Cinnamaldehyde Regulates Insulin and Caspase-3 Signaling Pathways in the Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease Model: Involvement of Hippocampal Function via IRS-1, Akt, and GSK-3ß Phosphorylation.

Insulin signaling disruption and caspase-3 cleavage play a pathologic role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Evidence suggested that cinnamaldehyde (Cin), the major component of cinnamon, has the ability to act as a neuroprotective agent. However, little evidence is available to demonstrate its effectiveness in regulating the insulin and caspase-3 signaling pathways and underlying molecular mechanisms. Therefore, the present study was conducted to correlate the molecular mechanisms of these signaling pathways and Cin treatment on animal behavioral performance in an intracerebroventricular (ICV)-streptozotocin (STZ, 3 mg/kg) model. The sporadic AD rat model was treated with Cin (10 and 100 mg/kg; intraperitoneal, i.p) daily for 2 weeks. Novel object recognition (NOR), Morris water maze (MWM), and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests were performed to assess recognition/spatial memory and anxiety-like behavior, respectively. Hippocampal Aß aggregation was assessed using Congo red staining. The activity of hippocampal caspase-3 and IRS-1/Akt/GSK-3ß signaling pathways were analyzed using the Western blot technique. The results revealed that Cin (100 mg/kg, effective dose) improved recognition/spatial memory deficits and anxiety-like behavior. In addition, Cin negated the effects of STZ on Aß aggregation and caspase-3 cleavage in the hippocampus. Furthermore, the Western blot method showed that hippocampal IRS-1/AKT/GSK-3ß phosphorylation was altered in ICV-STZ animal model, while Cin modulated this signaling pathway through decreasing Phospho.IRS-1Ser307/Total.IRS-1 ratio and also increasing Phospho.AktSer473/Total.Akt and Phospho.GSK-3ßSer9/Total.GSK-3ß ratios. These findings suggest that Cin is involved in the regulation of hippocampal IRS-1/AKT/GSK-3ß and caspase-3 pathways in a sporadic AD model, and modulation of these signaling pathways also influences the animal behavioral performance.

Behavioral and Molecular Effects of Thapsigargin-Induced Brain ER- Stress: Encompassing Inflammation, MAPK, and Insulin Signaling Pathway.

Accumulation of misfolded proteins, known as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, is known to participate in Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is also correlated with impaired central insulin signaling. However, few studies have probed the relationship between memory, central ER stress, inflammation, hippocampal mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity and insulin resistance. The present study aimed to investigate the causative role and underlying mechanisms of brain ER stress in memory impairment and develop a reliable animal model for ER-mediated memory loss. Thapsigargin (TG), a known ER stress activator, was centrally administered. The cognitive function of animals was evaluated by the Morris Water Maze (MWM). To verify the induction of central ER stress, we investigated the mRNA expression of UPR markers in the hippocampus. In addition, the activation of ER stress markers, including Bip, CHOP, and some related apoptosis and pro-inflammatory proteins, such as caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, TNF-α, MAPK, and insulin signaling markers, were assessed by Western-blots. The results demonstrated that TG impairs spatial cognition and hippocampal insulin signaling. Meanwhile, molecular results showed a concurrent increment of hippocampal UPR markers, apoptosis, P38 activity, and TNF-α. This study introduced TG-induced ER stress as a pharmacological model for memory impairment in rats and revealed some underlying mechanisms.

Heavy metal contaminated soil, water, and vegetables in northeastern Iran: potential health risk factors.

Purpose: This study was designed to measure the concentrations of heavy (Pb, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn) metals in water, soil, and frequently edible leafy vegetables in the Iranian population and assessed the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk in consumers. Methods: The samples of soil, water, and vegetables were collected from forms near the Tehran-Mashhad highway in Neyshabur, Iran. The content of heavy metals in the samples was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Results: The average concentrations of Pb, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn were 5.56, 3.35, 4.74, 2.95, and 5.27 mg/kg, respectively. Lead concentration in all of the vegetable samples was higher than the permissible value endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) / Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In contrast, the concentrations of all the other heavy metals in the samples were less than the maximum permissible levels recommended by WHO/FAO. Similarly, the water and soil samples were highly contaminated by Lead. The hazard quotient (HQ) of all the heavy metals was distinctively less than one, and it did not exceed 0.3 in any of the age groups. Furthermore, the carcinogenic risk for nickel was only higher than the recommended value, especially in women. Conclusion: While it seems that consuming vegetables has no acute health risk related to heavy metals, long-term and regular ingestion of the vegetables are likely to make cancer risk. Besides, due to the high concentration of Pb in soil and vegetables, regular and integrated assessment of heavy metals in soil, water, and food is necessary.

Spatial analysis and probabilistic risk assessment of exposure to fluoride in drinking water using GIS and Monte Carlo simulation.

Prevalence of fluorosis is a worldwide public health problem especially in many states of India. It is necessary to find out the fluoride endemic areas to adopt remedial measures to the people on the risk of fluorosis. The target goals of this research were to assess (a) the exposure of fluoride concentration; (b) probabilistic risk assessment, sensitivity analysis, and uncertainty through intake of groundwater among population of Agra City (infants, children and adults) by Crystal Ball software; and (c) spatial distribution of HQ and fluoride concentration. A total of sixty samples from standing tube wells/hand pumps were gathered from selected and identified fluoride prevalent areas in Agra City. The concentration of fluoride scrutinized was obtained to be ranging from 1.32 to 4.60 mg/L with mean value of 2.36 in Agra City, and more than 91% of samples investigated surpassed the allowable level set for fluoride concentration in potable water 1.5 mg/L, although 9% of the samples were well within the drinking water guidelines (0.5-1.5 mg/L). The hazard quotient (HQ) was obtained to an enormous difference in the exposure dose in infants (1.66-3.91), children (1.87-4.4), and adults (0.92-2.16), correspondingly. The non-carcinogenic HQ values in the group of infants, children, and more than 90% of adults were higher than those of the safety level (i.e., HQ >1). Consequently, the non-carcinogenic risks (HQ level) of fluoride vary from the most to the least: children, infant, and adults, respectively. With 87.41% certainty, the results indicated that the HQ values are between 1 and 3.42. So, infant is the most vulnerable group to fluoride consumption in study area. Uncertainty analysis results indicated that the children group's HQ level was between 1 and 1.90 with 38.48% certainty. To avoid further worsening of the situation as far as health is concerned, remedial actions like alternate sources of water supply and appropriate treatment of water need to be adopted besides required medical attention to affected people.

Imipramine alleviates memory impairment and hippocampal apoptosis in STZ-induced sporadic Alzheimer's rat model: Possible contribution of MAPKs and insulin signaling.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease, associated with several pathophysiological complaints. Impaired insulin signaling in the brain, is one of the important characteristic features of AD which is accompanied by cognitive deficits. According to the multifactorial and complicated pathology of AD, no modifying therapy has been approved yet. Imipramine is a kind of tricyclic antidepressant with reported anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects in the brain. There are controversial studies about the effect of this drug on spatial memory. This study investigates the effect of imipramine on streptozotocin (STZ) induced memory impairment in rats. Pursuing this objective, rats were treated with imipramine 10 or 20 mg/kg i.p. once a day for 14 days. 24 h after the last injection, memory function was evaluated by the Morris water maze (MWM) test in 4 consecutive days. Then, hippocampi were removed and the activity of caspase-3, mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) family and inhibitory phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1ser307) were analyzed using Western blotting. Results showed that imipramine prevents memory impairment in STZ induced rats and this improvement was accompanied with an increase in ERK activity, reduction of caspase-3 and JNK activity, as well as partial restoration of P38 and IRS-1 activity. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that at least some members of the MAPK family are involved in the neuroprotective effect of imipramine.

The chemical chaperon 4-phenyl butyric acid restored high-fat diet- induced hippocampal insulin content and insulin receptor level reduction along with spatial learning and memory deficits in male rats.

This study assessed the effect of a chronic high-fat diet (HFD) on plasma and hippocampal insulin and corticosterone levels, the hippocampus insulin receptor amount, and spatial learning and memory with or without receiving 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA) in male rats. Rats were divided into high-fat and normal diet groups, then each group was subdivided into dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 4-PBA groups. After weaning, the rats were fed with HFD for 20 weeks. Then, 4-PBA or DMSO were injected for 3 days. Subsequently, oral glucose tolerance test was done. On the following day, spatial memory tests were performed. Then the hippocampus Bip, Chop, insulin, corticosterone, and insulin receptor levels were determined. HFD increased plasma glucose, leptin and corticosterone concentrations, hippocampus Bip, Chop and corticosterone levels, food intake, abdominal fat weight and body weight along with impaired glucose tolerance. It decreased plasma insulin, and insulin content, and its receptor amount in hippocampus. HFD lengthened escape latency and shortened the duration spent in target zone. 4-PBA administration improved the HFD- induced adverse changes. Chronic HFD possibly through the induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent changes in the levels of hippocampal corticosterone, insulin and insulin receptor along with possible leptin resistance caused spatial learning and memory deficits.

Cardioprotective effects of acute sleep deprivation on ischemia/reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVES: Modulation of sympathetic activity during acute sleep deprivation can produce various effects on body functions. We studied the effects of acute sleep deprivation before ischemia/reperfusion on myocardial injury in isolated rat hearts, and the role of sympathetic nervous system that may mediate these sleep deprivation induced effects. METHODS: The animals were randomized into four groups (n = 11 per group): Ischemia- Reperfusion group (IR), Acute sleep deprivation group (SD), Control group for sleep deprivation (CON-SD) and Sympathectomy + ASD group (SYM-SD). In SD group, sleep deprivation paradigm was used 24 h prior to induction of ischemia/reperfusion. In SYM-SD group, the animals were chemically sympathectomized using 6-hydroxydopamine, 24 h before sleep deprivation. Then, the hearts of animals were perfused using Langendorff setup and were subjected to 30 min regional ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Throughout the experiment, the hearts were allowed to beat spontaneously and left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and rate pressure product (RPP) were recorded. At the end of study, infarct size and percentage of the area at risk were determined. RESULTS: We found that SD increased LVDP and RPP, while reducing the myocardial infarct size. Moreover, sympathectomy reversed SD induced reduction in infarct size and showed no differences as compared to IR. CONCLUSION: This study shows cardioprotective effects of acute sleep deprivation, which can be abolished by chemical sympathectomy in isolated hearts of rats.

Potential role of exosome in post-stroke reorganization and/or neurodegeneration.

Currently, stroke is a common and devastating condition, which is sometimes associated with permanent cerebral damages. Although in early time after stroke, the related treatments are mainly focused on the restoration of cerebral blood flow (CBF), at the same time, some changes are commencing that continue for a long time and need to be specially noticed. Previous studies have proposed several molecular mechanisms in these post-stroke events. Exosomes are a type of vesicle, which are formed and secreted by most cells as a mean to transfer cellular constituents such as proteins, DNA and/or RNA to distant cells. Therefore, they are considered as a novel mechanism of cellular communication. Herein, we reviewed the current knowledge on cascades, which are activated after stroke and consequently lead to the reorganization and/or continuance of tissue damage and development of other disorders such as Neurodegenerative diseases (ND). Thereafter, we summarized the latest proofs about the possible participation of exosomes in transferring some components such as proteins and micro-RNAs (miRs), from the affected areas to other parts of the brain and eventually cause the above-mentioned post-stroke events.

Seasonal Variations of Serum Zinc Concentration in Adult Population: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.

BACKGROUND: Zinc, an essential trace element, plays a key role in many biological human body functions. Serum zinc concentration is the most widely used indicator of zinc status for general populations. Considering the limited data available on seasonal fluctuation of serum zinc concentration, we aimed at determining seasonal variations in serum zinc concentrations of Tehranian adults. METHODS: The current study was conducted within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, on 4698 subjects, aged ≥20 years. Serum zinc samples of subjects were obtained from all four seasons over three years (from 2009 to 2011); samples of similar seasons over three years were placed in one group and the geometric means of serum zinc concentration of four seasons were compared to determine possible seasonal variations. RESULTS: Participants with mean age 46.3 yr and geometric mean of serum zinc concentration 116.3 µg/dl, were studied for almost three years through four seasons. Serum zinc concentrations in spring and summer were significantly higher than those in autumn and winter (112.2 and 114.4 vs. 106.7 and 104.8 µg/dl; P<0.001, respectively). Moreover, monthly serum zinc concentration of all subjects differed, with the lowest and highest levels found in October and August (98.5 vs. 122.7; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the difference in serum zinc concentration in Iranian adults of both genders in different months and seasons during the year.

The relationship between environmental exposures and hormonal abnormalities in pregnant women: An epidemiological study in Yazd, Iran.

PROBLEM: The process of industrialization and lifestyle changes have gradually exposed human societies to a larger number of environmental risk factors, which may cause hormonal abnormalities and congenital anomalies. BACKGROUND: The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between environmental factors and hormonal abnormalities among pregnant women in Yazd, Iran. METHODS: A hundred participants were randomly selected from among a group of pregnant women. According to the screening tests (AFP, free ß- HCG, uE3, PAPP-A, and inhibin-A) performed at the genome clinic in Yazd in 2016, the risk of Down Syndrome (DS) was sufficiently high in this group of pregnant women from which the participants were selected. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the degree of the participants' exposure to pesticides at home, use of canned and fast foods, and consumption of greenhouse fruits. The collected data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis Test. FINDINGS: The mean of Multiple of Median (MoM) for inhibin-A was significantly higher among pregnant women who often or always used pesticides at home (p=0.047). The mean MoM for free ß-HCG was significantly higher among pregnant women who often or always used canned foods (p=0.024). Finally, the mean MoM for uE3 (1.85±1.30) was significantly higher among pregnant women who never consumed greenhouse fruits (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that it is possible to reduce environmental exposures affecting hormonal abnormalities among pregnant women by improving nutritional patterns, minimizing the use of pesticides at home, and reducing the intake of canned foods and greenhouse fruits.

Knowledge of Thyroid Disorders during Pregnancy among General Practitioners in Iran.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Thyroid disorders during pregnancy are important health problems worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of general practitioners (GPs) about thyroid disorders during pregnancy. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, 120 GPs were randomly selected among participants of a continuous medical education (CME) program, entitled "practical endocrinology". To assess the knowledge and educational requirements of GPs regarding thyroid disorders during pregnancy, a validated and localized multiple-choice questionnaire was used. RESULTS: A total of 100 GPs completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the participants was 37.0 years, and 41.4% were men. The mean knowledge score of GPs was 39.9%. On average, the rate of correct response to questions concerning the definition, pathophysiology, diagnosis, complications, and treatment of thyroid disorders was 39.0%, 39.3%, 48.8%, 34.3%, and 44.6%, respectively. There was a significant difference in knowledge among GPs, who had and had not passed the training course on thyroid disorders. In addition, GPs who had passed continuous medical education programs obtained higher knowledge scores regarding diagnosis and treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: GPs attending pregnant women in Iran lack sufficient information on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of thyroid disorders during pregnancy. Considering the key role of GPs in the public healthcare system, design of high-quality educational programs and development of specific educational packages about thyroid disorders and pregnancy are necessary.

Effect of Lactation on myocardial vulnerability to ischemic insult in rats / Efeito da Lactação sobre a Vulnerabilidade do Miocárdio ao Insulto Isquêmico em Ratas

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Various studies have suggested a protective effect of lactation in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: This study was designed to assess the effects of pregnancy and lactation on the vulnerability of the myocardium to an ischemic insult. Methods: Eighteen female rats were randomly divided into three groups: ischemia-reperfusion (IR), in which the hearts of virgin rats underwent IR (n = 6); lactating, in which the rats nursed their pups for 3 weeks and the maternal hearts were then submitted to IR (n = 6); and non-lactating, in which the pups were separated after birth and the maternal hearts were submitted to IR (n = 6). Outcome measures included heart rate (HR), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), rate pressure product (RPP), ratio of the infarct size to the area at risk (IS/AAR %), and ventricular arrhythmias - premature ventricular contraction (PVC) and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Results: The IS/AAR was markedly decreased in the lactating group when compared with the non-lactating group (13.2 ± 2.5 versus 39.7 ± 3.5, p < 0.001) and the IR group (13.2 ± 2.5 versus 34.0 ± 4.7, p < 0.05). The evaluation of IR-induced ventricular arrhythmias indicated that the number of compound PVCs during ischemia, and the number and duration of VTs during ischemia and in the first 5 minutes of reperfusion in the non-lactating group were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in the lactating and IR groups. Conclusion: Lactation induced early-onset cardioprotective effects, while rats that were not allowed to nurse their pups were more susceptible to myocardial IR injury.

Resumo Fundamento: As doenças cardiovasculares são a principal causa de mortalidade e invalidez a longo prazo a nível mundial. Diversos estudos têm sugerido um efeito protetor da lactação na redução do risco para doenças cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Este estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar os efeitos da gestação e da lactação sobre a vulnerabilidade do miocárdio ao insulto isquêmico. Métodos: Dezoito ratas foram divididas aleatoriamente em três grupos: isquemia-reperfusão (IR), no qual os corações de ratas virgens foram submetidos à IR (n = 6); lactantes, no qual as ratas amamentaram seus filhotes por 3 semanas e os corações maternos foram, em seguida, submetidos à IR (n = 6); e não lactantes, no qual os filhotes foram separados após o nascimento e os corações maternos foram submetidos à IR (n = 6). As medidas de desfecho incluíram frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão desenvolvida no ventrículo esquerdo (PDVE), duplo produto (DP), razão do tamanho do infarto sobre a área sob risco (TI/ASR %) e arritmias ventriculares - contração ventricular prematura (CVP) e taquicardia ventricular (TV). Resultados: O TI/ASR foi substancialmente menor no grupo de lactantes quando comparado ao grupo de não lactantes (13,2 ± 2,5 versus 39,7 ± 3,5, p < 0,001) e ao grupo IR (13,2 ± 2,5 versus 34,0 ± 4,7, p < 0,05). A avaliação das arritmias ventriculares induzidas pela IR indicou que o número de CVPs compostas na isquemia, e o número e a duração das TVs na isquemia e nos primeiros 5 minutos de reperfusão no grupo de não lactantes foram significativamente (p < 0,05) mais elevados do que os encontrados nos grupos IR e de lactantes. Conclusão: A lactação induziu o aparecimento precoce de efeitos cardioprotetores, enquanto ratas que não foram permitidas a amamentar seus filhotes se mostraram mais suscetíveis à lesão miocárdica por IR.

Effect of Lactation on myocardial vulnerability to ischemic insult in rats.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Various studies have suggested a protective effect of lactation in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: This study was designed to assess the effects of pregnancy and lactation on the vulnerability of the myocardium to an ischemic insult. Methods: Eighteen female rats were randomly divided into three groups: ischemia-reperfusion (IR), in which the hearts of virgin rats underwent IR (n = 6); lactating, in which the rats nursed their pups for 3 weeks and the maternal hearts were then submitted to IR (n = 6); and non-lactating, in which the pups were separated after birth and the maternal hearts were submitted to IR (n = 6). Outcome measures included heart rate (HR), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), rate pressure product (RPP), ratio of the infarct size to the area at risk (IS/AAR %), and ventricular arrhythmias - premature ventricular contraction (PVC) and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Results: The IS/AAR was markedly decreased in the lactating group when compared with the non-lactating group (13.2 ± 2.5 versus 39.7 ± 3.5, p < 0.001) and the IR group (13.2 ± 2.5 versus 34.0 ± 4.7, p < 0.05). The evaluation of IR-induced ventricular arrhythmias indicated that the number of compound PVCs during ischemia, and the number and duration of VTs during ischemia and in the first 5 minutes of reperfusion in the non-lactating group were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in the lactating and IR groups. Conclusion: Lactation induced early-onset cardioprotective effects, while rats that were not allowed to nurse their pups were more susceptible to myocardial IR injury.

Fundamento: As doenças cardiovasculares são a principal causa de mortalidade e invalidez a longo prazo a nível mundial. Diversos estudos têm sugerido um efeito protetor da lactação na redução do risco para doenças cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Este estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar os efeitos da gestação e da lactação sobre a vulnerabilidade do miocárdio ao insulto isquêmico. Métodos: Dezoito ratas foram divididas aleatoriamente em três grupos: isquemia-reperfusão (IR), no qual os corações de ratas virgens foram submetidos à IR (n = 6); lactantes, no qual as ratas amamentaram seus filhotes por 3 semanas e os corações maternos foram, em seguida, submetidos à IR (n = 6); e não lactantes, no qual os filhotes foram separados após o nascimento e os corações maternos foram submetidos à IR (n = 6). As medidas de desfecho incluíram frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão desenvolvida no ventrículo esquerdo (PDVE), duplo produto (DP), razão do tamanho do infarto sobre a área sob risco (TI/ASR %) e arritmias ventriculares - contração ventricular prematura (CVP) e taquicardia ventricular (TV). Resultados: O TI/ASR foi substancialmente menor no grupo de lactantes quando comparado ao grupo de não lactantes (13,2 ± 2,5 versus 39,7 ± 3,5, p < 0,001) e ao grupo IR (13,2 ± 2,5 versus 34,0 ± 4,7, p < 0,05). A avaliação das arritmias ventriculares induzidas pela IR indicou que o número de CVPs compostas na isquemia, e o número e a duração das TVs na isquemia e nos primeiros 5 minutos de reperfusão no grupo de não lactantes foram significativamente (p < 0,05) mais elevados do que os encontrados nos grupos IR e de lactantes. Conclusão: A lactação induziu o aparecimento precoce de efeitos cardioprotetores, enquanto ratas que não foram permitidas a amamentar seus filhotes se mostraram mais suscetíveis à lesão miocárdica por IR.

Reliability and validity of the modifiable activity questionnaire for an Iranian urban adolescent population.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability on the Persian translation of the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ) in a sample of Tehranian adolescents. METHODS: Of a total of 52 subjects, a sub-sample of 40 participations (55.0% boys) was used to assess the reliability and the validity of the physical activity questionnaire. The reliability of the two MAQs was calculated by intraclass correlation coefficients, and validation was evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients to compare data between mean of the two MAQs and mean of four physical activity records. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the reliability between two MAQs and the results of leisure time physical activity over the past year were 0.97. Pearson correlation coefficients between mean of two MAQs and mean of four physical activity records were 0.49 (P < 0.001), for leisure time physical activities. CONCLUSIONS: High reliability and relatively moderate validity were found for the Persian translation of the MAQ in a Tehranian adolescent population. Further studies with large sample size are suggested to assess the validity more precisely.

Seasonal variations of blood pressure in adults: Tehran lipid and glucose study.

There is no comprehensive report on seasonal variations in individuals' blood pressure (BP) in Iranian subjects. The aim of this study is to evaluate individuals' BP during the four seasons of the year in a large number of adults in Tehran. In a population-based study in Tehran, over a period of ten years (from 1998 to 2011) during the follow up of the four phases of the TLGS, data from a total of 29777 participants aged 20-80 years (42.29% male and 57.71% female) were collected. The participants' systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) were measured in every season, and adjusted for weight, age, sex, body mass index, and ambient temperature, history of diabetes mellitus and anti-hypertensive drugs, and their mean SBPs and DBPs were compared. Mean SBP and DBP was 116.79 and 75.29 in spring, 116.11 and 74.81 in summer, 117.45 and 75.95 in fall and 119.03 and 76.28 mmHg in winter. There was a statistically significant difference between mean SBP in summer and winter (P < 0.010). The difference between mean SBP in winter and spring and the difference of mean DBP in winter and summer were near significance level (P = 0.058 and 0.086, respectively). Compared to summer and spring, the individuals' SBP was higher during winter and their DBP in winter was also higher compared to summer. More attention should be paid to BP measurement in epidemiological studies.

Identification and determination of synthetic pharmaceuticals as adulterants in eight common herbal weight loss supplements.

BACKGROUND: Adulterated herbal weight loss products with containing undeclared synthetic drugs are common and responsible for many serious health damages. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to determine five synthetic adulterants in eight common herbal weight loss supplements, which are currently sold in Iran markets, to verify their presence in supplements, without mentioning on the labels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight common herbal weight loss samples were obtained from the Iran pharmaceutical market after advertising in the Persian language on satellite channels and internet. Five pharmacological classes of drugs used for weight loss, namely sibutramine, phenolphthalein, phenytoin, bumetanide and rimonabant, were investigated and quantified by GC-MS for the first three and LC-MS for the last two medications. RESULTS: The most undeclared ingredients, which were illegally added include sibutramine, phenolphthalein, bumetanide, and phenytoin in the original super slim, herbaceous essence, super slim green lean, and fat loss, supplements, respectively. Rimonabant was not found. Caffeine, pseudoephedrine, theobromine and amfepramone were also found in the supplements using GC-MS assay. CONCLUSIONS: Adulterated synthetic substances were detected in the herbal weight loss products. Health care professionals should make people aware of the risks of taking herbal weight-loss supplements.

Trimester-specific reference ranges for thyroid hormones in Iranian pregnant women.

Background. Due to many physiological changes during pregnancy, interpretation of thyroid function tests needs trimester-specific reference intervals for a specific population. There is no normative data documented for thyroid hormones on healthy pregnant women in Iran. The present survey was conducted to determine trimester-specific reference ranges for serum TSH, thyroxine (TT4), and triiodothyronine (TT3). Methods. The serum of 215 cases was analyzed for measurement of thyroid function tests by immunoassay method of which 152 iodine-sufficient pregnant women without thyroid autoantibodies and history of thyroid disorder or goiter were selected for final analysis. Reference intervals were defined as 5th and 95th percentiles. Results. Reference intervals in the first, second, and third trimesters were as follows: TSH (0.2-3.9, 0.5-4.1, and 0.6-4.1 mIU/l), TT4 (8.2-18.5, 10.1-20.6, and 9-19.4 µg/dl), and TT3 (137.8-278.3, 154.8-327.6, and 137-323.6 ng/dl), respectively. No correlation was found between TSH and TT4 or TT3. Significant correlation was found between TT4 and TT3 in all trimesters (r = 0.35, P < 0.001). Conclusion. The reference intervals of thyroid function tests in pregnant women differ among trimesters. Applying trimester-specific reference ranges of thyroid hormones is warranted in order to avoid misclassification of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy.

Establishment of the trimester-specific reference range for free thyroxine index.

BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment of thyroid status during pregnancy is vital for maternal and fetal health. Because free thyroxine (FT4) values in pregnancy vary widely between methods, assessment of total T4 (TT4) and FT4 index (FT4I) may be superior to FT4 in pregnant women. However, trimester-specific reference intervals for FT4I have not yet been established. In this longitudinal self-sequential survey, we aimed at determining the trimester-specific reference range for FT4I in healthy Iranian women with singleton pregnancies. METHODS: A total of 466 healthy pregnant women were evaluated. After exclusion of women with history, ultrasonographic, or laboratory evidence of any thyroid disorder or iodine deficiency and those who were positive for thyroid autoantibodies, 152 women entered the study. Serum thyrotropin (TSH), TT4, and triiodothyronine-resine uptake were measured by an immunoassay method. Reference intervals were defined as 5th and 95th percentiles, using the bootstrap-based procedure. RESULTS: Mean values in the first, second, and third trimesters were 1.7±1.5, 1.9±1.8, and 1.9±1.8 mIU/L for TSH; 12.9±3, 14.4±3.1, and 13.6±3.3 µg/dL for TT4; and 12.8±3.5, 14.2±3.3, and 13.5±3.8 for FT4I, respectively. Reference intervals in the first, second, and third trimesters were as follows (respectively): TSH-0.2-3.9, 0.5-4.1, and 0.6-4.1 mIU/L; TT4-8.2-18.5, 10.1-20.6, and 9-19.4 µg/dL; and FT4I-8.5-19, 9.7-21, and 8.7-20.4. Serum TSH had no significant correlation with TT4. Serum TSH had a significant but weak correlation with FT4I only in the first trimester (r=-0.24, p=0.006). CONCLUSION: This study, for the first time, establishes the trimester-specific reference intervals for FT4I in a reference population of normal iodine-sufficient pregnant Iranian women.