This study was designed to determine the occurrence, distribution and abundance of house dust mites (HDM) in residential homes in Bandar Abbas (Hormozgan Province), because of numerous complaints of allergies in this oriental city. The study area was divided in five sampling zones based on population density and geographical distribution. In each sampling zone 10 houses were randomly selected. A total of 50 home dust samples were collected using a portable vacuum cleaner for 2 min from 1 m(2) of the surface of mattresses, carpets, sofas and furniture in residential houses. After collection, samples were immediately frozen. Mite species were identified and counted using standard methods and keys. Of the sampled houses 88% (44 houses) were contaminated with at least one HDM species. Three species were identified: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (63.1%), D. farinae (32.8%) and D. evansi (4.1%) (Pyroglyphidae). Our findings indicate a relationship between HDM density and moisture and temperature of residential places. The high contamination rate of residential houses (88%) and the favourable environmental conditions for these arthropods stress that they should be considered as important allergic causing agents.

Background Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most important growth factor involved in angiogenesis and appears to be mediated through exercise training, leading to increased blood lactate. Objective To evaluate and compare the effects of anaerobic gymnastics exercise (AGE) on systemic VEGF in obese and normoweight boys.  Methods Sixty boys aged 8 to 12 years who enrolled in elementary level of gymnastics participated in this study and were randomly divided into four groups of 15 subjects each: obese AGE, obese control, normoweight AGE, and normoweight control. The control group didn’t have any exercise during the study. The experimental groups performed 45 minutes of AGE 3 times per week for 8 weeks, which included a 10-minute warm-up, 30-minute main exercises, and 5-minute cool down. Body composition characteristics and VEGF levels in saliva were measured before and after 8 weeks of training. Results Significant changes following AGE were found in the obese group in terms of weight (-8.09%; P=0.001), body fat% (BF%) (-12.81; P=0.001), body fat weight (BFW) (-19.38; P=0.001), and lean body weight (LBW) (-3.20; P=0.001). Saliva levels of VEGF increased post-AGE in the obese (+21.64%; P=0.79) and normoweight groups (+28.22; P=0.06), but the differences were not significant. Significant differences in weight, BF%, and BFW were found in between obese AGE group with obese control, normoweight control and normoweight AGE (P˂0.05). Conclusion Circulating VEGF concentrations slightly increase after 8 weeks of AGE in obese and normal-weight groups. Moreover, we demonstrate that weight significantly decreased in obese children after they engaged in AGE training.

The purpose of the present study was to observe changes in levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), resting metabolic rate (RMR) and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) in the gymnast children after an anaerobic gymnastics training program. Thirty beginner gymnasts aged 8-12 years old were randomly assigned to control (n = 15) and experimental (n = 15) groups. The anaerobic gymnastics training was conducted for 8 weeks, 3 times per a week. Each session lasted 45 minutes: 10 min warm-up, 30 min core exercise, and 5 min cool down. The anthropometric and body composition of subjects were measured and growth factors were measured by using human  BDNF and VEGF PicoKine™ ELISA Kit and analysis was performed using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Morland et al.) before and after the intervention, and VO2max, maximum heart rate and RMR were measured using a gas analyzer. At the baseline there were not any significant differences between both groups (p>0.05). But in the post-test, a significant difference was observed for BDNF(p=0.02) and VEGF(p=0.018) values between the two groups. Within-group there was a decrease in the value of the maximum heart rate indicator (P<0.05) and VO2max and BDNF increased significantly after an intervention (P<0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that anaerobic gymnastic training increases the level of salivary BDNF and VEGF in children. These types of exercises may also improve cardiorespiratory fitness in children.

Background: Overweight and obesity are prominent threats to pediatric health. The prevalence of childhood obesity has dramatically been increasing worldwide. Objectives: In this study, we analyze the effects of 8-week anaerobic gymnastic training on weight loss and related growth factors in obese children. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 30 obese elementary gymnasts in the age range of 8 to 12 years were randomly divided into control (n=15) and experimental (n=15) groups. The experimental group performed 45 minutes of anaerobic gymnastics training. Anthropometrical and body composition characteristics, maximal oxygen consumption, and the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vascular endothelial growth factor were measured before and after 8 weeks of training. Results: At the baseline, there were no significant differences for any of the dependent variables between the two groups (P≥0.05). After 8 weeks of training, values of weight, waist-hip ratio, body fat percentage, body fat weight, lean body weight, and maximal heart rate decreased significantly (P<0.05) while maximal oxygen consumption and BDNF increased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusions: We concluded that weight loss because of anaerobic gymnastic training may lead to a high serum concentration of BDNF. High BDNF may help in maintaining a reduced weight after intervention for obesity and may increase fat oxidation. The inhibitory effects of weight loss on vascular endothelial growth factor may have abolished the stimulatory effects of exercise and prevented a significant increase in the vascular endothelial growth factor level.