Reza Malekzadeh

Background Tumor suppressor genes p53 and p16 INK4a and the proto-oncogene MDM2 are considered to be essential G1 cell cycle regulatory genes whose loss of function is associated with ESCC carcinogenesis. We assessed the aberrant methylation of the p16 gene and its impact on p16 INK4a protein expression and correlations with p53 and MDM2 protein expressions in patients with ESCC in the Golestan province of northeastern Iran in which ESCC has the highest incidence of cancer, well above the world average.

Background Previous reports show a high proportion of young CRC patients in Iran. In this study we aim to look for the clustering of colorectal cancer in families of a series of CRC patients from Iran. Methods The family history of cancer is traced in 449 CRC patients of which 112 were 45 yrs or younger and 337 were older than 45 yrs at time of diagnosis. The patients were admitted in two hospitals in Tehran, during a 4-year period. Results Clinical diagnosis of HNPCC was established in 21 (4.7%) probands.

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common chronic pathogens in the world. Over 2 billion of the world's population have been exposed to this virus. About 350 million of these, making 5% of the world's population, are chronic carriers. 1 Annually up to 1 million of this population die due to the consequences of this infection such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. 2 The HBV is 100 time more infectious than HIV (Table 1).

Background: There are no population-based data available for cancer in Tehran, a city that includes almost 10% of the Iranian population. This is the first report of cancer incidence in Tehran from a population-based cancer registry for the period of 1998–2001. Methods: The cancer registry collects data on all new cases of cancer diagnosed in the resident population of Tehran metropolitan area.

Background/Aims: Ardabil Province, in northwestern Iran, has the highest rate of gastric (predominantly cardia) adenocarcinoma in Iran. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of endoscopic screening and to look for associated Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric precancerous lesions.

AIM: The healthy ranges for serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are less well studied. The aim of this study was to define the upper limit of normal (ULN) for serum ALT levels, and to assess factors associated with serum ALT activity in apparently healthy blood donors. METHODS: A total of 1 939 blood donors were included. ALT measurements were performed for all cases using the same laboratory method. Healthy ranges for ALT levels were computed from the population at the lowest risk for liver disease.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that oesophageal and gastric cancers are the most common causes of cancer death in the Golestan Province, Iran. In 2001, we established Atrak Clinic, a referral clinic for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in Gonbad, the major city of eastern Golestan, which has permitted, for the first time in this region, endoscopic localisation and histologic examination of upper GI cancers.

AIM: Both observational and experimental studies have shown that higher selenium status reduces the risk of upper gastrointestinal cancers in selenium deficient populations. Recent cancer registry data have shown very different rates of esophageal cancer (EC) and gastric cancer (GC) in four Provinces of Iran, namely Ardabil, Mazandaran, Golestan, and Kerman.

Golestan Province in northeastern Iran has one of the highest rates of esophageal squamous cell cancer in the world. This article reviews the studies conducted on esophageal squamous cell cancer in this area and summarizes the data on epidemiologic patterns, incidence trends, and etiology of esophageal squamous cell cancer in this province.

Objective To investigate the association between tea drinking habits in Golestan province, northern Iran, and risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Design Population based case-control study. In addition, patterns of tea drinking and temperature at which tea was drunk were measured among healthy participants in a cohort study. Setting Golestan province, northern Iran, an area with a high incidence of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

The very high incidence of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Golestan Province in northeastern Iran was suggested by studies in the 1970s as partly due to opium use, which is not uncommon in this area, but based on limited numbers. From December 2003 to June 2007, we administered a validated structured questionnaire to 300 ESCC cases and 571 controls, matched on neighbourhood of residence, age (±2 years), and sex.

Background HBV infection is a serious global heath problem. It is crucial to monitor this disease more closely with a non-invasive marker in clinical trials. We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of serum hyaluronate for the presence of extensive liver fibrosis and inflammation. Methods 28 healthy volunteers and 65 patients with HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B were enrolled. Liver biopsies scored according to Ishak system.

Although the global incidence of gastric cancer has been decreased dramatically in recent decades, it is the most common cancer in north and northwest Iran. The wide variation in incidence across different geographical areas and higher proportion of cardia cancer are two main characteristics of gastric cancer in Iran. Current investigations indicate that a high prevalence of H. pylori infection, high dietary intake of salt and smoking are the main environmental factors of gastric cancer in Iran.

Abstract To investigate the incidence of oesophageal cancer (EC) in the Golestan province of North-East Iran, we invited 1349 rural and urban inhabitants of Golestan province aged 35–80 to undergo extensive lifestyle interviews and to provide biological samples. The interview was repeated on a subset of 130 participants to assess reliability of questionnaire and medical information. Temperature at which tea was consumed was measured on two occasions by 110 subjects.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in most developed and developing countries have been increasing markedly over the past two decades. This increase includes all ages, genders, racial and ethnic groups, income, and educational levels. A variety of genetic, environmental, physiological, psychological and sociocultural factors influence the development of obesity. Iran like many other developing countries is now experiencing the global epidemic of obesity and its consequences.

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is a very common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. It is estimated that 3% of Iranians are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus. Current population-based studies on both rural and urban prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Iran are sparse with results that do not always agree. We performed this study to find the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-hepatitis B core antibody, and associated factors in the general population of three provinces of Iran.

Background: In the West, the subsite incidence of gastric cancer has changed in recent decades, with cancer of the cardia increasing in incidence and that of the more distal stomach decreasing. NW Iran has a very high incidence of upper gastrointestinal cancer and we have examined the anatomical site specific incidence in this geographical region.

Background: Upper gastrointestinal cancer is the most common cancer in Ardabil Province, North-West of Iran, accounting for more than 50% of all cancer deaths in this area. We conducted this study to determine the present survival rate of patients with esophageal and gastric cancers before launching interventional studies.

AIM: To assess the proteome of normal versus tumor tissue in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCCE) in Iranian patients and compare our results with former reports by using proteomics. METHODS: Protein was extracted from normal and tumor tissues. Two dimensional electrophoresis was carried out and spots with differential expression were identified with mass spectrometry. RNA extraction and RT-PCR along with immunodetection were performed.

Abstract We tested the association between tooth loss and oral hygiene and the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in people living in a high-risk area of Iran. We used a case-control study of pathologically confirmed ESCC cases (n= 283) and controls (n= 560) matched on sex, age, and neighborhood. Subjects with ESCC had significantly more decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT) with a median (interquartile range) of 31 (23-32) compared with controls 28 (16-32; P= 0.0045).

Background: Cancer is the second most common cause of non-accidental death in Iran. Geographical, racial and habitual differences have led to the variation in the incidence of cancer in different regions of this country. This study was performed to determine the incidence of cancer in the Kerman Province, central Iran. Methods: All newly diagnosed cases of cancer in the Kerman Province were recorded in a five-year period (1996-2000).

Background It is believed that the development of gastric cancer (GC) before the age of 50 has a hereditary basis. Blood group A and history of gastric cancer in first-degree relatives have been shown to be risk factors for GC. Methods In this case-control study, we enrolled patients with GC who were diagnosed before the age of 50. Patients who were diagnosed as having GC were selected. A total of 534 cases were found; of these, 44 diagnosed before the age of 50 were included in the case group.

Background: Furazolidone has been effective against Helicobacter pylori in Iran, with no resistance, but with intolerable side effects in the second week. One-week regimens have not been useful here. We compared the efficacy and side effect profiles of three anti-H. pylori regimens. Methods: P atients with peptic ulcer disease and positive H. pylori infection were randomly allocated into three groups.

Background: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Asian populations is reported to be lower than that in the West. Population-based data on the prevalence and symptom profile of GERD in developing Caucasian countries is lacking. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and clinical spectrum of GERD in Tehran, northern Iran and their association with patient characteristics.

Background-According to a recent report published by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of the IR of Iran, gastric cancer (GC) is the most common fatal cancer in this country and its prevalence is highest in Ardabil province, Northwest of Iran. This descriptive endoscopic survey was designed to determine the type of upper gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy in this high prevalence area. Method-This study was conducted in the first established subspeciality outpatient GI clinic in the city of Ardabil.

Although the incidence of colorectal cancer in Iranian older age subjects is currently very low compared to Western population, the younger generation is experiencing an accelerated rate approaching the Western rates and the burden of disease will increase dramatically in near future. The high frequency of positive family history of colorectal cancer in Iranian patients indicates that a significant number of colorectal cancers in Iran arise in family members and relatives of colorectal cancer patients.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of gluten sensitive enteropathy (GSE) in a large group of patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) of obscure origin. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, patients with IDA of obscure origin were screened for GSE. Anti-endomysial antibody (EMA) and tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG) levels were evaluated and duodenal biopsies were taken and scored according to the Marsh classification.

Background: The northeastern region of Iran has some of the highest rates of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in the world. Materials and Methods: To investigate the role of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the etiology of ESCC in northeastern Iran, we measured urine 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide (1-OHPG), a stable PAH metabolite, in 99 inhabitants of this area. Results: The median urine 1-OHPG in participants of this study was 4.2 pmol/ml.

Background: In Iran, there is insufficient information on the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens shorter than 10 days. This study aims at assessing the efficacy of 4-and 7-day H. pylori eradication regimens in a high-incidence area of gastric cancer in Iran. Methods: Subjects with an endoscopic diagnosis of gastritis, positive urease test, and a histological diagnosis of chronic gastritis were enrolled.

Our objectives were to investigate patterns of food and nutrient consumption in Golestan province, a high-incidence area for esophageal cancer (EC) in northern Iran. Twelve 24-h dietary recalls were administered during a 1-yr period to 131 healthy participants in a pilot cohort study. We compare here nutrient intake in Golestan with recommended daily allowances (RDAs) and lowest threshold intakes (LTIs).

Abstract Migrant studies provided strong evidence about the role of environment and life style in cancer risk. Iran has experienced many immigrants to other countries with different cultures and environment. This study compares cancer incidence rates in Iran, Iranian immigrants to British Columbia (BC), Canada, and the BC general population. Cancer incidence rates were computed from two population-based cancer registries in Iran and from the BC cancer registry.

Background Hepatic hydatid cyst is an important public health problem in parts of the world where dogs are used for cattle breeding. Management of uncomplicated hepatic hydatid cysts is currently surgical. However, the puncture, aspiration, injection, and re-aspiration (PAIR) method with or without benzimidazole coverage has appeared as an alternative to surgery over the past decade.

The earliest reports of high incidence of oesophageal cancer (OC) in the northern parts of Iran date back to the early 1970s. 1, 2 A population-based cancer registry was established in 1969 as a joint effort between Tehran University and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This registry confirmed the high incidence of OC in the eastern portion of the Caspian Sea littoral, in the area that is now known as Golestan Province.

Background Environmental risk factors playing a causative role in Crohn's Disease (CD) remain largely unknown. Recently, it has been suggested that refrigerated food could be involved in disease development. We thus conducted a pilot case control study to explore the association of CD with the exposure to domestic refrigeration in childhood.

Background Cancer registries in the 1970s showed that parts of Golestan Province in Iran had the highest rate of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in the world. More recent studies have shown that while rates are still high, they are approximately half of what they were before, which might be attributable to improved socio-economic status (SES) and living conditions in this area. We examined a wide range of SES indicators to investigate the association between different SES components and risk of OSCC in the region.

Aim: Our objective was to investigate the effects and tolerability of fixed-dose combination therapy on blood pressure and LDL in adults without elevated blood pressure or lipid levels. Methods: This was a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial in residents of Kalaleh, Golestan, Iran.

Abstract Introduction: One of the most economical and effective therapeutic regimens for eradication of Helicobacter pylori is the classic triple therapy with amoxycillin or tetracycline, metronidazole and a bismuth derivative. Addition of H 2-receptor antagonists to these drugs may heighten the rate of eradication and shorten the duration. We therefore performed a randomized controlled trial comparing twice daily metronidazole, bismuth derivative and amoxycillin for 2 weeks with additional ranitidine for 1 or 2 weeks.

Abstract The availability of disease-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offers a unique opportunity for studying and modeling the effects of specific gene defects on human liver development in vitro and for testing small molecules or other potential therapies for relevant liver disorders.

Abstract Introduction and Aims: Considering high prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Iran and need for its prevention, determination of causes and risk factors can help health policy makers in control of disease. Materials and Methods: All blood donors of Tehran city from April 1997 to March 2000 were studied in a case control design. HBsAg positive donors who were referred to hepatitis consultation office in Tehran blood transfusion center (2447 donors) were compared with 2425 HbsAg negative donors.