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ABSTRACT Background and Aim: The correlation between dietary fat and coronary heart disease (CHD) has been clearly established. This study was designed to investigate the effects of different dietary oils on serum fatty acid composition and lipid profile in rats. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male rats were assigned to 5 groups and received standard chow diet for 3 weeks. At the end of the 3rd week, blood samples were obtained from four rats in every group. The remaining rats received standard chow diet or experimental diet (chow diet supplemented with yogurt butter, olive oil, soybean oil, or flaxseed oil for another 4 weeks. Serum fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatography whereas serum lipids were determined by use of enzyme kits. Results: Total saturated, monounsaturated, and n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were significantly higher in the rats which received yogurt butter, olive, soybean, and flaxseed oils, respectively. In addition, consumption of olive, soybean, and flaxseed oil markedly increased total unsaturated fatty acids. There was a significant increase in total PUFA after consumption of soybean or flaxseed oils in comparison to yogurt butter. A marked reduction was observed in n 6:n 3 PUFA ratio in the rats that consumed flaxseed oil. Serum triglycerides significantly decreased after consumption of olive, soybean, and flaxseed oils, whereas no change was observed in the total cholesterol. Olive oil and yogurt butter consumption led to increased HDL-C, but a noticeable decrease occurred in LDL-C in the rats of all test groups. Conclusion: Different dietary oils differentially affect serum fatty acid composition and serum lipid profiles. Key words: Cardiovascular Diseases, Dietary Fats, Fatty Acid, Gas Chromatography Received: Apr 21, 2011 Accepted: Nov 1, 2011 Conflict of interest: Nill

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ABSTRACT Background and Aim: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the most important causes of death and disability all around the world. Blood cells, especially platelets, may play a crucial role in pathophysiology of these disorders. Considering the increased risk of thrombosis after acute physical activities, and the role of the platelets in these disorders, many nutritional approaches had been evaluated for the prevention of thrombosis. Recently, the effects of cocoa consumption on hemostasis have recently attracted the attention of many researchers. In this study we evaluated the effects of cocoa consumption on platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW), during one session of incremental exhausting aerobic exercise in male soccer players. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study included 20 healthy volunteer male soccer players (age: 22±1years BF%: 22.5±1.2 VO2max:52.6±1.5 ml.kg-1.min). After written consent, all subjects performed Bruce Test within two successive weeks. After the first blood sampling (stage one), 0.5 mg/kg of placebo (0.5 g cocoa powder in 300 ml of 4% sucrose solution) or cocoa solution (18.75 g cocoa powder in 300 ml 4% sucrose solution) was randomly given to the subjects. All cases performed Bruce Test two hours later. Blood samples were collected just before Bruce Test (second stage), immediately after Bruce Test ( third stage) and 1 hour after Bruce Test (fourth stage). After preparation of peripheral blood smears, platelet count, MPV and PDW were measured by Mindray cell counter. Using spss 16, data were analyzed by means of two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonfferoni test at the level 0.01. Results:Our results indicated a significant decrease in platelet count, MPV, and PDW after cocoa consumption (P<0.01). In addition, there was a significant difference between the 2 groups in these values after Bruse Test (P<0.01). However, in spite of significant increase in platelet count, MPV, and PDW after Bruse Test, cocoa consumption 2 hours before the test decreased these values significantly (P<0.01). Conclusion: Cocoa consumption before exhaustive physical exercises may prevent exercise induced increase in the platelet indices hence, potentially can prevent cardiovascular and thrombotic events and sudden death in the athletes. Key words: Cardiovascular disease, Platelet, Cocoa, Exhaustive exercise, Bruce Test Received: Jul 25, 2012 Accepted: Sep 10, 2012 Conflict of interest: None declared

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Background and Aim: Non-communicable diseases were the first cause of death in the country from 1990 to 2015, which has increased significantly according to National reporting of mortality data. Among these, cardiovascular diseases was the first cause of death Considering the need to reduce 25% of premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2025, Cardiovascular Diseases Working Group of the National Committee for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases of Iran, and the Deputy Minister of Health and the Scientific Committee for Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction and stroke of the Deputy Minister of Health were obliged to create a coordinated national strategy for reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease in the country.
Materials and Methods: The main objectives of the Working Group on Cardiovascular Diseases of the National Committee for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases of Iran, include policy-making based on the current situation, alignment of national programs for prevention, control, treatment, follow-up and rehabilitation at different levels of health care, and prioritizing necessary interventions for the most common cardiovascular diseases.
 Results: The Cardiovascular Diseases Working Group has designed the National Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Control and Treatment Program in 8 main stages, according to its responsibilities in achieving the goals of the National Document for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and Related Risk Factors. It includes recording risk assessment information, referrals, care and rehabilitation, pre-hospital triage and pre-hospital emergency services, and standardization of medical services and monitoring and evaluation to compare annual information on the rate of premature death with baseline.
Conclusion: According to the experiences gained, National Cardiovascular Diseases Working Group has the main role in policy-making, monitoring, and implementing the related policies. Having a stable and dynamic national plan to control cardiovascular disease ensures more decisive results to support cardiovascular health at the national and regional levels

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Background and Aim: Food insecurity and poor quality of diet are among risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The main objective of this study was to assess the association of food insecurity with atherogenic glucose and lipid profile in women.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 630 women between 18 and 50 years of age were selected by cluster sampling and interviewed face-to-face. To assess the household’s food security status, we used a household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) questionnaire, which its validity and reliability had been determined in the Iranian population. The serum levels of glucose (FBS), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were measured and LDL/HDL, TC/HDL, and TG/HDL ratios were calculated.
Results: The mean serum concentrations of TG and TG/HDL ratio were significantly higher in the women suffering from moderate and severe food insecurity compared to those in the food-secure women (p=0.002). Compared with the food secure group, women with moderate and severe food security were more likely to develop hypertriglyceridemia (adjusted OR, 1.63; p=0.018) and a high TG/HDL ratio (adjusted OR, 1.52; p=0.030). However, food security status showed no significant associations with the probability of having the impaired fasting glucose, hypercholesterolemia, high LDL, low HDL, and abnormal ratios of LDL/HDL and TC/HDL.
Conclusion: Food insecurity may be associated with increased risk of hypertriglyceridemia and high TG/HDL in women.