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Oral supplementation with crocin (a constituent of saffron) in subjects with cigarette smoking: a clinical trial
No full textSmoking is one of the main causes of death in the world. Cigarette use is related with various components of metabolic syndrome (e.g., insulin resistance, raised blood pressure, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, inflammation state) and psychiatric disorders. This study was conducted to determine the effect of crocin (Cro) supplementation on nicotine dependence, anxiety, depression, and metabolic indices in smokers. A total of 50 smokers were selected and randomly categorized into two groups (crocin and placebo). The intervention group received crocin (30 mg per day; n = 25) and placebo (containing Avicel; n = 25) once a day. The primary (nicotine dependence, depression, and anxiety inventory) and secondary (metabolic indices) outcomes were assessed at the start of the intervention and after the 3 months. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the treatment effects on the outcomes adjusting for confounding variables. The primary outcome results such as nicotine dependence, depression, and anxiety inventory did not have a significant difference among the intervention groups (P > 0.05). Also in the secondary outcomes, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels did indicate a significant difference by Cro intervention (β − 3.27 mg/dL; 95% CI, − 5.23, − 1.31; P = 0.002; β − 0.76 μIU/mL; 95% CI, − 1.38, − 0.15; P = 0.01; β − 0.18; 95% CI, − 0.29, − 0.07; P = 0.002), respectively. There were also significant reductions in serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β − 0.72 mg/L; 95% CI, − 1.37, − 0.07; P = 0.03), compared with the placebo. Cro intake may have favorable effects on the level of FPG, insulin, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP in smokers. However, due to the small sample size and limited scientific reports on smokers, further studies are necessary. ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: IRCT20170420033551N1
Preparation and evaluation of controlled released implant containing mesoporous selenium nanoparticles loaded with curcumin in rats with spinal cord injury
No full textIn this study, a controlled released delivery drug system designed and synthesized by loading curcumin and selenium nanoparticles (SeNaPs) on chitosan hydrogel, and while evaluating the physicochemical properties of the prepared drug delivery system, the tissue changes caused by the local implant of that system in rats with experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) were investigated. For this purpose, 100 adult female rats were randomly divided into five equal groups which are: Control group without any treatment for SCI, chitosan group that received chitosan hydrogel, curcumin group that received curcumin-loaded hydrogel, SeNaP group that received chitosan loaded with SeNaPs and SeNPCur group that received chitosan loaded with SeNaPs and curcumin. On the 3rd and 7th days of the study, severe infiltration of leukocytes, especially lymphocytes, as well as axon swelling and hemorrhagic necrosis at the lesion sites were observed in all groups, especially the control group. On the 7th day, the severity of these injuries decreased in the SeNPCur group and the highest number of astrocytes was observed in this group. In addition, on the 14th and 21st days of the study, the lowest severity of nerve tissue damage and the lowest presence of inflammatory cells along with the highest number of astrocytes were seen in the SeNPCur group. The glial fibrillary acidic protein study also confirmed the presence of more and significant astrocytes in the SeNPCur, curcumin and SeNP groups at different times of the study, respectively. The histopathological results showed the neuroprotective effects of chitosan hydrogel loaded with selenium and curcumin
Black radish root extract alleviates sodium valproate-induced liver damage via inhibiting mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and oxidative stress in mice
No full textObjective: To explore the effect of black radish (Raphanus sativus L. var niger) root extract on liver enzymes, oxidative stress, and histopathological alterations in mice with sodium valproate-induced hepatotoxicity. Methods: Thirty-two mice were divided into four groups: the control group received drinking water by gavage, the second group was administered with 100 mg/kg of sodium valproate, the third group received 300 mg/kg of black radish root extract, and the fourth group was given both sodium valproate (100 mg/kg) and black radish root extract (300 mg/kg). After 28 days, the mice were euthanized, and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), along with liver malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial parameters, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene expression, and histopathological changes were assessed. Results: Sodium valproate caused hepatic damage in mice, characterized by elevated serum levels of liver enzymes, increased MDA and ROS levels and TNF-α gene expression, as well as histopathological alterations. The black radish root extract significantly alleviated sodium valproate-caused hepatic injury by decreasing the serum levels of ALT and AST, MDA, ROS, TNF-α gene expression, as well as mitochondrial impairment, but did not have a significant effect on sodium valproate-induced histopathological changes. Conclusions: The black radish root extract demonstrates protective effects against sodium valproate-induced liver injury, possibly through mitigating oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, and inflammatory mediator expression
Rosa damascena Herrm.
No full textRosa damascena, known as damask rose in English and vard in TPM, is one of the important and widely used plants with cardiotonic, antidepressant, purgative, as well as astringent properties. In TPM, damask rose is assumed to be effective on headache, intestinal ulcers, oral aphthous, and insomnia. Clinical studies confirmed many of these activities including analgesic effects, ameliorating aphthous, improving sleep quality, effectiveness on mental disorders and constipation. In addition, some preclinical investigations support traditionally claimed therapeutic properties of this ancient medicinal herb, such as anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective effects. The most frequent adverse events after topical administration or aromatherapy of damask rose are allergic rhinitis, headache, frequent sneezing, and nausea
The Relationship of Low PAPP A in the First Trimester of Pregnancy with Biometric Indicators and Resistance and Pulsation Indicators of Fetal Umbilical and Middle Cerebral Arteries and Uterine Arteries in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
No full textBackground: The purpose of this research was to determine the predictability of low values of “Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A” (PAPP A) in the first trimester of pregnancy in biometric indicators, as well as the resistance and pulsatility Indices of the umbilical arteries, fetal middle brain, and uterine arteries in Doppler ultrasound in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: In a cohort study during 2020-2022, a number of 120 pregnant women who had PAPP A ≤ 0.4 in the first trimester of pregnancy were included in the study and then underwent biometric sonography assessment at the 28th to 32nd week of pregnancy. Also, Doppler sonography was performed simultaneously. The study measured the relationship between clinical signs, Doppler sonographic indices, biometry, and PAPP A ≥ 0.4 and the potential to predict these indicators in the occurrence of fetuses with growth restriction. Findings: No statistically significant relationship between PAPP A≤0.4 and SGA and FGR was observed. However, components such as the S/D Ratio and AC revealed a predictive role in the occurrence of SGA, and components such as pregnancy age, AC, and HC showed a significant predictive role in the occurrence of FGR. Conclusion: In pregnant women with PAPP A values ≤0.4 in the first trimester, the occurrence of SGA can be predicted based on the following components: fetal abdominal circumference and systolic to diastolic ratio. Factors such as gestational age, fetal abdominal circumference, and fetal head circumference significantly played a role in predicting the occurrence of FGR. © 2024 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved
Investigating the association between diabetes and carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis approach
No full textIntroduction In recent years, several studies have reported on the relationship between diabetes and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, due to their contradictory results, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate this subject. Methods This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published in ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Embase databases. Heterogeneity in the studies included in the meta-analysis was evaluated using statistical tests such as the Chi-square test, I2, and forest plots. Publication bias was assessed using Begg’s and Egger’s tests. Results This investigation analyzed data from 42 studies conducted between 1985 and 2022, with a total of 3,377,816 participants. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the odds ratio (OR) of CTS in participants with a history of diabetes compared to those without was 1.90 (95% CI: 1.64–2.21; P-value < 0.001). Given that publication bias was observed in this study (Begg’s test P-value = 0.01), the modified OR was calculated with consideration of missed studies, which was 1.68 (95% CI: 1.45–1.94; P-value < 0.001). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that diabetic patients have 90% higher odds of developing CTS compared to non-diabetic individuals, which is statistically significan
Time interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and the influential factors: A national registry-based study
No full textObjective: The time to diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is of great importance for early treatment, thereby reducing the disability and burden of the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the time from the onset of clinical symptoms to the diagnosis of MS and to evaluate the factors associated with a late diagnosis in Iranian MS patients. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with MS who were registered in the National MS Registry System of Iran (NMSRI). Results: Overall, 23291 MS patients registered in 18 provinces of Iran were included in this study. The mean (standard deviation) interval between the onset of the disease and diagnosis of MS was 13.42 (32.40) months, and the median was one month. The diagnostic interval of 41.6% of patients was less than one month, and 14.8% of them had a one-month time to diagnosis. Patients with an age of onset below 18 years and those diagnosed after the age of 50 years had a longer time to diagnosis (P<0.001). Patients with primary progressive MS (PPMS) had the longest time to diagnose and those with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) had the shortest time (P<0.001). The results of negative binominal regression showed that the average rate of delay in diagnosis in women was 12% less than that in men. The average delay in diagnosis in patients with a positive family history of MS was 23% more than that in others. The rate of delay in the diagnosis of patients with PPMS and secondary progressive MS was 2.22 and 1.66 times higher, respectively, compared with RRMS. Conclusion: The findings of the present study revealed that more than half of the MS patients were diagnosed within a one-month interval from the symptom onset, which is an acceptable period. More attention should be paid to patients’ access to medical facilities and MS specialists
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Rheumatic Disorders Among Shahrekord Cohort Study Population: The Use of a Screening Program
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with arthritis rheumatoid using a screening program among Shahrekord cohort study population. The present analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 1043 participants of the PERSIAN cohort study in Shahrekord, Iran. The prevalence of rheumatic disorder (RD) was 57.5% (95% CI: 53-62 %). Females were more likely to develop RD than males (odds ratio [OR] = 2.83, P < 0.001). Additionally, with increasing age (OR = 1.03, P < 0.001) and body mass index (OR = 1.03, P < 0.001), the chance of developing RD increased. Moreover, the chance of developing RD in males with industrial jobs was higher than in males with non-industrial jobs (OR = 1.53, P = 0.07). The prevalence of RD in this study was high. The female gender, old age, and obesity were among the factors related to RD in this study. As a result, public education is necessary to modify the behavioral pattern and lifestyl
The Effect of encapsulated autologous adipose-derived stem cells in chitosan/PRPCryogel on healing of grade-II burn injuries
No full textBackground: Wound healing in grade II burns is one of the treatment priorities. Advances in new sciences, such as stem cell therapy, biological scaffolds, and growth factors, have renewed hopes in this area. The present study aimed to assess the impact of ADSCs encapsulated in PRP/Chitosan-based gel and PRP/Chitosan cell-free gel on the healing of grade-II burn wounds in rats as compared to the control group. Methods: Thirty rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Following adipose stem cell extraction, a deep grade II burn was induced in the back of the rats using a standardized catheter. The first group served as a control and received simply routine treatments. The second group received a gel based on PRP/Chitosan and ADSCs, and the third group received a gel free of PRP/Chitosan cells. The results were based on response to treatment, observable granulation tissue formation, or epithelialization at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after treatment. Results: The findings revealed that the use of a cell-based PRP/ Chitosan scaffold or cell-free PRP/Chitosan scaffold reduced the rate of necrosis and inflammation and increased the rate of epithelialization, granulation, and neovascularization compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the use of stem cells in scaffolds resulted in greater wound healing than the cell-free scaffolds group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Due to their porosity and the improved efficacy of stem cells placed in them, PRP/Chitosan scaffolds could have a positive impact on healing and speed up the wound healing process
Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in Iranian patients with vitiligo: a case-control study
No full textBackground: Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease of the skin that affects both sexes and people of any age. The genetic and environmental factors are involved in the vitiligo etiology. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has an important role in vitiligo progression. Therefore, the present study evaluated H. pylori seropositivity in vitiligo patients compared to healthy individuals. Method: H. pylori infection was investigated in 210 vitiligo patients and 127 sex-and age-matched healthy controls using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test. The data was analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0, and the groups were compared using T-test and ANOVA tests. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Resul t s: Vi t i l i go pat i ent s had hi gher medi an l evel s of I gG (29.68 ± 28.28 RU/mL) than (19.08 ± 20.12 RU/mL) in healthy controls (P < 0.000). Moreover, there was no significant difference between groups based on the level of IgM (P < 0.207). In the vitiligo group, IgG or IgM means were different compared to age (P < 0.33)/ (P < 0.017) and early symptoms (P < 0.00) (P < 0.02), respectively. Unlike IgG, there was a significant difference between the mean level of IgM, the onset age of vitiligo (P < 0.022), and the duration of the disease (P < 0.05). Moreover, males and females with vitiligo had a higher seropositivity to H. pylori antibodies than the control group. Conclusion: Vitiligo was found to be significantly associated with H. pylori in Iranian patients. Therefore, it seemed probable that H. pylori had an important role in the initiation or progression of disease activity in vitiligo