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Introduction: Saffron (crocus sativus L.), an important spice rich in carotenoids, is used in folk medicine to treat numerous diseases. This study examines the effects of saffron consumption on innate and humoral immunity of healthy male students.
Materials and Methods: 41 healthy volunteered university students in two control and case groups were included in this study and consumed respectively milk and milk containing saffron for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the subjects at weeks 0, 3 and 6. Innate immunity was evaluated by determining the percentage and counts of monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, platelets and the total white cells, CRP concentration and C3 and C4 concentrations and humoral immunity was assessed by deterning the percentage of lymphocytes and the concentrations of IgG, IgM and IgA.
Results: Three weeks after saffron consumption, monocytes percentage and IgG concentration increased significantly (P<0.05, P=0.01). Total white blood cells and platelets count also reduced significantly (P<0.05). After 6 weeks, monocytes percentage and IgG concentration reduced significantly (P<0.05, P< 0.001) and platelets count increased significantly (P<0.05) as compared with week 3.
Conclusion: This investigation demonstrated that saffron consumption enhances innate and humoral immunity systems and has anti-inflammatory effects. These effects depending on the duration of saffron consumption.

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Introduction: Preclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition characterized by hypertention, proteinuria and generalized edema. The condition usually occurs in the third trimester and word wide is one of the most common causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. No study concerning the immunological etiology and pathogenesis of preclampsia has been done in Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of some immunological factors involved in the pathogenesis of preclampsia.
Materials and methods: This research was a clinical trial study. We measured C3, C4, IgG, IgA and IgM levels in 20 women with preclampsia, 20 normal pregnant women and 20 non-pregnant women matched for age, BMI, parity and gestational age. Seven patients had developed severe and thirteen mild preclampsia. After written informed consent was obtained, blood samples of subject group.
Collected serum collected was analyzed for immunological parameters by the single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) method of Mancini.
Results: C4 level was significantly decreased in women with severe preclampsia than in women with mild preclampsia and normal pregnancies, whereas C3 level did not differ between groups. IgG concentration was significantly higher in non-pregnant women than in women with preclampsia and normal pregnancies. There was a significant decrease in IgA concentration in normal pregnant women compared with non-pregnant women. There was a not significant difference between the IgM concentrations of both groups.
Conclusion: Our data show several changes in immunological factors in preclampsia which may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disorder in Iranian women.

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Introduction: Free radical-mediated peroxidation of biological molecules, such as lipids, is implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and it's animal model experimental allergic encephalomyelitis(EAE). Low concentration of antioxidant vitamin E has been observed in serum of multiple sclerosis. However, it is not known whether vitamin E has protective effect in EAE. Vitamin E may inhibit EAE by effect on the level of uric acid and Nitric Oxide (NO) production. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study some male C57BL/6 mice were placed in two therapeutic groups (n=8 per group) with age and weight-matched as follow: 1)Vitamin E-treated EAE mice (10mg/kg/every two days of vitamin E given i.p from day-3 until day+19 after disease induction, 2) Non-treated EAE mice (EAE control) received vehicle alone with same schedule. In addition, 5 age and weight-matched male C57BL/6 mice served as normal (non-EAE) controls. Clinical score of disease, uric acid and NO levels of the groups were analysed. Results: Results showed that vitamin E-treated mice had significantly less clinical score of EAE (4±0.8) than non-treated EAE induced mice (5.3±0.44), (p<0.01). Also, there was difference at the onset day of the disease between vitamin E-treated and non-treated EAE-induced mice (day 13±1 and day 11±1, respectively), although was not significant. Concentration of uric acid in vitamin E treated mice were significantly lower than EAE control (p<0.001). There was no difference at the level of NO between the groups. Conclusion: Vitamin E had no effect on NO level, but decreased serum uric acid level. It suggests that vitamin E can reduce or delay the onset of EAE by increasing uric acid consumption.

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Introduction: An association between depression and altered immunity has been suggested by a number of studies but has not been consistently demonstrated .The effect of maternal depression response on fetal immune system have not been investigated. Thus in this study we evaluated the effects of depression on some parameters of innate and humoral immune system of pregnant women and their infants. Materials and Methods: 62 pregnant women (including 32 depressed and 30 healthy) and their infants in Taleghani hospital of Arak in 2004 were included in this study. All depressed mothers had a diagnosis of depression by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and clinical interview based on DSM-IV system. The level of immunoglobulins and components were evaluated by single radial immunosdiffusion (SRID) method of Mancini. Leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were determined by Hycel (an automated cell counter) and for more accurancy were also evaluated by manual method. Statistical analysis was performed using K-S, Mann-Withney, One way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson tests. P<0/05 was considered significant. Results: Serum IgM level and serum C4 level of infants of mothers with depression were significantly lower than infants of healthy mothers. Lymphocyte number and percentage in infants of depressed mothers was also significantly higher than infants of healthy mothers. The mean cord/maternal blood ratio of IgG in infants of depressed mothers was also significantly lower than infants of healthy mothers. Serum IgG level of depressed mother was significantly higher than other mothers. Conclusion: Fetal impact of stress and depression during pregnancy is just beginning to be understood and research in this area is developing. Our results indicated that maternal depression adversely affects the development and function of fetal immune system. These results are in agreement with the immunological findings of preterm and LBW infants.

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Introduction: Oxidative stress may play a critical role in neurodegenerative disorders but the relation between oxidative stress and learning ability in normal rats is not investigated, so the aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between oxidative stress and two way active avoidance learning in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: This is an experimental research. 14 Wistar rats were assigned for assessed learning ability in shuttle box. One day after shuttle box learning, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were obtained. Concentration of Nitric Oxide and Ferric reduction/antioxidant power were assessed. Data was analyzed using Pearson correlation test. Results: The results of the present study demonstrate that there are positive correlation between shuttle box learning ability and Ferric reduction/antioxidant power (p<0.001, r =0.66 4) and Nitric Oxide concentration (p<0.001, r = 0.724) in serum, but not in CSF. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that high concentration of antioxidant power and Nitric Oxide concentration in blood can improve shuttle box learning in rats

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 Introduction: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of multiple sclerosis distinguished by infiltration of leukocytes into the central nervous system. Changes in composition and levels of unsaturated fatty acids, affect the integrity of blood-brain barrier. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Sesame oil on the leukocyte infiltration into the brain of MOG35-55 induced EAE male C57BL/6 mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, male C57BL/6 mice were placed in two therapeutic groups (n=10 per group) with age and weight-matched as follow: 1.Sesame oil-treated EAE mice received 4ml/kg/day of Sesame oil given i.p. from day -3 until day +19 after disease induction, 2.Non-treated EAE mice (EAE control) received Phosphate buffer alone with same schedule. EAE was induced by immunization of mice with MOG35-55 peptide and complete Freund's adjuvant. Leukocytes infiltration into the brain was investigated 20 days after immunization. Data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The results show that Sesame oil-treated mice had significantly less clinical score of EAE (2.6±0.4) than non-treated EAE induced mice (4.2±0.6), (p<0.001). Also, there was a significant difference at number of the infiltrating cells in brain between Sesame oiltreated (80±20) and non treated EAE-induced mice (150±30), (p<0.01). Conclusion: These results indicate that Sesame oil reduces infiltration of leukocytes into the brain of EAE mice, therefore lessening the histological changes and clinical signs and thus ameliorating the disease.

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Introduction: Serum Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is a glycoprotein that is secreted from osteoblasts. In fractures, the rate of ALP will be changed. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound accelerates the growth and remodeling of fractures. However the relation between pulsed ultrasound and changing the rate of serum ALP in New Zeland rabbit is not studied yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of pulsed ultrasound on serum ALP during bone healing of tibia in New Zealand rabbit. Materials and Methods: This is an experimental study. 54 male and mature New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into six groups (3 experimentals and 3 controls). All of them were operated for inducing a model of experimental fracture. After repair of wounds, the right leg of experimental groups was exposed to pulsed ultrasound for 2, 4 and 6 weeks. The control groups were kept without any intervention during the same time. After experiment, the rabbits were anesthesied and blood samples were taken from their hearts for ALP serology, and then the rabbits were killed. Blood was centrifuged and serum ALP was read by spectrophotometer. Data was analyzed by Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Results showed that the mean serum ALP level in experimental group after 4 weeks exposing to pulsed ultrasound was significantly higher as compared to control group (p= 0.03). There was no significant difference between the other groups. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that pulsed ultrasound wave increases serum ALP and accelerates the bone healing.

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Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) or gluten-sensitive enteropathy is a malabsoption of nutrients due to hyoersesitivity of gluten. Some etiologic facrors are environmental, immunologic and genetic factors. The frequancy of Celiac disease is not studied in western regions of Iran, therefore this study is done to determine the frequancy of Celiac disease in general population of rural regions of Arak. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study in which 700 people between 20-56 years old in rural regions of Arak were selected by multistage random sampling (364 male and 336 female). After completing questionnaires, blood samples were collected and serum IgA levels (to rule out IgA deficiency), and serum t-TG Ab were assessed. All cases that had positive serologies and those who had high clinical probability of having Celiac disease underwent second duodenal segment biopsy. Data was presented using mean, standard deviation and frequency distribution. Results: Serum IgA levels were normal in all samples. 8 cases were positive for t-TG Ab, 38 cases had high normal levels of t-TG Ab and the others had less than 6 Au/ml t-TG Ab. Only in patients with high normal serology, histology was positive. 1% (10 in 1000 people) of all studied subjects demonstrated intestinal lesions due to Celiac disease. Most of them were asymptomatic. Conclusion: CD frequency in rural regions of Arak in people between 20-65 years old was 10 among 1000 cases. This frequency is the same as studies done in northern and southern regions of Iran but was higher comparing to the other parts of the word. This amplifiles the importance of screening of CD in Iran. Also the sensitivity and specificity of t-TG Ab was found high because all cases with high normal levels of t-TG Ab were approved by histology.

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Background: Hypertension disorders are the most common medical complication during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is an important cause of mortality. The pathophisiology of it is still unknown. But sex hormon especially testosterone may be has a role in preeclampsia. We were conducted the comparison of serum free testosterone level in preeclamptic with normotensive pregnant women. Methods and Materials: This research was a case-control study included 27 women with singleton pregnancy who were complicated with preeclampsia (11 with severe preeclampsia and 16 with mild preeclampsia) and 62 normotensive pregnant women who were matched for age, body mass index (BMI) and gravity. Serum levels of free testosterone were measured by ELISA method. Results:Serum testosterone level was higher in preeclamptic group (1.66 ng/ml) than in mean of the control group (1.27 ng/ml), but this difference was not significant. Mean of testosterone levels in sever preeclampsia were higher than mild preeclampsia patients, however it was not statistically significant (2.08, 1.37, respectively). Conclusion: It seems that testosterone has not significant role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. .

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Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a auto-immune disease of central nervous system. The etiology of MS is unknown, but environmental factors such as viruses are involved in the development of MS. In this study, MS patients were assessed for antibodie titers against Human Herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) in Markazi Province. Methods and Materials: In this case-control study, 31 new cases of MS patients and 60 healthy subjects were selected with similar demographic criteria such as sex, age and location. Antibodies titer (IgM and IgG) against HHV-6 were examined by ELISA and Immunofluorescence methods. Data were analyzed using Logistic regression and Odds ratio. Results: Data indicates that 74.2% of case group and 34.2% of control group were identified as positive for IgM against HHV-6. The difference between the two groups in terms of IgM against HHV-6 was statistically significant (p=0.001). Incidence of IgM positivity against HHV-6 was increased more than five times in MS patients compared to control group. Also there was a statistically significant difference between case and control groups in IgG titer (p=0.019). Conclusion: Acute infection of HHV-6 is a risk factor for MS.

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Abstract Background: Aloe Vera species have diverse immunomodulatory and antitumor activities. The present study was set out to define the immunomodulatory activity of Aloe Vera extract on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials and Methods: In this experimental interventional study, EAE was induced by MOG35-55 peptide and complete Freund's adjuvant in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were placed in two therapeutic groups (n=8 per group) with the same age and weight. Therapy with Aloe Vera extract (120mg/kg/every day given oral) was started on day 5 before the immunization until 25 day after that. EAE control received phosphate buffer alone with same schedule. Signs of disease were recorded daily until the day 25 when mice were bled and sacrificed. Produced TNF-α by cultured spleen mononuclear cells was detected by ELISA. Results: The Aloe Vera treatment significantly reduced the clinical signs of EAE and delayed onset of disease. Mononuclear cells isolated from spleen of treated-mice with Aloe Vera showed a significant decrease in TNF-α in compared with control mice (p=0.012). Conclusion: Aloe Vera ameliorated the EAE and reduced TNF-α level in MS animal model.

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Abstract Background: Now a day, internet addiction is a common problem that defines as abuse in computer and online information. In addicted students to internet may develop many types of problem in education. This research was designed to determine the effect of internet addiction on educational status of Arak university of medical sciences students, spring 2009 Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 426 Arak medical university students passing at least one term of his/her course in spring 2009. A Yang standard internet addiction questionnaire applied for data gathering and after data entry was analyzed in 0.05 significant levels. Results: Mean and standard deviation of age, average of scores and Yang internet addiction score were as 20.95±1.41, 16.13±1.38 and 32.74±14.52, respectively. Internet addiction associated with number of failed and passed total, average decline in recent terms, educational term and obtaining average score under 12 (p<0.05). But didn’t associate with course, educational level and faculty of education (p>0.05). Conclusion: Since internet addiction can affected the educational status inversely, and reduces average score and educational subsidence, endeavor for beneficial opportunities prevention is essential.

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Abstract Background: One advantage of a textbook is that you can refer back to the textbook for missed, misunderstood, or forgotten information. This does not apply to class lectures notes because heard things can forget quickly and thoroughly. The aim of this study was survey of student’s attitude about reasons of tendency to use lecture notes instead of textbooks. Materials and Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study. Sample size was 213 students with different academic fields and terms. Data to students’ tendency to lecture notes were collected and analyzed by valid questionnaire. Results: Most important factors in students’ opinion were, textbook contain is more than lecture notes, society’s tendency to academic degree, inattention to literacy and awareness levels and lack of sufficient proficiency on English language. Conclusion: Tendency to usage of lecture notes is one of basic reasons of students’ stagnation and ultimately, leads to lose of their research morale and motivation

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Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) of unknown etiology. Vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) has strong immune modulating potential. Nitric Oxide (NO) has been identified as one of the most destructive products of the immune system and is an important factor in demyelination. The effect of short-term vitamin D3 supplementation on NO level was assessed in MS patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 60 MS patients (male and female). Patients were randomized independently, in a double blind design, into one of two treatment groups. Controls (n=30) received current treatment. Vitamin D treated (n=30) individuals received current treatment plus 300000 IU vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 injection was repeated monthly for 6 months. Nitric oxide (NO) production was estimated by Griess reaction. Results: NO levels decreased following vitamin D3 treatment but the differences did not reach significance (12.411.1 μmol/L to 9.88.9 μmol/L). Control group was also associated with an increase in NO levels but not statistically significant (18.417.07 μmol/L to 22.0716.8 μmol/L). Conclusion: Vitamin D3 has not significant effect on the level of nitric oxide. However, further studies should be done to evaluate the potential of vitamin D as an immune modulator in management of MS.

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Background: Nowadays, the use of inflammatory biomarkers in the diagnosis of appendicitis is on the rise. On the other hand, the role of oxygen free radicals in various inflammatory states has been verified. Noticing the high prevalence of negative appendectomy (9.3-22.2%), the aim of this study was to investigate the level of blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as a biomarker for early diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Materials and Methods: In this prospective analytical trial, over a one-year period, 407 patients, with preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis who had undergone operation, were studied. After measuring the TAC level, data were analyzed through the analytic ROC curve and parametric mean comparison tests. Results: Of all the patients, 298 were identified with appendicitis. TAC levels in adult female and male groups were respectively 663.9±164.75 and 752.58±167.37 µm/L which revealed a significant difference (p<0.0001). Also, in children, the mean of TAC level in perforated appendicitis sub-group was significantly greater than those in gangrenous and suppurative groups. Conclusion: TAC level can be used as a predictive factor for the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis in children however, it cannot be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of appendicitis. Because of the significant difference existing between the level of TAC in male and female patients, further studies are suggested to investigate the level of inflammatory biomarkers with respect to menstrual cycle in women.

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Background: Acute pancreatitis is a common cause of abdominal pain, without any characteristic signs, symptoms, or a gold standard diagnostic modality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of urine trypsinogen-2 strip test in acute pancreatitis. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 76 patients with abdominal pain suspected to acute pancreatitis who were admitted to the Emergency ward of Valiasr Hospital, Arak, were evaluated. In 46 patients, acute pancreatitis was confirmed (pancreatitis group), whereas in 28 patients, acute pancreatitis was ruled out (control group). In both groups serum levels of amylase, lipase, CRP, and urine trypsinogen-2 were measured by quantitative and qualitative methods. Sensitivity and specificity of the tests were determined and data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Urine trypsinogen-2 dipstick was positive in 36 of the 45 patients in the pancreatitis group (sensitivity: 80%) and in 2 of the 28 patients in the control group (specificity: 92.8%). Urine trypsinogen-2 ELISA test was positive in 41 of the 45 patients in the pancreatitis group (sensitivity: 91.1%) and in 4 of the 28 patients in the control group (specificity: 89%). Amylase sensitivity and specificity were equal to 82.6% and 75%, respectively. Lipase sensitivity and specificity were 76% and 85.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Urine trypsinogen-2 dipstick can be used to differentiate acute pancreatitis from other causes of abdominal pain. This rapid, easy-to-use, and accurate test can be used in emergency wards and primary health care units with limited diagnostic facilities.

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Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease which demyelinates the central nervous system. Vitamin D, is a potential environmental factor which influences this disease. The majority of the biological activities of the polymorphism forms of vitamin D are done through its receptor gene (VDRG). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between BsmI polymorphisms in VDRG and the incidence of MS. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, the BsmI polymorphism in the VDRG was studied in 80 Iranian MS patients and 50 healthy controls of the same genetic background and age through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method Results: There was a significant difference in the frequency of BsmI VDRG polymorphism genotypes between MS patients and controls (P=0.023). Conclusion: This study indicated that the VDRG BsmI polymorphism is associated with MS in this population.

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Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder with unknown etiology. Genetic and environmental factors associated with MS susceptibility. Genetic studies show an important role for human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases such as MS. There is controversy between the association of HLA alleles with MS susceptibility in various studies. However, with consider the high incidence of MS in Iranian population and limit information about association of HLA and MS, we analyzed HLA alleles in MS patients.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 60 MS patients and 40 normal individuals with the same ethic background and geographic area were analyzed for HLA-DRB and DQB alleles by single specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) method.

Results: HLA-DRB1*03 and DQB1*02 alleles frequencies in MS patients were greater than healthy controls. There was no significant difference in frequency of other HLA-DR alleles between the MS patients and normal individuals.

Conclusion: DRB1*03 and DQB1*02 alleles confer increased susceptibility to MS in this population. However, to determine the role of HLA in Iranian MS patients, more studies are needed.

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