The Middle-Aged Women's Experience and Perception of Age-Related Physical Changes and Health, Shiraz City, Iran

Introduction: Middle age is one of the most important periods in women's life, due to experiencing age-related physical changes. Women's perception of the physical changes that are socially constructed, play a crucial role in their health behaviors. According to importance of the issue, this study is part of a broader study that aimed to understand the women's experience and perception of subjective meaning of physical changes and health in the middle age. Method: This study was conducted using qualitative approach and grounded theory method. Using theoretical and purposive sampling, 22 women aged 40 to 60 years were selected. The data were gathered by using deep and semi-structured interviews. Then, data were analyzed according to 3 procedures of open, axial, and selective coding. Results: 7 main categories and 29 subcategories were emerged. These main categories included “changes in the quality of health”, “menopause as a sign”, “mystique body changes”, “feeling threatened midlife inhabitancy”, “natural assume of pain”, “legitimized neglecting”, and “ambivalent of resistance/passivity”. Conclusion: In general, middle-aged women understand and experience "threatened inhabitancy". Social processes that shape this perception can be preventing to health and successful aging programs. So, to attract women's attention and their participations in the health-based programs, it is necessary first, to change the social and mental beliefs of women to make participate in projects actively and responsibly. Keywords: Menopause, Middle age, Grounded theory, Health, Wome

Serum visfatin and vaspin levels in normoglycemic first-degree relatives of Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aim: To investigate circulating visfatin and vaspin levels in first-degree relatives of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (FDRs) who frequently have higher value of HOMA-IR and beta cell dysfunction. Methods: Serum visfatin and vaspin concentrations were measured in 179 Iranian subjects (90 normoglycemic FDRs and 89 age- and sex-matched healthy controls) using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Result: Serum visfatin levels were significantly lower in the FDRs when compared to the controls (1.71 � 0.93 ng/ml versus 2.69 � 2.02 ng/ml, p = 0.0001). However, no significant difference was found in serum vaspin concentrations between the FDRs and the controls (0.452 � 0.254 ng/ml versus 0.409 � 0.275 ng/ml, p > 0.05). In multiple logistic regression analysis, the FDRs showed a significant association with lower visfatin levels after adjustments for age, sex, Body Mass Index, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, lipid profile, blood glucose levels and HOMA-IR [odds ratios (OR) = 1.71, 95% confidence interval (1.30–2.25); p < 0.0001]. Conclusion: The FDRs showed a significant association with lower visfatin levels. The observed lower circulating visfatin levels in FDRs may suggest a pathophysiological role for visfatin in beta cell dysfunction in this group

Representation of Arbean's Walk in Cyberspace: Sociological semiotic analysis of Arbean's Walk's images on Instagram

In the present study, we studied published images on Instagram social network about Arbean's Walk as a platform for making Arbaens rituals meaning and representing it in the Cyberspace. Using the Sociological semiotic analysis of these images provided a deep analysis of photographic images, symbols, semiotic resources, and socio-cultural backgrounds; and the researcher achieved a representation method about Arbean walking on Instagram by theories such as dual space approach and display community. This constructed meaning which is also influenced by political power relations has been analyzed by factors such as going to achieve, difficulty and journey suffering, family, celebrities, flags and posters, transgendering and Selfie photography. The incidents of Karbala are a very rich source of meanings that semiotic analyzers benefit from it by making ideal surreal and attach it to the reality. Ultimately, Arbaen' Walk is defined as a ritual compounded with photographic processes and visualization is becoming to be a part of this ritual. This ritual is represented as an active and demanding action and redefines the concept of the Ummah by displaying family and social bonds. Arbaeen's walk, while active in its feminine dimensions and culturally and nationally diverse, is moving towards becoming a normalized, superficial affair

Relationships among serum receptor of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand, osteoprotegerin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: osteoimmunity versus osteoinflammatory.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlations among circulating osteoprotegerin (OPG), the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy postmenopausal women. METHODS: In a population-based study, highly specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods were used to evaluate the sera of 382 healthy Iranian postmenopausal women (mean age +/- SD, 58.7 +/- 7.5 y) for RANKL, OPG, hsCRP, degradation products of C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen, and osteocalcin. BMD was determined for the lumbar spine (L2-L4) and the proximal femur using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Circulating levels of OPG (r = 0.30, P < 0.001) and the RANKL/OPG ratio (r = -0.17, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with age. The geometric mean of hsCRP was 1.89 mg/L (SE, 1.05) in the population studied. There was a significant correlation between log(hsCRP) levels and body mass index (BMI; r = 0.36, P < 0.001). Multivariate linear analyses revealed that age (beta = -0.295, P < 0.001), BMI (beta = 0.464, P < 0.001), RANKL (beta = -0.105, P = 0.014), and OPG (beta = 0.098, P = 0.029) were the independent determinants for lumbar BMD (R(2) = 0.35). Age (beta = -0.250, P < 0.001), BMI (beta = 0.486, P < 0.001), and RANKL (beta = -0.110, P = 0.009) were independently correlated with femoral neck BMD (R(2) = 0.36). Age- and BMI-adjusted analysis by quartiles of log-transformed hsCRP did not reveal an association with BMD, serum levels of biochemical markers of bone turnover, RANKL, or OPG

The metabolic syndrome is not associated with homocysteinemia: The Persian Gulf Healthy Heart Study

Background: It is uncertain whether homocysteine and the metabolic syndrome or its components are related in the general population, as studies investigating the association between homocysteine levels and insulin resistance have shown conflicting results. Methods: In an ancillary study to the Persian Gulf Healthy Heart Study, a cohort study of Iranian men and women aged ≥25 yr, a random sample of 1754 subjects were evaluated for the association of plasma homocysteine levels and the metabolic syndrome using National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)-Adult Treatment Panel (ATP)-III criteria. Total homocysteine levels and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Subjects with lower HDL-cholesterol and higher blood pressure showed significantly higher homocysteine levels (p=0.001 and p<0.0001; respectively). There was no significant difference in serum levels of homocysteine between subjects with and without the metabolic syndrome. In multiple logistic regression analysis, the metabolic syndrome did not show a significant association with serum homocysteine levels after adjusting for sex, age, smoking, fruit and vegetable intake pattern, body mass index, and physical inactivity. Concurrent elevated CRP levels and the metabolic syndrome also did not show a significant association with serum homocysteine levels after adjusting for sex, age, and lifestyle cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions: There was no association between the metabolic syndrome using NCEP-ATPIII criteria and homocysteinemia in this study. These data refute the hypothesis that homocysteine levels are influenced by the metabolic syndrome, at least in general healthy population

High sensitivity C-reactive protein is associated with the metabolic syndrome independent to viral and bacterial pathogen burden

To investigate the influences of bacterial or viral pathogen burden in the relationship of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the metabolic syndrome in a population-based study. METHODS: Data from 1754 men and women aged >or=25 years, from the Persian Gulf Healthy Heart Study were analyzed. The definition of the metabolic syndrome according to the Adult Treatment Panel III was used. Sera were analyzed for IgG antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae, Herpes simplex virus type 1, Helicobacter pylori and cytomegalovirus using ELISA. Measurement of CRP by a high-sensitivity CRP assay was done. RESULTS: The subjects with the metabolic syndrome had a higher geometric mean of CRP levels than the normal persons (p<0.0001). A linear relationship between an increase in the number of metabolic syndrome components and CRP concentrations was observed (p for trend<0.0001). In multiple logistic regression models, hs-CRP showed significant associations with the metabolic syndrome after controlling for cardiovascular risk factors and infectious burden divided into 2, 3 and 4 pathogens [OR=2.06, CI (1.32-3.21), p=0.001; OR=1.75, CI (1.26-2.42), p=0. 001; OR=2.12, CI (1.46-3.08), p<0.0001; respectively]

Relationships among serum receptor of nuclear factor-JB ligand, osteoprotegerin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: osteoimmunity versus osteoinflammatory

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlations among circulating osteoprotegerin (OPG), the receptor activator of nuclear factor-JB ligand (RANKL), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy postmenopausal women. Methods: In a population-based study, highly specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods were used to evaluate the sera of 382 healthy Iranian postmenopausal women (mean age T SD, 58.7 T 7.5 y) for RANKL, OPG, hsCRP, degradation products of C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen, and osteocalcin. BMD was determined for the lumbar spine (L2-L4) and the proximal femur using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results: Circulating levels of OPG (r = 0.30, P G 0.001) and the RANKL/OPG ratio (r = j0.17, P G 0.001) were significantly associated with age. The geometric mean of hsCRP was 1.89 mg/L (SE, 1.05) in the population studied. There was a significant correlation between log(hsCRP) levels and body mass index (BMI; r = 0.36, P G 0.001). Multivariate linear analyses revealed that age (A = j0.295, P G 0.001), BMI (A = 0.464, P G 0.001), RANKL (A = j0.105, P = 0.014), and OPG (A = 0.098, P = 0.029) were the independent determinants for lumbar BMD (R2 = 0.35). Age (A = j0.250, P G 0.001), BMI (A = 0.486, P G 0.001), and RANKL (A = j0.110, P = 0.009) were independently correlated with femoral neck BMD (R2 = 0.36). Age- and BMI-adjusted analysis by quartiles of log-transformed hsCRP did not reveal an association with BMD, serum levels of biochemical markers of bone turnover, RANKL, or OPG. Conclusions: The circulating levels of the RANKL/OPG osteoimmunity system have an association with BMD, but subclinical systemic inflammation may not be involved in bone mass in healthy postmenopausal women

The normoglycemic first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have low circulating omentin-1 and adiponectin levels

Objective: It has been suggested that adipose-derived cytokines act as insulin sensitizers/insulin-mimetics and some others may induce insulin resistance. In order to elucidate the potential role of novel adipocytokines in the pre-diabetes states, circulating levels of novel adipocytokines were evaluated in first-degree relatives of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (FDRs). Method: Serum omentin-1, adiponectin and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels were measured in 179 subjects (90 glucose tolerant FDRs and 89 age- and sex-matched healthy controls) using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding serum RBP4 concentrations. However, serum omentin-1 (median [interquartile range], 6.18 [4.06–11.52] ng/ml versus 10.50 [4.30– 20.60] ng/ml, p = 0.004) and adiponectin (mean ± SD, 10.07 ± 4.0 lg/ml versus 20.66 ± 8.12 lg/ml, p < 0.0001) levels were significantly lower in FDRs when compared with the controls. In multiple logistic regression analysis, FDRs showed a significant association with lower circulating omentin-1 and adiponectin levels, even after adjustments were made for age, sex, body mass index, blood pressure measures, and biochemical parameters including glucose status, lipid profile, insulin levels and HOMA-IR (OR = 0.49, CI [0.30–0.79]; p = 0.004 and OR = 0.74, CI [0.67–0.82]; p < 0.0001, respectively). However, FDRs did not show a significant association with serum RBP4 levels in different models of regression analyses. Conclusions: The FDRs showed significant associations with lower omentin-1 and adiponectin levels. A potential role for these adipokines in the FDRs’ increased risk of diabetes needs to be further elucidated

Reduced serum osteocalcin concentrations are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome components in postmenopausal women: the crosstalk between bone and energy metabolism

Although it has been shown that osteocalcin functions as a hormone in the regulation of glucose metabolism and fat mass, no population-based study to date has addressed serum osteocalcin levels in relation to energy metabolism concurrent with bone metabolism in postmenopausal women. In a population-based study, cardiovascular risk factors, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), osteoprotegerin, receptor activator of nuclear factor-jB ligand, osteocalcin, CrossLaps, alkaline phosphatase, and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (L2–L4) and the proximal femur were measured in 382 Iranian postmenopausal women. In multiple logistic regression analysis, lower osteocalcin and CrossLaps levels were associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) of having type 2 diabetes mellitus when adjustments were made for age, hs-CRP, cardiovascular risk factors, BMD, and markers of bone metabolism [OR 5.17, CI (2.66–10.04), p\0.0001 and OR 2.51, CI (1.37–4.61), p = 0.003, respectively]. However, lower alkaline phosphatase levels were associated with a lower OR of having type 2 diabetes mellitus [OR 0.28, CI (0.15–0.52), p\0.0001] in regression analysis. No significant difference was found between serum osteocalcin levels of those with and without metabolic syndrome. Among the metabolic syndrome components, low osteocalcin levels had significant associations with elevated blood glucose [OR 1.89, CI (1.16–3.07), p = 0.010] and elevated waist circumference [OR 2.53, CI (1.13–5.67), p = 0.024] in multivariate analyses. In conclusion, serum osteocalcin was independently associated with glucose intolerance and abdominal obesity as the components of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus in postmenopausal women. Since CrossLaps and alkaline phosphatase levels were independently associated with the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, the unique contribution of osteocalcin in glucose metabolism could not be concluded

Relationships among serum receptor of nuclear factor-JB ligand, osteoprotegerin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: osteoimmunity versus osteoinflammatory

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlations among circulating osteoprotegerin (OPG), the receptor activator of nuclear factor-JB ligand (RANKL), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy postmenopausal women. Methods: In a population-based study, highly specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods were used to evaluate the sera of 382 healthy Iranian postmenopausal women (mean age T SD, 58.7 T 7.5 y) for RANKL, OPG, hsCRP, degradation products of C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen, and osteocalcin. BMD was determined for the lumbar spine (L2-L4) and the proximal femur using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results: Circulating levels of OPG (r = 0.30, P G 0.001) and the RANKL/OPG ratio (r = j0.17, P G 0.001) were significantly associated with age. The geometric mean of hsCRP was 1.89 mg/L (SE, 1.05) in the population studied. There was a significant correlation between log(hsCRP) levels and body mass index (BMI; r = 0.36, P G 0.001). Multivariate linear analyses revealed that age (A = j0.295, P G 0.001), BMI (A = 0.464, P G 0.001), RANKL (A = j0.105, P = 0.014), and OPG (A = 0.098, P = 0.029) were the independent determinants for lumbar BMD (R2 = 0.35). Age (A = j0.250, P G 0.001), BMI (A = 0.486, P G 0.001), and RANKL (A = j0.110, P = 0.009) were independently correlated with femoral neck BMD (R2 = 0.36). Age- and BMI-adjusted analysis by quartiles of log-transformed hsCRP did not reveal an association with BMD, serum levels of biochemical markers of bone turnover, RANKL, or OPG. Conclusions: The circulating levels of the RANKL/OPG osteoimmunity system have an association with BMD, but subclinical systemic inflammation may not be involved in bone mass in healthy postmenopausal women