[Effect of cholestasis on Dynamin-Related Protein 1 [Drpl] gene expression in rat liver]

Background and Aim: Cholestasis is characterized by impaired bile flow, which can cause accumulation of bile acids in the liver and development of metabolic disorders, resulting in hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis. Mitochondria are a critical cellular organelle that produces most of the cellular energy. Mitochondrial morphology varies from an interconnected filamentous network to isolated dots. This processes are called mitochondrial fission and fusion. Disrupted mitochondrial morphology has been observed in cholestatic liver disease. Dynamin related protein 1 is one of the genes involved in mitochondrial fission and plays a role in apoptosis. In this study we investigated Drpl gene expression in the liver of cholestatic rats

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, male Wistar rats [290+/-25g] were divided into three groups of control [non-operated], sham [operated without common bile duct ligation] and BDL [operated with common bile duct ligation]. On the 28[th] day of BDL, rats were weighed and sacrificed. Biochemical assays for measurement of bilirubin level and liver enzymes, and also dissection of liver tissue for histopathological analysis were performed. Drpl gene expression was evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR technique

Results: The results showed that serum levels of total bilirubin and liver enzymes [ALT, AST, ALK] were significantly increased in BDL group compared to those in the control and sham operation groups [P<0.0001 and P<0.001]. Histological examination revealed bile ductular hyperplasia, focal liver necrosis and fibrous tissue expansion in BDL group. The result of RT-PCR indicated significant increase of Drpl gene expression in the liver of the rats in BDL group compared to that in the other groups [P<0.001

Conclusion: In this study we found that liver cholestasis increased expression of Drpl gene which led to increased mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic effect with resultant liver cell death

Evaluation of the analgesic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Cinnamomum in rats

Background and Aim: There have been reports of beneficial effects of Cinnamomum extract on the respiratory disorders, digestive problems, menstrual pain and inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Cinnamomum in rats by using plantar test

Material and Methods: Wistar male rats were divided into six groups [n=8] randomly

The rats received either hydroalcoholic extract of Cinnamomum [200, 400, mg/kg] alone, or in combination with naloxone or flumazenil intraperitoneally and after 30, 60 and 90 min, the analgesic effects of the extracts was assessed by means of plantar test

Results: The results showed that injection of hydroalcoholic extract of Cinnamomum [400mg/kg, ip] increased significantly the time delay in response to thermal pain inducing effect in pain model of plantar test at 60 [P <0.05] and 90 [P <0.01] min after injection compared to the control group. In addition, we found no significant differences between experimental and control groups in relation to the analgesic effect of 400 mg/kg of Cinnamomum extract, with naloxone or flumazenil and the analgesic effect of Cinnamomum extract was blocked

Conclusion: Our findings confirmed the analgesic effect of Cinnamomum extract

Considering the effects of flumazenil and naloxone on inhibition of the Cinnamomum analgesia, it seems that opioidergic and GABAergic pathways may be involved in the mechanism of Cinnamomum analgesic effect

Effect of selegiline on liver cholestasis induced by bile duct ligation in rat

Background and Aim: Liver has a major role in protection of human against various toxins and drugs

Cholestasis can be defined as impairment of the bile flow which can lead to increased oxidant stress, hepatocyte damage and finally cirrhosis

Selegiline is commonly used in management of Parkinsoris disease

It has neuroprotective, antiapoptic and antioxidant properties

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of selegiline on liver cholestasis induced by bile duct ligation [BDL] in the rats

Material and Methods: 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups [IF= 6] including saline, sham + saline, BDL + saline, BDL + Selegiline [0.15 mg/kg] and Selegiline [0.15 mg/kg]

Under general anesthesia and sterile condition, laparatomy was done, and bile duct was ligated. After 14 days, liver function tests, serologic tests and serum TNF-alpha were performed for all groups after taking blood samples. The results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA

Results: The results of the this study showed that selegiline significantly increased Alb, AST, ALT and ALP in BDL selegiline group compared to BDL+ saline. Also, when compared to saline group, selegiline significantly increased PT

Conclusion: Selegiline in cholestatic rat model did not show a protective effect on the liver cells and in some cases exacerbated the symptoms

Reports of adverse drug reactions [ADR] and their related factors in ADR unite of Food and Drug administration Department of Kurdistan Province in 2013 and 2014

Background and Aim: Adverse drug reactions [ADR] impose costs on the health care system and affect public health. Identification, assessment and prevention of adverse drug reactions are effective fectors which can influence social health indices

Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 133 outpatient and inpatient reports of adverse drug reactions were investigated in Kurdistan Province hospitals between 2013 and 2014. The data included demographic characteristics, type, form, route of administration, type of drug side effects and final outcome. Data were analyzed by chi-square multi response test. P<0.05 was considered significant

Results: Our results showed that the most common complications were dermatologic and respiratory reactions due to injectable forms of the drugs and antibiotics were the most common drugs which caused adverse drug reactions

The frequency of adverse drug reactions was higher in the women and these reactions were more common between 40 and 50 years of age. Most cases of adverse drug reactions were reported from Sanandaj and Saqez Cites

Conclusion: It seems that training programs about ADRs for healthcare workers and avoidance of unnecessary injections can lead to decreased incidence of ADRs