The effect of data balancing approaches on the prediction of metabolic syndrome using non-invasive parameters based on random forest.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities (including obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia), which can be used to identify at-risk populations for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The achievement of a simple approach for diagnosing MetS without needing biochemical tests is so valuable. The present study aimed to predict MetS using non-invasive features based on a successful random forest learning algorithm. Also, to deal with the problem of data imbalance that naturally exists in this type of data, the effect of two different data balancing approaches, including the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) and Random Splitting data balancing (SplitBal), on model performance is investigated. RESULTS: The most important determinant for MetS prediction was waist circumference. Applying a random forest learning algorithm to imbalanced data, the trained models reach 86.9% and 79.4% accuracies and 37.1% and 38.2% sensitivities in men and women, respectively. However, by applying the SplitBal data balancing technique, the best results were obtained, and despite that the accuracy of the trained models decreased by 7.8% and 11.3%, but their sensitivity improved significantly to 82.3% and 73.7% in men and women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The random forest learning method, along with data balancing techniques, especially SplitBal, could create MetS prediction models with promising results that can be applied as a useful prognostic tool in health screening programs.

Metabolic syndrome prediction using non-invasive and dietary parameters based on a support vector machine.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a widely used index for finding people at risk for chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Early detection of MetS is especially important in prevention programs. Relying on previous studies that suggest machine learning methods as a valuable approach for diagnosing MetS, this study aimed to develop MetS prediction models based on support vector machine (SVM) algorithms, applying non-invasive and low-cost (NI&LC), and also dietary parameters. METHODS AND RESULTS: This population-based research was conducted on a large dataset of 4596 participants within the framework of the Shahedieh cohort study. An Extremely Randomized Trees Classifier was used to select the most effective features among NI&LC and dietary data. The prediction models were developed based on SVM algorithms, and their performance was assessed by accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction value, negative prediction value, f1-score, and receiver operating characteristic curve. MetS was diagnosed in 14% of men and 22% of women. Among NI&LC features, waist circumference, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, waist-to-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were the most predictive variables. By using NI&LC features, models with 78.4% and 63.5% accuracy and 81.2% and 75.3% sensitivity were yielded for men and women, respectively. By incorporating NI&LC and dietary features, the accuracy of the model in women improved by 3.7%. CONCLUSIONS: SVM algorithms had promising potential for early detection of MetS relying on NI&LC parameters. These models can be used in prevention programs, clinical practice, and personal applications.

The cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) rs1761667 polymorphism interacts with dietary patterns to affect cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome risk in apparently healthy individuals.

Several studies have examined the association between CD36 rs1761667 polymorphism with cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to investigate the interactions between rs1761667 polymorphism and dietary patterns on the cardiometabolic risk factors and the risk of MetS in apparently healthy individuals aged 20-70 years. Food consumption data were acquired using a validated semi-quantitative FFQ. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. CD36 rs1761667 was genotyped by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The gene-diet interaction was detected by the general linear model or logistic regression. Significant or marginally significant interactions were observed between healthy dietary pattern (HDP) and CD36 rs1761667 on weight (P = 0·006), BMI (P = 0·009), waist circumference (P = 0·005), hip circumference (P = 0·06), body muscle percentage (P = 0·02), body fat percentage (P = 0·09), TAG-glucose index (P = 0·057), atherogenic index of plasma (P = 0·07), the risk of MetS (P = 0·02), risk of abdominal obesity (P = 0·02) and elevated blood pressure (P = 0·07). Besides, a gene-diet interaction was detected between the traditional dietary pattern and rs1761667 variants on odds of hypertriglyceridaemia (P = 0·02). The adherence to HDP was associated with a lower weight, BMI and higher odds of HDL-cholesterol only in A-allele carriers. In conclusion, adherence to HDP (a diet with high fibre, fish and dairy products) can be more effective on some cardiometabolic risk factors and risk of MetS components in the A-allele carrier than the GG genotype of rs1761667 polymorphism. However, future studies are required to shed light on this issue.

Empirically derived dietary patterns and postpartum depression symptoms in a large sample of Iranian women.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a major depressive disorder that mainly begins within one month after delivery. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between dietary patterns and the occurrence of high PPD symptoms in women participating in the initial phase of the Maternal and Child Health cohort study, Yazd, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the years 2017-2019 included 1028 women after childbirth The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were study tools. The EPDS questionnaire was used to measure postpartum depression symptoms and a cut-off score of 13 was considered to indicate high PPD symptoms. The baseline data related to dietary intake was collected at the beginning of the study at the first visit after pregnancy diagnosis and the data related to depression, were collected in the second month after delivery. Dietary patterns were extracted by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Frequency (percentage) and mean (SD) were used for description. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent sample t-test, and multiple logistic regression (MLR) were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of high PPD symptoms was 24%. Four posterior patterns were extracted including prudent pattern, sweet and dessert pattern, junk food pattern and western pattern. A high adherence to the western pattern was associated with a higher risk of high PPD symptoms than a low adherence (ORT3/T1: 2.67; p < 0.001). A high adherence to the Prudent pattern was associated with a lower risk of high PPD symptoms than a low adherence (ORT3/T1: 0.55; p = 0.001). There are not any significant association between sweet and dessert and junk food patterns and high PPD symptoms risk (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: High adherence to prudent patterns was characterized by high intake of vegetables, fruit and juice, nuts and beans, low-fat dairy products, liquid oil, olive, eggs, fish, whole grains had a protective effect against high PPD symptoms, but the effect of western pattern was characterized by high intake of red and processed meats and organs was reverse. Therefore, it is suggested that health care providers have a particular emphasis on the healthy food patterns such as the prudent pattern.

Effect of Mediterranean diet on liver enzymes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Elevated levels of liver enzymes are the main markers of liver dysfunction. Liver enzymes are the important indicators of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the general population. Previous randomised clinical trials (RCT) investigated the effects of Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) as a plant-based diet on features of NAFLD like liver enzymes, but their results are contradictory. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyse RCT investigating the effect of MedDiet on liver enzymes. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched until December 2020. A total of ten RCT (n 705 participants) evaluating the effect of MedDiet on liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were included. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect size. To evaluate the heterogeneity among the included studies, the Cochran's Q-test and I-squared test were used. The MedDiet significantly reduced AST (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -0·38 IU/l; 95 % CI - 0·73, -0·03 IU/l; P = 0·03) and GGT (WMD = -0·16 IU/l; 95 % CI - 0·32, -0·006 IU/l; P = 0·04) but had no significant effect on ALT (WMD = -0·55 IU/l; 95 % CI - 1·25, 0·13 IU/l; P = 0·11). However, sensitivity analysis revealed that the overall effects of MedDiet on AST, GGT and ALT were significantly influenced by removing some studies. There was no publication bias based on Begg's and Egger's tests. Generally, MedDiet can improve liver enzymes. To better conclusion, further RCT investigating the effect of MedDiet on liver enzymes, especially in patients with NAFLD, are still required.

Effect of resveratrol supplementation on hepatic steatosis and cardiovascular indices in overweight subjects with type 2 diabetes: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are prone to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We aimed to investigate whether the resveratrol supplementation improves novel hepatic and cardiovascular indices in these patients. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, randomized controlled trial for 8 weeks. Seventy-six patients with T2DM were randomly assigned to receive 1000 mg/day resveratrol or placebo. Levels of lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), Castelli risk index I (CRI-I), CRI-II and atherogenic coefficient (AC) were measured at the beginning and after intervention. RESULTS: A total of 71 participants completed the trial. After adjusting for confounding factors including medications, diabetes duration, energy intake and physical activity, no significant difference was found between the intervention group and the control group in LAP (mean change: - 2.46 ± 23.3 vs. 1.43 ± 14.3; P = 0.43), VAI (mean change: - 0.25 ± 1.1 vs. - 0.02 ± 0.6; P = 0.47), CRI-I (mean change: - 0.25 ± 0.9 vs. - 0.09 ± 0.5; P = 0.79), CRI-II (mean change: - 0.23 ± 0.7 vs. - 0.06 ± 0.6; P = 0.38) and AC (mean change: - 0.25 ± 0.9 vs. - 0.09 ± 0.5; P = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: Resveratrol supplementation had no effect on hepatic steatosis and cardiovascular indices. Further clinical trials, especially among subjects with dyslipidemia are needed to reach a firm conclusion. In addition, taking all medications should be controlled in future studies. Trial registration The protocol was registered on 29/12/2017 at the Iranian clinical trials website (IRCT20171118037528N1) with URL: https://en.irct.ir/trial/27734 .

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials related to the effects of garlic supplementation on platelet aggregation.

The increment of platelet aggregation factors has been considered a key phenomenon in atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that garlic (Allium sativum) is associated with a reduction in platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Hence, the present systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effect of garlic on platelet aggregation. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with keywords related to garlic and platelet aggregation were thoroughly searched in electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to January 2021. Moreover, the references of all related articles were screened to discover more relevant studies. The quality of each study was reported based on Cochrane Collaboration's tool. In total, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria from 18,235 identified articles (including 595 participants). Most of the studies assessed platelet aggregation in response to different inducers. Of the 12 clinical trials, six studies depicted the beneficial effect of garlic on reducing platelet aggregation. The summary of the quality assessment indicated that most of the studies had high-quality scores. Regarding the small number of RCTs and heterogeneity between studies, it is impossible to make a proper conclusion about the impacts of garlic on platelet aggregation. Therefore, further precise trials with a standard design are necessary to validate the anti-thrombotic effect of garlic.

The association between nutrient patterns and metabolic syndrome among Iranian adults: cross-sectional analysis of Shahedieh cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between patterns of nutrient intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a large sample of Iranian adults. DESIGN: Baseline data from the Shahedieh cohort study were used in the current cross-sectional study. Dietary intakes were assessed through the use of a validated semi-quantitative FFQ. Nutrient patterns (NP) were derived using factor analysis. The MetS was defined according to criteria introduced from the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, modified for Iranian adults. SETTING: Yazd, Iran. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 7325 Iranian adults aged between 30 and 75 years. RESULTS: Three NP were identified. A significant positive association was found between adherence to semi-plant NP (characterised by the high intakes of P; vitamins B1, B3, B6 and B5; Se; Mg; Fe; protein; Cr; Cu; fibre; biotin; Mn; Zn and Na) and odds of MetS (OR 1·68, 95 % CI 1·43, 1·98). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, this association became non-significant. In addition, after taking potential confounders into account, individuals in the highest quintile of the semi-animal NP, rich in Ca; K; vitamins B2, B12, A, D, K and C; SFA; dietary cholesterol and trans-fatty acid, were 26 % more likely to have MetS compared with those in the lowest quintile (OR 1·26, 95 % CI 1·05, 1·51). No significant association was seen between adherence to the high-carbohydrate/low-fat NP and odds of MetS. CONCLUSIONS: We found that adherence to a semi-animal NP was associated with increased odds of MetS.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviors (screen time and homework) among overweight or obese adolescents: a cross-sectional observational study in Yazd, Iran.

BACKGROUND: The growing number of adolescents who are overweight or obese (OW / OB) is a public concern. The present study was aimed to evaluate physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) (screen time (ST) and homework time (HT)) among Yazd OW/OB adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed among 510 students aged 12-16 in Yazd, Iran. The general information, PA, and SB (ST and HT) were collected by interview based on the WHO standard questionnaire. Anthropometric data were assessed by precise instruments. Daily energy intake (Energy) was obtained from a 7-day food record. Nutritionist 4 software (version I) was run to estimate the energy. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of SB > 2h/day (97.6), ST > 2h/day (70.3%), overweight or obesity (40%), abdominal obesity (36.9%), physical inactivity (29.8%) among the students. The younger age (p = 0.014), energy (p < 0.001), no access to the yard (p < 0.001), family size ≤ 2 (p = 0.023), passive transportation, (p = 0.001), the highest school days' HT (p = 0.033) and SB (p = 0.021), and the highest weekends' HT among the students were the risk factors for OW/OB. The highest PA level was associated with a lower risk of OW/OB (p < 0.001). The findings were not the same in both sexes. Compared to the normal weight students, OW / OB spent more time on school days and weekdays for ST (P <0.001), HT (P <0.001, P = 0.005) and SB (P <0.001), respectively. OW/OB students showed a higher weekends' ST (p < 0.001) and lower HT (p = 0.048) than normal-weight students. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SB, ST, OW/OB, and physical inactivity were common. The school days and weekends' HT, the school days' SB and HT, age, energy, PA, and access to the yard, family size, and passive transportation were related to the greater chances of OW/OB students. Given that the expansion of online education and self-isolation in a new situation with COVID-19, it seems we will meet the worrying results.

The effect of L-Carnitine supplementation on clinical symptoms, C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde in obese women with knee osteoarthritis: a double blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUNDS: L-carnitine decreases oxidation and inflammation by reducing the fatty acid in plasma and using oxygen in ATP synthesis. As such, knee osteoarthritis (KOA) can be improved by reducing apoptotic chondrocytes. This study was designed to compare the effect of L-carnitine supplementation and low-calorie diet on improving KOA among obese women. We further investigated the effect of L- carnitine on improvement of KOA in obese women on low calorie diet. METHODS: To conduct the study, 76 obese women with KOA were randomly assigned into two low-calorie diet groups: the first received 1000 mg of LCG and the second took the placebo (PLG) (n = 38). Anthropometry indices, body composition, lipid profile, C-reactive Protein (CRP), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) were assessed at the baseline condition and after 12 weeks. RESULTS: The mean change of body mass index (BMI) (- 1.21 ± 0.84 vs. -0.79 ± 0.70; P = 0.02) and weight (- 2.76 ± 1.69 vs. -1.95 ± 1.73; P = 0.05) were significant in the LCG compared with the PLG. Likewise, LCG compared to the PLG showed insignificant improvement in waist circumference (WC) (- 5.65 ± 5.85 vs. -3.64 ± 3.37; P = 0.08). Total cholesterol (P = 0.02), MDA (P = 0.03), fat mass (P = 0.03) and visceral fat (P = 0.001) only showed decreased levels in LCG in comparison to the baseline condition. There was no significant difference between LCG and PLG, in the mean changes of hip circumference, visceral fat, free fat mass, fat mass, lipid profiles, CRP, MDA as well as stiffness, physical function, decrease of pain and total scores (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 12-week L-carnitine supplementation could improve BMI, but had no significant effect on other anthropometric and body composition measures as well as clinical symptoms, CRP, MDA, and lipid profile in women with KOA. Further trials with higher doses and longer durations are required. IRCT registration number: IRCT2017011932026N2. Registration date: 2017-04-27.

The effect of curcumin and zinc co-supplementation on glycemic parameters in overweight or obese prediabetic subjects: A phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a multi-arm, parallel-group design.

Management of prediabetes is a critical step to prevent type-2 diabetes. Curcumin and zinc have been studied as an antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antidiabetic agents. In this clinical trial, 84 subjects were randomized into curcumin (500 mg), zinc (30 mg), zinc and curcumin, and placebo groups for 90 days. At the baseline and the end of the study, the outcomes (fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hpp), HbA1 C, insulin, insulin sensitivity (IS), insulin resistance (IR), ß-cell function (BCF), weight, body mass index (BMI), dietary intake, and physical activity (PA)) were measured. A hypocaloric diet and PA were recommended for all subjects. In total, 82 subjects completed the study. After the intervention, dietary intake, PA, weight, and BCF% did not show a significant difference among the groups. However, subjects taking only zinc and zinc and curcumin groups experienced decreased BMI compared to the placebo (p = .01 and .007, respectively). The three treated groups had improved FPG (p = .01), 2hpp (p = .003), HbA1C (p = .004), insulin (p = .001), IS% (p = .001), and IR (p < .001) compared to the placebo. Based on these results, zinc and curcumin supplementation exerted a beneficial effect on several key glycemic parameters.

The effect of (Cornus mas L.) fruit extract on liver function among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

This double-blind randomized clinical trial aimed to investigate impact of Cornus mas L. fruit extract (CMFE) on liver function in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Fifty patients were randomly assigned into the CMFE and placebo groups to receive 20 ml of the extract or placebo for 12 weeks, respectively. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, cytokeratin 18 (CK-18) levels, and steatosis and fibrosis scores were examined before and after the intervention. Although, a significant decrease was observed in CK-18 levels among the CMFE group (288.80 ± 85.40 vs. 235.66 ± 60.38; p = .001) after 12 weeks, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Moreover, a significant increase in fibrosis score in the placebo group (8.20 (6.35-9.40) vs. 8.40 (7.70-13.00); p = .03) as well as a significant difference in this marker (CMEF: 7.64 (6.30-8.25); placebo: 8.40 (7.70-13.00); p = .02) and its changes (CMEF: 0.60 (-1.00-1.07); placebo: 0.80 (-0.25-3.95); p = .02) were found between the groups after 12 weeks. No significant effect was noted on other variables. Therefore, consuming CMFE might have some beneficial effects on liver function markers in NAFLD. However, more studies are required in this area.

The effects of resveratrol supplementation on PPARα, p16, p53, p21 gene expressions, and sCD163/sTWEAK ratio in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blind controlled randomized trial.

The present study sought to evaluate the effect of resveratrol supplementation on mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), p53, p21, p16, and serum levels of cluster of differentiation 163 (CD163) to TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) ratio in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, 71 patients were randomly assigned to receive either 1,000 mg of trans-resveratrol or placebo (methyl cellulose) for 8 weeks. Expression levels of genes of interest, and serum levels of sCD163 and sTWEAK were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. Resveratrol supplementation significantly increased mRNA expression levels of p53 and p21 genes, compared with the placebo group (fold change of p53 = 1.29, p = .04; fold change of p21 = 1.46, p = .006). However, no significant effect on expression levels of PPARα and p16 genes was observed after supplementation. In addition, resveratrol significantly reduced serum levels of sCD163/sTWEAK ratio compared with the placebo group (p = .003). Resveratrol supplementation resulted in significant changes in p53 and p21 genes expression, while serum levels of sCD163/sTWEAK ratio also improved in the resveratrol group, without any significant change in adjusted sCD163 levels. More research is needed to confirm the beneficial effects of resveratrol for patients with diabetes.

Effects of sesame, canola and sesame-canola oils on body weight and composition in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, cross-over clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent investigations have proposed that sesame and canola oils might affect body fat distribution. The present study aimed to examine the effects of sesame, canola and sesame-canola (a blend of sesame and canola oils) oils on body weight and composition in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the context of a randomized, triple-blind, three-way, cross-over clinical trial. RESULTS: Eligible participants were randomized to replace their regular dietary oil with sesame oil (SO), canola oil (CO) and sesame-canola oil (SCO) (with 40% SO and 60% CO). Treatment periods lasted 9 weeks and were separated by 4-week wash-out periods. Body weight and composition were measured at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of each intervention phase. In total, 93 participants completed the study. After adjustment for confounders, within-period changes were observed following SO and CO intake for body weight (0.34 ± 0.16 kg and 0.33 ± 0.17 kg) and visceral fat (0.13 ± 0.06% and 0.13 ± 0.05%, P < 0.05), respectively. Body mass index was increased within SO intake (0.13 ± 0.05 kg m-2 , P = 0.031). All of the treatment oils resulted in reduced waist circumference and index of central obesity (P < 0.05). A significant difference in change values was observed for visceral fat between SCO (-0.14 ± 0.07%) and SO (0.12 ± 0.08%) treatment periods in females (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Sesame and canola oils might lead to a modest favorable body fat redistribution by reducing central adiposity, particularly in females; however, the changes were of little clinical importance. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effect of vitamin d-calcium co-supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Data on the effect of vitamin d-calcium co-supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers, compared to placebo or intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements alone, are conflicting. The current systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to summarize available findings on the effect of vitamin d-calcium co-supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers in adults. Online databases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched using relevant keywords up to June 2019. We included RCTs investigating the effect of vitamin d-calcium co-supplementation, compared to placebo or intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements alone, on inflammatory biomarkers. In total, 8 RCTs that enrolled 706 participants, aged ≥18 years, were included. Pooling 9 effect sizes from 8 RCTs on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels revealed a significant reducing effect of vitamin d-calcium co-supplementation on serum CRP concentrations compared to placebo intake (WMD: -0.82, 95% CI: -1.56, -0.07 mg/L, P = 0.03). However, this beneficial effect became non-significant when compared to the intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements alone. Also, we found that the associations of vitamin d-calcium dosages and duration of intervention with the reduction in CRP concentrations were in a non-linear fashion. Combining 5 effect sizes for IL-6 and 3 effect sizes for TNF-α, we found no significant effect of joint calcium and vitamin D supplementation on serum concentrations of IL-6 (WMD: -1.45, 95% CI: -5.31, 2.41 pg/mL, P = 0.46) and TNF-α (WMD: -0.79, 95% CI: -2.19, 0.61 pg/mL, P = 0.26). We found a beneficial effect of vitamin d-calcium co-supplementation on serum CRP concentrations. However, such a beneficial effect was not seen for IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations.

The effect of resveratrol supplementation on serum levels of asymmetric de-methyl-arginine and paraoxonase 1 activity in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind controlled trial.

The present study sought to investigate the effect of micronized resveratrol supplementation on serum levels of asymmetric de-methyl-arginine (ADMA) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this double-blinded randomized trial, 76 patients with T2D were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to consume 1,000 mg resveratrol or placebo capsules (methylcellulose) per day, for 8 weeks. Serum levels of ADMA and PON1 enzyme activity were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. In total, 71 participants completed the study. Our results showed that resveratrol significantly decreased serum levels of ADMA (-0.16 ± 0.11, p < .001) and improved PON1 enzyme activity (15.39 ± 13.99, p < .001) compared with placebo, after adjusting for confounding factors (age, sex, and baseline body mass index). Our findings suggest that 8-week resveratrol supplementation may produce beneficial effects on serum levels of ADMA and PON1 enzyme activity in patients with T2DM. However, further research is needed to confirm the veracity of these results.

Dietary macro- and micro-nutrients intake adequacy at 6th and 12th month post-bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery (BS) is considered as an effective solution to control morbid obesity. Food restrictions resulting from the operation may decrease dietary nutrient intakes, particularly during the first year after BS. This study mainly aimed to assess the adequacy of dietary nutrient intakes at 6th and 12th month after BS. METHOD: Of the severely obese participants in the Tehran obesity treatment study in 2015-2016, 58 patients undergoing Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (N = 16) or sleeve gastrectomy (N = 42) were selected from Tehran Obesity Treatment Center. To assess the patients' dietary intake, a three-day, 24-h dietary recall was obtained on three unscheduled days (two non-consecutive weekdays and one weekend day) at 6th and 12th month after BS. To evaluate the adequacy of nutrient intake, the patients' intakes were compared to the current dietary reference intakes (DRIs), including estimated average requirements (EAR) or Adequate Intakes (AI). RESULTS: The mean age of the participants (71% women) undergoing BS was 37 ± 8 years. Anthropometric parameters significantly decreased at the 12th month after BS. The percentage of energy from carbohydrate intake increased significantly between the 6th and 12th month after BS (P = 0.04). The mean ± SD of protein intake was lower than the recommended dosage with a dramatic decrease from 45 ± 30 to 31 ± 15 (g/day) between the two intervals (P = 0.001). The mean intake of saturated fatty acid (SFA) decreased dramatically (P < 0.001) from 6 to 12 month; however, the median intake of n3-polyunsaturated fatty acid (n3-PUFA) intake increased (P = 0.02). None of the participants showed nutrient intake adequacy in terms of biotin, fat soluble vitamins, pantothenic acid, potassium, and zinc. Moreover, less than 10% of the participants showed nutrient intake adequacy in terms of folate, magnesium, manganese, and calcium according to DRIs during the both intervals after BS. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery can reduce dietary intakes, which is more obvious 12 months after the surgery. Out of 21 micronutrients, nearly all could not met the EAR and were received < 50%, also had significant reduction from the 6th to12th month after surgery.

The effect of total anthocyanin-base standardized (Cornus mas L.) fruit extract on liver function, tumor necrosis factor α, malondealdehyde, and adiponectin in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver: a study protocol for a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. Evidence showed that anthocyanins might have effects on NAFLD. Protective effects of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) extract, as an anthocyanins-rich source, on liver were reported in animal studies. However, very few clinical trials were conducted in this regard. Thus, the aim of this research will be to evaluate the effect of supplementation with total anthocyanin-base standardized cornelian cherry fruit extract on liver function (Serum levels of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cytokeratin-18 fragment M30 (CK-18 M30), as well as steatosis and fibrosis of liver), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), malondealdehyde (MDA), and adiponectin in patients with NAFLD. METHODS: In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 80 NAFLD patients will be studied. The patients will be randomly assigned into two groups. The intervention group will receive the cornelian cherry extract, containing 320 mg.d- 1 anthocyanins, per day for 12 weeks. The control group will also take the placebo daily for 12 weeks. Liver function (Serum levels of AST, ALT and CK-18 M30; steatosis and fibrosis of liver), serum levels of TNF-α, MDA, and adiponectin will be measured at the baseline and the end of trial for both groups and their results will be compared. DISCUSSION: Considering evidences about the useful impacts of anthocyanins on NAFLD, the effects of supplementation with cornelian cherry extract will be investigated on the important variables related to NAFLD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials ( IRCT20180419039359N1 ).

The Effect of Resveratrol Supplementation on Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

The aim of the present randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of a micronized resveratrol supplement on glycemic status, lipid profile, and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 71 overweight patients with T2DM (body mass index ranged 25-30) were randomly assigned to receive 1000 mg/day trans-resveratrol or placebo (methyl cellulose) for 8 weeks. Anthropometric indices and biochemical indices including lipid and glycemic profile were measured before and after the intervention. In adjusted model (age, sex, and baseline body mass index), resveratrol decreased fasting blood sugar (-7.97±13.6 mg/dL, p=0.05) and increased high density lipoprotein (3.62±8.75 mg/dL, p=0.01) levels compared with placebo. Moreover, the mean difference in insulin levels reached significance (-0.97±1.91, µIU/mL, p= 0.02). However, no significant differences were observed for anthropometric measures. It was found that 8-week resveratrol supplementation produced useful effects on some cardio-metabolic parameters in patients with T2DM. More studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Association of white and red meat consumption with general and abdominal obesity: a cross-sectional study among a population of Iranian military families in 2016.

PURPOSE: To assess the association of red and white meat consumption with general and abdominal obesity among Iranian military families. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 525 subjects with age range of 19-55 years belong to military families of Army of Islamic Republic of Iran were recruited during 2016. Dietary data were collected using semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements. General obesity was defined as body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 and abdominal obesity as waist circumference ≥80 cm for women and ≥ 94 cm for men. Finally, we had complete data on 170 subjects for analysis. RESULTS: Mean age of subjects was 33.78 ± 6.48. We found a significant positive association between red meat consumption and abdominal obesity in fully adjusted model, so that subjects in the fourth quartile had 4.51 more odds to be abdominally obese compared with those in the first quartile of red meat consumption (OR 4.51, 95% CI 1.32-15.40). Such relationship was not seen for general obesity. In addition, white meat consumption was not associated with general and abdominal obesity either before or after adjustment for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Red meat consumption was positively associated with abdominal obesity. No significant relationship was found between white meat consumption, and general and abdominal obesity. Therefore, further studies are needed to shed light our findings.