in vitro comparison of furcal perforation repaired with pro-root MTA and new endodontic cement in primary molar teeth- a microleakage study

Statement of Problem: One of the most challenging procedural accidents during pulpotomy of primary molars is furcal perforation. To prevent bacterial invasion, the perforation site should be sealed as soon as possible

Purpose: The aim of the current study is to investigate the ability of the pro- root MTA and new endodontic cement [NEC] in repairing the furcation perforations of primary molar teeth

Materials and Method: In this in vitro study, 42 extracted primary molars were selected. Their roots were sectioned horizontally and standard access cavity was prepared. The orifices and the root apices were sealed with two layers of resin composite .The samples were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Six teeth were considered as the positive and the negative controls. In the experimental groups; perforation was made. In group 1 and 2, perforation site received pro- root MTA and NEC respectively. The teeth were covered by two layers of nail polish except for the external surface of the perforation site. The negative control group received no repairing material. All teeth were mounted and sterilized for 24 hours. Lower chambers were filled with sterilized Muller Hinton broth. Bacterial suspension of E-faecalis in 0.5 McFarland was prepared. Then repaired site was exposed to the bacterial suspension of E-faecalis every 3 days. All samples were inserted in an incubator at 37°C and 100% humidity. The turbidity of the samples was detected for a period of 30 days. Data were analyzed by Chi- square test

Results: 44% of samples in Pro- root group, 50% of the samples in the NEC group showed contaminations during 30 days. There was no significant difference between these two groups [p= 0.799]

Conclusion: With limitations of this study, Pro- root MTA and NEC showed similar capability in sealing the furcal perforations of the primary molars

[Effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Amaranthus caudatus l on inflammation markers level in hypercholesterolemic rabbits]

Elevated levels of inflammation markers including white blood cell, platelet, serum fibrinogen and CRP are associated with prognosis in patients with coronary artery diseases. This study was done to determine the effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Amaranthus caudatus l on Inflammation markers level in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits. In this experimental study, 20 male Rabbits were allocated into four groups of five each: Group I Normal diet[75 days]; Group II Hypercholesterolemic diet [75 days]; Group III and IV Hypercholesterolemic diet [45 days] followed by Normal diet and Normal diet with hydroalcoholic extracts Amaranthus caudatus l., respectively for an additional 30 days[Regression period]. Blood samples were collected from rabbits before and after 45 days and 75 days of respective diet regimen. The level of White Blood cell, platelet, serum fibrinogen and CRP were measured. Data analyzed by using SPSS-13 and one-way ANOVA test. CRP in treatment group reduced from 8.14 +/- 4.5 mg/l to 17.8 +/- 4.6 mg/l in hypercholesterolemic animals [group II] [P<0.05]. WBC count was 20820 +/- 8692 and 42366 +/- 17048 in treatment and hypercholesterolemic animals, respectively [P<0.05]. Platelet and fibrinogen concentration was reduced in treatment group 502600 +/- 35725 and 208 +/- 24 mg/dl, respectively in comparison with hypercholesterolemic animals 638000 +/- 59774 and 299 +/- 46 mg/dl, respectively. These differences were significant [P<0.05]. This study showed that hydroalcoholic extracts of Amaranthus caudatus l reduces inflammatory markers in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Comparison of three treatment methods of dental pulp inflammation with missing values

Background and Purpose: Microbial, physical and chemical irritants may lead to dental pulp inflammation. For irreversible pulpitis, root canal therapy is the only option. In these situations, vital pulp therapy is usually uncomplicated and inexpensive. The main aim of the present study was comparing three different treatments of dental pulp inflammation, including root canal therapy and pulpotomy. Since there were missing data in the 6 and 12 months follow-ups, the missing mechanism was considered in data analysis process

Methods and Materials: In this clinical trial, 615 patients were randomly allocated into three arms: RCT [n=203], pulpotomy with CEM cement [n=205], and with MTA [n=207]. The presence of periapical lesion in the baseline, 6th and 12th month was assessed radiographically. After evaluating the mechanism of the missing data, weighted generalized estimating equations [WGEE] methodology was utilized for the analysis of data. To do this, the SAS software, version 9.1 was used

Results: The success rate of pulpotomy with MTA in 6 and 12 months follow-up was 96% and 95%, respectively. These rates were 92% and 93% for pulpotomy with CEM. Additionally, the success rate of root canal therapy was 78% and 82% in the above mentioned follow-up periods respectively, which indicate the significant superiority of pulpotomy with MTA and CEM over RCT [P<0.05]; but no significant difference was found between MTA and CEM success rates. Presence rate of periapical lesion were 8%, 4% and 22% of CEM, MTA and RCT groups, respectively, in six months follow-up. These figures were 7%, 5% and 18% respectively, in one-year follow-up; however, no significant difference was observed between the two pulpotomy methods, but the difference was significant for pulpotomy techniques and RCT [P<0.05]. Also, the effect of age and sex on periapical lesion were not significant [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Results of multiple statistical modeling on comparing the success rate of three therapies indicated that pulpotomy using two biomaterials [CEM and MTA] seems to be more successful than the traditional RCT

Hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic effect of Artemisia aucheri in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Atherosclerosis which results from gradual deposition of lipids in arteries is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Diet is one of the most important factors underlying atherosclerosis. High-cholesterol diets enhance atherosclerosis and vegetarian diets are known to slow down the process. Artemisia aucheri is a herb of the Composite family. Many species of Artemisia have proven hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties. This study determine the effects of Artemisia aucheri on lipoproteins and atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Fifteen male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. Normal diet group, high-cholesterol diet group [1% cholesterol] and Artemisia aucheri group [1% cholesterol diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg body weight the Artemisi aucheri every other day]. Biochemical factors were measured at the start, end of the first and second months of the study. At the end of the study, the aorta were removed for assessment of atherosclerotic plaques. The results indicate that Artemisia aucheri significantly reduced the level of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerids and increased HDL cholesterol. The degree of atherosclerotic thickness was significantly reduced in the treated group. Therefore, Artemisia aucheri is one of the useful herbal medicine for preventation of atherosclerosis and more studies in this regard is recommended

[Acute effects of apple cider vinegar intake on some biochemical risk factors of atherosclerosis in rabbits fed with a high cholesterol diet]

Metabolic changes in postprandial stage, especially after consumption of high fat meal cause atherosclerosis and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Apple cider vinegar is an acidic juice with useful medicinal effects. In this research; we investigated acute effects of apple cider vinegar intake on some of the biochemical atherosclerosis risk factors in high cholesterol fed rabbits. Thirty two male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: normal diet group, high cholesterol diet group [%1cholesterol],%1 cholesterol with 5ml apple cider vinegar group,%1 cholesterol with 10ml apple cider vinegar group. The C-Reactive Protein [CRP], low density lipoprotein [LDL-C], high density lipoprotein [HDL-C], total cholesterol [TC], malondialdehyde [MDA], oxidized-LDL [OxLDL], serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase [SGPT], serum glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase [SGOT], nitrite, nitrate, glucose, fibrinogen triacylglycerol [TG], apolipoprotein A [ApoA1], apolipoprotein B [ApoB100] were all measured before the experiment and three hours after feeding with these treatment diets. In high cholesterol diet fibrinogen, nitrite, glucose, OxLDL, MDA and CRP showed a significant increase compared to normal diet. Significant differences were observed between both groups of apple cider vinegar by fibrinogen in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet. Using 10ml apple cider vinegar with cholesterolemic diet caused a significant reduction in Ox-LDL, MDA and glucose in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet. Moreover, the consumption of 5ml apple cider vinegar with cholesterolemic diet caused a significant decrease in LDL-C and TC compared to hypercholesterolemic diet. No significant difference was found between apple cider vinegar taking groups and hypercholesterol diet in CRP, TG ApoA, HDL-C, ApoB, SGOT, SGPT, nitrite and nitrate. The results showed that acute consumption of apple cider vinegar [as an antioxidant] causes significant reduction on some risk factors of atherosclerosis

[Effects of hydroalcoholic extract of carthamus tinctorius on activity of hepatic transaminases in alloxan-induced diabetic rats]

Safflower [Carthamus tinctorius L.] flowers, mostly used for coloring and flavoring food, are attributed with anti-rheumatic and anti-diabetic effects in traditional medicine. The purpose of this research was to experimentally assess the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Carthamus tinctorius on the level of AST and ALT in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In the present study, 18 male Wistar rats, of body wt. 180-220 g were randomly allocated into three groups with six rats per group: first group, non-diabetic rats; second group, diabetic rats; third group, diabetic rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract of Carthamus tinctorius [200 mgkg [-1] BW, i.p.]. Rats were fasted for 16h and then fasting blood samples were collected in heparinated tubes. Sampling was performed from the orbital sinus. ANOVA was used for data analysis. Our results indicated a significant difference in AST and ALT levels in the diabetic group compared with the other groups [P<0.05]. Histomorphological studies of the liver of these animals, demonstrated the same results. Hydroalcoholic extract of Carthamus tinctorius can inhibit liver failure-induced by diabetes and is suggested as an antidiabetic drug. Further biochemical and pharmacological investigations should be performed to elucidate its mechanism of action in detail

[Chemical composition of Mineral Trioxide Aggregates [MTA]: a review of literatures]

In 1993, Mineral Trioxide Aggregates [MTA], a grey-colored material was introduced to dentistry. A similar product in white-color was also produced later. The aim of this study was to review the literature in order to compare the chemical composition of these two different types of MTA. Over 600 articles have been published about the properties of MTA, 33 of which were about chemical and 28 were on its physical properties. In addition, about 80 articles have been published on similarities and differences between MTA and Portland Cements [PC]. This article reviews the history of MTA's manufacturing, its introduction to market, its patent, its commercial brands, and its similarities with PC. We also reviewed size of powder particle, setting form, and also hydration reaction of MTA. Mainly consisting of CaO and SiO2, MTAs and PC have similar compositions. MTA also contains Bi2O3 as an opacifier. The main difference in chemical composition of white MTA and PC with grey MTA is that the latter contains less amount of some minor elements specifically FeO. White MTA has finer particles and crystals compared to the grey one. No phosphate does exist in MTA composition, but during the hydration, this material is able to release calcium and hydroxyl ions which, in reaction to exogenous phosphate, results in hydroxyapatite formation. Both MTA and PC are hydrophilic cements. Regarding the biocompatibility of these materials, MTA is considered suitable for clinical applications; while no permission exists for clinical use of PC

[ effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Hypericum perforatum and Amaranthus caudatus on rabbits with hypercholesterolemia]

Atherosclerosis is one of the most common causes of death throughout the world. In this study, anti-atherosclerotic effect of combination extracts of Hypericum and Amaranth on hypercholesterolemic rabbits was compared with that of lovastatin. Twenty adult male Newzeland rabbits were randomly divided into four groups of five and were fed for 60 days as follows: basic diet, high cholesterol, high cholesterol along with combination Hypericum and Amaranth [HA] extract [75 mg/kg] and high cholesterol along with lovastatin [10 mg/kg]. Blood samples were taken at the beginning, one month later and at the end of the study in order to measure their serum factors. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Danken tests. The extract and lovastatin decreased the levels malondialdehyde [MDA] and apolipoprotein B [apoB], apoB/apoA and increased the levels apolipoprotein A [apoA] in rabbits compared to high cholesterol group [P<0.05]. The extract by decreasing cardiovascular risk factors especially apoB that is one of the most important risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, prevent progression of atherosclerosis. The extract is more effective in decreasing the level of cardiovascular risk factors than Lovastatin in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

[Effect of Gundelia tournefortii L. on some cardiovascular risk factors in animal model]

There is no certain result in the field of industrial pharmacy approaching to find effective drugs in prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, like the control of lipid factors that are a major risk factors of atherosclerosis. Also the tendency of people to use herbal medicine is increasing. In this study effect of Gundelia tourenfortii L. on some cardiovascular risk factors in animal model assigned by analysis of biochemical factors. Twenty male rabbits were randomly divided in to 4 groups as: Normal diet, Normal diet supplemented with Gundelia tourenfortii L., high cholesterol diet, and high cholesterol diet supplemented with Gundelia tourenfortii L. Fasting Blood samples were taken at the first and end of the study. Gundelia tourenfortii L. decrease the cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL - cholesterol, VLDL-Cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, oxidized LDL and factor VII. Also increase the level of HDL-Cholesterol and apolipoprotein A comparing to high cholesterol diet. Gundelia tourenfortii L. by decreasing lipid, lipoproteins and some cardiovascular new risk factors like apolipoprotein B, Oxidized-LDL and coagulation factor decrease atherosclerosis

Prognostic value of infection and inflammation markers for late cardiac events in an Iranian sample

We evaluated the serum levels of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumonia and cytomegalovirus and the level of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and fibrinogen in 57 patients with acute coronary syndrome, 65 with unstable angina, 60 with stable angina and 44 healthy controls, and whether these markers were associated with cardiac instability 6 months after admission. There was a significant increased risk of late coronary events [cardiac death or readmission with acute coronary events] associated with seropositivity to C. pneumoniae [adjusted odds ratio 2.12; 95% confidence interval: 1.16-4.08]. Other parameters were not significantly associated with late cardiac events after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and smoking behaviour

Effects of alfalfa on lipoproteins and fatty streak formation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Alfalfa [Medicago sativa] is a leguminous plant with high contents of phytoestrogen and saponin which are both useful in preventing cardiovascular disorders. This study was designed to evaluate the preventive effect of dietary alfalfa on the development and the progression of atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic rabbits. Twenty male rabbits were obtained and kept under standard conditions. After 2 weeks of accommodation to the new place, the animals were semi-randomly distributed into four groups of five each. Animals in Group 1 received basic diet and the ones in Group 2 received the same diet to which 1% cholesterol was added. Groups 3 and 4 received similar diets as Groups 1 and 2 respectively, but supplemented with alfalfa. Each of the four groups was fed with its respected diet for a period of 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected from all animals at the beginning and at the end of the study and blood factors were measured. At the end of the study samples from the right and the left coronary arteries as well as the aorta were collected from all animals for pathological evaluations. Though dietary alfalfa decreased total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride and this effect was not significant, but dietary alfalfa significantly increased HDL. The formation of fatty streaks in the aorta, the right and the left coronary arteries were significantly reduced under the influence of dietary alfalfa. The indication that dietary alfalfa may have preventive effects on the progression of fatty streak formation calls for more studies to clarify the mechanisms of the effect

Effect of Artemisia aucheri extract on atherogenic lipids and atherogenesis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Atherosclerosis that is caused a gradual deposition of lipids in muscular arteries remain a major cause of mortality worldwide. Dietary is one of the most important environmental factors associated with the incidence of these diseases. Diets high in cholesterol have been shown to promote atherosclerosis. Inversly diets high in vegetables have been shown to reduce development this disease. In many species of Artemisia evaluated antioxidative properties. The objective of this study was evaluating the effect of Artemisia aucheri extract on blood lipids and development of atherosclerosis in rabbits fed by a high cholesterol diet. Fifteen male rabbits were randomly divided in three experimental groups [normal diet group, hypercholesterolemic diet [HCD] group and the group that fed by HCD + supplemented with 100 mg/kg body weight Artemisia aucheri extract every other day]. Total cholesterol [TC], LDL cholesterol, triglycerides [TG] and HDL cholesterol were measured before and after 1 and 2 months of experimental period. At the end of the experimental period the aorta was removed for assessment of atherosclerotic plaques. Artemisia aucheri significantly reduced the levels of TC, LDL, TG and significantly increased the level of HDL. Degree of atherosclerotic plaque significantly reduced in this group. Results of this study indicate that Artemisia aucheri extract inhibits the development of atherosclerosis. This may be related to the effect of Artemisia aucheri on plasma lipoproteins in addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Inhibitory effects of crataegus curviseoala, salvia hydrangea, and betula pendula on in-vitro protein glycosylation

Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine diseases spreading rapidly in the world. Diabetes complications are classified into acute and chronic. Non-enzymatic glycosylation of body proteins such as hemoglobin and albumin is the main cause of pathogenesis in chronic complications of diabetes. Protein glycosylation is an oxidative reaction. Antioxidants such as vitamin C may be able to reduce the chronic complications of diabetes through inhibiting protein glycosylation. The inhibitory effects of vitamin C and the polyphenolic extracts of Betula pendula, Saliva hydrangea and Crataegus curvisepala on the extent of glycosylation of albumin, insulin and hemoglobin were investigated in this study. Polyphenolic extracts of the aforesaid plants were prepared at three different concentrations, namely 3.6, 1.8 and 0.9 mg/ml. Vitamin C solutions were also prepared at 5 concentrations, namely 0.5, 5, 10, 50 and 500 micro g/ml. The highest extent of glycosylation inhibition of albumin and insulin was due to S. hydrangea by 100% and 97%, respectively, and that of hemoglobin was due to B. pendula by 80%. At its highest concentration, vitamin C inhibited the glycosylation of insulin, albumin and hemoglobin by 100%, 93%, and 58% respectively [P<0.05]. Based on our findings, the studied plants might be able to prevent the chronic complications of diabetes

Post-coronary artery bypass graft stroke and its related risk factors

Cerebrovascular accident [CVA] or stroke remains a devastating complication of cardiac surgical procedures, especially coronary artery bypass graft [CABG] despite advances in perioperative monitoring and management. An individual's risk of stroke is based in part on preoperative characteristics, but also on intra- and postoperative factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of stroke in a large group of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Data were collected on 1467 patients who underwent CABG at Chamran Heart Center from 1995 to 2003. Stroke was defined as "a new focal neurological deficit which appears and is still at least partially evident more than 24 hours after its onset". Logistic regression identified significant predictors of stroke. Among the preoperative and postoperative factors, significant correlates of stroke included chronic renal insufficiency [P=0.0001], hypertension [P=0.0001], diabetes [P=0.0001], and atrial fibrillation [P=0.0001]. However, stroke had no significant correlation with sex [P=0.054], age [P=0.28], severe LV failure [P=0.062], history of CVA [P=0.723] or shock state [P=0.802]. Neurologic complications after cardiac surgical procedures remain a relatively common problem despite improvements in anesthetic and surgical techniques, as well as in perioperative monitoring and management. Increased stroke risk can be predicted by preoperative and postoperative clinical factors

study of the antioxidant effects of Iranian captopril on patients with hypertension and heart failure

Myocardial ischemia, cerebral ischemia and myocardial infarction are the most important complications of hypertension and atherosclerotic disease in developing countries. Angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors are among the drugs used to treat hypertension and heart failure. Captopril is an ACE-inhibitor which also has antioxidant properties. This study was conducted to assess the antioxidant effects of captopril on malondialdehyde [MDA], conjugated dienes [CD] and serum antioxidant capacity before and after treatment. This interventional prospective single-blind study was conducted on 34 mildly hypertensive individuals and 34 patients with stage I and II heart failure. MDA, CD and serum antioxidant capacity were measured in all samples. The patients were then given 50 mg captopril tablets 2-3 times daily. The measurements were repeated 1.5 months later. Comparison of mean MDA, CD and serum antioxidant capacity in hypertensive patients and patients with heart failure before and after drug administration revealed no significant difference in any of the parameters studied. Existing evidence is suggestive of the strong antioxidative properties of captopril in vitro, although these effects have not been borne out by some studies. In the present study, comparison of the results of MDA, CD and serum antioxidant measurements before and after the period of treatment with captopril did not reveal any statistically significant difference

Comparing the effect of two different hormonal therapy regimens on the activity coagulation factors VII, VIII, IX and serum lipids in menopausal women

During extrinsic coagulation pathway, a complex is developed between factor VII, calcium and tissue factor [a cell membrane lipoprotein that is exposed after cell injury]. Factor VII needs calcium and vitamin K for its biologic activation. Coronary artery disease [CAD] can be induced by increased level and activity of the coagulation factors VII, VIII and IX. In postmenopausal women, estrogen decreases blood lipids and thereby decreases risk of CAD. However, the exact effects of the estrogen on the other predisposing factors of CAD are unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of oral hormone therapy regimen on fibrinogen and other coagulation factors. Sixty menopausal women with history of hysterectomy were randomly allocated in 2 groups. One group was treated with conjugated estrogen 0.625 mg/day and the other group was treated with conjugated estrogen 0.625 mg/day and medroxyprogesterone 2.5 mg/day. Serum fibrinogen level and activity of coagulation factors VII, VIII and IX and blood lipids level were checked before and 3 months after treatment. In the group treated with estrogen alone, mean factor VII activity showed significant increase 3 months after treatment as compared to before hormone therapy [P<0.05]. There were no significant changes in mean activities of coagulation factors VIII, IX and serum fibrinogen level in patients treated with estrogen or estrogen/medroxyprogesterone after treatment [P>0.05]. In both groups, hormone therapy significantly decreased serum cholesterol level and LDL-C and increased HDL-C [P>0.00], but serum triglyceride level increased in the group only treated with estrogen. Significant increase of coagulation factor VII and serum triglyceride in estrogen-treated patients is logical. This study confirms that hormone therapy with this protocol does not change mean serum fibrinogen levels and activity of coagulation factor VIII and IX. This may be a genuine finding or may be due to inadequacy of samples, given the wide normal range of coagulation factors and serum fibrinogen. Studies with more prolonged follow-up or more samples are warranted

study of plasma lipid peroxidation, lipids and blood sugar level in opium addicts compared with control group

Addiction to opioids is a major health challenge in the world today. A few studies have addressed the effects of these substances and the wrong beliefs surrounding their use. This study was designed to compare plasma lipid peroxidation levels, blood lipids, fasting blood sugar [FBS], and glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1C] in opium addicts and non-addict control subjects. This case-control study was conducted on a sample consisting of 64 men. The control group comprised 32 cigarette smokers who were studied by urine morphine strip test. The case group included 32 opium addicts with a history of vaporing addiction 1 g/daily for at least 3 years. Data were analyzed by T-test using SPSS and EP16 statistical software. This study showed no significant difference in FBS, HBA1C, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and lipid peroxidation between case and control groups. The results of this study show that opium addiction has no effects on blood sugar or other CVD risk factors and increases the level of malondialdehyde, an important CVD risk factor

Antioxidant effect of Turmeric and saffron on the oxidation of hepatocytes, LDL and non-enzymatic glycation of hemoglobin

Free radicals especially reactive oxygen species are known as important factors, which by damage to biomolecules like DNA, proteins, membrane, enzymes and lipids produce pathological disorders. Lipid peroxidation of LDL particles and membranes of hepatocytes may be involved in the process of atherosclerosis and liver dysfunction respectively. Also non-enzymatic glycosylation of proteins is involved in the complication of diabetic patients. Due to oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, destructive effects of free radicals may appear over time. Therefore, an investigation about the antioxidant effects of some popular spices including curcuma longa and crocus sativus zeylanicum on three oxidative systems [LDL oxidation, oxidation of cell membranes of liver hepatocytes and non-enzymatic gly cation of hemoglobin] was done. Total extracts of the above-mentioned plants were obtained. Hepatocyte membranes of rat liver were selected as a sensitive system to peroxidation and in the vicinity of tert-butyl hydroperoxide [TBH] [1.5mM] as an oxidant agent, the amount of malondialdehyde [MDA] was measured in the presence and absence of plant extract as a lipid peroxidation marker. Also released Alanine Aspartate Aminofransterase [AST] was measured as a cell membrane damage marker due to peroxidation. Glycosylation changes of hemoglobin and LDL oxidation were evaluated in the presence and absence of extracts. The results showed that curcuma at a concentration of 10microg/ml inhibited MDA formation by 28.8% and AST released by 25.53%. Curcuma at a concentration of Ijug/ml inhibited hemoglobin glycosylation by 25.85%. It has a dose dependent effect at all concentration. Also the plant showed the most antioxidant effect on LDL oxidation at the concentration of microg/ml. Crocus at applied doses has no definite inhibitory effect on MDA and AST formation, [results not shown] but crocus has a minimal inhibitory effect on hemoglobin glycosylation and LDL oxidation. This study showed that curcuma at applied doses has an inhibitory effect on all three oxidative systems in mentioned diseases and probably would be important for prevention of atherosclerosis, diabetes and liver dysfunction. Crocus at the used concentration had not any effect on these oxidative systems

comparative study between mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium hydroxide as pulp capping agents in dog's teeth

This study was carried out in order to compare mineral trioxide aggregate [MTA] and dycal in dog's teeth as pulp capping agents. After general and local anesthesia forty-two teeth of three dogs were used. In each tooth a class V cavity was prepared and the pulp was exposed using No.1 round bur. Then the exposed area was capped using either MTA or calcium hydroxide and the rest of the cavity was restored by amalgam. Radiographic image was taken before the procedure and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The animals were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks and the teeth were prepared for H and E staining. The pulps of the teeth were evaluated for inflammation, necrosis, and formation and thickness of calcified bridge. Histologic data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis, x [2], Cochran, and Friedman tests. Histopathologic results showed that in four weeks, MTA had significant differences with calcium hydroxide in the presence and thickness of calcified bridge [P=0.046] as well as inflammation [P= 0.014] and hyperemia [P=0.014]. Eight weeks MTA specimens showed significant difference in thickness of calcified bridge [P=0.008]. Twelve weeks after pulp capping, the amount of necrosis and chronic inflammation were higher in dycal specimens; however, there was no significant difference between two experimental groups. Radiographic evaluation did not show any periapical lesion, internal and external resorption, or widening of periodontal ligament in none of the teeth at all time intervals. Based on the result of this study, MTA showed to be a more reliable material as pulp capping agent in comparison with calcium hydroxide