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- The Comparison of Serum Levels of IGF1 before and after Fasting in Healthy
Adults
Abstract: Introduction: Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar year in which Muslims avoid eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is a small peptide that circulates in the blood. IGF1 plays an important role in regulating proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and transformation. Studies have shown that a small increase in IGF1 levels is associated with an increased risk of prostate, breast, colon, and lung cancer. In this study, the effects of fasting with regular consumption pattern and food avoidance on serum IGF1 concentration in healthy subjects before and after fasting was investigated. Methods: 40 healthy adults in the age group of 18-55 years who were going to fast for about 16 hours a day for at least 20-25 days in Ramadan were included. The first sample was taken one week before Ramadan, and the second one was obtained at the end of Ramadan. After taking 2cc of whole venous blood, sera were isolated, and IGF1 concentration was calculated by quantitative ELISA method using DiaMetra kit. Results: Of the 40 participants in the study, 31 were female, and 9 were male. It was observed that the mean IGF1 before and after fasting was 198.6 ± 77.9 and 146.3 ± 44.5 ng/ml, respectively, with a 52 ng/ml difference. Conclusion: The present study has shown that fasting reduces the level of IGF1, which could be indicative of the benefits of fasting since it could limit the harmful effects of a risk factor of some diseases.
- Effect of Resistance Training on Heart Damage Risk Factors in Adult Male
Rats Exposed to Nandrolone
Abstract: Introduction: Nandrolone (Na) as a derivative of testosterone is used by athletes and non-athletes for different purposes and various results have been reported regarding its use. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a period of resistance training (RT) on SOD, MDA, CRP, cTn-C in the cardiac tissue of Na- exposed rats. Methods: In the present experimental research, 20 male Wistar rats aged 8 to 10 weeks were randomly divided into 4 groups of 5 animals: (1) control, (2) sham, (3) Na (10 mg/kg), (4) Na+RT. The RT group carried out 1-meter ladder climbing 3 sessions weekly for 8 weeks. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests were implemented for analyzing the data (P≤0.05). Results: Levels of SOD were significantly lower in the Na+RT group compared to the control group (P=0.006). However, no significant difference was observed in levels of SOD in the Na group compared to the Na+RT group (P=0.99). Also, the levels of MDA and CRP in the Na+RT group were significantly lower than the Na group (P≤0.05). Histological studies showed that Na intoxication, RT, and RT with Na use had no effect on tissue changes in the study groups. Conclusion: It seems that taking nanderlone with and without resistance training leads to an increase in heart disease risk indicators; However, the risk of heart disease in the conditions of training and abuse of nandrolone is less than the normal condition of this steroid without training.
- A Randomized Clinical Trial Study Protocol on the Effect of Barley Savigh
on Blood Glucose in Prediabetic Menopausal Women
Abstract: Introduction: Hormonal changes during menopause involve in the development of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, prevention of diabetes and its complications during menopause is of particular importance. The effects of barley (Hordeum vulgare L) in maintaining blood glucose and blood insulin have been previously reported. This study was designed to investigating the effect of roasted barley flour consumption on the blood sugar level of prediabetic postmenopausal women. Methods: This randomized controlled trial study will be conducted on 68 prediabetic postmenopausal women referring to community health centers in Gonabad, Iran. All participants will complete a demographic questionnaire and their fasting and two-hour postprandial blood glucose levels; and HbA1C will be recorded. The intervention group will receive 60 grams daily (20 grams before each meal) of roasted barley flour for four weeks, while the control group will receive no intervention. Fasting blood glucose and two-hours postprandial blood glucose will be checked by venous blood sampling at baseline, two and four weeks after intervention. All participants will complete the three-day food intake record and Beck's physical activity questionnaire during the study. Data analysis will be done using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software (version 16) and p value less than 0.05 is considered significant. Conclusion: In case this study proves the effectiveness of roasted barley flour in reducing blood glucose, daily consumption of this compound can be recommended for prediabetic menopausal women.
- The Perceptions of Mashhad Pilgrims and Health Care Providers regarding
Health and Medical Services in the End of Lunar Month of Safar: A
Qualitative Analysis
Abstract: Introduction: 'Health for All by the Year of 2000' was a movement launched by WHO in 1978 and based on primary healthcare introduced to countries around the world. Every year, at the end of the month of Safar, many people from neighboring cities and countries, travel to Mashhad. Since qualitative approach can lead to better understanding of access to healthcare from the perception of consumers, the purpose of this study was to assess the perception of Pilgrims and healthcare providers of access to healthcare services and gain deeper knowledge about the experiences of consumers of healthcare. Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in Mashhad during Safar based on conventional content analysis in from 20 to 27 September 2022. In this study, a semi-structured in-depth interview was conducted in 36 participants including pilgrims (n=27) and healthcare providers (n=9) such as medical doctor, nurses, and health experts who selected through Purposeful sampling. The interviews were recorded and transcribed word for word. MAXqda software and Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative content analysis were used for data analysis. Results: Data analysis revealed three categories including: 1. Understanding the challenges of the treatment services in terms of 3 subcategories: A. experience the lack of medical doctor, drug shortages and higher prices of medicines, B. experience the diseases (skin, cardiovascular diseases, poisoning and digestive problems, musculoskeletal pain and asthma), and C. experience the lack of appropriate place for patient examination and serum injection. 2. Understanding the challenges of health services including 3 subcategories: A. time and place insufficiency of services, B. lack of access to sanitary detergents, and C. improper cleaning of resting spaces and places, and finally, 3- Understanding the challenges of welfare services including 2 subcategories: A. inadequacy and lack of access to the appropriate rest place, and B. poor quality and lack of foods. Conclusions: The data indicated that access to healthcare, treatment and welfare is about more than just the existence of these services. The commitment of health policymakers to improve equity in healthcare will hopefully lead to positive changes in the healthcare system. Therefore, it is necessary to increase social participation in the healthcare system in combination with comprehensive education in optimal use of services provided by the healthcare system in order to empower pilgrims to access better healthcare.
- Effects of Pomegranate Peel Supplementation on Depression, Anxiety and
Stress Symptoms of Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver: A Randomized
Clinical Trial
Abstract: Introduction: Nowadays, the improvement and control of anxiety, depression and stress are important in management of non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD). Thus, we aim to evaluate 8 weeks of pomegranate peel (PP) supplementation on the depression, anxiety and stress scale changes in NAFLD patients. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 76 NAFLD patients were assigned to the PP (n=39) or placebo (n=37) group. After preparing the capsules of dry extract of PP by soaking method, patients received the pomegranate peel or placebo with a dose of 1500 mg, respectively for 8 weeks. A diet with reduced calorie intake along with healthy recommendations were given to all. The status of NAFLD was checked with two-dimensional elastography, the mental health was evaluated via depression, anxiety and stress scale and dietary intake was assessed by 3-day recall before and after the intervention. Results: The average age of the participants was 43.1±8.6 years; which 51.3% were women. In PP group weight, liver stiffness and hepatorenal sonography index changes was significantly different in comparison to placebo group before and after the adjustment of potential covariates including weight and physical activity (P< 0.001). Depression and stress score changes significantly in PP group during the study before and after adjustment of potential covariates (P= 0.002, 0.05, respectively). Anxiety score changes was not significantly between two groups (P= 0.1). Conclusion: Our results shows that 8-week supplementation of pomegranate peel have ameliorative effects on depression and stress symptoms of NAFLD patients.
- Cardiovascular Mortality Risk Factors in The Northeast of Iran: A
Four-Year Cohort Study
Abstract: Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been recognized as the leading causes of death worldwide and in Iran. Deaths from CVD diseases accounted for approximately 39.42% of Razavi Khorasan Province (RKP). In this study, the risk factors associated with CVD mortality in the residents of RKP were evaluated. Method: This retrospective cohort study was done based on recorded information from the Vic Chancellery of Health Questionnaires of KRP (2016–2019). Results: Overall, 2,304,156 participants entered the study. CVD deaths made up about 50% of total deaths. The opium use, history of heart attack, BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2, homemade alcohol, FBS mg/dL>126, diabetes, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, and always using salt, Systolic blood pressure, Framingham risk score, and age were CVD risk factors, respectively (OR 6.59, 4.91, 3.25, 2.64, 2.00, 1.99, 1.89, 1.80, 1.09, 1.04, and 1.03, P = 0.001). Also, higher educational level, female gender, BMI 25-27 kg/m, healthier eating habits (higher consumption of dairy, fruits, and vegetables), moderate exercise, and aspirin use were identified as protective factors. Conclusion: In this study, behavioural risk factors, opium use, BMI ≥ 40 and≥ 30 kg/m2, homemade alcohol, salt, medical history, heart attacks, and diabetes were identified as important CVD risk factors. Also, a higher educational level, female gender, BMI 25-27 kg/m2, healthier eating habits (higher consumption of dairy products, fruits, and vegetables), exercise, and aspirin were protective factors in KRP, especially in Dargaz, and they may be the cause of increasing sudden deaths, especially heart attacks.
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