Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
Year:2003 | Volume:7 | Issue:2|Papers Count:8

Background & Objective: Taurine is a sulfur amino acid that protects cells from self-destruction during oxidative processes, such as chlorinated oxidants (hypochlorous acid, HOCl). Our objective was to compare the effects of taurine with myeloperoxidase inhibitors (MPO) on the process of HOCL-induced low density lipoprotein (LDL) changes.Materials & Methods: We assessed the serum of some blood donors with normal serum lipid levels. We evaluated 1) blocking the neutrophil function by preventing oxidant production by MPO with 3-amino 1,2,4 triazole, potassium cyanide, sodium azide, P-hydroxy-benzoic acid hydrazide (pHBAH), Salicylhydroxamic acid, and benzohydroxarnic acid; 2) trapping of products of activated neutrophils, such as MPO- derived HOCl by taurine , methionine and glycine. Tryptophan destruction in presence of the MPO system was monitored fluorimetrically as a marker of LDL modification.Results: At a taurine concentration of 40 pM, which is three orders of magnitude below the physiological value, tmax2 was increased by a factor of 50 compared to the control in absence of taurine (20 min versus 0.4 min). P-hydroxy-benzoic acid hydrazide (pHBAH), at a concentration o f 0.3 to 0.75 MM, too, was a potent inhibitor of tryptophan destruction. Discussion: This study suggests a high potential of taurine to slow down inflammatory processes by modulating the oxidative burst of neutrophils. Taurine was the second most potent netralizer of HOCL, after methionine. Taurine may be used to prevent oxidant damage to neutrophills.

Background and Objective: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most infectious zoonotic diseases. Worldwide, increasing prevalence of this disease has been reported according to the serology tests. The prevalence of this infection depends on geographic conditions, nutritional habits and contact with cats. There is no adequate research on epidemiology of this infection in the Kermanshah province.Material and methods: We conducted a cross sectional study on 1837 subjects. First, the sample was randomly selected from 76 strata, including 47 urban and 29 rural areas from registered statistics in health department, then 25 subjects were selected from each strata and the questionnaire and blood test were collected for each subjects. 761 male subjects and 1076 female subjects were evaluated by IgG-ELISA method.Results: The results of ELISA test were 60.8 % negative, 36.4 % positive, and 2.9% suspicious .For males, the tests were 65.3% negative, 32.2% positive, and 2.5% suspicious, whereas for females the tests were 57.5 % negative, 39.3% positive, and 3.2 % suspicious. Most infections were in age group 30-39 years (48.3%). Age group 0-9 years had the least frequency of infections (16.7%). Businessmen (45.1%) and housewives (44.5%) had the highest infection rate. The city of Paveh has the highest infection rate (54.5%) whereas Harsin has the least infection rate (7.2%) in this Province.Discussion: This study indicated 36.4% of the samples were positive with Toxoplasma ELISA IgG. There are different prevalence rates in different areas of Iran. The reasons could be differences in climate, diet, contacts with cats, health conditions, etc.

Background and Objective: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common pediatric congenital heart diseass (CHD). The main complications of moderate to large size VSD are recurrent respiratory tract infection, congestive heart failure, Failure to thrive, and pulmonary hypertension. These complications are the results of large left to right shut. We evaluated the effect of captopril on moderate to large size VSD.Material and methods: Twenty patients (five girls and fifteen boys, mean age 6.5±2.8 years) were studied .Using a new echocardiographic technique we measured Qp/Qs ratio before and after treatment with Caporal (3 mg/kg/24hr for three days).Results: After treatment with Caporal, Qp/Qs ratio decreased from 2.4±0.59 to 1.7± 0.46 after treatment. Blood pressure decreased from 104±12.mmHg to 83±9 mmHg.(p<0.001) Discussion: Captopril can decrease left to right shunt significantly in patients with moderate to large size VSD. Long term use of captopril may results in clinical improvement and delay the need for surgical correction.

Background and Objective: Recognition and modification of risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD) has obtained great attention. Early recognition of the risk factors, especially in youth, may decrease incidence and complications of CAD. Dyslipidemia is a risk factor of CAD. We studied the correlation of dyslipidemia in parents and their children.Material and methods: In a cross sectional study, 312 patients, all younger than 55, were evaluated. These patients underwent coronary angiography in Imam Ali hospital during the year 1380. According to the angiographic findings, the patients were divided into coronary and non-coronary groups. Fasting blood samples were obtained from patients, their spouses, and their children to determine the serum levels of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride. Statistical analysis was done using t test and x2 test.Results: Compared with the children of the non-coronary patients, LDL was significantly higher in the children of the coronary patients (p<0.014). No significant difference was found in other lipids among the children. Mixed results were obtained when comparing various age groups in children. There was a significant correlation between serum LDL of the spouses of the coronary patients and their children (p<0.032). Mixed results were obtained when comparing the correlation of other lipids in various age groups of spouses and children. Discussion: Compared with previous reports, we found abnormally high serum lipid levels in the children of the coronary patients. There is a significant correlation between the parents CAD and their children's dyslipidemia, especially children of younger than 12. There is no simple, linear correlation between risk factors of CAD in parents and their children. Considering the possible influence of genetic factors, we suggest that more studies should be done on this subject.

Background and objective: Malaria is endemic in the southern Iran. The disease has been controlled in most parts of Iran except in three provinces in the southeastern Iran. There is a potential for occurrence of malaria in other parts of Iran. Therefore, continuous surveillance and epidemiological studies are necessary for sporadic cases and local outbreaks.Materials and Methods: In order to evaluate malaria situation during a twenty -year period (1980-2000), all recorded cases were analyzed. There is a systematic mode of recording and report of malaria in all provinces. All known cases were recorded in the regional health center and followed up for the source of occurrence. Therefore, an archival review can reflect the real conditions.Results: A total of 506 cases of malaria were analyzed (25.3 cases per year). The highest incidence per year was observed at 1994 (50 cases), and lowest incidence occurred in 1984 (5 cases). In sum, 91.1% were Plasmodium falciparum, 7.7% P. vivax, two cases mixed infection and one case P. malariae. Two cases were unidentified. Malaria had a downward trend in this region after 1994, so that only 6 cases were recorded in 2000. 62% of total were imported from southern endemic areas, 13.4% were imported from outside of the country, and only 2.96% had local transmission. The highest incidence rate was in Hamadan and Nahavand. High incidence was recorded in August (19.96%) and lower incidence in March (1.58%). Malaria was more prevalent in males (80.63%) than females, and 20-29 years age group had the highest infection rate. The majority of cases were seasonal workers. Discussion: This survey indicated that, until 15 years after the Islamic Revolution, malaria has had a stable situation in Hamadan, and the majority of cases had been imported, type A or B. Since1994 malaria has a downward trend.

Background and Objective: Hydrocarbons are a group of air pollutants. Because of their harmful effects and lack of research on their concentration in Hamadan atmosphere, the present study was done to compare the concentration of some hydrocarbons in urban area of Hamadan and emamzadeh Mohsen village.Material and methods: 144 samples were collected in Hamadan during summer and autumn). Also, 9 samples were collected from emamzadeh Mohsen village that has almost clean air. Samples were collected on charcoal tube and then analyzed by GC and FID detector.Results: 8 hydrocarbons were identified in air of Hamadan. Only 2 hydrocarbons were identified in emamzadeh Mohsen village atmosphere. There was a significant difference in pollutants concentration of Hamadan and emamzadeh Mohsen (P<0.01). The concentration of benzene in Hamadan atmosphere was 144.5 g/m3 which is more than 8.9 times greater than the maximum allowable concentration. The mean concentration of n-hexan, benzene and toluene in the Hamadan atmosphere were 123.08, 144.5 and 152.58, respectively. Sum of these 8 hydrocarbons was also higher than USEPA standard for HC.Discussion: Air Pollutant prevention is necessary. There is a need for good quality management program, correct and fast planning, network monitoring, and promotion of public knowledge.

Background and Objective: Femoral neck fracture occurs rarely in children. Its lifetime prevalence in adult population of developed countries is 1%. There is no data from Iran. Avascular necrosis is the most important complication of femoral neck fracture. The most common methods of treatment are open and closed reduction and fixation. Recently, occurrence of avascular necrosis has been decreased by joint decompression and fixation. Material and methods: From1999 to 2002, ten children (7 girls, mean age, 7.2) were treated by joint decompression and fixation. The patients were followed for one year, using clinical examination, plain radiography and bone scan. Nine cases were operated upon within one week of fracture.Results: Avascular necrosis was observed in only 1 case.Discussion: Joint decompression and fixation should be done more frequently.

Background and Objective: Pneumocystis carini pneumonia is one of the most important opportunistic infections in patients with HIV/AIDS. Occurrence of this disease reflects marked immunodeficiency and a CD4 count of less than 200 per microliter of serum.Case report: A 25 years old HIV positive man was referred to the Sina hospital with aspiration pneumonia following a suicide. Because of severe dyspnea, cyanosis, continuous fever and cough, and lack of response to ordinary treatments, pneumocystis carini pneumonia was suspected and proved by sputum examination. The patient s condition improved after 2 weeks of therapy, but soon after discharge, clinical deterioration occurred and the patient died within 24 hours.Discussion: The patient's death may be the result of lack of therapeutic compliance by the patient, or concomitant occurrence of other opportunistic infections. Occurrence of such diseases as pneumocystis carini pneumonia may suggest beginning of a new stage in HIV/AIDS epidemic. In the future, we may see other opportunistic infections and unusual diseases in the HIV/AIDS patients in Kermanshah.