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Objective(s): Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are tissue-resident lymphocytes that have vital roles in activating further immune responses. However, due to their tumor-induced diversity, we decided to examine ILCs, T cells, and the associated cytokines in mouse models of breast cancer. Materials and Methods: 4T1 and MC4-L2 cells were used to induce triple-negative and hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, respectively. Tumor tissue was resected at early and late stages of tumor growth and used for further analysis. Total RNA was extracted and used in Real-Time PCR to analyze the expression of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-22. Tumor tissue was digested and used in a flow cytometric assay. H&E staining was used to examine the pathology of tumor progression. Results: Both tumor models showed a notable increase in T-cell frequency at the early stage of tumor growth. However, as the tumors progressed, the frequency of T cells significantly decreased, while the ILC component exhibited a significant increase in tumor progression. Gene analysis indicated a significant increase in the inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokine ratio during tumor progression in the tumor model. In contrast, this ratio was considerably reduced in advanced MC4-L2 tumors. Both tumor models showed the development of invasive breast carcinoma and lung metastasis in advanced tumors. Conclusion: Our study highlighted the expansion of ILCs during tumor progression in two distinct breast cancer models with different immunogenicity. These findings suggest that ILCs may actively modulate the tumor microenvironment during the advanced stage of tumor growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The works done in the study area indicate the potential of the existing fault systems in the region to cause large earthquakes, i.e. magnitude close to 7. In addition, an exact understanding of source parameters gives rise to the recognition of the physical process that occurs as a result of an earthquake. This concept is one of the most important parameters that ultimately leads to the identification of both main and auxiliary planes. The purpose of this study is to determine the mechanism of the Mw 5.7 earthquake occurred in the southeastern region of Damghan at 19:23:48 UTC (23:53:48 local time) on 27 August 2010 (as the biggest event of the last few decades in this region) and its largest aftershock. In this work, nodal planes were first obtained by using timedomain moment tensor inversion method; then, the main fault plane was determined using the geometrical method of H-C which can be implemented by obtaining a centroid moment tensor solution and earthquake focal parameters. Furthermore, the stability of the solution was checked by condition number and jackknifing test. According to the results of this research, a branch of the Toroud fault zone with left-lateral strike-slip motion and northeast-southwest strike was the causative fault of this event. Moreover, the strike, dip and rake of these two events were determined 215, 78, 8 and 222, 66, 11 degrees, respectively. Due to the fact that this area has not been significantly active before, careful monitoring and further studies in such areas is necessary to prevent serious damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Liver ischemia-reperfusion injuries (I/RI) are typically the main causes of liver dysfunction after various types of liver surgery especially liver transplantation. Radical components are the major causes of such direct injuries. We aimed to determine the beneficial effects of silibinin, a potent radical scavenger on liver I/RI. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two rats were divided into 4 groups. Group I: VEHICLE, the rats underwent laparotomy and received DMSO, group II: SILI, laparotomy was done and silibinin was administered. Group III: I/R, the rats received DMSO and were subjected to a liver I/R procedure and group IV: I/R+SILI, the animals underwent the I/R procedure and received silibinin. After 1 hr of ischemia followed by 3 hr reperfusion, blood was collected to evaluate the serum marker of liver injuries. Hepatic tissue was harvested to investigate glycogen content, histological changes, and vasoregulatory gene expression. Results: Results showed that serum AST, ALT, LDH, GGT, ALP, and hyaluronic acid (HA) increased significantly in I/R group compared with the VEHICLE group. Silibinin reduced this elevation except for GGT. Silibinin inhibited hepatocyte vacuolization and degeneration, endothelium damages, sinusoidal congestion and inflammation, and glycogen depletion during I/R. ET-1 mRNA was overproduced in the I/R group compared with the VEHICLE group which was decreased by silibinin. KLF2 and eNOS expression was reduced during I/R compared with the VEHICLE group. Silibinin elevated KLF2 expression but had no meaningful effect on eNOS expression. Conclusion: Silibinin protected the liver from I/RI. Silibinin could improve liver circulation by preventing sinusoidal congestion, inflammation, and perhaps modification of the vasoregulatory gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary tumors of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are rare. The most common primary malignancy is leiomyosarcoma (LMS), with a severe prognosis. Right-atrium (RA) involvement is seen in about 20 percent of cases. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman admitted to the intensive care unit because of progressive dyspnea with lower limb edema. Echocardiography demonstrated a large mass in the RA. At open-heart surgery, the tumor appeared located in the IVC infrahepatic segment, completely obstructing the lumen and extending into the suprahepatic portion and the RA. Histopathological examination concluded to LMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatotoxicity is one of the most common side effects of methotrexate (MTX) therapy in patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of vitamin E against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity using 99mTc-phytate as a radiopharmaceutical agent in animals. Rats were divided into five groups as follows: control, solvent, Vit E (100 mg/kg), MTX (20 mg/kg) and Vit E + MTX. Animals were intraperitoneally injected with Vit E for 17 days before MTX injection and continued for 4 days. 99mTc-phytate was injected into the tail of rats after the 21 days of Vit E administration. Percentage of the injected dose per gram of liver and spleen tissues (%ID/g) was calculated in treated rats. Liver imaging was obtained with gamma camera. In other experiment, liver of treated rats was assessed for histopathology. 99mTc-phytate uptake (%ID/g) of livers in control, solvent, Vit E, MTX and Vit E + MTX groups were 8.99% ± 1.37, 8.53% ± 2.91, 8.65% ± 3.84, 3.22% ± 1.09 and 8.38% ± 2.68. Vit E administration resulted in a significant increase of the level of %ID/g in MTX-injected animal. Vit E pre-treatment improved the shape of liver in MTX-treated rat which was seen abnormal view in planar imaging. Histophatological examinations approved the protective effect of Vit E against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The results of this study show that Vit E significantly attenuates the MTX-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, and 99mTc-phytate is an acceptable radiopharmaceutical agent for assessment of liver and spleen damages in the animal model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. We compared the efficacy of P. granatum (P) flower extract with that of silver sulfadiazine (SSD) for treating thermal burn injuries in rats. Methods. Ten Wistar rats in each group were topically given base cream, normal saline, cream containing 1% SSD, or creams containing 5% or 10% Punica granatum flower extract. The treatments were administered once daily until complete wound healing was observed. The wound area and healing time were assessed. In addition, percentage wound contraction and histopathological characteristics such as neovascularization and collagen formation were determined. The tannin content in P. granatum extract was determined. Results. The decrease in the average size of wounds on day 15 of the treatment was higher in rats treated with creams containing P. granatum extract than in rats treated with cream containing SSD (2.8±0.9 cm2 versus 8.4±3.2 cm2). The wounds completely healed on day 25 of the treatment in rats treated with creams containing P. granatum flower extract compared with those in rats treated with the other agents. Conclusion. These results indicated that P. granatum flower extract promoted wound healing in rats and could be used for managing burn injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Uric acid has antioxidant activity and it is expected to protect against coronary artery disease (CAD). Contradictory, it is a component of metabolic syndrome and so a risk factor for CAD. The associations of plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and uric acid (UA) as well as other risk factors were investigated relative to the occurrence and severity of CAD. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 148 males and 152 females aged 35-76 years who were classified as CAD cases and controls according to the results of coronary angiography. The severity of CAD was scored on the basis of the number and the extent of lesions at coronary arteries. The concentrations of UA and TAOC were measured by using of FRAP and enzymatic uricase methods. Results: The prevalence of hypertension, cigarette smoking and diabetes mellitus was more frequent in CAD cases than controls. Patients with CAD when compared with the controls had increased levels of glucose, triglycerides, creatinine, UA, TAOC and decreased levels of HDL- cholesterol. Serum UA was high positive correlate of serum total and LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinine, BUN, bilirubin, TAOC and negative correlate of glucose and HDL-C. TAOC and its major determinant UA but not bilirubin and albumin are significantly associated with the prevalence and severity of CAD. In multivariate analysis and in the absence of hypertension, UA but not TAOC would remain and be associated with CAD by the OR of 1.57 (1.07- 2.29), p=0.02. If the results adjusted for all major risk factors including hypertension, neither TAOC nor UA would remain in the regression equation. Conclusion: The results suggest that TAOC and UA but not bilirubin and albumin are associated with CAD significantly. But, the correlation is not independent and is attributed to the metabolic syndrome. The measurement of UA and TAOC will not improve the prognostic power beyond the classical risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, we investigated the protective effect of thymol as a natural compound against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by quantitative renal 99mTc-DMSA uptake and compared its effect with histopathology in mice. Materials and methods: Mice were divided into six groups as control, cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), thymol + cisplatin (thymol; 50 and 150 mg/kg + cisplatin; 7.5 mg/kg) and thymol (50 and 150 mg/kg). Thymol was orally administrated for two days before cisplatin injection and continued for 4 days. 99mTc-DMSA was injected through the tail of mice after the drug administration. The percentage of the injected dose per gram of kidney tissue (%ID/g) was calculated. In other experiment, kidneys of treated mice were assessed for histopathology. Results: 99mTc-DMSA uptake per gram tissue of the kidneys as %ID/g was 85.27 ± 21.81, 45.55 ± 5.50, 65.02 ± 32.21 and 88.46 ± 20.46 in the control, cisplatin, thymol (50 mg/kg) + cisplatin and thymol (150 mg/kg) + cisplatin. Thymol administration with cisplatin resulted in a significant increase in the level of %ID/g. Histopathological examinations showed a protective effect of thymol against cisplatin nephrotoxicity in mice. Conclusion: The results showed that thymol significantly attenuates the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice, and 99mTc-DMSA uptake in kidney is a suitable method for assessment of nephrotoxicity in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trace elements such as manganese have an important role in the maintenance of the normal structure and physiology of cells. Manganese is involved in many biological processes. Therefore, an evaluation of the manganese in the atherosclerotic disease is important. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 334 subjects, without recent cardiac event and history of collagen vascular or infectious disease were investigated. All patients divided into 4 groups to evaluate severity of coronary artery disease according to Syntax scoring system. All groups were matched in cardiovascular risk factors. Results: The serum level of manganese in normal coronary group was 1.47±0.23 μg/L and in total atherosclerotic groups was 1.06±0.37 g/L. The serum level of manganese was significantly lower in total atherosclerotic groups than normal group (p=0.001) and significantly decreased with severity of atherosclerosis. The serum level of manganese was significantly lower in sever atherosclerosis patients than mild and moderate coronary artery disease groups (p=0.001). Conclusion: The finding indicated that the serum level of manganese is lower in atherosclerotic patients and it decreases with severity of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most important cause of mortality in the world. About half of cardiovascular risk factors have not been completely understood. Oxidation of LDL by oxidants such as iron plays a central role in atherogenesis. As a result, evaluation of the iron stores is important in the risk evaluation of the atherosclerotic disease. Methods: This cross sectional study was performed on 337 patients with chronic stable angina hospitalized in Sari heart center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences from February 2010 to July 2012. Coronary angiography was performed and the angiograms were evaluated by two cardiologists. Moreover, blood samples were collected after a 14-hour fast immediately before the coronary angiography in order to measure the total cholesterol, HDL- cholesterol, and glucose. The patients were divided into four groups to evaluate the severity of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) according to Syntax scoring system. Results: The study results revealed a significant difference among the four study groups regarding the iron serum level. It was significantly higher in the sever atherosclerosis group compared to the normal (P=0.0122), mild (P=0.023), and moderate CAD groups (P<0.001). Conclusions: The findings indicated that the serum level of iron was higher in the atherosclerotic patients and increased with the severity of CAD. Therefore, a basic relationship probably exists between the serum iron level and CAD. Further prospective and experimental studies are needed to confirm the association between the iron status and atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Iranian traditional medicine literature has suggested the efficacy of Arnebia euchroma roots in healing burn wound. The present study aims to investigate the healing effect of Arnebia euchroma ointment 5% and 10% on burn wound in rats, as compared to silver sulfadiazine. Materials and Methods: After obtaining approval of Ethics Committee, fifty rats were divided into 5 equal groups receiving the ointment base, Arnebia euchroma ointment (A5%, A10%), normal saline (NS) and silver sulfadiazine (SSD %). The mean of burn area, percentage of wound contraction, histological and bacteriological assessments in the injured area were determined during the study. Results The mean area of wound on the 10th day were 10.2±2., 8.4±2.6, 12.4±2.5, 5.9±2.2 and 5.7±2 cm² for ointment base, NS, 1% SSD, and 5% and 10% A, respectively. Wound size was significantly lower in 10% A than 1% SSD and the control groups on the 10th day post-burn injury. On the 11th day, the percentage of wound contraction in 5% and 10% A was 53.9%±14.7% and 55.9±10.5%, which was more than 1% SSD (15.3±10.8%). The collagen fibers were well-formed and horizontally-oriented in 5% and 10% A groups, as compared to the other groups. Conclusion Arnebia euchroma ointment was an effective treatment for healing burn wounds in comparison with SSD and can be regarded as an alternative topical treatment for burn wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a neurotropic parasite with lifelong persistence in the host brain. Many researchers suggested toxoplasmosis as a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the link between them has not been fully elucidated. Objectives: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of chronic toxoplasmosis infection with Types I (RH), II (PRU), and III (VEG) strains alone and in combination on cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's rat model. Methods: Seven months after the inoculation of the strains, AD was induced bilaterally in rats by injecting human amyloid beta 1-42 (Aβ1-42) peptide into the brain hippocampus. Behavioral tests, including the elevated plus maze (EPM) and Morris water maze (MWM) were conducted 10 days after the AD induction. Results: Our findings showed that chronic infection with RH strain increased anxiety-like behavior in the Alzheimer's rats in the EPM. In agreement with EPM findings, rats infected with the RH strain exacerbated spatial learning disorders in the MWM test; however, it did not affect the spatial memory. Conversely, infection with the PRU strain significantly enhanced spatial learning without being able to improve memory impairments in the Alzheimer's rat model. Improvement in spatial learning and memory impairments were also observed in rats infected with PRU and VEG strains in combination. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings suggest that chronic infection with PRU strain, as well as PRU and VEG strains in combination, can significantly improve cognitive deficits induced by Aβ1-42 in Alzheimer's rats, while RH strain plays a detrimental role in AD pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Analysis of cardiovascular diseases etiology and risk factors have pointed out strong correlation between cardiovascular disease and risk factors such as hypertension , diabetes mellitus , serum cholestrol level, although only 50% of coronary arteries diseases( CADs) are demonstrable by such factors. For this reason researchers have conducted many studies for definition of different risk factors and have proposed new markers such as homocystein.Such researchs on the basis of correlation between homocystein and CADs have showed different or even paradoxical conclusion. In this research we have studied the associations of plasma homocystein levels with mortality and complications of Myocardial Infarction with ST segment Elevation (STEMI) in patients admitted Fatemeh Zahra hospital of Sari, during the year 1389. Materials and methods: This study was Cross-sectional and we investigated the patients with STEMI who had no history of previous MI and had referred to hospital in less than 24 h from symptom beginning. 5 cc of blood sample was taken from all patients after 12 hrs fasting for detection of homocystein. Plasma lipids and suger were also measured .Patients were followed during hospitalization for mortality and electrical or mechanical complications then were compared in two groups of normal and increased homocystein. Results: Of 230 subjects, 150(65.2%) of patients had normal homocystein levels and others (80 or34.8%) had increased homocystein (>17micromol/lit). 2(1.3%)patients amonge subjects with normal homocystein levels,and 4(5%) patients amonge groupe with increased homocystein died. All of the mechanical complications (including; 2 (2.5%) VSD and 1(1.3%) tamponad) were detected in patients with increased homocystein. We had no case of MR. Finally, electrical complications were in 40(26.7%) patients with normal homocystein, and 19(23.8%) patients with increased homocystein. Except combination of tamponad and VSD in subjects with high homocystein, other complications including mortality, and electrical complications were no different in two groups of patients. Conclusion: This study showed increased incidence of combination of VSD and tamponad in patients with high homocystein during STEMI. It not showed correlation between homocystein, with another mechanichal complications, electrical complications and hospital mortality of STEMI. This results support the modest correlation between homocystein and complications of STEMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most important pathogens in immunocompromised patients, those who need regular blood transfusion, and renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis. The aim of this investigation was to study the epidemiology of cytomegalovirus in hemodialysis patients in Sari, Iran. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 180 hemodialysis patients attending two referral centers in Sari, 2017-2018. To include the patients we considered sociodemographic characteristics, blood transfusion history and period, and duration and frequency/week of hemodialysis. Blood samples were collected from all patients and after centrifuge, serum samples were examined for CMV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical tests including Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis, and descriptive analysis including proportion for qualitative data and median (quartile range 25-75) for quantitative data were used. Results: The participants were 180 patients, including 93 (51.7%) females and 87 (48.3%) males (mean age: 61.5±14.4). All patients (100%) were positive for anti-CMV IgG antibody. There were no significant relationships between antibody titer and sex, age, dialysis period, dialysis duration, dialysis frequency per week, transfusion, transplantation, or HBV and HCV status (P >0.05). Conclusion: Our findings showed high frequency of CMV-IgG positive in hemodialysis patients. Due to the possibility of CMV infection progression in immunocompromised patients, especially those who undergo hemodialysis, screening programs should be performed to prevent adverse consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Annually heart failure includes about three million emergency outpatient visits in the United States. In heart failure NT-proBNP will be released in response to increased myocardial stretch Materials and methods: This study was conducted in 80 individuals attending Fatemeh Zahra Hospital, in Sari, 2010-2011. Patients with GFR≤60, age≥75, atrial fibrillation (AF) and hypertension (BP≥160.100) were excluded. The patients were carefully examined and 60 patients with DHF were divided into three groups; Group1 LVEF≤30%, group 2 LVEF≤31-39%, group 3 LVEF≤40-49%. Twenty healthy people with normal LVEF≥50% were also studied to determine the cut point. Results: The highest level of NT-pro BNP was observed in group 1 (5370.10 ± 1781.90) and the lowest level was seen in group 4 (36.75 ± 24.32). Significant differences were found between the groups in NT-pro BNP level (P<0.001). Also, incomplete and reverse correlation was observed between LVEF values and serum level NT-pro BNP (R= -0.699). Conclusion: When LVEF reduced NT-pro BNP levels increased significantly which indicates an incomplete and reverse correlation between them. This finding allows using NT-pro BNP level for approximate estimation of ejection fraction in clinical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]