Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
2228-7930
2228-7949
8
3
2018
05
01
Thymoquinone recovers learning function in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease
188
197
EN
Parvin
Poorgholam
Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
poorgholam.parvin@yahoo.com
Parichehreh
Yaghmaei
Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
yaghmaei_p@srbiau.ac.ir
Zahra
Hajebrahimi
0000-0001-9211-5953
Aerospace Research Institute, Ministry of Science Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran
hajebrahimi@ari.ac.ir
10.22038/ajp.2018.21828.1820
Objective: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by accumulation of amyloid beta in the hippocampus. In recent decades, herbal medicine has been widely used to treat many neurodegenerative disorders,as in comparison to conventional drugs, herbal remedies exert minimal side effects. Here, the effects of thymoquinone, as the main active component of Nigella sativa, on passive avoidance memory in rat model of Alzheimer’s disease, were evaluated.<br /> Materials and Methods: Hippocampal injection of amyloid beta (Aβ) was used to induce Alzheimer’s disease in male Wistar rats, followed by intra peritoneal administrations of 5 and 10 mg/kg thymoquinone on a daily basis for 4 weeks. Animals were subjected to fear learning behavior in passive avoidance test and histopathological analysis of the hippocampus was done. Shuttle box test was used to evaluate the condition studying memory. Thioflavin-S and Hematoxylin and Eosine staining were done to confirm Aβ plaque formation and to evaluate the effect of thymoquinone on the pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region.<br /> Results: Amyloid beta caused cognitive dysfunction reflected by increasing initial and step-through latency along with plaque formation and degeneration of pyramidal cells in the hippocampus. Thymoquinone administration ameliorated this effect by significant reductions in plaque formation in CA1 region of the hippocampus and increased latency time. It also increased the number of surviving neurons in the hippocampus.<br /> Conclusion: It seems that thymoquinone improved learning function in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, thymoquinone could be possibly used as an anti-neurodegenerative agent for protecting hippocampal neurons against neurotoxic effects of Aβ in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer disease,Thymoquinone,Rat,amyloid beta,Nigella Sativa
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10253.html
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10253_78fbcc787aec489d55b71bdffe0673aa.pdf
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
2228-7930
2228-7949
8
3
2018
05
01
A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on saffron (Crocus sativus) effectiveness and safety on erectile dysfunction and semen parameters
198
209
EN
Nahid
Maleki-saghooni
0000-0000-0000-0000
Student Research Committee, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
malekisn931@mums.ac.ir
Khadijeh
Mirzaii
0000-0003-2908-6023
Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
k.mirzaii@gmail.com
Hossein
Hosseinzadeh
0000-0002-3483-851X
Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
hosseinzadehh@mums.ac.ir
Ramin
Sadeghi
Nuclear Medicine Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
sadeghir@mums.ac.ir
Morvarid
Irani
0000-0002-8905-0965
Student Research Committee, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
irani.morvarid@gmail.com
10.22038/ajp.2017.20563.1784
Objective: We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis study to determine saffron (Crocus sativus) effectiveness and safety in male infertility problems.<br /> Materials and Methods: The databases PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Scholar, SID, IranMedex and Magiran until July 2016 and reference section of relevant articles, were searched to find both English and Persian clinical trials on male infertility issues that used saffron as medical treatment. Also, the quality of these trials was evaluated by Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine checklist. A total of six trials was ultimately included. All statistical analyses were done by Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA) Version 2.<br /> Results: Only in one study conducted on sperm parameters, the mean percentage of sperm with normal morphology (p<0.001) and sperm motility (p<0.001) were increased. Quantitative analysis showed that saffron had a significantly positive effect on all dimensions of Erectile Function questionnaire (MD for Erectile function=5.36(p=0.00), Orgasmic function=1.12 (p=0.007), Overall satisfaction=1.23 (p=0.005), Satisfaction with intercourse=2.18 (p=0.00) and Sexual desire=0.78 (p=0.00), Fixed effects model using 3 trials). The result of subgroup analysis based on dimensions of Erectile Function questionnaire showed statistically significant differences among subgroups (p=0.00).<br /> Conclusion: saffron has a positive effect on erectile dysfunction. However, our study showed contradictory results about semen parameters. So, interpretation of results is limited because of methodological flaws of the included studies, erectile dysfunction status and a large heterogeneity among them. Further trials are still needed to confirm the current findings.
saffron (Crocus sativus ),Erectile dysfunction,semen parameters,male fertility,Meta-analysis
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_9335.html
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_9335_508939c6b5d664c5152ccc96959a8f19.pdf
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
2228-7930
2228-7949
8
3
2018
05
01
Effect of Centella asiatica on pathophysiology of mild chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in rats
210
226
EN
Wachiryah
Thong-asa
0000-0003-0065-7339
Animal Toxicology and Physiology Specialty Research Unit (ATPSRU), Physiology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
fsciwyth@ku.ac.th
Kanokwan
Tilokskulchai
Neuroscience Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
kanokwan.til@mahidol.ac.th
Supin
Chompoopong
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
supin.cho@mahidol.ac.th
Mayuree
Hantrakul Tantisira
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand
mayuree.t@chula.ac.th
10.22038/ajp.2017.21164.1800
Centella asiatica extract on cognition and hippocampal pathology of mild chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) that was induced by permanent right common carotid artery occlusion (RCO) in rats.<br /> Materials and Methods: Sixty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups of Sham-veh, Sham-C. asiatica, RCO-veh and RCO-C. asiatica, which were further divided into short-term and long-term CCH induction. Oral treatments with 20 mg/kg C. asiatica initiated 24 hours and 12 months after CCH and continued for 14 consecutive days. According to the cognition and histopathological evaluation period, the experiment was divided into 2 sets of either 2 or 12 months of CCH.<br /> Results: Results showed that 2-month CCH induced learning flexibility deficit associated with CA1 neuronal damage and internal capsule (IC) astroglia activation. Long-lasting (12 months) mild CCH induced spatial learning, memory and flexibility deficits associated with progressive dorsal hippocampal damage. Treatment with 20 mg/kg of C. asiatica improved learning flexibility deficit after 2 and 12 months of CCH. C. asiatica ameliorated neuronal damage in the dorsal hippocampus at 2 months of CCH when given 24 hours after CCH onset. Treatment with C. asiatica after 12 months of cerebral blood flow reduction improved memory and learning flexibility deficits and was associated with the dentate gyrus neuronal damage reduction.<br /> Conclusion: Our finding indicates the therapeutic potential of C. asiatica either when given immediately after ischemic insult or when administered one year after ischemic insult, in a CCH rat model.
Chronic cerebral Hypoperfusion,Spatial cognition,Learning flexibility,Radial arm water maze,Centella asiatica
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_9854.html
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_9854_3cb9eb3d26ae1227c1050aa8e33a7c39.pdf
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
2228-7930
2228-7949
8
3
2018
05
01
Antinociceptive effect of methanolic extract and alkaloid fractions of Berberis integerrima root in animal models
227
236
EN
Valiollah
Hajhashemi
0000-0001-5783-2324
Department of Pharmacology and Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
vhajhashemi@gmail.com
Foroogh
Fahmideh
Department of Pharmacology and Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
foroogh91@yahoo.com
Mustafa
Ghanadian
Department of Pharmacognosy, Isfahan School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
ghanadian@pharm.mui.ac.ir
10.22038/ajp.2017.22827.1850
Objective: Berberis vulgaris has antioxidant, hepato--renal protective, antibacterial, lipid lowering, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. The genus Berberis, has another member called Berberisintegerrima which has not been studied for antinociceptive activity and therefore, this study was aimed to examine the antinociceptive effect oftotal extract and alkaloid fractions of Berberis integerrima root in mice.<br /> Materials and Methods: Methanolic total extract and alkaloid fractions of the plant namely, fractions A, B, C and D were prepared according to standard methods. Male Swiss mice (20-25 g) were used (n=6 in each group). Acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and hot-plate tests were used to assess the antinociceptive activity. In hot plate and formalin tests, morphine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and in acetic acid test, indomethacin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) were used as reference drugs.<br /> Results: The total extract and fractions A, B and D significantly reduced abdominal twitches in acetic acid test and licking behavior of both acute and chronic phases of formalin test. In hot-plate test, morphine as the standard drug demonstrated significant antinociception while the plant extract and fractions were ineffective. The dose of 5 mg/kg of fraction C showed slight analgesia only in acetic acid test and a dose of 10 mg/kg caused severe toxicity and even death in some animals.<br /> Conclusion: Berberis integerrima total extract and its alkaloid fractions showed antinociceptive effect and it seems that the mechanism of this action is peripherally mediated since they were effective in formalin test and acetic acid- induced writhing but not in hot-plate test.
Berberis integrrima,Writhing test,Formalin test,Hot plate test,Antinociceptive
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10002.html
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10002_12bd41390cbde3f840b61f401ffcb89d.pdf
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
2228-7930
2228-7949
8
3
2018
05
01
Cuscuta campestris induces apoptosis by increasing reactive oxygen species generation in human leukemic cells
237
245
EN
Maliheh
Moradzadeh
0000-0002-6094-8712
Golestan Rheumatology Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
moradzadeh63@yahoo.com
Azar
Hosseini
0000-0002-3423-0539
Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
hoseiniaz@mums.ac.ir
Hasan
Rakhshandeh
0000-0002-2118-1096
Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
rakhshandehh@mums.ac.ir
Azita
Aghaee
Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
aghaeea1@mums.ac.ir
Hamidreza
Sadeghnia
Division of Neurocognitive Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
sadeghniahr@outlook.com
10.22038/ajp.2017.22557.1866
Objective: Cuscuta campestris or common dodder is a holoparasitic plant that has been valorized for treatment of liver injury and cancer prevention in traditional medicine. Recently, extract of C. campestris had shown moderate antimicrobial properties and cytotoxic effects. In this study, we examined the level of cellular oxidants, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and differentiation induced by hydroalcoholic extract of C. campestris(CCE)(12.5-200 µg/ml), as well as arsenic trioxide (As<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, 50 µM), in human leukemic (HL60 and NB4) and normal polymorph nuclear cells after 72 hr treatment.<br /> Materials and Methods: Resazurin assay was used to determine cell viability following treatment with C. campestris. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic cells were measured by fluorimetry using carboxy 2′, 7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide (PI), as staining reagents, respectively. The differentiation of leukemic cells was evaluated by Giemsa staining and nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction.<br /> Results: C. campestris inhibited cell viability with IC<sub>50</sub> values of 23.9 µg/ml for HL60 and 60.3 µg/ml for NB4 cells after 72 hr treatment. ROS formation was also concentration-dependently increased following treatment with C. campestris. In addition, the number of apoptotic cells significantly increased to 88.4% and 62.3% in CCE (200 µg/ml)-treated HL60 and NB4 cells, respectively, which was higher than that of As<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> (50 µM)-treated leukemic cells (p<0.001). Nonetheless, C. campestris did not induce differentiation of leukemic cells towards granulocytic pattern.<br /> Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that C. campestris induced apoptosis through ROS production without having differential effect on leukemic cells, in concentration- and time-dependent manners. Understanding of precise signaling pathway by which C. campestris induce apoptosis, needs further research
Cuscuta campestris,Leukemia,Apoptosis,Differentiation,ROS
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10011.html
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10011_f01e938772267964ca1670385269cf35.pdf
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
2228-7930
2228-7949
8
3
2018
05
01
In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of verbascoside, lemon verbena extract and caffeine in combination with gentamicin against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli clinical isolates
246
253
EN
Bibi Sedigheh
Fazly Bazzaz
Biotechnology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, ‎Mashhad, Iran
fazlis@mums.ac.ir
bahman
khameneh
Department of Pharmaceutical Control, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, &lrm;&lrm;Mashhad, Iran
khamenehb891@mums.ac.ir
Mohammad Reza
Ostad
Zahedian
ScStudents Research Committee, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
hosseinzadehh@gmail.com
Hossein
Hosseinzadeh
0000-0002-3483-851X
Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of ‎Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
hosseinzadehh@mums.ac.ir
10.22038/ajp.2018.15338.1607
Objective: In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using herbal products to overcome bacterial resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lemon verbena aqueous extract, verbascoside and caffeine in combination with gentamicin against standard and clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains.<br /> Materials and Methods: The MIC and MBC values of different antibacterial agents against bacterial strains were determined. The effect of co-administration lemon verbena extract, verbascoside, and caffeine and gentamicin was studied in vitro using a checkerboard method and calculating fraction inhibitory concentration index (FICI).<br /> Results: Herbal extract, verbascoside and caffeine alone showed no inhibitory effects on any of the bacterial strains (at doses up to 200 mg/ml). Herbal extract, verbascoside and caffeine were able to decrease the MIC of gentamicin against the standard resistant strains and two clinical isolates. Among these combinations, the co-administration of verbascoside and gentamicin was more effective and synergistic activities (FICI<1) against clinical isolates were observed.<br /> Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that herbal extract, verbascoside and caffeine potentiated the antimicrobial action of gentamicin against some clinical isolates of S. aureus and E. coli.
Antibiotics,Combination therapy,Methylxanthines, Herbal extract,Natural compounds,Resistant pathogens
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10211.html
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10211_58b96259b834416816a71dc69fc5392e.pdf
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
2228-7930
2228-7949
8
3
2018
05
01
Protective effect of Urtica dioica leaf hydro alcoholic extract against experimentally-induced atherosclerosis in rats
254
262
EN
Fatemeh
Namazi
Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
fnamazi@shirazu.ac.ir
Tahoora
Shomali
0000000259547815
Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
tshomali@shirazu.ac.ir
Pouya
Taghikhani
Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine,
Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
taghikhanipouya@yahoo.com
Saeid
Nazifi
Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz
nazifi@shirazu.ac.ir
10.22038/ajp.2018.25213.1917
Objective: Finding compounds that could be used for prevention of atherosclerosis (AS) is highly desired. The present study evaluated the protective effects of Urtica dioica (UD, commonly known as stinging nettle) leaf ethanolic extract against high-fat diet-induced AS in rats.<br /> Materials and Methods: In this study, 40 male adult Sprauge-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to 4 equal groups and treated as follows for 9 consecutive weeks: (1) Normal control (NC; normal rats that were fed with a basic diet); (2) Atherosclerotic rats (AT; which received no particular treatment); (3) Atherosclerotic rats that received 100 mg/kg/day ethanolic extract of UD orally and (4) Atherosclerotic rats that received simvastatin 4 mg/kg/day orally. Atherosclerosis was induced by a high-fat diet accompanied by propylthiouracil and vitamin D3.<br /> Results: Marked hypercholesterolemia and significant increase in LDL-C/HDL-C ratio were observed in rats of AT group. Administration of UD significantly reduced these parameters as compared to AT group (p Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of UD prevents establishment of atherosclerotic lesions in rat aorta, which is associated with positive effects on serum lipid profile without significantly affecting antioxidant status.
Atherosclerosis,Stinging nettle,Oxidative stress,Histopathology,Rat
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10264.html
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10264_c213ff071a904bbe63f00b1602ef2c61.pdf
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
2228-7930
2228-7949
8
3
2018
05
01
Early and late preventive effect of Nigella sativa on the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats: An experimental study
263
275
EN
Hamid Reza
Poursalehi
Physiology Research Center of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
hamidreza.poursalehi@yahoo.com
Mitra
Samareh Fekri
Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
m_samareh@kmu.ac.ir
Fariba
Sharififar
0000-0002-9057-1987
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
fa.sharififar@gmail.com
Ali
Mandegary
Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
alimandegary@yahoo.com
Atefeh
Izadi
Department of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
a.izadi70@gmail.com
Rahil
Mahmoodi
Department of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
rahil.mahmodi88@gmail.com
Mohammad Hadi
Nematollahi
0000-0002-9529-4077
Herbal & Traditional Medicines Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
mh.nematollahi@yahoo.com
Fateme
Porgholamhosein
Department of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
fatemeporgholamhosein@yahoo.com
Vahideh
Ghorani
0000-0001-6883-7972
Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
ghoranisv921@mums.ac.ir
Masome
Samareh Fekri
Assistant Professor of Plant Protection, Departement of agriculture
masoomeh_831@yahoo.com
10.22038/ajp.2018.26259.1951
Objective: Pulmonary fibhrosis is a disease of the connective tissues in the respiratory system. Nigella sativa has been used for the treatment of pulmonary diseases like asthma. This study investigated the early and late preventive effect of methanolic extract of N. sativa on a bleomycin- induced pulmonary fibrosis model.<br /> Materials and Methods: This study was carried out using 52 rats. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by a single endotracheal injection of bleomycin (5 mg/kg). Extract of N. sativa (500 mg/kg per day) or methylprednisolone succinate (4 mg/kg per day) was injected intraperitoneally in two periods (i.e. days 1-14 as early preventive group and days 15-28 days as late preventive group). The lung tissues were histologically examined at the end of each period and inspected for the amount of hydroxyproline and biomarkers of oxidative stress.<br /> Results: The pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis were significantly decreased in groups treated with methylprednisolone and N. sativa extract compared to bleomycin group in both early and late prevention groups (p<0.001). The hydroxyproline concentration in pulmonary tissue was significantly decreased in N. sativa and methylprednisolone groups compared to the bleomycin group in both prevention groups (p<0.001). Significant reductions in lipid peroxidation (p<0.001) and increases in catalase activity were also observed in N. sativa and methylprednisolone groups compared to bleomycin group.<br /> Conclusion: This study suggested that N. Sativa extract is effective for early and late prevention of pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation. However, more studies are needed to identify its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic mechanisms in the respiratory system.
Bleomycin,Hydroxyproline,Nigella Sativa,Pulmonary inflammation Fibrosis
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10265.html
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10265_d1cfa786d65199120d2d71a04b991527.pdf
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
2228-7930
2228-7949
8
3
2018
05
01
A comparison between the effects of Portulaca oleracea seeds extract and valsartan on echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters in rats with levothyroxine-induced thyrotoxicosis
276
285
EN
Roghayeh
Pakdel
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
pakdelr901@mums.ac.ir
Saeed
Niazmand
0000-0001-6595-8170
Department of Physiology and Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Medicine Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad, Iran
niazmands@mums.ac.ir
Mohsen
Mouhebati
Cardiology Department, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
mouhebatim@mums.ac.ir
Mohammad Mahdi
Vahedi
0000-0002-2607-0715
Department of pharmacology, faculty of medicine, Mashhad university of medical sciences,Mashhad,Iran
vahedimm901@mums.ac.ir
Azita
Aghaee
Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
aghaeea1@mums.ac.ir
Mousa-al-reza
Hajzadeh
0000-0003-0086-6472
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
hajzadehmr@mums.ac.ir
10.22038/ajp.2018.10274
Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of Portulaca oleracea (Po) seeds extract and those of valsartan on cardiac function in levothyroxine (T<sub>4</sub>)-treated rats.<br /> Materials and Methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=10): control, levothyroxine (T<sub>4</sub>), T<sub>4</sub> plus valsartan (T<sub>4</sub>-Val) and T<sub>4</sub> plus hydro-alcoholic extract of the P. oleracea seeds (T<sub>4</sub>-Po). Control group received normal saline. Levothyroxine (100µg/kg/day, i.p.) was administered to three other groups for 4 weeks. Valsartan (8 mg/kg/day, orally) and Po seeds extract (400 mg/kg/day, orally) were administered during the last two weeks of treatment period. At the end of the experiment, echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters were measured and serum free T<sub>4</sub>, T<sub>3</sub>, and T<sub>4</sub> were measured.<br /> Results: Administration of T<sub>4</sub> for 4 weeks significantly increased serum free T<sub>4</sub> levels in T<sub>4</sub> group but elevations of free T<sub>4 </sub>levels in T<sub>4</sub>–Val group were not significant. Free T<sub>4</sub> level decreased in T<sub>4</sub>–Po (p<0.01) compared to T<sub>4</sub> group. Heart rate (HR), heart weight (HW), and left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) were significantly increased in T<sub>4</sub> group compared to control group while these parameters in the other groups were not significantly different from those of control group. The reduction in HR, HW, and LVSP were more prominent in T<sub>4</sub>-Po group. Ejection fraction (EF) and fraction shortening (FS) were insignificantly decreased in T<sub>4 </sub>group compared to control group.<br /> Conclusion: These results showed that treatment of hyperthyroid rats with P. oleracea seeds extract was more effective than valsartan in reducing cardiac changes induced by levothyroxine.
echocardiography,Hemodynamic parameters,Hyperthyroidism,Levothyroxine,Portulaca oleracea,Valsartan
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10274.html
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10274_b0e850442eb6f6f0d76798e11e4c1e84.pdf