حضور و سرنوشت آلاينده‌هاي نوپديد 17 بتا استراديول و تستوسترون در فاضلاب و پساب بيمارستاني: تاثير فرآيندهاي لجن فعال و كلريناسيون

Widespread and unsupervised use of pesticides in the rice fields of northern Iran has greatly increased the concern about their presence in drinking water resources. This study aimed to determine the effect of spraying of rice fields on the concentration of diazinon in rural underground drinking water resources with depth and water table of about 120 and 30 m respectively. Sampling was performed at regular intervals, before the first and after the last spraying. Diazinon extraction was carried out by USEPA liquid-liquid extraction method and the concentration of diazinon was measured by GC / Mass Spectrometry. No diazinon was observed in any of water resources before spraying, while the average concentration of diazinon after spraying was 0.005 +/- 0.007 mu g/l. Also there was a significant difference in diazinon concentration between water resources after spraying rice fields. There was a reverse significant correlation between the diazinon concentration and longitudinal distance from water resources to rice farms. Moreover, there was a significant direct correlation between the diazinon concentration in post-spraying samples and water turbidity. In general, spraying rice fields can cause diazinon to enter underground water resources near farms and it can be present in water resources for at least one month after the last spraying.

Introduction and Objectives: Today researchers are trying to find the anti-diabetic effects of dietary and medicinal plants as alternative medicines and chemicals, which have been traditionally used for centuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic effects of the extract of Prosopis farcta on adult male rats and glucose uptake activity in 3T3 L1 adipocyte cells. Results: Groups treated with the doses of 40 mg/kg BW of the extract Towered the blood glucose levels similar to glibenclamide. A significant decrease in plasma glucose levels was shown in the rats treated with 60 mg/kg BW of the extract compared with the group treated with glibenclamide. The results of this study indicate that the glucose-lowering property of the Prosopis farcta extract is more effective than glibenclamide. The maximum blood plasma glucose level lowering was shown after 2 days of treatment with the extract of P. farcta at 60 mg/kg BW oral and 8 ml/kg BW subcutaneous administrations compared to the control group (p<0.001). Doses of 800 mg/ml of the aqueous extract of P. farcta had the maximum 2- deoxyglucose uptake in 3T3 L1 adipocyte cells (p<0/001). Conclusion: The results confirmed the hypoglycemic effect of the P. farcta extract and its traditional use in the treatment of diabetes. In addition, findings showed that aqueous extract of P. farcta fruit is effective in increasing the level of glucose uptakes into the adipocytes and this effect is promoted by increasing the extract dose because it is concentration-dependent. The data of this study suggest that the P. farcta fruit may be prescribed as an adjunct to the traditional formulations and drug treatment for controlling and monitoring type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Exposure to different frequencies would have a profound effect on the brain tissue extract supernatant’s optical density and hexakis-2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) build-up. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the blood-brain barrier permeability after electromagnetic field irradiation. Methods: In this study, 150 male albino rats were randomly divided into 25 groups. They had an intraperitoneal injection of Evans blue 24 hours before experiments. Before 15 or 30-min Electromagnetic Field (EMF) irradiation (900, 1700, and 1900 MHz), 500 μCi (18.5 MBq) of 99mTc -MIBI was injected via the caudal vein. The rats decapitated 15, 30, 45, or 60 min after radiotracer injection to evaluate the brain-specific activity and brain tissue extract supernatant’s optical density. Results: No significant difference was found between the groups in 60-min post-injection activity after 15-min EMF radiation at 900, 1700, and 1900 MHz. The brain-specific activity with 30-min EMF radiation showed a significant increase in the 900 MHz group compared to others. Brain/whole body-specific activity in all experimental groups after 15-min EMF radiation showed no significant differences. On the other hand, the brain/whole body-specific activity ratio with 30-min EMF radiation showed a significant increase in the 900 MHz group compared to other groups. A comparison between the brain tissue extract supernatant’s optical density in the experimental groups after 15 and 30-min EMF radiation showed no significant difference in Evans blue accumulations in brains. Conclusions: It may be concluded that mobile phone electromagnetic field radiation may increase the blood-brain barrier permeability. As most humans use mobile phones for daily communications, all users around the world need to be advised of the effects of modern call devices.

Background & objectives: Chemical drugs are controlling diabetes mellitus and not effective for the absolute cure. By emphasis on traditional medicine and considering the antioxidant property of Prosopis farcta containing the phenol and tlavonoid components, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of hydro-alcoholic and aqueous extract of P. farcta on the glucose uptake level in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Methods: Recent in vitro study with cells which were grown with Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and were divided into control group, positive control, negative control group by preventing glucose uptake stimulation with 1 mu M Cytochalacin D and treatment groups containing glucose uptake stimulation with aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of P. farcta at a different dosage. To measure the amount of glucose uptake by cells, the instruction of the Abcam glucose uptake kit was used. Results: Doses of 160 mu g/mL of hydroalcoholic and 800 mu g/ml of the aqueous extract of P. farcta have the maximum amount of 2- deoxyglucose uptake in adipocyte cells (p<0/001). Between 800 mu g/mL dosage comparison, the aqueous extracts had the most pronounced effect (p<0/001). Interpretation & conclusions: Findings showed that both aqueous and hydroalcoholic extract of P. farcta in a dose-dependent manner have been effective in increasing the level of glucose uptakes into the 3T3-L1 adipocytes. However, future studies must find possible molecular pathways associated with P. farcta action.

Cancer is considered a serious threat to human health thatcolon cancer is the third most common cancer in the world. Colon cancer has undergone significant growth worldwide in recent years, and many people die every year as a result of this disease, which its treatment is a major challenge for researchers. In this study, we investigated the effect of anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity seed’s hydroalcoholic extract of Rumex obtusifolius, “is native to Semnan's northern region” on the human colon cancer cell line, SW480. The SW480 human colon cancer cell line were cultured in RPMI 1640 cell culture containing 10% Fetal bovine Serum and 1% Penicillin and Streptomycin antibiotics and incubated with a relative humidity of 95%, carbon dioxide 5% at 37°C. The SW480 cancer cell line was cultured in 48 and 96 well plates and treated with different concentrations of seeds hydroalcoholic extract of Rumex obtusifolius (20/40/80/160/320 micrograms/ml) for evaluation of cell viability by Trypan blue exclusion method and MTT assay. A non-treated group was used as control and a treated group with DMSO was used as solvent in solution of powdered extract as vehicle as well as positive control groups. Also, cell apoptosis assessment was performed by Propideum iodide/Annexin V test “Flowcytometry”and DNA fragmentation analysis “Agaros electrophoresis”. Seed hydroalcoholic extract caused cell death at concentrations of 40, 80, 160 and 320μg/ml, which the anticancer effect trend to increase significantly from 80μg/ml. The effect of R. obtusifolius seed extract even has more anti-cancer effect in 160 and 320μg/ml than cells which is treated to 5FU as a positive control groups. Seed hydroalcoholic extract reduced cell viability in proportion concentration. The effect of anticancer activity of seed extract trend to increase from 40μg/ml but it was shown effective concentrations for inhibiting of the cells growth were 160, 320μg/ml in 48 hr incubation time and 80, 160 and 320μg/ml in 72 hr incubation time. Also, the effect of this extract at concentrations of 160 and 320μg/ml with control group is not significant which have more cytotoxicity and even extract can have a significant effect on decreasing the survival of the SW480 cells. The data generated by flow cytometry are shown that colon cancer cells trend to necrosis and apoptotic pathway from 40μg/ml and increased significantly entrance to apoptotic pathway from 80μg/ml which is confirm the Trypan blue and MTT assay tests. Since the appearance of the DNA fragmentation, which precedes the bioavailability change, is characteristic to apoptosis, the extracts were considered to be apoptosis-inducers. The ability to inhibit growth and induction of apoptosis in SW480 cancer cells is a concentration- and time dependent manner. These results indicated that the induction of apoptosis at least partly mediates their cytotoxic activity which is necessary down further study for elucidation apoptotic signaling pathway.

Due to increasing the use of antifungal drugs, the development of resistance in some Candida species and the consumption of the side effects of chemical drugs, use of new resources, especially medicinal plants are very important. The aim of this study was to investigate of anti-Candida and antioxidant activities of hydroalcohlic extract from leaves of Rumex obtusifolius. The Rumex obtusifolius Leaves were extracted using Ethyl acetate; methanol and distilled water (6:3:1) by Sox helet system. The hydroalcoholic extraction of Rumex obtusifolius was evaluated for their antioxidant capacities using in vitro methods; including 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, β-Carotene bleaching test and reducing power assay. Total free phenolics, total flavonoids content and as well as the antifungal activity were also examined. The components of extract were analyzed via GC-Mass instrument. The extract was screened against 40 isolated pathogenic Candida species such as C. albicans and C. glabrata through agar diffusion method. The hydroalcoholic extract can strongly scavenge DPPH radical and its antioxidant capacities which are high correlated with the total free Phenolics and total flavonoids. Also, the extract had high capability inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation and the reducing ability. This study revealed a higher antioxidant capacity in the leaves of Rumex obtusifolius compared with control groups. The minimum inhibitory concentration values within 24 and 48 hours were 200-250μg/μL for C. albicans and 250μg/μL for C. glabrata. The extract includes high amounts of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity showing is significant. Also, the results confirmed that leaves extract had a potential in anti-Candida activity and suggesting that it could be utilized as a potential source of herbal medicine drugs and natural antioxidants to prevent diseases associated with free radical, anti-fungal disease and food preservation.

Background: Chaerophyllum is a genus from the family Apiaceae. Chaerophyllum macropodum as a wild species is endemic to Iran and Turkey. The leaves of this plant are used in the food industry, as well as medicine. Since resistance has increased in some Candida species, side effects of chemical drugs and the use of medicinal plants are very important. Objectives: We reviewed the antioxidant and anti-Candida effects of hydroalcoholic leaf extracts of C. macropodum. Methods: For the evaluation of the antioxidant potential of C. macropodum extracts, DPPH radical scavenging test, reducing power assay, and beta-carotene bleaching test were performed. Moreover, the total free phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured. A GC-MS instrument was used for analyzing the extract components. In addition, hydroalcoholic extraction was performed by agar well-diffusion method against 40 Candida species isolated from patients. Results: According to the DPPH test, a moderate antiradical activity was attributed to C. macropodum leaf extract; maximum inhibition (6.38) was reported at 1000 mu g/mL. Based on the findings, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 57.43 +/- 0.25 and 138 +/- 19.80 (mg/g), respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for C. albicans and C. glabrata were 300 and 400 mu g/mu L at 48 hours, respectively. Conclusions: In this study, a moderate antioxidant activity was attributed to C. macropodum leaf extracts. In addition, the results confirmed that leaf extracts had inhibitory activity against bacteria and Candida species. Therefore, they may be applied as antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal agents in food protection.

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

Background: Nowadays, the use of herbal medicines in the prevention and treatment of diseases has been increased in the world, especially in Iran. Developing chemical drugs resistance in some Candida species and their side effects, conducting research to find new resources, especially medicinal plants, are of prime importance.Objectives: The present study aimed at evaluating anti-Candida activities and antioxidant function of hydroalcohlic extract of seeds of Rumex obtusifolius and analyzing GC mass for the determined material, which included especial formulated extract.Methods: The Rumex obtusifolius seeds were extracted using Ethyl acetate: methanol: distilled water (6: 3: 1) by Soxhelet system. The antifungal activity as well as total free phenolics and flavonoids content were examined. The extract was carried out against 40 isolated Candida species such as Candida albicans and C. glabrata through well diffusion method. In addition, hydroalcoholic extraction of R. obtusifolius was evaluated for its antioxidant capacities using 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging. The components of the extract were analyzed via Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-Mass) instrument.Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 100 - 150 mu g/mu L for C. albicans 150 mu g/mu L for C. glabrata. The hydroalcoholic extract can strongly scavenge DPPH radical, and its antioxidant capacities may be correlated with the total free phenolics and total flavonoids. This study revealed the highest antioxidant capacity in the seeds of R. obtusifolius compared to the control groups.Conclusions: The extract contained a high amount of phenolic compounds, and its antioxidant activity was significant. The seed of R. obtusifolius has strong anticandidial and antioxidant activities, which may be due to the presence of high levels of phenolic compounds, particularly pyrogallol.

Objectives: Despite two decades of using mobile phone, the biological effects of electromagnetic radiation remain controversial. The study was conducted to determine the effect of mobile phone waves on anxiety-like behaviors in male rats. Methods: A total number of 80 male naive rats were, randomly, divided into eight groups (Control, 900, 1 800, and 2 100 MHz exposure). The acute and chronic effects of mobile phone radiation on the anxiety profile was compared considering a 45-min session and seven sessions of radiation (45 min/day) using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) in rats. The number of rats entering the open and closed arms and their duration of stay in each of the arms were assessed. To estimate the oxidative stress, Superoxide Dismutase level in the blood serum was evaluated. Results: The results obtained in the EPM showed no significant differences among the groups after acute exposure to mobile phone radiation (P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of their serum superoxide dismutase level (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Short time mobile phone radiation had no effect on anxiety-like behaviors and serum enzyme activity; this may be due to low tissue irritation during acute exposure to mobile phone waves.

Background and purpose: Progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain is the main mechanism of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent studies have shown ceftriaxone, a β-lactam antibiotic, to be a neuroprotective in various neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of ceftriaxone on behavioral disturbances of PD in an animal model. Methods: Fifty-six healthy male Wistar rats were selected for this study. They were divided into seven groups according to receiving saline or ceftriaxone, receiving a low or high dose of ceftriaxone and receiving ceftriaxone for short or long periods. Apomorphine-induced rotational test, elevated body swing test and rotarod test were done to examine behavioral performances. Results: Ceftriaxone can effectively diminish behavioral disturbances induced by MPTP in all behavioral tests. Long administration of ceftriaxone was more effective than short administration in lowering behavioral disturbances. High dose of ceftriaxone was more effective than low dose in initial trials of each behavioral test; however, no difference was observed between them in the last trial. Conclusion: Results of the current study suggest that ceftriaxone have neuroprotective effects in PD. To obtain a sufficient neuroprotective effect for lowering behavioral disturbances of PD and also preventing side effects of ceftriaxone, long administration of low dose of ceftriaxone seems the best option.

Nature has been a source of medicinal agents for thousands of years and has been isolated the number of modern drugs from natural resources. Artemisia absinthium used for a variety of medicinal purposes and therapeutic targets in all over the world, such as localized pains, contusion inflammation, anti-rheumatic, include fever reduction, digestive ailments and muscle pain. This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activity of essential oil and aqueous extract from Artemisia absinthium for the first time. Chemical compositions of the essential oil were determined by GC/MS. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. Analgesic activity was assessed by acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and hot plate tests in mice. Pretreatment with the essential oil (at the dose of 2, 4 and 8mg/kg) and aqueous extract (50, 100 and 200mg/kg) showed potential anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects to different level. The essential oil at 4 and 8 mg/kg significantly reduced carrageenan induced paw edema. The essential oil and aqueous extract produced significant decreased number of writhing in acetic acid-induced writhing model and increased the response latency in hot plate test after 30 min. Both Essential oil and aqueous extract significantly suppressed in a dose-dependent manner the nociceptive response in the formalin test, while the effect on the late phase was more pronounced. GC–MS analyses showed the presence of twenty components in essential oil. The essential oil and aqueous extract possesses excellent anti-inflammatory activity as well as antinociceptive properties especially peripheral analgesic.

Infectious diseases are the second leading cause of death worldwide. The use and search for drugs and dietary supplements derived from plants have accelerated in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activities of the essential oils derived from some species of medicinal plants: Stachys pubescens, Coriandrum sativum, Cinnamomum zelanicum and Bupleurum falcatum against Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus and Alternaria alternate. The essential oils were used to evaluate their MIC and MFC compared to the Amphotericin B as a reference antibiotic. Also the essential oils were analyzed by GC/MS. Results from the antifungal testing indicated that B. falcatum, S. pubescens and C. zelanicum essential oils showed high activities and inhibited the growth all of the selected fungi. While the essential oil of C. sativum displayed the moderate potential activity. The number of 6, 9, 15 and 22 components was identified in C. sativum, C. zelanicum, B. falcatum and S. pubescens respectively. These oils exhibited a valued potency, against the fungi. With consider of the result and a point of view from an inexpensive and fewer side effects source of natural antimicrobial substances, they have potential benefits of using in pathogenic systems.

The use of and search for drugs and dietary supplements derived from plants have accelerated in recent years. Ethnopharmacologists, botanists, microbiologists and natural-products scientists are combing the earth for phytochemicals and leads, which could be developed for treatment of infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal activities of the essential oils of some medicinal plants such as Stachys pubescens, Thymus kotschyanus, Thymus daenensis and Bupleurum falcatum against Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus and Alternaria alternata. The essential oils were used to evaluate their MICs and MFCs compared to the amphotricin B as a standard drug. The essential oils were also analyzed by GC/MS. Essential oils isolated from the S. pubescens, T. kotschyanus and B. falcatum showed strong antifungal activities. The essential oil of T. daenensis exhibited a moderate activity against the selected fungi in comparison with the other plants' essential oils. In addition, the results showed that 26, 23, 22 and 15 components were identified from the essential oils of T. kotschyanus, S. pubescens, T. daenensis and B. falcatum, respectively. These oils exhibited a noticeable antifungal activity against the selected fungi. Regarding obtained results and that natural antimicrobial substances are inexpensive and have fewer side effects, they convey potential for implementation in fungal pathogenic systems.

Essential oils of medicinal plants have been used traditionally against pathogenic bacteria that caused infectious disease in human and microbial spoilage of food and have been used safely in herbal medicine as antibacterial compounds. In the present study, the antibacterial activities of the oils were evaluated against human and animals pathogenic bacteria. In this assay, the selective plants reported ethnobotanical uses traditionally and also were referenced in some herbal medicine text. The essential oil of Stachys pubescens, Mentha piperita, Clinopodium vulgare and Satureja hortensis were prepared by hydrodistillation and were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The number 23, 22, 21 and 21 components were identified in S. pubescens, S. hortensis, M. piperita and C. vulgare, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of oils were determined with broth microdilution and agar diffusion method on bacterial strains. Results from the antibacterial testing indicated that S. pubescens, M. piperita and C. vulgare essential oils showed high activities and inhibited the growth of all the selected bacteria. While the essential oil of S. hortensis displayed the moderate potential activity. Our finding supported the notion that plant essential oils composition or total extract may have a role as pharmaceuticals and preservatives effects as safely and effective drugs with low resistance against microorganisms. Therefore, these essential oils could be used for management of these pathogens as a potential source of sustainable eco-friendly botanical bactericides. Key words: Antibacterial, Stachys pubescens, Mentha piperita, Clinopodium vulgare, Satureja hortensis, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

A series of new derivatives and previously reported Schiff base ligands and their oxidovanadium(IV) complexes were synthesized, characterized and tested as potential antibacterial agents against four human pathogenic bacteria. These N2O2 type Schiff base ligands were derived from the condensation of meso-1,2-diphenyl-1,2-ethylenediamine with different salicylaldehyde derivatives, and their metal complexes were obtained from the reaction of these ligands with bis(acetylacetonato)oxidovanadium(IV). Our studies showed that the metal complexes had moderate antibacterial activity, and this activity was higher than that of the free ligands against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Besides, it was found that the presence of more substituents on the ligands increases the antibacterial activities of both the free ligands and their complexes. The crystal structures of H2L4 and its corresponding complex VOL4 were determined by X-ray crystallography.

Infectious diseases are the second leading cause of death worldwide. Treatment of infections continues to be a problem in modern time because of the side effects of some drugs and resistance to antimicrobial agents. Herbal medicines have received much attention as a source of safe and effective antibacterial drugs. In the present study, essential oils of some medicinal plants: Stachys pubescens, Thymus kotschyanus, Thymus daenensis and Bupleurum falcatum were investigated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae,Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi. This study determines the MIC and MBC of the essential oils and comparison with reference antibiotics Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin. The chemical composition of the essential oils was analyzed by Gas chromatography (GC) and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oils isolated from the leaves of S. pubescens, T. kotschyanus and B. falcatum showed a high level antibacterial activity. T. daenensis essential oil showed less activity comparing to other oils. The result showed the presence of 24, 23, 20 and 15 components in the essential oils of T. kotschyanus, S. pubescens,T. daenensis, and B. falcatum respectively. Resistance to first-line drugs in most of the pathogens causing these diseases ranges from zero to almost 100%. Thus, these essential oils exhibited interesting bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity. Key words: Antibacterial, Stachys pubescens, Thymus kotschyanus, Thymus daenensis. Bupleurum falcatum, GC-MS.