Mehdi Ebrahimi

Association between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms (Fok1 and Bsm1) and osteoporosis: a systematic review

Osteoporosis is a health concern characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased risk of fragility fractures. Many studies have investigated the association between genetic variants and osteoporosis. Polymorphism and allelic variations in the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) have been found to be associated with bone mineral density. However, many studies have not been able to find this association. Literature review was conducted in several databases, including MEDLINE/Pubmed, Scopus, EMBASE, Ebsco, Science Citation Index Expanded, Ovid, Google Scholar, Iran Medex, Magiran and Scientific Information Database (SID) for papers published between 2000 and 2013 describing the association between Fok1 and Bsm1 polymorphisms of the VDR gene and osteoporosis risk. The majority of the revealed papers were conducted on postmenopausal women. Also, more than 50% studies reported significant relation between Fok1, Bsm1 and osteoporosis. Larger and more rigorous analytical studies with consideration of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions are needed to further dissect the mechanisms by which VDR polymorphisms influence osteoporosis.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Iranian adolescents.

Abstract Objective: Despite the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in adults worldwide, not many studies have evaluated the condition in adolescents. The present study was therefore conducted to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a group of students from Shahroud, Iran. Methods: The cross-sectional descriptive analytical study was conducted on junior high and high school students of both genders from urban and rural areas of Shahroud, the largest city of Semnan Province in Iran, in winter 2011. The combination of stratified and cluster random sampling methods was applied in the study. A questionnaire on the demographic data, socioeconomic status, lifestyle habits (sun exposure, physical activity, dairy consumption), and drug and personal history was completed for each student. Blood samples were taken to assess vitamin D levels. Results: One thousand forty-seven students from four junior high and six high schools were recruited. From among them, 42.2% were boys and 57.8% were girls. Mean and standard deviation of vitamin D levels in the studied population were 14.7±9.4 ng/mL. Only 7.2% of the boys and 3.8% of the girls had sensible sun exposure. The median of milk consumption was 3 glasses per week, ranging from 0 to 7. Conclusion: It could be concluded that vitamin D deficiency is quite prevalent among the Iranian adolescents, and this is mainly because this group follows an unhealthy lifestyle due to osteoporosis.

The risk of osteoporotic fractures and its associating risk factors according to the FRAX model in the Iranian patients: a follow-up cohort.

BackgroundThe present study is designed to assess the incidence rate of osteoporotic fracture and its risk factors, particularly those used to predict the 10-year risk of osteoporotic fracture in FRAX based on the data gathered through a follow up cohort initiated in 2000.MethodsThe present retrospective cohort was conducted on men and women from 40 to 90 years of age enrolled in the IROSTEOPs study. A phone survey was conducted during 2013 and beginning of 2014 to assess the fractures (traumatic/osteoporotic) occurring at the time of inclusion until the date of the telephone survey, its type and mechanism, and the patient’s age at the time of accident. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier product-limit method was performed with the time of fracture as the study outcome.ResultsFinal study population consisted of 1233 individuals, translated in to 9133 person years. The incidence rate of osteoporotic fracture was reported to be 359.1 cases in every 10,000 person years. The 10-year Kaplan-Meier estimate of any kind of major osteoporotic fractures for all the subcohort population was 10.75%. Osteoporosis (HR = 0.75), Discordance between femoral neck and spine (HR = 1.45), Diabetes (HR = 1.81), IBD (HR = 1.84), immobility more than 90 days (HR = 2.19), and personal history of fracture (HR = 7.75) had a considerable effect on the 10-year risk of major osteoporotic fractures.ConclusionsAdding new clinical risk factors to FRAX® may help improve fracture prediction in the Iranian population.

Protocol for Systematic Review: Peak Bone Mass Pattern in Different Parts of the World

Peak bone mass, which can be defined as the amount of bone tissue present at the end of the skeletal maturation, and also it is an important determinant of osteoporotic fracture risk. The peak bone mass of a given part of the skeleton is directly dependent upon both its genetics and environmental factors. Therefore, the aim of the proposed research is a comprehensive systematic assessment of the pattern of peak bone mass in different countries across the globe. The present article explains the protocol for conducting such a research.

Type II diabetes and personality; a study to explore other psychosomatic aspects of diabetes

BackgroundAs one of the most common chronic diseases, diabetes and its control are affected by the patients’ psychological and spiritual attributes. The present study investigates the relationship between glycemic control in patients with type II diabetes and personality traits, defense mechanisms and spirituality.MethodThe present cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 Iranian patients with type II diabetes, 64% were men. Participants completed the NEO Personality Inventory, the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) and the Spiritual Assessment Inventory (SAI) and then underwent a blood sampling for the assessment of HbA1C levels.ResultsOf the five personality traits, extraversion (r = -0.13 and P < 0.01) and conscientiousness (r = -0.13 and P < 0.01) had significant negative relationships with HbA1C HbA1C levels, while neuroticism had a significant positive relationship with HbA1C levels (r = 0.12 and P < 0.05). Of the defense styles assessed, the neurotic style was found to have a significant negative relationship with HbA1C levels (r = -0.1 and P < 0.05). Also, of the spirituality elements, impression management had significant relationship with glycemic control (r = 0.17 and P < 0.001).ConclusionAccording to data, Extraversion and conscientiousness can help control blood sugar while anxiety and negative emotions have detrimental effects on glycemic control. As a result considering psychological counselling beside medical interventions can help to better treatment.