Background & aim: The effect of fenugreek leaf extract on sex hormones in menopause rat Abstract Background and Objective: Menopause is accompanied by ovarian dysfunction and a decrease in sex hormones, which more or less affects the physical and mental health of women. It is important to provide treatment solutions with minimal side effects. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) may be a good option, because it contains phytoestrogenic and some antioxidant compounds. Fenugreek seed and leaves with scientific name Trigonella foenum-graecum L are used widely as food and medicine. Considering the mentioned properties of this plant, its consumption may be effective in reducing the undesirable effects of menopause. Methods: This experimental and randomized study was conducted in 2024. After preparing hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek leaves and determining the lethal dose, 48 adult female desert rats weighing 180-200g were selected and divided into 6 groups including control, untreated menopausal rats, and 2 treatment groups including menopausal model rats and two non-menopausal treatment groups. Menopause induction was performed by daily injection of 7mg/kg.bw of cisplatin for 5 days. The rats in both models were treated with doses of 250 and 500mg/kg.bw of fenugreek hydroalcoholic extract by daily gavage. At the end of the treatment period (24 days). After taking blood from rat’s hearts, the serum concentration of gonadotropins and sex hormones was measured by radioimmunoassay method, the oxidative stress factors were measured by ELISA method. The obtained data were analyzed with SPSS software and ANOVA test and compared with Tukey's test at a significance level of P≤0.05.After preparing the hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek leaves, and determining lethal dose, 48 adult female rats (200-180grams) were divided into groups as control, sham (menopausal model rats injected with 15 ml of cisplatin) and 4 treatment groups include 2 groups of menopausal model rats and two non-menopausal groups that consumed 5 and 10 ml of hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek by gavage for 24 days. At the end of treatment, blood collection from the rat’s heart was obtained, and gonadotropins, sex hormones, and some oxidative stress factors were measured. The obtained data were analyzed with appropriate statistical software at a significance level of P<0.5. Results: The serum concentration of testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol hormones were significantly decreased in menopausal model rats compared to control, but luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone showed a significant increase. These hormones were significantly modulated by the consumption of fenugreek leaf hydroalcoholic extract (especially at a dose of 500mg/kg.bw). An increase in malondialdehyde enzyme in menopause induced rats, and its compensation with the consumption of the extract was observed. Also, an increase in total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase was observed in treatment groups with this extract compared to the untreated menopausal group. In menopausal model rats, testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol hormones decreased compared to controls, but luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone showed a significant increase (p<0.05), which was modulated by the consumption of hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek leaves (two doses). An increase in malondialdehyde as a result of menopause induction, and its compensation by consuming the extract, as well as an increase in total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase, especially in non-menopausal rats, was observed. Serum levels of catalase enzyme did not show significant differences in different groups. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, and observation of the modulating effect of hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek leaf on the sex hormones, and some factors of oxidative stress, we can hope to the positive effect of this plant in reducing the adverse effects of menopause with an emphasis on its antioxidant properties. Although more research is necessary to make a definitive statement. Considering the modulating effect of fenugreek leaf extract on gonadotropins and sex hormones, especially estradiol, in non-menopausal mice and the reduction in the stress index (malondialdehyde) and the increase in the antioxidant enzymes studied (total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase) as a result of consuming the aforementioned extract even in menopausal groups, one can hope for its beneficial effect in reducing the adverse effects of menopause to some extent. In order to make a definitive statement in this regard, more relevant research is recommended.
Background & aim: Endothelial function is a critical biomarker of cardiovascular health, regulated by the production and release of vasoactive mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1). While physical activity is an effective strategy to prevent endothelial dysfunction, the optimal timing of exercise concerning circadian rhythms remains a subject of interest. This study aimed to compare the effects of morning and evening walking on plasma levels of NO and ET-1 in healthy middle-aged men. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study conducted in 2025, 40 healthy men (aged 50–60 years) were randomly assigned to either a morning exercise group (n=20) or an evening exercise group (n=20). The participants engaged in a 12-week walking program, consisting of three sessions per week at an intensity of 65% to 70% of their maximum heart rate. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline and 48 hours after the final training session to measure plasma NO and ET-1 levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing dependent t-tests for within-group comparisons and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) for between-group differences. Results: Following the 12-week intervention, plasma NO levels increased significantly in both the morning and evening exercise groups (increases of 0.9 pg/mL and 1.06 pg/mL, respectively; P<0.01); however, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (P>0.05). Conversely, plasma ET-1 levels decreased significantly in both groups (decreases of 1 pg/mL in the morning and 1.26 pg/mL in the evening; P< 0.01). Notably, the reduction in ET-1 was significantly greater in the evening group compared to the morning group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Twelve weeks of moderate-intensity walking improves endothelial function in middle-aged men by increasing the vasodilator NO and decreasing the vasoconstrictor ET-1. While both exercise timings were beneficial, evening walking appears to be more effective in reducing ET-1 levels, potentially offering greater cardiovascular benefits related to vascular tone regulation.
Background & aim: Ensuring that healthcare professionals possess adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and standardized practices regarding radiation safety is paramount in high-risk environments such as angiography, CT angiography, and interventional operating suites. This study aimed to assess the levels of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) among interventional radiology staff in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province and to identify the demographic and professional factors influencing these outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2024, involving 102 employees from interventional radiology departments across three hospitals in Yasuj, Dehdasht, and Gachsaran. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic and occupational variables, radiation-related work experience, and history of radiation protection training. KAP scores were categorized into three levels: good, average, and poor. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, employing Chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: The study population included 56 males (54.9%) and 46 females (45.1%). Overall, 49.0% of respondents demonstrated a "good" level of KAP. The mean total score was 102.6 ± 20.5, with specific mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice being 35.5 ± 10.2, 29.6 ± 4.3, and 37.5 ± 8.2, respectively. Total KAP, knowledge, and attitude scores showed significant statistical correlations with age and marital status (P < 0.05). Furthermore, education level and job titles significantly influenced the scores. Participants with more extensive general and radiation-specific work experience, as well as those who had completed both basic and advanced radiation protection training courses, achieved significantly higher scores. Conclusion: These findings provide a valuable evidence base for healthcare policymakers to enhance radiation safety protocols and foster a robust safety culture in high-risk interventional settings. Since demographic and professional factors—particularly education, job title, and specialized experience—are key determinants of compliance with safety standards, implementing mandatory, periodic, and advanced radiation protection training programs is highly recommended.
Background & aim: Mobile health(mHealth) applications have emerged as pivotal tools for enhancing medication adherence, leveraging high accessibility and the widespread penetration of smartphones. The clinical effectiveness of these tools is directly influenced by their quality in terms of design, functionality, data security, and user experience. Despite the growing adoption of mHealth in Iran, systematic evaluations of these applications remain scarce. This study aimed to identify and assess the quality of medication adherence applications available in the Iranian market. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, and applied study conducted in 2022. Applications were identified through the Cafe Bazaar platform using the keywords "drug," "pharmacy," and "medication reminder." Following a screening process, eight eligible applications were selected for detailed evaluation. Data were collected using a researcher-developed functional checklist and the standardized Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Assessment was performed by four independent raters (two health information technology specialists, one clinical pharmacist, and one epidemiologist). Inter-rater reliability was analyzed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Results: From an initial pool of 1,336 applications, eight met the inclusion criteria. While more than half of the evaluated apps were up-to-date and all featured basic data security, multi-user support, and offline reminders, significant gaps were identified. Critical features—including robust privacy protection policies, adherence scoring systems, and comprehensive statistical adherence reports—were absent across all evaluated applications. Overall, the quality of the applications was heterogeneous, with only a limited few possessing the majority of expected functional and operational capabilities. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that while mHealth applications for medication adherence in Iran provide basic functionalities, they fall significantly short of international standards and lack critical features. The absence of privacy safeguards and longitudinal adherence feedback are major deficiencies. Development of these tools requires a more rigorous adherence to evidence-based design and security protocols to ensure both user trust and clinical utility.
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Hydroalcoholic Extract Against Standard and Clinical Strains of Escherichia Coli Compared with Conventional Antibiotics Hedayat SJ1, Ebrahimi H1, Sharifi A2, Eilami O3, Saeedinejad Z4, Khosravani SM1, Khosravani SA2* 1Student Research Committee, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran, 2Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran, 3 HIV/AIDS Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, 4Department of Internal Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran Received Date: 13 Apr 2025 Accepted Date: 13 Oct 2025 Abstract Background & aim: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent infectious diseases, frequently caused by Escherichia coli. The escalating antibiotic resistance of this bacterium, driven by widespread antibiotic use and the transfer of resistance genes, has intensified therapeutic challenges. Teucrium polium L. rich in bioactive compounds such as monoterpenes and polyphenols, has been valued in traditional medicine. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine and evaluate the antibacterial activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Teucrium polium L. against standard and clinical strains of Escherichia coli in comparison with conventional antibiotics. Methods: This is an experimental study in which the hydroalcoholic extract of Teucrium polium L. was prepared by the maceration method from plant samples collected in the city of Yasuj. The standard E. coli strain (ATCC 25922) and clinical isolates from UTI patients were tested. The susceptibility of the strains to antibiotics, including nitrofurantoin, gentamicin, cotrimoxazole, cefepime, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin, was assessed using the disk diffusion method. The antibacterial activity of the extract was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) via the microdilution method, and the zone of inhibition (ZOI) diameter. The collected data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, one-way ANOVA, independent t-test, and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Both standard and clinical E. coli strains were susceptible to the tested antibiotics. The MIC of the T. polium extract was 62.5 μg/mL for the standard strain and ranged from 31.25 to 62.5 μg/mL for clinical isolates. The MBC ranged from 125 to 250 μg/mL. No stastically significant differences were observed between the MIC and MBC of standard and clinical strains (pvalue>0.05). The ZOI diameter was larger for the standard strain compared to clinical isolates, though this difference was not statistically significant (P.value>0.05). The T. polium extract exhibited considerable antibacterial activity, albeit less potent than some antibiotics. Conclusions: The hydroalcoholic extract of T. polium demonstrates antibacterial potential against E. coli and could serve as a natural adjunct to address antibiotic resistance. Further studies are recommended to investigate its toxicity and identify active compounds. These findings underscore the significance of medicinal plants in developing novel therapeutic strategies.
