The effects of omega 3 fatty acids on the serum concentrations of pro inflammatory cytokines anddepression status in patients with bipolar disorder: A randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial.

Background: The inflammation accelerates the progression of bipolar disorder. Supplementation of anti-inflammatory supplements in adjuvant with medications may alleviate disorder signs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and depression status in patients with bipolar disorder. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted in Zahedan city in 2021. Patients with bipolar disorder (n = 60) were grouped into two groups: omega-3 fatty acid supplement group (n = 30, 15 men and 15 women) and placebo one using a permuted block stratified randomization. The patients in the omega-3 group received 2 g of omega-3 fatty acids daily for 2 months while patients in the placebo group received 2 g soft gels daily in the same form. Depression score and the serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were assessed before and after the study. Results: Depression score and the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP were decreased after intervention in the omega-3 fatty acid group also compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). The results also show a positive correlation between the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP with depression scores (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Prescription of omega-3 fatty acids can decrease inflammatory parameters and help to decrease depression in patients with bipolar disorder. This supplement can be used along with medications for decreasing the inflammatory markers in these patients.

Association of SLC11A1 polymorphisms with anthropometric and biochemical parameters describing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes, a leading cause of death globally, has different types, with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) being the most prevalent one. It has been established that variations in the SLC11A1 gene impact risk of developing infectious, inflammatory, and endocrine disorders. This study is aimed to investigate the association between the SLC11A1 gene polymorphisms (rs3731864 G/A, rs3731865 C/G, and rs17235416 + TGTG/- TGTG) and anthropometric and biochemical parameters describing T2DM. Eight hundred participants (400 in each case and control group) were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and amplification-refractory mutation system-PCR (ARMS-PCR) methods. Lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c level, and anthropometric indices were also recorded for each subject. Findings revealed that SLC11A1-rs3731864 G/A, -rs17235416 (+ TGTG/- TGTG) were associated with T2DM susceptibility, providing protection against the disease. In contrast, SLC11A1-rs3731865 G/C conferred an increased risk of T2DM. We also noticed a significant association between SLC11A1-rs3731864 G/A and triglyceride levels in patients with T2DM. In silico evaluations demonstrated that the SLC11A2 and ATP7A proteins also interact directly with the SLC11A1 protein in Homo sapiens. In addition, allelic substitutions for both intronic variants disrupt or create binding sites for splicing factors and serve a functional effect. Overall, our findings highlighted the role of SLC11A1 gene variations might have positive (rs3731865 G/C) or negative (rs3731864 G/A and rs17235416 + TGTG/- TGTG) associations with a predisposition to T2DM.

Evaluating the effect of digital game-based nutrition education on anemia indicators in adolescent girls: A randomized clinical trial.

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of micronutrient deficiency in the world. Adolescence represents a period of increased risk of iron deficiency. Therefore, we aimed to determine the impact of nutrition education by a digital game on markers of iron-deficient anemia in adolescent girls. In this study, 176 adolescent girls were randomly dichotomized into the intervention and control groups. At the beginning and the end of the intervention, knowledge, attitude, and practice of both groups were assessed by a questionnaire. Girls in the intervention group received the necessary education through a digital game during a 14-week period, while those in the control group received basic nutritional education through PowerPoint and pamphlets. Additionally, serum transferrin, serum iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin, CBC difference, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) tests were checked. In this study, nutrition education significantly increased the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of adolescent girls regarding their diet (p Ë‚ .05). Hemoglobin level was also significantly raised (p Ë‚ .05). However, no significant effect was observed on other markers of iron-deficient anemia, such as serum iron, TIBC, and hematocrit, in the intervention group compared with the control group (p Ëƒ .05). The results of this study indicated the positive impact of nutrition education based on digital game on knowledge, attitude, and practice scores, as well as a significant difference in hemoglobin. It is recommended that educational games be designed for students in the future to promote health and nutrition information.

The effects of magnesium supplementation on serum level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and depression status in patients with depression.

OBJECTIVE: Recent researches suggest that there is a relationship between the pathogenesis of depression and serum Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels. Therefore, the purpose of this clinical trial was to determine effect of magnesium supplementation on serum Level of BDNF, magnesium and depression status in patients with depression. METHODS: A double blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 46 depressed subjects. The participants were randomly allocated into the magnesium (MG) and the placebo (PG) group and received 500 mg magnesium and placebo daily for 8 weeks. Beck's test was conducted and blood samples were taken at baseline and after the intervention period for analysis of serum magnesium and BDNF. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in assessed variables between the two groups at the baseline. At the end of intervention, supplementation with magnesium oxide had a significant effect on Beck's test (P = 0.01) and serum magnesium (P = 0.001), but had no significant effect on BDNF levels (P = 0.507) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Daily intake of 500 mg magnesium oxide for at least 8 weeks improved Beck's test score and serum magnesium in depressed patients, but had no significant effect on BDNF levels between the two groups, Which Further research is recommended.

Metabolic and clinical responses to Bunium Persicum (black caraway) supplementation in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide. We aimed to determine the metabolic and clinical responses to Bunium Persicum (Black Caraway) supplementation in overweight and obese patients with T2DM. METHODS: Participant recruitment took place in the diabetic clinic of Bu-Ali hospital in Zahedan. Due to the eligibility criteria, 60 participants were randomly placed into two groups, namely placebo (n = 30) and BP (n = 30). The supplementation was considered one 1000 mg capsule 2 times /day BP by meals (lunch and dinner) for 8 weeks. Physical activity levels, dietary intakes, anthropometric measurements [weight, height, and waist circumference], glycemic indices [fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin (FBI)], blood lipids [triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c)], and serum nesfatin-1 level were determined. Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), Quantitative insulin sensitivity checks index (QUICKI), and Body Mass Index (BMI) were computed. RESULTS: In comparison with placebo, BP significantly decreased FBG, HOMA-IR, and BMI (P <  0.05). The differences in the FBI, QUICKI, TG, TC, LDL, HDL, WC, and Nesfatin-1 were not significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: BP supplementation improved serum glucose indices and BMI among overweight and obese T2DM patients. Further trials are needed to confirm results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), IRCT20181207041876N1, Registered 18/01/2019, https://irct.ir/trial/35752.

Comparative Effects of Curcumin versus Nano-Curcumin on Insulin Resistance, Serum Levels of Apelin and Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance and abnormalities in insulin production. Apelin is associated with insulin resistance. According to the anti-diabetic properties of curcumin, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of curcumin and nano-curcumin intake on insulin resistance and serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), Apelin, and lipid profile (cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL and VLDL) in T2DM rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: Control, diabetic, diabetic treated with two doses of curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg) and diabetic treated with two doses of nano-curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg). Induction of T2DM was performed by intraperitoneal injection of Nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) and Streptozotocin (45 mg/kg) in the fasting state. Rats received different doses of nano-curcumin and curcumin by gavage (daily) for 28 days. At the end of the intervention period, insulin resistance and serum levels of FBS, apelin and lipid profiles were measured. RESULTS: Insulin resistance and serum levels of FBS, Apelin, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL were significantly decreased in diabetic rats treated with curcumin and nano-curcumin (p<0.05) so that nano-curcumin in reducing lipid profile is more effective than curcumin (P<0.05). Serum level of HDL in nano-curcumin groups was significantly higher than diabetic and curcumin groups (p<0.05). Also, with increasing insulin resistance, serum level of apelin increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effects of curcumin and nano-curcumin were effective in decreasing insulin resistance, serum levels of FBS, apelin and lipid profile. The dose of 100 mg/kg nano-curcumin was more effective in reducing lipid profile.

Obesity Indices in relation to Lipid Abnormalities among Medical University Students in Zahedan, South-East of Iran.

BACKGROUND: There is no statement on the ability of obesity indices in prediction of lipid abnormalities among young adults. The present study was conducted to determine the ability of obesity indices as predictors of lipid abnormalities among a group of young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 353 medical university students aged 18-25 years (188 males and 165 females) participated in this cross-sectional study in 2014. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference were measured to calculate obesity indices including body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Serum total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were measured by commercially available kits and were applied to calculate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and atherogenic parameters including LDL-C/ HDL-C ratio, TC/HDL-C ratio, non-HDL-C, and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). RESULTS: Subjects with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 had a greater value of all lipid profiles and atherogenic parameters (P < 0.05) except for HDL-C (P > 0.05) compared to subjects with BMI <25 kg/m2. In logistic regression model, BMI ≥25 kg/m2 was significantly associated with the highest odds for elevated TC (odds ratio [OR] = 7.67, P = 0.003), LDL-C (OR = 3.24, P = 0.01), TC:HDL-C (OR = 4.98, P = 0.01), and non-HDL-C(OR = 4.32, P = 0.001) in males, as well as high values of TG (OR = 8.80, P = 0.002), LDL-C:HDL-C (OR = 3.64, P = 0.01), and AIP (OR = 9.65, P < 0.001) in females. In terms of central obesity indices, males with WC ≥102 cm and females with WC ≥88 cm had the highest odds of increased LDL-C:HDL-C (OR = 6.71, P = 0.01) and TC:HDL-C (OR = 3.25, P = 0.050), respectively. In addition, females with WHtR ≥0.50 had the highest odds of high TC (OR = 3.56, P = 0.02) and non-HDL-C (OR = 2.70, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the findings of the present study showed that BMI was a stronger index for prediction of classical lipid parameters and atherogenic parameters than central obesity indices in medical students.

Frequency of overweight/obesity among a group of children with celiac disease in Iran.

INTRODUCTION: A small number of overweight and obese children with celiac disease (CD) has been reported. AIM: To estimate the prevalence of obesity, underweight and normal weight in a group of Iranian pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective study from 2007 to 2015, 225 children less than 18 years old with biopsy-proven CD were enrolled. Data collected included demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, antibody titers and severity of small-bowel mucosal damage. Body mass index (BMI) profile of subjects was calculated based on the age and gender percentile at presentation. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) for age was 7.4 ±3.8 and 62% of patients were female. Fifty-four percent of patients presented with a normal BMI, 43% were underweight, and the remaining patients (3.5%) were overweight/obese. The mean age of underweight and normal weight patients was higher than that of obese/overweight patients. Mean ± SD of TTG titer was higher in overweight/obese and normal weight children compared to underweight subjects. The majority of patients (195/225) had severe enteropathy compatible with Marsh III on duodenal biopsy. Most of the children had gastrointestinal (GI) and extra-intestinal manifestations on presentation. There was no association between severity of histological disease and BMI for age. Five out of eight cases in the obese/overweight group had an index case with CD in their family. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of considering celiac disease in children regardless of their BMI. Failure to diagnose CD in children leads to unnecessary diagnostic delays and long-term adverse health consequences.

Dietary habits and obesity indices in patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is suggested to be associated with some socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Although the roles of some factors such as obesity are well documented, evidence on the impact of other factors such as dietary habits are still inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between socio-demographic and lifestyle factors with GERD in participants referred to a teaching hospital in Zahedan, South-East of Iran. METHODS: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted during 2014-2015. All patients completed a structured questionnaire regarding information on socio-demographic status, lifestyle factors and dietary habits. Anthropometric indices including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were used to determine general and central obesity, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Value of p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Five hundred and five participants, including 285 GERD and 220 Non-GERD participants participated in the study. In univariate analysis, being married (OR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.04, 2.36), general obesity (OR = 1.77, 95%CI = 1.11, 2.81), central obesity (OR = 2.09, 95%CI = 1.46,3.01) and consumption of citrus fruits between meals (OR = 1.69, 95%CI = 1.04, 2.73) were associated with higher odds of GERD, while higher educational level (OR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.36,0.77) and regular physical activity ≥2 h/week (OR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.30, 0.94) were associated with lower odds of GERD. In the adjusted model, central obesity (OR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.18, 3.01) and consumption of citrus fruits between meals (OR = 2.22, 95%CI = 1.30, 3.81) were positively associated with odds of GERD, while higher educational level (OR = 0.55, 95%CI = 0.33, 0.91) was associated with decreased odds of GERD. CONCLUSION: According to the results of the current study, central obesity as determined by WC and citrus fruit intake were independent factors associated with GERD. Therefore, lifestyle modification might have a positive effect in the treatment of GERD in an urban population of Iran.

Association of Helicobacter pylori infection with metabolic parameters and dietary habits among medical undergraduate students in southeastern of Iran.

BACKGROUND: To date, there is still inconclusive evidence on the extra-gastric manifestations of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection. This study aimed to determine whether there is an association between H.pylori infection with metabolic syndrome and dietary habits among medical undergraduate students in south-eastern of Iran, Zahedan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done among 363 undergraduate students in Zahedan University of Medical Sciences during spring 2014. All subjects completed a questionnaire including demographic factors and dietary habits. Serum H. pylori-specific IgG antibodies, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were measured after an overnight fast. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was 45.7%. H. pylori-positive subjects had lower mean levels of TC and TG and higher levels of HDL-C compared to H. pylori-negative subjects. In addition, lower levels of LDL-C (P = 0.044) and FBS (P = 0.05) were observed among subjects with positive H pylori infection. Only rare consumption of raw vegetables (odds ratio [OR] =3.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.37-5.24) as well as higher levels of FBS (OR = 1.031, 95% CI = 1.001-1.99) were significantly associated with higher odds of H. pylori infection in both the univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: In a small population of young students in southeastern of Iran, H. pylori infection was associated with low consumption of raw vegetables and higher serum blood glucose.

Correlation of Body Mass Index and Physical Activity Among 7- to 11-Year Children at Zahedan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is currently one of the major concerns in pediatric field. In recent literature, correlation of obesity with some behavioral factors such as physical activity (PA) received attention. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and PA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2012 on 548 randomly selected 7- to 11-year schoolchildren from Zahedan, Iran. The underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity status were all based on BMI percentiles for age and sex. Moderate to vigorous PA during the previous 7 days was assessed by a modified version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children. RESULTS: The prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity among the participants was 18.3%, 47.9%, 11.8%, and 22.1%, respectively. Overweight and obesity were significantly higher among girls than boys. Mean PA score in participants was 2.4 ± 0.5. The results showed the PA score was significantly higher among boys than girls. The PA score had a significant association with BMI ( P = .018), and it was greater in normal participants than in obese participants. CONCLUSION: On the basis of observed data and due to the impact of PA on BMI as an indicator of nutritional status and health, teaching children to have better nutrition and lifestyle changes is very important. Therefore, more studies should focus on childhood obesity prevention programs to prevent nonoverweight children from becoming overweight or obese in the future.

Food pattern, lifestyle and diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly worldwide. Recent data is reprehensive of increasing diabetes prevalence from 285 millions in 2010 (6.4%) to 439 millions in 2030 in adults aged 20 to 79 in different countries. Lifestyle and particularly dietary habits play an important role in the development of diabetes. Additionally, specific individual food groups and diet components such as monounsaturated fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, dietary fiber, fish, magnesium and nuts may protect against the development of diabetes, possibly through the amelioration of insulin sensitivity and its anti-inflammatory actions, while consumption of red and processed meats and saturated fat may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVES: In this section, we studied dietary and other factors related to the effect of lifestyle in type 2 diabetes. These factors may affect the incidence of type 2 diabetes which could be corrected by lifestyle modifications. RESULTS: Unfortunately, dietary habits in the developed and developing countries are changing towards an unhealthier direction. Consequently, emphasis should be given on encouraging at population and individual levels for adopting a healthier lifestyle, including dietary habits, to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. Here we reviewed epidemiologic and clinical trial evidence regarding nutrients, foods and dietary patterns to diabetes risk and involved possible mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Type 2 diabetes is increasingly growing in young population of developing countries, which causes a large burden on individuals and the society.

Association between body mass index and caries frequency among zahedan elementary school children.

BACKGROUND: A balanced nutrition schedule provides the essential substances for proper oral health. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dental caries and body mass index in 6-11 year-old children in Zahedan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study 1213 children (670 girls, 543 boys) were included. Body mass index (BMI) and clinical examination for determination of DFT (decay filling teeth) index (based on WHO criteria) were taken. Collected data were analyzed using the t-test, chi-square and ANOVA. RESULTS: Among children, 20.8% had low weight, 66.3% normal weight, 7.8% were overweight and 5.1% obese. In the low weight, normal weight, overweight, and obese groups, the mean ± SD values for DFT were: 0.63 ± 1.1, 0.88 ± 1.36, 1.16 ± 1.33, and 0.87 ± 1.31, respectively. There was a significant association between BMI and DFT (P = 0.005). The overweight group had higher DFT compared to the low and normal weight groups. 13.5% of low weight, 12.2% of normal weight, 14.7% of overweight and 22.6% of obese children had DFT = 0. There was no statistical association between BMI and being caries free (P = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: The mean DFT in the overweight group was higher than low and normal weight groups. There was a statistically significant association between BMI and DFT.

Which modifiable, non-modifiable, and socioeconomic factors have more effect on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese women?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess which modifiable, non-modifiable, and socioeconomic factors are good predictors for cardiovascular risk in overweight and obese Iranian women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical cross-sectional study was conducted on 811 overweight and obese women of age 20-60 years in Islamic Republic of Iran. In this study, the dependent variables were fasting blood sugar (FBS) and lipid profile, and the independent variables were educational level, waist to hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), age, fasting glycemia, and diabetes. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that the significant factors associated with FBS were age, BMI, education, and WHR, but the effect of age was more than that of others. For total cholesterol (TC), only glycemia had a significant effect [P = 0.004, odds ratio (OR) 1.9 vs. others independent variables' ORs]. Having diabetes, BMI ≥30 kg/m(2), and education ≤12 years were the significant factors associated with triglyceride (TG), but the effect of diabetes was more than that of others (OR: 2.7, 2.2, and 1.9 for diabetes, BMI, and education, respectively). The effect of age was more than that of other independent factors on low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). There was not any significant association between independent variables and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) in multiple logistic regression models. CONCLUSION: Based on the obtained results, in clinic, for overweight and obese women, age, glycemia, and having diabetes can be considered as predictors for FBS, and LDL-C, TC, and TG, respectively.

Microscopic Enteritis; clinical features and correlations with symptoms.

AIM: To assess the clinical characteristic of CD as well as correlation of symptoms and the degrees of intestinal mucosal lesions in Iranian children. BACKGROUND: Microscopic Enteritis (Marsh 0-II) is associated with malabsorption. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From August 2005 to September 2009, 111 cases with malabsorption and classical gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) age of children with CD was 4.9±3.5 years (range, 6 month - 16 years) and the mean duration of symptoms was 8 ± 20.5 months. 50 cases (45%) were female and 61 cases (55%) were male. The most common clinical presentation was failure to thrive in 72%, chronic diarrhea in 65.8% and Iron deficiency anemia in 59.5%. Sensitivity of EMA was 100% in patients with Marsh IIIb and Marsh IIIc. EMA was also positive in 77% of cases with Marsh 0, 18% in Marsh I, 44% in Marsh II and 81.8% in patients with Marsh IIIa. CONCLUSION: Histopathology did not reflect the severity of gluten sensitivity. This would suggest that the degree of intestinal mucosal damage might not be a reliable prognostic factor. Significant symptoms can be present with minor histological change on biopsy.

Central obesity and coronary heart disease risk factors in referral outpatients to zahedan cardiology clinic, iran.

BACKGROUND: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is one of the most common and life-threatening diseases in both developed and developing countries and a close correlation has been found between different types of obesity and CHD. OBJECTIVES: The current study investigated the relationship between central obesity and coronary heart disease risk factors in CHD referral outpatients to Khatam Clinic, Zahedan, Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this clinical, cross-sectional study, data for 120 CHD patients aged 30-60 years were included. Based on waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), subjects were classified into two groups: not centrally obese (NCO; WHR ≤ 0.95 for men, ≤ 0.8 for women) and centrally obese (CO; WHR > 0.95 and > 0.8 for men and women, respectively). Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were enzymatically determined. Sitting systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured for each patient. RESULTS: Significantly more women than men and significantly more subjects with less education than subjects with more education were CO. Rates of CO were higher in subjects 45-60 years old than in those 30-45 years old (n.s.). CO subjects also had higher mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, TG, and creatinine levels (n.s.). Significantly higher mean values were observed for FBS in CO subjects than in NCO subjects (P = 0.02). Mean values for smoking were significantly higher in the NCO group compared with the CO group (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, in CHD patients, central obesity was associated with certain risk factors, especially FBS. Central obesity was more evident in women, less educated subjects, and older subjects. Further research is required to clarify these associations.

Which Life Style Anthropometric Index is a Better Predictor of Renal Function?

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor that has been associated scientifically with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cancer and other life threatening diseases. The results of some studies have also shown that obesity is an independent risk factor for the development and progression of renal damage. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study is to define which general and central obesity anthropometric indices are better predictors for ceratinine clearance (CC) in healthy, normal and obese Iranian women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this case-controlled study, a total of 62 healthy, normal and obese women from 18 to 30 years of age in Zahedan City, the Islamic Republic of Iran, were studied. The subjects were classified into two groups; case group (31 subjects) of healthy obese women (30 ≤ BMI ≤ 39.9 kg/m(2)) and control group (31 subjects) of healthy normal women (18.5 ≤ BMI ≤ 24.9 kg/m(2)). An assessment of body mass index (BMI) was considered as a general obesity index and an assessment of waist circumference (WC) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were considered as central obesity indices. A measurement of CC was considered for renal function. RESULTS: The means of CC in subjects with increased BMI, WC, and WHR were significantly higher than those in subjects with normal BMI, WC, and WHR. Pearson correlation coefficient revealed that there was a stronger correlation between CC with WC than with WHR and BMI (r = 0.4, P = 0.009; r = 0.4, P = 0.01 in the case and control groups, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that in clinical practice, WC can be used as a better predictor of CC than WHR and BMI in both normal and obese, healthy women.

Underweight and overweight among children in Zahedan, south-east Iran.

OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the prevalence of underweight and overweight in a group of primary-school children in Zahedan, south-east Iran. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study in a randomly selected population of schoolchildren. SETTING: Primary-school children in Zahedan city. SUBJECTS: A random sample of 1079 students (boys = 500 and girls = 579). Data on child's age, parental educational levels, body weight and height were collected. RESULTS: The rate of overweight/obesity among boys and girls was 8.9 % and 10.3 %, respectively; and of underweight among boys and girls was 22.8 % and 19.9 %, respectively. Prevalence of overweight increased as the boys and girls approached adolescence and it was more prevalent among girls than boys. Prevalence of overweight was directly related to maternal education in this population. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of underweight in young children as well as increase in the prevalence of overweight in girls and boys near adolescence are of concern. Early poor growth and subsequent rapid weight gain near to adolescent stage is related to adulthood obesity.

Determination of hepatitis C genotypes and the viral titer distribution in children and adolescents with major thalassemia.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an etiological agent responsible for occurrence of post-transfusion hepatitis in thalassemic patients. This study identified hepatitis C genotypes in pediatric and adolescent thalassemic patients and their correlation with age, blood transfusion, HCV RNA viral titer and liver function. METHODS: This study considers cross-sectional data from the Center for Thalassemia in Zahedan (Iran) carried out between August 2005 and September 2007. Twenty multitransfused patients suffering from ß-thalassemia major and chronic HCV infection (13 males, 7 females) were included in the study. Patients were considered eligible for the study if they were seropositive for HCV RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) before initiation of evaluation. Blood sample was taken for HCV genotype and viral titer as well as biochemical markers. Type specific primer and real-time RT-PCR HCV were used for determination of viral genotype and HCV-RNA titer. FINDINGS: There was a significant positive correlation between serum HCV RNA titer and genotypes (P<0001). Serum HCV RNA levels were found higher in genotype 3a than in others. The most prevalent genotype in thalassemic patients was genotype 3a (40%) followed by 1b (25%), unclassified (20%) and la (15%). There was no meaningful relationship between genotype, Alanine aminotranferease, ferritin and alkaline phosphatase. Age, serum HCV RNA titer and number of transfusions were the only significant factors associated with genotypes (P<015, P<0.0001 and P<0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: This study showed that HCV genotype and viral titer are related to the number of blood transfusions received by thalassemic patients. Screening donated blood in blood banks would prevent the occurrence of hepatitis C in this high-risk group.

Determination of the leading central obesity index among cardiovascular risk factors in Iranian women.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether the waist circumference (WC) or the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk factors at different ages. OBJECTIVE: To compare WC and WHR as predictors of cardiovascular risk factors and to determine the prevalence of some cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese adult women at different ages. METHODS: In this clinical cross-sectional study, 714 overweight and obese women aged 20 to 70 years who were referred to two nutrition clinics in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Islamic Republic of Iran, were studied. The subjects were classified into three groups, 20 to < 35, 35 to < 50, and > or = 50 years of age. Anthropometric indices were measured according to the standard protocol. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and TC/HDL-C ratios were enzymatically determined. RESULTS: Older subjects (> or = 50 years old) had significantly higher values of body mass index (BMI), WC, TC, TG, and LDL-C than those in the two younger age classes. The prevalence rates of obesity, high WC, high WHR, high TC, high TG, high LDL-C, and high TC/ HDL-C ratios were higher in the older subjects. After adjustment for age and BMI, multiple linear regression showed that WC was significantly related to TC and TG in the 20- to < 35-year-old group and to TG in the 35- to < 50-year-old group. In the older participants, WHR was significantly related to TG. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors increases with age. In clinical practice, WC is a better index for predicting some cardiovascular risk factors in younger and middle-aged women; however, for older women, WHR is better.