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Background and purpose: Histamine is a neurotransmitter present in the brain of mammals which produces its physiological effects on target cells by stimulation of three types of receptors H1, H2 and H3. Various reports nowadays indicate the role of histamine in reduction of pain transmission. This study was designed to determine the role of histamine receptors in reduction of pain.
Materials and Methods: Ïn this study, effects of different histamine receptor agonists and antagonists on the nociceptive threshold were investigated in mice by thermal (hot plate) and chemical (acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing) stimuli.
 Results: Ïntracerebroventricular (Ï.Ç.V.) injection of the histamine H1 receptor agonist HTMT (50 μ g per mouse) produced a significant hypernociceptive response in the hot plate and writhing tests. This dose of HTMT had no significant effect on the motor coordination on rota rod test. Ïntra peritoneal(Ï.P)injection of histamine H1 receptor antagonist, dexchloropheniramine (30 and 40 mg/kg) and diphenhydramine (20 and 40 mg/kg) caused a dose dependent antinociception in both tests. But since all the doses of dephenhydramine in this experiment caused motor impairment in rota rod, it seems that diphenhydramine is not a real pain antagonist. Çombined injection of HTMT with dexchlorpheniramine (20 mg/kh, i.p) did not change pain threshold in hot plate teat. The histamine H2 receptor agonist, dimaprit (50 and 100 μ gm per mouse, Ï.Ç.V) and ranitidine, histamine H2 receptor antagonist (50 and 100 μ gm per mouse, Ï.Ç.V) raised the pain threshold in both hot plate and writhing tests. Histamine H2 receptor agonist, imetit(25-50mg/kg, Ï.P.) and histamine H3 receptor antagonist, thioperamide (25 and 50 mg/kg, Ï.P.) decreased or increased pain threshold in hot plate, respectively. The dose of 25 mg/kg, Ï.P. of thioperamide significantly antagonized hyper nociceptive response induced by imetit.
Çonclusion: These results suggest that histamine receptor mechanisms have a retrogative effect on the pain caused by hot plate.

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Background and purpose: Dextromenthorphan is a NMDÂ receptor antagonist in the glutamatergic system. Çurrently, there are good reports showing that the glutamatergic NMDÂ receptor mechanism modulates endogenous opiods and dopamine actions in several brain regions. This effect may in part change pain threshold in various analgesic tests. The purpose of the present study is to determine the modulatory effect of dextromethorphan on the pain threshold in the mouse writhing test.
Materials and methods: Ïntraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of acetic acid (10 ml/kg, 0.6%) produces abdominal writhing in mice. The number of writhes occurring during a 30 min period after acetic acid injection was recorded.
Results: Dextromenthorphan (30 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a significant reduction in acetic acid-induced writhing behavior. The dose of 30 mg/kg, i.p., of dextromethorphan also potentiated mortphine (1-8 mg/kg, s.c.) antinociception. The antinociceptive effect of dextromethorphan was blocked by either naloxone (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or apomorphine (0.25-2 mg/kg, s.c.). The effect of apomorphine was antagonized by the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SÇH 23390 (1mg/kg, i.p.) but not by the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride (50 mg/kg, s.c.) nor the peripheral dopamine receptor antagonist, domperidone (10 mg/kg, s.c.).
Çonclusion: These results suggest that the opioid and central dopamine D1 receptor mechanisms may in part mediate the antinociceptive effect of dextromethorphan in the mouse writhing test.

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Background and purpose: Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorder that results in significant consequences in active population of the society. Ïn traditional manscripts there are many indications about the antidepressant effects of rose drops, but, sofar no scientific research has been done about this subject. The objective of present study is to determine the anti depressant effects of this plant.
Materials and Methods: This study was done on laboratory rats. Üsing the forced mandatory swimming test and the effect of Rosa in different concentrations was compared to the effects of placebo and amphetamine.
Results: Rose drops with a concentration of 5% had no antidepressant effect, but concentrations of 10% , 20% and 40% , reduced the depression significantly in Çomparision to placebo, which was similar to amphetamine.
Çonclusion: Since the anti depressant effect of Rose drops appeared acutely and in a short period of time, like amphetamine, it is probable that, it’s effect is due to release of pre-synaptic amines.

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Background and purpose: Repetitive licking behaviour is a stereotyped phenomenon that is correlated with activation of the nigrostriatal system, and is thought to be produced by activation of both postsynaptic dopamine D1 and D2 receptors. There are good evidences showing that the histaminergic mechanisms may be closely related to dopaminergic systems, and play an important modulatory role in various behaviours induced by dopaminergic agents. Ïn order to clarify the possible role of the histaminergic mechanism(s) in the modulation of licking behaviour, the effects of several histamine receptor agonists and antagonists were studied on the licking behaviour induced by apomorphine in the rat.
Materials and methods: Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of various doses of apomorphine (0.125-1.25 mg/kg) induced licking. The licking response was counted by direct observation and recorded for a period of 75 min.
Results: Ïntracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) or intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the histamine H1 or H2 receptor agonists, HTMT (50 and 100 μg per rat), or dimaprit (10-15mg/kg, i.p.), respectively, potentiated apomorphine-induced licking, while imetit (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.), reduced the licking response. Pretreatment with various histamine receptor antagonists, dexchlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, famotidine and ranitidine reduced apomorphine-induced licking, while thioperamide potentiated the apomorphine effect. The effects of HTMT and dimaprit were blocked by dexchlorpheniramine and famotidine respectively. The inhibitory effect elicited by imetit was also abolished with thioperamide.
Çonclusion: The results suggest that histaminergic mechanisms may be involved in the modulation of apomorphine-induced licking behaviour.

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Background and purpose: Sedation is regarded as a common side effect of most antihistamines, and limits the clinical utility of classical antihistaminic agents, while newer antihistamines are nonsedating. Çonsidering the importance of this phenomenon in the present study, the role of different histamine receptor mechanisms in mediating the sedation were investigated in rat rota rod test.
Materials and methods: The integrity of motor coordination on the basis of the endurance time of the rats on the rotating rod, with speed of 16 r.p.m. was assessed. The endurance time was measured before and after drugs treatment.
Results: intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) or intraperitoneal injection of HTMT (10 μg/rat) or diphenhydramine( 20, 30 and 40 mg/kg), but not dexchlorpheniramine reduced endurace time of the rat rota rod test. The histamine H2 receptor agonist, dimaprit (30 mg/kg, i.p.) but not antagonists such as famotidine (20-40 mg/kg, i.p.) and ranitidine (20-40 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased the endurance time in the rota rod test. The histamine H3 receptor agonist, imetit (50 mg/kg, i.p.) but not thioperamide (5and 10 mg/kg, i.p) produced a motor impairment in the rota rod test. The dose of 5 mg/kg, i.p. of thioperamide significantly antagonized the motor impairment induced by imetit.
Çonclusion: These results suggest that the histamine H3 receptor mechanism may be involved in the modulation of sedation.

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Background and purpose: Diphenhydramine, an ethanolamine derivative, is a histamine H1 receptor antagonist. This drug is usually used for symptomatic relief of hypersensitivity reactions including: urticaria, angioedema, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and pruritic skin disorders. Ïn addition, diphenhydramine is also used in the treatment of nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, vertigo, sleepless ness disorders, cough and common cold. Diphenhydramine has some important side effects such as fatigue and motor coordination disorders. These side effects may be mediated via a sedative effect on ÇNS or a direct effect on skeletal muscles. Since, there are several findings showing the sedative effect of diphenhydramine but no reportes about its direct effect on skeletal muscles, we examined the effect of diphenhydramine on chick biventer cervicis muscle preparation.
Materials and methods: The isolated chick (about 3 weeks old) biventer cervicis muscle was put in the organ bath. The organ bath had a vessel with volume of about 70 ml it contains Tyrode solution aerated with oxygen and is kept at 37º Ç. The nerve supplying the twitch-fibres was located in the tendon against which the electrodes were placed. Ït was stimulated, usually at a frequency of 0.1 HZ, duration 0.5 msec. and voltage of 5 volt and twitch response was recorded by a polygraph apparatus after transfering through a transducer.
Results: The most important results are as follows: Â- Diphenhydramine in the range up to 30 µg/ml, had an inhibitory effect on the twitch response to indirect electrical stimuli. B- The contracture responses to exogenous acetylcholine, increased in the presence of diphenhydramine (50 and 100 ng/ml). Ç- The contracture responses to exogenous acetylcholine and carbachol are completely inhibited by the concentration of 30 µg/ml of diphenhydramine. D- The inhibitory effect of diphenhydramine was not antagonized by physostigmine or 4-aminopyridin. Dose-response curves of acetylcholine and carbachol in the presence of diphenhydramine (1 and 30 µg/ml) shifted to right with a decrease in the efficacy.
Çonclusion: Ïn the therapeutic concentrations, diphenhydramine elicited an inhibitory effect on neuromuscular function and an anticholinesterase activity so that, twitch response unaltered. Ïn the toxic concentration, diphenhydramine prouduced a strong inhibitory effect on the twitch response via a membrane-stabilizing activity.

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Background and purpose : Dextromethorphan is a non-competitive NMDÂ receptor antagonist in the glutamatergic system with over 47 years of clinical usage experience as an over-the counter antitussive drug. We previously demonstrated that dextromethorphan modulates the pain threshold in the mouse acetic acid (0.6%,intraperitonealy)-induced writhing test (a tonic and chemical model for chronic pain) and naloxone-induced withdrawal signs in morphine-dependent mice. Because opioid and dopaminergic mechanisms of dextromethorphan have not been evaluated in the acute and phasic pain models, the effect of dextromethorphan on the pain response-induced by hot plate (a phasic and thermal model for acute pain) was investigated in mice.
Materials and methods : The effects of dextromethorphan and other drugs on pain thershold were investigated using a hot plate apparatus (Harvard, ÜK). The hot plate temperature set thermostatically at 52.5 ± 0.5 ºÇ. The latency to licking or kicking of the fore or hind paws was recorded at various times after drug injection.  cut-off time of 45 s was imposed to avoid tissue damage. The integrity of motor coordination was assessed with a rota rod apparatus (Harvard, ÜK).
Results : Dextromethorphan (30 mg/kg, i.p.) increased the pain threshold in the mouse hot plate test. This dose of dextromethorphan was ineffective in the rota rod test, thus it could be considered as a real antinociceptive effect. Dextromethorphan also potentiated the antinociceptive effect of morphine. The antinociceptive effect of dextromethorphan and the potentiation of morphine antinociception, were antagonized by the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone. The antinociceptive effect of dextromethorphan was also antagonized by dopamine mixed D1/D2 receptor agonist, apomorphine. The inhibitory effect of apomorphine on antinociceptive response of dextromethorphan was blocked by the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SÇH 23390, but not by the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride nor by the peripheral dopamine receptor antagonist, domperidone.
Çonclusion : These results suggest that, opioid and central dopamine D1 receptor mechanisms may in part modulate dextromethorphan antinociception in the mouse hot plate test.

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Background and purpose : Âscorbic acid, an antioxidant vitamine, is found throughout the mammalian central nervous system (ÇNS). There is evidence that it may modulate neuronal activity, release of neurotransmitters and dopamine receptors activities. There are behavioral evidences supporting the antidopaminergic effect of ascorbic acid. This effect of ascorbic acid may, in part, modulate the stereotyped behaviors induced by dopaminergic system. The purpose of the present study was to determine the interaction between ascorbic acid and the stereotyped licking behavior in rat.
Materials and methods : The effects of ascorbic acid and different dopamine receptor antagonists on apomorphine-induced licking behavior were examined. For the induction of licking, the dose of 0.5 mg/kg, s.c. of apomorphine was used and the number of licking was recorded over a 75 min period.
Results : Âscorbic acid (200-350 mg/kg, s.c.) dose-dependently reduced the licking behavior. Subcutaneous injection of ascorbic acid (250 mg/kg, ËD61) potentiated the inhibitory effect of dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SÇH 23390 (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) but it did not alter the inhibitory effect of dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride (25 and 50 mg/kg, s.c.).
Çonclusion : These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of ascorbic acid on apomorphine-induced licking behavior in rat is mediated by dopamine D2 receptor mechanisms.

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Background and purpose: This study was undertaken to determine the effects of high dose IV desferal on symptoms, LV size and function in thalassemic patients
Materials and methods : 15 thalassemic patients with cardiomyopathy all of whom were on cardiotonic drugs for at least one month, aged between 15-25 yr, with ferritin> 1200ng/ml and Hb>9gr/dl were included in the study. They recieved IV desferal of 130mg/kg/day (max 5gr) during 10-14 hr for 5 consequtive days. Cardiac evaluation including history, plysical exam, ECG and Echocardiography were performed just before recieving desferal, 2 days and one month after completing the regimen. In additon visual and auditory consultations were done before and after the intervention to detect probable side effects.
Results : By administering high dose IV desferal, the cardiovascular symptoms reduced considerably and systolic function showed significant improvement so that a reduction in LVEF from 49.1 ± 1.8% to 58/8 ± 2.9% at first follow up and to 57.8 ± 2.1% at second follow up was observed. EPSS decreazed from 9.6 ± 0.8 mm to 6.7 ± 0.8 mm at first follow up and to 6.5 ± 0.6 mm at second follow up (p<0.001). However, there was no significant effect on diastolic function, ECG and physical findings. No remarkable visual and auditory side effects were demonstrated.
Conclusion : Based on the data it can be concluded that high dose IV desferal has improving effects on thalassemic cardio myopathy with high ferritin level.

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Background and purpose: The aim of this prospective, clinical trial study was to investigate whether the administration of different doses of ketamine before induction with propofol imporves its associated haemodynamic propofol during induction and tracheal intubation.
Materials and Methods: One hundered and thirty adult patients ASA I were randomly allocated to one of six groups to receive either propofol 2 mg/kg (n= 23), propofol 1.75 mg/kg with ketamine 0.25 mg/kg (n=21), propofol 1.5 mg/kg with ketamine 0.5 mg/kg (n=20), propofol 1.25 mg/kg with ketamine 0.75 mg/kg (n=21), propofol 1 mg/kg with ketamine 1 mg/kg (n=24), and ketamine group alone 2 mg/kg (n=21). Ketamine was administered prior to induction with propofol, relaxant and tracheal intubaion. Systolic, diastolic pressure and heart rate were automatically recorded before induction (Baseline), immediately after induction, and 1 , 5 and 10 min after tracheal intubation by Armita devices.
Results: Systolic, diastolic pressure and palse rate were not significantly different in different groups befor the induction. However theses difference were significant after the induction of anesthesia (P<0.001). The highest increase and decrease in blood pressure occurred in ketamine and propofol groups respectively. Haemodynamic stability was much better in patients anesthetized using propofol plus 0.5 to 0.75 mg/kg ketamine.
Conclusion: We conclude that the addition of ketamine 0.5 and 0.75 mg/kg improves haemodynamics when compared to ketamine 2 mg/kg alone or propofol 2 mg/kg during induction of anesthesia.

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Background and Purpose: NO is a short-lived gas molecule generated by degradation of L-arg to citrulline and by the activation of enzyme NOS Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent. There are multiple NOS isoforms that strongly are expressed in skeletal muscle, suggesting the crucial role of NO in regulating muscular metabolism and function. In this study, the effect of L-arginine was examined at the neuromuscular junction of the chick biventer cervicis muscle.
Materials and Methods: Biventer cervicis muscle preparations from chick’s age of 3 weeks were set up in the organ bath. The organ bath had a vessel with volume of about 70 ml it contained Tyrode solution aerated with oxygen and was kept at 37º C. NO levels was also measured in the chick biventer cervicis muscle homogenates, using spectrophotometer method for the direct detection of NO, nitrite and nitrate. Total nitrite (nitrite+nitrate) was measured by a spectrophotometer at 540 nm after the conversion of nitrate to nitrite by copperized cadmium granules.
Results: L-Arginine at 500 µg/ml, decreased twitch response to electrical stimulation, and produced rightward shift of the dose-response curve for acetylcholine or carbachol. L-arginine at 1000 µg/ml produced a strong shift to the right of the dose-response curve for acetylcholine or carbachol with a reduction in efficacy. The inhibitory effect of L-arginine on the twitch response was blocked by caffeine (200 µg/ml). NO levels were found to be significantly increased in concentrations 500 and 1000 µg/ml of L-arginine in comparison with the control group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: These findings indicate a possible role of increased NO levels in the suppressive action of L-arginie on the twitch response. In addition, the results indicate that the post-junctional antagonistic action of L-arginine is probably the result of impaired sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release.

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Background and purpose: b-carboline alkaloids, also known as harmala's alkaloids have a wide spectrum of pharmacological actions including a stimulatory action on release of dopamine and other catecholamines in several brain regions and an inhibitory action on monoamine oxidase (MAO). These findings suggest that b-carbolines should alleviate at least some of the dopaminergic stereotyped behaviors. The purpose of present study is to determine the effects of b-carbolines harmane, norharmane and harmine on apomorphine-induced pecking behavior in chick.
Materials and methods: All experiments were carried out on male/female chicks (40-60 g). The modulatory effects of b-Carbolines on stereotyped behavior were assessed using the pecking behavior induced by apomorphine. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of apomorphaine (0.025 mg/kg, mixed agonist of dopamine D1/D2 receptors) induced pecking. The pecking response was counted by direct observation and recorded for a 40-minute period.
Results: S.C. injection of harmane (2.5-10 mg/kg) and harmine (1.25-5 mg/kg) significantly decreased the pecking behavior induced by apomorphine (0.25 mg/kg). The norharmane (2.5-15 mg/kg, i.p.) response was biphasic. The inhibitory effects of harmane, norharmane and harmine were blocked by flumazenil (5 mg/kg, i.e., 30 minutes before the test) or reserpine (5 mg/kg, i.e., 18 hours before the test).
Conclusion: Results suggest that the modulatory effect of harmane, norharmane and harmine on the pecking behavior may be mediated through an inverse agonistic/monoaminergic mechanism.

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Background and purpose: The goal of asthma therapy is to achieve clinical control and near normal lung functions. Many patients with moderate persistent asthma fail to achieve this goal with a low dose of inhaled corticosteroid (ÏÇS) plus long-acting β2 agonist (LÂBÂ). Ïn the present study, we have checked whether another controller medication (in the form of ginger capsule) add on to ÏÇSlow dose + LÂBÂ helps in achieving the asthma goal or not.
Materials and methods: Thirty two adult asthmatics (17 male and 15 female) completed a 10 week trial consisting of a 1 week single blind run in period, during which placebo (250 mg capsule of lactose 3 times a day) was added to usual treatment (inhaled beclomethasone diproprionate 200 µg/twice daily plus salmeterol 50 µg/twice daily), a 4 week double blind active treatment period in which subjects received ginger (250 mg capsule of powdered ginger 3 times a day) or placebo capsule, a single blind 1 week washout period receiving placebo and a final 4 week double blind cross-over active treatment period. The primary efficacy variable was the forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FËV1) secondary efficacy variables were the peak expiratory flow (PËF) and the asthma control test (ÂÇT) scores. These variables were measured at the completion of each phase, i.e. the end of weeks 1, 5, 6 and 10. Statistical comparisons of all variables were made by two-way analysis of variance (ÂNÔVÂ) with patient, period, and treatment as fixed factors. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Âll the patients of the ginger group had significant improvement in FËV1 , PËF and ÂÇT scores (P<0.001) at the end of 10 weeks. Mean (95% ÇÏ) measurements for ginger vs placebo treatment periods were 1.99 vs 1.49 (0.32 to 0.68) L for FËV1, 255.8 vs 205.4 (27.1 to 73.8) L min-1 for PËF and 20.6 vs 17.3 (2.77 to 3.73) for ÂÇT scores. There was a similar frequency of minor adverse effects reported during placebo (13%) and ginger (16%) treatments (P>0.05).
Çonclusion: Powdered ginger rhizome capsule as an add on to inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting β2 agonist is effective in the improvement of FËV1, PËF, and ÂÇT scores of the patients of a moderate type of persistent asthma uncontrolled on standard treatment.

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Background and purpose: Harmane, norharmane and harmine are -carboline members of the family of Harmalas alkaloids (Peganum harmala, Zygophillaceae). The -carboline alkaloids bind to benzodiazepine site of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors as inverse agonists. This finding suggests that the harmane, norharmane and harmine might attenuate the hot-plate and formalin-induced nociceptions in mice. This study assessed the antinociceptive effects of harmane, norharmane and harmine in the mice used in hot-plate and formalin tests. Materials and methods: The experiment was carried out on male BALB/C mice (20-25 g). In the hot-plate test, antinociceptive effects of drugs were assessed using a hot plate apparatus (Harvard, UK). The hot-plate temperature was thermostatically set at 52.5 ±5 °C. The latency to licking or kicking of the fore or hind paws was recorded at various times after drug injection. To avoid tissue damage a cut-off time of 45 seconds was imposed. In the formalin test, total time spent licking injected paw was recorded in 5 min intervals from 0-5 min (as early phase) and 15-50 min (as late phase) after injection of formalin. A decrease in the duration of the time spent licking indicated an antinociceptive response. Results: In the hot-plate test i.p. injection of harmane (5-20 mg/kg, seven mice per group), norharmane (5-15 mg/kg, seven mice per group) and harmine (10 and 15 mg/kg, seven mice per group), led to a significant antinociceptive effect. The antinociceptive effects of harmane, norharmane and harmine were antagonized by flumazenil (2 mg/kg, i.p.) and naloxone (5mg/kg, i.p.). In the formalin test, i.p. injection of the doses of 2.5-5-10 mg/kg, harmane, norharmane and harmine resulted in a significant antinociceptive effect. The antinociceptive effects of harmane, norharmane and harmine were antagonized by flumazenil (5 mg/kg, i.p.). Conclusion: The results suggest that the antinociceptive effects of harmane, norharmane and harmine may be mediated through an inverse agonistic mechanism located in the benzodiazepine receptors.

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Background and purpose: Diabetes-associated depression may occur due to changes in the quality of life imposed by treatment, or may be a consequence of biochemical changes accompanying the disease. There are some reports indicating that treatment with methanolic extract of dried rhizomes of ginger could lead to a significant reduction in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced elevation of glucose level. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behaviors of diabetic mice through an animal model of depression -the forced swim test (FST)-, and to determine the efficiency of ginger extract as an antidepressant. Materials and methods: Balb/C male mice (25-30 g) were submitted to the forced-swimming test after seven days induction of diabetes with streptozotocin (100 mg/kg, i.p.). The test was analyzed using an ethological approach and we investigated the changes of blood glucose levels of diabetic mice during the test. Methanolic ginger extract (175, 350 and 700 mg/kg) was administered i.p. 45 min before the test. Results: Diabetic mice were significantly more immobile during the forced-swimming test. Ginger extract at doses of 175 and 350 mg/kg did not change blood glucose values and decreased immobility of diabetic mice with no change in behavior when compared with nondiabetic mice. Both blood glucose levels and immobility time were significantly lower in the diabetic mice that received the dose of 700 mg/kg ginger extract. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that diabetic mice present more intense depressive-like behavior, when exposed to the forced-swimming test. Ginger extract resulted in antidepressant-like effect in these animals. Increased blood glucose level is involved in depression associated with diabetes, because ginger extract counteracts these changes with modifying blood glucose.

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Background and purpose: Androgentic alopecia (AGA) is physiological hair loss induced by androgens in genetically predisposed persons. Different medications have been suggested to treat AGA until now but there is no certain treatment. This study aimed to compare the effect of caffeine + minoxidil topical solution 2.5% and minoxidil topical solution 2.5% in AGA treatment. Materials and methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial study 60 patients were enrolled. The sampling method was simple classification and patients were divided to 2 equal groups. The first group received minoxidil topical solution 2.5% and the second group received caffeine + minoxidil topical solution 2.5%. Method of treatment was the same in both groups (one milliliter of solution was applied twice a day) and follow-up was by computation of hair numbers on alopecia area in scalp. Both groups were followed in 7 stages: at the beginning of study and the days 7, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150. Results: Caffeine + minoxidil topical solution 2.5% was more effective than minoxidil topical solution 2.5%. There was a significant statistical difference between the groups. Conclusion: This study overtly showed that the effect of caffeine + minoxidil topical solution 2.5% to treat AGA was better than minoxidil topical solution 2.5%. We suggest more studies with greater sample size and longer priod of follow-up.

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Background and purpose: Digital radiography has led to many improvements in radiology. Despite many advantages there are different ideas in determining anatomical landmarks which results in some errors in cephalometric analyses. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of identification differences of anatomical landmarks by conventional and digital lateral cephalometric techniques using manual tracing of human skulls. Material and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 17 cases of human skulls in which metal radiopaque markers were attached to 9 landmarks as follows: N, S, ANS, PNS, A, B, Pog, the most inferior point of lower mandibular border, and Go. Conventional and digital lateral cephalograms were obtained from each skull with and without markers. The two cephalograms without markers were traced for landmarks by three orthodontists. Any difference between these landmarks and those of cephalograms with markers, were recorded and analyzed by student t-test. Results: The level of differences in S point was not statistically significant along both x and y coordinates. The measurement differences for the ANS and PNS points obtained by both radiographic methods were significant along the x coordinate but not significant along the y coordinate. Also, the measurement differences for the most inferior point of lower mandibular border, A, B, and Go points along both x and y coordinates were observed to be statistically significant. The measurement difference obtained for the Pog point was significant along the y coordinate and non-significant along the x coordinate. Conclusion: The difference in landmark identification between the two digital and conventional lateral cephalometric techniques was statistically significant for some points on both dimensions, however, the difference was not clinically significant.

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Background and purpose: Reducing estrogen levels in perimenopausal period cause menopause-like symptoms. Hormonal and non-hormonal treatments are done to improve these symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal women.
Materials and methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in which 73 perimenopausal women were recruited in Yazd, Iran 2017.  Samples were randomly divided into two groups [intervention (n=36) and control (n=37)]. The intervention group received Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) once a week during eight two-hour sessions, while no intervention was done in the control group. Demographic questionnaire, Cooperman's index, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) were completed by both groups before, immediately, and one month after the intervention.
Results: The mean scores for overall menopausal symptoms and its dimensions (except for the uro-genital dimension) in intervention group, decreased significantly after the intervention compared to those of the control group (P<0.001). The repeated measure showed that overall menopausal symptoms and its dimensions mean scores in intervention group changed significantly in three intervals of the study (P<0.001).
Conclusion: MBCT was found to be effective in improving menopausal symptoms, so, it can be considered as a supporting method in management of symptoms associated with perimenopausal period.
 
(Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT2017080935598N1)
 

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 Background and purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death in young people. Berberine is a flavonoid rich in barberries and many traditional Iranian herbal remedies that could be used in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. These properties make it a viable treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this study intended to investigate the neuroprotective activity of berberine in animal model of traumatic brain injury.
Materials and methods: Thirty minutes after induction of traumatic brain injury by Marmarou free fall method, Wistar rats received berberine (10, 20 and 50mg/kg i.p.). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from cisterna magna after behavioral tests to evaluate the levels of a proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10).
Results: According to current results, TBI can cause decline in Veterinary coma scale, cerebral edema, Blood-Brain Barrier dysfunction, vesibulomotor impairment, and alteration of cytokines in favor of inflammation in CSF. Nevertheless, administration of berberine in 10 and 20mg/kg can attenuate these findings. Also, beberine (20 mg/kg) effectively increased IL-10 and decreased IL-1β in CSF. All findings were more noticeable at 20mg/kg berberine (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Our study showed that berberine had neuroprotective effects on the brain and was able to affect the consequences of brain trauma. Also, it is suggested that at least some of these neuroprotective effects are mediated by modulation in the path of inflammatory factors in the brain.