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Background: The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is reported between 17% and 56% in hemodialysis patients. The pathogenesis of PH in hemodialysis patients is still unclear. Malnutrition may be associated with impaired pulmonary function in hemodialysis patients. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the association between PH and nutritional and biochemical markers in hemodialysis patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 80 patients undergoing hemodialysis at the Kowsar Medical Center, Semnan, Iran, from 1 March 2016 to 31 August 2016 were enrolled by complete enumeration. Pulmonary artery pressure was determined by echocardiography between hemodialysis sessions. Arm circumference, triceps fat mass, and body mass index (BMI) were determined. Other laboratory tests included transferrin, serum albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, and hemoglobin. The source of receiving protein was recorded in a questionnaire. The data were analyzed by the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis at a significance level of less than 0.05. Results: Pulmonary hypertension ( > 25 mmHg) was found in 32 (40%) of the 80 patients studied. The mean of pulmonary pressure in patients with PH was 34.66 ± 5.6 mmHg compared to 16.85 ± 3.7 mmHg in patients without PH. Age, gender, arm circumference, frequency of dialysis per year, and serum levels of albumin, transferrin, triglyceride, and total cholesterol were not significantly different between patients with and without PH. There was a significant difference in the mean hemoglobin level between patients with and without PH (P = 0.003). The likelihood of developing PH was reduced by 0.3 in those with hemoglobin ≥ 11 g/dL compared to patients with hemoglobin levels below 11 g/dL (OR = 0.400, P = 0.003). The likelihood of developing PH in patients with albumin ≥ 3.8 g/L decreased by 0.126 compared to those with albumin less than 3.8 (OR = 0.126, P = 0.003). Conclusions: The results of our study indicated a higher incidence of PH in patients with lower levels of hemoglobin and albumin. So, patients undergoing hemodialysis are recommended to be regularly screened for these two variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary nitrates are thought to confer several cardiometabolic health benefits, including improvements in blood pressure and the plasma lipid profile. However, existing data from Iran is conflicting and there is a dearth of literature focusing on non-adult populations. A total of 988 adolescent girls were recruited from schools in different areas of Mashhad and Sabzevar, Iran. Dietary nitrate intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and participants were categorized into quartiles based on this. Differences in participant characteristics between quartiles were assessed using one-way ANOVA and associations between total nitrate intake, nitrate intake from vegetables and cardiometabolic risk markers (blood lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) were assessed using linear regression. Nitrate intake from vegetables was positively correlated with triglycerides, even after adjusting for several variables (β = 0.086, 95% CI = 0.002–0.097; P = 0.043). Total nitrate intake was also significantly positively associated with serum triglycerides (β = 0.097, 95% CI = 0.010–0.084; P = 0.012); however, this relationship disappeared after adjusting for several variables. Significant interaction effects were observed between total nitrate intake, nitrate intake from vegetables, and vitamin C upon triglycerides (P < 0.01). No significant relationships were found between total nitrate intake, nitrate intake from vegetables, and other cardiometabolic risk markers. Our findings suggest there may be neutral or possibly detrimental cardiovascular effects of dietary nitrate and/or vitamin C intake which are not in agreement with contemporary literature and warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Myonectin is a key player in mediating lipid and glucose metabolism, and exercise training positively influences it by upregulating this myokine. However, the impact of different exercise regimens on myonectin levels is not well understood. This study aims to investigate the effects of three weeks of circuit resistance training on serum myonectin levels and lipid profiles in young men. Material & Methods: Twenty sedentary young males (average age: 23.6 ± 3.2 years) participated, randomly assigned to circuit resistance training (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. Circuit resistance training, comprising nine sessions over three weeks with nine exercises per session at 60% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), was conducted. The control group maintained their daily routine. Blood samples, collected 48 hours post-training, underwent serum myonectin and lipid profile analysis using specialized kits. SPSS software version 24, ANCOVA tests (p < 0.05), were used for data analysis. Results: The study revealed a significant increase in serum myonectin levels in the trained group compared to controls (p = 0.027). Additionally, the trained group exhibited a significant reduction in cholesterol and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels compared to controls (p < 0.05). Triglyceride and lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) levels did not significantly change in the trained group compared to controls (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that short-term circuit resistance training (three weeks) significantly improves the lipid profile in sedentary subjects. The positive effect is partially attributed to the upregulation of myonectin levels induced by the training regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some dietary patterns like Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension (DASH) and/or Mediterranean Diet (MED) are often recommended to prevent Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVDs) based on their effects on lipid profile. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the DASH diet score and Mediterranean diet score with lipid profile in healthy individuals aged 20-50 years in Shiraz, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 236 participants were selected from Shiraz (Iran) medical centers through random cluster sampling. Information about food intake was collected using a 168-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), then DASH score and MED diet score were calculated. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relation between DASH and MED score adherence and lipid profile. Results: Individuals in the highest tertile of MED and DASH pattern adherence had significantly lower Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) compared with those in the first tertile (p<0.05). In both crude and adjusted model, higher adherence to the MED pattern was associated with reduced odds of Total Cholesterol (TC) (OR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13-0.66 and OR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.12-0.61) and LDL (OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.17-0.77 and OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.15-0.70). Moreover, higher adherence to the DASH pattern was associated with reduced OR of LDL in crude (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.19-0.94) and TC in adjusted model (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.20-0.96). Conclusion: The study illustrated a negative association between the MED diet and serum levels of TC and LDL. Also, a higher DASH score was associated with lower TC. Future studies are necessary to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quercetin is a flavonoid having anti-cancer properties; however, it has low stability, insufficient bioavailability, and poor solubility. This study aimed to load quercetin on nanoliposomes to enhance its efficiency against SW48 colorectal cancer cells. The cytotoxicity of free-quercetin and quercetin-loaded nanoliposomes on the expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGER) gene was investigated. Methods: This present in vitro study was conducted at Yasuj University of Medical Sciences (Yasuj, Iran) in 2021. In this in vitro study, the lipid thin-film hydration method was used to synthesize quercetin-loaded liposomes. Additionally, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations were used to characterize nanomaterials. Following that, MTT, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR were used to investigate the cytotoxicity of quercetin-loaded liposomes on the colorectal cancer cells SW48 cell line, the incidence of apoptosis, and the expression of the EGFR gene in these cells. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS (version 26.0), and the graphs were created with the GraphPad Prism version 8.4.3. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The nanoparticles were spherical, homogenous, and 150±10 nm in size. According to HPLC, Quercetin had a 98% loading capacity. Although both free quercetin and quercetin-loaded liposomes indicated significant cytotoxicity against cancer cells (P<0.001), the combined form was significantly more active (P=0.008). 50 µg/mL of this compound reduced the viability of SW48 cells by more than 80% (IC50: 10.65 µg/mL), while the viability of cells treated with free quercetin was only 66% (IC50: 18.74 µg/mL). The apoptosis was nearly doubled in the cells treated with quercetin-loaded nanoliposomes compared to free quercetin (54.8% versus 27.6%). EGFR gene expression, on the other hand, was significantly lower in cells treated with quercetin-loaded liposomes than the quercetin alone (P=0.006). Conclusion: When combined with nanoliposomes, quercetin had greater anti-proliferative, apoptotic, and anti-EGFR expression than free quercetin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Purpose: This study intended to investigate the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Gorgan, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 415 (109 men) patients with T2DM referred to the referral diabetes clinic of Sayad Shirazi Hospital in Gorgan in 2021. Demographic information, anthropometric indices, past medical history, and some laboratory data on cell counts, serum blood glucose, HbA1c, creatinine, lipid/iron profiles, and urinary albumin were collected. The univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for potential associated factors, using SPSS version 21. The multivariable Model was adjusted for obesity, Hb A1c, T2DM duration, using glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs), chronic kidney disease (CKD), albuminuria, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia. Results: The prevalence of anemia was 21.5% [95%CI: 17.6-25.7] among our total participants. The corresponding values for men and women were 20.2 (13.1-29.0) and 21.9 (17.4-27.0), respectively.The adjusted model revealed that obesity (OR, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.17–3.23]), T2DM duration for more than five years (OR, 3.12 [1.78–5.47]), albuminuria (OR, 6.37 [3.13–10.91]), chronic kidney disease (OR, 4.30 [ 2.83–7.29]) and hypertriglyceridemia (OR, 1.72 [ 1.21–2.77]) were significantly associated with prevalent anemia among patients with T2DM. Moreover, using insulin separately or in combination with oral GLDs associated positively with the prevalence of anemia with ORs of 2.60 [1.42-6.42] and 1.87 [1.30-4.37] , respectively. Conclusion: Anemia had a high prevalence among patients with T2DM in the north of Iran (about 22%), which is associated with obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, duration of T2DM, and diabetic kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This study assesses the long‐term effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention on cigarette, passive, and hookah smoking in adolescent boys and girls. METHODS: One thousand one hundred and fifty‐nine adolescent participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) (2001‐2004) were followed for 12 years. Participants in the intervention area received lifestyle interventions in family, schools, and community settings, with the largest part implemented in schools. After excluding those with missing baseline parental data (n = 66), complete parental data of 1093 adolescents was used for cluster analysis. Families were classified as low‐ and high‐risk. Two hundred and ninety‐six individuals who did not complete intervention/follow‐ups were excluded, GEE was performed on 797 adolescents (369 boys, 192 intervention) to assess the intervention effect on tobacco‐related habits. RESULTS: Adolescents' mean baseline age was 15.21 ± 1.95. Those living in high‐risk families were more at risk of cigarette, passive, and hookah smoking. Intervention decreased odds of cigarette and passive smoking by 38% and 57%, respectively. Intervention did not reduce hookah smoking in adolescents. After sex‐specific analysis, the intervention reduced current cigarette smoking by 40% only in boys and passive smoking in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting lifestyle behaviors in school‐aged adolescents and their families reduces cigarette smoking in boys and protects both sexes from secondhand smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is a major public health concern in developed and even developing countries worldwide. Adiponectin is a protein secreted by adipose tissue that modulates many metabolic processes and plays a vital role in obesity. This study aimed to determine the association of four variants of the ADIPOQ gene with serum adiponectin, cortisol levels and obesity status. Methods: This case-control study was performed on 164 obese individuals compared by 156 control from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). Standard procedures obtained anthropometric measures and metabolic parameters. Cortisol and adiponectin levels were measured by ELISA method. rs1501299, rs266729, rs17300539, and rs17366743 on the ADIPOQ gene were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP. The correlation between adiponectin gene SNPs and obesity were calculated by Additive, dominant, and recessive genetic models. Pearson's or Spearman's found correlations between adiponectin levels and metabolic and anthropometric variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS software Version 20. Results: Adiponectin and cortisol levels were significantly lower in obese subjects compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between serum adiponectin level and BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio, hip circumference (HC), Fasting blood sugar (FBS) Triglyceride (TG), Total cholesterol (TC), Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = − 0.147, r = − 0.324, r = 0.371, r = − 0.179, r = − 0.299, r = − 0.277, r = − 0.041, r = − 0.134, and r = − 0.149, respectively). A positive correlation was found between adiponectin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (r = 0.29), but no significant correlations were found between adiponectin and Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and cortisol. ADIPOQ variant rs1501299 was significantly associated with cortisol levels in subjects with BMI ≥ 25 (P-value =0.039). Conclusions: Adiponectin and cortisol levels were associated with obesity. No ADIPOQ gene variants and haplotypes were associated with cortisol, Adiponectin, and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate aqueous and lipid tear film parameters and the meibomian glands (MGs) with non-contact meibography in patients with vitiligo. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in the right (OD) and left (OS) eyes of 43 patients with vitiligo and 43 controls in Birjand, Iran. In addition to demographic information and skin disease characteristics, the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was completed for each patient, followed by eye examinations including slit lamp examination, Schirmer test, strip meniscometry (SMTube), and tear break-up time (TBUT) measurement. The MGs were also imaged using a non-contact meibography system (SBM System, Italy). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 with a significant level of less than 0.05. Results: Patients had higher OSDI score than controls but it was not significant (10.90±13.03 vs. 5.57±6.85; p=0.07). There were significant differences between the groups in mean Schirmer test values for both eyes (OD: 8.07±5.47 vs. 17.37±6.52; OS: 7.60±5.00 vs. 17.30±6.44, p<0.001) and mean SMTube results (OD: 4.49±2.40 vs. 9.74±3.67; OS: 4.30±2.81 vs. 9.65±4.52; p<0.001). However, mean TBUT did not differ between the groups (OD: 9.14±3.17 vs. 10.12±2.08, p=0.27; OS: 9.16±3.30 vs. 10.05±2.10, p=0.25). Meibography also showed no significant difference in MG dropout between the groups (OD: 20.86±9.79 vs. 21.05±12.07; p=0.74; OS: 18.16±8.83 vs. 19.53±10.30; p=0.51). Conclusion: Vitiligo is associated with a reduction in the production of aqueous tear film, but does not affect the structure and function of the MGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a range of disorders from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. There is no proven drug treatment for NAFLD, and diet modification is considered part of the main line of treatment for this disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of garlic supplementation in NAFLD patients. The effect of garlic powder supplementation on hepatic steatosis, liver enzymes and lipid profile was investigated in NAFLD patients. Ninety NAFLD patients were randomly assigned to take either a garlic powder supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks. The treatment group received four tablets of garlic daily (each tablet contained 400 mg garlic powder). The control group received four tablets of placebo (each placebo contained 400 mg starch). At the end of the study, hepatic steatosis was significantly reduced in the treatment group compared with the control group (P = 0·001). In addition, a significant decrease was seen in the serum concentration of alanine transaminase (P < 0·001), aspartate transaminase (P = 0·002), γ-glutamyltransferase (P = 0·003) as well as total cholesterol (P = 0·009), TAG (P < 0·001), HDL-cholesterol (P < 0·001) and LDL-cholesterol (P = 0·01) in the treatment group compared with the control group. No significant difference was seen between the two groups in serum concentration of alkaline phosphatase. Overall, garlic powder supplementation improved hepatic features and lipid profile among NAFLD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to inconsistent evidence regarding the potential role of vitamin D on lipid profile and sirtuin 1 (SIRT-1), this study was designed to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation in combination with weight loss diet on lipid profile and SIRT-1 in obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency. Methods: Forty-four obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency were randomly assigned in a randomized clinical trial to receive either a weight reduction diet supplemented with 50 000 IU vitamin D3 pearl (n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) once weekly for 12 weeks. Changes in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG) and low highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and SIRT-1 were the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were changes in body mass index (BMI), 25(OH) D and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Physical activity and dietary intakes were also assessed. Results: During the intervention, PTH (mean difference, -33.36; 95% CI: -49.15 to -17.57; P < 0.001) and LDL-C (mean difference, -15.91; 95% CI: -21.76 to -10.07; P < 0.001) decreased and 25(OH) D (mean difference, 36.44; 95% CI: 29.05 to 43.83; P < 0.001) increased significantly in the vitamin D group. BMI (mean differences: -2.40; 95% CI: [-2.92 to-1.88] in vitamin D group and mean differences: -1.90; 95% CI [-6.58 to -3.01] in placebo group, P < 0.05 for both groups), TC (mean difference,-21.31; 95% CI: -27.24 to -15.38; P < 0.001 in vitamin D group and mean difference, -12.54; 95% CI: -19.02 to -6.06; P < 0.001 in placebo group) and TG (mean difference,-21.31; 95% CI: -27.24 to -15.38; P < 0.001in vitamin D group and mean difference, -12.54; 95% CI: -19.02 to -6.06; P < 0.001 in placebo group) decreased and SIRT-1 (mean difference, 3.95; 95% CI: 1.18 to 6.73; P = 0.007in vitamin D group and mean difference, 1.91; 95% CI: 0.31 to 3.63 in placebo group, P = 0.022) increase significantly in both group. At end of the study, 25(OH) D and PTH showed significant differences in between-group analyses (P < 0.05). No significant difference was detected for HDL-C in within and between groups. Conclusion: This study gives no support for any beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile and SIRT-1 in obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Different factors are responsible for the silent epidemic of diabetes mellitus in developing and developed countries. This study aimed to determine the role of demographic factors, lipid profile, family history (the estimation of genetic association) and anthropometric factors on diabetes onset. Methods: Data from the enrolment phase of the Tabari Cohort study was applied for this study and included 10,255 participants aged between 35-70 years. Anthropometric variables were measured by trained staff using standard tools. Blood specimens were collected for lipid profile and blood glucose measurements. Data analyses were performed using SPSS version 24, with univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was estimated to be 17.2% in the cohort population, 15.6% in men, and 18.3% in women. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for age groups 40-49, 50-59 and over 60 were 2.58 (2.20-3.69), 5.80 (4.51-7.48) and 8.72 (6.67-11.39), respectively. In addition, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for 2 (or more), and 1 affected family member were 4.12 (3.55-4.90) and 2.34 (2.07-2.65), respectively. Triglyceride concentrations more than 500, and abnormal high-density lipoprotein levels increased the odds of diabetes mellitus by 3.29- and 1.18- fold, respectively. Conclusion: The current study showed that old age and a family history were strong predictors for diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. People believe that opium improves blood glucose and lipid profiles in these patients and controversial studies show the effect of consumption of opium in controlling these indices. Accordingly, this study aimed to compare the serum levels of blood indices such as fasting blood glucose (FBS), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and lipid profile in opium users and non-users in type ΙΙ diabetic patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, among type II diabetic patients referred to the Diabetes Clinic of Birjand 45 opium users and 135 non-users were selected and entered the study by the convenience sampling method. Results: The results of this study showed that the mean serum levels of FBS, HbA1c, and serum lipid profiles were not significantly different between the two groups of opium users and non-users, but the levels of triglyceride (TG) were significantly 0.18 unit higher in the opium users, compared to non-opium users. Conclusion: According to the results, the use of opium does not affect the indices of blood glucose, HbA1c and serum lipid profiles except triglyceride in diabetic patients. The general belief that opioid use reduces biochemical indices does not seem to be correct. Abbreviations: FBS: fasting blood sugar; HbA1c: Hemoglobin A1c; LDL: low-density lipoprotein; HDL: High-density lipoproteins; HDL-C: High-density lipoproteins-cholesterol; BMI: Body mass index; IQR: Inter quartile range; TG: triglyceride; TC: total cholesterol; NS: non-significant; S: significant; ATN: Acute tubular necrosis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data regarding the impact of different lipid measures on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mortality events is not consistent. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between different lipid parameters and incident CVD and mortality events in an Iranian population over a median follow-up of 11.9 years. Methods: The study was conducted on 2532 men and 2986 women aged ≥ 40 years. Multivariate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), using age as time scale, were calculated for every 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in total cholesterol (TC), logarithm-transformed triglycerides (ln-TGs), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-C and ln-TGs/HDL-C. Covariates included gender (female as reference), body mass index, education status, low physical activity, smoking, blood pressure status (normotension, prehypertension and hypertension), glucose tolerance status (normal glucose tolerance, prediabetes and diabetes) and lipid lowering drugs. The same analyses were also repeated for tertiles of all lipid measures. Considering the absence of interaction between gender and lipid parameters, we used a sex-adjusted analysis. For analyses of mortality events, prevalent CVD was adjusted as well (All p for interactions > 0.1). Results: A total of 789 new CVD events, 279 cardiovascular (CV) and 270 non-CV deaths occurred. In multivariate analysis, all lipid measures except HDL-C showed significant risk for new CVD events with HRs ranged from 1.14 to 1.27 for ln-TGs/HDL-C and LDL-C, respectively (all p-values ≤ 0.001). Considering CV mortality, there were significant positive associations between TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-C and CV mortality events in sex-adjusted analysis; however after multivariate analysis, these associations attenuated and reached to null. Applying lipid measures as categorical variables, only TC displayed a positive association with CV mortality in multivariate analysis [TC ≥ 6.14 mmol/L: HR 1.43 (1.04-1.98)]. In multivariate analysis, there were negative significant associations between all lipid measures except HDL-C and non-CV mortality; every 1-SD increase in TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, ln-TGs,TC/HDL-C and ln-TGs/HDL-C was associated with 24, 25, 27, 19, 23 and 17 % decreased risk in non-CV mortality (all p-values ≤ 0.01). Conclusions: These findings indicate divergent associations of TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, TGs and TGs/HDL-C with CVD vs non-CV mortality, demonstrating a higher risk for the former and lower risk for the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated the association of regular dietary intake of L-arginine and both the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and changes of blood pressure. Methods: Eligible adults (n = 2284) who participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study were followed for a mean of 4.7 years. Dietary intake of L-arginine was assessed at baseline (2006-2008); biochemical variables were evaluated at baseline and the follow-up examination. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusted for potential confounders were used to estimate the risk of CHD across tertiles of L-arginine intake. Linear regression models were also used to indicate the association of L-arginine intake with changes of serum lipids and blood pressure during the follow-up. Results: Mean age of participants (42.8 % men) was 38.2 ± 13.4, at baseline. During a mean 4.7 ± 1.4 y of follow-up, 57 participants experienced CHD events. A significant negative association was observed between plant-derived L-arginine intake and changes of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, whereas animal-derived L-arginine intake was related to increased levels of diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.01). Participants in the 2nd tertile (1.45-1.78 g/d) had a significantly increased risk of CHD events compared to the participants in the 1st tertile (<1.45 g/d) (HR = 1.90, 95 % CI = 1.03-3.58). The risk of CHD had a decreasing trend across increasing plant-derived L-arginine intake (HR = 1.0, HR = 0.91, 95 % CI = 0.51-1.62, HR = 0.72, 95 % CI = 0.39-1.32, P for trend = 0.03). Conclusion: Higher intake of plant derived L-arginine may have a protective effect whereas animal-derived L-arginine may be a risk factor for development of hypertension and CHD events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective.The aim of the present study was to provide further evidence of (1) metabolic syndrome and blood lipid profile differences between suicide attempting and non-attempting patients with bipolar disorder (BPD) I and to assess these differences (2) as a function of acute depressive or manic phase.Methods.Fifty inpatients (mean age: 36.14 years 48% males) with BPD I took part in the study. After recruitment, patients were clustered in four groups: 13 suicide attempters (SAs) assessed during a manic phase, 12 SAs assessed during a depressive phase, 15 non-SAs assessed during a manic phase, and 10 non-SAs assessed during a depressive phase. Body mass index (BMI), metabolic syndrome, blood pressure, blood lipids (cholesterol, high- and low-density lipids, and triglyceride), and fasting blood sugar were assessed.Results.Neither metabolic syndrome, blood lipid values, fasting blood sugar, nor BMI or blood pressure differed between the SAs and non-SAs, or between patients in an acute manic phase and those in a depressed phase. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 26.0%.Conclusion. Among patients with BPD I neither the occurrence of metabolic syndrome nor lipid values or fasting blood sugar are reliable biomarkers of suicidal behavior during either acute depressive or manic phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple factors are involved in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMII) to DMII with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular complications. To identify some of these factors, we aim to investigate the changes in erythrocyte membrane Na+/K+-ATPase activity, serum glucose, insulin, lipid profile, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), anthropometric measurements, and blood pressure in DMII with and without MetS. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 155 male subjects distributed into three groups as healthy controls (50 non-DMII volunteers), Group I (50 DMII without MetS), and Group II (55 DMII with MetS). Fasting blood samples were taken for the measurement of glucose, insulin, HbA1c, hs-CRP and lipid profile. Na+/K+-ATPase activity was determined in erythrocyte ghost. Results: Na+/K+-ATPase activity was significantly decreased in DMII groups compared with controls. No significant difference was shown in Na+/K+-ATPase activity between DMII groups. Total ATPase activity, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were similar in the three groups. Levels of insulin, hs-CRP, triacylglycerols, systolic blood pressure, weight, waist and hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, and body mass index were significantly elevated and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol significantly decreased only in Group II. Significant differences in serum glucose and hip circumference were seen between the groups. No significant differences in HbA1c levels were observed between DMII groups. Conclusion: Changes in many of the measured risk factors that occurred only in Group II compared with controls and Group I may provide an explanation of how DMII progresses to DMII with MetS and future cardiovascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular risk factors begin in childhood and adolescence. This study aimed at assessing serum lipids and prevalence of Dyslipidemia in 11-18 year old students of Birjand. Methods: The present cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was done on 2,643 middle and high school students of Birjand aged 11-18 years (1,396 girls and 1,247 boys). Blood samples were collected for the measurement of blood lipids, including Cholesterol, Triglyceride, HDL, and LDL after a 12-hour fasting period. The denned borderline and abnormal values stated in 2011 by the American Academy of Child, was used. Results: According to our results, it is concluded that: (i) 34.3% (31.3% girls and 37.6% boys) of adolescents had at least one dyslipidemia. (ii) 24.7% of the individuals had HDL lower than 40, where 14% of them TG≥130, 6.1% of cases TC≥200, and 3.5% of cases LDL≥130. Lipid disorder within low HDL type and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly higher in boys (P<0.05) than girls. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia in the age group of 11-14 years and low HDL in the age group of 15-18 years showed the highest values (P<0.05). Conclusion: Adolescents of Birjand have high prevalence of dyslipidemia. Preventive measures are recommended to improve lifestyle, including healthy nutrition, encouraging adolescents to exercise, and more mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To assess the relationship between lifetime suicide attempts (SAs), serum lipid values, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with bipolar disorders (BPD). Methods. Eighty patients with BPD took part in the study (M = 40.60 years). After psychiatric diagnosis, demographic data, SAs, and serum lipids were measured and MetS was calculated. Results. 70% reported at least one suicide attempt. 52.5% suffered from MetS. Suicide attempters had higher cholesterol values. SAs were associated with a family history of suicide, current mood state, and lower educational level. SAs were unrelated to MetS. Conclusions. In patients with BPD, against expectations, the occurrence of SAs was associated with higher cholesterol values. Serum lipid values are not suitable as a biological trait marker to predict SAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The C1431T polymorphism of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) gene is related to diabetes and metabolic-syndrome. However, studies have been inconclusive about its association with coronary artery disease (CAD) and there have been no studies analyzing the association of this polymorphism with fasted-serum-lipid levels in Iranian-individuals with CAD. We investigated the association of PPAR-γ C1431T-polymorphism with CAD and dyslipidaemia in 787 individuals. Methods: Anthropometric-parameters and biochemical-measurements were evaluated, followed by genotyping. The association of the genetic-polymorphisms with CAD and lipid-profile was determined by univariate/multivariate-analyses. Results: Patients with CT or CT+TT genotype were at an increased-risk of CAD relative to CC-carriers (adjusted odds ratio: 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-4.09; p = 0.046). However, in the larger population, CT genotype was present at a higher frequency in the group with a positive angiogram. Furthermore, CT+TT genotypes were associated with an altered fasted-lipid-profile in the initial population sample of patients with a positive angiogram, compared to the group with a negative-angiogram. The angiogram-positive patients carrying the T allele had a significantly higher triglyceride, serum C-reactive protein and fasting-blood-glucose. Conclusion: We have found the PPAR-γ C1431T polymorphism was significantly associated with fasted serum lipid profile in individuals with angiographically defined CAD. Since accumulating data support the role of PPAR-γ polymorphisms in CAD, further studies are required to investigate the association of this polymorphism with coronary artery disease. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited information on the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Iranian population, a group that has a high prevalence of CKD and obesity. The aim of present study was to determine the relationship between MetS and CKD in West of Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 800 subjects aged more than 35 years admitted from 2011 to 2013 were enrolled in the study. MetS was defined based on the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, and CKD was defined from the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative practice guidelines. Waist circumference and body mass index were calculated, as well, blood samples were taken and lipid profile, plasma glucose levels, and serum creatinine were measured. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 17 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: CKD was seen in 14.8% patients with MetS and 8.3% individuals without MetS. MetS was associated with an increased odds ratio (OR) for a glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR: 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-2.99; P = 0.004). Individuals with 2, 3, 4, and 5 components of the MetS had an increased OR for CKD: 2.19 (95% CI: 0.95-3.62), 2.65 (95% CI: 1.03-4.71), 2.86 (95% CI: 1.08-5.53), and 5.03 (95% CI: 1.80-8.57), respectively, compared with individuals with none of the components. Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of CKD in patients with MetS compared with the subject without MetS. Our observations raised major clinical and public health concerns in Iran, where both the MetS and kidney diseases are becoming common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is an important regulator of insulin action. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) G22A in the ADA gene decreases enzymatic activity of ADA. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the SNP G22A and blood glycemic control, insulin resistance, and obesity of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients in an Iranian population. SNP G22A was determined in women with GDM (N=70) and healthy pregnant women (control, N=70) using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), plasma insulin levels and plasma lipids were measured using commercial kits. Homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The distribution of genotypes and alleles among GDM patients was similar to that of the control group. FPG and HbA1c were significantly higher in GDM patients with GG genotype compared with GDM patients with GA+AA genotype and non-GDM patients. The frequency of GG genotype was significantly higher in obese GDM patients compared to lean GDM patients. The SNP G22A in the ADA gene was not associated with the risk of GDM in our population. GG genotype was associated with poor glycemic control and obesity in GDM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, we aimed to determine the extent of possible genetic influence on cardio-metabolic risk factors, evaluate the familial aggregation of MetS and estimate the siblings' recurrence risk ratios in a Tehrani population. Methods: In a cross-sectional observational study, we made anthropometric, blood pressure, and biochemical measurements in each member of 566 Tehrani nuclear families. Results: Grandmothers had the highest incidence of atherosclerotic risk factors. Four factors were found which accounted for 77.7% of the overall variance. Recurrence risk ratio among siblings was 5.61 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.15-9.97). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of proband's MetS status was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.06-1.67). The adjusted OR for the four factors to predict MetS were all significant, with obesity having the highest risk (OR: 7.50, CI: 5.91-9.52), followed by dyslipidemia/hyperglycemia (OR: 4.86, CI: 4.03-5.87), and blood pressure (OR: 4.20, CI: 3.51-5.02). Conclusion: A high risk of MetS (five-fold) was found in siblings with MetS proband. Moreover, findings confirm the importance of obesity for the aggregation of MetS by nearly seven-fold in the study population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes is known as a common risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Another issue is people's belief about therapeutic effects of opium on the metabolic ill conditions. This conception has led to the rising prevalence of opium consumption, which demands further studies in different regions. Objective: The aim of this study was determination of the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors between diabetic patients in Kerman and study of opium's impression on these factors as a common social habit in this region. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study we enrolled 248 diabetic patients (203(81%) female and 45 (19%) male, age 54.37 ± 9.75 years old) in Kerman. A questionnaire completed after direct interview, physical examination and laboratory assessment. The data were analyzed by SPSS soft word. Results: Mean duration of disease was 8.78 ± 7.48 years. Overall, 38.7% of the patients had arterial hypertension and 75.6% were in uncontrolled DM state, as glycosilated hemoglobin more than 7%. As revealed, 47.6% of the patients had cholesterol greater than 200, 69.3% triglyceride higher than 150, 57.8% with LDL-C greater than 100 and 43.7% were with low level of HDL-C. The prevalence of opium consumption in patients was 20.4%. The hypercholesterolemia was significantly less frequent in opium users; in contrast, high systolic blood pressure was more frequent among them. No significant difference was observed in the other type of serum lipids or statement of diabetes control) Conclusion: Cardiovascular risk factors were frequent among patients in Kerman. Thus, preventive policies should be adopted to control it. On the other hand, opium consumption did not show any considerable effect on cardiovascular risk factors. Conflict of interest: non declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Diabetes mellitus is the most common chronic endocrine disease worldwide. Intensive glycemic control plays an important role in decreasing morbidity and mortality rate of the disease. Preclinical studies have shown that biotin has an essential role in regulating blood glucose and serum lipid metabolism. This study aims to evaluate the effect of biotin on glycemic control and plasma lipids concentrations in type 1diabetic patients. Methods: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial study was conducted 70 type 1 diabetic patients with an age range 5-25 years old with poorly controlled (glycosylated hemoglobin ≥8%). Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups. In the intervention group biotin (40 microgram/kg) was administered plus daily insulin, while the control group received placebo plus daily insulin regimen for three months. Laboratory tests including glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar and plasma lipids were measured at the base and after 3 months. Results: In this study, seventy patients were evaluated, 35 were allocated to each group. There were no statistically significant differences between age, gender, duration of diabetes, BMI and BP between the two groups (p>0.05). HbA1c in the intervention (biotin) group was 9.84±1.80 at base and after 3 months treatment, it declined to 8.88±1.73 (p<0.001). In the control group HbA1c at base was 9.39±1.58, after 3 months it increased to10.11±1.68. There were statistically significant differences in the mean of HbA1c in both the biotin and the control groups (p<0.001). FBS in the biotin group at base was 275±65.76 mg/dl and after 3 months it had reduced to 226± 41.31 (p<0.001). There were statistically significant differences in the mean of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride between the two groups at the end of 3 months (p<0.05). Conclusion: Results of this study showed that biotin administration as an adjuvant in addition to insulin regimen can improve glycemic management and decrease plasma lipids concentrations in poorly controlled type 1 diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Population based studies on prevalence and risk factors of NAFLD in Iranian population are few. The prevalence of NAFLD and non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in Iranians varies from 2.9% to 7.1% in general population and 55.8% in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and determinants of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a sample of adult Iranian general population. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study being performed in Shiraz, southern Iran during a 10-month period from November 2010 to September 2011 through cluster random sampling of Iranian general population in Shiraz region. All individuals undergone anthropometric, blood pressure measurements, thorough medical history and physical examinations. Laboratory measurements included fasting blood glucose (FBS), lipid profile, complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests. NAFLD was diagnosed by transabdominal ultrasonography. Results: 819 subjects were included in this study among which were 340 males (41.5%) and 479 females (58.5%) with the mean age of 43.1 ¿} 14.1 years. NAFLD was diagnosed in 176 (21.5%) subjects. Patients with NAFLD were significantly older (P < 0.001), had higher proportion of male gender (P = 0.004) and had higher BMI (P < 0.001). They also had higher prevalence of hypertension (P < 0.001), high FBS (P < 0.001), high cholesterol (P = 0.026), high triglyceride (P < 0.001) and high waist circumference (P < 0.001). Taking all these together, patients with NAFLD had significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome when compared to healthy subjects (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD in this group of Iranian adult general population is 21.5%. NAFLD in Iranian population is associated with male gender, old age, obesity, and features of metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the association between obesity indices, abdominal fat distribution, and lipid profile in patients with stable angina (SA). Methods: Body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and waist/height ratio (WHtR) of 123 patients with SA who underwent coronary angiography were measured. Fasting blood samples were taken to measure the levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol (TC), low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, HDL-C), apolipoproteins A and B (apo A and apo B), and triglycerides (TG). According to angiography reports, the participants were divided into patients with or without coronary heart disease (CHD). All patients underwent an abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan to measure the visceral, superficial, and deep subcutaneous fat. Results: The mean ages of the patients with CHD (n = 73) and without CHD (n = 50) were 50.5 ± 7.6 and 53.7 ± 7.6 years, respectively (P = 0.03). The patients with CHD had significantly higher levels of TC, TG, and superficial subcutaneous fat, while the patients without CHD had higher levels of apo A (P ≤ 0.05). Multivariate analyses showed a significant association of visceral fat with TC, LDL-C, TG, and apo B, in the patients without CHD, while significant inverse associations were found between WC and HDL-C, WHtR, and apo A as well as visceral fat and LDL-C in the patients with CHD. Conclusions: Among anthropometries and imaging indices of obesity, WC and WHtR have shown better association between central obesity with dyslipidemia in the patients with CHD, while CT-measured visceral adipose tissue area was the best correlate of dyslipidemia in the patients without CHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by constellation of clinical and biochemical features that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a neurotransmitter and enhances the development of obesity and other aspects of MetS. We determined the association between NPY Leu7Pro polymorphism and features of MetS in Iranian patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). A total of 550 patients with CAD including individuals with (n = 184) and without MetS (n = 366) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. A significantly higher frequency of the Leu7Pro polymorphism was found in patients with MetS compared with the non-MetS patients (P = .001). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in Pro7 frequency between diabetics versus nondiabetics (P = .005), dyslipidemic versus nondyslipidemic (P = .04), and obese versus nonobese (P = .001) in this population. Leu7Pro polymorphism is associated with the MetS in patients with CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: The aim of our study was to determine the content of fat and fatty acid composition of breast milk , and its association with the mother's diet. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant mothers who came to health care centers for last prenatal care in Isfahan, Iran. Eight to 72 hours after delivery, 2 to 5 ml of colostrum was collected by hand into tubes. They were kept in an ice box and sent within half an hour to the collaborating health centre for freezing at -20°C until analysis, which was performed at the laboratory of NNFTRI in Tehran. The milk samples were homogenized by Vortex (Heidolph Vortex Shaker REAX 1. 220 V. 30 W Germany) at 2400 rpm for 30 sec. Results: The data of 86 out of 91 samples were complete. The mean maternal age and gestational age was 28.37 ± 5.55 years old and 38.7 ± 1.2 weeks, respectively. The content of fat was 2.17 ± 1.22 g/100 ml breast milk. Arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) and docosohexaanoic acid DHA (22:6n-3) made 0.8 ± 0.4% and 0.3 ± 0.2% of total fatty acids. Although the AA/DHA ratio in our study is suitable, but the content of DHA is nearly low. Conclusion: Dietary habits of women in reproductive age group should be improved, with special emphasis on the fatty acid content of breast milk. This may have long-term impact on health promotion and disease prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are conflicting reports about the association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphism and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). To determine the frequency of eNOS G894T variant and to find the possible association between this polymorphism with CAD we studied 207 unrelated patients with total CAD (with and without diabetes) and 92 controls. The eNOS variants were detected by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The presence of GT + TT genotype was associated with 2.1-fold (P = .006), 2.29-fold (P = .006), and 1.93-fold (P = .032) increased risk of CAD in total CAD, CAD with diabetes, and in CAD without diabetes patients, respectively. The presence of T allele of eNOS increased the risk of CAD 2.15-fold (P = .001). The levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) tended to be higher in patients carrier for T allele compared to those with G allele. The results of present study revealed that eNOS G894T polymorphism is associated with increased risk of CAD in our population. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: There is growing evidence that dietary antioxidants could have favorable effects on the attenuation and prevention of metabolic disorders. In the current study we investigated the association of dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and the occurrence of the MetS during a 3-year follow-up. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted in the framework of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, between 2006-2008 and 2009-2011, on 1983 adults, aged 19-70 y. The usual intakes of participant were measured using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and dietary TAC was estimated at baseline. The MetS components were assessed at baseline and 3 years later. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the occurrence of the MetS and its components according to dietary TAC quartile categories. Results: The mean age of participants was 40.4 ± 13.0 y, and mean BMI was 27.03 ± 4.9 kg/m2 at baseline. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, TAC was associated with MetS components at baseline. Participant with highest TAC score had lower weight and abdominal fat gain during the 3 year follow-up. The chance of having the MetS, abdominal obesity and hypertension after 3 years decreased across the increasing dietary TAC quartile (P for trend < 0.01). Dietary TAC more than 1080 &µmolTE/100 g of food, resulted in a 38% decrease in the risk of central obesity (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.38-0.99). Conclusion: We demonstrated that higher dietary antioxidant intakes have favorable effects on metabolic disorders and, more interestingly, prevent subsequent weight and abdominal fat gain during a 3-year follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women with history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this population of women also are at increased risk for early subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods: Twenty women with previous history of GDM and 20 unaffected women were recruited in the study. Two groups were matched based on their age, BMI and parity. The maximum duration from affected pregnancy was set at 5 years. The carotid intimal-medial thickness (CIMT), multiple cardiovascular risk factors along with fasting blood levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, vitamin B12 and folic acid were measured in two groups. Results: The mean fasting blood glucose (p=0.03) and insulin (p=0.03) levels were significantly higher in women with pGDM compared to the control group. Women with pGDM were presented with significantly higher levels of CIMT than control group (0.510 mm vs. 0.478 mm, p=0.037). CIMT positively correlated with fasting insulin (r=0.376, p=0.02). Conclusion: Women with pGDM are at increased risk for premature atherosclerosis. This might be due to the persistence of disturbance in glucose homeostasis after delivery in this group of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have suggested that oxidative stress is a common pathway of different leading mechanisms to diabetes complications. Oxidative stress play a crucial role in atherogenesis and cause oxidation of low density lipoprotein. Evidence has been shown that oxidized LDL in diabetic patients is higher than nondiabetic individuals. Regarding to known role of oxidative stress in developing of micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes and recent evidences about importance of IL-6 in initiating of inflammatory processes in atherosclerotic plaques formation and reports that shown the effects of Ox-LDL upon IL-6 release, in this study evaluation of serum levels of IL-6 and correlation of these two agents in diabetic patients in comparison with healthy persons was performed. Methods: This stratified cross-sectional study was conducted in diabetic clinic of Imam khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences during 2009-2010, recruiting 40 type2 diabetic (T2DM) patients as cases and 40 healthy subjects as controls. FBS, lipid profile, HbA1c, oxidized- LDL and IL-6 levels were measured for both patients and controls after 12 hours fasting state. Results: The mean of Ox-LDL/LDL ratio in T2DM group (0.65±0.14) were significantly higher than control group (0.5±0.15) (p<0.001). The mean level of IL-6 in T2DM group were 2.6±1.8 pg/ml that was higher than control group (1.9± 0.8pg/ml) (p=0.05). BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressures revealed significant correlation with IL- 6 level in diabetic group. There was no correlation between diabetes duration and IL-6 level. Conclusion: We concluded that diabetes, as an independent factor, is responsible for increased IL-6 in T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serum concentration of cystatin C, a marker of glomerular filtration, has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to elucidate the association of serum C with metabolic syndrome as a constellation of cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: The study population consisted of 56 subjects with metabolic syndrome and 22 subjects free of metabolic syndrome (control group). Cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, blood urea, triglycerides, glucose, HbA1c, serum cystatin C and serum creatinine were measured in both groups. GFR was calculated in both groups using Cockroft-Gault equation. Results: Metabolic syndrome group presented significantly higher cystatin C levels than the control group (1.38 ± 0.57 vs. 0.954 ± 0 .40; P=0.006). The sensitivity and specificity of cystatin C were 78.57% and 77.67%, respectively. Subjects with metabolic syndrome exhibited significantly higher blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and HbA1c levels. Conclusion: Our results suggest that cystatin C may be a marker for metabolic syndrome and may identify a certain degree of renal dysfunction even when serum creatinine does not exceed normal level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes is the most common metabolic disease that its prevalence increases with age. The prevalence of diabetes amongst elderly population of Iran is estimated 14%, yet precious little is known about status of their care. This study was designed to evaluate this issue. Methods: This cross-sectional study sought to evaluate the diabetes care status of elderly diabetics who referred to a Diabetes Clinic of Tehran/Iran between 2007 and 2009. Data on the demographic, blood pressure, lipid profile, blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and treatment regimen used to control hyperglycemia and diabetes' complications were extracted from their medical records. Descriptive statistical methods were used. Results: In total, 200 cases enrolled to the study that 130 were female. Oral hypoglycemic agents, medications for hypertension, dyslipidaemia or neuropathy were used by 72.5%, 81.5%, 72%, and 73% of patients, respectively. There was uncontrolled status in blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid profile in over 50% of participants. Conclusion: The status of diabetes care in our country is far from satisfactory. Given the rising prevalence of diabetes and also aging population, it is prudent that status of diabetes care in the elderly should be promoted because of the complexity of the process of diabetes care in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regarding preclinical evidence for antidiabetic effects of Boswellia serrata, we evaluated antihyperglycemic and lipid-lowering effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in type 2 diabetic patients. Fifty-six diabetic patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups to receive 250 mg of the Boswellia serrata gum resin or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks in addition to their routine antidiabetic treatments. Although there was a considerable reduction after the intervention in the field of fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, and triglyceride in the Boswellia serrata gum resin group, no significant difference was observed in all outcome measures between the 2 groups at the end of the study. The current study showed that 8 weeks of complementary use of Boswellia serrata gum resin with a daily dose of 500 mg had no better glucose and lipid-lowering effect than placebo in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the mother-daughter correlation for central obesity and other noncommunicable disease risk factors. The authors used metabolic and anthropometric data from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, enrolling 1041 mother-daughter pairs for the current study. Three age strata were defined: 3 to 9 years for childhood (146 mother-daughter pairs), 10 to 17 years for adolescence (395 mother-daughter pairs), and 18 to 25 years for early adulthood (500 mother-daughter pairs). Familial associations for central obesity and other noncommunicable disease risk factors were assessed. The prevalence of central obesity was 44.7% in mothers and 11.2% in daughters (6.2% in the 3-9, 19.2% in the 10-17, and 6.4% in the 18-25 years groups). Mothers with central obesity were more likely than nonobese mothers to have daughters with central obesity (10.5% and 1.7%, respectively; P = .0001). Central obesity indices among daughters were positively correlated with those of their mothers in all 3 age strata. Correlations for other noncommunicable disease risk factors were analyzed before and after adjusting the risk factor levels for mothers’ and daughters’ waist circumferences (WCs) within each group to determine whether risk factor correlations were, in part, a result of the central obesity correlations. After the non-communicable disease risk factor levels of participants were adjusted for their WCs, the mother-daughter correlations remained significant. The consistent association of central obesity between mothers and daughters may indicate the key role that could be played by the mother in the primary prevention of central obesity, particularly in high-risk families. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]