Archives of Razi Institute最新文献

Mycotoxins are toxins produced by various types of fungi, including Fusarium, which can produce different types of mycotoxins, such as Deoxynivalenol (DON), Zearalenone, T-2 toxin, and Fumonisins (FUM). Mycotoxins have the potential to reduce the quality of crops and pose health risks to both humans and animals. This can result in reduced animal production and substantial economic consequences on a global scale. Extensive research has been carried out to investigate the high incidence of contamination in grains by Fusarium fungi. In this study, 80 samples of maize from silos of dairy farms in Fars province, Iran were collected and examined for fungal contamination by Fusarium and potential production of DON and FUM. For this purpose, identification using specific primers for different genes was carried out by polymerase chain reaction test and gel electrophoresis with agarose (1%). Among different counties, the silos in Kharameh with 47.05% and Jahrom with 46.15% had the highest contamination rates, and the lowest contamination rate belonged to Kazeroon with 27.27%. Out of the 30 positive samples contaminated by Fusarium, 21 produced FUM, 4 produced DON, and 5 produced both toxins. Fusarium species that contaminated the maize samples were also identified, including 13, 10, and 7 samples contaminated by F. proliferatum, F. verticillioides, and F. graminearum, respectively. As a conclusion, the findings of the study indicated that 37.5% of the corn samples from dairy farm silos in Fars province were contaminated with the Fusarium fungus, which had the potential to produce the toxic mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisins.

Trichomonas gallinae is a flagellated protozoan parasite that affects numerous avian species worldwide, causing a range of diseases collectively termed trichomonosis. This review study aimed to present a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence of T. gallinae in birds of Iran, along with an exploration of its associated pathological findings. Through an extensive search of published studies, scientific databases, and relevant literature, we identified several studies conducted in Iran that focused on the prevalence of T. gallinae in different bird populations and their pathological effect. These studies utilized a variety of techniques, including direct microscopic examination, culture methods, and molecular tools to detect and identify the presence of this parasite. This review study indicates that T. gallinae infections are prevalent among various bird species in Iran, including Domestic pigeons, Zebra Finches, and Turkey. The reported prevalence rates showed significant differences among various regions and bird species, ranging from as low as 2.5% in zebra finches to as high as 70% in pigeons. The clinical signs of infected birds varied from no clinical signs to visible yellowish-white masses of caseous necrotic material, hyperplasia of mucous cells, and significant congestion of the lung. These findings underline the importance of T. gallinae as a significant pathogen affecting avian populations in Iran. Using at least two techniques, such as culture or PCR, in addition to direct smear is recommended for better diagnosis of infection. The present study highlights the need for further epidemiological studies to better understand the risk factors associated with T. gallinae transmission and to develop effective prevention and control strategies.

Gastrointestinal dysfunction is a severe and common complication in diabetic patients. Some evidence shows that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate contribute to diabetic gastrointestinal abnormalities. Therefore, we examined the impact of prolonged treatment with insulin and magnesium supplements on the expression pattern of GABA type A (GABA-A), GABA-B, and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors as well as nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS-1) in the stomach of type 2 diabetic rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomized to four groups (six rats each): 1) control, 2) type 2 diabetes: rats fed with a high-fat diet for three months + a low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg), 3) type 2 diabetes + magnesium, and 4) type 2 diabetes + insulin. The expression of NOS-1, GABA-A, GABA-B, and NMDA receptors was detected using western blotting. The NOS-1 expression was substantially diminished (P<0.01), while the expression of GABA-A (P<0.001), GABA-B (P<0.001), and NMDA (P<0.001) receptors was enhanced in the stomach of diabetic rats relative to control. Treatment with magnesium and insulin improved NOS-1 expression in diabetic rats, although this effect was greater in magnesium treatment alone. Magnesium also restored the expression of GABA-A and GABA-B receptors in diabetic rats to control values. Moreover, insulin treatment improved GABA-A receptor expression in diabetic rats (P<0.05). No considerable alterations were detected in NMDA receptor levels in the treatment groups. The results suggest a significant role of magnesium and insulin in improving gastric motility and secretory disorders associated with diabetes through modifying the expression of GABAergic receptors.

The devastating pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) began in Wuhan, China, and spread rapidly through most parts of the world in the second half of 2020. The air droplet spread of SARS-CoV-2 is of great global health concern as it is potentially fatal. Various drugs and treatment modalities have been tried to date, but none have been found to be definitive. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is commonly used in pigmentary disorders in dermatology due to its ability to reduce melanocyte tyrosinase activity. It also possesses anti-fibrinolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been observed to suppress the cytokine storm and modulate coagulopathy in patients suffering from COVID-19. TXA, when administered early, has been effective in decreasing the severity of symptoms in COVID-19 patients, but on the contrary, it has also been associated with life-threatening thrombosis when given as a single drug.

Nature is a valuable resource, supplying remedies for the treatment of all diseases. Plant kingdom stands for a plethora of natural compounds that are well known for their utilization in therapeutic applications. They may pave the way for the development of new mediators with appropriate efficacy in many pathological disorders in the future. In India and throughout the world, herbs have become a principle and popular medicine. Recognized green medicines are better than synthetic ones and have fewer side effects. Since ancient times, plants have been intended for their medicinal properties for treating various diseases owing to their fewer side effects, availability of the agent, cost-efficiency, and potential effectiveness. The medicinal value of plants stems from various vegetative parts of the plant, including flowers, fruit, bark, roots, leaves, seeds, and its modified parts. The Indian forests are the major repository of remedial and aromatic medicinal plants, which can be used for the production of a plethora of remedies against various diseases. Butea monosperma is one of the traditional Ayurvedic medicinal plants considered a rich source of ingredients that can be used in drug development as home remedies to treat various diseases, such as diarrhea, constipation, hypertension, dehydration, bronchial asthma, leucorrhea, cancer, infection, as well as liver and stomach disorders. The seed powder is known for its notable medicinal, pharmaceutical, and insecticidal activities. This study highlights the traditional Ayurvedic importance of an eminent medicinal plant, B. monosperma, with its active chemical constituents, as well as pharmacological, environmental, ecological, economical, and agricultural significance. This plant can be planted everywhere to take advantage of its versatile applications.

Scorpion stings pose a significant public health concern in Iran, resulting in approximately 45,000-50,000 cases and 19 deaths annually. The Khuzestan and Hormozgan provinces have the highest reported incidence rates, with an estimated 36,000 cases each year. This study focused on modeling the time series data of scorpion stings, specifically in Shoushtar City, from 2017 to 2022. Our objective was to investigate the presence of seasonality and long-term trends in the incidence of scorpion stings by utilizing advanced analytical techniques, such as the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model. We applied the seasonal ARIMA model to fit a univariate time series of scorpion sting incidence. This study revealed a significant seasonal trend and an overall increase and decrease in scorpion sting cases during the study period. The best-fitting model for the available data was a seasonal ARIMA model in the form of ARIMA(0,0,1)(1,1,1)12. This model can forecast the frequency of scorpion sting cases in Southwestern Iran over the next two years. As a result, time series analysis can provide valuable insights into the patterns and trends of scorpion sting incidents, allowing for better planning and allocation of healthcare resources. By understanding the seasonal variations, proactive measures can be implemented to address the growing issue of scorpion stings in Iran effectively.

Alzheimer's is an advanced nervous disorder related to aging. The present study aimed to determine the effect of eight-week aerobic training, along with the consumption of Linalool, Cineole, and β-Bourbonene, on the prevention and improvement of Alzheimer's disease. Mice were randomly assigned to 8 groups: control group, mice induced with Alzheimer's disease treated with β-amyloid (Alzheimer group), Alzheimer's mice treated with bioactive compounds of herbal medicine (Linalool with a concentration of 25 mg/kg, Cineole with a concentration of 100 mg/kg, and β-Bourbonene with a concentration of 10 μg/ml) by gavage for 8 weeks (Alzheimer+Biocompounds group), Alzheimer's mice treated with aerobic exercise with a moderate intensity treadmill for 8 weeks (Alzheimer's+Training group), Alzheimer's mice treated with bioactive compounds of herbal medicine and aerobic exercise for 8 weeks (Alzheimer+Biocompounds+Training group), healthy mice initially treated with bioactive compounds of herbal medication (Linalool with a concentration of 25 mg/kg, Cineol with a concentration of 100 mg/kg, and β-Bourbonene with a concentration of 0.20 μg) by gavage for 8 weeks and then induced with Alzheimer's (Biocompounds+Alzheimer group), healthy mice initially treated with aerobic exercise using a treadmill with moderate intensity for 8 weeks and then induced with Alzheimer's disease (Training+Alzheimer group), and healthy mice initially treated with bioactive compounds of herbal medicine and aerobic exercise for 8 weeks and then induced with Alzheimer's disease (Biocompounds+Training+Alzheimer group). Compared to other groups, Interleukin-1 beta, CASPASE1, Presenilin-1, and amyloid protein precursor levels improved in mice initially treated with aerobic exercise and biocompounds. Oxidative capacity was improved by exercise training and bioactive compounds. In addition, exercise training and bioactive compounds regulated the miRNA-210 in the hippocampus of the mice with Alzheimer's. It can be concluded that the consumption of biocompounds and aerobic training can manage and prevent Alzheimer's.

The present experimental study aimed to assess the in vitro wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of green synthesized copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) by the methanol extract of Ferula macrecolea (Boiss), as a plant with various pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, in traditional and modern medicine. The precipitation approach was used for the green synthesis of CuNPs by mixing the methanol and copper sulfate solution. Cell viability and fibroblast proliferation assay were performed by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay. The migration abilities of fibroblast cells were evaluated using the in vitro scratch assay for wound healing. The effects of CuNPs on gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthesis (iNOS) were also examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In vitro antibacterial susceptibility test of CuNPs was carried out according to the standards protocol of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. The scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that the green synthesized CNP exhibited a globular shape with a size ranging from 15 to 90 nm, while the majority were at 40-60 nm. The results of the MTT assay demonstrated that the calculated 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) value of green synthesized CuNPs was 236.3 μg/mL. The optimum concentrations of the CuNPs were selected based on the CC₅₀, which dose-dependently increased the proliferation of fibroblast cells. The CuNPs dose-dependently increased the rate of wound closure after 16 and 24 h. The results of the real-time PCR illustrated that CuNPs caused upregulation in the expression level of the iNOS gene in RAW 264.7 cells. CuNPs showed promising antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The present study highlighted the high potency of green CuNPs synthesized by F. macrecolea for wound healing through their antimicrobial properties, proliferation of fibroblast cells, and provoking iNOS.

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of intestinal protozoan infection among children in Duhok Province, North of Iraq, from October 2022 to May 2023. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 740 children attending Hevi Pediatric Hospital, Duhok Province, Iraq. Firstly, all collected stool samples were examined directly by preparing a wet stool smear for the detection of the vegetative stage (Trophozoite) of both Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. Thereafter, all stool samples were preserved at -22°C until further use for identifying cysts of protozoa and oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum by the Telmman concentration stool method. The children were within the age range of 1-14 years. Out of 740 stool samples collected, 205 (27.7%) cases were positive for intestinal protozoan infections as follows 160 (78.0%) children tested positive for E. histolytica, 35 (17.1%) were positive for C. parvum, and only 10 (4.9%) were positive for G. lamblia. Nonetheless, the results indicated a statistically significant difference between the prevalence of E. histolytica, C. parvum, and G. lamblia infections across different age groups (P<0.05). The highest infection rates of intestinal protozoa, namely E. histolytica, C. parvum, and G. lamblia, were reported in the age ranges of 5-9 years (53.75%, 25.0%, and 60.0%), 1-4 years (28.75%, 20.0%, and 30.0%), and 10-14 years (17.55%, 8.6%, and 10.0%), respectively. In this study, the prevalence of amoebiasis and cryptosporidiosis was reported to be higher than in other studies performed in Iraq, while the prevalence of giardiasis was reported at a lower rate than the rate reported previously in Iraq, especially in Duhok. These infections continue to pose a challenging public health issue, necessitating the implementation of stronger and more effective preventative measures.

In this study, the nano chitosan particles were produced by ionotropic gelation between sodium tripolyphosphate and chitosan. The effect of nano chitosan with or without sodium lactate coating was evaluated on physicochemical (pH, thiobarbituric acid, total volatile basic nitrogen, and peroxide), microbial (total mesophilic and psychrotrophic viable counts, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and molds), and sensorial properties of beef burgers within 24 days of storage at 4°C. The solutions of 1% nano chitosan (T₁), 2% nano chitosan (T₂), 2.5% sodium lactate (T₃), 1% nano chitosan+2.5% sodium lactate (T₄), and 2% nano chitosan+2.5% sodium lactate (T₅) were used for the coating. Although the results showed the increment of microbial growth of all treatments during storage time, the T₄ and T₅ samples had the lowest microbial counts, which indicates the synergistic effect of sodium lactate and nano chitosan. The pH of all samples was acidic to neutral (5.48-7.15) and increased during 24 days of storage, and the pH value of T₄ and T₅ samples increased with a lower slope. On the other hand, the evaluation of peroxide and TBARS values exhibited that nano chitosan had a more efficient preservative effect than sodium lactate, and both of them individually had lower antioxidant activity than their combined form. Furthermore, T₄ and T₅ samples had the best sensorial scores. These results indicated that nano chitosan and sodium lactate had synergistic effects and could be effectively applied to expand the shelf life of beef burgers.