The association between dietary total antioxidant capacity and hearing loss: results from the Tehran employees Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous studies that have explored the association between individual antioxidants or specific combinations and the risk of hearing loss, there is lack of information regarding the relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) and hearing loss. The conflicting results on this association further highlight the need for more research in this area. This study aims to investigate the association between overall dietary antioxidant intake and the risk of hearing loss among Iranian adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 3443 adult participants aged between 19 and 67 years (with an average age of 41.4 years ± 8.8) who were employed at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Participants underwent dietary assessment using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The hearing status of each participant was evaluated by a licensed audiologist in a soundproof room, using diagnostic audiometry that adhered to American National Standards specifications and followed standard audiometric clinical procedures. The dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) was calculated using the Ferric Reducing-Antioxidant Power (FRAP) values. RESULTS: 43.6% of male participants had hearing loss, while 26.8% among female participants. After accounting for various confounding factors, no significant association was observed between higher levels of dTAC and reduced odds of hearing loss in the overall population. However, among men under the age of 40, higher levels of dTAC were associated with decreased odds of hearing loss, even after adjusting for several covariates (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.31-1.02, Ptrend = 0.02). This relationship was not evident in men over 40 years of age or among women. CONCLUSION: The study found an inverse relationship between higher antioxidant intake in the diet and lower odds of hearing loss, specifically among men who were 40 years old or younger. However, this relationship was not observed in the overall population or among women. Additional prospective studies are necessary to validate these results.

Exploring the association between ultra-processed foods and COPD: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: While it is known that the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with a heightened risk of respiratory ailments, the specific effects of UPF intake on COPD remain unclear. This study was designed to explore the potential link between COPD and the consumption of UPFs among adult individuals in Iran. METHODS: In this hospital-based case-control study conducted at Alzahra University Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, we enrolled 84 patients newly diagnosed with COPD, along with 252 healthy controls matched for age and sex. COPD was defined based on the results of spirometry tests, specifically when the forced expiratory volume per second (FEV1) was less than 80% or the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FVC) was less than 70%. To evaluate the dietary intake of the participants, we utilized a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) consisting of 168 items. Additionally, we gathered data on potential confounding factors using a pre-tested questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean ages for the case and control groups were 57.07 and 55.05 years, respectively. Our study found no significant association between the intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the likelihood of COPD, with an odds ratio (OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.34-1.77). This lack of association persisted even after adjusting for factors such as energy intake, sex, and age (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.19-1.21). Further controlling for potential confounders like body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and smoking status did not alter this finding (OR: 0.367; 95% CI: 0.123-1.1008, P = 0.074). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we observed no significant association between the intake of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) and the odds of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This finding remained consistent even after adjusting for factors such as energy intake, sex, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), physical activity, and smoking status. Therefore, within the scope of our study, it appears that the consumption of UPFs does not significantly impact the likelihood of developing COPD. However, we recommend further research to deepen our understanding of the intricate relationship between dietary habits and respiratory health.

The association between diet quality and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Previous investigations have primarily examined the relationship between various dietary patterns and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, there have been limited studies that have evaluated the association between diet quality presented by Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010) and COPD. The aim of this study was to investigate this association in Iranian population. METHODS: This case-control study recruited 84 cases and 252 healthy controls who were randomly selected. Diet, smoking, and physical activity were assessed using validated questionnaires. The HEI-2010 score ranged from zero to hundred twenty, with zero indicating an unhealthy diet and hundred twenty indicating a healthy diet. Logistic regression models were utilized to analyze the association between HEI-2010 and the odds of COPD. RESULTS: Results from logistic regression showed that individuals with higher HEI scores had a significantly lower odds of COPD (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.16-0.72). After adjusting for confounders, individuals with the highest HEI score were 82% less likely to have COPD (OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.03-0.96). This association remained significant after adjusting for smoking and physical activity (OR: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.93) and with additional adjustment for BMI (OR: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: This study found a significant association between a higher HEI-2010 score and a lower odd of COPD in the Iranian population. These results suggest that a healthy diet may play a crucial role in reducing the odds of COPD and in improving the function of the lungs. However, further prospective studies are warranted to elucidate this relationship.

Association between healthy lifestyle score and breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Majority of earlier studies have assessed the association between individual lifestyle factors and the risk of breast cancer (BC); however, limited information is available linking the whole lifestyle factors to BC. We aimed to examine the association between combined lifestyle score (diet, physical activity (PA) and smoking) and risk of BC in Iranian population. METHODS: This population-based case-control study included 350 newly diagnosed cases of BC and 700 healthy controls randomly selected from adult women. Dietary intakes, PA and smoking status of study participants were examined using validated questionnaires. The lifestyle risk factors examined in this study included cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, and Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010). The lifestyle score ranged from zero (non-healthy) to 3 (most healthy) points. Logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the association between combined lifestyle scores and odds of BC. RESULTS: Mean age and body mass index (BMI) of study participants were 62.4 years and 24.3 kg/m2, respectively. In the whole study population, individuals with the highest healthy lifestyle score (HLS) were 0.38 times less likely to have BC than those with the lowest score (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.93, Ptrend = 0.01). The analysis by menopausal status showed that postmenopausal women with the highest HLS had 44% lower odds of BC compared with those with the lowest score (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.88, P trend = 0.004). Such association was not seen in premenopausal women. After analyzing each component of HLS, we found that individuals with the highest HEI score were 46% less likely to have BC than those with the lowest score (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.82, Ptrend <  0.001). No other significant associations were found between PA and smoking and risk of BC. CONCLUSIONS: Significant inverse associations were found between HLS and HEI with BC especially among postmenopausal women. Prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.