Investigating the relationship between serum uric acid to high-density lipoprotein ratio and metabolic syndrome.

AIMS: This study aimed to determine a parameter to more easily diagnose metabolic syndrome and predict its probability of occurrence in high-risk individuals. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data related to the study population in the Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factor Study (KERCADRS) were examined. Subjects were divided into two groups with and without metabolic syndrome, and the relevant factors such as the ratios of uric acid to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (UHR) in these two groups were compared, and the best cut-off point was determined. RESULTS: Data related to 817 people including 96 people with metabolic syndrome and 721 people without metabolic syndrome were analysed. The mean UHR was significantly higher in patients with metabolic syndrome (14.76 ± 6.33%) compared with those without metabolic syndrome (10.0 ± 3.10%) (p < .001). People with high UHR are 2.9 times more at risk of metabolic syndrome and the best cut-off point was 9.50% with 86% sensitivity and 55% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, UHR is also helpful in diagnosing metabolic syndrome and can also be used to screen people at risk for metabolic syndrome.

Healthy eating index and cardiovascular risk factors among Iranian elderly individuals.

BACKGROUND: Concurrent with increase in life expectancy, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has also increased. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between healthy eating index (HEI) score and CVD risk factors among Iranian elderly. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of elderly persons from Isfahan, Iran, in 2013. Totally, 107 retired subjects were entered in statistical analysis. A semi- quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intake of participants. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure of participants were determined. Fasting blood samples were taken for biochemical assessments. RESULTS: The results of linear regression determined a significant inverse association between HEI score and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR, ß = -0.238 (-0.426, -0.048)], fasting blood glucose [ß = -0.194 (-0.383, -0.004)], and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP, ß = -0.196, (-0.386, -0.005)]. In addition, a significant positive association was observed between HEI score and high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C, ß = 0.196 (0.006, 0.385)] levels. However, after adjusting for confounding variables, these significant associations were disappeared except for hs-CRP [ß = -0.074 (-0.145, -0.003)]. CONCLUSION: Healthy eating index was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular risk factors in old people. It seems that more adherence with healthy eating index could provide cardio-protective effects in elderly persons.

Dairy consumption, cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation in elderly subjects.

BACKGROUND: Previous epidemiological studies of dairy product consumption and health outcomes have reported mixed findings. Despite increasing in life expectancy, scarce data are available in this field in elderly individuals. We tested the hypothesis that greater dairy intake is associated with lower high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level and better lipid profile and glycemic control. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was undertaken on 107 elderly individuals who aged 60-78 years. Usual dietary intakes were assessed by means of a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Anthropometric measures and biochemical markers were determined using standard protocols. RESULTS: The reported mean ± standard deviation (SD) of daily intake of dairy products and age were 588.02 ± 418.88 g/d and 63.22 ± 6.92 years, respectively. After control for demographic characteristics and dietary intakes, dairy consumption was not significantly related to the increased risk of insulin resistance [Odds ratio (OR): 2.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.54, 8.86; P = 0.520] and elevated hs-CRP (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.37, 6.35; P = 0.550). Participants in the top tertile of dairy had greater, but statistically not a significant risk of elevated triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). No significant relations were seen for hs-CRP, insulin resistance and lipid profile across tertiles of dairy products. CONCLUSION: In this elderly population, total dairy consumption was not associated with inflammatory biomarkers levels and other cardiometabolic risk factors.

Effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan on cardiovascular risks among type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized crossover clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating pattern on cardiometabolic risks in type 2 diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A randomized crossover clinical trial was undertaken in 31 type 2 diabetic patients. For 8 weeks, participants were randomly assigned to a control diet or the DASH eating pattern. RESULTS: After following the DASH eating pattern, body weight (P = 0.007) and waist circumference (P = 0.002) reduced significantly. Fasting blood glucose levels and A1C decreased after adoption of the DASH diet (-29.4 ± 6.3 mg/dl; P = 0.04 and -1.7 ± 0.1%; P = 0.04, respectively). After the DASH diet, the mean change for HDL cholesterol levels was higher (4.3 ± 0.9 mg/dl; P = 0.001) and LDL cholesterol was reduced (-17.2 ± 3.5 mg/dl; P = 0.02). Additionally, DASH had beneficial effects on systolic (-13.6 ± 3.5 vs. -3.1 ± 2.7 mmHg; P = 0.02) and diastolic blood pressure (-9.5 ± 2.6 vs. -0.7 ± 3.3 mmHg; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Among diabetic patients, the DASH diet had beneficial effects on cardiometabolic risks.