Growth of Chinese Medicine in Iran: Past, Present, and Prospects

The international recognition of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has continuously increased,and that medical practice has gradually become incorporated into the medical systems of many nations.As an important country in the Belt and Road Initiative,Iran has enormous potential for cooperation with China in medical and health care.High-level officials of the two countries attach great importance to cooperation in both areas.Despite the recent rapid development of TCM in Iran,that medical practice still faces many problems;examples here are the lack of practitioners of TCM as well as the paucity of comprehensive cooperation among herbal medicine factories,publishing houses,traditional medicine colleges,and universities in the two countries.The present study collected and analyzed materials related to the practice of TCM in Iran;it made a deep examination of the current situation,problems,and development prospects regarding TCM in Iran with the aim of providing ideas and references to promote the international development of that form of medicine.Following an analysis of the development trends of TCM in Iran in recent years,it became evident that the prospects for TCM in that country are extensive,and the practice has excellent potential.

State,Communal,and Individual Identities in Iran

Cultural identity in Iran is comprised of four primary elements,each of which have proven to be highly resonant in the country political history.The vexing issue of modernity,and where individuals and collectivities are placed in relation to it,has been one of the most prominent of these elements of Iranian identity.A second constitutive factor has been the role of the state as a deliberate crafter of cultural,in turn directly influencing the salience,interpretation,extent,and direction of modernity,or its antithesis,in Iran.Equally defining has been the role and significance of religion,which has emerged as a marker of individual and collective,as well as political,identities.Nationalism,and its compelling impulse across Iranian society especially from the early 1900s and continuing until today,has also emerged as an integral and inseparable feature of Iranian identity.Together,these four elements―modernity,a culturally intrusive state,religion and religiosity,and nationalism―constitute fluid yet constant,sometimes complementary and sometimes competing,dimensions of Iranian identity.

The role of selected medicinal plants from Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of fatigue in metabolic syndrome

Background:Fatigue is a symptom of metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome,which is currently increasing in the world.There is no specific medication for fatigue,but in many cases,such as in metabolic disorders,it can be relieved by treating the underlying causes.Oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with fatigue and metabolic syndrome.Other mechanisms in metabolic syndrome are also involved in causing fatigue.Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the role of selected medicinal plants from Iranian traditional medicine(ITM)in improving fatigue in patients with metabolic syndrome.Methods:ITM is one of the most ancient systems of medicine.In this article,we first explained fatigue,its types,and treatment from the perspective of ITM and then introduced a list of medicinal plants used in ITM to treat fatigue.Next,we reviewed the biological effects of these plants effective in treating the manifestations of the metabolic syndrome based on a search of electronic databases.Results:They have antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and anti-diabetic activities.Among them,Matricaria chamomilla L.,Laurus nobilis L.,Origanum majorana L.,Vitex agnus-castus L.,Lawsonia inermis L.,Anethum graveolens L.,and Pistacia terebinthus L.improve the lipid profile and reduce dyslipidemia.Also,the antihypertensive effects of Matricaria chamomilla,Laurus nobilis,and Origanum majorana have been proven.Conclusion:These plants prevent fatigue and disease progression by countering oxidative stress and inflammation and affecting the properties of the metabolic syndrome.

New Year,New Insights:Interpreting the Cultural Nuances of Nowruz and Seollal for Iranian Students Learning Korean

With proper education,students would be better equipped for life in a more diverse and globally integrated world.To foster intercultural conversation and global citizenship among students,various cultural practices should be brought to their attention,and they should be encouraged to develop respect for these traditions.This study compares the cultural significance,rites,and customs,traditional meals,social interactions,and symbolism of the Iranian New Year(Nowruz;نوروز)with those of the Korean New Year(Seollal;설날)to determine whether or not Iranian students could benefit from learning Korean in terms of language acquisition,cultural understanding,and celebratory behavior.The findings shed light on the importance of instituting policies that foster intercultural conversation and including cross-cultural studies in educational programs.Some recommendations include increasing access to multicultural education,teaching languages,sponsoring international and intercultural activities,developing an appreciation of diverse cultures,and educating instructors.

An Orthogonal Collision Dynamic Mechanism of Wave-Like Uplift Plateaus in Southern Asia

In southern Asia, there are three large-scale wave-like mountains ranging from the Tibetan Plateau westward to the Iranian Plateau and the Armenian Plateau. On the southern side between plateaus, there are the Indian Peninsula and the Arabian Peninsula. What dynamic mechanisms form the directional alignment of the three plateaus with the two peninsulas remains a mystery. In the early stages of the Earth’s geological evolution, the internal structure of the Earth was that the center was a solid core, and the outmost layer was a thin equatorial crust zone separated by two thick pristine continents in polar areas, while the middle part was a deep magma fluid layer. Within the magma fluid layer, thermal and dynamic differences triggered planetary-scale vertical magma cells and led to the core-magma angular momentum exchange. When the core loses angular momentum and the magma layer gains angular momentum, the movement of upper magma fluids to the east and the tropical convergence zone (TCZ) drives the split and drift of two thick pristine continents, eventually forming the current combination of these plateaus and peninsulas and their wave-like arrangement along the east-west direction. Among them, the horizontal orthogonal convergence (collision) of upper magma fluids from the two hemispheres excited the vertical shear stress along the magma TCZ, which is the dynamic mechanism of mountain uplifts on the north side and plate subductions on the south side. To confirm this mechanism, two examples of low-level winds are used to calculate the correspondence between cyclone/anticyclonic systems generated by the orthogonal collision of airflows along the atmospheric TCZ and satellite-observed cloud systems. Such comparison can help us revisit the geological history of continental drift and orogeny.

A review of the efficacy of traditional Iranian medicine forinflammatory bowel disease

The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is not yet known,but many factors such as defects in the immune system,oxidative stress,microbial content in the gastrointestinal tract,nuclear factor(NF)-κB,nitric oxide(NO),cyclooxygenase-2(Cox-2),and leukotriene B4(LB4) are thought to play a role in its pathogenesis.In traditional Iranian medicine(TIM),several medicinal plants are thought to be effective for the treatment of IBD.In this study,information on all of these remedies were derived from all available old sources such as documents or notes and books and were added to the information derived from modern medical databases covering all in vitro,in vivo and clinical trials.For some of these plants,only one or two mechanisms of action have been found such as in Cassia fistula,Lepidium sativum,and Bunium persicum.However,for some plants various mechanisms of action are known.For example,Commiphora mukul is effective in IBD due to its immunomodulatory,antioxidant,and antibacterial properties and it decreases NF-κB,NO and Cox-2.Another herb,Plantago ovata,has immunomodulatory,antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities and decreases NO and LB4.Considering the mechanisms of action of these plants,the combination of some of them may be useful because of their many mechanisms of action such as Pistacia lentiscus,Bunium persicum,Solanum nigrum,Plantago ovata,Boswellia,Solanum nigrum,Plantago ovata and Commiphora mukul.For some of the herbal products used in TIM such as oleogum resin from Commiphora myrrha,seeds of Ocimum basilicum,seeds of Linum usitatissimum,gum resin of Dracaena cinnabari,seeds of Plantago major,seeds of Lallementia royleana,and seeds of Allium porrum,there is no or not enough studies to confirm their benefits in IBD.It is suggested that an evaluation of the effects of these plants on different aspects of IBD should be performed.

Efficiency of Iranian forest industry based on DEA models

Data Envelopment Analysis （DEA） is a mathematical tech- nique to assess relative efficiencies of decision making units （DMUs）. The efficiency of 14 Iranian forest companies and forest management units was investigated in 2010. Efficiency of the companies was esti- mated by using a traditional DEA model and a two-stage DEA model. Traditional DEA models consider all DMU activities as a black box and ignore the intermediate products, while two-stage models address inter- mediate processes. LINGO software was used for analysis. Overall pro- duction was divided into to processes for analyses by the two-stage model, timber harvest and marketing. Wilcoxon＇s signed-rank test was used to identify the differences of average efficiency in the harvesting and marketing sub-process. Weak performance in the harvesting sub-process was the cause of low efficiency in 2010. Companies such as Neka Chob and Kelardasht proved efficient at timber harvest, and Neka Chob forest company scored highest in overall efficiency. Finally, the reference units identified according to the results of two-stage DEA analysis.

The effect of NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) on long-term outcome of chronic hepatitis B in Iranian patients

Background: The influence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on the outcome of chronic hepatitis B disease, including viral, biochemical and histologic characteristics, in Iranian patients is not yet fully un- derstood. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) on long-term histology- cal, biochemical and viral outcome of chronic he- pa-tictis B in Iranian patients. Methods: We retro- spec-tively evaluated 94 “e Ag” negative chronic hepatitis B patients (with NAFLD: 44, without NAFLD: 50). Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease was diagnosed based on liver biopsy according to Kleiner classifica-tion. Liver biopsy was done for all patients. Serologi-cal and biochemical variables were evaluated with repeated measure analysis. Results: Non-Alcoholic Fat- ty Liver Disease (NAFLD) was present in 47% of the patients (44 out of 94 patients). In the NAFLD group, increase in AST, ALT, stage (P = 0.002), grade, and total score of liver biopsy were independently related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, while HBV-DNA viral load did not correlate with the presence of a fatty liver. Conclusion: Abnormalities of liver enzymes and liver histopathology are more prevalent in concurrent chronic hepatitis B and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

Distribution and Environmental Suitability of the Smallscaled Rock Agama, Paralaudakia microlepis(Sauria: Agamidae) in the Iranian Plateau

Predictive potential distribution modeling is of increasing importance in modern herpetological studies and determination of environmental and conservation priorities. In this article we provided results of analysis and forecasts of the potential distribution of smallscaled rock agama Paralaudakia microlepis （Blanford, 1874） using the distribution models through Maxent （www.cs.princeton.edu/- schapire / maxent）. We made an attempt for comparison of input of bioclimatic factors and characteristics of biotope distribution for three species of genus Paralaudalda. Constructed model identified dissemination of Paralaudakia microlepis enough performance （AUC = 0.972 with dispersion 0.003）. According to the map constructed, the most suitable habitats of smallscaled rock agama Paralaudakia microlepis are located in southern and eastern Iran, the west of central Pakistan and southeastern Afghanistan.

Promising effect of Magliasa, a traditional Iranian formula, on experimental colitis on the basis of biochemical and cellular findings

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of Magliasa, a traditional Iranian formula, on experimental colitis. METHODS: After botanical authentication of herbal ingredients, formulation of Magliasa, quantitative determination of total glucosinolates and total phenolic content, and analysis of the thin layer chromatography profile were performed. Colitis was then induced in male rats by instillation of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in all groups, aside from the Sham group.The experimental groups consisted of: the Sham group that received only normal saline; the Mag-50, Mag-100 and Mag-200 groups, which received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg per day of Magliasa, respectively; the control group, which received vehicle water orally; the infliximab group, which received infliximab (5 mg/kg per day, subcutaneously); and the Dexa group, which received dexamethasone (1 mg/kg per day, orally). After completing the treatment period (2 wk), the rats were sacrificed, the colon was removed, its macroscopic and microscopic changes were recorded, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b), total antioxidant capacity, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were assessed in colon homogenate.RESULTS: The mean value of total glucosinolates in one gram of Magliasa was 19 ± 1 μmol. The mean value of the total phenolic content was 293.8 ± 17.6 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 gram of Magliasa. Macroscopic scores were significantly decreased in Mag-100 (1.80 ± 0.58, P = 0.019) and Mag-200 (1.20 ± 0.20, P = 0.001) compared to the control group (3.40 ± 0.24), although some inflammation and hyperemia were evident. Treatment of rats by dexamethasone (0.33 ± 0.21, P < 0.001) and infliximab (0.83 ± 0.31, P < 0.001) remarkably attenuated scores where mild hyperemia was observed macroscopically. In comparison to the control group (4.00 ± 0.32), only Mag-200 (1.60 ± 0.40) showed a significant decrease in colonic histopathological scores (P = 0.005). Minimal mucosal inflammation was observed in the Dexa group (0.67 ± 0.21, P < 0.001). The levels of TNF-α, IL-1b and MPO were significantly lower in all groups compared to the controls (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in LPO was seen in the Mag-200 (3.27 ± 0.77, P = 0.01) and Dexa (3.44 ± 0.22, P = 0.011) groups in comparison to the control group (6.43 ± 0.61). Only dexamethasone caused a significant increase in antioxidant power in comparison to the control group (346.73 ± 9.9 vs 228.33 ± 2.75, P < 0.001). Infliximab and different doses of Magliasa did not show any remarkable increase in antioxidant capacity (P > 0.05). The effect of Magliasa in all of mentioned parameters, except antioxidant capacity, was dose dependent.CONCLUSION: The effects of Magliasa in TNBS-induced colitis are encouraging and warrant clinical trials for further confirmation.

Petrogenesis of Volcanic Rocks in the Khabr-Marvast Tectonized Ophiolite:Evidence for Subduction Processes in the South-Western Margin of Central Iranian Microcontinent

The Late Cretaceous Khabr-Marvast tectonized ophiolite is located in the middle part of the Nain-Baft ophiolite belt, at the south-western edge of the central Iranian microcontinent. Although all the volcanic rocks in the study area indicate subduction-related magmatism （e.g. high LILE （large ion lithophile elements） / HFSE （high field strenght elements） ratios and negative anomalies in Nb and Ta）, geological and geochemical data clearly distinguish two distinct groups of volcanic rocks in the tectonized association： （1） group 1 is comprised of hyaloclastic breccias, basaltic pillow lavas, and andesite sheet flows. These rocks represent the Nain-Baft oceanic crust; and （2） group 2 is alkaline lavas from the top section of the ophiolite suite. These lavas show shoshonite affinity, but do not support the propensity of ophiolite.

Distribution and variability of n-alkanes in waxes of conifers

Epicuticular waxes have vital roles in the growth and development of plants and in defense. Conifers have a considerable amount of waxes on their cones and leaves.Here we characterized the n-alkane composition of Iranian conifers, including Juniperus oblonga, J. foetidissima, J.sabina, J. communis subsp. hemisphaerica, J. excelsa,Cupressus sempervirens, Platycladus orientalis from Cupressaceae and Taxus baccata from Taxaceae for the first time using GC-FID analyses. In the waxes, 25 n-alkane homologs with chain lengths ranging from C7 to C32 were identified. Short-chain n-alkanes were dominant in almost all samples with some exceptions. Complementary studies to elucidate complete wax constituents of Iranian conifers and n-alkane distribution pattern as a function of geographical and bioclimatic variables are recommended.

Liver tonics:review of plants used in Iranian traditional medicine

Considering the fact that liver is one of the most important organs in our body,it deserves special attention and protection.Among various recommended supplements,complementary and alternative medicines particularly herbal remedies have received much attention owing to their truly healing properties.This review profits from Iranian traditional medicine and presents advantageous herbal guide directions for liver protection.According to credible Iranian medical literature such as Al Qanun Fil Tibb.Al-Havi and Makhzan-al-Aadvia.a wide spectrum of plants have been found to be useful for cleansing and protecting the liver.Some herbs such as ghafes(Agrimonia eupatoria),kasni(Cichorium intybus),anar(Punica granatum),darchin(Cinnamomum zeylanicum),za'feran(Crocus sativus),gole-sorkh(Rosa damascena) and zereshk(Berberis vulgaris) appeared to get strong consideration and were well documented as outstanding liver tonics.We conducted a comprehensive review of available Iranian medical resources such as scientific information database and medical sciences databases which cover all in vitro and in vivo studies of medicinal plants as liver tonics and hepatoprotcctive candidates.Literature survey was accomplished using multiple databases including PubMed,ISI web of knowledge,and Google Scholar.

Paleopedology and magnetic properties of Sari loess-paleosol sequence in Caspian lowland, northern Iran

The objective of this study was to characterize the morphological and magnetic properties of Sari loess-paleosol section in northern Iran for paleopedologic and paleoenvironmental interpretation.The section consisted of a modern soil(MS)and three paleosols(PS1,PS2,PS3)separated by loess layers(LS1,LS2 and LS3).Based on particle size distribution,clay mineralogy,carbonates distribution and size of secondary carbonates,pedogenic development of the soils was in order of PS3>PS2>PS1=MS.Presence of redoximorphic features in PS3 was attributed to alternate stagnic saturation due to local water or high precipitation.Dominance of smectite and vermiculite as well as large carbonated dolls in PS3 indicated suitable environment and sufficient time for pedogenic development.Magnetic properties(χlf andχfd%)were distinctly higher in MS,PS1 and PS2 when compared to loess layers.The Lowest magnetic properties values were observed in PS3 which can be the result of ferrimagnetic minerals destruction under hydromorphic conditions.The highest Fed content occurred in PS3,however,lowχlf/Fed ratio indicated that majority of the iron minerals in PS3 are not magnetic.In conclusion,the particle size distribution,clay mineralogy and carbonates features were indicative of pedogenesis intensity,whereas,magnetic properties were useful to characterize the pedogenic environment.

Goal programming approach for sustainable forest management(case study in Iranian Caspian forests)

We used a goal programming technique to determine the optimal harvest volume for the Iranian Caspian forest. We collected data including volume, growth, wood price at forest roadside, and variable harvesting costs. The allometric method was used to quantify seques- trated carbon. Regression analysis was used to derive growth models. Expected mean price was estimated using wood price and variable harvesting costs. Questionnaire was used to determine the constraints and the equation coefficients of the goal programming model. The optimal volume was determined using the goal programming method according to multipurpose forest management. LINGO software was used for analysis. Results indicated that the optimum volumes of species were 250.25 m3.ha-1 for beech, 59 m3.ha-1 for hornbeam, 73 m3.ha-1 for oak, 41 m3.ha-1 for alder, and 32 m3.ha-1 for other species. The total optimum volume is 455.25 m3.ha-1.

Modelling the Iranian Petroleum Contract fiscal regime using bargaining game theory to guide contract negotiators

Based on Iran's sixth development plan,the country's oil and gas industry requires an investment of about$200 bn in the next five years to increase production.The Iranian government,to attract and motivate international oil company investment in their oil and gas fields,has presented a new type of risk service contract:the Iranian Petroleum Contract(IPC).This paper summarizes the features of the IPC and presents mathematical models of its fiscal regime for the benefit and guidance of both the National Iranian Oil Company(NIOC)and the contractors.Next,adopting bargaining game theory provides a mathematical model for reaching a win-win situation between the NIOC and the contractor.Finally,a numerical example is given and a sensitivity analysis performed to illustrate the implementation of the proposed models.The contractor and the NIOC may use these models when preparing their proposal and in the course of actual negotiations to calculate their internal rate of return,remuneration fee,and net present value for developing the fields at different conditions of their bargaining power,and derive a logical bargain to protect their best possible interests.

Developing a Valid and Reliable Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Iranian Version

Introduction: This study aimed to develop valid and reliable scale with the intention of measure Coping Self-efficacy (CSES) of Iranian type 2 diabetic patients. Patients and Methods: Validity and reliability of Iranian version of Coping Self-efficacy Scale (CSES) were measured by a cross-sectional study. Content validity, reliability and cultural equivalency were appraised through qualitative and quantitative study on 260 participants who have type 2 diabetes. Results: Reliability and validity of the scale and its four subscales, such as “stop unpleasant emotions and thoughts” (a = 0.92) “used problem-focused coping” (a = 0.71), Self-efficacy on diabetes problem solving (a = 0.74) and “get support from friends and family” (a = 0.67) were approved explicitly by a psychometric analysis;these show that the scale was slightly valid and reliable on the study setting. An intraclass correlation coefficient was satisfactory (p < 0.001). Criterion validity between total scale and metabolic control Index (HbA1c) of type 2 diabetic patients was significant (p < 0.001) and showed indirect correlation with the domains of the scale. Conclusion: Study findings supported the reliability and validity of the Iranian version of new Coping Self-efficacy-24 for measuring Coping Selfefficacy among Iranian type 2 diabetic patients. Based on our finding, we would like to recommend appropriate interventions in the future.

How Does the Cortactin Gene Expression Affect Breast Cancer among Iranian Females?

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the Iranian female population, and the incidence of the disease is rising. Early detection in association with staging or grading the tumor is the most effective method to increase survival rates. Studies have revealed that cortactin overexpression may play a role in the final stages of tumor progression and affects invasion and cellular motility. The aim of this study is to evaluate cortactin gene expression among Iranian female patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Samples belonging to 70 breast cancer patients were randomly selected from the Imam Khomeini tumor bank. Normal and tumor tissues were prepared and stored at -80°C. Cortactin gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. Finally the data, along with demographic and clinical parameters, were analyzed using Prism 5.0 software, followed by t-test and ANOVA analysis. Results: Cortactin gene expression among tumor tissues increased 95.71% in comparison with normal tissues. A significant correlation between cortactin gene expression and lymph nodes’ involvement (P = 0.0077) and tumor stage (P = 0.0030) was observed. However, tumor grade (P = 0.8598), tumor size (P = 0.3058), and patient’s age (P = 0.4135) had no significant correlation with the gene’s expression level. Discussion: This study demonstrated that the cortactin gene’s overexpression in breast cancer may enhance lymph nodes’ involvement. This study also found that the gene’s expression was raised significantly in progressed stages of the cancer. Therefore, cortactin gene overexpression is an important factor indicating breast cells’ invasion. Conclusion: The cortactin gene’s expression level can be considered an accurate indicator for female breast cancer and also an appropriate biomarker for this cancer in clinical evaluations.

Ameliorative properties of Iranian Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seeds and Punica granatum L. peel extracts in streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetic guinea pigs

Objective: To assess the ameliorative properties of Iranian Trigonella foenum-graecum L.(T. foenum-graecum) seeds and Punica granatum L.(P. granatum) peel extracts against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male guinea pigs.Methods: Sixty guinea pigs were divided into six groups(10 guinea pigs per group).Group 1 consisted of normal animals. Groups 2 and 3 were treated with Iranian T. foenum-graecum seeds and P. granatum peel extract alone, respectively. Group 4 was treated with streptozotocin only; whereas Groups 5 and 6 receiving streptozotocin were treated with Iranian T. foenum-graecum seeds and P. granatum peel extract, respectively.All animals were treated for 30 days, and the body weight, blood and liver biochemical parameters were measured.Results: Guinea pigs exposed to streptozotocin showed an alteration in body weight gain, fasting glucose level, kidney function parameters(blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) as well as decreased serum and hepatic total protein level. In addition, it increased the cholesterol and triglyceride level, while decreasing the hepatic glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase activity, glycogen, glutathione content and hepatic catalase activity. Oral treatment with T. foenum-graecum seeds and P. granatum peel extracts revealed significant protective properties with respect to body weight gain and other biochemical parameters studied.Conclusions: The Iranian T. foenum-graecum seeds and P. granatum peel extracts are significantly potent in ameliorating diabetic condition induced by streptozotocin and improving various biochemical parameters in serum and liver of guinea pigs.

Genetic Structure and Relationships among Populations of the Caspian Bent-toed Gecko, Tenuidactylus caspius(Eichwald, 1831)(Sauria: Gekkonidae) in Northern Iran

The Caspian bent-toed gecko, Tenuidactylus caspius, belonging to the family Gekkonidae, is widely distributed across the northern half of Iran, especially along the southern coastal region of the Caspian Sea. It is regarded as a commensal species throughout its entire distribution. We investigated genetic variation and relationships among different populations of this species in Iran. Fragments of the mitochondrial cyt b（547 bp） and ND4（831 bp） genes were sequenced and analyzed in 64 and 28 specimens, respectively, from 21 geographically distant localities. Cyrtopodion scabrum was used as the outgroup taxon. The data showed no significant genetic variation within the populations of T. caspius in Iran. Nevertheless, populations of Khorasan and Semnan（especially Shahrood） in northeastern Iran showed greater divergence（p-distance = 2.1%） from other Iranian populations. The low genetic variation and homogeneous structure among populations of T. caspius on either side of the Elburz Mountains suggests that this species most likely has achieved its current distribution recently and as a result of anthropogenic activities.