dr farshad sheikhesmaeili

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases and its prevalence rate in various countries, including Iran has been on the rise. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors and prevalence rate of this disease in Sanandaj.
In this descriptive, analytical study, 430 people were selected via random cluster sampling. Data were collected by carrying out interviews with the participants from May 2014 to June 2015. Using a questionnaire, we recorded data about the demographic characteristics, symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and risk factors for the disease. Then, we measured and recorded the participants’ blood pressure, height, weight, and BMI. People who had experienced episodes of mild symptoms of heartburn for two days or more in a week or experienced moderate to severe symptoms for more than once in a week were regarded as cases of reflux. Data analysis was performed by using STATA-11 software.
From 410 patients, 41% were male and 59% (241 persons) were female with the mean age of 37.75 years. The prevalence rate of gastroesophageal reflux in the study population was 30%. We found no statistically significant difference between the patients and healthy individuals in relation to the risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux.
Considering the high prevalence of GERD in Sanandaj, it is of great importance to provide necessary training about the risk factors, prevention, and appropriate treatment of the disease for the public.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disease which is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and its related factors in the general population in Sanandaj in 2013-2014.
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Sanandaj for a period of 12 months, from the summer of 2013 to the summer of 2014. Considering the design effect, a population sample of 430 were selected via random cluster sampling method. ROME III criteria were used for diagnosis of IBS. Logistic regression was used to accomplish the qualitative objectives and multivariate analysis for categorical variables. We used STATA11 software for statistical analysis.
We found a prevalence rate of 10.63% for irritable bowel syndrome in the general population in Sanandaj. Concerning gender distribution, the prevalence rates were 11.5% and 9.96% for males and females respectively, which had no statistically significant difference (OR=1.184, 95% CI=0.574 – 2.439). Although the disease was more prevalent in the patients between 30-40 years of age compared to other age groups, this difference was not statistically significant (OR=0.679, 0.95 CI=0.189, 2.441).
The results of this study showed that the prevalence rate of IBS was higher in Sanandaj city in comparison to other parts of Iran, which can be related to several factors such as diet and lifestyle. Because of the high prevalence of IBS in Sanandaj, we recommend further studies for identification of the causes of this disorder and its exacerbating factors in this city.

Liver plays important roles in the production of bile, detoxification, and elimination of foreign material and synthesis of plasma proteins. Obstructive cholestasis is one of the liver disorders that can result in increased concentration of oxidants and inflammatory agents in the liver. In traditional medicine, Cichorium intybus has been used as a liver protectant, anti inflamatory and detoxifying agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chloroformic extract of Cichorium intybus on liver functional tests and serum level of TNF-α in cholestatic rat model. In this experimental study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n= 6) including sham operated, control (Bile Duct Ligation (BDL) + vehicle), and 3 groups with BDL + extract treatments (100, 200, 400 mg/kg/day ip). These groups were treated for seven days and on the eighth day, prothrombin time (PT), serum albumin, alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were measured by calorimetric and TNF-α was measured by ELISA methods. The results were analyzed by one way ANOVA. The results of the present study showed that the Cichorium extract (100 mg/kg/day) decreased the serum level of direct bilirubin, AST, ALT, and TNF-α significantly compared to the control group (p <0.05). Furthermore, at the higher dose (200 mg/kg/day) PT, ALP, LDH and AST decreased significantly in comparison to the control group (p <0.05), while the serum albumin level increased significantly in the treated animals (p <0.05). In conclusion, we found that, low doses of chloroformic extract of Cichorium intybus protected the liver against obstructive cholestasis induced -injury.