Background: Zinc (Zn) is nutritionally essential trace element, and thus deficiency may severely affect human health. The results of cross-sectional studies indicate that micronutrient deficiencies are common in patients with tuberculosis. Our goal is to investigate whether Zn supplementation can increase the effects of anti-TB treatment or not. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed tuberculosis were divided in to 2 groups. One group (n= 37) received capsule contains 50 mg of elemental zinc (as zinc sulfate) for 6 months every other day (micronutrient group) and Group II (n= 37) received placebo. Both groups received the same anti-tuberculosis treatment recommended by the WHO. Clinical examination, BMI, chest X-ray, direct sputum examination, assessment of serum zinc levels (by atomic absorption spectrophotometry), and biochemical markers serum concentration (by using an RA1000 AutoAnalyzer) were carried out before and after 2-and 6-months anti-tuberculosis treatment. Results: Plasma zinc concentrations in the micronutrient group was higher than placebo group After treatment. In the placebo group increasing in SGOT and SGPT concentrations were significantly higher than micronutrient group after 2 months of treatment (p< 0.05). The significant changes (p< 0.05) were observed on the serum levels of total protein, albumin. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, serum creatinine, uric acid and urea in groups were not significantly different. Conclusions: Zinc supplementation results in earlier sputum smear conversion in the micronutrient group during the first 6 weeks. Increased body weight and serum zinc and serum albumin and decrease in total protein was observed in the micronutrient group.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome includes a range of disorders that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. In this study, we examined the serum level of vitamin D3 in diabetic individuals with metabolic syndrome compared with non-diabetic individuals without metabolic syndrome and the association of serum vitamin D3 levels with metabolic syndrome and atherogenic factor (LDL/HDL). Material and Methods: In a case-control study, we included 110 women with metabolic syndrome according to ATP III criteria and 127 healthy women as a control group. Serum concentration of total cholesterol, LDL-C, FBS, HDL-C and serum triglyceride determined by enzymatic method and colorimetric and, serum level 25-(OH) vitamin D determined by ELISA. Results: It was found that the two healthy and metabolic groups were significantly different in terms of total cholesterol levels, LDL and triglyceride levels, HDL, VLDL, FBS, atherogenic index (LDL/HDL) and vitamin D levels (p<0.05). All participants in the control group and the patient and the whole study population were divided into two categories of insufficient and sufficient based on their measured serum concentrations of 25-(OH) vitamin D. There was a significant difference between the group with insufficient levels of vitamin D in comparison with the group with sufficient levels of vitamin D in terms of total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels, HDL, VLDL, FBS and atherogenic index (LDL/HDL) (p=0.000). Conclusion: The present results showed that there is a significant relationship between level 25-(OH) D and atherogenic index (LDL/HDL) and the incidence of metabolic syndrome.