[Serum sicknem level in RA patients in Tehran [2005-2006]]

Rheumatoid arthritis [RA] is a chronic inflammatory disease with prevalence of 1% and may lead to disability and in some case to mortality. Selenium is a trace element with anti oxidant property. The aim of this study was to compare the serum selenium level in Iranian RA patients and normal subjects. In 56 RA patients [according to 1998 ACR criteria] in rheumatology clinic of shahid mostafa khomeiny hospital after conversation patients examined by rheumatologist and with DAS-28 and Global Functional Status [GFS] disease activity estimated and then a blood sample drown for CBC, ESR, CRP, RF, Selenium level and in control group, matching with age and gender without RA or inflammatory disease serum selenium with atomic absorption method measured. Average selenium level in RA patients was 90.76 micg/l [SD31.22] and 92.21 micg/l [SD48.65] in control group and there was not any significant difference between two groups [P= 0.889] and there was not any correlation between age, gender, ethnic, GFS, DAS-28, RF and serum selenium level but by increase of age [per 1 year] serum selenium decreased 0.865 micg/dl. there was not any significant difference between RA patients and controls in serum selenium level

Comparison of plasma levels of anticardiolipin and antiphospholipid antibodies in male patients with or without response to streptokinase following acute myocardial infarction

Streptokinase therapy is a medical approach for reperfusion therapy but with variable responses among patients which may be associated with antistreptokinase antibodies or other antibodies such as antiphospholipid or anticardiolipin antibodies. To compare the blood levels of anticardiolipin and antiphospholipid antibodies and also responses to streptokinase in patients with acute myocardial infarction. In this case-control study, 52 male patients with myocardial infarction were studied in two groups marked as responsive and non-responsive to streptokinase. The patients' responses to streptokinase were measured according to their first ECG and the ECG taken 90-180 minutes following the administration of streptokinase. Reduction of more than half of the ST elevation was considered as being responsive to the treatment. The antibody titers against anticardiolipin and antiphospholipid were further checked by ELISA method. Correlation between each antibody and the response to streptokinase was analyzed using Mann Whitney test [T-test]. The relationship between the antibodies mean values and the responses to streptokinase was investigated. The Mean level of IgG anticardiolipin in responsive patients was significantly lower than the non-responsive group [P=0.009], however, the mean levels of other antibodies such as IgM anticardiolipin, IgG antiphospholipid and the IgM antiphospholipid were statistically insignificant respectively. Based on the results found in our study, it seems that the anticardiolipin antibody has an effect on the response to streptokinase. This antibody inhibits the fibrin

relationship between serum vitamin D level, coronary artery diseases and the associated risk factors in female carpet weavers

Regarding some evidences, the mortality of coronary artery diseases may be related to vitamin D [VD] deficiency. This kind of deficiency is more common among female carpet weavers. To determine the relationship between serum vitamin D level, coronary artery diseases [CAD] and the associated risk factors in female carpet weavers. This case-control study was conducted on 460 postmenopausal carpet-weavers and noncarpet- weavers in the villages of Isfahan with similar socio-economic conditions. The participants initially underwent the clinical examinations and electrocardiography and if necessary, ecocardiography and exercise tests. Blood pressure, blood lipids and both serum and dietary vitamin D were measured and a questionnaire was completed for every participant. The presence of CAD was determined based on the Rose questionnaire and/or Minnesota electrocardiography coding system. The frequency of CAD and the mean values of other factors were insignificant between two groups [p>0.05]. There was no statistical association between the serum vitamin D level and some of the CAD risk factors among carpet and non-carpet weavers and persons with or without CAD [p>0.05]. There was only a direct relationship between abdominal obesity and serum vitamin D level [OR=0.69, p= 0.03]. Regarding our data, no relationship was found between CAD and serum vitamin D. However, more investigations including the determination of serum and dietary calcium, serum phosphorus and PTH are needed. Also a research, analyzing the vitamin D receptor [VDR] gene polymorphisms is proposed

In vitro effect of nicotine and cotinine on susceptibility of LDL to oxidation and hemoglobin glycosylation

Nicotine, a major component of cigarette smoke, plays an important role in development of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer in smokers. This study was designed to determine the in vitro effects of nicotine and its metabolite, cotinine on the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation and hemoglobin glycosylation. Three different concentrations of each component [10, 15, 25 micro g/ml] were used. The glycosylation rate of hemoglobin in the presence and absence of nicotine and cotinine were measured by colorimetric method. The susceptibility of LDL to in vitro oxidation was assessed by the Regnstrom technique. Our data showed that nicotine and cotinine are inhibitors for Cu[2+]-induced LDL oxidation but also increased the glycosylation rate of hemoglobin. Nicotine at final concentrations of [10, 15, and 25microg/ml] increased the rate of hemoglobin glycosylation by 25%, 32% and 47%, respectively. Cotinine at similar concentrations, also increasd the rate of glycosylation by 8, 10 and 12%, respectively. Based on data obtained in our study, smoking can result in higher levels of hemoglobin glycosylation which in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Comparing plasma level of CRP, factor VII, fibrinogen; platelet counts, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in smokers with opium addicted smokers

The observational and experimental studies show that there are more cases of cardiovascular disease especially myocardial infarction [MI] among addicts who are referred to hospitals compared with non-addicts. To determine some of cardiovascular risk factors in addict subjects. A total of 70 subjects aged 25-50 [35 smokers with opium addiction who were addict at least for last three years as case group and 35 smokers as control group] were selected. The plasma levels of factor VII, CRP, fibrinogen and blood platelet counts were determined for both groups. Also, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured. The mean activity percent of plasma level for factor VII was significantly higher in opium addict men than control. The mean plasma level of fibrinogen in case group was lower than control but not significant. Also, no significant difference was observed between blood platelet counts among two groups. Mean plasma level of CRP was also significantly lower in addict group than the control group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in case group compared with control group [P<0.05]. The data found in our study showed that the blood factors such as plasma levels of factor VII and fibrinogen, as two cardiovascular risk factors, and also blood pressure were affected by opium addiction. It seems that one of the causes of higher numbers of MI among addict subjects to be likely associated with significantly greater values for factor VII activity seen in this population