Comparison between oxidative stress [8-OhdG, MDA] and atherogenic risk [AIP] factors in type 2 diabetics and healthy people: a case-control study

Background and Aim: Oxidative stress and atherogenic dyslipidemia are the main complications in type 2 diabetics. The present study aimed at comparing between serum 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] and atherogenic index plasma [ARP] levels in type 2 diabetics and normal people

Materials and Methods: In this study the relevant data of 50 type 2 diabetics ,who had referred to Emam Reza educational hospital and serum samples of random 50 healthy subjects, aged 27-70 yrs, was collected

The levels of 8-OHdG, AIP, and MDA in type II diabetics were measured by means of ELISA and TBARS, respectively. Their lipid profiles and plasma autherogenic indices were assessed through an autoanalyser

Results: The case and control groups were homogenized regarding some demographic components such as age and gender .It was found that serum levels of 8OHdG,MDA, and AIP were significantly higher in the patients compared to the healthy controls ,aged 27-70 yrs [P<0.05, r=0.31]. But, no significant relationship was found between 8OHdG and MDA [P=0.91, r=0.02]

The high rate of lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation in type II diabetics can reveal outstanding oxidative stress predisposing them to CVDs complications

Conclusion: The lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation in diabetic patients were indicated high oxidative stress in these patients, which can cause post complications such as cardiovascular disease

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

[Evaluation of oxidative stress and homocysteine level in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a case-control study]

Background and Aim: Along with the development of cardiac diagnostic procedures, new risk factors, such as homocysteine role in cardiovascular disease, have been proposed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of homocysteine and total antioxidant capacity in patients with acute myocardial infarction compared with the control group

Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 45 patients with myocardial infarction admitted to Vali-e-asr hospital in Birjand and 45 healthy people matched with the case group. Total antioxidant capacity applying FRAP method and homocysteine levels were measured using ELISA. The obtained data was analyzed by means of SPSS software at the significant level P <0.05

Results: There was no statistically significant difference in terms of age, sex, body mass index, lipid profile and fasting blood glucose between two groups. Total antioxidant capacity in case and control groups, respectively 837.86+/-175.07 and 981.91+/-276.57 micro mol/L and average level of homocysteine in the case and control groups, 15.77+/-8.09 and 12.19+/-6.75 respectively. Statistical analysis showed that the antioxidant capacity in the patient group was significantly lower than the control group [P=0.004] and no significant difference in the levels of homocysteine in both groups [P = 0.11]

Conclusion: The study showed that oxidative stress and low antioxidant capacity can be associated with the pathogenesis of MI; and more studies are required to confirm the relationship between homocysteine and cardiovascular disease

[Composition evaluation of the tallow and meat fatty acids of the cattle and determining their atherogenesis and thrombogenesisindexes in South Khorasan Province]

Background and Aim: Animal solid lipids contain considerable saturated and trans acids fats which are the risk factors for lipidemia and as a result, predispose men to cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the present study aimed at determining the fatty acid profiles of tallow and meat of the cattle in different places of South Khorasan Province and assessing their decisive effects on the occurrence of cadovascular diseases

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study. 5 samples of meat and tallow from the cattles' abattoirs in Birjand, Boshroyeh, Ferdows, Ghaen, and Nehbandan cities [i.e. from50 samples of 25 oxen.] were gatheredd and frozen. The samples were frozen at -80oc. Then, the fats were separated from the samples, hydolized, and methylated. Then, the type and percent of each fatty acid were designated taking their respective retention time and standard peak into account. Atherogenesity and thrombogenisity features of the samples were accounted based on the fatty acid profile. Finally, statistical analysis of the obtained data was done by SAS software

Results: Analysis of the gathered data revealed that the levels of saturated fatty acids were not differet between meat and tallow except for stearic acid. The percent of this acid was 18.2% higher in tallow in comparison with meat. The higher amount of monounsaturated fatty acid was observed in the meat than tallow [p<0.05]. The amount of polyunsaturated fatty acid, omega-6, and omega-3 fatty acids did not differ between meat and tallow. The percent of trans-fatty acid was lower in meat than in tallow [p<0.05]. The hypocholesterolemic fatty acid was higher in the meat

Conclusion: It was found that the sum of trans and stearic fatty acids was more in tallow. The hypocholesterolemic fatty acids levels were higher in the meat in the whole province. The cattle's meat had lower atherogenetic and thrombogenetic properties compared with the animals' fat. The consumed cattle's meat and fat in the province appear to have a proper condition

[Microscopic isolation and characterization of free living amoebae [FLA] from surface water sources.in Birjand, the capital city of the South Khorasan]

Background and Aim: Free living amoebae [FLA] are amphizoic protozoa that are widely found in various environmental sources. They are known to cause serious infections in human and animal nervous systems. The aim of the current study was to determine the presence of Acanthamoeba spp in surface water sources in Birjand city employing microscopic culture analysis based on morphology features of the amoebae

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 samples of surface water sources in Birjand city including parks pools, public squares, waterfronts, and water stations were collected and transferred to the laboratory and were passed through nitrocellulose filter paper. The remained elements in the filters were cultured on non-nutrient agar [NNA] with 100microl Escherichia coli suspension. After a few weeks of using morphological features, the amoeba grown were identified

Results: Out of the total of 50 samples cultured on non-nutrient agar [NNA], 19 [38%] samples were morphologically polluted with Acanthamoeba spp,. In 2 samples [4%] a colony of Vahlkampfiidae were observed

Conclusion: The results indicated that a significant percentage of surface water sources in Birjand city was contaminated with Acanthamoeba spp. It is necessary for physicians, therefore, to take into account the diseases caused by these infectious agents. Besides, local regional health professionals should take into consideration the potential role of surface stagnant water sources in transferring these infectious agents. Placing warning signs in areas contaminated with these infectious agents seems a useful measure

[Effect of Kombucha tea on blood sugar and blood lipid profiles in diabetic rats: short communication]

Background and Aim: Kombucha tea is made through fermentation of sweet tea by Kombucha fungus. It has beneficial therapeutic effects in the treatment of many diseases. The present study aimed at examining the effect of Kombucha tea extract on blood sugar and blood lipid profiles in diabetes

Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight Wistar rats weighing about 250g were divided into 4 equal groups and then injected intraperitoneally [IP] with alloxan to induce diabetes. The administered concentrations were 20 and 80 mg/kg of Kombucha tea and 20 mg/kg of black ordinary tea for one month. The rats' blood sugar and weight were tested before and after the intervention period but blood lipid parameters per either administration were also assessed at the end of the period

Results: Mean blood sugar in the diabetic rats receiving Kombucha tea was reduced. Maximum reduction in blood sugar was observed in the group receiving Kombucha tea with concentration of 80 mg/kg. However, black tea significantly reduced blood sugar

Conclusion: Kombucha tea consumption for a month only reduced blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. But increased the weight and not have favorable effects on lipid profile