---

ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: Median nerve entrapment in the wrist is the most common entrapment neuropathy and is called carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Conventional electrophysiologic studies evaluate only the myelinated fibers. Sympathetic skin response (SSR) is a well-established test for evaluation of the unmyelinated sympathetic fibers. This study was designed to evaluate the sympathetic fibers in CTS. Materials & Methods: Fifty four patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and 78 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Conventional electrodiangostic studies and SSR were performed in all the subjects with standard method. Results: Latency of the SSR in healty subjects was 1520.21±87.25 ms and 1637.11 ± 281.13 ms in patients. Conclusion: Unmyelinated sympathetic fibers are involved in CTS and SSR which may, along with other conventional electrophysiologic tests, help in diagnosis of CTS.

---

ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: Eczema is one of the most common pruritic skin disorders for which various treatments are used to relieve the symptoms. There are several reports about the efficacy and in part safety of topical doxepin in the treatment of pruritic dermal diseases. However, lack of a suitable topical preparation from this drug in our country persuaded us to design the present trial. Materials & Methods: A randomized, double blind, placebo- controlled and multi- centeral clinical trial was carried out in Isfahan during the years of 1383-84 by using 60 volunteers and both the drug and placebo were given QID for 8 days. The efficacy, side effects and their relevance to sex and age of subjects were assessed before, during and after the treatment. The data were analyzed using non-parametric tests including Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, and Kendall Tau where appropriate. Results: Results indicated that doxepin cream effectively reduced disease symptoms including pruritus (75.5%), inflammation (43.8%) skin dryness (37.5%) exudates (59.5%), lichenification (41.5%), and eczema (41.5%) after the course of treatment (the day of 8). Same results were obtained by using placebo. Stinging as an adverse effect was occurred in both the drug (30 %) and placebo (27%) groups. Conclusion: Although there was no significant difference between the two groups, it can be concluded that doxepin cream (5 %) is effective in depressing the signs and symptoms of pruritic skin disorders. A larger clinical trial is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the product more precisely.

---

Introduction & Objective: Oral route is a common route of administration for anti-inflammatory drugs including diclofenac. Due to some disadvantages of this route, the alternative routes of administrations are considered. The skin has been increasingly important in this regard, and many drugs have been formulated intradermal delivery systems. The purpose of this study was to prepare a topical diclofenac formulation emulgel with appropriate skin penetration and compare it with standard formulation. Materials & Methods: To prepare the formulation, we used the emulsion form. Several formulations containing different kinds and amounts of diclofenac salts, different emulsifying agents, and different HPMC concentrations were prepared. The skin penetration was evaluated by using Franz cell apparatus and the concentrations of diclofenac were determined in the receptor phase of Franz cell using spectrophotometer. The in vivo absorption of diclofenac was evaluated by determination of drug in urine. The concentration of drug was determined by HPLC. Results: In selected formulation, 85% of drug was released after 4 hours from formulation which was similar to drug released from standard formulation. The values of coefficient variation for HPLC method were utmost 15%. The range of variation in measurement was between 10 and 1000 ng/ml. Conclusion: The selected formulation had appropriate physicochemical properties. We were unable to measure drug concentrations in urine by the constructed HPLC, therefore it can be suggested that one should determine drug concentration in synovial fluid as the drug is concentrated in it.

---

ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent skin diseases which is common in adolescent of both sexes. Tretinoin has been used therapeutically for its comedolitic effects and inhibition of comedone rupture in acne. It is available in 0.01% to 0.1% as cream, gel or lotion. There have been a few clinical reports of the positive effects of iontophoresis with tretinoin on acne scars. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of iontophoresis field on transport of tretinoin across synthetic membrane and excised rat skin. Materials & Methods: Topical formulations of tretinoin marketed in Iran ( Retin-A cream, Retin-A gel, Tretinoin cream 0.025% and Tretinoin gel 0.025%) were assessed in terms of drug assay and content uniformity. The in vitro release and penetration characteristics of tretinoin from dermatological preparation was studied through a hydrophilic Dora pore diffusion barriers and membrane excised rat skin using Franz diffusion cell over a period of 2h. These two tests were also accomplished either with or without the presence of an iontophoresis field. The current density of iontophoresis applied field was constant, 0.5 mA/cm2. The amount of drug released from preparations was determined spectrophotometrically at
max =352nm. Results: The in vitro release of tretinoin through synthetic barrier with an iontophoresis field showed that the cumulative percent of released drug at the end of each experiment was 17.5%, 26.5%, 19% and 54% for Tretinoin gel, Retin-A gel, Tretinoin cream and Retin-A cream, respectively. This was significantly higher than the observed one for release of tretinoin without application of a DC electric field. In addition, the results showed a significantly higher iontophoretic transport of tretinoin compared to passive flux for excised rat skin. Conclusion: The application of an electric current for a limited period of time produced higher post-iontophoresis fluxes of tretinoin than passive diffusion. With application of iontophoresis field, the in vitro release and transport of drug for different formulations of tretinoin follow the zero order kinetics.

---

Abstract Background & Aim: Allergic diseases are one of the most common diseases which are more prevalent in certain seasons. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory and food allergies to common allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 184 patients including 120 males and 64 females referred to the Shahid Mofatteh Clinic with the respiratory allergy symptoms including rhinitis, sneezing and coughing during 2012-2013. Data collection, checklist registered, including demographic information and data associated with sensitivity of skin prick test of 21 allergens were selected. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical. Results: A number of 153 patients (83.2%) were allergic to one or more of the 21 allergens tested, whereas 31 patients (16.8) of them showed no sensitivity. The most common allergic reactions to insect allergens were 73 cases (47.7%), grass and turf 58 cases (37.9% percent), Beetle 55 cases (35.9%), wheat flour, 51 (33.3%) walnuts, 37 (24.4%) and cat fur 36 (5/23.5%) respectively.. Conclusion: Susceptibility to insects, beetles and grass had the highest prevalence in patients with allergic rhinitis referred to Super Specialized clinic in Yasuj. Because susceptibility to allergens depends on the environment, therefore, being aware of them can lead to avoidance and control allergic reactions. Key words: Allergic Disease, Skin Prick Test, Rhinitis

---

Abstract
 
Background & aim: Skin is constantly exposed to environmental contaminants such as heavy metals (lead).Medicinal plants have been concern for the treatment of of human pain. and pain. Wheat Sprout is one of medicinal plants which are rich in vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidant compounds respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of wheat Sprout extract on tissue texture following injection of lead acetate in rats.
 
Methods: Thirty healthy adult Wistar rats were divided randomly into six groups: Control group received 1 ml/kg/day of normal saline, group 2 received 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate intraperitoneally respectively, group 3 and group 4 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of wheat sprout extract by gavage feeding, group 5 and group 6 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of wheat sprout extract by gavage feeding along with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate intraperitoneally. After five weeks, skin tissue of dorsal region and blood samples were collected for histomorphometric studies and serum assessment. Serum samples were tested for determining antioxidant activity (AOA) based on power ferric reduction antioxidant (FRAP) assay and peroxidation of lipids by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA). The 5 to 6 μm thickness sections were made using paraffin embedding method after stained by hematoxylin and eosin, safranin and masson trichrome. For microscopic study, Dino-Lite digital lens and Dino Capture 2 Software were used.
 
Results: The lead significantly decreased the total thickness of the skin, the dermal layer, hypoderm, the number and maximum depth of hair follicles and the epidermis pod thickness of the hair root compared with the control group (p <0.05). A significant increase was seen in numbers of sebaceous glands and hair follicles in group receiving 200 mg/kg/day of wheat sprout, compared to that in control group (P <0.001). Wheat sprout simultaneously with lead increased the epidermis sheath thickness of the root (p <0.01) but no significant increase was seen in the depth of hair follicles in comparison with the lead group.MDA level showed a significant increase in lead group, compared to control group (P <0.01). AOA level showed a significant increase in wheat sprout (200 mg/kg/day) group, compared to other groups (P <0.001).
 
Conclusion: The results showed that lead can induce negative effects in skin tissues. Wheat sprout extract (200 mg/kg/day) can inhibit toxic effects of lead in skin tissues and that leads to refreshing in skin.
 
 

---

Abstract
Background and Aim: Skin wounds are a common complication of diabetes. The use of herbal medicines has had a beneficial effect on healing of the wound. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydrotanol black currant extract on skin ulcers in diabetic rats.

Methods: The current experimental study was performed on 49 male Wistar rats (weighing 250-220 gr) in 7 equal groups. Healthy, untreated, healthy subjects received 1% phenytoin, healthy treated with aspirin (sham), untreated diabetic, diabetic groups (receiving 1% phenytoin, 20% and 40% hydrotagonal extract of blackcurrant). Diabetes was induced by Streptozotocin (60 mg / kg). After anesthesia, injuries were made in the 1 × 2 cm area at the back of each animal, and each group received the treatment for their entire healing until complete healing. Histological studies were performed on tissue samples. The area of ​​the wound was measured every three days once, and the data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test.

Results: The mean wound healing time for non-treated diabetic groups and phenytoin-treated diabetics was 27 and 24 days, respectively. In healthy groups without treatment, the healthy phine thyinea hemorrhage was completed on days 23, 24 and 21, respectively. The shortest healing time was observed in diabetic groups treated with 20% (18 days) and 40% (15 days) black currant extracts. The two groups also had the lowest mean surface area of ​​the wound during the study period and the mean of the wound levels of the treated groups with the black yeast extract was significantly different from the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The extract of black currant has significant effects on the healing process of wounds in rats. Regarding the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of black cumin, it can be used to repair skin lesions. The antioxidant material in this plant accelerates the process of wound healing in comparison with conventional drugs.

 

---

Background & Aim: Tissue engineering is a new method for the replacement of degraded tissue components by biodegradable polymers, which is provided as a three-dimensional scaffold for growth and proliferation of stem cells. In this study, chitosan scaffold was used to evaluate the proliferation of fibroblasts in the presence of hyaluronic acid.

 Methods: In this experimental study, powder scaffolds were prepared for growth of fibroblastic cells. The following groups were designed for later studies: Group 1: Chitosan scaffold with hyaluronic acid, Group 2: Chitosan without hyaluronic acid scaffold, Group 3 (control 1): Hyaluronic acid fibroblast cell and Group 4 (control 2): ​​Hyaluronic acid fibroblaster cell. The human foreskin was prepared and the fibroblasts of the dermal layer were removed after separation, and the cells were transferred to the culture flasks with DMEM medium and stored in a CO2-containing incubator. After several passages, 10,000 cells were transferred to 96 wells containing DMEM medium and MTT and DAPI staining method was used to amplify fibroblasts on the chitosan scaffold. The obtained results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test after uniformity of data analysis.

Results: The mean survival rate of chitosan without hyaluronic acid scaffold in 24 hours was significantly higher than that of control with and without hyaluronic acid and chitosan group with hyaluronic acid (P <0.05). The mean survival in the control group without hyaluronic acid increased significantly in 48 hours compared to the chitosan scaffold with and without hyaluronic acid and the control group with hyaluronic acid (P <0.05). The mean survival time in chitosan scaffold with and without hyaluronic acid in 72 hours was not statistically significant compared to control groups with and without hyaluronic acid.

Conclusion: Chitosan scaffold showed better biocompatibility with fibroblasts due to its hydrophilic property, but the presence of hyaluronic acid with chitosan reduced the fibroblast growth trend. Chitosan may be alone in structures that are synthesized to repair damaged areas of the skin, a good scaffold for proliferation of damaged fibroblast cells.

 

---

Abstract
Background & aim: The anti-diabetic effects of Walnut green skin have attracted many researchers in the recent years.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of green skin extract on the serum level of sugar, lipid profile, and ALP, ALT, AST enzymes in adult male diabetic rats.
 
Methods: In the present experimental study, 32 adult male rats were divided into 4 groups of 8, including control, treated with medicine solvent, diabetic with 60 mg/kg dose of streptozotocin, and diabetic under 10 day treatment of 100 mg/kg dose of green skin extract of walnut groups. At the end, the serum level of glucose, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes are measured. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests.
 
Results:The results of this study indicated that in diabetic animals,  in comparison with control group, serum levels of ALP, ALT, AST enzymes, glucose, triglyceride, and LDL were increased, and HDL level decreased (P = 0.001). While in diabetic rats treated with green skin extract,in comparison with diabetic animals, the level of serum ALP, ALT, AST enzymes, glucose, triglyceride, and LDL decreased and HDL increased compared to diabetic animals(P = 0.001).
Conclusion:The green skin extract of walnut with anti-diabetic effects reduces glucose, liver transaminases, and lipid profiles in diabetic animals
 
 

---

Background & aim: Major depressive disorder is one of the most common psychiatric diseases. There is some evidence that the autonomic nervous system plays a role in depression.  The sympathetic cutaneous response (SSR) is used to examine the autonomic system. Conventional nerve bands examine thick peripheral fibers, but in SSR we examine non-myelinated thin fibers. The aim of this study was to evaluate sympathetic skin test in patients with major depressive disorder.
 
Methods: In the present case-control study, 39 patients participated in Shahid Rajaee Hospital related to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Sampling method was available and in two groups: 20 patients in case group (with major depressive disorder) (3 males and 2 females) and 4 patients in control group (2 males and 2 females) with The mean age of the patients was 2.7 and 2.6, respectively. The sympathetic skin response of both hands and feet was measured in response to electrical stimulation of the median nerve and tibia nerve. The mean values ​​of neural conduction delay and wave amplitude were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Shapiro Wilks and Mann-Whitney test.
 
Results: a significant increase was observed in wave amplitude obtained from SSR of right and left median nerve of the case group (p> 0.05), while no significant difference was seen between the case and control groups in the amplitude of right and left lower limb tibia nerve as well as in delayed nerve conduction in median and tibia nerve.
 Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it was concluded that increased amplitude of sympathetic cutaneous response of the upper extremity could be useful in diagnosis and follow up of patients with major depressive disorder and indicates autonomic disorder.