mohammad reza aghaye-ghazvini

Levetiracetam (LEV) is approved for treating epilepsy. The current evidence shows that LEV can cause behavioral problems such as depression. It is well-known that depression is associated with oxidative stress. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the influence of LEV on depression severity and anti-oxidant status.

In this prospective longitudinal study, 50 patients with diagnosis of epilepsy on LEV were included. We used Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) to assess depression severity. The serum levels of zinc and glutathione were measured as anti-oxidant markers. These variables were evaluated at the baseline and 3 months after the commencement of LEV.

A total of 30 patients finished the follow-up. Among them, 21 patients were women. The mean age at baseline was 28.76 ± 11.37 (range: 16-68 years). The severity of depression at the last follow-up was significantly higher than the baseline. We observed a decrease in the serum levels of zinc and glutathione, though they were not statistically significant.

Our results suggest that LEV can increase the risk of depression in patients with epilepsy. This study also suggests that zinc depletion can be induced through act of LEV. Further studies are needed to validate these findings

Clinical studies show the effect of vitamin D on muscle strength in athletes. In addition, vitamin D deficiency is more common in people with higher physical activity than in others. Therefore, it seems vitamin D supplementation in the military can improve their health and physical performance.

This study is a double-blind clinical trial was done in Isfahan, Iran in 2019. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 100 militaries were randomly assigned to two groups of supplement and placebo groups (n=50). Demographic data and physical activity of militaries were collected by questionnaires. For all of the participants, measurements of height, weight, waist circumference, fat and muscle mass of the body were conducted. Sport tests of speed and time of fatigue were done. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software, version 18.0.

The two groups of intervention and placebo were matched in terms of age, serum vitamin D level and level of physical activity. The mean of serum vitamin D level in the intervention group at the end of the study was higher than the placebo group (p <0.05). There were no differences in anthropometric indices (weight, waist circumference and BMI) as well as body composition between the two groups receiving vitamin D and placebo at the end of the study (p <0.05). Fatigue time more increased in the vitamin D supplement group than in the control group (p <0.05) but no difference was seen in the 10 m speed test (p <0.05). 

The findings of this study show that vitamin D supplementation can increase fatigue time in military force, but it does not influence body composition and speed.

Recent studies have identified Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as an inflammatory condition associated with immunological and oxidative responses. Therefore, it is necessary to examine these processes in these patients. The present study aimed at investigating the relationship between the dietary intake of antioxidants, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity, and the serum levels of inflammatory factors in ADHD students.

This retrospective case-control study was conducted on 64 ADHD children aged 6 - 13 years. The demographic questionnaire, Food Frequency Questionnaire, and Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire were used for data collection. SOD activity and the serum level of inflammatory factors (homocysteine, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein (CRP)) were measured in all patients. According to the CRP values, 32 patients were included in the case group (CRP≥1 mg/L) and 32 patients in the control group (0≤CRP<1 mg/L).

There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, sex, weight, height, and body mass index. In the case group, the mean SOD activity (P=0.034), the physical activity (P=0.04), zinc intake (P=0.02), and homocysteine levels were higher than the control group (P=0.001). Of all studied variables, the best predictors were homocysteine (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.082-1.670, P=0.029) and physical activity (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.761-0.952, P=0.022) respectively, whereas other variables were not significant predictors.

The present study showed that the level of inflammatory factors in the case group was significantly higher than the control group. Homocysteine and physical activity can predict the inflammation status induced by CRP.

Obesity is a global health problem and also a well-known risk for many diseases. Although some synthetic drugs have been marketed for the treatment of obesity, natural remedies may be considered as safe and cost-effective alternatives. Lac (Kerria lacca Kerr) is a product from  animal origin and is sold as seedlac or shellac. This drug is very famous among Unani practitioners for  its antiobesity effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antiobesity potential of lac in rats.
Experimental approach: The effect of lac on rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) was investigated  through determination of the changes in body weight, and serum levels of leptin. In addition, the effect of lac on total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was studied. Male Wistar rats (170-220 g) were divided into eight groups;  a control group with normal diet, the HFD group received a HFD, and the experimental groups received the HFD containing 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4% (w/w) of seedlac or 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4% (w/w) of shellac for 12 weeks. The body weight of each rat was measured once a week. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed and serum concentrations of cholesterol, TG, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and leptin were determined.

The study showed that seedlac and shellac significantly prevented increasing body weight and the levels of serum leptin were decreased in treated groups compared with HFD group. Also, shellac decreased TG level and both shellac and seedlac exerted a significant increase in HDL-C concentration.

Lac had weight-reducing properties and could be a promising alternative for controlling obesity

Recent evidences have suggested the beneficial cardiovascular effects of some plants belonging to the genus Allium. The present study is an attempt to investigate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium elburzense bulb on dexamethasone-induced dyslipidemia in rats. Total phenolic content of A. elburzense bulb hydroalcoholic extract was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu method. Thirty-six male Wistar albino rats in 6 groups were studied. Group 1 (dyslipidemic control) received dexamethasone (10 mg/kg/day, s.c.) for 7 days, groups 2-4 (treated) received dexamethasone and simultaneously treated orally with 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg of A. elburzense extract, group 5 (normal control) received a single daily injection of normal saline (1 mL/kg, s.c.) and the vehicle orally, and group 6 (reference) received dexamethasone and atorvastatin (40 mg/kg) orally. At the end of experiment, blood glucose, lipid profile, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed in serum samples. Livers were processed for histopathological examination. Total phenolic content of A. elburzense extract was estimated to be 33.52 ± 1.3% mg gallic acid equivalent/g of the dried plant extract. The plant extract significantly reduced serum blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and MDA levels and increased the high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level and also improved liver steatosis compared to the dyslipidemic control group. These results suggest the hydroalcoholic extract of A. elburzense bulb has anti-dyslipidemic, anti-hyperglycemic, and antioxidant effects on rats receiving high doses of dexamethasone.

The causes of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (the most common psychological disorder is still unknown. The main symptoms include impulsivity, hyperactivity and attention deficit. Some studies have shown the relationship between ADHD and oxidative stress, and yet some researches have shown the effects on vitamin D on the antioxidants level. This research intends to identify the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the antioxidant serum level in 6-13 years old children with ADHD.
This double blind clinical trial was conducted in Isfahan city, the center of Iran, from October 2015 to February 2016. The sample included 35 subjects of both groups that were randomly selected among 6-13 years old children with ADHD diagnosed by pediatric psychologist. The intervention group consumed 1000 IU of vitamin D3 daily for three months, and the control group used placebo for the same period of time. Their stature and weight were recorded by digital instruments without the shoes with the least clothes. The next step was to train the food record of the students to the parents so that 3 food records were taken during the study. 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), TAC (Total antioxidant capacity), MDA (Malondialdehyde), CAT (Catalase) and GSH (Glutathione) of the participants of both groups were measured before and after the intervention.
In this Study, both groups were adjusted in terms of their age, gender and BMI. The mean score of the variables of leisure time and sport showed no significant difference in the both groups. Comparing the average TAC and MDA between the two groups before intervention didn’t show a significant difference (P1TAC=0.06) (P1MDA=0.32), but after the intervention, the vitamin D intake group showed the increase in TAC and decrease in MDA (P2TAC=0.001) (P2 MDA=0.01). Moreover, CAT and GSH showed no significant difference in the two groups before and after intervention.
Vitamin D supplementation for 3 months led to the improvement of antioxidant capacity by the increase of TAC and decrease of MDA, but the CAT and GSH showed no significant change in the mentioned period of time.

Allium affine is a member of Amaryllidaceae family, which grows wildly in some western regions of Iran. Limited information is available about the pharmacological activities of this plant. The present study aimed to evaluate the fibrinolytic and antioxidant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of A. affine aerial parts. The in vitro antioxidant properties of the extract were evaluated by total phenolic content assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The in vivo studies included the determination of hydroperoxides level and FRAP value in serum samples of rats receiving i.p. injections of the plant extract for 21 days. The fibrinolytic activity of the extract was quantitatively evaluated by measuring the clot weight. In vitro antioxidant analysis exhibited the promising potential of DPPH scavenging and total antioxidant capacity of A. affine extract. In the in vivo analysis, A. affine extract reduced the serum hydroperoxides level and increased the serum total antioxidant capacity in rats. In vitro fibrinolytic assay also elucidated notable thrombolytic activity of the plant extract. The results of this study revealed the valuable antioxidant and in vitro fibrinolytic activities of A. affine extract. Further studies are needed for better evaluation of anticoagulant and thrombolytic activities of this plant and understanding its detailed mechanisms.

Allium elburzense is an endemic plant of the family Amaryllidaceae that grows wild in northern Iran with some nutritional and medicinal applications. The present study was aimed to investigate the fibrinolytic and antioxidant effects of A. elburzense bulb extracts.
Hydroalcoholic, aqueous, chloroformic and butanolic extracts were evaluated in this research. In vitro antioxidant assays were performed using total phenolic, DPPH, and FRAP methods. In the in vivo analysis, animals receivedi.p. injection of A. elburzense hydroalcoholic extract for 21 days and hydroperoxides level, FRAP value, PT and aPTT were determined in serum samples. The fibrinolytic activity of different extracts was quantitatively evaluated by measurement of clot weight.
In vitro antioxidant assay showed that A. elburzense aqueous extract had the highest DPPH scavenging and the highest total antioxidant capacity. In the in vivo assay, A. elburzense hydroalcoholic extract reduced serum hydroperoxides level and increased serum total antioxidant capacity in rats.In vitro fibrinolytic assay revealed remarkable thrombolytic activity for this plant with the highest effect for the aqueous extract. However, coagulation parameters including PT and aPTT were not affected by administration of A. elburzense hydroalcoholic extract in rats.
In conclusion, the results of this study revealed the potential antioxidant and fibrinolytic effects of A. elburzense bulbextracts. For developing novel thrombolytic agents, further investigations for isolation of bioactive constituents and finding the underlying mechanisms are suggested.

Hypercoagulable state is a common serious problem in patients with end‑stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD patients are in a condition of chronic inflammation. An increased level of E‑selectin, “a key adhesion molecule that regulates leukocyte bindings to endothelium at damaged sites,” accompanies the higher risk of inflammation in ESRD patients. We aimed to investigate the possible correlation among E‑selectin as an adhesion molecule, coagulation factors, and inflammatory factors in children with ESRD.

Thirty‑five child patients with ESRD who had been on regular dialysis treatment were registered in our study. Nighteen sex‑ and age‑matched healthy volunteers were used as the control group. Laboratory tests were requested for the evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), and for coagulation state; fibrinogen, protein C, and protein S were measured. The enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Biomerica, CA, and IDS, UK). for serum E‑selectin assay was provided by R and D Systems (Abingdon, UK).

Hemoglubolin (Hb), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, calcium, PTH, triglyceride (TG) concentrations in serum as well as E‑selectin showed significant difference between the two study groups, as indeed was expected. Serum E‑selectin was significantly higher (P value = 0.033) in dialysis patients than in healthy subjects. E‑selectin was positively correlated only with phosphorus in ESRD children (r = 0.398, P = 0.018). No association was found for other parameters.

Although in our study circulating E‑selectin concentration “as an inflammatory maker” is independently positively associated with limited blood markers, for better evaluation, well‑designed cohort studies should be examined in ESRD children.

Oxidative stress has been a frequent finding in epileptic patients receiving antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). In this study, the influence of Vitamin E on the antiseizure activity and redox state of patients treated with carbamazepine, sodium valproate, and levetiracetam has been investigated.

This double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial was carried out on 65 epileptic patients with chronic antiepileptic intake. The subjects received 400 IU/day of Vitamin E or placebo for 6 months. Seizure frequency, electroencephalogram (EEG), and redox state markers were measured monthly through the study.

Total antioxidant capacity, catalase and glutathione were significantly higher in Vitamin E received group compared with controls (P < 0.05) whereas malodialdehyde levels did not differ between two groups (P < 0.07). Vitamin E administration also caused a significant decrease in the frequency of seizures (P < 0.001) and improved EEG findings (P = 0.001). Of 32 patients in case group, the positive EEG decreased in 16 patients (50%) whereas among 33 patients in control group only 4 patients (12.1%) showed decreased positive EEG.

The results of this preliminary study indicate that coadministration of antioxidant Vitamin E with AEDs improves seizure control and reduces oxidative stress.

Trace elements have long been suspected to be involved in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis, but their exact roles have been remained controversial. In this study, we assessed the levels of copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in different stage of PD patients.

Serum concentrations of iron, copper and zinc were measured in 109 patients with PD by colorimetric methods. Staging of the disease was evaluated according to Hoehn and Yahr (H and Y) and Unified PD Rating Scale III (UPDRS).

Severity values of PD measured by UPRDSIII and HY stages with mean ± SD were 22.9 ± 1.81 and 1.8 ± 1.1, respectively. Mean ± SD values of iron, zinc and copper are 100.7 ± 289.2, 68.3 ± 5.32, and 196.8 ± 162.1 μg/dl, respectively. Serum iron level in most of the patients was normal (76.6%). Whereas zinc concentration in most participants was below the normal range (64.5%) and serum Cu in the majority of patients had a high normal concentration (42.7%) and did not significantly differ among various PD stages.

The result of this study does not confirm strong correlation between PD stages and serum levels of tested trace elements. The actual correlations between these elements and PD and whether modulating of these agents levels could be an effective approach in the treatment of this disease remain to be elucidated.

The improved physical action following administration of supplements to bodybuilders was supported by changes in laboratory parameters. Despite the fact that these supplements are sometimes associated both advantage and side effects, this study were conducted for the purpose of evaluating the possible effects of some commonly used supplements in bodybuilders on the hematological and biochemical parameters. In this study, we included 40 male bodybuilders as cases and 40 controls in the age group of 20‑40 years. They used different kinds of supplements for 1 year. In general, all the supplements used were classified into two groups: hormonal and non‑hormonal. Laboratory tests were requested for evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters. In an equation model, we found that weight (P = 0.024), duration of bodybuilding (P < 0.001), and duration of hormone supplement consumption (P < 0.001) were loaded significantly on the latent variables, demographic and dietary supplement, respectively. The relationship between dietary supplement and biochemical and hematological parameters was significant (P = 0.01) and some of these parameters including creatinine (P = 0.023), blood aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < 0.001), and red blood cell distribution (RDW) (P = 0.046) had a significant role than others. In a multivariate regression model, we found that WBC (P < 0.001), platelets (P < 0.001), blood urea nitrogen (BUN; P < 0.001), creatinine (P < 0.001), AST (P = 0.005), and ALT (P = 0.001) were higher in athletes than in controls. It is strongly advised that there should be some concerns about possible supplement‑induced changes in the laboratory exams for bodybuilders. The available supplements are unchecked and not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). More studies should be designed for a better and precise administration of each supplement in athletes.

Th e eff ects of chronic valproic acid administration on bone health have been a matter of concern and controversy.In this study, the bone status following valproate intake was assessed by using several bone-related biochemical markers. In this case-control study, 62 epileptic patients and 40 age- and gender-matched controls were enrolled. The patients had been under chronic valproate therapy (758 ± 29 mg/day) for at least the past 6 months, without any vitamin D/or calcium supplementation. Serum markers of bone turnover (carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and bone-specifi c alkaline phosphatase [BALP]), calcium, phosphorus, total alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone levels were measured in both groups. The markers of bone turnover as well as other measured bone biochemical parameters did not statistically differ between the two groups. Valproate therapy at the mentioned doses does not seem to change bone turnover in adult epileptic patients.

Vitamin D insufficiency and serum calcium disturbance have been reported to be more common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients than in healthy control subjects, which may be due to a chronic disease or reduced mobility contributes to these relatively disturbances. Because of the high-vitamin D insufficiency in our population, we aimed to compare a biochemical levels which are related to bone metabolism, in PD patients in comparison with age-matched healthy controls, for the 1st time in a Middle East population. This case-control study was involved 105 (20 were excluded) PD patients, who were age- and -sex matched with 112 controls. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and parathyroid hormone analyzed by enzyme immunoassay; another laboratory data including, calcium, phosphorous, and alkaline phosphatase were performed by spectrophotometric methods. There was no significant difference in 25OHD between PD patients and control group (P = 0.071). 25OHD level was not significantly different in PD patients compared to controls {odds ratio 1.003, (confidence interval [CI], 0.98-1.02), P value 0.793}. None of the other biochemical levels did not induce more chance for PD, only we observed in men has more risk of PD than women (odds ratio 2.53, [CI, 1.27-5.03], P value 0.008). Our data do not support a possible role of vitamin D insufficiency in PD. Regarding to variable changes in biochemical markers in PD patients than in controls; further studies are suggested to determine any plausibility role of them as a causal relationship or as an outcome of PD.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most important neurodegenerative disorder. Anti‑cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‑CCP) may all be involved in the development of vascular disease such as AD. The aim of this study is detection of seropositivity for anti‑CCP antibody in AD patients. In our study, 30 patients with AD and 29 healthy controls (age and‑sex matched) were recruited. Homocysteine and anti‑CCP was measured by spectrophotometrically and immunoassay. Mean ± SE anti‑CCP was higher significantly between AD (13.6 ± 3) and healthy subjects (4.8 ± 0.2) (P = 0.006). In the patients, anti‑CCP serum level was in high range (32.1%) of abnormal levels, but there was no significant difference in serum homocysteine in AD patients compared with controls. There is no correlation between anti‑CCP and homocysteine levels in AD patients (P = 0.75), but between age and anti‑CCP level observed a significantly correlation (P = 0.04). It needs more studies to clarify confirmation the role of anti‑CCP antibody production in AD patients.