Identifying Factors Associated With Hypertension Using Structural Equation Modeling: A Population-Based Study

Objectives: Hypertension is a global major health challenge and mechanisms related to the risk factors associated with it are poorly understood. Therefore, we used structural modeling to test a hypothesized model to identify factors associated with hypertension. Methods: A cross-sectional population based survey, was performed and the data related to a random representative sample of 9704 subjects of MASHAD study were used. Then, we determined the relationship between risk factors for hypertension using structural equation modeling technique. The data were analyzed using Amos V. 22. Results: The conceptual model was validated by Goodness of Fit Indexes (CFI=0.939, TLI=0.908, NFI=0.935, RMSEA=0.04, SRMR=0.037). Obesity and lack of physical activity had the greatest impact on blood pressure. Discussion: Findings show evidences to confirm the conceptual model considered in the risk factors for hypertension that can be helpful in policies for preventing hypertension and consequently, the disabilities that arise from it

The Effects of Vitamin D Fortified Products on Bone Biomarkers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Vitamin D plays an essential role in the regulation of bone metabolism. The current meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of vitamin D fortification on special bone biomarkers. Methods: Five main databases (PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, Science Direct, Scopus, Cochrane Library as well as Science Direct, and Scopus) were considered for this systematic review, until Jan 2020. All randomized controlled trials were included to evaluate the probable relationship between consumption of vitamin D fortification products and bone biomarkers profile in this review. Results: Among serum bone biomarkers (osteocalcin and telopeptides of type-1 collagen) investigated, only the level of telopeptides of type-1 collagen significantly decreased after fortification of vitamin D in the intervention group. A significant increase in vitamin D was seen in those older than 18 yr old, while the increase in younger children was not statistically significant between intervention and control groups. Conclusion: Vitamin D fortification was not associated with a significant improvement in bone mass density (BMD), while it resulted in decreased PTH levels. Vitamin D fortified foods have some benefits on bone health due to increase in the level of vitamin D and IGF-1; and decreasing PTH and CTx levels

New insights into regulatory B cells biology in viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections

B lymphocytes are primarily well known for their contribution to immunity by antibody production, antigen presentation and, the production of cytokines. In recent years several studies demonstrated the existence of B cells with regulatory functions, which have been termed regulatory B cells (Bregs), similar to regulatory T cells (Tregs). Bregs are a subpopulation of B cells that have immunosuppressive effects via the production of regulatory cytokines including interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and IL-35. Bregs limit host defense against various pathogens. In addition, Bregs contribute to increased levels of regulatory cytokines and leads to an induction of suppressive Tregs, which exert broader suppressive functions against various pathogens. The high percentage of Bregs is positively associated with viral and bacterial load and can contribute to poor vaccine responses. Bregs can also facilitate pathogen survival at an early stage of infection, and subsequently cause increased severity of disease by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production, macrophage activation, and inflammatory T cells activation such as Th1, Th17, and Th22. Also, Bregs afford protection against the hyper-inflammatory response in parasitic infections. Here we review the central role of Bregs in many major bacterial and viral human infections, and provide an overview of the immunoregulatory mechanisms used by Bregs

Association of vitamin D status with liver and kidney disease: A systematic review of clinical trials, and cross-sectional and cohort studies

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a major public health problem. There are few comprehensive systematic reviews about the relationship between Vitamin D status and liver and renal disease in Iran. Methods: We systemically searched the following databases: Web of Science; PubMed; Cochrane Library; Scopus; Science Direct; Google Scholar and two Iranian databases (Scientific Information Database (SID) and IranMedex) up until November 2017 to identify all randomized control trials (RCTs), case control, cross-sectional and cohort studies investigating the association between vitamin D and any form of liver or kidney disease. Results: Vitamin D insufficiency, or deficiency (VDD), is highly prevalent in Iran, reports varying between 44.4 in Isfahan to 98 in Gorgan. There is also a high prevalence of VDD among patients with liver or kidney disease, and the administration of vitamin D supplements may have beneficial effects on lipid profile, blood glucose, liver function and fatty liver disease, and bone health. Low serum vitamin D levels are related with abnormalities in these laboratory and clinical parameters. Conclusion: VDD is prevalent in patients with chronic liver or renal disease in Iran. There appear to be several beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation in vitamin D deficient patients with liver or kidney disease

Investigating the predictive value of microRNA21 as a biomarker in induced myocardial infarction animal model

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The risk factors for CVD can be unmodifiable, such as advancing age, sex, and genetic factors, or modifiable, like smoking, high blood pressure, abnormal sugar, and obesity. Biomarkers that are used clinically to make a diagnosis of myocardial ischemia include: cardiac enzymes like CKMB and troponin, and these can be used in combination with an electrocardiogram to make a diagnosis. Over the past few years, microRNA has also been used to improve the diagnosis of disease. In this study, we have assessed the use of miRNA-21-3p (miR-21-3p) for early and accurate diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in a rat model. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats, divided into 2 groups: 10 healthy ones and 10 induced myocardial infarction rats. Blood samples were taken from these two groups. Real-time PCR was used to measure the serum level of miR-21-3p. A ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate the utility of serum miR-21-3p to diagnose myocardial infarction (MI) in the rat model (AUC: 0.97 (0.91 to 1 at 95 CI) with 100 specificity and 88 sensitivity). Result: The mean CK-MB and troponin I levels in the control group were higher than AMI group significantly (P < 0.001). Serum expression of miR-21 in rats induced myocardial infarction was significantly higher than control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Overexpression of miR-21-3p is a particular importance of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and can have a special place among the other microRNA in this field