Fakher Rahim

The hemoglobinopathies refer to a diverse group of inherited disorders characterized by a reduced synthesis of one or more globin chains (thalassemias) or the synthesis of structurally abnormal hemoglobin (Hb). The thalassemias often coexist with a variety of structural Hb variants giving rise to complex genotypes and an extremely wide spectrum of clinical and hematological phenotypes. Hematological and biochemical investigations and family studies provide essential clues to the different interactions and are fundamental to DNA diagnostics of the Hb disorders. Although DNA diagnostics have made a major impact on our understanding and detection of the hemoglobinopathies, DNA mutation testing should never be considered a shortcut or the test of first choice in the workup of a hemoglobinopathy. A careful three-tier approach involving: (1) Full blood count (2) Special hematological tests, followed by (3) DNA mutation analysis, provides the most effective way in which to detect primary gene mutations as well as gene-gene interactions that can influence the overall phenotype. With the exception of a few rare deletions and rearrangements, the molecular lesions causing hemoglobinopathies are all identifiable by PCR-based techniques. Furthermore, each at-risk ethnic group has its own combination of common Hb variants and thalassemia mutations. In Iran, there are many different forms of α and β thalassemia. Increasingly, different Hb variants are being detected and their effects per se or in combination with the thalassemias, provide additional diagnostic challenges. We did step-by-step diagnosis workup in 800 patients with hemoglobinopathies who referred to Research center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies in Shafa Hospital of Ahwaz Joundishapour University of medical sciences, respectively. We detected 173 patients as iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and 627 individuals as thalassemic patients by use of different indices. We have successfully detected 75% (472/627) of the β-thalassemia mutations by using amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) technique and 19% (130/627) of the β-thalassemia mutations by using Gap-PCR technique and 6% (25/627) as Hb variants by Hb electrophoresis technique. We did prenatal diagnosis (PND) for 176 couples which had background of thalassemia in first pregnancy. Result of PND diagnosis in the first trimester was 35% (62/176) affected fetus with β-thalassemia major and sickle cell disease that led to termination of the pregnancy. Almost all hemoglobinopathies can be detected with the current PCR-based assays with the exception of a few rare deletions. However, the molecular diagnostic service is still under development to try and meet the demands of the population it serves. In the short term, the current generation of instruments such as the capillary electrophoresis systems, has greatly simplified DNA sequence analysis.

Microcytic hypochromic anemia is a common condition in clinical practice, and alpha-thalassemia has to be considered as a differential diagnosis. This study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of alpha-gene, beta-gene and hemoglobin variant numbers in subjects with microcytic hypochromic anemia. Population-based case-control study in the Iranian population. A total of 340 subjects from southwest part of Iran were studied in the Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies (RCTH), Iran. Genotyping for known alpha- and beta-gene mutations was done with gap-PCR and ARMS. In cases of some rare mutations, the genotyping was done with the help of other techniques such as RFLP and ARMS-PCR. Statistical analysis was carried out by SPSS 11.5 and an independent-sample t test. Out of the total 340 individuals, 325 individuals were evaluated to have microcytic hypochromic anemia based on initial hematological parameters such as MCV<80 fl; MCH<27 pg; the remaining 15 patients were diagnosed with no definite etiology. The overall frequency of -alpha3.7 deletion in 325 individuals was 20.3%. The most frequent mutations were IVS II-I, CD 36/37 and IVS I-110 with frequencies of 6.31%, 5.27% and 1.64%, respectively. Only, there was a significant difference between beta-thalassemia trait and beta-thalassemia major with regard to MCV (P<0.05) and MCH (P<0.05) indices, and also MCH index between beta-thalassemia trait and Hb variants (P<0.05). Molecular genotyping provides a rapid and reliable method for identification of common, rare and unknown alpha- and beta-gene mutations, which help to diagnose unexplained microcytosis and thus prevent unnecessary iron supplementation.

Abstract: 0.05). The serological of three IgG antibody meant that 66.6% of two groups had the past infection; of NPC families 6.6% and from controls 1.6% were susceptible to infection with EBV. 3.3% in members of NPC families had reactivation infection. The sex of the patients in case group had positive correlation with VCA-IgA, EBNA-IgG, EA-IgG and negative correlation with VCA-IgG. The age of the patients also showed positive correlation with EBNA-IgG, EA-IgG, VCA-IgG and negative correlation with VCA-IgA. None of the EBV ...

Vitrification is the commonly used method for long-term storage of pre-implantation mammalian embryos. It is an essential part of assisted reproductive technologies. The re-expansion rate, pregnancy and birth rate of vitrified blastocysts using CPS were compared with OPS and Conventional Straw. Female NMRI mice were injected with Gonadotrophins in order induce them for super ovulation. At that time the mice were sacrified by cervical dislocation and dissected of mouse abdomen. The uterine horns were existed blastocysts were collected in PBS and randomly allocated to four groups: vitrification in CPS, conventional straw, OPS and untreated controls. The vitrification solution was EFS40%. After storage for 1 month in liquid nitrogen, the blastocysts were thawed in 0.5 M sucrose for in vitro culture in M16 medium. After 6 h of culture, the numbers of expanded blastocysts was recorded and ready for transfer to uterus of pseudo pregnant mouse. The re-expansion rate of the CPS group (72.1%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than OPS (52.55) and C.S. (38.6%) groups. The pregnancy (70%) and birth rate (45%) of blastocysts in CPS were similar to those of fresh blastocysts (80% and 45.5%) and the pregnancy (10%) and birth rate (5.1%) in Conventional Straws lower than OPS (20 and 7.5%), but were not significantly different. Mouse blastocysts vitrified using CPS had a better result compared with OPS and Conventional Straw. The value of CPS for vitrification of blastocysts may also merit investigation.

The present study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of right-unilateral lesion of substantia nigra neurons by means of Ibotenic acid, a cholinergic-selective neurotoxin, on hematological parameters in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 200 50 g at the start of the experiment were used. The substantia nigra was right-unilateral lesioned by stereotaxic microinjections of ibotonic acid. Seven days after neurosurgery, we assessed the total number of White Blood Cells (WBC), the total number of Red Blood Cells (RBC), Red Cell ...

The aim of this research was to study of the relationship between anatomical variations of neurovascular structures adjacent sphenoid sinus with sex and position of appearance by using CT scan. In this retrospective study paranasal sinuses CT scan has been taken from 399 patients (210 male, 189 female) that referred to Imam Khomeini and Apadana Hospitals, Ahwaz, Iran. Furthermore, protrusion and dehiscence of Internal Carotid Artery (ICA), Maxillary Nerve (MN), Vidian Nerve (VN) and Optic Nerve (ON) into the sphenoid sinuses cavity have been investigated by using CT scan results. In 210 male patients the protrusion of interested variables were noticed as: ICA in 102 (48.5%) cases, ON in 80 (38%) cases, MN in 74 (35.5%) cases, and VN in 60 (28.5%) cases, respectively. Also in 189 female patients group the protrusion of ICA, ON, MN, VN were noticed in 65 (34.3%), 66 (34.9%), 62 (32.8%) and 43 (22.7%) cases, respectively. The statistical analysis show significant difference (p = 0.001) of protrusion of ICA between male and female groups. In 210 male patients the dehiscence of ICA, ON, MN, VN were noticed in 82 (39%), 60 (28.5%), 60 (28.5%) and 66 (31.4%) cases, respectively. Also in 189 female patients the dehiscence of interested variables were noticed as: ICA in 85 (44.9%), ON in 87 (46%), MN in 69 (36.5%), VN in 71 (37.5%) cases, respectively. The statistical analysis show significant difference (p = 0.03) of dehiscence of on variable in male and female groups. In order to increase the risk of intra-operative complications detailed preoperative investigation of neurovascular structures in sphenoid sinuses by use of CT scan images should be done properly.

Foreign body in the esophagus is a common emergency presentation. Foreign body aspirations comprise the majority of accidental deaths in childhood. Conventional x-ray imaging is usually obtained to aid the diagnosis during the initial evaluation. The decision for surgical intervention is usually based on a suspicious history, physical examination and radiologic findings. Rigid bronchoscopy is very effective procedure for inhaled foreign body removal with fewer complications. Proper use of diagnostic techniques provides a high degree of success and the treatment modality to be used depending on the type of the foreign body is mostly satisfactory. Live foreign body is a rare entity but common emergency presentation. The approach towards a patient with leech infestation comprises a thorough history and systematic examination followed by relevant investigations. However, there is considerable debate over the most appropriate treatment option for such patients. A living foreign body, or parasite, in the oro-or naso-pharynx is rare in Western countries, but in other parts of the world is a fairly common cause of problems. In the past 10 years 28 cases of foreign bodies due to infestation with leeches were treated in our departments. In all patients, 2-70 years old, the complaint was of recurrent episodes of epistaxis, blood-spitting, odynophagia, dysphagia, dyspnea and hemoptysis several days before admission. Examination showed a green-brown mass protruding from different naso- and oro-pharengeal areas, which is in every case, was a blood-engorged leech. Treatment consisted of removing the leech by applying a forceps to the middle of the leech's body and giving a quick pull. Bleeding ceased immediately after removal of the leech. This review aims to develop a comprehensive approach towards patients presenting with foreign body ingestion by developing clinical practice guidelines. These guidelines address not only the initial evaluation of the patient but also the various management alternatives and their advantages, limitations and applicability in various scenarios, based upon a review of the literature.

This study aimed to determine the effect of 50 days of forced swimming stress on fertilization capacity of rat and subsequent offspring quality. The prospective study designed in vivo. Total 90 Wistar rats including 30 adult male (3 months of age, weighing 210 +/- 10.6 g) and 60 female rats (3 months of age, weighing 230 +/- 12.2 g) were engaged in this study. Male rats were randomly divided in two equal groups (n = 15): Control and experimental groups. Animals of the experimental group were submitted to forced swimming stress for 3 min in water at 32 degrees C daily for 50 days. Then all adult male rats were mated with normal females (2 per each male) for 7 days. Female rats were sacrificed and autopsy was performed on day 20 of pregnancy when uterus and ovaries were examined for the number of corpora lutea, dead and live fetuses, embryo resorption, implantation sites, and fetus weight. Results of this study have important implications for families attempting pregnancy. Stress pursuant to life events may have a negative impact on in vivo fertilization capacity of male rats and subsequent offspring quality.

beta-thalassemia is one of the most frequent hemoglobinopathies and single gene disorders in Iran. About 13 beta globin mutations encompass 70-90% of mutations spectrum in Iran, the rest are rare or unknown. People who do not produce enough alpha globin protein chains have alpha-thalassemia. This is commonly found in Africa, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, southern China, and occasionally the Mediterranean region. There are normally four alpha globin genes, two on each chromosome 16. Individuals who have one or two abnormal alpha globin genes have alpha-thalassemia trait. The aim of this study was to detect alpha-thalassemia in beta-thalassemia carriers during prenatal screening. A total of 158 couples were diagnosed to be discordant alpha- and beta-thalassemia carriers. We used the routine screening for thalassemia which includes full blood counts and indices, hemoglobin electrophoresis and measurement of Hb A(2) level. The standard diagnostic marker for beta-thalassemia is elevation of the Hb A(2) level (>3 x 5%). Low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) with a normal Hb A(2) indicate an alpha-thalassemia carrier. Staining for HbH inclusion bodies is also carried out as part of the screening for alpha thalassemia. The 59 and 39 ends of the breakpoint regions of the -alpha(4 x 2) allele and the normal homologous segments were sequenced in selected individuals. Of the 158 beta-thalassemia partners, seven (4 x 4%) were found to have co-inheritance of alpha(+)-thalassemia, and three (1 x 9%) found to have co-inheritance of alpha(0)-thalassemia. Two pregnancies affected with Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis were terminated in the 158 couples. A sequence haplotype was found in all of the five Iranian -alpha(4 x 2) thalassaemia alleles studied. Based on these findings, a novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) assay was developed for rapid genotyping of the -alpha(4 x 2) allele instead of traditional Southern blotting or Gap-PCR. This method involves amplification of the alpha globin target sequence encompassing these four polymorphic sites, followed by a partially denaturing HPLC analysis using the transgenomic WAVE DNA fragment analysis system. The major genotypes (-alpha(4 x 2)/alpha alpha, -alpha(4 x 2)/--(MED), -alpha(3 x 7)/alpha alpha, -alpha(3 x 7)/-alpha(3 x 7), alpha alpha/--(MED) and alpha alpha/alpha alpha) could be distinguished through the characteristic chromatograms generated by the WAVE system. The results showed that molecular analysis must be used for accurate diagnosis of double heterozygotes in couples presumed to be discordant for alpha- and beta-thalassemia on hematologic testing. The accuracy of this technique was evaluated blindly, and the results were 100% (40 of 40) concordant with the genotypes previously characterized by Southern blotting or Gap-PCR.

Objective The aim of this case control study was to evaluate which cephalometric variables related to craniofacial morphology discriminate between snoring and non-snoring or any other respiratory disease subjects. Materials and Methods Total 42(21 snoring and 21 non-snoring) cephalometric measurements were determined to study the craniofacial morphology. Non-snoring subjects were matched to snoring subjects by age, sex, and body mass index. Snoring was assessed using a sleep behavior questionnaire administered to the patients. The cephalometric radiographs of the study subjects were traced by a single investigator, and 1 angular measurement and 13 linear measurements of hard and soft tissues were recorded. The paired Student’s t test was used to analyze the cephalometric data. Results Vertical position of the hyoid (MP-H) was significantly longer (P<0.05) in snoring subjects (23.44±14.892mm) than non-snoring subjects (12.89±4.540mm). Anterior overbite and anterior over-jet of snoring group ((4.81± 3.265 and 5.83±8.59) were significantly higher (P<0.05) than non-snoring group (0.67±1.441 and 0.54±1.138). No significant differences of the other [11] cephalometric variables were found within groups. Conclusion Snoring subjects appear to present craniofacial factors that differ from those of non-snoring subjects, and we suggest obtaining cephalogram for diagnosis and following up of them.

The main objective was to test the preventive and treatment effects of central injection of estrogen (ES) on muscular rigidity and pallidal EEG in menopausal rats' model of Parkinson's disease (PD). We hypothesized that intrastriatal pretreatment and post-lesion treatment by estrogen improve the pallidal local EEG and muscular stiffness in animal model of menopause with PD. Forty-eight female Wistar rats (300–350 g) were ovariectomized (OVX) and divided into two main groups: Non-pretreated subgroups; sham (S), lesioned (L), post-lesion treated (LT) and pretreated subgroups; pretreated (Pt), pretreated and then lesioned (PtL), pretreated and post-lesion treated (PtLT). Pallidal local EEG was recorded by a bipolar recording electrode and muscle stiffness was scored by Dekundy's test in freely moving rats. Muscle stiffness and pallidal local EEG were indicated as main outcome measures. In pretreated group the local pallidal EEG was decreased in sham-operated rats compared with non-pretreated group (P<0.01), and SNc lesioning decreased EEG in the non-pretreated (P<0.01), while it increased the EEG in the pretreated group (P<0.01). In both groups administration of ES restore the EEG to the respective sham-operated group (P<0.01). Regarding muscle stiffness, it increased after SNc lesioning in both pretreated and non-pretreated groups and ES administration decreased the rigidity significantly (P<0.05, P<0.001 respectively). However, the lesion-induced rigidity in pretreated groups was significantly less than non-pretreated groups (P<0.05). Because of its modulatory effect estrogen may protect dopaminergic neurons from injury and may interfere with the uptake of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the nigral dopaminergic neurons or alter dopamine release and uptake in remaining neurons.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether 50 days of forced swimming stress applied to adult male rats affects count, motility and fertilization capacity of sperm. It is a prospective study designed in vitro. A total 30 adult male wistar rats were used in this study. All rats were divided into two equal groups (n = 15): (1) control group and (2) experimental group. Animals of the experimental group were submitted to force swimming stress for 3 min in water at 32 degrees C daily for 50 days. Then, all male rats were sacrificed, the right epididymides were removed and sperm concentration and motility were determined. The sperm suspension was added to the ova. Fertilization capacity was assessed by counting two-cell embryos 24-26 h after completion of fertilization in vitro. Data are reported as mean +/- SD and percentage. The difference between the control and experimental groups was determined by the unpaired t-test. The mean and standard deviation of sperm concentration in the control and experimental groups were 60.8 +/- 9.3 10 6 /ml and 20.4 +/- 5.3 10 6 /ml, respectively. There was a statistical difference of P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05 between the two groups in terms of sperm concentration. The percentage of motility in the experimental group was significantly different ( P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05). The same results were obtained in case of fertility ( P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05). Stress caused by forced swimming was observed by a significant increase in the latency of the pain response in the hot-plate test ( P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05). These results suggest that forced swimming stress in time course equal or more than spermatogenesis period, i.e. 48-50 days in the rat will be significantly effective to reduce the number and motility of sperms as well as the fertilization capacity.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term forced exercise protocol on passive avoidance retention in morphine-exposed rats. Effects of morphine on acquisition and retrieval of retention have been proven in the avoidance paradigms. Twenty four male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were used in this study. Animals were randomly divided into four groups including: (1) non-morphine-exposed without exercise (nA.nE) (2) non-morphine-exposed with exercise (nA.E) (3) morphine-exposed without exercise (A.nE) and (4) morphine-exposed with exercise (A.E). Rats ran as forced exercise on the motorized treadmill 1 h daily for ten days. Morphine-exposed animals received intraperitoneal morphine during first 5 days of the exercise period and their dependence to morphine was confirmed by naloxane admistration (10 mg kg(-1), i.p.) and withdrawal test. After 10 days of forced exercise, step down latency was tested and Inflexion Ratio (IR) was evaluated in each rat. Baseline step down latencies before any morphine exposing or exercise have shown no significant alteration in all groups. Inflexion Ratio (IR) ofnA.E group has increased significantly (p&amp;lt;0.001) at 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after receiving shock (learning) compared to nA.nE and A.E groups. Our data showed that short-term forced exercise on treadmill improved retention in both morphine-exposed and non morphine-exposed rats at least up to 7 days and more than 14 days, respectively. Alteration in retention between exercised groups may attribute the release of adrenal stress hormones such as epinephrine and corticosterone because of the emotional arousal.

AIMS:The purpose of this study was to determine whether 50 days of forced swimming stress applied to adult male rats affects count, motility and fertilization capacity of sperm.SETTINGS AND DESIGN:It is a prospective study designed in vitro.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A total 30 adult male wistar rats were used in this study. All rats were divided into two equal groups (n = 15): (1) control group and (2) experimental group. Animals of the experimental group were submitted to force swimming stress for 3 min in water at 32°C daily for 50 days. Then, all male rats were sacrificed, the right epididymides were removed and sperm concentration and motility were determined. The sperm suspension was added to the ova. Fertilization capacity was assessed by counting two-cell embryos 24-26 h after completion of fertilization in vitro.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:Data are reported as mean ± SD and percentage. The difference between the control and experimental groups was determined by the unpaired t-test.RESULTS:The mean and standard deviation of sperm concentration in the control and experimental groups were 60.8 ± 9.3 106/ml and 20.4 ± 5.3 106/ml, respectively. There was a statistical difference of P < 0.05 between the two groups in terms of sperm concentration. The percentage of motility in the experimental group was significantly different (P < 0.05). The same results were obtained in case of fertility (P < 0.05). Stress caused by forced swimming was observed by a significant increase in the latency of the pain response in the hot-plate test (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:These results suggest that forced swimming stress in time course equal or more than spermatogenesis period, i.e. 48-50 days in the rat will be significantly effective to reduce the number and motility of sperms as well as the fertilization capacity.

AIMS:This study aimed to determine the effect of 50 days of forced swimming stress on fertilization capacity of rat and subsequent offspring quality.SETTING AND DESIGN:The prospective study designed in vivo.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Total 90 Wistar rats including 30 adult male (3 months of age, weighing 210 ± 10.6 g) and 60 female rats (3 months of age, weighing 230 ± 12.2 g) were engaged in this study. Male rats were randomly divided in two equal groups (n = 15): Control and experimental groups. Animals of the experimental group were submitted to forced swimming stress for 3 min in water at 32°C daily for 50 days. Then all adult male rats were mated with normal females (2 per each male) for 7 days. Female rats were sacrificed and autopsy was performed on day 20 of pregnancy when uterus and ovaries were examined for the number of corpora lutea, dead and live fetuses, embryo resorption, implantation sites, and fetus weight.CONCLUSION:Results of this study have important implications for families attempting pregnancy. Stress pursuant to life events may have a negative impact on in vivo fertilization capacity of male rats and subsequent offspring quality.

Aims:The aim of this study was to report the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the contribution of various risk factors to ROP in the south-western region of Iran.Material and Methods:This cross-sectional case-control series reviewed all low birth weight (LBW, ≤2000 g) neonates and/or neonates less than 32 weeks gestational age who had been hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from 2006 to 2010. The cohort was divided into infants without ROP (nonROP group) and infants with ROP (ROP group). Infants were first examined by a group of pediatric ophthalmologists 6 weeks after delivery, and then were followed every 1-2 weeks until death, discharge or complete retinal avascularization. If an infant developed ROP, further examinations were performed based on the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity Study protocol. Demographic data, medical treatment, and ophthalmic disorders were all statistically analyzed.Results:A total of 576 infants met the criteria for evaluation. Of 576 total patients, 183 infants (32%) (88 males, 95 females) had ROP. There were significant differences between groups in gestational age, body weight, and duration of oxygen administration, and sepsis (P<0.05). Male/female ratio, single and multiple births, and jaundice, phototherapy, and blood transfusion were not significant. The majority of ROP was stage I or II (137, 74.8%). Stage III or greater developed in 46 infants (25.1%) [Note: The ocular history and ocular outcomes are not risk factors.]Conclusions:The incidence of ROP in this study is higher than that in other parts of the world. Awareness and knowledge of ROP and its relative risks need to be reinforced in ophthalmologists and other health practitioners.

ABSTRACT Thalassemia is the most important hemoglobinopathy in Khuzestan province. Thalassemia intermedia (TI) is a genetically heterogenous disease and can result from many different genetic lesions. We report two cases of TI-EMH caused by two separate mechanism and their successful management. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the best diagnostic method in these cases. Management can be done via: Transfusion therapy, Radiotherapy, Hydroxyurea (HU), and Surgery.

Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) is a methodological and systematic approach, which is considered as the most robust form of the empirical medicine as it sorts evidence according to their credibility. It is widely used in clinical decision-making and has several advantages, including:(1) provision of a very well-founded and objective method to adhere to high quality and safety standards in medical practice,(2) facilitation of translation of clinical research findings into clinical practice, and (3) significant reduction of health care costs.

Objective: Foreign body aspirations comprise the majority of accidental deaths in childhood. Diagnostic delay may cause an increase in mortality and morbidity in cases without acute respiratory failure. We report our diagnostic and compare the relevant studies available in literature to our results. Methods: In our Hospital, bronchoscopy was performed on 1015 patients with the diagnosis of foreign body aspirations (from 1998 to 2008). Of these cases, 63.5% were male and 36.5% female.

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether cryopreservation of small volume of sample (spemH-cryoprotectant) was feasible using open pulled straw and also compared the outcomes of open pulled straw and conventional straw a_s carrier for normal human sperm cryopreservation. Semen samples were obtained from 10 men undergoing evaluation for infertility after 3-4 day. s of abstinence.

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the cytotoxic effects of various concentrations of miltefosine on Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) and L. tropica (MHOM/IR/02/Mash10) promastigotes and to observe the programmed cell death features. The colorimetric MTT assay was used to find L. major and L. tropica viability and the obtained results were expressed as 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50). Also, 50% effective doses (ED50) for L. major and L. tropica amastigotes were also determined.

Abstract: The present research was conducted in order to investigate the effects of right-unilateral lesion of substantia nigra neurons by means of Ibotonic acid, a cholinergic-selective neurotoxin, on hematological parameters in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 200±50 g at the start of the experiment were used.

Abstract: As our knowledge no report was given about effect of leukemia inhibitor factor on sperm motility and survival rate of asthenospermic infertile men. That's why this study was decided to review the effects of Leukemia Inhibitor Factor (LIF) with different concentrations of 0, 3, 5, 10, 50 ng mL-1 on motility and survival rate of asthenospermic infertile men.

Abstract: This study aimed to design a reliable homology model of human histamine HI and H4 receptors (hHIR, hH4R), that would guide future biochemical and genetic efforts in its evaluation as a potential therapeutic target. Furthermore, these accurate models could aid in the structure-based inhibitor design for antagonists against the histamine HI and H4 receptors.

The aim of this study was showing the suppressive effect of fish oil supplementation on clinical symptom in rheumatoid arthritis. Forty two patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) entered a trial to determine the clinical and biochemical effects of dietary supplementation with fractionated fish oil fatty acids. A randomized study design with 4 and 8 week treatment periods were used. Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and with disease modifying drugs was continued throughout the study.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of the Ginkgo biloba in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type in slowing down the disease\'s degenerative progression and the patients\'cognitive impairment compared with rivastigmine. Methods: Total 56 patients aged 50-75 years, suffering from dementia, were allocated into one of the two treatments: group 1) Ginkgo biloba (120 mg daily dose); group 2) rivastigmine (4.5 mg daily dose) in a 24-week randomized double blind study.