Mohabbat Jamhiri, Zeinab Hafizibarjin, Mojtaba Ghobadi, Ali Moradi, Fatemeh Safari,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (7-2017)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension- induced cardiac hypertrophy. Plants are a rich source of antioxidant compounds. Thymol is a natural monoterpen phenol which is plentiful in some plants and shows many biological effects. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of thymol on activity of antioxidant enzyme catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and the activity of the inhibition of free radical DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl), following left ventricular hypertrophy in rats.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, rats were divided into hypertrophied group without any treatment (H group) and rats pretreated with 25 and 50 mg/kg/day of thymol (Thy25+H and Thy50+H groups, respectively). Intact animals were served as control (Ctl). Animal model of left ventricular hypertrophy was induced by abdominal aortic banding. Serum catalase (CAT) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and the activity of inhibition of free radicals DPPH were determined by the biochemical methods.
Results: In Thy25+H and Thy50+H groups, the CAT activity was increased significantly in serum (p<0.01, vs. Ctl). Also, serum level of MDA was decreased significantly compared to the group H in Thy25+H and Thy50+H groups (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively). The effect of inhibiting DPPH free radicals was increased significantly in Thy25+H and Thy50+H groups compared to the group H (p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively).
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that thymol as an antioxidant causes cardioprotective effects and as well as prevents left ventricular hypertrophy via augmentation of serum antioxidant capacity.
Abbas Saremi, Ali Akbar Farahani, Nader Shavandi,
Volume 20, Issue 6 (9-2017)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Physical exercise is an important and effective part of comprehensive care of seniors, which declines aging progression. Because of the importance of physical activity in cardiovascular diseases prevention this study intends to investigate the comparision of structural and functional characterictics of the heart between middle- aged montaineer men and non-athlete peers.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional and descriptive–analytical study, 13 middle- aged montaineer (age: 54.5±2.0 y, body mass index: 25.59±2.4 kg/m2) who have continues mountain activities during previous 24 months for at least 2 sessions per week, each session lasted 120 minute, and 14 sedentary, healthy peers (age: 54.1±2.2 y, body mass index: 26.8±2.3 kg/m2) who were not currently experiencing any regular physical activity (at least 6 months), were selected. All subjects underwent standard two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography at rest. Cardio respiratory fitness was assessed using Bruce test. T test was used to compare groups with α=0.05.
Results: The results showed that mountain activities significantly increased left ventricular mass (p=0.03) and left-ventricular-end-diastolic-diameter (p=0.04). We also observed that systolic blood pressure (p=0.04), ejection fraction (p=0.05), stroke volume (p=0.03) and cardio respiratory fitness (p=0.03) were significantly improved by mountain climbing. In some of parameters such as shortening fraction, interventicular septum and left ventricular posterior wall there were no significant differences between groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion: These results suggest that regular mountain sports activities can have beneficial effects on structural and functional characterictics of the heart in middle-aged men.
Seyyed Payam Shariatpanahi, Danial Habibi, Mohammad Rafiei, Yazdan Ghandi, Mehdi Anvari,
Volume 20, Issue 12 (3-2018)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Today, the high prevalence of diabetes and its complications are one of the most important public health issues worldwide. For this reason, finding relations between diabetes risk factors is very effective in preventing and reducing complications. For discovering these relations, the data mining methods can be used. By extracting association rules, which is one of the data mining techniques, we can discover the relations between a large numbers of variables in a disease.
Materials and Methods: The population of this study was 1046 patients with type 2 diabetes, whose data had recorded between 2011 and 2014 at the Special Clinic for Diabetes in Tehran's Imam Khomeini Hospital. After pre-processing step with SPSS19 software, 573 people entered the analysis phase. The FP-Growth algorithm was applied to the data set to discover the relations between heart attack and other risk factors using Rapid miner5 software. Relations, after extraction, were given to the doctor to confirm clinical validation.
Results: The obtained results of studying these 573 people (Including 292 (51%) women and 281 (49%) men, with age range 27 to 82 years) showed that the lack of blood pressure, creatinine and diastolic blood pressure at its normal level, despite higher systolic blood pressure level than normal, doesn't increase the probability of heart attack.
Conclusion: Using association rules is a good way of identifying relations between the risk factors of a disease. Also, it can provide new hypotheses to do epidemiological studies for researchers.
Saeed Esmaeili, Vazgen Minasian, Mohammad Bayat, Hadi Karami,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (6-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Type 2 diabetes is one of the effective and inhibiting factors in controlling blood glucose and vascular disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its type 1 receptor in cardiac tissue of type 2 diabetic rats following three different training methods.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 60 rats were randomly divided into 5 equal groups: healthy control, diabetic control, and diabetic groups with endurance, resistance, and combined exercise training. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and exercises were performed 5 sessions per week for 8 weeks. Evaluation of the levels of gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor 1 was performed by RT-qPCR.
Findings: The results showed a significant reduction in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in diabetic control, endurance training and resistance training groups, as well as a significant increase in expression of its receptor in diabetic control group and all training groups compared to healthy control group (p <0.001). Comparisons with the diabetic control group showed that in all training groups, the vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression increased, but in the its receptor 1 it was significantly decreased (p <0.001).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that different training exercises are effective in improving angiogenesis, but combined exercises have a certain superiority compared to other exercises.
Ehsan Salehi, Ebrahim Hagizadeh, Mohammad Alidoosti,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (8-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Advances in the field of medicine over the past few decades enabled the identification of risk factors that may contribute toward the development of coronary artery disease (CHD). However, this knowledge has not yet helped in the significant reduction of CHD incidence. The purpose of this study is to assess the risk factors of coronary artery heart events, after receiving stent, by competing risks with composite events tree. We can reduce CHD incidence with control of this risk factors.
Materials and Methods: This sectional study includes the Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) patients that received Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) cure with at least planting one stent from May 21, 2007 to May 22, 2009 in Tehran heart center. We followed patients for three years. Revascularization, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and cardiac death are considered as major acute cardiovascular events (outcome). We used decision tree with competing risks with composite events model for classification of patients. The data were analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics 24 and R 3.3.3 softwares.
Findings: Four factors including fasting blood sugar, diabetes mellitus, body mass index and age established six homogeneous subgroups of patients for nonfatal myocardial infarction and revascularization. Maximum Revascularization incidence after 50 months was 17.8% and Maximum Nonfatal myocardial infarction was 9.7%.
Conclusion: CAD patients can reduce serious cardiac events by controling their weight and diabetes status, after receiving stent.
Mohammad Malekipoya, Bahram Abedi, Mohammad Reza Palizvan, Abbas Saremi,
Volume 22, Issue 3 (8-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Extensive prevalence of myocardial infraction, and an increase of 36% in total deaths due to it by 2020, and attention to the causes and methods of alternative therapy is very important. There are different ways in treating these patients that endurance training is one of them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of incremental endurance training on serum levels of TSP-1 and MMP-1 in male Wistar rats with myocardial infarction.
Materials and Methods: In this controled experimental study with control group, 20 rats weighing 230 ±30 g (8-week-old) were randomly divided into incremental endurance training and control, after induction of infarction with Isoproteronol (150 mg/kg). The training group performed an 8-week training session (3 sessions a week, for 20 to 50 minutes at 12 to 18 meters per minute).Then, 24 hours later, the venous blood sample was collected to evaluate serum concentrations of TSP-1 and MMP-1 and transferred to the laboratory. Independent t-test was used to analyze the data at a significant level of p <0.05 to Graphed Pad software.
Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code IR.IAU.ARAK.REC.1397.007 was approved in Research Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University, Arak branch, Iran.
Findings: The results showed that endurance training significantly increased serum MMP1 levels (p = 0.048) in rats with myocardial infraction, while there was no significant effect (p = 0.092) on the exercise program in serum TSP-1 levels.
Conclusion: the result of this study suggests that increasing endurance training may increase MMP-1 in rats with myocardial infraction, which can play an important role in angiogenesis and replacement of capillaries.
Azar Hamidi, Amir Rashidlamir, Rambod Khajei, Mehdi Zarei, Ahmad Zendedel,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (8-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Coronary Heart Disease (CAD) is one of the most important causes of mortality. Exercise activities after coronary artery bypass surgery increase the density of myocardial capillaries called angiogenesis and improve cardiovascular function. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of aerobic-resistance training on plasma basic fibroblast grown factor levels in post-coronary artery bypass grafting patients.
Methods & Materials: The sample consisted of 30 men aged 45-60 years who underwent bypass surgery. They were randomly divided into experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group performed aerobic resistance training for eight weeks (3 sessions per week) and the control group did not. Blood samples were taken 24 hours before the start of the first training session and 48 hours after the last training session while all subjects were fasting. In vitro ELISA method was used to measure BFGF. Independent and paired t-test and Shapiro-Wilk test were used to analyze the data at the significant level of 0.05 in SPSS v. 21.
Ethical Considerations: This study was registered (Ethics Code: IR.IAU.NEYSHABUR.REC.1398.01) in the Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University, Neishabour Branch, and with Clinical Trial Code: IRCTID:IRCT20191228045919N1.
Results: Eight weeks of aerobic-resistance training significantly increased bFGF levels in the exercise group compared to the control group (P=0.002). Also, pre and post changes in the experimental group showed a significant increase in plasma bFGF levels (P=0.002), which was not significant in the control group (P=0.758).
Conclusion: According to the results, it may be concluded that combined (aerobic resistance) exercise may increase angiogenesis and capillary density in post-CABG patients by increasing plasma bFGF levels
Seyed Hadi Seyedi, Rambod Khajei, Amir Rashid Lamir, Mohammad Reza Ramazan Poor, Jamshid Mehrzad,
Volume 23, Issue 4 (9-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of death and mortality in today's societies. Physical activity increases some of the influential factors for this disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of aerobic and resistance training on endostatin in patients with Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG).
Methods & Materials: The study participants were 24 male patients who were randomly divided into the experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups with Mean±SD age of 55.37±6.90 years, weight 75.45±5.87 kg, height 173.27±3.36 cm and body mass index of 25.11±1.55 kg/m2. The experimental group performed 8 weeks of aerobic and resistance training (3 sessions per week and 1.5 hours per session) based on the measurements, while the control group did not exercise during this period. To measure endostatin concentrations, blood samples were taken 48 hours before and 48 hours after the last training session while all subjects were fasting. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test to normalize the data and Student t-test in independent and correlated groups at the significant level of 0.05.
Ethical Considerations: This article was ethically approved by Azad University of Neyshabur (Ethics Code IR.IAU.NEYSHABUR.REC.1398.018) and with the Clinical Trial Code IRCT20191228045916N1 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials.
Results: The present study showed that the aerobic and resistance training group significantly decreased endostatin concentrations (P=0.001) (t=1.672) compared with the control group.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, aerobic and resistance training decreases endostatin concentrations, known as an anti-angiogenic factor.
Majid Mehrad, Majid Nojavan, Sedigh Raissi, Mehrdad Javadi,
Volume 25, Issue 2 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim Most heart diseases show symptoms on ECG, but diagnosing heart disease with ECG requires the knowledge and experience of medical specialized. Because these specialists may not always be available, it is necessary to design tools to diagnose heart disease in these situations. In this paper, a two-stage approach based on artificial neural networks is designed to diagnose heart disease using ECG information.In this study, we aim to propose a two-stage approach using artificial neural network (ANN) to diagnose heart disease based ECG data.
Methods & Materials To design the proposed approach, first the ECG data of 861 patients referred to medical centers in Arak, Iran were collected. The data were examined based on the opinions of specialists. Then, 154 features from ECG were used as inputs to the proposed model. In the first stage, an ANN was used to detect the ECG status (usable and unusable). In the second stage, using the usable ECG data, an ANN was used to diagnose the presence or absence of heart disease. Finally, the performance of the two-stage approach was evaluated and its accuracy and precision in determining the ECG quality and heart disease diagnosis were determined.
Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the ethics committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1400.138).
Results In the proposed approach, the ANN used for the determining the ECG status had a precision of 97.1% and an accuracy of 97.3%. The ANN used for the diagnosis of heart disease had a precision of 95.8% and an accuracy of 95.4%.
Conclusion Considering the high efficiency of the proposed approach in determining of ECG status and diagnosing heart disease, it is possible to use this approach to help the treatment staff.
Ali Khazaee, Mohammad Ali Sepahvandi, Fazlolah Mirdarikvand,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: The main consequence of heart failure is a decline in patients' functional abilities, leading to limitations in occupational and social-family tasks, as well as impairments in cognitive and emotional health, ultimately resulting in a reduced quality of life. This research was conducted to assess the effectiveness of emotion regulation training in improving the quality of life and life expectancy of cardiovascular patients referred to health centers in Khorram Abad City.
Methods: The current research used a semi-experimental design of pre-test-post-test type and three-month follow-up with experimental and control groups. The statistical population of the research included all patients with cardiovascular diseases referred to the health centers of Khorram Abad City in 2023. Among the statistical population, 40 people were selected by direct sampling and randomly divided into two experimental (20 people) and control (20 people) groups. The experimental group was trained in emotion regulation during eight 90-minute sessions for 8 weeks. Both groups completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHO-QOL-BREF) and Schneider et al.'s (1991) Life Expectancy Questionnaire in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. The multivariate covariance analysis method and Bonferroni post hoc test were used to analyze the results.
Results: The results showed that emotional regulation training is efficacious in improving the quality of life and life expectancy of cardiovascular patients (P < 0.01), and this effect remained stable in the three-month follow-up phase (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Emotion regulation training is recommended to enhance cardiovascular patients' quality of life and life expectancy.
Azam Mivefroshan, Roghaiyeh Afsargharehbagh,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Hyperlipidemia, a chronic metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood lipid levels, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. While pharmacological interventions exist, factors such as medication side effects, cost considerations, and a growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine have stimulated research into the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in managing hyperlipidemia. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of these botanical agents in reducing blood lipid levels.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across reputable databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and other relevant online platforms. Keywords such as "hyperlipidemia," "herbal medicine," "traditional medicine," "herbal extract," and "herbal therapy" were employed to identify studies published up to 2024. Inclusion criteria were established to select studies that reported the impact of medicinal plants on lipid profile modifications.
Results: Based on the results, the study revealed that various medicinal plants, including Thymus vulgaris, Apium graveolens, Cichorium intybus, Fumaria officinalis, Heracleum rawianum, Anthemis altissima, Gundelia tourneforttii, Cynodon dactylon, Anthriscus sylvestrianum, Solanum nigrum, Arum elongatum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Berberis vulgaris, Rheum ribes, and Mentha spicata, are commonly used in traditional medicine to address hyperlipidemia.
Conclusions: The use of indigenous Iranian medicinal plants for managing hyperlipidemia is deeply rooted in the country’s ancient history and has been increasingly validated by contemporary scientific research. These natural compounds can help lower blood lipid levels by inhibiting fat absorption and boosting lipid metabolism. The growing interest in traditional medicine and medicinal plants can be attributed to their inherent advantages, such as a lower incidence of side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Ongoing scientific research in this field offers promising avenues for developing innovative and effective herbal-based therapies
Mohammad Javad Gouran, Soodeh Hooshmandi, Sajjad Rahimi Pordanjani,
Volume 28, Issue 3 (8-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: An echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF) is one of the most common non-structural findings on fetal ultrasound, typically detected between 18 and 20 weeks of gestation. EIF is often considered a soft marker in prenatal screening. However, its association with maternal risk factors—particularly endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism—remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant women carrying fetuses with EIF and to investigate its correlation with other clinical variables.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted from September 2022 to September 2023 at Amir-al-Momenin Hospital in Semnan, Iran, 100 pregnant women with fetuses diagnosed with EIF confirmed by fetal echocardiography were evaluated. Maternal demographic data, medical history, and fetal sex were collected and statistically analyzed.
Results: The mean maternal age was 41.55 ± 4.0 years, and the mean gestational age was 21.4 ± 3.65 weeks. Hypothyroidism was observed in 7% of the mothers and showed a statistically significant association with the presence of fetal EIF (P = 0.00). Furthermore, hypothyroidism was also significantly associated with underlying maternal diseases and fetal sex. However, no significant association was found between hypothyroidism and maternal age or gestational age.
Conclusions: The findings indicate a noteworthy prevalence of hypothyroidism among pregnant women carrying fetuses with EIF. These results highlight the importance of evaluating maternal thyroid function during pregnancy, particularly in cases where EIF is detected. Further research is recommended to clarify the underlying mechanisms and potential outcomes of this association.
