Restoring the firing activity of ventral tegmental area neurons by lateral hypothalamic deep brain stimulation following morphine administration in rats.

We have previously shown that high-frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) compromises morphine-induced addiction-like behavior in rats. The exact mechanism underlying this effect is not known. Here, we investigated the assumption that DBS in the LH influences the firing activity of neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA).

Deep brain stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus to block morphine reward: Does the intensity of stimulation matter?

It has been shown that high-frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) prevents morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats. However, our previous study demonstrated that the application of DBS at 150 µA did not block morphine CPP in all rats. Here, we investigated the possibility to completely block morphine CPP by increasing the intensity of LH DBS.

Magnesium Sulfate Improves Some Risk Factors for Atherosclerosis in Patients Suffering from One or Two Coronary Artery Diseases: A Double-blind Clinical Trial Study.

Purpose: Given the beneficial effect of MgSO on the cardiovascular system, this study was designed to investigate the effect of MgSO administration on suppressing some atherosclerotic risk factors in moderate coronary artery disease patients with one or two atherosclerotic vessels.

Patients And Methods: In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial study, 64 patients with moderate coronary artery disease (55-69% stenosis) were selected according to angiography findings. Patients were divided into four groups including patients with one or two atherosclerotic vessels treated with MgSO (Mg-treated-VR1, Mg-treated-VR2, respectively), placebo treated patients with one or two atherosclerotic vessels (Control-VR1, Control-VR2, respectively).

Magnesium Sulfate Administration in Moderate Coronary Artery Disease Patients Improves Atherosclerotic Risk Factors: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial Study.

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is known to promote vascular and cardiac dysfunctions such as atherosclerosis. This study investigated the effect of oral MgSO4 therapy to improve lipid profile and serum oxidized LDL level and its receptor (LOX1) in moderate coronary atherosclerotic patients. In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial study, 64 patients with moderate coronary artery disease were selected according to angiography findings.

Evaluation of Uterine Temperament in Iranian Infertile Women using a Quantitative Instrument for Uterine Temperament Detection.

Background: The temperament is a basic concept of maintaining health in Traditional Persian Medicine. The two main grouping of temperament is hot/cold and wet/dry. Many female disorders include infertilities are diagnosed and treated based on the dystemperament therapies.

Histopathological and Functional Evaluation of Radiation-Induced Sciatic Nerve Damage: Melatonin as Radioprotector.

Radiotherapy uses ionizing radiation for cancer treatment. One of the side effects of radiotherapy is peripheral neuropathy. After irradiation, the first stage of neuropathy involves electrophysiological, biochemical and histopathological variations, while the fibrosis of soft tissues surrounding the exposed nerve occurs in the second stage.

Oral herbal supplement containing magnesium sulfate improve metabolic control and insulin resistance in non-diabetic overweight patients: A randomized double blind clinical trial.

Magnesium deficiency plays a key role in obesity and decreases insulin sensitivity. In our previous study, significant evidence was provided for the contribution of oral Mg supplement that could improve insulin sensitivity and body weight in animal trials. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of an herbal supplement containing 300 mg magnesium sulfate on lipid profile, as well as insulin resistance and secretion in overweight patients.

Evaluation of the Radioprotective Effects of Melatonin Against Ionizing Radiation-Induced Muscle Tissue Injury.

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) is a treatment method for cancer using ionizing radiation (IR). The interaction between IR with tissues produces free radicals that cause biological damages.As the largest organ in the human body, the skeletal muscles may be affected by detrimental effects of ionizing radiation.

Biochemical and Histopathological Evaluation of the Radioprotective Effects of Melatonin Against Gamma Ray-Induced Skin Damage.

Background: Radiotherapy is one of the treatment methods for cancers using ionizing radiations. About 70% of cancer patients undergo radiotherapy. Radiation effect on the skin is one of the main complications of radiotherapy and dose limiting factor.

Cupping therapy can improve the quality of life of healthy people in Tehran.

Objective: To examine the influence of cupping on the quality of life of healthy people who referred to traditional Persian medicine clinics in Tehran.

Methods: All participants were examined by Traditional Persian Medicine specialists and their temperaments were determined. The area between the shoulders was cleaned, and cupping was performed with a disposable cupping glass for a few minutes.

The Role of Phlebotomy ( Fasd) and Wet Cupping ( Hijamat) to Manage Dizziness and Vertigo From the Viewpoint of Persian Medicine.

Dizziness and vertigo are the most common complaints of patients that has a high economic burden on the health system. In modern medicine, treatment for dizziness and vertigo consists of chemical pharmacological therapy. Although these drugs are useful in controlling the disease, their side effects and inefficiency in full control of the disease require the use of complementary medicine in this field.

Does Regular Use of a Complementary Medicine of and Have Adverse Effects on Lipid Profile and Fasting Blood Glucose of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Patients Under Treatment with DMARD Regimens Containing Methotrexate?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are vulnerable to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in which atherosclerosis plays a major role. In this study, the lipid profile and fasting blood sugar (FBS) of RA patients receiving a complementary medicine of olive and fig, as add-on therapy for routine disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) regimen containing low dose methotrexate (MTX), were studied. A randomized controlled clinical trial was designed.

Study of the Effect of an Oral Formulation of Fig and Olive on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Remission Indicators: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study was designed to explore the complementary effects of a combination formulation of olive oil, olive and fig fruits on RA remission indicators. A randomized controlled clinical trial was designed. Adult RA patients were randomly divided into two groups receiving routine Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) regimen (control group) and routine DMARDs regimen plus the herbal supplementary formulation of olive oil, fig and olive fruits (intervention group).

Gastrointestinal Headache; a Narrative Review.

There are studies reporting primary headaches to be associated with gastrointestinal disorders, and some report resolution of headache following the treatment of the associated gastrointestinal disorder. Headache disorders are classified by The International Headache Society as primary or secondary; however, among the secondary headaches, those attributed to gastrointestinal disorders are not appreciated. Therefore, we aimed to review the literature to provide evidence for headaches, which originate from the gastrointestinal system.

Prevention and Treatment of Flatulence From a Traditional Persian Medicine Perspective.

Context: The feeling of abdominal fullness, bloating, and movement of gas in the abdomen is a very uncomfortable sensation termed flatulence. Since flatulence is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms that is bothersome to patients, it is important to identify effective methods to resolve this issue. In modern medicine, management of flatulence is often not satisfactory.

Traffic Noise Exposure Increases Gastric Pepsin Secretion in Rat.

Noise is considered as one of the most severe sources of environmental and workplace constraints. Many noise effects are well known on immune function, hormonal levels, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. In this study, our aim is to evaluate the effects of traffic noise exposure on basal and stimulated gastric pepsin secretion.

Human bone marrow-derived and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells for alleviating neuropathic pain in a spinal cord injury model.

Background: Stem cell therapy can be used for alleviating the neuropathic pain induced by spinal cord injuries (SCIs). However, survival and differentiation of stem cells following their transplantation vary depending on the host and intrinsic factors of the cell. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of stem cells derived from bone marrow (BM-MSC) and umbilical cord (UC-MSC) on neuropathic pain relief.

Role of GABAB receptor and L-Arg in GABA-induced vasorelaxation in non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat vessels.

Background: Hypertension is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in diabetic patients. The present study was designed to determine the role of gamma amino butyric acid B (GABAB) receptor and L-arginine (L-Arg) in GABA-induced vasorelaxation in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat vessels.

Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single i.

Effects of combining methylprednisolone with magnesium sulfate on neuropathic pain and functional recovery following spinal cord injury in male rats.

Methylprednisolone (MP) has been widely used as a standard therapeutic agent for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). Because of its controversial useful effects, the combination of MP and other pharmacological agents to enhance neuroprotective effects is desirable. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has been shown to have neuroprotective and antihyperalgesic effects.

Oral magnesium supplementation in type II diabetic patients.

Background: Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation. It plays an important role in insulin homeostasis and glucose metabolism through multiple enzymatic reactions. With increasing data on magnesium deficiency in diabetic patients and epidemiological studies demonstrating magnesium deficiency as a risk factor for diabetes, it is logical to search for its possible beneficial effects on diabetes control and prevention.

Postinjury treatment with magnesium sulfate attenuates neuropathic pains following spinal cord injury in male rats.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) has a number of severe and disabling consequences including chronic pain. Approximately 40% of patients experience neuropathic pain, which appears to be persistent. Previous studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4).

Nutritional aspects to prevent heart diseases in traditional Persian medicine.

Cardiovascular diseases are major health complications currently in various societies. Management of heart diseases as a prevention step or as treatment with low-cost procedures like lifestyle modifications including nutrition are important current trends. Although the term nutrition dates back to 2 past centuries, Persian physicians contributed to this term at least from 1000 years ago.

Protective effect of magnesium on renal function in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of T1D (type one diabetes mellitus). Persistent hyperglycemia and subsequent hypomagnesemia is believed to develop kidney damage by activation of oxidative stress. We conducted this study to investigate the renoprotective effect of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on renal histopathology and oxidative stress in diabetic rats.