Herpes simplex (HSV-1) encephalitis in an infant: a case report study.

Introduction and importance: The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most common cause of acute sporadic encephalitis, a severe and often fatal disease in humans. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates in untreated patients. Case presentation: An 11-month-old child was admitted to the hospital presenting with acute fever and seizures characterized by staring episodes and spastic movements affecting the left side of the body. Diagnostic workup revealed abnormal T2 flair hyperintense foci in bi-temporoparietal lobes and right thalamus, and bilateral otomastoiditis were detected. A positive result for HSV-1 was obtained through HSV type 1/2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, leading to a diagnosis of herpes encephalitis. Clinical discussion: While acyclovir has proven to be an effective therapeutic option, mortality and neurological sequelae continue to be reported in a notable fraction of patients. HSV encephalitis is mainly caused by two strains of the herpes simplex virus: HSV-1, more frequently observed in children and adults, and HSV-2, commonly seen in neonates and those with compromised immune systems. MRI scans often reveal that the brain lesions are localized to certain areas, although temporal involvement may not always be evident. The symptoms of herpetic encephalitis can greatly vary, making early diagnosis and treatment vital for improving patient outcomes. Conclusion: This case report highlights the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies for HSV-1 encephalitis and underscores the importance of early recognition and prompt initiation of antiviral therapy in suspected cases of HSV-1 encephalitis.

A randomized clinical trial investigating the impact of magnesium supplementation on clinical and biochemical measures in COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to examine the impact of magnesium supplementation on clinical outcomes and biochemical factors among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted at Razi Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran, between September 2021 and March 2022. Participants aged 18-70 years with moderate disease severity were enrolled. Magnesium supplementation (300 mg daily) was administered to the intervention group, while the control group received a placebo. Clinical outcomes, including the need for oxygen therapy, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, fever, hs-CRP and TNF-α levels, as well as quality of life and mental health, were assessed. Blood samples were collected to measure biochemical variables. RESULTS: The main result was the count of individuals requiring oxygen therapy. Additional outcomes comprised of oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, fever, hs-CRP and TNF-α levels, as well as quality of life and mental health. Out of 64 participants, 60 completed the study. The results showed that magnesium supplementation significantly reduced the number of patients requiring oxygen therapy (9 vs. 14; P < 0.001). Moreover, the magnesium group demonstrated improved oxygen saturation compared to the control group (4.55 ± 2.35 vs. 1.8 ± 1.67; P < 0.001). Furthermore, we observed a noteworthy enhancement in the quality of life and depression score in the magnesium group. No significant differences were observed in respiratory rate, fever, hs-CRP, and TNF-α levels (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that magnesium supplementation may have beneficial effects on clinical outcomes and arterial oxygen saturation in COVID-19 patients. More investigation is necessary to delve into its potential mechanisms and long-term effects on patient outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered on Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) under identifier IRCT20210413050957N1. (The registration date: May 1, 2021).

Combination drug therapy by herbal nanomedicine prevent multidrug resistance protein 1: promote apoptosis in Lung Carcinoma.

Given the numerous adverse effects of lung cancer treatment, more research on non-toxic medications is urgently needed. Curcumin (CUR) and berberine (BBR) combat drug resistance by controlling the expression of multidrug resistant pump (MDR1). Fascinatingly, combining these medications increases the effectiveness of preventing lung cancer. Their low solubility and poor stability, however, restrict their therapeutic efficacy. Because of the improved bioavailability and increased encapsulation effectiveness of water-insoluble medicines, surfactant-based nanovesicles have recently received a great deal of attention. The current study sought to elucidate the Combination drug therapy by herbal nanomedicine prevent multidrug resistance protein 1: promote apoptosis in Lung Carcinoma. The impact of several tween (20, 60, and 80) types with varied hydrophobic tails on BBR/CUR-TNV was evaluated. Additionally, the MDR1 activity and apoptosis rate of the BBR/CUR-TNV combination therapy were assessed. The encapsulation effectiveness of TNV was affected by the type of tween. With the TNV made from tween 60, cholesterol, and PEG (47.5: 47.5:5), more encapsulation effectiveness was attained. By combining CUR with BBR, especially when given in TNV, apoptosis increased. Additionally, when CUR and BBR were administered in combination, they significantly reduced the risk of MDR1 development. The current work suggests that the delivery of berberine and curcumin as a combination medication therapy via tween-based nanovesicles may be a potential lung cancer treatment.

Polyphenol consumption and Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease risk in adults.

In this cross-sectional investigation, the primary objective was to explore the correlation between the consumption of polyphenols and the likelihood of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the adult population participating in the Hoveyzeh cohort. Data from the Hoveyzeh cohort study, part of the Persian Cohort Study, involving 10,009 adults aged 35-70, were analyzed. Exclusions were made for missing data, extreme energy intake, and liver cancer patients. Dietary habits were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and polyphenol intake was calculated using the Phenol Explorer database. Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for confounders, were performed to assess the relationship between polyphenol subclasses (total polyphenols, total flavonoids, phenolic acid, and lignin) and NAFLD. Among 9894 participants, those in the highest quintile of total polyphenol (OR 0.65, CI 0.5-0.84; P = 0.007), phenolic acid (OR 0.67, CI 0.52-0.86; P < 0.001), and lignin intake (OR 0.69, CI 0.52-0.87; P = 0.001) demonstrated lower odds of NAFLD compared to the lowest quintile, even after adjusting for confounding factors. However, no significant association was found between total flavonoid intake and NAFLD (OR 1.26, CI 0.96-1.67; P = 0.47). Subgroup analysis indicated a significant inverse association between total polyphenols and NAFLD in women (OR 0.64, CI 0.42-0.93; P = 0.001). Higher intake of total polyphenols, phenolic acid, and lignin was associated with reduced odds of NAFLD among adults in the Hoveyzeh cohort. This suggests that dietary patterns rich in these polyphenols may play a role in mitigating the risk of NAFLD. Further interventional and longitudinal studies are needed to validate these findings and explore potential preventive strategies involving polyphenol-rich diets.

PERCHING syndrome caused by variant gene KLHL7 in the first Iranian patient: a case report study.

Introduction and importance: PERCHING syndrome is a condition that affects many parts of the body and is caused by genes passed down from both parents. People with this syndrome have delays in their development, unusual facial features, trouble eating and breathing, slow overall growth, weak muscles, and stiff joints. Case presentation: The child at the age of 6 months suffered from developmental delay, delayed walking, speech delay, and hypotonia and was referred to the Neurologist. Also, he has an abnormal phenotype. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) revealed a missense variant in the KLHL7 gene at a highly conserved genomic Chr7: 23124718T>G; NM_018846:exon3:c.110T>G:p.Val37Gly. Clinical discussion: One way to explain the difference in physical characteristics caused by recessive KLHL7 mutations might be related to the person's genetic makeup. However, the genes someone has do not always accurately determine their physical traits. Conclusion: This report will help us learn more about the different traits and characteristics of Perching syndrome. The authors need to do more research on how proteins work and study more about patients with different characteristics to fully understand this.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFα) Gene Promoter Polymorphisms and Haplotypes are Associated with the Febrile Seizure (FS) and TNFα Serum Levels.

Objectives: Febrile seizure (FS) is a neuroinflammatory disease involving fever-induced seizures affecting children in the early stages of life. TNFα is a pro-inflammatory cytokine reported to be elevated in FS. Specific promoter variants of TNFα could be associated with its elevated cytokine expression and susceptibility to FS. The present study analyzed the association of specific TNFα variants, including TNFα -238 G/A (rs361525), TNFα -308 G/A (rs1800629), and TNFα -376 G/A (rs1800750) promoter polymorphisms, with FS susceptibility, and TNFα serum levels in an Iranian population. Materials & Methods: Sixty-eight FS patients and 136 controls were enrolled. The SSP-PCR method was utilized to analyze TNFα promoter genotypes. This research also confirmed the genotyping results by sequencing samples of ten patients and normal controls. Results: The GG genotype of -238 SNP was associated with the increased risk of FS [OR = 12.65, 95% CI (2.83-56.60), P-value = 0.0012]. The AA genotype in the-308 region was increased in patients with FS and associated with the disease [OR = 4.62, 95% CI (1.46-14.56), P-value = 0.028]. The increased occurrence of heterozygous AG in the -376 SNP among control groups has been linked to a decreased risk of FS [OR = 0.22, 95% CI (0.11-0.43), P-value = 0.0001]. This study revealed that AGA (-238/ -308/ -376) haplotype with the highest frequency in controls was associated with a decreased risk of FS, while GAA (-238/ -308/ -376) carriers were more susceptible to FS. Conclusion: The current study suggested that TNFα gene promoter variants at rs361525, rs1800629, and rs1800750 could be associated with the susceptibility to FS and altered serum levels of TNFα.

Melatonin versus chloral hydrate on sleep induction for recording electroencephalography in children: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Electroencephalography (EEG) plays an essential role in the diagnosis of seizures. EEG recording in children is done with partial sleep deprivation and sedative drugs. To compare the effectiveness of melatonin and chloral hydrate on sleep induction and EEG recording in children. Materials and methods: In a parallel blinded randomized clinical trial study, 78 patients (6 months-5 years) were included to record EEG. Patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive melatonin (0.4 mg/kg) or chloral hydrate (0.5 ml/kg). After receiving the sedative drug, the start and duration of sedation, recovery time, side effects, and epileptiform waves in the EEG were recorded. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 16, and the significance level was determined to be less than 0.05. Results: A total of 78 children, including 34 girls (43.6%) and 44 boys (56.4%) (average age of 27.15±17.15 months), were examined. Success in the induction of sedation was reported by melatonin in 36 patients (92%) and chloral hydrate in 37 patients (95%), which was similar between the two drugs (P=0.5). The start time (P=0.134) and the duration of sedation (P=0.408) were alike between the two drugs. However, compared to the chloral hydrate, the recovery time in the melatonin group was significantly shorter (P<0.001). Side effects were not seen in melatonin, while six children (15%) using chloral hydrate had mild side effects (P=0.013). Epileptiform waves in EEGs were reported to be similar and positive for melatonin in 18 children (50%) and chloral hydrate in 16 children (43%) (P=0.410). Conclusion: The findings show that using melatonin in the dose prescribed in this study had similar effects to success in inducing sedation with the minimum quantity of chloral hydrate. Regardless of the start time and duration of sedation, the shorter recovery time and the absence of side effects are the advantages of using melatonin.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory markers and total antioxidant capacity in breast cancer women using a machine learning technique.

Aim: This study aimed to establish a learning system using an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the serum levels of vitamin D, inflammatory factors, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in women with breast cancer. Methods: The data set of the current project was created from women with breast cancer who were referred to the Shafa State Hospital of Patients with Cancers in Ahvaz city, Iran. Modeling was implemented using the data set at the serum levels of vitamin D, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), and TAC, before and after vitamin D3 supplement therapy. A prediction ANN model was designed to detect the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on the serum level changes of vitamin D, inflammatory factors and TAC. Results: The results showed that the ANN model could predict the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on the serum level changes of vitamin D, TNF-α, TGF-ß1, and TAC with an accuracy average of 85%, 40%, 89.5%, and 88.1%, respectively. Conclusions: According to the findings of the study, the ANN method could accurately predict the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on the serum levels of vitamin D, TNF-α, TGF-ß1, and TAC. The results showed that the proposed ANN method can help specialists to improve the treatment process more confidently in terms of time and accuracy of predicting the influence of vitamin D supplementation on the factors affecting the progression of breast cancer (https://www.irct.ir/ identifier: IRCT2015090623924N1).

The effects of rutin supplement on blood pressure markers, some serum antioxidant enzymes, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with placebo.

Background: This trial aimed to investigate the effects of rutin supplement in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: In this trial with a double-blind and controlled design, fifty patients were randomly divided into intervention (n = 25) and control groups (n = 25) and were treated with 1 g of rutin or placebo for three months, respectively. At the baseline and end of the intervention, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), pulse pressure (PP), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), serum levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and quality of life (QOL) parameters, were evaluated. Results: Rutin consumption caused a significant reduction in SBP, DBP, PP, MAP, and HR, with a significant increase in SOD, CAT, and GPx and some QOL parameters (emotional limitations, energy and freshness, mental health, social performance, and general health) compared with baseline (p for all <0.05). Also, the mean changes of emotional limitations, energy and freshness, mental health, and general health (unadjusted p for all <0.05) and GPX and SOD (adjusted p for all <0.05) were significantly higher in the rutin group compared with the placebo group. Although, in the supplement group compared with the placebo group, the mean changes of SBP, DBP, MAP, PP, and HR were significantly lower (adjusted p for all <0.05). Conclusion: Rutin consumption improved blood pressure, the levels of antioxidant enzymes, and QOL in patients with T2DM.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine on oxidative stress biomarkers, depression, and anxiety symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis.

AIM: N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a thiol-containing antioxidant and glutathione (GSH) precursor, attenuates oxidative stress, and possibly improves psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral NAC on oxidative stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted on 42 MS patients randomly assigned to intervention (n = 21) and control (n = 21) groups. The intervention group received 600 mg of NAC twice daily for 8 weeks, and the control group received a placebo with the same prescription form. An analysis of serum malondialdehyde (MDA), serum nitric oxide (NO), and erythrocyte GSH was carried out on both groups, along with a complete blood count. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess symptoms of depression (HADS-D) and anxiety (HADS-A). RESULTS: Compared to the control group, NAC consumption significantly decreased serum MDA concentrations (-0.33 [-5.85-2.50] vs. 2.75 [-0.25-5.22] µmol/L; p = 0.03) and HADS-A scores (-1.6 ± 2.67 vs. 0.33 ± 2.83; p = 0.02). No significant changes were observed in serum NO concentrations, erythrocyte GSH levels, and HADS-D scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of the present study, NAC supplementation for 8 weeks decreased lipid peroxidation and improved anxiety symptoms in MS patients. The aforementioned results suggest that adjunctive therapy with NAC can be considered an effective strategy for MS management. Further randomized controlled studies are warranted.

Mutation in PYCR2 gene and hypomyelinating leukodystrophy in children: a case report study.

Hypomyelinating leukodystrophies are a heterogeneous group of inherited white matter disorders characterized by a predominant absence of myelin deposits in the central nervous system. Case presentation: The patient was a one-year-old girl child. She at the age of 6 months was hospitalized due to loose, muscle weakness, and an upward gaze for 7-8 min with complaints of fever and convulsions. Clinical discussion: Using the test of whole exome sequencing, a nonsense homozygous mutation was found in the PYCR2 gene, which a mutation in the PYCR2 gene causes hypomyelinating leukodystrophy type 10 disease. Conclusion: Advances in the field of genetics, increased awareness, and the increasing availability of genetic testing in small cities in developing countries are helping to better assess complex neurological disorders and establish a complete diagnosis.

Detection of FLAD1 mutations and lipid storage myopathy in a 5-year-old boy: a case report study.

Lipid storage myopathy due to flavin adenine dinucleotide synthetase 1 (FLAD1) deficiency is an autosomal recessive error of metabolism that causes variable mitochondrial dysfunction. Case presentation: At the age of 3, the patient was found to have movement problems, such as difficulty rising from a chair (Gower's sign) and climbing stairs, which led to hospital admission and diagnosis. At the age of 4, carrier detection for spinal muscular atrophy was normal; however, at the age of 5, whole-exome sequencing revealed a pathogenic variant of Chr1: 154960762: A>T c.A554T:p.D185V in exon-2 of FLAD1 gene was identified as homozygous. Clinical discussion: In general, it is expected that the treatment of type 2 FLAD1 gene mutation with riboflavin has a better prognosis, but these interventions may not be sufficient for the survival of the patient. Treatment with riboflavin has increased various functions, including skeletal-muscular, and cardiovascular function. As a result, like the patient in our study, the mutation in exon-2 is more severe and less responsive to riboflavin treatment. Conclusion: Checking the FLAD1 gene is recommended in all people with multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.

Effects of chocolate on cognitive function in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis on clinical trials.

Cognitive function is defined as performance in objective tasks that need conscious mind effort. It has been shown that consuming foods rich in flavanols causes neurobiological effects and improves learning, memory, and global cognitive function. This study aimed to investigate the impact of chronic chocolate consumption on cognitive function in healthy adults based on published trials. The PICO strategy was applied to examine the research question in this study. Researchers searched the Web of Science, Science Direct, Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. Related articles of randomized controlled trials that evaluated the chronic effect of chocolate on cognitive function were selected (all published from their inception to February 2021). The difference in means of the last and first measurements was the main effect measure between the control and intervention groups. For quantitative data synthesis, weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were performed in the random effect model. Of the initial 340 articles identified, seven trials met the eligibility criteria. Chronic chocolate intake significantly reduced executive function time (WMD: -11.77, 95% CI: -22.49, -1.05, p = 0.03) of the participants. Further, the language and executive function (WMD: 6.38, 95% CI: 5.97, 6.80, p < 0.001) was raised by 6.38 times after the intervention with chocolate. We could not perform subgroup analysis due to insufficient trials and significant heterogeneity in some studies. It is concluded that daily consumption of cocoa may provide short and middle-term effects on young adults and make them better cognitive performance in learning, memory, and attention.

Demographic variables, anthropometric indices, sleep quality, Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET), and developing diabetes in the southwest of Iran.

Propose: The present study has sought to investigate the prevalence of diabetes and its related risk factors, to examine the relationship between demographic variables, anthropometric indices, sleep quality, and Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) with diabetes in Khuzestan province, southwest Iran. Methods: The present study has a cross-sectional design (the baseline data of the Hoveyzeh cohort study as a sub-branch of the Persian Prospective Cohort Study). Comprehensive information from 10,009 adults (aged 35-70 years) was collected from May 2016 to August 2018 through a multi-part general questionnaire containing general characteristics, marital status, education, smoking, sleep quality, MET, and anthropometric indices. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software version 19. Results: The mean age of the sample was 52.97 ± 8.99 years. 60.3% of the population were women and 67.7% were illiterate. Out of the 10,009 people surveyed, 1,733 stated that they have diabetes (17%). In 1,711 patients (17%) the amount of FBS was ≥126 mg/dl. There is a statistically significant relationship between diabetes and MET. More than 40% had BMI above 30. Anthropometric indices in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals were different. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean duration of sleep and the use of sleeping pills in diabetic and non-diabetic groups (p < 0.05). Based on logistic regression, marital status [OR = 1.69 (95% CI, 1.24, 2.30)], education level [OR = 1.49 (95% CI, 1.22, 1.83)], MET [OR = 2.30 (95% CI, 2.01, 2.63)], height [OR = 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98, 0.99)], weight [OR = 1.007 (95% CI, 1.006, 1.012)], wrist circumference [OR = 1.10 (95% CI, 1.06, 1.14)], waist circumference [OR = 1.03 (95% CI, 1.02, 1.03)], waist-to-hip ratio [OR = 3.41 (95% CI, 2.70, 4.29)], and BMI [OR = 2.55 (95% CI, 1.53, 4.25)], are good predictors for diabetes. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the prevalence of diabetes in Hoveyzeh city, Khuzestan, Iran, was almost high. and emphasize that preventive interventions should focus on risk factors, especially socioeconomic status, and anthropometric indicators along with lifestyle.

The First Report of Iranian Registry of Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

BACKGROUND: Insufficient amounts of survival motor neuron protein is leading to one of the most disabling neuromuscular diseases, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Before the current study, the detailed characteristics of Iranian patients with SMA had not been determined. OBJECTIVE: To describe the key demographic, clinical, and genetic characteristics of patients with SMA registered in the Iranian Registry of SMA (IRSMA). METHODS: IRSMA has been established since 2018, and the demographic, clinical, and genetic characteristics of patients with SMA were recorded according to the methods of treat neuromuscular disease (TREAT-NMD) project. RESULTS: By October 1, 2022, 781 patients with 5q SMA were registered. Of them, 164 patients died, the majority of them had SMA type 1 and died during the first 20 months of life. The median survival of patients with type 1 SMA was 23 months. The consanguinity rate in 617 alive patients was 52.4%, while merely 24.8% of them had a positive family history. The most common type of SMA in live patients was type 3. Morbidities were defined as having scoliosis (44.1%), wheelchair dependency (36.8%), tube feeding (8.1%), and requiring mechanical ventilation (9.9%). Most of the registered patients had a homozygous deletion of SMN1, while the frequency of patients with higher copy numbers of SMN2, was less in more severe types of the disease. Earlier onset of the disease was significantly seen in patients with lower copy numbers of SMN2. The neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP) gene deletion was associated with a higher incidence of more severe types of SMA, higher dependency on ventilators, tube feeding, and earlier onset of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The IRSMA is the first established Iranian nationwide registry of patients with SMA. Using this registry, decision-makers, researchers, and practitioners can precisely understand the epidemiology, characteristics, and genetics of patients with SMA in Iran.

Does pomegranate extract supplementation improve the clinical symptoms of patients with allergic asthma? A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Asthma essentially represents a chronic inflammatory disease that manifests as a lifelong condition with different severity throughout the life of patients with asthma. Pomegranate holds three times the antioxidant activity compared to other polyphenol-rich food sources like green tea, which may positively impact asthma. Aim of the study: This research aimed to investigate the pomegranate supplementation influences clinical symptoms, eosinophil, basophil, and neutrophil counts in patients with allergic asthma. Materials and Methods: Participants (n = 64) suffering from mild to moderate allergic asthma were randomly divided into two groups: The control group received placebo capsules and the intervention group received 250 mg pomegranate extract capsules twice a day (for 8 weeks). To analyze the data, we used SPSS software (version 22). The significance level of p-value was considered less than 0.05. Results: The findings showed that the pomegranate extract improved patients' clinical symptoms like daily breath shortness, nocturnal breath shortness, and limitation of asthma-related activity in the intervention group compared to the control group. Furthermore, eosinophil, basophil, and neutrophil counts were significantly decreased in the intervention group. Also, by comparing the two groups, the levels of change in neutrophils and eosinophils were statistically significant. Conclusion: It appears that the pomegranate extract can ameliorate some clinical symptoms and reduce neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils in allergic asthma patients. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.irct.ir/trial/45612; identifier: IRCT20200205046384N1.

Socioeconomic status and metabolic syndrome in Southwest Iran: results from Hoveyzeh Cohort Study (HCS).

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic status (SES) strongly predicts morbidity and premature mortality, especially for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, the effect of these factors on Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is not clear yet. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between socioeconomic indicators and MetS. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 10,009 people aged 35-70 enrolled from May 2016 to August 2018. The MetS was defined according to The Standard National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)-adult treatment panel III (ATP III) or NCEP-ATP III criteria. Demographics and socioeconomic data were gathered face-to-face through trained interviews. Also, lab, anthropometrics, and blood pressure measurements were assayed for participants. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between SES and MetS, adjusted for the potential confounding factors. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of MetS in the participants was 39.1%. The crude odds ratios were statistically significant for all the assessed variables (p < 0.05). After adjustment for age, sex, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use as potential confounders, the results indicated significant direct independent associations between skill level (p = 0.006) and Townsend index (p = 0.002) with MetS. In contrast, no significant associations between educational level and wealth status with MetS. CONCLUSION: The results of our study showed that SES is related to MetS. Among the four assessed SES indicators, skilled levels and Townsend score are strongly associated with MetS. We recommend considering people's SES when interventional programs are planned and conducted on MetS in similar communities.

Effects of long-term administration of Multi-Strain Probiotic on circulating levels of BDNF, NGF, IL-6 and mental health in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Mental disorders is one of the main causes of disability and lower life expectancy among patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The present trial aimed to examine the efficacy of multi-strain probiotic supplementation on circulating levels of BDNF, NGF, IL-6 and mental health in patients with MS.Methods: This trial was conducted among 70 patients with MS that referred to the MS Association. Patients were randomized into intervention and control groups to receive 2 multi-strain probiotic capsules or placebo, daily for six months. Serum BDNF, NGF and IL-6 was measured by ELISA kits. Mental health parameters were assessed by valid questionnaires in the baseline and end of the study.Results: Of the 70 patients enrolled in this study, 65 subjects were included in the final analysis. From baseline to 6 months, probiotic supplementation resulted in a significant increase in BDNF and a significant reduction in the IL-6 levels (P < 0.001). Our findings revealed that probiotic supplementation compared to placebo caused a significant improvement in the general health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) (-5.31 ± 4.62 vs. -1.81 ± 4.23; P = 0.002), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) (-4.81 ± 0.79 vs. -1.90 ± 0.96; P = 0.001), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) (-3.81 ± 6.56 vs. 0.24 ± 5.44; P = 0.007) and Pain Rating Index (PRI) (-3.15 ± 4.51 vs. -0.09 ± 3.67; P = 0.004). However, we not found any significant difference between the two groups in other factors (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Overall, six months of probiotic supplementation resulted in greater improvement in mental health parameters.

Serum and follicular fluid chemerin and chemerin mRNA expression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age. Chemerin, a novel adipokine, is involved in inflammation, energy metabolism, adipogenesis, angiogenesis and insulin secretion in the adipose cells and ovary. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to compare serum and follicular fluid (FF) chemerin and ovarian chemerin mRNA expression among women with PCOS and non-PCOS. METHODS: Electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane and CINAHL were used for a comprehensive search through April 2021. Of the 174 articles initially identified, 22 studies met the eligibility criteria. A random-effects model with a weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was performed to compare the outcomes between groups. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to detect the sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Women with PCOS compared to without PCOS showed significantly higher serum chemerin [WMD: 12.02 pg/ml (95% CI: [10.92, 13.13]), p < .001], chemerin mRNA expression [WMD: 0.38% (95% CI [0.25, 0.52]), p = .001] and FF chemerin [(WMD): 41.7 pg/ml (95% CI [17.89, 65.5]) p < .001]. Further, serum chemerin remained high in PCOS women even with subgroup analysis based on body mass index (BMI) or sample size (p < .001). Serum chemerin was higher in women with PCOS and higher BMI [(WMD): 3.29 pg/ml (95% CI: [2.73, 3.384]), p < .001]. The expression of chemerin mRNA was significantly higher in the PCOS group compared to the control group [WMD: 0.38% (95% CI [0.25, 0.52]), p < .001]. CONCLUSION: Serum and FF chemerin and mRNA expression were higher in the PCOS group compared to the controls. Further, serum chemerin was higher in PCOS women with higher BMI compared to lower BMI. The present findings illustrate that chemerin may be associated with PCOS status and BMI, independently.

Novo Efeito Cardioprotetor da L-Carnitina em Camundongos Obesos Diabéticos: Regulação da Expressão de Quemerina e CMKLRI no Coração e Tecidos Adiposos / Novel Cardioprotective Effect of L-Carnitine on Obese Diabetic Mice: Regulation of Chemerin and CMKLRI Expression in Heart and Adipose Tissues

Resumo Fundamentos A L-carnitina (LC) tem muitos efeitos benéficos em animais diabéticos e humanos, mas seu efeito regulatório sobre a quemerina como uma citocina inflamatória e seu receptor no estado diabético são desconhecidos. Objetivos O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar o efeito regulatório da LC na expressão do receptor semelhante ao de quimiocina 1 e quemerina (CMKLRI) em tecidos adiposo e cardíaco de camundongos diabéticos. Métodos Sessenta camundongos NMARI foram divididos em quatro grupos, incluindo controle, diabético, diabético + suplementação com LC e controle + suplementação com LC. O diabetes foi induzido pela alimentação dos animais com dieta hipercalórica por 5 semanas e injeção de estreptozotocina. Os animais foram tratados com 300 mg/kg de LC por 28 dias. Nos dias 7, 14 e 28 após o tratamento, os níveis de mRNA e proteína da quemerina e CMKLRI nos tecidos cardíacos e adiposos de animais foram determinados utilizando análise por qPCR e ELISA. Os índices de resistência à insulina também foram medidos em todos os grupos experimentais. A diferença com p<0,05 foi considerada significativa. Resultados A expressão de quemerina e CMKLRI aumentou nos tecidos cardíaco e adiposo de camundongos diabéticos nos dias 14 e 28 após a indução do diabetes, concomitantemente com a incidência de resistência à insulina e níveis aumentados de quemerina circulante (p<0,05). O tratamento com LC causou uma diminuição significativa na expressão de ambos os genes nos tecidos estudados e redução dos sintomas de resistência à insulina e dos níveis séricos de quemerina (p<0,05). Conclusão Os resultados sugerem que o tratamento com LC pode diminuir a expressão de quemerina e CKLR1 em tecidos cardíacos e adiposos de animais experimentais obesos e diabéticos.

Abstract Background L-carnitine (LC) has many beneficial effects on diabetic animals and humans, but its regulatory effect on chemerin as an inflammatory cytokine, and its receptor in diabetes status is unknown. Objectives The present study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of LC on the expression of chemerin and chemokine-like receptor I (CMKLRI) in adipose and cardiac tissues of diabetic mice. Methods Sixty NMARI mice were divided into four groups including control, diabetic, diabetic + LC supplementation and control + LC supplementation. Diabetes was induced by feeding the animals a high-calorie diet for 5 weeks and injection of Streptozotocin. The animals were treated with 300 mg/kg LC for 28 days. On days 7, 14, and 28 after treatment, the mRNA and protein levels of chemerin and CMKLRI in the cardiac and adipose tissues of the animals were determined using qPCR analysis and ELISA. Insulin resistance indices were also measured in all experimental groups. Differences with p <0.05 were considered significant. Results Chemerin and CMKLRI expressions levels were increased in cardiac and adipose tissues of diabetic mice on days 14 and 28 after diabetes induction, concurrent with the incidence of insulin resistance and increased levels of circulating chemerin (p<0.05). The treatment with LC caused a significant decrease in the expression of both genes in studied tissues and the reduction of insulin resistance symptoms and serum chemerin levels (p<0.05). Conclusion The results suggest that LC treatment were able to downregulate the expression of chemerin and CKLR1 in cardiac and adipose tissues of obese, diabetic experimental animals.