Showing 45 results for Mir
Fakhrosadat Hashemi, Farshad Tojari, Hamid Sajjadi Hezave, Abdolreza Amirtash,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Research on how to participate in recreational sports and the factors influencing the choice of these sports are too meager in health areas. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of recreational sports development on health and Participation of students in sports activities.
Material and Methods: The present study is descriptive-correlative in terms nature, and is applied in terms of purpose. The statistical population of the study consisted of all university students in Bushehr city, from whom the study sample was picked based on stratified random selection (N=384). To collect data, a researcher-made questionnaire was used and the validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by twelve experts. Also, its reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha (r=0.91) and composite reliability. In order to analyze the data and examine the fit of the model, structural equation modeling was implemented using PLS3 and SPSS24 software (p≤0.05). The results of path analysis revealed that the development of recreational sports has a direct and positive correlation with physical health. Also, the effect of recreational sports development on students’ participation in sport was significant.
Results: The results of factor analysis showed that physical health, mental health, and physical fitness had a significant role in explaining the physical health variable. Also, social aspects, athletic interest and pleasure, athletic performance and athletic skill acquisition had a determining role in the sport participation variable.
Conclusion: According to the findings, it can be deduced that in the attention to and research on sport participation in health area, simply reliance on individual characteristics results in Halo error (based on behavioral theories), and to avoid it, it’s better to notice the effects of other variables, such as the athletic interest and pleasure, athletic performance, and athletic skill-acquisition.
Ghadir Sohrabi, Mahdi Malmir, Ali Asghar Ghafarizade, Tayebeh Faraji,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Downscale outcome in assisted reproductive techniques (ART) is associated with lipid peroxidation. Melatonin may have beneficial effects against lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. This work was aimed to evaluate the ameliorative capacity of melatonin versus the passage of time and lipid peroxidation on sperm parameters from the men with ATS in the ART process.
Material and Methods: Semen samples were collected from 50 asthenoteratozoospermic (ATS) men. Samples were divided into control and melatonin group. The test group were incubated with 6 mM melatonin at 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours. Then total and progressive motility, membrane integrity, and Malondialdehyde levels (MDA) were evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out by SPSS software (repeated-measures ANOVA).
Results: In the control group, total (p<0.01) and progressive (P<0.05) motility and also, membrane integrity (P<0.03) significantly decreased although, MDA levels of sperm significantly increased (*P<0.04). Moreover, in the melatonin group, the mentioned parameters significantly compensated compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: In the outcome, melatonin in vitro treatment paves the way for motility and membrane integrity up-regulating in the ATS men.
Farah Nameni, Samira Falahi,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (10-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Alzheimer's disease is a common cause of dementia and reduces progressive perception, memory, and tasks. This study aimed was to investigate the effects of interval training and octopamine extract on NLRP-1 and NLRP-3 in brain tissue of rats with Alzheimer's disease.
Material and Methods: The research method was experimental with a post-test design. A total of 42 male Wistar rats, all of which were eight weeks old, were obtained. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (healthy control, Alzheimer's sham, Alzheimer's+ interval training, Alzheimer's+ octopamine supplementation, Alzheimer's+ interval training+ octopamine supplementation). Alzheimer's induction was performed with beta-amyloid peptide 1-14. The training protocol was intense periodic. Octopamine was supplemented by intra-peritoneal injection. Morris's blue maze test was used for the spatial memory test. Seventy-two hours after the last training session, anesthetized rats and hippocampus were quickly extracted. A one-way ANOVA test was used to estimate intergroup differences after Alzheimer's induction.
Results: The results of one-way ANOVA showed a significant difference between the groups in NLRP-1 and NLRP-3 mRNA. Bonferroni test confirmed significant between the control group and Alzheimer's groups (P≤0.05).
Conclusion: The changes were considered to be synergistic of the beneficial effects of physical activity and octopamine in preventing or reducing the harmful effects of pathological conditions. Exercise and supplementation seem to be effective in the relationship between inflammatory and neurotrophic factors in neurological disorders.
Fahimeh Hosseinabadi, Tayebeh Faraji, Mahdi Malmir,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Quercetin is a polyphenolic flavonoid compound with a potent antioxidant impact, proposed to make a drastic contribution in treating male infertility. The current systematic review aimed to provide an overview of previous studies about quercetin's impact on male infertility.
Material and Methods: Electronic search with MeSH words including Quercetin, Infertility, Sperm, Testicular tissue, and Sex hormones was accomplished in databases Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Wiley, NCBI, and Google Scholar. Finally, 296 articles were recognized during the primary search. A total of 144 papers,passing the analysis stage containing Identification, Screening, and Eligibility were selected for assessment.
Results: Quercetin prevents damage to the testicular germinal epithelium and facilitates the spermatogenesis process by strengthening the antioxidant system, reducing lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, preventing the expression of pro-apoptotic genes, increasing testosterone and gonadotropins.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the present review showed that quercetin by its antioxidant impacts, can counteract various toxins that induce oxidative stress in the male reproductive system.
Nazila Javadi-Pashaki, Mohammad Javad Ghazanfari, Sahar Miri , Samad Karkhah,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
Decreased life expectancy is considered as a key indicator of human development. Obviously, the increase in mortality, especially in vulnerable groups such as older people, leads to a major disruption in the human development of countries. On the other hand, the destructive social and economic effects of COVID-19 on human life further reduce their life expectancy. Therefore, it is suggested that policymakers and health managers make appropriate decisions such as timely vaccination of older people, future treatment measures, and appropriate behavioral changes to control the disease and improve life expectancy among older people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sahar Miri, Samad Karkhah, Pooyan Ghorbani Vajargah, Amirabbas Mollaei, Atefeh Falakdami, Poorya Takasi, Amir Emami Zeydi, Mohammad Javad Ghazanfari,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Since December 2019, the widespread outbreak of COVID-19 has led to a major public health issue worldwide. With the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of ethically challenging issues arose that put pressure on healthcare systems around the world. This narrative review aims to comprehensively review the literature focusing on ethical challenges and coping strategies about issues related to the healthcare system and social issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Material and Methods: This narrative review was conducted via international databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus using keywords extracted from medical subject headings such as "COVID-19", "2019-nCoV disease", "2019 novel coronavirus infection", "Ethics", "Bioethical Issues", "Morals", "Coping Skills", "Coping Skill", "Coping Strategies", and "Coping Strategy" from December 2019 to January 2022.
Results: In general, ethical issues during the COVID-19 pandemic can be divided into two categories: 1) issues related to the healthcare system and 2) social issues. Issues related to the healthcare system can be divided into two categories: 1) lack of resources, equipment and facilities, and manpower, and 2) problems in patient care such as triage and informed consent. Social issues can be divided into four categories: 1) community engagement, 2) crisis management capacity in remote rural communities, 3) discrimination and health equity, and 4) vaccination. Coping with ethical challenges in crises such as COVID-19 requires changing health empowerment policies and strategies based on evidence-based research. On the other hand, overcome on these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration and fast efficient decisions.
Conclusion: Overall, the present study introduced ethical challenges and coping strategies during the COVID 19 pandemic. The experience gained from this pandemic can be considered by managers and policymakers of health care systems for coping with ethical challenges.
Fahimeh Hosseinabadi, Tayebeh Faraji, Mahdi Malmir, Hanieh Mohamadi,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Numerous studies have evaluated the effects of silymarin on sperm quality and its neutralization impact of various toxins on the male reproductive system. However, these studies as a whole have not been summarized and categorized yet. Silymarin is a flavonoid and known as a powerful antioxidant compound in the treatment of many diseases including liver disorders, rhinitis, diabetes, and testis disorders. The aim of the study was to discuss the impact of silymarin on the male reproductive system.
Material and Methods: From Apr 1998 to Feb 2020, related articles were extracted from databases of Web of Science (WOS), PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, EBSCO and grey literature by seeking MeSH words including Silymarin, Milk thistle, Silybum marianum, testis, Spermatogenesis, and Sex hormones.
Results: Silymarin withholds damage to the testicular germinal epithelium and comforts the spermatogenesis process by amplification the antioxidant system, decrease lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, preventing the expression of pro-apoptotic genes, increases testosterone and gonadotropins.
Conclusion: In outcome, based on the results, silymarin can boost fertility in sterility males by its talented antioxidant features.
Aliakbar Naghavialhosseini, Mina Pakkhesal, Maryam Ghelichli, Amir Reza Ahmadinia,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (10-2022)
Abstract
A Dentigerous Cyst (DC) is the most common developmental odontogenic cyst that mostly happens in patients between 10 to 30 years of age. It is usually completely asymptomatic and is discovered on a routine radiographic examination or to evaluate the reason for an erupted tooth. Radiographically, this cyst usually presents a well-defined unilocular radiolucency attached to CEJ of an unerupted tooth which can cause displacement of adjacent tooth or resorption.
This article reports a large infected DC in a 10-year-old male patient related to first and second premolar maxillary teeth, which did not erupt or even change their positions. DC was treated successfully by decompression. After 2 years follow up, there was no evidence of recurrence. In conclusion, marsupialization of cyst with no orthodontic intervention or tooth extraction is a conservative, efficient protocol that stimulates bone healing and promotes the eruption of unerupted teeth even if they are deeply crowded.
Nazila Javadi-Pashaki, Hamidreza Mehrabi, Iman Asdaghijahromi , Seyedeh Mahjabin Taheri Otaghsara, Mohammad Javad Ghazanfari, Pooyan Ghorbani Vajargah, Amirabbas Mollaei, Atefeh Falakdami, Poorya Takasi, Aghil Mollaei, Hatef Mashhadi, Samad Karkhah,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (10-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The implementation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has increased in recent decades. Due to the positive effects of CAM interventions, 5 to 74.8% of people use these treatments worldwide. However, implementing CAM-related clinical trials is associated with challenging issues. Failure to address these challenges can lead to poor quality of studies, publication of non-scientific findings, and ultimately disregard for human rights and ethics. This review aims to comprehensively review the literature focusing on methodological and ethical challenges for implementing CAM-related clinical trials.
Material and Methods: This review of reviews was conducted via international databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus using keywords extracted from medical subject headings such as “Methods”, “Methodological Study”, “Methodological Studies”, “Ethics”, “Complementary Therapies”, “Complementary Medicine”, “Alternative Medicine”, “Clinical Trial”, and “review” from the earliest to May 1, 2022.
Results: In general, challenging issues for the implementation of CAM-related clinical trials can be divided into two categories: 1) methodological and 2) ethical. Methodological challenges included: Risk of bias, Lack of knowledge of researchers, and Blinding. On the other hand, ethical challenges in clinical trial studies are divided into two categories: patients' rights and placebo use.
Conclusion: Overall, the present study emphasizes the need for special attention to the quality of CAM-related clinical trials. Also, this study can pioneer the introduction of critical challenging issues in CAM-related clinical trials and provide appropriate suggestions for researchers to solve these issues in future studies.
Mohammad Javad Ghazanfari, Raziyeh Chaghian Arani, Amirabbas Mollaei, Aghil Mollaei, Atefeh Falakdami, Poorya Takasi, Pooyan Ghorbani Vajargah, Shaqayeq Esmaeili, Hedayat Jafari, Tahereh Yaghoubi, Samad Karkhah,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (10-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: High workload, insufficient resources, and many stressors in the workplace have led to the imposition of physical and psychological pressures on nurses, which exposes them to death anxiety (DA). This systematic review aimed to assess the DA and factors associated with its in nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Material and Methods: An extensive search was conducted on Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database (SID) databases via keywords such asincluding "Death", "Death Anxiety", "Nurses", and "COVID-19", from December 2019 to November 10, 2021.
Results: 818 nurses were enrolled in four papers. The mean age and work experience of nurses Nurses’ mean age and work experiences were 31.21 (SD=5.43) and 7.60 (SD=6.73) years, respectively. The mean DA of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic was 7.30 (SD=2.23). Also, 31.05% of nurses had a high level of DADA level during the COVID-19 pandemic. Age, sex, work experience, working hours per week, childbearing, several patients needing end‑of‑life care, direct participation in resuscitation operations, cases of direct participation in resuscitation operations, cases of patient death, depression, mental health status, and life satisfaction were influential factors in DA nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion: Thus, nursing policymakers should pay special attention to these factors related to the use of nurses' health maintenance and promotion programs to increase the quality of nursing care for COVID-19 patients. Also, it is recommended that psychological and communication support be provided to nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seyed Rafie Shafabakhsh, Yaser Kazemzadeh, Hossein Shirvani, Sanaz Mirzaiyan Shanjani, Saeed Sedaghati,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (7-2023)
Abstract
Background: Skeletal muscle is a tissue that secretes myokines from muscle cells in response to training stimuli and muscle contractions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of 4-week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on the expression of three genes: apelin, decorin, and musclin in the skeletal muscle fibers of Wistar rats. In addition, the study examined the changes in gene expression levels during the training period.
Methods: The present study enrolled 16 male Wistar rats with an approximate age of eight weeks and a weight range of 200-220 grams. They were randomly divided into two equal groups: An aerobic exercise group (n=8) and a control group (n=8). During the four-week training period, the experimental group performed aerobic exercises on a treadmill with an intensity of 50-70% of their maximum power, for three sessions per week, while the control group did not engage in any activity. After completing the training period, the rats were sacrificed 48 hours later to evaluate the gene expression of the study variables using the real-time PCR method for tissue analysis. An independent t-test was used to examine the difference between groups, and statistical significance was set at P <0.05.
Results: The independent t-test results indicated that the gene expression levels of all three variables: Musclin, decorin, and apelin, were significantly higher in the aerobic exercise group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The study findings suggest that aerobic exercise can potentially to increase the gene expression of three specific myokines: apelin, decorin, and musclin in skeletal muscles. These myokines are known to play an essential role in energy homeostasis, and their increased expression levels could have potential health benefits for individuals engaged in aerobic exercise.
Fatemeh Mirzaei Ashrafi, Seyed Mohsen Avandi, Ali Khaleghian,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (7-2023)
Abstract
Fatemeh Mirzaei Ashrafi 
, Seyed Mohsen Avandi , Ali Khaleghian
Background: Obesity has become a significant health concern in recent decades, characterized by increased body fat. This study aimed to compare the effects of circuit and traditional resistance training on serum calprotectin levels in obese men.
Methods: A pre-test-post-test design was used with thirty-three sedentary young obese men (age 21.33±2.49 years, weight 92.23±14.39 kg and BMI 30.71±4.63 kg/m²) who were randomly divided into two groups: experimental and control. The experimental group underwent a 12-week periodized resistance training program consisting of three sessions per week, gradually increasing in intensity from 50% to 80% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM) using a wave pattern. Resting serum calprotectin levels were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired sample t-tests, with statistical significance at p < 0.05.
Results: Both periodized circuit and traditional resistance training resulted in increased plasma levels of calprotectin compared to the control group (p = 0.001). Additionally, the periodized circuit resistance training group demonstrated a greater increase in plasma levels of calprotectin than the traditional resistance training and control groups (p = 0.01).
Conclusion: These findings suggest that twelve-week periodized circuit and traditional resistance training programs can effectively increase calprotectin levels in obese men.
Samira Naderi Noreini, Roya Ahmadi Nia Tabesh, Mahdi Malmir, Ali Asghar Ghafarizade,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Sperm preparation is a time-consuming process that makes a contribution to oxidative stress induction in assisted reproductive techniques.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of L-carnitine on sperm parameters during semen preparation at different time intervals.
Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, the semen samples of 50 asthenoteratozoospermic men were divided into the control and the L-carnitine groups (incubated with 0.5 mg/mL L-carnitine) (n=25/each). Total motility, progressive motility, sperm membrane integrity (by Hypo-osmotic swelling test), and lipid peroxidation (by Malondialdehyde level) were assessed in each group after 2, 4, and 6 hours. Afterward, samples were analyzed by the World Health Organization (2010) criteria.
Result: The results showed that in the control group total and progressive motility, and membrane integrity of the sperm were significantly decreased after 2 hr (P= 0.028, p= 0.019, and p= 0.025, respectively), while Malondialdehyde levels increased significantly after 4 hr (P= 0.018). Sperm parameters in the L-carnitine group increased significantly after 2 hr (P= 0.002), while Malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly compared to the control group in 6 hr (P < 0.001 vs. P =0.045).
Conclusion: Based on these results, L-carnitine can manage to conserve motility and sperm membrane integrity of sperm from the hazardous impact of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation during sperm preparation.
Amir Abbas Barzegari, Ahmad Aghaee, Kamran Shahabi,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Promising results were obtained by using medicinal plants for the treatment and prevention of opioid withdrawal syndrome. A native Iranian plant, Echinophora platyloba, has shown analgesic effects that may be mediated through opioid receptors. Thus, the present research evaluated the effects of the ethanolic extract of E. platyloba on the acquisition of morphine dependence in mice.
Methods: Thirty-two male mice were randomly allocated into four groups of eight. Morphine dependence was induced in the mice by subcutaneous administration of morphine (50, 50, and 75 mg/kg)×3 days, plus a single dose of morphine (50 mg/kg) on the fourth day. Withdrawal syndrome was precipitated by intraperitoneal injection of naloxone (4 mg/kg) 2 hours after the last dose of morphine. On days of dependence induction and before each morphine dose, the mice received intraperitoneal injections of saline (10 ml/kg) or plant extract (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg). After the injection of naloxone, the symptoms of withdrawal syndrome in each animal were monitored for 30 minutes.
Results: Administering morphine with this method induced morphine dependence in mice that were treated with saline before morphine. However, the mice that received the plant extract showed a significant decrease in the withdrawal symptoms including the number of jumping (P<0.01), rearing (P<0.05), grooming (P<0.05), and diarrhea (P<0.01) compared with the saline-treated mice.
Conclusion: Administration of the hydro-ethanolic extract of E. platyloba before morphine may inhibit the induction of morphine dependence. Therefore, the plant extract may be considered a therapeutic agent for the prevention of morphine dependence in morphine users.
Hamid Reza Zolfi, Amir Shakib, Zahra Niknam, Zhaleh Pashaei,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome, a problem of the present age, is a combination of several medical issues, and miRNAs play important regulatory roles in metabolic syndrome. Many studies indicate that high-intensity interval training (HITT) may improve risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of HIIT training on the changes in miR-21, miR-122, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), lipid profile, and glucose.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, middle-aged male (n=19) volunteers with metabolic syndrome (body mass index (BMI)>30) were randomly assigned to the control (n=9) and training (n=10) groups. The training program consisted of 8 weeks of HIIT training with 4 sets of workouts with an intensity of 80-90% heart rate for the training group (3 sessions per week during the first 4 weeks and 4 sessions per week during the second 4 weeks). Blood samples were collected from the subjects 48 hours before and after the last training session to analyze miR-21, miR-122, ALT, AST, HDL, LDL, triglyceride, cholesterol, and glucose. The within-group and between-group differences of data were analyzed using the paired t-tests and analysis of covariance at a significance level of P˂0.05 in SPSS software.
Results: This study indicated that HIIT caused a significant decrease in miR-122, ALT, AST, triglyceride, cholesterol, glucose, body weight indicators, fat percentage, and BMI (P˂0.05). Also, a significant increase in miR-21 and HDL levels was observed following HIIT training (P˂0.05).
Conclusion: HIIT training seems essential in metabolic changes, such as reducing the lipid profile, decreasing glucose, and improving liver damage by affecting miR-21 and miR-122 indicators as small regulatory transcripts. However, more extensive studies are needed in this field.
Elmira Farmanbordar, Mohammad Taghi Badeleh Shamushaki ,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Body image studies confirm a higher level of dissatisfaction among women compared to men, and some evidence shows that ethnicity may have a role in the level of body image fear.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the data of 372 Fars and Turkmen women visiting health care centers in Gonbad, Iran, were collected via convenience sampling and analyzed by SPSS v. 17. The instruments were a demographic checklist and Littleton's Body Image Concern Inventory.
Results: The level of fear of body image between Fars (M = 2.022, SD = 0.685) and Turkmen (M = 2.1408, SD = 0.661) ethnicities was not statistically different (P-value = 0.09) based on the t test. Furthermore, age, education level, and internet usage were significantly related to the variable of fear of body image.
Conclusion: The role of ethnicity in the fear of body image is not statistically significant and needs further research.
Samaneh Heidarzadeh, Seyedehsamira Ashrafmansouri,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer is the fifth most common neoplasm and the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide. Incidence rates vary widely and depend on risk factors, epidemiological factors, and carcinogenesis patterns. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression and metastasis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Previous studies have reported that fascin overexpression, an actin-binding protein, promotes cell motility and invasion in cancers by bundling actin filaments. Therefore, inhibiting this protein can be a major step in treatment.
Methods: In this prospective study, the protein structure of fascin was obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Using the HyperChem 7.0 software, the chemical structure of cytochalasin H as a small molecule inhibitor was designed. Rigid docking studies between cytochalasin H and fascin protein were performed using the AutoDock Vina 1.1.2 software, and the obtained results were analyzed using LigPlot+ v.1.4.5, Discovery Studio 4.5, and PyMOL v.1.9 software.
Results: According to the analyses and the obtained results, cytochalasin H and fascin protein have an effective interaction with an optimal energy level.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that cytochalasin H may be developed into a potential chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of gastric cancer by inhibiting fascin. Nevertheless, further in vitro and in vivo experiments are necessary to elucidate the exact mechanism.
Malihe Bakhti, Farzaneh Taghian, Khosro Jalali Dehkordi , Rezvan Mirsafaei Rizi,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background: Hypothyroidism is typically associated with a decreased basal metabolic rate, reduced energy expenditure, and weight gain. Exercise training and Dorema Aucheri (DA) have been identified as beneficial therapeutic strategies within complementary health approaches. Skeletal muscle metabolism and fiber type are regulated by innervation and soluble factors, such as thyroid hormones. However, the mechanisms between muscle function and hypothyroidism remain unclear.
Methods: Thirty mice were divided into five subgroups: the normal group; hypothyroid mice (HYPO, 8 mg/kg of propylthiouracil administered via intraperitoneal injection for 30 days); hypothyroid mice treated with DA (gavaged at 0.4 mg/kg for two months, five days per week); hypothyroid mice treated with exercise (75% VO2 max, 45 minutes per session, for two months, five days per week); and hypothyroid mice treated with both DA and exercise. The mRNA expression levels were detected via real-time qPCR.
Results: The data indicated that PPARγ, mTOR, and PI3K levels are reduced in hypothyroidism. DA and exercise enhanced PPARγ, mTOR, and PI3K levels in muscle tissue. Notably, DA and exercise significantly increased the expression levels of PPARγ, mTOR, and PI3K.
Conclusion: Exercise and DA, as alternative and complementary medicine, modified the PPARγ/mTOR/PI3K signaling pathways affected by hypothyroidism in mice.
Kamal Mirkarimi , Najmeh Shahini , Abdolhalim Rajabi , Amir Hosein Izadyar ,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (4-2024)
Abstract
Background: Self-care is defined as a strategy to adapt the events and stresses of life, which improves health and includes special activities that alleviate the symptoms of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a self-care program on the self-esteem of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) attending rural health centers in Gorgan City in 2023.
Methods: A quasi-experimental, pre-and post-test intervention study was conducted using a multistage sampling technique in patients with T2DM and prediabetes attending health centers in rural health centers of Gorgan City. An educational program was conducted on 68 patients divided into two groups of diabetes and pre-diabetes (34 patients in each group). Data were collected using a personal information checklist, standard self-care questionnaires, and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. Follow-up was conducted two months after the intervention. The data were described using mean and standard deviation, and analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi-square, Independent T-test, and Paired T-test.
Results: The mean age in the T2DM group was 58 ±7.26, and 60.29 ± 9.47 years in the pre-diabetes group. The mean fasting blood sugar levels in the T2DM and pre-diabetes groups after the intervention were 131.24 and 100.94, respectively, which showed a significant statistical difference (P-Value=0.02). The mean self-esteem scores in the T2DM and pre-diabetes groups after the intervention also showed a significant statistical difference (P-Value =0.006).
Conclusion: In the current study, the present intervention led to the improvement of self-esteem and self-care scores in people with T2DM and pre-diabetes.
Zeinab Mohammadi, Marie Saghaeian Jazi , Seyyed Mehdi Jafari , Seyed Mostafa Mir , Massoud Amanlou , Jahanbakhsh Asadi ,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (4-2024)
Abstract
Background: Bone remodeling involves a balance between osteoblast-driven formation and osteoclast-mediated resorption, with disruptions leading to diseases like osteoporosis. Midazolam (MDZ), known for its sedative properties, has shown effects on cellular differentiation and hydroxyapatite formation in dental cells. However, its role in promoting osteogenic differentiation in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) remains unexplored, motivating this study to investigate its potential in bone regenerative therapies.
Methods: We purchased hBMSCs from Royan Institute and cultured them in complete media with α-MEM, 10% FBS, and 1% pen/strep. Cell viability was determined with MTT assay in several concentrations of MDZ (0.125 to 1 µM) for 72 hours. Osteogenic differentiation was induced over 21 days using the selected doses of MDZ with osteogenic medium. The Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining was performed to determine the calcium deposit for osteoblast cells. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The MTT results for several concentrations of MDZ (0.125 to 1 µM) showed no cytotoxic effects on hBMSCs after 72 hours. Furthermore, ARS staining revealed increased calcium deposits in 0.5 µM MDZ compared to untreated and DMSO groups (p =0.0001). These findings suggest that MDZ promotes mineralization at lower concentrations, highlighting its potential in osteogenic applications, while higher concentrations may lack differentiating effects.
Conclusion: Midazolam promotes osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, particularly at 0.5 µM concentration, without cytotoxic effects. These findings demonstrate that MDZ may be a potential compound for osteoblastogenesis; however, these findings require further in vivo studies to confirm the idea.
