Multi-species synbiotic supplementation increased fecal short chain fatty acids and anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 in adult men with dyslipidemia; A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Mounting evidence revealed that an imbalance of Gut Microbiota (GM) leads to metabolic disorders. Synbiotics through regulation of GM composition can be an effective intervention in the management of metabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of multi-species synbiotic supplementation on serum interleukin10 (IL-10) and fecal Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) in patients with dyslipidemia. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, fifty-six adult men with dyslipidemia were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups and received either synbiotic or placebo powder twice a day for 12 weeks. Each synbiotic sachet contained 6 species of probiotic microorganisms with a total dose of 3 × 1010 Colony Forming Unit (CFU) and 5 gr inulin and Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) as prebiotics. Blood and stool samples were collected at the baseline and end of the study. Dietary intake, physical activity, anthropometric measurements, serum IL-10, and fecal SCFAs were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULT: There were no significant differences between the baseline characteristics of patients in the two groups. Serum IL-10 was increased in the synbiotic group (p < 0.0001). Moreover, synbiotic supplementation increased fecal concentration of acetate (p < 0.0001), butyrate (p = 0.043), propionate (p < 0.0001), and valerate (p < 0.026). A significant positive correlation was observed between the changes in fecal butyrate level and serum IL-10 concentration in the control group (r = 0.48, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A Twelve-week synbiotic supplementation increased fecal SCFAs and improved inflammation in adult men with dyslipidemia.

Effects of Multi-species Synbiotic Supplementation on Circulating miR-27a, miR-33a Levels, and Lipid Parameters in Adult Men with Dyslipidemia; A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of lipid metabolism. Recent studies have suggested synbiotics may modulate miRNA expression and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on circulating miR-27a, miR-33a, and lipid parameters in patients with dyslipidemia. Fifty-six eligible participants were randomly allocated to receive either synbiotic or placebo sachets twice a day for 12 weeks. Each synbiotic sachet contained 3×1010 CFU six species of probiotic microorganisms and 5 grams of inulin and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) as prebiotics. Serum miR-27a and miR-33a expression levels, serum lipids, and apolipoproteins, the fecal concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla were assessed before and after the study. Real-time PCR was used to determine the relative expression levels of miRNAs. The results showed synbiotic supplementation significantly downregulated the expression levels of miR-27a and miR-33a compared to the placebo group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL-C), apoA-I, and apoB-100 (p = 0.008, p = 0.006, p = 0.003, p = 0.001, respectively). The results showed a significant negative correlation between miR-33a expression levels with HDL-C, butyrate, propionate, and a significant positive correlation with total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and sdLDL-C in the intervention group. Fecal bacteria and SCFAs were significantly increased in the intervention group. This study provides evidence that synbiotic supplementation can modulate miR-27a and miR-33a expression and improve lipid metabolism in patients with dyslipidemia.

Effects of weight change on taste function; a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this review is to evaluate the relationship between weight status and taste perception and preference of sweet, salt, fat, bitter, and sour through reviewing observational and interventional studies with objective methods. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed in 6 online databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar up to October 2021. The following keywords were used in the search strategy: (Taste OR "Taste Perception" OR "Taste Threshold" OR "Taste preference" OR "Taste sensitivity" OR "Taste changes") AND (weight OR "Weight gain" OR "weight loss" OR "weight change"). RESULTS: Most observational studies indicate that four taste sensitivities or perceptions (especially sweet and salt taste perception) are lower in subjects with overweight and obesity. The longitudinal studies reported that sweet and fat preference is increased along with weight gain in adults. It is concluded that taste perceptions are decreased in individuals with overweight and obesity, especially in men. Also, taste perception and preference change after weight loss but not significantly. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the results of the interventional studies are not conclusive and need further studies with the same and standard design adjusting cofounding variables including genetic, gender, age and food condition of subjects.

The effects of Vitamin D3 supplementation on Spermatogram and endocrine factors in asthenozoospermia infertile men: a randomized, triple blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of vitamin D3 (VD3) on sperm parameters and endocrine markers in infertile men with asthenozoospermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, triple-masking, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted on 86 asthenozoospermia infertile men with serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D3 (25(OH)VD3) < 30 ng/ml in the infertility clinic of Ahvaz Jahad daneshgahi, Iran. Patients were randomly allocated to groups A and B, who received daily 4000 IU VD3 and matching placebo respectively for 3 months. Demographic data, dietary intake, physical activity, sun exposure, anthropometric indices, serum 25(OH)VD3, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (T), estradiol (E2),, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index (FAI = T/SHBG. 100), T/LH and T/E2 ratios, prolactin (PRO), parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OCN), phosphorus and sperm parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Three months VD3 supplementation with 4000 IU/day had no significant effects body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat (BF), serum, OCN, LH, FSH, T, E2, SHBG, PRO, T/E2 ratio, FAI, semen volume, sperm count and normal sperm morphology. It increases serum 25(OH)VD3, PTH and phosphorus and seminal and serum calcium, T/LH ratio and total and progressive sperm motility and decreased significantly compared to the baseline and placebo group. CONCLUSION: VD3 supplementation may affect sperm motility in men with asthenozoospermia and serum 25(OH)VD3 < 30 ng/ml. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iran Clinical Trials Registry, ID: IRCT20151128025274N4, registered on 28 March 2018, URL of trial registry record: https://www.irct.ir/trial/29983.

Relationship between dietary patterns and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease. Previous studies have investigated the association between dietary patterns and NAFLD, but their results are contradictory. Therefore, we carried out this meta-analysis to examine the association between dietary patterns and NAFLD. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases until November 14, 2019, to identify the observational studies on the association between dietary patterns and NAFLD. We selected three dietary patterns of Western, Prudent, and Mediterranean. A random-effect model was used to compute the summary risk estimates. Odds ratios (ORs) that were reported for fully adjusted models and their confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted for meta-analysis. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using Cochran's Q- and I2 tests. Eighteen articles (n = 24 867 participants) were entered our systematic review and meta-analysis. RESULTS: We determined that Western dietary patterns (n = 8787 participants) containing high levels of processed food, red meat, high-fat dairy, and refined grains could significantly increase NAFLD (OR = 1.56, CI = 1.27 to 1.92; P ≤ 0.001). However, the Prudent (n = 13 023 participants) (OR = 0.78, CI = 0.71 to 0.85; P ≤ 0.001) and Mediterranean dietary patterns (n = 3057 participants) (OR = 0.77, CI = 0.60 to 0.98; P = 0.41), defined by high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil decreased the risk of this disease. CONCLUSIONS: We found that Western dietary patterns increased the risk of NAFLD by 56%, although the Prudent and Mediterranean dietary patterns reduced the risk of this disease by 22% and 23%, respectively.

Evaluation of the effect of vitamin D supplementation on spermatogram, seminal and serum levels of oxidative stress indices in asthenospermia infertile men: a study protocol for a triple-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: It is suggested that vitamin D may have a beneficial role in male reproduction. The male reproductive system is a target tissue for vitamin D. This study will aim to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on sperm parameters, seminal and serum levels of oxidative stress and serum endocrine factors in asthenospermia infertile men. METHODS/DESIGN: This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will be conducted on 86 infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia (the mobility of sperm < 40% and rapid progressive sperm motility < 32%), with serum levels of vitamin D less than 30 ng / ml in the "Infertility Clinic of Ahvaz Jahad daneshgahi", Iran. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE (S): Demographic data, dietary intake, physical activity, sun exposure, anthropometric indices, serum and seminal levels of MDA (Malondialdehyde), 8-hydroxy-2- Dioxy Guanosine (8-OHDG), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and calcium, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), serum 25-OHD, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index (FAI = T/SHBG. 100), T/LH and T/E2 ratios, prolactin (PRO), parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OCN), phosphorus and sperm parameters. DISCUSSION: The deficiency of vitamin D as an antioxidant is common all over the world. Numerous observational studies have shown a positive association between vitamin D levels and semen quality. However, few clinical studies have been conducted in this area. So considering with the high prevalence of this antioxidant deficiency specifically in infertile men, it seems that the supplementation of vitamin D in infertile men with insufficient levels or deficiency may improve the status of oxidative stress and thereby may affect sperm parameters and endocrine factors involved in male fertility. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iran Clinical Trials Registry, ID: IRCT20151128025274N4 , registered on 28 March 2018.

The relationship between dietary patterns and depression mediated by serum levels of Folate and vitamin B12.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder is among main worldwide causes of disability. The low medication compliance rates in depressed patients as well as the high recurrence rate of the disease can bring up the nutrition-related factors as a potential preventive or treatment agent for depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dietary patterns and depression via the intermediary role of the serum folate and vitamin B12, total homocysteine, tryptophan, and tryptophan/competing amino acids ratio. METHODS: This was an individually matched case-control study in which 110 patients with depression and 220 healthy individuals, who completed a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire were recruited. We selected the depressed patients from three districts in Tehran through non-probable convenience sampling from which healthy individuals were selected, as well. The samples selection and data collection were performed during October 2012 to June 2013. In addition, to measure the serum biomarkers 43 patients with depression and 43 healthy people were randomly selected from the study population. To diagnose depression the criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, were utilized. RESULTS: The findings suggest that the healthy dietary pattern was significantly associated with a reduced odds of depression (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.61-0.93) whereas the unhealthy dietary pattern increased it (OR: 1.382, CI: 1.116-1.71). The mediation analysis showed that the healthy dietary pattern was associated with a reduced risk of depression via increased serum levels of the folate and vitamin B12; however, the unhealthy dietary pattern was associated with increased risk of depression via decreased serum levels of folate and vitamin B12, based on tree adjusted logistic regression models. CONCLUSION: Dietary patterns may be associated with depression by changing the serum levels of folate and vitamin B12. Further studies are required to confirm the mechanism.

Association of the dietary patterns with the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among Iranian population: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Diet-based recommendations can be developed for preventing and treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) after investigating the effects of whole diets on NAFLD. The aim of this study was to identify major dietary patterns and their association with the risk of NAFLD. METHODS: A total of 244 individuals (122 NAFLD patients and 122 controls) participated in this case-control study. The patients with NAFLD were diagnosed by a gastroenterologist. The participants' dietary intake data were collected using a 147-item semi-quantitive food frequency questionnaire and major dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis. Adherence to dietary patterns was divided into tertiles and its association with odds of NAFLD was investigated by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The results showed four major dietary patterns, among which adherence to the "ordinary pattern" was positively associated with NAFLD risk. After adjusting for all confounding factors, individuals in the highest tertile of "ordinary pattern" exhibited a significantly elevated risk of NAFLD compared to the lowest tertile (OR = 3.74, 95%CI = 1.23-11.42, P trend< 0.001). As well as, Individuals in the second and third tertiles of the "traditional pattern" were associated with the risk of NAFLD compared to the lowest tertile (medium vs. lowest tertile OR = 2.37, 95%CI = 1.02-5.53; highest vs. lowest tertile OR = 3.58, 95% CI = 1.48-8.68, P trend< 0.001). The highest tertile of "vegetable and dairy pattern" compared to the lowest tertile was inversely associated with NAFLD risk (OR = 0.23, 95%CI = 0.09-0.58, P trend = 0.02). No significant association was found between "fast food type pattern" and the risk of NAFLD. CONCLUSION: A significant association was observed between different dietary patterns and the risk of NAFLD. These results can potentially serve as a dietary strategy for preventing NAFLD in individuals who are at a high risk for progression of NAFLD.

Effect of fenugreek extract supplement on testosterone levels in male: A meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Different types of glycosides extract of fenugreek have shown androgenic and anabolic effect in male. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of fenugreek extract on total testosterone levels in male. Medline via PubMed, Scopus databases, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to November 2018 for randomized clinical trials comparing intake of fenugreek extract with control group. Data on change in serum total testosterone were pooled using random-effects models. A total of four trials were included. Fenugreek extract has a significant effect on total serum testosterone. Results from clinical trials suggest that fenugreek extract supplement has an effect on serum total testosterone levels in male.

The effect of curcumin supplementation on clinical outcomes and inflammatory markers in patients with ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of curcumin on improvement of the disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, 70 patients with mild-to-moderate UC were randomly assigned to curcumin (1,500 mg/day) or placebo intake for 8 weeks. Disease clinical activity, quality of life, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values, and complete blood count were measured. RESULTS: Changes in Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index score were significantly higher in the curcumin than the placebo group (-5.9 ± 2.08 vs. -2.1 ± 2.6; p = .001). The scores of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire-9 and quality of life were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = .006). Furthermore, the curcumin supplementation reduced the serum hs-CRP concentration (-6.3 ± 13.6 vs. 3.7 ± 11.6 µg/ml; p = .01) and ESR levels significantly (-1.6 ± 2.7 vs. -0.09 ± 2.4 mm/hr; p = .02) in comparison with the control group. No significant changes were observed in the TNF-α levels of both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of the curcumin supplement, along with drug therapy, is associated with significant improvement of the clinical outcomes, quality of life, hs-CRP, and ESR in patients with mild-to-moderate UC.

Red vine leaf extract (AS 195) can improve some signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, a systematic review.

AIM: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is common in adults. Some complications include skin changes, edema, heavy legs, muscle cramps, pain, and varicose veins. In traditional medicine, red vine leaf extract (AS 195) has been used to cure the symptoms of CVI. This systematic review was aimed to assess the effects of AS 195 in patients with CVI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify trials that reported the impact of red vine leaf extract on CVI. The primary outcomes investigated were Leg (limb) volume, calf circumference, ankle circumference, tired and heavy legs, a sensation of tension, tingling sensation, and pain. RESULTS: From the 56 studies, 5 trials were selected according to our inclusion criteria. Red vine leaf extract significantly improved numbers of outcomes (lower leg volume, calf and ankle circumference, tired, heavy legs, tingling sensation, pain, the sensation of tension in the legs, cutaneous microcirculation, and transcutaneous oxygen pressure) in only some trials. The tolerability for red vine leaf extract was reported good or satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Red vine leaf extract had a beneficial therapeutic role in patients with CVI. Further high-quality trials are required to be carried out to provide strong evidence.

The effects of soy isoflavones on total testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to evaluate the effectiveness of soy isoflavones on serum levels of total testosterone (TT) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed by searching for relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in several databases. Of the four trials found, the eligibility criteria to evaluate the efficacy of soy isoflavones on serum levels of FSH were met by three trials and of TT by four trials. The Cochrane scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias. Fixed-effects and random-effects models were used to evaluate overall effect. The χ 2 test (Cochran's Q test) and the I 2 index were used to assess the heterogeneity of RCTs. RESULTS: Our results showed that soy isoflavones significantly decreased TT (weighted mean difference [WMD] - 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.2, -0.02; p = 0.016; I 2 = 89%, p < 0.001) but had no significant effect on FSH levels (WMD -0.25; 95% CI -0.54, 0.02; p = 0.06; I 2 = 0%, p = 0.85). CONCLUSION: Although the results of this meta-analysis showed that soy isoflavones in women with PCOS decreased TT and had no significant effect on FSH, better and more valid studies are needed to confirm these results.

Metabolic benefits of curcumin supplementation in patients with metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The finding of studies on the effect of curcumin extract on metabolic factor in patients with metabolic syndrome has had arguable results. This systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) aimed to analyze the effect of curcumin/turmeric on metabolic factors in patients with metabolic syndrome. The PICO strategy was used to establish the guiding question of this review. Several databases for RCT were searched until September 2018. Of the 144 articles initially identified, seven trials met the eligibility criteria. A random-effects model with a mean weight difference (WMD) and a 95% confidence interval was performed for quantitative data synthesis. Pooled estimates of WMD were calculated between intervention and control groups using random-effects model in the presence of high level of heterogeneity between the studies. The results showed significant improvement of fasting blood glucose (p = 0.01), triglycerides (p < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.003), and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.007) levels. Curcumin was not associated with a significant change in waist circumference measurement (p = 0.6) and systolic blood pressure level (p = 0.269). Curcumin supplementation improves some components of metabolic syndrome.

Does turmeric/curcumin supplementation improve serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of turmeric/curcumin supplementation on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to November 20, 2018. Studies that examined the effect of turmeric/curcumin on serum concentrations of ALT and AST among patients with NAFLD were included. The mean difference and standard deviation (SD) of changes in ALT and AST between intervention and control groups were used as effect size for the meta-analysis. A total of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for meta-analysis. Results from pooled analysis revealed that turmeric/curcumin supplementation reduced ALT (MD: -7.31 UL/L, 95% CI [-13.16, -1.47], p = 0.014) and AST (MD: -4.68 UL/L, 95% CI [-8.75 -0.60], p = 0.026). When RCTs stratified on the basis of their treatment duration, the significant reduction in serum concentrations of ALT and AST was observed only in studies lasting less than 12 weeks. This review suggests that turmeric/curcumin might have a favorable effect on serum concentrations of ALT and AST in patients with NAFLD. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The present systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to analyze the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids on the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine. This systematic review was performed by searching several databases for controlled clinical trials. Of the 13 trials, five, two, and three RCTs met the eligibility criteria to evaluate the efficacy of omega-3 on the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine attacks, respectively. The Jadad scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias analysis. Overall estimates of the intervention effect were obtained from random-effect meta-analysis. The studies' heterogeneity was evaluated using the chi-squared test (χ2) (Cochran's test (Q test)) and I2 Index. Potential sources of heterogeneity among the trials were investigated by meta-regression analyses. The results showed that omega-3 intake had no effect on frequency (WMD = -0.20; 95%CI -0.67, 0.27; P = 0.401, and I2 = 4.6%; P = 0.380) and severity (SMD = -0.59; 95%CI -1.85, 0.66; P = 0.35, and I2 = 88.8%; P = 0.000) of migraine but had a reduction effect on the duration of migraine attacks (WMD = -3.44; 95%CI -5.70, -1.19; P = 0.003, and I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.926). In conclusion, omega-3 intake leads to a significant reduction of approximately 3.44 hours in the duration of migraine. Further randomized controlled trials of high methodological quality with adequate sample sizes are required to confirm the results of the meta-analyses.

G1359A Variant of the Cannabinoid Receptor Gene (rs1049353) and Obesity-Related Traits and Related Endophenotypes: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the comparison of G1359A variant of cannabinoid receptor gene (rs1049353) with obesity-related traits including body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), food-related traits, and leptin among healthy and non-healthy adults. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE until December 2016 for observational studies assessing each of the anthropometric measurements, food-related traits, and leptin of 1359 G/A polymorphism of CNR1 gene. A total of 22 studies were included in the meta-analysis comparing mean and SD differences of the anthropometric measurements, leptin, and dietary intake between GA/AA and GG genotypes. RESULTS: The results showed that subjects with GA/AA genotype had significantly lower BMI (weighted mean difference = -0.59 kg/m2, p < 0.001) compared to those with the GG genotype. Dietary intake of fat, carbohydrate, and protein as well as serum levels of leptin was not significantly different between GA/AA and GG genotypes. CONCLUSION: It was revealed that subjects with mutant polymorphism (GA/AA) of CNR1, compared to the wild-type group (GG), had lower BMI (although there was unexplained heterogeneity).

PPARγ Pro12Ala Polymorphism Influences the Relationship between Dietary Fat Intake, Adiposity and Lipid Profile in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Background: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) Pro12Ala polymorphism (rs1801282) has been associated with metabolic syndrome components in some studies. Moreover, the PPARγ gene may mediate the physiological response to dietary fat intake in a ligand-dependent manner. Methods: Metabolic syndrome components (body mass index, waist circumference, and lipid profile) were determined in 290 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in a cross-sectional study. DNA genotyping for determining PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism was conducted using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction length polymorphism method. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the participants' dietary intakes in the previous year. Results: There were significant differences between the two genotype groups of PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism, Ala carriers (Pro/Ala + Ala/Ala) versus non-Ala carriers (Pro/Pro), in terms of mean body mass index (p = 0.04) and waist circumference (p = 0.02). Below the median percentage of energy from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, Ala carriers had a higher body mass index (p = 0.01) compared to non-Ala carriers. Furthermore, a significant interaction between this single-nucleotide polymorphism and polyunsaturated fatty acids intake on serum triglyceride levels (p = 0.01) was seen, and in higher polyunsaturated fatty acids intake (≥ median) Ala carriers had lower triglyceride levels than non-Ala carriers (p = 0.007). Conclusions: The findings of the current study support a significant association between PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism and metabolic syndrome components, and they suggest that this polymorphism can modulate the biological response of dietary fat intake on body mass index and triglyceride levels.

Obesity and Pro12Ala Polymorphism of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Gamma Gene in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the relationship between obesity and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARx03B3;) Pro12Ala polymorphism in healthy adults. SUMMARY: Weighted mean differences (WMDs) of body mass index (BMI) were calculated for different inheritance models and subgroups. Fifty-six studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The result shows that the Ala allele of this polymorphism was associated with increased WMD in mean BMI (WMD = 0.29, 95% CI 0.10-0.48, p = 0.003). The Ala carriers were associated with increased WMD in mean BMI values in both genders and in the Caucasian subgroup. The associations were seen among people with higher levels of BMI (BMI ≥35). MESSAGE: The Ala allele of the PPARx03B3; Pro12Ala polymorphism in healthy adults was associated with increased BMI under a dominant model of inheritance.

Application of the theory of reasoned action to promoting breakfast consumption.

BACKGROUND: Breakfast is the most important daily meal, but neglected more than other meals by children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention, based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) to increase breakfast consumption among school children in Bandar Abbas, Iran. METHODS: In this quasi experimental study which was conducted in 2012, 88 students of four secondary schools in Bandar Abbas, south of Iran, were enrolled. Multi-stage cluster sampling was performed with random allocation of interventional and control groups. The study tool was a questionnaire which was filled by the students before and two months after the educational intervention. For data analysis, statistical tests including paired-samples t-test, independent samples t-test, Wilcoxon test, and Mann-Whitney test were used through SPSS v.18 software. RESULTS: The result of the study showed that application of TRA significantly increased scores of behavior of breakfast consumption (p<0.01). After the intervention, a significant increase was revealed in all nutrition intakes, except for fat and sugar (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The findings support application of the TRA in improving the intention and behavior of breakfast consumption. Applying this theory for designing interventions to increase breakfast eating is recommended.

Dietary inflammatory index and its association with risk of metabolic syndrome and its components: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of Observational studies.

BACKGROUND: It is believed that the progression and development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with low-grade systemic inflammation. Several studies have suggested that the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), which estimates the inflammatory potential of diets, is associated with MetS. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the relationships between DII and the MetS and its components. METHODS: Relevant articles published in English from inception to May 2024 were identified by searching electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We included studies that reported the odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR), or hazard ratio for the association of DII with the MetS and its components. Effect sizes were pooled using a random effects model. RESULTS: A total of three prospective studies and 22 cross-sectional studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that pro-inflammatory diets were significantly associated with an increased risk of MetS in cohort studies (RR: 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-1.48) and cross-sectional studies (OR:1.24; 95% CI: 1.11-1.38). Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies showed that a higher DII score was significantly associated with higher odds of hypertension (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.10-1.28) and hyperglycemia (OR = 1.18; CI = 1.06-1.32). The pooled OR comparing the highest versus lowest category of DII with the odds of abdominal obesity and hypertriglyceridemia was significant only after adjustment for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: In general, higher DII is associated with a higher risk of MetS and some of its components. Based on the findings, dietary interventions should be considered for preventing MetS from the inflammatory perspective.