Showing 554 results for Research Article: Original Paper
Ali Nouri, Parvin Farzanegi, Mohammad Ali Azarbayjani,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (7-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder in the world. Here, we evaluated effects of resveratrol supplementation alone and combined with exercise on blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, apoptosis biomarkers, and expression of farnesoid X receptor (Fxr), liver X receptor (Lxr), and sirtuin 1 (Sirt 1) genes in the liver of type 1 diabetic rats.
Methods: Streptozotocin was used to induce type 1 diabetes in Wistar rats. The rats were randomly assigned into seven groups. After treatment with resveratrol alone or combined with exercise training, the animals were sacrificed and lipid profile and levels of blood glucose and insulin were measured. Hepatocyte apoptosis was assessed by measuring the level of Bax and Bcl2 proteins using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Expression of Fxr, Lxr, and Sirt1 was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Comparison of the mean levels of all variables between different groups was performed using one-way analysis of variance, at statistical significance level of 0.05.
Results: Resveratrol significantly reduced the level of blood glucose and insulin compared with the control groups (p<0.001). It also significantly affected the lipid profile (p<0.001). Diabetes was significantly associated with decreased expression of Sirt1, Lxr, and Fxr and increased hepatocyte apoptosis. Resveratrol significantly improved the expression of all three genes (p<0.01). Overall, resveratrol supplementation combined with exercise was more effective than other methods.
Conclusion: The results indicate that that combination of resveratrol therapy with exercise could be beneficial for diabetic patients. However, more studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Usha Patel, Nanda Jagrit, Shubham Panchal, Ankita Kacha, Rujuta Ravat,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (7-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Lesions of the head and neck region are routinely encountered by clinicians, in patients across all age groups. Diagnoses range from reactive inflammatory conditions to malignancies. Cancer is among the leading causes of death in India. Head and neck cancers account for 23% of all cancer incidents in males and 6% of all incidents in females in India,. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of cervical masses is an easy, effective, and relatively inexpensive technique. The aim of this study was to determine occurrence of various head and neck swellings and classify them under various categories.
Methods: The present study included 100 cases of palpable cervical swellings who had been referred to the AMC MET Medical College, Ahmedabad (India) from June 2018 to October 2020.
Results: The majority of cases were lymph node swellings (57%), followed by thyroid swellings (23%), salivary gland swellings (12%), and soft tissue swellings (8%). Among all cervical region swellings, tuberculous lymphadenitis and thyroid lesions were the most prevalent.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that lymph node swellings are most commonly observed in the cervical area, and that the majority of them are inflammatory, requiring medical treatment rather than surgery. Moreover, FNAC is a straightforward, quick, and cost-effective way to distinguish between non-neoplastic and metastatic malignant lesions, which could help timely surgical interventions.
Negin Valizadeh Keshmeshtapeh, Dr Somayeh Namroodi, Dr Shohreh Taziki,
Volume 16, Issue 5 (9-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Considering the increasing use of nanochitin for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions, examining the biological effects of this substance on the level of essential metals for humans and animals is crucial. Therefore, this study investigated impact of oral administration of nanochitin on serum levels of iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca) in Wistar rats.
Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four treatment groups and one control group. Two groups were fed with nanochitin at doses of 1.6 and 2.6 μg/g for 6 weeks, and the other two groups received the mentioned doses for 10 weeks. Serum concentrations of Fe and Ca were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Results: Oral administration of 2.6 μg/g nanochitin for 10 weeks caused a significant decrease in serum Ca and Fe concentrations (p<0.05). Oral administration of 1.6 and 2.6 μg/g nanochitin for 6 weeks caused a non-significant reduction in serum Fe and Ca concentrations (p>0.05). However, nanochitin consumption for 10 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in serum Fe concentration but not Ca.
Conclusion: The limited reduction of serum Fe and Ca concentrations after oral consumption of nanochitin at a low dose and for a limited duration indicates that the controlled use of nanochitin could be safe for animals. However, complementary studies are needed to determine the exact effects of nanochitin on the animals’ bodies. On the other hand, it is recommended to use Fe and Ca supplements after consuming high doses of nanochitin for longer periods.
Muragendraswami Astagimath, Suman Doddamani, Vishwanath Patil, Raviraja Aryapu,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (11-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Pandemics have serious adverse impacts on public health, economy, social structure, and overall growth and development of a nation. Such impacts can be mitigated by timely introduction of effective vaccination programs. This was successfully achieved in India. This study was performed to compare the anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses after first and second dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 people who were vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi, India. The subjects were divided into two groups. Group I included 30 people who had received a single dose of the vaccine, and group II included 30 people who had received two doses of the vaccine. Exclusion criteria included having a history of influenza like illness/severe acute respiratory infection/proven COVID-19 infection in past 6 months. The antibody response was measured by the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG test using the VITROS Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Reagent Pack.
Results: We observed that 97% of the subjects had reactive IgG antibodies after receiving two doses of the vaccine, whereas only 83% of the subjects developed antibodies after a single dose of the vaccine. A positive correlation was observed between the development of reactive antibodies and the duration between the first dose and the second dose (r=0.24).
Conclusion: Based on the results, the two-dose vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine is beneficial over the single-dose vaccination for protection against COVID-19. Moreover, increasing the duration between doses might improve the antibody response.
Harsha Jaykar, Mangala Nagare, Gauri Bhat,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (11-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a communicable disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 vary from asymptomatic to acute respiratory distress syndrome. In severely-ill patients, neutrophil count is significantly increased. This study aimed to evaluate absolute neutrophil count (ANC) in patients with COVID-19 and healthy individuals.
Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out on patients admitted to the outpatient department of OBGY Rural Hospital (Maharashtra, India) from April 2021 to June 2021. A peripheral venous blood sample (3 ml) was taken from 143 patients with COVID-19 and 143 healthy controls. The blood samples were analyzed using a fully automated blood cell counter for the estimation of complete blood count. A peripheral blood smear was prepared and stained with Leishman stain for evaluation of morphological changes.
Results: The ANC of COVID-19 patients was significantly higher than that of healthy control subjects (p=0.00001). Toxic granules (48.9%) were the most common morphological neutrophil abnormality, followed by hypolobation, hypogranulation, Pseudo-Pelger-Huet anomaly (20.9%), and shift to left with the presence of immature myeloid series cells.
Conclusion: High ANC along with morphological changes in neutrophils could be used as a simple and inexpensive surrogate marker of COVID-19 and its severity.
Rajendra Zope, Prachi Kate, Janice Jaison, Shalaka Saraf, Smita Bhide, Digant Gupta,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (11-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: In patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), white blood cell (WBC) abnormalities have been found worldwide with significant inter-regional differences. In the present study, we evaluated WBC parameters concerning COVID-19 positivity and severity.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, total WBC count, absolute count of each type of WBC, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) were compared between 150 COVID-19 patients and 150 non-COVID-19 patients presenting with COVID-19-like symptoms. Also, COVID-19 patients were divided into severe and non-severe cases.
Results: The severity of the disease had no significant association with age or gender (p>0.05). Total WBC count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute monocyte count, and NLR were significantly lower (p<0.05), while LMR was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID-19 patients (p<0.05). Total WBC count, absolute neutrophil count, and NLR were significantly higher (p<0.05), while absolute eosinophil count and absolute lymphocyte count were significantly lower (p<0.05) in severe COVID-19 patients compared to non-severe patients.
Conclusions: Age is not a predictive factor for the severity of COVID-19. Routine WBC parameters are useful in predicting the severity of the disease in COVID-19 patients and can be used as prognostic indicators. Routine WBC parameters can also be used for repeat RT-PCR testing in COVID-19 suspected patients.
Fatemeh Ahamdi, Elham Siasi Torbati, Kumarss Amini,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (1-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Enterococcus faecium is a normal flora of gut microbiota. This opportunistic pathogen has attracted much attention due to its multidrug resistance and ability to survive in hostile environments. Various molecular typing methods such as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis or ribotyping have been developed for clinical and epidemiological investigation of these bacteria. However, these methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive. The present study was conducted to evaluate the discriminatory power of two common fingerprinting methods i.e. BOX-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR for E. faecium clinical isolates.
Methods: Fifty multidrug-resistant E. faecium isolates were isolated from 74 clinical specimens. The isolates were identified by specific 16S rRNA PCR. All isolates were fingerprinted using BOX-PCR and ERIC PCR. The discriminatory power and reproducibility of these two methods were also assessed.
Results: According to the dendrogram with >60% similarity, 17 different genotypes were observed using ERIC PCR. In addition, BOX-PCR produced 22 distinct patterns at a genetic distance percentage of 60%, with sizes ranging from 278 bp to 1450 bp. The discrimination index of BOX-PCR was higher than that of ERIC-PCR.
Conclusion: We concluded that a combination of ERIC-PCR and BOX-PCR may be a quicker and more reliable alternative for the discrimination of E. faecium clinical isolates.
Sepideh Shakeri, Narjes Soltani, Mohammad Reza Javan, Mehrnaz Abdolalian, Hossein Ayatollahi, Seyyede Fatemeh Shams,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (1-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disorder that usually manifest in forms of pancytopenia, hyperpigmentation, and skeletal complications. Mutation in the DNA repair regulatory genes is associated with the development of FA. Examination of chromosomal breakages when chromosomes are exposed to cross-linking agents is a common method of FA diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of patients with FA in Mashhad, northeast of Iran.
Methods: In this study, we evaluated 312 suspected FA patients who had been referred to the laboratory of Ghaem Hospital during 2014-2020. The mitomycin C method was used to identify FA-positive subjects.
Results: After the examinations, 84 patients (26.9%) were cytogenetically positive for FA. Of 84 patients, 48 (57.1%) were male and 36 (42.9%) were female. Thumb abnormality was the most common congenital anomaly (43.2%).
Conclusion: Based on the findings, males are more susceptible to FA, and thumb abnormality is the most common congenital anomaly associated with FA. Combination of clinical manifestations and genetic susceptibility in patients may contribute to a more accurate diagnosis.
Hossein Nikkar, Amir Rshidlamir, Rambod Khajei, Amene Barjaste, Mohsen Vazifedoost,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (1-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a surgical procedure used to treat coronary heart disease. The present study aimed to investigate effects of 8 weeks of combined rehabilitation training on plasma levels of leptin, adiponectin, and resistin in middle-aged men who have undergone CABG.
Methods: The present research was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design. The statistical population included all patients who have undergone CABG in Mashhad, Iran. Overall, 26 middle-aged men who have undergone CABG were enrolled in the study. The subjects were divided into a training group (n=14) and a control group (n=12). Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 21) using analysis of covariance and paired t-test at significance level of 0.05.
Results: Plasma levels of leptin did not change significantly (p=0.709), adiponectin increased significantly (p=0.001), and resistin decreased significantly (p=0.005) after the training intervention.
Conclusion: As a non-pharmacological intervention, the rehabilitation training has cardioprotective effects on patients who undergone CABG.
Mohadese Namjoo, Hossein Ghafoori, S. Mohsen Asghari,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (1-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) inhibition results in an increase in apoptosis. It has been demonstrated that NF-κB subunit p65 phosphorylation at the IκB kinase phosphorylation site serine 536 (Ser536) is essential for the NF-κB nuclear translocation and activation. Therefore, NF-κB can be downregulated by suppressing its phosphorylation. The vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) suppression could result in apoptosis induction. Therefore, targeting these pathways via VEGFR-2 inhibitors might have therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. It has been indicated that an antagonist peptide of VEGF, referred to as VGB3, could neutralize and recognize VEGFR2 in the tumoral and endothelial cells. This study aimed to induce apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cells through the inhibition of these signaling pathways.
Methods: Effects of different concentrations of VGB3 (1-200 ng/ml) were evaluated on the viability of HUVEC cells using MTT assay. In addition, downstream signaling pathways in HUVE cells were evaluated through quantitative assessment of protein expression via western blotting.
Results: The results demonstrated that VGB3 treatment inhibited the growth of HUVEC cells. Moreover, Bcl-2 was decreased in the cells treated with the VGB3 compared to the control. Furthermore, VGB3 significantly enhanced the cleaved-caspase7 levels, which is an indicator of apoptosis progression. Altogether, VGB3 enhanced apoptosis in HUVEC cells.
Conclusion: Our results indicate that the peptide might be a potential candidate for antitumor therapy via inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.
Mana Zakeri, Elham Alimoradi, Effat Seyyedhashemi, Shayan Marhamati, Vahid Tajari, Hamidreza Joshaghani,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease, caused by abnormal innate and adaptive immune responses. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) are reliable biomarkers for diagnosing SLE. Here, we aimed to investigate the serum levels of anti-dsDNA and ANA antibodies, their diagnostic utilities, and their relationship with disease activity and clinical/laboratory manifestations in patients with suspected.
Methods: We evaluated the plasma levels of ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies in all individuals with suspected SLE (n=668) who had been referred to rheumatology clinics in Gorgan, Iran. The level of antibodies as well as C3, C4, and CH50 were determined using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.
Results: The mean level of ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies differed significantly between the ANA-positive and ANA-negative groups (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the mean values of C3 (p=0.233), C4 (p=0.415, and CH50 (p=0.482) between the two groups. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between ANA and anti-dsDNA levels (p<0.001, r=0.50).
Conclusion: Our findings indicate that anti-dsDNA levels are higher in ANA-positive individuals, and there may be a positive correlation between ANA and anti-dsDNA levels. It is recommended to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic values of ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies in future studies.
Reihaneh Sabbaghzadeh,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: This study aimed to study the interaction between the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) spike protein complex and seven drugs that inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2.
Methods: Plots of protein-ligand interaction were obtained using the LigPlot software. In addition, binding energies in kcal/mol, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonds were determined. Autodock software v.1.5.6 and AutoDock Vina were used for the analysis of molecular docking processes.
Results: The only structure that interacted with the SARS‑CoV‑2 spike protein was anakinra.
Conclusion: Anakinra was the only drug that interacted with the SARS‑CoV‑2 spike protein. This could be further investigated for finding a temporary alternative medicine for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019.
Abdolhamid Zokaei, Mehran Ghahramani, Golbano Bolouri, Mahdieh Nassiri Avanaki,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Considering the importance of aging and the associated physiological changes, as well as the effects of exercise on angiogenesis and cardiac index, this study aimed to compare continuous and periodic exercise in form of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in old rats.
Methods: In this study, 30 old male rats were randomly divided into three groups: continuous training (n=10), HIIT (n=10), and control group (n=10). Interventions were performed for 8 weeks. To evaluate the research variables, 72 hours before the first training session and after the last training session, 3 ml of blood were taken from the tails of the rats. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the findings and Levene's test was used for assessing the homogeneity of variance. All statistical tests were performed using SPSS 17 software at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Both training exercises significantly increased NO and VEGF levels compared to the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that 8 weeks of continuous and interval training cause a significant increase in the level of angiogenic factors in old rats. Therefore, these exercises and especially alternative exercises can be used as a suitable way to increase angiogenesis in the elderly.
Usha Patel, Nanda Jagrit, Toral Bhavsar, Shubham Panchal, Krutina Parikh, Himanshu Nayak,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Mucormycosis is a complication in post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in India. This study was done to evaluate the prognostic value of clinical, histopathologic findings, microbiological features, and biochemical parameters such as D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, and serum ferritin in post- COVID-19-patients with rhino-orbital mucormycosis.
Methods: This retrospective observational study was carried out on biopsies taken from 50 post-COVID-19 patients suspected of mucormycosis. The biopsy specimens were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid–schiff, and Wright-Giemsa. In addition, 10–20% potassium hydroxide wet mount and culture on sabouraud dextrose agar were performed to detect Mucor. The biochemical parameters were measured using ARCHITECT ci8200 chemistry analyzer.
Results: Overall, 30 cases (60%) were positive for fungal elements, and growth of Mucor spp. was found in 28 cases (56%). In histopathology, 70% of cases (n=35) showed broad, aseptate, ribbon-like hyphae with wide-angled branching diagnostic of mucormycosis. There seemed to be a site-wise overlap between the nasal/maxillary sinus and rhino-orbital/rhino-cerebral variety. There was no difference between the patients in terms of gender. The most common risk factor was diabetes mellitus (observed in 80% of cases). In patients with invasive mucormycosis, inflammatory biomarkers such as serum ferritin, serum lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer were greater than the normal range, whereas procalcitonin was within the reference range.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that raised metabolic markers, direct 10% KOH examination and histological features including angioinvasion as well as rhino-orbital and cerebral extension might assist doctors in diagnosis, progression, and survival rate.
Sajad Jafari, Mohammad Fathi, Masoud Rahmati,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Endurance exercise causes fatigue due to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of taurine supplementation on lipids peroxidation and antioxidant activity during endurance activities.
Methods: Twenty-four male volunteers aged 27 ± 1.8 years and weighting 74.9 ± 5.9 kg were randomly divided into three groups: taurine supplementation (n=8), placebo (n=8), and control (n=8). The subjects completed a 28-day endurance training protocol. Biochemical parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (8 hours before the first session and 8 hours after the last session) and maximum rate of oxygen consumption, were measured to evaluate the antioxidant, lipid peroxidation, and VO2 max status respectively. Finally, data were analyzed by SPSS software at a significance level of <0.05.
Results: Taurine supplementation significantly increased SOD (p=0.001) and GPX (p=0.001) but significantly decreased MDA (p=0.001). However, it had no significant effect on the VO2 max.
Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that taurine has antioxidant effects against endurance exercise-induced oxidant stress and lipid peroxidation.
Sadaf Khursheed Baba, Abiroo Jan, Mohd Suhail Lone, Dalip K Kakru, Bashir Ahmad Fomda, Gulnaz Bashir, Nadeem Ahmad Bhat,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Conventional culture and sensitivity methods take around 48 hours to generate antibiotic sensitivity results after a blood culture is flagged as positive by automated systems. However, it is imperative to initiate early targeted antibiotic therapy for effective management of sepsis and to reduce morbidity, mortality, and cost of treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the direct sensitivity test (DST) as a potential tool to obtain quicker antibiotic susceptibility results from positive BacT/ALERT blood culture vials and the VITEK-2 system (the reference method).
Methods: Blood culture bottles flagged as positive by BacT/ALERT were Gram-stained. Cultures with polymicrobial growth were excluded from the study. The isolates were then simultaneously cultured and processed for the DST using the disk diffusion method. Agreements or errors were interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s guidelines.
Results: Among 76 Gram-positive isolates, we observed 99.2% essential agreement between the DST and AST. The rate of minor and major errors was 4.04% and 1.18%, respectively. Among 75 Gram-negative isolates, we observed 98.99% essential agreement between the DST and AST. The rate of minor and major errors was 4% and 2%, respectively. No very major error was seen in either Gram-negative or -positive isolates.
Conclusions: The DST results are available earlier than the AST results, which can ultimately help in the early initiation of targeted antibiotic therapy.
Samaneh Sabouri, Darioush Hamidi Alamdari, Sanaz Salaramoli, Seyyed Isaac Hashemy,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (7-2023)
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.
Gauri Metkar, Shalaka Saraf,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (7-2023)
Abstract
Gauri Metkar 
,
Shalaka Saraf
Background: Snakebite is a potentially life-threatening emergency that can be treated effectively. Snake envenomation can cause hematologic and coagulation abnormalities. In this respect, tests such as prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are commonly used. The present study aimed to determine the value of coagulation parameters in the prognostication of snakebite patients.
Methods: This prospective descriptive observational study examined the coagulation parameters, including PT, INR, and aPTT, in consecutive cases of snake envenomation admitted to a tertiary health care hospital from October 2019 to August 2021. The correlation of coagulation parameters with each other and with prognostic indicators (ie, the number of days spent in the intensive care unit [ICU], the requirement of anti-snake venom [ASV], fresh frozen plasma [FFP], and the total number of blood products) was studied.
Results: A total of 58 patients with snakebite were studied. The majority were males (69%). The highest proportion of patients belonged to the age group of 16-40 years (60%). The correlation of coagulation parameters with each other was statistically significant. The correlation of coagulation parameters with prognostic indicators (ie, the total number of ASV vials administered, the total number of days in the ICU, the total number of FFP units administered, and the total number of blood components administered) was statistically significant.
Conclusion: Coagulation parameters (PT, INR, and aPTT) are essential laboratory investigations for treatment monitoring and can be used effectively for the prognostication of snakebite patients. In cases where the coagulation profile of snakebite patients shows abnormalities, conducting repeated coagulation studies at intervals of 12 hours can contribute to improved prognostication.
Nasrin Ramezani, Mahshid Dezhan, Saide Saadaat Khalili, Nader Shakeri, Kayvan Khoramipour,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background: Omentin-1 plays an important role in insulin function. Despite numerous studies, the effect of interval training on this adipokine is still vague. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on serum glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (IR), omentin-1 serum levels, and gene expression in the visceral adipose tissue in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats.
Methods: In an experimental study, 20 male rats (8-10 weeks, weight: 250-270 g) were randomly divided into 2 groups: diabetic control (N=10) and diabetic training (N=10). The training protocol was 30 minutes of HIIT (1-min run, 2-min rest) performed 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, omentin-1 serum level, and gene expression were measured in the visceral fat 48 hours after the last exercise for both groups.
Results: The HIIT resulted in lower serum glucose and insulin resistance (P = 0.001), higher serum omentin-1 levels (P = 0.001), and higher visceral fat gene expression (P = 0.004) in the training group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Lower serum glucose and insulin resistance and higher omentin-1 serum levels and gene expression in the training group can prove the effectiveness of HIIT training in T2D, although further research is required.
Seyedabdullah Mosavi, Alireza Barari, Asie Abbassi Daloii,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background: Significant economic consequences can lead to various problems and complications, including medical complications. Coronary artery disease (CAD), a serious health threat with increasing prevalence, is a major cause of death and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a special training program on cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in patients with coronary artery bypass surgery.
Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 16 patients who underwent coronary artery surgery in Babol City, Iran. The patients were selected using a random sampling method and divided into 2 groups: experimental and control groups. The experimental group engaged in an exercise program consisting of 3 sessions per week for a duration of 8 weeks. The expression levels of CYP and ROS genes were measured by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The analysis was performed by comparing covariances and means.
Results: ROS gene expression levels significantly decreased in the experimental group than in the control group (P=0.003). However, there was no significant difference in P450 levels between the experimental and control groups (P=0.99).
Conclusion: Special exercises reduced ROS expression and increased P450 expression in patients who had coronary bypass surgery. There is a probability that special exercises, can effectively prevent heart damage by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing ROS.