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Seyededeh Sedigheh Hosseini,1,2 Hamidreza Joshaghani,3 Tahereh Shokohi,4 Alireza Ahmadi,1 Zahra Mehrbakhsh5 1Laboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; 2Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Gorgan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; 3Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; 4Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; 5Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, IranCorrespondence: Seyededeh Sedigheh HosseiniLaboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan 4934174515, IranTel +9891137571228Fax +9832423630Email Hosseini.s@goums.ac.irPurpose: Antifungal resistance and virulence properties of Candida albicans (C. albicans) are growing health problems worldwide. The present study aims to investigate the effect of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and Nystatin on SAP1-3 genes expression in C. albicans isolates of females with Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) isolated from Sayad Shirazi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in Northeastern Iran during 2017– 2018.Patients and Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, vaginal samples were collected from 280 VVC women. 196 (70%) of C. albicans isolates were identified by phenotypic and ITS genotypic methods. Susceptibility to Fluconazole C. albicans isolates was determined by the disk diffusion method. Detection of ERG11 gene was done by RT-PCR technique.Results: It was revealed that PCR amplified the ERG11 gene in all of the Fluconazole-resistant isolates. Real-time PCR was used to survey the effects of 3± 1.7μg/mL concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles and Nystatin on expression of SAP1-3 genes before and after treatment. 186 (95%) susceptible C. albicans and 10 (5%) Fluconazole-resistant C. albicans isolates from VVC were exposed to sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (Sub-MIC) of ZnO-np (range=0.02– 12 μg/mL). Sub-MIC concentration was used for each strain, which reduced the expression of SAP1-3 genes to 1.8 MIC in the vaginal swabs. The observed reduction in gene expression was significant for both ZnO nanoparticles and Nystatin (P=0.01 and P=0.07, respectively).Conclusion: ZnO as antifungal agent can well reduce the growth and gene expression of SAP1-3 in the pathogenesis of VVC.Keywords: ZnO, gene expression, pathogenesis, vulvovaginal candidiasis

Introduction. Human seminal plasma contains a variety of macro and trace elements including magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) that have essential roles in normal functioning of semen and its quality. The imbalance of these elements has been reported in several pathologic and male infertility disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the levels of these elements in seminal plasma samples, their relationships with each other and their impact on sperm motility.

Background and Objective: Hypertension is considered as a major public health problem in most countries due to its association with ischemic heart disease. The aim of this study was to determine people awareness of hypertension in Golestan province of Northern Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional population based study carried out on 2497 subjects (15-65 years old) including 1500 men and 1247 women in Golestan province- Northern Iran during 2006. The subjects were chosen by proportional-cluster sampling based on sex and age groups. The subjects were interviewed, antropometric indexes and serum biochemical factors were evaluated. Blood pressure was measured three times with 5 minutes interval and defined based on JNC-7 classification. Serum cholesterol and fast blood sugar (FBS) were determined using laboratory kits (enzymatic methods), and spectrophotometery technique. Data was analyzed by SPSS-16 software and Chi-Square test. Results: In general, the prevalence of hypertension in this region was 23.9%. with higher rate among women urban area by 3.3% and 5% respectively. Only 48.7% of hypertensive patients were aware of their disease and that was significantly more in women than men (P<0.001). Low physical activity, chronical age, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, general obesity, central obesity and illiteracy were the risk factor for hypertension morbidity (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed, in spite of prevalency of hypertension among 20% of subjects in this area only 48.7% of them were aware about their disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Menstrual disorders are including of metruragy, oligomenorrhea, polymenorrhea, dysmenorrheal and amenorrhea. Hormonal disorders can be the cause of such abnormalities. This study was designed to evaluate, the correlation between serum thyroid and sex hormones level,with menstrual disorders. Materials and Methods: This descriptive — analytical study carried out on 110 women with menstrual disorders without anatomical disorders referred to private clinic during 2007-08. In third day of menstrual cycle, sample blood was taken for determination of LH, FSH, PRL, TSH, T3, T4 and Testosterone. Laboratory tests were performed by ELISA method. Results: The 42.7% of women with menstrual disorders were in age group lower than 25 years. Oligomenorrhea with 42.7% was the major menstrual disorder and amenorrhea was the lowest with 4.5%. The most hormonal disorders was related to T3 (46.3%), LH (44.5%) and testosterone was the lowest with 5.4%. 11 cases (10.0%) have presented with hirsutism. Conclusion: According to findings of this study T3 and LH are the common hormonal disorders in menstrual abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Celiac is a hereditary disease presented with chronic inflammation of small intestine. Several studies supposed a relationship between Celiac disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Tissue trans-glutaminase antibody is one of the best serological markers in Celiac disease. This study was designed to evaluate the association of Celiac and IBD using tissue trans-glutaminase antibody. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study 127 confirmed IBD patients who were referred by gastroentrologists 2005-08 enrolled into the study. A questionnaire was completed and tissue trans-glutaminase antibody was evaluated with ELISA method with a Cut-off=12 U/ml. Results: Among 127 referred patients, serum samples of 102 patients were collected. Mean±SD of age was 36.17±15.2 years and 48% were males. Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and other colitis were observed in 76 (74.5%), 7 (6.9%) and 19 (18.6%) of patients, respectively. Tissue trans-glutaminase antibody was positive (19.8 U/L) in one 46-years-old male patient with ulcerative colitis. Conclusion: Tissue trans-glutaminase antibody titer was not significantly different between IBD patients and controls, thus it seems not appropriate to suggest as one of the routine tests in IBD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Gestational diabetes is affected 3-12% of women and occurs at the final stage of second trimester. This study was done to determine the fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin level in pregnant women with abnormal glucose challenge test. Methods: This case – control study was carried out on 96 pregnant women with glucose challenge test (GCT)>140 mg/dl as cases and 96 pregnant women with GCT

Background and Objective: In pathogenesis of beta major thalassemia, tissue damage is occurring due to oxidative stress. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of vitamin E supplementation on serum Paraoxonase, SOD, GPX enzyme activity and lipid profiles in beta major thalassemia patients. Materials and Methods: In this clinical tiral study, Sixty (25 males, 35 females) beta major thalassemia patients with age≥18 years who had criterias to enter the study, were selected randomely in two groups. The patients in interventional group, vitamin E at a dose of 400 mg/day were given for three months, with no supplementations in control group. The enzyme activities of paraoxonase, SOD, GPX and lipid profiles (LDL-c, HDL-c, triglyceride, total Antixidant Capacity) were measured prior and after 3 months in both case and control groups. Data analyzed by using paired t-test. Results: Significant increases in serum levels of vitamin E, Paraoxonase activity, HDL cholesterol (P

Background and Objective: Celiac is a hereditary disease presented with chronic inflammation of small intestine. Several studies supposed a relationship between Celiac disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Tissue trans-glutaminase antibody is one of the best serological markers in Celiac disease. This study was designed to evaluate the association of Celiac and IBD using tissue trans-glutaminase antibody. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study 127 confirmed IBD patients who were referred by gastroentrologists 2005-08 enrolled into the study. A questionnaire was completed and tissue trans-glutaminase antibody was evaluated with ELISA method with a Cut-off=12 U/ml. Results: Among 127 referred patients, serum samples of 102 patients were collected. Mean±SD of age was 36.17±15.2 years and 48% were males. Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and other colitis were observed in 76 (74.5%), 7 (6.9%) and 19 (18.6%) of patients, respectively. Tissue trans-glutaminase antibody was positive (19.8 U/L) in one 46-years-old male patient with ulcerative colitis. Conclusion: Tissue trans-glutaminase antibody titer was not significantly different between IBD patients and controls, thus it seems not appropriate to suggest as one of the routine tests in IBD patients.

Background and Objective: The Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungi that can be pathogenic in patients suffering from diabetes and AIDS. This organism can cause various infections such as superficial of the skin and mucosa to deep tissue infections. In this study the antifungal effects of ZnO and SDS on Candida albicans in comparison with Fluconazole were investigated. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study which evaluated the antifungal effects of biocide SDS and ZnO on Candida albicans by microbroth dilution assay in broth and agar medium. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determinated for each inhibitor during colony count in comparison with control. Results: MIC of ZnO was 1.013-296 µg/ml and for SDS and Fluconazole were 0.001-0.56 and 0.062-128 µg/ml respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated antifungal activity of ZnO can be a candidates for the elimination of candida in medicine particular in medical instruments.

Background&Objective: Two enzymes have the ability to hydrolyze acetylcholine. One is acetylcholinesterase, which is called true cholinesterase, it is found in erythrocytes. The other cholinesterase is pseudocholinesterase, it is found in serum. Some chemical components of organophosphates group and carbamates affected cholinesterase activity. Determination of cholinesterase has application in diagnosis of liver disease, liver damage by insecticide and assessment of fatty liver. Pesticide factory workers are one group of peoples which are exposed of poisoning by pesticide. Materials&Methods: This research in 2005 performed in pesticide producers. In two stages (3 month interval) from 58 of personal blood was drown. Results: Mean of erythrocyte cholinesterase in first stage was 48.5±11.2 IU/gHb and second stage was 37.9±17.3 IU/gHb. Decrease of erythrocyte cholinesterase was significant differences (paired t test, P

Background&Objective: Celiac is a digestive disease. In this disease, small bowel is damaged and the absorption of nutrients are adversely affected. These patients do not absorb gluten. There is probably a correlation between esophagus cancer and celiac. The aim of this research was to study the seroepidemiology celiac disease in this area with high prevalency of esophagus cancer. Materials&Methods: This research was a descriptive study, which was performed on blood donors in Golestan province during the year 2005-06. blood samples were taken from 2547 subjects. tTG-IgA determination were carried out using ElISA technique, the titre10Um/l were considered to be as negative, weakly positive and positive respectively. EMA antibody assessment were carried out on all sample population with more than 4U/ml, using IFA method. Results: 28 subjects (1.1%) had tTG-Ab positive test, out of this number 18 subjects (0.7%) were weakly positive and 10 persons (0.4%) were considered to be positive. EMA test were positive in 70% of subjects with tTG positive results. There was not any significant meaning between positive tTG test and ethnicity from weakly positive tTG, 15 subjects (83.3%) and 3 subjects (16.7%) were male and female respectively. The entire tTG positive were male subjects. Conclusion: In regard to high prevalency of esophagus cancer in the region and the relation of celiac disease with above cancer, it seems necessary to look more seriously at the celiac disease.

This study aimed to investigate the activation of the inflammation process, triggered as an immune response to combat the invasion by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 is a highly transmissible and pathogenic coronavirus that emerged in late 2019 and has caused a pandemic of acute respiratory disease, named 'coronavirus disease 2019' (COVID-19). Several mechanisms contribute to the reduction in serotonin levels, such as the impaired absorption of dietary tryptophan, hindered serotonin transport via platelets, and increased activity of an enzyme responsible for breaking down serotonin. Individuals seeking treatment for long COVID-19 had lower serotonin levels in their blood than those who had fully recovered from the infection. Furthermore, patients with long COVID-19 also had reduced tryptophan levels. The potential benefits of dietary supplementation with tryptophan or the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to improve cognitive impairments and depressive and anxiety disorders in long-term COVID-19 patients. The findings support the immune response's pivotal role in modulating serotonin levels and further highlight the intricate connection between the immune system and neurotransmitter regulation., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT: None declared., (© Chonnam Medical Journal, 2024.)

Esophageal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death and the seventh most prevalent cancer worldwide. Considering the positive association of high selenium with the prevalence of esophageal cancer, we have investigated the effect of high doses of selenium on gene expression in the normal esophageal tissue of rats. Twenty male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, group 2 mg Se/L, 10 mg Se/L, and 20 mg Se/L rats fed with a basal basic diet and 2, 10, and 20 mg Se/L as sodium selenite in drinking water, respectively, for 20 weeks. Serum malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase activity were measured. Moreover, the expression and concentration of the cyclin D1, cyclin E, KRAS, p53, NF-kB, TGF-β, and MGMT in the esophageal tissue were analyzed and compared between the four groups. In normal esophageal tissue, selenium supplementations (2, 10, and 20 mg Se/L) increased the mRNA levels of cyclin D1, P53, KRAS, NF-κB p65, and MGMT and decreased the mRNA level of TGFß1. The concentrations of cyclin D1 and MGMT were also significantly increased by selenium supplementations. Selenium supplementations had no significant effect on serum MDA but significantly increased GPX activity. The present study suggests that selenium supplementation (2, 10, and 20 mg Se/L) affects gene expression related to inflammation, Cell proliferation, and apoptosis in the normal esophageal tissue. However, there were no observed abnormalities other than reduced growth with supplementation of 20 mg/L as Na2SeO3 in rats., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common forms of chronic liver disease that affects about 25% of the general population. No definitive treatment for NAFLD has been identified yet. The aim was to determine the effect of atorvastatin (ATO) and flaxseed on related indicators of NAFLD-induced fat/fructose-enriched diet (FFD)., Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. NAFLD groups received FFD and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to induce NAFLD. After intervention with ATO (10 mg/kg/day) and/or flaxseed (7.5 g/kg/day), liver enzymes and lipid profiles in serum were determined at eight week of interventions., Results: Triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol (CHO) in FFD + ATO, FFD + flaxseed, and FFD + ATO + flaxseed had a significant decrease and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level and LDL/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio showed a significant increase in the FFD + flaxseed compared to the FFD. The levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were significantly reduced in the FFD + ATO, FFD + flaxseed, and the FFD + ATO + flaxseed. In addition, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were significantly different between normal and FFD. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were significantly different in the FFD + flaxseed and the FFD + ATO + flaxseed compared to the FFD., Conclusion: ATO therapy along with flaxseed controls NAFLD-related indices and FBS. Therefore, it can be stated with caution that ATO and flaxseed can be used to improve lipid profile and reduce the complications of NAFLD., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 Advanced Biomedical Research.)

Background : Esophageal cancer is one of the main causes of cancer mortality in the world. Golestan province, in the northern part of Iran, has the highest esophageal cancer rate in the world. The north and south districts of Golestan province can be classified as low and high-risk areas for esophageal cancer. One of the potential risk factors for esophageal cancer in this population is a nutrient-deficient diet. Dietary antioxidant compounds such as selenium, vitamin E, vitamin A, and β-carotene are reactive oxygen species (ROC) scavengers that play a key role in cellular responses to oxidative stress and preventing DNA damage. This study aims to compare the serum levels of selenium, vitamin E, and vitamin A in healthy individuals in high and low-risk areas of esophageal cancer. Methods : This study is a population of 242 healthy individuals. Serum selenium levels were assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Vitamin E and A were assessed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Results : Vitamin E levels of healthy individuals in high-risk areas were significantly lower than in low-risk areas, while there was no significant difference between the selenium and vitamin A levels of healthy individuals in high-risk areas and low-risk areas. Also, there was no significant difference between selenium, vitamin E, and vitamin A levels in urban and rural areas and men and women in Golestan province. Conclusion : High levels of selenium with lower levels of vitamin E, along with other risk factors, may be associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in high-risk areas of Golestan province., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this work., (© 2022 Middle East Journal of Digestive Diseases.)

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder in which oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species productions are proposed to be involved in its pathogenesis. Despite considerable advancement in Selenium's (Se) molecular biology and metabolism, we do not know much about the cell type-specific pattern of Se distribution in the brain of PD humans and experimental animals. Although, there is plenty of evidence around the role of Se deficiency in PD's pathogenesis impacting lipid peroxidation and reducing glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). It has been suggested that Se has an inducible role in selenium-dependent GPX activity in PD animals and humans. However, calcium as a second messenger regulates the neuron cells' essential activities, but its overloading leads to cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis. Therefore, Se's antioxidant role can affect calcium signaling and alleviate its complications. There are signs of Se and Selenoproteins incorporation in protecting stress oxidative in various pathways. In conclusion, there is convincing proof for the crucial role of Se and Calcium in PD pathogenesis., Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12291-022-01031-1., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Association of Clinical Biochemists of India 2022.)

Background: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic and is the cause of increased mortality, especially among elderly patients and those who have severe complications, such as chronic pulmonary obstruction, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Nutrition, especially micronutrients, plays an important role in reducing mortality and complications from COVID-19 because micronutrients strengthen our immune system and nutritional status is an important factor that affects the outcome of patients with COVID-19. Among micronutrients, selenium has an important effect on both intrinsic and acquired immunity. Host selenium deficiency affects the viral genome and increases the virulence of viruses. We have investigated the serum selenium levels in COVID-19 patients and healthy control individuals., Methods: A total of 50 patients with COVID-19 infection were included in this study. During hospitalization, 13 patients died (non-survivor group) and 37 patients recovered (survivor group). We assessed the serum selenium levels in 50 COVID-19 patients and 50 healthy individuals by Agilent SpectrAA-240 Z atomic absorption spectrometer., Results: The serum selenium level was significantly lower in COVID-19 patients (77. 8 ± 13.9 μg/L) as compared to healthy control individuals (91.7 ± 16.7 μg/L), but there was no significant difference between the survivor and non-survivor groups. Also, there was no significant relationship between serum selenium levels and laboratory findings of COVID-19 patients., Conclusions: These results suggest that decreased serum selenium levels may be a risk factor for the COVID-19 infection, but there was no significant relationship between selenium and severity and mortality of COVID-19 disease., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

BACKGROUND Studies have indicated that branched amino acids play a crucial role in gene expression, protein metabolism, apoptosis, and restoration of hepatocytes and insulin resistance. This study aimed to compare the plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids in patients with esophageal cancer and normal individuals. METHODS Plasma levels of leucine and isoleucine of 37 patients with esophageal cancer and 37 healthy adults were investigated by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (version 16) software, and t test was used to compare the plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids in the two groups. RESULTS In the patients group, the mean age ± SD was 63 ± 13.64 years, and 21 (56.8%) individuals were male. In the control group, the mean age ± SD was 64.24 ± 13.08 years, and 21 (54.1%) individuals were male. Plasma levels of leucine (37.68 ± 105) and isoleucine (22.43 ± 59.1) in patients with esophageal cancer were significantly reduced ( p value of isoleucine:0.007, and leucine: 0.0001). CONCLUSION In the present study, the plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids in patients with esophageal cancer had changed. Evidence suggests that branched-chain amino acids are essential nutrients for cancer growth and are used by tumors in various biosynthetic pathways as energy sources. Thus, studies in this field can be useful in providing appropriate therapeutic approaches., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this work., (© 2021 The Author(s).)

Objective: Metabolic processes in the body of people with and without esophageal cancer (EC) are significantly different. Therefore, changes in the metabolism of amino acids in the body of EC patients can lead to metabolic disorders, such as increased gluconeogenesis. The aim of this study was the comparison of the plasma levels of gluconeogenic amino acids between patients with EC and the control group., Methods: Plasma samples of 37 patients with EC who were selected before any treatment or surgery, and 37 healthy adults who did not have history of family cancer and malignant diseases were taken. Analysis of the plasma levels of amino acids including, alanine, asparagine, aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, glycine, serine, arginine, histidine, methionine, threonine, valine, tyrosine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan was done by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) based on reverse-phase-chromatography. Data analysis was done by SPSS-16 software., Results: In the patient group the mean age ± SD was 63±13.64 and 21 (56.8%) were male.The plasma levels of the alanine, asparagine, histidine, methionine, threonine, valine amino acids in the patients with esophageal cancer was significantly reduced and glycine was increased (p-value<0.05)., Conclusion: Gluconeogenic amino acids are the main precursor of glucose synthesis in the gluconeogenesis pathway. Cancer cells need more energy to grow and multiply, and glucose is used as the main fuel for cells. Given the importance of metabolic pathways in cancer cells, more detailed studies at the molecular level can provide new insights into early detection and appropriate treatment strategies for cancer.

Background: It has been shown there is an upward trend for strontium (Sr) and antimony (Sb) levels from low-risk (LR) to high-risk (HR) areas of etiology of esophageal cancer in water, soil, and grains grown in Golestan province. In the present study, the serum levels of Sr and Sb were determined in healthy individuals living in these areas., Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on fasting blood serum of adult healthy individuals collected by cluster sampling. Subjects were divided into two groups, those living in either HR or LR areas. Strontium and antimony serum levels were measured using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy., Results: A total of 200 volunteers were enrolled from which 96 persons (48%) and 104 persons (52%) were from either HR or LR areas, respectively. The sex distribution was 40.9% male and 59.1% female, and the average age of enrolled people was 50.9 years. The average strontium levels were 30.44 ± 4.05 and 30.29 ± 3.74 μg/L in LR and HR, respectively. It also has been shown the average antimony levels were 15.21 ± 3.40, 14.81 ± 3.17, 15.13 ± 3.62, and 15.07 ± 3.62 μg/L in LR, HR, urban, and rural populations, respectively., Conclusion: The serum levels of strontium and antimony were not significantly different in healthy adults living in high- and low-risk areas of esophageal cancer. However, the average antimony serum levels in Golestan Province were above the reference interval in different countries., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel diseases are managed by different methods, which may not be well tolerated because of their side effects. Recently, pro-prebiotics are considered as a supplementary treatment in gastrointestinal diseases. In this study, the effect of Lactocare® (ZistTakhmir Company) was investigated on the disease severity in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. METHODS In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial (Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials number: IRCT201407271264N5), 60 patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis were included. An 8-week trial was carried out comparing Lactocare® as a supplement with standard therapy against placebo. Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) was measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using paired ttest to assess the temporal changes (before and after the treatment) in the mean of SCCAI in each group. Chi-square test was used to compare the response rates. Odds ratios (OR) and the 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were also calculated. p values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS A significant decreased mean SCCAI was seen in the intervention group (4.56 ± 2.56) vs. placebo group (6.54 ± 2.47) ( p < 0.05). Response to treatment was seen in 64.3% of the treatment group vs. 47% in the placebo group ( p = 0.18). Response to treatment was observed in 90.9% of patients with ulcerative colitis for more than 5 years compared with 44.4% of the control group ( p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Regarding the effectiveness of pre-probiotics in mitigating symptoms in patients with ulcerative colitis, it could be suggested to try pre-probiotics in the standard treatment particularly in those with more than five years ofthe disease., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this work., (© 2020 The Author(s).)

It has been shown that fecal calprotectin can be used to evaluate mucosal inflammation better than using clinical indices and serum markers. The aim of this study was to assess the use of fecal calprotectin for evaluating the disease activity in 2 groups of patients with ulcerative colitis and a control group. The study population consisted of 30 patients with active-phase ulcerative colitis, 30 remission-phase patients, and 30 healthy control patients. After obtaining informed consent, we took blood and fecal samples. Fecal calprotectin was assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method; levels of more than 200 μg/g were considered abnormal. The Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index was used to evaluate disease activity. A one-way analysis of variance test and a Pearson correlation test were used to analyze the results. The means ±SD of the disease activity index were 4 ± 2.8, 6 ± 1.9, and 2.7 ± 2.5 in patients with active-phase and remission-phase ulcerative colitis, respectively (p < .001). Fecal calprotectin (μg/g) values (mean ±SD) for active-phase patients, remission-phase patients, and the control group patients were significantly different: 711.7 ± 228, 517 ± 328.2, and 304 ± 297.5, respectively. There was a significant correlation between fecal calprotectin and the disease activity index values (r = .41; p = .004). Fecal calprotectin could be a useful tool in assessing the bowel disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis.

To evaluate the effects of indoxacarb on saltwater stress response in Cyprinus carpio, the fish were pre-exposed to indoxacarb (0, 0.75, 1.5 and 3mg/L denoted as CP, 0.75IT, 1.5IT and 3IT, respectively) for 21 days and then released to saltwater. A negative control (CN) group was included (the fish were held in indoxacarb-free water for the entire experiment). The fish were sampled immediately (0h) and 24, 48 and 72h after the salinity exposure for the analysis of plasma cortisol, glucose and sodium, chloride, potassium and calcium levels. All fish pre-exposed to 3mg/L indoxacarb, died after the first day of salinity challenge. CP showed typical cortisol response after the salinity challenge, but, cortisol response of the fish pre-exposed to indoxacarb (0.75IT and 1.5IT) was blocked. Plasma glucose increased significantly in all groups compared to the CN; however, this elevation had no consistent trend in 0.75IT and 1.5IT which indicated interference in glucose response due to indoxacarb exposure. Plasma sodium increased (compared to CN) in all groups after the salinity challenge. However, elevation in plasma chloride and potassium was significantly different among the groups and the indoxacarb-treated fish showed slightly sooner ionic disturbance. The results clearly indicate that indoxacarb impairs stress response of C. carpio and the fish may not be able to respond normally to additional stressors, which threatens their survival., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of tumour cells with the ability of self-renewal and resistance to chemotherapy. Targeting CSCs is a promising strategy for treatment of cancer. A recent study demonstrated that adenosine receptor agonists inhibit glioblastoma CSCs proliferation. At present, the effect of adenosine on breast CSCs has not been reported. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of adenosine and its signalling pathways in breast CSCs., Materials and Methods: Anti-proliferative effect of adenosine on breast CSCs was evaluated by mammosphere formation and MTS assay. The effect of adenosine on cell cycle progression was examined using flow cytometry. Detection of apoptosis was conducted by Annexin V-FITC. The expression levels of cell cycle and apoptosis regulatory proteins as well as ERK1/2, and GLI-1 were measured by Western blot., Results: Adenosine reduced CSCs population and mammosphere formation in breast CSCs. Adenosine induced G1 cell cycle arrest in breast CSCs in conjunction with a marked down-regulation of cyclin D1 and CDK4. Adenosine also induced apoptosis by regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, mitochondrial membrane potential depletion and activation of caspase-6. Moreover, adenosine inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation and GLI-1 protein expression., Conclusions: These findings indicated that adenosine induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through inhibition of GLI-1 and ERK1/2 pathways in breast CSCs., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

BACKGROUND There is a critical role for trace elements in cancer prevention. Since northeast Iran is known as a high risk area for esophageal cancer, this study was designed to compare the serum levels of some trace elements in high and low rate areas of Golestan province. METHODS We used 240 fasting serum samples obtained in 2011 from eastern and western parts of Golestan province during the non-communicable diseases' screening program. To carry out laboratory examinations, the samples were firstly deproteinated and then the concentrations of the intended elements were measured by an atomic absorption spectrometer. A total of 227 samples were used in the present study and the remaining 13 samples were excluded due to inappropriate conditions. RESULTS The mean serum level of zinc in the high-risk region was significantly lower than that in the low-risk region. But no significant difference was detected in serum levels of copper, magnesium, and manganese in the low-risk and high-risk regions. CONCLUSION As this study was an ecological study with no comparison between patients with cancer and healthy population, its results cannot be used for the general population. Therefore, complementary studies including case-control studies are suggested for further evaluation of the relationship between these elements and the incidence of esophageal cancer., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this work.

Background: Aflatoxins are the most common mycotoxins that contaminate crops. They are produced by fungi such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Wheat (Tricitumaestivum) is one of the most important staple foods used in Iran, and the environmental conditions in the north of Iran are favorable to fungal growth. This study was designed in order to determine the aflatoxin concentration in wheat samples from silos in Golestan Province north of Iran., Methods: Samples were collected from three silos of Golestan province. First, aflatoxins were isolated using immunoaffinity chromatography. Then the aflatoxin concentrations were determined by High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and fluorescence detector., Results: Ten out of 34 samples (29.4% of samples) were contaminated by aflatoxins.No concentration was found above permitted aflatoxin levels in Iran (15 ng/g). In one sample (2.9%), aflatoxin B1 was seen over the permissible limits in Iran. The highest level found in samples for total aflatoxin, aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1 and aflatoxin G2 were 7.08 ng/g, 6.91 ng/g, 0.29 ng/g, 1.37 ng/g and 0.23 ng/g, respectively. No correlation was found between humidity levels in wheat samples contained aflatoxin and wheat samples without aflatoxin., Conclusion: Despite the total aflatoxins determined in samples were below the permissible limits in Iran, the 29% aflatoxin contamination rate can negatively affect health factors and it should not be neglected. So, it is predictable that if the storage duration of samples increases, the aflatoxin contamination levels will increase.

Background: It has been reported that 15-20% of parous female have experienced at least one miscarriage, while 3% of them have experienced two miscarriages. The goal of this study was to evaluate the plasma level of coagulation factors in women with a history of spontaneous abortions., Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 82 women with a history of two or more abortions referred to the six private gynecologic clinics in Gorgan city without any structural abnormality were recruited during 2011-2012. Plasma levels of antithrombin III (ATIII) using colorimetric assay, protein C, protein S, factor V Leiden and lupus anticoagulant (LAC) using coagulation method were measured. The control group was women with a history of normal delivery and no abortions. Those under anti-coagulant therapy were excluded from the study. Data were entered into the computer using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 16 and analyzed by Chi-square, t test and non-parametric tests., Results: At least one abnormality was reported in 35 cases (42.7%). Among them, protein C deficiency was the most prevalent (30.5%). ATIII was abnormal in 17.1% and lupus anti-coagulant was abnormal in 8.5%. Factor V Leiden was normal in all cases and protein S deficiency was only seen in one case., Conclusion: We suggest to perform these tests in regards to the thrombophilia in cases with spontaneous abortions in order to find an early cure for this treatable disorder.

Background: The main aim of this study is to evaluate the association between serum cholesterol level and abdominal obesity in adult men and women in the north of Iran., Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted on the 1956 subjects (990 men and 966 women) between 25 and 65 years old chosen by cluster sampling. Plasma cholesterol was measured in the morning after a 12 h fast and determined by auto-analyzer. Hypercholesterolemia (HC) was defined by a total plasma cholesterol level over 200 mg/dl. Waist circumference ≥102 cm and ≥88 cm in men and women were defined as abdominal obesity. SPSS 16.0 software was used for statistical analysis and P < 0.05 considered as statistical significance., Results: Averagely, the mean of age was 44.2 years and mean ± standard deviation of plasma total cholesterol level was 203 ± 11.3 mg/dl. The HC was seen in 50.8% of subjects with a more common in women than in men. Compared with normal subjects, in abdominal obese people, the odds ratio (OR) of HC was (OR = 4.208 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.939-9.130]) and (OR = 3.956 [95% CI: 1.821-8.592]) in men aged 25-35 and 35-45 years, respectively. In women aged 25-35 years, it was (OR = 3.444 [95% CI: 1.959-6.056]) in abdominal obese compared with normal subjects., Conclusion: Hypercholesterolemia was revealed as a major health problem among adults, and it was associated with abdominal obesity especially in the early middle-age in the north of Iran. This association was not significant in men and women after the age of 45 and 35, respectively.

BACKGROUND Different clinical and epidemiological studies using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry have shown an increased prevalence of low bone mineral density in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between bone density and the disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 52 patients with ulcerative colitis (duration of the disease less than 5 years) were invited to our research center, Golestan province, northeast of Iran, during February 2012 up to August 2012. A demographic checklist and Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index was completed for each patients and 5 cc of blood sample was taken after obtaining the informed consent. We used colorimetry method for measuring serum calcium, UV method for serum phosphorus and ELISA for serum vitamin D. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was done to evaluate the bone density. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 16. Normality of data was assessed using Kolmogorov- Smirnov test. T and ANOVA tests were used if data had normal distribution. Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for the remaining data. Correlation between qualitative variables was evaluated by Chi-square test. RESULTS The mean (±SD) age and disease activity of the patients were 37.72 (±12.18) years and 4.78 (±1.98), respectively. There were no correlation between disease activity and mean age. Low bone density was seen in 30.8%, 11.5%, and 15.4% in spine, femur neck, and hip, respectively. There was no relationship between Z-score of total hip, spine, and femur neck with disease activity, age, and duration of disease (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Our results showed an acceptable rate of low bone density in patients with ulcerative colitis without any correlation with the disease activity index.

Objective: To assess the relationship between selenium (Se) concentration in rice and the incidence of esophageal cancer (EC) in a high risk area in Northern Iran., Methods: This ecological study was conducted in Golestan province of Iran in 2012. In this area, 45714 acres of land are cultivated by rice. A total of 69 rice samples were taken. We investigated Se concentrations by the voltammetric method. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation test and Mann-Whitney U test., Results: The mean (+/-SD) Se level in rice samples was 0.229 (+/-0.145) mg/kg. The Se concentration was significantly higher in rice samples from high EC rate areas (0.35 mg/kg) compared with low risk areas (0.16 mg/kg) (p<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between the levels of Se in rice and the incidence rate of EC (p=0.03)., Conclusion: We found a high rice Se concentration and a significant positive relationship between rice Se levels and EC rates in the Golestan province of Iran. High soil and rice Se levels may play a possible role in the pathogenesis of EC in this area.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) level and Waist Circumference (WC) in men and women among 25-65 years old people in the north of Iran., Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional and analytical research gender that carried out on the 1797 subjects (941 males and 856 females) between 25-65 years old using multistage cluster sampling technique. FBG was measured in the morning after a 12-hour fast and was determined by using laboratory kits (enzymatic methods) and spectrophotometry technique. Central obesity was defined based on World Health Organization criteria: waist circumference ≥102 cm and ≥88 cm in men and women, respectively. The SPSS.16 software was used for statistical analysis., Results: As whole, the mean of FBG in women (98.3 ± 40.1 mg/dl) was higher than in men (94.6 ± 32.2 mg/dl). Also, the mean of WC in men 4.5 cm was lower than in women. In men, the mean of FBG statistically differs between normal and central obese subjects both in 35-45 year-age group (P = 0.001) and in 45-55 year-age group (P = 0.042). As whole, in men, the FBG level increased up 2.82 mg/dl in each 10 cm of WC with the highest rate in 35-45 year-age group. In totally, in women, the FBG level increased up 3.48 mg/dl in each 10 cm of WC and in 25-35 year-age group and it was higher than in other age groups. In men, the regression coefficients were constant with age increasing while in women it was decreased. Constant trend in men and decreasing trend in women with age was shown between FBG and WC. The cut-off point of WC for detecting of diabetes obtained 89 cm and 107 cm in men and women, respectively., Conclusion: The positive correlation was seen between WC and FBG level and it was declined with age in women. Cut-off point for detecting of diabetes in men was less than in women. WC is useable as a predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus risk among adults in the north of Iran.

Background: Golestan province in northeastern Iran has been known as a high-risk area for esophageal cancer (EC). This study was conducted to assess aflatoxin (AF) contamination of wheat flour (WF) samples in high and low EC-risk areas of Golestan province., Methods: Four WF samples were collected randomly from each of 25 active silos throughout the province in 2009. The levels of AFs were measured using the High-performance liquid chromatography method. Using the data of EC rates obtained from Golestan population-based cancer registry, the province was divided into high and low risk areas for EC. Student t-test and multivariate regression analysis were used to compare the levels of aflatoxins as well as the condition of silos between the two areas., Results: One hundred WF samples were collected. The mean levels of total aflatoxin and aflatoxin B1 was 1.99 and 0.53 ng g(-1), respectively. The levels of total AF (p = 0.03), AFG2 (p = 0.02) and AFB1 (p = 0.003) were significantly higher in samples obtained from high risk area. Multivariate regression analysis showed that humidity of silo was the most important source of difference between silos of the two areas (p = 0.04)., Conclusion: We found a positive relationship between AF level of WF samples and the risk of EC. So, AF contamination may be a possible risk factor for EC in our region. We also found that humidity of silos was the most important determinant of AF contamination of WF. Intensive control of silos conditions including humidity and temperature are needed especially in high EC-risk areas., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Project: Omeprazole is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It increases the gastric pH and this in turn may change the intestinal absorption of trace elements. This study was conducted to assess the effects of omeprazole consumption on the serum level of trace elements., Procedures: The studied subjects were selected from the list of patients referred to the gastroenterology department of 5 Azar hospital in Golestan province of Iran for whom omeprazole was prescribed by a gastroenterologist. Blood samples were obtained before (phase I) and after an eight-week period (phase II) of omeprazole consumption. Serum levels of trace elements were assessed by the photometric method., Results: Sixty seven patients were recruited of whom, 35.82% were males. There was no significant difference in serum levels of Fe, P, Ca and Cu between phases I and II. Serum concentration of Zn was significantly lower in phase II than I (P=0.02). The proportion of male patients with low Zn levels was significantly higher in phase II (50%) than I (16.7%) (P=0.01). We found no significant difference in the proportion of female patients with low Zn levels between phase I (37.2%) and phase II (27.9%)., Conclusions: We found no significant reduction in serum levels of Fe, P, Ca and Cu in phase II. However, our results showed that serum level of Zn was significantly lower after omeprazole consumption in males. So, nutritional supplement of Zn should be considered in male patients treated with omeprazole., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Objective: In beta thalassemic patients, tissue damage occurs due to oxidative stress and it happens because of the accumulation of iron in the body. This study was conducted to determine the effect of zinc and vitamin E supplementation on antioxidant status in beta-thalassemic major patients., Methods: This double blind randomized clinical trial was carried out on 120 beta thalassemic patients older than 18 years. Patients were randomly categorized in four groups. Zinc (50mg/day) and vitamin E (400mg/day) supplements were administered for former and latter group, respectively. In the third group both supplements were administered in similar doses. The fourth (control) group received no supplement. The effect of supplementations on serum zinc and vitamin E, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and body mass index (BMI) were measured at the beginning and the end of the study., Findings: Serum zinc levels in group 1 and 3 were significantly increased (P<0.007 and P<0.005, respectively). Serum vitamin E levels in group 2 and 3 were also increased significantly (P<0.001). Mean GPX activity in group1, 2 and 3 decreased significantly (P<0.015, P<0.032 and P<0.029, respectively). Mean SOD activity and TAC did not show significant change after supplementation. BMI had significant increase in all treated groups (P<0.001)., Conclusion: Our results suggest that beta thalassemic patients have enhanced oxidative stress and administration of selective antioxidants may preclude oxidative damage.