Introduction: PMA is known to induce the differentiation of monocytes to macrophages. This agent also increases the killing effect of the monocytes/macrophages through oxidative burst and can be used as a stimulant for oxidative burst assay. The present experimental study was intended to investigate the in vitro effects of PMA on the differentiation, morphological changes, cell adherence and the viability of monocyted-derived macrophages (MDMs). Besides, MDM capacity for free radical production was assessed, indicating the oxidative burst events. Materials and Methods: This experimental study has been design in Department of Immunology of S.B.M.U in Tehran Iran (year 2000). Peripheral mononuclear cells from adult Balb/c mice were isolated and cultured in complete tissue culture medium and divided in two group: control, (without PMA) and test (were added Pma=450 ng/ml). MDMs wee counted on the hours 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 18 and their characteristics were confirmed by morphological analysis (histological features) in both groups. Viability of MDMs was assessed using trypan blue. In the peak time of MDMs activation the oxidative burst was determined by NBT reduction. Results: The obtained results suggested that PMA had significant effect on the differentiation of monocytes to macrophages. The morphologic maturation tended to occur in earlier stages in the PMA treated cells comparing to the control MDMs. Also, the number of adherent cells was considerably more in PMA stimulated monocytes. The peak time of cell adherence in the presence of PMA was no the second hour. As the incubation period increased, the significant difference between the numbers of adherent cells in two culture systems decreased. However, viability decreased significantly in the PMA treated MDMs, i.e. PMA treatment induced rapid apoptosis in the MDMs after their activation. PMA stimulated MDMs markedly (60%). Also we mentioned that the primary un-stimulated MDMs only revealed (55%) of NBT reduction after treatment with PMA at NBT reduction stage. Conclusion: Phagocytic function and oxidative burst assay in monocyte-macrophage lineage can be a diagnostic tool for identification and management of some Immunological abnormality and defect and can be establish distinct from other phagocytic system assessment.

Background: Hydrogen gas is the cleanest energy carrier and could be produced by biological process. Dark fermentation is one of the biohydrogen production methods that carried out just on organic wastes conversion. Methods: In this study, the batch tests were conducted to compare the biohydrogen production and glucose fermentation via ACETATE‑ butyrate and ACETATE‑ ethanol metabolic pathway induced by NaOH and KOH (10 M) pretreatment. In batch test, the glucose concentration in the feed was varied from 3. 75 to 15 g/L under mesophilic conditions (37° C ± 1° C). In order to sludge pretreatment, NaOH and KOH (as an alkaline agent) was used. Results: Batch tests showed that maximum biohydrogen production under NaOH (2. 7 ± 0. 5 L) and KOH (2. 2 ± 0. 7 L) pretreatment was achieved at 15 g/L of influent glucose. In the batch test, with increasing influent glucose concentration, the lower yields of hydrogen were observed. The biohydrogen reactions had good electron closure (5. 2%– 13. 5%) for various glucose concentrations and pretreatments. For NaOH and KOH pretreatment, the biohydrogen yield decreased from 2. 49 to 1. 63 and from 2. 22 to 1. 2 mol H2/mol glucose, respectively, when glucose concentration increased from 3. 75 to 15 g/L. Conclusions: By applying alkaline sludge pretreatment by NaOH and KOH, the glucose fermentation was followed with ACETATE‑ butyrate and ACETATE‑ ethanol metabolic pathway, respectively. The lower biohydrogen yields were observed under ACETATE‑ ethanol metabolic pathway and related to metabolically unfavorable for biohydrogen production.

Introduciton. Trigonella foenum-graecum L., is a native plant grows in Iran. The seeds of this plant contains the saponin diosgenin among other steroidal compounds. Diosgenin is trasferable to progesterone by chemical means.Methods. The total steroids of the dried seeds of the plant were extracted by ethanol 96%.Column chromatography followed by crytallization were applicable to obtain pure diosgenin. Diosgenin was transformed to the intermediate substance Δ16 pregnenolone ACETATE. Chemical and instrumental methods were used to identify and confirm the structure of diosgenin and pregnenolone ACETATE.Results and Discussion. The seeds were obtained from the market and pure diosgenin was extracted to the extental 0.1%. The primarily reported method for disclosure of diosgenin ring F by acetic anhydride at 200 °C and under pressure is avoidable by using Lewis acids as catalyst. Oxidation by CrO3 followed by refluxing with acetic anhydride will afford the intermediate substance Δ16prenenolone ACETATE Δ16. IR. NMR and Mass spectra whfirmed the structure ub Δ16pregnenaJoneACETATE.11.

The polymerization of vinyl ACETATE in methanol, ethyl ACETATE and acetic acid is studied and the conversion-times are reported. Due to the importance of molecular weights of polymers from the solution and bulk methods, and their uses in optimization of polymerization, specially in controlling the properties of the polymer, the viscosity, molecular weight and molecular weight distributions are measured and reported. Statistical calculations and curve fittings of the data on the molecular weights and the solvent (methanol-monomer ratio) indicate a very low mathematical residues. The conversions are compared with bulk, and the effect of temperature on solution polymerization in ethyl ACETATE is used to show the importance of high activation energy of the initiator (benzoyl peroxide). Triethyl amine, being used as catalyst in solution polymerization of vinyl ACETATE (ethyl ACETATE and acetic acid), indicate a faster conversion.

Cellulose ACETATEs (CA) with different degrees of substitution (DS) and different distribution of substituents within the anhydroglucose unit (AGU) have been synthesized in conventional (acetic acid/water) and unconventional (toluene or benzene/acetic acid /water) media, and their susceptibility to enzymatic attack has been investigated using a purified cellulase from Trichoderma reesei. The degradation experiments have been carried out in heterogeneous (water suspension) or homogeneous (water solution) conditions, in dependence of the DS of the derivatives. The behaviour of CAs to enzymatic attack has been correlated with their structural characteristics which are dependent on the procedure used for their synthesis. CA Samples with DS above 1.3 have been treated with enzyme in water suspension for 14 days. It has been observed that the decrease of the reduced viscosities of these ACETATEs solutions in adequate solvents after the enzymatic treatment depends on the procedure and conditions employed for their synthesis. Gel permeation chromatograms show some associations of macromolecules for polymers with DS higher than 1.3. These fractions of apparent high degree of polymerization seem to be preferentially degraded by the enzyme. Water-soluble cellulose ACETATEs undergo similar degradation, irrespective of the reaction medium used for their synthesis.

Background: Controlling hyperlipidemia and hypertension could cease mortality among hemodialysis patients. Controversies have arisen regarding the effects of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acid on these parameters. We have designed the present study to determine the effects of supplementary vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and combined regimen on serum lipids and hypertension in hemodialysis patients. This was done in National Nutrition Institute in 1998-99.Materials and methods: It was a double-blinded sequential clinical trial. The study population included 36 hemodialysis patients with hyperlipidemia (triglyceride 2³200mg/dl or cholesterol³240mg/dl). Subjects were matched according to the age, sex, body mass index, cholesterol, and triglyceride. Then, they have been randomly allocated to 4 groups of control, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acid, and vitamin E + omega-3 fatty acid. For 10 weeks, the candidates have received the following regimen; "Vitamin E" group: 300mg/d alphatocopherol ACETATE (three 100mg tablets), "Omega-3 fatty acid" group: 2 grid icosapentaenoic acid (two 1gr oil capsules), "Vitamin E + omega-3 fatty acid" group: 300mg/d alphatocopherol ACETATE + 2 grid icosapentaenoic acid, and "Control" group: placebo. Fasting blood samples were collected in the beginning and at the 5th and 10th week of study. Then, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and HDL were determined enzymatically and vitamin: E was measured through HPLC method. Blood pressure was measured one hour after hemodialysls. Meanwhile, dietary pattern was assessed by means of a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were also recorded at the aforementioned times.Results: We have found no significant alteration in body mass index and dietary pattern during the study. Basic serum vitamin E levels in control, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acid, and vitamin E + omega-3 fatty acid groups were 77.88±16.16, 80.15±30.86, 83.18±25.92, and 103.14±35.43 mg/ml, respectively. Significant increase was reported after 5 and 10 weeks of supplementation in "Vitamin E" and "Vitamin E + omega-3 fatty acid" groups. (p<0.001) Meanwhile, LDL level was reported 84.6±25.3, 110.7±41.1, 117.6±46.6, and 113.3±50.9 mg/ml, respectively, at the beginning of the study. The only significant reduction observed after 10 weeks in the omega-3 fatty acid (p<0.05). The other changed in other lipidemic parameters and hypertension was non-significant.Conclusion: Since supplementary omega-3 fatty acid resulted in LDL cholesterol reduction, it is highly recommended according to the individual's requirement.

Objectives: Endometrial hyperplasia has an affinity for progression toward endometrial carcinoma. This study was conducted to compare the effect of metformin plus megestrol ACETATE with megestrol ACETATE alone on endometrial histology in the patients with endometrial proliferative and hyperplastic disorders. Materials and Methods: In a single-blind clinical trial, 96 patients with abnormal uterine bleeding and endometrium with irregular or hyperplastic glands with or without atypical foundations were divided randomly into 2 equal groups. Group1 received metformin 500 mg twice a day plus megestrol ACETATE 40 mg daily for 3 months and group 2 received megestrol ACETATE 40 mg/d for 3 months. The treatment response was evaluated using pathologic samples of endometrial biopsies 2 weeks after completing the treatment. Results: In both groups, endometrial hyperplasia was resolved in most cases. Significant decrease was observed within groups in the endometrial thickness before and after the intervention. Comparison of thickness between 2 groups showed that in the megestrol ACETATE group, after intervention, significant decrease in the endometrial thickness was revealed (12. 73 ± 6. 04 mm [group 1], versus 8. 55 ± 3. 43 mm [group 2], P < 0. 001). Lack of response to treatment was seen in 7% of group 1 and 4. 9% of group 2 (P=0. 68). None of the groups showed any complications and there was no hysterectomy. Conclusions: Both treatment modalities were effective in treating proliferative and hyperplastic disorders. However, the response to treatment in the megestrol group was greater than that in the megestrol plus metformin group.