Reza Bagheri, Amir Rashidlamir, Seyyed Reza Attarzadeh Hosseini,
Volume 12, Issue 6 (11-2018)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: The present study was designed to determine the effect of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) on follistatin to myostatin ratio, body composition and anaerobic power of trained volleyball players.
Methods: Eighteen trained volleyball players were randomly assigned into two study groups: resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFRT; n=9) and resistance training without blood flow restriction (WBFRT; n=9). The subjects performed trainings three sessions a week, for eight weeks. In each session, barbell squat, leg extension, leg curl and dumbbell lunges were performed in three sets of 15 repetitions, with rest intervals of 30 seconds. Serum follistatin and myostatin concentrations, body composition and anaerobic power were assessed before and after the study. Data were analyzed using the paired sample t-test, Wilcoxon test, independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. All statistical analyses were done in SPSS (version 22), and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Follistatin levels increased significantly (P=0.001), while myostatin levels decreased significantly in both groups (P=0.001). Follistatin to myostatin ratio increased significantly in both groups (P=0.001). Although body fat percentage decreased in both groups, it did not differ significantly between the two groups (P=0.28). Moreover, anaerobic power increased significantly in both groups (P=0.001), but this increase was more profound in the BFRT group (P=0.001).
Conclusion: Based on our findings, blood flow restriction can be applied as remarkable approach to boost body adaptation responses to resistance training.
KEYWORDS: Resistance training, Myostatin, Follistatin, Blood flow restriction.
Farzaneh Mohammadzadeh Rostami , Milad Shahsafi ,
Volume 12, Issue 6 (11-2018)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Halophilic bacteria can grow and survive in environments with a wide range a wide range of salinities. In this study, we aimed to isolate halophilic bacteria from the Meyghan Lake in Arak (Iran) and evaluate their enzymatic activity.
Methods: Samples were taken from four different areas of the lake. Halophilic bacteria were isolated by culture in moderate halophilic medium, sea water nutrient agar and nutrient agar containing different salt concentrations. Purification was done via consecutive culture methods, and production of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes including amylase, protease, lecithinase, DNase and lipase was evaluated.
Results: Among 74 bacteria isolated from the lake water samples, 24 produced amylase, 27 produced lipase (Tween 40 and 80), 68 produced protease, three produced DNase and 61 produced lecithinase.
Conclusion: In this study, we isolated halophilic bacteria with enzymatic activity and potential industrial applications.
Keywords: Biological Diversity, isolation and purification, Halobacteriales, Meyghan Lake, Arak.
Shadi Beladi Ghannadi , Maryam Ghane , Laleh Babaeekhou ,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (3-2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: The emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Shigella spp. is becoming a health concern worldwide. This study aimed to investigate antibiotic resistance pattern and frequency of blaCTX-M, blaSHV, and blaTEM genes among Shigella isolates from patients in hospitals of Tehran, Iran.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 52 non-repeated Shigella strains were isolated from hospitalized patients in Milad, Emam Khomeini and Shariati hospitals in Tehran (Iran) from November 2015 to December 2016. Bacterial identification, serotyping, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed according to the standard guidelines. The blaCTX-M, blaSHV, and blaTEM resistance genes were identified using multiplex polymerase chain reaction.
Results: Among 52 Shigella isolates, S. sonnei (44.2%) was the predominant species, followed by S. flexneri and S. dysenteriae (23%). Over 67% of the isolates were multidrug resistant. The highest rates of resistance were observed against cefalotin (67.3%), tetracycline (67.3%), amikacin (63.5%), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (48.1), and ampicillin (42.3%). The lowest resistance rate was against ciprofloxacin (1.9%). We detected the blaTEM and blaCTX-M genes in 61.5% and 19.2% of the isolates, respectively. However, the blaSHV gene was not detected in any of the isolates. In addition, 16.4% of the isolates harbored the blaTEM and blaCTX-M genes simultaneously. Ciprofloxacin was the most effective antibiotics according to the ESBL genes distribution.
Conclusion: Our findings indicate the high prevalence of multidrug resistance and ESBL genes in Shigella isolates, which elucidates the need for appropriate infection control measures for limiting the spread of resistant strains.
Keywords: Shigella, Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction, Drug Resistance.
Mojtaba Raeisi , Fatemeh Ghorbani Bidkorpeh , Mohammad Hashemi , Bektas Tepe , Zahra Moghaddam , Masoud Aman Mohammadi, Seyyed Mohammad Ali Noori ,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (3-2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Utilization of essential oils instead of chemical preservatives has received significant attention in recent years. The present study aims to evaluate chemical composition and antibacterial and antioxidant properties of essential oils of Zataria multiflora, Artemisia deracunculus and Mentha piperita.
Methods: Chemical profile of the essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The microwell dilution and agar disk diffusion methods were used to evaluate the antibacterial properties of the essential oils. Total phenolic content, β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching test and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays were carried out to determine the antioxidant properties.
Results: Menthol (39.18%) and mentone (21.64%) were the main components of the essential oil of M. piperita, while estragol (34.75%) and limonene (15.72%) were the major components of the essential oil of A. dracunculus. The main components of the essential oil of Z. multiflora were carvacrol (36.81%) and thymol (33.04%). The essential oils of M. piperita and Z. multiflora showed greater antimicrobial effects. Moreover, Z. multiflora showed the greatest antioxidant activity among the essential oils. The total phenolic content of Z. multiflora was 228.14±0.45 mg gallic acid equivalent/g.
Conclusion: Given their favorable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, the essential oils of Z. multiflora, A. deracunculus and M. piperita can be used as natural food preservatives.
Keywords: Zataria multiflora, Artemisia deracunculus, Mentha piperita, antibacterial effect, antioxidant effect.
Ali Khatibi, Zahra Moosavi-Nejad, Elmira Pajoohesh,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (7-2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Formetanate hydrochloride is an effective insecticide and acaricide, which is frequently used in citrus gardens. Given its high toxicity, it is necessary to evaluate effects of this insecticide on living factors.
In this study, we investigate effects of formetanate hydrochloride on human hemoglobin using spectroscopic analysis and molecular docking modeling.
Methods: Effects of formetanate hydrochloride on human hemoglobin were investigated using molecular docking technique and thermodynamic and spectrophotometric methods such as normal and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and circular dichroism.
Results: Decrement of the soret band without any significant shift proved that the insecticide could penetrate into the heme pocket and directly interact with the porphyrin ring. Results obtained from the intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy and heme degradation study at 321 and 460 nm indicated that formetanate hydrochloride could potentially destroy the heme prosthetic group and eliminate its filtering effect, which results in fluorescence enhancement. The fluorescence study demonstrated a competitive behavior between hydrophobic probe ANS and formetanate hydrochloride for binding to the hemoglobin hydrophobic patches. Results of circular dichroism and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed the structural change and polarity alteration around aromatic fluorophores.
Conclusion: Our findings elucidate that the binding of formetanate hydrochloride to hemoglobin through the heme pocket is energetically much more favorable compared to binding to the hydrophobic central cavity. In addition, formetanate hydrochloride can cause conformational changes in the human hemoglobin and the competitive behavior of this insecticide for the oxygen site can subsequently reduce the oxy form of hemoglobin.
Keywords: Hemoglobin,
Insecticides, Protein Degradation, Fluorescence.
Fereshteh Keyghobadi, Nader Bahramifar, Elahe Gharekhani, Seyyedeh Marzieh Kia,
Volume 13, Issue 5 (9-2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: In this study, nanosilica modified with HS-SiO2 thiol groups was utilized as adsorbent for solid phase extraction, as a fast and reliable method of preconcentration and separation of very small quantities of selenium ions from water and blood samples.
Methods: The samples included four natural water samples and one biological sample (blood serum) prepared in volumes of 25, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ml. The samples were analyzed by solid phase microextraction, using thiolated-nanosilica (as adsorbent), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Results: Optimized conditions for preconcentration of a 25 ml 0.2 mg/l selenium solution were pH 5, 40 mg of adsorbent, sample-adsorbent mixing time of 15 minutes and 5 ml of 2N sulfuric acid as detergent. The volume limit and concentration factor were 400 and 80, respectively. Limit of detection and relative standard deviation of the method were 0.46 μg/l and 0.9%, respectively.
Conclusion: This study is the first to successfully utilize thiolated nanosilica for measuring low selenium levels. Thiolation of the absorbent increases selenium adsorption by thiolated-silica compared to SiO2.
Keywords: Solid phase extraction, Selenium, Preconcentration, Nano, UV-visible spectrophotometry.
Mojtaba Abbasi, Amirhooman Asadi, Hadis Musavi,
Volume 13, Issue 6 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Reduced insulin secretion in Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) results in fat accumulation in hepatocytes and increase in liver enzymes. The hepatocyte destruction due to non-alcoholic fatty liver is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the association of liver transaminases with lipid profile in T2DM patients compared to healthy subjects.
Methods: A total of 1000 subjects (500 males and females with T2DM and 500 healthy subjects) participated in this case-control study. Diagnosis of T2DM was made based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Fasting blood samples (5 ml) were obtained from all subjects in the morning and the serum was extracted for the assessment of biochemical parameters was used to compare parameters between healthy and T2DM patients. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 and using Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation coefficient.
Results: The serum total cholesterol (TCH), triglyceride, Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), TCH/high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) ratio and atherogenecity index plasma were significantly higher in T2DM group compared to healthy individuals (p≤0.006). Among the lipid profile parameters only Risk ratio (TCH/HDL-C) was positively correlated with ALT (p=0.037) while no significant correlation was observed for other variables (P>0.05)
Conclusion: T2DM Patients have higher lipid profile, atherogenecity index and liver enzymes compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, TCH/HDL-C was significantly correlated with ALT.
Ommolbanin Younesian, Samareh Younesian, Sara Hosseinzadeh, Hamid Reza Joshaghani,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (1-2020)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common types of cancer, especially in Asia. Esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) is the most important histological subtype of EC, which accounts for 90% of all EC cases worldwide. ESCC is highly prevalent in Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan and northern and central parts of China. Selenium is an essential micronutrient that is required for cellular functioning and synthesis of several selenoproteins. It also modulates the antioxidant defense system, cell cycle and apoptosis. This article reviews the most important molecular mechanisms of EC and investigates the association between selenium level and incidence of EC in high-risk areas.
Keywords: Esophageal cancer, selenium, selenoprotein.
Farnaz Zahedi Avval, Malihe Moammeri Salahshooh, Fatemeh Sadabadi,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (3-2020)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Reports have shown that lipoprotein (Lp)(a) can serve as an indicator of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Several cardiovascular disease risk factors including age, ethnicity and type 2 diabetes mellitus have been linked to Lp(a) metabolism. Given the structural similarity between Lp(a) and plasminogen, there may be a relationship between Lp(a) level and thrombosis and atherogenesis.
In this review, we summarize the latest data about Lp(a) and related conditions on the PubMed database using the following keywords: “Lp(a) and diseases” and “Lp(a) and racial groups”. All available information was extracted and categorized according to the purpose of this study. In conclusion, evidence suggest that increased level of Lp(a) results in coronary artery disease and increases the risk of ischemic stroke. Lack of Lp(a) has no adverse effect on human health. Moreover, Lp(a) can be effective in wound healing as it degrades apolipoprotein(a) products which might have anti-tumor and anti-angiogenetic effects.
Keywords: Lipoprotein(a), Atherosclerosis, Apo(a).
Mahtab Nejadaria, Seyed Mojtaba Mortazavi, Mohammad Hasan Kohansal,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (3-2020)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: The pentose phosphate pathway is of particular importance for energy supply in red blood cells. Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase is the key enzyme involved in this pathway. The deficiency of this enzyme due to lack of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) production in red blood cells leads to oxidation, hemoglobin deposition, red blood cell membrane changes and favism, which causes jaundice and hemolytic anemia in newborns. In this study, we evaluate the frequency of G6PD deficiency in newborns in a hospital in Bam, Iran.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, blood samples were taken from 572 newborns hospitalized at Pasteur hospital of Bam (Iran) in the first half of 2018. Demographic data including gender and blood type were collected. The G6PD enzyme activity was evaluated using qualitative G6PD assay kit (Saba Teb, Iran). Data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: Of the 572 cases examined, 52 (9.09%) had G6PD deficiency. Of the affected patients, 34 (65.4%) were male and 18 (34.6%) were female. In addition, the majority (47.7%) of affected patients were with O+ blood group.
Conclusion: A relatively high frequency of G6PD deficient infants was reported in Bam. As expected, the prevalence of this disorder was higher in males than in females. Given the lost cost of screening, we suggest screening for G6PD enzyme activity in all newborns.
Keywords: Favism, Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase, NADPH.
Reihaneh Sabbaghzadeh,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (5-2020)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Polyphenols can exert free radical scavenging effects by naturalizing dangerous reactive oxidants. Formation of reactive oxygen species can cause oxidative damage to human cells, leading to various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and degenerative diseases. In this study, we investigated effect of treatment with various concentrations of lead (II) nitrate, a toxic and an
oxidizing agent, on growth and biochemical parameters of alfalfa (
Medicago sativa L.).
Methods: Total phenol content was estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) stable free radical was used for assessment of free radical-scavenging activity. Changes in the activity of catalase and peroxidase as well as in the level of proteins, phenol content and malondialdehyde (as marker of lipid peroxidation) were investigated following treatment with different concentrations (0, 8, 12 and 16 mg/l) of lead nitrate for 21 days. All experiments were done in triplicate. Butylated hydroxytoluene and quercetin were used as standard controls.
Results: Treatment with lead significantly altered the level of total phenolic content, proteins, malondialdehyde and the activity of catalase and peroxidase (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Our results indicate that lead-contaminated soil can significantly alter biochemical and growth parameters of alfalfa.
Esmaeil Khorshid Sofyani, Rasoul Sharifi,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (7-2020)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Combination chemotherapy with new adjuvants has been introduced as an innovative method of treating various types of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate potential synergistic effect of quinacrine on the anti-proliferative and anti-apoptotic activity of docetaxel in
A549 lung cancer cells.
Methods: Cell viability and apoptosis percentage were evaluated with MTT assay and annexin V staining. To understand the mechanisms through which quinacrine modulates expression of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes, expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xl and Bax genes were investigated using
real-time RT-PCR.
Results: The half maximal inhibitory concentration values for docetaxel and quinacrine was 3.16±1.5 nM and 4.4±0.58 μM, respectively. The combination index value of docetaxel and quinacrine was 0.66 against A549 cells, indicating strong synergism. The expression of anti-apoptotic genes Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl reduced significantly, while the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene Bax increased significantly after co-treatment with docetaxel and quinacrine (P<0.05). Treatment of cells with a combination of quinacrine and docetaxel significantly increased the inhibitory effect of docetaxel (reduced proliferation by 50%) and the percentage of apoptotic cells.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the combination of quinacrine and docetaxel can be considered as a promising strategy for the treatment of patients with lung cancer.
Abdolrasoul Hakim Elahi, Rasoul Sharifi, Minoo Mahmoodi, Seyed Mehrdad Kassaee,
Volume 14, Issue 5 (9-2020)
Abstract
Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of octopine (phytogenic-derivative of arginine) on antioxidant indices, trace elements and lipid profiles of a mouse model of breast cancer.
Methods: In this study, 48 Balb/c mice were divided into six groups: healthy control, cancer control, cancer group receiving 50 mg of octopine, cancer group receiving 100 mg of octopine and cancer group receiving 150 mg of octopine. The octopine treatment was carried out for three weeks. The 4T1 cell line was used to induce cancer. Fasting blood samples were taken from mice to evaluate lipid profile, copper and zinc levels. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in breast tumor tissues was evaluated. Data were analyzed by SPSS 18 software using one-way ANOVA and t-test.
Results: Octopine had no significant effect on superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in the treatment group compared with the control cancer group. However, it significantly increased total antioxidant capacity and decreased malondialdehyde activities. Furthermore, treatment with octopine significantly decreased serum zinc, copper, TG, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels but significantly increased high-density lipoprotein compared with the untreated cancer group.
Conclusion: Octopine administration is effective in reducing some oxidative stress indices and improving trace elements abnormalities and lipid profile in mouse models of breast cancer.
Boshra Haghi, Marie Saghaeian Jazi, Mahdi Zarie, Ayyoob Khosravi, Mahboubeh Tajaldini, Jahanbakhsh Asadi,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Docetaxel is a chemotherapeutic agent commonly used for treatment of many cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Docetaxel induces G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and ultimately cell death. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of docetaxel on YM1 cells considering exposure time and dose.
Methods: After calculating the doubling time of YM1 cells, the anti-proliferative effect of different concentrations of docetaxel
() [A1] after 24, 48 and 72 hours was assessed by the standard colorimetric assay. In addition, the effect of docetaxel on cell cycle was evaluated by flow cytometry.
Results: The results showed that docetaxel toxicity was not significant until 24 hours at the tested concentrations (P>0.05). In addition, the effect of docetaxel on the cells was time-dependent at all tested concentrations. Overall, the duration of exposure to docetaxel had more significant role in docetaxel toxicity in YM1 cells compared to concentration.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the cytotoxicity of docetaxel on YM1 cells is time-dependent.
[A1]Please write the concentrations
Maryam Parvizifar, Mohsen Ghanbarzadeh, Saeid Shakerian, Heshmatollah Tavakol,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (7-2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: As a chronic inflammatory airway disease, asthma can increase level of markers of inflammation and muscle damage. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of short-term continuous aerobic exercise combined with vitamin D supplementation on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) levels in asthmatic women.
Methods: In this study, 30 overweight (body mass index=26.97± 1.24 kg/m2) women with mild to moderate asthma were purposefully selected.. The subjects received a vitamin D tablet with a daily dose of 1000 IU for six weeks. The training protocol consisted of two sessions of Balke treadmill test (one session before and one session after the vitamin D supplementation). Blood samples were taken before and immediately after the exercise and before and after vitamin D supplementation. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate changes in the levels of hs-CRP, CK and LDH.
Results: The variables were not significantly affected by the exercise and vitamin D supplementation (P>0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that a single session of short-term aerobic exercise and six weeks of vitamin D supplementation do not significantly affect hs-CRP, CK and LDH levels in asthmatic women.
Alireza Ahmadi, Mahdi Ghasemian , Ali Asghar Ayatollahi, Murtadha Al-Khabori, Seyedeh Somayeh Hosseini Alarzi, Mohammad Taher Hojjati,
Volume 15, Issue 5 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Diagnosis glucose intolerance in pregnancy is very important in preventing maternal and fetal complications. In this study, we compared hematological and biochemical characteristics of healthy pregnant women and women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to find predisposing and prognostic variables of GDM.
Methods: In this study, 80 pregnant women (at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy) were divided into a GDM group and non-GDM group by performing oral glucose tolerance test using 75 g glucose according to the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria.
Results: The mean age of women with GDM was significantly higher than those without GDM (p=0.048). Other variables including body mass index, gestational age and daily sleep duration did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). There was a significant association between family history of diabetes and incidence of GDM (p=0.040). In addition, the C-peptide level was significantly higher in pregnant women with GDM (p=0.004).
Conclusion: Considering the role of C-peptide in predicting metabolic syndrome, it is suggested to use this factor for identification of GDM patients.
Adem Keski̇n, Recai Aci, Mukadder Arslanbek Erdem, Murat Ari,
Volume 15, Issue 6 (11-2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: In recent years, analytical error rates in medical laboratories have decreased significantly. It has been demonstrated that the majority of errors occur outside of the laboratory in the pre-analytical and post-analytical phases. Our study aimed to evaluate the specimen rejections that occur for various reasons in the central clinical laboratory of a teaching hospital.
Methods: The study included all specimens (emergency and routine) that were sent from different units of the hospital to the central laboratory between January and December 2019.
Results: Based on the results, 3483 (0.27%) out of 1,307,013 specimens were rejected. The rejection rate was highest for specimens from the intensive care unit (0.69%) and lowest for specimens from the outpatient clinic (0.18%). The specimen rejection rate was 0.42% and 0.22% for specimens from the service unit and emergency department, respectively. The rejection rate for specimens from the intensive care unit was significantly higher than that for specimens from the emergency department (p<0.001), outpatient clinic (p<0.001), and service unit (p=0.010). Although the number of specimens from the intensive care unit was lowest, it had the highest rate of specimen rejection. In our study, most analysis requests were from the outpatient clinic. However, the specimen rejection rate was lowest in this unit.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the reasons for specimen rejection may be influenced by the health status of the patient rather than the patient population.
Prabhakar Adake, Abhishek Acharya, Susheela Halemani, Mahalaxmi Petimani,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (1-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reported to be more severe and highly fatal in patients with co-morbidities. Thyroid dysfunction leads to multisystem derangements, as thyroid hormones have major role in the development and functioning of all the human cells. The present study evaluated the variation in the clinical and biochemical parameters of COVID-19 patients with preexisting hypothyroidism.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study was carried out on eight COVID-19 patients with hypothyroidism who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore, India. Various clinical and biochemical parameters of the patients were recorded.
Results: Out of eight patients, three were men and five were women. With respect to other co-morbidities, six patients had associated type-2 diabetes mellitus and the remaining two patients had no other co-morbidities apart from hypothyroidism. Regarding the severity of COVID-19, one patient had mild symptoms, two had moderate symptoms, and the remaining five patients had severe COVID-19 symptoms. Most biochemical and hematological parameters in all patients were deranged from normal values. Moreover, only 25% of the patients recovered from the disease.
Conclusion: Most COVID-19 patients with hypothyroidism had low oxygen saturation and high level of inflammatory markers. In addition, the risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients with hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes mellitus was higher compared to patients with hypothyroidism alone. It is recommended to closely monitor COVID-19 patients with hypothyroidism and limit the use of steroids during the course of treatment.
Jasmin Mulani, Bhalchandra Murhar, Rajesh Jambhulkar, Gyanshankar Mishra,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (1-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Prolactin is a lactogenic protein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that initiates and maintains lactation in mammals. Previous research has linked increased serum prolactin levels to breast cancer. However, there is a paucity of studies in the Indian population on the subject. The present study evaluated and compared serum prolactin levels in patients with breast cancer and patients with benign breast diseases.
Methods: This cross-sectional, comparative study was carried out at the Government Medical College, Nagpur (India) on patients with breast diseases in the out-patient department/in-patient department from June 2018 to November 2020. Breast cancer patients were considered cases, and those with benign breast diseases were considered controls. Breast carcinoma diagnosis was based on clinical features, fine needle aspiration cytology, and tissue histopathology in operated specimens for each patient. Fasting serum prolactin levels were measured by the chemiluminescence immunoassay method using the Advia Centaur immunoassay system.
Results: There were 120 female patients with breast diseases, of whom 60 had breast malignancy, and 60 had benign breast diseases. The mean age of patients with benign breast disease and breast cancer was 33.17 (1.75) and 49.77 (1.16) years, respectively (P<0.0005). Increased serum prolactin levels were observed in 93.3% of patients with breast cancer and 13.3% of patients with benign breast diseases. The mean serum prolactin level was significantly higher among breast cancer patients (102.68±7.03) ng/ml compared with patients with benign breast disease (16.31±1.72 ng/ml). We successfully determined a new cut-off value of serum prolactin level (>40.2 ng/ml) to differentiate breast cancer from benign breast diseases using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
Conclusion: Patients with breast cancer have increased serum prolactin levels compared to patients with benign breast diseases. Thus, serum prolactin level can be used as a diagnostic marker for breast cancer. This is particularly beneficial to clinicians for differentiating breast cancer from benign breast diseases.
Mohsen Najjari, Mohammadreza Karimazar, Mohammad Ebrahimipour, Christine M. Budke,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (3-2022)
Abstract
The current study aimed to introduce key ethical issues related to laboratory-based diagnostics that any individual may encounter during the provision of healthcare services. In a systematic review, relevant studies published on electronic databases including the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline and Cochrane Library were collected for the years 1975 to 2020. The ethical issues related to clinical laboratories diagnosis and patients, colleagues, and society in different phases of laboratory testing were surveyed in this study. Considering ethical issues must be prioritized in each clinical laboratory for better dealing with clients, collaborators, and the community.
