Objective: Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism has a role in susceptibility to risk of cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of VDR gene polymorphisms with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Methods: In this case-control study, qualified patients diagnosed with AML and healthy adult subjects were selected. Four single nucleotide gene polymorphisms of VDR gene (BsmI, TaqI, FokI, and ApaI) were determined using polymerase chain reaction -restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and the odds of having AML was determined by un-adjusted and adjusted logistic regression analysis.
Results: One hundred and thirty-three AML patients and 300 healthy people were studied. There was significant association between the polymorphisms of FokI, and ApaI with increased risk of AML (P= .021, and P<.001) in which odds of the disease in patients with FF genotype were 2.5 times higher than patients with ff genotype and the odds of the disease in individuals with AA genotype was 5.6 times higher than the reference category of aa.In contrast, BsmI polymorphism had a protective effect so that for those with BB and Bb genotypes, there were 91% and 86% lower odds for getting AML than bb genotype, respectively (P<.001).
Conclusion: This study showed for the first time that there is a significant association between VDR gene polymorphisms and odds of getting AML, similarly to many other solid tumors. Further studies on different ethnic population considering environmental factors that interact with genotypes are highly recommended.

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory central nervous system disease. It has been shown that Th2 cells can induce anti-inflammatory properties that can have a role in treatment of inflammatory disease through overexpression of GATA3 and IL4 genes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin A upplementation on GATA3 and IL-4 genes expression in TCD4+ cell culture in MS patients.
Methods: This study was a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of a 6-month duration. Thirty-six MS patients were enrolled and randomly divided into a vitamin A group (n=19, receiving daily 25000IU vitamin A in the form of retinyl palmitate) and a placebo group (n=17). After the intervention the gene expression pattern of Th2-related cytokines was determined by real-time PCR.
Results: There was no significant difference in vitamin A intake, age or BMI of the participants at the baseline. Vitamin A supplementation significantly increased GATA3 and IL-4 gene expression in cell cultures treated with MOG (P<0.001 and P=0.004, respectively) and non-stimulated cells as compared with placebo group (P<0.001 and P=0.001, respectively).
Conclusion: Supplementation with vitamin A can be beneficial in slowing disease progression through overexpression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. It is recommended to investigate RXRs and RARs genes expression and their polymorphisms in future studies

ABSTRACT

Background: During the years after the AZARBIEJAN earthquake on August 11, 2012 the nutritional conditions of survivors were not surveyed. We examined the relationship between satisfaction with life and dietary pattern among survivors.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on adults women survived in the AZARBIEJAN earthquake on August 11, 2012.  349 women aged 18-60 from the 13 villages of Herris County who suffered extensive damage in the East Azerbaijan earthquake of 1392 participated in this study. Satisfaction with life measured by Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) questionnaire. We use Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for food intakes in these women.

Results: Four dietary pattern were detected as Traditional, healthy, unhealthy and Western dietary pattern. Traditional and healthy dietary pattern showed positive association with more satisfaction with life.

Conclusion: traditional and healthy dietary pattern is associated with more satisfaction with life.

Keywords:  Food insecurity, Dietary Pattern, Satisfaction with life, Earthquake

Objectives: It has been suggested that omega-3 fatty acids deficiency could play a role in the pathogenesis of several psychiatric disorders, especially autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This systematic reviewof all available studieswas conducted to assess the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementations on the core features of ASD.
Methods: To find the relevant articles, databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane between 1966 and December 2016 were searched. The criteria of selecting studies were English language; oral administration of n3 fatty acids supplements; clinical trials involving human patients with autism; and relationships between omega-3 fatty acids, DHA or EPA supplementation, as well as fish oil, and autism-related clinical- and social-related outcomes.
Results: We identified 337 articles in the systematic search, nine articles were finally chosen to be included in the review. Most studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can reduce hyperactivity and social problems in individuals diagnosedwith autism. However, no significant association has been reported between omega-3 fatty  acid supplementation as compared to placebo in behavioral abnormalities in most of the studies.
Conclusion: Based on the available literature, omega-3 fatty acids can act as an effective supplement in individuals with autism.

Objective: Despite several modern pharmacological treatments, there is still an increasing demand for traditional, accessible and affordable natural treatments with less adverse effects such as medicinal plants. The aim of this review was to summarize the published data on several therapeutic effects of aloe vera.
Methods: A literature search was carried out using Google scholar, PubMed and Science direct with keywords such as bioactive compound, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, antioxidant, inflammation, body immune system, cancer, wound healing, and antimicrobial activity, in combination with Aloe vera and Aloe barbadensis Miller. The search was limited to studies published in English.
Results: A total of 54 papers out of 63 randomized controlled trials and review articles were finally selected. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is one of the most well-known herbal medicines with considerable medicinal properties such as hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory, anticancer, wound healing, antibacterial and antiviral activities. Many of the health benefits associated with aloe vera have been attributed to its various bioactive natural components such as vitamins, anthraquinones and polysaccharides.
Conclusion: Chemical compounds contained naturally in A. vera are expanding our disease treatment choices and benefit us with their wide range of properties for the management of diverse disorders. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to conduct further intensive scientific studies on this multipurpose medicinal plant to promote its large-scale utilization.

Objective: Despite the high prevalence of osteopenia in post-menopausal women, its current treatments are controversial. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of pine bark extract on the bone turnover process and its possible mechanism through OPG/RANKL signaling in postmenopausal osteopenic women.
Methods: This randomized double-blind clinical trial will be conducted on postmenopausal osteopenic women in Shariati Hospital of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. A total of 44 postmenopausal women with osteopenia will be randomly assigned to two study groups ─ one (n = 22) receiving a PBE supplement (250 mg/d) and one (n = 22) a placebo. Demographic characteristics and the past medical history (recorded measurements of bone turn-over markers, namely, PINP, BAP, CTx and OPG/RANKL) will be recorded before and after the intervention.
Ethics and dissemination: The research was performed after obtaining approval from the Ethics Committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IR.TUMS.VCR.REC.1395.1408), in line with the Helsinki Declaration. Prior to the commencement of the study, a written informed consent form was signed and dated by participants and investigators. The results will be released at the right time.
Trial registration number: Pre-results, IRCT2015071123153N1
Discussion: This study will investigate the effect of pine bark extract supplementation on bone turnover in postmenopausal osteopenic women. The results may help practitioners to choose the better palliative treatment for osteopenic women.