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Showing 94 results for zar
Abbas Sabahi Namini, Arash Abdolmaleki, Sharareh Mirzaee, Mehrdad Sheikhlou, Asadollah Asadi, Ali Shamsazar,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (summer 2021)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Research on intelligent nanomaterials that accelerate the process of nerve regeneration and treatment by different methods such as antioxidant effects, stimulation of nerve cell proliferation, modulation of the immune system and inflammatory factors is great importance. The aim of this study was to prepare cinnamon-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles and evaluate its antioxidant and cytotoxicity effects on PC12 cell line.
Methods: Cinnamon-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles were prepared and their structural properties were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). To evaluate the antioxidant properties of the compounds, free radical trapping methods 2 and 2 diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl were used. Cell viability in the presence of compounds was measured by a toxicity test (MTT) [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide]. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test.
Results: FTIR spectra and TEM images showed the processing of nanoparticles with an average size of less than 100 nm with cinnamon coating on their surface. Also, the antioxidant capacity of cinnamon-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles was significantly higher (*p<0.038) than extracts and nanoparticles alone at similar concentrations. Evaluation the results of cytotoxicity showed that the lowest toxicity was observed in the cinnamon-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles group.
Conclusion: Results showed higher antioxidant properties and low cytotoxic effects of cinnamon-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles compared to other groups, which leads to better efficacy, proliferation, longer cell survival, its green synthesis and coverage by cinnamon
Maryam Nazari, Hadi Ahmadi, Hamid Vaez, Farzad Khademi,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (summer 2021)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Carbapenems are the main antibiotics for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of gene encoding outer membrane porin protein (OprD) in carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains as well as to assess the role of insertion sequence (IS) elements in the inactivation of OprD porin and the emergence of carbapenem resistance.
Methods: In this study, 103 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa including 58, 42 and 23 strains resistant to imipenem, meropenem, and doripenem were used, respectively. The isolates were collected from patients referred to Ardabil hospitals. The presence of oprD gene and IS elements were investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing methods. P. aeruginosa PAO1 standard isolate was used as the positive control strain for oprD gene.
Results: The frequency of oprD gene among carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains isolated from Ardabil hospitals was 96.5%. Furthermore, IS elements were not observed in the investigated isolates.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the presence of IS elements did not involve in the inactivation of outer membrane porin OprD and resistance to carbapenems among P. aeruginosa clinical strains in Ardabil. Therefore, an investigation of the role of other mutations in reducing the expression of oprD gene and increasing P. aeruginosa resistance to carbapenems is recommended.
Mojtaba Darvishi, Somayeh Bahrami, Mehdi Zarei, Mohammad Sabaeian,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (summer 2021)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Cold Plasma is an emerging non-thermal, chemical-free, environmentally friendly disinfection technology. Plasma-activated water has received considerable attention from researchers in recent years. Despite extensive studies on the antibacterial effects of plasma-activated water, its anti-eukaryotic effects have not been identified. In humans, Acanthamoeba causes granulomatous encephalitis, skin ulcers, and Acanthamoeba keratitis. Considering the health importance of Acanthamoeba, this study investigated the anti-amoeba effect of plasma-activated water on trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba castellanii.
Methods: In this study, plasma-activated water prepared by the cold atmospheric plasma method.Physicochemical properties of produced water were evaluated by measuring pH, hydrogen peroxide, nitrite, and nitrate. To assess the effect of plasma-activated water on A. castellanii, trophozoites and cysts were exposed to plasma-activated water for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours. Three replicates were examined each time. At the mentioned times, cell viability was calculated by trypan-blue staining and counting on a hemocytometer, and the results were statistically analyzed.
Results: Based on the physicochemical results, the mean pH of plasma-activated water in this study was about 3.4, and the amount of hydrogen peroxide, nitrate, and nitrite were 102, 737, and 36.94 μM, respectively. The present study showed that plasma-activated water killed A. castellanii trophozoites after three hours of exposure and A. castellanii cysts after four hours of exposure. On the other hand, some trophozoites gradually became cysts after exposure to plasma-activated water. These cysts became more resistant to plasma-activated water and inactivated after five hours of exposure.
Conclusion: In this study, for the first time, the effect of plasma-activated water on A. castellanii was investigated. The results of the present study showed that plasma-activated water is able to inactivate A. castellanii trophozoites and cysts. Therefore, plasma-activated water can be used to disinfect and inactivate A. castellanii.
Behrouz Shademan, Amir Ajoolabady, Alireza Nourazarian,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (Autumn 2021)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Stroke is one of the most common causes of death worldwide and has distinctive features. Moreover, the different types of strokes are characterized by different physiopathological mechanisms. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the serum levels of ATG5 and apo B-48 and their diagnostic value in patients with ischemic stroke.
Methods: We selected 100 participants, including 50 ischemic stroke patients (22 women and 28 men) as the case group and 50 healthy individuals (23 women and 27 men) as the control group. Then, we conducted a case-control study in Imam Reza Hospital (Tabriz, Iran) from March 2016 to April 2016. Serum levels of ATG 5 and Apo B-48 were measured in both groups. We also evaluated the additional diagnostic value of these factors in both groups using receptor-related power analysis (ROC).
Results: The mean serum levels of ATG 5 and apo B-48 were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (p<0.0001). The values under the ROC curve (AUC) for ATG5 and apo B-48 were 0.96 and 0.91, respectively. The area under the ROC curve indicates that ATG 5 and apo B 48 are appropriate biomarkers for diagnosing ischemic stroke.
Conclusion: Serum levels of ATG 5 and apo B -48 are significantly higher in patients with ischemic stroke than in healthy individuals and may be considered diagnostic biomarkers in patients with ischemic stroke.
Ensieh Ahmadpour, Maghsoud Piri, Mohammad Ali Azarbijani,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (winter 2022)
Abstract
Background & objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia among the elderly, threatening their quality of life. On the other hand, regular exercise is associated with improved brain health and cognitive function. However, the mechanisms of these benefits have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4 weeks of moderate intensity interval aerobic training on cognitive function and expression level of PGC1α and VEGF genes in the hippocampus of old rats with AD.
Methods: For this purpose, 20-month-old male Wistar rats were divided into three groups of AD (n=8), AD+exercise training (n=8) and control (n=8). Intra-hippocampal injection of Aβ42 was used to induce AD. The animals in the exercise group performed moderate-intensity interval aerobic exercise for 4 weeks, 5 days a week. To assess spatial learning and memory, the animals underwent the Morris water maze test 48 hours following the last training session. Then, the animals were killed and hippocampal tissue was extracted. Real time-PCR method was used to measure gene expression. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation coefficient at the significance level of p£0.05.
Results: The results showed that Aβ42 injection impaired spatial learning and memory function and reduced the expression level of PGC1α and VEGF genes in hippocampal tissue (p£0.05). Aerobic exercise improved spatial learning and memory function and increased PGC1α and VEGF genes expression (p£0.01). Also, a significant positive relationship was observed between the PGC1α and VEGF gene expression levels in the hippocampus (r= 0.859, p≤0.01). In addition, there was a significant inverse relationship between PGC1α and VEGF genes expression and the mean time spent to find the platform (r= -0.9, p£0.01 and r= -0.750, p£0.01, respectively), and a significant positive relationship with the time spent in the target quadrant (r= -0.794, p£0.01 and r= -0.632, p£0.01, respectively).
Conclusion: In general, aerobic training improves spatial learning and memory performance in old animals with AD; up-regulation of the exercise-induced PGC1α/VEGF pathway in the brain, at least in part, appears to be involved in this adaptation.
Parisa Habibi, Hadi Yousefi, Mehdi Khazaei, Mohammad Zarei, Iraj Salehi, Reza Jamali Delfan, Simin Afshar,
Volume 22, Issue 2 (Summer 2022)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Menopause and especially acute menopause due to surgery is associated with many complications in women. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of genistein and regular swimming exercise (alone/or in combination) on pain through a possible mechanism of inflammation and oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats.
Methods: In this study, rats were divided into six groups, including: control, sham, ovariectomy (OVX), ovariectomized with eight weeks of swimming exercise training (OVX.E), ovariectomized with eight weeks of genistein administration (OVX.G), and ovariectomized with eight weeks of combined treatment (OVX.G.E). The effects of genistein and/or exercise were evaluated by examining the pain intensity with tail-flick and formalin tests. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also evaluated by ELISA and spectrophotometer.
Results: In the OVX group compared to the control group, tail-flick and formalin tests showed an increase in pain response. Also, a significant increase in the serum levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, TOS and a decrease in TAC was observed in the OVX group, however, in the OVX.E, OVX.G and especially OVX.E.G groups, pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress as well as pain responses showed a significant decrease compared to the OVX group.
Conclusion: A combination of genistein and regular swimming exercise was synergistically more effective in reducing acute and chronic pain than using them alone in the postmenopausal period.
Behrouz Shademan, Masoud Nikanfar, Jafar Rezaei, Mehdi Hassanpour, Mohammad Nouri, Alireza Nourazarian,
Volume 22, Issue 2 (Summer 2022)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential for immune cell differentiation and function. In addition, miRNAs play an essential role in regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in neurons. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between miRNA expression and inflammatory markers in the CSF of patients with multiple sclerosis.
Methods: RT-PCR analysis was performed on CSF samples from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and a control group to measure the expression level of miRNA-21, miRNA-155, miRNA-182, and miRNA-437. In addition, the levels of the inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in CSF were measured using ELISA. A quantitative turbidimetric method was also used to measure high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).
Results: A significant difference was found in the expression level of miRNAs and inflammatory factors in the CSF of patients with MS compared with the control group (p<0.05). The results of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the area under the curve for miRNA-21 (AUC=0.97, p<0.0001), miRNA-182 (AUC=0.97, p<0.0001), and miRNA-155 (AUC=0.96, p<0.0001). The miRNA-155 level in CSF played a very important role in the accurate diagnosis of MS. Significant correlations were found between inflammatory cytokines and miRNA-21, miRNA-155, and miRNA-182, as well as an indirect and moderate correlation between miRNA-437 and hs-CRP.
Conclusion: In MS patients, CSF levels of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, hs-CRP, and selected miRNAs can be used as biomarkers of CNS inflammation and neurodegenerative processes.
Elahe Faramarzi, Parvaneh Nazarali,
Volume 22, Issue 3 (Autumn 2022)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Adipolin is one of the anti-inflammatory adipocytokines that is mainly synthesized and secreted in adipose tissue. This study aimed to compare the two types of Pilates and CX exercises on adipolin level and insulin resistance in overweight women.
Methods: In this semi-experimental research, 30 overweight female subjects (age range 20-40, BMI, 25-30 kg/m2) were divided into three groups of Pilates (10 people), CX (10 people) and control (10 people) .The Pilates group trained with an intensity of 50-80% of the maximum heart rate (8 weeks, three sessions per week, for 60 minutes) and the CX group with an intensity of 50-80% of 1RM (8 weeks, three sessions per week, for 30 minutes). The control group did not do any sports activities. Before and after the intervention, measurements of the subjects' height, weight and body mass index and heart rate were taken using a polar wristwatch, and blood samples were taken from the subjects to check the biochemical factors of adipolin, insulin and glucose. In order to determine the difference between the groups, a mixed statistical test was used. ANOVA and paired statistical tests were used to determine the simple effects of variables.
Results: The results of the present study showed that the implementation of 8 weeks of Pilates and CX exercises increases plasma adipolin level, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Also, there was a significant difference between the two sports activities of Pilates and CX with the control group (p<0.05); However, there was no significant difference in any of the factors between the Pilates and CX groups. Weight indices, fat percentage, BMI, glucose, insulin and insulin resistance of Pilates and CX groups have significantly decreased compared to the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results of our study, it was shown that Pilates and CX exercises cause a significant increase in the serum level of adipolin and a significant decrease in body mass index, fat percentage, weight and insulin resistance compared to the control group (p<0.05), but there was no significant change in these factors between the two groups of Pilates and CX.
Masoomeh Saboorifar, Ali Shamsazar, Asadollah Asadi, Mostafa Shourian,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (Autumn 2023)
Abstract
Background: Determining the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in liquids and biological samples is very important because of its effects on human health. This study aimed to design a new electrochemical biosensor based on hemoglobin to detect hydrogen peroxide in serum samples.
Methods: In this study, a basic science, a biosensor based on modifying the glassy carbon electrode surface with a nanocomposite consisting of cobalt oxide nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotube functionalized with a carboxyl group (MWCNT/Co3O4) and hemoglobin stabilized on this nanocomposite was made as a biological recognition element.
Results: In optimal conditions, the biosensor was used to measure different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. The designed biosensor showed a wide linear response range from 10 μM to 500 μM, a detection limit of 0.512 μM, and high reproducibility and stability.
Conclusion: In this innovative research work, MWCNTs/Co3O4 nanocomposite was used to make a diagnostic biosensor. The presented biosensor showed an acceptable performance in the measurement of hydrogen peroxide in serum samples and laboratory solutions.
Hamid Vasfi, Hamid Mohebbi, Marefat Siahkouhian, Lotfollah Rezagholizadeh, Abuzar Jorbonian,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (Spring 2024)
Abstract
Background: Weight gain and obesity are the global health problem. Time-restricted feeding is a relatively new method of weight loss with many metabolic and anthropometric benefits. Low-intensity aerobic exercise also has beneficial effects on weight loss and metabolic factors; However, the combined effect of TRF and low-intensity aerobic exercise on metabolic and anthropometric factors in healthy overweight middle-aged men has rarely been investigated. The present research has investigated this purpose.
Methods: Among 55 volunteers, 27 healthy middle-aged men in the age (35 to 55) with overweight (25 The groups included: 1-TRF18:6 & EX 2-TRF 16:8 & EX 2-TRF 14:10 & EX. Three groups performed TRF protocols with different feeding times (6, 8 and 10 hours of free feeding) and fasting in the remaining 24 hours, and the same low -intensity aerobic exercise (55-65% of maximum heart rate). The interventions continued for 12 weeks. Blood and body composition tests were measured before and after the intervention. Daily food intake was measured before the intervention and during 12 weeks. Finally, all the data were analyzed.Analysis of variance with repeated measures was used for analysis. P values less than 0.05 were considered as a significant criterion in all statistical tests.
Results: The combination of TRF and exercise decreased glucose and insulin resistance in all groups. Cholesterol and LDL decreased in the 6-h and 8-h TRF groups. HDL reduction was significant only in the 8-h TRF group. Weight and BMI were reduced in the 6-h and 8-h TRF groups. The percentage of fat reduced in the 6-h group. There was no significant difference between the groups for any of the variables. The average energy received in 12 weeks was not significantly different in any group; however the 6-h model caused a greater decrease in the average energy received during 12 weeks than in the other two groups.
Conclusion: The 6-h TRF model along with light aerobic exercise is suggested as the most reliable method to improve the metabolic and anthropometric profile in overweight middle-aged men.
Maryam Nazari, Nilofar Saeli, Mohsen Arzanlou, Saghar Jafari-Ramedani, Hafez Mirzanejad-Asl, Farzad Khademi, Aida Alinezhad,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (Spring 2024)
Abstract
Background: Antibiotic resistance represents a critical global concern within the medical community, posing significant challenges in the treatment of infections caused by drug-resistant pathogens. Over the years, broad-spectrum fluoroquinolones have been extensively used to treat infections caused by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, we decided to assess the prevalence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance mechanisms among clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa in Ardabil hospitals.
Methods: We analyzed a total of 200 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa, collected between June 2019 and May 2023. The antibiotic resistance profiles of these strains against various fluoroquinolone antibiotics were determined using the disk diffusion method. Additionally, we investigated the presence of qnrA, qnrB, qnrC, qnrD, and qnrS genes through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Furthermore, we assessed the expression levels of efflux pump genes and outer membrane porin genes using the quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) in fluoroquinolone-resistant P. aeruginosa strains.
Results: Our findings revealed that 69% of P. aeruginosa strains were resistant to fluoroquinolones. The resistance rates for different fluoroquinolones were as follows: ciprofloxacin 55.5%, ofloxacin 62%, norfloxacin 53.5%, lomefloxacin 55.3%, and levofloxacin 55.5%. Notably, 78.9% of these strains exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). Among the qnr genes, qnrB was the most prevalent (2.9%). No other qnr genes were identified. Interestingly, 75% of P. aeruginosa strains carrying the qnrB gene showed overexpression of efflux pump genes, while 100% exhibited down-regulation of the oprD gene.
Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of fluoroquinolone-resistant P. aeruginosa clinical isolates in Ardabil hospitals and the multifactorial nature of resistance, continuous monitoring of antibiotic resistance trends and understanding the underlying resistance mechanisms are crucial for selecting appropriate treatment strategies.
Sheida Payamipour, Maghsoud Peeri, Mohammad Ali Azarbaijani, Forouzan Fattahi Masrour,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (Spring 2024)
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that gradually destroys the synovial joints and leads to chronic inflammation. This autoimmune disorder is associated with an increase in stress-related symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and a decrease in social behaviors, which severely reduces the patient's quality of life. Previous studies show that higher physical activity during adolescence may lead to a decrease in neurobehavioral disorders in adulthood. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the increase of physical activity from early adolescence on stress-related behaviors and inflammation in mice with rheumatoid arthritis.
Methods: Male mice were randomly exposed to a running wheel from early adolescence to adulthood, and then rheumatoid arthritis was induced. Stress-related behaviors, including anxiety, depression and social behavior were investigated in animals. The level of interleukin 17 (IL-17) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were also measured as important inflammatory markers in the serum.
Results: The results showed that physical activity from early adolescence significantly resulted in decreased stress in mice with rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, the running wheel led to a decrease in the levels of (IL-17) and (IFN-γ) in rheumatoid arthritis-induced mice as two important indicators of inflammation.
Conclusion: This study shows that increased physical activity during adolescence to adulthood may make mice resistant to increased stress and inflammation caused by rheumatic arthritis.
Zahra Kargar Dolatabadi, Abdossaleh Zar, Sara Zare Karizak, Rouhollah Ranjbar,
Volume 24, Issue 4 (Winter 2025)
Abstract
Background: Various signaling pathways are involved in causing hypertrophy in different organs of the body. One of these important pathways is the mTOR signaling pathway, which, as a key regulator in cellular growth and metabolism processes, plays an important role in muscle hypertrophy and kidney function. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of resistance training and Spirulina supplementation on the expression of IGF-1, AKT, Rheb, and TSC2 genes in male rats.
Methods: 32 male Sprague Dawley rats, 3 months old and weighing 150 ± 20 g, were randomly assigned to four groups: resistance training + spirulina supplement, resistance training, spirulina supplement, and control. Spirulina was orally administered to rats in the spirulina and resistance training plus spirulina groups at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight per day for eight weeks. The resistance training protocol consisted of eight weeks of ladder climbing to a height of one meter. The expression levels of IGF-1, AKT, Rheb, and TSC2 were measured using Real-time PCR.
Results: The expression levels of IGF-1 (p<0.001), AKT (p<0.0001) and Rheb (p<0.0001) genes showed a significant increase in the exercise + supplement group. While the expression of TSC2 gene was significantly decreased in the exercise + supplement group (p<0.0001).
Conclusion: The findings indicate a positive effect of resistance training and Spirulina supplementation on the expression of IGF-1, AKT, Rheb, and TSC2 genes in kidney tissue.
Hamidreza Azari- Dastjerdi, Mohammad Javad Saeedi Borujeni, Mehdi Abrishami, Nasim Jafari Pozve,
Volume 24, Issue 4 (Winter 2025)
Abstract
Background: Sinonasal polyposis is a common respiratory disorder that reduces the quality of life of patients and causes secondary complications. The present study was designed to compare the severity of nasal septal deviation in patients with recurrent and non-recurrent sinonasal polyposis.
Methods: The present study is a case-control study conducted between 2018 and 2023 in the ENT Department of Gharazi Hospital, Isfahan. 80 patients with sinonasal polyposis were divided into two groups of 40: control (patients with non-recurrent sinonasal polyposis) and case (patients with recurrent sinonasal polyposis). For this purpose, the anatomical structures of the nose and paranasal sinuses were evaluated in the preoperative CT scan sample, and the severity of nasal septal deviation was calculated using OsiriX software.
Results: In the recurrent group, the mean angle of nasal septum deviation was 11.65±4.52 degrees and in the non-recurrent group, it was 9.7±3.76 degrees. Based on the independent t-test, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p=0.039). The results also showed that asthma (p=0.043) and smoking (p=0.039) caused significant changes in the studied groups.
Conclusion: The results showed that recurrent sinonasal polyposis causes severe septal deviation more often than non-recurrent. A definitive statement on this issue requires a more detailed study with a larger sample size and also an investigation of the risk factors involved in the recurrence of polyposis.
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