Synthesis and biological evaluation of new 4-carboxyl quinoline derivatives as cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors.

A group of 4-carboxyl quinoline derivatives possessing a methylsulfonyl COX-2 pharmacophore at the para position of the C-2 phenyl ring were designed and synthesized as selective COX-2 inhibitors. In vitro COX-1/COX-2 structure-activity relationships were determined by varying the substituents on the C-7 and C-8 quinoline ring. Among the 4-carboxyl quinolines, 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-2-(4-(methyl sulfonyl)phenyl)benzo[h]quinoline-4-carboxylic acid (9e) was identified as potent and high selective COX-2 inhibitor (COX-2 IC(50)=0.

Burden of hospitalization for gastrointestinal tract cancer patients - Results from a cross-sectional study in Tehran.

Background: Cancer is the third most common cause of death in Iran. The gastrointestinal cancers are the most frequent neoplasms among Iranian males and second to breast cancer among females. The objective of this study was to provide accurate up-to-date epidemiological information of hospitalized patients with GI tract cancer in Iran.

Design and synthesis of 3-alkyl-2-aryl-1,3-thiazinan-4-one derivatives as selective cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors.

A new group of 3-alkyl-2-aryl-1,3-thiazinan-4-ones, possessing a methylsulfonyl pharmacophore, were synthesized and their biological activities were evaluated for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory activity. In vitro COX-1/COX-2 inhibition studies identified 3-benzyl-2-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-1,3-thiazinan-4-one (11a) as a potent (IC(50)=0.06 microM) and selective (selectivity index >285) COX-2 inhibitor.

Familial aggregation of the metabolic syndrome: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.

Aims: Familial aggregation of the metabolic syndrome has been reported in some nations. The aim of this study was to evaluate familial aggregation of the metabolic syndrome in Tehranian families.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, anthropometry, blood pressure and biochemical data were collected for 4,558 individuals in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.

Impaired fasting glucose cutoff value of 5.6 mmol/l combined with other cardiovascular risk markers is a better predictor for incident Type 2 diabetes than the 6.1 mmol/l value: Tehran lipid and glucose study.

Objective: To investigate whether cutoff value of 5.6 mmol/l for impaired fasting glucose (IFG) improves the prediction of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in comparison to the 6.1 mmol/l value.

MTA pulpotomy of human permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis.

The histological success of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulpotomy for treatment of irreversible pulpitis in human teeth as an alternative treatment was investigated in this study. Fourteen molars which had to be extracted were selected from patients 16-28 years old. The selection criteria include carious pulp exposure with a history of lingering pain.

Fruit and vegetable consumption and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The international guidelines issued by the World Health Organization recommend reduction in dietary saturated fat and cholesterol intakes as means to prevent hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, only limited data are available on the benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption on CVD risk factors in a community-based population. The aim of this study was to examine whether, and to what extent, intake of fruits and vegetables is inversely associated with CVD risk factors in adults. In this population-based cross-sectional study, a representative sample of 840 Tehranian adults (male and female) aged 18 to 74 years was randomly selected in 1998.

Evaluation of chaperone-like activity of alginate: microcapsule and water-soluble forms.

To evaluate the chaperone-like activity of alginate stabilization and refolding of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was investigated in the presence of alginate through two different approaches, the soluble form and microcapsule assisted methods. It was found that in the presence of microcapsules, ALP can be stabilized to a higher degree compared with the water-soluble form, whereas the denatured ALP is refolded with a higher yield through latter method. Lower refolding yields of alginate beads compared with its soluble form may be the result of lower refolding rate of ALP upon elution of the bound enzyme by dispersing the precipitate in NaCl which left the unfolded protein in an unsuitable environment, providing enough time for protein aggregation and leading finally to lower recovered activity compared with application of soluble form of alginate.

Adrenalectomy potentiates the antinociceptive effects of calcium channel blockers.

Calcium channel blockers can modulate the nociceptive threshold. However, the underlying mechanism(s), especially the role of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, on this effect has not yet been clarified. In the present study we investigated the analgesic effect of verapamil, diltiazem and nimodipine in intact and adrenalectomized (ADX) male rats and also measured the effect of these drugs on HPA function.

Comparison of mineral trioxide aggregate's composition with Portland cements and a new endodontic cement.

The aim of this study was to compare the compositions of mineral trioxide aggregates (MTAs), Portland cements (PCs), and a new endodontic cement (NEC). Our study also investigated the surface characteristics of MTA and NEC root-end fillings when immersed in normal saline. For part I, we prepared samples of 9 brands of MTAs, PCs, and NEC.

Prevention of non-communicable disease in a population in nutrition transition: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study phase II.

Background: The Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) is a long term integrated community-based program for prevention of non-communicable disorders (NCD) by development of a healthy lifestyle and reduction of NCD risk factors. The study begun in 1999, is ongoing, to be continued for at least 20 years. A primary survey was done to collect baseline data in 15005 individuals, over 3 years of age, selected from cohorts of three medical heath centers.

Alternative splicing in the synaptic protein interaction site of rat Ca(v)2.2 (alpha (1B)) calcium channels: changes induced by chronic inflammatory pain.

Voltage-gated N-type Ca(2+) channels play a central role in regulation of neurotransmitter release. The II-III linker of N-type calcium channel alpha(1B) subunit (exons 17-21 in rats) contains synaptic protein interaction (synprint) site, which plays a pivotal role in efficient neurotransmission. Using RT-PCR analysis of rat hippocampus and lumbar spinal cord transcripts, the expressions of Ca(v)2.

Avicenna, the first to describe thyroid-related orbitopathy.

The history of the association of goiter and orbital disease is discussed. Although Graves and Basedow are credited with the first descriptions of this association, it was described many years earlier between AD 1000 and 1110 by two Persian physicians and philosophers, Avicenna and Al-Jurjani.

Triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio is an independent predictor for coronary heart disease in a population of Iranian men.

Background And Aims: To determine whether triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C), which has been shown to be an indicator of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance, can predict coronary heart disease (CHD) independently of total cholesterol (TC) and other risk factors in an Iranian population with a high prevalence of MetS and low HDL-C.

Methods And Results: Between February 1999 and August 2001, 1824 men > or =40 years old, free of clinical cardiovascular diseases at baseline, were followed. Baseline measurements included serum level of TC, HDL-C, TG and risk factors for CHD including age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, diabetes, smoking and a family history of premature cardiovascular diseases.

A field evaluation of formalin-gasoline technique in the concentration of stool for detection of intestinal parasites.

A field evaluation of the formalin-gasoline procedure to detect parasite ova, cysts, or larvae from 470 fecal specimens (comprising both fresh and formalin-preserved stool samples) was compared with that of the formalin-ether sedimentation technique. Parallel concentrates with diethyl ether and gasoline were prepared for each specimen, and the species and appearance of recovered parasite species were determined. Of 470 total specimens, 206 (43.

A retrospective analysis of human cystic echinococcosis in Hamedan province, an endemic region of Iran.

In a retrospective investigation, the medical files of the patients who, between 1992 and 2006, underwent surgery for the treatment of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in one of the three university hospitals in Hamedan province, in western Iran, were explored. Of the 179 patients involved, 44.1% were male and 55.

Serum nitric oxide metabolites in subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Objectives: Evidence are available showing that higher nitric oxide production is associated with metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to determine serum nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) concentration in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Design And Methods: In a cross-sectional study, NOx was measured in 3505 subjects, aged 20-94 years, using the Griess reaction.

Temporal changes in anthropometric parameters and lipid profile according to body mass index among an adult Iranian urban population.

Aims: To examine changes in anthropometric parameters and lipid profiles over a period of 3.6 years in an Iranian adult population according to body mass index (BMI) groups.

Methods: Between 1998 and 2001 (phase 1) and 2002 and 2005 (phase 2), 5,618 nondiabetic Iranian adults aged > or =20 years were examined.

Delayed ocular, pulmonary, and cutaneous complications of mustards in patients in the city of Sardasht, Iran.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the late ocular, pulmonary, and cutaneous complications of mustards, 19 years after exposure in 600 patients of the city of Sardasht, Iran. In this case study, we evaluated 600 warfare patients aged 19 to 80 years whose mustard gas injury dated back to 19 years before evaluation in Sardasht. Our results showed that 5.

A comparative study of histologic response to different pulp capping materials and a novel endodontic cement.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare dogs' pulp response to capping with calcium hydroxide cement (Dycal), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and a novel endodontic cement (NEC).

Study Design: Twenty-four canine teeth in 6 beagle dogs were buccocervically exposed and capped with MTA, Dycal, or NEC. Eight weeks later, retrieved samples were observed by optical microscope to grade inflammation, formation of dentinal bridge, calcification, necrosis, and presence of odontoblast cells.

Current status of Gil-Vernet trigonoplasty technique.

Significant controversy exists regarding vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) management, due to lack of sufficient prospective studies. The rationale for surgical management is that VUR can cause recurrent episodes of pyelonephritis and long-term renal damage. Several surgical techniques have been introduced during the past decades.

Management of vesicoureteral reflux without indwelling catheter and drain, using trigonoplasty technique.

Purpose: Gil-Vernet trigonoplasty is a simple, fast and effective technique for treating primary VUR, and is the only technique used to manage unilateral reflux that does not result in contralateral new reflux, due to its inherent bilateral nature. We have tried to further simplify postoperative management of the procedure by eliminating the use of an indwelling urethral catheter and drain.

Patients And Methods: In a prospective study during a 15-month period, 65 children with 103 refluxing units (56 girls, nine boys), aged 1-15 years, underwent the designed surgery.

Serum nitric oxide metabolite levels in a general healthy population: relation to sex and age.

This study aims at determining serum nitrite/nitrate (NO(x)) levels in healthy subjects within the framework of a population-based study. NO(x) concentration was measured in 3505 subjects aged > or =20 years. Subjects with diabetes, renal dysfunction, those undergoing treatment for dyslipidemia and hypertension, were excluded; also excluded were smokers, pregnant women, and subjects with cardiovascular and infectious diseases or cancer; leaving 1983 (667 men, 1316 women) asymptomatic non-smoking subjects for the analysis.

Docosahexaenoic acid sensitizes Ramos cells to Gamma-irradiation-induced apoptosis through involvement of PPAR-gamma activation and NF-kappaB suppression.

Gamma-irradiation (Gamma-IR) resistance is a character of many malignant cells that decreases the efficacy of radiotherapy. Although ionizing radiation activates multiple cellular factors that vary depending on dose and tissue specificity, the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B appears to be a well-conserved response in tumor cells exposed to Gamma-IR which can lead to the inhibition of radiation-induced apoptosis. Thus, inhibition of NF-kappaB activation is an important strategy to abolish radioresistance.

Relationship between metabolic syndrome and its components with coronary heart disease in Iranian men and women.

Introduction: Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) is receiving increased attention from physicians, data on the syndrome's association with coronary heart disease (CHD) in Iranian populations are limited.

Materials And Methods: To estimate the odds ratio (OR) of MetS defined by each of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the Adult Treatment Panel (ATPIII) and the WHO definitions for CHD, logistic regression analysis was used on 5981 subjects aged > or = 30 years, in both sexes in 3 models; model 1 an age adjusted model, model 2 adjusted for age, smoking status, premature history of CHD and LDL cholesterol and model 3 adjusted for mentioned variables plus the MetS components.

Results: The MetS defined by all the three definitions was associated with CHD in models 1 and 2.