Femoral head avascular necrosis of in a young cushingoid opium addicted patient in the context of new combined opioid substance with corticosteroids.

AVN should be considered in addicted to oral opium patient without history of glucocorticoid consumption who present with pelvic pain, due to recent reports of the illegal and secret addition of glucocorticoid in new combination substance with opium.

The association of Treg and Th17 cells development factors and anti-TPO autoantibodies in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.

OBJECTIVES: Thyroid autoimmunity is considered as the most prevalent autoimmune condition in women in fertility age. There are different clinical evidences indicating the association between thyroid autoimmunity and increased risk of RPL. This study aimed to analyze the association of Tregs and Th17 cells development factors and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies in RPL patients. Healthy controls (n = 36), TPO + controls (n = 25) and TPO + RPL (n = 32) participated in this study. After blood sampling, the frequency of Th17 and Tregs was evaluated using flow cytometry. Real-time PCR and ELISA was used to assess the status of Tregs and Th17 related transcription factors and cytokines in mRNA and protein level, respectively. RESULTS: TPO + RPL group showed a higher Th17 frequency compared to healthy controls and TPO + controls groups (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.04, respectively). Additionally, mRNA expression levels of RORγT and IL-17 were significantly higher in TPO + RPL compared to healthy controls and TPO + controls groups. In contrast, Foxp3 and TGFß expression was lower in TPO + RPL. ELISA findings also indicated a significantly higher IL-17 and lower TGFß secretion in TPO + RPL compared to healthy controls and TPO + controls. Thyroid autoimmunity should intensely be controlled specially in patients with RPL history.

Free Fatty Acids from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Serum Remodel Mesenchymal Stem Cell Lipids, Hindering Differentiation into Primordial Germ Cells.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) adversely affects the essential characteristics of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs). Given that T2DM is associated with an altered serum free fatty acid (FFA) profile, we examined whether diabetic serum FFAs influence the viability, differentiation, and fatty acid composition of the major lipid fractions of human AdMSCs in vitro. Serum FFAs were isolated from 7 diabetic and 10 healthy nondiabetic female individuals. AdMSCs were cultured and differentiated into primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) in the presence of either diabetic or nondiabetic FFAs. Cell viability was assessed using trypan blue staining. Cell differentiation was evaluated by measuring the PGCLC transcriptional markers Blimp1 and Stella. Lipid fractionation and fatty acid quantification were performed using thin-layer chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography, respectively. Both diabetic and nondiabetic FFAs significantly reduced the viability of PGCLCs. The gene expression of both differentiation markers was significantly lower in cells exposed to diabetic FFAs than in those treated with nondiabetic FFAs. Saturated fatty acids were significantly increased and linoleic acid was significantly decreased in the cellular phospholipid fraction after exposure to diabetic FFAs. In contrast, monounsaturated fatty acids were reduced and linoleic acid was elevated in the cellular triglyceride fraction in response to diabetic FFAs. Such an altered serum FFA profile in patients with T2DM reduces the proliferation and differentiation potential of AdMSCs, presumably due to the aberrant distribution of fatty acids into cell phospholipids and triglycerides.

Anti-thyroid antibodies and underlying generalized immunologic aberrations in patients with reproductive failures.

The link between autoimmune thyroid diseases and reproductive failures, including implantation failure and pregnancy loss, has been attracted a great deal of attention in the last two decades. In this regard, a considerable progress has been achieved in understanding the etiopathogenesis of the adverse pregnancy consequences related to the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies, however, the exact action mechanisms of these antibodies are not fully comprehended. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAbs), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAbs) and TSH receptor antibodies (TRAbs) are the anti-thyroid antibodies which are present in autoimmune thyroid disorder (AITD) patients, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In this condition, the thyroid hormones production, which are essential for normal implantation and pregnancy, are disrupted, and compromise the embryo or fetus development. In addition, a hypothesis suggests that there is underlying generalized immune abnormalities behind the presence of these antibodies. On the other hand, similar immunologic aberrations have been observed in thyroid autoimmunity and reproductive complications, which are postulated to be the proper answer for the scientists who seek for the pathophysiology behind the presence of these antibodies. Elevated inflammatory responses and decreased immunoregulatory actions, seem to be the main interfering pathologic factors in maternal tolerance toward fetus. In addition, cross reactivity of these antibodies with antigenic determinants of egg, embryo and placenta is another suggested mechanism, causing implantation and pregnancy complications. The ability of anti-thyroid antibodies in passing through the placental barrier and affecting the fetal thyroid gland, makes them more threatening for maintenance of a pregnancy.

Fatty acids of type 2 diabetic serum decrease the stemness properties of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

In type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and increased serum free fatty acids (FFAs) exacerbate the development of the disease through a negative effect on insulin secretion. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) play a key role in regenerative medicine, and these cells can potentially be applied as novel therapeutic resources in the treatment of diabetes. In this study, AdMSCs were treated with diabetic or nondiabetic serum FFAs isolated from women of menopausal age. Serum FFAs were analyzed using gas-liquid chromatography. The expression level of the stemness markers CD49e and CD90 and the Wnt signaling target genes Axin-2 and c-Myc were evaluated using real-time PCR. The proliferation rate and colony formation were also assessed using a BrdU assay and crystal violet staining, respectively. The level of glutathione was assessed using cell fluorescence staining. Compared to nondiabetic serum, diabetic serum contained a higher percentage of oleate (1.5-fold, p < 0.01). In comparison with nondiabetic FFAs, diabetic FFAs demonstrated decreasing effects on the expression of CD90 (-51%, p < 0.001) and c-Myc (-48%, p < 0.05), and proliferation rate (-35%, p < 0.001), colony formation capacity (-50%, p < 0.01), and GSH levels (-62%, p < 0.05). The negative effect of the FFAs of diabetic serum on the stemness characteristics may impair the regenerative capabilities of AdMSCs.

Median 10 years follow-up of patients with covert Cushing's syndrome: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion syndrome occurs in 10% of all patients with adrenocorticotropic-hormone-dependent hypercortisolism. It is usually associated with overt malignancies or with occult and indolent tumors. This study aims to confirm the source of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone in four patients with ectopic Cushing's syndrome over time. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old Iranian man with Cushing's syndrome underwent bilateral adrenalectomy since the source of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion was not localized and pituitary imaging was normal. A whole-body scan revealed a right-lung tumoral mass with mediastinal lymph node metastasis. The mass was assumed a lung carcinoid tumor with mediastinal adenopathy. Right-lung mid-zone lobectomy and mediastinal lymphadenectomy were done. In a 47-year-old Iranian man with Cushing's syndrome, whole-body computed tomography scan revealed a pulmonary nodule in the posterior segment of the left lower lobe of the lung. The third case was a 25-year-old Iranian man who presented with symptoms and signs of Cushing's syndrome. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging revealed a microadenoma 5 × 9 mm. Whole-body scan showed abnormal focal somatostatin receptors analog avid lesion in the posterior aspect of inferior third of right lung, highly suggestive of ectopic adrenocorticotropic-hormone-producing tumor. The last case was a 43-year-old Iranian woman with Marfan syndrome with a history of mitral and aortic valve replacement and chronic dissection of the aorta, who presented with symptoms and signs of Cushing's syndrome. She underwent bilateral adrenalectomy 1 year later owing to failure to locate ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome. Whole-body scan showed abnormally increased radiotracer uptake in the midline of the skull base and posterior aspect of the middle zone of left hemithorax and bed of left lobe of thyroid. CONCLUSION: The clinical spectrum of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion syndrome is wide, and distinguishing Cushing's disease from ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion syndrome is difficult. Initial failure to identify a tumor is common. Pulmonary carcinoid or occult source of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion syndrome is usually the cause. In occult cases of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone in which the tumor cannot be localized, serial follow-up with serial computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or scintigraphy is recommended for several years until the tumor can be localized and treated.

A pilot trial of metformin for insulin resistance and mood disturbances in adolescent and adult women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

We examine the effects of metformin on insulin resistance (IR) and mood including in adolescent and adult women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This trial was conducted in 19 adolescents (age ≤18 years) and 25 adult (age >18 years) women with PCOS. Anthropometric and measurements including, serum glucose, endocrine panel, and lipid profile were performed at baseline. IR was measured by Homeostasis Model Assessment IR (HOMA-IR). Anxiety and depression were measured by Beck's Anxiety (BAI) and Depression Inventories (BDI-II). All tests were repeated after a 90-day treatment with metformin (1,500 mg/day). The severity of depression and anxiety decreased after 90-day treatment with metformin in women diagnosed with PCOS. The BAI scores were higher in adolescent group while BDI-II scores were higher in the adult group (p = .016). After 90-day metformin treatment, both BDI-II and BAI scores were decreased by 3.3 and 3.4, respectively (p < .001). Indicators of IR and obesity were improved with this therapy. Although the adolescents weighed lower than the adults, baseline HOMA-IR 5.5 ± 1.7 was higher in this group than 4.4 ± 1.2 in the adult women (p =.022). The findings suggest that metformin decrease IR and improve mood both in adolescent and adult women with PCOS.

Effect of regular exercise training on changes in HbA1c, BMI and VO2max among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: an 8-year trial.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of regular exercise on the health promotion of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been well documented. The present study investigated the long-term effects of regular exercise training on biological indicators among these patients. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental trial with pretest-post-test design, 65 patients with T2DM aged 33-69 years (experiment (35), control (30)) participated. After 8 years of conducting the program, the data on 30 patients (experiment (15), control (15)) were entered into analysis. The training program included aerobic exercise three sessions per week, 90 min, 50%-80% VO2max. Before and after the intervention, the biological indicators (hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI) and VO2max) were measured. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Our long-term exercise training program had a significant effect on HbA1C, BMI and Vo2max (P<0.05). Compared with patients in the control group, HbA1c was significantly reduced and BMI and VO2max were significantly improved among the experiment group. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term regular physical activity training was found to be helpful in improving glycemic control, body composition and cardiovascular fitness among patients with T2DM. Long-term continuous physical activity offsets the deteriorations of biological indicators found in the control group. Further research, with a particular focus on practical and real-world programming, is needed to determine the responsive health outcomes of such long-term programs on the patients.

Effects of bromocriptine mesylate on homocysteine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Quick release bromocriptine (BROM-QR), currently approved for glycemic control, reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study evaluates the effect of BROM-QR on homocysteine (HOMC) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), the biochemical markers of coronary atherosclerosis/inflammation, in patients with uncontrolled T2DM. METHODS: In this non-randomized, before-and-after clinical trial, patients with uncontrolled T2DM on stable doses of two oral hypoglycemic agents received BROM-QR for 6 months. The change in serum concentrations of HOMC was the primary endpoint. Anthropometric measurements such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured at the baseline and at the completion of treatment along with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinine and hs-CRP. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with changes in the levels of HOMC. RESULTS: In 64 patients (46 completed 6 months of treatment), age was 55±7 years and the duration of T2DM was 8.0 ± 4.4 years. On enrollment, mean HbA1c, FPG, hs-CRP and HOMC levels were 9.0± 1.3 percent, 184 ± 42 mg/dL, 3.8± 3.4 mg/dl and 10.8 ± 6.2 micromole/L; respectively. Mean decrease of 0.7 ± 1.1 percent for HbA1c (P = 0.001) and 22 ± 44 mg/dL for FPG was observed (P = 0.002). HOMC levels decreased to 8.5 ± 5.2 micromole/L (P = 0.011) while hs-CRP levels remained unchanged at 3.7 ± 2.9 mg/dL (P = 0.835). CONCLUSION: While HOMC and HbA1c levels decreased significantly after 6 months of treatment with BROM-QR in patients with T2DM, serum levels of hs-CRP, total cholesterol and triglyceride did not significantly change.

Association of Vitamin D Deficiency and Thyroid Function in Postmenopausal Women.

Pupose: Although there are reports of vitamin D (VitD) insufficiency in immune-mediated hypothyroidism, an association between VitD and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels has yet to be shown. We aim to examine VitD and TSH levels among postmenopausal women, as both conditions are more prevalent in elderly women. Methods: The clinic records of postmenopausal women during their routine maintenance visits were reviewed. All patients were examined for the symptoms related to thyroid function and osteoporosis. Participants were divided into three subgroups according to their TSH levels (below <0.5 mIU/L, 0.51-4.0 mIU/L and >4.0 mIU/L). Patient characteristics and VitD levels were compared between these subgroups. Multivariate linear regression model was constructed using serum VitD and serum TSH as the dependent variables to identify factors independently associated with these laboratory values. Results: Two-hundred and nighty nine postmenopausal women were included. Average age was 62.2±7.5 years old. VitD was insufficient (10-30 ng/mL) in 12.0% and deficient (<10 ng/mL) in 60.9% of the participants. In 11.3%, TSH was low and in 7.6% of women, TSH was high, while the remaining 80.1%, had normal TSH levels. Subjects with low TSH had significantly higher VitD concentrations (34.2±29.1 ng/mL) compared to the other two groups (P-value: 0.039). In multivariate regression analysis, TSH was not a contributing factor, as age was the only significant predictor of VitD levels. Meanwhile, no predictor (including age and VitD) was identified for TSH levels in linear regression analysis. Conclusion: Age was the only independent predictor of serum VitD in this study population. Though suppressed TSH was associated with higher VitD levels, the association was not linear between TSH and VitD in postmenopausal women.

A systematic review of GLP-1 agonists on the metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovaries.

PURPOSE: Glucagon-like peptides receptor agonists are currently approved as anti-obesity agents, yet the experience with their use in polycystic ovarian syndromes (PCOS)-related obesity and insulin resistance is still limited. METHODS: We examined the effects of liraglutide on obesity, insulin resistance, and androgen levels in PCOS through a meta-analysis. RESULTS: Seven RCTs where women with PCOS were treated with liraglutide were identified. The variables that were examined before and after a 90-day treatment included waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin concentrations, insulin resistance using homeostatic model (HOMA-IR), serum testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The analysis included 178 women. Only 172 patients had post-treatment measurements. While BMI significantly dropped by -1.65 (0.72-2.58) Kg/m(2) after 3 months treatment with liraglutide, waist circumference did not change significantly. Similarly, fasting insulin levels, insulin sensitivity, and SHBG did not change significantly. However, serum testosterone decreased by 0.29 nmol/L in 88 women (P = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: In a limited number of the women with PCOS, BMI and serum testosterone are only variables that significantly decrease after 3 months of treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Larger sample size studies with longer durations of treatment may be required to examine potential benefits of these medications in improving insulin sensitivity.

Association between HbA1c levels with severity of coronary artery disease and short-term outcomes of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction in nondiabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: The severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is directly related to the quality of glucose control in diabetic patients. Additionally, mortality after an acute coronary syndrome is higher in patients with diabetes and it correlates to the level of glucose control. However, the role of higher gluconated hemoglobin in the process of coronary atherosclerosis and clinical outcome of acute myocardial infarction is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association of HbA1c level and severity of CAD and short-term outcomes of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in nondiabetics. METHODS: A total of 290 nondiabetic patients with STEMI were prospectively enrolled following their admission. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on the median percent of HbA1c (⩽5.8% 'Low' and >5.8% 'High'). The severity of CAD based on the Califf scoring system, in-hospital mortality and morbidities of STEMI were compared between groups. Patients were followed for 1 year after discharge to assess readmission and mortality rate. RESULTS: The severity score for CAD was significantly higher in the 'High' versus 'Low' HbA1c group (7.7 ± 2.7 and 5.5 ± 2.6, p = 0.001). A total of 15 patients died in both groups during the follow-up period. While in-hospital mortality was similar between the two groups, 12-month mortality was significantly higher in the 'High' group (7.7% versus 2.7%, p = 0.043). In addition, the rehospitalization rate within 1 year was 8.8% in the 'Low' group, which was significantly lower than 19.0% in the 'High' group (p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Among nondiabetic patients presenting with STEMI, the severity of CAD was higher in those with HbA1c level >5.8%; 1-year mortality and hospital readmission rates were also higher in this group of patients.

The effect of pioglitazone on weight, lipid profile and liver enzymes in type 2 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Pioglitazone is one of the antidiabetic agents used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The effect of pioglitazone on blood glucose, lipid profile, liver enzymes and weight has been shown with conflicting results. In this study we aim to evaluate the effect of pioglitazone on the weight, lipid profile and liver enzymes in patients with DM. METHODS: In this single-arm clinical trial, 110 poorly controlled diabetic type 2 patients (63.6% female with mean age of 54.26 ± 8.96 years) who were on maximal dosage of metformin and glibenclamide were enrolled. Patients were treated with pioglitazone for 3 months and laboratory. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), alkaline phosphatase (ALK-P), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and weight changes were measured before and at the end of the study. RESULTS: The levels of FBS (p < 0.001), HbA1c (p < 0.001), triglyceride (p = 0.001), ALT (p = 0.005) and ALK-P (p = 0.001) were significantly decreased, but weight was significantly increased (p < 0.001) after the intervention. There were no significant difference in cholesterol, LDL and HDL values before and after study. CONCLUSION: Although pioglitazone causes a significant decrease in FBS, HbA1C and triglyceride levels, it is associated with weight gain, which would limit its utility. IRCT registration code: IRCT201209276712N2.

Adiponectin as serum biomarker of insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of adiponectin as a biomarker of insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). BACKGROUND: PCOS is associated with metabolic syndrome, which correlates to increased cardiovascular risk in these patients. Adiponectin is decreased in obese individuals. METHODS: Ninety women with PCOS (45 with and 45 without metabolic syndrome) were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric variables, serum concentrations of fasting glucose, insulin, triglycerides, lipoproteins, cholesterol, testosterone and adiponectin were measured in all patients. Insulin sensitivity was examined in all patients. Numerical values were analyzed by t-tests and categorical data were analyzed by Chi-square test. Multiple regression analyses were performed to detect the factors that contributed to insulin resistance. RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome predicted insulin resistance in PCOS patients. Serum adiponectin levels were suppressed in insulin resistant compared to insulin sensitive patients (10.7 ± 4.3 µg/mL, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed for every 1 µg increase in adiponectin, insulin sensitivity index increases by 0.1 (p = 0.016). Serum testosterone failed to correlate with insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Serum adiponectin levels were suppressed in patients with both metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. This protein could be used as a biomarker to distinguish the patients at a higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular morbidity.

The role of metformin on vitamin B12 deficiency: a meta-analysis review.

Metformin is the only biguanide oral hypoglycemic drug, that is used to treat patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus. There are some reports of metformin being associated with decreased serum levels of vitamin B12 (VB12). The objective of this study is to systematically analyze the impact of metformin on the frequency of VB12 deficiency and serum levels of VB12. A search of various databases provided 18 retrospective cohort studies and 11 randomized controlled trials. Pooled estimates of odds ratio with 95% confidence interval using random effect model were conducted. Studies were examined for heterogeneity, publication bias and sensitivity analysis. Separate analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) including both low-risk and high-risk bias was also conducted. 29 studies were selected with a total of 8,089 patients. 19 studies were rated intermediate or high quality. Primary outcome suggested increased incidence of VB12 deficiency in metformin group (OR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.74-3.44, P < 0.0001.) Heterogeneity was relatively high (I(2) = 53%), with minor publication bias. Secondary outcome suggested lower serum VB12 concentrations in metformin group (Mean difference = -65.8, 95% CI -78.1 to -53.6 pmol/L, P < 0.00001) with high heterogeneity (I(2) = 98%,) and low publication bias. RCTs analysis of low-and high-risk group revealed similar trends. We conclude that metformin treatment is significantly associated with an increase in incidence of VB12 deficiency and reduced serum VB12 levels.

Predictive value of capnography for suspected diabetic ketoacidosis in the emergency department.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic acidosis confirmed by arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is one of the diagnostic criteria for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Given the direct relationship between end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), and metabolic acidosis, measuring ETCO2 may serve as a surrogate for ABG in the assessment of possible DKA. The current study focuses on the predictive value of capnography in diagnosing DKA in patients referring to the emergency department (ED) with increased blood sugar levels and probable diagnosis of DKA. METHODS: In a cross-sectional prospective descriptive-analytic study carried out in an ED, we studied 181 patients older than 18 years old with blood sugar levels of higher than 250 mg/dl and probable DKA. ABG and capnography were obtained from all patients. To determine predictive value, sensitivity, specificity and cut-off points, we developed receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: Sixty-two of 181 patients suffered from DKA. We observed significant differences between both groups (DKA and non-DKA) regarding age, pH, blood bicarbonate, PaCO2 and ETco2 values (p≤0.001). Finally, capnography values more than 24.5 mmHg could rule out the DKA diagnosis with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.90. CONCLUSION: Capnography values greater than 24.5 mmHg accurately allow the exclusion of DKA in ED patients suspected of that diagnosis. Capnography levels lower that 24.5 mmHg were unable to differentiate between DKA and other disease entities.

Probiotic yogurt improves antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes. Among various functional foods with an antioxidant effect, probiotic foods have been reported to repress oxidative stress. The objective of this clinical trial was to assess the effects of probiotic and conventional yogurt on blood glucose and antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 30 to 60 y old, were assigned to two groups in this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. The patients in the intervention group consumed 300 g/d of probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La5 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 and those in the control group consumed 300 g/d of conventional yogurt for 6 wk. Fasting blood samples, 24-h dietary recalls, and anthropometric measurements were collected at the baseline and at the end of the trial. RESULTS: Probiotic yogurt significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (P < 0.01) and hemoglobin A1c (P < 0.05) and increased erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and total antioxidant status (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. In addition, the serum malondialdehyde concentration significantly decreased compared with the baseline value in both groups (P < 0.05). No significant changes from baseline were shown in insulin concentration and erythrocyte catalase activity within either group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The consumption of probiotic yogurt improved fasting blood glucose and antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic patients. These results suggest that probiotic yogurt is a promising agent for diabetes management.

Metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma: A case report.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma accounts for 4% of thyroid carcinoma and originates from parafollicular cells, secreting calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Conventional radiographic modalities such as Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Ultrasonography (U/S), are used for detecting recurrences following total thyroidectomy. However, metastatic disease frequently escapes detection by the above modalities, even when its presence is suggested by persistently elevated serum calcitonin levels. In this paper, we report a case of medullary thyroid carcinoma in a 40 year-old woman who had whole body octreotide scintigraphy to evaluate and detect the origin of calcitonin and CEA secretion.

Electrophysiologic changes in patients with untreated primary hypothyroidism.

Thyroid diseases may cause signs and symptoms of neuromuscular dysfunction. Hypothyroidism has been associated with the clinical features of proximal muscle weakness, mononeuropathy, and sensorimotor polyneuropathy. This study aimed at evaluating the electrophysiologic findings in patients with untreated spontaneous hypothyroidism and comparing them with a healthy control group. In a case-control cross-sectional study, 40 patients with definite diagnosis of clinical hypothyroidism and 40 healthy control subjects were evaluated by electromyography and nerve conduction studies in the specialized clinic of the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences during an 18-month period. Seven male and 33 female patients with a mean age of 39.5 ± 11.8 years were enrolled. In this group, there were 12 cases (30%) with clinical muscle weakness, with severity of approximately 4/5, 18 cases (45%) with decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes, 6 cases (15%) with neuropathy, including 4 sensory and 2 sensorimotor, of which 5 cases were mild and 1 case was moderate, 3 cases (7.5%) with myopathy, and 13 cases (32.5%) with carpal tunnel syndrome, which was mild in 7, moderate in 10, and severe in 2 hands. Patients with neuropathy were significantly older than those without neuropathy (P = 0.001). There was no significant relation between gender, duration of the disease, serum TSH level, and the presence of clinical muscle weakness with the occurrence of neuropathy or myopathy. Female gender, increasing age, duration of the disease, and the frequency of clinical weakness were, however, significantly related to the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome (P < 0.05). In conclusion, in patients with untreated primary hypothyroidism, majority had the carpal tunnel syndrome. Mild neuropathy mainly of sensory type and myopathy were uncommon and rare findings, respectively. Early treatment would hinder the progression of mentioned abnormalities and minimize their occurrence.

End-tidal CO(2) levels lower in subclinical and overt hypothyroidism than healthy controls; no relationship to thyroid function tests.

BACKGROUND: Hypoventilation is a frequently suspected complication of hypothyroidism. OBJECTIVE: In this study we examined the hypothesis that changes in alveolar ventilation, as measured by end-tidal carbon dioxide (Et-CO(2)), differ between patients with mild (subclinical) and overt (clinical) thyroid hormone deficiency, and both differ from healthy control subjects. METHODS: A total of 95 subjects, including 33 with subclinical hypothyroidism (an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and a normal thyroxin (fT(4)) level), 31 with overt hypothyroidism (elevated TSH and decreased fT(4)), and 31 healthy controls. All subjects were female and were evaluated clinically by an endocrinologist for evidence of thyroid disease and categorized on the basis of thyroid hormone levels. Et-CO(2) was measured using a capnograph. Et-CO(2) levels were measured three times and the mean value was considered as the mean level for the individual. RESULTS: Mean Et-CO(2) values of the subclinical hypothyroidism group were significantly lower than those of the healthy controls (31.79 ± 2.75 vs 33.81 ± 2.38; P = 0.01). Moreover, mean Et-CO(2) values for the overt hypothyroidism group were significantly lower than those for healthy controls (32.13 ± 3.07 vs 33.81 ± 2.38; P = 0.04). There was a significant correlation between Et-CO(2) values and TSH levels (r = -0.24; P = 0.01). However, Et-CO(2) values were not correlated with fT(4) levels (r = 0.13; P = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Alveolar ventilation, as inferred from lower Et-CO(2) levels, is higher in subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism and overt hypothyroidism (lower Et-CO(2)) than in healthy controls. Furthermore, Et-CO(2) levels have no relationship to the levels of TSH or fT(4). The lower Et-CO(2) in these patients with hypothyroidism, particularly at the subclinical stage, suggests presence of hyperventilation, which may be related to direct effect of TRH on respiratory center or to local changes within the lung.