Abstract

Background and Objective: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major pathogen involved in nosocomial infections. Because of increasing antibiotic resistance of these strains, treatment of these infections has become very difficult. This study aimed to determine the frequency and drug resistance pattern of MRSA isolates from nosocomial infections in hospitals.

Material and Methods: the isolates of S.aureus (n= 100) isolated from clinical samples such as: urine, blood, wound, throat, sputum, cerebrospinal fluid, catheter and other purulent discharge from in patients were identified using biochemical tests. MRSA strains were isolated by using agar screening method and then drug resistance pattern of them was determined by disk diffusion method.

Results: Out of 100 S.aureus strains, 65 (65%) were MRSA. Drug resistance of MRSA isolates to most antibiotics were high: penicillin100%, oxacillin 100%, nitrofurantoin 80%, tetracycline 63%, erythromycin 58.4%, gentamicin 46.1%, clindamycin 33.8%, cotrimoxazole 35.3% and ciprofloxacin 26.1%. Also 35 of MRSA isolates were multiple drug resistance (MDR).

Conclusion: The prevalence of MRSA isolates and also their resistance to other antibiotics were high.

Keywords: Drug Resistance, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, Multi-Drug Resistant

Abstract

Background and Objective: Given that microbial contamination is the third largest cause of mortality caused blood transfusion, the examination of contamination in platelet concentrates is essential in blood transfusion centers. The purpose of this study was to achieve a rapid test for bacterial contamination of platelets concentration.

Material and Methods: This laboratory study was conducted on 14 bags of platelet concentrates prepared from Yazd Blood Transfusion Center. Six platelet bags were infected by Staphylococcus epidermidis; six by Klebsiella with a concentration of 150, 15 and 1.5, and two bags were considered as control. In specific intervals, the bags were sampled aseptically and examined by the methods including culture, gram stain, Glucose and _PH measurement.

Result: Due to the presence of dextrose, the initial glucose level of platelet bags was above 300 mg/dl. The mean of  Glucose in contaminated platelet bags was progressively  decreased in  3 days in that it reached  165 mg/dl in the third day ( p = 0.002) . The level of ^PH had a declining process in that it averagely decreased from _PH 7.3 to _PH 5.2 (P=0.017(. The results of culturing and smear of the bacteria were different according to the concentrations used in the study.

Conclusion: We can detect the contamination of platelet bags by measuring the level of glucose and PH level in the least amount of time.

Keywords: Blood Platelets; Klebsiella; Staphylococcus Epidermidis.

Abstract

Background and Objective: Staphylococcus aureus is an important opportunistic pathogen causing a wide range of infections in human .Most clinical isolates of S.aureus are resistant to a number of antibiotics. For appropriate antimicrobial therapy, this study was conducted to determine antibacterial drug resistance patterns of S.aureus isolates obtained from different clinical samples in Rasht.

Material and Methods:  the clinical isolates of S.aureus were collected from different clinical laboratories in Rasht. Thirty coagulase positive S.aureus strains were identified using biochemical tests and amplification of 23SrRNA and coa genes by polymerase chain reaction.  Finally, the resistance pattern of the isolates to 16 selected antimicrobial agents was evaluated by disk diffusion method.

Results:  the S.aureus isolates (75%) were resistant to methicillin and all of them were multidrug resistance. The isolates were high resistance to ampicillin (73%), amoxicillin (60%), cloxacillin (53%) and low resistance to vancomycin (7%) and gentamicin (10%).

Conclusion: given the high prevalence of methicillin resistant, multi drug resistant and presence of vancomycin resistant S.aureus isolates in Rasht, continuously monitoring of drug resistance pattern of S.aureus isolates is recommended for having appropriate therapeutic regime.

Keywords: Staphylococcus Aureus, Coagulase, Drug Resistance, PCR

Abstract

        Heavy metals have raised one of the most important problems in ecology and organisms life especially human being and animals. A variety of indicators including tissues of fish, birds and sediment have been used recently to measure the aquatic pollution with heavy metals. The aim of this study was to search the published articles in Iran and the world on the role of helminthic parasites as a bioindicator (biological indicators) in assessing the concentration of heavy metals. This study was a non-systematic review and data were collected from available databases such as, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and Scientific Information Database (SID).Most studies showed that helminthic parasites(particularly acanthocephalan and cestoda) could be used as bioindicators in assessing the concentration of heavy metals. However, limited investigations were conducted on nematoda and trematoda parasites and limited information was available regarding heavy metal bioindicatorsin Iran.

             Keywords: Parasitology, Acanthocephala, Bioindicator, Heavy Metals

Abstract

        Background and Objective: Methamphetamine has strong stimulating effects on various systems of the human body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters in methamphetamine addicts and to compare them with healthyindividuals.

     Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study that was conducted in 1390-91 in Ibn Sina Hospital in Shiraz, Iran. Measurement of lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides), liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase), albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and blood parameters such as platelets and white blood cells(WBCs) count, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit of 60 individuals addicted to methamphetamine and 60 healthy subjects as a control group was carried out.

      Results: Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, WBCs and platelet count and serum creatinine levels in methamphetamine addicts were significantly higher than the control group(p-value <0.001), while hemoglobin, hematocrit and albumin levels were lower in these patients (p-value <0.001).

      Conclusion: The use of methamphetamine increases lipid peroxidation, changes levels of inflammatory markers and increases liver enzymes, which may increase the risk of liver diseases. It also increases WBCs and platelets count as an early sign of inflammatory disease progression, associated with methamphetamine abuse. Decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit can also increase the risk of anemia in these patients. These observations may give us a better understanding about the biological mechanisms associated with the pathology of methamphetamine consumption in Iran and help us prevent and solve the problems arising from this drug.

        Keywords: Methamphetamine, Hematological Tests, Biological Markers, Oxidative Stress

Abstract

     Background and Objective: Aluminum Phosphide (ALP) is a solid non-organic phosphide with dark gray or dark yellow crystals. It reacts with stomach acid after ingestion and causes phosphine gas to be released. It is thought that phosphine causes toxicity from enzymatic interference and may even lead to cell death. This study aimed to investigate the effects of poisoning with rice tablet on levels of platelets, hemoglobin, white blood cells.

     Methods: The clinical records of 67 cases of acute oral toxicity with aluminum phosphide admitted to Baharloo hospital and 28 forensic autopsy cases in Kahrizak forensic research center were studied. Recorded information included vital signs, demographic characteristics, numerous laboratory and clinical findings, complications and all pathologic findings.

      Results: All patients had received standard symptomatic and supportive treatments. Among the tested subjects, 30 of 67 patients (44.8%) were male. The mean hemoglobin level of recovered and deceased individuals was 12.26 and 11.72 g/dl, respectively. There was a significant relationship between patients’ WBC counts and mortality where the mean level of WBC in the deceased  was more than that of the recovered (P=0.001). Mean SBP in the deceased and the recovered individuals was 79.67 ± 12.89 and 102.46 ± 22.57 mmHg, respectively.

      Conclusion: Consumption of rice tablets results in blood pressure alteration, hemoglobin levels, platelets and leukocyte count. Tracking these alterations can reduce the side effects and mortality rate in the cases of rice tablet poisoning.

     Keywords: Aluminum Phosphide, White Blood Cells, Hemoglobins, Blood Pressure, Patients

Abstract

       Background and Objective: Aluminum salts are among the most common useful additive compounds in preparation of human and animal vaccines. Aluminum phosphate and aluminum hydroxide are two additives that show good immunoadjuvant effects with many antigens. Aluminum-containing vaccines lead to a better and longer immune response compared to adjuvant-lacking vaccines. The Chromogenic methods used for determination of aluminum amounts in manufacturing centers are  time-consuming and requires some experienced technicians to obtain accurate results. This study aimed to design and validate a simple polarographic method to measure aluminum in recombinant hepatitis B vaccine.

       Methods: In this study, the effects of temperature, pH, potential range and potential scan rate on the polarographic method of measuring aluminum in hepatitis B vaccine was evaluated and  the optimal values for each of these factors were achieved.

       Results: In order to measure aluminum, temperature of 60 °C and pH of 4.5 were found as the optimal values. Implementation of polarographic method in the potential range of -0.25 to 0.1 volts had a better signal.

       Conclusion: Since the polarography method is more simple, accurate and faster than the chromogenic methods, it is suitable to be used for the measurement of aluminum in hepatitis B vaccine and it is recommended to be used in quality control laboratories for biological products.

         Keywords: Adjuvant, Hepatitis B Vaccine, Polarography, Aluminum.

Abstract

        Background and Objective: Normal hemoglobin (Hb) is formed of a heme group and a protein group known as globin. Globin is made of four polypeptide chains and in hemoglobinopathies, the structure of one of these four polypeptide chain becomes abnormal. Cellulose acetate method is a common way to differentiate haemoglobinopathies. Inability to identify the components of Hb low concentrations and incapability to isolate all Hb types are among the disadvantages of this method. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in the North of Iran by capillary electrophoresis method.

      Methods: All patients with suspected hemoglobinopathies, referred by physicians for electrophoresis, have been studied in a private center in the city of Gorgan, Iran. The level of HbA2, HbA, HbF and other Hb was recorded.

       Results: Overall, 725 blood samples were analyzed using the capillary method. HbE was reported in 2 patients, HbH was observed in 2 patients and Hb Barts was reported in 3 patients. Using the capillary method, among patients with the SDG area, only 4 of 38 (10.52%) had HbS and the majority of them (89.48%) had HbD.

      Conclusion: HbD is the most common hemoglobinopathy in the North of Iran.

        Keywords: Hemoglobinopathy; hemoglobin D; Capillary Electrophoresis; Iran

Abstract

     Background and Objective: Diabetes mellitus is the most common risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) TaqIB polymorphism is associated with changes in lipid profile and may be a risk factor for CAD in patients with diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the association of CETP TaqIB polymorphism with CAD in patients with type 2 diabetes.

     Methods: In this case-control study, 292 diabetic patients were divided into two groups based on angiography reports (150 participants with normal angiogram as the control group and 142 participants with more than 50% stenosis of at least one coronary artery as the case group). The CETP TaqIB genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP analysis. Fasting blood glucose was measured using glucose oxidase and lipid profile (triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol) by an enzymatic method.

       Results: There was no significant difference in the frequency of genotypes and alleles between the case group and controls (the control group: B1B1, 17.3%; B1B2, 63.3%; and B2B2, 19.3%; the case group: B1B1, 18.3%; B1B2, 64.1%; and B2B2, 17.6%) (P=0.92). In the control group, heterozygous participants (genotype B1B2) had higher levels of cholesterol compared with other genotypes (B1B1 and B2B2). Also, the patients with genotype B1B2 had significantly higher weight (P=0.013).

       Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between CETP TaqIB polymorphism and the increased risk of coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.

      Keywords: Cholesterol Ester Transfer Protein, Polymorphism, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

      Background and Objective: Agr is the most important regulatory system for the expression of Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors in different conditions. Agr acts as a quorum sensing system in this bacterium which is activated by increased cell concentration during the transition from logarithmic growth phase to stationary phase. Its role is to upregulate the secretory virulence factors such as alpha-hemolysin and inhibit the transcription of surface proteins including protein A-encoding gene. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the agr system expression and some virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus in Brain-heart infusion (BHI) culture medium.

     Methods: The expression level of agrA and RNAIII genes from the agr locus along with the expression of hla, spa and mecA genes in BHI broth were assessed in different growth phases using Real time-PCR. Also, gyrB was used as an internal control in this study.

     Results: The growth curve of the five tested isolates in BHI broth at 24 hours showed that all the isolates had relatively similar growth patterns. AgrA gene expression in the stationary phase was decreased by 0.89-fold compared with the logarithmic phase. Although the expression of RNAIII gene increased by 3-fold, hla expression decreased by 0.47-fold.

     Conclusion: An inactive agr system is observed in the BHI broth medium. BHI broth medium contains high amounts of suitable nutrients for the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, thus the bacteria do not require the activity of the agr system for the regulation of the virulence genes in these conditions.

ABSTRACT

       Typing of bacteria is an important part of epidemiological studies on nosocomial infections. Bacterial identification methods have dramatically improved in recent years, which is mainly due to advancements in the field of molecular biotechnology. In many cases, molecular techniques have replaced phenotypic typing methods.

Currently, a wide range of bacterial typing techniques is used that are different from one another in the aspects of study objectives, costs, reliability and discriminatory power. None of the typing methods can achieve all desired objectives of a study alone.

Different typing methods are used for various purposes including: 1. confirmation of epidemiological relationships in spread of an infection, 2. providing epidemiological hypotheses about epidemiological relationships between bacteria in the absence of epidemiological data, 3. describing the distribution of bacterial types and identification of affecting factors. Inferences of epidemiological studies depend on the chosen typing technique and objectives of the study.

Therefore, the typing technique can be useful and effective in increasing our understanding of the pathogenesis, transmission and prevention of possible diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate various methods of molecular typing of bacteria and to compare these methods from different aspects.

ABSTRACT

       Background and Objective: Staphylococcus aureus is the most common and important infectious agent. This bacterium can enter the bloodstream and cause some complications in the intensive care unit (ICU).This organism can frequently be found in the nose and transmitted by the carriers. This study aimed to determine the efficiency of eradicating S. aureus from the nose of ICU personnel in reducing the risk of S. aureus infections in the Panje Azar Hospital in Gorgan, Iran.

        Methods: Sampling was done using sterile swabs collected from the anterior nasal passages.All samples containing Gram-positive cocci were sent to the laboratory of Faculty of Medicine for identification and evaluation of methicillin resistance. All S. aureus nasal carriers were treated with mupirocin ointment b.d for 5 days. The Samples were cultured again after five weeks to evaluate the eradication of S. auerus from the nose of subjects.

       Results: Overall, seven ICU personnel (11.7%) were S. aureus carriers. Two isolates (3.3%) were found as methicillin resistant using both methods of disc diffusion and PCR. The frequency distribution of positive cases indicated a significant difference in terms of work experience (P = 0.012).

        Conclusion: The findings show that treatment of carriers with 2% mupirocin topical ointment eradicates S. aureus from the nose. No S. aureus isolates was found in reculture of nasal samples. Treatment of healthy carriers can significantly reduce the risk of infections caused by the bacterium in the ICU.

ABSTRACT

        Background and Objective: Lactic acid bacteria are Gram-positive, catalase-negative, nonsporulating, either rod- or coccus-shaped bacteria that have beneficial effects on their hosts by producing antimicrobial substances such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocins and biosurfactants. Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides that are produced by bacteria and can inhibit the growth of other bacteria.

       Methods: In this experimental study, bacteriocin production by Lactobacilli as known probiotic strains was evaluated in different physicochemical conditions. Antagonistic activity was evaluated using quantitative method of Microscale Optical Density Assay (MODA). After neutralization of acid and treatment with various enzymes, temperature, pH and NaCl conditions, the antimicrobial activity of culture supernatant fluid of Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. plantarum was investigated against pathogenic Proteus.

       Results: The culture supernatant fluid of Lactobacilli was sensitive to proteolytic enzymes with relatively good stability to temperature. The antimicrobial activity was also present due to production of bacteriocin under different NaCl conditions (1 to 4% NaCl) and pH range of 5 to 8.

        Conclusion: It seems that the antimicrobial liquid of Lactobacillus strains contains bacteriocin, which shows antimicrobial effects against pathogenic strains of Proteus. To investigate further this effect, some complementary studies should be performed.

ABSTRACT

       Background and Objective: Measurement of amino acids is an important tool for metabolic studies and evaluation of patients’ clinical condition. The aim of this study was to analyze the plasma amino acids using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography techniques (RP-HPLC) with pre-column derivatization by o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) in combination with 3- mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA).

       Methods: Overall, 107 neonates and babies suspected of having metabolic disorder were enrolled in this study. The level of amino acids in plasma samples was analyzed within 65 minutes by HPLC with pre-column derivatization by OPA/3-MPA. This was a gradient RP-HPLC method that was performed using two solvents with a ratio of methanol and sodium acetate. L-norvaline internal standard was used as the reference peak for amino acids. Standard mixture of amino acids was used to determine the concentrations of amino acids.

        Results: According to the values of coefficient of variation obtained for each amino acid, the results indicated a good chromatographic separation of amino acids by this method. The use of OPA/3-MPA derivative reagent increased the efficiency and resolution of amino acids chromatographic separation.

      Conclusion: Due to simple preparation and accurate assessment, determination of plasma amino acids using OPA/3-MPA derivatives and RP-HPLC is a suitable method in many clinical samples.

ABSTRACT

       Background and Objective: Herpes simplex encephalitis is a life-threatening consequence of the central nervous system (CNS) infection with Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Although it is a rare disease, mortality rates reach 70% in the absence of therapy and only a minority of individuals can return to normal function. The aim of this study was to determine possible correlation between HSV infection and the incidence of encephalitis in patients with neurological signs.

        Methods: Overall, 152 CSF samples were tested from patients with neurological signs referred to Mahdieh Clinical Laboratory in Isfahan from 2010 to 2013. After cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection, DNA was extracted and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for HSV detection.

          Results: Of 152 patients tested, 50 were diagnosed with encephalitis. HSV DNA was present in the CSF of 13 patients with encephalitis. HSV was significantly higher (p< 0.05) in patients with encephalitis, which shows the significance of infection as an etiological factor of this disease. About 60% of the encephalitis cases were in age range of 1-24 months.

         Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, Cesarean section is recommended for HSV-positive mothers. A routine real-time PCR test is suggested for HSV detection in patients with encephalitis to avoid unnecessary antiviral treatments.

ABSTRACT

          BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Stachys inflata Benth. is used as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent in traditional medicine in most mountain villages of Golestan province. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, ethnopharmacological and phytochemical properties of extract from different parts of S. inflata, collected from Chahar Bagh Mountain.

         METHODS: Flowering branches and root of the plant were collected from Chahar Bagh Mountain (2100 m) in July 2013. At the same time, the most important information about traditional uses of the plant (ethnopharmacology) was recorded by questioning local people. Phytochemical evaluation (total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanins content) of ethanolic extract of plant organs was done using spectrophotometry and folin-ciocalteu. The antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated by DPPH test. P ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

       RESULTS: The amount of chemical compounds in the extract of flowering branches and root extract was significantly different. The total phenolic (129.96 ± 5.6 mgGAE/g), flavonoid (29.62 ± 1.4 mgQUE/g) and anthocyanin (0.021 ± 0.001 µg/g) content in the extract of aerial parts of the plant was approximately 1.5 to 3 times higher than those in the root. Due to higher production of active compounds, the antioxidant activity of the aerial parts’ extract showed  a greater potential in free radical scavenging (IC₅₀= 76.33 ± 4.2 µg/ml) compared to the root extract.

        CONCLUSION: Phytochemical findings and antioxidant activity of the extract of aerial parts of the plant in free radical scavenging, confirm the traditional applications of this plant as analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent in treatment of rheumatism, wounds, burns and diarrhea. It is recommended that further evaluation of the plant’s traditional applications be conducted in vivo and in vitro.

ABSTRACT

        Background and Objective: Lavandula stoechas is a species of native and permanent plants in Golestan province that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. L. stoechas has been used in traditional medicine for treatment of various diseases. The aim of this study was to extract essential oil using steam distillation method from the flowers of L. stoechas collected from Jahan-nama region in the Golestan province, and evaluate its antibacterial activity.

        Methods: Steam distillation (Clevenger) and GC-MS system were used to separate volatile oils and identify the essential oil components, respectively. Two methods of disk diffusion and broth micro dilution were used to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of L. stoechas essential oil. Six bacterial species including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp., Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were tested.

       Results: The essential oil yield was 0.28%. The main components were camphor (71.86%), 1, 8-cineole (4.08%), linalool (3.77%) and borneol (3.19%). The essential oil showed no inhibitory effect on P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis, while it had different inhibitory effects on other bacteria. S. aureus and Bacillus sp. showed the highest sensitivity with inhibition zone diameter of 32 and 29 mm, respectively.

        Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the essential oil of L. stoechas has high inhibitory and antimicrobial activity particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, which may be due to the presence of 71.86% camphor in its composition.

ABSTRACT

       Background and Objective: Esophageal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Iran. Studies on water, soil, grains, waste and sediments in Golestan Province have shown that the environmental concentrations of antimony and strontium are increased in areas with high incidence rate for cancer. The carcinogenic effects of strontium have been reported, but carcinogenicity of antimony is still unclear. Since there is not enough information regarding the relationship between the concentration of strontium and antimony and prevalence of esophageal cancer in the province, this study aimed to evaluate serum levels of these elements in patients with esophageal cancer using atomic absorption spectroscopy.

       Methods: This study was performed on 30 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and 30 healthy matched controls. After sampling, concentrations of strontium and antimony were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy.

       Results: Half of the esophageal cancer patients and control participants were male. The mean age of patients and controls was 66 ± 13 and 64 ± 8 years, respectively. The mean serum concentration of strontium in patients and controls was 24.18 ± 1.62 and 24.08 ± 1.46 μg/L, respectively. The mean serum concentration of antimony in patients and controls was 18.61 ± 1.48 and 18.98 ± 1.93 μg/L, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed between the serum concentrations of the two elements in patients and controls.

        Conclusion: There is no difference between serum levels of strontium and antimony in cancer patients and healthy controls, which could be due to tissue accumulation.

          Keywords: Antimony, Strontium, Esophageal Neoplasms.

ABSTRACT

        Background and Objective: Antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains have become a problem in treatment of infections caused by S. aureus. This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic resistance in S. aureus isolates from raw milk and detect femA gene in these isolates, as a confirmatory test for identification of S. aureus species.

        Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 110 raw milk samples. After culture in Cooked Meat broth, presence of S. aureus in grown colonies was confirmed in accordance with Iranian National Standard, No. 1194. Antibiotic resistance was then evaluated according to guidelines recommenced by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. FemA-specific polymerase chain reaction was performed on antibiotic-resistant strains using specific primers and standard strains to differentiate S. aureus from other species.

         Results: S. aureus were found in 43 (39.09%) of the 110 collected samples. Among these isolates, 79.07% and 76.75% were phenotypically resistant to penicillin and ceftazidime, respectively. In addition, the femA gene was detected in all isolates.

          Conclusion: The results of this study show a high prevalence of resistance to penicillin and ceftazidime among S. aureus strains isolated from raw milk.

        Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, Antibiotic Resistance, PCR.

ABSTRACT

        Background and Objective: Exercise training and supplementation have different effects on the immune system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ginger supplementation and endurance training on serum levels of Interleukin 1 alpha (IL1α) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) in untrained young women.

        Methods: The study was performed on 32 untrained young women with mean age of 30±2 years from city of Abbas Abad, in 2014. The participants were randomly assigned into four groups of endurance training (E), endurance training and ginger supplementation (EG), ginger supplementation (G) and control (C). Endurance training was performed at 60-70% heart rate reserve for six weeks, three times a week, and for 60 minutes per session. Daily supplementation with 10 mg/Kg/day of ginger extract was carried out. T-test and ANOVA were used to evaluate the effect of independent variables, and make comparisons between the groups.

          Results: The mean level of IL-1α decreased significantly after the training period in the G and EG groups. There were significant differences between E and EG groups and EG and C groups. The results of intergroup comparison showed that the mean levels of TNFα decreased significantly after the training in the E, G and EG groups. There were significant differences between E and EG groups, E and G groups, EG and C groups, and G and C groups.

         Conclusion: Ginger consumption and adaptation to endurance training can counteract the negative effects on immune function and stability of mast cell membrane.

          Keywords: Endurance Training, Ginger, IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha.