Effect of pilates training on hepatic fat content and liver enzymes in men with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Qazvin

Background and aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is associated with fat accumulation and deposition in liver cells, is a serious risk factor for other diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Pilates training on hepatic fat content and liver enzymes in men with NAFLD in 2019. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 20 men with NAFLD were randomly divided into Pilates training (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The Pilates group participated in the Pilates training program for eight weeks (three 60-minute sessions per week), whereas the control group engaged in no regular physical activity. The body composition, anthropometric indices, liver fat content, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured before and after the training period. Eventually, data were analyzed using paired and independent t tests at a significance level of 0.05 by SPSS 18. Results: After eight weeks of Pilates training, liver fat content in the Pilates group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P=0.001). Further, the serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP significantly decreased in the Pilates group compared to the control group (P=0.04, P=0.05, and P=0.02, respectively). In addition, eight weeks of Pilates training significantly reduced body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat percentage, and the waist-to-hip ratio of patients, while no significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that Pilates training could be effective in improving liver fat content and reducing the serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP in men with NAFLD. Furthermore, Pilates training helps to improve body composition and anthropometric indices in patients afflicted with NAFLD and can have a role in the management of this condition.

Assessing growth parameters of children with congenital hypothyroidism subject to levothyroxine treatment compared to normal growth parameters in healthy newborns

Background and aims: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most common treatable physical growth disorders leading to mental retardation. Most cases of this disease can be detected through the neonatal screening program. Given the high prevalence of this disease and the implementation of screening programs in recent years in Iran, this study aimed to assess the growth indices of newborns with CH. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 66 newborns with CH detected in the screening program in Shahrekord were selected by a census sampling method. Overall, 125 healthy newborns were also selected as controls by the convenience sampling technique according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The height, weight, head circumference, and body mass index (BMI) of the samples were measured and then the mean, median, standard deviation, as well as the 3rd, 15th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 85th, and 97th percentiles in the two groups were determined and compared based on gender and age group. Results: The height, weight, head circumference, and BMI of the boys, in addition to the head circumference and BMI of the girls, were not significantly different from those of the controls (P>0.05). However, the height and weight of the girls were significantly lower compared to those in the control group, although the difference in the weight was corrected at the age of 9 months. Conclusion: In general, the growth indices of newborns with CH were lower than those of the controls. This difference was significant only for the weight and height of girls with CH.

The effects of pBudCE4.1-azurin-MAM-A recombinant vector on IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, and IL-10 expressions in laboratory mice

Background and aims: Breast cancer is one of the most common types of malignancy in women with morbidity and mortality (15.0%) in the world. The antitumor activity of azurin protein produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been described before. Mammaglobin-A (MAM-A) protein is especially expressed in 40%-80% of breast cancer types and this protein is a very specific molecular marker for stimulating the immune system. Accordingly, this study investigated the effects of pBudCE4.1-azurin-MAM-A recombinant vector on the induction of the immune system in laboratory mice by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Methods: The pBudCE4.1-azurin-MAM-A recombinant and empty vectors were purchased and then separately transformed into Escherichia coli for multiplying. Next, each plasmid was extracted and the accuracy of transformation was confirmed by the PCR. These recombinant and empty (control) vectors were separately infused into the thigh muscle of the animals and the healthy group was infused with phosphatebuffered saline. The infusion sites, blood specimens, as well as the serum of the animals were collected and examined by serological and molecular tests. Results: Molecular and serological studies showed that the serum and expression levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, and IL-10 in infused mice with pBudCE4.1-azurin-MAM-A recombinant vector significantly increased compared to healthy animals and injected mice with an empty vector (P<0.05). Conclusion: In general, the findings revealed that the pBudCE4.1-azurin-MAM-A recombinant vector can stimulate the immune system of the mouse by an increase in the expression levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, and IL-10. Thus, it would be better to examine the effects of this recombinant vector as a DNA vaccine on the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Entinociceptive effects of Euphorbia helioscopia extract on Balb/c mice

Background and aims: Euphorbia helioscopia has multiple pharmacological activities, such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal,anticancer and/or antitumor, allelopathic, anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic, antioxidant, antinociceptive effect. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antinociceptive activities of Euphorbia helioscopia extract in Balb/c mice, as well as the total flavonoids, phenolic contents, and antioxidant activities of the extract. Methods: In this study, 90 Balb/c mice were randomly designated into 9 groups. Group 1 received normal saline, groups 2 to 7 received different doses of the E. helioscopia hydroethanolic extract (i.e., 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 2, & 8 mg/kg, i.p.).In addition, groups 8 and 9 received naloxone (1 mg/kg) and extract (8 mg/kg) plus naloxone (1 mg/kg), respectively (Naloxone was injected 15 minutes after extract administration). Then, pain response was evaluated for 30 minutes after the injection of 20 µL formalin (1.5%) in the plantar surface of the mice foot. Further, the beta-carotene-linoleate method was used for measuring antioxidant capacity. Finally, total phenolic and flavonoid content were measured based on Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Results: Total phenol and flavonoid content were 49.43 ± 1.8 mg GAE/g dried extract and 30.19 ± 1.96 mg rutin/g dried extract, respectively. Our results showed that during the first 5 minutes (the acute pain step), a significant difference (P<0.05) was observed between the control group and the group which received the E. helioscopia hydroethanolic extract (8 mg/kg). In the next 25 minutes (the chronic pain step), a significant difference (P<0.05) was found between the control group and the group which received 0.1 and 8 mg/kg doses of the extract. Based on the results, naloxone was unable to reverse the antinociceptive effects of the extract and the maximum antioxidant activity of the extract was 1.641 mg/g of rutin equivalent. Conclusion: In general, this study supports the use of the E. helioscopia extract in folk medicine as the analgesic agent and calls for further investigations regarding elucidating its mechanism of action. Eventually, our findings revealed that the extract of E. helioscopia possessed either antinociceptive or anti-oxidative activities.

The frequency of cytogenetic abnormalities in idiopathic oligospermia and azoospermia infertile men in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province: a cross-sectional study

Background and aims: Infertility is one of the main health issues in families worldwide. In addition, there is a complex correlation between genetics and infertility and chromosomal abnormalities are found in 8% of infertile males. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of cytogenetic abnormalities among idiopathic oligospermia and azoospermia infertile men who were treated in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the records of a total of 100 participants were evaluated retrospectively. The patients who were under careful physical and para-clinical (i.e., hormonal, ultrasound, and spermiogeram) examinations were enrolled in the study. Chromosomal analysis was carried out on the cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes by Giemsa (G) banding. Eventually, 10 well-spread metaphases were analyzed by G-banding. Result: The chromosome abnormality frequency, the numerical type, and the structural type were 13%, 3%, and 10%, respectively. Among patients with azoospermia, two cases had Klinefelter syndrome with karyotype. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that structural abnormalities are more prevalent than numerical abnormalities in infertile men who were treated in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. This indicates the importance of cytogenetic examination and the relevance of its achievements to the patient’s management in infertility clinics. Therefore, the cytogenetic test is proposed for infertile men, in particular in those who endure azoospermia.

Identification of VIM and IMP genes and metallo-betalactamase enzymes in Escherichia coli isolates by molecular and phenotypic methods in shahrekord educational hospitals

Background and aims:: Among urine pathogens, Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes 80% of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Due to the destructive nature of penicillins, cephalosporins and carbapenems (except for monobactam such as aztreonam) and carbapenemase enzymes have created many problems for treating infectious diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the phenotypic and molecular characterization of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) genes produced by E. coli isolates in an educational hospital during 2016- 2017. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated 80 UTI samples affected by E. coli. In addition, antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated by disk diffusion and E-test methods for two antibiotics of meropenem and imipenem. Phenotypic tests containing modified Hodge test, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) disk synergy test, and AmpC Disk were performed to identify MBL enzyme-producing strains. Finally, the frequency of Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and imipenemase (IMP) genes was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Among 80 E. coli samples, 21 (26.25%) isolates were resistant to meropenem and imipenem as detected by the disk-diffusion method and E-test. Further, phenotypic tests including modified Hodge test, EDS test, and AmpC disk test showed the positivity of 15 (18.75%), 15 (18.75%), and 8 (10%) isolates, respectively (P < 0.001). Eventually, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results for the VIM gene showed 19 (23.75%) positive isolates of E. coli, but the IMP gene was observed in none of the isolates (P<0.001). Conclusion: In general, the emergence of E. coli producing MBL enzymes is a serious threat among clinical infections. The findings of this study indicated the presence of E. coli producing MBL. These enzymes can degrade carbapenems antibiotics, the last class current treatment of multiple drug-resistance infections.

Postpartum depression and its correlation with spiritual health

Background and aims: Postpartum depression has a high prevalence in communities and needs great financial resources. On the other hand, the world views the spiritual health as a new and complementary dimension of health. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between postpartum depression and spiritual health. Materials and Methods: This correlational-analytic study was conducted on 152 women who gave birth 8 months ago, referred to Hajar Hospital, Imam Ali hospital, Molavi clinic, or other health centers of Shahrekord, and were also satisfied with participating in the study. They were selected by the simple sampling method and completed the Palutzian and Ellison Spiritual Health Questionnaire. Finally, the collected data were entered in SPSS software and descriptive statistics in addition to the Pearson correlation coefficient and K2 test were used to analyze the data. Results: In the present study, the mean age of the subjects was 29.15 (SD=5.45) with the range of 16-45 years. The mean scores of spiritual health and depression were obtained 96.3 and 8.94, respectively. The results of this study showed that the Pearson correlation coefficient was -75.5% (P˂ 0.001), demonstrating an inverse correlation between the scores of postpartum depression and spiritual health. Conclusion: In general, the correlation between postpartum depression and spiritual health was an inverse correlation and the level of depression decreased by an increase in spiritual health. It can be concluded that without the need for specific treatments, the level of postpartum depression can be reduced by increasing the level of spiritual health.

The effect of zinc supplementation in delayed preterm delivery and biometric of neonates suspected with preterm delivery in mothers suspected of having a preterm delivery

Background and aims: Micronutrient deficiency in women of reproductive age is considered as a major health problem in many developing countries. Therefore, it is important to prevent micronutrient shortage before pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation on delaying preterm delivery and biometric neonates with suspected preterm birth. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 140 women with preterm delivery were selected by a gynecologist in the Hajar hospital of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2016. The women were divided into four groups. Then, the serum Zn level of the mother’s blood and the umbilical cord was measured First group had a normal level; Zn level in the second group was between 50-70 mg/dL; in the third group between 20-50 mg/dL; and in the fourth group fewer than 20 mg/dL. Three groups received <20-70 mg/dL oral Zn and the normal group was given a placebo. Next, the serum Zn levels of mothers were measured and recorded at the end of the eighth month and delivery time. Infant anthropometric parameters at birth, 1 month to 3 months were measured as well. Overall, 71 (50%) and 69 (49.3%) infants were males and females, respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analytical statistics tests. Results: The average age of 140 pregnant women was 30.39±5.33 years old and their age range was between 18 and 41 years. In addition, the maternal Zn serum level was 56.52±33.38 mg/dL on admission and the serum level on the cord blood at birth was 53.22 ± 66.94 μg/ dL. A significant relationship was reported between the level of serum Zn on cord blood and the maternal serum Zn level on admission with growth in babies at birth and the first, second, and third month (P<0.05). Conclusion: In general, Zn is effective in children’s growth and the use of Zn supplementation can be suggested during pregnancy.

Investigation on the deletion and duplication of PMP22 gene in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth using Real-time PCR in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari and Isfahan Provinces

Background and aims: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is a common sensory-motor polyneuropathy with a prevalence of 1/2500. It is divided into different subgroups and has various hereditary patterns. Among the different subgroups of CMT, type 1A is the most prevalent form of the disease, which is created due to the duplication of the PMP22 gene. In patients has a deletion in the PMP22 gene, the hereditary neuropathic disease is known to be liable to pressure. The aim of this study was to identify the patients affected by the disease with the new, simple, and fast qPCR method and to investigate the appropriateness of this method in evaluating these types of mutations. Methods: In this analytical-descriptive study (code:IR.SKUMS.REC.1394.152), gene duplication and deletion in the patients were studied using the Excel software. The blood samples of 15 families afflicted with CMT and 49 healthy individuals were collected in EDTA anticoagulant tubes and analyzed. DNA extraction and quantitative real-time PCR method were applied for the PMP22 gene as the target gene and the albumin gene as the internal control gene. Results: Two genes were compared in each patient, and it was found that 46% of the subjects had duplication in the PMP22 gene. Conclusion: The qPCR method is an easy and fast way to detect gene duplication and deletion in CMT patients. It does not require any statistical software and can be performed without needing for parental DNA. In addition, the results of this study are consistent with the results of various studies in some countries of the world where the highest levels of deletion and duplication in PMP22 gene are seen.

Determination of the carbapenem resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from samples obtained from Shahrekord hospitals and determination of their minimum inhibitory concentration

Background and aims: Carbapenems are the final-line treatments for multidrug-resistant, gram-negative infections. The patterns of resistance to carbapenems among hospital bacterial pathogens vary widely across different hospitals in a country. Considering that Escherichia coli is one of the most important causes of nosocomial infections, it is essential to study its drug resistance. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, a total of 80 samples of E. coli isolated from inpatients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) were collected in different wards (i.e., women, urology, infectious, and ICU) of Shahrekord hospitals. After the diagnosis and confirmation of bacteria by standard bacteriological methods, their sensitivity to imipenem and meropenem was investigated by the antibiogram (diskdiffusion) method. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the E-test strip according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standard. Results: In this study, resistance to meropenem and imipenem by antibiogram (disc diffusion) was observed in 21 (25.26%) and 20 (25%) of the isolates, respectively. Twenty isolates had MIC ≥4 μg/mL for meropenem, 13 isolates demonstrated MIC≥4 μg/mL for imipenem, and 14 isolates had 1≤MIC<4 μg/mL and were semi-sensitive. Conclusion: In general, E. coli had significant resistance to carbapenems. Therefore, rapid and accurate identification of these strains can be a major step to the treatment and control of these strains and prevention of the spread of the resistance.