Scientific Journal of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences
Year:2018 | Volume:23 | Issue:2 (94) |Papers Count:12

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation during progressive resistance training on insulin resistance, blood lipids and body fat percentage in T2D men with vitamin D deficiency.Methods: Forty-eight men with T2D participated in the study voluntarily and were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=12) including, resistance training (RT), vitamin D supplementation with resistance training (RT+VD), vitamin D supplementation (VD), and control groups (CON).The intervention lasted 12 weeks. VD group took 50000 IU of vitamin D supplements every two weeks, RT group performed resistance exercise 3 times /week, RT+VD group received vitamin D supplements and performed resistance training, and CON group maintained normal daily life pattern. Body fat percentage, 25 (OH) D, blood lipids, glucose and insulin were measured before and after the intervention. HOMA-IR was used to measure insulin resistance.Results: There was a significant difference in HOMA-IR between the groups which had received vitamin D supplements (P<0.05). Furthermore, the highest reduction rate in the body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, HbA1c, fasting glucose and insulin were observed in RT+VD group.Conclusion: It was concluded that use of vitamin D for 12 weeks during progressive resistance training would have positive effects on insulin resistance in T2D men with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D supplements can be used as an effective method to reduce diabetes symptoms.

Background and Aim: In recent decades, the survival rates of the children with cancer have improved significantly and their five-year survival rates have reached 80%, but there are still many concerns about the survival of adolescents and young people.Methods and Materials: In this retrospective study, the data of 310 children and adults with leukemia in Kurdistan Province were extracted from their medical records. Univariate and multivariate survival analysis were performed through calculating hazard ratios using Cox relative risk model. Data analysis was carried out using Stata 12 software.Results: This study included 201 adults with mean age of 50.8 years and 109 children with mean age of 5.2 years. The frequency of AML was higher in the adults (30.8%), while the frequency of ALL cases was higher in the children (86.2%). The respective one-year and five year survival rates, were 94.4% and 49.5% in the adults, and 92.6% and 83% in the children. The hazard ratios (HR) were 5.18 (95% CI: 2.60-13) in the adults with ALL and 4.11 (95% CI: 1.55-10.4) in the adults with AML, and 2.78 (95% CI: 1.05-7.37) in the patients with CML. Based on the results of multivariate analysis, the rate of mortality in children with ALL was lower (HR=0.26, 95% CI: 0.08-0.77).Conclusion: Timely diagnosis and provision of treatment services for the patients are recommended. Considering the high rate of survival in the patients with ALL especially in children, we recommend provision of appropriate treatment facilities and palliative care services, similar to those in other countries, for the patients with different types of leukemia with high rates of mortality.

Background and Aim: Primary experience of intrauterine period is the essential basis of the life for the embryo. Therefore paying attention to it can lead to reduced health inequities. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of the structural and intermediate social determinants of health with low birth weight in Iran.Materials and Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed based on the studies conducted in Iran. We searched seven databases (Iranmedex, Magiran, SID, Irandoc, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus) by using keywords of social determinants of health, low birth weight and equivalents of them to find relevant articles published between 2000 and 2016. Data from relevant studies were extracted by two persons separately and evaluated by using the Stroop checklist. After extracting the required data, they were combined using a random model and the heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated by the I2 index. STATA-11 software was used for data analysis.Result: Thirty articles were analyzed in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The sample size included 42142 people. The overall odds ratios for the relationship of the structural and intermediate social determinants of health with LBW were estimated as 1.52 (1.24%-1.85: %95 CI) and 2.24 (1.85%-2.71: %95 CI) respectively.Conclusion: Considering the importance of low birth weight in the health of newborns, basic measures should be taken to prevent the occurrence of this problem by identification of its risk factors and people at risk, improvement of living standards and regular prenatal care, counseling before pregnancy and improvement of the nutritional status of pregnant women.

Background and Aim: Considering the great advances and extensive use of cell phones and its effects on the human communications and interactions, investigation of potential negative effects of cell phones on the users' health is necessary. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the distance between cell phones and brain tissue on the temperature of the central and gray matters of the brain, because of the heat generated by radiofrequency waves.Methods: This was an experimental study. Cow brain tissue was analyzed in a compartment with three depths of 2 mm, 12 mm and 22 mm, and at the distances of 4 mm and 4 cm from a cell phone, for 15 minutes. Lutron thermometer was used to measure the tissue temperature. Data analysis performed by using Lutron and MATLAB software packages.Results: Temperature increase was more at the distance of 4 mm and in the depths of 2, 12, and 22 mm compared to that at the distance of 4 cm. Also temperature increase after removal of the confrontation was more than the baseline temperature at both distances which was higher at the distance of 4 mm.Conclusion: Decreased distance between brain tissue and cell phone can increase the tissue temperature. Increasing the cell phone distance from the brain tissue can result in slower trend in temperature increase and decreased collective temperature after discontinuing the confrontation.

Background and Aim: Since birth weight is one of the most important health indicators, we decided to investigate the factors related to the low birth weight (LBW) of the infants in the south of Kerman Province.Material and Method: This case-control study included 300 cases of neonates in Jiroft City. 150 neonates with low birth weight (less than 2500 g) were placed in the case group and our control group included 150 neonates with normal birth weights. Data were extracted from the health documents of the neonates and categorized into four groups including demographic data of the parents, pregnancy data, parental risk behaviors and infant characteristics. Using SPSS software version 20, data were analyzed by single and multivariate logistic regression.Results: Single-variable regression analysis showed the possibility of having LBW neonate was higher in the mothers over 35 years of age, or with a history of illness, smoking and drug abuse compared to the neonates in other groups. Also, poor care, old age of fathers and high maternal weight were associated with an increased rate of LBW. Multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant difference between all the above - mentioned variables except the age of the fathers, in relation to LBW of the neonates. In addition, low birth weight was more likely in the babies born through cesarean section and neonates born to the mothers with high school diploma compared to the neonates in other groups.Conclusion: Prevention of pregnancy at an older age, mothers' education about avoiding drug use and smoking, as well as prenatal care are suitable measures for prevention of LBW.

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to detect the organic compounds of Onopordon leptolepis DC. and also evaluate the anticancer and anti-oxidant effects of the plant extract on CaCO2 cells.Materials and Methods: The effective compounds of air branches of Onopordon leptolepis DC. were studied using phytochemicals methods. Using GC-MS device the components of ethanolic extract of air branches of Onopordon leptolepis DC. were isolated by Soxhlet method. Also the ethanolic extract of three parts of the plant including air branches, leaf, and stem were evaluated for anti-cancer properties using MTT and NBT methods based on a complete randomized block design.Results: Using GC-MS device we identified 27 components in the extract. Among them, ANeooleana- 3 (5), 12-diene (78.92%), 2 (1H) Naphthalenone, 3.5, 6, 7, 8, 8a-hexahydro-4, 8adimethyl- 6 - (1-methylethenyl) - (13.65%), and hexadecanoic acid (1.33%), were the main components of the extract respectively. In this study, presence of alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, tannins, and steroids were confirmed in the plant. The results of cell viability analysis using MTT and free radical activity showed that ethanolic extracts of air branches, leaf, and stem of the plant had anticancer activity. The highest rate of neutralization of free radicals produced by cancer cells was observed in the extract of the air branches of the plant.Conclusion: The medicinal and anti-cancer properties of this plant may be due to the presence of some of the alkaloids, glycosides, phenols and other phytochemical compounds in the plant which can be involved in the antioxidant activity of the plant. The detected chemical compounds in the plant can be used in the food industry and production of effective chemical medicines for the treatment of cancer.

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Tanacetum partheniumextract (TPE) on lipid peroxidation and acute heart injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats.Materials and Methods: In an experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n=6). Two of the groups were normal and damage control groups, other 3 groups were damage groups treated with 40, 80 and 120 mg / kg of TPE for 14 days before being damaged by CCl4. At the end of the study we measured the activity of creatine kinase (CKMB) isoenzyme and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C and LDL-C in serum, as well as the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and arylesterase (ARE) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, as lipid peroxidation index, in myocardial homogenates.Results: The results of this study showed that treatment with carbon tetrachloride significantly increased the levels of CK-MB, LDH, TC, LDL-C and MDA and decreased ARE, HDL-C, SOD and GPX (P<0.001) in a dose dependent manner.Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that TPE can be considered as a substance with various potential effects such as antioxidant activity and cardioprotective effects.

Background and Aim: Apoptosis is a type of programmed cell death occurring by a series of intercellular messages which is associated with tissue structure remodeling. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the interactive effects of reducing exercise intensity and Adiantum capillus veneris extract on remodeling and modulation of pulmonary apoptotic indices of the rats exposed to the hypoxia.Material and Methods: This study included 16 male Wistar rats. After 6 weeks of high intensity interval training, the rats were kept in a hypoxic environment for 3 weeks. In hypoxic environment, half of the rats performed interval training and taper and received 500 mg/kg of Adiantum capillus veneris extract. Finally, lung tissue was extracted for immunohistochemical and stereology studies.Results: 3 weeks of simultaneous exercise intensity and taper and Adiantum capillus veneris extract consumption in the hypoxia group led to decreased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (p<0.05) and nematocytes-2 population (p>0.05), compared to increased alveolar nematocytes-1 population in the hypoxia group (p<0.05).Conclusion: The results of this study showed that simultaneous use of exercise intensity and taper and consumption of Adiantum capillus veneris extract is effective in decreasing apoptosis and remodeling of Alveolar epithelial cells after high intensity interval training and exposure to hypoxia.

Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance training intensity (low, moderate and high) on the expression of skeletal muscle ATGL protein and serum levels of insulin and glucose in male diabetic rats.Material and Method: 40 streptozotocin induced diabetic male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups of eight, including low (DL, moderate (DM) and high intensity (DH) endurance training diabetic groups, diabetic control group (D), and healthy control group (Con). Three sessions of endurance training with low intensity (DL(equivalent to 5-8 m / min, moderate intensity (DM) equivalent to 17-14 m / min and high intensity (DH) equivalent to 25-22 m / min were performed every week for eight weeks. The relative expression of ATGL protein was measured with western blot technique. Serum insulin and glucose levels were measured by ELISA method. To determine the difference between the groups we used one way ANOVA test.Result: The results showed a significant difference in the expression of ATGL between the control and training groups (with low, moderate and high intensity) (p=0.0002). This difference was significant between DH and D (p=0.0049), DH and DL (p=0.0053) and also between DH and DM (P=0.0136) groups. Serum glucose levels were also significantly different between the DH group with the groups D (p=0.002) and DL (p=0.039), also, the DM group with groups D (p=0.0018) and DL (p=0.0165). There was a significant difference in the amount of insulin in the DH group compared to the groups DL (p=0.011), D (p=0.0002), and the DM group with D (p=0.014).Conclusion: Moderate and high intensity endurance training can to some extent compensate for diabetes-induced reduction in the expression of ATGL protein and cause reduction of serum insulin and glucose levels in diabetic rats. It seems higher intensity of endurance training can lead to greater increase in expression of ATGL in diabetic rats.

Background and Aim: Diabetes can lead to reduced fertility in men by production of free radicals. Crocin (the effective component of saffron) with its antioxidant property can be effective in elimination of free radicals. We evaluated the effects of crocin on the reproductive parameters of the STZ –induced diabetic male Wistar rats.Materials and Method: Rats were made diabetic with STZ (55 mg/kg). The rats were divided randomly into 8 groups of seven: control group (normal Saline), STZ induced diabetic group, groups receiving 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg doses of crocin and STZ induced diabetic groups receiving the same doses of the crocin. These animals were kept under experimental conditions for 30 days. LH, FSH, testosterone and insulin hormones are measured. The significance of the results was examined by ANOVA statistical method.Results: Groups receiving crocin and STZ simultaneously showed significant increase (P<0.05) in the levels of LH, FSH, testosterone and insulin hormones compared to the groups receiving STZ.Conclusion: Crocin compensates for the most of degenerative effects of STZ-induced diabetes on the reproductive system of the male rats. It is a rich source of antioxidants and can positively affect most of the reproduction indexes in the rats in a dose depend manner.

Background and Aim: Learning and memory defect occurs following chronic diabetes with uncontrolled blood glucose. Ginkgo leaf extract improves brain blood flow. Also it contains antioxidant components and has shown beneficial effects in neurological diseases. In this study we investigated the effects of Ginkgo leaf extract on spatial memory impairment and hippocampal neuronal loss caused by diabetes.Material and Methods: This experimental study included 28 adult male Sparague-Dawley rats. The rats were made diabetic by injection of streptozotocin (STZ: 60 mg/kg). Ginkgo leaf extract (40 mg/kg) was administrated orally every day for two weeks and its effects on memory impairment and hippocampal tissue damage were investigated. Spatial memory was assessed in Morris water maze for four days. Then, the brains of the animals were extracted and after tissue staining hippocampal tissue damage were evaluated by neuronal count.Results: Latency to find the platform in water maze were significantly increased in STZ group compared to that in the control group (p<0.05). While, administration of the Ginkgo extract in STZ injected animals significantly reduced the latency to find the platform (p<0.05). In addition, STZ reduced hippocampal neuronal count (p<0.001) and administration of the Ginkgo extract in STZ injected animals significantly improved hippocampal neuronal loss (p<0.01).Conclusion: Ginkgo leaf extract significantly improved spatial memory impairment and hippocampal neuronal loss, induced by diabetes.

Background and Aim: One of the most important characteristics of a leader is the ability to understand the ethical concepts and standards of management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of ethical leadership among the educational managers in Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences.Material and Method: In this descriptive-analytical study, we evaluated the viewpoints of 92 faculty members and 26 directors of educational departments and educational deputies of hospitals and schools by using two standard questionnaires. Using SPSS Ver.19 software, data were analyzed by chi-square and t-tests.Results: The results related to the ethical leadership domains from the viewpoints of the participants in this study (faculty members and educational staff) showed that 69.28%, 69.8% and 73.98% of the managers respected ethical principles, ethics in decision making and ethical behavior, respectively. There was a significant relationship between academic level and ethics in decision making (p<0.005). Also, 71.54% of educational managers believed that they have demanded justice in their decision-making.Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that although the status of the university is relatively appropriate in the domains of ethical management, but its effect on labor productivity and other communication variables is not clear. Therefore, further studies on this subject are recommended.