Comparison of atherogenic index and lipid profiles in candidates for coronary artery bypass graft surgery versus normal people

Information on incidence and risk factors of cardiovascular disease [CVD] is rare in the Middle East. This study aims to compare Iranian candidates for coronary artery bypass graft [CABG] surgery and healthy controls in terms of lipid profile, atherogenic index of plasma [AIP], and atherosclerosis index [ASTI]. The individuals recruited in this study were 135 CVD patients before CABG surgery and 135 healthy subjects matching in age with the cases. Lipid profiles of the two groups were analyzed with a commercial kit. The AIP and ASTI indexes were calculated with related formula. The TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-c parameters were dramatically changed [p<0.01] between study groups. AIP and ASTI indexes were significantly higher in patients than in healthy people [p=0.001]. In individuals with CVD, it is suggested to measure these indexes in order for effective diagnosis before CABG surgery

A Comparative in-vitro study between the interaction of aqueous extracts of Ephedra, Nepeta, and Hymenocrater with histone proteins

Background and Aim: Ephedra, Nepeta, and Hymenocrater herbs have long been used in the treatment of many diseases, but their interactions with cellular components, especially nuclear proteins, are still unknown

On the other hand, in the eukaryotic cell nucleus histone proteins play a main role in the packaging of the genetic material as chromatin. The present study aimed at comparing the in-vitro interactions of aqueous extracts of Ephedra, Nepeta, and Hymonocarater with histone proteins

Materials and Methods: Histone proteins type 2A were purchased from Sigma company and aqueous extract of Ephedra, Nepeta and Hymenocrater were prepared in the research laboratory of Birjand University of Medical sciences. Different concentrations of the aqueous extracts were incubated with histone proteins, then analyzed by UV-Spectroscopy and Circular dichroism

Results: Aqueous extract of Nepeta increased maximum absorbance of histone proteins at 210 nm, but the reduction in absorbance was shown at its high concentration. The absorbance of histone proteins also changed in the presence of the aqueous extract of Ephedra and Hymenocrater and it decreased to zero at higher concentration of Ephedra. Circular Dichroism studies demonstrated that the structure of histone proteins changed in the presence of mentioned aqueous extract; the observed effect of the aqueous extract of ephedra was higher than Nepeta and Hymenocrater

Conclusion: The aqueous extracts of ephedra, Nepeta,and Hymenocrated interacted with histone proteins and changed their structure. The effect of ephedra was higher than others

Comparison between oxidative stress [8-OhdG, MDA] and atherogenic risk [AIP] factors in type 2 diabetics and healthy people: a case-control study

Background and Aim: Oxidative stress and atherogenic dyslipidemia are the main complications in type 2 diabetics. The present study aimed at comparing between serum 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] and atherogenic index plasma [ARP] levels in type 2 diabetics and normal people

Materials and Methods: In this study the relevant data of 50 type 2 diabetics ,who had referred to Emam Reza educational hospital and serum samples of random 50 healthy subjects, aged 27-70 yrs, was collected

The levels of 8-OHdG, AIP, and MDA in type II diabetics were measured by means of ELISA and TBARS, respectively. Their lipid profiles and plasma autherogenic indices were assessed through an autoanalyser

Results: The case and control groups were homogenized regarding some demographic components such as age and gender .It was found that serum levels of 8OHdG,MDA, and AIP were significantly higher in the patients compared to the healthy controls ,aged 27-70 yrs [P<0.05, r=0.31]. But, no significant relationship was found between 8OHdG and MDA [P=0.91, r=0.02]

The high rate of lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation in type II diabetics can reveal outstanding oxidative stress predisposing them to CVDs complications

Conclusion: The lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation in diabetic patients were indicated high oxidative stress in these patients, which can cause post complications such as cardiovascular disease

[Epigenetic mechanisms and their effects on cancer incidence and treatment: a review study]

Both genetic and epigenetic changes are effective in cancer incidence and development. Epigenetic processes are alternations of DNA and histones conformations, chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, post-translational modifications of histones and microRNAs patterns which are associated with genes expression or inhibition of them in cells. Some of reversible epigenetic changes such as DNA and histcone conformation alternations related to drug interaction, stabilization of telomeric quadruplex sequences, DNA hypermethylation and histone acetylation and phosphorylation have been recognized as promising novel therapeutic targets in various cancers. In the present review, molecular mechanisms of epigenetics, epigenetic changes in tumors, and epigenetic based treatments are discussed

[Quantitative and comparative analysis of major metabolites [crocin, picrocrocin and safranal] in different packages of Iranian saffron by HPLC]

Saffron is the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. which has various therapeutic properties in addition to its use as a spice. More than 80% of the world present production of saffron which is about 190 tons is produced in Iran. To compare the quality of saffron' from different parts of the world, researcher used one sample from each country. Since cultivation of saffron is done in different geographical areas of Iran, it seems that the results of these studies, using only one sample of Iranian saffron, are not consistent with the scientific and statistical rules. More over the results of therapeutical studies using saffron extracts from different sources with different concentrations of effective elements would not give reproducible results. As an affirmative reason, here we compared the saffron's important components, crocin, picrocrocin and safranal, from different packages produced by some companies. Five certified saffron packages, prepared by different companies named: Ehteshamiyeh, Tarvand, Abbaszadeh, Sabagh and Novin-Saffron were analyzed using HPLC with an UV/Vis detector. To avoid the conflict of inerest, these samples were randomly labeled as 1 to 5. Results indicated that all of the samples contained these ingredients at the standard levels, but the highest level of crocin as a carotenoid was seen in the sample 3, and sample 1 and 2 contained the highest concentrations of monoterpene aldehydes, picrocrocin and safranal, respectively. According to the obtained results and the vast area under the saffron cultivation with various climates, it is confirmed that one sample of saffron is not a measure of all of the Iranian saffron. Our research is continuing