Journal of Gorgan University of Medical Sciences

Role of viruses in the destruction of the central nervous system and its impact on the multiple sclerosis

M Saeidi

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. Despite extensive investigations, many aspects of etiology and pathophysiology remain unclear. In multiple sclerosis patients, immune system reacts against autologous proteins in the myelin membrane. Most evidences support the hypothesis that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to disease development. But after the failure of genetic findings to explain the reason for the unequal incidence of MS in identical twins, investigators focused further on environmental factors such as vitamin D deficiency, smoking, living in different latitudes and perhaps the most importantly the role of viruses in people whom are genetically susceptible to MS. There is increasing evidence that viruses may play important role in MS pathogenesis following environmental triggers. Recently, studies focused on the role of herpes virus family, especially Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) and Varicella Zoster virus, as the virus is prevalent in society. This review mainly focused on the identification of important viruses with key role in MS the mechanism behind pathogenesis and describes the animal models of MS. The results of researches are shown strong evidence of the virus or antibodies to viral components in active plaques in MS affected patients, but still cannot be stated with certainty that one or more specific viruses are simultaneously trigger the disease. Further studies are required to prove the pathogenesis of viruses in MS.

Independent and combined effect of aerobic exercise and garlic extract on the level of renal vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor-β1 in the eldely rats

M Habibian

Background and Objective: Aging eldely is associated with impaired angiogenesis, glomerulosclerosis and increased susceptibility to nephrotoxic injury. This study was done to compare the independent and combined effect of aerobic exercise and garlic extract on the levels of renal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in eldely rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, 35 aged eldely male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups including control, sham, garlic (2.5 g/kg/bw), aerobic exercise, garlic plus exercise. The animals exercised by swimming training at 5 min to 60 min per day, 3 days a week over 8 weeks. Animals in garlic plus exercise were received garlic extract (2.5 g/kg/bw) and swimming training. The renal TGF-β1 and VEGF level were evaluated by ELIZA method.

Results: 8 weeks swimming training, garlic supplementation and the combined intervention were associated with a significant increased the renal VEGF and reduced TGF-β1 level (P<0.05). There was no difference between swimming training, garlic supplementation and garlic plus exercise on renal VEGF and TGF-β1 levels in aged rats.

Conclusion: It seems that the protective role of regular swimming training, garlic supplementation and the combined intervention in the renal aging process meight in part be related to their ability to attenuate TGF- β1 and up regulating VEGF.

Effect of Nigella sativa oil against Bisphenol A induced toxicity on the tissue of male NMRI mice kidney : A stereological study

M Soleimani Mehranjani

Background and Objective: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor chemical and as an environmental pollutant is able to generate free radicals causing tissue damage. This study was done to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa oil against BPA induced toxicity on the tissue of male NMRI mice kidney by stereological method.

Methods: In this experimental study 24 adult male NMRI mice (32±3 g) were randomly allocated into control, BPA (200 mg/kg/day), BPA (200 mg/kg/day) plus Nigella sativa oil (5 ml/kg/day) and Nigella sativa oil (5 ml/kg/day) groups and treated for 5 weeks, orally. At the end, animals were sacrificed, their left kidneys were removed, fixed, sectioned, processed and stained with Heidenhain' azan staining method. Then, the kidney tissue sections were evaluated using stereological method and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level was also measured.

Results: The total weight and volume of kidney, volume of cortex, volume of proximal and distal tubules and volume of their lumen, volume of interstitial tissue, volume of glomeruli, tuft, as well as serum MDA level significantly increased in BPA treated group compared to the controls (P<0.05). These parameters were significantly reduced in BPA plus Nigella sativa oil group compared to BPA ones (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study revealed that Nigella sativa oil can reduce the oxidative stress toxicity induced by BPA in the mice renal tissue.

Effect of combination of topical ointment of aqueous extract of grape seed (Vitis Vinifera) and Eucerin on wound healing in diabetic rats

AH Shiravi

Background and Objective: Diabetic mellitus is one of the main health problems of diabetic subjects skin wound. This study was done to evaluate the effect of topical ointment produced from aqueous extract of grape seed (Vitis Vinifera) plus Eucerin on wound healing in diabetic rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into control, first, second and third experimental groups. Animals in control group were received only buffer citrate, interaperitonally. Diabetes was induced by 55 mg/kg/bw of Streptozotocin in three experimental groups. Skin wound (2´3 cm²) was created in left side of the lumbar region in three experimental groups. Animals in experimental gourp 1 did not received any treatment. The wounds of animals in experimental group 2 were treated with topical ointment of Eucerin twice a day. The wounds of animals in experimental group 3 were treated with topical ointment of aqueous extract of grape seed plus Eucerin with a ratio of 3:1 for 21 days twice a day. Wound healing process was evaluated using macroscopic and histological method.

Results: The mean area and percentage of wound after treatment was significantly reduced in experimental group 2 and 3 in compare to experimental group 1 (P<0.05). The percentage of improvement wound healing was significantly increased in experimental groups 2 and 3 in compare to experimental group 1 (P<0.05). Synthesis of collagen fibers was increased in experimental group 3 in compare to experimental group 2 and 1.

Conclusion: Topical application of aqueous extract of grape seed with ointment of Eucerin accelerates skin wound healing in diabetic rats.

Effect of exogenous Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor on ovulation and pregnancy rate in NMRI mice

K Haidari

Background and Objective: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) and its receptor express in developing follicles, fetal and reproductive tissues. The serum G-CSF concentration significantly increases during the ovulatory phase in comparison with other phases, so G-CSF may have an important role in ovulation and the early cross-talk between mother and conceptus in both human and animal models. This study was done to evaluate the Effect of exogenous G-CSF on ovulation and pregnancy rate in NMRI mice.

Methods: In this experimental study, 40 mature female and 10 male NMRI mice were randomly allocated into the control and treatment groups. All Ovaries were stimulated with intraperitoneal injections (IP) of 10 IU PMSG and after 48 hour by 10 IU hCG per mouse. The treatment group were recieved G-CSF (50mg/kg i.p.), at the time of PMSG administration, while the control group had the same volume of normal saline instead of G-CSF at the same time. 16-18 hours post-hCG administration, twenty female mice of both groups were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and ovulated oocytes were assessed. On day 16 post coitus, the rest of female mice of both groups were scarificed for withdrawing their fetuses to determine the effect of G-CSF on pregnancy rates.

Results: The ovulation rate in the treatment group (18.5±1.25) were significantly more than that of control (12.1±1.32) (P<0.05). The number of fetuses had no significant difference between control and treatment groups.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that exogenous G-CSF may affect on folliculogenesis and ovulation but the following pregnancy outcome was not impressed.

Effect of cell phones microwaves on histologic structures of some visceral organs in rat

G Farjanikish

Background and Objective: The electromagnetic field producer sets in daily life causes concerns about the adverse effects of such waves on human health. This study was done to evaluate the effect of cell phones microwaves on histologic structures of some visceral organs in rat.

Methods: In this experimental study, 80 immature Wistar male rats with weight of 100-140 gram and 5 to 6 weeks age were randomly allocated into 3 experimental groups and one control group. The experimental rats were exposed to cell phones microwaves 5 hours a day for 1, 2 and 3 months. The control group received no radiation. After the experimental period rats were sacrificed and the appropriate tissues of the lung, heart, liver, brain and pancreas were prepared. Sections in 5 µm thicknesses were stained by hematoxylin and eosin and studied microscopically.

Results: Histological changes including edema, inflammatory cell infiltration and cell degeneration in the lung and mild degeneration and coagulation necrosis of the myocardial cells in the heart were observed. Histopthological examination of the liver revealed dilation of central veins and sinusoids, vacuolization of hepatocytes and mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration. Limited changes were observed in pancreas and brain. Histological changes were increased in the groups that were exposed longer period of time to radiation.

Conclusion: This study indicated that the harmful effect of cell phones radiation on rat tissues depending on the duration of exposure.

Effect of hip abductor muscles fatigue on plantar pressure characteristics during stance phase of walking

M Anbarian

Background and Objective: Muscles fatigue around the joint can altere the movment pattern and incrasing the risk of muscle damage. This study was done to determine the effect of hip abductor muscles fatigue on plantar pressure characteristics during stance phase of gait.

Methods: This quasi-experimental studywas done on 22 males with age ranes of 15-21 years olds. Hip abduction protocol with 50% of one-repetition maximum was used to induce hip abductor muscles fatigue. Average pressure, plantar peak pressure, step duration and the plantar contact area in both feet distribution were collected using before and after the fatigue protocol during gait.

Results: Despite the relative reduction in average pressure, contact area and step duration and plantar increase in peak pressure after abductors fatigue, but these differences were not significant.

Conclusion: This study showed that the hip abductor muscles fatigue can not alter plantar pressure characteristics during stance phase of gait.

Comparison of the length of shoulder girdle’s muscles, neck and shoulder range of motion in patients with chronic neck - shoulder pain and healthy subjects

A Moezy

Background and Objective: One of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in modern societies is neck and shoulder pains which often lead to postural disorders and soft tissue shortenings. This study was done to compare the length of shoulder girdle’s muscles in healthy subjects and patients with shoulder and neck pain.

Methods: This case-control study was done on16 patients with chronic neck- shoulder pain as cases and 15 healthy subjects as control group. Length of upper trapezius, pectoralis major and minor muscles was evaluated with functional tests. Also, the range of shoulder abduction and external rotation and cervical flexion and lateral flexion were measured by goniometer.

Results: Significant differences between patient and control groups were found in pectoralis major and minor muscles length in involved side (P<0.05) and also in neck active range of lateral flexion (P<0.05). Furthermore, there were significant differences between shoulder active range of abduction and external rotation (P<0.05) in the groups.

Conclusion: This study confirmed a significant reduction in range of motion in the neck and shoulder and also a remarkably shortening in the muscles of in the involved side.

Drug susceptibility testing of clinical isolates of Candida albicans against Amphotericin B and Ketoconazole by microdilution and disk diffusion methods

H Nowrozi

Background and Objective: Candida albicans is the normal flora of the body as opportunistic fungi. It causes candidiasis in immunocompromised condition. This study was done to drug susceptibility testing of Candida albicans isolated from patients against Amphotericin B and Ketoconazole.

Methods: In this descriptive – analytic study, drug susceptibility of 30 Candida albicans isolated from patients admitted to Tehran hospitals, Iran was tested against Amphotericin B and Ketoconazole by micro dilution method in accordance with CLSI M27-A2 guideline and disk diffusion method in accordance with CLSI M44-S2 guideline. Standard isolate Candida albicans PTCC (5027) and Candida krusei PTCC (5295) were used for quality control.

Results: The minimum and maximum MIC against Amphotrericin B was 0.0625 µg.ml^-1 and
4 µg.ml^-1, respectively. The minimum and maximum MIC against Ketoconazole was 0.5 µg/ml^-1 and 32 µg/ml^-1, respectively. The minimum and maximum zone diameter was 6 and 28 mm for both drugs. The results of drug susceptibility testing by two methods did not show significant differences. 25 isolates (83.3%) against ketoconazole and 2 isolates (6.7%) against Amphotericin B were resistant.

Conclusion: Amphotericin B administration seems better choice in candidiasis treatment in comparision with Ketoconazole.

Degradation of polycyclic hydrocarbones anthracene by using Pseudomonas aeruginusa

Sh Khoramnejadian

Background and Objective: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the most important organic pollutants that causing multiple side effects including carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxicity. Among the aromatic compounds degrading bacteria, pseudomonas produce board spectrum of degrading enzymes and are used, as biological tools, for decreasing of PAHs. This study was done to evaluate the degradation of polycyclic hydrocarbones anthracene by using Pseudomonas aeruginusa.

Methods: In this descriptive – analytic study, sampling was collected from river estuary sediment and had cultured in Minimal Salt Medium (MSM). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was one of the isolated bacteria from river sediment which identified by molecular technique. In next step, influence of pH (6.5 and 7.5) temperature (25 and 35°C) and concentration of anthracene (150 and 200 ppm) were surveyed on anthracene biodegradation and bacterial growth during zero, 24 and 48 hours by HPLC and spectrophotometry method respectively.

Results: The results showed that the optimized condition for biodegradation included pH=7.5, 35°C and 150 ppm of anthracene. Bacterial degradation of anthracene was increased with prolong of incubation time. Biodegradation efficiency of anthracene in the presence of pseudomonas was 50% within 2 days, which indicates the ability of the bacteria for the enzymes production.

Conclusion: High growth potential of pseudomonas in unsuitable areas and due to the production of degrading enzymes, it can be used as indicator bacteria used to remove anthracene.

Survival rate of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

P Ordoni Aval

Background and Objective: Squamous carcinoma accounts for the majority of esophageal carcinoma worldwide. This study was done to evaluate the survival rate of patients with esophageal cancer in Iran.

Methods: This historical cohort study was carried outon 105 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma whom admitted to Firoozgar hospital in Tehran, Iran during 2009-14. Patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were treated with chemoradiation either with or without surgery.

Results: The mean age of patients was 63 years. Frequency of esophageal cancer in both sexes in the age group 51-60 years was higher than other groups. 5-year survival in patients with esophageal cancer treated with chemoradiation without surgery was 9.5% and in patients treated with chemoradiation with surgery was 31.7 % (P<0.05). One-year, three-year and five-year survival rate in patients were treated with chemoradiation with or without surgery was 68.5%, 38% and 22.8%, respectively.

Conclusion: The survival rate of patients with esophageal cancer is very low, but the treatment with chemoradiation with surgery can increase life expectancy of patients.

Effect of anti-HIV activity of novel compounds 8-phenyl-4-quinolone containing different substituents at position 3

MR Aghasadeghi

Background and Objective: HIV treatment influences the global health and finding new compounds against HIV virus is increased. This study was done to evaluate anti-HIV activity of 8-phenyl-4-quinolone derivatives containing different substituents at position 3.

Methods: In this descriptive study, single cycle replicable (SCR) HIV Virions were produced by co-transfecting HEK 293T cells with pmzNL4-3, pSPAX.2, pMD2.G plasmids. HeLa cells were infected with the SCR virions and then inhibit of virus replication by compounds were measured by p24 Antigen with ELISA kit. The cytotoxicity of these compounds on HeLa cells were measured by XTT method.

Results: All compounds including NPZ_4F, NPZ-2F, NPZ-4CL and NPZ-2CL had the best inhibitory effect at a concentration of 100µM with the inhibition rate of respectively 51%, 48%, 33%, and 25%, respectively. The compounds of NPZ-4F and NPZ-2CL had negligible cellular toxicity and have inhibited HIV replication at the highest concentration. This issue can make them a valuable compound since they are better compounds in therapeutic terms, which at a suitable concentration, they have the lowest rate of cellular toxicity and highest power to inhibit HIV replication.

Conclusion: Novel compounds derived from 8-phenyl-4-quinolone containing different substituents at position 3 can prevent HIV replication which is capable of high anti-viral and low cellular toxicity and suitable candidates for further investigation in antiviral studies.

Molecular evaluation of vanA and vanB genes of enterococci isolates resistant to Vancomycin and Teicoplanin

M Rabi Nezhad Mousavi

Background and Objective: Enterococci is gram positive bacteria which is the inhabitants of gastrointestinal tract. Hospital infections and antibiotic resistance to enterococci is increased. This study was done to determine the molecular evaluation of vanA and vanB genes of enterococci isolates resistant to Vancomycin and Teicoplanin.

Methods: In this descriptive study, 113 isolates samples were collected and identified according to biochemical test and cultural characteristics in Ali ibn Abi Talib hospital in Zahedan, Iran. Antibiogram test was done to determine antibiotic resistance pattern. E-test strip was used to evaluate the minimum inhibitory of concentration (MIC). PCR was used to detect the vanA and vanB genotype in Vancomycin and Teicoplanin resistance enterococci.

Results: 92%, 6.2% and 1.8% of isolated samles collocted from urine, blood culture and pleura fluid, respectively. According to phenotype, 18.6% and 17.69% were resistance to Vancomycin and Teicoplanin, respectively. Resistance was observed in strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. VanA genotype was seen in all of the resistance isolated species.

Conclusion: This study showed that strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium have more antibiotic resistance to the Vancomycin and Teicoplanin, morever vanA genotype precence in all of resistance isolated samples.

Detection of phospholipase and type IV pili genes in clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

F Haghi

Background and Objective: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen with numerous virulence factors such as phospholipase and type IV pili. The emergence of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa has become a serious public health threat worldwide. This study was done to determine the frequency of plcH, plcN, pilA and pilB genes in multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 93 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa collected from different clinical samples from hospitals of Zanjan, Iran during 2013-14. After identification of isolates by biochemical tests, antibiotic susceptibility testing (Kirby-Bauer) was performed according to CLSI guidelines. Total DNA extracted and PCR was done to detect of plcH, plcN, pilA and pilB genes.

Results: Among 93 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, the highest antibiotic resistance related to Erythromycin and Cefoxitin (95.6%) and the lowest resistance related to Amikacin (26.8%). 80.6% of isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). Out of 75 MDR isolates, the frequency of plcH, plcN, pilA and pilB genes was 97.4%, 49.3%, 26.6% and 17.3%, respectively.

Conclusion: According to high frequency of phospholipase C gene (plcH) in MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates which isolated from different clinical samples, presumably this virulence factor plays an important role in pathogenesis of this bacterium.

Kala-azar in Maraveh Tapeh county, Golestan Provice, Iran: Seven case reports

A Sofizadeh

Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as Kala-azar, is one of the main parasitic vector borne diseases, which transmitted by sand fly. The current study reported the seven positive cases of Kala-azar in Maravetapeh county in Golestan province, Iran from 2007-15. Using geographic information system, villages which had confirmed cases of Kala-azar were identified and their geographical information was registered. Villages with confirmed cases of Kala-azar were introduced as at risk villages for visceral leishmaniasis. All of these cases were aged under 6 years and in all of them fever and splenomegaly was reported. All subjects had lower normal range of hemoglobin and plateles. These cases were reported from 6 villages in 3 districts of Maraveh Tapeh County. All of these villages are in hot and dry areas of county and they have mountainous and semi-mountainous geographical status with higher altitude compare to other villages. Fifty two villages of county were recognized as at-risk villages for Kala-azar. Kala-azar presented in sporadic condition in Maravetapeh County. Continuous case finding of Kala-azar for early diagnosis and treatment is necessary.

A neurofibromatosis type 1 family report with multiple cases in 3 consecutive Generations

M Oladnabi

Neurofibromatosis type1 (NF1) with the incidence of 1 in 3500 births, is the most common disorder which affects skin and peripheral nervous system. NF1 results from mutations in NF1 gene. The NF1 gene spans 350kbp and to date, nearly 2434 mutations in it were reported. The gene with 100 percent penetrance is located on chromosome 17 encoding neurofibromin protein. Recently, many challenges of its genetic analysis have been overcome through the application of new sequencing techniques. In present study patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 have been characterized from clinical symptoms such as presence of café au lait spot, plexiform neurofibroma, optic nerves involvement, presence of several patients in first degree relatives. These patients were in different ages including 73, 63, 44, 20 with different symptoms and severities of disease. In this communication, a NF1 family with 4 cases in 3 generations has been presented.