association between angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene A1166C polymorphism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its severity

Background: Genetic predisposition may have important role in pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]. Angiotensin II type I receptor [AGTR1] has been known to involve in the process of liver steatosis and fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between AGTR1 A1166C polymorphism and NAFLD

Methods; A cross-sectional study was conducted during May 2014-May 2015 among healthy adults referring to our radiology clinic for abdominal sonography. AGTR1 A1166C polymorphism was evaluated in subjects with NAFLD and healthy individuals using allelic discrimination method

Results: 58 subjects with NAFLD were compared with 88 healthy individuals without NAFLD. The frequency of AA and CC genotypes of AGTR1 was significantly higher in patients with NAFLD compared with controls [p=0.029 and 0.042, respectively]. C allele was more detected in subjects with NAFLD compared with the healthy controls [OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.23-3.61, p =0.006]. CC genotype [OR: 10.62; 95% CI: 1.05-106.57, p =0.045] and C allele [OR: 6.81; 95% CI: 1.42- 32.48, p =0.016] were also predictors of severe fatty liver disease in our study population

Conclusion: Our results provide the first evidence that AGTR1 gene A1166C polymorphism not only is associated with NAFLD and but also may predict its severity

Molecular diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in a population of an endemic area through nested-PCR

Aim: This study is aimed to diagnose and analyze strongyloidiasis in a population of an endemic area of Iran using nested-PCR, coupled with parasitological methods

Background: Screening of strongyloidiasis infected people using reliable diagnostic techniques are essential to decrease the mortality and morbidity associated with this infection. Molecular methods have been proved to be highly sensitive and specific for detection of Strongyloides stercoralis in stool samples

Methods: A total of 155 fresh single stool samples were randomly collected from residents of north and northwest of Khouzestan Province, Iran. All samples were examined by parasitological methods including formalin-ether concentration and nutrient agar plate culture, and molecular method of nested-PCR. Infections with S. stercoralis were analyzed according to demographic criteria

Results: Based on the results of nested-PCR method 15 cases [9.7%] were strongyloidiasis positive. Nested-PCR was more sensitive than parasitological techniques on single stool sampling. Elderly was the most important population index for higher infectivity with S. stercoralis

Conclusion: In endemic areas of S. stercoralis, old age should be considered as one of the most important risk factors of infection, especially among the immunosuppressed individuals

Effects of maternal isocaloric diet containing different amounts of soy oil and extra virgin olive oil on weight, serum glucose, and lipid profile of female mice offspring

Background: Health status of offspring is programmed by maternal diet throughout gestation and lactation. The present study investigates the lasting effects of maternal supplementation with different amounts of soy oil or extra virgin olive oil [EVOO] on weight and biochemical parameters during gestation and lactation of female mice offspring

Methods: Eight weeks old female C57BL/6 mice [n=40] were assigned through simple randomization into four isocaloric dietary groups [16% of calories as soy oil [LSO] or EVOO [LOO] and 45% of calories as soy oil [HSO] or EVOO [HOO]] during three weeks of gestation and lactation. After weaning [at 3 weeks], all offspring received a diet containing 16% of calories as soy oil and were sacrificed at 6 weeks. Two-way ANOVA was used to adjust for confounding variables and repeated measures test for weight gain trend. Statistical analyses were performed with the IBM SPSS package

Results: At birth and adolescence, the weight of offspring was significantly higher in the soy oil than the olive oil groups [P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively]. Adolescence weight was significantly higher in the offspring born to mothers fed with 16% oil than those with 45% oil [P=0.001]. Serum glucose, triglyceride and total cholesterol were significantly higher in the LSO than LOO [P<0.001, P<0.001 and P<0.001], LSO than HSO [P<0.001, P=0.03 and P<0.001], and LOO than HOO [P<0.001, P<0.001 and P<0.001] dietary groups, respectively. Serum triglyceride and total cholesterol were significantly higher in the offspring of HSO than HOO fed mothers [P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively]

Conclusion: A maternal diet containing EVOO has better effects on birth weight, as well as weight and serum biochemical parameters in offspring at adolescence

Anatomical variations of the biliary tree found with endoscopic retrograde cholagiopancreatography in a referral center in southern Iran

Background: Anatomical variations in the biliary system have been proven to be of clinical importance. Awareness of the pattern of these variations in a specific population may help to prevent and manage biliary injuries during surgical and endoscopic procedures. Knowledge of the biliary anatomy will be also of great help in planning the drainage of adequate percentage of liver parenchyma in endoscopic or radiological procedures

Methods: All consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography [ERCP] from April 2013 to April 2015 at Nemazee Hospital, a referral center in the south of Iran, were included in this cross-sectional study. The patients with previous hepatic or biliary surgery, liver injury or destructive biliary disease were excluded from the study. All ERCPs were reviewed by two expert gastroenterologists in this field. The disagreed images by the two gastroenterologists were excluded. Huang classification was used for categorizing the different structural variants of the biliary tree, and the frequency of each variant was recorded

Results: Totally, 362 patients [181 men and 181 women] were included in the study. 163 patients [45%] had type Al Huang classification [right dominant], which was the most prevalent type among our patients. 55% of them had non-right dominant anatomy. The result of the Chi-square test revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the men and women regarding the anatomical variations [p = 0.413]

Conclusion: The anatomical variation in the biliary system among Iranian patients is comparable to other regions of the world. Significant proportions of our patients are non-right dominant and may need bilateral biliary drainage

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.

In vitro study of mebendazole [Anthelmintic drug] effects on the aspartate aminotransferase [AST] enzyme activity of hydatid cyst parasite

Hydatid disease is caused by the larva of Echinococcus granulosus parasite. Mebendazole [MBZ] is used as an alternative choice for the treatment of the disease

Aspartate aminotransferase [AST] is an essential enzyme in amino acid metabolism

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of MBZ on AST activity of hydatid cyst parasite in order to detect enzymatic parameter for drug efficiency. In the present study, AST activity was estimated in the extracts of untreated parasite [hydatid cyst protoscolices] and treated samples by MBZ [100 microg final concentration]

Samples' protein quantity and quality were detected by Bradford and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE] methods respectively

For the purpose of determining the significant difference between the two independent samples, t-test was conducted. The values of the assayed AST specific activities of treated and untreated parasite samples were measured as 0.18 and 1.53U/ml/mg protein respectively

The difference between AST activities mean values of the two groups proved to be significant [P<0.05]. SDS-PAGE demonstrated protein band of 50 kDa for AST enzyme. Considering the effect of the MBZ drug on AST activity in parasite, it can be concluded that this enzyme is useful for improving the drug efficiency?

[Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex infection assessment in schizophrenia and bipolar patients compared to healthy subjects]

Background and Aim: Some viruses [including herpes viruses] due to neurotropic properties and latency are considered as a possible factor in many central nervous system disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The aim of the current study was to assess the level of IgG antibodies against Herpes Simplex virus [HSV] and Epstein-Barr virus [EBV] in these diseases

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, a total of 92 serum samples including those of 46 patients admitted to Iran Psychiatric Hospital and 46 samples of the healthy personnel of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, as a control group, were assessed. The level of IgG antibodies against HSV 1 and 2 and EBV were tested using ELISA kits and the presence or absence of EBV genome [active infection] was examined by Real-time PCR. Finally, the obtained. Data were analyzed by means of IBM SPSS [V:22] software using Chi square test and T- test

Results: Prevalence of HSV 1 and 2 antibodies in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder [case group.] and healthy individuals [control group.] were 80/4% and 82/6%, respectively. The results showed no significant difference in HSV 1 and 2 antibody regarding P value [P=0.79]. Prevalence of EBV antibodies in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and healthy controls were 100% and 89/1%, respectively. The results showed significant differences between the two groups in terms of anti-EBV antibody titers with P value of 0.02. Besides, in order to detect the genome of EBV virus, Real-time PCR was u sedon 87 samples with positive EBV antibodies in which no EBV genome was detected

Conclusion: The findings showed a significant association between EBV infection with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but there was no significant association between herpes simplex viruses with the mentioned diseases

Comparative assay of protease enzyme activity in protoscolices [Hydatid cyst] and liver tissues

Hydatidosis is a zoonosis disease caused by the larva of Echinococcus granulosus parasite in man and animals. The Proteases enzymes are necessary for nutrition, migration and evasion of immunity of parasite into host. The aim of this study was to determine the protease activity of hydatid cyst protoscolices [PSC], healthy and cystic liver tissues in order to compare of this biomarker for host and parasite in hydatid disease. In this study, PSC were collected from sheep liver tissue infected with hydatid cysts at an abattoir and washed 3 times with PBS buffer. PSC samples were freeze-thawed and sonicated while collected liver tissues were homogenized. Extract solution samples were centrifuged and stored at - 20degree C. Protease enzymes activity was measured in the extract solutions of PSC and sheep liver tissue samples [healthy and cystic livers]. Samples protein concentrations and protein bands were detected using Bradford and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE] methods respectively. To determine significant difference between two groups, statistical t-test was performed. The values of protease enzyme activities in healthy, cystic and PSC were determined 0.0028, 0.0087 and 0.50U/ml/mg respectively. Elevation of protease enzyme activity in cystic liver as compared with healthy was not significant. Statistical T-test showed higher protease enzyme activity for PSC as compared to healthy [p<0.05]. SDS-PAGE confirmed 24 kDa and 54 kDa bands for protease enzyme in PSC samples and 24 kDa band in liver samples. Protease enzyme activity and molecular weight as compared to healthy liver tissues could be concerned as a comparative metabolic biomarker for host and parasite in hydatidosis

The effect of weight reduction on antioxidant enzymes and their association with dietary intake of vitamins A, C and E / Efeito da redução de peso sobre as enzimas antioxidantes e associação destas com a ingestão de vitaminas A, C e E

Objective Our goal was to assess the effects of weight loss on antioxidant enzymes of red blood cells and it’s relation with vitamins A, E and C intake in 30 obese women. Subjects and methods General information, anthropometric measurements, 3-day food recall, and fasting blood samples were collected from 30 obese women at the beginning of the study and after 3 months intervention. Weight loss was set at about 10% of their weight before the intervention. Results Glutathione reductase and catalase activities showed a significant increase (P < 0.01) after weight reduction, but no significant changes were seen in the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. There was a positive linear correlation between daily vitamin C intake with superoxide dismutase enzyme after intervention (P = 0.004, r = 0.507). There was a negative linear correlation between vitamin E intake and glutathione peroxidase activity before intervention (P = 0.005, r = -0.5). A negative correlation was found between daily vitamin A intake and glutathione reductase enzyme before and after intervention (r = -0.385, r = -0.397, P < 0.05) respectively. No significant correlation was observed between vitamins A, C, E amounts and catalase activity. Conclusions Ten percent weight reduction can have a significant role in increasing antioxidant enzymes activities, especially glutathione reductase, and catalase enzymes in obese women. However, it is important to take into consideration a balanced amount of certain nutrients while administering a diet with limited energy. .

Objetivo Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos da perda de peso sobre as enzimas antioxidantes de eritrócitos, e a relação destas com a ingestão das vitaminas A, E e C. Sujeitos e métodos Foram coletadas informações gerais e medidas antropométricas, registro alimentar de três dias e amostras de sangue em jejum de 30 mulheres obesas no início do estudo e depois de três meses da intervenção. A perda de peso determinada antes da intervenção foi de 10% do peso. Resultados As atividades da glutationa redutase e da catalase mostraram aumento significativo (P < 0,01) depois da perda de peso, mas não houve mudanças significativas nas atividades da superóxido dismutase e da glutationa peroxidase. Foi observada uma correlação linear positiva entre a ingestão diária de vitamina C e a enzima superóxido dismutase após a intervenção (P = 0,004, r = 0,507). Houve uma correlação linear negativa entre a ingestão de vitamina E e a atividade da glutationa peroxidase antes da intervenção (P = 0,005, r = -0,5). Foi observada uma correlação negativa entre a ingestão diária de vitamina A e a enzima glutationa redutase antes e depois da intervenção (r = -0,385, r = -0,397, P < 0,05), respectivamente. Não foram observadas correlações significativas entre as vitaminas A, C, E e os níveis e a atividade da catalase. Conclusões Uma redução de 10% no peso pode ter um papel significativo no aumento da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes, especialmente na glutationa redutase e catalase em mulheres obesas. Entretanto, é importante levar em consideração uma ingestão equilibrada de certos nutrientes ao se recomendar uma dieta com níveis de energia restritos. .

Maternal Obesity and Energy Intake as Risk Factors of Pregnancy-induced Hypertension among Iranian Women.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension is causing striking maternal, foetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in the world. A case-control study was conducted on 113 women with gestational hypertension and 150 healthy pregnant women at Shahid Akbarabadi Hospital of obstetrics and gynaecology in south of Tehran. Women who were obese (OR 4.44; 95% CI 1.84-10.72) before pregnancy were more likely to develop gestational hypertension. Proportion of having excessive gestational weight gain was positively and significantly associated with development of gestational hypertension (OR 2.70; 95% CI 1.19-6.13). Furthermore, findings revealed that women who were in the highest quartile of mid-arm-circumference had a 3-fold increased risk of gestational hypertension compared to women in the lowest quartile (OR 8.93; 95% CI 2.16-36.93). We found that having been in the highest quartile of energy intake positively correlated with increased risk of gestational hypertension (OR 9.66; 95% CI 3.30-28.21). The results suggest pre-pregnancy obesity, excessive gestational weight gain, and increased intake of energy as potential risk factors of developing gestational hypertension.

Effects of supplementation with omega-3 on insulin sensitivity and non-esterified free fatty acid (NEFA) in type 2 diabetic patients / Efeito da suplementação com ômega-3 sobre a sensibilidade à insulina e aos ácidos graxos livres não esterificados (AGNE) em pacientes com diabetes tipo 2

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the role of omega-3 supplementation on NEFA concentration, insulin sensitivity and resistance, and glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic patients. Subjects and methods: Forty-four type 2 diabetic patients were randomly recruited into two groups. Group A received 4 g/day omega-3 soft gels, and group B received a placebo for 10 wks. Blood samples were collected after 12-h fast. Physical activity records, three-day food records, and anthropometric measurements were obtained from all participants at the beginning and end of the study. Results: Omega-3 supplementation caused a significant reduction in NEFA in the intervention group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.009). Additionally, the administration of omega-3 resulted in significantly greater changes (Diff) for the intervention group in various parameters, such as insulin and Quicki indices compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in type 2 diabetic patients improved insulin sensitivity, probably due to the decrease in NEFA concentrations. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(4):335-40 .

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o papel da suplementação com ácidos graxos ômega-3 sobre a concentração de ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE), resistência e sensibilidade à insulina e metabolismo de lipídios em pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 2. Sujeitos e métodos: Quarenta e quatro pacientes com diabetes tipo 2 foram recrutados aleatoriamente e alocados em um de dois grupos. O Grupo A recebeu 4 g/dia de ômega-3 na forma de cápsulas gelatinosas e o grupo B recebeu placebo durante 10 semanas. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas após 12 horas de jejum. Registros da atividade física, da dieta de três dias e medidas antropométricas foram obtidos de todos os participantes no início e no final do estudo. Resultados: A suplementação com ômega-3 causou uma redução significativa na AGNE em comparação com grupo placebo (P = 0,008). Além disso, a administração de ômega-3 resultou em alterações significativamente maiores (Dif) em vários parâmetros, tais como a insulina, HOMA-IR e QUICKI, comparando com placebo (P < 0,05). Conclusões: A suplementação com ácidos graxos ômega-3 em pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 melhorou a sensibilidade à insulina, provavelmente devido à diminuição da concentração de AGNE. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(4):335-40 .

effect of vitamin A supplementation on disease progression, cytokine levels and gene expression in multiple sclerotic patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Multiple Sclerosis [MS] is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to degeneration of the brain and spinal tissue. Imbalances of CD4+ T cells including Thelper1 [Th1]/Thelper2 [Th2] and Thelper17 [Th17]/Tregulatory [Treg], their secreted cytokines and gene expressions, are important aspects of in immunopathogenesis of MS. Vitamin A and its metabolites can regulate the immune system and appears to be effective in preventing progression of the autoimmune disease such as MS. Disease progression was evaluated By Magnetic Resonance Imaging [MRI], Expanded Disability States Scale [EDSS] and Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite [MSFC] tests. Cytokine levels were measured using ELISA kits and gene expression was quantified by Real time PCR [RT-PCR] system. According to the difference between the epidemiological and clinical data on the relationship between vitamin A and immune system regulation, this study of the first time assesses Immune function as well as gene expression and progression of the disease following administration of vitamin A supplement

Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation on lipid and lipoprotein profile in hypertriglyceridemic subjects with different proliferator-activated receptor alpha genotypes

We determined the blood lipid-lowering effects of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] on hypertriglyceridemic subjects with Leu162/Val in exon 5 and G/C in intron7 polymorphism of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha [PPAR alpha]genotypes that, to our knowledge, have not been previously studied. A total of 170 hypertriglyceridemic subjects were enrolled and genotyped for Ala54Thr, Leu162Val, and intron 7 polymorphism by the use of a polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method. After determination of their genotypes, the first 23 eligible subjects who were found as Ala54 carriers and the first 23 eligible Thr54 carriers were enrolled in the study and stratified for PPAR alpha genotypes. Participants took 2 g of pure EPA daily for 8 weeks. Fasting blood lipid and lipoprotein profiles were determined and changes from baseline were measured. We observed significant difference between EPA supplementation and Leu162 and Val162, Interon 7 [GG and GC] carriers [P < 0.001]. We did not observe significant associations between the PPAR alpha L162V single nucleotide polymorphism and multiple lipid and lipoprotein measures. Although EPA consumption lowered lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in Leu162 and Val162 carriers and Interon 7 CC and GC carriers, these differences between the studied groups were not statistically significant. EPA consumption has a lipid-lowering effect in hypertriglyceridemic subjects in both Leu162 and Val162 carriers. But there was no significant interaction between EPA supplementation and PPAR alpha genotypes. Thus, genetic variation within the PPAR alpha Leu162/Val cannot modulate the association of EPA intakes with lipid and lipoprotein profile. However, we must note that the sample size in this study was small

Development and Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Assessing Dietary Calcium in Children

This study aimed to develop and validate a food frequency questionnaire [FFQ] for measuring calcium intake in 9-13 years old children in Tehran, Iran. A 56-item FFQ containing main contributors of calcium in Iranian diet was designed. Criterion validity of the calcium specific FFQ was evaluated through comparing its result with five 24-h recalls as the reference method. Reproducibility was measured by twice administration of FFQ, one month apart. The study was performed in the selected primary and middle schools of Tehran city. Subjects included 184 children aged 9-13 years [90 girls and 94 boys], who were recruited through two-stage systematic cluster sampling from 20 primary and middle schools. Mean calcium intake was 922.8 +/- 322.3 and 876.0 +/- 491.8 mg/d for the 24-h recalls and FFQ, respectively, indicating a mean difference of 46.7 +/- 458.7 mg/d [P<0.001]. Corrected Pearson's correlation was 0.57. Cross-classification analysis of the FFQ and 24-h recalls classified 80% of the subjects in the same or adjacent category, and 6% in the extreme quartiles. The FFQ correctly identified 85% of the children consuming less calcium than the age-specific Recommended Dietary Allowance [RDA] [1300 mg/d]. Pearson's correlation for repeated administrations was 0.65. Cross-classification analysis of the repeated administration of FFQ classified 81% of the subjects in the same or adjacent quartiles, and 3.3% in the extreme categories. The FFQ underestimates mean calcium intake of a group, and has limited use to estimate calcium intake for individuals. However, it has acceptable validity and reproducibility for epidemiologic studies to assess a group's mean calcium intake

[Relationship of conicity index, waist circumference, body mass index and physical activity with lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus]

Cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of death in diabetic patients and lipid disorders are among the main risk factors for these diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of Conicity index [CI], body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC] and physical activity [PA] with lipid levels and to determine the best anthropometric measurement predictor of lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes. A cross sectional study was conducted on 700 patients with type 2 diabetes. Measurements including weight, height, WC, BMI, CI and PA were obtained for each subject and fasting serum triglycerides [TG], total cholesterol [TC], HDL-cholesterol [HDL-C] and LDL-cholesterol [LDL-C] were documented. Overall, 97% of men and 95% women had abnormal CI. About 84.5% of participants had BMI over 25 [kg/m2]. In addition, 55.3% of men and 88.5% of women had abdominal obesity based on WC. There was significant increases in TG, TC and LDL-C and reduction of HDL-C with increasing CI quartiles. BMI showed significant and positive correlation to LDL-C. The correlation between WC and TG and LDL/HDL were also significant. PA showed a positive and significant correlation to HDL-C and negative correlation to BMI, WC, CI, and LDL / HDL in all subjects. CI, BMI, WC and PA have significant correlations to blood lipid disorders in type 2 diabetic patients and can be used in screening and predicting the risk of lipid disorders in type 2 diabetic patients. None of the measurements however showed a stronger relationship to these disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes

Evaluation of vitamin D status in newly diagnosed pemphigus vulgaris patients

Pemphigus vulgaris [PV] is an autoimmune blistering disorder of the skin or mucosa. Since low vitamin D status has been linked to many immune disorders, we designed this study to compare the vitamin D status in PV patients with healthy controls. In this case-control study, vitamin D status of 32 newly diagnosed PV patients was compared with 36 healthy control subjects. All patients were selected from the specialized dermatology departments of Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences in a 2-year period [2009-2010]. The severity of the disease was estimated according to Harman's scores. Serum concentration of 25[OH]D was measured by Roche Elecsys System. Data were analyzed by independent t-test. Both groups were similar based on sex, age and body mass index. The mean duration of disease was 5.57 +/- 0.93 months. The mean oral and skin severities were 1.81 +/- 0.20 and 2.31 +/- 0.17 respectively, based on Harman's scores. Serum 25[OH]D was significantly lower in PV patients compared to controls [-8.90; 95% CI, 2.29-15.51 and P = 0.009]. There was a negative correlation between vitamin D level and the oral severity of disease [r = -0.39 and P = 0.02]. PV patients had significantly lower serum level of 25[OH]D compared to healthy subjects which might contribute to worsen the disease. These data indicate the importance of improving vitamin D level in pemphigus patients

Triclabendazole effect on protease enzyme activity in the excretory- secretory products of fasciola hepatica in vitro

Fasciola hepatica is one of the most important helminthes parasites and triclabendazole [TCBZ] is routinely used for treatment of infected people and animals. Secreted protease enzymes by the F hepatica plays a critical role in the invasion, migration, nutrition and the survival of parasite and are key targets for novel drugs and vaccines. The aim of study was to determine the protease activity of excretory- secretory products [ESP] of F. hepatica in the presence of TCBZ anthel-mintic. F hepatica helminthes were collected and cultured within RPMI 1640 [TCBZ treated [test] and untreated [control]] for 6 h at 37 degree C. ESP of treated and control were collected, centrifuged and supernatants were stored at -20 degree C. Protein concentrations were measured according to Bradford method. Protease enzymes activities of ESP samples were estimated by using sigma's non-specific protease activity assay. ESP protein bands were detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE]. Mean protein concentrations in control and treated of ESP samples were determined 196.1 +/- 14.52 and 376.4 +/- 28.20 microg/ml, respectively. Mean protease enzymes activities in control and treated were 0.37 +/- 0.1 and 0.089 +/- 0.03 U/ml, respectively. Significant difference between proteins concentrations and protease enzymes activities of two groups was observed [P<0.05] SDS-PAGE showed different patterns of protein bands between treated and control samples. The TCBZ reduced secreted protease enzymes activities and possibly effects on invasion, migration, nutrition and particularly survival of the parasite in the host tissues

Activity assay of glutathione s-transferase [GSTS] enzyme as a diagnostic biomarker for liver hydatid cyst in vitro

The aim of this study was to detect the Glutathione S-Transferase [GST] enzyme activity of healthy / cystic liver as a diagnostic biomarker for hydatidosis. In order to compare with liver tissue, the level of the GSTs enzyme activityof parasite was also determined. Parasites were collected from sheep liver tissue with hydatid cysts at a local abattoir and washed with PBS buffer. Collected parasites and liver tissues were sonicated or homogenized respectively. Extract solution samples were centrifuged and stored at - 20 degree C. GSTenzyme activities were measured in the extract of parasite and liver tissue samples [healthy and infected livers]. Protein amounts and protein bands were detected using Bradford and sodium do-decyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE] methods respectively. To determine significant difference between two groups,two-sample/-test was performed. GST specific activities of healthy / infected livers and parasites were estimated 304, 1297 and 146 U/ml/mgrespectively. Significant higherGST specific activities in cystic liver than healthy liver was observed [P<0.05]. T-test analysis showed GST activity of parasite was lower than healthy liver tissue. SDS-PAGE showed GST protein bands with 24 kDa in parasite samples and25 kDa in liver tissues. GST activity incystic liver tissue could be concerned as a biomarker for hydatid cyst diagnosis with other hydatid disease parameters

White Blood Cell Count in Women: Relation to Inflammatory Biomarkers, Haematological Profiles, Visceral Adiposity, and Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

The role of white blood cell (WBC) count in pathogenesis of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesityrelated disorders has been reported earlier. Recent studies revealed that higher WBC contributes to atherosclerotic progression and impaired fasting glucose. However, it is unknown whether variations in WBC and haematologic profiles can occur in healthy obese individuals. The aim of this study is to further evaluate the influence of obesity on WBC count, inflammatory biomarkers, and metabolic risk factors in healthy women to establish a relationship among variables analyzed. The sample of the present study consisted of 84 healthy women with mean age of 35.56±6.83 years. They were categorized into two groups based on their body mass index (BMI): obese group with BMI >30 kg/m2 and non-obese group with BMI <30 kg/m2. We evaluated the relationship between WBC and platelet count (PLT) with serum interleukin 6 (IL-6), Creactive protein (CRP), angiotensin Π (Ang Π), body fat percentage (BF %), waist-circumference (WC), and lipid profile. WBC, PLT, CRP, and IL-6 in obese subjects were significantly higher than in non-obese subjects (p< 0.05). The mean WBC count in obese subjects was 6.4±0.3 (×109/L) compared to 4.4±0.3 (×109/L) in non-obese subjects (p=0.035). WBC correlated with BF% (r=0.31, p=0.004), CRP (r=0.25, P=0.03), WC (r=0.22, p=0.04), angiotensin Π (r=0.24, p=0.03), triglyceride (r=0.24, p=0.03), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) levels (r=0.3, p=0.028) but not with IL-6. Platelet count was also associated with WC and waist-to-hip ratio (p<0.05). Haemoglobin and haematocrit were in consistent relationship with LDLcholesterol (p<0.05). In conclusion, obesity was associated with higher WBC count and inflammatory parameters. There was also a positive relationship between WBC count and several inflammatory and metabolic risk factors in healthy women.

Eicosapentaenoic acid improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar in overweight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a double-blind randomised clinical trial

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder in humans, and its incidence is increasing rapidly worldwide. Although polyunsaturated fatty acids have beneficial effects on diabetes mellitus, previous data regarding the possible positive effects of n-3 fatty acids on glycaemic indices were inconclusive. We conducted a double-blind randomised clinical trial to determine the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, on overweight patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial was conducted on a total of 67 overweight patients with T2DM for a duration of three months. Of these 67 patients, 32 received 2 g purified EPA daily, while 35 received a placebo of 2 g corn oil daily. The patients' fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum insulin, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin sensitivity indices were assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After three months of EPA supplementation, the group that received EPA showed significant decreases in FPG (p < 0.001), HbA1c (p = 0.01) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.032), when compared to the placebo group. EPA supplementation resulted in decreased serum insulin levels, with the levels between the EPA and placebo groups showing a significant difference (p = 0.004).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results of our study indicate that EPA supplementation could improve insulin sensitivity. It was able to decrease serum insulin, FPG, HbA1c and HOMA-IR. EPA could have beneficial effects on glycaemic indices in patients with T2DM.</p>