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Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidemia, obesity and polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS)., Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 333 patients who had one of the certain diagnosis of DM, hyperlipidemia, obesity or PCOS were enrolled. Information about demographics, anthropometric, nutritional habitude, smoking history, medical history and physical activity were recorded. Liver ultrasound examination and routine biochemistry analysis were performed., Results: Among 333 patients with one of the four above-mentioned diseases. 199 patients (59.8%) had NAFLD. Male were more likely to have NAFLD than female (72.8% vs. 50.8% respectively, P < 0.001). About, 80.7% of patients through 41-50 years age had NAFLD. The frequency of abnormal fasting blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride, and total cholesterol were significantly higher in patients with NAFLD (P < 0.05). Subjects with NAFLD had a higher body mass index than non-NAFLD (33.6 ± 7.9 kg/m 2 vs. 31.1 ± 5.0 kg/m2 respectively, P = 0.002). Patients with DM, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hypothyroidism were more likely to have NAFLD (P < 0.05). Patients with consumption of supper, high-fat diet, enjoy of eating and smoking were more likely to have NAFLD and patients with fruit and vegetable uptake and physical activity were less likely to have NAFLD (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: As most patients with NAFLD are asymptomatic, employed individuals with higher education levels, with a history of smoking and unhealthy diet along with DM, hyperlipidemia, PCOS and obesity seriously have to be followed and educated for lifestyle modification., (Copyright © 2019 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Phoenix dactylifera is a useful traditional medicinal plant, mainly the fruit is used, which is the edible part of the plant (Ajwa date). It is now considered to be a valuable source of natural medicinal products against various diseases. Phytochemical investigations have shown that the fruit contains anthocyanins, phenolics, sterols, carotenoids, and flavonoids. The fruits are a rich source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and proteins. P. dactylifera is considered as a complete diet because it also contains different fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, and steroidal substances. This review highlights the phytochemical composition, nutritional significance, and potential health benefits of P. dactylifera and discusses its potential as a functional food for disease prevention, management, and treatment., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Objective: Determination of the amount of parenchymal damage in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is crucial to choose the best treatment and management., Aim: Here, the associations between laboratory data and severity of steatosis and fibrosis plus hepatic vessel Doppler indices in NAFLD patients were investigated., Patients and Methods: Fifty patients (20 males and 30 females) with NAFLD criteria were enrolled. Fatty liver was graded by sonography (SGFL) and FibroScan (FGFL). In addition, liver fibrosis was graded through FGLF. Damages to the portal, hepatic, and splenic veins were evaluated by color Doppler/dopplex. Serum liver enzymes and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also measured., Results: Significant association existed between SGFL and FGFL ( P = 0.006). Portal vein pulsatility index (PI) and phasicity plus the triphasic and monophasic pattern of hepatic veins significantly associated with fatty liver grade evaluated by sonography. Splenic vein Peak systolic velocity and PI showed significant association with FGFL. Eventually, elevated liver enzymes and CRP significantly correlated with FGLF., Conclusion: We found that the severity of fatty liver is correlated with hepatic and portal veins damages; however, the degree of parenchymal fibrosis was independent to these indices and can be directly evaluated by FGFL. In addition, elevated liver enzymes and CRP correlated with the degree of fibrosis., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

The incidence of cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis, is increasing alarmingly. Clarifying the underlying causes is of the utmost importance and should be elucidated in order to reduce this growing trend. Periodontitis is known as a chronic destructive disease with sophisticated pathophysiological mechanisms that slowly impose negative effects not only on the oral tissues but also on distant organs. Additionally, it has been shown in many studies that atherosclerosis and periodontitis utilized common inflammatory signaling pathways and mediators. Several lines of evidence have demonstrated the signatures of periodontitis-related bacteria in atherosclerotic plaque specimens. It is proposed that virulent proteins of these bacteria probably accelerate the initiation or development of plaque formation on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. Proteomics techniques are very sensitive and have a global point of view. They can help to discover host factors and pathogenrelated biomarkers. This review summarizes the studies focused on the three most important bacterial species involved in both diseases and presents recent findings about the proteomic evaluation of virulence factors of these bacteria. The known mechanisms of action of the virulence factors are also described., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.)

Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the cancer chemotherapy-related side effects which can affect the quality of life of affected patients. This study was designed to investigate the healing effect of Elaeagnus angustifolia in 5-flurouracil (5-FU)-induced OM in golden hamster. Fifty-six adult male golden hamsters received three intraperitoneal injections of 5-FU at a dose of 60 mg/kg on days 0, 5, and 10. The cheek pouch mucosa was scratched superficially under local anesthesia. Then, two horizontal scratches were made across the everted cheek pouch on days 3 and 4. All treatments were started on day 12 for equal number of animals in control group with no treatments, gel base group that was treated with carboxy methyl cellulose as gel base which used in preparation of the topical gel, topical gel group that used gel containing 10% hydroalcoholic extract of E. angustifolia (HEEA) topically, and dietary group which was treated with 300 mg/kg HEEA. At 2 and 5 days after treatment, blood and pouch tissue sampling were done and analyzed for blood composition, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities plus histopathological evaluations. Both topically and orally HEEA-treated groups showed a significant relief in OM compared to the control and base gel groups. However, the systemic form had higher efficiency in some parts especially decreasing the MPO (0.27 ± 0.17 vs. 0.56 ± 0.17 IU/L) and increasing SOD (6.46 ± 0.15 vs. 5.36 ± 0.18 IU/L) activities in pouch tissue in comparison to topical form mostly at 5 days after treatment. It seems that hydroalcoholic extract of E. angustifolia can be used as an appropriate drug choice for the treatment of oral mucositis based on its healing stimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

Introduction: Resection of the prostate is one of the standard surgical treatments for symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). To evaluate minimally invasive treatments, intraprostatic injections of ethanol and bleomycin were compared with oral finasteride administration in rats with BPH., Material and Methods: The rats were divided into six groups. The control rats received no BPH/no treatment. BPH was induced using injections of testosterone (2 mg/day/rat for 4 weeks) in groups II-VI. After 4 weeks, Group II received no treatment while Group III received oral finasteride (10 mg/kg/day). Moreover, Groups IV-VI received a single injection of ethanol (95%), bleomycin (5 mg/kg) and normal saline 25 mm 3 in each ventral lobe of the prostate respectively. Two weeks after the injections, the ventral lobes underwent a quantitative stereological study., Results: The volume of the ventral lobes, glandular epithelium, fibromuscular tissue and microvessles increased by 1.7, 3.1, 2.4 and 1.6 times in BPH rats respectively (P <0.01). Alcohol or bleomycin injection in PBH rats induced drastic recession of the increased volume of the ventral lobe, glandular epithelium and fibromuscular tissue (P <0.01). Regarding the BPH+alcohol group, the glandular epithelium volume restored to the normal values of the control rats (P <0.01). BPH+finasteride also incited an atrophic change in the volume of the whole prostate and glandular epithelium, but not the fibromuscular tissue and microvessels (P <0.01)., Conclusions: Injection of alcohol and bleomycin (approximately 10% of the volume of ventral prostatic) as well as consuming finasteride can induce a reduction of 1/3, 1/4 and 1/5 in the hypertrophied gland respectively., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Although cell phones have been used worldwide, some adverse and toxic effects were reported for this communication technology apparatus. To analyze in vivo effects of exposure to radiofrequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) on protein expression in rat testicular proteome, 20 Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 900 MHz RF-EMF for 0, 1, 2, or 4 h/day for 30 consecutive days. Protein content of rat testes was separated by high-resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis using immobilized pH gradient (pI 4-7, 7 cm) and 12% acrylamide and identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS. Two protein spots were found differentially overexpressed (P < 0.05) in intensity and volume with induction factors 1.7 times greater after RF-EMF exposure. After 4 h of daily exposure for 30 consecutive days, ATP synthase beta subunit (ASBS) and hypoxia up-regulated protein 1 precursor (HYOU1) were found to be significantly up-regulated. These proteins affect signaling pathways in rat testes and spermatogenesis and play a critical role in protein folding and secretion in the endoplasmic reticulum. Our results indicate that exposure to RF-EMF produces increases in testicular proteins in adults that are related to carcinogenic risk and reproductive damage. In light of the widespread practice of men carrying phones in their pockets near their gonads, where exposures can exceed as-tested guidelines, further study of these effects should be a high priority.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance training with and without vitamin E on the expression of p53 and Phosphatase and tension homolog (PTEN) tumor suppressor genes of prostate glands in male rats. For this purpose, 50 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups: (1) control group (CON, n = 10), (2) sham (S, n = 10), (3) endurance training (ET, n = 10), (4) endurance training + vitamin E (ET + VE, n = 10), (5) vitamin E (VE, n = 10). Endurance training protocol was implemented for 6 weeks, 6 days per week, in accordance with the overload principle. To measure expression changes of p53 and PTEN genes in rats' prostate, real-time PCR method was used and HPLC method was used to measure vitamin E in this tissue. After 6 weeks of taking vitamin E, its level in all groups, except for group VE (p < 0.000) did not significantly increase. After implementing training protocol, p53 expression reduced significantly in ET group (p < 0.026). Vitamin E supplementation along with endurance training did not cause any significant change either p53 or PTEN (respectively; p < 0.2, p < 0.11). Instead, vitamin E supplementation without endurance training caused significant increase in PTEN, but did not cause any significant changes in p53 (respectively; p < 0.016, p < 0.15). These results indicate that endurance training reduces p53 and PTEN tumor suppressing genes expression, and taking vitamin E supplement could increase expression of these genes in some extent.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the synthetic monomer which can be found in the environment. Limited animal and human studies have demonstrated that BPA alters endocrine and or metabolic functions. The aims of the present study were to evaluate serum BPA level in marketing seller women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hormonal and metabolic effects of this exposure compared to a control paired group. In a case-control study, 62 PCOS women who work as marketing sellers and 62 healthy women with similar jobs were included. The two groups were body mass index (BMI)- and age-matched. Serum samples were analyzed for BPA content, fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration, and LH:FSH ratio. Significant higher serum BPA content (0.48 ± 0.08 vs. 0.16 ± 0.04 ng/ml), triglyceride (103.05 ± 13.10 vs. 91.65 ± 12.52 mg/dl), cholesterol (165.05 ± 10.79 vs. 161.21 ± 10.31 mg/dl) levels and LH:FSH ratio (3.64 ± 0.86 vs. 0.62 ± 0.14) and significant lower TSH concentration (1.56 ± 0.68 vs. 2.15 ± 1.09 IU/ml) were detected in case against control group, respectively (P < 0.05). No significant differences were detected in FBS, LDL, and HDL levels between the two groups. Also, there were no significant associations between serum TSH concentration and BPA level neither in case (P = 0.269) nor in control (P = 0.532) groups. In BPA-exposed PCOS women, BPA level was higher than healthy women and this difference maybe the cause of significant differences in levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, TSH, and LH:FSH ratio. These observations confirm the potential role of BPA in PCOS pathophysiology.

Statement of the Problem: Oral mucositis (OM) is a common side effect of anti-cancer drugs and needs significant attention for its prevention., Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the healing effects of olive leaf extract on 5-fluorouracil-induced OM in golden hamster., Materials and Method: OM was induced in 63 male golden hamsters by the combination of 5-fluorouracil injections (days 0, 5 and 10) and the abrasion of the cheek pouch (days 3 and 4). On day 12, hamsters were received topical olive leaf extract ointment, base of ointment, or no treatment (control) for 5 days. Histopathology evaluations, blood examinations, and tissue malondialdehyde level measurement were performed 1, 3 and 5 days after treatments., Results: Histopathology score and tissue malondialdehyde level were significantly lower in olive leaf extract treated group in comparison with control and base groups ( p = 0.000). Significant decreases in white blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit , and mean corpuscular volume and an increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were observed in olive leaf extract treated group in comparison with control and base groups ( p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that daily application of olive leaf extract ointment had healing effect on 5-fluorouracil induced OM in hamsters. Moreover, the beneficial effect of olive leaf extract on OM might be due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of simple and microencapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus as probiotic with or without inulin as prebiotic on meat quality of broiler infected by avian influenza virus (H 9 N 2 ). Two hundred-day-old chicks were randomly allocated into 14 groups based on simple, microencapsulated probiotic and prebiotic and based on vaccination and challenge with H 9 N 2 virus. Groups 1-7 contained 20 chicks, and groups 8-12 and 14 contained 10 chicks. Group 13 was derived from group 1 with 10 chicks at challenge day with avian influenza virus (AIV). Half of the groups were vaccinated by H 9 N 2 vaccine on day 5. All groups except the negative control and positive vaccine control were challenged with 10 6.5 EID 50 of low-virulence H 9 N 2 AIV at day 21. Each bird was received 10 9 CFU of simple or microencapsulated probiotic on days 0 and 17 by gavage. Prebiotic as dose as 0.1 % of feed weight was used daily. Increase in water-holding capacity, dry matter, ash and protein content, and decrease in dripping loss plus beneficial changes in lightness and redness of breast meat were detected in response to probiotic especially microencapsulated synbiotic. In conclusion, probiotic alone or with prebiotic was able to improve the physicochemical properties of chicken breast muscle in both healthy and AIV-infected chickens.

Background/aims: Autoimmune cholangiopathy is part of a fibro-inflammatory immunoglobulin G-4 (IgG-4)-related systemic disease that causes biliary tract strictures. Its clinical presentation is quite similar to that of more common diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and pancreatobilliary malignancies. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence of IgG-4-associated cholangiopathy (IAC) in patients diagnosed with PSC and its relationship with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)., Materials and Methods: Serum IgG-4 levels were measured in 73 patients. Laboratory data and imaging and endoscopic results were collected from their medical records. The diagnosis of PSC was based on the results of imaging and laboratory data as well as clinical presentation., Results: Serum IgG-4 levels were elevated in 12 patients (16%); half of these patients had IBD. In the group of patients with normal serum IgG-4 levels, 39 patients (63.9%) had IBD (p=0.364). There were no significant statistical differences between PSC patients with normal and elevated serum IgG-4 levels in terms of age, smoking, presence of IBD, extension and severity of IBD, esophageal and gastric varices, Child and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores, and anatomical location of the biliary stricture (p>0.05). The prevalence of ascites was higher in patients with elevated serum IgG-4 levels (p=0.029)., Conclusion: Compared with previous reports, high serum IgG-4 levels were detected in a higher percentage of patients with a preliminary diagnosis of PSC (12% versus 16%). However, there were no clinical or imaging characteristics that could differentiate PSC patients with normal IgG-4 levels from PSC patients with higher IgG-4 levels.

Aim: Our aim was to survey the rate and risk factors for Hepatitis C virus interfamilial transmission among families with one index case., Background: The role of intrafamilial transmission in Hepatitis C virus epidemiology is still debated., Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 34 families (236 members) of HCV infected patients from Fars province, spring to summer 2013. All subjects were first evaluated for the risk factors of exposure and then their serum was checked for the presence of HCV antibody and the genome, using ELISA and PCR. The genotype of all PCR positive cases was also determined by a commercial assay. Two independent sample t test and Chi-Square test were used to compare groups together., Results: In 18 out of 34 families, HCV antibody was detected (52.9%) in new members. Among them, HCV transmission in 11 families (32%) was also confirmed by PCR. Having a history of intravenous drug abuse (P=0.006) and incarceration (P=0.01) showed to be important risk factors for interfamilial transmission. Hence, blade/needle sharing (P=0.016) just following molecular assay and sex (P=036) only in the serologic analysis were also determined as significant risk factors. Furthermore, based on serologic results, medium socioeconomic state was further associated with this manner of transmission (P=0.019 and P=0.328). Interestingly, among relatives, 13 cases were brothers while just 5 cases were couples. The genotypes 3a and 1a were more prevalent among the population., Conclusion: In conclusion, our finding highlighted a noticeable role of interfamilial transmission for HCV spread and supports the significant role of close relatives, especially brother relationship in this spread. Hence, the socioeconomic state was associated with the transmission rate of virus in the family.

BACKGROUND Some evidence, not in large study populations, suggests that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) share common interactions. We aimed to determine the prevalence of NAFLD and MetS in a large population registered to Kavar Cohort Study center. We also assessed the role of each component of MetS in NAFLD existence. METHODS Data were obtained from 3415 volunteers who called and refereed to our center. Complete anthropometric and laboratory measurement and abdominal ultrasonography was done for these individuals to screen NAFLD and its grade. A questionnaire was also used to obtain information on demographical and medical history and alcohol consumption. MetS was defined in all participants based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (2001) (NCEP/ATP-III) and criteria for clinical diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in Iranian adults (CCDMIA). RESULTS Among the refereed individuals, 2980 peoples were aged ≥18 years with male to women ratio of 1:2.45. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasound in 32.9% and 27.4% of men and women, respectively. MetS was detected in 65.9 and 64.6 of the patients with NAFLD (based on NCEP/ATP-III) and in 30.1% and 73.7% (based on CCDMIA) of men and women, respectively. There were no significant differences between two gender in none of the components (p>0.05). Although, OR for hyperglycemia and abdominal obesity were approximately high in CCDMIA criteria (0.9613 and 1.2082, respectively), the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION NAFLD was associated with MetS. However, it was not possible to determine whether NAFLD predating the development of MetS.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major blood-borne infection which imposes high economic cost on the patients., Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the total annual cost due to chronic HCV related diseases imposed on each patient and their family in Southern Iran., Patients and Methods: Economic burden of chronic hepatitis C-related liver diseases (chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma) were examined. The current retrospective study evaluated 200 Iranian patients for their socioeconomic status, utilization (direct and indirect costs) and treatment costs and work days lost due to illness by a structured questionnaire in 2015. Costs of hospital admissions were extracted from databases of Nemazee hospital, Shiraz, Iran. The outpatient expenditure per patient was measured through the rate of outpatient visits and average cost per visit reported by the patients; while the inpatient costs were calculated through annual rate of hospital admissions and average expenditure. Self-medication and direct non-medical costs were also reported. The human capital approach was used to measure the work loss cost., Results: The total annual cost per patient for chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on purchasing power parity (PPP) were USD 1625.50, USD 6117.2, and USD 11047.2 in 2015, respectively., Conclusions: Chronic hepatitis C-related liver diseases impose a substantial economic burden on patients, families and the society. The current study provides useful information on cost of treatment and work loss for different disease states, which can be further used in cost-effectiveness evaluations.

Background/aim: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease with unknown etiology. Several therapeutic strategies such as consumption of medicinal plants have been used for its treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate healing effects of Calendula officinalis hydroalcoholic extract in experimentally induced UC in rat., Materials and Methods: Ninety-six rats, weighing 200 ± 20 g, were randomly divided into eight equal groups. UC induced by 3% acetic acid and oral doses of C. officinalis extract, 1500 and 3000 mg/kg, and enema (gel 10% and 20%) were given. Two groups as positive controls were given asacol (enema) and oral mesalamine. Negative control groups were given normal saline and base gel. On days 3 and 7, intestinal histopathology and weight changes, plus oxidative stress indices including malondialdehyde (MDA) level and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were assayed., Results: A significant increase in the body weight of rats was seen in the group given C. officinalis extract 3000 mg/kg orally, oral mesalamine, and 20% intracolonic gel form of marigold extract compared with negative control and base gel groups during the experimental period. Acute inflammation and granular atrophy after UC induction were resolved completely completely by both 20% intracolonic gel and 3000 mg/kg orally. An increase in MPO activity and a decrease in MDA level in response to oral and intracolonic gel form of C. officinalis were observed 3 and and 7 days after treatment (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Our results indicate that oral and enema forms of hydroalcoholic extract of C. officinalis can be offered as are potential therapeutic agents for UC induced in rats.

The aim of the present study was stereological evaluation of testes of azoospermic animal model using busulfan in rat. Three groups of male adult rats were used in this study. The first group was injected by single dose of busulfan (10 mg kg(-1)) and their testes were removed on day 35 post injection. The second group received double doses of busulfan with 21 days interval and their testes were removed on day 35 after the second injection. The testes of the third group were removed without busulfan therapy. In 10 circular transverse sections of tubules stained with hematoxylin-eosin, stereological parameters were measured. The testes were rated for its spermatogenic potential on a modified spermatogenic scale of 0 to 6. Cellular (germinal epithelium) diameter and area of the seminiferous tubules, total diameter and cross sectional area of the tubules of the seminiferous tubules in rats that received double doses of busulfan were less than the rats in single dose of busulfan and control groups (p < 0.05). Spermatogenesis index of seminiferous tubules in rats receiving two doses of busulfan was less than the rats received one dose of busulfan (p < 0.001) and the index of both treatment groups were less than the control group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, two doses of busulfan injection with 21 days interval produced an appropriate experimental model of induced azoospermia with comparable stereological indices of seminiferous tubules in rat.

Background: Brucellosis is a major bacterial zoonosis of global importance with the causative organisms of Gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogens. The aims of this study were to standardize two immunoelectrophoretic techniques, rocket and cross immunoelectrophoresis, and compare their results with other conventional serodiagnostic tests., Methods: Sera from 15 sheep, without any history of brucellosis vaccination, infected with Brucella melitensis M16 subcutaneously, were employed in a comparison of culture, precipitating, and immunoelectrophoretic tests. A 125 days serologic follow-up was performed after the infection was started. As a reference, these tests also done in the five healthy sheep., Results: The results obtained with the rocket immunoelectrophoresis test correlated very well with those of the cross immunoelectrophoresis, whereas results of other tests such as culture, Rose Bengal, standard tube agglutination and 2-mercaptoethanol seruagglutination tests were inferior., Conclusion: As agglutination test shows cross reaction and a prozone phenomenon, and in blood culture, the bacteria is not always detectable, so they are time consuming rocket and cross immunoelectrophoresis are recommended because their results can be obtained in a shorter time.

Background: Recurrence of Hepatitis B Virus infection in patients undergoing liver transplanted (LT) is a serious and often fatal problem. Lamivudine (LAM) and Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) are widely used to manage hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation. However, the outcomes in patients are less elucidated., Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the YMDD motif mutations profile among the patients undergoing LT infected with HBV and treated with LAM/HBIG at least for one year., Patients and Methods: Thirty patients with liver transplantation due to HBV were enrolled, while DNA level remained under detection limit of 50 IU/mL before transplantation and abnormal higher levels of liver enzymes after LT. The HBV genome detection was performed by two different Polymerase Chain Reaction methods following viral quantification by commercial Real-Time PCR. HbsAg detection, besides liver function tests were conducted as complementary assays. To assess nucleotide analogue mutations, the major part of polymerase gene (aa 80 - 240) was amplified by Nested-PCR, introduced to sequencing and subjected to phylogenetic analysis., Results: Totally, according to the laboratory criteria there were 13 cases with detectable HBV genome, while the mean liver enzyme levels were higher in recurrent patients and HBsAg was detected only in four out of the 13 cases. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that all isolated genomes belonged to genotype D. Critical M204I mutation, as a proof for resistance to LAM, was detected among 46% of the subjects and natural entecavir resistance (S202I) was also distinguished in one subject. Viral quantification showed higher titer in LAM resistant group in comparison to the group with undetectable drug resistance mutant (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Although the patients carrying M204I mutation were more likely to show lack of responses to LAM therapy, LAM replacing by other nucleoside/tide analogs plus HBIG maybe still effective in decreasing hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation. However, it is suggested that drug resistance test should be considered by clinicians during therapeutic management to avoid the following viral breakthrough.

This work analyzes the effects of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) on the thyroid and antioxidant system, assessed by measuring levels of tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Forty adult male Sprague Dawley rats (225 ± 25 g) were divided into five equal groups: one control and four hyperthyroid groups that received placebo, 200 mg kg(-1) body weight of vitamin (Vit.) E, 225 mg kg(-1) body weight of SKEO, 200 and 225 mg kg(-1) body weight of Vit. E and SKEO together, respectively. Hyperthyroidism was induced by administering of L-thyroxin in drinking water. After 30 days of L-thyroxin consumption, serum T3 and T4 levels, TSH, and oxidative stress indices were determined. Significant increase in serum T3, T4 and MDA concentrations with a simultaneous significant decrease in TSH, GSH level and GPx activity were observed in hyperthyroid group (p <0.05). In the treatment groups, SKEO and/or Vit. E can compensate serum MDA elevation and GPx activity reduction. Only, SKEO + Vit. E could compensate the decline of GSH levels in response to hyperthyroidism. Supplementation of SKEO, plus Vit. E as antioxidants is useful in attenuating lipid peroxidation and may potentially benefit hyperthyroid patients.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major blood-borne infection with silent epidemic, major global public health problem and diverse prevalence worldwide., Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HCV infection and related risk factors in the general population of two villages, Farmashkan and Akbarabad, of the Kavar City in Fars Province, Iran., Patients and Methods: A 34-month cross-sectional study was performed on all people of the villages aged ≥ 7 years from July 2007 to April 2010. Demographic information and history of HCV-related risk factors were extracted from their medical records. For each participant, the serum anti-HCV IgG was assessed by the commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits., Results: A total of 6095 participants (36.4% male and 65.6% female) with the mean age of 92 (7-95) and mean ± SD of 34.6 ± 17.3 years were included in this study. Fifteen persons (0.24%) were detected as HCV-positive and the highest prevalence was seen in age ≤ 12 years old (1%). A significant association was only detected between blood transfusion and HCV infection; therefore, those persons with history of blood transfusion had 15-fold higher risk for HCV seropositivity (odds ratio 15.54, 95% CI = 4.89-49.41)., Conclusions: Our reported rate of HCV seropositivity is similar to the previous Iranian reports. However, future evaluations should be focused on the Polymerase Chain Reaction method for the detection of HCV and determining and evaluating of other related risk factors. Moreover, more attention should be paid to blood donors as a reservoir population of HCV.

The use of electromagnetic field (EMF) generating apparatuses such as cell phones is increasing, and has caused an interest in the investigations of its effects on human health. We analyzed proteome in preparations from the whole testis in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats that were exposed to 900 MHz EMF radiation for 1, 2, or 4 h/day for 30 consecutive days, simulating a range of possible human cell phone use. Subjects were sacrificed immediately after the end of the experiment and testes fractions were solubilized and separated via high-resolution 2D electrophoresis, and gel patterns were scanned, digitized, and processed. Thirteen proteins, which were found only in sham or in exposure groups, were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS. Among them, heat shock proteins, superoxide dismutase, peroxiredoxin-1, and other proteins related to misfolding of proteins and/or stress were identified. These results demonstrate significant effects of radio frequency modulated EMFs exposure on proteome, particularly in protein species in the rodent testis, and suggest that a 30-day exposure to EMF radiation induces nonthermal stress in testicular tissue. The functional implication of the identified proteins was discussed., (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

This work analyzes the effects of radiofrequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure on the reproductive system of male rats, assessed by measuring circulating levels of FSH, LH, inhibin B, activin B, prolactin, and testosterone. Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (180 ± 10 g) were exposed to 900 MHz RF-EMF in four equal separated groups. The duration of exposure was 1, 2, and 4 h/day over a period of 30 days and sham-exposed animals were kept under the same environmental conditions as the exposed group except with no RF-EMF exposure. Before the exposure, at 15 and 30 days of exposure, determination of the abovementioned hormone levels was performed using ELISA. At the end of the experiment, FSH and LH values of the long time exposure (LTE) group were significantly higher than the sham-exposed group (p < 0.05). Serum activin B and prolactin in the LTE group showed significant increase and inhibin B showed significant decrease than sham and short time exposed (STE) groups after 30 days RF-EMF exposure (p < 0.05). Also, a significant decrease in serum testosterone levels in the LTE group was found compared to short and moderate time exposed (MTE) groups after 30 days RF-EMF exposure (p < 0.05). Results suggest that reproductive hormone levels are disturbed as a result of RF-EMF exposure and it may possibly affect reproductive functions. However, testosterone and inhibin B concentrations as a fertility marker and spermatogenesis were decreased significantly.

Objectives: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. Although psoriasis is clinically and histologically well characterized, its pathogenesis is unknown in detail. The aims of this study were to evaluate the proteome of psoriatic patients' sera and to compare them with those of normal healthy human to find valuable biomarkers., Materials and Methods: In a case-control study, twenty cases of white patients with psoriasis vulgaris, 10 males and 10 females and sixteen healthy controls, 8 males and 8 females were enrolled in the study. The serum protein expression patterns obtained after depletion of albumin were compared by using two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) coupled to MALDI/TOF-TOF to identify disease associated proteins., Results: Differential expression of nine protein spots representing four unique proteins including alpha-1 antitrypsin, retinol binding protein, keratin 10 and an unknown protein (with pI 6.47 and molecular weight of 19941 Da), between psoriatic and healthy human serum were found. Furthermore, expression of four new alpha-1 antitrypsin isoforms with different molecular weight and isoelectric point were observed in psoriatic serums in this research for the first time., Conclusion: A unique proteomic profiling with abnormal expression of alpha-1 antitrypsin and presence of keratin 10 in sera of psoriasis patients were observed that may constitute new and useful findings of psoriasis and offer a clue to a better understanding of the inflammatory pathway.

Objective: Scutellaria luteo-caerulea Bornm. & Snit. is one of the species of genus Scutellaria, within the family of the Lamiaceae, that is used for immune system stimulation and antibacterial effects in traditional medicine in Iran. The aims of this study were to analyze essential oils and mineral element contents of leaves of S. luteo-caerulea in flowering stage of development., Materials and Methods: The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation of the leaves of S. luteo-caerulea and were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Moreover, microwave digestion with atomic absorption spectrophotometry were used for the mineral elements assay., Results: Ninety-seven constituents were detected. Between them, the major components were trans-caryophyllene (25.4%), D-germacrene (7.9%), and linalool (7.4%). Determination of mineral elements showed that the highest minerals were Ca(2+) (65.14±1.95 µg/ml) and K(+) (64.67±3.10 µg/ml)., Conclusion: Presence of different essential oils and rich sources of Ca(2+) and K(+) candidate this plant as an auxiliary medication in different diseases, but more complementary researches are needed about its potency and side effects.

Objective: To describe a minimally invasive technique for preparation of teaser rams by needle-assisted ligation through the tail of the epididymis., Study Design: Experimental study., Animals: Mature rams (n=6), estrus-induced ewes (2). METHODS; After local anesthesia, epididymis ligation was achieved by restraining the testis distally within the scrotal sac and passing suture through a hypodermic needle inserted between tail of epididymis and distal pole of testis, caudomedial to craniolateral through the scrotum. The needle was removed leaving the suture in place and the testis pushed up dorsally, then the needle was reinserted through the original holes and the suture passed back through the needle, which was withdrawn. This resulted in the suture forming a complete loop around the epididymis. The suture ends were tied ligating the epididymis. Semen was evaluated pre- and postligation. Testes were removed after 30 days for gross and histologic examination., Results: Epididymis ligation was accomplished without postoperative complications. Three weeks after the epididymis ligation, no motile and live spermatozoa were found in ejaculates. From 5 to 28 days after epididymis ligation, attraction to ewes and libido was unchanged and similar to 14 days before ligation., Conclusions: This novel minimally invasive technique is a simple, alternative method for preparation of teaser rams., Clinical Relevance: This method is simply performed, without skin wounds, and minimal postoperative care is needed. The technique should be readily adaptable to other species.