Introduction: Disc degeneration is a natural aging process characterized by changes in appearance and chemical structure of the disc. This degeneration leads to back pain. In regard to the limitation of current therapeutical methods for patients with degenerated discs, arthroplasty has been suggested as an alternative method. To manufacture artificial discs for Iranians, determining normal lumb...

Background: Headache and depression are prevalent among general population. The aim of this study was to determine the associated factors of headache in elderly subjects with emphasis to depression. Methods: All cohort of elderly individuals of the Amirkola Health Study Project were included. Data regarding several clinical and demographic characteristics were provided via fill in quesstionn...

Objective Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMPs) play important roles in the structural and functional properties of reproductive organs. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of C-1562T Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (rs3918242) gene polymorphism in fertile and infertile men. In addition, we aimed to determine the association between C-1562T MMP-9 and G-1575A MMP-2 gene polymorphisms. Mate...

background and objectives:  helicobacter pylori cause a chronic gastric infection, and may cause extra gastrointestinal disease. the association between h. pylori infection and serum lipid profiles is still controversial. the aim of this study was to investigate any possible relationship between h. pylori infection and lipid levels. materials and methods: the subjects were 400 volunteer referr...