Active targeted nanoparticles: Preparation, physicochemical characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity effect.

In this study, the folate decorated biodegradable poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles were developed for tumor targeting of anticancer agents. Due to the overexpression of the folate receptor on tumor surface, the folate has been efficiently employed as a targeting moiety for various anticancer agents to avoid their non-specific attacks on normal tissues and also to increase their cellular uptake within target cells. Folate conjugate PLGA was synthesized successfully and its chemical structure was evaluated by FTIR, DSC and (1)HNMR spectroscopy. PLGA-folate nanoparticles (PLGA-Fol NPs) were prepared by nanoprecipitation method, adopting PLGA as a drug carrier, folic acid as a targeting ligand and 9-nitrocampthotecin as a model anticancer drug. The average size and encapsulation efficiency of the prepared PLGA-Fol NPs were found to be around 115 ± 12 nm and 57%, respectively. In vitro release profile indicated that nearly 85% of the drug was released in 50 h. The in vitro intracellular uptakes of PLGA-Fol NPs showed greater cytotoxicity on cancer cell lines compared to non-folate mediated carriers.

Risk factors for spinal osteoporosis as compared with femoral osteoporosis in urban Iranian women.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to define and compare the risk factors of spinal and femoral osteoporosis in postmenopausal Iranian women. METHOD: It was a multicentre based study carried out in two stages during 2002 to 2005 among post menopausal women in Tehran. In first stage case group included 140 women with diagnosed spinal osteoporosis using DEXA method as definition of WHO and Controls were 167 women with normal spinal BMD. In second stage, among the same study population case groups were 72 women with total femoral neck osteoporosis. The controls included 191 women with normal femoral BMD.' Odds Ratio was used for estimation the association of risk factors with spinal and femoral osteoporosis. RESULTS: PLUS COMMON WELL KNOWN OSTEOPOROSIS RISK FACTORS, SIGNIFICANT RISK FACTORS FOR EACH REGION WITH THEIR ODDS RATIOS INCLUDED: Steroid use (2.4) and low activity (3.6) for femoral osteoporosis and parity>3 (2) and lactation duration > 2 yr (1.9) for spinal osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS: There are some common and different protective and risk factors for spinal and femoral osteoporosis in this population.

Association between Anthropometric Measures and Bone Mineral Density: Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a major public health concern around the world. It has been shown that bone mineral density is correlated to anthropometric measures like height and weight, but this association may vary depending on ethnic and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to identify probable relations between anthropometric measures and bone mineral density. METHODS: In this population-based study, we compiled the data collected from Iranian Multicenter Osteoporosis Study to assess the possible associations between different anthropometric indices and bone mineral density at femur and lumbar spine. The gathered data was analyzed using t-test and one way ANOVA. RESULTS: Data was available for 4445 subjects, consisting 1900 males (42.7%) and 2545 females (57.3%). We observed statistically significant correlations between bone mineral density and height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist to hip ratio and body mass index (BMI). Based on the result of linear regression modeling studies, BMI could be considered an independent predictor of bone mineral density. CONCLUSION: Iranian population shows similar measures compared to analogous studies in other populations. Lower weight should be carefully considered as a predisposing factor for bone loss and osteoporosis.

Post-derivatization procedure for determination of hippuric acid after extraction by an automated micro solid phase extraction system and monitoring by gas chromatography.

A rapid, simple and high sensitive method is described here for extraction of hippuric acid (HA) from human urine samples by using an automated micro solid phase extraction system (mu-SPE). However in order to increase sensitivity of gas chromatography with flame ionization detector, a post derivatization procedure was developed. In this work, a polypyrrole was synthesized by chemical oxidation of the pyrrole monomer in non-aqueous solution and applied as an excellent and efficient sorbent for mu-SPE. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 0.018-8.95microg mL(-1) for HA, in both water and urine samples with correlation coefficients 0.9973 and 0.9946, respectively; limits of detections were 12.1ngmL(-1) and 16.5ngmL(-1), respectively. This method was successfully used to analyze trace amounts of HA in human urine samples without any interference from coexisting substances.

Coronary heart disease and associated risk factors in Qazvin: a population-based study.

In a cross-sectional study in Qazvin, Islamic Republic of Iran, 846 residents (425 men and 421 women) aged > or = 25 years were assessed for coronary heart disease and its associated risk factors comparing ischaemic and non-ischaemic groups. The age-adjusted prevalence of possible myocardial infarction, ischaemic ECG changes and angina pectoris were 4.2%, 36.8% and 2.2% respectively. There was no difference in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index between ischaemic and non-ischaemic groups. There was a significant association between possible myocardial infarction and hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and smoking in women. There was also a significant association between ischaemic ECG changes and waist-hip ratio in women and between ischaemic ECG changes and hypertension in men.

Coronary heart disease and associated risk factors in Qazvin: a population-based study

In a cross-sectional study in Qazvin, Islamic Republic of Iran, 846 residents [425 men and 421 women] aged >/= 25 years were assessed for coronary heart disease and its associated risk factors comparing ischaemic and non-ischaemic groups. The age-adjusted prevalence of possible myocardial infarction, ischaemic ECG changes and angina pectoris were 4.2%, 36.8% and 2.2% respectively. There was no difference in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index between ischaemic and non-ischaemic groups. There was a significant association between possible myocardial infarction and hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and smoking in women. There was also a significant association between ischaemic ECG changes and waist'hip ratio in women and between ischaemic ECG changes and hypertension in men

The effect of Ramadan fasting on fasting serum glucose in healthy adults.

The effect of Ramadan fasting on fasting serum glucose (FPG) is still a matter of controversy. One hundred and fifteen healthy volunteers fasted for > or = 25 days during Ramadan. Blood samples were taken 1 week before Ramadan and on the 14th and 28th day of Ramadan. Serum glucose was determined by the glucose oxidase method. FPG decreased from 88.4 + 9.0 mg/dl to 62.9 +/- 7.7 mg/dl (p < 0.001). Men and women both experienced a significant drop in FPG. Calorie intake decreased in all groups (p < 0.001) and was positively correlated with decreasing FPG. FPG decreases with Ramadan fasting and has no serious adverse effect on fasting adults.