Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal
Volume:20 Issue: 12, Dec 2018

Asthenozoospermia (astheno) is a common male infertility disorder associated with low sperm motility. The progressive movement of sperm is an important factor in the fertilization rate, and it requires a high level of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This experimental study aimed to identify the role of cytochrome c oxidase 6B2 (COX6B2) as an important functional subunit of Cytochrome-c Oxidase in sperm motility. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, Semen samples were collected from 14 asthenozoospermia and 16 normospermia individuals that were referring to the Infertility Research and Treatment Center of Khuzestan, Iran in October 2016- May 2017. The sperm from two groups was isolated via the Percoll density gradient centrifugation to prepare healthy, motile sperm for COX6B2 immunofluorescent staining and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, apoptosis assessment was carried out simultaneously to compare apoptosis and the COX6B2 expression level. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics including frequency and mean and analytical statistics including Fisher’s exact test and two independent samples were used. COX6B2 was detected in midpiece of the sperm by immunofluorescence assays. In addition, the percentage of COX6B2 positive sperm in the astheno samples was almost half that of the normal group (49.0 ± 15.8 to 28.7 ± 14.1, P = 0.641). Real-time PCR definitely reconfirmed the immunofluorescent staining result. A decrease in apoptosis was shown in as the no samples compared with the normal group (19.1 ± 0.4 to 9 ± 0.2, P = 0.04). The expression of COX6B2 in the sperm midpiece represents the OXPHOS pathway and functionality of mitochondria in sperm. This study introduced COX6B2 staining as a potential functional test for the recognition of competent mitochondria in sperm and it could be assigned as a biomarker in male-factor patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) imposes a substantial, direct, and indirect economic burden and health complications on healthcare systems. It seems that Persian medicine could facilitate the process of new drug discoveries through reverse pharmacology for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases. This study aimed to determine the preliminary efficacy of Nepeta bracteata Benth. (N. bracteata) in patients with mild to moderate COPD. In a four-week, triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 78 patients with mild to moderate COPD were randomly allocated to receive either 10 ml syrup of N. bracteata or placebo three times a day, as an add-on to their routine treatment (long-acting beta2-agonist and inhaled corticosteroid). The Spirometry was performed on patients at baseline and end of the intervention to evaluate the effect of the treatment. Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) and FEV1/Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) ratio were considered the primary outcomes. COPD Assessment Test (CAT) was also used for the subjective evaluation of patients’ responses. 64 patients completed the study. The results showed a significant improvement in the CAT score in the N. bracteata group (-9.05) compared to the placebo (-2.78) and control (-2.05) groups (P value = 0.001). The comparison of FEV1 and FEV1/FVC changes showed a significant difference in the N. bracteata group. However, when comparing the three groups, the difference was not statistically significant at the beginning and four weeks after the intervention. It seems that the appropriate response of COPD patients to this drug, especially regarding the quality of life, could make it a choice for complementary therapy in chronic respiratory diseases

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have high differentiation potential into different cell lines like osteoblasts. Osteogenic differentiation can be regulated through various and complex mechanisms, such as changing the microRNAs expression level. Although platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used in MSCs’ osteogenic differentiation process, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of PRP induction of osteogenesis by microRNAs is not well understood.

We evaluated the effect of PRP on the expression of miR-29a, miR-29b, and miR-155 in the PRP-based osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs.

This experimental study was conducted on healthy individuals referred to Taleghani Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, for abdominoplasty from September 2017 to April 2018. Stromal cells were isolated from human adipose tissue and differentiated into osteoblasts. Effect of 10% PRP on osteoblasts differentiation was monitored by the measurement of alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition. We also evaluated gene expression of the Runx2 and the OPN along with the expression of miRNAs. All tests were performed in triplicate.

Treatment of MSCs with 10% PRP resulted in induction of osteogenic differentiation by a significant upregulation of the miR-29a/b (miR-29a: 5.27 (0.77), P < 0.01 (day 3) and 3.76 (0.124), P < 0.01 (day 14); miR-29b: 3.11 (0.35), P < 0.001 (day 3) and 4.25 (0.304), P < 0.01 (day 14)) and a significant downregulation in the miR-155 expression (0.62 (0.006), P < 0.001 (day 3) and 0.55 (0.114), P < 0.05 (day 14)).

The remarkable rise in the expression of important osteoblast genes, alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium deposition verified accelerated differentiation. The present study showed that microRNAs such as miR-29a/b and miR-155 play an active role in the process of bone differentiation during PRP treatment, which in turn, affects mesenchymal cells signaling pathways

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) disrupts individual and family functioning because of its characteristics. Therefore, the intervention based on patient and family participation can enable the sufferers and their families reach the desired level of functioning. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of psychoeducational intervention on improvement of symptoms of patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and general family functioning of companions, using the McMaster model dimensions. In this quasi-experimental study, the first population included all the patients who referred to psychiatric clinics in Yazd City, Iran, in 2016 with the diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The second population consisted of one member of their family who was selected using purposive sampling method and included 30 patients and 30 members of their family. Of these, 15 patients with their family members were assigned to the control and experimental groups. The patients completed the Yale-Brown questionnaire and the family members completed Family Assessment Device (FAD) questionnaire before and after the intervention. Only the experimental groups received eight intervention sessions. Finally, the experimental and control groups were compared in terms of general functioning and improvement of symptoms. The data were analyzed with SPPS 23.0 using independent t-test and analysis of covariance tests. The difference in the average age and length of marriage in both groups was not significant (P > 0.05). The results of independent t-test showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups in general family functioning (P < 0.05). In addition, analysis of covariance showed that psycho-educational intervention led to significant reduction in obsessive-compulsive disorder in the experimental group (P < 0.05). This study showed that psycho-educational intervention was effective in improving the general family functioning of a companion, and therefore, it was effective in reducing the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder in patients

Lateral medullary syndrome (LMS) is a rare stroke and often results from thrombosis or emboli of the vertebral artery or posterior-inferior cerebellar artery. There is a wide range of clinical manifestations found in this syndrome and treatment is done usually as symptomatic. We present the case of an Iranian 45-year-old man with a history of vertigo, ataxia, hiccup, and eye abnormalities lasting for three days in Mahshahr city, Khuzestan province, Iran. We followed the clinical outcomes including signs and symptoms, additional diagnostic tests, treatments, and possible complications over six months. The purpose of this study is to aid the better recognition of LMS patients and initiate further interventional research. Most of the neurological symptoms of LMS recovered or completely resolved after six months. The patient reported an occasional mild headache, reduced left side paresthesia and right side hypoesthesia. Ataxia and fall down on the left side considerably improved. The visual abnormalities were not observed in the eye and neurological examinations, but the patient did report mild dry eyes. Other clinical presentations, such as fine tremors in the right hand, left-sided dysmetria, dizziness, and earache, were completely resolved

The role of FTO-rs9939609 gene variants in response to the Epigallocatechin-Gallate (EGCG) intervention remains unclear. The present study aimed at investigating the gene-treatment interaction of FTO‐rs9939609 gene polymorphism and EGCG intervention on anthropometric indexes, fasting blood sugar, and insulin resistance/sensitivity in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 66 patients (aged 20 to 60 years) with T2DM in Iran, from August 2017 to March 2018. Individuals were randomly block allocated to three groups. Group 1 received 300 mg EGCG (n = 22, TT genotype), Group 2 received 300 mg EGCG (n = 22, AA + AT genotypes), Group 3 received the placebo (n = 22). Two months following the intervention, Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), and insulin levels, as well as Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) were evaluated. The FTO‐rs9939609 polymorphism was genotyped by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In both EGCG groups, a significant reduction in WHR was observed after the intervention compared with baseline (P < 0.05), with no significant differences in other parameters. The FTO‐rs9939609 polymorphism showed no gene-treatment interaction in response to EGCG. This study suggests that administration of EGCG supplement for two months may provide anti-obesity effects in patients with T2DM. However, the FTO-rs9939609 polymorphism was not associated with the change in anthropometric and glycemic status after EGCG intervention.

Noise is one of the harmful environmental factors and an inevitable phenomenon in workplaces. Noise stress can lead to endocrine and reproductive system disorders. This experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of noise stress on sperm parameters and the protective effect of hydroalcoholic Cinnamomum verum extract in adult rats. A total of 32 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8). Group 1 was treated with distilled water (control), Group 2 was treated with 75 mg kg-1 hydroalcoholic C. verum extract, Group 3 was exposed to noise (100 dB) for the eighth/day, and Group 4 was exposed to noise and treated with 75 mg kg-1 hydroalcoholic C. verum extract by gavage. After 50 days, the rats were anesthetized, blood samples were collected, and the cauda epididymis was removed to examine sperm parameters. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. In Group 3, noise stress significantly decreased the levels of sex hormones (LH, FSH, and testosterone), sperm viability, and the percentage of morphologically normal sperm compared to the control group. In Group 2, the levels of sex hormones and sperm parameters increased significantly compared to the control group. Comparison of the results of Groups 3 and 4 showed the protective effect of C. verum extract on the levels of sex hormones and sperm viability. It is recommended to investigate the action mechanism of C. verum effect on the male reproductive system of animal models and humans who work in noisy environments.

Neurosensory disturbances following orthognathic surgery, especially sagittal split ramus osteotomy are quite common. Furthermore improving the injuries to the inferior alveolar nerve following ramus osteotomy is still a challenge. This study aims to evaluate the influence of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the improvement of neurosensory disturbance following sagittal split ramus osteotomy. This randomized, double- blinded clinical study was executed in a university-affiliated hospital, Tehran, Iran, during January 2017 and March 2018. Patients underwent sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) divided into case and control groups. Ten sessions of laser irradiation of 810 nanometers wavelength and power of 70 mW were rendered for eight minutes in the case group, while the patients in the control group were not irradiated. Thermal test, mechanoreceptor sensory tests, and satisfaction of the patients were evaluated during follow up examinations. Mapping of the affected skin area was marked to assess the healing process of the nerve damage. A total of 40 patients were included in the current study followed for a 12-month period. Statistical analysis of extracted data from the two-point discrimination test showed the significant better response of mechanoreceptors among the case group patients rather than the control ones (P value = 0.035). Marking the hyposthetic skin area in the patients that experienced laser therapy demonstrated that almost all of them manifested less sense on the vermilion area (85% in the case group versus 15% in the control group). Despite the control group patients whom on the mental foramen area significantly more paresthesia was experienced. In conclusion, low-level laser therapy following sagittal split osteotomy may be helpful in faster recovery of nerve injuries and higher satisfaction of the patients.

Postoperative pain is a major complication in patients undergoing eye surgery. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists are widely used to manage postoperative pains. Dextromethorphan, as an NMDA antagonist, is commonly used as an oral drug. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Dextromethorphan on post-operation pain and sedative effect in comparison to placebo. A double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, upon 60 patients undergoing vitrectomy surgery was done. Thirty patients received 30 mg oral Dextromethorphan before the operation, and 30 patients received a placebo. Post-operation pain and sedation were evaluated after zero, one, two, and six hours. Post-operation pain was significantly lower in patients who received Dextromethorphan at zero, one, and two hours after operation (P < 0.001); however, not at six hours after operation (P = 0.11). Sedative effect was higher in the Dextromethorphan group at zero (P = 0.03) and one hour (P = 0.01) after operation. Prescribing oral Dextromethorphan before a vitrectomy surgery could reduce postoperative pain. It also has postoperative sedation effects.

Fatigue is one of the most common complaints in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The use of non-pharmacological interventions, such as exercise, may be effective in reducing fatigue in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vestibular rehabilitation and Frenkel exercise on fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. This study was a controlled randomized clinical trial. Seventy-five patients, who had medical records at the society of special diseases of the Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2016, were randomly assigned to three groups, namely, vestibular rehabilitation, Frenkel, and control. The program lasted for 12 weeks (three sessions per week). Fatigue was measured by the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) before the intervention, and after that, at six and twelve weeks after the initiation of intervention. The mean score of fatigue in both experimental groups was decreased in a statistically significant manner after the end of the exercises, whereas it was increased in the control group. The reduction in fatigue was statistically significant in the vestibular rehabilitation exercise in comparison with the Frenkel exercise. The total fatigue in the vestibular rehabilitation group at six and twelve weeks after the intervention was -14.1 and -33.1, respectively, in comparison with before the interventions yet in the Frenkel group it was reported as -8 and -17.9, respectively. The comparison of the FIS subscales showed that there was a difference between the vestibular rehabilitation and Frenkel group in both the FIS physical (P = 0.001) and the psychosocial subscales (P = 0.01), yet no difference was observed between the two groups in the FIS cognitive subscale (P = 0.1) at twelve weeks after the intervention. Both vestibular rehabilitation and Frenkel exercise could reduce fatigue in MS patients, however, vestibular rehabilitation was more effective compared to the Frenkel exercise in reducing fatigue.