Therapeutic Effects of Selenium on Alpha-Synuclein Accumulation in Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease: Behavioral and Biochemical Outcomes.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of accumulated alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) in substantia nigra. Research has shown that selenium (Se) can protect neural cells through the actions of selenoproteins, including selenoprotein P (SelP) and selenoprotein S (SelS), which participate in endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation (ERAD). In this study, we investigated the potential protective role of Se in a pre-clinical PD rat model.We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Se administration in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induced unilateral rat PD model. Male Wistar rats were utilised for unilateral PD animal model which were subjected to stereotaxic surgery and injected with 20 µg 6-OHDA/5 µl 0.2% ascorbate saline. After confirming the model, the rats were intraperitoneally injected with 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg of sodium selenite for 7 days. We then performed behavioral tests, including apomorphine-induced rotation, hanging, and rotarod tests. Following sacrifice, we analysed the substantia nigra area of the brain and serum for protein quantification, element analysis, and gene expression analysis.Our results indicate that the administration of 0.3 mg/kg of Se improved the motor deficiency in hanging, rotarod, and apomorphine-induced rotational tests. While there was no significant improvement in the expression of α-Syn, Se increased the expression of selenoproteins. Additionally, levels of selenoproteins, Se, and α-Syn both brain and serum were re-established by the treatment, suggesting the role of Se on the α-Syn accumulation. Furthermore, Se improved PD-induced biochemical deficits by increasing the levels of SelS and SelP (p<0.005).In conclusion, our findings suggest that Se may have a protective role in PD. 0.3 mg/kg dosage of Se increased the expression of selenoproteins, reduced the accumulation of α-Syn in the brain, and improved PD-induced motor deficits. These results suggest that Se may be a potential therapeutic option for PD treatment.

The serum levels of angiopoietin-like protein 3 and 4 in type 2 diabetic patients with and without metabolic syndrome compared to the control group.

INTRODUCTION: ANGPTLs (Angiopoietin-like proteins) 3 and 4 play an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes. These glycoproteins affect the modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. They inhibit lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and provoke lipolysis. This study was aimed to investigate the protein levels of ANGPTL3 and 4 in the serum of type 2 diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome in comparison to the type 2 diabetic patients without metabolic syndrome and the control group. METHODS: Three groups of individuals were included in this study; Group I: 47 patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome; Group II: 25 patients with type 2 diabetes without metabolic syndrome; Group III: 40 non-diabetic healthy people without metabolic syndrome as a control group. After collection of 5 mL fasting blood samples, serum concentrations of fasting blood sugar (FBS), cholesterol (Chol), triglyceride (TG), HDL-C (High-density lipoprotein-Cholesterol) and LDL-C (Low-density lipoprotein-Cholesterol) were measured by the enzymatic method; blood pressure (BP), height and weight with stadiometers; and ANGPTL3 and 4 by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The serum levels of ANGPTL3 was significantly different among our three groups (p = .000). In patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (Group I), ANGPTL3 and 4 levels were lower than the control group. The serum levels of the parameters evaluated in this study (except HDL-C) was lower in the group II in comparison with the group I, and this difference was significant for TG, Chol, BP and BMI between these two groups. Also, our results revealed that there was a negative correlation between FBS, TG, Chol, LDL-C and BMI with ANGPTL3 and 4. While, there was a significant positive correlation between ANGPTL4 and ANGPTL3. CONCLUSION: Altogether, our findings suggest that the decreased levels of ANGPTL3 and 4 may be a causative factor for type 2 diabetes.

Selenium and selenoproteins role in Parkinson's disease: Is there a link between selenoproteins and accumulated alpha-synuclein?

BACKGROUND: While Parkinson's disease (PD) etiology is not clear yet, accumulated alpha-synuclein is proposed to induce neurodegeneration. Selenium (Se) and its functional proteins play a key role in aggregation of misfolded proteins. However, their implications in neurodegenerative process are unclear. AIM: Diagnosing Se and selenoprotein P (SelP), selenoprotein S (SelS) proportions in serum of PD patients to compare with healthy controls, whether the changes in their concentration could be a biomarker for PD. METHODS: Se concentration was investigated in 30 PD patients and 30 controls using atomic absorption spectrometry. Also, alpha-Synuclein, SelP, and SelS levels were evaluated by ELISA. The parameters were compared in PD patients and controls. Also, the variations within the case group according to their age, disorder stage, and drug administration were evaluated. RESULTS: PD subjects had higher Se concentration. The mean SelP in PD patients was lower from controls, whilst SelS levels were higher. Also, the concentration of alpha-synuclein was higher in PD patients. However, age, stage (except UPDRS III), and disorder duration had no influence on the Se and selenoproteins level, whilst there was a direct association between alpha-synuclein levels and disorder stage. Also, alpha-synuclein proportions in subjects using levodopa was significantly higher. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that serum levels of Se and SelP could be a biomarker or risk factor for PD. Although SelS interferes to reduce aggregated proteins, its pathway in PD is not clearly understood. Future studies could focus on how SelS can reduce on alpha-synuclein aggregation. Thus, other studies should be performed on this issue to induce the selenoproteins in PD.

Salivary Biomarkers: Noninvasive Ways for Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease.

Finding reliable biomarkers has a crucial role in Parkinson's disease (PD) assessments. Saliva is a bodily fluid, which might be used as a source of biomarkers for PD. Our article has reviewed several publications on salivary proteins in PD patients and their potential as biomarkers. We find out that α-Syn's proportion in oligomeric form is higher in PD patients' saliva, which is potent to use as a biomarker for PD. The salivary concentration of DJ-1 and alpha-amylase is lower in PD patients. Also, substance P level is more moderate in PD patients. Although salivary flow rate is decreased in PD patients, high levels of heme oxygenase and acetylcholinesterase might be used as noninvasive biomarkers. Salivary miRNAs (miR-153, miR-223, miR-874, and miR-145-3p) are novel diagnostic biomarkers that should be given more attention.

Bio-synthesized selenium nanoparticles ameliorate Brain oxidative stress in Parkinson disease rat models.

AIM: Parkinson disease (PD) is a prevalent central nervous system degenerative condition that impacts elderly people. Recent clinical and experimental study findings have established oxidative stress as one of the main pathogeneses of PD. Selenium, a trace metals with antioxidant effects, might reverse the neurobehavioral impairments and oxidative stress in rats. Thus, the goal of this study was to ascertain if Selenium Nano Particles (SeNPs) are also effective to protect brain cells from oxidative stress or not. MAIN METHODS: SeNPs were synthesized utilizing Ascorbic acid and chitosan as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Next, eight groups (N: 6) of male Wistar rats were randomly assigned and injected by different dosage (0.1, 0,2, and 0.3 mg/kg) of Se and SeNP. Finally, to ascertain the protective benefits of SeNP on PD rats, behavioral evaluation, clinical symptoms, antioxidant activity, and oxidant levels were examined. KEY FINDINGS: According to the findings, PD rats' motor functions had developed by SeNP injection. Higher MDA levels and inhibited antioxidant activities (SOD, CAT, and GPX) in lesion group are highlighting the significant role of oxidative stress in dopaminergic neuron death and neurobehavioral abnormalities. SeNP also protect against oxidative stress as compared to the lesion group. The levels of MDA had greatly reduced while the activities of enzymes, TAC, and SeNP both had significantly increased. SIGNIFICANCE: By enhancing antioxidant activity, administration of SeNP can reduce the hazardous consequences of oxidative stress.

Seasonal variations in the skin epidermal structure and mucosal immune parameters of rainbow trout skin (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at different stages of farming.

The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal changes in the epidermal structure and the innate immunity parameters of skin mucus in rainbow trout. The skin epidermis and mucus samples were collected over three consecutive seasons including winter, spring and late summer from three different weight groups i.e., 2-20 g (W1), 100-200 g (W2) and 400-600 g (W3) fish. The skin mucosal immunity analysis of rainbow trout showed that the haemagglutination activity increased significantly with increasing fish size from W1 to W3 in all three seasons, while no significant seasonal changes occurred in haemagglutination activity. Moreover, the bactericidal activity against fish pathogens increased significantly with increasing water bacterial load in late summer. The SDS-PAGE analysis of mucus showed a high amount of low molecular weight proteins (<35 kDa) in the late summer that was correlated with the increase in bactericidal activity. Histological analysis of the epidermis structure of rainbow trout skin showed that the density and size of goblet cells and consequently the mucus secretion significantly increased in W3 group in all seasons. In all three weight groups of fish, the density of goblet cells significantly increased from winter to spring and late summer along with increasing water temperature. Moreover, the goblet cell density showed a significant positive relationship with the soluble protein concentration and haemagglutination activity (p < 0.01). The results of this study demonstrated the more active immune role of the skin epidermal cells and mucus in rainbow trout during summer to protect fish against the pathogenic microorganisms. Given its potent bactericidal properties and the lack of haemolytic activity, the rainbow trout mucus might be used as a safe and inexpensive source for developing antimicrobial agents to prevent and treat some bacterial diseases in human and fish.

Seasonal changes of hydrolytic enzyme activities in the skin mucus of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss at different body sizes.

The innate immune factors in the skin mucus of fish are affected by the ecological and physiological conditions such as developmental stage and seasonal cycle. The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal changes in soluble protein and the hydrolytic enzyme activities of the skin mucus of rainbow trout including lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and proteases at different body sizes. Skin mucus samples were collected over three consecutive season periods including winter, spring and late summer. In each season, sampling was performed separately from three different weight groups including 2-20 g (W1), 100-200 g (W2) and 400-600 g (W3) fish. Our results showed a significant increase of soluble protein in all three weight groups from winter to spring when water temperature elevated from 9 °C to 14 °C. Moreover lysozyme activity was remarkably elevated in W1 fish from winter to late summer. In all three seasons, the activity of lysozyme was significantly decreased along with increasing the fish size. Contrary to lysozyme, the activity of proteases and ALP showed a decreasing trend from winter to late summer. A significant positive correlation was found between the proteases and ALP activity, proposing that both proteases and ALP might have important synergic roles in the mucosal innate immune function of rainbow trout. Moreover, using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) analysis of some proteases genes including cathepsin-L and cathepsin-D, we demonstrated that the proteases are transcribed and likely synthesized in epidermal mucus cells of rainbow trout. The present study confirmed seasonal changes of hydrolytic enzyme activities in the skin mucus of rainbow trout across all three weight groups, with the highest variation in juvenile fish.

Association between selenium, cadmium, and arsenic levels and genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair genes (XRCC5, XRCC6) in gastric cancerous and non-cancerous tissue.

Gastric cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in northern Iran. The DNA repair genes X-ray repair cross-complementing (XRCC) group 5, XRCC6, which are important members of non-homologous end-joining repair system, play an important role in repairing the DNA double-strand breaks. Chronic exposure to heavy metals has long been recognized as being capable of augmenting gastric cancer incidence among exposed human populations. Since trace elements could directly or indirectly damage DNA, and polymorphism in DNA DSBs-repair genes can alter the capacity of system repair, we assumed that XRCC5 VNTR and XRCC6-61C >G polymorphism also impress the DSBs-repair system ability and contribute to gastric cancer. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the tissue accumulation of Selenium (Se), Cadmium (Cd) and Arsenic (As), and XRCC5 VNTR, XRCC6-61C >G polymorphisms in cancerous and non-cancerous tissues in Golestan province. The study population included 46 gastric cancer patients and 43 cancer-free controls. Two polymorphisms of XRCC5, XRCC6 were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Further employed was atomic absorption spectroscopy so as to determine the levels of Se, Cd and As. Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS (version 16) statistical software. The Se level was significantly higher in tumors as compared to non-tumor tissues, but there was no significant correlation between As and Cd in cancerous and noncancerous tissues. Allele frequencies of the selected genes were not statistically different between groups regarding XRCC6 (-61C>G). XRCC5 0R/0R, 0R/1R, 1R/1R, and 0R/2R genotypes were more common in cancerous group. High levels of Se in cancerous tissues vs. non-cancerous tissues may be one of the carcinogenic factors; in Golestan province, unlike other regions of Iran and the world, the level of Se is high, hence the higher risks of gastric cancer.

Impact of Seminal Plasma Trace Elements on Human Sperm Motility Parameters.

INTRODUCTION: Human seminal plasma contains a variety of macro and trace elements including magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) that have essential roles in normal functioning of semen and its quality. The imbalance of these elements has been reported in several pathologic and male infertility disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the levels of these elements in seminal plasma samples, their relationships with each other and their impact on sperm motility. METHODS: Overall, 192 males (96 normospermic and 96 asthenospermic males) were enrolled in the study. Semen samples were collected by masturbation and computer-assisted/aided semen analysis of sperm motility was performed. The samples were centrifuged and seminal levels of Mg, Cu, Zn and Fe were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: The levels of Zn did not differ between the two groups, while the levels of Mg, Cu, and Fe were significantly higher in normospermic males. Fe showed a positive correlation with Mg and Cu in asthenospermic group. However, a negative relationship was found between Mg and Fe levels and between Mg and sperm concentration in the normospermic group. Fe levels were higher in the normospermic group compared to the asthenospermic group. Nevertheless, increased Fe levels caused a decrease in most of sperm motility fractions. CONCLUSION: Elements play major roles in male fertility and directly affect sperm quality. According to the results of this study, the levels of Zn do not affect the sperm quality and motility, while Fe, Cu and Mg are decreased in males with sperm motility problems. Nevertheless, Fe levels can adversely affect sperm motility in normospermic men.

A2B adenosine receptor agonist induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer stem cells via ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

PURPOSE: It has been reported that cancer stem cells (CSCs) may play a crucial role in the development, recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. Targeting signaling pathways in CSCs is considered to be a promising strategy for the treatment of cancer. Here, we investigated the role of the A2B adenosine receptor (A2BAR) and its associated signaling pathways in governing the proliferation and viability of breast cancer cell line derived CSCs. METHODS: CSCs were isolated from the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 using a mammosphere assay. The effect of the A2BAR agonist BAY606583 on cell proliferation was evaluated using XTT and mammosphere formation assays, respectively. Apoptosis was assessed using Annexin-V staining and cell cycle analyses were performed using flow cytometry. The expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, cyclin-D1, CDK-4 and (phosphorylated) ERK1/2 were assessed using Western blotting. RESULTS: Our data revealed that the breast cancer cell line derived mammospheres were enriched for CSCs. We also found that A2BAR stimulation with its agonist BAY606583 inhibited mammosphere formation and CSC viability. In addition, we found that the application of BAY606583 led to CSC cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through the cyclin-D1/Cdk-4 and Bax/Bcl-2 pathways, respectively. Notably, we found that BAY606583 significantly down-regulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the breast cancer cell line derived CSCs. CONCLUSIONS: From our results we conclude that A2BAR induces breast CSC cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through downregulation of the ERK1/2 cascade. As such, A2BAR may be considered as a novel target for the treatment of breast cancer.

Association between NOS3 G894T, T-786C and 4a/4b Variants and Coronary Artery Diseases in Iranian Population.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase, encoded by NOS3, produces an atheroprotective metabolite. The G894T, T-786C and 4a/4b variants of this gene associated with increased risk for coronary artery diseases (CAD) have been evaluated in different populations worldwide, and inconsistent results have been obtained. We investigated the association between these three polymorphisms and presence of CAD in Iranian individuals. METHODS: Overall, 234 people including angiography-positive patients from Amir-Almomenin Hospital (Heart Center), Kordkoy City, Golestan Province, northern Iran in 2016, angiography-negative subjects and healthy individuals from north of Iran were genotyped for the G894T and T-786C variations by PCR-RFLP, and 4a/4b VNTR only by PCR. RESULTS: The genotype distribution and allelic frequencies for the three variants tested were not dramatically different between CAD and control subjects and also between CAD patients and people with pains and symptoms very similar to CAD but no stenosis (P>0.05). Moreover, the odds ratio for CAD related to the G894T (OR=1.09, 95% CI=(0.60-2.00), T-786C (OR=1.04, 95% CI=(0.57-1.89) and 4a/4b (OR=1.75, 95% CI=(0.92-3.32) variants did not show statistical significance. Similarly, the odds ratio for stenosis confirmed by angiography related to the 894T (OR=1.03, 95% CI= (0.61-1.74), -786C (OR=0.90, 95% CI=(0.54-1.50) and 4b (OR=1.64, 95% CI=(0.92 -2.93) alleles were not significant. CONCLUSION: G894T, T-786C and 4a/4b variants were not associated with risk for CAD and occurrence of angiography-assessed stenosis in Northern Iranian population (P>0.05). These alleles might be population-specific and not to be associated with their corresponding gene pool. However, further analysis is required to clarify other CAD-correlated markers in our community.

A3 adenosine receptor agonist induce G1 cell cycle arrest via Cyclin D and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 pathways in OVCAR-3 and Caov-4 cell lines.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The cell cycle, a vital process that involves in cells' growth and division, lies at the heart of cancer. It has been shown that IB-MECA, an A3 adenosine receptor agonist inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells by inducing cell cycle arrest in several tumors. In this study, we evaluated the role of IB-MECA inhibition in cell cycle progression in ovarian cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay in Caov-4 and OVCAR-3. Analysis of cell cycle distribution was carried out by flow cytometry. To determine the mechanisms of IB-MECA-mediated induction of cell cycle arrest, the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins Cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) was evaluated. RESULTS: Our results showed that IB-MECA significantly reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, our results indicated that a low concentration of IB-MECA induced G1 cell cycle arrest. Reduction of Cyclin D1 and CDK4 protein levels was also observed after treating cancer cells with IB-MECA. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that IB-MECA induces G1 phase cell cycle arrest through Cyclin D1/CDK4-mediated pathway in ovarian cancer cells.

A3 Adenosine Receptor Agonist Inhibited Survival of Breast Cancer Stem Cells via GLI-1 and ERK1/2 Pathway.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the role of A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) and signaling pathways in the multiple aspects of the tumor. However, there is a little study about the function of A3AR in the biological processes of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs have a critical role in the maintenance and survival of breast cancer. The aim of current study was to investigate the effect of A3AR agonist on breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). XTT assay showed antiproliferative effect of A3AR agonist (Cl-IB-MECA) on BCSCs. Our results also demonstrated that A3AR agonist reduces mammosphere formation in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis showed that A3AR agonist induces G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in BCSCs. Western blot assay showed that A3AR agonist inhibits the expression of cell cycle and apoptotic regulatory proteins as well as the expression of ERK1/2 and GLI-1 proteins. Finally, these findings propose that A3AR agonist induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in BCSCs by inhibition of ERK1/2 and GLI-1 cascade. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2909-2920, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Potential Correlation Between Circulating Fetuin-A and Pentraxin-3 With Biochemical Parameters of Calcification in Hemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: The strong correlation between vascular calcification and cardiovascular risk, which is a major cause of mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients, has been well established. Fetuin-A is an inhibitor of vascular calcification, and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is produced at the site of inflammation, which is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The main purpose of this study was evaluating the correlation between fetuin-A and PTX3 with some biochemical parameters effective upon vascular calcification in HD patients. METHODS: We included 84 HD patients and 84 healthy controls matched for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) in this study. Blood samples were drawn from all subjects and the serum levels of creatinine, urea, albumin, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), parathyroid hormone, fetuin-A, high sensitive C-reactive protein, and PTX3 were measured by biochemical methods. RESULTS: We found that the serum levels of PTX3, C-reactive protein (CRP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), Ca, and P in the patient group were significantly higher than the control group but the serum levels of fetuin-A and albumin were significantly lower in the patient group. Also, fetuin-A had a significant correlation with high sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) as well as duration of dialysis. In addition, it was shown that the correlation between PTX3 and PTH was significant only in the patient group. CONCLUSION: In this study, increased PTX3 and decreased fetuin-A levels were observed in the HD patients. According to our results, these 2 parameters may potentially serve as suitable markers for inflammation and prediction of vascular complications in these patients.

Hesa-A Effects on Cell Cycle Signaling in Esophageal Carcinoma Cell Line.

BACKGROUND Hesa-A is a natural compound with anticancer properties. The exact mechanism of its action in esophageal cancer is not clear, yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cell toxicity effect of Hesa-A on the esophageal carcinoma cell lines, KYSE-30, and cell cycle genes expression. METHODS In this study, we tested cell toxicity with MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay and flow cytometry to evaluatet he cell cycle arrest. Real time polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the expression of P53, P16, P21, cyclin D1, and cyclin B1 genes. RESULTS Our results showed that Hesa-A is effective in the expression of cell cycling check point proteins. Hesa-A induced an arrest in G2 phase of esophageal cell cycle. The levels of P53 (>13 times), P21 (>21 times), P16, cyclin B1, and cyclin D1 genes were increased 48 hours after Hesa-A treatment. CONCLUSION P21 and P16 expression were the potential mechanisms for G2 arrest of KYSE-30 esophageal cancer cell line by Hesa-A.

The effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy on osmotic fragility of red blood cells and plasma levels of malondialdehyde in patients with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Gamma radiation effects on the erythrocyte membrane from three different functional parts, lipid bilayer, cytoskeleton and protein components. When the red cell membrane is exposed to radiation, it loses its integrity and hemoglobin leaks out. In addition, irradiation leads to lipid peroxidation and the products of this process, leading to hemolysis. The aim of the present study was to measure osmotic fragility (OF) of red blood cells and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a marker of oxidative injury in breast cancer patients treated with radiation and chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The OF test was performed using different concentrations of a salt solution. The measurement of MDA was done with chemical methods.(11) The sampling was taken during three stages of treatment: first sample was taken before starting chemotherapy, the second sample was taken before radiation therapy and the third sample was taken after radiotherapy. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between levels of MDA in these three stages of treatment were observed. However, the comparison of mean levels of MDA showed an increase after radiotherapy. The OF rate did not show significant difference (P > 0.05) during the stages of treatment. CONCLUSION: In a standard treatment program of radiotherapy and chemotherapy lipid peroxidation level and OF do not significantly increase.

Association of serum fetuin-A and biochemical parameters in hemodialysis patients.

Fetuin-A, a hepatic glycoprotein present in the circulation, is a potential inhibitor for systemic calcification. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the association between fetuin-A and other biochemical parameters as facilitator factors for developing atherosclerosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This case-control study was conducted on 44 HD patients undergoing treatment in 2012. Parathormone (i-PTH) and fetuin levels were performed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) by chemiluminescence, low-density lipoprotein by direct enzymatic, calcium and albumin by colorimetric and phosphorous by ultraviolet (UV) methods. Chi-square was used for evaluating the association between variables and t-test was used for comparing the mean of the quantitative variables for the two groups. SPSS-16 software was used for data analysis and P-value less than 5% was considered as significant. Mean of serum fetuin level was 23.25 ± 4.90 ng/mL in HD patients and 32.92 ± 5.21 in the control group. Median of hs-CRP was 2.45 mg/dL in the patients and 1.00 mg/dL in the control group and i-PTH was 74.3 pg/mL in the patients and 7.30 pg/mL in the control group. The calcium-phosphorous product was 46.77 ± 14.22 mg/dL in the patient and 31.73 ± 6.48 mg/dL in the control group. A reverse significant association was found between fetuin-A and hs-CRP in this study. In this study, serum fetuin-A level in HD patients was lower than controls. Therefore, a low level of fetuin-A seems to be associated with atherosclerosis, inflammation and malnutrition.

The comparison of acute myocardial infarction serum anticardiolipin antibody with healthy subjects, in Gorgan (Northern Iran).

Arthrosclerosis considered one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in industrial and developing countries. The rate of myocardial infarction in some countries is about 2 million annually with 1/4 of them is leading to death. This study was a case-control research, which was carried out as cross-sectional project in two groups, healthy and case subjects. The mean age and standard deviation of patients and control groups were nearly equal (55 +/- 10). The ELISA technique was applied to measure the serum antibody level. The sample populations in each group were exactly the same (120 person in each group). The gender distribution in case and control group was 44 female, 76 male and 45 female and 75 male, respectively. The Mean +/- SD of IgM in case group and control groups were 3.10 +/- 2.54 and 1.54 +/- 1.00, respectively. The Mean +/- SD for IgG in case and control groups were 5.90 +/- 3.84 and 3.08 +/- 1.95, respectively. The differences, between the mean of IgM and IgG in two groups of cases and control statistically were significant (p = 0.0001). In case group the Mean +/- SD for IgM for men and woman were 2.98 +/- 1.97 and 3.17 +/- 2.83, respectively, which this differences statistically, were not significant. In case group the Mean +/- SD for IgG were 5.14 +/- 3.45 and 6.35. The above findings indicated that the average of both IgG and IgM are higher among men compared to women. Due to high prevalence of acute coronary syndrome in Iran, the determination of anticardiolipin antibody (IgG) are applied for suspected acute coronary syndrome patients and further prevention measure should be taken for patient with higher serum anticardiolipin antibody.

Association between pruritus and serum concentrations of parathormone, calcium and phosphorus in hemodialysis patients.

Chronic renal disorders have a progressive course in most cases, and finally result in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Hemodialysis (HD) is one of the mainstays in the treatment of these patients. Disturbance in calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) metabolism and alteration of serum levels of parathormone (PTH) are observed in these patients. One of the most common cutaneous manifestations in patients on HD is pruritus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between pruritus and serum concentrations of Ca, P and PTH in patients with chronic renal disease. This analytic, descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on 120 patients on HD at the Fifth-Azar Hospital in Gorgan, Iran, in 2010. Information related to the patients, including age, gender, pruritus, time of pruritus and duration on dialysis, was extracted from questionnaires. Serum concentrations of intact PTH, Ca and P were measured. Data were analyzed by the chi-square test and SPSS-16 software. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among the 120 study patients, 50% were male and the mean age (±SD) was 49 ± 12.3 years. Sixty percent of the patients had pruritus, of whom 33.3% had PTH levels above the normal range. Among the 40% of the patients who did not have pruritus, 39.6% had PTH levels higher than the normal levels. The mean serum Ca and P levels were 8.44 ± 1.65 mg/dL and 5.48 ± 1.81 mg/dL, respectively. The mean (±SD) Ca-P product was 55.46 ± 47.16 and the mean PTH concentration was 274.34 ± 286.53 pg/mL. No significant association was found between pruritus and age, sex, serum PTH and P levels as well as Ca-P product. However, the association between serum Ca levels and pruritus was significant (P = 0.03). Our study showed that most patients with pruritus had serum Ca levels in the abnormal range (lower or higher), and there was no significant correlation between serum iPTH level and pruritis. Thus, good control of serum Ca levels is important to reduce pruritus in these patients.