[ study of relative expression of key genes of thymol biosynthesis pathway in thymus vulgaris cv. 'varico 3' under cold stress using real-time PCR]

Background: Thyme [Thymus vulgaris L.] is a valuable medicinal plant which has many secondary metabolites such as thymol and carvacrol

Objective: This study was done to evaluation of cold stress effect on gene expression in thymol biosynthesis pathway including DXR ¡HMGR and TPS1

Methods: The effect of cold stress in the time period of 0, 3, 12, 24 and 48 hours on gene expression in thymol biosynthesis pathway including DXR, HMGR and TPS1 was evaluated by RT-PCR. This study was done on base of complete randomized design [CRD] in Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran

Results: Results showed that the cold stress had significantly effect on expression of studied genes. The highest expression of HMGR gene was observed within 3 hours after cold treatment [1.57 times more than control treatment]. The expression of DXR and TPS1 genes were reduced in different periods of cold stress

Conclusion: In general, the genes expression of thymol and carvacrol biosynthesis pathway including DXR, HMGR and TPS1 were significantly changed by cold stress

[Changes in phytochemical and morpho-physilogical traits of thyme [Thymus vulgaris CV varico 3] under different salinity levels]

Background: Thyme is a valuable medicinal plants that evaluation of its quality and quantity yield is necessary

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of salinity on morphological, physiological and phytochemical traits of thyme

Methods: The study was carried out as a randomized complete block design at the Institute of Medicinal Plants with 4 levels of salinity treatments including [control, 50, 100 and 150 mM] and three replications. In this study some morphophysiologial and phytochemical traits of thyme were measured

Results: Results showed the significant effect of salinity on plant height, number of lateral shoots, vegetative dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, Length and Width of a Leaf. The results of the means comparison showed that by increasing levels of salinity, sodium content, electrolyte leakage and proline content increased conversely, the amount of potassium, relative water content, chlorophyll and carotenoid were decreased. The content of thymol and carvacrol increased by higher levels of salinity [100 mM sodium chloride] compared with control

Conclusion: Although the majority of yield related traits negatively affected by salinity but the highest amount of thymol and carvacrol has been achieved in 100 mM NaCl

[Expression of genes 1-deoxy-d-xyhilose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase [dxr], sabinen synthase [tctpsl] and a- terpineol synthase [tctpss] and its relation to thymol and carvaerol biosynthesis in thymus vulgaris under water deficit stress]

Background: Thymol and Carvaerol are the two important secondary metabolites from Thymus vulgaris that productions of them are controlled by genetic and environmental factors

Objective: Evaluation of Water stress effects on expression of three important genes of thymol and carvacrol biosynthetic pathway and also physiological and phytochemical properties of Thymus vulgaris

Methods: The present study was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 4 treatments and 3 replications in Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj

For this purpose, the treatments were selected as control [FC], 70% of FC, 40% of FC, and 20% of FC. Gene expression was studied using real-time PCR method, and HPLC was applied to essence analysis. Also physiological characteristic including chlorophyll content, relative water content, electrolyte leakage percentage and carotenoids content were analyzed

Results: The results revealed that water stress significantly influenced the gene expression [P< 0.05]. The highest gene expression of DXR and TctpsS was observed in 70% of FC, while the highest one of TvTPSl was recorded in 40% of FC. Moreover, the maximum thymol and carvacrol was found in 70% of FC. In other hand the highest chlorophyll content and corotenoids content were obtained in 100% and 70% of FC respectively. Also there were not significant differences between treatments for relative water content and electrolyte leakage percentage

Conclusion: The 70% of FC through influencing of genes in the firs and last of MEP pathway increased thymol and carvacrol production

Improving trigonelline production in hairy root culture of fenugreek [Trigonella foenum-graecum]

Background: Trigonella foenum-graecum L. commonly known as fenugreek is a rich source of important medicinal metabolite, i.e. trigonelline

Objective: In this study, hairy roots culture as a novel method for trigonelline production was evaluated

Methods: For optimizing the hairy roots culture of Trigonella foenum-graecum, three strains of Agrobacterium rhyzogenes [ATCC15834, MSU440 and K599] via two inoculations methods including scotch and vacuum pump were used to agro-infiltration. Two elicitors including methyl jasmonate [0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 micro M] and chitosan [0, 50, 100, 150 and 200mgl[-1]] were added to liquid medium as abiotic and biotic elicitors in various concentrations, respectively

Results: The trigonelline content was increased via elicitation by methyl jasmonate and chitosan against control condition. The maximum trigonelline [36.7 and 37.3 mM/g D.W] were observed in 100 micro M of methyl jasmonate and 150 mg/l of chitosan, respectively

Conclusion: All parts of the seedling [crown, stem and leaf] were able to produce the hairy roots. Also, the highest dry weight of hairy root was obtained by A. rhizogenes strain 15834. The transformation of fenugreek using Agrobacterium rhizogenes to form hairy root cultures has the potential benefits of fast growth and rates of secondary metabolite production equal to or greater than that found for the intact plant

Effect of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and vitamin e on the blood levels of inflammatory markers, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation in iranian basketball players

Exercise can change the release of numerous cytokines and modulate their receptor systems. Dietary w-3 lipids may decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins [PGs]. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of exercise and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] supplementation, with or without vitamin E, on the blood levels of IL-2, TNF-alpha catalase, glutathione reductase, and MDA in male basketball players. Thirty-four well-trained male basketball players were enrolled into the study. Venous blood samples were obtained from all subjects between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., after intensive endurance exercising for 2 hours, at the baseline and after intervention. Subjects received 2g EPA and/or 400 IU vitamin E or placebo depends on their groups for 6 weeks. There were significant fall [paired /-test] in TNF-a in groupl [P< 0.05], and in MDA in group 3 [P<0.05], whereas there were significant increase in glutathione reductase in groups 1 and 3 [P< 0.05], and in MDA in group2 [P< 0.05].There were significant differences [Tukey] in glutathione reductase between groups 2 and 3 [P< 0.05], and in IL-2 between groups 1 and other groups [P< 0.01], but there were no significant differences in MDA, CAT, and TNF-a, among groups after 6 week of intervention. Six weeks of EPA+vitamin E supplementation enhances the plasma levels of IL-2 and erythrocytes glutathione reductase, whereas it reduces TNF-alpha, and 6 weeks of EPA supplementation alone enhances only the serum level of MDA

effect of conjugated linoleic acids, vitamin E and their combination on lipid peroxidation in active rheumatoid arthritis

Reactive oxygen species [ROS] have important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA]. We investigated the effect of conjugated linoleic acids [CLAs] and vitamin E on lipid peroxidation. In a randomized, double-blind placebo, controlled, clinical trial 87 patients with active RA were enrolled. They were divided into 4 groups, received one of the following daily supplement for 3 months; 1- group C: 2.5 gr CLA, that contained 2 gr 50:50 mix of cis 9-trans 11 and trans 10-cis 12 CLAs, 2- group E: 400mg Vitamin E, 3-group CE: CLAs plus vitamin E, 4-group P: placebo. After supplementation Glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] level increased in C, E and CE groups, CE group had lower GSH-Px than P group [P

[Effects of omega 3 on serum level of malondialdehyde and homocysteine in type 2 diabetic patients]

Diabetes is regarded as a serious condition for both the individual and the society. One of the most important mortality reasons in diabetic patients is atherosclerosis. Many epidemiological studies have shown that the total homocysteine concentration is a risk indicator for cardiovascular disease. Malondialdehyde [MDA] also is a highly toxic by-product formed in part by lipid oxidation derived free radicals. Many studies have shown that its concentration increases considerably in diabetes mellitus. Epidemiological data indicate that the consumption of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids [O3FA] leads to a reduction in cardiovascular disorders may protect against metabolic diseases. In recent years, numerous researches on omega-3 fatty acids have been done but it cannot be used as a confident additive. So in order to evaluate and compare the effects of omega 3 on malondialdehyde [as fat peroxidation indicator] and homocysteine on diabetic type 2 patients, this research was carried out in Tehran University. A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted on 81 type 2 diabetic patients, 45-85 years old with diabetes for at least 2 years. Diabetic patients were randomly assigned to one of the case or control groups, each subject received 3 capsules per day of omega-3 or placebo for a period of 2 months. 10 ml blood was collected from each subject at the beginning and at the end of a 2-month trial. Serum MDA was determined with Tiobarbituric acid for more sensitivity and homosystein was measured by Hitachi autoanalyzer with Enzymatic Cycling method. Nutrients intakes were estimated using 24 h dietary recall questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the 2-month trial for 2 days and analyzed by FPn. T-test also was used to compare groups. Comparing the meant +/- S.D of BMI and food intake in both groups showed no significant differences. MDA level degreased 0.72 nmol/ml in case group but the difference with the control group was not significant but the differences of homosystein level in case [3.10 micro mol/lit] and control [0.126 micro mol/lit] groups were significant. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation [3 gr/per day] in capsul form can decrease the serum level of homocysteine in diabetic patients without inducing any changes in MDA level and lipid peroxidation

Determining and prioritizing admission criteria for talented students office in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences using analytical Hierarchy Process Model

Students' scores on university entrance exam [Conquer] or their average scores are not appropriate criteria to recognize them as talented students. There have been limited studies concerning the comparison analysis of factors for selecting medical students as talented. This study was done to determine and prioritize the selection criteria for admitting students to the talented students' office. A group of 5 physicians having experience in medical education was established. Renzulli model was selected as the best descriptive model, then using brain-storming, the features of a talented student were identified. Based on Analytical Hierarchy Process [AHP], the questionnaires were designed and distributed among 21 experts. Using hierarchical analysis formula and by Excel software, the weight of each criterion was calculated. To define the weights of the sub-criteria, the detailed features of each criterion were determined and then, the total score of each sub-criterion was calculated by multiplying the score achieved in the first hierarchical analysis by the score attained in the second one. Creativity had the maximum score [38%], being responsible and prominent, were in second place acquiring 31% of the total weight. The highest grades belonged to registration of invention [127], cooperation in writing books and articles [104], and having high rank in Olympiads [92], respectively. The educational status which previously was the only admission criterion was in the fourth position, after having high rank in Olympiads. The areas of creativity, responsibility and being prominent were the main criteria for talented students' admission and there was not any significant difference between their scores. The educational status had a less important role in the prioritization system of this study. It seems that a student is required to have the three main criteria to be recognized as talented

Effect of vitamins A, E, C and omega-3 fatty acids on lipid peroxidation in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

To assess the effect of supplementation with vitamins A, E and C and omega-3 fatty acids on lipid peroxidation in Streptozotocin [STZ] induced diabetic rats. Sixty four male wistar rats weighting 250g were divided into four groups as normal control, diabetic control, diabetic with vitamin A, E as well as C supplementation and diabetic with omega-3 fatty acids supplementation. After four weeks of treatment the rats were anesthetized and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels were investigated in blood samples, liver and heart homogenate. In diabetic rats MDA level in plasma, liver and heart was significantly more elevated than normal control rats [P< 0.05]. Vitamin A, E and C supplementation caused significant decrease in plasma, liver and heart MDA [P< 0.05]. A significant decrease in heart MDA [P< 0.05] was observed in diabetic rats with omega-3 fatty acids supplementation. Supplementation of vitamin A, E and C and co-3 fatty acids was found to decrease lipid peroxidation to some extent in diabetic rats and they can be valuable candidates in the treatment of the complications of diabetes

[Assessment of folic acid and vitamin B[12] status and some of the interactive factors in mentally retarded patients]

Mental retardation is a disorder in people under 18, accompanied with restriction in mental abilities, daily activities, and social skills. These patients are at risk of malnutrition. The objective of this study is assessment of folic acid, vitamin B[12] and some of the interactive factors in mentally retarded patients. This descriptive study was conducted in 40 subjects 7-15 years old, which were divided into two groups: girls [n=20] and boys [n=20]. 24 hours dietary recall for two consecutive days and food frequency questionnaire [ffq] were used to evaluate intake of folate and vitamin B[12]. RIDA method was used for measurement of serum folate and vitamin B[12] with siwul- tral- SNB-Radioassay kit. Chi square and independent T-test and Spearman and Mann- Whitney also were used to compare groups. The results of this study showed that folate and vitamin B[12] intakes, were lower than RDA in all subjects. Meanwhile serum folate, erythrocyte folate and serum vitamin B[12] were low in 65, 62.5 and 35 percent of subjects, respectively. Mean [ +/- SD] of serum folate, vitamin B[12] and erythrocyte folate levels were 2.89 and 3.11 [ng/ml], 274.5 and 327.75 [pg/ml] and finally 98.26 and 103.27 [ng/ml] in girls and boys, respectively. Serum folate level correlated positively with vegetables consumption [p<0.05, r= 0.87]. Erythrocyte folate levels correlated negatively with anticonvulsant drugs consumption [p=0.01, r=-0.66], and parasite evidence [p=0.01, r=-0.82] and correlated positively with vegetables consumption [p<0.05, r=0.22]. Finally, serum vitamin B[12] level correlated negatively with anticonvulsant drugs consumption [p<0.01, r=-0.46] and parasite evidence [p<0.05, r=-0.60] and correlated positively with meat consumption [p=0,01, r=0.42]. The status of folate and vitamin B[12] in these mental retarded patients was not sufficient due to both low intake and parasite evidence and finally anticonvulsant drug consumption

[Blood antioxidant enzyme levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]

Rheumatoid arthritis [RA] is an autoimmune disorder with unknown etiology. In recent years, a great number of studies have investigated the possible role of reactive oxygen species in the etiology and pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidas [GSH-Px], Super oxide dismotase [SOD] in patients with RA compared with the healthy subjects. In a case-control study sixty rheumatoid arthritis patients 18-75 years old and 60 healthy sex and age-matched controls were selected, Catalase activity was measured by determining the constant rate [k] of hydrogen peroxide decomposition. GSH-Px activity of plasma was measured with spectrophotometer by Glutathione oxide generation due to GSH-Px. SOD activity is measured by degree of inhibition effect of SOD in generating super oxide radicals by xanthine and xanthine oxidase. C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor values were determined by agglutination and latex tests. The plasma activity of catalase [p<0.001], GSH-Px [p<0.01], plasma level of hemoglobin and hematocrit [p<0.05] were significantly lower in patients with RA comparing with controls. The reduction in SOD activity was not significant [p>0.05]. There was a negative significant relation between C reactive protein and Rheumatoid factor values with the erythrocyte activity of catalase and GSH-Px [p<0.01]. These results suggested that oxidative stress plays a very important role in the inflammation and pathogenesis of RA

[Iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women in Eslamshahr]

Anemia in pregnancy is a significant public health problem especially in developing countries. Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy may lead to increased risks of preterm delivery, Low birth weight and still birth. This study was undertaken to detect iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women referring to health care centers of Eslamshahr/Iran. In this study, 266 selected pregnant women were divided into three groups of 1[st] trimester [n=58], 2[nd] trimester [n=73] and 3[rd] trimester [n=135] and their venous blood samples were collected for the determination of Hemoglobin [Hb], Hematocrit [Hc], MCV, serum iron, TIBC, Transferrin saturation [TS] and serum ferritin. Data were collected by using a general information questionnaire and daily intake of energy; protein and iron were estimated by using 24hr dietary recall questionnaire. Data were analyzed by frequency, mean and standard deviation and Chi square tests, Anova and Tukey HSD. Comparing to the normal levels, in the first trimester 1.7%, 40.4%, in second trimester 5.7%, 49.7%, and in the third trimester 2.8%, 54.5%, of pregnant women were deficient in Hb and Serum iron respectively. Also in the first trimester 54.5%, in the second trimester 10.4% and in the third trimester 22.7% of pregnant women were deficient in daily iron intake, respectively.The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in the studied population is high. Hb determination is not enough to detect iron deficiency anemia and ferritin determination is necessary to asses iron stores. Moreover, iron supplements cannot completely treat anemia

new method for the purification of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase from human erythrocytes

The human erythrocyte is a rich raw material for the purification of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase [SOD]. We applied a simple and rapid procedure for the purification of SOD from human erythrocytes by ion exchange chromatography. The purified SOD had a specific activity of 2285.6 u/mg protein and gave a single band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate [SDS] and each of its to subunit has a molecular weight about 18600 daltons [SOD molecular weight is 37200 daltons].The physicochemical properties of the enzyme obtained by this method are identical to those of the native protein.This procedure appears, therefore, to be a convenient and easily method for isolating this enzyme