Structural characterization and RAW264.7 murine macrophage stimulating activity of a fucogalactoglucan from Colpomenia peregrina.

Water-soluble polysaccharides were isolated from Colpomenia peregrina to determine their chemical characteristics and immunomodulatory properties. High extraction yields were obtained for CP1 (17.6%) and CP2 (5.2%) polysaccharides. Polysaccharides were mainly consisted of neutral sugars (67.01-73.79%), uronic acids (9.43-14.89%), proteins (3.44-14.89%) and small amounts of sulfates (4.87-4.91%). Polysaccharides were composed of fucose (20.62-24.56%), galactose (25.5-26.94%) and glucose (50.00-52.91%) residues. The average molecular weights of the CP1 and CP2 polysaccharides were 1890 × 103 g/mol and 639 × 103 g/mol, respectively. The polysaccharides exerted a relatively low cytotoxicity against HeLa cancer cells (< 40%). The CP1 and CP2 polysaccharides were nontoxic and induced RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells to release considerable amounts of nitric oxide (NO). Inflammatory cytokines including IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12 from were secreted from RAW264.7 cells induced with CP1 polysaccharides. As the most immunostimulating fraction, CP1 polysaccharides were homogeneous and formed of 1,3-linked galactose, 1,4-linked glucose and 1,3-linked fucose residues. Overall, these findings suggested that the polysaccharides isolated from C. peregrina can be utilized as potential natural immunostimulant in functional foods or pharmaceutical industries.

The anti-dyslipidemia property of saffron petal hydroalcoholicextract in cardiovascular patients: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dyslipidemia is one of the most important risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Despite developments in pharmacological treatments for dyslipidemia there are several challenges. Recently some herbs highly considered to control dyslipidemia due to their low toxicity and high potency. In this study we investigated the effects of saffron petals on the lipid profile of dyslipidemia patients as well as several other biochemical blood factors. METHODS: In this double blind, placebo controlled, clinical trial, we used systematic random sampling to divide 40 patients with at least two abnormalities in the following factors: (high-density lipoproteins (HDL) ≤40, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) ≥130, triglycerides (TG) ≥200, total cholesterol (Cho) ≥200), into 2 groups of 21 ones. At the end of the intervention period, serum lipid factors, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, creatinin (CR) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were measured and statistically compared with their values just before the intervention. RESULTS: We found that the saffron petal pills markedly (P < 0.001) decreased the serum lipid levels of patients (TG, Cho and LDL) in the intervention group (113.81 ± 12.93, 56.52 ± 4.68 and 48.28 ± 3.70) as compared to the placebo group (18.42 ± 15.79, 4.57 ± 4.40 and 7.38 ± 3.54). Also, comparing the mean value of differences in two groups before and after the intervention showed significant reduction in TG (113.81 ± 26), Cho (56.53 ± 0.30) and LDL (48.28 ± 4.30) levels (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The saffron petal pills considerably reduced blood serum lipid profile and as well as urea and CR of dyslipidemia patients. So, this plant may be used as a potent phytomedicine for treatment and prevention of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disorders. However, the results indicated that no statistical change was observed in the level of other biochemical blood factors such as ALT, AST, ALP and FBS.

Sexual Dysfunction and Help Seeking Behaviors in Newly Married Men in Sari City: a Descriptive.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction is a major concern for people's general health. The aim of this study was to determine the status of sexual function and help-seeking behaviors in newly married men. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted on 363 newly married men. Simple random sampling was used according to premarital counseling offices in the health center of Sari city. Data collection instruments included personal and social characteristics, Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), and help-seeking behaviors questionnaires. In order to determine the relationship between characteristics and sexual function, general linear model and also between socio-demographic characteristics and receiving or lack of receiving help, multivariate logistic regression test were used. RESULTS: The mean of sexual function score was 21.3 (2.7) out of possible 5-30, and 26% of men suffered sexual dysfunction. The highest prevalence (27.2%) of dysfunction was in the dimension of sexual stimulation, and the lowest (15.7%) in maintaining erection. For the treatment of sexual dysfunction, only 32% men had sought help, and 40% of them had visited specialists. The most frequent reasons for not seeking help were feeling uncomfortable with doctor, and their belief that doctor is not able to do much. 65% of men desired to be treated. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated relatively high prevalence of sexual dysfunction among men, and unfortunately, most of them did not seek help for their sexual problem. Since Sexual dysfunction can leave damaging effects on the quality of life and marital relationship, interventions to deal with these challenges and screening to identify such problems appear necessary.