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Background and Objective: Nowadays the food contamination is increased and threating human health. This study was done to determine the concentration of cadmium, lead, zinc and copper in tomatoes and cucumber in Northern Iran. Methods: In this descriptive study, 48 cucumber and 48 tomatoes samples were collected randomly from the two sampling stations of Gorgan and Gonbad the two cities in Golestan province of northern Iran during spring and summer of 2012. Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations were determined by voltammetry method of 797 Polarography models. Results: Mean±SE of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu concentration in samples of cucumber in Gonbad was 53.4±7.7, 0.09±0.013, 1.47±0.21 and 4.1±0.66 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. Mean±SE of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu concentration in samples of cucumber in Gorgan was 60.3±8.7, 0.12±0.017, 1.4±0.2 and 3.7±0.53 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. Mean±SE of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu concentration in samples of tomatoes in Gonbad was 17.9±2.6, 0.03±0.004, 0.5±0.07 and 0.85±0.12 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. Mean±SE of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu concentration in samples of tomato in Gorgan was 23.8±3.4, 0.08±0.01, 0.66±0.09 and 1.7±0.24 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. Mean concentrations of Cd and Pb in cucumber and tomatoes samples of Gonbad was up to 2, 14, 0.6 and 5 times and mean concentrations of that in cucumber and tomatoes of Gorgan was up to 2.4, 14.4, 1.6 and 7 times exceed the maximum allowable limits of WHO/FAO. Conclusion: Mean concentration of Cd and Pb in cucumber and tomato samples was exceeded the maximum allowable limits of WHO/FAO and mean concentration of heavy metals in cucumber was more than tomato samples.

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Background and Objective: Sea cucumber (Holothuria leucospilota) is used for food purposes and traditional medicine in the South East and East Asia. This study was done to determine the antiviral effect of methanolic extract, of Holothuria leucospilota species against HIV-1 virus. Methods: In this laboratory study, sea cucumbers were collected from Larak Island, Persian Gulf, Iran at depths of 10-30 m. Methanol solvent was used for extraction process. Extract was concentrated by rotary evaporator at 40-45 degree C, and subsequently was prepared in the form of dry powder using vacuum freeze dryer lyophilization. Results: The extract in 100 and 1000 µg/ml of concentrations inhibited by 94% and 92.5% the replication of HIV-1, respectively. 10 µg/ml of extract had not specific antiviral effect. Approximately the half of concentration of extract (35.89 µg/ml) prevents 50% of proliferation of HIV-1, which was 50% toxic of on host cells (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sea cucumber methanolic body wall extract of Holothuria leucospilota species had no antiviral effect against HIV-1 virus. It can be due to cytotoxic effect of extract on the host cells.