69 1735-3165 Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences 1056 Editorial Common Errors in Proof Stage Rezaeian M. 1 7 2011 10 3 163 164 06 07 2011   سخن سردبیر   Editorial   مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی رفسنجان   دوره دهم، شماره سوم ، پاییز 13 90، 164-163     خطاهای شایع در مرحله بازخوانی نسخه قبل از چاپ مقاله   Common Errors in Proof Stage       محسن رضائیان [1]   M. Rezaeian     همان‌طور که در سخن سردبیری شماره پاییز سال 1389 مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی رفسنجان به آن اشاره گردید، آخرین مرحله قبل از چاپ یک مقاله علمی، مطالعه و تأیید نسخه قبل از چاپ ( Proof ) مقاله می‌باشد که در فاصله زمان کوتاهی قبل از چاپ مجله در اختیار نویسندگان مقاله قرار می‌گیرد [1]. در این مرحله، از نویسنده مسئول مقاله درخواست می‌گردد که در بازه زمانی نسبتاً کوتاهی، که معمولاً 48 تا 72 ساعت را در بر می‌گیرد، مقاله را به دقت مطالعه نموده و ابتدا به سؤالات احتمالی ویراستار مجله پاسخ داده و سپس هرگونه خطای موجود در مقاله را شناسایی نموده و گزارش دهد.   اگر چه این مرحله از اهمیت به سزایی برخوردار بوده و در صورت تأیید نویسنده مسئول، مقاله به همان شکل تأیید شده به زیور طبع آراسته خواهد گردید، با این وجود، شواهد نشان می‌دهند که نویسندگان مسئول مقالات در این مرحله دچار خطاهای شایعی می‌گردند [2]. این خطاها نه تنها ممکن است که مدت زمان تخصیص یافته به این مرحله را طولانی نمایند، بلکه گاهی اوقات سبب خواهند شد که مقاله همراه با اغلاط از نظر دور مانده به زیور طبع آراسته گردد.   هدف از نگارش این سخن سردبیری، آشنایی همکاران فرهیخته مجله دانشگاه به ویژه نویسندگان و خوانندگان محترم با انواع خطاهای شایعی می‌باشد که ممکن است نویسندگان در این مرحله مرتکب آن گردند.   1. یکی از خطاهای متداول در این مرحله آن است که نویسنده مسئول به سؤالات ویراستار مقاله پاسخ نداده و یا پاسخ ناقص ارائه نماید. نویسندگان محترم باید به این نکته توجه داشته باشند که در این مرحله، ارائه پاسخ صحیح و دقیق به سؤالات ویراستاران علمی- ادبی مجله از اهمیت شایان توجهی برخوردار می‌باشد. اصولاً، نقش ویراستاران علمی- ادبی مجلات آن است که به قابلیت خواندن مقاله بیفزایند. بنابراین، آن‌ها ممکن است به منظور افزایش این قابلیت، سؤالات گوناگونی را از نویسنده مسئول مقاله به عمل آورند که ارائه پاسخ کامل، صحیح و دقیق به آن‌ها کاملاً ضروری است.   2. از دیگر خطاهای شایع آن است که نویسندگان مسئول مقاله، تنها به ارائه پاسخ به سؤالات احتمالی ویراستاران علمی- ادبی مقاله، اکتفا کرده و از مطالعه دقیق مقاله خود قبل از چاپ اجتناب نمایند. بازخوانی دقیق تمام مقاله از عنوان تا پایان منابع مقاله وظیفه نویسنده مسئول می‌باشد. این نکته از آن جهت اهمیت دارد که در مرحله ویراستاری و فورمت نمودن مقاله، گاهی اوقات ممکن است که به طور کاملاً سهوی، خطاهایی در متن مقاله رخ دهد که تنها نویسنده مسئول با بازخوانی دقیق مقاله به آنها پی خواهد برد. همچنین گاهی اوقات ممکن است خطاهای کوچکی در متن مقاله اولیه وجود داشته که تا این مرحله از چشم نویسندگان، داوران و ویراستاران پوشیده مانده باشد. این مرحله فرصت مغتنمی را فراهم می‌آورد که چنین خطاهایی نیز مورد شناسایی و تصحیح قرار گیرند.   3. سومین خطای شایع آن است که نویسنده مسئول در این مرحله درخواست انجام تغییرات اساسی در متن مقاله خود بنماید. برای نمونه، اخیراً نویسنده مسئول یک مقاله پذیرفته شده در مجله دانشگاه، در پاسخ به سؤال ویراستار علمی- ادبی مجله که در خصوص یکی از نمودارهای مقاله وی به عمل آمده بود، درخواست کرده بود که نمودار موجود در مقاله با یک جدول جا به جا گردد. همچنین، وی توضیحات بیشتری در خصوص جدول جایگزین شده در متن مقاله ارائه نموده بود. نویسندگان محترم باید توجه داشته باشند که در این مرحله، به هیچ وجه انجام اصلاحات اساسی امکان‌پذیر نمی‌باشد، چرا که با انجام اصلاحات اساسی یک مقاله در این مرحله، صفحه‌بندی و آرایش ( Layout ) تمامی مجله دستخوش تغییر خواهد شد.   4. یکی دیگر از خطاهای شایع آن است که در این مرحله، نویسندگان مسئول مقالات درخواست تغییر در اسامی نویسندگان یک مقاله را نمایند. این درخواست ممکن است در قالب حذف نام یک نویسنده یا اضافه کردن نام یک نویسنده دیگر باشد. در هر صورت، ارائه چنین درخواستی در این مرحله نه تنها مبین آن است که نویسنده مسئول مقاله از ابتدا رعایت اصول اساسی در ارائه اسامی نویسندگان مقاله را ننموده است، بلکه این درخواست منجر به خارج شدن موقتی یا دائم مقاله از فرآیند چاپ نیز خواهد گردید تا مشکل پیش آمده مرتفع گردد.   5. بالاخره، آخرین خطای شایع در این مرحله آن است که نویسندگان مسئول مقالات، مقاله بازخوانی شده خود را در موعد زمانی مقرر به دفتر مجله ارسال ننمایند. از آن جایی که این مرحله، آخرین مرحله پیش از چاپ یک مجله می‌باشد، عدم ارسال به موقع حتی یک مقاله سبب خواهد شد که مجله با تأخیر در نوبت چاپ روبرو گردد. از همین رو، مسئولیت اخلاقی تمام نویسندگان مسئول مقالات در این مرحله آن است که در نهایت دقت، نسخه پیش از چاپ مقاله خود را بازخوانی کنند، به سؤالات احتمالی ویراستاران علمی- ادبی پاسخ صحیح و کامل ارائه دهند، از درخواست اصلاحات اساسی اجتناب ورزند و نسخه بازخوانی شده را در مهلت مقرر تقدیم دفتر مجله نمایند.     References   [1] Rezaeian M. The process of reviewing an article in the Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences from submission to publication. J Rafsanjan Uni Med Sci 2010 9(3): 149-52. [Farsi]   [2] Johnson C. Submitting manuscripts to biomedical journals: common errors and helpful solutions. J Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics 2009 32(1): 1-12.   1- دانشیار گروه آموزشی پزشکی اجتماعی، دانشکده پزشکی، دانشگاه علوم پزشکی رفسنجان   تلفن: 5234003-0391، دورنگار: 5225209-0391، پست الکترونیکی: moeygmr2@yahoo.co.uk
1057 Nursing Studying the Effect of Entonox Gas on the APGAR of the Neonates Yazdi Moghaddam H. Rahnamai Rahsepar F. Heidari A. 1 7 2011 10 3 165 174 06 07 2011   H . Yazdi Moghaddam [1] , F . Rahnamai Rahsepar [2] , A . Heydari [3]         Received: 11/07/2009 Sent for Revision: 23/01/2010 Received Revised Manuscript: 20/11/2010 Accepted: 26/12/2010         Background and Objectives : Delivery is one of the greatest events in the life of a pregnant woman. Although it is considered to be a natural phenomenon, it is potentially dangerous. Entonox gas used for pain relief and is reasonably effective in labor analgesic practice. The purpose of this study was to compare the APGAR score of the neonates were born to mothers who treated with entonox gas with those who their mothers did not received this gas.   Materials and Methods : In this semi-experimental study, 270 pregnant women hospitalized at the labor ward of Shahidan Mobini Hospital of Sabzavar were included using simple available sampling method. They were then separated into two groups, case and control, based on their specifications. The data gathering tool for this study was a questionnaire of "investigating the effect of entonox gas as a no-pain labor agent on Neonates’ APGAR" which is individually filled out for each patient by obstetrician colleagues. The APGAR scores of infants were recorded at 1st, 5th, and 20th minutes. The statistical analysis of data was performed by t-test, Chi-Square and Fisher tests using SPSS software.   Results : That there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, pregnancy period, and using labor induction. The APGAR scores of the case group at 1st, 5th, and 20th minutes postpartum were significantly higher than the control group (p< 0.05).   Conclusion : Regarding the importance of controlling pain during delivery and its effect on reducing the mother’s stress, using of entonox gas can be a good option for relieving pain during delivery moreover, it can improve the APGAR score.   Key words : Entonox Gas, APGAR, No-pain Labor     Funding: This research was funded by Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences. .   Conflict of interest: None declared.   Ethical approval: The Ethics Committee of Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences approved the study.    How to cite this article : Yazdi Moghaddam H, Rahnamai Rahsepar F, Heidari A . Studying the Effect of Entonox Gas on the APGAR of the Neonates . J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2011 10(3): 165-74. [Farsi]     1- Academic Member, Dept. of Operation Room, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran   Corresponding Author, Tel: (0571) 4446030, Fax: (0571) 4446008, E-mail: ha_yazdimoghaddam@yahoo.com   2- Academic Member, Dept. of Nursing, Nursing & Midwifery School, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran   3- Assistant Prof., Dept , of Nursing, Nursing & Midwifery School, Mashhad University of Medical Seiences, Mashhad, Iran 1058 Internal Medicine Survey on Comparison of the Analgesic Effects of Carbamazepine and Diclofenac on Knee Osteoarthritis Mirzaei M. Habilzadeh F. 1 7 2011 10 3 175 182 06 07 2011   M. Mirzaei [1] , F. Habilzadeh [2]     Received: 18/02/2010 Sent for Revision: 09/08/2010 Received Revised Manuscript: 21/12/2010 Accepted: 01/01/2011     Background and Objectives : Osteoarthritis is the most common arthicular disease of human. Medical managements of this disorder are mostly limited to relieving pain usually by NSAIDs. However, due to many side effects of these medications, especially on elderly patients, long-term therapy with these drugs is of major concern. In this study, the analgesic effect of carbamazepine on knee osteoarthritis was compared with diclofenac as a NSAID and placebo.   Materials and Methods: In this double-blind randomised clinical trial study, 60 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were investigated for 12 months. The patients were then categorised into three groups carbamazepine, diclofenac, and placebo groups. After two weeks of treatment, the pain relief rate was re-evaluated for each patient using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) . The data was then analysed using Chi-Square test.   Results: Patients categorised as carbamazepine and diclofenac groups showed a marked pain relief after treatment period compared to the placebo group (p<0.05 vsp= 0.12 respectively). However, the analgesic effect of carbamazepine was not significant compared to diclofenac.   Conclusion: Carbamazepine has a same analgesic effect on knee osteoarthritis as NSAIDs. So, it may be a favorite alternative to NSAIDs in patients who are not able to tolerate the detrimental effects of these drugs.   Key words: Knee osteoarthritis, Carbamazepine, Diclofenac     Funding: This research was funded by a grant from the research Council of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences.   Conflict of interest : None declared.   Ethical approval: The Ethics Committee of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences approved the study.     How to cite this article : Mirzaei M, Habilzadeh F . Survey on Comparison of the Analgesic Effects of Carbamazepine and Diclofenac on Knee Osteoarthritis . J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2011 10(3): 175-82. [Farsi]       1- Assistant Prof., Dept. of Internal Medicine, Medicine Faculty, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran   (Corresponding Author) Tel: (0391) 8220016, Fax: (0391) 8220022, E-mail: Mirzaei.dr@Gmail.com   2- General Physician, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran 5319 Environmental Health Survey on the Quality of Mineral Bottled Waters in Kerman City in 2009 1 7 2011 10 3 183 192 11 05 2020 11 05 2020 Background and Objectives: Consumption of mineral bottled waters has been considerably increased in the recent years. These waters have some specific mineral and chemical properties which can affect human health. In this study, the quality of bottled waters also known as "mineral bottled waters" are investigated in terms of physical, chemical, and microbial parameters, water hardness, curative properties and also the accuracy of the properties printed on their labels. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, 13  brands of mineral bottled waters, available in Kerman markets, were included to investigate seventeen chemical, physical and microbial parameters. The mean value of each parameter was calculated and compared with the standard values and also with the values printed on their labels. In addition, the water hardness and curative properties of different brands were studied based on their ion concentrations. Results: The results of this study showed that 54% of waters were categorized as hard or very hard waters. No microbial contamination was found and none of them had curative properties. A comparison between the chemical properties of these waters and the standard values of drinkable and mineral waters indicated that while all tested waters had a fluoride concentration of lower than standard values, the Cl-(50 mg/l) and NO3- (8 mg/l) concentrations were higher than the standard levels in seven percent of samples. Also, the concentrations of K+ and Na+  were higher  than the permitted levels in 23% and 46% of the samples, respectively. Conclusion: The different properties of the mineral bottled waters investigated in this study were consistent with the standard levels. However, even a few inconsistency with standard criteria regarding ion concentrations or other propertis may have a detrimental effect on health status which should be taken into account by relevant authorities. Manufacturers also need to adhere more to all realted standard rules and regulateins. Key words: Water, Quality, Mineral, Bottled   Funding: This research was funded by Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Conflict of interest: None declared. Ethical approval: The Ethics Committee of Kerman University of Medical Sciences approved the study.   How to cite this article: Loloei M, Zolala F. Survey on the Quality of Mineral Bottled Waters in Kerman City in 2009. J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2011; 10(3): 183-92. [Farsi] 1071 Biochemistry Viewpoints of Middle-School Students of Gorgan About Respecting the Children's Rights by their Parents Jouybari L. Sanagoo A. Bibi Soltani A. 1 7 2011 10 3 193 204 12 07 2011   L. Jouybari [1] , A. Sanagoo [2] , A.B Soltani [3]     Received: 13/06/2010 Sent for Revision: 12/09/2010 Received Revised Manuscript: 03/02/2011 Accepted: 26/02/2011     Background and Objectives : Nowadays, throughout the world particularly in developed countries, an important part of the material and spiritual resources devoted to children and their physical and psychological needs. Of course, in this regard, parents have a major responsibility to provide children with their basic rights. The aim of this study was to survey the middle-school students’ viewpoints about respecting their rights by parents.   Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1016 male and female middle-school students of Gorgan city were included in 2008 using a randomised multistage cluster sampling procedure. A questionnaire containing 31 specific questions obtained from the United Nations Child Rights Charter was individually filled out for each student. The data was then analyzed by descriptive and nonparametric statistical tests using the SPSS software.   Results: Our findings showed that 70.6% of students stated that their rights were completely respected by their parents. The relationships between student's gender (p=0.04), parents education (p=0.001), father's job (p=0.001), family income (p=0.001), and family size (p=0.001) with respecting children rights by parents were statistically significant.   Conclusion: Although, many aspects are involved in promoting the physical and psychological well-being of children, the role of parents is of critical significance. Results showed that overall the satisfaction rate of children regarding respecting their rights by parents was reasonable.   Key words : Children's right, Parents, Student, Perspective     Funding: This research was funded by ْ Golestan University of Medical Sciences.   Conflict of interest : None declared.   Ethical approval: The Ethics Committee of Golestan University of Medical Sciences approved the study.   How to cite this article : Jouybari L, Sanagoo A, Soltani A .B. Viewpoints of Middle-School Students of Gorgan About Respecting the Children's Rights by their Parents . J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2011 10(3): 193-204. [Farsi]     1- Assistant Prof., Dept of Child & Family Health Nursing and Nursing Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran   2- Assistant Prof., Dept of Community Health Nursing and Nursing Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran   Corresponding Author, Tel: (0171) 4430360, Fax: (0171) 4425171, E-mail: a_sanagu@yahoo.com   3- BS of Nursing, Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran 1067 Rehabilitation Comparison between the Effects of Forward and Backward Running Exercises on Lower Limb Function Tests A. Khalili M. Hajihasani A. 1 7 2011 10 3 205 214 11 07 2011   M. Amoozade Khalili [1] , A.H. Hajihasani [2]     Received: 27/01/2010 Sent for Revision: 19/04/2010 Received Revised Manuscript: 14/03/2011 Accepted: 07/04/2011     Background and Objectives : Running is a basic pattern of the movement causing improvement of functional disorders of the lower limbs. The aim of this study was to determine the suitable method in running exercise (forward or backward) for improvement of the lower limb function.   Materials and Methods: In t his interventional study, 40 healthy female subjects with the range of 18-24 years old were included. They randomely separated into two groups, forward and backward running groups. The interventional programme included two methods of running undertaken three days per week for a period of six weeks. Four types of the lower limbs functional tests Modified Romberg, Vertical Jumping, Single Leg Hop Test for Distance, and Single Leg Hop Test for Time were applied to determine the suitable method of running. The measurements were carried out as pre- and post- tests. For analysis of data, paired and independent t tests were used.   Results: During backward running, there were statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between pre- and post- tests in all four measurement methods, and it improved the lower limb function. However, these findings were observed only in two methods of measurement during forward running (p<0.05).   Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the effects of backward running exercises on lower limb function tests are significantly more effective than forward running and it may improve dysfunctions of the lower limb.   Key words : Backward running, Forward running, Lower limb function tests     Funding: This research was founded by Semnan University of Medical Sciences.   Conflict of interest: None declare.   Ethical approval: The Ethics Committee of Semnan University of Medical Sciences approved the study.     How to cite this article : Amoozade Khalili M, Hajihasani A .H. Comparison between the Effects of Forward and Backward Running Exercises on Lower Limb Function Tests . J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2011 10(3): 205-14. [Farsi]     1- Associate Prof., Dept. of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation and Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran   Corresponding Author, Tel: (0231) 3354180, Fax: (0231) 3354180, E-mail: moh35ir@yahoo.co.uk   2- Lecture, Faculty of Rehabilitation and Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran 1066 Statistics; Epidemiology The Problems of Local Journals in Health Domain and how to Overcome Them Rezaeian M. 1 7 2011 10 3 215 224 11 07 2011   M. Rezaeian [1]     Received: 11/12/2010 Sent for Revision: 04/01/2011 Received Revised Manuscript: 08/03/2011 Accepted: 18/03/2011     Background and Objectives : Local journals also known as "small journals" are those published for fulfilling the scientific needs of certain communities. The present article is dealt with the problems of these journals and provides some suggestions on how to overcome their pitfalls.   Materials and Methods : The Pubmed search engine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) was explored using the following keywords of the titles of articles “small journals”, “local journals”, “small scientific journals” or “small medical journals”. This search strategy retrieved 8 papers. In the next step, and by searching the reference lists of the retrieved papers, the most relevant and up-to-date articles were selected for this review study.   Results and Discussion : Evidences suggested that the "small or local journals" have a number of pitfalls including being published usually in local languages which are not familiar to most people, dealing with general issues rather than specific fields , having low circulations, and confronting enormous difficulties in punctual publications. Nevertheless, by removing the above-mentioned obstacles, these journals can still play an important role either in knowledge dissemination and sharing experiences or improving the health levels in local communities.   Conclusion: Small journals could possibly be able to overcome their problems utilising the following strategies.   displaying a firm commitment to their responsibilities , precise planning, creating networks with other local or mainstream journals and seeking support from local, national and international scientists.   Keywords : Local journals, Small journals, Health domain, Problems     Funding : This study did not have any sources of funding.   Conflict of interest : The author is the editor-in-chief of the scientific Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences.     How to cite this article : Rezaeian M . The Problems of Local Journals in Health Domain and how to Overcome Them. J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2011 10(3): 215-24. [Farsi]     [1] - Associate Prof., Dept. of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Occupational Environmental Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran   Corresponding Author, Tel: (0391) 5234003, Fax: (0391) 5225209, E-mail: moeygmr2@yahoo.co.uk 1069 تغذیه Comparison of Serum Zinc Between Type 2 Diabetic Patients and Non Diabetic People: (Short Report) Salem Z. Vazirinejad R. Tashakory M. Balai P. 1 7 2011 10 3 225 230 12 07 2011   Z. Salem [1] , R. Vazirinejad [2] , M. Tashakory [3] , P. Balai [4]     Received: 23/02/2010 Sent for Revision: 08/05/2010 Received Revised Manuscript: 31/07/2010 Accepted: 18/08/2010     Background and Objectives : Disturbances of zinc (Zn) homeostasis have been associated with several diseases including diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to compare the serum level of zinc in diabetic type 2 patients with those of non-diabetic control subjects .   Materials and Methods : In this cross-sectional study, 35 diabetic patients referred to the Rafsanjan Diabetes Clinic and 35 healthy non-diabetic controls were selected using simple random sampling method . Both groups aged ≥ 30 and had a similar gender distribution. A pre-designed questionnaire was completed for each participant. A fasting blood sample was individually drawn for fasting blood sugar (FBS) and Zn measurement. The data was then analysed using student's t test.   Results: Results of this study demonstrated that the difference in mean serum level of zinc between the two groups was statistically significant, 10.58 ± 2.27 µg/dl for patient group versus 16.62 ± 5.04 µg/dl for control group (p=0.001). There were no marked differences in terms of age and gender distribitions execpt that for the FBS level.   Conclusion: Our findings showed that the serum level of Zn in the diabetic patients is lower than control group. Further studies are warranted to determine whether zinc supplementation can be used as an adjunct in diabetes management.   Key words: Serum Zinc, Type ll diabetes mellitus, Non Diabetic Control     Funding: This research was funded by Research Council of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences.   Conflict of interest: None declared.   Ethical approval: The Ethics Committee of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences approved the study .    How to cite this article : Salem Z, Vazirinejad R, Tashakory M, Balai P. Comparison of Serum Zinc Between Type 2 Diabetic Patients and Non Diabetic People: (Short Report) . J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2011 10(3): 225-30. [Farsi]     [1] - Academic Member, Dept. of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Occupational Environmental Research Center , Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran   Corresponding Author, Tel: (0391) 5234003, Fax: (0391) 5225209, E-mail: zinatsalem@yahoo.com   [2] - Associate Prof., Dept. of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Occupational Environmental Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran   [3] - PhD. Biotechnology, University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran   [4] - General Physician, Ali Ebn Abitaleb Hospital, University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran 1070 Biochemistry Testicular Cells Apoptosis in Opium-Addicted Rats: (Short Report) Asadikaram Gh.R. Asiabanha M. Rahnema A. Shaebani Shahrbabaki Z. Mahmoodi M. Sasan H. 1 7 2011 10 3 231 236 12 07 2011   Gh.R. Asadikaram [1] , M. Asiabanha [2] , A. Rahnema [3] , Z. Shaebani Shahrbabaki [4] , M. Mahmoodi [5] , H.A. Sasan [6]     Received: 12/06/2010 Sent for Revision: 27/11/2010 Received Revised Manuscript: 26/01/2011 Accepted: 03/02/2011     Background and Objectives : Apoptosis is a physiological mechanism of cell death and it can be triggered by a variety of internal and external stimuli. It has been shown that some opium derivatives promote cell apoptosis. This study was designed to examine the influence of opium addiction on testicular cell apoptosis in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was performed on 7 opium-addicted as case group and 7 normal rats as control group. In the case group, animals treated with peritoneal injections of opium twice a day at 8 a.m and 8 p.m for 8 days based on the following regimen at the first day 30 mg/kg, second day 60 mg/kg, third day 90 mg/kg, fourth day 120 mg/kg, and from fifth to eighth day 150 mg/kg. The control group received only normal saline. Apoptosis was then evaluated by TUNEL and DNA fragmentation assays.   Results: The results of this study showed that the rate of testicular cells apoptosis in opium-addicted rats were significantly higher than the normal rats (p<0.001 ).   Conclusion: These results indicated that opium addiction may play an important role in testicular cells apoptosis and as a result can cause testicula dysfunction and reduced testosterone production which may culminate in infertility.   Key words: Apoptosis, Testis Cells, Addiction, Opium, Rat     Funding: This research was funded by Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences.   Conflict of interest : None declared.   Ethical approval: The Ethics Committee of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences approved the study.     How to cite this article : Asadikaram Gh.R, Asiabanha M, Rahnema A, Shaebani Shahrbabaki Z, Mahmoodi M, Sasan H.A. Testicular Cells Apoptosis in Opium-Addicted Rats: (Short Report) . J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2011 10(3): 231-6. [Farsi]     1- Associate Prof. Dept of Biochemistry and Physiology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran   (Corresponding Author) Tel: (0341) 3221660, Fax: (0341) 3222048, E-mail : asadi_ka@yahoo.com   2- Academic Member, Dept. of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran   3- Assistant Prof., Dept. of Pathology, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran   4- Assistant Prof., Dept. of Internal Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran   5- Prof., Dept. of Biochemistry and Biophysics , Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran   6- Assistant Prof., Dept. of Biology, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran