 21 days of diabetes induction. At the end of administration period, nociceptive biphasic behavior in rats was assessed using the 0.5% formalin test, and then observed for up to 60 min, according to spontaneous flinching and licking responses. In this study, lipid peroxidation levels, glutathione-peroxidase and catalase activities were measured in spinal L4-S3 dorsal root ganglia. Experimental data were then statistically analyzed Formalin-evoked flinching increased in both acute and chronic phases of pain in diabetic rats as compared to non-diabetic ones, whereas administration of melatonin reduced flinching frequency in both phases in MD rats. Total time of licking in diabetic rats was significantly [p < 0.05] more than the control rats in both acute and chronic phases of pain melatonins injection significantly reduced this time in both phases of pain in the MD as compared D group, whereas was no significant difference between M and C rats in the indices mentioned. Assessment of dorsal root ganglia homogenates indicated an increase in Lipid peroxidation levels and a decrease in GSH-Px and CAT activities in the D group as compared to the controls [C]. While melatonin administration ameliorated these in diabetic rats. Results suggest that oxidative stress contributes to appearance of pain in diabetes and melatonin, as an antioxidant, is effective in reducing the acute and chronic pain in diabetic rats

[Effect of melatonin on sexual behavior in male diabetic rats]

Several clinical studies indicate deterioration of sexual behavior in diabetic patients. The pathophysiological mechanisms of diabetic sexual impotence remain obscure. In this study the therapeutic effects of melatonin on sexual behavior were investigated through the central serotonergic system in diabetic rats. In this study, 30 male adult Wistar rats, weighing 200 +/- 20 g, were used. Animals were divided into three groups, the controls [C], diabetic [D] and the melatonin-treated diabetic [M] group. Experimental diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin. Melatonin was injected [10 mg/kg i. p.] after 3 days of streptozotocin injection for 30 days. At the end of the administration period, the sexual behavior of each male rat to an ovariectomized female rat was assessed for 40 min. Serotonergic type 2 [5-HT2A] receptor activities were investigated through spontaneous WDS behavior, and experimental data were statistically analyzed. First mount, first intromission and first ejaculation latencies significantly [p<0. 05] increased in diabetic rats as compared to controls. Melatonin treatment significantly [p<0. 05] reduced these responses in the M group, compared to the D one. Also the number of mounts, intromissions and ejaculations significantly [p<0. 05] decreased in diabetic rats compared to controls. Administration of melatonin significantly [p<0. 05] increased these activities in the M group as compared to the D one. Calculation of copulatory efficiency and the sexual activity index of each rat indicate that reproductive activity in diabetic rats was significantly [p<0. 05] less than other two groups. The number of WDS responses was significantly [p<0. 05] different in all three groups. Sexual dysfunction in diabetic animals was accompanied by decreasing of 5-HT2A receptor activities, and melatonin prevented the diabetes-induced sexual impotence by modulating of central serotonergic system activity

Trace analysis of xylene in occupational exposures monitoring

Determination of organic pollutants usually requires extraction of the pollutants from samples, using hazardous solvent. Solid phase micro-extraction [SPME] is a solvent-free equilibrium extraction method, in which, proper calibration can allow quantitative measurements of organic pollutants at a very good sensitivity without the use of any organic solvent. Because individual VOCs are generally present in urine only at trace levels, a sensitive and accurate determination technique is essential. This study describes the optimization of headspace solid phase micro-extraction [HS-SPME] followed by gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector [GC-FID] for xylene in spiked urine. Through this investigation, the parameters affecting the extraction and GC determination of xylene, including extraction time, temperature, desorption temperature, desorption time, salt addition, sample pH, sample volume and sample agitation were studied. An optimized headspace extraction was carried out at 30°C for 6 min in presence of 0.2 gml-1 of NaCl in the sample solution. Desorption of the xylene was carried out for 60 sec. at 250°C. The optimized procedure was also validated with three different pools of spiked urine samples and showed a good reproducibility over six consecutive days as well as six within-day experiments. In this study, the accuracy, linearity, and detection limits were also determined. The HS-SPME-GC-FID technique provided a relatively simple, convenient, practical procedure, which can be successfully applied for determination of xylene in spiked urine when an occupational exposure monitoring is required

[Evaluation the effects of Bezoar on survival duration Attenuation of complications of Echis carinatus snake venom poisoning in mice]

Snakebite treatment is one of the major difficulties in medicine due to its dangerous side effects. Bezoar, a stone found in the stomach of wild goat, is widely reputed against various diseases, including snakebite, in traditional medicine among the tribes in southeast of Iran. But its efficacy against snakebite poisoning has not been determined, yet. This study was performed to evaluate the Bezoar effect on the clinical signs, mean survival duration and the autopsy findings [pathologic signs] of experimental mice receiving various doses of crude Echis carinatus snake venom. This experimental study was performed on 48, 4 week old mice. The natural crude snake venom was serially diluted and 10% and 2% concentrations of the venom were used. Various experimental doses of Bezoar [6, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/i.p] were injected, 20 min before 2% snake venom intra peritoneal administration. The clinical signs, mean survival duration and autopsy findings were recorded and compared with control mice which received saline, 20 min before snake venom administration. In case of using 10% concentration snake venom, mice received only 100 mag/ i.p of Bezoar, 20 min before snake venom administration. The results of this study showed that Echis carinatus snake venom caused pain, progressive edema and death in mice. The Bezoar [50 and 100 mg/kg] increased the survival duration of mice receiving 2% dilution of Echis carinatus snake venom significantly as compared to controls [p<0.01]. The dose of 100 mg/kg of Bezoar increased the survival duration from 213.8 +/- 2.7 to 705 +/- 4.3 min in comparison to control group [p<0.01]. Also the Bezoar significantly antagonized the pathologic signs induced by Echis carinatus snake venom in mice. Pretreatment of mice with Bezoar increased the survival duration of mice and decreased the pathologic signs [such as bleeding in the retroperitoneal space, thoracic cavityand CNS and lung vascular congestion] induced by Echis carinatus snake venom in mice. The exact mechanisms must be elucidated in other investigations

In vitro screening for antioxidant activity and cancer suppressive effect of blackberry [Morus nigra]

Anthocyanins are natural pigments widely spread in nature. Anthocyanin color molecules are a subclass of flavonoids. They are responsible for red, purple, and blue colors of many flowers, fruits and vegetables. Fruits and berries are sample sources of anthocyanins in nature. In many researches, the positive effects of fruits and berries intake on human health have been reported. Anthocyanins are considered to contribute to the healthiness of fruits and berries for their antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the scavenging capacities towards super oxide anion radicals, and nitrite radicals and reducing power of anthocyanins extracted from Blackberry [Morus nigra] as a potential source of natural functional substances for use as dietary antioxidants. For superoxide anion radical assay, the superoxide anion radicals were generated by a pyrogallol auto oxidation system, Nitric oxide radical inhibition was done by using Griess Illosvoy reaction and its reducing power was determined according to the Oyaizu method. At least, all samples showed a potential antioxidant capacity that increased proportionate to the concentration of extracts. In this study, anthocyanin pigment was extracted from Blackberry by soaking and wetting in ethanol [1% acidified]

[Study of the effective parameters on the making use of protective devices in Qom province workers community in 2006]

Noise threats health of many groups of industrial workers and causes hearing loss. Use of personal protective device is the best control method to protect against hazardous conditions. Hence, this investigation was carried out to determine situation of using of protective devices and effective parameters on it, in Qom province workers community in 2006. This research is descriptive-sectional study. Sample volume was designed 378 persons working in factories in Qom. First of all, list of Qom factories with noise pollution problems, were collected and 30 important factories among them were selected randomly. In the second stage, 378 persons were selected randomly from workers. The interest information was obtained by questionnaire and collected data were analyzed by SPSS software. The obtained results showed that, 83.6% of workers have been using ear protective devices. 296 of them, which were using ear protective devices, had an occupational hygienist in their workplaces. This research also showed that, 109 workers that used ear protective devices, had moderate knowledge level. Moreover, 82.5% of trained workers have used ear protective devices. The statistical analysis of the results showed that there were no significant relationship between use of ear protective devices and existence of occupational hygienist in workplace, knowledge and age of workers, worker's antecedent, physical health of workers and kind of ear protective devices [p > 0.05]. These results showed that among all considered parameters; only four parameters were effective in using ear protective devices; education of workers before employment, head workman and employer's knowledge level, factories facilitation and kind of ear protective devices

[In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of sixteen new n-piperazinyl quinolone derivatives against a panel of tumor cell lines]

Fluoroquinolones are potent inhibitors of bacterial topoisomerase II. They can also inhibit eukaryotic topoisomerase, and may confer antitumoral properties. In this study the antitumoral activity of a new series of N-substituted piperazinyl- fluoroquinolones against a panel of human tumor cell lines was determined by MTT assays. Among the tested compounds N-[2- [5-bromo-2-thienyl]-2-oxoethyl] [C1,N1,E1], N-[2- [5-bromo-2-thienyl]-2-[hydroxyimino] ethyl][C2,N2,E2] and N-[2-[5-bromo-2-thienyl]-2-[phenylmethoxyimino] ethyl] [C3,N3,E3] piperazinyl quinolones exhibited the most cytotoxic activities [mean IC50s = 2.5 to 3 microg/ml], comparable to that of the Etoposide [mean IC50= 1.7micro g/ml]. Replacement of the 5- bromo-2-thienyl with 4- fluorophenyl or 2, 6- difluorophenyl rings leads to variable inhibition activity. The quinolone activity was enhanced by the presence of a chlorine and two fluorine atoms at the benzyl and phenyl groups, especially against ACHN renal adenocarcinoma cell line. These data suggest that these series of quinolones provide good models for the further design of potent antitumor compounds

Solid phase microextraction for trace analysis of urinary benzene in environmental monitoring

Conventional analytical method for organic pollutants in water requires extraction of the pollutants, using hazardous solvent. Solid phase microextraction is a solvent free equilibrium extraction method, in which, proper calibration can allow quantitative determinations of organic pollutants at a very good sensitivity without the use of any organic solvent. Because individual volatile organic carbons are generally exposed environmentally and present in urine only at trace levels, a sensitive and accurate determination technique is essential. So, this study describes the optimization of headspace solid phase microextraction [HS-SPME] followed by GC-FID for benzene in spiked urine. Through this investigations, the parameters affecting the extraction and gas chromatographic determination of analytes, including extraction time, temperature, desorption temperature, desorption time, salt addition, sample pH, sample volume and sample agitation were studied. An optimized headspace extraction was carried out at 30°C for 6 min in the presence of 0.2 g/mL of NaCl in the sample solution. Desorption of the analytes was carried out for 60 sec. at 250°C. The optimized procedure was also validated with three different pools of spiked urine samples and showed a good reproducibility over six consecutive days as well as six within-day experiments. The accuracy, linearity, detection limits were also determined. The headspace solid phase microextraction, GC-FID technique provides a relatively simple, convenient, practical procedure, which was here successfully applied to determine benzene in spiked urine

[Effects of Methanolic extract of Achillea Wilhelmsii C.koch on seizure induced by Picrotoxin in mice]

Some therapeutic effects of medicinal plants such as Achillea have been known for many years ago. In this investigation, the effects of methanolic extract of Achillea Wilhelmsii C. Koch on seizure induced by picrotoxin was studied in mice. This study was performed on animals pretreated with different experimental doses of percolated extract of Achillea Wilhelmsii via intraperitoneal injection and 20 minutes after extract injections, each animal received picrotoxin 10 mg/kg for induction of generalized tonic and clonic seizure. Latency of onset and duration of seizure, death time and percent of mortality were determined. The results showed that pretreatment of animals with different doses of extracts did not change the beginning time of seizure induced by picrotoxin. The duration of seizure increased [p<0.01], but the severity of seizures was milder than control group. In addition, all doses of extract lengthened the time of death [p<0.01]. The mortality rate was decreased with dose of 50 and 100 m a g [p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively]. The results showed that the dose of 100mg/kg is the most effective one. The extract of Achillea Wilhelmsii decreased the severity of generalized tonic and clonic seizure induced by picrotoxin and lengthened the death time; therefore it is a suitable for continuing investigation as anticonvulsant drug

Comparison of fasting plasma insulin level between acute coronary disease and non-coronary disease

Hyperinsulinemia is related to obesity, diabetes and hypertension, but its relation to coronary artery disease, as an independent risk factor, is questionable. This study was conducted to compare the insulin level in patients with acute coronary and non coronary diseases. This is a cross-sectional study in which two groups of hospitalized patients in emergency department, 32 patients in each group [acute coronary and non coronary disease] were evaluated for fasting insulin level. Diabetes or a family history of it, previous history of coronary artery disease or family history of it, pancreatic origin of abdominal pain, hypertension, overweight or obesity, or using steroids were exclusion criteria for this study. Collected data were analyzed using Mann-Withney test. There was not any statistical difference in age and sex of both groups. No significant difference was noted in insulin level of coronary and non coronary patients in this study. Having these results, we can not include hyperinsulinemia as an independent risk factor for CVD

Endothelial function in male body builders taking androgenic steroids

Adverse cardiovascular events have been reported in body builders taking anabolic steroids. Adverse effects of AAS on endothelial function can initiate atherosclerosis. This study evaluates endothelial function in body builders using AAS, compared with non-steroids using athletes as controls. We recruited 30 nonsmoking male body builders taking AAS, 14 in build up phase, 8 in work out phase, and 8 in post steroid phase, and 30 nonsmoking male athletes who denied ever using steroids. Serum lipids and fasting plasma glucose were measured to exclude dyslipidemia and diabetes. Brachial artery diameter was measured by ultrasound at rest, after cuff inflation, and after sublingual glyceriltrinitrate [GTN] to determine flow mediated dilation [FMD], nitro mediated dilation [NMD] and ratio of FMD to NMD [index of endothelial function]. Use of AAS was associated with higher body mass index [BMI] and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C]. Mean ratio of flow mediated dilatation after cuff deflation to post GTN dilatation of brachial artery [index of endothelial function] in body builders taking AAS was significantly lower than control group [0.96[0.05] versus 1[0.08]; p=0.03]. After adjusting BMI, age and weight, no significant difference was seen in index of endothelial function between two groups [p=0.21]. Our study indicates that taking AAS in body builders doesn't have direct effect on endothelial function. Future study with bigger sample size and measurement of AAS metabolites is recommended