[Antibiotic resistance pattern of E.coli isolated from urine culture in 660 army clinical laboratory center in Tehran 2008]

Urinary tract infections are the second most common type of body infection. E.coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infection both sex. For this descriptive study a total 4494 urine samples were examined during one year [2008-2009] in 660 Army Medical Laboratories. The urine cultures and Antibiogram profiles were performed by Kirby- Bauer method according to NCCLS standards. Data analyzed by SPSS software ver. 16. A total of 4494 urine samples were analyzed that out of each 456 samples were showed the significance growth. The most frequently detected gram negative bacterium was E.coli in 257 cases [10.1%]. The most antibiotic resistance rates of E.coli detected from urine culture were to Ampicillin, Co-trimoxazol and Gentamycine with 80%, 37%, 27.7% frequencies respectively. Furthermore, Norofoloxazin and Nitroforantoin had the highest sensitivity 89.6% and 89% respectively. Present findings demonstrated the significance of resistance E.coli that was detected from urine culture to various group of antibiotic drugs caused by the irregular use of antibiotics

Micro-shear bond strength of a nanofiller bonding with and without thermocyding in a newly invented device

Estimation of the survival of dental materials is especially important when manufacturing new materials. Thermocycling can greatly help in this respect. The purpose of this study was to evaluate micro-shear bond strength of a nanofiller bonding with and without thermocycling in a newly invented device. In this experimental study, human third molars were sectioned into 1.5 mm slices after extraction and disinfection. Clearfil Tri-S nanofiller bond was applied to the dentin part of sections according to the manufacturer's instructions. Clearfil AP-X composite resin was placed over the dentin using tubes with 0.75 mm internal diameter and one mm height and light cured. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups and subjected to thermocycling in a newly invented device for zero, 3000 and 5000 cyclesbetween 5 +/- 2°C and 55 +/- 2°C. Micro-shear bond strength was measured by microtensile tester with a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min. Obtained data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Tukey's test was used for multiple comparisons with a 95% confidence interval. The mean micro-shear bond strength after zero, 3000 and 5000 thermal cycles was found to be 19.27 +/- 4,56, 17.00 +/- 6.52 and 11.58 +/- 4.64 MPa, respectively. The reduction in bond strength between zero and 3000 thermal cycles was not statistically significant [P=0.3] but this reduction between zero and 5000, as well as 3000 and 5000 cycles was statistically significant [P0.002 and P0.03, respectively]. Increase in number of thermal cycles for more than 3000 reduces the micro-shear bond strength of Tri-S bonding agent

Molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in Iranian children, Tehran, Iran

Cryptosporidium is a worldwide protozoan parasite and one of the most common causes of infection and diarrhea in humans and cattle. The aim of the present study was determination of subtypes of Cryptosporidium among children with diarrhea in Tehran by sequence analysis of the highly polymorphic 60-kDa glycoprotein [GP60] gene. Fecal samples were collected from 794 diarrheic children. Initial identification of Cryptosporidium was carried out on stool samples by Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast staining method. DNA was extracted from positive microscopically samples and Cryptosporidium genotypes and subtypes were determined, accordingly. Out of 794 collected samples, 19 [2.40%] were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Sequences analysis of GP60 gene showed that 17 [89.47%] of the positive isolates were Cryptosporidium parvum and 2 [10.52%] were C. hominis. All subtypes of C. parvum isolates belonged to allele families IIa [6/17] and IId [11/17]. The most common allele in all 17 isolates belonged to IId A20G1a [41.18%]. A22G1 [IF] subtype was detected in two C. hominis isolates of the children. The predominancy of C. parvum species [specially, IId A20G1a subtype] in current study underlines the importance of zoonotic Cryptosporidium transmission in Iran

Evaluating outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis in military personnel referring to the 554 military Zanjan hospital in 2008

Leishmaniasis is one of the important parasitic diseases in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.Iran is one of the endemic areas of cutaneous leishmaniasis in worldwide. Staff of the Armed Forces, sometimes, are forced to accommodate in or around cities and villages thus they are at the risk of this disease and they can transfer the disease to other parts of the country. In this study cutaneous Leishmaniasis status has been studied in patients referring to a 554 military Zanjan hospital in 2009. This study is descriptive and cross-sectional. The military personnel with Leishmaniasis returning from the south west of the country [Fakeh] were examined according to questions of a questionnaire. This Study was done on 37 cases of positive cutaneous Leishmaniasis referred to the 554 military Zanjan hospital. Most of the patients had one scar [54.1%]. The wounds were mostly on hand [35.1%] and then foot [24.3%]. 90% of patients did not notice their bites, because the bite may had no symptoms and pain at first. The results of this study shows that prevention and control among the troops is necessary and recommended before the establishment of camps in the endemic areas of leishmaniasis

[Cryptosporidium genetic diversity based on analysis of COWP, SSU-rRNA and TRAP-C2 polymorphic genes in children with diarrhea in Tehran and qazvin provinces: a survey from Iran]

Since Cryptosporidium is a worldwide distributed protozoan parasite and is considered as one of the most common causes of infection and diarrhea in humans with autoimmune deficiency, as well as in young live stock, molecular epidemiologic studies of cryptosporidiasis will be helpful for underlying transmission and molecular pathogenesis of Cryptosporidium in humans. The aim of the present study was to determine the species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium among children with diarrhea in Tehran and Qazvin provinces by PCRRFLP using the three polymorphic regions of SSU-rRNA, COWP and TRAP-C2 genes. 1263 stool samples were collected from the children less than 12 years with diarrhea who referred to Pediatrics Medical Centers in Gazvin and Tehran Provinces, Iran, during 2005-2007. After determination of the presence of Cryptosporidium oocytes by ZiehlNeelsen acid, fast staining genomic DNA was extracted. Nested PCR-RFLP was performed by -rRNA, COWP and TRAP-C2 genes. Results of microscopically positive samples showed that the overall prevalence of infection in children was 31 [2.5%]. Results of nested PCR amplification showed that of 31 isolates of children, all of three targeted gene were successfully amplified. Our results indicated that the zoonotic transmission is the main mode of infection in Iran and indicates that direct or indirect contact with animals, especially calf, is possibly the main route of human infection

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

Therapeutic effect of sodium selenite and zinc sulphate as sup-plementary with meglumine antimoniate[glucantime] against cutaneous leishmaniasis in BALB/C Mice

Successful therapy of leishmaniasis depends on effective cellular immune response. We evaluated the effectiveness of sodium selenite and zinc sulphate as known immunomodulator materials, in combination with Glucantime in treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions resulting from Leishmania major in susceptible animal model. Thirty three female mice weighing 18-20 g at the age of 7-8 week infected with L. major were randomly divided into 3 groups: group1: treated by sodium selenite [0.35 mg/kg for 30 days], group2: treated by zinc sulphate [2 mg/kg for 30 days] and group3: treated by distilled water [0.01 ml/gr body weight for 30 days] as control. All groups received Glucantime as a standard anti- leishmanial agent [60 mg/kg, ip] for 14 days. To assess the results of treatment measurement of lesions size and parasitological tests were done weekly. The lesion sizes increased continuously in sodium selenite group .Although, in zinc group did not increase compared to baseline but with considering the time- group interaction there was no significant difference between zinc and control group during this study. There was no difference between lesion sizes and Leishmanial loads in the interventional and control groups, respectively. Sodium selenite and zinc sulphate at mentioned doses and duration of treatment did not show any treatment effect on cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. major in BALB/c mice. Increasing the dose of supplements and considering the follow up period after treatment can help more certain conclusion

Effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplements on serum lipids, apolipoproteins and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetes patients

In order to test whether hyperlipidaemia and glycaemic control can be improved among diabetes patients by dietary supplementation with purified omega-3 fatty acids, we carried out a doubleblind, placebo-controlled trial on 50 type 2 diabetes patients randomized to 2 g/day purified omega-3 fatty acids or placebo for 10 weeks. Fasting triglycerides decreased significantly with supplementation relative to placebo [P = 0.01]. There was a significant decrease in ApoB-100 and malondialdehyde compared to baseline values and compared to the control group. Omega-3 fatty acids had no significant effect on serum lipid levels, ApoA-I, glucose, insulin and HbA1[c]

[Nutritional status and associated non-dietary factors in the elderly living in nursing homes of Tehran and Shemiranant, 2004]

To determine nutritional status and associated non-dietary factors in the elderly living in nursing homes of Tehran and Shemiranat, 2004. In a cross-sectional study that used two-stage cluster sampling, 290 elderly subjects were randomly selected from 15 nursing homes. We measured anthropometric indices and filled the MNA questionnaire] Mini Nutritional Assessment] and another one dealing with non-dietary factors associated with nutritional status. We calculated the total MNA score for nutritional status and determined the correlations between factors and total point were analyzed. In this survey, 12.8% of the subjects were malnourished and 56.2% were at risk of malnutrition. Data analysis indicated that the use of drugs, psychological stress or acute disease, mobility, neuropsychological problems, depression, time spend, self assessment of nutritional and health status had significant relationship with nutritional status as measured by the MNA. According to high percentage of malnourished subjects and those at risk of malnutrition, nutritional interventions seem necessary. In addition, to diagnose early malnutrition; we suggest filling the MNA questionnaire for every elderly person upon admission to the nursing home

Hypouricemic and antioxidant activities of Allium cepa Lilliaceae and quercetin in normal and hyperuricemic rats

To evaluate the hypouricemic and antioxidant effects of Allium cepa Lilliaceae [Allium cepa L.] and quercetin in normal and hyperuricemic rats. The following study was conducted in the Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, Tehran University of Medical Science, Iran, between May 2007 and March 2008. A total of 48 male Wistar rats [body weights: 180-200 g] were randomly divided into 8 equal groups including normal; normal + Allium cepa L. [5g/kg]; normal + quercetin [5mg/kg]; normal + allopurinol [5mg/kg]; hyperuricemic; hyperuricemic + Allium cepa L. [5g/kg]; hyperuricemic + quercetin [5mg/kg]; hyperuricemic + allopurinol [5mg/kg] once a day for 14 days. Experimentally, hyperuricemia in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of potassium oxonate [250mg/kg]. Allium cepa L. and quercetin treatments for 14 days significantly reduced [p=0.000] the serum uric acid levels of hyperuricemic rats in a time-dependent manner. All treatments significantly inhibited hepatic xanthine oxidase/xanthine dehydrogenase activity. Allium cepa L. and quercetin treatments led also to a significant improvement in biomarkers of oxidative stress in hyperuricemic rats [p=0.000]. Although the hypouricemic effect of allopurinol was much higher than that of Allium cepa L. and quercetin, it could not significantly change oxidative stress biomarkers. These results may be responsible partly for the beneficial effects of Allium cepa L. and its major flavonoid on hyperuricemia and oxidative stress

Micronutrients Fe, Zn and Ca and their relationship with anthropometric indices and dental health among children

Proper nutrition has an important role in the physical and psychological development of children. The aim of this survey is to compare the nutrition of a community to the recommended daily amount [RDA] to determine deficiencies and present recommendations for improvement. In this cross-sectional study conducted in Tehran, Iran, 788 children, all seven years of age, were selected via cluster sampling and evaluated using standard questionnaires with a 24-hr recall regarding the frequency and type of food intake. Then by measurement of weight and height, their anthropometric and DMFT [decayed/missing/filled teeth] indices were determined using the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance, and Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests. Relative to the RDA, 23.6% of children had low intake of Ca, and 3.2% and 5.2% were deficient for Fe and Zn, respectively. Anthropometric measurements showed that 15.7% were malnourished based on weight for age, 10.5% based on height for age and 16.8% based on weight for height indices. The DMFT indices for children with dietary Ca levels under 75% of the RDA were significantly higher than those with sufficient Ca intake [P < 0.001]. The mean DMFT indices for dental development were 0.22 for permanent teeth [four molars; SD = 0.64] and 4.64 for primary teeth [SD = 3.24]. We found a significant correlation between DMFT indices and low Fe intake: the DMFT indices of children with iron deficiency were much higher than those with sufficient iron intake. Children in Tehran do not receive enough Ca Fe and Zn from their diets. This problem causes mild malnutrition and increases the risk of dental caries

Genetic characterization of cryptosporidium spp. among children with diarrhea in Tehran and Qazvin Provinces, Iran

Cryptosporidium is an intracellular apicomplexan parasite that infects a wide range of vertebrates including humans. Cryptosporidiosis is a major cause of diarrhea in children with and without human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection in developing countries. More recently, the molecular methods for identification of morphologically indistinguishable species have been developed. The aim of this study was to determine the characterization of various species of this coccidian among children with diarrhea by using molecular methods. Fecal samples were collected from 1263 children with diarrhea who referred to Pediatrics Medical Centers in Qazvin and Tehran, two central provinces of Iran. Initial identification of Cryptosporidium was carried out by Zeihl-Neel-sen acid-fast staining method of stool samples. DNA was extracted from positive microscopically samples and were subjected to a two step nested PCR-RFLP based on SSU-rRNA gene. Out of 1263 collected samples, 31 [2.5%] were found to be contained Cryptosporidium oocysts. RFLP analysis showed that 80.6% of the positive isolates were Cryptosporidium parvum, 16.1% C. hominis and 3.2% had mix infection pattern of both C. parvum and C hominis. Our results showed that the zoonotic pattern of transmission is predominant and has considerable significance in epidemiology of Cryptosporidiosis in the study areas

Factors associated with the nutritional status of adolescent girls based on body mass index in Sari, Iran

The third and the last stage in human growth and development is adolescence. Adequate nutrition of adolescent girls, these future mothers, is very important. The purpose of this survey was to determine association of such variables as age, age of menarche, nutritional awareness, physical activity, and family size, with the body mass index [BMI] in 14-18 year-old adolescent high school girls' in Sari, north of Iran. The sample size was 240. Weight and height were measured, and BMI was calculated and compared with the 2000 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] standards. Nutritional status was determined based on BMI, the categories being underweight, normal, at-risk-of-overweight, and overweight. Information on the nutritional knowledge, physical activity, age, family size, and age of menarche were obtained using questionnaires. ANOVA and Post Hoc were used to determine differences between the variables. The nutritional status of adolescent girls had no significant association with the age of menarche, nutritional knowledge, or physical activity. However, significant relationships with family size and girls' age were found. The results of this survey showed that in Iran, a developing country, family size has a considerable effect on the nutritional status of adolescent girls; furthermore, age was assessed to be an important factor influencing the nutritional status of adolescent girls

[Comparison of nutritional status and related factors among pupils aged 11-14 year olds in public and private schools of Damghan [2005]]

Adolescence is one of the most important stages of human growth when the algorithm of nutritional needs establishes. This study aws carried out since there is not available any comprehensive and reliable data about nutritional status and related affecting factors in pupiles who study in the public and private schools of Iran especially in Damghan. The present study as a cross-sectional and descriptive study, was performed on 300 pupiles aged 11-14 years old in both public and private schools of Damghan. The questionnaire was composed of four parts: demographic information, weight and height measurements, diet and physical activity. Wasting, natural, overweight and obesity were respectively observed in 10%, 79%, 7% and 4% of pupiles in public schools, while they were respectively 6%, 73%, 16% and 5% for pupiles in private schools [p=0.04]. The observed differences were not dependent on sex [p=0.19]. Regression analysis showed that the differences in nutritional status can be explained by intake of vitamins B2, B12, as well as intake of daily energy and chocolate in these two types of schools. Wasting in public schools and overweight and obesity in private schools were the nutritional problems of adolescents in Damghan, which must be controlled. In addition, The observed differences in these two types of schools [as a means of different socio-economic status], which were explained by the related factors [different intake of B2, B12, energy and chocolate] could be similarly seen in many adolescents in all over Iran

effect of a nutritional teaching booklet concerning breakfast on the knowledge of fourth grade girls: Tehran's sixth educational and teaching district

Nutrition as an important factor in health can be effective in educational success of students. Malnourished students have less concentration and attention. Lack of breakfast consumption for a long period has negative effect in behavior and health. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a nutritional teaching booklet about breakfast on the knowledge of fourth grade girls at Tehran's 6th educational and teaching district. This interventional study performed on 100 fourth grade girls from 10 schools in Tehran city, randomly divided into two groups; case who received booklet and control group. Subject: At first a pretest of knowledge was done for all the students [case and control]. The case group was given the booklet to read by themselves. No teaching provided for the control group. A knowledge posttest was performed two weeks later. Two types of questionnaires [general and knowledge] were used to collect data. The following methods were used: chi-square test for comparing case and control groups from the aspect of independent variables, pair t- test for comparing the knowledge scores between case and control groups and one-way ANOVA for assessment of independent variables effect on the mean difference of knowledge in samples. The mean score of knowledge in the case group against the control increased 2.22 [p < 0.001]. The one-way ANOVA method showed that none of the independent variables [family size, parents' career and educational level, dinner breakfast sleeping and waking up time, the person who prepares breakfast at home, breakfast consumption status in other members of family] had significant effect on the mean of the knowledge scores' difference. The results of this study showed the nutritional teaching booklet about breakfast caused an increase in the knowledge of this age group of girl students

[Assessment of folic acid and vitamin B[12] status and some of the interactive factors in mentally retarded patients]

Mental retardation is a disorder in people under 18, accompanied with restriction in mental abilities, daily activities, and social skills. These patients are at risk of malnutrition. The objective of this study is assessment of folic acid, vitamin B[12] and some of the interactive factors in mentally retarded patients. This descriptive study was conducted in 40 subjects 7-15 years old, which were divided into two groups: girls [n=20] and boys [n=20]. 24 hours dietary recall for two consecutive days and food frequency questionnaire [ffq] were used to evaluate intake of folate and vitamin B[12]. RIDA method was used for measurement of serum folate and vitamin B[12] with siwul- tral- SNB-Radioassay kit. Chi square and independent T-test and Spearman and Mann- Whitney also were used to compare groups. The results of this study showed that folate and vitamin B[12] intakes, were lower than RDA in all subjects. Meanwhile serum folate, erythrocyte folate and serum vitamin B[12] were low in 65, 62.5 and 35 percent of subjects, respectively. Mean [ +/- SD] of serum folate, vitamin B[12] and erythrocyte folate levels were 2.89 and 3.11 [ng/ml], 274.5 and 327.75 [pg/ml] and finally 98.26 and 103.27 [ng/ml] in girls and boys, respectively. Serum folate level correlated positively with vegetables consumption [p<0.05, r= 0.87]. Erythrocyte folate levels correlated negatively with anticonvulsant drugs consumption [p=0.01, r=-0.66], and parasite evidence [p=0.01, r=-0.82] and correlated positively with vegetables consumption [p<0.05, r=0.22]. Finally, serum vitamin B[12] level correlated negatively with anticonvulsant drugs consumption [p<0.01, r=-0.46] and parasite evidence [p<0.05, r=-0.60] and correlated positively with meat consumption [p=0,01, r=0.42]. The status of folate and vitamin B[12] in these mental retarded patients was not sufficient due to both low intake and parasite evidence and finally anticonvulsant drug consumption

[Effects of dietary calcium on body weight, carcass fat content and adipocyte size in male rats]

Calcium is a micronutrient and now receiving much attention for its doubtful effects on weight and body fatness. A few mechanisms has been suggested for calcium effects on body fatness and the most emphasized one is the reducing of lipolysis and increasing lipogenesis via reducing parathyroid hormone levels. The present study is designed to evaluate the effects of nondairy dietary calcium on adipogenes is and adipocyte size in male Sprague dawley rats. This experimental study was done from November to September of 2005 at Tehran school of health; nutritiondepartment.48 male Spragu-Dawley rats from Damgostar Company were used in three randomly selected groups. The rats were fed low [0.2% W/W], usual [0.5% W/W] and high [1.2% W/W] dietary calcium based on AIN-93M purified diet. Rats were housed in 12 hours light-dark cycle, 22-25°C room temperature with free access to their respective diets. At the end of the experiment, rats were decapitated and carcass fat content, carcass ash content and mean adipocyte size in testis, peritoneal and subcutaneous fat pads were compared in three groups. The SPSS 11.5 was used as statistical software, running analysis of variance for comparing the effects. weight gain, carcass fat content and adipocyte size, in groups were not significantly different, while serum parathyroid hormone concentrations in high calcium group was significantly lower than low calcium group [p<0.05] and insignificantly lower than usual calcium group [12.36, 23.57 and 42.2 pg/dl respectively]. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy cholecalciferol were also insignificantly lower in high calcium group. Our findings suggested that physiological concentration of dietary calcium is not effective on weight gain, body fatness and adipocyte size. Relatively equal fat content; beside significant difference in serum parathyroid hormone levels is against the parathyroid theory of calcium effects on body fatness. Finally we do not suggest any effect for calcium on body fatness and adipocyte size

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

Comparison of plasma and leukocyte vitamin C status between asthmatic and healthy subjects

In a case-control study the vitamin C status of 50 adults with chronic controlled asthma was compared with that of 50 randomly selected healthy controls. Vitamin C intake was assessed by 3-day dietary recall, and plasma and leukocyte vitamin C concentrations were measured colorimetrically. A positive significant correlation was found between plasma vitamin C and dietary vitamin C intake. Plasma and leukocyte vitamin C levels were significantly lower in the asthma group. Plasma vitamin C was deficient [< 0.4 mg/dL] in significantly more patients than controls [38.0% versus 0%] and leukocyte vitamin C [< 20 micro g/10[8] leukocytes] was deficient in 92.0% of asthmatics versus 8.0% of controls. significant association was observed between duration of asthma and plasma vitamin C level