Iranian South Medical Journal
Year:2002 | Volume:5 | Issue:1|Papers Count:13

Human Herpes Simplex Virus type 1(HSV-1) is the causative agent of herpetic lesions on face, specially around lips and occasionally sexual organs. This virus is also able to cause keratitis and encephalitis in affected hosts. There is high similarity between nucleotide sequences of the genomes of HSV-1 and HSV2, which mostly infect sexual organs. Because of similarity between some surface antigens of these two viruses cross reactions occur in serology tests related to them. Previous experiments have shown that antigenic identity between gGs of these viruses is negligible, and this glycoprotein cap be used as a type specific antigen in serodiagnostic methods of HSV-1. Plasmid pAc-gG-1 containing gG gene of HSV-1 was used in this work to produce recombinant gG. The plasmid was first propagated in its host and DNA was extracted. The plasmid DNAs were digested with restriction enzyme BamHI and gG gene was isolated and purified. The purified gene was inserted in the pTrc His2A expression vector correctly. In order to see if the inserted nucleotide sequence of the gene is in right orientation necessary experiments were done with positive results. This clone was propagated and purified for further works such as protein production.

Background: Insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1) has an important role in growth as well as bone formation. There are reports that patient with ß thalassemia frequently have low IGF-1 level. In this study, we assessed the IGF1 status and its relationship to puberty and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) disturbance in a group of thalassemic patients.Subjects and methods: 206 thalassemics and 229 healthy controls, aged 10-20 years were entered the study. Serum IGF1 level was determined in all participants by RIA. BMD was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry(DXA).Result: Serum IGF-1 and BMD values at both lumbar and femoral neck regions were lower in thalassemics. Serum IGF1 in 27.9 % of thalassemics (30.4% in boys, 25.3% in girls) was 2 standard deviation (SD) below that of age-sex matched controls; this was more frequent in those in puberty stages I, IIand III (based on Marshal Tanner) in comparison with those in  stages IV and V (30.8% vs 8.7%, p=0.027). Higher lGF1 level was observed in pubertal (Tanner stage>1) compared to pre-pubertal (Tanner stage I) thalassemic girls (p=0.013) but this was not the case In thalassemic boys.  In thalassemic patients, Z-scores of BMD at lumbar and femoral regions were below -2 in 65.8% and 15.6%, respectively (p<0.05). Z-score of lumbar BMD below -2 was more frequent in thalassemic boys (73.3% in males vs 57.4% in females, p=0.018). A positive correlation existed between IGF-1 SDs and BMD Z-score of lumbar spine in Tanner stages III (r = 0.316, p = 0.027) and IV (r = 0.519, p= 0.027).Conclusion: Serum IGF-1 is low in thalassemia major. It has positive correlation with bone mineral density in higher stages of puberty in these patients. Therefore, IGF-1 is an important factor in bone mineralization in conjunction with steroidal hormones.

Background: Vitamin D is an essential element for regulation of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase (Alkph) serum level. Since vitamin D measurement is not routine in medical laboratories and calcium, phosphorus and Alkph alterations are usually used as indirect parameters for detection of vitamin D deficiency. This study was designed to evaluate those biochemical parameters in different levels of vitamin D deficiency.Methods: this study, 1210 persons between 20 and 69 years were randomly chosen from Tehran. Serum levels of 25(OH)D, Calcium, phosphorus, Alkph and PTH were analyzed. Those parameters status were compared in different levels of vitamin D deficiency.Results: Overall, 79.6% of our subjects were vitamin D deficient (group I; severe, group II; moderate and group Ill; mild). Serum PTH in groups I, II and III was significantly higher than group IV (normal vitamin D). Serum calcium and phosphorus were significantly less in groups I and II compared with group III and IV. No significant difference for Alkph was seen in vitamin D deficient groups. The sensitivity for at least one biochemistry disturbance for detection of severe, moderate and mild vitamin D deficiency was 24.2%, 13.8% and 6%, respectively.Conclusion: When 25(OH) D decreases to less than 25 nmol/l, effects of vitamin D deficiency begins on calcium and phosphorus serum levels. Routine biochemistry analysis (calcium, phosphorus and Alkph.) are not sensitive enough to detect vitamin D deficiency.

Background: More than 20000 patients with beta-thalassemia have been identified in Iran, and as survival improves in major thalassemia, endocrine and bone mineral density complications are emerging as a significant problem. The main objective of this study is to compare bone mineral density (BMD) and some metabolic markers of thalassemic patients with a healthy population.Methods and Participant: A total of 208 thalassemic patients and 235 controls, aged 10-20 years in Tehran-Iran entered the study, and distributed in 22 age-sex matched groups. BMD of lumbar spine and femur were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Height, weight, pubertal development, calcium intake, serum calcium, phosphate, 25(OH) D, and iPTH of participants were measured. Results: Mean of lumbar BMD in all thalassemic patients were significantly lower than the control subjects. in femoral region, mean of BMD was significantly lower in thalassemics in most of subgroups (13,14,15,16,17,19 and 20 year old males; and 12,14,16 and 19year old females).The amount of calcium intake was significantly lower in thalassemics (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between serum levels of 25 (OH)D in two groups. Mean of serum iPTH was thalassemics(p<0.0005).Conclusions: Bone mineral lower in density disturbance, especially in lumbar region is a common finding in adolescent thalassemic patients. The probable association between bone mineral metabolism and related metabolic markers demands further investigation.

Introduction: Squamaus cell carcinoma is the most common tumor of head and neck. According to clinical stage of disease, radiotherapy and/or surgery is (are) used far treatment of these tumors. Although improvement of treatment results has been reported with chemoradiotherapy, still some controversy exists about the benefit of adding chemotherapy. This study-compares chemoradiotherapy vs radiotherapy alone. Materials and methods: One hundred and fifty patients with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck were categorized into two groups randomly. The first group was designed to receive conventional fractionation radiation therapy (75 patients), ranging from 50 to 70 Gy (5 fractions per week and 2 Gy per fraction) and the other group was planned to get combined chemoradiotherapy (75 patients). Chemotherapy regimen consisted of cisplatin (100mg/m2) and 5-flluorouracil (750mg/m2), given every 3 weeks concurrent or after radiotherapy. Results: Initial response was seen in 69.4% following radiotherapy and 85.7% after chemoradiation (p=0.031). Recurrence (locoregional or distant) was seen in 46.7% and 26.2% of patients in radiotherapy and chemotherapy group, respectively. Mean time for recurrence after treatment was 8.58 and 7.17 months in 2 groups, respectively.Conclusion: Addition of chemotherapy to radiotherapy causes decrease in recurrence and increase in initial response rate in squamous cell cancers of head and neck.

Introduction: Bone densitometry is used to diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis and, if necessary, prevent bone fractures, especially that of femoral neck. Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has become a common method to assay bone mineral density. Bone density is related to many factors such as race, age, sex, environmental factors, and nutrition. No comprehensive study has yet been performed in Iran.Methods: Among the 20-69 year-old population of Tehran, 553 (66% female, 34% male) persons from 50 clusters were randomly selected, following exclusion of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, menstrual problem, fractures or other, conditions affecting bone metabolism. All participants underwent clinical examination and lumbar and spinal densitometry using DXA method.Results: In lumbar spine, the duration of peak bone density was between 20 and 29 years old and bone loss started at age of 40. In femoral neck, the duration of peak bone mass was from 20 to 29 years old in males and from 30 to 39 years old in females. Spinal bone loss in 60-69 year-old females and males were 19.6% and 7.9%, respectively; whereas those in femoral neck were 18.5% and 14.6%; respectively. The prevalence of spinal osteoporosis in this age group was 32.4% in females and 9.4%in males.Conclusion: Mean bone densities of lumbar spine and femoral neck were higher in males than in females among all age groups. Peak bone densities in all the studied groups were lower than reported standard values, while the velocity of bone loss was compatible with standard values. It seems that the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis is higher in our study population. Peak bone density in 20-29 year-old population could be useful in policy-making for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Background and objectives: Dual X ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the preferred method for bone mineral density (BMD) studies. Quantitative ultrasonography (QUS), however, has the advantage in that it is less expensive, portable and does not expose the individuals to radiation. These advantages have proposed a role in screening studies to QUS. In this study, we aimed to assess relationship between these two methods.Material and methods: 420 menopausal women were recruited. BMD values were determined with both QUS and DXA methods. The association between BMD measurements and T scores calculated by the two methods and the relationship between the two T scores measured in each participants were assessed. The agreement between the two T scores calculated by the QUS and DXA was assessed by Kappa test in lumbar and femoral neck region. Results: With QUS, the prevalence of osteoporosis (T scores < -2.5) in calcaneus was 8%. With DXA, the prevalence of osteoporosis in lumbar and femoral neck regions was 31.1% and 13.6%, respectively. Kappa as measure of agreement between the two methods was 0.29-0.35. The association between crude data obtained from the two methods was 0.34 and 0.59.Conclusion: A moderate correlation was found between the two methods. Though QUS could not replace DXA in definitive diagnosis of osteoporosis, it may be used in screening studies.

Introduction: In recent years, involvement of viruses and bacteria in development of atherosclerosis and CHD had been brought in to attention. Helicobacter pylori is one of these infective agents factors. H.pylori is one of the most common infections all over the world. The role of this bacterium and CagA-positive strains in development of some diseases (such as peptic ulcer, gastric cancer,...) has been approved, however, its role in development of cardiovascular disease is under investigation. Methods and Materials: Simple random sampling was done to chose 190 subjects (100 patients with CHD based on coronary angiography in case group and 90 people without CHD in control group who were matched in regard to their age and sex). All the subjects were assessed for demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors and H.pylori and CagA antibody titers.Results: 70% of patients in case group and 12.2% of people in control group had chronic H. pylori infection (p>0.05). The frequency of coronary risk factors was similar in H. pylori positive and negative patients. Moreover, 50% of subjects in case group and 56.7% of subjects in control group were infected by CagA+ strains. The prevalance of CagA- strains was %28.6 in case group and %21.5 in control group (p>0,05)Conclusion: We did not find any significant relationship between chronic infection of H. pylori and CagA+ strains and CHD. Probably, it is because of high prevalence of this infection in the society. Moreover, there was no significantly relation between chronic infection of H. pylori and frequency of cardiovascular risk factors.

Objectives: The combination of transfusion and chelation therapy has dramatically extended the life expectancy of thalassemic patients. The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of prominent metabolic and en docrinologic complications in beta-thalassemia major.Methods: A total of 220 patients entered the study. Physicians collected demographic data and the history of therapies. Serum levels of 25(OH)D, calcium, phosphate, iPTH were measured. Thyroid function was assessed by T3, T4 and TSH. Zinc and copper in serum were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements at lumbar and femoral regions have been done using dual x-ray absorptiometry. The dietary calcium, zinc and copper intakes were estimated by food-frequency questionnaires.Results: Short stature was seen in 39.3% of our patients Hypogonadism was seen in 22.9% of boys and 12.2% of girls. Hypoparathyroidism and primary hypothyroidism were present in 7.6% and 7.7% of the patients, respectively. About 13 % of patients had more than one endocrine complication with mean serum ferritin of 1678±955 µg/lit. Prevalence of lumbar osteoporosis and osteopenia were 50.7% and 39.4%; respectively. Femoral osteopororsis and osteopenia were present in 10.8% and 36.9% of the patients. Lumbar BMD abnormalities were associated with duration of chelation theray. Low serum zinc and copper was observed in 79.6% and 68% of the study population, respectively. Serum zinc showed significant association with lumbar but not femoral BMD. In 37.2% of patients serum levels of 25(OH)D below 23 nmol/I were detected.Conclusion: High prevalence of complications among our thalassemic patients signifies the importance of planning more detailed studies along with therapeutic interventions.

Introduction: In order to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their association with other cardiovascular risk factors in male oil industry workers on Kharg Island, we measured metabolic and anthropometric variables in 1255 of these workers. Methods: 1255 male workers employed at the Crude Petroleum Export Terminals Company or the petrochemical plant on Kharg Island were assessed with respect to anthropometric and metabolic variables over a period of 9 months (1/9/2000 -1/6/2001).Results: 61% of workers had a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 2:25kg/m2. Visceral obesity, when defined as waist circumference (WC) >100cm, was seen in 33.4% of workers; and when defined as a waist-to-hip ratio of >0.9, in 73.5% of the sample. 32.7% had a serum total cholesterol concentration of ≥200mg/dl. 39.5% had a serum triglyceride concentration of ≥200mg/dl. 18.5% had a serum LDL concentration of ≥130mg/dl, with 13.1% having a high-density concentration (HDL) concentration of <40mg/dl. There was a direct and significant correlation between BMI and both, cholesterol and triglyceride levels (p=0.001 and p=0.0001, respectively). WHR was also a significant direct correlation between waist circumference and both cholesterol (p=0.02) and LDL levels (p=0.04). There was also directly correlated with serum triglyceride (p=0.007). There was a significant, direct correlation between both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and WHR, WC and BMI (all p<0.0001).Conclusion: The high prevalence of overweight and obesity and their association with other cardiovascular risk factors, in the oil industry workers of Kharg Island underlines the urgent need for interventional health programs.

Introduction: Prevalence of osteoporosis in Caucasian females is estimated to be around 30%. Risk factor identification of osteoporosis could help developing preventive strategies through life style modifications.Methods: In a case-control design, bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine and femoral neck in 485 menopausal women referred to bone densitometry unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences was studied by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) methodology. The control group consisted of same-age women with normal BMD.Results: Mean age at menopause was 46.7+/- 0.45 years in case group and 48.36+/_0.35 in control group (p<0.05)). Mean body mass index (BMI) was 26+/_0.31 in cases and 29.1+/_0.25 in controls (p<0.05). Mean daily calcium intake in case and control groups were 324.40+/- 16.24 mg and 392.59+/_12.82 mg, respectively (p<0.05). Mean age of menarche was 13.81+/- 0.11 in cases and 13.62+/-0.96 in controls p>0.05).Conclusion: The most important risk factors for osteoporosis were menopause before 45 years old, BMI<25, low calcium intake and living in a house with courtyard. No significant correlation was found between the duration of daily sun exposure and osteoporosis.