The Efficacy of 4% Articaine Versus 2% Lidocaine in Inducing Palatal Anesthesia for Tooth Extraction in Different Maxillary Regions.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to ascertain the efficacy of buccal injection of articaine compared to lidocaine in inducing palatal anesthesia in different maxillary regions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blinded, randomized clinical trial included 300 patients who referred for extraction of 1 maxillary tooth. The patients were categorized into 3 strata according to the extraction area (anterior, premolar, molar), and then randomly assigned to 2 groups based on the administered medication. The first group received buccal infiltration by 0.6 mL of 2% lidocaine, whereas the second group was buccally administered using 0.6 mL of 4% articaine. After a waiting period of 2 minutes, the failure or success in achieving palatal anesthesia was assessed by the instrumentation technique. In cases of failed anesthesia, an additional 0.6 mL of the same anesthetic was given, and the procedure was repeated if palatal anesthesia was not attained after a 2-minute delay. If pain remained 2 minutes after the third injection, a supplemental palatal infiltration was administered and the extraction was attempted. RESULTS: The success rate of buccal infiltration in achieving palatal anesthesia was 82.7% in the articaine group and 1.3% in the lidocaine group. There was a significant difference in the success rate and drug volume required to induce palatal anesthesia between the 2 groups (P < .001), but no significant difference was found between different maxillary regions, using either of the medications (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Articaine can be considered as a suitable alternative to lidocaine for eliminating painful palatal infiltration in the extraction of maxillary teeth.

The effect of surface treatment on the brain delivery of curcumin nanosuspension: in vitro and in vivo studies.

Background: Curcumin, a bioactive component with multiple characteristics, has been shown to have many therapeutic effects. However, there are several limitations regarding the use of curcumin such as instability, low solubility, poor bioavailability, and rapid elimination. Different approaches have been used to solve these problems. Materials and methods: In this study, surface-modified nanosuspension (NS) is investigated as a novel brain delivery system. Two different methods were used for the preparation of nanosuspensions with two different stabilizers. The surface of the nanosuspensions was coated with D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1,000 succinate (TPGS) and Tween 80 using physical adsorption. Curcumin NSs were prepared using two different top-down techniques by high-pressure homogenizer and probe sonicator. A validated sensitive and selective high-performance liquid chromatography method using fluorescence detection was used for the determination and quantification of curcumin. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of curcumin NSs and solutions after intravenous administration in rats were studied. Results: Higher levels of curcumin in the brain were detected when Tween 80-coated NS was used compared with the curcumin solution and TPGS coated NS (TPGS-NS) (P-value<0.05). Absorption of ApoE and/or B by Tween 80-coated nanoparticles (NPs) from the blood were caused transferring of these NPs into the brain using receptor-mediated endocytosis. Distribution of TPGS-NS in the brain compared with the curcumin solution was higher (P-value<0.05). Higher levels of curcumin concentration in the liver, spleen, and lung were also observed with TPGS-NS. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the surface-coating of NSs by Tween 80 may be used to improve the biodistribution of curcumin in the brain.

Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague, superb essential oil and its major components on peptic ulcers: in vivo combined in silico studies.

BACKGROUND: Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague is used for treating gastrointestinal disorders. Several studies indicated gastric antiulcer activity of T. ammi extract, yet the effect of its essential oil has not been studied on. OBJECTIVES: The present study evaluates chemical composition of T. ammi essential oil and anti-peptic ulcer effect of the essential oil as well as its three major components in ethanol induced-gastric ulcers in rats. METHODS: Primarily chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Rats received the essential oil (500, 250, 125, 62.5, 31.25 mg/kg), thymol (30, 100 mg/kg), para-cymene (100, 150 mg/kg) and gamma-terpinene (100, 150 mg/kg) using gavage tube along with ethanol 80%. Finally, dissected stomachs were assessed both macroscopically and microscopically to evaluate anti-ulcerative effect of the essential oil and the pure compounds. Moreover, molecular docking was utilized to explore the interactive behavior of the main components with active site residues of H+/K+ ATPase. RESULTS: Analysis of the essential oil indicated that para-cymene (37.18%), gamma-terpinene (35.36%) and thymol (20.51%) are the main components. Administration of different doses of the essential oil noticeably diminished the number of peptic ulcers in a dose-dependent manner. Among the main components, thymol was more potent than para-cymene and gamma-terpinene. Administration of the essential oil (500 mg/kg) and thymol (100 mg/kg) observed maximum inhibition percentage (98.58% and 79.37%, respectively). Molecular docking study provides the evidence of thymol ability to inhibit H+/K+ ATPase. CONCLUSIONS: The findings revealed that T. ammi essential oil can be applied to treat gastric ulcer as a natural agent. Graphical abstract.

An investigation of the effects of curcumin on iron overload, hepcidin level, and liver function in ß-thalassemia major patients: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

This study investigated the effects of curcumin, the active polyphenol in turmeric, on iron overload, hepcidin level, and liver function in ß-thalassemia major patients. This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 68 ß-thalassemia major patients. The subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups to receive either 500 mg curcumin capsules (total: 1,000 mg) twice daily or placebo for 12 weeks. Dietary intakes and biochemical variables including hemoglobin, transferrin saturation, total iron binding capacity, nontransferrin bound iron (NTBI), ferritin, hepcidin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assessed at the beginning and end of the trial. Curcumin significantly reduced serum levels of NTBI (2.83 ± 1.08 compared with 2.22 ± 0.97 µmol/L, p = .001), ALT (42.86 ± 11.15 compared with 40.60 ± 9.89 U/L, p = .018), and AST (49.45 ± 12.39 compared with 46.30 ± 10.85 U/L, p = .002) at the end of the study. Based on analysis of covariance, a significant decrease was also observed in levels of NTBI (2.22 ± 0.97 vs. 2.55 ± 0.94 µmol/L, p = .026), ALT (40.60 ± 9.89 vs. 45.01 ± 10.42 U/L, p = .004), and AST (46.30 ± 10.85 vs. 50.99 ± 9.36 U/L, p = .009) in curcumin group in comparison with placebo group. There were no significant changes in hepcidin and other variables in any of the 2 groups. Curcumin administration alleviated iron burden and liver dysfunction by reducing NTBI, ALT, and AST levels in patients with ß-thalassemia major.

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF IRIS GERMANICA L. IN Β-AMYLOID-INDUCED ANIMAL MODEL OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia that is an irretrievable chronic neurodegenerative disease. In the current study, we have examined the therapeutic effects of Iris germanica extract on Amyloid ß (Aß) induced memory impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into five groups of 8 per each. Groups were as followed: control group which were normal rats without induction of AD, Aß group which received Aß (50 ng/side), iris 100 group which received Aß + Iris (100 mg/kg), iris 200 group which received Aß + Iris (200 mg/kg), and iris 400 group which received Aß + Iris (400 mg/kg). AD was established by intrahippocampal injection of 50 ng/µl/side Aß1-42. The day after surgery, animals in treatment groups received different doses of the aqueous extract of Iris by gavage for 30 days. Morris water maze test (MWM) was performed to assess the effects of I. germanica on learning and memory of rats with Aß induced AD. RESULTS: Data from MWM tests, including escape latency and traveled distance, demonstrated that I. germanica extract could markedly improve spatial memory in comparison to control. Moreover, the plant had a significantly better effect on the performance of AD rats in the probe test. CONCLUSION: I. germanica extract can successfully reverse spatial learning dysfunction in an experimental model of AD. Further neuro psyco-pharmacological studies are mandatory to reveal the mechanism of action of this natural remedy in the management of AD symptoms.

Protective effect of essential oil of Pistacia atlantica Desf. on peptic ulcer: role of α-pinene.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Pistacia atlantica Desf. oleoresin essential oil on peptic ulcer (PU) and its antibacterial effect on metronidazole-resistant Helicobacter pylori, as well as chemical composition of the essential oil. METHODS: The essential oil was standardized using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Acute toxicity of the essential oil was assessed in animal model. In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity was performed through disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration method. For gastroprotective assay, rats received Pistacia atlantica Desf. essential oil (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg orally) 1 h before induction of ulcer by ethanol. Macroscopic (ulcer index and protection rate) and microscopic examination were performed. RESULTS: The GC/MS analysis of the essential oil led to the identification of twenty constituents and α-pinene is predominant constituent. The essential oil was safe up to 2000 mg/kg. All Helicobacter pylori strains were susceptible to the essential oil and the MIC ranged from 275 to 1100 µg/mL. The ulcer index for treated groups was significantly reduced compared to control (P < 0.001) with EC(50) value of 12.32 mg/kg. In microscopic examination, Pistacia atlantica attenuated destruction and necrosis of gastric tissue. CONCLUSION: Current study exhibited protective effect of standardized Pistacia atlantica essential oil against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer and its antibacterial activity on Helicobacter pylori. α-pinene might be the responsible agent.

Experimental and Pathalogical study of Pistacia atlantica, butyrate, Lactobacillus casei and their combination on rat ulcerative colitis model.

This study evaluated the effects of Pistacia atlantica (P. atlantica), butyrate, Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) and especially their combination therapy on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced rat colitis model. Rats were divided into seven groups. Four groups received oral P. atlantica, butyrate, L. casei and the combination of three agents for 10 consecutive days. The remaining groups were negative and positive controls and a sham group. Macroscopic and histopathological examinations were carried out along with determination of the specific biomarker of colonic oxidative stress, the myeloperoxidase (MPO). Compared with controls, the combination therapy exhibited a significant alleviation of colitis in terms of pathological scores and reduction of MPO activity (55%, p=0.0009). Meanwhile, the macroscopic appearance such as stool consistency, tissue and histopathological scores (edema, necrosis and neutrophil infiltration) were improved. Although single therapy by each P. atlantica, butyrate, and L. casei was partially beneficial in reduction of colon oxidative stress markers, the combination therapy was much more effective. In conclusion, the combination therapy was able to reduce the severity of colitis that is clear from biochemical markers. Future studies have to focus on clinical effects of this combination in management of human ulcerative colitis. Further molecular and signaling pathway studies will help to understand the mechanisms involved in the treatment of colitis and inflammatory diseases.

Anti-aging effects of some selected Iranian folk medicinal herbs-biochemical evidences.

OBJECTIVE(S): In the current study, the effects of selected folk medicinal herbs were evaluated in D-galactose-induced aging in male mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 12 groups composing sham, control, and treated groups. Aging was induced by administration of D-galactose (500 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks). A positive control group was assigned that received vitamin E (200 mg/kg/day). The extract of herbs was prepared, lyophilized, and used in this study. The herbs were administered by gavage for 4 weeks to D-galactose-aged animals at the selected doses (mg/kg/day) as follows: Zingiber officinale (250), Glycyrrhiza glabra (150), Rosmarinus officinalis (300), Peganum harmala (50), Aloe vera (150), Satureja hortensis (200), Teucrium scordium (200), Hypericum perforatum (135) and Silybum marianum (150). One group of animals was assigned as sham and not given D-galactose. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, pro-inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interlukine-1ß (IL-ß), interlukine-6 (IL-6), NF-kappaB (NF-κb), total antioxidant power (TAP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as lipid peroxidation (LPO) marker and male sex hormones i.e. testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured in the blood. CONCLUSION: These data for the first time indicate significant anti-aging potential of examined herbs. RESULTS showed that D-galactose induces a significant oxidative stress and promotes proinflammatory cascade of aging while all herbs more or less recovered these changes. Among 9 herbal extracts, Silybum marianum showed the best effect in restoring aging changes.

Effects of IMOD™ and Angipars™ on mouse D-galactose-induced model of aging.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two registered herbal drugs called IMOD and Angipars on mouse model. Aging was induced by D-galactose (500 mg/kg) administered to animals for 6 weeks through drinking water. Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 5 groups receiving D-galactose (D-galactose, 500 mg/kg) for 6 weeks; positive control (D-galactose [500 mg/kg] for 6 weeks + Vitamin E [200 mg/kg/day] intraperitoneally for 4 weeks); IMOD (D-galactose [500 mg/kg] for 6 weeks + IMOD [20 mg/kg/day] intraperitoneally for 4 weeks), Angipars (D-galactose [500 mg/kg] for 6 weeks + Angipars [2.1 mg/kg/day] by gavage for 4 weeks); and the fifth group that was sham and not given D-galactose. At the end of treatment, pro-inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interlukine-1ß (IL-ß), interlukine-6 (IL-6), Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-κb), total antioxidant power (TAP), lipid peroxides (LPO) and male sex hormones i.e. testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured in the blood.Results showed that D-Galactose induces a significant oxidative stress and proinflammatory cascade of aging while both IMOD and Angipars recovered all of them. Interestingly, IMOD and Angipars were better than Vitamin E in improving male sex hormones in aged mice. This effect is so important and should be considered as an advantage although it cannot be explained with current knowledge. The conclusion is that IMOD and Angipars have marked anti-aging effect on D-galactose-induced model of aging.