A population-based prospective study on obesity-related non-communicable diseases in northern Iran: rationale, study design, and baseline analysis.

Background: Iran is facing an epidemiological transition with the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, such as obesity-related disorders and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We conducted a population-based prospective study to assess the prevalence and incidence rates of CVDs and obesity-related metabolic disorders and to evaluate the predictive ability of various CVD risk assessment tools in an Iranian population. Method: We enrolled 5,799 participants in Amol, a city in northern Iran, in 2009-2010 and carried out the first repeated measurement (RM) after seven years (2016-2017). For all participants, demographic, anthropometric, laboratory, hepatobiliary imaging, and electrocardiography data have been collected in the enrollment and the RM. After enrollment, all participants have been and will be followed up annually for 20 years, both actively and passively. Results: We adopted a multidisciplinary approach to overcome barriers to participation and achieved a 7-year follow-up success rate of 93.0% with an active follow-up of 5,394 participants aged 18-90 years. In the RM, about 64.0% of men and 81.2% of women were obese or overweight. In 2017, about 16.2% and 5.2% of men had moderate or severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, while women had a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (35.9%), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (20.9%) than men. Of 160 deceased participants, 69 cases (43.1%) died due to CVDs over seven years. Conclusion: The most prevalent obesity-related chronic disease in the study was metabolic syndrome. Across the enrollment and RM phases, women exhibited a higher prevalence of obesity-related metabolic disorders. Focusing on obesity-related metabolic disorders in a population not represented previously and a multidisciplinary approach for enrolling and following up were the strengths of this study. The study outcomes offer an evidence base for future research and inform policies regarding non-communicable diseases in northern Iran.

Serum Alkaline Phosphate Level Associates with Metabolic Syndrome Components Regardless of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver; A Population-Based Study in Northern Iran.

Background: Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an indicator of hepatobiliary disorders, such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). To assess the association between serum ALP levels and MetS, with or without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), in a cohort study in northern Iran. Methods: Data from approximately 5257 subjects aged more than 18 years participating in the Amol cohort were used. We extracted the required data and investigated the correlation between liver enzyme levels and MetS. Multiple logistic regression analyses based on the serum ALP quartiles were performed. Results: Of them, 2860 were male with a mean age of 42.11±16.1 years. A positive linear trend was observed between serum ALP levels and the number of MetS components in both sexes. In both sexes, systolic blood pressure, waist circumferences, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) had a significant association with ALP. After adjusting for age, both sexes with NAFLD showed an increased risk of developing MetS. The risk of NAFLD increased in individuals with>2nd quartile of ALP. Furthermore, higher ALP levels were associated with an increased risk of MetS in males (1.1014 [0.782-1.315]) and females (1.441 [1.085-1.913]). Conclusion: There is a significant association between serum ALP levels and MetS, independent of fatty liver changes, suggesting that this marker can be considered as a feasible predictor of MetS.

Effect of Empagliflozin and Pioglitazone on left ventricular function in patients with type two diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease without established cardiovascular disease: a randomized single-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex metabolic disorder that increases the risk for cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is an indicator of left ventricular (LV) mechanics and can detect subclinical myocardial dysfunction. We compared the effects of pioglitazone and empagliflozin on GLS in patients with T2DM and NAFLD without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. METHODS: This study was a 24-week randomized, single-blind, and parallel-group (1: 1 ratio) clinical trial. Seventy-three participants with T2DM (being treated with metformin) and NAFLD but without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) were randomized to empagliflozin or pioglitazone. Liver steatosis and fibrosis were measured using transient elastography, and GLS was measured by echocardiography. The primary endpoint was the change in GLS from baseline to week 24. Secondary end points include changes in controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and Liver stiffness measure (LSM). RESULTS: In this study, GLS improved by 1.56 ± 2.34% (P < 0.01) in the pioglitazone group and 1.06 ± 1.83% (P < 0.01) in the empagliflozin group without a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.31). At baseline, GLS was inversely associated with the severity of liver fibrosis: r = - 0.311, P = 0.007. LSM in the pioglitazone and empagliflozin group [(-0.73 ± 1.59) and (-1.11 ± 1.33)] kpa (P < 0.01) decreased significantly. It was without substantial difference between the two groups (P = 0.26). Empagliflozin and pioglitazone both improved controlled attenuation parameter. The improvement was more critical in the empagliflozin group: -48.22 + 35.02 dB/m vs. -25.67 + 41.50 dB/m, P = 0.01. CONCLUSION: Subclinical cardiac dysfunction is highly important in patients with T2DM and with NAFLD. Empagliflozin and Pioglitazone improve LV mechanics and fibrosis in patients without established ASCVD. This has a prognostic importance on cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients with T2DM. Moreover, empagliflozin ameliorates liver steatosis more effectively them pioglitazone. This study can serve as a start point hypothesis for the future. Further studies are needed to explore the concept in larger populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): "A Comparison between the Effect of Empagliflozin and Pioglitazone on Echocardiographic Indices in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease" IRCT20190122042450N5, 29 November 2020. https://www.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20190122042450N5 .

Cytochrome P2E1 (CYP2E1) Gene Polymorphism as a Potential Prognostic Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is the most common type of gastrointestinal cancer. Genetic factors have been shown to have a role in the development of colorectal cancers. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of Cytochrome P2E1 (CYP2E1) gene polymorphism as a potential prognostic biomarker in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis evaluation of patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: in this cross-sectional study, all of our 100 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgical operation were included. DNA was extracted from the tumor specimens to assess Cytochrome P2E1 (CYP2E1) Gene polymorphism by Conventional-PCR. RFLP-PCR method was used for RsaI polymorphism evaluation. Patients' characteristics were also recorded and their associations with CYP2E1 were assessed. RESULTS: One hundred tumor specimens were assessed. In total, 88 had wild-type, 8 had purely a 96 bp insertion in CYP2E1, and 4 were partially mutated by a single allele insertion. Generally, 10% of samples had positive results for the RsaI polymorphism. There were no statistically significant associations between CYP2E1 gene polymorphism and number of lymph nodes removed during the operation (P = 0.353), number of positive lymph nodes (P = 0.668), tumor specificity including mucinous or non-mucinous (P = 0.053), tumor invasion (P = 0.074), grading (P = 0.898), differentiation (P = 0.941), tumor location (P = 0.42) or staging (P = 0.182). CONCLUSION: There was no association between RsaI type CYP2E1 polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk. Our study does not support the use of this biomarker to evaluate the prognosis of colon cancer.

Cystic duct entering to right hepatic duct; a case report with literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Surgeons may mistakenly consider the right hepatic duct as cystic duct, ligate, and divide it. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old woman presented with right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain, nausea, and RUQ tenderness, but negative Murphy's sign. Common bile duct was 10 mm based on abdominal ultrasound. Common hepatic duct and intrahepatic ducts consist of multiple common bile duct (CBD) stones with sludge and multiple small gallstones. Different diagnostic procedures (Computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)) showed the connection of the cystic duct to the right hepatic duct. Balloon sweeping for stones extraction and then laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successfully done. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Radiologic evaluations like MRCP, CT scan, ERCP or sonography before or during the surgery/endoscopic interventions seem logical at least for selected patients. CONCLUSION: Before endoscopic/surgical interventions we need to be sure about the anatomy of biliary tree by a suitable para-clinic evaluation.

Mediators of dietary diversity score (DDS) on NAFLD in Iranian adults: a structural equation modeling study.

BACKGROUND: The current study examines the association between the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Iranian adults using structural equation modeling (SEM). METHODS: A sample of 3220 adults from the Amol Cohort Study was recruited for this cross-sectional study. Dietary acid load (DAL) and DDS were calculated using the data obtained from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, biochemical measurements, and liver ultrasonography were evaluated according to standard protocols. RESULTS: DDS was neither directly nor indirectly associated with a greater prevalence of NAFLD. In the second model (DDS sub-scores model), the association of DAL with NAFLD was fully mediated through waist circumference (WC) (of DAL to WC: ß = 0.14, P < 0.0001, and of WC to NAFLD: ß = 0.50, P < 0.001). Vegetable and fruit diversity scores had a significant negative indirect relationship with NAFLD prevalence through DAL (ß = -0.06, P = 0.001, ß = -0.10, P < 0.001, respectively). Meat diversity score was positively associated with NAFLD prevalence in a full mediational process through DAL (ß = 0.12, P < 0.001). The SEM fit indices suggested a reasonably adequate fit of the data to the DDS model (Χ2/df = 4.76, GFI = 0.98, AGFI = 0.97, IFI = 0.97, CFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.03, and SRMR = 0.02) and its sub-scores model (Χ2/df = 4.72, GFI = 0.98, AGFI = 0.97, IFI = 0.95, CFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.03, and SRMR = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Meat diversity and lack of vegetable and fruit diversity were indirectly associated with NAFLD prevalence through DAL and WC mediators. Interventions for NAFLD may be more successful if they target a lower intake of animal protein sources and dietary diversity, particularly vegetable and fruit diversity.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Thalassemia Major Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Treated with Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients suffering from hereditary ß-thalassemia major is a concern due to drug complications and liver malfunction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate treatment outcome of Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) therapy in thalassemia major patients infected with HCV in a three year follow-up. METHODS: In a cohort study, long-term safety and efficacy of DAA therapy were evaluated in a group of thalassemia major patients suffering from chronic HCV infection. Hematologic and biochemical parameters as well as liver Fibroscan monitoring were assessed at the onset and three years after the treatment. RESULTS: From among 84 patients enrolled in the study, 53.6% were males, 36.9% had cirrhosis, 96.4% had a history of Desferal usage, and 78.6% had a history of splenectomy. Unfortunately, 7 participants (8.3%) died prior to the end of follow-up with nearly half of them having Iron overload and heart failure complications. Fibroscan score, ALT, AST, and ferritin were significantly lower compared with baseline evaluation, while Hb, creatinine, and direct bilirubin increased significantly in the third year after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Safety and efficacy of Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir in thalassemia patients assessed previously but our three year follow-up showed their mild complications and death into a long-term period after DAAs treatment and 91.7% three year survival rate, which may affected by other confounding factors, such as liver malfunction and Iron overload.

Dietary Acid Load (DAL), Glycated Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and Metabolic Syndrome (MeS) Mediate the Association of the Adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension (DASH) and Mediterranean Diet (MeD) With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

The study aimed to investigate the association of adults adhering to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and Mediterranean diet (MeD) with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using structural equation modeling (SEM) in Iran. In this population-based cross-sectional study, 3,220 adults (44.65% female) aged ≥18 years were selected from the Amol Cohort Study (AmolCS). The dietary intakes were assessed by a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Residual method energy adjustment of MeD and DASH scores were calculated. Demographic characteristics and anthropometric and laboratory measurements were collected. NAFLD was diagnosed by an expert radiologist via ultrasound sonography. Based on the primary hypothesis, DASH, MeD, and NAFLD were fitted into models. Metabolic syndrome (MeS) as a potential risk factor directly affected NAFLD risk in all these models. In both genders, the higher adherence to DASH negatively affected NAFLD risk indirectly through the two following paths. (1) Dietary acid load (DAL) and metabolic syndrome (2) DAL and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). In addition, the higher DAL positively affected NAFLD risk among male participants indirectly via increasing HbA1c level and MeS (from DAL to HbA1c: ß = 0.07, P < 0.001; from HbA1c to MeS: ß = 0.10, P < 0.001). Similarly, in both genders, the relationship between MeD and NAFLD was mediated through (1) DAL, HbA1c, and MeS and (2) DAL and MeS. Further, among male participants, the MeD and NAFLD risk were also associated via the mediators of HbA1c and MeS. In female participants, the higher MeD score was directly associated with a reduction of NAFLD risk (ß = -0.07, P = 0.008). The present study found three important mediators, including DAL, HbA1c, and MeS, in the association of DASH and MeD scores with NAFLD risk. Preventive and therapeutic interventions should target the mediators, including DAL, HbA1c, MeS, and its components, to reduce NAFLD incidence in the general population.

Scoring systems of metabolic syndrome and prediction of cardiovascular events: A population based cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Continuous scoring systems were developed versus traditional dichotomous approaches to define metabolic syndrome. The current study was carried out to evaluate the ability of scoring systems to predict fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 5147 individuals aged 18 years or more obtained from a population-based cohort study were analyzed. The occurrence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the period of 7 years follow-up was considered as the associated outcome. Joint Interim Statement (JIS) definition, as a traditional definition of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and two versions of MetS scoring systems, based on standardized regression weights from structural equation modeling (SEM) and simple method for quantifying metabolic syndrome (siMS) were considered as potential predictors. RESULTS: The scoring systems, particularly, based on SEM, were observed to have a significant association with composite cardiovascular events (HR = 1.388 [95% CI = 1.153-1.670], p = .001 in men and HR = 1.307 [0.95% CI = 1.120-1.526] in women) in multiple Cox proportional hazard regression analyses, whereas the traditional definition of MetS did not show any significant association. While both two scoring systems showed acceptable predictive abilities for cardiovascular events in women (MetS score based on SEM: area of under curve [AUC] = 0.7438 [95% CI = 0.6195-0.7903] and siMS: AUC = 0.7207 [95% CI = 0.6676-0.7738]), the two systems were not acceptable for identifying risk in men. CONCLUSION: Unlike the dichotomous definition of MetS, the scoring systems showed an independent association with cardiovascular events. Scoring systems, particularly those based on SEM, may be useful for the prediction of cardiovascular events in women.

Simultaneous Hepatitis C Virus Genotyping and Variant Detection in Patients with Thalassemia: A Single-Center Phylogenetic Study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype distribution is different in various regions. A variety of strategies could be used to detect HCV genotypes and subtypes. The aim of the present study was to introduce a genotyping method by an in-house protocol that could be used to determine HCV drug-resistant variants and phylogeny studies. METHODS: Samples from 91 patients with thalassemia were used for HCV genotyping by Cobas 4800 platform, and 50 cases of 1a, 1b, and 3a genotypes underwent amplification and sequencing of NS5A and NS5B by using consensus primers via conventional reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. An ABI 3730xl system used for direct sequencing. Raw sequences were analyzed by popular bioinformatics software MEGA6 and CLC workbench 5. Phylogenetic construction was drawn using 1000 replicates bootstrap by the neighbor-joining method. Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) was performed for mutation detection. RESULTS: Sequencing results of 50 HCV isolates subtypes 1a (31/45), 3a (15/22) and 1b (4/8) NS5A and NS5B genes showed there were 72 NS5A and 105 NS5B mutations. Moreover, 8 resistant associated substitutions (RASs) were identified in nine thalassemia cases by multiple sequence alignment (MSA) protein analysis. The phylogenetic tree construct drew confirmed by the Cobas HCV genotyping results. CONCLUSION: The phylogenetic analysis could be a useful tool for HCV genotyping in case of determining the drug-resistant substitutions; however, it is time-consuming and needs expert analysis and interpretation. This preliminary study in Iranian patients with thalassemia introduces specific conventional RT-PCR to find RASs to direct acting antivirals (DAAs) and subtype determination at the same time.

Effect of Baseline Resistance-Associated Substitutions on Thalassemia Patients with Chronic HCV Infection: A Two-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection showed the presence of resistant-associated substitutions (RASs). The aim of the present study was to carry out a follow-up of patients with baseline RASs to report the impact of RASs on DAA therapy outcome. METHODS In a cohort study, we analyzed NS5A and NS5B RASs among nine thalassemia cases by baseline RASs. In a 2-year follow-up, we analyzed viral markers and biochemical and hematological parameters of the participants and their sustained virologic response (SVR). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 22. RESULTS RASs for HCV subtype 1a included M28V, L31M, and H58P. For subtype 1b: L28M, R30Q, S24F, and C316N. And for subtype 3a: C316S, and S24F. In patients with cirrhosis (n = 5), ALT (p = 0.001) and AST (p = 0.007) levels were significantly reduced after treatment, and creatinine level slightly increased (p = 0.025). However, no significant data was observed in non-cirrhotic patients following the treatment. CONCLUSION The present study did not show any adverse effects of DAA therapy among patients with thalassemia suffering from chronic HCV infection with baseline RASs. Furthermore, reduction in ferritin and liver stiffness levels after DAA therapy could show the efficacy of DAA in such patients.

Relationship between dietary macronutrient composition and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in lean and non-lean populations: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to customize dietary changes for lean patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). DESIGN: The current study was done with a population-based cross-sectional design. The FFQ was used to analyse dietary macronutrient intake and ultrasonography results for NAFLD diagnosis. The study subjects were divided into the lean and non-lean groups based on their BMI (< 25 and ≥ 25). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between dietary macronutrients and NAFLD. Substitution analyses were also performed. SETTING: Amol and its suburban areas in Iran. PARTICIPANTS: Adults in the age range of 18 to < 65 with full relevant data. RESULTS: Among the total study subjects (2308), 46·7 % had fatty liver. The substitution of polysaccharides for animal protein and SFA in the lean group resulted in a significant NAFLD reduction, whereas the substitution of SFA for all types of macronutrients, except for n-6 and mono-disaccharides, led to a significant increase in NAFLD (P < 0·05). In non-lean participants, the substitution of MUFA for mono-disaccharides resulted in a significant reduction of NAFLD (P < 0·05). In this group, the substitution of SFA and mono-disaccharides for MUFA, and n-6 for all macronutrients, except vegetable protein and SFA, were significantly related to an increase in NAFLD (P < 0·05). CONCLUSIONS: Lower lean NAFLD is correlated with increasing polysaccharides in exchange for SFA and animal protein intake, whereas lower non-lean NAFLD is correlated with increasing MUFA in exchange for mono-disaccharides and reducing n-6 and SFA.

The Ability of the Framingham Steatosis Index (FSI) to Predict Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The utilization of indexes for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can be valuable. This study was conducted to determine the ability of the Framingham steatosis index (FSI) to distinguish between people with NAFLD and those without and to predict people at risk of NAFLD to establish the need for lifestyle modifications in such individuals. METHODS: Our study was conducted in two phases from 2009-2010 (phase I) to 2016-2017 (phase II). A total of 4670 people in northern Iran were included. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasound. The FSI was calculated based on age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus status, liver enzyme levels and triglyceride levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to determine the discriminatory and predictive abilities of the FSI. To remove the confounding effects of potential mediators, logistic regression was performed in which NAFLD was considered the outcome and the FSI as the predictor. RESULTS: The odds ratios of the FSI when the outcome was the prevalence of NAFLD in phase I and when the outcome was new cases of NAFLD from 2009-2010 to 2016-2017 were 4.909 (4.243-5.681) and 2.453 (2.024-2.972), respectively (P<0.001). The areas under the curve (AUCs) for the discriminatory and predictive abilities of the FSI were 0.8421 (95% CI: 0.8314-0.8527) and 0.7093 (95% CI: 0.6863-0.7322), respectively. CONCLUSION: The FSI has a strong ability to diagnose NAFLD while it has an acceptable ability to predict the occurrence of new cases of NAFLD.

Are Serum Levels of Nuclear Factor Kappa B and Forkhead Box Protein P3 in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Related to Severity of Fibrosis?

BACKGROUND Inflammation has a significant impact on the development and progression of fatty liver diseases.In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation between serum levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) and Forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3)with fibrosis severity among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). METHODS In a prospective study, the patients suspicios of havingfatty liver were enrolled. The exclusion criteria lack of viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson's or other known liver diseases,history of liver or biliary surgery,bariatric surgery, and medications that influence liver metabolism. The participantsunderwent liver fibroscan. According to liver fibrosis, the patients weredivided into two groups; 1)fibrosis less than 7.2 KP,2)advanced NAFLD, fibrosis ≥7.3 KP. A10 cc fasting blood sample was taken from each patient for laboratory assessments.The variables between the two groups were compared using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test.The independence of cytokines was assessed by a logistic regression test. RESULTS Totally 90 patients were enrolled.The mean age was 42.21 ± 11 years. Of them, 50 and 47 participants were allocated to groups 1 and 2, respectively. In the univariate analysis, we revealed asignificant difference between age, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, liver enzymes, total cholesterol, andtriglyceride levels. Also, there was a significant difference betweenthe levels of NFKB and FOXP3 in group one compared with group two of the participants,as FOXP3(9.17 ± 10.0 vs. 18.63 ± 12.9; p < 0.001) and NFKB (1.70 ± 1.70; p < 0.01). After excluding the confounding factors, we observed a significant association between fibrosis level and cytokine levels in logistic regression. CONCLUSION Serum levels of NFKB and FOXP3 increased by advancing liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.This is an independent association. The identification of intermediary regulatory factors would be necessary.

A Double Cystic Duct With a Single Gallbladder Successfully Treated With Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Challenge to Laparoscopic Surgeons.

Although the cystic duct has diverse variations, a double cystic duct is rarely found. Only 20 cases had been reported until late 2017. In the present study, we describe a 58-year-old woman with a double cystic duct who initially presented with a passed stone and pancreatitis concomitant with a gallbladder containing microlithiasis. The double cystic duct was not detected in preoperative endoscopic ultrasonography; and the anomaly was an incidental finding during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient had no postoperative complications and was discharged uneventfully. Postoperative magnetic resonance cholangiography showed a normal biliary tree structure.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is not independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease event: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There are no consistent results between previous studies for an independent association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. AIM: To determine if there is an independent association between NAFLD and CVD events. METHODS: In the present study, valid outcome data of 4808 subjects were available for phase 2 of our cohort study. These subjects had been followed up for seven years from phase 1, beginning in 2009-2010 to phase 2 during 2016-2017. Simple and multiple Cox proportional models were used to determine the association between NAFLD in the primary phase of the cohort and subsequent fatal and non-fatal CVD events during follow-up. RESULTS: The incidence of non-fatal CVD events in males with NAFLD was significantly higher (P = 0.004) than in males without NAFLD. A positive association was demonstrated between NAFLD and non-fatal CVD events in males (Hazard ratio = 1.606; 95%CI: 1.166-2.212; P = 0.004) by the simple Cox proportional hazard model, but no independent association was detected between these in the multiple Cox models. CONCLUSION: No independent association was detected between NAFLD and CVD. It is likely that diabetes mellitus and age may be the principle mediators in this regard.

Resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) to HCV direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) at baseline of treatment in thalassemia patients: a referral center study.

Patients with thalassemia major are at high risk of hepatitis C through blood transfusion from donors infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV). The use of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy against such HCV infections has increased in different populations. However, resistant viral variants can affect treatment outcomes, and therefore improved surveillance strategies are needed. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) to HCV DAAs at the baseline of treatment in thalassemia patients in a referral center. Out of 89 thalassemia patients who suffered from HCV infection and were referred to our center between 2016 and 2017, 43 underwent further analysis of the HCV nonstructural proteins NS5A and NS5B using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing methods. Unique primers were designed using bioinformatics software for separate detection of HCV subtypes 1a, 3a, and 1b. Detection of RASs was performed based on previously published literature. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 19. The participants, 60.4% (26/43) of whom were male, had a mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of 33.0 ± 5.0 years. HCV subtype 1a was found in 27 cases, 3a in 13, and 1b in three. In HCV subtype 1a there were 163 mutations in NS5A and 212 mutations in NS5B. The frequency of RASs was 20.9% (8 RASs in 9 patients), including M28V and H58P in subtype 1a, L28M, R30Q, C316N, and C316S in subtype 1b, and S24F in subtype 3a. Statistically, the subtype 1b and a higher mutation rate in NS5A were associated with RASs (p-value < 0.05). The emergence of natural RASs to HCV DAAs serves as a warning of the risk of drug resistance in response to the broad usage of antivirals. However, relapses in these DAA-treated HCV-infected thalassemia patients are rarely reported. Our findings indicate that the prevalence of RASs prevalence at baseline was 20.9% in these patients, and this calls for extrapolation to a larger population study, as highlighted in other studies, with larger sample sizes, high-throughput methods, and follow-up in order to fully evaluate treatment outcomes in RASs-detected individuals. Optimized therapeutic strategies, particularly in complex, difficult-to-cure patients, can effectively prevent DAA treatment failure as a result of selection for RASs.

SARS-CoV-2 Molecular and Phylogenetic analysis in COVID-19 patients: A preliminary report from Iran.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study was to investigate and track the SARS-CoV-2 in Iranian Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients using molecular and phylogenetic methods. METHODS: We enrolled seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 patients for the phylogenetic assessment of the SARS-CoV-2 in Iran. The nsp-2, nsp-12, and S genes were amplified using one-step RT-PCR and sequenced using Sanger sequencing method. Popular bioinformatics software were used for sequences alignment and analysis as well as phylogenetic construction. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in the present study was 60.42 ± 9.94 years and 57.1% (4/7) were male. The results indicated high similarity between Iranian and Chinese strains. We could not find any particular polymorphisms in the assessed regions of the three genes. Phylogenetic trees by neighbor-joining and maximum likelihood method of nsp-2, nsp-12, and S genes showed that there are not any differences between Iranian isolates and those of other countries. CONCLUSION: As a preliminary phylogenetic study in Iranian SARS-CoV-2 isolates, we found that these isolates are closely related to the Chinese and reference sequences. Also, no sensible differences were observed between Iranian isolates and those of other countries. Further investigations are recommended using more comprehensive methods and larger sample sizes.

Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) is the major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma and increases the risk of mortality. Understanding the trends of its clinical and biochemical changes is essential to identify patients with NAFLD that are at the greatest risk of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis in Iran. METHODS: Patients with NAFLD confirmed by ultrasonography were enrolled into the current study. They had negative serologic markers of viral or autoimmune hepatitis, no findings in favor of metabolic liver disease, and had not received medications that affect liver, such as silymarin and Ursobil. Biochemical and clinical symptoms and histological variables were evaluated for each patient. Descriptive statistics were used to compute all variables. RESULTS: A total of 206 patients, including 109 male and 97 female, with the mean age of 41.2 years were enrolled. The number of patients without obesity and diabetes were 34 (16.4%) and 48 (23.1%), respectively. Sleep disorder, delayed sleep, daytime sleepiness, and late dinner were noticeably common in patients with NAFLD. Furthermore, anxiety, thirst sensation, bloating, warming sensation, defecation disturbances, and upper abdominal pain were common among patients with NAFLD. CONCLUSION: NAFLD is a heterogeneous disorder with vast clinical presentations. It seems that anxiety and gastrointestinal problem are common among such patients. Moreover, inadvertent sleep could have a considerable effect on developing NAFLD. Patients with diabetes have more severe NAFLD, based on clinical and histological findings.