Evaluation of the effect of Exercise Trainings and CGRP receptor antagonist (BIBN 4096) on mitochondrial dynamic in the hippocampus of male Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Exercise training showed beneficial effects on brain. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of six weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and Endurance training (ET) with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist on the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis in hippocampal tissue of male Wistar rats. METHODS: In this study, forty-two healthymale Wistar rats (8-week) were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 7) as follow; 1) Control; 2) HIIT which performed 6 weeks of HIIT; 3) ET which performed 6 weeks of endurance training; 4) CGRPi received 10 mg/kg CGRP receptor antagonist every day at the last 2 weeks; 5) CGRPi-HIIT performed HIIT and received CGRP receptor antagonist; 6) CGRPi-ET performed ET and received CGRP receptor antagonist. Real-time PCR (2-ΔΔCT) and western blotting were employedto measure the expression of genes and protein, respectively. RESULTS: HIIT and ET significantly increased Bcl-2, Pgc-1α, Sirt3, and Nrf-1 gene expression in the hippocampal tissue (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively). ET-CGRPi and HIIT-CGRPi significantly increased Sirt3, Pgc-1α, and Nrf-1 gene expression compared to the control group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: ET and HIIT-induced physiological alterations in the hippocampus. In fact, this modulation showed protective properties in the hippocampusvia up regulation of Bcl-2, Pgc-1α, Nrf-1, and Sirt3 gene expression. CGRPi did not cause gene or protein changes harmful to mitochondrial dynamic balance and apoptosis in the hippocampus of rats.

Trehalose-induced SIRT1/AMPK activation regulates SREBP-1c/PPAR-α to alleviate lipid accumulation in aged liver.

Aging is associated with a disturbance in the regulation of the metabolic function of the liver, which increases the risk of liver and systemic diseases. Trehalose, a natural disaccharide, has been identified to reduce dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and glucose intolerance. However, the roles of trehalose on lipid metabolism in aged liver are unclear which was investigated in this study. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 8). Two groups of aged (24 months) and young (4 months) rats were administered 2% trehalose solution orally for 30 days. Control groups of aged and young rats did not receive any treatment. At the end of the treatment period, blood samples and liver tissues were collected. Then the expression of SIRT1, AMPK, SREBP-1c, and PPAR-α and the level of AMPK phosphorylation (p-AMPK) were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Moreover, biochemical parameters and the histopathology of livers were evaluated. Trehalose supplementation increased the level of SIRT1, p-AMPK, and PPAR-α, whereas the level of SREBP-1c was diminished in the liver of old animals. In addition, treatment with trehalose improved histopathological features of senescent livers. Taken together, our results show that old rats developed lipogenesis in the liver which was alleviated with trehalose. Therefore, trehalose may be an effective intervention to reduce the progression of aging-induced liver diseases.

Ellagic acid reduces hepatic lipid contents through regulation of SIRT1 and AMPK in old rats.

OBJECTIVE: Ellagic acid is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of lipid disorders. In this study, the effects of ellagic acid on key regulators of lipid metabolism, and histopathological alterations in aged liver were examined. METHODS: A total of 21 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups, including young control, old control, and old ellagic acid. After one month of treatment with ellagic acid, the expression levels of hepatic SIRT1, AMPK, SREBP-1c, PPAR-α, and phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) were evaluated. The levels of several serum biochemical factors, and hepatic triglyceride, and cholesterol contents were assessed. RESULTS: Ellagic acid elevated the levels of SIRT1, p-AMPK, and PPAR-α and reduced SREBP-1c level in the liver of old rats. It decreased triglyceride and cholesterol contents in the aged liver and improved histopathological changes. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that ellagic acid can exert protective effects against hepatic lipid metabolism disorders induced by ageing.

Prevalence and 5-year incidence rate of dyslipidemia and its association with other coronary artery disease risk factors in Iran: Results of the Kerman coronary artery disease risk factors study (Phase 2).

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia (DL) is an important risk factor of coronary artery disease (CAD). We evaluated DL prevalence and its 5-year incidence rate in southeastern Iran, to assess the severity and growth rate of this CAD risk factor in the region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a part of the Kerman CAD Risk Factors Study Phase 2 (2014-2018) among 9996 individuals aged 15-80 years, from whom 2820 individuals had also participated in Phase 1 (2009-2011). In mg/dl, cholesterol ≥240 and/or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥160 and/or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <40 for men and <50 for women and/or triglyceride >200 were defined as DL. RESULTS: The lipid profile of 9911 persons was analyzed. Overall 19.6% had borderline cholesterol and 6.4% suffered from hypercholesterolemia. 56.6% of the population (62.5% of females vs. 48.5% of males) suffer from DL, from whom 73.4% were undiagnosed. Female gender, advanced age, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, and depression predicted DL in the study population. The prevalence of DL was significantly lower in Phase 2 (56.6%) compared to Phase 1 (81.4%). The prevalence of undiagnosed DL (UDL) and diagnosed DL (DDL) was 40.7% and 16.2%, respectively. The 5-year incidence rate of DL was 2.58 persons/100 person-years (3.24 in females vs. 2.20 in males). CONCLUSION: Although there were promising signs of a reduction in DL and increase in DDL in the last 5 years, a high percentage of the population have DL yet, from whom mostly are undiagnosed. DL was significantly associated with other CAD risk factors. Therefore, the health-care management system should improve its strategies to reduce the health burden of DL.

Serum microRNA-33 levels in pre-diabetic and diabetic patients.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and abnormal insulin secretion. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that are able to affect cell biological functions and act as biomarkers for some diseases such as DM. In current study, we measured serum miR-33 in three groups (n = 15) as follows; non-diabetic control, pre-diabetic, and DM patients. Real-time PCR method was used to quantify miR-33 expression. miR-33 expression was significantly increased in pre-diabetic subjects compared to other two groups (p < 0.001). FBS (p < 0.001), insulin (p < 0.001), HOMA-IR (p < 0.001), and TG (p = 0.026) were higher in diabetic subjects than the other two groups. In people that had high physical activity, the number of diabetic subjects were zero and most of them were in pre-diabetic group (p = 0.019). Serum miR-33 level significantly and positively correlated with pre-diabetic state (B = 2.67, p = 0.000), Sex (B = 1.03, p = 0.025), and FBS (B = 0.04, p = 0.036) and also miR-33 was significantly and negatively correlated with HOMA-IR (B = - 1.58, p = 0.04). These findings support the possible role of miR-33 to monitor pre-diabetes onset and progression. It needs to be evaluated in future studies with high number of participants to clarify its mechanism and diagnostic viability.

Effect of Pistacia Atlantica Resin Oil on Anti-Oxidant, Hydroxyprolin and VEGF Changes in Experimentally-Induced Skin Burn in Rat.

BACKGROUND: Severe burn damage and its consequences are life threatening which can complicate patients' health. Medicinal and traditional plants are considered as safe, natural and inexpensive source of treatment for wide variety of diseases. This study assessed beneficial effect of Pistacia atlantica oil on rats burn wound healing and its potential effects on malondialdehyde (MDA), vasculoendothelial growth factor (VEGF), hydroxyprolin and antioxidant status in wound area. METHODS: Thirty male rats weighing 200±10 g were randomly divided into three groups (n=10) as follows. Group 1 underwent just burn injury, Group 2 underwent burn injury and received 150 mg/kg/day P. atlantica oil topically, and Group 3 underwent burn injury and received 150 mg/kg/day sulfadiazine cream topically. At the end of the study (day 14), wounded areas were measured and then skin in the burn damage were dissected and anti-oxidative parameter, MDA, VEGF and hydroxyprolin were evaluated. RESULTS: P. Atlantica oil significantly increased antioxidant defense, VEGF, hydroxyprolin and reduced MDA levels. It could remarkably reduce wound size compared to burn control group. P. Atlantica oil showed more beneficial effects than sulfadiazine. CONCLUSION: P. atlantica resin oil could be considered as a new therapeutic agent for treatment of injuries.

The effect of different digoxin concentrations on heart tissue and antioxidant status in iron-overloaded rats.

BACKGROUND: Thalassaemia is a hereditary disorder and has an economic burden on patients and the government. The most prevalent complication in these patients is iron overload which is followed by cardiomyopathy. Digoxin is considered as a treatment against heart failure in thalassaemia. The present study evaluated the effect of two digoxin concentrations on iron content and antioxidative defense in cardiac tissue of iron-overloaded rats. METHODS: The study was conducted on 48 rats which were divided into 6 groups. Group 1 was the control group and did not receive any treatment and group 2 was the iron overload group. In addition groups 3 and 4 were the digoxin control groups which received 1 and 5 mg/kg/day of digoxin, respectively. Groups 5 and 6 received 1 and 5 mg/kg/day of digoxin plus iron-dextran, respectively. After 1 month, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and total antioxidant status (TAS) were assessed in cardiac tissues. RESULTS: Co-administration of iron-dextran and digoxin (1 and 5 mg/kg/day) significantly increased SOD and TAS levels (P < 0.0010) and reduced MDA (P < 0.0010) in heart tissue compared to control and iron overload groups. GPX levels significantly reduced in groups 5 and 6 (iron + digoxin 1 (P < 0.0500) and iron + digoxin 5) (P < 0.0010) compared to the iron control group. CONCLUSION: Digoxin remarkably facilitates iron uptake by cardiomyocytes by affecting other channels such as L-type and T-type Ca2+ channels (LTCC and TTCC). Digoxin administration in the iron-overloaded rat model deteriorated antioxidative parameters and increased iron entry into heart tissue at higher doses. Therefore, in patients with beta thalassaemia major, digoxin must be administered with great care and serum iron and ferritin must be regularly monitored.

B12 and Folate Concentrations in Opium Addicts Compared to Healthy Subjects: A Case Control Study from Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Study.

BACKGROUND: Opium addiction is a global problem which has implicated many societies. Opium addiction and drug abuse is related to harmful consequences which affect life style, biochemical factors, and vitamins values, and also is considered as a risk for heart diseases. Folate and B12 levels are related to homocysteine and studies about their levels in opium addicts are controversial; therefore, we designed this study to evaluate B12 and folate values in opium addicts. METHODS: From the Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Study (KERCADRS) which is a population-based study, we randomly selected 340 men and entered them into two groups: case (n = 170) and control group (n = 170). Then vitamin B12 and folate levels were measured. FINDINGS: Opium addiction did not change B12 and folate levels significantly in opium addicts compared to non-addict control subjects. However, only some variables including blood pressure (BP) and diabetes positively and cigarette smoking, triglyceride (TG), alcohol, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) history negatively affected folate, and none of clinical and demographic variables influenced the B12 levels (P > 0.050). TG had significant effects on B12 and folate levels although opium addiction did not show any impact. CONCLUSION: High TG levels were accompanied by low levels of B12 and folate. Reduced B12 and folate values are accompanied by serum homocysteine elevation. As TG elevates in opium addicts, it can be considered as an important factor which affects vitamins levels and reduces their absorption. Opium addiction elevates homocysteine level, since we can conclude that homocysteine elevation in opium addicts is independent of B12 and folate levels.

Ameliorative Effects of Endurance Exercise with Two Different Intensities on Nandrolone Decanoate-Induced Neurodegeneration in Rats: Involving Redox and Apoptotic Systems.

Despite the importance of this issue, less has been paid to the influence of exercise on the neural side effects of anabolic androgenic steroids and mechanisms. We investigated the effects of two levels of endurance exercise on neurodegeneration side effects of nandrolone. The study period was 8 weeks. Wistar rats were divided into nine groups including the control (CTL) group, mild exercise (mEx) group, and vehicle (Arach) group which received arachis oil intramuscularly, nandrolone (Nan) group which received nandrolone decanoate 5 mg/kg two times weekly, mEx+Arach group which treated with arachis oil along with mild exercise, mEx+Nan group which treated with nandrolone along with mild exercise, severe exercise (sEx) group, sEx+Arach, and sEx+Nan groups. Finally, brain samples were taken for histopathological, biochemical, and western blot analysis. Nandrolone significantly decreased the intact cells of the hippocampus, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P < 0.05 versus CTL and Arach groups), TAC to malondialdehyde ratio (TAC/MDA), and Bcl-2. Nandrolone increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio of the brain tissue (P < 0.01 versus CTL and Arach groups). Combination of mild exercise and nandrolone rescued the intact cells to some extent, and this effect was associated with the improvement of Bcl-2 level and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio of brain tissue. Combination of severe exercise and nandrolone rescued the intact cells and improved the TAC, TAC/MDA, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratios. The findings suggest that low- and high-intensity endurance exercise decreased the risk of neurodegeneration effect of nandrolone in the hippocampus of rats. This effect can be explained by the regulation of the redox system and cell homeostasis.

miR-33 inhibition attenuates the effect of liver X receptor agonist T0901317 on expression of liver X receptor alpha in mice liver.

BACKGROUND: microRNAs play pivotal roles in metabolism and other aspects of cell biology. microRNA-33 and liver X receptor (LXR) affect lipid metabolism and cholesterol trafficking. In this study, we evaluated effects of co-administration of miR-33 inhibitor and LXR activator on LXR-α and adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression in mice liver. METHODS: Twenty-four mice were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 6). Group 1 mice received standard chow diet without any treatment, group 2 received 30 mg/kg/48 hour LXR agonist (T0901317), group 3 received 1 mg/kg/48 hour in vivo locked nucleic acids (LNA) anti-miR-33 and group 4 received both T0901317 and in vivo LNA anti-miR-33. All treatments were administrated through intraperitoneal injection (IP). After 7 days and at the end of the study, mice were sacrificed, liver tissues were excised and blood samples were collected. LXR-α and ABCA1 genes and protein expression were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: LXR activation caused LXR-α and ABCA1 mRNA (P < 0.050) and protein elevation as compared to control (P < 0.001). miR-33 inhibition attenuates T0901317 effect on LXR-α expression in group IV. Co-administration of T0901317 and anti-miR-33 remarkably elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, compared to control group (P = 0.001). Separate administration of T0901317 and anti-miR-33 also elevated HDL-C levels (P < 0.010). CONCLUSION: Co-administration of T0901317 and anti-miR-33 can be considered as a good therapeutic alternative for atherosclerosis because miR-33 inhibition reduced lipogenic effects of LXR-α activator and also helps LXR-α agonist to increase reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and also HDL-C as antiatherogenic effects.

Co-administration of walnut (Juglans regia) prevents systemic hypertension induced by long-term use of dexamethasone: a promising strategy for steroid consumers.

CONTEXT: The long-term consumption of glucocorticoids (GCs) may induce serious adverse effects such as hypertension. There is sufficient evidence related to the benefit of walnuts on the cardiovascular system. OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the effect of methanol extract of walnut [Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae)] on dexamethasone-induced hypertension and the possible mechanisms in Wistar rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Animals were randomized into control, kernel extract (100 and 200 mg/kg/d, orally), dexamethasone (0.03 mg/kg/d, subcutaneously), dexamethasone + kernel (100 and 200 mg/kg/d, separately), and dexamethasone + captopril (25 mg/kg/d, orally) groups. Animals were treated with water, kernel extract or captopril by gavage 4 d before and during 11 d of saline or dexamethasone treatment. On the 16th day, blood pressure (BP) was recorded and blood samples were collected to measure nitric oxide (NO). Animal hearts were frozen for measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). RESULTS: Dexamethasone increased the diastolic BP and MDA/GPX ratio in comparison with control group (128 ± 7 vs. 105 ± 3 mmHg, p < 0.05 and 0.2 ± 0.046 vs. 0.08 ± 0.02, p < 0.05). Combination of dexamethasone and walnut (200 mg/kg) prevented the dexamethasone-induced diastolic hypertension (109 ± 3 vs. 128 ± 7 mmHg; p < 0.05), increased the GPX level (14.8 ± 1.46 vs. 5.1 ± 0.64 unit/mg, p < 0.05), reduced the MDA/GPX ratio (0.16 ± 0.015 vs. 0.2 ± 0.046) and improved serum NO level. CONCLUSION: Similar to captopril, walnut extract normalized dexamethasone-induced hypertension. A part of this beneficial effect apparently involves maintaining balance of the redox system and NO production.

Effects of digoxin on cardiac iron content in rat model of iron overload.

BACKGROUND: Plasma iron excess can lead to iron accumulation in heart, kidney and liver. Heart failure is a clinical widespread syndrome. In thalassemia, iron overload cardiomyopathy is caused by iron accumulation in the heart that leads to cardiac damage and heart failure. Digoxin increases the intracellular sodium concentration by inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase that affects Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), which raises intracellular calcium and thus attenuates heart failure. The mechanism of iron uptake into cardiomyocytes is not exactly understood. METHODS: We assessed the effect of different concentrations of digoxin on cardiac iron content in rat model of iron overload. Digoxin had been administrated intraperitoneally (IP) for one week before main study began to assure increased digoxin levels. Group 1 received four IP injections of iron-dextran (12.5mg/100g body weight) every 5 days evenly distributed over 20 days. Groups 2-4 received 0.5, 1 and 5 mg/kg/day IP digoxin, respectively. Last three groups 5-7 received iron-dextran as group 1 and digoxin concentrations 0.5, 1 and 5 mg/kg/day, respectively. RESULTS: Cardiac iron contents were significantly higher in iron overload groups that received different concentrations (0.5, 1 and 5 mg/kg/day) of digoxin than their counterparts in control groups and this pattern was also observed in pathology assessment. CONCLUSION: It seems that digoxin plays an important role in iron transport into heart in iron overload state but exact mechanism of this phenomenon is not clear. L-type Ca2+ channels are good candidates that probably could be involved in iron accumulation in cardiomyocytes. Thus it would be better to reconsider digoxin administration in thalassemia and iron overload conditions.

Investigation of changes in apelin receptor mRNA and protein expression in the myocardium and aorta of rats with two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) Goldblatt hypertension.

Experimental and clinical evidences suggest that apelin and its receptor APJ are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications. However, the role of apelin/APJ in hypertension is not sufficiently understood. Because chronic kidney diseases lead to hypertension and cardiac failure, we investigated the changes in apelin receptor gene expression in the myocardium and aorta of rat models of kidney disease hypertension. Two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertension was produced by placing a clip around the renal artery. Four and 16 weeks later, blood pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), serum apelin, and angiotensin II were measured. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein of APJ were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Chronic hypertensive rats had approximately 10 times higher LVEDP (P < 0.001). 2K1C decreased serum apelin from 220 ± 11 to 170 ± 10 pg/mL in 16 weeks (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of APJ significantly decreased in the heart and aorta at 4 weeks. At 16 weeks, the reduction was not significant in the heart but was significant in the aorta. At 4 weeks, the expression of the APJ protein significantly decreased in the heart but not in the aorta. At 16 weeks, APJ protein was significantly decreased only in the aorta. Reduction of serum apelin and downregulation of apelin receptors in both the heart and aorta may play a role in the pathophysiology of hypertension and cardiac failure in 2K1C hypertensive rats.

Elevated Plasma Homocysteine Concentration in Opium-Addicted Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Although the triggering role of both opium use and elevated plasma homocysteine level for progressing atherosclerosis and, therefore, appearing coronary heart disease has been clearly determined, no study are available with respect to the relation between these to risk profiles. In the present study and for the first time, we hypothesized that the opium addiction can be potentially correlated with elevated homocysteine concentration. METHODS: 217 persons (103 opium-addicted and 114 non-addicted) were randomly selected from the Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Study (KERCADRS), Iran, as a population-based, epidemiological prospective study. In all participants, an enzyme immunoassay kit was used to measure homocysteine in serum samples. FINDINGS: The serum level of homocysteine was significantly higher in the opium-addicted ones compared to non-addicted individuals (11.49 ± 7.45 vs. 8.02 ± 3.87 µmol/l) (P < 0.001). In this regard, 21.3% of the opium users and only 3.2% of the non-users had homocysteine concentration > 15 µmol/l (P < 0.001). On the other hand, individuals addicted to opiates exhibited significantly elevated odds of having homocysteine level higher than 15 [odds ratio (OR) = 8.244, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.117-21.806]. Multivariable linear regression model showed that the opium addiction could strongly predict elevated homocysteine level in the study individuals [beta = 3.524, standard error (SE) = 0.852] (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Opium consumption can be strongly accompanied with the elevation of plasma homocysteine concentration, and thus opium addiction can exhibit elevated odds of having hyperhomocysteinemia.

Traumatic brain injury has not prominent effects on cardiopulmonary indices of rat after 24 hours: hemodynamic, histopathology, and biochemical evidence.

BACKGROUND: Accidents are the second reason for mortality and morbidity in Iran. Among them, brain injuries are the most important damage. Clarification of the effects of brain injuries on different body systems will help physicians to prioritize their treatment strategies. In this study, the effect of pure brain trauma on the cardiovascular system and lungs 24 hours post trauma was assessed. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 32) were divided into sham control and traumatic brain injury (TBI) groups. In TBI animals, under deep anesthesia, a blow to the head was induced by the fall of a 450 g weight from 2 m height. Twenty four hours later, heart electrocardiogram and functional indices, cardiac troponin I, IL-6, TNF-, IL-I in tissue and serum, and the histopathology of heart and lung were assessed. RESULTS: The results showed that none of the functional, biochemical, inflammatory, and histopathology indices was statistically different between the two groups at 24 hours post TBI. Indices of impulse conduction velocity in atrium (P wave duration and P-R interval) were significantly longer in the TBI group. CONCLUSION: Overall, no important functional and histopathologic disturbances were found in heart and lung of TBI group after 24 hours. If the data is reproduced in human studies, the medical team could allocate their priority to treatment of brain disorders of the victim in the first 24 hours of pure TBI and postpone extensive assessment of heart and lung health indices to later time, thus reducing patient and health system expenditures.

Assessment of Safety and Therapeutic Efficacy of Rosa damascena L. and Quercus infectoria on Cardiovascular Performance of Normal and Hyperlipidemic Rabbits: Physiologically Based Approach.

According to the use of Quercus infectoria (QI) and Rosa damascena L. (RD) for therapeutic purposes and lack of adequate information about their cardiovascular effects, we investigated the cardiovascular indices of rabbits which chronically pretreated with these agents. Animal groups were control group (CTL), RD and QI groups with normal chow plus 1.5 g RD and QI extracts, respectively, in each kg of the diet for 45 days; Hyperlipidemic (H) group received high-fat diet for 45 days; H+RD and H+QI groups received high fat diet plus QI and RD extracts, respectively. Blood pressure was greater in H+RD group than CTL, RD, and H groups. Left ventricular developed pressure and left ventricular systolic pressure increased significantly in H+RD group versus CTL and RD groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.0001, resp.) and in H+QI groups (P < 0.01 versus QI groups). Left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) showed significant reduction in H+QI group versus H group. QI attenuated the values of total cholesterol, LDL, TG, and atherogenic indices of plasma when coadministrated with a high-fat diet. The results suggest the antilipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of QI. In addition, the use of RD along with a high-fat diet may increase the risk of hypertension in rabbits.

The effect of opium addiction on serum adiponectin and leptin levels in male subjects: a case control study from Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors Study (KERCADRS).

OBJECTIVES: Serum adiponectin and leptin levels have been shown to be related to obesity, insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Opium addiction has a positive association with endocrine system disorders. The relationship between adipokines and opium addiction is unclear. In the present study, we aimed to determine serum adiponectin and leptin levels in opium addicted subjects. METHODS: 176 men, 88 opium addicts and 88 non- addicts were randomly selected from subjects who participated in Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk factors Study (KERCADRS); a population-based study. Serum adiponectin and leptin levels were measured using ELISA and compared between two groups. We adjusted the effect of some confounding factors such as the patients' demographic, clinical and medical history in multivariate analysis model. RESULTS: The serum level of adiponectin in opium addicts was significantly lower than control group (6.5±3.6 vs. 9.8±8.1 µg/ml, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in serum leptin level between two groups (11.8±10.3 ng/ml in control group vs. 11.5±10.8 ng/ml in opium addicts, p = 0.80). In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, cigarette smoking, body mass index, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, triglyceride and high and low density lipoproteins, the negative association between opium addiction and decreased adiponectin level was still present (ß = -0.144, P value = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that opium addiction reduces serum adiponectin level. Since adiponectin has been shown to have anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic effects, its reduction may account for increase in the risk of metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and CVD amongst opium addicted patients.

Ameliorative effect of black tea on nicotine induced cardiovascular pathogenesis in rat.

Regarding the role of nicotine in the development of cardiovascular complications of smoking, we investigated whether black tea has a modulatory effect on cardiovascular pathogenesis of nicotine in rat. Animals were randomized to control, tea, nicotine and tea plus nicotine groups. Test groups received black tea brewed (adding 400 ml boiling water to 10 g Lipton black tea for 5 min) orally alone or with nicotine 2 mg/kg/day, s.c. separately or combined for four weeks. On 28th day, lipids profile of blood and also malondialdehyde (MDA) level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of heart tissue were measured. Nicotine administration caused a significant increase in total cholesterol, TG and HDL-C and also atherogenic index of plasma (log TG/HDL-C). Moreover, nicotine increased MDA level of heart. Black tea alone increased the antioxidant capacity of heart tissue without significant effect on lipid profile and MDA levels. Concomitant use of black tea and nicotine significantly attenuated the hyperlipidemic and atherogenic effects of nicotine but was unable to attenuate the MDA. Our findings suggest that black tea consumption reduces hyperlipidemia and atherogenesis as two cardiovascular risk factors and complications of nicotine, in rat. If these results can be extrapolated to human, smokers who daily drink black tea may be less at risk of cardiovascular disease.