Cardiovascular research institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences ARYA Atherosclerosis Journal 1735-3955 2 4 2010 12 08 EFFECT OF ASCORBIC ACID ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT CORONARY ARTERIES OF MALE RABBITS FED WITH HIGH-CHOLESTEROL DIET 10124 EN Gholamreza Dashti Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Anatomy Dept., Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan. 0000-0002-2725-6423 Zeynolabedin Behdadipour Ph.D., Associate Professor, Anatomy Dept., Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Parviz Vahedi M.Sc. Anatomy Dept., Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Nader Pestechian Ph.D., Mycology and Parasitology Dept., Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Journal Article 2010 12 08   Abstract INTRODUCTION: Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases are the most common causes of death in western countries. The beneficial effect of ascorbic acid on various organs has been reported. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of ascorbic acid on the right and left coronary arteries of male rabbits fed with high-cholesterol diet. methods: Twenty white male rabbits (mean weight: 950 g) were weighed and randomly divided into two groups. For 40 days, group 1 (n=10) was given a high-cholesterol (1%) diet, group 2 (n=10) was fed with a high-cholesterol diet and ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg). Then both of the groups were weighed and the animals were sacrificed. The right and left coronary arteries were dissected and then fixation, tissue processing, histological sectioning and H & E staining were carried out and sections were studied by light microscopy. The results were analyzed by using the Mann Whitney test. results: Group 2 which received ascorbic acid had no fatty streaks in their coronary arteries. Significant difference in mean weight was observed before and after the diet in both groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Histopathological study of the coronary arteries showed that the rabbits which received ascorbic acid diet did not develop fatty streaks. Thus ascorbic acid exerts an apparently inhibitory effect on fatty streak formation and may slow down or prevent atherosclerosis by countering the side effects of a high-fat meal.     Keywords: Ascorbic acid, cholesterol, coronary arteries. https://arya.mui.ac.ir/article_10124_05298fdb6c0c3d665cea702d1f85acda.pdf

Cardiovascular research institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences ARYA Atherosclerosis Journal 1735-3955 2 4 2010 12 08 THE EFFECT OF ASPIRIN ON SERUM VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR AND NITRIC OXIDE CONCENTRATION IN HIGH-CHOLESTEROL FED RABBITS 10125 EN Majid Khazaei M.D. Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Physiology Dept., School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan. Mehdi Nematbakhsh Ph.D., Professor, Applied Physiology Center. School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Hossein Ahmadi M.SC, Physiology Dept., School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Mohsen Masjedi Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Immunology Dept., School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Journal Article 2010 12 08   Abstract INTRODUCTION: Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis which is characterized by endothelial dysfunction. This study was designed to investigate the effect of aspirin on serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in hypercholesterolemic animals. methods: Sixteen male rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, aspirin-treated and control. Aspirin (10 mg/kg/day) was administered orally using feeding tube. All animals were fed with high-cholesterol diet (1%) during the experiment. After five weeks, blood pressure, serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles, serum VEGF and NO concentrations were measured. results: Aspirin did not change blood pressure. Aspirin significantly decreased serum LDL (1276±72.1 vs. 1505±68.03 mg/dl) and triglyceride (477.5±8.3 vs. 649.1±15.2 mg/dl) (P<0.05). High-cholesterol diet significantly decreased serum VEGF level in both groups (control: 24.59±0.42 vs. 38.09±2.49 pg/ml; aspirin: 24.72±0.84 vs. 42.29±2.03 pg/ml) (P<0.05) and aspirin did not change serum VEGF level in hypercholesterolemic animals (P>0.05). Serum NO concentration was also significantly decreased after five weeks of high-cholesterol diet (control: 5.87±0.33 vs. 8.67±0.68 μmol/lit; aspirin: 5.66±0.33 vs. 8.58±0.60 μmol/lit) (P<0.05). Aspirin did not change serum NO level (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that under the conditions of this study, aspirin cannot change serum VEGF and NO concentrations in high-cholesterol fed animals.     Keywords: Hypercholesterolemia, nitric oxide, vascular endothelial growth factor, aspirin. https://arya.mui.ac.ir/article_10125_4d22136ec8f25b566fdd61bc0d5045b4.pdf

Cardiovascular research institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences ARYA Atherosclerosis Journal 1735-3955 2 4 2010 12 08 IS OBESITY ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED PLASMA LIPID PEROXIDATION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN WOMEN? 10126 EN Farshad Amirkhizi M.Sc., Nutrition and Biochemistry Dept. School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). Fereydoun Siassi Ph.D., Associate Professor, Nutrition and Biochemistry Dept., School of Public Health, TUMS, Tehran, Iran. Sara Minaie M.Sc., Nutrition and Biochemistry Dept., School of Public Health, TUMS, Tehran, Iran. Mahmoud Djalali Ph.D., Nutritionist, Nutrition and Biochemistry Dept., School of Public Health, TUMS, Tehran, Iran. Abbas Rahimi PhD., Associate professor, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Dept., School of Public Health, TUMS, Tehran, Iran. Maryam Chamari M.Sc., Nutrition and Biochemistry Dept., School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Journal Article 2010 12 08   Abstract INTRODUCTION: The role of obesity in diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, colon cancer, sudden death and other cardiovascular diseases has been confirmed by many studies. In this study, it was hypothesized that obesity is an independent risk factor for lipid peroxidation and decreased activity of cytoprotective enzymes in humans. methods: To test the study hypothesis, we assessed lipid peroxidation by measuring the concentrations of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of erythrocyte copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) in 25 obese women (BMI=30-40 Kg/m2) and 25 women with healthy BMI (19-25Kg/m2). results: The concentration of plasma MDA was significantly higher (P<0.001) in obese women (3.4± 0.7 µmol/L) compared to women with healthy BMI (1.4± 0.3 µmol/L). Furthermore, there was a significantly positive correlation (r =0.75, P<0.0001) between BMI and plasma MDA. On the other hand, women with healthy BMI had significantly higher (P<0.001) erythrocyte CuZn-SOD (873± 52 U/g Hb) and GPX (64.7± 14.2 U/g Hb) activity than obese women (660± 39 U/g Hb) and (48.5± 13.1 U/g Hb), respectively. Furthermore, erythrocyte CuZn-SOD and GPX activity were negatively correlated with BMI (r =-0.52, P<0.0001 and r =-0.42, P<0.001), respectively. No significant difference was observed between two groups in erythrocyte CAT activity. CONCLUSIONS: From these observations, it is concluded that obesity even in the absence of smoking, diabetes, renal or liver disease can decrease the activities of body’s protective antioxidants, and can enhance the systemic oxidative stress.     Keywords: Obesity, Lipid peroxidation, Cytoprotective enzymes, Oxidative stress, Women. https://arya.mui.ac.ir/article_10126_cc26f87f3f9f7c0fbf2d36ad880a9a4e.pdf

Cardiovascular research institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences ARYA Atherosclerosis Journal 1735-3955 2 4 2010 12 08 PLASMA HOMOCYSTEINE CONCENTRATIONS IN YOUNG PATIENTS WITH ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION 10127 EN Mohammad Masoomi M.D., Assistant Professor, Physiology Research Center, Cardiology Dpt. Shafa Hospital, Farabi St., Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman. Abbas Bahrampour Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biostatistics Dpt. Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman. Iran. 0000-0002-6343-9243 Masoud Mireskandri M.D., Clinical and Surgical Pathologist, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman. Iran. Alireza Nematolahi M.D., Internist, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman. Iran. Journal Article 2010 12 08   Abstract INTRODUCTION: Most studies indicate that increased plasma homocysteine level is a risk factor for coronary artery disease. However, data concerning the role of homocysteine in young patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is scanty. The aim of this study was to study the possible association between homocysteine plasma levels and early-onset AMI. methods: This case-control study included 83 AMI patients and 83 healthy controls. Biochemical parameters were determined and homocysteine was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test the association of homocysteine with the occurrence of AMI. results: Homocysteine concentration in patients with AMI was higher than in controls (19.54±13.3 and 15.54±8.9 µmol/l, respectively, P=0.002). Hyper-homocysteinemia was associated with early myocardial infarction (odds ratio=5.05). Hypercholesterolemia (OR=4/21), opium addiction (OR=4/78) and age (OR=1/24) also had associations with AMI. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that homocysteine levels are elevated in young patients with AMI, and hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with early myocardial infarction; hence it should be evaluated in all young patients with AMI.     Keywords: Homocysteine, Acute myocardial infarction, young, risk factor. https://arya.mui.ac.ir/article_10127_1b2bae9eed46f0f6d38fdf582952f3b1.pdf

Cardiovascular research institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences ARYA Atherosclerosis Journal 1735-3955 2 4 2010 12 08 QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH IMPLANTED CARDIAC PACEMAKERS IN NORTH WEST OF IRAN 10128 EN Fateme Ranjbar Kouchaksaraei M.D., Assistant Professor, Psychiatric Dpt. Faculty of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science. Fariborz Akbarzadeh M.D., Assistant Professor, Cardiology Dpt. School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Iran. Mohammad Hashemi M.D., Assistant Professor, Cardiology Dpt. School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Iran. Journal Article 2010 12 08   Abstract INTRODUCTION: Introducing a foreign body into the heart, a part of the human anatomy that symbolically represents emotions, is a major life event which may result in a change in the body image, changes in physical and emotional wellbeing and quality of life. methods: In a descriptive study in Fall 2006, 78 out of 267 patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers (PPM) were randomly evaluated by using a quality of life questionnaire for patients published by Salud Co. Data entry and analysis were done by SPSS 11.5. results: Thirty-two men and 46 women with mean ages of 67.4 and 66.7 years, respectively, were included in the study. Thirty-six patients had single chamber VVIR, 15 had dual chamber VDD and 27 had dual chamber DDDR PPM implanted. Scores of physical and emotional wellbeing were grater than 75, but those of social/family and functional wellbeing were lower than 50 in the majority of patients. Except for a few questions, there was no significant difference between patients with single or dual chamber PPM in terms of quality of life (P=0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life of patients with PPM is good in respect of physical and emotional wellbeing. However, the results were not desirable in terms of family/social and functional wellbeing. Thus, family and social educational programs are recommended.     Keywords: Quality of life, pacemaker, physical/emotional wellbeing, family/functional wellbeing. https://arya.mui.ac.ir/article_10128_85c9f9efab89cee90a95cb98f15feacd.pdf

Cardiovascular research institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences ARYA Atherosclerosis Journal 1735-3955 2 4 2010 12 08 EFFECT OF MODEST WEIGHT LOSS ON CARDIOVASCULAR INFLAMMATORY MARKERS IN OBESE WOMEN 10129 EN Esmat Nasseri M.Sc., Nutrition and Biochemistry Dept., School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). Seyed Ali Keshavarz Ph.D., Professor, Nutrition and Biochemistry Dept., School of Public Health, TUMS, Tehran, Iran. Mahmood Djalali Ph.D., Professor, Nutrition and Biochemistry Dept., School of Public Health, TUMS, Tehran, Iran. Ahmad Reza Dorosti Ph.D., Associate Professor, Nutrition and Biochemistry Dept., School of Public Health, TUMS, Tehran, Iran. Mostafa Hosseini Ph.D., Associate Professor, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Dept., School of Public Health, TUMS, Tehran, Iran. Maryam Chamary BS, Nutrition and Biochemistry Dept., School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Iran. Journal Article 2010 12 08   Abstract INTRODUCTION: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. It is believed that adipose tissue inflammatory substances contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. To find out the metabolic benefits of weight loss in reducing cardiovascular risk, we assessed the effect of modest weight loss on plasma inflammatory markers in obese women. methods: In a clinical trial, 42 obese women underwent a 10 week restricted diet program. Body weight, fasting glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and plasma inflammatory cytokines were measured at baseline and after 10 weeks. results: Weight, BMI, fasting blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol and triglyceride had significant reductions. No significant changes were observed in HDL-c and LDL-c concentrations. All plasma inflammatory proteins improved significantly except CRP level. CONCLUSIONS: Modest weight loss (≈5%) is associated with favorable changes in plasma inflammatory markers.     Keywords: Obesity, weight loss, inflammatory markers, cardiovascular disease. https://arya.mui.ac.ir/article_10129_771f8512d26b406d003adb901e3bfc6a.pdf

Cardiovascular research institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences ARYA Atherosclerosis Journal 1735-3955 2 4 2010 12 08 TRAINING PARENTS OR CHILDREN? WHICH IS MORE SUCCESSFUL IN CONTROLLING PASSIVE SMOKING? 10130 EN Roya Kelishadi M.D., Associate Professor, Preventive Pediatric Cardiology Dept., Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Masoud Moghtaderi M.D. Student of Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Noushin Khavarian M.D. Research Assistant, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Iran. Fatemeh Famouri M.D. Pediatrician, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Journal Article 2010 12 08   Abstract INTRODUCTION: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has been shown to have adverse health hazards for children. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of two intervention programs for controlling passive smoking in children based on their serum cotinine level. methods: In this trial, 40 children, aged 8-12 years, who were exposed to ETS were randomly assigned to two groups of equal number. In the first the parents (group P), and in the second group the children (group C) were educated about the harmful effects of passive smoking. Children's blood sample was taken for serum cotinine measurement before and after intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed by SPSSv13/win using paired t-test. results: Smoking allowed inside home decreased in both groups; however, this decrease in group C was significantly higher than in group P. Serum cotinine concentration decreased in both groups with a more prominent decrease in group C. CONCLUSIONS: Education of children can be an effective method for controlling passive smoking. This type of education can be effective for lifestyle change in the entire family.     Keywords: Passive smoking, children, parent, education, prevention. https://arya.mui.ac.ir/article_10130_d733a2026011136dc23a005c530aa62f.pdf