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Introduction: Diabetes is an important public health problem resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality and naturally, significant medical costs. This study was performed to determine the direct and indirect medical costs attributable to type 2 diabetes and calculate total and per capita expenditures of type 2 diabetic patients in Isfahan- Iran in 1998. Materials and methods: Consistent with prior cost-of- illness studies, direct medical expenditures were estimated after calculating the cost imposed by diabetes-related chronic complications and general medical conditions in people with type 2 diabetes and multiplying the results by their corresponding disease- related etiologic fraction. Indirect costs were estimated after calculating the value of productivity lost due to work loss, restricted activity and bed days, disability and premature death. Results: Direct medical expenditures and indirect costs attrtibutable to type 2 diabetes in 22349 patients in Isfahan (1998) totalled about 8.998 and 167 billion rials respectively, resulting in total economic costs of about 176.4 billion rials or 7893868.3 rials per capita. Taking into account the 1.2 million type 2 diabetic patients living in Iran, the total expenditures attributable to type 2 diabetes were estimated to be 6472.6 billion rials in the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1998. Conclusions: The economic burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Islamic Republic of Iran is enormous. It is necessary to pay more attention to medical interventions that can delay the onset and slow the progression of diabetes and its complications in order to improve the patient’s quality of life and mitigate the burden of associated expenses.

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Introduction: Hypothyroidism is one of the preventable causes of mental retardation, which according to its clinical manifestations within the neonatal period, can be diagnosed in only fewer than 10% of cases. Delayed diagnosis results in irreversible cerebro-auditory complications unless the problem is diagnosed by screening programs. Materials and Methods: From May to December 2002, T4 and TSH concentrations of 20,000 serum samples obtained from newborns on 3rd-7th day of birth, born in seventeen hospitals throughout Isfahan were measured by RIA and IRMA, respectively. The newborns with abnormal screening results (TSH> 20 mIU/L, T4<6.5 μg/dL and based on the weight) were re-examined. Newborns with TSH >10mIU/L and T4<6.5 μg/dL on the second measurement were considered to be hypothyroid so treatment was begun. After performing complementary tests, the hypothyroid patients received replacement therapy with levothyroxine. Results: From 20,000 neonates that were examined, 531 were recalled (Recall rate = 2.65%) and 54 newborns were diagnosed as hypothyroid. The prevalence of neonatal hypothyroidism was estimated to be 1/370. Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of the disease in the population, the necessity of routine neonatal screening programs is underscored.

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Introduction: Considering the higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disorders in iodine replete areas and implementation of an adequate and sustainable IDD control program in Iran, this study was performed to investigate and compare the prevalence of antithyroperoxidase (TPO-Ab) and antithyroglobuline (Tg-Ab) autoantibodies among a control group and patients with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and simple goiter. Materials and Methods: Serum T4, T3, TSH, TPO-Ab and Tg-Ab were measured in 1019 females, 20-50 years old, with and without thyroid dysfunction (control group=130, hypothyroid=379, hyperthyroid=195, simple goiter=315). The results were analyzed using t-test, Chi-square and ANOVA statistical methods.Results: In the control group, 67.7% were found to be negative for autoantibodies, as compared to 45.5%, 35.5%, and 17.4% of patients with simple goiter, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, respectively ( P= 0.000001). The difference observed in the prevalence of TPO-Ab among the 4 groups was significant ( P=0.00001) and the highest prevalence was observed in hyperthyroid cases. The difference in the prevalence of TgAb and both TgAb and TPOAb between the 4 groups was not significant (P>0.05), but the means of TPOAb and TgAb in these groups differed significantly (P=0.00001). In patients with simple goiter and hypothyroidism, the prevalence of autoantibodies increased with age ( P<0.0001). Conclusion: The higher prevalence of TPO-Ab among patients with thyroid dysfunction confirms the pathogenic role of TPO-Ab in autoimmune and non-autoimmune thyroid disorders, although the role of Tg-Ab cannot be ignored.

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Introduction: Elevated level of serum homocysteine, as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, has been reported in hypothyroid patients. Considering the effect of levothyroxine on lowering homocysteine levels in these patients, and the fundamental role of folate in the metabolic cycle of homocysteine, this study was performed to compare the level of homocysteine in patients with hypothyroidism following treatment either with levothyroxine alone or in combination with folic acid. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial study, 60 hypothyroid patients were randomly divided into two groups (n=30 each), and both were treated with 50-100 ‌µg of levothyroxine, with conjunction of an additional 1 mg folic acid (cases) or placebo (controls). The level of fasting homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 was measured and compared in all participants at the beginning of the study and after TSH levels were normalized. Results: The level of homocysteine in the case group was decreased from 15.77±6.33 µmol/L to 10.8±3.54 µmol/L (p<0.001), and was also decreased in the control group from 15.69±6.4 µmol/L to 13.9±6 µmol/L (p=0.03). The difference in the mean serum homocysteine level between 2 groups was statistically significant at the end of the study (p=0.0165). Conclusion: Although the level of homocysteine was decreased in both groups, it was lowered to a greater extent in the group who received levothyroxine and folic acid. It seems that using folic acid in conjunction with levothyroxine can lower the potential harmful effects of homocysteine, which may even be exerted over a short-time period more efficiently.

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Introduction: There is some evidence suggesting a probable beneficial effect of calcium intake on serum lipid profile. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 1000 mg calcium supplementation for 30 days on serum lipid profiles in overweight or obese women. Materials and methods: A double blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in 44 overweight or obese adult women (Body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, age: 25±6 years) randomly assigned to the calcium (receiving 1000 mg elemental calcium per day) or the placebo group. Serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins including triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, ApoA-I and Apo B were obtained at baseline and after the intervention period. Freidwald equation was used to calculate LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol was calculated from TG divided by 5. Dietary calcium and energy intake were estimated using 24 hour recall for 3 days. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 9). P values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Result: No significant differences were observed in dietary, anthropometric and serum variables between the two groups at the baseline. Although all serum total-, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides tended to increase in both study groups, total cholesterol elevation was only significant in the placebo group (p=0.01), and triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol only showed significant increase in the calcium group (p=0.03). LDL cholesterol elevation was significant in both groups (p<0.05) HDL cholesterol decreased significantly in both groups (p<0.01). Apolipoproteins did not change significantly in the study groups. No significant differences were observed in serum variables between groups after intervention. Conclusion: In the present study short term calcium supplementation in overweight or obese women’s showed no beneficial effect on lipid profiles. Because of the limited studies available, further studies are recommended.

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Introduction: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a rare autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disorder. The main clinical manifestations of hyperhomocysteinemia include mental retardation, psychological disturbance, thromboembolic events and skeletal abnormalities. The case reported here is of a 28 year-old man admitted in hospital with recurrent seizures. In the brain MRI, areas of venous infarction were seen and MRA revealed thrombosis in brain venous sinuses. Lab investigation showed increases in serum level of homocystein and protein C deficiency. The patient had no family history of genetic disease or cerebrovascular attack. As sinus thrombosis is a multifactorial disease, Protein C deficiency can be one of aggravating causes of thromboembolic events in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia.

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Introduction:In spite of iodine fortification programs, goiter is still hyperendemic in Semirom, a mountainous region in the central part of Iran. This study was conducted to assess whether iron deficiency could be responsible for the high prevalence of goiter in this region. Materials and Methods: A total of 1828 schoolchildren, aged 7-13 years, were evaluated for presence of goiter, and 220 cases were randomly selected. Urine and serum samples were collected from these children and assayed for urinary iodine concentraton (UIC) and serum ferritin, iron, thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. Results: In the 1828 children evaluated, 670 cases (36.7%) were goitrous, with goiters of grade 1 or 2. The mean UIC in children was 19.3±9.1 µg/dl. Mild (UIC <10 µg/dl) and moderate (UIC <5 µg/dl) iodine deficiency was detected in 6.4% and 3.2% of cases, respectively. Only 1.8% of children were severly iodine deficient (UIC <2 µg/dl). The median serum ferritin concentration was 26.6 ng/ml (95% CI: 24.2-28.9), and 11 cases (5%) had serum ferritin concentrations less than 20 ng/ml. Goiter rate was 48.3% and 50.3% in children with low and normal serum ferritin levels, respectively (P=NS). Conclusion: It seems that factors other than iodine and iron deficiency may, at least partly, be responsible for the high prevalence of goiter in the area studied. Further investigations for evaluating other micronutrient deficiencies and autoimmunity in goitrous children would contribute to the planning more effective goiter control programs.

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Introduction: Studies show that the plaus a role hormone oxytocin in the control of pain, sexual behavior, anxiety and love. The mechanism of this neuropeptide is not completely understood in the CNS. This study aimed at researching the effect of oxytoxin administered in the locus coeruleus (LC) nucleus on pain and its interaction with opioid system, because LC influences the nociception and also contains oxytocin and opioid receptors. Materials and Methods: Male wistar rats weighing 270±20 grams were used. Animals divided to the in control group, receiving only oxytocin (3nmol/2µl) and the group receiving oxytocin (3nmol/2µl) with naloxone as an opioid receptor antagonist (3nmol/1µl) in LC nucleus. Hot plate and tail flick tests were used for pain response evaluations. Results: Oxytocin injection in locus coeruleus nucleus induced analgesic effect significantly in two analgesiometer tests (p<0.001). Naloxone prevented the analgesic effect of oxytocin significantly (Hot plate p<0.001, Tail flick p<0.05). Conclusion: Oxytocin exerts part of its antinociception effect via LC nucleus and probably by excitation of the opioid system because of the inhibiting effect of naloxone.

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Introduction: There are limited studies concerning the prevalence of gestational diabetes (GDM) in Iran. This study was performed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for GDM in Isfahan, and to compare the results of selective and universal GDM screening methods. Materials and Methods: In a cross – sectional study conducted between June 2003 and March 2005, GDM universal screening (based on the Carpenter and Coustan criteria) was done for pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, referred to the Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center 1112 pregnant women with no history of diabetes underwent 50 gr glucose challenge test (GCT). Cases with blood sugar ≥ 130 mg/dL were considered positive and underwent a 3-hour, 100 gr glucose tolerance test (OGTT) this was also done randomly in some of negative GCT cases. Results: OGTT was performed in 245 GCT – positive cases and 130 women with negative G.C.T, GDM was diagnosed in 67 and 6 women respectively, showing a total prevalence of 6.76% for GDM. Of all pregnant women, 23.2% were classified as a low-risk group, including only 2 diagnosed cases of GDM (2.7% of all GDM cases). Among risk factors, only age, pre–pregnancy BMI and gravidity were significantly correlated with GDM. Conclusion: There is a moderate prevalence of GDM in Isfahan a selective GDM screening method seems to be more appropriate for this community.

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Abstract Introduction: Current evidence suggests that stressful experiences may affect both onset and exacerbation of type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between the number of stressful life events and prevalence of glucose metabolism disorders (IGT, Diabetes) Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 35-55 year old first degree relatives of type 2 diabetics without history of diabetes were included. Questionaires of stressful life events, physical activity and basic chacteristics were completed. Waist and hip circumference was also measured and OGTT was performed in all patients. Results: Of 477 participants, 288, 146 and 43 were normal, IGT and diabetics respectively the mean number of stressful events for these groups was 3.15,3.55,3.91 (P=0.016), respectively. The prevalence of glucose metabolism disorders was 26.8 in those who reported no stress and 41.5% in participants with stressful events (p=0.03). The prevalence of diabetes was 25.6% vs. 3.2% in subjects with 8 or more stressful events in comparison to subjects with less than 8 stressful events. Conclusion: Considering the probable contribution of stress in the development of diabetes, it is suggested to evaluate the relationship between stress and diabetes as well as the role of education on coping with stress in diabetes prevention, specially in high risk groups, in a more precise manner.

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Abstract Introduction: There is no convincing evidence about the role of vitamin C in preventing exercise induced oxidative stress. The aim of this double blind randomized controlled trial was to determine the effect of vitamin C supplementation on oxidative stress, following 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise. Material and methods: Forty-nine healthy, young female university students were randomly assigned into the 500 mg/day vitamin C supplement (n=25) and the placebo (n=24) groups for two weeks. Before supplementation and on the day after the intervention period, fasting blood samples were taken. Then all participants ran (5-6 km/h) for 30 minutes. A third set blood samples were taken at the end of exercise. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and vitamin C were measured with the HPLC method. Plasma total glutathione was measured with the glutathione assay kit. Results: No significant differences were observed in the demographics, vitamin C intakes before intervention between groups at baseline. Plasma MDA levels decreased and plasma total glutathione increased significantly in both groups. No significant differences were observed between groups after exercise. There were significant differences in plasma vitamin C concentrations after intervention and exercise between groups. Conclusion: Vitamin C supplementation (500 mg/day) for two weeks does not affect oxidative stress markers following moderate intensity exercise in healthy young women.

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Introduction: Considering the influence of geographical, genetic and ethnic factors on the prevalence of thyroid pathological lesions, this study was performed to assess the prevalence of pathological lesions in thyroid autopsic samples obtained from adult cadavers of Isfahan Forensic Medical Center. Material and Methods: In this study, 202 thyroid glands from cadavers with no evidence of thyroid diseases, removed during autopsies at Isfahan Forensic Medicine Center, were analyzed. After gross studies, thyroid glands were fixed in 5% formalin for 72 hrs, and then 3-6 sections were obtaind from each gland. Tissue sections were microscopically studied by two pathologists for histopathological lesions. Results: Among 202 thyroid glands (removed from 159 males and 43 famales), 131(64.85%) were histopathologically normal, and goiter (nodular, and diffuse), Hashimoto's thyroiditis, lymphocytic thyroiditis, follicular adenoma and papillary carcinoma were observed in 41 (20.3%), 10 (4.95%), 12 (5.94%), 2 (1.49%) and 12 (5.94%) of the thyroid glands, respectively. Twenty-six glands (12.23%) had nodules sized ≤ 1cm, which included 7 cases of occult papillary carcinoma (papillary micro carcinoma) and the prevalence was significantly different by sex (P<0.05). Conclusion: Clinically-normal thyroid glands may contain major pathological lesions when they are microscopically studied. Considering the high prevalence of thyroid malignancy and occult carcinoma in Isfahan County compared to other parts of the world, more attention should be paid even to the minor findings during clinical examination of thyroid gland.

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Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity causes changes in hematological parameters in athletes which finally result in cessation off their exercises, an issue that should be given attention. There is limited data avaliable about the effects of protein supplements, containing amino acids and other useful substances, on hematological parameters of resistance to exercise in athletes. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of whey protein supplementation, after resistance to exercise in healthy athletes. Material and Methods: In this clinical trial, changes of hematological parameters were studied after one month exercise training and whey protein supplementation in 32 healthy volunteers (16 treated cases 16 controls placeboes). Each day, whey protein supplement( 6.6 g/day) and placebo(same dose, starch) were consumed between meals, by with the volunteers. Every one exercised with 80% 1RM, basically on stationary circuit principal, for one hour a day, five days a week. Before and after beginning of study, fasting blood specimens were taken and WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, PLT and percent of white blood cells were measured separately. Statistical analyses were carried out using Student t- test and paired t-test (SPSS version 15). Results: Levels of WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, PLT, MCHC in two groups significantly (P<0.05) decreased, but there was no difference between two groups. MCV increased in the groups, but again there was no difference between them. MCH and percent of lymphocytes were unchanged in both groups. In the supplement group, the percentages of the neutrophils and other white blood cells showed no significant changes, but in the placebo group, there were significantly increased and decreased, respectively. However there was no significant difference between the two groups in the percentage of white blood cells, separately. Conclusion: The present study showed that one month of Whey protein supplementation with 6.6 g/day is ineffective on hematological parameters changes after resistance to exercise. Further studies, with different dosages and longer periods of time are recommended.

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Abstract

Introduction: Autoimmune diseases are caused by immune systems reacting against self antigens. One important feature of autoimmune diseases is the tendency for overlap, such that an individual with a specific syndrome is more likely to simultaneously develop a second syndrome. Autoimmune thyroid disorders are frequently associated with autoimmune diseases of other organs such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of thyroid disorders in patients with RA or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Materials & Methods: In this case-control study, 200 patients with diagnoses of RA or SLE, referred to the rheumatology clinic of Shahid Mohammadi hospital (Bandar abbas- Iran) between May 2004 and December 2006 and following thyroid investigations were categorized in 3 groups (T3, T4, TSH, Anti TPO, and Anti TG)  57 patients with RA, 59 patients with SLE and 66 patients with mechanical low back pain or osteoarthritis as controls. Results: Sub clinical hypothyroidism was more frequent in the RA (10.7%) and SLE (10.2%) groups than in controls (0%) (P<0.05). Clinical hypothyroidism was found in 8% of RA patients & 15.2% of SLE patients. None of the controls had clinical hypothyroidism (P<0.02). Hyperthyroidism (Graves disease) was found in only 1 patient with RA (1.13%) (P>0.05). Anti TG & Anti TPO were found more frequently in RA and SLE cases than in controls.�Conclusion: Autoimmune thyroid disorders are more frequent in patients with RA and SLE than in controls.

 

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Abstract Introduction: Leptin, a protein with a cytokine-like helical structure and molecular weight of 16 KDa, regulates the body weight and homeostasis of the energy in the body. Adiponectin has protective and special metabolic effects as well as anti-inflammatory ones, and the adiponectin level in human blood has an inverse ratio relation with the insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to compare levels of leptin and adiponectin, and related hormones in the serum of obese children and adolescents. Materials and Methods: Sixty obese subjects were divided into two groups of 30 children and 30 adolescents. Anthropometric characteristics were recorded and adiponectin and leptin testosterone, growth, insulin, and cortisol hormones were measured in a fasting state in all subjects. Results: The serum levels of leptin (101%), adiponectin (98%) and cortisol hormone (38.62%) were significantly higher in children than in adolescents (p<0/05). When leptin and adiponectin were adjusted to body fat mass, the same results were observed. Serum levels of testosterone (82.58%), insulin (34.47%) and growth hormone (36.36%) were significantly higher in adolescents than in children (p<0/05). The ratio of leptin to adiponectin had no significant difference among children and adolescents. Conclusion: Levels of leptin and adiponectin are higher in children than in adolescents.

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Introduction: Recent data shows that retinoic acid (RA) signaling is required for early pancreatic development in animals, whereas the effects of exogenous All-trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) on gestation day (GD) 10 in later development have not been well documented. Materials and Methods: In this experimental interventional study, female rats, were randomly divided into two groups (experimental and control, n=5 each). Animals in the experimental group received single dose (100 mg /kg) of ATRA orally on GD 10 and fetuses were observed on GD 18.The fetus pancreas (from both the experimental and control groups each n=24) were processed for staining and followed by measuring the accumulation of pancreatic acinus and pancreatic ductile associated with the islets of langerhans. In addition, the mean diameter of pancreatic acinus, acinar cells and related nucleus were measured. Statistical analysis was done by student t-test, P value<0.05 being considered significant. Results: In the experimental embryos on GD 18, the mean accumulation of pancreatic acinus (23.5%), and pancreatic ductile, associated with the islets of langerhans (76%) per field were increased. There was a significant difference in accumulation of pancreatic acinus (P< 0.0001) and pancreatic ductile, associated with the islets of langerhans (P< 0.0001), between the groups in this regard. The mean diameter of pancreatic acinus and the related nucleus were compared in the two groups, and results showed significant (P< 0.0001) decrease of this parameter in the experimental group. Conclusion: Results suggest that ATRA may have positive effects on proliferation, differentiation and maturation of pancreatic acinus and pancreatic ductile associated with the islets of langerhans.

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Introduction: The aim of this experimental, cross-sectional study was to investigate the effect of one session of moderate and heavy resistance exercise on the acute and delayed responses of leptin, insulin, cortisol, testosterone and 24-hour energy expenditure in healthy men. Materials and Methods: Thirteen healthy men (age 37.5yr, body mass index 26.40kg/m2, body fat 22.46%) randomly participated in three exercise groups, the moderate resistance exercise (MR, 3 sets × 10 repetitions at 70 % 1 repetition maximum (1RM)), the heavy resistance exercise (HR, 3 sets × 10 repetitions at 80 % 1RM) and the controls(C). Blood samples were taken (after overnight fasting) before and immediately after exercise and after 4 and 9 hours of recovery. Serum leptin, insulin, cortisol and testosterone concentrations were measured using ELISA methods. Results: After adjusting for percentage changes of plasma volume, serum leptin reduced immediately after exercise and control sessions but returned to primary levels after 9 hours of recovery (p<0.05). Immediately after exercise and control sessions, serum cortisol and testosterone decreased and serum insulin increased. No significant change was seen in 24-hour energy expenditure after MR and HR protocols. Conclusion: To conclude there were no meaningful acute and delayed effects of moderate and heavy resistance exercise on serum leptin, insulin, cortisol, testosterone and 24- hours' energy expenditure in healthy men.

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Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this cross-over study was to investigate of hormonal responses to two programs of exhaustive resistance training with different intensities in male body builders. Materials and Methods: Participants were 13 men(age 23.8 ± 5.53 years, height 177.53 ±5.69 cm, body weight 76.13 ±8.91 kg, waist to hip ratio 0.85 ± 0.33) who had regular resistance training at least 3 times a week for more than 3 months. Study design was crossover. Subjects participated in three states of control, moderate resistance exercise (with 65% intensity, one repetition maximum) and high resistance exercise (90% intensity, one repetition maximum) modes, in 5 sessions. Blood samples were taken before exercise in fasting state, immediately after and one hour after exercise protocol. The data were analyzed using the analyses of variance method (ANOVA) with repeated measures and multiple analyses variance (MANOVA). Results: After adjusting the results relative to plasma volume changes, no significant differences were observed between the three groups in hormonal responses of testosterone, cortisol, growth, insulin, epinephrine and norepinephrine at the time points of immediately after and one hour after exercise protocol. Conclusion: It can be concluded that resistance exercise until exhaustion with moderate and high intensity, does not induce significant changes in acute and chronic responses of circulating anabolic and catabolic hormones in male body builders.

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Introduction: Adipokines, compounds secreted from adipose tissue, are involved in metabolism control. Omentin is one of the adipokines with different biological roles. Serum levels of Omentin were found to be associated with BMI, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in several studies. The aim of this study was to assess the association between omentin level and the PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed on 45 patients with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome and 45 normal individuals as controls. BMI and fasting omentin and insulin serum levels were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELIZA) method, fasting glucose serum level was measured by enzyme-calorimetric method and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was measured using the relevant equation. Data was analyzed using the independent t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient and by SPSS 16 software. Results: Omentin serum levels in the patient PCOS group were significantly lower in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome than in controls. Insulin and glucose serum levels in the PCOS group were significantly higher than in controls, indicating these patients had insulin resistance. There was no significant correlation between serum levels of omentin and HOMA-IR between cases and controls. Conclusion: This study shows that serum omentin level decreased in PCOS patient in comparison with BMI-matched controls. The findings of this study suggest that changes in omentin serum level may be considered as a criterion of PCOS.

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Introduction: This study aimed at determining the association between cardiovascular fitness and physical activity with obesity and  changes in their patterns  among 12-16 year-old boys.  Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 275 boy students, 12-16 year-old from Bardaskan city were investigated. Subjects were selected via random sampling. Underweight, overweight and obesity status were evaluated based on the 5th, 85th and 95th percentiles of body mass index (BMI) for age and sex based on the United States’ Center for Disease Control (CDC 2000) standards. Physical activity levels were estimated by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). Cardiovascular fitness (VO2max) was assessed by a 20 m shuttle run test. Results: Overall prevalences of underweight, overweight and obesity among subjects were 3/6%, 10/5% and 4/7% respectively. There was significant positive correlation between physical activity level and  cardiovascular fitness. Cardiovascular fitness and physical activity levels decreased sign­ificantly with aging. The overweight and obesity groups had lower levels of cardiovascular fitness than the normal and underweight groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the overweight-obese and the non overweight groups in physical activity levels. Moreover, There was a significant negative correlation between physical activity and cardiov­ascular  fitness levels and subjects’ BMIs. Conclusion: Considering the in adequate levels of cardiovascular fitness and physical activity in overweight and obese boys, programs increasing physical activity (endurance exercise), and diet and weight control are recomme­nded for these groups.