Effect of aqueous extract of [eryngium campestre] on the prevention of pathologic alterations caused by calcium oxalate crystals induced by ethylene glycol in the cortex and medulla of rats' kidneys

Background and Aim: Due to the effects of herbs in the prevention of kidney stones, the present study aimed at assessing the effect of aqueous eryngium campestre on the prevention of pathologic alterations caused by calcium oxalate crystals induced by ethylene glycol in the cortex and medulla of rats'kidneys

Materials and Methods: To conduct the study 40 male Wistar rats, weighing 200 - 250 gr were randomly divided into 5 equal groups; i.e. the healthy control group that just received water, the negative control group receiving water with 1% ethylene glycol, the prevention groups, which in addition to 1% ethylene glycol in water were daily gavaged with 100 mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg of the plant extract. After 30 days all rats were killed and slides from each one's kidneys were prepared. The slides were stained applying H/E method and the number of their calcium oxalate crystals was checked

Results: It was found that there was a significant difference between the number of their calcium oxalate crystals in the control health and negative groups [P<0.05]. But, in the prevention group gavaged 100 mg/kg there was no significant difference with the negative group, [P>0.05]. However, in the 200mg/kg prevention group compared to the negative control one there was a significant difference in reducing the number of the crystals [P<0.05]. But in 400mg/kg the prevention group there was no significant difference with the negative control group [P>0.05]

Conclusion: It was discovered that aqueous extract of eryngium campestre is effective in preventing the accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its related factors in AqQala city in 2016

Background and Aim: Vitamin D is provided through dietary intake or synthesis in the skin by ultraviolet ray from sunlight. Vitamin D has a significant role in calcium homeostasis and cellular growth and facilitating normal immune system function. High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is a particularly important public health in Iran. To the present study aimed at describing the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and identifying its related risk factors

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 200 healthy individuals from AqQala in Golestan province in Iran. Sociodemographic data, vitamin D and calcium intake and duration of outdoor activities were collected via a brief interview questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and serum level 25 [OH] D3 were measured using ELFA method. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21 software

Results: High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was common in the studied population. Severe and intermediate vitamin D deficiency in the study population was 12% and 37.5%, respectively. Lower level of vitamin D deficiency was seen in 22% them. Men [81.7%] and women [65.5%] suffered vitamin D deficiency. Mean serum 25-[OH]D was significantly associated with age, sex, and duration of sunlight exposure; P<0.001. There was no significant difference in serum 25-[OH]D level in regard to age and physical activity [P<0.001]

Conclusion: Vitamin D is highly deficient in Agh Ghala inhabitants; particularly in men. This requires transferring the necessary information to the community and persuading them to improve their life style