effect of maternal selenium supplementation on pregnancy outcome and the level of oxidative stress in neonates

Pregnancy is regarded as a condition which is usually accompanied by oxidative stress. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of maternal selenium supplementation during gestation on the level of oxidative stress in neonates and the pregnancy outcome. In this double-blind trial, 179 primigravid pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy were randomly assigned to receive 100 micro g of selenium [Se group] or a placebo [control group] per day until delivery. The level of oxidative stress and serum selenium concentration was determined in the maternal and umblical cord sera of the subjects. Oxidative stress was measured by means of a novel assay of prooxidant-antioxidant balance [PAB]. The incidence of any pregnancy complications and outcomes was also evaluated in all neonates, being fully examined and followed up until 45 days. Although maternal selenium concentration was significantly higher in the Se group [p<0.001], there was no statistically significant differences in the umblical cord selenium content between the two groups. Selenium supplementation was not associated with any significant decrease in PAB values in the Se group. The incidence of neonatal complications and outcomes did not differ significantly between the groups. Maternal selenium supplementation during pregnancy was safe but was not associated with a significant change in the extent of oxidative stress in neonates

[Investigation on the effects of alcoholic extracts of fruit and leaves of three khorasani medicinal plants on Escherichia coli 0157 using spectrophotometery]

Usage of medicinal plants for treatment of pathogenic diseases is one of the most promising methods, which have minimum side effects. The strains of E.coli 0157 are the most dangerous gastrointestinal tracts pathogens causing death worldwide. Therefore, a medicinal plant extract with potential for treatment of this disease would be quite effective medics. In the present study, the effect of plant extracts on the different phases of bacterial growth was precisely determined using spectrophotometery, besides routine methods such as MIC, drop plate and disc plate. To peforming this study, E.coli 0157 [NCTC1290] was obtained from the university of Aberdeen, and following the initial characterization of the bacterium, the different phases of bacterial growth were investigated in the presence of the plant extracts of Eucalyptus globulus, Juglans regia and Vitex angus castus. The results showed that the alcoholic plant extracts of E.globulus and J. regia had no significant influence on the growth of above strain of E.coli. However, the extract of V. angus custus had an inhibitory effect on bacterial growth 4-11h after inoculation, while such effect was not observed at the early stages of bacterial growth. These results could provide a better understanding and perception of the antimicrobial effects of plant medicines on bacterial growth phases, which facilitates their applications

[Development of an indirect ELISA for detection of specific IgG subclasses for saffron pollen allergens]

Allergic reactions to plant pollens are a common problem. There are some evidences that saffron pollen has allergenic properties. Although IgE-mediated hypersensitivity has been reported, other immunologic mechanisms may be involved based on a variety of clinical manifestations in allergic cases. One of the mechanisms that have been suggested is specific IgG and its subclasses. In this study, an Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA] was developed for detection of specific IgG subclasses against saffron pollen extract. Briefly, microtiter plates were coated with crude extract of saffron pollen and then blocked with bovine serum albumin [BSA], and the sera were added to the plates which followed by the addition of anti-human IgG. TMB was used as substrate. Finally, after stopping the reaction with addition of HCl, plates read at 450 nm. The method was verified by testing two groups of samples, first, sera from individuals living near saffron farms in Khorasan and second, sera from individuals living in areas not having any saffron farms. The results indicated significant differences between the two groups