Silymarin mitigates toxic effects of cyclophosphamide on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in mice.

Cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy drug, increases oxidative stress in sperm and testicular tissue. This study evaluated the effect of silymarin, a potent antioxidant, on the quality of sperm and testicular tissue in mice treated with cyclophosphamide. NMRI adult male mice were divided into four groups: control; cyclophosphamide (intraperitoneal injection, 100 mg/kg, once a week); cyclophosphamide + silymarin; and silymarin (intraperitoneal injection, 200 mg/kg, every other day). After a 35-day treatment period, the caudal region of the epididymis was examined for sperm parameters, the right testis was used for stereological studies, and the left testis was used to assess biochemical factors. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. In the cyclophosphamide group, there was a significant reduction in the mean total volume of testicular tissue, the average volume of seminiferous tubules and their components, and the average volume of interstitial tissue. Additionally, there was a notable decrease (p < 0.001) in the average number of Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and sperm parameters. The mean concentration of testosterone hormone (p < 0.05) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level (p < 0.01) also significantly decreased, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level increased significantly (p < 0.05). However, these adverse changes were mitigated in the cyclophosphamide + silymarin group compared to the cyclophosphamide group. Our results showed that silymarin as an antioxidant can mitigate the adverse effects of cyclophosphamide on testicular tissue and sperm parameters.

Fresh and hardened properties of alkali-activated slag concrete: The effect of fly ash as a supplementary precursor.

The present study explores the possibility of replacing blast furnace slag (BFS) with coal fly ash (FA) to produce alkali-activated material (AAM) concrete with hybrid precursors. With an increased FA replacement ratio, the reaction kinetics, fresh and hardened properties of AAM mixtures have been investigated. The retardation effect on the reaction kinetics with an increased FA content has been observed, which not only extended the induction period along with the heat flow evolution but also reduced the cumulative heat release up to 24 h. Spherical FA particles can provide a ball-bearing effect to improve the workability of the hybrid AAM mixtures, while FA also slows down the deterioration of fresh properties since they are less reactive compared to BFS particles. Regarding the strength development, FA results in the reduction at all curing ages in the mixtures with a low silicate modulus (Ms0.25). Similarly, reduction in 1-day compressive strength has been detected in high silicate modulus mixtures (Ms0.5) with FA replacement, while the mixture with 10% FA exhibits the highest compressive strength among Ms0.5 concretes at later curing ages. Bigger capillary pores have been detected in AAM mixtures with an increase in FA content. However, AAM with 10% FA shows the lowest porosity in Ms0.5 mixtures, which is in agreement with the compressive strength results.

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on serum levels of interleukin-6 and sirtuin 1 in COPD patients.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by systemic inflammation and accelerated inflammaging of the lungs. Some studies showed that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of CLA supplementation on serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in patients with COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 82 patients with stable COPD were enrolled in a double blind clinical trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: placebo (n=42) and 3.2 g CLA daily supplementation (n=40). Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%), BODE index, and serum levels of IL-6, and SIRT1 were measured at the baseline and six weeks after the intervention. In addition, the study parameters in the two groups were compared based on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. RESULTS: After supplementation with CLA, serum levels of IL-6 and BODE index significantly decreased (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively). In addition, serum levels of SIRT1 (p<0.01) and FEV1 (p<0.001) significantly increased in the supplementation group. Based on GOLD criteria, the increase in SIRT1 and the decrease in IL-6 serum levels were found to be statistically significant in stages III and IV in the supplementation group (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Supplementation with CLA can modify the inflammatory markers and improve the health status of COPD patients. The results suggest that CLA supplementation in COPD patients can be useful in the management of the disease.

Measurement of serum hepatitis B surface antibody levels in Iranian autistic children and evaluation of immunological memory after booster dose injection in comparison with controls.

BACKGROUND: Responsiveness to hepatitis B vaccine among patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has not been evaluated worldwide. We aimed to determine the anti-HBs antibody duration in autistic and healthy children few years after primary vaccination and evaluate their immunological memory against hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine with booster dose administration. METHODS: One hundred seven and 147 HBsAg-negative children from ASD and normal population were recruited, respectively. HBV seromarkers (HBc-Ab, HBsAg, and HBs-Ab) were assessed and subsequently, molecular tests were used on all the subjects. A booster dose of vaccine was injected for those who showed low levels (<10 mIU/mL) of anti-HBs and their antibody levels was measured 4 weeks later. RESULTS: The mean ages of ASD and control groups were 7.14 ± 2.42 and 8.68 ± 1.96, respectively. Seven (6.5%) of the ASD group were positive for anti-HBc and one child was positive for occult hepatitis B infection (HBsAg negative, HBV DNA positive). In ASD, 54 (50.4%) and 53 (49.6%) had adequate (>10 mIU/mL) and low anti-HBs levels, respectively. Among control group, 74 (50.4%) and 73 (49.6%) had sufficient and low antibody levels, respectively. After injection of a booster dose for all children with low antibody, 100% of ASD and 92% (59 of 64) of control pupils contained >10 mIU/mL of antibody, respectively. In both the groups, the HBs-Ab titer increased similarly in response to the booster injection (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite previous investigations regarding immune impairment in individuals with autism, the immune system of these individuals was able to manage the hepatitis B vaccine challenge.

Effect of Magnetized Water on the Mechanical and Durability Properties of Concrete Block Pavers.

In this research, the effect of magnetized water on the mechanical and durability behavior of concrete block pavers was investigated. For this purpose, a total of five mixes were prepared with water that passed through a permanent magnetic field 10, 20, 40, and 80 times at a constant speed of 2.25 m/s. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, resistance to sulfuric acid attack, water absorption tests, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses were conducted. The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength test results showed a significant positive effect of using magnetized water. The remaining tests also revealed that using magnetized water increases the resistance of concrete block pavers to sulfuric acid attack and decreases their water absorption.