Family Dinner Frequency is Inversely Related to Mental Disorders and Obesity in Adolescents: the CASPIAN-III Study

PURPOSE

Family dinner is a proxy of family connectedness that may affect mental health. The present study aimed to examine the associations of frequency of family dinner with mental disorders and obesity in a nationally-representative sample of Iranian adolescents.

METHODS

A total of 5528 Iranians adolescents aged 10-18 years were enrolled in 2009-2010 in the third survey of a national surveillance program, entitled Childhood and Adolescence Surveillance and Prevention of Adult Non-communicable disease (CASPIAN-III) study. The frequency of family dinner meal was assessed. Mental health assessments were done as part of the World Health Organization-Global School-based Student Health Survey. The odds of having mental disorders and obesity were assessed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in dietary intake between family dinner consumers (≥5 times (night)/wk) and skippers (<5 times/wk); however, they were more likely to consume breakfast and had higher meal frequency. After controlling for some confounders, dinner consumers had lower odds for all types of mental disorders (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.47-0.64), anxiety (OR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.4-0.54), insomnia (OR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.53-0.7), and confusion (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.6-0.86), as well as the body mass index- z score (OR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.73-0.84).

CONCLUSION

The current study showed an inverse relationship between the frequency of family dinner consuming and mental disorders and obesity in a nationally-representative sample of Iranian adolescents. Such simple recommendations for consuming family dinner for families may be feasible, sustainable, and effective for health promotion and disease prevention.

Low-Carbohydrate-Diet Score and its Association with the Risk of Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies

The association between a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) score and the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) is contradictory. This study is a systemic review of cohort studies that have focused on the association between the LCD score and DM. We searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar for papers published through January 2017 with no language restrictions. Cohort studies that reported relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for DM were included. Finally, 4 studies were considered for our meta-analysis. The total number of participants ranged from 479 to 85 059. Among 4 cohort studies, 8 081 cases with DM were observed over follow-up durations ranging from 3.6 to 20 years. A marginal significant association was observed between the highest LCD score and the risk of DM (RR=1.17; 95% CI: 0.9, 1.51). Moreover, the RRs for studies with energy adjustments showed a significant association (RR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.49; I²: 0%). Based on our findings, study qualities score of less or equal to 7 had a significant influence on the pooled effect size (RR=1.31, 95%CI: 1.15, 1.49; I²: 0%), whereas the overall RR in the studies with quality score more than 7 was 1.09 (95% CI: 0.73, 1.63). In conclusion, we have found that the highest LCD score was marginally associated with the risk of DM. However, more prospective cohort studies are needed to clarify the effects of the LCD score on the risk of DM.

Comparison of Three Diet Quality Indices for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have specific dietary needs due to recommended dietary restrictions. However, there is no specific index for evaluating the quality of diet in patients with CKD.   OBJECTIVE: To define and compare three specific diet quality indices in patients with CKD.

METHODS

Two hundred twenty-one subjects with CKD were selected for this cross-sectional study. The patients' Dietary intake was assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Total protein intake per body weight (TP/BW), animal protein intake per body weight (AP/BW) and animal protein to vegetable protein ratio (AP/VP) were defined as diet quality indices. Renal function was measured by blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr).

RESULTS

Patients in the highest tertile of TP/BW and tertile of AP/BW consumed more amounts of nutrients which should be limited in CKD (i.e., sodium, potassium and phosphorus). Subjects in the last tertile of AP/BW had higher BUN and Cr. A marginally significant increased risk of higher stage of CKD across the tertiles of AP/BW was observed after adjusting for potential confounders (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.06, 4.56; P = 0.08).

CONCLUSION

The results showed that AP/BW is a good diet quality index and is marginally associated with being in higher stages of CKD.

Dietary glycaemic index and glycaemic load and upper gastrointestinal disorders: results from the SEPAHAN study

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the effects of carbohydrate, particularly any association between dietary glycaemic index or glycaemic load and uninvestigated heartburn or uninvestigated chronic dyspepsia in the community. The present study aimed to determine associations between dietary glycaemic index or glycaemic load and uninvestigated heartburn or uninvestigated chronic dyspepsia.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2987 adults. Dietary glycaemic index and glycaemic load were estimated using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Uninvestigated heartburn and uninvestigated chronic dyspepsia were determined using a modified and validated version of the Rome III questionnaire.

RESULTS

After controlling for various confounders, high glycaemic load was associated with an increased risk of uninvestigated heartburn [odds ration (OR) = 1.75; 95% confidence interval CI = 1.03, 2.97; P = 0.04] and uninvestigated chronic dyspepsia (OR = 2.14; 95% CI: 1.04, 4.37; P = 0.04) in men but not in women. In normal-weight individuals, high glycaemic index was related to an increased risk of uninvestigated heartburn (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.15; P = 0.02) and high glycaemic load to an increased risk of uninvestigated chronic dyspepsia (OR=1.78; 95% CI: 1.05, 3.01; P = 0.03). No significant associations were observed in subjects with excess body weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that there are body mass index- and sex-specific associations between dietary carbohydrate quality with uninvestigated heartburn and uninvestigated chronic dyspepsia.

Antioxidant Capability of Ultra-high Temperature Milk and Ultra-high Temperature Soy Milk and their Fermented Products Determined by Four Distinct Spectrophotometric Methods

Background:

Due to the recent emerging information on the antioxidant properties of soy products, substitution of soy milk for milk in the diet has been proposed by some nutritionists. We aimed to compare four distinct antioxidant measuring methods in the evaluation of antioxidant properties of industrial ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, UHT soy milk, and their fermented products by Lactobacillus plantarum A7.

Materials and Methods:

Ascorbate auto-oxidation inhibition assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging method, hydrogen peroxide neutralization assay and reducing activity test were compared for the homogeneity and accuracy of the results.

Results:

The results obtained by the four tested methods did not completely match with each other. The results of the DPPH assay and the reducing activity were more coordinated than the other methods. By the use of these methods, the antioxidant capability of UHT soy milk was measured more than UHT milk (33.51 ± 6.00% and 945 ± 56 μM cysteine compared to 8.70 ± 3.20% and 795 ± 82 μM cysteine). The negative effect of fermentation on the antioxidant potential of UHT soy milk was revealed as ascorbate auto-oxidation inhibition assay, DPPH method and reducing activity tests ended to approximately 52%, 58%, and 80% reduction in antioxidant potential of UHT soy milk, respectively.

Conclusions:

The antioxidative properties of UHT soy milk could not be solely due to its phenolic components. Peptides and amino acids derived from thermal processing in soy milk probably have a main role in its antioxidant activity, which should be studied in the future.

Alpha-lipoic acid supplement in obesity treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Previous studies have supported positive roles of antioxidant supplements on weight-loss. One antioxidant supplement is Alpha-lipoic acid. However, recommending ALA as an anti-obesity supplement remains controversial. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis on the effects of ALA supplement on anthropometric indices among adult subjects.

METHODS

We searched five electronic databases till September 2016. Placebo-controlled clinical trials were included. Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) was pooled using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Findings of 12 included trials indicated that ALA supplement reduced body weight (WMD: -0.69 kg; 95% CI: -1.27, -0.10; I² = 0%) and BMI (WMD: -0.38 kg/m²; 95% CI: -0.53, -0.24; I² = 0%) significantly compared to the placebo group. However, its effects on Waist Circumference (WC) was not significant (WMD: -0.30 cm; 95% CI: -1.18, 0.58; I² = 17.8%). Stratification by health status indicated that ALA decreased WC in unhealthy subjects (WMD: -2.00 cm; 95% CI: -4.19, 0.19; I² = 1.3%) more than healthy individuals (0.03 cm; 95% CI: -0.69, 0.75; I² = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed that supplementation with ALA slightly but significantly decreased body weight and BMI. Safe dosage for ALA is up to 1200 mg/day. However, it seems that ALA cannot be cost-effective. Further studies are needed to clarify the effects of ALA on metabolic parameter in unhealthy obese individuals.

Healthy eating index and cardiovascular risk factors among Iranian elderly individuals

BACKGROUND

Concurrent with increase in life expectancy, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has also increased. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between healthy eating index (HEI) score and CVD risk factors among Iranian elderly.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of elderly persons from Isfahan, Iran, in 2013. Totally, 107 retired subjects were entered in statistical analysis. A semi- quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intake of participants. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure of participants were determined. Fasting blood samples were taken for biochemical assessments.

RESULTS

The results of linear regression determined a significant inverse association between HEI score and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR, β = -0.238 (-0.426, -0.048)], fasting blood glucose [β = -0.194 (-0.383, -0.004)], and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP, β = -0.196, (-0.386, -0.005)]. In addition, a significant positive association was observed between HEI score and high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C, β = 0.196 (0.006, 0.385)] levels. However, after adjusting for confounding variables, these significant associations were disappeared except for hs-CRP [β = -0.074 (-0.145, -0.003)].

CONCLUSION

Healthy eating index was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular risk factors in old people. It seems that more adherence with healthy eating index could provide cardio-protective effects in elderly persons.

Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Diabetes Biomarkers: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

Several studies have investigated the effect of Co-Q10 on diabetes biomarkers, but findings are inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials was conducted to summarize the effect of Co-Q10 supplementation on diabetes biomarkers.

METHODS

We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, Science direct, ISI web of science, and Google Scholar for randomized controlled trials from 1989 until March 2016. We included randomized controlled trials reporting fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin and HbA1c. In total, we found 16 articles that examined the effect of Co-Q10 on fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and HbA1c. Mean ± standard deviations (SD) of defined outcomes were used for calculating standardized mean differences (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI) between intervention and control treatments based on Hedges' estimator.

RESULTS

Our preliminary meta-analysis on 14 eligible studies regarding the effect of Co-Q10 supplementation on FBG indicated a slightly significant decrement (SMD:-0.28 mg/d; 95% CI: -0.12, 0.04), with a substantial between-study heterogeneity (Cochrane Q test, I2 = 93.9%, P < 0.0001). After removal of three studies, heterogeneity was eliminated and a slightly significant decrease was found in FBG (SMD: -0.20 mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.38, -0.02). The effect of Co-Q10 on HbA1c and fasting insulin was not significant. SMDs for the effect of Co-Q10 on HbA1c and fasting insulin were -0.05% (95% CI: -0.22, 0.12) and 0.12 pmol/L (95% CI: -0.21, 0.44), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Co-Q10 supplementation slightly but significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, but not fasting insulin and HbA1c. More long-term studies are necessary to examine the association between Co-Q10 supplementation and diabetes biomarkers. This study was funded by the School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

Ovarian cancer risk and nonisoflavone flavonoids intake: A systematic review of epidemiological studies

Background:

Although several studies have investigated the association between ovarian cancer risk and nonisoflavone flavonoids intake, these findings are inconsistent. This systematic review of published epidemiological studies was conducted to summarize and clarify the evidence on the association between ovarian cancer incidence and nonisoflavone flavonoids intake.

Materials and Methods:

PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and EMBASE databases were searched based on MeSH term (ovarian neoplasm in combination with flavonoids) to identify related English and non-English papers published up to June 2016. We summarized the results of the relevant studies in this review.

Results:

In total, seven studies (four with cohort and three with case–control design) included in this review. The results of conducted cohort studies show no relation between ovarian cancer risk and total nonisoflavone flavonoids intake, and only one study reported a significant reduction between ovarian cancer incidence and kaempferol and luteolin intake. Similar to those in the cohort studies, also in case–control studies, no association was found between total nonisoflavone flavonoids intake and ovarian cancer risk, just an inverse association between flavonols intake and ovarian cancer was reported.

Conclusion:

Several studies investigated the relation of nonisoflavone flavonoids intake and ovarian cancer risk; none of them reported any association for total nonisoflavone flavonoids intake, but some reported an inverse association between certain subclasses or individual flavonoids. These findings are limited, and there is a need for further and more accurate researches to be confirmed.

Adherence to Healthy Eating Index-2010 is inversely associated with metabolic syndrome and its features among Iranian adult women

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Nowadays, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is deemed as a major public health challenge in both developed and developing countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the association between Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) score and MetS and its features among Iranian female nurses.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed among 1036 Iranian women. A validated, self-administered, dish-based, semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the habitual intake of participants. HEI-2010 score was used to assess diet quality of participants. MetS was defined based on the guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III). Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders was used to assess the relation between HEI-2010 and MetS.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the highest quartile of HEI-2010 had the lowest risk of MetS compared with those in the first quartile (odds ratio: 0.72; 95% confidence interval: 0.50-0.96). Furthermore, the risk of MetS features including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high serum triacylglycerol and low serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol significantly decreased across HEI-2010 quartiles (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher HEI-2010 scores were inversely associated with lower risk of MetS and its components among Iranian women.

The association between Vitamin D and health outcomes in women: A review on the related evidence

Background:

Vitamin D has a wide range of physiological functions in skeletal and nonskeletal tissues which may play a role in many diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recent evidence regarding the effects of Vitamin D on several health outcomes in women including breast cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancers, hypertension, and osteoporosis.

Materials and Methods:

We searched PubMed and Google Scholar databases through March 2016. We included the most current systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing the associations of Vitamin D intake and/or serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with the risk of incidence of breast cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancers, hypertension, and osteoporosis.

Results:

Many studies have represented that Vitamin D supplementation and high 25(OH)D levels can decrease the risk of breast cancer occurrence or mortality. However, there is no strong evidence to support the existence of a relationship between Vitamin D and ovarian or endometrial cancers. Furthermore, the results regarding the effects of Vitamin D on hypertension were inconsistent. Although observational studies have shown an association between Vitamin D and hypertension, there is no evidence regarding effectiveness of Vitamin D in lowering blood pressure in several clinical trials. On the other hand, the findings associating the impact of Vitamin D on osteoporosis were more definitive and most studies have represented that Vitamin D may have beneficial effects on osteoporosis.

Conclusion:

Although the adequate Vitamin D level can play a protective role in the incidence and development of breast cancer, hypertension, and osteoporosis, there is limited evidence regarding ovarian and endometrial cancers.

The relationship between Vitamin D, clinical outcomes and mortality rate in ICU patients: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

According to the high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency, a few studies have been conducted to clarify the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to determine this probable association.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum 25(OH)D, C-reactive protein, malnutrition measurements, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU)-acquired infection from 185 patients in ICU were assessed in the first 24 h of admission and they were followed for the other outcomes.

RESULTS

About 93.5% of patients were classified as deficient and insufficient while the others were categorized in sufficient group. 25(OH)D status was not significantly associated with mortality rate (P = 0.66), and no significant differences in ventilation time were observed (P = 0.97). Sufficient group left the ICU sooner, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.75). Besides the results of relationship between 25(OH)D concentration and nutritional status (P = 0.69) were not significant. In addition, sufficient group suffered from infection more than insufficient patients, but this relationship was not significant (P = 0.11).

CONCLUSION

In this study, we found that 25(OH)D insufficiency is common in ICU patients, but no significant association between low 25(OH)D levels and ICU outcomes were observed. Hence, because of vital roles of Vitamin D in human's body, comprehensive study should conduct to determine the decisive results.

The effects of low carbohydrate diets on liver function tests in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Background:

Although several observational and experimental studies have examined the effects of low carbohydrate diets (LCDs) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), there are considerable inconsistencies among studies. We summarized the effect of LCDs on liver function tests, including intrahepatic lipid content (IHLC), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferases (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in patients with NAFLD.

Materials and Methods:

PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant publications until July 2014, resulting in ten relevant papers that were included in meta-analysis. Related articles were found by searching Medical Subject Heading terms of “NAFLD” in combination with “low carbohydrate”. For this meta-analysis, we used mean differences and standard errors of liver function biomarkers. Summary effect and corresponding confidence interval (CI) were estimated using random effect models. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using Cochran's Q- and I-squared tests.

Results:

Our search led to ten eligible papers that evaluated serum ALT levels (n = 238), nine reported serum AST levels (n = 216), five reported serum GGT concentrations (n = 91), and four assessed IHLC (n = 50). LCD decreased IHLC by −11.53% (95% CI: −18.10, −4.96; I² = 83.2%). However, the effect of LCD on liver enzymes was not significant. Mean differences for the effects of LCDs on ALT, AST, and GGT were −4.35 IU/L (95% CI: −12.91, 4.20; I² = 87.9%), −1.44 IU/L (95% CI: −4.98, 2.10; I² = 61.4%), and −7.85 IU/L (95% CI: −29.65, 13.96; I² = 99.4%), respectively.

Conclusion:

LCD consumption in subjects with NAFLD led to a significant reduction in IHLC, but did not significantly affect the concentration of liver enzymes.

Rice Bran Oil Decreases Total and LDL Cholesterol in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become a concerning health problem because of its increasing prevalence. Vegetable oils such as rice bran oil may improve blood lipids, risk factors for CVD. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and quantify the effects of rice bran oil on lipid profiles in humans. Literature databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, Proquest, Ovid, and Google Scholar) were systematically searched until the end of November 2015, with no restrictions regarding study design, time, or language. The variables extracted for the meta-analysis included low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), VLDL-C, apoA, apoB, Lp(a), TC/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C. From 415 identified articles, 11 randomized controlled trials met the eligibility criteria and were included in our review. Rice bran oil consumption resulted in a significant decrease in concentrations of LDL-C (-6.91 mg/dl, 95% CI, -10.24 to -3.57; p<0.001) and TC (-12.65 mg/dl; 95% CI, -18.04 to -7.27; p<0.001). The increase in HDL-C levels were considerable only in men (6.65 mg/dl; 95% CI, 2.38-10.92; p=0.002). Results of our meta-analysis provided no evidence of a significant effekt of rice bran oil on other lipid profile components. In conclusion, consumption of rice bran oil can reduce LDL-C and TC concentrations, which may lead to prevention and control of CVD. It also has favorable effects on HDL-C concentrations in men. However, changes related to other lipid profile components are not considerable.

Low energy density diet, weight loss maintenance, and risk of cardiovascular disease following a recent weight reduction program: A randomized control trial

Background:

Little is known about the effects of a low energy dense diet on weight maintenance and cardiovascular risks following a recent weight reduction. Therefore, we assessed if weight maintenance, lipid profiles, and glycemic control differ between low energy density (LED) diet and usual diet consumers following a recent weight reduction.

Materials and Methods:

In this randomized controlled clinical trial study in a parallel design, we recruited 70 patients with the history of weight reduction in the recent 1 year. LED diet contained 30% fat, 15% protein, and 55% carbohydrate was administered to the test group, and a usual diet including 35% fat, 15% protein, and 50% carbohydrate was prescribed to the control group for 7 months. Dietary intake was assessed by using 3 days food records. Biochemical markers and anthropometric measures were done according to the standard protocol.

Results:

Weight reduced in LED diet consumers compared to usual diet consumers (−0.3 ± 0.2 vs. 1.3 ± 0.4%, P = 0.002). The results was the same regarding waist circumference (−0.4 ± 0.2 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1%, P = 0.004). Fasting blood sugar also decreased in LED diet group (−9.5 ± 0.8 vs. 0.4 ± 1.0%, P = 0.0001). LED diet group had a drop in percent change of their total cholesterol (−0.4 ± 0.5 vs. 2.05 ± 0.4%, P = 0.04) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (4.8 ± 0.9 vs. −0.3 ± 0.9%, P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

Our findings confirmed beneficial effects of LED diet on attenuating weight regain in subjects with history of recent weight reduction. It might be derived from higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fiber among LED diet than usual diet consumers.

Dietary fat intake and functional dyspepsia

A few studies have assessed the effects of fat intake in the induction of dyspeptic symptoms. So, the aim of this study was to review the articles regarding the dietary fat intake and FD. We used electronic database of PubMed to search. These key words were chosen: FD, dietary fat, dyspeptic symptom, energy intake and nutrients. First, articles that their title and abstract were related to the mentioned subject were gathered. Then, full texts of related articles were selected for reading. Finally, by excluding four articles that was irrelevant to subject, 19 relevant English papers by designing clinical trial, cross-sectional, case–control, prospective cohort, and review that published from 1992 to 2012 were investigated. Anecdotally, specific food items or food groups, particularly fatty foods have been related to dyspepsia. Laboratory studies have shown that the addition of fat to a meal resulted in more symptoms of fullness, bloating, and nausea in dyspeptic patients. Studies have reported that hypersensitivity of the stomach to postprandial distension is an essential factor in the generation of dyspeptic symptoms. Small intestinal infusions of nutrients, particularly fat, exacerbate this hypersensitivity. Moreover, evidence showed that perception of gastric distension increased by lipids but not by glucose. Long chain triglycerides appear to be more potent than medium chain triglycerides in inducing symptoms of fullness, nausea, and suppression of hunger. Thus, Fatty foods may exacerbate dyspeptic symptoms. Therefore, it seems that a reduction in intake of fatty foods may useful, although this requires more evaluations.

The Impact of a Low Glycemic Index Diet on Inflammatory Markers and Serum Adiponectin Concentration in Adolescent Overweight and Obese Girls: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Although the effects of dietary glycemic index (GI) on insulin resistance are well documented in adults, the complex interaction among glucose intolerance, inflammatory markers, and adipokine concentration has not been well studied, especially among adolescents. We investigated the effect of a low glycemic index (LGI) diet on insulin concentration, fasting blood sugar (FBS), inflammatory markers, and serum adiponectin concentration among healthy obese/overweight adolescent females. In this parallel randomized clinical trial, 2 different diets, an LGI diet and a healthy nutritional recommendation diet (HNRD) with similar macronutrient composition were prescribed to 50 obese and overweight adolescent girls with the same pubertal status. Biochemical markers FBS, serum insulin concentration, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and adiponectin were measured before and after a 10 week intervention. Using an intention-to-treat analysis, data from 50 subjects were analyzed. According to a dietary assessment, GI in the LGI group was 43.22±0.54. While the mean for FBS, serum insulin concentration, the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and adiponectin concentration did not differ significantly within each group, the average hs-CRP and IL-6 decreased significantly in the LGI diet group after the 10 week intervention (p=0.009 and p=0.001; respectively). Comparing percent changes, we found a marginally significant decrease in hs-CRP in the LGI group compared with the HNRD group after adjusting for confounders. Compliance with an LGI diet may have favorable effect on inflammation among overweight and obese adolescent girls.

Effects of Bread with Nigella Sativa on Lipid Profiles, Apolipoproteins and Inflammatory Factor in Metabolic Syndrome Patients

Nigella sativa (N.sativa) has been used in traditional medicine and many studies have been performed in different communities in order to reveal the effects of it on medical disorders and chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bread with N. Sativa on lipid profiles, apolipoproteins, and inflammatory factors in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over and clinical trial was conducted in 51 MetS patients of both sexes with age group of 20-65 years old in Chaloos, north of Iran. Patients were randomly divided in two groups. In phase 1, intervention group (A, n = 27) received daily a bread with N. sativa and wheat bran and control group (B, n = 24) received the same bread without N. sativa for 2 months. After 2 weeks of wash out period, phase 2 was started with switch the intervention between two groups. Measuring of lipid profiles, apolipoproteins and inflammatory factor was performed for all patients before and after two phases. In this study, treatment, sequence and time effects of intervention were evaluated and revealed that consumption of bread with N. sativa has no significant treatment and time effects on triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein (APO)-A, APO-B and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p > 0.05). Sequence effect was significant on CHOL, LDL, APO-A, and APO-B (p < 0.05) but was not significant on other parameters (p > 0.05). Consumption of bread with N. sativa has no a significant effect on lipid profiles, apolipoproteins and inflammatory factor in MetS patients.

Associations between dietary energy density and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

OBJECTIVE

Although many studies have shown an association between dietary energy density (DED) and obesity, there has been no systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic. Therefore, the objective of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively review and summarize the literature on association between DED and obesity.

METHODS

We searched titles, abstracts, and keywords of articles indexed in ScienceDirect, ProQuest, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases until January 2015 to identify eligible studies. We excluded studies that did not examine DED for whole diet and studies that included patients with cancer, pregnant women, the elderly (>60 y old), and children (<2 y old). There were no language or publication date restrictions.

RESULTS

Of the 37 studies included in this review, most articles reported a direct association between DED and obesity. We performed a meta-analysis on 23 of these studies. In comparison with the lowest NTILE of DED, subjects in the highest NTILE of DED had significant weight gain (2.26 kg, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-3.53), greater adjusted mean body mass index (BMI) (0.50 kg/m(2), 95% CI: 0.02-0.98 for males and 0.85 kg/m(2), 95% CI: 0.51-1.19 for females), and risk of excess adiposity (odds ratio [OR]: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.04-1.55). We did not observe significant associations between DED and risk of elevated BMI (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.00-1.27) and abdominal obesity (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.19-7.38). We found no evidence of publication bias.

CONCLUSION

The present review showed that DED was directly associated with risk of excess adiposity, higher weight change, and BMI. Lower DED should be considered a prevention strategy for obesity.

Adherence to the DASH and Mediterranean diets is associated with decreased risk for gestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

Few studies have examined the association between adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) or Mediterranean (MED) diets and prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the two diets and GDM.

METHODS

In a case-control hospital-based study, pregnant women with (n = 200) and without (n = 260) GMD were recruited. An average of three 24-h dietary records were used to assess participants' dietary intakes. DASH scores were calculated based on the Fung method and MED scores were calculated using the Trichopoulou method. GDM was defined as fasting glucose >95 mg/dL or 1-h postprandial glucose >140 mg/dL for the first time in the pregnancy. The risk for GDM was assessed across tertiles of DASH and MED scores.

RESULTS

DASH and MED diets were negatively related to fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and serum triacylglycerol concentrations. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly higher for those in the top tertile of the DASH diet but not the MED diet in comparison with the lowest tertile. Total serum cholesterol level was lower in the third tertile of the MED diet but not in the DASH diet. Participants in the highest tertile of the MED diet had 80% lower risk for GDM compared with those in the lowest tertile (Ptrend = 0.006). Greater adherence to the DASH eating plan was associated with 71% reduced risk for GDM (Ptrend = 0.006) after adjustment for potential confounders.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to either the DASH or Mediterranean diet is associated with decreased risk for GDM.