Evaluation of hydro-alcoholic extract of trifolium pratens L. for its anti-cancer potential on U87MG cell line

Objective: Glioblastoma multiforme is the most malignant form of brain tumors. Trifolium pratense L. has been suggested for cancer treatment in traditional medicine. Here we have investigated the effects of T. pratense extract on glioblastoma multiforme cell line [U87MG]

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study the effect of T. pratense extract on cell viability was investigated using trypan blue staining, MTT assay, and lactate dehydrogenase activity measurement. Apoptosis and autophagy cell death were detected by fluorescent staining. Nitric oxide [No] production was measured using Griess reaction. Expression levels of some apoptotic and autophagic-related genes were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. The combination effects of T. pratense extract and temozolomide [TMZ] were evaluated by calculating the combination index and dose reduction index values

Results: After treatment with T. pratense extract, the cell viability was significantly reduced in a time- and dosedependent manner [P<0.05]. Apoptosis and autophagy of U87MG cells were significantly increased [P<0.05]. Also, T. pratense extract significantly decreased NO production [P<0.05] by U87MG cells. Combination of TMZ and T. pratense extract had a synergistic cytotoxic effect

Conclusion: T. pratense showed anti-cancer properties via induction of apoptosis and autophagy cell death

[Evaluation of oral lichen planus frequency in patients referred to the Oral Pathology Department of Isfahan School of Dentistry during the last two decades [1988-2008]]

Lichen planus is a relatively common, chronic mucocutaneous disease with the risk of malignancy. In recent years, there have been increases in the prevalence of oral lichen planus [OLP] and it looks there are some changes in the epidemiologic pattern of this lesion. Despite the existence of different studies about the changes in OLP lesion epidemiology, this study aimed to investigate epidemiologic changes of oral lichen planus in patients referred to the Oral Pathology Department of Isfahan Dental School [1988-2008]. In this descriptive study, archives of the Oral Pathology Department from 1988-2008 was reviewed. Sex, age, location and type of lesion and the referral year were recorded. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with SPSS 11.5 statistical software. A total of 6509 patients had been referred to the Oral Pathology Department, with 238 [3.65%] of cases diagnosed with OLP; 154 [64.7%] of the cases were females. The mean age of OLP patient was 44.8 +/- 12.7 years. Buccal mucosa was most frequently involved [68.1%].An increase in the number of patients and decrease in mean age of the patients with OLP was noted, which might be attributed to population growth and an increase in the number of cases referring to dental practitioners, or more accurate diagnosis in recent years. Therefore, regular follow-up programs are recommended for the diagnosis and treatment of high risk groups

[Evaluation of cleft lip and palate frequency and related risk factors in infants born in Kermanshah hospitals [2001-2008]]

Cleft lip and palate are the most common congenital anomalies in the head and neck region, which are affected by environmental and genetic factors. The prevalence of these anomalies varies in different countries. There is no scientific report from the west of Iran. The aim of the present study was to determine its prevalence and related risk factors in infants born in Kermanshah hospitals during 2001-2008. In this descriptive study, 62823 infants born during 2001-2008 in Motazedi and Imam Reza hospitals in Kermanshah [a city in the west of Iran] were reviewed. A total of 98 cases with oral clefts were recorded. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Chi-square test using SPSS12 statistical software. Out of 62823 infants 98 cases had oral clefts [1.5 for 1000 birth], 59.8% of which were males; 38.8% had cleft lip and palate; 31.6% had cleft lip and 29.6% had cleft palate. A total of 51.3% of parents had familial marriage; 14.7% of mothers reported use of medications; 40% of mothers had A[+] blood group; 37.2% of the newborns were the first baby of the family and 93.8% of mothers had not taken vitamin supplements. The mean age of mothers were 27 years and the highest number of clefts belonged to 21-30 year-old mothers. The prevalence of oral clefts and their types in Kermanshah are consistent with world reports but lower than the calculated average for Iran

Incidence of cleft lip and palate in Iran. A meta-analysis

To investigate meta-analysis of published data on overall incidence of cleft lip, cleft palate, and cleft lip and palate of newborns in Iran. This meta-analysis was carried out at the School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran between May 2009 and December 2009. Our data were consisted of all incidences of cleft lip and palate from 1978 to June 2009, and we selected 11 studies. Inverse-variance weighting was implemented to calculate the random effect summary estimates and to produce a forest plot. Cumulative meta-analysis on published data was calculated and grouped. Publication bias was checked using both Begg's and Egger's test. Pooled incidence from 11 studies was 1.0/1000 [95% confidence interval: 0.5-1.5]. There was no evidence of publication bias among the 11 studies [p-values for Begg's test was 0.53 and for Egger's test was 0.23]. The incidence of cleft lip and palate in Iran was lower compared to other countries