Journal of Basic Research in Medical Sciences
Year:2023 | Volume:10 | Issue:3|Papers Count:8

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the impact of 12 weeks of circuit resistance training at varying intensities on Apolipoproteins A (Apo A), B (Apo B), and J (Apo J) in men with obesity. Materials & Methods: A total of 44 young men with obesity, aged 23-32 years, were divided into four groups: control (n=11), low-intensity (n=11), moderate-intensity (n=11), and high-intensity circuit resistance training (n=11) groups. The training program spanned 12 weeks and was conducted with three sessions per week. Blood samples were collected 72 hours before and 72 hours after the 12-week training programs. These blood samples were transferred to specialized plasma test tubes containing EDTA and were then centrifuged at 10 rpm for 10 minutes. Findings: A significant decrease in Apo B levels (P < 0.0001) and an increase in Apo A levels (P < 0.05) were observed in the low-intensity training group compared to the control group. Additionally, a significant decrease in Apo J levels was observed in all exercise training groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Discussion & Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that circuit resistance training, particularly at lower intensities, may lead to a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases in obese individuals through the modification of Apo A, Apo B, and Apo J levels.

Introduction: A study was undertaken to investigate the presence of house dust mites in Ilam town and their climate-induced variability between January and June 2017. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional investigation, a total of fifty houses located in five different residential areas of Ilam town were selected using a cluster random sampling method. Dust samples, collected from mattresses, pillows, and carpets, were obtained from each house utilizing a portable vacuum cleaner. Each sample was then transferred into 70% alcohol solution, with an amount equivalent to 200mg preserved for further analysis. Under a stereomicroscope, mites were carefully isolated from the samples using micro-dissecting needles. Subsequently, these specimens underwent clearing processes before being mounted on Hoyer media for preservation purposes. The identification process involved employing standard taxonomic keys to determine the species of each specimen. Furthermore, statistical analyses provided both mean values as well as confidence intervals (CI) for the mite populations collected for every identified species. Additionally, binomial tests served to assess the distribution patterns across these species. Findings: Out of a grand total of 208 mite specimens analyzed during this investigation phase, seven distinct species namely Haemolaelaps glasgowi (24.52%), Echinolaelaps echidninus (12.02%), Laelaps nuttalli (11.06%), Androlaelaps setosus (13.94%), Neoeucheyla iranica (10.10%), Cheyletus malaccensis (14.90%), and Ornithonyssus bacoti (13.46%) were successfully identified. The distribution of all species displayed a significant statistical value (P < 0.01). Furthermore, an astonishing 80% of the visited households were infested with mites. Conclusion: This particular study has shed light on the presence of a remarkably diverse array of house dust mite species. The prevalence of certain rodent-related mites suggests that rodents either inhabit or frequent residential homes, prompting the need for further investigation.

Introduction: The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, emphasizing the ongoing importance of understanding and managing infections. Dentists, facing a direct infection risk, require proper training, making an educational needs assessment essential to address knowledge gaps. Materials & Methods: A comprehensive questionnaire assessing COVID-19 awareness, attitude, and performance among dentists was developed and validated. Administered to 181 participants in Tehran, the data underwent quantitative analysis using nonparametric tests. Results: Participants (98 men, 86 women) from healthcare centers in Tehran, with a mean age of 44 and 15.29 years of service, scored averages of 51.97, 77.01, and 61.92 in awareness, attitude, and performance, respectively. Significantly, the study revealed a relationship between years of service plus age and awareness scores. Gender also played a role, with men exhibiting higher performance mean values. Conclusion: The study highlights the imperative for interventions to boost dentists' knowledge. Recommendations include workshops and informational brochures to enhance awareness and performance, particularly in the context of emerging pandemics.

Introduction: Population dynamics are central to policymaking and future planning, commanding perpetual governmental attention across economic, social, and cultural domains. This study focuses on forecasting fertility indicators in Ilam city, projecting trends in five-year intervals up to 2051. Materials & Methods: The "secondary document analysis" method was employed, utilizing data from the country's population censuses (1976-2016), birth events, and population statistics reported by Iran’s National Organization for Civil Registration. The urban area of Ilam served as the study's location. A mixed-method approach to population forecasting, involving the use of Spectrum, Mortpak, and Excel, was employed for fertility status prediction and analysis. Results: The research outcomes indicate that under two scenarios with fixed and minimal thresholds (fertility rates of 1.8 and 1.5, respectively), the net reproduction rate (NRR) would fall below one girl. Conclusion: Based on these scenarios, it is evident that girls cannot replace their mothers in bearing children, contributing to the observed decline in fertility and, consequently, the population of Ilam city.

Introduction: The COMT gene, with its influence on motivation, emotions, stress tolerance, self-control, pain processing, perception, and neurodegeneration, may underpin variations in sports competition outcomes. Thus, this study aims to explore the frequency of the COMT gene rs4680 polymorphism in elite Iranian male athletes in the domains of basketball and wrestling. Materials & Methods: A total of 60 wrestlers, 55 basketball players, and 60 non-athletes were included as subjects. Saliva samples were used for DNA extraction, and the Tetra ARMS PCR method was employed for genotype determination. The impact of mutations on mRNA second structure and COMT gene function was assessed using RNAsnp and PolyPhen-2 servers, respectively. SPSS22 software facilitated data analysis, with the chi-square test applied to evaluate genotype frequency. Results: The study did not reveal any association between the COMT rs4680 polymorphism and elite wrestlers and basketball players. Significant differences in genotype distributions or allele frequencies were not observed among (1) wrestlers and basketball players; (2) wrestlers and non-athletes; (3) basketball players and non-athletes. However, further replication studies are warranted (P < 0.05). Conclusion: No significant association was identified between the COMT rs4680 polymorphism and the elite status of wrestlers and basketball players in the studied population. Nevertheless, additional replication studies are imperative for a comprehensive understanding of these relationships.

Introduction: There is ample evidence regarding the protective effects of antioxidant vitamins and minerals against oxidative stress. The discovery of zinc's protective role in countering free-radical formation and oxidative stress has instigated extensive research into the antioxidant properties of zinc and its involvement in the antioxidant defense system. Furthermore, the utilization of plants with antioxidant properties has gained increasing attention among researchers. This study aims to investigate the impact of six weeks of aerobic exercise training, along with supplementation of pumpkin seed oil and chickpeas, on the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in the liver and muscle tissues of male rats. Materials & Methods: To achieve this objective, 36 Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control (C), training (T), chickpea (Ch), chickpea + training (Ch+T), pumpkin seed oil (P), and pumpkin seed oil + training (P+T). At the conclusion of the training and supplementation period, the gene expression of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) and catalase (CAT) were assessed. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The results revealed that in all the groups involving pumpkin seed oil and chickpea supplementation, in both liver and muscle tissues, a non-significant decrease in the expression of the enzymes CAT and GPX1 was observed when compared to the control and exercise training groups. Conclusion: To a certain extent, the use of pumpkin seed oil and chickpeas may enhance the expression of antioxidant enzymes.

Introduction: Elevated plasma LDL cholesterol levels play a crucial role in cardiovascular disease development. Squalene synthase (SQS), a regulatory enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, is a target for controlling hypercholesterolemia. Traditional medicine recommends Crataegus Azarolus L. for heart-related conditions, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and arteriosclerosis. Our research focuses on drug-likeness/ADMET prediction and molecular docking studies of C. azarolus constituents for cardiovascular disease prevention. Materials & Methods: Chemical constituents of C. azarolus L. were selected based on the squalene synthase co-crystal molecule (3ASX). After energy optimization with Hyperchem, Auto Dock Vina facilitated ligand docking into the SQS active site, providing data on binding methods and compound binding energy. SwissADME and SCF Bio IITD webserver were used for in silico drug-likeness/ADME predictions. Results: Auto Dock Vina results and pharmacokinetic (PK) studies revealed that 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol exhibited the highest alignment with the synthetic co-crystal molecule concerning position, binding energy, and pharmacokinetic properties among herbal compounds. Conclusion: Overall, 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol demonstrated significant affinity for squalene synthase, suggesting its potential to occupy the enzyme's active site. This compound holds promise as a viable substitute for the synthetic co-crystal molecule, pending laboratory confirmation.

Introduction: This study aimed to predict the risk of mortality among COVID-19 patients in the central region of Iran by employing the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), with adjustments made for age in the predictive model. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, encompassing all probable, suspicious, and confirmed COVID-19 cases from the onset of the pandemic (55307 individuals), 3415 cases resulting in death were designated as the study group, while the survivors constituted the control group. Results: The Charlson Comorbidity Index revealed that over 11 percent of all patients had at least one underlying medical condition. Logistic regression analysis indicated a significantly elevated likelihood of mortality among patients with comorbidities. Specifically, individuals with a CCI score of 6 or higher were more than twice as likely to succumb to the virus compared to those without underlying diseases. Those with a score of 6 or more exhibited the highest odds ratio (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3-4.5). Conclusion: The study findings underscore the heightened vulnerability of individuals to COVID-19 mortality, particularly among the elderly with pre-existing health conditions. The coexistence of age and comorbidities substantially increased the risk of death due to COVID-19 in this population. Consequently, targeted interventions and focused care strategies may be crucial for this high-risk demographic in pandemic management efforts.