[Interaction of long term calorie restriction and aerobic training programs on serum and tissue concentrations of adiponectin in male obese rats]

Introduction: the aim of present study was to investigate the interaction of aerobic training and calorie restriction on levels of adiponectin isomers in serum and abdominal fat depots in obese male rats

Materials and Methods: forty-eight wistar male rats were used as the study sample. Blood and tissue samples were collected at the 1[st], 18[th] and 28[th] weeks. After baseline sampling, the remaining 40 rats were randomly divided into control and high-fat-diet groups. The high-fat-diet group received their regimen for 18 weeks and were then randomly divided into the negative energy balance [NEB] and high-fat-diet [HFD] subgroups. NEB group alternately underwent 25% calorie restriction or aerobic training [running] with an intensity of 70 to 75% of vo2max for 10 weeks

Results: compared to the standard diet, HFD feeding increased weight and decreased retroperitoneal adipose tissue adiponectin level at the 18[th] and 28[th] weeks [P<0.05]. In comparison to the HFD, group negative energy balance in obese male rats, caused weight control with significant increase in serum levels of total and high-molecular-weight adiponectin as well as adiponectin levels in retroperitoneal and mesenteric fat depots [P<0.05]. Also insulin resistance index in line with serum concentrations of insulin, glucose and triglycerides were decreased in negative energy balance, compared to the high-fat-diet group [P<0.05]

Conclusion: this study indicates that even with simultaneous consumption of high-fat-diet, combination of aerobic training and calorie restriction can increase concentrations of adiponectin in serum and abdominal fat depots of obese male rats, and aligned with it improves lipid and metabolic profiles

[Effect of Zataria multiflora boiss. essential oil on growth curve and shigatoxin 2 production of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7]

Zataria multiflora Boiss. is one of the Iranian traditional spices and it has antimicrobial effect on the pathogenic bacteria which are agents for some current foodborne intoxications. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential oil on Escherichia coil 0157:H7. Minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] of Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential oil [EO] for Escherichia coil 0157:H7 at 35°C, the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of EO on growth curve of bacteria up to 24 hours at 25 and 35°C and also production of shigatoxin 2 [Stx2], at 35°C has been determined. MIC and MBC of EO which have been evaluated were 0.04 and 0.06%, respectively the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of EO on bacterial growth curve during 24 hours has been determined by spectrophotometer device at 25 and 35°C and also production of shigatoxin 2 [Stx2], at 35°C has been determined. Subihibitory concentrations of EO, significantly, decreased the production of Stx2 at 35°C in a dose dependent manner. The results showed that Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential oil had inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and it can be used as a natural preservative in food industry

[Effect of vasectomy on sexual function in men]

Background and aim: Patients may show different sexual function following vasectomy. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of vasectomy on the sexual function in men

Methods: This clinical trial study was performed, on a total of 100 patients out of 120 patients who were voluntarily candidate for vasectomy surgery in Kashani hospital in Shahrekord, Iran from September 2006 to September 2008. The sexual functions of all candidates were evaluated using an International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF] questionnaire before and three months after the surgery. Pre and postoperative mean scores were analyzed for five domains of sexual function and data were compared with Wilcoxon test

Results: The mean age of the patients was 31.5+/-10.5 and average number of children per man was 4+/-5.6. The ages, of the children were between three months to twenty years. Our results showed that total mean score of the IIEF was 58.12 before the surgery and it was significantly changed to 63.59 after the procedure [P<0.001]. In general, 43 percent of patients improved their IIEF scores, while it was reduced in 41 percent of the patients and finally 16 percent of the candidates did not show any changes in the IIEF score following surgery. We found that from 5 sexual function domains, the candidates showed statistically significant improvement in sexual satisfaction, erectile function and orgasm

Conclusion: This study showed that vasectomy can have a positive impact on sexual function, especially on sexual satisfaction, erectile function and orgasm

Comparison efficacy of topical piroxicam gel and lidocaine with intravenous pethidine in reducing pain during Eswl

ESWL is a non-invasive method of breaking stones, using acoustic shock waves. Shock waves cause temporary deep visceral pain and discomfort in entry; therefore, administration of sedatives is necessary. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of topical lidocaine and piroxicam gel with intravenous pethidine in reducing pain during ESWL. This clinical trial study was performed on 159 patients who referred to Ayatollah Kashani Hospital in Shahrkord for ESWL in 2009. Patients were randomly divided into three-groups. For the first group, intravenous pethidine [0.5 mg/kg alone] was administered. The second group received topical piroxicam, and the third group received topical lidocaine in the area of flank for half an hour before ESWL. During the operation, those patients who had unbearable pain, received another 0.5 mg/kg of pethidine. Data was collected using MC Gill questionnaires and analyzed using the SPSS software, using parametric, nonparametric methods and Dunn's Multiple Comparisons tests. The mean of pain scores in the first group [pethidine] was 6.2 +/- 6.9 while these scores were 3.2 +/- 2 .7 and 3.9 +/- 3.1 for the second [piroxicam gel] and third group [lidocaine gel] respectively. The differences in the mean score of pain was significant in the pethidine group compared to the other groups [P <0.05]. The average pethidin consumption were 24 +/- 16 mg for the first group [pethidine], 10 +/- 13 mg for the second group [piroxicam gel], and 5 +/- 9 mg for the third group [lidocaine gel]. The mean difference was significant in pethidine treated group in comparison with other two groups [P < 0.05]. The use of topical piroxicam or lidocaine reduces pain in patients after ESWL It also reduces the need for sedative drugs

Continuous sciatic nerve block: compartive study between the parasacral, lateral, and anterior approaches for lower limb surgery

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ease and reliability of the anterior and lateral approaches to sciatic nerve block compared to the posterior parasacral approach, and their suitability for the specific factors in the patients, positions, and surgeries. Also, the insertion and usefulness of the continuous catheter technique was evaluated. The study was carried out on 120 patients, ASA I, II and III, of both genders, age range between 20 and 70 years, scheduled for orthopedic, general and vascular lower limb surgery. Patients were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double blind study. Patients were divided into three equal groups, 40 patients each. All the patients received femoral nerve block in addition to sciatic nerve block either parasacral [Posterior group], lateral [Lateral group] or anterior approach [Anterior group]. This was followed by continuous femoral and sciatic nerve blocks in the postoperative period. Patients were assessed as regards the time, duration and intensity of the sensory and motor blocks and also the postoperative analgesia offered by the continuous block. They were also assessed for the hemodynamic changes accompanied these blocks. Radiological study was made to demonestrate the spread of different volumes of the drugs alongside the course of the sciatic nerve. The posterior parasacral approach is the easiest technique to perform and used successfully even in obese patients, but difficult to be done, if at all, in patients with limited movement such as multi-pelvic fractures. The anterior approach was found to be the best for the patients in the supine position, with best results as regards patients' satisfaction and sensory and motor blocks. Only, it is a technique that needs high experience especially in obese patients. The lateral approach was the least performed technique especially its high approach. However, it is useful in patients in supine position, and gives the best results in thin patients. The technique showed to be extremely difficult in obese patients. The insertion of a catheter for continuous nerve block was easy. These blocks provided good or excellent postoperative analgesia for all patients in the different groups and facilitated early mobilization which helped in preventing the lower limb srugery-related morbidity and mortality

[Assessment of oral acetazolamide on postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

Carbon dioxide [Co2] is used during laparoscopy for producing pneumoperttoneum. Combination of this gas with irrigation fluid in the abdomen produces carbonic acid which creates two kinds of abdominal and referred pain to right shoulder. In the present research, we have studied the effect of oral acetazolamide in reducing postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This clinical trial was performed in 88 patients with cholelithiasis without any complication that were candidate for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patients devided randomly and equally in two groups. The experimental group received Acetazolamide [250 mg orally, 24 hours before surgery. every 8 hours] and control group recieved placebo. Abdominal and shoulder pain measured using McGill pain score by a person who was blind for both groups. Pain measurement was performed in four different times, before and after the surgery, discharge from recovery and 24 hours after surgery. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software. We observed that mean pain scores was significantly higher in acetazolamide group compared to the placebo group, 24 hours after the operation [P<0.05]. However; no significant changes were observed between groups in other times [P>0.05]. Although acetazolamide can reduce abdominal pain referred to right shoulder by reducing acidity in peritoneal irrigation fluid, but this drug can increase abdominal pain in the site of surgery with damaged tissues by producing tissue acidosis [as a side effect of drug]

[Buserelin inhibits apoptosis in male germ cells induced by busulfan in mouse testis]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of buserelin on apoptosis of male germ cells induced by busulfan in adult male mice. Male adult NMRI mice were divided into four group of eight each. Group 1 [control] administered PBS for 21 days subcutaneously, group 2 given 0.4 micro g buserelin for 21 days subcutaneously, group 3 given single dose of 30 mg/kg busulfan intraperitoneally and group 4 given both busulfan and buserelin for 21 days. The animals were sacrificed and their testes were dissected 35 days after the treatment. Evaluations were made by determining Johnson's score and apoptosis were assayed by terminal- deoxynucleotidyl- transferase-mediated dutp nick end labeling [TUNEL]. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA test. Recovery status and Johnson's score in group 4 were significantly higher than those of busulfan treated group 7.71 +/- 0.69 VS 4.46 +/- 0.56 [p< 0.001]. Apoptotic cells number cells were significantly more numerous in busulfan treated group than those of control 23.28 +/- 7.10 VS 3.54 +/- 1.02 [p<0.001]. While buserelin substantially reduced germ cell apoptosis in fourth group 10.50 +/- 2.91 in comparison with third group 23.28 +/- 7.10, [p<0.001]. Administration of buserelin after testicular damage by busulfan enhances the regeneration of spermatogenesis in mouse through inhibition of apoptosis in germ cells

[Effect of fibroblastic growth factor on resumption of meiosis, in vitro maturation and embryo development of immature mouse oocytes]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fibroblastic growth factor on resumption of meiosis, in vitro maturation of immature mouse oocytes and resulting embryo development with and without basic fibroblastic growth factor-4 [bFGF-4].Cumulus - oocyte complex [COCs] and germinal vesicle [GV] were obtained from female NMRI mice 46-48 hours after administration of an intra-peritoneal injection of 5 IU PMSG. COCs were cultured in TCM199 supplemented with different dosages of bFGF-4. After 24 hours, metaphase II [MII] oocytes were co-incubated with sperms for 4-6 hours in 16 medium. For all groups, the rate of cleaved embryos was assessed in the T6 medium until blastocyst stage. In all compared groups, the percentage of matured MII oocytes in the 10 ng/ml [%94.4] and 20 ng/ml [%92.5] of bFGF-4 treatment groups, was significantly higher [P<0.05] than those of the control group but the percentage of embryos that developed to blastocyst in 20 ng/ml bFGF-4 treatment group was significantly higher than those of the control group [P<0.05]. Exogenous bFGF-4 improved the oocyte maturation and embryo development

Comparison of the effects of desmopressin and pethedin in treatment of acute renal colic

Renal colic pain is a problem in emergency rooms and for some out-patients. Narcotic drugs are the drugs of choice for pain relief in these patients, but possible abuse, inaccessibility and some complications limit their usage. Recently desmopressin drop has been proposed as an analgesic. This drug is used by nasal route and has physiologic effects for pain relief in renal colic. In this study, we compare the analgesic effects of this drug with pethedin, one of the drugs of choice in renal colic. Sixty-eight renal colic patients [43 men, 25 women] were randomly divided into two equal groups. The first group was treated with 25 mg intramuscular pethedin and the second group treated with 40 micro g intranasal desmopressin. Pain intensity was measured at admission. 10 and 30 minutes after the drug administration with McGill pain questionnaire. Pethedin resulted in a decrease of pain from 12.7 +/- 0.6 to 10.1 +/- 0.5 at 10 minutes and to 2.9 +/- 0.5 at 30 minutes after the drug administration, desmopressin caused a decrease of pain from 11.5 +/- 2.8 to 10.1 +/- 0.6 at 10 minutes and 9.5 +/- 0.5 at 30 minutes after the drug administration. The difference was significant [p<0.01]. The results of this study revealed that desmopressin is not effective for pain relief and pethedin is a drug of choice for renal colic

[ morphologic and morphometric study of adult mouse testis following different doses of busulfan administration]

Anti-cancer drugs have adverse effects on spermatogenesis. Therefore, information on their role for the prevention of germinal epithelium destruction is necessary. The aim of this study was morphologic and morphometric evaluations of testes, measurement of volume and volume density of testes parameters, measurement of tubular diameters, germ and somatic cell counts following administration of different doses of busulfan in adult mice. In the present study, 42 male NMRI mice aged 6-8 weeks were used. The animals were divided into 5 groups. Case groups received a single dose of busulfan by intraperitoneal injection as 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg in the first, second, third and forth groups respectively. The control group received only the solvent for busulfan. All the animals were killed 35 days after treatment and their testes were dissected out and processed for light microscope studies. Then morphometric studies were performed on testicular parameters. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test and p values less than 0.05 were considered significant Busulfan administration in 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg doses significantly reduced most morphometric parameters in testes with a maximum effect in the 40 mg/kg group. Volumes of testes, tubules and germinal epithelia were decreased significantly in the experiment groups [p<0.05] however, the volume of interstitial tissue increased [p<0.05]. Tubular diameters and thickness of epithelia were also decreased in the experiment groups. Number of germ cells was reduced, but number of sertoli cells was not affected. The number of leydig cells were not affected in 10 and 20 mg/kg busulfan treated groups, however in the 40 mg/kg treated group they were increased significantly [p<0.003]. In 5 mg/kg treated group there were no significant differences in morphologic and morphometric studies. Busulfan could reduce testicular parameters and disrupt spermatogenesis through affecting both germ and somatic cells in a dose dependent manner. Therefore, the side effects of busulfan on spermatogenesis should be considered during cancer therapies

Predicting solasodine content in solanum nigrum L. a statistical model

Steroidal alkaloids are usually classified with other alkaloids as the former are similar in structure but they resemble biosynthetically with terpenoids. The nitrogen is incorporated therein from ammonia or ammonium compounds. The application of nitrogen, therefore, could enhance the uptake of nitrogen and in turn the yield of Solasodine in the fruits of Solanum nigrum L. The correlation studies between the leaf-nitrogen content and the Solasodine content of the fruits of S. nigrum were made in three pot experiments. The nitrogen was estimated in leaves and Solasodine in fruits at different stages of growth using spectrophotometric methods. A statistical model for the prediction of the alkaloid the at the early stages of growth [85 days after sowing] by estimating the nitrogen content in the leaves is hereby proposed. If leaf-N at early stage of growth predicts the low value of fruit-Solasodine, the corrective measures, like top-dressing or foliar spray could be employed immediately, for higher yield

Effect of diazinon on acetyl cholinesterase activity in mice pretreated with medetomidine.

Because of the protective action of medetomidine against diazinon poisoning, the effect of diazinon on acetylcholinesterase activity and the extent of its inhibition were studied in mice pretreated with medetomidine. Diazinon [37.5 and 75 mg/kg, orally] in a dose-dependent manner significantly inhibited the activity of pseudocholinesterase in the plasma and true acetylcholinesterase in the erythrocytes and brain, in comparison with control values. Medetomidine at 0.3 mg/kg, subcutaneously significantly decreased the enzyme activity in the erythrocytes and brain by 29 and 21%, respectively. Diazinon [75 mg/kg] did not significantly affect the extent of cholinesterase inhibition in the plasma, erythrocytes and brain of mice pretreated with medetomidine at 0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg. The results suggest that diazinon does not increase acetylcholinesterase inhibition in mice pretreated with medetomidine, and medetomidine may in turn prevent the irreversible inhibition of the enzyme by the insecticide diazinon