Showing 18 results for Aram
Sh Aram, A Khalilian,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (Spring - Summer 2007 [PERSIAN] 2007)
Abstract
Abstract Background and objectives: Despite prenatal care, pre-eclampsia is still one of the most important causes of maternal and fetal mortality. There is no screening test for pre-eclampsia to be reliable and economical. One of the most accessible and easiest screening tests is blood uric acid measurement. The goal of this study is to assess the level of uric acid in high risk pregnant women a few weeks before emerging the manifestations of pre- eclampsia. Materials& Methods: In this study carried out in Isfahan medical centers, 124 pregnant women with gestational age of 24-28 weeks were selected by simple non-probability sampling. Then the subjects' uric acid were measured and considered high if it would be more than 4.5mg/dl. Results: of all the subjects, only 20 (16.1%) suffered from preeclampsia. 10 of 39(31.4%) who had high uric acid(more than 4.5mg/dl) showed pre-eclampsia.It is true for low uric acid women(68.6%), that is , the number of pre-eclampsia was ten. Conclusion: Relative risk of increased level of uric acid in preeclampsia at 24-28 weeks of gestational age was 2.2. Chi-square test showed that there is significant difference between the level of uric acid at 24-28 weeks of gestational age and the Incidence of preeclampsia. Keywords: pre-eclampsia, uric acid- high risk pregnancy
M Hedayat Mofidi, A Moradi, M Saeedi, N Behnampoor, J Arab Yaramohammadi,
Volume 2, Issue 1 (Spring - Summer 2008[PERSIAN] 2008)
Abstract
Abstract Backgrounds and objectives: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV- 1) infections are mostly shown as a Herpes disease, but It causes conjunctivitis, genital herpes, encephalitis and newborn herpes. This study was conducted to determine the sero-epidemiologic prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 in cases referred to clinical laboratories of Gorgan, Iran. Material and methods: In this cross sectional study, we did random blood sampling on 406 cases referred to the Gorgan city's clinical laboratories. These samples were analyzed for HSV-1 Immunoglobulin G and M antibodies using type- specific enzymelinked Immunoassays (ELISA). Results: Of 406 participants, the HSV-1 seroprevalence is 49% (44.3% and 4.7% for IgG and IgM respectively). There is not significant relationship between seropositive HSV-1 and gender, ethnicity, age and marital status. Conclusion: Sero-epidemiological of HSV-1 in Gorgan is the same of the other places in Iran, but it is higher than European and lower than African countries. It seems that the people’s culture is very important. Therefore it needs to be investigated more. Keywords: HSV-1, Antibody, Gorgan.
Bazzazi, H., Govahi, M., Jahazi, A., Alizadeh, Sh., Naeimi Tabiee, E, Mokaram, R., Davarpanah, M R,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (Autumn- Winter [PERSIAN] 2012)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and objectives: Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is one of the most common reproductive disorders, generally considered to be the loss of three or more pregnancies before viability. One of the causes of this disorder is the immunological factors such as autoantibodies associated with anti-phospholipid syndrome.
Material and Methods: this case-control study was conducted on 80 pregnant women divided into two equal groups of healthy and RM women in Gorgan. The subjects were asked to fill out a questionnaire and examined by a gynecologist to distinguish their condition, healthy or RM. The blood samples were kept at -20c and assessed by both ELISA 96 and automated ELISA processor with single dose ready-to-use test to measure β2GP1 autoantibodies of IgM and IgG.
Results: the results indicate that % 7.5 of RM patients are seropositive for Anti-β2GP1 IgG, and % 5 for Anti-β2GP1 IgM , but in healthy pregnants , % 7.5 are seropositive for Anti-β2GP IgG , and %7.5 for Anti-β2GP1 IgM. Family history of abortion in RM group (33.5%) is significantly higher than healthy one (17.5%).
Conclusion: based on the results, the difference between the level of Anti-β2GP1 IgM and Anti-β2GP IgG in case and control groups is not significant, but the production of this autoantibody is associated with pregnancy.
Key words: Autoantibody, Antiphospholipid syndrome, Recurrent Miscarriage
Sedighi, I, Alikhani, My, Nakhaee, S, Karami, P,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (supplement Issue[PERSIAN] 2015)
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objective: Escherichia coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infections in children and the leading cause of intra-abdominal infections (peritonitis and abscess) followed intestinal injuries. Urinary tract infection, including cystitis and pyelonephritis, is a common childhood infection. E. coli causes more than 90 percent of the community acquired and 50% of hospital acquired urinary tract infections therefore, the determination of E. coli antibiotic susceptibility is a paramount importance to clinical and epidemiological purposes. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 E. coli strains isolated from urine samples of children less than 7 years of age with urinary tract infections. They were compared for drug susceptibility testing by disc diffusion method with 50 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from stool samples of healthy children with the same age and sex pattern. Results: The actual amount of drug sensitivity of uropathogenic and intestinal Escherichia coli strains to amikacin was 94 and 100%, nitrofurantoin 90 and 88%, gentamicin 66 and 94%, cefixime 56 and 60%, nalidixic acid 38 and 44% and to cotrimoxazole 28 and 32%, respectively. Conclusion: the rate of resistance to gentamicin, Cefixime and nalidixic acid in urinary tract infection isolates were more than intestinal strains. The highest rate of drug resistance in urinary Escherichia coli isolates was associated with cotrimoxazole and the lowest one with amikacin. Keywords: Escherichia Coli, Intra-Abdominal Infection, Drug Resistance, Urinary Tract Infection, Children
M Pourhajibagher , A Karami ,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (Jul,Aug2015[PERSIAN] 2015)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Biological weapons, like other weapons of mass destruction such as chemical, nuclear and radiological are very dangerous. In recent years, they are employed in biotterrorist attacks by many countries because of some properties such as: the ability to make massive injury, having latent period, creating a prolonged illness, potential outbreaks and epidemics and more important because of having nonspecific symptoms and difficulty in diagnosing.
Material and Methods: The objective of this study was to describe the role of microbiology laboratories and their experts in the interventions of bio-passive defense. In this study, we use CDC, Medline, Google Scholar, Pubmed and World Health Organization (WHO).
Result: Detection of biological agents is difficult and sometimes impossible due to features such as lack of odor, color and other physical characteristics. The most important measures for defense against biological agents are rapid detection and intervention. Thus, the laboratories should highly be equipped and the personnel be extremely sophisticated to deal with the crisis.
Conclusion: Regarding the presence of highly advanced molecular procedures, Microbiology laboratories have to be updated to deal with the potential threats .in addition, the Laboratories professionals must be trained for the latest guidelines and specific diagnostic techniques to work with biological agents.
Keywords: Bioterrorism; Biological Warfare Agents; Biological Defense; Clinical Medical Laboratory
Saeideh Sadat Shobeiri , Saeid Abediankenari (phd), Mohtaram Nasrollahi , Mohammad Khademlou, Maryam Sarabijamab ,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2016 2016)
Abstract
Background and objective: Implementation of standard methods for accurate detection of bacteria, correct antibiotic susceptibility testing and effective treatment of bacterial infections play important roles in development of public health and prevention of drug resistance. This study aimed to detect bacteria using standard methods and compare the results with the results obtained in teaching hospitals’ laboratories.
Methods: Positive culture plates containing bacteria isolated from patients in hospital laboratories in city of Sari were transferred to microbiology laboratory of Faculty of Medicine at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, after determining the genus and species of bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolates. The samples were re-examined based on standard protocols, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using the Kirby-Bauer method.
Results: Of 101 patients, 20% of bacteria and 22.5% of antibiotic sensitivity results reported by the hospital laboratories were incorrect. There were significant differences between the two study groups in terms of bacterial species detection and sensitivity to some drugs (P<0.05).
Conclusion: In the present study, lack of implementation of internal quality control programs in some hospital laboratories and lack of proper monitoring by regulatory authorities in different departments of the hospital have caused 20% false-detection results in hospital reports. Inconsistency in results of laboratories, false antibiograms and subsequent false laboratory reports cause drug resistance in some patients. This indicates the necessity of continuous training in the field of Microbiology and implementation of standard protocols and methods for detection of bacterial species and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
Haleh Foroutan , Marziyeh Khodabakhsh , Masoud Moharamzadeh ,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2016 2016)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is considered as one of the most reliable biomarkers of cancer and other known prostate diseases. In the present study, solid phase sandwich immunoradiometric assay was used to measure the amount of PSA. In this type of measurement, a pair of anti-PSA antibodies on the solid phase and labeled with Iodine-125, participate in forming a complex with two different epitopes of PSA.
Methods: Variables such as irradiation level, modification of polymer surfaces by alcohol washing, different concentrations and volumes of antibody, incubation temperature and drying conditions that influence the direct coating process were optimized. Finally, the stability, accuracy and precision of the laboratory kit were evaluated by comparison with a foreign kit.
Results: According to the obtained results, preliminary preparations such as irradiation, tube washing and specific temperature conditions are not required during the coating process. Drying by lyophilization method does not affect the quality of coating. Antibody concentration of 2.5 μg/ml and coating volume of 800 μl were determined as the optimum conditions for coating, which had good stability within a year. Alignment of results obtained from the domestic and foreign kits for accuracy of 30 samples from patients was confirmed by T-test (sig 2-tailed= 0.993 and 95% confidence interval). The short-term and long-term precision for three control ranges (low, medium, high) were less than 0.25 and 0.33 of allowable total error (TEa = 10%), respectively.
Conclusion: The produced domestic kit has acceptable precision according to the CLIA criteria.
Keywords: Biological testing, Radioimmunometric assay, monoclonal antibody, prostate specific antigen, prostate disease.
Ahmad Hosseinzadeh Adli , Chiman Karami , Sareh Zhand , Reza Talei , Abdolvahab Moradi ,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2016 2016)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Globally, about one third of the population has been infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and more than 400 million people have become chronically infected. Nearly, 20-25% of all carriers develop serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). According to the World Health Organization, HBV infection causes more than one million deaths every year. Co-infection with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HBV is common, since both viruses have the same routes of transmission. Approximately 10 -15% of HIV-infected individuals develop chronic hepatitis B. The risk of liver diseases-related deaths is also higher in the co-infected patients. According to previous studies, mutation of the pre-core (PC) and basal-core promoter (BCP) regions may play an important role in development of HBV-related HCC and severe liver disease. The aim of this study was to investigate mutations in the BCP, PC and core regions of HBV in HIV-positive patients.
Methods: DNA was extracted using commercial kits to determine the BCP, PC/core mutations in 124 HIV/HBV co-infected patients (32.4% female and 67.6% male). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using specific primers. The positive PCR products were subjected to automated sequencing. Then, nucleotide sequences were aligned with the standard hepatitis B sequence [Gene bank, accession number: AB033559] for mutation detection and analysis.
Results: In this study, three patients (8.1%) were HBeAg-positive and all of them were HBsAg-positive. The mean of CD4 cell count was 120 cells/mL. The mean age of the patients was 36.16 years. The important pathological mutations in HBV patients including 1752A (73%), 1773C (70.3%), 1753C (10.8%), 1896A (8.1%) and 1762T/1764A (2.7%) were detected in this study.
Conclusion: Identification of mutations in co-infected patients is of greater importance compared to mono-infected patients, because it can be useful for prediction of HCC-related mutations. Co-infection with HIV has important effects on the natural history of HBV infection, and creates different mutational patterns compared to mono-infected patients.
Keywords: HBV, HIV, Mutation.
Oghlniaz Jorjani , Abdolrahman Bahlkeh , Faramarz Koohsar , Beniamin Talebi , Ali Bagheri ,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2018)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Lophomonas blattarum is a multi-flagellate protozoan that is commensal in hindgut of cockroaches and other insects. The protozoan can cause respiratory infection in humans. Most cases of the infections with this protozoan have been reported in China. Here, we present a case with chronic respiratory allergy caused by
L. blattarum in Golestan province, Iran.
Case Description: The case was a 37-year-old male with history of respiratory conditions and he was immunocompetent. An athlete.
L. blattarum was detected in direct smear examination of sputum,
Conclusion: Since we found respiratory infection in an immunocompetent individual who was also an athlete, it is necessary to study this parasite and its life cycle and transmission methods. It is also suggested to consider
L. blattarum infection and treatment with metronidazole in cases of chronic allergies, especially those that do not respond to treatment.
Keywords: Lophomonas blattarum, Respiratory Allergies, Iran.
Mohammad Bokaeian, Shahram Shahraki Zahedani , Abbasali Delarampoor, Mohammadreza Atashgah, Bahram Dahmarde ,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2018)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: The resistance of gram-negative bacteria to antibiotics has become a serious problem, which imposes a significant increase in treatment costs. Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important nosocomial pathogen from the Enterobacteriaceae family. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and pattern of antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from clinical samples.
Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on 150 K. pneumonia strains isolated from different clinical samples such as urine, sputum, blood, ulcers, lung secretions and abdominal abscess. Antibiogram test was performed using the disk diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer). Minimum inhibitory concentration of amikacin, tobramycin and gentamicin was determined via the E-test for 50 strains with high resistance rates.
Results: In this study, the highest rate of resistance was observed against carbenicilin, ceftriaxone, cefepime and streptomycin. K. pneumonia isolates were most frequent in urine and sputum samples. In the E-test, the highest rate of resistance was observed against gentamicin, tobramycin (16µg/ml) and amikacin (64µg/ml).
Conclusion: Based on our results, tigecycline, netilmicin, kanamycin and amikacin are the most effective antibiotics for the treatment of K. pneumoniae infections.
Keywords: Klebsiella pneumoniae, antimicrobial resistance, E-test method
Mohtaram Yazdanian, Mahtab Moazami, Mohammad Shabani, Sadegh Cheragh Birjandi,
Volume 13, Issue 6 (Nov-Dec 2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Cerebral ischemia causes irreversible structural and functional damage in certain areas of the brain, especially in the hippocampus. The aim of this study was to examine effects of exercise preconditioning on neuronal cell death and expression of neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the hippocampal CA1 region following transient global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rat.
Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar rats (weighing 250-300 g) were randomly divided into three groups (control+healthy, control+ischemia and exercise+ischemia). The rats in the exercise group ran on a treadmill five sessions a week for eight weeks. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of both common carotid arteries for 45 minutes. Cresyl violet staining was performed to assess cell death, and real-time PCR was carried out to evaluate expression of NT-4 and TrkB.
Results: Cerebral ischemia was associated with significant neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region (P<0.05). Exercise significantly decreased the ischemia-induced cell death (P<0.05). NT-4 expression was significantly lower in the control+ischemia group and in the exercise+ischemia group compared to the control+healthy group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the control+ischemia group and the exercise+ischemia group in terms of NT-4 expression (P˃0.05). Moreover, TrkB expression did not differ significantly between the groups (P˃0.05).
Conclusion: When used as a preconditioning stimulant before the induction of cerebral ischemia, exercise could have neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia-induced cell death, but it has no significant effect on NT-4 and TrkB expression.
Keywords: Exercise Preconditioning, Ischemia/Reperfusion, NT-4, TrkB, Cell death.
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Cerebral ischemia causes irreversible structural and functional damage in certain areas of the brain, especially in the hippocampus. The aim of this study was to examine effects of exercise preconditioning on neuronal cell death and expression of neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the hippocampal CA1 region following transient global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rat.
Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar rats (weighing 250-300 g) were randomly divided into three groups (control+healthy, control+ischemia and exercise+ischemia). The rats in the exercise group ran on a treadmill five sessions a week for eight weeks. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of both common carotid arteries for 45 minutes. Cresyl violet staining was performed to assess cell death, and real-time PCR was carried out to evaluate expression of NT-4 and TrkB.
Results: Cerebral ischemia was associated with significant neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region (P<0.05). Exercise significantly decreased the ischemia-induced cell death (P<0.05). NT-4 expression was significantly lower in the control+ischemia group and in the exercise+ischemia group compared to the control+healthy group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the control+ischemia group and the exercise+ischemia group in terms of NT-4 expression (P˃0.05). Moreover, TrkB expression did not differ significantly between the groups (P˃0.05).
Conclusion: When used as a preconditioning stimulant before the induction of cerebral ischemia, exercise could have neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia-induced cell death, but it has no significant effect on NT-4 and TrkB expression.
Keywords: Exercise Preconditioning, Ischemia/Reperfusion, NT-4, TrkB, Cell death.
Mohtaram Yazdanian, Mahtab Moazzami, Mohammad Shabani, Sadegh Cheragh Birjandi,
Volume 14, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2020)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Cerebral ischemia causes irreversible structural and functional damages in certain areas of the brain, especially the hippocampus. Evidence indicates that physical exercise may reduce the damages caused by cerebral ischemia. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 8-week exercise preconditioning on the expression of NT-3 and TrkC genes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus after the cerebral ischemic-reperfusion in male rats.
Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 gr were randomly selected and divided into three groups (healthy control, control + ischemia and exercise + ischemia). Rats in the exercise group ran on a treadmill 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Ischemia by occlusion of both common carotid arteries (CCA) was created for 45 minutes. In order to evaluate the gene expression, Real time PCR technique was used.
Findings: NT-3 gene expression was significantly different between exercise + ischemia with control + ischemia groups and control + ischemia with healthy control groups (P <0.05), and TrkC gene expression was significantly different between exercise + ischemia with healthy control groups and control + ischemia with healthy control groups (P <0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that exercise before the induction of ischemic stroke increased the NT-3 gene expression but did not influence the TrKC gene expression.
Mahnaz Shahbazi, Naser Behpoor, Mohammad Faramarzi, Ebrahim Banitalebi,
Volume 15, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Bone-related osteokines play an important role in the response of bone metabolism to physical activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of different intensities of resistance training on serum levels of some osteokines associated with the Wnt signaling pathway and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) pathway in old male Wistar rats.
Methods: Twenty-four old (23 months) male Wistar rats (mean weight: 437.93±33 g) were randomly divided into three groups of moderate-intensity resistance training (n=8), high-intensity resistance training (n=8) and control (n=8). Moderate- and high-intensity resistance trainings were performed at 60% and 80% maximal voluntary carrying capacity, respectively. The level of wclerostin, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and RANKL was evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and at significance level of ≤0.05.
Results: The results showed that sclerostin (p=0.014), OPG (p=0.049) and RANKL (P=0.034) differed significantly between the study groups. The Tukey post-hoc comparison showed that sclerostin decreased significantly in the high-intensity resistance training group compared to moderate-intensity resistance training group (P=0.048). In addition, OPG decreased significantly in the moderate-intensity resistance training group compared to the control group (P=0.033). Moreover, RANKL decreased significantly in the high-intensity resistance training group compared to the control (P=0.048).
Conclusion: The results showed that resistance training with appropriate repetition and intensity can have positive effects on bone formation signaling pathways.
Hamid Karami, Amin Farzaneh Hesari, Parvin Farzanegi,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Hypertension is associated with vascular remodeling, which is supported by the protein disulfide isomerase A1 (PDIA1). Exercise training has beneficial effects on vascular function in subjects with hypertension. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful biological antioxidant. However, the role of exercise training and ALA on PDIA1 are not well understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of training with different intensities and ALA supplementation on PDIA1 expression in cardiomyocytes of hypertensive rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 35 male Wistar rats (age: eight weeks, weight: 190-220 g) were randomly divided into seven groups: control, hypertensive, hypertensive+ALA, hypertensive+high intensity interval training (HIIT), hypertensive+moderate-intensity training (MIT), hypertensive+HIIT+ALA, and hypertensive+MIT+ALA. Hypertension was induced by three weeks of L-NAME administration (40 mg/kg/day). The HIIT and MIT protocols was performed five days a week for six weeks. The HIIT protocol consisted of 10 bouts of four minute-running at 80–85% of Vmax, and the MIT protocol consisted of 13 bouts of four minute-running at 55–60% of Vmax. In the supplementation groups, 20 mg/kg of ALA was administered orally once a day. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to study protein expression.
Results: Induction of hypertension significantly decreased PDIA1 expression compared to the control group (p=0.001). Moreover, PDIA1 expression increased significantly in the hypertensive+ALA (p=0.023), HIIT (p=0.001), MIT (p=0.007), MIT+ hypertensive+ALA (p=0.0001) and HIIT+ hypertensive+ALA (p=0.0001) group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Hypertension is associated with decreased cardiac PDIA1 level, and both HIIT and MIT along with ALA supplementation are effective in increasing cardiac PDIA1 expression in hypertension.
Afieh Samimi, Oghol Niaz Jorjani, Zohreh Sharifi, Faramarz Koohsar, Khodaberdi Kalavi, Fatemeh Mesgarian, Beniamin Talebi ,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in most areas of Iran, and the diagnosis of its species is essential for controlling the disease. Leishmania major is the causative agent for cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans. Molecular methods are generally more sensitive than microscopic methods. The present study aimed to use a polymerase chain reaction-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (PCR-ELISA) technique for detecting live L. major from wounds of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Methods: In the present study, a standard strain of L. major promastigotes was used as the positive control for purification of DNA. The Novy–MacNeal–Nicolle and RPMI-1640 media were used for reproduction of parasites. DNA was isolated from specimens taken from 35 patients with suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis whose disease was confirmed by direct smear method. The PCR-ELISA technique was later applied by using the standard strain, patient specimens, and primers specific for the 18s rRNA.
Results: Out of 35 patients, 17 (48.6%) were male and 18 (51.4%) were female. In addition, 8.6% of the patients lived in the Gonbad-e Kavus County, while all patients had been infected in villages around Gonbad-e Kavus. Of 35 patients with confirmed cutaneous leishmaniasis according to the direct smear method, 31 patients (86.31%) had leishmaniasis based on the PCR method and the PCR-ELISA methods.
Conclusion: Based on the results, the PCR-ELISA method is more sensitive and accurate for detecting L. major.
Ali Reza Nasiri, Amir Reza Karamibonari,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used in the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections. One of the side effects of this antibiotic is nephrotoxicity. In this study, the protective effect of Melissa officinalis L. extract on diabetes- and gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity was studied.
Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group received distilled water, and the second group received M. officinalis L. extract (100 mg/kg) for 28 days. The third group received streptozocin (60 mg/kg) for 18 days, and then received gentamicin (80 mg/kg) on day 20 for 8 consecutive days. The fourth group received streptozocin, gentamicin, and M. officinalis L. extract for 28 days. Serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, glucose, and amylases were measured. The right kidney was maintained in 10% formalin for hematoxylin and eosin staining, and oxidative stress markers in the left kidney were assessed.
Results: In the third group, serum BUN, creatinine, glucose, amylase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased, while glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities decreased significantly compared to the other groups (P<0.05). The extract of M. officinalis L. significantly inhibited the enhancement of serum creatinine, BUN, glucose, amylase, and MDA (P<0.05). Histological examinations showed that diabetes and gentamicin could lead to kidney damage by inducing necrosis and inflammation. Finally, the extract of M. officinalis L. could significantly reduce the adverse effects of both gentamicin and diabetes (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The extract of M. officinalis L. improves biochemical parameters and histological lesions in diabetic rats treated with gentamicin.
Samaneh Sabouri, Darioush Hamidi Alamdari, Sanaz Salaramoli, Seyyed Isaac Hashemy,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2023)
Abstract
Samaneh Sabouri 
,
Darioush Hamidi Alamdari ,
Sanaz Salaramoli ,
Seyyed Isaac Hashemy
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelination disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), which is believed to be associated with oxidative stress. Therefore, researchers try to find reliable biomarkers to monitor the disease and predict its prognosis. Cholesterol and lipids in the myelin sheath are vital for nerve cells. Serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is susceptible to lipid peroxidation induced by oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress markers in the serum of patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and examine their correlation with lipid markers.
Methods: A total of 18 MS patients (14 women and 4 men) and 18 healthy subjects (matched by age and sex) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The serum samples were collected in both relapsing and remitting phases. The prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) were measured as markers of oxidative stress.
Results: The mean age of participants was 29.21 (22-42) years. In the comparison between the patient and control groups, the most differences were increased levels of PAB in the patient group (P < 0.05), no difference between relapsing and remitting phases (P = 0.995), increased MDA levels in the relapsing phase (P = 0.013)––but no change in the remitting phase (P = 0.068), no difference in LDL and oxLDL levels in the patient group (P > 0.05), and MDA, LDL, and oxLDL levels did not have any significant correlation with PAB (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: High levels of oxidative stress markers were present in both phases of the disease. Lipid peroxidation markers (such as MDA) increased in the acute phase, but oxLDL did not change. Also, there was no significant correlation between oxidative stress and cholesterol markers.
Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Sowmya Gayatri C, Swati Suravaram, Bharat Kumar Reddy, Dhanalakshmi A,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (In press (Jan-Feb) 2024)
Abstract
Background: ‘M’ proteins or paraproteins refer to immunoglobulins that are produced by clonal plasma cells and are a characteristic feature of monoclonal gammopathies. Routine electrophoresis on agarose gel and immunofixation can be used to detect immunoglobulin paraprotein (M-protein). We aimed to evaluate the performance of agarose gel electrophoresis alone and in combination with immunofixation for detecting serum M-proteins.
Methods: One hundred and twenty-three patients suspected of paraproteinemia were evaluated. Routine serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) protocols were performed. Data from SPE, and SPE-IFE (gel images and electrophoretograms) were collected and reviewed.
Results: 21% cases were confirmed using the SPE-IFE combination, and among them, 33% had positive light chain (λ) only on IFE. Similarly, nine cases with biclonal gammopathy on SPE were characterized by IFE.
Conclusion: IFE can be a confirmatory test in cases where SPE results are not reliable and it can be a complementary test when characterization of the M protein detected on SPE is required.
