Identification of Helicobacter spp. in gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and hepatobiliary system of stray cats

The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of Helicobacter species in different parts of gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary system and pancreas of stray cats. Six different sites at the level of genus, gastric [H. heilmannii and H. felis] and enterohepatic species of Helicobacter were investigated in six cats using species-specific primers by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. Interestingly, DNA of enterohepatic spp. was detected in 1/6 duodenum, 2/6 colon and 1/6 pancreas specimens. Results of sequencing revealed that all of these four positive samples belong to Helicobacter canis. While cats have not been considered as a potential zoonotic danger for non-pylori Helicobacter infections, the results of current study show prompt re-evaluation of that view. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study about distribution of Helicobcater spp. in gastrointestinal tract of cats

[Antifertility effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of mentha pulegium leaves in adult male rats]

Extensive supply of herbal products in today's societies in normal diet or as medications necessitates conduction of toxicological, histological, and hormonal studies. Awareness of the effects of medicinal plants and their inclusion in the diet can contribute to reproductive health. Since Mentha pulegium is widely used in pharmaceutical and food industries due to its strong fragrance and beneficial therapeutic effects, this study examined the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium leaves on the function of pituitary-testicular axis. In this experimental study, 40 male rats of Wistar strain weighing about 190 220 g were divided into five groups of eight. The control group received nothing, the sham group received distilled water and ethanol, and the experimental groups received 400, 800, and 1600 mg/kg b.w. hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium leaves intraperitoneally. The experiment period was 28 days. In this study, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], and luteinizing hormone [LH] levels showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. Furthermore, the number of spermatozoa and Leydig cells had declined in the experimental groups receiving the high dose of the extract. Histological examinations also revealed extensive degenerative changes in the germinal epithelium and spermatogenesis arrest in the experimental groups receiving the high dose of the extract. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium leaves in low dose had a significant decreasing effect on plasma total testosterone, FSH, and LH levels. The effects of this extract on histological changes of testis were dose-related

Determining anatomic thyroid indices of adult population in city of Isfahan

The aim of this study was to determine the normal anatomic indices of thyroid glands in adult population of Isfahan. In this descriptive study, 250 postmortem thyroid glands were examined. During autopsy, the thyroid glands were excised carefully and the weight and volume of glands and their lobes were measured. Then all portions were examined visually with a magnifying glass looking for gross pathologic lesions. The specimen was also examined by palpation and homogenous glands were selected for the study.The data were analyzed using SPSS software and independent T-Test and ANOVA, and divided into four distinct age groups [19-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50-64 years old] in both sex groups. In this postmortem project, the thyroid glands of 152 men and 29 women were studied. Total mean thyroid weight and volume were 15.5 +/- 5 gr and 15.8 +/- 5 ml respectively [Table 1 and Fig. 1].Mean thyroid right lobe length, width and thickness were 4.4 +/- 0/8 cm, 2.5 +/- 0.5cm and 1.2±0.3cm respectively, the same parameters for left lobe were 4.3 +/- 0/8 cm, 2.3 +/- 0.5cm, and 1.2±0.3cm, respectively. Mean thyroid weight were higher in men comparing with women [p<0/05], except in 40-49 age group. Mean thyroid volume and weight tend to increase with age in men [p<0.05] but not in women [Table 2 and Fig. 2]. The results of our study seem to be similar with those countries in which iodine deficiency has been compensated. Because of presence of differences between the results of autopsy study and those of sonography study, these two different studies should be repeated synonymously in our country until we reach a standard basis for thyroid anatomic indexes which could be applied in next therapeutic iodine supplementary programs