Gestational exposure to silymarin increases susceptibility of BALB/C mice fetuses to apoptosis

Background: silymarin is a flavonolignan that has been the subject of research to evaluate the beneficial properties for decades. Silymarin has been known for its potent cytoprotective, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities. The goal of the present study was to gain a deeper understanding of possible molecular mechanisms of apoptosis of the injuries induced by silymarin on BALB/c mice fetuses

Methods: the present experimental study was carried out in virgin female BALB/c mice. The animals were divided randomly into 4 groups. Three test groups were injected intraperitoneally with silymarin at doses of 50, 100 and 200mg/kg/day during gestational days 6-15. The control group received the solvent by the same route at equivalent volume. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the levels of caspase-3 and caspase-8 in fetal heart, kidney, lungs and brain tissue

Results: the results of this study showed that silymarin administration during organogenesis at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg can significantly increase the protein levels of caspase-3 and 8 in heart, kidneys and brain tissues of mice fetuses compared with control group [p<0.001]. Silymarin exposure could not change the level of apoptotic markers in fetal lung tissue

Conclusion: according to the results, programmed cell death, especially via the intrinsic pathway, plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of silymarin-induced malformations in some tissue including heart, kidneys and brain. More studies are needed to determine other molecular mechanisms underlying silymarin- induced embryo toxicity

Human visceral leishmaniasis: a serological survey in rural areas of Dashti district of Bushehr province, Southern Iran

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis [VL] or kala-azar is a parasitic disease caused by the species of Leishmania donovani complex. Mediterranean type of the disease is endemic in some parts of Iran and more than 95% of cases were reported in children up to 12 years of age. This study was performed to determine the seroprevalence of VL in the rural areas of the Dashti district from Bushehr province

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a randomized cluster sampling method was used for the collection of blood samples from children up to 12 years old from rural areas of Dashti district. Before sampling; a questionnaire was filled out for each case. All the collected blood samples were examined after the serum separating by Direct Agglutination Test [DAT] for detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. The cutoff titers of >/=1: 3200 with specific clinical features were supposed to be considered as VL

Results: Altogether, 24 out of 1221 [1.96%] blood samples showed titers between 1:800 and 1:1600 which considered as suspicious cases. None of the suspicious cases had a history of kala-azar. None of 1221 collected blood samples showed anti Leishmania infantum [L. infantum] at titer >/=1:3200

Conclusion: This study confirms the circulation of L. infantum in Dashti district and highlights the sporadic pattern of VL in the studied areas which necessitates the surveillance system to be monitored by health authorities

[Effects of tail fat enriched diet on male Wistar rat reproductive system]

Background and Aim: Male infertility is increasing worldwide. There is now emerging evidence that nutritional status is regarded as a critical determinant of normal reproductive function. Hence, today, the role of dietary nutrition has attracted the attention of researchers. Thus, the present study was conducted to elucidate the effects of tail fat [TF] enriched diet on male rat reproductive function

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three equal groups and were fed with either standard diet [control] or standard diet enriched with 10 % of TF oil or standard diet enriched with 20% TF for 5 consecutive months. Finally, the rats were euthanized, the weights of their bodies, and their testes were measured. Then, the testes were dissected and the sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin for quantitative histopathological examination. Besides, blood samples were collected for testosterone [T] assessment

Results: Compared to the control group, the rats fed with a diet enriched with 20% TF had significantly [P

Conclusion: It was clearly found that excessive and long term intake of TF can be causative of hypogonadism and increase infertility in male rats

[Effects of Jujuba essential oil on hair follicle of the skin of Balb/c mice]

Background and Aim: This study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of jujube seed oil on the hair follicle in BALB/c mice

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male BALB/c mice [2.5 months of age] were used. A 4 cm[2] of the back of animal's body shaved with wax. The mice were then divided into five groups [n=8]. The first three groups received Jujube oil concentrations 5%, 10% and 15%, respectively. The fourth and fifth groups were selected as the base and sham control groups, respectively. The animals received topical treatment of jujuba seed oil for 12 day. Base and control groups received Ocerin and water respectively. After passing 12 day, back skin of animals was shaved again by wax and the treatment was repeated again for further 12 days. At 13[th] day the animals were sacrificed and samples were collected and tissue processing and staining were performed. Data were analyzed by the ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests with the 22[th] version of SPSS software

Results: This study showed that mean number of hair follicles in the skin of 5% jujuba essence treated group [37.75+/-6.6], 10% jujuba [42.75+/-8.3], 15% jujuba [41.25+/-6.2] was meaningful higher than the base [18.50+/-3.1] and sham [15+/-2.1] groups. Furthermore, we also showed that the number of hair papilla, fibroblast cells and collagen fibers were increased in the treatment groups as compared with the control groups

Conclusion: Based on our study, Jujube essential oil can have very positive effects on improving hair growth and can be used for hair losing clinical trial

[Repairing effects of Iran flora on wound healing]

The skin is the largest and the heaviest organ in the human body which, in addition to its important roles in the protection, waste removal, and contribution to vitamin D synthesis. As an important sensory organ, it can play a major role in the maintenance of homeostasis in the body. Total loss of the skin integrity can cause harms and diseases that lead to physical disability and even death. Therefore, one of the main problem faced by medical science so far, is the question of wound healing in the shortest possible time and with minimal side effects. Increasing the wound healing rate leads to positive financial and health results. Thus, several studies on new therapeutic techniques such as use of chemical drugs, herbal medication and homeopathy have been done. Moreover, physical methods such as laser therapy and other treatments have been constantly improving. In recent decades, the use of herbal medicine, as an effective method, has been progressing in most countries including Iran. In the traditional medicine of Iran various methods of using plants for the treatment of diseases are common. This is actually justifiable due to the geographic diversity of the flora in Iran. In the present paper the effectivity of the cut healing properties of some medicinal herbs in Iran is discussed

[Novel advancements in wound healing]

Maintaining skin integrity is vital in humans and animals to protect the organisms against dehydration, bleeding, and ingress of microorganisms. In order to do this, in Man and other evolved animals a sophisticated mechanism of wound healing occurs. At first the gap is quickly filled with a thin layer of fibrinous exudate, re-epithelialized, and rapidly replaced by new matrix. It is obvious that the speed of wound healing depends upon many factors such as the size of the wound, blood supply to the area, presence or absence of foreign bodies and microorganisms, age, health and nutritional status of the patient of the patient. Acute and chronic wounds care has extremely changed in recent years. Recenly, some traditional medications] honey and other herbal medications [and new procedures are available that can be used to accelerate the healing of skin wounds. In the present article the most novel advances made in wound care and management in recent years were reviewed

Ischiorectal Block with Bupivacaine for Post Hemorrhoidectomy Pain

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoid is one of the most common surgical diseases occurring in the anorectal region. In this study, we evaluated the effect of ischiorectal fossa block on alleviating post hemorrhoidectomy pain. METHODS: In this study, 90 patients suffering from hemorrhoids were evaluated. They were randomly divided into 3 groups. The first group had no block, the second group an ischiorectal block with placebo (normal saline), and the third group a preemptive ischiorectal block with bupivacaine. Postoperative variables such as pain intensity, pethidine consumption, nausea, and vomiting were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The postoperative pain score in group 1 was 8.5 +/- 1.3 and 8.1 +/- 0.9 (P = NS) in group 2. The post operative analgesic demand was 3.1 +/- 1.5 and 3.3 +/- 1.8 hours in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = NS). The post operative pain score and analgesic demand were 4.2 +/- 2.1 and 9.3 +/- 2.7 hours, respectively, in group 3 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive ischiorectal block reduces the posthemorrhoidectomy pain and opioid demand.

Preventive effect of vitamin B6 on developmental toxicity of carbamazepine in mice

Carbamazepine [CBZ] is an antiepileptic drug that is used widely for the treatment of epileptic seizures. Neural tube defects [NTDs], growth retardation, and nail hypoplasia are the most common features of teratogenic effects of this drug. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of vitamin B6 on the developmental toxicity of CBZ on mice. Sixty BALB/c pregnant mice were divided into four experimental and two control groups. Two experimental groups received daily intraperitoneal [IP] of 30 mg/kg [I] or 60 mg/kg [II] of CBZ on gestational days [GD] 6 to 15. Two other experimental groups received daily IP injection of 30 mg/kg [III] or 60 mg/kg [IV] of CBZ with 10 mg/kg/day vitamin B6 by gavage 10 days prior to gestation and on GD 6 to 15. Two control groups received normal saline or Tween 20. Dams underwent Cesarean section on GD 18 and embryos were harvested. External/ macroscopic observation of fetuses was done by stereomicroscope and external examination for malformations was recorded. Data analyzed by ANOVA and X[2] test using SPSS software. The mean weight and crown-rump of the fetuses in both CBZ-treated experimental groups were significantly reduced compared with those of the control groups. Various malformations were detected such as brachygnathia, eye malformations, NTDs, vertebral deformity, brachydactyly and growth retardation. Vitamin B6 treatment significantly reduced various CBZ-induced malformations. This study showed that vitamin B6 has a preventive effect on the developmental toxicity of CBZ in mice that can be pursued further for clinical research

[Cervicogenic headache - a case report]

Cervicogenic headache [CEH] is a chronic, hemicranial pain syndrome in which the sensation of pain originates in the cervical spine or soft tissues of the neck and is referred to the head. Cervicogenic headache is a relatively common but often overlooked disorder. There is sufficient evidence to support this category and the existing diagnostic criteria are adequate. The purpose of this case report was to describe an intervention approach consisting of release and muscle energy techniques for an individual with cervicogenic headache. Clinical examination revealed myofacial trigger points in trapezius, sternocliedomastoid and upper cervical spine erectors. Visual analogue scale [VAS] identified severe pain. Range of flexion and rotation was reduced. Complete pain relief was seen following three times treatment sessions. The results indicating definite diagnosis and appropriate treatment of cervicogenic headache

Teratogenic effects of gabapentin on the skeletal system of balb/C mice fetuses

To evaluate the effects of gabapentin [GBP] administration on mice fetuses. This study was carried out in Birjand University of Medical Sciences during 2008. Thirty Balb/c pregnant mice were divided randomly into 3 groups: 2 experimental groups that received 25 mg/kg [I] and 50 mg/kg [II] of GBP intraperitoneally for the first 15 days of pregnancy, and a control group that received normal saline. External observations of day 18 fetuses and skeleton double staining were performed. Both experimental groups showed similar disorders that can be categorized as the following: 1] decrease of fetal body weight and increase of fetal resorption, 2] macroscopic malformations, and 3] skeletal malformations. Fetal body weights were significantly lower, and fetus resorptions were significantly higher in both treated groups compared to the control group. Macroscopic malformations included exencephaly, limbs defects, brachygnathia, vertebral column deformity, and fetuses with severe retarded growth. Skeletal malformations included delayed ossification, scoliosis, calvaria deformity, and mandibular hypoplasia. This study revealed that GBP can induce previously unreported severe malformations if it is used continuously during the implantation, neurulation, and organogenesis stages of pregnancy. Therefore, it is suggested that great caution should be exercised in using GBP during the early stages of pregnancy until further studies are performed to better understand these effects

Eye malformations induced by carbamazepine in mice

Neural tube defects, growth retardation and nail hypoplasia are most common features of teratogenic effects of carbamazepine. This study was done to determine the effects of carbomazepine on eye development in Mice fetuses. In this experimental study 40 BALB/c pregnant Mice were divided into four groups. Experimental groups I and II received 15 mg/kg daily 6-15 GD [gestational days] and 30 mg/kg daily 6-15 GD intraperitoneal of carbamazepine, respectively. All drugs recolved in Tween20. Two control groups received normal saline or Tween 20. Dams were dissected on GD18 and embryos were collected. After observation of eye malformation in fetuses, we employed routine histological processes to stain the samples and also skeletal staining was performed. Calvaria deformations, finger anomalies, brachygnathia and short tail in experimental groups I and II were 7% and 10.8%, 13.3% and 16.6%, 7.8% and 11.7%, 10.2% and 9.2% respectively. Ten of fetuses [8.6%] in experimental group I and nine of fetuses [7.5%] in the experimental group II had eye malformations. Premature opening of one or both eyes with mild to severe exophthalmos occurred in both of the experimental groups. Also, histological examination showed deformed lens, retinal folds with undeveloped layers, corneal fold with absence of surface epithelium. This study revealed that administration of carbamazepine during embryunic period can induce eye malformations in Mice fetuses

Epidemiologic aspects of neural tube defects in South East Iran

To investigate the rate of neural tube defects [NTDs] and their relation to gender, maternal age, consanguineous marriage, season, and drug consumption in Birjand, Iran. This research was carried out on 16,785 live or stillborn newborns in Birjand, Iran from April 1997 to December 2001. The rate of NTDs was 2.97 per 1000. This rate was 1.97 per 1000 in males, and 3.55 per 1000 in females. The rate of anencephaly was 1.37 per 1000, and spina bifida was 0.88 per 1000. We found that 32% of mothers with affected newborns had taken drugs during the first trimester of pregnancy, 90% of mothers did not consume folate before and during the first trimester, and 54% of parents had consanguineous marriage. We concluded that folate deficiency, usage of drugs during pregnancy, and consanguineous marriage may play a role of predisposition to NTD