Seyed Zanyar Athari, Mir Alireza Nourazar, Mohammadreza Nasirzadeh,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Increased oxidative stress and altered antioxidant levels play an essential role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. Menopause is associated with increased food intake, weight gain, metabolic disorders, and increased level of inflammatory and oxidative stress factors. This study evaluated effects of oleuropein extract on brain tissue and serum oxidative status in ovariectomized diabetic rats.
Methods: In this study, 40 female Wistar rats weighing 250±20 grams were randomly divided into four groups: control, sham (surgery without ovariectomy), ovariectomy+diabetes, and ovariectomy+diabetes+oleuropein supplementation. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The rats in the treatment group received 60 mg/kg of oleuropein for 30 days by oral gavage. Finally, blood glucose, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and malonaldehyde levels were evaluated in serum and brain tissue samples.
Results: Weight, blood glucose level, and antioxidant enzymes activity increased significantly in the ovariectomy+diabetes group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: This study suggested that the administration of oleuropein extract has beneficial effects on blood glucose level and antioxidant status in serum and brain tissue of ovariectomized diabetic rats.
Zahra Nasirzadeh , Seyedeh Tooba Shafighi ,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (7-2026)
Abstract
Background: The incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is increasing rapidly, primarily driven by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, notably Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs), including IMP and VIM types, are frequently produced by these organisms and contribute to therapeutic challenges through gene dissemination and prolonged colonization in clinical settings. This study, conducted in Rasht, Iran, aimed to evaluate phenotypic resistance and MBL production in imipenem-resistant clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter.
Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 52 Acinetobacter and 25 P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained from healthcare facilities in Rasht. Species identification was confirmed using standard biochemical assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the disk diffusion method in accordance with CLSI recommendations. MBL-producing isolates were screened using the imipenem-EDTA combined disk test. Genomic DNA was extracted with a commercial kit, followed by PCR amplification to detect the blaIMP and blaVIM genes.
Results: According to the findings of this study, the highest percentage of resistance in Acinetobacter was observed against cefotaxime at 94.23%, and in P. aeruginosa against ceftazidime at 84%. Among the isolates not susceptible to imipenem, 18 (40%) Acinetobacter and 2 (15.38%) P. aeruginosa isolates were identified as MBL producers by the combined disk method. Both P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter isolates demonstrated high resistance to ceftazidime. The blaIMP and blaVIM genes were detected in 7 (13.46%) and 11 (21.15%) Acinetobacter isolates, respectively, and in 8 (32%) and 5 (20%) P. aeruginosa isolates, respectively.
Conclusion: Early detection of Acinetobacter and P. aeruginosa strains producing metallo-β-lactamases is key to guiding effective clinical treatment and improving patient outcomes. These results suggest that the blaIMP and blaVIM genes play important roles in antibiotic resistance and may potentially influence the virulence of Acinetobacter species and P. aeruginosa in the region.
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