Search

Three new electrodes were prepared by incorporating two different charge-transfer complexes and amino crown ether into plasticized PVC membranes. The electrodes showed Nernstian response to triiodide ion over the activity range from 1.0 x [10.sup.-5] to 1.0 x [10.sup.-1] mol * [L.sup.-1] with detection limits at ~1.0 x [10.sup.-6] mol * [L.sup.-1]. The resulting electrodes have fast response times (20-30 s) and good stabilities (4 months) and can be used over a wide pH range of 2.5-9.0. The proposed electrodes exhibit anti-Hofmeister behavior with excellent selectivity toward triiodide ion against a wide range of common interferences. Comparative study suggests that amino (aza) crown ether alone or in the form of a charge-transfer complex with iodine, as an ionophore in a PVC liquid membrane, is sensitive to triiodide ion. The electrodes were used as indicator electrodes in potentiometric titration of triiodide ion against thiosulfate ion.

BACKGROUND This clinical investigation aimed to compare the efficacy of treatment of peptic ulcer hemorrhage by argon plasma coagulation (APC) via contact heat probe method (heater probe) along with epinephrine injection. METHODS 100 patients who underwent endoscopic treatment, were randomly divided into two groups consisting of 50 patients each. In the first group, an intervention was performed using foot pedal and 2.3 mm and 3.2 mm argon probes placed in a 2 to 8 mm distance of delivery place leading to plasma coagulation, sufficient necrosis and hemostasis. In the second group, wound press contact probe was used for wound healing with 15 watts of heat for about 25 degrees, causing coagulation and hemostasis. To evaluate and compare the ulcer treatment in both groups, the patient progress results were monitored for a period of one month from the day of discharge. Statistical analyses of data were performed using SPSS software version 22 along with Chi-square test and T-test. RESULTS No significant difference observed in two groups in term of age, sex and clinical symptoms, but patients treated with APC method had higher hemoglobin levels (p < 0.001). The duration of intervention and abdominal bloating in APC group was significantly higher with two cases of readmission. In HP group, 3 cases (6.3%) had treatment failure and an average transfused blood was significantly higher in the HP group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Endoscopy treatment duration was significantly lower in patients treated with the HP method due to separate washing route. HP method seems to be more appropriate for treatment of cases with abdominal bloating, distal gastric lesion and HP bulbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate motility, viability, DNA integrity and apoptosis of spermatozoa when washed semen samples were kept for up to 12 days at 4–6°C and 25°C. In this experimental study, 26 normozoospermic semen samples were washed twice in Modified Ham's F10 and resuspended in IVF fertilisation medium. Half of the specimens were stored at 4–6°C, and the other half was kept at 25°C for 12 days. The proportions of viable, motile, spermatozoa with double‐stranded DNA and apoptotic spermatozoa were examined during storage time. Apoptosis was measured using annexin V‐PI staining followed by flow cytometry. Results showed that sperm motility and viability decreased during 12 days of sample storage (p <.001). There was no significant difference between the two temperatures in terms of motility and viability for up to 2 days (p <.05). The percentage of spermatozoa with double‐stranded DNA remained unchanged during the 12 days of storage at both temperatures (p >.05). Although there was no difference between the two temperatures in terms of motility, viability and apoptosis during the first two days of storage, storage of spermatozoa at 4–6°C is better than storage for a longer period than storage at 25°C. Sperm DNA resisted against denaturation during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of vitamin E as an antioxidant and iron-containing compounds on DNA is not well defined. So, recent study was carried out to determine the role of vitamin E and iron, as both separate and combined effect on sperm protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation in male rabbits. Methods: This study included 42 male rabbits which were randomly divided into seven groups each containing six rabbits.They were all treated under special diets for 6 weeks. After this period the animals were anesthetized and sacrificed .The epididymis duct and vas deferens were dissected and their sperms were extracted from it by Ham's f10 solution. Sperm DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency were evaluated by the acridine orange and chromomycin A3 staining, respectively. Findings: The mean values of protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation were significantly higher in group that concomitant use of cholesterol and iron. In addition, Vitamin E as an antioxidant agent has a significant effect in reducing these damages. Conclusion: Vitamin E as an antioxidant, decrease sperm DNA damage resulting from the consumption of foods high in cholesterol and iron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by the accumulation of fatty streaks in the intima of vessels leading to atherosclerosis. Nowadays, medicinal herbs are attracting much attention in this field. Hence, the aim of the present research was to compare the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of the Dorema Aucheri and statins on CD40 protein expression. Methods: Thirty white male rabbits (1250-1500 grams) were purchased from the Pasteur Institute of Tehran. The animals were housed in clean metal hutches and acclimatized on rabbit chow for two weeks prior to the commencement of the experiment. The animals were subsequently randomly divided into five groups, each containing six rabbits. The feeding experiment was conducted at room temperature of 28°C. After two weeks, four groups of rabbits were fed with a diet containing 1% cholesterol (hypercholesterolemic diet), hypercholesterolemic diet plus 6 mg/kg lovastatin, hypercholesterolemic diet plus 200 mg Dorema Aucheri extract, and hypercholesterolemic diet plus 400 mg Dorema Aucheri extract for 45 days. The fifth group only received a normal diet without cholesterol. Findings: Different levels of staining were observed in the 30 sections taken from the thoracic aorta of the rabbits. However, the two groups that received the extract were not significantly different. The staining was completely inconsiderable in the control. Conclusion: Dorema Aucheri extract had a significant effect on decreasing CD40 proteins formation. This property might be due to the presence of flavonoids, antioxidants and other compounds such as furanocoumarins that have been identified in the plant extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between enhanced endothelial permeability and initiation or progression of atherosclerosis has been indicated in previous studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of iron (Fe) and vitamin E on endothelial permeability of aorta and coronary arteries in rabbits on a high-cholesterol diet. Methods: Thirty male rabbits were randomly divided into five groups of 6, namely control, hypercholesterolemic (HC), HC + Fe (50 mg/kg), HC + vitamin E (50 mg/kg), and HC + Fe + vitamin E. After 4 weeks, blood samples were taken and endothelial permeability was measured by Evans blue dye method. Findings: Administration of Fe and/or vitamin E improved serum lipid profile (P < 0.05). Administration of Fe could not change aortic endothelial permeability in hypercholesterolemic animals (P > 0.05). However, vitamin E reduced aortic endothelial permeability (P < 0.05). Fe and vitamin E did not alter coronary artery permeability (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that the effects of Fe on atherosclerosis are not through the alteration of vascular permeability. However, reduced endothelial permeability may be a mechanism for beneficial effects of vitamin E on cardiovascular system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The role of adiponectin in sperm function is inconclusive and there is a paucity of evidence. Obesity shows an ambiguous influence on sperm motility, and male subfertility. The aim of this s tudy was to compare the role of adiponectin and sperm functional parameters among obese and non-obese men. Materials and Methods: In this comprehensive study, 64 male patients were included, and were classified as non-obese [body mass index (BMI)< 24.9 kg/m², n=32] and obese (BMI >25 kg/m², n=32) groups. Sperm analysis, was conducted using World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 standards. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used for the analysis of adiponectin gene expression and protein levels, respectively. Sperm viability was assessed using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5- diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT test), Acridine orange (AO) test was utilized to detect DNA denaturation, and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) technique was used to investigate the fragmentation of DNA. Results: In obese men, adiponectin gene expression (P<0.0001) and protein levels (P<0.001) were significantly lower compared to the non-obese group. Additionally, sperm motility, was significantly lower in the obese group. The rapid progressive (RP) motility was less in obese men in comparison to the non-obese group (P<0.001). Sperm count and morphology were not significantly different in the two groups. DNA denaturation and DNA fragmentation were significantly more frequent in the obese group than in non-obese men (P<0.05) and (P<0.01), respectively. The obese men showed significantly lower sperm viability compared to the non-obese group (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed no significant correlation between the evaluated variables (sperm parameter, sperm viability, DNA fragmentation and integrity), and obesity in men. Based on these results, adiponectin may potentially play positive role in sperm function for acquiring fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acyclovir (ACV) is known to be toxic to gonads, inducing apoptosis in the reproductive system. The beneficial effects of vitamin C (Vit C) and menthone, both as antioxidant agents on various organs has been reported. Objective: This study evaluated the potential role of the Vit C and menthone on the DNA damage in rat spermatozoa induced by the ACV. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, adult male albino Wistar rats with average weight of 250±10 gr, were divided into six groups (n=18/each), as: ACV (15 mg/kg/day), ACV+Vit C (20 mg/kg/day), ACV+ menthone (100 µl/d), ACV+ menthone (250 µl/d), ACV+ menthone (400 µl/day) and control group without any treatment. At the end of experiment, the animals were sacrificed and sperm samples were collected and isolated in phosphate-buffered saline and examined by TUNEL staining process. The percentage of TUNEL positive spermatozoa was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. Each experiment was performed in three repeats. Results: Male rats exposed to ACV had significant increase in DNA damages in comparison to other groups. The percentage of TUNEL positive sperm cells was 90.83 (p<0.001) in ACV group. The protective role of both antioxidants used in high dose, compensate the adverse effects of the ACV. The results showed that the percentage of apoptotic sperm in the ACV+Vit C group was 16.38 (p<0.001) and in the ACV+ menthone (400 µl/d) group was 16.05 (p<0.001). Conclusion: The present results showed that Vit C and menthone at higher dose have a good compensatory effect with significant reduction in DNA damages in sperm cells by reversing the adverse effect of ACV on the reproductive system in male rat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonoxynol-9 a nonionic surfactant is widely used for its spermicidal effects. Finding new sperm immobilizing agents is necessary because Nonoxynol-9 damages the tissues of female reproductive system. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Thymoquinone (TQ) as a potential spermostatic compound on the motility and viability of human spermatozoa. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the effects of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 µg/ml, 1 and 10 mg/ml of TQ on normozoospermic semen samples were investigated. Sperm motility and viability were compared between untreated and TQ-treated aliquots of each semen sample. To evaluate the effects of TQ on the alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), 32 semen samples were examined using 50 µg/ml of TQ. Flow cytometric analysis was performed after staining of spermatozoa with JC-1. Results: Doses above 20 µg/ml of TQ could eventually immobilize all spermatozoa in culture medium. Adding 50 µg/ml of TQ did not significantly diminish the percentage of viable spermatozoa and flow cytometry results revealed that this amount of TQ could decrease sperm MMP. Conclusion: TQ could discontinue the movement of sperm cells in medium without reducing the population of live spermatozoa. It is more likely that TQ exerts its spermostatic action by mitigating the MMP of spermatozoa. Therefore, TQ could be considered as a potential new natural spermostatic chemical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonoxynol-9 a nonionic surfactant is widely used for its spermicidal effects. Finding new sperm immobilizing agents is necessary because Nonoxynol-9 damages the tissues of female reproductive system., Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Thymoquinone (TQ) as a potential spermostatic compound on the motility and viability of human spermatozoa., Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the effects of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 µg/ml, 1 and 10 mg/ml of TQ on normozoospermic semen samples were investigated. Sperm motility and viability were compared between untreated and TQ-treated aliquots of each semen sample. To evaluate the effects of TQ on the alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), 32 semen samples were examined using 50 µg/ml of TQ. Flow cytometric analysis was performed after staining of spermatozoa with JC-1., Results: Doses above 20 µg/ml of TQ could eventually immobilize all spermatozoa in culture medium. Adding 50 µg/ml of TQ did not significantly diminish the percentage of viable spermatozoa and flow cytometry results revealed that this amount of TQ could decrease sperm MMP., Conclusion: TQ could discontinue the movement of sperm cells in medium without reducing the population of live spermatozoa. It is more likely that TQ exerts its spermostatic action by mitigating the MMP of spermatozoa. Therefore, TQ could be considered as a potential new natural spermostatic chemical., Competing Interests: There is no conflict of interest in this research.

Background: Hypercholesterolemia that can increase stress oxidative has destructive effects on brain functions. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and its effects on decrement of oxidative stress in the diseases such as Alzheimer's and hypercholesterolemia are demonstrated. The aim of this study was evaluation of the effects of vitamin E on the level of neuronal apoptosis in granular layer of dentate gyrus in the rabbits that fed with high-cholesterol diet., Materials and Methods: Male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into the control, the Vitamin E (50 mg/kg; gavage), the high-cholesterol diet (containing 2% cholesterol), and the high-cholesterol diet-vitamin E groups. Serum levels of cholesterol, LDL, and HDL, before and after the regimen for 6 weeks, were measured. Then, the rabbits for immunohistochemical staining (TUNEL Test) and evaluation of neuronal apoptosis in dentate gyrus of hippocampal formation were anesthetized and brains were dissected., Results: Results showed that after the regimens, serum levels of cholesterol, LDL, and HDL in the cholesterol receiving groups were increased significantly (P < 0.05). Histological results demonstrated that neuronal apoptosis in the dentate gyrus of the high-cholesterol diet group was increased significantly (P < 0.05) comparing to the control group; however, vitamin E decreased apoptosis as there wasn't any significant differences between the high-cholesterol diet-vitamin E and control groups., Conclusions: Present results showed that consumption of high-cholesterol diets through hypercholesterolemia and its complication can induce neuronal death in hippocampus and probable resulting cognition disorders; however, vitamin E has neuroprotective effects and prevents neuronal apoptosis significantly.

Background: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is an acute leukemia diagnosed by translocation of chromosomes 15 and 17 [T (15,17)] and aggregation of neoplastic promyelocytes which are incapable of being converted into mature cells. Today, many tend to use medicinal herbs in studies and clinical applications for treatment of cancers. Cinnamon with scientific name "cinnamomumzelanicum" is a shrub of Laurales order, lauraceae family with cinnamomum genus. It is a medicinal shrub with anti-proliferation effect on tumor cells. This study was conducted to determine the effects of aqueous cinnamon extract on HL-60 cells as a model for APL., Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, HL-60 cell line was cultured under the influence of cinnamon extract's concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 2 mg/ml in with intervals of 24, 48, and 72 h. Growth inhibition and toxic effects of cinnamon extract were evaluated through tetrazolium salt reduction. The effect of this herb on the cell cycle was studied by flow cytometry. The Hoechst stain was used to detect apoptotic cell nuclei., Results: Cinnamon extract inhibited the growth of HL-60 cells as correlated with concentration and time. After 72 h of treating HL-60 cells with 0.01 mg/l cinnamon extract, the growth of cells was inhibited by 90.1%. Cinnamon extract stopped the cell cycle in G1 phase and the Hoechst staining verified the apoptotic process in those cells., Conclusion: Considering the inhibitory property of cinnamon extract, we recommend it as a single drug or besides other medications for treating promyelocytic leukemia.

Objectives: There are some lines of evidence about the role of telomeres in atherosclerotic plaque formation and development. Despite the role of telomerase in telomere elongation and protection, its role in atherosclerosis is not fully understood. The present study was designed to evaluate the importance of alternative splicing variants ofTERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) in the atherosclerosis process., Methods and Results: Six Dutch-Polish rabbits were fed a high-cholesterol diet, and six control animals a normal diet. Alternative splicing was assessed by RT-PCR in aortic endothelial cells of these rabbits. Fatty streaks formation was assessed by H & E staining of aortic tissues. There were no significant differences in variants of TERT in control and test animals; neither in endothelial cells nor in aortic vessel wall., Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that a decrease in telomerase activity in atherosclerosis formation is not due to TERT gene alternative splicing.