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Introduction: Several studies have shown a higher prevalence of celiac disease and elevation of serum antigliadin antibody (AGA) and antiendomysial antibody (AEA) in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1. But there is scant data of the prevalence of celiac disease in Iranian patients with type 1 diabetes. Material and Methods: In a prospective, case-control study, 80 consecutive patients with type 1 diabetes referred to endocrine clinic of Imam Khomeini hospital, in a two-year period, between March, 2000 and March 2001, were enrolled as cases. 80 age and sex matched nondiabetic patients, who had referred to the Clinic of Internal Medicine of the same hospital at the same period were included in control group. Blood levels of AGA-IgA and AEA-IgA were measured in all patients and patients with elevation of these antibodies underwent a duodenal biopsy. Results: From 80 patients in the case group, 3 patients (3.8%) had an elevation in both AGA and AEA, while none of the controls had elevation in either AGA or AEA. Duodenal biopsy in two of three cases who had elevated AEA and AGA revealed subtotal villous atrophy indicating celiac disease, and in the other case, changes were nonspecific. Conclusion: Prevalence of celiac disease in our study is similar to others, emphasizing the importance of screening with AGA and AEA in patients with type 1 diabetes.

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Introduction: Adrenocortical tumors (ACT) are rare in children and few reports regarding this can be found in Iranian Medical literature. Material and Methods: In this paper we present the clinical and laboratory data of 6 children with ACT who were referred either to the office of one of the authors (MSG), or to the Department of Endocrinology at Taleghani General Hospital and underwent operations there. In order to shed lighter on the secretory behavior of the tumors, a blood sample was drawn during surgery from the adrenal vein of the affected site and the hormonal values were compared with the constituents of samples drawn simultaneously from the peripheral vein. Patients were 2 boys and 4 girls. Results: 5 patients presented with virilizing manifestations including hirsutism, acne, muscle growth, clitoromegaly or increased penile size. One patient presented with acute psychosis and massive gynecomastia. 3 patients had been diagnosed as cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and were under treatment with corticosteroids. In 3 patients despite hypercortisolism having been proved, the patients didn’t have any symptoms or signs of Cushing’s syndrome. Serum testosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) were 276-695 ng/dl and 256-1790 μg/dl respectively in those who presented with virilization. In 3 patients with hypercortisolism, levels of 24-hour urinary free cortisol after dexamethasone were 31-154 μg. Hormonal evaluation of the adrenal vein revealed that testosterone, DHEA-S, estradiol, 17 OH progesterone and cortisol were directly released from the tumor and peripheral interconversion had a limited, if any role in the serum level of steroids. Ultrasound and CT Scan easily demonstrated tumors in the affected adrenal gland. Surgery was uneventful in all cases. The tumors weighed 36-103 gram. During the follow-up period, which was 3 months to 11 years (mean 5 years), no relapse was found. Conclusion: According to the results, ACT should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of all children and adolescents presenting with isosexual or heterosexual precocious puberty. Surgery is the treatment of choice and tumors weighing 100 gr or less have a favorable prognosis.

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Introduction: Nowadays with the current treatments, survival and life expectancy has increased in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and hence researchers have focused more on long term quality of life in these patients. Some of the long-term problems of ALL patients include biochemical disturbances of vitamin D and minerals, reduction in mineral content of bone and pathological fractures due to osteoporosis. The aim of the current study is to establish and compare biochemical indices of mineral and bone metabolism in ALL patients before and after chemotherapy. Material and Methods: The patient studied were children between one to ten years of age with ALL who visited the Department of Pediatric Oncology of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in two consecutive years, and received the same chemotherapy regimens. Blood samples (to measure serum calcium, phosphorous, albumin and alkaline phosphatase) as well as urine samples (for calcium and creatinine) were collected immediately after the diagnosis and before the beginning of chemotherapy. Similar samples were also collected and tested four to eight months after the completion of induction of chemotherapy. Results: Total number of 20 patients aged 8±2.4 years (50% boys and 50% girls) were studied. Average serum calcium level was 9 mg/dL before chemotherapy, and 9.4 mg/dL after it (p<0.05). Average difference of phosphorous (p>0.4) and Alkalin phosphatase (p>0.3) before and after chemotherapy were not significant. Sixty five percent of patients had hypercalciuria before chemotherapy but this proportion declined to 25%, four to eight months after completion of chemotherapy. Conclusion: It seems that disturbances of mineral and especially calcium metabolism are common in ALL patients. On the other hand, chemotherapy has not had a considerable effect in long term on indices of mineral and calcium metabolism and moreover it seems that with induction of chemotherapy, and hence, control of the disease process (after four to eight months) the above mentioned indices improve, i.e reduction of rate of hypercalciuria and significant increase in serum calcium so, the role of the disease process itself in the disturbances observed in mineral and bone metabolism is probably greater than the effect of chemotherapy.

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Introduction: Dual X ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the preferred method for bone mineral density (BMD) studies. Quantitative ultrasonography (QUS), however, has advantages in that it is less expensive, portable and does not expose the individual to radiation. These advantages have suggested a role for QUS in screening studies. In this study, we tried to determine cutoff values for this method. Materials and Methods: 420 menopausal women were recruited. BMD values were determined with both QUS and DXA methods. T scores were calculated and the relation between the two T-scores measured in each participants were assessed. The agreement between the two T-scores calculated by the QUS and DXA was assessed by Kappa test in lumbar and femoral neck regions. Results: Kappa scores as measure of agreement between T-scores measured by QUS and DXA, were 0.31 for lumbar region and 0.5 for femoral neck region. Score -1 was determined as the cutoff point for calcaneus bone QUS studies. Conclusions: Determination of a cutoff point for QUS, obviates performing unnecessary DXA and provide the opportunity for large scale studies.

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Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. Blood cholesterol, the most important predictor of heart attacks, may increase through childhood and its level in this period is correlated with that in adulthood. This study aimed to assess blood lipid profile and its relationship to dietary intake and socio-economic factors in high school adolescent girls in Tabriz. Materials and Methods: 232 female high school students were selected through stratified random sampling in the city of Tabriz. Demographic and socio-economic status were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and dietary intake data was obtained using a 24-hour recall and two day diet records. From each subject, a 4cc sample of fasting venous blood was drawn. Serum lipids were measured by enzymatic method. Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Results: Mean±standard deviation of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C and HDL-C were 94.99±42.5, 158.07±42.74, 103.45±40.95 and 36.23±10.51 mg/dL, respectively. Prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia (TG≥200 mg/dL) in these samples was low (less than 3 percent), while hypercholesterolemia (TC≥200 mg/dL), high LDL-C (LDL-C≥130 mg/dL), and low HDL-C (HDL-C≤35 mg/dL) were seen in 16.4%, 21.1% and 54.7%, respectively. No associations were observed between dietary intake, socio-economic status and serum lipid levels in the samples. However, a significant correlation was observed between BMI and TG (r= 0.23, P= 0.01), TC (r= 0.29, P= 0.01) and LDL-C (r= 0.22, P= 0.01). Conclusion: High prevalence of overweight and hyperlipidemia in the studied adolescents, emphasizes the need for monitoring and intervention to decrease and control serum lipids in this group. Body mass index is the most important factor that correlates with increase in blood lipids in the studied sample.

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Introduction: Diabetes a major threat fo public health today and deaths resulting from its later complications such as diabetic foot, have increased alarmingly, causing physical and emotional problems and disability for diabetic patients. The current strategy for prevention of diabetic foot prevention is health education. This study was conducted to assess effects of educational interventions based on the HBM model used in food care by type 2 diabtetic patients. Materials and Methods: This is an interventional study in which 108 type 2 diabetic patients attending the the Kermanshah diabetic centre participated. They were randomly divided into the case and control groups. For data collection by interview a questionnaire consisting of 59 questions arranged in 5 sections including the demographic HBM model parts (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers) and also cues of action foot care at home (self-reporting) and the checklist section was used. Realibility and validity of this questionnaire was confirmed before the study. Educational interventions based on HBM model were implemented in three 60 minute-sessions after completion of questionnaires and the data was again collected after one month. Results: Findings showed means for knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, mean grades were at average levels and whereas the foot care mean grade was below average. After intervention, however, the results demonstrated that knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, action and checklist mean grades in type 2 diabetic patients increased significantly in the case group. Discussion: The findings of this study showed that foot care increased when knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, elevated. These study results confirm the effectiveness and influence of the use of the HBM model in foot care by type 2 diabetic patients.

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Introduction: Obesity in children is a major health problem and parents can play an important role in its prevention and treatment. However, some parents are unaware of the problem and believing that their obese children are healthy do not participate in any related preventive or educational programs.The aim of this study is to assess parental perception of obesity in children aged 6-12 years and to evaluate the effect of education could have on this. Materials and Methods: This study has been conducted in two stages (stage 1, descriptive and second stage, experimental). Weight, length, and body mass index were calculated in children aged 6-12 years. Then 300 children with BMIs higher than those standard for sex and age were selected as obese. Questionnaires for each child were completed by one of the parents. Parents that believed their obese children were not overweight, were divided into two groups, randomly. One group was educated about obesity during four, 2-hour sessions whereas the other group were not. After two months, questionnaires were completed by both groups and compared. Results: Findings of the study showed 41/3% obese children are girls and 58/7% are boys. Among parents of obese children, 23/3% believed that their obese children were not overweight and after education, 94/3% became aware of their child’s obesity and overweight. In this study, there was no relationship between the mother’s job or the child’s sex and the mother’s perception. Conclusion: Present beliefs of parents regarding obesity and overweight in children need to be assessed in communities and educational programs conducted if necessary.

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Introduction: Diabetes causes hypertension in most diabetic patients. Pomegranate juice is known to have antioxidant and antiatherosclerotic properties the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of pomegranate juice consumption on blood pressure of type 2 diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: In 1384, in a randomized clinical trial study, 61 diabetic patients (54.9±8.4 years old), attending the Special Diabetic Affairs Foundation and the Iranian Diabetic Society, were recruited, and were randomly allocated to either the pomegranate juice consumption or the control group. Patients in the pomegranate juice group consumed 200ml of pomegranate juice (sugar or additives free) daily for six weeks. The questionnaires for general characteristics, semi-quantitative food frequency and 24-hour food recall were completed by interview. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements, including weight and height, were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. SPSS software was used for data analysis and Paired T-test, Independent T-test, Covariance analysis and Chi Square test were conducted. Results: The mean body mass index, nutrients and fiber intake, drug intake and physical activity of patients did not change during the study. In the pomegranate juice consumption group, the mean systolic blood pressure (P< 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (P< 0.05) were significantly decreased compared with baseline. The mean systolic blood pressure (P< 0.02) and diastolic blood pressure (P< 0.03) were significantly different between the pomegranate and control groups after intervention. Conclusion: Considering the positive effect of pomegranate juice consumption in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure in diabetic type 2 patients it may be recommended for hypertension prevention in these patients.

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Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a main public health problem worldwide and obese individuals are at high risk for developing micronutrient deficiencies. One of these micronutrients is magnesium, which is a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes in the body. The aim of this study was to investigate serum magnesium concentration and its relationship with body composition in obese and non obese women. Material and methods: Eighty-two reproductive age women (42 obese women and 40 non obese women) participated in this study. Body composition was analyzed by HUMAN – IMPLUS. Serum calcium, magnesium and phosphorous levels were measured colorimetricaly and serum alkaline phosphatase was measured by enzymatic method. Results: Basal concentration of serum magnesium in obese women was significantly lower than in non obese women(P<0.05). There was a significant negative relationship between serum magnesium and BMI, kilograms of body fat, body fat percent and waist circumference and a significant positive relationship between serum magnesium and percent of fat free mass however, this was not shown for obese and non obese women separately. Prevalence of magnesium deficiency was not significantly different between two groups. Conclusion: Obese women have lower serum magnesium than non obese women. Hence these individuals need to improve their dietary magnesium intake.

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Abstract

Introduction: There are evidences suggesting associations between serum Cu, Zn/Cu, Fe and ferritin and hyperlipidemia. Considering the increasing prevalence of hyperlipidemia, the objective of this study was to determine and compare serum Zn, Zn/Cu, Fe and ferritin status in normo- and hyperlipidemic men. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated 96 adult men divided into three groups (32 persons in each group) according to their lipid profiles (hypercholestrolemic, hypercholestrolemic+hypertriglyceridemic, normolipidemic). For all subjects, 10cc samples of fasting venous blood samples were obtained. Serum lipids and iron were measured using the enzymatic method. Serum levels of copper and zinc were measured by atomic absorption spec, and ferritin by Elisa. Dietary intakes were estimated using a 24-hr recall and 2 days dietary records. Dietary data were analyzed using the food processor ΙΙ software. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results: Iron intake was considerably higher in the hypercholestrolemic + hypertriglyceridemic group, compared to normolipidemic subjects (28.9±1.6 mg vs 23.2±1.8 mg, p<0.05). Iron serum levels in the hypercholesterolemic (99.3±2.9µg/dL) and hypercholestrolemic + hypertriglyceridemic (122±5.8 µg/dL) groups were significantly higher than healthy males (85±9.3 µg/dL) (p<0.05). There were no differences between the other variables among study groups. Conclusion: Considering the changes of iron status in the hyperlipidemic group in this study, it is recommended that serum and dietary status of iron shoud be evaluated in these individuals.

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Introduction: Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance that is widely consumed in a variety of forms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of caffeine on blood pressure in overweight men during exercise and at rest. Materials and Methods: In double-blind randomly designed study, six men (BMI 29.55±1.22 kg/m2, age 22.50±0.83 yr, height 174±9.12cm, weight 89.31±8.85kg, body fat percent 26.38±3.62) with sedentary lifestyles, performed 30 minutes running on treadmill at similar exercise intensities (60% VO2max), 1 hour after taking caffeine (5 mg/kg body weight) or placebo. Heart rate was recorded during exercise, and blood pressure (BP) was measured before and 1 hour after taking caffeine and immediately after exercise, and data analysis was conducted using student' t-test. Result: Results indicated that systolic and diastolic BP and mean arterial pressure significantly elevated following caffeine intake at rest, but no significant differences were observed after exercise no significant differences were observed between caffeine and placebo in heart rate during exercise. Conclusion: The findings indicate that caffeine at this dosage level alters cardiovascular dynamics by augmenting arterial blood pressure in moderately obese men at rest. However, it seems that taking caffeine before exercise does not cause abnormal elvations in blood pressure in moderately obese men.

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Abstract

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is complex of metabolic disorders that correlates with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed at investigating the effect of processed Berberis vulgaris (B.vulgaris) on some metabolic syndrome components. Materials and Methods: Participants, type2 diabetics, were recruited in a randomized controlled clinical trial (n = 57) and randomly assigned into three groups: 1) processed B.vulgaris (n =19), 2) apple vinegar group (n =19) and 3) control group (n =19). Height, weight, serum total cholesterol, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline and at the end of the 8th week and BMI, total/HDL-cholesterol ratio and insulin resistance were estimated. Results: Processed B.vulgaris group showed no significant effects on BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose concentrations, whereas LDL-cholesterol concentration (22.48±35.44mg/dl) and total/HDL-cholesterol ratio (2.56±4.87) significantly decreased and HDL-cholesterol concentration (12.33±20.58mg/dl) increased (P<0.05). No significant effect on lipid profiles was found in the apple vinegar group. Increased insulin concentration and insulin resistance was observed in all of these groups (P<0.001), independent of processed B.vulgaris and apple vinegar effects. Conclusion: Findings of the present study showed the beneficial effects of processed B.vulgaris on certain atherosclerosis risk factors.

 

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Abstract

Introduction: The role of breast-feeding in protection against childhood acute leukemia is uncertain. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that breast-feeding decreases the risk of 300 patients we investigated childhood acute leukemia. Materials and Methods: In a case control study, we inrestigated 300 patients, aged 2±13 years, with acute leukemia, as well as 300 controls, individually matched for age and sex. Information regarding breast-feeding was obtained through face to face interviews with mothers. Results: Findings showed that there was a significant relationship between duration of breast-feeding and childhood acute leukemia (P<0. 001). Breast-feeding of less than 1-months durations, when compared with feeding of longer durations 19-24 months was associated with increased risk of childhood acute leukemia (OR=3. 54). Conclusion: In this study, breast-feeding was associated with a reduced risk of childhood acute leukemia. Our findings suggest that future epidemiologic and experimental efforts should be directed at investigating the relationship between breast-feeding duration and all malignancies among children.

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Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of active recovery (AR) vs passive recovery (PR) on serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10 and Creatine Kinase (CK) after eccentric strenuous exercise. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight female students of physical education participated in this study, age (23.8±1.99) years, height 164.03±5.61 cm, weight 58.21 (8.23) kg and fat percent 27.18 (4.86)]. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups and completed a set of strenuous workouts, including a 30 min of treadmill downhill running (-5% grade) at 80-85% of Maximal Heart Rate (MHR), followed by AR for 15 min at 50-60% of MHR, or complete rest in the seated position (PR). Blood samples were collected pre- and post exercise, and after recovery in order to measure the levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and CK. Results: Both the AR & PR groups showed increase in the levels of serum cytokines after exercise and recovery, except IL-10 that decreased after exercise. IL-6 levels after recovery were higher in AR. Also, there were significant differences between the two groups after recovery in IL-8 and IL-10. Conclusion: The results show no significant differences in the levels of IL-6 in either group. It also seems that the post exercise increase in the levels of circulating cytokines is not due to the muscle damage, in spite of the increase in CK indicating that the increase of cytokines after AR is probably because of their anti-inflammatory effects.

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Abstract Introduction: Most population based studies confirm that hypertension increases an individual’s risk of various cardiovascular consequences approximately two or three fold. The purpose of this study was to compare of the effect of aerobic training with diet and diet on cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure in overweight and obese women with hypertension (stage one). Materials and Methods: Twenty-one female volunteers, with stage one hypertension were selected, and after completion of questionnaires, were randomly divided into two groups a) aerobic training with diet group (n=11) and b) diet group (n=10). The first group participated in weekly group sessions for instructions on just weight loss (low calorie diet) with exercise. The second group participated in weekly group sessions for instructions on weight loss (low calorie diet). Blood pressure, anthropometric characteristics, metabolic and hormonal profiles and VO2peak were measured in the first, 8th and 16th sessions. Data were analyzed by GLM-Repeated Measures at a significance level of P<0/05. Results: Both groups showed a significant reduction in weight, BMI, body fat percent, mean arterial and systolic blood pressure and an increase in VO2max. Only the first group (aerobic training with diet group) showed a significant decrease in waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol and an increase in renin levels. Conclusion: Results indicate the combined program (aerobic training with diet) is more effective in lowering blood pressure and provides cardiovascular improvements in overweight/obese women who have stage one hypertension.

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Abstract

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is a denomination that encompasses clinical and pathological spectrums, ranging from simple steatosis to Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis and cirrhosis. Considering the importance of obesity as a risk factor of this disease and oxidative stress, as an effective factor in pathogenesis, coupled with inflamation and its progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, this study was conducted to investigate the rate of overweight and obesity and oxidative stress status in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 50 NAFLD patients and 48 healthy controls were enrolled. Antropometric measurements were taken, according to standard protocol. Serum hepatic enzymes, lipid profile and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined by the auto analyzer and Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured by the feluorimetry method. Data was analyzed by SPSS (version 11.5), and statistical tests such as T-test and Chi-square were used. Correlations were performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: Mean BMI was significantly higher in NAFLD patients, compared to controls. There was no significant difference between the two groups in relation to mean serum levels of MDA (p=0.1). In contrast, the mean serum levels of TAC was significantly lower in patients than in controls (p=0.02). Conclusion: Based on this study, combating overweight and obesity seems to be a preventive strategy for healthy people, thereby forestalling the progression of this disease. Furthermore, considering the lower level of TAC in NAFLD patients, the use of antioxidant-rich foods and supplements can be therapeutically valuable.

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Introduction: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow are multi potent cells that have the capacity to trans-differentiate into a variety of cell types including insulin islet cells. However the efficiency is low. The aim of this study is to explore the potential of Marrow and Umbilical cord vein MSC to differentiate into functional islet like cells in vitro. Materials and Methods: BM-MSCs and UC-MSCs were obtained from healthy donors and were cultured. MSCs with high CD90, CD73, CD105, CD44 and very low CD34 and CD45 expression were differentiated into Islet-like cells, under defined conditions. Insulin and c-peptide positive cells were evaluated with immune-florescence and insulin release after glucose challenge was tested by ELISA. QRT-PCR was done to detect expression of insulin, Glut2, Nkx6.1 and Nkx2.2 at mRNA level. Results:  Our results showed that only BM-MSC can be differentiated to insulin secreting cells. About 15.8%±2.6 and 13.5%±5.5 of cells were positive for insulin and c-peptide, respectively. Our results revealed that expression of Insulin and Glut2 upregulated 20 fold changes at mRNA level. However they were not functional when treated by different concentration of glucose. Conclusion: Our results showed that only Human BM-MSCs, compared to umbilical cord vein MSCs, are able to differentiate into insulin producing cells in vitro.

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Introduction: Investigating problems of the elderly, as they age is very important, since any chronic disease can affect their quality of life. Diabetes is one of the diseases that affects the physical, mental and social aspects of such individuals. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on elderly diabetic residents of the Kahrizak Geriatric Nursing Home during 2011. A total of 93 individuals, selected randomly, completed demographic and the World Health Organization quality of life questionnaires. Data were analyzed by SPSS16 software, using t-test and ANOVA. Results: In this study, 34 men and 59 women, average age 74.2±8 years, were evaluated in different domains of quality of life. Based on data analysis, men earned higher scores in the physical domain (P=0.017). Social domain had a significant (P=0.009) relationship with marital status and married individuals had higher scores. There was a significant correlation between the income and quality of life in the mental domain (P=0.035), but no significant relationship was found between educational status and quality of life. Conclusion: The increasing rate of elderly diabetic populations among geriatrics groups, indicates the urgent need for strategic planning of interventions aimed at improving of environmental, social, physical and mental status of these age groups.

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Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low and high intensity aerobic exercises on energy intake, appetite and energy-regulating hormones. Materials and Methods: Sixteen sedentary women (age 22.50±1.46 yr, height 160±4.30 cm, weight 57.83±4.25 kg, fat percent 28.26±1.79) were randomly divided into two groups, of low (55% MHRR for 45 min/day) and high (75% MHRR for 30 min/day) intensity. All subjects participated in two experimental durations, two days apart five days control with no exercise, and five days exercise. Subjects dietary intakes were recorded using a food diary and self-weighed intakes during each of the five days. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was completed at each morning in a fasted state. Levels of acylated ghrelin, insulin, leptin, and glucose were measured in the morning on the 6th day in fasting status after control and exercise conditions. Results: No significant changes were found in absolute and relative energy intakes, level of acylated ghrelin and leptin between the two durations (p>0.05). However, insulin concentration reduced significantly after the exercise duration in the low-intensity exercise group (p=0.007). Also, the desire to eat (p=0.02) and prospective food consumption (p=0.03) increased significantly during exercise days in the high-intensity exercise group. Exercise-induced energy deficits were compensated by 23% and 14% in low and high-intensity exercise groups respectively. Conclusion: Five consecutive days exercise with low and high intensities do not create a negative energy balance and it is recommended that women need to increase energy expenditure and decrease energy intake concurrently for weight control.

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Introduction: Acute and chronic hypoxia influence blood glucose levels and decrease body weight. Ghrelin increases appetite and body weight and regulates energy metabolism and also glucose homeostasis. Therefore, in the present study the effects of ghrelin administration on blood glucose, body weight, food intake and hematocrit were investigated in a model of systemic normobaric acute and chronic hypoxia in adult male rats. Materials and methods: Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups [acute control + saline, chronic control + saline, acute or chronic hypoxia + saline, acute or chronic hypoxia + ghrelin (80 µg/kg/day, ip)]. Control groups remained in room air (21% O2) and hypoxia (11% O2) induced by a normobaric hypoxic chamber for two days (acute) or ten days (chronic). Blood glucose levels, body weight, food intake and hematocrit were assessed. Results: Chronic hypoxia caused a significant (P<0.001) decrease in blood glucose levels. Administration of ghrelin increased blood glucose levels significantly in acute (P<0.05) and chronic (P<0.01) hypoxia. Body weight decreased (P<0.001) in both acute and chronic hypoxic groups. Administration of ghrelin could (P<0.001) prevent decrease in body weight in chronic hypoxia group. Acute and chronic (P<0.001) hypoxia significantly decreased food intake. Ghrelin however increased food intake in both the acute (P<0.001) and chronic (P<0.05) hypoxia groups. Acute (P<0.01) and chronic (P<0.001) hypoxia also increased hematocrit. Conclusion: Ghrelin administration is useful in modulating blood glucose, body weight and food intake in hypoxic situations.