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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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Intruduction: Testicular feminization syndrome is a disorder with the prevalence of 1 in 20000 to 64000 male births. It,s characteristics are female phenotype, male caryotype (64XY) and normal to increased testosterone and LH levels. In this article a case of testicular feminization is reported. Case: The patient was a 16 years-old woman with primary amenorrhea and without secondary sexual characteristics. The patient had normal female external genitalia, absent axillary and pubic hair, immature breast, and repaired bilateral inguinal hernia with pathology report of immature testicular tissue. FSH and LH levels were elevated. Testosteroe level was normal. Sonography and CT scan of pelvis did not show uterus and adnex. Karyotype was 46XY. Conclusion: It is recommended that due to the risk of neoplasia, the existing testes must be removed. Also hormone therapy must be done for the patient.

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Introduction: Spinal anesthesia is a conventional way of anesthesia for cesarean section (CS), which nausea and vomiting is a common complication of it. Metoclopramide is the standard medication used for preventing intraoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV). Because of extrapyromidal side effects of Metoclopramide and known antiemetic effects of low-dose Propofol and Dexamethasone, this study was performed to compare the effectiveness of these drugs for preventing IONV. Materials and Methods: This study, is a randomized clinical trial which is done on 144 parturients who were admitted for emergency CS. Patients were divided randomly into four groups and received: Metoclopramide 0.1 mg/kg IV, Dexamethasone 150 g/kg IV, Propofol 0.1mg/kg every 5 minutes from clamping umbilical cord till the end of operation and the fourth group received 2 ml distilled water. During the operation parturients were monitored for IONV. Data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and one way ANOVA. Results: The Number of patients having nausea was lowest in Propofol and highest in Dexamethasone group. There was no statistical significant difference between Dexamethasone and placebo groups. The lowest rate of vomiting was in Metoclopramide and Propofol groups and there was no significant difference between them. Also the lowest level of retching was in the Prepofol group. Conclusion: According to results, the antiemetic effects of Propofol and Metoclopramide are similar. Amount of retching in Propofol was slightly lower than Metoclopramide and administration of Propofol was simple, cheap and without serious complications, so we recommend it for emergency CS.

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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: Pain relief has been received the highest level of medical attempts continuously but still many patients suffer from it. Narcotics' side-effects have led investigators to apply other techniques for controling acute postoperative pain to reduce narcotics requirements. Recently, some concepts have been presented implying that Metoclopramide does have analgesic effects and this led us to conduct the present study in order to determine Metoclopramide's effect on alleviating pain after cesarean section. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 80 patients who were candidates of elective cesarean section were studied in two groups. 10 minutes before the cesarean section's ending time, the control group was given 25 mg Pethidine accompanied by 10 mg Metoclopramide and control group 25 mg Pethidine and distilled water. Then when patients were conscious after cesarean section, for a period of 6 hours received after-care for their vital signs and side-effects of prescribed drugs. Their pain score (VAS) and nausea rate was measured and if necessary, Pethidine was injected with certain dose. Injection time for first dose of Pethidine and its required amount were recorded in a checklist within first 6 hours after cesarean section. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and T tests. Results: Prescription of Metoclopramide inhaunced analgesic effect of narcotics and a meaningful decrease was found in pain score (p=0.002) and nausea rate (p<0.005). Injection time for the first dose of Pethidine was also prolonged in the group who received Metoclopramide compared to control group (p=0.019) and an obvious decrease was occurred in received Pethidine's amount within the first hours after cesarean section (p<0.005). Drugs side-effects were not found in patients. Conclusion: The results indicate that use of Metoclopramide accompanied by Pethidine in ending time of cesarean section, does have considerable effects in controlling acute pain after surgery and increasing analgesic effect of narcotic drugs. Therefore, use of Metoclopramide as a proper supplement drug with low side-effects is recommended.

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Introduction: About 21 millions low birth weight infants are born throughout the world and have less surviving chance compared to death rate of infants due to other causes. The aim of this study is to determine the relation of mothers' nutrient intake in the last trimester with the delivery of low birth weight infants. Materials and Methods: This Cohort study with a 3-months follow up was carried out on all the pregnant mothers visiting health care centers in Shahrood during their third trimester. Simple sampling was done and samples included 424 subjects. One-week food record of subjects was documented biochemical and hematological tests and also anthropometric examinations were done, and demographic data were gathered. The infants’ birth weight was measured after delivery. Data was gathered by a questionnaire and analyzed using Chi square, Mann-Whitney and Leven tests and logistic regression. Results: Total number of 424 pregnant mothers was studied in accordance with their amount of energy and protein intakes, and was classified in two groups of adequate and inadequate status. It was disclosed that 75% of mothers received low energy (less than 2500 k cal) and 20% were low in protein intake (less than 60gr). Low birth weight prevalence was detected to be 13%. Among low birth weight infants 14%, 25% and 43% were attributed to mothers with low energy, low protein, and non-iron tablets intake respectively. There was a significant relationship between birth weight and iron supplementation (P=0.015), as well as multi-vitamins (P=0.048) during the last trimester of pregnancy. It was also disclosed that the probability of low birth weight infants among low weight mothers was 86%. Conclusion: According to the results there is a significant relationship between mother's nutritional status in the last trimester of pregnancy and infant's birth weight, so it is recommended that mother's weight gain especially in the third trimester and using adequate supplementations be considered.

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Introduction: Candidiasis is the second common cause of vulvovaginitis. We evaluate the frequency of species of Candida in vaginal candidiasis. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional anaiythical study, 220 patients with typic and nontypic signs and symptoms of vaginal Candidiasis were studied. Smear and culture were done. For positive culture, evaluation of germ tube, clamidospor production and carbohydrate assimilation and fermentation was done. Data was presented by descriptive statistics and analyzed using Chi square, Man-Whitney and Kolmogrov tests. Results: 40% of patients showed positive culture and smear. Frequancy of Candida Albicanse (42.03%), Dublininsis (29.5%), Glaberata (14.75%), Gilermondy (6.81%), Norvejensis (2.27%), Tropicalis (2.27%), and Kefayer (2.27%) were determined. There was no significant relationship between antibiotic and OCP consumption and type of identified Candida. Conclusion: Frequency of non Albicanse species is increasing. We suggest treatment based on culture and smear, because non Albicanse vaginitis usually is resistant to Azols.

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Introduction: Cataract is one of the most important and a major disease in human. The prevalence of cataract in age 65-74 get to 50%, and over 75 it arrives to 70%. Absolute cure for cataract is surgery that can be done by different techniques such as intracapsular, extracapsular, and phacoemulsification. Cataract surgery has different side effects such as hemorrhage, Glaucoma, posterior capsular opacification and astigmatism. This study decides to compare astigmatism after two techniques of cataract surgery phaco and extracapsular. Materials and Methods: This study is a double blind randomized clinical trial, which has been experienced on 112 patients. Patients were divided in two groups (A and B). In group A surgery was done by phaco technique which has a small incision of 3.2 mm and does not need suture. But in group B, (extracapsular group) the incision is bigger about 10 mm and needs suture. Then keratometry was done for each patient before surgery, one week and 2 months after surgery for determining astigmatism. Data was analyzed by independent and paired sample T tests. p< 0.05 was considered meaningful. Results: From 112 patients that had been studied, 56 patients underwent phaco technique and 56 patients underwent extracapsular technique. Mean of astigmatism before surgery in group phaco was 0.79±0.71 D and in extracapsular was 0.90.55 D (p>0.05). Mean of astigmatism 1 week after surgery in phaco group was 1.110.72 D and in extracapsular group was 3.991.46 D (p<0.05) and mean of astigmatism two months after surgery in phaco group was 1.00.71 D and in extracapsular group was 3.281.29 D (p<0.05). Conclusion: Induced astigmatism in phaco group was 0.21 D and in extracapsular was 2.38 D, that has meningful difference. Other criteria such as age, lens number, sex and left or right eye do not have any effect on induced astigmatism.

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Introduction: Menopause is a natural period of life. It means the permanent cessation of menstruation and the end of reproductive period which occurs between 45-52 years old. It also serves as an indicator of population health as the occurrence of menopause indicates the increased risk for the onset of several chronic diseases. In this study, the mean age of natural menopause among women in Arak (Central Iran) was investigated, considering their reproductive and socio-economic-demographic factors and their health behaviors. Materials and Methods: This study was an observational cross-sectional study on a population base, carried out in 2007 year. Interviews and questionnaires were used for gathering data from 458 women resident in Arak city, who had undergone a natural menopause. Sampling was multistaged using postal zones and selecting samples in each zone. Data was analyzed using variance analysis, multiple regression, T and correlation coefficient tests. Results: Findings showed that the mean age of menopause in our sample was 48.2±2.34 years (95% CI: 47.98- 48.41) and its median was 49 years. The mean age of menopause in women who were never married was less than married women (P= 0.015). Low income level (P= 0.003), having physical activity (P= 0.004), number of pregnancies (P<0.001), age of last pregnancy (P=0.026) and place of birth (P=0.003) were meaningfull factors in age of menopause. Conclusion: This phenomenon must be documented in Iran because of its strong link with mortality and morbidity of the growing number of women who are reaching advanced ages whose one forth of life is after menopause. Therefore health education as the best way for changing their lifestyle is suggested.

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Background: Noticing the significant role of fertility in Iranian families, the incidence of infertility and its social and cultural dimensions, this study was carried out to compare general health status of infertile women with fertile women. Materials and Methods: This observational case-control study was done on 147 women as the control group and 147 infertile patients as the case group who were matched in terms of influential variables. Data collection was done through demographic questionnaire and general health questionnaire (GHQ) which were completed by both groups. The results were analyzed by logistic regression analysis, t test, and chi-square using STATA 10 software. Results: Means of general health score in fertile and infertile women were 19.249.72 and 28.06 10, respectively. Here the mean score of the infertile women was significantly higher in comparison with the fertile women (p<0.001). Physical symptoms, anxiety, social interaction, and depression scores of infertile women were significantly higher in comparison with the fertile women (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the means of age and duration of marriage between the two groups and the distribution of educational level, occupation, and income levels were the same in the two groups. Conclusion: Average scores of general health and physical complaints, anxiety, impaired social interaction, and depression in infertile women were higher than those in fertile women. This indicates their involvement with some degrees of public health diseases.

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Background: Primary dysmenorrheal is one of the most common gynecologic diseases. This study was carried out to compare the effects of omega-3 and vitamin E on the treatment of primary dysmenorrheal. Materials and Methods: In a randomized double-blind clinical trial, 80 female students from high schools in Arak, Iran, were selected by simple sampling and randomly divided into two identical groups in 2010. Omega-3 group received one omega-3 capsule (500 mg) per day while the vitamin E group received one vitamin E capsule (400IU) every other day for 60 days. Intensity of pain, duration of pain, and the number of painkillers taken before and after intervention were measured in both groups. Intensity of pain was assessed by VAS scale of pain. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: After intervention, the mean of pain intensity in the omega-3 group decreased to 3.5 which indicated a significant difference in comparison with the corresponding values before intervention (7.40) (p<0.05) and the values in the vitamin E group (5.25) (p<0.05). After intervention, the mean duration of pain in the omega-3 group reached 11.04 hours which showed a significant difference compared with the corresponding values before intervention (31.74) (p<0.05) and the values in the vitamin E group (34.81) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Omega-3 is more effective than vitamin E in the treatment of primary dysmenorrheal and its application as a new therapeutic method to the treatment of primary dysmenorrheal requires further studies.

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Background: Caesarean section is one of the most common gynecologic surgeries. Nausea and vomiting after pain is the most common side effect of surgeries, today, we most widely use of serotonin receptor antagonists, that are most effective antiemetic and have less side effect rather than other drug. Ondansetron is typical serotonin antagonists.

Materials and Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial on 162 women undergoing cesarean section. 4mg intravenous ondansetron was given to first group and 8mg oral ondansetron was given to second group and thired group recived placebo. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and immediately after performing spinal and every 5 minute until 20 minute. Post operative nausea and vomiting and APGAR score were recorded after operation in recovery and 2, 4, and 6 houres after surgery.

Results: There was no significant difference among 3 groups according to age, gravidity, mean atrial pressure and heart rate before and during surgery. Nausea and vomiting in oral and intravenous groups at recovery, 2 and 4 hours after surgery were significantly less nausea and vomiting than placebo group (p<0.05). Whereas there was no significant difference between oral and intravenous groups.

Conclusion: It was concluded that using oral ondansetron with the same antiemetic effect is more convience to women undergoing cesarean section with spinal anesthesia.

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Background: Naphthalene is a polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH_s) present in many water sediments. This study evaluated the performance of UV/H₂O₂ reaction to decompose naphthalene in the aqueous solution.

Materials and Methods: It was an experimental-laboratory study. A one liter cylindrical glass reactor was used for performing all degradation experiments. The radiation source was a low pressure mercury UV lamp emitting at 254 nm (30 W, UV-C) which was placed above a batch photoreactor for UV/H₂O₂ experiments and different concentrations of H₂O₂ (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mg/L) were tested.

Results: In 15 mg/L naphthalene in UV/H₂O₂ system and reaction times 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 100 and 120 minutes, 15, 28, 31 , 36, 42, 52, 56, 73 and 59.5% naphthalene removal efficiencies were observed and COD removal efficiencies in reaction times 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 100 and 120 minutes, 22, 38, 45, 61.5, 67.5, 70, 80, 88.5 and 76 % were observed. When the initial pH values were 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,9, 10 and 12 the naphthalene removal efficiency was approximately 75.8, 63.4, 62, 58.5, 44.8, 35.8 and 30%, respectively, with UV/H₂O₂ system.

Conclusion: The experimental results of this study suggested that the dosages with 20 mg/L H₂O₂ at pH= 3 with 2.8 W/cm² UV intensity (254 nm) provided the optimal operation conditions for the mineralization of naphthalene yielding a 73% mineralization efficiency after 100 minutes of reaction time.

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Background: Depression is one of the common psychiatric disorders which are more common in women in the reproductive ages. So this study is to investigate the effect of Depo-Provera on depression.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 70 women who had chosen Depo-Provera as contraception. Beck test was done at arrival and repeated 3 months later, and the scores obtained were compared by paired t test.

Results: The participants BDI scores at baseline were equal to 7.89±3.85 while 3 months after treatment with the scores were equal to 7.09±3.63 which were significantly decreased.

Conclusion: Since Depo-Provera reduces depressive symptoms in women who take it and does not increase these symptoms in women with a history of depression, it seems that Depo-Provera is an appropriate choice as contraception.

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Background: Today, ultrasonography has become the main tool used for the evaluation of fetal anomalies. The aim of this study was to evaluate fetal heart rate changes immediately after combined two- and 4-dimensional ultrasound.

Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 191 pregnant women aged 15 to 45 years old who were referred for 4-dimensional ultrasonography in summer 2013. Before the onset of 2-dimensional ultrasonography, baseline fetal heart rate was measured by ultrasound. At the same time, the maternal heart rate was recorded during one minute. Then, combined ultrasonography was performed and same parameters were recorded at the end.

Results: Maternal heart rate significantly decreased after combined ultrasonography (p=0.0001). Fetal heart rate did not differ before and after ultrasonography (p=0.693).

Conclusion: Four-dimensional ultrasonography has no effect on fetal heart as an indicator for evaluating the fetus temperature.

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Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder affecting the reproductive and metabolic systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8-week pilates training on anti-mullerian hormone level and cardiometabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study with pretest–posttest design, twenty PCOS patients (aged 28.16±4.29 y) were randomly assigned to pilates training or non-exercising control groups. The training group took part in an eight-week progressive pilates exercise program, three times weekly while the control group were instructed to maintain their normal daily activities throughout the eight-week experimental period. Serum levels of anti-mullerian hormone, body composition and metabolic parameters were assessed before and after the training period.

Results: After an 8 week pilates training, insulin resistance index, total cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol, triglycerides and abdominal fat were significantly decreased (p<0.05). Furthermore, anti-mullerian hormone concentrations decreased significantly in response to pilates training (p<0.05).

Conclusion: These results suggest that pilates training can have beneficial effects on metabolic indices and ovarian reserve in women with polycystic ovary syndrome over a two-month period.

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Background: Heat shock proteins (HSP) can act as a cellular protection by facilitating reconstruction of denatured proteins. The aim of this study is evaluation of protective effects of glutamine consumption on HSP70 and cortisol response.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 28 soccer players divided into 4 groups: control (n=7), supplement (n=7), exercise (n=7) and exercise supplement (n=7). Supplements (glutamine) and placebo (Dextrin) to a 0.5 gram per kg of body weight and volume of 5 ml per kg of body weight one hour prior to the exercise protocol was used. exercise protocol include a 3-stage 20-minute run at 80% of maximum heart rate and rest 5 minutes. Blood samples of basal (after 12-14 hour overnight fasting), post exercise, and 90 minutes after exercise were gathered and HSP70 of serum and cortisol were measured with Elisa and RIA respectively. Data were analyzed with multivariate repeated measures (MANOVA) at p&le0.05 level.

Results: There was significant difference in HSP70 amounts between supplement group and exercise supplement group compared to the control group (p&le0.09, p&le0.019) and also supplement group with exercise supplement group (p&le0.032). Also there was significant difference Between post exercise and 90 min after exercise stages compared to basal stage (p&le0.08, p&le0.06) and between post exercise and 90 min after exercise (p&le0.030). In cortisol amounts between basal and 90 min after exercise stages (p&le0.026) there was significant difference.

Conclusion: Glutamine sitimulate of HSP70 induction and combination of supplement with exercise has a great HSP70 response thus athletes who wish to compete or have intense exercise, glutamine consumption is recommended.

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Background: About 40% of postmenopausal women experience sleep disruption which can affect their quality of life. Various medications were used for managing the sleep disruption. There are some studies on the effectiveness of gabapentin in the management of post menopausal vasomotor symptoms and sleep disruption. The aim of present study was to assess the effect of gabapentin on improving quality of life and sleep of post menopausal women .

Materials and Methods: In this double blind clinical trial, 90 post menopausal women with sleep disruption were selected and randomly divided into two groups for 12 weeks intervention (300 mg gabapentin, twice daily) and control groups. SF36 questionnaire of quality of life and PSQI questionnaire of sleep quality were surveyed and compared before and after the intervention in patients.

Results: The mean age of participants were 52.7 ± 3.14 and 53.4±3.68 years in intervention and placebo groups respectively. There was no significant difference in demographic information and the mean score of SF36 and PSQI questionnaires between groups before the intervention (p>0.05). Significant improvement was seen in score of SF36 and PSQI in gabapentin group after the intervention and in comparison with placebo group (p=0.0001).

Conclusion: According to the results of present study, it seems that gabapentin 300 mg/twice daily for 12 weeks can improve quality of life and sleep of post menopausal women.

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Background: Cancer is one of the most common causes of deaths in the world. Cancer incidence and prevalence is increasing in the world. There is no clear trend is available on incidence of these cancers in Iran, therefore, this study aimed to determine the incidence of 10 common cancers among Iranian women from 2003 to 2009.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing existing data. Data from a national registry of cancer cases were received. Data included the records from the cancer registry system in Iranian women during 2003 to 2009. The incidence rates were then standardized using direct method. We used Cochrane Armitage Test for linear trend by Winpepi software to determine the variation in the incidence of cancers.

Results: The results show that the proportion of all cancers is rising in women as compared to all population. Breast, skin, colorectal, gastric, esophageal, thyroid, leukemia, ovary, brain and uterus were the most common cancer among Iranian women. During the years of the survey, these cancers are significantly increased.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the incidence of cancer in women is increased. screening programs can be useful in reducing the cancers.

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Background: Aluminum, as an environmental pollutant, has destructive effects by inducing oxidative stress on male reproductive system and sperm. Silymarin, an effective substance extracted from Silybum marianum, is a potent antioxidant which inhibits oxidative stress. Because of toxic effects of aluminum and the antioxidant role of silymarin, this study was performed to investigate if silymarin can prevent the adverse effects of aluminum chloride on plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity in ram sperm.

Materials and Methods:  In this experimental study, epididymal spermatozoa from Farahani's ram are divided into five groups: sperm at 0 hour, sperm at 180 minutes (control), sperm treated with aluminum chloride (0.5mM) for 180 minutes, sperm treated with silymarin (0.5μM) + aluminum chloride (0.5μM) for 180 minutes and sperm treated with silymarin (0.5μM) for 180 minutes. To evaluate sperm plasma membrane integrity and sperm acrosome integrity, propidium iodide-Hoechst and comassie brilliant blue staining were used, respectively. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and p<0.05 was considered as significant level.

Results:  The percentage of sperm plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity were significantly decreased in aluminum chloride group compared to the control. The simultaneous use of silymarin+aluminum chloride could significantly compensate the adverse effects of aluminum chloride on the sperm plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity compared to aluminum chloride.

Conclusion: Aluminum chloride induces toxic effect on ram sperm plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity and silymarin is able to compensate the adverse effect this pollutant on these parameters.