Iranian Journal of

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Background: The precise mechanisms of vascular diseases in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) are not clearly understood. There are evidences of alteration in mechanisms involved in regulating vascular tone including increased ACE activity in some tissues. To investigate the effect of insulin treatment on these changes this study was performed.
Methods: Three groups of 8 male Sprauge Dawely rats including control (C) and two diabetic groups (D, IT) were used in this study. Diabetes was induced by injection of 60 mg/kg STZ ip. After induction of diabetes IT group were treated with insulin (10 units/kg/day s.c.) for four weeks. The control group and the untreated diabetic group were treated with the same amount of Saline and for the same time. ACE activity was determined by HPLC method.
Results: 4 weeks after induction of diabetes, SBP and ACE activity in serum, lung, heart and aorta increased in D group compared to control rats. Insulin treatment reversed these changes to normal values in IT group.
Conclusion: It is concluded that increased ACE activity could contribute to the development of diabetic vasculopathy and ACE reducing activity of insulin may be partially involved in decrease of cardiovascular complications in diabetes.

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Background: Gliclazide is a second generation sulfonylurea which its efficacy and safety in the treatment of diabetes has been established. Diamicron MR (30 mg) is a new formulation of gliclazide with modified release which offer once daily dosage administration. This study was designed to assess the effect of combination therapy with diamicron and metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Methods: 16 patients with type 2 diabetes (2 males, 14 females) more than 35 years old who despite treatment with glibenclamide and metformin had poor diabetes control participated in this clinical trial.HbA1c, lipid profile, liver and renal function tests at the end of study were compared with before. Results: No significant changes was found in FBS, BS2hpp, lipid profile and renal and liver function tests at the end of study. Patients' weight was stable during the study.
Conclusion: Regardless of well efficacy of diamicron in the treatment of new diabetics cases, it is not recommended for patients with poor diabetes control despite of combination therapy with metformin and glibenclamide.

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Background: Obesity is associated with many metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, for example, a direct and indirect relation has been established between obesity and diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and atherosclerosis. But whether regional fat distribution contributes independently to risk remained unclear. This study was designed to determine relation between central obesity and acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Methods: In this case-control study, body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were calculated in 420 participants (140 cases and 280 controls). BMI and WHR means were evaluated in subgroups according to age, sex and cardiac risk factors. Odds ratio (95% CI) of the MI incidence in obese participants (BMI≥27 and/or WHR≥0.85) were compared with non obese subjects in each subgroups.
Results: Mean BMI mean in the case group (27.9±4.9) was more than control group (25.8±4.9) P≤0.05). The obese individuals had more chance of AMI (OR=3.2 CI=3-3.3). This chance increased with central obesity (OR=3.4 CI=3.2-3.6). Risk of AMI in younger obese participants (OR=4.3 CI=2.8-6.8) was more frequent than older ones (OR=2.1 CI=1.7-2.4). Central obesity increased risk of AMI in women (OR=3.6 CI=3.1-4.4) more than men (OR=2.2 CI=1.7-2.5).The excess risk of AMI in obese participants in associated with major cardiac risk factors was as following: hypertension (OR=18.4 CI=9.8-22.1), diabetes (OR=9 CI=4.2-14.1), hyperlipidemia (OR=6 CI=2.1-8.4), positive familial history (OR=2.6 CI=2.1-3.4) and smoking (OR=1.2 CI=0.9-1.7).
Conclusion: There is a strong association between BMI, WHR and risk of AMI. Central obesity comparing with general obesity has stronger relation with AMI incidence especially in women and younger subjects. In addition, cardiac risk factors except smoking aggravated correlation between obesity and AMI.

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Background: Due to homeostatic and regulatory potentials of nitric oxide (NO) in vascular physiology, regulatory systems that determine NO bio-synthesis and bioavailability have been the subject of extensive research in molecular medicine. In the field of vascular system pathophysiology, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) which is the major producer and regulator of NO in vascular tissues has received the most attention. Impairment of NO bioavailability (NO quenching) is a common feature in poorly controlled diabetics due to increased catabolism and decreased production of NO. Such impairment in severe forms could end to vasodilation breakdown in peripheral tissues (mainly in skeletal muscles) and defective regional blood flow, that in turn disturb insulin-dependent glucose uptake ensuing insulin resistance state.
Methods: The phenotypic impact of an eNOS gene polymorphism at position 786*C/T (that its functionality has been revealed already) on genetic propensity to diabetic retinopathy is evaluated in a British-Caucasian population with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).
Results: In contrast to genotypes, there was a significant difference in distribution of allele frequencies between T1DM patients (n= 249) and healthy controls (n= 104) (p= 0/036), that may imply eNOS and/or NO involvement in development of T1DM. Most notably a significant difference also was evident in allele frequency between retinopaths (n= 134) and healthy controls (p= 0/02). No significant difference was detected when the genotype/allele frequencies were compared between retinopaths (n= 134) and non-retinopaths diabetics (n= 115) (p=NS).
Conclusion: Our data is compatible with previous studies which demonstrated that allele C of eNOS 786*C/T polymorphism is associated with increased HbA1c levels. By emphasizing the phenotypic and prognostic value of the abovementioned polymorphism, our data calls for further investigations to find out whether this polymorphism can be employed as a genetic marker in clinical medicine to recognize high-risk diabetics at the time of diabetes onset/diagnosis.

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Background: Atherosclrosis is a process that initiated with hypercholestrolemia and fatty streak formation. Previous studies showed oxidative modification of LDL render immunogenic and autoantibodies to epitopes of oxidized LDL. Oxidized LDL (OX-LDL), has antigenic properties. Antibodies against oxidized LDL have been proposed to be independent predictors of atherosclerosis development. The main aims of the current study were to compare antibody titers to different types of oxidized LDL (Cu+2-LDL, Malondialdehyde-LDL) and Native-LDL between angiographically documented coronary patients, non-documented patients and healthy subjects. Correlation between autoantibodies against oxidized LDL and increased risks of cardiovascular diseases has been shown. Methods: As a case-control study, we evaluated angiographically documented coronary patients, non-documented patients and healthy subjects to measure anti-OX-LDL autoantibody levels. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure anti-OX-LDL autoantibodies. ANOVA test used for statistical analysis. Results: Titers of anti-Malondialdehydo-LDL autoantibodies were 3.55±0.415, 0.361±0.20, 0.093±0.078 respectively in each group (P<0.005). There was not statistically meaningful difference, between native-LDL and Cu+2-LDL antibodies. Conclusion: It seems the titre of autoantibodies against OX-LDL considered as a predictor of progression of atherosclerosis. Our data provide further support for a role of oxidatively modified LDL in atherogenesis.

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Background: This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Iranian population.
Methods: Between March 2003 and December 2003, 202 nonpregnant women with diabetes type 2 who were between 31 to 78 years old and had no abnormalities of the urinary tract system were included. We defined ASB as the presence of at least 105 colony-forming units/ml of 1 or 2 bacterial species, in two separated cultures of clean-voided midstream urine. All the participants were free from any symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI). Risk factors for developing bacteriuria was assessed and compared in participants with and without bacteriuria.
Results: In this study, the prevalence of ASB was 10.9% among diabetic women. E.coli was the most prevalent microorganism responsible for positive urine culture. Most of the isolated microorganisms were resistant to Co-trimoxazole, Nalidixic acid and Ciprofloxacin. Pyuria (P<0.001) and glucosuria (P<0.05) had meaningful relation with bacteriuria but no association was evident between age (P<0.45), duration of diabetes (P<0.09), macroalbuminuria (P<0.10) and HbA1c level (P<0.75), and the presence of ASB.
Conclusion: The prevalence of ASB is more prevalent in women with type 2 diabetes, which pyuria and glucosuria can be considered as risk factors in this regard. Routine urine culture can be recommended for diabetic women even when there is not any urinary symptom.

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Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) is the most endocrinopathy in women and the most common causes of anovulatory infertility. Women with this disorder moreover the common manifestations such as,irregular menses, hirsutism and infertility, are susceptible to serious consequences like increase risk of endometrial carcinoma, dyslipidemia, hypertention, glocose intolerance, diabetes, cardiovascular problems and probably breast cancer. This study was conducted to demostrate the demographic, clinical,metabolic and hormonal conditions of the PCOS patients. Methods: A case-control study was performed on females with PCOS age group 15-40 years referring to endocrine and gynecology clinics. A control healthy woman was selected for each patient. The diagnosis of PCOS was made based upon the prescence of chronic anovolation and hyperandrogenemia .Other causes of hyperandrogenism were excluded by appropriate clinical and laboratory evalution .In all patients with PCOS and control women, appropriate medical history was taken and physical examination was done.Blood pressure ,body weight, height ,BMI,waist/hip ratio,score of hirsotism,acne, and other signs of androgen excess were determined.A venous blood sample were obtained at morning after 12_14hours fasting for measuring FBS, TG, Chol., LDL, HDL and hormonal profile,souch as:PROL,17_OH Progestrone,Te,DHEA-S and TSH.Case of late onset adrenal hyperplasia ,hypotyroidism and pituitary prolactinoma were excluded.The diagnosis of dyslipidemia was made upon the base of NCEP guidelines.Data was analyzed with Mann_Whitney U,T tests and Fisher’s and Chi_Square Tests with SPSS-11. Results: Mean age were similar in both patients and controls.Mean of BMI and diastolic pressure were significantly higher in PCOS women in comparison with controls . Hirsutism and oligomenorrhea were the most frequent clinical features(72.7% and 69.1% respectively). SerumTG level was significantly higher in PCOS women in comparison with controls.There were no significant difference in FBS,Chol,LDL and HDL between patients and controls. The prevalence of high triglyceride ,high cholesterol and high LDL levels were significantly higher in PCOS women in comparison with controls,but there were no significant difference in the prevalence of IFG and low HDL levels. The prevalence of high TG and high Chol level were significantly higher in obese PCOS women in comparison with non obese patients.There was no significant difference in the prevalence of high LDL and low HDL levels between obese and nonobese patients. Serum level of total Testostrone was significantly higher in PCOS women in comparison with controls.There were no significant difference in serum levels of DHEA-S,17-OH Progestrone, Prolactine and TSH between patients and controls. Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity and dyslipidemia were higher in PCOS women in comparison with healthy women. For obese women with PCOS ,behevioral weight management is the main component of overall treatment strategy and these patients counseling about the importance of life style management ,diet and exercise shoud be emphasized. The patients should screened for dyslipidemia, diabetes and hypertension. In this study there was no significant difference in FBS between two groups and IGT and DM may be better detected by OGTT. In all PCOS women for detecting dyslipidemia a fasting lipid profile is indicated

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Background: Leptin is an adipocyte- derived hormone that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of obesity. Obesity is associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Insulin resistance is one of the factors which have been suggested to affect leptin serum levels. There are few studies evaluating the relation between leptin level and insulin resistance in childhood and adolescence obesity. The aim of the present study is to investigate this relationship in Iranian obese children. Methods: We screened 13089 primary school students aged 7-12 years. Children were divided to overweight and normal based on the recently published National Center for Health Statistics growth charts. The number of children which were overweight was 498, of whom 347 subjects particiated in the study. Fasting blood glucose, insulin and leptin levels were measured and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and fasting glucose to insulin ratio (FGIR) were calculated and compared between two groups. Results: Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in overweight compared to normal group. (11.58±8.1 and 8.1±5.2 respectively p<0.05). Before adjustment for BMI, there was a significant correlation between leptin and fasting insulin, HOMA –IR index and FGIR. (r=0.1, p< 0.05, r=0.1 , p<0.01, r=0.07, p<0.05 respectively). After adjustment for BMI, no significant correlation was found (r=0.097, p=0.20). Conclusion: The relation between leptin and insulin resistance was weak and disappeared after adjustment for BMI. It seems that many other factors including BMI and total fat amount may affect this relationship. Further studies in this field are required.

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Background: All contemporary methods of insulin administration are non-physiological. Insulin is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract because of its peptide nature. The aim of the present study was to examine the absorption of oral insulin from gastrointestinal tract, using novel oral formulation- adding a delivery agent superporouse hydrogel (SPH) and SPH composite (SPHC) in combination with insulin.
Methods: Capsules containing insulin and SPH &SPHC were administered orally, to 15 non-diabetic subjects in order to assess its biological effects and safety. Plasma glucose, insulin and c – peptide serum levels were determined, at timed intervals up to 4 h.
Results: In the present study, we showed that AUC of exogenous insulin in polymer -insulin group was higher than sub-cutaneous regular insulin group. It means that addition of SPHC polymer caused increase in insulin absorbtion.In addition, Insulin Tmax in polymer group was longer than sub-cotaneaus insulin group. Blood glucose AUC in sub-cotaneaus group was higher than polymer group.AUC C-peptide serum level in polymer group was higher than sub-cutaneous group.
Conclusions: Insulin in combination with a novel delivery agent, SPH and SPHC, given orally is absorbed through the GI tract in a biologically active form. This was demonstrated by suppression of endogenous insulin secretion.

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Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the chronic metabolic diseases with several organ damages that dearese life span. Prevalence of known diabetes appears to be increasing in most countries, presumably due to increasing the prevalence of risk factors such as obesity, lower physical activity and improved diagnosis. WHO expect the number of adults (20 years and older) with diabetes rises up to 300 millions in 2025. In view of the worldwide geographic differences in diabetes and lack of documented informations about prevalence of diabetes in Iran, we assigned this study.
Methods: The base of our study for assessment of prevalence of diabetes in Iran was results of ״Health and Disease Study in Iran, 1999״. We used epidemiologic model (DisMod) for estimating the incidence of diabetes in Iran. Results: The prevalence of diabetes in over 20 years of Iranian population in 2000, was 1.6 million or 4.67%. Also it is estimated up to 100000 persons have been affected by type II diabetes.
Conclusion: The true limitation of our study was limitations of documents about estimated of proportion of true prevalence to prevalence of known diabetes.

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Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease in which T-cell mediated selective pancreatic β- cell destruction occurs. Half the risk of T1DM development is given by the HLA gene region while the remaining risk is assigned to non-HLA genes , probably those engaged in the formation of antigen interaction complex. The CD4 gene product, which is among the most prominent T-cell surface receptors with a key role in antigen processing, could be regarded as a strong candidate.
Methods: We investigated the possible association of the CD4 gene polymorphism with T1DM using the candidate gene approach. The pyrimidine- rich pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism residing in the promoter region of the CD4 gene was studied. In the present study 92 Iranian T1DM patients and 108 healthy matched control individuals were screened by PCR technique.
Results: The analysis of our results shows the protective association of CD4*A3 (RR= 0.159, 95% CI: 0.036-0.707 Pc=0.025) and the susceptible role of CD4*A5 (RR= 7.379, 95% CI: 1.630-33.414 Pc=0.010) with T1DM. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the certain CD4 alleles are associated either negatively or positively with T1DM in the Iranian population.

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Background: Myocardial infarction is the most important cause of mortality all over the world. Complications may increase with some risk factors including stress hyperglycemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation and importance of hyperglycemia in acute intrahospital complications after AMI.
Methods: Prevalence of stress hyperglycemia among 160 patients with acute myocardial infarction (Q wave MI) was determined. These patients were divided into normoglycemic and stress hyperglycemic groups. These were compared according to complications such as heart failure, cardiogenic shock and mortality.
Results: 61% were normoglycemic and 7.5% had stress hyperglycemia. 25% had history of diabetes and 4.4% were not aware of diabetes. Among 18 patients with stress hyperglycemia, 6 patient (50%) and among 101 normoglycemic patients 18 (17.8%) were affiliated with cardiac failure that the difference were significant (P=0.02 and χ 2= 6.25). There were no cases of cardiogenic shock in both groups. Three patients died during first hours of admission (2.97%). They hadn't have history of diabetes. We could not assign them to normoglycemic or stress hyperglycemic groups since blood sampling had not been done yet.
Conclusion: Stress hyperglycemia can increase complications of AMI, significantly stress hyperglycemia caused increased incidence of heart failure in this study.

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Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia may increase blood pressure by inducing endothelial cells dysfunction . The aim of this study was determining the relationship between plasma Homocysteine (Hcy) levels and blood pressure in new cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods: As a cross sectional study, 46 new cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus referred to Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center were selected by convenient sampling. Basal characteristics of patients were recorded. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured two times with 30 minutes interval on two consequent days. After ten hours of overnight fasting, blood samples were taken to measure fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, triglyceride, Total cholesterol, HDL-C and creatinine. All data were expressed as mean (SD). Relationship between plasma Homocysteine levels and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient. Patients were divided into three groups according to their plasma Homocysteine levels, (Hcy<10mol/L, 10Hcy<15 mol/L and Hcy15mol/L).. Then mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure between groups were compared by one – way ANOVA and Tuckey-HSD tests.
Results: Mean (SD) of plasma Homocysteine levels was 12.2 (6.8) mol/L and of systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 128.8 (18.1) and 82.3(9) mm/Hg, respectively. There was a significant correlation between plasma Homocysteine levels, and both systolic (r=0.39, P<0.01) and diastolic (r=0.46, P<0.01) blood pressures. Mean (SD) of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with plasma Homocysteine level of 15mol/L was 152.5 (17.7) and 91.8 (7.3) mm/Hg, respectively, so blood pressure in those group with hyperhomocysteinemia was higher than other two groups (P<0.001). There was no correlation between Homocysteine levels and FPG, HbA1c and lipid profile.
Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between plasma Homocysteine levels and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics. Patients with hyperhomocyteinemia have higher blood pressure.

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Background: "Informed consent" is one of the most important issues in the medical ethics . Different points of view have proposed different opinions about it. In this Paper, we have reviewed different opinions and explained "Informed consent" based on Islamic view in Iran. In this article , we offered a review of the history, past studies and the components of the Informed consent and proposed a justifiable approach to the informed consent in treatment process .
Methods: This paper was prepared after searching related researches, papers, guidelines and books and consulting with experts.
Conclusion: A suitable interaction and transparency in treatment process between practitioner and patient has an important effect on patient's trust and increases the cooperation with the medical team and improves the results of the treatment. By evaluating the condition, using suggested criteria in three levels of knowledge, attitude and practice in health care centers, and measuring possible differences between them (KAP gap) we would be able to design a suitable program for educational and management intervention, aimed to removing the recognized problems.

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The" Golden Age of the Persian Medicine" is between the 9th and 14th centuries. One of the most prominent Iranian medical scholars in this era is Ali ibn Al-Abbas Al-Majusi who is known as Ahwazi( or in Latin as Haly Abbas). He was born in Ahwaz about 932.His chief medical work was Al-kitab Al-Maliki means the Royal Book. It was regarded as a reliable scientific source for many centuries.

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Background: Lipoprotein abnormalities have been identified among the several risk factors that could account for increases the risk of CVD in diabetes. Abnormal status of B-group and antioxidant vitamins in diabetes may illustrate the benefits of these vitamins supplementation on modification of lipid profiles.
Methods: As a randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trial, 110 type 2 diabetic patients were randomly assigned to one of the five treatment groups and received one of the following supplements per day for a period of 2 months: 1) B-group vitamins including B2 (10 mg), B6 (10mg), B12 (200µg) and Folate (1000µg) 2) B-group vitamins and vitamin E (100mg) 3) B-group vitamins and vitamin C (200mg) 4) B-group vitamins, vitamins E (100mg) and C (200mg) and 5) placebo. Fasting blood samples at the beginning and at the end of 2 months trial were collected and analyzed for cholesterol, triglyceride, apolipoproteins A1 and B (apo A1 & B), vitamin E, folate, vitamin B12 in serum and vitamin C in whole blood. Differences in baselines models. Covariates and changes in variables during study were adjusted by analysis of covariance using general linear.
Results: No significant changes were found in mean serum apolipoproteins levels after 2 months of supplementation. Vitamin E variation showed significant positive correlation with variation in apo A1 (P=0.003) and apo B (P<0.001). In multiple regression analysis, serum vitamin E levels were an independent and important predictor of serum apoA1 and B levels (P=0.002 and P<0.001, respectively). Serum vitamin B12 variation was important predictor of serum apo B levels (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Serum vitamin E level is a good predictor of serum apo A1 and B levels. Further increases in dose of vitamin supplements and intervention period are recommended for obtaining the desirable modifications.

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Background: Since by considering increases worldwide prevalence of diabetes mellitus, and its management in the short and long–term requires significant expenditure on the part of patients and healthcare providers alike, and on the other hand existing resources fall short of the country's needs in this domain, diabetes has become one of the major health priorities in our country, as it has across the globe. Assessment of injuries due to diabetes mellitus and complications are divided to two sections: 1– economic cost of diabetes mellitus and 2 – burden of diabetes mellitus. In this study we assessed burden of diabetes mellitus and complications in Iran in year 2000.
Methods: We used ten years ago studies about prevalence of diabetes and complications in Iran, associated DALYs index by helping computer model (DisMod) for assessment of burden of diabetes and complications in Iran in year 2000.
Results: Burden of diabetes in Iran was 306440 years in year 2000. Burden of diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, diabetic foot and lower limb amputation were 20532, 20532, 33286, 5848 and 1573 years, respectively.
Conclusion: Pay attention to this study, we will need to reduce diabetes's burden by setting serious programs about prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus and complications. Thus, we suggest, other studies are planning for assessment of burden of other diseases. Then after comparing burden of diabetes to other diseases, government politicians are performance priorities setting for using of our country resource.

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Background: All contemporary methods of insulin administration are non-physiological. The euglycemia that is achieved in at the expense of the adverse effects of systemic hyper-insulinemia, emphasize the importance of devising methods to deliver insulin physiologically and directly into the portal circulation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the oral absorption of insulin from gastrointestinal tract, using novel oral drug delivery system delivery based on superporouse hydrogel (SPH) and SPH composite (SPHC) in combination with insulin.
Methods: This study has been done based on interventional clinical trial in healthy volunteers. Capsules containing insulin and SPH &SPHC in various combination were administered orally, to 15 non-diabetics subjects in order to assess this biological effects and safety. Serum glucose, insulin and C - peptide levels were determined, at predetermined timed intervals up to 4 h.
Results: An increase in serum insulin level was demonstrated in all subjects that used polymer plus insulin. The nadir of serum glucose level appeared after 60 - 120 min following the ingestion of polymer plus insulin. Serum C - peptide levels were suppressed while exogenous insulin was absorbed at the same time. No adverse effects were detected during the trial and several weeks following the trial using SPH based drug delivery system.
Conclusions: Insulin in combination with novel delivery agents, SPH & SPHC, given orally was partially absorbed through the GI tract in a biologically active form. This was demonstrated by serum glucose lowering effect of the delivery system as well as a suppression of plasma C-peptide which also represented a decrease in endogenous insulin secretion.

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Background: Glucokinase serves as a glucose sensor in pancreatic β-cells and plays a key role in glucose homeostasis and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). In the present study we examined the effect of glucosamine, a glucokinase inhibitor, on the pancreatic glucokinase and hexokinase activities and on insulin secretion from freshly rat pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Insulin concentration was measured by rat insulin ELISA kit. Methods: The pancreatic islets from normal and type 2 diabetic (nSTZ) rats were isolated by collagenase digestion method. Glucose phosphorylation was quantitated by measuring the rate of glucose-6-phosphate formation in the fluorometric assay. Insulin secretion from hand-picked islets was evaluated in static incubation system. Insulin concentration was measured by rat insulin ELISA kit. Results: Our findings demonstrate that glucosamine in a dose dependent manner, reduced glucokinase activity in islet extract, but had no effect on hexokinase activity. The glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, was inhibited by glucosamine but it had no effect on the basal insulin secretion. In diabetic rats glucokinase was decreased while the basal insulin secretion and the activity of hexokinase were higher than normals. Conclusion: Based on results obtained from the present study, the assumption could be made that the decrease in the activity of glucokinase of pancreatic islets could be related to the impaired glucose stimulated insulin secretion. The increase in basal insulin secretion of diabetic rats may be due to an increase in pancreatic hexokinase activity.

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Background: Uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2), one of the mitochondrial transporter memborane protiens, is suggested as a contributor gene for obesity. A common G/A polymorphism in the UCP2 promoter region is associated with obesity and diabetes.
Methods: As a cross-sectional study, 75 healthy 25-64 years volunteers were randomly selected from Tehran University of Medical Sciences population Lab. DNA was exracted from blood samples then polymorphism and A & G Allel frequencies were determined via PCR and RFLP. The correlation between genotype and such clinical and biochemical parameters as BMI, serum cholesterol and TG was investigated. Results were compared with other similar surveys.
Results: The frequencies of the UCP2 -866G/A genotypes in 75 Iranian normal population were AA: 7 (9.4%), GA: 41 (54.6%), and GG: 27 (36%).
Conclusion: Significantly higher HDL cholesterol was detected in people with GG allele (P=0.02) as compared with GA and AA alleles. 866 UCP2 G/A genotype frequencies in our study were significantly different as compared with Japanese population but no with European studies that may emphasize on genetical similarity between Iranian and European Caucasians populations.