Serum concentration of angiogenic (CXCL1, CXCL12) and angiostasis (CXCL9, CXCL10) CXC chemokines are differentially altered in normal and gestational diabetes mellitus associated pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: The present study was aimed and designed to determine the serum levels of CXCL1 and CXCL12 as angiogenesis along with CXCL9 and CXCL10 as angiostasis, chemokines in, Gestational diabetes mellitus mothers (GDMM) and normal pregnancy mothers (NPM) and neonates who delivered by them. METHODS: We have recruited 63 pregnant GDMM and 63 normal pregnant mothers at the third trimester of pregnancy to this cross-sectional study. Cord blood specimens were obtained from neonates who were delivered from GDMM and NPM. The serum and cord blood levels of chemokines were measured by ELISA in studied groups. Data were analyzed by chi-square and student's t test between two groups. The P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Our results revealed that the serum levels of CXCL1, CXCL9 and CXCL12 were increased in GDMM, while no alteration was found in the serum levels of CXCL10 when compared to NPM. We have observed that in neonates the serum levels of angiogeneic chemokines followed an inverse fashion when compared to angiostasis chemokines. Interestingly, CXCL1 and CXCL12 were both increased in neonates who were delivered by GDMM, while, CXCL9 and CXCL10 were decreased in neonates delivered by GDMM.

Prevention of Disease in Travel from the Perspective of Iranian Traditional Medicine.

BACKGROUND: Due to the high volume of travel and the spread of various diseases as well as disorders during a trip, one of the major concerns for travelers is the issues related to disease spread, control, and prevention. The approach of philosophers and traditional physicians along with hygiene measures were noted as trip recommendations in their textbooks. Considering negligence in disease prevention and the lack of dedicated and systematic discussion on this topic, this article aims at collecting their experiences as a practical reference point. METHODS: This qualitative study, review articles in the field of traditional medicine and search in authentic books on traditional medicine. The gathered data were initially analyzed and then categorized. RESULTS: Results were described in several sub-categories, including general recommendation, food and drinking recommendations during travel, prevention of dehydration in warm and cold conditions, poisoned and polluted air recommendations, management of sea passengers, fatigue due to travel, and the prevention of skin diseases. CONCLUSION: These measures are efficient interventions and cost-effective, which provide guidelines for traveler's health during a trip.