مجله دانشکده پزشکی اصفهان
پیاپی 537 (هفته اول مهر 1398)

The herb Gaz, with the scientific name of Tamarix dioica, has many therapeutic applications in the traditional medicine of the Baluchistan region in Iran. The present research aimed to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of Tamarix dioica in rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose diet.

30 male rats were divided into three groups. The control group received a normal diet throughout the period of study. The second group received a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFHF) for two months. The third group received a HFHF diet for two months, and were treated orally by the aqueous extract of Tamarix dioica roots (200 mg/kg body weight) from the 30th</sup> day. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken from the heart of rats to determine the serum biochemical parameters. After euthanasia, liver specimens were deposited in formalin and after staining with hematoxilin-eosine, were examined to determine histopathological lesions.

Serum glucose levels were significantly higher in rats received a HFHF diet compared to that in the control group (P < 0.001). Rats fed a HFHF diet had a significantly higher serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels (P < 0.010) and lower serum HDL levels compared to the control rats. The administration of the Tamarix dioica extract significantly reduced serum glucose levels compared to the negative control group (P < 0.050). Oral administration of Tamarix dioica roots extract significantly reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) compared to those in the negative control group (P < 0.010). Furthermore, treatment with the extract of Tamarix dioica significantly reduced serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to the negative control rats (P < 0.050). In the histopathological study of livers, cytoplasmic fat deposition was prominently lower in Tamarix dioica-treated rats compared to the negative-control ones.

It seems that the administration of Tamarix dioica roots extract can reduce liver injury caused by HFHF diet in rats.

Different pharmacological methods have been introduced for managing venipuncture pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical ketamine in reducing the pain of venipuncture.

In this randomized clinical trial study, 200 patients with indication for venipuncture were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, the venipuncture site was covered with topical ketamine and in the second group, with placebo. After 45 minutes, the site was examined for numbness, and when complete numbness achieved, professional nurses performed the venipuncture. Then, pain severity [by visual analog scale (VAS)] and side effects were recorded and compared between the groups.

The mean age of patients was 45.15 ± 10.36 years and 50% were men. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of age and sex. VAS was significantly lower in the ketamine group than in the control group (P < 0.001); but the side effects such as redness, hives, itching, and burning were significantly less in control group (P < 0.050). The mean duration of complete numbness in the ketamine group was 58.20 ± 9.48 hours (P < 0.050).

Topical ketamine is effective in reducing the pain of venipuncture in adult. To expect a full effect, ketamine cream should be applied at least 60 minutes prior to cannulation.

Crosin is one of the most important ingredients of saffron (the Iridaceae family) that has been emphasized in Iranian traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. Glioblastoma is one of the most malignant cancers resistant to radiation and chemotherapy in adults. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect crosin on expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in human glioblastoma cell line.

Human glioblastoma cell line (1321N1) was purchased from Pasteur Institute of Iran. Cell was grown in Dulbico’s modified essential media (DMEM) supplemented whit 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of crosin was obtained using MTT assay. Glioblastoma cell line was treated by different concentration of crosin (5, 10, 15 mM/ml) for 24 hours. Then, total RNA was isolated from cells and used for cDNA synthesis. Expression level of IL-6 was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR).

The IC50 value of crosin against 1321N1 cells after 24 hours were determined as 53.3 mMol/ml. Moreover, the expression of IL-6 gene was downregulated by increasing of crosin concentration compare to the control group (P < 0.050).

It was observed that crosin inhibited production of IL-6 in glioblastoma cells. In conclusion, the result suggested crosin as a potential therapeutic candidate for neuroinflammation in glioblastoma cancer.

Heart failure (HF) is a global pandemic and a serious health issue in elderly population. It is among the leading causes of mortality, which imposes immense economic burden and premature deaths. In the present study we evaluate the value of E velocity of mitral inflow/E’ wave of mitral annular velocity/stroke volume (E/e'/SV) index in relation to in-hospital outcomes in patients with acute decompensation of systolic HF.

In this descriptive-cross sectional study, 59 patient admitted with the diagnosis of decompensated HF were selected, and echocardiography was done before initiation of treatment. E/e′/SV ratio calculated for them before initiation of treatment, and then this index compared with duration of admission, treatment type, in-hospital mortality, and other echocardiographic finding including tricuspid regurgitation gradient (TRG), right ventricle (RV) size, RV function, and left atrium (LA) size. Pro-brain natriuretic peptide (Pro-BNP) and cardiac troponin-I (cTN-I) levels were also recorded.

There was a significant statistical relationship between E/e’/SV index with LV and RV function, ejection fraction (EF), and functional class (FC) factor, as well as prior hospital admissions rate.

According to the results of present study, E/e’/SV index is not related to the severity of disease, but has a significant relationship with FC and the number of previous admissions.

In spine surgeries, proper control of postoperative pain in patients is one of the main goals. Opioids use, due to fear of complications, is limited. Adding dexmedetomidine may be helpful in reducing opioids and their complications. This study aimed to assess the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to fentanyl for pain management after spinal fusion surgery using intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps.

Patients undergoing spine surgeries were randomly categorized into two groups of fentanyl + dexmedetomidine and fentanyl + placebo. At the end of the surgery, PCA pump was set up for both groups and after bolus injection, dexmedetomidine (0.1 μg/kg) or equivalent volume of normal saline 0.9% were added to fentanyl at base dose of 0.5 μg/kg; afterward, infusion using PCA pump with specific setup was carried out for 24 hours after surgery. The measured parameters included postoperative pain intensity, additional opioid use and its relevant side effects, respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure, used dexmedetomidine, and also the satisfaction of patients. The results were analyzed using SPSS software.

Adding dexmedetomidine to fentanyl, in addition to the significant decrease in pain, also reduced opioid use during the first 24 hours after surgery; which led to fewer side effects caused by opioids such as hypoxia, hypotension, bradycardia, nausea, vomiting, and sedation.

Dexmedetomidine in addition to base opioid (fentanyl) in PCA pumps can be used as a suitable and reliable drug with minimal side effects. It can provide patient sedation and satisfaction, and ease in the work of the intensive care unit (ICU) team.