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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 raised in 2019 (COVID-19) affects the lung tissue and other organs, specifically the heart.The current study evaluated 120 hospitalised patients with severe COVID-19 between March 2021 and February 2022. Patients' demographics, vital signs, electrocardiogram abnormalities, clinical laboratory tests, including troponin I (TPI), mortality, and discharge type, were recorded.Among the 120 hospitalised patients with severe COVID-19, 54 (45.0%) patients were male, with an average age of 63.2 ± 1.4. Many patients have chronic comorbidities, including hypertension (51.6%), diabetes mellitus (34.1%), and ischemic heart disease (17.5%). The in-hospital and six months after the discharge mortality were 45.8% and 21.5%, respectively. Cardiac injury was observed in 14 (11.7%) patients with a mean TPI level of 8.386 ± 17.89 μg/L, and patients with cardiac injury had higher mortality than those without cardiac injury (P 0.001). Furthermore, the cardiac injury was meaningfully correlated with age (ρ = 0.182, P = 0.019), history of ischemic heart disease (ρ = 0.176, P = 0.05), hospitalisation result and mortality (ρ = 0.261, P = 0.004), inpatient in ICU (ρ = 0.219, P = 0.016), and serum levels of urea (ρ = 0.244, P = 0.008) and creatinine (ρ = 0.197, P = 0.033). Additionally, the discharge results were significantly correlated with oxygen saturation with (ρ = -0.23, P = 0.02) and without (ρ = -0.3, P = 0.001) oxygen therapy, D-dimer (ρ = 0.328, P = 0.019), LDH (ρ = 0.308, P = 0.003), urea (ρ = 0.2, P = 0.03), and creatinine (ρ = 0.17, P = 0.06) levels.Elevated TPI levels are associated with increased mortality in severe COVID-19 patients. Therefore, TPI may be a beneficial biofactor for early diagnosis of cardiac injury and preventing a high mortality rate.

Background The effect of right ventricular (RV) leads on tricuspid valve has been already raised concerns, especially in terms of prognostic implication. For such assessment, three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3D-TTE) has been used previously but there was no data on the use of post-procedural fluoroscopy in the literature. Methods We prospectively enrolled 59 patients who underwent clinically indicated placement of pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Vena contracta (VC) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity were measured using two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D-TTE) at baseline. Follow up 3D-TTE was performed 6 months after device implantation to assess TR severity and RV lead location. Results Lead placement position in TV was defined in 51 cases.TR VC was increased after the lead placement, compared to the baseline study (VC: 3.86 ± 2.32 vs 3.18 ± 2.39; p = 0.005), with one grade worsening in TR in 25.4% of cases. The mean changes in VC levels were 1.14 ± 0.67 mm. Among all investigated parameters, VC changes were predicted based on lead placement position only in 3D-TTE (p Conclusion The RV Lead location examined by 3D-TTE seems to be a valuable parameter to predict the changes in the severity of the tricuspid regurgitation. Fluoroscopy findings did not improve the predictive performance, at least in short term follow up.

The efficacy, safety, and utility of Nigella sativa seeds oil as a complementary treatment for hypertension, glucose control, and lipid metabolism were evaluated. Hypertensive patients in the intervention (n = 26) and placebo (n = 29) groups received 2.5 ml of N. sativa seeds oil and sunflower oil twice daily for 8 weeks, respectively. The levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), blood lipid profile, and fasting blood sugar (FBS), at different stages of the treatment period (0, 3, 6, 8 weeks), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione reductase (GR), at the baseline and end of the study, were assessed. SBP level in the intervention group was significantly reduced, compared with the baseline values (p < .001) and the placebo group (p < .05). A significant decline was observed in the levels of DBP, total cholesterols, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (p < .000), MDA, and FBS (p < .001); also, a significant increase was observed in the levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and GR (p < .001). The use of N. sativa seeds oil as an adjunct to common medications exhibited additional antihypertensive effects as well as beneficial effects on glucose control and lipid metabolism in hypertensive patients with no renal, hepatic, and patient-reported adverse events.

Introduction: Fingolimod is the first confirmed oral immune-modulator to treat Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of fingolimod therapy in Iranian patients with RRMS. Methods: In our trial, 50 patients resistant to conventional interferon therapy were assigned to receive fingolimod 0.5 mg per day for 12 months. The number of Dadolinium (Gd)-enhanced lesions, enlarged T2 lesions, and relapses over 12 months were considered as endpoints and compared to baseline. Liver biochemical evaluations and lymphocyte count were done at baseline and in months 3, 6, and 12 of the study. Patients were also monitored for possible cardiovascular events within the first 24 h and other side effects routinely. Results: Among the patients who completed the trial, the number of Gd-enhanced and enlarged T2 lesions over 12 months significantly decreased (P=0.03 and P

Sofosbuvir is an antiviral drug that entirely revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C. This drug has an Iranian commercial brand, which is known as Ledibiox. Several adverse events have been reported with this drug, including syncope, pancolitis, and exacerbated pulmonary arterial hypertension; however, arrhythmia rarely has been described through the literature. Here, we report a 40-year-old Caucasian man who presented with chest pain, tachycardia, blurred vision, and severe headache; whose electrocardiography showed an atrial tachycardia along with a block. It seems that Sofosbuvir toxicity can cause arrhythmia, and the drug prescription should be halted in this situation.

Blood groups appear to be markers for various human diseases and their distribution among different communities, ethnic groups and geographical boundaries varies over time.We aimed to investigate the frequency of ABO and Rh blood groups and their relationship with demographic and anthropometric characteristics among Iranian residents in Mashad.ABO and Rh blood groups were determined among 7268 participants from the MASHAD cohort study and their relationships with demographic and anthropometric parameters were evaluated. This part of the study was done in January 2017. Student t-test, ANOVA, Bonferroni' and Chi-squared were used for comparison of quantitative and qualitative variables.The most common blood group was O (33.8%); AB was the least common (8.3%). The prevalence of Rh-positive and Rh-negative was 88.2% and 11.8% respectively. There were statistically significant associations between ABO blood groups and demi-span (P = 0.03), even after correction for multiple comparisons.Our findings showed there was no relationship between ABO blood groups and demographic characteristics although there was an association with anthropometric measurements such as demi-span.انتشار فصائل الدم ABO و Rh وارتباطها بالعوامل السكانية والقياسات الأنثروبومترية لدى الإيرانيين: دراسة مشهد.محمد الأندلبي، زهرة دهنوي، أسماء أفشاري، مريم طيفي، حبيب الله إسماعيلي، محمود ازاربازوح، محسن محباتي، محسن نماتي، علي رضا حيدري باكافولي، مريم شكري، جوردن فيرنس، ماجد غيور مبارهان، محمد طيبى.يبدو أن فصائل الدم علامات لأمراض بشرية مختلفة، ويختلف توزيعها بين المجتمعات المختلفة والمجموعات العرقية والحدود الجغرافية بمرور الوقت.هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى استقصاء تواتر فصائل الدم ABO و Rh وعلاقتها بالخصائص السكانية والقياسات الأنثروبومترية بين السكان الإيرانيين في مدينة مشهد.حددت فصائل الدم ABO و Rh بين 7268 مشاركًا في الدراسة الأترابية (مشهد) وجرى تقييم لعلاقة فصائل الدم بالمتثابتات السكانية والقياسات الأنثروبومترية. وقد أجري هذا الجزء من الدراسة في يناير/كانون الثاني 2017. واستخدمت الاختبار الإحصائي t–للطالب، واختبار أنوفا، واختبار بونفيروني، واختبار مربع كاي لمقارنة المتغيرات الكمية والنوعية.أكثر فصائل الدم شيوعًا كانت فصيلة O بنسبة 33.8٪. وكانت فصيلة AB هي الأقل شيوعًا (8.3٪). بلغ انتشار فصيلة Rh الإيجابية والسلبية 88.2٪ و 11.8٪ على التوالي. وكانت هناك ارتباطات ذات دلالة إحصائية بين فصائل الدم ABO وقياس الباع النصفي (0.03 =P) بعد التصويب لمقارنات متعددة.أظهرت النتائج التي توصلنا إليها أنه لا توجد علاقة بين فصائل الدم ABO والخصائص السكانية على الرغم من وجود ارتباط مع القياسات الأنثروبومترية مثل قياس الباع النصفي.Prévalence des groupes sanguins ABO et Rh et leur association avec des facteurs démographiques et anthropométriques dans une tranche de la population iranienne : l’étude de MASHAD.Les groupes sanguins semblent être des marqueurs de diverses maladies humaines. Leur répartition entre les différents groupes ethniques, communautés et frontières géographiques varie avec le temps.Notre objectif était d'étudier la fréquence des groupes sanguins ABO et Rh et leur relation avec les caractéristiques démographiques et anthropométriques chez les habitants iraniens de Mashad.Les groupes sanguins ABO et Rh ont été déterminés chez les 7268 participants de l'étude de cohorte de MASHAD et leurs relations avec les paramètres démographiques et anthropométriques ont été évaluées. Cette partie de l'étude a été réalisée en janvier 2017. Le t-test de Student, l’analyse de la variance, l’ajustement de Bonferroni et le Chi carré ont été utilisés pour comparer les variables quantitatives et qualitatives.Le groupe sanguin le plus répandu était O (33,8 %) ; AB était le moins répandu (8,3 %). La prévalence du rhésus positif et du rhésus négatif était de 88,2 % et 11,8 % respectivement. Il existe des associations statistiquement significatives entre les groupes sanguins ABO et la demi-envergure des bras (p = 0,03), même après correction pour les comparaisons multiples.Les résultats de notre étude ont montré qu'il n'y avait pas de lien entre les groupes sanguins ABO et les caractéristiques démographiques; par contre, il existe une association avec des mesures anthropométriques telles que la demi-envergure des bras.

Background\ud Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Despite progress being made in the diagnosis and treatment of CVDs, one third of deaths are due to CVDs. We have investigated the association between the rs1333049 polymorphism of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/B (CDKN2A/B) gene with CVD outcomes in a population sample recruited as part of the Mashhad-Stroke and Heart-Atherosclerotic-Disorders (MASHAD) cohort.\ud \ud Methods and results\ud Five hundred and nine individuals who had a median follow-up period of 10 years were recruited as part of the MASHAD cohort. Anthropometric, and biochemical parameters were assessed followed by genotyping using TaqMan-real-time-PCR based method. Our data showed that carriers of the GG genotype were significantly more likely to develop CVD, compared to those with a CC or CG genotypes (OR: 4.77, 95%CI: 2.62–8.68, p = 0.001). Similar result we also found in second population which were follow up for 10 years. In particular cases who had an event in recessive genetic model (CC vs CG + GG) had a higher risk of developing CVD (OR: 5.57, 95%CI: 2.80–11.06, p = 0.001).\ud \ud Conclusion\ud We have found that carriers of the GG genotype of the CDKN2A/B gene locus were at increased risk of CVD in a representative population-based cohort, indicating further functional analysis to explore the value of emerging marker as a risk stratification biomarker to identify high risk cases.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The Proline and Serine Rich Coiled-Coil 1 gene in 1p13.3 locus has been reported to be associated with low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and coronary artery disease (CAD). The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the rs599839 polymorphism of the Proline and Serine Rich Coiled-Coil 1 (PSRC1) gene with CVD outcomes in a population sample recruited as part of the Mashhad-Stroke and Heart-Atherosclerotic-Disorders (MASHAD) cohort. METHODS: Five hundred and nine individuals who had an average follow-up period of 10 years were enrolled as part of the MASHAD cohort. DNA was extracted and genotyped using the TaqMan-real-time-PCR based method. RESULTS: The study found individuals with GA/GG genotypes were at a higher risk of CVDs (OR= 4.7; 95% CI, 2.5-8.7; p< 0.001) in comparison to those with AA genotype; however, the result was not significant for GG genotype data. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the GA/GG genotypes of the PSRC1gene locus were at increased risk of CVD in a representative population-based cohort, demonstrating further functional analysis to discover the value of emerging marker as a risk stratification biomarker to recognize high risk cases.

Introduction: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and specially in Iran. An accurate assessment of the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) is very important for public health. In current study we aimed to investigate the incidence of CHD and importance of several classical modifiable and un-modifiable risk factors for CHD among an urban population in eastern Iran after 6 years follow-up. Methods: The population of MASHAD cohort study were followed up for 6 years, every 3 years initially by phone and those who reported symptoms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) were asked to attend for a cardiac examination. An estimate of the incidence of CHD was determined with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of several baseline characteristics with the incidence of a CHD event. Evaluation of goodness-of-fit was undertaken using ROC analysis. CHD cases were divided into four different categories: stable angina, unstable angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. Results: In the six years of follow-up of the Mashhad study participants, the incidence density of CHD events in men and women in 1000 person-year with 95% confidence intervals were 19.20 (8.10-30.30) and 11.60 (7.30-15.90), respectively. The areas under ROC curve (AUC), based on multiple logistic regression model of CHD outcome, was determined to be 0.783. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the incidence rate of coronary heart diseases in MASHAD cohort study increases with age, and our final model was able to predict approximately 78% of CHD events in this Iranian population.

The dietary inflammatory index (DII) is a novel way of describing diet that has been studied in relation to various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) in several populations. We aimed to investigate the association between DII and CVD events among a representative population sample in northeastern Iran. This prospective cohort study was a subsample of 4,672 adults aged 35-65 years, and recruited as part of Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder cohort study population. The DII was computed at baseline according to a 65-item validated food frequency questionnaire. Cox regression was used to determine the association of DII with incident CVD. One hundred twenty-four participants developed CVD (including 24 cases of myocardial infarction [MI], 34 cases of stable angina [SA], and 66 cases of unstable angina [UA]). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, a hazard ratios of 1.06 (95% confidence interval: 0.70-1.60), 1.36 (95% confidence interval: 0.52-3.52), 1.33 (95% confidence interval: 0.60-2.94), and 0.86 (95% confidence interval: 0.48-1.53) were found for total CVD, MI, SA, and UA events, respectively, among the participants with proinflammatory diet (DII ≥ 0) versus those with anti-inflammatory diet (DII < 0). There was no statistically significant association between the DII and total CVD, MI, SA, or UA in this population of middle-aged Iranian men and women.

Background: Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is an intracellular chaperone constitutively expressed in many cell types including cardio myocytes and endothelial cells. Circulating levels of HSP27 and anti-HSP27 antibody are higher in patients with CVD. Anti-HSP27 antibody concentrations were also reported to be increased in atherogenesis. We aimed to evaluate serum anti-HSP27 antibody titers in individuals with, or without, MetS in the MASHAD study cohort with large sample size in 6,568 subjects. Methods: Participants with MetS were identified from MASHAD cohort (n=3358) using the IDF criteria, and the control group were those individuals who did not meet these criteria (n=3210). In-house enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) method was used for measuring Anti-HSP27 antibody levels. The two groups were matched for age, sex and smoking habit. Results: As expected, there were significant differences in height (p= 0.004), waist and hip circumference, weight, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, TGs, TC, HDL-C, Hs-CRP, glucose, with the presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (p Conclusion: In conclusion, our results revealed serum anti-HSP27 antibody titers were not statistically different between individuals with and without MetS. However, it is possible that drug treatment may affect antibody titers and confound our findings in this population sample..

The efficacy, safety, and utility of Nigella sativa seeds oil as a complementary treatment for hypertension, glucose control, and lipid metabolism were evaluated. Hypertensive patients in the intervention (n = 26) and placebo (n = 29) groups received 2.5 ml of N. sativa seeds oil and sunflower oil twice daily for 8 weeks, respectively. The levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), blood lipid profile, and fasting blood sugar (FBS), at different stages of the treatment period (0, 3, 6, 8 weeks), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione reductase (GR), at the baseline and end of the study, were assessed. SBP level in the intervention group was significantly reduced, compared with the baseline values (p.001) and the placebo group (p.05). A significant decline was observed in the levels of DBP, total cholesterols, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (p.000), MDA, and FBS (p.001); also, a significant increase was observed in the levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and GR (p.001). The use of N. sativa seeds oil as an adjunct to common medications exhibited additional antihypertensive effects as well as beneficial effects on glucose control and lipid metabolism in hypertensive patients with no renal, hepatic, and patient-reported adverse events.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and one of the main challenges for health systems worldwide. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of socio-demographic, lifestyle, psychological factors, anthropometric measurements, and presence of underlying diseases in CVD progression among a subpopulation of Iranian adults. Methods A total of 235 CVD patients were enrolled. The control group also included healthy and non-symptomatic individuals (n = 8405). Health and lifestyle questionnaires, the Beck’s anxiety inventory (BAI), Beck’s depression inventory (BDI) and the James and Schofield human energy requirements equations were completed for all participants. Anthropometric measurements were also evaluated in all subjects. Results After six years of follow-up, we found that there were significant positive correlations between CVD risk and age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), diabetes mellitus (DM) and family history (FH) of CVD in both genders; though, there was a significant negative correlation between physical activity level (PAL) and risk of CVD among men and women. Also hypertension (HTN), metabolic syndrome (MS), depression and anxiety were positively and higher education level was negatively associated with CVD events only in females. While, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was an independent predictor of CVD among males. Conclusion There are several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that were independently considered as CVD predictors among the MASHAD study population. It is recommended that the lifestyle modifications, development of local risk calculators and gender-related stratified strategies should be prioritized in order to prevent and manage CVD among the Iranian population.

Background Normal weight obesity (NWO) is defined by a normal body mass index (BMI) but a high percentage body fat (%BF) composition. We aimed to examine the hypothesis that subjects having NWO are at higher risk for cardio metabolic abnormalities compared to normal body weight subjects with low body fat content. Method In this cross sectional study 2439 adults' normal body Mass Index were recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorders (MASHAD) cohort study. We measured 6 cardio-metabolic risk factors: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and serum C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Two models were evaluated: in model A, the categorization of individuals utilized cut off values of BMI: 18.5–25 and %BF: > 25 in men and >30 in women; in model B, the cut off values used were BMI: 18.5–25 and BF% with cut-offs depending on age: 20–39 years, >19% and >32%; 40–59 years, >21% and 33% and 60–79 years, > 24% and 35% for men and women were used, respectively. Cardiovascular risk estimates were made using QRISK2. SPSS version 18(SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA) was used for all statistical analyses. GraphPad Prism 6 for figures was used. Result Of the 2439 individuals with a normal BMI, 38.5% were found to be in high group and 61.5% were placed in normal weight groups for %BF in model A. In model B, 53.8% and 46.2% were found to be in the normal and high groups for %BF. The odds ratio for the presence of a metabolic abnormality for the high %BF group was 1.82 (95% CI, 1.42–2.34) and for high QRISK was 5.79 (95%CI, 4.17–8.02) after adjusted for age, in model A. In model B, the odds ratio for the presence of a metabolic abnormality for the high %BF group was 2.02 (95% CI, 1.68–2.42) and for high QRISK was 6.03 (95%CI, 4.45–8.08) after adjusted for sex. Conclusion It can be stated that if body fat analysis among normal weight individuals can have an important contribution to the prevention of cardiovascular disease and other obesity-related conditions.

Background The role of dietary patterns in metabolic syndrome has not been investigated sufficiently among Iranian population. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of major dietary patterns with the risk of metabolic syndrome and its components among healthy individuals of Iran. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that was performed on 5895 men and women who participated in MASHAD study project. Factor analysis was employed to determine major dietary patterns with regard to a validated 65-item food frequency questionnaire. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using international diabetes federation (IDF). Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome risk to generate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Three major dietary patterns (Balanced, Western and high carbohydrate) were identified. The Western pattern showed a positive association with metabolic syndrome (OR [95%CI] for highest vs. lowest tertile: 1.58 [1.21–2.06]; p value = 0.001). The high carbohydrate dietary pattern was associated with higher metabolic syndrome risk (OR [95%CI] for highest vs. lowest tertile: 1.17 [1.02–1.33]; P value = 0.022). The Balanced dietary pattern was unrelated to metabolic syndrome, but was related to some individual risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Conclusions These results suggest that the Western and high carbohydrate patterns are associated with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome among Iranian adults. The causality of these associations needs to be confirmed.

Obesity is an important feature of the metabolic syndrome and is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body fat percentage and an imbalance of the prooxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and inflammation (serum hs-CRP) and increase risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. In this study, 9154 individuals were recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Association Disorder (MASHAD) study. Subjects were categorized into two groups according to body fat percentage as defined >25% in male and > 30% in female, according to gender. Biochemical factors, including serum PAB, SOD1, and hs-CRP were measured in all subjects. SPSS version 18 was used for statistical analyses for all. GraphPad Prism 6 for figures was used. Of total number of subjects (9154), 6748 (73.7%) were found to have a high body fat (BF) percentage. Serum hs-CRP and PAB were significantly higher in individuals with a high BF percentage (P 0.05). BF percentage, serum PAB and serum hs-CRP were significantly higher in individuals with metabolic syndrome and diabetes versus those without metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus (P < 0.05), however serum SOD1 was significantly lower in individuals with metabolic syndrome (P < 0.005). Oxidative stress and inflammation are two factors that may link the presence of high BF percentage with the development of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(1):35-42, 2019.

Background and aims: There is persuasive evidence that oxidative stress and inflammation are features of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). We have investigated the relationship between serum pro-oxidant antioxidant balance (PAB), serum uric acid and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in 7208 participants from the MASHAD study cohort, who were categorized as having MetS, or not, using IDF criteria. Methods: Serum fasting lipid, fasting blood glucose and uric acid concentrations were measured enzymatically using commercial kits on a BT- 3000 autoanalyzer (Biotechnical, Rome, Italy). Serum hs-CRP was measured by PEG-enhanced immunoturbidimetry method using an Alycon analyzer (ABBOTT, Chicago, IL, USA). A colorimetric method was used to determine serum PAB. Results: Serum PAB values were significantly higher in the individuals with MetS compared to those without MetS (p

Objectives\ud The adverse effects of cigarette smoking have been widely studied before, whilst the effects of hookah smoking has received less attention, although it is a common habit in the Middle East. Here we have investigated the effects of cigarette and hookah smoking on biochemical characteristics in a representative population sample derived from the Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder (MASHAD) cohort study, from Northeastern Iran.\ud \ud Study design\ud A total of 9840 subjects from the MASHAD population study were allocated to five groups; non-smokers (6742), ex-smokers (976), cigarette smokers (864), hookah smokers (1067), concomitant cigarette and hookah smokers (41).\ud \ud Methods\ud Baseline characteristics were recorded in a questionnaire. Biochemical characteristics were measured by routine methods. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and p

Summary Background & aims Several genome-wide-association-studies have identified genetic variants in a region on chromosome 9p21 that are associated with an increased risk of Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. Here we have explored the interaction of a genetic variant of the CDKN2A/B-rs10811661 gene locus with cardiovascular risk factors and environmental-exposures (e.g., diet and physical activity) in 1165 individuals recruited from the Mashhad-Stroke and Heart-Atherosclerotic-Disorders cohort. Methods Genotyping was carried out using TaqMan-real-time-PCR based method. The association of CDKN2A/B-rs10811661 locus and its interaction with dietary intake in association with the main determinants of dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular-risk-factors were assessed in 2 cohorts. Results Our data showed that obese subjects with a TT genotype had a higher level of TG, TG/HDL ratio and Hs-CRP, compared to the subjects with the wild type genotype, or individuals with a normal BMI. Moreover, the presence of a TT genotype was associated with increased risk of hypercholesterolemia, insulin resistance and CVD. These effects were more pronounced in the sub-group with low physical activity and a high dietary energy intake (e.g., the interaction between TT genotype and total energy intake on serum cholesterol was positive (RERI: 0.2, 95%CI (−0.96–1.3), AP: 0.1, 95%CI (−0.5–0.7) and SI: 1.2, 95%CI (0.3–5.1))). Conclusions We have found a significant association between the CDKN2A-rs10811661 polymorphism with cardiovascular risk factors and dyslipidemia in a non-diabetic population. It is possible that a low energy diet and high physical activity could ameliorate the unfavorable effects of T allele of CDKN2A/B locus. Functional analysis is warranted to investigate the value of this genetic biomarker of CVD risk in obese people.

Metabolic syndrome is a clustering of metabolic abnormalities that include central obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and increased blood pressure. The aim of this study was to evaluate and identify the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome by using a decision tree algorithm as a data mining tool. A total of 6578 individuals were included in the analysis using a body mass index (BMI) cutoff >= 25 kg/m2 for the definition of overweight, in accordance with International Diabetic Federation (IDF) criteria. Subjects with obesity plus two or more of the criteria for defining metabolic syndrome were included in the metabolic syndrome group. Of the 6578 subjects, 70% (4539 subjects) were selected as a “training” dataset and 30% (2039 cases) were used as the testing dataset to evaluate the performance of decision tree. Two models were evaluated. In model I, age, sex, educational level, marriage and job status, fasted serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), uric acid, fasting blood glucose (FBG), high sensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and physical activity level were considered as input variables and in model II, age, gender, Hs-CRP, white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), Platelets (PLT), red cell distribution width (RDW), and platelet distribution width (PDW) were used as input variables. The validation of the model was assessed by constructing a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The results showed that in model I, serum fasted TG was the most important associated risk factor for metabolic syndrome. In model II, serum Hs-CRP was identified as a risk factor of metabolic syndrome. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values for model I were 99%, 94%, 97% and 0.972 and for model II were 74%, 77%, 76% and 0.812, respectively. Our findings in model I suggest that the IDF criteria are suitable for identifying individuals within the Iranian population into those with, or without MetS. Furthermore, model II showed that serum Hs-CRP concentrations were identified as a risk factor for metabolic syndrome within the Iranian population.

Background The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing globally. It is associated with a significant risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Materials and methods The relationship between adherence to several different dietary patterns and the presence of MetS was explored in an Iranian population sample of 5764 subjects. Results We observed that the prevalence of MetS was 13% and 18% in men and women, respectively. There were three main dietary patterns: the first pattern was characterized by protein, carbohydrate, starch, glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, dietary fibre, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, manganese, thiamine, riboflavin, carotene, vitamin c and lactose; second representative of fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, iodine, vitamin D, chloride, betaine, niacin; third consisting of copper, selenium, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B12. In this dietary pattern, individuals in first quintile had a higher consumption of total fat, saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, polyunsaturated fatty acid, cholesterol and vitamin A. In the second pattern, individuals in the fifth quintile ate less carbohydrate, dietary fibre, glucose, Fructose, potassium compared to first quintile. We found that individuals in the first quintile in pattern 3 had higher intakes of protein, zinc and calcium compared to other quintiles. Conclusions We have found that a nutrient pattern which mostly characterized by dietary protein, carbohydrate, starch, glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose was associated with a higher risk of MetS in both genders, while a pattern which was represent of copper, selenium, Vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B12 was associated with greater odds of Mets, in women.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and glucose intolerance, and is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus and related diseases. Circulating levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive-protein (CRP) have reported to be associated with CVD. Against this background, the prevalence of MetS is increasing globally, and thus predictive biomarkers are required for identification of MetS patients at an increased risk. Here we explored the value of CRP as a biomarker in 7284 subjects and also investigated which features of MetS have the greatest association with the hs-CRP level.The subjects were recruited from the Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder study. Anthropometric factors and biochemical parameters (for example, high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), high-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides (TGs) and fasting blood glucose (FBG)) were determined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the association of hs-CRP and MetS.Our results illustrated that the concentration of serum hs-CRP increased progressively with the number of MetS components, and subjects who fulfilled the criteria of MetS for waist circumference, TGs, blood pressure and FBG were found to have hs-CRP of 0.53, 0.38, 0.34 and 0.71 mg/l, respectively, higher than matched-subjects. Importantly, FBG had the greatest association with hs-CRP concentration.Our data demonstrate the significant association between MetS components with hs-CRP, indicating that this association was cumulative by increasing the number of the defining features of MetS, supporting further studies to explore the value of emerging marker as a novel method for detecting individuals at high risk of developing MetS.

Obesity is an important feature of the metabolic syndrome and is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body fat percentage and an imbalance of the prooxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and inflammation (serum hs-CRP) and increase risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. In this study, 9154 individuals were recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Association Disorder (MASHAD) study. Subjects were categorized into two groups according to body fat percentage as defined25% in male and30% in female, according to gender. Biochemical factors, including serum PAB, SOD1, and hs-CRP were measured in all subjects. SPSS version 18 was used for statistical analyses for all. GraphPad Prism 6 for figures was used. Of total number of subjects (9154), 6748 (73.7%) were found to have a high body fat (BF) percentage. Serum hs-CRP and PAB were significantly higher in individuals with a high BF percentage (P0.05) but SOD1 was not significantly different between the two groups (P0.05). BF percentage, serum PAB and serum hs-CRP were significantly higher in individuals with metabolic syndrome and diabetes versus those without metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus (P0.05), however serum SOD1 was significantly lower in individuals with metabolic syndrome (P0.005). Oxidative stress and inflammation are two factors that may link the presence of high BF percentage with the development of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(1):35-42, 2019.

BACKGROUND: Combination of dyslipidemic phenotypes, including elevated plasma levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), elevated plasma triglycerides (TG), and decreased low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentrations, is important because of the association of individual phenotypes with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated the prevalence of combined dyslipidemias and their effects on CVD risk in an Iranian large population. METHOD: A total of 9847 individuals were recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorders (MASHAD) cohort study. Anthropometric parameters and biochemical indices were measured in all of the subjects. Different types of combined dyslipidemias including high TG + low HDL‐C, high TG + low HDL‐C + high LDL‐C, low HDL‐C + high LDL‐C, high TG + high LDL‐C, and finally high TG + high LDL‐C + low HDL‐C were considered. Ten‐year CVD risk was calculated using the QRISK2 risk algorithm and adjustments were made as suggested by the Joint British Societies’ (JBS2). Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between different combined dyslipidemias and categorical QRISK. RESULTS: A total of 3952 males and 5895 females were included in this current study. Among the included subjects, 83.4% had one form of dyslipidemia, and 16.6% subjects were not dyslipidemic. The mean age was 48.88 ± 7.9 and 47.02 ± 8.54 years for dyslipidemic and nondyslipidemic groups, respectively. The results showed that the frequency of dyslipidemia was 98%, 87.1%, and 90% in subjects with metabolic syndrome, CVD, and diabetes, respectively. Our results suggested that around 15.7% of study population were at 10 years CVD risk (high ≥20) and it was higher in men than women (P

Methadone is a drug associated with the development of prolonged Correcred QT (QTc) interval, as QT interval prolongation can occur in up to 15% of methadone-maintenance patients. In recent years, methadone found to be associated with an increased risk of sudden death in a community-based study (1, 2). ‘‘Torsades de Pointes’’ is a quick and dangerous rhythm that quickly becomes ventricular fibrillation. If this rhythm is rapid or prolonged, it can lead to ventricular fibrillation or sudden cardiac death. The usual clinical manifestations of TdP are palpitations, dizziness, and syncope. It is certain that no cardiac drugs are recognized to increase the propensity for TdP. The most common risk factors of methadone-associated QT prolongation and TdP include a high dose of methadone or chronic use, old age, accompaniment with enhancing drugs methadone levels, infections such as AIDS, old age, low potassium, kidney failure, heart disease, female gender, and cirrhosis of the liver (3). Despite the availability of methadone for over 60 years, only in the past 10 years has this medication received attention for its potential to cause QTc prolongation leading to Torsades de Pointes (4-6). We report 4 cases of methadone-induced Torsades de pointes. Through rapid taper of methadone, the patient’s ECG normalized.

Background: Diabetes mellitus remains one of the major health problems of the 21st century and is associated with comorbidities including obesity and metabolic abnormalities. The study was conducted to evaluate serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, as a marker of inflammation, in a large sample of Iranian population without a history of cardiovascular or inflammatory disease and cancer, and to relate this to fasting blood glucose (FBG) and the presence of diabetes mellitus. Methods: The study consisted of 7,762 subjects divided into four groups—nonobese/nondiabetic, obese/nondiabetic, nonobese/diabetic and obese/diabetic—based on the BMI classification and their FBG. Anthropometric characteristics were measured and blood was collected for the evaluation of fasted lipid profile, FBG and serum hs-CRP levels. Results: Several clinical and biochemical characteristics were significantly different among the four groups: FBG, P 3 mg/dl had higher TC (P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, P < 0.001), TG (P < 0.001), fat percentage (P < 0.001), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.001) compared with subjects with a serum hs-CRP

Objective: The Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder (MASHAD) study is a 10-year cohort study that aims to evaluate the impact of various genetic, environmental, nutritional and psychosocial risk factors on the incidence of cardiovascular events among an urban population in eastern Iran. Methods: The MASHAD study comprises a cohort of 9704 individuals aged 35-65 years using a stratified cluster random sampling design. This cohort will be followed up until 2020, with follow-up examinations being undertaken every 3 years. Ten-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk estimation was determined using NCEP ATP III criteria. Results: Overall, 88.4 of women and 79.2 of men (P 20 were observed to be 86.6, 11 and 2.5 , respectively. Predicted risk of CVD > 10 using the Framingham algorithm was considerably higher in men compared to women. Overall, 9.5 95 % confidence interval (CI) 8.9�10.1 % of our subjects had prevalent CAD. Conclusion: The prevalence of CVD risk factors within our population is high compared to Western countries, indicating the necessity for interventional risk modifications. © 2015, Swiss School of Public Health.

There is persuasive evidence that oxidative stress and inflammation are features of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). We have investigated the relationship between serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), serum uric acid, and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in 7,208 participants from the MASHAD study cohort, who were categorized as having MetS, or not, using International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) criteria. Serum hs-CRP was measured by Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-enhanced immunoturbidimetry method using an Alycon analyzer (ABBOTT, Chicago, IL, USA). A colorimetric method was used to determine serum PAB. Serum PAB values were significantly higher in the individuals with MetS compared to those without (P 0.001). Furthermore, there was a step-wise increase in mean serum PAB concentrations as the number of components of the MetS increased. The combination of features of MetS had different association with serum PAB and hs-CRP. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that body mass index (BMI, B = 2.04, P 0.001), physical activity level (PAL, B = 18.728, P = 0.001), serum uric acid (B = -1.545, P = 0.003), and serum C-reactive protein (B = 0.663, P 0.001) were associated with serum PAB in individuals with MetS. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that serum PAB (B = 0.002, P 0.001, CI = 1.001-1.003), serum C-reactive protein (B = 0.007, P 0.015, CI = 1.001-1.013), and serum uric acid (B = 0.207, P 0.001, CI = 1.186-1.277) were all significantly associated with MetS. Serum PAB was strongly associated with serum uric acid and serum hs-CRP. Moreover, serum PAB as well as serum uric acid and serum hs-CRP were independently associated with MetS. Individual features of MetS were also associated with serum hs-CRP and PAB. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(3):263-271, 2018.

Background: The high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) globally is attributable to an interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Gene × diet interaction studies aim to explore how a modifiable factor interacts with genetic predispositions. Here we have explored the interaction of a heat shock protein (HSP70) gene polymorphism (+1267A>G) with dietary intake and their possible association with serum C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, that is a major component of CVD risk.\ud \ud Methods: HSP70 genotype was determined using a TaqMan real time PCR based method. Genetic variation of the HSP70 gene +1267A>G locus. Dietary intake was assessed using a dietary questionnaire. Serum high sensitivity (Hs) CRP and other cardiovascular risk factors were assessed by routine methods. This included coronary angioplasty to determine the presence of coronary artery stenosis. \ud \ud Results: There were significant differences between serum lipid profile and Hs-CRP across the genotypes for Hsp70. The carriers of G allele had higher serum hs-CRP concentrations, compared with the AA homozygotes, with the wild genotype. Interaction analysis showed the association was modulated by total energy intake; the interaction of high energy intake with GG genotype: RERI= 0.77, AP= 0.26, S=1.6.\ud \ud Conclusion: We have found a significant association between the +1267A>G variant of the HSP70 gene with cardiovascular risk factors and serum hs-CRP concentrations. It is possible that a low energy diet could ameliorate the unfavorable effects of G allele of HSP70.

Background: Depression and anxiety are two important mood disorders that are frequently associated with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Hyper-inflammation is related to both CVDs and psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety. Therefore, inflammation may partially explain the relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease.\ud \ud Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between symptoms of depression/anxiety disorders and serum hs-CRP and inflammation linked conditions in a large Iranian population. \ud Methods: Symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders and serum hs-CRP levels were measured in 9,759 participants (40% males and 60% females) enrolled in MASHAD study. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were evaluated with Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. According to the scores of depression and anxiety, individuals were categorized into four groups of no or minimal, low, moderate and severe categories.\ud \ud Results: The median serum hs-CRP concentration increased with increasing severity of depression and anxiety disorders. Male participants with severe depression had significantly higher levels of hs-CRP (p

Pacemaker infection has multiple risk factors. Its presentation is most often similar to infected endocarditis and the diagnosis is made through studying blood cultures. Transesophageal echocardiography can confirm the diagnosis. The most common microorganisms are staphylococcus speciesis. As a matter of fact, complete pacemaker removal appears to be the only definite treatment. We presented a case of infected pacemaker lead which was firstly referred with fever and nephritic syndrome. She had intermittent atrial flutterrhythm. Therefore, a total infected pacemaker system was removed under cardiopulmonary bypass support. Yet, the lead was firmly attached to the septal leaflet of tricuspid valve while leaflet repair was needed. As a result, atrial flutter rhythm was converted into sinus rhythm after an incidental interruption of the macroreentrant circuit in the process of the tricuspid leaflet surgery.

Background Hypertension (HTN) is a risk factor for stroke, renal failure, and cardiovascular disease. The association between biochemical and hematological parameters with high blood pressure may provide a more precise approach to risk prediction conferred by HTN in these patients. Objective The aim of current study was to explore whether biochemical and hematological parameters are associated with HTN in a cohort study with a 7-year follow-up. Materials and Methods A total of 9808 individuals were enrolled and recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorders (MASHAD) cohort study, and biochemical and hematological factors were measured in all subjects. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the association of biochemical and hematological parameters with HTN. Results Several biochemical parameters including fasting plasma glucose (FBG), serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and uric acid were increased in hypertensive participants. In contrast, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was lower in hypertensive individuals. Furthermore, we demonstrated that hematological parameters including white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were higher in the hypertensive group compared to the control group. But mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and red cell distribution width (RDW), were decreased in the hypertensive group. Furthermore, our results strongly suggested that among these parameters, hematocrit was the independent risk factor for hypertension in the population. Conclusion We demonstrated the association of altered biochemical and hematological factors with hypertension supporting the value of emerging markers for early prediction of high blood pressure in prone individuals.

Background: Potential role of computerized decision support system on management of atrial fibrillation is not well understood. Objectives: To systematically review studies that evaluate the effects of computerized decision support systems and decision aids on aspects pertaining to atrial fibrillation. Data sources: We searched Medline, Scopus and Cochrane database. Last date of search was 2016, January 10. Selection criteria: Computerized decision support systems that help manage atrial fibrillation and decision aids that provide useful knowledge for patients with atrial fibrillation and help them to self-care. Data collection and analysis: Two reviewers extracted data and summarized findings. Due to heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not feasible; mean differences of outcomes and confidence intervals for a difference between two Means were reported. Results: Seven eligible studies were included in the final review. There were one observational study without controls, three observational studies with controls, one Non-Randomized Controlled Trial and two Randomized Controlled Trials. The interventions were three decision aids that were used by patients and four computerized decision support systems. Main outcomes of studies were: stroke events and major bleeding (one article), Changing doctor-nurse behavior (three articles), Time in therapeutic International Normalized Ratio range (one article), decision conflict scale (two articles), patient knowledge and anxiety about stroke and bleeding (two articles). Conclusions: A computerized decision support system may decrease decision conflict and increase knowledge of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) about risks of AF and AF treatments. Effect of computerized decision support system on outcomes such as changing doctor-nurse behavior, anxiety about stroke and bleeding and stroke events could not be shown.We need more studies to evaluate the role of computerized decision support system in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Depression and anxiety are two important mood disorders that are frequently associated with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Hyper-inflammation is related to both CVDs and psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. Therefore, inflammation may partially explain the relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease.The objective of this study was to perform a gender-stratified examination of the association between symptoms of depression/anxiety disorders and serum hs-CRP and inflammation linked conditions in a large Iranian population.Symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders and serum hs-CRP levels were measured in 9759 participants (40% males and 60% females) aged 35-65 years, enrolled in a population-based cohort (MASHAD) study in north-eastern Iran. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were evaluated with Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. According to the scores of depression and anxiety, individuals were categorized into four groups of no or minimal, low, moderate and severe categories.The median serum hs-CRP concentration increased with increasing severity of depression and anxiety disorders. Male participants with severe depression had significantly higher levels of hs-CRP (p0.001); however, this relationship was less marked among women (p=0.04). Subjects with severe anxiety also had significantly higher levels of hs-CRP (p0.001). Moreover, women with severe depression and anxiety had higher BMI. There was also a positive association between current smoking habit and depression/anxiety disorders.Depression and anxiety disorders are associated with elevated levels of hs-CRP, particularly among men. Also, there is a significant positive association between depression/anxiety disorders and inflammation linked conditions such as smoking and obesity; however, in the case of obesity this association is only present in women.

Raised blood pressure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide; improved nutritional approaches to population-wide prevention are required.We aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary intake and other cardiovascular risk factors with blood pressure in individuals without a history of a cardiovascular event in an Iranian cohort.A cross-sectional study of 5670 healthy subjects [approximately 40% (n=2179) males and 60% (n=3491) females] was undertaken in a sample from northeastern Iran. Subjects were recruited from an urban population, using a stratified-cluster method and derived from the Mashhad Stroke Heart Atherosclerosis Disorder (MASHAD) study, Mashhad, Iran. The age of the subjects was between 35 and 64 years. None of the subjects had a past history of major disease.The mean ages for the male and female subgroups were 50.1± 8.1years and 48.2 ±7.8 y respectively. Not unexpectedly, subjects without hypertension (HTN) were younger than those with established HTN. Individuals with HTN were significantly more adipose than those without (p0.01). We found no significant differences in crude or total energy adjusted intake of nutrients between the three groups (p0.05), except for crude and energy adjusted phosphorus intake (p0.05) and crude intake of the cholesterol (p0.05). There was a significant correlation between the dietary intake of total fatty acids, phosphorus and vitamin E with both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). PUFA (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)], 1.56 [1.05-1.06]; P0.01), sodium (OR [95% CI], 1.00 [(1.00-1.01)]; P0.01) and phosphorus (OR [95% CI], 1.00 [(1.00-1.01)]; P0.01)were significant independent predictors of HTN after adjustment for energy intake.In our representative population from North-Eastern Iran, it appears that in adults without a history of cardiovascular disease, crude or energy adjusted intake of phosphorus and total fatty acid intake were significant determinants of BP, however we found no association between sodium and potassium intake with BP.

The objective of this study was to investigate whether serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentration varies with dietary fatty acid intake in Iranian adults free of any history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This cross-sectional study involved 8105 adults (3142 men) aged 35-65 years. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recalls. The relationship between anthropometric, cardiometabolic risk factors and dietary data and serum hs-CRP was assessed using SPSS software. Median crude dietary saturated fat decreased across hs-CRP quarters (P =0.009 for linear trend), whereas energy-adjusted total fat (P =0.017), trans-fat (P =0.016), monounsaturated fatty acids (P =0.030) and cholesterol (P =0.005) monotonically increased, with some evidence of statistical interactions by gender. In conclusion, serum hs-CRP concentrations were associated with some components of dietary fatty acid intake in our population of individuals without CVD, suggesting that dietary fat intake could be associated with subclinical inflammation.

Increased pro-Oxidant– Antioxidant Balance in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic condition affecting populations globally. Diabetes mellitus is associated with an imbalance between pro-oxidant mechanisms and the antioxidant defenses, contributing to oxidative-stress, and this is associated with an increased susceptibility to endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, insulin-resistance and impairedpancreatic β-cell function. Here we have investigated the serum pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB) in the patients with diabetes and healthy subjects. Methods: Serum PAB was assessed in 658 subjects, comprised of 69 patients with diabetes, 81 subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and 508 healthy-subjects. Results: The diabetic patients had significantly higher fasting blood glucose (FBG) and serum triglycerides (TG), compared to subjects with IGT IFG and healthy individuals. Median serum PAB values were significantly higher in the patients with diabetes (92.03 [interquartile-range [IQ]: 31.40-124.56]) compared to the healthy group (48.1 [IQ: 20.6-85.9]; P

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is considered to be a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. It is characterized by central adiposity, high blood pressure, glucose intolerance and abnormalities of lipoprotein metabolism. The cause of MetS is likely to be due to a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Liver X receptors alpha ( NR1H3 ) and beta ( NR1H2 ) play a key role in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of genetic polymorphisms in the LXRs to risk of MetS and related traits. Two common SNPs in NR1H3 (rs11039155 and rs2279238) and in NR1H2 (rs17373080 and rs2695121) were genotyped using TaqMan assays in MetS patients (n = 265) and controls (n = 219). Logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) as a measure of association of genotypes with the presence of MetS and related phenotypes. Although The NR1H2 polymorphism rs2695121 was nominally associated with MetS but correction for multiple-testing and adjustment for age, sex and number of MetS criteria, failed to identify any significant interactions associated with prevalence of MetS. However in the haplotype analysis, a LXRα haplotype AC, was more common in controls and was associated with a significant protective effect for MetS (OR [95% CI] = 0.25 [0.07–0.88], p = 0.031). In conclusion, this study suggests that the above-named variants in LXRα and LXRβ genes are not potential contributors to the risk of MetS and related traits in an Iranian population.

We assessed the association between serum heat shock protein 27 (Hsp-27)concentrations in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and compared them with healthy participants. Patients with ACS (n = 75) were recruited and their biochemical parameters were compared with 75 healthy participants. Heat shock protein 27 concentrations were measured from blood samples taken on admission and 12 hours after the onset of chest pain. In the patient group, Hsp-27 concentrations (31.62 [20.12-38.51] ng/mL) in the first blood samples were significantly ( P < .001) higher than in control samples (20.12 [16.67-28.17] ng/mL). In patients, serum Hsp-27 levels on admission were significantly ( P < .001) higher than for the samples collected 12 hours after the onset of chest pain (25.87 [15.52-31.62]); the latter did not differ significantly from samples of healthy controls. In conclusion, serum Hsp-27 concentrations are elevated in the early hours following ACS, but fall to levels near to those in healthy individuals after about 12 hours from the onset of chest pain.