Fruit and vegetable intakes, C-reactive protein, and the metabolic syndrome

Photoperiod-Dependent Effects of Phenolic-Enriched Fruit Extracts on Postprandial Triacylglyceride Levels and Acute Inflammatory Responses in F344 Rats

This study investigated the photoperiod-dependent effects of eight phenolic-enriched fruit extracts on postprandial blood triacylglyceride (TAG) levels and serum cytokine and CRP levels in F344 rats after an oral lipid tolerance test (OLTT) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory challenge, respectively. Animals were exposed to short (6-h light, L6) or long (18-h light, L18) photoperiods and orally supplemented with fruit extracts (100 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. Extracts were obtained from seasonal fruits (cherries, plums, apricots, strawberries, persimmon kakis, grapes, oranges, and pomegranates). Temporal homeostasis disruption was induced by an OLTT and LPS challenge. No differences in blood postprandial TAG levels were observed in the L6- and L12-control groups. However, in the experimental groups, the postprandial TAG response depended on the photoperiod and fruit extract consumption, mainly cherry and plum extracts in L6 (p < 0.05). In addition, control rats exposed to L6 exhibited higher blood IL-6 and TNF-α levels after inducing LPS-inflammatory response. Notably, winter-fruit and strawberry extracts were the most efficient at lowering proinflammatory cytokines. These findings show the effectiveness of specific fruit extracts in modulating postprandial TAG levels and acute inflammatory responses, being their effects photoperiod-dependent, opening the door to the design of functional ingredients specific for each season.

Relationship between metabolic syndrome and dietary diversity in the Rafsanjan cohort study

The rapid increase in metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a major public health problem may be attributed to changes in population behavior patterns in modern society, including nutritional habits and physical activity. Therefore, this study investigated the association between dietary diversity score (DDS) and adult metabolic syndrome. In this cross-sectional study, 9715 participants aged 35-70 years from the Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS) were included. Demographic, medical, and habitual histories were collected. DDS was calculated using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). All analyses were performed using Stata 14, with p-values < 0.05. Based on the DDS, subjects were divided into four groups (quartiles). The multivariate-adjusted model showed that the risk of MetS increased by 18% in the third quartile and by 25% in the fourth quartile (OR: 1.18; 98% CI: 1.02-1.36 and OR: 1.25; 98% CI: 1.06-1.48, respectively). Additionally, an increased risk of high serum triglyceride levels was observed in the third quartile (OR: 1.19; 98% CI: 1.05-1.35). The results suggest that there is a relationship between DDS and metabolic syndrome, although this relationship changed after adjusting for confounders.

Associations between time spent in sedentary behaviors and metabolic syndrome risk in physically active and inactive European older adults

OBJECTIVES

To determine how clustered metabolic risk based on a validated continuous metabolic syndrome risk score is associated with objectively assessed time in sedentary behaviors (SB) in physically active and inactive older adults, while considering adherence to healthy eating habits.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The study comprises 871 community-dwelling older adults (age 65-79 years) recruited from four European countries.

MEASUREMENTS

Daily times spent in SB and physical activity (PA) were assessed by accelerometers (Actigraph GT3X) for a week. Waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, mean arterial blood pressure, fasting glucose and insulin were determined, and a continuous metabolic syndrome risk score (cMSy) was generated using principal component analysis. Healthy eating habits were assessed by food record. General linear models stratified by adherence to PA guidelines (active/inactive) were used to examine differences in cMSy across tertiles of time in SB (Low, Medium, High) with adjustment for covariates, including healthy eating habits.

RESULTS

A significantly (p < 0.05) lower cMSy was observed among older adults in the low SB tertile compared to medium and high SB tertiles, with no difference between the latter tertiles. The favorable effect of low amounts of SB on cMSy was indicated in both active and inactive groups, and regardless of healthy eating habits. Further, being active was related to a more favorable cMSy across all SB tertiles.

CONCLUSION

Low amounts of time spent in SB are related to a lower metabolic syndrome risk regardless of adherence to PA guidelines and healthy eating habits in older adults, supporting guidelines targeting limited amounts of SB alongside engagement in moderate-to-vigorous PA for promotion of metabolic health.

Prospective Associations of Dietary Antioxidant Vitamin Intake and 8-Year Risk of Elevated Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a well-established biomarker of low-grade systemic inflammation; levels above 3 mg/L indicate high cardiovascular risk. Although cross-sectional studies have shown associations between antioxidant vitamin intake and hsCRP levels, prospective data remain limited. This study aims to investigate the associations of dietary intake of vitamins A, C, and E with the 8-year risk of elevated serum hsCRP levels (>3 mg/L).

PARTICIPANTS/METHODS

This prospective study included 7695 adults from population-based cohorts. Serum hsCRP was assayed at the 4- and 8-year follow-ups; levels above 3 mg/L were considered elevated. Dietary intake of vitamin A, retinol, β-carotene, and vitamins C and E was assessed at baseline and at the 4-year follow-up using a food frequency questionnaire. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was conducted with adjustments for potential confounders.

RESULTS

When vitamin intake was categorized into quintiles, vitamin C intake demonstrated an inverse association, whereas β-carotene intake exhibited a U-shaped association with the risk of elevated serum hsCRP concentrations. Hazard ratios (HRs) [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] for the third and fourth quintiles of vitamin C intake were 0.72 [0.53, 0.98] and 0.70 [0.49, 0.98], respectively, compared with the first quintile. The HR [95% CI] for the third quintile of β-carotene intake was 0.69 [0.50, 0.95] compared with the first quintile. However, excessive consumption of vitamin E increased the risk of elevated hsCRP levels; HR (95% CI) was 1.62 [1.19, 2.21] for participants consuming >120% of adequate intake (AI) relative to those with 80-119% of AI. In stepwise analysis to identify a best-fit model, significant variables included the presence of diabetes or hypertension, calorie intake, age, body mass index, sex, educational level, moderate or vigorous physical activity, and vitamin C intake.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that dietary intake of vitamins A and C may help prevent elevated hsCRP levels in the general adult population. Further epidemiological studies are warranted to confirm these potential causal associations.

The association between dietary acid load and odds of prostate cancer: a case-control study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Conflicting results exist regarding the associations between dietary acid load (DAL) and cancer risk. This study aimed to investigate the association between DAL and the odds of prostate cancer (PC) in the Iranian population.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty participants (60 controls and 60 newly diagnosed PC patients) engaged in a hospital-based case-control study conducted from April to September 2015. A validated, 160-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess usual dietary intakes. DAL was calculated using potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

Both PRAL (OR = 5.44; 95% CI = 2.09-14.17) and NEAP (OR = 4.88; 95% CI = 2.22-13.41) were associated with increased odds of PC in the crude model. After adjusting for potential confounders (energy intake, smoking, physical activity, ethnicity, job, education, and medication use), being in the third category of PRAL (OR = 3.42; 95% CI = 1.11-8.65) and NEAP (OR = 3.88; 95% CI = 1.26-9.55) were significantly associated with increased odds of PC.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that dietary acid load may be linked to an increased risk of PC; however, further prospective studies with larger sample sizes and longer durations are necessary to validate these findings.

Impact of DASH and mediterranean diets on mood and happiness in young adult males: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The association between the Mediterranean diet (MED) and the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) with some mental disorders is well-documented. However, a consistent relationship with young adults as a vulnerable population has yet to be known. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relation between Iranian young male adults' mood and happiness state with DASH/MED patterns.

RESULTS

Participants' mean age was 23.65 ± 1.74 years, within the age range of 18-28 years, and their BMI was 24.23 ± 3.82 kg/m². After adjusting for all covariates, those in the highest DASH tertile had 54% lower odds of poor mood compared to the lowest tertile (OR = 0.46; 95%CI: 0.24, 0.88). An inverse relationship was also found between DASH and low happiness scores (OR T3 vs. T1 = 0.51, 95%CI: 0.27, 0.96). No significant association was found between MED and mood or happiness. Therefore, results showed that participants who adhered more closely to the DASH diet were less likely to report being unhappy or having a poor mood. Further prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

Interactions between DASH-style diet and ADIPOQ and ARL15 genes polymorphisms on blood pressure and central obesity in Iranian adults

This study aimed to investigate the interactions between the Dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and the rs1501299 and rs6450176 SNPs in terms of cardiometabolic risk factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 387 adults (20-70 years old) residing in Yazd, Iran. The participants were selected from participants in the recruitment phase of the Yazd Health Study (YaHS) which is a population-based cohort of 9,962 adults. The genotypes of rs1501299 and rs6450176 SNPs were determined using the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Unlike for the G allele carriers of rs1501299, high adherence to the DASH dietary pattern was related to the lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP; P-interaction = 0.014) and systolic blood pressure (SBP; P-interaction = 0.051) in the participants with TT genotype. Moreover, in individuals with the AA genotype of rs6450176 SNP, adherence to this diet was associated with lower SBP (P-interaction = 0.012), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR; P-interaction = 0.026) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR; P-interaction = 0.040), while in G allele carriers, the mean of these items was greater in individuals with high adherence to the DASH diet. The results suggest that following the DASH diet may be related to lower blood pressure and central obesity indices only in individuals with TT genotype of rs1501299 and AA genotype of rs6450176, respectively, whereas it can be associated with higher WHR and WHtR in G allele carriers of rs6450176.

Key Taxa of the Gut Microbiome Associated with the Relationship Between Environmental Sensitivity and Inflammation-Related Biomarkers

Individual differences in environmental sensitivity are linked to stress-related psychiatric symptoms. In previous research, we found that high environmental sensitivity can be a risk factor for increased inflammation and gut permeability, particularly when gut microbiome diversity is low. However, the specific gut bacterial taxa involved in this interaction remain unclear. As a preliminary study, this research aimed to identify the key gut microbiome taxa associated with this relationship. Environmental sensitivity, gut microbiome composition, gut permeability (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, LBP), and inflammation (C-reactive protein, CRP) biomarkers were evaluated in 88 participants. The interaction between environmental sensitivity and the relative abundance of the family Marinifilaceae (genus Butyricimonas) was a predictor of CRP levels. Similarly, the interaction between environmental sensitivity and relative abundance of the family Barnesiellaceae (genus Coprobacter), the family Akkermansiaceae (genus Akkermansia), the genus Family XIII AD3011 group, the genus GCA-900066225, or the genus Ruminiclostridium 1 predicted LBP levels. Individuals with high environmental sensitivity exhibited elevated CRP or LBP levels when the relative abundance of these taxa was low. Conversely, highly sensitive individuals had lower CRP or LBP levels when the relative abundance of these taxa was high. This study suggests that specific taxa serve as one of the protective factors against inflammation and gut permeability in individuals with high environmental sensitivity. Further in-depth studies are needed to confirm these associations and understand the underlying mechanisms.

Dietary Modulation of the Immune System

Recent insights into the influence of nutrition on immune system components have driven the development of dietary strategies targeting the prevention and management of major metabolic-inflammatory diseases. This review summarizes the bidirectional relationship between nutrition and immunocompetence, beginning with an overview of immune system components and their functions. It examines the effects of nutritional status, dietary patterns, and food bioactives on systemic inflammation, immune cell populations, and lymphoid tissues, as well as their associations with infectious and chronic disease pathogenesis. The mechanisms by which key nutrients influence immune constituents are delineated, focusing on vitamins A, D, E, C, and B, as well as minerals including zinc, iron, and selenium. Also highlighted are the immunomodulatory effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as bioactive phenolic compounds and probiotics, given their expanding relevance. Each section addresses the implications of nutritional and nutraceutical interventions involving these nutrients within the broader context of major infectious, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases. This review further underscores that, while targeted nutrient supplementation can effectively restore immune function to optimal levels, caution is necessary in certain cases, as it may increase morbidity in specific diseases. In other instances, dietary counseling should be integrated to ensure that therapeutic goals are achieved safely and effectively.

Metabolic syndrome in association with novel dietary index, metabolic parameters, nesfatin-1 and omentin-1

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome is a prevalent and common health problem and numerous studies have revealed the role of diet and lifestyle change in prevention of metabolic syndrome. However, the novel dietary index, cardioprotective index (CPI) and its association with metabolic syndrome is not investigated yet. In the current study, we evaluated the association between metabolic syndrome and its components, CPI, Nesfatin-1 and Omentin-1in a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Three hundred forty eight overweight and obese individuals with metabolic syndrome were recruited. Subjects underwent anthropometric and laboratory assays including metabolic markers, Nesfatin-1 and Omentin-1 with commercial kits.

RESULTS

Those at the first tertile of CPI had lower high density lipoprotein concentrations (HDL) and higher low density lipoprotein concentrations (LDL), triglyceride (TG), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP, DBP) levels compared with those at the highest tertiles (P < 0.05). After adjustment for the confounding effects of age, sex, body mass index, physical activity and total calorie intake, LDL lost its significance across CPI tertiles. Moreover, serum total cholesterol, insulin and insulin resistance were not significant across CPI tertiles neither in crude nor in adjusted models (P > 0.05). Additionally, being at the third tertile of CPI was accompanied with significantly higher Nesfatin-1 and Omentin-1 levels compared with lowest tertiels (P < 0.05) in crude and confounder - adjusted models.

CONCLUSIONS

To our findings, CPI was in positive relationship with metabolic parameters, blood pressure, Nesfatin-1 and Omentin-1 levels in metabolic syndrome. Further future studies will help to elaborate the causality.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

Nutrition is associated with differences in multisensory integration in healthy older adults

Diet can influence cognitive functioning in older adults and is a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. However, it is unknown if an association exists between diet and lower-level processes in the brain underpinning cognition, such as multisensory integration. We investigated whether temporal multisensory integration is associated with daily intake of fruit and vegetables (FV) or products high in fat/sugar/salt (FSS) in a large sample (N = 2,693) of older adults (mean age = 64.06 years, SD = 7.60; 56% female) from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Older adults completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire from which the total number of daily servings of FV and FSS items respectively was calculated. Older adults' susceptibility to the Sound Induced Flash Illusion (SIFI) measured the temporal precision of audio-visual integration, which included three audio-visual Stimulus Onset Asynchronies (SOAs): 70, 150 and 230 ms. Older adults who self-reported a higher daily consumption of FV were less susceptible to the SIFI at the longest versus shortest SOAs (i.e. increased temporal precision) compared to those reporting the lowest daily consumption (p = .013). In contrast, older adults reporting a higher daily consumption of FSS items were more susceptible to the SIFI at the longer versus shortest SOAs (i.e. reduced temporal precision) compared to those reporting the lowest daily consumption (p < .001). The temporal precision of multisensory integration is differentially associated with levels of daily consumption of FV versus products high in FSS, consistent with broader evidence that habitual diet is associated with brain health.

Assessment of Oral Health Status among Children with Type I Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study

Objectives

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is among the four noncommunicable diseases. There are two types-type I and type II. The prevalence of type I DM in India is 0.26/1,000 population (1992). This study was carried out to assess dental caries status and gingival status. The study group was compared with the nondiabetic control group to find any association with metabolic control of the disease.

Methodology

A total sample size of 200 subjects was selected out of 100 patients referred to treat their poorly controlled type I diabetes mellitus at the tertiary hospital. Another 100 nondiabetic subjects were selected as controls. An oral clinical examination used a mouth mirror, dental explorer, visible light source, and cotton gauze. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), gingival index, plaque index, and calculus index were evaluated.

Results

Comparison of the gingival index between cases and control was found to be significant, where the p-value is <0.001. This points out that type I diabetic patients have more chance of gingival problems than others. The increased plaque index indicates the need to give more importance to oral health as it may lead to an increased calculus index in the future, leading to periodontal problems. It was found that glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is directly proportional to the gingival index.

Conclusion

Maintaining good oral health through regular check-ups with dental experts and motivating and educating type I diabetic patients as they are more prone to dental issues.

How to cite this article

Thankappan N, Chandran V, Venugopal M, et al. Assessment of Oral Health Status among Children with Type I Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(10):1124-1128.

Impact of Consumption of Specific Food Groups on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disorders among Nurses: Framingham's Multifactorial Predictive Model

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the consumption of selected food products and the risk of prevalence of selected metabolic and cardiovascular disorders among nurses. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 405 nurses. To achieve the study objective, body composition analysis (Tanita MC-980), blood pressure measurement (Welch Allyn 4200B), anthropometric measurements, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (CardioChek PA), and surveys regarding the consumption of specific food groups were conducted. Results: More than half of the respondents were overweight or/and obese, and almost 40% had elevated blood pressure levels. The results obtained from logistic regression models indicated that the consumption of specific food product groups may predispose to/increase the risk of hypertension, abdominal obesity, overweight, obesity, body fat accumulation, and the risk of cardiovascular events. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of targeted nutritional strategies to enhance the health and professional efficacy of nursing staff, paving the way for improved healthcare practices.

No Effect of High Eating Frequency Compared with Low Eating Frequency on Appetite and Inflammation Biomarkers: Results from a Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Eating frequency (EF) focuses on the total number of eating occasions per day and may influence metabolic health.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to examine the effect of high compared with low EF on appetite regulation and inflammatory biomarkers among healthy adults.

METHODS

Data are from a randomized, crossover trial (the Frequency of Eating and Satiety Hormones study). Participants (n = 50) completed 2 isocaloric 21-d study periods of low EF (3 eating occasions/d) and high EF (6 eating occasions/d) in random order with a 14-d washout period in between. Participants were free-living and consumed their own food, using study-directed, structured meal plans with identical foods and total energy in both study periods. On days 1 and 21 of each EF period, fasting blood was collected during in-person clinic visits to assess plasma concentrations of ghrelin, leptin, adiponectin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Linear mixed models with EF, diet sequence, and period as fixed effects and participant as random effect were used to estimate the intervention effect. Interaction effects between EF and body fat percentage were examined.

RESULTS

Among the 50 participants who completed the trial, 39 (78%) were women, 30 (60%) were Non-Hispanic White, and 40 (80%) had a body mass index of <25 kg/m2, and the mean age was 32.1 y. The differences between high and low EF in fasting ghrelin (geometric mean difference: 17.76 ng/mL; P = 0.60), leptin (geometric mean difference: 2.09 ng/mL; P = 0.14), adiponectin (geometric mean difference: 381.7 ng/mL; P = 0.32), and hs-CRP (geometric mean difference: -0.018 mg/dL; P = 0.08) were not statistically significant. No significant interaction was observed between EF and body fat percentage on appetite regulation and inflammatory biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

No differences was observed in fasting ghrelin, leptin, adiponectin, and hs-CRP comparing high and low EF. Future studies are needed to understand the physiology of EF and appetite as they relate to metabolic health. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02392897.

Biomarkers of food intake and their relevance to metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) constitutes a prevalent risk factor associated with non communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. A major factor impacting the etiology of MetS is diet. Dietary patterns and several individual food constituents have been related to the risk of developing MetS or have been proposed as adjuvant treatment. However, traditional methods of dietary assessment such as 24 h recalls rely greatly on intensive user-interaction and are subject to bias. Hence, more objective methods are required for unbiased dietary assessment and efficient prevention. While it is accepted that some dietary-derived constituents in blood plasma are indicators for certain dietary patterns, these may be too unstable (such as vitamin C as a marker for fruits/vegetables) or too broad (e.g. polyphenols for plant-based diets) or reflect too short-term intake only to allow for strong associations with prolonged intake of individual food groups. In the present manuscript, commonly employed biomarkers of intake including those related to specific food items (e.g. genistein for soybean or astaxanthin and EPA for fish intake) and novel emerging ones (e.g. stable isotopes for meat intake or microRNA for plant foods) are emphasized and their suitability as biomarker for food intake discussed. Promising alternatives to plasma measures (e.g. ethyl glucuronide in hair for ethanol intake) are also emphasized. As many biomarkers (i.e. secondary plant metabolites) are not limited to dietary assessment but are also capable of regulating e.g. anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways, special attention will be given to biomarkers presenting a double function to assess both dietary patterns and MetS risk.

The effect of increased fruit and vegetable consumption on blood pressure and lipids: a pooled analysis of six randomised controlled fruit and vegetable intervention trials

BACKGROUND

Increasing fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk in observational studies but with little evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The impact of concurrent pharmacological therapy is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To pool data from six RCTs to examine the effect of increasing FV intake on blood pressure (BP) and lipid profile, also exploring whether effects differed by medication use.

DESIGN

Across trials, dietary intake was assessed by diet diaries or histories, lipids by routine biochemical methods and BP by automated monitors. Linear regression provided an estimate of the change in lipid profile or BP associated with a one portion increase in self-reported daily FV intake, with interaction terms fitted for medication use.

RESULTS

The pooled sample included a total of 554 participants (308 males and 246 females). Meta-analysis of regression coefficients revealed no significant change in either systolic or diastolic BP per portion FV increase, although there was significant heterogeneity across trials for systolic BP (I2 = 73%). Neither adjusting for change in body mass index, nor analysis according to use of anti-hypertensive medication altered the relationship. There was no significant change in lipid profile per portion FV increase, although there was a significant reduction in total cholesterol among those not on lipid-lowering therapy (P < 0.05 after Bonferroni correction).

CONCLUSION

Pooled analysis of six individual FV trials showed no impact of increasing intake on BP or lipids, but there was a total cholesterol-lowering effect in those not on lipid-lowering therapy.

Low-grade inflammation from prenatal period to age 6-8 years in a Vitamin D trial

BACKGROUND

Low-grade systemic inflammation measured as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has been associated with non-communicable disease risk. We assessed whether prenatal inflammation and early-childhood vitamin D are associated with inflammation until age 6-8.

METHODS

We analyzed blood hs-CRP and 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] in pregnancy, at birth from umbilical cord blood (UCB), from offspring at ages 1, 2, and 6-8 years in the Vitamin D Intervention in Infants (VIDI) study. VIDI was a randomized-controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation of 10 μg/day or 30 μg/day from age 2 weeks until 2 years in 975 infants recruited in 2013-14, with follow-up at age 6-8 in 2019-21 (n = 283).

RESULTS

Pregnancy hs-CRP was associated with UCB hs-CRP (r = 0.18, p < 0.001) but not independently with childhood hs-CRP (Estimate [95% CI] 0.04 [<-0.00, 0.09]). Higher UCB hs-CRP was associated independently with higher hs-CRP until 6-8 years (0.20 [0.12, 0.29]). Infant vitamin D dose had no effect on longitudinal hs-CRP (6-8 years, 0.11 [-0.04, 0.25]). Childhood 25(OH)D were associated positively with hs-CRP until age 6-8 (0.01 [>0.00, 0.01]).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that in children, inflammation, assessed by hs-CRP, persists from birth until 6-8 years. We observed positive associations between 25(OH)D and hs-CRP in vitamin D-sufficient children.

IMPACT

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations tract from birth to age 8 years Our novel finding suggests a long-lasting pro-inflammatory phenotype in the child Higher vitamin D concentration - but not dose - is associated with higher childhood hs-CRP Chronic disease risk related to inflammation may in part originate from the prenatal period or early childhood Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of inflammation on long-term clinical health outcomes.

Nutritional Calorie Labeling and Menu Ordering Practices Among US Adults With Chronic Illnesses

BACKGROUND

The relationship between diet and the management of chronic illnesses is well established. However, it is unknown the extent to which people with chronic illnesses pay attention to nutritional information and act upon the information obtained. We evaluated the menu ordering practices of adults with chronic illnesses.

METHODS

We analyzed the 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5 Cycle 2). Our analytic cohort included 3,154 respondents (weighted population size=228,464,822) who answered questions regarding a personal history of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and obesity. They also answered questions about their nutritional habits regarding whether they noticed caloric information at fast-food or sit-down restaurants and how that information influenced their dietary choices.

RESULTS

Among respondents with these chronic illnesses, only obese patients were significantly more likely to pay attention to caloric information (OR=1.56; 95%CI: 1.06-2.31). However, noticing the calorie information was not associated with ordering less calories among all categories of respondents with chronic illnesses.

CONCLUSION

US adults with chronic illnesses do not pay sufficient attention to the calorie information of their diet. Furthermore, awareness of the calorie information did not influence their dietary choices. Healthcare professionals should incorporate dietary counseling into the management of chronic illnesses of their patients.

Evaluation on the Sex-Specific Association Between Cigarette Smoke Exposure and Inflammation Markers-C-Reactive Protein and White Blood Cell Count

INTRODUCTION

Cigarette smoke increases peripheral white blood cell (WBC) count. However, the dose-dependent association between smoking and C-reactive protein (CRP), an important inflammatory marker, has been reported as inconsistent.

AIMS AND METHODS

Here, we evaluated the associations between smoking and CRP using both smoking questionnaires and urine cotinine as exposure markers. The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were used for analyzing the associations. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between cigarette smoke exposure, as assessed by questionnaires and urine cotinine, and health effects, as measured by CRP and WBC count, controlling for potential confounders. The confounders, including age, sex, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, alanine aminotransferase, and uric acid, were selected a priori based on the literature.

RESULTS

A total of 11 435 participants were included for analysis. For the exposure-response relationship, the results indicated a significant increase in CRP levels in male smokers compared to male nonsmokers (p = .002), whereas no significant increase was found in female smokers compared to female nonsmokers (p = .680). For the dose-response relationship, a significant positive association was observed between urine cotinine and CRP in male smokers (p = .018), whereas no significant association was found in female smokers (p = .508). WBC count consistently showed significant exposure-response and dose-response relationships in both sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

WBC count was found to be a consistent effect marker of cigarette smoke exposure, while the association between CRP level and smoking was inconsistent and varied by sex. The sex-specific response to cigarette smoke exposure warrants further exploration in future studies.

IMPLICATIONS

Cigarette smoke exposure is known to increase inflammation and has been thought to increase CRP, a significant inflammation marker. However, recent studies have reported conflicting results regarding the dose-dependent association between cigarette smoke exposure and CRP. This study found that the association between smoking and CRP is inconsistent and varies by sex, showing significant exposure response in men but not in women. Furthermore, the study suggests that WBC count is a more consistent marker for cigarette smoke exposure.

Associations between healthy food groups and platelet-activating factor, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and C-reactive protein: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between pro-inflammatory markers platelet-activating factor (PAF), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), hsCRP, and intake of core food groups including fruit, cruciferous and other vegetables, grains, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, nuts and legumes, and dairy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted. 100 adults (49 ± 13 years, 31% male) with variable cardiovascular disease risk were recruited. Data were collected in 2021 and 2022. Fasting PAF, Lp-PLA2 activity, hsCRP and usual dietary intake (via a validated food frequency questionnaire) were measured. Intake of foods were converted into serves and classified into food groups. Correlations and multiple regressions were performed with adjustment for confounders.

RESULTS

A one-serve increase in cruciferous vegetables per day was associated with 20-24% lower PAF levels. An increase of one serve per day of nuts and legumes was associated with 40% lower hsCRP levels. There were small correlations with PAF and Lp-PLA2 and cheese, however, these were not significant at the Bonferroni-adjusted P < 0.005 level.

CONCLUSION

The lack of associations between PAF and Lp-PLA2 and other healthy foods may be due to confounding by COVID-19 infection and vaccination programs which prevents any firm conclusion on the relationship between PAF, Lp-PLA2 and food groups. Future research should aim to examine the relationship with these novel markers and healthy food groups in a non-pandemic setting.

Association between plant and animal proteins intake with lipid profile and anthropometric indices: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Results of studies on the effects of plant and animal proteins on lipid profile are controversial. So we aimed to assess the relationship between plant and animal protein intake with lipid profile and novel anthropometric indices in healthy individuals.

METHOD

In this cross-sectional study, 236 participants have selected from Shiraz medical centers (Iran) through random cluster sampling. Food intakes were assessed using a 168-items food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) were measured. Anthropometric indices including a body shape index (ABSI), abdominal volume index (AVI), buddy roundness index (BRI), and conicity index (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

In the crude and fully adjusted models, more consumption of plant proteins was associated with TG levels (OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.08, 4.95; P = 0.03 and OR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.03, 5.15; P = 0.04). Also, there was a significant direct association between plant proteins and BRI in the curd model (OR = 3.55; 95% CI: 1.32, 9.54; P = 0.01), and after adjusting for age and energy intake (OR = 3.32; 95% CI: 1.21, 9.14; P = 0.01). More consumption of plant proteins was related to higher CI in the crude model (OR = 3.06; 95% CI: 1.12, 8.31; P = 0.03), but not in the fully adjusted model.

CONCLUSION

We found that a higher intake of plant proteins was associated with a higher TG level, BRI, and CI index. However, more research is needed to confirm these relations and provide the evidence needed to exert these findings into clinical practice.

Dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH), but not Mediterranean and MIND, dietary pattern protects against Parkinson's disease

The neuroprotective effects of dietary patterns have been reported in previous studies. This study aimed to examine the association between the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH), the Mediterranean diet (MeDi), and the Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) with the severity and risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this comparative cross-sectional study, 120 patients with PD and 50 healthy participants participated. Adherence to DASH, MeDi, and MIND dietary patterns was determined according to the dietary intake data using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The Severity of PD was determined by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The mean score of the DASH was significantly lower in the PD group compared to the healthy group (p = .006), but the mean score of MeDi and MIND did not significantly differ between the two groups (p > .05). Also, the mean score of the DASH was significantly lower in men than in women in the healthy group (p = .018). High adherence to the DASH diet decreased the risk of PD by 15% (OR = 0.856, 95% CI: 0.751, 0.976, p = .020). Participants in quartiles 3 and 4 of the DASH dietary pattern had 86% (p = .003) and 87% (p = .007), respectively, lower risk of PD. MeDi and MIND diets were not significantly associated with the risk of PD. There was no significant association between dietary patterns and the severity of PD. The findings indicate that high adherence to the DASH dietary pattern may protect against PD.

Association between urbanization and metabolic syndrome in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is on the rise in an increasingly urbanized world. The study aimed to review the association between urbanization and MetS in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

DATA SYNTHESIS

A comprehensive search of five databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) was performed in January 2022 and updated in October 2022. Peer-reviewed studies that met the eligibility selection criteria were included. Search terms were used for the main concepts which are MetS, dietary patterns, and urbanization in LMICs. Study selection was done in two stages and in duplicate. Random effects models were used to calculate the overall pooled prevalence and main study-level characteristics. Out of 9,773 identified studies, nineteen were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The studies were done on 313,644 participants (149,616 urban and 164,028 rural). The pooled risk ratio (RR, 95% confidence interval) of MetS between urban and rural dwellers was RR = 1.24; 95%CI [1.15, 1.34] (I2 = 96.0%, P < 0.0001). A relatively higher prevalence of MetS among urban than rural residents has been observed, especially with the International Diabetes Federation criteria (RR = 1.54; 95%CI [1.21, 1.96]; I2 = 65.0%), and in the population in India (RR = 2.19; 95%CI = 1.24, 3.88, I2 = 85%). Overall, the role of dietary patterns in the development of MetS was inconsistent, and few studies showed a lower risk of MetS with adherence to recommended healthy dietary patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an association between urbanization and the high prevalence of MetS. Interventions and policies to reduce the risk of MetS are needed.

Association between healthy eating index-2015 scores and metabolic syndrome among Iranian women: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the leading public health issues in the world with a reported prevalence of nearly 25% in the past decades in Iran. The present research aimed to identify the association between the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and MetS components among female teachers.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 97 female teachers aged 31-57 years were enrolled from 2018 to 2019 in Qom, Iran. Usual dietary intakes were assessed using a validated 168-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). HEI-2015 was calculated according to the consumption of whole fruits, vegetables, protein foods, beans, seafood, plant proteins, total and refined grain, dairy, fatty acid ratio, saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium. We also measured anthropometric and biochemical parameters. To evaluate the association between HEI-2015 and MetS, multivariate logistic regression was performed.

RESULTS

MetS was found in 59.8% of participants. Total HEI-2015 scores were significantly lower in participants with MetS compared to those without MetS (59.69 ± 8.98 vs. 64.21 ± 8.71, respectively; p = 0.02). Daily energy intake, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum triglyceride, and fasting blood sugar levels were higher in women with MetS (all p < 0.05). Higher HEI-2015 total scores (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89-0.99; p = 0.02) and scores of total vegetables (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.42-0.91; p = 0.02), dark green vegetables and beans (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39-0.98; p = 0.04), fatty acid ratio (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.68-0.99; p = 0.04), refined grain (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.75-0.99; p = 0.04), and added sugars (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.26-0.75; p = 0.002) were all associated with lower odds of having MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher HEI-2015 scores, particularly in total vegetables, dark green vegetables, beans, and fatty acid ratio, as well as refined grain and added sugars were found to be associated with reduced odds of having MetS among Iranian female teachers. However, further prospective studies are required to confirm this finding.

Life-long consumption of high level of fruits and vegetables reduces tumor incidence and extends median lifespan in mice

Objective

Epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) is negatively associated with the incidence of certain cancers and mortality. However, a causal relationship has not been demonstrated. Thus, we investigated the effect of life-long consumption of high level of FV on median lifespan, key biological functions, and pathologies in mice fed low-fat (LF) or high-fat (HF) diets and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, 5 weeks-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 60/group): LF (LF-C, 10% kcal fat), HF (HF-C, 45% kcal fat) or each supplemented with 15% (w/w) of a unique FV mixture (LF + FV and HF + FV, respectively). Mice were euthanized when one group reached 50% mortality. Body weight and composition, tumor incidence, and death were monitored. Blood levels of lipids and pro-inflammatory cytokines were assessed.

Results

After 21 months of feeding, HF-C group reached 50% mortality, at which time mice in all groups were terminated. HF-C had higher mortality (50.0%) compared to the LF-C group (18.3%, p = 0.0008). Notably, HF-FV had lower mortality (23.3%) compared to HF-C group (p = 0.008); there was no significant difference in mortality between HF-FV and LF-C groups. Tumors were found in all groups, and were predominantly present in the liver, followed by those of lung, intestine, and seminal vesicle. Tumor incidence in the HF-C group (73.3%) was higher than that in LF-C group (30.0%, p < 0.0001). HF + FV group had 23.3% lower tumor incidence compared to the HF-C group (p = 0.014). No significant difference in tumor incidence between the LF-C and LF + FV groups was observed. Long-term FV supplementation reduced systemic inflammation and blood lipids.

Conclusion

We provide the first causal evidence that life-long intake of a diet, containing a high level and large variety of FV, decreases tumor incidence and extends median lifespan in mice fed a western-style high-fat diet. These effects of FV are at least in part due to reduced blood levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improved dyslipidemia.

Association of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet with self-reported sleep-disordered breathing (SDB): a cross-sectional study from China

Adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has been associated with sleep quality. However, its relationship with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the association between the DASH diet and SDB using data from a community-based survey among adults in Suzhou, Eastern China. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the Suzhou Food Consumption and Health Survey in 2018-2020. Dietary intake was measured by a validated FFQ. The association between the DASH diet and SDB was estimated by multivariable logistic regression analysis. In addition, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed to reinforce our findings. A total of 3939 participants were included in the final analysis. Participants in the upper quintile of the DASH score consumed more fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, whole grains, and dairy products, and less Na, red/processed meats, and sweetened beverages. The OR for the highest compared with the lowest quintile of the DASH score was 0·68 (95 % CI 0·52, 0·88; Pfor trend = 0·004) for SDB after multivariable adjustment. Of the eight DASH components, vegetables, nuts and legumes, and dairy products were inversely associated with SDB. The associations were similar in subgroups by age, sex, BMI, smoking, alcohol drinking, hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. Adherence to the DASH diet was independently associated with decreased odds of self-reported SDB. Our novel results expand previous findings on diet and sleep and suggest the possibility of improving SDB by enhancing diet quality.

C-Reactive Protein: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, False Test Results and a Novel Diagnostic Algorithm for Clinicians

The current literature provides a body of evidence on C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and its potential role in inflammation. However, most pieces of evidence are sparse and controversial. This critical state-of-the-art monography provides all the crucial data on the potential biochemical properties of the protein, along with further evidence on its potential pathobiology, both for its pentameric and monomeric forms, including information for its ligands as well as the possible function of autoantibodies against the protein. Furthermore, the current evidence on its potential utility as a biomarker of various diseases is presented, of all cardiovascular, respiratory, hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, renal, gynecological, andrological, dental, oral, otorhinolaryngological, ophthalmological, dermatological, musculoskeletal, neurological, mental, splenic, thyroid conditions, as well as infections, autoimmune-supposed conditions and neoplasms, including other possible factors that have been linked with elevated concentrations of that protein. Moreover, data on molecular diagnostics on CRP are discussed, and possible etiologies of false test results are highlighted. Additionally, this review evaluates all current pieces of evidence on CRP and systemic inflammation, and highlights future goals. Finally, a novel diagnostic algorithm to carefully assess the CRP level for a precise diagnosis of a medical condition is illustrated.

Plant-based dietary patterns, genetic predisposition and risk of colorectal cancer: a prospective study from the UK Biobank

BACKGROUND

Plant-based dietary patterns may affect colorectal cancer (CRC) related outcomes, while risks differ in the quality of plant foods. We aimed to examine the association of plant-based diet quality with risks of CRC incidence and mortality and whether this association was modified by genetic risk.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 186,675 participants free of cancer when the last dietary recall was completed. We calculated three plant-based diet indices (PDIs), i.e., the overall plant-based diet index (PDI), the healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and the unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI) representing adherence to plant-based diets with diverse quality. Genetic risk was characterized using a weighted polygenic risk score (PRS), capturing overall risk variants associated with CRC. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidential intervals (CI) were estimated by the cause-specific Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Over a follow-up of 9.5 years, 2163 cases and 466 deaths from CRC were documented. The HR of CRC incidence was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.81-0.96) and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.84-0.99) per 10-score increase in PDI and hPDI, respectively. Compared to the lowest quartile, PDI, hPDI, and uPDI in the highest quartile were associated with a 13% decrease, a 15% decrease, and a 14% increase in risk of incident CRC, respectively. We found a joint association of genetic risk and PDIs with incident CRC, with the highest hazard observed in those carrying higher PRS and adhering to lower-quality PDIs. The inverse association of PDI and hPDI with CRC mortality was pronounced in males.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that better adherence to overall and healthful plant-based diets was associated with a lower risk of CRC, whereas an unhealthful plant-based diet was associated with a higher CRC risk. Consumption of a higher-quality plant-based diet combined with decreased genetic risk conferred less susceptibility to CRC. Our findings highlighted the importance of food quality when adhering to a plant-based dietary pattern for CRC prevention in the general population.

Addressing schoolteacher food and nutrition-related health and wellbeing: a scoping review of the food and nutrition constructs used across current research

BACKGROUND

Teachers form a large and essential workforce globally. Their wellbeing impacts personal health-related outcomes with flow on effects for the health, and wellbeing of their students. However, food and nutrition (FN) interventions that include teachers, typically neglect the impact of personal FN factors on a teachers' ability to achieve optimal nutrition-related health and wellbeing, and successfully fulfil their professional FN roles as health promoters, gate keepers, educators', and role models. The aim of this review was to scope FN constructs that have been studied internationally regarding teacher FN-related health and wellbeing.

METHODS

Six databases were searched, and papers extracted in June/July 2021. Eligibility criteria guided by the population, concept, context mnemonic included studies published after 2000, in English language, with an aspect of personal FN-related health and wellbeing, among in-service (practising) and pre-service (training), primary, and secondary teachers. Screening studies for inclusion was completed by two independent researchers with data extraction piloted with the same reviewers and completed by lead author, along with complete descriptive and thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Ten thousand six hundred seventy-seven unique articles were identified with 368 eligible for full text review and 105 included in final extraction and analysis. Sixty-nine descriptive studies were included, followed by 35 intervention studies, with the main data collection method used to assess both personal and professional FN constructs being questionnaires (n = 99 papers), with nutrition knowledge and dietary assessment among the most commonly assessed.

CONCLUSION

FN constructs are used within interventions and studies that include teachers, with diversity in constructs included and how these terms are defined. The evidence from this scoping review can be used to inform data collection and evaluation in future epidemiological and interventional research that addresses teacher FN-related health and wellbeing.

Associations of starchy and non-starchy vegetables with risk of metabolic syndrome: evidence from the NHANES 1999-2018

BACKGROUND

Higher dietary quality, including increased vegetable consumption, was associated with a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, specific vegetable consumption in the development of MetS remains obscure. Our study aimed to investigate the correlation between starchy and non-starchy vegetables and MetS.

METHODS

Secondary data analysis from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999-2018). MetS was defined by National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII) and dietary consumption was assessed by trained staff using two 24-h diet recall methods. Weighted logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were performed to further investigate specific vegetable subtypes and MetS.

RESULTS

This research enrolled 24,646 individuals (11,725 females and 12,921 males), with an average age of 45.84 ± 0.23 years. Approximately 15,828(64.22%) participants were defined to be with non-MetS and 8818(35.78%) were with MetS. Both total starchy vegetables and potatoes were associated with increased MetS risk, with the corresponding OR per standard deviation (SD) (95%CI, p-trend) being 1.06(1.02-1.11, p-trend = 0.028) and 1.08(1.04-1.13, p-trend = 0.011), respectively. However, an inverse correlation was found between dark-green vegetables and MetS, and the OR per SD (95%CI, p-trend) was 0.93(0.90-0.97, p-trend = 0.010). Subgroup analyses showed that the positive associations of starchy vegetables and potatoes on MetS risk were stronger in non-Hispanic White participants (p for interaction < 0.050).

CONCLUSION

Total starchy vegetables and white potatoes were both associated with an increased risk of MetS, while consumption of dark-green vegetables was negatively associated with MetS risk. These findings might provide a promising and healthy dietary strategy for preventing MetS.

Inflammatory markers may mediate the relationship between processed meat consumption and metabolic unhealthy obesity in women: a cross sectional study

Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUHO) are known to be affected by diet and inflammatory factors (such as TGF-β1, IL-β1, MCP1). We sought to survey that consume of processed meat could effect on MHO and MUHO phenotypes, mediated through inflammatory markers, in overweight and obese Iranian women. The current cross-sectional study was done on 224 women 18-48 years, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m². A 147- item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate dietary intake. In all participants, anthropometric indices and biochemical factors, as well as metabolic health phenotypes based on Karelis score, were evaluated. According to results, 22.6% of participants had MHO and 75.7% had MUHO phenotypes. There was an association between higher adherence to processed meats and increasing odds of MUHO phenotype in Iranian women (OR:2.54; 95% CI 0.009, 7.51; P = 0.05). Moreover, we found that the relation can be affected by agents such as TGF-β1, IL-β1, and MCP1; however, more research is needed to confirm these results and finding.

Associations between dietary patterns and an array of inflammation biomarkers and plasma lipid profile in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

In this cross-sectional study, evaluation of the association between four dietary patterns, nutrients and food intakes and an array of systemic inflammation biomarkers and lipid profile among 80 New Zealand postmenopausal women were conducted.

MATERIALS

Eighty postmenopausal women participated in the study. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to collect nutrients and food intake. Four dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis (PCA) and plasma samples collected for inflammatory biomarkers and lipid profile measures.

RESULTS

There were negative correlations between intake of dietary fibre, soluble and insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), vitamin C and niacin and with almost all the inflammatory markers for the whole group. Vegetables, tea/coffee and especially fruit intake were negatively correlated with the inflammatory biomarkers in the whole group. A high intake of Pattern 1 (potato, bread, and fruit pattern) was associated with a low risk of high interferon (IFN)-α2, IFN-λ, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 levels while a high intake of Pattern 3 (fast-food pattern) was associated high risk of IFN-α2 levels. Multiple linear regression showed a negative correlation between Pattern 2 (soups and vegetables pattern) and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as ferritin. A positive association was observed between Pattern 3 (fast-food pattern) and CRP levels. Positive correlation was also observed between Pattern 2 and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol (TC) levels, Pattern 4 (meat and vegetables pattern) was however negatively correlated with TC, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and TC/HDL ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

The result of this study reinforces the contribution and role of diet in modifying inflammation in postmenopausal women.

Association of main meal quality index with the odds of metabolic syndrome in Iranian adults: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common global issue linked to the quality of one's eating occasions. The current cross-sectional study evaluates the association between a novel index, the Main Meal Quality Index (MMQI), and MetS among Iranian adults.

METHODS

A total of 824 men and women were recruited, and a 24-hour dietary recall assessed the dietary intake of the participants. Lunch was selected as the main meal based on energy density. The MMQI score was calculated based on ten components of dietary intake, with a higher score indicating more adherence to the index, with the final scores ranging from 0 to 100 points. The associations were assessed using binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

The mean age was 42.2 years and the range of the calculated MMQI was 22 to 86 (mean in total participants: 56.62, mean in women: 56.82, mean in men: 55.64). The total prevalence of MetS in the sample was 34%. After adjustments for potential confounders, the participants at the top quartile of MMQI had a lower odds ratio for hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level, and a higher odds ratio for hypertension, hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, and MetS. The sex-specific analysis also did not show any significant associations between adherence to MMQI and MetS and its components.

CONCLUSION

Overall, MMQI is not associated with MetS and its components in a sample of Iranian men and women. More research is needed to examine MMQI and its possible association with current health-related problems including MetS.

Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and the risk of metabolic syndrome in taxi drivers: A focus on street food

Background

In South Africa, similar to other populous countries, the taxi industry is an important form of transportation that contributes to the country's development. As a result, minibus taxi driving is an occupation characterized by strenuous activities such as long hours of driving, limited rest, and challenges related to securing passengers, among several others. Consequently, to combat stress, some commercial drivers resort to smoking, overeating unhealthy food sold at transportation interchange areas (i.e., taxi ranks), and participating in sedentary behaviors. Most of these activities are risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Aim

Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors that predispose South African taxi drivers who work in the Cape Town Metropole area to the risk of developing MetS.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used a convenient sampling method that included 185 male minibus taxi drivers aged 20 years or above. The participants were interviewed using a validated questionnaire to gather information regarding their sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle practices. They also underwent physical and metabolic assessments, and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria were used to diagnose people with MetS.

Results

Overall, the mean age and driving experience of the taxi drivers were 40.0 years (SD: 10.7) and 9.1 years (SD: 7.4), respectively, with those with MetS being significantly older and having more driving experience than those without. Older participants were 3 and 2.9 times more likely to be diagnosed with MetS than the younger participants. Most taxi drivers (70%) met the IDF diagnostic criteria for MetS. Smokers, those who spent more than 100 ZAR (USD 5.9) and those who spent less than 1.4 MET-minutes per week on physical activity were 1.96, 2.0, and 13.6 times more likely to suffer from MetS that those who were nonsmokers, those who spent less than 100 ZAR and those who spent <1.4 MET-minutes per week on physical activity. Consumption of alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), as well as takeaway and fried foods, snacks, and sold by the SF vendors, increased the likelihood of developing MetS, abnormal HDL-C, TG, and hypertension, while avoiding takeaway and fried foods decreased this likelihood. Taxi drivers who also avoided consuming fresh fruits had abnormal HDL-C.

Conclusion

These findings have significant public health implications, highlighting the need for South African policymakers to adopt a system-level approach to promote lifestyle changes among taxi drivers within the taxi industry. This can help reduce the health risks faced by these drivers and improve their overall health profile.

Association of metabolic syndrome and its components with the risk of depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to quantitatively analyze the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the risk of depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO) were searched for articles published through February 15, 2022. Cohort studies evaluating the association between MetS and depressive symptoms were selected for inclusion in this study. A random-effects model was used to evaluate the pooled estimates of MetS, including each of its components, associated with depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of 11 cohort studies were selected including >2.65 million participants. There was a significant association between MetS and depressive symptoms risk, albeit with a high degree of heterogeneity (relative risk = 1.29, 95 % confidence interval: 1.12-1.48; I2 = 79.3 %). This association was consistently significant in Western countries, but it was not significant in Asian countries. When stratified by sex, age, and geographical region, MetS and its components exhibited varying degrees of association with depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

MetS is a risk factor for depressive symptoms. Further large-scale prospective cohort studies are required to confirm our findings.

Association of major dietary patterns and different obesity phenotypes in Southwest China: the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) Study

PURPOSE

Dietary behavior is an important part of lifestyle interventions for obesity and its cardiovascular comorbidities. However, little is known about associations between dietary patterns and obesity phenotypes in Southwest China, a region with unique dietary patterns and significant heterogeneity in obesity.

METHODS

Data from the baseline survey of the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort in Southwest China were analyzed (n = 64,448). Dietary intakes during the past year were measured with the semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (s-FFQ). Principal component factor analysis (PCFA) was used to identify dietary patterns. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between dietary patterns and obesity phenotypes and stratified analyses were performed to assess whether the associations differed across demographic variables.

RESULTS

Three dietary patterns were identified and then named according to their apparent regional gathering characteristics: the Sichuan Basin dietary pattern (characterized by high intakes of various foods), the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau dietary pattern (characterized by agricultural lifestyles), and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau dietary pattern (characterized by animal husbandry lifestyles), respectively. Higher adherence to the Sichuan Basin dietary pattern was positively associated with metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (MHO, OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.05-1.21) but negatively associated with metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW, OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65-0.95). Higher adherence to the other two dietary patterns was positively associated with MHO and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity (MUO). Besides, differences in socioeconomic status also affected the relationship between dietary patterns and obesity phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to the more diverse Sichuan basin dietary pattern performed a mixed picture, while the other two may increase the risk of obesity phenotypes, which indicates nutritional interventions are urgently needed.

Positive Interaction Between CG, CC Genotypes of Cryptochrome Circadian Clocks 1, and Energy-Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index on High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Level in Women With Central Obesity

Creating a complex balance between dietary composition, circadian rhythm, and the hemostasis control of energy is important for managing diseases. Therefore, we aimed to determine the interaction between cryptochrome circadian clocks 1 polymorphism and energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in women with central obesity. This cross-sectional study recruited 220 Iranian women aged 18-45 with central obesity. The 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intakes, and the E-DII score was calculated. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were determined. By polymerase chain response-restricted length polymorphism method, cryptochrome circadian clocks 1 polymorphism was assigned. Participants were categorized into three groups based on the E-DII score, then categorized according to cryptochrome circadian clocks 1 genotypes. The mean and standard deviation of age, BMI, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were 35.61 ± 9.57 years, 30.97 ± 4.16 kg/m², and 4.82 ± 5.16 mg/dL, respectively. The interaction of the CG genotype and E-DII score had a significant association with higher hs-CRP level compared to GG genotype as the reference group (β, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.11-2.27; p value, 0.03). There was a marginally significant association between the interaction of the CC genotype and the E-DII score with higher hs-CRP level compared to the GG genotype as the reference group (β, 0.85; 95% CI, -0.15 to 1.86; p value, 0.05). There is probably positive interaction between CG, CC genotypes of cryptochrome circadian clocks 1, and E-DII score on the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level in women with central obesity.

Nutrient Patterns and Its Association and Metabolic Syndrome among Chinese Children and Adolescents Aged 7-17

This study was designed to explore the associations between nutrient patterns (NPs) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its five components among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7-17. The required data of participants were collected from the China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance of Children and Lactating Mothers in 2016-2017. Ultimately, 13,071 participants were included. Nutrient patterns were obtained by means of factor analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between nutrient patterns with MetS and its components. After adjusting covariates, the results of logistic regression models revealed that high-carbohydrate patterns were associated with the presence of abdominal obesity. The high-animal protein pattern was negatively associated with high triglyceride (TG) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The high-sodium-and-fat pattern had a negative relationship with elevated blood pressure (BP) and was positively associated with low HDL-C. The high-Vitamin D-and-Vitamin B₁₂ pattern had protective effects on MetS, high TG, and low HDL-C. Further large-scale longitudinal investigations are necessary in the future.

Impact of Christian Orthodox Church dietary recommendations on metabolic syndrome risk factors: a scoping review

Fasting has been a practice among followers of different religions for many years. Christian Orthodox Church (COC) fasting is a periodic vegetarian-type diet in which seafood and snails are allowed on most fasting days. The present scoping review aimed to present available data regarding the benefits of COC fasting on metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors. Databases were searched for available studies. Twenty publications, with a total of 1226 fasting participants, provided data on the effects on different variables of MetS, including blood pressure, blood lipids and anthropometric measurements. Fasters' diet is characterised by low saturated and trans fat intake, high complex carbohydrate and fibre consumption, due to permissible foods. COC fasting has no deficiency in essential amino acid intake since seafood and snails are allowed on fasting days. Fasters have healthier blood lipid profiles during and after COC fasting periods, and total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, body weight and BMI are reduced after a fasting period. Due to restricted or forbidden intake of specific foods during the COC fasting periods, one might expect that fasters have reduced intake of macro- and micronutrients, but as shown in the available literature, there are no deficiencies. Future research on COC fasting is needed in areas not investigated at all, like MetS, before reaching definite conclusions.

The Dietary Inflammatory Index Is Associated with Subclinical Mastitis in Lactating European Women

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is an inflammatory state of the lactating mammary gland, which is asymptomatic and may have negative consequences for child growth. The objectives of this study were to: (1) test the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and SCM and (2) assess the differences in nutrient intakes between women without SCM and those with SCM. One hundred and seventy-seven women with available data on human milk (HM) sodium potassium ratio (Na:K) and dietary intake data were included for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between nutrient intake and the DII score in relation to SCM. Women without SCM had a lower median DII score (0.60) than women with moderate (1.12) or severe (1.74) SCM (p < 0.01). A one-unit increase in DII was associated with about 41% increased odds of having SCM, adjusting for country and mode of delivery, p = 0.001. Women with SCM had lower mean intakes of several anti-inflammatory nutrients. We show for the first time exploratory evidence that SCM may be associated with a pro-inflammatory diet and women with SCM have lower intakes of several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

A pro-inflammatory diet increases the risk of sarcopenia components and inflammatory biomarkers in postmenopausal women

Inflammation is a risk factor for muscle wasting. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) is a tool used to predict the inflammatory potential of an individual's diet. We hypothesized that consuming a potentially pro-inflammatory diet may be associated with a decreased sarcopenia component in postmenopausal women. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between DII, sarcopenia components (muscle mass, muscle strength, physical performance), and inflammatory biomarkers in postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study included 70 healthy postmenopausal women aged 50 to 80 years. The DII was calculated based on 3-day food records, and participants were divided into 3 groups according to their DII score. Skeletal muscle mass was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Muscle strength was assessed based on handgrip and leg muscle strength. Associations between DII and sarcopenia components and inflammatory biomarkers were determined using analysis of covariance and a general linear model after adjusting for potential confounders. The DII scores ranged from -6.08 to 5.82. Higher DII scores were significantly associated with decreased appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) (β = -0.520), height-adjusted ASM (β = -0.116), weight-adjusted ASM (β = -0.469), knee extensor strength (β = -3.175), knee flexion strength (β = -1.941), increased body fat percentage (β = 1.238), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (β = 5.582) (all P < .05). The present study confirmed a lower DII score, indicating that an anti-inflammatory diet is associated with higher muscle mass and strength and lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers.

Association of Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS) and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity phenotypes in women: a cross-sectional study

Background

Previous studies have shown the association of a number of dietary quality scores with metabolically phenotypes of obesity. Recently, the Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS), which is a fully food-based score based on the 2015 Dutch dietary guidelines and underlying international literature, has been proposed as a tool for assessing the quality of the diet. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate the association between LLDS and metabolically healthy/unhealthy overweight and obesity (MHO/MUHO) phenotypes.

Methods

This study was performed on 217 women, aged 18–48 years old. For each participant anthropometric values, biochemical test and body composition were evaluated by standard protocols and methods. The LLDS was determined based on 12 components using a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) containing 147 items. The metabolically healthy (MH) was evaluated using the Karelis criteria.

Results

Among the total participants in this study, 31.3% of the subjects were MHO while 68.7% were MUHO. After adjustment for potential confounding variables (age, energy intake, and physical activity), participants in highest LLDS tertile had a lower odds of MUHO compared with those in the lowest tertile (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.23, 5.83; P-trend = 0.03). Also, after further adjustment with BMI, provided only small changes in "OR" and did not attenuate the significance (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.23, 6.91; P-trend = 0.02).

Conclusions

The present evidence indicates that individuals with higher adherence to the LLDS had lower odds of metabolically unhealthy (MUH).

Examining the role of systemic chronic inflammation in diet and sleep relationship

BACKGROUND

It is well known that systemic chronic inflammation (SCI), which can be modulated by diet, is associated with poor sleep outcomes. However, the role of SCI in diet health and sleep quality relationship has not been well established.

METHODS

Here, by using the UK Biobank data set, we assessed the association between markers of SCI (leukocyte, platelet, lymphocyte, neutrophil, and basophil counts; C-reactive protein levels and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR)), habitual intake of food groups, diet health and sleep quality in 449,084 participants. We also formally tested the possibility that SCI might mediate the relationship between diet health and sleep quality.

RESULTS

Our results revealed (i) negative associations between SCI and food groups that are abundant in healthy diets (fruit, vegetable and oily and non-oily fish) and (ii) positive associations between SCI and food groups that are abundant in unhealthy diets (processed meat). Sleep quality was also negatively associated with platelet counts, CRP levels and NLR. Crucially, however, while platelet and neutrophil counts, CRP levels and NLR fully mediated the association between diet health and sleep quality, leukocyte, lymphocyte and basophil counts partially mediated the associations between diet health and sleep quality.

CONCLUSION

Reducing SCI via dietary interventions could be an effective primary and/or complementary strategy to increase sleep quality. Further interventional trials are warranted to (i) establish the strength of associations, preferably by using validated diet and sleep measures and (ii) examine longer term effects of anti-inflammatory diets on sleep-, diet- and inflammation-related health outcomes.

Association of dietary and nutrient patterns with systemic inflammation in community dwelling adults

Purpose

Evidence investigating associations between dietary and nutrient patterns and inflammatory biomarkers is inconsistent and scarce. Therefore, we aimed to determine the association of dietary and nutrient patterns with inflammation.

Methods

Overall, 1,792 participants from the North-West Adelaide Health Study were included in this cross-sectional study. We derived dietary and nutrient patterns from food frequency questionnaire data using principal component analysis. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression determined the association between dietary and nutrient patterns and the grade of inflammation (normal, moderate, and severe) based on C-reactive protein (CRP) values. Subgroup analyses were stratified by gender, obesity and metabolic health status.

Results

In the fully adjusted model, a plant-sourced nutrient pattern (NP) was strongly associated with a lower grade of inflammation in men (OR_Q5vsQ1 = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38–0.93, p-trend = 0.08), obesity (OR_Q5vsQ1 = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.24–0.77, p-trend = 0.03) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (OR_Q5vsQ1 = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.11–0.52, p-trend = 0.01). A mixed NP was positively associated with higher grade of inflammation (OR_Q5vsQ1 = 1.35; 95% CI: 0.99–1.84, p-trend = 0.03) in all participants. A prudent dietary pattern was inversely associated with a lower grade of inflammation (OR_Q5vsQ1 = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52–1.01, p-trend = 0.14). In contrast, a western dietary pattern and animal-sourced NP were associated with a higher grade of inflammation in the all participants although BMI attenuated the magnitude of association (OR_Q5vsQ1 = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.55–1.25; and OR_Q5vsQ1 = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.63–1.39, respectively) in the fully adjusted model.

Conclusion

A plant-sourced NP was independently associated with lower inflammation. The association was stronger in men, and those classified as obese and metabolically unhealthy obese. Increasing consumption of plant-based foods may mitigate obesity-induced inflammation and its consequences.

Retrospective assessment of metabolic syndrome components in early adult life on vegetarian dietary status

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) encompasses several clinical presentations that include truncal obesity and insulin resistance at its core. MetS afflicts 23% of the adult US population, increasing their risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Many studies have indicated the importance of a vegetarian diet in improving overall health and more specifically MetS components. Unfortunately, these findings have been inconsistent and cannot be extended to examine effects on MetS incidence in the younger adult population.

Objective

This study aimed to conduct a retrospective analysis of a vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian dietary status in young adults (age 18-24) based on MetS components in later adulthood (age 20-30). This study focuses on elucidating any relationship between a vegetarian diet and MetS components of central obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Methods: Waves 3 and 4 data were acquired from AddHealth. One-to-one propensity score matched vegetarians to non-vegetarians in a cohort of 535 women and 159 men. Logistical regression assessed the relationship between vegetarian status and MetS components, including truncal obesity (cm), hypertension (normal, pre-HT, HT1, and HT2), and hyperlipidemia (high and low). Results MetS components from ages 20 to 30 are not associated with vegetarian dietary status. Truncal obesity [N = 694; M = 92.82 cm; OR 0.999; p = 0.893; 95% CI (0.980, 1.017)]; hypertension [N = 694; OR 0.949; p = 0.638; 95% CI (0.764, 1.179)]; hyperlipidemia [N = 694; OR 0.840; p = 0.581; 95% CI (0.453, 1.559)].

Conclusion

Current study results were consistent with previous findings suggesting that consumption of a vegetarian diet cannot be directly linked to MetS outcomes. However, further investigation should be completed as MetS is a risk factor for several chronic diseases.

No association between infant growth and adherence to the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet in lactating women

OBJECTIVE

Breastmilk is considered an optimal food for infant development especially during the first 6 months of life. However, little evidence exists regarding maternal dietary intake and infant growth. We evaluated how adherence to the DASH diet in lactating women is associated with the infant weight, height and head circumference at birth, 2 and 4 months of age.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

The present study was conducted with 292 lactating mothers and their infants. A validated and reliable 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess mothers' dietary intakes. To evaluate adherence to the DASH diet among lactating mothers, we scored food items based on the Fung method.

RESULT

Lactating mothers in the highest tertile of adherence to the DASH diet consumed significantly lower amounts of fat, cholesterol, salt, red and process meats and higher amounts of vitamin C, B1, B9, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber compared to lactating mothers in the lowest tertile (P < 0.05). No significant association was found between mothers' adherence to the DASH dietary pattern and any of the infant growth indices (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Lactating mothers' adherence to the DASH diet was not associated with growth indices among exclusively breastfed infants.

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Interacts With HNF1A Variants on the C-Reactive Protein

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated the inverse association between the intake of fruits and vegetables and inflammation. However, the mechanisms by which inflammation-related genes interact with fruit and vegetable intake and the role of these combinations in inflammation remain unclear. Therefore, we assessed the effect of interactions between fruit and vegetable intake and the hepatic nuclear factor 1 alpha (HNF1A) genetic variants on the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Baseline data from the Ansan and Ansung Cohort Study of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) were used. A total of 7,634 participants (3,700 men and 3,934 women) were included in the analyses. Fruit and vegetable intake was assessed using semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire data. Genotyping information for HNF1A was extracted from the Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP array 5.0. Inflammation was determined after overnight fasting by measuring CRP levels using automated analyzers. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). In the fully adjusted model, men and women with the GG genotype of HNF1A rs2393791 and high fruit intake had lower odds of elevated CRP levels compared to those with the AA genotype and low fruit intake (AOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.38–0.67; AOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.97, respectively). Men and women with the rs2393791 GG genotype and high vegetable intake had lower odds of having elevated CRP levels compared to those with the AA genotype and low fruit intake (AOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43–0.75; AOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49–0.86, respectively). Men and women with the GG genotype and high total fruit and vegetable intake had lower odds of having elevated CRP levels. These findings indicate that fruit and vegetable intake interacts with HNF1A genetic polymorphisms, consequently influencing the inflammation levels.

Association of the dietary inflammatory index and body composition among Paralympic athletes with hemodialysis and hemophilia

BACKGROUND & AIMS

One of the essential parameters of athletes that enhancing fitness and success rate in sports career is body composition. Additionally, perfect performance of athletes is significantly influenced by training and dietary intake. This study aimed to determine the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and body composition among Iran's Paralympic athletes with hemodialysis and hemophilia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted, which recruited 100 athletes with hemodialysis and hemophilia who participated in the 2020 competitive pre-season tests. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, physical activity, sleep pattern, and dietary intake were used in the analysis. DII was scored based on information obtained using food frequency questionnaire. Body composition was assessed using Bio impedance analyzer BIA (TANITA BC-418) and with 7-points skinfold measures. Linear regression model was used for finding the associations between DII with body composition.

RESULTS

The overall DII score was -2.83 and there was a significant difference for the mean body fat percent (P = 0.001) and mean fat free mass percent (P = ≤0.001) between 7-points skin fold measurements and BIA. No significant association had been found between the DII of the participants with the components of their body composition including, body mass index BMI (P = 0.99), waist circumference (P = 0.33), waist hip ratio (P = 0.25), fat mass percent (P = 0.47) and fat free mass percent (P = 0.47).

CONCLUSION

Although athletes in the current study had DII scores indicating their anti-inflammatory diets, we did not find any significant associations between DII with the parameters of body composition.

The Role of Diet and Gut Microbiota in Regulating Gastrointestinal and Inflammatory Disease

Diet is an important lifestyle factor that is known to contribute in the development of human disease. It is well established that poor diet plays an active role in exacerbating metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Our understanding of how the immune system drives chronic inflammation and disease pathogenesis has evolved in recent years. However, the contribution of dietary factors to inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis and arthritis remain poorly defined. A western diet has been associated as pro-inflammatory, in contrast to traditional dietary patterns that are associated as being anti-inflammatory. This may be due to direct effects of nutrients on immune cell function. Diet may also affect the composition and function of gut microbiota, which consequently affects immunity. In animal models of inflammatory disease, diet may modulate inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and in other peripheral sites. Despite limitations of animal models, there is now emerging evidence to show that anti-inflammatory effects of diet may translate to human gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases. However, appropriately designed, larger clinical studies must be conducted to confirm the therapeutic benefit of dietary therapy.