ABSTRACT
Context: The fluctuations of proteins in multiple myeloma (MM) are well-known markers for checking the status of the patients. Aims: The objective of this study was to examine three proteins that have an important role in disease progression. Subjects and Methods: The study was performed with two groups: 30 MM stage I patients' (14 females/16 males; aged 60.83 ± 12.38 years) as case group and 40 healthy individuals (18 females/22 males; aged 57.65 ± 6.43 years) as control group. Both groups have been matched in gender and age. Bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), and β2-microglobulin (β2M) were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Serum BSP levels of MM-I patients was significantly higher than that of healthy controls (29.24 ± 5.57 vs. 20.89 ± 3.67, P = 0.001). OPN levels of MM-I patients were significantly lower than that of healthy individuals (12.03 ± 3.45 vs. 19.35 ± 4.67, P = 0.001). β2M levels of patients and controls were similar (1.49 ± 0.67 vs. 1.29 ± 0.55, P = 0.193). Conclusions: The results suggested that myeloma cells may affect the production of BSP and OPN, which possibly contributes to osteoclastic bone resorption in MM-I patients. Their levels may be a useful biomarker for assessing bone destruction in MM-I patients and distinguishing MM-I from healthy individuals
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity (OAO) and associated risk factors in a representative sample of students aged 11-20 years in Urmia, Iran. In this population-based cross-sectional study, a multistage random cluster-sampling method was used, through which 2,498 students were selected. OAO were defined based on criteria set by the US Center for Health Statistics in collaboration with the US Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). OAO risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire containing questions about TV viewing, nutrition, physical activities (PA), social and economic factors. Contents of the questionnaire were validated by calculating the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI), based on the responses elicited from 15 experts. Reliability of the questionnaire was obtained from a test and re-test of the questionnaire completed by 15 students. To analyze the data, χ2-test, t-test, and multiple logistic regression analysis were conducted. The prevalence of OAO was found to be 14.1% among the 11-20 years old students of junior and senior high schools. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the educational level of mothers, type of school, and the time spent on viewing TV were associated with an increased risk of OAO while obesogenic foods and PA had no effect on the frequency of OAO [Odds ratio (OR) for the time spent on watching TV one hour more than usual equals 1.27 at p=0.001]. The direct correlation between TV viewing and OAO, which is independent of PA and obesogenic foods, needs to be carefully investigated through randomized clinical trials and cohort studies.
ABSTRACT
Background : Self-perception of weight status is an important factor in food consumption and weight-loss-related behaviors. Aims : To determine women's self-perception of weight status, married women's perception of their husbands' opinions regarding women's weight status, the relationship between socio-demographic factors and under-assessment of weight status in overweight/obese women. Settings and Design : In a cross-sectional study in the year 2003 in Islamshahr, 704 adult women aged 19 to 65 years were included. Materials and Methods : Women's self-perception of weight and married women's perception of husbands' opinions regarding women's weight status were compared with actual weight group categorized according to body mass index (BMI). Statistical Analysis Used : Results were expressed as frequency and percentage. Logistic regression was used to assess the independent effects of various socio-demographic factors on under-assessment of weight status in overweight and obese women. Data were analyzed using SPSS 11.5 for Windows (SPSS, Chicago, IL). Results : Overall, 48% (338) women misclassified their weight status relative to their actual weight. Married women's perception of husbands' opinion regarding women's weight status showed about 57% (266) misclassification. Multivariate regression analysis revealed place of residence and women's perception of husbands' opinion regarding women's weight status to be independently associated with under-assessment of weight status by overweight and obese women. Conclusions : Overweight and obese women's perception of their husbands' opinion regarding women's weight status has a significant effect on assessment of weight status by women. Women of Islamshahr should be taught to more accurately assess weight status and to initiate action to prevent or correct excessive weight.