APO A2 -265T/C Polymorphism Is Associated with Increased Inflammatory Responses in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein A2 (APO A2) is the second most abundant structural apolipoprotein in high density lipoprotein. Several studies have examined the possible effect of APO A2 on atherosclerosis incidence. Due to the role of inflammation in atherosclerosis, we aimed to determine the relationship between APO A2 -265T/C polymorphism and inflammation as a risk factor in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. METHODS: In total, 180 T2DM patients, with known APO A2 -265T/C polymorphism, were recruited for this comparative study and were grouped equally based on their genotypes. Dietary intakes, anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers (i.e., pentraxin 3 [PTX3], high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], and interleukin 18) were measured. The data were analyzed using an independent t-test, a chi-square test, and the analysis of covariance. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounding factors, in the entire study population and in the patients with or without obesity, the patients with the CC genotype showed higher hs-CRP (P=0.001, P=0.008, and P=0.01, respectively) and lower PTX3 (P=0.01, P=0.03, and P=0.04, respectively) in comparison with the T allele carriers. In the patients with the CC genotype, no significant differences were observed in the inflammatory markers between the obese or non-obese patients. However, regarding the T allele carriers, the plasma hs-CRP level was significantly higher in the obese patients compared to the non-obese patients (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: In the T2DM patients, the CC genotype could be considered as a risk factor and the T allele as a protective agent against inflammation, which the latter effect might be impaired by obesity. Our results confirmed the anti-atherogenic effect of APO A2, though more studies are required to establish this effect.

Comparison of antioxidant status between pilots and non-flight staff of the army force: pilots may need more vitamin C / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the blood antioxidant levels and dietary antioxidant intakes between pilots and non-flight staff of the Army Force in The Islamic Republic of Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-seven helicopter pilots and 40 non-flight staff were included in this study. Their general characteristics were recorded and their weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. Their daily intake of energy and nutrients including antioxidants was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in red blood cells were also measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The median erythrocytes SOD, serum MDA level and the mean serum level of TAC and erythrocytes GPx were significantly higher in pilots than in non-flight staff. The median vitamin C intake was significantly lower in pilots than in non-flight staff. The serum MDA levels were similar in non-flight staff and pilots when their vitamin C intake was ⋜168 mg and significantly lower in non-flight staff than in pilots when their vitamin C intake was >168 mg.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The serum MDA level is lower in non-flight staff than in pilots when their vitamin C intake level is high, indicating that pilots need more vitamin C than non-flight staff.</p>

[Overweight, obesity and some related socio-economic factors among adolescent girls in Tehran, Iran]

To compare obesity, overweight and related socio-economic factors among adolescent girls in the North and South areas of Tehran, the capital of Iran, in 2005. This cross-sectional and analytical study 210 adolescent girls, aged 14-17 years, from high schools in the North area of Tehran [n=105; high socio-economic level] and the South area [n=105; low socio-economic level] were selected by the two-step, cluster random sampling method. Demographic data, including mothers_ and fathers_ educational levels and parents_ jobs were gathered, using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Food intake data were obtained by a one-day 24- hour recall and a one- day food record. Weight and height were measured based on standard methods and Body Mass 85 th >/= Index [BMI] were calculated. Overweight + obesity were defined as a BMI percentile of age - sex specific BMI. The prevalence of overweight +obesity was observed in 15.2% of the girls in the North area and 26.7% of the South area, the difference being significant [P= 0.001]. Mean of energy, fat and energy derived from fat were 1964 kcal, 72.0 gr and 34.1% in North area and 2288 kcal, 83.1 gr and 34.4% in South area, respectively. There was a significant correlation between BMI of the girls and mothers' literacy in the North area. Obesity + overweight were significantly correlated with mothers' job among girls in the South area. Evidence suggests that overweight and obesity in Tehran, especially among female adolescents of a low socioeconomic level, is a public health problem. It is suggested to design and implement nutritional intervention programs for adolescent girls, particularly in the low socio- economic areas