Association between vitamin A and E and apolipoprotein A and B levels in type 2 diabetes

Objective. To determine the relationship between serum vitamin A and E and apolipoprotein levels in type 2 diabetic patients. Setting. Shariati Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Subjects and methods. One hundred and seventeen eligible type 2 diabetic patients who attended the Endocrine Research and Metabolism Center between 2002 and 2004 were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected after a 12 - 14-hour overnight fast for the measurement of serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein (apo) A1 and apoB, and vitamins A and E. Anthropometric indices were determined by physical examination. Data were analysed statistically using Pearson's coefficient, multiple regression, and partial and bivariate correlations. Results. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the subjects was 27.4 ± 3.7 kg/m2. The mean (± standard deviation (SD)) serum levels of vitamins A and E were 0.5 ± 0.1 &#956;g/ml and 9.5 ± 2.6 &#956;g/ml, respectively. There were no significant differences in the plasma levels of vitamins A and E in males and females. Mean serum levels of vitamins A and E were within the normal range for both sexes. Serum lipid levels (total cholesterol, triglyceride and apoB) correlated with serum levels of vitamin E (p < 0.05). Serum levels of vitamins A and E were also correlated (p < 0.05). Standardised vitamin E levels showed significant negative correlation with most studied lipid profiles (p < 0.05). Conclusion. This study found that mean serum levels of the natural antioxidants vitamin E, and especially vitamin A, were close to the lower end of the normal range of these antioxidants in type 2 diabetics. Also, serum vitamin E and standardised vitamin E levels were important predictors of serum apoA1 levels in these patients. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition Vol. 19(1) 2006: 39-4

Prevalence of Cannabis Lifetime Use in Iranian High School and College Students: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analyses,and Meta-Regression

Cannabis is the most widely used substance in the world. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of cannabis lifetime use (CLU) in high school and college students of Iran and also to determine factors related to changes in prevalence. A systematic review of literature on cannabis use in Iran was conducted according to MOOSE guideline. Domestic scientific databases, PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar, relevant reference lists, and relevant journals were searched up to April, 2014. Prevalences were calculated using the variance stabilizing double arcsine transformation and confidence intervals (CIs) estimated using the Wilson method. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q statistic and I-2 index and causes of heterogeneity were evaluated using meta-regression model. In electronic database search, 4,000 citations were retrieved, producing a total of 33 studies. CLU was reported with a random effects pooled prevalence of 4.0 (95 CI = 3.0 to 5.0). In subgroups of high school and college students, prevalences were 5.0 (95 CI = 3.0 to -7.0) and 2.0 (95 CI = 2.0 to -3.0), respectively. Meta-regression model indicated that prevalence is higher in college students (beta = 0.089, p < .001), male gender (beta = 0.017, p < .001), and is lower in studies with sampling versus census studies (beta = -0.096, p < .001). This study reported that prevalence of CLU in Iranian students are lower than industrialized countries. In addition, gender, level of education, and methods of sampling are highly associated with changes in the prevalence of CLU across provinces

Assessment of body mass index and its relationship with iron status indices among women in rural areas of Kermanprovince, Iran

Introduction: Prevalence of obesity has increased steadily and markedly in both Westernized andnon-Westernized countries. Few studies have examined the relationship of anthropometric indiceswith iron status indices. The objective of the present study was to assess the body mass index (BMI)status and its relationship with iron status indices among reproductive age group women in rural areasof Kerman province, Iran.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 370 reproductive age group women (20-45years old) were selected. General information data were gathered from each person usingquestionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Body weight and height was measured for each subject andBMI was calculated. Venous blood samples were drawn from subjects and plasma separated. In thestudy, iron status was assessed by measuring the concentrations of hemoglobin, plasma ferritin andhematocrit. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and pearson'scorrelation coefficient tests.Results: The mean BMI of subjects was 24.3 Kg/m2. 19.7% and 15.9% of subjects wereoverweight and obese respectively. Mean BMI significantly increased with age (p<0.0001) andnumber of pregnancy (p<0.002). Furthermore, BMI was positively associated with age (r =0.32,p<0.0001) and number of pregnancy (r = 0.26, p<0.003). Mean hemoglobin and plasma ferritinconcentrations were significantly greater in higher weight and BMI quartiles. The hematocrit was alsosignificantly greater in higher BMI quartiles.Conclusion: From these observations, it is concluded that obesity and overweight are importantnutritional problems in rural women in Kerman province. In addition, obese women had higher ironstores than did the non-obese women. Therefore, obese reproductive age women are at low risk ofdepleting iron stores