In-situ forming biodegradable implants for sustained Fluocinolone acetonide release to the posterior eye: In-vitro and in-vivo investigations in rabbits.

Delivering medication to the posterior segment of the eye presents a significant challenge. Intravitreal injection has emerged as the preferred method for drug delivery to this area. However, current injectable non-biodegradable implants for fluocinolone acetonide (FA) require surgical removal after prolonged drug release, potentially affecting patient compliance. This study aimed to develop an in-situ forming biodegradable implant (ISFBI) optimal formulation containing PLGA504H and PLGA756S (50:50 w/w%) with the additive NMP solvent. The goal was to achieve slow and controlled release of FA over a two-month period with lower burst release, following a single intravitreal injection. Through morphology, rheology, stability and in-vitro release evaluations, the optimal formulation demonstrated low viscosity (0.12-1.25 Pa. s) and sustained release of FA at a rate of 0.36 µg/day from the third day up to two months. Furthermore, histopathology and in-vivo studies were conducted after intravitreal injection of the optimal formulation in rabbits' eye. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated mean residence time (MRT) of 20.02 ± 0.6 days, half-life (t1/2) of 18.80 ± 0.4 days, and clearance (Cl) of 0.29 ± 0.03 ml/h for FA in the vitreous humor, indicating sustained and slow absorption of FA by the targeted retinal tissue from vitrea over the two-month period and eliminating through the anterior section of the eye, as revealed by its presence in the aqueous humor. Additionally, FA exhibited no detection in the blood and no evidence of systemic side effects or damage on the retinal layer and other organs. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that in-situ forming injectable biodegradable PLGA implants can show promise as a long-acting and controlled-release system for intraocular drug delivery.

Does Renal Mass with Venous Thrombosis always Indicate Renal Cell Carcinoma? A Case Series.

Intravascular tumor extension in the major renal veins or their tributaries, as a rare but important clinical entity that can change the disease stage, prognosis, and approach to treatment. There is limited literature on the obstruction of renal vein and IVC by tumor thrombus in other types of renal tumors that are not of RCC type. We presented four different renal tumor cases with the presence of gross renal vein or IVC thrombosis. Although the incidence of renal vein and IVC tumor thrombus might be suggestive of (often diagnosed as) RCC, the possibility of other non-RCC renal tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Cardiac and renal fibrosis and oxidative stress balance in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in male rats.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical inflammation induced by persistent exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is found in some clinical conditions such as obesity or diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of recurrent LPS exposure on inflammatory markers, oxidative stress balance and cardiac and renal fibrosis in male rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into control and LPS-treated. LPS (10 mg/kg/week) was injected intraperitoneally. After 4 weeks, left ventricles and kidneys were homogenized and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson trichrome for histological examination. Serum levels of nitrite, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured and total thiol, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were evaluated in the heart and kidney homogenates. RESULTS: Serum inflammatory markers were higher in LPS group than control (nitrite: 37.0 ± 2.2 vs. 25.5 ± 1.9 µmol/l; IL-6: 84 ± 3 vs. 98.0 ± 4.4 pg/ml; TNF-α: 75.5 ± 4.9 vs. 85.3 ± 4.7 pg/ml; respectively, P < 0.050). Evaluation of total thiol concentration (heart: 10.0 ± 0.9 vs. 22.5 ± 1.2; kidney: 7.0 ± 0.5 vs. 27.8 ± 3.1 nmol/g tissue, respectively), catalase (heart: 0.18 ± 0.03 vs. 0.66 ± 0.04; kidney: 0.17 ± 0.03 vs. 0.73 ± 0.03, U/g tissue, respectively) and SOD (heart: 8.01 ± 0.70 vs. 12.3 ± 0.4; kidney: 7.02 ± 0.60 vs. 12.0 ± 0.2, U/g tissue, respectively) showed lower levels in LPS-treated group compared to control; while MDA concentration in LPS group was higher than control (P < 0.05). Histopathological examination in LPS-treated group indicated infiltration of inflammatory cells and more collagen deposition in left ventricle wall and kidney compared to control group. CONCLUSION: We concluded that in clinical conditions with chronic LPS, cardiac and renal fibrosis occurs even in absence of preceding tissue injury due to imbalances in oxidative stress.

Thymoquinone Prevents Myocardial and Perivascular Fibrosis Induced by Chronic Lipopolysaccharide Exposure in Male Rats: - Thymoquinone and Cardiac Fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES: Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the active ingredients of herbal plants such as Nigella sativa L. (NS) which has beneficial effects on the body. The beneficial effects of TQ on the cardiovascular system have reported. This study aimed to investigate the effect of TQ on cardiac fibrosis and permeability, serum and tissue concentration of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress status in chronic lipopolysaccharide exposure in male rats. METHODS: Seventy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups as follows: (1) control; (2) LPS (1 mg/kg/day); (3-5) LPS + TQ with three doses of 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg (n=14 in each group). After 3 weeks, serum and cardiac levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, and cardiac levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol groups, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, permeability of heart tissue (evaluated by Evans blue dye method) and myocardial fibrosis were determined, histologically. RESULTS: LPS administration induced myocardial and perivascular fibrosis and increased cardiac oxidative stress (MDA), inflammatory markers and heart permeability, while, reduced anti-oxidative enzymes (SOD and CAT) and the total thiol group. Administration of TQ significantly attenuated these observations. CONCLUSION: TQ improved myocardial and perivascular fibrosis through suppression of chronic inflammation and improving oxidative stress status and can be considered for attenuation of cardiac fibrosis in conditions with chronic low-grade inflammation.

Thymoquinone protects the rat kidneys against renal fibrosis.

Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main active ingredient of Nigella sativa seeds with various pharmacological effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TQ on renal fibrosis and permeability and oxidative stress status in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in male rats. Eighty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups as follow: control (received normal saline), LPS (1 mg/kg/day), and LPS+TQ (by doses of 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg/day). After three weeks, the biochemical parameters such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine in serum samples, oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol groups, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in renal tissue homogenate and renal permeability (evaluated by Evan's blue dye method) were measured and renal fibrosis was evaluated, histologically using Masson's trichrome staining. LPS administration induced renal fibrosis (1.49 ± 0.08 vs. 7.15 ± 0.18%) and significantly increased renal permeability (6.03 ± 1.05 vs. 13.5 ± 1.04 µg evans blue(EB)/g tissue), serum BUN and creatinine levels and oxidative stress marker (MDA) (P < 0.05), while, it reduced anti-oxidative markers including total thiol group, SOD and CAT activities (P < 0.05). Administration of TQ significantly improved these alterations which were dose-dependent in oxidative stress markers, renal permeability (TQ 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg: 10.7 ± 0.3, 9.2 ± 1.4 and 11.5 ± 0.6 µg EB/g tissue; respectively) and fibrosis (TQ 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg: 6.09 ± 0.7, 4.26 ± 0.14 and 2.52 ± 0.08%; respectively). In conclusion, administration of TQ reduced renal fibrosis and permeability and improved oxidative stress status. Thus, TQ can be considered in conditions accompanied with chronic inflammation at least as a part of treatment strategy.

Effect of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitor on Cardiac Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress Status in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Inflammation Model in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Renin-angiotensin (Ang)-aldosterone system not only plays a key role in the regulation of circulatory homeostasis, but also it acts as a powerful pro-inflammatory mediator. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of captopril (Cap), a known Ang-converting enzyme inhibitor, on inflammation-induced cardiac fibrosis, and heart oxidative stress status in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in male rats. METHODS: Fifty male rats were randomly divided into five groups control, LPS (1 mg/kg/day), LPS + Cap 10 mg/kg, LPS + Cap 50 mg/kg and LPS + Cap 100 mg/kg. After 2 weeks, blood samples were taken, and hearts were harvested for evaluation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitric oxide metabolite in serum and tissue hemogenate, histopathology (hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome) and oxidative stress status. RESULTS: Serum IL-6 and TNF-α concentration were higher in LPS group compared to control and Cap reduced them, significantly. Heart TNF-α and IL-6 contents in LPS group were significantly higher than control (P < 0.05). The administration of Cap significantly decreased inflammatory markers level to control (P < 0.05). The higher levels of malondialdehyde and lower antioxidative markers (total thiol, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) in the heart were observed in LPS group and treatment by Cap improved them, dose-dependently. Histopathological study revealed cardiac fibrosis and more collagen content in LPS group which significantly improved by Cap treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment by Cap reduced cardiac fibrosis possibly through improving oxidative stress status, and it can be considered to increase cardiac compliance in this condition.

The effect of Nigella sativa on inflammation-induced myocardial fibrosis in male rats.

Nigella sativa (NS) (Ranunculaceae) used as a protective and therapeutic traditional medicine. This study evaluates the effect of NS on inflammation-induced myocardial fibrosis, serum and tissue inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress status in male rats. Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: (1) control; (2) lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 1 mg/kg/day; (3) LPS + NS (hydroalcoholic extract), 100 mg/kg/day; (4) LPS + NS, 200 mg/kg/day; (5) LPS + NS, 400 mg/kg/day (n = 10 in each group). The duration of LPS administration was two weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken and ventricles were homogenized and stained for histological evaluation. Serum nitrite levels were lower in LPS group than the control group (22.98 ± 1.03 vs 28.5 ± 0.93 µmol/L), in which they were significantly increased by NS treatment (P < 0.05). Higher levels of heart interlukine-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were observed in LPS group compared to the controls (IL-6: 6805 ± 656 vs 4733 ± 691 pg/mL; TNF-α: 6504 ± 501 vs 5309 ± 452 pg/mL), in which they were reduced by NS 400 mg/kg compared to LPS groups (P < 0.05). A significant increment of malondialdehyde and reduction in heart total thiol, superoxide dismutase and catalase concentrations were observed in LPS group (p < 0.05) which significantly restored with treatment by three doses of NS. Histopathological studies showed higher inflammatory cell infiltrates, cardiac fibrosis, and collagen deposition in LPS group, which were reduced by the administration of NS. Treatment by NS reduced myocardial fibrosis in inflammation-induced fibrosis, possibly through improving oxidative/anti-oxidative balance.

Thymoquinone restores liver fibrosis and improves oxidative stress status in a lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation model in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Liver fibrosis is the primary sign of chronic liver injury induced by various causes. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the major ingredient of Nigella sativa with several beneficial effects on the body. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of TQ on liver fibrosis in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=10 in each group) as follow: (1) control; (2) LPS (1 mg/kg/day; i.p); (3) LPS+TQ 2 mg/kg/day (i.p) (LPs+TQ2); (4) LPS+TQ 5 mg/kg/day (LPS+TQ5); (5) LPS+ TQ 10 mg/kg/day (LPS+ TQ10). After three weeks, blood samples were taken for evaluation of liver function tests. Then, the livers were harvested for histological evaluation of fibrosis and collagen content and measurement of oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol groups, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity in tissue homogenates. RESULTS: LPS group showed higher levels of fibrosis and collagen content stained by Masson's trichrome in liver tissue with impaired liver function test and increased oxidative stress markers (p<0.05). Treatment by TQ restored liver fibrosis, improved liver function tests and increased the levels of anti-oxidative enzymes (SOD and catalase), while reduced MDA concentration (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment by TQ restores inflammation-induced liver fibrosis possibly through affecting oxidative stress status. It seems that administration of TQ can be considered as a part of liver fibrosis management.

Histopathological study of erythropoietin protective effect on carbon monoxide-induced cardiotoxicity in rat.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiotoxicity is one of the major consequences in carbon monoxide poisoning. Following our previous work, in this study we aimed to define the myocardium changes induced by carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication and evaluate erythropoietin (EPO) effect on CO cardiotoxicity in rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Severe carbon monoxide toxicity induced by 3000 ppm CO in Wistar rat. EPO was administrated (5000 IU/Kg, intraperitoneal injection) at the end of CO exposure and then the animals were re-oxygenated with the ambient air. Subsequently heart was removed and assessed by histopathology and electron microscopy examinations. RESULTS: 3000 ppm CO induced significant myocardium injury; multiple foci of necrosis and lymphocyte infiltration compare with the control (P<0.05). Electron microscopy examination showed myofibril lysis and mitochondrial swelling in myocardium due to 3000 ppm CO poisoning. However EPO administration after CO exposure resulted in significant reduction in cardiomyocytes injury (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results represented protective effect of EPO on cardiac injury induced by CO intoxication in rat.

Protective effects of saffron extract and crocin supplementation on fatty liver tissue of high-fat diet-induced obese rats.

BACKGROUND: Saffron is the dried stigma of Crocus sativus L. flower which commonly used as a natural remedy to enhance health and even fights disease in the Middle-East and Southeast Asian countries. METHODS: This study was aimed to investigate protective effect of saffron extract and crocin in fatty liver tissue of high-fat diet induced obese rats. A total of 36 healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six groups. Two groups served as controls, a normal diet (ND) and a high-fat diet (HFD). The other four groups were each supplemented with saffron extract and crocin at concentrations of 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight/day for 8 weeks. All groups except ND were fed with HFD until end of the study. At baseline, blood sample was collected for determination of levels of hepatic marker enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatise and albumin. Liver sample was collected, weighed and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for further histopathological examination. RESULTS: Saffron extract and crocin at concentrations of 40 and 80 mg/kg had dose-dependently alleviated levels of liver enzymes and histopathological changes in diet-induced obese rat model compared to control (HFD group). CONCLUSION: This study suggested that saffron extract and crocin supplements have hepatoprotective effect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and HFD-induced liver damage.

Loss of heterozygosity and microsatellite instability as predictive markers among Iranian esophageal cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: Variation in microsatellite sequences that are dispersed in the genome has been linked to a deficiency in cellular mismatch repair system and defects in several genes of this system are involved in carcinogenesis. Our aim in this study was to illustrate microsatellite DNA alteration in esophageal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA was extracted from formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues from surgical and matched margin-normal samples. Microsatellite instability (MSI) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) were studied in 50 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by amplifying six microsatellite markers: D13S260 (13q12.3), D13S267 (13q12.3), D9S171 (9p21), D2S123 (2p), D5S2501 (5q21) and TP53 (17p13.1) analyzed on 6% denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Statistical analysis indicated a near significant reverse correlation between grade and LOH (P= 0.068, correlation coefficient= -0.272). Specifically, increased LOH in tumor DNA has a significant correlation with increased differentiation from poorly differentiated to well differentiated tumors (P= 0.002 and P= 0.016 respectively). In addition, higher number of chromosomal loci with LOH showed a reverse correlation with lymph node metastasis (P= 0.026, correlation coefficient= -0.485). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between addiction and MSI (P= 0.026, correlation coefficient= 0.465). CONCLUSION: Microsatellite DNA alterations may be a prognostic tool for detection and the evolution of prognosis in patients with SCC of esophagus. It can be concluded that regional lymph node metastasis would be less likely with increased heterozygote loci and addiction with any of opium, cigarette, water pipe or alcohol can be a susceptibility factor(s) for MSI.

Effects of pomegranate seed oil on oxidative stress markers, serum biochemical parameters and pathological findings in kidney and heart of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

PURPOSE: Oxidative stress due to hyperglycemia is a major cause of diabetes complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) on serum biochemical parameters, cardiomyopathy and nephropathy induced by diabetes mellitus. METHOD: W/A adult rats were divided into four groups (12 each): group 1, received saline (1 mL/kg), group 2, received streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg, a single dose as i.p.), groups 3 and 4, received STZ + PSO (0.4 and 0.8 mL/kg, daily by gavage, respectively). After three weeks, six rats of each group and one week later the remaining animals were anesthetized, blood samples were taken for measuring serum biochemical parameters. Sections of heart and kidneys were used for histopathological studies and the remaining tissues were homogenized for measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and total sulfhydryl groups. RESULTS: Significant elevation of serum creatinine and urea, LDL, triglyceride, glucose levels as well as urine markers, MDA levels in tissue homogenates and a significant decrease in total thiol content and serum HDL were observed in STZ-treated group as compared with control group. PSO treatment resulted in a significant decrease in tissue MDA content, serum creatinine and urea levels as well as urine markers as compared with STZ-treated group. Lipid profile was ameliorated with PSO treatment. PSO also significantly reversed STZ-induced depletion in thiol content and histological abnormality. Effect of PSO was more specific at 28th than 21th days of study. CONCLUSION: The results showed that PSO has a protective effect against diabetes complications in rats.

Protective effect of pomegranate seed oil against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rat.

PURPOSE: Clinical use of cisplatin is limited by its nephrotoxicity. Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is associated with an increase in oxidative stress, leading ultimately to kidney dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pomegranate seed oil against nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin in adult rats. METHODS: Animals were divided into four groups. Group I received corn oil (1 mL/kg). Group II received cisplatin (8 mg/kg). Group III and IV received pomegranate seed oil (PSO) 0.4 mL/kg and 0.8 mL/kg one hour before cisplatin injection for 3 days, respectively. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and used for measuring urea and creatinine concentration. Twenty-hour urine samples were collected to measure protein and glucose concentration. The right kidney fixed in formalin for histological examination and the left kidney was homogenized for measurement of malondialdehyde and total sulfhydryl groups. RESULTS: A significant elevation of serum creatinine, urea, urinary glucose, protein concentrations, and non-significant decrease in total thiol content and increase in MDA level in kidney homogenates were observed in cisplatin-treated rats. Also cisplatin reduced animal's body weight. Mild-to-moderate tubular cell necrosis, hyaline casts, and vascular congestion were observed in group II. PSO pre-treatment significantly decreased urinary protein, glucose, and serum creatinine concentration. PSO also caused a decrease in serum urea, renal MDA, and increase in thiol content, but the level of these parameters were not significant. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that PSO is an effective agent for the prevention of cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction and oxidative damage in rat.

Protective effect of pomegranate seed oil against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rat.

PURPOSE: Clinical use of cisplatin is limited by its nephrotoxicity. Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is associated with an increase in oxidative stress, leading ultimately to kidney dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pomegranate seed oil against nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin in adult rats. METHODS: Animals were divided into four groups. Group I received corn oil (1 mL/kg). Group II received cisplatin (8 mg/kg). Group III and IV received pomegranate seed oil (PSO) 0.4 mL/kg and 0.8 mL/kg one hour before cisplatin injection for 3 days, respectively. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and used for measuring urea and creatinine concentration. Twenty-hour urine samples were collected to measure protein and glucose concentration. The right kidney fixed in formalin for histological examination and the left kidney was homogenized for measurement of malondialdehyde and total sulfhydryl groups. RESULTS: A significant elevation of serum creatinine, urea, urinary glucose, protein concentrations, and non-significant decrease in total thiol content and increase in MDA level in kidney homogenates were observed in cisplatin-treated rats. Also cisplatin reduced animal's body weight. Mild-to-moderate tubular cell necrosis, hyaline casts, and vascular congestion were observed in group II. PSO pre-treatment significantly decreased urinary protein, glucose, and serum creatinine concentration. PSO also caused a decrease in serum urea, renal MDA, and increase in thiol content, but the level of these parameters were not significant. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that PSO is an effective agent for the prevention of cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction and oxidative damage in rat.

Higher titers of anti-Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG in diabetic retinopathy: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation has a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Infection with intracellular organisms may incite chronic inflammation. This study was conducted to investigate the association between previous infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae (an intracellular microorganism) and diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (30-60 years old) and age-matched normal controls were recruited. Patients with history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, recent pulmonary infection and the presence of age-related macular degeneration were excluded from the study. Complete ophthalmic examinations were performed. Fasting blood sugar and haemoglobin levels were measured in diabetic patients and controls, and HgbA1c , blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and 24-h urine protein were measured in diabetic patients. Anti-C. pneumoniae IgG (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) was measured in the sera of all participants. RESULTS: A total of 215 type 2 diabetic patients and 243 normal healthy controls were included. Anti-C. pneumoniae IgG titers were higher in patients affected by diabetic retinopathy than participants without retinopathy (74.78 ± 33.38 vs 66.18 ± 31.40, p = 0.028). Diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy also had higher titers than diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy (74.78 ± 33.38 vs 66.11 ± 33.41, p = 0.042). Of different variables including age, body mass index, haemoglobin level, glycated haemoglobin level, fasting blood sugar, mean arterial pressure and blood urea nitrogen, only age (r = 0.17; p = 0.001) and body mass index (r = 0.15; p = 0.003) were correlated with anti-C. pneumoniae IgG levels. In regression analysis, the presence of diabetic retinopathy was still a determinant of the antibody level (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Anti-C. pneumoniae IgG titers were higher in patients with diabetic retinopathy, which may indicate a role of this infection in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

Protective effect of pomegranate seed oil against mercuric chloride-induced nephrotoxicity in rat.

PURPOSE: Heavy metals such as mercury can induce the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress which are associated with tissue injury. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of pomegranate seed oil against HgCl2-induced nephrotoxicity. METHODS: Twenty-four W/A adult rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I received corn oil (1 mL/kg). Group II received HgCl2 (5 mg/kg) for 3 days. Group III and IV received PSO 0.4 mL/kg and 0.8 mL/kg, respectively one hour before HgCl2 administration for 3 days. Blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture and used for the measurement of urea and creatinine concentration. Twenty-hour-hour urine samples were collected to measure protein and glucose. The right kidney was fixed in formalin for histological examination and the left kidney was homogenized for measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and total sulfhydryl groups. RESULTS: Significant elevation of serum creatinine and urea levels as well as urine glucose and protein concentrations, a significant decrease in total thiol content and a significant increase in MDA levels in kidney homogenate samples were observed after administration of HgCl2 as compared with control group. PSO pretreatment resulted in a significant decrease in serum creatinine and urea levels as well as urine glucose and protein concentrations when compared with HgCl2 treated (group II). PSO also significantly reversed the HgCl2-induced depletion in thiol content and elevation in MDA content. Histological studies revealed milder kidney lesions in PSO treated groups (groups III and IV) compared to HgCl2 treated group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that PSO has a protective effect against HgCl2-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Old-world leishmaniasis presenting as a nasal mass.

Mucosal leishmaniasis is a major problem in Latin America but has been rarely noticed in our region. Although there have been a few reports of mucosal involvement especially in the oral cavity from Southwest Iran, yet none have been presented from the Northeast where Leishmania tropica is the major concern. We report a patient with endonasal leishmaniasis due to L. tropica, an extremely rare entity in immunocompetent patients in our region. He presented with a mass in the left nasal vestibule causing a sense of obstruction on the same side, accompanied by occasional rhinorrhea and mild epistaxis. This case exemplifies the need for considering leishmaniasis as a differential diagnosis for nasal obstruction in this endemic area.

A comparative study of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and high-sensitive C-reactive protein in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to determine the level of serum level of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in preeclampsia and to compare normal pregnant, mild preeclamptic, and severe preeclamptic women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the plasma concentrations of sVCAM-1 and hsCRP in peripheral blood obtained from normal pregnant (n = 40), mild preeclamptic (n = 37), and severe preeclamptic women (n = 38). A concentration of soluble adhesion molecule was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. hsCRP was measured with immunoturbidometric. RESULTS: There was significant difference in the means serum hsCRP between normal pregnant women and mild preeclamptic women (P < 0.05). Serum concentration of hsCRP and sVCAM-1 (ng/mL) were significantly higher in severe preeclampsia (P < 0.05) than normal pregnancy. There were also significant differences in hsCRP and sVCAM-1 levels between mild and severe (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the mean sVCAM-1 between normal pregnant and mild preeclamptic women. CONCLUSION: We have determined the serum concentration of VCAM-1 and hsCRP in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia. sVCAM-1 is elevated in severe preeclampsia compared with normal pregnancy, and hsCRP is elevated in severe preeclampsia compared with mild preeclampsia and normal pregnancy.

A Comparative Study of Serum Level of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1(ICAM-1) and High Sensitive C - reactive protein (hs-CRP) in Normal and Pre-eclamptic Pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE(S): Pre-eclampsia is characterized by hypertension, dyslipidemia, and increased systemic inflammatory response and has been associated with an increased maternal risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Endothelial dysfunction is thought to be a central pathogenic feature in pre-eclampsia on the basis of elevated adhesion molecules. The aim of this study was to determine the level of plasma serum level of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), high sensitive C- reactive protein (hs-CRP) in pre-eclampsia and to compare hs-CRP levels between normal pregnant women, mild and severe pre-eclampsia. Materials and Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the plasma concentrations of sVCAM-1, ICAM-1 and hs-CRP in peripheral blood obtained from normal pregnant women (n=40), mild pre-eclampsia (n=37) and severe pre-eclampsia (n=38). Concentrations of soluble adhesion molecule was determined with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: There were significant difference in the means serum hs-CRP between normal pregnant women and mild pre-eclamptic women (P<0.05). Serum concentration of hs-CRP, sVCAM-1(ng.ml) and sICAM-1(ng.ml) were significantly higher in severe pre-eclampsia (P<0.05) than normal pregnancy. There were also significant differences in hs-CRP, s ICAM- 1 and in sVCAM- 1 levels between mild and severe pre-eclampsia (P<0.05). There was no difference in the mean plasma log sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 between normal pregnant women and mild pre-eclamptic women. CONCLUSION: We have determined the serum concentration of soluble adhesion molecule ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and hsCRP in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. Adhesion molecule is elevated in severe pre-eclampsia compared with normal pregnancy, hsCRP are elevated in severe preeclampsia compared with mild preeclampsia and normal pregnancy and may be useful in predicting the severity of pre-eclampsia.

Analysis of clinicopathologic correlations in Iranian patients with lupus nephritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical features of different histopathological presentations in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). METHODS: Clinical and pathological features of 71 biopsy-proven LN patients were analyzed in a cross-sectional study during 2005-2011. RESULTS: Sixty-five women (91.5%) and six men (8.5%) were studied. The mean Activity Index (AI) and Chronicity Index (CI) were 6.2 ± 3.1 and 1.7 ± 1.5, respectively. The most common histopathologic presentation of kidneys was class IV (52.1%). Patients with more advanced International Society of Nephrology and the Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) classes, had longer disease duration (P = 0.007), higher levels of blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.004) and serum creatinine (P = 0.035). The most frequent active lesion seen in renal biopsies was endocapillary hypercellularity (83.1%) while glomerular sclerosis was the most common chronic lesion (52.1%). Patients with chronic lesions, including glomerular sclerosis (P = 0.032), fibrous crescent (P = 0.001), interstitial fibrosis (P = 0.025) and tubular atrophy (P = 0.049) had higher serum creatinine levels. Hypertension was mainly seen in patients who had interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (P = 0.026, 0.002 respectively). Moreover, subjects with renal failure had been more frequently involved with fibrinoid necrosis/karyorrhexis (P = 0.003), interstitial inflammation (P = 0.009), fibrous crescents (P = 0.041), tubular atrophy (P = 0.008) and interstitial fibrosis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found that both histopathologic classification (ISN/RPS criteria) and histopathologic grading (US National Institutes of Health activity and chronicity indices) correlate to some clinical manifestations of LN. Considering these correlations may help to determine the patients' clinicopathologic status, prognosis and the need to immediate treatment. Nevertheless, it is necessary to clarify the accuracy of these findings in larger-scale prospective studies.