Medical Laboratory Journal

Functions of Obesity-related Hormones in Breast Cancer: A Review

Khadije Meghrazi

ABSTRACT
Obesity is a health problem defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation in adipose tissue. Adipokines such as adiponectin, visfatin and resistin are bioactive polypeptides with pro- and anti-inflammatory properties that are secreted by the adipose tissue that are involved in the pathogenesis and prognosis of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cancer. This survey aimed to review the role of these hormones in the pathogenesis and prognosis of breast cancer in obese postmenopausal women. In obese individuals, increased level of leptin leads to tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer though JAK/STAT3 pathway. These individuals have decreased level of adiponectin, which has a protective effect against carcinogenesis via AMPK pathway. Obese individuals also have increased level of visfatin, which induces the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and triggers growth of cancer cells. Similarly, elevated resistin levels increases cell proliferation through PI3K and MAPK pathways. Obesity is associated with the dysregulated secretion of adipokines such as leptin, adiponectin, visfatin and resistin, which could be utilized for early diagnosis of breast cancer.
Keywords: Obesity, Breast Cancer, Adiponectin, Leptin, Visfatin, Resistin.

Cytotoxic Effect of Capparis spinosa L. on the PLC/PRF/5 Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line

Abdolvahab Moradi

ABSTRACT
         Background and Objectives: Capparis spinosa has been used in traditional medicine for various applications including treatment of liver disorders and cancer. We studied the effects of this plant on cell proliferation and morphological characteristics of PLC/PRF/5 liver cancer cell line.
        Methods: After preparing ethanolic extract of the plant, the inhibitory effect of the extract was assessed using MTT assay, and morphological changes were assessed by an inverted microscope.
       Results: C. spinosa ethanolic extract exhibited anti-cancer effects in a concentration-dependent manner. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration of the extract was 1051±4.21 mg/mL. Morphological changes including cell shrinkage, reduction of cell volume and nuclear condensation confirmed the inhibitory effect of C. spinosa on PLC/PRF/5 cells.
        Conclusion: According to the results of this study, extract of C. spinosa seems to be suitable for prevention and treatment of liver cancer. Further studies on animal models could verify the efficiency of the extract against cancer cells.

KEYWORDS: Plants, Medicinal, Capparis spinosa, Liver Neoplasms.

Antibacterial Effect of Iranian Green Tea and Black Tea against Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia

Noushin Jalayer Naderi

ABSTRACT
       Background and Objective: Anaerobic bacteria are the main cause of periodontitis. It has been shown that green tea and black tea have antibacterial effect. The aim of this study was to determine he antibacterial effect of Iranian green tea and black tea against Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia.
        Methods: Aqueous and methanolic extracts of Iranian green tea and black tea at concentrations ranging from 10 to 500 mg/ml were tested against standard strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans (ATCC 33384), P. gingivalis (ATCC 33227) and P. intermedia (ATCC 25671) using agar disk diffusion, broth microdilution and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration.
         Results: P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. intermedia were sensitive to the methanolic extract of Iranian green tea at concentrations of 100-500 mg/ml, 10-500 mg/ml and 50-500mg/ml, respectively. P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. intermedia were sensitive to the methanolic extract of Iranian black tea at concentrations of 200-500 mg/ml, 20-500 mg/ml and 200-500 mg/ml, respectively. In addition, P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. intermedia were sensitive to the aquatic extract of Iranian green tea at concentrations of 200-500mg/ml, 100-500 mg/ml and 200-500 mg/ml , respectively.
        Conclusion: The aquatic and alcoholic extracts of Iranian green tea and black tea have antibacterial activity against A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. intermedia and P. gingivalis. Therefore, incorporation of Iranian black tea as an effective native herb could be beneficial for prevention of oral cavity diseases.
          Keywords: Tea, Green Tea, Antibacterial Agents, Anaerobic Bacteria.

Prevalence of Active Cytomegalovirus Infection in Hemodialysis Patients

Mishar Kelishadi

ABSTRACT
        Background and Objectives: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common viral cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of active CMV infection in hemodialysis patients in Gorgan, Iran.
        Methods: Plasma samples were obtained from 149 hemodialysis patients at Hemodialysis Unit of Panje-Azar Medical Centre in Gorgan, Iran. Presence of CMV-DNA in plasma samples was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers for highly conserved regions of major capsid protein gene of HCMV. In addition, level of CMV-IgM antibody was measured by serological testing. Demographic information and past medical history of patients were also recorded. Data was analyzed by SPSS software (version 18).
       Results: Total prevalence of CMV infection was 6.7% (10/149) among the patients receiving hemodialysis. CMV-DNA and anti-CMV IgM antibody were detected in 2.68% and 4.69%, of the samples, respectively. One case was found positive for both CMV-DNA and anti-CMV IgM antibody. CMV infection did not have any correlation with gender, age, ethnicity, duration of hemodialysis, and history of blood transfusion.
        Conclusion: A notable proportion of hemodialysis patients in Gorgan have active CMV infection. Accurate detection of these individuals is important for preventing infection spread, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Simultaneous diagnosis of CMV infection using serological testing and PCR assay could help reduce the risk of infection spread.
          Keywords: HCMV, Hemodialysis, PCR, Iran.

Effect of Resistance Training on Appetite Regulation and Level of Related Peptidesin Sedentary Healthy Men

A Jafari

ABSTRACT
          Background and Objectives: Resistance training is a key component of exercise recommendations for weight control, yet very little is known about the effects of resistance training on appetite and related peptides. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training on appetite and circulating acyl ghrelin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and orexin in sedentary men.
           Methods: This study included 20 sedentary men (mean age: 21.6±3.5 year, body mass index: 23.1±2.7 kg/m²) who were equally divided into a control group and a resistance training group. Participants in the training group performed the whole body exercises three sessions per week with 3-4 sets of 8-10 repetitions at 60-85% one-repetition maximum. Participants in the control group performed no resistance training. Fasting blood samples were taken before starting the study and 72 hours after the last session of resistance training for evaluation of serum acyl ghrelin, NPY, and orexin levels. In addition, perceived appetite was assessed by visual analogue scale while fasting.
           Results: Statistical analysis showed that fasting acyl ghrelin and NPY were not changed by resistance training, but serum orexin level elevated by 40% in response to training (P=0.01). Appetite was not significantly different between the two groups at baseline (P=0.9). However, appetite significantly increased after resistance training (P=0.001).
           Conclusion: Results of the present study show that the 8-week resistance training increases perceived appetite by orexin promotion in previously sedentary men.
          Keywords: Appetite, Ghrelin, NPY, Orexins, Resistance Training.

Cells O Antibody Screening Cells: A novel Approach to Antibody Screening

Seyyede Fatemeh Shams

ABSTRACT
       Background and Objectives: Blood transfusion may induce some adverse effects on receivers. Some methods such as antibody screening and cross matching have been suggested to reduce the risk of transfusion complications. However, these methods require commercial antibody screening kits that may also need special equipment. The aim of this study was to introduce a new method for antibody screening that does not require a commercial kit, and could be used in any transfusion laboratory.
       Methods: We examined 350 samples that contained alloantibody and 350 control samples without the antibody. A solution containing two O+ and one O- samples were used instead of screening cells.
      Results: Sensitivity and specificity of the method were 73.32% and 45.15%, respectively. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 58.33% and 63.88%, respectively.
       Conclusion: Our new method can be used in basic hematology laboratories with some modifications.
      Keywords: Antibodies, Antigens, Coombs test.

Antibiotic Susceptibility and Plasmid Profiles of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Bovine Subclinical Mastitis in Tabriz, Iran

Katayoon Nofouzi

ABSTRACT
       Background and Objectives: Mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus is a widely distributed disease in cattle, goats and sheep. The infection is often subclinical in cattle, leading to reduced milk production and quality, but acute catarrhal or even gangrenous inflammation may also occur. The aim of this study was to investigate resistance of S. aureus isolates from bovine subclinical mastitis to a number of antibiotics.
          Methods: Milk samples were collected from 120 cows in different regions of Tabriz, Iran. Milk samples were cultured and bacteriological identification was performed. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was assessed by determining minimum inhibitory concentration. Plasmid DNA was extracted by an alkaline lysis method.
         Results: The highest frequency of resistance was observed against gentamicin (100%) and β- lactam antibiotics including amoxicillin (96%), ampicillin (40%) and penicillin (96%). The isolates mostly contained large plasmids, which might harbor acquired antibiotic resistance.
         Conclusion: The results confirm the high frequency of antibiotic resistance among staphylococci isolated from bovine subclinical mastitis.
           Keywords: Anti-infective Agents, Cattle, Staphylococcus Aureus, Mastitis, Plasmids.

Effect of Letrozole during Pregnancy on Learning and Memory of Offspring Rats

Minoo Mahmoodi

ABSTRACT
       Background and Objectives: Hippocampus is the main structure involved in spatial learning and memory consolidation. Formation of spatial memory can be strongly influenced by medications, hormones and different substances. Due to importance of new pharmacotherapy on drug administration in pregnancy, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of letrozole-therapy during pregnancy on memory and learning in offspring rats.
       Methods: In this study, 24 pregnant rats were divided into a control and three experimental groups (N=6). The subjects received low dose (0.25 mg/Kg), average dose (0.5 mg/Kg) and high dose (1 mg/Kg) of letrozole orally during 16-19 days of gestation. After maturating, learning and memory of the offspring were assessed by passive avoidance learning apparatus. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 using one-way analysis of variance and the Tukey's test. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
         Results: Weights of the offspring who received letrozole decreased significantly compared with the control. There was no significant difference in the step-through latency between the experimental groups. However, the step-through latency and time spent in the dark compartment decreased significantly in the experimental groups compared with control group (P<0.05).
          Conclusion: The results of this study show that letrozole can influence learning and memory of offspring rats.
          Keywords: Letrozole, Gestation, Memory, Learning, Offspring, Rats.