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Background and Purpose: The role of trace elements (Cu, Zn) in chronic inflammatory states has provided interest, as many of them are co-factors in metabolic processes, involving arthricular tissues and immune system function. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate zinc and copper plasma concentration in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, who were referred to the Sari Outpatient Clinics and were compared with control group.
Materials and Methods: We studied plasma concentrations of Zn and Cu in 40 patients with RA and compared them with sex and age matched of healthy subjects (N=40). Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations were determined by an analysis of 100 Perkin Elmer model flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS)
Results: The plasma Zn concentration in the patient group was statistically lower than control group. The plasma copper was not statistically different in comparison with control group. There was no correlation between Cu and Zn concentration in patient group. In contrast to Cu, there was a significantly positive correlation between Zn and Zn/Cu ratio. However, the decrease of Zn/Cu is more influenced by decreasing the Zn concentration.
Conclusion: It appears the decrease of Zn plasma concentration in patients (comparison with control group) is more important than the differences in plasma Cu concentration, but the use of Zn supplement for RA patients needs more investigation.

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Botulism is a rare but potentially fatal disease caused by toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. This report is intended to inform medical practitioners and students on new way of botulism transfer in some patients. The case is reported from Sabzevar, Iran. In this paper a 46–year–old woman and her two daughters were affected by botulism due to consuming Kame (a diary product). Their history and clinical findings indicated symptoms of botulism. The patient was treated by anti–toxic medicine, and the diagnosis was determined by exposure history, clinical findings and response to anti-toxin treatment. This report indicated that Kame could cause life threatening botulism. Therefore further training on the methods and duration of preserving Kame is required for prevention as well as reporting similar cases for treatment.

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Background and purpose: Organophosphorous insecticides are chemical substances that are widely used globally against plant pests and diseases, led to an increase in farm productivity. On the other hand, their excessive use/misuse especially in the developing countries, their volatility, long-distance transports eventually results in widespread environmental contamination that creating serious acute health problem. On behalf of the large volume of consumption of rice in mazandaran province which is the pole of rice agriculture in Iran, we tried to measure the Organophosphorus Insecticide Residue levels in Tarom and Khazar rice collected from Amol city. Materials and methods: Determination of organophosphore insecticide (Diazinon, Durasban, Malation) residues in the rice samples were performed by means of Gas chromatography (GC-MS) method. The extraction process was done using n-hexane. In this study, the pesticide residue levels were determined as ppb. All results were statistically analyzed by one way-ANOVA and student t-test, and then by Tukey-post test to compare the pesticides residue levels founded in the rice samples (P < 0.05). Results: The results indicated that all rice samples consisted of Diazinon and Durasban pesticides. Despite the all samples, the rice collected from western region of Amol city showed the pesticide residues higher than the standard levels. Conclusion: The results showed that Diazinon and Durasban pesticides are found in all samples. According to the WHO recommended limits, the investigation showed elevating levels of the pesticides in rice. Thus, a serious notification to the pollution, which can lead to ecosystem and food chain contamination, is necessary.

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Background and purpose: Impact of peer education on transformimg the health of sensitive information, such as HIV among adolescents has been shown but there were no studies on its effects on the transmission of insensitive information. Materials and methods: The experimental study on 885 ninth-grade students in 10 schools, from school girls in Tabriz (selected randomly quota) was in 2012 was. Schools equally, randomly matched in each of the training groups were directly or peer. Data collecting tools include a questionnaire containing demographic data and 18 questions to assess knowledge and 6 questions to assess practice. Knowledge and performance of students at baseline and three months after the intervention, and the distribution of iron in the samples was measured. And individual scores range from 0-100 score was calculated. Data using software SPSS.version13, Independent and paired t- test analysis were performed. Results: Mean knowledge score after training in peer education groups increased from 50/1 to 69.7 and in the direct teaching increased from 54.5 to 70.5, (P<0.001 in both groups). Average rating practice after training in peer education groups increased from 41.7 to 46.4 and in the direct teaching increased from 44.5 to 46/4 (P<0.05 in both groups). Compare before and after intervention in both groups showed. Effective peer education and awareness training direct enhance performance scores after the intervention than before it has been and this increase was significant points (p<0.05). Conclusion: Peer education can be an effective approach to increase student’s knowledge and practice in iron deficiency and using iron supplement. So this training method is simple and inexpensive to use in schools to promote adolescent health. Lack of satisfactory performance in both groups after the intervention, further studies on the causes of and intervention studies are necessary to improve performance in this area.

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Introduction: Industrial wastewater is one of the major environmental pollutants. Discharge of the colorful industrial effluent into the receptive waters leads to eutrophication and has mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the removal of acid blue113 from aqueous solutions by Canola (Brassica Napus) waste. Materials and Methods: This is an experimental-lab study. Canola waste was used as an adsorbent to remove the acid blue113 dye. The effect of various parameters on adsorbent performance was investigated. The isotherms of adsorption were determined. The dye concentration was measured in wavelength of 566 nm by spectrophotometer. Results: The results indicated that the removal rate of dye increased with increasing the contact time and dose of adsorbent but the amount of adsorbed dye per gram adsorbent (qe) decreased. The removal rate increased with decreasing the initial concentration of dye, too. In the optimum state, the adsorbent could adsorb about 99 percent of the dye. The data of adsorption were best fitted to Langmuir isotherm. Conclusion: This study indicated that Canola waste can be used as an effective and inexpensive adsorbent to treat of textile effluents

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Background and purpose: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one of the widespread and persistent contaminant throughout the nature. The main origin that introduced this contamination to environment is oil and oil products. The main objective of this study was determination of Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) PAHs list compounds in surface sediments of Hara Protected Zone and comparison the results with the standards. Materials and methods: For petroleum pollution risk assessment in the zone, forty-two surface sediments were collected from Qeshm Island and Bandar Khamir, Iran, and sixteen PAHs compounds listed by EPA were determinate in them. The samples were extracted with a Soxhlet extractor device and 300ml dichloromethane and then analyzed with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). Results: Mean concentration of these 16 compounds was 1470 ± 157 ng/g dry weight. Therefore, the mean concentration of naphthalene as the most toxic and Benzo(a)pyrene as the best known of carcinogen PAHs compounds was 1274 ± 183 and 2.5 ± 0.28 ng/g dry weight, respectively. Conclusion: Results showed that the concentration of total PAHs was below the EPA standard (4000 ng/g dry weight). But concentration of naphthalene as the most toxic of PAH compound was higher than standard (160 ng/g). So concentration of Benzo(a)pyrene as most hazardous of PAHs compound and indicator of environmental contamination with PAHs compounds was lower than standard (430 ng/g).

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Background and purpose: This study was aimed to assess the reliability and reproducibility of a designed food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and to determine the major dietary pattern of overweight and obese adults in Tabriz, Iran. Materials and methods: The study included two studies: (1) a pilot study (n = 30) assessment of reliability and reproducibility of FFQ, (2) a cross-sectional study (n = 422) aiming to determine the major dietary pattern of overweight and obese adults. A 189-food item FFQ was completed twice with one-month interval for each subjects. Food consumption over one year for 422 adults aged 20-60 years in Tabriz was collected after assessment of reliability and reproducibility of FFQ. Weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was estimated. Factor analysis was used to determine major dietary pattern. Results: Correlation coefficient of the two completed FFQ was varied from 0.60 (for garlic) to 0.97 (for potatoes). Three major dietary patterns were found using factor analysis: "healthy", "western" and "traditional" dietary pattern. Correlation coefficient for the three "Healthy", "Western" and "Traditional" dietary patterns, were 0.90, 0.83 and 0.92, respectively. These dietary patterns included 23% of the total variances. Conclusion: The reliability and reproducibility of the FFQ used in this study was good. There were three major dietary pattern using FFQ among overweight and obese adults in Tabriz.

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Background and purpose: The pollution of aquatic ecosystems with heavy metals, have always been a major concern for aquatic organisms and human health. Contaminants such as heavy metals are accumulated along the food chain and then transmitted to human body. Levels of contaminants in fish are of particular interest because of the potential risk to humans. This study examined the levels of cadmium, lead, zinc and copper in muscle tissue of Esox lucius from the Anzali international wetland and then compared them with the standards established for human health. Materials and methods: This research was done on 26 Pike perch (Esox lucius) obtained from Anzali wetland by multimesh gill nets in September 2010. The samples were digested by concentrated nitric acid, and then were analyzed for Pb in a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer and for Cd, Cu, and Zn in a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: Mean concentration of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn was 0.82 ± 0.06, 0.22 ± 0.02, 5.68 ± 0.31, 54.26 ± 0.87 (µg/g dry weight), respectively. The results showed no significant correlation between Pb, Cu and Zn concentrations with body weight and length but a significant negative correlation was observed between Cd concentration with body length (r= -0.88, P<0.05) and body weight (r= -0.9, P<0.05). Conclusion: The levels of Zn, Cu and Pb were lower than the standard levels established by WHO, FAO, and EPA but levels of Cd exceeded the standards of WHO and EPA. These results can be a warning for consumers of these fish. According to the daily intake of heavy metals consuming this fish on weekly basis is not prohibited.

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Background and purpose: Shoulder injuries are very common among the volleyball players. Functional disability of shoulder is one the most important reasons of the players' absence in match and training sessions. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of shoulder pain and functional disability among the Iranian premier league volleyball players and also to determine the correlation between pain prevalence and functional disability with some factors such as age, gender, body type and the activity of these players. Materials and methods: Following ethical approval from the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, a cross-sectional study was carried on 103 male (Mean height 190.69 ± 8.77 cm, mean weight 84.60 ± 10.4 Kg and mean age 23.21 ± 3.80 years old) and female (mean height 170.94 ± 4.72 cm, mean weight 61.42 ± 6.58 Kg and mean age 24.02 ± 7.63 years old) volleyball players from the Iranian Volleyball Premiere league. A structured questionnaire including questions on demographic and sports characteristics, and also prevalence and risk factors of shoulder pain was used. Visual analogue scale and disability of arm, shoulder and hand questionnaires were used to determine the pain intensity and functional disability. Chi-Square (χ2), Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Logistic Regression analyses were applied to investigate the correlation among variables and to assess the existence linear relationship between variables. Also, an Independent-Samples T-Test was used to identify the differences among these variables. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Version 18) and the level of significance was set up at 0.05. Results: The results indicate that 22% of the samples reported pain at the time of completing questionnaire (point prevalence) 29% during last six months 36% during last year and 38% suffered during their lifetime. Almost 70% of volleyball players reported a level of functional disability with the average DASH score of 12.7 ± 9.2. No significant difference was found in pain intensity and functional disability of shoulder between male and female volleyball players (P>0.05 in both instances). The results indicated a significant correlation between the pain prevalence and body mass index, Level of sport, number of training days per week, number of training sessions per week and number of training sessions per day (P<0.05 in all instances). Conclusion: The prevalence of shoulder pain and functional shoulder disability among Iranian premier league volleyball players seem to be high. Considering identified risk factors, further studies focusing on preventive strategies are recommended to prevent shoulder injuries among the Iranian volleyball players.

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Background and purpose: Fatigue is one of the most common disabling complaints in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). According to recently studies, between 60 to 90% of MS suffer of excessive fatigue. The nature of MS related fatigue is clearly distinct from normal fatigue. Complementary therapies probably effect on reduction of fatigue such as physiotherapy, yoga and exercise therapy. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of aquatic exercise program on fatigue in women with Multiple sclerosis. Materials and methods: subjects of the research were 26 females with MS, who have age between 25-45 years and EDSS 1-4. And they were divided into two groups, experimental (12) and control (14). Aquatic Exercise program was 8 weeks (3 × weeks). Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) used for measure fatigue in patients MS. Software SPSS (16) and T-student method used for statically analysis. Results: Results showed that there were a statically difference between pre and post test FSS scores in experimental group (P<0.05). Also, there were a statically difference between post-test FSS scores in experimental and control groups (P<0.05). And was observed that fatigue was significantly decrease after investigation Conclusion: Finally, we can state that aquatic exercise program decrease fatigue in people with MS.

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Background and purpose: The newly updated American Diabetes Association guidelines based on evidence-based medical practice have proposed screening of the patients for neuropathy at the time of diagnosis with type II diabetes mellitus. However, the complex and extensive clinical manifestation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and lack of objective evaluation indexes makes this screening rather troublesome. The goal of this study was screening of sensory peripheral neuropathy in type II diabetic patients in Ahvaz, Iran. Materials and methods: Our study population consisted of 150 patients treated for diabetes mellitus in the Clinic of Diabetes at the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. Non-randomized sampling method was used to select the participants. All patients were tested for sensory neuropathy using two different modalities of testing: 8 and 10 gram Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments Examinations. In next phase nerve conduction velocity was examined. Then, sensitivity and specificity of 8 and 10 gram Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments were analyzed. Results: Gram Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament had a sensitivity ranging from 30.8% to 64.1% at sites 1-10 while its specificity ranged from 64% to 89.2%. The sensitivity and specificity of 8 gram Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament were 28.2 to 64.1% and 62.2% to 88.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament is believed to be the best choice for clinical screening that has a good predictive ability for the risk of ulceration and amputation among people with diabetes.

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Background and purpose: Clostridium botulinum bacteria produces seven types of botulinum neurotoxins among which types A, B, E and F are responsible for human botulism. One of the treatments for botulism is the inhibition of botulinum neurotoxins catalytic domain activity by inhibitors. In this study, botulinum neurotoxin type E catalytic domain has been cloned in pET28a vector and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). Materials and methods: In order to cloning of the catalytic domain, the genomic DNA was extracted. The sequence was amplified by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and was inserted into pGEM-T Easy vector. Then, the recombinant vector was transferred to E. coli DH5α cells. Afterwards, the cloning product was removed from pGEM-T Easy vector and inserted into pET28a vector using ligation reaction. Finally, the recombinant pET28a was transferred into E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells. Expression of catalytic domain was studied in standard conditions. Results: The results of enzymatic digestion and PCR reaction confirmed that cloning and subcloning occurred in pGEM-T Easy and pET28a vectors, respectively. The process was verified by sequencing. Finally, expression of this sequence was confirmed by the sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot analysis. Conclusion: The cloning of the sequence was accurately conducted in pGEM-T Easy and pET28a vectors. Also, the results showed that the expression of this sequence has been performed properly.

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Background and purpose: Gallstone is one of the most common problems of hepatobiliary system. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a gold standard treatment for this problem. Carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflated in the abdomen for better exposure in laparoscopic cholecystectomy could increase the liver enzyme levels. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of different CO2 pressure (12-16 mm Hg) on liver enzymes in laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared with open cholecystectomy. Materials and methods: In this clinical trial 60 patients were randomly assigned into three groups. The first group had low pressure (12mm Hg) laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The second group had laparoscopic cholecystectomy with high pressure (16mm Hg) and the third group had an open cholecystectomy. To assess the liver enzyme levels we checked the AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and Bil, before, 24h, and 72h after surgery. Data analysis was done in SPSS ver.15 using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The changes in liver function tests were significantly different before and 24h after the surgery in first and second group, however, these changes reduced to primary level after 72h. In the group with open cholecystectomy significant changes were seen in AST and ALT levels before and 24h after the surgery which decreased to primary level after 72h. The level of LDH was significantly different before and 24h after the surgery in group one and two. Conclusion: Gas insufflation in to abdomen transiently changed the liver enzyme levels that reduced to primary level after 72h.

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Background and purpose: Population aging and advancing longevity is one of the achievements of the present century. Life satisfaction is considered as a typical sign of a successful adaptation to changes in various life situations. It seems that self-efficacy and social support may be associated with life satisfaction. There are limited publications in this field, so this study was done to investigate the relationship between life satisfactions, self-efficacy and social support in communitydwelling elderly in Sari, north of Iran. Materials and methods: In this descriptive-analytic study 129 elderly who agreed to participate were randomly selected from 10 health centers in Sari. The samples who aged more than 60 years of old were included and exclusion criteria were having incurables disease such as cancer, dementia, and severe psychological diseases. The data was collected using demographic questionnaires, Ed Diener life satisfaction, social support and self-efficacy questionnaires. To analyze the data SPSS V. 16 was applied. Results: The mean age of the elderly and life satisfaction were 67.86 ± 7.49 and 20.64 ± 8.36, respectively. We observed a significant correlation between life satisfaction and demographic variables such as economic status (P=0.002) and home status (P=0.01). Total average of social support and selfefficacy were 25.08 ± 5.98, 24.35 ± 7.55, respectively. This study found a significant association between life satisfaction with social support (r=0.44, P=0.001) and self-efficacy (r=0.49, P=0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, there is a direct relationship between life satisfaction, social support, and self-efficacy. Life satisfaction in elderly can be increased by strengthening the support, independence and dignity of older people, thereby improving their social support and self-efficacy conditions.

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Background and purpose: Resistin and Adiponectin play a crucial role in the diseases caused by obesity through regulating metabolic and inflammatory processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of regular aerobic exercise on plasma levels of adiponectin and resistin in active young female. Materials and methods: Twenty active females (basketball player) were randomly divided into two groups of control and experimental. The experimental group performed aerobic exercise, four sessions in a week, for eight weeks with the intensity of 70-80% of HRmax, while the control group did not have any exercise. After eight weeks of aerobic exercise the BMI, body fat percentage, plasma resistin and adiponectin levels were measured. Sandwich ELISA was used to measure the levels of plasma resistin and adiponectin. Statistical analysis was performed by repeated measure and student t-test. Results: Results of this study showed that significant decreases in BMI and body fat percentage in the experimental group (P<0.05). The level of resistin also significantly reduced in the experimental group (P<0.05) while the level of adiponectin significantly increased in this group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Regular aerobic training in addition to reducing BMI, and body fat percentage reduced the levels of plasma resistin and increased the adiponectin level in active young female which could help in reducing the possibility of cardiovascular diseases. (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT2012121511528N1)

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Background and purpose: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common type of liver disease. Using functional food such as microalgae is a new approach for improvement of metabolic disorders and oxidative stress in these patients. This study aimed at assessing the effect of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris (C.Vulgaris) supplementation on lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in NAFLD patients. Material & Methods: This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 70 patients with NAFLD (whose diseas was confirmed by ultrasonograohy). The subjects were randomly allocated into 2 groups of intervention (n=35) who received 400 mg/day vitamin E plus four 300 mg tablets of C.vulgaris before breakfast and the placebo who were given 400 mg/day vitamin E and four placebo tablets per day for eight weeks. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), Triglyceride (TG(, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were assessed at baseline and end of week eight. Results: In both groups after eight weeks the weight, TC, LDL-c, TG, ALT, ALP, and MDA decreased significantly (P<0.001), but HDL-c increased significantly (P=0.04). AST significantly declined in intervention group (P<0.001). The mean changes in weight, MDA and ALP between the two groups reached statistically significant levels (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this trial indicate C.vulgaris supplementation could decrease weight, MDA and improve lipid profile as well as liver function in patients with NAFLD.

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Background and purpose: Dihydropyrimidins are bioisoester of dihydropyridine. In addition to blocking of calcium channels, they have antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasital and antiinflammatory activities. Monastrol is an anticancer dihydropyrimidine derivation that inhibits mitosis. Several marine alkaloids with dihydropyrimidine skeletal have been isolated. In this study, several compounds with dihydropyrimidines skeletal were prepared by reaction of imidazole aldehyde, urea and β-keto ester. Material and methods: Imidazole derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of the starting materials, methyl amine hydrochloride and dihydroxyaceton dimer with potassium thiocyanate under the reflux condition, using acetic acid and n-Butanol as solvent. In the next step, corresponding product was methylated by methyl iodide. This product was then oxidized by MnO2 to corresponding aldehyde. The reaction of aldehyde, urea and β-ketoester (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl acetoacetate) in the presence of Lewis acid, gave the final products. Results: The yields were 50 to 70%. The structure of all products was confirmed by analytical methods such as NMR, IR and Mass spectra. Conclusion: Changing the solvent of a reaction is one method for increasing the yield of reaction. In this study, acid acetic was used as solvent instead of ethanol. The goal of this study was to obtain the structures with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Because of known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of imidazolering, it seems that the combination of these two nucleuses may create structures with improved activities.

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Background and purpose: Regarding the effective role of plant flavonoids in the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus, in this investigation, induction of P19 stem cells differentiation into insulin producing cells by flavonoids of methanol extract of Cichorium intybus L. leaf was examined. Materials and methods: Initially, flavonoids of methanol extract of Cichorium intybus L. leaf were concentrated. The P19-derived embryonic bodies were cultured in α-MEM (Minimum Essential Medium) containing 15% fetal bovine serum for three days. To induce the differentiation, the cells treated with the concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 µg/ml of flavonoids of methanol extract of Cichorium intybus L. leaf for 12 days. Untreated P19 cells and embryonic bodies were used as controls. Dithizone staining, immunoflorecence and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques were used to demonstrate the differentiated cells. Results: Differentiated P19 cells by different concentrations of extract shown positive reaction to dithizone staining. Most percentage of positive dithizone cells was reached in concentration of 100 µg/ml. Immunoflorecence method showed that differentiated P19 cells were able to express the pancreas beta cell-specific markers. Pdx-1 gene expression in the cells was demonstrated by RT-PCR technique. Conclusion: The flavonoids of methanol extract of Cichorium intybus L. leaf are able to induce differentiation of P19 stem cells to insulin producing cells.

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Background and purpose: Natural disinfecting agents for home disinfection of removable orthodontic appliances can be a good alternative for chemical solutions.Purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of Zatariamultiflora essential oil, 0.12% chlorhexidine and sterile tap water (control) in removing Candida and Streptococcus viridans colonies from the acrylic baseplates of removable orthodontic appliances. Materials and methods: 20 participants were enrolled in the study. Each participant wore a removable orthodontic appliance for 7 consecutive nights. After the period of use, the baseplates were cut into 3 equal in size samples. Two of the samples were randomly sprayed with one of the test solutions: Zatariamultiflora essential oil and 0.12% chlorhexidine. After 10 minutes the disinfected specimens were rinsed with tap water. One of the samples was only rinsed with tap water (control group). With microbial culture technique, the colony counts of Candida and Streptococcus viridans microorganisms were counted for each group. Friedman test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranked Test were used for statistical analysis. Results: There were statistically significant differences among the groups (p< .05) for both Candida and S.viridans. Two-by-two comparisons showed that all test solutions differed significantly. Chlorhexidine was significantly more effective in reducing colonies than Zatariamultiflora essential oil, and both test solutions were better than control group. Conclusion: Zatariamultiflora essential oil with the concentration and time used in this study cannot be a good alternative for 0.12% chlorhexidine.

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Background and purpose: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the chronic liver diseases. ( ) Microalgae – as a functional food and prebiotic agent - is supposed as a new approach in the treatment of NAFLD. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the effect of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris (C. Vulgaris) supplementation on inflammatory factors in patients with NAFLD. Materials and methods: This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 70 NAFLD patients confirmed by ultrasonograohy and liver enzymes level. The subjects were randomly allocated into two groups: (1) “Intervention” (n=35) received 400 mg/d vitamin E plus four 300 mg tablets of C.vulgaris, (2) “placebo” received 400 mg/d vitamin E and four placebo tablets per day for eight weeks. Weight, dietary data and fasting serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), hs-CRP , tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks. Results: Weight, ALT and ALP decreased significantly in both group after the intervention (p˂0.001). There were found significant reductions in AST and hs-CRP in the intervention group (p˂0.001). Intera-groups changes in TNF-α level was statistically significant (P˃0.05). Conclusion: C.vulgaris supplementation could improve liver function through decreasing weight , liver enzymes and hs-CRP concentrations after 8 weeks.