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Abstract Background Hyperhomocysteinemia is known as an independent risk factor of atherosclerosis, but the probable role of hyperhomocysteinemia in premature Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is not well studied. The aim of this study was to assess the role of hyperhomocysteinemia, folate and Vitamin B12 deficiency in the development of premature CAD. Methods We performed an analytical case-control study on 294 individuals under 45 years (225 males and 69 females) who were admitted for selective coronary angiography to two centers in Tehran. Results After considering the exclusion criteria, a total number of 225 individuals were enrolled of which 43.1% had CAD. The mean age of participants was 39.9 +/- 4.3 years (40.1 +/- 4.2 years in males and 39.4 +/- 4.8 years in females). Compared to the control group, the level of homocysteine measured in the plasma of the male participants was significantly high (14.9 +/- 1.2 versus 20.3 +/- 1.9 micromol/lit, P = 0.01). However there was no significant difference in homocysteine level of females with and without CAD (11.8 +/- 1.3 versus 11.5 ± 1.1 micromol/lit, P = 0.87). Mean plasma level of folic acid and vitamin B12 in the study group were 6.3 +/- 0.2 and 282.5 +/- 9.1 respectively. Based on these findings, 10.7% of the study group had folate deficiency while 26.6% had Vitamin B12 deficiency. Logistic regression analysis for evaluating independent CAD risk factors showed hyperhomocysteinemia as an independent risk factor for premature CAD in males (OR = 2.54 0.95% CI 1.23 to 5.22, P = 0.01). Study for the underlying causes of hyperhomocysteinemia showed that male gender and Vitamin B12 deficiency had significant influence on incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia. Conclusion We may conclude that hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for CAD in young patients (bellow 45 years old) – especially in men -and vitamin B12 deficiency is a preventable cause of hyperhomocysteinemia.

Byline: Faramarz. Fallahi, Mehrdad. Roghani, Sanaz. Moghadami Background and Objective: Cardiovascular disorders continue to constitute major causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. In this study, the effect of [...]

PURPOSE: To translate, adapt, and assess the psychometric properties of the Sex After MI Knowledge Test in Iranian context (where MI is myocardial infarction). DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross‐sectional descriptive survey was performed. The sample comprised 250 patients with MI. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to extract three indicators. FINDINGS: The Sex After MI Knowledge Test indicated good reproducibility (Cronbach's α = .76, Intraclass correlation (ICC) = 0.729, CI = 0.7280–0.781, p < .001 ICC: Intraclass correlation). Nonnormed and normed fit indices (FI) were 0.89, and incremental and comparative FIs were 0.90. Goodness‐of‐fit index (GFI) and adjusted GFI were below the criteria. After a varimax rotation, the first six items of the instrument explained 58.71% of total variance. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The instrument showed acceptable psychometric properties in terms of construct validity and internal consistency. The instrument might be used to stimulate conversations patients with MI regarding sexual knowledge and concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compositions of the essential oils of leaf, flower and stem of Melissa officinalis L. were analyzed by GC-MS. Twenty-seven volatile components in the leaf oil, twenty-eight components in the flower oil, and thirty five components in the stem oil were identified. The main constituents of the leaf oil were: β-caryophyllene oxide (27.8%), geranial (21.3%), neral (12.9%), β-caryophyllene (8.0%) and geranyl acetate (5.6%); while the major components of the flower oil were: geranial (27.4%), neral (18.0%), β-caryophyllene (15.6%), β-caryophyllene oxide (7.5%) and E-cadina-1(6),4-diene (7.1%). The main constituents of the stem oil were: n-hexadecanoic acid (47.4%), (Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid (14.9%), dodecanoic acid (4.6%), β-caryophyllene (4.2%) and geraniol (2.2%). Oils of the leaf and flower were almost completely composed of mono- and sesquiterpenoids, while oil of the stem is mainly consisted of the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids as well as some normal saturated hydrocarbons along with minor quantities of volatile terpenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is known as an independent risk factor of atherosclerosis, but the probable role of hyperhomocysteinemia in premature Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is not well studied. The aim of this study was to assess the role of hyperhomocysteinemia, folate and Vitamin B12 deficiency in the development of premature CAD. Methods: We performed an analytical case-control study on 294 individuals under 45 years (225 males and 69 females) who were admitted for selective coronary angiography to two centers in Tehran. Results: After considering the exclusion criteria, a total number of 225 individuals were enrolled of which 43.1% had CAD. The mean age of participants was 39.9 +/- 4.3 years (40.1 +/- 4.2 years in males and 39.4 +/- 4.8 years in females). Compared to the control group, the level of homocysteine measured in the plasma of the male participants was significantly high (14.9 +/- 1.2 versus 20.3 +/- 1.9 micromol/lit, P = 0.01). However there was no significant difference in homocysteine level of females with and without CAD (11.8 +/- 1.3 versus 11.5 ± 1.1 micromol/lit, P = 0.87). Mean plasma level of folic acid and vitamin B12 in the study group were 6.3 +/- 0.2 and 282.5 +/- 9.1 respectively. Based on these findings, 10.7% of the study group had folate deficiency while 26.6% had Vitamin B12 deficiency. Logistic regression analysis for evaluating independent CAD risk factors showed hyperhomocysteinemia as an independent risk factor for premature CAD in males (OR = 2.54 0.95% CI 1.23 to 5.22, P = 0.01). Study for the underlying causes of hyperhomocysteinemia showed that male gender and Vitamin B12 deficiency had significant influence on incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia. Conclusion: We may conclude that hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for CAD in young patients (bellow 45 years old) — especially in men -and vitamin B12 deficiency is a preventable cause of hyperhomocysteinemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteinases and have the vigorous capacity to degrade all parts of the extracellular matrix. MMP enzymes strongly participate in physiological processes such as normal tissue remodeling and wound healing and in pathology of pulmonary diseases. They are released in response to environmental stimuli such as toxins and regulated by endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical toxic which can cause severe permanent damages to lung tissues. The aim of this study was assessing the possible role of MMP-9 and TIMPs in SM-induced lung symptoms and signs in exposed patients 20 years after exposure. Methods: Totally, 372 male volunteers with a history of SM exposure and 128 age- and sex-matched unexposed controls participated and were divided into three groups: normal, mild and moderate-severe. All participants underwent clinical evaluation and pulmonary function tests and serum concentrations of MMP-9 and its inhibitors were measured using the ELISA technique. Results: Serum level of MMP-9 was increased in the SM exposed group who had moderate-severe pulmonary complications compared with the SM exposed with normal lung (2.321 ±2.836 vs. 1.546 ±2.176, P = 0.001) while only the MMP-9/TIMP-4 complex was elevated in the SM exposed with normal lung individuals compared to its corresponding control group (85 ± 265 vs. 82 ± 222, P = 0.025). Although MMP-9 and its inhibitors did not show any correlation with spirometry findings, elevated circulating MMP-9 was detected in SM exposed patients with chronic chough and hemoptysis (P = 0.013 and P= 0.013 respectively). Conclusion: High level of tissue disruption and remodeling mediators could influence lung structure in long-term after SM exposure. The correlation of clinical evaluation with these factors efficiently helps us to identify important effectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteinases and have the vigorous capacity to degrade all parts of the extracellular matrix. MMP enzymes strongly participate in physiological processes such as normal tissue remodeling and wound healing and in pathology of pulmonary diseases. They are released in response to environmental stimuli such as toxins and regulated by endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical toxic which can cause severe permanent damages to lung tissues. The aim of this study was assessing the possible role of MMP-9 and TIMPs in SM-induced lung symptoms and signs in exposed patients 20 years after exposure., Methods: Totally, 372 male volunteers with a history of SM- exposure and 128 age- and sex-matched unexposed controls participated and were divided into three groups: normal, mild and moderate-severe. All participants underwent clinical evaluation and pulmonary function tests and serum concentrations of MMP-9 and its inhibitors were measured using the ELISA technique., Results: Serum level of MMP-9 was increased in the SM exposed group who had moderate-severe pulmonary complications compared with the SM exposed with normal lung (2.321 ± 2.836 vs. 1.546 ± 2.176, P = 0.001) while only the MMP-9/TIMP-4 complex was elevated in the SM exposed with normal lung individuals compared to its corresponding control group (85 ± 265 vs. 82 ± 222, P = 0.025). Although MMP-9 and its inhibitors did not show any correlation with spirometry findings, elevated circulating MMP-9 was detected in SM exposed patients with chronic chough and hemoptysis (P = 0.013 and P = 0.013 respectively)., Conclusion: High level of tissue disruption and remodeling mediators could influence lung structure in long-term after SM-exposure. The correlation of clinical evaluation with these factors efficiently helps us to identify important effectors.

Background: Metabolic syndrome can cause cardiovascular disease and diabetes in the affected subjects. With 20 to 30% prevalence rate among the adult population of most countries, it is considered a pandemic problem. The guidelines currently available on the management of the specific components of metabolic syndrome highlight some lifestyle changes such as enhanced physical activity and weight reduction. Adherence to Mediterranean-style diet has been shown to be associated with lower risk of metabolic syndrome in some clinical studies., Objectives: The aim of this study was the evaluation of the effect Razavi dietary pattern, on metabolic syndrome. This is the first study performed to address this issue., Patients and Methods: Seventy five eligible subjects with metabolic syndrome were recruited into a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial to determine the effect of Razavi diet on metabolic syndrome. Intervention was carried out by educating the Razavi diet in the experimental group while giving no dietary recommendations to the control group. The level of physical activity was similar between the two groups. Features of the metabolic syndrome as defined by the criteria of the Iranian National Committee of Obesity were assessed after two months., Results: The net reduction in the waist circumference (-2.85), weight (-1.44) and BMI (-0.58) in test group was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the control. Decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar and triglycerides were observed but were not statistically significant., Conclusions: The results suggest that Razavi diet can improve some components of metabolic syndrome leading to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Background: Insights into long-term clinical consequences of sulfur mustard have emerged from some investigations but less is known about the basic and molecular mechanisms of these complications. Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study is a comprehensive historical cohort study on Sardasht chemical victims' population which was designed to find out the long-term complications of sulfur mustard exposure and the basic mechanisms underlying clinical manifestations. This paper describes the design and methodology of Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study., Methods: In Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study, 500 individuals including 372 subjects from Sardasht, as the exposed group, and 128 subjects from Rabat, as the unexposed age-matched control group were evaluated. The exposed group was divided into two groups based on the severity of clinical complications at the time of exposure. Different samples including blood, sputum, saliva, tear, urine, and semen were collected for immunologic, hematologic, biochemical, and other laboratory analysis. Data were gathered from medical records, clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and questionnaires for psychological and lifestyle situations., Conclusion: The important distinctions setting this study apart from the previous ones are discussed. The Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study provides important information on various aspects of long-term consequences of sulfur mustard exposure. This database will provide a better position to suggest guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of delayed complications in the patients exposed to sulfur mustard.