Background: The presence of neutrophil-rich inflammation in colon tissues of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the most important histological characteristics of this disease. However, the expression of CXCL chemokines governing the infiltration of neutrophils in UC has not been well elucidated. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, the UC model was induced in Wistar rats by administration of 2 mL 4% acetic acid into the large colon through the rectum. Animals were anesthetized after 48 hrs; their colon tissue samples were isolated for macroscopic and histopathological examinations. The expression of CXCL family was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique. Results: Heavy infiltration of neutrophils, coagulation necrosis, and ulcers were observed in H&E staining, which pathologically proved the UC model. qRT-PCR results showed that ELR + CXC chemokines such as CXCL6 and CXCL3 had the highest expression in the UC group, which was 49 and 28 times higher than that of the control group, respectively. In addition, other chemokines of this group including CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL7 had a significant increase compared to the control group (P≤0.05). However, ELR − CXC chemokines such as CXCL4, CXCL13, and CXCL16 showed a smaller upregulation, while CXCL14 chemokine showed a significant decrease compared to the control group (P≤0.05). However, the expression of CXCL9-12 and CXCL17 did not change. Conclusion: The results showed that the ELR + CXC chemokines, especially CXCL6 and CXCL3, many involved in the pathogenesis of UC; therefore, CXCL6 and CXCL3 chemokines can be used as therapeutic targets for UC, although more studies using human samples are required.

Introduction: Sinusitis is a serious health hazard that is caused by inflammation of the surrounding sinus. Bacterial infection due to Streptococcus pneumonia microorganisms, Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis and Staphylococcus aureus is one of the factors causing sinusitis and bronchitis. Medicago sativa is known as a precious medicinal plant. The purpose of this study is to investigate the antibacterial effect of Medicago sativa extract on common bacteria in sinusitis and bronchitis. Methods: In this experimental study, after root extraction of the plant by maceration method, first the quantitative Minimum Inhibitory growth Concentration (MIC) test was carried out and then disc diffusion quality test was performed with the observance of standard strains for Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Result:The results showed that MIC of Medicago sativa root extract against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza and Moraxella catarrhalis was 125 mg/ml. Furthermore, the extract did not affect Staphylococcus aureus, and in all of the tubes turbidity and growth were observed. In the disc diffusion method, the diameter of the inhibition zone was 16 mm for Moraxella catarrhalis, 13 mm for Streptococcus pneumoniae and 10 mm for Haemophilus influenza, and for Staphylococcus aureus, no inhibition zone was found around the disk containing the extract. Conclusion:The results of this study showed the inhibitory effect of Medicago sativa root extract on Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza and Moraxella catarrhalis. By extracting the important compounds of this plant, we can hope to make a suitable drug for the treatment of sinusitis.

Background:Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disease which is characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells, crypt abscesses, distortion of the mucosal glands, and goblet cell depletion. The existence of neutrophil-rich inflammation in colon tissues of patients with UC is one of the most significant histological features of this disease. Nonetheless, the expression of CXCR chemokine receptors which appear as the main chemical mediators governing the migration of neutrophils into the mucosal tissue of patients with UC has not been well clarified.Materials and Methods:In this experimental study, the UC model was induced in Wistar rats by administration of 2 ml 4% acetic acid into the large colon through the rectum. Animals were anesthetized after 48 h; their colon tissue samples were isolated for macroscopic and histopathological examination. The expression of receptor1-7 of CXC chemokine was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique.Results:Heavy infiltration of neutrophils, coagulative necrosis, and ulcers were observed in H and E staining, which pathologically proved the UC model. qRT-PCR results indicated that CXCR2 as one of the important ELR+ chemokine family receptors bears the highest expression in the UC group (32 fold) than the control group (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, other CXCRs of this group including CXCR1 did not possess any change (P > 0.05). In contrast, RLR negative chemokine family receptors did not show any changes with the normal group.Conclusion:The results showed that CXCR2 is the only receptor for CXCL family which was remarkably upregulated in experimental UC and that CXCR2 might play a significant role in the pathogenesis of UC.