مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی شهرکرد
سال بیست و سوم شماره 1 (پیاپی 110، Winter 2021)

Using iron as a food additive usually causes undesirable sensory changes and side effects in humans. In this study, we made iron (Fe) nanoparticles (NPs) and studied the cytotoxicity of FeSO4 bulk and NPs on HT-29 cells and different doses of these particles on rat intestine.

Particle size of nanoscale was achieved by mechanical technique. Iron particles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of iron particles with different concentrations (6.25, 3.125, and 1.57 mM/mL) on the colon cell line was performed using the MTT assay at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Apoptosis and necrosis of the cells were assessed using Annexin V-FITC staining and propidium iodide (PI) at 24 h. In an in vivo study, Taftoon bread was produced from fortified wheat flour with FeSO4 bulk and NPs, which are recommended in human diet (9, 18, and 27 mg of elemental iron/kg flour). Wistar rats were fed daily with fortified bread for 21 days and their colon and small intestine were then evaluated histopathologically. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 software by chi-square test.

The synthesized FeSO4 NPs were smaller than 100 nm, and they had more adverse effects on the viability of the HT-29 cells compared to the bulk- FeSO4 at 72 hours. Flow cytometric study showed that the early apoptosis of cells by the bulk form was more than the NPs, but at the low concentration (1.57 mM/mL), the NPs induced more necrosis than the bulk particles (P=0.063). The survival rate of cells facing all concentrations of NPs and bulk- FeSO4 decreased dose dependently (P=0.075). In vivo results revealed that there were no pathological changes in rats’ intestinal tissues.

The bulk and NPs of iron have adverse effects on the HT-29 cells, but no histopathological changes were seen on rats’ intestinal cells.

Mindfulness is an important marital predictor that can prevent emotional divorce and improve marital relationships. This study aimed to analyze causal relationships of mindfulness and difficulties in emotion regulation with emotional divorce through sexual satisfaction among married students.

The current study was a causal-correlational field research. Using convenience sampling method, a total of 211 married students were selected from Islamic Azad University of Ahvaz, Iran in the academic year 2018-2019. The research instrument included the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Emotional Divorce Questionnaire (EDQ), and Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (SSQ). Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics including mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, and path analysis. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24.

A direct and negative relationship was observed between mindfulness and emotional divorce (β= -0.170, P=0.016), between difficulties in emotion regulation and sexual satisfaction (β= -0.378, P=0.001), and between sexual satisfaction and emotional divorce (β= -0.441, P=0.001). There was a direct and positive relationship between mindfulness and sexual satisfaction (β= 0.372, P=0.001). There was no direct and significant relationship between difficulties in emotion regulation and emotional divorce (β=0.072, P=0.332). The path analysis results indicated that sexual satisfaction had a mediating role in the relationship between mindfulness and emotional divorce (β= -0.149, P=0.001), as well as the relationship between difficulties in emotion regulation and emotional divorce (β= -0.080, P=0.002).

The proposed model had goodness of fit. Sexual satisfaction plays an important role in the relationship between mindfulness, difficulties in emotion regulation, and emotional divorce.

Irisin myokine whose secretion is induced by exercise is associated with an increase in thermogenesis. However, the effect of aerobic exercise with different intensities on the production and release of irisin in overweight individuals is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of aerobic training with different intensities on PGC-1α, FNDC5, UCP1, and irisin in obese male Wistar rats.

In this experimental study, 24 adult obese male Wistar rats (weight: 250-300 g; body mass index [BMI] >30 g/cm2) divided into three groups, including aerobic training with 28 m/min (moderate intensity [MI]), aerobic training with 34 m/min (high intensity [HI]), and control. All training groups exercised for eight weeks walking on a treadmill (five 60-min sessions per week). The paired sample t test and one-way ANOVA were used to determine the intra- and inter-group differences. Furthermore, Tukey’s post hoc test was used.

The levels of PGC-1α in muscle tissue in aerobic training groups with MI and HI increased (P=0.001 and F=11.81) compared to control group. The levels of irisin (P=0.006 and F=6.10) and UCP1 (P=0.04) were significantly increased in MI group. On the other hand, FNDC5 increased significantly in both MI and HI groups (P=0.001 and F=12.49). While irisin and UCP1 levels increased in HI group compared to the control group, the change was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The levels of irisin, UCP1, and FNDC5 increased more significantly in MI group than in HI group (P<0.05).

Both types of aerobic training (MI and HI) had a beneficial effect on changes in irisin, UCP1, FNDC5, and PGC-1α levels. Accordingly, moderate exercise possibly changes the phenotype of white to brown adipose tissue leading to an increase in thermogenesis, body weight loss, and sensitivity to insulin.

Despite the advances in drugs, side effects of chemotherapy drugs continue to exist. Therefore, more attention has been paid to the compounds derived from medicinal herbs and aquatic organisms. This study aimed to investigate the effect of freshwater crab hemolymph and meat extract on breast cancer (BC) cell line (4T1).

After isolation of freshwater crab hemolymph and meat extract, protein concentration and total antioxidant capacity were analyzed by bicinchoninic acid (BCA) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) methods. The 4T1 cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were treated with crab hemolymph (1, 2, 10 mg/mL) and meat extract (0.1, 0.2 and 1 mg/mL), and cell survival was analyzed using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay (MTT) at 48 and 72 hours. Nitric oxide (NO) secretion was measured by Griess method. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Protein concentration of 23.25 mg/mL was shown in crab hemolymph, and 2.3 mg/mL in meat extract. Total antioxidant capacity was reported as 1.036 µM/mL and 1.104 µM/mL in crab hemolymph and meat extract, respectively. Cell survival in the 4T1 cells was decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P≤0.001). NO secretion of 4T1 cells was decreased after treatment with different concentrations of crab hemolymph and meat extract at 48 and 72 hours. Cellular growth was observed in BMSCs after treatment with different concentrations of crab hemolymph and meat extract at 48 and 72 hours.

Since crab hemolymph and meat extract have protein and antioxidant activities, they can have anti-cancer effects on 4T1 cells.

Workplace ostracism is the degree to which a person feels ignored by others in the workplace. This study aimed to evaluate the role of emotional exhaustion on workplace ostracism in Sepah Bank branches in Northern provinces of Iran.

The present cross-sectional study was conducted as a field survey. The statistical population included 1472 employees of Sepah Bank branches in Northern provinces of Iran. According to the Cochran’s sample size formula, 306 individuals were identified as the research sample. The research tool was a 49-item researcher-made questionnaire, the validity of which was confirmed after reviewing the experts’ opinions. The reliability of the questionnaire was 0.82 for emotional exhaustion and 0.85 for workplace ostracism. In this study, the structural equation method was used. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and LISREL.

The results of the study showed that the mean of emotional exhaustion and workplace ostracism was 2.31 and 2.57, indicating an undesirable status of these variables. In addition, emotional exhaustion had a significant effect on the workplace ostracism (P=0.001; effect=0.22; t=3.25).

Given the serious impact of emotional exhaustion on workplace ostracism, Sepah Bank should plan programs to reduce emotional exhaustion.

Due to their toxicity and carcinogenic effects, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as naphthalene (C10H8 ) are regarded as hazardous compounds for both humans and the environment, and it is essential to remove these contaminants from the environment. The present study aimed to remove naphthalene from a synthetic aqueous environment using sulfur and nitrogen doped titanium dioxide (TiO2 -N-S) nanoparticles (NPs) immobilized on glass microbullets under sunlight.

In this experimental study, TiO2 -N-S NPs were synthesized using sol-gel process. The structure of NPs was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and differential reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). In addition, using statistical analyses, the effects of parameters such as the initial concentration of naphthalene, pH, contact time, and the optimal conditions on naphthalene removal were investigated.

XRD patterns and SEM images of the samples confirmed the size of synthesized particles in nanometer. The EDX and DRS spectra analysis showed the presence of two elements (sulfur and nitrogen) and the optical photocatalytic activity in the visible region, respectively. The maximum level of naphthalene removal in the presence of sunlight was obtained to be about 93.55% using a concentration of 0.25 g of thiourea immobilized on glass microbullets at pH=5 and contact time of 90 minutes.

The rate of naphthalene removal using the immobilized TiO2 -N-S on glass microbullets was 93.55% in optimal conditions. Therefore, this method has an effective potential for naphthalene removal, and can be used to remove naphthalene from industrial wastewater.

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders with serious impacts on individuals, and is often associated with physiological symptoms. In this study, we investigated the antidepressant effects of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaffarian extract in male mice.

A total of 56 male mice (weight: 25-35 g; age: 6-8 weeks) were used. K. odoratissima Mozaffarian hydroalcoholic extract was prepared by maceration method. The forced swim test, open field test, and splash test were used to investigate the antidepressant effects. The mice were assigned into eight equal groups (n=7 each) as follows: receiving 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg of K. odoratissima Mozaffarian extract; receiving 5 mg/kg reserpine; receiving 5 mg/kg reserpine along with 20 mg fluoxetine; and normal saline. All injections were done intraperitoneally for one week before the test. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and antioxidant capacity of serum and brain were also measured in all groups. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test.

Extract of K. odoratissima Mozaffarian significantly decreased the immobility time in forced swim test (P<0.001). The extract also significantly increased splash time and elapsed time in the open field test, which was statistically significant compared with reserpinated mice (P<0.001). Reserpine increased MDA levels and decreased the antioxidant capacity of serum and brain, whereas hydroalcoholic extract of K. odoratissima decreased MDA dose-dependently and increased antioxidant capacity (P<0.001).

The results of this study showed that hydroalcoholic extract of K. odoratissima has antidepressant effects, but further studies are necessary to investigate the involved mechanisms.

Recently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received much attention for their possible usage in various fields. This study examined the effect of AgNPs on the histopathological changes in the prostate of rats.

In this study, 40 male adult Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups (n=8 in each group). AgNPs were given orally to the four experimental groups at doses of 30, 125, 300, and 700 mg/kg for 28 consecutive days. The control group received deionized water. After performing hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining and Masson’s trichrome staining, the histological changes in the prostate of rats were evaluated.

Histological evaluation showed that the acinar epithelial height and alveolar folds decreased, but vacuoles in the epithelial cells and accumulation of blood vessel increased in the groups treated with AgNPs at doses of 30 and 125 mg/kg. The collagen content also increased significantly in these groups (30 mg/kg: P=0.03 and 125 mg/kg: P=0.002). Furthermore, the groups treated with AgNPs at doses of 300 and 700 mg/kg showed relative normalization acini and epithelial lining and the amount of their content.

According to the results of current study, oral administration of AgNPs for 28 days had effects on prostate, indicating the toxicity of AgNPs.