Association of tumour necrosis factor-alpha G/A -238 and G/A -308 single nucleotide polymorphisms with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disorder of unknown origin. As proinflammatory cytokines are known to contribute towards the pathogenesis of JIA, this case-control study was performed to examine the associations of certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene. Fifty-three patients with JIA participated in this study as patients group and compared with 137 healthy unrelated controls. Genotyping was performed for TNF-α gene at positions -308 and -238, using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers method. Results of the analysed data revealed a significant positive association for TNF-α gene at positions -308 and -238 for A allele in patients group compared with controls (P < 0.01). At the genotypic level, the frequency of TNF-α gene at positions -308 and -238 for GG genotype was discovered to be higher in the patients with JIA compared to the healthy controls (P < 0.01), while GA genotype at the same positions was observed to be less frequent in the case group than the controls (P < 0.01). At the haplotypic level, a significant positive association for TNF-α GG haplotype (positions -308, -238) together with a notable negative association for TNF-α AG and GA haplotypes at the same positions were detected in the patients group in comparison with the healthy individuals (P < 0.01). Cytokine gene polymorphisms might affect the development of JIA. Particular TNF-α gene variants could render individuals more susceptible to JIA..

Association of interleukin-1 family gene polymorphisms with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in Iranian population.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), seem to contribute towards the pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), so this study was designed to evaluate the associations of IL-1 gene cluster and IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with JIA proneness in Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genomic DNA of 55 Iranian patients with JIA and 140 controls were extracted and typed for IL-1α gene at position -889, IL-1ß gene at positions -511 and +3962, IL-1R gene at position Pst-I 1970, and interleikin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene at position Mspa-I 11100, using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers method, and compared between patients and controls. RESULTS: The CC genotype of IL-1Ra at Mspa-I 11100 position was found to be more frequent in patients with JIA compared to healthy individuals (P=0.03), although the CT genotype at the same position was significantly higher in the control group in comparison with patients with JIA (P=0.02). No significant differences were observed between the two groups of case and control for IL-1α (-889 C/T), IL-1ß (-511 C/T and +3962 C/T) and IL-1R (Pst-1 1970 C/T). CONCLUSION: The results of the present investigation suggest that certain IL-1Ra gene variants are associated with individuals' susceptibility to JIA. Nevertheless, further studies are required to establish the results of the current study.

Association of Interleukin-2, but not Interferon-Gamma, single nucleotide polymorphisms with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of IL-2 and IFN-γ single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility to JIA in an Iranian population. METHODS: Genomic DNA of 54 Iranian patients with JIA and 139 healthy unrelated controls were typed for IL-2 (G/T at -330 and +166) as well as IFN-γ gene (A/T at +874), using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers method, and compared between patients and controls. RESULTS: A significantly higher frequency of the IL-2 -330 GG genotype (p<0.01) was found in the JIA patients compared to the controls. However, the GT genotype at the same position was notably lower than in controls (p<0.01). Moreover, IL-2 (-330, +166) GT haplotype was more frequent in patients with JIA in comparison with controls. No significant differences was observed between the two groups of case and control for IL-2 (G/T at +166) and IFN-γ (A/T at +874) SNPs. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study suggest that certain SNPs of IL-2 gene have association with individuals' susceptibility to JIA. However, further investigations are required to confirm the results of this study.

Interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor beta 1 gene polymorphisms in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to identify the associations between interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) gene polymorphisms and individual susceptibility to juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in a group of Iranian patients. BACKGROUND: Cytokine genes, including IL-10 and TGF-ß1, are known to play important roles in the pathogenesis of JIA. METHODS: Using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers method, the frequency of alleles, genotypes and haplotypes of IL-10 (positions -1082, -819, -592) and TGF-ß1 (codon 10, codon 25) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were investigated in 55 patients with JIA as a case group and compared with 140 healthy unrelated controls. RESULTS: The G allele was significantly less frequent at TGF-ß1 codon 25 in patients with JIA than in the controls (p < 0.01). The frequency of CT genotype at TGF-ß1 codon 10 was found to be higher in healthy individuals in comparison with that in patients group (p = 0.04). We observed no differences in the frequency of alleles, genotypes and haplotypes of IL-10 gene between the groups of patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the low frequency of existence of TGF-ß1 G allele at codon 25 as well as TGF-ß1 CT genotype at codon 10 in patients with JIA, it seems that these cytokine gene polymorphisms could play role as the protective factors against JIA.

Educational difference in the prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: a study in northern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease in the world and it is rapidly increasing in Iran. In this study the relationship between educational levels and osteoporosis was investigated among Iranian postmenopausal women. METHOD AND SUBJECTS: Seven hundred and six women aged 50-75 years old were randomly recruited from urban (n = 440) and rural (n = 266) areas in Guilan. Osteoporosis was diagnosed by quantitative ultrasound technique and dual X-ray absorptiometry. Serum 25(OH) D3, body weight and height were measured in all subjects. Other data including age, educational level, menopause age, medications and history of illness were also collected. RESULTS: We found that the prevalence of osteoporosis was significantly greater among women with low educational level than women with high educational status (18.0% vs 3.8% P < 0.0001). However, women with low educational level had higher mean serum level of vitamin D than women with high educational level. Osteoporosis was significantly more prevalent among women living in rural areas than women living in urban areas (19.1% v.s 13.3%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that educational level is associated with bone health in this population of postmenopausal women with significantly higher osteoporosis found in lower social groups. Therefore, we suggest that women with low social level should be carefully evaluated for signs of osteoporosis during routine physical examinations.

Social factors and pregnancy weight gain in relation to infant birth weight: a study in public health centers in Rasht, Iran.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the relationship between total pregnancy weight gain, maternal educational level, working status and infant birth weight among mothers and infants in urban health centers in Rasht, Iran. DESIGN: Pregnant women from six different public health centers in urban areas were studied in a prospective design. Data on women's age, parity, level of education, working status, infant birth weight, mothers' height, and prepregnancy weight and total weight gain during pregnancy were collected. The subjects were grouped based on their prepregnancy BMI and according to Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendation for total pregnancy weight gain. The subjects were also categorized based on their years of schooling as less, intermediately and highly educated. In this study women were considered as either housewives or employed. SETTING: Public health centers in urban areas in Rasht, Iran. SUBJECTS: A total of 1914 pregnant women were studied. RESULTS: These data showed that pregnancy weight gain was not different between women with normal prepregnancy weight and underweight when educational levels and working status were taken into account. Besides, pregnancy weight gain was positively related to the level of education. Analysis of variance showed that infant birth weights were not similar in mothers who gain weight less, within and above recommended ranges. In all, 60% of the normal weight women and 56.7% of the underweight women had weight gain less than the lower cutoffs of IOM recommendation. Results of logistic regression analysis showed that low level of mother's education was the only predictor for low birth weight (LBW) (>12 y education OR = 0.27(0.10-0.69)) and 5-12 y education OR = 0.62 (0.2-0.94). CONCLUSION: These results showed that pregnancy weight gain lower recommended ranges are highly prevalent in Iranian women in public health centers in urban areas in Rasht. Moreover, mother's level of educational level may be considered as the most important determinant of birth weight and LBW in this population.

Association of body mass index with educational level in Iranian men and women.

OBJECTIVE: Investigation of the relationship between educational level, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), physical activity and parity in a group of Iranian men and women living in Tehran. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study in a group of Iranian men and women. The subjects were classified into two educational levels: low education (< or =12 y schooling) and high education (>12 y schooling); and BMI, WHR, physical activity and parity (in women) were compared in two groups in men and women, separately. SETTING: Metabolic Unit of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran. SUBJECTS: Three hundred and fifteen men aged 33.1 (22-46) and 403 women aged 27.9 (22-45). RESULTS: After controlling for age and smoking, women with a higher level of education showed a significantly lower mean BMI than less educated women (24.8+/-4.2 vs 28.3+/-4.9, P <0.01), while more educated men had a higher mean BMI than less educated men (28.4+/-4.3 vs 26.7+/-4.5). In multiple regression analysis, physical activity in leisure time in men and years of education in women were the only determinants of BMI. After controlling for BMI, WHR was not related to the level of education in either men or women. CONCLUSION: The present data indicated an educational difference in BMI for the study population. In Iranian women, like the women in developed countries, the level of education was negatively related to BMI, while in men the association was positive. SPONSORSHIP: This work was financially supported by the Institute of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Estimating fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of ensiled and dried pomegranate seeds for ruminants using in vitro gas production technique.

The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition and estimation of fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of ensiled and dried pomegranate seeds using in vitro gas production technique. Samples were collected, mixed, processed (ensiled and dried) and incubated in vitro with rumen liquor taken from three fistulated Iranian native (Taleshi) steers at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h. The results showed that ensiling lead to significant increase in gas production of pomegranate seeds at all incubation times. The gas volume at 24 h incubation, were 25.76 and 17.91 ml/200mg DM for ensiled and dried pomegranate seeds, respectively. The gas production rate (c) also was significantly higher for ensiled groups than dried (0.0930 vs. 0.0643 ml/h). The organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME), net energy for lactation (NEL) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) of ensiled pomegranate seeds were significantly higher than that of dried samples (43.15%, 6.37 MJ/kg DM, 4.43 MJ/kg DM, 0.5553 mmol for ensiled samples vs. 34.62%, 5.10 MJ/kg DM, 3.56 MJ/kg DM, 0.3680 mmol for dried samples, respectively). It can be concluded that ensiling increases the nutritive value of pomegranate seeds.

Childhood obesity and early prevention of cardiovascular disease: Iranian families act too late.

This study described overweight/obese children and adolescents seeking weight loss treatment regarding their age, gender, severity of obesity and maternal education in Rasht city, northern Iran. Data on 1465 overweight/obese children and adolescents aged 2-18 years engaged in weight loss program were analyzed in this study. These data included age, sex, weight, height, self-reported parental weight and height, history of dieting, and mother's level of education. There were more overweight/obese girls engaged in weight loss program than overweight/obese boys (71.2% vs. 28.8% p<0.0001). These data showed that only 18.2% of the overweight/obese children and adolescents were from families with low maternal education. These data suggest that parents of overweight/obese children and adolescents from low social level, boys and young children across all maternal educational levels should be warned against the risk of obesity.

Iranian women with coronary artery disease: not behind of the men.

This study aimed to compare risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) in Iranian men and women with documented CAD. A total of 498 patients with CAD (255 male and 243 female) were studied and data on age, blood lipids, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, body weight, height and waist circumferences were collected. The results showed that the mean age of the women with CAD was not significantly different from the men (58.0+/-10.4 vs. 56.4+/-12.8). Obesity and central obesity in Iranian women with CAD (43.5% and 88.5%) were more prevalent than Iranian men with CAD (18.7% and 42%) (p<0.0001). Except for diabetes, all other measured risk factors showed higher prevalence in the study women than the men.

Coronary artery disease in Iranian overweight women.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of mortality in Iran. This study aimed to evaluate coronary risk factors in Iranian overweight and obese women. METHODS AND SUBJECTS: Of all overweight and obese women examined in the main heart clinic in Rasht city, Iran, between 2000 and 2003, those with angiographically approved coronary artery disease (n=180) and overweight normal coronary women (n=224) participated in this study. The subjects in both groups had body mass index above 25 kg/m(2). Data on age, educational level, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and current drug therapy were collected using questionnaires. Total serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, apoprotein B, apoprotein A1, lipoprotein (a), blood glucose, body weight, height, and waist circumference were measured in both groups. RESULTS: The findings indicated that mean age (57.3+/-10.9 vs 40.3+/-10.1 p<0.0001) was significantly higher in coronary artery diseased group than normal overweight and obese subjects. Other measured risk factors including waist circumference, blood lipids and blood pressure were higher in overweight patients with coronary artery disease than overweight normal subjects. Results of logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR=1.16, 95% CI 1.10-1.21) and diabetes (OR=6.31, 95% CI 1.95-20.3) were the only predictors of coronary artery disease in this population of coronary obese patients. The proportion of low educated level was remarkably higher in overweight women with coronary artery disease than normal groups. CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that advancing age and diabetes are independent predictors for development of coronary artery disease in this group of overweight and obese Iranian women. The high proportion of low educated people in these patients with coronary artery disease implicates an important public health message for targeted preventive measures in lower social groups.

Association of interleukin-1 family gene polymorphisms with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in Iranian population

BACKGROUND: Cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), seem to contribute towards the pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), so this study was designed to evaluate the associations of IL-1 gene cluster and IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with JIA proneness in Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genomic DNA of 55 Iranian patients with JIA and 140 controls were extracted and typed for IL-1alpha gene at position −889, IL-1beta gene at positions −511 and +3962, IL-1R gene at position Pst-I 1970, and interleikin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene at position Mspa-I 11100, using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers method, and compared between patients and controls. RESULTS: The CC genotype of IL-1Ra at Mspa-I 11100 position was found to be more frequent in patients with JIA compared to healthy individuals (P=0.03), although the CT genotype at the same position was significantly higher in the control group in comparison with patients with JIA (P=0.02). No significant differences were observed between the two groups of case and control for IL-1alpha (−889 C/T), IL-1beta (−511 C/T and +3962 C/T) and IL-1R (Pst-1 1970 C/T). CONCLUSION: The results of the present investigation suggest that certain IL-1Ra gene variants are associated with individuals' susceptibility to JIA. Nevertheless, further studies are required to establish the results of the current study

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Association of Interleukin-2, but not Interferon-Gamma, single nucleotide polymorphisms with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND: Cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of IL-2 and IFN-γ single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility to JIA in an Iranian population. METHODS: enomic DNA of 54 Iranian patients with JIA and 139 healthy unrelated controls were typed for IL-2 (G/T at −330 and +166) as well as IFN-γ gene (A/T at +874), using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers method, and compared between patients and controls. RESULTS: A significantly higher frequency of the IL-2 −330 GG genotype (p < 0.01) was found in the JIA patients compared to the controls. However, the GT genotype at the same position was notably lower than in controls (p < 0.01). Moreover, IL-2 (−330, +166) GT haplotype was more frequent in patients with JIA in comparison with controls. No significant differences was observed between the two groups of case and control for IL-2 (G/T at +166) and IFN-γ (A/T at +874) SNPs. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study suggest that certain SNPs of IL-2 gene have association with individuals' susceptibility to JIA. However, further investigations are required to confirm the results of this study

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Vasculitis in acute streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Four children are described with a severe acute streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Olyguria, long term renal failure, arterial hypertension, nephrotic syndrome, unconsciousness, marked anemia, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding were the most prominent findings. The renal biopsy revealed a diffuse endocapillary glomerulonephritis with crescents and vasculitis. One patient had demonstrated multiorgan vasculitis. The patients were managed by conventional methods, three of them received anticoagulants of whom, two association of prednisolone-cyclophosphamide. All recovered.