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Background: In recent years, numerous studies have addressed the role of other factors, especially the immune system, on developing diabetic retinopathy. Given the role of interferons in regulating immune system activities, the present study was conducted to investigate serum levels of interferon-gamma in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Materials and Methods: The present research was conducted on 42 patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in the case group and 41 patients with only type 2 diabetes in the control group. The two groups were matched in terms of age and gender. In the previous three months, the participants had not developed severe bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, not undergone ocular and non-ocular surgeries and not taken immunosuppressants. After measuring the patients’ systolic and diastolic blood pressures, their urine and blood samples were collected for the laboratory analysis of CBC, LDL, HDL, TG, total cholesterol, proteinuria, FBS, HbA1c, ESR, CRP, BUN, Creatinine and interferon gamma. The data collected were statistically analyzed in SPSS-18. Results: Out of 83 patients aged 41-78 years with type 2 diabetes, 42 patients were assigned to the case group and 41 to the control group. The mean of age of the case group was 59.69±6.866 years and that of the controls 58.71±7.410. Based on statistical methods, the two groups were matched in terms of age and gender. Although serum levels of interferon gamma were higher in the case group compared to in the controls, the difference was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). No significant differences were also observed between the two groups in terms of WBC, LDL, total cholesterol, FBS, CRP, Creatinine, HDL and diastolic blood pressure (P>0.05). According to the logistic regression model, the risk of developing retinopathy was approximately 8 times higher in the insulin users compared to in those using oral medicines. Conclusion: The statistical analysis and regression model did not suggest significant relationships between serum levels of interferon gamma and diabetic retinopathy. The two groups were significantly different in terms of insulin consumption. Further studies are recommended to be conducted to find the role of immunological factors in developing diabetic retinopathy.

Background: Ramadan fasting may alter a variety of physiological parameters which by themselves influence ocular system. Here, we review the effects of Ramadan fasting on the health and function of the eye. Materials and Methods: Literature records in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Iran Medex databases as well as proceedings of related meetings from January 1986 to March 2014 were systematically reviewed. The search key words was based on the terms "Ramadan Fasting," "Ramadan," "Islamic Fasting," "Fasting in Ramadan" accompanied with one of the eye, tear drop, myopia, intraocular pressure (IOP), tear break up time, basal tear secretion, refractive error, and visual acuity. Results: Predawn water loading and dehydration in the evening are shown to increase and decrease IOP and tear secretion, respectively. Ocular blood flow is changed in Ramadan fasting, and patients with ocular vein occlusion may experience more frequent attacks. There are no or minimal fluctuations in visual acuity and refractive errors, but most of them are decompensated after Ramadan. Conclusion: Although the influence of fasting in different eye parameters is evaluated in several studies, there are no or only limited studies conducted on patients suffering from glaucoma, damage to ophthalmic vasculature, tear dysfunction, and minimal visual acuity. Such studies are required to make a definite decision before fasting is declared harmless to these patients.

Background: The measurement of high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) serum concentration has been suggested as an inflammatory agent in screening of high risk individuals for ischemic heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of this protein with ischemic heart disease in the northern Persian Gulf population. Material and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 1615 (49.8% males, 50.2 % females) subjects over 25 years old were selected using a random cluster sampling technique in the northern Persian Gulf region. Cardiovascular risk factors in these subjects were studied according to WHO MONICA standard questionnaire. Minnesota code criteria’s were used in resting EKG to identify ischemic EKG. Serum level of hs-CRP was measured by ELISA. Results: Overall, 33.3 % of the participants had high levels of hs-CRP>3 mg/l. The geometrical means of hs-CRP in subjects with ischemic heart disease (2.96+3.75 mg/l) was higher than the normal subjects (1.84+3.84 mg/l) p(3mg/l and ischemic heart disease [Odds ratio= 1.67, CI95% (1.21-2.30) p = 0.002]. Conclusion: In over 25 years old of northern Persian Gulf population, hs-CRP was independently associated with ischemic heart disease. Thus, the measurement of hs-CRP in those who have intermediate risk for cardiovascular diseasess is recommended.

Background: Alzheimer's disese is the most frequent cause of dementia and is one of important cause of mortality and morbidity in the world. Although, there are different therapeutic options for its treatment , the results of these therapies are disappointing. Omega-3 fatty acids in marine- derived food products, affect on different mechanisms, improve cognitive function, memory.in this study, effect Omega-3 fatty acids in marine- derived food products of cognitive disorders and Alzheimer's are reviewed. Methods: The method employed in this research was a systematic bibiliographic review,in which only the double-blind placebo-controlled studies or the clinically detailed enough open-labeled studies using validated scales were retained. Results: Many studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids in marine- derived food products, affect by different mechanisms include decrease inflammation and oxidative stress, synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis promotion in neuroprotection and improvement cognitive function and memory, also omega3 fatty acid could lead to a decrease in risk of Alzheimer's diseas and the other cognitive impairements. Conclusion: However, more and large clinical trials are needed to confirm the beneficial effects of omega 3 fatty acid supplementation on the management of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.