Sedigheh Asgari, Zahra Fattahi, Gholam Ali Naderi, Shirin Azam Panah,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (17 2007)
Abstract
Background: Several studies were pointed to oxidized LDL (OX-LDL) as one of the main immunogenic agents which have important roles in primary lesions of atherosclerosis. In this study, via immunization against OX-LDL with two different antigens in an animal model (rabbit) we tried to clear relation between immune system and atherosclerosis.
Methods: LDL was isolated from healthy human plasma and oxidized with MDA or Cu++. Rabbits were divided to three groups and after 2 weeks (under basic diet) immunized with MDA-LDL or Cu-LDL. In control group Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was used. Immunization was repeated with these materials again the weeks of 2, 4, 6, and 8 and concentration of OX-LDL antibody was measured in each stage. At the end of 8th week, rabbits fed normal or high cholesterol regimens. Biochemical factors were measured at the beginning and end of study, also Fatty streaks in aorta and left and right coronary arteries was evaluated.
Results: Immunization with Cu -LDL and MDA-LDL induced adequate antibody formation (IgG) at the end of 8th weeks. Immunization with MDA-LDL significantly decreased the level of cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and fasting blood sugar (FBS) (P= 0.04). Also a significant decrease in fatty streak lesions was detected in aorta and right and left coronary arteries as compared with non-immunized high-cholesterol group (P= 0.04). Immunization with Cu -LDL significantly decreased Triglyceride, FBS and cholesterol as compared with non-immunized high cholesterol. No differences were detected in the fatty streak lesions in this group as compared with non-immunized high-cholesterol diet cu+2-LDL immunized group, shown significant decrease in CRP as compared with both non-immunized group and high cholesterol diet.
Conclusion: We conclude the protective effects of immune responses on atherosclerosis depend to what kind of antibody, so MDA-LDL and CU-LDL prevent atherosclerosis with different mechanism.
Batool Yamani Ardakani, Maliehe Mobarakian, Vali Bahrevar, Moradali Zareipour, Sadegh Kazemi, Mojtaba Fattahi Ardakani,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background: Despite the increased use of complementary medicine by diabetic patients, there is no clear estimation of complementary and herbal medicine use by these patients in Iran. This study was conducted to investigate the uses of herbal medicine among patients with type II diabetes in Yazd, Iran, in 2022.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 633 patients with type II diabetes referred to the Diabetes Research Center in Yazd City from June to September 2022. A questionnaire-based theory of planned behavior developed and validated by the researcher was used for data collection. In addition to demographics and disease-related information, the instrument included questions about using herbal medicine used. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and linear regression tests were used to analyze the data.
Results: The most common herb used was cinnamon (34.7%). The majority of patients used herbs daily (56.9%). Using herbal medicine was significantly associated with Attitude (r= 0.48, p< 0.001) Subjective norm (r= 0.39, p< 0.001), perceived behavior control (r= 0.38, p< 0.001) and intention (r= 0.4, p< 0.001). Constructs of the theory of planned behavior 73% predicted intention to use herbal medicine. Subjective norm structure had the highest predictive power of intention to consume herbal medicine (ß= 0.49, p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Subjective norm is the most predictor of intention to use Herbal medicines in patients with diabetes. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the beliefs, customs, and culture of the surrounding community in the correct self-management of disease control and the use of effective drug control.
