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Backgrounds & objectives: Liver damage results in a large accumulation of external cellular matrix that affects the function of this important body organ in a long term and finally stops its function completely. The growth factors existing in platelet extract are more cost-effective, available, and stable than recombinant ones. To determine whether the platelet extract effects on histological changes in liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), we used immunohistochemical analysis in male rats.

Methods: In this project the 28 male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 7 animals. The rats were divided into four experimental groups as follows: the first group (sham) intraperitoneally received only olive oil as the solvent of carbon tetrachloride; second group (CCl₄) intraperitoneally received carbon tetrachloride dissolved in olive oil (ratio of about 1: 1) at a concentration of 1 ml/kg and a twice a week for eight weeks; third group subcutaneously received only platelet extract at a concentration of 0.5 ml/kg twice a week for three weeks; and fourth group received both CCl₄ intraperitoneally for eight weeks and platelet extract subcutaneously for last three weeks. After 8 weeks of trial blood and liver sampling were done. Blood samples sent for enzymatic (AST, ALT) tests and liver samples tested for histological and immunohistochemical studies. The data were analyzed using  one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test by Graph pad Prism 5 software and data were considered significant at p≤ 0.05.

Results: The results show that platelet extract causes a significant (p≤ 0.001) decrease in liver enzymes and albumin improves the function of liver. The level of alfa smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) as an index of hepatic stellate cell activation was decreased by platelet extract administration which eventually reduced the necrosis and fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in studied rats

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Background & objectives: History of medicinal plants in healing the pains goes back to five thousand years ago. In addition, strong antibacterial properties have been observed in many of these plants. In this research, the effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts and also homogenized form of scrophularia striata was examined on some respiratory and urogenital tract bacterial pathogens.

Methods: At first, bacterial isolates susceptibility test was done by kerby-bauer disc diffusion method and positive control was determined for every isolate. Then, several dilutions (1000, 500, 250, 125, 62.5 mg/ml) of aqueous, ethanolic and homogenized extracts were prepared in distilled water separately. Thirty microliter of each diluted extract was inoculated on sterile blank disc and minimum inhibitory concentration was examined for every studied bacteria by E-test. Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration of extracts was determined by macrodilution method.

Results: Based on the results, smaller inhibitory zone than inhibitory zone of positive control was observed only with high concentration of aqueous extract in mannheimia haemolytica and with serial dilutions of ethanolic and homogenized extract in trueperella pyogenes, and with homogenized form in corynebacterium renale. No response was observed with other bacteria. Ethanolic extract showed bactericidal property with 62.5 mg/ml concentration and bacteriostatic property with 125 mg/ml concentration on mannheimia haemolytica which was similar to effect of this extract and homogenized form on trueperella pyogenes.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study and common application of this plant in respiratory and urogenital tract infections treatment, study on the role of different bacteria in this infections or effect of this extract on immune system stimulation can be recommended

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Background & objectives: Weight loss and hypernatremic dehydration is a common problem in infants with inadequate nutrition. Determination of risk factors and clinical characteristics of these neonates may help to prevent or early detection of hypernatremia. This study designed to determine the prevalence of clinical signs and risk factors for hypernatremic dehydration.

Methods: This study is a sectional descriptive study that conducted on 418 newborns during 1385 to 1393 AHS that referred to Ghaem hospital in Mashhad. The hypernatremic group consisted of 197 neonates with serum sodium level higher than 150 mg/dl and 221 isonatremic newborns with sodium level less than 150 mmol/L were included as controls. Both groups were compared in terms of clinical symptoms of dehydration and maternal risk factors. All data were recorded and coded. Data analysis performed using paired T test and chi square tests by SPSS 16 software.

Results: In the present study, 2.8% of infants were hypernatremic. The most common symptoms were neonatal jaundice (62.2%), hyperthermia (25.8%), lethargy (23.6%), agitation (20.8 %) and mucous membranes dryness (17.2%). Problems in pregnancy (p=0.002), inappropriate feeding techniques (p=0.000), the first lactation duration (p=0.022) and frequency per day (p=0.000) had statistically significant difference between case and control groups.

Conclusion: Prevalence of hypernatremic dehydrationis considerable in our study and identifying the risk factors may help to reduce its incidence or exacerbation. Weight loss, especially in newborns having jaundice, hyperthermia and irritability, may be helpful in the early diagnosis of hypernatremic dehydration

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Background & objectives: The teratogenic effects of electromagnetic radiation on different processes of growth caused many concerns related to the harmful effects of cell-phone radiation on human health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cell-phone radiation on estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH hormones together with dynastic sexual cells of adult female offspring of pregnant rats affected by these radiations.

Methods: In this experimental study, 24 pregnant female rats divided into 3 groups including the control, sham and experimental groups were used. The control group received no radiation and the experimental group was exposed to cell-phone radiation at the beginning of pregnancy (4 hours daily for 14 days). The control group was exposed around turning-on cell-phone without conversation over the same period. After giving birth and after maturity, 10 female offsprings of different groups separated and after phlebotomizing, sexual hormones levels was measured and by separating the ovaries, ovarian follicles species were counted. The results analyzed using ANOVA and T tests. Differences in statistical analysis of data were considered significant at p<0.05.

Results: The results showed that the pregnant female exposure to cell-phone radiation caused significant increase in the size and weight of the ovaries and atresic follicles (p<0.05) without significant effect on the number of primary and secondary follicles, antral, graph, primordial, corpus luteum and sexual hormones.

Conclusion: Exposure to cell-phone radiations caused increase in the size, weight and atresic follicles of offspring’s ovaries in pregnant females

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Background & objectives: Type II diabetes is a metabolic disorder accompanied with insulin resistance of the whole body cells and is considered be the fifth cause of death in the world. Adaptation to altitude can lead to tolerance to many diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of simulated intermittent altitude on the metabolic and hematologic parameters and liver function in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Methods: In the current experimental study, twenty four male Wistar rats weighing 220±20 gr were randomly divided into three groups; normal control group (NC, n=8), diabetic control group (D, n=8) received fat diet for 2 weeks then were injected with streptozotocin (37 mg/kg) and diabetic+hypoxia group (D+H, n=8) including diabetic rat exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia (PiO2≈106 mm Hg, simulated altitude≈3400 m, 14% oxygen for 8 weeks). Diabetic, hematologic and lipid parameters as well as ALT and AST activities were measured in peripheral blood.

Results: Our findings showed that intermittent hypoxia significantly decreased serum total cholesterol, LDL ,VLDL and triglyceride in D+H group compared to D group (p<0.05). Serum levels of fasting blood glucose and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance )HOMA-IR( index and ALT were decreased in D+H group vs. D group )p<0.05). Also, hemoglubin and hematocrite level increased in D+H group in comparison to D group )p<0.05). No significant difference was detected in red blood cell count in D+H vs. D group.

Conclusion: Based on resultant data, it seems that intermittent exposure to hypoxia (simulated to chronic and intermittent lodgement in altitude) can be used to control of type 2 diabetes by increasing hemoglobin, decreasing insulin resistance and improving liver function as well as lipid parameters.

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Background & objectives: Estrogen reduction after the menopause is associated with visceral adipose tissue accumulation and insulin resistance. Serum omentin-1 level is also decreased by abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. This study investigated the effect of estrogen on visceral fat, omentin-1 and insulin resistance in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

Methods: Thirty 13-week-old female Wistar rats weighing180±5 gr were randomly matched on their body weight and divided into OVX (n=20) and sham-operated (SHAM; n=10) groups. OVX rats were subdivided into estrogen replacement therapy (Ovx+Est; n=10), and control (Ovx+sesame Oil; n=10) groups. The estrogen replacement therapy received 17b-estradiol (30µg/kg bw; in 0.2 ml sesame oil) three days a week, for eight weeks. Ovx+Oil received the same sesame oil subcutaneously as vehicle. All intra-abdominal fat depots were dissected out and weighed immediately. Omentin-1 concentration was measured by rat omentin ELISA kit and HOMA-IR was used to estimate the insulin resistance. Obtained data were analyzed by ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test.

Results: Visceral fat was decreased by 12.84% in Ovx+Est compared to Ovx+Oil group; but it wasn ́t significant. Whereas, body weight was significantly decreased by 7.87 % in Ovx+Est compared to Ovx+Oil; and it was significantly increased by 12.5% in Ovx+Oil compared to SHAM group. Omentin-1 level was significantly increased by 41% in Ovx+Est compared to Ovx+Oil group; whereas it was significantly decreased by 13.9% in Ovx+Oil compared to SHAM group. The levels of glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly decreased to 51.16%, 24.23% and 61.52%, respectively, in Ovx+Est group compared to the rats in Ovx+Oil group (p=0.0001).

Conclusion: 8-week estrogen reduces body weight and improves insulin resistance probably via increase in omentin-1.

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Background & objectives: Cyclophosphamide is one of the common drugs used for cancer treatment. Cyclophosphamide affects the placenta and it is teratogenic in pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of Mesna and Galbanum essential oil concurrent administration against cyclophosphamide toxicity in rat placenta tissue.

Methods: 22 pregnant female rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: (1) control (normal saline, n=7 rats), (2) cyclophosphamide (15mg/kg, n=7 rats), (3) cyclophosphamide (15mg/kg), Mesna (100mg/kg) and Galbanum (200mg/kg, n=8 rats). Medications were administered intraperitoneally on the 13th day of pregnancy. Then, rats were sacrificed on the 20^th day of pregnancy. The placenta was separated and fixed after macroscopic evaluation. 5 µm tissue sections were prepared, stained and studied by light microscopy.

Results: Cyclophosphamide reduced the placental weight, thickness and the length of the small and large diameters. Histologically, it reduced the thickness of the labyrinth and basal layers, caused necrosis and congestion in these layers, reduced giant cells numbers and caused their nuclear shrinkage (p<0.05). Mesna and Galbanum oil had no effect on placental morphometry rather than cyclophosphamide (p>0.05) but histologically it could increase the labyrinth and basal layers thickness and also the giant cells numbers (p<0.05). It could also prevent nuclear shrinkage, giant cells and spongiotrophoblasts necrosis in the basal layer and reduce congestion in the labyrinth layer (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Mesna and Galbanum oil preserved the placenta of pregnant rat against toxic effects of cyclophosphamide probably by its antioxidant features and free radicals deletion.

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Background & objectives: Ritalin is one of the drugs used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to investigate the comparative effect of Ritalin with grape seed extract on passive avoidance learning in adult male rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats divided randomly into 5 groups of 8 rats including control, sham and three experimental groups. The control group received no treatment. The sham group received 1 ml of distilled water per day. At the same time the experimental groups received 100 mg/kg grape seed extract, 1 mg/kg Ritalin or 100 mg/kg grape seed extract together with 1 mg/kg of Ritalin by gavage for 28 days. For measuring the amount of avoidance learning, Shuttle box was used. Data analyzed by ANOVA and consistent Tukey's tests using SPSS-18 software and p>0.05 considered as significant.

Results: The results showed that Ritalin decreases the passive avoidance learning, while the grape seed extract alone or together with Ritalin increases passive avoidance learning.

Conclusion:  The outcome of this research shows that taking Ritalin leads to decreasing passive avoidance learning. However, the simultaneous taking Ritalin with grape seed extract inhibits the Ritalin effect and increasing the learning.

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Background & objectives: Hip muscles insufficiency plays a significant role in deterioration of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), which can be manifested as myofascial trigger point (MTrPs) in hip muscles. Then, our purpose was to determine the prevalence of MTrPs in the gluteus medius (GMe) and quadratus lumborum (QL) muscles and to investigate the effect of a therapeutic intervention on pain intensity and hip abductor muscles isometric strength in patients with PFPS.

Methods: Forty volunteer subjects (20 patients and 20 healthy) participated in the study. Latent MTrPs in GMe and QL were evaluated and a handheld dynamometer was used to measure peak isometric strength test (PIST) for hip abductors. Patients with PFPS having MTrPs in GMe were randomly divided into either a treatment group (Mean age±SD: 23.2±4.3 years) or control (Mean age±SD: 24.4±4.6 years). The therapeutic intervention included trigger point pressure release (TrPPR) and Kinesio Taping^® (KT). Pain intensity and PIST for hip abductors were assessed at baseline and after intervention in both groups.

Results: There is more significant patients with PFPS having latent MTrPs in GMe and QL than the healthy counterparts (p<0.001). Using TrPPR and KT significantly decreases pain in such patients (p<0.001); however, no significant effect was observed on hip abductors peak isometric strength (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Concomitant using of TrPPR therapy and KT method can decrease pain intensity in individuals with PFPS. Further studies are required to understand the underlying mechanisms.

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Background & objectives: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease affecting the central vision and causing irreversible blindness in aging patients. AMD is a complex disease caused by the actions and interactions of multiple genes and environmental factors. Genomic region at chromosome 10q26 may have a bigger role in susceptibility to AMD. Age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (LOC387715/age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2(ARMS2)) gene at 10q26 is associated with the risk of AMD. Here we studied (A69S) rs10490924 polymorphism of LOC387715 gene in AMD patients from East Azerbaijan province of Iran.

Methods: In this case-control study, the association of G>T in LOC387715/ARMS2 (A69S) rs10490924 polymorphism was investigated in 63 patients suffering from AMD and 150 healthy age, sex and ethnicity matched unrelated people as control group from northwest of Iran by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).

Results: Statistical analysis showed high frequency of TT genotype in AMD patients (34.92%) compared to those of control group (6.67%), (p value=0.000 OR=11.9). The frequency of heterozygotes (GT) was 32.67% in control group and 38.1% in the case group (p=0.422). The frequency of homozygotes (GG) was 60.66% in control group and 26.98% in the case group (p=0.000). Genotype analysis of LOC387715 like other studies in Chinese, Japan and a population in Iran revealed significant association in distribution between patients and controls.

Conclusion: The data suggest that individuals from East Azerbaijan carrying TT genotype in LOC387715 have 11.9 times more risk of developing AMD compared to those carrying non-TT genotypes.

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Background & objectives: Some herbs contain compounds with antioxidant activity and can be used to protect or cure damages caused by chemical toxins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) on total antioxidants in various tissues and Tanacetum parthenium impacts on reducing devastating effects of carbon tetrachloride.

Methods: A total of 42 male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups of six animals in each group: normal control, damaged control, three groups that treated with 40, 80, and 120 mg/kg of Tanacetum parthenium extract 14 days before CCl4 injection and two groups served as post-treatment groups that received 80 and 120 mg/kg extract 2, 6, 24, and 48 h after CCl4 injection. At the end of study  the liver, kidney, testis, and heart were removed and then homogenized and then the antioxidant activity of the tissues assessed using FRAP method. Results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA test.

Results: The results showed that the injection of carbon tetrachloride significantly decreasestotal antioxidant in both liver (p<0.001) and kidney (p<0.05) tissues. Administration of extract significantly (p<0.05) increased the total antioxidant of liver and kidney.
Conclusion: Protective effect of Feverfew against CCl4 induced damages is more effective in liver and kidney than testis and heart..

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Background & objectives: Zinc as one of the most important trace elements is needed for proper functioning of the nervous system and homeostasis. Many studies show that stress causes memory impairment through various mechanisms, including oxidative stress induction and some mechanisms which are directly effecting brain function. So, in this work we assessed the effect of zinc chloride on passive avoidance memory and oxidative stress following acute stress in male rats.

Methods: In this study, 50 male Wistar rats were used in five groups: control, sham, stress, zinc chloride treatment and zinc chloride treatment before stress induction. For stress induction, rats were restrained (not immobilized) for 6 h/day, 7 days in a Plexiglas restrainer, and treated rats received an oral dose of zinc chloride 32 mg/kg/day by gavage for 6 days. At the end of the experiment, passive avoidance memory was avaluated by shuttle box and some oxidative damage markers were determined in all groups.

Results: Results of this study showed that animals which were exposed to stress showed a significant decrease in passive avoidance memory compared to control group (p<0.01) and the oxidative stress parameters in this group showed significant changes compared to the control group (p<0.05). While passive avoidance memory and oxidative stress parameters in group treated with zinc chloride were nearly closed to control group.

Conclusion: According to our results, zinc chloride with antioxidant properties can have a protective effect on memory impairment and oxidative stress induced by stress.

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Background & objectives: Iron overload is involved in the pathophysiology of many diseases including diabetes. In fact, the excess iron by creating free radicals makes damage to pancreas and leads to insulin resistance and diabetes. Andrographolide extract has hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties. This study has surveyed the effects of andrographolide on blood glucose and lipid profile in rats with secondary iron overload.

Methods: In this experimental study, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: the healthy control group, secondary iron overload group, secondary iron overload groups treated with a dose of 3.5 and 7 mg/kg of andrographolide extract, and andrographolide groups treated with a dose of 3.5 and 7 mg/kg of extract. Iron and extract were injected for 6 and 12 days, respectively. Blood samples were taken for measurement of blood glucose and lipid profiles. Data were analyzed using ANOVA test.

Results: The pathological results of samples from liver of animals receiving iron showed that the iron was deposited in the liver tissues. Iron injection significantly increased blood glucose levels compared to healthy control group (p<0.05). In the iron overload group, andrographolide extract with a dose of 3.5 mg/kg or 7 mg/kg significantly decreased blood glucose levels (p<0.05). Iron injections did not increase the serum triglyceride and cholesterollevels. Injections of andrographolide extract with a dose of 3.5 mg/kg and 7 mg/kg, significantly decreased the cholesterol levels compared to iron receiving group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Results of this study showed that the andrographolide with different doses may be effective in the treatment of diabetes by reducing serum glucose and cholesterol levels.

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Background & objectives: Ischemic stroke has complex pathophysiology and its treatment with single neuroprotective drugs has so far failed. Combination therapy could produce amplified protective effects via different mechanisms. We examined the neuroprotective effects of enalapril and/or alpha tocopherol against sensorimotor dysfunctions of ischemic stroke.

Methods: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=8): sham, control ischemic, enalapril (0.03 mg/kg), alpha tocopherol (30mg/kg) and enalapril plus alpha tocopherol treated groups. Transient focal cerebral ischemia (90 min) was induced by occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery that followed by 24 h reperfusion periods. Infarct volumes were detected by TTC coloring technique and sensorimotor dysfunctions investigated by rotarod, grip strength and hotplate tests.

Results: Induction of cerebral ischemia in the control group produced severe neurological sensorimotor deficits in conjunction with considerable cerebral infarctions. Compared with the enalapril or alpha tocopherol groups, the combined treatment significantly improved neurological motor and sensory functions (p=0.038 and p=0.034, respectively) and also reduced the infarct volume (p=0.032).

Conclusion: Administration of alpha tocopherol increased protective effects of enalapril. Enalapril combined with alpha tocopherol can produce an augmented protection against ischemic brain injury, and improvement in sensorimotor dysfunctions.

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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common cause of dementia in elderly people that is accompanied by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. The pathologic hallmarks of AD are synaptic and neuronal degeneration together with extracellular senile plaques containing amyloid-beta (Aβ) and the intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the hippocampus and other cortical regions. Amyloid-beta peptide is believed to have a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD as a major component of the senile plaques. It acts as a trigger key of AD and is considered as the principal toxic factor in the pathogenesis of the disease. Accumulation of amyloid β protein (Aβ), a main component of the senile plaques, in the brain initiates a cascade of events that ultimately lead to neuronal dysfunction and cognitive deficits. Other proposed mechanisms for AD include impairment in cholinergic function, oxidative stress, inflammatory agents and glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. AD is characterized neuropathologically by impaired cholinergic function, increased oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuronal cell death, synapses loss, cortical atrophy, deficiencies in steroid hormones and appearance of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity.

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Background & Objectives: hcpD gene in Helicobacter pylori is a member of cysteine-rich proteins family which triggers the host's immune system and antibody production. H. pylori is found in human's stomach and causes digestive diseases such as duodenal ulcer, chronic gastritis and stomach cancer. The objectives of this study were to isolate, amplify and clone H. pylori's hcpD gene in pcDNA3.1 (-) vector and to study its expression in eukaryotic system.

Methods: H. pylori genomic DNA was isolated by extraction kit. The hcpD gene was amplified using PCR reaction and then purified from gel, followed by pTZ cloning. Subcloning of hcpD was performed in pcDNA3.1 (-) eukaryotic expression vector. The accuracy of cloning steps was investigated through PCR, enzymatic digestion by BamHI and EcoRV enzymes, and sequencing, respectively. Transfer of expression construct into CHO cells was done by electroporation. The gene expression in these cells was analyzed using RT-PCR and SDS-PAGE.

Results: PCR results showed amplification of a 933bp segment related to hcpD gene. Successful cloning of the gene in pTZ vector and construction of pTZ-hcpD recombinant vector were achieved. Enzymatic digestion and sequencing confirmed the correctness of subcloning and creation of pcDNA3.1 (-)-hcpD construct. hcpD was expressed in eukaryotic system, and its protein product was observed on SDS-PAGE gel.

Conclusion: pTZ-hcpD construct can be used as a source of H. pylori's hcpD gene for future research, like production of recombinant protein and vaccine in different systems. Furthermore, successful expression of the gene using pcDNA3.1 (-)-hcpD in CHO animal cells shows the potential of vector as a gene vaccine against H. pylori.

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Background & objectives: Terfezia boudieri (TB) has more than 15 types of proteins, gallic acid, catechins, flavonoids, tannins and other compounds such as beta-carotene and linoleic acid. Some of these compounds have antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemia effects. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the antioxidant and protective effects of this fungus on the liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride.

Methods: 30 male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 5 groups (each group containing 6). Group 1 (normal control group) and group 2 (control CCl₄) were given normal saline for 14 days. Group 3, 4 and 5 received 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/ kg doses of methanol extract of TB for 14 days, respectively before the injection of carbon tetrachloride. In the fourteenth day, all groups except group 1 were given 1.5 ml/kg of carbon tetrachloride (V / V 1: 1 dissolved in olive oil). Group 1, instead of carbon tetrachloride, received 1.5 ml/kg of olive oil on the fourteenth day.

Results: Injection of carbon tetrachloride in rats increased serum activity of ALT, AST, ALP and serum degrees of triglycerides, VLDL, LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, glucose, and reduced HDL and total antioxidant capacity (TAC); while pre-treatment with methanol extract of TB significantly reversed the changes.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that methanol extract of TB can protect the liver against oxidants and free radicals produced by carbon tetrachloride metabolism.

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Background & Objectives: Wounds healing especially as to surgical wounds is considered clinical problem. Kombucha is used as a food and adminstarted for wound healing. The aim of this study was to assess histopathological and histomorphometrical effect of Kombucha on surgical wound healing process in stomach of rat.

Methods: Thirty adult male Wistar rats with 10-week-old and weighted between 200-250 g were randomly divided into two groups (Control and Experimenral). After anesthesia, rats’ stomach was removed and a gastrotomy incision with the length of 1 cm was made in greater curvature, thereafter, sutured in 2 layers. Experimental group received Kombucha extract (1 ml/100gbw) and control group received normal saline (1 ml/100gbw) daily for 14 days through the gavage. In 3, 7 and 14 days after operation, five rats of each group were euthanized and stomach tissue specimens were collected for histopatholocical study by H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. Histopathological and histomorphometrical studies of wound healing among the groups were carried out considering more effective agents on wound healing including proliferation of fibroblasts, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization and collagen organization in healing tissue.

Results: The numbers of fibroblasts, capillary buds and organized collagen content in healing site of experimental group were significantly more than control group (p<0.05). The size of epithelial gap in experimental group was significantly lesser than control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the results, Kombucha extract possesses beneficial effects on healing of stomach surgical wounds in rats.

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Background & objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of mortality and disability around the world. Determination of the health status and spatial and temporal patterns of the disease prevalence has a major role in health planning.
This study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal pattern of CAD in Ardabil Province.
Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed using the data belonging to 60156 patients with history of hospital admission due to CAD in Ardabil Province during 2010-2015. Hospitalization Rate (HR) was calculated after classification of the data in terms of location and date of hospitalization. The spatiotemporal and demographic variables, including age, gender, type of CAD, periods and duration of hospitalization were analyzed by descriptive statistics, ANOVA and repeated measures in SPSS v23 statistical software. Spatial distribution maps were drawn for each month and year in ArcGIS 10.2.
Results: Of 60156 hospitalized patients with CAD diagnosis, men (58%) were more in number than women (42%). The majority of hospitalized patients fell in the age range 60-69 years (25.3%), and 92.40% of patients were hospitalized for less than 7 days. An ascending pattern was observed in temporal hospitalization trend in Khalkhal and a descending trend in Ardabil. The lowest hospitalization rate, however, was observed in Kosar city despite the ascending trend. During the research period, the greatest decline in hospitalization rate was observed in temporal trend in Bilasuvar, Meshkinshahrand Namin cities, and the largest increase was observed in Germi, Pars-Abad and Kosar cities.
Conclusion: By using the comprehensive technology, GIS, spatiotemporal distribution and CAD trend during 2011-2015 were modeled in Ardabil province. Spatiotemporal trend of CAD in Ardabil province and allied cities indicated the necessity of paying more attention and studying community for further prevention of the disease. Community-based interventions should be implemented for prevention of risk factors of CAD during childhood and adolescence especially in the districts with high risk.

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Background & objectives: Terfezia Boudieri (TB) has been used as a sexual stimulant for men in traditional medicine. TB containing fatty acid, flavonoids, beta-carotene, minerals and antioxidants such as, catechin, therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Terfezia Boudieri on sperm and testosterone levels in male rats.
Methods: In this study, 21 adult male Wistar rats, each weighing approximately 250±20g, were randomly divided into three groups (n=7). The first group (control) with no treatment, the second group (sham group) received normal saline (extract solvent) and the third group, was injected intraperitoneally (IP) with 105 mg / kg of methanolic extract of Terfezia boudieri (TBME) (0.2 ml) for 21 days. The blood samples were collected to determine the concentration of testosterone and  finally, the weight and size  of the testicles and epididymis, the number and the  percentage of sperm moving were evaluated Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Turkey's post- hoc tests.
Results: The results of the present study showed that serum levels of testosterone, body weight of rat, testis weight , sperm count and  sperm motility in the experimental group were significantly increased compared with the control group (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that TB at 105 mg/kg dosage can increase the levels of testosterone and improve sperm parameters and therefore, TB can be used to treat sexual impotence and infertility in males.