Comparison of the patterns of chlamydia and gonorrhoea at the oropharynx, anorectum and urethra among men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVE: Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are common sexually transmitted infections that infect the oropharynx, anorectum and urethra in men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to examine the pattern of infection at more than one site (multisite) for chlamydia and gonorrhoea among MSM. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre for the first time between 2018 and 2019. We included MSM aged ≥16 years who had tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis at all three sites (oropharynx, anorectum and urethra). We compared infections that occurred at a single site (termed single-site infection) and those that occurred at more than one site (termed multisite infections). RESULTS: Of the 3938 men who were tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, 498/3938 men (12.6%, 95% CI 11.5% to 13.6%) had chlamydia at any site, of whom 400/498 (80.3%, 95% CI 78.9% to 81.2%) had single-site chlamydia infection, and 98/498 (19.7%, 95% CI 16.2% to 23.1%) had multisite infections. A similar proportion of men had gonorrhoea at any site (447/3938, 11.4%, 95% CI 10.3% to 12.2%), but among these 447 men, single-site infection was less common (256/447, 57.3%, 95% CI 52.6% to 61.7%, p<0.001) and multisite infection (191/447, 42.7%, 95% CI 38.2% to 47.3%, p<0.001) was more common than chlamydia. There were also marked differences by anatomical site. Urethral infection commonly occurred as single sites (75/122, 61.5%, 95% CI 52.8% to 70.1%) for chlamydia but uncommonly occurred for gonorrhoea (12/100, 12.0%, 95% CI 5.6% to 18.3%, p<0.001). In contrast, anorectal infection uncommonly occurred as multisite infection for chlamydia (98/394, 24.9%, 95% CI 20.6% to 29.1%) but was common (184/309, 59.5%, 95% CI 54.0% to 64.9%, p<0.001) for gonorrhoea. CONCLUSIONS: The markedly different pattern of site-specific infection for chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections among the same MSM suggests significant differences in the transmissibility between anatomical sites and the duration of each infection at each site.

HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexual Practices Among Male Sex Workers Attending a Sexual Health Clinic in Melbourne, Australia: 2010 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) positivity and sexual practices among male sex workers (MSWs) both globally and particularly in Australia. This study aimed to explore demographic characteristics, sexual practices, and HIV/STI positivity among MSWs attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne. METHODS: We analyzed computerized medical records of all first-visit consultations with men 18 years or older who self-identified as current sex workers and attended the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) between 2010 and 2018. Demographic data, sexual behavior data, and laboratory results for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea were collected as part of routine clinical care at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. RESULTS: Of the 190 MSWs included in the analysis, the median age was 28 years (interquartile range, 23-30 years), 30.4% (52/171) reported having condomless penile-anal sex with their clients, and 59.6% (102/171) reported having condomless penile-oral sex with their clients since their last STI screening. Most (85.6%) MSWs had noncommercial sex partners, including 56.5% with male partners only, 30.6% with female partners only, and 12.9% with both. Approximately half of MSWs used condoms consistently with noncommercial sex partners (regardless of partner gender). The positivity for incident HIV was 1.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0%-5.0%), that for syphilis was 6.1% (95% CI, 2.6%-10.5%), that for chlamydia was 9.6% (95% CI, 5.6%-14.9%), and that for gonorrhea was 10.8% (95% CI, 4.4%-20.9%). Male sex workers who exclusively had sex with women had a lower any HIV/STI positivity (0%) compared with MSW who had sex with men (15.7%; P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Male sex workers fall into 2 groups: those who had male clients and/or noncommercial partners who have a relatively high HIV/STI positivity and those who only had female partners or clients whose HIV/STI positivity is low. Both have a high proportion of condomless sex with clients and noncommercial sex partners. Strategies to increase condom use during sex work are needed.

Paying for Sex Among Males and Females: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Melbourne, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Most research focuses on individual selling sex but very few on paying for sex. This study aimed to determine the proportion of males and females who paid for sex and associated factors. METHODS: We conducted a short survey at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between March and April 2019, which included a question on whether they had paid for sex in the past 3 months. The proportion of individuals who had paid for sex was calculated by sex and sexual orientation. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to identify individual's factors (e.g., demographics, sexual orientation, and HIV/sexually transmitted infection [STI] positivity) associated with paying for sex in the past 3 months. RESULTS: The proportion who reported paying for sex in the past 3 months was 12.2% (42/345) among heterosexual males, followed by 6.4% (23/357) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and 0.2% (1/430) among females. HIV status, preexposure prophylaxis use, and sexual orientation were not associated with paying for sex among MSM. No MSM living with HIV reported paying for sex in the past 3 months. There was a significant association between paying for sex and gonorrhea (odds ratio, 2.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-7.71; P = 0.041) but not HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia among MSM. HIV/STI was not associated with paying for sex among heterosexual males. CONCLUSIONS: Paying for sex was more commonly reported among heterosexual males, followed by MSM. Females were very unlikely to pay for sex. There was a limited association between HIV/STI diagnosis and paying for sex among males.

Group sex events among female sex workers in Melbourne, Australia.

Background Group sex is associated with increased risk of HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STIs), but there is limited data on group sex among female sex workers (FSW). Understanding current group sex practices among FSW may assist with understanding and addressing the rise in STIs observed among Australian FSW in the 2010s. The aim of this study was to examine the proportion of FSWs who had engaged in group sex. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among FSWs attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia, between March and April 2019. Females aged ≥18 years who self-reported as a sex worker were invited to participate in the survey asking whether they had had group sex in the past 3 months. Group sex was defined as sex that involved two or more sexual partners. RESULTS: Of the 51 FSWs who completed the survey, the median age was 29 years (IQR 24-34). Almost half (49%; n = 25) reported having group sex in the past 3 months, with a median number of group sex events of two (IQR 1-4). Australian-born FSW were more likely to report group sex than overseas-born FSW (76% vs 42%; P = 0.02). Age, number of paid clients and injecting drug use were not associated with group sex. CONCLUSION: The present study findings show that group sex is common among FSW and should be included in peer sexual health education and interventions among FSW.

Association of retinol-binding protein 4 with metabolic syndrome in first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is known to regulate lipid and glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. The influences of RBP4 on metabolic syndrome (MS) are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between serum levels of RBP4 and MS components in first-degree relations of type 2 diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed within the framework of the diabetes prevention project in Isfahan. This study has been conducted during 2012-2013. Seventy-eight subjects participate, with an average age of 43.20 ± 5.29 years. Weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure (BP) of participants, fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and serum RBP4 were measured from fasting blood sample taken from each participant after an overnight fast (12-14 h). RESULTS: Systolic and diastolic BP were significantly higher in people in top median of RBP4 (11.8 ± 1.5 vs. 11.0 ± 1.2, P = 0.01 and 7.8 ± 1.0 vs. 7.3 ± 0.9, P = 0.03). Moreover, TG in people with high levels of RBP4 was higher compared with those with low levels of RBP4 (177.7 ± 97.6 vs. 138.7 ± 56.9, P = 0.02). People with low levels of RBP4 had significant greater hip circumferences (107.9 ± 7.5 vs. 104.3 ± 8.0, P = 0.04). There was no correlation between RBP4 and MS in crude model (odds ratio [OR]: 1.00, 0.95-1.05, P = 0.97). This null correlation remained after adjustment for body mass index, age, and physical activity (OR: 0.93, 0.91-1.07, P = 0.31). CONCLUSION: Although RBP4 levels were positively association with some risk factors of MS including hip circumference, TG, and systolic and diastolic BP, it does not seem to be a valuable marker for identification of the MS in the first relative degree of diabetic patients.

Effects of Calcium Plus Vitamin D Supplementation on Anthropometric Measurements and Blood Pressure in Vitamin D Insufficient People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Up to 75% of the risk of type 2 diabetes is attributable to obesity. Therefore, finding a way to control obesity can be useful for management of diabetes. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to assess the effects of vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation on anthropometric measurements and blood pressure in vitamin D insufficient people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: One hundred eighteen patients with diabetes were enrolled in this randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. All subjects were randomly assigned into 4 groups receiving (1) 50,000 IU/wk vitamin D3 plus (equal to 7143 IU/d) calcium placebo; (2) 1000 mg/d calcium plus vitamin D3 placebo; (3) 50,000 IU/wk vitamin D3 (equal to 7143 IU/d) plus 1000 mg/d calcium; or (4) vitamin D3 placebo plus calcium placebo for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were assessed at study baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: A greater reduction in body mass index was observed in calcium plus vitamin D group than other groups (p = 0.03). Comparison of changes in waist circumference among 4 groups revealed no significant difference in crude model (p = 0.21) and when the effect of confounders was taken into account (p = 0.08). Calcium supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in hip circumference compared to other groups (p <0.001). Systolic blood pressure significantly decreased in the calcium plus vitamin D group compared to placebo (-7.3 ± 8.7 mmHg vs 0.5 ± 8.2 mmHg; p = 0.001). However, calcium and vitamin D supplementation had no significant effects on diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Calcium-vitamin D3 cosupplementation can have beneficial effect on body mass index (BMI), hip circumference, and systolic blood pressure in vitamin D-insufficient type 2 diabetics.

Effects of calcium-vitamin D co-supplementation on metabolic profiles in vitamin D insufficient people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled clinical trial.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: This study was performed to assess the effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on the metabolic profiles of vitamin D insufficient persons with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In a parallel designed randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial, a total of 118 non-smoker individuals with type 2 diabetes and insufficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D, aged >30 years, were recruited from the Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Centre. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups receiving: (1) 50,000 U/week vitamin D + calcium placebo; (2) 1,000 mg/day calcium + vitamin D placebo; (3) 50,000 U/week vitamin D + 1,000 mg/day calcium; or (4) vitamin D placebo + calcium placebo for 8 weeks. A study technician carried out the random allocations using a random numbers table. All investigators, participants and laboratory technicians were blinded to the random assignments. All participants provided 3 days of dietary records and 3 days of physical activity records throughout the intervention. Blood samples were taken to quantify glycaemic and lipid profiles at study baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: 30 participants were randomised in each group. During the intervention, one participant from the calcium group and one from the vitamin D group were excluded because of personal problems. Calcium-vitamin D co-supplementation resulted in reduced serum insulin (changes from baseline: -14.8 ± 3.9 pmol/l, p = 0.01), HbA1c [-0.70 ± 0.19% (-8.0 ± 0.4 mmol/mol), p = 0.02], HOMA-IR (-0.46 ± 0.20, p = 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (-10.36 ± 0.10 mmol/l, p = 0.04) and total/HDL-cholesterol levels (-0.91 ± 0.16, p = 0.03) compared with other groups. We found a significant increase in QUICKI (0.025 ± 0.01, p = 0.004), HOMA of beta cell function (HOMA-B; 11.8 ± 12.17, p = 0.001) and HDL-cholesterol (0.46 ± 0.05 mmol/l, p = 0.03) in the calcium-vitamin D group compared with others. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Joint calcium and vitamin D supplementation might improve the glycaemic status and lipid profiles of vitamin D insufficient people with type 2 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01662193 FUNDING: Clinical Research Council, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

Smoking status and prevalence of upper gastrointestinal disorders.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle and environmental factors affecting upper gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are different in developing countries than those in developed nations. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association between smoking status and upper GI disorders among a large group of the Iranian adult population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,933 adult men in Isfahan, Iran. Smoking status was assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Required information on GI health was collected through the use of the validated ROME III questionnaire. Individuals who reported having heartburn sometimes, often, or always in the last 3 months were considered as having epidemiologic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and those who reported having heartburn often or always were considered as having clinical GERD. Subjects who reported having functional dyspepsia (FD) symptoms (based on the ROME III criteria) sometimes, often, or always in the last 3 months were considered as having epidemiologic FD, and those who reported having these disorders often or always were considered as having clinical FD. RESULTS: Smoking was prevalent among 7.8% of the study population. FD and GERD was prevalent among 12.6% (n = 244) and 22.3% (n = 432), respectively. Smoking was not associated with GERD by either the epidemiologic or clinical definition. Although the association between smoking and FD (epidemiologic definition) was not statistically significant, smokers had an 83% higher risk of suffering from clinical FD compared with nonsmokers after taking potential confounders into account [odds ratio (OR) = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.12-3.00; p = 0.01]. Smokers had a 57% higher risk for epidemiologic postprandial fullness (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.05-2.33; p = 0.02) and a 92% higher risk for clinical epigastric pain compared with nonsmokers (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.02-3.62; p = 0.04). We found no significant association between smoking and severity of upper GI disorders. CONCLUSION: This large population-based study indicated that smoking was not associated with GERD and epidemiologic FD. However, smoking was significantly associated with clinical FD, postprandial fullness, and epigastric pain.

Associations between oral sex practices and frequent mouthwash use in heterosexuals: a cross-sectional survey in Melbourne, Australia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the frequency of mouthwash use and its association to oral sex practice in heterosexuals. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Data obtained from a sexual health clinic in Victoria, Australia, between March 2019 and April 2019. PARTICIPANTS: Heterosexual men and women attending the sexual health clinic answered a survey using computer-assisted self-interview. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to examine the association between frequent mouthwash use (ie, daily or weekly mouthwash use) and oral sex practices (including tongue kissing, fellatio, cunnilingus and insertive rimming). RESULTS: There were 681 heterosexuals included in the analysis: 315 (46.3%) men and 366 (53.7%) women. Of participants, 302 (44.3%) used mouthwash frequently, 173 (25.4%) used mouthwash infrequently and 206 (30.2%) never used mouthwash. There was no significant difference in the proportion of frequent mouthwash users between men and women (46.4% of men vs 42.6% of women; p=0.329). The proportion of frequent mouthwash users increased with increasing age groups (39.3% in ≤24 years, 45.2% in 25-34 years and 52.8% in ≥35 years or older; ptrend=0.039) with those aged ≥35 years having a 1.80 times (95% CI: 1.12 to 2.89) higher odds of being a frequent mouthwash user than those aged ≤24 years. There were no significant associations between frequent mouthwash users had sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk after adjusting for age and country of birth. CONCLUSION: Older heterosexuals are more likely to use mouthwash. Given the high proportion and associations of mouthwash use in heterosexuals, future investigations related to oral STIs in this group should include mouthwash use.

A comparison of cotton-tipped and nylon flocked swabs for culture of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from oropharyngeal samples.

Our aim was to determine if there was a difference in culture positivity for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea when sampling using a nylon-flocked versus cotton-tipped swab. We collected FLOQSwabs and cotton-tipped swabs from individuals aged ≥ 18 years who had untreated oropharyngeal gonorrhoea detected by NAAT between November 2019-June 2020.Of 78 participants, 32 (41.0%) were culture-positive for N. gonorrhoeae from either swab. Of these 32, 29 (90.6%, 95%CI: 75.0%-98.0%) were positive on both swabs, one (3.1%, 95%CI: 0.0%-16.2%) tested positive on FLOQSwab only and two (6.2%, 95%CI: 0.1%-20.8%) tested positive on cotton-tipped swabs only. There was moderate agreement between the swabs in the amount of bacterial growth (Cohen's Kappa (k)=0.745; 95%CI: 0.622-0.868, p<0.001). Our results showed that the proportion of positive results was comparable using the FLOQSwabs versus the cotton-tipped swabs for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea culture.

Feasibility trial of metformin XR in people with pre-diabetes and stroke (MIPPS)-randomised open blinded endpoint controlled trial.

AIMS: Pre-diabetes is a common condition that affects about 16.4% of Australian adults. Hyperglycaemia is a strong risk factor for the development of stroke. Metformin XR is an approved medication to treat type 2 diabetes in Australia but not pre-diabetes. Additionally, whether it is tolerated following a stroke is unclear. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess the feasibility of Metformin XR in people with stroke and pre-diabetes. METHODS: In this PROBE design trial, people who had recent stroke (within 3 months) with pre-diabetes were randomized to either the active arm (n = 13) receiving usual care plus Metformin XR (500 mg daily increased to a total daily dose of 1500 mg) or the control group receiving only usual care (n = 13). At baseline & after four months of intervention, clinical and biomedical characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors and medication data were recorded. At one month and 2.5 months into the study, compliance rateandside effects were determined. RESULTS: This trial showed that it is feasible to recruit, retain and monitor participants. However, the compliance rate was low. Adherence to metformin XR was 52% (IQR:42% to 61%) based on the remaining tablets in the container after 4 months of intervention. None of the reported side effects were deemed to be related to the study treatment and no significant differences were observed between the metformin XR and the control group. CONCLUSION: Treatment with Metformin XR in participants admitted with stroke and with pre-diabetes is feasible and safe. Strategies are needed to improve adherence in future trials.

Brief Report: Group Sex Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in the Era of PrEP: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Group sex has been commonly reported among gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM); however, there are limited studies on the factors associated with participating in group sex. SETTING: A cross-sectional study among GBMSM attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia. METHODS: Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to examine the association between GBMSM participating in group sex in the previous 3 months and their demographic characteristics, including age, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, HIV status, any STI (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis) diagnosis on the day, and method of seeking partners. RESULTS: There were 357 GBMSM who participated in the survey and their mean age was 32.9 years (SD = 10.9). Almost a third (n = 115; 32.2%) had participated in group sex in the previous 3 months. GBMSM who sought sex partners at sex on premises venues (SOPVs) [aOR 5.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.23 to 10.53] had the highest odds of group sex participation after adjusting for other potential confounders. Compared with GBMSM not living with HIV and not taking PrEP, GBMSM taking PrEP had higher odds of group sex participation (aOR 2.09; 95% CI: 1.05 to 4.15), but GBMSM living with HIV did not (aOR 0.93; 95% CI: 0.23 to 3.68).Recent group sex participation was not associated with being diagnosed with any STI (chlamydia, syphilis, or gonorrhea) on the day in the adjusted analyses. CONCLUSION: PrEP users and MSM attending SOPVs are more likely to participate in group sex. SOPV could be important venues for future public health campaigns.

Associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, body composition and metabolic profiles in young women.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Results from previous studies are inconsistent and it remains unclear whether low-serum 25 OHD levels are associated with an increased risk of CVD. These associations have been little studied in young women. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between serum 25 OHD and obesity, body composition, metabolic profiles and blood pressure in young women. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Women aged 16-25 years living in Victoria, Australia, were recruited through Facebook advertising in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed an online survey and attended a site visit in a fasted state, where parameters, including blood pressure, anthropometry, metabolic profiles, serum 25 OHD levels and body composition (using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) were measured. RESULTS: A total of 557 participants were recruited into this study. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that after adjusting for visceral fat, season, smoking, physical activity, age, alcohol intake, oral contraceptive use, country of birth, taking multivitamins and taking vitamin D supplement, a 10 nmol/L increase in 25 OHD levels was associated with 0.65% greater HDL levels (p = 0.016) and 0.92% greater triglyceride levels (p = 0.003). It was also associated with 0.48% lower BMI (p < 0.001), 0.50% lower total fat percentage (p < 0.001), 0.09% lower visceral fat percentage (p < 0.001), 0.14% lower visceral fat to total fat ratio (p < 0.001) and 0.36% lower trunk fat to total fat ratio (p < 0.001), after adjustment for season, smoking, physical activity, age, alcohol intake, oral contraceptive use, country of birth, taking multivitamins and taking vitamin D supplements. Although these associations were statistically significant, they were very small in magnitude and of uncertain clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may help to explain an association between 25 OHD levels and CVD risk factors through associations with HDL, BMI, total body and visceral fat mass. Possible underlying mechanisms warrant further investigation.

Improving Vitamin D Status and Related Health in Young Women: The Safe-D study - Part B.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent and associated with increased risk of a number of chronic health conditions including cardiovascular disease, poor bone and muscle health, poor mental health, infection, and diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency affects millions of Australians, potentially causing considerable suffering, economic loss, and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To measure the effectiveness of a (1) mobile-based app (behavioral) and (2) pharmacological intervention to increase circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (serum 25 OHD) levels and health outcomes over 4 months of intervention compared with usual care in a cohort of young women with suboptimal serum 25 OHD levels (25-75 nmol/L). METHODS: Participants with 25 OHD levels 25 to 75 nmol/L are invited to participate in this study. Participants are randomized to one of three groups in 1:1:1 ratio: a mobile phone-based application, vitamin D supplementation (1000 IU/day), and a control group. Data collection points are at baseline, 4, and 12 months post baseline with the major endpoints being at 4 months. A wide-range of information is collected from participants throughout the course of this study. General health, behavioral and demographic information, medications, smoking, alcohol and other substance use, health risk factors, nutrition, eating patterns and disorders, and mental health data are sourced from self-administered, Web-based surveys. Clinical data include anthropometric measurements, a silicone skin cast of the hand, cutaneous melanin density, bone mineral density, and body composition scans obtained through site visits. Main analyses will be conducted in two ways on an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis using the last observation carried forward approach as an imputation for missing data, and on a per protocol basis to compare the intervention arms against the control group at 4 and 12 months. RESULTS: Publication of trial results is anticipated in 2017. CONCLUSIONS: The study will allow assessment of the effects of a mobile-based app behavioral intervention and vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status and will evaluate the effects of improving vitamin D levels on several health outcomes.

Calcium-vitamin D cosupplementation influences circulating inflammatory biomarkers and adipocytokines in vitamin D-insufficient diabetics: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

CONTEXT: To the best of our knowledge, no study has examined the effects of vitamin D-calcium cosupplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and adipocytokines in vitamin D-insufficient type 2 diabetics. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to assess the effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and adipocytokines in vitamin D-insufficient people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Totally, 118 diabetic patients were enrolled in this randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. After matching for age, sex, body mass index, type and dose of hypoglycemic agents, and duration of diabetes, subjects were randomly assigned into 4 groups receiving the following: 1) 50000 IU/wk vitamin D + calcium placebo; 2) 1000 mg/d calcium + vitamin D placebo; 3) 50 000 IU/wk vitamin D + 1000 mg/d calcium; or 4) vitamin D placebo + calcium placebo for 8 weeks. Blood sampling was done for the quantification of inflammatory biomarkers and adipocytokines at the study baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: Calcium (changes from baseline: -75 ± 19 ng/ml, P = .01) and vitamin D alone (-56 ± 19 ng/mL, P = .01) and joint calcium-vitamin D supplementation (-92 ± 19 ng/mL, P = .01) resulted in a significant reduction in serum leptin levels compared with placebo (-9 ± 18 ng/mL). This was also the case for serum IL-6, such that calcium (-2 ± 1 pg/mL, P < .001) and vitamin D alone (-4 ± 1 pg/mL, P < .001) and their combination (-4 ± 1 pg/mL, P < .001) led to significant reductions compared with placebo (3 ± 1 pg/mL). After adjustment for potential confounders, individuals in the calcium (-3.1 ± 1.3, P < .05), vitamin D (-3.1 ± 1.3, P < .05), and joint calcium-vitamin D groups (-3.4 ± 1.3, P < .05) had greater reductions in serum TNF-α concentrations compared with placebo (0.1 ± 1.2). Individuals who received joint calcium-vitamin D supplements tended to have a decrease in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels compared with placebo after controlling for baseline levels (-1.14 ± 0.25 vs 0.02 ± 0.24 ng/mL, P = .09). CONCLUSION: Joint calcium-vitamin D supplementation might improve systemic inflammation through decreasing IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations in vitamin D-insufficient people with type 2 diabetes.

Maternal vitamin D status and risk of pre-eclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have investigated the association between maternal serum vitamin D levels and risk of pre-eclampsia, findings are inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis of published observational studies was conducted to summarize the evidence on the association between maternal serum vitamin D levels and risk of pre-eclampsia. METHODS: PubMed, ISI (Web of science), SCOPUS, SCIRUS, Google Scholar, and EMBASE databases were searched to identify related articles published through December 2012. For systematic review, we found 15 articles that assessed the association between maternal serum vitamin D levels and risk of pre-eclampsia. The meta-analysis was done on 8 studies that reported odds ratios or relative risks for pre-eclampsia. Between-study heterogeneity was examined using Cochran's Q test and I(2). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to find possible sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: The meta-analysis on 8 relevant papers revealed an overall significant association between vitamin D deficiency and risk of pre-eclampsia; however, there was significant between-study heterogeneity (I(2) = 52.7%; P = .039). In the subgroup analysis, we found that the overall effect was significant for studies that defined vitamin D deficiency as 25(OH)D ≤ 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL), but not for those that considered it as <38 nmol/L (15.2 ng/mL). The association was seen for "cohort or nested case-control studies" as well as for "cross-sectional or case-control studies" (2.78; 1.45-5.33; P = .002). When the analysis was done by study location, the associations remained significant only for studies that came from the United States. CONCLUSION: There was a significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of pre-eclampsia. Further studies are required, particularly in developing countries.

The Relationship Between Vegetables and Fruits Intake and Glycosylated Hemoglobin Values, Lipids Profiles and Nitrogen Status in Type II Inactive Diabetic Patients.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity and associated chronic disease such as diabetes is rapidly increasing in all part of the world. The World Health Organization has predicted that between 1997 and 2025 the number of diabetic patients will increase from 143 million to about 300 million. In diabetic patients, oxidative stress leads to non-enzymatic glycosylation of proteins such as hemoglobin and albumin, these proteins can play a significant role in pathogenesis of diabetes and development of chronic disorders in diabetic patients. Antioxidant nutrients can reduce the chronic disorders and complications of diabetes by inhibiting the oxidative reactions. Some important antioxidant such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium occur in vegetables and fruits. Our objective of this study was investigation of the relationship between vegetables and fruits intake ssand glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) values in diabetic patients. METHODS: One hundred and five diabetic patients participated in this cross-sectional study. The patients were referred to health center in Khomeini shahr. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) values were measured by chromatography method. Data on dietary intake and vegetables and fruits consumption were obtained from validated food frequency questionnaires. RESULTS: The unadjusted mean glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) is significantly associated with the amount of vegetables and fruits intake (P = 0.014), but the relationship between consumption of fruits and HbA1C is not significant and the relationship between consumption of vegetables and HbA1C was roughly significant (P = 0.049). There were no significant relationship between vegetables and fruits intake and lipids profiles, BUN/creatinine and 24 h urinary protein (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intake of vegetables and fruits may reduce the glycosylated hemoglobin, therefore choosing the appropriate diet with high fruits and vegetables may help to develop antioxidant defense and reduce the HbA1C in diabetic patients but it did not have any impact on lipids profiles, BUN/creatinine and urine protein 24 h.