Vitamin D status of type 2 diabetic patients compared with healthy subjects in the Islamic Republic of Iran

An inverse relationship has been shown between vitamin D deficiency and type 2 diabetes mellitus[DM]. In this cross-sectional study in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, a country with a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, we determined the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among 90 type 2 DM patients and 90 healthy subjects. Based on serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the rates of deficiency[< 50 nmol/L] and insufficiency[50-75 nmol/L] were 59.0% and 27.0% respectively in patients with type 2 DM, and 47.0% and 24.0% respectively in healthy subjects. Using the national cut-offs for vitamin D deficiency, 64.0% women with DM and 47.4% of healthy women were suffering from different degrees of vitamin D deficiency. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in men with type 2 DM and healthy men were 42.7% and 22.2% respectively. None of the differences between the 2 groups was statistically significant

[ effect of tomato juice on serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, CRP and TNF-alpha of over-weight or obese girl students of Tehran University of Medical Science]

Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant. Tomato products improve antioxidant defenses and reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases, at least partly due to the presence of lycopene. Lycopene, as an anti-inflammatory agent, prevents the production of inflammatory cytokines. Obesity is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the increased level of body fat leads to an increase in circulating inflammatory mediators. We hypothesized that the consumption of a lycopene-rich food would reduce inflammation in people with overweight or obesity. One hundred and six overweight or obese female students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were enrolled and randomly allocated to an intervention group [n=53] or a control group [n=53], consuming 330 ml/day of tomato juice or water respectively, for 20 days. At baseline and day 20, serum concentrations of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and high sensitivity C-reactive protein were analyzed by ELISA and compared between groups. Serum concentrations of interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group and compared to the baseline. Subgroup analysis indicated that this effect was confined to subjects who were overweight. Among obese subjects, serum interleukin-6 concentration was decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group, with no observed differences in interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Tomato juice reduces inflammation in overweight and obese females. Thus, increasing tomato intake may provide a useful approach for reducing the risk of inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, associated with obesity

[Evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of total and free sialic acid levels for the diagnosis of bladder cancer and its relation to the stage and grade of tumor malignancy]

Background: Bladder cancer is the second most common urological malignancy. Cystoscopy is the "gold standard" for the detection of bladder cancer, but is invasive and relatively expensive. This study aimed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of serum levels of free and total sialic acids as tumor markers in the diagnosis of bladder cancer

Materials and Methods: In this study, the diagnostic value of blood samples collected from 58 patients with bladder cancer and 60 normal subjects were evaluated. The spectrophotometrical Aminoff's method was used for measuring serum levels of free and total sialic acids. After comparing the mean values for the mentioned parameters, ROC curve was used to calculate the sensitivity and specificity and other diagnostic values of markers

Results: The mean values for total sialic acid and free sialic acid were higher in cancer patients than in normal healthy controls [P<0.001]. The sensitivity and specificity of total sialic acid at the cut-off point of 48.75 mg/dL were 91% and 82%, respectively and also the sensitivity and specificity of free sialic acid at the cut-off point of 0.708 mg/dL were 81% and 80%, respectively. Moreover, a positive correlation was seen between the serum levels of total, free sialic acids and stage or grade of the tumor

Conclusion: Our results revealed that the measurement of serum levels of these parameters using some simple, non-invasive, inexpensive, and reproducible tests can diagnose the bladder cancer and provide important clinical findings on the extent of the malignancy and also reduce the number of cyctoscopies

[Effects of brewer's yeast on blood pressure and serum lipoproteins in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients]

The increasing trend of prevalence of diabetes mellitus, a diet-related chronic disease has prompted research to find ways to control it. Brewer's yeast may have a potential role because its glucose tolerance factor [GTF] may have beneficial effects on insulin receptors in diabetic patients. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of brewer's yeast supplementation on serum lipoproteins and blood pressure in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] patients. In a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial 84 adults [21 men and 63 women, 46.3 +/- 6.1 years old] with T2DM were recruited and divided randomly into 2 groups of 42 subjects each, one receiving brewer's yeast [six 300-mg capsules/day, total 1800 mg] and one [control group] receiving a placebo [6 capsules/day] for 12 weeks. Body weight, height, body mass index [BMI], food consumption [based on 24-hour food recall], fasting serum lipids and lipoproteins [total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-c and HDL-c], and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS-Ver 18.0], the statistical tests being the independent t-test, paired t-test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and analysis of covariance. Brewer's yeast supplementation brought about statistically significant reductions in diastolic and systolic blood pressures [5.7 +/- 0.6 mm Hg, p=0.001 and 4.1 +/- 1.5 mm Hg, p=0.007, respectively] after 12 weeks. Changes in LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides and total cholesterol were no-significant. Further analysis of the data showed significant differences between the brewer's yeast and control groups with regard to diastolic [p<0.03] and systolic [p<0.05] blood pressure at the end of the period. Dietary supplementation with brewer's yeast can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients

Serum selenium, zinc, and copper in early diagnosed patients with pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris is a life threatening, blistering skin disease. It is an autoimmune abnormality. Due to involvement of oral cavity and pharynx, patients are at risk of nutrients deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of selenium, copper, and zinc in these patients. In a case-control study, 43 newly diagnosed pemphigus vulgaris patients were compared with 58 healthy people from 2009 to 2010. The severity of the disease was estimated according to Harman's scores. Serum selenium was measured with atomic absorption but serum zinc and copper concentrations were determined spectrophotometrically. Data were compared with independent t test. Correlations were evaluated by Pearson correlation test. Both groups were the same based on sex, age, and weight and body mass index. The mean duration of disease was 5.6 month. The oral and skin severities were 1.79 and 2.3 respectively, based on Harman's scores. Serum selenium of pemphigus patients was significantly less than that of healthy people [P<0.001]. Serum copper was negatively correlated with duration of disease in males [P=0.02, r=-0.5]. Pemphigus vulgaris negatively affects on serum selenium, copper and zinc. It seems that serum selenium, copper and zinc decrease as the disease lasts longer

Beta-carotene, vitamin E, MDA, glutathione reductase and arylesterase activity levels in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis

Many studies have investigated the possible role of reactive oxygen species in the etiology and pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA]. The aim of this study was to investigate the activities of some antioxidants in RA patients. In this case-control study, 59 RA patients and 60 healthy sex and age-matched controls were selected. Vitamin E and Beta-carotene were determined using HPLC. Erythrocytes glutathione reductase [GR] activity was measured spectrophotometrically, and malondialdehyde [MDA] was determined by colorimetric method. Arylesterase activity [AEA] was measured by Phenylacetate. The clinical data were determined by a rheumatologist, medical history and filling the questionnaire by interview. Statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS software. In patients with RA, serum MDA level was significantly higher and plasma concentration of vitamin E, Beta-carotene and GR activity, were significantly lower than healthy control [P<0.001]. AEA activity differences between two groups were non-significant. Oxidative stress may play an important role in the inflammation and pathogenesis of RA

Relationship between serum zinc and insulin concentration, insulin resistance and oxidative stress in postmenopausal diabetic women

The metabolism of Zine [Zn], an essential nutrient, changes in diabetes. It has been shown that there is a relationship between Zn and both, type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM] and type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM]. Increased lipid peroxidation in diabetic patients leads to MDA production. This study aimed to investigate relationships between serum Zn concentration and insulin, insulin resistance and oxidative stress in postmenopausal diabetic women. We studied 45 diabetic women and 45 healthy ones [controls] with BMI 25-30 kg/m2 and age 45-60 y. Fasting blood sugar [FBS], serum zinc, insulin, insulin resistance and MDA were determined in both groups. There were non significant correlations between Zn, insulin [r= -0.06] and insulin resistance [r = -0.027] and MDA [r = -0.09] as well in diabetic group. There were no significant relationships between serum zinc and insulin, insulin resistance and MDA in postmenopausal diabetic women

Effect of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and vitamin e on the blood levels of inflammatory markers, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation in iranian basketball players

Exercise can change the release of numerous cytokines and modulate their receptor systems. Dietary w-3 lipids may decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins [PGs]. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of exercise and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] supplementation, with or without vitamin E, on the blood levels of IL-2, TNF-alpha catalase, glutathione reductase, and MDA in male basketball players. Thirty-four well-trained male basketball players were enrolled into the study. Venous blood samples were obtained from all subjects between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., after intensive endurance exercising for 2 hours, at the baseline and after intervention. Subjects received 2g EPA and/or 400 IU vitamin E or placebo depends on their groups for 6 weeks. There were significant fall [paired /-test] in TNF-a in groupl [P< 0.05], and in MDA in group 3 [P<0.05], whereas there were significant increase in glutathione reductase in groups 1 and 3 [P< 0.05], and in MDA in group2 [P< 0.05].There were significant differences [Tukey] in glutathione reductase between groups 2 and 3 [P< 0.05], and in IL-2 between groups 1 and other groups [P< 0.01], but there were no significant differences in MDA, CAT, and TNF-a, among groups after 6 week of intervention. Six weeks of EPA+vitamin E supplementation enhances the plasma levels of IL-2 and erythrocytes glutathione reductase, whereas it reduces TNF-alpha, and 6 weeks of EPA supplementation alone enhances only the serum level of MDA

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

[Relationship between serum zinc and leptin concentrations in postmenopausal diabetic women]

Leptin, a hormone secreted by the adipocytes, plays a key role in a feedback loop that maintains energy balance by signaling the state of energy stores to the brain and by influencing the regulation of appetite and energy metabolism. Zinc [Zn] also plays an important role in appetite regulation. It has been shown that Zn deficiency decreases appetite and that Zn supplementation increases it. Our aim is to evaluate the relationship between serum Zn, and leptin in postmenopausal diabetic women. We studied 45 diabetic women and 45 healthy women [controls] with Body Mass Index [BMI] 25-30 kg/m[2] and age 45-60y. Serum leptin, serum zinc, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], and Interleukin-6 [IL-6] were determined in diabetic and healthy groups. Comparisons were performed with the t test in diabetic and healthy groups. Linear regression was used to evaluate the relations among different variables in the two groups. There was a non-significant, negative correlation between serum leptin and zinc in postmenopausal diabetic women [r=0.14], and, a non-significant, positive correlation between serum leptin and zinc in postmenopausal healthy women [r=0.10]. TNF-alpha and IL-6 have no significant effects on the relationship between serum zinc and leptin in postmenopausal diabetic and healthy women. There was no significant relationship between serum leptin and zinc in postmenopausal diabetic women. The pathophysiological pathways by which zinc and leptin regulate energy intake and appetite and the detailed mechanism between them need to be further clarified by future studies

Relationship between serum leptin concentration and inflammatory factors and oxidative stress in postmenopausal type II diabetic women

Leptin, a hormone secreted by the adipocytes, has a role in the pathogenesis of obesity and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM]. There are relationships between Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] and lnterleukin-6 [IL-6] with Body Mass Index [BMI] and insulin resistance. Increased lipid peroxidation leads to produce MDA in diabetic people. It have been shown that, there are relationships between leptin and TNF-alpha, IL-6, and MDA, showing that increased lipid peroxidation leads to MDA production in diabetics. This study investigates relationships between serum leptin concentration and inflammatory intermediate and oxidative stress in postmenopausal diabetic women. We studied 45 postmenopausal diabetic women and 45 postmenopausal healthy women [controls], aged between 45-60 y and with BMI 25-30 kg/m2. Fasting blood sugar, serum leptin, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and MDA were determined in postmenopausal diabetics and healthy women, and comparisons were performed using the t test in the diabetic and healthy groups. Pearson correlation was used to evaluate the relations among different variables in two groups. There were non significant correlations between leptin and TNF-alpha [r=0.2] and IL-6 [r= -0.06] in postmenopausal diabetic women, and also between leptin and MDA [r= 0.04] in postmenopausal diabetic women. There were no significant relationships between serum leptin and TNF-alpha, IL-6, and MDA in postmenopausal diabetic womer It seems these relationships need to be further clarified in future studies with larger sample sizes

effect of conjugated linoleic acids, vitamin E and their combination on lipid peroxidation in active rheumatoid arthritis

Reactive oxygen species [ROS] have important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA]. We investigated the effect of conjugated linoleic acids [CLAs] and vitamin E on lipid peroxidation. In a randomized, double-blind placebo, controlled, clinical trial 87 patients with active RA were enrolled. They were divided into 4 groups, received one of the following daily supplement for 3 months; 1- group C: 2.5 gr CLA, that contained 2 gr 50:50 mix of cis 9-trans 11 and trans 10-cis 12 CLAs, 2- group E: 400mg Vitamin E, 3-group CE: CLAs plus vitamin E, 4-group P: placebo. After supplementation Glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] level increased in C, E and CE groups, CE group had lower GSH-Px than P group [P

Assessment of blood pressure status and its relationship with anthropometric indices among women in rural areas of Kerman province, Iran

High blood pressure [BP] is one of the most important modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, anthropometric indices such as body mass index [BMI], waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio [WHR] can independently and sometimes more severely lead to BP changes. The objective of this study was to assess BP status and its relationship with anthropometric indices among women in rural areas of Kerman province, Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed on 370 women of reproductive age [20-45 years old]. General information were gathered from each sample using questionnaire and face-to-face interview. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were measured and BMI and WHR were calculated for each subject. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA], independent t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient tests. 15.9% and 22.8% of subjects were obese and abdominal obese [WHR>0.8] respectively. 14.3% of subjects were also hypertensive. BP significantly increased with weight, BMI, WHR, waist circumference and number of pregnancy. Furthermore, BMI was positively associated with systolic blood pressure [SBP] and diastolic blood pressure[DBP] [r=0.26,p<0.002 and r= 0.32, p<0.0001 respectively]. There was also a positive correlation between WHR with SBP [r=0.22, p<0.003] and DBP [r=0.24, p<0.002]. In addition, waist circumference was positively correlated with DBP [r=0.18,p <0.05]. Anthropometric indices have positive and significant correlation with blood pressure changes in women of reproductive age. It is generally recommended to consider weight control and body fitness for hypertension prevention in women

[Assessment of body mass index and its relationship with iron status indices among women in rural areas of Kerman province, Iran]

Prevalence of obesity has increased steadily and markedly in both Westernized and non-Westernized countries. Few studies have examined the relationship of anthropometric indices with iron status indices. The objective of the present study was to assess the body mass index [BMI] status and its relationship with iron status indices among reproductive age group women in rural areas of Kerman province, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 370 reproductive age group women [20-45 years old] were selected. General information data were gathered from each person using questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Body weight and height was measured for each subject and BMI was calculated. Venous blood samples were drawn from subjects and plasma separated. In the study, iron status was assessed by measuring the concentrations of hemoglobin, plasma ferritin and hematocrit. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA] and pearson's correlation coefficient tests. The mean BMI of subjects was 24.3 Kg/m[2]. 19.7% and 15.9% of subjects were overweight and obese respectively. Mean BMI significantly increased with age [p<0.0001] and number of pregnancy [p<0.002]. Furthermore, BMI was positively associated with age [r =0.32, p<0.0001] and number of pregnancy [r = 0.26, p<0.003]. Mean hemoglobin and plasma ferritin concentrations were significantly greater in higher weight and BMI quartiles. The hematocrit was also significantly greater in higher BMI quartiles. From these observations, it is concluded that obesity and overweight are important nutritional problems in rural women in Kerman province. In addition, obese women had higher iron stores than did the non-obese women. Therefore, obese reproductive age women are at low risk of depleting iron stores

Effect of vitamins A, E, C and omega-3 fatty acids on lipid peroxidation in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

To assess the effect of supplementation with vitamins A, E and C and omega-3 fatty acids on lipid peroxidation in Streptozotocin [STZ] induced diabetic rats. Sixty four male wistar rats weighting 250g were divided into four groups as normal control, diabetic control, diabetic with vitamin A, E as well as C supplementation and diabetic with omega-3 fatty acids supplementation. After four weeks of treatment the rats were anesthetized and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels were investigated in blood samples, liver and heart homogenate. In diabetic rats MDA level in plasma, liver and heart was significantly more elevated than normal control rats [P< 0.05]. Vitamin A, E and C supplementation caused significant decrease in plasma, liver and heart MDA [P< 0.05]. A significant decrease in heart MDA [P< 0.05] was observed in diabetic rats with omega-3 fatty acids supplementation. Supplementation of vitamin A, E and C and co-3 fatty acids was found to decrease lipid peroxidation to some extent in diabetic rats and they can be valuable candidates in the treatment of the complications of diabetes

Effect of a high- protein diet on plasma inflammatory proteins in obese women

Obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The abnormalities involved may be mediated by increased secretions of inflammatory proteins called adipocytokines by the adipose tissue. Thus, monitoring adipocytokines during weight loss could be helpful in progress evaluation of weight reduction programs. Since high-protein diets are considered diets of choice for weight reduction in some communities, their effectiveness should be re-evaluated. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of a standard-protein diet with a high-protein diet on weight loss and biochemical health indices, e.g., the blood lipid profile and plasma inflammatory proteins, in obese women. Twenty-eight 20-48 year-old obese women [BMI= 30-41 kg/m[2]] were divided into 2 groups. One group was assigned to a high-protein diet [HP, protein supplying 30% of energy] and one to a standard-protein diet [SP, protein supplying 15% of energy]. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were measured at the beginning and after 10 weeks. The magnitude of weight loss [6.0 +/- 2.3 kg on HP and 4.9 +/- 2.4 kg on SP; P = 0.43] and fat loss [4.6 +/- 2.1kg on HP and 3.9 +/- 2.0 kg on SP; P = 0.63] did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Insulin sensitivity index improved more on the HP diet [P = 0.01]. The reduction in the serum triacylglycerol concentration was significant in both groups [HP, P= 0.005; SP, P = 0.03] without any diet effect. Total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C did not change significantly in either group. On the other hand, plasma leptin decreased more on the HP than on the SP diet [diet effect; P<0.05]. No significant changes in adiponectin, TNF-a, IL-6 or log CRP were observed after weight loss, although there was an desirable trend in all these inflammatory proteins. The high-protein diet was more effective in lowering plasma leptin concentration and improving insulin sensitivity than the standard-protein diet. However, the magnitude of weight loss and changes in the serum lipid or plasma inflammatory protein levels did not differ significantly between the energy-restricted high-protein and standard-protein groups

Plasma level of antioxidant vitamins and lipid peroxidation in breast cancer patients

Oxidative stress arises when there is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species [ROSs] and scavenging capacity of antioxidants, and it can induce and progress many diseases such as breast cancer. The present study was conducted to investigate the status of plasma antioxidative vitamins [E and C] and lipid peroxidation on 50 untreated breast cancer patients and 50 healthy age-matched women. The results revealed that plasma vitamin E and vitamin E adjusted for the sum of cholesterol and triglycerides decreased significantly in patients group [P< 0.05]. We could also observe that vitamin E adjusted for lipid was significantly different in various stages of breast cancer. On the other hand, the level of malondialdehyde increased significantly in patients as compared to the controls [P <0.05]. There were no significant changes in plasma vitamin C between two groups. According to the findings, attention to the level of plasma antioxidant vitamins and lipid peroxidation is of great importance to promote the level of health in women suffering from breast cancer

Blood superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in women affected with breast cancer

Experimental and epidemiological evidences implicate the involvement of oxygen derived radicals in the pathogenesis of cancer development. Oxygen derived radicals are able to cause damage to membranes, mitochondria and macromolecules including proteins, lipids and DNA. Accumulation of DNA damages has been suggested to contribute to carcinogenesis. It would, therefore, be advantageous to pinpoint the effects of oxygen derived radicals in cancer development. We investigated superoxide dismutase [SOD] and Catalase [CAT] activities in the whole blood of 50 breast cancer [BC] patients and 50 healthy and age matched women. The rate of SOD and CAT activities in BC patients was significantly lower [P<0.001] than controls. No effect of stage on SOD and CAT activities was observed. The results of our study have shown a higher reactive oxygen species [ROS] production and decreased SOD and CAT activities, which support the oxidative stress hypothesis in carcinogenesis. The relative lower SOD and CAT activities may not be adequate to detoxify high levels of H[2]O[2] into H[2]O leading to the formation of the most dangerous OH radical. Therefore, administration of antioxidants may be helpful in the management of BC patients. However, elaborate clinical studies are required to evaluate the role of such antioxidant enzymes [AOE] in BC management

new method for the purification of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase from human erythrocytes

The human erythrocyte is a rich raw material for the purification of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase [SOD]. We applied a simple and rapid procedure for the purification of SOD from human erythrocytes by ion exchange chromatography. The purified SOD had a specific activity of 2285.6 u/mg protein and gave a single band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate [SDS] and each of its to subunit has a molecular weight about 18600 daltons [SOD molecular weight is 37200 daltons].The physicochemical properties of the enzyme obtained by this method are identical to those of the native protein.This procedure appears, therefore, to be a convenient and easily method for isolating this enzyme

Anemia due to folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies in some pregnant and non-pregnant women in Kerman city

Fifty-three pregnant and 58 non-pregnant women, attending one of the hospitals in Kerman city, were selected according to set criteria and included in the study. The mean age was 24 years and the mean panty two. Nutritional status was assessed on the basis of blood and serum biochemical parameters. Results obtained showed that 4%, 3%. 17%, 12% and 13.3% of the women have low level of Hb, Hct MCV MCHC and MCH, respectively. Also, the percentages of women suffering from a deficiency of folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron were 16.9%, 7% and 8.7% respectively. In 18.7% of the subjects the transferrin saturation percentage was lower, and in 46.6% of them TIBC was higher, than normal