The interaction between dietary inflammatory index and 6 P21 rs2010963 gene variants in metabolic syndrome

Does the Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR) Predict Metabolic Profile and Glycemic Status Among the Obese Population?

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as the existence of metabolic profile risk factors and impaired glycemic status such as dysglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Several studies demonstrated that a diet that promotes proper nutritional intake; plays a critical role in the prevention and control of MetS. Our goal for conducting this cross-sectional study was to investigate any potential relationships between the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) and cardiometabolic risk variables within obese individuals. individuals.

Methods

In the present cross-sectional study, 338 seemingly healthy participants who were overweight or obese were enrolled. The assessment of dietary consumption was conducted through a validated questionnaire comprising 168 items Then NAR was calculated for all ten vitamins and six minerals. Biochemical variables are measured by the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Also, LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol), QUICKI (quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index), and HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) were calculated using the suggested formulas.

Results

Subjects in the upper NAR tertiles exhibited a significantly higher percentage of fat-free mass (P = .002), appetite (P = .002), and basal metabolic rate (BMR) (P = .002). In addition, Participants in the upper tertiles of NAR consumed a greater amount of energy and all vitamins and minerals included in NAR and meat, fish and poultry (MFP) (P < .001) as well as cholesterol, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (P < .05). Furthermore, no association was shown between NAR and metabolic profile and glycemic status.

Conclusion

According to our findings, a higher nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) was associated with higher fat-free mass but no significant link between NAR and metabolic profile risk factors was observed.

Association between dietary inflammatory index and disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis

Considering the influence of dietary factors on inflammatory markers that may affect the disease course in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), this study aimed to assess the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) score and disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis. This cross-sectional study included 158 patients with UC. The Mayo Clinic score was used to determine the disease severity. A food frequency questionnaire was applied to gather the dietary information, then the Shivappa et al. method was used for the calculation of DII. An association between disease severity (dependent factor) and DII score quartiles (independent factors) was conducted by a logistic regression adjusted to different covariates. In this study, 53.8% of participants were in remission or had mild disease activity. The mean DII score was - 0.24 ± 0.66. The mean DII score was significantly lower in patients with remission (-0.34 ± 0.71) compared with patients who were in the active phase (-0.1 ± 0.57) of UC (P = 0.02). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, the odds of severe disease were 3.33 times higher among patients who had a more pro-inflammatory diet compared with patients who had an anti-inflammatory diet [OR: 3.33 (95%CI: 1.13, 9.76), p = 0.02]. In conclusion, there was a significant association between higher intake of a pro-inflammatory diet and UC severity. So, from a clinical point of view, there is a need to apply an anti-inflammatory diet to decrease disease severity in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Dietary and Lifestyle Insulinemic Potential Indices and Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome Among Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

As a worldwide pandemic, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is related with high disease burden. The emergence of multiple chronic diseases can be attributed to unfavorable dietary and lifestyle choices made by individuals, with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance as the underlying causes. Current study sought to assess the relationship between the Empirical Dietary Index for Hyperinsulinemia (EDIH) and the Empirical Lifestyle Index for Hyperinsulinemia (ELIH) and MetS risk factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 339 individuals between the ages of 20 and 50, who were either obese or overweight, and were recruited from Tabriz, Iran. In this study, a validated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) with 168 questions was used to assess individuals' food consumption. Blood tests were performed to assess total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG) levels, as well as blood glucose and insulin levels.

Results

After multivariable adjustment, among tertiles of EDIH, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and TG were significantly different. Also, SBP, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and HDL-C significantly differed across tertiles of ELIH. In multivariate-adjusted models, individuals classified in the highest tertile of EDIH demonstrated elevated ORs in relation to FBG levels [OR: 1.035 (1.004-1.068; P < .05)], and the second tertile of ELIH was inversely associated with SBP [OR: 0.966 (0.935-0.999; P < .05)], DBP [OR: 0.972 (0.948-0.997; P < .05)], TG in the model I [OR: 0.991 (0.983-0.999; P < .05)], and model II [OR: 0.991 (0.983-0.999; P < .05)].

Conclusion

Considering the findings of our study, higher insulinemic dietary potential, indicated by EDIH, can be related to higher odds of FBG and decreased odds of TG as risk factors of MetS. Furthermore, our findings suggest that individuals with a higher ELIH may potentially exhibit lower SBP and DBP levels. Nevertheless, further experimental and long-term investigations are necessary to fully comprehend this association.

Investigation of the association between habitual dietary FODMAP intake, metabolic parameters, glycemic status, and anthropometric features among apparently healthy overweight and obese individuals

BACKGROUND

The predisposition of humans to metabolic syndrome is affected by many factors, including diet and lifestyle. Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) are a set of carbohydrates that are fermented by gut microbiota. In animal studies, supplementation with FODMAP-rich diets as prebiotics can alter body composition and gut microbiota. This study evaluates any relationship between FODMAP and metabolic syndrome risk factors among adults with metabolic syndrome in Iran.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study is based on sociodemographic information from 347 overweight and obese participants selected from outpatient clinics through public declaration. Participants body composition and anthropometric measures were also determined. A validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) with 168 questions was used to collect dietary data. Biochemical parameters, including serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting serum glucose (FSG), and insulin levels, were determined by enzymatic methods. In addition, the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) were calculated.

RESULTS

In moderate FODMAP and low FODMAP groups, lower waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and higher fat-free mass (FFM) were achieved in higher tertiles. In high FODMAP groups, higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) was shown in the higher tertile (P < 0.05). Higher insulin, HOMA-IR, and lower QUICKI in the second tertile of the high FODMAP group were also observed.

CONCLUSION

Findings of this study highlight the potential role of FODMAP in managing metabolic syndrome and open a new field of research.

The Possible Mediatory Role of Inflammatory Markers on the Association of Dietary Insulin Index and Insulin Load with Metabolic Syndrome in Women with Overweight and Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased inflammation. Diet plays an important role in the prevention and management of MetS, while some dietary factors can also increase or decrease markers of systemic inflammation. In this study, we aimed to determine the mediated association of inflammatory markers induced by dietary insulin index (DII) and dietary insulin load (DIL) with MetS and its components.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 219 women aged 18-28 years. Dietary intake was assessed by a 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). DII and DIL were calculated using the standard formula. The guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III were used to define MetS. Biochemical parameters and anthropometric and blood pressure measures were evaluated by standard protocols.

Results

After the adjustment for potential confounders, a marginally significant association was found between DII and MetS (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 0.93-4.82; P = 0.06). However, we did not find a significant association between DIL and MetS. Furthermore, DII was significantly associated with waist circumference (WC) (OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.09- 4.03; P = 0.03) and marginally associated with triglyceride (TG) (OR = 1.10; 95% CI = 0.92-2.33; P = 0.07) and systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) (OR = 1.84; 95% CI = 0.85-3.99; P = 0.07). Moreover, there was a significant association between DIL and SBP/DBP (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.54-5.61; P = 0.04). Also, we found that MCP-1 may have a mediatory role in the association between DII and DIL with MetS and several components of MetS. Hs-CRP did not have mediatory role in the association between DII and MetS. However, hs-CRP had a mediatory role in several MetS components. Furthermore, hs-CRP may have a mediatory role in the association of DIL with MetS and with some of its components.

Conclusions

A higher DII score may increase the odds of MetS and its components. DIL was not significantly associated with the odds of MetS, but the association of DIL and SBP/DBP was significant. MCP-1 may have a mediatory role in associations between DII and DIL with MetS. In addition, hs-CRP may have a mediatory role in the association between DIL and MetS.

Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score (DAQS), serum lipids, markers of glucose homeostasis, blood pressure and anthropometric features among apparently metabolically healthy obese adults in two metropolises of Iran (Tabriz and Tehran): a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress (OS) is associated with a variety of non-communicable diseases, including MetS, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease through increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impairment of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Antioxidants can protect cells against free radical damage, so it seems important to determine the relationship between the quality of dietary antioxidants intake and chronic diseases. The Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score (DAQS) is obtained by adding the daily intake of known dietary vitamins and minerals, including selenium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, compared to the recommended daily intake (RDI). Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between DAQS, serum lipids, markers of glucose homeostasis, blood pressure and anthropometric features among obese adults.

METHODS

In the present cross-sectional study, 338 individuals who were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) aged 20-50 years were recruited from Tabriz and Tehran, Iran. A validated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) with 168 food items was used to quantify dietary consumption; accordingly, DAQS was computed. Blood biomarkers were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. A standard mercury sphygmomanometer was used to assess blood pressure, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was performed to determine body composition. The association between the DAQS tertiles and biochemical variables was investigated using multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

Participants in the highest tertile of DAQS have a lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values in all of the adjusted models [odds ratio (OR) = 0.920; confidence interval (CI)= 0.852-0.993, P-value = 0.03] in the analysis of co-variance (ANCOVA) model. Similarly, subjects at the second tertile of DAQS had lower DBP compared with the first tertile in age and sex-adjusted model [OR= 0.937; CI= 0.882-0.997]. There was no statistically significant difference for other metabolic parameters in different DAQS tertiles.

CONCLUSION

According to our findings, higher DAQS was associated with lower DBP among obese adults with obesity in two major cities of Iran (Tehran and Tabriz). Other studies with interventional design are needed to better elucidate these associations and underlying mechanisms.

The Association Between Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) With Metabolic Risk Factors Among Apparently Metabolically Healthy Overweight and Obese Individuals

Recent studies have evaluated the association between specific beverage intake and metabolic risks in adults. However, more evidence is needed to examine the association between the Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) and metabolic factors. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between HBI and metabolic factors in adults. In this cross-sectional study, 338 overweight and obese individuals living in Tabriz, Iran were selected. Data on beverage consumption, demographics, physical activity, and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated using validated standard protocols. The predefined HBI was calculated based on previous studies. The mean value of HBI index among all of the participants was 59.76 ± 6.51. Those at the higher HBI scores had significantly lower waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, fat mass, and weight (p < 0.05). HBI and triglyceride scores also had a significant relationship. It has been shown that at higher HBI scores compared to lower scores, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increase while homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and blood pressure decrease. HBI scores higher among Iranian adults were associated with a better chance of losing weight and weight loss and a better lipid profile, and lower blood pressure. Therefore, HBI can be a useful and helpful tool for assessing the overall quality of beverages adults consume. However, further studies are warranted to confirm the possible health effects of healthy beverage index.

A high Diabetes Risk Reduction Score (DRRS) is associated with a better cardio-metabolic profile among obese individuals

BACKGROUND

Dietary indices and scores are valuable predictive markers against chronic diseases. Several previous studies have revealed the beneficial effects of diabetes risk reduction score (DRRS) against diabetes and cancer incidence. However, its association with metabolic abnormalities among obese individuals have not been revealed before. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the association between DRRS and metabolic risk factors among obese individuals.

METHODS

In the current cross-sectional study, 342 obese individuals [Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2] aged 20-50 years were included. Dietary intake was assessed by a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) of 168 food items and DRRS was calculated. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined based on the guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III). Enzymatic methods were used to assess serum lipids, glucose, and insulin concentrations. Blood pressure was measured by a sphygmomanometer and body composition with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

RESULTS

Those with a higher adherence to DRRS had a significantly higher intake of energy, fiber, and lower protein compared with those in the lower quartiles. Moreover, lower intakes of trans fats, meat, sugar sweetened beverages (SSB), and glycemic index (GI) with higher intakes of fruits, cereal fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids/ saturated fatty acids (PUFA/ SFA) ratio, coffee, and nuts were observed in the highest versus lowest DRRS categories. Lower systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride and, higher high-density lipoprotein values were observed in higher DRRS categories. Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension was significantly associated with adherence to DRRS among obese individuals, the odds ratio (OR) was 0.686 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26-0.84) after adjustment for potential confounders. But the risk of other components of MetS was not significantly associated with higher quartiles of adherence to DRRS. Also, a non-significantly lower prevalence of MetS was observed in the higher quartile of DRRS.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of the current study, higher DRRS was associated with lower blood pressure, modified serum lipids, and lower Mets prevalence. Further studies in different populations are warranted for better generalization of the obtained findings.

Evaluating the association between the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, mental health, and cardio-metabolic risk factors among individuals with obesity

BACKGROUND

Several previous investigations have examined the brain-protective role of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet. However, more knowledge is needed about the MIND diet's other favorable impacts. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the MIND diet, mental health, and metabolic markers in individuals with obesity.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we included 339 individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) aged 20-50 years. We utilized a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), we assessed dietary intake, including 168 food items, and calculated the value of MIND. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) guidelines. We assessed biochemical parameters using Enzymatic methods. Blood pressure and body composition were also determined.

RESULTS

Higher tertiles of the MIND diet score were associated with significantly higher energy intake, macronutrients, and brain-healthy food intakes (P < 0.001). Among the brain-unhealthy foods, only the intake of sweets and pastries was significantly lower in the highest versus lowest MIND tertiles. We also observed lower odds of stress (P < 0.05) and higher insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05) in the highest versus lowest MIND diet tertiles. We witnessed no significant changes in other parameters.

CONCLUSION

Lower stress levels and higher insulin sensitivity independent of some confounders like age, BMI, sex, and physical activity were associated with the highest tertile of MIND diet score.

The association between healthy lifestyle score and risk of metabolic syndrome in Iranian adults: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle risk factors, such as obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and having an unhealthy diet are significantly associated to the risk of developing metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Consequently, it is important to examine multiple lifestyle risk factors instead of single ones. Moreover, the combined effects of these factors on risk of MetS are not fully investigated. This study investigated the relationship between HLS and MetS and its components among apparently healthy adults living in Tabriz-Iran.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study includes 347 apparently healthy adults aged 20-50. To assess healthy lifestyle, four habits were used to examine HLS: physical activity (PA), smoking, healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015), and body mass index (BMI). Smoking status, PA, and dietary intakes (147-item) of study participants were evaluated using valid questionnaires. The lifestyle score ranged from zero (non-healthy) to four (most healthy) points. Binary logistic regression with adjusted models was used to examine the association of HLS and MetS, and its components. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

In the current study, the average age and BMI of study participants were 40.78 ± 9.23 years old and 29.23 ± 5.97 kg/m², respectively. Participants in the highest quartile of HLS had significantly lower waist circumference (WC), BMI, weight, and had less fasting blood sugar (FBS), and triglyceride (TG) compared to the lowest quartile of HLS. Individuals in the second quartile of HLS had 24% greater odds for having MetS compared with those in the first quartile (adjusted OR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.05-2.66). A significant reduction in hyperglycemia (adjusted OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.55-0.96) and high TG (adjusted OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.55-0.93) risk was also observed in the highest category of HLS compared to the lowest category. Moreover, after taking potential confounders into account, low score of HLS was associated with increased odds of MetS in women (adjusted OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.03-2.91).

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the lowest adherence to HLS was associated with higher odds MetS in women, after adjusting for all covariates. Moreover, adherence to a healthy lifestyle was related to lower odds of hyperglycemia and high TG in Iranian adults. To confirm these results, prospective studies are required.

Dietary energy density, metabolic parameters, and blood pressure in a sample of adults with obesity

BACKGROUND

Several previous studies revealed the role of dietary energy density (DED) in developing obesity and related disorders. However, the possible role of DED in triggering cardiometabolic risk factors of individuals with obesity has not been studied yet. This study aimed to evaluate the association between DED and anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) (such as glycemic markers, lipid profile, and blood pressure) among individuals with obesity.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we included 335 adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) aged 20-50 years in Tabriz and Tehran, Iran. Dietary intake was assessed by a validated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), including 168 food items; then, DED was calculated. MetS was defined based on the guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III). Enzymatic methods were used to assess serum lipids, glucose, and insulin concentrations. Blood pressure was measured by sphygmomanometer and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

RESULTS

Participants in the higher tertiles of DED had more intake of carbohydrate, dietary fat, saturated fatty acid (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and meat, fish, poultry (MFP). Increasing the DED in both methods had no association with systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), insulin, triglyceride (TG), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) even after adjustment for confounders. However, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased in second tertile of DED I (β = 0.921, P = 0.004). The quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI) in second tertile of both DED methods had significant positive association with DED. In the second tertile of DED II, while total cholesterol (TC) significantly decreased (P crude = 0.036, P adjusted = 0.024), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased (β = 1.096, p = 0.03). There was no significant changes in biochemical parameters in third tertile of DED I and II even after adjustment for covariates. Also, higher tertiles of DED was associated with reduced prevalence of MetS.

CONCLUSION

High DED was associated with lower levels of blood pressure and TC but elevated levels of HDL and QUICKI independent of such confounders as age, BMI, sex, and physical activity. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to better elucidate casual associations.

Adherence to lifelines diet score and risk factors of metabolic syndrome among overweight and obese adults: A cross-sectional study

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the most significant public health issues worldwide, and diet quality is an important controllable environmental factor influencing the incidence of MetS. Numerous dietary scores have been established to assess compliance with dietary recommendations or eating patterns, many of which are not entirely food-based. Hence, Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS) was developed in response to the shortcomings of existing tools. This study aimed to assess any possible links between total food quality and cardiometabolic risk factors among overweight and obese adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 338 overweight and obese individuals [body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2] aged 20-50 years in Tabriz, Iran. To collect dietary data, we used a validated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for Iranian population. Enzymatic-colorimetric methods were used to assess serum glucose and lipids, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to measure insulin levels. In addition, the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) were calculated.

Results

BMI and hip circumference (HC) were significantly different (P < 0.05) amongst LLDS tertiles. Adherence to the highest tertile of LLDS was associated with lower SBP, and the subjects in higher LLDS tertiles significantly had lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0.04). Triglyceride (TG) levels were also lower in the third tertile of LLDS with a near-significant P-value (P = 0.05).

Conclusion

According to our results, a higher diet quality score, determined by LLDS, can be associated with a lower risk of MetS. Further experimental and longitudinal studies are needed to better understand this relationship.

The association between dietary glycemic index and cardio-metabolic risk factors in obese individuals

Background:

The dietary glycemic index (GI) has been introduced as a novel index to elucidate the potential of foods to increase postprandial glucose. According to the limited available data about the association of GI with cardio-metabolic risk factors such as lipid profile, blood glucose markers, and blood pressure in developing countries, the current study was conducted to investigate this association in apparently obese individuals.

Method and material:

Three hundred forty-seven obese adults were recruited in the present cross-sectional study. A validated 147-food item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate the usual dietary intake of study participants. Dietary GI was calculated using the international GI database. Fatty acid desaturase (FADs)2 gene variants were determined according to polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). ANOVA was used to compare study variables across different tertile of GI.

Results:

We found significant differences in terms of anthropometric parameters [weight (P = 0.038), waist circumference (WC) (P = 0.023), weight to hip ratio (WHR) (P = 0.007), and fat-free mass (FFM) (P < 0.001)] between different tertiles of GI. Similarly, energy and macronutrient intakes had a significant difference across dietary GI, and subjects with a higher dietary intake of energy and macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein, and total fat) were assigned to the third tertile of dietary GI (P < 0.001). While there was no significant difference in terms of cardio-metabolic risk factors in different dietary GI tertiles. Moreover, the total GI score was non-significantly higher in the TT genotype of FADS2 gene polymorphism compared with other genotypes. While no significant difference was observed between FADS2 genotype frequencies in different GI tertiles.

Conclusion:

Calculated dietary GI was associated with several cardio-metabolic risk factors in obese individuals. However, further prospective studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm our findings.

Low-carbohydrate diet score is associated with improved blood pressure and cardio-metabolic risk factors among obese adults

Obesity is associated with numerous co-morbidities and diet, is one of the modifiable risk factors for prevention against these obesity-related metabolic disorders. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the association between adherence to low carbohydrate diet (LCD) score and serum lipids, glycemic markers, blood pressure, and anthropometric parameters among obese individuals. The current cross-sectional study is a combination of two projects with total participants of 359 obese individuals (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2 ) aged 20-50 years were included. Dietary intake was assessed by a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) of 132 food items. Low carbohydrate diet score was estimated by deciles of dietary intakes. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined based on the guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III). Enzymatic methods were used to assess serum lipids, glucose, and insulin concentrations. Blood pressure was measured by sphygmomanometer and body composition with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Higher adherence to LCD score was associated with significantly lower DBP and triglyceride (TG) concentrations and increased high density lipoprotein (HDL)-C levels after adjustment for the confounders (p < 0.05). A non-significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and total cholesterol (TC) values were also observed. Also, high adherence to LCD score was associated with reduced prevalence of metabolic syndrome (p < 0.05). Higher BMI, fat mass, and lower fat-free mass were also accompanied with higher adherence to LCD score. According to our study, low carbohydrate diet score was associated with more favorable cardio-metabolic risk factors independent of some confounders like age, BMI, sex, and physical activity level. Further studies in different communities will help for generalization of our findings.

Interaction between major dietary patterns and cardiorespiratory fitness on metabolic syndrome in Iranian adults: a cross-sectional study

Background

Several researches have been conducted on the associations between diet and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and major cardiovascular risk factors. However, there is no report about the interaction between major dietary patterns and CRF on metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. To investigate the combined association of major dietary patterns and CRF on MetS and its components.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 270 apparently healthy adults living in Tehran, Iran. Dietary intake was evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). CRF was assessed using a graded exercise treadmill test. Socio-economic status, anthropometric measures, biochemical parameters, and blood pressure were evaluated according to standard methods. Major dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis.

Results

Three major identified dietary patterns were (healthy, mixed, and western). Significant positive association was found between mixed dietary pattern and metabolic syndrome (OR = 2.68, 95% CI (1.92,7.78), P = 0.04). There were not relations between tertiles of identified dietary patterns and remained outcomes. Those who had higher adherence to mixed pattern with also higher CRF showed a significant decrease for diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.01). Also we found that there was no significant interaction between any of dietary patterns and CRF on odds of MetS.

Conclusions

Overall, adherence to mixed dietary pattern in this population was associated with increasing odds of MetS. However, nor CRF neither the combination of dietary patterns and CRF was related to the odds of MetS among Iranian adults. More studies are needed to clarify these associations and to consider interpersonal determinants.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12937-021-00695-4.

Cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript prepropeptide gene (CARTPT) polymorphism interacts with Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) to affect hypothalamic hormones and cardio-metabolic risk factors among obese individuals

BACKGROUND

Epidemiologic studies show that cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript prepropeptide (CARTPT) gene polymorphism modifies diet-obesity relationships. However, the interaction between CARTPT gene polymorphism and diet quality indices have not been investigated yet. The current study was aimed to evaluate the interaction between major dietary indices including Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) and Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 and CARTPT gene rs2239670 variants among apparently healthy obese Iranians.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out by employing 288 apparently healthy obese adults aged 20-50 years with a BMI of 30-40 kg/m2. Diet quality was evaluated by Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) and Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) using a 132-items semi-quantitative validated food frequency questionnaire. The CARTPT gene rs2239670 polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Blood concentrations of glycemic markers, lipid profile, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) were also measured. ANCOVA multivariate interaction model was used to analyze gene-diet interactions.

RESULTS

The significant interactions were identified between CARTPT gene polymorphism and HEI, affecting BMR (PInteraction = 0.003), serum glucose (PInteraction = 0.009) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol HDL concentrations (PInteraction = 0.03) after adjusting for the effects of sex and age. Also we found gene-diet interaction between CARTPT genotypes and DQI-I in terms of fat mass (FM; PInteraction = 0.02), waist circumference (WC; PInteraction < 0.001), body mass index (BMI; PInteraction < 0.001), basal metabolic rate (BMR, PInteraction < 0.001), serum fasting glucose (PInteraction < 0.01) and AgRP (PInteraction = 0.05) in individuals even after adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSION

Current study showed the effects of interaction between CARTPT genotype with adherence to HEI and DQI-I scores on obesity-related anthropometric and metabolic risk-factors.