Effects of 5-Year Interventions on Cardiovascular Risk Factors of Factories and Offies Employees of Isfahan and Najafabad: Worksite Intervention Project-Isfahan Healthy Heart Program

<p><strong>Abstract</strong></p> <p><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Effects of 5-year interventions of Worksite Intervention Project from Isfahan Healthy Heart Program on cardiovascular risk factors of factories and offices employees were studied in Isfahan and Najafabad (intervention area) compared to Arak (control area).</p> <p><strong>METHODS:</strong> We had especial interventions for nutrition, physical activity and smoking as well as hypertension and obesity screening systems in all offices and factories, and other risk factors screening systems whenever possible.</p> <p>Before and after the interventions, questionnaires containing demographic and other required data were completed for the two populations; height, weight and blood pressure (BP) were measured and a fasting and 2h blood sample was taken for the measurement of blood sugar (BS) and lipid levels..</p> <p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> The prevalence of<strong> </strong>Hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and central obesity decreased, but low HDL increased in office staff (P &lt; 0.01). Waist circumference, HDL and total cholesterol mean values decreased, and diastolic BP and fasting and 2h BS increased among the intervention group. In factory workers, the prevalence of &nbsp;hypertriglyceridemia and central obesity decreased, while low HDL prevalence &nbsp;increased in intervention group (P &lt; 0.001). Mean values of waist circumference, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglyceride decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.001), while diastolic BP and fasting BS increased.</p> <p><strong>CONCLUSION</strong>: It seems that Worksite Intervention Project has a protective effect on CVD risk factors in factories and offices employees. So, the modifiable project can be used as an applicable tool for health improvement in worksites which creates tangible changes in employees&rsquo; lifestyle.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Key words</strong>: Risk Factors, Cardiovascular Disease, Workplace, Intervention</p

The effect of some flavonoids on paraoxonase-1 activity

زمینه و هدف: پاراکسوناز-1 آنزیم وابسته به کلسیم می باشد که با HDL باند می گردد و با داشتن قابلیت جلوگیری از اکسیداسیون LDL نقش مهمی در پیشگیری از اترواسکلروزیس ایفا می کند. به نظر می رسد که آنتی اکسیدان های مختلف مثل فلاونوئیدها بر میزان فعالیت آنزیم پاراکسوناز موثر می باشند. این مطالعه با هدف بررسی اثر برخی از فلاونوئیدها بر میزان فعالیت سرمی آنزیم پاراکسوناز انجام شده است. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه تجربی، ابتدا تعداد 45 عدد موش صحرایی از نژاد ویستار به 9 گروه 5 تایی تقسیم شدند. به گروه 1 به عنوان گروه های شاهد روزانه 1 میلی لیتر محلول آب و اتانول 25 داده شد. به گروه های 2 تا 5 مقدار 5/7 میلی گرم و گروه های 6 تا 9 مقدار 15 میلی گرم از یکی از فلاونوییدهای کوئرستین، میریستین، گالانژین و کامپفرول به ازای هر کیلوگرم وزن بدن به علاوه 1 میلی لیتر اتانول 25 خورانده شد. میانگین تغییرات فعالیت آنزیم بین گروه ها در اثر مداخلات انجام شده در بین گروه ها مقایسه گردید. یافته ها: تفاوت میانگین تغییرات فعالیت آنزیم PON-1 قبل و بعد از تیمار بین همه گروه ها در هر دو دوز 5/7 و 15 میلی گرم به ازای کیلوگرم وزن بدن معنی دار بود (

Effect of CRP on Some of the in vitro Physicochemical Properties of LDL

Abstract &nbsp;&nbsp; BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is the most important underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) which recently has been classified as an inflammatory disorder. Accumulation of large amounts of oxidized LDL in the intima during local inflammation reaction led to increase several factors such as C -reactive protein (CRP). It has also been reported that CRP is able to bind with modified forms of LDL as well as oxidized LDL. These findings suggest possible positive or negative involvement of this protein in atherogenesis. The main objective of the present study was to assess the influence of CRP on LDL oxidation and the possible physical \changes of LDL in the presence of CRP in vitro. &nbsp;&nbsp; METHODS: In this study, the susceptibility of purified LDL to oxidation was assayed by monitoring of formation of conjugated dienes in different physiological concentrations of CRP (0 - 0.5 -2&nbsp; &micro;g/ml) using a shimadzu spectrophotometer. Electrophoresis was used to determine the electrophoretic mobility of LDL in those conditions. &nbsp;&nbsp; RESULTS: CRP significantly reduced the susceptibility of Cu++ -induced LDL oxidation through increasing the lag timeand there was positive relationship between these findings and CRP concentration (P &lt; 0.05). CRP caused a significant reduction in the electrophotretic mobility of LDL compared to native LDL (n-LDL) (P&lt;0.05).&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; CONCLUSION: A considerable reduction was shown in LDL oxidation, in higher concentration of CRP, via an unknown mechanism. The electrophoretic mobility of LDL, in the oxidative condition, decreases in the presence of CRP compared to n-LDL, which can be indicative of the effect of this protein on the physical and chemical properties of LDL. It seems that, other pathway than LDL oxidation is responsible for the effect of CRP on the atherogenesis processes. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Creactive protein, Low-density lipoprotein, Inflammation. &nbsp;</p

Process evaluation of a community-based program for prevention and control of non-communicable disease in a developing country: The Isfahan Healthy Heart Program, Iran

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality in Iran. A six-year, comprehensive, integrated community-based demonstration study entitled Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) conducted in Iran, and it started in 2000. Evaluation and monitoring are integrated parts of this quasi-experimental trial, and consists of process, as well as short and long-term impact evaluations. This paper presents the design of the "process evaluation" for IHHP, and the results pertaining to some interventional strategies that were implemented in workplaces</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The process evaluation addresses the internal validity of IHHP by ascertaining the degree to which the program was implemented as intended. The IHHP process evaluation is a triangulated study conducted for all interventions at their respective venues. All interventional activities are monitored to determine why and how some are successful and sustainable, to identify mechanisms as well as barriers and facilitators of implementation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results suggest that factory workers and managers are satisfied with the interventions. In the current study, success was mainly shaped by the organizational readiness and timing of the implementation. Integrating most of activities of the project to the existing ongoing activities of public health officers in worksites is suggested to be the most effective means of implementation of the health promoting activities in workplaces.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The results of our experience may help other developing countries to plan for similar interventions.</p

COMPARISON OF SERUM LEVELS OF CRP AND URIC ACID IN ACTIVE, PASSIVE, AND NON-SMOKERS

AbstractINTRODUCTION: Some studies have shown that C-reactive protein (CRP) and uricacid may have a role in development of coronary artery disease (CAD); the role cigarettesmoking plays in CAD through various mechanisms has also been demonstrated. Hence,the question is raised: does cigarette smoking exert its atherogenic effect throughincreasing CRP and uric acid levels in the serum? The first step in responding to thisquestion would be to study the relationship between cigarette smoking, CAD, CRP anduric acid levels. As cigarette smoking is highly prevalent in Iran, the present study wasconducted to compare mean serum levels of CRP and uric acid in 3 groups of activesmokers, passive smokers, and non-smokers, to determine any possible associationbetween cigarette smoking and serum CRP and uric acid levels.METHODS: The study involved 177 men aged 20-40 years in 3 groups of activesmokers, passive smokers, and non-smokers (59 individuals in each group). In addition,fasting blood samples were taken from all subjects to measure serum levels of CRPserologically and uric acid photometrically (using ELAN 2000). Questionnaires onanthropometrics, personal information, disease history, drug use and other relatedsubjects were completed for all the subjects.RESULTS: Mean serum CRP levels were 5.

Comparison of effects of soft margarine, blended, ghee, and unhydrogenated oil with hydrogenated oil on serum lipids: A randomized clinical trail

BACKGROUND: Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are known as the most harmful type of dietary fats. Therefore, this study was done to compare the effects of some different oils including unhydrogenated, blended, ghee, and soft magazine with hydrogenated oil on serum lipid profile of healthy adults. METHODS: This study was a randomized clinical trial conducted on 206 healthy participants of 20 to 60 years of age. Subjects were randomly divided into 5 groups and each of them was treated with a diet containing unhydrogenated oil, ghee, blended oil, soft margarine, or hydrogenated oil for 40 days. Fasting serum lipids were measured before and after the study. RESULTS: Compared to hydrogenated oil, total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) had a significant reduction in all groups, LDL-C declined in unhydrogenated oil and soft margarine groups, and apolipoprotein (Apo) B only in unhydrogenated oil group (all P &lt; 0.05). However, there was a significant enhancement in ApoA of ghee oil (P &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSION: Consuming unhydrogenated oil, ghee, soft margarine, and blended oil had some beneficial effects on serum lipids. &nbsp; Keywords: Clinical Trial, Dietary Fat, Commercial Oil, Lipid&nbsp;</div

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE AND SERUM VITAMIN D LEVEL IN A GROUP OF POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN IRAN

Abstract &nbsp;&nbsp; INTRODUCTION: Female carpet-weavers are vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency due to cultural, occupational and economic reasons. This case-control study was conducted to compare the frequency coronary artery disease (CAD) and its risk factors in relation with the serum vitamin D level in 260 female carpet-wearers and non-carpet-weavers in the villages across Isfahan Province in the centre of Iran. &nbsp;&nbsp; METHODS: All postmenopausal women aged over 50 were matched for cultural and socioeconomic status. The participants underwent clinical examinations. Blood samples were obtained and electrocardiography was performed. When necessary, echocardiography and exercise test were also administered to diagnose heart disease. Dietary intake of vitamin D was determined by completing a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. A questionnaire obtaining personal data and length of daily exposure to sunlight was also completed. The existence of CAD was determined using standardized WHO Rose questionnaire and/or the Minnesota electrocardiography coding system. Blood lipids and vitamin D levels were measured using an ELAN-2000 auto analyzer and radioimmunoassay, respectively. &nbsp;&nbsp; RESULTS: The results showed that only the frequency percentage of myocardial infarction (MI) in non-carpet-weavers was significantly higher than in female carpet weavers (P=0.001). The differences of age, serum vitamin D level, blood lipids, blood pressure and other variables were not significant (P&gt;0.05). Neither was there any statistical association between serum vitamin D level and CAD risk factors, however, after adjustment for confounders (age, etc.), a direct relationship was observed between abdominal obesity as measured by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (WHR&gt;1) and serum vitamin D level (OR=0.99, P&gt;0.05). Carpet weaving had no effect on CAD risk factors (P&gt;0.05). &nbsp;&nbsp; CONCLUSION: The findings of this study reveal no association between vitamin D and CAD. Further research is recommended into the possible relationship between CAD and vitamin D, as well as vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms responsible for genetic differences in vitamin D uptake by the bone. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Keywords: Vitamin D, carpet-weaver women, coronary artery disease (CAD), risk factors, post-menopause, angina pectoris, ischemia, blood lipids, blood pressure, Iran.</p

Cell surface display of rabbit MCP1 on human embryonic kidney 293T cell line

284-288As atherosclerosis is a prevalent non-communicable disease, and yet, no definitive medical treatment found for it, Trapping MCP1 as a key factor in inflammation could be effective. Therefore, we decided to display rabbit MCP-1 (R-MCP1) on human embryonic kidney 293T cell line surface.Firstly, R-MCP1 plasmid (pR-MCP1) containing kappa chain signal sequence,  R-MCP1 sequence and PDGFR intra membrane domain was constructed. The delivered pR-MCP1 was transformed in E.coli TOP10F’, and the resulted clones were assessed by PCR and digestion. After linearizing pR-MCP1 by BglII, HEK cells were transfected by them. MCP1 gene integration and expression was confirmed at RNA and protein levels by real- time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively.PCR product gel electrophoresis on genomic DNA of transfected HEK cells showed a 737 bp band.Based on real- time PCR results, We observed R-MCP1 gene expression significantly increased in transfected cells (272.26±37.32) compare to untransfected HEK 293T cells (2.67±0.12) (p=0.001).The results of flow cytometry showed that about 85% of transfected cells were positive and express R-MCP1. Therefore, cell surface display of R-MCP1 has successfully been performed and the produced cells can be used in future research to prepare diagnostic and therapeutic agents like aptamers

Antioxidant effects of Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) juice and peel extract on LDL oxidation

Background: We studied the antioxidant effects of fresh juice and peel extract of Citrus aurantifolia (Christm). Methods: Low density lipoprotein (LDL) was separated from one hypercholesterolemic human serum by modified Bronzert and Brewer procedure. Oxidation of LDL was measured at 234 nm against 0, 5, 10, 20, 25, 30 and 40 μl of fresh lime juice and 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 μl of peel polyphenolic extract solution in DMSO. Results: 5 μl of lime juice didn′t change LDL oxidation. 10 μl of juice inhibited LDL oxidation, and with increasing the juice concentration, LDL was oxidized faster. The higher concentrations of peel extract prevented LDL oxidation better than the lower ones. Conclusions: Both juice and peel demonstrated antioxidant properties, but the excessive consumption of lime juice seems not to be beneficial. Regarding the intensity and type of flavonoids, lime juice and peel may show different effects