[Urinary and breast milk iodine concentrations in lactating mothers and its association with certain demographic characteristics in an area with iodine sufficiency]

Introduction: lactating mothers and breastfed infants are most vulnerable to iodine deficiency. The aim of this study was to assess the iodine status of lactating mothers and its association with certain demographic characteristics in an area of iodine sufficiency

Materials and Methods: in this cross-sectional study, 264 lactating mothers, 3-5 days postpartum were randomly selected from health care centers. Breast milk, urine, and salt samples were collected from each mother. Demographic factors including age, education, occupation, date of last pregnancy, parity, gravidity, type of delivery and use of iodine containing supplement during pregnancy were assessed

Results: a total of 254 lactating mothers, aged 28.2 +/- 4.9 years completed this study. Median [interquartile range [IQR]] maternal urinary iodine concentration [UIC] and breast milk iodine concentration [BMIC] was 82 [42-146] and 241 [167-337] [micro]g/L, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between maternal UIC and BMIC [r =0.177, P=0.007]. In multiple linear regression, maternal UIC value was associated with occupation [P=0.010] and parity [P=0.014]; a significant association was observed between BMIC and occupation [P=0.039] and the iodine content of salt [P=0.043]

Conclusion: the present findings indicate that despite lactating mothers being mildly iodine deficient, as defined by median UIC, the iodine levels of breast milk were within an optimal range. In an area with iodine sufficiency, parity, occupation and iodine content of salt are major determinants of iodine status among lactating mothers

[ association of dietary fat sources with leptin gene expression from visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues among tehranian adults]

Introduction: leptin, as an adipokine, plays a role in the regulation of metabolism and could be affected by dietary intake. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the association of usual dietary intakes of fats with leptin gene expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues in adults

Materials and Methods: visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues were gathered from 97 participants aged >/= 20, who had undergone elective abdominal surgery. Dietary fats including olive oil, hydrogenated oil, non-hydrogenated oil, and animal fat were collected using a valid and reliable food-frequency questionnaire. Leptin gene expression in adipose tissues was measured using Real-Time PCR

Results: a significant inverse relation was observed between olive oil intake and leptin gene expiration in subcutaneous [[beta]=-0.441, P=0.017] and visceral [[beta]=-0.552, P<0.001] adipose tissue. In addition a direct association was also observed between dietary animal fat and leptin gene expression in subcutaneous [[beta]=0.328, P=0.020] and visceral [[beta]=0.305, P=0.015] adipose tissue. Furthermore, non-hydrogenated oil consumption was inversely associated with leptin gene expression visceral adipose tissue [[beta]=-0.348, P=0.031]

Conclusion: dietary intake of olive oil was inversely and animal fat was directly associated with leptin gene expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues independent of body mass index and insulin indicating the importance of fat sources on adipose tissue leptin gene expression

[ review of aphroditic plants and physical activity on testosterone concentrations]

Despite of many studies indicated that use of synthetic drugs to improve the concentration of testosterone in achieving secondary traits in men as a result, increased muscle mass and strength in this group, However, it has been shown that the use of these drugs in men causes physical and hormonal disorder and reduces performance when not in use. On the other hand, due to the clarification of side effects and the reporting of harmful effects of synthetic drugs, it has been shown that Plant products and exercise as substitute or complementary synthetic drugs can be a good alternative to the effects of kinetics and therefore it can be recommended the supplementation of herbals to coaches and athletes. Therefore, in this review, in addition to study of mechanisms of the increasing testosterone concentrations, we examine the effects of the use of some herbal supplements as well as physical activity

[Status of serum resistin and C - reactive protein in medullary thyroid carcinoma: a potential diagnostic marker]

Introduction: Resistin and C-reactive protein secreted from adipose tissue, have endocrine, paracrine and autocrin effects on most metabolism and inflammatory processes. Data available shows associations between inflammation, adipokines and cancer. Medullary thyroid cancer constitutes 5 to 10 percent of thyroid cancer. The goal of this study was to assess serum resistin levels and C-reactive protein in patients with medullary thyroid carcinomas

Materials and Methods: In this study, 90 participants with medullary thyroid cancer [21 males 29 +/- 13.91 and 24 females 29.0 +/- 14.52 years], and controls [24 males 23.08 +/- 11.58 and 21 females 31.52 +/- 14.38 years old] were selected. Resistin and C-reactive protein levels were determined in both groups with ELISA methods. Height and weight of individuals were measured and body mass index was calculated. Results obtained by t-test were analyzed using the Medcalc version 13.5

Results: Between the two groups in terms of age and BMI differences were not statistically significant. The geometric mean of logarithm transformed differed significantly resistin in the patient group and control groups [1.44 and 2.36 respectively] [P=0.009]. Mean C-reactive protein between the control and patient groups was not significantly different [p>0.05]

Conclusion: It seams that significant differences in serum levels of Resistin in MTC and control group can be used as an indicator to help confirm the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinomas

[ effects of curcumin supplementation on control glycemic and anthropometric indices in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes]

Introduction: Experimental observations have shown the effect of curcumin on improving fasting blood glucose and weight loss. Curcumin is a natural yellow plant [stem], which exhibits various biological activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-diabetic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin supplementation on glycemic control and anthropometric indices in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes

Materials and Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 53 participants with type 2 diabetes were divided randomly into the experimental and control groups to receive either 500mg curcumin or placebo capsule three times in a day for 10 weeks. Anthropometric measures including weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference and BMI, serum levels of fasting blood sugar [FBS], Hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], insulin, HOMA-IR and HOMA-beta were determined at baseline and again 10 weeks later

Result: There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to mean age, duration of diabetes, treatment method, drugs and sex distribution. At the end of the study the mean serum concentration of blood sugar decreased significantly between the two groups [p=0.01]. Mean serum concentrations of insulin, HbA1C, HOMA-IR and HOMA-beta showed no significant changes between two groups at the end of the study. Mean body weight decreased significantly in the curcumin group, compared to the controls at the end of the study [p=0.04]. Mean hip circumference decreased significantly in curcumin group at the end of the study compared to the baseline [p=0.05], a difference that was significant in curcumin group, compared to the placebo group [p=0.01]. At the end of the study the mean waist circumference had no significant difference between the two groups

Conclusion: This study indicated that daily administration of 1500 mg curcumin has positive effects in reducing fasting blood glucose and weight in patients with type 2 diabetes

[Metabolomics and thyroid cancers: new approaches for biomarkers discovery]

Introduction: Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of endocrine systems. Nowadays, Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy [FNAB] is the gold standard in the diagnosis of thyroid cancers. Despite the high accuracy of this method, roughly 20-30 % of patients have indeterminate cytological results and surgery [histo pathological examination] is required for final confirmation of malignancy, a limitation, for which the need to provide a non-invasive approach seems necessary. Metabolomics is the study of a complete set of metabolites in biologic samples and compared to normal cells, metabolites in cancer cells show alterations. This article reviews the role of metabolomics i.e studies in the discrimination and diagnosis of thyroid cancers

Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed in main databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus and Science direct in a 7-year time frame from 2010 to 2017. All the articles obtained were in English

Results: Nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR] - and mass spectrometry [MS] - based techniques are the main methods in metabolomic studies, and based on the results of these studies, changes in carbohydrates, lipids and nucleotides' metabolic pathways and the resulting metabolite alterations observed in thyroid tumors were compared with normal tissues

Conclusion: It seems that in the near future, metabolomic studies, besides conventional methods will be used for diagnosis and differentiation of different types of thyroid cancers and will most likely introduce altered metabolic pathways as therapeutic targets

Effects of aerobic training combined with green tea extract on leukocyte telomere length, quality of life and body composition in elderly women

Background: Exercise and consumption of green tea affect the aging process. However, the effect of exercise training combined with green tea extract on leukocyte telomere length, quality of life [QoL] and body composition in aging has so far been unclear and inconsistent. Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of aerobic training intervention and green tea extracts consumption either alone or in combination on leukocyte telomere length, QoL and body composition among elderly women

Methods: Thirty six elderly women, 60-65 years, were randomly divided into two groups, the exercise alone [placebo group] and exercise with green tea consumption [green tea group]. All participants in both groups were engaged to aerobic protocol exercise three times in week for five months. The participants in green tea group received green tea extract capsule 500 mg and placebo group received toasted powder capsule 500 mg three times a day for a period of five months. At baseline and end of the study the leukocyte telomere length, QoL and body composition were measured

Results: There were significant increase on leukocyte telomere length in green tea group compared with the baseline [P=0.004] and also placebo group [P=0.041] at the end of the study. Waist-hip ratio was also significantly decreased in green tea group compared with placebo group [P=0.016]

Conclusion: Our findings shows that combination of aerobic training with consumption of green tea has synergic effect on waist-hip ratio and leukocyte telomere length associated with aging among elderly women

Ethical guidelines and considerations in medical genetic researches

Ethical issues are common to all sciences, and biological and medical sciences are no exception. Since these sciences deal directly with the physical and mental health of humans, they are exposed to thorough assessment to maintain the individuals, prestige and dignity. Development and application of cellular and molecular biology in medical sciences cause challenges and responsibilities in ethics, not easily predictable. This is because of three general properties of genetic information: 1] It has private and familial concepts; 2] It often is related to the disease in the feature, hence it has predictive properties that can provide information about the next generation, and can also provide data on previous generations and 3] Genetic tests often diagnose some diseases, for which there is no efficient treatment or prevention. Hence the predictive and risk-assessing nature of genetic information has made human genetic material invaluable to different organizations and unfortunately open to misuse by health care planners, insurers and employers. Furthermore social discrimination and psychological injuries also threaten individuals undergoing genetics testing. This review article discusses the ethical issues raised in the area of genetic research, such as informed consent, confidentiality, assessment of damage and utility, ownership of genetic findings and recall of family members

Effect of nigella sativa oil extract on lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Improvement of lipid abnormalities are important in the prevention of diabetes complications. The study aimed to determine the effect of nigella sativa oil extract oil on blood lipid abnormalities in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 43 men and women with type 2 diabetes who were randomized to the intervention [n=23] and placebo [n=20] groups were studied and compared. The intervention group received 2 capsules daily, [500 mg extract of Black Seed Oil] while the control group took 2 capsules [500 mg, placebo daily] for 8 weeks, respectively. Lipid profiles were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention. Mean age and body mass index of participants was 53.7 +/- 6.0 y and 28.6 +/- 5.4 kg/m2, respectively. At the end of the eighth week, the concentrations of serum triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and LDL to HDL cholesterol of the intervention group were compared to the placebo group, and a significant reduction [P<0.05] was found. However concentrations of HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio, at the of the end eighth week in the intervention group and the control group showed no significant difference. Black Seed Oil extract improves lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients

[Effect of swimming during pregnancy on vascular endothelial growth factor level of neonatal rat kidney tissue]

The kidney has a key role in homeostatic regulation. Vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] is essential regulator of stimulatory and inhibitory processes for neonatal, post-natal endothelial cell differentiation. This study was done to determine the effect of maternal swimming during pregnancy on VEGF level of kidney in rat pups. In this experimental study, sixteen Wistar rat dams were allocated into interventional swimming and control groups. In the first day of pregnancy, in interventional group, swimming was performed for 30 minutes a day and 5 minutes every day was added until the time of training gradually reached to one hour per workout. Dams swimming endurance training were performed in 5 days per week for three weeks. Pups' kidneys were removed two days after birth and kindney tissue VEGF level was determined using ELISA method. Kidney tissue VEGF level in interventional swimming group [133.13 pg/ml] was significantly increased in compared to controls [48.19 pg/ml] [P<0.05]. Swimming endurance training increases the pups' kidney VEGF level

[Medullary thyroid cancer screening using the RET proto oncogene genetic marker]

Thyroid carcinoma including into four types papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic is the most common endocrine malignancy. Medullary thyroid carcinoma [MTC] is one of the most aggressive forms of thyroid cancer and it accounts for up to 10% of all types of this disease. The mode of inheritance of MTC is autosomal dominant and is closely related to mutations of gain of function [missense mutations] in the RET proto-oncogene, well known in MTC development. MTC occurs as hereditary [25%] and sporadic [75%] forms. Hereditary MTC also has two syndromic [multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A, B; MEN2A, MEN2B] and non-syndromic [Familial MTC, FMTC] types. Increasing advances in molecular biology, genomics, and proteomics have led to personalized therapeutic interventions. Over the last two decades, the genetic basis of tumorgenesis has provided useful screening tools for affected families. Advances in genetic screening of the RET have enabled early detection of hereditary MTCs and prophylactic thyroidectomy for relatives who may not show any symptom of the disease. In this review we emphasize the main RET mutations in the syndromic and non syndromic forms of MTC, and have tried focus on the importance of RET genetic screening for early diagnosis and management of MTC patients

[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

[Iodine intake knowledge, attitude and practice in pregnant women and its relation to iodine status during pregnancy]

Introduction: Previous research shows that pregnant women, due to their increased need for iodine, are among the high risk groups for iodine deficiency. This study hence aimed to evaluate the status of women's knowledge, attitude and practice [KAP] regarding iodine and iodized salt intake and its association with iodine nutrition levels

Materials and Methods: In this observational analytical study, 100 pregnant women, residents of southern Tehran were randomly selected from five health care centers. Data collected included the general information and demographic characteristics and KAP questionnaires regarding iodized salt intake. Urine assessments of pregnant women and household salt samples were collected and evaluated

Results: Mean age of participants was 27.16 +/- 5.58 years, and their mean +/- SD knowledge, attitude and prachie scores were 62.5 +/- 20.8, 85.2 +/- 12.3, 64.7 +/- 14.3, respectively. Median urinary iodine concentrations and salt iodine content were 25.9[20.6-29.6] ppm and 109[60-160] micro g/L, respectively with 74% of women consuming salt containing 20-40 ppm iodine and 29% had urine iodine concentrations >/= 150 8g/L. Urine iodine concentration was significantly associated with practice score as well as with iodine content of salt

Conclusion: Although women suffered from iodine deficiency, their KAP scores regarding iodine and iodized salt consumption were adequate. Further assessment of other personal and social factors which could affect iodine nutrition status of pregnant women is recommended

[Effect of legumes intake on the oxidative stress markers in type 2 diabetes patients: a randomized cross-over study]

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of late diabetic complications, the markers of which could be improved by the beneficial effects of legumes. In this randomized crossover trial, 24 overweight subjects, aged 50-80 years, with type 2 diabetes, were selected. We aimed to determine the effects of non-soybean legumes consumption on oxidative stress markers such as ox-LDL [oxidative LDL], MDA [Malonedialdehyde] and TAC [total antioxidant capacity] in type 2 diabetic patients. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups, receiving two diets - the TLC [controls] or the TLC diet with legumes [receiving 2 servings of legumes instead of meat three days of the week in the TLC diet]. Duration of each diet was 8 weeks with a 4 week wash-out period. At the beginning and end of each dietary period, fasting plasma glucose, ox-LDL, MDA, TAC and weight were measured. After the nutritional intervention, diabetic patients, those individuals who followed the legume-based TLC diet had significant reduction in ox- LDL [-3.1 +/- 0.5 vs. -0.7 +/- 0.4; P=0.003] and MDA [-1.1 +/- 0.2 vs. -0.3 +/- 0.1; P=0.006], but no change was observed in the TAC and BMI of the case and control groups. The legume-based TLC diet improves oxidative stress markers in diabetic patients, compared to the legume-free TLC diet

[Interaction of APOC3 polymorphism and dietary fats on the risk of metabolic syndrome]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction between dietary fatty acids and the genetic variant of APOC3 rs5128 3238C>G in relation to metabolic syndrome [MetS] components in adults. In this matched nested case-control study, 755 MetS subjects and 755 controls were selected from among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Dietary intake was determined using a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire. APOC3 was genotyped by the conventional polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Mean ages of men and women were not different in cases and controls. The frequency of C allele was 81%, which did not differ in cases and controls or in men and women. Compared to CC genotype, low HDL-C risk was increased in women with the CG+GG genotypes and with cholesterol intakes >/=208 mg/day [OR: 1.93]. In men with the CG+GG genotypes and saturated fatty acid [SFA] intakes >/=9.8% of energy, OR of high diastolic blood pressure [BP] was 2.15[1-1.46], compared to individuals with SFA intake <9.8% of energy and CC genotype. Compared to the CC genotype, the risk of high diastolic BP was higher in men carrying the G allele and consuming mono-unsaturated fatty acid [MUFA] intakes >/=9.4% of energy. Results demonstrate a nutri-genetic interaction between rs5128 and fat intakes in relation to components of MetS; individuals with G allele carriers and higher intakes of cholesterol, MUFA or SFA had higher risk of low HDL-C and hypertension than the CC genotype

[Appetite and exercise; influence of 12 weeks of circuit resistance training on the nesfatin-1 to acylated ghrelin ratio of plasma in overweight adolescents]

Appetite influences energy homeostasis. Nesfatin-1 and Acylated ghrelin are orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides that play an important role in obesity and energy balance. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of one cycle circuit resistance training on the Nesfatin-1 to Acylated ghrelin ratio in adolescent overweight. Twenty male students, age 18 +/- 0.92 years, weight 83.57 +/- 5.62 kg and BMI 27.48 +/- 1.5 kg/m2 [mean +/- SE] were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups. Subjects performead circuit-resistance training protocol with 60% 1RM, 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks. Levels of Plasma Nesfatin-1, Acylated ghrelin, Cortisol, Insulin and Growth hormone, were measured using the ELISA method. Results revealed that after 12 weeks circuit resistance training, Nesfatin-1 [P=0.005], acylated ghrelin [P=0.02], the Nesfatin-1 to Acylated ghrelin ratio [P=0.008] and growth hormone [P=0.04] levels increased in the plasma significantly whereas cortisol [P=0.05] decreased significantly. A significant positive correlation [R=0.79] was found between Plasma Nesfatin-1 and GH whereas a significant negative correlation [R=-0.729] was seen between Plasma Nesfatin-1 and cortisol [P

[Prevalence of human adenovirus 36 and its association with overweight/obese and lipid profiles in the Tehran lipid and glucose study]

Nowadays, obesity is a major public health problem in the most developed countries and its persistence impacts the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Compared to genetical and other behavioral factors, the viral origin of obesity has been less studied, which is why we undertook to assess the prevalence of human adenovirus 36 [Adv36] antibody and its association with obesity and lipid profiles in a Tehranian population. In this cross-sectional study, 348 individuals were selected randomly from among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study [TLGS]. Anthropometric, blood pressure, and biochemical factors were measured and the human Adv36 antibody was determined using the ELISA method. The prevalence of seropositive Adv36 was 61.8% [N =215], and that of anti-Adv36 was lower in overweight and/or obese subjects in comparison to non-obese ones [57.3 vs. 68.6%; p<0.05]. Children and adolescents with Adv36 seropositive had higher mean height, weight, waist, TC, LDL-C, TG, DBP, and SBP and lower HDL-C. Adv36 seropositive adults had higher mean height, weight, and TG and lower HDL-C. Despite the high prevalence of Adv36 in this Tehranian population, no significant correlation was found between Adv36 seropositivity and BMI, although, it has been associated with lipid disorders. Therefore, further research using neutralization confirmatory methods is recommended

[Combined effect of aerobic training and Pistacia athlantica extract on GLUT-4 protein expression and muscle glycogen in diabetic rats]

The effects of exercise training on GLUT4 protein expression have been examined in several studies whereas those of aerobic training along with the use of plant extracts on muscle GLUT4 protein expression are unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of aerobic training and Pistacia athlantica extract on GLUT4 protein expression and glycogen level in the gastrocnemius muscle of diabetic rats. Forty-male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: Healthy control, diabetic control, diabetic+ aerobic training, diabetic+extract and diabetic+ aerobic training+ extract. The program included six weeks of aerobic training on the treadmill. Forty eight hours after last session of training and consumption the extract, the rats were anesthetized and gastrocnemius muscle was isolated for measurement of glycogen levels and GLUT4 protein expression. Data was analyzed by using one-way ANOVA test [P<0.05]. GLUT4 protein expression and glycogen levels in gastrocnemius muscle in diabetic+ aerobic training+ extract group were significantly higher than in the diabetic control group [P values 0.001, 0.02 respectively], whereas these variables in the aerobic training and the Pistacia athlantica extract perse groups did not change compared to the diabetic control group. It seems that Pistacia athlantica extract along with specific exercises, compared to utilization of each of strategies perse, are more effective in increasing glucose transporter proteins and possibly improving insulin function

Detection of avian reoviruses causing tenosynovitis in breeder flocks in Iran by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] and restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism [RFLP]

Avian reoviruses [ARVs] are members of the Orthoreovirus genus; one of the 12 genera of the Reoviridae family. The ARVs are the cause of some important diseases in poultry such as reovirus-induced arthritis, tenosynovitis, chronic respiratory disease, and mal-absorption syndrome. In this study, the presence of ARVs in the Iranian breeder flocks was investigated through reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] and restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism [RFLP]. A total of 800 fecal swab samples were initially collected from breeder flocks [older than 45 weeks of age]. They were then sent to the laboratory in containers with PBS, and after that they were pooled and finally to 120 samples were obtained. The total RNA extracted from the pooled fecal samples were used to amplify the selected parts of the S1 [1023 bp] and S4 [437 bp] genes from the ARV field isolates using RT-PCR. The positive RT-PCR amplified products were further analyzed by RFLP using five restriction enzymes. Based on the findings, 5 samples were positive with the S1 primer and 6 samples were with the S4 one. The patterns observed after the digestion of PCR products revealed that the isolates of this study were identical to both the S1133 vaccine and standard strains. The findings suggested that the RT-PCR/RFLP analysis might be considered as a simple and rapid approach for the differentiation of ARV isolates. This study was the first molecular detection of the ARVs presence in the Iranian breeder flocks using the RTPCR amplification of the S1 and S4 genes and RFLP analysis

[Association of serum obestatin concentration with thyroid function]

Obestatin is a gastrointestinal-peptide hormone which influences glucose and lipid metabolism, body weight and energy homeostasis. Very little is known about the association between gut peptides and thyroid diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between serum concentrations of obestatin and thyroid function in subclinical hypothyroid and hyperthyroid subjects. This study was performed on 35 hypothyroid, 35 hyperthyroid and 35 euthyroid subjects [controls] who referred to the Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. In all participants, serum levels of obestatin, TSH, FT3, FT4, insulin, glucose as well as BMI were assessed. Serum obestatin, FT3, FT4 and TSH were measured by ELISA, Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay [ECLIA] and Immunoradiometric assay [IRMA], respectively. Data were analyzed by T-test, One-Way ANOVA and Pearson correlation using SPSS 16. Serum concentrations of obestatin in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism [0.04 +/- 0.01 and 0.05 +/- 0.02 ng/ml respectively] were significantly lower than in the control group [0.09 +/- 0.01 ng/ml], [P-value<0.001]. No significant correlations were observed between serum levels of obestatin and FT3, FT4, and TSH. Our results indicated obestatin concentrations were significantly associated with thyroid function