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Purpose Calcium and vitamin D co-supplementation is common and widely used, but randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) have yielded inconclusive results concerning its impact on the serum lipid profile. Methods A comprehensive literature search of Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and clinical trial registry databases was conducted to identify placebo-controlled RCTs that were published through September 2020 and that evaluated the impact of calcium and vitamin D co-supplementation on total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low- and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis models. Findings Thirteen studies in a total of 2304 participants met the inclusion criteria. Calcium and vitamin D co-supplementation was associated with significant reductions in both TC (SMD, −0.81; 95% CI, −1.35 to –0.27; I2 = 94.6%) and TGs (SMD, –0.50; 95% CI, –0.91 to –0.08; I2 = 91.5%), and with a significant increase in HDL-C (SMD, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.83; I2 = 95.4%). However, calcium and vitamin D co-supplementation were not found to be associated with significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD, –0.39; 95% CI, –0.78 to 0.01; I2 = 90.1%) or very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD, –0.01; 95% CI, –0.70 to 0.69; I2 = 82.3%). Implications The findings from the present systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that calcium and vitamin D co-supplementation has a beneficial effect on TC, TG, and HDL-C. Larger-scale, well-designed RCTs are needed to clarify the effect of calcium and vitamin D co-supplementation on all lipid-profile components.

Background Omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) have been suggested as a beneficial supplement in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, but the results of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate all the RCTs about the impact of omega-3 FAs supplementation on cardiometabolic outcomes and oxidative stress parameters in patients with CKD. Methods We performed a systematic database search in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central, up to May 2020. We included all placebo-controlled randomized trials that assessed the effect of omega-3 FAs supplementation on any cardiometabolic outcomes: blood pressure, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or triglycerides (TG) and oxidative stress parameters. Data were pooled using DerSimonian–Laird’s random-effects model. Results Finally, thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria for this review omega-3 FAs supplementation significantly decrease TC (SMD: -0.26; 95% CI: − 0.51, − 0.02; I2 = 52.7%), TG (SMD: -0.22; 95% CI: − 0.43, − 0.02; I2 = 36.0%) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (SMD: -0.91; 95% CI: − 1.29, − 0.54; I2 = 00.0%) and also significantly increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) (SMD: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.90; I2 = 00.0%) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (SMD: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.86; I2 = 00.0%) activities. However our results show that omega-3 FAs supplementation have no significant effects on HDL, LDL and blood pressure. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis supports current evidence for the clinical benefit of omega-3 FAs intake to improve cardiometabolic parameters in CKD patients. However, well-designed RCTs still needed to provide a conclusive picture in this field.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as tissue specific regulators of gene transcription, may be served as biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Objective: This study aimed to investigate the potential role of the cancer-related hsa-miRNAs as biomarkers in Colon Cancer (CC) and Rectal Cancer (RC). Methods: A total of 148 CRC samples (74 rectum and 74 colon) and 74 adjacent normal tissues were collected to examine the differential expression of selected ten hsa-miRNAs using quantitative Reverse Transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: The significantly elevated levels of miR-21, miR-133b, miR-18a, miR-20a, and miR-135b, and decreased levels of miR-34a, miR-200c, miR-145, and let-7g were detected in colorectal tumors compared to the healthy tissues (P Conclusion: In conclusion, hsa-miR-20a and hsa-miR-145, as potential tissue-specific biomarkers for distinguishing RC and CC, improve realizing the molecular differences between these local tumors.

Elevated lipids in umbilical cord blood affect fetal programming, leading to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in later life. However, the causes of changes in the lipid profile of umbilical cord blood are not clear yet. This study aimed for the first time to determine the association of asprosin concentration with TAG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C concentrations and TAG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio in umbilical cord blood as well as newborn anthropometric indices. This cross-sectional study was based on 450 mother- newborn pairs of a birth cohort study in Sabzevar, Iran. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the association of lipid concentration and lipid ratios as well as birth weight (BW), birth length (BL), head circumference (HC) and chest circumference (CC) with asprosin in cord blood samples controlled for the relevant covariates.In fully adjusted models, each 1 ng/mL increase in asprosin was associated with 0.19 (95% CI 0.06, 0.31, P 0.01), 0.19 (95% CI 0.10, 0.29, P 0.01), 0.17 (95% CI 0.09, 0.25, P 0.01), 0.17 (95% CI 0.09, 0.25, P 0.01), 0.01 (95% CI 0.00, 0.013, P 0.01), 0.01 (95% CI 0.01, 0.01, P 0.01), 0.01 (95% CI 0.01, 0.01, P 0.01) and 0.01 (95% CI 0.01, 0.01, P 0.01) increase in TAG, TC, LDL-C, TAG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio respectively. Moreover, higher asprosin levels was positively associated with newborn BW, BL, HC and CC; however, these associations were not statistically significant.Overall, our findings support the positive association between cord asprosin concentration and the development of atherogenic lipid profile in newborns. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study in other populations.

Background Asprosin, a newly identified adipokine, is pathologically increased in individuals with insulin resistance. However, the available evidence on the association of asprosin and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) status is still scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between serum concentrations of asprosin and T2DM status. Methods This observational study was performed based on 194 adults (97 newly diagnosed T2DM and 97 healthy individuals). Anthropometric and biochemical variables were determined in all participants. Serum concentrations of asprosin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results In patients with T2DM, the serum concentrations of asprosin were significantly higher than the healthy controls (4.18 [IQR: 4.4] vs. 3.5 [IQR: 1.85], P Conclusion Our findings indicated that serum concentrations of asprosin are increased in patients with T2DM. Also, asprosin is correlated with insulin resistance and TC/HDL-C ratio (atherosclerotic risk factor of cardiovascular diseases) in patients with T2DM.

Although evidence reporting the beneficial associations of prenatal greenspace exposure with pregnancy outcomes is increasing, there is still a lack of evidence on the potential association of such exposure to greenspace on fetal lipid profile. We aimed to first-time investigate the associations between prenatal exposure to greenspace and lipid levels in the cord blood. The present study was based on data from 150 expectant mothers, residents of Sabzevar city in Iran (2018). For each participant, we identified exposure to greenspace in residential surroundings, residential accessibility to green space, use of green spaces, and the number of plant pots inside the home. Measures of levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and TC/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C ratios in samples of cord blood were applied to identify the lipid profile. We developed adjusted linear regression models to estimate the associations of each indicator of greenspace exposure with each cord blood lipid. We found increased greenspace in residential surroundings across a 100m buffer, higher residential accessibility to green space, and more use of green spaces were associated with decreased cord blood lipid levels. The remainder findings regarding the greenspace in residential surroundings across 300m and 500m buffers and the number of plant pots were null. Some suggestions were observed for a potential mediatory role of air pollution. This study suggests that greenspace exposure during pregnancy may influence positively fetal lipid levels in the cord blood. Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Background: Trivalent chromium is a trace element thought to have a beneficial effect on oxidative stress (OS) parameters and inflammation. This review aimed to investigate the dose-response of chromium and summarize the effects of chromium supplementation on OS parameters in the literature. Methods: MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for RCTs published from inception to January 2021 evaluating the effect of chromium supplementation on OS parameters, namely MDA, TBARS, SOD, TAS, CAT, GPx, and GSH. A random-effects model was used to pool data and calculated standard mean difference and 95 % confidence intervals. Quantified heterogeneity among studies was assessed through Cochrane’s I 2 values. Results: Nine studies enrolling 550 participants met the inclusion criteria. The obtained results indicate that chromium supplementation significantly increases TAC (SMD: 0.46; 95 % CI: 0.08, 0.84; I 2 = 00.0 % n = 2) and significantly decreases MDA levels (SMD: − 0.46; 95 % CI: − 0.86, -0.07; I 2 = 52.4 % n = 5). Supplementation did not significantly change CAT, GPx, GSH, SOD, TAS, and TBARS. Conclusion: Chromium supplementation may improve OS parameters, however, due to high heterogeneity observed in the included studies, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Large RCTs on various patient groups evaluating the impact of chromium supplementation are needed to allow an adequate generalization of the benefits of chromium on human health. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background Although a large body of literature reported the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) consumption on adipokines levels, but recent findings from clinical trials are not univocal. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 FAs supplements on adipokines. Methods We searched Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to August 2020 without any particular language limitations. Outcomes were summarized as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated from Hedge's g and random effects modeling. Results Fifty-two trials involving 4,568 participants were included. Omega-3 FAs intake was associated with a significant increase in plasma adiponectin levels (n = 43; 3,434 participants; SMD: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.37; p = 0.01; I-2= 80.14%). This meta-analysis indicates that supplementing participants with omega-3 fatty acids more than 2000 mg daily and more than 10 weeks resulted in a significant and more favorable improvement in plasma adiponectin levels. However, omega-3 FAs intake had no significant effect on leptin levels (SMD: -0.02, 95% CI: -0.20, 0.17, I-2= 54.13%). Conclusion The evidence supports a beneficial effect of omega-3 FAs intake on serum adiponectin levels but does not appear to impact on leptin concentrations. Larger well-designed RCTs are still required to evaluate the effect of omega-3 FAs on leptin in specific diseases. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

BACKGROUND AND AIM: A growing body of evidence has been focused on the health benefits of exposure to greenspace; however, less is known about its health effects for the developing fetus in the pre...

Oxidative stress (OS), the absence of equilibrium between prooxidants and antioxidants in the body, has been shown to play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of many diseases. Saffron has been noted for its antioxidant capacity and can be used to improve OS parameters in unhealthy patients. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of saffron supplementation on OS parameters in unhealthy patients in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science without language restrictions for RCTs up until April 2021. Studies were included if they compared any form of saffron supplementation to placebo or no supplementation on OS parameters in unhealthy patients. Using a random‐effects model with calculated standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), we quantitatively synthesized the data. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane's I 2 values. Ten randomized controlled trials were eligible for this review. Seven were included in the meta‐analysis and indicated an association between saffron intake and a statistically significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (SMD: −0.40; 95% CI: −0.63, −0.17; I 2 = 32.6%) and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC, SMD: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.42; I 2 = 00.0%). Saffron intake was shown to significantly impact MDA and TAC, indicating its beneficial properties in improving OS in unhealthy patients. However, additional RCTs are required to evaluate the effect on other OS parameters., Saffron intake was shown to significantly impact MDA and TAC, indicating its beneficial properties in improving OS in unhealthy patients. However, additional RCTs are required to evaluate the effect on other OS parameters.

Background and aims: Possible protective effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L) have been reported in several randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Current systematic review was performed to summarize the efficacy of saffron intake on liver enzymes. Methods: An electronic database search was conducted on PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane for RCTs comparing effect of saffron and placebo on liver enzymes from inception to July 2021. There was no restriction in language of included studies and we calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for each variable. Random-effect model was used to calculate effect size. Results: Eight studies (n = 463 participants) were included in the systematic review. The saffron intake was associated with a statistically significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SMD: -0.18; 95% CI: -0.34, -0.02; I-2 = 0%) in comparison to placebo intake. Our results also indicated that saffron consumption did not have a significant effect on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (SMD: -0.14; 95% CI: -0.36, 0.09; I-2 = 47.0%) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (SMD: 0.14; 95% CI: -0.18, 0.46; I-2 = 42.9%) compared to placebo. Conclusions: Saffron intake showed beneficial impacts on circulating AST levels. However, larger well-designed RCTs are still needed to clarify the effect of saffron intake on these and other liver enzymes. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background: There are different changes observed before and after diet therapy, and also after weight regain. However, there is not sufficient information regarding weight regain and hormonal changes. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review the connection between weight regain and leptin concentration levels. Methods: MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for interventional articles published from January 1, 1980, to June 30, 2020. Randomized clinical trials with parallel or cross over design assessing leptin concentrations at the baseline and at the end of study were reviewed. Two independent reviewers extracted data related to study design, year of publication, country, age, gender, body mass index (BMI), duration of the following up period and mean +/- SD of other intended variables. Results: Four articles were included, published between 2004 and 2016. Three of them were conducted in the US and one of them in Netherland. Sample size of the studies ranged between 25 and 148 participants. The range of following up period was from13 to 48 weeks. The age range of participants was from 34 to 44 years. Our analysis shows that weight regain could reduce leptin levels, but this change is not statistically significant. Conclusion: This review suggests that weight regain may induce a non-significant reduction in leptin level. However, the limited number and great heterogeneity between the included studies may affect the presented results and there are still need to well-designed, large population studies to determine the relationship between weight regain and leptin levels. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background Preconception exposure to air pollution has been associated with glucose tolerance during pregnancy. However, the evidence in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is under debate yet. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship between exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) and traffic indicators with glucose tolerance in healthy pregnant women in Sabzevar, Iran (2019). Methods Two-hundred and fifty healthy pregnant women with singleton pregnancies and 24–26 weeks of gestations participated in our study. Land use regression (LUR) models were applied to estimate the annual mean of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 at the residential address. Traffic indicators, including proximity of women to major roads as well as total streets length in 100, 300 and 500 m buffers around the home were calculated using the street map of Sabzevar. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used to assess glucose tolerance during pregnancy. Multiple linear regression adjusted for relevant covariates was used to estimate the association of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 1-h and 2-h post-load glucose with PMs and traffic indicators. Results Exposure to PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 was significantly associated with higher FBG concentration. Higher total streets length in a 100 m buffer was associated with higher FBG and 1-h glucose concentrations. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in proximity to major roads was associated with a decrease of − 3.29 mg/dL (95% confidence interval (CI): − 4.35, − 2.23, P-value P-value = 0.03) decrease in 1-h post-load glucose. Conclusion We found that higher preconception exposure to air pollution was associated with higher FBG and 1-h glucose concentrations during pregnancy.

Background Lymphotoxin-alpha (LTA), a proinflammatory cytokine, is significantly associated with the progression of atherosclerosis as an independent hazard factor for stroke. According to new genetic studies, polymorphisms in the LTA gene that influence its expression or biological function may play a role in the progress of stroke; thus, the present case-control study investigated LTA gene polymorphisms (rs909253, rs1800683 and rs2229094) and the risk of large artery atherosclerosis stroke (LAA) in an Iranian population. Methods For 211 large artery atherosclerosis patients and 186 ischemic stroke-free controls, genotypes were determined using the tetra-primer amplification-refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction method. Linkage disequilibrium and estimated haplotypes were analyzed using SNP Analyzer 2 software. The strength of the link between LTA gene polymorphisms (rs1800683, rs909253, and rs2229094) and the risk of stroke was determined using conditional logistic regression. Results Analysis revealed that the patterns of the rs1800683, rs909253 and rs2229094 genotypes showed no significant difference between the LAA and control group, although the distribution of the GAT (rs1800683G, rs909253A and rs2229094T) haplotype was significantly higher in the control group (odds ratio = 0.707, 95% confidence interval = 0.53-0.942, p = 0.0355). Conclusions Our results indicate that the GAT haplotype in LTA gene is associated with a decreased risk of LAA incidence in a northeastern Iranian population.

Background: The effect of preconception exposure to air pollution on glucose tolerance during pregnancy in developing and middle-income countries is under debate yet. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship between exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) and traffic indicators with glucose tolerance in healthy pregnant women in Sabzevar, Iran (2019). Methods: Accordingly, 250 healthy pregnant women with singleton pregnancies of 24-26 weeks of gestations were participated in our study. Land use regression (LUR) models were applied to estimate the annual mean of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 at residential address. Traffic indicators, including distance from home to the nearest major road (DHMR) as well as total streets length in 100, 300 and 500m buffers around the home (TSL-100, 300 and 500) were calculated using the street map of Sabzevar. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used to assess glucose tolerance during pregnancy. Multiple linear regression adjusted for relevant covariates was used to estimate the association of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 1-h and 2-h post-load glucose with PMs and traffic indicators. Results: Exposure to PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 was significantly associated with higher FBG concentration. Higher TSL-100 was associated with higher FBG and 1-h glucose concentrations. Each one interquartile range (IQR) increase in DHMR the levels of FBG and 1-h post-load glucose were decreased -3.42 mg/dL (95% confidence interval (CI): -4.47, -2.37, P-value < 0.01) and -4.65 mg/dL (95% CI: -8.03, -1.26, P-value < 0.01), respectively. Conclusion: We found higher preconception exposure to air pollution and exposure to air pollution during pregnancy were negatively associated with glucose tolerance during pregnancy in a middle income country.

Recent studies have shed light on the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the initiation and development of stroke. However, the regulatory function of many lncRNAs in large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) has not been fully elucidated. Based on the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis recently proposed by Pandolfi, the present study was conducted using experimental techniques and bioinformatics to investigate the expression and regulatory function of a lncRNA involved in the development of LAA. The lncRNAs differentially expressed in stroke were obtained using meta-analysis, and one lncRNA was selected for experimental studies on patients with LAA (n = 100) and healthy controls (n = 100) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The patients were also evaluated through meta-analysis to identify the function of the selected lncRNA, miRNAs, and mRNAs with altered expression in stroke. Finally, the experimental results and meta-analysis findings were integrated, and different functional groups were assigned. The results indicated that the level of lncRNA-RUNX1-IT1 was significantly lower in the patients with LAA compared to the healthy control subjects (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analyses revealed that the expression of lncRNA-RUNX1-IT1 was inversely correlated with LAA (P = 009, OR = 0.871, 95% CI: 0.786–0.965). In addition, a network of differentially expressed genes (DE genes) was created for miRNAs and mRNAs based on their association with lncRNA-RUNX1-IT1. Functional analysis showed that the DE genes in the network are involved in the apoptosis and alternative splicing of RNAs. The findings of the present study suggest that the downregulation of lncRNA-RUNX1-IT1 is associated with LAA development by interrupting the regulatory network of cells. The results of network analysis demonstrated that the lncRNA-RUNX1-IT1 could influence the expression of mRNAs and miRNAs involved in the apoptosis and alternative splicing of RNAs.

Recently, there has been a growing interest in the discovery of novel chemotherapeutic agents that have fewer side effects and are less likely to develop resistance. This study was conducted to examine the antitumor activity of lycosin-II, an antibacterial peptide isolated from the spider Lycosa singoriensis. Computational analysis revealed that lycosin-II has appropriate structural parameters (cationicity, α-helical conformation, amphipathicity) applicable for exhibiting antitumor activity. The results of MTT assay showed that lycosin-II possesses cytotoxicity (IC50 = 70.79 µg/ml) against the human colorectal cancer cell line HCT 116 as these cells were killed 30 min after treatment. Lycosin-II also exhibits a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect, as assessed using MTT assay coupled with direct cell counting as a measure of cell growth. Lactate dehydrogenase leakage assay and scanning electron microscopy revealed that lycosin-II kills tumor cells through cell membrane disruption. Apoptosis assays showed that Bax proapoptotic protein expression level and caspase-3 activity were increased after lycosin-II treatment, which indicates the activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Altogether, these data indicate that lycosin-II suppresses the growth of tumor cells and kills them through membrane disruption and activation of apoptosis. However, lycosin-II exerts moderate hemolytic activity, which may be a major challenge in therapeutic applications. In conclusion, lycosin-II may serve as a template for designing novel antitumor peptides with low toxicity to normal cells for chemotherapeutic applications.

The antioxidant effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and its effect in reducing reactive oxygen species has been demonstrated in primary studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on oxidative stress (OS) parameters. We performed a comprehensive search in major electronic databases. A random-effects model was used to pool data and calculated standard mean difference and 95% confidence intervals. Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analyses. The outcomes of this meta-analysis indicated that ALA consumption significantly decreased Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compare to control group. We found no significant effect of ALA supplementation on other antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress parameters. Overall, the present meta-analysis indicated that ALA supplementation might lead to an amelioration in lipid peroxidation. It can be recommended that the use of ALA supplementation in

Air pollution exposure has been linked with glucose dysregulation in pregnant women; however, evidence on these associations with fetal glucose homeostasis is unclear yet. We therefore aimed to evaluate the association of prenatal exposure to particulate matter (PM) and traffic indicators with fetal glucose homeostasis in cord blood samples. A total of 169 mother-infant pairs recruited from Mobini hospital of Sabzevar, Iran, were included in this cross-sectional study. Maternal exposure to PMs was estimated using land use regression models. Moreover, traffic indicators (i.e., total street length in 100, 300 and 500 m buffers and distance from residential home to the nearest major roads) were calculated based on the street map of Sabzevar. Cord blood glucose and insulin concentrations, HOMA-ꞵ, HOMA-S and HOMA-IR were used as glucose homeostasis markers. Higher maternal exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with higher cord blood glucose and insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR. Moreover, total streets length in 300 m buffer was positively associated with cord blood glucose and insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR. An increase in distance to major roads was associated with higher HOMA-ꞵ and HOMA-S and lower cord blood glucose and insulin concentrations as well as HOMA-IR. Overall, we found prenatal exposure to PMs and traffic indicators was associated with a higher risk of glucose homeostasis dysregulation in the fetus.

Air pollution exposure during pregnancy has been associated with abnormal glucose hemostasis in the fetus, which may result in the programming of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development in future life. Therefore, we investigated the association of maternal exposure to particulate matters (PMs) and traffic indicators with umbilical asprosin concentration, a novel insulin-resistant inducing adipokine, in newborns. Accordingly, 759 mother-newborn pairs from Sabzevar, Iran (2018–2019) participated in our study. Maternal exposure to PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations was estimated using spatial-temporal models developed for the study area. The associations of exposure to traffic indicators (total street length in 100, 300 and 500 m buffers around home and proximity of mothers to nearest major roads) and air pollution with umbilical asprosin concentration were estimated using linear regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) of umbilical asprosin concentration was 30.4 (19.1) ng/mL. In fully adjusted models, each one IQR increase in PM10 and PM2.5 were associated with 26.43 ng/mL (95% CI: 10.97, 41.88) and 31.76 ng/mL (95% CI: 15.66, 47.86) increase in umbilical asprosin concentration, respectively. A similarity result was observed for total street length in 100 m buffer. An increase in proximity to major roads was associated with a decrease of −21.48 ng/mL (95% CI: 33.29, −9.67) in umbilical asprosin concentration. Our results suggested that maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy could increase the umbilical asprosin concentration. These novel findings may improve our understanding of the mechanisms whereby air pollutants impaired glucose hemostasis during the fetal period.

Adverse health effects of exposure to air pollution have been investigated in many previous studies. However, there is no study available on the association between maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and cord blood lipid profile. This study, based on 150 mother-newborn pairs residing in Sabzevar, Iran (2018), evaluated the association of exposure to ambient air pollution as well as traffic indicators (total street length in different buffers around residential address and distance to major roads) during entire pregnancy with lipid levels cord blood lipid profile. Concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 at maternal residential address were estimated using land use regression (LUR) models. We measured triglyceride (TAG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) levels and TC/HDL-C and TAG/HDL-C ratio in the cord blood samples to characterize their lipid profile. Multiple linear regression models were developed to estimate the association of exposure to air pollution and traffic indicators with cord blood lipid profile controlled for relevant covariates. Higher concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with higher levels of TAG, TC, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, and TAG/HDL-C in cord blood samples. Moreover, higher concentration of PM1 was associated with higher levels of TAG, TC and LDL-C. There was also a positive association between total street length in 100 m buffer around home and serum levels of TC, TAG, LDL-C and TC/HDL ratio (β = 3.73, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.76, 5.71; β = 2.75, 95% CI: 0.97, 4.53; β = 1.87, 95% CI: 0.64, 3.09; β = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.11, respectively). However, the associations for total street length in larger buffers and distance to major roads were not statistically significant. Our findings support a relationship between exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and increase in cord blood lipid levels.

Exposure to air pollution has been associated with different harmful effects and exposure to greenspace has been related to improved human health. However, the available evidence on the impact of these exposures on renal function is still scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between exposure to ambient levels of PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and indicators of exposure to traffic as well as greenspace during pregnancy and fetal renal function based on the umbilical cord blood. This study was based on 150 pregnant women residing in Sabzevar, Iran (2018). Multiple linear regression models were developed to estimate the association of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) with exposure to air pollution, traffic, and greenspace (one at a time) controlled for relevant covariates. There was an inverse significant association between exposure to PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and total street length in a 100 m buffer around the home and eGFR. Increase in distance to major road and residential surrounding greenness (100 m buffer) was associated with increase in eGFR. We observed a significant direct association between exposure to PMs as well as street length in 100 m buffer and serum level of Cr. There was also an inverse association between distance to major road and NDVI in 100 m buffer and Cr. The associations for blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were not statistically significant. Our results suggest that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy could have negative impact and exposure to greenspace could have positive impact on renal function of fetal.

Large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) is known as an important cause of ischemic stroke (IS), which is a multifactorial disorder. Many candidate genes have been proposed for IS like (TBXAS1) that plays a significant role in LAA stroke pathogenesis. This is the first study on the evaluation of the association of the five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TBXAS1 promoter region and the level of TBXAS1 transcript with large-artery atherosclerosis stroke. Five SNPs in TBXAS1 genes were investigated in 248 patients with large-artery atherosclerosis stroke and 199 healthy controls in Iranian population in this case-control study through using the high-resolution melting assay. In addition, the relationships between the selected SNPs with alteration of TBXAS1 gene expressions were investigated in terms of blood platelets through the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Multivariate logistic analysis with adjustments indicated that rs10256282CC, rs10237429CC, and rs4590360GG genotypes were associated with large-artery atherosclerosis stroke (adjusted odds ratio = 2.804, 2.872, and 2.432, respectively; P < 0.05, q < 0.05). Furthermore, the frequency of CACCG haplotype in the patients was greatly higher than that in the controls (OR = 1.424, 95% CI: 1.071-1.893, P = 0.014738). In addition, TBXAS1 expression was higher in patients compared to the controls (P = 0.021), and individuals with the homozygous mutated genotypes of these SNPs showed a higher expression level compared to other genotype (P < 0.05). In total, our findings indicate a significant association of TBXAS1 gene rs10256282CC, rs10237429CC, and rs4590360GG polymorphisms with large-artery atherosclerosis stroke susceptibility and the level of TBXAS1 expression, which was not previously reported in any population.

Background: An increased serum homocysteine level was accepted as an important risk factor for vascular disease, including coronary atherosclerosis. However, there was no data about the importance of glycemic control on homocysteine levels in type 2 diabetic patients without CVD. The aim of this study was to investigate association between serum homocysteine concentrations and glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients without CVD. Materials and Methods: Out of 100 diabetic patients, 50 were good glycemic control and 50 patients were poor glycemic control. Also we tested fifty healthy volunteers as controls. Degree of glycemic control in diabetic patients was evaluated by HbA1c concentration measurements. Serum homocysteine level was measured in patients with good or poor glycemic control, and healthy controls. The correlation of HbA1c and homocysteine concentrations was investigated. Results: The results indicated HbA1c concentration and total serum levels of homocysteine in patients as whole are significantly higher than healthy subjects. HbA1c concentration is significantly higher in subgroup with poor glycemic control compared to subgroup with good glycemic control and healthy control group. However, there is no significant difference in homocysteine serum levels of patients with good and poor glycemic control. Conclusion: The findings suggest elevation of serum homocysteine level in patients with type 2 diabetes, however there is not significant correlation between homocysteine concentrations and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients.

Background: Oxidative stress and mild hyperhomocysteinemia are independent risk factors of vascular diseases and present in type 2 diabetes. Our aim in this study is to investigate role of hyperhomocysteinemia, oxidative stress and association of homocysteine level with oxidative stress in the development of diabetic retinopathy. Materials and Methods: Forty type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy and sixty without retinopathy subjects were included to the study. Plasma homocysteine level, prooxidantantioxidant balance and HbA1c concentration was measured in two groups, also we tested 50 healthy volunteers as control. Results: HbA1c concentration in patients is significantly higher than healthy subject and positive correlation was found between HbA1c and retinopathy in diabetes patients. Plasma levels of homocysteine are significantly higher in diabetic patients compared to healthy individuals. However, there is no significant differentiate in homocysteine plasma levels in patients with and without retinopathy. Oxidative stress is higher in diabetic patient compared to healthy subjects; and also there is significant association between retinopathy and oxidative stress. Our data don’t show any significant correlation between HbA1c and homocysteine levels and homocysteine level with oxidative stress, however there is positive correlation between oxidative stress and HbA1c concentration. Conclusion: Our findings confirm elevation of homocysteine in diabetic patients; however there isn’t significant correlation between homocysteine levels and presence of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients. In agreement with previous data oxidative stress significantly associated with development of retinopathy.

Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) is one of the most important diagnostic reagents in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The purifi- cation of HBcAg using conventional methods, such as sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation, is time and cost consuming. To overcome this diculty , we aimed at developing an ecient method for producing a soluble form of HBcAg for diagnostic applica- tion. The HBcAg construct was secreted into periplasm space of E. coli, which facilitates purification by selective disruption of the outer membrane. The His-tagged HBcAg was purified from prepared periplasmic fraction using Ni-NTA anity chromatography with an average yield of 20 mg/L culture. The results of competitive ELISA indicated that the antigenicity of periplasmic HBcAg is comparable with commercial E. coli-derived antigen. These results demonstrate the periplasmic system is suitable for the rapid and simple purification of bioactive and soluble HBcAg.