Determination of phenolic compounds in Pinus eldarica by HPLC

The antioxidant components have been identified in some pine species. Antioxidant properties of proantocyanidins reduce free radicals induced by DNA fragmentation and lipid proxidation and also proanthocyanidines could curb lipid peroxidation. In this study, we analyzed different parts of Pinus eldarica [bark, seed and needle] and assessed their antioxidant contents. Pine specimens were collected from four different geographic locations in Tehran. The HPLC method [UV detector, C[18] reverse phase column, 4.6 mm [25 cm, and water/ H[3]PO[4]/ methanol/ acetonitril as eluant] were employed for evaluating total polyphenols. The wavelength for detection of polyphenolic compounds was 280 nm in this study. The highest range of total polyphenols was detected in the bark of this pine, specially reported a considerable amount of tyrosol in Pinus eldarica. Tyrosol stimulated resistance to oxidative stress and also has anti aging effect. The high amount of total phenolic compounds in P. eldarica bark might be attractive for future research considering its health benefits

Effects of pinus eldarica medw. Nut extract on blood glucose and cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus type 2 with dyslipidemia is a common disease. Previous studies suggest that chemical constituent present in pinus eldarica [P. eldarica] nut posesess antioxidant properties and positively affect glucose metabolism. However blood glucose and cholesterol lowering effects of P. eldarica nut have not been studied so far. The present study was undertaken to explore the possiblility of anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects of the P. eldarica nut extract in hypercholesterolemic diabetic rats. Sixty male wistar rats six months of age from central animal house of the institute of medicinal plants were selected. 10 rats were kept as normal group and diabetes was induced in the remaining rats by intraperitonial injection of 120 mg/kg aloxan monohydrate. After one week the diabetic rats with fasting blood glucose between 180 to 250 mg/kg were assigned to 5 groups of 10 rats each and were fed on hypercholesterolemic diet. One group was kept as control group [untreated diabetic rats] and P. eldarica nut extract in doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg was gavaged daily to the remaining rats. After one month, the fasting blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were determined in all groups. The results indicate that fasting blood glucose in 200 and 400 mg/kg P. eldarica nut extract treated groups significantly decreased [P=0.000 and P=0.000] and fasting blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not change significantly compared with control group. P. eldarica nut extract lowers blood glucose level withought affecting blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels in hypercholesterolemic diabetic rats

[Cardiovascular diseases in the elderly]

The Iranian elderly population is rapidly growing. Currently more than 5 million Iranians are over 60 years of age which corresponds to nearly 7.26 percent of the population of the country. It is estimated that more than 10 percent of the population of the country will be elderly in the forthcoming twenty years. Structural and physiological changes which occur in the elderly cardiovascular system include: stiffness of the vasculature, decreased relaxation capacity of the heart during diastole, decreased efficiency of cardiac contraction during exercise, weakened heart muscle response to stimulation by adrenaline, and orthostatic hypotension. In the elderly people we are confronting with increased frequency of cardiovascular diseases especially myocardial infarction, stroke, isolated systolic hypertension, calcific aortic stenosis, orthostatic hypotension, and syncopal attacks due to sick sinus syndrome, complete heart block, atrial fibrillation or other rhythm disorders. Alteration in cardiovascular status in the elderly has undesirable effects on their quality of life and longevity. Myocardial infarction is the most common cause of death in the elderly; however cardiac arrhythmias and valvular heart disease are other important cardiovascular disease in the old people. Diagnosis of these disorders in the elderly requires special consideration since coexistence of structural/functional changes in the old age with cardiovascular disease would alter the classic features of these disorders and result in delay in their appropriate management. Biological aging as evaluated by reduced telomere length has a strong impact on the incidence of cardiovascular disorders especially coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure. This phenomenon could possibly explain interindividual susceptibility to cardiovascular disorders

Association of physical activity with risk of type 2 diabetes

Physical activity has shown to prevent type diabetes 2. However, the type, intensity and amount of effective physical activity as well as individuals' needs according to level of their risk for type 2 diabetes have not been clarified comprehensively. This study investigated a relation between moderate aerobic physical activity >/= 150 minuets/week with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes among obese and non-obese residents of south of Tehran, Iran. This study, which was a part of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors Survey in Tehran population Lab region, was designed and conducted based on MONICA/WHO project. Totally, 1552 adult inhabitants of 17[th] district of Tehran were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity was assessed by MONICA Optional Study of Physical Activity questionnaire. Diabetes was defined as a history of a prior diagnosis of diabetes or fasting serum glucose >/= 126 mg/dl. All data analyses were conducted using SPSS 17 software for Windows. In a multivariate model, moderate aerobic physical activity >/= 150 minuets/week was significantly associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes in all and non-obese subjects [OR= 0.56; 95%CI: 0.35-0.91 and OR= 0.50; 95%CI: 0.26-0.94, respectively]. There was no significant relation between the physical activity and type 2 diabetes risk in obese subjects [OR=0.64; 95%CI: 0.30-1.39]. Moderate aerobic physical activity >/= 150 minuets/week was significantly associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes in non-obese people and could be an acceptable exercise goal for these individuals. However, obese people should be investigated more to produce a tailored exercise guideline to this population at high risk of type 2 diabetes

Heme oxigenase 2 gene polymorphisms as genetic risk factor in atherosclerosis in Iranian patients

Heme oxygenase 2 [HMOX2] is an important antioxidative stress enzyme found in the endothelial cells of blood vessels and adventitial nerves. This enzyme in collaboration with heme oxygenase 1 metabolizes heme molecules into ferrous iron, carbon monoxide [CO] and biliverdin while the later is further converted to bilirubin. Both biliverdin and bilirubin are potent antioxidants, reducing the chance of atherosclerosis. HMOX2 also induces endothelial relaxation by synthesizing CO. Heme oxygenase 2 gene mutations were studied in 137 patients with atherosclerosis and in 100 normal controls. Pairs of primers were designed to amplify 2[nd], 3[rd] and 5[th] exons of HMOX2 gene. These products were analyzed by single strand conformation polymorphism [SSCP] analysis and the shifted fragments were separated from SSCP polyacrylamide gel for further sequencing. Two sequence variations were observed among 13 patients with atherosclerosis, consisting of C to A substitution in codone A70D [GCC to GAC] which was reported for the first time and A to G substitution in codone K89E [AAG to GAG]. A significant association was noticed between A to G mutation in codon K89E of hemoxygenase 2 gene and the risk of atherosclerosis was supported with p=0.01 and chi[2]>6.82. However, no significant associations were observed among C to A substitution in codon A70D, p=0.11 and chi[2]>2.97 and the risk of atherosclerosis. Our findings denoted to the importance of K89E mutation in the development of atherosclerosis in Iranian cases. Further studies are required to show the importance of hemoxygenase 2 gene mutation in other populations

Coronary heart disease and associated risk factors in Qazvin: a population-based study

In a cross-sectional study in Qazvin, Islamic Republic of Iran, 846 residents [425 men and 421 women] aged >/= 25 years were assessed for coronary heart disease and its associated risk factors comparing ischaemic and non-ischaemic groups. The age-adjusted prevalence of possible myocardial infarction, ischaemic ECG changes and angina pectoris were 4.2%, 36.8% and 2.2% respectively. There was no difference in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index between ischaemic and non-ischaemic groups. There was a significant association between possible myocardial infarction and hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and smoking in women. There was also a significant association between ischaemic ECG changes and waist'hip ratio in women and between ischaemic ECG changes and hypertension in men

Review of anti-diabetic medical plant used in traditional medicine

Diabetes is a type of body metabolic derangement that leads to high blood sugar level following low action or lack of insulin. Several type of antidiabetic drugs are used for treatment of high blood sugar level. But due to lack of effective treatment, dietary modification and other alternative intervention is fundamental to successful treatment of diabetes whether it is type I or II. Epidemiological evidence indicates strong correlation between the processed food diet habits and incidence of diabetes. However the reestablishing a traditional diet and lifestyle as well as alternative treatment of diabetes may reduce the incidence and late complication of type II diabetes. Herbal preparation are used by diabetic patients in all societies even in industrialized countries especially among unsuccessfully treated patients and those who are candidate for insulin therapy. As most of the physicians advice their patients not to use herbal medicine, the diabetic patients will use it without knowledge of their physicians. This type of herbal therapy may lead to drug interaction or false and unstable blood glucose level monitoring. The present review covers advance knowledge of herbal medicine including: Allium cepa L., Allium sativum L. Mamordica charantia L., Gymnema sylvestre L., Trigonella foenum graecum L., Atriplex halimus L., Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ginkgo biloba L., Silybum marianum L. Gaertn., Citrullus colocynthis [L.] Schrad, Securigera securidaca L. Camellia sinensis L. and some flavanoids in the management of diabetes

effect citrullus colocynthis [L.] schrad. fruit on oxidative stress parameters in type II diabetic patients

Increased production of oxidative stress intamediates in chronic diabetic patients has been reported in several studies. A close relation between the treatment of diabetes and intensity intermediates of oxidative stress has been demonstrated. In the present study effects of Citrullus colocynthis fruit on oxidative stress intermediates in type II diabetic patients is investigated. 44 male and female type II diabetic patients were randomly allocated in two groups of 22 patients each. One group received 100 mg Citrullus colocynthis capsule and the other group received placebo 3 times a day plus standard therapy. The biochemical parameters such as glycosylated hemoglobin [HbAlc], fasting blood glucose, levels as well as oxidative parameters such as glutathione, superoxid dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde were determined at the beginning and the end of the study after two months. Result indicated a significant decrease in HbAlc and fasting blood glucose level in Citrullus colocynthis fruit treated patients after two months as compared to beginning of the treatment and also as compare to placebo group. The oxidative stress indicators such as glutathione, superoxid dismotase, catalase and malondialdehyde were not changed significantly in either group after two months of treatment. In type II diabetic patients Citrullus colocynthis fruit treatment improved glycemic profile but did not affect oxidative stress parameters

[ effects of consumption of w-3 fatty acid enriched eggs on plasma lipid profile, insulin and CRP]

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [Omega3PUFA] have a protective effect against atherosclerosis. We aimed to assess the effect of consumption of Omega3PUFA enriched eggs on blood lipid profiles, fasting insulin and high sensitivity C-Reaction protein [hs-CRP] in healthy volunteers. 42 healthy college students were divided randomly into two groups. The first group consumed two [Omega3PUFA enriched eggs per day and the second [control] group consumed two standard eggs per day for 6 weeks. Anthropometric and blood samples measurements were assessed to evaluate metabolic parameters 3 days before and 6 weeks of egg consumption. Omega3PUFA intake and decreased systolic blood pressure significantly in the first group. Total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C] didn't change in the first group while they increased significantly in the control group. High density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] increased significantly while triglyceride, Insulin and CRP decreased significantly in the first group. Our study indicates that Omega3PUFA enriched egg could be regarded as a safe and useful food resource with beneficial effects on blood lipid profiles, insulin and -CRP

[Review of antihyperlipedemic herbal medicine]

Hyperlipedimia especially increased blood cholesterol level is a chronic metabolic disease with several risk factor in etiology. Although several lipid-lowering drugs are prescribed but still hyperlipedimia is a main corn stone of attention in patients suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Presently, the use of herbal medicines for prevention and control of chronic hyperlipidemia is in the focus of attention for both the patients and physicians. The reasons for such shift toward the use of herbal medicine include: the expensive cost of conventional drugs, adverse drug reactions, and good efficacy of lipid lowering herbal medicine. Epidemiological studies indicate that diet restriction, alternative treatment and use of herbal medicine are a low coast and good direction in for controlling hyperlipedimia. Presently the use of herbal medicine by hyperlipedimic patients is considerably increases even in industrialized societies. However its uses is more pronounce among those patients which are resistant to conventional drug therapy. Although herbal therapy may induce beneficial effect, but due to irregular consumption and unspecified doses may render unsatisfactory lipid control and even herbal-conventional drug interaction. In present article the efficacy, drug interaction and side effect of common antihyperlipidemic herbal medicine is reviewed

relationship between ischemic heart disease and coronary risk factors in population aged over 25 in Qazvin: a population-based study

Coronary heart disease [CHD] is the first and the most common cause of death in all age groups and both sexes in Iran. To determine the CHD prevalence among the population of Qazvin. In this cross sectional study, 501 males and 499 females aged 25 or more [mean 47.1 +/- 11.9 yr] were assessed for the presence of CHD. Twelve lead ECG was obtained for each participant over 30 years old. The CHD risk factors were compared between normal and ischemic groups. The Minnesota code was used for ECG coding. Age adjusted prevalence of possible MI, ischemic ECG and angina pectoris were 2.5%, 18.9%, and 1.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference between mean values of systolic/diastolic blood pressure among ischemic ECG and possible MI groups when compared with normal group. Also, the comparison of mean values for BMI in ischemic ECG and possible MI groups with normal group shown to be insignificant, statistically. There was a significant association between possible MI and hypertension, type II diabetes, and smoking in females. The data were also indicative of a significant relationship between the ischemic ECG and WHR in females and hypertension in males. Meanwhile, the possible MI was more frequent in smokers than non smokers. Based on results obtained in our study, CHD was directly associated with age and smoking in all sex and age groups and also with hypertension and diabetes in females. So, regarding the high prevalence of asymptomatic CHD, the screening and preventive measures for CHD risk factors seem to be necessary

[Cardiovascular risk factors study in the inhabitants of Tehran University of medical sciences population lab: statistical design and sampling]

Cardiovascular disorders are responsible of nearly fifty percent of deaths in industrial and developing countries. However numerous studies have revealed considerable differences in distribution of cardiovascular risk factors at the national, regional and ethnic levels. There is a necessity to elucidate the status of all recognized risk factors in any population to attribute these differences in the incidence of cardiovascular events to the changes in some risk factors or natural history of the disease in that society. The study of cardiovascular risk factors in the 17th zone of Tehran is performed according to the model of MONICA project of WHO. In this project the trend of cardiovascular events and their association with changes in risk factors is monitored in more than twenty countries and 35 centers. In this article we describe some aspects of the statistical design and sampling procedure of our aformentioned study such as sampling framework, sampling methods and its rationale, best size of clusters, sample size and sample selection in each cluster

[Prevalence of hypertension and correlated risk factors among 25-64 aged inhabitants of tehran university of medical sciences population lab region]

Introduction: hypertension is the most important modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Hypertension is the leading global risk factor for mortality and as the third leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease burden. This survey has been conducted to determine the prevalence of hypertension among the inhabitants of 25-64 aged in 17th zone of Tehran, selected as Population Lab Region

Methods: in a population-based cross-sectional survey conducted based on MONICA/WHO project, blood pressure measured with standard sphygmomanometer in sitting position after 10 minutes of resting in 1573 people. Blood samples collected in Venoject tubes for laboratory evaluation. Analysis was performed using the more conservative threshold of SBP >/= 160 mm Hg and/or DBP>/= 95 mm Hg according to the criteria of the World Health Organization [WHO]

Results: a total of 1573 persons [615 men and 958 women] were evaluated. Hypertension prevalence [SBP>/=160 or DBP>/=95 or using antihypertensive drugs] was 29% in men and 34.8 in women. There was a significant correlation between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and BMI [p<0/0001]. 58% of men and 55.8% of women with hypertension were obese [35>BMI>27].The mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure had meaningful correlation with cholesterol, LDL, HDL, TG and homocysteine

Conclusion: these results revealed that the prevalence of hypertension among this population was greater than supposed. The hypertension trend from 1992 is rising. Obesity is one of the most important associated risk factors of hypertension. High prevalence of other cardiovascular risk factors is a matter of concern to this population

[Distribution of lipid disorders in the inhabitants of Tehran University of medical sciences]

Introduction: hyperlipidemia is a major cardiovascular risk factor. This survey has been performed to determine the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in the 17th zone of Tehran

Methods: 1573 individuals 25-64 aged were recruited from the inhabitants of the 17th zone of Tehran through one stage cluster sampling. Standard questionnaires were filled out for all of the participants. Lipid profile was categorized according to the NCEP:ATP III criteria

Results: 59% had ideal cholesterol levels, 27.1% borderline and 13.9% had high cholesterol levels. Hypercholesterolemia was more prevalent in women than men. 55% had ideal LDL-cholesterol level. Prevalence of hyper-LDL [>160mg/dl] was 2.3%. Hyper LDL was more prevalent in women than men [p<0.001]. Prevalence of hypo-HDL was 13.8% and it was more common in men than women [p<0.001]. 33.4% had high triglyceride levels

Conclusion: prevalence of dyslipidemia in this area of Tehran is not as high as that obtained from other urban studies. This fact should be considered in the future interventional programs which focus on noncommunicable disease management

[Evaluation of obesity and overweight and their changes pattern among 25-64 aged inhabitants of Tehran University of medical sciences population lab region]

Background: obesity and overweight, as the most common metabolic disorders, are great health problem during recent decades. Obesity takes a role as independent or concordant risk factor for many diseases. So, it has a considerable share in burden of morbidities and mortalities. Urbanization and its consequences in increasing of incomes and per capita energy uptake, besides the notable reduction in physical activities are the main causes of increased rates of obesity in developing countries. This survey has been conducted to evaluate the obesity and overweight status and their pattern among the inhabitants of 25-64 aged in 17th zone of Tehran, selected as Population Lab region

Methods: this study is a part of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors Survey in the Population Lab region. This survey has been designed and conducted based on MONICA/WHO project. A total of 1573 people have been recruited and assessed on age, weight, height, waist and hip circumferences. Body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC] and waist-to-hip ratio [WHR] were determined for comparing between groups

Results: there was a significant difference in mean BMI between two sexes [26.13 kg/m2 in men vs. 28.86 kg/m2 in women]. As well, WC and WHR were diverse between men and women [WC: 91.70 cm vs. 89.15 cm WHR: 0.91 vs. 0.85, respectively]. Obesity prevalence was 18.6% among men and 38.3% among women. Prevalence of high WC and abnormal WHR were higher among women than men

Conclusion: these results revealed that prevalence of obesity among adults was very high. The prevalence in women was more than two times than in men. This finding may be in part because of little physical activity and high proportions of carbohydrates intake instead of protein in daily energy uptake and also because of physiological differences among women. Proper and effective planning to achieve applied strategies for improving the social knowledge and awareness and also improving the life style and nutrition status of the people is highly necessitated

[Evaluation of prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in inhabitants of Tehran University of medical sciences population lab]

Introduction: metabolic syndrome includes obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, glucose intolerance, hypertension and lipid profile abnormalities. The risk of cardiovascular diseases with this syndrome is higher than every components alone. In view of its burden and high mortality rate, this syndrome should be noted

Methods: the 25-64 aged individuals in 17th zone of Tehran were studied. It was designed according to the WHO MONICA [Multinational Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease] project using the ATP III criteria. The parameters have been used for the risk analysis were Waist Circumference [WC], fasting serum triglycerides [TG], high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C], blood pressure [BP] and fasting plasma glucose [FPG]

Results: the crude prevalence rate of the metabolic syndrome was 29.9% and the age-adjusted prevalence was 27.5%. The prevalence increased with age. The highest prevalence among different age-groups was seen in women aged 55-64 years. In the whole population, the most metabolic abnormalities were hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension that were present in more than half of the population. The people with metabolic syndrome had higher BMI than rest

Conclusion: results demonstrate high metabolic syndrome rate among target population specially in women. In view. of correlation between metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, it must be the priority of interventional preventive measures. Improving the diet, changing the lifestyle and increasing physical activity can be helpful

[Food and nutrient intakes among 20-60 aged inhabitants of Tehran University of medical sciences population lab region]

Introduction: nutrition plays an important role in the protection and promotion of health. To plan and implement programs aiming at improving community nutritional status, a knowledge of the existing situation is essential. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine food and nutrient intakes of the inhabitants in Tehran University of Medical Sciences population laboratory

Methods: in a sample of 310 women and 185 men, selected by clustered random sampling, food intake was determined using the 24-hour dietary recall [on two non-consecutive days]. Weights and heights were also measured on the first visit. For analysis of data, Dorosti Food Processor, Diet Analysis plus and SPSS software were used

Results: the average [mean +/- SD] intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, vitamin A, B2 ,B6 ,B12, folic acid, zinc, iron, and calcium were 2902+/-336cal, 88+/-15gr, 461+/-69gr, 80+/-19gr, 27+/-7gr, 272+/-112mg, 943+/-319[micro]gr RE, 1.2+/-.35mgr, 1.2+/- .37mg, 2.9+/-2.67[micro]gr, 294+/-73.7[micro]gr, 10.48+/- 2.25mg, 28.90+/-5.81mg, and 537+/-123mg in men, and 2226+/-234cal , 66+/-11gr, 344+/-41gr, 70+/-14gr, 22+/-6gr , 205+/-85mgr ,882+/-291[micro]gr RE, .88+/-.22mg, 1.14+/- .24mg, 2.2+/-2.07[micro]gr, 270+/-60.7[micro]gr, 8.65+/-1.62mg, 22.66+/-4.27mg, and 433+/-113mg in women, respectively. The average [mean +SD] daily numbers of servings of the food guide pyramid main groups, namely, grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat were 12.74+/-3.80 ,1.52+/-1.44, 4.30+/-2.74, .97+/-.72 , and .9+/-.98 in men, and 9.8+/-3.3, 2.87+/-2.06, 2.88+/-2.40, .82+/-.60, and .86+/-.84 in women, respectively. Most of these intakes are under current recommendations. Thirty eight percent of the men and 23% of the women had a daily cholesterol intake of at least 300 mg. In addition, the proportions of the men and women with a daily total fat intake of at least 75 gram was 43% and 35%, respectively

Conclusion: the findings show that while the intake of most micronutrients is lower than respective RDAs, the intake of fat and cholesterol are higher than the current recommendations. This indicates that the community is undergoing nutrition transition. It is recommended that further studies be conducted to identify more comprehensively nutritional problems of the community in question, so that appropriate programs can be prepared and implemented

[Smoking status and trends in risk factors for cardiovascular disease in inhabitants of Tehran University of medical sciences population lab region]

Introduction: cigarette smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and it has been identified as the single most important cause of cardiovascular accident related deaths in most countries

Methods: 1573 people who lives in 17th zone of Tehran [Population Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences] were investigated by a cross- sectional study. A group of trained persons collected data by the standard questionnaire that contained demographic and smoking status characteristics. Furthermore the fasting blood samples were taken for more evaluation. Data were analyzed with SPSS software

Results: according to this study 37/4% of men and 4/2% of women were smoker. There were relationship between cigarette smoking and serum level of homocysteine, Folic Acid, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Uric Acid, hypertension and BMI [P<0/05]. But it was no significant with vitamin B12 and TG statistically

Conclusion: there were relationship between cigarette smoking and male gender, age, unmarried status and the level of education. So public education should be accomplished in society specially among families for prevention of cardiovascular risk factors

[Evaluation of total plasma homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12 in 25-64 aged inhabitants of Tehran University of medical sciences population lab region]

Introduction: elevated plasma total homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a sensitive marker of vitamin B12 and folate insufficiency. Folate and vitamin B12 have a protective effect on cardiovascular disease. This effect may be partly explained by mechanisms independent of homocysteine. This survey is the first population based study to evaluate the plasma total homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12 in 1214 healthy Iranian persons

Methods: this study which was a part of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors Survey in the Population Lab region, has been designed and conducted based on MONICA/WHO project. A total of 1214 people have been recruited and assessed on serum homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12 with interview, questionnaires, examination and blood sampling. Blood samples were gathered in Venoject tubes and analyzed according to standard methods

Results: the variables were assessed in 1214 participants include 428 men [35.3%] and 786 women [64.7%]. Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 96.4% in men and 83.3% in women [p<0.0001]. Geometric mean of serum homocysteine was 19.02 +/- 1.46 [micro]mol/l in men and 14.05+/- 1.45 [micro]mol/l in women [p<0.004] and increased with age. Folic acid deficiency was seen in 527 [98.9%] men and 833 women [98.0%]. 161 [30.1%]men and 232[27.2%] women had vitamin B12 deficiency

Conclusion: these results revealed that the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency was higher than other communities considerably. Preventive interventions as food fortification with folic acid is necessary

[Study of Psyllium [Plantago ovata L.] effects on diabetes and lipidemia in the Iranian type II diabetic patients]

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and is high in both fiber and mucilage. The beneficial effect of dietary fiber in the management of type II diabetes has not been totally demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to determine the plasma- lowering effects of 5 g b.i.d. of psyllium husk fiber, as an adjunct to dietary therapy, on lipid and glucose levels, in Iranian patients with type II diabetes. Patients were randomly selected from an outpatient clinic of primary care to participate in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in which Plantago Psyllium or placebo was given in combination with a low fat diet. Forty-nine subjects were included in the study that were given diet counseling before and then followed an 8-week treatment period. Fasting plasma glucose was measured every 2 weeks, and total plasma cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and insulin levels were measured every 4 weeks. Glycosylatd hemoglobin was also measured at the beginning and end of the treatment period. The test products [psyllium or placebo] were supplied to subjects in identically labeled foil packets containing a 5-g dose of product, to consume two doses per day [of 5 g each one], half an hour before breakfast and dinner. Both products were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events related to treatment reported in either. Some of the psyllium patients reported that their gastric tolerance to metformin became better. Fasting plasma glucose, and Glycosylated hemoglobin, showed a significant reduction [p < 0.05], whereas HDL cholesterol increased significantly [p < 0.05] following Psyllium treatment. Our results show that 5 g b.i.d. of Psyllium for persons with diabetes is safe, is well tolerated, and improves glycemic and lipid control in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia