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Medical Laboratory Journal - Volume:16 Issue: 5, Sep-Oct 2022

Medical Laboratory Journal
Volume:16 Issue: 5, Sep-Oct 2022

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1401/06/30
  • تعداد عناوین: 8
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  • Khodaberdi Kalavi*, Mohammad Ali Faghihi, Ogholniaz Jorjani, Zolikha Tatari Pages 1-2
  • Mark Aihiokhai*, Augustine Okpiabhele Pages 3-8
    Background and objectives

    Piper guineense (African black pepper) is a widely consumed spice in some parts of Central and Western Africa, especially Nigeria, due to its nutritional and medicinal properties. This study investigated biochemical effects of extract of P. guineense seeds on lipid profile, renal function parameters, and antioxidant status of Cavia porcellus.

    Methods

    Forty guinea pigs (weighing 200–300g) were equally divided into a control group and three experimental groups. Animals in the control group received 1 mL of distilled water daily for 28 days, while animals in the experimental groups 1, 2, and 3 received 0.5 mL of distilled water along with 10, 20, and 20 mg/100 g body weight powered seeds daily for 28 days.

    Results

    Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and calcium. The median lethal oral dose of the aqueous extract of P. guineense seeds was greater than 5,000 mg/kg, indicating a high degree of safety. The extract at dose of 30 mg/100 g body weight had the most beneficial effects on lipid profile, renal function parameters, and antioxidant status of guinea pigs when compared with other groups.

    Conclusion

    Given the beneficial effects of P. guineense on lipid profile and renal function parameters, the plant can be incorporated in daily diets to ensure receiving adequate amount of essential vitamins, phytochemicals, and other nutrients present in the plant.

    Keywords: Piper, Antioxidants, Phytochemicals
  • Nakisa Zarrabi Ahrabi*, Hedyeh Ghadiripour, Seyed Mehdi Tabaie Pages 9-15
    Background and objectives

    Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF) are involved in the production of the extracellular matrix, formation of the connective tissue, and wound healing. Considering the role of ciprofloxacin in the treatment of skin infections and the subsequent oxidative stress as well as the protective effects of vitamin E and low power laser against inflammation and oxidative stress, we evaluated combined effects of low power laser and vitamin E on inflammation and oxidative stress in HDF cells treated with ciprofloxacin.

    Methods

    Morphology of the cells was studied using an inverted microscope. Viability of the cells was assessed using the MTT assay, and the concentration of reactive oxygen species was determined after exposure of the cells to ciprofloxacin (5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μg/ml), vitamin E (1 mg/ml), and low power laser (660 nm; power density: 30 mW.cm−2).

    Results

    The survival rate of the cells increased significantly after the treatment with ciprofloxacin, vitamin E, and low power laser compared with the cells treated with ciprofloxacin and vitamin E (p<0.001). The amount of reactive oxygen species increased in the treated cells when compared with those only treated with ciprofloxacin and vitamin E.

    Conclusion

    The low power laser treatment has favorable effects on the growth of HDF cells, which can be beneficial for wound healing, even in the presence of ciprofloxacin.

    Keywords: Ciprofloxacin, Vitamin E, Lasers, Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Mahdi Ghafari*, Ebrahim Banitalebi, Ali Nabipur Pages 16-25
    Background and objectives

    Considering racial/ethnic differences is necessary when recommending lifestyle modifications for patients with diabetes. Racial/ethnic diversity may affect hypoadiponectinemia responses to exercise training among individuals with type 2 diabetes. This systematic review and meta-analysis is the first to investigate effects of exercise training on circulating adiponectin concentrations in Iranians with type 2 diabetes.

    Methods

    Literature searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were carried out using the following search strategy: [exercise OR training OR physical activity OR Training] AND diabetes AND adiponectin. Next, RCTs were included and compared with each type of supervised exercise (aerobic training, resistance training, or combined training). Pooled intervention effects were evaluated and reported as standardized mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals using a random effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis was performed for study heterogeneity and following primary screening full text of the articles was evaluated.

    Results

    Fourteen studies with 444 individuals (236 men and 128 women) were included in the analysis. The age of the participants ranged between 18 and 60 years. The number of exercise sessions per week ranged between 3 and 5. The duration of interventions ranged between 6 and 12 weeks. The meta-analysis showed that adiponectin levels increased significantly in diabetic subjects after physical activity (MD: 0.72 ng/dl, p<0.001,), but the heterogeneity of the study remained significant (I2= 89%).

    Conclusion

    Overall, physical exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, increases adiponectin levels in Iranians with diabetes. However, this effect of exercise may be influenced by race/ethnic differences, type of training, frequency, type of adiponectin measurement, and complex and heterogeneous exercise responses of individual with diabetes.

    Keywords: Exercise, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypoadiponectinemia
  • Negin Valizadeh Keshmeshtapeh, Somayeh Namroodi*, Shohreh Taziki Pages 26-30
    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.

    Keywords: Iron, Calcium, Rats, Wistar
  • Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini, Amene Barjaste Yazdi*, Rambod Khajeie, Amir Rashidlamir Pages 31-36
    Background and objectives

    In recent years, exercise immunology studies have focused on key components of immune function, such as immune cells, immunoglobulins, and messenger molecules, as well as the effects of environmental and exercise factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of 8 weeks of selected training on serum levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and motor performance in elite water polo players.

    Methods

    For this purpose, 20 male water polo players (mean age: 23 years) were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=10, selected water polo training) and a control group (n=10, traditional water polo training). The selected water polo training was performed for 8 weeks, 6 sessions per week. The intensity of training was controlled using maximum heart rate (80-100%) and increased by 5% every week. Water polo performance tests included a record of 50 meters swimming, 100 meters high swimming, 200 meters’ breaststroke, 6 ×50 meters swimming, and 400 meters swimming. To evaluate the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-4, venous blood (5 ml) was taken in the pretest and posttest stages. The serum levels of IL-4 and IL-6 were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mean values were compared using the t-test, at significant level of 0.05.

    Results

    The selected water polo training significantly changed IL-4 levels in elite water polo players (p<0.05). However, IL-6 levels and performance of the subjects did not change significantly.

    Conclusion

    The selected swimming exercises could relatively improve swimming stagnation of water polo players. However, due to the limited knowledge in this regard, there is a need for further research.

    Keywords: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Interleukin-6, Interleukin-4, Water Sports
  • Parisa Zeinali, Marie Saghaeian, Jahanbakhsh Asadi, Seyyed Mehdi Jafari* Pages 37-42
    Background and objectives

    Activation of adenosine A2a receptor has been shown to induce the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. The role of this receptor in esophageal cancer has not yet been determined. The present study aimed to investigate effects of an adenosine A2a receptor antagonist (3, 7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine) on growth of esophageal cancer cells.

    Methods

    Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate mRNA expression of the A2a adenosine receptor in KYSE-30 and YM-1 esophageal cancer cell lines. Effects of the antagonist on viability of the cells were evaluated by MTT assay.

    Results

    At low concentrations, the antagonist had no effect on cell viability. However, at concentrations ≥200 μM, the antagonist significantly reduced viability of both cell lines (p<0.05).

    Conclusion

    The results of this study indicate that the adenosine A2a receptor antagonist exerts inhibitory effects on KYSE30 and YM-1 cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the use of this antagonist can be exploited as a therapeutic target for the treatment of esophageal cancer.

    Keywords: Cell Death, 3, 7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine, Esophageal Neoplasms
  • Mahmoud Karimizadeh Esfahani, Mohsen Najjari, Saeed Hosseini Teshnizi, Somayeh Dolatabadi*, Mohammad Javad Najafzadeh Pages 43-51
    Background and objectives

    Mycotic keratitis is a fungal infection of the cornea that can cause blindness. Its incidence, risk factors, and the etiological agents vary worldwide and nationwide. Therefore, proper documentation of these data is essential for better disease management. In this review, we aimed to make a clear picture of this infection in the Middle East.

    Methods

    Data on fungal keratitis from 1986 to 2018 in the Middle East were systematically collected from five English databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) and four Persian databases (Magiran, Scientific Information Database, IranMedex, and Irandoc). A total of 35 studies were included in the review.

    Result

    The pooled prevalence of fungal keratitis in the Middle East was estimated at 26% (95% confidence interval: 19-32%; I2=98.88%, p<0.001)  using random-effect model, with considerable variation among the countries. The prevalence of fungal keratitis was highest in Egypt (36%) and Iran (34%) and lowest in Oman (9%). Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. were the most common causative agents (28%) among filamentous fungi, and Candida (13%) was the predominant yeast species causing fungal keratitis. Based on the data, fungal keratitis was more prevalent in males (39%) than in females (23%).

    Conclusion

    Our study is the first systematic review on mycotic keratitis among the Middle Eastern countries. These epidemiological estimates can be used by policy makers to improve treatment strategies, especially in this part of the world.

    Keywords: Egypt, Iran, Systematic Review