Showing 31 results for Mohammadi
Hiro Memari , Keiwan Ebrahimi Mohammadi , Peiman Esmaeilzadeh,
Volume 11, Issue 5 (Sep - Oct 2017)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Contamination of food products with mycotoxins is a public health problem. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified mycotoxins as hepatotoxic and carcinogenic agents to humans (Group 1). The Kurdistan Province is the ninth largest producer of wheat in Iran. We aimed to determine the level of contamination with total aflatoxin (TAF), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in 66 wheat samples randomly selected from 11 wheat flour factories in spring and summer.
Methods: The level of toxins was measured by microtiter plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a microtitre plate ELISA reader and total AF, AFB1 and OTA commercial kits.
Results: Overall, the level of TAF and AFB in 16.67% of the samples exceeded the maximum tolerable limit set by the Institute of Standard and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI). However, the level of OTA contamination did not exceed the maximum tolerable limit set by the ISIRI. In addition, the level of TAF, AFB1 and OTA exceeded the maximum tolerable limit set by the EU in 68.18, 90.91 and 36.36% of the samples, respectively. The level of contamination with these mycotoxins differed significantly in spring and summer (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The level of mycotoxin contamination in wheat samples produced in the Kurdistan Province is alarmingly high and appropriate measures should be taken to eliminate the causes of this issue.
KEYWORDS: Aflatoxin, Aflatoxin B1, Ochratoxin A, Wheat, ELISA.
Hamed Noormohammadi , Yahya Maroufi , Mansour Dabirzadeh , Abdolhossein Miri ,
Volume 11, Issue 6 (Nov - Dec 2017)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Leishmaniasis is a public health problem caused by the protozoan Leishmania. Pentavalent antimonials are currently used for treatment of leishmaniasis, but they have serious side effects. Nerium oleander L. has been used in traditional medicine due to its various health-protective properties. This study aimed to investigate anti-leishmanial activity of N. oleander L. leaves extract against Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes in vitro.
Methods: L. major promastigotes were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium supplied with 10% fetal bovine serum. Different concentrations were prepared from the extract and added to L. major promastigotes seeded in 96-well plates. Viability percentage was evaluated by direct counting and MTT assay after 24, 48 and 72 hours. To investigate the cytotoxic effect of N. oleander L. on L. major amastigotes, the plant extract was added to amastigotes cultured in intraperitoneal macrophages. The mean number of amastigotes was calculated by direct counting after 24 and 48 hours.
Results: All concentrations of the extract significantly reduced the viability of promastigotes when compared with the controls. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration was estimated to be 22.21 µg/ml after 24 hours. Percentage of cytotoxicity in amastigotes exposed to 20 μg/ml of the extract was 53.61% and 53.27% after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. In addition, percentage of cytotoxicity in amastigotes exposed to 80 μg/ml of the N. oleander L. extract was 53.77% and 55.48% after 24 and 48 hours, respectively.
Conclusion: The N. oleander L. extract exerts anti-leishmanial activity on L. major promastigotes in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
Keywords: Leishmania major, Nerium.
Awat Ebrahim, Keiwan Ebrahimi Mohammadi ,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2018)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Local cheese made from raw milk is one of the most commonly consumed dairy products in the world. Mycotoxin contamination of foodstuff and its transmission to consumers are extremely important public health issues. The purpose of this survey was to determine the level of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) residues in Koupeh cheese, a traditional fermented Iranian cheese produced in spring and summer.
Methods: We randomly collected 48 local cheese samples produced in Mahabad (northwest of Iran) during spring and summer. The level of AFM1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay using commercial kits and a microplate reader.
Results: All samples contained measurable amounts of AFM1. Cow milk cheese samples contained higher level of AFM1 compared to sheep milk cheese samples. The level of AFM1 in the samples from both animals was lower in summer. There was no significant difference between the mean level of AFM1 in summer and spring. Moreover, 33.3% of cow milk cheese samples collected in spring and 16.6% of the samples collected in summer contained toxin levels higher than the maximum allowed concentration set by the European Commission (250 ng/Kg) and by the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (200 ng/Kg).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that the level of AFM1in Koupeh cheese is influenced by the livestock type and production season, in a way that the level of contamination is higher in spring.
Keywords: Cheese, Cultured Milk Products, Aflatoxin M1, ELISA.
Mojtaba Raeisi , Fatemeh Ghorbani Bidkorpeh , Mohammad Hashemi , Bektas Tepe , Zahra Moghaddam , Masoud Aman Mohammadi, Seyyed Mohammad Ali Noori ,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Utilization of essential oils instead of chemical preservatives has received significant attention in recent years. The present study aims to evaluate chemical composition and antibacterial and antioxidant properties of essential oils of Zataria multiflora, Artemisia deracunculus and Mentha piperita.
Methods: Chemical profile of the essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The microwell dilution and agar disk diffusion methods were used to evaluate the antibacterial properties of the essential oils. Total phenolic content, β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching test and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays were carried out to determine the antioxidant properties.
Results: Menthol (39.18%) and mentone (21.64%) were the main components of the essential oil of M. piperita, while estragol (34.75%) and limonene (15.72%) were the major components of the essential oil of A. dracunculus. The main components of the essential oil of Z. multiflora were carvacrol (36.81%) and thymol (33.04%). The essential oils of M. piperita and Z. multiflora showed greater antimicrobial effects. Moreover, Z. multiflora showed the greatest antioxidant activity among the essential oils. The total phenolic content of Z. multiflora was 228.14±0.45 mg gallic acid equivalent/g.
Conclusion: Given their favorable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, the essential oils of Z. multiflora, A. deracunculus and M. piperita can be used as natural food preservatives.
Keywords: Zataria multiflora, Artemisia deracunculus, Mentha piperita, antibacterial effect, antioxidant effect.
Mehdi Seydyousefi , Ziya Fallahmohammadi , Mahtab Moazzami , Ali Yaghoubi , Zeinab Faghfoori ,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term acquired disability. It is of great importance to seek ways for improving motor, sensory, and cognitive function after stroke and brain injury. In this regard, therapeutic exercise is the most commonly used method of rehabilitation that can significantly reduce the severity of functional damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of eight weeks of forced treadmill training on cognitive and motor functions in ischemic rats.
Methods: Fourteen adult male Wistar rats were divided into an exercise group and a control group (no exercise). Occlusion of both common carotid arteries was made to induce cerebral ischemia. Twenty-four hours after the induction of ischemia, the subjects in the exercise group were subjected to treadmill running, five days a week for eight weeks. The skilled ladder rung walking task was used to evaluate motor function before and after the stroke.
Results: The number of errors was decreasing in both groups, but significant differences were observed in the motor function between the two groups in the third, fifth, and eighth week.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that post-ischemic exercise might modulate ischemia-induced hippocampal injury and ameliorate the subsequent memory and motor impairment.
Keywords: Stroke, Cerebral Ischemia, Exercise, Treadmill training, sensorimotor.
Mohsen Mousavi , Behrooz Johari , Jamil Zargan , Ashkan Haji Noor Mohammadi , Hamid Reza Goudarzi , Saeed Dezianian , Hani Keshavarz Alikhani ,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Nowadays, infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria are among the most important causes of mortality worldwide. This has attracted the attention of researchers to seek suitable alternatives for antibiotics. The venom of many toxic species such as arthropods has antibacterial properties. In this study, we investigated antibacterial effects of crude venom of Latrodectus dahli on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis.
Methods: Lyophilized crude venom of L. dahli was dissolved in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer. Protein concentration was determined by the Bradford assay. Then, the bacteria were exposed to different concentrations (31.25-250 ng/mL) of the crude venom. Inhibitory activity of the venom against the bacteria was determined by MTT assay and determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).
Results: Results of the MTT assay showed that the crude venom significantly inhibited the growth of E. coli (31.25 and 62.5 ng/mL), S. aureus (at 250 ng/mL) and B. subtilis (at 125 and 250 ng/mL). In the MIC experiment, the crude venom significantly inhibited the growth of E. coli (at concentrations of 31.25 and 62.5ng/mL), S. aureus (at concentrations of 31.25-250 ng/mL) and B. subtilis (at concentrations of 31.25-250ng/mL).
Conclusion: The crude venom of L. dahli and its components showed relatively strong antibacterial effects.
Keywords: Spider venoms, Black Widow Spider, Antibacterial agent, Drug-resistance.
Neda Gharagozloo Hesari, Davoud Esmaeili, Taher Mohammadian, Mohammad Hasan Shahhosseini, Atousa Ferdosi,
Volume 14, Issue 6 (Nov-Dec 2020)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Industrial wastewater is worldwide health concern. Microorganisms present in the environment have an important role in the biodegradation of lipids, fats and proteins from wastewater. In this regard, microbial lipases and proteases are interesting research targets because of high stability, broad substrate specificity, high yields and availability. In this study, we analyze sequences encoding lipase of Pseudomonas putida and subtilisin of Bacillus subtilis for generation of a new recombinant protein for degradation of environmental contaminations caused by lipids and proteins.
Methods: In this study, sequences of the genes encoding lipase and subtilisin were obtained from GenBank. To predict the 3D structure of the protein, modeling was carried out. The prediction of secondary structure, tertiary structure and solvent accessibility was carried using bioinformatics tools including I-TASSER, GoR4 and ExPasy.
Results: The lipase-subtilisin fusion protein was well-characterized by bioinformatical studies with appropriate spatial and secondary structures. The protein had appropriate hydrophilicity, biological half-life and thermal and acidic stability. The codon optimization was performed appropriately.
Conclusion: Overall, the bioinformatical analysis of the designed protein showed that the recombinant lipase-subtilisin protein has a stable structure both in vitro and in vivo, a negative normalized B-factor and lipolytic and proteolytic activities, which makes it suitable for treatment of lipid and protein contaminations.
Mojtaba Chizari, Seyed Masoud Hosseini, Ali Mohammadi, Javad Fakhari, Mojtaba Mashhadi Mohammadzadeh-Vazifeh,
Volume 14, Issue 6 (Nov-Dec 2020)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Dried Black Curd (DBC), also known as Gharahghorut (Persian), is a dairy product produced from curd of yogurt or doogh. The aim of this study was to evaluate microbial contamination of industrially and traditionally produced DBC in Iran.
Methods: Four DBC brands holding certification of the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI), Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education (IMHME) and ISO were purchased from a market in Tehran, Iran. Microbial monitoring for presence of coliform, Escherichia coli, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus, mold and yeast was performed using different basic, enriched, selective and differential media including peptone water agar, MacCankey agar, blood agar and brain heart infusion agar, etc. according to the ISIRI standards (No.13299).
Results: None of the tested samples had microbial contamination. However, in one traditional DBC sample, the population of mold and yeast was higher than the acceptable level defined by the ISIRI standard.
Conclusion: We found no contamination with coagulase-positive S. aureus, E. coli and coliforms in four brands of traditionally and industrially produced DBC in Iran. This indicates that the hygienic practices designated by the IMHME are well-implemented in the industrial sector. However, the mold and yeast contamination in traditionally produced DBC should be prevented by applying hygienic practices during the process of manufacturing and distribution.
Helena Hanif, Ameneh Elikaei, Hossein Vazini, Ali Mohammadi,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: The spread of infectious diseases and malignant diseases has been increasing in the recent years. The use of chemical drugs, in addition to the development of drug resistance, also cause serious side effects. We conducted the present study to examine the antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-cancer effects of E. camaldulensis as a herbal remedy.
Methods: We extracted E. camaldulensis using a hydroalcoholic solution. The antiviral effect of the plant was investigated at the time of the Herpes simplex virus entry and once the virus entered the cell. Moreover, we evaluated MIC and MBC of E. camaldulensis on Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyrogens, Streptococcus agalactiae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Corynebacterium glutamicum. For the evaluation of cell cytotoxicity, HFF-2 (NCBI: C163) and A549 )ATCC: CCL81) cell lines were utilized.
Results: The results of the cytotoxicity test indicated that both cell lines were sensitive to the hydroalcoholic extracts of E. camaldulensis. The MIC for A. baumannii, K. pneumonia, and C. glutamicum was 6.25 µg/ml, and the MIC for S. aureus, S. pyogenes, and S. agalactiae was 12.5 µg/ml. MBC was evaluated as 25 µg/ml for S. aureus, S. pyogenes, and S. Agalactiae. It was 12.5 µg/ml for A. baumannii, K. pneumonia, and S. Agalactiae. IC50 value on entering the virus into the cell was 40 µg/ml, and following the absorption of the virus, the IC50 value was 80 µg/ml.
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that E. camaldulensis is of antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-cancer potentials and could be used as a candidate for the preparation of a new drug.
Mojtaba Mohammadzadeh Vazifeh , Seyed Masoud Hosseini, Ali Mohammadi, Mahdi Jahanfar , Hadi Maleki ,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Gouda Cheese is regarded as a high quality and one of the most popular cheeses in the world. The defining characteristics of Gouda cheese are its yellow color, great aroma and taste of caramel sweetness. The cheese should be well chilled before waxing, to get better seal. The seal is very important to prevent contamination with molds and putrefactive bacteria. Cheese wax is made from paraffin with additional microcrystalline to make pliable for better seal. The aim of this study was to investigate antibacterial effects of Gouda cheese wax.
Methods: Gouda cheese wax samples were collected from four different manufacturers in Iran. The total count of coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and mold and yeast on the samples was determined. The antimicrobial activities of Gouda cheese wax against E. coli, S. aureus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus brazilissis and Salmonella enterica were investigated by determining minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum inhibitory concentration.
Results: The results indicated that all Gouda cheese wax samples were prepared in accordance with the national standards. In addition, the examined wax samples had no antimicrobial properties against the tested microorganisms.
Conclusions: The wax used in production of Gouda cheese in Iran has no antimicrobial properties.
Sepideh Khodamoradi, Mohammad Hassan Shahhosseiny, Taher Mohammadian, Atousa Ferdousi,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Different environmental factors, such as infection, can cause Alzheimer's disease (AD). Herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV1) and 2 (HSV2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are related to AD. This study explores the potential role of HSV1, HSV2 and CMV in AD progression.
Methods: Plasma samples were taken from 100 AD patients (47 women and 53 men). After isolating viral DNA, PCR was performed using specific primers for the detection of the viruses.
Results: The prevalence of CMV, HSV1 and HSV2 was 27%, 8% and 4%, respectively. Although CMV was most prevalent in AD patients, HSV1 and HSV2 were found in patients with advanced AD. The prevalence of HSV1 and HSV2 was significantly associated with dysphoria, hallucination, insomnia and depression (P˂0.05), while CMV was significantly associated with hallucination and dysphoria (P=0.001). AD symptoms were higher in patients with HSV1 and HSV2.
Conclusion: It seems that HSV and CMV infections may be related to the severity of AD.
