The Efficacy of an Herbal Medicine, Carmint, on the Relief of Abdominal Pain and Bloating in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Carmint contains total extracts of Melissa officinalis, Mentha spicata, and Coriandrum sativum, which have antispasmodic, carminative, and sedative effects. As abdominal pain/discomfort and bloating are commonly observed in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, we decided to evaluate the effectiveness of Carmint in relieving these symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome patients. We randomly assigned 32 irritable bowel syndrome patients to receive either Carmint or placebo, plus Loperamide or psyllium (based on their predominant bowel function), for 8 weeks. T-test analysis of the results showed that the severity and frequency of abdominal pain/discomfort were significantly lower in the Carmint group than the placebo group at the end of the treatment (P=0.016 and P=0.001, respectively), as were the severity and frequency of bloating (P=0.02 and P=0.002, respectively). This pilot study suggests that Carmint plus loperamide or Carmint plus psyllium (depending on the irritable bowel syndrome subtype) might be effective in these patients.     

Tracheal responsiveness to both isoprenaline and beta2-adrenoreceptor blockade by propranolol in cigarette smoke exposed and sensitized guinea pigs

OBJECTIVE: Airway hyperresponsiveness is the main feature of asthma and also exists in cigarette smokers. In previous studies we have shown increased airway responsiveness to isoprenaline in asthmatic patients and smokers. In this study, tracheal responsiveness to isoprenaline and beta-adrenergic receptor blockade was investigated in animals exposed to cigarette smoke (AECS) with or without sensitization by ovalbumin (OA). METHODOLOGY: Guinea pigs were exposed to cigarette smoke over a 3-month period with or without sensitization by injection and inhalation of OA. Tracheal responses in AECS, AECS + sensitized and control animals (n = 7 for each group) to isoprenaline in the absence and presence of 20 nmol/L propranolol were measured and EC(50) was established. The propranolol blockade (concentration ratio minus one (CR-1)) was calculated (post-propranolol EC(50)/EC(50)) - 1. RESULTS: The tracheal response of AECS and AECS + sensitized guinea pigs to isoprenaline was significantly higher than that of control animals (EC(50): 4.24 +/- 0.54, 3.66 +/- 0.53 and 7.71 +/- 0.68.79 micromol for AECS, AECS + sensitized and control animals, respectively) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in EC(50) between AECS and AECS + sensitized. CR-1 was also significantly higher in the trachea of AECS and AECS + sensitized compared with controls (13.39 +/- 2.22 and 15.35 +/- 2.95 vs. 3.10 +/- 0.6, P < 0.05 in both cases). There was no significant difference in CR-1 between AECS and AECS + sensitized. There was a significant correlation between the tracheal response to isoprenaline (EC(50)) and CR-1 (r =-0.731, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in tracheal maximum response to isoprenaline between the three groups of animals. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate an increased tracheal response to a beta(2)-adrenergic stimulating drug and enhanced beta(2)-adrenergic blockade by propranolol in both AECS and AECS + sensitized. These results suggest similar increase in airway responsiveness to beta(2)-adrenergic agonists and beta(2)-receptor blockade in AECS and AECS + sensitized guinea pigs.     

The effects of volatile salivary acids and bases on exhaled breath condensate pH

RATIONALE: Recent studies have reported acidification of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in inflammatory lung diseases. This phenomenon, designated "acidopnea," has been attributed to airway inflammation. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether salivary acids and bases can influence EBC pH in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Measurements were made of pH, electrolytes, and volatile bases and acids in saliva and EBC equilibrated with air in 10 healthy subjects and 10 patients. RESULTS: The average EBC pH in COPD was reduced (normal, 7.24 +/- 0.24 SEM; range, 6.11-8.34; COPD, 6.67 +/- 0.18; range, 5.74-7.64; p = 0.079). EBCs were well buffered by NH(4)(+)/NH(3) and CO(2)/HCO(3)(-) in all but four patients, who had NH(4)(+) concentrations under 60 micromol/L, and acetate concentrations that approached or exceeded those of NH(4)(+). Saliva contained high concentrations of acetate (approximately 6,000 micromol/L) and NH(4)(+) (approximately 12,000 micromol/L). EBC acetate increased and EBC NH(4)(+) decreased when salivary pH was low, consistent with a salivary source for these volatile constituents. Nonvolatile acids did not play a significant role in determining pH of condensates because of extreme dilution of respiratory droplets by water vapor (approximately 1:12,000). Transfer of both acetic acid and NH(3) from the saliva to the EBC was in the gas phase rather than droplets. CONCLUSIONS: EBC acidification in COPD can be affected by the balance of volatile salivary acids and bases, suggesting that EBC pH may not be a reliable marker of airway acidification. Salivary acidification may play an important role in acidopnea.     

Detection of human cytomegalovirus in glioma tumor tissues

A brain tumor that develops from glial cells is called a glioma. About half of all primary brain tumors form from glial cells. Gliomas are divided into subgroups, depending on the origin of the glial cells. Detection of human cytomegalovirus in tumor tissues of glioma patient was performed for the first time in Iran. These data show an association between human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and malignant gliomas and suggest that HCMV may play an active role in glioma pathogenesis. Cytomegalovirus surgical biopsy specimens of glioma tissues (n?=?28) and non-tumor brain tissues (n?=?8) were obtained. Total DNA of specimens was extracted, and then, extracted DNA was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction for evidence of HCMV nucleic acids. Here, we show that a high percentage of malignant gliomas are infected by HCMV. Seventy-five percent of grade 4 glioma, 57 % of grade 3 glioma, and 33 % of grade 2 glioma were HCMV positive. All specimens of grade 1 glioma and control tissues were HCMV negative. The relationship between the grade of glioma and the presence of HCMV is significant (P value?=?0.035). Fisher exact test was used for statistical analysis.     

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic pathogens among HIV-positive individuals in Iran

Parasites are important enteric pathogens among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. There have been very few reports on the prevalence of intestinal parasites among such patients in Iran. To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among HIV-positive individuals, we collected single stool samples and analyzed them for detection of various intestinal parasites from 206 HIV-positive individuals with different immune status visited in different medical centers in Iran. The data were tested for statistical significance with chi(2) and Mann-Whitney U tests. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 18.4% (95%CI: 13.7, 24.3). More specifically, the following parasites were identified: Giardia lamblia (7.3%), Blastocystis hominis (4.4%), Entamoeba coli (3.9%), and Cryptosporidium parvum (1.5%). Other parasites observed included Strongyloides stercoralis and Hymenolepis nana in two cases and Dicrocoelium dendriticum in one. Of the 38 patients who tested positive for intestinal parasites, 15 (39.2%) had diarrhea. Intestinal parasites were significantly more common among patients with diarrhea than those without (P < 0.001). Further, CD4 counts were significantly lower among individuals with diarrhea than those without (P < 0.001). This study highlights the importance of testing for intestinal parasites among Iranian HIV-positive patients, especially those with low immunity presenting with diarrhea.     

Expression of recombinant parvalbumin from wolf-herring fish and determination of its IgE-binding capability

In this study, we produced the recombinant form of parvalbumin from wolf-herring fish and determined its IgE reactivity. Parvalbumin cDNA was sub-cloned into pET28 and expressed in Escherichia coli BL-21. The immunoreactivities of the recombinant and native parvalbumins were compared, and the effect of calcium binding was determined by sera from 25 fish-allergic patients. ELISA and Western blotting confirmed similar IgE-reactivities of the recombinant and native proteins and confirmed that this phenomenon is highly dependent on calcium binding. The recombinant protein was 94.5% similar to carp parvalbumin (Cyp c1). Approximately 72% of patients reacted strongly with recombinant parvalbumin, 80% of them reacted with the native form and only 56% showed IgE reactivity with crude extract. Because the IgE-binding capacity of recombinant wolf-herring parvalbumin is retained and is highly similar to Cyp c1, the wild and hypoallergenic forms of this allergen could be used for diagnosis and immunotherapy of fish allergy, respectively.     

Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor,a potent adjuvant for polarization to Th‐17 pattern: an experience on HIV‐1 vaccine model

Cytokines are mediators for polarization of immune response in vaccines. Studies show that co‐immunization of DNA vaccines with granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) can increase immune responses. Here, experimental mice were immunized with HIV‐1_{tat/pol/gag/env} DNA vaccine with GM‐CSF and boosted with recombinant vaccine. Lymphocyte proliferation with Brdu and CTL activity, IL‐4, IFN‐γ, IL‐17 cytokines, total antibody, and IgG1 and IgG2a isotypes were assessed with ELISA. Results show that GM‐CSF as adjuvant in DNA immunization significantly increased lymphocyte proliferation and IFN‐γ cytokines, but CTL response was tiny increased. Also GM‐CSF as adjuvant decreased IL‐4 cytokine vs mere vaccine group. IL‐17 in the group that immunized with mixture of DNA vaccine/GM‐CSF was significantly increased vs DNA vaccine group. Result of total antibody shows that GM‐CSF increased antibody response in which both IgG1 and IgG2a increased. Overall, results confirmed the beneficial effect of GM‐CSF as adjuvant to increase vaccine immunogenicity. The hallmark result of this study was to increase IL‐17 cytokine with DNA vaccine/GM‐CSF immunized group. This study for the first time provides the evidence of the potency of GM‐CSF in the induction of IL‐17 in response to a vaccine, which is important for control of infection such as HIV‐1.     

Effects of Pentoxifylline on Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial in Iran

Background:

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Several studies suggest that pentoxifylline (PTX) can improve the disease outcome.

Objectives:

We aimed to compare the effect of pentoxifylline with placebo on liver aminotransferases and cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 8 (IL-8) in patients with NASH.

Patients and Methods:

Thirty patients with NASH were included in the study, based on ultrasonography and 1.5-fold mean change from baseline serum levels of liver aminotransferases. Patients with NASH were randomized to receive 1200 mg PTX (the intervention group) or placebo (the placebo group) for 6 months. The serum levels of liver aminotransferases and cytokines were compared between the intervention and placebo groups, at various time points.

Results:

The serum levels of liver aminotransferases were significantly reduced at 3 months and at 6 months, compared with baseline, in both groups. The serum levels of IL-6 were significantly decreased, in both groups, only at 6 months, compared with baseline. Compared to the placebo group, the serum level of TNF-α was significantly decreased in the intervention group, at 6 months. The serum level of IL-8 was increased, in both groups, after 6 months, without reaching clinical significance. There was no significant difference in serum levels of liver aminotransferases and cytokines, between intervention and placebo groups.

Conclusions:

Decreases in the serum levels of liver aminotransferases and cytokines, in both groups, are related to low-calorie diets and exercise, rather than PTX.     

The role of peer support education model on the quality of life and self-care behaviors of patients with myocardial infarction

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the effect of peer education on the quality of life and self-care behaviors of patients with myocardial infarction.MethodsIn this clinical trial, 70 patients with myocardial infarction meeting the inclusion criteria were assigned to experimental (n = 35) or control (n = 35) groups using block randomization. Patients in the intervention group received two one-hour training sessions on the third day after myocardial infarction during the CCU stay along with routine care. Education intervention was performed by peers. The control group will follow routine care. All patients selected were assessed using McNews' quality of life questionnaire and Miller self-care questionnaire, respectively before the intervention and also one month after discharge. Chi-square and t-test were used to analyze the data.ResultsAfter the intervention, the mean of quality of life and the mean score of self-care behaviors in the experimental group were significantly higher compared to the control group.ConclusionsAccording to the results, to improve the quality of life and promote the self-care behaviors in such patients, using peer education along with healthcare professionals is recommended.Practice ImplicationThis patient education approach had a significant impact on quality of life and self-care behavior.