Endurance training and MitoQ supplementation improve spatial memory, VEGF expression, and neurogenic factors in hippocampal tissue of rats.

Background and Aim: The hippocampus has a key role in memory and learning, which means that this brain structure has high-energy demand. Accordingly, mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus has deleterious effects on brain function. MitoQ is an antioxidant that accumulates selectively in mitochondria at high concentration. In this study, the effect of MitoQ alone and in combination with endurance training (ET) was investigated on spatial memory (distance, time, and number of passes in the target quarter), antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]), and neurogenic factor levels (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]) in male Wistar rats. Methods: Rats were assigned to a control (CTL) group, ET group, ET+MitoQ group, and a MitoQ group. Rats were trained on a treadmill for 8 weeks, 5 days/week, and 50 min/day. MitoQ (250 µM daily) was administered through drinking water for 8 weeks. Spatial memory (Morris water maze test), gene expression (real-time PCR), protein expression (Western blotting), and antioxidants (ELISA method) were determined. Results: Distance and number of passes in the target quarter in the ET, MitoQ, and ET+MitoQ groups were higher than in the CTL group (P=0.001). MitoQ+ET had more impact on the abovementioned indices than MitoQ or ET alone. Simultaneous use of MitoQ and ET significantly increased gene and protein expression of VEGF (P=0.0001) and gene expression of BDNF (P=0.004) and Sestrin 2 (SESN2) (P=0.0001) in hippocampal tissue. The expression of VEGF (P=0.007) and SESN2 (P=0.001) was higher in the MitoQ group compared to the CTL group. Tissue GPx levels were increased following all three interventions (P≤0.013) compared to the CTL group while SOD levels remained unchanged in all groups. Conclusions: The combination of ET and MitoQ has additive effects on spatial memory in rats by modulating parameters that are involved in hippocampal neurogenesis. In addition, MitoQ may have positive effects on the antioxidant defense by improving GPx activity. Relevance for Patients: Considering the positive effects of MitoQ on improving the memory and the antioxidant defense, it seems that it can play a positive role in improving the diseases associated with memory loss in the long term, and ET along with this supplement can increase the possible positive effects.

Gastroesophageal Variceal Bleeding as a Complication of Cystic Fibrosis in a 3-Month-Old Patient.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease of mucous and sweat glands, which affects the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Herein, we describe a 3-month-old girl with a history of recurrent episodes of urinary tract infections that required hospitalization. She was referred to our center at the age of three months, with massive gastroesophageal variceal bleeding. In physical examination, she had clubbing, hepatosplenomegaly, and mild ascites. Laboratory studies revealed high serum levels of liver enzymes and low level of Albumin. As of suspicious to CF, sweat tests were performed twice which confirmed the diagnosis of CF. Gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastroesophageal varices is a rare complication of CF, which could result as a consequence of hepatobiliary involvement of disease. Early diagnosis of CF could prevent severe complications and even death in this group of patients.

Liver abscess as the presenting manifestation of chronic granulomatous disease.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare primary immunodeficiency disease, affecting phagocytic blood cells, which predispose patients to recurrent infectious complications. Herein, an 11-year-old girl is described who presented with liver abscess at the age of 9 years. Positive dihydrorhodamine (DHR) and nitrobluetetrazolium (NBT) tests confirmed the diagnosis of CGD for the patient. Anti-tuberculosis drugs and parenteral antibiotic therapy were started. Unusual visceral abscess and recurrent infections should be considered as an alarm for primary immunodeficiency diseases, while early diagnosis and appropriate treatment could prevent severe complications and even death in this group of patients.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effect of Rumex patientia seed preparation in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Rumex patientia (RP) could exert beneficial health effects to ameliorate metabolic diseases. The effect of subchronic feeding of RP seeds was evaluated on serum glucose and lipid profile in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into control, RP-treated control, diabetic, glibenclamide-treated diabetic, and RP-treated diabetic groups. For induction of diabetes, streptozotcin was administered at a dose of 60mg/kg. Meanwhile, RP-treated groups received RP seed powder mixed with standard pelleted food at a weight ratio of 6% for 4 weeks. Serum glucose and lipid levels were determined before the study and at 2nd and 4th weeks after the study in addition to the oxidative stress markers in hepatic tissue. RESULTS: Serum glucose was significantly lower in RP-treated diabetic rats at 2nd and 4th weeks as compared to untreated diabetics (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not show significant reductions in RP-treated diabetic rats as compared to untreated diabetics. Serum HDL-cholesterol, however, significantly increased (p<0.05) and LDL-cholesterol showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) in RP-treated diabetic rats as compared to untreated diabetics (p<0.05). RP also attenuated the increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and reduced activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in hepatic tissue. CONCLUSION: Subchronic treatment of diabetic rats with RP could lessen the abnormal changes in blood glucose level and to improve lipid profile regarding HDL- and LDL-cholesterol in part due to its attenuation of lipid peroxidation in hepatic tissue.

The clinical and laboratory manifestations of Iranian patients with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease, characterized by chronic pulmonary disease, pancreatic insufficiency and abnormal electrolytes in the sweat. In order to evaluate the clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of Iranian children with CF during a 10-year period, 243 CF patients, with a median age of 5 months, were investigated in this study. The most common manifestations were gastrointestinal disorders and respiratory manifestations. Cough was the most common symptom, followed by malnutrition, diarrhea, respiratory distress, and vomiting. The frequency of these findings after treatment was significantly decreased in comparison with the period before diagnosis. During the mean follow-up of 40.9 months, seven cases died due to severe infections. Cystic fibrosis as a common genetic disorder should be considered in any child with recurrent gastrointestinal and respiratory manifestations, since delayed diagnosis could lead to severe complications and even death in this group of patients.

Candida albicans meningitis in an infant with noonan syndrome

Noonan syndrome is a rare disorder, characterized by several malformations such as dysplasia and stenosis of the pulmonary valve, atrial septal defect and a typical pattern of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We describe here a 1-month old girl, who was referred to our center with seizure and apnea. She had wide anterior fontanel, head circumference and sunset eye. Intaventricular hemorrhage by sonography and atrial septal defect and hypertrophy cardiomyopathy by echocardiography were detected. Clinical and laboratory findings of the patient were compatible with a diagnosis of Noonan syndrome, which was also confirmed by molecular analysis. Candida albicans was grown in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures. Treatment with Amphotrycine B was started for the patient and she responded well to this therapy. Early diagnosis and appropriate diagnosis of a rare condition in the patient with such rare disease are the main keys to avoid further complications and even death of patient.

Congenital choledochal cyst in an infant with cystic fibrosis.

Congenital choledochal cyst is malformation of the biliary ductal system, which rarely occur. We describe here a 4-month old boy, who was referred to our center with respiratory distress and low level consciousness. In physical examination, a mass was detected in right upper quadrant of abdomen. Sonographic examination indicated a cystic structure representing the choledochal cyst. Further evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in this patient. Although choledochal cyst is considered as a rare disease, it is the most frequent malformation of the extrahepatic biliary ducts, which easily could be misdiagnosed.

Candida albicans meningitis in an infant with Noonan syndrome.

Noonan syndrome is a rare disorder, characterized by several malformations such as dysplasia and stenosis of the pulmonary valve, atrial septal defect and a typical pattern of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We describe here a 1-month old girl, who was referred to our center with seizure and apnea. She had wide anterior fontanel, head circumference and sunset eye. Intaventricular hemorrhage by sonography and atrial septal defect and hypertrophy cardiomyopathy by echocardiography were detected. Clinical and laboratory findings of the patient were compatible with a diagnosis of Noonan syndrome, which was also confirmed by molecular analysis. Candida albicans was grown in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures. Treatment with Amphotrycine B was started for the patient and she responded well to this therapy. Early diagnosis and appropriate diagnosis of a rare condition in the patient with such rare disease are the main keys to avoid further complications and even death of patient.