Background: Glucose-6- phosphate Dehydrogenase enzyme (G6PD) is an enzyme deficiency that is transported inheritably. The lack of this enzyme decreases the energy revival of red blood cells and leads to Hemolysis which is the cause of severe neonatal jaundice. This study aims to investigating glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hyperbilirubinemia, and blood incompatibility in newborn babies in larestan city, located in south of Fars province, following the newborn screening national plan.

Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional and descriptive study on 12079 newborns in larestan city that referred to the screeing center from the start of 2010 to the end of 2012. The blood samples were taken from the newborns' heels and were evaluated through G6PD tluorescent spot test. They were examined regarding their blood group, hematocrit, hemoglobin, Coombs test, reticulocyte count and bilirubin levels as well as demographic information.

Results: In this research, among the 12079 screened newborns, 2345 ones showed G6PD deficiency with a prevalence of 19.41 which is a high percentage in comparison to those of other cities in Iran. The prevalence of O+ blood group among sick babies and their mothers was significantly higher than of other blood groups. (60% and 56%, respectively). The Hyperbilirubinemia and the indirect coombs tests were positive in 52% and 12% of the sick babies, respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence percentage of lack of this enzyme in girls of Larestan city is a little higher than in boys, even though since this disease depends on X, it should be more prevalent in boys.

Background: Head circumference (and its related morphologic factors such as head length and width) is one of the morphologic indices that people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have different developmental patterns in comparison to their peers. So the aim of this study is to assess head circumference indices in relation to cognitive factors in ASD children and adolescents.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the case group was consisted of 129 students with ASD aged 7-18 years old. The control group was consisted of 103 students with intellectual disability (ID) aged 7-18 years old. Head circumference, head length and width was measured by meter and caliper respectively. In addition, socio- cognitive factors questionnaire was responded by parents.

Results: Results showed that the head circumference, length and width of ASD group was significantly greater than ID group (p<0.001). Moreover, ASD group achieved lower score on SSIS questionnaire than ID group (p<0.001). Furthermore, results showed that in ASD group with increasing the size of head circumference the score on socio-cognitive abilites and skills decreased (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Generally, this study indicated that the developmental trajectory as well as the relation of anthropmetric indices of head circumference and socio-cognitive factors in children and adolescents with ASDs is different from ID population.

Background: There have been numerous reports of snake venoms being employed as analgesics in attempts to relieve severe pain associated with cancer, immune dysfunction and viral infections. This study investigates the antinociceptive effects of iranian cobra snake venom (Naja naja oxiana) in comparison with morphine and lidocain on laboratorial femal mice.

Materials and Methods: This study has been done on 48 NMRI female mice of 18-20 g in weight. Antinociceptive activeity of snake venom was evaluated by formalin test. In this test, the animals were divided into 6 groups (each group consisting of 8 mice): Sham, positive Control (receiving morphine at dose of 5 mg/kg, and receiving lidocain at dose of 20 mg/kg), and experimental groups receiving venom at doses of 1, 3 and 4.5 µg/mice. In all groups, the formalin test was recorded for 60 min after administration of venom and drugs in mice. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey test.

Results: The results showed that the venom of Naja naja oxiana decreased nociception meaningfully in both acute and chronic phases. We also showed that this venom revealed even a better analgesic activity in comparison with morphine and lidocain.

Conclusion: This study showed that the antinociceptive effect of the venom was mediated through central nervous system and peripheral mechanisms. Although details of the mechanism remain unclear, and further studies should be considered to demonstrate its therapeutic effects.

Background: Pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains produce a polar flagellum that required for motility, adhesion, invasion and secretion of virulence factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prevention and treatment with anti-recombinant type B flagellin antibody in a burned mouse model.

Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty six mice were divided into 16 groups injected with different regimen of anti-recombinant type B flagellin antibody. Infections were caused by sub-dermal injection of P. aeruginosa PAO1 and PAK strains at the burn site. Groups were monitored for mortality for one week. Additionally, functional activity of this antibody was assessed by motility inhibition and opsonophagocytosis assays.

Results:  Immunotherapy with rabbit antisera substantially increased (85.71%) survival rate of mice challenged with a homologous strain PAO1 compared with the control PBS. The mortality rate in mice infected by the heterologous strain PAK was only 28.57%. This antibody increased phagocytosis killing of the homologous strain but it only had a slight effect on the heterologous strain.

Conclusion:  Passive immunotherapy protected burned mice challenged with the homologous strain but showed lower efficacy against the heterologous strain.

Background: Aflatoxins are known as the most important toxins which their consumption could cause acute poisoning and create carcinogenic effects. Moreover, previous studies demonstrated the ability of lactic acid bacteria to connect to aflatoxin in food material. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the native probiotic Lactobacillus para casei strains TD3 against toxicity induced by aflatoxin B1 in vivo.

Materials and Methods: 24 wistar male rats (250±10 g) were divided into 3 groups including: one negative control group and two groups treated with aflatoxin (170 µg/kg) and Lactobacillus para casei strain TD3 isolated from Tarkhine with aflatoxin (10⁹ cfu/day) for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the blood and tissue samples were collected for histopathological and biochemical studies.

Results: The results indicated that treatment with Aflatoxin leads to a significant increase in the amount of liver enzymes such as AST, ALP and also liver damages.  Furthermore, the group that received Lactobacillus para casei strain TD3, the level of these enzymes was reduced and liver damages due to aflatoxin were improved.

Conclusion: The present study showed that aflatoxin can lead to liver damages and native Lactobacillus para casei strain TD3 which isolated from Tarkhine, probably leads to protective effects by binding to aflatoxin. Thus, it is considered as a biologic agent to remove aflatoxin in vivo.

Background: Thyroid nodules are common. 4-7% of adults have a palpable nodule and up to 50-70% of nodules are detected in high-resolution sonography. Thyroid nodules in women are 4 times greater than men and the rate of thyroid cancer in women is 3:1 compared to men, and is the sixth most common cancer in women. Epidemiological findings and experimental evidences show that sex hormones, especially estrogen, may have effect on this gland and its neoplasm. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between rs1256049 polymorphism in the estrogen receptor beta gene with thyroid nodular disease.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 146 Patients with nodular thyroid and 151 health individuals were referred to Amiralmomenin hospital of Arak were recruited in study. Diagnosis is based on by ultrasonography and was confirmed by an endocrinologist. Genomic DNA was extracted from EDTA treated whole blood .The genotypes were determined using tetra-amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) and analyzed by statistical methods.

Results: The frequency of CC, TC and TT genotypes in case group 136(93.2%), 10(6.8%) and 0(0%) and in the control group 139(92.1%), 12(7.9%) and 0(0%) were obtained respectively. No statistically significant association (p=0.72) was observed between nodular thyroid disease and rs1256049 polymorphism.

Conclusion: Our findings showed no significant association between rs1256049 polymorphism and nodular thyroid disease. For best deduction, it is recommended that this study be done in other populations.

Background: Angiogenesis is an important biological processes of new blood vessels in many pathological stages of development and embryo development occurs and a complex and dynamic phenomenon that is needed for development and other physiological processes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of alcoholic Ocimum basilicum leaf extract on angiogenesis chick chorioallantoic membrane is done.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 40 Ross fertilized eggs were randomly divided into four groups: control, sham-exposed and experimental groups were divided. The second day of incubation the eggs window was opened. Eighth day of the alcoholic extract of basil doses of 50 and 150 mg/kg on chick chorioallantoic membrane was injected. On day 12, embryos length and weight and chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was photographed by photostereomicroscope Then the numbers and lengths of vessels in special area on CAM were measured with Image J. analyzed through by t-test and ANOVA (P<0.05).

Results: The data does not show significant difference between embryos length and weight in sham compare to all experimental groups. In the study vessels number just with 150 mg/kg observed significant.

Conclusion: Alcoholic extract of basil is an increase in the number of vessels and in this sense the healing and growth processes associated with them as well as effective.

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus was induced, when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin (diabetes type 1) or is unable to use insulin properly (diabetes type 2). In this study, we compare serum nesfatin-1 level in type 1 and 2 diabetic male rats.

Materials and Methods: 18 male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 3 groups: control, diabetes type 1, and diabetes type2. Diabetes type 1 was induced by a single injection of STZ (55 mg/kg) and diabetes type 2 was induced by STZ (60 mg/kg) and NA (110 mg/kg). Weight, FBG (fasting blood glucose), insulin, nesfatin-1were measured in all groups after 6 weeks.

Results: Nesfatin-1 levels were increased in diabetic rats compared to the control. Its level in serum was significantly higher in type 2 compared to type 1 diabetic rats. Serum insulin and body weight were reduced significantly in diabetic rats compared to control. Body weight was lower significantly in type 1 than type 2 diabetic rats. FBG was increased significantly in diabetic rats compared to control and it was higher in type 2 compered to type 1 diabetic rats significantly.

Conclusion: The results indicated that nesfatin-1 level in serum of type 2 diabetic rats was higher than type 1, probably because of higher weight and less destruction of beta cells in type 2 diabetic rats.

Abstract

Background: Infertility is described as a loss that this event is serious tension in life and it makes extreme trauma on couples. This research aimed to investigate the effect of group psychotherapy based on life quality on marriage intimacy of infertile women.

Materials and Methods: This research method was in semi-test methodology with pre-test, post- test and follow-up test plan with control group and statistical sample was 32 persons (16 persons in test group and 16 persons in control group) that they were chosen in available sampling mode from Royan center in Arak and both two groups were peer in research standards. Test group received training for 5 sessions in 90 minute. For collecting data, Bagarozzi marital intimacy questionnaire was used. Data were analyzed by analysis of covariance by using SPSS software.

Results: Results showed that life quality training affected significantly on marriage intimacy of infertile women and improved it. Significant difference between pre-test, post-test and follow-up average scores of test and control groups showed effectiveness of life quality training on infertile women ( p=0.003<0.05 ,f=27.57).

Conclusion: The research showed that group therapy of life quality plan affected on marital intimacy and improved it. Therefore, it is recommended as a supplement.

Background: Leishmaniasis is a protozoan parasitic disease and a global health problem. The aim of this study is to diagnose the parasitic infection in humans for epidemiological identification and providing control programs using proprietary co-designed primers in three species of Leishmania.

Materials and Methods: 30 common Leishmania isolates were gathered from different centers in Iran. Having been cultured in RPMI-1640 Medium, DNA was extracted and the gene   ITS2-rRNA was amplified by PCR. The amplicons were examined by electrophoresis on agarose gel 2%. Also, in FLASH PCR method, a specific probe and florence colour were used to investigae the amplicon existence on sample.

Results: The results of the investigations by PCR and FLASH PCR methods show that these methods are sensitive and specific for diagnosis of Leishmania

Conclusion: In this study, identification of Leishmania parasite using specific primer pairs was successful and TaqMan could be one of the most sensitive diagnostic methods to identify parasite load for the ITS2 region of Leishmania.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fed fish oil (FO) with or without vitamin E for mothers on the testis cells of male offsprings.

Materials and Methods: Sixty mature female NMRI mice were divided into different groups: control (CTR; Standard diet(vitamin E 50 mg IU/kg) pre and postnatal period); I) Gavages 0.01 ml/day/mother fish oil (FO)+CTR diet during prenatal period; II) Gavages FO+CTR diet during postnatal period; III) consumed VITE(125 mg IU/kg) 2.5 folded greater than standard recommendations(2×)during prenatal period; IV)consumed VITE(2×)diet during pre and postnatal period; V)consumed VITE(2×)diet during postnatal period; VI) Gavages FO+VITE(2×) diet during prenatal period; VII) Gavage FO+VITE(2×)diet during postnatal period ;VIII) Gavages FO+VITE (2×)diet during pre and postnatal period. After weaning, the testes were collected and histological data were analyzed using SAS software by Duncan test.

Results: testes cells length, width and weight was lower in offspring which their mothers fed FO+CTR diet during prenatal, (p<0.05).Vitamin E consumption during postnatal period improved these parameters (p<0.05). Spermatogoni (47 vs. 43), spermatocyte (43 vs. 34), Spermatid (63 vs. 44), Sertoli (0.9 vs. 2), and Leydig (3 vs. 1.7) were increased as FO+VITE was used than CTR (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The positive effects of supplementation maternal diet by FO with VITE or sole VITE was observed. Thus, antioxidants should be consumed along with omega-3 fatty acids in maternal diet.

Abstract

Background: Retrograde transport to the alpha motoneurons causes spinal degeneration. The neurotrophic factor (NT3) increases the number of myelinated axons in the dorsal root, leads to differentiation and survival of sensory neurons, parasympathetic motoneurons and prevents cell death. Lavender is a plant in the family Lamiaceae which is reported to have antioxidant, antispasmodic, diuretic, anti-asthmatic, refrigerant, and antipyretic effects. This study examined NT3 gene expression changes after sciatic nerve compression in rats, in the presence of Lavandula officinalis extract. 

Materials and Methods: Lavender Soxhlet hydroalcoholic extraction was prepared. 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups including control, compression and treatment (compression group + hydroalcoholic extract of Lavender injections 75mg/kg) groups. In controls the muscle was opened without damage to gain access to the sciatic nerve. In compression and treatment groups, the sciatic nerve (right leg) was compressed. The extract was injected intraperitoneally in two occasions. A biopsy was taken from the spinal cord segments L4-L6 on day 28, total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized and NT3 gene expression changes were analyzed by ANOVA test by using SPSS software. 

Results: The results showed that NT3 gene expression had a significant reduction in compression group compared to the control group (p<0.001) and it had a significant increase in treatment group compared with the compression group (p<0.001).

Conclusion: A significant increase in gene expression shows that Lavandula officinalis hydroalcoholic extract improves nerve regeneration via NT3 gene expression. 

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder that leads to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Royal jelly is as a bee-collected natural product has diverse biological properties and that is rich in natural antioxidants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of royal jelly on serum glucose and lipids profile in streptozotocin induced type 1 diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups(8 in each): control, diabetic rats, Glibenclamide, and two groups of royal jelly- treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced in the rats by injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg b.w) intraperitoneally. The royal jelly was gavaged at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg after streptozotocin injection for30 days. At the end of this period, levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL in serum were measured.

Results: Royal jelly and Glibenclamide significantly decreased the levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL in diabetic rats (p<0.01). In addition, significant increase (p<0.01) in HDL level was observed in royal jelly-treating rats in comparison to the diabetic rats.

Conclusion: The results indicated that royal jelly may be used effectively in controlling and attenuating the complications of diabetes. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of royal jelly may be due to the presence of antioxidants.