Comparing sensitivity and specificity methods of chemical and baronet affinity measuring glycated hemoglobin with HPLC method

Abstract Introduction: Glycated hemoglobin level is a good estimate of the average blood glucose over

Evaluation of Anti-Nuclear Antibodies and Anti-dsDNA Serum Levels in Patients with Suspected Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background and objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease, caused by abnormal innate and adaptive immune responses. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) are reliable biomarkers for diagnosing SLE. Here, we aimed to investigate the serum levels of anti-dsDNA and ANA antibodies, their diagnostic utilities, and their relationship with disease activity and clinical/laboratory manifestations in patients with suspected. Methods: We evaluated the plasma levels of ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies in all individuals with suspected SLE (n=668) who had been referred to rheumatology clinics in Gorgan, Iran. The level of antibodies as well as C3, C4, and CH50 were determined using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results: The mean level of ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies differed significantly between the ANA-positive and ANA-negative groups (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the mean values of C3 (p=0.233), C4 (p=0.415, and CH50 (p=0.482) between the two groups. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between ANA and anti-dsDNA levels (p<0.001, r=0.50). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that anti-dsDNA levels are higher in ANA-positive individuals, and there may be a positive correlation between ANA and anti-dsDNA levels. It is recommended to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic values of ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies in future studies

Evaluation of Some Plasma Coagulation Factors in Women with Spontaneous Miscarriage

Background: It has been reported that 15-20% of parous female have experienced at least one miscarriage, while 3% of them have experienced two miscarriages. The goal of this study was to evaluate the plasma level of coagulation factors in women with a history of spontaneous abortions. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 82 women with a history of two or more abortions referred to the six private gynecologic clinics in Gorgan city without any structural abnormality were recruited during 2011-2012. Plasma levels of antithrombin III (ATIII) using colorimetric assay, protein C, protein S, factor V Leiden and lupus anticoagulant (LAC) using coagulation method were measured. The control group was women with a history of normal delivery and no abortions. Those under anti-coagulant therapy were excluded from the study. Data were entered into the computer using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 16 and analyzed by Chi-square, t test and non-parametric tests. Results: At least one abnormality was reported in 35 cases (42.7%). Among them, protein C deficiency was the most prevalent (30.5%). ATIII was abnormal in 17.1% and lupus anti-coagulant was abnormal in 8.5%. Factor V Leiden was normal in all cases and protein S deficiency was only seen in one case. Conclusion: We suggest to perform these tests in regards to the thrombophilia in cases with spontaneous abortions in order to find an early cure for this treatable disorder

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus and its co-infection with hepatitis D virus and hepatitis C virus in Iranian adult population

Context: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most prevalent public health problems worldwide (especially in developing countries). Aims: This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and its co-infection with hepatitis D (HDV) and C (HCV) viruses in the northeastern part of Iran. Setting and Design: A population-based cross-sectional study in Iran. Materials and Methods: As many as 1,850 subjects were explored for HBsAg. Anti-HDV and anti-HCV antibodies were assessed in HBsAg-positive cases. Statistical Analysis Used: Proportions were compared by Chi-square and Fisher′s exact tests. Results: The mean age of subjects was 43.86 ± 11.2 years. The age- and sex-standardized prevalence for HBsAg positivity was 9.7%. It was higher in males than in females (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.9-1.7). The risk of infection in singles was significantly higher than in married cases (OR: 2.13). Eight (5.8%) of HBsAg-positive cases were infected with HDV, and 17 (12.3%) were positive for anti-HCV antibody. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the prevalence of HBsAg seropositivity in Golestan province of Iran is higher than the levels reported by WHO and previous studies from Iran. It is very important, especially for health providers and policy makers, to recognize the risk factors of HBV infection and its co-infection with HDV and HCV in this area and design effective preventive programs

Atorvastatin and flaxseed effects on biochemical indices and hepatic fat of NAFLD model in rats

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common forms of chronic liver disease that affects about 25% of the general population. No definitive treatment for NAFLD has been identified yet. The aim was to determine the effect of atorvastatin (ATO) and flaxseed on related indicators of NAFLD-induced fat/fructose-enriched diet (FFD). Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. NAFLD groups received FFD and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to induce NAFLD. After intervention with ATO (10 mg/kg/day) and/or flaxseed (7.5 g/kg/day), liver enzymes and lipid profiles in serum were determined at eight week of interventions. Results: Triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol (CHO) in FFD + ATO, FFD + flaxseed, and FFD + ATO + flaxseed had a significant decrease and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level and LDL/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio showed a significant increase in the FFD + flaxseed compared to the FFD. The levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were significantly reduced in the FFD + ATO, FFD + flaxseed, and the FFD + ATO + flaxseed. In addition, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were significantly different between normal and FFD. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were significantly different in the FFD + flaxseed and the FFD + ATO + flaxseed compared to the FFD. Conclusion: ATO therapy along with flaxseed controls NAFLD-related indices and FBS. Therefore, it can be stated with caution that ATO and flaxseed can be used to improve lipid profile and reduce the complications of NAFLD

Serum Concentrations of Trace Elements in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction: Nutritional status of patients with inflammatory bowel disease is estimated to be lower than optimal. This study was designed to compare the serum level of some trace elements in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2015-2016, on 60 recently diagnosed UC patients (30 with active UC and 30 with inactive UC) who were recruited from registry of the Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Gorgan, Iran) through simple random sampling. Thirty healthy individuals were also recruited as controls. Demographic data and disease activity index were recorded through a checklist. Serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and magnesium (Mg) were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 at significance level of 0.05. Results: Mean serum level of Cu in the patients (0.75±0.25 mg/L) was significantly lower than in the controls (1.11±0.3 mg/L) (P=0001). Similarly, mean serum level of Mg in the patients (15.84±4.3 mg/L) was significantly lower than in the controls (19.48±15.7 mg/L) (P=0.001). Mean serum level of Se was slightly higher among the UC patients, while mean serum level of Zn was slightly lower in the UC patients compared with the controls. Conclusions: Our results show that UC patients have significantly lower Cu and Mg levels compared to healthy individuals. However, serum Zn and Se levels do not differ significantly between the UC patients and the control individuals. Further studies are required to confirm the results of this study

The impact of the sputnik v vaccine on antibody responses in the general population of Golestan province, Iran

Background: Although public health interventions have slowed the spread of SARS CoV 2 infections, the worldwide pandemic of COVID 19 is progressing. Thus, effective and safe vaccination against SARS CoV 2 is an important tool for controlling the COVID 19 pandemic. Now in the early stages of COVID 19 vaccination, vaccinated individuals are interested in using antibody tests to confirm vaccination success and estimate the time of protection. Here, we assessed anti spike IgG responses in the general population 2 weeks after the second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine. Methods: This study included blood samples of 67 individuals without a previous SARS CoV 2 infection taken 14 days after the second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine. Anti spike IgG responses were assessed with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Anti spike IgG was detected in 55 (82.1%) of 67 samples 14 days after the second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine. Antibody levels were significantly lower in males than in females, and 9 (75%) of 12 seronegative individuals were males. Conclusion: Vaccination resulted in detectable anti spike IgG in 82.1% of individuals, and gender may be an important factor in the humoral response

Relationship of serum leptin level with irritable bowel syndrome

Background and Objective: Stress has been known as an important causative factor in irritable bowel syndrome. Various studies have indicated the relationship between serum leptin levels and stress levels. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between serum leptin levels with irritable bowel syndrome. Materials and Methods: In This case-control study, eighty irritable bowel syndrome patients and 80 controls were recruited. All participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire included demographic information and medical history as well as a stress questionnaire. Serum leptin level was measured by ELISA method. Chi-square, student t-test, pearson correlation and logistic regression were used for investigating the relationships between variables. Results: Participants in irritable bowel syndrome group had significantly higher stress levels than controls (p<0.05). In the other hand, Serum leptin levels were significantly lower in irritable bowel syndrome group than the other one (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment of stress level and body mass index, serum leptin level was still significantly lower in irritable bowel syndrome group (Odds ratio=0.9 CI95%:0.85-0.94). Conclusion: The present study indicated that there is a relationship between leptin and irritable bowel syndrome and serum leptin level is significantly lower in irritable bowel syndrome group than controls. This relationship is independent of other variables such as stress levels, BMI