Egg consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease: a PERSIAN cohort-based study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the main causes of death worldwide. Data on the effect of eggs consumption on the risk of CVDs are still unreliable. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between CVDs and the consumption of eggs. METHODS: In this case-control study, the required data were extracted from the Prospective Epidemiologic Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN) cohort in Sabzevar, Iran. A total of 4241 adults participated including 1535 patients with CVDs as the case group and 2706 healthy people as controls. Egg consumption was assessed using a valid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). RESULTS: A significant association was observed between eggs consumption and stroke after adjustment for physical activity, body mass index (BMI), smoking, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), using alcohol, lipid profile, diabetes, and the intake of energy, lipid, protein, carbohydrate, and cholestrol (OR:1.007, 95% CI:1.001-1.013, P = 0.03). No association was found between egg consumption with hypertension, cardiac ischemia, and myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant association between the consumption of eggs and stroke. However, more studies are needed to examine the effect of eggs on CVDs.

Female infertility and dietary antioxidant index (DAI); a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Adequate intake of natural antioxidants may improve female fertility. The aim of this study was to examine the link between female infertility and dietary antioxidant index (DAI). METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 125 women with recently diagnosis of reduced ovarian reserves (AMH < 1.1) as the case group and 125 women with normal ovarian reserve as the control group in Rasht, Iran. The amount of food intake was assessed using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the DAI was calculated to estimate the antioxidant capacity of the diet. RESULTS: Regarding dietary intake, the infertile women had a lower intake of potassium (2789.25 ± 777 vs. 2593.68 ± 443 mg/d, P = 0.02), magnesium (204.12 ± 66 vs. 189.73 ± 34 mg/d, P = 0.03), copper (0.93 ± 0.40 vs. 0.82 ± 0.20 mg/d, P < 0.01), vitamin C (133.99 ± 46 vs. 122.62 ± 24 mg/d, P = 0.02), and fiber (14.53 ± 3 vs. 13.44 ± 2 g/d, P < 0.05), and a higher intake of cholesterol (205.61 ± 58 vs. 227.02 ± 46 mg/d, P < 0.01) than the control group (All P < 0.05). The DAI was negatively associated with infertility (OR: 0.94, CI 95%: 0.88-0.97, P = 0.03). The association remained significant after adjustments for age, BMI, the underlying diseases, fertility frequency, IVF failure, and calorie intake. CONCLUSION: Following an antioxidant-rich diet may reduce the risk of infertility. More longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these results and discover the underlying mechanisms.

Role of rs9939506 polymorphism of FTO gene in resistance to eating in male adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) of the Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene may be associated with obesity by regulating appetite. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between FTO genotype and resistance to eating in male adolescents. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study included 246 adolescent boys in Tehran, Iran, who were assessed for self-efficacy related to weight control using the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle (WEL), questionnaire, food intake using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and anthropometric indices using Bio-Impedance Analyzer (BIA). Moreover, the participants underwent genotyping for the rs9930506 polymorphism of the FTO gene, and the relationship between FTO genotype and resistance to eating was investigated using different models of multiple linear regression. RESULTS: According to our findings, there was a significant reverse relationship between the FTO rs9930506 genotype and resistance to eating (ß: -0.16, P = 0.01). Moreover, the relationship was still significant after adjusting for age, nutritional knowledge, BMI, and mother's BMI, educational level, and occupational status. CONCLUSION: According to our results, the FTO genotype had a significant effect on resistance to eating and food desires. However, there is a need for further studies to evaluate the underlying mechanisms of the effects of the FTO gene on appetite and obesity.

The association of dietary antioxidant index (DAI) with breast cancer among Iranian women.

Recent studies have reported that dietary antioxidants can influence the risk of breast cancer (BC). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of dietary antioxidant index (DAI) with BC among Iranian women. This case-control study was conducted on 180 women with breast cancer and 360 healthy women who were referred to the cancer clinic of Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital in Tehran, Iran. A 168-item validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake. The DAI score was calculated based on the intake of antioxidant vitamins and minerals derived from the FFQ. The control group had a significantly higher intake of vitamin D (1.79±1.56 vs. 1.05±0.84 µg/d; P=0.01) and lower intake of calorie (2315±1066 vs. 2737±925 kcal/d; P=0.01), carbohydrate (311±170 vs. 402±124 g/d; P=0.01), iron (15.4±12.1 vs. 19.7±6.4 mg/d; P=0.01), thiamine (1.5±0.7 vs. 2.3±0.9 mg/d; P=0.01), niacin (18.2±9.2 vs. 24.3±7.9 mg/d; P=0.01), folic acid (465±308.7 vs. 673±205.2 µg/d; P=0.01), and selenium (82.6±41.7 vs. 98.7±40.8 µg/d; P=0.01) compared to the case group. No significant association was found between DAI with breast cancer after adjustments for age. DAI had a negative association with breast cancer after additional adjustments for BMI, the number of pregnancies, duration of breastfeeding, menopause age, and total energy intake (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.90-.93, and all P<0.001). The present study identified a negative association between DAI and the risk of BC, indicating the importance of antioxidants in preventing BC. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to confirm this association.

The effects of FTO gene rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between breast cancer and dietary intake.

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in females worldwide and is related to genetic and environmental factors. Dietary components may strongly influence the risk of BC. A possible association was also reported between the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and BC. This study aimed to investigate the impact of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between BC and dietary intake. This study was conducted on 180 women with BC as the case group and 360 healthy women as the control group. The dietary intakes were assessed by a valid 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The FTO gene was genotyped for rs9939609 polymorphism. After adjusting the confounding variables, there was no significant association between dietary intake and BC in individuals without risk allele. A positive association between dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids and BC was found only in individuals with risk allele of FTO gene (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.08-1.60, p: 0.006). FTO gene risk allele may influence the effect of diet on breast cancer risk. Further studies are needed to assess the possible effects of the FTO genotype on the association between BC risk and dietary components.

Associations between the dietary inflammatory index with obesity and body fat in male adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and body composition may be affected by the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory components of diets. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and body fat percentage (BF%) in male adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 535 adolescent boys in Tehran, Iran. Bio-impedance analyzer (BIA) scale was used to measure body mass index (BMI) and body composition. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to measure DII. RESULTS: Participants with higher BF% (≥ 19.2%) had higher BMI (P < 0.001), DII, and intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), compared with the participants with lower BF%. Participants with a lower DII had significantly higher intakes of fibers (P < 0.001) and lower intakes of fats, SFAs, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), oleic acid and linoleic acid (P < 0.05) compared with the participants with higher DII (P < 0.01). High BF% was positively associated to DII (OR = 1.6, CI 95%: 1.1-2.3, P = 0.019). Adjustments for age, BMI, physical activity, mothers' marital status and educational level and the number of siblings did not change the results. CONCLUSIONS: Following a diet with a low inflammatory index score was associated to lower BF% in male adolescents. Thus, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory factors may effectively improve body composition and prevent obesity in adolescents. Further comprehensive studies are necessary to verify these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms.

Evaluation of morphology and angiogenesis of breast cancer in BALB/c mice using trypsin inhibitor from Cucumis melo seeds. In vitro and in vivo study.

Introduction: Melon seeds, as an excellent source of protease inhibitors, may have a protective role against tumor progression and angiogenesis. However, their effects on angiogenesis and the mechanism of their action against cancer progression remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the effect of bioactive compounds of melon seed on the expression of angiogenesis genes in BALB/c mice with breast cancer. Material and methods: Trypsin inhibitor (TI) was purified from the seed powder of Cucumis melo. Half- maximal inhibitory concentration was determined for TI, extract of melon seed powder (EXT), and tamoxifen (TAM) by the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Also, breast tumor was induced by subcutaneous injection of MC4-L2 cells in BALB/c inbred mice breast tissue. After tumor growth, mice were treated with TI, EXT, and TAM to examine their effects on the tumor characteristics and expression of angiogenesis-related genes including MMP-2, MMP-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method. Results: Trypsin inhibitor, EXT, TAM, and adjuvant treatment of TI + TAM resulted a reduction in expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGF. All treatments improved the breast tumor characteristics and the necrosis. The real-time polymerase chain reaction method verified the positive effects of the treatments on the breast cancer cell line and tumors. Conclusions: The results indicated that treatments with TI purified from Cucumis melo seeds and also combination therapy of TI and TAM can be considered as an alternative therapy in breast cancer patients. Further studies are warranted.

The association between fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) genotype and serum vitamin D level in breast cancer patients.

The preventive effect of vitamin D against breast cancer can be influenced by gene polymorphisms. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum level of 25(OH) vitamin D and FTO genotype in breast cancer patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 180 newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer in Tehran, Iran. The blood samples were collected from the participants in order to assess the FTO gene rs9939609 polymorphism by the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system (Tetra-ARMS) PCR method. The serum level of 25(OH) vitamin D was measured using the direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The association between vitamin D and the FTO genotype in patients with breast cancer was assessed after adjustment for cofounders. The frequency of TT, AT and AA genotypes in the breast cancer patients were 43% (n = 77), 49% (n = 89) and 8% (n = 14), respectively. All patients with higher than 40 ng/dl of serum 25(OH) vitamin D had one or two copies of FTO rs9939609 risk allele (p = 0.019). No linear association was found between the number of FTO risk allele and the level of serum vitamin D. All patients with high serum level of 25(OH) vitamin D had one or two copies of FTO rs9939609 risk allele. FTO gene polymorphisms may counteract the beneficial effects of vitamin D in breast cancer prevention. Further studies can help to better understand the genetic factors predisposing to breast cancer and their effect on the association between vitamin D and breast cancer.

Interactions of anthropometric indices, rs9939609 FTO gene polymorphism and breast cancer: A case-control study.

Contradictory results were reported on the effect of fat mass- and obesity-associated (FTO) gene and anthropometric measurements on breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to assess the interactions between rs9939609 polymorphism of FTO gene, anthropometric indices and BC risk in Iranian women. This case-control study was performed on 540 women including 180 women with BC and 360 healthy women in Tehran, Iran. Physical activity and dietary intakes were assessed by validated questionnaires. Data on sociodemographic and pathologic factors of the participants as well as their blood samples were collected. The rs9939609 FTO gene polymorphism was genotyped using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR). No significant association was found between BC and risk allele of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism after adjustments for the confounders. However, there was a significant association between rs9939609 polymorphism risk allele and BC risk in females with overweight, even after adjusting for age, family history of BC, abortion, BMI and the number of pregnancies (P < .05). The association was disappeared after further adjustments for lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, calorie and macronutrients intake, and physical activity. The FTO gene polymorphism was associated with the risk of BC in overweight individuals. This association was influenced by environmental factors including diet, alcohol consumption and smoking. Future studies are required to confirm the association between the FTO gene and BC in overweight females and to identify the underlying mechanisms.

Association of serum 25-OH-vitamin D level with FTO and IRX3 genes expression in obese and overweight boys with different FTO rs9930506 genotypes.

BACKGROUND: The roles of FTO gene and the level of serum 25-OH-vitamin D in obesity are frequently reported. This study aimed to investigate the interactions of serum 25-OH-vitamin D level, FTO and IRX3 genes expression, and FTO genotype in obese and overweight boys. METHODS: This study was carried out on the 120 male adolescents with overweight in Tehran, Iran. Blood samples were collected from the participants in order to evaluate the serum level of 25-OH-vitamin D, the expression level of FTO and IRX3 genes, and FTO genotype for rs9930506 at baseline and after 18 weeks of the study. RESULTS: In general, no significant association was found between serum 25-OH-vitamin D level and IRX3 and FTO genes expression. The results of linear regression on the relationship between 25-OH-vitamin D serum level and FTO and IRX3 genes expression based on FTO genotypes for rs9930506 indicated that in AA/AG genotype carriers, serum 25-OH-vitamin D level was positively associated with FTO gene expression (B = 0.07, p = 0.02) and inversely associated with IRX3 gene expression (B = - 0.07, p = 0.03). In GG carriers, serum 25-OH-vitamin D level was not associated with expression of IRX3 and FTO genes. CONCLUSION: There are significant interactions between 25-OH-vitamin D and the expression of FTO and IRX3 genes in the subset of obese patients with specific genotypes for FTO rs9930506. There was no association between serum 25-OH-vitamin D levels and the expression of FTO and IRX genes in individuals with a homozygous genotype for the risk allele of the FTO gene polymorphism.

The effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on clinical and biochemical parameters of critically ill patients with COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFAs) may exert beneficial effects on the immune system of patients with viral infections. This paper aimed to examine the effect of n3-PUFA supplementation on inflammatory and biochemical markers in critically ill patients with COVID-19. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 128 critically ill patients infected with COVID-19 who were randomly assigned to the intervention (fortified formula with n3-PUFA) (n = 42) and control (n = 86) groups. Data on 1 month survival rate, blood glucose, sodium (Na), potassium (K), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), albumin, hematocrit (HCT), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), mean arterial pressure (MAP), O2 saturation (O2sat), arterial pH, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), bicarbonate (HCO3), base excess (Be), white blood cells (WBCs), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (Plt), and the partial thromboplastin time (PTT) were collected at baseline and after 14 days of the intervention. RESULTS: The intervention group had significantly higher 1-month survival rate and higher levels of arterial pH, HCO3, and Be and lower levels of BUN, Cr, and K compared with the control group after intervention (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between blood glucose, Na, HCT, Ca, P, MAP, O2sat, PO2, PCO2, WBCs, GCS, Hb, Plt, PTT, and albumin between two groups. CONCLUSION: Omega-3 supplementation improved the levels of several parameters of respiratory and renal function in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Further clinical studies are warranted. Trial registry Name of the registry: This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT); Trial registration number: IRCT20151226025699N3; Date of registration: 2020.5.20; URL of trial registry record: https://en.irct.ir/trial/48213.

The association between the levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and dietary intake in Iranian women.

PURPOSE: This paper aimed to assess the association between AMH with dietary intake of adult women referred to the infertility clinic of Al-Zahra Hospital in Rasht, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 234 adult women referred to the infertility clinic of Al-Zahra Hospital, Rasht, Iran. The participants were categorized into two groups based on their AMH levels. Participants' data on lifestyle and anthropometry as well as blood samples were collected. Dietary intakes were assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). RESULTS: Serum AMH concentration was negatively associated with the intake of fast foods (P = 0.002) and saturated fats (P = 0.040). These associations remained significant after adjustments for age, rural or urban location, and education. Additional adjustments for body mass index (BMI) and physical activity did not change the results. The results remained significant after further adjustments for menstrual age, menstrual pattern, and oral contraceptive pills. CONCLUSION: Fast foods and saturated fats were significantly associated with lower AMH concentrations and modifying the amount of these dietary components may be an important strategy for increasing the reservation of ovaries in women. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms.

The association between FTO genotype with macronutrients and calorie intake in overweight adults.

BACKGROUND: Dietary macronutrients may indirectly affect body weight through their interactions with the fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene. This study aimed to investigate the association between FTO gene rs9939609 polymorphism with macronutrients intake in overweight adults. METHODS: This study was carried out on 196 overweight adults of Shiraz, Iran. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The FTO gene was genotyped for rs9939609 polymorphism. The association between dietary macronutrients and the FTO genotype were assessed using linear regression after adjustments for sex, age, physical activity, and the serum levels of triglycerides, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and low density lipoprotein (LDL). RESULTS: The higher intake of carbohydrates (P < 0.001), fat (P = 0.009), and calorie (P = 0.001) were significantly associated with rs9939609 AA genotype (P = 0.001). Carriers of the AA genotype of rs9939609 had significantly higher calorie, fat, and carbohydrate intake than the carriers of the TT genotype after adjusting for age and sex (P = 0.019, P = 0.010 and P = 0.001, respectively). Further adjustments for physical activity, TG, LDL, and FBS did not change these results. CONCLUSION: The amounts of dietary calorie, carbohydrate, and fat intake were associated with FTO genotype. Further studies are warranted to confirm these associations and to identify the underlying mechanisms.

Hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium improved blood glucose, liver enzymes and lipid profile compared to metformin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have reported that herbal extracts may have some protective effect against the complications of diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Achillea millefolium hydroalcoholic extract in comparison to metformin on liver damage, lipid abnormality, and glycemic control in diabetic rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly assigned to 7 groups of 10 animals. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin (STZ) to 4 groups of rats. Three groups of diabetic rats were given 250 mg/kg/day metformin, 25 mg/kg/day Achillea millefolium hydroalcoholic extract, or 100 mg/kg/day of this extract. Two non-diabetic groups were also given either 25 mg/kg/day or 100 mg/kg/day Achillea millefolium extract. Normal control and diabetic control rats received 1 mL/day of normal saline. Treatments were administered through oral gavage for 28 days. At the end, rats were anesthetized with ether and their serum samples were separated in order to measure blood glucose, serum total protein, lipids, and liver enzymes. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in blood glucose, serum liver enzymes, triglycerides, and total- and LDL-cholesterol levels of the Achillea millefolium extract-treated groups compared to the other groups. In addition, there was a significant increment in body weight and HDL-cholesterol serum level in the Achillea millefolium-treated groups. CONCLUSION: Achillea millefolium extract compared to metformin reduces lipid abnormality, blood glucose and liver enzymes in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Future clinical studies are warranted to confirm our experimental findings in humans.

Changes in FTO and IRX3 gene expression in obese and overweight male adolescents undergoing an intensive lifestyle intervention and the role of FTO genotype in this interaction.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle intervention may have a critical effect on the association between genetics and obesity. This study aimed to investigate changes in FTO and IRX3 gene expression in obese and overweight male adolescents undergoing a lifestyle intervention and the role of FTO genotype in this interaction. METHODS: This study was a field trial of 62 adolescents from boys' high schools in Tehran, Iran. Two schools were randomly allocated as the intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 32) schools. The rs9930506 SNP in FTO was genotyped at baseline and the level of FTO and IRX3 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline and after 18 weeks of intensive lifestyle intervention. RESULTS: Our results showed that IRX3 expression in the intervention group was significantly up-regulated compared to baseline (P = 0.007) and compared to the control group (P = 0.011).The intervention group had significantly up-regulated transcripts of IRX3 only in rs9930506 risk allele carriers of the intervention group compared to risk allele carriers of the control group (P = 0.017). Moreover, our data showed that the FTO expression was up-regulated in AA genotype carriers and down-regulated in AG/GG genotype carriers (P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Lifestyle modification may exert its effects on obesity through changes in the expression level of the FTO and IRX3 genes. However, FTO genotype plays a role in the extent of the effect of lifestyle changes on gene expression. Further studies are crucial to have a better understanding of the interaction between lifestyle, genetics and anthropometric measurements. Trial registration This paper reports a comprehensive intervention study (Interactions of Genetics, Lifestyle and Anthropometrics study or IGLA study), which is retrospectively registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials as IRCT2016020925699N2. Date registered: April 24, 2016. ( https://www.irct.ir/searchresult.php?id=25699&number=2 ).

The Association of Consumption of Animal Proteins and the Risk of Esophageal Cancer.

Aim: Esophageal cancer (EC) is considered one of the most common types of cancer in the world. High intake of dietary proteins is suggested to increase EC. This study examined associations between intake of red meats, processed meat, poultry, and fish and the risk of EC. Methods: This hospital-based Case-Control study included 96 people with EC and 187 people without EC from Bojnurd, Iran. Socio-demographic data was collected from all participants at enrollment using general information questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 168 item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, there was a significant association between the consumption of beef (P = 0.04), processed meats (sausages) (P = 0.01), and chicken with skin (P = 0.001) with the risk of EC. Conclusion: We observed a positive association between red meat, processed meats (sausages), chicken with skin and the risk of EC. The use of lamb meat and fish had no significant association with the risk of EC.

Dietary Carbohydrate Promotes Cell Survival in Cancer Via the Up-Regulation of Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Gene Expression Level.

Cancer cells are mainly dependent on glycolysis for their growth and survival. Dietary carbohydrates play a critical role in the growth and proliferation of cancer and a low-carbohydrate diet may help slow down the growth of tumours. However, the exact mechanisms behind this effect are unclear. This review study aimed to investigate the effect of fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene in the association between dietary carbohydrates and cancer. This study was carried out using keywords such as polymorphism and/or cancer and/or dietary carbohydrate and/or FTO gene. PubMed and Science Direct databases were used to collect all related articles published from 1990 to 2018. Recent studies showed that the level of FTO gene expression in cancer cells is dramatically increased and may play a role in the growth of these cells through the regulation of the cellular metabolic pathways, including the phosphoinositide 3-kinases/protein kinaseB (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. Dietary carbohydrate may influence the FTO gene expression by eliminating the inhibitory effect of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) on the FTO gene expression. This review summarised what has been recently discovered about the effects of dietary carbohydrate on cancer cells and tried to determine the mediating role of the FTO gene in these effects.

A complete linkage disequilibrium in a haplotype of three SNPs in Fat Mass and Obesity associated (FTO) gene was strongly associated with anthropometric indices after controlling for calorie intake and physical activity.

BACKGROUND: The underlying mechanism of the effect of FTO genotype on body mass index (BMI) and body composition is unknown. The objective of the study was to investigate the association of FTO gene polymorphisms with anthropometric indices in adolescent boys after adjustments for dietary intake and physical activity. METHODS: In this school-based study, we enrolled 123 male adolescents without extra weight and 110 male adolescents with body mass index (BMI) higher than + 1 Z-score. The DNA samples were genotyped for the FTO gene polymorphisms by DNA Sequencing. BMI and body composition were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analyzer scale. Association of the FTO polymorphisms with Weight, height, BMI, body fat percent and skeletal muscle percent were investigated. Data on potential confounders (calorie intake and physical activity) were collected through the use of pre-tested questionnaires. RESULTS: Adolescents with higher BMI and body fat percent and lower skeletal muscle percent were more likely to have a newly found haplotype of rs9930506, rs9930501 & rs9932754 (GGT) in the first intron of the FTO with complete linkage disequilibrium (LD) compared with those with the lower BMI (6.15;2.28-16.63), body fat percent (9.54;0.92-47.44) and higher skeletal muscle percent (9.26;1.85-46.38). This association was not changed after controlling for age. Additional adjustments for calorie intake and physical activity did not alter the association. CONCLUSIONS: A haplotype in the first intron of the FTO gene had a strong association with obesity indices in adolescent boys after adjustments for calorie intake and physical activity. It's suggested that the FTO genotype exert its effects on adolescents' anthropometric indices as haplotype and through mechanisms other than changes in calorie intake and expenditure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This paper reports the first phase of a comprehensive interventional study (Interactions of Genetics, lifestyle and anthropometrics study or IGLA study) and is retrospectively registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials as IRCT2016020925699N2. Date registered: April 24, 2016. ( http://www.irct.ir/searchresult.php?id=25699&number=2 ).

The clinical efficacy of Olibanum gum chewing in patients with Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer disease: A randomized Parallel-Design controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder in elderly with progressive decline in cognitive functions. This study aimed to investigate the possible memory-improving effects of Olibanum on patients with Alzheimer's disease. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was carried out on 72 participants aged 50-75 years. The intervention group (n = 36) received 1.6 g/day of olibanum chewing gum for 18 weeks. The placebo group (n = 36) received chewing gum without olibanum. Neuropsychological assessments were performed at baseline, every 4 weeks, and after 18 weeks of the intervention. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between (MD: 0.84, 95%CI: -1.10 to 2.78, p = 0.392) at baseline. Both groups had linear improvements over time. There was no significant difference between two groups regarding the improvements after the intervention (F = 0.157, p = 0.693). There were no significant differences between the groups for MMSE score (Mini-Mental State Examination) after the intervention (F = 0.141, p = 0.708). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that 18 weeks of gum chewing with Olibanum did not change the neuropsychological status. More clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) frequently experience the chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation in the management of CKD-aP in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: In this triple blind, randomized clinical trial, the effect of the omega-3 supplement on uremic CKD-aP was assessed in 112 chronic hemodialysis patients at Caspian Hemodialysis Center in Rasht, Iran. Patients were randomly divided into the intervention group receiving omega-3 supplements (3 g/day) and the control group receiving placebo containing MCT oil for 2 months. Results: Omega-3 supplementation had no effect on CKD-aP. The results did not change after adjusting for age and sex, additional adjustments for weight, height, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use, additional adjustments for underlying diseases and weight, height, physical activity, smoking, and drinking alcohol, and further adjustments for underlying diseases and biochemical indices. Discussion: Omega-3 supplementation for 2 months had no effect on CKD-aP in patients with CKD. Further studies with longer duration are warranted. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.irct.ir/trial/66638, IRCT20151226025699N6.