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Background & Objective: Free radicals are formed in all living organisms during normal cell metabolism. Patients with chronic renal failure, which regularly dialyzed are the candidates for, free radical damages. The aim of this study with the discriminative information was to evaluate the effect of hemodialysis on Lipid peroxidation (The level of Lipid peroxidation expressed as malondialdehyde) and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme (Glutathione peroxidase) before and after the dialysis and compared with control group, to find out the effect of hemodialysis on the level of Lipid peroxidation of plasma and the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme. Materials & Methods: This investigation was an analytical type of study and sampling procedure was according to purposive method. 22 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) disease who were hemodialysed at 5th Azar Hospital of Gorgan dialysis center and 22 age and sex matched healthy control were recruited for this study. The data was analyzed by SPSS software using T-test. Results: Plasma malondialdehyde showed significant difference between the predialysis (And control group. It was increased in the postdialysis group (2.32±0.38 nmol/ml) when compared with predialysis (1.27±0.23 nmol/ml) and control group (0.98±0.17 nmol/ml). Erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme was decreased in postdialysis group (22.26±4.76 unit/gram hemoglobin) when compared with predialysis (29.66±5.95 unit/gram hemoglobin) and control group (37.52±6.26 unit/gram hemoglobin). There was also significant difference between control and predialysis group. Erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme was lower than control group in dialysis group. Conclusion: The observation of meaningful differences in reduction of erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme and increasing level of plasma Lipid peroxidation in the hemodialysed patients after the process of dialysis, maybe related with the patient, uremia, dialysis membrane (The loosing antioxidant enzyme through this membrane), and the dialysis process (May increase Lipid peroxidation during the dialysis process). These states of affairs may play an important role in progress of cardiovascular abnormality in hemodialysed patients. Due to this conditions a review of hemodialysis membrane, the techniques used in the dialysis, the consumption of various oral antioxidant, the elimination of active oxygens from the dialysis surrounding are among the measures which can prevent sudden cardiovascular abnormality in the hemodialysis patients and ultimately these important factors up-grade the patients quality of life.

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Background and Objective: There is growing evidence that excess generation of highly reactive free radicals, largely due to hyperglycemia, causes oxidative stress, which followed by further exacerbating the development and progression of diabetes and its complications. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on blood glucose and HbA₁c in type 2 diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, fifty-seven type 2 diabetic patients (14 male and 43 female) with the mean age of 53.5 years old were involved in this study. Upon arrival, subjects were randomly divided into either experimental (n=29) or control (n=28) groups. Experimental group received 300 mg alpha-lipoic acid daily for eight weeks where control group received placebo for eight weeks. After an overnight fast patients' blood samples, were drawn and analyzed for fasting blood glucose, 2 hours post-prandial glucose and HbA₁C. In addition, antropometric indeces for each subject was measured at the beginning and at the end of the study.

Results: There is no significatn differnces regarding weight and BMI in two groups before and after intervention. Also our findings indicated significant decrease in fasting and post-prandial glucose level, in experimental group, after intervention (p<0.05), but no significant change was seen in HbA₁c level. There were no significant changes in parameters measured in control group. There was also a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose in experimental group when compared to control group (p<0.05), but there is no significant changes in HbA₁c level.

Conclusion: This study showed that alpha-lipoic acid supplement as an important antioxidant reduce blood glucos concentration in type 2 diabetes.

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Background and Objective: Free radical production andsubsqunt oxidative steress can be due to hyperglycemia and its oxidation. This study was done to evaluate the effect of swimming training test and Fenugreek seed extract on plasma glucose and antioxidant activity in heart tissue of streptozotocine – induced diabetic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 50 male wistar rats were allocated into five groups diabetic (DC, n=10), healthy control (HC, n=10), swimming training (S, n=10), swimming training + Fenugreek seed extract (1.74 g/kg/bw) (SF1, n=10), and swimming training + Fenugreek seed extract (0.87 g/kg/bw) (SF2, n=10). Streptozotocine (60 mg/kg/bw) was used for induction of diabetes in DC, S, SF1 and SF2 groups. Serum glucose and the rat heart tissue antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase, Catalase and Glutation peroxidase were determined. Results: Body weight in all groups were significantly reduced in comparsion with healthy control group (P<0.05). Plasma glucose level significantly reduced in SF1 and HC groups compared to diabetic group (P<0.05). Cardiac antioxidant enzymes in swimming training, SF1 and SF2 groups significantly increased in compare to diabetic group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The combination of endurance swimming training and fenugreek seed extract can reduce plasma glucose and increase cardiac antioxidant enzymes in streptozotocine – induced diabetic rats.

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Free radicals are unstable molecules in reaction with other molecules lead to a variety of injuries and illnesses. However, to prevent the injuries, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants react with free radical in various forms. Free radicals and antioxidant enzyme acts by various mechanisms, although age, gender and physical activity affects on these reactions. Different responses and adaptation are experienced to oxidative stress among women and men, young, elderly, subjects with physical fitness and untrained subjects. The present article reviewed the effect of oxidative stress due to exercise-induced adaptations.

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Background and Objective: Hypericin is found in different species of Hypericum genus, as a main compound with antimicrobial, antiviral, nonspecific kinas inhibition and dopamin β-hydroxilase inhibitoring effects. This study was done to compare the hypericin content, antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of Hypericum perforatum L. from three geographic regions of Iran.

Methods: In this descriptive study, Hypericin content of aerial parts of H. perforatum L. was assessed using UV-Vis spectrometric method. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH and β-carotene bleaching assay. Cytotoxicity was evaluated via brine shrimp lethality assay. Antimicrobial activity was determined using inhibition zone diameter evaluation via disc diffusion method and measuring minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value.

Results: Hypericin content of aerial parts of H. perforatum L. from Qom, Golestan and Kurdestan provinces were 673, 1223 and 1568 ppm, respectively. Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities in samples from Kurdestan was more than samples from Qom and Golestan. Antimicrobial activity, as far as the number of sensitive microorganisms was evaluated. In this way the order of Golestan>Kurdestan>Qom was exhibited, however the extract of the plant from Kurdestan had the highest activity for two staphylococcus species with the inhibition zone diameter of 17 and 19 mm for S. aureus and S.epidermidis, respectively and MIC value of 250 µg/mL.

Conclusion: Hypericin content was more from samples of Kurdistan province with cold climate. Antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of aerial parts of all samples were high. There is a relationship between hypericin content of aerial parts of H. perforatum L. and biological activities.

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Background and Objective: Several studies suggest the corelation between antioxidant capacities and pulmonary function and severity of pulmonary asthma. This study was done to evaluate the effect of aerobic training on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and pulmonary function in asthmatic men.
Methods: In this quasi - experimental study, thirty inactive and overweight adult males with mild to moderate asthma were divided into intervention (aerobic training) and control (no training) groups. The anthropometric and spirometry indeces (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC) and fasting TAC before and after aerobic training program (12 weeks, 3 time/weekly at 60-75% of HRmax) were measered.
Results: After aerobic training program, TAC was significantly increased in interventional group in comparision with before of training (P<0.05). FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were significantly increased in interventional subjects in compared to controls (P<0.05).
Conclusion: This study indicated that aerobic training improves antioxidant capacity and pulmonary function in asthma patients. Improved pulmonary function can be attributed to increase in antioxidant capacity induced by aerobic intervention.

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Background and Objective: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of some diseases such as atherosclerosis and doing high intensity training may enhance oxidative stress. This study was done to evaluate the effect of eight weeks resistance training on malondialdehyd, total, antioxidant capacity, liver enzymes and lipid profile in overweight and obese women.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 16 overweight and obese women were non-randomly divided into intervention (n=9) and control (n=7) groups. The resistance training included the resistance training (with intensity of 50-80% one repetition maximum) that lasted for 8 weeks and 3 sessions per week. Every session lasted for 60 minutes. Malondialdehyd, total antioxidant capacity, liver enzymes and lipid profile for each subject was measured.
Results: The eight weeks resistance training significantly increased total antioxidant capacity high density lipoprotein and triglyceride in interventional group in compared to controls (p<0.05). The eight weeks resistance training significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase in comparison with control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Eight weeks resistance training by reducing malondialdehyd and increasing total antioxidant capacity may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis disease and improving cardiovascular health.

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Background and Objective: Fenvalerate is a component of the pyrethroid pesticide induces oxidative stress. This study was done to determine the effect of garlic extract (GE) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against fenvalerate-induced oxidative stress in the serum and testis tissue of rat.

Methods: In this experimental study, 42 Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 7 groups including: control group, sham group (normal saline), the first experimental group receiving NAC (80 mg/kg/bw), the second experimental group receiving fenvalerate (10 mg/kg/bw), the third experimental group receiving fenvalerate (10 mg/kg/bw) + garlic extract (40 mg/kg/bw), the fourth experimental group receiving fenvalerate (10 mg/kg/bw) + NAC (80 mg/kg/bw) and the fifth experimental group receiving fenvalerate (10 mg/kg/bw) + garlic extract (40 mg/kg/bw) + NAC (80 mg/kg/bw). Injection of fenvalerate was performed intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days in animals of intervention groups. Afterwards, for 10 consecutive days, NAC and garlic extract were injected. In this study, 1/40 LD50 fenvalerate was used. The activity of the catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined in serum and testis tissue in all animals.

Results: MDA level of serum and testis tissue in fenvalerate group increased significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05). The injection of NAC and garlic extract alone (P<0.05) as well as garlic extract in combination with NAC reduced MDA level of serum and testis tissue compared to fenvalerate group (P<0.05). Serum TAC level was significantly reduced in fenvalerate group compared to control (P<0.05). Serum TAC level was significantly increased in fenvalerate + GE group, fenvalerate + NAC group and fenvalerate + GE + NAC group compated to the fenvalerate group (P<0.05). GST activity of serum was significantly increased in fenvalerate group compared to control (P<0.05). GST activity of serum was significantly reduced in NAC, garlic extract and combination of NAC and garlic extact groups compared to fenvalerate group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: In this animal model study, low dose (10 mg/kg/bw) fenvalerate induces oxidative stress. Garlic extract and N-acetylcysteine (alone and in combination) improve injures caused by fenvalerate.

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Background and Objective: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that associated with increased serum glucose and insulin function impairment. Exercise training and saffron supplement are known as two effective factors in the prevention of the complications of type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of eight weeks of aerobic and resistance training with the consumption of saffron aqueous extract on malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase in men with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: In this clinical trial study, 36 men suffering from type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned into six groups: placebo, aerobic training, aerobic training with supplement consumption, resistance training, and resistance training with supplement consumption. Aerobic training was performed at 50-70% of maximal heart rate, and the resistance training was performed at 65-70% of the maximum replication for eight weeks. The saffron supplement was consumed at the dosage of 3 mg day-1. The concentration of malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase was measured before and after the trial after the 12-hour fasting period.
Results: Level of malondialdehyde significantly reduced in placebo and aerobic training with supplement prior to intervention (P<0.05). Level of glutathione peroxidase were significantly increased in aerobic training with supplement (P<0.05), resistance training (P<0.05) and resistance training with supplement (P<0.05) groups after intervention.
Conclusion: Aerobic and resistance training and their supplementation with saffron consumption can be regarded as an effective method to improve the peroxidase and antioxidant balance.

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Background and Objective: Medicinal plants contain a high level of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic, carotenoids, and tannins, which can be used to eliminate excess free radicals in the body. This study aimed to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid content and to investigate the antioxidant and antibacterial effects of Berberis integerrima and Graminifolius tragopogon methanolic extracts on some Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, methanolic extracts of B. integerrima and G. tragopogon were prepared using 80% methanol. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The antioxidant capacity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and reducing power methods. The antibacterial activity of the extracts of B. integerrima and G. tragopogon on Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium were determined by the disk diffusion method. Butylated hydroxytoluene and ciprofloxacin were used as positive controls for antioxidant activity and bacterial strains, respectively.
Results: Total phenol and flavonoid compounds in the extracts of B. integerrima and G. tragopogon were 46.90±0.70 and 22.63±0.59 mg gallic acid per gram of extract and 5.61±0.01 and 46.74±0.81 mg quercetin per gram of extract, respectively. The extracts of B. integerrima and G. tragopogon showed significant antibacterial activity. B. subtilis and S. typhimurium showed the highest sensitivity and resistance to the extracts, respectively. Moreover, the extract of B. integerrima had the most potent inhibitory effect on the examined microorganisms.
Conclusion: B. integerrima extract exhibits higher phenolic content, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial activity than G. tragopogon extract.
 

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Background and Objective: Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) has numerous nutritional and therapeutic benefits. This experimental study aimed to investigate the effect of spirulina on changes in the levels of liver enzymes of male BALB/c mice exposed to a high dose of acetaminophen.
Methods: In this experimental study, 42 adult male BALB/c mice were divided into seven groups of six. The toxic dose of acetaminophen 600 mg/kg body weight was considered. The control group received only a standard diet and water. The sham group was gavaged with saline solution. The third to seventh groups were treated as: acetaminophen; spirulina 600 mg/kg/bw, spirulina 300 mg/kg/bw, spirulina 600 mg/kg/bw + acetaminophen, and spirulina 300 mg/kg/bw + acetaminophen, respectively. In all groups, mice were treated with acetaminophen and spirulina powder by gavage for 14 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after receiving the last dose of medication and deprivation of food (the animals still had access to water), the animals were anesthetized and blood samples were taken from the heart. Activity of liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was measured by spectrophotometry. Protein concentration was determined by the Lowry method. Catalase activity was assessed using hydrogen peroxide. The amount of malondialdehyde was measured and the total antioxidant capacity was determined by FRAP method by reducing ferric to ferro ions.
Results: The levels of serum transaminases (ALT, AST, ALP) as well as the level of total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde of the acetaminophen-treated group increased significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05). The levels of these enzymes in the group treated with S. platensis 300 mg/kg/bw + acetaminophen decreased significantly compared to the group treated with acetaminophen (P<0.05). Catalase activity in the acetaminophen group was significantly decreased compared to the control group (P<0.05).In the group of S. platensis 300 mg/kg/bw + acetaminophen, catalase activity increased significantly compared to the acetaminophen group (P<0.05). The results of experiments in two groups of spirulina and acetaminophen showed that the active ingredients of the algae at a dose of 300 worked better than 600 mg per kg of body weight in response to oxidative stress.
Conclusion: Consuming 300 mg/kg of S. platensis along with a near toxic dose of acetaminophen increases resistance to oxidative stress and injuries caused by drug poisoning by affecting the activity of enzymes and the antioxidant defense system.
 

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Background and Objective: Antioxidant apigenin (AP) is a natural, non-mutagenic, and less toxic flavonoid with pharmacological anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. This antioxidant is easily received by the cell, binds to sperm DNA, and forms a DNA-AP complex, thereby protecting sperm DNA. The present study was conducted to determine the antioxidant effect of AP on human sperm quality after freezing-thawing.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 10 normozoospermic samples underwent freezing-thawing conditions, and sperm functional tests were investigated in different AP concentrations, including 0.4 mM, 0.2 mM, 0.1 mM, and 0.05 mM.
Results: The quality of total sperm parameters and functional tests decreased after freezing compared to before freezing. Among the AP concentrations, only in the 0.2 mM AP concentration, the improvement of the additional histone percentage, protamine deficiency, and sperm DNA health were observed compared to the control; this finding was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The use of AP with a concentration of 0.2 mM during freezing-thawing culminates in improving sperm functional tests.