مجله فیض
سال بیست و نهم شماره 1 (پیاپی 141، فروردین و اردیبهشت 1404)

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic strategies such as probiotics. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of bacteriocin derived from Lactobacillus plantarum and the antibiotic polymyxin B on biofilm formation and certain virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In this experimental study, 30 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were obtained from various clinical samples. The isolates were identified using standard biochemical and microbiological assays. Bacteriocin was extracted from the L. plantarum strain MT.ZH293. The effects of bacteriocin and polymyxin B on biofilm formation, surface hydrophobicity, alginate production, and bacterial motility were assessed. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the microdilution method.

For polymyxin B, the MIC was 4 µg/mL in 13.33% of isolates and 8 µg/mL in 86.6% of isolates. Regarding bacteriocin, 20% of isolates showed an MIC of 125 µg/mL, while 80% exhibited an MIC of 250 µg/mL. Following treatment with polymyxin B, 46.6% of isolates formed strong biofilms, 46.6% moderate, and 6.6% weak biofilms. In contrast, treatment with bacteriocin resulted in 13.3% of isolates forming moderate biofilms and 86.6% forming weak biofilms. Bacteriocin was more effective than polymyxin B in inhibiting biofilm formation, reducing surface hydrophobicity, and suppressing alginate production. Additionally, bacteriocin exhibited greater inhibition of twitching motility (within the range of 40 to 60 mm), while both treatments enhanced swarming motility.

The bacteriocin derived from L. plantarum demonstrated greater efficacy than polymyxin B in inhibiting biofilm formation and associated virulence factors, such as surface hydrophobicity and alginate production in P. aeruginosa. Thus, this bacteriocin may serve as a promising alternative strategy for managing antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

Phenolic compounds in plants, owing to their antioxidant properties, may exert modulatory effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and thus may reduce diabetes-induced hormonal imbalences and associated infertility. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the antioxidant properties of the aqueous extract of Launaea acanthodes on testosterone hormone levels in male diabetic rats.

In this experimental study, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: a healthy control group, a diabetic control group, and two diabetic groups treated with L. acanthodes aqueous extract at doses of 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, respectively. Diabetes was experimentally induced via alloxan injection. The treatment groups received the plant extract orally for 30 consecutive days. At the end of the intervention, serum levels of glucose, insulin, and testosterone were measured. 

On day 15, the diabetic group receiving 100 mg/kg of the extract and the diabetic group receiving 300 mg/kg (on both days 15 and 30) showed a significant reduction in blood glucose levels and a significant increase in serum insulin levels compared to the diabetic control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the 300 mg/kg dose led to a significant increase in testosterone levels on both days 15 and 30 compared to the diabetic control group (P<0.05).

It seems that the aqueous extract of Launaea acanthodes, through its phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties, can reduce glucose levels and increase insulin, thereby alleviating diabetes-induced oxidative stress. As a result, it may improve testosterone levels and reduce reproductive disorders in diabetic rats.

Deformities of the striatum in male avian brains can lead to disruptions in sexual behavior and reproductive functions. Foeniculum vulgare (fennel), a medicinal plant from the order Apiales, contains phytoestrogenic compounds. This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydroalcoholic fennel extract on striatal deformities in chick embryos.

In this experimental study, 48 fertilized eggs of Gallus gallus domesticus were divided into control (male and female) and intervention groups. On embryonic days 5 and 12, fennel extract was injected into the amniotic fluid of the intervention groups using a Hamilton syringe via the "windowing" technique. The injections were conducted aseptically at the broad base of the egg and sealed with molten paraffin. Eggs were incubated at 37.7–38°C and 65% humidity. On day 18 of incubation, male embryonic brains were extracted, fixed in 10% buffered formalin, processed, embedded, and serially sectioned at 7 μm thickness. Sections were stained with toluidine blue and prepared for microscopic analysis. The striatal region was identified in anterior-ventral brain sections. Striatal volume was calculated using the Cavalieri method, and neuronal count was estimated using the dissector technique.

In female intervention groups, a significant increase in striatal volume and neuronal density was observed compared to female controls (P<0.001). Conversely, male intervention groups showed a significant reduction in striatal volume and neuronal density, along with signs of morphological deformities (P<0.001).

Findings suggest that hydroalcoholic extract of Foeniculum vulgare, due to its estrogen-like compounds, may induce deformities and reduce neuronal density in the striatum of male embryonic brains. These results indicate the potential role of phytoestrogens in neurodevelopmental disorders and highlight the need for caution in the use of herbal compounds during embryogenesis.

In Brucella species, a variety of antigens, including proteins and polysaccharides, are present in the outer membrane, cytoplasm, and periplasmic space. Among them, proteins such as Omp31, TF, and Bp26 have demonstrated the capacity to elicit host immune responses. The aim of this study was to design and fabricate a polyethyleneimine (PEI)-based nanostructure encapsulating a trivalent chimeric protein as a potential subunit vaccine candidate against Brucella.

An immunogenic construct was designed using bioinformatics tools. The target gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The recombinant protein was purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The purified antigen was then encapsulated within a polyethyleneimine nanocarrier. Characterization of the nanostructure included assessment of particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and antigen release profile.

Characterization data confirmed the successful formulation of the PEI-based nanostructure containing the trivalent chimeric immunogen. The average particle size was approximately 100 nm, and the zeta potential was measured at around –45 mV. Antigen release studies demonstrated that approximately 84% of the encapsulated protein was released over 96 hours.

The designed recombinant chimeric protein, in combination with the polyethyleneimine nanocarrier, shows strong potential as a subunit vaccine candidate against various Brucella species.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual destruction of brain tissue and the onset of severe cognitive impairments. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise combined with Melissa officinalis extract on working memory, reference memory, and beta-amyloid deposition in the hippocampal tissue of induced Alzheimer’s male rats.

In this experimental study, 32 adult male rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, aerobic exercise, aerobic exercise combined with the extract, and extract alone. The Alzheimer's model was induced by intrahippocampal injection of beta-amyloid 1-42. The exercise protocol was conducted for 8 weeks, with three sessions per week. Working memory was assessed using the eight-arm maze test, and beta-amyloid deposition in the hippocampus was quantified by the ELISA method.

Working memory performance in the intervention groups (aerobic exercise, exercise with extract, and extract alone) showed significant improvement compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, beta-amyloid deposition in the hippocampus was significantly reduced in these groups (P<0.05).

Aerobic exercise and Melissa officinalis extract appear to play a significant role in improving working memory performance in male rats with Alzheimer's disease by reducing beta-amyloid deposition. However, further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Myostatin and follistatin are key factors in the regulation of muscle mass, and changes in their levels can play a significant role in enhancing muscle function. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of eight weeks of bodyweight resistance training combined with propolis supplementation on serum myostatin and follistatin levels in non-exercising women.

In this quasi-experimental study, 32 non-exercising women with a mean age of 26.71 ± 1.28 years were randomly assigned to four equal groups: placebo, supplementation, exercise, and exercise + supplementation (eight participants per group). The resistance training protocol lasted for 8 weeks, with three sessions per week, each lasting 50 minutes. The propolis supplement was administered at a dose of 900 mg per day, taken with lunch and dinner. Body mass index as well as serum levels of myostatin and follistatin were measured before and after the intervention using standard procedures under controlled laboratory conditions and ELISA kits.

Paired t-tests revealed that myostatin and follistatin levels significantly changed in the exercise and exercise + supplementation groups after the intervention (P < 0.05). In terms of percentage change, the exercise + supplementation group showed the greatest reduction in myostatin levels (14.04%) and the greatest increase in follistatin levels (23.61%) compared to other groups. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) also showed significant differences between groups in myostatin (P = 0.001, F = 12.20) and follistatin (P = 0.001, F = 2.39) levels.

It appears that bodyweight resistance training combined with propolis supplementation can effectively improve muscle status in non-exercising women by reducing myostatin levels and increasing follistatin levels.

Identifying the factors influencing children's resilience is of great importance. This study aimed to determine the mediating role of mothers' parental reflective functioning in the relationship between maternal cognitive flexibility, self-control, and children's resilience.

This descriptive-correlational study included a sample of 200 mothers residing in Tehran, Iran, with children aged 6 to 11 years, selected through a convenience sampling method. Participants completed questionnaires on parental reflective functioning, cognitive abilities, and children's resilience. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation and path analysis in SPSS version 27.

A negative relationship was found between children's resilience and deficits in cognitive flexibility (β = -0.29), and self-control (β = -0.28). Additionally, self-control weaknesses had a positive effect on pre-mentalizing (β = 0.31) and a negative effect on certainty in mental state attribution (β = -0.24). Cognitive flexibility weaknesses were positively correlated with pre-mentalizing (β = 0.35) and negatively correlated with interest and curiosity about mental states (β = -0.15) (P < 0.001). Pre-mentalizing had a negative effect (β = -0.30), certainty in mental state attribution (β = 0.31), and interest/curiosity about mental states (β = 0.24) had a positive effect on children's resilience (P < 0.001). Pre-mentalizing and interest/curiosity played a mediating role in the relationship between cognitive flexibility weaknesses and children's resilience. Additionally, pre-mentalizing and certainty in mental state attribution mediated the relationship between maternal self-control weaknesses and children's resilience (P < 0.005).

The results of this study support the mediating role of parental reflective functioning components in the relationship between maternal cognitive flexibility, self-control, and children's resilience. Therefore, strengthening these components can be an effective approach in interventions aimed at promoting children's resilience.

Stress is considered a major risk factor for mental health, and high levels of perceived stress can lead to a wide range of psychological disorders. This study aimed to determine the moderating role of self-control in the relationship between psychological capital, adherence to religious beliefs, with perceived stress.

This descriptive-correlational study was conducted among undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students during the academic year 2021–2022, with a population of 4,100 students. A total of 300 students were selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Participants completed the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ), the Adherence to Religious Beliefs Scale (Golzari), the Tangji Self-Control Scale, and the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and path analysis in SPSS-24 and AMOS-24 software.

There were significant negative relationships between psychological capital and perceived stress, adherence to religious beliefs and perceived stress, and self-control and perceived stress (P<0.01). Additionally, the path coefficients between psychological capital and self-control, and between adherence to religious beliefs and self-control were positive and significant (P<0.01). Self-control also played a mediating role in the relationship between psychological capital and perceived stress, as well as in the relationship between adherence to religious beliefs and perceived stress. Moderation analysis revealed that self-control moderated the relationship between psychological capital, adherence to religious beliefs, and perceived stress.

Based on the findings, enhancing psychological capital, adherence to religious beliefs, and strengthening self-control in students can play a significant role in reducing stress and improving their mental health. Therefore, teaching self-control skills to students could be considered a practical approach to stress reduction.

Visceral abscesses are significant infectious diseases that, if not diagnosed and treated promptly, can lead to severe complications and notable mortality. The aim of the present study was to determine the epidemiological status, clinical and paraclinical manifestations, and final outcomes of visceral abscesses in patients hospitalized at Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan, during 2011-2021.

This study was conducted on 90 patients diagnosed with visceral abscesses (affecting the lungs, liver, spleen, and other organs) who were hospitalized at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan between 2011 and 2021. Demographic data, medical history, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings (CBC, ESR, CRP), hospitalization duration, and final outcomes of the patients were extracted from medical records and recorded in a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.

Out of the 90 patients, 48 (53.3%) were female and 42 (46.6%) were male. The most affected age group was 41 to 60 years old, with 30 patients (33.3%). The majority of the patients (n=80, 88.9%) were Iranian and resided in urban areas. An underlying medical condition was present in 98% of the patients, with hypertension being the most common (50%). The most frequent clinical manifestation was fever and chills. The most common site of abscess was the lungs, followed by the abdominal and pelvic areas. In total, 49 patients (54.4%) underwent surgery, and 9 patients (10%) died.

Considering that approximately one-third of the patients experienced prolonged symptoms prior to diagnosis, half of them were hospitalized for more than 10 days, and considering 10% mortality rate, it appears that one of the main causes of death is delayed presentation, late diagnosis, and unsuccessful therapeutic interventions. Therefore, it is essential to educate general practitioners, as the first point of contact with patients, about the signs and symptoms of visceral abscesses to ensure early diagnosis and timely referral to surgeons.

The prevalence of mental disorders and the tendency toward risky behaviors among young people, especially students, has been increasing, placing this group at significant risk for both individual and social health. The present study aimed to determine the mental health status and the tendency toward risky behaviors among students at Kashan University of Medical Sciences.

In this cross-sectional study, 400 students from Kashan University of Medical Sciences were selected through convenience sampling. Demographic information was collected, followed by assessment of mental health using the SCL-90 questionnaire, and evaluation of risky behaviors using validated instruments.

The mean age of the students was 22.98 ± 2.4 years, and 243 (63.8%) of them were female. 55.6% of the students, based on the total score of the mental health questionnaire, exhibited signs of psychiatric disorders. Additionally, the mean tendency toward risky behaviors among participants was evaluated as less than 50%, indicating a low level. A significant relationship was observed between all mental health components and the tendency toward risky behaviors (P < 0.001, r = 0.376), except for the components of "sensitivity in interpersonal relationships" with alcohol and cigarette consumption, and "fear" with the tendency to engage in relationships with the opposite sex, which did not show a significant relationship.

The findings suggest that mental health plays a determining role in the emergence of risky behaviors among students. Therefore, designing and implementing comprehensive programs aimed at improving mental health, teaching life skills, managing emotions, and promoting mental well-being can effectively reduce risky behaviors among students. Given the importance of this issue, further studies and targeted interventions are recommended.

This narrative review aims to examine the relationship between obesity, fat accumulation, and the physiological pathways involved in the development of muscle atrophy. Ectopic lipid accumulation in organs can affect peripheral insulin sensitivity and contribute to reduced muscle mass. Insulin resistance (IR) and muscle mass loss frequently coexist in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Most individuals with T2DM are overweight, and there are ample scientific evidence supporting the role of obesity and disrupted lipid metabolism in the development of insulin resistance. In such conditions, altered liver secretions, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired insulin signaling in skeletal muscle are among the key metabolic consequences. Therefore, obesity and adipose tissue dysfunction may lead to muscle atrophy, while muscle atrophy can further aggravate insulin resistance. In other words, IR and muscle atrophy are interconnected and mutually reinforcing outcomes of a broader metabolic syndrome. Although previous studies have explored the links between lipid accumulation, T2DM, and muscle atrophy, it remains unclear whether changes in muscle mass result directly from decreased insulin sensitivity or occur independently. It is possible that insulin resistance is merely a reflection of obesity, and that muscle loss is directly influenced by increased lipid availability. Therefore, to better understand the role of inflammatory factors in obesity- and diabetes-induced muscle atrophy, and in light of conflicting findings on the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise, further research is warranted.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women and is associated with a wide range of metabolic and reproductive complications. Weight reduction and phytoestrogens have been shown to play a significant role in symptom management. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate clinical trials investigating the effects of phytoestrogens on metabolic parameters and overall health outcomes in women diagnosed with PCOS.

This systematic review analyzed clinical trials that examined the effect of phytoestrogens on metabolic and health-related indices in women with PCOS, including hormonal profiles, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, fertility parameters, lipid profiles, gut microbiota composition, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. A comprehensive literature search was performed across scientific databases, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Knowledge, Embase, and SID, covering publications from October 1990 to October 2024.

A total of 18 eligible clinical trials were included in the final analysis. The findings demonstrated that phytoestrogen intake could lead to a reduction in serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, thereby enhancing ovulatory function. Furthermore, phytoestrogens significantly decreased pro-inflammatory markers such as IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP, indicating a potential anti-inflammatory effect. These compounds were also associated with weight loss and a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome. Additionally, phytoestrogens contributed to oxidative stress reduction, evidenced by increased glutathione levels and decreased malondialdehyde, and improved insulin resistance and gut microbiota balance. However, their effects on lipid profile components (HDL, LDL, VLDL), endometrial thickness, and reproductive outcomes showed inconsistent results across studies.

The results of this systematic review show the relative effectiveness of phytoestrogens in improving certain metabolic and health indicators in women with PCOS. However, further studies with more rigorous designs are necessary to evaluate the effects of these compounds, particularly in relation to lipid profiles and fertility.