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Sulfur mustard (SM) exposure has delayed harmful effects, including cell senescence and premature biological aging. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of four main markers of biological aging (i.e., ANRIL, P16ink4a, TBX2, and TERRA) and assess their correlation with the severity of SM exposure in the long term. The study was conducted on two groups of volunteers. 1) the SM-exposed group, exposed to SM once in 1987 during the Iraq-Iran war. This group was divided into three subgroups based on the injury severity, asymptom (exposure to SM without any clinical signs), mild, and severe subgroups; 2) the non-exposed group. ANRIL and TBX2 transcripts were reduced in the total SM-exposed people. Their reduction was more considerable in the SM-exposed subgroups of mild and severe. On the other hand, P16ink4a and TERRA transcripts were increased due to SM exposure. The increase of TERRA expression was more significant in the asymptom, mild and severe subgroups, while P16ink4a was only higher in the asymptom subgroup. There was a positive correlation between the TERRA transcript and the severity of injury, while this correlation was negative for the ANRIL transcript. Thus, the delayed toxicity of SM is associated with the dysregulation of aging markers leading to progressive premature cellular senescence that is dependent on the severity of SM exposure.

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a toxic gas that causes chronic inflammation and oxidative stress leading to cell senescence. This study aimed to evaluate two indicators of biological aging (i.e., serum lipofuscin level and leukocyte telomere length) and assess their relationship based on the severity of SM exposure in the long term.The study was performed on two groups of male participants. 1) SM-exposed group (exposed to SM once in 1987), 73 volunteers. 2) Non-exposed group, 16 healthy volunteers. The SM-exposed group was categorized into three subgroups based on the severity of SM exposure and body damage (asymptom, mild, and severe). The blood sample was prepared from members of each group. The serum lipofuscin, TGF-β, malondialdehyde (MDA), c-reactive protein (CRP), and leukocyte telomere length (TL) were measured in all participants.The MDA level was increased in the SM-exposed group (mean = 39.6 µM, SD = 16.5) compared to the non-exposed group (mean = 21.1 µM, SD = 10.3) (P0.05). The CRP level was also increased in the SM-exposed group (mean = 5.12 mg/l, SD = 3.36) compared to the non-exposed group (mean = 3.51 mg/l, SD = 1.21), while the TGF-β level was decreased (P0.05) in the SM-exposed group (mean = 52.6 pg/ml, SD = 18.7) compared to the non-exposed group (mean = 68.9 pg/ml, SD = 13.8). The relative TL was shorter in the SM-exposed group (mean = 0.40, SD = 0.28) than in the non-exposed group (mean = 2.25, SD = 1.41) (P0.05). The lipofuscin level was higher in the total SM-exposed group (mean = 1.44 ng/ml, SD = 0.685) than in the non-exposed group (mean = 0.88 ng/ml, SD = 0.449) (P0.05). The MDA and CRP levels were increased in the SM-exposed subgroups of asymptom, mild, and severe than the non-exposed group, while TGF-β level and TL were decreased in those subgroups. The lipofuscin level was higher in the SM-exposed subgroups of mild and severe than in the non-exposed group. The regression analysis determined a negative correlation between lipofuscin level and TL. The lipofuscin/TL ratio was higher in the total SM-exposed group (mean = 6.36, SD = 5.342) than in the non-exposed group (mean = 0.51, SD=0.389). This ratio was also higher in the SM-exposed subgroups of asymptom, mild, and severe than in the non-exposed group. The lipofuscin/TL ratio did not differ between mild and severe subgroups.The delayed toxicity of SM is associated with chronic oxidative stress, continuous inflammatory stimulation, increased lipofuscin, and telomere shortening. Future studies are needed to verify the suitability of serum lipofuscin to telomere length ratio in determining the severity of SM toxicity.

Background: The nervous, endocrine, and immune systems contribute to the response and dynamic adaption to various stresses. Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis has been demonstrated in various active critical illnesses. Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a disease with age and gender disparities. Materials and Methods: In this study, a total of 125 consecutive inpatients with COVID-19 admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex from February 12, 2020, to April 4, 2020, were enrolled. The severity of patients was classified into three subgroups based on the types of oxygen therapies. Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) and cortisol levels were measured in serum of inpatients with Siemens kit. Results: While the increase in cortisol level was not significant in COVID-19 patients, the DHEA-S level and DHEA-S/cortisol ratio significantly decreased in the patients with the increase in severity of the disease. Conclusion: We proposed that the supplementation of DHEA, the precursor of both androgens and steroids, may ameliorate adverse outcomes of COVID-19 disease and improve COVID-19 patients’ ability to survive.

Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Viola odorata extracted syrup on the quality and patterns of sleep in patients with depression or obsessive–compulsive disord...

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a toxic gas that has been used as a chemical weapon in wars. After many years, SM-exposed people are still suffering from its side effects such as biological and premature aging. This study was aimed to evaluate biological aging rate via involving biological health scoring (BHS), relative telomere length (TL) and different physical/social variables i.e. marital and smoking statuses, body mass index, salary and educational levels. BHS was calculated according to measurement of 18 biomarkers related to function of four physiological systems (endocrine, inflammatory, cardiovascular and metabolic systems) and two organs (liver and kidney). The volunteers were 442 individuals exposed to SM gas in 1987 and 119 healthy individuals as non-exposed group. Each group was divided based on leukocyte relative TL (short, intermediate and long). Our data showed an inverse correlation between BHS and relative TL in two groups. The BHS was significantly higher in SM-exposed group than non-exposed group, especially in the participants with short and intermediate TL. The BHS had also a positive correlation with smoking and BMI parameters, and a negative correlation with salary and educational levels in the participants with shorter telomeres; and SM strengthened these correlations in the shorter telomeres. It is concluded that the higher BHS along with shorter relative TL that are indices for lower health quality and biological aging, could be used in the health evaluation of non- and SM-exposed people; and involving of BHS, TL and physical/social covariates could be useful to make this evaluation more accurate.

Studies indicate that food restriction (FR) reinforces the effects of morphine. The exact mechanisms by which FR influences the reward circuitry of morphine have not yet been determined.We hypothesized that the effects of FR on the oxytocin (OXT) system and HPA axis can be associated with substance abuse disorders. In this study, the serum levels of OXT and corticosterone, and the expression ofFirst, the male rats (n = 8 per group) were subjected to FR for 3 weeks. Then, morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) was observed using two doses of morphine (3 and 5 mg/kg). The serum concentrations of corticosterone and OXT were determined by ELISA and the expression of genes was examined by qPCR.FR induced an enhanced preference in the animals for the 5 mg/kg dose of morphine compared to the controls. Serum corticosterone levels increased after FR but OXT levels decreased. Meanwhile, FR actuated downregulation ofWe propose the inclusion of OXT and OXTR alterations in the enhancement of morphine-induced CPP and addiction vulnerability following FR. Moreover, we conclude that altered BDNF levels and HPA axis activity may be the mechanisms involved in the effects of FR on morphine-induced behavior.

Osteoarthritis (OA) as the most frequent form of knee arthritis is one of the most annoying complications amongst old peoples. There are different pharmacological and non-pharmacological remedies which could be applied for treatment of knee OA. It's while, significant side effects mostly in patients who are older are the dangerous limiting factors. Integrative, supplementary, traditional remedies have been applied from long time ago in treatment of such chronic diseases like OA. Various topical and oral remedies have been presented in treatment of OA worldwide. In spite of the fact there are multiple remedies for reduction symptoms of patients who suffer from disorders and related inabilities which could enhance their life quality. Remedies which have been applied for a long time for treatment of OA have newly discovered to induce injury to some patients. On the other side, additional knowledge about alternative and supplementary remedies is a main way for enhancing health of patients who suffer from OA disorders. Zingiber zerumbet (Z. zerumbeton) is a kind of herb of the ginger family and is a natural compound with various biomedical characteristics like anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effect. However, Z. zerumbet could be applied for reduction of OA symptoms because of its circulatory stimulant and anti-inflammatory effects. Anyway, up to now there is not any methodical literature review for evaluating the Z. zerumbet clinical effectiveness productiveness in treatment of OA. The main aim of the current study is to review scientific resources around therapeutic effectiveness of Zingiber zerumbet in treatment of adverse symptoms of OA disorder.

Early-life environmental conditions affect offspring's development. Maternal deprivation (MD) can induce persistent changes that give rise to neuropsychiatric diseases including substance abuse disorders. However, long-lasting mechanisms that determine vulnerability to drug addiction remain unknown. We hypothesized that MD could induce changes in Opioid system, HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), so may be involved in the drug abuse in later life. Male offspring of Wistar rats (n = 8 per group) were subjected to 3 h of daily MD during postnatal days 1-14. In adulthood, morphine-induced CPP (conditioned place preference) was investigated using two doses of morphine (3 and 5 mg/kg). Serum corticosterone level was measured by ELISA method. The expression level of genes in selected brain regions (hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and nucleus accumbens) was determined by qPCR (quantitative PCR). A greater morphine-induced CPP was observed in MD rats with 3 and 5 mg/kg morphine compared to controls. MD group had a higher corticosterone level. A significant decrease was observed in the expression of BDNF gene (in all of the selected brain regions) and GR (glucocorticoid receptor) gene (in the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens) in MD rats. Also, a significant increase in the expression of μ Opioid receptor (in all of the selected brain regions) and κ Opioid receptor (in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens) was observed in MD rats. Our results suggest that MD induces alterations in the HPA axis function, BDNF level, and Opioid receptors system that enhance vulnerability to morphine at adulthood.

Background: Numerous studies have been conducted on humans, animals, and cell cultures exposed to Sulfur Mustard (SM). However, the precise mechanism and cause or long-term pattern of SM injuries are not well defined. There is no protocol available for treating people with severe eye, lung, and skin ailments. The current study aimed to develop an animal model of the acute and delayed complications of SM exposure.Materials and Methods: Two strains of mice (BALB/c and C57BL/6), 6-8 weeks old at the onset of the study, were exposed to 2-Chloroethyl Ethyl Sulfide (CEES) (1-200 mg/kg) and solvents (Tyrode’s solution, Polyethylene Glycol 300, herbal oil) for a duration of 12 hours to 7 months. The administration route was Intraperitoneal (IP) injection. The mortality rate, signs, and apparent side effects were explored. At the end of the study, the mice’s lung, liver, and spleen tissues were extracted and fixed for future histopathological assessments.Results: Tyrode’s solution and Polyethylene Glycol 300 solvents were not appropriate for the present research. Pathological features observed in BALB/c mice were better than the C57BL/6 mice. Overall, 10 mg/kg CEES was the most suitable dose, because it had the least mortality rate and demonstrated the most pathological findings, such as the infiltration of inflammatory cells and proliferation of fibroblasts and fibrotic tissue in the lung. Five months after the CEES administration, the delayed phase complications were studied. Conclusion: The IP injection of 10 mg/kg CEES to BALB/c mice imitates short- and long-term complications of SM exposure in humans. This model is useful for preventing and treating SM exposure.

Background & objective: Many biochemical features of sulfur mustard (SM) intoxication have remained unknown. So far, the direct association between biochemical parameter changes and ocular problems in patients exposed to SM is not evaluated. The current study aimed at evaluating the associations between the ocular findings in patients with SM intoxication and the changes of serum and blood biochemical parameters. Methods: In the current study, 372 patients exposed to SM and 128 matched controls were compared concerning the association between their ocular problems and biochemical parameters. Ocular problems include photophobia, ocular surface discomfort (OSD), etc. Biochemical parameters include uric acid, creatinine (Cr), hematocrit (HCT), total, direct and indirect bilirubin, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), calcium (Ca), fasting blood sugar (FBS), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), etc. Results: The SM-exposed group with photophobia, OSD, tearing, blurred vision, abnormal tear status, and slit-lamp findings had significantly higher mean serum and blood levels of uric acid, Cr, HCT, and total and indirect bilirubin than the controls. The SM-exposed group with photophobia, tearing, ocular pain, blurred vision, bulbar conjunctival and limbal abnormalities had significantly higher mean serum and blood levels of HDL, ALT, Ca, FBS, MCHC, and HDL, indirect and total bilirubin, compared to the control group. Conclusion: The association of photophobia with uric acid, OSD and tearing with Cr, photophobia with HDL, ocular pain with Ca, and blurred vision with FBS may be explained for their known ocular effects in the SM-exposed subjects. SM-induced biochemical changes may intensify the ocular problems induced by the direct effects of SM.

Background Mustard gas as a chemical weapon has been used in wars and its long-term side effects are substantial in the human body. This study was aimed to apply an extension of allostatic load, known as synthetic biological health score (BHS), including the wear-and-tear of four physiological systems (endocrine, inflammatory, cardiovascular and metabolic systems) and two organs (liver and kidney) to estimate biological aging caused by sulfur mustard (SM) gas poisoning. Methods The plasma samples were prepared from two following groups of people; 1) 446 individuals exposed to SM gas in 1987. 2) 115 healthy members, at the same range of age and residence, as the non-exposed group. These people were chosen from the same patients' families and have not had any exposure to SM or pulmonary dysfunction. To estimate BHS, 18 blood-derived biomarkers of the mentioned systems and organs were measured and the relative contribution of many social and body parameters across the age groups was explored. Results It was revealed, in BHS calculation, the cardiovascular system had the most effect. Also, in the SM group, BHS was significantly higher than in the control group. This feature has a positive correlation with physical parameter (BMI) and a negative correlation with social parameters (salary and educational levels). Conclusion The multisystem BHS could be useful in the evaluation of biological aging due to SM exposure. Social (education, good-paying job) and physical (BMI) parameters could influence BHS and the higher BHS indicates the progress of biological aging due to mustard gas.

Iran's Parliament passed a Law in 2010 to merge the existing health insurance schemes to boost risk pooling. Merging can be challenging as there are differences among health insurance schemes in various aspects. This qualitative prospective policy analysis aims to reveal key challenges and implementation barriers of the policy as introduced in Iran.A qualitative study of key informants and documentary review was conducted. Sixty-seven semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted, with key informants from relevant stakeholders. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used for selecting the interviewees. The related policy documents were also reviewed and analyzed to supplement interviews. Data analysis was conducted through an existing health financing World Bank framework.This study demonstrated that for combining health insurance funds, operational challenges in the following areas should be taken into account: financing mechanisms, population coverage, benefits package, provider engagement, organizational structure, health service delivery and operational processes. It is also important to have adequate cogent reasons to "the justification of the consolidation process" in the given context. When moving towards combining health insurance funds, especially in countries with a purchaser-provider split, it is critical for policy makers to make sure that the health insurance system is aligned with the policies and Stewardship of the broader health care system.Implementation of major reforms in a health system with fragmented insurance schemes with different target populations, prepayment structures, benefit packages and history of development is inherently difficult, especially when different stakeholders have vetoing powers over the proposed reforms. Solving the differences and operational challenges in the main areas of health insurance system generated in this study may provide a platform for the designing and implementing merging process of social health insurance schemes in Iran and other countries with similar situations.

Background Iran’s Parliament passed a Law in 2010 to merge the existing health insurance schemes to boost risk pooling. Merging can be challenging as there are differences among health insurance schemes in various aspects. This qualitative prospective policy analysis aims to reveal key challenges and implementation barriers of the policy as introduced in Iran. Methods A qualitative study of key informants and documentary review was conducted. Sixty-seven semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted, with key informants from relevant stakeholders. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used for selecting the interviewees. The related policy documents were also reviewed and analyzed to supplement interviews. Data analysis was conducted through an existing health financing World Bank framework. Results This study demonstrated that for combining health insurance funds, operational challenges in the following areas should be taken into account: financing mechanisms, population coverage, benefits package, provider engagement, organizational structure, health service delivery and operational processes. It is also important to have adequate cogent reasons to “the justification of the consolidation process” in the given context. When moving towards combining health insurance funds, especially in countries with a purchaser-provider split, it is critical for policy makers to make sure that the health insurance system is aligned with the policies and Stewardship of the broader health care system. Conclusions Implementation of major reforms in a health system with fragmented insurance schemes with different target populations, prepayment structures, benefit packages and history of development is inherently difficult, especially when different stakeholders have vetoing powers over the proposed reforms. Solving the differences and operational challenges in the main areas of health insurance system generated in this study may provide a platform for the designing and implementing merging process of social health insurance schemes in Iran and other countries with similar situations.

BACKGROUND Chronic ocular complications of Sulfur Mustard (SM) exposure leads to severe ocular morbidity during time. The aim of this study was to compare serum levels of Interleukin 17 (IL-17), IL-12, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, VEGF-D and nitric oxide (NO) in SM-exposed patients versus the control group and to measure tear concentration of VEGF-C only in the SM-exposed group. METHODS In this prospective case control, 128 SM-exposed patients and 31 healthy control subjects were included. In the case group ocular manifestations were classified to three subgroups of mild (19 cases), moderate (31 cases) and severe (78 cases) forms of disease. Serum levels of IL-17, IL-12, NO, VEGF-C and VEGF-D, in all subjects and tear concentration of VEGF-C in SM-exposed group was evaluated. RESULTS All subjects were male and mean ± standard deviation (SD) of age in the case and control groups were 44.9 ± 8.8 and 40.9 ± 10.1 years, respectively. Except for significantly lower serum level of IL-17 (p

Objectives Our aim was to answer the following questions: (1) Can mental health variance be partitioned to individual and higher levels (e.g., neighborhood and district); (2) How much (as a percentage) do individual-level determinants explain the variability of mental health at the individual-level; and (3) How much do determinants at the neighborhood- or district-level explain the variability of mental health at the neighborhood- or district-level? Methods We used raw data from the second round of the Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool in Tehran (in 2012-2013, n=34 700 samples nested in 368 neighborhoods nested in 22 districts) and the results of the official report of Tehran's Center of Studies and Planning (in 2012-2013, n=22 districts). Multilevel linear regression models were used to answer the study questions. Results Approximately 40% of Tehran residents provided responses suggestive of having mental health disorders (30-52%). According to estimates of residual variance, 7% of mental health variance was determined to be at the neighborhood-level and 93% at the individual-level. Approximately 21% of mental health variance at the individual-level and 49% of the remaining mental health variance at the neighborhood-level were determined by determinants at the individual-level and neighborhood-level, respectively. Conclusions If we want to make the most effective decisions about the determinants of mental health, in addition to considering the therapeutic perspective, we should have a systemic or contextual view of the determinants of mental health.

Background: Mental health is one of the main aspects of social well-being. Tehran -capital of Iran- is metropolitan, where the mental health status of citizens is not prioritized effectively. Objectives: The purpose of this study was identifying contributors of mental health inequality between lower and higher economic groups in Tehran through Oaxaca- Blinder method. Methods: The study was conducted by the data of Tehran’s Urban Heart Survey- Round 2 (2012). Through a three- stage stratified and clustered sampling method, 34,700 were selected as samples. The mental health status was measured by the General Health Questionnaire 28- items (GHQ- 28) and the quantity of the inequality in mental health was measured by corrected concentration index. The Fairlie’s decomposition approach was performed in STATA 14.Results: The corrected concentration index were: -0.0967 and -0.1004 by Erreyger’s and Wagstaff’s approaches. Being of the Iranian origin, disability conditions, employment status and smoking were identified as the main contributors of inequality in mental health among lower and higher economic groups.Conclusion: Thus, re-organizing strategies and plans on promoting the socio- economic status of non-Iranian residents, improving employment opportunities, developing well-designed environment for disabled individuals and supporting plans to reduce smoking is recommended to the urban policy makers. Keywords: Mental health, decomposing inequality, urban heart survey, Tehran.

Background: Health is an essential component of human rights and the rights are interdependent, indivisible, and correlated. The present study aimed at codifying a multidimensional health index according to multistage index development and describing the status of this index in 22 municipal districts of Tehran. Methods: This study was conducted using the data collected in the second round of Urban HEART Project of Tehran (2012-2013). The sample size was 34 700. To develop a multidimensional health index (MDHI), the nine steps of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) were followed, from codifying theoretical framework to introducing the index. Results: According to the constructed MDHI, the districts no. 13, 10, 17, 1, 3, 4, and 22 had the best status and the district no. 8 the worst status. With respect to physical health, the districts no. 13, 17, 1, 3, 10, and 18 had the best status and the district no. 8 the worst. Concerning mental health, the districts no. 3, 6, 1, and 10 had the best status and the districts no. 8 and 12 the worst status. With respect to social health, the districts no. 10, 22, and 21 had the best status and the districts no. 6, 7, 12, and 14 the worst status. The analysis of sensitivity indicated that the MDHI was more sensitive towards physical health. Based on the mean, minimum, and maximum scores on each indicator of the questionnaires, the physical, mental, social, and MDHI status of Tehran residents (2012-2013) was high-medium, medium, low-medium, and high-medium, respectively. Conclusion: The right to health should be widely investigated, as it is a primary principle needed for sustainable development, which can be accomplished when the attitudes of different organizations towards the health construct are multidimensional rather than unidimensional.

The aim of present study was to investigate whether food restriction combined with exercise training could attenuate the oxidative stress and promote angiogenesis in a rat model of heart failure. 50 male wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into 5 groups including: 1) sham; they were fed ad libitum food, n=10. 2) Heart failure group; 3) Exercise group; they run on a treadmill 5 days per week for 4 weeks, n=10. 4) Food restricted group; they were fed with 60% of their daily average food intake, n=10. 5) Food restricted plus exercise group; as well as feeding with 60% of their daily average food intake for 8 weeks and run on a treadmill 5 days for the 4 next weeks, n=10. Subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (130 mg/kg) was used to induce experimental heart failure. Echocardiographic parameters were monitored. Plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and prooxidant/ antioxidant balance (PAB), as oxidative parameters were measured. In continue gene expression of angiogenic factors such as hypoxia inducible factor-1a (HIF-1a), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) as well as histopathological examination were investigated. Isoproterenol-treated hearts showed lower functional indexes including LVEDd; Left Ventricular End Diastolic dimension (p

Summary Background The prevalence of obesity is increasing in Iran. Previous studies showed mixed results in relation to association between socioeconomic status and obesity in the country. The current study aimed to examine educational inequalities among adults in Tehran in 2011. Method Data on 90,435 persons 18 years and older from Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool (Urban HEART-2) were analyzed. The Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) were used for assessing educational inequalities in obesity. These measures were quantified using generalized linear models for the binomial family adjusted for sex and age. Subgroup analysis was conducted across sex, age groups and the 22 districts of Tehran. Results Both SII and RII showed substantial educational inequalities in obesity in favour of more educated adults [RII and SII (95% CI were equal to 2.91 (2.71–3.11) and 0.12 (0.12–0.13)), respectively]. These educational inequalities were persistent even after adjusting for employment, marital status and smoking. Subgroup analysis revealed that educational inequalities were more profound among women. While among men educational inequalities were generally increasing with age, an inverse trend was observed among women. Educational inequalities were observed within all 22 districts of Tehran and generally there were no statistically significant differences between districts. Conclusion An inverse association between education and obesity was observed in the current study. To decrease educational inequalities in Tehran, priority should be given to younger women and older men. Further analyses are needed to explain these inequalities.

Objective To date, more than 400 alpha chain variants or point mutations in the α-globin genes that lead to single amino acid substitutions have been described. Here, we state a rare alpha-globin gene variant Hb Fontainebleau [a21 (B2) Ala>Pro] identified in heterozygote state in two families from the north of Iran during premarital thalassemia screening program. Material Two first cousin couples with reduced hematological indices compatible with α-thalassemia were referred to Lab for premarital screening of thalassemia. At first CBC and capillary electrophoresis tests were applied. For molecular investigation genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples. Then, multiplex-Gap PCR and Sanger sequencing techniques were applied to discover common α- globin deletions and probable point mutations, respectively. Results In the capillary electrophoresis results, one unknown peak was observed to the left of Hb A. Sanger sequencing results revealed that all cases are heterozygote for Hb Fontainebleau (HBA2: c.64G4C, p.Ala21Pro). Family history analysis has shown that all presented cases have belonged to the families which are originally from India. Conclusion The presence of Hb Fontainebleau in Mazandaran province and in subjects with Indian origin may indicate the founder effect phenomenon. DNA analysis of subjects with reduced hematological indices is recommended for finding common and rare mutations to predict childbirth with thalassemia in premarital screening programs.

Introduction Sulfur mustard (SM) is a potent toxic agent that cause local and systemic changes in the human body such as dysregulation of the immunological system. This gas affects different organs such as lungs, skin, eyes and the gastrointestinal tract. Methods 128 veterans with SM-induced eye injuries were examined and compared to 31 gender- and age-matched healthy controls. Serum levels of IgM, IgE, IgA, IgG, and IgG subclasses were measured using ELISA method. Results There was no significant difference in IgM level between two groups with abnormal and normal ocular conditions except for those having bulbar conjunctiva-limbal ischemia and bulbar conjunctiva-hyperemia abnormalities. There were not significant difference in IgA, IgE, and IgG levels between two groups with and without ocular problem also between study groups. IgG1 level in some ocular abnormalities were significantly lower than the healthy control groups. IgG2 level in SM-exposed participants with stromal abnormality was higher in the SM-exposed groups without this problem. IgG2 levels in the exposed group with some ocular problems were significantly increased compared with control. IgG3 level in all patients did not reveal any significant changes compared with the controls except the fundus abnormality. IgG4 level was not significantly different between two groups with normal and abnormal ocular conditions. Nonetheless, IgG4 level in the exposed participants with some ocular abnormalities significantly increased compared with the controls. Conclusion The results showed SM exposure could alter immunoglobulins level compared with healthy controls and the changes of IgG2 and IgG1 levels were associated with some ocular problems.

BACKGROUND Sulfur mustard (SM) exposure produces extensive systemic and ocular adverse effects on the victims. One of the most important effects is immunological insults that can lead to other organ damages, including the eyes. METHODS In this descriptive study, 128 SM-exposed veterans with severe eye injury were compared with 31 healthy controls. Tear levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL1Ra, IL-6, TNF-α, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and Fas Ligand (FasL) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD); tear breakup time (TBUT

Background: Social stress is a factor involved in the etiology of many diseases. Also, gender is another factor which predisposes individuals to certain disease. Results from animal and human studies suggest that socially-stressed men are more vulnerable to catching diseases compared to socially-stressed women. Materials and Methods: The role of chronic social stress and gender were examined in the present study through implementing food deprivation, food intake inequality, and unstable social status (cage-mate change every three days) for a period of 14 days on 96 male and female mice. Then, vital activity of peritoneal macrophages and spleen’s lymphocytes were measured using MTT test as well as the concentration of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) by ELISA technique. Results: Our results showed that cell viability of peritoneal macrophages and spleen’s lymphocytes as well as serum concentration of TNF-α in all female and male stressed animals increased compared to the controls (PConclusion: The results suggest that social factors have significant effects on immunity and should be considered in the studies of gender differences for evaluating possible effective mechanisms.

Osteoporosis is a widespread disease among older peoples. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of self-reported osteoporosis and assessing its association with socio-economic status. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran, Iran in 2011. Participants were 45,990 individuals aged above 20 years from 22 urban districts. Osteoporosis was measured by self-administrative questionnaire. Wealth index was constructed using principal component analysis based on household assets. Chi-square test, chi square test for trend, and crude odds ratio were used to assess associations in univariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression utilized to estimate adjusted associations between self-reported osteoporosis and socio-economic status. The overall estimated prevalence of self-reported osteoporosis was 4% (95% CI 3.88–4.13), 1.19% in men, and 6.84% in women (P

Diabetes mellitus is an important public health challenge worldwide. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes varies across countries. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and to determine related factors including socioeconomic factors in a large random sample of Tehran population in 2011. In this cross-sectional study, 91,814 individuals aged over 20 years were selected randomly based on a multistage, cluster sampling. All participants were interviewed by trained personnel using standard questionnaires. Prevalence and Townsend deprivation indexes were calculated. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to construct wealth index. Logistic regression model was used in multivariate analysis. The estimated prevalence of self-reported diabetes was 4.98 % overall, 4.76 %in men and 5.19 % in women (P

Acne vulgaris is a very common chronic inflammatory disorder, yet its pathogenesis is not clearly understood. As part of the SICS, this study was conducted to evaluate the association between the incidence of acne vulgaris in SM-exposed subjects (20 years after the exposure) and serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 and RANTES) in an attempt to better understand the pathogenesis of long-term skin disorders of these individuals.Serum concentrations of cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 and RANTES) were measured using sandwich ELISA technique.The median of serum levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and RANTES were significantly higher in the exposed patients with acne than those without acne (P = 0.05, 0.03 and 0.001 respectively). There was no significant difference in serum levels of IL-1α, IL-1Ra and IL-6 between the exposed subgroups.We found a positive association between serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, IL-12 and RANTES) and acne among SM-exposed population.

Sleep disruption after myocardial infarction (MI) by affecting ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is thought to contribute to myocardial remodeling and progressive worsening of cardiac function. The aim of current study was to test the hypothesis about the increased risk of developing heart failure due to experience of sleep restriction (SR) after MI. Male Wistar rats (n = 40) were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: (1) Sham, (2) MI, (3) MI and SR (MI + SR) (4) Sham and SR (Sham + SR). MI was induced by permanent ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery. Twenty-four hours after surgery, animals were subjected to chronic SR paradigm. Blood sampling was performed at days 1, 8 and 21 after MI for determination of serum levels of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), corticosterone, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). Finally, at 21 days after MI, echocardiographic parameters and expression of MuRF1, MaFBx, A20, eNOS, iNOS and NF-kB in the heart were evaluated. We used H&E staining to detect myocardial hypertrophy. We found out that post infarct SR increased corticosterone levels. Our results highlighted deteriorating effects of post-MI SR on NO production, oxidative stress, and echocardiographic indexes (p < 0.05). Moreover, its detrimental effects on myocardial damage were confirmed by overexpression of MuRF1, MaFBx, iNOS and NF-kB (p < 0.001) in left ventricle and downregulation of A20 and eNOS (p < 0.05). Furthermore, histological examination revealed that experience of SR after MI increased myocardial diameter as compared to Sham subjects (p < 0.05). Our data suggest that SR after MI leads to an enlargement of the heart within 21 days, marked by an increase in oxidative stress and NO production as well as an imbalance in UPS that ultimately results in cardiac dysfunction and heart failure.