Medical Sciences Journal of Islamic Azad University,Tehran Medical Branch
Year:2019 | Volume:28 | Issue:4 |Papers Count:13

Background: Cancer is one of the most complex diseases which involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Nutrition is one of the environmental factors which can prevent cancer and other diseases or result them. Each of the dietary components uses the mechanism to inhibit the growth of tumor cells or interacts with other molecules in cell signaling pathways. In this review article, in particular the topics of "nutritional genomics" and "nutritional genetics" have been raised. "Nutritional genomics" studies the effect of nutrition on the expression of the gene and consequently on proteomics and metabolomics. "Nutritional genetics" investigates the effect of gene variants in response to foods in humans so that the gene variants in humans can change their response to foods. Also, food components can cause epigenetic changes and consequently, alter the gene expression. It has been shown that nutrition also affects the length of the telomere of the chromosomes.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate effect of ubiquinone on MCL1 gene expression in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells following transient global ischemia/reperfusion in male Wistar rat. Materials and methods: In this study, we randomly selected 24 Wistar rats under 250-300 g weights that divided into 4 groups including group of observance (maintenance in the laboratory standard condition), ischemia to close the carotid artery and ischemia for 20 minutes, experiment to obtain CoQ10 dose and again obtain CoQ10 coenzyme, and group of control to obtain CoQ10 coenzyme solvent and ischemia again to obtain CoQ10 coenzyme solvent. CoQ10 coenzyme was injected via intraperitoneal (IP) method. The separated hippocampus from the brain was studied by expressing the changes of MCL1 gene. Results: The expression of MCL1 anti-apoptic gene in observance group has been decreased compared to experiment group. There were not significant differences in the expression of MCL1 gene in the ischemia group towards control group. The expression of MCL1 gene have no significant differences in the coenzyme of control group towards observance group. Conclusion: According to the results, CoQ10 can create the protective effects in the severity of lesions of hippocampus after ischemia and also increases the rate of the expression gene.

Background: Endometriosis is an estrogen dependent disease that causes endometriosis associated chronic pelvic pain (EACCP) in women with endometriosis via severe inflammatory reactions. Melatonin, as an antioxidant analgesic agent, seems to play a significant role in pain relief in endometriosis. This research was performed to investigate the efficacy of Melatonin on pelvic pain relief in women with endometriosis. Materials and methods: In this randomized triple-blind trial, 40 women with EACCP score≥ 7 participated in the study. The participants were randomized into melatonin and control groups. Melatonin group (n=20) received 5 mg melatonin for 8weeks. Control group (n=20) received placebo with the same characteristics as melatonin for the same duration. Pain score was recorded before treatment, and at the end of both the first and the second 4-week periods. Data were analyzed with SPSS. ver22. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in dysmenorrhea pain score between control and treatment groups, at the beginning of study; while after 8weeks, pain score were significant different between control (5. 86± 0. 99) and treatment groups (3. 95± 1. 57). There was no statistically significant difference in EACCP score, at the beginning, between control and treatment groups. After 8weeks, pain score was significantly higher in control group (5. 57± 1. 02) compared to treatment group (3. 57± 1. 60). Moreover, highly significant reduction in analgesic agents’ consumption was observed in treatment group compared to control group. Conclusion: Regarding results, it is concluded that melatonin in comparison with placebo, considerably alleviates EACCP and dysmenorrhea, and reduces analgesic agents’ consumption.

Background: Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in the world and it is the second reason of death between women following the lung cancer. The aim of this study was quantitative evaluation of BRIP1 and PALB2 genes expression level in blood samples of breast cancer comparing with normal people to investigate the role of these two genes as biomarkers during breast cancer diagnosis and screening. Materials and methods: In this case-control study, we investigated the expression level of BRIP1 and PALB2 genes among 50 breast cancer patients in comparison with 50 control cases. Total RNA from blood samples were extracted and cDNA was synthesized. The specific primer for detection of gene markers was designed and expression level of BRIP1 and PALB2 in presence of GAPDH control gene was quantitatively studied by using qRT-PCR. Results: The level of BRIP1 andPALB2 gene expression was significantly increased in breast cancer patients compared to control population. Results showed quantitative increase of BRIP1 and PALB2 genes with 3. 419 and 7. 326 fold respectively for breast cancer compared to normal samples (P=0. 001). Also, the results were evaluated using the formulas 2-Δ Δ Ct according to the mean Ct of healthy subjects and grading of the disease showed a significant relationship with the expression of genes, so that by increasing staging and severity of cancer, the expression of biomarkers increased (p=0. 003). Conclusion: Based on significant increasing expression of PALB2 and BRIP1 genes in breast cancer patients in our study, probably increasing expression of these genes will inhibit the activity of tumor suppressor genes. So, we can introduce these genes as biomarker of breast cancer in the diagnostic work up of disease.

Background: Malachite green exhibiting anti-fungal properties has been used illegally in aquaculture. Due to its teratogenicity, it is necessary to monitor that malachite green is not used in fish farming. The aim of the present study was to measure probable levels of the remaining malachite green in rainbow trout fish in Tehran by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Materials and methods: The present study was conducted on 42 rainbow trout species with an average weight of 850-1000 g purchased from different parts of Tehran during summer 2017. Fish fillet samples were kept at-20° C until analysis. After extraction, the resulting mixture contained leucomalachite green was then oxidized to malachite green and analyzed by HPLC method. Results: Out of 42 samples, 3 (7. 1%) contaminated cases were reported in the concentration range of 78-89 ppb. Conclusion: According to our results and other studies, malachite green is used not only in Iran but also in many countries illegally. However, by comparing the results from previous studies, it seems that its consumption in Iran’ s fishing industry has been declining. Therefore, it is recommended to use alternative materials as fungicides and promote monitoring of its use in the aquaculture industry by inspection authorities.

Background: Heart failure affects the patients’ quality of life more than other chronic diseases. Drugs and non-pharmacological treatments can be used to improve the patients’ quality of life. One of the most common non-pharmacological treatments is progressive muscle relaxation and in this study, its effect on quality of life in patients with heart failure was studied. Materials and methods: In this clinical trial, 70 patients were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups and completed demographic questionnaires and MLHFQ. After 5 sessions of progressive muscle relaxation training in the experimental group and one month follow up, the questionnaires were completed again. Chi-square, independent and paired t-test were used for data analysis in SPSSver24. Results: Mean score of quality of life before the intervention was 49. 4 in the control and 54. 68 in the test group, which was not significantly different. After intervention, mean score of quality of life reached to 52. 57 in the control and 47. 25 in the test group. Significant decrease in the score of quality of life in the test group after intervention, compared to pre-intervention, showed improvement in quality of life and the useful effect of intervention on improving patients’ quality of life. Conclusion: Progressive muscle relaxation caused a significant improvement in quality of life than the control group (loss of quality of life). Therefore, it can be concluded that progressive muscle relaxation is effective in improving the quality of life among patients with heart failure.

Background: Exercise is a factor that influences hormonal system. Therefore, the impact of one session concurrent severe resistance-endurance training with different orders was studied on serum cortisol, testosterone, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in female athletes. Materials and methods: In this quasi-experimental study, from 20 volunteer healthy female body-builders of the city of Rash (mean age of 26. 60± 3. 50 years and weight of 57. 40± 5. 21 kg) 10 individuals were sampled purposively. The resistance training was carried out at 75– 85% of 1 repetition maximum immediately followed by endurance training for 30 minutes using ergometer with 75-85% of maximum heart rate at one session. The blood sample was taken six times including before the training, immediately after resistance training, and after endurance training. Data were analyzed by analysis of Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. p<0. 05 was set as significant level. Results: There were no significant differences in six levels of exercise in cortisol (p=0. 13), testosterone (p=0. 09), insulin (p=0. 11), and IGF-1 (p=0. 13). Conclusion: It seems that order of intense resistance and endurance exercises does not affect the response of cortisol, testosterone, insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) to athlete's women. Therefore, one session exercise training with the desired intensity is not an effective strategy for hormonal changes in athletic girls.

Background: Infertility is one of the important issues, during the marriage in some women and group therapy or individual psychotherapy is like. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral group therapy on emotional well-being among infertile women of Ilam. Materials and methods: In a quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest control group, 80 infertile women were randomly divided into two groups of trial (n=40) and control (n=40). The experimental group training (10 sessions of 90 minutes and 2 sessions per week) with the content of cognitive behavioral group therapy was the feeling of well-being. After the group meetings, post-test and follow-up test was conducted after a month. To test the hypotheses, independent t-test and two-way ANOVA using SPSS-21 software was used to perform statistical operations. Results: The results showed that cognitive behavioral group therapy can increase feelings of well-being in infertile women (t=-10/60, p=0. 001). Conclusion: This study showed that cognitive-behavioral therapy can be effective in increasing feelings of well-being in infertile women of Ilam city.

Background: Concept of marital adjustment has the main role in a couple’ s relationship enhancement. This research aimed to compare psycho-education (relationship enhancement) approach and McMaster approach to improve marital adjustment. Materials and methods: Of 60 couples from 85 volunteer couples who had the criteria for research, finally, 24 couples were randomly selected and assigned in 3 groups (16 persons in each group; 8 men and 8 women). 10 sessions of psycho-education programs and McMaster approach were done in interventional groups. Control group didn’ t receive any intervention. Group were evaluated in three stages: pre-test, post-test and follow up through Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance test. Results: Both psycho-education and McMaster approaches had significant impact on marital adjustment compared to the control group (p<0. 05). Conclusion: Marital adjustment among couples includes agreement, cohesion, satisfaction, kindness and level of stress. The agreement between the wives on important issues is critical for a good agreement and having a win-win relationship. The result of this study showed that both psycho-education programs and McMaster approach could be successful.

Background: Human resources play a major role in achieving utilization, as the main goal of the organization. In the field of health, the productivity of nurses, as one of the most hard-working individuals in the organization affects total productivity and leads to changes in the quality and cost of services. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between occupational stress and productivity among nurses of selected hospitals of Islamic Azad University in 2017. Materials and methods: This survey was an applied descriptive research with a sample size of 125 nurses which were selected randomly. The data were gathered by a questionnaire. Using correlation analysis, the research hypotheses were tested. Results: It was found that nurses' occupational stress had a significant negative relationship (r =-0. 365) with their productivity (p<0. 05), and had no significant relationship with education level and age. Conclusion: Based on the correlation analysis, there is an indirect relationship between occupational stress and productivity. Therefore, it can be stated that if nurses' occupational stress increases, there's a 0. 95 probability that their productivity decreases. The literature review are in line with the findings of the present research.