[ association between iron status and carotid intima-media thickness for the prediction of early-stage atherosclerosis]

Abnormal iron homeostasis such as iron deficiency or iron excess is associated with the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disease [CVD]. Iron may stimulate the progression of atherosclerosis by increasing the oxidative stress. Changes in carotid intima-media thickness [CIMT] have been validated as a vascular indicator of atherosclerosis progression. The purpose of this study was to apply CIMT to investigate the association between iron status and the initial stages of atherosclerosis. 140 healthy premenopausal women aged 18 to 50 years who had no chronic or acute disease were selected randomly from one of the Tabriz university sub specialized clinics. Blood samples were taken to assay iron status parameters. CIMT was measured noninvasively by ultrasonography. Based on CIMT results, the subjects were classified as "healthy" [CIMT 0.8 mm]. Student's t-test was used to determine the mean differences between the two groups. The mean +/- SD age of the participants was 32.76 +/- 8.1 years. The mean iron, ferritin, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume [MCV] were significantly higher and the total iron binding capacity [TIBC] was lower [P<0.05] among the "at risk" group. However, there was no significant differences in red blood cell count or hemoglobin levels between the two groups [P>0.05]. Results of this study showed a relative correlation between iron status parameters and CIMT as the initial indicator of CVD. Regarding the contradictions found in the literature, more research is needed to clarify the situation

[Level of activity, social and school competency in obese and overweight girls of elementary schools in Tabriz city]

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children has dramatically increased in many developing countries. Childhood obesity affects various aspects of life, including academic achievement, social skills, quality of life and social competency .The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of activity, school and social competency in obese and overweight children of elementary girls' schools in Tabriz city. This research is a comparative-cross sectional study .The sample was 300 students [7-11 years old] of girls elementary schools in Tabriz city, selected based on educational class grade and Body Mass Index [BMI] by random sampling in three groups including normal, overweight and obese groups. Data were collected by Child Behavior Check List that has a 20 items for assessing the activity, school and social competency of children in home, school and society. Data was analyzed by SPSS -Pc [version 11.5]. The results showed that normal group had greater scores on activity, social, school and total competence than overweight and obese groups, it means that normal group had a favorite level of competency than others groups. The results proposed reverse correlation between BMI and school and total competency [P<0.05]. However, BMI had not significant correlation with activity and social competency. The findings of this study indicated reversed correlation between BMI, school and total competency. So, prevention of obesity can prevent or decrease children's competency problems