Comparing plasma level of CRP, factor VII, fibrinogen; platelet counts, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in smokers with opium addicted smokers

The observational and experimental studies show that there are more cases of cardiovascular disease especially myocardial infarction [MI] among addicts who are referred to hospitals compared with non-addicts. To determine some of cardiovascular risk factors in addict subjects. A total of 70 subjects aged 25-50 [35 smokers with opium addiction who were addict at least for last three years as case group and 35 smokers as control group] were selected. The plasma levels of factor VII, CRP, fibrinogen and blood platelet counts were determined for both groups. Also, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured. The mean activity percent of plasma level for factor VII was significantly higher in opium addict men than control. The mean plasma level of fibrinogen in case group was lower than control but not significant. Also, no significant difference was observed between blood platelet counts among two groups. Mean plasma level of CRP was also significantly lower in addict group than the control group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in case group compared with control group [P<0.05]. The data found in our study showed that the blood factors such as plasma levels of factor VII and fibrinogen, as two cardiovascular risk factors, and also blood pressure were affected by opium addiction. It seems that one of the causes of higher numbers of MI among addict subjects to be likely associated with significantly greater values for factor VII activity seen in this population

effect of fasting in Ramadan on the values and interrelations between biochemical, coagulation and hematological factors

The possible consequences of the long intermittent fasting schedule during Ramadan [one month of food and water intake limited to night hours, a practice that is followed by the majority of the Muslims worldwide] on certain biochemical constituents or coagulation variables have not been extensively documented. Patients and During the month of Ramadan and two months after, we monitored the concentration of different plasma lipoproteins, lipoprotein [a] [Lp[a]], apoproteins A1 and B, fibrinogen, factor VII activity and some selected hematological factors in 50 healthy subjects who were employees of institutes related to the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and aged between 30 and 45 years. The effect of fasting in Ramadan on the relationship between biochemical and coagulation variables was also investigated. The values of apoprotein B, Lp[a] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] ratio were significantly decreased during Ramadan [P<0.05], while total cholesterol [Tot-C], triglycerides [TG], LDL-C, HDL-C and fasting blood glucose did not change during that month. Among coagulation and hematological factors, fibrinogen level and factor VII activity were significantly decreased during the month [P<0.05]. Results also indicated a significant positive association between fibrinogen level and Lp[a], factor VII activity and Tot-C, LDL-C, TG and Apo B during Ramadan. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of previous reports, as the metabolic and coagulation changes that are considered as atherosclerosis risk factors are counterbalanced during Ramadan