Mahshad Mohtadi, Mohammad Javad Pasand , Ghazaleh Eslamian,
Volume 82, Issue 3 (June 2024)
Abstract
Background: Athletes are seeking ways to enhance sports performance and protect themselves from the long-term effects of exercise. One potentially effective solution is the administration of colostrum supplements. Evidence suggests that it can support immune system function by maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of colostrum supplementation on athletes' immune system performance.
Methods: This systematic review searched English and Farsi databases including Medline, Scopus, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scientific Information Database, Islamic World Science Citation, Cochrane, and Google Scholar website without a time limit until November 2023. Eighteen randomized clinical trials, following the Cochrane protocol, were analyzed to assess the effects of colostrum supplementation on athletes' immune systems. The studies measured various factors, such as the amount of cytokines, concentration of serum immunoglobulins, salivary immunoglobulin, white blood cell count, neutrophil oxidative reactions, and the rate of respiratory system-related diseases in athletes during the consumption of colostrum supplements or its derivatives. The potential risks of bias in the studies were evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool for randomized controlled trials.
|
Results: The findings of these studies indicate that daily consumption of 3.2 grams of colostrum for 24 weeks can decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines caused by exercise and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, a daily intake of 20 grams of colostrum supplement can protect against the reduction of neutrophil function and immune responses resulting from long-term exercise. The group receiving colostrum experienced fewer upper respiratory tract diseases compared to the placebo group in studies that investigated this indicator. No significant effects on leukocyte count were observed with any dosage of supplementation, and the results of studies on other immune indicators were inconsistent.
Conclusion: Bovine colostrum can improve athletes' immune system performance by regulating immune parameters and mitigating the negative effects of intense exercise. However, the contradictory results of existing studies call for further research that examines different doses of colostrum in various sports.
|
Niloofar Shashaani, Vadood Javadi Parvaneh, Reza Shiari , Khosro Rahmani,
Volume 83, Issue 1 (April 2025)
Abstract
Background: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis or Henoch–Schönlein Purpura (HSP) is a systemic vasculitis of small vessels associated with IgA deposition. It is the most common Vasculitis in childhood and presents with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, most commonly palpable purpura, renal involvement, and arthritis. However, its manifestations are not limited to these organs and may also involve other systems of the body. The coexistence of Henoch–Schönlein purpura with other autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases has been reported. In particular, its association with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and Behcet Disease (BD) has been observed in different studies. Patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever who develop Henoch–Schönlein purpura usually exhibit more severe and prolonged inflammatory symptoms. Therefore, reporting the co-occurrence of these diseases can provide a better understanding of the spectrum of clinical manifestations and diagnostic-therapeutic challenges.
Case Presentation: This case describes a 7-year-old girl with initial manifestations of Henoch–Schönlein purpura, who, due to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, underwent further evaluations. In the performed investigations, the coexistence of Familial Mediterranean Fever and Inflammatory Bowel Disease was diagnosed, and incomplete Behcet Disease was also considered. The patient was placed under appropriate medical treatment. Finally, the patient was controlled with appropriate medical treatment.
Conclusion: This report shows that in children with Henoch–Schönlein purpura, especially in severe and recurrent cases, the possibility of associated autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases such as Familial Mediterranean Fever, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Behcet Disease should be considered. These associated diseases can play a key role in the course of appropriate treatment.
Javad Hashemi, Hoseinali Soltani , Ali Esmaeili , Fatemeh Roshanravan Yazdi , Seyed Hassan Seyed Sharifi ,
Volume 83, Issue 4 (July 2025)
Abstract
Background: Postoperative pain is a significant concern after cholecystectomy. Given the role of vitamin D in pain management, this study investigated the correlation between preoperative vitamin D levels and postoperative pain severity in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with the aim of improving pain management and enhancing postoperative care.
Methods: This prospective observational study (January 2024- February 2025) was conducted on 87 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Imam Ali Hospital of Bojnurd. Inclusion criteria were age 18-45, non-urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and good physical status. Exclusion criteria were chronic pain, regular analgesic use, known psychiatric or neurological disease or treatment, substance abuse, emergency cholecystectomy, or conversion to open surgery. Participants fasted for 12 hours preoperatively. All received 1 g (IV) ceftriaxone one hour before and 12 hours after surgery. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and fentanyl and maintained with isoflurane, nitrous oxide, or oxygen. Anesthesia and surgical technique were standardized, with any deviations recorded. We collected demographic data and extracted perioperative details from records and interviews. Pre-induction venous blood samples were collected, processed, and stored at -20°C. Serum vitamin D concentrations were quantified via ELISA method, and participants were subsequently stratified into two groups based on these measurements. Postoperative pain was assessed on a Visual Analog Scale (0-10) at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours. Analgesic regimens followed standard protocol under physician supervision and were unaffected by the study.
Results: Lower serum vitamin D levels were associated with higher postoperative pain scores (P<0.01), with this relationship being significant at 6, 12, and 18 hours postoperatively (P<0.01, P<0.01, and P<0.05, respectively). Insufficient vitamin D levels and female gender were also independent risk factors for acute pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, preoperative vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased postoperative acute pain scores in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, especially in women. These findings may be useful for postoperative pain management in patients with vitamin D deficiency.
