The association between diet quality index-international and dietary diversity score with preeclampsia: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a significant complication that occurs during the second half of pregnancy. Recent studies have indicated that dietary factors play a crucial role in the development of preeclampsia. The Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) and Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) are appropriate indices for assessing the quality of foods, meals, and diets. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between DQI-I, DDS, and preeclampsia. METHODS: This study utilized a case-control design. A total of 90 newly diagnosed preeclampsia cases and 90 healthy controls were included from a referral hospital in Tabriz, Iran. DQI-I and DDS were calculated based on information obtained from a reliable Food Frequency Questionnaire consisting of 168 food items, which assessed participants' usual diet. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, body mass index, education, family history of preeclampsia, and total energy intake was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: The mean age and pre-pregnancy body mass index of the participants were: 27.14 ± 4.40 years and 26.09 ± 3.33 kg/m2, respectively. After adjusting for various confounders, we found significant inverse association between the risk of developing preeclampsia and both DQI-I and DDS. The highest quartile of DQI-I had a significantly lower risk of developing preeclampsia compared to the first quartile (OR = 0.02, 95% CI [0.005, 0.08]) (P < 0.001). Similarly, the highest quartile of DDS had a significantly lower risk of developing preeclampsia compared to the first quartile (OR = 0.09, 95% CI [0.03, 0.31]) (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that maintaining a high-quality and diverse diet is associated with a lower risk of preeclampsia. Further studies are needed to confirm these associations and explore potential causal relationships.

The relation between dietary quality and healthy eating index with bone mineral density in osteoporosis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to illustrate the association between the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and Dietary Quality Index (DQI) with bone mineral density (BMD) among postmenopausal Iranian women with osteoporosis compared to the healthy control. METHODS: In the current case-control study, 131 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and 131 healthy postmenopausal women participated. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess the lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck BMD. The subjects completed a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and then HEI and DQI were calculated based on the FFQ data. Crude and adjusted multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relation between HEI and DQI with the odds of the femoral and lumbar BMD. RESULTS: According to the results, participants in the last tertile of HEI were more likely to have higher femoral and lumbar BMD in the crude model (odds ratio (OR) = 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.20-0.71 and OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.10-0.40, respectively) and also in the adjusted model (OR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.20-0.78 and OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.10-0.41, respectively). Also, in terms of DQI-I, participants in the last tertile were more likely to have higher femoral and lumbar BMD in the crude model (OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.12-0.45 and OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.15-0.55, respectively) and also in the adjusted model (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14-0.58 and OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17-0.67, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study supported the hypothesis that high-quality diets with healthy patterns can be clinically effective in maintaining bone health. Thus, recommendations regarding the consumption of nutrient-rich food groups in a healthy diet can serve as a practical non-pharmacological strategy against osteoporosis.

The association between food insecurity status and COVID-19 in an Iranian population: a case-control study.

Aim: The 2019 novel coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19) is a highly contagious viral disease with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Food insecurity has frequently been linked to the emergence of infectious diseases. The present study was conducted to determine the association of food insecurity and socioeconomic status with COVID-19 in the Iranian population. Subject and methods: The study was a case-control study including 248 participants (124 COVID-19-infected people with a positive PCR test and a history of clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and 124 non-infected people with a negative PCR test and no history of clinical symptoms of COVID-19 infection) aged 20 to 60 years. The participants in the two groups were matched based on age, sex, and BMI. Anthropometric and socioeconomic data were collected. Individuals' food insecurity status during the previous 12 months (before the disease for the case group) was assessed using a validated 18-item USDA questionnaire. Results: About 44% of the controls and 76% of the case group were food-insecure (P < 0.001). After controlling for any possible confounders, only food insecurity and poor economic level increased the risk of COVID-19, by about three times (OR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.44-6.68; P = 0.004) and 9.5 times (OR = 9.53; 95% CI = 3.73-24.30; P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Food insecurity and poor economic status are linked to an increased risk of COVID-19. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm these outcomes and identify the underlying mechanisms.

How do carbohydrate quality indices influence on bone mass density in postmenopausal women? A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Carbohydrates are the primary energy source in Asian countries, including Iran. An emerging method can be used to measure the quality of carbohydrates, including the carbohydrate quality index (CQI), which includes a variety of components. Low-carbohydrate diet score (LCDS) has been proposed as a new method of scoring micronutrient intake that could provide a reasonable explanation for the link between diet and the risk of chronic diseases. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between CQI, LCDS, glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), insulin load (IL), and insulin index (II) with bone mass density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. METHOD: In this case-control study, 131 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis/osteopenia and 131 healthy postmenopausal women aged 45-65 participated. The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) method measured the BMD of the lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake. Logistic regression were used to evaluate the relation between GI, GL, II, IL, CQI, and LCDS with BMD. RESULTS: Diets with higher GI increased the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis, but LCDS and CQI decreased the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a higher intake of fruits and vegetables and receiving various dietary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds may be a useful way to prevent osteopenia in Iranian women.

Dietary components and the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer: A systematic review of epidemiological studies.

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer among white-skinned people. The main environmental risk factor for all types of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) exposure to the sun. However, significant modifiable risk factors, such as diet, have been studied about NMSC risk. Several original studies have been conducted on the link between various dietary components and the risk of NMSC in the past decade, but have not been systematically reviewed. This review focuses on the potential impact of dietary components in the prevention of NMSC and evaluates the findings of epidemiologic evidence for dietary factors. We conducted a systematic search of three databases, including Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and PubMed, to identify relevant epidemiological studies published between 2000 and July 6, 2021. Finally, forty-three articles were included. Because of the inherent limitations of epidemiological studies, no definitive conclusions can be drawn; however, the links between folate, citrus, caffeine, and alcohol with BCC are notable; thus, high dietary folate intake, as well as citrus and alcohol consumption, are associated with an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), whereas caffeine is associated with a lower risk. More research is required to reach a definitive conclusion.

The association between dietary acid load and body composition in physical education students aged 18-25 years.

AIM: To find the association between dietary acid load (DAL) and body composition in physical education students. METHODS: This study was carried out on 207 students of both genders aged 18-25 years. DAL was calculated based on potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) methods. Anthropometric indices were measured. Bioelectric impedance was used to assess body composition and other related items. RESULTS: The mean score of NEAP and PRAL was 80.18 ± 31.30 and 33.94 ± 22.11, respectively. The mean weight and fat mass of subjects were 64.05 ± 9.72 kg and 20.28 ± 0.67 kg, respectively. Participants in the highest tertile of PRAL had a higher weight (64.56 ± 1.14 kg) in comparison with participants in the lowest tertile (61.65 ± 1.19 kg) (P = 0.027). After adjusting for confounders, a significant positive association was found between NEAP score and hip circumference (ß = 0.206, P = 0.039), body mass index (ß = 0.214, P = 0.031), fat mass (ß = 0.218, P = 0.001) and body adiposity index (ß = 0.182, P = 0.037). Furthermore, a statistically significant negative association was observed between total body water and NEAP score (ß = - 0.217, P = 0.001) and the percentage of fat-free mass and NEAP (ß = - 0.229, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Individuals with a higher DAL score may have a higher weight, fat mass and hip circumference and a lower fat-free mass. In addition, there might be an association between DAL and obesity.

Healthy plant-based diet index as a determinant of bone mineral density in osteoporotic postmenopausal women: A case-control study.

Introduction: The association between plant-based diet indices and bone mineral density (BMD) of women with osteoporosis have not been studied in Iranian women. This study aimed to evaluate the association between plant-based diet indices and BMD in postmenopausal women with osteopenia/osteoporosis. Materials and methods: The present research was a case-control study conducted on 131 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis/osteopenia and 131 healthy women. The BMD of the femoral neck and lumbar vertebrae was measured by the Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXEA) method. Participants were asked to complete a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). We used three versions of plant-based diet indices, including plant-based diet index (PDI), healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI), and unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPDI). Two different multivariable logistic regression was used for the crude and adjusted model to assess the relationship between PDI, hPDI, and uPDI with odds of femoral and lumbar BMD. Results: There was a reverse association between last tertile of hPDI with femoral BMD abnormality in the both adjusted model [Model 1: odds ratio (OR): 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19-0.63 and Model 2: OR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.15-0.58, respectively]. Furthermore, we found a reverse relationship between hPDI with lumbar BMD abnormality in the first adjusted model (OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.19-0.67). On the other hand, a negative association was observed in the second and last tertile of hPDI with lumbar BMD abnormality (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.24-0.90 and OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17-0.64, respectively). According to the results, the association of femoral BMD abnormality in the last tertile of uPDI compared to the first tertile in the both adjusted models (Model 1: OR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.52-5.36 and Model 2: OR: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.37-5.06) were significant. Also, we observed a positive relationship between the last tertile of uPDI with lumbar BMD abnormality compared to the lowest tertile in the both adjusted models (Model 1; OR: 4.16; 95% CI: 2.20-7.85, Model 2; OR: 4.23; 95% CI: 2.19-8.19). Conclusion: Overall, the findings indicated that in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, a healthy plant-based diet could prevent bone loss, and an unhealthy plant-based diet might have detrimental effects on BMD.

Daily consumption effects of probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La5 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 on oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Available evidence substantiates a strong association between metabolic syndrome and elevated oxidative stress. This study was aimed to assess the effects of probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La5 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 on the oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, the association between uric acid levels and insulin resistance indexes was assessed. METHODS: An 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study was designed. Forty-four patients, 22 males and 22 females aged 20-65 years, were assigned into two groups. Treatment (n = 22) and control (n = 22) groups consumed 300 g/d of probiotic and regular yogurt, respectively. The serum concentration of uric acid, oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein (oxLDL), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) were measured at the beginning and the end of the trial. This study was recorded at http://www.irct.ir (code: IRCT201608213140N17). RESULTS: Probiotic yogurt consumption resulted in a significant decrease in the level of serum uric acid and a significant increase in the level of TAC (p < 0.05). A positive significant association between uric acid with insulin concentration and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and an inverse significant relationship with insulin sensitivity (Quicki) were also found (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Probiotic yogurt consumption through improvement in insulin sensitivity may exert positive effects on the oxidative stress and uric acid levels. However, further studies are needed to make concise conclusions.

Ramadan fasting improves liver function and total cholesterol in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious global health problem, thus the prevention and management of the disease is necessary. This study aimed to determine the effects of Ramadan Fasting (RF) on liver function, Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) in these patients. METHODS: Eighty-three NAFLD patients (57 males and 26 females) were enrolled in the study, 42 patients who practiced RF, between Jun 18 through July 17, 2015 and 41 patients in non-fasting groups. Anthropometric parameters and Ultrasound grading were measured before and after Ramadan. The biochemical parameters including lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides), liver enzymes (Aspartate aminotransferase, SGOT and Alanine aminotransferase, SGPT) were evaluated before and after Ramadan. AIP and VAI were calculated based on formula. RESULTS: The mean decreases in anthropometric indices were significantly different between groups. Similarly, the mean decrease in the total cholesterol values in the fasting group was remarkably greater than in the control group (p = 0.02). The values of AIP and VAI decreased at the end of the study in both group and the mean of changes showed no differences between groups (p = 0.79 and p = 0.65 for AIP and VAI, respectively). The changes in the concentrations of liver enzymes, as well as the severity of hepatic steatosis, showed remarkable differences between groups (p = 0.03, p = 0.05, and p = 0.02 for SGOT and SGPT, and Liver steatosis, respectively). CONCLUSION: RF improved liver steatosis in NAFLD patients and might be useful in the management of NAFLD.

Strong association between serum Vitamin D and Vaspin Levels, AIP, VAI and liver enzymes in NAFLD patients.

Some studies indicated poor vitamin D level in NAFLD which is independently correlated with severity of steatosis. Low 25(OH) D3 levels are associated with an impaired lipid profile. Impaired levels and function of vaspin and omentin, which are adipokines, have been demonstrated in NAFLD patients. This study determined the relationship between vitamin D and serum liver enzymes, ultrasound findings, some adipokines, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) in patients with NAFLD in a cross-sectional study. This study was a cross-sectional study in eighty-three NAFLD patients (57 males and 26 females). Plasma levels of omentin-1e-1, vaspin were measured. Anthropometric indices metabolic status was assessed. Visceral adiposity index and atherogenic index of plasma were calculated according to suggested formula. Anthropometric indices, lipid profiles, liver enzymes as well as abdominal ultrasonography and the status of vitamin D were assessed. The results showed that aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (44.22 ± 8.5 IU/L vs. 40.19 ± 8.75 IU/L, p-value = 0.039) AIP (0.767 ± 0.142 vs. 0.6417 ± 0.139, p < 0.001) and VAI (9.28 ± 3.25 vs. 7.048 ± 2.415, p = 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with vitamin D deficiency compared to those with vitamin D sufficiency. The positive correlations between Vaspin levels and vitamin D were found to be remarkably significant in both males and females (r = 0.437; P = 0.004; P < 0.001, r = -0.709, respectively. In both males and females serum vitamin D concentrations were negatively associated with AIP. Partial correlations controlling for age and sex showed that vitamin D is significantly and inversely associated with AIP, VAI, AST, and ALT. Additionally, vitamin D levels correlated directly with vaspin.

A systematic review on the mechanisms of vitamin K effects on the complications of diabetes and pre-diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes are prevalent endocrine disorders associated with substantial morbidity and premature mortality. Vitamin K is known to have several beneficial effects on complications of diabetes and pre-diabetes. However, systematic consolidation of evidence is required to quantify these effects in order to inform clinical practice and research. A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases was undertaken from database inception up to October 2018 to evaluate functional roles of different forms of vitamin K on diabetes and pre-diabetes. From 3,734 identified records, nine articles met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. Vitamin K supplementation was found to be associated with significant reductions in blood glucose (six studies), increased fasting serum insulin (four studies), reduced hemoglobin A1c (three studies), reduced homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) (two studies), and increased ß-cell function (two studies) in diabetic animal studies. Following 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, vitamin K supplementation was observed to be effective in reducing blood glucose and insulin levels in the pre-diabetic population. However, no evidence of effect was observed for fasting blood sugar, insulin, HOMA-IR, and homeostatic model assessment-ß-cell function index (two studies). A statistically significant effect was also noted with vitamin K in improving dyslipidemia (three studies) as well as oxidative stress and inflammatory markers (five studies) in diabetic animals. In conclusion, clinical trials and animal studies confirm that vitamin K supplementation may improve both clinical features and complications of diabetes and pre-diabetes. However, quantification of clinical efficacy in the pre-diabetic population and among individuals with comorbidities requires further investigation.

Independent and Additive Effects of Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin E on Cardiometabolic Outcomes and Visceral Adiposity in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive age women. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of CoQ10 and/or vitamin E on cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with PCOS. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was carried out among 86 women with PCOS. Patients were assigned to take CoQ10, vitamin E, CoQ10 plus vitamin E or placebo for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were obtained at the beginning and end of the study. RESULTS: A significant decrease in serum triglycerides (TG) (p <0.001) was found following the administration of CoQ10 and/or vitamin E supplements compared with the placebo group. Supplementation with CoQ10 and vitamin E failed to affect total cholesterol levels. However, co-administration of CoQ10 and vitamin E resulted in a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol levels (9.92 [15.11, 4.74]). Additionally, only the combination of supplements was able to significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (‒9.63 [‒15.34, ‒3.92]), increase high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (2.33 [0.51, 4.16), reduce atherogenic coefficient (AC) (‒0.29 [‒0.43, ‒0.16], p = 0.03) and decrease visceral adiposity index (VAI) values. Co-Q10 and vitamin E (alone or in combination) had significant effects on non-HDL-C (p = 0.004), atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) (p = <0.001) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) (p <0.001) and SBP (p = 0.005). However, the reduction in DBP was statistically significant only for patients who received combined supplementations (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, CoQ10, vitamin E (alone or in combination) had beneficial effects on cardiometabolic outcomes among women with PCOS.

Vitamin D supplementation has no effect on matrix metalloproteinases-2, -9, and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase-1 in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A pilot study.

The present randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on matrix metalloproteinases-2, -9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Forty-six eligible subjects were randomly assigned to either vitamin D or placebo groups for 16 weeks. The participants were asked to take 50,000 IU vitamin D or matching placebo every week. Metabolic and anthropometric indices, serum MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were assessed before and after intervention. Moreover, dietary intake, sun exposure and physical activity were also determined. The trial was registered at http://www.irct.ir (No. IRCT201409033140N14). Participants were 40.20 ± 4.60 y and 45.50% males. Compared to the baseline values, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 concentrations were decreased after 16 weeks in the intervention group (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). However, the changes of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and hsCRP in the intervention group were not significant compared to the placebo group (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the metabolic or anthropometric indices between two study groups remained unchanged (p > 0.05). The findings of the present study demonstrated no effect of vitamin D supplementation on MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 concentrations in subjects with metabolic syndrome. However, there is a need for more longitudinal trials to investigate the role of vitamin D on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases in subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Effects of probiotic yogurt on glycemic indexes and endothelial dysfunction markers in patients with metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between gut microflora and metabolic syndrome components such as obesity, low-grade chronic systemic inflammation, dyslipidemia, and altered glucose metabolism is now acknowledged. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of probiotic yogurt on glycemic indexes and endothelial dysfunction markers in patients with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 44 patients with metabolic syndrome (22 men and 22 women), who were 20 to 65 y of age. The patients were assigned to either a treatment or control group and consumed 300g/d of probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La5 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 or a regular yogurt for 2 mo, respectively. Each group contained 22 participants. Fasting blood glucose and serum insulin was performed to derive homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity (Quicki), and HOMA of ß-cell function (HOMA- ß). In addition, markers of vascular cell adhesion molecule cell (VCAM)-1, intercellular adhesion molecule cell (ICAM)-1, and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 were measured to evaluate endothelial function at the beginning and at the end of the study. RESULTS: Consumption of probiotic yogurt resulted in a significant reduction in the level of blood glucose and VCAM-1. Significant changes in PAI-1, VCAM-1, insulin, HOMA-IR, and Quicki were observed in the probiotic yogurt group after intervention compared with baseline. CONCLUSION: Consumption of probiotic yogurt improved fasting blood glucose and partly modified serum endothelial function markers. These results suggest that regular intake of probiotic yogurt may exert positive effects on the treatment of metabolic syndrome.

The effects of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profiles and oxidative indices among diabetic nephropathy patients with marginal vitamin D status.

AIMS: Diabetic nephropathy is one of the major microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes which insufficient vitamin D might -have a role in it's incidence. This study evaluated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profiles and oxidative/anti-oxidative indices in marginal vitamin D status patients with diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: For the current paralleled, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 50 diabetic nephropathy patients with marginal serum vitamin D were selected. Intervention group received 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (50000 IU/week, n = 25), and placebo group (n = 25) received an identical placebo, for 8 weeks. Lipid profiles (LDL, HDL, TG and TC) and oxidative/anti-oxidative markers (TAC, SOD, CAT, GPX and MDA) were measured. RESULTS: Vitamin D supplementation significantly increased vitamin D status in the intervention group, compared to the control group (P = 0.001). The reductions in the serum levels of TG, LDL and TC were significant (P = 0.04, P = 0.006 and P = 0.02, respectively) in the intervention group. The changes in oxidative/anti-oxidative markers and HDL levels were not significant after intervention. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, vitamin D supplementation for 8 weeks among diabetic nephropathy patients has beneficial effects on serum vitamin D status and dyslipidemia.

Hormonal and Metabolic Effects of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Vitamin E in Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive-age women. The hormonal and metabolic effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and/or vitamin E in patients with PCOS have not been studied, to our knowledge. Objective: To evaluate the effects of CoQ10 and/or vitamin E on glucose homeostasis parameters and reproductive hormones in women with PCOS. Design, Setting, Participants: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial among 86 women with PCOS. Intervention: CoQ10 or vitamin E or combination for 8 weeks. Main Outcome Measures: Glucose homeostasis parameters and sex hormone concentrations. Results: After adjustment for potential confounders, supplementation with CoQ10 alone or in combination with vitamin E, compared with placebo, had significant effects on fasting blood sugar (FBS); vitamin E's effect on FBS was not significant. A significant reduction in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was observed in the CoQ10 and combined groups. CoQ10, vitamin E, and cosupplementation led to decreased serum total testosterone levels (P < 0.001) compared with those of the placebo group. CoQ10 supplementation in combination with vitamin E significantly improved in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels compared with other groups (P = 0.008). Linear regression analysis revealed that changes in FBS, insulin, and HOMA-IR were predictors of change in free androgen index (P < 0.05). Conclusion: CoQ10 with or without vitamin E supplementation among women with PCOS had beneficial effects on serum FBS and insulin levels, as well as HOMA-IR and total testosterone levels. However, only cosupplementation affected SHBG concentrations.

Are Vaspin and Omentin-1 Related to Insulin Resistance, Blood Pressure and Inflammation in NAFLD Patients?

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the hepatic manifestation of insulin resistance, is the most common cause of chronic liver. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of vaspin and omentin-1 in the NAFLD-related pathology including IR, inflammation and elevated blood pressure. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 83 NAFLD patients in Jahrom, Iran. Plasma levels of omentin-1, vaspin, hs-CRP and IL-6 were measured. Anthropometric indices, lipid profiles, liver enzymes as well as abdominal ultrasonography were assessed. RESULTS: Partial correlations controlling for age and sex showed significant positive correlation between vaspin and fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP. It has been observed that omentin negatively correlated with glucose levels. Moreover, a marginally significant association has been found between omentin levels and systolic blood pressure (SBP). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that vaspin and omentin-1 are associated with inflammation, insulin resistance and serum glucose levels in patients with NAFLD.

Pro- and prebiotic effects on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Probiotics and prebiotics are considered anti-inflammatory and antioxidative factors. In this study, we evaluated the effects of probiotic and/or prebiotic on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with NAFLD. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-five NAFLD subjects were divided into four groups. The first group received a pro-biotic capsule of Bifidobacterium longum (B.L) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L.A) (2 × 107 CFU/day), the second group received prebiotic (10 g/day inulin), the third group received pro-biotic and prebiotic, and the fourth group received placebo, for three months. Anthropometric, inflammatory and oxidative/ anti-oxidative indices were measured in all patients before and after the intervention. RESULTS: We showed that consumption of pro- and/or prebiotic compared to placebo is able to significantly decrease body weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, tumour necrosis factor-α and increase serum levels of total antioxidant capacity in patients with NAFLD (p<0.01). There were not any significant differences between probiotic, prebiotic and co-administration of them on the mentioned parameters. Co-administration of pro- and prebiotic caused significant decrease of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) compared to the placebo and other groups (p<0.01). Interlekin-6 and malondialdehyde were not significantly different among groups at the end of study. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotic or/and prebiotic supplementation can be effective for improvement of some anthropometric, inflammatory and oxidative indices in patients with NAFLD. Co-administration of pro- and prebiotic is more effective than probiotic and prebiotic alone in modifying hs-CRP in patients with NAFLD.

Lower glycemic indices and lipid profile among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who received novel dose of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) extract supplement: A Triple-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of silymarin supplementation on glycemic indices and serum lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. METHODS: 40 T2DM patients (twenty male and twenty female), 25-50 years of age and on stable medication, were recruited for the present paralleled, randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The participants were randomly assigned to the silymarin or placebo groups, in which the patients either received 140 mg of silymarin, thrice daily (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) for 45 days. Anthropometric and dietary intake data were collected at the baseline and end of the trial. Fasting blood samples were collected, and glycemic indices and lipid profile were determined at baseline, as well as the end of the study. RESULTS: Silymarin supplementation led to significant reduction in fasting blood sugar, serum insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, serum triglyceride and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio as compared to the placebo, by 11.01, 14.35, 25.92, 23.7 and 27.67% respectively. There was significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index in the silymarin group as compared to the placebo group, by 6.88 and 5.64% respectively, (p < 0.05). Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations significantly decreased in the silymarin group as compared to the baseline, by 7.93 (p = 0.001) and 7.15% (p = 0.02), respectively. CONCLUSION: Silymarin supplementation may improve the glycemic indices and lipid profiles of T2DM patients. More studies are needed to validate the adjunct use of silymarin for metabolic control of T2DM patients.