Radioprotective effect of melatonin on radiation-induced lung injury and lipid peroxidation in rats

Free radicals generated by ionizing radiation attack various cellular components such as lipids. The lung is a very radiosensitive organ and its damage is a dose-limiting factor in radiotherapy treatments. Melatonin [MLT], the major product of the pineal gland acts as a radioprotective agent. This study aims to investigate the radioprotective effects of MLT on malondialdehyde [MDA] levels and histopathological changes in irradiated lungs. In this experimental study, a total of 62 rats were divided into five groups. Group 1 received no MLT and radiation [unT], group 2 received oral MLT [oM], group 3 received oral MLT and their thoracic areas were irradiated with 18 Gy [oM-R], group 4 received MLT by intraperitoneal [i.p.] injection and their thoracic areas were irradiated with 18 Gy [ipM-R], group 5 received only 18 Gy radiation in the thoracic area [R]. Following radiotherapy, half of the animals in each group were sacrificed at 48 hours for evaluation of lipid peroxidation and early phase lung injuries. Other animals were sacrificed in the eighth week of the experiment for evaluation of the presence of late phase radiation induced lung injuries. Pre-treatment of rats with either i.p injection [p<0.05] and oral administration of MLT [p<0.001] significantly reduced MDA levels in red blood cell [RBC] samples compared to the R group. Furthermore, i.p. injection of MLT decreased MDA levels in plasma and tissue [p<0.05]. In the early phase of lung injury, both administration of MLT sig-nificantly increased lymphocyte [p<0.05] and macrophage frequency [p<0.001]. MLT reduced the lung injury index in the lungs compared to the R group [p<0.05]. The result of this study confirms the radioprotective effect of MLT on lipid peroxidation, and in both early and late phases of radiation induced lung injuries in an animal model

Effects of Chlamydia trachomatis infection on fertility; a case-control study

Nowadays, Chlamydia trachomatis is known as a causative agent of infertility. Because of, asymptomatic nature of infection, many may suffer from its lasting complications such as infertility. This study was performed in Tehran during April 2007 to April 2008 to compare the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in fertile and infertile women using ELISA and PCR methods. Overall, 234 infertile and 223 pregnant women, as the fertile group, participated in this hospital-based case-control study. After completing an informed consent form and the questionnaire, first catch urine and blood sample were obtained for PCR and ELISA [IgG, IgM] tests, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to control possible confounding factors, and determine adjusted odds ratio of infertility due to the infection. PCR results revealed that 29 [12.4%] of the infertile and 19 [8.5%] of the fertile women were positive for C. trachomatis infection [p=0.440]. IgG was positive in 21 [9.0%] of the infertile and 11 [5.0%] in the fertile group [p=0.093]. IgM assays identified that 2 [0.9%] of the infertile and 4 [1.8%] of the fertile women were positive for the micro-organism [p=0.375]. We found no significant differences among fertile and infertile women for Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Nevertheless, molecular techniques which are more sensitive, more specific and non-invasive can be used to detect C. trachomatis infection

Correlation of random urinary protein to creatinine ratio in 24-hour urine samples of pregnant women with preeclampsia

To determine the value of random urinary protein to creatinine ratio [UPCR] for diagnosis of proteinuria in pregnant women with preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is the most common complication of pregnancy and one of the main causes of maternal mortality. So, early diagnosis of preeclampsia is very important. In this cross-sectional study 66 pregnant women suspected preeclampsia at >/= 24 week of gestational age and BP >/= 140/90 mm/Hg were checked by two urine samples of 10 am and 4 pm to determine random UPCR, as well as a 24-hour urine sample to evaluate 24-hour protein excretion. The result revealed that 74.2% of the studied population had significant proteinuria. There was a correlation between UPCR and 24-hour urine protein excretion. Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.502 at 10 am and 0.428 at 4 pm. The best cutoff for the random urine protein to creatinine ratio at 10 am was 0.470 with sensitivity and specificity equal to 87.5% and 84.2%, respectively. The best cutoff for the random UPCR at 4 pm was 0.595 with sensitivity and specificity equal to 91.7% and 94.7%, respectively. Result of 24-hour urine collection showing random UPCR is considered as an appropriate situated method for emergency time

Psychological distress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome from Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran

Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is a complex, multifaceted, het-erogeneous disorder, affecting 4%?18% of reproductive-aged women and it is asso-ciated with reproductive, metabolic and psychological dysfunctions. PCOS affects quality of life and can worsen anxiety and depression either due to the features of PCOS or due to the diagnosis of a chronic disease. In this descriptive-analytical study, 81 patients with PCOS were recruited from Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center. A questionnaire with items related to pieces of information about stress was used for data collection. Stress symptoms were assessed using the Understanding Yourself questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Ver. 13.0 [SPSS Inc., Chicago, ILL, USA]. The data are presented as mean +/- SD or as frequency with percentages. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The descriptive results showed that 8 [9.9%] participants did not have any signs of stress, 32 [39.5%] had neurotic stress, 29 [35.8%] had high and 12 [14.8%] had extremely high levels of stress. The odds of high levels of anxiety in women with hirsutism was 3.1 [95% CI, 1.00?9.59]. The odds of high levels of obsession in overweight patients was 3.2 [95% CI, 1.12?9.234]. The odds of high levels of worries in patients with touchy personality was 3.4 [95% CI, 1.10?11.19] obsession score. The present study showed that clinical signs of PCOS were most close-ly associated with psychological distress which has important implications in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders

Quality of sleep in dialysis patients

Sleep quality is an important and determining factor in the quality of life in dialysis patients. Although many chronic dialysis patients complain of poor sleep, we know little about its related factors. Therefore, this study was designed to study sleep quality and its predictors among dialysis patients. This was a cross-sectional study carried out during August-December 2009 in Shariati Dialysis Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences. Data were gathered on 61 patients receiving a hemodialysis treatment. Quality of sleep was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] in dialysis patients in association with the main clinical and biochemical variables. Logistic and multiple linear regressions were used to assess predictors of sleep quality. Forty-five subjects [73.8%] reported poor sleep quality defined as a global PSQI score>5. As the age [p = 0.036] and duration of dialyses [p = 0.022] increased, sleep quality decreased. Significant differences were found between sex and sleep quality [p = 0.044]. Sleep quality problems had a significant association with MCV [p = 0.025]. Poor sleep quality is a very common problem in dialysis patients. Assessment and management of sleep quality should be an important component of care giving to these patients. Large prospective longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the high prevalence of impaired quality of sleep and its related factors while controlling confounding variables.

Comparison of predisposing and effective factors on divorce application between men and women

With regard to his human and social nature, sympathy is required that men and women live together in peace and rest. Since that family is manifestation and expression of life and love, divorce is a critical that consequences and undesirable effects on individuals, families and society. The present study based on gender People requesting a divorce in the family courts in Tehran has paid during the years 2006-2007. The sample included 300 people referred from the courts, and cross-sectional study approach, with structured interview was conducted. Causes and reasons for divorce after the interview and identified as economic factors, psychological, cultural - social, sexual problems, physical, addiction, violence and marriage with this classification and statistical methods chi-square, Fisher and Mann - Whitney two groups were compared. Results showed that although most divorce because both gender [84.4% of women and 90% of men] lack of understanding and compromise has been divorce for women, but more influenced by socioeconomic status [P< 0.001], violence [P< 0.001] sexual problems [P= 0.048] and addiction [P= 0.001], while men were more due to cultural problems - social [P= 0.023] had been demanded divorce. The results also suggested the counseling of premarital and to aware in the field of professional advice at the time of the divorce that it can prevent the occurrence divorce

Psychological signs in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

PCOS is a multifaceted disorder with multiple potential risk factors [e.g. infertility, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome]. PCOS affects quality of life and can worsen anxiety and depression either due to the features of PCOS or due to the diagnosis of a chronic disease. This study aimed to determine the risk factors of PCOS in a group of patients. In this descriptive-analytic study, 81 patients with PCOS were studied in Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran, Iran. A questionnaire with items related to stress information was used for data collection. Stress symptoms were assessed using the Understanding Yourself standard questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 13.0 [SPSS Inc., Chicago, ILL, USA]. Data are presented as mean +/- SD or as frequency with percentages. P-value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. The evaluation of psychological signs in 81 PCO patients and descriptive results showed that 8 [9.9%] had not any stress problem, 32 [39.5%] had neurotic stress, 29 [35.8%] had high level and 12 [14.8%] had extremely high level of stress. The age range of 26 years and more [P=0.023], touchy personality [P = 0.028] and acne [P = 0.015] related with high stress level. The odds of high level of anxiety in women with hirsutism was 3.1 [95%CI 1.00 to 9.59]. The odds of high level of obsession in overweight patients was 3.2 [95%CI 1.12 to 9.234]. The odds of high level of worrisome in patients with touchy personality was 3.4 [95%CI 1.10 to 11.19]. Obsession score had a correlation with illness duration [r = -0.268, P = 0.038]. These data showed that clinical signs of PCOS are the most closely associated with psychological distress and this has important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders

Psychiatric Intervention Improved Pregnancy Rates in Infertile Couples

Background: Infertility has mental, social, and reproductive consequences. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of psychiatric intervention on the pregnancy rate of infertile couples. Methods: In an experimental and intervention-control study, 638 infertile patients who were referred to a university infertility clinic were evaluated; 140 couples (280 patients) with depression (from mild to severe) in at least one of the spouses were followed. All couples provided informed consent and were randomly numbered from 1 to 140. Those with even numbers were assigned to the psychological intervention before infertility treatment, and those with odd numbers were assigned to the psychological intervention during infertility treatment. Patients in the experimental group received 6–8 sessions of psychotherapy (individually) before beginning infertility treatment and were given Fluoxetine (antidepressant) at 20–60 mg per day during the psychotherapy period. The control group did not receive any intervention. Three questionnaires, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Stress Scale (Holmes-Rahe), and a sociodemographic questionnaire, were administered to all patients before and after treatment. The clinical pregnancy rate was compared between the two groups based on sonographic detection of gestational sac 6 weeks after the last menstrual period. The data were analysed by t test, X2 and logistic regression methods. Results: Pregnancy occurred in 33 (47.1%) couples in the treatment group and in only 5 (7.1%) couples in the control group. There was a significant difference in pregnancy rate between the treatment and control groups (X2= 28.318, P < 0.001). To determine the effectiveness of psychiatric interventions on pregnancy, a logistic regression analysis was used. In this analysis, all demographic and infertility variables were entered in a stepwise manner. The results showed that in the treatment group, Pregnancy in the treatment group was 14 times higher than the control group (95% CI 4.8 to 41.7). Furthermore, cause of infertility was an effective factor of pregnancy. The adjusted odds ratio in male factor infertility was 0.115 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.55) and in both factors (male and female) infertility was 0.142 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.76) compared with the unexplained group. In this study, no other variables had any significant effect on pregnancy. Conclusion: Based on the effectiveness of psychiatric interventions in increasing pregnancy rate, it is crucial to mandate psychiatric counselling in all fertility centres in order to diagnose and treat infertile patients with psychiatric disorders.

effect of MS14 on body weight, spleen index and structures of kidney, liver, spleen, lung, lymph node and bone marrow histology in Balb/c mice

MS 14 is an Herbal-marine preparation that has been used in experimental studies for the management of Multiple sclerosis, [MS]. In this study the effect of MS 14 on body weight, spleen index and the histological picture of various organs was evaluated. Female Balb/C mice of 6-8 weeks age were divided into control and test groups. MS 14 was orally administrated at a dose of 100 mg/kg for five days to the experimental group and normal saline given to the control group. After euthanasia on day six, the body weight was measured, spleen index was calculated and representative pieces of tissues including kidney, liver, spleen, lung, lymph node and bone marrow were collected in 10% formalin solution and processed through a standard paraffin embedding method. Sections of 5 micrometer thickness were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. MS 14 at 100 mg/kg did not affect body weight and spleen index, but in the test group, at least 50% of spleen and 90% of lymph node micro sections showed lymphoid hyperplasia: no reactive changes were observed in controls. In both groups, histological evaluation of kidney, liver, spleen, lung, lymph node and bone marrow micro sections showed no significant histological alterations in the normal architecture. According to result of this study, it seems that although MS 14 has no effect on body weight and spleen index, it may induce hyperplastic changes in spleen and lymph nodes, thus signaling activation of the immune system

Comparison of skin erythema and melanin level in sulfur mustard induced chronic skin lesions and normal skin

Sulfur mustard gas is a chemical agent that has been used in many wars, especially in Iran-Iraq war. This chemical agent affects many organs including lungs, eyes and skin, causing numerous acute and chronic lesions including erythema and hyperpigmentation, respectively. This study was conducted to evaluate erythema and melanin in subjects with a history of exposure to sulfur mustard. This case-control study was done on 309 subjects. They were divided into four groups: sulfur mustard-exposed patients with skin lesions [n=87], sulfur mustard-exposed cases without current skin lesions [n=71], non sulfur mustard-exposed patients with dermatitis [n=78] and normal controls [n=74]. Erythema and melanin were measured in 4 areas [forehead, suprasternal, palm and back of hands] by Mexameter MX18 [Courage-Khazaka, Germany]. Erythema was significantly lower in suprasternal and palmar aspect of hands in sulfur mustard-exposed patients with dermatitis [P<0.05] while there was no significant difference in other areas. In terms of melanin, there was a significant difference in the dorsal aspect of hands in all four groups [P<0.05], where patients with dermatitis [both sulfur mustard exposed and normal population] had higher levels of melanin, probably due to pruritus in such areas. Forehead melanin of the normal population was also significantly lower than other three groups [P<0.05] while there was no significant difference between the melanin level of sulfur mustard exposed subjects [with or without dermatitis] and patients with dermatitis. Sulfur mustard contact can affect erythema and melanin content of the skin

Additional burden of intensive care to rehospitalizations following kidney transplantation. A study of rate, causes, and risk factors

Little information exists on the burden of intensive care unit [ICU] to the posttransplant rehospitalizations of kidney allograft recipients. We do not clearly know the extent of the need for ICU during rehospitalizations and causes of readmissions. In this study, we aimed to assess ICU admissions of kidney transplant recipients, to determine the risk factors of ICU admissions in rehospitalized patients, and to evaluate the additional burden of ICU admission. A total of 581 posttransplant rehospitalizations of kidney transplant recipients were assessed for ICU admission. Clinical characteristics of the patients and the length of hospital stay, transplantation-admission interval, hospitalization costs, and mortality rate were reviewed. Twenty-five rehospitalized kidney transplant recipients [4.3%] had been admitted to ICU with kidney dysfunction [36.0%], cerebrovascular accident [24.0%], sepsis [16.0%], brain tumor [8.0%], brain abscess [4.0%], diabetic ketoacidosis [4.0%], trauma [4.0%], and hemodynamic shock [4.0%]. The risk factors of referral to ICU were higher age [P = .001] and hospitalization for cerebrovascular accident [P = .001] and malignancy [P = .004]. Additional burdens were 1.8, 3.3, and 11.4 times as high as the rehospitalization burden for the length of hospital stay, hospitalization costs, and mortality rate, respectively. Age and some special causes of hospitalizations are risk factors of ICU admission of kidney transplant recipients, and this occurs in about 5% of rehospitalizations. Admission to ICU adds considerably to the burden of rehospitalizations, warranting measures to prevent conditions that lead to the need for intensive care in these patients