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Background and purpose: Unpredictable stressors cause changes in behavioral parameters such as motor and exploratory behaviors, feeding, and sexual and anxiety behaviors. Stress leads to the release of corticosteroids and, as a result, causes dysfunction in different parts of the nervous system. A decrease in the synaptic levels of serotonin or norepinephrine in different parts of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex and a decrease in BDNF production in the hippocampus may also contribute to stress-related complications. Posttraumatic stress disorder occurs in some people after facing a severe stressful event. In PTSD, the activity and function of many physiological systems are disturbed. Fluoxetine, or Prozac, is used to treat neurological disorders such as depression and anxiety and inhibits the reuptake of serotonin by the serotonin transporter (SERT) in neurons. Some studies have shown that females respond better to SSRI antidepressants than males, which may be due to the interaction between estrogenic and serotonergic pathways. BDNF is a member of the neurotrophin family and is expressed in several tissues and cells such as the brain and blood. Its role in several mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and PTSD, has been identified. SPS (single prolonged stress) as an animal model of PTSD decreases the mRNA expression of BDNF in hippocampus rats and causes anxiety-like behaviors. The role of gender differences in the effect of antidepressants and clinical interventions in psychotic diseases is also discussed. Sex hormones in women affect the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of antidepressants. Women respond better to fluoxetine than men during reproductive years. Considering the different results regarding the effectiveness of effective drugs in the treatment of psychotic diseases in both sexes, in this study, we aim to investigate the response of male and female rats exposed to stress to the trial of fluoxetine. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, Wistar male and female rats with an average weight of 200-250 grams were used (56 animals, 8 groups of 7). The selection of the number of animals was based on previous studies in this field. After the drug intervention period, and fear and anxiety suppression test, the animals were killed under deep anesthesia, and a blood sample was collected to prepare serum to measure BDNF and corticosterone levels (using the Eliza kit of Germany Zelbio Company and according to the kit protocol). All experiments were performed according to the laboratory animal protocol of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. The work steps are as follows: 1. Creation of PTSD through SPS was done in three stages, 2. Drug intervention: the drug dose for all groups is 10 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks dissolved in drinking water, 3. Evaluation of anxiety-like behaviors with the light-dark box (L/D BOX), 4. Evaluation of the ability to forget painful memories with the fear silence test, 5. Measurement of BDNF and corticosterone in serum by Eliza method. Results: In this study, it was observed that male and female rats that were exposed to single prolonged stress showed a decrease in fear extinction an increase in anxiety-like behaviors in the dark-light box test, and an increase in serum corticosterone. Fluoxetine led to an increase in the percentage of fear extinction, a decrease in the Entrance Latency in the light area, the Time in the Light Compartment, the number of rearing, and a decrease in serum corticosterone significantly in both sexes(P<0.05). The change in serum BDNF levels in both sexes before and after stress was not significant. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that exposure to stress leads to behavioral and biochemical damage in male and female rats. The use of fluoxetine 10 mg/kg for 4 weeks improved the damage caused by stress, but there was a significant difference in Response of both genders to the above treatment was not observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has increased along with the global epidemic of obesity. One of the most important advances in metabolic surgery is its impact on type 2 diabetes. In this review, the effect of metabolic surgeries, and their physiological and molecular effects have been investigated on weight loss, improvement of diabetes, and metabolic disorders. Materials and methods: Metabolic surgeries have been introduced as an effective treatment modality for type 2 diabetes. This review discusses various types of metabolic surgeries along with their benefits and drawbacks. It also explores the different physiological and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the improvement or remission of diabetes. Results: In general, anatomical, physiological, and molecular changes in the gastrointestinal tract, independent of weight loss, can effectively improve blood glucose levels and regulate insulin secretion over a long period. The most important effects of metabolic surgery include enhanced insulin sensitivity, improved functionality and enhanced quantity of β cells in the pancreas, increased insulin release by affecting incretin hormones, alterations in the configuration and circulation of bile acids and intestinal microbiota, and improvement in intestinal glucose metabolism. Conclusion: Considering the significant effects of metabolic surgery on improving type 2 diabetes independent of weight loss, it would be valuable to explore the different mechanisms that contribute to glucose reduction after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: In the present study, Micro-capsulated fish oil omega-3 fatty acids and Lactobacillus Plantarum produced by electrostatic interaction coacervation was investigated in three biopolymer formulations. Materials and methods: Three biopolymer formulations of fish gelatin-gum Arabic, fish gelatin–chitosan, and gum Arabic-gelatin were used to study the effect of wall materials. Also, we investigated the effect of wall-to-core materials ratio at 2: 1, 3: 1, and 4: 1 and homogenizer speeds of 3500 and 7000 rpm. Results: The results of the microencapsulation efficiency of omega-3 fatty acids showed that treatment 12 had the highest yield (96.26 ± 0.19). It contained a biopolymer mixture containing gelatinchitosan which surrounded a high percentage of omega-3, while the amount of omega-3 on the surface of the capsule was very low. Also, treatment 6 containing gelatin wall materials and gum Arabic had a high ability to surround bacteria and compared to free bacteria, the bacterial mortality rate was lower when exposed to simulated gastric conditions. In addition, after being in the simulated intestinal condition, the number of bacteria increased after 120 minutes that shows the capsule has released its compounds in alkaline conditions of the intestine. Conclusion: This study showed that using the combined coacervation technique using fish gelatin biopolymers, chitosan, and gum Arabic as wall materials, can produce omega-3 capsules and Lactobacillus Plantarum in micrometer sizes. They can play a protective role in preventing the oxidation of probiotic and omega-3 bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Stress and socio-economic and psychological consequences of COVID-19 pandemic have affected family and marital relationships. The present study investigated the frequency of marital conflicts and related factors in Mazandaran province, north of Iran during this pandemic. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 357 married people were selected by convenience sampling via social networks in 2020. Data were electronically collected using demoghraphic and medical checklist and the Marital Conflict Questionnaire- revised form (MCQ-R). Data were analyzed in SPSS V25. Results: The average age of participants was 38.2±9.9 years. The average duration of marriage was 14.9±10.7 years. The total mean score for marital conflicts was 103.8±28.3 indicating a moderate level of conflict. The respondents reported mild (n=188, 57.7), moderate (n=132, 40.5), and severe (n=6, 1.8) levels of marital conflicts. Significant direct relationships were found between marital conflicts and age, gender, educational level, remarriage, nuclear family or extended family, history of marital conflict before the pandemic, individual or family history of COVID-19, and number of children (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to current study, social health authorities are suggested to be prepared to predict the family-marital consequences of a pandemic such as COVID-19 and take necessary preventive and treatment actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]