Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults: Findings from the IRanian Longitudinal Study on Ageing.

Objectives: There are some studies without consensus on the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and few studies among elderly participants; therefore, the aim of this study is evaluating the association between MetS and HRQoL between elderly participants after adjusting for possible confounding factors. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with the data from baseline phase of the IRanian Longitudinal Study on Ageing. The MetS diagnosis was conducted based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. The participants were 3452 subjects aged ≥60 years with and without MetS. The Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran version of the SF-12 questionnaire was used to examine subjects' perspectives on their well-being and general health level. The association between MetS and HRQoL was evaluated through multivariable linear regression model after adjusting for possible covariates. Results: MetS independently had an inverse association with subscales of HRQoL including physical functioning, physical problems, general health, social functioning, and emotional problems, even after fully adjusting for studied confounding factors. An inverse association was also observed between MetS and both mental component summary and physical component summary in the fully adjusted model. Conclusion: Older adults with MetS had a relatively worse physical and mental HRQoL in comparison with individuals without MetS. Independent of any underlying factors, the inverse association of MetS with HRQoL emphasizes the necessity of routine screening and treatment of MetS in older populations.

Association between PTCH1 and RAD54B Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Non-syndromic Orofacial Clefts in the Northeast Population of Iran.

Background: Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip with or without cleft Palate (NSCL/P) is a common developmental disorder of the head and neck with a multifactorial etiology. The current study aimed to evaluate the potential association of PTCH1 (rs10512248) and RAD54B (rs12681366) polymorphisms with NSCL/P in the Northeast Iranian population. Methods: In the present study, blood samples were taken from 122 subjects with NSCL/P and 161 healthy controls. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) followed by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) were used to conduct genotyping of single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Results: Although differences were observed between cases and controls in rs10512248 and rs12681366, our data did not support a significant association of these polymorphisms with NSCL/P in our population. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that polymorphisms of rs10512248 and rs12681366 may not be potential risk factors for NSCL/P in the Northeast Iranian population due to the multifactorial and multiethnicity characteristics of some genes.

Metabolic Syndrome and Body Composition Among People Aged 50 Years and Over: Results from The Neyshabur Longitudinal Study on Ageing (NeLSA).

There are few studies regarding body composition and metabolic syndrome (MetS) association in older adults. To evaluate the association between MetS and body composition indices in a large-scale population of subjects with an age of 50 and up. This study was based on the data from Neyshabur Longitudinal Study on Ageing (NeLSA) in a total of 7462 people of Neyshabur city in IRAN. The best cut-off scores and AUC value of body composition variables for having association with likelihood of MetS were determined by using a receiver operating curve analysis. Each unit increase in the Waist/Hip ratio, the odds of having MetS increase 3-6 times (OR: 4.937, 95%CI: 3.930, 6.203 in men; OR: 3.322, 95%CI: 2.259, 4.884 in women). In addition, in the case of BMI (OR: 1.256, 95% Cl: 1.226, 1.286 in men; OR: 1.104, 95% Cl: 1.086, 1.121 in women) and BFM (OR: 1.119, 95% Cl: 1.105, 1.133 in men; OR: 1.050, 95% Cl: 1.041, 1.060 in women), the chance of having MetS increases with increasing these variables. Totally, BMI and BFM showed the best AUC values. The optimal cut-off values for BMI in men was 26.45 and in women was 27.35 and for BFM in men was 23.35 and in women was 26.85. These results suggest that adiposity measures such as BMI and BFM are associated with likelihood of having MetS in subjects with an age of 50 and up, and that avoiding high adiposity is important to prevent MetS incidence.

Sex-specific prevalence of metabolic syndrome in older adults: results from the Neyshabur longitudinal study on aging, Iran.

Purpose: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated diseases grows as the population ages. This study aimed to investigate sex differences in the prevalence of MetS and its components among people aged 50 years and older in Iran. Methods: Data were drawn from the Neyshabur Longitudinal Study on Ageing (NeLSA), which is an ageing component of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IraAn (PERSIAN). The NCEP ATP III and IDF criteria were used to identify the prevalence of MetS among 3383 men and 3873 women aged 50 years and older. Sociodemographic information, lifestyle and clinical factors were collected via an interview-based questionnaire. Weight and height, waist circumferences and blood pressure were measured. Laboratory measures such as fasting blood sugar, triglycerides and high-density cholesterol were also assessed. Results: The overall prevalence of the MetS according to the NCEP ATP III and IDF definitions were 45% and 47%, respectively. The prevalence of the MetS in men and women was 37% and 63% according to the NCEP ATP III definition, 33% and 67% by the IDF definition, respectively. The prevalence of MetS components was significantly higher in women than in men. Conclusion: In the current study, the prevalence of MetS and its components was significantly higher among women than men. We also observed good concordance between IDF and NCEP ATP III criteria.

Identification of a new splice-acceptor mutation in HFM1 and functional analysis through molecular docking in nonobstructive azoospermia.

PURPOSE: To investigate the genetic cause of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). METHODS: We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on the proband who had three relatives suffering from NOA. We used a list of candidate genes which have high expression level in testis and their mutations have been reported in NOA. Sanger sequencing verified the identified variant and its structural and functional consequence was evaluated by protein three-dimensional (3D) structure prediction and protein-ligand docking. RESULTS: WES revealed a novel splice-acceptor mutation (c.1832-2A>T) in helicase for meiosis 1 (HFM1) gene, which co-segregated with the NOA in this family. 3D structural models were generated and verified. Molecular docking indicated that the c.1832-2A>T mutation affects not only the ADP binding residues but also the hydrogen bond interactions. The ADP binding site will be lost in the mutant protein, potentially causing defective crossover and synapsis. CONCLUSION: We report that the c.1832-2A>T mutation is the likely cause of NOA in the family studied. Regarding that many reported NOA genes are involved in the formation of crossovers and synapsis and have critical roles in the production of germ cells, we suggest that such genes should be considered for screening of infertility among large cohorts of infertile individuals.

Short-term Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines (Astrazeneca, Sputnik-V, and Sinopharm) in Health Care Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran.

Background: The occurrence of side effects of vaccines plays an important role in their acceptance by people. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines (Sputnik-V, AstraZeneca, and Sinopharm) in Neyshabur health care workers (HCWs). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among the HCWs of the Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences from July 31, 2021, to September 6, 2021, by using a self-report checklist. We sent our checklist via an internet link to collect data such as demographic data of participants, previous COVID-19 infection (PCR+), vaccine information and side effects of vaccines. Mean, median and standard deviation were used to determine descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model was also used to determine the relationship between the type of vaccine and its side effects. Results: 317 participants filled out the checklist; among them 47% (N= 149), 21.14% (N= 67), and 31.86% (N= 101) have been vaccinated with Sputnik-V, AstraZeneca, and Sinopharm, respectively. The percentage of side effects after the first dose was 62.15% (N= 197). The Percentage of local side effects was 76% (N= 241) and systemic side effects were 29.36% (N= 95). The most common side effects in all three vaccines were injection site pain (75.08%, N= 240), muscle pain (62.46%, N=198) and headache (52.05%, N=165). Also, the odds ratio of injection site pain, chill and sweating in those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine was 3.9(95% CI, 1.7-9.3), 3.7 (95% CI, 1.8-7.3), and 3.2 (95% CI, 1.7-63), of those who received the Sputnik V vaccine (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The most common side effects among our participants were injection site pain, muscle pain, and headache. Most of the post-vaccination side effects are mild to moderate in severity and self-limited. Reported side effects were more common in recipients with AstraZeneca than in those with Sputnik-V and Sinopharm.

Heavy metal analysis in of indoor and outdoor dust extracts and cytotoxicity evaluation and inflammation factors on lung, gastric and skin cell lines.

Dust particles (DPs) are one of the most important public health concerns in the urban environment. The presence of heavy metals (HMs) on the surface of DPs might increase the health risk of exposure to the DPs. Accordingly, The purpose of this study was to examine the content of HMs in the outdoor and indoor DPs in Neyshabur city and assess the cytotoxic effects of DPs exposure on lung, gastric, and skin cell lines. To this end, the city was divided into three areas, high-traffic, medium-traffic, and low-traffic (rural). The average concentration of the HMs in the indoor DPs were as follows, 655.5 µg g-1 for Zn, 114.6 µg g-1 for Cu, 77.7 µg g-1 for Cr, 108.6 µg g-1 for Ni, 52 µg g-1 for Pb, 12 µg g-1 for Co, and 3.3 µg g-1 for Cd, while the average concentration of Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Co, Cd in the outdoor DPs were 293.7 µg g-1, 200.6 µg g-1, 100.7 µg g-1, 68.4 µg g-1, 44.7 µg g-1, 18.6 µg g-1, 0.25 µg g-1, respectively. A higher concentration of HMs, as well as cytotoxicity, were revealed in the indoor samples compared to outdoor ones. The degree of cytotoxicity of DPs collected from high-traffic areas was higher than that of low and medium-traffic ones. In addition, treatment of AGS and L929 cells with indoor dust samples induced the expression level of inflammatory agents such as TNFα, IL6, and, CYP1A1 genes more than in outdoor dust samples (P < 0.05). Briefly, a higher level of HMs concentration and cytotoxicity effect on the given cell lines was observed in the samples taken from indoor environments and high-traffic areas.

A multi-centre survey on hospital malnutrition: result of PNSI study.

BACKGROUND: Disease-related malnutrition is associated with adverse outcomes such as increased rates of morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and extra costs of health care. This study was conducted to assess nutritional status among patients and to determine the risk factors for malnutrition in Iran university f. METHODS: Persian Nutritional Survey In Hospitals (PNSI) was a cross-sectional study that conducted in 20 university hospitals across Iran. All the patients with age range of 18 to 65 years, who were admitted or discharged, were assessed by subjective global assessment (SGA). RESULTS: In total, 2109 patients were evaluated for malnutrition. Mean values of age and body mass index were 44.68 ± 14.65 years and 25.44 ± 6.25 kg/m2, respectively. Malnutrition (SGA-B & C) was identified in 23.92% of the patients, 26.23 and 21% of whom were among the admitted and discharged patients, respectively. The highest prevalence of malnutrition was in burns (77.70%) and heart surgery (57.84%) patients. Multivariate analysis presented male gender (OR = 1.02, P < 0.00), malignant disease (OR = 1.40, P < 0.00), length of hospital stay (OR = 1.20, P < 0.00), and polypharmacy (OR = 1.06, P < 0.00) as independent risk factors for malnutrition. Malnutrition was not associated with age (P = 0.10). CONCLUSION: This study provides an overall and comprehensive illustration of hospital malnutrition in Iran university hospitals, finding that one out of four patients were malnourished; thus, appropriate consideration and measures should be taken to this issue.

A Novel Splice Site Variant in the LDLRAP1 Gene Causes Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Background: familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a hereditary disorder, is caused by pathogenic variants in the LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes. This study has assessed genetic variants in a family, clinically diagnosed with FH. Methods: A family was recruited from MASHAD study in Iran with possible FH based on the Simon Broom criteria. The DNA sample of an affected individual (proband) was analyzed using whole exome sequencing, followed by bioinformatics and segregation analyses. Results: A novel splice site variant (c.345-2A>G) was detected in the LDLRAP1 gene, which was segregated in all affected family members. Moreover, HMGCR rs3846662 g.23092A>G was found to be homozygous (G/G) in the proband, probably leading to reduced response to simvastatin and pravastatin. Conclusion: LDLRAP1 c.345-2A>G could alter the phosphotyrosine-binding domain, which acts as an important part of biological pathways related to lipid metabolism.

Roles of Nrf2 in Gastric Cancer: Targeting for Therapeutic Strategies.

Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) is a specific transcription factor with potent effects on the regulation of antioxidant gene expression that modulates cell hemostasis under various conditions in tissues. However, the effects of Nrf2 on gastric cancer (GC) are not fully elucidated and understood. Evidence suggests that uncontrolled Nrf2 expression and activation has been observed more frequently in malignant tumors, including GC cells, which is then associated with increased antioxidant capacity, chemoresistance, and poor clinical prognosis. Moreover, Nrf2 inhibitors and the associated modulation of tumor cell redox balance have shown that Nrf2 also has beneficial effects on the therapy of various cancers, including GC. Based on previous findings on the important role of Nrf2 in GC therapy, it is of great interest to scientists in basic and clinical tumor research that Nrf2 can be active as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor depending on different background situations.

The Effect of Curcumin Phytosome on the Treatment of Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health problem with increasing prevalence among overweight and obese patients. It is strongly associated with conditions of insulin resistance including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. It has detrimental consequences ranged from simple steatosis to irreversible hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Curcumin is a dietary polyphenol with potential effect in improving NAFLD. Therefore, the aim of this trial was to examine the effect of curcumin supplementation on various aspects of NAFLD. In this trial, a total number of 80 patients were randomised to receive either curcumin at 250 mg daily or placebo for 2 months. Lipid profiles, hepatic enzymes, anthropometric indices and hepatic fat mass were assessed at the baseline and the end of the trial, and compared within the groups. The grade of hepatic steatosis, and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were significantly reduced in the curcumin group (p = 0.015 and p = 0.007, respectively) compared to the placebo. There was also a significant reduction in high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and anthropometric indices in both groups with no significant differences between the two groups. Low dose phospholipid curcumin supplementation each day for 2 months showed significant reduction in hepatic steatosis and enzymes in patients with NAFLD compared to placebo. Further studies of longer duration and higher dosages are needed to assess its effect on other parameters of NAFLD including cardiovascular risk.

Possible Potential Effects of Honey and Its Main Components Against Covid-19 Infection.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral pneumonia that is spreading rapidly worldwide. The main feature of this disease is a severe acute respiratory syndrome and caused by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There are several unknowns about the pathogenesis and therapeutically treatment of COVID-19 infection. In addition, available treatment protocols have not been effective in managing COVID-19 infection. It is proposed that natural anti-oxidants such as lemon, green tea, saffron, curcuma longa, etc. with high flavonoids like safranal, crocin, crocetin, catechins, resveratrol, calebin A, curcumin have therapeutic potential against viral infections. In this context, honey and its main components are being investigated as an option for patients with COVID-19. The present study may indicate that honey and its main components inhibit the entry of the virus into the host cell and its replication as well as modulate the inflammatory cascade. This review provides basic information for the possible potential effects of honey and its main components for fighting with SARS-CoV-2.

Curcumin Efficacy in a Serum/Glucose Deprivation-Induced Neuronal PC12 Injury Model.

BACKGROUND: Glucose/serum deprivation (GSD), has been used for understanding molecular mechanisms of neuronal damage during ischemia. It has been suggested that curcumin may improve neurodegenerative diseases. AIM: In this study, the protective effects of curcumin and its underlying mechanisms were investigated in PC12 cells upon GSD-induced stress. METHODS: PC12 cells were cultured in DMEM overnight and then incubated in GSD condition for either 6 or 12h. GSD-treated cells were pretreated with various concentrations of curcumin (10, 20, and 40 µM) for 5h. The cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, oxidative stress, expression of apoptosis-related genes, and IL-6 were determined. RESULTS: Curcumin increased cell viability and caused an anti-apoptotic effect in PC12 cells exposed for 12h to GSD . Curcumin also increased antioxidant enzyme expression, suppressed lipid peroxidation, and decreased interleukin-6 secretion in PC12 cells subjected to GSD. In addition, pretreatment with curcumin down-regulated pro-apoptotic (Bax), and up-regulated antiapoptotic (Bcl2) mediators. CONCLUSION: Curcumin mitigates many of the adverse effects of ischemia, and therefore, should be considered as an adjunct therapy in ischemic patients.

Women's Attempts Related to Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Infertility Causes and Diagnosis: A Narrative Inquiry.

In most cultures of the world, infertility is seen as a disaster and is associated with a myriad of emotional and psychological problems for women. Using Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) can help treat infertility. The present qualitative study aimed to explore women's attempts related to CAM use in infertility causes and diagnosis. This qualitative study has been carried out through a purposive sampling technique on 78 women living in Neyshabur, Iran. An individual interview and focus group discussions (FGDs) was used to collect data. Purposive sampling was used based on the objective of the study and the characteristics of a population. The data collection was discontinued when saturation occurred, and no new themes or information were explored in the data. Data analysis was performed by content analysis and Atlas T software. This study revealed medical diagnosis and traditional medicine, custom activity, medicine causes, and nutrition issues influence women's view pints and attempt towards infertility and CAM use. Results suggested that infertility should be understood not only in biomedical terms but in light of cultural beliefs and the contingent need for culturally-appropriate supportive CAM. The application of CAM along with medical medicine is an essential element in assisting couples in infertility causes.

Impact of Buprenorphine on Learning and Memory Ability, Oxidative Status and Inflammation in the Hippocampus of Rats.

BACKGROUND: Buprenorphine (BUP), a "synthetic derivative of the opioid alkaloid thebaine", may be associated with cellular damage in the central nervous system. AIMS: This study was designed to investigate the effects of low and high doses of BUP on oxidative and inflammatory indices in the hippocampus and learning and memory behavior in an animal model. OBJECTIVE: The association between BUP administration and oxidative and inflammatory damage and also learning and memory impairment is not clear. METHODS: For this reason, twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into one control and two BUP-treated groups (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, SC), (n=8, for each group). After 4 weeks, learning and memory abilities were assessed by using Y-maze test. Then, oxidative stress indices including glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were assessed in the serum and hippocampus of each animal by using spectrophotometer. Inflammatory parameters such as tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin- 6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) were also measured in the serum and hippocampus of rats by using ELISA. RESULTS: The present findings indicated that the memory and learning time was lengthened in BUP (1mg/kg)-treated rats versus control animals (p<0.05). Additionally, it was observed that BUP (1 mg/kg) significantly increased the serum and hippocampal levels of MDA and TNF-α and also decreased GSH levels versus the control group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study revealed that BUP may cause learning and memory dysfunction by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the hippocampus.

Chrysin's Impact on Oxidative and Inflammation Damages in the Liver of Aged Male Rats.

AIM: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of chrysin on one of the natural antioxidants on aging progression in an animal model. BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and inflammation increase in hepatic tissue during aging, leading to liver dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The current research was conducted to show the effect of chrysin on the activities of antioxidant enzyme (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase), serum nitric oxide (NO), and lipid peroxidation as well as inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß) of aging rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats of different ages, 2, 10, and 20 months, were randomly divided into six groups as follows (n=8, per each group): young control rats (C2), young CH-treated rats (CH2), middle- aged control rats (C10), middle-aged CH-treated group (CH10), aged control group (C20), and aged CH-treated group (CH20). Chrysin (20 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally once a day for 30 days. RESULT: Present findings indicated that chrysin treatment ameliorated the increased liver levels of lipid peroxidation, TNF-α, and IL-1ß as well as serum levels of NO. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that chrysin could be effective against the progression of ageinduced damage by modulation of oxidant-antioxidant system and inflammatory response.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus plantarum improve diabetic wound healing through modulating inflammatory factors.

Probiotics are nonpathogenic bacterial strains that exert beneficial effects on the host. Previous studies have shown that topical use of some strains of probiotic bacteria have good effects on the healing of cutaneous wounds. In the current study, the wound healing potentials of bacterial probiotics on diabetic cutaneous wounds were evaluated. The effects of probiotics on migration, the viability of fibroblasts, and macrophage proliferation were measured through using wound healing assay, methylthiazol tetrazolium assay, and bromodeoxyuridine, respectively. In this regard, in vivo diabetic wound healing experiments in Wistar rats following treatment with nontoxic concentrations of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus plantarum were conducted. The histopathological and gene expression analyses were performed following removal of wound sites 3, 7, and 14 days postwounding. Results showed that treatment with probiotics accelerated the healing process of diabetic wounds and modulated the inflammatory cells in wound sites during a 14-day period postwounding. The altered mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines were observed in wound sites following treatment with probiotics. The findings of the current study reveal that L. bulgaricus and L. plantarum could improve the healing of diabetic wounds via regulation of inflammation.

Association of CYP11B2 gene polymorphism with preeclampsia in north east of Iran (Khorasan province).

PURPOSE: Identification the genetic factors in preeclampsia (PE) are useful to increase the current knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disorder. The genetic factors implicated for all cases of PE remain to be determined. This study was aimed to investigate association between ADD1 1378G > T, AGTR2 1675G > A, AGTR1 1166A > C, NOS3 894 G > T and CYP11B2 -344C > T gene polymorphisms in Iranian women with PE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 117 pregnant women with PE and 103 healthy women without affected previous pregnancy by PE were selected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and real-time PCR was performed to investigate the polymorphisms using a commercial kit. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in CYP11B2 -344C > T gene polymorphism between case and control groups (P = 0.025). The odds ratio was 0.71 (CI 95% = 0.28-1.79). There were no statistical significant differences between other genetic polymorphisms. CONCLUSION: Our results showed a significant association between CYP11B2 -344C > T gene polymorphism with PE. This finding suggests that mentioned polymorphism may be associated with susceptibility to PE at least in IRAN.

Association of MTHFR C677T Polymorphism with Preeclampsia in North East of Iran (Khorasan Province).

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the main causes of fetal and maternal mortality. The analysis of candidate gene polymorphisms can improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of PE. Present study is aimed at investigating the association between MTRR c.66A > G, MTHFR c.677C > T, MTHFR c.1298A > C, and MTR c.2756A > G polymorphisms and PE in Iranian women. Methods: About 117 women with history of PE and 103 healthy women with a pregnancy not complicated by PE were selected. The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped using Real-Time PCR. Results: There was a significant difference between MTHFR c.677C > T polymorphism with PE (p = 0.045). The frequency of C/T heterozygous genotypes were (58% vs. 36%) in the case and control groups, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between other genetic polymorphisms. Conclusions: The results indicated that the MTHFR c.677C > T polymorphism may be associated with development of PE in Iranian women.