Simultaneous use of oxalate-degrading bacteria and herbal extract to reduce the urinary oxalate in a rat model: A new strategy.

OBJECTIVE: Urinary stones with oxalate composition can cause kidney failure. Recent findings evidenced that probiotics are effective in reducing oxalate absorption in these subjects based on their high colonic absorption levels at baseline. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the simultaneous use of oxalate-degrading bacteria, Urtica dioica and T. terrestris extract in reducing urinary oxalate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-urolithiatic activity of Urtica dioica and T. terrestris extract and pro-biotic by using ethylene glycol induced rat model. In this study, 4 strains of Lactobacillus and 2 strains of Bifidobacterium and also 2 strains of L. paracasei (that showed high power in oxalate degrading in culture media) were used. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=6). The rats of group-I received normal diet (positive control group) and groups-II (negative control group), III, IV rats received diet containing ethylene glycol (3%) for 30 days. Groups III rats re-ceived Urtica dioica and T. terrestris extract. Groups IV rats received extracts + probiotic for 30 days. FINDINGS: The results show that the use of herbal extracts (Urtica dioica and T. terrestris) redu-ced the level of urinary oxalate and other parameters of urine and serum. Also, the accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney tissue was significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: Considering that the formation of calcium oxalate crystals can cause inflammation and tissue damage in the kidney, the use of herbal extracts with oxalatedegrading bacteria can be a new therapeutic approach to preventing the formation of kidney stones.

Simultaneous use of oxalate-degrading bacteria and herbal extract to reduce the urinary oxalate in a rat model: A new strategy

ABSTRACT Objective: Urinary stones with oxalate composition can cause kidney failure. Recent findings evidenced that probiotics are effective in reducing oxalate absorption in these subjects based on their high colonic absorption levels at baseline. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the simultaneous use of oxalate-degrading bacteria, Urtica dioica and T. terrestris extract in reducing urinary oxalate. Materials and Methods: Anti-urolithiatic activity of Urtica dioica and T. terrestris extract and probiotic by using ethylene glycol induced rat model. In this study, 4 strains of Lactobacillus and 2 strains of Bifidobacterium and also 2 strains of L. paracasei (that showed high power in oxalate degrading in culture media) were used. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=6). The rats of group-I received normal diet (positive control group) and groups-II (negative control group), III, IV rats received diet containing ethylene glycol (3%) for 30 days. Groups III rats received Urtica dioica and T. terrestris extract. Groups IV rats received extracts + probiotic for 30 days. Findings: The results show that the use of herbal extracts (Urtica dioica and T. terrestris) reduced the level of urinary oxalate and other parameters of urine and serum. Also, the accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney tissue was significantly reduced. Conclusion: Considering that the formation of calcium oxalate crystals can cause inflammation and tissue damage in the kidney, the use of herbal extracts with oxalate degrading bacteria can be a new therapeutic approach to preventing the formation of kidney stones.

Reducing urinary oxalate by simultaneous using Sankol herbal drop with oxalate-degrading bacteria.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Oxalate degrading bacteria and herbal extracts are new strategy for reducing hyperoxaluria. In Iranian traditional medicine, Sankol oral drop is widely used as an antispasmodic drug to reduce stones from urinary tract. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effect of oxalate-degrading bacteria and Sankol oral drop in reducing urinary oxalate in rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Several bacterial strains, including Lactobacillus (4), Bifidobacterium (2) and L. paracasei (2) (very strong in degrading oxalate in vitro) were used in this study. Male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 6). The rats of Group I received normal diet and drinking water + 60% ethanol (positive group). Groups II (negative group), III, IV, V, and VI rats received diet containing ethylene glycol (3%) for 30 days. Groups III rats received Sankol with minimum concentration (7.5 ml/kg/b.w), Group IV rats received Sankol with maximum concentration (9 ml/kg/b.w), Group V rats received Sankol with minimum concentration + probiotic, and Group VI rats received Sankol with maximum concentration + probiotic for 30 days. RESULTS: Treatment with Sankol (maximum concentration) and oxalate-degrading probiotic bacteria significantly reduced urinary oxalate (P = .0001). At the end of treatment period, rats in groups II (negative control) showed a high score of CaOx crystal, while rats in VI groups did not show any CaOx crystal. CONCLUSION: This is the first study on the simultaneous use of Sankol herbal drop and oxalate-degrading probiotic bacteria that showed a significant reduction in urinary oxalate.

First report of TEM-104-, SHV-99-, SHV-108-, and SHV-110-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are bacterial enzymes capable of hydrolyzing beta-lactams. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of TEM- and SHV-type ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains in Zahedan, Southeast Iran. METHODS: A total of 170 non-repetitive K. pneumoniae strains were collected from patients referred to three teaching hospitals of Zahedan. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was determined for 17 antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The frequency of ESBL-producing strains was calculated, and minimum inhibitory concentrations of ESBL-producing strains were determined for cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and cefpodoxime. The presence of bla TEM and bla SHV genes was tested in all ESBL-producing strains using polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Among the 170 K. pneumoniae clinical isolates, 55 (32.4%) were ESBL producers; 92.7% (n=51) and 72.7% (n=40) of the isolates carried the bla SHV and bla TEM genes, respectively, and 67.3% (n=37) carried both genes. The sequencing results showed that all bla TEM types were bla TEM-1, except for two isolates that were bla TEM-104. The bla SHV types were bla SHV-1, bla SHV-11, bla SHV-12, bla SHV-99, bla SHV-108, and bla SHV-110. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of bla TEM and bla SHV among ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates from Zahedan is relatively high, indicating the need for further surveillance and consideration in antibiotic use. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of TEM-104-, SHV-99-, SHV-108-, and SHV-110-type ESBLs among clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae from Iran, and TEM-1, SHV-1, SHV-11, and SHV-12 appear to be the dominant ESBLs in this region.

First report of TEM-104-, SHV-99-, SHV-108-, and SHV-110-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from Iran

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are bacterial enzymes capable of hydrolyzing beta-lactams. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of TEM- and SHV-type ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains in Zahedan, Southeast Iran. METHODS: A total of 170 non-repetitive K. pneumoniae strains were collected from patients referred to three teaching hospitals of Zahedan. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was determined for 17 antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The frequency of ESBL-producing strains was calculated, and minimum inhibitory concentrations of ESBL-producing strains were determined for cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and cefpodoxime. The presence of bla TEM and bla SHV genes was tested in all ESBL-producing strains using polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Among the 170 K. pneumoniae clinical isolates, 55 (32.4%) were ESBL producers; 92.7% (n=51) and 72.7% (n=40) of the isolates carried the bla SHV and bla TEM genes, respectively, and 67.3% (n=37) carried both genes. The sequencing results showed that all bla TEM types were bla TEM-1, except for two isolates that were bla TEM-104. The bla SHV types were bla SHV-1, bla SHV-11, bla SHV-12, bla SHV-99, bla SHV-108, and bla SHV-110. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of bla TEM and bla SHV among ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates from Zahedan is relatively high, indicating the need for further surveillance and consideration in antibiotic use. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of TEM-104-, SHV-99-, SHV-108-, and SHV-110-type ESBLs among clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae from Iran, and TEM-1, SHV-1, SHV-11, and SHV-12 appear to be the dominant ESBLs in this region.

Detection of ESBL- and AmpC-producing E. coli isolates from urinary tract infections.

BACKGROUND: Extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC enzymes have been observed in virtually all species of the family Enterobacteriaceae. The ß-lactamase producing bacteria cause many serious infections, including urinary tract infections. These enzymes are predominantly plasmid mediated. There are no recommended guidelines for detection of this resistance mechanism and there is a need to address this issue as much as the detection of ESBLs. This study was undertaken to characterize ESBL and AmpC producers among Escherichia coli by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which were initially screened by phenotypic method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 isolates of E. coli were recovered from the urinary tract during a 7-month period, and were screened for ESBLs and AmpC production by disk diffusion test using cefoxitin (30 µg) disks and confirmed by combined disk diffusion test using phenyl boronic acid. The presence of genes encoding CIT, FOX, and TEM was detected by PCR. RESULTS: On disk diffusion test, 59 of 90 isolates were resistant to third generation of cephalosporins; of these 37 (62.7%) and 3 (5%) were ESBL and AmpC producers, respectively. PCR showed that 29 (49.1%) and 3 (5%) were positive for blaT EM and bla CMY-2, respectively. CONCLUSION: ESBL- and AmpC-producing E. coli isolates cause significant resistance to cephalosporin. There is a need for a correct and reliable phenotypic test to identify AmpC ß-lactamases and to discriminate between AmpC and ESBL producers. This work showed that boronic acid can differentiate ESBL enzymes from AmpC enzymes.

Antifungal Efficacy of Green Tea Extract against Candida Albicans Biofilm on Tooth Substrate.

OBJECTIVES: Biomechanical preparation and irrigation with antimicrobial solutions are necessary to disinfect the root canal space. This in vitro study aimed to examine the antifungal effect of green tea extract on Candida albicans biofilm formed on tooth substrate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and minimum inhibitory concentration at which 90% of the isolates were inhibited (MIC90) were studied using green tea extract and sodium hypochlorite with the broth macro-dilution method. Then, anti-candida effects of this extract were tested on tooth substrates of 45 extracted single-canal premolar teeth. After biomechanical cleaning of the root canals, the teeth were sectioned vertically and randomly divided into three groups of 30. All the samples were infected with C. albicans (PTCC 5027) and exposed to the test solutions (sodium hypochlorite, green tea, normal saline) for five, 10 and 15 minutes. Data analyses of the samples were performed using two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The average number of microorganisms showed a significant decrease after five, 10 and 15 minutes of exposure to green tea extract and sodium hypochlorite. The average number of C. albicans in green tea extract and sodium hypochlorite groups decreased to 1/3 and 1/2 of the initial values, respectively. CONCLUSION: Antifungal activity of green tea extract was time-dependent and its inhibitory action did not decrease significantly over time. It is recommended to consider other properties of green tea such as tissue solubility, impact on dentin structure and use as an intracanal medicament or for smear layer removal in the clinical setting.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of AmpC-producing clinical isolates of Escherichia coli from southeastern Iran.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: AmpC in Escherichia coli is noninducible but is regulated by promoter and attenuator mechanisms and can be expressed at high levels as a result of a mutation. This study was undertaken to characterize the AmpC hyperproducing clinical isolates of E. coli. METHODS: E. coli isolates recovered from three major hospitals in Zahedan, South Eastern Iran, were selected on the basis of resistance phenotype to the third-generation cephalosporins and cefoxitin. Phenyl boronic acid as an inhibitor and cefoxitin were used to confirm the overexpression of AmpC. The presence of genes encoding ACC, FOX, MOX, DHA, CIT, and EBC was detected using multiplex PCR. The existence of mutations in the regulatory region of the chromosomal ampC gene was assessed using PCR and sequencing. RESULTS: Thirteen of 392 E. coli isolates were selected as high-level AmpC producers. Eleven of the 13 isolates contained the blaCMY-2 gene; 12 of the 13 AmpC hyperproducing strains harbored changes in the promoter/attenuator region, which could explain the increased expression of the chromosome-encoded AmpC enzyme. In 10 of the 13 strains, we found both chromosomal- and plasmid-mediated mechanisms responsible for AmpC production. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: AmpC hyperproducing E. coli isolates exhibit significant resistance to cephalosporins. This work showed that strains hyperproducing chromosomal AmpC could be as frequent as strains with plasmid-mediated AmpC hyperproduction.

Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) treatment of candidiasis in normal and diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: The leaves of Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) are used for treatment of diabetes mellitus in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of eucalyptus in treatment of established systemic infection with Candida albicans in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Sixty normoglycemic male Wistar rats, weighing 200-250 g, were selected and randomly divided into six groups (n= 10): normal control, control + C. albicans, control + eucalyptus + C. albicans, diabetic control, diabetic + C. albicans, diabetic + eucalyptus + C. albicans. Diabetes was induced after a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight) and eucalyptus was added to the diet (62.5 g/kg) and drinking water (2.5 g/L) of treated animals for 4 weeks. The concerned groups were inoculated with C. albicans 15 days after diabetes induction. At the end of one month experiment, fasted rats were killed by cervical decapitation. Blood was collected from neck vein for estimation of glucose. C. albicans concentrations were estimated in liver and kidneys using serial dilution culture of tissue homogenates. RESULTS: Eucalyptus administration significantly improved the hyperglycemia, polydipsia, polyphagia, and it also compensated weight loss of diabetic rats (P less than 0.05). Moreover, eucalyptus caused a significant reduction in C. albicans concentration in liver and kidney homogenates (P less than 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results revealed that eucalyptus improves Candidia infection in normal and diabetic rats that in some ways validates the traditional use of this plant in treatment of diabetic patients.

Sodium tungstate attenuate oxidative stress in brain tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

High blood glucose concentration in diabetes induces free radical production and, thus, causes oxidative stress. Damage of cellular structures by free radicals play an important role in development of diabetic complications. In this study, we evaluated effects of sodium tungstate on enzymatic and nonenzymatic markers of oxidative stress in brain of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Rats were divided into four groups (ten rats in each group): untreated control, sodium tungstate-treated control, untreated diabetic, and sodium tungstate-treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced with an intraperitoneal STZ injection (65 mg/kg body weight), and sodium tungstate with concentration of 2 g/L was added to drinking water of treated animals for 4 weeks. Diabetes caused a significant increase in the brain thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (P < 0.01) and protein carbonyl levels (P < 0.01) and a decrease in ferric reducing antioxidant power (P < 0.01). Moreover, diabetic rats presented a reduction in brain glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (21%), superoxide dismutase (41%), glutathione peroxidase (19%), and glutathione reductase (36%) activities. Sodium tungstate reduced the hyperglycemia and restored the diabetes-induced changes in all mentioned markers of oxidative stress. However, catalase activity was not significantly affected by diabetes (P = 0.4), while sodium tungstate caused a significant increase in enzyme activity of treated animals (P < 0.05). Data of present study indicated that sodium tungstate can ameliorate brain oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats, probably by reducing of the high glucose-induced oxidative stress and/or increasing of the antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Attenuation of oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by Eucalyptus globulus.

In traditional medicine, Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) was used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia in diabetes has been associated with increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage to tissue compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of eucalyptus in the diet (20 g/Kg) and drinking water (2.5 g/L) on lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and antioxidant power in plasma and liver homogenate, as well as glycated-Hb (HbA(1C)) of blood in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for a period of 4 weeks. Diabetes induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/Kg). At the end of the treatment period, the level of plasma glucose, plasma and liver malondialdehyde (MDA, the main product of lipid peroxidation), protein carbonyl (PC, one of the protein oxidation products) and HbA(1C) increased and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) decreased in diabetic rats compared to normal rats. Eucalyptus administration for 4 weeks caused a significant decrease in the plasma glucose levels, plasma and liver MDA, PC and HbA(1C), also a concomitant increase in the levels of FRAP in diabetic treated rats. In conclusion, the present study showed that eucalyptus posses antioxidant activities. Eucalyptus probably restores antioxidant power, due to the improved hyperglycemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.