Serum level of copper in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic disease is the most important cause of mortality in the world. Oxidation is an important pathway in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) through oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and free radical formation. Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for enzymes that catalyse LDL oxidation reactions. Therefore, an evaluation of Cu in the atherosclerotic disease is important. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 334 subjects without recent cardiac event and history of collagen vascular or infectious disease were investigated. All patients divided into four groups to evaluate severity of CAD according to Syntax scoring system. All groups were matched in cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: The serum level of Cu was significantly higher in total atherosclerotic groups than normal group (P value = 0.001) and significantly increased with severity of atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION: The finding indicated that the serum level of Cu is higher in atherosclerotic patients and it increases with severity of atherosclerosis. Therefore, it may be possible that the basic relationship exist between serum Cu level and atherosclerosis and an association between Cu level and severity of atherosclerosis.

Association between Serum Iron and the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most important cause of mortality in the world. About half of cardiovascular risk factors have not been completely understood. Oxidation of LDL by oxidants such as iron plays a central role in atherogenesis. As a result, evaluation of the iron stores is important in the risk evaluation of the atherosclerotic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross sectional study was performed on 337 patients with chronic stable angina hospitalized in Sari heart center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences from February 2010 to July 2012. Coronary angiography was performed and the angiograms were evaluated by two cardiologists. Moreover, blood samples were collected after a 14-hour fast immediately before the coronary angiography in order to measure the total cholesterol, HDL- cholesterol, and glucose. The patients were divided into four groups to evaluate the severity of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) according to Syntax scoring system. RESULTS: The study results revealed a significant difference among the four study groups regarding the iron serum level. It was significantly higher in the sever atherosclerosis group compared to the normal (P=0.0122), mild (P=0.023), and moderate CAD groups (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated that the serum level of iron was higher in the atherosclerotic patients and increased with the severity of CAD. Therefore, a basic relationship probably exists between the serum iron level and CAD. Further prospective and experimental studies are needed to confirm the association between the iron status and atherosclerosis.

Single-dose oral fluconazole versus topical clotrimazole in patients with pityriasis versicolor: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

This study was designed to compare the therapeutic effects of topical clotrimazole and systemic fluconazole in pityriasis versicolor. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was carried out in the dermatological clinic of Gorgan, northern Iran, between April 2006 and May 2007. All consecutive patients with pityriasis versicolor were included and randomly divided into two groups. In the first group (G1), patients underwent treatment with a single dose of fluconazole capsule (400 mg) and placebo cream. In the second group (G2), patients underwent treatment with clotrimazole cream (twice daily) and placebo capsule. The course of treatment was 2 weeks. All subjects were re-evaluated 2, 4 and 12 weeks after the end of the therapeutic course. After 2 weeks, the rate of complete resolution of disease was significantly higher in G2 than G1 (49.1% vs 30%). After 4 weeks, 41 patients (81.2%) of G1 and 52 patients (94.9%) of G2 showed complete resolution. After 12 weeks, 46 patients (92%) in G1 and 45 patients (81.8%) in G2 showed complete resolution. Recurrence rate in G1 and G2 were 6% and 18.2%, respectively. No complications were seen in either group. In this study, clinical response at week 4 was greater in the clotrimazole group than the fluconazole group. Recurrence at week 12 after treatment was less with oral fluconazole than clotrimazole cream. So, for better evaluation, more studies need to be done.