Association between cytomegalovirus infection and neurological disorders: A systematic review.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) belongs to the Herpesviridae family and is also known as human herpesvirus type 5. It is a common virus that usually doesn't cause any symptoms in healthy individuals. However, once infected, the virus remains in the host's body for life and can reactivate when the host's immune system weakens. This virus has been linked to several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Autism spectrum disorder, Huntington's disease (HD), ataxia, Bell's palsy (BP), and brain tumours, which can cause a wide range of symptoms and challenges for those affected. CMV may influence inflammation, contribute to brain tissue damage, and elevate the risk of moderate-to-severe dementia. Multiple studies suggest a potential association between CMV and ataxia in various conditions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, acute cerebellitis, etc. On the other hand, the evidence regarding CMV involvement in BP is conflicting, and also early indications of a link between CMV and HD were challenged by subsequent research disproving CMV's presence. This systematic review aims to comprehensively investigate any link between the pathogenesis of CMV and its potential role in neurological disorders and follows the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis checklist. Despite significant research into the potential links between CMV infection and various neurological disorders, the direct cause-effect relationship is not fully understood and several gaps in knowledge persist. Therefore, continued research is necessary to gain a better understanding of the role of CMV in neurological disorders and potential treatment avenues.

Roles of luxS in regulation of probiotic characteristics and inhibition of pathogens in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei S-NB.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have excellent tolerance to the gastrointestinal environment and high adhesion ability to intestinal epithelial cells, which could be closely related to the LuxS/AI-2 Quorum sensing (QS) system. Here, the crucial enzymes involved in the synthesis of AI-2 was analyzed in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei S-NB, and the luxS deletion mutant was constructed by homologous recombination based on the Cre-lox system. Afterwards, the effect of luxS gene on the probiotic activities in L. paracasei S-NB was investigated. Notably, the tolerance of simulated gastrointestinal digestion, AI-2 production, ability of auto-aggregation and biofilm formation significantly decreased (p < 0.05 for all) in the S-NB△luxS mutant. Compared to the wild-type S-NB, the degree of reduction in the relative transcriptional level of the biofilm -related genes in Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 was diminished when co-cultured with S-NB△luxS. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of S-NB△luxS on the adhesion (competition, exclusion and displacement) of E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 25923 to Caco-2 cells markedly decreased. Therefore, comprehensive analysis of the role by luxS provides an insight into the LuxS/AI-2 QS system of L. paracasei S-NB in the regulation of strain characteristics and inhibition of pathogens.

The interaction among Kluyveromyces marxianus G-Y4, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GL1, and Lactobacillus helveticus SNA12 and signaling molecule AI-2 participate in the formation of biofilm.

In this study, two strains of lactic acid bacteria (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GL1 and Lactobacillus helveticus SNA12) and one yeast strain of Kluyveromyces marxianus G-Y4 (G-Y4) isolated from Tibetan kefir grains were co-cultured. It was found that the addition of G-Y4 could not only promote the growth of lactic acid bacteria, but also increase the release of metabolites (lactic acid, ethanol, and amino nitrogen). Furthermore, the addition of live cells and cell-free fermentation supernatant (CFS) of G-Y4 could increase the ability of biofilm formation. Morever, the surface characteristics results showed that the addition of G-Y4 live cells could enhance the aggregation ability and hydrophobicity of LAB. Meanwhile, adding live cells and CFS of G-Y4 could promote the release of signaling molecule AI-2 and enhance the expression of the LuxS gene related to biofilm formation. In addition, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and chemical composition analysis were used to investigate the composition of the biofilm, and the results indicated that the biofilm was mainly composed of a small amount of protein but it was rich in polysaccharides including glucose, galactose, and mannose with different ratios. Finally, the formation of biofilm could delay the decline of the number of viable bacteria in storage fermented milk.

Associations between the dietary inflammatory index with obesity and body fat in male adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and body composition may be affected by the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory components of diets. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and body fat percentage (BF%) in male adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 535 adolescent boys in Tehran, Iran. Bio-impedance analyzer (BIA) scale was used to measure body mass index (BMI) and body composition. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to measure DII. RESULTS: Participants with higher BF% (≥ 19.2%) had higher BMI (P < 0.001), DII, and intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), compared with the participants with lower BF%. Participants with a lower DII had significantly higher intakes of fibers (P < 0.001) and lower intakes of fats, SFAs, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), oleic acid and linoleic acid (P < 0.05) compared with the participants with higher DII (P < 0.01). High BF% was positively associated to DII (OR = 1.6, CI 95%: 1.1-2.3, P = 0.019). Adjustments for age, BMI, physical activity, mothers' marital status and educational level and the number of siblings did not change the results. CONCLUSIONS: Following a diet with a low inflammatory index score was associated to lower BF% in male adolescents. Thus, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory factors may effectively improve body composition and prevent obesity in adolescents. Further comprehensive studies are necessary to verify these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms.

Why does COVID-19 pathology have several clinical forms?

The outbreak of a new, potentially fatal virus, SARS-COV-2, which started in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and since developed into a pandemic has stimulated research for an effective treatment and vaccine. For this research to be successful, it is necessary to understand the pathology of the virus. So far, we know that this virus can harm different organs of the body. Although the exact mechanisms are still unknown, this phenomenon may result from the body's secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is involved in several inflammation and immunity pathways. Noticeably, the expression of this molecule can lead to a cytokine storm causing a variety of side effects. In this paper, we discuss those side effects in SARS-COV-2 infection separately to determine whether PGE2 is, indeed, an important causative factor. Lastly, we propose a mechanism by which PGE2 production increases in response to COVID-19 disease and suggest the possible direct relation between PGE2 levels and the severity of this disease. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/SnPFAcjxxKw.

The Novel Role of Crocus sativus L. in Enhancing Skin Flap Survival by Affecting Apoptosis Independent of mTOR: A Data-Virtualized Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the improvements to enhance skin flap viability, the effects of ischemia-reperfusion (IR), oxidative stress, necrosis, and apoptosis are still challenging. Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) is highly noticeable due to its tissue-protective and antioxidant properties. So, we aimed to investigate its effects on skin flap viability, oxidative stress, apoptosis markers, histopathological changes, and mTOR/p-mTOR expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 Sprauge-Dawley rats, weighting 200-240 g, were divided into four groups including: (1) Sham (8 × 3 cm skin cut, without elevation); (2) Flap Surgery (8 × 3 cm skin flap with elevation from its bed); (3) Saffron 40 mg/kg + Flap Surgery; and (4) Saffron 80 mg/kg + Flap Surgery. Saffron was administrated orally for 7 days. At day 7, flap necrosis percentage, histopathological changes, malondialdehyde level, Myeloperoxidase and superoxide dismutase activity, Bax, Bcl-2, mTOR, and p-mTOR expression were measured. Protein expressions were controlled by ß-Actin. RESULTS: Saffron administration decreased flap necrosis percentage (p < 0.01), which was not dose-dependent. Treatment groups showed significant histological healing signs (Neovascularization, Fibroblast migration, Epithelialization, and Epithelialization thickness), decreased MDA content (p < 0.01), increased SOD (p < 0.01) and decreased MPO activity (p < 0.01). Bax and Bcl-2 expression, decreased and increased respectively in treated groups (p < 0.0001). mTOR and p-mTOR expression were not changed significantly in Saffron treated groups. CONCLUSION: Saffron could increase skin flap viability, alleviate necrosis, decrease oxidative stress and decrease apoptotic cell death, after skin flap surgery, but it acts independent of the mTOR pathway. So, Saffron could potentially be used clinically to enhance skin flap viability. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. https://www.springer.com/00266.

Preconditioning with morphine protects hippocampal CA1 neurons from ischemia-reperfusion injury via activation of the mTOR pathway.

The signaling pathway of chronic morphine treatment to prevent neuronal damage following transient cerebral ischemia is not clear. In this study, we examined the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) to identify the neuroprotective effects of chronic morphine preconditioning on the hippocampus following ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Morphine was administered for 5 days, twice a day, before inducing I/R injury. The possible role of mTOR was evaluated by the injection of rapamycin (5 mg/kg body weight, by intraperitoneal injection) before I/R was induced. The passive avoidance test was used to evaluate memory performance. Neuronal density and apoptosis were measured in the CA1 region, 72 h after I/R injury. The expressions of mTOR and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined 24 h after I/R injury. Chronic morphine treatment attenuated apoptosis and neuronal loss in the hippocampus after I/R injury, which led to improvement in memory (P < 0.05 vs. untreated I/R) and increase in the expression of p-mTOR (P < 0.05 vs. untreated I/R) and SOD activity (P < 0.05 vs. untreated I/R) in the hippocampus. Pretreatment with rapamycin abolished all the above-mentioned protective effects. These results describe novel findings whereby chronic morphine preconditioning in hippocampal CA1 neurons is mediated by the mTOR pathway, and through increased phosphorylation of mTOR can alleviate oxidative stress and apoptosis, and eventually protect the hippocampus from I/R injury.

Antimicrobial activity of eugenol and essential oils containing eugenol: A mechanistic viewpoint.

Eugenol is a hydroxyphenyl propene, naturally occurring in the essential oils of several plants belonging to the Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Myrtaceae, and Myristicaceae families. It is one of the major constituents of clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry, Myrtaceae) oil and is largely used in both foods and cosmetics as a flavoring agent. A large body of recent scientific evidence supports claims from traditional medicine that eugenol exerts beneficial effects on human health. These effects are mainly associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Eugenol has also shown excellent antimicrobial activity in studies, being active against fungi and a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. The aim of this review is to analyze scientific data from the main published studies describing the antibacterial and antifungal activities of eugenol targeting different kind of microorganisms, such as those responsible for human infectious diseases, diseases of the oral cavity, and food-borne pathogens. This article also reports the effects of eugenol on multi-drug resistant microorganisms. On the basis of this collected data, eugenol represents a very interesting bioactive compound with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against both planktonic and sessile cells belonging to food-decaying microorganisms and human pathogens.

Vitamin D Status and Risk of Breast Cancer in Iranian Women: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: Considering the rising incidence of breast cancer and high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Iran, this case-control study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum concentration and intake of vitamin D and risk of breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 135 incident breast cancer cases at the Cancer Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were matched with 135 controls by age and menopausal status. A validated and reliable 168-item food frequency questionnaire was completed by participant interviews. To determine the vitamin D content of foods we used the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient database. To analyze the food frequency questionnaires we used the data collected in the Iranian Household Food Pattern Study, conducted by the National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute and the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture. Five-milliliter blood samples were collected to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS: Women in the fourth quartile of serum 25(OH)D level had 3 times lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those in the first quartile. In the adjusted model the inverse relationship remained significant (odds ratio [OR] = 0.269; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.122-0.593). In the stratified model by menopausal status the inverse association was only seen in premenopausal women (OR = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.094-0.687). Dietary intake of vitamin D was inversely associated with risk of breast cancer (OR fourth quartile [Q4] vs first quartile [Q1] = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.196-0.784; p = 0.008). After adjusting for the confounding factors, this inverse association remained significant. CONCLUSION: Results from this case-control study support the protective effect of higher serum concentration of 25(OH)D against breast cancer. Moreover, dietary but not total intake of vitamin D was associated with decreased risk of breast cancer.

A comparison of food pattern, macro- and some micronutrients density of the diet across different socio-economic zones of Tehran.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of low quality foods is common in low socioeconomic areas; and according to epidemiological studies, the density of nutrients often proves the quality of diet. This study aimed to compare the density of macronutrients and micronutrients in various parts of Tehran. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study performed from September to December 2007 in all the 22 districts of the municipality of Tehran including 1,807 households. Experienced interviewers completed a 24-hour recall questionnaire. To estimate the nutrient densities, nutrient intake (grams or milligrams) was calculated per 1,000 kcal energy intake. To calculate the density of energy intake, energy intake (kcal) was divided by 100 g of foodstuff. The 22 districts of Tehran were divided into five zones of north, center, east, west and south. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used. RESULTS: The highest density of protein and fat intake was observed in the north of Tehran, while carbohydrate density was highest in the west, east and south zones, and energy density was highest in the south zone (p<0.05). Calcium and vitamin C had the highest density in the north of Tehran, and vitamin A and riboflavin had the highest density in the north and center of Tehran, and the lowest level in the south of Tehran (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite the high density of energy in the south of Tehran, a deficiency of micronutrient intake was obvious, reflecting the importance of the impact of socioeconomic factors.

ATP-dependent potassium channels are implicated in simvastatin pretreatment-induced inhibition of apoptotic cell death after renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Simvastatin is a widely used medication in cardiac care. Here we evaluate the role of ATP sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in simvastatin induced renal protection after renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: A total of 81 male Wistar rats, were treated with simvastatin (10 and 20mg/kg/day; gavage, one week). Some groups received glibenclamide (KATP channel inhibitor; 5mg/kg) before ischemia (45min) and reperfusion (24h). Finally the kidneys were processed for histological analysis and measurement of biochemical parameters including tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), fractional excretion of sodium (FENa), creatinine clearance rate (CCr) and Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) expression. RESULTS: IR significantly increased serum Cr (p< 0.01) and BUN levels (p< 0.01), elevated FENa (p<0.01) and tissue MDA (p<0.01), and decreased CCr (p< 0.01) and induced histological damage. Bax pro-apoptotic protein was upregulated in renal tissue after I/R injury and downregulated in simvastatin pretreated group. Simvastatin at doses of 10 and 20mg/kg/day significantly reduced serum Cr and BUN levels (p< 0.05 vs. IR group), tissue MDA contents and FENa (p< 0.05 vs. I/R) and increased CCr (p< 0.05 vs. IR). Renal tissue injury was improved only in simvastatin 20mg/kg/day group (p< 0.05). Glibenclamide significantly abolished protective effects of simvastatin and increased serum Cr and BUN and FENa and decreased CCr (p< 0.05). It also abolished the effects of simvastatin on tissue injury and MDA contents and downregulated the Bax protein after IR injury (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Opening of KATP channels is essential for simvastatin-induced renal protection against I/R injury.

Plasma oxysterol level in patients with coronary artery stenosis and its changes in response to the treatment with atorvastatin.

BACKGROUND: Considering the increasing incidence of coronary artery stenosis and its related complications, the importance of its etiology and inconsistent reports we aimed to determine the relationship between oxysterol, serum levels and severity of coronary atherosclerosis and effect of statins onoxysterol. METHODS: A total of 85 patients referred to Taleghani Hospital, Tehran, Iran during 2011-2012 withcoronary artery stenosis more than 75%, as determined by angiography, participated in the currentstudy. Their demographic information and history of smoking and taking atorvastatin was carefullyrecorded. Two milliliters of venous blood was obtained from each patient. The serum oxysterol levelof samples was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Statisticalanalysis was performed using SPSS v.19. RESULTS: Eighty five patients completed the study. Mean age of patients was 64.4 years; 51 (60%)were male; 55 (68%) had acute coronary syndrome and 30 (32%) had chronic stable angina.Mean±SD of plasma level of oxysterol was 24.8±0.2 pmol/ml. The normal range of oxysterol levelwas 13pmol/ml. Mean±SD of plasma oxysterol level in patients under statin therapy was 24.4±2.1pmol/ml. In patients without receiving statins, plasma oxysterol level was 26.38±1.6pmol/ml. CONCLUSION: Findings of the present study indicated significant correlation between serum oxysteroland severity of coronary artery stenosis. It also demonstrated that receiving atorvastatin is associatedwith significant reduction of plasma oxysterol level.

Lactic acid bacteria modulate the gastrointestinal digestive behavior of soy glycinin and correlation with its immunoreactivity: a peptidomic study.

Lactic acid bacterial fermentation helps reduce the immunoreactivity of soy protein. Nevertheless, the effect of lactic acid bacterial fermentation on a particular soy allergen and the consequent dynamic change of epitopes during gastrointestinal digestion are unclear. In this study, soy glycinin was isolated and an in vitro dynamic gastrointestinal model was established to investigate the dynamic change in the immunoreactivity and peptide profile of unfermented (UG) and fermented glycinin (FG) digestates. The results demonstrated that the FG intestinal digestate had a lower antigenicity (0.08%-0.12%) and IgE-binding capacity (1.49%-3.61%) towards glycinin at the early (I-5) and middle (I-30) stages of gastrointestinal digestion, especially those prepared at 2% (w/v) protein concentration. Peptidomic analysis showed that the glycinin subunits G1 and G2 were the preferred ones to release the most abundant peptides, whereas G2, G4, and G5 had an elevated epitope-cleavage rate in FG at stages I-5 and I-30. Three-dimensional modeling revealed that fermentation-induced differential degradation epitopes in gastrointestinal digestion were predominantly located in the α-helix and ß-sheet structures. They were closely correlated with the reduced immunoreactivity of soy glycinin.

Effects of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei SNB-derived postbiotic components on intestinal barrier dysfunction and composition of gut microbiota.

The bacterial surface components are considered as effector molecules and show the potential to support intestinal health, but the detailed mechanism of how the gut microbiota changes after the intervention of surface molecules is still unknown. In the present study, capsular polysaccharide (B-CPS) and surface layer protein (B-SLP) were extracted from Lacticaseibacillus paracasei S-NB. The protective effect of direct administration of B-CPS (100 µg/mL) and B-SLP (100 µg/mL) on intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction was verified based on the LPS-induced Caco-2 cell model. Additionally, the B-CPS and B-SLP could be utilized as carbon source and nitrogen source for the growth of several Lactobacillus strains, respectively. The postbiotic potential of B-CPS and B-SLP was further evaluated by in vitro fermentation with fecal cultures. The B-CPS and a combination of B-CPS and B-SLP regulated the composition of gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundances of Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Phascolarctobacterium, Parabacteroides, Subdoligranulum and Collinsella and decreasing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia-Shigella, Blautia, Citrobacter and Fusobacterium. Meanwhile, the total short-chain fatty acid production markedly increased after fermentation with either B-CPS individually or in combination with B-SLP. These results provided an important basis for the application of B-CPS and B-SLP as postbiotics to improve human intestinal health.

Digestive characteristics of extracellular polysaccharide from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum T1 and its regulation of intestinal microbiota.

This study assessed the potential prebiotic characteristics of the previously reported Lactiplantibacillus plantarum extracellular polysaccharide (EPS-T1) with immunological activity. EPS-T1 was a novel heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose and galactose (1.00:1.21), with a molecular weight of 1.41 × 106 Da. The monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, fourier transform infrared, and 1H NMR analysis showed that EPS-T1 was well tolerated in the simulated oral cavity, gastric fluid, and small intestinal fluid environments, and was not easily degraded. Meanwhile, EPS-T1 could effectively be used as a carbon source to promote the growth of beneficial Lactobacillus species (Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. Bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnose GG, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus reuteri). After 24 h of fecal fermentation, EPS-T1(5 mg/mL) effectively reduced the relative abundance of harmful bacteria such as the Escherichia-Shigella, Citrobacter, Fusobacterium, Parasutterella, and Lachnoclostridium. While, the level content of beneficial flora (Bacteroides, Blautia, Phascolarctobacterium, Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, and Subdoligranulum) were significantly increased. In addition, EPS-T1 was able to significantly promote the enrichment of short-chain fatty acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid. These results provide some basis for the functional application of EPS-T1 as a potential prebiotic.

Quercetin may reduce the risk of developing the symptoms of COVID-19.

Objective: Recent evidence reported that some dietary compounds like quercetin and apigenin as the most well-known flavonoids with anti-inflammatory effects may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The hypothesis of the promising effects and possible mechanisms of action of quercetin against COVID-19 were assessed in this article. Materials and Methods: Related papers on the inhibitory effects of quercetin against COVID-19 were collected using the following search strategy: "corona or coronavirus or COVID or COVID-19 or viral or virus" AND "nutrient or flavonoid or Quercetin". Results: The findings indicated that quercetin can be considered an effective agent against COVID-19 because of its SARS-CoV-2 main protease and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitory effects. In addition, quercetin may attenuate angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptors leading to a reduction of SARS-CoV-2 ability to enter host cells. Moreover, the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities of quercetin have been frequently reported. Conclusion: Quercetin may be an effective agent for managing the complications of COVID-19. Further longitudinal human studies are warranted.

Association of dietary fats with ischemic heart disease (IHD): a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the association between different types of dietary fats with ischemic heart disease (IHD). METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 443 cases and 453 controls aged 40-80 years in Tehran, Iran. The semi-quantitative 237-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the amount of food intake. Nutritionist IV was applied to test the amount of consumption of dietary fats. RESULTS: The case group had a lower intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (11.36 ± 12.58 vs. 14.19 ± 19.57, P = 0.01) than the control group. A negative association was found between IHD and DHA (OR 0.98, CI 95% 0.97-0.99, P = 0.01). No significant association was observed between IHD with the intake of cholesterol, trans fatty acids (TFA), saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA), and α-Linolenic acid (ALA). CONCLUSION: It was found that DHA may reduce the risk of IHD, whereas there was no significant association between other types of dietary fats with the odds of IHD. If the results of this study are confirmed in future research, a higher intake of DHA in diet can be recommended as a strategy to prevent IHD events.

A qualitative study of Covid-19 effects on nutrition associated problems in recovered patients.

BACKGROUND: World is currently challenging with Covid-19 pandemic. Nutritional status is a determinant factor in the treatment process and recovery for patients with Covid-19. Although a limited data is available about the effects of nutrition on this disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify nutritional problems in patients recovering from Covid-19 before, during and after the disease. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study was carried out based on the specified inclusion criteria through targeted sampling of 45 patients recovered from Covid-19, 2021-2022. In-depth semi-structured individual interviews were used to collect data. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis method and MAXQDA Software. RESULTS: Based on the participants' description of this stage, it can be reported that most of the individuals who were infected had no specific symptoms. Nutrition-linked problems in the main stage of the disease included troubles in tolerating foods and nutrition (e.g., fatty and solid foods), highly consumed foods in the main stage of the disease (e.g., beverages), individuals' approaches to improve nutritional challenges (e.g., consumption of herbal teas and soft texture foods) and using supplements. The patients stated fewer nutritional problems after recovering from the disease. The most significant change included their desire to eat solid foods such as rice, bread, pasta and fast foods. CONCLUSION: appropriate nutrition with medication can help accelerate the recovery process of the patients, especially hospitalized patients with further severe degrees of the illness.

Effect of Nicotine on Immune System Function.

As a parasympathetic alkaloid and the main substance in cigarette smoke, nicotine modulates the immune system, inhibits innate and acquired immunity and is used in treating many autoimmune diseases. It often stimulates the α7 receptor and causes an anti-inflammatory state in the body. This study is designed to evaluate the role of nicotine treatment on immune system. The results showed that nicotine affects many cells in immune system, alters the downstream intracellular mechanisms and changes lymphocytes polarization. This substance alters TLRs and STATs gene expression and thus changes in the innate immune system. All these events inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines which increase angiogenesis and metastasis and exacerbates tumors due to increasing survival and cell growth. Nicotine can aggravate tumors in cancer patients, with many positive effects observed in the treating autoimmune disease, Nicotine treatment function in different conditions depends on factors such as concentration, how it is employed, treatment duration and other conditions such as body conditions affecting the immune system, hence, further studies and review of all conditions are required.

Dietary Patterns in 1125 Iranian Women: Adequacy of Energy and Micronutrient Intakes and Weight Statuses.

Background: Women's nutrition status includes significant effects on their children and household health. The purpose of this study was to assess energy and micronutrient intake adequacy in Iranian women. Methods: This study was a part of the Urban HEART Study, which has jointly been developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) Centre for Health Development, Kobe, Japan. In total, anthropometric and dietary intake data were collected from 1125 women in southern Tehran municipality districts. A 24-h recall questionnaire was completed by the expert nutritionists and the participants' anthropometric statuses were assessed. Food intakes were calculated in grams per capita per day. Micronutrients and energy requirements were adapted from WHO/Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) tables and Iran National Food Consumption Survey, respectively. Results: Nearly 71.5% of the women were overweight or obese [body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2]. Furthermore, 1.2% of the women were underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), while 27.3% had normal weight (BMI = 18.5--24.9 kg/m2). The mean bread/cereal and vegetable intakes were significantly higher in obese group, compared to that in normal/under/overweight group (375.6 g/day ± 151.4, P = 0.05; and 331.4 g/day ± 227.5, P = 0.02), respectively]. Women in the lean group significantly consumed higher quantities of cakes/pastries and had the lowest calcium and iron adequacy ratios, compared to other groups (p = 0.001, P = 0.03, and P = 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: These findings suggest that Iranian women, especially those who reside in the southern areas of Tehran, need to change their dietary habits to maintain their health. Moreover, being under/normal weight does not necessarily mean following healthy diets.