BACKGROUND:Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy is the most important side effect limiting the use of this medication.AIM:This study aimed to compare the effects of omega-3 and vitamin E on the incidence of peripheral neuropathy in patients receiving Taxol.METHODS:In this clinical trial, 63 patients who were a candidate for receiving taxol, were enrolled based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. In group O, patients received 640 mg omega-3 three times a day, and group E, received 300 mg vitamin E two times a day. Patients took the supplements up to three months after the onset of Taxol. Group P received placebo for a similar period. All patients referred to a neurologist for electrophysiological evaluation before the onset of chemotherapy and at months 1 and 3. The presence of neuropathy and its progression was recorded by the neurologist.RESULTS:Neurological examination in this study indicated that 6 patients (28.6%) in Group O, 7 patients (33.3%) in group E, and 15 patients (71.4%) in placebo group started peripheral neuropathy. There was a significant difference between intervention groups and the placebo group (p = 0.0001) and no significant difference between intervention groups (p = 0.751).CONCLUSION:Our data suggested that vitamin E and omega-3 may significantly reduce the incidence of Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. Routine administration of such supplements that have no special side effect for patients under chemotherapy may greatly enhance their quality of life.

Protozoan parasites are responsible for the majority of gastrointestinal infections and even drinking treated tap water was reported risk factor for sporadic giardiasis. Variety of technologies has been used for elimination of Giardia cysts as well as removing other microbial contaminants and particles. The cysts are usually identified by their indistinguishable morphology. We applied direct current (DC) electrical charges for 1 to 4 min, 10 mA or 12 V, and 15 mA or 18 V in a handmade electrolytic cell filled with a prepared 10 5 cysts per ml emulsion, to examine its effectiveness as cysticide. Fresh human stools with Giardia, stained with Eosin Gelblich, were used to prepare wet mounts. Samples were examined by conventional light microscopy for the presence of cysts. Temperature and pH of the emulsions were measured in all stages. DC electrical charges equal or more than 15 mA (18 V in our circuit), in 2 min are practically lethal for Giardia cysts found in human stools, in a watery base with this concentration. pH of the emulsions varied between 3.5 to 8.8 in 22-24.4°C, when the currents were applied. 5 min after closing the DC electrical circuit, the tank water was treated and could be used.