Relationship Between Clinical, Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors with Suicide Ideation; A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Suicide has grown in global prevalence as a public health problem. We aimed to evaluate the association of socioeconomic factors, biochemical and hematologic tests, and suicide ideation. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 8267 Iranian adults aged 35 - 65 years old were enrolled. The assessment of suicide ideation was made by the completion of Beck's depression inventory (BDI) questionnaire; according to one specific item on the questionnaire: "have you ever decided to suicide in the past week?" RESULTS: According to our results, 6.9 % of subjects had ideation of suicide. The results showed high levels of FBG, RBC, MCHC, and hs-CRP were associated with suicide ideation. Obese, single subjects, and current-smokers had a higher risk of suicide ideation. CONCLUSION: Increased physical activity, obesity, and smoking are associated with a high risk of suicide ideation; whilst, a high MCHC is related to a low risk of suicide ideation in Iranian adults.

The beneficial effect of combination therapy with sulfasalazine and valsartan in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is defined by the chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis is one of the most prevalent chronic IBDs. The increase in the mucosal expression of angiotensin II (AT-II) in colitis suggests a possible role of AT-II in colitis-associated inflammation. Here, we examined the potential therapeutic effects of combination therapy regarding valsartan (Val), as an AT-II receptor blocker, with sulfasalazine (SSZ) in a murine colitis model. DSS induced colitis was initiated by the administration of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in male C57BL/6 mice for 1 week. Val (160 mg/kg/day, gavage) was given on the third day and continued for seven days. SSZ (100 mg/kg/day) was used as reference drug and also used in combination in one group (Val; 160 mg/kg/day and/or SSZ; 100 mg/kg/day). Colonic mucosal inflammation was evaluated clinically, biochemically, and histologically. The disease activity index in DSS-treated mice, including weight loss, stool consistency, and rectal bleeding, were significantly lower in the group of mice receiving the combination of valsartan and sulfasalazine compared to the DSS-treated group. Valsartan and sulfasalazine treatment was associated with a lower reduction in colon length, diminished colon weight, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein level in mice with DSS-induced colitis. Valsartan and sulfasalazine also reduced markers of oxidative stress after DSS administration. Our findings demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities of a combination therapy with sulfasalazine and valsartan in experimentally induced colitis, indicating its value as a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of colitis.

Evaluation of ABO blood group in subjects with CVD risk factors in a population sample from northeastern Iran.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The ABO blood group system is a genetic polymorphism which can affect the clearance of von Willebrand factor. We aimed to assess the levels of newer biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk; pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and anti-heat-shock protein27 (anti-Hsp27) antibody titers in subjects with various blood groups (A, B, AB and O) and with or without traditional CVD risk factors. METHODS: The cross-sectional study comprised 6910 subjects. Antigen-antibody agglutination was evaluated by the slide test method for identification of ABO blood groups. RESULTS: Among three markers, only Serum anti-Hsp27 titers significantly differed between the four blood groups and showed the highest and lowest values in AB and O blood groups (0.26 ± 0.22 and 0.23 ± 0.18 OD, respectively; P < 0.05). Serum anti-Hsp27 was higher in individuals with an AB blood group with metabolic syndrome (MetS), dyslipidemia, hypertension (HTN) and obesity and it was lower in subjects with O blood group; though, two other biomarkers, serum PAB and hs-CRP, were not significantly different between the ABO blood groups. However, they were not different among blood groups in participants with or without diabetes mellitus (DM) (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Individuals with an AB blood group and high levels of anti-Hsp27 antibody titers may be predisposed to CVDs that can be mediated through the traditional CVD risk factors among middle-aged subjects from northeastern Iran. The fact that differences in anti Hsp27 are only found in the subgroup with other risk factors suggest that the difference between ABO blood groups is a consequence rather than a cause.

Decreased Threshold of Fasting Serum Glucose for Cardiovascular Events: MASHAD Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and specifically in Iran. Generally, diabetes mellitus is the result of impaired glucose tolerance which together with dyslipidemia are considered as important risk factors of CVD. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between fasting serum glucose (FSG), lipid profile and CVD endpoints, and to establish an optimal FSG cut-off in the MASHAD cohort study after nearly 6 years of follow-up. METHODS: All the participants of MASHAD study were followed up for 6 years to determine their cardiovascular status. FSG, fasting lipids, and physical examinations were all recorded. To identify the optimal cut- off point of FSG, we carried out receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: We determined MASHAD cutoff point of blood glucose as 90 mg/dl predicting the CVD outcome. The sensitivity and specificity of the FSG criterion were 54.34% and 71.68%, respectively. The AUC was 0.665 (95% CI 0.656-0.675, P< 0.0001). The adjusted hazard ratio show that FSG is associated with 2.34 increase in CVD risk using MASHAD cutoff point (HR 2.34, 95% 1.73-3.17, P< 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that not only FSG and lipid profile are related to CVD outcome in the MASHAD study, but also elevated fasting glucose levels is strongly associated with cardiovascular events in this population. Besides, the fasting glucose at a threshold of 90 mg/dl can be used for screening cardiovascular events among the Iranian population.

Association of body mass index with serum calcium and phosphate levels.

OBJECTIVE: It has been shown that several environmental and physiological factors can affect on the serum levels of calcium and phosphate. The objective of the present study was explored the relationship between serum calcium and phosphate levels with anthropometric and hematological markers. METHODS: 908 subjects were recruited from the Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerosis disorder (MASHHAD) program. Anthropometric parameters, liver/kidney function tests (e.g., Urea nitrogen, creatinine, urea and uric acid, creatinine, AST, ALT) were determined in all participants. Serum concentrations of calcium and phosphate were measured using Autoanalyzer BT3000P (Pars Azmoon kit, Tehran, Iran). SPSS software was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: We observed that obese subjects had a lower level of serum calcium (p˂0.05). Moreover, a relationship was detected between serum phosphate level and different menopausal status (p˂0.05). Serum calcium and phosphate did not change by increasing age in the population. Additionally, there was a correlation between lymphocyte count with serum phosphate level (p˂0.05). No statistically different were detected for the levels of calcium/phosphate with respect to smoking status, physical activity, lipid profile, liver and renal function markers. CONCLUSION: We found an association between serum calcium and BMI as well as with serum phosphate and menopausal status.

The Effect of Curcumin on Serum Copper and Zinc and Zn/Cu Ratio in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

Metabolic syndrome is a complex disorder with high socioeconomic costs and a high global prevalence. The serum concentrations of some trace elements are higher in people with metabolic syndrome compared to normal individuals. Curcumin is derived from turmeric and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin may therefore have a potential role in the management of cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and Zn/Cu ratio levels in patients with metabolic syndrome. A double-blind clinical trial was designed in which 120 individuals with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to one of three groups: curcumin 1gr/day, phospholipidated curcumin 1gr/day, or a placebo, each taken for 6 weeks. Serum copper and zinc were measured before and after intervention. At baseline, in addition to obtaining the anthropometric characteristics of participants, a fasting blood sample was taken from each participant, and the concentrations of serum Cu and Zn were measured by atomic absorption (Varian AA 240 FS model). Serum Zn concentrations rose significantly in the phospholipidated curcumin and curcumin groups, being significantly higher (p <.001) in the phospholipidated curcumin group than in the curcumin group (p <.05). Serum Zn concentration fell in the control group (p <.05). Changes in serum Zn level from baseline to the levels after six weeks' intervention were significantly different between the groups, but changes in serum Cu from between baseline until after intervention were not significantly different. The serum Zn/Cu level in phospholipidated curcumin and curcumin groups after intervention was higher than for the control group, but it was more significant in the group taking phospholipidated curcumin (p <.001). Curcumin and phospholipidated curcumin complex, given at a dose of 1 g per day for six weeks, were associated with an increase in serum zinc and consequently zinc-to-copper ratio.

The effects of curcumin and a modified curcumin formulation on serum Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein concentrations in patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) mediates the transfer of cholesteryl ester from HDL-C to LDL-C and VLDL-C. The aim of the present trial was to evaluate the effect of curcumin and its modified formulation on serum CETP concentrations in patients with metabolic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups of 40 subjects receiving either unmodified curcumin or its phospholipid complex or placebo. Lipid profile and plasma CETP were measured at the start and six weeks after initiation of the treatment. The normality of data distribution was assessed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Wilcoxon test was used for comparing the data before and after the intervention. The percent changes of CETP and biochemical factors among the three groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Serum CETP levels were not significantly altered among patients receiving curcumin. CONCLUSION: Curcumin and its complex had no significant effect on serum CETP concentrations.

High-dose vitamin D supplementation is associated with an improvement in several cardio-metabolic risk factors in adolescent girls: a nine-week follow-up study.

Background Vitamin D deficiency is a prevalent and important global health problem. Because of its role in growth and development, vitamin D status is likely to be particularly important in adolescent girls. Here, we explored the effects of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on cardio-metabolic risk factors. Methods We have examined the effects of vitamin D supplementation on cardio-metabolic risk factors in 988 healthy adolescent girls in Iran. Fasting blood samples and anthropometric measurements were obtained at baseline and after supplementation with high-dose vitamin D. All individuals took a capsule of 50,000 IU vitamin D/week for nine weeks. The study was completed by 940 participants. Results The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 90% at baseline, reducing to 16.3% after vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin supplementation was associated with a significant increase in serum concentrations of 25 (OH) vitamin D and calcium. There were significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference and serum fasting blood glucose, total- and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol after the nine-week period on vitamin D treatment, but no significant effects were observed on body mass index, systolic blood pressure or serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride. Conclusion Vitamin D supplementation had beneficial effects on cardio-metabolic profile in adolescent girls.

Nutrients intake, and serum calcium and phosphorus levels: An evidence-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Dietary calcium and phosphorus appear to be important determinants of dyslipidemia and hypertension. We have investigated (1) the prevalence of hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia in an Iranian population, and (2) the association between nutrient's intake and serum levels of calcium and phosphorus. METHODS: A total of 908 individuals were enrolled using a stratified-cluster sampling method from the Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerosis disorder (MASHHAD) study. Dietplan6 software was used for 24-hour recalls and food frequency questionnaire to investigate macro- and micronutrient intakes of our population, followed by univariate analysis for evaluation of the association of dairy consumption with serum calcium and phosphorus. RESULTS: We observed that the mean dietary Ca intake was 862.4 mg/d (672.7-1052) for men and 864.2 mg/d (604.5-1123) for women in our population, which is lower than the dietary reference intake for Ca. Moreover, a significant relationship was detected between serum calcium level and dietary intakes of saturated fatty acids, copper, iodine, sucrose, potato, and juices. Of note, we observed a negative association between copper intake, and serum Ca (P˂.01). Also, a significant association was found between serum phosphorus levels and dietary intakes of chicken meat and fresh fruits. Interestingly, we observed an inverse relationship between tea and Ca/P ratio (eg, -r=.098; P=.02). CONCLUSION: We found that the dietary intake of Ca was not sufficient in our population and was associated with the dietary intake of some macro- and micronutrient, supporting further investigation on clinical impact of this condition on calcium/phosphorus deficiency related diseases.

Effect of crocin, a carotenoid from saffron, on plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein and lipid profile in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A double blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is defined by insulin resistance and a clustering of other cardiovascular risk factors. Crocin is a carotenoid derived from the stigmas of the saffron flower and had previously been shown to affect lipid profile. However, the mechanism for this function is not well understood. The present trial aimed to investigate the possible effect of crocin on plasma levels of cholesteryl ester transfer protein and lipid profile in individuals with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial consisting of an 8-week treatment with crocin, or placebo tablets between April and June 2014, in the Nutrition Clinic of Ghaem Teaching Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to take a 30 mg/day crocin (n = 22) in the intervention group or placebo (n = 22) in the control group. Anthropometric, hematological and biochemical parameters were measured and recorded during pre and post-treatment periods. RESULTS: Whilst plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein was increased in the group taking the crocin tablet by 27.81% during the trial period (P = 0.013), the difference between the crocin and placebo groups was not significant (P = 0.116). Moreover, the percent changes in cholesterol (P = 0.702), triglyceride (P = 0.080), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = 0.986), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = 0.687) and fasting blood glucose (P = 0.614) did not differ significantly between intervention and control groups. CONCLUSION: Although crocin supplements increased the serum cholesteryl ester transfer protein in patients with metabolic syndrome, this change was not significant between treatment and placebo groups.