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Background: Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) is a filamentous and photosynthetic microalgae that contains 25 kinds of vitamins and minerals and bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of ethanolic extract of S. platensis. Materials and Methods: The polyphenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract of S. platensis was evaluated by Folin-Ciocâlteu reagent, chloride aluminum method, and CUPRAC, respectively. The cytotoxicity of extract on HCT116 and SW742 colorectal cancer cells was determined using an MTT assay after 24, 48 and 72 h treatment with various concentrations of S. platensis extract (0-1000 μg/ml). Results: The ethanolic extract of S. platensis showed an antioxidant activity of 53/7±6/63 mg of Ascorbic acid/g dried sample and was characterized with a high level of polyphenolic and flavonoid content. A dose and time dependent decrease in the viability of HCT116 and SW742 cells was detected following exposure to the extract. After 72 h treatment, IC50 value of HCT116 and SW742 cell lines was obtained as 14/79±0/33 µg/ml and 13/26±1/52 µg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the ethanolic extract of S. platensis decreases colorectal cancer cell viability significantly. Therefore, this extract can be a candidate for producing anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Sargassum boveanum is a plant species of brown algae that is widely found in the Persian Gulf. The present study investigated the antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Sargassum boveanum in colorectal cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: Sargassum boveanum was collected from the Persian Gulf in Bushehr province. The hydroalcoholic extract of this plant was extracted by maceration in ethanol 70%. The concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of the hydroalcoholic extract (ethanol 70%) were assessed by folin ciocalteu, aluminum chloride and CUPRAC methods, respectively. Afterwards, the cytotoxicity effect of this extract was investigated in two colorectal cancer cell lines (SW742 and HCT116) and normal cells (fibroblasts) at 24, 48 and 72 hours post-treatment by the MTT method. Results: The studied hydroalcoholic extract contains significant amounts of polyphenol (36.79 ± 0.66 mg GAE/g dwt), flavonoid (194.66±2.5 QE/g dwt) and antioxidant capacity (526.99 ± 9.16 mg AA/g dwt). The hydroalcoholic extract gradually inhibited cell growth in the SW742, HCT116 and fibroblast cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Our results showed that sargassum boveanum hydroalcoholic extract may have considerable potential for development as a novel, natural product-based, anticancer agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic urticaria is an allergic skin disease characterized by severe pruritic wheal persisting at least for 6 weeks. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of plasma therapy used for the first time for the treatment of idiopathic chronic urticaria. Materials and Methods: In this case series study, the quality of life (QOL) of 30 patients with idiopathic chronic urticaria (autoimmune and spontaneous) referred to allergy clinic was evaluated before and after autologous plasma therapy by using standard questionnaires (DLQI and TSS). Results: The findings showed that the means of DLQI and TSS scores in the patients after plasma therapy was significantly reduced. The findings showed that the means of TSS scores in the patients after plasma therapy was significantly reduced (p<0/001). Moreover, it was found that plasma therapy was significantly effective patients with idiopathic chronic urticaria (autoimmune and spontaneous) by using standard questionnaires (TSS)(p=0.001). The findings showed that the means of DLQI scores in the patients after plasma therapy was significantly reduced (p=<0.001) means of DLQI scores in the women in contrast to men after plasma therapy was significantly reduced ( p=0.04) .This indicates that the improvement of the QOL in the patients. Moreover, it was found that plasma therapy was significantly effective in both sexes. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that autologous plasma therapy could be a suitable method for the treatment of patients with idiopathic chronic urticaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Portulaca Oleracea is a medicinal plant with many effects including analgesic and antiinflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of alcoholic extract of Portulaca Olerecea on CCI model of neuropathic pain (Bennet & Xie model) and acute thermal pain induced by Tail Flick. Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were used. Sensitivity to mechanical stimuli (mechanical allodynia) and noxious thermal stimuli were evaluated by Von Frey filaments and Tail Flick, respectively. In neuropathic pain studies, animals were randomly assigned to five groups of sham, CCI, two groups subjected to CCI and injected with extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) and a group subjected to CCI and injected with normal saline. In these groups, mechanical allodynia was assessed on day 7 after surgery. In acute pain studies, animals were divided to three groups of a group that received normal saline and two groups that received extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.). In these groups, Tail Flick was measured 30 minutes after normal saline or extract administration. Data were analyzed by SPSS and appropriate statistical tests. Results: All of the rats that had experienced CCI, exhibited mechanical allodynia after neuropathy. Portulaca oleracea could reduce the development of mechanical allodynia after CCI at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. Thermal acute pain was reduced by 400 mg/kg of the extract. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that Portulaca Oleracea extract can reduce behavioral symptoms of neuropathic and acute pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of serum levels of vitamin K2 and osteocalcin with coronary artery plaques in people undergoing angiography. Materials and Methods: This case-control study enrolled 138 people presenting to Bushehr Heart Center for routine examination. Demographic information of the participants was registered in a standard questionnaire. Before undergoing angiography, 10 ml blood was collected from all the participants and stored at - 80 °C until the analysis. After the angiography, those who were found to be normal entered the control group, and those with one or more arteries blocked were placed in the case group. Finally, serum levels of vitamin K2 and osteocalcin were measured in all the samples using ELISA kits. Results: Serum levels of osteocalcin in the case group were significantly higher than those of the control (P=0.019). There was no difference in K2 levels between the two groups (P=0.84). Moreover, no relationship was found between the osteocalcin levels and the number of blocked arteries and the severity of atherosclerosis (P=0.95). By adjusting age and type 2 diabetes in both groups, a difference was observed in the concentration of osteaocalcin and coronary artery atherosclerosis (P=0.034). Conclusion: Our results showed that a significant relationship exists between increased concentration of serum osteocalcin and coronary artery atherosclerosis. However, no such a relationship was observed between the serum levels of K2 and atherosclerotic arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resveratrol is one of the most effective natural polyphenolic compounds synthesized by plants and its beneficial effects on glycemic control have been reported. Considering the prevalence of thyroid disorders in diabetic patients and the effect of resveratrol on metabolic pathway through Sirtuin1 receptors and its ability to change iodine absorption in thyroid gland, it is suspected that this compound might influence thyroid function and possible have goitrogenic effects. Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 50 subjects with type II diabetes in an intervention and a control group. Patients received 500 mg resveratrol capsules twice a day for 45 days and subjects in the control group received equivalent placebo capsules. Thyroid function tests including T3, T4, TSH and T3RU and anti TPO were checked just before the study and after 45 days. Results: Regarding past history and clinical and biochemical parameters including BMI, blood pressure and glycemic control, there was almost no significant difference between the two groups. Anti TPO levels did not significantly change between the two groups during the study. Finally changes between the two groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test, which concluded significant changes only in T4 levels between the two groups during the course of the study. Conclusion: We can conclude that taking resveratrol 1 gr a day for 45 days as a supplementary for lowering blood glucose in patients with type II diabetes does not cause goitrogenic effects. Further studies are suggested on resveratrol effects on thyroid function in humans with different doses and durations. Moreover, it is suggested that subjects with known thyroid disease with existing underlying pathology be studied to better understand its effects on thyroid function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resveratrol is one of the most effective natural polyphenolic compounds synthesized by plants and its beneficial effects on glycemic control have been reported. Considering the prevalence of thyroid disorders in diabetic patients and the effect of resveratrol on metabolic pathway through Sirtuin1 receptors and its ability to change iodine absorption in thyroid gland, it is suspected that this compound might influence thyroid function and possible have goitrogenic effects. Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 50 subjects with type II diabetes in an intervention and a control group. Patients received 500 mg resveratrol capsules twice a day for 45 days and subjects in the control group received equivalent placebo capsules. Thyroid function tests including T3, T4, TSH and T3RU and anti TPO were checked just before the study and after 45 days. Results: Regarding past history and clinical and biochemical parameters including BMI, blood pressure and glycemic control, there was almost no significant difference between the two groups. Anti TPO levels did not significantly change between the two groups during the study. Finally changes between the two groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test, which concluded significant changes only in T4 levels between the two groups during the course of the study. Conclusion: We can conclude that taking resveratrol 1 gr a day for 45 days as a supplementary for lowering blood glucose in patients with type II diabetes does not cause goitrogenic effects. Further studies are suggested on resveratrol effects on thyroid function in humans with different doses and durations. Moreover, it is suggested that subjects with known thyroid disease with existing underlying pathology be studied to better understand its effects on thyroid function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of serum levels of vitamin k2 and osteocalcin with coronary artery plaques in people undergoing angiography. Materials and Methods: This case-control study enrolled 138 people presenting to Bushehr Heart Center for routine examination. Demographic information of the participants was registered in a standard questionnaire. Before undergoing angiography, 10 ml blood was collected from all the participants and stored at – 80 ˚C until the analysis. After the angiography, those who were found to be normal entered the control group, and those with one or more arteries blocked were placed in the case group. Finally, serum levels of vitamin k2 and osteocalcin were measured in all the samples using ELISA kits. Results: Serum levels of osteocalcin in the case group were significantly higher than those of the control (P=0.019). There was no difference in k2 levels between the two groups (P=0.84). Moreover, no relationship was found between the osteocalcin levels and the number of blocked arteries and the severity of atherosclerosis (P=0.95). By adjusting age and type 2 diabetes in both groups, a difference was observed in the concentration of osteaocalcin and coronary artery atherosclerosis (P=0.034). Conclusion: Our results showed that a significant relationship exists between increased concentration of serum osteocalcin and coronary artery atherosclerosis. However, no such a relationship was observed between the serum levels of k2 and atherosclerotic arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resveratrol (RSV), one of the most effective natural polyphenolic compounds synthesized by plants, has antioxidant, anti-inflammation and anti-insulin-resistance properties. Some studies suggest that the mechanism of action of RSV is mainly mediated by the deacetylase Sirt1. However, other studies have shown that RSV plays its role through other metabolic routes such as its stimulatory effect on the secretion of adiponectin. Adiponectin is a hormone that plays an important role in the regulation of insulin sensitivity and energy homeostasis. In addition, RSV can control obesity by preventing the development of central leptin resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of RSV on blood concentration of adiponectin and leptin in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial recruited 51 patients with type II diabetes from a previous study. Patients’ demographics and medical history were recorded in an interview. The intervention group received 500 mg RSV capsules twice a day for 45 days while the control group received identical placebo capsules. Blood pressure, weight, BMI, lipid profile, blood levels of adiponectin, leptin and liver function tests were measured at baseline. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-test in SPSS 18. Results: There were no differences in the concentration of adiponectin and leptin between the two groups. However, Mann-Whitney test revealed a difference in the concentration of leptin between intervention and control groups (p= 0.025). That is, the blood level of leptin was significantly more in the intervention group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that supplementation of 1 g per day of RSV for 45 days has no effect on the blood level of adiponectin and leptin in patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]