Study of the association between serum zinc concentration in pregnant women and preterm birth

Background and aims: Preterm birth can cause high morbidity and mortality in women. Previous evidence has confirmed the association between zinc (Zn) deficiency in x women and some pregnancy complications. This study investigated the association between serum Zn concentration in pregnant women and preterm birth. Methods: This case-control study focused on evaluating 76 pregnant women with preterm birth (case group) and 62 pregnant women with term birth (control group) and was conducted in the obstetrics ward of Hajar hospital, Shahrekord, Iran in 2014. The Zn level was measured by spectrophotometry and data were analyzed by SPSS, version 15. Results: The prevalence of Zn deficiency was 95.6%. The mean of serum Zn concentration was 39.62±11.83 and 59.81±8.8 in the preterm and term delivery groups, respectively (P<0.001). Similarly, the mean of serum Zn concentrations was 43.06±15.6 and 50.46±13.8 in women with and without the rupture of pregnancy membranes, respectively (P=0.01). Based on the findings, the serum Zn concentration was not significantly associated with parity (P=0.634). Conclusion: Although a decrease in the serum Zn concentration could lead to premature rupture of membranes during pregnancy and preterm birth, it could not be considered as the main factor for preterm birth. In addition, Zn deficiency was highly prevalent in pregnant women. Therefore, nutritional interventions should be performed to prevent complications due to the deficiency of micronutrients such as Zn so that to increase health maintenance in mothers and children.

Effect of different exercise trainings on β-cell function, insulin resistance, and osteocalcin levels in overweight men

Background and aims: Many findings have shown the potential relation between osteocalcin (OCN) and regulating energy metabolism. In addition, it has been revealed that physical activity increases OCN levels. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of different exercise trainings on β-cell function, insulin resistance, and OCN levels in overweight men. Methods: In this study, 33 overweight, young men [Body mass index (BMI): 29.32±0.75 and age range of 31.50±2.23] were randomly divided into control (n=11), aerobic exercise (n=11), and resistance exercise (n=11) groups. Participants of the exercise group were on the 8-week supervised exercise training program for three sessions per week. Weight, body fat percentage, and BMI were analyzed, and then OCN, insulin, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were assessed from fasting blood samples before and after the 8-week exercise program. Finally, data were analyzed by t test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: Based on the results, BMI and body weight, insulin, glucose, and HOMA-IR reduced following the exercise (P<0.05) whereas serum OCN significantly increased in aerobic exercise (P=0.001) and resistance exercise (P=0.000) groups. There were no significant changes in β-cell function in aerobic exercise (P=0.512) and resistance exercise (P=0.16) groups. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that OCN levels were not correlated with HOMA-IR (P=0.743) and insulin levels (P=0.143). However, OCN was positively associated with the homeostasis model assessment of b-cell function (P=0.014) and glucose (P=0.025). Conclusion: The results of the present study confirmed that aerobic and resistance exercises cause some changes in body weight and BMI, as well as the OCN and HOMA-IR. Nonetheless, changes in OCN levels were not predictors of changes in insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells.

High-intensity interval training ameliorates high-fat diet-induced elevation of aminotransferases in male Wistar rats

Background and aims: A high-fat diet increases triglyceride (TG) accumulations in hepatocytes and results in non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLDs). In this regard, this study investigated the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), along with a high-fat diet on the serum levels of aminotransferases in male Wistar rats. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the standard diet, high-fat diet, exercise + standard diet, and exercise + high-fat diet groups (each containing 10 animals). HIIT program consisted of 6-12 repetitions of 2-minute highs-intensity exercise (85-90% of the maximum speed) interspersed with 1-minute low-intensity exercise (45-50% peak speed) with the frequency of 5 sessions a week over 12 weeks. High-fat diet groups received a diet regimen including 58% fat, 25% protein, and 17% carbohydrate, ad libitum. The blood samples were taken from the left ventricle 48 hours following the last intervention to assess TG, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate amino-transferase (AST) concentrations. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc tests. Results: The findings showed the mean of ALT, AST, and TG in the high-fat diet group was significantly greater compared to the standard diet group (P=0.001). Furthermore, the mean of ALT, AST, and TG in the exercise + high-fat diet group was significantly lower in comparison with the high-fat diet group (P=0.01, P=0.017, and P=0.012, respectively). Conclusion: Although HIIT ameliorated high-fat diet-induced elevations in the serum levels of TG, ALT, and AST, they did not reach the baseline levels. Thus, it may indicate that a diet as the underlying cause of NAFLDs is more important than any other interventions such as exercise.

The effect of aerobic exercise training on gene expression of beta3-adrenergic receptor and beta-arrestin2 in inguinal white adipose tissue of mice fed with a high fat diet

Background and aims: Beta-adrenergic signaling deficiency has been established to be related to obesity and related diseases. Beta3- adrenergic receptor (Adrb3) and beta-arrestin2 (Barr2) are pivotal agents in the beta-adrenergic-signaling pathway. This study aimed to investigate the preventive effect of aerobic training on dysregulation of Adrb3 and Barr2 gene expression that was induced by high-fat diet (HFD) in inguinal white adipose tissue of mice. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one C57BL/6 mice were assigned to three groups as follows: 1) control group (n=7), 2) high-fat diet-induced overweight (HFD-OW) (n=7), and 3) high-fat diet with aerobic training (HFD-AT) (n=7). The HFD-OW group were fed with a HFD for 12 weeks. The HFD-AT group had aerobic training for six weeks on a treadmill in addition to feeding with the HFD. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to measure the gene expression of Adrb3 and Barr2 in inguinal white adipose tissue. Results: The gene expression of Adrb3 did not significantly change between groups (P>0.05). However, the expression of Barr2 in HFD-OW group was significantly increased as compared to the control group (1.5-fold: P=0.001). Interestingly, the Barr2 expression in HFD-AT group was significantly lower compared with HFD-OW group (P=0.045). Conclusion: The results indicated that aerobic training could inhibit the upregulation of Barr2 induced by HFD. It seems that a portion of the preventive effect of aerobic training on the development of obesity may be mediated by inhibiting the Barr2 expression in adipose tissue.

Effect of oral capsule of Peganum harmala seeds on bone density in menopausal women prone to osteoporosis

Background and aims: Osteoporosis is one of the most common metabolic bone diseases with systemic involvement of the body skeleton. The Peganum harmala seed contains high amounts of carboline alkaloids, which have been shown to have positive effects on bone formation in animal studies. In the present study, the effect of an oral capsule of P. harmala seed on bone density was evaluated in menopausal women prone to osteoporosis. Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 100 women referring to the orthopedic clinic with a diagnosis of osteoporosis were included and divided into the intervention group treated with calcium D (500 mg) twice a day, Osteofos (70 mg) per week, and P. harmala (500 mg) twice‐a‐day, and the control group treated with calcium D and Osteofos. Before and three months after the intervention, patients were evaluated for osteoporosis using bone densitometry. Finally, independent t-test, paired t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur before and after the intervention showed significant improvements in the intervention and control groups (P<0.001). The mean differences in BMD before and after the intervention were significant in both control and intervention groups with higher improvements in the intervention group (P<0.001). Although the mean BMD of the spine before the intervention was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.167), it was better in the intervention group after the intervention (P=0.030). Conclusion: The findings of the present study confirmed the beneficial effects of P. harmala on osteoporosis while the lack of any changes in liver enzymes.

Comparative effects of garlic (Allium sativum) powder and atorvastatin in female reproductive system of hypercholesterolemic rats: A histological and biochemical evaluation

Background and aims: The abnormal increase in blood cholesterol can cause many problems. Statins have a cholesterol-lowering effect, but they also have adverse effects. Garlic prevents the formation of cholesterol due to its antibiotic properties. This study aimed to investigate the comparative effect of garlic powder and atorvastatin on hypercholesterolemia-induced reproductive failure in female rats. Methods: In the present experimental study, 48 adult female Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (n=6), including control, atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/d; orally), atorvastatin (20 mg/kg/d; orally), garlic powder (100 mg/kg/d; orally), hypercholesterolemia (1.5 mg/kg/d of cholesterol; orally), hypercholesterolemia + atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/d), hypercholesterolemia + atorvastatin (20 mg/kg/d), and hypercholesterolemia + garlic powder. After 30 days, rats were euthanized and blood samples were obtained from their heart for serological assessments. The right ovary was transferred to 10% formalin for histological analyses, and the left ovary was transferred to a −80°C freezer for evaluation of oxidative stress markers. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test using SPSS version 24.0 (P<0.05). Results: The number of healthy primordial, primary, secondary, and antral follicles, catalase activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) as well as estrogen and progesterone levels were lower in hypercholesterolemic rats compared to controls (P<0.001). Additionally, the number of the atretic primary, secondary, and antral follicles and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were higher in hypercholesterolemic rats (P<0.001). However, garlic powder and atorvastatin 10 improved alterations in the mentioned parameters (P=0.99). Conclusion: The results showed that hypercholesterolemia could have adverse effects on rat ovaries. However, the garlic powder improves ovarian toxicity in hypercholesterolemia rats better than atorvastatin.

Relationship between demographic characteristics, spinal impairment, and interventional strategies in the clinical outcome of spinal cord injury patients

Background and aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the main causes of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI), along with the relationship between SCI patients’ demographic characteristics and related treatments. Methods: In general, 608 patients suffering from TSCI and referring to Ayatollah Kashani hospital, Shahrekord in 2016-2017 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients’ demographic characteristics, level of injury, the severity of the injury, injury cause, and duration of hospitalization (DOH) were obtained according to their files and medical records. Several months after discharge, the patients were examined by a neurosurgeon, and the treatment outcome was recorded in specific checklists. Results: The mean age of the injured individuals was 34.2±16.9 years and the majority of the injured (70.2%) were males. ASIA grades E and D were also reported in 50.3% and 25% of the injured at admission, respectively. Further, grade E injury was observed in 77.1% of the injured at discharge. Medicinal, non-surgical, and surgical treatments were used for 53.8%, 25.8%, and 20.4% of patients, respectively. The levels of injury, treatment strategy, and clinical outcomes were significantly different based on the ASIA grades at admission (P<0.001, for all items). There was a significant difference among DOH (day) in terms of the level of injury, ASIA grades during admission, treatment strategy, and treatment outcomes in different individuals (P<0.001, for all items). Conclusion: Regarding the relationship between the treatment strategy, the ASIA grade, and the outcome of the treatment, it seems necessary to perform surgical or rehabilitative interventions for each person in accordance with demographic characteristics.

Optimization of human interferon beta protein expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Background and aims: Human interferon beta-1a (hIFNβ-1a) is a 22.5-kDa glycoprotein used to treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Because of appropriate post-translation modifications, protein isolation, and lack of toxicity in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, we cloned hIFNβ-1a encoding sequence into these cells by recombinant DNA technology to achieve stable expression of this recombinant protein. Methods: The hIFNβ-1a encoding sequence was designed based on the CHO cells’ codon usage and the Gene Bank data, and then syntactically constructed in the pUC57 vector. After confirmation, the synthesized sequence was cloned into the pcDNA3.1 expression vector by using EcoRI and XhoI sites via Escherichia coli DH5α competent cells. Then, the recombinant vector pcDNA-hHIFNβ1a was linearized by BglII and transfected into the CHO cells using lipofectamine. The transfected cells were proliferated and screened by gentamicin. Certain concentrations of zinc sulfate, DMSO, and glycerol were used to enhance protein expression. Finally, the recombinant protein expression was qualitatively evaluated using different techniques. Results: The hIFNβ1a integrity was confirmed by DNA sequencing and specific software. The construction and sub-cloning of hIFNβ1a-pcDNA3.1 in E. coli were confirmed by colony-PCR with specific primers and restriction enzyme mapping. The screening of transfected CHO cells was performed using gentamicin. The protein expression was confirmed by RT-PCR, MTT assay, SDS-PAGE, and Western blot. Comparison of the optimized and control samples demonstrated that chemical treatment enhanced the protein expression. Conclusion: We achieved the stable clones of CHO cells expressing the active form of human interferon beta.

Comparison of ADAM17 gene expression level in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients

Background and aims: In acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), large numbers of stem cells become lymphoblasts or lymphocytes. Among the genetic factors influencing cancer is the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) gene family. Due to the important role of this family in cancer, this study aimed to compare the expression level of ADAM17 gene in patients with ALL and healthy individuals. Material and Methods: In this case-control study, 40 venous blood samples were taken from ALL patients referred to Omid hospital in Isfahan, Iran. Also, 40 venous blood samples were taken from healthy individuals in vitro. Lymphocyte isolation was performed using a ficol and cell RNA was isolated using an RNX-Plus kit. It was then converted to cDNA using the Yekta Tajhiz Azma kit. Finally, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was used to evaluate the relative expression of ADAM17 gene in blood samples of healthy individuals and patients with leukemia, and the ratio was measured with the reference GAPDH gene. SPSS software version 22 and t test were used to analyze the data. Results: The expression level of ADAM17 gene in patients with ALL compared to the control group showed a significant increase, which was statistically significant (P=0.043). Conclusion: It seems that increasing the expression of ADAM17 gene in people with ALL is a suitable biomarker to diagnose this disease.