[Association of cord blood resistin with leptin, insulin, growth indices and fat levels in neonates of Mousavi hospital of Zanjan in 2009]

Resistin is a novel adipokine which may play a role in insulin resistance. In this study we aimed to determine the cord blood resistin, leptin, insulin and maternal serum resistin levels during pregnancy; and to investigate correlation between these metabolic hormones; and also to evaluate their association with newborn growth indices. This study was conducted on 80 newborns and their mothers in Mousavi Hospital Zanjan, Iran in 2009. Newborn growth indices including birth weight, height, body mass index [BMI], Ponderal index, Homeostatic Model assessment [HOMA-IR] and their mothers. BMI were determined. Resistin, leptin and insulin levels were measured by ELISA. In this study, cord blood resistin levels were higher than serum resistin levels of pregnant mothers [10.77 +/- 1.53 vs. 7.91 +/- 5.71 ng/ml]. Moreover, serum resistin levels of mothers. did not exhibit any correlation with cord blood resistin, leptin and insulin levels, as well as neonatal anthropometric indices. Meanwhile, there was no significant correlation between cord resistin levels, insulin resistance, fat percentage and newborn growth factors. Cord resistin levels were positively correlated with cord blood leptin levels [r=0.222; p=0.048]. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between cord blood leptin and neonatal BMI [r=0.223; p=0.047], Ponderal index [r=0.212; p=0.058], HOMA-IR [r=0.426; p=0.052] and fat percentage [r=0.247; p=0.014]. On the basis of the findings, increased cord blood resistin levels may indirectly influence fetal growth through leptin or other cytokine levels. Though, further researches are needed to confirm this matter

[Prevalence of cough variant asthma in patients with chronic cough attending Vali-e Asr hospital of Zanjan, Iran, 2009]

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases that in some cases it is manifested as chronic coughs without any other symptoms. Cough variant asthma [CVA] is an occult form of asthma of which, the only sign or symptom is chronic cough and therefore should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic coughs. The aim of the present study was to detect the prevalence of cough variant asthma [CVA] among patients with chronic and persistent coughs. This study was performed in the respiratory outpatient clinic at Vali-e Asr Hospital of Zanjan, Iran, during 2009. Methacholine challenge test was carried out in 92 patients suffering from chronic coughs. CVA was diagnosed as chronic coughs without wheezing or any apparent cause which had persisted for more than 8 weeks, with a normal CXR and spirometry but with bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine, based on% 20 drop in FEV1 before and after methacholine challenge test. Of the 92 patients suffering from chronic cough, 24 patients [%26.1] satisfied the criteria for CVA and had positive methacholine challenge test. There was a significant association between patients ' job [P=0.003] and education [P=0.001] and positive test. These findings suggest that CVA is a common etiology for chronic cough and its early diagnosis and treatment is significantly important to prevent progression of the disease to classic asthma

Association of cord blood resistin with leptin, insulin, growth indices and fat levels in neonates of Mousavi hospital of Zanjan in 2009

Resistin is a novel adipokine which may play a role in insulin resistance. In this study we aimed to determine the cord blood resistin, leptin, insulin and maternal serum resistin levels during pregnancy; and to investigate correlation between these metabolic hormones; and also to evaluate their association with newborn growth indices. This study was conducted on 80 newborns and their mothers in Mousavi Hospital Zanjan, Iran in 2009. Newborn growth indices including birth weight, height, body mass index [BMI], Ponderal index, Homeostatic Model assessment [HOMA-IR] and their mothers' BMI were determined. Resistin, leptin and insulin levels were measured by ELISA. In this study, cord blood resistin levels were higher than serum resistin levels of pregnant mothers [10.77 +/- 1.53 vs. 7.91 +/- 5.71 ng/ml]. Moreover, serum resistin levels of mothers' did not exhibit any correlation with cord blood resistin, leptin and insulin levels, as well as neonatal anthropometric indices. Meanwhile, there was no significant correlation between cord resistin levels, insulin resistance, fat percentage and newborn growth factors. Cord resistin levels were positively correlated with cord blood leptin levels [r=0.222; p=0.048]. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between cord blood leptin and neonatal BMI [r=0.223; p=0.047], Ponderal index [r=0.212; p=0.058], HOMA-IR [r=0.426; p=0.052] and fat percentage [r=0.247; p=0.014]. On the basis of the findings, increased cord blood resistin levels may indirectly influence fetal growth through leptin or other cytokine levels. Though, further researches are needed to confirm this matter

[Evaluation of the influence of intravenous carnitine on hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in end stage chronic renal failure patients under hemodialysis]

Anemia is present in 60-80% of hemodialysis patients. Recombinant erythropoietin is the treatment of choice for anemia in these patients, but it is expensive. Many researchers have shown the effect of carnitine on anemia. Therefore, this work was designed to evaluate the influence of intravenous carnitine on hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in chronic renal disease patients who were under hemodialysis. This study was accomplished on 29 patients who were under hemodilysis for at least one year and did not have other reasons for their anemia. Using balance block randomization method the patients divided in to two groups: placebo group [n=15] and case group [n=14]. After each dialysis session [3 times a week for 3 months] the case group was injected 1 gr intravenous carnitine while the placebo group received 1 gr distilled water. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding sex and age. The average amount of hemoglobin and hematocrit was equal in two groups before the intervention. But, finally after the intervention the amount of hemoglobin and hematocrit significantly increased in the case group [P=0.001 and P=0.003 respectively]. Findings of this study revealed that carnitine increases the amount of hemoglobin and hematocrit in hemodialysis patients and improves their anemia. However, further studies with more patients are recommended

[ prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome in 14-18 year old girls of Zanjan high schools, 2008]

Polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS] is the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive-age women. There is very little information about the prevalence of PCOS in Iran. With regard to the symptoms of PCOS which begin after menarche and regarding to its side effects on women's health, we aimed to determine the prevalence of PCOS in adolescents in Zanjan, Iran. In this descriptive community based study, 1882, 14-18 year old adolescents were randomly selected from Zanjan schools. The presence of PCOS was determined by the presence of olygomenorea, hirsutism, acne and androgenic alopecia. For correlation between PCOS and obesity, BMI and central obesity was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using K[2] test. PCOS was present in 54[2.9%], hirsutism was present in 161 [8.6%], acne was present in 220 [11.7%], androgenic alopsia was present in 130[6.9%] and menstrual irregularity was present in 281 [16.9%] of the cases. The prevalence of central obesity and over weight did not differ among the studied groups. The prevalence of PCOS in our study was similar to the results reported from other societies. With regard to PCOS side effects, we suggest that the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS is better to be started from adolescence

[Evaluation of early oral feeding and traditional oral feeding in upper gastrointestinal surgeries]

Due to fears of postoperative complications following upper gastrointestinal surgeries [UGI], fasting before bowl function recovery is a traditional practice, but fasting following elective surgery is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare early oral feeding versus traditional oral feeding in patients who underwent UGI surgeries. Fifty two patients who underwent UGI anastomosis or surgery for various reasons were randomly divided into early oral feeding [EOF] group and traditional oral feeding [TOF] group. The nasogastric tube [NGT] removal time, tolerance of oral feeding, ileuses, nausea and vomiting, vital sign before and after surgery, postoperative stay, patients. satisfaction and complications were recorded. The mean time of NGT removal was 1.62 +/- 0.49 and 4.61 +/- 1.99 days in EOF group and TOF group respectively [p=0.0005]. The mean start time of oral feeding was 2.04 +/- 0.19 and 5.87 +/- 1.32 days in the EOF group and TOF group respectively [p=0.0005]. Tolerance of oral feeding was seen in 24 [92.3%] patients and 21 [91.3%] patients in the EOF and TOF groups respectively. Duration of hospital stay following surgery was 5.62 days in the EOF group and 8.04 days in the TOF group. 24[92.3%] out of 26 patients in the EOF group were satisfied with oral feeding that started in the second postoperative day. 13 patients [56.5%] complained of delay feeding in the TOF group. The results of the present study suggest that early oral feeding following upper gastrointestinal anastomosis or surgery is safe and can result in a shorter hospital stay and less cost

[Effects of alendronate and hormone replacement therapy [HRT] on bone mineral density of postmenopausal women]

Although there are several methods of treatment of osteoporosis, prospective studies to compare their effect on bone density in Iranian population are rare. This study was designed to compare the effect of alendronate and hormone replacement therapy on bone mineral density of postmenopausal Iranian women living in Zanjan. We treated 115 women [mean age 54/8 +/- 9 years]. Twenty four women were treated with conjugated equine estrogen [0.625 mg], 5 mg medroxyprogesterone, and 1000 mg elemental calcium with 400 IU vitamin D daily. Forty four subjects received 10 mg/d alendronate plus calcium and vitamin D in the same dose and 37 women were taken placebo with 1000 mg/d calcium and 400 IU/d vitamin D. Their bone mineral densities [BMD] were measured at the lumbar spine, hip and mid radius every 12 months for three years. All cases with secondary osteoporosis were excluded from the study. Significantly a higher percentage increases in BMD at the lumbar spine [P< .008, 2-way analysis of variance] were found in the alendronate group than in the HRT and calcium + vitamin D groups throughout the 36-month study period. However, there was no difference in BMD at the femoral neck and mid-radius between alendronate and HRT groups. Treatment with alendronate resulted in a 11% increase at the L-spine BMD [P: 0/00]. A non significant reduction of about 4% at the femoral neck BMD was detected in alendronate group at the end of the 3-year study period. Although there was no significant change in the femoral neck, lumbar spine or mid-radius BMD with HRT, a significant decline [about 9%] in the BMD of the femoral neck was observed in the placebo group [P: 0.004]. There was no difference in upper gastrointestinal or drug-related side effects between the groups. Our data suggest that the use of alendronate was well tolerated for 3 years and significantly increased BMD at the L-spine. It also can reduce the rate of BMD reduction at the femoral neck as was seen in the placebo group in postmenopausal Iranian women. Although HRT can inhibit BMD reduction at the femoral neck and lumbar spine, this regimen cannot increase BMD in postmenopausal Iranian women

[Comparison of the impacts of family-based and individual-based interventions on body mass index and life style]

Obesity has been known as a risk factor in cardiovascular disease. Educational intervention aimed at modifying dietary habits and physical activity patterns are essential in management of obesity. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of family-based intervention and individualbased intervention on body mass index and life style. This quasi-experimental study was conducted on subjects suffering from obesity or overweight in Islam-Abad, Zanjan [2005-2006]. The subjects were assigned nonrandomly to either the family-based group [n=42] or individual-based group [n=49]. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Intervention included counseling to make change, in eating habit and exercise behavior. Subjects in the individual-based group received intervention individually in the clinics, and those in the family-based intervention received intervention by home visit. The data were analyzed using Chi-square test, T-test, Paired T-test, Mann-Whitney test and, Wilcoxon test. The mean of body mass index decreased from 30.74 +/- 3.99 to 30.1 +/- 3.90 and from 31.98 +/- 6.64 to 31.57 +/- 6.63 in family-based group and in individual-based group, respectively. After intervention, the mean of body mass index significantly decreased in both groups [p < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in body mass index between two groups after intervention [P=0.52]. The mean scores of dairy product consumption and fruit consumption as well as physical activity were increased in both groups [p < 0.0001]. It was concluded that both family-based and individual -based intervention, focusing on physical activity and diet counseling through regular follow-up meetings, could be effective ways of controlling CVD risk factors

[Delay in diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer from the begining of symptoms to surgery]

In developed countries diagnosis of gastric cancer is performed in early stages through screening and the 5 year survival rate has risen to 86%. Although the patients in developing countries have digestive symptoms for quite a while, they do not undergo early endoscopy. The patients refer to the physicians in developed stages. This research was conducted to determine the median time of delay from the beginning of symptoms to surgery. In this research 63 patients suffering from gastric cancer were investigated during 2004-2005. Research questionnaire was completed from patient's admission to endoscopy until surgery through interview with the patients. Mann- Whitney statistical test and SPSS software were used for data analysis. Out of 63 patients 48 [76.2%] were male and 43 [68.3%] rural esidents. The most common cancer area was cardia [31 patients] and the most common symptom was abdominal pain [28 patients]. The results showed of median total delay from the beginning of symptoms until surgery was 96 days, which the patient delays 8 days, from the first referring to endoscopy [General practitioner delay] 57 days, from endoscopy to pathology affirmation 12 days, and from pathology affirmation to surgery performance 7 days. Factors like place of residence, education, income and gender had no significant effect on the time of delay. Delay from referring to endoscopy performance and from performance of endoscopy to pathologic confirmation was higher than expected. Screening plan for timely referring of patients and performance of endoscopy seems essential. To reduce the time of delay cooperation of different units like medical education, hospital units, pathology and supply of necessary hospital equipment is highly recommended