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

Serum zinc levels in children and adolescents with type-1 diabetes mellitus

There have been very few studies, with contradictory results, on the zinc status of children and adolescents with type-1 diabetes mellitus. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine zinc status based on the serum zinc concentration in type-1 diabetic children and adolescents and compare it with that of healthy controls. Thirty children and adolescents with type-1 diabetes mellitus, aged 6 to 18 years, and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls participated in the study. Serum zinc, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A[1c] and serum albumin were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, enzymatic colorimetry, ion-exchange chromatography and colorimetry using bromocresol green methods, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found in the mean serum zinc concentration between diabetic patients and healthy controls [111.0 +/- 3.1 and 107.1 +/- 3.8 mg/dl respectively, P= 0.4]. No correlations were found between the serum zinc levels and fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A[1c], or the duration of the disease in the patients. The zinc levels of diabetic children and adolescents are not noticeably different compared to those of healthy controls and are independent of glycemic control and the duration of the disease

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

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

Effects of dietary omeg-3 fatty acid supplementation on HbA1c, total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in type-2 diabetic patients: a randomized clinical trial

Essential fatty acid deficiency has been found in diabetic patients. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could be beneficial in alleviating diabetes complications and glycemic control. However, it may increase oxidative stress. In this study the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplements on glycemic control, total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase and catalase] activities were investigated. In a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 81 type-2 diabetic patients were divided into 2 groups. The experimental group took 2714 mg/day omega-3 fatty acids [1548 mg EPA, 828 mg DHA, and 338 mg other omega-3 fatty acids], and the control group took sunflower oil as a placebo, for 8 weeks. Dietary intakes were assessed by a 24h dietary recall, before and after intervention, and analyzed using food processor II. In addition, fasting blood samples were collected for analysis and height and weight were measured, initially and at the end of the trial. At the start of the study there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to mean weight, height, body mass index [BMI], daily intakes of energy, carbohydrate, protein, total fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, vitamins A, B, C, E, folate, cobalamine, zinc, or biochemical parameters. Neither were there any difference in weight, BMI and dietary intakes before and after intervention in either group. The supplementation brought about a significant decrease [P < 0.00] in HbA1c% in the experimental group, while in the control group the HbA1c level actually increased [p < 0.02]. Furthermore, the magnitudes of HbA1c changes were significantly deferent between the two groups [P < 0.00]. Changes in the fasting blood sugar [163.88 +/- 10 vs. 165.6 +/- 7.9 mg/dl], total antioxidant capacity [3.79 +/- 0.07 vs. 3.62 +/- 0.7 mg/dl], and activities of super oxide dismutase [449.22 +/- 14.14 vs. 417.16 +/- 11.9 U/gHb] and catalase [150.72 +/- 9.6 vs. 151.86 +/- 12.6 k/gHb] were not statistically significant. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be helpful in glycemic control in type-2 diabetes, but it has no significant effect on the antioxidant enzyme activities

[Effects of omega 3 on serum level of malondialdehyde and homocysteine in type 2 diabetic patients]

Diabetes is regarded as a serious condition for both the individual and the society. One of the most important mortality reasons in diabetic patients is atherosclerosis. Many epidemiological studies have shown that the total homocysteine concentration is a risk indicator for cardiovascular disease. Malondialdehyde [MDA] also is a highly toxic by-product formed in part by lipid oxidation derived free radicals. Many studies have shown that its concentration increases considerably in diabetes mellitus. Epidemiological data indicate that the consumption of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids [O3FA] leads to a reduction in cardiovascular disorders may protect against metabolic diseases. In recent years, numerous researches on omega-3 fatty acids have been done but it cannot be used as a confident additive. So in order to evaluate and compare the effects of omega 3 on malondialdehyde [as fat peroxidation indicator] and homocysteine on diabetic type 2 patients, this research was carried out in Tehran University. A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted on 81 type 2 diabetic patients, 45-85 years old with diabetes for at least 2 years. Diabetic patients were randomly assigned to one of the case or control groups, each subject received 3 capsules per day of omega-3 or placebo for a period of 2 months. 10 ml blood was collected from each subject at the beginning and at the end of a 2-month trial. Serum MDA was determined with Tiobarbituric acid for more sensitivity and homosystein was measured by Hitachi autoanalyzer with Enzymatic Cycling method. Nutrients intakes were estimated using 24 h dietary recall questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the 2-month trial for 2 days and analyzed by FPn. T-test also was used to compare groups. Comparing the meant +/- S.D of BMI and food intake in both groups showed no significant differences. MDA level degreased 0.72 nmol/ml in case group but the difference with the control group was not significant but the differences of homosystein level in case [3.10 micro mol/lit] and control [0.126 micro mol/lit] groups were significant. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation [3 gr/per day] in capsul form can decrease the serum level of homocysteine in diabetic patients without inducing any changes in MDA level and lipid peroxidation

[Effect of pomegranate juice consumption on blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients]

Diabetes causes hypertension in most diabetic patients. Pomegranate juice is known to have antioxidant and antiatherosclerotic properties; the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of pomegranate juice consumption on blood pressure of type 2 diabetic patients. In 1384, in a randomized clinical trial study, 61 diabetic patients [54.9 +/- 8.4 years old], attending the Special Diabetic Affairs Foundation and the Iranian Diabetic Society, were recruited, and were randomly allocated to either the pomegranate juice consumption or the control group. Patients in the pomegranate juice group consumed 200ml of pomegranate juice [sugar or additives free] daily for six weeks. The questionnaires for general characteristics, semi-quantitative food frequency and 24-hour food recall were completed by interview. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements, including weight and height, were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. SPSS software was used for data analysis and Paired T-test, Independent T-test, Covariance analysis and Chi Square test were conducted. The mean body mass index, nutrients and fiber intake, drug intake and physical activity of patients did not change during the study. In the pomegranate juice consumption group, the mean systolic blood pressure [P< 0.001] and diastolic blood pressure [P< 0.05] were significantly decreased compared with baseline. The mean systolic blood pressure [P< 0.02] and diastolic blood pressure [P< 0.03] were significantly different between the pomegranate and control groups after intervention. Considering the positive effect of pomegranate juice consumption in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure in diabetic type 2 patients it may be recommended for hypertension prevention in these patients

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

[Effects of L-carnitine supplements on inflammatory cytokines, CRP and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients]

Inflammation and oxidative stress are common in patients with chronic renal disease, including hemodialysis patients. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of L-carnitine supplements on inflammatory cytokines, CRP and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients. The study was a randomized clinical trial. Thirty-six hemodialysis patients, [23 males and 13 females], were randomly assigned to either carnitine group or the control group. The patients in the carnitine group received 1000 mg/d oral L-carnitine for 12 weeks while the control group did not receive any L-carnitine supplement during the study. At the baseline and the end of 12th week of the study, 5 ml. blood was collected after a 12 to 14-hour fast from each patient before dialysis and then serum free carnitine, CRP, IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha and ox-LDL were measured. Mean serum free carnitine concentration increased significantly, by 86%, in the carnitine group at the end of 12th week as compared to the baseline [P<0.001], while serum CRP and IL-6 decreased significantly, by 29% [P<0.05] and 61% [P<0.001], respectively. No significant changes were observed in the serum concentrations of free carnitine, CRP and IL-6 in the control group during the study. There were no significant differences between mean changes of serum IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and ox-LDL concentrations in the two groups. This study indicated that L-carnitine supplement could improve carnitine deficiency and decrease inflammatory markers of CRP and IL-6 in hemodialysis patients

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

[Effects of soy consumption on serum lipid and apoprotein levels in peritoneal dialysis patients]

Lipid abnormalities, especially high serum Lp[a] concentration, is one of the major causes of cardiovascular diseases in peritoneal dialysis patients. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of soy consumption on serum lipid and apoprotein levels in peritoneal dialysis patients. The study was a randomized clinical trial in which 40 peritoneal dialysis patients [20 males and 20 females] were randomly assigned to either a soy or a control diet. The patients in the soy group received 28 g/d textured soy flour [containing 14 g soy protein] for 12 weeks, while the patients in the control group consumed their usual diet without any soy. At the baseline and at the end of the period, from each patient 5 ml blood were collected after a 12- to 14-hour fast and serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, apoAI, apoB100, Lp[a], TNF-alpha, albumin, and phosphorus measured. The serum Lp[a] concentration in more than 86% of the peritoneal dialysis patients was above the normal range. As compared to the baseline value, the mean serum Lp[a] concentration decreased significantly by 41% [P<0.01] in the soy group at the end of 8-week period, and the reduction was significant as compared to the control group [P<0.05]. The mean serum Lp[a] concentration did not change significantly in the control group. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to mean changes in the serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, apoB100, apoAI, TNF-alpha, albumin or phosphorus levels. The results of the present study indicate that soy consumption reduces serum Lp[a] concentration considerably in peritoneal dialysis patients. Therefore, it may be effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases in these patients

[Effects of vitamin and mineral supplements on microalbuminuria and N-acetyl-beta-D- glucosaminidase activity [-betaNAG] in type 2 diabetic patients]

The present study was designed to assess the effect of Mg, Zn, vitamin C and E supplements on microalbuminuria and urinary albumin excretion and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity [betaNAG] in type 2 diabetic patients. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial, 69 type 2 diabetic patients were randomly divided into four groups and received one of the following daily supplement for 3 months; group M: 200 mg Mg and 30 mg Zn [n=16], group V: 200 mg vitamin C and 100 IU vitamin E [n=18], group MV: minerals plus vitamins [n=17], group P: placebo [n=18]. Serum malondialdehyde concentration as well as urine microalbumin concentration and betaNAG activity and blood pressure were measured at the baseline and following the intervention. Results have revealed that following the intervention urinary albumin decreased in V and MV groups. Urinary betaNAG activity and protein concentration did not change significantly; however, malondialdehyde concentration was significantly decreased in M and MV groups. Finally, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure decreased significantly in the MV group. Our findings indicate that a combination of vitamin and mineral could decrease urinary concentration of microalbumin in type 2 diabetic patients. Thus, these supplements could be prescribed to improve renal function in type 2 diabetic patients

[Knowledge of MS students about sexually transmitted diseases [STDS] in civil engineering school of Sharif Industrial university]

The incidence of sexually transmitted diseases [STDs] has been significantly increased in recent years worldwide. According to global statistics, only 17% of sexually active adolescents use contraceptive methods and, every day, more than 500,000 people between 19 and 24 contract one type of venereal diseases. Knowing the nature of these diseases and the routes of their transmission can play a major role in preserving health. This descriptive correlational study was conducted to determine the knowledge of MS students of civil engineering in Sharif Industrial University regarding STDs and the correlation between 21 variables under study and their knowledge in 2004. All MS students were selected and a questionnaire in two parts including demographic information and students' knowledge about STDs was used for data collection. 12 4-choice questions were designed to assess knowledge. Scores between 0-17, 17-22 and 22-36 were considered as weak, moderate and good knowledge respectively.

Results showed that 40%, 30% and 30% of students had weak, moderate and good knowledge about venereal diseases respectively. There was a positive correlation between knowledge score and such variables as education and occupation of students' mothers; referrals to health centers, students' age; getting information from Internet, classmates as well as radio and television; taking part in family planning courses and being satisfied with given information. With respect to the above findings and the increasing incidence of STDs in the country, education about contagious diseases and significant health issues in appropriate settings is recommended

[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