In vitro evaluation of the protoscolicidal effect of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil on protoscolices of hydatid cyst compared with hypertonic saline, povidone iodine and silver nitrate

OBJECTIVE

There are various protoscolicidal agents for inactivation of protoscoleces of hydatid cysts before and during surgical operation. The present study was aimed to evaluate the protoscolicidal effect of two concentrations of Eucalyptus globulus on protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato under in vitro condition and to compare its efficacy with hypertonic saline, povidone iodine and silver nitrate.

METHODS

Live protoscoleces obtained from the liver of naturally infected sheep were exposed to 0.5% and 1% of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil, 5% hypertonic saline, 10% povidone iodine and 0.5% silver nitrate for 1 and 3minutes. Phosphate buffered saline was used as a negative control. One percent eosin staining method was used to test the viability of protoscoleces in different groups.

RESULTS

While the mean percentage of dead protoscoleces was 6.08% in the control group, the scolicidal power of 5% hypertonic saline was only 6.54% and 6.60% after 1 and 3min respectively. 0.5% E. globulus EO demonstrated 97.38% and 100% scolicidal activity after 1 and 3min respectively. The mean protoscolicidal power of 1% E. globulus EO, 10% povidone iodine and 0.5% silver nitrate was 100% after one minute.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of this study, E. globulus EO demonstrated high scolicidal power in a short period of time. Hence, this herbal product could be considered as a potent natural scolicidal agent that could be used before and during surgery of hydatid disease.

Effects of systemic administration of HESA-A on the expression of cyclin D1 and EGFR and E-cadherin in the induced tongue dysplasia in rats

Background. HESA-A has herbal and marine bases, containing minerals and rare elements such as Zr, Cr, Ga, Mn, Mg, Ca, Sr, Cu, Ti, etc. Its mechanism of action includes antioxidant, antiinflammatory and adjustment of the immune system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of HESA-A systemic drug on expression of cyclin D1, EGFR and E-cadherin in induced tongue dysplasia in rats.

Methods. In this experimental study, the effects of the systemic drug HESA-A on the expression of cyclin D1, EGFR, and E-cadherin molecular markers were examined in induced tongue dysplasia in rats.

Results. The incidence rate of cyclin D1 in groups receiving HESA-A was lower than the group that did not receive the drug (77.78% in the 0‒5% range versus 77.78% in the 5‒50% range). In the case of expression of E-cadherin in group D, which did not receive HESA-A, a decrease was observed in the expression of this cell adhesion marker as compared to the other two groups. The incidence of E-cadherin was dependent on HESA-A dose, while with 500 mg/kg it was higher than other groups (>75% in 55.55% versus >75% in 11.11%). Concerning the incidence of EGFR in all the three groups most cases were grade 0.

Conclusion. The results of the present research indicated that considering changes in the expression of cyclin D1 and E-cadherin markers in groups treated with HESA-A, HESA-A® has preventive effects on development of cancer in dysplastic lesions through regulation of expression of these molecules.

Induction of Apoptosis and Cytotoxic Activities of Iranian Orthodox Black Tea Extract (BTE) Using in vitro Models

PURPOSE

Plant-derivate therapeutic agents can perform cancer chemotherapeutic activity through triggering apoptotic cell death. Our aim was to investigate the cytotoxic effects, induction of apoptosis, and the mechanism of cell death of Iranian orthodox black tea extracts (BTEs) and hydro methanolic purified fractions (40, 60, 80 and 100%) in KB cells (oral squamous cell carcinoma).

METHODS

In order to analyze the cytotoxic activity of the BTEs, MTT (3-(4, 5- dimetylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and Trypan-blue assays were performed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (KB). Furthermore, the apoptosis inducing action of the extracts was determined by TUNEL, DNA fragmentation and cell death detection analysis.

RESULTS

Dichloromethane BTE and hydro methanol fractions (40 and 60%) extract showed no cytotoxic effects; however, hydro methanol crude and hydro methanol fractions of BTE (80 and 100%) significantly inhibited cell growth and viability in a dose and time dependent manner. In addition, Cell death assay, TUNEL, and DNA fragmentation indicated induction of apoptosis by hydro methanol 80 and 100% fractions of BTE in KB cells. Statistical significance was determined by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan test and p value ≤0.05 was considered significant.

CONCLUSION

The results from the present study suggests that the hydro methanol crude and hydro methanol fractions of BTE (80 and 100%) are significant source of compounds with the anti proliferative and cytotoxic activities, and this may be useful for developing potential chemo preventive substances.

Induction of apoptosis by grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Development of novel therapeutic modalities is crucial for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Recent scientific studies have been focused on herbal medicines as potent anti-cancer drug candidates. This study is the first to investigate the cytotoxic effects and the mechanism of cell death induced by grape seed extract (GSE) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (KB cells). MTT (3-(4,5-dimetylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and trypan blue assays were performed in KB cells as well as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used to analyze the cytotoxic activity of GSE. Furthermore, the apoptosis-inducing action of the extract was determined by TUNEL, DNA fragmentation and cell death analysis. Statistical significance was determined by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan's test at a significance level of P≤0.05. The results showed apoptotic potential of GSE, confirmed by significant inhibition of cell growth and viability in a dose- and time- dependent manner without inducing damage to non-cancerous cell line HUVEC. The results of this study suggest that this plant contains potential bioactive compound(s) for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Selected heavy metals analysis of Persian sturgeon's (Acipenser persicus) caviar from Southern Caspian Sea

The present research reports the heavy metal (Fe, Cr, Pb, As, and Co) contamination in caviar of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) caught from Southern Caspian Sea sampling site using ICP-OES. Heavy metal concentrations (microgram per gram, wet weight; means ± S.D.) in caviar samples were: Fe, 71.33 ± 0. 37; Cr, 0.27 ± 0.019; Pb, <0.01 ± 0.002; As, <0.01 ± 0.002; and Co, <0.01 ± 0.001, respectively. Comparative evaluation of these metals in different samples showed that except Fe, the average concentrations of Cr, Pb, As, and Co are significantly lower than adverse level for the species themselves and for human consumption when compared with FAO/WHO permissible limits. Therefore, their contribution to adverse health effects on human body can be considered as negligibly small.

Analysis of mercury, selenium, and tin concentrations in canned fish marketed in Iran

The presence of heavy metals in the environment could constitute a hazard to food security and public health. These can be accumulated in aquatic animals such as fish. In the present paper, three heavy metals (mercury, selenium, and tin) in canned products produced and sold in Iran were studied: longtail tuna, Kawakawa, Kilka, and yellowfin tuna were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer and a direct mercury analyzer. Analytical results were validated by spiking the samples with various concentrations of these metals to test recovery. The metal contents, expressed in micrograms per gram, wet weight, varied depending upon the species studied. The levels of Hg ranged from 0.0003 to 0.408 μg/g, the levels of Sn ranged from 0.036 to 0.480 μg/g, while the levels of Se ranged from 0.130 to 4.500 μg/g. Comparative evaluation of these metals in different brands of canned fish showed that the average concentrations of Hg, Sn, and Se of all species is significantly lower than adverse level for the species themselves and for human consumption when compared with FAO/WHO permissible limits. Therefore, their contribution to the total body burden of these heavy metals can be considered as negligibly small.

Different patterns of DNA methylation of the two distinct O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (O6-MGMT) promoter regions in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Colorectal cancer incidence differs widely among different geographic regions. In addition to mutational changes, epigenetic mechanisms also play important roles in the pathogenesis of CRCs. O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (O(6)-MGMT) is a DNA repair protein and in the absence of MGMT activity, G-to-A transition may accumulate in the specific genes such as K-ras and p53. To identify which CpG sites are critical for its downregulation, we analyzed the methylation status of the MGMT gene promoter in two sites in CRC patients. Then we compared the frequency of their methylation changes with the results of our previously reported K-ras gene mutation, APC2 and p16 methylation. MGMT methylation was examined in 92 tumor samples. A methylation specific PCR (MSP) method was performed for two loci of MGMT gene which described as MGMT-A and MGMT-B. The prevalence of MGMT-A, and MGMT-B methylation was 49/91 (53.8%), and 83/92 (90.2%), respectively. We detected high frequency of MGMT-B but not MGMT-A methylation in tumor tissues with APC2 methylation. Our results showed that MGMT-B methylation is significantly associated with K-ras gene mutation rather than MGMT-A (p = 0.04). Simultaneously, an inverse correlation was found between p16 and MGMT-B methylation simultaneously (p = 0.02). Our study indicated that hypermethylation of the specific locus near the MGMT start codon is critical for cancer progression. MGMT-B assessment that is associated with K-ras mutation can have a prognostic value in patients with CRC.

The effect of calendula officinalis in therapy of acetic Acid induced ulcerative colitis in dog as an animal model

BACKGROUND

In patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), the repeated cycle of injury and repair of intestinal mucosa has been reported to increase the risk of colon cancer. So, a safe and efficient therapy is required for the treatment and prophylaxis for the disease.This study aims to investigate the efficacy of Calendula officinalis extract in treatment of experimentally induced ulcerative colitis in dog animal model.

METHODS

During fall 2010, 10 out-bred female German dogs (1-2 years old; weighs of 20-25 kg) were enrolled. Ulcerative colitis was induced with 6% acetic acid as enema and method of treatment was retrograde (via enema) too by C. officinalis.

RESULTS

Loose stools, diarrhea, gross bleeding and loss of body weight happened after administration of acetic acid and crypt damage, loss of epithelium, infiltration of inflammatory cells and depletion of goblet cells were noticed histologically. C. officinalis could successfully resolve the damages of UC.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with C. officinalis can broaden the current therapy options for UC.

Dentigerous cyst associated with a mesiodens: a case report

Dentigerous cysts are the second most common odontogenic cysts after radicular cysts and are most commonly seen in association with third molars and maxillary canines. Only 5% of dentigerous cysts involve supernumerary teeth, of which mesiodens is the most frequent type. This paper presents a case of dentigerous cyst associated with a mesiodens that caused a painless swelling in the upper lip of an 18-year-old female. The patient was treated surgically by enucleation of total cyst and surgical extraction of mesiodens under local anesthesia.

Short-term complications of hemorrhoidectomy in outpatient and inpatient operations in shiraz, southern iran

BACKGROUND

Today, hospitals and patients are both willing to benefit from outpatient services. Considering limits of supply, it seems that there is a need to run productive management in offering health services to prevent wasting of supplies and facilities. This study compares the complications caused by hemorrhoidectomy in outpatient and inpatient operations.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study during 1.5 years, 208 patients without any background disease were enrolled. They were randomly allocated into two groups (inpatient and outpatient) and interviewed within two weeks after surgical operations. The data were collected through a questionnaire and physical examination. The complications in the two groups of operating theater of hospital and clinic were then compared regarding sex, occupation, education and etc.

RESULTS

One week after the surgical operation, the patients in the hospital operating theater showed significantly a better healing recovery of their wound. Other complications such as pain, hemorrhage, infection, inflammation, involuntary emission of feces and gas indicated no significant difference between the two groups. After 2 weeks, more pain was noticed in patients in the operating theaters of the hospital and in clinics, there was more infection visible. The hemorrhage, inflammation, wound healing, involuntary emission of feces and gas did not indicate a significant difference between the operating theater of hospital and the clinic. There was no significant difference regarding the patients' satisfaction in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

We recommend that for optimized use of supplies and equipments in operating theaters and to lower the cost and shorten queue of patients, grade 2 hemorrhoids are performed in the operating theater of clinics considering sterilization and safety procedures.

Reactive hyperplasia of the oral cavity: a survey of 197 cases in tabriz, northwest iran

Background and aims

Reactive hyperplastic lesions of the oral connective tissue are associated with injuries of soft tissue and have high prevalence rates and different involvement patterns in different parts of the world. The aim of this study was to analyze demographic data of a university department.

Materials and methods

Patient records of the Department of Oral Pathology during a four-year period were reviewed for diagnosis of oral connective tissue reactive hyperplastic lesion. Data including the area involved and the type of lesion were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and t-test with SPSS 15 statistical software.

Results

197 cases (mean age, 37.68±18.97; male: female ratio, 1.8:1) matched study criterion. The most common affected site was gingiva (83.9%) and the most common lesion was fibroma (45.2%). Giant cell granuloma and pyogenic granuloma were more common in the maxilla than in the mandible. Pyogenic granuloma was seen to be equally distributed in males and females.

Conclusion

The results of the present study are overall consistent with the findings of previous studies.

p 53 codon 72 polymorphism in stomach and colorectal adenocarcinomas in Iranian patients

BACKGROUND

The association of a functional single nucleotide polymorphism at codon 72 of the p53 gene (Arg72Pro) with malignancy is a subject of controversy. We analyzed this polymorphism in 224 patients with gastrointestinal cancers (92 with stomach cancer and 132 with colorectal cancer) and in 163 healthy controls.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and amplified with an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

There was no significant association between p53 alleles and gastrointestinal cancers. The frequency of the Arg allele was 59.7, 58.8, and 59.2% in the stomach cancer patients, colorectal cancer patients, and controls, respectively. Frequencies of the Pro allele were 40.3% in patients with stomach cancer, 41.2% in patients with colorectal cancer, and 40.8% in controls. Likewise, genotype frequencies did not differ significantly between the two patient groups and controls. There were no differences in genotype or allele frequencies by gender, age, or histological grade.

CONCLUSIONS

The data do not support the association of the p53 codon 72 polymorphism with stomach or colorectal cancers in Iranian patients.

Two-year Prevalence of Minor Aphtha in Tabriz, Northwest Iran

Background and aims

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a condition comprised of oral painful ulcers appearing at inter-vals in different intraoral sites, triggered by a variety of causative agents in certain subgroups of patients. Since there are no studies on the subject in Northwest Iran, the aims of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence of aphthous ulcer and to assess the association of some influencing factors on minor aphtha.

Materials and methods

Of all patients examined during a two-year period, 33 patients were diagnosed with aphthous lesions. A questionnaire was used to collect the data including age, gender, familial history, smoking habit, and food allergy of the patients. Chi-square test was used to assess the association of variables.

Results

The prevalence of aphthous lesions was found to be 0.3%, and was significantly higher in females compared with males (23 females and 10 males, respectively; P = 0.024). Familial involvement of aphthous ulcer was reported in 42.4% of the patients (P = 0.411). The aphthous ulcer was seen less frequently in smokers compared with non-smokers (P = 0.024).

Conclusion

A relatively low prevalence of minor aphtha was found in the studied population. Higher prevalence in females and non-smokers were observed.