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Introduction: Cataract is one of the most common diseases in the world and the most common cause of vision loss and blindness in the world. Stability of hemodynamic symptoms is one of the most important factors during cataract surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of melatonin and tizanidine on hemodynamic parameters and anxiety in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Materials & Methods: This prospective clinical trial study was conducted on 90 patient's candidates for cataract surgery. Patients into three equal groups; Melatonin, tizanidine and placebo were divided. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded at baseline and every 5 minutes during surgery. After the operation was completed and the patients were transferred to the recovery room, postoperative anxiety in the recovery room and 24 hours after the operation (calling the patient) was checked by means of RASS tools. Results: There was no difference in the variables of age, sex, weight between the studied groups. Heart rate, diastolic and systolic blood pressure decreased over time in all three groups. Diastolic blood pressure in the 10th minute of surgery (late surgery) in the tizanidine group was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). Tukey's post hoc test showed that in the recovery room, the level of anxiety in people who received melatonin or tizanidine was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). There was no difference between the anxiety levels of the melatonin group and the tizanidine group (P=0.904). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that melatonin and tizanidine can reduce the anxiety of patients in the acute phase after surgery. Since tizanidine may lower blood pressure, melatonin prodrug seems to be a better option for reducing pain and anxiety in patients undergoing cataract surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The pathogenic mechanism underlying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is not entirely understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of resistance training on the level of antioxidant enzymes in liver tissue of male Wistar rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver. Materials and Methods: In the present experimental study, 21 adult male Wistar rats were purchased and randomly divided into three groups: control, high fat diet and high fat diet+ resistance training groups. Animals in the high-fat diet groups received a high-fat diet including a combination of fructose, carbon tetrachloride and olive oil for 23 weeks. The training group while receiving a high-fat diet, in the final 8 weeks performed the progressive resistance training protocol including carrying weights equivalent to 30 to 100 percent of body weight three sessions a week. At the end of the intervention, level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzymes in liver tissue were measured by enzyme colorimetric method. Also, liver histopathology was performed to confirm the biochemical results. The data collected were analyzed using statistical tests of one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's follow-up test. Results: Liver SOD enzyme level in the high-fat diet+ resistance training group showed significant increase in compared to the high-fat diet group (p = 0.035), but liver GPX enzyme level did not change significantly in the three groups (p = 0.085). The histopathological examination of the liver also confirmed the changes caused by the high-fat diet and the protective effects of resistance training. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be said that resistance training can significantly improve the disorder of antioxidant enzymes and liver tissue steatosis caused by high-fat diet in male Wistar rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Doxorubicin leads to lipid profile disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on the lipid profile of male rats after receiving doxorubicin. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, 63 adult male rats were divided into 7 groups of 9: control group, sham group: received distilled water. Experimental group 1 received 20 mg / kg/ bw doxorubicin intraperitoneally, experimental groups 2 and 3 received 300 mg / kg/ bw and 600 mg / kg/ bw of hydroalcoholic extract of ginger orally for 2 months, respectively. Experimental groups 5 and 4 received doxorubicin and hydroalcoholic extract of ginger (20 mg / kg/ bw + 300 mg / kg/ bw) and (20 mg / kg/ bw + 600 mg / kg/ bw), respectively for 2 months. After the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected and serum levels of lipid profiles were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19 and the groups were compared by ANOVA and Tukey test. Results: Serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol were significantly increased in the doxorubicin group compared to the control group. Serum HDL cholesterol levels in the doxorubicin group showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. Serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in the groups (20 mg / kg/ bw + 300 mg / kg/ bw) and (20 mg / kg/ bw + 600 mg / kg/ bw) showed a significant decrease compared to the doxorubicin group (P <0.05). Conclusion: Ginger hydroalcoholic extract probably improved its lipid profile after receiving doxorubicin due to its antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Improving the metabolism of skeletal muscle is one of the important mechanisms for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on gene expression of the factors involved in the skeletal muscle metabolism of diabetic rats. Material and Methods: To implementation of this experimental research, 48 male Wistar rats weighing 220 ± 20 gr randomly were divided into 4 groups including control, diabetes, training and diabetes-training. In this study, the rats become diabetes type 2 using peritoneal injection nicotinamide-STZ. High-intensity interval training performed with intensity of 80-85% VO2max, 5 days a week and for 8 weeks. The expression of GLUT4 and PGC-1α genes were measured by Real Time PCR. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test at the P<0.05. Results: The results showed a significant difference between the mean expression of GLUT4 and PGC-1α of skeletal muscle in diabetic rats in different groups (P< 0.001). The changes in the expression of GLUT4 and PGC-1α of the skeletal muscle in the diabetes group were significantly lower than the control group (P=0.036). High-intensity interval training significantly caused higher the expression of GLUT4 and PGC-1α (P< 0.001). Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, high-intensity interval training can help to improve cellular energy levels during diabetes as a result of increasing the expression of PGC-1α and GLUT4 in skeletal muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Saccharin is an artificial, non-caloric sweetener used to sweeten products such as beverages, confectionery, biscuits, medicines and toothpastes. This is while our body is not able to metabolize it. In the present study, the effect of saccharin on spermatogenesis process, testicular tissue structure and hormonal axis of pituitary gonad in rats was investigated. Materials and Methods: 35 adult male Wistar rats were classified into 5 equal groups in a completely randomized design. The control group did not receive any solvent or medicine. The control group received 1 ml distilled water per day as an intraperitoneal injection. Experimental groups received 1, 2 and 3 times daily, respectively, 250, 500 and 1000 mg / kg body weight saccharin intraperitoneal injection for 35 days, respectively. Blood samples were taken from animals after 35 days and testis tissue was isolated for histological examination. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 and one way ANOVA and Duncan's post hoc test. Results: The amount of glucose in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group (P≤0.05). The concentrations of testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), lutein and follicle stimulator in experimental groups have significantly reduced in comparison to the control group. Also, the number of Spermatogonium cells, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatid, spermatozoids and sperm in experimental groups have decreased significantly compared to the sham and control groups; but Sertoli and Leydig cells showed no any significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion: Saccharin can have a harmful effects on the rate of hormone and male sex cells, and the histology confirms the obtained hormonal results. Of course in this regard, the mode and dosage of using this common used artificial sweeter is very important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of 8 weeks of combined training and conjugated linoleic acid supplementationon on serum levels of resistin, fasting glucose, insulin resistance in obese women. Materials and Methods: Forty obese women were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to four groups of 10:1-combined training, 2- combined training and CLA supplementation, 3- CLA supplementation and 4- control. Groups 1 and 2 performed the intervention three days a week with an intensity of 55%-75% intensity of 1RM, and 55%-75% intensity of HRR. Groups 2 and 3 consumed 4 g of CLA per day while the control group received 4 g of placebo per day. All variables were measured before the intervention and 48 hours after the last training session. The data were analyzed with paired sample t-test, covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc test (p≤0.05). Results: After eight weeks of combined training, combined training with CLA supplementation and CLA supplementation had a significant effect on decreasing resistin, insulin, fasting glucose and insulin resistance and body composition in obese women (p≤0.05). Combined training with CLA supplementation compared with combined training and CLA supplementation consumption had a greater effect on decreasing resistin, insulin, fasting glucose and insulin resistance and body composition in obese women (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Eight weeks of combination training and CLA supplementation decreased serum levels of resistin, fasting glucose, insulin resistance, body composition, and weight control, leading to decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases in obese women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) is a flagellated, spiral-shaped, microaerophilic gram-negative bacterium that colonizes stomach mucosa and causes upper gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastritis, chronic gastric ulcers and gastric carcinoma. IL-19, as an inflammatory cytokine, has been studied in different diseases including skin diseases, liver diseases, autoimmune diseases and infections. IL-19 gene at rs1028181,-513 T/C position is a polymorphic gene, which affects its expression. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, blood samples of 100 patients and 100 healthy individuals were examined for gene polymorphism of IL-19 at rs1028181-513T/C position in patients with H. pylori infection. Genotypes of this polymorphism were determined by RFLP PCR method. Statistical data analysis of genomic and serum studies of patients was carried out by Chi-square test. Results: The relationship between T and C alleles at rs1028181-513T/C position revealed a significant relationship between allele C and H. pylori infection (p = 0.04 OR = 0.66 (CI; 0.45-0.96)). Conclusion: It appears that a direct relationship exists between H. Pylori infection and C allele at rs1028181-513T/C position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sedentary life style and high calorie foods lead to obesity, hence the aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different doses of exercise and caloric restriction on insulin receptor substrate-1 in obese male rats. Methods and Materials: 48, eight-week-old male Wistar rats (190 ± 16 g) fed high-fat palate for seventeen weeks. After obesity induction, the obesity group was randomly assigned to one of the six groups: EXE, CR, EXCR1, EXCR2, and EXCR3 as experimental groups and OC as the control group. Then 10% of food intake was reduced. Exercise intensity was adjusted about 70-75% vo2max, 28 m/min for 48 to 55 minute. Negative energy balance was applied through caloric restriction (CR) (6d/w), exercise training (EXE) (6d/w), and in three combinations: EXCR1 (2d/w exercise + 4d/w CR,) EXCR2 (3d/w exercise + 3d/w CR) and EXCR3 (4d/w exercise + 2d/w CR) for two month. One way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test was applied for data analysis by SPSS version 16 (p<0.05). Results: IRS-1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in CR in comparison to OC (p=0.024). Also, IRS-1 expression significantly increased in EXCR2 comparing to OC (p=0.033). Conclusion: 10% of negative energy balance in forms of caloric restriction per se or in conjunction with exercise can provoke mRNA expression of insulin substrate receptor-1 that may lead to insulin sensitivity improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The seventh instruction of the Health System Reform Plan has been implemented since May 05, 2014 in order to promote natural delivery and reduce unnecessary cesarean rates. The present study aimed to investigate the cesarean section frequency and its causes and after the implementation of the Health System Reform Plan. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive study analyzed the existing data collected by questionnaires, checklists, and interviews. To this end, 1240 samples were systematically selected based on file number from May 05, 2014 to May 06, 2015. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, Chi-square test, Pearson’s test, and Cramer test. Results: The cesarean section rate was 47.57% before implementing Health System Reform Plan, but it reduced to 38.70% after the implementation. Accordingly, there was a significant difference between the two groups (p=0.02). The two groups had a significant difference in the causes of elective cesarean section (p=0.01). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the causes of emergency cesarean section (p=0.08). After the implementation of the Health System Reform Plan, no case of elective cesarean section was performed (p=0.01). Conclusion: According to the results of the study (8.87% reduction in cesarean section), Health System Reform Plan succeeded in achieving its specific goal in the first year of its implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: If the blood supply to a part of the brain is disturbed and stopped, it cannot function normally. This condition is called stroke. The aim of this study was to examine the protective effect of four-week aerobic training on cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction in male rats following cerebral ischemia. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 27 adult male Wistar rats (weighing 230-260 g) were purchased and randomly divided into three groups: sham, ischemia and exercise training +ischemia groups. The rats in exercise group were trained to run on a treadmill five days a week for four weeks. Ischemia was induced by the occlusion of both common carotid arteries (CCA) for 20 min. The passive avoidance memory test was used to assess the memory impairments. Behavioral test including inclend plane was used to assess motor function. Data were analyzed using Kolmogroph-Smirnoff, one-way ANOVA and Scheffe posthoc tests (p<0.05). Results: Results showed that the exercise training significantly reduced the ischemia-induced disorder in the short-term memory in passive avoidance memory test (p=0.0001). However, motor function of ischemic rats did not change significantly in the inclend plane test after exercise (p= 0.137). Conclusion: In general, four weeks of aerobic training improved cognitive impairment in ischemic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aging is concomitant with muscle atrophy and common alterations in hypertrophic hormones. Besides, resistance training and protein consumption modify these changes. Hence, the current study aimed to assess the effects of progressive resistance exercise and soy milk on serum levels of growth differentiation factor 8 in older adult women. Material & Methods: This quasi-experimental study recruited Twenty-four aged women randomly assigned into control (n=8), progressive resistance exercise + soy milk (n=8), and soy milk (n=8) groups. The experimental groups took part in exercise-diet intervention for 12 weeks (3 d/w). Anthropometric features, ability, and serum levels of growth differentiation factor 8 were collected before and after the interventions. All data were calculated by two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc at p<0.05 with Stata 12. Results: Growth differentiation factor 8 levels significantly diminished in both progressive resistance exercise + soy milk and soy milk groups compared with control and pre-intervention (p<0.05). Furthermore, ability of the progressive resistance exercise + soy milk group showed significant improvements compared with control and pre-intervention (p<0.05). There was no alteration in anthropometric features of any of the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Twelve-week exercise-diet intervention resulted in decrease of growth differentiation factor 8 in older adult women, which could reverse age-related skeletal muscle atrophy. Furthermore, the ability of older women developed via exercise-diet interventions, which proves the positive functional-physiological effects of exercise and protein in older adult women skeletal muscle. Consequently, social activities and life quality could promote. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The growing prevalence of obesity is one of the biggest health challenges across the world. Stimulating the body metabolism and increasing its energy use through herbal agents is one of the main methods used to treat obesity. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 50 adult male Wistar rats weighing between 180 and 200 g randomly divided into 5 groups of equal sizes, including a negative control group (receiving no drugs), a sham control group (receiving 1 ml of distilled water) and experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 (receiving 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg aqueous extract of Orchid roots, in respective order). The extract was injected intraperitoneally to the experimental groups for 28 days. On the 29th day, the rats' blood samples were taken to examine their serum concentration of cholecystokinin. The rats' body weight was measured on a daily basis throughout the experiment. Statistical analysis were performed in SPSS using the one way ANOVA and Duncan's post-hoc test. Results: Orchid root aqueous extract injection in a dose-dependent led to significant increase in serum levels of cholecystokinin hormone and decrease in food intake and body weight than the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Through increased serum levels of cholecystokinin hormone, aqueous extract of orchid plant root reduces body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Liver is one of the vital organs in the body with a key role in regulating many physiological mechanisms. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Heraclum persicum administered to the mother rats during pregnancy on liver enzymes and blood biochemical factors in their infant male rats. Materials and Methods: The present experimental study was conducted on 40 infant male Wistar rats divided into 5 groups of 8, whose mothers were then divided into 5 groups of 8 during their pregnancy, including a negative control group, a sham control group and three experimental groups. The negative control group did not receive any treatments while the sham control group received only distilled water. Experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 received, respectively, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg oral doses of Heracleum persicum on a daily basis for a period of 21 days (the pregnancy term). At the end of the pregnancy and when the male infant rats were 25 days old, the infant rats' blood samples were taken and their liver enzymes (alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) and biochemical factors (Albumin and total serum protein) were measured. The data obtained were analyzed using the ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test. P<0.05 was taken as the level of statistical significance. Results: The AST and ALT levels had increased significantly in experimental groups 2 and 3 compared to in the negative and sham control groups (P<0.05). The Albumin level had also increased significantly in experimental group 3 compared to in the negative and sham control groups (P<0.05). There was also a significant difference between ALP and serum protein levels in the experimental groups and the negative and sham control groups. Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of Heracleum persicum may have changed the liver function and increased ALT and AST as a result of its furanocoumarin and trans-anethole content. The extract's alkaloid and flavonoid content also increase serum Albumin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Spermatogenesis is a complex process affected by different factors that can cause male infertility. The present study was conducted to investigate the improving effect of walnut oil on the complications of Busulfan therapy on sperm parameters in rats. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 32 adult male Wistar rats randomly divided into a control group, a Busulfan group (15mg/kg) and two other groups that received Busulfan + walnut oil at 0.1 cc and 0.2 cc doses per 100 g of body weight. The rats' testosterone levels were measured after 48 days of treatment and their sperm parameters were then examined. The data obtained analyzed in SPSS-18 using Duncan's post-hoc test and the ANOVA. Results: The results obtained revealed a significant decrease in testosterone levels, sperm count and sperm motility (p≤ 0.001) sra an increase in the main sperm count for pinhead, spiral tail, immotile and non-progressively motile sperm in the Busulfan group compared to in the control group (p<0.05). Testosterone levels also increased in the group receiving Busulfan + 0.2 cc of walnut oil compared to the group receiving only Busulfan, although not significantly. The average count for the non-progressively motile and the immotile sperms also decreased in the two groups receiving walnut oil compared to in the Busulfan group. Conclusion: According to the results obtained, the intake of walnut oil in large doses helps reduce the side effects of Busulfan on testosterone levels and some sperm parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Urinary tract infections are among the most common medical conditions in women. Due to changes in the body during pregnancy, pregnant women are more prone to be infected. Urinary tract infection is a very serious issue due to its potential side effects for the mother and the fetus. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of education based on the theory of planned behavior in promoting preventive behaviors of urinary tract infections in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: The present quasi-experimental study was conducted on 110 pregnant women admitted to health care centers in the city of Karaj who were randomly divided into the case and control groups. Data collection tools composed of a urine culture test and the questionnaire designed based on the theory of planned behavior, the validity and reliability of which had been approved prior to the study. The initial data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney statistical test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient in SPSS-18 software. The educational content was then designed and implemented based on the analyses. Three months after the educational intervention, the second test was conducted using the same questionnaire and the data were once again analyzed. Results: After the educational intervention, the mean score of the constructs of the theory of planned behavior (attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention) significantly increased in the case group compared to the control group (p<0.05). In addition, the incidence of urinary tract infection was 3% in the case group and %11 in the control group after the educational intervention, suggesting a statistically significant reduction (p <0.05). Conclusion: The health education program designed based on the theory of planned behavior was effective in promoting preventive behaviors of urinary tract infection. The control, monitoring and follow-up of training are recommended in the implementation these programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Given the high prevalence of pre-menstruation syndrome in the community and its negative economic, social and educational outcomes, finding a simple and inexpensive way for treating or reducing its symptoms is essential. Studies have shown that exercise can be effective in the treatment of this syndrome. As the effects of resistance and endurance exercise on this syndrome have not been studied yet, the present study was conducted to compare the effects of endurance and resistance exercise on physical and psychobehavioral symptoms of pre-menstruation syndrome. Materials and Methods: The present clinical trial with before/after design was conducted on 30 patients with pre-menstruation syndrome who were randomly divided into three groups, namely the resistance exercise group, the endurance exercise group and the control group. The severity of physical and psychobehavioral symptoms of the syndrome was investigated through a questionnaire before and then 8 weeks after the implementation of the protocol. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the covariance and post hoc LSD tests at the level of 0.05 using SPSS-18 software. Results: There were no differences between the subjects in terms of age, weight, height and physical and psychobehavioral symptoms before starting the protocol. Performing the resistance or endurance exercises for 8 weeks significantly reduced the physical and psychobehavioral symptoms of premenstruation syndrome in the case groups compared to the control group. Conclusion: Exercise can reduce symptoms of pre-menstruation syndrome and there are differences in this regard between resistance and endurance exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The revitalizing properties of medicinal herbs have long been an interest of human beings. Oak (Quercus castaneifolia) is a tree that is widely used in herbal medicine in addition to boasting some nutritional values. Given that some medicinal plants have certain side effects, the present study investigates the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of oak fruit husk on liver function in rats. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 50 Wistar rats weighing approximately 200 ± 15 g were taken and housed under standard conditions. After determining the lethal dose of the hydroalcoholic extract of oak fruit husk and consequently its preparation, 30, 60 and 120 mg/kg/w.bt doses of the extract were selected and injected intraperitoneally to the treatment rats on a daily basis. The rats were divided into five groups, including the negative control group (receiving no treatments), the sham control group (receiving oak fruit husk solvent) and three treatment groups. After 21 days, the blood samples of rats were collected and the serums were biochemically analyzed. Data obtained were then analyzed in SPPS-17 software using the ANOVA test and the groups were compared with each other using Duncan's post hoc test. Results: According to results obtained, the serum levels of all three liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) had significantly increased in the treatment groups compared to the negative and sham control groups (p<0.01). In the treatment group, with the maximum dose of the extract, protein, cholesterol and LDH had significantly decreased. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of oak fruit husk disrupts liver function, and this disruption appears to be due to the doses used. It is therefore recommended to remove the oak fruit husk from the acorn prior to consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]