The Association of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels and Lipid Profile in Euthyroid Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

Previous studies reported a relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of TSH levels on lipid profile in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and euthyroid state. Patients were selected from the Isfahan FH registry. The Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria are used to detect FH. Patients were classified into no FH, possible FH, probable FH, and definite FH groups based on the DLCN scores. Patients with any cause of secondary hyperlipidemia, including hypothyroidism, were excluded from this study. The study group consisted of 103 patients with possible FH, 25 patients with definite FH, and 63 individuals with no FH. The mean TSH and LDL-C levels among participants were 2.10 ± 1.22 mU/l and 142.17 ± 62.56 mg/dl, respectively. No positive or negative correlation was found between serum TSH and total cholesterol (P value = 0.438), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.225), triglycerides (P value = 0.863), and LDL-C (P value = 0.203). We found no correlation between serum TSH levels and lipid profiles in euthyroid patients with FH.

Association between cigarette smoking and socio-demographics, lifestyle and mental health factors in a sampled Iranian population.

The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between cigarette smoking and socio-economic variable in an Iranian male population. Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) is a community oriented health study from which we obtained our data regarding male subjects. Socio-demographic variables--sex, age, marital status, educational level, occupation, and income--and physical activity level were derived from the questionnaire. Nutritional status was asked by the Food Frequency Questionnaire and the general dietry index (GDI) was calculated. A general health questionnaire (GHQ) comprised of 12 items was used to assess mental health. Smoking status was investigated by a self reported questionnaire as a dependent variable. A logistic regression model was used for statistical analysis. Current smokers comprised 26.2% of respondents while 8.5% were ex-smokers. High income (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.13-3.67), GDI (OR 1.83; 95% CI 1.44-2.32) and high stress (GHQ > or = 4 OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.48-2) were associated with smoking. Older age (OR 0.991; 95% CI 0.985-0.998), university education level (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.37-0.77), unemployment (OR 0.8; 95% CI 0.64-0.99) and obesity (BMI > or = 25 kg/m2 OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.55-0.73) were associated with non-smoking status. Our findings confirm an association between socio-demographics, lifestyle and mental health variables with smoking in the Iranian population, consistent with other studies worldwide. These factors should be considered when developing smoking cessation strategies.

Gender differences in obesogenic behaviour, socioeconomic and metabolic factors in a population-based sample of Iranians: the IHHP study.

This study investigated the gender differences in association of some behavioural and socioeconomic factors with obesity indices in a population-based sample of 12,514 Iranian adults. The mean body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were significantly higher in women than in men. Current and passive smoking had an inverse association with BMI among males whereas current smoking, transportation by a private car, and longer duration of watching television (TV) had a positive association with BMI among females. Current and passive smoking, cycling, and Global Dietary Index (GDI) had an inverse association with WC among males. Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, current and passive smoking, duration of daily sleep, and GDI had an inverse association with WC among females. Using a private car for transportation had a significant positive association with WHR among both males and females. Living in an urban area, being married, and having a higher education level increased the odds ratio of obesity among both the genders. Non-manual work also increased this risk among males whereas watching TV and current smoking increased this risk among females. Such gender differences should be considered for culturally-appropriate interventional strategies to be implemented at the population level for tackling obesity and associated cardiometabolic risk factors.