Search

Highlights Pancreatic insulin production was reduced in adult male offspring born to reduced uteroplacental perfusion (RUPP) rats. Offspring born to RUPP dams exhibited sex-specific alterations in insulin, ghrelin and glucagon changes.

Background: Evidence suggests that dysregulation in AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPA-Rs) has been associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), especially during its early phase. Hence, the present study was performed to elucidate the impact of resveratrol (RV) on hippocampal expression of AMPA-Rs in a rat model of AD. Methods: A rat model of cognitive deficits was developed by a stereotactic intracerebroventricular infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in male Wistar rats (n=24). The LPS+RV30 group (n=12) received intraperitoneal injections of RV (30 mg/kg) at 30 min, 12 h, and 24 h before LPS injection. Meanwhile, the model (LPS) and sham (SO) groups only were treated with the vehicle solution (normal saline containing 1% ethanol). One day after the LPS infusion, the mRNA expressions of AMPA-Rs subunits (Gria1-4) were evaluated by RT–PCR. In addition, hippocampal levels of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and nitric oxide were assessed. Seven days after the LPS challenge, the remaining animals (n=6, each group) were subjected to the Y-maze task, and the expression and localization of GluA1-containing AMPA-Rs in their hippocampi were investigated immunohistochemically. Results: Pretreatment with RV prevented LPS-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats and enhanced their working memory performance. Moreover, RV could moderately prevent oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in rats’ hippocampi. RT-PCR results revealed that the hippocampal mRNA expression of the Gria1 was significantly reduced, while the expressions of Gria2 and Gria3 were increased in LPS-challenged rats. RV significantly modulated the alteration in the Gria1 mRNA expression; however, it could not influence the Gria2 and Gria3 mRNA expressions. The immunohistochemical assessment showed a significantly reduced immunoreactivity for GluA1- containing AMPA-Rs in all hippocampal subfields of the LPS group, and RV could effectively ameliorate the alteration. Conclusion: This study is the first to report that RV could modulate GluA1-containing AMPA-Rs dysregulation in a rat AD model.

Ziziphus Jujuba Mill (Z.J) is a well-known ethnomedical source of biologically active compounds with anti-inflammatory effects. However, its significance in acute lung injury (ALI) has never been studied. The present study aimed to explore whether Z.J could attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in an experimental model of ALI. Male BALB/c mice received an intratracheal administration of LPS (n=32) or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) (control, n=8). Within 1, 11, and 23 h post-LPS injection, mice were randomly assigned to receive intraperitoneal treatments of saline, dexamethasone (2 mg/kg), and 100 and 200 mg/kg of Z.J extracts, respectively. 24 h after intratracheal administration of LPS, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissues were harvested and assessed for inflammatory cell influx, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, and histological assessments. Treatment with Z.J extracts (100 and 200 mg/kg) and dexamethasone effectively reduced LPS-induced neutrophil and other inflammatory cell influx into the lung tissue compared to the untreated group. additionally, both doses of Z.J extracts (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the lung wet-to-dry ratio and histopathological damage. Furthermore, compared to the untreated ALI mice, Z.J extract at the highest dose could significantly reduce the TNF-α level. The present findings indicated that Z.J could effectively ameliorate LPS-induced ALI inflammatory responses and might be considered a promising alternative therapy for the ALI phenotype.

Abstract Introduction Beetroot is rich in inorganic nitrate and it has been shown that inorganic nitrate has beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome. This study aims to investigate the effect of red beetroot juice (RBJ) on carbohydrate metabolism in adult insulin-resistant rats. Materials and methods Sixteen male Wistar rats (32 weeks old) were divided into two equal groups: control and RBJ. Treatment with drinking water (control) and 100% RBJ (RBJ) was lasted for 5 weeks. At the end of the 4th week the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed and at the end of the study period animals were sacrificed and blood and tissue (aorta, heart, and liver) samples were collected. Furthermore, pancreatic islets were isolated and their insulin secretion activity was investigated in different glycemic conditions. Results Compared to the control group, RBJ-treated rats showed lower blood glucose and insulin levels in the glucose tolerance test. Serum and tissue levels of nitric oxide in the RBJ group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The liver peroxidation and serum aspartate transaminase levels were significantly increased in the RBJ-treated animals compared to the control group. The islets of RBJ group exhibited lower insulin secretion, especially in 16.7 mM glucose concentration (supraphysiologic condition) than control group. Conclusions RBJ consumption improves glucose metabolism in rats via increasing nitric oxide metabolites in an insulin-independent manner. However, future studies are needed to minimize the potential hepatic adverse consequences.

Background and purpose: The seeds of Astragalus hamosus L. are prescribed for many therapeutic purposes in Traditional Persian Medicine. The present study aimed to investigate the combined effects of metformin and ethanolic extract of Astragalus hamosus L. (AH) on glucose and reproductive parameters in diabetic male rats. Materials and methods: Ethanolic extract of AH was prepared using maceration method. Diabetic male Wistar rats were orally treated with 500 mg/kg metformin (MET500), 150 mg/kg AH, (AH150), 300 mg/kg AH (AH300), and combination of metformin and AH (MET+AH150 and MET+AH300) for 28 consecutive days. Then, fasting blood glucose (FBG), plasma testosterone, sperm quality (count, motility, and viability), testis histopathology, and testicular lipid peroxidation (MDA) were evaluated. Results: Compared with the untreated diabetic group, AH treatment significantly improved testosterone level, sperm count, motility, and viability and decreased testicular MDA (all P0.05). AH co-administration with metformin significantly potentiated the beneficial effects of metformin on testosterone (P

Introduction: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with a progressive nature leading to neural damage and cognitive and memory deficit. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of Centella asiatica (CA) in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model of memory impairment and neuronal damage. Methods: The intracerebroventricular infusion of STZ (3 mg/rat) or saline (as the vehicle) was performed on days 1 and 3. CA (150 and 300 mg/kg/d) was administered through oral gavage for 21 days after model induction. We used the Y-maze test to assess the working memory-related performances of animals. Rats were then sacrificed, and their hippocampi were harvested for evaluation of neuronal density in the cornu ammonis (CA1, CA2, CA3) and Dentate Gyrus (DG) regions using stereology technique. Results: The intracerebroventricular infusion of STZ caused significant working memory impairment demonstrated in the Y-maze apparatus, with a significant decrease in alternative behavior compared to control animals (40.67±2.04 vs 73.00±1.88, P

Objective: Cuscuta epithymum (CE) is one of the most popular medicinal plants in the world. However, detailed information about its toxicity is not available. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the safety profile of CE ethanolic extract in vitro and in vivo.Materials and Methods: The extract's in vitro toxicity profile was investigated on normal fibroblast and cervical cancer cells by cytotoxicity test. In the next step, acute oral and intraperitoneal (i.p.) toxicity of the CE extract was evaluated in Wistar rats and BALB/c mice, respectively. Sub-acute oral toxicity was also examined by administering repeated oral doses of the CE extract (50, 200, and 500 mg/kg) to Wistar rats for 28 days.Results: The CE extract exhibited a significant cytotoxicity on both normal (IC50 0.82 mg/ml, p

Abstract Background Side effects of cisplatin (CIS) such as testicular toxicity restrict its clinical use. Instead, evidence indicates that crocin (CR) has synergistic anti-cancer potential with CIS and exhibited beneficial effects on CIS-induced hepatorenal damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective potential of CR against CIS-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Methods Fifty adult male Wistar rats randomly assigned to five equal groups including control, CIS, and CIS plus CR at doses of 6.25 mg/kg (CIS + CR6.25), 25 mg/kg (CIS + CR25), and 100 mg/kg (CIS + CR100). CIS and CIS + CR groups received a single intraperitoneally (i.p.) injection of CIS (7 mg/kg). CR (6.25–100 mg/kg i.p.) injections were started three days before the CIS injection and continued once a day for up to 13 days. On the 14th day, all animals were sacrificed and their blood samples and testes were removed for biochemical and histological analyses. Results Compared to the control group, CIS significantly decreased relative testis weight (0.28 vs. 0.39, p

Abstract Background Melittin is one of the most studied antimicrobial peptides, and several in vitro experiments have demonstrated its antibacterial efficacy. However, there is evidence showing melittin has non-promising effects such as cytotoxicity and hemolysis. Therefore, concerns about unwanted collateral toxicity of melittin lie ahead in the path toward its clinical development. With these considerations, the present study aimed to fill the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies. Methods In the first step, in vitro toxicity profile of melittin was assessed using cytotoxicity and hemolysis tests. Next, a maximum intraperitoneal (i.p.) sub-lethal dose was determined using BALB/c mice. Besides toxicity, antimicrobial efficacy of melittin against extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumonia (KPC-KP) pathogens were tested using both in vitro and in vivo methods. Results Melittin showed extensive hemolysis (HD50 = 0.44 µg/mL), and cytotoxicity (IC50 = 6.45 µg/mL) activities with i.p. LD50 value of 4.98 mg/kg in BALB/c mice. In vitro antimicrobial evaluation showed melittin MIC range from 8 to 32 µg/mL for the studied pathogens. Treatment of infected mice with repeated sub-lethal doses of melittin (2.4 mg/kg) displayed no beneficial effect on their survival and peritoneal bacterial loads. Conclusions These results indicate that melittin at its safe dose could not exhibit antimicrobial activity, which hinders its application in clinical practice.

Abstract Background Nowadays, the green synthesis of AuNPs in the presence of plants has been attracted a lot of attention. Herein, in vivo antidiabetic activity of AuNPs synthesized using Ziziphus jujuba in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats has been evaluated. Methods Formation of AuNPs was confirmed by UV-vis, HR-TEM and XRD. Different doses of jujube gold nanoparticles (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) were used to treat streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats in different groups. At the end of experiment (21 days), serum level of fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, Body weight, HOMA-IR, vitamin D, ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, lipid profile, prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and liver oxidative stress markers were determined. Results results showed a significant decrease in the level of liver MDA (P = 0.001), fasting blood glucose (P = 0.0001), HOMA-IR (P = 0.0001), ALT (P = 0.0001), AST (P = 0.0001), urea (P = 0.02), Triglycerides (P = 0.002), Total cholesterol (P = 0.0001), PAB (P = 0.0001) and AIP (P = 0.001) and in contrast a significant increase total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.02), insulin (P = 0.03), Body weight (P = 0.0001) and vitamin D (P = 0.0001) in the AuNPs-treated diabetic group compared to the diabetic rats. No significant change was observed in the total thiol group (P = 0.18), LDL-C (P = 0.43), creatinine (P = 0.09) and HDL-C (P = 0.71) level in diabetic rats treated with AuNPs compared to diabetic rats. Conclusion The results of this study proves that green AuNPs exerted promising antidiabetic and anti-oxidant properties.

Introduction: Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgeries in the head and neck worldwide. This operation is carried out by different methods, the most frequent of which are the cold dissection and bipolar electrocautery techniques. Objective: This study was conducted to assess and compare postoperative morbidity between cold dissection and bipolar electrocautery. Methods: This prospective randomized clinical trial was performed on 534 patients who underwent tonsillectomy in Vali-e-Asr Hospital of Birjand, east of Iran from October, 2013 to October, 2015. The patients were systematically selected for cold dissection technique or bipolar electrocautery technique groups. Time of surgery, amount of intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hemorrhage, the intensity of local pain 4 and 24 hours after operation and nausea and/or vomiting were recorded and compared in the two groups to decide which technique is better. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (ver-22). The p-value less than 0.5 was considered significant. Results: In this study, 51.7% of the cold dissection technique patients and 50.6% of the bipolar electrocautery technique participants were male. Compared to the cold dissection technique, the average intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower (p

Objective: The long-term sequelae of methotrexate (MTX) remain the major cause of concern for both patients and therapists. Therefore, new approaches to decrease MTX side effects are needed. The study was carried out to evaluate the effects of Iris songarica Schrenk (IS) rhizome extract against MTX-induced hepatic and renal injuries in rats. Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=8) including control, MTX, IS50, IS150 and IS300. Control and MTX groups were only treated orally with saline; whereas, IS50, IS150 and IS300 groups were treated with IS extract at three different doses (50, 150, and 300 mg/kg, respectively). Besides, the MTX and experimental groups were received a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on day 4. On the ninth day, animals were sacrificed, blood transaminases, urea and creatinine were assessed and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of super-oxide dismutase (SOD) were determined in both liver and kidney tissues. Moreover, hepatic and renal damages were evaluated histopathologically. Results: MTX by increasing oxidative stress (MDA) and decreasing antioxidant capacity (SOD) induced hepatic and renal damages as confirmed by biochemical and histological parameters analyses. However, treatment with IS caused significant improvements in hepatic and renal histological architectures and SOD activity (p Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that IS extract through antioxidant and probably anti-inflammatory activities, could effectively limit MTX-induced hepatic and renal injuries in rats.

Introduction: Sleep deprivation can cause hyperalgesia and interfere with analgesic treatments. The aim of the present study was to establish an obligatory sleep-abstinence model and also evaluate the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of crocin on pain perception in Wistar rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 35 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=7). The intra-ventricular cannulation was done for all rats before sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation was performed by placing animals on a chamber equipped with an automatic animated conveyor (5 s with an interval of 3 min) for 72 h. Subsequently, the sleep-deprived animals received ICV injection of saline (MOD), Morphine 10 µg (MOR), Crocin 10 ug (Cr10), and Crocin40 µg (Cr40) using a microsyringe. Besides, a non-sleep-deprived group was allocated as a Control Group (NC) and only received an ICV injection of saline. Fifteen minutes after the ICV injections, pain perception was evaluated by the hot plate test (54±0.4◦C). Results: Compared with the NC group, latency significantly decreased in the MOD group (6.28±0.48 vs. 4.28± 0.48, p

Background and objectives: Hemorrhage is the most common complication of tonsillectomy. However, the incidence of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage may be affected by various factors including weight, age, medications, surgical technique, etc. This study was carried out to determine prevalence of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage in patients undergoing tonsillectomy in a teaching hospital in Gorgan, Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 1,043 cases of tonsillectomy who were admitted to a referral teaching hospital in Gorgan (Iran) between 2016 and 2017. Data were collected from medical records. Demographics characteristics, the applied surgical technique (e.g., tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy and adenotonsillectomy), the time of bleeding onset, the results of coagulation tests and the method of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage management were recorded. Results: The frequency of tonsillectomy was 19.2, 50.8, 18.6, 4, 2.1 and 5.3% in subjects aged 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, 20-25 and more than 25 year old, respectively. The overall prevalence of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage was 2.1%. The frequency of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage was highest (13.6%) in patients aged 20-25 years. The incidence of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage was zero in those aged ≤5 years. The rate of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage was 54.5, 31.8 and 13.6% for those undergoing tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy and adenotonsillectomy, respectively. Secondary post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (after 24 hours) was more common (81.8%). Moreover, the rate of re-admission for controlling the bleeding was 63.4% (14 cases). Conclusion: The incidence of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage, the methods for its management and the need for re-admission are quite different in different age groups.

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a well-known member of the Juglandaceae family and its kernel is widely consumed around the world for both unique nutritional characteristics and health-related benefits. Even though several studies investigated the composition and biological activities of different parts of the walnut tree, the internal septum of the walnut kernel is less evaluated. In the last two decades, some studies investigated phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of the walnut septum. Their results showed a wide range of biological properties along with safety of walnut septum constituents convincing us to shift our view to walnut septum as a useless by-product to a natural herbal material with valuable properties. The purpose of this review was to summarize the currently available investigations on chemical composition and biological activities of the walnut septum. Several phytochemical studies showed that the walnut septum is a rich source of secondary metabolites like polyphenols are which estimated to be responsible for its high antioxidant property. Further experimental studies confirmed many biological activities of this by-product such as radical scavenging, food preservative, antibacterial, antitumor, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hepatorenal protective properties.

Background: The oleo-gum-resin of Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) has a long history of therapeutic use in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to seek for the scientific evidence to determine whether the ethanolic extract of myrrh (EEM) has any beneficial effects on Streptozotocin (STZ) induced testicular impairments, and explore the possible mechanisms underlying such actions. Methods: Forty-eight severe and complicated diabetic rats (fasting blood glucose above 350 mg/dL), randomly were divided into six equal groups (n=8). Besides, eight healthy rats allocated as a normal control group and only treated with vehicle solution. The diabetic animals orally received the extract (100, 200, 300, and 500 mg/kg), metformin (500 mg/kg) or vehicle solution for 28 days. As a final point, plasma glucose and insulin, circulatory sex hormones, sperm parameters including sperm concentration, motility and viability and also testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed. Furthermore, quantitative histological evaluation of seminiferous tubules area and determination of germinal cells apoptosis were performed. Results: None of the studied doses of EEM showed anti-diabetic effects. However, the extract mainly at the maximum dose (500 mg/kg) exhibited beneficial effects on reproductive impairments. The EEM treated rats mainly at 500 mg/kg had significantly higher sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm viability, sex hormones and lower testicular MDA and germ cell apoptosis index than untreated diabetic rats. Conclusion: These results indicated that EEM may have beneficial effects against reproductive dysfunction induced by diabetes. The mechanisms behind the effects might be associated with the EEM sex hormone booster potential, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has long been considered a medicinal plant in Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) due to its therapeutic properties. Despite this interest, its effects on gastrointestinal disorders have not been completely taken into consideration. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological activity of ethanolic extracts of saffron stigma (SS) and saffron petal (SP) in acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats. The gastric ulcer model was imitated by the serosal application of acetic acid in male Wistar rats. Then, the animals were orally fed with 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of ethanolic extracts of SS or SP, omeprazole (40 mg/kg), or saline for 12 days. The macroscopic and microscopic appearances of gastric ulcers and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in gastric tissues were assessed. The highest anti-ulcer activity was observed in the omeprazole-treated animals with the lowest ulcer size (4.29 ± 1.78 mm2). SS could not reduce gastric ulcer size in rats. Compared to the untreated rats, SP treatment significantly decreased ulcer indices in a dose-dependent manner. The gastric levels of PGE2, VEGF, and MDA were significantly elevated in the untreated animals with gastric ulcers compared to rats in the control group. The SS extract suppressed the elevated PGE2 and VEGF levels at both doses, while SP did not have a significant influence. Both SS and SP treatments significantly ameliorated MDA levels in rats with gastric ulcers. Omeprazole treatment enhanced the PGE2 level and suppressed MDA contents, but it did not influence the VEGF level. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that the saffron stigma has no significant effects on the gastric ulcer healing process, while its petals accelerate the process. This discrepancy can be attributed to the difference in the main secondary metabolites between saffron stigma and petals.

Background and purpose: Ghrelin, a natural ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor plays a major role in regulation of appetite, body fat mass, and energy balance in the body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of maternal diabetes on circulatory ghrelin levels in rat newborns. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, female Wistar rats were allocated into diabetic (n=20) and control (n=10) groups and mated with males. After parturition, 16 offspring (8 males) were collected at both postnatal days (P), P7 and P14. The body weight, blood glucose and plasma ghrelin levels were measured. Data were analyzed applying two-way ANOVA using sex and group as the factors in SPSS V22. Results: At both P7 and P14, the body weight of newborns of diabetic mothers (18.49± 0.42g, 22.27± 0.43g respectively) were significantly lower (P

Background: Oral consumption of Astragalus hamosus L. (AH) seedpod has been widely prescribed in traditional medicine system. However, its toxicity evaluation has never been investigated. Hence, the current study was performed to evaluate the toxicological profile of AH seedpod in acute and subacute assessments based on the OECD-guidelines 425 and 407 in male and female Wistar rats. Methods: In the acute study, ethanolic extract of AH at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg was orally administrated to six female rats. In the subacute assay, AH at the three different oral doses (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) were administrated to both male and female rats for 28 consecutive days. Results: No death or behavioural changes were observed in the treated animals. In subacute test, in both sexes, no changes in organ weights observed. Biochemically, compared to the control, AH at the dose of 300 mg/kg slightly increased (p

Background: There is a variety of experimentally proven medicinal plants having antidiabetic properties but data on herb-drug interaction are very limited. Earlier studies indicated that aqueous extract of turnip leaf (AETL) has hypoglycemic potential in diabetic animals. The present study was conducted to evaluate co-administration effects of AETL and metformin, a commonly used antidiabetic drug, in diabetic rats. Methods: Metformin at the two different doses (50,100 mg/kg) and AETL at the dose of 400 mg/kg (separately or concurrent with metformin) were orally given to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 4 weeks daily. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured at the times 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after investigation. At the end of study, liver enzymes activity [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)] as well as liver histopathology were evaluated. Results: Both treatments could significantly decrease FBG levels when they administrated separately. Interestingly, co-administration of AETL and metformin in a dose dependent manner significantly improved hypoglycemic activity of metformin. While neither metformin nor AETL could ameliorate liver alterations alone, but in concomitant therapy they efficiently attenuated liver enzymes elevation and histological damages. Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that combination of metformin with AETL enhance the prior effectiveness and reduced the latter adverse effects by a synergistic interaction.

Abstract Background: The rhizome of Iris songarica Scherenk has been prescribed as anodyne in Persian traditional medicine system. However, its effects have never been investigated experimentally. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of alcoholic extract of Iris songarica Scherenk rhizome in mice. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, adult male balb/c mice were used. 40 animals were allocated into five equal groups (control, morphine 5mg/kg, the extracts at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg.kg) and tested for antinociceptive evaluation via using hot-plate in 30,60 and 120 minutes after the investigations. Also, the other 36 mice were divided into six equal groups (no-inflammation control, inflammation model, dexamethasone 4 mg/kg and the extracts at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg.kg) and evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity in xylene induced inflammation model. All the investigations were done via intraperitoneal injection. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests in SPSS. Results: Compared to the control group, the extract at the all doses could increase latency time in hot plate test at 30, 60 and 120 minutes after investigation (p

Abstract: To date, most of studies have only focused on metabolic effects of dietary oils while recent evidence proposes that they can influence kidneys structure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of long-term consumption of olive, cottonseed and sesame oils on renal morphology in rats. 70 male Wistar rats randomly assigned into seven equal groups and treated with standard diet (control), the standard diet enriched with 10% or 20% (W/W) of either olive oil (OLI10%, OLI20%), cottonseed oil (COT10%, COT20%) or sesame oil (SES10%, SES20%) for 5 months. Quantitative features of the kidney including kidney and cortex volumes and the number of glomeruli were analyzed stereologically. Moreover, kidney sections histologically were evaluated. All of the studied oils in low concentration had no devastating effects on renal morphology and also its pathological features. However, only in SES20% group, kidney volume as well as, cortical volume was higher than the control group. Besides, accumulation of carbohydrate macromolecules and renal fibrosis were markedly increased in SES20% group compared to the control. The results suggest that sesame oil, especially at high concentration, may lead to renal deformities as a result of histopathological changes such as dilatation, fibrosis, and tubular defects.

Background and Aim: Male infertility is increasing worldwide. There is now emerging evidence that nutritional status is regarded as a critical determinant of normal reproductive function. Hence, today, the role of dietary nutrition has attracted the attention of researchers. Thus, the present study was conducted to elucidate the effects of tail fat (TF) enriched diet on male rat reproductive function. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three equal groups and were fed with either standard diet (control) or standard diet enriched with 10 % of TF oil or standard diet enriched with 20% TF for 5 consecutive months. Finally, the rats were euthanized, the weights of their bodies, and their testes were measured. Then, the testes were dissected and the sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin for quantitative histopathological examination. Besides, blood samples were collected for testosterone (T) assessment. Results: Compared to the control group, the rats fed with a diet enriched with 20% TF had significantly (P≤0.05) more body weight, while, their testes weight significantly (P≤0.0001) decreased. Also, histological changes showed that TF, in a dose dependence manner, significantly decreased germinal layer, seminiferous area, and spermatogonia number in the rats’ testes. There was no significant difference in T concentration between the groups. Conclusion: It was clearly found that excessive and long term intake of TF can be causative of hypogonadism and increase infertility in male rats.

Background: This study aims to compare the efficacy and toxicity of povidone-iodine (PI) 5%, polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) 0.02%, and chlorhexidine 0.02% in patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Materials and Methods: This single-center, randomized study was done on 330 patients who referred to Feiz hospital in Isfahan and scheduled for cataract surgery. They were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 groups of 110 eyes who received 1 drop of PI 5% in group 1, 1 drop of PHMB 0.02% in group 2 and 1 drop of chlorhexidine 0.02% in group 3. Pre-operative Cultures samples were obtained without any topical application and it was repeated 5 min after use of antiseptic solutions. Cultures were obtained from the inferior conjunctival fornix, using sterile culture swabs while avoiding contact to the eyelids and lashes. Results: The numbers of colony-forming units (CFUs) did not differ significantly among the three groups (P = 0.149 and P = 0.260, respectively). After the intervention, CFUs numbers in the three groups were decreased with a significant difference in both blood and chocolate agars (P = 0.304 and P = 0.136, respectively). Of the 317 eyes, 108 (34.1%) showed no bacterial growth in the pre-preparation period, which was similar in the three groups. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common isolated bacteria. Conjunctival injection was significantly different among studied groups (P = 0.0001), five patients in iodine group had severe conjunctival injection and no one in the other group. SPE was significantly fewer in chlorhexidine group than PHMB and iodine groups (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Pretreatment with 5% Povidone-Iodine (PVI) for at least 15 min or repeated applications over 10 min is effective in the reduction of conjunctival organisms, and results in less postoperative endophthalmitis.

Background and Aim: Due to the rapid growth of global interest in use of herbal medicine, their efficacy and safety evaluation have become important. In recent studies, internal septum of walnut fruit suggested as a hypoglycemic agent. Therefore, the present work was conducted to evaluate the effects of ethanolic extract of internal septum of walnut fruit (ISWF) on some biochemical and pathological aspects related to renal function in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental research 32 acute Alloxan induced diabetic and 8 healthy rats divided into 5 equal group and treated orally once per day for 1 month as fallow diabetic groups I and II received 200 and 400 mg/kg of ISWF extracts, diabetic group III received 50 mg/kg metformin and diabetic group IV and healthy group received saline 0.9% as control groups. Finaly, fasting blood glucose (FBG), 24h urine total protein (UTP), blood nitrogen urea (BUN) and plasma cratinine (Cr) were assessed biochemically and also quantitative and qualitative renal histopathological altrations for 1200 glomerulus were determined patologically. Results: In compare to diabetic control group, the ethanolic extract of ISWF in dose independence manner significantly reduced (p≤0.05) FBG, UTP, BUN and Cr, as well as glomerular space, tuft-to-capsule adhesion and mesangial matrix expansion in diabetic rats. Conclusion: The ethanolic extracts of ISWF have beneficial effects on renal function in diabetic rats

Background and Aim: The pomegranate fruit peel has been suggested in traditional medicine as an anti-obesity compound. Therefore, the study was carried out to evaluate the effects of aqueous or ethanolic extracts of pomegranate fruit peel on obesity and lipid profile in rat. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 24 Wistar male rats randomly divided into 4 equal groups (2 experimentals and 2 controls). The experimental groups A and E treated with aqueous or ethanolic extract of pomegranate peel at dose of 400 mg/kg, respectively, for 35 days. The control groups N and X respectively received 5mg/kg of saline and Xenical during the study as same as the experimental groups. The rats' weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were determined before and after investigation. Also at the end of study plasma lipid profile were measured. All data were analyzed by Prism software (ver- 3) and using paired samples t-test and ANOVA. Results: Comparison of weight change before and after the intervention showed a significant reduction in the Group E and a significant increase in group N (p≤0.05). Waist circumference was significantly increased in the experimental group A and control group N (p≤0.05) and reduced in group X (p≤0.05).There was no significant difference in plasma lipid profile between the groups. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of pomegranate fruit peel can be considered as an anti-obesity compound in further studies.

Objectives: Turnip leaf has been used in folk medicine of Iran for the treatment of diabetes. However,so far no scientific study has been done to support its use in traditional medicine. The present study was carried out to evaluate the possible hypoglycemic efficacy of aqueous extract of turnip leaf (AETL) in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Alloxan-induced diabetic rats were orally treated with AETL at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day for 28 days. In order to evaluate the anti-diabetic activity, fasting blood glucose concentrations were determined on the 1st, 14th and 29th days. Moreover,at the end of the study, plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), aspartate amino transfarase (AST), and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were measured by the use of standard kits and auto-analyzer. Results:Both doses of AETL significantly decreased (p

Background: The post-2015 End TB Strategy proposes targets of 50% reduction in tuberculosis incidence and 75% reduction in mortality from tuberculosis by 2025. We aimed to assess whether these targets are feasible in three high-burden countries with contrasting epidemiology and previous programmatic achievements. Methods: 11 independently developed mathematical models of tuberculosis transmission projected the epidemiological impact of currently available tuberculosis interventions for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in China, India, and South Africa. Models were calibrated with data on tuberculosis incidence and mortality in 2012. Representatives from national tuberculosis programmes and the advocacy community provided distinct country-specific intervention scenarios, which included screening for symptoms, active case finding, and preventive therapy. Findings: Aggressive scale-up of any single intervention scenario could not achieve the post-2015 End TB Strategy targets in any country. However, the models projected that, in the South Africa national tuberculosis programme scenario, a combination of continuous isoniazid preventive therapy for individuals on antiretroviral therapy, expanded facility-based screening for symptoms of tuberculosis at health centres, and improved tuberculosis care could achieve a 55% reduction in incidence (range 31–62%) and a 72% reduction in mortality (range 64–82%) compared with 2015 levels. For India, and particularly for China, full scale-up of all interventions in tuberculosis-programme performance fell short of the 2025 targets, despite preventing a cumulative 3·4 million cases. The advocacy scenarios illustrated the high impact of detecting and treating latent tuberculosis. Interpretation: Major reductions in tuberculosis burden seem possible with current interventions. However, additional interventions, adapted to country-specific tuberculosis epidemiology and health systems, are needed to reach the post-2015 End TB Strategy targets at country level. Funding: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Background: The post-2015 End TB Strategy sets global targets of reducing tuberculosis incidence by 50% and mortality by 75% by 2025. We aimed to assess resource requirements and cost-effectiveness of strategies to achieve these targets in China, India, and South Africa. Methods: We examined intervention scenarios developed in consultation with country stakeholders, which scaled up existing interventions to high but feasible coverage by 2025. Nine independent modelling groups collaborated to estimate policy outcomes, and we estimated the cost of each scenario by synthesising service use estimates, empirical cost data, and expert opinion on implementation strategies. We estimated health effects (ie, disability-adjusted life-years averted) and resource implications for 2016–35, including patient-incurred costs. To assess resource requirements and cost-effectiveness, we compared scenarios with a base case representing continued current practice. Findings: Incremental tuberculosis service costs differed by scenario and country, and in some cases they more than doubled existing funding needs. In general, expansion of tuberculosis services substantially reduced patient-incurred costs and, in India and China, produced net cost savings for most interventions under a societal perspective. In all three countries, expansion of access to care produced substantial health gains. Compared with current practice and conventional cost-effectiveness thresholds, most intervention approaches seemed highly cost-effective. Interpretation: Expansion of tuberculosis services seems cost-effective for high-burden countries and could generate substantial health and economic benefits for patients, although substantial new funding would be required. Further work to determine the optimal intervention mix for each country is necessary. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Background: L-arginine has been recently investigated and proposed to reduce neurological damage after various experimental models of neuronal cellular damage. In this study, we aim to evaluate the beneficial effects of L-arginine administration on the numerical density of dark neurons (DNs) in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) of Balb/c mice subjected to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) administration. Materials and Methods: Male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 7 each): MPTP only; saline only (control); MPTP + L-arginine; and L-arginine only. The animals were infused intranasally with a single intranasal administration of the proneurotoxin MPTP (1 mg/nostril). L-arginine (300 mg/kg) was administrated intraperitoneally once daily for 1-week starting from 3 days after MPTP administration. Cavalieri principle method was used to estimate the numerical density of DNs in the SNc of different studied groups. Results: Twenty days following MPTP administration, the number of DNs was significantly increased when compared to sham-control and L-arginine-control groups (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, our results showed that L-arginine administration significantly decreased the numerical density of DNs in SNc of mice. Conclusion: This investigation provides new insights in experimental models of Parkinson's disease, indicating that L-arginine represents a potential treatment agent for dopaminergic neuron degeneration in SNc observed in Parkinson's disease patients.

BackgroundThe Global Plan to Stop TB estimates funding required in low- and middle-income countries to achieve TB control targets set by the Stop TB Partnership within the context of the Millennium Development Goals. We estimate the contribution and impact of Global Fund investments under various scenarios of allocations across interventions and regions.Methodology/principal findingsUsing Global Plan assumptions on expected cases and mortality, we estimate treatment costs and mortality impact for diagnosis and treatment for drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), including antiretroviral treatment (ART) during DOTS for HIV-co-infected patients, for four country groups, overall and for the Global Fund investments. In 2015, China and India account for 24% of funding need, Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) for 33%, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for 20%, and other low- and middle-income countries for 24%. Scale-up of MDR-TB treatment, especially in EECA, drives an increasing global TB funding need--an essential investment to contain the mortality burden associated with MDR-TB and future disease costs. Funding needs rise fastest in SSA, reflecting increasing coverage need of improved TB/HIV management, which saves most lives per dollar spent in the short term. The Global Fund is expected to finance 8-12% of Global Plan implementation costs annually. Lives saved through Global Fund TB support within the available funding envelope could increase 37% if allocations shifted from current regional demand patterns to a prioritized scale-up of improved TB/HIV treatment and secondly DOTS, both mainly in Africa--with EECA region, which has disproportionately high per-patient costs, funded from alternative resources.Conclusions/significanceThese findings, alongside country funding gaps, domestic funding and implementation capacity and equity considerations, should inform strategies and policies for international donors, national governments and disease control programs to implement a more optimal investment approach focusing on highest-impact populations and interventions.

The World Health Assembly set targets to detect by 2005 at least 70% of all new sputum smear-positive cases arising each year and to cure at least 85% of these cases. The national tuberculosis (TB) control programmes of 199 countries reported that in 2005, 2.3 million new smear-positive cases were diagnosed under WHO’s DOTS strategy, out of an estimated 3.9 million (95% confidence limit (CL) 3.4 million to 4.4 million) new smear-positive cases arising in that year, a global case detection rate of 60% (95% CL 52% to 69%). Of 2.1 million new smear-positive patients registered for treatment in 2004, 84% had successful outcomes. Of the regions, only the WHO Western Pacific Region reached both targets, with case detection and treatment success rates of 76% and 91%, respectively; South-East Asia reached the treatment success target with a rate of 87%. In relation to countries, WHO estimates that 67 achieved the target detection rates and 57 achieved the target for treatment success, with 26 - including high-burden countries China, the Philippines and Viet Nam - achieving both targets. DOTS programmes diagnosed more than 26 million patients (all forms of TB) in 1995-2005. Building on this success, the Global Plan to Stop TB 2006-2015, describes the actions needed to implement WHO’s new Stop TB Strategy over the coming decade to reduce TB incidence, prevalence and deaths in line with the Millennium Development Goals.