Effect of rosemary leaf powder with weight loss diet on lipid profile, glycemic status, and liver enzymes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

Experimental and some clinical studies have shown beneficial effects of rosemary leaf on liver function and biochemical parameters. The present study aimed to examine the impact of rosemary leaf powder with a weight loss diet in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In a randomized double-blinded clinical trial, 110 patients were randomly assigned to receive either 4 g rosemary leaf or placebo (starch) powders for 8 weeks. In addition, all participants in the study were given weight loss diet and physical activity recommendations. Compared with baseline, alanine aminotransferase (p < .001), aspartate aminotransferase (p < .001), alkaline phosphatase (p < .001), gamma glutamyltransferase (p < .001), fasting blood glucose (p < .001), fasting insulin (p < .001), insulin resistance (p < .001), total cholesterol (p = .003), triglyceride (p < .001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < .001), and anthropometric indices (weight, body mass index, and waist circumferences) decreased significantly in the rosemary and placebo group with weight loss. However, after 8 weeks, no significant difference between the rosemary and placebo groups was detected in the variables as mentioned above except homeostasis model assessment of ß-cell dysfunction (p = .014). The findings of the current clinical trial study revealed that rosemary group did produce changes, but they were not statistically different from those produced by the diet/activity intervention alone.

Efficacy of a multispecies probiotic as adjunctive therapy in generalized anxiety disorder: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

ABSTRACT Objectives: Studies have shown that probiotics may decrease anxiety symptoms, but to our knowledge so far no trial has investigated the effects of probiotics in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of probiotics as adjunctive therapy on anxiety severity and quality of life (QOL) in patients with GAD. Methods: Forty-eight drug-free patients with a diagnosis of GAD based on DSM-V criteria were randomly assigned to two groups to receive daily either one capsule of probiotics or placebo in addition to 25 mg sertraline for 8 weeks. Probiotic capsules contained 18*109 CFU Bifidobacterium longom, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. Results: Intention to treat analysis was performed in 39 Patients who completed at least 4 weeks of the intervention. After 8 weeks, the score of Hamilton Rating Scale for anxiety (HAM-A) decreased more in the probiotics + sertraline (PS) group (p = 0.003). Although the reduction of Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was also more in the PS group, it was not significantly different from that of the sertraline alone(S) group. Moreover, despite the greater reduction of State-Anxiety Inventory score in the PS group, the score of Trait-Anxiety Inventory was not statistically different between the two groups at week 8. With regard to QOL, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the change of the score of QOL domains. Conclusions: Probiotics + sertraline combination was superior to sertraline alone in decreasing anxiety symptoms after 8 weeks in patients with GAD, although it did not affect QOL.

Nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practice towards breast cancer prevention among the female population of Iran University of medical science students.

Diet plays a measurable role in breast cancer (BC) prevention. The aims of this study were to assess nutrition-related BC prevention Knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) of female university students and to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics of students and their KAP. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 500 female students from Iran University of Medical Science (IUMS). A pretested self-administered questionnaires were used to assess the participants' nutrition-related BC prevention KAP. A total of 500 students completed the survey. Students' knowledge with the mean score of 16.97, significantly varied by age (P= 0.03), the field of study (P= 0.001) and family history of BC (P= 0.01). The mean score of attitudes and practice toward nutrition-related BC prevention factors were 24.86 and 39.39, respectively. A significant relationship was observed between nutrition knowledge and attitude (r = 0.27, P < 0.001). Also, Nutrition-related attitudes were positively correlated with the BC prevention dietary practices (r = 0.23, P < 0.001). Nutrition KAP about BC prevention factors was found to be influenced by individual factors such as age, field of study, familial history of BC, job and residency status. Together, our findings confirm that increasing nutrition knowledge is not sufficient for dietary behavior change, but is necessary.

Effect of Soy Milk on Metabolic Status of Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Studies in experimental models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have reported positive effects of soy components in improving metabolic parameters. Whether such effects could be achieved through consumption of whole soy foods in patients with NAFLD is still unclear. Therefore, this trial was conducted to assess the effects of soy milk on metabolic parameters of patients with NAFLD. METHODS: This parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted on 70 patients with NAFLD. Patients in the soy milk group consumed 240 ml of soy milk daily as a part of low-calorie diet (i.e., 500-deficit calorie diet) for 8 weeks. Patients in the control group just followed the low-calorie diet. Grade of fatty liver, liver enzymes, lipid profile, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and anthropometric indices were measured at baseline and the end of the trial. RESULTS: At the end of the trial, the soy milk group had significantly higher reduction in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (-12.06 ± 17.61 IU/L in the soy milk group versus -5 ± 8.58 IU/L in the control group, p = 0.04) and hs-CRP (-1.32 ± 1.60 mg/L in the soy milk group versus -0.36 ± 1.54 mg/L in the control group, p = 0.01) compared to the control group. However, changes in fatty liver grade and other liver enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase, as well as lipid profile and anthropometric indices were not significantly different between the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Consumption of soy milk in the context of a restricted-calorie diet for 8 weeks had favorable effects on serum ALT and hs-CRP in patients with NAFLD.

Efficacy of Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) extract on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.

Melissa officinalis is a plenteous source of antioxidant flavonols and flavonoids that contain health-promoting and antidiabetic properties, so this study was undertaken to provide the first assessment of the antidiabetic properties of hydroalcoholic extract of M. officinalis in type 2 diabetic patients. We did a randomized, placebo-controlled trial which included 62 patients, receiving either M. officinalis capsules (700 mg/d; n = 31) or the placebo (n = 31) twice daily for 12 weeks. There were significant differences in serum FBS (P = 0.007), HbA1c (P = 0.002), ß-cell activity (P = 0.05), TG (P = 0.04), HDL-c (P = 0.05), hs-CRP (P = 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.04) between the two groups at the end of the study; but total cholesterol, LDL-c, insulin, and HOMA-IR showed no significant changes between the groups. In M. officinalis group, there was a significant change in HDL-c (P = 0.009) and QUICKI (P = 0.005) compared with baseline values. No adverse effects were observed. It seems that M. officinalis is safe and effective in improvement of lipid profile, glycemic control, and reduction of inflammation.

Simultaneous use of sensory stimulation and motor exercise improves the manual skills of educable children with mental retardation at preprimary and primary school levels.

Background: Children with mental retardation have various clinical problems. They mostly have motor delay and sensory deficit. Neurorehabilitation focuses on restoring remaining abilities. Thus, the present study was designed to study the effects of simultaneous use of sensory-motor therapy on manual skills of children with mental retardation. Methods: In this study, 120 educable boys and girls with mental retardation (9-12 years) were selected from 2 preprimary and primary exceptional centers in Tehran using stratified sampling method considering the geographical dispersion. The participants were divided into 2 equal trial and control groups using simple random sampling. Lincoln-Oseretsky Motor Development Scale, Purdue Pegboard test, and Handwriting Legibility Checklist of Persian Language were used. Simultaneous sensory stimulations and motor exercises were used for 3 one-hour weekly sessions for 12 consecutive weeks. Pre and posttests were done for evaluation. Using parametric paired and independent samples t tests, the findings were analyzed in SPSS 23. Results: The manual skills significantly improved following therapeutic use of simultaneous sensory stimulation and motor exercise (p=0.001). In the control group, the pre and post evaluation difference was not significant (p=0.813) Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, simultaneous use of sensory-motor techniques can have better clinical results in the trial group compared to the control group. Thus, these types of techniques should be used more in clinics. However, further studies are needed for more comparison between separate applications of these techniques.

Do symbiotic and Vitamin E supplementation have favorite effects in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Oral administration of symbiotic and Vitamin E has been proposed as an effective treatment in NAFLD patients. This study was carried out to assess the effects of symbiotic and/or Vitamin E supplementation on liver enzymes, leptin, lipid profile, and some parameters of insulin resistance (IR) in NAFLD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We randomly assigned sixty NAFLD adult patients to receive (1) symbiotic twice daily + Vitamin E-like placebo capsule; (2) 400 IU/d Vitamin E + symbiotic-like placebo; (3) symbiotic twice daily + 400 IU/d Vitamin E; and (4) symbiotic-like placebo + Vitamin E-like placebo for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Symbiotic plus Vitamin E supplementation led to a significant decrease in concentrations of liver transaminase (P ≤ 0.05). Mean difference of apolipoprotein A-1 was more significant in symbiotic group compared to control. However, mean difference of apolipoprotein B100/A-1 was only significant in symbiotic group compared to control. At the end of the study, significant differences in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were seen between the symbiotic plus Vitamin E and control groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, intake of symbiotic plus Vitamin E supplements led to a significant decrease in concentrations of triglycerides (TG) after the intervention. Significant differences in leptin, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and insulin levels were seen between the symbiotic plus Vitamin E and control groups at the end of the study (P < 0.001). In contrast, symbiotic and/or Vitamin E supplementation did not affect high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and homeostasis model assessment for IR levels. CONCLUSION: In our study, symbiotic plus Vitamin E supplementation was the most effective treatment in lowering liver enzymes, leptin, FBS, insulin, TG, TC, and LDL-C among NAFLD patients.

Effects of Pomegranate and Orange Juice on Antioxidant Status in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

AIM: The fruit of the pomegranate (Punica granatum) has a high content of polyphenols and is renowned for its antioxidant capabilities. In particular, it is recognized as reducing oxidative stress and, therefore, playing a productive role in obstructing the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of consumingpomegranate juice (high in antioxidant content) and orange juice (low in antioxidant content) when combined with a hypocaloric diet on liver enzymes and the antioxidant status of patients. METHODS: In a randomized clinical trial, 65 patients who exhibited non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) at a mean age of 39+/-8 years received 250 mL pomegranate juice or orange juice per day as a substitute for two servings of fruit in a hypocaloric diet over a period of 12 weeks. The subjects' levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured at the beginning and end of the study. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the levels of liver enzymes and body mass index (BMI) had significantly decreased in both groups. A significant increase in TAC was also observed in the subjects in the pomegranate group (p <0.01). CONCLUSION: Consumption of fruits that are high in antioxidants could represent a useful means to improve the antioxidant status of NAFLD patients who follow a hypocaloric diet.

The effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Rheum ribes on insulin-resistance and apolipoproteins in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Previous studies have shown that Rheum ribes (R. ribes) could be effective in controlling the blood glucose levels. This study was conducted to determine the effects of R. ribes supplementation on glycemic indices and apolipoproteins in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: In the present randomized double-blind controlled trial, 60 type 2 diabetic patients aged 30-60 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 20-30 kg/m2 and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 6-8% were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 450 mg of aqueous R. ribes extract (AG), 450 mg of ethanolic R. ribes extract (EG), or placebo (PG) three times daily for 6 weeks. At the baseline and at the end of the study, blood glucose levels, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the homeostatic model assessment of ß-cell dysfunction (HOMA-B), as well as apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA1) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) were measured. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the serum levels of insulin in AG and EG groups (P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively), HOMA-IR (P = 0.01 and P = 0.001, respectively), HOMA-B (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively), ApoB (P = 0.006 and P = 0.03, respectively), ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (P = 0.016 and P = 0.04, respectively). However, a significant increase in ApoA1 (P = 0.08 and P = 0.05, respectively) with no significant changes in blood glucose, at the end of study compared to beginning values, were observed. None of the variables showed a significant change in PG. At the end of the study; while there were significant differences in insulin (P = 0.04), HOMA-IR (P = 0.03), HOMA-B (P = 0.01), ApoB (P = 0.02), and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (P = 0.03) among the groups but ApoA1 had no significant change. CONCLUSION: Consumption of R. ribes intake could have beneficial effects on insulin resistance and apolipoproteins in type 2 diabetic patients. (Registered at en.irct.ir, identification number: IRCT201410142709N31).

Relationship between risk perception toward hearing conservation and using hearing protection devices among offset printing workers in Tehran province, Iran.

The way workers perceive noise exposure can play an important role in the adoption of safety behaviors. Therefore, the determination of the relationship among risk awareness, behavior, and exposure can be an extremely important issue in controlling noise exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between risk perception and practice of workers. Workers from 16 printing houses in Tehran province participated in present study. A questionnaire was used for determining the level of risk perception and practice about hearing conservation. The results revealed a significant relationship between risk perception and safety behavior adoption (P < 0.001). A positive and significant correlation was found between these two variables (P < 0.001; rs = 0.912). Also, the results showed that workers with hearing impairment had a better practice. In addition, attention should be paid to preventive principles and encouragement of hearing protection devices usage among employees.

Randomized Study of the Effects of Vitamin D and Magnesium Co-Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Function, Body Composition, and Inflammation in Vitamin D-Deficient Middle-Aged Women.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D and magnesium co-supplementation on muscle strength and function, body composition, and inflammation in vitamin D-deficient middle-aged women. In this study, 83 healthy middle-aged women (40-55 years) with vitamin D deficiency were randomly assigned into two groups: (1) intervention: receiving a 50,000-IU vitamin D soft gel (weekly) plus a 250-mg magnesium tablet (daily); (2) control: receiving a vitamin D placebo (weekly) plus a magnesium placebo (daily), for 8 weeks. Before and after the intervention, anthropometric indices, muscle strength, muscle function, and some inflammatory markers were measured. After 8 weeks of supplementation, significant difference was observed in handgrip strength and time for Time Get Up and Go (TGUG) test between the intervention and placebo groups (P < 0.05). Regarding percentage of fat mass (FM%) and fat free mass (FFM%), and knee extension strength, there was no significant difference between the two groups at the end of intervention (P > .05). Serum 25(OH)-D levels increased significantly (P < 0.001) and its change was significantly different between the two groups, at the end of the intervention (P < 0.001). Serum level of hs-CRP decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to baseline (P < 0.001), and the change in hs-CRP was significant between the two groups at the end of the intervention (P < 0.01). Furthermore, serum level of TNF-α declined significantly in the intervention group compared to baseline (P < 0.001) but, no significant differences were seen between the two groups in regard of serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 after the intervention (P > 0.05). Our findings show that vitamin D and magnesium co-supplementation, for 8 weeks, in healthy middle-aged women with vitamin D deficiency have beneficial impacts on muscle strength, muscle function, and probably inflammation.

Effects of raw red beetroot consumption on metabolic markers and cognitive function in type 2 diabetes patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of raw red beetroot consumption on metabolic markers and cognitive function in type 2 diabetes patients. METHODS: In a quasi-experimental study, 44 type 2 diabetes patients (57 ± 4.5 years) consumed raw red beetroot (100 g, daily), for 8 weeks. Metabolic markers including body weight, glucose and lipid profile parameters, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, paraoxonase-1 activity, hepatic enzymes, blood pressure and cognitive function were measured at the beginning and end of 8 weeks. RESULTS: Raw red beetroot consumption resulted in a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels (-13.53 mg/dL), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)(-0.34%), apolipoproteinB100 (ApoB100) (-8.25 mg/dl), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (-1.75 U/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (-3.7 U/L), homocysteine (-7.88 µmol/l), systolic (-0.73 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (-0.34 mmHg), anda significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (105 µmol/L) and cognitive function tests (all P values <0.05). Other variables did not change significantly after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Raw red beetroot consumption for 8 weeks in T2DM patients has beneficial impacts on cognitive function, glucose metabolism and other metabolic markers.

The Effects of Calorie Restriction and Time-Restricted Feeding on IGF1 Serum Level and Lipid Profile in Male Wister Rats with Previous Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Calorie restriction (CR) is known as a nutritional gold standard for life extension and different studies have shown that insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) reduction through CR may be involved in CR's anti-aging effects. Besides, time-restricted-feeding (TRF) is also highlighted due to more feasibility and positive health effects. We designed this study to compare the effects of CR and TRF on IGF1 and other metabolic parameters. METHODS: Fifty-two male Wistar rats (3 weeks old) were subjected to either a control (CON, n = 11) diet or high-fat diet (HFD, n = 42) for 17 weeks. In the second phase of the study, the HFD group were divided into four groups (n = 9) 1) 30% CR, 2) Night Intermittent Fasting (NIF, active phase), 3) day intermittent fasting (DIF, rest phase), and 4) Ad-Libitum (AL) with a standard diet for 10 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the end of both phases. RESULTS: HFD increased IGF1 and deteriorated lipid profiles, except for triglycerides (P: 0.018, 0.008.0.012, 0.032) but CR in these obese subjects could not lower the IGF1 level. HDL significantly decreased in DIF compared to CON and CR (P; 0.001). Meanwhile, HOMA-IR increased in DIF and was significant compared to CR (P: 0.002). Serum glucose levels decreased in CR compared to all groups except for CON (P: 0.001). CONCLUSION: Data indicates the role of previous obesity on the effect of CR on the IGF1 level and highlights the effect of inappropriate time of food intake on HDL and APOA1.

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Omentin-1 and Spexin Levels, Inflammatory Parameters, Lipid Profile, and Anthropometric Indices in Obese and Overweight Adults with Vitamin D Deficiency under Low-Calorie Diet: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Improved vitamin D levels can have a favorable effect on some metabolic variables. The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of vitamin D supplementation during a weight-loss intervention on the levels of omentin-1, spexin, lipid profiles, and inflammatory factors in obese and overweight participants. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 70 overweight and obese participants with vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D ≤ 20 nmol/L) were assigned into the intervention (a daily dose of 2,000 IU vitamin D + low-calorie diet) and placebo (placebo + low-calorie diet) groups for 8 weeks. Anthropometric parameters, serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), lipid profiles, omentin-1 and spexin levels, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) concentrations were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Vitamin D supplementation after the intervention led to a significant decrease in triglycerides (TG) (P = 0.02), very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) (P = 0.02), and hs-CRP (P = 0.03) concentrations and a significant increase in the serum vitamin D level (P < 0.001). Furthermore, after adjusting for baseline values, age, and baseline BMI, the levels of serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.01) increased significantly, and a significant reduction was observed in the concentration of sICAM-1 (P = 0.01) in the intervention group. However, we did not find any significant difference in serum omentin-1 and spexin concentrations between the groups after intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D supplementation along with a low-calorie diet (LCD) program for 8 weeks significantly decreased the inflammatory markers in obese individuals, while it did not alter serum omentin-1 and spexin concentrations.

Effects Of Saffron Supplementation On Inflammation And Metabolic Responses In Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is accompanied by elevated inflammation, oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia which all contribute to cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. Saffron as a complementary medicine and source of antioxidants could play a role in alleviating diabetes and its complications. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of saffron supplementation as an adjunct therapy in T2D. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included 80 T2D patients with a mean age of 54.1 years. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups to take either saffron tablets (100 mg/day; n=40) or placebo (n=40) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were obtained at the beginning and after the intervention period to quantify glycemic factors, lipid profile, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Anthropometric indices and dietary intakes were also measured at baseline and at study end. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, saffron supplementation resulted in significant decreases in waist circumference (p<0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in other indices, including anthropometric parameters, serum insulin, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin sensitivity indices, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, total antioxidant capacity, and tumor necrosis factor-α between the study groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Overall, 12 weeks of saffron supplementation in diabetic patients had beneficial effects on waist circumference and serum MDA levels. However, saffron did not influence other evaluated cardio metabolic risk markers in diabetic patients.

The effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) supplementation on blood pressure, and renal and liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blinded, randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Microalbuminuria and hypertension are the risk factors for diabetic nephropathy, and increased levels of liver enzymes are prevalent among diabetic patients. The aim of this research was to examine the effects of Crocus sativus supplementation on nephropathy indices, liver enzymes, and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was performed among 80 T2D patients. Subjects were randomly assigned to either Crocus sativus (n = 40) or placebo (n = 40) groups and treated with C. sativus and or placebo for 12 weeks, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum urea, creatinine, 24-hr urine albumin, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), physical activity, and dietary intakes were measured and blood samples were taken at baseline and after the 12­week intervention to assess the differences between the two groups. RESULTS: C. sativus supplementation compared with the placebo resulted in a significant reduction of SBP (P<0.005). However, changes in other indices including liver enzymes, serum creatinine, serum urea, and 24-hr urine albumin, and DBP were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). Also, no significant changes in dietary intakes and physical activity were seen between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This report shows that daily supplementation with 100 mg C. sativus powder improved SBP. However, it did not considerably improve DBP, nephropathy indices and liver functions in T2D patients after 12 weeks of administration.

Effect of soy milk consumption on glycemic status, blood pressure, fibrinogen and malondialdehyde in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Diet plays a critical role in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Studies on the NAFLD's experimental models have reported that soy had positive effects on the improvement of metabolic parameters. However, there is a lack of clinical trials regarding the efficacy of whole soy foods. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of soy milk on some of the metabolic characteristics in patients with NAFLD. METHODS: Sixty-sex patients diagnosed with NAFLD were included in this randomized, parallel, controlled trial and were randomly assigned to either the soy milk or control group. Both groups received a 500-deficit calorie diet plan. Also, patients in the soy milk group consumed 240 ml/day soy milk for 8 weeks. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-ß%, and QUICKI as well as serum malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma fibrinogen, and blood pressure (BP) were measured at the beginning and end of the study. RESULTS: After 8-weeks of intervention, soy milk group had a greater significant reduction in serum insulin(-3.44 ± 5.02 vs. -1.09 ± 3.77 µIU/ml, P = 0.04), HOMA-IR (-0.45±0.64 vs -0.14 ± 0.47, P = 0.03), systolic (-3.81±4.15 vs -1.48±2.93 mmHg, P = 0.01) and diastolic (-2.39±2.80 vs. -0.94±2.76 mmHg, P = 0.04) BP, and also, a significant increase in QUICKI (0.02± 0.032 vs. 0.008±0.018, P = 0.04) compared to the control group. While, changes in the FBS, HOMA-ß%, fibrinogen, and MDA were not significantly different between the study groups. CONCLUSION: A low-calorie diet containing soy milk had beneficial effects on serum insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and BP in patients with NAFLD.

The Effect of Rhythmic Breathing on Pain of Dressing Change in Patients with Burns Referred to Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Burn is the worst tragedy among modern societies that individuals may experience. One of the most important problems of burns is pain; particularly at the time of treatment including burn dressings, debridement, surgical incisions and physiotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of rhythmic breathing on pain of dressing change in patients with burns. METHODS: This semi-experimental clinical trial study with a control group was conducted on 60 eligible burn patients who were selected using convenient sampling method and allocated randomly in two groups of test and control (each n=30). Data collection tools included demographic data and pain observation questionnaires. The rhythmic breathing was individually and orally trained to the patients of test group in a room separated by dividers for a 20-minute session. The pain intensity in test and control groups before and after dressing was investigated for three consecutive days. RESULTS: Friedman test results showed that pain intensity in both control and test groups had statistically significant differences. The pain intensity after rhythmic breathing reduced more in the test group, and this reduction was more significant during 3 days. CONCLUSION: Rhythmic breathing is an effective method on pain reduction of dressing change in patients with burn injuries.

Effects of symbiotic and vitamin E supplementation on blood pressure, nitric oxide and inflammatory factors in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been suggested to be well correlated with altered blood pressure. This study was conducted to determine the effects of symbiotic and vitamin E supplementation on blood pressure and inflammatory indices of patients with NAFLD. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed among 60 NAFLD patients aged 25 to 64 years old. Participants were randomly divided into four groups to receive a 400 IU alpha-tocopherol and 2 × 108 CFU/g symbiotic supplement for 8 weeks. The anthropometric parameters, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. After 8 weeks of intervention, combined symbiotic and alpha-tocopherol, symbiotic and alpha-tocopherol alone administration, compared with the placebo, resulted in significant decreases in SBP (-17.07±2.1, -16.07±3.56, -1.73±2.25 and -1.55±3.01 mmHg, P=0.01), serum MDA (-1.19±0.5, -0.12±0.65, 0.14 ± 0.64 and 0.16±0.34 nmol/mL, P<0.001), serum TNFα (-15.62±13.93, -9.24±7.12, -11.44 ± 15.47 and 3.01±1.71 pg/ml, P<0.001) concentrations. A significant decrease in serum AST (-11.36±4.52, -7.43±8.58, -5.93±6.61 and 2.5±5.75 µmol/L, P <0.001), ALT (-12.79±3.65, -3.66±6.81, -6.54±7.66 and 4.16±3.43 µmol/L, P <0.001) and ALP (-26.8±11.1, -4.56±9.22, -14.48±12.22 and 5.19±2.64 µmol/L, P <0.001) was seen. Variations in DBP and serum NO concentration were not significant. Alpha-tocopherol and symbiotic supplementation among patients with NAFLD resulted in decreased SBP, serum MDA, TNFα levels and enzymes liver; however, they did not affect DBP and serum NO concentration.

Regression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver by Vitamin D Supplement: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence indicates that NAFLD patients are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D has new roles in lipid and glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of calcitriol supplementation on the NAFLD progression based on liver lipid accumulation, serum lipid profile and insulin resistance. METHODS: We randomly assigned 73 patients with NAFLD-confirmed by ultra-sonography to 12 weeks of treatment with hypocaloric diet (reduction of 500 kcal per day) plus 25 µg of calcitriol supplement or a hypocaloric diet plus placebo. Before and after treatment, we assessed anthropometric parameters, grade of fatty liver, serum lipoproteins, liver enzymes and insulin level. RESULT: Baseline variables were not significantly different between groups. A statistically significant reduction in anthropometric measures was observed over the 12 weeks in both groups. However, no significant differences were seen between groups after intervention. Compared with the placebo, reductions in triglyceride and an increase in HDL cholesterol were seen over the 12 weeks of intervention in the calcitriol group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.004). AST level was decreased in the calcitriol group (-4.2 ± 4.3 µmol/L, P < 0.001), but increased in the placebo group (12.6 ± 6.1 µmol/L, P = 0.02) after 12 weeks. Reductions in mean difference of ALT, insulin and HOMA were significantly higher in the calcitriol than placebo group (P = 0.01, P = 0.007 and 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Calcitriol supplementation combined with weight loss diet showed no significant effects on anthropometric measures in NAFLD patients. However, it may have positive effects on lipid profile, liver enzyme tests and insulin sensitivity during a weight-loss program.