Background and Objective: Copper and zinc, two essential trace elements, are neuroactive substances that can be synaptically released during neuronal activity. These metals have been implicated in diseases with neuropathological components, including Alzheimer's disease, Menkes disease, Wilson's disease, Pick's disease, stroke and seizures. Copper and zinc levels in body tissues reflect many physiological and pathological conditions, including dietary factors, hepatic disease, and acute and chronic infections. The purpose of the present study was to examine the plasma levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in schizophrenic patients and to compare the Cu/Zn ratios with that of matched healthy subjects.Materials and Methods: Forty patients with schizophrenia (diagnosis were made according to DSM-IV) were sampled along with 50 healthy controls. Exclusion criteria included another concurrent psychiatric disorder, pregnancy, and medical disorders (ENDOCRINE, immune, liver cirrhosis, renal) or drugs (anticonvulsants, contraceptives, glucocorticoids) known to affect trace element metabolism. Fasting blood samples were withdrawn from an antecubital vein between 07.00 and 09.00 h. Plasma copper and zinc levels were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer GmbH, Uebelingen, Germany). Two-tailed t test was used to determine statistical differences. All data were analyzed with the computer program, GRAPHPAD software (V2.01+).Results: Mean±SE of sera copper levels in cases and controls were 145±28 and 65±3 mg/dl respectively (P<0.05). Also Mean±SE of sera zinc level in cases and controls were 67±2 and 81±4 mg/dl, respectively (P<0.05). Cu/Zn ratios was 2.07±0.38 and 0.87±0.04 in cases and controls respectively (P<0.05).Conclusion: There was a significant higher Cu/Zn ratio in schizophrenic patients compared to healthy subjects. These results suggest that Cu and Zn may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia

Background & Aims: The world's population is ageing, and the elderly constitute large number of the world's population. With ageing, the health status undergoes certain changes, and the risk of developing chronic diseases and disabilities increases in the final years of life. Given the increased index of life expectancy and the subsequent increase in the number of the elderlies in the world, the number of diabetic patients in this population also increases. Diabetes is an important health issue and a common physical illness, which causes numerous complications in old age. Type II diabetes has no definite diagnosis and requires long-term care and proper selfmanagement. Since diabetes has no definite treatment, the early identification of the suspected cases could prevent and delay the associated complications through proper self-management. The self-management of diabetes is complex and may go beyond blood sugar control, requiring the balancing of multiple metabolic and lifestyle factors and helping the patients to discover and exploit their capabilities in this regard. If patients with chronic diseases refrain from self-management and do not actively partake in self-care, positive clinical outcomes will be hard or impossible to achieve. Self-management is a rehabilitative method in which the care activities mainly depend on the patient, and the aim is to attain maximum independence, decision-making, and health improvement based on the abilities and lifestyle of the patient. Therefore, self-management must be evaluated in vulnerable and targeted populations, such as the elderly. Due to the chronic nature of diabetes, the patient must follow a special, long-term medication regimen that is prescribed by the treatment team, which is only possible with the active participation of the patient in the treatment and implementation of the recommendations of the treatment team members; this is referred to as treatment adherence. One of the main concerns and clinical problems that is frequently faced by healthcare providers is the problems associated with the lack of adherence to the prescribed treatment, particularly in the patients with chronic diseases that require long-term treatment. In the absence of proper self-management and medication adherence in elderly patients, heavy costs of the treatment of the disease and its complications will be imposed on the patients, their family, the community, and the health system. In addition, the subsequent psychological and social costs should be considered in this regard, and special attention has to be paid to this issue. Several studies have shown the unsatisfactory state of self-management and medication adherence in elderly diabetic patients, emphasizing on the periodical and frequent assessment of this issue. Given the necessity of healthy, active, and successful aging, the present study aimed to evaluate self-management in the elderly with type II diabetes in the teaching hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences. Materials & Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on the elderly patients with type II diabetes referring to the ENDOCRINE clinics of the teaching hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences. The patients were selected via continuous sampling during January-May 2020. For the evaluation of self-management and treatment adherence in the patients, the minimum sample size was estimated at 280 patients at the confidence level of 95%, accuracy of d=0. 2, and standard deviation of 1. 7. The inclusion criteria of the study were age of more than 60 years and less than 75 years, at least one year since the definitive diagnosis of diabetes by a physician, treatment with antihypertensive drugs for a minimum of six months, and no cognitive impairment with the score of ≥ 7 in the abbreviated mental test (AMT). Data were collected using the short-form AMT, a demographic form, diabetes self-management questionnaire (DSMQ), and drug adherence questionnaire (MMAS). After the completion of the questionnaires by the researcher, the data were coded, and the analysis of the raw data was performed using descriptive statistics (adjusting frequency distribution tables, calculating frequency indices, and frequency numerical indices) for the qualitative variables. In addition, the minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation were determined using inferential statistics and Chi-square, independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson' correlation-coefficient, Scheffe post-hoc test, and regression analysis at the significance level of P≤ 0. 05. Results: The mean age of the patients was 66. 64 years, and the majority were married (6%). Based on the questionnaire data, 77. 1% of the elderly patients had at least one underlying diseases, and patients with cardiac diseases constituted the majority in this regard (50. 4%). In addition, the duration of the disease was more than five years in most of the patients (70. 4%) (Table 1). On a scale of 0-10, the mean score of self-management in the elderlies was 6. 55, and 63. 2% of the research units obtained a higher score than eight in drug adherence, which indicated favorable self-management and drug adherence. According to the data obtained by the multivariate analysis and among the regression factors, the variables of education level (P=0. 017), housing status (P<0. 001), and income adequacy (P=0. 01) were significantly correlated with self-management. Furthermore, selfmanagement in the domain of physical activity (mean score: 7. 07) had the highest mean score, while the domain of diet control (mean score: 6. 05) had the lowest mean score compared to the other domains. Self-management had a significant correlation with education level (P=0. 017) and income adequacy (P=0. 01). The results of independent t-test also showed that self-management was significantly lower in the unmarried patients (single/widowed/divorced) compared to the married elderlies (P=0. 003). Drug adherence was significantly lower in men compared to women (P=0. 015) and had significant correlations with education level (P=0. 001), employment status (P=0. 013), and income adequacy (P=0. 019). Conclusion: According to the results, self-management and drug adherence were generally satisfactory in the elderly patients with type II diabetes. However, self-management was significantly lower in the patients who were illiterate, unmarried (single/widowed/divorced), and had an insufficient income, regarded as the vulnerable segment of the society. Therefore, this group of elderlies needs more attention from the health system and healthcare planners, as well as educational-counseling interventions based on the empowerment of vulnerable elderlies in order to promote self-management behaviors, minimize the complications of diabetes, and experience a healthy, active, and successful aging.

Background and purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common ENDOCRINE disorder with lipid disturbances, is associated with increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease and central obesity. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the postparandial lipid level with waist-to-hip ratio and insulin in women with PCOS in comparison with a control group.Materials and methods: This case-control study was conducted at Fatemat Zahra Infertility Center in Babol on 20 women with PCOS and 20 healthy women as controls who were matched according to age and had a body mass index between 20 to 23 kg/m2. Waist-to-hip ratio, insulin, glucose tolerance test, the levels of fasting and postparandial triglyceride, cholestrol and HDL-cholestrol were all measured and compared between the two groups.Results: In comparison with the control group, women with PCOS had higher levels of postparandial triglyceride (203.6±121.5 mg/dl VS 117.7±41.5 mg/dl, P=0.018), postparandial cholestrol (210.1±36.9 mg/dl VS 169.9±29 mg/dl, P=0.001), FBS (91.6±11.7 mg/dl VS 81.8±14.2 mg/dl, P=0.023), insulin (131.7±25.2 IU/dl VS 75.2±18 IU/dl, P=0.033) and waist-to-hip ratio (0.87±0.06 VS 0.74±0.14, P=0.001). The levels of fasting triglyceride (158.1±68.9 mg/dl VS 118±35.9 mg/dl, P=0.029) and cholesterol (189.9±32.6 mg/dl VS 154±25 mg/dl, P=0.000) in PCOS women were higher than that of the control group. There was no relationship between the level of lipids with insulin level and waist-to-hip ratio.Conclusion: The levels of insulin, fasting and postparandial triglyceride and cholesterol in women with PCOS were higher than the healthy group. It seems that waist-to-hip ratio and insulin level had no effect on this relationship.

Background & Aims: About one-third of human life is in sleep (2). Adequate sleep plays a vital role in mental and cognitive motor development in children and adults (3). Lack of sleep can have adverse effects on ENDOCRINE function, cognitive function, metabolism and inflammatory responses (4). With sleep problems, cognitive and emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, learning disability and intellectual development disability (2). Sleep complaints are very common in the normal population and about 37% of people suffer from sleep problems, sleep problems are one of the associated problems in autistic patients (7). Autism spectrum disorders ASD (1) is a type of autism spectrum disorder It is a pervasive developmental disorder that starts before 36 months of age and begins before the age of 3 and its prevalence is estimated to be 5 to 10 cases per 10, 000 births. Children with autism are also susceptible to sleep disturbances (8). Due to the high prevalence of sleep problems in children with autism, effective treatment is necessary in these children. Many of the behaviors that fertilizer has with autism such as hypersensitivity to environmental disturbances, repetitive behaviors, difficulty in social understanding, etc. are likely to contribute to sleep disturbances in children. Behavioral approaches improve sleep onset. These approaches include behaviors that make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep (10). In the process of story therapy, children are trying to become more aware of their feelings and thoughts, face their painful emotions and feelings, and express them throughout the story (11). Recent studies have shown that behavioral interventions that are present in early life. Autistic children are considered as a valuable and effective treatment for behavioral symptoms of autism. Blossom fard and Mazaheri in 2015, a study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of attachment-based storytelling on reducing sleep time problems and improving the child-mother relationship, the results of this study showed that attachment-based storytelling, in addition to being a solution for female routines, showed that attachment-based storytelling, in addition to being a solution for female-born routines, showed that the results of this study were based on attachment-based storytelling. Beth was able to reduce the disturbances of the child's sleep time, leading to a significant improvement in the parent-child relationship as one of the correlatives of sleep problems, so the clinical work of attachment-based storytelling is not only about improving sleep problems, but also for improving the emotional and mental health of the child and their families (18). It is controlling diseases and considering the educational and therapeutic aspects of storytelling that can be used as a valuable and efficient tool for improving life and social skills as well as treatment of sleep disorders, therefore, the researcher has decided to study the effect of storytelling education on sleep disorders of children with autism in order to prove the hypothesis that "teaching storytelling" It is effective for parents to "perform sleep disorders in children with autism" that ultimately provide a successful way of treating with minimal cost and time so that children with autism benefit from reduced sleep problems. Methods: This study is a clinical trial study, in which the research population consists of children with autism and their parents who have a medical record with a definite diagnosis of autism. The sample in this study is parents of children with autism who have records in Tehran autism center in 2018 and meet the inclusion criteria. Researcher after reviewing the records of children with autism, a certain number of them are used. The available method and the sample size were randomly assigned to the intervention group using a pre-test-posttest experimental design with 45 parents in the Autism Society and 45 as the control group. In this stage, sleep disorders were measured using the CSHQ children's sleep habits questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 45 questions, some of which have only diagnostic and therapeutic value and not research, so in scoring it only 33 questions are identified, most of which are scored on likert scale from 1 to 3 and its options are usually (7-5 nights per week), sometimes (2-4 nights per week) and rarely (0-1 nights per week). The score is between 33-99 and the total score is more than 41 indicating sleep disturbances in the child. In Iran, the validity of the instrument in the research of Shoghi, Khanjari, Farmani, and Hosseini (2005) was evaluated by content validity method and its validity was determined by two-week interval testing for 10 children between 11-6 years old, 97. 97. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was obtained from two studies, 0. 77 and 0. 79 (23). The researcher used the treatment method only for the intervention group in five sessions each for 60 minutes and finally obtained the scores of the questionnaire from both intervention and control groups. Results: In describing the characteristics of the research units, the demographic and contextual characteristics of the sample were compared and tested in two groups and the homogeneity of each of these variables was evaluated in the intervention and control groups. Nominal variables were compared and tested using Chi-Square test, precision chi-square (for tables larger than two and expected low frequency) and Fisher's accurate test (for tables two in two and expected low frequency) in both groups. In the inferential statistics section, the main variable, i. e. sleep disorder score in the sample, was compared in the intervention and control groups and in the previous stage with after the intervention, it was compared and tested. Classical tests were used due to the high sample size and according to the central limit theorem in the statistics, which with the increase of the sample size, the average distribution of the sample is close to the normal distribution. For comparing the two groups before the intervention, independent T-test was used for intragroup tests and comparison of two stages before and after the intervention for each group, and finally, using covariance analysis (ANCOVA) by eliminating the effect of pre-test, the effect of storytelling education to parents on sleep disorders of children with autism was investigated. Comparison of sleep disorders in children with autism was done in the intervention and control groups after teaching storytelling to parents and in the control group after the second test using independent T-test. There was a significant difference between the mean score of sleep disorder in the control group and the intervention after teaching storytelling to parents and in the control group after the second test. Conclusion: Table information regarding the research hypothesis about determining the effect of storytelling education to parents on sleep disorders in children with autism indicates that the score of sleep disorder in the intervention group decreased by 5. 7 ±,7. 3 and in the control group increased by 0. 1 ±,2. 1 the independent T-test showed this significant difference (P<0. 001). Therefore, based on the data and findings, it can be claimed that the research hypothesis has been confirmed. Comparative diagram of sleep disorder score in children with autism before and after the intervention in the intervention and control groups shows that the difference before and after the intervention in the intervention group is higher than the control group. Comparative diagram of sleep disorder score in children with autism studied Before and after the intervention in the intervention and control groups.

Background & Aims: Type 2 diabetes is the most common ENDOCRINE disorder of the consequences of obesity. Adiponectin, due to its anti-diabetic properties and anti-atherogenic effect, plays an important role in the treatment goals of type 2 diabetic patients and metabolic syndrome. Adiponectin, also called Acrp30, AdipoQ, GBP-28 and APM1, is a 244 amino acid protein that is mainly secreted by adipose tissue. This anti-inflammatory cytokine was simultaneously detected by 4 different groups in different ways. Decreased plasma or serum levels due to some genetic or environmental factors play a significant role in the prevalence of diabetes or insulin resistance syndrome. Unlike other adipokines, such as TNF-α,and resistin, which cause insulin resistance in obese or type 2 diabetics, adiponectin expression is reduced in obese and insulin-resistant animal models. A decrease in plasma adiponectin pushes the onset of diabetes in these animal models along with a decrease in insulin sensitivity. Moderate to severe exercise improves serum adiponectin concentrations. After 8 weeks of swimming training by diabetic rats, a significant increase in serum adiponectin levels and its mRNA expression in visceral adipose tissue was observed. Insulin resistance improves adiponectin-independent exercise through exercise. 8 weeks of aerobic training led to increased expression of adiponectin gene and protein in visceral adipose tissue, decreased insulin resistance and blood glucose in obese rats. In another study, 12 weeks of aerobic training increased the expression of adiponectin type 1 and 2 receptors (AdipoR1, AdipoR 2) in blood mononuclear cells along with increased insulin sensitivity and decreased abdominal circumference in young men. This anti-inflammatory cytokine is highly expressed in subcutaneous adipose tissue and affects insulin signaling pathways. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of 8 weeks of intermittent exercise on adiponectin expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue, insulin resistance, and blood glucose and serum insulin levels. Methods: The statistical population of the present experimental study consists of all male Wistar rats of Pasteur Institute of Iran, among which 16 10-week-old male rats weighing 210 to 250 g were purchased. The induction of type 2 diabetes was followed by 8 weeks of high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of STZ. The rats were divided into interval and control groups. The rats of this group participate in training program from the twentieth week. The control group did not participate in the training program during this period. 48 hours after the last training session, all rats in the periodic and control groups are described after a 10-hour night fast (fasting). 48 hours after the last training session (10 to 12 hours fasting), rats in both groups by intraperitoneal injection of a mixture of ketamine 10% at a dose of 50 mg / kg and xylosine 2% at a dose of 10 mg / kg were anesthetized. The animal's chest was then dissected and a blood sample was taken directly from the animal's heart to ensure minimal animal harm. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was sampled and after washing in physiological serum, it was immersed in 1. 8 microtubes containing RNAlaterTM fluid with a ratio of 20% for molecular experiments. Comparison of variables between the two groups was performed using independent t-test. All statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS / Win software version 22. Results: Results from independent t-test also indicate a significant difference between each of the variables of fasting glucose, serum insulin and insulin resistance between the two groups. In other words, intermittent exercise led to a significant decrease in fasting glucose (P <0. 001) and insulin resistance (P = 0. 002) and also a significant increase in serum insulin (P <0. 001) compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was observed in the expression of adiponectin in subcutaneous adipose tissue. In other words, 8 weeks of intermittent exercise did not affect adiponectin expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue in obese type 2 diabetic rats (P = 0. 949). Conclusion: In the present study, despite no change in adiponectin expression in response to intermittent exercise, glucose levels and insulin resistance decreased significantly. In other words, 8 weeks of intermittent exercise resulted in a significant reduction in glucose and insulin resistance in obese type 2 diabetic rats compared to the control group who did not participate in the exercise program. However, adiponectin expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue was not affected by intermittent exercise. Other studies have attributed lower blood glucose directly to increased insulin function or improved insulin resistance in response to exercise in diabetic rats. Despite the evidence for the effectiveness of exercise on insulin function and glycemic profile in diabetic rats, improvement in insulin resistance was observed in the study of improved insulin function in the absence of adiponectin expression change in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Previous studies, however, have strongly emphasized the potential effect of adiponectin on protein levels or gene expression on insulin signaling pathways in adipose and muscle tissue. In the present study, although the lack of significant change in adiponectin expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue may be attributed to the small number of samples studied or the length of the training period, it is also possible that the effect of periodic exercise on serum adiponectin levels in rats Studies have shown that adiponectin expression in adipose tissue and failure to measure serum adiponectin levels is one of the limitations of the present study. This is because the effects of exercise may affect protein levels or the expression of adiponectin in other tissues of the body, such as muscle or liver tissue. Also, the improvement in insulin resistance in response to intermittent exercise may be attributed to a decrease in inflammatory cytokines. Because increased expression or levels of these proteins in target tissues such as adipose tissue leads to increased insulin resistance. Decreased blood glucose levels may also be rooted in increased serum insulin in response to intermittent exercise. Because independent of changes in insulin at target tissue levels such as adipose and muscle tissue, increasing serum insulin levels in response to exercise leads to lower blood glucose and improved glycemic profile. Since in the present study, the induction of type 2 diabetes in obese rats was due to partial destruction of the pancreas by intraperitoneal injection of low-dose STZ, insulin synthesis and release from pancreatic beta cells was certainly reduced. Therefore, research studies have revealed that continuous exercise through both hyperplasia and hypertrophy of beta cells leads to the repair of these cells, which results in increased synthesis and secretion of insulin from the pancreas and ultimately improve glucose membrane transfer in the target tissue. In this regard, Eizadi et al. (2017) attributed the decrease in blood glucose in response to long-term intermittent exercise in type 2 diabetic rats to increased serum beta and insulin function. It should be noted that in the present study, intermittent exercise was associated with an increase in serum insulin compared to the control group. Interval training is associated with improved fasting glucose in type 2 obese diabetic rats. Despite no change in adiponectin expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue, this improvement may be attributed to increased insulin function or decreased insulin resistance in response to the exercise process. No change in adiponectin expression is reported while dependence of insulin signaling pathways in adipose tissue has been reported in laboratory studies. The lack of significant change in adiponectin expression may be attributed to the small number of samples studied, but further studies in this area are suggested.

Insulin – like growth factor – I (IGF-1) plays a role in the skeletal muscle in the development, growth, repair, and maintenance of the tissues in an autocrine/paracrine as well as ENDOCRINE fashion. The aim of the present study was to investigate the response of growth factors to two different training methods. 14 male volunteers were selected and divided randomly into two groups. Group A (plyometric, 7 subjects, age: 20.86±1.86 yr, height: 179.29±4.23 cm, weight: 74.56±6.24 kg) performed plyometric training and group B (combined, 7 subjects, age: 21.43±1.72 yr, height: 181.71±6.42 cm, weight: 76.14±8.47 kg) performed a combination of resistance training and plyometric training 3 days per week for 8 weeks (4 weeks of resistance training and 4 weeks of plyometric training). Muscle biopsies were obtained from vastus lateralis muscle 3 days before and 7 days after the training. To evaluate muscle power, Bosco (5 and 60 sec.), Sargent jump and standing long jump tests and to evaluate agility and speed, hexagonal obstacle and 35m dash tests were used respectively. To estimate gene expression of insulin – like growth factor (IGF-1) and mechanical growth factor (MGF), real time RT–PCR was performed. Paired and independent t tests were used to analyze the data at (P£0.05). The results showed that in Bosco, Sargent jump, standing long jump, hexagonal obstacle and 35m dash tests, plyometric group had better results than group B. The MGF gene expression decreased insignificantly in group A (by 20.18%, P£0.29) and increased significantly in group B (by 159.24%, P£0.048). IGF-1 gene expression increased significantly in group A (by 133.83%, P£0.04) and increased insignificantly in group B (by 24.06%, P£0.16). It can be concluded that different IGF-1 transcripts (IGF-IEa and MGF) differently respond to various mechanical and metabolic overload strategies in human skeletal muscle.

Background: Miners are exposed to considerable airborne dusts. According to the US Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the rate of either mortality or morbidity of miners due to their occupations is almost six times higher than other industrial workers. Blasting, crushing, and processing of mineral ores produces particulate emissions in the diverse mining processes. Mineral dust generated by mining can cause systemic toxicity through their chemical speciation and free radical inside of the body could provoke a higher rate of hyperplasia, cancer, and cardiovascular risks. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has not classified iron oxide compounds as a carcinogenic compound. However, an increased incidence of lung disease is associated with workers in occupations involving exposure to iron oxide dust or fumes. Generally, exposure to iron oxide particles is suspected to lead to an increased risk of lung cancer in iron ore miners, iron metal welders, iron foundry workers, and iron and steel manufacturers. The cohort epidemiological studies also support a higher risk of lung fibrosis, siderosis, and silicosis for the workers exposed to iron dust or fume. Due to the variable composition of iron ore in mines of diverse geographical locations, the contradictory and conflicting findings from epidemiological studies has been reported. Researchers have also recommended further investigation for the health effects of occupational exposure to iron ore dust in different locations. Iron oxides such as Fe2O3, FeO and Fe3O4 along with crystalline silica are the most prominent dust in iron ore mining. Despite the potential toxicity of Iron compounds, they are essential nutrients and play an important role in the metabolism of hemoglobin, mitochondrial function, enzymatic activity (especially cytochromes), and muscle metabolism, particularly myoglobin. However, an excess dose of iron compounds has been reported in iron accumulation in various organs, especially the liver (resulting in cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma), ENDOCRINE organs (causing pituitary and gonadal failure), pancreas (causing diabetes), skin (causing pigmentation), and heart (resulting in cardiomyopathy, heart failure and arrhythmia). Most patients with severe iron overload, could develop cardiac, hepatic, conjunctivitis, choroiditis, and retinitis complications. Thus, early diagnosis and monitoring of workers are essential. Chronic inhalation of excessive concentrations of iron oxide fumes or dust may result in the development of benign pneumoconiosis, called siderosis, which could be observed in radio-graphical examination of the workers. Iron, as a transitive metal and a highly reactive oxidizing agent, can participate in the Fenton reaction, and then by producing hydroxyl radicals leads to lipid peroxidation (LPO). LPO is a chain reaction process initiated by the attack of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) on polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) residues of phospholipids, leading to cell membrane damage and consequently to cell death. Several biomarkers of LPO have been established, such as 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α , malondialdehyde, hyroxynonenal (4-NHE), and exhaled breath ethane. Malondialdehyde is the most abundant and stable aldehydic product of LPO and due its simplicity of analysis, it is a widely used biomarker of LPO. Regarding the high prevalence of occupational diseases in iron ore mine workers, the objective of this study was to investigate the occupational exposure of mine workers to respirable dust, iron compounds and determining the correlation of their personal exposure to the biomarker of oxidative stress through the levels of serum malondialdehyde. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic investigation. The study population was selected randomly from non-smoker healthy workers with a minimum working experience of one year. 92 workers of the concentrating and pelletizing plants and 48 office workers were recruited as the exposed and control group respectively. The sampling of respirable dust and iron oxides was performed using a plastic cyclone sampler equipped with mixed cellulose ester membrane filter connected to the SKC sampling pump according to standard methods such as NIOSH-0600, and OSHA-121 respectively. The measurement of respirable dust was conducted through gravimetric analysis, Pre and post weighing of the filter was conducted using an electronic balance (Sartorius-TE124S, precision: 10-5 gr). Analysis of iron oxides was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (Varian220FS). Serum malondialdehyde was measured by a spectrophotometric assay using the ZellBio GmbH kit and visible light spectrophotometer (CECIL CE2021) at a wavelength of 531. 5 nm. The correlation between either respirable dust and iron compounds with serum malondialdehyde was determined by the Spearman correlation statistical test by using SPSS software. Results: According to the results of the Mann-Whitney U test, exposure to general respirable dust, and iron oxides in the exposed and control group were (24. 8, 2. 9) and (0. 59, 0. 023) as mg/m3 respectively. The exposed workers had statistically significantly higher exposure than the control group (p<0. 001). Similarly, the Mann-Whitney test showed the serum malondialdehyde levels in the exposed group (41. 6 μ mol/L) was statistically significantly higher than their corresponding control group (22. 52 μ mol/L) (p< 0. 001). According to the Spearman correlation test, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the parameters of exposure to respirable dust and iron compounds in the exposed group (r= 0. 835, p< 0. 001). However, the correlation between the parameters of exposure to respirable dust and serum malondialdehyde level (r= 0. 006 and p= 0. 95), or their exposure to respirable iron oxides and serum malondialdehyde level (r= 0. 022 and p= 0. 84) in the exposed group were not statistically significant. Conclusion: According to the occupational exposure limit values provided by the office of Environment and Occupation Health of the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) for the particles not otherwise specified (PNOS), 96. 6% of workers' exposure to respirable dust were higher than the set limit. However, due to the content of crystalline silica in the respirable dust and the probable presence of other toxic compounds such as amphibole asbestos and heavy metals such as Cd, As, Ni, Co, and Hg, the airborne general dust of Gol-e-Gohar mine may not be classified as PNOS and workers' exposure could have a more harmful consequences. In the present study, According to the occupational exposure limit values set by the office of Environment and Occupation Health of the Iranian Ministry of Health and ACGIH for the respirable iron oxide compounds, 38. 5% of workers in exposed group had higher exposure than their corresponding occupational exposure limit. In this study, the content of serum malondialdehyde of exposed workers as a nonspecific biomarker of the exposure to iron dust was statistically significantly higher than the control group. However, the correlation of workers' exposure to either respirable dust or iron compounds was not statistically significant with their serum malondialdehyde. This phenomenon could be due to the limitation of workers in exposed and control group in this study, and possibly other content of iron ore, such as crystalline silica, asbestos, and toxic metals which were quantified in this study. Miscellaneous confounding factors of oxidative stress, such as noise pollution and environmental heat stress have been reported in various studies. Although there were no significant correlation between the exposure of either respirable dust or iron oxide compounds with serum malondialdehyde, excessive workers' exposure to respirable dust and iron oxide compounds and statistically significantly higher serum malondialdehyde levels in the exposed workers compared to those in the control group, indicates the need for a more comprehensive investigation for the environmental and biological monitoring of the Gol Gohar workers. Further studies for monitoring larger exposed and control population, along with the more diverse examination of environmental dust ingredients and a more thorough biological monitoring of workers using a more specific biomarker for iron oxide compounds are recommended for the future study.

Background and aims: Adipose tissue is biologically superior to energy storage and an active tissue, and secretes proteins such as vaspin, called adipokine. The relationship between fatty tissue and other biological systems of the body is determined through the expression of some bioactive molecules called adipocytokines. Adipokines are involved in various metabolic processes, including appetite regulation, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion, energy expenditure, cardiovascular function, and inflammation. Vaspin can be considered as an adipokine derived from internal adipose with insulin sensitivities. In humans, vaspin serum concentrations are associated positively with age, body mass index, and insulin sensitivity disorder. Vaspin is a serine protease inhibitor family discovered in 2005 and has a composition of 392 to 395 amino acids. This adipokine was found in the visceral fat tissue of rat, a model of obese animals with type 2 diabetes. Vaspin plays a very important role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This substance not only regulates the amount of insulin sensitivity, but also acts as a mediator of inflammatory processes. It has also been reported that vaspin circulation is associated with gender, body fat percentage, glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance. It has been reported that vaspin by reacting oxygen inhibitors can inhibit the inflammatory state of smooth muscle cells. Increasing blood glucose results in oxidative stress, which in turn results in the activation of the nuclear factor and thus an increase in the level of pre-inflammatory cytokines in the bloodstream. Consumption of vaspin in obese rats with high fat diet resulted in improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and inversely altered expression of genes that are dependent on insulin resistance. Animal studies suggest that effecting vaspin on insulin sensitivity increases its effect on adipose tissue. Therefore, it is suggested that the incremental regulation of vaspin suggests a compensatory mechanism against insulin resistance. Sports activities and healthy living today are topics that we have heard or read much more in a variety of ways about their importance. In fact, most people in the world do sports and physical activity in different ways; however, with the mechanization of lifestyle communities, more people go to inertial and sedentary environments. The results of the researches confirm the theory that all people are convinced that exercise is essential for health and well-being and also regular physical activity is essential for themselves and their children. Few studies have been conducted on the effect of sports activity on vaspin and glycemic indices, which have contradictory results, some suggesting that sports activities increase, decrease or without changes in the levels of vaspin. Therefore, due to the limited and controversial studies and the importance of not engaging in sports activities, this study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of aerobic training and two weeks of detraining on levels of vaspin, glucose, insulin and insulin resistance in inactive men. Methods: In this quasi-experimental and applied study, a design of two-group with pre-testpost-test with repeated measurement with control group was used. To conduct the research, 22 non-active male employees of Islamic Azad University, Fars Science and Research Branch, were selected as statistical sample. In order to conduct this research, a first announcement was made at the level of Islamic Azad University, Fars Science and Research Branch, and all volunteers were invited to participate in this study. Subsequently, during the meeting for all volunteers, the method of conducting research, potential injury and health benefits of the contribution in this study was explained. Then, 22 subjects were selected as the statistical sample among the volunteers. Among the criteria for entering this study, we can point out the lack of drug addiction, the absence of specific diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases and the ability to perform exercises until the end of the study period. Further, considering that aerobic power is effective on the variables of the research, aerobic power (maximum oxygen consumption) of all subjects was first measured using Cooper field test, and the subjects regarding the aerobic power were divided into two equal groups including experimental and control groups. It is worth noting that in the present study; the statistical sample was selected based on the reported studies. Subsequently, 48 hours later, all subjects attended the laboratory at 8 AM, and from all of them received 7cc of fasting blood. The experimental group then ran a treadmill for a period of eight weeks, three sessions per week, and each session for 60 minutes with speed of 70% of the heart rate reserve on the treadmill. The control group was asked to do just their daily activities during this time. After eight weeks, blood sampling measured from experimental and control groups at 8 AM similar to the pretest at the same time. The experimental group then interrupted their trainings for two weeks. After two weeks, blood samples gathered again from both experimental and control groups. For analysis of the research findings, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, analysis of variance with repeated measures and independent sample t-tests were used (α = 0. 05). SPSS v. 20 and Excell v. 2010 software were also used. Results: The results of analysis of variance with repeated measures test showed that there were no significant difference in changes of vaspin levels in the pre-test, first post-test and second post-test between experimental and control groups (p= 0. 50); changes in fasting blood glucose levels in pretest, first post-test and second post-test between experimental and control groups (p= 0. 85); changes in insulin levels in pre-test, first post-test and second post test between experimental and control groups (p= 0. 95) and changes in insulin resistance levels in pre-test, first post-test and second post-test between experimental and control groups (p= 0. 65). Also, there were no significant difference in the changes of vaspin levels in pre-test, first post-test and second post-test in experimental (p= 0. 79) and control (P = 0. 61) groups; changes in fasting blood glucose levels in the pre-test, first post test and second post test in experimental (p= 0. 06) and control (p= 0. 23) groups; changes in insulin levels in pretest, first post test and second post test in experimental (p= 0. 55) and control (p= 0. 43) groups and changes in insulin resistance levels in pretest, first post test and second post test in experimental (p= 0. 98) and control (p= 0. 58) groups. Therefore, eight weeks of aerobic training, as well as two weeks of detraining, have no significant effect on serum levels of vaspin, glucose, insulin and insulin resistance in inactive men. Conclusion: Regarding the contradiction in the results of the reported studies, it cannot be determined with certainty that the mechanism of the effect of sports activities on vaspin, however, the exercise and weight loss in collaboration and through mechanisms that are completely separate but related, improve the cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors; So that exercise has important role due to reduced fat storage or changes in the function of adipose tissue cells as an ENDOCRINE organ which secreting adipocytokines such as interleukin-6, C-reactive protein and vaspin. Thus, if the exercise does not reduce the number of fat cells or improve the function of these cells, the ability of exercise is limited to adjusting the levels of adipokines, insulin resistance, and inflammation, or that it is not generally seen. According to the results of this study, eight weeks, three sessions per week and each session for 45 minutes running on a treadmill with intensity of 60-70% heart rate reserve had not significant effect on changes of serum levels of vaspin and glycemic indices in staff male; it concluded that eight weeks of aerobic trainings and two weeks of detraining have no significant effect on the levels of vaspin and glycemic indices in staff male.

Introduction: Type II Diabetes is one of the most prevalent ENDOCRINE diseases in the world that results from a combination of insulin resistance and b-cell failure. Regarding importance of nutritional factors in management of diabetes, this study was designed to explore the effect of sesame oil on blood glucose and lipid profile in type II diabetic patients at Yazd Diabetes Research Center in 2007.Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 25 patients with type II diabetes mellitus (age: 51.5±6.28y; BMI: 27.3±3kg/m2; disease duration: 7.08±5.03y; Fasting blood glucose level: 181±51.9mg/dl). Subjects received 30 g/day sesame oil for 6 weeks. Sesame oil was supplied to the patients, who were instructed to use it in place of other cooking oils for 42 days. Plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profiles [Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG)] were measured at baseline and after 45 days of sesame oil substitution. 24 hours dietary recalls were obtained at the start, middle and end of study. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance with repeated measures and paired t-test.Results: Following 42 days intake of sesame oil, there were significant decrease in FBS (181±51.93 vs 154±39.65 mg/dl), HbA1c (9.64±2 vs 8.4±1.74 percent), TC (226.68±31.4 vs 199.8±37.87 mg/dl), LDL-c (123.9±34.56 vs 95.53±32.54 mg/dl) compared to pre-treatment values. (P <0.05). Blood TG level decreased after intake of sesame oil but this difference was not significant (P=0.2). Also, the changes of HDL-c levels were not significant (P=0.1).Conclusion: Sesame oil consumption results in considerable decrease in blood sugar, HbA1c and blood lipid levels (TC and LDL-C) in type II diabetics.

Penile erection is a neurovascular event that occurs when blood flow to the penis exceeds flow out of the penis. Successful erections depend on precise modulation of neural pathways as well as penile vascular integrity. The relaxation of trabecular smooth muscle results in increased blood flow to the corpora cavernosa, leading to sinusoidal expansion. This, in turn, leads to mechanical compression of the emissary veins, thus inhibiting the drainage of blood, which results in an erection. Conversely, penile flaccidity results from the release of norepinephrine (NE) from sympathetic nerve terminals and contraction of smooth muscle tissue within the corpora. Blood flow to the penis is controlled by the autonomic erection center, the source of parasympathetic (S2–S4) and sympathetic (T12–L2) input to the pelvic plexus, as well as the cavernous nerves innervating the trabecular smooth muscle. Neural stimulation is transmitted through the Nervi erigentes (i.e., the pelvic autonomic fibers), which release three important neurotransmitters: (a) norepinephrine (sympathetic fibers); (b) acetylcholine (ACh; parasympathetic); and (c) nitric oxide (NO; nonadrenergic–noncholinergic). High levels of NO within the trabecular smooth muscle results in relaxation. Diffusion of NO through the smooth muscle membrane leads to the activation of guanylate cyclase, which produces cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). A biochemical cascade results in altered calcium and potassium ion channel permeability; a reduction in cytosolic calcium leads to smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow.What is ‘‘normal?’’ A recent Italian study showed that the typical flaccid penis is 9 centimeters (3.54 inches) long while the stretched penis is 12.5 centimeters (4.92 inches). The typical circumference at the middle of the shaft is 10 centimeters (3.94 inches). Other research has shown that 70 percent of men’s erect penises range from 5 inches to 7 inches, and a penis is considered ‘‘abnormally’’ small only when it measures smaller than 3 inches when erect. It is important to remember that the female has very little sensation in the upper two-thirds of her vagina, meaning that stimulation in this area is unlikely to enhance sexual arousal. In short, bigger is not necessarily better. Erection-initiating neurotransmitters include, among others, dopamine (via D2-receptors) and melanocortins. Five melanocortin receptors (MCR) have been identified. MC-4-R seems to have special importance for erection. Therefore, the brain must exert an important modulator influence over the spinal reflex pathways mediating penile erection. Although the precise anatomic regions are not completely known, it appears that the thalamic nuclei, the rhinencephalon, and the limbic structures play a role in modulating psychogenic penile erections.CENTRAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGYDopamineFive dopamine receptor families have been identified (D1–D5). The family of D1 and D2 receptors and their role in the central regulation of penile erection, copulatory behavior, and genital reflexes (with the D2 receptors playing a major role) are particularly interesting. Selective D2 agonists cause penile erections that are accompanied by stretch yawning and sedation, which are typical of central dopaminergic stimuli.SerotoninSeven families of 5-HT receptors as well as several receptor subtypes (denoted by subscripts A–D) have been identified. 5-HT3 receptors are unusual because they are coupled to a cation channel, whereas the remaining 5-HT receptor families act via G proteins.There are two serotoninergic paths within the CNS. One pathway originates in the raphenuclei and has interconnections throughout the brain, whereas the other pathway originates in the brain stem and continues caudally toward the spinal cord. Generally, serotonin acts to depress male sexual behavior.Noradrenaline Noradrenergic pathways in the brain may exert an inhibitory influence on penile erection. Within the CNS, the most distinct group of noradrenergic neurons is located within the locus ceruleus. These neurons project through the dorsal noradrenergic bundles to innervate the cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus. Additional projections travel through the ventral noradrenergic bundles to the hypothalamus, hippocampus, cerebellum, and spinal cord.Connections between the locus ceruleus and hippocampal formation play an inhibitory role on erection, as demonstrated by electrical stimulation of the locus ceruleus and micro-injection of adrenoreceptor agonists (e.g., NE) within the hippocampus in male rats. Endogenous Opioid Peptides and GABA Administration of opioid receptor agonists to the CNS inhibits—whereas opioid receptor antagonists facilitate—copulatory behavior in male rats.Impotence, decreased libido, anorgasmia and the ability to achieve or maintain erection are not uncommon with patients addicted to heroin or methadone.Spontaneous erections, priapism, and ejaculation occur during withdrawal from narcotics or with the administration of opiate antagonists such as naloxone.Endogenous opioid production may contribute to impotence.GABA is present at high concentrations within the MPOA in male rats.This neurotransmitter likely plays an inhibitory role in the control of penile erection. Both GABAᴀ fibers and GABAв receptors have been demonstrated in the spinal cord dorsal horn as well as in the vicinity of sacral parasympathetic and bulbocavernosi motor nuclei. Oxytocin Micro-injection of oxytocin into the lateral cerebral ventricles, the PVN of the hypothalamus, or the hippocampal formation induces erection. Oxytocinergic neurons are found within the descending pathways from the midbrain, brain stem, and spinal autonomic centers. Following sexual activity, serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of oxytocin are elevated suggesting that oxytocin functions as excitatory transmitter in the control of penile erection within the hypothalamus. Prolactin Long-term exposure to elevated prolactin levels suppresses sexual behavior and reducedpotency in men. Moreover, prolactin disrupts genital reflexes, leading to decreased frequency of erections in rats. Melanocortin System Melanocortins (MCs) are bio-active peptides that have been shown to play a role in the neural control of penile erection. Derived from the precursor molecule pro-opiomelanocortin, cleavage at several sites within the prohormone results in at least eight distinct peptides. Experiments have demonstrated that intracerebroventricular administration of adrenocorticotropic and α-melanocyte hormones induces penile erection, yawning, and stretching. Centrally Acting Drugs under Clinical Investigation Melanocortin receptor (MCR) agonists Presently there are five MCRs identified and all five are activated by adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and four out of five, except MC2R, by alphamelanocyte stimulating hormone (a -MSH) the five MCRs only two (MC3R and MC4R) are expressed in cerebral regions known to be involved in the modulation of erectile function. The origin of both α -MSH and ACTH is the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene, and the biologic effects of these two hormones are mediated via activation of one or more of the five MCRs. All five MCRs use cAMP as the second neurotransmitter mediating the final biologic (physiologic) effects upon their activation. Various Causes for Erectile Dysfunction Cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes mellitus, smoking hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, atherosclerosis, vascular surgery, known heart disease), drug abuse, alcohol, medical disorders (renal failure, abnormal liver function), ENDOCRINE disorders (hypogonadism, hyperprolactinemia, hypo- and hyperthyroidism), sickle cell anemia, neurogenic factors, neuropathies (diabetes, etc.), other neurological disorders (spinal cord injury, cerebrovacular insult, multiple sclerosis, nerve damage resulting from prostate surgery, etc.), drug treatment selection (thiazide diuretics, spironolactone, digoxin, antidepressants, b-blockers, phenothiazines, carbamazepin, phenytoin, fibrates, statins, histamine-2-receptor antagonists, allopurinol, indomethacin, tranquilizer, levodopa, chemotherapeutics, and so on); Anatomical–structural Priapism, trauma, and so on; Psychic Anxiety disorder, depression, problems, or changes in relationship.