Evaluation Of The Effectiveness of Dantrolene Sodium against Digoxin-Induced Cardiotoxicity In Adult Rats.

BACKGROUND: Digoxin poisoning commonly occurs in people treated with digoxin. It has been suggested that treatment with dantrolene may be a suitable strategy for digoxin-induced cardiotoxicity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of dantrolene on digoxin-induced cardiotoxicity in male rats. METHODS: This study was approved by the ethics committee of Birjand University of Medical Sciences (Ethical number: IR.BUMS.REC.1400.067). Forty-two Wistar rats weighing between 300- 350 gr were randomly allocated to 7 groups (n=6) as follows:Normal Saline (NS) group, Normal Saline + Ethanol (NS + ETOH) group), Normal Saline + dantrolene 10 mg/kg (NS + Dan 10) group, Digoxin (Dig) group), Digoxin + dantrolene 5 mg/kg (Dig + Dan 5) group),Digoxin + dantrolene 10 mg/kg (Dig + Dan 10) group), Digoxin + dantrolene 20 mg/kg (Dig + Dan 20) group), Dig was injected intravenously at 12 mL / h (0.25 mg / mL). Dan (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) was injected intravenously at 5-8 min/mL. After 1 hour, blood samples were obtained from the animals&#039; cavernous sinus and each animal&#039;s heartremoved. The blood sample was rapidly centrifuged at 2,500 rpm for 10 minutes and the serum was separated for measurement of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). The samples were stored at -20 oC. The heart samples were fixed in formalin 10% for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: K levels slightly increased in the dig group versus the NS group. A significant increase in the K levels was observed in the Dig + Dan 20 group versus the NS group (p < 0.001). dig slightly decreased Ca levels in the treated group versus the NS group. The levels of Ca significantly increased in the Dig + Dan 10 group versus the Dig group (p < 0.05). Histological examination of the heart tissue in the dig group showed cardiomyocyte degeneration, increased edematous intramuscular space associated with hemorrhage, and congestion. Focal inflammatory cell accumulation in the heart tissue was also seen. Cardiomyocytes were clear and arranged in good order in the Dig + Dan 10 group. CONCLUSION: dantrolene (10 mg/kg) was cardioprotective in a model of digoxin-induced cardiotoxicity, secondary to cardiac remodeling and hyperkalemia. However, further research is necessary to determine dantrolene&#039;s cardioprotective and cardiotoxic doses in animal models.

Effect of earthworm oil on formation of collagen type III during wound healing process in BALB/c mice.

Abstract.

The detrimental effect of cell phone radiation on sperm biological characteristics in normozoospermic.

Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted from cell phone has harmful effects on some organs of the body, such as the brain, heart, and testes. This study aimed to assess the effects of cell phones on sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis in normozoospermic. Normal sperm samples were divided into two groups of control and case. The samples from the case were placed for 60 min at a distance of approximately 2.5 cm from the cell phone set in the active antenna position. Control samples were exposed to cell phones without active antennas. All specimens were analysed by World Health Organization criteria. Sperm viability, sperm with chromatin abnormality and maturity, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis were examined. Viability and motility in the case were significantly lower than the control (p < .001, p = .004 respectively). The percentage of apoptotic sperms and DNA fragmentation were significantly higher in the case when compared with the control (p = .031, p < .001 respectively). The other parameters studied such as morphology, chromatin abnormality, and maturity showed no significant difference between the case and control groups. Cell phone waves had a detrimental effect on human sperm's biological features. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the cell phone away from the pelvis as much as possible.

Comparison of serum concentrations of essential and toxic elements between cigarette smokers and non-smokers.

The habit of smoking remains a severe public health problem. Heavy metals in cigarettes and mainstream smoke have been extensively investigated. This study has attempted to determine the essential and toxic elements in a biological sample of smokers and non-smokers. In this case-control study, 100 smokers were compared with 100 age- and gender-matched non-smoker healthy subjects. The smoker group was selected via the snowball sampling method. Serum concentrations of trace elements were determined using ICP-MS (Agilent 7900) for subsequent analysis. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using t test or Mann-Whitney U test along with chi-square test at the significant level of less than 0.05. The results of this study indicated that subjects in the smoker group compared with non-smokers had a significantly higher median of manganese (Mn) (11.5 [5.7-17.2] versus 6 [4-12.5] (µg/L), p = 0.003), copper (Cu) (40 [34-47.2] versus 34 [29-42] (µg/L), p = 0.005), arsenic (As) (39 [9-49.2] versus 12 [5-42] (µg/L), p = 0.007), thallium (Tl) (0.54 [0.27-0.68] versus 0.34 [0.11-0.66] (µg/L), p = 0.04), and lower iron (Fe) concentration (218 [156-508] versus 429 [192-573] (µg/L), p = 0.03). This study found that the concentrations of Mn, Cu, As, and TI in cigarette smokers were significantly higher than those obtained from the control group. These results can provide health policymakers with the necessary information to take public health measures towards preventive interventions in the community, though further studies are still warranted.

The sequential assay of interleukin-10 and 13 serum levels in relation to radiographic changes during pulmonary tuberculosis treatment.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the sequential changes of interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-13 serum levels with tuberculosis (TB)-related radiographic changes during pulmonary TB (PTB) treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study during two consecutive years, forty cases with PTB were recorded, and finally, 24 cases were completed the study. Serum levels of IL-10 and IL-13 were measured on admission time, and 6 months later. Furthermore, chest radiography was performed on admission and 6 months later in the treatment course. RESULTS: Radiography at the baseline indicated pulmonary infiltration in all patients (n = 24). Fifteen (62.5%) cases had abnormal and 9 (37.5%) cases had normal radiography at the end of 6 months treatment course. IL-10 and IL-13 upregulated during the treatment time course, and their relationship with radiographic changes shifted from negative (r = -0.14 and P = 0.71) on admission to positive (r = 0.80 and P < 0.001) at the end of 6 months treatment course in normal radiography group. IL-10 level at the start of the treatment was 121.90 ± 88.81 in patients with normal and 82.68 ± 41.50 in patients with abnormal radiography (P = 0.31). CONCLUSION: Sequential increase in IL-10 and IL-13 during PTB treatment course may have a role in clearing the TB-related radiographic infiltration and preventing scar formation.

Blood lead level risk factors and reference value derivation in a cross-sectional study of potentially lead-exposed workers in Iran.

OBJECTIVES: This exploratory investigation aimed to measure blood lead levels and associated risk factors in exposed workers in Iran, and to derive appropriate reference values for blood lead in this population as a means of epidemiological comparison. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Manufacturing plants with potential lead exposure in Southern Khorasan Province, Iran. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 630 workers, selected through stratified random sampling. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary measures in this exploratory investigation were venous blood lead concentration (BLC) and associated risk factors of age, gender, work experience, cigarette smoking and history of opium use. The secondary measures were symptoms associated with lead toxicity. Data analyses were conducted using Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation coefficient and regression analysis. RESULTS: Mean and median BLCs were 6.5±8.1 µg/dL and 3.9 µg/dL (IQR: 2.9-5.8), respectively. Of the subjects, 85 (13.5%) had BLC ≥10 µg/dL. The derived reference BLC value in this study was 30 µg/dL for men and 14 µg/dL for women. Increasing work experience and age were associated with BLC >10 µg/dL. Radiator manufacturers were up to 12.9 times (95% CI 4.6 to 35, p<0.005) more likely than painters to have BLC >10 µg/dL. Most subjects reported multiple symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The mean BLC was above the maximum recommended concentration. There was a significant relationship between higher BLC and age or working in a printing factory or radiator manufacturing. These findings can direct efforts towards reducing occupational lead exposure.

Trial of Atorvastatin on Serum Interleukin-6, Total Antioxidant Capacity, C-Reactive Protein, and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of atorvastatin on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: A clinical trial study conducted on 42 cases of COPD (Vali-Asr Hospital, Birjand, East of Iran, years 2014-16). Patients were randomly assigned to 21 controls and 21 cases who treated with atorvastatin (40 mg/day for 6 months). Inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting ß-agonist were administrated in both groups. The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (registration number: IRCT2016042527594N1). TAC was measured by ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine IL-6, AAT, and hs-CRP. Spearman's rho test and Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, paired, and independent t-tests were used for data analysis in SPSS 23. P < 0.05 was considered significant. FINDINGS: A number of patients completed the study were 16 in atorvastatin and 18 in control group. Mean increments (µmol/L) of TAC (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) were 12.81 ± 605.25 (P = 0.68) in atorvastatin and 160.26 ± 280.54 (P = 0.14) in control group. Mean decrements of IL-6, CRP, and AAT (mean ± SD) were 1.41 ± 5.51 (P = 0.71), 0.98 ± 5.68 (P = 0.72), and 10.94 ± 46.83 (P = 0.21) in atorvastatin and 0.91 ± 11.70 (P = 0.75), 3.23 ± 7.00 (P = 0.19), and 18.77 ± 55.90 (P = 0.21) in control group. CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin did not succeed in maintaining TAC and CRP reduction. However, less reduction in AAT and more reduction in IL-6 in the atorvastatin group would be likely a beneficial effect in COPD.

Comparison between Homocysteine, Fibrinogen, PT, PTT, INR and CRP in Male Smokers with/without Addiction to Opium.

BACKGROUND: Regarding the limited studies about effects of addiction on coagulation factors as a risk factor for increasing coagulation, and its relation to coronary artery disease, we decided to investigate the effect of opium on inflammatory and coagulation factors in a controlled setting. METHODS: This case-control study was performed using two groups of smoking males addicted to opium (27 cases) and not addicted to opium (27 cases). After collecting demographic data, venous blood samples were gathered and sent to laboratory for measuring homocysteine, fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), International Normalized Ratio (INR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) quantity. In order to analyze the data, we used independent t-test plus Mann-Whitney test with significance level of P < 0.05. FINDINGS: The average age in this study was 32.2 ± 6.2 in case group and 33.3 ± 6.2 in control group. Comparing case and control groups regarding age and education showed no significant difference (P = 0.598 and P = 0.848, respectively). Mean daily smoking in case group was 7.9 ± 5.4 and 8.1 ± 5.0 in control group. Mean smoking duration in case group and control group was 10.1 ± 6.5 and 9.0 ± 7.2 years, respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups regarding smoking duration (P = 0.567). Comparison of inflammatory and coagulation factors showed no significant difference except for CRP and fibrinogen for which P = 0.661 and P = 0.889, respectively. Consumption-based comparison of inflammatory and coagulation factors showed no significant difference except for PT in oral and inhaled consumptions which showed a significant difference (P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Results of this study suggest that opium addiction can be an influential factor in blood parameters and can lead to inflammatory and coagulation processes complications.

Vitamin D Supplementation and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Study in Healthy School Children.

BACKGROUND: The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level has been shown to have a significant role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. Low vitamin D levels have been shown to be correlated with dyslipidemia, but limited data exist on indigenous children. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on HDL-C levels in school-aged Iranian children. METHODS: In this prospective controlled clinical trial, 47 healthy children (23 boys) aged 10 - 14 years, students of Birjand (Iran) elementary schools, were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The study group received a vitamin D supplement (1000 mg capsule) daily for one month, and placebo tablets were prescribed to the controls. Before and after the treatment course, the serum HDL-C and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels of both groups were measured. The data were analyzed by SPSS, ver. 16, and Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test, paired-sample t-tests, and Pearson's correlation were used, wherever appropriate. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Forty children completed the study; their mean age was 11.5 ± 1.175 years. The mean serum levels of both HDL-C and vitamin D showed a significant rise following the treatment in the study group (P = 0.007 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas both variables decreased slightly in the control group (P = 0.27). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean serum levels of HDL-C and vitamin D between the two groups after the intervention (P = 0.11 and P = 0.20, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D supplements seem to have a positive impact on serum HDL-C levels and may be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the long term.

Saccharomyces Boulardii in Helicobacter Pylori Eradication in Children: A Randomized Trial From Iran.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infects around 50% of the human population and is asymptomatic in 70% of the cases. H. pylori eradication in childhood will not only result in peptic symptoms relief, but will also prevent late-term complications such as cancer. Today, probiotics are being increasingly studied in the treatment of gastrointestinal infections as an alternative or complement to antibiotics. OBJECTIVES: In this study we aimed to assess the effect of S. boulardii supplementation on H. pylori eradication among children in our region. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial 28 asymptomatic primary school children with a positive H. pylori stool antigen (HpSA) exam were randomly allocated into the study group, receiving Saccharomyces boulardii, and the control group receiving placebo capsules matched by shape and size, for one month. The children were followed up weekly and were reinvestigated four to eight weeks after accomplished treatment by HpSA testing. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: 24 children completed the study. The mean HpSA reduced from 0.40 ± 0.32 to 0.21 ± 0.27 in the study group, indicating a significant difference (P = 0.005). However, such difference was not observed in the control group (P = 0.89). Moreover, the HpSA titer showed a 0.019 ± 0.19 decrease in the study group whereas the same value was 0.0048 ± 0.12 for the controls, again stating a significant difference (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Saccharomyces boulardii has a positive effect on reducing the colonization of H. pylori in the human gastrointestinal system but is not capable of its eradication when used as single therapy.

Tuberculosis of the breast: a case report.

Primary tuberculosis of the breast is a rare disease. It usually occurs in female of reproductive age. Any form of tuberculosis mastitis may present with feature of malignancy. Diagnosis is mainly based on identification of tubercle bacilli. We report a 42-year-old woman with primary tuberculosis abscess of the breast, who underwent surgical resection. Fine needle biopsy failed to achieve specific diagnosis before surgical operation. She responded to anti-TB therapy postoperatively. In endemic area, tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of breast tumors.