Avicenna Journal of Clinical Medicine
Year:2015 | Volume:22 | Issue:2 (SN 76)|Papers Count:15

Introduction & Objective: In recent years, microorganisms have been applied as biocatalysts for making pharmaceutically natural products. Microbial biotransformation of caffeine suggests a dual approach for biodegradation of toxic caffeine from polluted environments and a method for the production of medically and pharmaceutically valuable dimethylxanthines. The present work describes the identification of native yeasts capable of biotransformation of caffeine into theophylline and paraxanthine.Materials & Methods: In this experimental study fourteen yeast strains which were able to degrade caffeine isolated based on their morphology were selected as biocatalysts for biotransformation of caffeine as a low-cost substrate to high value added dimethylxanthines such as theophylline and theobromine. The selected strains were characterized based on phenotypic and genetic tests. Screening was performed by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analyses.Results: The results obtained using TLC and HPLC analyses suggest formation of two main metabolites of theophylline and paraxanthine from biotransformation of caffeine under resting cells of Rhodotorula sp. CW03 (GenBank accession number KF414531). The results showed that under resting cell conditions a maximum concentration of theophylline 380 mg/l (molar yield of 16.4%) and paraxanthine 880 mg/l (molar yield of 37.9%) were obtained after 72 h and 120 h of conversion time, respectively.Conclusion: In the current investigation, done for the first time in Iran, we describe the isolation and identification of yeast strains with caffeine degradation ability which can be proposed as safe and cost-effective biocatalysts in production of value added dimethylxanthines from caffeine as a low-cost substrate.

Introduction & Objective: High levels of homocystein are a risk factor for insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and cardio-vascular complications. This study was done to assess serum homocystein and folic acid levels and their relationship in women with gestational diabetes and compare them with normal pregnant women.Materials & Methods: This analytic epidemiologic case-control study was performed in Qazvin Kosar hospital in 2013-2015.120 singleton pregnant women with 24-28 weeks of gestation according to 2-hour 75g oral glucose tolerance test were assigned to two groups; gestational diabetes (n=60), and normal pregnancy (n=60). Serum homocystein and folic acid levels were measured in two groups. Data were analyzed with statistical t-test and correlation method.Results: In gestational diabetes serum homocystein level was significantly higher (P<0.001) and folic acid was significantly lower (P<0.001) than normal pregnancy group.No relationship was observed between serum homocystein and serum folate. In both groups, serum folic acid was significantly related to fasting blood sugar. This relationship was inverse in gestational diabetes group (P<0.001, r=- 0.512) and direct in normal pregnancy group (P=0.001 r=0.417).Conclusion: It seems folic acid has a role in regulation of serum homocystein level and blood sugar.

Introduction & Objective: Cytokines produced by fetal and uterine mucus are responsible for regulating interactions between mother and fetus that improve uterus receptivity and leads to higher success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between levels of some cytokines (IL-1b, TNF-a, IP-10, and MCP) in endometrial secretions with success rate of IVF procedures.Materials & Methods: 50 consecutive women who were candidate for IVF due to infertility and referred to the clinics of Fatemieh Teaching Hospital in Hamadan were enrolled in a nested case-control study. Aspiration of endometrial secretion was performed in all women prior to embryo transfer using trans-cervical catheter insertion. The level of cytokines in aspirated fluid was determined by ELIZA assay and using especial standard kits.Results: Among 50 enrolled women, 5 samples were initially excluded because of contact bleeding during sampling and thus aspirated endometrial secretions of 45 women were analyzed to assess level of the cytokines. Comparing levels of cytokines in aspirated endometrial secretions showed lower concentrations of TNF-a, IP-10, and MCP in the group who experienced successful clinical pregnancy (n=9) than the group with failed pregnancy (n=36), however, no significant difference was revealed in level of IL-1b between the two groups.Conclusion: In IVF patients with implantation failure, an elevated level of TNF-a, IP-10, and MCP cytokines is observable. Low levels of these cytokines can be valuable predicting markers for successful IVF pregnancy.

Introduction & Objective: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease affecting the central regions of the retina and choroid, which can lead to loss of central vision. Etiological research suggests that AMD is a complex disease, caused by the actions and interactions of multiple genes and environmental factors. Numerous studies have focused on the role of chemotactic cytokines, also known as chemokines. Certain chemokines, such as CCL2 appear to be crucial in development of retinal degeneration and choroidal neovascularization. To determine whether variants in the CCL2 gene are associated with age-related macular degeneration we studied C-2518T polymorphism of this gene in AMD patients from Northwest of Iran.Materials & Methods: In this case-control study, the association of C-2518T polymorphism in the promoter region of CCL2 gene was investigated in 60 patients suffering from AMD and 50 healthy age, sex and ethnicity matched unrelated people as control group. Both of the case and control groups were originated from Northwest of Iran. Genotypes of both groups were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).Results: Statistical analysis shows high frequency of TT genotype and T allele in AMD patients compared to those of control group though the observed difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion: Despite the existence of small differences between case and control groups statistical analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in the CCL2 gene did not show a significant association between C-2518T polymorphism and age-related macular degeneration.

Introduction & Objective: Salivary antioxidants play important roles in the defensive mechanism of saliva against free radicals. Due to Prevalence of diabetes and numerous factors associated in its pathogenesis, understanding the defensive mechanism of salivary antioxidant against free radicals can provide helpful strategies in diagnosis and evaluation of diabetes. The aim of this study was evaluation of the paraoxonase (PON1) levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of saliva in diabetic subjects.Materials & Methods: In this case -control study, 40 patients diagnosed with type II diabetes (20 males and 20 females) aged between 40 to 60 years and 40 healthy controls were selected.5 mL unstimulated saliva samples using Spiting method were collected. PON-I and TAC levels were examined using FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) methods. The data were analyzed by t- test or its non parametric equivalent tests.Results: Mean PON-I in the subjects and control group were 8.05±2.099 nmol /ml 9.98±2.957 nmol/ml, respectively and the difference was significant (P=0.001) TAC in saliva of the subjects and control group were 377.38 ±191.229 and 402.25±189.105 and no significant difference was found (P=0.56).Conclusion: The level of salivary TAC, PON-1 of patients with type II diabetes was lower than healthy controls. Additionally, plasma low density lipoproteins level of the diabetic subjects was higher compared with the healthy ones.

Introduction & Objective: The most important indicator of population growth is fertility. Fertility is influenced by selection of individual, social, economic, demographic, cultural and biological factors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting fertility (number of live births).Materials & Methods: This was a cross- sectional study of the correlation matrix, which is based on a sample of 500 households in the two-stage random sampling method. First, a questionnaire was adjusted and then was provided to interviewers for recording some demographics information and birthrate. To examine the relationship between these variables and fertility model, the most important influential variables on fertility were selected based on the theoretical model and using socio-economic and demographic variables influencing on fertility.The data were then analyzed by the path analysis using LISREL software.Results: Mean±SD of parity in 500 married women was 2.18±0.904 in Hamadan city. Among the variables, couple education (total effect -0.421) and the number of unwanted pregnancy (total effect 0.27) had the highest effect on fertility, respectively; while husband’s marriage age (total effect -0.00365) had the lowest effects on parity.Conclusion: This study shows that high education is a deterrent factor to live births and also shows that the rise of live births is unwanted among families. Also, it can be concluded from the findings of this study that culture of trend towards early marriage and childbearing which are associated with the promotion of education for women and men can significantly increase the pregnancy order to prevent the lack of active and aging population.

Introduction & Objective: Adiponectin and leptin are peptide hormones regulating the energy balance. Therefore, the present study aims to identify the possible mechanisms of the effect of omega-3 and aerobic exercise on the balance of these two hormones.Materials & Methods: 60 healthy young women with the average age of 23.4±1.8 and the average weight of 60.45±5.85 were randomly selected and divided into training, omega 3-training, omega-3 and control groups. A basketball training program was performed including specialized training 3 times a week for 90 minutes. During the 12 weeks of training, omega-3+exercise and omega -3 groups were fed a number of oral capsules of omega-3 every night.Blood samples were taken from the brachial vein. To analyze the data and determine the relationship, one way ANOVA and Tukey test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used.Results: Significant differences in serum levels of adiponectin, leptin and insulin secretion in exercise, omega-3 and exercise+omega-3 groups were observed. However, there was a significant correlation between changes in serum levels of adiponectin, and leptin and insulin secretion was not observed in any of the groups.Conclusion: It seems that omega-3 fatty acid intake with exercise enhances fat metabolism and is helpful to regulate the secretion of adiponectin and leptin hormone.

Introduction & Objective: Pesticide residues in environment and food have a negative impact on the health of living organisms. Therefore, this study was carried out for evaluation of benomyl residues in mushroom marketed in Hamadan city in 2014 using spectrophotometry.Materials & Methods: 10 specimens of mushroom were collected from greenhouses and market basket of Hamadan city. After preparation and processing the samples in the laboratory, benomyl residues in samples were determined using a spectrophotometric method in 3 replications.All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS statistical package.Results: The mean concentration of benomyl residues in samples were 5.90±0.75, 2.10±0.487, 40.04±1.346, 0.32±0.044, 14.0±0.785, 1.54±0.304, 40.0±0.45, 0.87±0.055, 0.66±0.032 and 49.60±0.303 mg kg-1 and more than the maximum residue limit (MRL) provided by the World Health Organization (10 ppb). The results of the comparison of the mean concentration of pesticide residues among samples revealed significant differences in most of the samples (P<0.05).Conclusion: The results showed that mean concentrations of benomyl residues in mushroom samples were exceeding that of the MRL. Therefore, it is essential to impart proper education to the farming community about hazards involved in the overuse of toxic pesticides. Also, codification of laws and their enforcement and implementation of programs for the regular periodic monitoring of pesticide residues in foodstuffs especially in vegetables cultivated under greenhouse conditions at the national level to protect consumers’ health are recommended.

Introduction & Objective: Proportion of Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is an indicator of abdominal obesity, which is supported by some studies but rejected by others. The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of the WHR and obtain suitable cut- off points for detecting obesity among adult Iranians.Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional-descriptive study the sample consisted of 19366 adults. The data collection took place from 2009 to 2014, using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). The following data were obtained: WHR, Percentile of Body Fat (PBF), Total Fat (TF), and Soft Lean Mass (SLM). Sensitivity and specificity, based on World Health Organization’s Gold Standards were calculated for both sexes at three age groups. The data analysis included t-test, chi-square, ROC curve, and linear regression.Results: All study variables were correlated with each other. Age was only correlated with the WHR. Percentages of sensitivity and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) were 84.2% and 85.6% in women; 21% and 50.7% in men. Increase in age was associated with increase in sensitivity in men and women, and NPV in men. The suitable cut-off points for men and women were found to be 87.5% and 83.5%, respectively.Conclusion: Waist-to-Hip ration is a suitable indictor of obesity for Iranian women but not men, especially among those who are under 59 years old.

Introduction & Objective: Regarding increasing the rate of cell phones use and its' subsequent dependency in such instrument among young people and also considering the important role of self-regulation and self-control traits on health related issues and the roles of such issues in problematic and addictive behaviors, this study has been designed to evaluate the predictive role of self-regulation and self-control on the intemperate use of cell phone and its related dependencies.Materials & Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study with analytical and descriptive orientation which has been carried out the students of universities which were located in the Tabriz city, Iran in 2013. Data were gathered through a questionnaire that was filled by 476 students (190 male and 286 female). Participants were selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling method from 9 universities in Tabriz. Data analysis was performed by SPSS version 21 and Mplus software version 6.2.Results: Results showed that the predictive effect of self-regulation (P=0.19) and self-control (P=0.41) on intemperate cell phone use was not significant, hence the increase of one unit in self-regulation and self-control respectively reduced 42.0, 87.0 dependency in cell phone.Conclusion: The present study could not demonstrate the predictive effect of self-regulation and self-control on intemperate cell phones use, however, the results showed that the measures were relatively correlated with dependency in cell phone and therefore further researches seem to be necessary in this field.

Introduction: Bifid T waves are seen in healthy young children and alcoholic adults. They also occur in certain pathological conditions, including organic heart diseases, and the central nervous system disorder. Myocardial ischemia can affect T wave morphology in a variety of ways one of which is t wave change as bifid t wave observed in QTc prolongation forms occurring in acute coronary events.Case Report: The patient, a 48 year old man, came to the emergency room because of typical chest pain starting 2 days before his visit. He had a history of ischemic heart disease. His vital signs were stable. In his ECG at emergency ward ST elevation was seen at inferior leads. At the time of his recent admission in CCU, he experienced one episode of ventricular fibrillation (VF) converted to sinus rhythm by 200j DC shock. In his first ECG after VF prolonged QTc as bifid T wave was obvious.Conclusion: Myocardial ischemia can affect T wave morphology in a variety of ways one of which, is t wave change as bifid t wave that is one of QTc prolongation diagnostic forms occurring in acute coronary events and malignant arrhythmia.

Introduction: Teratomas are congenital tumors consisting of derivatives from the ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm germ cell layers. A teratoma is considered to be a nonseminomatous germ cell tumor and is typically located in either the sacrococcygeal region or in the gonads. Giant retroperitoneal teratomas in adults are even rarer, with only a few cases previously described in the literature.Case report: A 35-year-old male patient with severe nausea and vomiting was taken to the emergency ward of Hamadan Be’sat Hospital. He had not been feeling well, and had suffering from abdominal pain for a month. A physical examination showed some concretion in the right side of his abdomen. A CT scan of his abdomen and pelvis with IV and oral contrast revealed that the concretion was formed by aggregates of solid, cystic, and calcareous components.It compressed stomach and caused the rotation of the stomach around its longitudinal axis.Conclusion: Following the diagnosis, we performed a laparotomy and respected a concretion with dimension 20´25´22cm. Interestingly, we found out all mature tissues within the concretion in the pathology examination of an adequate sample (such as trachea, bone, GI lumen…).