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Background and Aim: Ganoderma Lucidum has been regarded as a natural immunomodulator. The exact carbohydrate epitope responsible for the immunomodulatory activity and its receptor have not been identified, but it seems likely that it is the receptor CR3 (complement receptor 3) which can bind to β-glucan polysachharide. Because glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity has a critical role in the regulation of macrophage functions such as nitric oxide (NO) production, we assessed the immunomodulatory effect of GL-PS in BALB/c peritoneal macrophages. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, BALB/c mice peritoneal macrophages were isolated and treated with various concentrations of GL-PS (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 g/ml). After 24 hours, the viability of treated macrophages was measured by MTT assay at 540 nm and the effective dose was determined to be 0.1µg/ml. Then, macrophages were sonicated and special activity of G6PD was measured in the cell extracts by measuring the alterations in NADPH absorption at 339nm and protein concentration by Bradford method. Also, NO production was determined by use of Griess-reagent after 18 hours. Results: Results of this study showed that 0.1 g/ ml of GL-PS had the maximal effect on cell viability (stimulation Index) in comparison to other doses )0.05p(. Conclusion: Ganoderma Lucidum is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve quality and length of life. We concluded that GL-PS extract had an immunomodulatory effect on macrophage functions. So, it can be a good choice to augment phagocytic system against infectious agents and pathogens such as Leishmania species, because nitric oxide production plays a critical role against these organisms.

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  Background and Aim: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is one of the most frequently used tumor markers which is over-expressed in a variety of human cancers with epithelial origin such as colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, lung and breast cancers. The precise mechanism by which CEA is released from the cell surface into serum in cancer patients has not been clarified so far. CEA is attached to the plasma membrane by a glycophosphatidyl inositol (GPI) anchor. There have been some evidences indicating a possible role for involvement of an enzyme in CEA release from the cell surface. The GPI-anchor is a substrate for specific phospholipases. According to these information, we investigated the possible role of GPI-specific PI-PLD (GPI-PLD) in hydrolysis and CEA release.

  Materials and Methods: We have, therefore, used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to verify GPI-PLD expression in some cell lines of colorectal adenocarcinoma.�The amount of CEA released from a high CEA producing cell line in the presence or absence of specific activators/inhibitors of this enzyme was measured.�

  Results: Using RT-PCR, expression of GPI-PLD gene in these cell lines can be demonstrated. The amount of CEA released from high producing cell lines are increased or decreased in the presence or absence of specific activators/inhibitors.�

  Conclusion: According to this study there are evidences implicating the role of GPI-PLD enzyme in releasing CEA from the surface of the cells of colorectal carcinoma.

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  ABSTRACT

  Background and aim: The antibiotic resistance and also harmful side effects of treatments processes are among the most fundamental reasons of treatment failures. Therefore the global efforts are focused on subsidiary and more successful treatment protocols. The aim of this study was to assess inhibitory effect of one probiotic regime on H. pylori isolated from peptic ulcer patients.

  Material and Methods: Forty species of H. pylori were isolated from stomach biopsy samples from 140 patients with gastritis. After culturing biopsy samples in brucella blood agar and identification of the bacteria by standard complementary tests, antibiotic sensitivity test was performed by disk diffusion and E-Test methods. Antibiotic resistance to metronidazole, claritromycin, amoxicillin, and tetracycline was checked for all H. pylori isolates. H. pylori species were cultured in brucella broth medium and then the isolates were co-cultured with L acidophilus for assessment of antagonistic effect of L acidophilus on H. pylori growth.

  Results: Among 4 5 species, 25 (55 .5 %) showed antibiotic resistance. The resistance rates to metronidazole, claritromycin, amoxicillin and tetracycline were (65 %), (33%), (22%) and (20%) respectively. Lacto bacillus acidophilus prevented growth of 26 (57.7%) H. pylori- species among which, 68% were antibiotic sensitive and 31.8% antibiotic resistant.

  Conclusion: Although growth of half of H.pylori isolates were inhibited by Lactobacilli species, the proportion of unaffected isolates is considerable. The results of this study were almost compatible with those of other studies. Checking more isolates under standard laboratory conditions is necessary to determine the exact inhibitory effect of lactobacillus. At the present time the inhibitory effect of lactobacillus on some enteric pathogens has been recognized, but more studies are required to understand the mechanism and factors involved in such inhibitory effect.

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Background and Aim: Gender identity disorder consists of the patient’s consistent desire to identify with the opposite sex and feels significant discomfort or the inability to deal with this condition. In patients resistant to treatment (Individual Psychotherapy, Psychoanalysis …) operational procedure has been utilized and has been authorized in Iran through a religious decree issued by the country’s late leader, Ayatollah Khomeini since 1964. A study into the instances of surgery procedures in the country has proven positive results. Material and Methods: The procedure consists of cross-sectional study in small scale on 12 transsexual individuals consisting of 9 men and 3 women. All of the participants had sexual reassignment surgery at an average of six years prior to the study. They all were from middle class families and held an average age of 25. The participants were subjected to MMPI-1 questionnaire, (MF) MMPI-2, The Bem Sex-Role inventory and the Bem Gender Traits Test. Results: The study showed that the patients have responded positively to the treatment in psycho –social dimension and had obtained a normal grade at the MMPI- 1 test. According to the results of the Bem and MF tests they have also accepted their new identity and role. Results of Semi structural interview included all of sample agreed with their decision. Neither of the patients has expressed regret of undertaking the surgery Conclusion: Multiple factors include economic status of the patients, satisfying interpersonal relationships, efficient support system, sexual partners and satisfactory sexual life, suitable familial reactions and possibility of extra surgery have prominent role to adjust them with their new identity and role in the society. Key words: Gender identity disorder, Trance sexualism, Gender identity and role, Post surgery satisfaction, Sexual reassignment surgery Conflict of Interest: Nill Received: May 29, 2008 Accepted: September 15, 2008

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ABSTRACT Background and Aim: Hereditary non polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is an autosomal dominant syndrome. The cancer appears between 40 and 50 years of age. Mutation in mismatch repair genes can lead to this cancer .One of the genes which is involved in this disease is PMS2 gene. Here, we present a case with a novel germline mutation in PMS2 gene. The aim of this report was to examine PMS2 gene and identify novel germline mutations in this gene. Case presentation: A 77-year-old male with diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma was referred for genetic testing. He suffered from a polyp with a diameter of 6.8 cm in hepatic flexure. The patient did not meet Amsterdam Criteria and Bethesda Guidelines, but screening for HNPCC was performed on account of pathological findings. Blood sample was used for identification of mutation and the paraffin embedded block was prepared for MSI analysis. Conclusion: One mutation in PMS2 gene was detected by analysis of the amplicon sequencing. The mutation was a transitional mutation in position 676 which led to transformation of guanine to adenine resulting in substitution of glutamic acid for glycine. Immunohistochemistry confirmed abnormal expression of PMS2 gene and MSI assay showed instability of sequenced amplicons in this gene. Conflict of Interest: Nil Received: Mar 11, 2012 Accepted: Apr 7, 2013

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ABSTRACT Background and Aim: Nowadays, the effect of medicinal plants on the reduction of the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis has been confirmed. Liver phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (PAP) is a key regulatory enzyme in the glycerolipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of sesame oil on liver PAP activity, liver triglyceride, liver cholesterol and serum lipoprotein levels in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Material and Methods: In this experimental study 27 New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=9). Group1 (control) was fed with standard diet. Group II (hypercholesterolemic group) animals received hypercholesterolemic diet (1%) without treatment. Group III was fed with hypercholesterolemic diet (1%) plus sesame oil (5%). After two months, liver PAP activity, liver triglyceride and cholesterol content, serum lipoproteins and malondialdehyde, and antioxidant capacity were measured. One way ANOVA was used for analysis of the mean values of the variables and for pair-wise comparison of the groups we used Tukey’s test. Results: Group III had a significant decrease (P< 0.05) in the liver PAP activity compared to group II. In group II, consumption of the enriched cholesterol diet led to a significant elevation (P< 0.05) in serum lipoproteins compared to group I (control). Also, sesame oil in group III decreased the serum lipoproteins, liver triglyceride, and liver cholesterol in comparison to group II (p<0.05). However, a significant elevation (P< 0.05) in serum antioxidant capacity and a significant reduction in malondialdehyde level occurred in group III compared to group II (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sesame oil can be effective in reducing risk factors of cardiovascular diseases by decreasing serum lipids through making desirable alterations in serum lipoproteins. Also addition of sesame oil to hypercholesterolemic diets can reduce the liver PAP activity resulting in reduced liver triglyceride synthesis, which can decrease the risk of development of fatty liver in hypercholesterolemic diets. Conflict of Interest: Nil Received: Feb 25, 2012 Accepted: Feb 6, 2013

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ABSTRACT Background and Aim: Diarrhea is recognized as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Gastrointestinal diseases can lead to death of many children of less than 5 years of age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the drug resistance pattern in Shigella toxin and non-toxin producing strains in children. Material and Methods: In this descriptive analytic study a total of 80 Shigella strains, 60 strains isolated from stool samples of children with diarrhea from Loghman, Emam and Tebi Koodakan Centre Hospitals, and 20 national collection strains isolated and reserved during the last years. The isolates were evaluated for cytotoxin production by using cell culture technique (Hela cell). Our study included 54 strains of S. flexneri, 14 strains of S.sonnei, 10 strains of S. boydii and 2 strains of S. dysenteriae. Data were analyazed by means of chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Results: Of 80 strains 9 (11.25%) showed cytotoxic effect. Chi-square test showed no significant difference between the isolated and national collection strains (P≥0.05).There was no correlation between the cytotoxic activity and clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and frequency of passing stools / day, but other symptoms like fever and presence of blood in the stool had correlation with cytotoxin production. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that there was no significant difference in the antimicrobial resistance pattern between toxin and non-toxin producing Shigella strains isolated from the clinical samples and the standard national collection. Key words: Shigella, Hela cell, Cytotoxin, Antibiotic resistance. Received: Oct 29, 2012 Accepted: Sep 10, 2013 Conflict of interest: None declared

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Background and Aim: The outcome of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is variable in different individuals. Liver injuries in chronic HBV infection appear to be mostly due to the host’s immune response to control the infection. Various studies have provided evidence for an association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within interleukin genes and susceptibility to infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to examine IL-20 gene SNP (rs1518108) in regard to genotype and allele frequencies and its association with HBV outcome. Material and Methods: The SNP at position rs1518108 of IL-20 gene was analyzed in the patients with chronic HBV infection and healthy volunteers as control group. Blood samples were collected from 134 ELISA positive hepatitis B patients as well as 119 healthy controls. Evaluation of SNP was performed to find differences in allele and genotype frequencies by PCR-RFLP method in this case-control study. Results: Results showed a slightly higher CT genotype among the patients but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.856). Genotype and allele frequencies were found in both groups and no significant difference was observed in the frequency of interleukin-20 gene polymorphism (rs1518108) between chronic HBV patients and healthy subjects in relation to genotype (P=0.827) and allele (P=0.784) frequencies. Conclusion: The results suggested that there is no correlation between interleukin-20 (rs1518108) polymorphism with HBV infection or disease progression. Polymorphism could not be regarded as a host genetic factor associated with the HBV infection outcome. Genetic factors other than interleukin-20 or other polymorphisms of this gene, seem to be involved in the process of viral clearance and prevention of chronic hepatitis B. Keywords: Single nucleotide polymorphism, Interleukin-20, Hepatitis B virus Received: Sep 6, 2014 Accepted: Dec 28, 2014

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Background and Aim: Mesenchymal stem cells are adult, non-hematopoietic, mulipotent and self-renewal cells. These cells were first isolated from bone marrow and considered as the most important cells in cell therapy. These cells have been used in clinical trials (animal models) about more than a decade. Regarding immunomodulatory properties through immunosuppressive factors and their repair potency, these cells have been widely used in the treatment of immunological (chronic and autoimmune diseases) and non-immunological diseases (tissue engineering, tissue repair, degenerative and malignant diseases.( This review aimed to study the therapeutic roles, immunobiology and challenges ahead of mesenchymal stem cells. Material and Methods: At first articles related to mesenchymal stem cells were searched from valid databases such as Wily Online Library, ISI web of science, Springer Link, Sciencedirect, Pubmed, google scholar, SID, and ISC. Then, the related articles studied from 2002 to 2014 were searched. They were about the modulatory role, therapeutic effects (in immunologic and non-immunologic diseases) and clinical applications of mesenchymal stem cells. Results: The obtained results showed a high potential of mesenchymal stem cells, isolated from different sources in clinical trials (preclinical and clinical). Mesenchymal stem cells have a key role in immunomodulation through secreted factors and cell-cell contact in inflammatory diseases, as well as tissue restoration by homing via adhesion molecules and chemokines in cells that has been destructed due to physiologic or pathologic causes (non-inflammatory and destructive diseases). In addition, it has anticancer features for nanoparticle delivery to tumors and consequently angiogenesis prevention. Despite mentioned points, use of mesenchymal stem cells has some risks such as tumor induction, infection transmission, and ectopic tissue formation in receiving individual. Conclusion: The therapeutic role of mesenchymal stem cells in destructive and autoimmune diseases has been proved. Given challenges in using mesenchymal stem cells in cell therapy and the standards (according to protocols), these cells can be used widely in the future. Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation, Immunomodulation, Cell therapy, Regenerative medicine, Tissue engineering, Cell-cell contact, Soluble factor Received: Dec 7, 2014 Accepted: Mar 3, 2015

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Background and Aim: Viral hepatitis B is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases which can lead to liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). Recent studies have shown an association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of interleukin 17 and inflammatory diseases. Inflammatory responses are important factors in the disease process, especially in the viral infections and chronicity or virus clearance from the body, and are closely dependent on the proper cytokine secretion from immune cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between IL-17 (rs763780) SNP and chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) Infection.

Material and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 150 patients with chronic HBV infection and 150 healthy individuals. Genomic DNA was extracted by salting out method. IL-17 (rs763780) polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods.

Results: Genotype and allele frequencies of rs763780 did not show any statistically significant difference between the patients and control groups.  Genotype frequencies were 84.6% for TT, 14.7% for TC and 0.7% for CC in the patients with chronic disease and 88%, 11.3% and 0.7% for TT, TC and CC in the control group respectively (p=0.69).

Conclusion: The results showed that there was no association between IL-17 SNP rs763780 and susceptibility to develop chronic HBV infection. It seems that genetic variations in other cytokine genes other than IL-17 gene, may affect progression of infection to chronic disease.

Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, Interleukin17, Single nucleotide polymorphism.

 

Received: Aug 16, 2015      Accepted: Nov 03, 2015

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Background and Aim: Measurement of ground reaction forces (GRF) in different physical activities is linked with risk of the injuries of lower limb joints. Insole may alter the amount of these forces. The objectives of this study were to analyze the effects of<span style="font-family:;" dir="RTL" fa;="" 12pt;="" new="" roman";"="" "times="" roman";="" mitra";="" b=""> insole on GRF and time-to peak each reaction force, impulse, and loading rate during landing in normal individuals.

Material and Methods: Thirteen healthy male subjects with mean age, mass and height of (21.9±1.6years), (67.18±12.6kg), and (175.38±4.9cm), respectively, participated in this study. Using a Kistler force plates (1000Hz) we measured GRF during landing with and without shoe insole. Then, maximum GRF and their related time-to-peak, impulse and loading rate were measured. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyze the data. p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Wearing insole decreased the peak vertical GRF at the moment of contact of the heel with the ground (P=0.009), peak horizntal GRF (P=0.011) and the loading rate (P=0.01). But, the vertical impulse increased (P=0.0032).

Conclusion: Reduction of the vertical GRF and loading rate by means of insole may reduce the risk of lower extremity injuries during landing.

Keywords: One leg -landing, Ground reaction force, Impulse, Loading rate, Insole.

 

Received: Oct 28, 2015      Accepted: Dec 8, 2015

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Background and Aim: Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT)/ (visfatin) have been proposed as proinflammatory cytokine that is influenced by blood glucose or insulin. In diabetes mellitus proinflammatory agents such as prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide can increase visfatin synthesis and visfatin stimulates their expression. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cyclooxygenase and nitrergic system on serum visfatin level and some biochemical parameters in diabetic rats.

Material and Methods: Male Wistar rats were rendered diabetic by streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p.). Animals were treated with celecoxib (5 mg/kg) or L-arginine (50 mg/kg) or L-NAME (50 mg/kg) alone or with combinations of celecoxib and L-arginine or celecoxib and L-NAME. Using SPSS software, we used one way analysis of variance followed by tukey test for data analysis.

Results: All treated groups showed significant decrease in blood glucose and triglyceride levels (P<0.05). Treatment with L-NAME decreased serum insulin level significantly (P<0.05), while celecoxib alone (P<0.05) or in combination with L-NAME and L-arginine enhanced its levels significantly (P<0.01). Serum visfatin level increased in diabetic rats compared to controls (P<0.05). Treatment with L-arginine had a significant effect on increasing visfatin level (P<0.05). Celecoxib decreased visfatin level (P<0.01). Combination of L-NAME or L-arginine with celecoxib caused a greater reduction in visfatin level (P<0.01).

Conclusion: Serum visfatin level increased in streptozotocin- induced diabetes. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 by celecoxib, resulted in decreased visfatin level and part of this effect was due to interaction with nitrergic system. It seems that blood glucose and insulin do not affect visfatin level directly, but proinflammatory cytokines play the main role in its synthesis.

Keywords: Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, Celecoxib, Nitric oxide, Diabetes mellitus, Streptozotocin

Received: Oct 03, 2015      Accepted: Mar 02, 2016

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Background and Aim: Patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of  the most common knee disorders in the athletes and women. Despite use of water-based exercise in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and sport injuries, its impact on the  pain and knee function in the patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome has not  been investigated appreciably. The present study made a comparison between the effects of water-based exercise and conventional land- based exercise in the  female athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Material and Methods: 20 collegiate athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome were included in this study and randomly assigned to two groups: water-based (n = 10) and Land-based (n = 10) groups.

 Land – based protocol was performed in the gym and water-based training was implemented in the pool. Exercises were designed to strengthen the hip abductors and external rotator muscles. We used NRS to assess pain intensity, and Kujala and LEFS scale for the assessment of the knee function in various activities before and after the exercises protocols. We used repeated measures ANOVA for analysis of the effects of the therapeutic interventions.

Results: According to the results of repeated measure ANOVA we found significant differences in NRS (p=0.040) and LEFS (p=0.024) after intervention between the two groups. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in kujala scores between the two groups (p=0.927).

Conclusion: The results showed that water-based exercise as a therapeutic modality was more effective in reducing the pain and improvement  of the knee function in the patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, compared to land-based exercise.

Key Words: Water- based exercise, Pain, Function, Knee, Patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Received: Mar 15, 2016      Accepted: Aug 20, 2016

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Background and Aim: Malassezia yeast can become pathogenic under certain conditions in humans. Malassezia has various species which can cause a number of skin diseases, such as pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor), seborrheic dermatitis and folliculitis and even systemic infections. In the present study, Malassezia species isolated from the patients with pityriasis versicolor were identified by PCR-PFLP molecular method.
Material and Methods: In this study, the scraping specimens of the trunk and scalp of the patients with pityriasis versicolor were cultured on Dixon agar medium. Finally, one-hundred Malassezia colonies were obtained. The genomic DNA was extracted by phenol–chloroform method and then was studied by use of PCR-PFLP molecular method. D1-D2 segment in the area of 26srDNA of ITS gene was proliferated by specific primers and then the PCR products were exposed to CfoI restrictive enzyme.
Results: Among 100 Malassezia colonies, the most common Malassezia species were; M. globosa (44%), M. globosa/M. restricta (27%), M. restricta (11%), M. sympodialis (7%), M. sympodialis/M. restricta (4%), M. globosa/M. restricta/M. furfur (1%), M. sympodialis/M. restricta/ M. globosa (1%) and unknown species (5%).
Conclusion: The dominant species isolated from patients with pityriasis versicolor were M. globosa, M. restricta and M. sympodialis, respectively. Thirty-three percent of the specimens had more than one Malassezia species. Therefore, rapid PCR-RFLP method is recommended for identification of Malassezia species in epidemiological studies and production of more effective medicines.
Key words: Malassezia; Pityriasis versicolor; PCR-RFLP.
 
Received: Oct 1, 2016      Accepted: Feb 11, 2017

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Background and Aim: Time is the main determinant factor for survival chance in trauma patients. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the effect of management programs in trauma patients on time indices of pre-hospital emergency missions.

Materials and Methods: In this controlled field trail, 60 pre-hospital emergency technicians were divided into two test and control groups, by means of stratified random sampling. Pre-hospital trauma management training programs which had been formulated on the basis of available national and global standards were implemented, by using a combination of training lecture and simulation methods for the test group. Research tools were demographic questionnaire and standard pre-hospital emergency care reporting form. Mean values for time indices were determined before, after, and also one month after intervention in both groups. Using SPSS 19, data were analyzed by independent t-test, Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance, and Bonferroni’s follow up test.

Results: Mean scene time in the test group (one month after intervention) was significantly lower than that in the control group (p=0.05). Also, mean and standard deviation of scene time in the test group decreased from 17.6±5.5 minutes (before intervention) to 12±3.8 minutes (one month after intervention), which showed a significant reduction (p˂0.001).
Conclusion: According to the results, performance of pre-hospital trauma management training programs can lead to reduction of scene time in pre-hospital emergency missions. Therefore, considering the role of reduced scene time in the prognosis of trauma patients, integration of the periodic training of the trauma management programs into pre-hospital emergency training programs seems necessary.

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Background and Aim: Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with unknown etiology in the nervous system. However, exercise routinely for these patients is beneficial, but the effect of pretreatment swimming exercise in this disease has not been fixed. Therefore, the aim of these study was to investigate pretreatment effect of swimming exercise on NGF levels in female Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
Materials and Methods: This experimental in vitro study was conducted on female Lewis rats. In this study, animals were randomly divided into 4 groups (each group 5), including healthy control, EAE control, healthy swimming and EAE swimming. The training protocol included swimming exercise 1 hour/day, 5 days/week for six weeks.
Results: This study shows that NGF levels in EAE swimming group were significantly increased compared to the same controls (P= 0.006). Also the weight of EAE swimming training group significantly increased compared with control (P=0.001).
Conclusion: According to these findings, concluded that pretreatment with sub-chronic swimming exercise, through increased levels of NGF, is effective in inhibiting EAE. Hence, perhaps, the protocol used in this study to enhance the protection of nerve cells in the brain tissue of MS Risk Factors and ultimately recommended to promote brain health.

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Background and Aim: Statins are among extensively used medications in diabetic patients. This study was designed to assess the outcome of atorvastatin pretreatment in renal ischemia- reperfusion in diabetic rats.
Material and Methods: Wistar male rats (180-230 gr) were divided into 5 groups: normal control (CN), atorvastatin control (5 mg/kg) (CA), diabetic control (CD), diabetic group receiving atorvastatin 0.5 mg/kg (DA/a), diabetic group receiving atorvastatin 5 mg/kg (DA/b). Affter induction of type II diabetes by injection of nicotinamide and streptozotocin, the rats received daily atorvastatin or normal saline gavage for 2 months. Then, under anesthesia ischemia was induced for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Blood and urine samples were collected for the measurement of lipid profile and renal function indices. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey post-hoc test.
Results: Total cholesterol and LDL were reduced in the group receiving atorvastatin (5 mg/kg) (P<0.05). Serum urea levels were higher in the diabetic groups especially in DA/b group compared to those in the non diabetic groups (P<0.001). Serum creatinine levels were also higher in DA/b group than those in the control groups (P<0.05 and P<0.001). 
Conclusion: Atorvastatin pretreatment slightly worsened ischemia-reperfusion injury. It seems that low dosage and short duration of the treatment in this study had not resulted in serious effects on the kidneys.

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Background and Aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with impaired metabolism of carbohydrate, fat, and protein. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of white button mushroom (WBM) powder on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and liver enzymes in type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM).
Materials and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial included 41 T2DM patients between 23 and 50 years of age. Patients were randomly divided into intervention (n = 19 mushroom powder) and placebo (n = 22 corn starch) groups. Patients received 16 g dried WBM powder or corn starch/day for 8 weeks.  Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and liver enzymes were assessed at the baseline and at the end of our study. An independent sample t-test was used to compare quantitative variables between the two groups. Comparison of the mean values before and after treatment in each group was performed by means of paired T-test. p<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Comparison of the results at the baseline and after 8 weeks showed no significant difference in regard to weight, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and the waist-to-height ratio between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, the patients in the intervention group had a significant decrease in waist circumference and also lower weight at the end of the study compared to the baseline (P < 0.05). In addition, BMI reduction was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in relation to hepatic enzymes, systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the end of the study (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: This study showed that WBM had no significant effect on liver protection. However, improvement in anthropometric indices in the intervention group indicated the potential effect of WBM on reducing T2DM complications.

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Background and Aim: Today, plant extracts and their components are known for their biological activities, especially antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Due to the biological diversity of plant species in Kurdistan Province and the difference in the medicinal properties of plants depending in different geographical locations, the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of some native plants in this province were investigated. In this study, besides restoring antibiotic sensitivity in pathogenic bacteria, they can also be used as natural preservatives.
Materials and Methods: The present study was of experimental type and after purchasing some medicinal plants from herbal pharmacies in Kurdistan Province, their medicinal properties were first investigated using aqueous extraction method, then by diffusion method in the well, as well as the MIC and MBC methods, by using 96-well microplates. The antibacterial activities of the aqueous extracts against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria were determined, and the DPPH method was used to evaluated the antioxidant properties. ANOVA and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. p<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: In this study many plants had high antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Mentha longifolia L and Capillus Veneris Ladiantum plant extracts had the highest and lowest antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. Also plant extracts of Capillus veneris ladiantum and Stachys lavandulifolia vahl had the highest (81.75) and lowest(16.71) radical inhibition percentages respectively.
Conclusion: Most of the extracts of the native plants of Kurdistan Province showed significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities, which can be used in the production of medicinal plants and various types of green disinfectants that have the least environmental effects.