Association of social jetlag with gestational diabetes: Qazvin Maternal and Neonatal Metabolic Study.

The association of social jetlag (SJL), as a quantitative measure of circadian misalignment, with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome has been reported. The present study was designed to investigate the association of SJL with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Pregnant women with gestational age ≤14 weeks were enrolled in this longitudinal study. The participants with pre-GDM, shift workers and those who used alarms for waking up on free days were excluded from the study. SJL as well as behavioral and psychological parameters were evaluated at enrollment. The participants were categorized based on each 1-h increment of SJL. The association of SJL with the occurrence of GDM in the late second trimester was evaluated using univariate and multivariate methods. In total, 821 pregnant women entered the study, and after omitting individuals with excluding criteria, analyses were performed on 557 participants. The frequencies of SJL < 1 h,1 ≤ SJL < 2 h and SJL ≥ 2 h were 44.7%, 37.2% and 18.1%, respectively. Average sleep duration was higher in SJL < 1 h compared with the two other groups (p < 0.001). During follow-up, 90 (16.1%) women with GDM were identified. SJL ≥ 2 h was associated with a 4.4-5.6 times higher risk of GDM in different models of adjustment (p < 0.05). Pregnant women with high SJL are at a higher risk of GDM. Further studies for evaluating the mechanisms by which SJL affects GDM are warranted.

ABO and Rh blood groups in patients with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are autoimmune diseases in which the antigen-antibody system plays an important role. As blood group and Rh are determined by the presence or absence of antigens on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs), we aimed to determine the distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups in SLE and RA patients and its association with disease manifestations. METHODS: This short communication is based on a study that was conducted on 434 SLE and 828 RA patients. We evaluated the distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups in RA and SLE patients. RESULTS: This study projected that in lupus patients, Coombs-positive autoimmune hemolytic anemia and arthritis were more common among the B blood type and Rh-positive group, respectively. Furthermore, there was no relation between ABO and Rh blood group and rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (anti-CCP) seropositivity. Moreover, there was no difference in distribution of blood groups in RA and SLE patients. CONCLUSION: The higher frequency of blood group B in hemolytic anemia, and positive Rh in arthritis in lupus patients, develop the hypothesis of probable role of ABO blood group antigen in some manifestations of lupus.

Comparative study of combination therapy with non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and different doses of low level laser therapy in acute low back pain.

According to various side effects of medication in low back pain, respecting conservative therapy, owing to the widespread use of laser therapy in recent decades, related therapeutic outcomes were different and contradictory. The current study aimed at comparing the effect of non-steroidal drugs and laser therapy with different doses in patients with acute low back pain. METHODS: The current randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 65 patients randomly assigned to four groups. In group 1(N = 20), only drug therapy and in group 2(N = 15), laser therapy (3 J/cm 2) in addition to medication was administrated to the patients. For group 3(N = 15), a therapeutic plan similar to that of group 2 was given; however, the laser dose was 6 J/cm 2. Finally, drug therapy plus placebo laser therapy was applied to group 4(N = 15). Pain was compared among the groups using visual analogue scale and Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire. RESULTS: Significant difference between baseline pain scores and those of the weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of laser therapy in all intervention groups. Also, the results of the intergroup analyses showed a significant difference between group 1 compared with groups 2 and 3. There was a significant ODI difference between the groups after laser therapy. CONCLUSION: Findings showed that laser therapy plus drug therapy in comparison with drug therapy alone was a more effective method to relieve pain and disability in patient with acute low back pain; however, evidence to support this finding is still inadequate.

Correlations and Influence of TAP2 Genes Polymorphisms and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Propensity.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to evaluate the association of transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP2) polymorphisms TAP2-379Ile > Val (rs1800454), TAP2-665Thr > Ala (rs241447) and TAP2-565Ala > Thr (rs2228396) as a candidate gene with susceptibility to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: To analyze these three polymorphic variants, 88 patients with SLE and 100 healthy controls from northeastern Iran were enrolled from May 2018 to July 2019. Genomic DNA polymorphisms were performed by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) technique. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. RESULTS: In this cross-sectional study, there was a stratification between patients and controls. The distribution of the frequency of Ala73 (41.5%) allele at TAP2/665 and Ile 19 (10.8%) allele at TAP2/379 was higher in patients. Additionally, the Ala/Ala 13(14.8%) and Ala/Thr 49(55.7%) genotypes distributions at 665 positions were higher in SLE patients compared to the controls. Furthermore, frequencies of TAP2*H allele significantly increased in SLE patients 10(5.71%) (P=0.01). Frequency of TAP2*A allele in the control group was 120(60%) (p=0.06) due to the dominant genetic model. This allele has a protective effect against SLE. There was no relationship between TAP2*D, TAP2*E, TAP2*F and TAP2*G alleles with the outbreak of SLE. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that genetic variants in TAP2 gene may be associated with SLE disease. A correlation between Ala allele at TAP2/665 and Ile allele at TAP2/379 polymorphisms and pathogenesis of SLE was observed.

A theory-based intervention to promote medication adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Adherence to prescribed medication regimens is fundamental to the improvement and maintenance of the health of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It is therefore important that interventions are developed to address this important health behavior issue. The aim of the present study was to design and evaluate a theory-based intervention to improve the medication adherence (primary outcome) among rheumatoid arthritis patients. METHODS: The study adopted a pre-registered randomized controlled trial design. Rheumatoid arthritis patients were recruited from two University teaching hospitals in Qazvin, Iran from June 2018 to May 2019 and randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 100) or a treatment-as-usual group (n = 100). The intervention group received a theory-based intervention designed based on the theoretical underpinnings of the health action process approach (HAPA). More specifically, action planning (making detailed plans to follow medication regimen), coping planning (constructing plans to overcome potential obstacles that may arise in medication adherence), and self-monitoring (using a calendar to record medication adherence) of the HAPA has been used for the treatment. The treatment-as-usual group received standard care. RESULTS: Data analysis was conducted based on the principle of intention to treat. Using a linear mixed-effects model (adjusted for age, sex, medication prescribed, and body mass index), the results showed improved medication adherence scores in the intervention group (loss to follow-up = 16) compared to the treatment-as-usual group (loss to follow-up = 12) at the 3-month (coefficient = 3.9; SE = 0.8) and 6-month (coefficient = 4.5; SE = 0.8) follow-up. Intervention effects on medication adherence scores were found to be mediated by some of the theory-based HAPA variables that guided the study. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study support the use of a theory-based intervention for improving medication adherence among rheumatoid arthritis patients, a group at-risk of not adhering to medication regimens. TRIAL REGISTRATION (IN IRANIAN REGISTRY OF CLINICAL TRIALS): irct.ir, IRCT20180108038271N1 Key Points • Theoretical underpinnings of the health action process approach are useful to improve medication adherence for RA patients.

Relationship Between Polymorphisms of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1Ra) Genes and Susceptibility to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Iranian Population.

OBJECTIVES: Interleukin (IL)-1 has a major role in cell destruction and inflammation. IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN or IL-1Ra) is a natural anti-inflammatory molecule that blocks IL-1. We intended to determine whether IL-1RN or IL-1Ra variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a series of patients in the Northeastern part of Iran. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood of 104 SLE patients and 209 subjects without SLE as a control group. The control group was matched for age and gender with SLE patients. Then, genomic DNA was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for a length polymorphism in intron 2 of the IL-1RN gene. RESULTS: Of five alleles, only allele 4 of IL-1RN had a higher frequency in healthy subjects (2.4%) compared to SLE patients (0), with a statistically significant difference (P= 0.03). Eleven kinds of polymorphisms of IL-1RN were found including 1/1, 1/2, 2/2, 3/3, 1/3, 3/5, 2/3, 2/5, 1/5, 4/4 and 1/4 in both groups. In genotype frequency, there was no statistically significant difference regarding gene polymorphism kinds between the two groups (P= 0.29). CONCLUSION: Alleles 4 of IL-1RN may have a protective role against SLE susceptibility. However, SLE was not associated with any of the 11 kinds of genotype IL1-RN gene polymorphisms studied here.

Comparison of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and knee kinesio taping in early osteoarthritis pain: A randomized controlled trial.

NSAID in knee OA impose many related adverse effects. Kinesio taping was recently suggested as a novel conservative treatment for reducing pain in OA, without adverse effects. This study aimed to compare kinesio taping and NSAID therapy for kn.ee OA. There were 37 participants in the first group (mean age, 53.72 ±â€¯8.91 years), 29 participants in the second group (mean age, 50.24 ±â€¯8.63 years), and 18 participants in the third group (mean age, 53.33 ±â€¯8.50 years). These groups were treated with NSAID therapy and kinesio taping, kinesio taping only, and sham taping with NSAID therapy, respectively. Taping was repeated three times a week at 1-day intervals. Participants reported pain each week, using visual analog scale scores. The main effect of group and the pain-group interaction were not statistically significant (P = 0.88 and 0.15, respectively). Pain reduction in different weeks was statistically significant (P < .001). Cohen's effect size values for pain reduction in the first to third groups were 0.70, 0.55, and 0.48, respectively. Pain reduction was observed in the three groups, but there was no significant difference among the various treatments. Kinesio taping as a pain relief method may reduce pharmacotherapy demands or at least delay NSAID prescriptions in patients with early OA.

Effect of curcumin nanomicelle on the clinical symptoms of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

AIM: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease. In recent years, new drugs with novel targets have been developed to increase the efficacy of drugs in the treatment of RA. Curcumin has shown potent anti-inflammatory effects and is considered an anti-tumor necrosis factor. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of curcumin nanomicelle on the clinical symptoms of patients with RA. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial selected 65 eligible RA patients and randomly divided them into a curcumin nanomicelle group (n = 30) and a placebo group (n = 35). Curcumin nanomicelle (40 mg) and placebo capsules were administrated to the RA patients 3 times a day for 12 weeks. The Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS-28) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. RESULTS: The DAS-28, tender joint count (TJC) and swollen joint count (SJC) at baseline and the end of the study were not significant between the curcumin nanomicelle and placebo groups. After the intervention, the within-group DAS-28, TJC and SJC in the curcumin nanomicelle and placebo groups reduced significantly compared to the baseline. The difference in changes between the two groups was not significant. Nonetheless, this change was greater in the case group than in the placebo group. No significant changes were observed in terms of ESR between the two groups of RA patients. CONCLUSION: Adding curcumin nanomicelle to the RA patients' medication led to some positive changes in the DAS-28, IJC and SJC, although not significantly.

Relationship between metabolic syndrome and its components with bone densitometry in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of osteoporosis and bone fracture and the relationship between metabolic syndrome and bone density are controversial issues. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome and its components with bone mineral density in post menopausal women referred for bone mineral density (BMD) test. METHODS: A total of 143 postmenopausal women with at least one year of menopause experience participated in this cross-sectional study. Demographic and anthropometric characteristics for all participants were collected. Also, biochemical parameters including fasting blood sugar, Cholesterol (HDL and LDL), triglyceride were measured. Association between the components of metabolic syndrome and bone densitometry were analyzed by statistical methods. RESULTS: In this study, 72% of participants did not have metabolic syndrome. Among them, 43.4% and 28.7% had osteoporosis and normal density, respectively. Of remaining participants with metabolic syndrome, 12.6% and 15.4% had osteoporosis and normal density, respectively. Among the metabolic syndrome components, waist circumference, HDL cholesterol, and waist to hip ratio were significantly associated with bone mass (P<0.05). Osteoporotic women had lower waist circumference and waist to hip ratio and higher HDL than women without osteoporosis. On the other hand, women with metabolic syndrome did not have significant differences than women without metabolic syndrome in terms of lumbar and femoral neck density (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Results from this study showed that metabolic syndrome and its components did not induce bone mass loss. The discrepancies of the studies in this area call for more large scale studies in population so as to prevent women problems in this area.

Prevalence of Osteoporosis and Its Risk Factors in Men with COPD in Qazvin.

Introduction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Proper diagnosis of osteoporosis as a systemic adverse effect of COPD is of significant importance. The present study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of osteoporosis and its risk factors in men suffering from COPD in Qazvin (2014). Methods. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 90 patients with COPD using random sampling. Anthropometric data and results from physical examination were collected. Pulmonary function test and bone mineral densitometry were done for all participants as well. Results. The prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in COPD patients was 31.5 and 52.8 percent, respectively. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck was associated significantly with body mass index (BMI), increased severity of COPD, and use of oral corticosteroid (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The results showed that patients' BMI and severity of COPD are two valuable risk factors for osteoporosis screening in COPD patients.

Cost-Effectiveness of Zoledronic Acid to Prevent and Treat Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in Comparison with Routine Medical Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures caused by osteoporosis are prevalent among elderly females, which reduce quality of life significantly. This study aimed at comparing cost-effectiveness of Zoledronic acid in preventing and treating post-menopause osteoporosis as compared with routine medical treatment. METHODS: This cost-effectiveness study was carried out retrospectively from the Ministry of Health and insurance organizations perspective. Costs were evaluated based on the cost estimation of a sample of patients. Outcomes were obtained from a systematic review. The Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (CER) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for outcome of femoral neck Bone Mineral Density (BMD), hip trochanter BMD, total hip BMD and lumbar spine BMD and cost-benefit of consuming Zoledronic Acid were calculated for fracture outcome obtained from reviewing hospital records. RESULTS: The results and the ICER calculated for study outcomes indicated that one percent increase of BMD on femoral neck BMD requires further cost of $386. One percent increase of BMD on hip trochanter BMD requires further cost of $264. One percent increase of BMD on total hip BMD requires further cost of $388, one percent increase of BMD on lumbar spine BMD requires further cost of $347. The Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) calculated for vertebral and hip fracture, non-vertebral fracture, any clinical fracture, and morphometric fracture for a 36-month period were about 0.82, 0.57, and 1.06, respectively. Vertebral and hip fractures, and non-vertebral fractures or any clinical fracture for a 12-month period were calculated as 1.14 and 0.64, respectively. In other words, Zoledronic acid consumption approach is a cheaper and better approach based on an economic assessment, and it can be considered as a dominant approach. CONCLUSION: According to the cost-effectiveness of zoledronic acid in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women, despite the costs, it is recommended that insurance coverage for the drug should be considered in the period after menopause and the benefits of this drug. This can reduce the costs imposed on the patients and also it can reduce the economic burden on the community, particularly as a result of the fracture.

Comparison of the efficacy of nebulized budesonide and intravenous dexamethasone administration before extubation in prevention of post-extubation complications among patients admitted in intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Narrowing of the airway caused by tracheolaryngeal edema is one of the most common complications of endotracheal intubation particularly among patients requiring mechanical ventilation longer than 36 h that can cause other complications and increase mortality rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of nebulized budesonide in comparison with intravenous (IV) dexamethasone administration before extubation in prevention of post-extubation complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blind clinical trial was carried out at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care center (Alzahra Hospital in Isfahan). The study's population was comprised of 90 patients who had been admitted in the ICU and required intubation at least for 48 h. All patients were between 18 and 65 years of age. Having randomly divided the patients into two equal groups, the first group received nebulized budesonide while the second group was treated by IV dexamethasone 1 h before extubation. The treatment continued up to 48 h after extubation. The collected data from both groups was then subjected to statistical analyses to come to results. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups; hence, both drugs were found to be effective in prophylaxis of the complications due to tracheal extubation. According to the findings of the current study, since nebulized budesonide has no systemic complications of IV corticosteroid, it can be used as the first choice in reducing the complications attributed to extubation. CONCLUSION: Considering the very low systemic absorption of nebulized budesonide; however, we recommend it for prevention of post-extubation complications instead of IV dexamethasone.

Prevalence of Sleep Disorders and Their Impacts on Occupational Performance: A Comparison between Shift Workers and Nonshift Workers.

The consequences of sleep deprivation and sleepiness have been noted as the most important health problem in our modern society among shift workers. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sleep disorders and their possible effects on work performance in two groups of Iranian shift workers and nonshift workers. This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. The data were collected by PSQI, Berlin questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, and RLS Questionnaire. Occupational impact of different sleep disorders was detected by Occupational Impact of Sleep Disorder questionnaire. These questionnaires were filled in by 210 shift workers and 204 nonshift workers. There was no significant difference in the age, BMI, marital status, and years of employment in the two groups. Shift workers scored significantly higher in the OISD. The prevalence of insomnia, poor sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness was significantly higher in shift workers. Correlations between OISD scores and insomnia, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness were significant. We concluded that sleep disorders should receive more attention as a robust indicator of work limitation.

Relationship between bone mineral density and maturity index in cervical smears, serum estradiol levels and body mass index.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease with a consequent increased risk of fracture, decreased quality of life and economic burdens for both the patients and health care system. While Dual energy X-Ray absorptiometry remains the gold standard for assessment of bone mineral density, it cannot be requested for all patients for obvious reasons. By determining other variables that may correlate with osteoporosis, we can identify individuals who may be at risk for osteoporosis earlier. Then, they can be treated at the earlier stages of the disease. In the present study, relationships between bone mineral density, maturity index in cervical smear, serum estradiol level and body mass index were examined. MATERIALS & METHODS: The present study performed on 128 women, who had been referred for bone mineral densitometry. Blood samples were obtained for determination of serum estradiol level. Cervical smear was taken for assessment of cell's maturity. Cervical smears were examined by a pathologist and were sorted as atrophic or mature. Body mass index was calculated too. Relationships among Body mass index, serum estradiol level, and maturity index and bone mineral densitometry were analyzed using proper statistical tests. RESULTS: Maturity index had significant relationship with T Score in the spine and femoral neck (P<0.001). Significant relationships were found between serum estradiol level and femoral neck T Score (P<0.004) and spine T Score (P<0.008). Also a significant relationship was found between body mass index and bone mineral density. CONCLUSION: Pap smear is a routine examination which is performed mainly for screening purposes in gynecology. It is non-invasive, simple and low-priced. Results of current study suggest that women with atrophic cervical smear should be examined more rigorously for osteoporosis. If any patient has atrophic maturity index in her cervical smear, she will be at much higher risk of osteoporosis.

Hearing loss in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVES: Systemic lupus erythematosus has its unique complications which warrant careful examination and assessment during follow/up visits of patients. The present study was conducted to evaluate prevalence of hearing loss in patients with SLE. MATERIALS & METHODS: At present a case- control study has been performed on 45 patients with SLE in a clinic of a teaching university hospital, Qazvin city, Iran. The patients were examined and evaluated for auditory and hearing problems as well as parameters related to their disease severity and progression. The control group was selected from the same clinic. RESULTS: Five patients (11.1%) complained from hearing loss, 4 patients s (8.9%) complained from otorrhea, 3 patients (6.7%) had tinnitus in research group, moreover twelve patients (26.7%) in case group and 4 patients (8.9%) in control group had sensorineural hearing loss. The difference was found to be statistically significant. No statistical significant relationship was found between severity, age of onset, and duration of the disease, and the lab tests of the patients with hearing loss. CONCLUSION: The present study implies that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus may develop sensorineural hearing loss during their course of the disease. It is recommended that audiology examination and/or audiometry become a part of routine follow/up studies of the patients.

Engineering of the embryonic and adult stem cell niches.

CONTEXT: Stem cells have the potential to generate a renewable source of cells for regenerative medicine due to their ability to self-renew and differentiate to various functional cell types of the adult organism. The extracellular microenvironment plays a pivotal role in controlling stem cell fate responses. Therefore, identification of appropriate environmental stimuli that supports cellular proliferation and lineage-specific differentiation is critical for the clinical application of the stem cell therapies. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Traditional methods for stem cells culture offer limited manipulation and control of the extracellular microenvironment. Micro engineering approaches are emerging as powerful tools to control stem cell-microenvironment interactions and for performing high-throughput stem cell experiments. RESULTS: In this review, we provided an overview of the application of technologies such as surface micropatterning, microfluidics, and engineered biomaterials for directing stem cell behavior and determining the molecular cues that regulate cell fate decisions. CONCLUSIONS: Stem cells have enormous potential for therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications, because they can give rise to various cell types. Despite their therapeutic potential, many challenges, including the lack of control of the stem cell microenvironment remain. Thus, a greater understanding of stem cell biology that can be used to expand and differentiate embryonic and adult stem cells in a directed manner offers great potential for tissue repair and regenerative medicine.

Is vitamin D deficiency associated with non specific musculoskeletal pain?

BACKGROUNDS: Vitamin D deficiency is common worldwide, including Iran. It has been suggested that vitamin D deficiency is associated with non-specific musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study is evaluation of the association of musculoskeletal pain with vitamin D deficiency and the response of the patients to vitamin D supplementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty two adult patients with chief complaint of musculoskeletal pain were enrolled in the study. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D, Calcium, Phosphate, Alkaline Phosphatase and PTH were determined. If there was vitamin D deficiency, oral vitamin D supplementation was given. Assessment of pain and its response to therapy was carried out using Visual assessment score (VAS). SPSS software version 15.0 was used for statistical analyses. FINDINGS: Most of the patients (95.4%) had vitamin D deficiency. Pain in 53 patients (85.5%) with responded to the proposed treatment. In responder group post treatment vitamin D concentration was significantly higher than non responder group (60.6±27.6and 39.2±9.6 nmol/l respectively, p<0.01) pretreatment vitamin D and minerals concentrations and pain characteristics did not have significant differences in responder and non responder group. CONCLUSION: Treatment with vitamin D can relieve the pain in majority of the patients with vitamin D deficiency. Lack of response can be due to insufficient increase in serum vitamin D concentration. Reassessment of serum 25(OH)D concentration is recommended in nonresponsive patients.

Small airways involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: One of the common causes of morbidity in patients with RA is pulmonary involvement. Some studies have shown that the possible abnormal results of pulmonary function tests in rheumatoid disease are higher than usual. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of spirometric abnormalities in patients with RA. MATERIALS & METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 99 patients with RA who referred to a rheumatology clinic in Qazvin, northwest Iran. Sixty five age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited as well. History taking, physical examination, laboratory tests and spirometry were performed for the participants. RA severity was assessed according to Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28). The data were processed using SPSS software version 16. Chi square and student's t test and multiple logistic regressions were used as appropriated. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 46 (±10.5) years. The mean (±SD) duration of disease was 4.8 (±5.4) years, and the mean (±SD) DAS28 was 2.5 (±1.1). Dyspnea was the most common respiratory complaint (6.1%). Three (3%) patients had mild restrictive, 2 (2%) patients mild obstructive, and one (1%) patient moderate obstructive diseases. In the control group, only one participant had mild restrictive pulmonary disease (P<0.05). A significant decrease of FEF25 [OR=3.2; 95%CI (1.9-4.5)], FEF50 [OR=2.5; 95% CI (1.7-3.1)], FEF75 [OR=2.3; 95% CI (1.4-2.7)] and FEF25-75 [OR=2.7; 95% CI (1.7-3.5)] was observed in patients compared with the control group. We found no correlation between the patients' age, duration and severity of the disease, and laboratory tests with spirometric indices. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that patients with RA be visited on a regular basis and PFT be done for them for the early diagnosis of pulmonary involvement.

Lack of association of vitamin D receptor gene BsmI polymorphisms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Several data link vitamin D to many autoimmune diseases. Association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene BsmI polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus has been reported. In this study, we examine whether the VDR gene BsmI polymorphisms are markers for susceptibility to or severity of SLE. This study incorporated 60 patients with SLE living in northeastern Iran. Three genotypes, BB, Bb and bb, were detected based on polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP). The distribution of VDR genotyping in patients with SLE was 23.3% for BB, 60% for Bb and 16.7% for bb and in the control group was 33.3% for BB, 46.7% for Bb and 20% for bb (P = 0.334). No association of VDR gene BsmI polymorphisms with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), SLE damage score and major organ involvement was detected. The result of this study did not show any association between VDR gene BsmI polymorphisms and SLE.

Correlation between serum levels of soluble Fas (CD95/Apo-1) with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus patients in Khorasan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Soluble Fas (sFas) is a marker of apoptosis that appears to increase in the serum of systemic lupus erythematosus patients and may have a correlation with disease activity. The exact role of sFas in apoptosis is not clear. The purpose of this study is to assess the correlation between serum levels of soluble Fas (Apo/1-CD95) and the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus. METHODS: Our study was performed on 114 systemic lupus erythematosus patients who were compared with 50 randomly selected sex, age and race-matched healthy controls. Disease activity was defined according to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2K). All physical exams and laboratory parameters were collected to determine the SLEDAI. sFas levels were determined using a commercially available ELISA kit. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between serum levels of sFas in the case and control groups (P=0.001). A significant correlation coefficient existed between the sFas and SLEDAI2K variables (P=0.001, r=0.494). Significant statistical difference was found between serum levels of sFas in the active and inactive phases of disease according to SLEDAI< or =9 or > or =10, (P=0.002). The sFas levels were 270 - 300 pg/mL for SLEDAI< or =9 and 355-502 pg/mL for SLEDAI> or =10, with a confidence interval of 95 percent. CONCLUSION: This study shows a significant elevation of sFas levels in the sera of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with active disease; therefore it can be used as an appropriate marker for evaluation of disease activity.