مجله فیض
سال بیست و دوم شماره 5 (پیاپی 102، آذر و دی 1397)

The using of ecstasy pills or 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has severe damage to various systems of the body, including blood cells. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of curcumin (turmeric extract) on red blood cells and its hematological and biochemical indices with and after taking ecstasy. In this experimental study, 40 adult male rats were divided into five groups: group1; control without MDMA and Curcumin, group 2; received MDMA, group 3; received MDMA and curcumin, group 4; received MDMA for 15 days, then 15 days later, no drug injection and group 5; received MDMA for 15 days, then injection of curcumin for 15 days later. The blood samples were collected and then, blood smears were prepared to assess morphology of red bleed cells mean values morphology of red blood cells. The mean of red blood cell levels were significantly lower in MDMA recipient groups than in the control group. By using curcumin during and after taking ecstasy the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin were significantly decreased compared with that in the control group. Also, red blood cells were significantly decreased in the curcumin recipient groups compared with the MDMA groups. The total bilirubin levels in 2 and 4 groups which received MDMA alone, as well as in 3 and 5 groups received MDMA with curcumin were significantly higher than those in the control group. The effect of curcumin during and after taking ecstasy is likely due to a high digestive absorption of MDMA by curcumin or non-metabolizing of MDMA when using curcumin

Currently nanoparticles have encouraged a broad range of investigations in cancer therapy and diagnosis. The gene HDAC8 is responsible for repression of transcription in cells and it has been shown that its expression increases in lung cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nanoparticles synthesized by the eucalyptus extract on the expression of the HDAC8 gene in lung cancer A549 cell line. In this experimental study, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed using the extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis. In order to evaluate the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), cultured A549 cells were treated by different concentrations of synthesized nanoparticles and the MTT assay was performed. Finally, the HDAC8 expression change of cells treated with the half maximal inhibitory concentration was determined by real-time PCR. Results from the MTT assay revealed that the obtained nanoparticles decreased the viability of cells in concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 value of silver nanoparticles in 24 hours against A549 cells was 2 μg/ml. Also, the HDAC8 expression showed a 9-fold decrease in the treated cells. According to the results, nano-silver particles produced by the eucalyptus extract can cause apoptosis by decreasing the HDAC8 expression. Hence, they can be considered as an agent with promising aspects to treat lung cancer

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory and chronic disease of the central nervous system. Regarding the possible effects of exercise in preventing this disease, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of high intensity interval training on TNF-α, IL-10 and BDNF levels in rat brain tissue of the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. In this experimental study, 25 Lewis female rats, 6 weeks old, were randomly divided into 5 groups. Interval training was performed for 6 weeks and 5 days a week. An interval training program was conducted in the second week and during 6 weeks of training in each session including 10 repetitions of 1 minute. The EAE model was induced at the end of the sixth week of exercise. TNF-α, BDNF and IL-10 were measured in the brain tissue. The results of coloring showed that the amount of inflammation of the nerve tissue decreased in the interval training groups. Interval training in Lewis female rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis showed a significant decrease in TNF-α (P=0.001), but did not significantly change the IL-10 (P=0.07) and BDNF (P=0.54) levels. In addition, trained rats showed delayed clinical symptoms. It seems that interval exercises with the duration and severity of the present study protocol may delay the incidence and severity of clinical symptoms and thus increase cellular protection in Lewis rats against the onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Changes in the structure of the hippocampus play a role in the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the motor coordination and structural changes of the hippocampus tissue in response to an 8-week aerobic training program and Ritalin consumption in hyperactive rats. In this experimental study, 33 Wistar rats weighing 180-220g were randomly divided into 5 groups: 1) healthy control, 2) hyperactivity, 3) hyperactivity-aerobic training, 4) hyperactivity- Ritalin, and 5) hyperactivity-aerobic training-Ritalin and respond positively to the open field test. To induce ADHD in the rats, they were injected 10 mg/kg of L-NAME for 8 weeks (6 days per week) based on the weight of the rats. The drug group received 1 mg oral Ritalin per kg weight of rats daily for 8 weeks. The rats performed aerobic training 30 minutes a day and 7 days a week for 8 weeks. The results showed that aerobic training and Ritalin consumption had no significant effect on weight (P=0.877) but had a significant effect on motor coordination (P=0.001) in hyperactive rats. In rats with the hyperactivity disorder, there was a slight change in the tissue and cellular structure, necrosis and tissue hyperemia as well as piconosis of the hippocampus tissue. Treadmill training along with Ritalin consumption reduced the tissue and cellular damage, necrosis, and also piconosis of the hippocampus tissue. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can cause the structural damage of the hippocampus tissue and treadmill exercises with Ritalin consumption may improve the damage to the hippocampal structure

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of therapy with resveratrol supplementation alone or in combination with exercise trainings on cardiomyocytes apoptosis in a heart tissue of rats with NAFLD. In this experimental study, a total of 56 male Wistar rats were divided into control and seven experimental NAFLD groups including, patient, saline, resveratrol (RSV), continuous exercise, interval exercise, continuous exercise+RSV, and interval exercise+RSV. Apoptosis biomarkers, including Bax and Bcl2 levels, were measured in the heart of all groups using specific ELISA kits. The Bax levels in the heart tissue of the patient and saline groups were 29.95±5.83 and 28.37±5.83 ng/mg/protein, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in other groups (P<0.0001), while the Bcl2 concentration was significantly decreased (P<0.0001). The mean ratios of Bax/Bcl2 in the patient (23.02±7.65) and saline (20.43±5.29) groups were significantly higher than those in the other groups (P<0.001). Resveratrol supplementation alone or in combination with exercise trainings significantly decreased the cardiac Bax content, but significantly increased the cardiac Bcl2 level (P<0.001). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with increased apoptotic biomarkers in heart cells. Although resveratrol alone has an anti-apoptotic properties, combined therapy with interval and continuous trainings can be more effective

Agouti-related protein (AgRP) is a signaling peptide that affects feeding behavior, energy homeostasis, and the stimulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a 6-week circuit-resistance training course (10 exercises at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of 1RM) at different intensities on the levels of plasma AgRP, plasma insulin, and glucose. The participants in this experimental study included 45 dormitory male students, aged 20-24 years, with the mean weight of 70.61±3.76 kg, mean age of 21.55±0.17 years, and mean height of 174.84±1.15 cm. They were randomly divided into five groups, each with nine members (i.e., one control group and four experimental groups at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of 1RM). The experimental groups performed the circuit-resistance training exercises at the specified intensities; in contrast, the control group performed no regular training during the course of the study. The blood samples were collected from the venous vein 48 hours before and after the training session (three hours after normal breakfast). The results showed no significant differences between the groups in terms of the AgRP (P=0.399) and glucose levels (P=0.270); however, the difference related to the insulin levels was observed to be significant (P=0.013). According to the results of this study, a larger reduction in the AgRP levels is associated with high intensities of resistance training (i.e., at 80% of 1RM). Therefore, training intensity could be regarded as an influential factor in reducing the appetite and controlling obesity among young men

In recent years, due to an increase in prevalence of cancer, there is a need to find new ways to control this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate antibacterial and anti-cancer activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) fabricated by Artemisia scoparia extract gainst lung cancer cell line (A549). In this experimental study, AgNPs was synthesized and ccharacterization of fabricated AgNPs was performed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) methods. Subsequently, antibacterial activity of synthesized AgNPs was determined using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Moreover, cell toxicity of AgNPs against A549 cell line in 3.125-100 µg/mL concentrations was performed using the MTT method. The gene expression of Bax and Bcl2 was measured using the real-time PCR. The results of SEM and TEM showed that the synthesized AgNPs had 33.40 nm average size. The MIC results demonstrated that the AgNPs had a significant antibacterial activity. In addition, the MTT results showed that AgNPs had dose-dependent cell toxicity. The real-time PCR results revealed that the Bax and Bcl2 gene expression were up-regulated (2.34±0.34) and down-regulated (0.43±0.61), respectively (P<0.05). According to the results of this study, the AgNPs had antibacterial and anticancer activities and it can be used as a drug candidate.

Training-induced physiological adaptations reduced during detraining, but researches are limited about the comparison of the effects of detraining after different types of training. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of one month detraining on cytokines concentrations in aerobic- (AT) and resistance trained (RT) and overweight men. In this quasi-experimental study, 19 trained men (25-38 years) were assigned to RT (n=10) and AT (n=9) groups, based on the types of training. The groups were matched by the physical activity level, age and body mass index. The subjects avoided to perform any exercises for a month. All subjects were taken blood samples to measure serum levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17A, and IL-20 before and after the detraining period. After 4 weeks of detraining, body fat percentage and waist circumference increased significantly in the AT and RT groups, while the maximal oxygen consumption in these groups was significantly decreased (for all variables, P<0.05). The concentration of IL-17A (P=0.049) showed a significant increase only in the RT group; however, no significant differences were noted for IL-10 and IL-20 concentrations in response to the detraining period in both groups (both, P>0.05). It seems that the negative effects caused by one month of detraining are more prominent in the RT group (increase in IL-17A)

Preservation and storage of muscle glycogen is the most important factor limiting the success of individuals in performing the following activities. It has been shown that melatonin supplementation before exercise can maintain glycogen stores. This study aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin consumption (6 mg) on the time of exhaustion during a submaximal-activity and also the maximum oxygen consumption during an increasing activity in physical education girl students of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. In this clinical trial study, 13 girls with the mean age of 21.5±1.29 years, the mean weight of 58.36±2.69 kg and vo2max 39.08±4.17 mg/kg/min were participated and received melatonin (6 mg) and placebo (starch capsules) in two complementary steps. Supplements were administered acutely 30 minutes before the exercise. Each test was repeated in placebo and supplement conditions. To ensure the elimination of exercise and supplement impact, the interval of 5 to 7 days was considered between the two tests. The sub-maximal and progressive protocols respectively included running below the maximum intensity (70% of the heart rate reserve) to exhaustion and the Bruce's test on the treadmill. The results showed that consumption of 6 mg melatonin significantly increased the time to reach exhaustion (P=0.01) and the maximum oxygen consumption (P=0.002). It appears that trained girls can use 6 mg of melatonin supplement 30 minutes before starting the exercise to improve endurance performance and aerobic capacity.

Nephrotic syndrome is a relatively common problem in childhood that can be caused by various diseases. These patients are susceptible to osteoporosis due to the nature of the disease and the complication of steroid therapy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in children with nephrotic syndrome in the recovery phase and under the two different treatment regimens. This clinical trial study was performed on 68 children with primary nephrotic syndrome referred to the Nephrology Clinic of Besat Hospital in Hamedan in 2014. Thirty-four patients were treated for 8 weeks and 34 patients were treated for 12 weeks. The two groups were matched for age and sex. At the end of the treatment, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured and compared in the two groups and the rate of relapse was also assessed. There was no significant difference between the two groups in age and sex. The mean of vitamin D levels in the 8-week treatment group was significantly higher than the other group (21.61±11.39 and 16.18±9.79, respectively), and this difference was statistically significant (P=0.039). Absence of relapse was 47.1% in the 8-week treatment group and 73.5% in the 12-week treatment group, this difference was also statistically significant (P= 0.026). The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the 12-week treatment compared to the 8-week treatment. However, vitamin D levels significantly decreased in this treatment group compared to the other group

Herbs have a strong anti-cancer effect. Also, exercise is one of several lifestyle factors known to lower the risk of developing cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance training and taxol on cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E2 in the liver tissue of mice with cervical cancer. In this experimental study, 35 female C57 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=7 in each group): control (healthy), control (cancer), complement (cancer), training-supplementary (cancer) and training (cancer). The implantation of cancerous tumors was performed under the skin of the upper pelvis. The training group completed the endurance training protocol, which included 3 sessions per week, 50 minutes per session, at a speed of 14-18 m/s for six weeks. A dose of 60 mg/kg/day of pure taxol was injected intra peritoneally. The dependent variables of this study were measured 24 hours after the last training session by ELISA. The results showed that the use of taxol and endurance training reduced the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E2 in the liver tissues of C57 mice with cervical cancer. Induction of the cancerous tissue in mice with cervical cancer increases the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E2 and endurance training along with taxol may reduce these levels

Natural gamma background radiation can cause ionization in vital molecules such as DNA and can have destructive effects on human health. Measurement of these radiations is very important because they increase incidence of cancers and genetic damages. The aim of this study was to measure the dose rate, annual effective dose and incidence of cancer risk in Kashan city, north of Isfahan Province. In this cross-sectional study, measurements were performed using the dosimeter of the Radiation Alert Monitor 5 Model during daylight in outdoor and indoor in five geographical regions of Kashan city (north, south, east, west and center) and in four different seasons of the year. In each geographic region, measurements were carried out at three consecutive days in the middle of each season in ten random points. Then, the annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk were calculated. The mean dose rates were 155±34 nSv/h and 186±34 nSv/h in outdoor and indoor, respectively. There was no significant difference between the mean dose rate in different seasons and different geographical regions. Furthermore, the annual effective dose was found to be 1.10 mSv while the estimated excess lifetime cancer risk was 4.16×10-3. The annual effective dose arising from natural gamma background radiation (1.10 mSv) in Kashan city is much higher than the worlds' average (0.48 mSv) and the values obtained in most cities in Iran

The current prevalence rates indicate an increasing trend of substance abuse among women. This study aimed at determining the pattern of consumption and causative factors for tendency to drug abuse in woman referred to addiction treatment centers. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the study population was all women referred to addiction treatment centers of Kashan during 2017-2018. The research instrument was a demographic information questionnaire, causes of drug abuse tendency and structured clinical interviews with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders (SCID) to assess the substance abuse disorder. The mean age and onset age of drug abuse were 40±10.3 and 25±6.4 years, respectively. Opium was the most common abused drug (81%) and smoking was the most cited method for drug abuse. Ten percent of the patients had a history of injection. The main causes of drug tendency from the perspective of the patients were addict family (77%), easy access to drugs (64%), as well as depression and disappointment (56%). The pattern of drug abuse among women undergoing the method one maintenance treatment in Kashan is traditional on the basis of the opium derivatives. The addict family was the main cause of drug abuse. Therefore, it would be necessary to pay more attention to the family of the patients as vulnerable groups in planning and to provide training on the causes of drug abuse tendency and preventive measures