Abstract

     Background and Objective: Aluminum Phosphide (ALP) is a solid non-organic phosphide with dark gray or dark yellow crystals. It reacts with stomach acid after ingestion and causes phosphine gas to be released. It is thought that phosphine causes toxicity from enzymatic interference and may even lead to cell death. This study aimed to investigate the effects of poisoning with rice tablet on levels of platelets, hemoglobin, white blood cells.

     Methods: The clinical records of 67 cases of acute oral toxicity with aluminum phosphide admitted to Baharloo hospital and 28 forensic autopsy cases in Kahrizak forensic research center were studied. Recorded information included vital signs, demographic characteristics, numerous laboratory and clinical findings, complications and all pathologic findings.

      Results: All patients had received standard symptomatic and supportive treatments. Among the tested subjects, 30 of 67 patients (44.8%) were male. The mean hemoglobin level of recovered and deceased individuals was 12.26 and 11.72 g/dl, respectively. There was a significant relationship between patients’ WBC counts and mortality where the mean level of WBC in the deceased  was more than that of the recovered (P=0.001). Mean SBP in the deceased and the recovered individuals was 79.67 ± 12.89 and 102.46 ± 22.57 mmHg, respectively.

      Conclusion: Consumption of rice tablets results in blood pressure alteration, hemoglobin levels, platelets and leukocyte count. Tracking these alterations can reduce the side effects and mortality rate in the cases of rice tablet poisoning.

     Keywords: Aluminum Phosphide, White Blood Cells, Hemoglobins, Blood Pressure, Patients

Abstract

        Background and Objective: Normal hemoglobin (Hb) is formed of a heme group and a protein group known as globin. Globin is made of four polypeptide chains and in hemoglobinopathies, the structure of one of these four polypeptide chain becomes abnormal. Cellulose acetate method is a common way to differentiate haemoglobinopathies. Inability to identify the components of Hb low concentrations and incapability to isolate all Hb types are among the disadvantages of this method. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in the North of Iran by capillary electrophoresis method.

      Methods: All patients with suspected hemoglobinopathies, referred by physicians for electrophoresis, have been studied in a private center in the city of Gorgan, Iran. The level of HbA2, HbA, HbF and other Hb was recorded.

       Results: Overall, 725 blood samples were analyzed using the capillary method. HbE was reported in 2 patients, HbH was observed in 2 patients and Hb Barts was reported in 3 patients. Using the capillary method, among patients with the SDG area, only 4 of 38 (10.52%) had HbS and the majority of them (89.48%) had HbD.

      Conclusion: HbD is the most common hemoglobinopathy in the North of Iran.

        Keywords: Hemoglobinopathy; hemoglobin D; Capillary Electrophoresis; Iran

ABSTRACT

          Background and Objective: The present study aims at investigating the possible effect of 8-week aerobic exercise on undercarboxylated osteocalcin and beta cell function in postmenopausal women.

         Methods: The study included 20 postmenopausal women with mean weight, height and body mass index of 78.94 ± 5.72 kg, age 48.69 ± 3.21 years, 160.37 ± 4.12 cm and 30.72 ± 2.37 kg/m2. The participants were randomly selected and divided into experimental and control groups. Blood samples were taken 48 hours before the experiment and after eight weeks of exercise. Aerobic exercise was performed for eight weeks, three sessions per week with intensity of 65-70% of heart rate. Data analysis for intragroup and intergroup differences was done using paired and independent t-test, respectively. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.            

         Results: The level of undercarboxylated osteocalcin in the experimental group decreased significantly compared to control group (P<0.049). The level of beta cell function index in the experimental group increased significantly after the 8-week exercise program compared to  control group (P<0.014).

         Conclusion: Exercise increases the level of undercarboxylated osteocalcin in postmenopausal women that has important consequences, especially for those at risk of developing diabetes.

            Keywords: Exercise, Osteocalcin, Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated, Postmenopause.

ABSTRACT
             Background and Objectives: Hemoglobinopathies are characterized by defects in the synthesis of globin chains of hemoglobin (Hb). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate mutations associated with thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies in Masjed Soleiman County, Iran.
             Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 456 individuals suspected of having hemoglobinopathies who were referred to health centers of the Masjed Soleiman Country in 2015-2017. Blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes. Complete blood count test was performed and red blood cell indices were determined. Level of Hb variants was measured using capillary electrophoresis. Reverse dot-blot, gap-polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing were carried out to detect mutations. 
             Results: We found that 17.7% of the subjects were heterozygous for β-thalassemia. Frequency of mutations 36/37 (–T), IVS-II-1 (G>A) and IVS-I-110 (G>A) in the β-globin gene was 26.7%, 22% and 16.27%, respectively. In addition, 9.5% of the subjects contained Hb S, Hb D and Hb C, while 1.1% of the subjects showed co-inheritance of an Hb variant and β-thalassemia. In subjects with α-thalassemia, the -α3.7 (57.1%), -- ^MED–(17.4%), -α^4.2 (3.1%) and -α^20.5 (1.5%) deletions were found as the most prevalent mutations.
             Conclusion: In addition to the high prevalence of β-thalassemia and HBB gene mutations, we detected variants Hb S, Hb D, Hb C and co-inheritance of an Hb variants and β-thalassemia in individuals living in the Masjed Soleiman Country. We also identified four mutations in the α-globin gene. These results can be useful for genetic counseling in this population.

3148047270.              : Hemoglobinopathies, β-Thalassemia, α-Thalassemia, mutation, HB variant.

ABSTRACT
            Background and Objectives: Formetanate hydrochloride is an effective insecticide and acaricide, which is frequently used in citrus gardens. Given its high toxicity, it is necessary to evaluate effects of this insecticide on living factors. In this study, we investigate effects of formetanate hydrochloride on human hemoglobin using spectroscopic analysis and molecular docking modeling.
            Methods: Effects of formetanate hydrochloride on human hemoglobin were investigated using molecular docking technique and thermodynamic and spectrophotometric methods such as normal and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and circular dichroism.
            Results: Decrement of the soret band without any significant shift proved that the insecticide could penetrate into the heme pocket and directly interact with the porphyrin ring. Results obtained from the intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy and heme degradation study at 321 and 460 nm indicated that formetanate hydrochloride could potentially destroy the heme prosthetic group and eliminate its filtering effect, which results in fluorescence enhancement. The fluorescence study demonstrated a competitive behavior between hydrophobic probe ANS and formetanate hydrochloride for binding to the hemoglobin hydrophobic patches. Results of circular dichroism and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed the structural change and polarity alteration around aromatic fluorophores.
            Conclusion: Our findings elucidate that the binding of formetanate hydrochloride to hemoglobin through the heme pocket is energetically much more favorable compared to binding to the hydrophobic central cavity. In addition, formetanate hydrochloride can cause conformational changes in the human hemoglobin and the competitive behavior of this insecticide for the oxygen site can subsequently reduce the oxy form of hemoglobin.
            Keywords: Hemoglobin, Insecticides, Protein Degradation, Fluorescence.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, disturbed lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Poor glycemic control results in lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities, suggesting that dyslipidemia is secondary to insulin resistance or factors closely related to insulin resistance. Glaciated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a routinely used marker for long-term glycemic control. This form of hemoglobin is chemically processed through post-translational glycosylation that reflects the plasma glucose concentration during the last two to three months.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on blood samples from 592 cases referred to Dezyani Specialty Clinic, affiliated with the Golestan University of Medical Sciences. In patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and non-diabetic individuals, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (T-chol), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured.
Results: In the study, there were 460 female participants (76.9%) and 132 male participants (23.1%). Among them, 403 (67.4%) were diabetic patients, and 193 (32.4%) were non-diabetic. HbA1c levels were significantly lower in younger individuals than in middle-aged participants (p=0.000). No significant difference was found between middle-aged and older individuals (p>0.121). LDL levels were significantly lower in the young group than in the middle-aged group (p<0.001). Total cholesterol (TC) was also significantly lower in the young group compared to middle-aged and older groups (p<0.001).
Conclusion: HbA1c can be a helpful lipid and glycemic control marker in diabetes.
 

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints. The disease may also affect other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, nerves, and blood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of methotrexate on blood, liver, and renal parameters in patients with RA.
Methods: A six-month cross-sectional study was carried out on 60 consecutive patients aged 19-70 years diagnosed with RA on methotrexate treatment (10 mg) orally per week. A questionnaire was taken from participants, and laboratory tests were done on renal and liver function and complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT or AST), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT or ALT), Creatinine, C-reactive protein (CRP), and rheumatoid factor (RF) as a follow-up to drug intake.
Results: At the end of sample collection, participants ranged in age from 19 to 70 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.5:1. Significant differences in platelet (PLT) levels were observed only between days 1 and 14 of the treatment (p <0.05). Similarly, SGPT levels showed significant variation between days 1 and 30 of the treatment (p <0.05). Additionally, RF levels exhibited significant differences between days 1 and 14 (p <0.01) and between days 1 and 30 of the treatment (p <0.04).
Conclusion: The recommended medication for all kinds of patients with RA is methotrexate, which has had a notable impact on blood, liver, and kidney parameters. These characteristics can serve as indicators for monitoring the medication’s effectiveness, safety, and patient follow-up.
 

Background: Bivalent minerals function as crucial cofactors that participate in a multitude of metabolic pathways within the organism. Specifically, zinc (Zn) assumes catalytic, structural, and regulatory roles in numerous biological processes. A severe deficiency in Zn can lead to disruptions in nucleic acid and protein synthesis, impaired cellular proliferation, increased apoptosis, and heightened lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes, a phenomenon associated with a reduced lifespan of red blood cells (RBCs). The objective of this study was to investigate the correlations between Zn status and various erythrocyte indices in a cohort of anemic patients, in comparison to a control group.
Methods: A cohort of 563 participants was enrolled in this investigation. Serum Zn concentration was quantified using a BT-3500 autoanalyzer, while hematological indices were determined via a Sysmex KX21N cell counter. Following confirmation of data normality, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the relationship between serum Zn levels and RBC indices.
Results: The mean serum Zn concentration was 102.8 ± 17.6 mg/dL. Serum Zn levels exhibited a weak correlation with RBC and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in healthy women, as well as a weak correlation with mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in anemic men (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the results indicated significantly higher serum Zn levels, RBC, Hb, hematocrite (HCT), and MCHC in men (p < 0.01), while mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly higher in women (p < 0.01). Notably, in individuals with serum Zn levels < 30 mg/dL, MCHC (p < 0.01) and RBC (p < 0.05) were elevated, whereas Hb (p < 0.05), HCT, MCV, and MCH (p < 0.01) were higher than 30.
Conclusion: Considering the potential impact of varying Zn concentrations on erythrocyte indices, including Hb and MCHC, in both healthy and anemic individuals, careful regulation of its dosage is warranted.