Adherence to Mediterranean dietary quality index and risk of breast cancer in adult women: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the fifth most prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths in Iran. Given that the role of whole-diet on cancer risk is important, this study aimed to assess the association of MedDQI and breast cancer risk. METHODS: This hospital-based case-control study was performed on 150 women with pathologically confirmed breast cancer within the period of less than 3 months. Controls were 150 apparently healthy that were matched by age. Dietary data was collected using a validated questionnaire. To examine participants' adherence to MedDQI, the MedDQI was created according to foods and nutrients highlighted or minimized in the MedDQI construction. RESULTS: After adjusting for possible confounders, participants in the highest quartile of the MedDQI score had 55% lower odds of breast cancer than women in the bottom quartile (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.94, P trend: 0.02). Stratified analysis by menopausal status showed such association in postmenopausal women (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.8, P trend: 0.055) after controlling for age and energy intake. CONCLUSION: The results showed an inverse association between adherence to the MedDQI and risk of breast cancer among Iranian women. More prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.

Effects of chromium supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers.

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of chromium supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), catalase (CAT), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and protein carbonyl. Methods: Relevant studies, published from inception until July 2019, were searched through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. All randomized clinical trials investigating the effect of chromium supplementation on oxidative stress were included. Results: Out of 252 citations, 10 trials that enrolled 595 subjects were included. Chromium supplementation resulted in a significant increase in GSH (WMD: 64.79 mg/dl, 95% CI: 22.43 to 107.15; P=0.003) but no significant change in MDA, TAS, TBARS levels, SOD, CAT levels and GPX. Chromium picolinate supplementation resulted in a significant increase in TAC while failing to have a significant effect on NO. Moreover, both chromium picolinate and chromium dinicocysteinate supplementation reduced protein carbonyl levels. Conclusion: Overall, this meta-analysis demonstrated that chromium supplementation increased GSH without any significant changes in the mean of GPX, MDA, TAS, TBARS, CAT and SOD.

Food Quality Score and Risk of Breast Cancer among Iranian Women: Findings from a Case Control Study.

The quality of foods we consume may be an important risk factor for breast cancer (BrCa); however, relations between quality of food metrics and BrCa risk have not been systematically investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between food quality score (FQS) by assessing the intake of healthy and unhealthy food and the odds of (BrCa) among Iranian women. This hospital-based case-control study was carried out on 150 women with pathologically confirmed breast cancer within the past three months and 150 healthy controls that were age-match from the Cancer Research Center, Imam Khomeini hospital, Iran. Participants were interviewed to obtain data relating to diet (using a 147-item validated FFQ) and BrCa risk factors. We found a significant association between adherence to the FQS and odds of breast cancer in the fully adjusted model (OR: 0.58; P = 0.04) and in premenopausal women in the fully adjusted model (OR: 0.45; P = 0.02); however, we did not observe any association between postmenopausal women in the adjusted model (OR: 0.76; P = 0.5). We also failed to observe any association between healthy (p = 0.3) and unhealthy subgroups (p = 0.3) of FQS. Our findings suggest that adherence to FQS may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in crude and adjusted models in overall and premenopausal women. However, we did not see any association between FQS and BrCa risk in postmenopausal women. Prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2021.1957136 .

Dietary Carbohydrate Quality and Quantity and Risk of Breast Cancer among Iranian Women.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between quality and quantity of carbohydrate by assessing low carbohydrates diet score (LCDS), carbohydrate quality score (CQI), glycemic index (GI), dietary glycemic load (GL), and dietary carbohydrate intake, and risk of breast cancer (BrCa) among Iranian women. METHODS: This hospital-based case-control study was carried out in the Cancer Research Center of Imam Khomeini hospital, Iran. We included One hundred and fifty newly diagnosed BrCa cases and one hundred and fifty healthy controls in this study. Socio-demographic and dietary data and anthropometric measures were recorded. RESULTS: We found that a higher CQI than a lower score was associated with a decrease in odds of BrCa (P = 0.04). After adjusting for potential confounders, we observed that CQI was not associated with BrCa development (P = 0.05). An increase in odds of BrCa among women in the highest tertiles of GL (P = 0.12), GI (P = 0.48), and dietary carbohydrate intake (P = 0.06) was seen, which was not statistically significant. There was also a non-significant lower chance of having BrCa with adherence to the LCDS (P = 0.09). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that CQI was not related to BrCa risk among Iranian women. This relation deserves to be investigated in prospective studies.

Association between dietary glycemic index and glycemic load and glioma: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Although glycemic index (GI) and load (GL) have been linked with several health outcomes, no information is available linking dietary GI and GL with glioma. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary GI and GL and odds of glioma. METHODS: This hospital-based case-control study was conducted between November 2009 and September 2011 in the hospital affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. We recruited 128 newly diagnosed cases of glioma and 256 age- and sex-matched controls. All cases were pathologically diagnosed with glioma patients, with no history of any type of other pathologically confirmed cancers and chemotherapy or radiotherapy (due to cancers). Dietary GI and GL were measured by using a validated, self-administered, dish-based, semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. RESULT: A significant positive association was found between dietary GI and glioma (OR: 3.01; 95% CI: 1.75-5.17, P < 0.001); such that after considering for potential confounders, participants in the highest tertile of dietary GI had 3.51 times greater risk of glioma than those in the lowest tertile (OR: 3.51; 95% CI: 1.69-7.28, Ptrend = 0.001). Furthermore, we observed a significant positive association between dietary and glioma (OR: 3.74; 95% CI: 1.97-6.11, Ptrend < 0.001). This association remained significant even after further controlling for potential confounders (OR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.02-5.69, Ptrend = 0.04). DISCUSSION: We observed a significant positive association between dietary GI and GL and risk of glioma in adults. However, prospective cohort studies are required to confirm this association.

The association between adherence to MIND diet and risk of breast cancer: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Recently, a new eating pattern called "Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND)" has been coined. This study was aimed to examine the association between adherence to the MIND diet and risk of breast cancer (BC) among Iranian women. METHODS: In this hospital-based case-control study, 150 newly diagnosed BC cases and 150 age-matched controls were included. All cases were pathologically confirmed BC patients, with no history of any type of other pathologically confirmed cancers. Controls were selected from visitors, relatives and friends of non-cancer patients in other wards, which had no family relationship with cases. Dietary intakes of study participants were assessed using a validated 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The MIND diet score was computed based on participants' dietary intakes obtained from FFQ, Regression logistic models were used to examine the association between the MIND diet score and BC. RESULTS: Examining the whole study population, we found no significant association between the MIND diet score and odds of BC, either before (ORs for comparing T3 vs. T1: 0.818; 95% CI: 0.469-1.42, P-trend = .48) or after controlling for potential confounders (ORs for T3 vs. T1: 1.32; 95% CI: 0.31-5.64, P-trend = .633). This was also the case for pre-menopausal and post-menopausal when analyzed separately. We also failed to find any significant association between the MIND diet score and odds of BC after controlling for potential confounders in both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we found that adherence to the MIND diet was not associated with odds of BC in this case-control study. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.

The association of dietary energy density and the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVES: There is a growing body of evidence linking dietary energy density (DED) with metabolic disorders like obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, according to our knowledge, there has been no systematic review and mate-analysis on T2D and MetS with DED. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between DED with the risk of obesity, T2D and MetS in a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. METHODS: We searched all published studies according to the defined keywords up to march 2020 in the PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases. We excluded those that did not calculate DED for total intake, no observed association between obesity, T2D, MetS as the primary or one of the outcomes with DED, no reported odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR) or hazard ratio (HR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), studies in children under 2 years old, patients with cancer and pregnant women. RESULTS: From 2282, after deleting the duplicates and irrelevant studies, we entered 58 articles ( 47 systematic reviews and 11 meta-analyse). We indicated an increased risk of T2D in relation to DED (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.18-1.33, P < .001). But studies reviewed were inconsistent. All studies which examined the relationship between DED and MetS showed a positive relationship with an increased significant risk (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.22-2.07, P < .001). Most articles reported a direct association between DED and obesity but the relationship between DED and risk of obesity was not significant (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.92-1.17, P = .543). CONCLUSION: In this systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, we found that the DED increased the risk of T2D and MetS but was not significant with the risk of obesity.

The effects of capsinoids and fermented red pepper paste supplementation on Glycaemic Control: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The present systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the effects of capsinoids supplementation on glycaemic control. METHODS: Relevant studies, published up to May 2020, were searched through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar. All randomised clinical trials investigating the effect of capsinoids supplementation on glycaemic control were included. RESULTS: Of 326 citations, eight trials with nine effect sizes that enrolled 530 subjects were included. Capsinoids and red pepper resulted in no significant reduction in glucose (Weighted mean differences (WMD): -0.27 mg/dL; 95% CI: -1.9 to 1.37, P = .75), insulin (WMD: -0.09 µU/mL; 95% CI: -1.76 to 1.57, P = .913), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD: 0.52; 95% CI: -0.29 to 1.32, P = .208) and haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) (WMD: 0.01%; 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.05, P = .712). Greater effects on glucose were detected in trials performed on both gender, using red pepper, lasted ≥12 weeks, and participants aged >40 years old and recruited greater sample size >50. Insulin and HOMA-IR were reduced by using red pepper. CONCLUSION: Overall, these data suggest that capsinoids and red pepper supplementation did not have beneficial effects on glucose, insulin, HbA1C and HOMA-IR but significantly reduce glucose in people older than 40 years.

Higher dietary insulin load and index are not associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome and obesity in Iranian adults.

BACKGROUND: Data about the relation between dietary insulin load (DIL) and dietary insulin index (DII) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity are scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the association of the insulinemic potential of the diet with MetS and obesity amongst Iranian adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 850 adults aged 20-59 years. Dietary data were collected using a 168-item food frequency questionnaire. DIL was calculated using a standard formula and DII was obtained by dividing DIL by the total energy intake of each participant. The guidelines of the International Diabetes Federation were used to define MetS. General obesity was considered as body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 , and abdominal obesity as waist circumference ≥ 94 cm for men and ≥ 80 cm for women. RESULTS: Mean DIL and DII values were 101 684 ± 54 802 and 49.4 ± 33.4, respectively. The mean age of participants was 44.9 ± 10.7 years and 36.8%, 28.5% and 48.8% of participants were suffering from MetS, general and abdominal obesity, respectively. In contrast with DIL (P = .73), participants in the last quartile of DII (P = .62) had lower odds of MetS than the first quartile. There were non-significant inverse associations between DIL (P = .91, P = .85) and DII (P = .59, P = .53) with odds of general and abdominal obesity before and after the adjustment of confounders, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe any significant association of DIL and DII with the risk of MetS and obesity amongst the Iranian population. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study.

The association between plant-based diet indices and metabolic syndrome in Iranian older adults.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the association between plant-based diets indices - an overall plant-based diet index; a healthful plant-based diet index; and an unhealthful plant-based diet index - and metabolic syndrome among Iranian older adults. AIM: We aimed to examine the relationship between plant-based diet indices and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 178 older adults (51 men and 127 women), with a mean age of 67.04 (60-83) who were referred to health centers in Tehran, Iran. Blood and urine samples were collected to measure serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. We created an overall plant-based diet index, healthful plant-based diet index, and unhealthful plant-based diet index from semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire data. Anthropometric measures were done. RESULTS: Our crude model results showed that triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and waist circumference did not significantly differ between tertiles of plant-based diet index and healthful plant-based diet index; also triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and waist circumference did not significantly differ between tertiles of unhealthful plant-based diet index, but high-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly differed between tertiles of unhealthful plant-based diet index. After adjusting for confounders the results remained non-significant for plant-based diet index but high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significant for healthful and unhealthful plant-based diet indices. There was also no significant association between plant-based diet index (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.53-2.33), healthful plant-based diet index (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.39-1.68), and unhealthful plant-based diet index (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.38-1.72) with metabolic syndrome, even after adjustment for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that plant-based diets are not significantly associated with risk of metabolic syndrome in older adults. To confirm the veracity of these findings, more studies should be conducted.

The effects of ursolic acid on cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: Ursolic acid (UA) has an important biological role in the fight against fat accumulation, insulin resistance, obesity and inflammation. Therefore, in the current review and meta-analysis work, we investigate the effects of UA (dosage range is 50.94 to 450 mg/day) on cardiometabolic risk factors. Materials & methods: After searching the studies up to February 2023, six articles were included in the study. Results: The pooled effect size showed that UA supplementation didn't significantly change body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, lean body mass, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein compared with control groups. Conclusion: UA supplementation had no significant effect on the cardiometabolic risk factors in adults.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant reason for morbidity and mortality. Ursolic acid (UA) has been shown to play important biological roles in the fight against fat accumulation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance via insulin-like growth factor 1, cancer, muscle atrophy, obesity and inflammation responsible for CVD. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted up to February 2023; six articles were included in the study and eleven cardiometabolic risk factors were identified. The pooled effect size showed that UA supplementation (dosage range is 50.94 to 450 mg/day) didn't significantly change body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, lean body mass, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein compared with control groups.

The Effects of Blackcurrant and Raspberry Consumption on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were designed to summarize studies conducted on the effects of raspberry and blackcurrant consumption on blood pressure (BP). Eligible studies were detected by searching numerous five online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, until December 17, 2022. We pooled the mean difference and its 95% confidence interval (CI) by applying a random-effects model. Overall, the impact of raspberry and blackcurrant on BP was reported in ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (420 subjects). Pooled analysis of six clinical trials revealed that raspberry consumption has no significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (weighted mean differences [WMDs], -1.42; 95% CI, -3.27 to 0.87; p = 0.224) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD, -0.53; 95% CI, -1.77 to 0.71; p = 0.401), in comparison with placebo. Moreover, pooled analysis of four clinical trials indicated that blackcurrant consumption did not reduce SBP (WMD, -1.46; 95% CI, -6.62 to 3.7; p = 0.579), and DBP (WMD, -2.09; 95% CI, -4.38 to 0.20; p = 0.07). Raspberry and blackcurrant consumption elicited no significant reductions in BP. More accurate RCTs are required to clarify the impact of raspberry and blackcurrant intake on BP.

Effect of Tart Cherry Juice Consumption on Body Composition and Anthropometric Measures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The present systematic review and meta-analysis were accomplished to understand the effects of tart cherry juice consumption on body composition and anthropometric measures. Five databases were searched using relevant keywords from inception to January 2022. All clinical trials investigating the effect of tart cherry juice consumption on body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and percentage body fat (PBF) were included. Out of 441 citations, 6 trials that enrolled 126 subjects were included. Tart cherry juice consumption significantly did not reduce BW (weighted mean difference [WMD], -0.4 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.25 to 2.46; p = 0.789; GRADE = low), BMI (WMD, -0.07 kg/m2; 95% CI, -0.89 to 0.74; p = 0.857; GRADE = low), FM (WMD, 0.21 kg; 95% CI, -1.83 to 2.25; p = 0.837; GRADE = low), FFM (WMD, -0.12 kg; 95% CI, -2.47 to 2.27; p = 0.919; GRADE = low), WC (WMD, 1.69 cm; 95% CI, -1.88 to 5.27; p = 0.353; GRADE = low), and PBF (WMD, 0.18%; 95% CI, -1.81 to -2.17; p = 0.858; GRADE = low). Overall, these data suggest that tart cherry juice consumption has no significant effect on BW, BMI, FM, FFM, WC, and PBF.

The Effects of Fenugreek Seed Consumption on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are growing health issues worldwide. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common among CVDs in all populations. Fenugreek has recently been the center of multiple investigations. AIM: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed at gathering and summing up the existing literature regarding the impact of fenugreek seed on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). METHODS: All major databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane library, EMBASE, and Web of Science) were searched from inception up to 28 June 2022. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the inclusion criteria were included and the required data was extracted. The pooled effects were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs). I-squared test was used to detect between-study heterogeneities. Subgroup analyses were conducted to find sources of heterogeneities. P-values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Six RCTs including a total of 373 participants were included in the final meta-analysis. Fenugreek seed supplementation significantly reduced SBP (WMD: 3.46 mmHg, 95% CI - 6.33, - 0.59, P=0.018), but not DBP (WMD: 3.19 mmHg; 95% CI, - 5.82 to 12.21, P=0.488). Subgroup analyses showed that fenugreek seed administered in dosages ≥ 15 g/day and durations ≤ 12 weeks significantly reduced SBP and DBP. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with fenugreek seed, especially in dosages ≥ 15 g/day and durations ≤ 12 weeks, might play a role in reducing SBP, but not DBP. However, further investigations are warranted to ensure the clinical relevance of these findings.

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

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common global issue linked to the quality of one's eating occasions. The current cross-sectional study evaluates the association between a novel index, the Main Meal Quality Index (MMQI), and MetS among Iranian adults. METHODS: A total of 824 men and women were recruited, and a 24-hour dietary recall assessed the dietary intake of the participants. Lunch was selected as the main meal based on energy density. The MMQI score was calculated based on ten components of dietary intake, with a higher score indicating more adherence to the index, with the final scores ranging from 0 to 100 points. The associations were assessed using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean age was 42.2 years and the range of the calculated MMQI was 22 to 86 (mean in total participants: 56.62, mean in women: 56.82, mean in men: 55.64). The total prevalence of MetS in the sample was 34%. After adjustments for potential confounders, the participants at the top quartile of MMQI had a lower odds ratio for hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level, and a higher odds ratio for hypertension, hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, and MetS. The sex-specific analysis also did not show any significant associations between adherence to MMQI and MetS and its components. CONCLUSION: Overall, MMQI is not associated with MetS and its components in a sample of Iranian men and women. More research is needed to examine MMQI and its possible association with current health-related problems including MetS.

Orange juice intake and lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Dyslipidaemia is a metabolic anomaly which has been related to numerous morbidities. Orange juice (OJ) is a popular flavonoid-rich drink consumed worldwide. Due to the existing controversies regarding its impact on blood lipids, we decided to investigate the impact of OJ supplementation on lipid profile parameters. Major scientific databases (Cochrane library, Scopus, PubMed and Embase) were searched. Pooled effects sizes were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Out of 6334 articles retrieved by the initial search, 9 articles met our inclusion criteria. Overall, supplementation with OJ did not exert any significant effects on blood levels of TG (WMD -1·53 mg/dl, 95 % CI -6·39, 3·32, P = 0·536), TC (WMD -5·91 mg/dl, 95 % CI -13·26, 1·43, P = 0·114) or HDL-C (WMD 0·61 mg/ dl, 95 % CI -0·61, 1·82, P = 0·333). OJ consumption did reduce LDL-C levels significantly (WMD -8·35 mg/dl, 95 % CI -15·43, -1·26, P = 0·021). Overall, we showed that the consumption of OJ may not be beneficial in improving serum levels of TG, TC or HDL-C. Contrarily, we showed that daily intake of OJ, especially more than 500 ml/d, might be effective in reducing LDL-C levels. In the light of the existing inconsistencies, we propose that further high-quality interventions be conducted in order to make a solid conclusion.

The effects of purslane consumption on blood pressure, body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled.

The effects of purslane consumption on anthropometric measurements and blood pressure have been studied in numerous experiments. However, the research findings conflict with one another. In order to assess the impact of purslane on weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), this meta-analysis was carried out. Up until February 2023, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the reference lists of the identified pertinent randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were all searched. The random-effects model was used to calculate the effect size and then to describe it as a weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) (CRD42023427955). The systematic review was able to incorporate seven RCTs. Meta-analysis showed that purslane significantly decreased body weight (WMD): -0⋅73 kg, 95 % confidence interval (CI): -1⋅37, -0⋅09, P=0⋅025), BMI (WMD: -0⋅35 kg/m2, 95 % CI: -0⋅64, -0⋅07, P=0⋅016), and SBP (WMD: -3⋅64 mmHg, 95 % CI: -6⋅42, -0⋅87, P = 0⋅01), and for WC, there was no discernible effect (WMD: -0⋅86 cm; 95 % CI, -1⋅80 to 0⋅07; P = 0⋅06) and DBP (WMD: -0⋅36 mmHg; 95 % CI, -1⋅75 to 1⋅03; P = 0⋅61). Purslane consumption, especially in participants with a BMI of <30, might play a role in decreasing SBP, body weight, BMI, and WC. Purslane consumption significantly reduced body weight, BMI, and SBP; however, WC and DBP did not experience a reduction. More investigation is needed to verify the impact of purslane consumption on anthropometric parameters and blood pressure.

Positive Association Between Nutrient Adequacy and Waist Circumference: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disease with its exact causes not completely clear. Micronutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium have been associated with MetS components. Our objective was to investigate the association of nutrient adequacy (NA) with MetS components. The present cross-sectional study consisted of 850 adults between 18-59 years from Tehran, Iran. Dietary intake, socio-demographic data, medical history, and anthropometric indices were collected by trained personnel. NA was calculated as the mean intake ratio to the recommended amount of 16 micronutrients. MetS were defined by the consensus of National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The association between NA and MetS was examined using linear regression analyses after controlling potential confounders. More participants in the highest quartile were obese in terms of general obesity (p = 0004) and abdominal obesity (p = 0.003) compared with subjects in the least quartile. A significant positive correlation was found between waist circumference (WC) and NA even after controlling for all potential confounders (p < 0.001). NA was positively associated with WC among adults living in Tehran.

Effects berberine-silymarin on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite controversies, no study has systematically summarized findings from earlier studies on the effect of berberine (BBR)-silymarin on liver enzymes. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of berberis aristate and Silybum marianum on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in adults. METHODS: Relevant studies, published up to June 2021, were searched through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE and Google Scholar. The mean differences and standard deviations were pooled using a random-effects model. The studies' quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. RESULTS: Out of 80 citations, 5 trials that enrolled 549 participants were included. Berberis aristate and Silybum marianum resulted in no statistically significant change in ALT (weighted mean differences (WMD): -0.39 mg/dl; 95% CI: -1.67 to 0.89, P = 0.55), and AST (WMD: -0.44 mg/dl; 95% CI: -2.02 to 1.14, P = 0.58). CONCLUSION: We did not find any significant reduction in liver enzymes following BBR-silymarin consumption in adults. Further clinical trials with high quality according to the challenges mentioned seem to be helpful to use BBR-silymarin as a supplement for improving liver function.

The Effects of Capsinoids and Fermented Red Pepper Paste Supplementation on Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The present systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in order to investigate the effects of capsinoids and fermented red pepper paste (FRPP) supplementation on lipid profile. Relevant studies were identified by searches of five databases from inception to November 2021 using relevant keywords. All clinical trials investigating the effect of capsinoids and FRPP on total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were included. Out of 1,203 citations, eight trials that enrolled 393 participants were included. Capsinoids and FRPP resulted in a significant reduction in TC (weighted mean differences [WMD], -9.92 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval [CI], -17.92 to -1.92; p = 0.015) but no significant changes in TG (WMD, -19.38 mg/dL; 95% CI, -39.94 to 1.18; p = 0.065), HDL-C (WMD, 0.83 mg/dL; 95% CI, -0.76 to 2.42; p = 0.305) and LDL-C (WMD, -0.59 mg/dL; 95% CI, -4.96 to 3.79; p = 0.793). Greater effects on TC were detected in trials performed on duration lasting less than twelve weeks, mean age of > 40, both sexes, and sample size of > 50. TG was reduced by using FRPP in studies conducted on mean age of > 40. HDL-C increased by using FRPP in studies conducted on duration of < 12 weeks, mean age of > 40, and sample size of ≤ 50. Overall, these data provided evidence that capsinoids and FRPP supplementation has beneficial effects on TC but not TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C.