مرجان عجمی

Evidence shows that blood lipid disorders in people are influenced by their unhealthy diet. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the dietary pattern of people with lipid disorders and the status of non-communicable diseases in the studied population.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 patients with lipid disorders. The participants were selected among people with lipids who referred to comprehensive health service centers in Alvand city by multistage sampling method. The data were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The findings were analyzed by SPSS software.

Three dietary patterns including healthy, unhealthy and average were identified in the research participants. Most people (66.3%) followed a moderate dietary pattern. Also, 85% of people were overweight or obese. The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that an unhealthy eating pattern increases the likelihood of developing diseases by 2.267 times compared to a healthy eating pattern. It also showed that with increasing age, the probability of contracting the disease increases by 1.093. Also, there was a significant relationship between food pattern and education level (P<0.05). In this study, there was no significant relationship between age, marital status of people and their food pattern (P>0.05).

The results showed that people who follow an unhealthy food pattern have more non-communicable diseases. Therefore, it seems that modifying the food pattern through nutrition education is appropriate and can be effective in preventing other non-communicable diseases in the future.

The optimal food basket is a scientific and powerful tool for developing food and nutrition policies, executive planning and assessment of programs to ensure food security and maintain the nutritional health of the community. This cross-sectional study was carried out with the aim of a) revising the optimal food basket of Iranians-2013 based on the principles of sustainable food and nutrition systems as a guide for policy making in the field of food and nutrition; and b) compiling a thrifty optimal food basket of Iran-2023 as a necessary tool in welfare and social support studies and planning.

After collecting opinions of experts and stakeholders from various fields, data of the reports on the comprehensive study of the food consumption patterns and the nutritional status of the Iranian households and individuals, 2017–2018, and information of the statistics center (quantity of consumption of food groups by people, quantitative share of food items, average and price range of food groups, necessary quantities of energy, macronutrients and micronutrients) as well as the Iranian food composition table were used as inputs of the model. Energy, protein and nutrients were defined for age and sex groups based on the latest WHO/FAO references as 100% of the energy needs in the optimal food basket, at least 95% of the energy requirements and 80% of the key nutrients (vitamin B2, vitamin A, Fe and Ca) for the thrifty food basket were covered. Considerations of national and international dietary guidelines promoting health and preventing diseases included fats, 15–30%; carbohydrates, 55–75%; proteins, 10–15%; saturated fatty acid, less than 10%; simple sugars, less than 10% energy; and total vegetables and fruits, more than 400 g. Solver was used as a Microsoft Excel add-in program to optimize the optimal and thrifty food basket values. To apply sustainability considerations, two environmental indicators of water and carbon footprint were calculated for the baskets.

The recommended per capita quantities of food in grams per day for the optimum food basket of Iran-1402 included bread, 290; rice, 70; pasta, 25; legumes and nuts, 30; potatoes, 70; vegetables and fruits, 200; red meat, 30; white meat (chicken and fish), 60; eggs, 40; dairies, 300; vegetable oils, 35; and sugar, 30. In the key micronutrients, riboflavin and vitamin A were provided more than the necessary quantity and iron and calcium in a range of 80–85% of the requirement. The optimal food basket designed-2023 included 5% less water footprint and 2% less carbon footprint than that the optimal food basket did for 2013. Mild increases in the environmental sustainability of the optimal food basket-2023 was majorly due to decreases in the share of meats, fruits and rice and increases in the share of legumes, compared to the food basket-2013. Increasing the quantity of dairy products is one of the reasons that weaken the environmental sustainability of the novel optimal food basket.

Availability of sufficient appropriate nutrition is a human right and a prerequisite for comprehensive sustainable development. Optimum and thrifty food baskets include a big step towards a healthier and more prosperous future for everyone. It is necessary to design and implement food and nutrition policies at macro-levels and continuously assessment and monitoring of their effects on the households and individuals.

Childhood obesity has become a global challenge today. Many studies have shown the relationship between obesity and socioeconomic factors. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate socio-economic inequalities with nutritional patterns and obesity in children.

This study was conducted using the structural analysis methodology on 80 children from 6 to 13 years old, selected randomly from those referred to the health assessment centers of Sonqor and Kolyai, Iran. The body mass index was calculated using the standard method. Nutritional patterns were measured using the 24-hour food recall questionnaire, and socioeconomic status was assessed using related standard questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24 and AMOS 24 software.

The results showed that 28.75% of the subjects were obese or overweight. The structural analysis showed that the socioeconomic variable directly affected the nutritional pattern and body mass (-0.43) with an impact coefficient of as much as 0.65. The nutritional pattern variable affected BMI with an impact factor (-0.74). The bootstrap test results indicated that the significant effect of socio-economic status on BMI is mediated by nutritional pattern (-0.48). Prediction values show two economic-social and nutritional pattern variables predicted 0.16 and 0.29 BMI changes, respectively.

The findings of this study showed the effect of socioeconomic status on nutritional patterns and body mass index in the research community. Today, The issue of increasing body mass in the world and our country is one of the most important social challenges. Considering the heterogeneous effects of socioeconomic status on nutritional patterns and body mass index, it is necessary to formulate and implement preventive policies according to the conditions of the communities to achieve effective results.

Exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months has an important role in infant and maternal health and prevention of child mortality. And the present study aimed to examine the factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding in children under 6 months and evaluate the achievement of the World Health Organization's goal for 2025 at the national level.

In this national survey, Data from 1845 mothers/caregivers with children under 6 months were examined Information on breastfeeding and infant nutrition during the past 24 hours, demographic information and socio-economic status in 1396 were collected. The survey questionnaire is derived from the DHS questionnaire designed by WHO and the food intake section is based on the standard questionnaire of MICS designed by UNICEF. The role and importance of factors affecting exclusive feeding were determined by logistic regression and chi-square tests.

The rate of exclusive breastfeeding among infants (˂ 6 months) was 45.9%. The percentage of exclusive feeding was higher in girls compared to boys and it decreased with age (P=0.00). Mothers' employment outside the home is one of the effective factors in the discontinuation of exclusive feeding. In this study, the Husband's Occupation, parents' education, and socioeconomic status were not associated with exclusive breastfeeding (P>0.05).

We showed that the age and sex of the children and the occupation of the mothers have a significant effect on exclusive breastfeeding. Also, the national rate of exclusive breastfeeding has decreased compared to the previous studies. Thus, health policies should be aimed at raising the awareness of mothers and protecting employed mothers from breastfeeding.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most challenging chronic liver diseases with more than 30% of prevalence in Iran. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has emerged as a significant challenge because of its prevalence, difficulties in diagnosis, complex pathogenesis and lack of approved therapies. The more non-alcoholic fatty liver disease develops, the higher the risk of fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma. Lack of approved therapies has led to increased infliction with the diseases. Hence, novel therapeutic approaches based on metabolic therapies and lifestyle modifications have been developed for this disease. A ketogenic diet based on medium-chain fatty acids can be a good option for this purpose. In this study, decanoic acid (C10) was added to diet of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease animal models and the preventive and therapeutic effects of this intervention were investigated for the first time.

The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model was induced using high-fat diet in rats. Effects of C10 on the two prevention and treatment groups were assessed. Each group included three subgroups of normal diet (ND), high fat (HF) and C10. The C10 was set to include 35% of daily energy in the diet. After completing 10C induction period, liver tissues were stained with H&E to initially assess liver steatosis. Then, rat serum parameters were compared with each other.

Texture and biochemical analyses showed that C10 intervention decreased lipid accumulation in livers and improved dominant serum parameters.

Findings of this study have shown that using C10 in the form of ketogenic diet can improve serum parameters and inhibit or decrease the progression of lipid accumulations in liver tissues.

High intakes of saturated and trans fatty acids can increase risks of cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Therefore, removal of partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils containing trans fatty acids has been suggested as one of the most effective health interventions. The aim of the current study was to investigate the policy effects of decreasing trans fatty acids in partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils as well as increasing intakes of unsaturated fatty acids through the introduction of novel products into the market and assessing the averages intake of saturated and trans fatty acids by households of capital cities in West Azerbaijan, Fars, Khuzestan, Lorestan, Semnan and South Khorasan Provinces.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on households in capitals of six provinces. Data were collected from the begging of May to the end of July 2014 using telephone interviews. Information on the types of fats and oils used for cooking as well as the purchase pattern and their quantities were collected using questionnaires. Fatty acid profiles of the consumed fats and oils were investigated as well.

The commonly consumed oils in the provinces included partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils, blended oils and frying oils. These oils included more than 70% of the total oil intakes. Furthermore, the average intakes of oils and fats per capita in the provinces were ordinarily West Azerbaijan, Khuzestan, Lorestan, South Khorasan and Fars. Intakes of trans fatty acids ranged from 0.32 in Fars to 0.67 g/person/day in West Azerbaijan. Results of this study showed that quantity of the trans fatty acids in partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils  has decreased by 95%, compared to that in previous decade. Moreover, consumption of partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils by households has decreased by 45%, compared to that in the last decade.

Effective policies, reformulations of oils and decreasing of trans fatty acids in partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils have included positive and effective changes, which have led to improve quality of fats and oils consumed by the households.

Dietary diversity score is a nutrient intake adequacy index associated with the child growth. As mothers make the most important decisions affecting dietary patterns for their families and children, this study investigated possible relationships between the dietary diversity scores of children and mothers and the anthropometric statuses of preschool children for the first time in Iran.

In total, 236 children and their mothers participated in this cross-sectional study. Data about mothers and children weight, height and dietary diversity scores were collected using food recall questionnaires and dietary diversity questionnaires, respectively. Then, mothers and children were categorized into good, medium and weak dietary diversity score groups based on the protocols by the United Nation Food and Agricultural Organization. Furthermore, households were categorized into three major groups (low, middle and high) based on their socioeconomic statuses.

This study showed that child weight-for-age (p = 0.013) and weight-for-height (p = 0.03) included significant relationships with the mothers dietary diversity scores.

The better the mothers dietary diversity scores were, the more likely they were to have children with normal weight for height, weight for age and height for age values, compared to mothers with low dietary diversity scores.

A safe food system provides the conditions for consumers to decide about and choose the food products. This systematic review describes the alternatives in order to achieve a healthy nutrition pattern in a food system that can be used to make changes in current policies.

An electronic literature search was done in Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Springer, ProQuest, Ovid, Magiran, Irandoc, Iranmedex using the following keywords: food and nutrition policy, evidence, food system, sustainability, healthy food, and sustainable food and nutrition system. Articles published between 2000 and 2018 in Persian and English that met the study inclusion criteria were selected.

In order to establish evidence-based policy four factors should be considered, including situation analysis, policy illustrations, analyzing the policy’s framework, and changes in policy. 

The food environments and systems are the basis for food choices of people. Indeed, guiding the food system toward safe and affordable approaches affect consumers’ nutrition patterns. In Iran, changes in food policy should be also socio-culturally appropriate

The average age of women with breast cancer in Iran is at least 10 years lower in comparison to developed countries and the incidence of the disease in Iranian women is on a rise. According to studies, diets that are diverse in food groups can play a role in protecting against chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Diet diversity score is an indicator used to measure diversity between and within food groups. This study aimed to assess the relationship between diet diversity score and breast cancer risk. This case-control study was carried out from April 2014 to February 2015 at Shohada Hospital in Tajrish, Tehran. Demographic and anthropometric data of 298 participants including 149 breast cancer cases and 149 apparently healthy women were collected. A valid food frequency questionnaire containing 168 food items was completed to assess usual dietary intake through face to face interviews. Energy was calculated using Nutritionist 4 software (First Databank Inc., Hearst Corp., San Bruno, CA, USA) and diet diversity score was calculated using five food group scoring. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were obtained using logistic regression test to evaluate the association between breast cancer risk and diet diversity score tertiles. There was no significant difference in weight, height, body mass index between the two groups, but physical activity level and daily energy intake showed a significant difference (P<0.001). After adjusting for the effect of confounding variables including energy, body mass index, physical activity, menopause status, family history of breast cancer, contraceptive use, number of pregnancy, age of menarche and smoking, the risk for developing breast cancer was 86% lower in those in the highest tertile of diet diversity score compared to those in the first tertile (OR=0.14, 95% CI=0.06-0.31). An inverse and significant association was found between breast cancer risk and diversity scores of fruits and milk groups (P<0.001). Higher diet diversity score is associated with reduced risk of breast cancer.

The word policy is a statement by an authoritative body with intent to act in order to maintain or alter a condition in the society. A food policy for example, is any decision, program or project that is endorsed by a government agency, business, or organization, which effects how food is produced, processed, distributed, purchased, protected or disposed. Based on article six of the overall health policy this document relates to, “ensuring food quality and equitable utilization of a healthy food basket, suitable and adequate provision of water and clean air, and public sports facilities that uphold safety standards of health products for national , regional and global standards”. It comprises one of the main health policies in Iran. In the present context, health policy research is undertaken after evaluating and analyzing the current policies in each section of the general health policy document (i.e. food and nutrition safety, prevention of noncommunicable disease, education and research in food safety etc) successful food and nutrition policies in similar countries are reviewed, and indicators for monitoring article six of the overall health policy document was assessed. Moreover, based on upstream documentation, the most appropriate interventions for the next five years are suggested. Stakeholder analysis determined the most important interventions at an international and national level (i.e. research, education ,collaboration, production, food. supply and demand). The most important interventions aimed at promoting food and nutrition safety based upon expert panel views were: A. Incorporation of food and nutrition programs, food safety, preventing noncommunicable disease, sustainable food and nutrition, respecting economic, cultural, and ecological aspects, B. Sovereignty, trusteeship and leadership of the high council of health and food safety, C. Development of food and nutrition observation system and program evaluation for informed policy making. There is a strong need to address nutrition, prevent noncommunicable disease, promote food safety and prevent poverty.

Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is an episode of intermittent sub lethal and brief ischemia in one organ, which causes protection against severe ischemia in another remote organ. The main purpose of this study was to assess the relevance of nitric oxide (NO) in renal ischemic preconditioning during brain ischemia-reperfusion in hippocampal tissue.

60 male BALB/C mice weighting 30-35g randomly were divided into six groups. Sham-operated group, IPC group (transient renal ischemia), IR group (global brain ischemia), RIPC (IPC+IR) group, L-NAME + IPC + IR group (L-NAME was injected 30 min before RIPC), L-NAME + sham + IR group. Three days after brain ischemia, the cell density in hippocampal CA1 subregion and the level of nitric oxide (NO) in hippocampus tissue were measured in different groups.

RIPC prevented the reduction in cell density in hippocampal CA1 area following ischemia (p ≤ 0.05). The level of nitric oxide was significantly increased in the hippocampus in comparison with the IR group (p ≤ 0.05). L-NAME reversed the protective effects of RIPC on ischemic hippocampal damage by inhibition of nitric oxide (p ≤ 0.01).

Increased nitric oxide during RIPC can protect the hippocampus against damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and the most common cancer among women and notably the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Overweight and obesity are two main risk factors which have been proven the creation of breast cancer after menopause. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between anthropometric and body composition in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal breast cancer risk.
In this case-control study, 88 patients with breast cancer (n = 48 pre-menopausal and post-menopausal 41) and 86 controls (45 premenopausal and 41 postmenopausal) who were matched by age, studied respectively. The cases, women who were admitted to Shohada Hospital recently diagnosed with breast cancer and had not chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The controls of women who were admitted to the same hospital had no history of any type of cancer or hormonal disease. The subjects were studied anthropometric indices and body composition was also measured by tanita Body Composition analyzer. For analysis the findings, chi-square and logistic regression was used.
In the study of case and control groups separately menopausal status, in pre-menopausal population, overweight women (BMI=24/91-29/9kg/m2) had lower odds ratio of developing breast cancer (OR=0/23 CI=0/84-0/06). In postmenopausal population with waist-to-hip ratio (0/80-0/84), WHR was significantly associated with breast cancer risk (OR=0/09 CI=0/60-0/02).
In this study, premenopausal overweight women had lower odds ratio of developing breast cancer. High WHR was associated with breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females in the world. Identifying the nutrients that modify the risk of the disease is one of the key strategies for improving the quality of life and reducing treatment costs. Epidemiological studies support the role of macronutrients and vitamins involved in one carbon metabolism in the etiology of the disease. This study aimed in investigation of the relationship between the intake of macronutrients and vitamins involved in one carbon metabolism with breast cancer risk.
This case-control hospital base study was conducted at Shohada Hospital, Tehran from April to February 2015. Demographic data, physical activity level and nutrients’ intake from diet and supplements were collected through interview from 151 cases and 154 controls. Dietary intake was assessed by a valid and reliable 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Then intake of macronutrients and B vitamins was assessed by Nutritionist 4 software (First Databank Inc., CA, USA). Comparing categorical variables between the two groups was done by Chi-squared test and the relationship between intake of studied nutrients and risk of breast cancer was determined using logistic regression test.
There were no difference in age, menarche age, menopause age, body mass index (BMI), number of live births between two groups. But the difference in physical activity, energy intake, marital status, educational level, occupation, oral contraceptives use was significant (P The results showed that high intake of protein, fiber, vitamins B2, B6, B12 and folate are associated with lower risk of breast cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer affecting 1.23million individuals per and is the third most common cancer in males and the second in Females. In addition¡ it is the third most common cause of cancer-related death.In recent years Oxidative stress and Chronic inflammation are believed to be two of the risk factors of colorectal carcinogenesis that have an important role in colorectal cancer(CRC). Biological and epidemiological studies indicated that some factores such as diet an life style can prevent incidence of CRC.Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is one of the functional lipids and is known to have physiological benefits such as the prevention and attenuation of lifestyle-related Colorectal cancer.
PubMed¡ Google scholar¡ ISI webofknowledge and Scopus were searched for studies published between 2000 till 2015. “inflammatory”¡ “anti oxidant”¡ “Rat”¡ “Conjugated linoleic acid” in combination with “Colorectal”¡ “Cancer” were used as search terms. Clinical trials with high quality and review articles were collected.
it is suggested reduction of inflammatory factors level as a key point in controlling cancer is a novel approach to prevent malignancy. For this purpose dietary CLA is suggested as a powerful factor to decrease inflammatory factors and increase anti oxidant factors level.

Colorectal cancer is the third cause of cancer death in the world and also in Iran. Recent studies in Iran show that colorectal cancer incidence has increased dramatically in the three recent decades. The current review was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid and serum Visfatin levels on the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
PubMed, Google scholar, ISIwebofknowledge and Scopus were searched for studies published between 2000 till 2015. “NAMPT”, “Visfatin”, “PBEF”, “Rat”, “Conjugated linoleic acid” in combination with “Colorectal”, “Cancer”, “Neoplasm” and “malignant” were used as search terms. Clinical trials with high quality and review articles were collected.
Various studies show that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) prevents metastasis and progressive cancers especially colorectal cancer by different ways such as inducing apoptosis and aggregating of tumor suppressor proteins. It has been concluded that the serum Visfatin levels increase in different cancers and a positive correlation between serum Visfatin levels and metastasis has been shown.
It is suggested that reduction of serum Visfatin level as a key point in controlling cancer is a novel approach to prevent malignancy. For this purpose dietary CLA is suggested as a powerful factor to decrease serum Visfatin.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer affecting 1.23 million individuals per year in the world. Recently, it is suggested that inflammation and oxidative stress play an importmat role in colorectal carcinogenesis. The aim of this syudy was to examine the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on oxidation markers and antioxidant defenses level in a rat model of colorectal cancer.
Sixteen male Wistar rats, weighing 250-300 g were divided into two groups: control and experimental. Both groups were injected subcutaneously, with 1,2- Dimethyl Hydrazine at a dose of 15 mg/kg of body weight, twice per week for 6 weeks. The control group and experimental groups were gavaged with water (2 ml/kg) and CLA (200 mg/kg), respectively, for the first 4 weeks of study. After 6 weeks, the rats were killed and their blood and colorectal tissues were collected. The serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutation peroxidase (GPx), paraxonase (PON) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and also malondialdehyde (MAD) level in the colorectal tissue were measured.
Findings indicated that MAD and MPO levels significantly decreased in the experimental group in comparison than the control group (P our findings suggest that CLA is a powerful substance which decreases oxidation markers, and increases antioxidant defenses in colorectal cancer

Background and Despite studying the relationship between breast cancer and dietary factors in previous studies, ignoring the cancer phenotype can affect the association between diet and breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the association between dietary patterns and HER2 among Iranian women.
In a case-control study, 150 new cases with ductal or lobular in situ or invasive breast cancer and without a previous history of the disease were selected. Also, 150 age-matched controls were included in the study. Data including demographic characteristics, food frequency, and physical activity were recorded using relevant questionnaires. Also, the information regarding HER-2 factor was obtained from patients records. Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns. The association between these patterns and breast cancer was examined by logistic regression analysis.
Two major dietary patterns were identified. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants who had higher scores for unhealthy dietary patterns (mayonnaise, French fries, soft drinks, pickles, red or processed meat, potatoes, sweets and desserts) and healthy dietary patterns (fruits and fruit juices, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, spices, nuts, fish, egg, legumes and low intake of hydrogenated fats) were more (OR: 4.12, 95%CI: 2.31-7.3) and less (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.30-0.95) prone to develop breast cancer, respectively. A healthy dietary pattern reduced the risk of HER-2 positive breast cancer (OR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.04-0.25).
Healthy dietary pattern reduced the overall risk of breast cancer and was inversely associated with HER-2 positive tumors, indicating a poor prognosis of the disease.

Colorectal cancer is the third causes of cancer death in the world. Recent studies have shown that the serum levels of visfatin are increased during malignancies, suugesting a role for vistatin in pathogenegis of malignancies. It is suggested that conjugated linoleic acid, (CLA) can reduce the serum levels of vistatin. The aim of this syudy was to study the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid on serum visfatin level in rat model of colorectal cancer.
Sixteen male Wistar rats, weighing 250-300 g were divided into two groups: control and experimental. Both groups were injected subcutaneously, with 1,2- Dimethyl Hydrazine at a dose of 15 mg/kg of body weight, twice per week for 6 weeks. The control group and experimental groups were gavaged with water (2 ml/kg) and CLA (200 mg/kg), respectively, for the first 4 weeks of study. After 6 weeks, the rats were killed and their blood and colorectal tissues were collected in order to analyze serum visfatin, tumor number and tumor size respectively by ELISA method, tumor numbering and macroscopic analysing.
Visfatin levels decreased dramatically in the experimental group than control group (P=0.001). Tumor number and tumor size increased considerably in the control group than experimental group (P = 0.000). There was a positive correlation between visfatin levels with tumor number (r =0.701, p = 0.001) and also between plasma visfatin with tumor number×tumor size (r=0.771, p=0.000).
This study shows that dietary CLA by reducing serum visfatin can decrease the tumor number and tumor size in rat model of colorectal cancer. Thus, CLA suppresses colon carcinogenesis by a mechanim probably involving reduced serum visfatin

Skin flap grafting is a popular approach for reconstruction of critical skin and underlying soft tissue injuries. In a previous study, we demonstrated the beneficial effects of two 5α-reductase inhibitors, azelaic acid and finasteride, on tissue survival in a rat model of skin flap grafting. In the current study, we investigated the involvement of nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in graft survival mediated by these agents. A number of 42 male rats were randomly allocated into six groups: 1, normal saline topical application; 2, azelaic acid (100 mg/flap); 3, finasteride (1 mg/flap); 4, injection of L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (i.p., 20 mg/kg); 5, L-NAME (20 mg/kg, i.p.) + azelaic acid (100 mg/flap, topical); 6, L-NAME (20 mg/kg, i.p.) + finasteride (1 mg/flap, topical). Tissue survival, level of nitric oxide, and iNOS expression in groups were measured. Our data revealed that azelaic acid and finasteride significantly increased the expression of iNOS protein and nitric oxide (NO) levels in graft tissue (P < 0.05). These increases in iNOS expression and NO level were associated with higher survival of the graft tissue. It appears that alterations of the NO metabolism are implicated in the azelaic acid- and finasteride-mediated survival of the skin flaps.

Studies suggest a possible protective role of vitamin D against breast cancer. This study aimed to assess the relationship between vitamin D intake and risk of breast cancer in Iranian women. A total of 135 new cases of breast cancer and 135 matched controls were included in the study. The data on breast cancer risk factors، sunlight exposure and use of vitamin D supplements were obtained through demographic questionnaire. To measure the intake of energy، macronutrients، calcium، and vitamin D we used a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The mean dietary intake of vitamin D in the cases was significantly lower than the control group (24 vs. 30. 56 IU/day) (P=0. 001). The risk of developing breast cancer was 2. 5 times (61%) lower for those in the highest quartile of dietary intake of vitamin D compared to those in the first quartile (OR=0. 392، 95%CI=0. 196-0. 784). This inverse association was marginally significant in the premenopausal women (OR=0. 39، 95%CI=0. 151-1. 006)، but not in the postmenopausal women. Overall، the total intake of vitamin D from foods and supplements was not associated with breast cancer risk، in both the premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Dietary intake of vitamin D may have a protective role against breast cancer، especially in premenopausal women.

Ischemia reperfusion (IR) occurs when the blood supply returns to the tissue after a period of ischemia، or lack of oxygen; it is a common cause of acute renal failure. The present study evaluated the effect of pretreatment with omega 3 fatty acids on ischemia reperfusion injury.

Right nephrectomy was performed on 81 male Wistar rats (255-300 g). The rats received either omega 3 fatty acids (DHA+EPA 200 mg/kg/d) or distilled water orally for 14 d prior to ischemia reperfusion (6، 24، 48 h reperfusion). Serum creatinine (SCr)، BUN، creatinine clearance (CCr)، and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) were measured. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and renal histological injury were also determined.

SCr، BUN and FENa increased after 6-48 h of reperfusion (p < 0. 01). CAT and SOD activity decreased (p < 0. 05) in the IR group. DHA+EPA decreased SCr، BUN and FENa، (p < 0. 05 vs. IR) and increased CCr، CAT، and SOD activity (p < 0. 05 vs. IR) for 6-48 h after ischemia. IR induced mild (6 h، p < 0. 05) to severe (24-48 h، p < 0. 01) tissue damage. The tissue damage decreased significantly for the DHA+EPA group over the IR group (p < 0. 05 vs. IR; 24-48 h).

The results suggest that pre-ischemic exposure to DHA+EPA ameliorates oxidative stress and could improve kidney function by decreasing SCr، BUN، and FENa، and increasing CCr.

Chronic exposure to low amounts of lead causes hypertension in humans and experimental animals. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of aqueous-alcoholic red grape seed extract (GSE) on the knee joint blood pressure and blood flow changes in rats receiving lead. Thirty two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of 8 each. Group A (control) received ordinary feed and tap water. The other three groups received tap water containing 100 ppm lead acetate alone (group B)، GSE alone (100 mg/kg، orally، group C)، or 100 ppm lead acetate in drinking water + GSE (100 mg/kg، orally، group D) for 60 days. A laser Doppler flow-meter was used to measure changes in the blood flow. The responsiveness of blood vessels in the knee joint area to the different doses of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (endothelium-independent vasorelaxant) was determined. The results indicated that chronic exposure to lead could increase blood pressure significantly (129. 12± 3. 3; p<0. 05) in rats. Consumption of GSE prevented the increase significantly (p<0. 001) in the group receiving lead and GSE (110. 2± 2. 1). SNP at a dose of10-4resulted inan increase in blood flow (22. 28 ±1. 89%) in the knee joint by increasing diameter of the vessels in the group receiving lead and in a reduction in blood pressure (p<0. 05). In addition، GSE prevented the lead from reducing blood flow in the knee joint in the group receiving (p<0. 05). Based on the result of this study، it can be concluded that grape seed extract can، through its strong antioxidant activity and eliminating free radicals، reduce blood pressure in rats receiving lead، thereby lessening its toxic effects.

Ischemia that followed by reperfusion can couse severe damages in tissues and organs and can be occurred in clinical condition such as surgeries, cardiovascular heart diseases, heart attack and stroke, trauma, sepsis, Etc which are caused perfusion and oxygen reduced and then reperfusion occurred. The results of many studies have been shown that dietetic treatment with fatty acids can reduce complication of ischemic reperfusion significantly. Pubmed, Science direct, Springer and Google scholar databases were searched in order to achieve the desired articles. Cellular, animal as well as human studies that have been conducted from 1990 till 2012, were recruited in this investigation.. The results of previous studies have been shown that intake of omega 3 fatty acids (after 4 weeks) increase the amount of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the left ventricular wall and decrease the accumulation of leukocytes in the heart. In addition, the results of other studies have been indicated that omega 3 fatty acids dietary treatment can reduce tachycardia and atrial fibrillation in mice. Also, long-term treatments with polyunsaturated fatty acids indicate positive results in the isolated heart model. Treatment with unsaturated fatty acids such as omega 3 befor tissue ischemia are able to resistance the cells. Also, improve the function of tissues special myocard after ischemic injury. In addition, studies indicated that effects of dietetic treatment with omega 3 in comparing with omega 6 are more effective and can be clinical uses.

The effect of pretreatment with omega 3 fatty acids on oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion were evaluated.

Right nephrectomy was completed on 81 male Wistar rats (255-300g). The rats received omega 3 fatty acids (DHA+EPA 200 mg/kg/day) or distilled-water orally for 14 days before ischemia reperfusion(6,24,48 hour reperfusion) (IR) or sham operation. Tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), Bax and Bcl-2 proteins expression, were determined.

Tissue MDA content and Bax expression increased (p<0.05) in IR group.for 6 to 48 hours after ischemia Omega 3 fatty acids decreased tissue MDA levels (p<0.05 vs. IR) increased Bcl-2 After 24 and 48 hours of reperfusion in IR groups the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax significantly increased (p<0.05 vs. sham). In IR group expression of Bax after 24 and 48 hours of reperfusion was significantly more than the expression of this protein after 6 hours of reperfusion (p<0.05). Conversely, in omega 3(200 mg/kg/day)+IR treated rats expression of Bcl-2 protein after 24 and 48 hours was significantly more than the value of 6 hours of reperfusion (p<0.05).

In conclusion, the results suggested that pre-ischemic exposure to omega 3 fatty cids by inhibition of IR induced oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death could improve the outcome of early graft function.

Gastric mucosal ulcer is a kind of digestive disease, put a person in critical situation if left untreated in a early diagnosis. One of the most side effects of NSAID’s is gastrointestinal upset and gastric ulceration. Ethanol is an agent that proposed to be able to induce gastric ulcers by its ability to release of leukotrienes from mucosa and contraction of submucosal venules. Vanadium is a kind of micronutrient that is effective on many of mechanisms involved in ulceration and acid secretion. The purpose of this study, was to check the effect of vanadate on indomethacin and ethanol induced gastric ulcers in the rat. 72 Sprague Dawley male rats weighing 180 – 120 g in 8 groups (9 in each group) were tested. Sodium metavanadate and indomethacin (Merck, Germany) were resolved in saline NaCl 0.9% made of pure NaCl and deionized water. Indomethacin was prepared from a solution 30 mg / kg. Sodium metavanadate was prepared in 3 dose, 2,5 and 10 mg / kg. Subcutaneous administration of indomethacin, intraperitoneal administration of sodium metavanadate and intragastric administration of alcohol (60 degrees,1 ml)(Merck, Germany) were used. In the first group, animals had received indomethacin 30 mg/kg had wounds with moderate intensity. In comparison with control, groups 2 and 4 showed non significant healing (sodium Metavanadate 2 mg/kg and 10mg/kg). In the second group, the animals that had received ethanol and 5 and 10 mg vanadate,vanadate was able to prevent the injury by ethanol significantly. Vanadate administered i. p. couldn’t protect stomach against indo–ulceration completely, whereas was able to inhibit ulceration by ethanol. It may be concluded that this preventive effect, arise from ability of vanadate to inhibit acid secretion and vascular constriction and leukotrienes release from mucosa, and activity of PMN’s too.