Background: Autism spectrum is a type of developmental-neurodegenerative disease commonly reflected in social communications and associated with oxidative stress in the brain. Vitamins D and E, as strong antioxidants, may improve autistic-like behavioral disorders. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of vitamins D and E on pain, threshold, motor coordination, and anxiety behavior, as well as oxidative stress parameters in an autistic model in rats. Methods: We induced an experimental model of congenital autism in the rat by injection of valproic acid (500 mg/kg) into pregnant rats on the day 12.5th of gestation. From postnatal day 30 to 60, male offspring received daily injections of vitamins D (5 µg/kg) and/or E (10 mg/kg) or vehicle. Next, their anxiety levels were assessed with the elevated plus maze and open field, pain thresholds with hot plate, motor and balance with rotarod, and spatial learning and memory with T-maze. The rat brain was then removed to measure oxidative markers, including Malondialdehyde, Glutathione, and Catalase. Results: Results indicated that injection of valproic acid-induced autistic-like behaviors, including increased pain threshold, increased anxiety, decreased exploring behaviors, reduced balance power, and motor learning, and produced oxidative stress. Administration of vitamins D and E significantly ameliorated these symptoms. Conclusions: These findings may indicate that vitamins D and E improved sensory, motor, anxiety, and cognitive deficits in an experimental model of autism, probably by reducing the oxidative stress and inflammatory process or maintaining balance in the neurotransmitter system.

Abstract Background Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) may enhance the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. This study investigated the effect of Prangos ferulacea (L.) on behavioral alterations, hippocampal oxidative stress markers, and apoptotic deficits in a rat model of autism induced by valproic acid. Methods Pregnant rats received VPA (600 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) or saline on gestational day 12.5 (E 12.5). Starting from the 30th postnatal day (PND 30), the pups were i.p. administered Prangos ferulacea (PF, 100 and 200 mg/kg), or the vehicle, daily until PND 58. On PND 30 and 58, various behavioral tasks were used to evaluate pups, including the open field, elevated plus‐maze, hot‐plate, and rotarod test. On PND 65, the animals were euthanized, and their brains were removed for histopathological and biochemical assay. Results Prenatal exposure to VPA caused significant behavioral changes in the offspring, reversed by administering an extract of Prangos ferulacea (L.). Additionally, prenatal VPA administration resulted in increased levels of malondialdehyde and deficits in antioxidant enzyme activities in the hippocampus, including catalase and glutathione, ameliorated by PF. Likewise, postnatal treatment with PF improved VPA‐induced dysregulation of Bax and Blc2 in the hippocampus and reduced neuronal death in CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that postnatal administration of PF can prevent VPA‐induced ASD‐like behaviors by exhibiting antiapoptotic and antioxidant properties. Therefore, PF may have the potential as an adjunct in the management of ASD.

Introduction: Previous studies indicated that Launaea acanthodes (LA) can be effective against epilepsy, nervous disorder, local and articular pain and convulsion disorders. The aim of this study was to assessment the antinoceceptive effects of LA on peripheral and visceral pain in mice by using hot plate (HP), tail flick (TF), formalin (FT) and writhing (WR) tests. Materials and Methods: In this study 160 young adult male albino mice (25-30 g) were used (n = 8 in each group). Aqueous extract of LA gum (50, 100, and 200 mg/Kg IP) and saline (SAL) were injected 30 min before the pain evaluation tests. Acute and chronic pain was assessed by HP, TF and FT models and visceral pain was assessed by writhing test. Results: Results indicated that LA has analgesic effects (P< 0.05) in comparison with the control and saline groups and higher dose of LA was more effective (P< 0.001). Conclusion: The above findings showed that LA have modulatory effects on acute, chronic and visceral pain

This study examined the effects of low frequency magnetic field (MF) on tolerance to analgesic effect of morphine in rats. Rats were made tolerant to morphine by injecting morphine (10 mg/kg, s) once daily for 8 consecutive days. Rats were simultaneously exposed to an MF (50 Hz at 1, 50, and 100 μT for 30 min) before, immediately, or 30 min after injection of morphine, and also exposed to a 0.5, 6, 12, and 30 Hz at 100 μT for 30 min before injection of morphine. The percentage of maximum possible effect of morphine (% MPE) was measured on the 1st, 4th, and 8th days by hot plate test. We observed that MF radiation (50 Hz at 1 µT and 30 Hz at 100 µT) immediately before and MF radiation (50 Hz at 100 µT) after morphine injection prevented the development of morphine tolerance compared to control. Also, we found that exposure to MF (50 Hz at 1, 50, and 100 µT) 30 min after injection of morphine failed to maintain the analgesic effect of morphine. Our results showed that exposure to low frequency electromagnetic field (30 and 50 Hz) immediately before or after the injection of morphine may be a potential method for treating the development of morphine tolerance in rats. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:618–625, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Previous studies have shown that Securigera securidaca L. seed (SS) has anti-epileptic, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, hypokalemic, hypoglycemic, diuretic and anticonvulsant effects. The present study was designed to test the role of opiate system in the anti-nociceptive effects of hydroalcoholic extract of SS on acute, chronic, and visceral pain in mice using Hot Plate (HP), Tail Flick (TF), Formalin (FT) and writhing tests. Young adult male albino mice (25-30 grams) in twenty groups (n = 8) were used in this study. Vehicle (VEH) and SS (100, 200, and 500 mg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally thirty minutes before the pain evaluation tests. Acute and chronic pain was assessed by HP, TF and FT models, and visceral pain was assessed by writhing test. Results indicated that SS had analgesic effects (p<0.05) in comparison with the control group, and higher dose of SS was more effective (p<0.001). Besides, pretreatment of naloxone (NAL) modulates the anti-nociceptive effects of SS in all models. The above findings showed that SS had modulatory effects on pain. These findings further indicate the existence of an interaction between anti-nociceptive effects of SS and opiate system.

Background: Ionizing radiation irradiated from iodine-131 can induce DNA damage and cell death. The cellular DNA damage is the cause of mutation and cancer. The micronucleus assay in polychromatic erythrocytes was applied to assess the radio-protective effect of Turmeric extract on genotoxic potential of iodine therapy. Materials and Methods: Thirty six male albino rats were randomly divided in six groups. A single dose (200 or 500 mg/kg) of Turmeric extract was injected to the rats 30 min before iodine therapy. Iodine-131 (5.55 MBq) was administrated intra peritoneal to the experimental animals. The percentage of micronuclei in PCE, NCE and ratio of PCE / (PCE + NCE) was determined 48 h after iodine injection for each experimental group to assess iodine-131 radiation effects with or without Turmeric extract. Results: Iodine therapy showed a significant increase in the number of micronucleus formation. The animals treated with different doses of Turmeric extract + iodine showed a significant reduction in the frequency of micronucleus compared to the animals treated with iodine-131 alone. Both doses of Turmeric extract had the same effect when injected 30 min prior to iodine therapy. Conclusion: Our results indicate protective effect of Turmeric extract against genetic damages induced by iodine-131 administration.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION:Oxidative stress has a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Propolis and its constituents have a wide range of medicinal properties against oxidative stress. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-oxidant effects of ethanolic extracts of propolis on kidneys in diabetes mellitus rats.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A total of 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following five groups: control, diabetes mellitus, diabetes mellitus with vehicle treatment, diabetes mellitus with propolis treatment (100 mg/kg) and diabetes mellitus with propolis treatment (200 mg/kg). Diabetes mellitus in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Diabetic groups were treated with vehicle or ethanolic extracts of Iranian propolis for 6 weeks. Serum concentration of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were measured.RESULTS:The results showed that Iranian propolis significantly inhibited bodyweight loss in diabetes mellitus rats. The propolis extracts significantly reduced serum glucose levels and kidney weight in diabetes mellitus rats (P < 0.001). Furthermore, propolis extracts significantly reduced the malondialdehyde content, and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.001) along with the total anti-oxidant activity in the kidney tissue of diabetes mellitus rats. In the kidneys of the diabetes mellitus and vehicle group, the glomerular basement membrane thickness and glomerular area were significantly increased. Treatment of diabetes mellitus rats with the propolis extract significantly reduced the glomerular basement membrane thickness and glomerular area.CONCLUSIONS:The present study results showed that the Iranian propolis extract could enhance the anti-oxidant levels and histopathological changes in the kidneys of rats. The final results showed that most of the favorable effects of propolis are mediated by a reduction of blood glucose levels in diabetic animals.

Introduction: Ferula persica (F. persica) have been used as lowering blood pressure (BP) in traditionalmedicine, but its therapeutic effects are not yet known in new medicine. So, in this study, the acute andchronic effects of F.persica aqueous extract were investigated on normal BP of rats.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male wistar rats (250-300gr) were randomlydivided to four acute groups (n=7). Femoral artery and vein was catheterized for BP recording and extractor vehicle injected in pentobarbital sodium anesthetized rats. To evaluate chronic extract of F.persicaeffects on BP, the F.persica extract (30 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was orally administrated in two groups (n=6)for a month. Systolic BP was recorded non-invasively from the tail at the beginning and the end of theexperiment.Results: Intravenous administration of aqueous F. persica extract with 15, 30 or 60 mg/kg dosagesignificantly reduced mean arterial BP of anesthetized rats by 32%, 42% and 55% respectively (p<0.001).Chronic oral administration of extract or vehicle for a month had no effect on systolic BP of conscious rats.Also there is no significant difference in heart rate in different experimental groups.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that intravenous injection of aqueous F. persica extractreduces BP. So, plant component identification and it can be used for hypertensive patients

Background & Objectives: One of the common approaches for teacher evaluation is evaluation by students and in this relation considering the opinions of teachers as main targets of this process is important The aim of this study was a systematic review of the researches performed about the opinions of faculty members of the country towards evaluation of teacher by students Methods: The abstracts of 1750 papers presented in Iran Medical Education Congresses since 1979 as well as related articles indexed in Iranian databases and International databases (PubMed & Scopus) were reviewed by using keywords such as teacher evaluation evaluation by student self evaluation quality of teaching professors viewpoints education process satisfaction teaching method evaluation studies and feedback After a primary review 47 papers from different universities were selected and reviewed by different research groups Finally the obtained data were emerged based on criteria defined in groups common meetings Results : Satisfaction rate of faculty members from evaluation was 478% and the effect of feed backing the evaluation results was 712% The highest satisfaction rate was related to the time of evaluation (mean 655%) and the majority of teachers believed that Education Development Center (EDC) is the best center for evaluation Mean score of selfevaluations by professors was higher than that Was done by students and there was poor correlation between these scores Conclusion: regarding to low satisfaction rate and weaknesses in this type of evaluation basic revisions and using multi source Fedback(MSF) for teachers are recommended

Our previous study showed that Coriandrum sativum (CS) has antinociceptive effects, but the mechanisms that mediate this effect are not clear. The present study was designed to test the role of opiate system in the antinociceptive effects of CS on acute and chronic pain in mice using Hot Plate (HP), Tail Flick (TF) and Formalin (FT) tests and also to compare its effect with dexamethasone (DEX) and stress (ST). Young adult male albino mice (25-30 g) in 33 groups (n = 8 in each group) were used in this study. CS (125 250, 500 and 1000 mg/Kg IP), DEX (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/Kg IP), vehicle (VEH) or swim stress were used 30 min before the pain evaluation tests. Acute and chronic pain was assessed by HP, TF and FT models. In addition, Naloxone (NAL, 2 mg/Kg, IP) was injected 15 min before the CS extract administration in order to assess the role of opiate system in the antinociception of CS. Results indicated that CS, DEX and ST have analgesic effects (p < 0.01) in comparison with the control group and higher dose of CS was more effective (p < 0.001). Besides, pretreatment of NAL modulates the antinociceptive effects of CS in all models (p < 0.001). The above findings showed that CS, DEX and ST have modulator effects on pain. These findings further indicate that the CS extract has more analgesic effects than DEX and ST and also provides the evidence for the existence of an interaction between antinociceptive effects of CS and opiate system.

Introduction: Several studies have demonstrated the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, sedative and smooth muscle relaxant activities of the Valeriane Officinalis (VO), Satureja Hortensis (SH), and Mentha Piperita (MP). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the aqueous or hydroalcoholic extracts from these plants on morphine withdrawal syndrome signs in mice. Materials and Methods: 112 male albino mice (25-30 g) were used. Morphine was used to produce drug dependency by Marshall method. Different doses of the aqueous extracts of VO (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) and SH (25, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg IP) and the hydroalcoholic extract of MP (50, 100, 200, 500 mg/kg IP) were injected to morphine-dependent mice 30 min before the naloxone injection (2mg/kg). Control mice received saline. The severity of the morphine withdrawal responses was estimated by recordeing the number of jumping and the amount of weight feces during 3o min after naloxone injection. Results: The results showed that the extracts of VO (25 mg/kg), SH (200 mg/kg), and MP (all doses) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the number of jumping. Also, the VO (50 and 100 mg/kg), SH and MP (all tested doses) significantly decreased the weight of stool Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the extracts of VO, SH, and MP may diminish the morphine withdrawal syndrome signs.

In this investigation, the effect of Matricaria chamomilla extract on linear incisional wound healing was studied. Thirty male Wistar rats were subjected to a linear 3 cm incision made over the skin of the back. The animals were randomly divided into three experimental groups, as control, olive oil, and treatment. Control group did not receive any drug or cold cream. Olive oil group received topical olive oil once a day from beginning of experiments to complete wound closure. Treatment group were treated topically by M. chamomilla extract dissolved in olive oil at the same time. For computing the percentage of wound healing, the area of the wound measured at the beginning of experiments and the next 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, and 20 days. The percentage of wound healing was calculated by Walker formula after measurement of the wound area. Results showed that there were statistically significant differences between treatment and olive oil animals (p < 0.05) in most of the days. We conclude that the extract of M. chamomilla administered topically has wound healing potential in linear incisional wound model in rats.

Previous studies indicate that Matricaria chamomilla (MC), a folk remedy plant, is very useful in the treatment of spasmogenic bowel diseases but the way of its action is not clear. For this purpose, we studied the effect of MC extract on the electrically activation in Guinea-Pig ileum in an invitro model. We used guinea pig in this study. After of kill, we brouhght out a piece of ileum and fixed it in organ bath. After adaptation of the tissue, we used electrical stimulation and recorded the response by physiograph. Stimulation of guinea pig ileum at 0.1 Hz in normal Tyrode solution resulted in increase of electrical activity and twitch contractions of this muscle. Results indicated that addition of MC during 0.1 Hz stimulation diminished and enhanced this electrical activity in a dose dependent manner. High concentration of MC significantly increased electrical stimulation of ileum (P

In this investigation, the effect of Matricaria chamomilla extract on linear incisional wound healing was studied. Thirty male Wistar rats were subjected to a linear 3 cm incision made over the skin of the back. The animals were randomly divided into three experimental groups, as control, olive oil, and treatment. Control group did not receive any drug or cold cream. Olive oil group received topical olive oil once a day from beginning of experiments to complete wound closure. Treatment group were treated topically by M. chamomilla extract dissolved in olive oil at the same time. For computing the percentage of wound healing, the area of the wound measured at the beginning of experiments and the next 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, and 20 days. The percentage of wound healing was calculated by Walker formula after measurement of the wound area. Results showed that there were statistically significant differences between treatment and olive oil animals (p < 0.05) in most of the days. We conclude that the extract of M. chamomilla administered topically has wound healing potential in linear incisional wound model in rats.

Background: Purtulaca pleracea (PO) overgrows in the different parts of Iran. In previous studies, the extract of P.O showed antinociceptive, anxiolytic and anti inflammation effects in Mice and rats. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate different doses of the aqueous extracts of PO on withdrawal syndrome on mice. Methods: In this study, 40 male albino mice (25-30 gr) were used. Morphine was used to produce drug dependency by Marshall Method (10 doses of drug in four days). Different doses of the extract. (25, 50, 75 mg/kg IP) were injected to the separated groups and saline (10 ml/kg - ip) were injected to the one control group 30 min before of noloxone 2 mg/kg. The number of Jumping and amount of weight losses were used for assessment of classic withdrawal syndrome sign. Results: The results indicated that the extract of PO significantly decreased the number of Jumping (p= 0.000) and also weight losses in 25 mg doses of extract (dose-dependent) in mice (p = 0.045). Conclusion: It is concluded that the aqueous extract of PO may be play an important role on the modulation of withdrawal syndrome in mice.