Journal of Advances in Medical and Biomedical Research
Volume:23 Issue: 97, 2015

Obesity is a major risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) plays an important role in complications of obesity. Although، measurement of waist circumference is a useful index for evaluating obesity and its complications، its increase is not associated with VAT accumulation. Hypertriglyceridemic waist circumference phenotype is a useful marker for visceral adipose tissue accumulation. The purpose of this study was to compare small dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-C) serum level and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) particle size as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in middle aged women with and without HTGW phenotype. 90 Zanjani women volunteer in the age range of 40 to 60 years old were selected and divided into two groups with and without HTGW phenotype based on the four common definitions of HTGW phenotype. Precipitation method was used for measurement of serum levels of sdLDL-C. LDL-C particle size was measured by the gradient gel electrophoresis technique. Although in all of the definitions، LDL-C particle size was significantly smaller in HTGW phenotype group، sdLDL-C serum level was significantly different in both definitions of HTGW-L and HTGW-H. According to the significant difference in diameter of LDL-C particles and sdLDL-C concentrations based on the definitions of HTGW-L and HTGW-H as well as the role of sdLDL-C particles in cardiovascular diseases، the mentioned definitions are useful and inexpensive screening tools in order to diagnose individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer and is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer after prostate in men and breast cancer in women. Most patients in stages I and II are curable via surgical resection; however, in stage III, surgery alone plays a partial role. Stages III and IV of lung cancer are treated via a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Staging has a very important role in determination of disease extension and in deciding upon the kind of treatment. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of surgical method on lung cancer staging and its impact on selection of the type of treatment. In this case series study 100 hospitalized patients in the thorax ward of Tabriz Imam Khomeini Hospital were diagnosed with lung cancer and were studied for two years. In the first place, a precise history was taken from all of them. The patients were examined thoroughly and all of the symptoms and signs were recorded. Paraclinical studies were started with chest X ray. Calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were checked. Next CT scan of thorax was carried out. Mediastinoscopy, Mediastinotomy, Thoracoscopy, Thoracotomy, cervical lymph node biopsy or pleural fluid tap for precise staging were performed, if indicated. After recording all the results in a questionnaire, the most appropriate decisions with regard to the treatment of the disease were made. In this study, 67 patients (67%) were male and 33 (33%) were female. Staging of lung cancer was done by surgical and non surgical methods. Different stages of the disease were found to be SIA 3%, SIB 25%, SIIA 1%, SIIB 7%, SIIIA 15%, SIIIB 23%, and SIV 26%. In this study, the use of surgical methods played a major role in exact staging of lung cancer. This study showed that the use of surgical methods improves the accuracy of the staging and therefore can extremely affect the kind of treatment in patients with lung cancer.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a derivative of vitamin A, exerts fundamental effects on regulation of cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. Recent studies have shown an increase in resistance of gastric adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma to cisplatin and 5 fluorouracil. In this study, we investigated a combination treatment of ATRA with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil on gastric (AGS) and esophageal (KYSE-30) cancer cell lines. KYSE-30 and AGS cell lines were cultured in RPMT-1640, including sub-toxic concentration of ATRA (13.6 and 3.6µM respectively) for 6 days and then they were treated with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil for 72h. The effects of combination treatment were tested by MTT assay, ethidium bromide/acridine orange (EB/AO) staining and flow cytometry. Determination of IC50 (Inhibitory concentration of 50%) with MTT assay showed that combination treatment had cytotoxic effect on both cell lines. IC50 value of the combined drugs was lower than the IC50 of drugs alone (p<0/05). The percentage of apoptotic cells increased in comparison to drugs alone in EB/AO staining (p<0/05). Furthermore, there was an indication that the combination of ATRA with cisplatin caused increased cell cycle arrest at G2/M in AGS and KYSE-30 cells. Also, ATRA and 5FU induced enhanced cell cycle arrest at G1/S phase in KYSE-30 and AGS cells (p<0/001). Our findings demonstrate that sub-toxic concentration of combination treatment of ATRA with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil induces further cytotoxic effects on KYSE-30 and AGS cancer cell lines.

It seems that war veterans are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases due to their existing disabilities and special mental and psychological conditions. This study was performed to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Iran-Iraq war veterans living in Zanjan in 2011. 360 men including 120 war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 120 war veterans with major depression and 120 normal healthy men as the control group comprised this descriptive study and data was collected concerning their past medical history along with a comprehensive physical examination. The participants’ anthropometric index was measured by standard methods. Serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, insulin and liver enzymes were measured for all the participants after at least 12 hours of fasting and ten-year risk estimation for cardiovascular events was performed via Framingham scoring system. Finally, the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome was compared among the groups. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in war veterans with and without PTSD was 29.2% and 27.5%, respectively, which was higher than the control group (18.3%). 18.4% of war veterans with PTSD was estimated to be of high risk for cardiovascular events in upcoming ten years which means higher than the other two study groups; namely in war veterans without PTSD and normal subjects, respectively. The most common risk factor in veterans with PTSD was overweight and obesity as found in 58% of them. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in veterans with PTSD is higher than general population and they are at higher risk for cardiovascular events. Special attention to improve lifestyle and educational programs for prevention of cardiovascular disease is suggested.

Paying attention to quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease due to the extent of damage and mortality is of importance. The present study investigated the role of defense styles and alexithymia on predicting quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease.In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 300 patients with coronary heart disease who attended Heart Center of Shahid Ayatollah Madani Hospital in Lorestan, Iran, were selected by convenience sampling method from May to October, 2013. Data was collected using Demographic Questionnaire, Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS 20) and The MacNew Heart Disease Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) instruments. A stepwise multiple regression procedure was used for data analysis withSPSS version 19. There was no significant correlation between mature defense styles and quality of life (P=0.198).In addition, a significant (negative) correlation was found between neurotic and immature defense styles and quality of life (p<0.01). Meanwhile, a significant (negative) correlation was found between alexithymia components and quality of life (p<0.05). The results of multiple regression analysis showed that immature defense styles and difficulty in identifying feelings are able to predict a reduction in quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease (p<0.0005). Immature defense styles and difficulty in identifying feelings play an important role in predicting quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease. Therefore, in order to improve the quality of life in these patients, attention to the aforementioned variables during clinical trials with the goal of appropriate intervention will be beneficial.

TMC1 gene mutations are known as the most common causes of autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) in different populations. According to large size of the TMC1 gene and the large number of identified mutations in this gene, application of polymorphic markers is suggested for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis in families. In this study, informativeness of D9S1876 STR marker with CA repeat was evaluated in five various ethnic groups of the Iranian population including Fars, Azeri, Turkmen, Gilak and Arab. The D9S1876 locus located within the TMC1 gene region was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and fluorescent capillary electrophoresis. The genotyping data from 165 unrelated healthy individuals were analyzed by GeneMarker HID Human STR Identity software, GenePop program and Microsatellite Tools software. The obtained results via GenePop indicated the presence of 9 alleles of D9S1876 marker in Iranian population. The most frequent allele computed for 148bp with 34.85% frequency. The maximum heterozygosity observed in Arab people with 90.9%. The data of PIC value demonstrated that the D9S1876 marker was found highly informative in the population examined (PIC value above 0.7). D9S1876 can be suggested as a highly informative marker for possible carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis of TMC1 gene based ARNSHL by linkage analysis in Iranian population.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important metabolic disorders worldwide. So far, numerous medicinal plants have been used to treat diabetes mellitus. Echium amoenum L. (EA) is one of the important medicinal herbs in Iranian traditional medicine. In the present study, the effects of EA hydroalcoholic extract on blood glucose, lipid profile and lipoproteins were studied in diabetic male rats. In this study, 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups with six rats in each: normal control; diabetic control; and diabetic rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract of EA (100, 400 and 600 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced in the rats by administrating a single dose of streptozotocine (60 mg/kg, ip). Injection of extract was done intraperitoneally for 30 days. Finally, blood samples were taken and the concentration of glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C in the serum was measured. Treatment of diabetic rats with EA extract (400 and 600 mg/kg) for 30 days significantly decreased glucose serum levels (P< 0.01). After EA extract administration, cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-C levels decreased in all doses of EA extract in a dose dependent manner and this reduction reached statistical significance in the 400 and 600 mg/kg group in comparison to the diabetic control group (P< 0.01). Also, HDL level significantly increased compared to the diabetic control group (P< 0.01). This study indicates that hydroalcoholic extract of EA has hypoglycemic effect on diabetic rats and leads to valuable changes in blood lipid profiles as well as lipoprotein levels.

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury repeatedly occurs in situations such as surgery, hemorrhage, burns, trauma, and infection. It has also been found that females were more resistant than males, indicating that female sex hormones have a protective function. The aim of this study was to determine the role of estrogen, progesterone, and their combination in protecting the gastric damage induced by I/R. 40 Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: intact, ischemia - reperfusion (IR), IR + estradiol (1mg/kg), IR + progesterone (16 mg / kg) (P) and IR + combination of estradiol (1mg / kg) and progesterone (16 mg / kg). After animal anesthesia and laparotomy, celiac artery was occluded for 30 minutes and then circulation was established for 24 hours. Results expressed as mean ± SEM and P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The gastric acid concentration significantly increased after induction of gastric ischemia - reperfusion (p <0.001). Treatment with estradiol, progesterone (p <0.05) and combined estradiol and progesterone (p <0.01) significantly reduced gastric acid levels. The histopathological evaluation of gastric tissue indicated the presence of gastric ulcer with active bleeding, erosion, submucosal edema and identified inflammation in ischemia - reperfusion group. In groups treated with estrogen and progesterone, the ulcer was not found; however, erosion, edema and inflammation of serous surfaces were observed. Regarding acid-lowering and protective effects of estrogen and progesterone upon gastric tissue following gastric ischemia-reperfusion, female sex steroids can be used to reduce gastrointestinal ischemic disorders.

Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen causing a wide range of infections in hospitals and is known due to its resistance to antibiotics. Novel methods of nanotechnology and the effective combination of different antimicrobial mechanisms can be compelling approaches to treat infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles, allicin and their combination on skin infections due to Staphylococcus aureus in mouse model. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of silver nanoparticles, allicin and their combinations were measured based on the microdilution susceptibility test. Skin infection was induced in 20 Syrian mice with Staphylococcus aureus and the effect of silver nanoparticles, allicin along with the synergistic effect of allicin as well as silver nanoparticle combinations were investigated. The results showed that minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of silver nanoparticle for S. aureus were 6.25 and 12.5 ppm, respectively. MIC and MBC of allicin for S. aureus were 10.68 and 21.37ìg/ml, respectively. MIC and MBC combination of allicin and silver nanoparticles on S. aureus were 1.33 ìg/ml, 3.12 ppm and 2.67 ìg/ml, 6.25 ppm, respectively. Anti microbial effect of allicin, silver nanoparticles and the synergistic effect of their combination against skin infections due to Staphylococcus aureus confirmed in mouse model. The results showed that allicin in combination with silver nanoparticles exhibit synergistic effect on skin infections due to Staphylococcus aureus.

Atheroma formation and progression of atherosclerosis are dependent on the expression of bone matrix proteins and regulatory factors such as osteonectin in the vessel walls. Studies have shown that consumption of Trans fatty acids increase risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the effect of elaidic acid on osteonectin gene expression as one of the vascular calcification factors was investigated. Vascular smooth muscle cells were treated with concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 µM of elaidic acid for 48h and compared with control group. Total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized and then the quantity of osteonectin gene expression was measured by real time PCR. Overall 10 and 20µM concentrations of elaidic acid increased osteonectin gene expressions in vascular smooth muscle cells by 4.34 and 6.58 folds compared with the control group (p< 0.05). 5µM concentration of elaidic acid had no effect on osteonectin gene expression. Elaidic acid increases osteonectin gene expression. Therefore this trans fatty acid could increase atheroma formation and the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to vascular calcification.

Epilepsy is one of the most common diseases causing many problems in Iran. Hence, this study was an attempt to assess the prevalence of epilepsy using meta analysis and systematic review methods in Iran. Nine Iranian papers published in time period of 2002 to 2010 were selected using valid keywords and searching in the SID, Google scholar, PubMed and Elsevier databases. The heterogeneity of samples was dealt with using the I2 index In this study, the data of 7723 patients was used and nine papers were selected for meta-analysis among the published papers. The total prevalence of epilepsy was calculated to be 5% 95% confident interval (CI): (2%-8%) in Iran. The prevalence of epilepsy in central, northern and eastern areas of Iran was found to be 5% (95% CI, 2%-8%), 1% (95% CI, -1%-3%) and 4% (95% CI, 3% 11%), respectively. Somatic diseases and inheritance were the common risk factors of epilepsy with the percentage of 39% (95% CI, 15%-62%) and 26% (95% CI, 9%-42%), respectively. The findings in our study indicated a 5% more prevalence of epilepsy in Iran until 2010 in comparison to similar countries; though this trend decreased with increasing age. Geographic area evidence showed a remarkable prevalence in the Center, East and North of the country and physical illnesses comprised the major risk factors.

Vitamin C (Vit.C) or ascorbic acid is an essential micronutrient which has neuroprotective effects and can decrease Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity and then prostaglandins synthesis. Therefore, it is hypothesized that Vit. C is able to reduce the inflammatory edema. In order to verify this hypothesis, a model of inflammatory paw edema was induced by formalin in rats. 56 Male Wistar rats (200-250g) were used to carry out this study. Each group consisted of 7 mice, composed of Saline (intraperitoneal; IP), Saline (intrathecal; IT), Vit.C at the dose groups of (1, 10, 100, 200 mg/kg, IP) and concentration of (0.02mg/10µl, IT) in normal and neutralized forms of Vit.C. 30 minutes after IP and 5 minutes after IT administrations, 0.05ml formalin 2.5% was injected in the sub plantar region of left hind paw. Volume of edema was measured by subtraction of paw volume assessed using plethysmometric method before the injections, from the paw volume 1 hour after formalin injection. IP administration of Vit.C at doses of 200 mg/kg (P<0.05), 100 mg/kg (P 0.001) and 10 mg/kg (P<0.01) and also intrathecal administration of both normal and neutralized forms of Vit. C (0.02 mg/10µl) (P<0.001) significantly reduced the inflammatory paw edema. Effects of Vit.C on inflammatory edema reduction was significant. The effects of Vit.C are probably dose dependent and acidic independent.