Journal of Arak University of Medical Sciences

Effects of Zataria, Mentha Pulegium, Oregano spp Essential Oil and Hydroalcholic Extract of Hypericum perforatum on Cyst of Acanthamoeba spp In Vitro

Reza Ghasemikhah

Abstract
Background: Resistance of Acanthamoeba cysts causes recurrence of the disease; so, the patient should be monitored regularly ،The aim of the study was to examine the effect of a few herbal materials on Acanthamoeba cysts in vitro.
Materials and Methods: Essential oils (EOs) of Zataria, Mint, and Oregano were prepared by steam distillation. The EOs and Hypericum perforatum extract were prepared in three concentrations (0.6%, 1% and 10%)، Acanthamoeba cysts in various time intervals (30, 60, 120, 180 and 1440 minutes) were exposed with plant extracts. Then, the viability of parasite was investigated by eosin 0.1%.
Results: Comparison of the parasite mortality rate between control and case groups showed that the mortality of Acanthamoeba cysts was higher in the case groups that exposed to herbal materials. At the equal concentration (10%) and time (24 h), the Zataria and mint EOs produced the highest (22%) and lowest (4%) mortality, respectively. The results showed the mortality rate of Acanthamoeba was time-dependent.
Conclusion: Zataria showed the most fatality effect against Acanthamoeba cysts. In this respect, clinical trial studies are suggested.

Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Iris songarica Schrenk Rhizome Ethanolic Extract in Mice

Mohammad Hassanpour-Fard

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<0.05).This potential was comparable to morphine in the high doses or long time. In addition, the extracts at the all doses exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity which was comparable to dexamethasone (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The results of present study clearly showed that Iris songarica Scherenk rhizome has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in mice.

The Association of Apolipoprotein A1 Polymorphisms with Diabetes and Hypertension in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease in Fars Province

Saeed Khatamsaz

Abstract
Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multifactorial disorder, which remains asymptomatic for many years. Genetic and environmental factors are involved to this disease. In the past years , the role of apolipoproteins and their polymorphisms has been identified in the diseases.The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between gene polymorphisms of apolipoprotein A1 with diabetes, hypertension and cigarette smoking in CAD sufferers in Fars province.
Materials and Methods: This study evaluates the promoterregion polymorphisms up to intron 2 of APOA1 genes in 75 CAD cases and 75 controls. The method used to determine these polymorphisms was PCR sequencing. This case-control study was performed by odds ratio (OR, with a confidence interval of 0.95) to reveal the association of these polymorphisms with hypertension, diabetes and smoking in CAD patients.
Results: Four polymorphisms were identified in this area. The genotypes of AA in 12718466, GA in rs 670, TC in rs5070 and CC in rs 5069 had the highest frequency in all patient groups and controls. There was a significant association in Rs12718466 between control group with diabetic group (p=0.033).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that diabetes, hypertension and cigarette smoking had no effects in initiation and aggravation of CAD.

The Antinociceptive Effect of 17β-estradiol in the Paragigantocellularis Lateralis Nucleus of Ovariectomized Female Rats Mediated by Estrogen Receptors

Roghaieh Khakpay

Abstract
Background: Paragigantocellularis lateralis (LPGi) nucleus plays a key role in the processing of pain information related to the descending pain modulation. Also, 17β-estradiol is involved in the pain modulation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of estrogen receptors of LPGi nucleus in the 17β-estradiol-induced pain modulation in the ovariectomized rats.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the female Wistar rats (180-250 gr) were used. In order to study the role of the NMDA receptors in the 17β-estradiol-induced pain modulation in the ovariectomized rats, primarily, rats were bilaterally ovariectomized and immediately cannulation of LPGi nucleus was performed. First, drugs were injected and 15 minutes later 50 μl of 5% formalin was injected into the rat's hind paw; and then, formalin-induced paw jerking behavior was recorded for 60 min.
Results: Our results indicated that intra-LPGi injection of 17β-estradiol significantly attenuated paw jerking behavior in the both phases of formalin test. Intra-LPGi injection of estrogen receptor antagonist (ICI 182,780), had no effect on the paw jerking behavior. Pre-treatment of LPGi nucleus by ICI 182,780 counteracted the anti-nociceptive effect of 17β-estradiol both in the acute and in the chronic phases of formalin-induced paw jerking behaviour.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the intra-LPGi 17β-estradiol produces modest analgesia on the formalin-induced inflammatory pain in the ovariectomized rats, which is probably mediated via the esterogen receptors of this nucleus.

Psychometric Properties of Persian Translated Version of Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) in Arak Community-dwelling Older Adults

Daryoush Khajavi

Abstract
Background: Balance deficiency, falls and fear of fall are important problems that can resulted in reversed health outcomes including decreased quality of life. The purpose of this study was surveying factor structure, validation, and reliability determination of Persian translated version of Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale in community-dwelling older adults of Arak city.
Materials and Methods: Research method was descriptive in form of psychometry. The statistic population was older adults of Arak in year 2012 and 308 subjects with mean age 69.38 years were selected availably. Data were collected by Persian translated version of Activities-specific Balance Confidence that is a 16-item scale and evaluates balance confidence in activities of daily living. Data were analyzed by Exploratory Factor Analysis. Test-retest and internal reliability were calculated by Pearson correlation coefficient and Chronbach^’s Alpha. Data were analyzed with SPSS-16.
Results: The findings resulted in extraction of one factor with eigenvalue over one that explained 82.89% of total variance. Test-retest reliability between 1 to 4 weeks and internal reliability (Chronbach’s alpha) were 0.82 and 0.98, respectively. Gutmann split-half correlation coefficient and intra-class correlation coefficient were calculated 95% and 85%, respectively.
Conclusion: Persian translated version of Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC-F) is a valid and reliable tool for Iranian community-dwelling older adults that can be used in clinical and research purpose.

Effect of normothermic and cold eye irrigation solution (BSS) and viscoelastic gel on the consumption of sedative drugs in Phacoemulsification cataract surgery

Darioush Moradi Farsani

Background:

This study aimed to compare the effect of cold eye irrigation solution (BSS) and viscoelastic gel with their combination in room temperature on the dosage of sedative drugs which we use in Phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Material and methods:

190 patients scheduled for cataract surgery under sedation were randomly divided into two equal groups. During surgery we used cold (4c) and warm (room temperature) BSS and viscoelastic gel in the first and second group respectively. For all patients we started sedation with Midazolam and Fentanyl and in case we needed additional drug we used Sodium Thiopental till we reached desired sedation level. Ramsay sedation scores (before, during and after surgery) and total sedative drug consumption were evaluated and compared between two groups and at the end of the surgery we checked the satisfaction score of patients and surgeon about the quality of sedation.

Results:
The average dosage of Midazolam wasn’t significantly different between the two groups, while the average dosage of Sodium Thiopental was significantly lower in Cold group. Also the average time of which we reached desired Ramsay sedation score and the level of Ramsay score were significantly different between the two groups.
Conclusion:
Using cold BSS and viscoelastic gel in cataract surgery in comparison of their combination in room temperature will reduce the dosage of sedative drugs which we use during surgery and help us getting a more effective sedation and gaining both a satisfied patient and surgeon.

Bioinformatic prediction and introducing of some targeting microRNAs of Sirt1 and Bcl2 genes in model of Parkinson's disease

Kamran Ghaedi

Abstract
Background: Oxidative Stress and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to apoptotic death of neurons play key role in the pathogenesis of the Parkinson's disease. On the other hand، misregulation of microRNAs can cause several neurodegenerative diseases. Sirt1 and Bcl2 as two key genes, regulate pathogenic processes in neurodegenerative diseases such as mitochondrial dyfunction, oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Materials and Methods: To investigate the role of microRNAs in model of Parkinson's disease, miRWalk 2.0 and TargetScan (v7) databases were served to predict microRNA-target interactions.
Results: Possible targeting effects of different microRNAs on Bcl2 and Sirt1 genes in Rat organism were analyzed. Merging data from databases has shown that rno-miR-449a, rno-miR-182, rno-miR-211, rno-miR-34b, rno-miR-34c, rno-miR-448, rno-miR-466b and rno-miR-96 with strong possibility can inhibit expression of Bcl2 gene. Also, rno-miR-181, rno-miR-211, rno-miR-27a, rno-miR-449a, rno-miR-34c, rno-miR-30, rno-miR-200a and rno-miR-448can inhibit Sirt1 gene with high possibility.
Conclusion: According to the findings, it can be predicted that regarding to high interaction scores of rno-miR-211, rno-miR-34c and rno-miR-448 and 449awith Bcl2 and Sirt1 genes in above-mentioned databases, these microRNAs probably can have critical role in disease process. Thus, these microRNAs can be introduced as appropriate candidates for investigations in in vitro model of Parkinson's disease.

Effect of Regular Aerobic Exercise on Serum Levels of IL-4 and IgE in Overweight and Obese Asthmatic Women

Azam Zarneshan

Abstract
Background: IL-4 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of asthma and the increased serum level of that is positively correlated with asthma severity and obesity. IL-4 induces IgE secretion by B cells. Previous studies suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect of exercise training on asthmatic lungs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training on serum levels of IL-4 and IgE in overweight and obese asthmatic women.
Materials and Methods: 21 overweight and obese asthmatic women were selected and divided into two groups including experimental (n=12) and control (n=9) groups. The experimental group performed aerobic exercise training, three times a week, 60 minutes each session. Fasting blood samples were collected before and 2 days after completion of the course. The data were analyzed by using SPSS22 software
Results: A significant decrease in serum IL-4 (p = 0.015, t = - 2.68), BMI (p = 0.014, t = - 2.72) and weight (p = 0.001, t = -3.99) was shown following the 12 weeks of training in the experimental group compared to the control group. There were no significant correlations between the obesity changes and the Inflammatory Marker Changes (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The present study indicates that aerobic exercise training reduced the serum levels of IL-4 independent of obesity changes in overweight and obese asthmatic women.

Study of MDR1 Gene Expression in Colorectal Cancer Using Nanobiosensor

Farrokh Karimi

Abstract
Background: Nowadays, drug resistances are the main problems in no response of cancer patients to drug. Identification of molecular mechanisms and causative agents of drug resistance can be important to determine the treatment method in different stages of disease. In this study, for the first time, expression of multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene was studied in colorectal cancer by Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)-based nanobiosensor method.
Materials and Methods: At first, a nanobiosensor was designed based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs). After optimizing reaction condition to identify target DNA sequence, colorectal cancer patient’s cDNA samples were evaluated by nanbiosensor.
Results: After immobilizing the probe on CNTs, Fluorescence immersion was quenched but by adding complementary DNA, fluorescence again was observed. In hybridization reaction of cDNA with nanobiosensor high significant levels of fluorescence emission was observed in colorectal cancer tumor samples compared normal tissue indicating high level expression of MDR1gene in tumor tissue.
Conclusion: Finally, the evaluation of the expression of MDR1 gene by nanobiosensor indicated that in colorectal cancer tissue MDR1, mRNA level was higher than normal tissue. In addition, the results of this study indicated that carbon nanotubes-based nanobiosensor beside PCR-based method can be used as a very powerful tool for expression studies in human cancers at mRNA levels.

Association of HSPA1B rs6457452 Genetic Variant with Idiopathic Male Infertility

Leila Kohan

Abstract
Background: Male infertility is a multifactorial disease resulting from the interaction between the genetic and environmental factors. Spermatogenic Failure accounts for more than half of male infertility cases. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are the molecular chaperones that are involved in different developmental stages of spermatogenesis. The current study was planned to investigate the role of HSPA1B rs6457452 genetic variants in male infertility.
Material and Methods: This case control study was conducted on 516 subjects consisted of 308 patients with idiopathic male infertility and 208 control subjects. After DNA extraction from peripheral blood, genotype determination was done by Tetra-ARMS PCR method. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between the polymorphism and male infertility.
Results: A significant difference was observed in genotype distributions between cases and controls. Results showed individuals with TC (OR=1.552, 95%CI: 1.032-2.334, p=0.035) and TT (OR=2.746, 95%CI: 1.153-6.545, p=0.023) genotype had an increased risk of male infertility. Also, there was a significant association between T allele (OR=1.695, 95%CI: 1.220-2.355, p<0.001) and male infertility.
Conclusion: This study showed for the first time that HSPA1B rs6457452 polymorphism is associated with infertility risk in Iranian men and the T allele may act as a dominant allele for increasing the risk of male infertility.