Hamid N,
Volume 64, Issue 12 (11-2006)
Abstract
Background: Job stressors in managers are progressively affecting and destroying their immune systems. The relationship between hardiness, stress and immune system is important for mental health. This study was designed to determine the resources in managers against stress, resources herein designated as “hardiness” and “social support". Also in this research, the correlation between hardiness, defined collectively as feelings of challenge, commitment and control, as a resource against stress and the immune system of high school managers in Khozestan Province were studied.
Methods: The study sample was comprised of 340 managers (male and female), selected by the cluster sampling method. Each subject completed the personal view survey scale and social support questionnaire. Then the individuals were divided into four groups (n= 35 in each group) of high and low hardiness and social support as follows: high hardiness / high social support, high hardiness / low social support, low hardiness / high social support and low hardiness / low social support. Subjects who suffered from disorders that affect the immune system were excluded. The number of T-helper cells (CD4), T-suppressor cytotoxic cells (CD8), natural killer cells (CD56+ CD16), complement system (C3, C4, CH50), immunoglobulin M and G (IgM and IgG), cortisol hormone, eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes were measured for each subject.
Results: The results revealed that, there was a significant positive correlation between hardiness and CD4, CD4/CD8, CD56, CD16, CH50, IgM and neutrophil levels. Also, there was a significant negative correlation between hardiness and CD8, cortisol and eosinophil levels. There was a significant difference between the four groups of in CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8, cortisol, C3, C4, CH50 and lymphocyte levels. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between social support and CD4, CD4/CD8, CD56, CD16, CH50, IgM, C3 and neutrophil levels.
Conclusions: The results revealed that the performance of the immune system in managers with high hardiness and high social support is significantly better than that of managers with low hardiness and low social support. Furthermore, high hardiness and high social support act as resources and moderating factors against stress.
Jelodar Gh, Beyzaee M,
Volume 68, Issue 3 (6-2010)
Abstract
Background: High-frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) is generated by differentsources such as radar installations, radio and television transmitters, medical microwave diathermy device and domestic use of microwave ovens. Radiation leakage of microwave oven may be harmful for users. Kids who are residing near their mothers may expose to electromagnetic field. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of radiation leakage of microwave oven on body weight, cortisol, thyroid hormones and plasma lipid profile.
Methods: Radiation leakage of microwave oven was measured by RF measuring instrument. For this study 20 immature (7±3 days old and 5±1 g weight) mice were selected and randomly divided in two groups, control and test group. Test groups were exposed to 2450 MHZ microwaves produced by microwave oven three times a day, 30 minute each time. After 60 days, body weights of both groups were determined and the blood samples were collected by heart puncture. Serum cortisol and thyroid hormones levels were evaluated using RIA method.
Results: Radiation leakage from oven showed variations from 6.5 to 57.5 mW/cm2. Mean body weight in test group was 29.5% lower than control group. Serum cortisol, T3 and T4 level were significantly higher in test group compare to control group,(17.44±1.78 vs. 9.94±1.21 ng/ml), (1.39±0.15 vs. 0.86±0.09 nmol/L) and (77.80±7.67 vs.54.6±6.2 nmol/L) respectively. Compare to control group serum Triglyceride level increased while HDL decreased significantly in test group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Microwaves leaked from oven have deleterious effect on body weight, T4
and cortisol level by decreasing weight gain and increasing these hormones.
Shiva Rafati , Hajie Borna , Fateme Hajebrahim Tehrani , Seid Mohammad Bager Akhavi Rad, Zahra Abdolla Poor,
Volume 74, Issue 2 (5-2016)
Abstract
Background: Surgery and pain increases cortisol levels with inducing hormonal responses. By reducing stress, adverse effects of cortisol can be controlled and accelerated the healing process. Religious practices like listening to Quran have important roles in reducing anxiety. Moreover, the level of cortisol hormone of the blood is one of the best indicators of the stress level. The aim of this study was to investigating the effect of listening to Quran on the plasma cortisol level of the umbilical cord in cesarean with spinal anesthesia.
Methods: A clinical trial study was designed and conducted on sixty primigravid mothers who were hospitalized to deliver their first baby by elective caesarian operation, 30 of them were selected as intervention group and 30 of them were selected as control group. For the subjects of the intervention group, the personal information questionnaires were completed and their vital signs were recorded. Also, their blood was sampled for measuring cortisol level. Then they listened to Quran. After spinal anesthesia, vital signs were recorded and the blood of umbilical cord was sampled for measuring the cortisol level. For the subjects of the control group, all the steps were done except listening to Quran. Two groups were statistically homogenous in the variables of age, gestational age, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and cortisol levels before the intervention. The mean and SD cortisol in intervention group before and after listening to the Quran were 39.08±10.71 versus 41.10±5.05.
Results: The reduction of cortisol level of the intervention group (who listened to Quran) was significantly greater than of the control group P=0.035. Systolic blood pressure of the intervention group in the operating ward had statistically significant reduction relation to the systolic blood pressure before operation P=0.043. However systolic blood pressure of the control group in the operating ward had not statistically significant reduction relation to the systolic blood pressure before operation P=0.357. Listening to Quran has no effect on diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate.
Conclusion: Listening to Quran before caesarean affects the change of plasma cortisol level and the systolic blood pressure.
