Study of alginate-encapsulated phycoerythrin in promoting the biological activity of synbiotic ice cream with Lactobacillus casei.

This study examines the effect of phycoerythrin (PE) from a cyanobacterial Nostoc strain encapsulated with alginate as a potential prebiotic to produce synbiotic ice cream products with Lactobacillus casei. It was found that the addition of the encapsulated PE affected, mostly favourably, the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, probiotic survival, volatile compound contents, and sensory acceptability of the synbiotic ice cream samples before and after aging at the freezing periods of one day to eight weeks. Thus, it confirms the prebiotic potential of PE for synbiotic ice creams with L. casei.

Maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes in pregnancy, delivery and postpartum following bariatric surgery and comparison with pregnant women with obesity: a study protocol for a prospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: Being obese can lead to various complications during pregnancy, such as Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), Pre-Eclampsia (PE), and Large Gestational Age (LGA). Although bariatric surgery is an effective way to treat obesity, it can also result in complications and may be linked to having small for gestational age (SGA) babies. This cohort study protocol aims to compare the maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes of two groups of Iranian pregnant women: those who have undergone bariatric surgery and those who are obese but have not had bariatric surgery. METHODS: In this study Pregnant women (< 14 weeks' gestation) (n = 38 per group) are recruited either from one of the obesity clinic (exposure group = with a history of bariatric surgery) or primary healthcare clinics in Tehran city (comparison group = pregnant women with obesity and and no history of bariatric surgery). Dietary intake and nutrient status are assessed at < 14, 28, and 36 weeks. Maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes are compared between the two groups, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm labor, intrauterine growth restriction, severe nausea and vomiting, abortion, placenta previa and abruption, venous thrombosis, vaginal bleeding, cesarean delivery, meconium aspiration, and respiratory distress. Maternal serum levels of ferritin, albumin, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, copper, vitamins A, B9, B12, and 25-hydroxy Vit D are checked during 24th to 28th weeks. Maternal and neonatal outcomes, including height, weight, head circumference, fetal abnormality, infection, small or large fetus, low birth weight, macrosomia, NICU admission, and total weight gain during pregnancy, are measured at birth. Maternal and offspring outcomes, including weight, height, head circumference, total weight gain during pregnancy, newborn diseases, postpartum bleeding, breastfeeding, and related problems, are assessed 6 weeks after delivery. Child's weight, height, and head circumference are followed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 months after birth. Maternal stress, anxiety, and depression are assessed with the DASS-21 questionnaire, and physical activity is evaluated using the PPAQ questionnaire in the first and third trimesters. DISCUSSION: By assessing the levels of micronutrients in the blood of pregnant women along with the evaluation of pregnancy outcomes, it is feasible to gain a more accurate understanding of how bariatric surgery affects the health and potential complications for both the mother and the fetus/newborn. This information can help specialists and patients make more informed decisions about the surgery. Additionally, by examining issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression in women undergoing surgery, this study can contribute to recognizing these problems, which can also affect pregnancy outcomes.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Inflammatory Biomarkers in School-Aged Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Method: This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 75 school-aged children with a diagnosis of ADHD based on DSM-V criteria. Children were randomly allocated to receive either vitamin D3 (2000 IU/day) or a placebo for 3 months. Serum IL-6, TNF-α, and 25(OH) D were assessed before and after the intervention to determine the effects of vitamin D on the highlighted parameters. Results: Serum levels of 25(OH) D increased significantly in the vitamin D group (P=0.01). However, no significant differences in serum IL-6 and TNF-α were found between both groups at the baseline and at the end of the intervention. Conclusion: The findings revealed that vitamin D supplementation for 3 months is not efficacious in reducing inflammatory cytokines in children with ADHD. Further studies are required to confirm these results.

Effect of Vitamin D on Paraxonase-1, Total Antioxidant Capacity, and 8-Isoprostan in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Method: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 75 children (aged 6-12) diagnosed with ADHD were randomly assigned into two groups. The supplementation group received vitamin D3 (2000 IU), and the control group received a placebo for 3 months. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after intervention to analyze the 25(OH)D, paraxonase-1 activity (PON-1), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), and 8-isoprostan levels. Results: A significant rise in circulating 25(OH)D was observed in the vitamin D group versus the placebo group at the end of the study. There was no reduction in 8-isoprostan levels in the vitamin D group compared to the placebo group. Serum paraxonase-1 and TAC concentration decreased in both groups, but these alterations were not statistically significant in the treatment group versus the placebo group at the end of the intervention. Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation for 3 months did not have beneficial effects on biomarkers of oxidative stress status. To confirm these findings, further studies on children are suggested.

Effect of Paleolithic-based low-carbohydrate vs. moderate-carbohydrate diets with portion-control and calorie-counting on CTRP6, asprosin and metabolic markers in adults with metabolic syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Several recent studies have been undertaken into carbohydrate-restricted diets. it has not been clearly demonstrated whether diets with different proportions of energy from carbohydrate exert distinct effects on metabolism and inflammation or not. The current randomized clinical trial (RCT) has been conducted to further elucidate the effects of severe and mild carbohydrate restriction on inflammation and cardiometabolic status in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: Eighty adults with metabolic syndrome were randomized to one of the four carbohydrate restricted diets: Paleolithic-based low-carbohydrate diet with calorie-counting method (PLCD-CC) (n = 20), Paleolithic-based low-carbohydrate diet with portion-control method (PLCD-PC) (n = 20), moderate-carbohydrate diet with calorie-counting method (MCD-CC) (n = 20) and moderate-carbohydrate diet with portion-control method (MCD-PC) (n = 20) for 10 weeks. PLCD is defined as a diet consisting of 25-30% of energy from carbohydrate, 30% of energy from protein and 40-45% of energy from fat and encourages consumption of fruits, vegetables and lean meat. MCD is characterized as 40-45% carbohydrate, 30% protein and 30-35% fat. Body weight and composition, adipokines such as Asprosin, chemerin, leptin, hepatokines namely CTRP-6, FGF-21 and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors were tested at baseline and at the end of 10 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 69 participants aged 42.95 (9.27) with metabolic syndrome completed the trial. At the end of current 10-week dietary intervention trial, significant reduction in weight, waist circumference, body fat, visceral fat and waist-hip ratio (WHR) was observed in all four intervention arms (P < 0.001). Also, the observed differences among groups did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). Moreover, we found significant reduction in CTRP6 and leptin in all intervention groups (P < 0.001). Reduction of Asprosin level was also marginally significant between intervention groups (P < 0.05). All four intervention groups were found to improve cardiometabolic markers such as FBS, TG, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol compared to baseline. However, despite clinically significant difference, the within- and between-group changes were not statistically significant at the end of trial. CONCLUSIONS: The current RCT in Iranian adults with metabolic syndrome revealed that both moderate and Paleolithic-based low carbohydrate diets with both delivery approaches have comparable beneficial effects in terms of body weight and composition, cardiometabolic factors and metabolism-related adipokines and hepatokines. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Available at: https://en.irct.ir/trial/21157, identifier: (IRCT2016121925267N4), Registered on 26 July 2017.

The association between lunch composition and obesity in Iranian adults.

We aimed to assess the dietary composition of lunch meal using a posteriori-derived dietary patterns and to determine the association of lunch composition with obesity in a sample of Iranian adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 850 men and women in Tehran (aged 20-59 years). Dietary intakes were assessed using three 24-h dietary recalls, and dietary patterns were identified via principal component factor analysis. For each identified pattern, scores were calculated for each participant and then classified into tertiles. Central obesity was defined WHO criteria. General obesity was defined as a BMI of more than 30 kg/m2. Three major dietary patterns were identified at lunch meal using twelve food groups: 'Bread, grains and fat', 'Western' and 'Potato and eggs'. After adjustment for potential confounders, participants at the top tertile of the 'Bread, grains and fat' dietary pattern had greater odds for a higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), compared with those in the lowest tertile (OR: 1·44, 95 % CI 1·01, 2·07). However, we found no association between 'Western' or 'potato and eggs' patterns and WHR (OR: 0·89, 95 % CI 0·62, 1·28 and OR: 1·16, 95 % CI 0·69, 1·42, respectively). None of the identified dietary patterns was associated when defining obesity with waist circumference or BMI. In conclusion, participants had a greater chance of central obesity defined based on WHR following a lunchtime pattern with a higher and positive loading factor for 'Bread, grains and fat'.

The Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Serum BDNF, Dopamine, and Serotonin in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in childhood. The exact etiology of this disease is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the disorder of catecholaminergic and serotonergic systems. Also, serum vitamin D levels in patients with ADHD is lower. Several studies have also shown the effect of vitamin D on the synthesis pathways of dopamine, serotonin, and a number of neurotrophic factors. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on serum levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), dopamine, and serotonin in school-aged children with ADHD. METHODS: Eighty-six children with ADHD were divided into two groups, based on randomized permuted blocks. Patients received 2000 IU vitamin D/day or a placebo for 12 weeks. Serum levels of BDNF, dopamine, serotonin, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS: Serum levels of 25(OH)D and dopamine significantly increased in the vitamin D group, compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). However, serum BDNF and serotonin levels did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D3 supplementation in children with ADHD can increase serum dopamine levels, but further studies are needed to determine the effects of vitamin D on neurotrophic factors and serotonin.

Plasma metabolomic profiling of amino acids and polar lipids in Iranian obese adults.

BACKGROUND: Obesity, widely recognized as a serious health concern, is characterized by profoundly altered metabolism. However, the intermediate metabolites involved in this change remain largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: We conducted targeted metabolomics profiling to identify moieties associated with adult obesity. METHODS: In this case-control study of Iranian adults, 200 obese patients were compared with 100 controls based on 104 metabolites profiled by a targeted metabolomic approach using liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The analysis comprised acylcarnitines, diacyl-phosphatidylcholines (PCaa), acyl-alkyl-phosphatidylcholines (PCae), sphingomyelins (SM), lyso-phospholipids (LPC) and amino acids. We performed multivariable linear regression to identify metabolites associated with obesity, adjusting for age, sex, total energy intake, total physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The Bonferroni correction was used to adjust for multiple testing. RESULTS: A pattern of 19 metabolites was significantly associated with obesity. Branched chain amino acids, alanine, glutamic acid, proline, tyrosine LPCa C16:1, PCaa C32:1, PCaa C32:2 and PCaa C38:3 were positively, while serine, asparagine, LPCa C18:1, LPCa C18:2, LPCe C18:0, PCae C34:3, PCae C38:4 and PCae C40:6 were negatively associated with obesity (all p < 0.00048). CONCLUSIONS: A metabolomic profile containing 9 amino acids and 10 polar lipids may serve as a potential biomarker of adult obesity. Further studies are warranted to replicate these findings as well as investigate potential changes in this profile after weight reduction.

The Effect of Dietary Intervention Along with Nutritional Education on Reducing the Gastrointestinal Side Effects Caused by Chemotherapy Among Women with Breast Cancer.

Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects caused by chemotherapy in women with breast cancer are common but poorly understood which might be controlled by nutritional intervention. Thus, the major aim of this study was to assess the effect of dietary intervention along with nutritional education on reducing these side effects. The present study is a single-center, single-controlled, and randomized trial. A total of 150 patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy were randomly assigned into intervention group to receive dietary intervention and nutritional education (n = 73) or control group (n = 67) for 10 weeks, after their three sessions of chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the GI symptoms after each session of chemotherapy that were measured by a designed questionnaire based on ROMIII questionnaire. The severity of GI side effects in the dietary intervention along with nutritional education was decreased significantly in the third session of chemotherapy compared to the first session, which include reflux disorder (P = 0.05), anorexia (P < 0.001), nausea (P = 0.002), constipation (P < 0.001), and diarrhea (P < 0.001). Moreover, significant reductions were observed in the severity of GI side effects in the intervention group compared to control group after the third session (P < 0.001). After adjusting the analysis for baseline values including age, job, education level, weight, and body mass index, significant changes were observed for GI side effects in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). This study showed beneficial effects of individualized dietary intervention along with nutritional education on reducing diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and nausea in women with breast cancer during the chemotherapy.

Randomized Study of the Effect of Dietary Counseling During Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting, and Quality of Life in Patients With Breast Cancer.

Patients with breast cancer (PsBC) usually face with chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of nutritional counseling on CINV and quality of life (QoL) of PsBC. 150 PsBC were randomly assigned for receiving a personalized diet, which contained 1.2-1.5 g/kg of protein, 30% of energy from fat and 55-60% of energy from carbohydrate, a face to face nutrition education, and a pamphlet which contained beneficial nutrition information to reduce the severity of CINV before each chemotherapy session for three times (n = 75) or regular care (n = 75). CINV, QoL, and dietary intake were evaluated after each chemotherapy session. Nausea rating index, overall nausea index, and visual analog scale (P < 0.001) were dramatically lower in the intervention group. Global health status/QoL as well as physical functioning, role functioning, emotional functioning, and cognitive functioning (P < 0.001) were significantly better in the intervention group. Patients in the control group experienced more fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, dyspnea, loss of appetite, constipation, and diarrhea (P < 0.001). Nutrition counseling during adjuvant chemotherapy among PsBC reduced the occurrence of CINV and led to significant improvements in the QoL.

Association of dietary inflammatory index with metabolic profile in metabolically healthy and unhealthy obese people.

AIM: Obesity is an emerging public health problem, with its incidence on the rise. An abnormal metabolic profile is a risk factor for developing obesity. Dietary factors play a central role in the regulation of inflammation and obesity. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of metabolically healthy obese and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) phenotypes, and their association with dietary inflammatory index (DII) among obese Iranian people. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2017 among 300 obese participants in southern Tehran. DII scores were computed based on the overall inflammatory properties of 32 dietary components using dietary intake assessed by food frequency questionnaire. MUO phenotype was defined as having three or more of these metabolic abnormalities: high blood glucose, high triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated blood pressure or abdominal obesity. The association was determined using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The MUO phenotype (n = 176) was found in 63.5% of obese participants. Compared with participants in the first quartile, those in the fourth quartile of DII score (more pro-inflammatory diet) had higher odds of MUO phenotype (odds ratio, OR: 2.58 (95% CI: 1.19-5.59), P = 0.04), and there was a significant association between the continuous form of DII score and the odds of MUO phenotype (OR: 1.18 (95% CI: 1.01-1.37)) after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Higher DII scores were positively associated with the MUO phenotype. A more pro-inflammatory diet is a potential risk factor for MUO phenotype.

Effectiveness of vitamin D therapy in improving metabolomic biomarkers in obesity phenotypes: Two randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Uncertainty remains about the effect of vitamin D therapy on biomarkers of health status in obesity. The molecular basis underlying this controversy is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To address the existing gap, our study sought to compare changes in metabolomic profiles of obesity phenotypes (metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUHO)) patients with sub-optimal levels of vitamin D following vitamin D supplementation. METHODS: We conducted two randomized double-blind clinical trials on participants with either of the two obesity phenotypes from Tehran province. These phenotypes were determined by the Adult Treatment Panel-III criteria. Patients in each of the MHO (n = 110) and MUHO (n = 105) groups were separately assigned to receive either vitamin D (4000 IU/d) or placebo for 4 months. Pre- and post-supplementation plasma metabolomic profiling were performed using Liquid chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Multivariable linear regression was used to explore the association of change in each metabolite with the trial assignment (vitamin D/placebo) across obesity phenotypes. RESULTS: Metabolites (n = 104) were profiled in 82 MHO and 78 MUHO patients. After correction for multiple comparisons, acyl-lysophosphatidylcholines C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1, diacyl-phosphatidylcholines C32:0, C34:1, C38:3, and C38:4, and sphingomyelin C40:4 changed significantly in response to vitamin D supplementation only in MUHO phenotype. The interaction analysis revealed that vitamin D therapy was different between the two obesity phenotypes based on acyl-lysophosphatidylcholines C16:0 and C16:1 and citrulline which were altered significantly after supplementation. Changes in metabolites were associated with changes in cardiometabolic biomarkers after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D treatment influenced the obesity-related plasma metabolites only in adults with obesity and metabolically unhealthy phenotype. Therefore, not all patients with obesity may benefit from an identical strategy for vitamin D therapy. These findings provide mechanistic basis highlighting the potential of precision medicine to mitigate diseases in health-care settings.

Omega-3 supplementation effects on body weight and depression among dieter women with co-morbidity of depression and obesity compared with the placebo: A randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of the omega-3 supplementation on body weight and depression among women with co-morbidity of depression and obesity seeking weight reduction compared with the placebo. METHODS: Sixty five patients with co-morbidity of depression and overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25) signed the informed consent form and enrolled into this 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical Trial. Subsequently, participants randomly assigned into one of the two groups receiving daily 6 capsules of omega-3 (each capsule containing 180 mg EPA, and 120 mg DHA) or 6 capsules of placebo (two with each meal). We performed body composition assessments and Beck depression inventory at the baseline, and weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12 after the start of the study. One month after stopping the capsules at the follow-up visit, weight was measured to compare weight relapse between the two groups. RESULTS: Forty five patients finished the study. No significant differences were seen between groups regarding demographic and clinical variables at baseline. Using repeated measures ANOVA, omega-3 significantly reduced depression compared with the placebo (P = 0.05). Mean ± SD weight reduction in omega-3 group 3.07 ± 3.4 kg and in the placebo group was 1.16 ± 2.7 kg and the difference between groups was significant using independent sample t-test (p = 0.049). Patients in the omega-3 group did not show significantly more side effects compared to the placebo but they were not successful in preventing weight regain one month after the end of the study. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings omega-3 capsule as a safe over-the-counter supplement might be helpful in reducing the signs of depression and also body weight in patients with co-morbidity of depression and obesity.

Obesity-Related Metabolomic Profiles and Discrimination of Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity.

A particular subgroup of obese adults, considered as metabolically healthy obese (MHO), has a reduced risk of metabolic complications. However, the molecular basis contributing to this healthy phenotype remains unclear. The objective of this work was to identify obesity-related metabolite patterns differed between MHO and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUHO) groups and examine whether these patterns are associated with the development of cardiometabolic disorders in a sample of Iranian adult population aged 18-50 years. Valid metabolites were defined as metabolites that passed the quality control analysis of the study. In this case-control study, 104 valid metabolites of 107 MHO and 100 MUHO patients were separately compared to those of 78 normal-weight metabolically healthy (NWMH) adults. Multivariable linear regression was used to investigate all potential relations in the study. A targeted metabolomic approach using liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was employed to profile plasma metabolites. The study revealed that, after Bonferroni correction, branched-chain amino-acids, tyrosine, glutamic acid, diacyl-phosphatidylcholines C32:1 and C38:3 were directly and acyl-carnitine C18:2, acyl-lysophosphatidylcholines C18:1 and C18:2, and alkyl-lysophosphatidylcholines C18.0 were inversely associated with MHO phenotype. The same patterns were observed in MUHO patients except for the acyl-carnitine and lysophosphatidylcholine profiles where acyl-carnitine C3:0 and acyl-lysophosphatidylcholine C16:1 were higher and acyl-lysophosphatidylcholines C18:1, C18:2 were lower in this phenotype. Furthermore, proline, and diacyl-phosphatidylcholines C32:2 and C34:2 were directly and serine, asparagines, and acyl-alkyl-phosphatidylcholine C34:3 were negatively linked to MUHO group. Factors composed of amino acids were directly and those containing lysophosphatidylcholines were inversely related to cardiometabolic biomarkers in both phenotypes. Interestingly, the diacyl-phosphatidylcholines-containing factor was directly associated with cardiometabolic disorders in the MUHO group. A particular pattern of amino acids and choline-containing phospholipids may aid in the identification of metabolic health among obese patients.

The Reliability and Validity of the Persian Version of Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 (TFEQ-R18) in Overweight and Obese Females.

Objective: The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire Reduced (TFEQ-R18) is one of the most widely used instruments for assessing eating behavior worldwide. The present study aimed at confirming the reliability and validity of the Persian version of TFEQ-R18 among overweight and obese females in Iran. Method: In the present study, 168 overweight and obese females consented to participate. We estimated the anthropometric indices and asked the participants to complete the TFEQ-R18. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Spielberger Anxiety Scale, Appetite Visual Analogue Rating Scale, Food Craving Questionnaire (FCQ), Compulsive Eating Scale (CES), and Restraint Eating Visual Analogue Rating Scale were performed simultaneously to assess concurrent validity. Two weeks later, TFEQ-R18 was repeated for 126 participants to assess test-retest reliability. Moreover, we reported the internal consistency and factor analysis of this questionnaire. Results: Using the results of the reliability analysis and exploratory factor analysis of the principal component by varimax rotation, we extracted 3 factors: hunger, cognitive restraint, and emotional eating. After removing the Items 16 and 18, the Cronbach's alpha was increased to 0.73 (The Cronbach's alpha of the factors was 0.84, 0.64, and 0.7, respectively). The results of the Pearson correlation revealed a consistency of 0.87 between the test and retest administrations (p = 0.001). Significant positive correlations were observed between TFEQ-R18 and BDI, Spielberger Anxiety Scale, FCQ, CES, appetite, body weight, fat percentage, and calorie intake. Moreover, a negative correlation was observed in Restraint Eating Visual Analogue Rating Scale and muscle percentage.Conclusion: This study aimed at presenting preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the Persian version of TFEQ-R18 and its psychometric characteristics. This instrument may be helpful in clinical practice and research studies of obesity, appetite, and eating behavior.

A School-Based Intervention to Reduce Excess Weight in Overweight and Obese Primary School Students.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of an intervention for reducing excess weight gain in primary school-age children in Tehran. METHODS: A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in 12 primary schools in Tehran. Three hundred thirty-four pupils, 167 in the intervention and 167 in the comparison group, determined to be overweight or obese based on World Health Organization standards, were recruited for the study. The intervention included nutrition education and increased physical activity (PA) for the pupils, lifestyle modification for parents, and a change in food items sold at the schools' canteens. The entire intervention lasted approximately 18 weeks. Measures were taken before and immediately after the intervention. RESULTS: The intervention significantly reduced body mass index Z-score and hip circumference (p = .003 and p < .001, respectively). Waist circumference increased in both groups, but the increase was higher in the comparison group (p = .001). No significant difference was seen in time spent on TV viewing between groups (p = .08). Vigorous PA increased in the intervention group (p < .001), while the comparison group showed an increase in moderate activity only (p < .001). Energy intake increased significantly in the intervention group (p < .001). Neither triceps skinfold thickness nor time spent on the computer changed in the intervention group (p = .51 and p = .1, respectively), while they increased in the comparison group (p < .001 and p = .004, respectively). CONCLUSION: The study provides a successful model for the implementation of similar interventions throughout the country.

Reliability and Validity of the Persian Version of Compulsive Eating Scale (CES) in Overweight or Obese Women and Its Relationship with Some Body Composition and Dietary Intake Variables.

Objective: Compulsive or binge eating is a kind of disturbed eating behavior, which is mostly observed among dieting women, and is integrated with appetite disorder, and uncontrolled eating of plenty of junk food. The Compulsive Eating Scale (CES) created first by Kagan & Squires in 1984, is an eight-item self-reporting instrument that is made to measure the severity of binge eating disorder. The aim of this study was to provide the reliability and validity of the Persian version of Compulsive Eating Scale (CES) among overweight and obese women in Iran. Method: One hundred and twenty six (N = 126) overweight and obese women consented to participate in this study. We estimated the anthropometric indices, including body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, a total body fat percentage, and visceral fat level with body analyzer all in standard situations. Then, the participants completed the CES. Next, to assess concurrent validity, Beck Depression Inventory, Spielberger anxiety scale, appetite visual analogue rating scale, Food Craving questionnaire, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18, and Restraint eating visual analogue rating scale were performed simultaneously. To assess test-retest reliability, CES was repeated for all the participants two weeks later. Moreover, we reported the internal consistency and factor analysis of this questionnaire. Furthermore, we estimated the concurrent correlation of CES with logically relevant questionnaires and body composition and anthropometric indices. Results: Based on the reliability analysis and factor analysis of the principal component by Varimax rotation, we extracted two factors: eating because of negative feelings, and overeating. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of the CES was 0.85 (Cronbach alpha of the factors was 0.85, and 0.74, respectively). The test-retest correlation of the CES was 0.89. Also, the split-half reliability of the questionnaire was established with the correlation coefficient between Sets I and II. The correlation was 0.85. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the CES. This instrument would be helpful in measuring the clinical practice and research studies of obesity, appetite and eating disorders reliably and validly.

Comparison of Maternal and Umbilical Cord Blood Selenium Levels in Low and Normal Birth Weight Neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the maternal and umbilical cord serum selenium concentrations in Low and normal birth weight neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was carried out in Vali-Asr and Akbarabadi Hospitals (Jan. to Dec. 2013). Two groups; case group; 91 mothers who delivered a low birth weight (LBW) neonate and control group; 86 subjects who delivered a normal birth weight neonate were selected. Immediately after birth, 5 ml of maternal blood and umbilical cord blood were collected, and sent to laboratory to assay Se concentrations. To compare both groups' blood Se concentration, data were analyzed in SPSS 16.0. RESULTS: Eighty six (48.6%) mothers with normal birth weight neonates and 91 (51.4%) mothers with low birth weight infants entered the study. Mean maternal mothers' age and mean maternal blood Se were 28.55 + 5.90 years and 79.3756+26.46915. A significant association was seen between maternal blood and cord blood Se level in control and case group (P value < 0.0001, r = 0.69) and (P value<0.001, r = 0.79). On the other hand no differences were seen between 2 groups' maternal blood Se level (P Value = 0.65). Umbilical Cord blood Se concentration was not also different between case and control group (P value = 0.46). CONCLUSION: We found that maternal and umbilical cord blood Se concentrations were not different in low and adequate birth weight infants, however; umbilical cord Se concentrations were positively correlated with maternal blood Se concentrations.

Association of nesfatin-1 level with body composition, dietary intake and resting metabolic rate in obese and morbid obese subjects.

AIMS: Nesfatin-1 identified neuroendocrine peptide is involved in regulation of homeostasis via modulation of metabolism, energy homeostasis and food intake. We aimed to investigate the associations of circulating nesfatin-1 level with food intake, body composition and resting metabolic rate (RMR) and also examine the correlation between circulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and nesfatin-1 levels in obese and morbid obese subjects. METHODS: A total of 96 obese subjects (including 18 morbid obese subjects) were participated in the current cross-sectional study. We assessed the body composition with the use of Body Composition Analyzer. RMR was measured by means of the MetaCheck™, an instrument designed to measure RMR using indirect calorimetry. All baseline blood samples were obtained following an overnight fasting. Plasma concentrations of nesfatin-1 and circulating PPARγ were measured with the use of an ELISA method. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. RESULTS: We found significant associations between fat percent and circulating nesfatin-1 in obese and morbid obese subjects. There was main association between circulating nesfatin-1 and PPARγ concentration in obese subjects and it was more strong association in morbid obese participants. There was marginally significant differences between percent predicted RMR between different categorized nesfatin-1 levels. There were also higher intakes of calorie, carbohydrate and protein in obese group who had lower concentration of nesfatin-1. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicated the fat percent as main determinant factor in circulating nesfatin-1 level. It appears nesfatin-1 and PPARγ might be concurrently involved in adipogenesis pathway.

Effects of probiotic yogurt on fat distribution and gene expression of proinflammatory factors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in overweight and obese people with or without weight-loss diet.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether probiotics had an effect on proinflammatory markers and cytokines in overweight and obese individuals and whether they could have synergistic effects with weight-loss diets. METHODS: A total of 75 healthy overweight and obese individuals completed this randomized doubled-blind controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to groups consuming regular yogurt with a low-calorie diet (LCD, RLCD; n = 25) or receiving probiotic yogurt with LCD (PLCD; n = 25) or consuming probiotic yogurt without LCD (PWLCD; n = 25) for 8 weeks. The pribiotic regimen contained 200 g/day yogurt, enriched by Lactobacillus acidophilus La5, Bifidobacterium BB12, and Lactobacillus casei DN001 10(8) colony-forming units/g. Body fat percentage, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), leptin, and mRNA levels of inflammation-related genes (TNF-α and RAR-related orphan receptor gamma [ROR-γt]) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured. RESULTS: A reduction in body mass index (BMI), fat percentage, and leptin level was observed that was more obvious in groups who received the weight-loss diet with probiotic yogurt. Reduction in the gene expression of ROR-γt was significant in the PLCD group (p < 0.001). The expression of TNF-α did not change among all groups after intervention. The mean concentration of leptin was significantly decreased in all groups after the dietary intervention, but the mean changes in leptin level in the PLCD group was more prominent compared to the other two groups (-2.38, p < 0.001 [PLCD] vs -1.75, p = 0.002 [RLCD] and -0.55 ng/mL, p = 0.12 [PWLCD]). The reduction in serum levels of hs-CRP was more evident in the PWLCD group compared to the PLCD and RLCD groups after the 8-week intervention (-3.4, p = 0.03 vs -1.76, p < 0.001 and -2.98 pg/mL, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that the weight-loss diet and probiotic yogurt had synergistic effects on T-cells subset specific gene expression in PBMCs, fat percentage, and body weight among overweight and obese individuals.