Nutritional Education and Its Effects on Household Food Insecurity in Southeastern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity can affect health directly or indirectly through its impact on nutritional status. We aimed at determining the effects of nutrition education intervention on household food insecurity in Zahedan, southeast Iran. METHODS: The study was conducted using multi-stage sampling method. The first stage was a cross-sectional investigation whereby 2,160 households were studied in Zahedan in 2015. The prevalence of food insecurity was determined and food-insecure households were identified. Household food security status was assessed through the 18-item US Household Food Security Survey Module. In the second stage, based on the determined sample size of 150 households in each group, eligible households were randomly divided into the intervention and control groups. Before the educational intervention, questionnaires including demographic and socioeconomic information were completed for both groups. Then, data analysis was performed and the intervention was conducted on the intervention group. Six months post-intervention, a final assessment was made by interviewing the two groups to complete demographic, socioeconomic, and household food security questionnaires. RESULTS: The prevalence of food insecurity in the 2,160 households was 58.8%. After the intervention, the number of food-insecure households diminished by 22% in the intervention group, and these households were assigned to the food secure category. After controlling the confounding variables, the educational intervention was significantly effective in reducing food insecurity score (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrated the beneficial role of nutritional education and the skills of resource management in modifying nutritional behaviors and improving food security in the study population.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on advanced glycation end products signaling pathway in T2DM patients: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Several researches have recommended vitamin D possible health benefits on diabetic complications development, but a few number of studies have been accomplished on the molecular and cellular mechanisms. Certain cellular pathways modification and also some transcription factors activation may protect cells from hyperglycemia condition induced damages. This study purpose was to determine the vitamin D supplementation effect on some key factors [advanced glycation end products (AGEs) signaling pathway] that were involved in the diabetic complications occurrence and progression for type-2 diabetes participants. METHODOLOGY: 48 type-2 diabetic patients (T2DM) randomly divided into two groups (n = 24 per group), receiving: 100-µg vitamin D or placebo for 3 months. At this study beginning and the end, the receptor expression for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and glyoxalase I (GLO1) enzyme from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and AGEs and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) serum levels were measured by the use of real-time PCR and ELISA methods, respectively. RESULTS: This study results demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation could down-regulate RAGE mRNA [fold change = 0.72 in vitamin D vs. 0.95 in placebo) P = 0.001)]. In addition, no significant changes were observed for GLO1 enzyme expression (P = 0.06). This study results also indicated that vitamin D serum level significantly increased in vitamin D group (P < 0.001). Moreover, AGES and TNF-α serum levels significantly reduced in vitamin D group, but they were remained unchanged in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, vascular complications are more frequent in diabetic patients, and vitamin D treatment may prevent or delay the complications onset in these patients by AGEs serum level and RAGE gene expression reducing.Trial registration NCT03008057. Registered December 2016.

Resolvin D1 impacts on insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and healthy women.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the association between the intake of omega-3 PUFAs and the serum level of resolvin D1 and insulin resistance in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) compared to healthy women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015-2016 in Tehran, Iran, among females referred to the infertility clinic at Valie-Asr Reproductive Health Research Centre. Thirty-one patients with PCOS (according to the criteria of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)) and 29 healthy, normal cycling (NC) women of similar age, weight and height were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements, levels of resolvin D1, fasting insulin, glucose levels and insulin resistance index (HOMA) for each of the patients were determined. RESULTS: Intakes of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and total fat) and omega-3 PUFAs were higher in the PCOS group compared to the control group; also, the PCOS group had significantly higher resolvin D1, fasting insulin, glucose levels and HOMA when compared with the control group. Moreover, resolvin D1 correlated negatively with HOMA and fasting insulin levels among both the PCOS and control women. CONCLUSION: PCOS is associated with insulin resistance. We showed that omega-3 PUFAs can increase the synthesis of resolvin D1. Resolvin D1 is involved in insulin sensitivity by affecting insulin signaling and inflammatory pathways. Therefore, it can be a contributing factor in reducing insulin resistance in PCOS patients.

Development of a new live attenuated Leishmania major p27 gene knockout: Safety and immunogenicity evaluation in BALB/c mice.

Genetically modifying Leishmania major by eliminating essential virulence genes have been proposed as potential vaccine candidates. p27 is a COX component that is responsible for ATP synthesis. In this study a new mutant of Leishmania major (L. major) (MRHO/IR/75/ER) lacking the p27 gene (Lmp27-/-) was produced via homologous recombination, marking the first time such a strain has been developed. In vitro macrophage infectivity and In vivo safety, and overall immunogenicity were evaluated at various time periods following inoculation into BALB/c mice. Skin lesion development, parasite burden in the liver and spleen, cytokine and antibody levels, splenocyte proliferation, and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) were the measured variables. Results demonstrated that the Lmp27-/- mutant caused no skin lesion, had low parasitic burdens in the liver and spleen, and had a significantly increased Th1 response. These results suggest that the Lmp27-/- mutant has the potential to be evaluated as a vaccine candidate.

Relationship between estrogen and body composition, energy, and endocrine factors in obese women with normal and low REE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between estrogen and leptin, thyroid (T3), Uncoupling Protein2 (UCP2), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and resting energy expenditure(REE) in obese subjects with normal and low REE, and to investigate the relationship of estrogen with body composition and energy intake. METHOD: A total 49 subjects (25-50 years old) were selected. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, and resting energy expenditure were measured. Fasted circulating leptin, T3, SHBG and UCP2 levels were also measured. Subjects were divided to three groups: BMI > 30 and low resting energy expenditure (group I, n = 16), BMI > 30 and normal resting energy expenditure (group II, n = 17), and non-obese women as the control group (group III, n = 16). RESULT: A significant association was observed between estrogen and REE in obese women with normal REE. There was a significant association between estrogen and leptin in groups I (ß = 0.98, p < .0001), and II (ß = 0.84, P < .0001). However, no significant association was observed between estrogen and T3 and UCP2 protein in the three groups. Regression analyses demonstrated no correlation between fat mass, percent fat mass, and plasma estrogen. Plasma estrogen was not correlated with caloric intake or macronutrients of the diet. CONCLUSION: Estrogen has been shown to affect metabolism and hemostasis in obesity and increases resting energy expenditure via leptin. Production of UCP2 in PBMC is not affected by estrogen.

The synergistic effects of ω-3 fatty acids and nano-curcumin supplementation on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α gene expression and serum level in migraine patients.

Migraine is a destabilizing neuroinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent headache attacks. Evidences show tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α play a role in neuroimmunity pathogenesis of migraine. TNF-α increase prostanoid production, hyperexcitability of neurons, and nociceptor activation resulted in neuroinflammation and neurogenic pain. ω-3 fatty acids and curcumin exert neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects via several mechanisms including suppression of TNF-α gene expression and its serum levels. The aim of this study is an evaluation of synergistic effects of ω-3 fatty acids and nano-curcumin on TNF-α gene expression and serum levels in migraine patients. The present study performed as a clinical trial over a 2 month period included 74 episodic migraine patients in 4 groups and received ω-3 fatty acids, nano-curcumin, and combination of them or placebo. At the start and the end of the study, the gene expression of TNF-α and TNF-α serum levels was measured by real-time PCR and ELISA method, respectively. Our results showed that the combination of ω-3 fatty acids and nano-curcumin downregulated TNF-α messenger RNA (mRNA) significantly in a synergistic manner (P < 0.05). As relative to gene expression, a significant greater reduction in serum levels of TNF-α were observed in the combination group, but no significant differences in other groups. Supplementation with ω-3 fatty acids or nano-curcumin alone did not show significant reduction either in mRNA or serum levels of TNF-α. In addition, a much greater reduction in attack frequency was found in the combination group (P < 0.001). These findings indicated that ω-3 fatty acids and curcumin supplementation can be considered as a new promising approach in migraine management.

Serum C1q and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related protein 9 in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

AIMS: To compare CTRP9 levels in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and without PCOS. Furthermore, to determine the correlation between serum CTRP9 levels and some variety of anthropometric and biochemical parameters. METHODS: The study included 29 PCOS patients and 27 healthy volunteers of the same age and BMI. Body weight, height and waist circumference were assessed. Blood samples were taken for assessment of serum CTRP9 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. In addition, blood samples were collected for fasting insulin, glucose, and lipid profiles, and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values were calculated. RESULTS: Similar serum CTRP9 were found in PCOS subjects and controls (8.8±19.9 vs 5.0±7.6ng/mL). Serum CTRP9 concentration positively correlated with serum LDL-C and total cholesterol in patient group. However, no correlation between CTRP9 and other biochemical and anthropometric variables was found. CONCLUSION: Serum CTRP9 logs of PCOS participants exhibit a positive association with unfavorable lipid profile in this report.

Development, validation and comparison of two nomograms predicting prostate cancer at initial 12-core biopsy.

AIM: Our aim was to establish, validate and compare two nomograms in an Iranian population for the first time using clinical, laboratory and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) findings for predicting prostate cancer at initial biopsy. METHODS: Data were collected on a total of 916 men referred for an initial prostate biopsy in our center in a 7-year period. Variables analyzed included age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free/total PSA (%fPSA), digital rectal examination (DRE) findings, prostate volume (PV) and presence of hypoechoic lesion on TRUS. Univariate logistic regression models were fitted to test cancer predictors. Two multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to create nomograms. Both models were internally validated. Calibration of nomograms was assessed graphically. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated as a scale of discrimination and predictive accuracy and also used to compare models. RESULTS: Prostate cancer was detected in 221/669 (33%) men. Based on univariate logistic regression, all of variables except DRE were significant predictors of prostate cancer, with highest AUC for PV (AUC 0.696, 95% CI 0.653-0.738).AUC of nomogram with and without TRUS findings and PSA alone were 0.791, 0.721 and 0.624, respectively. In internal validation, both nomograms had acceptable calibration plots. CONCLUSION: Our nomogram based on age, DRE, PSA, %fPSA and TRUS finding was significantly more accurate in predicting initial prostate biopsy outcome in men.

Effect of DHA-rich fish oil on PPARγ target genes related to lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on lipid levels are well documented. However, the related molecular mechanisms are widely unknown. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are natural ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich fish oil supplementation on modulation of some PPARγ-responsive genes related to lipid metabolism. METHODS: Patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to consume either DHA-rich fish oil (containing 2400 mg/d fish oil; DHA: 1450 mg and eicosapentaenoic acid: 400 mg) or placebo for 8 weeks. Lipid profile and glycemic control parameters as well as the gene expression of PPARγ, liver x receptor-a, ATP-binding cassette A1, and CD36 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. RESULTS: DHA-rich fish oil supplementation resulted in decreased triglycerides (TG) level compared with placebo group, independently of the baseline value of TG (all patients (P = .003), hypertriglyceridemic subjects (P = .01), and normotriglyceridemic subjects (P = .02)). Moreover, a higher reduction in TG level was observed in hypertriglyceridemic subjects, comparing to normotriglyceridemic subjects with DHA-rich fish oil supplementation (P = .01). Other lipid parameters as well as the expression of PPARγ, liver x receptor-a, ATP-binding cassette A1, and CD36 were not affected by DHA-rich fish oil supplementation. Only in hypertriglyceridemic subjects, DHA-rich fish oil supplementation upregulated CD36 expression, compared with the placebo group (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: DHA-rich fish oil supplementation for 8 weeks increased CD36 expression in hypertriglyceridemic subjects, which might result to higher reduction in TG level, comparing with normotriglyceridemic subjects. However, this finding should be investigated in further studies.

Relative Survival of Breast Cancer Patients in Iran.

BACKGROUND: The survival rate reflecting prognosis of breast cancer patients is usually estimated based on crude survival methods such as observed and cause-specific. In situations where data are based on population-cancer registries, this method may produce biased estimations. This study therefore aimed to estimate the net survival of breast cancer based on relative survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data for 622 breast cancer patients diagnosed at the Iran Cancer Institute during 1990-95 and tracked till the end of 2000 were analyzed. For estimation of relative survival, Ederer's second method and SAS (9.1) and STATA (11) software were used. RESULTS: Three- year relative survivals of 85%, 90%, 80% and 67% were observed for age groups 15-44, 55-59, 60-74, and 75+ years-old, respectively. A relative survival of approximately one was observed for two subsequent years for age-group 45-59 years-old. A value greater than one for two subsequent years of follow-up was observed in the age-group 60-74 years-old. CONCLUSIONS: Tracking the diagnosis of breast cancer, the relative survival decreases as we go to higher age-groups. It is also perceived that through follow-up, relative survival first decreased and then increased a little. The statistical cure point is acceptable for age group 45-59 years-old while for age-groups 15-44 and 60-74 years old is a sign of low quality data for some follow-up intervals.

Calcium Intake, Major Dietary Sources and Bone Health Indicators in Iranian Primary School Children.

BACKGROUND: Adequate calcium intake may have a crucial role with regards to prevention of many chronic diseases, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, different types of cancer, obesity and osteoporosis. In children, sufficient calcium intake is especially important to support the accelerated growth spurt during the preteen and teenage years and to increase bone mineral mass to lay the foundation for older age. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess daily calcium intake in school-age children to ensure whether they fulfill the FGP dairy serving recommendations, the recommended levels of daily calcium intake and to assess the relationship between dietary calcium intake and major bone health indicators. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 501 Iranian school-age children were randomly selected. Calcium intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Bone health indicators were also assessed. RESULTS: Dairy products contributed to 69.3% of the total calcium intake of the children. Daily adequate intake of calcium was achieved by 17.8% of children. Only 29.8% met the Food guide pyramid recommendations for dairy intake. Dietary calcium intake was not significantly correlated with serum calcium and other selected biochemical indicators of bone health. CONCLUSIONS: The need for planning appropriate nutrition strategies for overcoming inadequate calcium intake in school age children in the city of Tehran is inevitable.

Docosahexaenoic Acid-Rich Fish Oil Supplementation Improves Body Composition without Influence of the PPARγ Pro12Ala Polymorphism in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this research were to investigate (1) the impact of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich fish oil supplementation on body composition, plasma adiponectin level, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) gene expression, and (2) whether the effect of DHA-rich fish oil supplementation on the aforementioned variables is modulated by PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism. METHODS: We genotyped PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ala carriers and non-Ala carriers were randomly assigned to DHA-rich fish oil or placebo intake for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Glycemic control was not affected by the intervention. The supplementation with DHA-rich fish oil decreased waist circumference (p < 0.001), body fat mass (p = 0.01), body fat percent (p = 0.04), and viscera fat rating (p = 0.02) as well as trunk fat mass (p = 0.04). Weight, body mass index, fat-free mass, adiponectin level, and PPARγ gene expression changes showed no significant difference. No gene-diet interaction was found on body composition, adiponectin level, and PPARγ gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: DHA-rich fish oil supplementation favorably modulated body composition in patients with T2DM and could be useful to reduce visceral obesity. However, the PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism did not influence the changes in the desired variables.

Risk Factors of Graft Survival After Diagnosis of Post-kidney Transplant Malignancy: Using Cox Proportional Hazard Model.

BACKGROUND: All recipients of kidney transplantation, especially those with posttransplant malignancy, are at risk of long-term graft failure. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with graft survival after diagnosis of malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To reach this purpose, we conducted a historical cohort study in Iran and 266 cases with posttransplant malignancy were followed up from diagnosis of malignancy until long-term graft loss or the date of last visit. These patients were taken as a census from 16 Transplant Centers in Iran during 22 years follow-up period since October 1984 to December 2008. A Cox proportional hazards model was performed to determine the important independent predictors of graft survival after malignancy. RESULTS: At the end of the study, long-term graft failure was seen in 27 (10.2%) cases. One-year and 2-year graft survival after diagnosis of cancer were 93.6% and 91.7%, respectively. The univariate analysis showed that the incidence of chronic graft loss was significantly higher in male patients with solid cancers, withdrawal of immunosuppressant regimen, no response to treatment, and tumor metastasis. In continuation, the Cox model indicated that the significant risk factors associated with graft survival were type of cancer (P < 0.0001), response to treatment (P < 0.0001, HR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.06 - 0.32), metastasis (P < 0.0001, HR = 5.68, 95% CI: 2.24 - 14.42), and treatment modality (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: By controlling the modifiable risk factors and modality of treatment in our study, physicians can reach more effective treatment.

The effect of weight reduction on antioxidant enzymes and their association with dietary intake of vitamins A, C and E.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to assess the effects of weight loss on antioxidant enzymes of red blood cells and it's relation with vitamins A, E and C intake in 30 obese women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: General information, anthropometric measurements, 3-day food recall, and fasting blood samples were collected from 30 obese women at the beginning of the study and after 3 months intervention. Weight loss was set at about 10% of their weight before the intervention. RESULTS: Glutathione reductase and catalase activities showed a significant increase (P < 0.01) after weight reduction, but no significant changes were seen in the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. There was a positive linear correlation between daily vitamin C intake with superoxide dismutase enzyme after intervention (P = 0.004, r = 0.507). There was a negative linear correlation between vitamin E intake and glutathione peroxidase activity before intervention (P = 0.005, r = -0.5). A negative correlation was found between daily vitamin A intake and glutathione reductase enzyme before and after intervention (r = -0.385, r = -0.397, P < 0.05) respectively. No significant correlation was observed between vitamins A, C, E amounts and catalase activity. CONCLUSIONS: Ten percent weight reduction can have a significant role in increasing antioxidant enzymes activities, especially glutathione reductase, and catalase enzymes in obese women. However, it is important to take into consideration a balanced amount of certain nutrients while administering a diet with limited energy.

The effect of weight reduction on antioxidant enzymes and their association with dietary intake of vitamins A, C and E / Efeito da redução de peso sobre as enzimas antioxidantes e associação destas com a ingestão de vitaminas A, C e E

Objective Our goal was to assess the effects of weight loss on antioxidant enzymes of red blood cells and it’s relation with vitamins A, E and C intake in 30 obese women. Subjects and methods General information, anthropometric measurements, 3-day food recall, and fasting blood samples were collected from 30 obese women at the beginning of the study and after 3 months intervention. Weight loss was set at about 10% of their weight before the intervention. Results Glutathione reductase and catalase activities showed a significant increase (P < 0.01) after weight reduction, but no significant changes were seen in the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. There was a positive linear correlation between daily vitamin C intake with superoxide dismutase enzyme after intervention (P = 0.004, r = 0.507). There was a negative linear correlation between vitamin E intake and glutathione peroxidase activity before intervention (P = 0.005, r = -0.5). A negative correlation was found between daily vitamin A intake and glutathione reductase enzyme before and after intervention (r = -0.385, r = -0.397, P < 0.05) respectively. No significant correlation was observed between vitamins A, C, E amounts and catalase activity. Conclusions Ten percent weight reduction can have a significant role in increasing antioxidant enzymes activities, especially glutathione reductase, and catalase enzymes in obese women. However, it is important to take into consideration a balanced amount of certain nutrients while administering a diet with limited energy. .

Objetivo Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos da perda de peso sobre as enzimas antioxidantes de eritrócitos, e a relação destas com a ingestão das vitaminas A, E e C. Sujeitos e métodos Foram coletadas informações gerais e medidas antropométricas, registro alimentar de três dias e amostras de sangue em jejum de 30 mulheres obesas no início do estudo e depois de três meses da intervenção. A perda de peso determinada antes da intervenção foi de 10% do peso. Resultados As atividades da glutationa redutase e da catalase mostraram aumento significativo (P < 0,01) depois da perda de peso, mas não houve mudanças significativas nas atividades da superóxido dismutase e da glutationa peroxidase. Foi observada uma correlação linear positiva entre a ingestão diária de vitamina C e a enzima superóxido dismutase após a intervenção (P = 0,004, r = 0,507). Houve uma correlação linear negativa entre a ingestão de vitamina E e a atividade da glutationa peroxidase antes da intervenção (P = 0,005, r = -0,5). Foi observada uma correlação negativa entre a ingestão diária de vitamina A e a enzima glutationa redutase antes e depois da intervenção (r = -0,385, r = -0,397, P < 0,05), respectivamente. Não foram observadas correlações significativas entre as vitaminas A, C, E e os níveis e a atividade da catalase. Conclusões Uma redução de 10% no peso pode ter um papel significativo no aumento da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes, especialmente na glutationa redutase e catalase em mulheres obesas. Entretanto, é importante levar em consideração uma ingestão equilibrada de certos nutrientes ao se recomendar uma dieta com níveis de energia restritos. .

Chronic graft loss and death in patients with post-transplant malignancy in living kidney transplantation: a competing risk analysis.

BACKGROUND: Malignancy is a common complication after renal transplantation. Death with functioning graft and chronic graft loss are two competing outcomes in patients with post-transplant malignancies. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with cumulative incidence of these two outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fine-Gray model was used for 266 cases with post-transplant malignancy in Iran. These patients were followed-up from the diagnosis until the date of last visit, chronic graft loss, or death, subsequently. RESULTS: At the end of the study, as competing events, chronic graft loss and death with functioning graft were seen in 27 (10.2%) and 53 cases (19.9%), respectively, while 186 cases (69.9%) were accounted as censored. The incidence rate of death was approximately two-time of the incidence rate of chronic graft loss (8.6 vs. 4.4 per 100 person-years). In multivariate analysis, significant risk factors associated with cumulative incidence of death included age (P < 0.007, subhazard ratio (SHR) = 1.03), type of cancer (P < 0.0001), and response to treatment (P < 0.0001, SHR = 0.027). The significant risk factors associated with cumulative incidence of chronic graft loss were gender (P = 0.05, SHR = 0.37), treatment modality (P < 0.0001), and response to treatment (P = 0.048, SHR = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Using these factors, nephrologists may predict the occurrence of graft loss or death. If the probability of graft loss was higher, physicians can decrease the immunosuppressive medications dosage to decrease the incidence of graft loss.

Effects of supplementation with omega-3 on insulin sensitivity and non-esterified free fatty acid (NEFA) in type 2 diabetic patients / Efeito da suplementação com ômega-3 sobre a sensibilidade à insulina e aos ácidos graxos livres não esterificados (AGNE) em pacientes com diabetes tipo 2

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the role of omega-3 supplementation on NEFA concentration, insulin sensitivity and resistance, and glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic patients. Subjects and methods: Forty-four type 2 diabetic patients were randomly recruited into two groups. Group A received 4 g/day omega-3 soft gels, and group B received a placebo for 10 wks. Blood samples were collected after 12-h fast. Physical activity records, three-day food records, and anthropometric measurements were obtained from all participants at the beginning and end of the study. Results: Omega-3 supplementation caused a significant reduction in NEFA in the intervention group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.009). Additionally, the administration of omega-3 resulted in significantly greater changes (Diff) for the intervention group in various parameters, such as insulin and Quicki indices compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in type 2 diabetic patients improved insulin sensitivity, probably due to the decrease in NEFA concentrations. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(4):335-40 .

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o papel da suplementação com ácidos graxos ômega-3 sobre a concentração de ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE), resistência e sensibilidade à insulina e metabolismo de lipídios em pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 2. Sujeitos e métodos: Quarenta e quatro pacientes com diabetes tipo 2 foram recrutados aleatoriamente e alocados em um de dois grupos. O Grupo A recebeu 4 g/dia de ômega-3 na forma de cápsulas gelatinosas e o grupo B recebeu placebo durante 10 semanas. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas após 12 horas de jejum. Registros da atividade física, da dieta de três dias e medidas antropométricas foram obtidos de todos os participantes no início e no final do estudo. Resultados: A suplementação com ômega-3 causou uma redução significativa na AGNE em comparação com grupo placebo (P = 0,008). Além disso, a administração de ômega-3 resultou em alterações significativamente maiores (Dif) em vários parâmetros, tais como a insulina, HOMA-IR e QUICKI, comparando com placebo (P < 0,05). Conclusões: A suplementação com ácidos graxos ômega-3 em pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 melhorou a sensibilidade à insulina, provavelmente devido à diminuição da concentração de AGNE. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(4):335-40 .

A study of lipid- and protein- bound sialic acids for the diagnosis of bladder cancer and their relationships with the severity of malignancy.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard for detection of bladder cancer is cystoscopy, which is an invasive and complicated procedure. Our study was conducted to find a tumor marker with high specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy for the diagnosis of bladder cancer. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 58 bladder cancer patients and 60 healthy control subjects. Levels of lipid-bound sialic acid (LBSA), and protein-bound sialic acid (PBSA) were measured spectrophotometrically by Aminoff's method. RESULTS: Mean levels of both markers were found to be significantly higher in the patients than the healthy controls. Positive correlations were observed between serum levels of lipid- (r=0.283, p<0.05) and protein- bound (r=0.56, p<0.05) sialic acids and the grade of malignancy. To differentiate patients with bladder tumors from healthy controls, cut-offpoints were determined for each of the two parameters based on Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis (LBSA=21.25 mg/dL, PBSA=6.15 mg/dL). The data showed good sensitivities (LBSA=89%, PBSA=79%), specificities (LBSA=70%, PBSA=70%) and accuracies (LBSA=83%, PBSA=81%) for both markers. CONCLUSION: Measuring serum LBSA and PBSA by this simple, reproducible, noninvasive, and inexpensive method can accurately discriminate cancer patients from healthy individuals.

Effects of polygonum cuspidatum containing resveratrol on inflammation in male professional basketball players.

BACKGROUND: Exercise can lead to acute oxidative stress, which can result in oxidative damage and induce inflammation. Resveratrol may reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Thus, we investigated the effects of this compound on the plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in male professional basketball players. METHODS: Twenty healthy male professional basketball players were randomized into two groups (10 each). For 6 weeks, they received daily either 200 mg of polygonum cuspidatum extract (PCE) standardized to contain 20% trans-resveratrol equivalent to 40 mg trans-resveratrol or placebo. Indices of inflammation were measured before and after 6 weeks of supplementation. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in plasma levels of TNF-a and IL-6 after 6 weeks of supplementation; while no change was observed in these markers in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Present study shows that 6 weeks of PCE containing resveratrol supplementation reduces the inflammation in male professional basketball players.

Vitamin D Receptor Fok-I polymorphism modulates diabetic host response to vitamin D intake: need for a nutrigenetic approach.

OBJECTIVE: Interpopulation as well as interindividual variations in response to vitamin D intake commonly observed in subjects with type 2 diabetes may be related to genetic makeup. One of the candidate genes potentially responsible for this diversity is vitamin D receptor (VDR). This study aimed to investigate the interactive effect of VDR Fok-I polymorphism and vitamin D intake on diverse aspects of diabetic host response. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Glycemic status, lipid profiles, inflammatory biomarkers, and VDR Fok-I genotypes were determined in diabetic subjects (n = 140) who participated in a randomized controlled trial. Participants consumed two 250-mL bottles per day of yogurt drink (doogh) fortified with 500 IU vitamin D/250 mL for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Mean serum 25(OH)D increased by ~30 nmol/L (P < 0.001). The time × intervention effect was significant for 25(OH)D (P = 0.030), HDL (P = 0.011), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (P < 0.001), interleukin (IL)-4 (P = 0.008), and IL-6 (P = 0.017) among the genotypic groups. The alleles were defined as ''F'' or ''f'' depending on the absence or presence of the restriction site, respectively. The least increment in 25(OH)D was in ff (23.0 ± 3.8 nmol/L) compared with Ff (31.2 ± 3.4 nmol/L) and FF (35.6 ± 2.7 nmol/L) (P for trend = 0.009), but only the difference between ff and FF was significant (P = 0.023). FF group had the largest decrement of both hsCRP and IL-6 compared with Ff (P < 0.001 and P = 0.038) and ff (P = 0.010 and P = 0.048), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that those of VDR ff genotype may be regarded as "low responders" to vitamin D intake in terms of response of circulating 25(OH)D and certain inflammatory biomarkers. A nutrigenetic approach may, therefore, be needed to protect diabetic patients from vitamin D deficiency.