effects of vitamins e and d supplementation on erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a public health problem worldwide. Increment of reactive oxygen species [ROS] production may be one of the contributing factors of tissue damage in atopic dermatitis. The present study was designed to determine the effect of vitamins E and/or D on erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in patients with atopic dermatitis. In a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial 45 atopic dermatitis patients were divided into four groups. Each group received one of the following supplements for 60 days: group A [n = 11] vitamins E and D placebos; group B [n= 12] 1600 international unit [IU] vitamin D3 plus vitamin E placebo; group C [n=11] 600 IU synthetic all -rac-a tocopherol plus vitamin D placebo; group D [nM] 1600 IU vitamin D3 plus 600 IU synthetic all -rac-a tocopherol. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase activities, serum 25 [OH] D, plasma a-tocopherol were determined. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance [ANOVA] and paired /test. After 60 days vitamin D and E supplementation, erythrocyte SOD activities increased in groups B, C and D [P= 0.002, P= 0.016 and P= 0.015, respectively]. Erythrocyte catalase activities increased in groups B and D [P= 0.026 and.P= 0.004, respectively]. The increment of erythrocyte catalase activity was not significant in group C. There was a positive significant correlation between SOD activity and serum 25 [OH] D [r= 0.378, P= 0.01]. It is concluded that vitamin D is as potent as vitamin E in increasing the activities of erythrocyte SOD and catalase in atopic dermatitis patients

Colocalization of lichen planus and vitiligo: challenging the universality of current theories

Vitiligo and Lichen Planus, two common dermatologic disorders, are expected to coexist. This leads to diverse theories regarding their immunopathogenesis linkage. In this case, we report a twenty-year-old man suffering from simultaneous lichen planus and vitiligo which were both generalized at the time of observation and also concomitant throughout their entire course of progression. Lichen Planus papules were located on sun-exposed areas and non sun-exposed areas; both on vitiligenous areas and non-vitiligenous areas diminishing current theories about the association of the two diseases. Since we did not have the patient's consent to perform a series of biopsies, we were unable to evaluate dermatopathology of the two diseases at different sites in regard to sun exposure. Further extensive researches on larger scales seem warranted to propose any kind of theory regarding their interconnection

[ status of preventive dental services in Tehran]

The control and reduction of dental caries as well as oral health promotion can be expected only if proper preventive services are available to communities. Every dentist can play an important role in prevention of common oral diseases while providing routine dental services. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of preventive dental care provided by dentists practicing in Tehran. One hundred and fifty five General dentists with at least two years of experience were selected through systematic random sampling, from twenty two districts of the capital city Tehran. A questionnaire was used to collect information about the type of patient visited and services rendered to them, such as dental health education, nutrition instruction, fluoride and sealant therapy as well as the level of dentist's satisfaction of preventive care provided. Five dentists [3.12%] didn't offer any preventive services. However, 61.2% of the dentists delivered dental health education to their patients, 81.3% provided fluoride therapy, and 80.6% fissure sealant therapy to their patients. Some 94.8% of dentists reported that they emphasized the role of personal preventive care to their patients. Only 12.9% of the dentists were satisfied from their preventive services provided to their patients. As the best possible resorts, 41.7% of the dentists suggested oral health education; and 34.6% recommended expansion of dental insurance coverage by insurance companies in order to cover the cost of preventive dental services. The preventive dental services provided by dentists in the city of Tehran are not sufficient yet. Oral health promotion in this population may be facilitated by 1] patient education, 2] changing dentists' attitude, and 3] dental insurance reform

Evaluation of industrial dyeing wastewater treatment with coagulants and polyelectrolyte as a coagulant aid

Textile industry is the major source of water consumption and wastewater pollution. There are various treatment techniques to remove textile wastewater pollution. Coagulation-flocculation is a widely used process to remove pollution due to suspended particles. In this research, different coagulants like Alum, Lime, FeCl[3], FeSO[4] and MgCl[2] were applied to select the suitable ones with optimum removal efficiency. Settling characteristics of flocs formed in the coagulation process were studied in a laboratory scale settling column unit. Parameters such as color, COD, TSS, turbidity and settled sludge volume have been evaluated. The optimum coagulant dose and pH value were determined by comparing the effectiveness of these coagulants. Results showed other coagulants except lime could eliminate color and COD successfully. In this case, FeSO[4] was chosen as an optimum coagulant for color removal because of the lowest required coagulant dose, minimum settled sludge volume and maximum decolorization

[Frequency of skin lesions among 1135 diabetic patients and their association with microvascular complications]

Diabetic patients encounter numerous skin lesions. The present study surveyed the frequency of skin lesions among 1135 diabetic patients and their association with microvascular complications. For this cross sectional study, 1135 diabetic patients [type II diabetes mellitus] wee selected through Iranian Diabetes Association, dermatologic and endocrine disease clinics in Tehran. They were all examined and skin culture, smear or biopsy was obtained when necessary. Blood pressure, weight and height were measured and neuropathy was determined using Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Retinopathy was evaluated by a ophthalmologist and all subjects were checked for FBS, HbA[1]c and albuminuria. Totally 1135 diabetic patients including 516 males [45%] and 619 females [55%] with the mean age of 54+/-11 years and the mean disease duration of 9+/-7 years were enrolled. Skin lesions were found in 64% of the subjects. The mean age, mean disease duration, retinopathy, and neuropathy were significantly higher among subjects with skin disorder. Diabetic dermopathy was by far the most common presentation observed in 32.3% of subjects. Acantosis nigricans was found in 26.4% of subjects. Skin lesions are quite common among diabetic patients. Some may denote microvascular complications while the others may reveal poor blood sugar control