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Introduction: Hp  is  the  most  common  human  infection  which  can  result  in  gastritis, peptic  ulcer  and  gastric adenocarcinoma  and  lymphoma.  Several  combinations  of  drugs  have  been  tested  in  HP  eradication.  Thyme  is  a  herbal  drug  that  has  antiseptic  and  GI  anti  spasmodic  characteristics. In  this  study  we  tested  Thyme  combination  regimen  in  comparison  with routine  regimes. 
Materials  and  Methods: This  is  a  randomized  clinical  trial  study.  90  patients  with  GI  symptoms, confirmed  peptic  ulcer  and  HP  infections, were  divided  into  three  groups, group  A (Omeperazole, Bismuth, Metronidazole  and  Tetracycline), group  B: Omeperazole, Bismuth, Metronidazole, Tetracycline  and  Thyme  and  group  C:  Bismuth, Omeperazole, Tetracycline  and  Thyme.  Duration  of  treatment  was  2  weeks . after  treatment  they  were  given  Ranitidine  for  2  weeks  and  2  weeks  without any  treatment  and  then they  were  evaluated  for  HP  and  peptic  ulcer.
 Results: Distribution  of  sex, age, and  smoking  was  equal  in  three  groups, 81 (90%)  of  cases  had  upper  epigastric  pain.  Clinical  recovery  rate  was  96.6%  in  group  B  and  C  which  was  more  than  group  A  (p=0.43). After treatment  endoscopy  showed  70%  complete  relief  in  group  C  which  was  significantly  more  than  two  other  groups (p=0.04). Complete  response  rate  (negative  RUT+ negative  HP  histology)  was  46.7%  in  group  C (p=0.03).
Conclusion: In  general,  group  C  regimen  that  substituted Thyme  with  Metronidazol  was  more  effective  in  HP  eradication.  With  regard  to  high  effectiveness, low  complication  and  low  cost  of  Thyme, we  suggest  that  adding  this  drug  to  routine  quadriple  HP  eradication  regimens  could  be  useful.
 

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Introduction: Stress  is  a  condition  that  causes  tension, disturbance  in  body  and  mind , discomfort  and  unpleasant  status.  Adolescents  are  the  most  susceptible  group  of  the  community, a  susceptibility  which  intensifies  with  age  and  kind  of  stressful  events  that  happened  during  life. In  this  study  we  intend  to  find  types  of  stressors  and  their  severity  in  central  area  of  Iran.
Materials  and Methods: This  is  a  descriptive  study  carried  out  on  2000  students between  12-18  years  from  urban  and  rural  selected  school  of  Isfahan, Arak  and  Najaf  Abad  in  1381 (2002) as  a  part  of  an  annual  report  on  healthy  heart  assessment   program.  Sampling  methods  was  randomized  clustering, and  after  collecting  data  based  on  GHQ12 (generalized  health  questionaire)  data  was  analyzed  by  mean, standard  deviation  and  chi-square  based  on  SPSS  version  software.
Results: Of  the  total  subjects  under  9360 (51.2%)  were  males, and 887 (48.8%)  were  female, with  a  mean  age  of  15/97±1/90, 15/52±2/20  respectively.  In  general, the  proportion  of  female  students  with  high  GHQ  score  was  higher  than  male  students. 38.8%  against  32.7%. The  score  was  higher  in  Arak  than the  other  two  cities.  The  most  common  stressful  item  was  concern  for  a  future  career, which  was  also  the  most  effective  life  event, and  next  to  it  was  the  parental  death.
Conclusion: The  severity  of  stress  in  female  students  of  central  area  of  Iran  was  higher  than male, with  a  direct  positive  correlation  with  age, moreover, the  most  common  stressful  item was  concern  for  a  career  and  the  most  effective  life  event  was  also  the  same, and  next  to  it  was  the  parental  death.    
 

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Introduction:  Oxydative  stress may  cause  preterm  labor.  Antioxidants  found  in  fruit  and  vegetable  prevent  the  oxidative  stress  reaction.  In  this  study  we  intend  to  answer  the  question: Is  any  correlation  between  preterm  delivery  and  use  of  fruit  and  vegetable  before  and  during  pregnancy?
Materials  and  Methods:  It  is  a  case  control  study  in  which  43  women  with  preterm  delivery  and  86  women  with  term  delivery  who  delivered  in  Arak  maternity  hospital  were  selected  randomly. (sample  size  was  calculated  with  α=5%, β=20%). The  two  groups  were  matched  for  socioeconomic  status, maternal  age , gravid  and  vitamin  supplement  consumption.  Data  was  collected  with  a  questionnaire  that  includes  demographic information, and  use  of  fruit  and  vegetable (proportion  in  week )  during  the  three  month before  and  second  trimester  in  pregnancy.  SPSS software  and  K-S, t (pooled), Mann-Whitney, Chi  square  and  logistic  regression  were  used  to  analyze  the  data.
Results: This  study  showed  that  the  mean  use  of  fruit  and  vegetable  consumption  calculated  during  the  three  month  time  before  pregnancy  was  20.64±2.48  in control  group  and  32.23±1.52  in  case  group  and  the  relationship  was  significant  (p<0.00001)  and  the mean.
Use  during  the  second  trimester  was  21.84±4.75  and  34.84±5.58  in  case  and  control  groups  respectively  that  was  significant  (p<0.00001). Accuracy, sensitivity  and  specificity  of  regression  model  were  90%, 87% and  91/9%  respectively.
Conclusion: This  study  showed  that  fruit  and  vegetable  consumption  is  related  to  the  decreased  incidence  of  preterm  labor. Based on  our  model, preterm  labor  can  be  prevented  and  predicted  with  enough  consumption  of  fruit  and  vegetables.
 

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Introduction: Tension  headache  is  the  most  common  type  of  headache. Tension  headache is  mostly  caused  by  stress, anxiety  and  depression.  Treatment  is  by  pharmacological  and  nonpharmacological  methods.  Nowdays  nonpharmacological  methods  are  used  increasingly. This  is  a  response  to  the  over  use  of  drugs, side  effects  and  cost.  The  purpose  of  chronic  tension  headache.
Materials  and  Methods: This  research  is  a  clinical  trial  study. 25  women  suffered  from  chronic  tension  headache  were  treated  by  massage  during  5  weeks. Samples  were  asked  to  record  headache  indexes  in  a  checklist  four  times  a  day  (before  breakfast, before launch , before  dinner  and  before  sleep)  through  these  5  weeks. Data  from  the  first  and  fifth  weeks  were  recorded  as  pre  and  post intervention  data and  data  from  the  second, third  and  fourth  weeks  of  investigations  were  recorded  as  the  data  during  intervention.  During  the  intervention  samples  were  treated  twice  a  week  for  20  minutes  each  time  with  the  friction  massage  on  posterior  parts  of  the  neck  and  shoulders.  Headache    indexes  included: intensity, frequency  and  duration  of  headache, headache  intensity  was  recorded  using  11  points  criteria. Headache  frequency  was  measured  by  calculating  the  days  of  headache  in  a  week  and  the  duration  of  the  headache  was  calculated  by  dividing  sum  of  headache  hours  in  a  week  to  the  frequency  of  attacks. Data  was  analyzed  by  analysis  of  variance  and  Tukey  test.
Results: Results  showed  the  positive  effect  of  massage  in  which  headache  indexes  showed  a  meaningful  difference  in  three  stages  of  pre, during  and  post  intervention (p<0.01).
The  recovery  rates for  each  index  were  52%, 28%  and  57%  respectively.
Conclusion: Massage  therapy  resulted  in  the  reduction  of  intensity, frequency  and  duration  of  tension  headache  and  can  be  useful  in  treatment  of  tension  headache .

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Introduction: Oxidative  stress is  one  of  the  factors  producing  poisoning  during  chronic  exposure  to  organophpsphporous  poisons.  In  this  research  we  studied  oxidative  stress  status  and  acetycholinesterase  in  pesticide  manufacturing  workers.
Materials  and  Methods: This  is  a  cross-sectional  analytical  study  in  which  45  organophopsphorous (OP)  formulating  pesticide  workers  with  a  minimum  work  history  of  1  year  in  the  age  range  of  23-35  were  studied. Controls  were  age–matched  workers  of  a  food-making  factory.  They  were  evaluated  for  oxidative  stress  markers, including  Tthiobarbituric  acid-reactive  substances (TBARS)  indicator  of  lipid  peroxidation (LPO), ferric  reducing  ability  of  plasma (FRAP)  indicator  of  total  antioxidant  capacity, total  Thiol (SH)  groups  and Gammaglutamyl  transpeptidase (GGT)  levels  in  blood  and  ACHE  activity  in  erythrocytes.
Results: The  results  showed  marked  inhibition  of ACHE, increased  TBARS, decreased  FRAP  and  decreased  Thiol  group  level  in  workers.  The  reduction  in  activity  of  ACHE  correlated  well  with  increased  TBARS  and  decreased  FRAP  in  OP  formualtors.
Conclusion: It  is  concluded  that  Op-formulating  workers  are  exposed  to  more  oxidative  stress. The  measurement  of  erythrocyte  ACHE  activity  in  pesticide  workers  who  formulate  Ops  can  be  a  good  monitoring  factor  and  is  recommended  to  be  performed  in  a  regular  manner.
 

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Introduction: Although more  than  two  decades  is  passed  from  the  discovery  of  H.pylori  and  its  role  in  pathogenesis  of  upper  GI  disease, a  uniform  protocol  for  H.pylori  treatment  is  not  administrated  yet.  This  research  is  conducted  to  evaluate  knowledge,  attitude  and  practice  of  physicians  about  H.pylori  disease  and  treatment  and  its  changes  after  reading  a  review  article.
Materials  and  Methods: This  is  an  interventional  study. First we  prepared  a  compact, review  article  for  the  purpose  of  teaching  H.pylori  pathophysiology, diagnosis  and  treatment.  Then  thirty  questions  was  brought  out  to  evaluate  knowledge, attitude  and  practice  of  the  physicians  about  H.pilory   diagnosis  and  treatment. After  the  first  evaluations  we  gave  our  article  to  the  physicians  to  study.  One  month  later  we  repeated  the  evaluation  with  the  same  questionnaire.  Data  was  analyzed  by  SPSS  software.
Results:  304  physicians  participated  in  this  study.  The  mean  evaluated  knowledge  was  49.64-58.75  with  95%  confidence  interval;  which  after  education  increased  to 57.94-74.14 (p<0.05). Mean  level  of  attitude  and  practice  was  53.01-71.67  with  95%  confidence  interval. After  studying  it  increased  to  61.54-80.83 (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The  first  step  of  the  study  showed  that  test  and  treat  is  the  protocol  of  choice  for  many  physicians.  After primary  evaluation  and  introducing  the  compact  article  there  was  a  noticeable  change.   

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  Background: Imbalance between the production of free radicals and the antioxidant defense system causes oxidative stress. The cardamom is the fruit of the Elettaria cardamomum maton which probably has an antioxidant property. Aim of this study is assess of effect of cardamom- tea watery extract on oxidative stress.

  Methods and Materials : This clinical trial research was carried out on 54 persons. Firstly 5ml venous blood was collected and the parameter of the oxidative stress in their blood was evaluated. Then they were given every day 3 grams of cardamom and 1 gram of tea as like as 100 ml cardamom- tea watery extract for two weeks. After 2 weeks 5 ml blood was collected and the parameters of oxidative stress in their blood serum was evaluted for the second time. The parameters of first and second group of bloods were compared by SPSS software.

  Results : The mean of total antioxidant capacity of serum before and after cardamom- tea extract were 1.96 ± 0.64 m mol/ml and 2.23 ± 0.46 m mol/ml respectively (p=0.009). The mean of lipid peroxidation before and after cardamom- tea were 14.97 ± 3.58 nmol/ml and 12.07 ± 5.91 nmol/ml respectively (p=0/002). The mean of total thiol group before and after cardamom- tea were 0.224 ± 0.200, 0.266 ± 0.166nmol respectively (p=0.141).

  Conclusion: The cardamom- tea reduces the amount of lipid peroxidation and enhanced the antioxidant markedly. So, the cardamom- tea decreases the amount of oxidative stress in blood. Ther- fore the cardamom- tea in the people diet is usful.

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Background: Angiogenesis is a complex process that occurs in many physiologic and pathologic conditions such as invasion and metastasis of tumors. Therefore, it is the target of many clinical treatments. Rapamycin is one of the immune system inhibitor drugs that recently has been used for controlling different types of cancer. In this study, the effect of Rapamycin on angiogenesis in chicks' chorioalantoic membrane was investigated. Methods and Materials: In this experimental study, we used 42 Ross fertilized eggs that were divided into 3 random groups: control, sham-exposed (treated by Dimethyle sulfoxide-DMSO- ) and treated with Rapamycin. In 2th day, a window was opened on eggs in the sterile condition. Later, in 8th day, a gelatin sponge appeared on chorioalantoic membrane and was soaked with 5 μl Rapamycin in treatment group and 5 μl DMSO in the sham-exposed group. In 12th day, CAMs were examined and photographed by Research Photostereomicroscope in all cases. The numbers and lengths of vessels around the sponges were measured and compared with each other by T-Test (p<0.05). Results: The mean of number (42 ±7.26 ) and length (57.25±5.05 cm ) for vessels in the control group and mean of number (42.93±8.37 ) and length (55.66±10.44 cm) in sham-exposed group was'nt any significant differences. There was a significant decrease in mean number (29.36±5.28) and length (44.55±10.22) of vessels in Rapamycin with control group. Conclusion: It seems Rapamycin has an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis in chicks' chorioalantoic membrane. It decreases the number and length of vessels around treated area

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Background: In this study, the effects of S362A and S362D mutations on the membrane turnover and the stability of ROMK2 channel when expressing in Xenopus laevis oocytes are examined . Methods and Materials:In this experimental study, oocytes were isolated by standard protocols using collagens (Type 1A). Mutations of the cytoplasmic termini of ROMK2 were constructed using the quick-change approach for site-directed mutagenesis. Xenopus oocytes were injected with cRNA encoding ROMK2 or S362A or S362D mutant three days prior to treatment with BFA solution (time 0). Brefeldin A (BFA) was added to the OR3 medium (+BFA) at concentrations of 25µM (inhibit insertion of new proteins into the cell membrane) or ethanol as BFA vehicle (-BFA). Two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) was used to measure oocyte ROMK-dependent currents and membrane potential. Results: In oocytes was expressing ROMK2 and/or the S362A mutant, there was significant reduce in current and membrane voltage of K. The fractional currents for ROMK2 and S362D mutant demonstrated a slight difference 48h following treatment of oocytes with BFA, 0.160.05(n=18) and 0.110.05(n=18) respectively. This was however, significantly different from the fractional current of S362A mutant which stood at 0.960.05(n=24). Conclusion: Mutant Serine residue S362A which causes phosphorylation in endocytosis and helps determine the number of ROMK2, plays an important part in PDZ domain.

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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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Background: REM sleep has a role in memory processing. The period of post-learning, that REM sleep is higher than normal level and deprivation of REM sleep impairs memory, is called paradoxical sleep windows (PSW). Methods and Materials: In this experimental study, male N.M.RI rats were trained in a two-way shuttle avoidance task (100 trials/one sessions) then memory retention was tested in next week. In electrophysiology section, different sleep-memory factors were recorded in basal level and 1-4 hours after training. In behavioral section, animals that reached 70% learning criterion (learner group) were deprived of PS in the two periods of 1-4 hours and 5-8 hours after learning by Maze water technique. Results: The amount of REM sleep in group which gained 70% learning after 1-4 hours training, and group without it. In v.s of basic level, significantly increase (p0.01). Other factors were showed no significant difference between two groups before of training. In behavioral section those animals were deprived in 1-4 hr post-learning show significant memory impairment (p0.05). Conclusion: Paradoxical increased REM sleep is effective in memory consolidation after 1-4 hours training. This period can be consider as paradoxical sleep window.

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Background: Skin cancer is one of the most important cancers in the world. This cancer is more common in men than women. We survey chromosomal changes in DMBA-induced skin cancer in SD rat strains. Methods and Materials: In this fundamental study, 20 SD rat strains were randomly divided into case and contal group. DMBA (2.5 mg) was injected to SD rat strains subcutaneously therefore skin cancer model for studies was created. Tumors became subjects for cell culture and metaphase chromosomal were prepared. Finally G-banding were stained. We have also transmitted genomic information from rat to human using suitable databases and Gene were determined. Results: Data showed numerical and frequent structural changes in different number of chromosomes. For example gain in chromosomes number 1, 15, 17 and loss in 1, 7, 15, and also structural changes like deletion was seen in chromosomes number 1, 4, 8, 10, 15, 17, and addition in chromosome number 15. Discussion: It is predicted that CST6، PRKCDBP، PTCH1، DKK3، ، BRMS1، CDKN1C، CD81، DMP1، CDKN2B ، EEF1A1 ، HRAS، CASP2، KLF4 probably cause skin cancer.

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Abstract Background: Fetal Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) develops viability and proliferation of nerve cells. Also this fluid contains many valuable factors for protection of nervous system injury cells. In this research, the effect of cerebrospinal fluid intraperitoneal injection on alpha motor degeneration after sciatic nerve compression in rat was determined. Materials and Methods: In this experimental-laboratory study, 18 male Wistar rats divided randomly in 3 groups (control, compression, and experimental). In compression and experimental group, right sciatic nerves were highly compressed. CSF was injected in experimental group each three days. After 1 month care, all rats were cordially perused by 10% formaldehyde and their L4-L6 lumbar segments of spinal cord were sampled and with processed for histological examination, the paraffin blocks were serially cut (7mm). Slices were stained with toluidine blue and numerical densities of motoneurons in spinal ventral horn were estimated stereological (dissector) technique. Quantitative data were analyzed by T-test. Results: Significant reduce in motoneurons number of compression group (47026) in comparison with control group (173978) was seen. Also there was significant difference between compression and experimental groups (992±141) in neuron density. Conclusion: CSF intraperitoneal injection may have a beneficial effect in neural regeneration.

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Abstract Background: Oxidative stress is strongly related to diabetes and its complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of experimental diabetes on oxidative stress indexes in the heart tissue and effect of regular swimming on it. Materials and Methods: In experimental-practical study, 40 male Wister rats divided to four groups (n=10): control, control with exercise, diabetic, diabetic with exercise. Diabetes was induced by a single dose injection of Streptozotocin (50mg/Kg, i.p). Study time was 8 weeks. At the end of period, rats were anesthetized by Sodium Pentobarbital (50mg/Kg, i.p) and left ventricle dissociated and maintenance in -80 ºC. Super oxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxides (GPX), Glutathione Reductase (GR) and Catalase (CAT) activities as enzymatic antioxidant status and Malonyl Dealdehyde (MDA) level as index of lipid peroxidation of the tissue in superior layer of tissue homogenization were measured. Results: Diabetes induction significantly reduced CAT and GR activities in heart tissue of diabetic rats compared with control. Also MDA level increased significantly in diabetic-non exercised rats compared with control. Total Glutathione level was similar in all groups. Conclusion: Swimming by preventing in reduction of CAT and GR activities and MDA level of heart tissue has beneficial effects in prevention of cardiovascular complications caused by oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus.

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Abstract Background: Approximately 15-20% of pregnancies terminate to abortion. More than 50% of spontaneous abortions in 8-15 weeks pregnant mothers are related to genetically abnormalities. So, approximately 95% of them are related to numerical and 5% structural chromosome aberrations. Until now, neither of known human chromosomal abnormalities are treatable, and only way against these diseases limit to prenatal diagnosis and abortion of affected fetuses. The purpose of this study was determined the chromosome aberrations with cytogenetically methods. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional analytic study, 56 aborted fetuses were studied to detection of abnormalities frequency. Amnion-chorine culture, placenta, fetal tissue and aborted products from metaphase cells for gathering metaphase cells were used. Results: After cell culture, chromosome typing and GTG-banding Technique, trisomy 21 with highest frequency (12.5%) and isochromosomy 21, X and monosomy X with lowest frequency (1.8% for each them) was resulted. Conclusion: Not only chromosomal aberrations have important role in recurrent miscarriages, but also frequency rates of chromosomal aberrations in our country are similarity with other countries. Also cytogenetically diagnostic methods such as GTG-banding are a powerful and reliable technique for investigation of parents with recurrent abortion.

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Abstract Background: Cartilaginous and movement diseases are the most prevalent problem in human. Various vitamins like A and C increase the process of regeneration and wound healing. In this research, the Alfalfa plant with scientific name Medicago sativa, that contains a lot amount of A, C, E and K vitamins, was used and effect of its extract on regeneration of pinna rabbit cartilage was studied. Materials and Methods: In this experimental laboratory study, 6 New Zealand male rabbits with 2.5-3 kg weight have been selected. After shaving hairs on ears with depilation cream, the ear were anesthetized by lidocaine 10% and 4 holes were punched with 4 mm diameter in medial situation of each ear. Test ears by extract of Medicago sativa and control ear were treated by normal saline every day. Holes era and the distance of two edges of cartilage were measured in various days of healing. Also, tissue sampling for microscopic observation by H&E color (day 0-50) was done. Results: Regeneration and healing of the treated holes with extract of Medicago sativa was faster than the control holes (p<0/004). Also, thickness of cartilage and cell density of chondrocytes and fibroblasts in the newly formed connective tissues in test were more than control. Conclusion: The extract of Medicago sativa because of A, C vitamins containing, probably increased the wound healing and regeneration of the rabbit ear cartilage and suggest the pharmacological usages.

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Abstract Background: Vitamin A is an important messager molecule for differentiation setting, cells proliferation and morphogenesis. In this research, an effect of vitamin A on limb bud development of Balb/C mouse was determined. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 10 female pregnant mice were divided to control and experimental groups. Control mice were maintained in natural situation and experimental mice were received vitamin A 15000IU/kg intraperitoneal injection at gestational day 10.5. Control and experimental mice were dissected in day 15.5 of gestation and after a morphology study their embryos were prepared for histological studies with microscope and were stained by Hematoxylin & Eosin method. Results: Comparison of crown- rump length, fore limb width, length of zone 1 (finger and palm) and zone 2 (wrist) of fore limb and total length of hind limb in experimental embryos with control group didn’t have significant difference in means. But, mean of embryos weights and length of total fore limb and length zone 3 (arm and forearm) of experimental embryos fore limb were more then control (p<0.001). Also, in comparison mean of hind limb width of experimental to contol embryos, increase was observed (p<0.006). But number and size of chondrocyte in 4 zones of fore and hind limb in experimental group didn’t have significant difference to control group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Concentration of 15000IU/kg vitamin A has progressive effects on the fetuses’ weight and fore limb bud development of Balb/C mouse.

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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: Spinal cord slices culturing from adult mammals could be considered as a suitable in-vitro model for evaluating cellular viability, spinal cord injury and cell death mechanisms. In present study, determining of cell death in motor neurons of cultured spinal cord slices in adult mouse was done. Materials and Methods: In a experimental- laboratory study, thoracic regions of spinal cords from 4 Balb/c mice were cut into 400-µm slices using tissue chopper and incubated in a Co2 incubator at 37˚C for different periods of time. Freshly prepared slices (0h) and cultured slices were fixed and sectioned using cryostat. To study morphological and biochemical features of cell death, fluorescent staining, TUNEL method and agarose gel electrophoresis were used. Results: In freshly prepared slices of motor neurons showed no apoptotic changes. While, 6, 12 and 24h after culturing, this neurons displayed morphological features of apoptosis including cell shrinkage as well as nuclear and chromatin condensation. Also, 6 and 12h after culturing were TUNEL positive. In addition, extracted DNA from cultured slices for 24h were indicated the nucleosomal DNA fragmentation on agarose gel electrophoresis. Conclusion: Results were showed the occurrence of apoptosis in motor neurons of cultured adult mouse spinal cord slices.

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Background: Maternal diabetes is associated with an increased risk of several complications in the offspring, such as the growth of congenital disturbances and malformations. In the present study, we examined the effects of maternal hyperglycemia on the volume of brain and lateral ventricle in newborn Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, on the 7th day of pregnancy, hyperglycemia was induced by a single injection (i.p.) of streptozotocin (55 mg kg-1) and the animals in control group were given an equal volume of citrate buffer. After parturition on the first day of birth, a litter was randomly selected from each mother, their brains dissected and fixed in 10% formalin. Then they were sectioned with 7μm thickness and stained by H.E. Through the use of stereological techniques and systematic random sampling scheme, the volume of the brain and lateral ventricles were estimated. Results: Statistical analyses showed significant increases (p<0.05) in the volume of the brains and lateral ventricles in the experiment group in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: By affecting blood brain barrier permeability in newborn rats, maternal diabetes can generate a large amount of CSF. These effects can bring about brain disorders such as hydrocephalus.