Alleviation of microcystin-leucine arginine -induced hepatotoxicity: An updated overview.

OBJECTIVES: Contamination of surface waters is a major health threat for all living creatures. Some types of blue-green algae that naturally occur in fresh water, are able to produce various toxins, like Microcystins (MCs). Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) produced by Microcystis aeruginosa is the most toxic and abundant isoforms of MCs, and it causes hepatotoxicity. The present article reviews preclinical experiments examined different treatments, including herbal derivatives, dietary supplements and drugs against MC-LR hepatotoxicity. METHODS: We searched scientific databases Web of Science, Embase, Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords to find suitable studies until November 2023. RESULTS: MC-LR through Organic anion transporting polypeptide superfamily transporters (OATPs) penetrates and accumulates in hepatocytes, and it inhibits protein phosphatases (PP1 and PP2A). Consequently, MC-LR disturbs many signaling pathways and induces oxidative stress thus damages cellular macromolecules. Some protective agents, especially plants rich in flavonoids, and natural supplements, as well as chemoprotectants were shown to diminish MC-LR hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSION: The reviewed agents through blocking the OATP transporters (nontoxic nostocyclopeptide-M1, captopril, and naringin), then inhibition of MC-LR uptake (naringin, rifampin, cyclosporin-A, silymarin and captopril), and finally at restoration of PPAse activity (silybin, quercetin, morin, naringin, rifampin, captopril, azo dyes) exert hepatoprotective effect against MC-LR.

Immunomodulation Induced in BALB/c Mice after Subacute Exposure to Hydroalcoholic Extract of Artimisia Dracunculus.

INTRODUCTION: Tarragon, with the scientific name of Artemisia dracunculus, is a perennial herbaceous plant with a wide spectrum of pharmacologic properties. In the current investigation, BALB/c mice were used to examine the immunomodulatory effects of hydroalcoholic extract of tarragon (HET). METHODS: Mice were treated with hydroalcoholic extract of Artimisia dracunculus (HET) at two doses (250 and 500 mg/kg) for 14 days. The host hematological parameters, spleen cellularity histopathology, hemagglutination titer assay (HA), delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses, IFN-γ and IL-4 levels produced by spelenocytes, and the proliferation of lymphocytes were assayed. RESULTS: HET at a high dose significantly could increase the number of white blood cells and lymphocytes compared to the control group. The lymphocyte proliferation in exposure to PHA significantly increased in the HET group at both doses compared to the control group, whilst this index in the presence of LPS increased significantly for the 500 mg/kg-HET group only. Moreover, in the HA and DTH tests, HET significantly increased the proliferation of lymphocytes as compared with the control group. Furthermore, HET significantly increased the amount of IFN-γ parallel to a decrease in the level of IL-4 in compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, HET has potent immunostimulant characteristics. More investigation into tarragon's potential to be used in the treatment of disorders caused by a weakened immune response should be conducted.

Melittin as a safe compound to BALB/c mice immune system; a tiered approach immunotoxicity screening.

BACKGROUND: Maintenance of immune system integrity is a vital requirement to protect human body against pathogens/cancers. Natural compounds have long been used due to their benefits for the immune system. One of which is bee venom that contains a peptide called melittin having antimicrobial and anticancer effects. Since a limited number of studies regarding the effects of melittin on the immune system have been carried out, we aimed to evaluate the effects of melittin on BALB/c mice immune system parameters. METHODS: Female BALB /c mice were treated intraperitoneally (i.p) with 0.75 and 1.5 mg/kg doses of melittin for 14 days (5 doses per week). The negative control group received i.p normal saline whereas the positive controls received i.p 20 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CYP). Immunological parameters such as hematological parameters, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), hemagglutination titer (HA), spleen cellularity, splenocytes proliferation, as well as spleen and bone marrow histopathological assessment were evaluated. RESULTS: Our findings showed that melittin has no gross pathological effect on the spleen and bone marrow. It was also demonstrated that melittin has no any significant effect on hematological parameters. Melittin did not cause any significant changes to proliferation response of splenocytes to PHA and LPS, spleen cellularity, DTH response, as well as the production of anti-SRBC antibodies. According to our results, melittin at 0.75 and 1.5 mg/kg doses could not induce significant changes on immune parameters and as a result, melittin was found to be safe for the mice immune system.

The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV among hemodialysis patients in a tertiary care hospital in Mashhad, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis and acquired immunodeficiency are major health concerns in high-risk patients with renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. This might be due to the number of blood transfusions, age, and dialysis duration. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV in hemodialysis patients to determine the effectiveness of preventive measures already in place and the possible correlation between various risk factors and viral infection in the Hemodialysis Center in Mashhad, Iran. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-five patients were included in a retrospective cross-sectional study. The demographic information was collected. Hepatitis-B surface antigens, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV antibodies were screened using ELISA. RESULTS: Out of 65 patients, 34 (52.3%) were male, and 31 (47.7%) were female. Mean duration of dialysis was 30.68 ± 26.39 months, and the mean age was 64.95 ± 14.09 years. We found 9 (13.8%) patients that were HBV positive (HbsAg-positive), and 3 (4.6%) patients were HCV positive. Sex and the number of blood transfusions were found to be risk factors for HBV infection and had statistical significance (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). No statistical significance was found between HBV- and HCV- positivity and the mean age of patients (p = 0.84 and p = 0.76, respectively). All patients were HIV-negative. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of HBV was high and significant. More preventive measures need to be developed, and further studies should be conducted to examine the effectiveness of these measures. Moreover, evaluating the prevalence rates of HBV, HCV, and HIV in other hospitals and dialysis centers in Mashhad is recommended to minimize viral infections. Initial HBV vaccination for patients that require hemodialysis is crucial.

A Comparative Study on Visual Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Closed Tube Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification: Shedding Light on the Use of Eriochrome Black T.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification is a promising candidate for the rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, the high potential for carry-over contamination is the main obstacle to its routine use. Here, a closed tube LAMP was intended for the visual detection of Mtb to compare turbidimetric and two more favorable colorimetric methods using calcein and hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB). Additionally, a less studied dye (i.e., eriochrome black T (EBT)) was optimized in detail in the reaction for the first time. Mtb purified DNA and 30 clinical specimens were used to respectively determine the analytical and diagnostic sensitivities of each method. The turbidimetric method resulted in the best analytical sensitivity (100 fg DNA/reaction), diagnostic sensitivity and specificity (100%), and time-to-positivity of the test (15 min). However, this method is highly prone to subjective error in reading the results. Moreover, HNB-, calcein-, and EBT-LAMP could respectively detect 100 fg, 1 pg, and 1 pg DNA/reaction (the analytical sensitivities) in 30, 15, and 30 min, while the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were respectively 93.3% and 100% for them all. Interestingly, EBT-LAMP showed the lowest potential for subjective error in reading the results. This report helps judiciously choose the most appropriate visual method, taking a step forward toward the field applicability of LAMP for the detection of Mtb, particularly in resource-limited settings.

The hematopoietic potential of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Portulaca oleracea in a phenylhydrazine model of anemia.

Objective: Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as Purslane, is traditionally used as a sour, diuretic, and cooling herb with hemostatic properties. The present study evaluates the antianemic effect of methanolic and aqueous extracts of P. oleracea in a phenylhydrazine model of anemia. Materials and Methods: Phenylhydrazine (60 mg/kg/day, i.p., two consecutive days) was used to induce anemia in rats. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of P. oleracea were prepared, and three methods of treatment were defined with two doses (500 and 750 mg/kg, i.p.). The hematological parameters and blood cell morphology, total and direct bilirubin, and morphology, and pathology of bone marrow were evaluated. Results: The results showed that the methanolic extract has better effects than aqueous extract in improving phenylhydrazine-induced anemia. Our results showed that administration of 500 and 750 mg/kg of P. oleracea methanolic extracts for 4 days could protect against the development of anemia caused by phenylhydrazine. Conclusion: In summary, the methanolic extracts of P. oleracea might be effective in phenylhydrazine-induced anemia.

The significance of thymoquinone administration on liver toxicity of diazinon and cholinesterase activity; a recommendation for prophylaxis among individuals at risk.

BACKGROUND: Diazinon (DZN), a widely used chemical herbicide for controlling agricultural pests, is an important organophosphorus pesticide and an environmental pollutant which induces toxic effects on living organisms during long-term exposure. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a phytochemical bioactive compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to evaluate the protective effects of TQ against DZN-induced hepatotoxicity through alleviating oxidative stress and enhancing cholinesterase (ChE) enzyme activity. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 8); a negative control group receiving corn oil; a group only receiving DZN (20 mg/kg/day); a group treated with TQ (10 mg/kg/day), and three treatment groups as TQ + DZN, receiving different doses of TQ (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day). All experimental animals were orally treated for 28 consecutive days. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined. In addition, ChE activity and histopathological changes were evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed that DZN decreased GSH level (p < 0.01) and SOD activity (p < 0.01) in parallel to an increase in MDA level (p < 0.01) and increased the activity of AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH (p < 0.01) in comparison to the negative control group. Our findings demonstrated that TQ administration could diminish hepatotoxicity and reduce oxidative damage in DZN-treated rats, which could be linked to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. It was also observed that TQ 10 mg/kg remarkably increased the activity of acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and SOD enzymes, elevated GSH, decreased MDA, and reduced pathological alternations of the liver induced by DZN. CONCLUSION: Thymoquinone 10 mg/kg increased the activity of plasma and blood cholinesterases and reduced DZN-induced alternations of the liver. Improvement of butyryl- and acetylcholinesterase activity suggests that maybe TQ supplement could be beneficial as pre-exposure prophylaxis among farm workers spraying pesticides.

Hematological Consequences of Valproic Acid in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review with a Mechanistic Approach.

PURPOSE: Although Valproate (VPA) has several advantages in controlling seizures, it may cause serious hematological consequences. Hematotoxicity of VPA is particularly important in pediatrics because patients at this age are at a growing risk of leukemia. For a conclusive agreement about the toxicity of VPA, in this study, we systematically reviewed the literature in which the hematological consequences of VPA had been emphasized. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in June 2021 on electronic databases to find original research on the association between VPA therapy and hematotoxicity in pediatric patients. For this purpose, the following search terms "hematotoxicity", "valproic acid" and "pediatrics" with different spellings and similar terms, were searched in the title, keywords, and abstracts of articles. The data were collected and used for qualitative data description. RESULTS: A total of 36 relevant articles with an overall 1381 study population were included. The results showed that VPA could cause severe hematotoxicity in children even at therapeutic doses. Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and bone marrow depression are the most common complications associated with VPA therapy. Also, findings showed that after discontinuation of VPA and starting other antiepileptic drugs or reducing the administered VPA dose, hematologic damages were entirely resolved, and all the hematological parameters improved during two weeks. CONCLUSION: This review showed that VPA therapy could cause hematotoxicity in children; hence, it is recommended to monitor hematological indices during VPA therapy. Also, according to the suggested mechanistic pathways of VPA side effects, a combination of VPA with antioxidants may reduce hematological side effects.

Modulatory effect of opioid administration on the activity of cholinesterase enzyme: a systematic review of mice/rat models.

We aimed to review the literature to find the specific effect of opioids on the activity of cholinesterase (ChE) enzyme which plays a substantial role in the functioning of cholinergic system. Literature search was performed by two independent reviewers in order to find relevant articles about the changes in the activity of ChE in mice or rat following opioid administration. Based on findings from literature review, opioid administration is able to induce cholinergic modulation via decreasing or increasing the activity of ChE enzyme. However, the degree of variation of ChE in various brain regions is different. No gender differences was reported in the effect of opioids on ChE activity. Although chronic opioid administration may decrease enzyme function, ChE activity might be unchanged following opioid withdrawal using naloxone or the development of tolerance. Opioid type affects whether or not naloxone can reverse the changes of ChE. Direct inhibitory action of morphine and the other opioid ligands believed responsible for the decrease in the ChE activity. Moreover, the potency of codeine to induce allosteric enhancement of acetylcholine receptor signaling might be involved in the cholinergic modulation of codeine and other opioids. Animal studies on rat and mice showed that opioids may change the activity of ChE. These changes can pertain an increase or decrease in enzyme activity; as there might be no change. The type of opioid used may have an effect on the cholinergic modulation. It is beneficial to conduct cross-sectional and cohort studies on addicted individuals, especially opium abusers, to find the precise association of opioids with alterations in human acetyl cholinesterase or butyrylcholinesterase. Simulation studies can also examine the structure-function relationships and provide important details to better understand the mechanism of action of opioid compounds on ChE activity. In addition, understanding how opioids impact ChE activity may help perform proper interventions for drug abstinence.

Plant Extract and Herbal Products as Potential Source of Sorbent for Analytical Purpose: An Experimental Study of Morphine and Codeine Determination Using HPLC and LC-MSMS.

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is an analytical method for microextraction of analytes, in which the analytes bind to the sorbent on the surface of the SPME fiber. Many types of chemical agents are used as sorbent; however, many of these sorbents cause secondary contamination or are not cost-effective. Here, aqueous extract of Ferula gummosa was evaluated as potential source of sorbent for simultaneous microextraction of morphine and codeine. For this purpose, multiwalled carbon nanotubes were carboxylated with H2SO4/HNO3 (3:1) and then functionalized with aqueous extract of F. gummosa. Functionalization was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy measurements as well as scanning electron microscopy analysis. Porous polypropylene hollow fibers were filled with the functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and used for analyte extraction in urine sample at 40°C and pH 6 for 2 min. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis showed that the fiber could preconcentrate 1 ng/mL of morphine and 0.75 ng/mL codeine in urine sample and was successfully used for 30 times with no significant loss in the extraction efficiency. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for morphine were 1 and 3.3 ng/mL, respectively. LOD and LOQ for codeine were determined 0.75 and 2.47 ng/mL, respectively. Recovery of the fiber was 80% and 93% for morphine and codeine, respectively. SPME fiber using extract of F. gummosa plant was used for the detection of a small amount of morphine in urine sample. Therefore, plants can be considered as abundant and cheap sources of sorbent for various analytical purposes.

miR-155 influences cell-mediated immunity in Balb/c mice treated with aflatoxin M1.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a 4-hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). It induces various toxicological effects including immunotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of AFM1 on immune system and its modulation by MicroRNA (miR)-155. AFM1 was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 25 and 50 µg/kg for 28 days to Balb/c mice and different immune system parameters were analyzed. The levels of miR-155 and targeted proteins were evaluated in isolated T cells from spleens of mice. Spleen weight was reduced in mice exposed to AFM1 compared to negative control. Proliferation of splenocytes in response to phytohemagglutinin-A was reduced in mice exposed to AFM1. IFN-γ was decreased in mice exposed to AFM1, whereas IL-10 was increased. Concentration of IL-4 did not change different in mice exposed to AFM1 compared to negative control. Exposure to AFM1 reduced the expression of miR-155. Significant upregulation of phosphatidylinositol-3, 4, 5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatase 1 (Ship1) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (Socs1) was observed in isolated T cells from spleens of mice treated with AFM1, but the transcription factor Maf (c-MAF) was not affected. These results suggest that miR-155 and targeted proteins might be involved in the immunotoxicity observed in mice exposed to AFM1.

Acute Phenobarbital Poisoning for the Management of Seizures in Newborns and Children; A Systematic Literature Review.

OBJECTIVES: While phenobarbital (PB) is commonly used for the management of seizures in newborns and pediatrics, its administration may accompany acute poisoning. We aimed to review the literature to find out the frequency of PB poisonings in newborns and children with seizures. METHOD: A literature search was performed by two independent reviewers to find relevant articles about PB toxicity in neonates and pediatrics that were treated for the seizure. RESULTS: 18 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. The main reasons for PB poisoning in studied patients were therapeutic intoxication. Reported signs of PB poisoning were lethargy, sedation, lack of sucking, fever, skin rash, hepatic inflammation and alopecia. Moreover, respiratory depression, encephalopathy, myocardial failure, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, and coma were among the complications of acute PB toxicity in children and infants. CONCLUSION: PB therapy for the management of seizures in newborns and children might be associated with poisoning. Although supportive and symptomatic treatments are available for PB overdose, it should be administered with caution, using drug monitoring to avoid toxicity.

Determination of 17ß-estradiol in commercial pasteurized and sterilized milk samples in Mashhad, Iran.

Due to nutritional facts of milk in human life, the quality assessment of dairy products is of the utmost importance. The aim of the current study was to determine the 17ß-estradiol level in commercial pasteurized and sterilized milk brands in Mashhad, Iran. In this regard, 160 samples including 80 pasteurized (40 high-fat and 40 low-fat) and 80 sterilized milk (40 high-fat and 40 low-fat) of widely used brands from different supermarkets were collected. The mean level of 17ß-estradiol was 8.2 ± 0.59 pg/ml. The mean amount of estradiol was found to be 7.6 ± 0.47, 7.9 ± 0.45, 8.6 ± 0.63, and 8.9 ± 0.54 pg/ml for the low-fat pasteurized, low-fat sterilized, high-fat pasteurized and high-fat sterilized milk, respectively. There was no significant difference between the amount of estradiol in pasteurized and sterilized milk. As expected, the level of estradiol was statistically higher in high fat milks than that of low-fat milks. Considering the levels of 17ß-estradiol measured here and the maximum permissible daily level of external estradiol entered to body through edible products recommended by EU and CAC (3.5 µg), at least in the short term, there will be no remarkable impact on the endocrine system. However, judging the long-term effects of using these products is not easy and simple at all, as cancers develop during a long period of time and has a multifactorial etiology.

Antioxidant and toxicity studies of biosynthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles in rats.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute toxic potential of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) synthesized by pullulan in adult male Wistar rats. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats randomly were divided into five experimental groups of six animals each. The animals were received 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg CNPs for 14 consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, the rats were euthanized and histopathological evaluation of the liver and renal tissues, as well ass, the markers of serum oxidative stress including thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, total sulfhydryl content, and antioxidant capacity (using ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay) were assessed. Hematological parameters and the activity of liver function enzymes were also measured. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that CNPs caused no significant changes in the activity of liver enzymes, hepatic and renal histopathology and hematological parameters, while significantly improved serum redox status. CONCLUSION: Acute administration of pullulan-mediated CNPs is safe and possess antioxidant activity.

Molecular modeling and experimental study of a new peptide-based microextraction fiber for preconcentrating morphine in urine samples.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are best known for their bactericidal properties; however, due to their unique and flexible structures, they have also been proposed as potential selective sorbents for specific molecules. In the present study, we aimed to design and produce a new peptide-based microextraction fiber for preconcentrating morphine in urine samples. The binding of morphine to the peptide was first evaluated by computational simulation using the Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) 2015.10 software. A similar study was then performed using DS BIOVIA Materials Studio 2017 v17.1.0.48, which confirmed the results of the simulation carried out with MOE. Afterwards, those results were also confirmed by experimental research. In the experimental evaluation, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were initially carboxylated with H2SO4/HNO3 (3:1) and then functionalized with the peptide. FTIR analysis, Raman measurements, and SEM imaging were used to confirm that CNT functionalization was successful as well as to check the nanostructure of the fiber. To evaluate the functionality of the fiber, it was inserted into a microtube containing a urine sample that included morphine and then sonicated for 5 min at 40 °C. Afterwards, the fiber was washed with methanol 20% (H2O/methanol) and the resulting sample was analyzed by HPLC. This procedure was repeated for different concentrations of morphine in the urine sample. The computational and experimental results showed that a morphine concentration as low as 0.25 ppb in urine could be adsorbed and detected using the peptide fiber. Therefore, given its semi-selective binding affinity for morphine, this peptide-based fiber can be considered a new approach to the detection of small amounts of morphine in biological samples.

Current status of the acquired immune system of Iranian patients with long-term complications of sulfur mustard poisoning.

BACKGROUND: Sulfur mustard (SM) is a powerful blistering chemical warfare agent that has genotoxic effects. Cells with excessive proliferation such as lymphocytes may inherit this cellular toxicity which can lead to their malfunctions in the long-term. This study was designed to evaluate the status of acquired immunity among SM poisoned veterans around three decades after exposure. METHODS: Thirty five male Iranian veterans having at least 25% disability due to SM poisoning with long-term complications in the respiratory system, skin or eyes were investigated. Non-functional/functional tests including hematological parameters, immunostaining analysis, lymphocyte proliferation assay, cytokine profile, and levels of total serum IgM, IgG and IgA were performed. RESULTS: The results showed that most of the parameters of adaptive immune system of the veterans were currently within the normal ranges. However, changes in the proliferation index (PI) of lymphocytes showed problems with the lymphocytes which cannot be proliferated appropriately. PI values for PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) in presence of PHA (Phytohemagglutinin-A) and LPS (lipopolysaccharide) mitogens were 1.16 ± 0.14 and 1.13 ± 0.07, respectively which are less than expected. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results gathered in this study, most of the parameters of acquired immunity were normal. However, the observed failure of lymphocyte functions may disrupt physiological activity of whole immune system leading to long-term complications; including recurrent respiratory tract infections. Indeed, further cellular and molecular studies with regard to lymphocytes function are required to better understand the status of adaptive immunity in these patients. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Potential application of amino acids in analytical toxicology.

The ability of extraction and preconcentration of small quantities of substances from biological samples is important in analytical sciences, particularly forensic medicine. In the present study, we evaluated the binding potential of amino acids to produce a new solid phase microextraction fiber based on carbon nanotube (CNTs) for extraction and preconcentration of small amount of morphine in urine sample. Raw CNTs were first carboxylated and then functionalized with 3 amino acids including glutamate, arginine, and cysteine. Functionalization was confirmed by FTIR analysis, Raman spectroscopy and SEM imaging. The functionalized CNTs were coated on polypropylene hollow fiber and used for preconcentration. The results of HPLC analysis in isocratic elution mode using acetonitrile-sodium acetate (10:90, v/v; pH 4; 0.01 M) as the mobile phase showed that amino acids are able to adsorb morphine and the prepared fiber could preconcentrate a very low concentration of morphine (0.25 ppb) in urine matrix. In addition, the fiber was successfully used for up to 30 times with no significant loss in the extraction efficiency. Lowest limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 0.07 and 0.25, respectively. Also, the lowest and best recovery of the fiber was 87.8% and 139% at LOQ, which belonged to glutamate and arginine, respectively. The fibers based on amino acids can be used for the detection of a small amount of morphine in biological samples, which are not detectable by conventional methods. Simple mechanism of these fibers in preconcentrating morphine makes them a novel candidate for detection of other opiates and drugs of abuses in crime scene investigations and postmortem examinations several days after exposure.

Immunomodulatory effects of silymarin after subacute exposure to mice: A tiered approach immunotoxicity screening.

Silymarin is a flavonoid complex extracted from the Silybum marianum plant with a wide range of pharmacological and biochemical effects. In the present study, the immunomodulatory effects of silymarin were investigated in BALB/c mice. Silymarin was administered daily by intraperitoneal injection at doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. Following the exposure, host hematological parameters, spleen cellularity and histopathological examination, as well as delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses, hemagglutination titers (HA), splenocyte cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation assay were studied in all of the test groups of animals. The results showed that the low dose of silymarin (50 mg/kg) could stimulate both cellular and humoral immune functions in the treated hosts. In addition, silymarin at 100 mg/kg appeared to impact on DTH responses and lymphoproliferation. Based on the finding here, it would seem that silymarin has efficient immunostimulant properties. As a recommendation, the application of silymarin along with acupuncture technique (herbal acupuncture) can be thought as a good plan to modulate and enhance the immune system for the management of several immunodeficiency disorders. However, further studies are required to demonstrate this hypothesis.

Chemical composition, antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic evaluation of the essential oil from pistachio (Pistacia khinjuk) hull.

Chemical composition, antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of (Pistacia khinjuk) hull essential oil (EO) were evaluated in this study. The EO was isolated and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using 6 strains of Gram-positive and negative bacteria. DPPH radical scavenging (DPPH) and ß-Caroten Bleaching (BCB) assays were used to measure antioxidant activity of the EO. In vitro cytotoxic activity was measured using MTT assay. Fifty-six compounds representing 99.5% of the total oil composition were identified. In the antibacterial results, Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most susceptible strain (MIC and MBC = 16 µg/ml). Antioxidant IC50 values were respectively 19.03 ±â€¯0.001 and 49.22 ±â€¯0.005 µg/mL. The IC50 indexes of cytotoxic tests were 29.6, 37.3 and 41.1 µg/mL for MCF-7, PC3 and DU-145 cell lines, respectively.

Innate Immune System Status of Sulphur Mustard-Poisoned Iranian Veterans Three Decades after Exposure.

Sulphur mustard (SM) is an incapacitating chemical warfare agent which causes acute and chronic toxicities in different body organs of affected individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the innate immune status of the Iranian veterans who were exposed to SM around 30 years earlier and had more than 25% disabilities. In this regard, most functional and non-functional parameters of innate immunity were evaluated in 35 veterans. Phagocytic activity, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction assay and haemolytic complement activity (HCA) in addition to routine haematological parameters, serum protein electrophoresis, complements C3 and C4 levels were studied. Measures of haematological parameters, serum proteins, C3 and C4 were almost within the normal range. Functional experiments such as phagocytic activity, NBT reduction assay and HCA were normal as well. However, serum protein analysis revealed a fair decrease in percentages of α1 -globulin. Mean values of the parameters of innate immune system of the veterans three decades after SM poisoning were almost within the upper and lower normal limits. Reduced α1 -globulin - maybe subsequent to a chain of SM-induced genetic disorders - may have been the result of α1 -antitrypsin deficiency which may result in prevalent respiratory complications among these veterans. As a supplementary study, measurement of serum α1 -antitrypsin in SM-poisoned veterans could be beneficial. Further studies are required to prove this hypothesis. Further investigations on the evaluation of the acquired immunity parameters as the second line of defence may reveal a better understanding of SM veterans' immune system status.