isaac karimi

Backgrond:

 Medicinal plants are promising therapeutic agents. Antimicrobial agents from plants are compounds that kill microorganisms or stop their  growth. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis, Zataria multiflora, and Mentha iperita on biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium.

For the purpose of the present experimental study, extracts of these plants were prepared and their effects on P. aeruginosa growth were assessed using disk diffusion technique and the results were compared with disk diffusion results of kanamycin, imipenem, penicillin, and  cephalexin. Then,the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of extracts were determined separately. The effect of these extracts on biofilm formation was assessed via staining with crystal violet %1 and acetic acid %30. All tests were repeated three times and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, v. 16.

We found that all three plant extracts at the concentration of 3 mg/ml had antimicrobial properties.The diameter of inhibition halos of extracts of R. officinalis, Z. multiflora, and M. piperita were 15 ,19, and 11 mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration of R. officinalis was 75/0 mg/ml and the minimum inhibitory concentration of Z. multiflora and M. piperita 5/1 mg/ml. Also, the results showed that R. officinalis reduces and inhibits Biofilm formation at concentrations of 5/1 and 3 mg/ml, respectively. But, Z. multiflora and M. piperita only reduced biofilm formation at concentration of 3 mg/ml.

It can be concluded that the alcoholic extract of R. officinalis with a concentration of 3 and 1.5 mg/ml is a potent inhibitor against P. aeruginosa biofilm formation.

Antibiotic-resistance is becoming an increasingly important concern. Resistant bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa have different strategies while encountering either the immune system or antibiotics. As an example biofilm formation or quorum sensing can be mentioned as bacterial mechanisms to gain resistance. Therefore, it is crucial to explore novel compounds that might disrupt biofilm production especially using organic and plant-based compounds. Citrus limon essential oil has been used against multiple types of microorganisms in traditional medicine. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of this essential oil on P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. The inhibition of biofilm was measured using a micro-dilution method, staining the biofilm that has been formed and determining the minimum inhibitory concentration that proved effective. Then, via molecular docking software, the ligands more likely to interact with biofilm proteins were predicted. Our results suggest that after multiple determinations of minimum inhibitory concentration, the lowest effective dose was in concentrations between 100 µg/ml to around 450 µg/ml. Furthermore, molecular docking results demonstrated that between all the essential oil ligands, the top three were geranyl acetate, α-terpineol, and β-bisabolene. To sum up, Citrus limon essential oil showed promising anti-quorum sensing properties and it can be considered as a source of antimicrobial formulation.

This study was designed to investigate the protective activity of hempseed oil on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxicity in male rats at Islamic Azad University, Saveh Branch, Saveh, Iran in 2015. Normal control (NC) group was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with distilled water (0.5 ml/kg); CCl4-intoxicated group (TCC) injected CCl4; hempseed oil treated group (HSO) gavaged hempseed oil; TCC-HSO group was injected CCl4 prior to intake of hempseed oil and HSO-TCC group was gavaged hempseed oil prior to being injected with CCl4. In all treated groups, toxicity was induced by i.p. injection of CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg) for two consecutive days and hemp seed, oil was gavaged at 8 ml/kg in respective group once daily for one week. Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels increased in TCC. Protection against toxicity in HSO-TCC and TCC-HSO reduced AST and ALT activities compared to TCC. Plasma alkaline phosphatase activity in TCC-HSO and HSO-TCC increased as compared with other groups. CCl4 decreased plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in TCC. Hempseed oil decreased total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triacylglycerols in HSO compared to NC. Hempseed oil in TCC-HSO and HSO-TCC restored TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels to those of NC. Atherogenic index was lower in HSO in comparison to TCC. Based on histopathology, hempseed oil improved CCl4-induced-cardio- and hepatotoxicity in TCC-HSO and HSO-TCC; however, hempseed oil did not prevent CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity. To sum up, hempseed oil has mild protective effects against CCl4 toxicity in male rats.

Biological control of parasites by using entomopathogen fungi is the one of the recommended ways to control them instead of using the chemical agents. Entomopathogen fungi are not pathogenic for animals and plants, while ticks are one of the most important parasites of animals that can transmit very important microbial pathogens. Ixodes ricinus is a hard tick that infests animals and human.
This study demonstrated enzyme assay of entomopathogen fungi hosted on Ixodes ricinus.
Enzymatic activities of chitinase, lipase and protease of fungal structures on the killed tick bodies have been assayed by standard sphectrophotometric methods.
Chitinase, lipase and protease activities showed significant differences among different fungal strains (p This study reveals the relationship between enzyme level of fungal strains and the possibility of selecting more effective strains of entomopathogenic fungi.

Baluchi's formulation is an herbal blend including Date, Almond, Cinnamon, and Pumpkinseed, which have‏‏ the Powerful antioxidant role and stimulate the brain to produce neurotransmitters. Cholinergic system plays an important role in learning and memory. Prescribing Baluchi's formulation‏‏ is effective in animal cognitive behavior. ‏‏ The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of antidepressant By Baluchi's formulation compound on decreased memory due to scopolamine in mice by relying on behavioral tests. It has also been observed that anticholinergic medicines such as scopolamine may cause disorder in the consolidation process in the memory of human beings and animals. So 40 Albino mice (25-30 g) were divided into five groups (+ & - controls and three treatments). During seven consecutive days, the mice received Baluchi's formulation (1, 2, 4 g/kg oral) thirty minutes before scopolamine (1mg/kg i.p.). At the same time, spatial memory and depression parameters were measured using MWM and EPM. The results showed that Baluchi's formulation treatments, significantly increased the time of animal presence in the target quadrant, the percentage of open arms and the time spent in the open arm compared with the control groups (p<0.001). The results of this study showed that the compounds in the Baluchi's formulation micronutrients may be effective in preventing and treating disorders such as depression and demands

Onosma microcarpum (Boraginaceae) locally known as “Tashnedary” is considered as one of important medicinal plants in west of Iran. Its roots have been used by the rural healers to treat the burns and wound healing. In this study, different extracts of roots were used for the evaluation of its healing effect in diabetic wound model in rats. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats, then wound incised on the back of rat, and subsequently they were divided into nine groups which eight of them contain eucerin with four concentrations of hexane extract (20%, 30%, 40%, 60%) and three other extract as aceton30%, ethanol30% and hydroEthanol30%, and one base eucerin without extract. Other formula was traditional formula and phenytoin. A photograph of the dorsum of the rat was taken from a standard height in days 0, 3, 6, 9, 15 and 20. Then, samples were processed in the pathologic surveys. Our study showed that the best result was demonstrated by Phenytoin cream treated group.
Our results indicated that like the general belief in west of Iran population, the ointment with n-Hex30% extracts of O. microcarpum could promote healing in described animal model, diabetic foot ulcer, compared to control.

The goal of this study was to investigate the common clinical chemistry and distribution of xanthine oxidase (XO) in selected tissues of a mouse model of menopause. Twenty four NMRI female mice were divided into three groups: normal control (NC), and ovariectomized (OVX) groups and an estrogen-treated ovariectomized (OVX) group which received subcutaneous injection of estradiol benzoate (2 mg/kg). After 8 weeks, blood samples were collected for determining plasma clinical chemistry. Tissue XO activity was measured spectrophotometrically based on monitoring uric acid (UA) formation. Plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (G), and calcium, and enteric XO activity increased in OVX group as compared with NC group. Hepatic XO activity in OVX group declined in comparison with NC group. E2, TP, and G levels and liver and brain XO activities increased in OVX group when compared with OVX group. However, TC, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, UA, and ALB levels decreased in OVX group compared with OVX group. The brain and heart XO activities increased in OVX group as compared to that of NC group. XO activity was not detected in womb, spleen and stomach of all studied groups. XO activity was not detected in muscles of NC group while OVX and OVX groups showed muscle XO activity. Induction of ovariectomy produced a hypoestrogenic state that coincident with an adverse alteration of plasma clinical chemistry in mice. XO activity also changed after ovariectomy and estrogen-replacement therapy with a tissue-specific manner.

Therapeutic potential of in vitro maturation (IVM) in infertility is growing with great promise. Although significant progress is obtained in recent years, existing IVM protocols are far from favorable results. The first aim of this study was to investigate whether two step IVM manner change reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels. The second aim was to find the effect of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on oocyte maturation rate and on ROS/TAC levels during IVM. In this experimental study, mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes divided into cumulus denuded oocytes (DOs) and cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) groups. GVs were matured in vitro in the presence or absence of ALA only for 18 hours (control) or with pre-culture of forskolin plus cilostamide for an additional 18 hours. Matured oocytes obtained following 18 and 36 hours based on experimental design. In parallel, the ROS and TAC levels were measured at different time (0, 18 and 36 hours) by 2',7' dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH) probe and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, respectively. Maturation rate of COCs was significantly higher than DOs in control group (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between COCs and DOs when were pre-cultured with forskolin plus cilostamide. ROS and TAC levels was increased and decreased respectively in DOs after 18 hours while in COCs did not change at 18 hours and showed a significant increase and decrease respectively at 36 hours (P<0.05). ROS and TAC levels in the presence of ALA were significantly decreased and increased respectively after 36 hours (P<0.05) whereas, maturation rates of COCs and DOs were similar to their corresponding control groups. ALA decreased ROS and increased TAC but could not affect maturation rate of both COCs and DOs in one or two step IVM manner.

Cryopreservation of pre-antral follicles is a hopeful technique to preserve female fertility. The aim of the present study was to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels of mouse vitrified pre-antral follicles in the presence of alpha lipoic acid (ALA). Isolated pre-antral follicles (140–150 µm in diameter) were divided into vitrified–warmed and fresh groups. Each group was subjected to in vitro maturation with or without ALA for 12 days، followed by adding human chronic gonadotropin to induce ovulation. In vitro fertilization was performed to evaluate their developmental competence. In parallel، the amount of ROS and TAC were assessed after 0، 24، 48، 72، and 96 h of culture by 2''،7''-dichlorofluorescin assay and ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay، respectively. The respective rates of survival، antrum formation، and metaphase II oocytes were significantly higher in ALA-supplemented groups compared to the groups not treated with ALA. TAC and ROS levels were significantly decreased and increased، respectively during the culture period up to 96 h in the absence of ALA in both vitrified and non-vitrified samples. However، with pretreatment of ALA، TAC levels were increased significantly and remained constant up to 96 h in vitrified-warmed pre-antral follicles، while ROS levels completely returned to the level of starting point after 96 h of culture in the presence of ALA. Pretreatment of ALA positively influences development of pre-antral follicles in vitrified and non-vitrified samples through increasing follicular TAC level and decreasing ROS levels.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro developmental competence of mouse vitrified pre-antral follicles in comparison to isolated pre-antral follicles derived from vitrified ovaries in the presence of alpha lipoic acid (ALA). Pre-antral follicles derived from fresh, vitrified-warmed ovarian tissues and vitrified–warmed pre-antral follicles were cultured individually with or without ALA, followed by adding hCG to induce ovulation. The follicle growth, oocyte maturation, and embryo development were assessed. The diameter and development of follicles, oocyte maturation and embryo development rates were significantly higher in ALA supplemented groups compared to the respective ALA-free conditions groups. Aforementioned parameters were significantly higher in vitrified-warmed follicles in comparison to follicles derived from vitrified-warmed ovaries. These findings support a superior performance of pre-antral follicles when vitrified rather than when isolated from vitrified ovaries with regard to increasing the rates of developmental parameters. Moreover, ALA improves the in vitro maturation of pre-antral follicles in vitrified and non-vitrified samples.

In spite of extensive efforts to improve in vitro oocyte maturation, the obtained results are not very efficient. This study was conducted to assess impacts of cAMP elevating agents and alpha lipoic acid (ALA) on in vitro oocyte maturation and fertilization. Mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes were categorized into cumulus denuded oocytes (DOs; n=896) and cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs; n=1077) groups. GV oocytes were matured in vitro with or without ALA; (I) without the meiotic inhibitors; (II) supplemented with cilostamide; (III) supplemented with forskolin and (IV) supplemented with Forskolin plus cilostamide. The obtained metaphase II (MII) oocytes were subjected to in vitro fertilization. Independent-samples t-testand ANOVA were used for data analysis. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The COCs maturation, fertilization and two cell embryo rates were higher than those of DOs in the control group, while no significant difference was observed between relevant COCs and DOs when they were cultured with cilostamide meiotic inhibitors in two step manner. Combined treatment of cilostamide and forskolin significantly elevated the developmental rates in both COCs and DOs as compared to other groups. The developmental rates of COCs and DOs in the presence of ALA were similar to their respective groups without ALA. cAMP elevating agents were more effective on DOs than COCs with regard to rates of maturation and fertilization. However, ALA did not affect the developmental rates of both COCs and DOs in in vitro maturation in one or two step manner.

Onychomycosis is a nail disorder associated with aesthetic problems, discomfort, physical injury and loss of dexterity. The purpose of the present study was to isolate and identify the causative fungi of onychomycosis in 2402 patients in Kermanshah Province, western Iran in 1994 to 2010. Mycologic assessment was carried out by standard methods including either microscopic or cultural procedures. Direct microscopy of the nail clips was positive in 1086 (45.2%) and fingernail and toenail onychomycoses were recognized in 773 (71.1%) and 313 (28.8%), respectively. Yeasts were detected in 853 (78.5%), dermatophytes in 201 (18.5%) and non-dermatophyte fungi in 32 (2.9%) patients. The results of fungal culture showed Candida albicans isolated in 384 (45.0%) and other Candida spp. isolated in 361 (54.0%) of the cases as the most common agents of onychomycosis while among dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum was found in 63 (37.0%) of the cases as the main dermatophytic agent followed by T. mentagrophytes 32 (15.9%) and Epidermophyton flocosum 30 (17.6%). Among the non-dermatophyte moulds, Aspergillus flavus was the most prevalent species 12 (37.5%) followed by A. niger 8 (25.0%) and A. fumigatus 4 (12.5%). Moreover, 139 (12.8%) samples with positive direct microscopy yielded no growth. The highest rate of onychomycosis was found in patients between 30-40 years of age. In sum, the current results identified the aetiological agents and primary epidemiological aspects of onychomycosis in west Iran.