[A comparison of lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase gene variation among individuals with high and low HDL levels in Tehran lipid and glucose study [TLGS]]

Introduction: Disturbances in blood lipids levels are considered an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Low serum level of HDL-C is one of these disturbances. Therefore, identifying the genes effective on HDL levels is very important. The present study investigated the relationship between LCAT gene sequence alterations and serum levels of HDL-C

Materials and Methods: Using the data of phase 4 of the TLGS study, individuals with low serum HDL-C and individuals with high serum HDL-C were identified and individual aged ?15 from both groups, who had at least one first degree relative with the desired phenotype were finally enrolled in the study. For each Individual confounding factors, including BMI, age, sex, blood sugar and blood pressure, were determined. LCAT gene variants were determined through direct sequencing, and their relationship with HDL-C level was investigated in the Tehran lipid and glucose study [TLGS]

Results: In total, 15 variants were identified. Two variants of rs5923 and Q177E, with allelic frequencies of 5.87% and 4.7%, respectively, were identified in both groups, although, they were significantly higher in the low HDL subjects. Eleven variants were reported for the first time, while 4 variants had already been reported in the SNP database

Conclusions: Exon regions of the LCAT gene in Tehran's population have various gene variants. Although the prevalence of a number of single nucleotide variants of this gene was higher in individuals with low serum HDL-C, after adjustment for confounding factors, the difference was not statistically significant

Ethical considerations in preimplantation genetic diagnosis: a systematic review

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis [PGD] is the method of diagnosis of genetic disorders in the primary embryo. There are various ethical considerations for this technique. This study was designed to review ethical issues regarding PGD systematically. A comprehensive online search was done of data bases, books and websites and all eligible articles and documents retrievied were reviewed thoroughly and systematically. There are different ethical, legal and moral views and opinions about PGD in various religions cultures and different countries. In some countries such as Germany, there are rigid regulations about PGD indications that have strictly restricted its application while in other countries there are no special regulations for control or application of this technique. The same goes for different religions. Some religions have strict orthodox perspectives about application of this technique and do not permit their followers to use this new technology or permit it only for very limited cases. Some others like Islam have more flexible view and perspective and permit application of this technology for human health. Practical specific instructions and regulations should be developed worldwide for use of this method and its indications and the implementation of these instructions should be monitored precisely to avail of its potential benefits, and prevent any diversion and immoral use of these technologies, to preserve human dignity

Maternal progesterone level in fetal growth restriction and its relationship with doppler velocimetry indices

To verify whether progesterone concentration is changed in the maternal serum of intra-uterine growth retardation [IUGR] pregnancies and to assess if there is a relationship between maternal progesterone and fetal Doppler velocimetry. Thirty-five patients with intrauterine growth retardation infants and thirty-seven pregnant women with appropriate for gestational age [AGA] fetuses were enrolled in the study. Maternal progesterone serum was determined. Doppler velocimetry of umbilical and middle cerebral arteries [MCA] were obtained in all fetuses. Maternal progesterone level in IUGR infants [58.49 +/- 7.06 ng/ml] had no significant difference with AGA fetuses [58.13 +/- 7.87 ng/ml] [p=0.96]. In the IUGR group, umbilical artery resistive index [RI], pulsatility index [PI] and systolic/ diastolic [S/D] ratio were higher than the normal group [p<0.001], and MCA RI [p value=0.014] and PI [p=0.012] were significantly less than the IUGR group. Besides, RI C/U in the IUGR group was significantly less than the normal group [p<0.001]. A negative significant correlation was detected between maternal progesterone level and MCA PI [r=-0.38] and RI [r=-0.38] in the AGA group. It seems that progesterone has no effect on fetal placental circulation and serum progesterone can not discriminate IUGR infants from AGA infants. Progesterone is a poor marker for placental dysfunction

Coronary heart disease and associated risk factors in Qazvin: a population-based study

In a cross-sectional study in Qazvin, Islamic Republic of Iran, 846 residents [425 men and 421 women] aged >/= 25 years were assessed for coronary heart disease and its associated risk factors comparing ischaemic and non-ischaemic groups. The age-adjusted prevalence of possible myocardial infarction, ischaemic ECG changes and angina pectoris were 4.2%, 36.8% and 2.2% respectively. There was no difference in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index between ischaemic and non-ischaemic groups. There was a significant association between possible myocardial infarction and hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and smoking in women. There was also a significant association between ischaemic ECG changes and waist'hip ratio in women and between ischaemic ECG changes and hypertension in men

Association of bone mineral density and lifestyle in men

Recently, osteoporosis is an increasingly important public health problem in men. The aim of this study was to investigate relationship between life style and bone mineral density in men. Among the 20-76 year-old men of Tehran, 325 persons were selected randomly from 50 clusters. The persons suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid diseases, fractures or other conditions which effect bone metabolism were excluded. All participants underwent clinical examinations and lumbar and spinal densitometry using DXA method. In lumbar spine, peak bone density was seen between ages 25 and 40 yr and in hip, between 20 and 30. In men older than 50 yr, prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia, were 3.9% and 50%, respectively. Bone mineral density was significantly correlated to calcium and vitamin D intake, physical activity and smoking. Nutritional intake and physical activity are important factors in maintaining bone mineral density. Peak bone density in 20-40 year-old population and its relation to life style could be useful in policy-making for the prevention of osteoporosis

relationship between ischemic heart disease and coronary risk factors in population aged over 25 in Qazvin: a population-based study

Coronary heart disease [CHD] is the first and the most common cause of death in all age groups and both sexes in Iran. To determine the CHD prevalence among the population of Qazvin. In this cross sectional study, 501 males and 499 females aged 25 or more [mean 47.1 +/- 11.9 yr] were assessed for the presence of CHD. Twelve lead ECG was obtained for each participant over 30 years old. The CHD risk factors were compared between normal and ischemic groups. The Minnesota code was used for ECG coding. Age adjusted prevalence of possible MI, ischemic ECG and angina pectoris were 2.5%, 18.9%, and 1.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference between mean values of systolic/diastolic blood pressure among ischemic ECG and possible MI groups when compared with normal group. Also, the comparison of mean values for BMI in ischemic ECG and possible MI groups with normal group shown to be insignificant, statistically. There was a significant association between possible MI and hypertension, type II diabetes, and smoking in females. The data were also indicative of a significant relationship between the ischemic ECG and WHR in females and hypertension in males. Meanwhile, the possible MI was more frequent in smokers than non smokers. Based on results obtained in our study, CHD was directly associated with age and smoking in all sex and age groups and also with hypertension and diabetes in females. So, regarding the high prevalence of asymptomatic CHD, the screening and preventive measures for CHD risk factors seem to be necessary

[Study of Psyllium [Plantago ovata L.] effects on diabetes and lipidemia in the Iranian type II diabetic patients]

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and is high in both fiber and mucilage. The beneficial effect of dietary fiber in the management of type II diabetes has not been totally demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to determine the plasma- lowering effects of 5 g b.i.d. of psyllium husk fiber, as an adjunct to dietary therapy, on lipid and glucose levels, in Iranian patients with type II diabetes. Patients were randomly selected from an outpatient clinic of primary care to participate in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in which Plantago Psyllium or placebo was given in combination with a low fat diet. Forty-nine subjects were included in the study that were given diet counseling before and then followed an 8-week treatment period. Fasting plasma glucose was measured every 2 weeks, and total plasma cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and insulin levels were measured every 4 weeks. Glycosylatd hemoglobin was also measured at the beginning and end of the treatment period. The test products [psyllium or placebo] were supplied to subjects in identically labeled foil packets containing a 5-g dose of product, to consume two doses per day [of 5 g each one], half an hour before breakfast and dinner. Both products were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events related to treatment reported in either. Some of the psyllium patients reported that their gastric tolerance to metformin became better. Fasting plasma glucose, and Glycosylated hemoglobin, showed a significant reduction [p < 0.05], whereas HDL cholesterol increased significantly [p < 0.05] following Psyllium treatment. Our results show that 5 g b.i.d. of Psyllium for persons with diabetes is safe, is well tolerated, and improves glycemic and lipid control in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia