Content of toxic and essential metals in recrystallized and washed table salt in Shiraz, Iran

BACKGROUND: Table salt is the most commonly used food additive. Since most of the salt consumed in Iran comes from mines, contamination with heavy metals is a health concern. The commonest salt purification method in Iran is washing with water. But recently, some industries have turned to recrystallization method. The present study aimed to determine the level of essential and non-essential heavy metals in the table salt refined with recrystallization and washing methods. METHODS: Thirty eight pre-packed salt samples were directly collected from retail market in Shiraz (22 samples refined with recrystallization method and 16 with washing method). The level of lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, nickel and cobalt was determined using Voltammetric method. Daily intakes of lead and cadmium as well as their weekly intakes were calculated. RESULTS: The levels of lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, nickel and cobalt in recrystallized samples were 0. 30 ± 0.26, 0.02 ± 0.02, 0.11 ± 0.06, 0.34 ± 0.22, 0.15 ± 0.19 and 0.008 ± 0.007 μg/g, respectively, and also 0.37 ± 0.27, 0.017 ± 0.021, 0.19 ± 0.18, 0.37 ± 0.20, 0.13 ± 0.23 and 0.037 ± 0.06 μg/g in washed salt samples. The calculated weekly intake of lead and cadmium was 0.216 and 0.014 μg/kg, respectively for the recrystallized and 0.2653 and 0.0119 μg/kg for the washed salts. CONCLUSION: All values for toxic metals were lower than the permitted maximum for human consumption as prescribed by Codex and Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran. Only 0.8652-1.0612% of lead and 0.17-0.2% of cadmium PTWIs are received via salt consumption weekly

Daily Dietary Intake of Micronutrients Using Duplicate Portion Sampling along with Food Composition Tables in Healthy Adult Population in Shiraz, Iran

Background: There is growing evidence on the importance of healthy and balanced diet in human health. Many health disorders are related to inadequate or excessive intakes of micronutrients. Estimation of their daily intakes is, therefore, necessary to evaluate the risks of deficiency or toxicity. The present study aimed to investigate the dietary intakes of micronutrients by the healthy adult population of Shiraz, Iran. Methods: Duplicate portions of all the meals (breakfasts, lunches, and dinners) prepared for patients with no dietary restriction were taken from the kitchen at Namazi Hospital in Shiraz, Iran during seven consecutive days. They were accurately weighed and broken down into their ingredients according to the kitchen recipes. The nutrient content of the food components and whole meals were calculated using US Food Composition Table (FCT). The results were then compared with their respective Recommended Daily Allowance Values (RDAs). Results: Daily dietary intakes of potassium, calcium, magnesium, folate, biotin, and vitamin C were lower than the recommended levels. The intakes of other micronutrients were found to be close to or higher than the recommendations. The nutrients with highest intakes were manganese, iron, vitamin E, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B12. Compared to the lunch and dinner, breakfast provided the lowest percentage of micronutrients. Conclusion: Regular monitoring of nutritional intakes of adult population is helpful for identification of nutritional inadequacies, possible consequences and interventions. More precise and comprehensive studies are required to provide data on the issue which can feed into nutritional plans and policies

Isolation and Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria from a Traditional Fermented Fish Sauce (Mahyaveh) in Fars Province, Iran

Background: Mahyaveh is a fermented fish sauce in southern parts of Iran. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly dominant microorganisms in fermented fish products. These bacteria develop organoleptic characteristics of fermented foods and play a significant role in promoting their quality and safety. The present study aimed to identify LAB isolated from Mahyaveh using 16SrDNA gene sequences. Methods: Mahyaveh samples were collected from different regions of Fars province, southern Iran. Then, LAB colonies were isolated using specific media and identified by microscopic observations and biochemical tests. Afterwards, DNA was extracted, PCR was done by general primers of 16S rDNA, and the bacteria were recognized. Results: The 16S rDNA sequence of all isolates was related to Lactobacillus plantarum and Enterococcus faecium type strains. Conclusion: L. plantarum and E. faecium were shown to be prevalent LAB strains that could be used as starters in Mahyaveh fermentation in southern Iran

Thiol-reducing agents abate cholestasis-induced lung inflammation, oxidative stress, and histopathological alterations

Cholestasis is not only influences the hepatic function but also damages many other organs. Lung injury is a critical secondary organ damage associated with cholestasis/cirrhosis. Pulmonary histopathological alterations, respiratory distress, and hypoxia are related to cholestasis/cirrhosis-induced lung injury. It has been found that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in this complication. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and dithiothreitol (DTT) as thiol-reducing and antioxidant agents against cholestasis-induced lung injury. Bile duct ligated (BDL) rats were monitored for the presence of inflammatory cells, TNF-α, and IgG levels in their broncho-alveolar fluid (BALF) at scheduled time intervals (3, 7, 14, and 28 days post-BDL surgery). These markers reached their highest level in the BALF of BDL rats on day 28 after the surgery. Therefore, in another set of experiments, the BDL animals were treated with NAC (100 and 300 mg/kg/day, i.p, for 28 consecutive days) and DTT (10 and 20 mg/kg/day, i.p, for 28 consecutive days). Meanwhile, a significant increase in the levels of TNF-α and IgG was detected in the BALF of BDL rats. The BALF level of neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes was also significantly increased in cholestatic animals. A significant increase in lung tissue biomarkers of oxidative stress was detected in the BDL rats. It was found that NAC and DTT could significantly blunt pulmonary damage induced by cholestasis. The effects of these agents on oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammatory response seem to play a pivotal role in their mechanisms of protective properties

The Effect of Saffron on Microbial, Physicochemical and Texture Profile of Chicken (Breast) Meat Stored in Refrigerator

Background: Saffron roast chicken is one of the most popular and delicious foods in Iran, which is prepared from a mixture of saffron with chicken meat and then cooking the mixture. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of saffron on the chicken meat stored at refrigerator temperature. Methods: After mixing chicken meat with saffron powder stigma, the microbial, physicochemical and texture factors such as Staphylococcus aureus, Fecal coliforms, mold and yeast, pH, water holding capacity (WHC), percentage of cooking loss, lipid oxidation (TBARs) and textural profile analysis were measured. All of these experiments were carried out during the storage period. Results: In samples treated with saffron, TBARs (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) were less than control samples, and other parameters had no significant difference with the control sample. The overall conclusion is based on this principle that saffron reduces fat oxidation in chicken breast meat during storage, but has no statistically significant effect compared to the control sample in relation to other microbial parameters and texture quality. No antimicrobial activity was observed due to the lack of use of saffron as an aqueous or alcoholic extract. Conclusion: Saffron stigma powder can be considered as an improving agent of physico-chemical characteristics of chicken meat

Microbial and Chemical Properties of Mahyaveh: A Traditional Iranian Fish Sauce in Zarrin Dasht City, Iran

Background: Mahyaveh is a fermented sauce made from fish. This study was conducted to investigate microbial and chemical properties of Mahyaveh in Zarrin Dasht city of Fars province, southern Iran. Methods: Twenty-three samples were randomly collected in sterile containers and transferred to the laboratory. Acidophilic mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, Coagulase Positive Staphylococci, molds and yeasts were enumerated using plate count agar, MRS agar, Bairdparker agar and Dichloran-rose bengal chloramphenicol (DRBC) agar, respectively. AOAC method was used to measure the pH and acidity of the samples. Results: The total number of mesophilic acidophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, Coagulase Positive Staphylococci and mold and yeast were 6.23±0.91, 5.78±1.02, 3.52±1.08, and 2.27±0.71 log CFU/gr, respectively. Comparing results with microbial standards in similar products, it was found that the number of Coagulase Positive Staphylococci in 58.33% of samples was higher than the standard. The pH mean of samples was 6.09±0.84 and the acidity was 0.9±0.29 (% lactic acid). Conclusion: Since Mahyaveh is widely used in Southern provinces, standardization in this field, monitoring and hygienic control over production centers and the hygienic control of products in the markets seem necessary

Oral isotretinoin for acne, adjusting treatment according to patient's response.

BACKGROUND: Oral isotretinoin is an established effective therapy for acne. No published data is available on the efficacy and side effects of this drug in Iranian patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 132 acne patients with a mean age of 22.9 +/- 6.2 years were treated with oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane) and followed-up from 1999 through 2005. Each patient was started with a dose of 0.75 mg/kg per day until all active lesions healed, followed by a maintenance dose of 20 mg/kg per day for one more month. Laboratory tests were done at monthly intervals. Evaluation of clinical response was based on Leeds technique. Patients were followed-up for a mean period of 4.4 years. RESULTS: Most of the patients had severe nodulocystic acne involving both trunk and face. Treatment was continued for 6.6 +/- 2.5 months with a cumulative dose of 111.5 mg/kg +/- 33.9. The mean final improvement rate was 96.7 (95 CI, 84.9 to 108.5). There was no correlation between improvement rate and age, sex, duration of acne, length of treatment, or cumulative dose. Side effects were generally mild and treated conservatively. In the follow-up, period 18.35 experienced relapse after a mean interval of 1.28 years, 9.17 required a second course of isotretinoin, and only one case needed 3 courses of treatment. CONCLUSION: Isotretinoin is an effective and safe treatment for acne in Iranian patients. Starting treatment with a high dose and modifying the length of treatment based on the therapeutic response in each patient, might lead to a rapid and good response rate with minimal side effects