Effects of purified anthocyanins supplementation on serum concentration of inflammatory mediators: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials.

Anthocyanins, due to their antioxidant effects, are candidates to reduce inflammation and the risk of inflammatory diseases. Therefore, through conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis, we tried to find the effect of purified anthocyanins on serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Databases including, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched up to June 2023. The meta-analysis was done by calculating mean differences and their standard deviations. Calculating the statistical heterogeneity of intervention effects was performed through I-squared statistics and Cochran's Q test. The pooled estimate showed a significant decrease in serum levels of CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -0.12 mg/L, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.21 to -0.02, p = 0.013; WMD = -1.37 pg/mL, 95% CI = -1.79 to -0.96; p < 0.001; WMD = -1.43 pg/mL, 95% CI = -1.87 to -1.00; p < 0.001, respectively). Subgroup analysis results revealed purified anthocyanins significantly decreased serum levels of CRP among participants with serum levels of CRP≥1.52 mg/L, at-risk/unhealthy status, and in trials with intervention duration ≥84 days, anthocyanins dose ≥320 mg/day, and sample size ≥85 subjects. Regarding TNF-α and IL-6, out results showed that there was a significant effect of purified anthocyanins on serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in most subgroups. The results of our study indicated that purified anthocyanins significantly decreased serum levels of CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the efficacy of purified anthocyanins.

Is a spot urine sample a good substitution to estimate 24-h urinary sodium excretion in a population ≥ 50 years old? A validation study.

PURPOSE: A variety of prediction equations have been able to estimate 24-h urinary sodium excretion from spot urine samples; however, Iranians over the age of 50 have not been compared and verified. Using spot urine samples as a substitute for 24-h urine samples to estimate 24-h urine sodium excretion among the population age 50 and older are the purpose of this study. METHODS: A 24-h urinary sodium excretion was studied by well-known Kawasaki, INTERSALT, Tanaka, and World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO) formulas. On 360 individuals, the mean bias, agreements between estimated and measured values, correlation, absolute and relative differences, and misclassification rates were evaluated for four equations. RESULTS: As a result, the mean urinary sodium excretion for a 24-h period was 136.3 ± 52.21 mmol/24-h, which corresponds to a calculated intake of 9.1 ± 3.8 g of salt per day. According to the WHO/PAHO formula, the mean bias between measured values and estimated 24-h urinary sodium excretion is - 21.6 mg/day (95% confidence interval (CI) - 144.8, 101.6 mg/day), which is the smallest difference compared with the other three formulas. The lowest rate of individual misclassification of salt intake was 40% for WHO/PAHO, especially for those who consumed less than 9 g/day, while Kawasaki had the lowest misclassification rate at higher levels of salt intake. CONCLUSION: As a result of our research, the WHO/PAHO equations accurately predict 24-h urinary sodium excretion among Iranians aged ≥ 50 more than other equations, both at the population level and at the individual level. However, further study is needed in regard to different ages in Iran.

Coagulopathy and thromboembolic events a pathogenic mechanism of COVID-19 associated with mortality: An updated review.

During 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 emerged from China, and during months, COVID-19 spread in many countries around the world. The expanding data about pathogenesis of this virus could elucidate the exact mechanism by which COVID-19 caused death in humans. One of the pathogenic mechanisms of this disease is coagulation. Coagulation disorders that affect both venous and arterial systems occur in patients with COVID-19. The possible mechanism involved in the coagulation could be excessive inflammation induced by SARS-CoV-2. However, it is not yet clear well how SARS-CoV-2 promotes coagulopathy. However, some factors, such as pulmonary endothelial cell damage and some anticoagulant system disorders, are assumed to have an important role. In this study, we assessed conducted studies about COVID-19-induced coagulopathy to obtain clearer vision of the wide range of manifestations and possible pathogenesis mechanisms.

Effect of soy isoflavones on C-reactive protein in chronic inflammatory disorders.

New evidence suggests that soy products might reduce chronic systemic inflammation. Therefore, we aimed to summarize the effect of soy isoflavones on serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) among participants with chronic inflammatory disorders by conducting this study. Cochrane Library, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov, and PubMed were searched to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up to December 2020. The effect size was calculated by the mean change from baseline in concentrations of CRP and its standard deviation for both intervention and comparison groups. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used when the heterogeneity test was statistically significant. In total, thirteen RCTs involving 1213 participants and ten RCTs involving 1052 participants were eligible for our systematic review and meta-analysis respectively. Study duration ranged from 4 to 96 weeks and soy isoflavones dose varied from 33 to 132 mg/day. Overall effect size indicated a non-significant effect on serum concentration of CRP following soy isoflavones intake (weighted mean differences (WMD)=-0.15 mg/L, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.54, 0.23; p=0.430). Subgroup analysis revealed that soy isoflavones significantly reduced serum concentration of CRP in studies among participants with age >57 years and baseline CRP levels >3.75 mg/L. The present study proposed that soy isoflavones could not significantly reduce serum CRP levels. It seems more RCTs on participants with age more than 57 years and higher levels of CRP is necessary.

The efficacy of soy isoflavones combined with soy protein on serum concentration of interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α among post-menopausal women? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The post-menopausal stage in women's life is associated with the enhancement of inflammation that may be reduced using soy isoflavones or soy protein. The present study aimed to summarize the effect of soy isoflavones plus soy protein on circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in post-menopausal women. The English-language articles were identified from the databases such as Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus until December 2020. The mean change from baseline and its standard deviation (SD) for intervention and comparison groups were used to calculate the effect size. The statistical heterogeneity of the intervention effects was computing by Cochran's Q test and I2 statistic. Nine and seven studies were selected for systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. The results of our meta-analysis indicated a non-significant effect on the serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α (weighted mean differences [WMD] = 0.07 pg/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.03, 0.17 pg/mL; P = 0.190; WMD =0.05 pg/mL; 95% CI = -0.01, 0.12 pg/mL; P = 0.092; respectively). In subgroup analysis, soy isoflavones plus soy protein could increase the serum concentration of IL-6 in studies with soy isoflavones dose ≤87 mg/days, cross-over design, weak quality, and studies on participants who had health risk factors or diseases. The serum concentration of TNF-α increased in studies with cross-over design, intervention duration ≤56 days, and body mass index (BMI) >27, and in studies that were conducted on at-risk or sick participants. In conclusion, our meta-analysis did not confirm any significant effect on serum concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α among post-menopausal women.

Grain yield and micronutrient concentrations of maize parental lines of new hybrid genotypes affected by the foliar application of micronutrients.

It is important for the breeders to find how genetic differences may affect crop grain yield and nutrient uptake affected by micronutrient fertilization. Accordingly, with respect to our published research, the foliar application of the most deficient micronutrients (Fe, Zn and Mn) in the arid and semi-arid areas of the world affecting grain yield and nutrient concentration of maize parental lines of new hybrid genotypes was tested in a two-year experiment (2016-2017). A split plot experiment (randomized complete block design) with seven maize parental lines (G1-G7, sub-plots), and eight micronutrients treatments (main plots) including control (without spraying, M1), Zn (M2), Mn (M3), and Fe (M4) at 3 g L-1, Mn + Zn (M5), Fe + Zn (M6), Fe + Mn (M7), and Fe + Mn + Zn (M8) at 1.5 g L-1, sprayed at the growth stages of V8 and the full appearance of the plant organs (R1) was conducted. Plant height, cob height, 1000 grain weight, grain yield, number of rows per cob, number of grains per row, grain crude protein content, and micronutrient (Zn, Fe and Mn) concentrations were determined. Micronutrients significantly affected Fe (27.68-62.55 mg. kg-1) and Zn (33.34-55.73 mg. kg-1) concentrations. A3 (12,600 kg. ha-1) and A5 (8900 kg. ha-1) resulted in the highest and least grain yield, respectively. M7 (11,470 kg. ha-1) had the highest grain yield significantly different from control (5510 kg. ha-1). Interestingly, just Mn significantly affected grain crude protein (9.63-12.92%). Correlation coefficients indicated Mn and Fe as the least and the most correlated micronutrients with the growth of maize parental lines. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01160-0.

Short-term Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines (Astrazeneca, Sputnik-V, and Sinopharm) in Health Care Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran.

Background: The occurrence of side effects of vaccines plays an important role in their acceptance by people. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines (Sputnik-V, AstraZeneca, and Sinopharm) in Neyshabur health care workers (HCWs). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among the HCWs of the Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences from July 31, 2021, to September 6, 2021, by using a self-report checklist. We sent our checklist via an internet link to collect data such as demographic data of participants, previous COVID-19 infection (PCR+), vaccine information and side effects of vaccines. Mean, median and standard deviation were used to determine descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model was also used to determine the relationship between the type of vaccine and its side effects. Results: 317 participants filled out the checklist; among them 47% (N= 149), 21.14% (N= 67), and 31.86% (N= 101) have been vaccinated with Sputnik-V, AstraZeneca, and Sinopharm, respectively. The percentage of side effects after the first dose was 62.15% (N= 197). The Percentage of local side effects was 76% (N= 241) and systemic side effects were 29.36% (N= 95). The most common side effects in all three vaccines were injection site pain (75.08%, N= 240), muscle pain (62.46%, N=198) and headache (52.05%, N=165). Also, the odds ratio of injection site pain, chill and sweating in those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine was 3.9(95% CI, 1.7-9.3), 3.7 (95% CI, 1.8-7.3), and 3.2 (95% CI, 1.7-63), of those who received the Sputnik V vaccine (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The most common side effects among our participants were injection site pain, muscle pain, and headache. Most of the post-vaccination side effects are mild to moderate in severity and self-limited. Reported side effects were more common in recipients with AstraZeneca than in those with Sputnik-V and Sinopharm.

Can soy isoflavones plus soy protein change serum levels of interlukin-6? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

In the present review, we aimed to summarize the effect of soy isoflavones plus soy protein on circulating interlukin-6 (IL-6) in adult participants. Databases including ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched up to 23 March 2020. The mean change from baseline of IL-6 concentrations and its SD for intervention and comparison groups were used to calculate the effect size. If the heterogeneity test was statistically significant, DerSimonian and Laird random effects model was used. Cochran's Q test and I-squared statistic were also used to compute the statistical heterogeneity of the intervention's effects. Eighteen studies were known to be eligible for systematic review and 14 studies were selected for meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis results indicated a non-significant effect in serum IL-6 concentrations compared to the comparison group (WMD = 0.03 pg/ml, 95% CI: -0.06, 0.12; p = .459). In subgroup analysis, based on soy isoflavones dosage, it was observed that this combination could reduce IL-6 levels in studies that used isoflavones with dose >84 mg/day (WMD = -0.12 pg/ml 95% CI: -0.24, -0.004; p = .042, I2 = 82.7%) and in articles with a good quality (WMD = -0.15 pg/ml 95% CI: -0.24, -0.05; p = .003, I2 = 62.3%). Performing well-designed intervention studies using a high dose of soy isoflavones is recommended to confirm the beneficial effects of soy ingredients on IL-6.

The effect of soy isoflavones and soy isoflavones plus soy protein on serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

In this study, we summarized the effect of soy isoflavones and soy isoflavones plus soy protein on serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) among adult participants. We systematically searched Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and clinicaltrials.gov for articles published up to May 2020. Effect size was calculated by mean change from baseline of TNF-α concentrations and its standard deviation (SD) for intervention and comparison groups. If the heterogeneity test was statistically significant, DerSimonian and Laird random effects model was used to estimate the summary of the overall effects and its heterogeneity. Nineteen and fourteen randomized clinical trials were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. The result of overall effect size indicated a non-significant effect in serum concentration of TNF-α following soy isoflavones intake (WMD = 0.2 pg/ml, 95% CI: -0.13, 0.53; p = .226) and the combination of soy isoflavones and soy protein intake (WMD = 0.02 pg/ml, 95% CI: -0.02, 0.06; p = .286). Subgroup analyses revealed no significant change in circulatory levels of TNF-α following soy isoflavones plus soy protein intake. In conclusion, the present systematic review and meta-analysis found insufficient evidence that soy isoflavones or the combination of soy isoflavones and soy protein significantly reduce serum concentration of TNF-α.

HIV-1 drug resistance mutations detection and HIV-1 subtype G report by using next-generation sequencing platform.

BACKGROUND: Based on world health organization (WHO) recommend, drug resistance assay should be performed in initial of treatment and after treatment for administering and monitoring of anti-retroviral regime in HIV-1 infected patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: NGS analyses were performed on forty-one plasma samples from HIV-1 affected patients using the Sentosa SQ HIV genotyping assay (Vela-Diagnostics, Germany). This system comprises a semi-automated Ion torrent based platform and the sequencing results were analyzed based on ANRS, REGA and Stanford drug resistance algorithms. Phylogenetic analysis was analyzed based on https://comet.lih.lu database as well as MEGA5 Software. RESULTS: Drug resistances were identified in thirty-three samples (80%) out of forty-one samples. The Phylogenetic analysis results showed that CRF-35AD (94%) and subtypes B (2.4%) and G (2.4%) were dominant subtypes in this study. NRTI and NNRTI associated dominant mutations were M184I/V and K103 N.High-level resistance to lamivudine (3 TC) and Emtricitabine (FTC) were detected in 34.3% of patients while 53.1% were resistant to Efavirenz (EFV) and Nevirapine (NVP). The Protease inhibitor (PI) minor and major mutations were not reported but more than 95% of samples had polymorphisms mutation in K20R, M36I, H69K, L89 M positions. These mutations are subtype dependent and completely are absent in subtype B virus. The secondary mutations were reported in positions of E157Q, S230 N, and T97A of integrase gene and four samples represent low-level resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first preliminary evaluation of HIV-1 drug resistance mutation (DRM) by using the Sentosa SQ HIV Genotyping Assay in Iran. The NGS represent a promising tool for the accurate detection of DRMs of CRF-35AD that is dominant subtype in Iranian HIV-1 infected population and for the first time revealed HIV-1 subtype G in Iranian population. In the present study polymorphic mutation in the position of K20R, M36I, H69K, L89 M were properly reported in CRF35AD that is dominant in Iranian HIV patients.

Is salt intake reduction a universal intervention for both normotensive and hypertensive people: a case from Iran STEPS survey 2016.

PURPOSE: There is a direct association between salt intake and blood pressure (BP), one of the main risk factors for CVDs. However, yet there has been a debate that how strong is this association in people with and without hypertension. This study was conducted to evaluate the magnitude of the association between salt intake and BP in hypertensive and normotensive population among a nationally representative population. METHODS: The study was conducted on a nationally representative sample of 18,635 Iranian adults aged 25 years and older who participated in the STEPS survey 2016 and provided urine sample. Salt intake was estimated through spot urine sample and Tanaka equation. Multiple linear regression model in survey data analysis was used to assess the independent effect of salt intake on BP. RESULTS: After adjusting for covariates, there was a significant association between salt intake and SBP in hypertensive (p < 0.001) and normotensive people (p < 0.001). In hypertensive people, with 1 g of increase in salt intake, the SBP and DBP increased 0.37 mmHg and 0.07 mmHg, respectively. Whereas in normotensive people, with 1 g of increase in salt intake, the SBP and DBP increased 0.26 mmHg and 0.05 mmHg, respectively. Moreover, there was a significant trend toward an increase of SBP across salt intake quartiles in both hypertensive (p < 0.001) and normotensive people (p = 0.002), though the slope was steeper in hypertensive than in normotensive people. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that salt intake significantly increased SBP in both hypertensive and normotensive people, though the magnitude of this increase was greater in hypertensive people as compared with normotensive people.

Alpha-lipoic acid effect on leptin and adiponectin concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: New evidence suggests that dysregulation of adipocytokines caused by excess adiposity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various obesity comorbidities. Our aim in this meta-analysis was to determine the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on serum levels of leptin and adiponectin. METHODS: We searched Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ISI Web of Science from inception up to July 2019. Mean difference for leptin and adiponectin were calculated by subtracting the change from baseline in each study group. Summary estimates for the overall effect of ALA on serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations were calculated using random effects model. Results were presented as weighted mean difference (WMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Between-study heterogeneity was examined using the I2 statistics. RESULT: Eight studies were included in systematic review and seven studies in meta-analysis. The overall effect suggested a significant decrement in serum leptin concentrations (WMD = - 3.63; 95% CI, - 5.63, - 1.64 µg/ml; I2 = 80.7%) and a significant increase in serum levels of adiponectin (WMD = 1.98 µg/ml; 95% CI, 0.92, 3.04; I2 = 95.7%). Subgroup analyses based on age showed a significant reduction in leptin levels only in younger adults, and subgroup analysis based on duration indicated in studies with a duration of more than 8 weeks adiponectin levels increased significantly and leptin levels decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed ALA decreased leptin and increased adiponectin especially in studies lasted more than 8 weeks. We still need more studies with different ALA dose, intervention duration, and separately on male and female.

Comorbidity of metabolic syndrome components in a population-based screening program: A latent class analysis.

Background: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) is rapidly increasing in the world. Thus, the aim of the present study was to identify the latent subgroups of Iranian male adults based on MS components and investigate the effect of abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), high total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) on the odds of membership in each class. Methods: In the present study, we used the data of a population-based screening program conducted on 823 urban adult men aged 25 years and older in city of Qom in 2014. Abdominal obesity, fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood pressure, and serum lipid profile were measured in participants after for at least 8 hours. MS was defined according to the Adults Treatment Panel III criteria. Latent class analysis was used to achieve the aims of study. Analyses were conducted using PROC LCA in SAS 9.2 software. In all analysis, p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were 3 different latent classes among participants. Latent class 1, non-MS, 55.1%; latent lass 2, at risk, 21.3%; and finally latent class 3, MS, with 23.6% of the participants. Age (OR=0.98, 95% CI: 0.98-0.99, high LDL (OR=0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.56), high TC (OR=8.12, 95% CI: 4.40-15.00), and abnormal ALT (OR=2.25, 95% CI 1.49-3.41) were associated with at risk class. Also, only age (OR=1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04) was associated with MS class. The most prevalent components among the participants were having low HDL (34.0%) and high WC (33.9%). Conclusion: Notable percent of samples fell in "at risk" and "MS" classes, which stress the necessity of designing preventive interventions for these specific stratums of population.

The quantity/intensity relation is affected by chemical and organic P fertilization in calcareous soils.

The use of organic fertilization increases the availability of phosphorus (P) in calcareous soils by affecting the colloidal properties of soils. Accordingly, it was hypothesized that chemical and organic fertilizers affect P availability in calcareous soils by influencing P sorption and buffering capacity. The objective was to investigate the quantity/intensity (Q/I) relation in calcareous soils as affected by chemical and organic P fertilization. Three different soil types with different Olsen-P values including Qazvin1 (very low P, VLP), Qazvin2 (low P, LP) and Dizan (medium P, MP) were fertilized with 50 mg P kg-1 soil using triple superphosphate (TSP), sheep manure (SM), and municipal solid waste compost (MSWC). The treated experimental soils were incubated for 90 days, and P sorption and buffering capacity indexes were determined using calcium chloride solutions in a range of 0-100 mg P L-1. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) response to the experimental treatments. Wheat P content at tillering (60 days after planting) was determined. The SM and TSP treatments were the most efficient sources of P for plant use in the greenhouse, as they resulted in the highest wheat growth and P content. The incubation data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and surface sorption isotherm models. Langmuir model, as the best fitted one, indicated the highest P sorption (A) was resulted by the SM treatment for VLP and LP soils, compared to the other treatments. According to the model, the SM and MSWC treatments resulted in the least (0.04) and the highest (1.11) sorption energy (K) by the VLP soil, respectively. In the VLP soil the SM and MSWC treatments, and in the LP soil the MSWC treatment decreased P sorption, at the final concentration of P (100 mg L-1), compared to the control treatment. Organic fertilizers decreased buffering index, phosphorous buffering capacity, and K1 indexes in the VLP soil, compared to the control treatment. The corresponding reductions for SM were equal to 35.99, 2.7, 1.19 mL P g-1 and for MSWC were equal to 12.33, 36.2 and 1.19 mL P g-1. In the VLP and MP soils, (compared with control), the SM treatment decreased the rates of maximum buffering capacity at 0.38 and 0.52 mL P g-1, respectively. There were high and significant correlations among the soil P buffering indexes with soil and wheat P content. Fertilization affected soil P availability by affecting the Q/I relation and the buffering capacity indexes. It is possible to predict plant response to available P using the tested fitting models.

Survival rate of patients with gastric cancer in Hormozgan Province, Iran.

Background: Gastric cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer and the second most common cause of death in the world. It is also one of the most common cancers leading to mortality in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the survival rate of patients with gastric cancer and its affecting factors in the south of Iran (Hormozgan province). Methods: In this study, all patients with gastric cancer (119 patients) that were diagnosed and registered during 2008 to 2013 in Hormozgan province, were studied. All patients were followed to the end of 2015. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used to draw survival curves and to determine the effective factors on the survival rate of surveyed patients. Moreover, Log-rank test was used to evaluate whether or not survival curves for different groups are statistically equivalent (p<0.05). Results: The mean age of the study population was 58.9±14.91, and most of them were men (72.3% (86 persons)). After diagnosis, the survival rates for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years were 62.2%, 49.4%, 43.7%, 39.7%, and 38% respectively. Survival in men were lower than women, but according to log-rank test this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.325). Also patients with advanced stage cancer had significantly lower survival in comparison to individuals with early stage disease (p<0.001). Based on multiple Cox proportional hazards model, job status of the patients and stage of cancer were effective factors on patients' survival. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, the survival rate was decreased over time after diagnosis. Stage of a cancer at the time of diagnosis is the most important factor affecting the survival of surveyed patients. This shows that there is a crucial need to diagnos the gastric cancer in early stages.

Socio-economic risk factors of household food insecurity and their population attributable risk: A population-based study.

Background: Food insecurity as a major public health problem has associations with a wide range of adverse consequences on health and quality of life. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of food insecurity among Iranian households, its key socioeconomic risk factors and population attributable risk via a large-scale cross-sectional study in the capital of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among 30,809 households with complete questionnaires of food security, during 2011. The univariate test was used to investigate the association between economic status and covariates with household food insecurity. Multiple logistic regression model was used to assess the independent effect of economic status on household food insecurity. Results: Totally, 37.8% (95% CI: 37.25, 38.34%) of the households were food insecure. There were significant associations between economic status and household food insecurity after adjustment for other variables (p-value<0.001). The extent of household food insecurity that could be attributed to the economic status in the 1st and 2nd quintiles (poorest and poor households), compared with the 5th quintile (richest households), was estimated to be 48.43% and 60.12%, respectively. Conclusion: Food insecurity is relatively prevalent among households in Tehran. Economic status was identified as the most significant determinant of household food security, as 62.7% of poorest households were food insecure. Therefore, there is a crucial need to address food insecurity as a priority in food policies.

Erythrocyte membrane fatty acid profile & serum cytokine levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background & objectives: Fatty acids may affect the expression of genes, and this process is influenced by sex hormones. Cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), so this study was aimed to assess the association of erythrocyte membrane fatty acids with three cytokines and markers of hepatic injury in NAFLD patients and to explore whether these associations were the same in both sexes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 62 consecutive patients (32 men and 30 women) with NAFLD during the study period. Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were measured in a fasting serum sample, and Fibroscan was conducted for each individual. Gas chromatography was used to measure erythrocyte membrane fatty acids. Univariate and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze data. Results: In men, IL-6 had a significant (P <0.05) positive association with total ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In women, TNF-α had a significant positive association with total ω-3 (P <0.05) and ω-6 (P <0.01) PUFAs, IL-6 had a significant (P <0.05) positive association with total monounsaturated fatty acids and MCP-1 had a significant positive association with total trans-fatty acids (P <0.05). No significant associations were observed between erythrocyte membrane fatty acids and liver enzymes or Fibroscan report in both sexes. In this study, women were significantly older than men [51 (42.75-55) vs 35.5 (29-52), P <0.01], so the associations were adjusted for age and other confounders. Interpretation & conclusions: Erythrocyte membrane fatty acid profile was not associated with serum liver enzymes or Fibroscan reports in NAFLD patients, but it had significant associations with serum TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1 and these associations were probably sex dependent.

Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life in Suspected Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to examine the effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with suspected nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three hundred thirty-two patients (236 males and 96 females) with suspected NASH from the Amol cohort study were included in this study. MetS was diagnosed based on Adult Treatment Panel III criteria and HRQOL was measured using the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) questionnaire (with 8 subscales and 2 summary components). A multivariable linear regression model was used to assess the independent effect of MetS on HRQOL. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 42 ± 13 years (range 18-82). The prevalence of MetS was 43.4% (n = 144) and the mean scores on the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and the Mental Component Summary were 72.4 ± 20.86 and 42.7 ± 12.42, respectively. The multivariable linear regression model showed that MetS was negatively associated with 4 subscales of HRQOL that included: role limitations due to physical problems (RP) (B = -14.05, p = 0.004), bodily pain (BP) (B = -7.37, p = 0.02), vitality (VT) (B = -7.72, p = 0.022), and role limitations due to emotional problems (RE) (B = -12.67, p = 0.005) after adjustment for other variables. Also, MetS had a borderline association with the general health and mental health subscales and the PCS (p < 0.1). CONCLUSION: In this study, there was a strong association between MetS and 4 subscales (RP, BP, VT, and RE) of HRQOL in patients with suspected NASH; this could be considered as a part of health policy to improve general health.

Identifying the pattern of unhealthy dietary habits among an Iranian population: A latent class analysis.

Background: An unhealthy diet is one of the most important risk factors for chronic diseases. The goal of this study was to use the latent class analysis (LCA) modeling to define unhealthy diet habits among an Iranian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted within the framework of Amol (North of Iran) cohort health study (Phase 1). The participants aged 10 to 90 years. All participants provided written informed consent. Latent class analysis was used to classify the participants of the study. All analyses were conducted by PROC LCA in SAS 9.2 software. Significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 42.58±17.23 years. Four classes of individuals with different diet habits were identified using LCA modeling: class 1: individuals with healthy diet patterns (92.6%); class 2: individuals with slightly unhealthy diet habits (6.3%); class 3: individuals with relatively unhealthy diet habits (0.8%); and class 4: individuals with unhealthy diet habits (0.2%). Being female and alcohol consumption increased the odds of membership in latent classes 2,3, and 4 compared to class 1. Physical activity decreased the odds of membership in classes 3 and 4 compared to class 1. Conclusion: Overall, almost more than 7.4% of all participants had some degree of unhealthy dietary habits, and some variables acted as risk factors for membership in risky classes. Therefore, focusing on these variables may help design and execute effective preventive interventions in groups with unhealthy dietary habits.

Pattern of body mass index, chronic diseases, and physical component of quality of life in a population in North of Iran: A latent class analysis.

Background: Due to the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and lifestyle changes, this study aimed at determining the subclasses of Iranian adults based on body mass index, some NCDs, and status of physical component of quality of life. Methods: A total of 5207 participants of Amol cohort study were studied in this study. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to determine the best model with the minimum AIC or BIC. Results: We decided that the 6 latent classes model was the best model. The first class described 35.1% of the participants and was characterized by individuals with no disease status. The sixth class described 0.7% of the individuals and was characterized by individuals exhibiting high probability of body mass index (BMI) equal or more than 25, kidney inadequacy, hypertension, and moderate physical component of quality of life status. Conclusion: This study showed the pattern of body mass index, chronic diseases, and physical component of quality of life. Our findings demonstrated that some risk factors and non-communicable diseases tend to accumulate in some classes, especially classes 5 and 6, and thus the risk of developing these diseases rises along with increase in their clustering abilities. These results point out the critical importance of designing specific preventive interventional programs for these stratums of individuals.