Fereshteh Dardmeh

Protective effects of melatonin and Glycyrrhiza glabra extract on ochratoxin A—induced damages on testes in mature rats

The effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract (GgE) as a natural antioxidant and melatonin (MEL) on ochratoxin A (OTA)-induced histopathological damages on the testes and oxidative stress was evaluated in male rats. The animals were assigned into four groups (n = 8) including control and test groups. The rats in control group received saline and the animals in the test groups received (200 µg/kg) of OTA, (15 mg/kg) of MEL + (200 µg/kg) OTA and (100 mg/kg) of GgE + (200 µg/kg) OTA, respectively, during 28 consecutive days. The serum total antioxidant power (TAOP) and total thiol molecules (TTM) production were assessed. Moreover, histopathological and histochemical studies were also performed. The results showed that the TAOP and TTM were decreased in OTA-exposed rats, while the animals that received MEL + OTA or GgE + OTA showed an enhancement in the serum TAOP and TTM levels. Histopathological analyses demonstrated that in OTA-exposed rats, the testicular degeneration, seminiferous tubule atrophy, dissociation of germinative epithelium, vasodilatation with vascular thrombosis, perivascular immune cell infiltration, hypertrophied leydic cells, giant cell formation, and negative tubular differentiation index (TDI) were observed. Surprisingly, both the biochemical and histopathological examinations showed that MEL and GgE, albeit with some differences, exerted a protective effect on OTA-induced damages. In conclusion, this data suggest that OTA contamination in animal feeds and human foods could cause reproductive abnormalities. Our data also indicate that OTA, at least partly by interfering in oxidative stress system, exerts its toxic effects on testes whereas MEL and GgE with antioxidant properties could fairly protect rats against OTA toxic effects.

Potential Nociceptive Regulatory Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM 14870) on Mechanical Sensitivity in Diet-Induced Obesity Model

Treatments for obesity have been shown to reduce pain secondary to weight loss. Intestinal microbiota, as an endogenous factor, influences obesity and pain sensitivity but the effect of oral probiotic supplementation on musculoskeletal pain perception has not been studied systematically. The present study examined the effect of a single daily oral dose (1 × 109 CFU) of probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01, DSM14870) supplement on mechanical pain thresholds in behaving diet-induced obese (DIO) mice and their normal weight (NW) controls. The mice (N = 24, 6-week-old male) were randomly divided into four groups on either standard or high fat diet with and without probiotic supplementation. Both DIO and NW groups with probiotic supplementation maintained an insignificant weight gain while the control groups gained significant weight (P < 0.05). Similarly, both DIO and NW probiotics supplemented groups demonstrated a significantly (P < 0.05) lower sensitivity to mechanical stimulation compared to their corresponding control. The results of this study suggest a protective effect of probiotics on nociception circuits, which propose a direct result of the weight reduction or an indirect result of anti-inflammatory properties of the probiotics. Deciphering the exact underlying mechanism of the weight loss and lowering nociception effect of the probiotic applied in this study require further investigation.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM 14870) supplementation affects markers of sperm kinematic parameters in a diet-induced obesity mice model

Probiotics have been proposed as alternatives to pharmacological products in several medical conditions including the modulation of obesity, which is frequently associated with poor semen quality. However, effects of probiotics on male fertility have been less investigated. This study assessed the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM-14870) on sperm kinematic parameters in Normal-weight (NW) and diet-induced obese (DIO) models. NW and DIO C57BL/6NTac mice were divided into two subgroups with or without a single daily dose (1x109CFU) of L. rhamnosus for four weeks. Sperm motility and kinematics together with blood lipid profiles and reproductive hormone levels were assessed using the sperm class analyzer system. Probiotic supplementation increased serum testosterone, LH and FSH levels in both NW and DIO groups resulting in significantly (P<0.05) higher velocity (VSL, VCL and VAP) and percentages of progressively motile sperm and significantly lower percentages of immotile sperm. Other kinematic parameters (Lin, STR, ALH and BCF) were also increased in both probiotic supplemented DIO and NW groups at the 10% level of significance. Probiotic supplemented DIO mice demonstrated significantly higher percentages of progressively motile sperm versus DIO controls. This study demonstrated the potential of L. rhamnosus PB01 as a regulatory agent with positive effects on weight loss and reproductive-hormones, significantly improving sperm motility and kinematic parameters in male DIO models.

Association between chronic pain and the sperm motion characteristics

Abstract Aims Sex hormones play an important role in pain in many chronic pain conditions. Relationship between chronic pain and sperm quality has not been investigated thoroughly and may provide an insight to better understanding, management and treatment of cases where chronic pain and male sub-fertility co-exist. Methods Neat (fresh semen) and processed sperm from 15 males with orthopedic chronic pain (CP) were assessed and compared with 15 healthy age matched controls. Sperm analysis was performed using the SCA computer-aided sperm analyzer. Results There was no significant difference in any parameters of the neat semen between the pain and control group. However the percentage of non-progressive motile spermatozoa (type B) was significantly higher in the pain group (27.96) compared to the control group (15.96). Straight line trajectories including linearity, straightness, wobble and beat cross frequency were also significantly higher in the processed sample of the CP group. Conclusions This study demonstrated that chronic pain does not affect the sperm morphology, total concentration and motility based on conventional analysis but has significant influence at the level of sperm motion kinetics which could prove to be clinically valuable, prognostic indicators of successful fertilization. Maturation of sperm motility occurs during their transit through the epididymis and vas deferens regulated by androgens. As male gonadal hormones haveaninhibitory, adaptive effectonthe behavioral and neuronal responses to repeated nociceptive stimulation, it can be speculated that the observed difference in sperm kinematic parameters could be related to the alterations in serum sex hormone levels emanating from the chronic pain. Further studies are required to explain the possible mechanism of actionof chronic pain on male fertility.

The link between chronic musculoskeletal pain and sperm quality in overweight orthopedic patients

Abstract Aims The association between low fertility potential and an overweight is well recognized. In addition, a link between pain and overweight condition has been identified. However, it is not known whether overweight pain patients present any alterations in fertility potentials. Hence, the current study provided a profounder vision into the possible relation between an overweight condition, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and fertility potential in overweight male patients. Methods This “observational study” was based on 10 overweight chronic pain patients (OP and 10 healthy matched controls (OC) from the referrals to the orthopedic department at Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark. The study was approved by the regional Ethics Committee of the Northern Jutland, Denmark and conducted from June 2014 to December 2015. Semen samples were obtained from all participants and assessed for sperm concentration, motility, and kinematic parameters with the Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA®, Spain). Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were also measured by a handheld pressure algometer in 16 pre-defined points of the subjects in both groups. Results The OP group demonstrated a decline in PPT values compared to the (OC); however, difference between the two was insignificant. But, the OP group showed a lower percentage of static and non-progressive motile sperm (P < 0.05). The sperm kinematic parameters (progressive motility, VCL, VSL, VAP and BCF) also demonstrated a lower trend in OP group in comparison with the controls. Conclusions This study presented that sperm quality declines in overweight chronic pain patients. Since the control group consisted of pain free overweight individuals, we propose that chronic musculoskeletal pain could potentially affect sperm quality, distinct from what an overweight alone does to the male fertility potential. However, further investigation in overweight chronic pain patients of different types is required before a general conclusion can be made. In addition, mechanisms underlying such effects need further clarification.

Effects of chronic musculoskeletal pain on fertility potential in lean and overweight male patients

Both chronic pain and obesity are known to affect reproductive hormone profiles in male patients. However, the effect of these conditions, alone or in combination, on male fertility potential has received less attention. 20 chronic musculoskeletal pain patients and 20 healthy controls were divided into lean and overweight subgroups according to their BMI. Current level of chronic pain (visual analogue scale) and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) in 16 predefined sites, classically described and tested as painful points on the lower body, were measured. Levels of reproductive hormone and lipid profiles were assessed by ELISA. Sperm concentration and motility parameters were analyzed using a computer-aided sperm analysis system. Sperm concentration, progressive motility, and percentage of hyperactivated sperm were generally lower in the chronic pain patients in both lean and overweight groups. The overweight control and the lean chronic pain groups demonstrated a significantly lower percentage of progressively motile sperm compared with the lean control group, suggesting that musculoskeletal chronic pain may have a negative influence on sperm quality in lean patients. However, due to the potential great negative influence of obesity on the sperm parameters, it is difficult to propose if musculoskeletal chronic pain also influenced sperm quality in overweight patients. Further research in chronic pain patients is required to test this hypothesis.

The impact of chronic musculoskeletal pain on male reproductive hormones and sperm quality

A simple, precise, and accurate HPLC method has been developed and validated for assay of combined dosage form of Paracetamol and Thiocolchicoside in commercial pharmaceutical dosage form. Reversed-Phase liquid chromatographic analysis was performed on a BDS hypersil C18, 250mm × 4.6mm, 5µ(particle size), Thermo scientific column using Potassium Dihydrogen phosphate: Methanol (40:60, v/v) as eluent. The flow rate of the mobile phase was adjusted to 1.0 ml/min and the injection volume was 20 µl. Detection performed at 247nm. The retention time of Paracetamol and Thiocolchicoside were found to be 3.27 and 5.50 respectively. The method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness. Response was a linear function of drug concentration in the range with 250-750 µg/ml for paracetamol and 1-3µg/ml for thiocolchicoside. Intraday and Interday precision were determined. Accuracy of Paracetamol and thiocolchicoside was found between 99-100%.All analytical validation parameters were determined by following the ICH guidelines and its limit. The developed method proclaimed to be precise and robust for the estimation of Paracetamol and

Mechanical sensitivity in response to probiotics in behaving obese mice

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective therapy for persistent back and leg pain and has demonstrated success in a variety of chronic intractable conditions. SCS consists of stimulating electrodes implanted in the epidural space and an electrical pulse generator. Many troubles can be observed while electrode placement in the epidural space. In this case, we present a patient with persistent tinnitus symptom after SCS replacement.Glossopharyngeal nerve (GPN) blocking is an interventional technique that has occasionally been used for the palliative treatment of pain due to head-neck malignancies and glossopharyngeal neuralgia (1). In clinical practice, GPN blocking was first used as an aid for awake endotracheal intubation in the late 1950s (2). In 1910, Wisenburg (2) identified pain in the distribution of the glossopharyngeal nerve in a patient with a cerebellopontine angle tumor. In 1921, Harris (2) reported the first idiopathic case and coined the term glossopharyngeal neuralgia. However, there are very few articles and case presentations on GPN blocking. Therefore, we present a patient with cancer of the tongue base who underwent bilateral GPN neurolysis using alcohol.Introduction: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are ligand-gated receptor complexes that have been associated with learning and memory, pain transmission, depression, schizophrenia and neurodegenerative disorders. Magnesium, noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists, has been demonstrated analgesic efficacy against neuropathic pain (1), but results on inflammatory pain are controversial. This study aimed at evaluating the systemic and local effects of magnesium sulfate (MS) in carrageenan (Carr)-induced mechanical hyperalgesia using von Frey anesthesiometer test.M pain and myofascial pain syndrome are often discussed with regard to chronic pain. Indeed they are also commonly recognized and treated with trigger point injections, prolotherapy, and myofascial release techniques. Treatment can be done by experts in physical therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, rolfing, prolotherapy, trigger point injections, chiropractic, and more. Myofascial pain patterns from trigger points in muscle and fascia are well documented in medical texts (Travell/Simons). It is often thought that myofascial pain has to be due to an underlying problem that may be undiagnosed or not understood. With the advent of “fascia sparing dissection” techniques, the anatomy of fascia in the body has helped to provide for a new understanding of myofascial pain and its underlying injuries and pathology. Indeed the predominant injury most of the time is to muscle and fascia rather than disc and joint. The interaction of muscle, fascia, and free small fiber nerve endings notifies the brain of these injuries as myofascial pain. Video recording of fascia-sparing cadaver dissection illustrates the body-wide continuity of fascia, and also helps to elucidate the referral patterns and enigmatic nature of myofascial pain. This new understanding of anatomy helps us to realize how radiating pain and other sensations can be caused by injury to fascia and muscle. It also provides clues as to how to help the body heal from such injuries in order to relieve chronic pain.Cervical disc hernia is a pathological condition which usually causes pain on the neck, shoulders and arms, while radiculopathy and myelopathy caused by compression of spinal cord are rare. In this study, we aimed to retrospectively investigate the clinical effects of Discogel® Radiopaque Gelified Ethanol application in the patients with cervical disc hernia who had chronic pain and weakness on the neck, shoulders and arms.A and anti-depressants are widely used to manage a variety of neuropathic pain conditions. Using wellestablished evidence based medicine approach a resume will be given of the development of overviews to summarize systematic reviews and make information more accessible to practitioners.The session will discuss the randomized controlled trial literature and present the results of two major Cochrane overviews on these classes of medicines. These show that not all anti-epileptics or anti-depressants are equal and that some of the mainstays of neuropathic pain treatments such as carbamazepine are largely unsupported by good quality evidence. The session will end with a view of the flaws in many of the published randomized trials together with some suggestions for grading evidence in order to stimulate higher quality research into effectiveness.Tolga Ergonenc2, Serbulent Gokhan Beyaz1, Jalan Şerbetcigil Ergonenc2, Ozlem Sonmez3, Unal Erkorkmaz4 and Fatih Altintoprak5 1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Sakarya University Medical School, Turkey 2Department of Anesthesiology, Sakarya University Training Research Hospital, Turkey 3Department of Oncolgy, Yeditepe University Medical School, Turkey 4Department of Biostatistics, Sakarya University Medical School, Turkey 5Department of General Surgery, Sakarya University Medical School, Turkey