Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning and Oxidative Stress

According to previous animal studies, aluminium phosphides (AlPs) may induce oxidative stress leading to generation of free radicals and alteration in antioxidant defense system. This study was conducted to evaluate the existence and degree of oxidative stress in patients with acute AlP ingestion. A total of 44 acute AlP ingested patients as well as 44 age- and sex-matched controls were included. All patients had acute poisoning symptoms with AlP at the time of presentation and had blood samples analyzed for lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity and total thiol. Our findings showed that there is a significant increase in lipid peroxidation in AlP ingested group along with a reduction in total antioxidant capacity and total thiols groups. These clinical data confirm previous experimental models that showed AlP exposure might significantly augment lipoperoxidative damage with simultaneous alterations in the antioxidant defense system. Hence, our findings might justify use of antioxidants in treatment of acute AlP poisoning which needs to be clarified by additional clinical trials.     

Attenuation of morphine withdrawal signs by a GABAB receptor agonist in the locus coeruleus of rats

In the present study, the effects of intra-locus coeruleus (LC) injection of GABA(B) receptor-interacting agents on naloxone-induced withdrawal signs of morphine-dependent rats were examined. The GABA(B) receptor agonist and antagonists were injected 5 min prior to naloxone injection. Baclofen, a GABA(B) receptor agonist, decreased the TWS in a dose-dependent manner but CGP35348, a GABA(B) receptor antagonist, alone had no effect. On the other hand, baclofen effects were reversed by CGP35348. It may be concluded that activation of GABA(B) receptor mechanisms in the LC reduces precipitated withdrawal symptoms from chronic morphine treatment.     

Homocysteine level in Iranian patients with premature acute myocardial infarction

Homocysteine may impair vascular endothelial cell function. Besides, it may also induce cell damage,smooth muscle cell proliferation, thrombogenesis and oxidation of low-density lipoproteins.     

Diabetes and impaired glucose regulation in first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes in isfahan, iran: prevalence and risk factors

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in first-degree relatives (FDR) of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of FDR of type 2 diabetes patients was conducted between 2003 and 2005. A total of 2,368 FDR of type 2 diabetes outpatients aged 30-60 years (614 men and 1754 women) from Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center (Iran) were examined. All subjects underwent a standard 75 g 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). IGT, IFG and type 2 diabetes were diagnosed according to the criteria of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The mean (SD) age of participants was 43.1 (6.9) years. RESULTS: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes, IGT and IFG were 10.3% (95% CI: 9.1-11.5), 19.5% (17.9-21.1) and 17.3% (15.8-18.8) respectively. The prevalence rates were significantly higher than those reported for a control population of the same age (type 2 diabetes, 6.0% (95% CI: 5.7-6.2) and IGT 9.6 (95% CI: 9.3-9.9)). IGT was more frequent among women (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.51-0.87), whereas diabetes (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 0.96-1.78) and IFG (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.10-1.80) were higher in men. Multivariate analysis revealed that age and obesity or abdominal obesity were significantly associated with diabetes, IGT and IFG. CONCLUSIONS: FDR of people with type 2 diabetes in Iran are at higher risk of IGT and type 2 diabetes than the population at large. Risk increases with age and obesity. These findings may be useful for the identification of persons at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and strongly support the regular screening of FDR of type 2 diabetes patients.