Group Of Iranian Women Research Articles

The Role of Spiritual-Religious Behaviors and Beliefs in Reducing Stress and Anxiety and Enhancing Spiritual-Psychological Health among a Group of Iranian Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background and Objective: The aim of the current study is to examine the role of spiritual-religious health in reducing stress and enhancing spiritual and psychological health among Iranian women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods and Materials: This descriptive research included a sample of 384 Iranian women. After providing their consent, participants completed the research questionnaires on Google Forms, which included George's Religious Health Questionnaire, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Findings: The research results, analyzed using AMOS24 software, indicate a relationship between the level of spiritual-religious health and religious beliefs and stress in women during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was confirmed due to the significance level being less than (P<0.05), and the use of spiritual-religious beliefs could explain and predict 40.3% of the stress in women. Additionally, the use of spiritual-religious health tools and religious beliefs and general psychological health in women was confirmed due to the significance level (P<0.05). The use of religious beliefs also explained and predicted 35.5% of the variance in women's general health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic threatens the lives of millions of people worldwide. Religious beliefs have had a significant impact on reducing stress and anxiety and increasing general psychological health in Iranian women. The study results place a heavy responsibility on specialists in this field, especially in the Muslim country of Iran, to promote spiritual-religious aspects and change the lifestyle of women to make significant strides in women's health.

Dietary intake of micronutrients are predictor of premenstrual syndrome, a machine learning method

Background & Aims Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder affecting 30-40% of women of reproductive age. Many of the modifiable risk factors associated with PMS involve nutrition and poor eating habits. This study aims to explore the correlation between micronutrients and PMS in a group of Iranian women and to build a predictor model showing the PMS using nutritional and anthropometric variables. Methods This is a cross-sectional which was conducted on 223 females in Iran. Anthropometric indices including Body Mass Index (BMI) and skinfold thicknesses were measured. For assessing the dietary intakes of participants, Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and for analyzing the data, machine learning methods were used. Results After applying different variable selection techniques, we’ve created machine learning models such as KNN. KNN achieved 80.3% accuracy rate and 76.3% F1 score indicating that our model is a curate and valid proof to show a strong relationship between input variables (sodium intake, Skin fold thickness of suprailiac, irregular menstruation, total calorie intake, total fiber intake, trans fatty acids, painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), total sugar intake, total fat intake, and biotin) and the output variable (PMS). We sorted these effective variables based on their ‘Shapley values’ and we figured out Na intake, suprailiac skinfold thickness, biotin intake, total fat intake and total sugar intake have major impact on having PMS. Conclusions Dietary intakes and anthropometric measurements are highly associated with occurrence of PMS and in our model these variables can predict PMS in women with a high accuracy rate. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder affecting 30-40% of women of reproductive age. Many of the modifiable risk factors associated with PMS involve nutrition and poor eating habits. This study aims to explore the correlation between micronutrients and PMS in a group of Iranian women and to build a predictor model showing the PMS using nutritional and anthropometric variables. This is a cross-sectional which was conducted on 223 females in Iran. Anthropometric indices including Body Mass Index (BMI) and skinfold thicknesses were measured. For assessing the dietary intakes of participants, Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and for analyzing the data, machine learning methods were used. After applying different variable selection techniques, we’ve created machine learning models such as KNN. KNN achieved 80.3% accuracy rate and 76.3% F1 score indicating that our model is a curate and valid proof to show a strong relationship between input variables (sodium intake, Skin fold thickness of suprailiac, irregular menstruation, total calorie intake, total fiber intake, trans fatty acids, painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), total sugar intake, total fat intake, and biotin) and the output variable (PMS). We sorted these effective variables based on their ‘Shapley values’ and we figured out Na intake, suprailiac skinfold thickness, biotin intake, total fat intake and total sugar intake have major impact on having PMS. Dietary intakes and anthropometric measurements are highly associated with occurrence of PMS and in our model these variables can predict PMS in women with a high accuracy rate.

Association between gene polymorphisms of IL-12, IL-12 receptor and IL-27 and organ involvement in Iranian endometriosis patients.

Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue, immune cell dysfunction and abnormal cytokine secretion. In addition to immunological factors, genetic variations that influence endometriosis severity and cytokine expression levels play important roles in the pathogenesis of this disease. Interleukin-12 (IL-12), specifically its p40 subunit encoded by IL-12B gene and the interleukin-12 receptor β1 (IL-12Rβ2) chain of its receptor, as well as interleukin-27 (IL-27) are important in the establishment of endometriosis. So, in this study, we measured IL-12 and IL-27 serum levels and investigated the possible links between IL-12B rs3212227, IL-12Rβ2 rs3790565 and IL-27 rs153109 polymorphisms and the risk of developing endometriosis in a group of Iranian women. In this case-control study, 162 endometriosis patients and 151 healthy women were included and tested for the aforementioned polymorphisms using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was also used to measure IL-12 and IL-27 serum levels. Although there was no statistically significant association between the genotypes and alleles of the studied polymorphisms and the development of endometriosis in general, the AA genotype of IL-12B rs3212227 showed a significant association with uterine endometriosis when compared to AC+CC genotypes (p=.04, CI=0.270-0.988, OR=0.517). Indeed, the AA genotype of the IL-12B rs3212227 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) may be linked with a lower risk of developing uterine endometriosis. There was no significant difference in IL-27 levels between the two studied groups (p=.49), and IL-12 levels were undetectable in both groups. In conclusion, the AA genotype of IL-12B rs3212227 might be associated with a decreased risk of uterine involvement in endometriosis patients.

Investigation of TGF-β1 gene variant and expression in a group of Iranian women with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is defined as a common gynecologic and inflammatory disease. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) gene and its protein level might play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The present study aimed for the first time to assess the associations between endometriosis risk and -509 C/T (rs1800469) variant of the TGF-β1 gene as well as TGF-β1 mRNA expression in eutopic endometrium tissue of patients with and without endometriosis among a group of Iranian women. Genotyping was carried out in 100 endometriosis patients (cases) with confirmed histological diagnosis of endometriosis and 197 non-endometriosis subjects (controls). The expression level of TGF-β1 mRNA was determined using Real-Time PCR assay in 15 eutopic endometrium tissue of women with endometriosis and 15 healthy controls. There was a significant association for allele and genotype frequencies of rs1800469 variant and endometriosis. No significant difference for TGF-β1 expression was observed between eutopic endometrium of patients and healthy group. Also, evaluation of TGF-β1expression across the menstrual cycle showed the same level of TGF-β1 among case and control subjects. Our investigations indicated enough evidence for the effect of TGF-β1 genetic variant on endometriosis risk in an Iranian population. Furthermore, we could not find any relations between TGF-β1 mRNA expression and susceptibility to endometriosis.

Iranian migrant women’s beauty practices and (un)veiling in Belgium

Abstract The hijab has been considered a notable factor in increasing women’s tendency to practise beauty in Iran. Experiences of beauty practices by Iranian women in diaspora can shed light on the extent of the influence that the practice of (un)veiling might have on beauty regimes. This study uses semi-structured interviews amongst a group of Iranian women in Belgium to investigate the development of beauty practices after migration. The study draws on feminist studies on beauty practices and ethnic/racial identities to explore whether beauty practices create a sense of normalcy or are forms of self-governance in compliance with the dominant discourses of female embodiment. The findings point to the complex intertwinement of racialisation with gendered embodiment and illustrate the strategies that women develop either to embrace their difference or to eliminate the perceived embodied differences and counter racialised othering. The analysis draws on feminist theory to examine participants’ perceptions of the social construction of women’s imagery as migrants and their self-perceptions as racialised minorities in the Belgian society.

EWords for New Worlds

Abstract The potential impact of the internet on women’s empowerment can be identified in a variety of ways. The internet can provide diverse avenues for women’s social, political and economic empowerment and valuable sites can help with education, health, information and awareness of human rights in the public and the private spheres. Beyond these parameters the internet is also an open gate to the world, one that allows women to join global networks from the confines of their homes and break the boundaries of closed societies. In this article, we explore the changes the internet has brought to the lives of Iranian women. Drawing on interviews with a group of Iranian women who are active internet users in Tehran, we address how they understand and perceive digital empowerment.

Predictors of traumatic childbirth experiences in a group of Iranian women

For the first time, rare-earth phosphate compound Cs4PbTb2(PO3)12 was prepared using molten salt method and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). Its structure features a three-dimensional (3D) open framework constructed by P4O12 cyclotetraphosphate groups and (Pb|Tb)O8 polyhedra, with large holes filling with Cs+ ions. The P4O12 groups in this structure are isolated and each P4O12 is surrounded by four (Pb|Tb)O8 polyhedra by sharing terminal O atoms. Furthermore, the powder XRD, infrared (IR) spectrum, Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) properties for title compound were studied. Under near-UV excitation (378 nm), the emission colour turns from green through yellow to pure red by simply adjusting the Eu3+ concentration due to the efficient Tb3+→Eu3+ energy transfer mechanism.

Association between Interleukin-32 and Interleukin-17A Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Serum Levels with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is correlated with low-grade chronic inflammation. Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and Interleukin-32 (IL-32) are two members of the pro-inflammatory cytokines which act as significant components of the immune system during certain inflammatory diseases. Along with immunological processes, genetic factors play major roles in predisposition to PCOS. There are myriad single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within IL-17A and IL-32 genes that may affect their production and the susceptibility of individuals to PCOS. The objective of the present research was to investigate the association between IL-17A (rs2275913) and IL-32 (rs9927163, rs4786370) SNPs, and also their serum levels with susceptibility to PCOS in a group of Iranian women. In this case-control study, 150 PCOS patients (mean age of 29.1 years) and 150 healthy women (mean age of 26.1 years) were analyzed in terms of IL-17A and IL-32 SNPs via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Furthermore, serum levels of IL-17A and IL-32 cytokines were measured through the use of ELISA method. There were significant differences between PCOS and healthy women regarding IL-17A rs2275913 alleles, genotypes frequencies (p=0.005, and 0.01, respectively) and the allelic distribution of IL-32 rs9927163 SNP (p=0.03). Additionally, significant differences were indicated between two groups concerning the AG genotype against AA+GG genotypes (p=0.009) and the GG genotype against AA+AG genotypes (p=0.006) in IL-17A rs2275913 SNP. In the matter of IL-32 gene SNPs, GC haplotype frequency was significantly different between patients and controls (p=0.05). Furthermore, IL-32 serum level was not significantly different between the two studied groups and the serum level of IL-17A was not detectable. In conclusion, IL-17A and IL-32 SNPs might be associated with predisposition to PCOS in Iranian women.

Idiopathic Premature Ovarian Failure and its association to the abnormal longitudinal changes of telomere length in a population of Iranian Infertile Women: A pilot study

BachgroundThe premature ovarian failure (POF) is a reason of infertility that affects about 1–4% of women before age 40. The importance of telomeres' length in different diseases has been explored before. This study examines the association between the relative telomere length and idiopathic POF in a group of Iranian women. MethodsThe blood genomic DNA was extracted from 40 idiopathic POF patients (case group) and 40 fertile women (control group). The relative telomere length (RTL) was evaluated by quantitative Real-Time PCR using specific telomeric primers. RTL was calculated as T (telomere)/S (single copy gene) ratio and compared between infertile and fertile groups. ResultsA strong association was considered between telomere size and idiopathic premature ovarian failure. In patients the relative telomere length showed to be significantly longer than those of control group (P < .05, 95% CI). ConclusionOur findings demonstrate a possible relationship between telomere lengthening and idiopathic POF. The reason of the observed elevated telomeres' genetic material could be explained by numerous probable mechanisms like reduced ovarian cell division rate, a sudden increase in the estrogen level before menopause and after egg depletion, and/or an autoimmune condition which could change the composition of blood cells and their consequent conversion to the cells with longer telomeres in patients. More experiments with larger population are necessary to confirm the results of present study.

493 Bodily beliefs and bodily expression of emotions among a group of iranian women with vaginismus

493 Bodily beliefs and bodily expression of emotions among a group of iranian women with vaginismus

Association Between Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression: A Population-Based Study

Background: This study aimed to examine the association between caffeine intake and postpartum depression in a group of Iranian women. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was performed on a representative sample of 360 women attending healthcare centers in Ardabil, Iran. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated 106-item dish-based semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Caffeine intake was calculated through considering caffeine from all foods and beverages. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to examine postpartum depression. Women with a score of 13 or more were considered as depressed. Results: Point prevalence of postpartum depression was 34.8 per 100 subjects. After controlling for potential confounders, we observed a significant association between caffeine intake and postpartum depression, controlling for some possible confounding variables (odds ratios [ORs] and corresponding 95% confidence interval [CI] for quartiles 1, 3, and 4 of caffeine intake were 1.8 [.9–3.6], 1.2 [.63–2.4], and 2.1 [1.1–4.1]), respectively. Furthermore, tea consumption was not related to the odds of postpartum depression (ORs and corresponding 95% CI for quartiles 1, 3, and 4 of tea intake were 1.1 [.59–2.2], 1.1 [.6–2.1], and 1.2 [.63–2.3]), respectively. The second quartile was considered as the reference group. Conclusion: No significant association was observed between caffeine or tea intake and odds of postpartum depression except for last quartile of caffeine in an adjusted model. Further investigations are needed to determine whether usual caffeine consumption can contribute to the risk of postpartum depression.

Association Between Cytochrome 1B1*3 Polymorphism and the Breast Cancer in a Group of Iranian Women

Background: As a hormone-dependent cancer, estrogen is involved in the development of breast cancer. CYP1B1 belongs to the P450 superfamily of enzymes and is involved in the metabolism of estrogen. The present study investigates the relationship between CYP1B1*3 rs1056836 polymorphism and breast cancer in Iranian women. Methods: The present case-control study was conducted on 79 women with breast cancer and 79 healthy women admitted to Shohadaye Tajrish hospital in Tehran. Blood samples were taken from all the participants and their leukocyte DNA was extracted. The PCR-RFLP method was used for genotyping the participants based on the size of the pieces on the gel. Based on Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium model, the frequency of alleles was calculated. Results: The mean age of participants was 48 ± 8 years old in the cancer group and 43±6 years old in the control group. After counting the genotypes, their percentages were calculated as 30.38% for the GG genotype, 37.97% for the GC/CG and 31.65% for the CC in the cancer group and as 32.91% for the GG genotype, 53.16% for the GC/CG and 13.93% for the CC in the control group. Based on Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium model, the frequency of the G allele and C allele was 49.37% and 50.63 in the cancer group, and about 59.49% and 40.51% in the control group. A statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the CC homozygotes (P = 0.008). Conclusions: The results obtained showed possibility of a significant relationship between CYP1B1 rs1056836 polymorphism and the risk of developing breast cancer, and the polymorphism can, therefore, be said to be involved in the development of this condition.

Necropolitical voices and bodies in the rhetorical reception of Iranian women's asylum claims

ABSTRACTIn the mid-1990s, US immigration courts were introduced to a group of Iranian women who claimed that they feared persecution because of their “pro-Western and feminist” political opinions and because of the way they performed gender on their bodies. The claims were, in total, unsuccessful bids to asylum. Analyzing these cases set against the geopolitical background of US–Iranian history and contemporary relations, I argue that their denials illustrate three important dynamics. First, building on rhetorical theorizing of voice and body, this essay demonstrates the uneasy reception in US law and politics of willful noncitizen women of color with explicit political voices and bodies, and second, the consequential racialization of these subjects as willful, unorderable migrant subjects too akin in their sovereignty to their state of birth. Third, this analysis adds to the field's attentiveness to geopolitics by consequently demonstrating US necropolitical desires toward Iran in the state's engagement with these cases. I argue that for the United States to recognize these claimants as having political voices contrary to their state would be to recognize the presence and legitimacy of that state—a sovereign that challenges US power and modernity on the global stage.

Leptin and body mass index in polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with obesity. Human and animal studies showed a direct relationship between leptin level and obesity, however, results from different studies were mixed. This study investigated the status of leptin level in PCOS and its relationship with body mass index (BMI) in a group of Iranian women with PCOS.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 40 women with PCOS and 36 healthy women were assigned to experimental and control groups, respectively. Those in the PCOS group were not prescribed any medications for 3 months prior to the study. Fasting blood samples were then collected during the 2nd or 3rd day of menstruation for laboratory measurement of serum total leptin, blood glucose (fasting blood sugar), serum insulin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone (LH).Results:Mean BMI of the PCOS and control groups were 26.62 ± 4.03 kg/m2 and 23.52 ± 2.52 kg/m2, respectively (P = 0.006). The mean total leptin in the PCO group was also 10.69 ± 5.37 ng/mL and 5.73 ± 2.36 ng/mL in the control group (P = 0.0001). A significant relationship was found between leptin level and BMI as well as LH level among women with PCOS (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between leptin and insulin (P > 0.05).Conclusion:The results of this study indicated an increased leptin level among women with PCOS that positively associated with BMI and LH.

Investigating the Association of IL-17A and IL-17F with Susceptibility to Pre-eclampsia in Iranian Women.

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the most important and life-threatening pregnancy disorders that affect at least 3-5% of all pregnancies. Imbalance in helper T cell functions may play a role in predisposing to PE or severity of the disease. Elevated frequencies of Th17 cells in the peripheral blood of PE patients have been reported. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within IL-17 gene have been identified that may affect the IL-17 production. To investigate the association between IL-17A (-197A/G) and IL-17F (+7488T/C) gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to PE in a group of Iranian women. Moreover, to study any correlation of the polymorphisms data with the level of IL-17, at mRNA level in the paternal and maternal parts of the placentas and also at protein level in the peripheral and placental blood samples. A group of 261 PE patients and 278 age-matched healthy women with at least two previous normal pregnancies formed the cases and controls of this study. IL-17A (-197A/G) and IL-17F (+7488T/C) polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR-RFLP method. The protein level of IL-17A was assessed in the sera of 40 PE and 40 healthy women using ELISA method and mRNA expression was also measured in placental samples of 19 PE and 19 control women using Q-PCR technique. Statistical analysis indicated that there were no differences in genotype, allele or haplotype frequencies regarding the studied SNPs between cases and controls. The level of IL-17A was elevated in the placental blood and the fetal tissue at protein and mRNA levels (p< 0.009 and p<0.000, respectively) in PE as compared with the healthy women. The effect of IL-17 cytokine in pre-eclampsia is not due to the studied cytokine polymorphisms but local production of IL-17 might have an effect on the predisposition to the disease.

Low-carbohydrate-diet score and metabolic syndrome: An epidemiologic study among Iranian women

ObjectiveEpidemiologic studies linking carbohydrate consumption and risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS) are limited. The association between low-carbohydrate-diet score and MetS has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate low-carbohydrate-diet score in relation to MetS among a group of Iranian women. MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 442 Iranian female teachers >20 y of age. Usual dietary intakes were assessed using a validated, dish-based semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/International Diabetes Federation definition guidelines. ResultsThe prevalence of MetS in the lowest and highest quintile of low-carbohydrate-diet score was 17.5% and 18.8%, respectively (P = 0.97). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence between extreme quartiles low-carbohydrate-diet score and MetS (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.38–2.28). After controlling for age, energy intake, and other potential confounders, low-carbohydrate-diet score was not significantly associated with MetS. A significant association was observed between this score and abnormal fasting plasma glucose. We failed to find a significant relationship between this score and other components of MetS. ConclusionsDiets with lower amounts of carbohydrate and higher contents of fat and protein were not significantly associated with the risk for MetS in a cross-sectional study with a group of Iranian women. More longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these results.

Adherence to the DASH diet and prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among Iranian women.

Epidemiologic data linking adherence to the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet and metabolic abnormalities is sparse and inconsistent. The association between habitual intake of the DASH diet and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been investigated in the Middle East. We aimed to determine whether usual adherence to the DASH dietary pattern was associated with MetS in a group of Iranian women. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012 among a representative sample of Isfahani female nurses. A validated, dish-based semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was used for assessing usual dietary intakes. The DASH score was constructed based on 8 main foods and nutrients emphasized or minimized in the DASH diet. The MetS was defined according to the Joint Scientific Statement. After controlling for potential confounders, individuals in the highest tertile of the DASH diet score had 81% lower odds of MetS than those in the lowest category (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.07-0.96). Further, adjustment for body mass index slightly weakened the association (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.14-0.91). Participants with the greater adherence to the DASH diet were 54, 73, 78, and 80% less likely to have enlarged waist circumference, hyperglyceridemia, low HDL-C levels, and high blood pressure, respectively, compared with those in the lowest tertile. No significant association was seen between consumption of a DASH diet and abnormal fasting plasma glucose. Adherence to the DASH eating plan was inversely associated with the odds of MetS and most of its features among a group of Iranian women.

Psychosocial correlates of dietary behaviour in type 2 diabetic women, using a behaviour change theory.

The study evaluated the efficacy of the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), along with self-efficacy to predict dietary behaviour in a group of Iranian women with type 2 diabetes. A sample of 352 diabetic women referred to Khoy Diabetes Clinic, Iran, were selected and given a self-administered survey to assess eating behaviour, using the extended TRA constructs. Bivariate correlations and Enter regression analyses of the extended TRA model were performed with SPSS software. Overall, the proposed model explained 31.6% of variance of behavioural intention and 21.5% of variance of dietary behaviour. Among the model constructs, self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of intentions and dietary practice. In addition to the model variables, visit intervals of patients and source of obtaining information about diabetes from sociodemographic factors were also associated with dietary behaviours of the diabetics. This research has highlighted the relative importance of the extended TRA constructs upon behavioural intention and subsequent behaviour. Therefore, use of the present research model in designing educational interventions to increase adherence to dietary behaviours among diabetic patients was recommended and emphasized.

No detection of 'high-risk' human papillomaviruses in a group of Iranian women with breast cancer.

The presence of viral DNA in breast cancer cells is controversial. However, some studies have revealed a possible role for the human papillomavirus in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of HPV-DNA in breast tissue in a group of Iranian women with and without breast cancer and identification of the detected HPV types. Paraffin-embedded specimens from 65 malignant breast cancer cases and 65 cases with benign breast lesions were investigated for presence of HPV-DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction. We found HPV-DNA in 22 (33.8%) of the breast cancer specimens. All non-cancerous specimens were negative. Low and high-risk HPV types, including HPV-6 (26.2%), HPV-16 (1.5%), HPV-35 (1.5%), HPV-52 (1.5%), and HPV-11 (1.5%) were detected in our study. HPV-6 was the most prevalent type in the breast cancer specimens. Although high-risk HPV types have been shown to have a major role in cervix cancer, there have been no data that support the same relevance for other types of malignancies. Furthermore, presence of low-risk HPV types in malignancies still is a matter of debate. The data presented in this study indicates a strong need for epidemiological studies correlating different HPV types in human breast cancer.

No Evidence of Mammary Tumor Virus env Gene-Like Sequences among Iranian Women with Breast Cancer

Objective: The mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is the well-established etiological agent of mammary tumors in mice. A series of studies have implicated that a human murine mammary tumor virus-like virus occurs in human breast cancer, but it is unclear whether it has any causal role. Methods: The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of MMTV env gene-like sequences in a group of Iranian women with or without breast cancer. A total of 65 breast cancer and 65 noncancerous breast specimens from the Department of Pathology of Tabriz University in East Azerbaijan, Iran, were analyzed by nested PCR. Results: All breast cancer and benign breast samples were negative for MMTV env gene-like DNA. Conclusion: These results indicate that the MMTV env gene-like virus may not play a significant role in the etiology of breast cancer among Iranian women.