Evaluation of tumor necrosis factor alpha polymorphism frequencies in endometriosis

The pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], is a pathogenic element for a number of disorders. Previous studies have reported that the -1031 T/C and -238 G/A polymorphisms in the promoter region of the TNF-alpha gene are important factors in reproductive-related disorders. One of the most common gynecological diseases of women during the reproductive years is endometriosis. This study aims to assess an association between the -1031 T/C, -238 G/A and -308 G/A polymorphisms of the TNF-a gene promoter region to endometriosis. In this case-control study, we enrolled 65 endometriosis patients and 65 matched healthy control women by simple sampling. Polymerase chain reaction [PCR] analysis was used to analyze -1031 T/C, -238 G/A and -308 G/A polymorphisms in the TNF-alpha gene promoter region. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. We found a strong association between the -1031 T/C polymorphism in the promoter region of the TNF-alpha gene with endometriosis [P=0.001]. There were no significant associations between the -238 G/A [P=0.243] and -308 G/A [P=l] polymorphisms with endometriosis and again endometriosis stages have no association with these polymorphisms. The -1031 T/C polymorphism and CC genotype can be used as a relevant marker to identify women at risk of developing endometriosis

Protection of renal tubular cells by antioxidants: current knowledge and new trends

Acute renal damage mainly develops following toxic or ischemic insults and is defined as acute. These damages have largely been attributed to oxidative stress. Recently much attention has been directed toward decreased renal tubular cell regeneration during tubular cell injury. Antioxidants have recently been the focus of researchers and scientists for prevention and treatment of various oxidative stress-related conditions, including renal toxicities. Although free radicals are known to contribute in kidney injury and abundant researches, particularly laboratory trials, have shown the beneficial effects of antioxidants against these complications, long term clinical trials do not uniformly confirm this matter, especially for single antioxidant consumption such as vitamin C. The aim of this paper is to discuss the possible explanation of this matter

Ameliorative effect of melatonin against contrast media induced renal tubular cell injury

Reactive oxygen species [ROS] is a mediator of renal damage. Melatonin is a potent-free radical scavenger. Our objective was to test whether melatonin would protect against the nephrotoxicity of contrast media. In an experimental study 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four equal groups including: 1] Control group [No drug], 2] Contrast media group [10 ml/kg iodixanol i.v. single dose], 3] Contrast media and melatonin [first 10 ml/kg iodixanol then 10 ml/kg/day melatonin by i.p. injection on days 3, 4 and 5] and 4] Contrast media and melatonin pretreatment group [melatonin 10 ml/ kg/day by i.p. injection on 1, 2 and 3 days, then 10 ml/kg iodixanol by i.v. injection on third day. The blood creatinine and BUN as well as the histological changes were evaluated for severity of renal injury [degeneration, vacuolization of tubular renal cells, dilatation of tubular lumen and presence of debris in the lumens], by scoring from one to four. Contrast media significantly increased the creatinine and BUN and renal injury [p < 0.05]. Melatonin prevented and reversed the injury induced by contrast media [P < 0.05]. Pretreatment with melatonin reduced the renal injury induced by contrast media [P < 0.05]. Melatonin is an effective drug to prevent contrast-induced renal injury. Therefore its usage [especially pretreatment] might be beneficial in patients who are planning to use contrast media agents

vitro impact of hydro-alcoholic extract of rosa damascena mill on rat ileum contractions and the mechanisms involved

The petal's hydro-alcoholic extract of Rosa damascene Mill. on ileum contractions of Wistar rats and its possible mechanism were investigated. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups. Ileum was placed adjacent to propranolol [1 microM], naloxone [1 microM] and L-NAME [100 microM] and also under the influence of different doses [2-8 mM] of calcium chloride. Cumulative extract of R. damascene Mill. [100, 500, and 1000 mg/L] decreased ileum contractions induced by KCl [60 mM] in a dose-dependent manner [P < 0.0001]. Propranolol and naloxone significantly decreased the inhibitory effect of the extract on contractions induced by KCl [P < 0.001], but L-NAME was ineffective. Furthermore, calcium led to the contraction of depolarized tissue through KCI and this contractile effect decreased significantly induced by the cumulative concentrations of the extract [P < 0.001]. The results indicate that R. damascene Mill. Dose-dependently [100, 500, and 1000 mg/L] decreases ileum movements of the rat probably through stimulating the beta-adrenergic and opioid receptors and voltage-dependent calcium channels, and it may be used to treat digestive disorders

New concepts in nutraceuticals as alternative for pharmaceuticals

Nutraceuticals are products, which other than nutrition are also used as medicine. A nutraceutical product may be defined as a substance, which has physiological benefit or provides protection against chronic disease. Nutraceuticals may be used to improve health, delay the aging process, prevent chronic diseases, increase life expectancy, or support the structure or function of the body. Nowadays, nutraceuticals have received considerable interest due to potential nutritional, safety and therapeutic effects. Recent studies have shown promising results for these compounds in various complications. In the present review much effort has been devoted to present new concepts about nutraceuticals based on their diseases modifying indications. Emphasis has been made to present herbal nutraceuticals effective on hard curative disorders related to oxidative stress including allergy, alzheimer, cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, eye, immune, inflammatory and Parkinson's diseases as well as obesity. The recently published papers about different aspects of nutraceuticals as alternative for pharmaceuticals were searched using scientific sites such as Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The used terms included nutraceutical and allergy, alzheimer, cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, eye, immune, inflammatory or Parkinson

Efficacy of co-administration of garlic extract and metformin for prevention of gentamycine-renal toxicity in wistar rats: a biochemical study

Gentamicin [GM] nephrotoxicity has been related to oxidative stress. Garlic and metformin [MF] have anti-oxadant activity and therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the preventive and curative effects of garlic, MF and their combination on GM indeced tubular toxicity in Wistar rats. In a pre-clinical study, 70 male Wistar rats were randomly designated into 7 groups of 10 and treated as follows: Group 1: Received saline for 20 days. Group 2: Were injected 100 mg/kg/d of GM intraperitoneally [ip], for 10 days and saline for 10 more days. Group 3: Received GM for 10 days then 20 mg/kg garlic ip for the next 10 days. Group 4: Received GM for 10 days and MF [100 mg/kg] orally for the next 10 days. Group 5: Received GM for 10 days and a combination of MF and garlic for the next 10 days [100 and 20 mg/kg, respectively]. Group 6: The same as group 5but with half-doses of MF and Garlic. Group 7: Received GM for 10 days together with a combination ofMF and garlic. On 20th day of the experiment the serum blood urea nitrogen [BUN] and creatinine [Cr] were measured and compared in different groups. GM injection significantly increased the serum BUN and Cr [P < 0.05]. Administration of MF, garlic or their combination with or after injection of GM [high doses] could atenuate BUN and Cr. The results indicate that MF and garlic or their combination have curative and protective activity against GM nephrotoxicity

Suppressive impact of anethum graveolens consumption on biochemical risk factors of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

We aimed to determine the effects of Anethum graveolens [Dill] powder on postprandial lipid profile, markers of oxidation and endothelial activation when added to a fatty meal. In an experimental study, 32 rabbits were randomly designated into four diet groups: normal diet, high cholesterol diet [1%], high cholesterol diet plus 5% [w/w] dill powder and high cholesterol diet plus lovastatin [10 mg/kg, bw]. The concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol [TC], low density lipoproteins cholesterol [LDL C], alanine aminotransferase [alt], aspartate aminotransferase [ast], fibrinogen, factor VII, apolipoprotein B [ApoB], nitrite and nitrate were measured in blood samples following 15 h of fasting and 3 h after feeding. Concurrent use of A. graveolens powder or lovastatin significantly decreased ALT, TC, glucose, fibrinogen and LDL C values in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet group [P < 0.05]. Consumption of A. graveolens or lovastatin did not change factor VII, ApoB, nitrite and nitrate levels significantly in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet group. Intake of A. graveolens significantly decreased serum AST compared to hypercholesterolemic diet. A. graveolens might have some protective values against atherosclerosis and that it significantly affects some biochemical risk factors of this disease. Our findings also confirm the potential harmful effects of oxidized fats and the importance of dietary polyphenols in the meal

Immunoglobulin a nephropathy and malaria falciparum infection; a rare association

Glomerular involvement occurs as a rare form of renal manifestation in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Here, we report a rare case of falciparum malaria-associated IgA nephropathy. A 28-year-old man was admitted because of fever and abdominal pain. Ultrasound and computed tomography [CT] showed right kidney pyonenphrosis. Despite placing a nephrostomy tube, fever continued. Repeated CT was in favor of focal pyelonephritis. In addition, peripheral blood smear suggested malaria. Anti-malarial drugs were initiated and right nephrectomy was performed. One year after recovery from malaria, a persistent rise in serum creatinine was detected. A left kidney biopsy showed mesangial proliferation and dominant IgA deposits in immunofluorescence study while C[1q] was not deposited. The impression was IgA nephropathy with M[1]E[0]S[0]T[0] of Oxford classification. The patient was prescribed a combination of low dose prednisolone and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. Six months after treatment serum creatinine decreased from 1.6 mg/dL to 1.3mg/dL and urine abnormalities were disappeared. Our findings suggest that malaria infection might be associated with IgA nephropathy

Association of proteinuria with various clinical findings and morphologic variables of oxford classification in immunoglobulin a nephropathy patients

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy [IgAN] with nephrotic syndrome is an uncommon form of IgAN. Clinical and morphological characteristics of proteinuria in IgAN, especially when is in nephrotic range have not yet been fully examined. This study was aimed to correlate morphologic variables of the Oxford classification, and various clinical data with proteinuria in IgAN patients. We also aimed to demonstrate the significance of prevention of proteinuria as one of the important factors in progression of this disease. In an observational study conducted on IgAN patients, total of 114 biopsies were entered in the study. IgAN was diagnosed by light and immunofluorescence study. Of 114 patients 70.2% were male. Mean age of patients was 37.7 +/- 13.6 years. The mean of proteinuria was 1742 +/- 1324 mg/day. Also mean of serum creatinine [Cr] was 1.6 +/- 1.5 mg/dL. Of 114 patients, 11[9.6%] had nephrotic range proteinuria. In this study, there was a positive correlation between proteinuria and serum Cr, peri-glomerular fibrosis or interstitial fibrosis. There was a positive association between proteinuria and totally sclerotic glomeruli too. There was also a positive association between the amount of fibrous crescents and the level of proteinuria. Nephrotic proteinuria could just be seen in male patients. Also, nephrotic syndrome had a positive association with the number of crescents. Our findings firstly support the prognostic value of crescent due to its association with proteinuria and secondly imply the importance of treatment of proteinuria to prevent progression of IgAN

Oxford-MEST classification in IgA nephropathy patients: a report from Iran

There is a limited knowledge about the morphological features of IgA nephropathy [IgAN]in the middle east region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the spectrum of histopathological findings in IgAN patients at our laboratory. At this work, an observational study reported which was conducted on IgAN patients using the Oxford-MEST classification system. In this survey, of 102 patients 71.6% were male. The mean age of the patients was 37.7 +/- 13.6 years. Morphologic variables of MEST classification was as follows; M1: 90.2%, E: 32%, S: 67% also, T in grads I and II were in 30% and 19% respectively, while 51% were in grade zero. A significant difference was observed in segmental glomerulosclerosis [P=0.003] and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy frequency distribution [P=0.045], between males and females. Furthermore, it was found that mesangial hypercellularity was more prevalent in yonger patients. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between serum creatinine and crescents [P<0.001]. There was also significant correlation of serum creatinine with segmental glomerulosclerosis [P<0.001]. Higher prevalence of segmental glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy, as the two of, four variables of Oxford-MEST classification of IgAN in male patients further attests that male gender is a risk factor in this disease. In this study the significant correlation between serum creatinine and crescent was in an agreement with previous studies and suggests for the probable accomodation of extracapillary proliferation as a new variable in MEST system

Effect of metformin on serum ferritin level in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is one of the most common diseases among women associated with various inflammatory reactants such as C-reactive protein [CRP] and ferritin. This study aimed to investigate the effect of metformin on probable reduction of serum ferritin in patients with PCOS. This study was conducted on 45 patients with PCOS who had not other systemic diseases and did not take any medications. Weight, waist and hip circumstances [WHR], body mass index [BMI], metabolic indexes, CRP, ferritin and "Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR] ? were measured before the study. Metformin [500 mg/tid] tablets were prescribed for three months and then same above parameters were re-measured. Of 45 patients, 19 [42.2%] were overweight and 14 [31.1%] were obese. After drug therapy, there was a significant reduction in waist circumstance and serum ferritin. This reduction was significant only in the lean and overweight groups but not in the obese group. There was not significant association between serum ferritin and CRP, HOMA-IR, BMI and WHR. There was not significant correlation between CRP and HOMA-IR and also BMI. The effect of metformin on reduction of serum ferritin was not significant just in obese group and was not associated with metabolic and anthropometric indexes

Inverse association of serum leptin with serum C- reactive protein [CRP] in regular hemodialysis patients

To elucidate whether and how in patients with uremia on hemodialysis the level of CRP as the marker of inflammation correlate with serum leptin. Serum leptin and CRP were determined on patients with ESRD on hemodialysis The total patients were 36 [f =15, m=21]. The mean patient's age were 46 [ +/- 16] years. The median length of the time patients had received hemodialysis was 19 months. The mean serum CRP was 8.7 +/- 6.6 mg/L. The mean serum leptin was 9.4 +/- 14 ng/ml. We found a significant inverse correlation of serum leptin with serum CRP [r= -0.57, p = 0.041]. Our data supports the hypothesis that in patients on hemodialysis, the association of leptin with CRP levels was inverse which could show the positive effects of leptin on nutrition and support the theory of protective effects [reverse epidemiology] of leptin in hemodialysis patients

Close association between parathyroid hormone and left ventricular function and structure in end-stage renal failure patients under maintenance hemodialysis

Cardiovascular risk factors are a significant burden in end-stage enal disease patients under hemodialysis and are the leading cause of death among these patients. The influence of parathyroid hormone [PTH] on myocardial function as a toxin of uremia is und +/- r more attention and evaluation because of growing evidence showing that the effects of PTH on cardiac function may be the most serious consequence of secondary hyperparathyrodism in renal failure. ln this study we determined role of excess PTH in the development of left ventricilar [LV, hypertrophy as well as LV ejection fraction in patients with end-stage renal disease under regular hemodialysis. This study is cross-sectional that was done on patients with end-stage renal disease [ESRD] undergoing maintenance hemodialysis treatment. For patients, Calcium, Phosphorus, Alkaline phosphatase and Intact PTH [iPTH] were measured. Hypertensive patients were stratified into stages one to three. Ecocadiographies for LV hypertrophy and ejection fraction [%] were done and patients stratified into normal mild, moderate and severe LV hypertrophy. The total patients were 73[F=28 M=45], consisting of 58 non diabetic hemodialysis patients [F=22 M=36], and 15 diabetic hemodialysis patients [F=6 M=9]. The mean age was 46.5 +/- 16 years. The time on hemodialysis was 21.5 +/- 23.5 months. The LV ejection fraction [EF%] were 51 +/- 8%. 'iPTH' of patients was 309 +/- 349 Pg/ml. 'iPTH' of diabetic and nondiabetic groups was 234 +/- 265 pg/ml and 329 +/- 368 pg/ml respectively. Serum alkaline phosphatase was 413 +/- 348 1U/L. Serum alkaline phosphatase of diabetic and nondiabetic groups were 295 +/- 179 J/L and 443 +/- 3-75 IU/I respectively. Serum albumin was 4 +/- 0.75 g/dl. Serum albumin of diabetic ano nondiabetic groups was 3.6 +/- 0.7 gill and 4.2 +/- 0.7 g/dl respectively. Significant inverse correlation of serum ALP with% of LV ejection fraction and marginal positive correlation of serum ALP with LVH and also marginal correlation of serum iPTH with LVH were seen. Also significant inverse correlation between serum iPTH with% of LV ejection fraction in non diabetic heart patients was observed. Conclusions: Adverse effects of secondary hyperparathyroidism on LV function and structure in this study show the role of excess PTH in the development of left ventricilar [LV] hypertrophy as well as low LV ejection fraction in patients with end-stage renal disease under hetodialysis which needs more attention to control of secondary hyperparathyroidism to reduce the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients

Close relationship of serum lipoprotein A with ultrasonographically determined early atherosclerotic changes in the carotid and femoral arteries in end - stage renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis

Lp[a] is recognized as an independent risk factor for premature atherosclerotic coronary heart disease. In renal failure, studies revealed an increase in plasma concentration of Lp[a], present study aimed to evaluate the effects of plasma Lp[a] levels on early structural atherosclerotic vascular changes in a group of end-stage renal failure patients under regular hemodialysis. Sixty one unselected patients with end-stage renal disease [ESRD], undergoing maintenance hemodialysis treatment between September 2002 and December 2003 were examined, serum lipoprotein[a] was measured, using B-mode ultrasonography carotid-intimae-media thickness [IMT] measured as well as carotid-femoral plaques [plaque score] were determined. Total patients [23 females, 38 males] consist 50 non-diabetic hemodialysis patients [20 females, 30 males], and 11 diabetic hemodialysis patients [3 females, 8 males]. Mean +/- SD of Lp[a] of total patients were 58.5 +/- 19 mg/dl, for diabetic group were 62 +/- 12.3 mg/dl and for non-diabetic group were 57.7 +/- 20 mg/dl. In this study there were, more thickening of intimae-media complex in diabetic group, positive association of plaque score with ages and DM, positive correlation of carotid-IMT with carotid-femoral plaque score, positive correlation of serum Lp[a] with carotid-IMT and carotid-femoral plaque score. No significant difference of Lp[a] between diabetic and non-diabetic HD patients was found. Diabetic hemodialysis patients had more accelerated atherosclerosis, lipoprotein[a] as a non-traditional factor in progression of atherosclerosis, can have a role in acceleration of rapid progressive atherosclerosis seen in these patients

Intensifcation of anemia by secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is listed among the possible reasons for intensifying the anemia and causing it to be resistant to erythropoietin therapy in hemodialysis patients. Although its exact mechanism is not entirely clarified, shift of bone marrow cells to adipocytes, bone marrow fibrosis and lowered calcitriol can be the cause. However, the role of secondary hyperparathyroidism in severe anemia and resistance to erythropoietin treatment in comparison to other factors like inflammation and iron deficiency is minor. In this study we evaluated the role of secondary hyperparathyroidism in severity of anemia in hemodialysis patients. This is an analytical study carried on 36 hemodialysis patients of Hajar Medical Educational and Therapeutic Center in Shahrekord. Hgb, Hct, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, intact PTH [iPTH], serum iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation in%, ferritin, and also dialysis adequacy by Urea Reduction Rate [URR] in per cent were measured. All data were analyzed with SPSS software and categorized into mean +/- SD, correlations were carried out using Pearson Co-efficient Test. Total number of patients were 36 of whom 55.5% were male of latter 66.1% were over 40 years of age. Mean +/- SD of iPTH were 439.4 +/- 433 pg/mL, Hgb were 9 +/- 1.9 g/dL and Hct were 28.8 +/- 6.3% respectively. This study showed that there were reverse correlations between intact PTH with hematocrit and hemoglobin; and between alkaline phosphatase and Hgb, Hct [p<0.05 for all correlations]. Secondary hyperparathyroidism by itself can intensify anemia encountered in hemodialysis patients. This conclusion needs further attention to control hyperphosphatemia and parathormone hypersecretion for better management of anemia in hemodialysis patients