Correction to: Blocking of opioid receptors in experimental formaline-inactivated respiratory syncytial virus (FI-RSV) immunopathogenesis: from beneficial to harmful impacts.

In the original publication, seventh author's name was incorrectly published as 'Maryam Golaram'.

Peritoneum as an origin of epilepsy from the viewpoint of Avicenna.

There are studies that show that the concepts of epilepsy have been rooted in Persian medicine; Avicenna "Ibn-e-Sina"-one of the great Persian physicians in the Islamic golden age (9th-12th century AD)-has considered some types of epilepsy with the association of the stomach, the spleen, the "Maraqq," and the whole body which has not been reviewed properly. These organs influence on the brain and can cause epilepsy. This article presents concept of Maraqq-related epilepsy; according to Avicenna's view, "Maraqq" is a membranous structure which is located in the abdomen (equivalent of parietal peritoneum in current nomenclature). We discuss his viewpoint about the diagnosis and treatment of Maraqq-related epilepsy with focus on herbal remedies. The concept of a relationship between the "Maraqq" and the brain is well discussed in the old Persian medicine texts; however, it seems that further studies in this area are required to clarify Avicenna's view about the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and treatment strategies.

Blocking of opioid receptors in experimental formaline-inactivated respiratory syncytial virus (FI-RSV) immunopathogenesis: from beneficial to harmful impacts.

Opioid system plays a significant role in pathophysiological processes, such as immune response and impacts on disease severity. Here, we investigated the effect of opioid system on the immunopathogenesis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine (FI-RSV)-mediated illness in a widely used mouse model. Female Balb/c mice were immunized at days 0 and 21 with FI-RSV (2 × 106 pfu, i.m.) and challenged with RSV-A2 (3 × 106 pfu, i.n.) at day 42. Nalmefene as a universal opioid receptors blocker administered at a dose of 1 mg/kg in combination with FI-RSV (FI-RSV + NL), and daily after live virus challenge (RSV + NL). Mice were sacrificed at day 5 after challenge and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lungs were harvested to measure airway immune cells influx, T lymphocyte subtypes, cytokines/chemokines secretion, lung histopathology, and viral load. Administration of nalmefene in combination with FI-RSV (FI-RSV + NL-RSV) resulted in the reduction of the immune cells infiltration to the BAL fluid, the ratio of CD4/CD8 T lymphocyte, the level of IL-5, IL-10, MIP-1α, lung pathology, and restored weight loss after RSV infection. Blocking of opioid receptors during RSV infection in vaccinated mice (FI-RSV-RSV + NL) had no significant effects on RSV immunopathogenesis. Moreover, administration of nalmefene in combination with FI-RSV and blocking opioid receptors during RSV infection (FI-RSV + NL-RSV + NL) resulted in an increased influx of the immune cells to the BAL fluid, increases the level of IFN-γ, lung pathology, and weight loss in compared to control condition. Although nalmefene administration within FI-RSV vaccine decreases vaccine-enhanced infection during subsequent exposure to the virus, opioid receptor blocking during RSV infection aggravates the host inflammatory response to RSV infection. Thus, caution is required due to beneficial/harmful functions of opioid systems while targeting as potentially therapies.

Comparison of quince with vitamin B6 for treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a randomised clinical trial.

This trial was performed to compare quince (Cydonia oblonga) fruit with vitamin B6 on 76 pregnant women with a gestational age of 6-14 weeks and mild-to-moderate nausea and vomiting (NVP) (40 in the quince and 36 in the B6 group). The 'Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis' (PUQE-24) scale was used to examine the severity of NVP. The quince syrup (1 tablespoon/TDS) or vitamin B6 tablets (20 mg/TDS) were used as intervention for 1 week. The mean (±SD) age was 27.5 (±5.2) years. The score of the PUQE was decreased from 9.5 (± 2) at baseline to 5.2 (±2.3) on the 7th day and 5.3 (±2.6) on the 14th day (p < .001) in the quince group. In the other group, the scores were 8.4 (±1.8), 7.3 (±2.4) and 7.7 (±3.8), respectively (p = .001). The change in symptoms were more marked in the quince group (p < .001). Quince syrup seems to be a suitable treatment for NVP. Impact statement What is already known on this subject: Pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting (NVP) is one of the most common problems during gestation. Treatment is mainly symptomatic, ranging from dietary changes and oral pharmacological treatment to hospitalization in severe forms. In early pregnancy, the use of chemical drugs is avoided, so there is an increasing tendency to use alternative therapies. According to the literature review in Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM), the quince fruit (Cydonia oblonga) can be useful in NVP. Quince has a wide range of pharmacological activities including antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and antidepressant effects. ITM literature suggests some therapeutic effects of the quince fruit on important organs like brain, heart, liver and stomach. What the results of this study add: The results of this study demonstrated the significant efficacy of quince in comparison with vitamin B6. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: This fruit is also safe to be administered in pregnant women suffering from NVP.

Histopathological Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Glycyrrhizic Acid as a Radioprotector Against the Development of Radiation-Induced Lung Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy of the thorax often causes lung inflammation leading to fibrosis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of glycyrrhizic acid (GLA) could improve the development of lung fibrosis in irradiated animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Group A rats received thoracic irradiation. Rats in group B received GLA and irradiation. Group C received GLA and no irradiation. Group D received no GLA and irradiation. GLA was administered at a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight using an intraperitoneal injection one hour before thoracic irradiation. Radiation therapy was delivered on a Cobalt-60 unit using a single fraction of 16 Gy. The animals were sacrificed at 32 weeks following thoracic irradiation. The lungs were dissected and blind histopathological evaluation was performed. RESULTS: Histopathologically, a decrease (statistically not significant) in the thickening of alveolar or bronchial wall, formation of fibrous bands, and superimposed collagen were noted in the animals in group B as compared to the animals in group A. CONCLUSION: In this experimental study, administration of GLA one hour before thoracic irradiation may be a protective agent against radiation-induced fibrosis in animals and this model could be used in future studies.

Effects of Coriandrum sativum Syrup on Migraine: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is one of the most common and debilitating neurological problems. Although numerous preventive drugs are used to treat migraine, their complications are unavoidable. Application of herbal medicine, especially well-known medicinal plants, to treatment of chronic diseases, like migraine, could be effective. Coriandrum sativum L. (C. sativum) fruit is one of the most commonly prescribed herbs in Persian medicine, which has been used to treat headache. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of C. sativum syrup on duration, severity and frequency of migraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 68 migraineurs, who had the eligibility criteria, according to international headache society diagnostic criteria, were randomly assigned to intervention group (n = 34) or control group (n = 34). In addition to 500 mg of sodium valproate per day, in intervention group, they received 15 mL of Coriander fruit syrup and 15 mL of placebo syrup, in control group, three times a day, during a month. The subjects were followed for clinical efficacy at weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4. The number of migraine attacks per week, as well as the duration and severity of attacks, were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 68 patients randomized, 66 were included in analysis. The generalized estimating equations analysis showed that the Coriander fruit syrup decreased duration, severity and frequency of migraine, in the intervention group (P < 0.001). To be more precise, the mean migraine duration, severity and frequency, in the intervention group, were 5.7 hours, 3.65 units and about 50% less than control group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study showed that C. sativum fruit is efficient in reduction of the duration and frequency of migraine attacks and in diminishing pain degree.

Therapeutic effects of Iranian traditional medicine on a patient with cryptogenic cirrhosis.

INTRODUCTION: There are several disorders that cause hepatic cirrhosis. However, if there is no known cause for cirrhosis, it is called cryptogenic cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is believed to be irreversible in its late stages. In these cases, liver transplantation is the only solution. CASE PRESENTATION: The study case was a 29-year-old man, admitted to the hospital four years ago due to esophageal variceal hemorrhage. A biopsy of his liver showed cryptogenic cirrhosis; thus, he was a candidate for liver transplant. The patient visited the outpatient Iranian traditional medicine center, Behesht Clinic, in Tehran, Iran, two years after his bleeding course and began treatment with traditional herbal medicine. In the following month, he stopped taking his previous medications. During the 18-month follow up, he was visited 16 times. During this time, his general health improved and his hemoglobin level increased. Based on the ultrasound reports, the spleen size, the gallbladder wall edema, and the portal vein diameter decreased. Even though the ascites disappeared, the patient gained weight. His model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score reduced from 10 (prior to the Iranian traditional medicine treatment) to 8. The bilirubin level decreased as well. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels increased and the serum albumin level and platelet count decreased. CONCLUSIONS: In this patient, traditional medicine treatment improved the patient's general well-being, hematopoiesis and portal hypertension. Furthermore, it improved his quality of life, although it had no effect on his liver function. We recommend more clinical trials on therapeutic effects of Iranian traditional medicine on cryptogenic cirrhosis.

Types of nasal delivery drugs and medications in Iranian traditional medicine to treatment of headache.

CONTEXT: Headache is a common symptom throughout the world. The main purpose of patient-centered approaches is the utilization of useful and simple treatment. Nowadays, there is a rising propensity toward herbal remedies. Nasal route is one of the ancient and topical prescriptions used in headache. In Iranian traditional medicine, physicians such as Avicenna were prescribing herbal drugs through the nose to treat a variety of central nervous system diseases like headache. In this review paper, authors have attempted to introduce different types of nasal administrations which were used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of headaches. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Initially, we studied two different types of Canon and separated all herbs used in the treatment of headache. Next, all plants were classified according to the method of prescription. Then, we pick out all the plants which were nasally utilized in the treatment of headache and divided them based on the method of administration. In order to find scientific names of herbs, we used two different botany references. Moreover, we conducted various researches in scientific databases with the aim of finding results concerning the analgesic and antinociceptive effects of herbs. Throughout the research, key terms were "analgesic" and "antinociceptive "with the scientific names of all herbs separately. The databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library and SID. RESULTS: 35 plants were prescribed for the treatment of headaches, which were all nasally used. These plants took either the form of powder, liquid or gas (steam). They were divided in to six categories according to the method of prescription. The Percentage of usage for each method was as follows: 62% Saoot (nasal drop), 25% Shamoom (smell), 17% Inkabab (vapor), 11% Nafookh (snuff), 11% Nashooq (inhaling) and 2% Bokhoor (smoke). CONCLUSIONS: Medications that are used via nasal delivery have greater effect than oral medications. Iranian physicians were fully aware of systemic effects of topical medications, including prescription drugs through the nose. The study of ancient medical texts helps us in identification of herbal medicine and the investigation of new way for the preparation of drugs.

Hepatoprotective herbs, avicenna viewpoint.

BACKGROUND: Liver injury or dysfunction is considered as a serious health problem. The available synthetic drugs to treat liver disorders are expensive and cause further damage. Hence, hepatoprotective effects of some herbal drugs have been investigated, and one of the methods to choose herbs in order to study their biological effects is to search in ancient medical texts. Avicenna who is known as the prince of physicians had collected and classified Greek, Persian and Islamic medicine in the best possible way in the book of Canon in Arabic. OBJECTIVES: Avicenna's book of The Canon of Medicine was reviewed to find the hepatoprotective herbs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three different versions of the Canon were prepared and utilized. To find scientific names of plants we took advantage of three botany references. All of the herbs were investigated on the basis of scientific data from hepatoprotective effects point of view. The searched term was "hepatoprotective" without narrowing and limiting. The searched databases included Cochrane library, Web of science, SID, Irandoc and IranMedex. RESULTS: 18 plants were found. 85% of the presented species, genus or families of plants were reported to have hepatoprotective properties and in the remaining 15% there were no reports of hepatoprotective effect. Flowers and fruits were the most used part of the plants. Most of the plants had simultaneous protective effects on multiple organs but the protective effect on the liver was mostly accompanied by protective effect on the stomach (83%). The average temperament of these herbs is "hot" in the 2nd phase of the 2nd grade, and "dry" in the 3rd phase of the 2nd grade. Hepatoprotective herbs mostly prescribed as a part of hepatoprotective compound drugs formula or other formula for liver diseases are Crocus sativus, Pistacia lentiscus, and Cinnamomum spp. CONCLUSIONS: Maybe there is common mechanism for protecting both liver and stomach. Aquilaria agallocha, Aquilaria malaccensis, and Ruscus aculeatus whose hepatoprotective effects have not yet been reported are considered as good candidates for future investigations. Given that Crocus sativus, and Cinnamomum spp are used as flavors in most countries, they will be introduced for more investigation in order to produce hepatoprotective drugs.

A Review of Pioneer Physicians' Work on Maternal Health in Pregnancy in Ancient Iran; Narrative Systematic Review.

Background Maternal lifestyle and behaviors during pregnancy have been associated with future health outcomes for mothers and babies. Iranian Traditional medicine, which is a holistically-oriented medical discipline, has special attitudes towards pregnancy. The purpose of the study is the investigation of maternal health in medical books of ancient Iran. This study is a systematic review scrutinizing issues concerning lifestyle during pregnancy based on "Avicenna's Canon medicine" and "Rhazes Al-Havi" and for complete discussion, other reliable sources in traditional medicine which was conducted following the categorization and analysis of the gleaned data. Based on approaches by Iranian Traditional Medicine, the most important topics in lifestyle habits during pregnancy are divided into four main groups: Nutrition, physical exercise, sexual activity and psychological stress. Then special recommendations are suggested which include a regimen to facilitate labor. Eating behaviors and other lifestyle habits have a major role in optimizing the health of women in pregnancy. Regarding to traditional medicine viewpoints paying special attention to correcting diet, life style and preventive attitude with effective and simple therapeutic procedures, it seems that traditional medicine can offer efficient managements to alleviate some pregnancy complications.

Exercise and supraphysiological dose of nandrolone decanoate increase apoptosis in spermatogenic cells.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are used at high doses by athletes for improving athletic ability, physical appearance and muscle mass. Unfortunately, the abuse of these agents has significantly increased. It has been established that exercise and high doses of anabolic-androgenic steroids may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which can in turn affect testicular apoptosis. However, the effect of the combination of exercise and high dose of anabolic-androgenic steroids on testicular apoptosis is not known. We investigated the combined effects of exercise and high doses of nandrolone decanoate on apoptosis in the spermatogenic cell lineage. Five groups of male Wistar strain albino rats were treated as follows for 8 weeks: solvent of nandrolone decanoate (peanut oil) as a vehicle (Sham); nandrolone decanoate (10 mg/kg/weekly) (nandrolone decanoate); exercise (1 hr/day, 5 days a week) (exercise); nandrolone decanoate (10 mg/kg/weekly) and exercise (1 hr/day, 5 days a week) (nandrolone decanoate exercise); and sedentary control without any injection or exercise (Control). Apoptosis in the male germ line was characterized by TUNEL, caspase-3 assay and transmission electron microscopy. The weights of the testis and accessory sex organs, as well as sperm parameters significantly decreased in the experimental groups relative to the sham and control groups (p < or = 0.05). Germ cell apoptosis and a significant decrease in the number of germ cell layers in nandrolone decanoate exercise-treated testes were observed (p < or = 0.05). Exercise training seems to increase the extent of apoptotic changes caused by supraphysiological dose of nandrolone decanoate in rats, which in turn affects fertility.