مهدی هدایتی

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is becoming the fastest-growing thyroid cancer type worldwide. Therefore, finding effective biomarkers for early screening of PTC is urgent. In this study, we aimed to investigate circulating PTC metabolites in plasma samples using an untargeted NMR-based metabolomics approach. A systematic literature review was also conducted to compare our results with studies regarding PTC metabolic perturbation using NMR-based metabolomics.

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) was used to assess the major metabolic alterations in plasma samples from PTC patients concerning healthy subjects. Multivariate and univariate analyses revealed the significantly altered metabolites, including orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), enrichment and pathway analyses, and student t-tests. Besides, a literature search with publication dates from 2014 to 2024 was conducted. After removing duplicates, unrelated articles, and reviews, ten studies met the eligibility criteria.

Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis indicated that three metabolites, glutamine, choline, and succinic acid, significantly differed between PTC and healthy groups. The reduction in glutamine plasma levels was likely related to the high risk of PTC tumorigenesis (Odds ratio 0.90; 95% CI 0.83–0.97; P=0.011). Receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis corroborated this, which indicated that glutamine could discriminate PTC from healthy subjects (area under ROC curve value, AUC=0.98).

This study demonstrated that the NMR-based metabolomics profiling approach has the potential to provide considerable insight into the identification of diagnostic biomarkers for the early detection of PTC patients.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation and is recognized as a key biomarker for inflammation. Elevated CRP levels in the blood indicate the onset of an inflammatory response in the body, which can result from various factors, including infection, tissue damage, and chronic inflammatory conditions. This study aims to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1205 and rs3093068 in the CRP gene with serum CRP levels in the Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study (TCGS) adult population.

In this case-control study, 639 individuals from the Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study, with a mean age of 48±16 years (range: 20-87), were selected. Genotyping was performed using the HumanOmniExpress-24-v1-0 chip. Statistical analysis was carried out using R software.

The genotype frequencies followed Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The frequency of the CC genotype for both studied polymorphisms was significantly higher in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) above normal. Additionally, this genotype was more frequent in individuals with CRP levels above the normal range (CRP≥3000 ng).

This study's findings suggest an association between the genotypes of the rs1205 and rs3093068 polymorphisms in the CRP gene and elevated serum CRP levels in the Tehran population under investigation.

In this study, we investigated the relationship between polymorphisms in the adiponectin gene and biochemical parameters—specifically adiponectin levels, insulin resistance, and the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—in an Iranian population.

We conducted a case–control study comprising 80 individuals with NAFLD and 80 healthy controls. Genotyping of the ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms rs17300539, rs266729, and rs1501299 was performed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method, while serum adiponectin and insulin levels were quantified via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Our findings demonstrated that patients exhibited significantly higher serum triglyceride levels, fasting blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and diastolic blood pressure compared to healthy individuals. In contrast, adiponectin and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly lower in patients, and body mass index (BMI) was significantly elevated (P < 0.05). None of the analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with insulin resistance. However, there was a significant difference in both genotype and allele frequencies of the rs1501299 variant between the patient and control groups. Additionally, within the case group for rs17300539, GA carriers had a higher BMI than GG carriers. Moreover, significant associations were observed between the rs17300539 and rs266729 polymorphisms and AST levels (P < 0.05).

Our results suggest that the G allele of rs17300539 in the adiponectin gene may play a protective role by reducing the complications associated with NAFLD, while the rs1501299 polymorphism appears to be associated with an increased risk of NAFLD.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease and a major public health problem worldwide. NAFLD has been steadily increasing in prevalence and is associated with serious complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, It is also linked to insulin resistance syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the association of vaspin rs2236242 gene polymorphism with NAFLD is investigated.

The case-control study (random sampling) was conducted on 150 participants, includes 75 participants with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases as cases and 75 participants as normal group. Participants with a history of alcohol consumption, metabolic disorders or other liver diseases were excluded from the study. The serum vaspin and insulin were measured by ELISA kit and other variables by standard method. Determining the genotypes of rs2236242 was done using the tetra arms polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20.

There was no significant difference in vaspin levels in the patients with NAFLD compared with healthy individuals (p ≥0.05). The levels of any of the variables in healthy individuals and patients for GG, AG, and AA genotypes were not significantly different. There was no a significant relationship between rs2236242polymorphism and insulin resistance. No association was found between this polymorphism and NAFLD (p ≥0.05).

The findings showed that there is no relationship between rs2236242 polymorphism with vaspin levels, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, limitations such as the limited sample size and the use of ultrasound affect the generalizability of the findings.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) is a rare, aggressive, and fatal subtype of thyroid cancer, presenting a significant medical challenge that necessitates prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment. Recently, attention has shifted towards utilizing circulating tumor markers as a novel liquid biopsy technique, offering the potential for improved precision in diagnosis, outcome prediction, and cancer progression monitoring. Hence, this review aims to analyze the characteristics and biological aspects of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) and Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) in MTC. One of the main objectives is to understand how these markers can enhance diagnosis accuracy, provide better predictive insights, and establish a more substantial basis for treatment strategies tailored to this particular type of cancer. The non-invasive nature of CTCs and ctDNA enables them to reveal molecular and genetic changes in tumors. This information holds promise for enhancing early detection and providing more precise tracking of disease development. Moreover, using these markers could address clinical needs and drive advancements in MTC diagnosis and treatment. These progressions have the potential to significantly improve diagnostic precision and treatment effectiveness, ultimately leading to better outcomes for individuals dealing with this intricate condition.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including valine, leucine, and isoleucine, are essential amino acids that modulate glucose homeostasis, neurotransmission, immune responses, and mitochondrial biogenesis, and thereby, contributing a role in the development of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. In this review, the relationship between the catabolism of BCAAs and insulin resistance (IR), as well as the effect of exercise training on this pathway, was discussed. Epidemiological studies and review articles published between 1964 and 2023 were collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. Also, to reach Persian language articles, Iranian scientific databases, including the Scientific Information Database (SID), Iran’s Information and Scientific Documents Research Institute (Irandoc), and Iran’s publications database (Magiran), were searched to find relevant papers published between 2001 and 2023. The results of various studies show that plasma BCAAs are either upregulated or downregulated by the first two enzymes in their catabolic pathway, i.e., branched-chain aminotransferase (BCAT) and branched-chain alpha-acid dehydrogenase (BCKD). Therefore, the disruption of the enzymatic complexes that limit the catabolic rate of BCAAs lowers their catabolism and increases the plasma levels of BCAAs, greatly predisposing to the development of diabetes. Exercise training can reduce the accumulation of BCAAs catabolic mediators and reduce or even prevent IR. Improving BCAAs’ catabolism through exercise training and diet control can lead to the recovery or prevention of metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

High-fat diet (HFD) causes disturbances in energy production pathways and increases the possibility of insulin resistance (IR). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on metabolic profile associated with IR in male rats fed with HFD and standard diet (SD).

32 male rats (aged 7-8 weeks) were divided into four equal groups including HIIT+HFD, HIIT+SD, HFD control, and SD control. Then, HIIT (12 weeks, five sessions per week at intensity of 85-90% of maximum oxygen consumption) and diet interventions were applied and finally, the gastrocnemius muscle was removed for tissue examination by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. One-way analysis of variance, one-way analysis of covariance, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for data analysis at a significance level of P < 0.05.

The level of citric acid in the gastrocnemius muscle was significantly lower in the HFD control group than in the SD control group. In addition, the level of citric acid in HIIT+SD and HIIT+HFD groups was significantly higher than in the HFD control group. There was no significant difference between the levels of malate, glucose 6-phosphate, ribose, xylose, and ribulose 5-phosphate metabolites among the groups. Also, the body weight in the HIIT+SD and HIIT+HFD groups was significantly lower than the HFD control group.

HFD limits the aerobic energy provision of skeletal muscles by reducing the level of muscle citric acid as an important intermediate metabolite in the TCA cycle. HIIT can be effectively reduced metabolic disorders caused by HFD by increasing the level of citric acid and reducing the slope of body weight gain.

High-fat diet (HFD) leads to adverse changes in skeletal muscles. Regular exercise reduces skeletal muscle disorders by maintaining physical function. This study aimed to assess the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on muscle strength, endurance capacity, food consumed, energy intake, and Lee index in male rats consuming a HFD and normal diet (ND). 44 rats were divided into four equal groups, including ND control, HFD control, HIIT+ ND, and HIIT+ HFD. The HIIT was performed for 12 weeks at 85-90% of the maximum speed. Data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance and one-way analysis of variance at a significance level of P<0.05. Food consumed and energy intake were lower and higher, respectively in the HFD control group compared with the ND control. Also, the body weight, Lee index, food consumed, and energy intake in the HIIT+HFD group were significantly lower than in the HFD control group and Lee index and food consumed in the HIIT+HFD group were significantly lower than in the HIIT+ND group. Furthermore, the endurance capacity in the HIIT+HFD group was significantly higher than in the HFD control group and in the HIIT+ND group was significantly higher than the ND and HFD controls. Absolute and relative muscle strength also increased and decreased in all groups, respectively. It seems that performing HIIT despite consuming a HFD leads to improved physical function and reduced body weight gain.

Using the capabilities of smart meters and smart grid technologies, a new demand response (DR) participant with considerable load flexibility was created from the residential side called the intelligent residential community. In this paper, smart residential loads were divided into three categories of shiftable, interruptible, and controllable loads and a new method based on binary particle swarm algorithm (BPSO) to solve the DR problem is presented. The type of load shedding was determined for different loads. Then, by solving the continuous variables of the problem, the amount of load shedding at different loads was determined. The proposed system uses distributed generation sources, battery storage, and electric vehicles. Furthermore, in the proposed model, a robust optimization method for dealing with uncertainties is presented using a variety of real-time pricing (RTP), time-of-use (TOU), and critical peak pricing (CPP) schemes in a robust design. A comparison of the different types of demand response schemes was made and the best design for optimal demand response was selected. To validate the proposed method, a simulation was performed on a test system and the results indicated the efficiency of the proposed method in planning and reducing users' consumption costs.

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. Molecular analysis of thyroid tumors has shown that the cause of its development, as with other cancers, is the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic changes along with progressive disorders. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the genetic alterations related to the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer. For this purpose, PubMed and Science Direct databases were searched from the beginning of 2018 to January 5, 2022, to investigate the relationship between genetic alterations and the pathogenesis of thyroid cancers. The keywords used included a combination of “Thyroid cancer/carcinoma/neoplasm” AND “pathogenesis” AND “genetic alterations”. The results showed that the most frequently reported genetic modifications included independent mutations, especially in the BRAF, RAS, TERT, and TP53 genes, gene rearrangements, especially in the RET, TRK, BRAF, and PAX8/PPARγ genes, numerical changes, and common co-mutations. The connection between these changes and numerous secondary molecular changes leads to the strengthening and synergy of their effects on the molecular pathogenesis of cancer. In addition, genes involved in DNA repair, signal transmission, and cell cycle control are affected more by genetic alterations, and mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and somatic mutations in the genes involved in the PI3K-AKT pathway lead to tumorigenesis and its progression in most cases. Therefore, secondary molecular disorders and simultaneous genetic alterations lead to synergism and genetic enhancement in thyroid tumorigenesis. A better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis and the discovery and recognition of markers can provide prognosis and realize potential clinical solutions for managing and treating thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer. The study of the signaling pathways involved in thyroid cancer, such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and their driver mutations, has significantly improved the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of thyroid cancer. Consequently, targeted therapies have been developed using tyrosine kinase receptors and cascade proteins inhibitors. PubMed database and Science Direct website were searched to investigate the alterations in this signaling pathway in thyroid cancer from January 2016 to January 2023. Articles related to clinical symptoms, conventional treatments, histopathology, and diagnostic tests, as well as reports, letters to the editor, results of confer ences, and annual meetings, were excluded from the study. Then the remaining articles were carefully studied. Keywords included thyroid neoplasm, thyroid carcinoma, thyroid cancer, and PI3K. Somatic mutations and increased expression of the PIK3CA gene, the mutations in PTEN tumor suppressor gene, RAS, BRAF, and RET proto-oncogene mutations, CTNNB1 and EIF1AX gene mutations, RET/PTC, PAX8/PPARγ, and NTRK rearrangements, as well as AKT mutations and rearrangements, were the most important alterations that increased the expression of PI3K/AKT pathway proteins. This pathway and its connections with other signaling pathways were one of the leading reasons for the development and recurrence of thyroid cancer. Understanding the intracellular network of signaling pathways based on tyrosine kinase receptors, such as PI3K, and their cross-talk in physiological and pathological conditions, as well as their driver mutations, are the goal of research in recent years to develop combination therapies using inhibitors of these pathways.

Vaspin is a novel adipocytokine. Various studies have shown that vaspin is associated with many types of cancer. This study aims to determine the association of vaspin rs2236242 gene polymorphism with vaspin level in women with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and Multinodular goiter (MNG).

In this case-control study participants were 134 women. They were divided into three groups; PTC (n=49), MNG (n=30) and control (n=55). Ten milliliter peripheral blood samples were taken from participants, 5 ml was used for DNA extraction and 5 ml for   preparation of serum. The vaspin level was measured by Sandwich ELISA kit. The genotype determination of vaspin rs2236242 polymorphism was done using the tetra primer-amplification refractory mutation system/polymerase chain reaction method.

There were no significant difference in serum vaspin level among the three groups. There was no significant association between genotypes of vaspin rs2236242 polymorphism and serum vaspin level in any groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that the difference in the frequency of the genotypes of rs2236242 polymorphism in the MNG group was significant compared to the control group. The TA genotype showed a protective effect against PTC and MNG (P<0.05). 

There is no significant difference in vaspin level between PTC, MNG and control groups. There is no association between rs2236242 gene polymorphism and serum vaspin level. The TA genotype of rs2236242 has a protective effect against MNG.

Due to the fast growth of energy consumption globally, distribution networks are seeking a solution to supply the required energy, considering the technical and economic conditions. In this research, distributed resources were planned in the distribution network, taking into account the interests of both the owner of the resources and the operation of the network. The objective function was designed to serve the interests of the owners of the distribution network, including the improvement of network parameters and the owners of distributed generation resources, which included the maximum possible profit from the sale of energy. The objective function was considered to be a combination of several linear functions. Due to the high reactance ratio in radial networks, forward-backward sweep load flow was used. Necessary constraints for the network with quality indicators were considered as equality and inequality constraints. For the location of distributed generators on the buses, the sensitivity factor was used and to achieve the final response of the objective function, the teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO) algorithm was used and compared with particle swarm optimization. A standard 37-bus radial network was considered to evaluate the results of the proposed method. The simulation results show an improvement in power quality of the network and an increase in the profits of the owners of distributed generators.

Aerobic training and the use of blood flow restriction (BFR) have a positive effect on improving athletes’ aerobic power. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of five weeks of speed endurance production training with and without BFR on serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) levels and aerobic and anaerobic performance in male soccer players.

Thirty nine male soccer players (mean age 17±0.49 years, height 177±3.32 cm, weight 68±1.24 kg) were randomly divided into three equal groups, namely (1) speed endurance production training with BFR (SEPB), (2) speed endurance production training without BFR (SEP), and (3) control (C, common soccer training). Training program (repeated maximal 30‐s sprint running, separated by 150‐s recovery periods) and BFR (upper thigh BFR with a rating of 7 out of 10 on a perceived pressure scale) were performed three times a week for five weeks. Serum VEGF and HIF-1α levels, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), aerobic performance, anaerobic power, fatigue index, and running speed were measured before and after the training program. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for statistical analyzing at the significance level of p≤0.05.

VO2max and aerobic performance in the SEPB and SEP groups and running speed of 30 meters in the SEP and C groups showed significant improvement so that the increase in VO2max and aerobic performance in the SEPB group was significantly higher than in the SEP group. The VEGF and HIF-1α levels were significantly decreased in all three groups compared with the pre-test. Also, anaerobic power and fatigue index in all three groups decreased and increased, respectively as compared to the pre-test.

Speed endurance production training improves VO2max, aerobic performance, and running speed of 30 meters in male soccer players and BFR using during the rest intervals can lead to further improvements in some of these variables. Further studies are needed to identify reasons for decreased serum levels of VEGF and HIF-1α along with the improvement of aerobic parameters following speed endurance production training.

Obesity causes oxidative stress and is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Exercises and diet modification can affect oxidant and antioxidant factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and high-protein diet (HPD) on total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the ratio of TAC to TOS in the heart tissue of obese male rats. Forty 12-week-old obese male rats (Lee index above 310) were divided into five groups of eight including HIIT (5-12 intervals of 30 seconds with an intensity of 90% VO2max, 5 sessions per week, 10 weeks), HPD (about 57.5% of total calories from protein), HIIT+HPD, obese control-1 (OC-1) and obese control-2 (OC-2) and eight non-obese mice were also divided into the non-obese control (NC) group. became After 48 hours from the last intervention session, heart tissue was removed to measure TAC and TOS levels. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, post hoc Tukey, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The results showed that the TAC level of heart tissue in the HIIT, HPD, HIIT+HPD groups was significantly higher than in the OC-1 group. On the other hand, the TOS level of heart tissue was significantly lower in the HIIT and HIIT+HPD groups than in the HPD and OC-2 groups. Also, the ratio of TAC to TOS was significantly higher in the HIIT and HIIT+HPD groups compared to the OC-2 group. According to the results, a combination of HIIT and HPD improves TAC and TOS of heart tissue. It seems that HIIT together with HPD strengthens the antioxidant system and reduces oxidative stress in obesity conditions.

Obesity is involved in the apoptosis of cardiac cells and the development of cardiovascular diseases. Exercise training and diet modification can affect apoptotic indices. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and high-protein diet (HPD) on the apoptotic indices of caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 in the cardiac tissue of obese rats. In the present experimental study, 40 obese male rats were divided into five equal groups, including HIIT (90% VO2max, 5 sessions per week, 10 weeks), HPD, HIIT+HPD, obesity control-1 (OC-1), obesity control-2 (OC-2), and eight non-obese rats were also considered in the non-obese control (NC) group. Cardiac tissue was extracted 48 hours after the last intervention session to measure the levels of caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 proteins. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests (P≤0.05). The caspase-3 and Bax levels in the HIIT+HPD group was significantly lower than in the HIIT, HPD, and OC-1 groups. On the other hand, the HIIT and HPD groups showed a significantly higher Bcl-2 level than the OC-1 and NC groups. Also, there was a significantly higher of Bcl-2 to Bax ratio in the HIIT and HIIT+HPD groups compared with the OC-1 group. According to the results of the present study, a combination of HIIT and HPD improves the apoptotic status of cardiac tissue. It seems that the combination of HIIT and HPD provides the necessary adaptations to inhibit obesity-induced apoptosis in the cardiac tissue of obese rats.

Considering the impact of HMB supplement on sport performance, the tendency to consume it in order to achieve more efficiency has increased. Accordingly, the present study investigates the impact of a 6-day consumption of HMB-FA supplement on factors that influence hypertrophy and recovery in inactive men. 20 inactive men with a body mass index of 21.5±1 kg/m2 and age of 25.1±4 years were classified into the following two groups: sport with placebo and sport with supplement. The subjects started to consume HMB-FA supplement 6 days before resistance exercises. The muscle biopsy samples were taken from the subjects immediately before and 10 minutes after resistance exercise. Similarly, blood samples were taken immediately before and after as well as 48 after the exercise. The Results of independent t-test indicated that there is a significant increase (p =0.001) between serum levels of testosterone before and immediately after exercise in sport with placebo group in comparison with sport with supplement group. In addition, there is a significant increase (p =0.001) in P70S6K values and a significant decrease (p =0.001) in serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) between sport with supplement group and sport with placebo. Therefore, acute consumption of HMB supplement before resistance exercise can increase P70S6K values as the index of hypertrophy. By the same token, it decreases CK and LDH as the indices of muscle damage

Recent studies show that exposure to heavy metals can affect thyroid function. This study aimed to assess heavy metals in breast milk during the first few days postpartum and their relationships with hyperthyrotropinemia in neonates.

In this case-control study, 82 mother-infant pairs, consisting of 21 pairs (neonates with hyperthyrotropinemia) in the case group and 61 pairs (healthy neonates) in the control group, were assessed at 3-5 days postpartum. Thyrotropin concentrations >5 mIU/L in the heel blood sample were considered as hyperthyrotropinemia. In the case group, thyrotropin concentration was also measured in the venous blood sample for confirmation. At the same time, to assess mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations, a breast milk sample was collected from each mother.

The median (interquartile range, IQR) thyrotropin concentrations in the heel blood sample of healthy neonates and neonates with hyperthyrotropinemia were 0.90 (0.40-1.85) and 6.80 (5.70-8.80) mIU/L, respectively (P<0.001). This value was 5.50 (5.00-6.75) mIU/L in the venous sample of neonates with hyperthyrotropinemia. None of the heavy metals in breast milk showed a significant correlation with thyrotropin concentration in the heel blood sample. However, there was a significant correlation between the concentration of Pb in breast milk and thyrotropin level in the venous blood sample (r=0.478, P=0.029). No correlations were observed between breast milk Hg and Cd concentrations and venous thyrotropin level.

The present findings indicate that the concentration of Pb in breast milk correlates with neonates' thyroid function. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our results.

Obesity, a chronic disease, is associated with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and stroke. In this context, the consumption of natural weight-loss ingredients as alternative obesity treatments has been increasing because of the common idea indicating that they as natural products pose no risks to human health. (Simultaneously with the widespread prevalence of obesity; the use of herbal slimming products as an alternative treatment for obesity has increased. Because, the general belief is that plant products are safe for human health.) The analyses (analysis) of phytotherapeutic formulations showed increasing numbers of counterfeit drugs, as adulterants, withdrawn from the market due to significant side-effects and a high potential for addiction threatening public health. Because the drugs used in the products are not listed on the labels, consumers do not become aware of the risks. (Because the active ingredients in these products are not listed on the label, consumers remain unaware of their risks and side effects.) These products can cause serious health side-effects due to accidental abuse, overuse, or interaction with other drugs. The illegally added adulterants are commonly including stimulants (ephedrine, caffeine), anorexic (amphe tamine and its analogs), antidepressants (sibutramine, fluoxetine), anxiolytics (benzodiazepines), diuretics (bumetanide), laxatives (phenolphthalein), rimonabant, orlistat, and thyroid hormones. This review study aimed to describe various categories of synthetic drugs frequently added illegally into natural weight loss products as adulterants,

The present study aimed to compare the effects of three models of high intensity interval exercise with synchronize, consecutive and alternate upper and lower body activity on plasma Irisin and BDNF among obese women. To this aim, 11 untrained obese women (30/5±5/8yrs; body fat: %39/9±4/0) completed three protocols on the Elliptical ergometer in cross design method. Regarding consecutive protocols, the arm and then leg pedaling was done consecutively, each 10 repeats with 90% wmax for 40minutes. In synchronize protocols, 10 repetitions of arm and leg pedaling were simultaneously performed with 90% wmax for 29minutes. As for alternate protocol, arm and leg pedaling was alternately done, each 14 repeats with 90% wmax for 26.6 minutes. Then, each bout of activity was separated by one-minute active rest with 30% wmax. In addition, the blood samples were taken before the first protocol and one hour after completing each protocol. Results of repeated measure ANOVA and LSD post hoc test reported no significant difference (p≤0/05) in Irisin or BDNF changes between protocols. However, 28/24% (p=0/02), 21/86% and 17/18% (p=0/03) increase occurred at the synchronize, consecutive and alternate protocols in Irisin levels, respectively while 0/01%, 10/08%, 10/76% reduction occurred in BDNF levels, respectively, compared to baseline values. In spite of spent less time on synchronize and alternate models than consecutive model and lower perceived exertion in alternate model than synchronize model, it seems that Irisin and BDNF secretion is mainly affected from energy expenditure during exercise than activity intensity, duration or order of muscle activity.

Visfatin is a pro-inflammatory adipokine that is abundantly expressed in visceral adipose tissue. The cytokine visfatin is increased in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Visfatin is an insulin-mimetic adipokine that may also play a role in the development of diabetes and inflammatory reactions. The aims of the present study were to investigate the association of visfatin gene polymorphism rs4730153 with anthropometric characteristics, visfatin level, insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in an Iranian diabetic/pre-diabetic population.

This case-control study was conducted on 70 participants with pre-diabetes/diabetes and 70 participants as a control group. Serum levels of insulin and visfatin were measured using ELISA kits and other parameters were determined by standard methods. The genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.

The results showed no significant differences in the levels of cholesterol, insulin, visfatin between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects (P>0.05). Regression analysis of genotypes showed that rs4730153 polymorphism is not associated with type 2 diabetes (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in genotype distribution and allelic frequencies between the insulin- sensitive, insulin- resistance, and intermediate groups (P>0.05). A significant difference in cholesterol levels were observed between patients with different genotypes (P<0.05).

These results indicate that there is no association between visfatin and Type 2 diabetes. There is no significant relation between rs4730153 polymorphism with diabetes and insulin resistance but it has association with lipid metabolism.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease. The NAFLD is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Vaspin is a newly discovered adipokine that has several functions, including regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of vaspin levels with NAFLID as well as anthropometric and biochemical parameters.

This case-control study was conducted on a total of 150 participants who were divided into the case (with NAFLD; n=75) and control groups (n=75). The serum levels of vaspin and insulin were measured by ELISA kit, and other variables were determined by standard methods.

There was no significant difference between the patients with NAFLD (grades 1, 2, and 3) and healthy controls (P>0.05) in terms of vaspin levels. Moreover, the patients with NAFLD had significantly higher body mass index, levels of transaminases, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, insulin, and insulin resistance, compared to the control group (P<0.05). In this study, an inverse correlation was observed between vaspin and diastolic blood pressure with cholesterol (P<0.05). However, no association was found between vaspin and lipoproteins, as well as insulin resistance and liver enzymes (P>0.05).

The findings showed no relationship between vaspin and NAFLD. However, serum vaspin levels are correlated with cholesterol levels and diastolic blood pressure (in all subjects).

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common malignancies of endocrine glands, causing carcinomas, such as papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. Due to the significance of thyroid carcinomas, identification of the main signaling pathways and  the affecting mutations has been considered by researchers. Further studies on the dysregulation of oncogenes in signaling pathways have also revealed the feedback mechanisms between oncogenes/tumor suppressor genes and miRNAs. Considering the importance of thyroid carcinoma and the important role of miRNAs, this review study aimed to introduce the main signaling pathways and the most important modified miRNAs along with an explanation for the mechanism of their functions. Generally, Changes in the main PI3K, MAPK, and TGFβ signaling pathways alone or in combination, depending on the type and severity of cancer, have essential roles in thyroid cancer initiation and progression. Dysregulation of miRNAs and the signaling pathways, based on oncogene/tumor suppressor gene feedback mechanisms, can be an aggravating factor for the thyroid cancer process. Given the confirmed role of miRNAs in tumorigenesis and our current knowledge of miRNA-related cancers, miRNAs can be used as potential biomarkers for therapeutic purposes, as well as prognostic and diagnostic agents for cancer progression.

The presence of the antibodies against the main thyroid antigens, which include thyroid peroxidase (TPO) or microsomal antigen, thyroglobulin (Tg) as well as thyrotropin receptor or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Receptor (TSH-R), is a hallmark and symbol of the autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) as one of the most common autoimmune diseases (AD) around the world. The prevalence of the thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO antibody) and the thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-Tg antibody) is considerably higher in patients suffering from Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimotochr('39')s thyroiditis (HT, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune hypothyroidism). While the TSH receptor antibodies (TRAbs) are common in the patients suffering from GD, they are relatively rare and infrequent in HT patients. This fact may indicate that TRAbs are more specific than other antibodies. In fact, TRAbs as one of the most important autoantibodies against the different thyroid antigens, are a set of the heterogeneous group of antibodies that based on the function, fall into three categories, including TSHR-stimulating antibodies (TSAbs), TSHR-blocking antibodies (TBAbs), and the neutral antibodies (no effect on receptor). TSAbs and TBAbs result in overproduction and reduction of intracellular cAMP respectively. Therefore the induction of the relevant signaling pathways can be the cause of different clinical symptoms in the form of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism consecutively. The extra-thyroidal effects of TRAbs as the extra-thyroid GD manifestations, such as ophthalmopathy and dermopathy, often have an effect on the eyes as well as the skin with the relatively well-known immunological mechanisms of the antibodies functions. Hashimoto encephalopathy is an extra-thyroidal effects of anti-TPO that provokes the central nervous system. On the other hand, anti-TPO like anti-Tg can affect the reproductive organs of women and lead to infertility by an unknown mechanism. Moreover, the circulating antibodies against the thyroid antigens can also be detected in other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), type I diabetes (T1DM) and celiac disease (CD). In this review article, the most important types of thyroid autoantibodies, their essential immunological processes in AITD as well as the main and important clinical extra-thyroidal manifestations of them have been discussed and reviewed.

The current experiment was conducted in order to compare the effects of Yaghooti Grape (V. venifera) along with commercial antioxidant of Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on performance, biochemical parameters and carcass characteristics of broilers. 150 day-old Ross 308 male chicks were randomly distributed in to 5 experimental treatments with 3 replicates and 10 chicks per replicate in completely randomized design manner for 42 days. Experimental groups were: Control (basal diet with no additive); Basal diet with 150 ppm Yaghooti grape Methanolic extraction; basal diet with 3% Yaghooti grape pulp; basal diet with 3% Yaghooti grape juice and basal diet with 200 ppm BHT. Results showed that different dietary treatments had no significant impact on performance including body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio, liver enzymes and intestinal components in all studied treatments, compared to control group. Application of 3% of grape pulp in broiler diet led to significant reduction in cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and increase in blood serum HDL. For carcass characteristics, grape pulp has significantly increased relative carcass and breast weights and reduction in gizzard and liver weights in broilers, compared with control group. Therefore, it can be concluded that treatment with Yaghooti grape pulp can be a suitable replacer for BHT commercial antioxidant in terms of biochemical parameters and carcass characteristic’s improvement in commercial broilers.