[Leptin and autoimmune diseases]

Introduction: Leptin, an anti-obesity hormone, is also a regulator of the immune response which sends important signals regarding the metabolic status and immune system function. This hormone/cytokine can affect the secretion of acute phase proteins such as Interleukin-1 and TNF- alpha and facilitate communication between nutrition and Th1 immune response so that when the food intake reduces, plasma leptin levels decreases, leading to reduced function of the immune system. Increase in blood leptin levels in obesity makes the obese people more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases and cancer. Previous researches demonstrate the important effects of leptin in metabolism, whereas more recent studies show that this molecule has an important role in many other key functions of body such as haematopoiesis, thermogenesis, reproduction, angiogenesis, homeostasis and immune system. This paper aims to review the most recent findings regarding the role of leptin in the pathology of autoimmune disease, in particular multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, autoimmune thyroid disease, lupus erythematosus, endometriosis and rheumatoid arthritis

[Assessment of mercury contamination in the marketed shrimp in Tehran: a health consideration]

Mercury contamination of aquatic ecosystem, due to its bioaccumulation, persistence, high risk and poisoning has become a concern in recent years. Consumption of shrimp as a rich source of protein, peptides, amino acid and minerals [Cu, Mg, Zn, I] is growing up. The purpose of the present study is to determine the mercury content of shrimp in Tehran market and compare this with international limits. For this purpose, 19 samples were collected randomly from different retail markets in different parts of Tehran and their mercury content was measured by Mercury Analyzer DMA-80 with standard method ASTM D6722. The results were compared using one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA]. It was found that, the mean level of mercury in muscles of all examined samples was 76.44 +/- 8.59 ppb, that is in agreement with the existing data and lower than the WHO and FAO guideline [500 ppb]. Shrimp consumption considering its mercury content is permitted in Tehran and has no serious risk to human health

[Comparison of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids ratios in cow's milk between Iranian conventional and industrial production systems]

Cow's milk contains two families of fatty acids; omega-6 and omega-3, which are crucial in human health. It has been shown that the ratio between these two families is connected to the higher risk of chronic diseases. Therefore the ratio between them is more important than their quantity [The most desirable ratio is 1:1]. This study was aimed to quantify fatty acids profile and determine the ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid families in cow's milk produced fewer than two different systems [rural and conventional]. Twenty cow's milk samples [10 rural and 10 conventional] from the dairy farms in Khorramabad city-Iran were collected. Fatty acids profiles were determined using gas chromatography. Conventional milk had higher omega-6 [2.12 +/- 0.4% vs 1.65 +/- 0.2%] and lower omega-3 [0.16 +/- 0.03% vs. 0.21 +/- 0.04%] in comparison with the rural milk. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in rural milk was lower [8 to 1] than that in conventional milk [13 to 1] [p<0.01]. This study showed that milk produced in rural system has a better ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 therefore is healthier for human nutrition. It is also worth to mention that the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in cow's milk produced in both systems is far from the acceptable ratio in human nutrition

[ role of campylobacter jejuni in campylobacteriosis]

Campylobacter jejuni is a Gram negative, curved, motile, thermophilic and microaerophilic bacillus in Campylobacteriaceae family, which is one of the main causes of enteritis in human named campylobacteriosis. The main reservoir of Campylobacter jejuni is the alimentary tract of animals, especially chicken and turkey. Consumption of semi-cooked chicken meat, raw milk and unchlorinated water are the main routes for the transfer of this bacterium to human and causing campylobacteriosis. Two to 5 days after ingestion of contaminated food the symptoms of campylobacteriosis including fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea appear. In this food infection vomiting usually doesn't happen and diarrhea may end to dysentery. To control this food infection, meat should be cooked completely and consumption of raw milk and unchlorinated water must be avoided

importance of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 in foodborn infection

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157: H7 is one of the most important causes of bloody diarrhea. This bacterium is able to make bloody diarrhea or Hemorrhagic Colitis [HC] through verotoxin or shigatoxin production, and in acute forms it may lead to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome [HUS] or Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpurea [TTP]. Contamination with E. coli O157:H7 usually happens after consumption of animal products especially undercooked meats. The most important reservoir of this bacterium is beef and consumption of undercooked ground beef, especially in children younger than 10 years old, is the most common reason of food infection by this bacterium. Two important biochemical characteristics for detection of E. coli O157: H7 are lack of sorbitol fermentation and absence of glucuronidase. In order to control food infection with this bacterium, foods must be cooked thoroughly until reaching the temperature of at least 68.3°C, in the center

Aerobic bacteria isolated from eggs and day-old chicks and their antibacterial resistance in Shiraz

To study the putative transfer of antibiotic resistance from broiler breeders to human, hen's eggs and their day-old chicks were examined for the presence of bacteria. The most frequently isolated organisms in decreasing order were: Streptococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter slip. and Escherichia coli followed by Citrobacter spp., Proteus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. from the eggs and E. coli, Enterobacter spp. and Citrobacter spp. followed by Klebsiella spp. and Bacillus spp. from the chicks. Different detection methods were evaluated which use various enrichment and plating media for bacteria in eggs and day-old chicks. Sensitivity tests showed the presence of antibacterial resistant strains of bacteria. In comparison, resistance to all antibiotics in chicks' isolated bacteria were more frequent than eggs' isolates, but statistically no significant differences between patterns of antibacterial resistance were seen [P