Background: Chronic kidney disease associated with serious morbidity and mortality rate while it is affected by renin-angiotensin system. The effects of losartan as angiotensin II Type 1 receptor antagonist on renal functional in 4/6 nephrectomized rats was evaluated. Methods: Twenty-six male and female Wistar rats underwent 4/6 nephrectomy, and the animals from each gender were randomly divided into two groups which treated with vehicle and losartan (10 mg/kg/day for 1 week). The parameters related to kidney function were measured. Results: Creatinine (Cr) clearance and urine flow were improved in losartan-treated group significantly (P < 0.05). The serum level of blood urea nitrogen and Cr and kidney tissue damage score and sodium urinary output (U_NaV) did not alter. However, losartan decreased percentage of sodium excretion (E_Na%) in both genders insignificantly. Conclusions: Losartan may improve renal function in 4/6 nephrectomized male rats.

Background: Women are the first victims in most of social damages and corruptions. However, due to some social and cultural reasons, the most of the drug addiction studies in Iran target male population. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the pattern of substance abuse and prevalence of HIV and hepatitis risk factors among addicted women. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on women referred to methadone maintenance treatment centers of Western Iran (Kermanshah province). Data were collected through interview by a psychologist who is working full time in the centers. Results: A total of 138 addicted women were studied. Among whom, 50 individuals were aged >45 years old (36.2%), 135 individuals (97.8%) had a history of substance abuse in their family, and 66 individuals (40.5%) initiated drug use before age 20. The most common substances were opium and crack with a proportion of 76.8% and 9.4%, respectively. Prevalence of positive HIV and hepatitis B among addicted women were 18.8% (26 persons) and 5.0% (7persons), respectively. Three (2.1%) of addicted women with HIV also had HBV. The most commonly HIV transmission were drug injections (30.7%) and unprotected sex (11.5%). Conclusions: Although women do not constitute a significant part of substance abuse, increasing trend of women addiction, on one hand, and high prevalence of risk factors related to HIV or hepatitis in women, on the other hand; show that officials and experts are required to seriously consider prevention and harm reduction programs for women.