Identification of Potential Biomarkers in the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Inflammation - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is described as an immune disorder with inflammation and neurodegeneration. Relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) is one of the most...     

Hypoglycemic effect of aqueous shallot and garlic extracts in rats with fructose-induced insulin resistance

The present study has been carried out to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of shallot (Allium ascalonicum) and garlic (Allium satium) on the fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI) and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) of fructose-induced insulin resistance rats. Male albino Wistar rats were fed either normal or high-fructose diet for a period of eight weeks. Fasting blood glucose level, fasting blood triglyceride level, FIRI, and the area under the glucose tolerance curve were significantly elevated in fructose-fed animals. Fructose-induced insulin resistance rats treated by aqueous shallot or garlic extract (500 mg/kg body weight/day, i.p.) for duration of eight weeks. Control animals only received normal saline (0.9%). The results showed that neither shallot nor garlic extracts significantly altered the FIRI and the IPGTT at the fourth week after treatment. The fasting blood glucose in fructose-induced insulin resistance animals has been significantly decreased in 8-week treated animals by both shallot and garlic extracts. Shallot extract administration, but not garlic extract, for a period of eight weeks can significantly improve the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance and diminish the FIRI. These results indicate that shallot and garlic extracts have a hypoglycemic influence on the fructose-induced insulin resistance animals and aqueous shallot extract is a stronger hypoglycemic agent than the garlic extract.     

Experimental Investigation of Left Ventricular Flow Patterns After Percutaneous Edge‐to‐Edge Mitral Valve Repair

Mitral valve percutaneous edge‐to‐edge repair (PEtER) is a viable solution in high‐risk patients with severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation. However, the generated double‐orifice configuration poses challenges for the evaluation of the hemodynamic performance of the mitral valve and may alter flow patterns in the left ventricle (LV) during diastole. This in vitro study aims to evaluate the hemodynamic modifications following a simulated PEtER. A custom‐made mitral valve was developed, and two configurations were tested: (i) a single‐orifice valve with mitral regurgitation and (ii) a double‐orifice mitral valve configuration following PEtER. The hemodynamic performance of the valve was evaluated using Doppler echocardiography and catheterization, while the flow patterns in the LV were investigated using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The tests were run at a stroke volume of 65 mL and a heart rate of 70 bpm. PEtER was found to significantly reduce the regurgitant volume (15 vs. 34 mL). There was a good agreement between Doppler and catheter transmitral pressure gradients (peak gradient: 9 vs. 7 mm Hg; mean gradient: 4 vs. 3 mm Hg) as well as an excellent agreement between maximal velocity measured by Doppler and PIV (1.60 vs. 1.58 m/s). Vortex development in the LV during diastole was significantly different after repair. PEtER significantly increased the amplitude of Reynolds and viscous shear stresses, as well as the number of high shear regions in the LV, potentially promoting thromboembolism events.     

Epidemiology of outpatient burns in Tehran: An analysis of 4813 cases

This study aims to demonstrate the epidemiologic characteristics of outpatient burn injuries in Tehran. This cross-sectional study was performed over a 1-year period in a referral burn centre in Tehran and included all outpatient burns. The required data were recorded by two trained physicians. Of the 4813 studied patients, including 293 infants, 2901 patients (60%) were male (P < 0.001). The mean age of the adult patients was 31.3 ± 18.3 years, while for infants it was 10.68 ± 2.27 months. In all age groups and both genders, scalding was the most common aetiology. Majority of the burns were non-intentianal (n = 4808) and 70.5% of the injuries occurred at home. Housewives consisted of 24% of the burn patients. With respect to the site of burn, multiple injuries were the most frequent (53%) followed by upper extremities (37%). Most of the burns (96%) were partial thickness. Significant association was present between the aetiology and depth of burn (P < 0.001). The mean affected total body surface area (TBSA) was 3.16 ± 2.92% and there was significant association between burnt TBSA and the mechanism of injury (P < 0.001). In conclusion, it seems that women aged 21–30 years and children younger than 10 years are at greater risk of these injuries and therefore should be the target for preventive strategies.     

Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning and Oxidative Stress

According to previous animal studies, aluminium phosphides (AlPs) may induce oxidative stress leading to generation of free radicals and alteration in antioxidant defense system. This study was conducted to evaluate the existence and degree of oxidative stress in patients with acute AlP ingestion. A total of 44 acute AlP ingested patients as well as 44 age- and sex-matched controls were included. All patients had acute poisoning symptoms with AlP at the time of presentation and had blood samples analyzed for lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity and total thiol. Our findings showed that there is a significant increase in lipid peroxidation in AlP ingested group along with a reduction in total antioxidant capacity and total thiols groups. These clinical data confirm previous experimental models that showed AlP exposure might significantly augment lipoperoxidative damage with simultaneous alterations in the antioxidant defense system. Hence, our findings might justify use of antioxidants in treatment of acute AlP poisoning which needs to be clarified by additional clinical trials.