Effect of Zataria multiflora Extract on Total and Differential White Blood Cell Count and Endothelin Level in Blood of Ovalbumin Sensitized Guinea Pigs / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on endothelin level, total and differential white blood cells (WBC) count of sensitized guinea pigs.@*METHODS@#Five groups of guinea pigs sensitized to ovalbumin (OA) were given drinking water alone (group S), drinking water containing three concentrations of Z. multiflora (0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/mL as groups S+Z1, S+Z2 and S+Z3) and dexamethasone (group S+D), n=6 for each group. The endothelin levels as well as total and differential WBC count in blood of sensitized and control guinea pigs were evaluated using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method, and hemocytometer and Wright-Giemsa's staining of blood sample smear respectively.@*RESULTS@#Blood endothelin levels, total and most differential WBC count were increased but lymphocytes decreased in sensitized animals compared to controls (allP <0.01). In groups S+D, S+Z2 and S+Z3 endothelin level, total and differential WBC counts were significantly improved compared with group S (P <0.01). Although, all measured parameters in group S+Z1 was lower than group S+D (P <0.01), some parameters in group S+Z3 were greater than in group S+D (P <0.05 toP <0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The results showed an anti-inflammatory effect of Z. multiflora extract in sensitized guinea pigs, which may suggest a therapeutic potential for the plant on asthma.

Possible Mechanisms for Functional Antagonistic Effect of Ferula assafoetida on Muscarinic Receptors in Tracheal Smooth Muscle

Background: The contribution of histamine (H1) receptors inhibitory and/or β-adrenoceptors stimulatory mechanisms in the relaxant property of Ferula assa-foetida. (F. asafoetida) was examined in the present study. Methods: We evaluated the effect of three concentrations of F. asafoetida extract (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/mL), a muscarinic receptors antagonist, and saline on methacholine concentration-response curve in tracheal smooth muscles incubated with β-adrenergic and histamine (H1) (group 1), and only β-adrenergic (group 2) receptors antagonists. Results: EC50 values in the presence of atropine, extract (5 and 10 mg/mL) and maximum responses to methacholine due to the 10 mg/mL extract in both groups and 5 mg/mL extract in group 1 were higher than saline (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0477, and P = 0.0008 in group 1 and P < 0.0001, P = 0.0438, and P = 0.0107 in group 2 for atropine, 5 and 10 mg/mL extract, respectively). Values of concentration ratio minus one (CR-1), in the presence of extracts were lower than atropine in both groups (P = 0.0339 for high extract concentration in group 1 and P < 0.0001 for other extract concentrations in both groups). Conclusion: Histamine (H1) receptor blockade affects muscarinic receptors inhibitory property of F. asafoetida in tracheal smooth muscle

Possible mechanism[s] of the relaxant effects of Achillea wilhelmsii on guinea-pig tracheal chains

Achillea wilhelmsii have been used in folk remedies. The relaxant effects of the extract of A. wilhelmsii on tracheal chains of guinea pigs were examined. The relaxant effects of four cumulative concentrations of the extract, theophylline and saline were examined by their relaxant effects on precontracted tracheal chains of guinea pig by KCl [group 1], 10 micro M methacholine [group 2], incubated tissues by atropine, propranolol and chlorpheniramine and contracted by KCl [group 3] and incubated tissues by propranolol and chlorpheniramine and contracted by methacholine [group 4]. In group 1 and 2, all concentrations of theophylline and three higher concentrations [4, 6 and 8 mg/mL] of the extract showed significant relaxant effects compared to that of saline. In groups 3 and 4 experiments also all concentrations of the extract showed significant relaxant effects compared to that of saline. The relaxant effect of three higher concentrations [4, 6 and 8 mg/mL] of the extract in group 1 were significantly greater than those of group 2 and in group 3 were significantly lower than those of group 1. There were significant positive correlations between the relaxant effects and concentrations for theophylline in groups 1 and 2 and the extract in all four groups of experiments. These results showed a potent relaxant effect for the extract from A. wilhelmsii on tracheal chains of guinea pigs. A muscarinc receptor blockade was also suggested for the extract

Possible mechanism[s] of the relaxant effect of asafoetida [Ferula assa-foetida] oleo-gum-resin extract on guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle

Asafoetida [Ferula assa-foetida] is known as a valuable remedy for whooping cough, pneumonia, bronchitis in children and asthma treatment in folk medicine. In the present study the relaxant effects of the asafoetida on tracheal smooth muscle of guinea pigs and its probable mechanism[s] were examined. The relaxant effects of three cumulative concentrations of the aqueous extract [2, 5 and 10 mg/ml], theophylline [0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mM] and saline were examined on non-incubated tracheal smooth muscle of guinea pig precontracted by 10 microM methacholine [group 1]; preincubated tissues by propranolol and chlorpheniramine, contracted by methacholine [group 2] and preincubated tissues by propranolol, contracted by methacholine [group 3], [n=6 for each group]. All concentrations of theophylline in group 1 and all concentrations of the extract in the other three groups showed significant relaxant effects compared to that of saline [p<0.001 for all cases]. There was not significant difference in the relaxant effect of the extract between three groups. The relaxant effects of two last concentrations of the extract [5 and 10 mg/ml] only in group 2 were significantly lower than that of theophylline [p<0.05 for both case]. There was no significant difference between relaxant effects of the extract and theophylline in group 2. There were significant positive correlations between the relaxant effects of the extract with their concentrations in all three groups [p<0.001 for all cases]. These results showed a potent relaxant effect for the asafoetida extract on tracheal smooth muscle which is perhaps due to muscarinic receptor blockade

Prevalence of exercise induced asthma in female school students

The prevalence of exercise induced asthma [EIA] in Iran is not known. In the present study the prevalence of EIA among female students of guidance school in the city of Mashhad was evaluated. A total of 1690 female students aged 12-14 years in ten randomly selected schools in north east of Iran [Mashhad] completed an asthma symptoms- specific questionnaire. One hundred forty four randomly selected students including 49 symptomatic and 95 asymptomatic cases participated in a 6 minutes free run test [until reaching 70-75% of MHR [maximum heart rate] for evaluating EIA. Pulmonary function tests [PFT] were measured, before [baseline], immediately, 5 minutes and 15 minutes after exercise. The prevalence of asthma symptoms among the studied students was 12.54%. There was not significant difference in any of PFT values between asymptomatic and symptomatic students. The results of exercise test showed that totally 61.22% of symptomatic students responded to exercise test [their post-exercise PFT values decline more than 15%] while only 16.82% of asymptomatic students were responders to exercise [p<0.001]. However, in both asymptomatic and symptomatic responder students, all PFT values declined significantly after exercise compared to baseline values [p<0.05 to p<0.001] and there was not any significant difference between two groups. The results showed that although higher number of symptomatic students showed EIA, some asymptomatic students also sowed EIA

Zataria multiflora Boiss inhibits muscarinic receptors of incubated tracheal smooth muscle with propranolol

In the present study, the effect of tissue incubation with propranolol on functional antagonism of Zataria multiflora Boiss [Z. multiflora] at muscarinic receptors of tracheal smooth muscle was examined. The effects of three concentrations of aqueous-ethanolic extract, 10 nM atropine, and saline on muscarinic receptors were tested on incubated tracheal smooth muscle with propranolol [n=5]. The EC[50] of all concentration of the extract and atropine was significantly higher than that of saline. There was parallel right ward shift in concentration response curves obtained in the presence of all concentrations of the extract. There was not any significant difference in the maximum response and slope obtained in the presence of different concentrations of extract compared to saline. There was significant positive correlation between the concentrations and the values of EC[50] [p<0.001]. The value of [CR-1] obtained in the presence of highest concentration of the extract was significantly higher than that of atropine [p<0.05]. These results indicated that functional antagonism of Z. multiflora at muscarinic receptors of tracheal smooth muscle was mainly due to beta-adrenoceptor stimulatory effect of plant

Effect of aqueous-ethanolic extract from Rosa damascene on guinea pig isolated heart

In the present study, the effects of aqueous-ethanolic extract from Rosa damascene on heart rate and contractility were examined. Isolated guinea-pig hearts were perfused through aorta in a Langendorff mode. Heart rate [HR] and contractility were determined in the presence of four concentrations of the extract [0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 1.0 mg%] and isoprenaline [1, 10, 100 nM and 1 micro M] in comparison with baseline values in the presence and absence of propranolol [n= 10 for each group]. Both isoprenaline and the extract caused increase in heart rate and contractility [P< 0.05 to P<0.001]. The percent increased in HR due to the final concentration of isoprenaline in the absence of propranolol was significantly greater than that of the extract [P< 0.01]. Propranolol caused significant reduction in both HR and contractility [P<0.05 for both] but this effect was significantly reversed by isoprenaline and the extract [P<0.05 to P<0.001]. The percent increased in heart contractility due to the final concentration of the extract in the absence and presence of propranolol was significantly greater than that of isoprenaline [P< 0.05 for both cases]. There was significant correlation between both HR and heart contractility with concentration of isoprenaline and the extract [P<0.05 to P<0.001]. In conclusion this study showed a relatively potent inotropic and chornotropic effect for Rosa damascene on isolated guinea-pig heart

Prevalence of chest wall deformities in a large sample of Iranian children aged 7-14 years

Pectus excavatum [PE] and pectus carinatum [PC] are two common chest deformities. We investigated the prevalence of chest wall deformities including PE and PC in Iranian population. 25587 children and adolescents aged 7-14 years consisting of 13586 [53.1%] males and 12001 [46.9%] females were studied using cluster-stratified sampling method. Screening was clinical and based on descriptive findings. Suspected subjects with chest wall deformity were referred to the expert surgeon to confirm the diagnosis. The prevalence of chest deformities in our population was 204 [1.03%]. The mean age of subjects was 10.2 +/- 3.0 years. Of these subjects 124 [0.49%] [74 [54%] males and 50 [42%] females]] had PE and 80 [0.31%] [58 [72.5%] males and 22 [17.5%]females]] had PC. The prevalence of PE seems to be very high in Iran. Special attention must be paid to diagnose and treat this problem in our population

Accuracy of mid expiratory flow and dysanapsis parameters for evaluation of methacholine provocation test

The most sensitive parameter for evaluation of airway hyper-responsiveness is PC35 [35% decrease in specific airway conductance]. But assessment of this parameter requires expensive equipments. This study aimed to evaluate mid expiratory flow and dysanapsis parameters in standard spirometry for possible substitution of PC35.Thirty-seven subjects with clinical findings suggestive of asthma who had normal standard spirogram were entered in this case-control prospective study. Thirty- seven healthy volunteers were also included in this study as controls. Airway responsiveness was examined by methacholine challenge test and measurement of PC20 and PC35. In addition, concentration of methacholine needed for 20% reduction in FEF25-75%, MEF50%, and FEF25-75%/FVC was determined and compared with PC35 as the gold standard. FEF25-75%/FVC ratio was used for evaluation of dysanapsis. PC35 was more sensitive than PC20 and was obtained in 93% [68/73] of patients in both groups. Although PC35 and new parameters could be positive in both groups, the concentrations in two groups were significantly different. Regression model showed that in asthmatic patients all the conventional and new parameters had good and comparable correlations with PC35. But in the control group alone and in both asthmatic and control groups, PC 20 of FEF25-75%/FVC showed a significant correlation with PC35. PC20 of FEF25-75/FVC was also significantly correlated with PC20 of FEV1 in asthmatic and control groups. PC20 of FEF25-75/FVC and MEF50% revealed the best accuracy. An equation was determined for calculation of PC35 according to PC20 of FEF25-75/FVC and MEF50% when PC35 was unavailable. PC20 of FEF25-75/FVC ratio and MEF50% are sensitive parameters for diagnosis of airway responsiveness. PC20 of FEF25-75/FVC is the best substitution for PC35

Association of the expression of IL-4 and IL-13 genes, IL-4 and IgE serum levels with allergic asthma

Immune and inflammatory responses mediated by cytokines, play important roles in the pathophysiology of asthma. These responses are associated with overexpression of Th2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13. These two cytokines use common receptors for signaling that lead to identical immunological effects and regulation of the Th1/Th2 balance. The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with allergic asthma display overexpression of IL-4 and IL-13 genes. Using RT-PCR, we examined the expression of IL-4 and IL-13 genes in twenty asthmatic cases and twenty normal individuals. Total levels of serum IgE and IL-4 were also determined by ELISA method. Expression of IL-13 gene in 70% of patients with allergic asthma was higher than controls [P=0.01]. There was no correlation between the expression of IL-13 gene and total level of serum IgE [P=0.07]. Expression of IL-4 gene was detected in 30% of the patients and none of the normal individuals as determined by RT-PCR [P=0.01]. Mean of serum IgE levels in patients and controls were 84.9 IU/ml and 62.2 IU/ml, respectively. Level of serum IgE was more than 100 IU/ml in 30% of patients [P=0.03]. Mean of serum IL-4 levels in patients and controls were 15.73 pg/ml and 13.07 pg/ml, respectively. There was a relation between levels of serum IgE and IL-4 in 73% of cases. The results showed that there was a correlation between the expression of IL-4 gene and the level of serum IL-4. Levels of serum IgE and IL-4 were considerably higher in asthmatics than nonasthmatic controls

Antihistaminic effect of bunium persicum on guinea pig tracheal chains

In a previous study, the relaxant and anticholinergic [functional antagonism] effects of Bunium persicum [B. persicum] have been demonstrated on guinea pig tracheal chains. To elucidate the other mechanisms responsible for this relaxant effect, the inhibitory effect of this plant on histamine H1 receptors was examined in this study. The antihistaminic effects of aqueous and macerated extracts, essential oil, 20 nM chlorpheniramine, and saline were tested by performing the cumulative log concentration-response curves of histamine induced contraction of isolated guinea pig tracheal chains incubated with three different conditions including: 1] 1.4 micro M indomethacin, 2] 1.4 micro M indomethacin, 1 micro M propranolol, and 10 nM atropine, and 3] 1.4 micro M indomethacin and 1 micro M propranolol [for each group n = 8]. The results showed clear parallel rightward shifts in histamine-response curves obtained in the presence of macerated extract in group 2, aqueous extract in group 3, and essential oil in group 2 and 3 experiments compared with the curves obtained in the presence of saline. The EC50 [effective concentration of histamine causing 50% of maximum response] obtained in the presence of essential oil, extracts, and chlorpheniramine in all three sets of experiments were significantly higher than that of saline [p<0.05 to p<0.001], but maximum response to histamine obtained in the presence of essential oil and extracts were lower [p<0.01 to p<0.001]. However, the maximum response obtained in the presence of aqueous extract in group 3 compared to group 1 and that of macerated extract in group 2 compared to the other two sets of experiments were improved. These results indicated a competitive antagonistic effect of B. persicum at histamine H1 receptors