Selective toxicity of Caspian cobra (Naja oxiana) venom on liver cancer cell mitochondria

Objective To explore the cytotoxicity effects of Caspian cobra (Naja oxiana or N. oxiana) venom on hepatocytes and mitochondria obtained from the liver of HCC rats. Methods In this study, HCC was induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN), as an initiator, and 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF), as a promoter. Rat liver hepatocytes and mitochondria for evaluation of the selective cytotoxic effect of N. oxiana venom were isolated and mitochondria and cellular parameters related to apoptosis signaling were then determined. Results Our results showed a raise in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, swelling in mitochondria, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) collapse and release of cytochrome c after exposure of mitochondria only isolated from the HCC group with the crude venom of the N. oxiana (12.5, 25, and 50 μg/mL). This crude venom also induced caspase-3 activation (P < 0.001) in the hepatocytes obtained only from the HCC rat liver. Conclusions Based on the over all results, we suggested that N. oxiana may be considered as a promising complementary therapeutic agent for the treatment of HCC.

[ vibroacoustic stimulation test diagnostic value in predictingfetal distress]

Considering the importance of diagnosing fetal distress and knowing diagnostic methods with minimum cost and time and high diagnostic value, this study was performed to evaluate the vibroacoustic stimulation test [VAST] value in predicting fetal distress in women in active phase of labor, reffering to Motazedi hospital, Kermanshah, 2004.This clinical trial study was carried out on women in active phase of labor [dilatation >3-4], full term, single fetus, cephalic presentation, without previous diseases and also abnormal fetus. At first FHR was monitored for 15 minutes, then vibroacoustic stimulation was done for 3 seconds using an artificial larynx of Seimens Servox with high - pitch intensity equal to 105 dB. Results were recorded as non reactive and reactive FHR [twice 15 beats acceleration for 15 seconds]. Other variables such as type of delivery, 1 and 5 minutes Apgar, meconium passing and nuch cord were documented. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and diagnostic value test. Age of women was 25.2 +/- 5.8, number of pregnancy 1.94 +/- 1.33 and 51.8% of them had one pregnancy. FHR before VAST was 61.1% reactive and 26.3% suspicious and after VAST 60.8% reactive and 5.3% suspicious. In VAST method sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic value were 88.3%, 70% and 75.5% respectively and in nonVAST method 68.3%, 66.5%, 23.6%.This study showed that VAST can assist to reduce suspicious cases of FHR. The prognostic value of VAST in predicting fetal distress was high. It is recommended to cany out further researches about duration and intensity of sound and using periodic FHR