Phosphodiesterase 4 and 7 inhibitors produce protective effects against high glucose-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells via modulation of the oxidative stress,apoptosis and inflammation pathways

Metabolic Brain Disease - Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is the most common diabetic complication. It is estimated diabetic population will increase to 592 million by the year 2035. This is while at...     

Real life management of chronic urticaria: Multicenter and cross sectional study on patients and dermatologists in Iran

Recently, advances in understanding the etiology of urticaria and updates of diagnostic and therapeutic management guidelines have drawn attention to chronic urticaria (CU) morbidity. The present study aimed to evaluate Iranian dermatologists' practice and real life management of CU patients. A total of 35 dermatologists and 443 patients were included in the study. Number of female patients was 321 (72.5%). Mean (standard deviation) age of the study patients was 38 (13) years and the median (inter quartile range) of disease duration was 12 (6–48) months. Severity of patients' symptoms was mild for 32.1%, moderate for 38.7%, severe for 18.8%, and 10.4% of them had no evident signs or symptoms. The most common diagnostic methods were physical examination (96.6%), differential blood count (83.5%), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (77.4%), and C‐reactive protein (62.8%). The number of dermatologists prescribed nonsedating antihistamines (nsAH) in regular dose and high dose mono therapy were 26 (74%) and 6 (17%), respectively. About 66% of dermatologists were familiar with British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) guideline. The most common first‐line treatment for CU by Iranian dermatologists was nonsedating antihistamines in regular or high doses. The real‐life management of patients with CU in Iran was in accordance with the available practice guidelines.     

D-penicillamine, a potent melanogenesis inhibitor, lacks any depigmenting effect on black guinea pig skin: the first randomized, evaluator-blinded, vehicle-controlled, in vivo study

D-penicillamine is a melanogenesis inhibitor. This in vivo study on ten black guinea pigs using a 5% D-penicillamine ointment showed its lack of any skin-lightening effect. The potential reasons for this ineffectiveness are discussed in the paper, which could be very helpful for researchers exploring new skin-lightening agents.     

Is exclusive breastfeeding and its duration related to cardio respiratory fitness in childhood?

Aims and objective: This study investigated the effect of breastfeeding on cardio respiratory fitness (CRF) in students of Kermanshah, Iran.

Methods and materials: In this retrospective cohort study, 246 students with the mean?±?SD age of 7.28?±?0.50 years, mean breastfeeding?±?SD duration of 8.20?±?10.26 months, and body mass index (BMI) of 16.96?±?3.03?kg/m² participated. Students had no CVD, liver or kidney diseases. Children were categorized in three groups of over 6 months breast-fed (>6 months group), less than 6 months breast-fed (≤6 months group), and formula group. The physician measured CRF calculating VO₂ max; and reported the results as fitness or no fitness. The probable confounders were gender, BMI, fat-free mass, fat mass, mother’s BMI, dietary Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) and folate, beginning time of supplementary nutrition, physical activity, and birth weight.

Results: Breastfeeding more than 6 months was positively associated with CRF (p value?<?0.001) before and after adjustment for confounders. The risk ratio (RR) of no CRF was 3.22 times more than >6 months group. VO₂ max (ml/kg/min) was significantly the highest in >6 months group (p value?=?0.001).

Conclusion: Breastfeeding more than 6 months has positive effects on CRF, and the early nutrition may be a predictor for adolescence physical health.