Regulation of iodine-glucose flip-flop in SW1736 anaplastic thyroid cancer cell line.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The alternative manner of iodide and glucose uptake found in different types of thyroid cancer, referred to flip-flop. ATC cells indicate low iodide uptake and high glucose uptake, which lack the morphology and genetic characteristics of well-differentiated tumors and become increasingly invasive. Importance placed on the discovery of innovative multi-targeted medicines to suppress the dysregulated signaling in cancer. In this research, we aimed to clarify molecular mechanism of Rutin as a phytomedicine on anaplastic thyroid cancer cell line based on iodide and glucose uptake. MATERIAL METHODS: The MTT test was employed to test cell viability. Iodide uptake assay was performed using a spectrophotometric assay to determine iodide uptake in SW1736 cells based on Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. For glucose uptake detection, ''GOD-PAP'' enzymatic colorimetric assay was applied to measure the direct glucose levels inside of the cells. Determination of NIS, GLUT1 and 3 mRNA expression in SW1736 cells was performed by qRT-PCR. Determination of NIS, GLUT1 and 3 protein levels in SW1736 cells was performed by western blotting. RESULTS: According to our results, Rutin inhibited the viability of SW1736 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR analysis exposed that NIS mRNA levels were increased in Rutin treated group compared to the control group. Accordingly, western blot showed high expression of NIS protein and low expression of GLUT 1 and 3 in Rutin treated SW1736 cell line. Rutin increased iodide uptake and decreased glucose uptake in thyroid cancer cell line SW1736 compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Multiple mechanisms point to Rutin's role as a major stimulator of iodide uptake and inhibitor of glucose uptake, including effects at the mRNA and protein levels for both NIS and GLUTs, respectively. Here in, we described the flip-flop phenomenon as a possible therapeutic target for ATC. Moreover, Rutin is first documented here as a NIS expression inducer capable of restoring cell differentiation in SW1736 cell line. It also be concluded that GLUTs as metabolic targets can be blocked specifically by Rutin for thyroid cancer prevention and treatment.

Effects of oral contraceptives on serum concentrations of adipokines and adiposity indices of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of oral contraceptives (OCs) with different progestins, including Levonorgestrel (LNG), Desogestrel (DSG), Cyproterone Acetate (CPA), and Drospirenone (DRSP) on adipokines levels and adiposity indices in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: In this parallel randomized clinical trial, 120 women with PCOS randomly assigned to intervention with OCs containing LNG, DSG, CPA, or DRSP. Outcomes of interest, including serum concentrations of adiponectin, leptin, and resistin, and adiposity indices, i.e., body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), obesity, central obesity, waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to height ratio (WHtR), lipid accumulation product (LAP), a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), and visceral adiposity index (VAI), and lipid profiles were assessed at baseline, and 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: This study showed no significant differences in serum concentrations of adipokines between the four study groups after 6 months of treatment. Our results also showed that patients treated with various compounds of OC for 6 months had no significant differences in their adiposity indices, except for LAP (p = 0.04), and VAI (p = 0.03). PCOS patients treated with OCs containing CPA had significantly a higher mean LAP, compared to those using products containing LNG. Besides, patients treated with OCs containing CPA had significantly a higher mean VAI, compared to those treated with OCs containing DRSP. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that OCs with low androgenic and antiandrogenic activities had identical effects on serum concentrations of adipokines, and adiposity indices, except LAP, and VAI parameters. REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20080929001281N3.

Iodine supplementation for pregnant women: a cross-sectional national interventional study.

BACKGROUND: Although Iran has been considered iodine replete since 2000, the first national survey of iodine intake among Iranian pregnant women in 2014 indicated that despite the adequate intake of iodine by the general population, this vulnerable group has moderate iodine deficiency. Therefore, in this national cross-sectional interventional study, we aimed to assess the iodine intake and thyroid function of Iranian pregnant women 2 years after implementing national iodine supplementation for this vulnerable group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we conducted a national interventional survey of pregnant women. A total of 1200 pregnant women (400 women from each trimester) from 12 provinces of Iran were recruited from the antenatal care clinics from October 2018 to March 2019. The median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC), as an indicator of iodine status in three spot urine samples, was measured, along with the serum total T4 (TT4), thyrotropin (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab), and iodine content of household salt. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 28 ± 6.2 years, with the mean gestational age of 22.7 ± 13.0 weeks. The overall MUIC (IQR) of pregnant women was 188 µg/L (124.2-263 µg/L). Also, the MUICs in the three trimesters of pregnancy were 174 µg/L (110-254), 175 µg/L (116-251), and 165 µg/L (114-235), respectively. The MUICs ≥ 150, 100-149, and < 100 µg/L were found in 63, 19.8, and 16.2% of the subjects, respectively. The mean TT4 level was 12 ± 4.5 µg/dL, and the median (IQR) level of TSH was 2.37 mIU/L (1.66-3.18 mIU/L). According to our local reference range, 118 (10.5%) pregnant women had subclinical hypothyroidism, 6 (0.53%) women had isolated hypothyroxinemia, and 65 (5.7%) women were TPO-Ab positive. Also, the median (IQR) level of Tg was 10.08 µg/dL (5.7-20.4 µg/dL), and the median iodine content of household salt was 29.6 µg/g; the iodine content was ≥ 30 µg/g in 85% of household salt. The results showed that more than 95% of households were under iodized salt coverage. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that iodine supplementation with at least 150 µg of iodine per day improved the iodine intake of pregnant women. Except for subclinical hypothyroidism, the prevalence of clinical hypothyroidism, clinical/subclinical thyrotoxicosis, TPO-Ab positivity, and isolated hypothyroxinemia decreased significantly, which emphasizes the importance of iodine supplementation during pregnancy.

Aspergillus fumigatus and aspergillosis: From basics to clinics.

The airborne fungus Aspergillus fumigatus poses a serious health threat to humans by causing numerous invasive infections and a notable mortality in humans, especially in immunocompromised patients. Mould-active azoles are the frontline therapeutics employed to treat aspergillosis. The global emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates in clinic and environment, however, notoriously limits the therapeutic options of mould-active antifungals and potentially can be attributed to a mortality rate reaching up to 100 %. Although specific mutations in CYP 51A are the main cause of azole resistance, there is a new wave of azole-resistant isolates with wild-type CYP 51A genotype challenging the efficacy of the current diagnostic tools. Therefore, applications of whole-genome sequencing are increasingly gaining popularity to overcome such challenges. Prominent echinocandin tolerance, as well as liver and kidney toxicity posed by amphotericin B, necessitate a continuous quest for novel antifungal drugs to combat emerging azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates. Animal models and the tools used for genetic engineering require further refinement to facilitate a better understanding about the resistance mechanisms, virulence, and immune reactions orchestrated against A. fumigatus. This review paper comprehensively discusses the current clinical challenges caused by A. fumigatus and provides insights on how to address them.

Prevalence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in cystic fibrosis patients using two different diagnostic criteria.

Summary: Objective.There are different diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in CF patients. In this present study we evaluated the prevalence of ABPA in Iranian CF patients by two more usual diagnostic criteria as ISHAM working criteria (A) and CF Foundation Consensus Conference criteria (B). Methods.Eighty-six CF patients were included in the study. All CF patients underwent for Aspergillus skin prick test (AST), Aspergillus-specific IgE (sIgEAf) and Aspergillus-specific IgG (sIgGAf), total IgE. The ABPA prevalence was estimated by two diagnostic criteria, (A) and (B) and compared. Results. The frequency of positive AST, total IgE, sIgEAf and sIgGAf were 47 (54.6%), 9 (10.5%), 42 (48.8%) and 67 (77.9%), respectively. The obtained rate of ABPA prevalence (10.5%) was identical in two diagnostic criteria A and B (kappa value of 1.000). Conclusions.The applied diagnostic criteria had no significant effect on the reported rate of ABPA prevalence.

Potassium phosphate and potassium carbonate administration by feed or drinking water improved broiler performance, bone strength, digestive phosphatase activity and phosphorus digestibility under induced heat stress conditions.

Potassium phosphate (K2HPO4) and potassium carbonate (K2CO3) administration by feed or water were evaluated on broiler performance, bone strength, alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), and phosphorus digestibility under heat stress and high chloride condition. Experimental groups include control; 15 cc/kg K2HPO4; 30 cc/kg K2HPO4; 15 cc/l K2HPO4; and 3.7 g/kg K2CO3. Body weight (BW), feed and water consumption, plasma potassium, phosphorus, and calcium concentration along with plasma and digestive ALP and intestinal digesta pH were measured during the trial. Tibia ash, calcium and phosphorus content, and breaking strength were measured on days 21 and 42 and phosphorus digestibility on day 36 of age. As a result of this, study feed and water consumption was increased by supplementation of the feed or water with K2HPO4 (P ≤ 0.001). K2HPO4 increased body weight at 42 days of age (P ≤ 0.001). Tibia ash and phosphorus content was increased by K2HPO4 supplementation (P ≤ 0.004; P ≤ 0.003). K2CO3 did increased tibia ash but not changed tibia phosphorus content significantly. Tibia shear force, shear energy, extension, and length were improved by K2HPO4 administration at 42 days of age (P ≤ 0.001). Administration of either feed or water with K2HPO4 increased plasma potassium, phosphorus, and calcium concentration at 21 days of age, whereas K2CO3 reduced plasma potassium at 21 days of age (P ≤ 0.05). Plasma ALP reduced by addition of 15 cc K2HPO4 and K2CO3 to diets at 42 days of age, whereas digestive ALP was increased by inclusion of K2HPO4 and not by K2CO3. Supplementation of either feed or water with K2HPO4 increased phosphorus digestibility, whereas K2CO3 reduced phosphorus digestibility (P ≤ 0.003). Jejunum and ileum pH was reduced by K2HPO4 or by K2CO3 at 21 and 42 days of age (P ≤ 0.006; (P ≤ 0.05). Over all, results of current study revealed that K2HPO4 can be a suitable potassium salt choice instead of KCL in hot weather conditions especially when the water or diet contains high levels of chloride.

Influence of bone meal degelatinisation and calcium source and particle size on broiler performance, bone characteristics and digestive and plasma alkaline phosphatase activity.

1. The current experiment was performed to elucidate the effects of degelatinised bone meal (DBM) in combination with different particle sizes of limestone or oyster shell on broiler performance, bone characteristics and digestive and plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. 2. Treatments were applied as a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with three sources of P (DCP, bone meal and DBM) and three particle sizes (50, 100 and 200 µm) of limestone. Chickens were given either DCP or DBM with oyster shell (523 µm), resulting in a total of 11 treatments with 5 replicates of 8 chicks. 3. Performance criteria were measured weekly. Tibia strength, ash, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content and plasma P and Ca concentration along with plasma and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and P digestibility were measured on d 14 and 28. 4. Body weight and FCR were improved in chicks which were fed DBM or oyster shell in comparison to the DCP and limestone respectively (P ≤ 0.05). Performance was influenced (P ≤ 0.05) by particle size; with coarser particles BW and feed intake were increased (P ≤ 0.05). Tibia shear force and P content were reduced (P ≤ 0.001), whereas tibia shear energy, length, ash and Ca content were increased by substitution of DCP with DBM or bone meal (P ≤ 0.001; P ≤ 0.05). A significant difference was observed in the tibia length between the chicks fed oyster shell or limestone with different particles (P ≤ 0.05). Plasma P concentration was reduced in chicks were fed with DBM, bone meal and lower limestone particle size. Intestinal ALP activity was increased (P ≤ 0.001) in chicks which were fed DBM, bone meal, oyster shell or coarse particles of limestone. The P digestibility in chicks fed bone meal was lower than that of those fed DBM or DCP (P ≤ 0.01). Overall, gelatin removal from bone meal improved broiler bone characteristics through the P digestibility and intestinal ALP activity enhancement.

The association between polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, and the serum concentration of adipokines.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the interactive effect of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) status and obesity status on the serum levels of adipokines. METHODS: In this comparative case-control cross-sectional study, 58 women with PCOS and 104 eumenorrheic non-hirsute women as the control group were recruited. They were further divided into two subgroups of overweight/obese and normal weight. The interactive effect of the PCOS status and obesity status on the circulating levels of adipokines was assessed using general linear model with the adjustment of age. RESULTS: A statistically significant negative interaction was reported between obesity status and PCOS status in the determination of serum adiponectin and resistin concentrations (effect size = -0.14, interaction P = 0.001, effect size = -0.15, P = 0.016). It indicated that adiponectin and resistin were significantly decreased in overweight/obese patients with PCOS compared with other subgroups. Statistically significant positive interactive effects were found between PCOS status obesity status and leptin (effect size = 0.321, interaction P = 0.036), indicating that the overweight/obese women with PCOS had the higher levels of leptin compared with the control group. Also, no interaction was reported between PCOS status and obesity status with regard to the serum levels of other adipokines. CONCLUSIONS: While no sufficient evidence is available with regard to the causal association between adipokines and PCOS, they may contribute to the development of PCOS and regarded as the novel biomarkers of PCOS.

Effect of Different Doses of Oral Cholecalciferol on Serum 1,25(OH)2D in Vitamin D Deficient Schoolchildren.

Data regarding 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in adolescents are limited. We aimed to determine serum levels of this active metabolite of vitamin D and the effects of different doses of vitamin D on its concentration in schoolchildren with high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. In a previously published randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 210 subjects, aged 14-20 years, were assigned to 3 regimens of vitamin D treatment: group A (n=70) received 50 000 U oral cholecalciferol monthly, group B (n=70), 50 000 U bimonthly, and group C (n=70), placebo. Serum 25(OH)D, calcium, parathyroid hormone, and bone markers were measured at baseline and after 2 and 5 months of treatment. In the present study, serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D were measured in 97 boys and 95 girls. At baseline, girls had significantly higher concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D than boys (36, IQR: 24, 63 vs. 30, IQR: 15, 57.5 pmol/l; p<0.01). There was no significant correlation between serum levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D in the total population (Spearman rho=- 0.111; p=0.126), boys (Spearman rho=0.008; p=0.941), and girls (Spearman rho=0.036; p=0.729). Also, 1,25(OH)2D values did not change over time in different study groups. Moreover, total and sex-stratified analysis did not show any significant difference between different groups at different times of the study period. In an adolescent population with high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D especially in girls, 1,25(OH)2D values were higher in girls than boys. There was no significant change in 1,25(OH)2D concentrations with different doses of vitamin D.

Inadequate iodine nutrition of pregnant women in an area of iodine sufficiency.

PURPOSE: I. R. Iran has been considered iodine replete since 2000, but iodine nutrition of vulnerable subjects is not clear. The main goal of this study was assessment of iodine nutrition and thyroid function in pregnant Iranian women. METHODS: A total of 1072 pregnant women from ten provinces in the different parts of the country were recruited from November to March 2014. Median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) as the measure of iodine status and serum free T4 (FT4), thyrotropin (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), anti-thyroglobulin and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TgAb and TPOAb) were measured. RESULTS: Mean ± SD age of the cohort was 27.0 ± 7.2 years and gestational age was 20.7 ± 10.0 weeks. The median UIC for pregnant women was 87.3 µg/L, being 92.1, 86.0 and 76.8 µg/L, in three trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Median UIC of <100, 100-149, 150-249, 250-499 and ≥500 µg/L was found in 58.4, 19.8, 16.2, 5.13 and 0.46 % of subjects, respectively. Median (IQR) values in the first, second, and third trimesters were 1.7 (0.9-2.8), 2.1 (1.5-2.9), and 2.1 (1.4-2.8) mIU/L for TSH, and 16.4 (12.21-21.13), 14.34 (12.16-19.69), and 14/07 (12.02-18.64) pmol/L for FT4, respectively. The frequency of elevated serum TSH was 9.0 % (6.6 % subclinical, 2.4 % overt hypothyroidism). The frequency of low serum TSH was 0.6 %. The frequency of positive TPOAb was 7.6 %. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study have clarified that despite iodine sufficiency of school children in Iran, pregnant women have moderate iodine deficiency and need iodine supplementation.

Effectiveness of Phytogenic Feed Additive as Alternative to Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate on Hematological Parameters, Intestinal Histomorphology and Microbial Population and Production Performance of Japanese Quails.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of phytogenic additive and antibiotic growth promoter in laying Japanese quails. One hundred and sixty five quails were divided into three groups of 5 replicates and 11 quails (8 females and 3 males) in each replicate. Treatment 1 was fed control diet, treatment 2 was fed control diet supplemented with 0.05% bacitracin methylene disalicylate as antibiotic growth promoter and treatment 3 was fed control diet supplemented with 0.1% phytogenic feed additive (PFA) for two periods of 3 weeks each from 37 to 42 weeks of age. Results showed that egg production, eggshell strength, eggshell weight, villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio were significantly (p≤0.05) increased and feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, albumen, Haugh unit, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, alanine transaminase, gamma glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, number of goblet cell, crypt depth and intestinal bacterial population of Coliforms, Salmonella and E. coli were significantly (p≤0.05) decreased in PFA fed group. It is concluded that addition of PFA containing phytomolecules and organic acids as main ingredients could significantly improve the production parameters and the general health of laying quails as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.

RESISTIN EFFECT ON TELOMERASE GENE EXPRESSION IN GASTRIC CANCER CELL LINE AGS.

BACKGROUND: Resistin, as an adipokine, has been shown to be increased in serum plasma of gastric cancer patients and suggested to be a major factor in gastric carcinogenesis. However, it is still not clear how Resistin influences gastric cancer progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate Resistin effect on cell proliferation and expression of telomerase gene in gastric cancer cell line (AGS). METHODS: In this study, the proliferating activity of AGS cells stimulated with Resistin was also evaluated by using 2,3-Bis-(2-Methoxy-4-Nitro-5-Sulfophenyl)-2H-Tetrazolium-5-Carboxanilide (XTT) assay and trypan blue staining method. To investigate telomerase gene expression affected by Resistin, total RNA was extracted, cDNA was synthesized and expression of hTERT mRNA was carried out by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Exogenous Resistin has induced gastric cancer cells proliferation in a dose-dependent manner and could improve cell viability. Also the expression of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT) was upregulated in 24 hours, after Resistin treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown Resistin induces exogenously gastric cancer cell proliferation and increases hTERT gene expression. These findings may clarify the role of Resistin in gastric carcinogenesis. Therefore blocking Resistin signaling and limiting its secretion may be valuable for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Prevalence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with tuberculosis from Iran.

In patients with preexisting lung disease, especially a cavity, Aspergillus can infect the surface of the cavity, causing chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA), and may form an aspergilloma, collectively called chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). In the present study, we assessed tuberculosis (TB) patients for CPA based on culture and serological methods. During a period of 1 year (from March 2013 to March 2014), we studied 124 patients with TB (94 with current TB and 30 with previous TB) at Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Sputum specimens were analyzed by direct microscopic examination (DME) and fungal culture. The clinical and radiological features of all patients were recorded, to categorize the patients into CCPA and aspergilloma. All patients were screened for serum-specific IgG against A. fumigatus, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Out of 124 patients with TB (66 male, age range: 10-91 years), 48 patients (38.7 %) exhibited residual cavities. Eighteen (14.5 %) patients had cavities with pleural thickening. A round-shaped mass lesion was detected in six patients (6.8 %). DME was positive in ten patients for septate fungal hyphae. A. fumigatus was grown from 14 samples. Fifty-five (44.3 %) cases were positive for serum-specific IgG against A. fumigatus. Of 124 patients with TB, 3 (2.4 %) met criteria for aspergilloma and 14 (11.3 %) for CCPA. CPA is a common clinical presentation in individuals with healed TB in Iran, as reported by previous studies from other countries.

Experimental pathology of T-2 toxicosis and mycoplasma infection on performance and hepatic functions of broiler chickens.

This experiment was conducted using 192 day-old Ross 308 chicks, divided into 4 groups of 4 replicate consisting 48 birds. Group I was fed a control diet, Group II was fed control diet supplemented with 0.5 ppm T-2 toxin for 5 weeks, Group III was fed control diet supplemented with 8 × 10(8) cfu/mL of Mycoplasma gallisepticum, and group IV was fed control diet supplemented by T-2 toxin and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. Body weight and feed conversation ratio (FCR), relative organ weights, clinical signs, biochemical characteristics, and gross and histopathological lesions were recorded in the experimental groups at the end of the second and fifth weeks of age. Body weight and relative weights of bursa of Fabricius, thymus, and spleen decreased and FCR increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05), but the relative weights of liver and kidney showed no significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the serum total proteins, albumin, and increase in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase were observed in T-2 toxin and T-2 accompanied with Mycoplasma fed birds when compared to the control group. Liver was enlarged, friable, and yellowish discoloration with distended gall bladder was noticed. Lymphoid organs such as bursa of Fabricius, thymus, and spleen were atrophied in group II and group IV throughout the study. Microscopically, liver showed vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes, with increased Kupffer cell activity, bile duct epithelial hyperplasia, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Kidney showed vacuolar degeneration of tubular epithelium along with pyknotic nuclei. Lymphoid organs showed lymphocytolysis and depletion with prominent reticuloepithelial cells. Proventriculus revealed desquamation of villous epithelial cells and lymphoid infiltration in submucosa. Heart showed mild hemorrhage with infiltration of inflammatory cells. Lung showed edema and inflammatory cells in the bronchioles. Trachea showed desquamation and erosions of mucosa. Proliferation of mucosal glands with increased mucous secretion was obvious. Air sacs showed thickening with presence of inflammatory cells and edema.

Local versus international recommended TSH references in the assessment of thyroid function during pregnancy.

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of subclinical and overt hypothyroidism based on local population-specific reference intervals versus arbitrary cutoffs that are not specific for the population studied or the assay used, during pregnancy in an area of iodine sufficiency. We tested a total of 203 pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy, and followed their status in the second and third trimesters. Serum samples from women were assayed for levels of total T4 and T3, FT4I, TSH, TPOAb, and TgAb. Of the 203 women based on our national trimester specific reference ranges of serum TSH and FT4I, 153, 157, and 157 were euthyroid in 3 consecutive trimesters of pregnancy. Accordingly, a total of 23, 12, and 13 had subclinical hypothyroidism in the first, second, and third trimester, respectively. Overt hypothyroidism was detected in 4, 5, and 1 women in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was 49, 31, and 34 in each of the trimesters respectively, when TSH>2.5 mIU/l was considered for definition of hypothyroidism in the first trimester, and over 3 mIU/l in the second and third trimesters. Our results showed that using arbitrary cutoff values for TSH instead of population-specific reference intervals may inappropriately increase the rate of subclinical hypothyroidism.

The effect of supplementation of calcium, vitamin D, boron, and increased fluoride intake on bone mechanical properties and metabolic hormones in rat.

Evidence indicates that optimal nutrition plays a role in bone formation and maintenance. Besides major components of mineralization such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, other nutrients like boron and fluoride have beneficial role, too. In this study, 34 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control diet, fluoride, fluoride + boron, fluoride + calcium + vitamin D, and fluoride + boron + calcium + vitamin D. Boron equal to 1.23 mg, calcium and vitamin D equal to 210 mg + 55 IU and fluoride equal to 0.7 mg/rat/day was added to their drinking water for 8 weeks. Plasma blood samples and bones were collected. Findings are evidence that fluoride + boron intake revealed significant positive effects on bone mechanical properties and bone metabolic hormones. These findings suggest that combined intake of these two elements has beneficial effects on bone stiffness and breaking strength comparing to even calcium + vitamin D supplementation. This evidence dealing with health problems related to bone and skeletal system in humans should justify further investigation of the role of boron and fluoride with other elements in relation to bone.

Hormonal responses of combining endurance-resistance exercise in healthy young men.

AIM: This study investigated the influence of resistance (R) following endurance (E) exercise or ER on acute hormonal responses, such as growth hormone (GH), total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), IGF-1, and cortisol. METHODS: Ten healthy young men with an average age of 23.9 years (±0.7 y), a height of 175 cm (±3.3 cm), a weight of 74.4 kg (±4.3 kg), and a body mass index of 25.5 kg/m2 (±0.65 kg/m2) participated in this study. All of the participants took part in four protocols (R, E, ER, and control) in separate sessions with at least 1-week intervals. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after exercise, and 15 minutes after exercise in the R, E, ER, and control group protocols. RESULTS: GH, lactate, TT, and FT increased in the R protocol, and GH, lactate, FT, and IGF-1 increased significantly in the E and ER protocols (P<0.05). FFA increased only after the E protocol (P<0.05). Cortisol significantly decreased in the ER, E, and control group protocols (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion GH, TT and cortisol responses to R following E exercise were reduced. This effect might be due to increase in FFA. However It seems that IGF-1 has not inhibited by FFA.

Electronic equipment and appliances in special wards of hospitals as a source of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus: a multi-centre study from Iran.

BACKGROUND: Azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAf), reported as a global public health concern, has been unexpectedly observed in different countries. AIM: To identify ARAf and detect azole resistance related to the CYP51A mutation in different hospital environmental samples. METHODS: In this multi-centre study from Iran, surfaces of electronic equipment and appliances from different hospitals in Iran were sampled using cotton swabs. All samples were cultured using azole-containing agar plates (ACAPs). Recovered Aspergillus isolates were identified at the species level using partial DNA sequencing of the ß-tubulin gene. The azole susceptibility testing of A. fumigatus isolates was performed using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M38-A3 guideline. The sequencing of the CYP51A gene was also performed to detect mutations related to resistance. FINDINGS: Out of the 693 collected samples, 89 (12.8%) Aspergillus species were recovered from ACAPs. Aspergillus fumigatus (41.6%) was the most prevalent, followed by A. tubingensis (23.6%) and A. niger (15.6%). Among 37 isolates of A. fumigatus, 19 (51.3%) showed high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values to at least one of the three azoles, voriconazole, itraconazole, and posaconazole. CYP51A polymorphisms were detected in all 19 isolates, of which 52.6% showed the TR34/L98H mutation. Other detected mutations were G432C, G448S, G54E/G138C, F46Y, and Y121F/M220I/D255E. T289F and G432C were the first reported mutations in ARAf. CONCLUSION: There was a considerable level of azole resistance in hospital environmental samples, a serious warning for patients vulnerable to aspergillosis. Our findings have also revealed a different mutation pattern in the CYP51A gene.

Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion: Effects of high-fat diet and acute stress.

BACKGROUND: One of the major topics in modern societies is the study of relationships between diet, stress and incidence of metabolic disorders. AIM: This study aimed to investigate possible impairment in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion induced by a high-fat (cow intra-abdominal fat) diet in response to acute stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into high-fat and normal diet groups and each group was further divided into stress and control subgroups. Stress was induced by a communication box. Plasma levels of glucose, insulin and corticosterone were measured in both diet groups. Glucose tolerance, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from isolated islets, food and energy intake as well as body weight were also evaluated. RESULTS: In the normal diet group, physical stress increased plasma glucose concentrations. In both diet groups, plasma corticosterone levels increased after stress. HOMA-IR index decreased in high-fat fed rats. Food intake decreased while energy intake increased in the high-fat diet rats. Body weight in both diet groups increased in a similar manner. The high-fat diet did not affect insulin secretion; however, stress decreased insulin secretion from isolated islets of both diet groups. Only in the high fat diet group did physical stress increase insulin secretion at 16.7 mM glucose. CONCLUSIONS: The cow intra-abdominal fat, did not affect either plasma glucose and insulin concentrations or glucose-induced insulin secretion. Interestingly, it seems that the high-fat diet enabled the islets of the physically stressed rats to secrete more insulin in response to high glucose concentrations.