Parasitological and molecular survey of scattered parasitism by trichomonads in some avian species in Iran.

Outbreaks of avian trichomonosis are being reported worldwide; meanwhile, the genetic and virulence variations are under investigation. In this study, the occurrence and genetic variability of oral or faecal trichomonads among various avian species were investigated. Samples obtained from either the oropharyngeal cavity, crop/oesophagus, droppings/cloaca, or conjunctival swabs of avian species were inspected for flagellates. Phylogenetic analysis of partial ITS1-5.8s rRNA-ITS2 sequences from selected samples was performed to investigate the genetic diversity of the isolates. Investigation of 737 birds revealed an infection rate of 15.7% in the upper gastrointestinal tract, 7.3% in the faecal samples, and 0.7% involvement of the conjunctiva. Phylogenetic analysis of partial ITS1-5.8s rRNA-ITS2 sequences from selected samples, identified genotypes A and B of Trichomonas gallinae and genogroups A-C and E of Tetratrichomonas gallinarum. A novel ITS genotype of intestinal trichomonads was also detected in hooded crow (Corvus cornix) and common mynah (Acridotheres tristis). In the present study, in addition to Columbiformes and Falconiformes, trichomonads were detected in Passeriformes and Galliformes with the involvement of organs other than the gastrointestinal tract. Genotype A T. gallinae was detected in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica), a laughing dove (Spilopelia senegalensis), a common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulates), and a canary (Serinus canaria). Distinct genotype B was detected in a common mynah and a budgerigar. Genogroups A-C of T. gallinarum were also demonstrated in Galliformes and Anseriformes. Furthermore, two novel trichomonad ITS genotypes were detected in hooded crows and a common mynah warranting detailed multi-locus molecular analysis.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSITS diversity of trichomonads was shown in various avian species.Diversity of the parasites' target organ and clinical manifestations was demonstrated.Two novel ITS genotype trichomonads from common mynah and hooded crow were identified.

Brucellosis as a neglected disease in a neglected population: a seroepidemiological study of migratory nomads in the Fars province of Iran.

This study assessed the seroprevalence of brucellosis and its risk factors in migratory nomads in the Fars province of Iran. Active brucellosis was defined as the combination of clinical symptoms, including fever, chills, night sweats, headache, low back pain, arthralgia, or myalgia, and positive laboratory testing, including either a serum agglutination test (SAT) ⩾1:80 with a 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) test ⩾1:40, or a SAT <1:80 combined with a positive Coombs Wright test (CWT) at a titre of at least threefold higher than SAT titre results. For the 536 participants, the female (316, 59%) to male (220, 41%) ratio was 1·4 and the participants' mean age was 32·4 ± 18·9 (range 1-96) years. Of all participants, 325 (60·6%) showed clinical symptoms; in symptomatic participants, the Rose Bengal plate test was positive in 33 (6·1%) cases, the SAT was positive in 18 (3·3%) cases, and the 2-ME test was positive in 30 (5·5%) cases. Positive SAT and 2-ME results were seen in 18 (3·3%) cases, but a negative SAT and a positive CWT were found in 36 (6·7%) cases. As a result, active brucellosis was detected in 54 cases, indicating a prevalence of 10% (95% confidence interval 8-12). In conclusion, we determined that brucellosis is a prevalent yet neglected disease in this nomadic population. Brucellosis control is not possible as long as these high-risk populations remain neglected.

Dental students' perception of their approaches to learning in a PBL programme.

AIM: To compare dental students' perceptions of their learning approaches between different years of a problem-based learning (PBL) programme. The hypothesis was that in a comparison between senior and junior students, the senior students would perceive themselves as having a higher level of deep learning approach and a lower level of surface learning approach than junior students would. This hypothesis was based on the fact that senior students have longer experience of a student-centred educational context, which is supposed to underpin student learning. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Students of three cohorts (first year, third year and fifth year) of a PBL-based dental programme were asked to respond to a questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) developed to analyse students' learning approaches, that is deep approach and surface approach, using four subscales including deep strategy, surface strategy, deep motive and surface motive. The results of the three cohorts were compared using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A P-value was set at <0.05 for statistical significance. RESULTS: The fifth-year students demonstrated a lower surface approach than the first-year students (P = 0.020). There was a significant decrease in surface strategy from the first to the fifth year (P = 0.003). No differences were found concerning deep approach or its subscales (deep strategy and deep motive) between the mean scores of the three cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: The results did not show the expected increased depth in learning approaches over the programme years.

Association between health-related quality of life and impaired glucose metabolism in Iran: the Qazvin Metabolic Diseases Study.

AIM: To evaluate the association between health-related quality of life and glucose metabolism status in a study population in Qazvin, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 1044 people (aged 20-78 years old) between September 2010 and April 2011 in Qazvin, Iran. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed for each participant who had never been diagnosed with diabetes. Participants were characterized as having normal glucose metabolism, pre-diabetes or diabetes according to American Diabetes Association criteria. The short-form 36 questionnaire was used to measure quality of life. Data were analysed using a chi-squared test, anova and ancova. RESULTS: A total of 530 (51.7%) of the participants were women, and 24.1 and 11.6% of the participants were categorized as having prediabetes and diabetes mellitus, respectively. Except for the role emotional domain, there was a gradual decrease in the mean scores of every domain of the short-form 36 scale across the three study groups. The mean scores in the physical domains were significantly different among the participants with normal glucose metabolism and those with diabetes. After adding age as covariate, there were no significant differences between the categories in any of the domains. CONCLUSION: There is no association between quality of life domains and glucose metabolism status in Iranian subjects. More longitudinal studies are necessary to investigate the natural history of pre-diabetes, diabetes and quality of life.

Evaluation of protective effect of propolis on parotid salivary glands in gamma-irradiated rats.

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND: One of the most significant side effects of radiotherapy for head and neck cancers is xerostomia as a result of salivary gland damage. Considering pharmaco- logical effects of propolis, we evaluated its protective effect on salivary glands subjected to radiotherapy of head and neck cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one male albino rats (8-11 W, 190 ± 5 gm) were divided into three groups of seven animals. Scintigraphy was performed in all the groups. Then groups 1 (S) and 2 (SR) received normal saline injections and group 3 (PR) received propolis injection over 3 days. After that groups 2 and 3 were exposed to gamma radiation and all the rats underwent scintigraphic assessment on third day and 70th day after irradiation. The lips and tongues of rats in groups 2 and 3 were examined for mucositis daily in first 10 days. At the end, the parotid glands of all rats were examined histologically. RESULTS: Scintigraphy results of third and 70th day after irradiation showed statistically significant differences between PR and SR as well as SR and S. However, there was no significant difference between the PR and S groups. Histopathologic assessment demonstrated significant difference between SR, PR and S. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that propolis has protective effects on salivary gland function in animal models whilst it did not prevent radiation-induced histologic changes in tissues. Further investigations are needed to elucidate mechanisms of propolis actions. Clinical significance: Regarding to the results of this study, propolis may be useful in reduction xerostomia due to radiation to salivary glands and may be helpful for head and neck cancer patients.

Enhancing regenerative potential: A comprehensive review of stem cell transplantation for sports-related neuronal injuries, with a focus on spinal cord injuries and peripheral nervous system damage.

Neuronal injuries, as one of the consequences of sports-related incidents, exert a profound influence on the athletes' future, potentially leading to complete immobility and impeding their athletic pursuits. In cases of severe damage inflicted upon the spinal cord (SC) and peripheral nervous systems (PNS), the regenerative process is notably compromised, rendering it essentially inefficient. Among the pivotal therapeutic approaches for the enhancement and prevention of secondary SC injuries (SCI), stem cell transplantation (SCT) stands out prominently. Stem cells, whether directly involved in replacement and reconstruction or indirectly through modification and secretion of crucial bioenvironmental factors, engage in the intricate process of tissue regeneration. Stem cells, through the secretion of neurotrophic factors (NTFs) (aiming to modulate the immune system), reduction of inflammation, axonal growth stimulation, and myelin formation, endeavor to facilitate the regeneration of damaged SC tissue. The fundamental challenges of this approach encompass the proper selection of suitable stem cell candidates for transplantation and the establishment of an appropriate microenvironment conducive to SC repair. In this article, an attempt has been made to explore sports-related injuries, particularly SCI, to comprehensively review innovative methods for treating SCI, and to address the existing challenges. Additionally, some of the stem cells used in neural injuries and the process of their utilization have been discussed.

Proinsulin C-peptide inhibits lipolysis in diabetic rat adipose tissue through phosphodiestrase-3B enzyme.

We have previously reported that C-peptide modulates insulin-mediated inhibition of lipolysis and glucose consumption but has no significant effects per se on adipose tissue of normal rats. It has been repeatedly observed that certain actions of C-peptide are restricted to the diabetic states. In the present study, therefore, we examined whether C-peptide alters lipolysis in adipose tissue of diabetic rats. Rats were rendered diabetic by streptozotocin and divided into 2 groups; insulin treated and untreated. Retroperitoneal adipose tissue was excised aseptically, subjected to organ culture and incubated with rat C-peptide, insulin, or a combination of both peptides in the presence or absence of isoproterenol. Tissue lipolysis was assessed by the rate of glycerol release into the culture media. The cultures were pretreated with cilostamide, a phosphodiesterase-3B enzyme inhibitor, when the role of this enzyme was to be examined. C-Peptide on its own, like insulin, significantly inhibited isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis in the adipose tissue of untreated diabetic rats. The effect was enhanced by a combination of C-peptide and insulin. Notably, the C-peptide's effect was totally blocked in the presence of cilostamide. In the adipose tissue of insulin treated rats, however, C-peptide failed to show any significant antilipolytic effects. These data show that C-peptide has the potential to act, conditionally, as an antilipolytic hormone by activating phosphodiesterase-3B and suggest that the action may contribute to the C-peptide's beneficial effects on diabetes-induced complications.

Utilizing stem cells in reconstructive treatments for sports injuries: An innovative approach.

Orthopedic tissue engineering is a rapidly evolving field that holds great promise for the reconstruction and natural repair of bone and joint tissues. Bone loss, fractures, and joint degeneration are common problems that can result from a variety of pathological conditions, and their restoration and replacement are essential not only for functional purposes but also for improving the quality of life for patients. However, current methods rely heavily on artificial materials that can potentially lead to further tissue damage, making tissue engineering a highly attractive alternative. This innovative approach involves the utilization of stem cells (SCs), which are seeded onto a scaffold to form a biological complex. Among these SCs, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) extracted from bone marrow and adipose tissue have shown immense potential for bone and joint tissue regeneration. The success of orthopedic tissue engineering is contingent on the careful selection of appropriate scaffolds and inducing molecules, which play a critical role in carrying and supporting cells and inducing their differentiation. This review article comprehensively analyzes the three vital aspects of orthopedic tissue engineering - SCs, scaffolds, and inducing molecules - in order to provide a deeper understanding of this emerging field and its potential for the future of orthopedic medicine.

Performance and metabolic responses of Holstein calves to supplemental chromium in colostrum and milk.

Twenty-two newborn Holstein female calves (BW = 39.7 ± 0.40 kg) were used to investigate the effects of chromium-l-methionine (Cr-Met) supplementation of colostrum for 3d after birth and mature milk up to wk 8 on feed intake, growth performance, health status, and metabolic and endocrine traits. Calves were randomly assigned to 2 groups, each consisting of 11 animals: 1) control and 2) 0.03 mg of supplemental Cr/kg of BW(0.75). Body weight, height at withers, and hearth girth were measured weekly. Dry matter intake, rectal temperature, fecal score, and respiratory score were recorded daily. Blood samples were collected at 12, 24, and 72 h after birth, and then every week up to 8 wk. Chromium did not affect mean body weight, dry matter intake, and withers height, but it increased hearth girth and average daily gain, tended to increase final BW, and decreased feed conversion ratio. Respiration rate increased and fecal score decreased with Cr, and rectal temperature tended to decrease with Cr. No Cr × time interactions were observed for performance and health status results except for fecal score. Blood glucose, insulin, insulin-to-glucose ratio, insulin-like growth factor-I, total protein, and triiodothyronine were not affected, whereas blood ß-hydroxybutyrate, nonesterified fatty acids, cholesterol, cortisol, and thyroxin were affected by Cr supplementation. Supplemental Cr-Met decreased blood ß-hydroxybutyrate at 72 h and in wk 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 and decreased blood nonesterified fatty acids at 12h and in wk 3, 4, and 5 after birth. Blood cholesterol decreased in all sampling times, except for 12h and wk 7. Chromium decreased blood cortisol at 24h and in wk 2, 4, and 8. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate the beneficial effects of colostrum and milk supplementation with Cr to improve the performance and metabolic status of newborn calves.

Quality of life of Iranian beta-thalassaemia major patients living on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea.

In the present study, the aim was to explore the quality of life of thalassaemia major (TM) patients according to age, sex, school performance, severity and complications of the disease. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Quality of life was evaluated by 4 questionnaires; demographic characteristics, the short form 36 health survey (SF-36), Persian version of symptoms checklist-90-revised (SCL-90-R) and life satisfaction index (LSI). 687 (41.08%) of the eligible patients with TM completed the questionnaires. With the SF-36 questionnaire, 329 (47.9%) participants had an excellent level of physical functioning. With the SCL-90-R questionnaire, 446 (64.9%) participants had a global severity index of > 0.7, considered psychiatric patients, 141 (20.5%) patients had GSI between 0.4 and 0.7, considered suspected psychiatric patients and 100 (14.6%) participants had GSI of < 0.4, considered non-psychiatric patients. The mean score of LSI questionnaire was 20.50 (SD 5.95), range 2-37. Beta-TM patients are at risk of psychiatric symptoms and need appropriate psychiatric counselling.

Phylogenetic relationship and virulence gene profiles of avian pathogenic and uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from avian colibacillosis and human urinary tract infections (UTIs).

BACKGROUND: There is evidence representing the possible relationship between avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and other extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains such as human uropathogenic isolates. AIMS : The present study was conducted to evaluate virulence and phylogenetic relationship between a total of 70 APEC and UPEC isolates (35 APEC and 35 UPEC isolates) obtained from the north of Iran which is one of the core areas of the country's poultry industry. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and random amplified polymorphism DNA (RAPD) analyses were conducted using specific primers, and data was analyzed using BioNumerics and SPSS softwares. RESULTS: The most prevalent gene was fliC (70.6%) followed by fimH (67.1%), but APEC and UPEC isolates showed inordinate and obvious differences in the presence of some virulence genes such as fliC, hlyD, and sfa1 and predominant phylogenetic groups in DNA fingerprinting methods. CONCLUSION: The results showed obvious differences existed between isolates of APEC and UPEC in terms of phylogenetics and pattern of virulence gene; however, despite having virulence genes such as papC, ibeA, and iss, APEC isolates can have a high potential for causing disease in humans and may generate dangerous outbreaks in communities with low levels of hygiene in public and the poultry industry.

Challenges with healthcare workers' protection during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers stand in the frontline of the fight against the disease. This study aimed to assess the challenges with personal protection during the pandemic in Tehran, Iran. Seven-hundred healthcare workers were surveyed between April and May 2020, and the study was performed in surgical care wards. Questionnaires, which were sent to 1000 workers via online platforms, social networks, and emails to different associations, were used to assess the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the reasons for not using it. A total of 700 replied. Face masks and face shields had the highest and lowest use, respectively. Equipment shortage, time constraint, low supervision, and lack of information were the reasons for personnel not using PPE. To reduce the burden of COVID-19 and accelerate the process of patient care, it is important to protect and maintain the well-being of staff. Organised national and international arrangements to protect them are critical.

Phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin genes of 12 H9N2 influenza viruses isolated from chickens in Iran from 2003 to 2005.

In the present study, the hemagglutinin genes from 12 influenza viruses of the H9N2 subtype were isolated from chicken flocks in different provinces of Iran from 2003 to 2005, amplified and sequenced. All of the 12 isolates showed similar sequences at the cleavage site, RSSF/GLF, bearing eight potential glycosylation sites and sharing the characteristic deduced amino acid residues alanine-190, glutamine-226, and glutamine-227 at the receptor-binding site. Ten out of these 12 isolates possessed leucine at position 226, which prevails in the sequences found in human H2 and H3 strains. Overall, the presence in these Iranian poultry H9N2 viruses of the sequence known to bind to human-type receptors and the presence of antibodies in the human population of Iran to H9N2 showed that it is possible for circulating H9N2 avian influenza viruses in Iran to infect humans. Hence, extensive surveillance of H9N2 in this country is highly recommended.

Effects of aerobic training on serum omentin-1 and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese men.

Omentin-1 is a newly discovered protein expressed and secreted from visceral adipose tissue that increases insulin sensitivity.We examined the effects of 12 weeks of aerobic training on serum omentin-1 concentrations together with cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese men. Eighteen overweight and obese participants (age 43.1 ± 4.7 years, BMI ≥ 25 kg . m ⁻² ) were assigned to exercise training (n = 9) and control (n = 9) groups. A matched control group of normal weight participants (n = 8; age 42.2 ± 3.8 years, BMI < 25 kg . m ⁻² ) were also recruited for baseline comparison. The obese exercise group participated in 12 weeks of progressive aerobic training 5 days a week. Measures of serum omentin-1, insulin resistance, lipid profiles, blood pressure, and body composition were obtained before and after the 12 weeks. At baseline, normal weight participants had significantly higher serum omentin-1 concentrations than overweight and obese participants, and there were inverse correlations between omentin-1 and each of waist circumference, fasting glucose, insulin resistance, total cholesterol,triglyceride, and systolic blood pressure (P < 0 .05). After the aerobic training, waist circumference, percent body fat, fasting glucose, insulin resistance, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure were all significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In contrast, serum omentin-1 concentration was significantly increased after the aerobic programme (P < 0.05), and correlated with changes in insulin resistance (r = − 0.67, P= 0.04), glucose (r = − 0.65, P = 0.05), waist circumference (r = −70, P = 0.03), and aerobic fitness r = −.68, P = 0.04). Aerobic training resulted in an improvement in cardiometabolic risk factors in obese participants, and this improvement was accompanied by increased omentin-1 concentrations.

Molecular survey of avian circoviruses in some non-psittacine birds and detection of a novel canary circovirus in a pigeon.

BACKGROUND: Circoviruses are small, non-enveloped, single stranded DNA viruses. There is scarce information about these agents in non-psittacine birds. AIMS: It is attempted to detect and characterize circoviruses in non-psittacine birds. METHODS: Forty-five samples were collected from different non-psittacine species belonging to seven avian orders. A nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR) for the detection of rep gene of circoviruses was applied. RESULTS: Two different types of circoviruses were detected in two pigeon samples (2/11, 18.2%). One of the detected circoviruses was placed in clade A next to a polish strain based on phylogenetic analysis. Interestingly, the other detected circovirus was closely related to canary circoviruses (CaCVs). CONCLUSION: In addition to the molecular diagnosis of a pigeon circovirus (PiCV), this is the first report of the detection of CaCv in a pigeon. The possible hypotheses of such circumstance are discussed.

Development of a novel platform of virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccine against COVID-19 by exposing epitopes: an immunoinformatics approach.

The emergence of a rapidly spreading and highly infectious coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak by a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a global pandemic with unprecedented social and economic dimensions. Therefore, the development of effective strategies is urgent to control the COVID-19 outbreak. According to recent investigations, cell entry of coronaviruses relies on binding of the viral spike glycoprotein to the host cellular receptors. Therefore, the present study aimed to predict immunogenic epitopes in silico by analysing the spike protein. In parallel, by screening the immunogenic SARS-CoV-2 spike-derived epitopes provided in the literature, we chose a set of epitopes that we believed would induce immunogenic response. Next, provided with the epitopes selected by using both approaches, we performed immunoinformatic analysis that mapped identically to the antigen regions and antigenic properties. Finally, after selecting a screened set of epitopes, we designed a novel virus-like particle vaccine optimized to be produced in plants by using molecular farming biotechnology techniques. Our assay may be used as a starting point for guiding experimental efforts towards the development of a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.

Epidemiology of breast cancer in the Islamic Republic of Iran: first results from a population-based cancer registry.

This study presents the first population-based report on breast cancer in the Islamic Republic of Iran using data derived from a cancer registry. A retrospective study was conducted to find all new breast cancer cases in 5 provinces covered by the cancer registry during the 5-year period 1996-2000. There were 2421 cases recorded in the 5 registries. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) was 16.2 per 100 000 person-years. In contrast to more developed countries, the ASR of breast cancer was low, with the lowest rate seen in Ardabil province.

Complex conductivity of water-saturated packs of glass beads.

The low-frequency conductivity response of water-saturated packs of glass beads reflects a combination of two processes. One process corresponds to the polarization of the mineral/water interface coating the surface of the grains. The other process corresponds to the Maxwell-Wagner polarization associated with accumulation of the electrical charges in the pore space of the composite medium. A model of low-frequency conductivity dispersion is proposed. This model is connected to a triple-layer model of electrochemical processes occurring at the surface of silica. This model accounts for the partition of the counterions between the Stern and the diffuse layers. The polarization of the mineral/water interface is modeled by the electrochemical polarization model of Schurr for a spherical grain. We take into account also the DC surface conductivity contribution of protons of the sorbed water and the contribution of the diffuse layer. At the scale of a macroscopic representative elementary volume of the porous material, the electrochemical polarization of a single grain is convoluted with the grain size distribution of the porous material. Finally, the Maxwell-Wagner polarization is modeled using the complex conductivity of a granular porous medium obtained from the differential effective medium theory. The predictions of this model agree well with experimental data of spectral induced polarization. Two peaks are observed at low frequencies in the spectrum of the phase. The first peak corresponds to the distribution of the size of the beads and the second peak is due to the roughness of the grains.

Molecular detection and characterization of beak and feather disease virus in psittacine birds in Tehran, Iran.

Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), a member of genus circovirus, is a small, non-enveloped, single stranded DNA virus. Although BFDVs are among the most well studied circoviruses, there is little to no information about BFDVs in Iran. The aim of the present study was to detect and identify BFDV molecules from the birds referred to the avian clinic of The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran University, Iran. A total of 55 DNA samples were extracted from birds from nine different species of the order psittaciformes. A robust conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to detect the rep gene of the virus. Ten out of 55 samples, from four different species, were tested positive for BFDVs in PCR (Melopsittacus undulates (4), Psittacula Krameri (3), Psittacus erithacus (2), Platycercus eximius (1)). Molecular identification of the detected BFDVs was performed based on their rep gene sequences. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Iranian BFDVs from this study were clustered into four genetically distinct clades belonging to different genetic subtypes of BFDVs (L1, N1, T1, and I4). Although the relation between the samples and their related subtypes in the tree are discussed, further studies are needed to elucidate the host specificity and incidence of the BFDVs from different genetic subtypes.

Piriformospora indica inoculation alleviates the adverse effect of NaCl stress on growth, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

Salinity is now an increasingly serious environmental issue that affects the growth and yield of many plants. In the present work, the influence of inoculation with the symbiotic fungus, Piriformospora indica, on gas exchange, water potential, osmolyte content, Na/K ratio and chlorophyll fluorescence of tomato plants under three salinity levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mm NaCl) and three time periods (5, 10 and 15 days after exposure to salt) was investigated. Results indicate that P. indica inoculation improved growth parameters of tomato under salinity stress. This symbiotic fungus significantly increased photosynthetic pigment content under salinity, and more proline and glycine betaine accumulated in inoculated roots than in non-inoculated roots. P. indica further significantly improved K+ content and reduced Na+ level under salinity treatment. After inoculation with the endophytic fungus, leaf physiological parameters, such as water potential, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration, were all higher under the salt concentrations and durations compared with controls without P. indica. With increasing salt level and salt treatment duration, values of F0 and qP increased but Fm , Fv /Fm , F'v /F'm and NPQ declined in the controls, while inoculation with P. indica improved these values. The results indicate that the negative effects of NaCl on tomato plants were alleviated after P. indica inoculation, probably by improving physiological parameters such as water status and photosynthesis.