Gallic acid ameliorates di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced testicular injury in adult mice.

Background: Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a well-known endocrine-disrupting compound inducing degeneration of testes. Gallic acid (GA) is a polyphenol with various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.Purpose: This research evaluated effects of different doses of GA on DEHP-induced testicular injury in adult mice.Research Design: Male mice were randomly divided into five groups and treated with agents for two weeks; group (I) received normal saline and corn oil (5 mL/kg/day, p. o.), group (II) received DEHP (2 g/kg/day, dissolved in corn oil, p. o.), groups (III, IV, and V) received DEHP + GA (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day, p. o.). Body and testes weights, serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were evaluated. The number of sperms and sperm motility and viability were analyzed in the cauda epididymis. Histological changes, oxidative/nitrosative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines levels were examined in testes.Results: Body and testes weights, the number of spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte and early spermatid, and late spermatid and sperm vitality, and progressive motility were significantly reduced in mice exposed to DEHP. Serum testosterone level decreased and serum LH and FSH levels increased in DEHP-exposed mice. These alterations were associated with the increased oxidative stress level and inflammatory responses in testicular tissue. Treatment with GA (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) attenuated DEHP-induced alterations in oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines and reversed abnormality in sperm characteristic and number, tissue structure, and serum hormones levels.Conclusions: Results indicated that GA might be a promising agent against male gonadal toxicity induced by endocrine disrupting chemicals including DEHP.

The ameliorative effect of ellagic acid on di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced testicular structural alterations, oxidative stress, inflammation and sperm damages in adult mice.

BACKGROUND: Phthalates such as di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are well known exogenous substances, disrupting reproductive system function and structure. The current research demonstrated the effect of ellagic acid (EA) on DEHP-induced testicular injury in mice. METHODS: Thirty-five healthy adult male mice were randomly divided to five groups; normal saline receiving group, DEHP (2 g/kg/day, dissolved in corn oil, p.o.) receiving group, DEHP (2 g/kg/day, dissolved in corn oil, p.o.) and EA receiving groups (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day, p.o.). Treatment duration of animals was 14 days. Body and testes weights and sperm characteristics and histological changes of testes were evaluated. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were analyzed. In the testicular tissue, oxidative/nitrosative stress markers and inflammatory cytokine levels were measured. RESULTS: Ellagic acid significantly reduced DEHP-induced reduction of body and testes weights. The DEHP-induced reduction of spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte and sertoli cells numbers as well as reduction of sperm vitality and progressive motility were reversed by EA. Furthermore, EA inhibited DEHP-induced alterations in serum hormone levels. These effects were associated with the reduction of DEHP-induced increased level of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. CONCLUSIONS: Ellagic acid considerably inhibits testicular toxicity of DEHP through reducing oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammatory responses. Our data suggest that EA may be considered as a promising agent to inhibit male reproductive toxicity induced by endocrine disrupting chemicals such as DEHP.

Evaluating the protective effects of melatonin on di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced testicular injury in adult mice.

OBJECTIVE: Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common phthalate derivative, interfering with normal function of reproductive system. The present study evaluated effects of melatonin on DEHP-induced testicular injury in mice. DESIGN: Thirty-two adult male mice were randomly divided to four groups; group I received normal saline, group II received DEHP, group III received DEHP and melatonin, and group IV was treated with melatonin alone. Body and testes weights, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione level and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities were measured. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) concentration were evaluated by ELISA assay. Also, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, sperm characteristics and histological changes of testes were analyzed. RESULTS: Body and testes weights were decreased in DEHP group. DEHP also reduced the number of spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte and sertoli cells as well as sperm vitality and progressive motility; these toxic effects were associated with alterations in serum hormone levels. Melatonin remarkably inhibited DEHP-induced reduction of body weight and antioxidant capacity. Melatonin reduced DEHP-induced elevation of NO, MDA, IL-1ß and TNF-α levels. Melatonin improved DEHP-induced changes in hormonal levels, number of sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and sperm viability and motility. CONCLUSION: Melatonin considerably inhibits DEHP-induced gonadotoxicity through reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. These results suggest that melatonin may be considered as a promising agent to reduce toxic effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals such as DEHP on the male reproductive system.

Lycopene abrogates di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induced testicular injury by modulating oxidative, endocrine and inflammatory changes in mice.

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the environmental pollutants that causes testicular damage. Lycopene (LYCO), the main active carotenoid in red fruits and vegetables, has well-known antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of LYCO on DEHP-induced testicular injury in male mice. DEHP (2 g/kg, p.o.) was given for two weeks to mice. LYCO was given at 4 mg/kg, p.o., for two weeks, starting the same day of DEHP insult. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone and testicular total antioxidant status, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß were measured. Also, testicular histopathological examination and sperm analysis were evaluated. Results showed that administration of LYCO significantly attenuated the DEHP-induced gonadotoxicity. Also, the gonadoprotective effects of LYCO were confirmed by the histopathological examination of the testes. Our results suggested that LYCO has produced attenuation of inflammatory, oxidative stress and hormonal parameters against DEHP-induced gonadotoxicity.

Ellagic acid: A promising protective remedy against testicular toxicity induced by arsenic.

Chronic exposure to arsenic, an inducer of oxidative stress, is one of the major causes of male infertility. Therefore, the present study investigated the protective role of Ellagic acid (EA), as a natural antioxidant, against testicular toxicity evoked by arsenic. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into 5 treatment groups. Group 1 served as control, group 2 were orally exposed to sodium arsenite (SA, 10 mg/kg; 21 days), groups 3 and 4 were initially exposed to SA for 7 days and then were treated with both EA (10 and 30 mg/kg) and SA up to 21 days, and group 5 was treated with EA for 14 days. After this period, biochemical and histopathological parameters were evaluated in serum samples and testicular tissue. SA markedly reduced levels of serum testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, SA enhanced levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß and nitric oxide in testes. Treatment with EA was found to reduce testicular arsenic accumulation and oxidative stress parameters. In addition, EA improved the serum testosterone level, testicular antioxidant markers and histological parameters after exposure to SA. EA may emerge as a promising therapeutic option to protect testes from arsenic-induced toxicity through reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

The effect of Calendula officinalis versus metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis in women: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common disorder among women of reproductive age. This study aimed to compare the effect of a Calendula officinalis extract-based cream and metronidazole on BV among women of reproductive age. In this study, 80 women of reproductive age with BV were randomly assigned to the C. officinalis (n = 40) or metronidazole (n = 40). Diagnosis of BV was confirmed when at least 3 of the 4 Amsel criteria were met (pH >4.5, whitish grey or thin homogeneous discharge, release of a fishy odor on adding 10% KOH, and detection of clue cells on microscopic examination). For each group, either a methanol extract of C. officinalis or metronidazole vaginal cream (5 g) was used for 1 week intravaginally, and all signs and symptoms were assessed 1 week after treatment completion. Before the intervention, the two groups did not differ significantly with regard to vaginal burning, odor, dysuria, and dyspareunia, but itching was significantly more common in the C. officinalis group than in the metronidazole group (22.5% vs. 2.5%, P = 0.01). One week after the intervention, all women in both groups were free of symptoms, including vaginal itching and burning sensation, odor, dysuria, and dyspareunia. None of the women in either group suffered any side effects from C. officinalis or metronidazole. C. officinalis was effective for the treatment of BV in women of reproductive age, without any side effects. This herb could be recommended for women of reproductive age who uncomfortable with the potential side effects of synthetic drugs.

Women's Awareness and Attitude Toward Breast Self-Examination in Dezful City, Iran, 2013.

BACKGROUND: Over one million new cases of breast cancer (BC) are diagnosed each year with a mortality rate of more than 600 thousand women per year. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a patient-centered, inexpensive, and noninvasive diagnostic test. We focused on the role of screening in BC in early diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate awareness and attitude of women toward BSE in Dezful City, Iran, in 2013. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 1020 women over 15 years of age in Dezful City, in 2013. Simple random clustering was used to enroll accessible women. We have applied the available pieces of software for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of recruited women was 37.1 ± 1.3 and 23.6% of participants had a history of BC in themselves or in their relatives (mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother). In addition, 70.1% of participants benefited from early diagnosis of BC, 83.3% of participants considered BSE necessary and useful for early diagnosis of BC, and 51% of them performed BSE. There was a statistically significant correlation between being married and doing BSE (P = 0.034) and between women's level of education and awareness to perform BSE (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: With regard to high prevalence of BC in Iran, this study showed a positive attitude of women in Dezful City toward BSE. Health policymakers in Dezful City can establish training programs to increase women's awareness of BSE and to instruct them to perform it properly.

Comparing the postpartum quality of life between six to eight weeks and twelve to fourteen weeks after delivery in iran.

BACKGROUND: Women during the postpartum period experience many physiological, psychological, and social changes. Quality of life (QOL) is a sense of well-being and arises from satisfaction or dissatisfaction with various aspects of life including health, employment, socioeconomic state, psychological-emotional state, and family. Moreover, QOL is an important criteria for assessing healthcare system. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the postpartum QOL between six to eight and 12 to 14 weeks after delivery in women referred to public health centers in Dezful City, Iran, in 2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a longitudinal study. The study participants were 150 postpartum women referred to public health centers. Quota method was used for sampling. Data collection tools in this study were demographic questionnaire, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), short form health survey questionnaire (SF-36), and Specific Quality of Life after Delivery Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean scores of various dimensions of the SF-36 were significantly higher at 12 to 14 weeks than at six to eight weeks (P < 0.001). The postpartum mean depression score was significantly higher at six to eight weeks than at 12 to 14 weeks (P < 0.001). The mean score of QOL questionnaires at 12 to 14 weeks were increased in all dimensions in comparison with six to eight weeks; however, this increase was significant only in dimension of the mother's feelings toward herself, her husband, and others (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Because enormous changes develop in postpartum women, we suggest supportive measures for mother by her mother-in-law, family, and caregivers to improve the QOL and health status of the mother and her child.

A comparative study of the effect of triage training by role-playing and educational video on the knowledge and performance of emergency medical service staffs in Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Educating emergency medical staffs in triage skills is an important aspect of disaster preparedness. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of role-playing and educational video presentation on the learning and performance of the emergency medical service staffs in Khozestan, Iran METHODS: A total of 144 emergency technicians were randomly classified into two groups. A researcher trained the first group using an educational video method and the second group with a role-playing method. Data were collected before, immediately, and 15 days after training using a questionnaire covering the three domains of demographic information, triage knowledge, and triage performance. The data were analyzed using defined knowledge and performance parameters. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two training methods on performance and immediate knowledge (P = .2), lasting knowledge (P=.05) and immediate performance (P = .35), but there was a statistical advantage for the role-playing method on lasting performance (P = .02). CONCLUSION: The two educational methods equally increase knowledge and performance, but the role-playing method may have a more desirable and lasting effect on performance.

The Effect of Prenatal Education on Mother's Quality of Life during First Year Postpartum among Iranian Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal educations provide information regarding pregnancy, birth, infant care and early parenthood. The purpose of this study was to determine effect of prenatal education on mother's quality of life during first year after childbirth among Iranian women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-blind randomized control trial study was performed on 160 first-time pregnant women; with a singleton fetus; aged 18 to 35; without history of medical, psychological, and infertility diseases; as well as with at least eight prenatal visits during pregnancy. Participants were invited into two groups of intervention (n=80) and control (n=80). The antenatal education classes were consisted of eight sessions, and then, mother's quality of life was evaluated during first year after childbirth. Data was analyzed using t test, chi-square, and Mann-Withney. RESULTS: The interventional group demonstrated higher scores of quality of life domains than the control group (p<0.05). The interventional group (at one year postpartum) demonstrated significantly higher scores for quality of life in the physical health, psychological health, and environmental health domains compared to the control group. In addition, the interventional group showed a significant increase in the mean scores for the domains of physical, psychological, and environmental health from 6-8 weeks to 1 year postpartum. CONCLUSION: THE STUDY SHOWED THAT WOMEN RECEIVING PRENATAL EDUCATION HAD HIGHER LEVEL OF HAPPINESS AND SATISFACTION IN THEIR OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE AND HEALTH, RESPECTIVELY (REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT201101115571N2).