RESUMEN
Background: These days, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been given considerable attention and applied in medical technology due to their great antimicrobial and antioxidant features. In the present study, we aimed to synthesize Ag NPs through the reduction of silver nitrate in the presence of Vitex agnus castus L fruit extract. Methods: After collecting fruits, their extract was prepared and added to Ag NO3 to produce Ag NPs. The effect of different parameters like AgNO3 concentration (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 mM), sunlight exposure, and sunlight irradiation time (10, 20, 30, and 40 min) was investigated in the synthesis of Ag NPs. The features of Ag NPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and dynamic light scattering analysis. Moreover, antimicrobial function of Ag NPs was evaluated using Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus bacteria species and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Ag NPs against these two pathogens was measured. Results: The results showed that the synthesized nanoparticles had a spherical shape and the range size of 30-60 nm. For the first time, the antimicrobial activity of synthesized Ag NPs of Vitex agnus castus L fruit extract was shown. Conclusions: It can be stated that the biosynthesis of Ag NPs using fruit extract of this plant is an environmentally friendly, economic and harmless method without any use of poisonous substances and no side effects. These Ag NPs can be considered as suitable antibacterial agents and replacements for antibiotics.
RESUMEN
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation could disintegrate folate molecule, so phototherapy may reduce folate levels in the patients. The effect of phototherapy on serum folate in human body is questionable. We investigated the effect of bath PUVA therapy on serum folate level. This study was designed as a before-after study. Thirty-two patients completed study during 2 years. Our variables were demographic data, folate levels before and 8 weeks after treatment and cumulative dosage of UVA during 8 weeks of treatment. Serum folate was evaluated with chemiluminescence immunoassay technique. All data were analyzed using SPSS 18 software. Folate level changes were statistically significant before and after bath PUVA therapy. There was no significant difference in folate levels in psoriasis patients compared with nonpsoriasis patients. In psoriasis patients, folate levels had no significant correlation with psoriasis activity index before treatment. Decrease in folate levels was more significant in fair-skinned patients. There was no association between folate status and cumulative dosage of UVA. Bath PUVA therapy reduced serum folate level in our patients although none of them were folate deficient. Folate deficiency should be evaluated and corrected especially in fair-skinned cases, as it may be aggravated by phototherapy.