فهرست مطالب mohammad afkhami -ardakani

Islamic instructions suggest waking up near dawn at night and spending time praying to Allah. This is the time of maximum melatonin secretion, that is a hormone mainly functioning in the circadian rhythm. Melatonin secretion declines with age and leads to different clinical consequences. This study aimed to investigate the melatonin levels among night vigil prayers, non-prayer late sleepers, and those with regular night sleep.

A questionnaire including information about age, gender, education, and occupation was used to collect the demographic information of the participants. Melatonin was measured with two blood draws (at 23:00 to 24:00 and 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.).

There was a significant difference between both nocturnal and daily melatonin of the night vigil prayers with the other two groups. The average daily melatonin serum level had no significant difference in groups of regular night sleepers and the nonpraying late sleepers (p=0.306). Moreover, an adverse significant relationship was found between age and nocturnal melatonin (R=0.38, P<0.0001) and between age and daily melatonin (R=0.25, P=0.02).

The night vigil prayers have a higher average of nocturnal and daily melatonin serum secretion compared to the nonpraying late sleepers and regular night sleepers. Therefore, waking up at night accompanied by approaching Allah, prayer, supplication, and good thinking is related to the release of more melatonin.

Palm pollen is one of the traditional medicinal plants with potential antioxidant properties that is used to treat infertility.The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of palm pollen on the growth process of embryos obtained from laboratory fertilization following cyclophosphamide administration. In this experimental study, 36 NMRI male mice weighing approximately 36-30 g were randomly divided into 6 groups: after adapting to the environment for one week, all groups were treated daily for 28 days.The Groups included  the control group, Cyclophosphamide, Cyclophosphamide with high and low dosages of palm pollen and two groups palm pollen alone, with high and low doses. Subsequently, weighing and necropsy were done, all animals were euthanized for stimulate ovulation using PMSG and HCG and 6 Adult fertile mice were used. Fertilization was assessed in HTF + 4mg BSA culture medium, fertilized eggs incubated for 120 hours. Embryonic developmental stages and intra-laboratory fertility rates in all groups were investigated. The results showed that the percentage of fertilized eggs, two-celled embryos, morula, blastocysts and the percentage of hatched embryos in Cyclophosphamide group decreased significantly compared to the control group. Cyclophosphamide and palm pollen group at high and low dosages, showed significant increase compared to Cyclophosphamide group. The Cyclophosphamide group had a significant increase in the percentage of stopped embryos compared to the control group. The percentage of stopped embryos in mice receiving the  palm pollen at high and low dosages showed a significant decrease after Cyclophosphamide administration compared to Cyclophosphamide group. Palm pollen following Cyclophosphamide administration improved the growth process of embryos obtained from laboratory fertilization.

Cyclophosphamide leaves an undesirable effect on testes. This study was conducted to explore the effects of the Phoenix dactylifera (DP) on testes following the cyclophosphamide treatment. Thirty-six male mice were divided into six groups, one control, one cyclophosphamide, two groups of cyclophosphamide with a dose of 200 mg kg-1 and a dose of 400 mg kg-1 DP, and two of only high and low doses of DP. All groups were gavaged daily for 28 days. The animals were euthanized 24 hr after implementing the last treatment. Then, the testes and epididymis samples were removed and weighed. The main sperm characteristics such as the number of sperm and sperm viability, the morphometric changes, biochemical analysis of testes and enzyme activity were investigated. With the cyclophosphamide group, only body weight, testes weight, epididymis weight, sperm viability and the fertilization percentage were decreased significantly compared to the control group. Moreover, the spermatogenesis indices and morphometric parameters in this group indicated a significant decrease. Furthermore, the morphological changes were observed in the testicular tissue, including seminiferous tubule atrophy, vacuolation, hyperemia of blood vessels and increased space in the interstitial tissue. In the biochemical study of cyclophosphamide group, the amount of glutathione peroxidase in serum was decreased, whereas, the amount of malondialdehyde in testicular tissue showed a significant increase. The DP group included the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. It seemed that the compounds in the DP would lead to the inhibition of the production of active metabolites released from the cyclophosphamide.

The interaction between organs is a crucial part of modern medicine. As a very prerequisite to manage a disease, practitioners should have a full awareness of the related organs. Kidney and heart are two vital organs that are closely interconnected in various fields. These two organs have a lot of common risk factors for making a person unhealthy; therefore, if you prevent the disease in one of them, the other’s morbidity might be alleviated as well. Among them, nephrolithiasis and myocardial infarction (MI) have more risk factors in common, and both could be fatal. Also, these two diseases are important regarding the prevalence, incidence, and burden of disease. Some studies confirm the relationship between MI and nephrolithiasis; however, further researches are needed to discover the exact direction of their relationship. The present review aims to explain the mechanism of MI and nephrolithiasis; clarify the relationship between these two disease based on physiological, pathological, and clinical studies; and propose some solutions for the prevention and treatment of such diseases.

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is known to reduce fertility. The protective effects of Spirulina plantesis (SP) against CP-induced testicular toxicity were investigated. Male Wistar rats were categorized into eight groups (n = 7). Four groups of rats were administered CP at a dose of 5 mg in 5 mL distilled water kg-1 per day orally. Two of these groups were received SP (500 and 1000 mg kg-1 per day) orally after CP administration. One of these groups was also received vitamin E (100 mg kg-1 per day) intraperitoneally. A vehicle treated control group, two SP control groups (500 and 1000 mg kg-1 per day) and a vitamin E control group were also included. Body and testes weights, sperm count, serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), histological and histomorphometric alternations in testes were investigated after four weeks. The CP-treated group exhibited significant decreases in the body and testes weights and spermatogenic activities. Several histological alterations were observed in this group. The CP treatment caused a significant reduction in sperm count, in serum level of GPx, as well increased serum concentration of MDA. The SP co-administration caused an increase in GPx serum level, a decrease in MDA serum level and improvements in histological and histomorphometric alternations. Vitamin E co-treatment showed partial recovery in above-mentioned parameters. These results suggest that SP due to a reduction in oxidative stress has more effective protection against CP-induced reproductive damages in rat than vitamin E.

Fasting is an Islamic practice, which causes various metabolic changes in fasting individuals. Numerous studies have examined different aspects of fasting, but its effect on individuals with different characteristics such as obesity has remained unknown. The impact of fasting on adipose tissue hormones such as leptin and adiponectin is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of Islamic fasting on glucose and lipid profiles, as well as plasma adiponectin and leptin concentrations in fasting obese and normal-weight individuals.
Obese and normal-weight individuals from Yazd, Iran, who fasted during Ramadan were divided into two groups (n=24). Blood samples were taken from all the participants after 10-12 fasting hours two days before and one day after Ramadan to assess glucose and lipid profiles and plasma adiponectin and leptin concentrations. The individuals who were not able to fast for at least 21 days due to inflammatory or infectious diseases and those who received oral medications or supplements during Ramadan were excluded from the study.
Variations in weight, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-c were significant in the obese group (P Islamic fasting can prevent cardiovascular diseases in obese and normal-weight individuals through reducing weight, BMI, and some blood lipids, elevating HDL-c level, and changing the concentration of some adipokines.

The purpose of this study is to present a geographical map of mortality rate due to diabetes complications in different areas of Yazd during 2001–2010. In this ecological study, a sample data of mortality due to diabetic complications in Yazd was gathered. Mortality rate calculation and geographical distribution mapping was performed then using this data. General rate of mortality from diabetic complications is higher in internal and marginal areas than high-income and new-built regions. This pattern is also consistent regardless of patients’ gender. It seems that the observed pattern is due to inactivity in internal areas, as well as unawareness and lack of access to medical facilities in margins.

The purpose of the present research was to investigate the simple and multiple resilience and hardiness with problem - oriented and emotional - oriented coping styles in patients suffering from diabetes type 2 in Yazd city. Present research is of a causal – comparison Type. Present society includes all patients with diabetes, referred to diabetes research center of Yazd in Bahman and Esfand, in 1390 year. Statistical sample was 310 patients (160 women and 150 men) that were selected with lain sampling and Kereschi and Morgan. The instruments used in this research include Caner and Davison resilience, Ahvaz University's questionnaire of hardiness and Lazarous and Folkeman coping styles questionnaire. Results indicated that were correlation between resilience and hardiness (R= 0/54), problem- oriented and resilience (R=0/41), problem - oriented and hardiness (R=0/6) that have significant (p<0/001) and results indicated that hardiness interpretation 36% (R2=0/36) variance of problem- oriented (F1,228=222/04,P<0/001). And resilience interpretation 1 %(F1,228=6/4,P=0/01). Resilient it indicated that individual's have self -control (one of resilience dimensional, this competency helps that diabetic patient feel determinant in his/her life and actively use coping styles in bad situation.

Iron oxide nanoparticles have been used as contrast agents in MRI and in thermal therapy for cancer cells. However، their adverse effects on human health have not been fully investigated. In this study the effect of iron oxide nanoparticles on lever enzymes (ALT، AST and ALP)، thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and TSH in rats were investigated. In this experimental study، 28 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Three intervention groups received iron oxide nanoparticle (in 20µ g/kg، 50µ g/kg and 150µ g/kg doses، dissolved in 1 ml of distilled water) and the control group received 1 ml of distilled water through gavage tube daily for fifteen consecutive days. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukeys tests. The serum levels of ALP، ALT and T4 in the group receiving the maximum dose (150µ g/kg) showed a higher increase compared with control group (P<0. 05) Serum AST level in groups receiving the medium (50µ g/kg) and maximum (150µ g/kg) doses showed more increase compared with control group (P<0. 05). Serum TSH level in the groups receiving 50µ g/kg and 150µg/kg doses underwent more decrease compared with control group (P<0. 05). The results of this study show that iron oxide nanoparticles have toxic effects on liver and thyroid gland in mice at high concentrations (150µ g/kg).

Given the high prevalence of stress and emotional distress caused by diabetes and also its negative effects on glycemic control in these patients، various methods of psychological intervention have been investigated. The present study aims to investigate the impact of group psychosocial intervention on indices of mental and physical well-being in diabetic patients.

All women with type2 diabetes in Yazd Diabetes Research Centre were considered as statistical community from which 80 women were selected by random sampling. They completed WBQ-12 questionnaire and diabetes-dependent quality of life questionnaire (ADDQOL) and then were introduced to lab for blood test. Data was analyzed by SPSS software and MANOVA.

Statistical analysis showed that the scores of experimental group on quality of life and psychosocial well-being were significantly higher in second stage than first stage. So HbA1c was decreased in experimental group but this difference was not significant.

The results showed that group psychosocial intervention has positive effects on glycaemic control in diabetic patients and leads to well-being and better quality of life in these patients. But these effects were increased the more time passes.

Diabetes is a chronic non-communicable disease with increasing prevalence. Retinopathy is one of the main complications of diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment of retinopathy can reduce the risk of low vision and blindness. The aim of this study was to apply regression analysis of current status data to determine risk factors of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes being referred to the Ophthalmology Clinic of Yazd Diabetes Research Center, Iran. In this analytical-observational study, 459 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in the study and the ophthalmic examinations done by an ophthalmologist included visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and slit-lamp examination. After pupil dilatation, funduscopy was done and the patients were classified according to ETDRS criteria. A proportional hazard model for current status data was used to identify the risk factors for retinopathy. The hazard rate of having retinopathy increased by 5% for an increase of one year in the duration of diabetes (p<0.05) and the hazard rate of having retinopathy was 1.1 times greater in patients who had used insulin for diabetes compared with other type 2 diabetes patients (p<0.05). This study showed that a history of hypertension may reduce the risks of diabetic retinopathy. In patients with the early diagnosis of diabetes, regular examination of the fundus, blood sugar control and tight control of high blood pressure are recommended.

Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common risk factors for diabetes and can accelerate cardiovascular complications of diabetes which is the main cause of mortality. There are various diets, chemical and herbal agents for lowering blood glucose and control of HTN. Garlic has been used from old times for diabetes and HTN. In this study the effects of Garsin (garlic extract from Goldarou Company, Iran), on blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was evaluated. A total of 45 type 2 diabetic patients were selected randomly from diabetics attending Yazd Diabetes Research Center. They underwent treatment with one Garsin tablet (300 mg of effective extract of garlic) three times a day for 4 weeks, blood glucose levels were measured both at the beginning and end of the study. Garsin tablet significantly (p<0.001) reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 10.15 ± 12.85 mmHg and 3.5 ±4.55 mmHg respectively. There was no significant association between blood pressure changing and sex, age, BMI and duration of diabetes. Our results showed that 900 mg daily garlic consumption can decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure in diabetic patients. Based on our findings garlic can be recommended for hypertensive type II diabetic patients.

Pregnancy is a condition that favors oxidative stress mostly because of the mitochondria-rich placenta. Transitional metals, especially Iron, which is particularly abundant in the placenta, are important in the production of free radicals. Also studies showed that free radicals has a role in GDM. This study was performed to compare Iron status between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients and control groups. As a case- control study 34 women with GDM were compared with 34 Healthy women matched for referred center, age, parity and BMI. Iron status measurements including ferritin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), hemoglobin, MCV and MCH at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy were assessed and compared between two groups. In this study, concentration of serum ferritin, Iron, transferin saturation and hemoglobin, MCV and MCH were significantly higher in GDM group and TIBC was significantly lower in this group as compared with controls (P<0.05). No significant association was observed in other variables including familial history of diabetes and GDM Our findings indicate an association between increased Iron status and GDM. The role of excess Iron from Iron supplementation in the pathogenesis of GDM needs to be examined.

Pregnancy is a condition that favors oxidative stress mostly because of the mitochondria-rich placenta. Transitional metals, especially Iron, which is particularly abundant in the placenta, are important in the production of free radicals. Also studies showed that free radicals has a role in GDM. This study was performed to compare Iron status between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients and control groups.
As a case- control study 34 women with GDM were compared with 34 Healthy women matched for referred center, age, parity and BMI. Iron status measurements including ferritin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), hemoglobin, MCV and MCH at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy were assessed and compared between two groups.
In this study, concentration of serum ferritin, Iron, transferin saturation and hemoglobin, MCV and MCH were significantly higher in GDM group and TIBC was significantly lower in this group as compared with controls (P Our findings indicate an association between increased Iron status and GDM. The role of excess Iron from Iron supplementation in the pathogenesis of GDM needs to be examined.

Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases. The prevalence of diabetes, which is around 4.5 - 6% in Iran, reaches as high as 14.2% in population of age 30 years and over in Yazd. Microalbuminuria is diagnosable before development of nephropathy and could be detected at an early stage when effective therapy can still be carried out. In this stage near normalization of blood glucose, strict blood pressure control and administration of ACE inhibitors can prevent nephropathic complications.This study was aimed to determine the correlation among microalbuminuria, age, duration of diabetes, body mass Index, serum triglyceride, serum cholesterol and blood pressure in type 2 diabetic inhabitants of Yazd diabetes research center. This cross-sectional study was carried out during November 2002-July 2003 to investigate the correlation between microalbuminuria and assumed risk factors. Two hundred and eighty eight type 2 diabetic patients (141 males and 147 females) were selected through consecutive sampling. Overall prevalence of microalbuminuria was 14.2%. Chi-square analysis revealed the association between microalbuminuria and high diastolic blood pressure (P-value=0.003) and duration of diabetes (P-value = 0.001). No statistically significant correlation was found between microalbuminuria and body mass index, serum triglyceride, serum cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. Determination of urine albumin/creatinin ratio is an easy method for screening microalbuminuria which is recommended for all diabetics especially those with hypertension and a long term history of diabetes.