The detection of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel apoptotic effects using AgNOR staining in MDA-MB-231.

In present study, it was purposed to determine the in vitro effect of the extract obtained from the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel on the breast cancer cell line. MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to pomegranate peel extract (PoPx) at 37 °C and 5% CO2 for varying durations (24 and 48 h) and doses (25 and 50 µg/mL). At the end of the incubation periods, argyrophilic nucleolus organizer regions (AgNOR) protein status, cell viability/apoptosis and cell cycle of MDA-MB-231 cells were examined in the Muse Cell Analyzer device. Cell viability was observed to be decreased when the groups treated with PoPx were compared with the control group. The group in which apoptosis was observed with the highest value was 50 µg/mL PoPx group (p < 0.05). In the cell cycle test, the number of cells in the G0/G1 stage was found to be significantly higher in the 25 µg/mL PoPx group compared to the control and 50 µg/mL PoPx groups at the end of the 24-h incubation period (p < 0.05) The results also supported cell cycle and apoptosis, and at the end of 24 h, Total AgNOR area(TAA)/Total nuclear area (NA) ratio and AgNOR numbered decreased on the 50 µg/mL PoPx group and were found to be statistically significant compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Consequently, it was determined that PoPx increased apoptosis on breast cancer cells by various mechanisms and inhibited cell viability/cell growth. This study showed that the widespread consumption of PoPx may be effective in preventing cancer formation and slowing its progression.

Total aflatoxin and ochratoxin A levels, dietary exposure and cancer risk assessment in dried fruits in Türkiye.

This study aimed to measure total aflatoxin (AF) (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) levels in dried fruit samples and to evaluate the potential dietary exposure and cancer risk to these mycotoxins in Kayseri/Türkiye. Dried fruit samples were collected between April-May 2021. A total of 11 dried grapes and apricot samples, 7 dried fig and plum samples were collected. Total aflatoxins and OTA in dried fruits were determined by ELISA method. Then, the margin of exposure (MOE) and cancer risk were calculated. Total AF was detected in dried fruit samples between 42.86%, and 100%. Between 18.18% and 57.14% of samples exceeded the European Commission (EC) limits for total AF. Moreover, OTA was detected in all samples. Between 71.43% and 100% of samples exceeded the EC limits for OTA. Cancer risk due to OTA exposure was higher than total AF and it was determined that OTA exposure could pose a risk for public health (MOE < 10,000). Although mycotoxin exposure seems to be low due to the low consumption of dried fruit in Türkiye, the risk of exposure and cancer may increase because of complying with the recommendations of the dietary guidelines. The findings provide new insights into exposure to total AF and OTA through the consumption of dried fruit.

Evaluation of Nutritional Status with Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010) of Syrian Refugees Living Outside the Refugee Camps.

Nutrition is a public health issue. Amongst populations of refugees, unmet nutritional needs have been identified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of Syrian refugees living outside the refugee camps in Kayseri, Turkey. Socio-demographic data and anthropometric measurements of the refugees were collected. The relationship between diet quality, which was assessed through the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010), and factors (including the duration of time spent outside the refugee camp, income, obesity, and waist circumference) were measured. Four hundred refugees participated in this study. The majority of refugees (77.8%) reported a 'poor' diet, with the remaining filling into the 'needs improvement' based on HEI-2010 scores. The average consumption of fruits in the study group was 101.9 g per day (g/day), while the average consumption of vegetables was 142.2 g/day. When the relationships were examined between BMI, HEI-2010 score, the time spent as a refugee, and waist circumference, statistically significant relationships were found (p < 0.001). In the linear regression analysis based on these relationships, when the results were adjusted for age and gender factors, it was observed that for every year spent as a refugee, BMI score increased by 0.17 units, and waist circumference increased by 1.14 units (p < 0.05). As a result, this study showed that refugees have low-income-related nutritional risks. In conclusion, ensuring that refugees have access to adequate nutrient-rich food is essential; therefore, analyzing and improving nutritional standards for refugees are suggested to be part of the strategies of the public and primary health care systems.

Investigation of the Relationship between the Disease Severity and Quality of Life of Psoriasis Patients and Their Anthropometric Measurements and Diets.

Psoriasis is a multifaceted, chronic, inflammatory skin disease that impacts patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the disease severity and quality of life of psoriasis patients and their nutritional status. The study included 40 patients in the psoriasis group, compared with 40 healthy individuals in the control group. A questionnaire for determination of socio-demographic characteristics and nutritional intake, anthropometric measurements, psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) were used for the assessments. Daily food consumption details were recorded for three consecutive days to determine daily energy and nutrient intakes. Compared to the control group, the frequencies of single participants, primary school graduates, and housewives were higher in the psoriasis group (p < 0.05). The psoriasis patients weighed more and had an increased waist/hip ratio in comparison with the healthy individuals. The energy intake was lower in the psoriasis group (p < 0.01). There was not a significant statistical difference in the intake of proteins, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, Zn, Fe, and Mg supplements between the groups. However, there was an inverse correlation between the daily vitamin E intake and PASI scores (p < 0.05). There was a positive moderate correlation between the DLQI and PASI scores (p < 0.01). Our study indicated that lower daily vitamin E intake levels were associated with the severity of psoriasis. In addition to this, abdominal obesity seems to be another risk factor in psoriasis patients, even if they have a normal body mass index (BMI). An integrated healthcare approach with dermatologists, family physicians, and dietitians is essential to the management of psoriasis.

Relationship Between Dairy Consumption and Abdominal Obesity.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to demonstrate the relationship between dairy consumption and abdominal obesity in adolescents. METHOD: In total, 700 adolescents participated in this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic characteristics, consumption of dairy, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist/height (W/H) ratio were evaluated. The participants were divided into two groups as to whether their dairy consumptions were below or above 3 portions/d, according to the Turkey Dietary Guideline recommendations. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 15.84 ± 1.23 years. The rate of girls (65.2%) who participated in this study was significantly higher than that of the boys (34.8%; p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the participants whose dairy consumption was below and above the specified limits in terms of BMI, WC, or W/H measurements. Energy intake (p < 0.05) and milk and cheese consumption (p < 0.001) were higher in boys than in girls. There was a significant negative correlation between dairy consumption and WC (r = -0.121), W/H ratio (r = -0.105), and BMI (r = -0.103) in girls (p < 0.05). It was found that a 1-unit increase in milk consumption can cause a 1.98-, 0.11-, and 0.552-fold decrease in WC, W/H ratio, and BMI in girls, respectively (p < 0.05; 95% confidence interval [-3.502, -0.471], [-0.020, -0.001], [-1.042, -0.062], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate milk consumption was related to increasing WC and WC may be one of the factors of abdominal obesity in girls. Therefore, it is of importance to raise awareness about milk and dairy consumption in adolescents.

Nutrient Intake of Crohn's Patients: Is There Consistency between Crohn's Disease Activity Index, Subjective Global Assessment and Body Mass Index?

Background: We aimed to determine the nutrient intake of Crohn's patients and to expose its relationship with Crohn's Activity Index (CDAI), Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and Body Mass Index (BMI). Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients enrolled in the Gastroenterology Polyclinic of a University Medical Faculty Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey in 2017. Two groups were included in this study: Crohn's Group (n = 100) and Control (n = 89). Crohn's Disease Activity Index was used to detect disease activity. Malnutrition risk was determined by the SGA and daily energy and nutrient intakes were calculated. Results: There was a significant relationship between SGA and both CDAI and BMI (P<0.001, P=0.008, respectively). Daily energy, carbohydrate, monosaccharide, starch, sucrose, fructose, poly-unsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamin E and C, thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, Mg, P, Fe, Cu, Zn intakes were significantly lower in Crohn's Group than in Control Group. While more than 50% of the patients did not consume enough, B6, C, thiamine, niacin, folic acid, Mg, Ca and fiber, intakes of vitamin E, riboflavin, Fe, P, and Zn were adequate. Energy and nutrient (vitamin E, thiamine, vitamin B6, mono and poly unsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, Mg, Ca, P, Zn, n-3 fatty acids and starch) intakes were negatively correlated with CDAI, but there was no relationship between these intakes and SGA. Conclusion: There was a relationship between CDAI, SGD and BMI used to determine nutritional status in patients with Crohn's.

Evaluation of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) for diabetes screening in Kayseri, Turkey.

AIM: Diabetes is a major health problem worldwide, as its prevalence is increasing dramatically. Lifestyle modification can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes risk through an assessment of risk factors is important. The objective of the study was to investigate the risk for type 2 diabetes using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) in Kayseri. METHODS: In total, 1500 adults aged 18 years or older were interviewed using the FINDRISC as Diabetes Risk Questionnaire and fasting serum glucose levels. The findings of FINDRISC were grouped according to gender and a score of 15 and above was accepted as a high risk in terms of Type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: 13.5% of the participants were in the high- risk group. There was a statistically significant relationship between total FINDRISC score and gender (p < 0.001). While 15.2% of the women were in the high -risk group, 12.4% of the men were in the high- risk group. The percentage of women in the low-risk group (35.9%) is less than the men with low- risk of diabetes (38.5%). As the BMI increased, the individuals were found to have a high risk evaluated with the use of FINDRISC. 14.3% of women with waist circumference >88 and 6.7% of men with waist circumference >102 were in the high- risk group. (p < 0.001) CONCLUSIONS: Risk of diabetes was found to be higher with the FINDRISC score as the BMI and waist circumference increased. FINDRISC can be used in the primary care for this purpose; fast and easy to be applied.

Glycemic index values of monofloral Turkish honeys and the effect oftheir consumption on glucose metabolism.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Clinical trials have shown that low glycemic index (GI) nutrition reduces mean blood glucose concentrations and insulin secretions. The aim of the present study was to determine the GI values of various monofloral (citrus, milk-vetch, chestnut, thyme, lime, pine) honeys of Turkey, and the effect of their consumption on glucose metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Processing data from 20 healthy volunteers, GI values were determined from the glycemia values by using the incremental area method. Serum insulin and C-peptide levels were also measured before and 120 min after the test. RESULTS: The GI values of citrus, thyme, lime, chestnut, pine, and milk-vetch honeys were found to be 44.9, 52.6, 55.3, 55.5, 58.8, and 69, respectively. Serum insulin and C-peptide values after honey consumption were relatively lower than those after reference food (glucose) consumption. By the end of the 120 min, serum insulin levels were significantly higher, while a significant decrease was observed after the consumption of chestnut honey (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Citrus and thyme honeys were determined to have low GI, while serum insulin levels were significantly lower after the consumption of chestnut honey. Long-term research is needed to compare the effects of honey consumption on healthy and diabetic individuals.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Metabolic Control in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The burdens imposed on a child and his/her parents by a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) adversely affect their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL is important for prognosis and is related to metabolic control. To evaluate the HRQoL of Turkish children and adolescents with T1DM and to assess the correlation of HRQoL subscales (including physical and psychosocial health) with metabolic control, and particularly with hypo- and hyperglycaemic episodes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 70 participants with T1DM aged between 8 and 18 years (study group) and 72 healthy controls who were matched to the study group in terms of age, gender, and sociodemographic characteristics (control group), and their parents. HRQoL was determined by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. As an indicator of metabolic control, the most recent hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were obtained and the number of hypo- and hyperglycaemic episodes over the past one month were checked. RESULTS: The study group had similar HRQoL scores for children's self-reports and parents' proxy-reports to the control group apart from a decreasing psychosocial health score for parents' proxy-reports in the study group. Although HbA1c level was not related to HRQoL scores, lower number of hypo- and hyperglycaemic episodes were associated with an increase in psychosocial health scores and physical health scores as well as an increase in the total score for parents' proxy-reports. CONCLUSION: Although there was no correlation between metabolic control and HRQoL in children's self-reports, the improving HRQoL levels in parents' proxy-reports were associated with good metabolic control.

Effects of dairy products consumption on weight loss and blood chemistry in premenopausal obese women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of dairy calcium on changes in body weight and body fat mass in obese women on a weight-loss diet. METHODS: The non-randomised controlled study was conducted at Sivas Government Hospital, Turkey, between January and March 2010, and comprised obese women outpatients coming to the Nutrition and Diet Clinic. The participants were assigned to three groups according to their intake of dairy products as control, low dairy and high dairy groups. Measurements of anthropometry, blood pressure and analysis of blood chemistry were done before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The mean age of the 65 women was 33.10±6.18 years. There were 20(30.7%) women in control group, 22(33.8%) in high dairy group and 23(35.3%) in low dairy group. At the end of the study, body weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, waist/hip ratio, body fat percentage, and fat mass significantly decreased within the groups (p<0.001) whereas no difference was determined between the groups. Plasma total cholesterol levels decreased (p<0.05, p<0.001) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased (p<0.05) in the two intervention groups. Systolic blood pressure was negatively correlated with dairy calcium (?=0.460, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In women following a weight-loss programme, increasing the amount of dairy products was not effective in improving weight-loss compared to calorie restriction alone.

Evaluation of Nutritional Status of Patients with Depression.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to determine nutritional status, body composition, and biochemical parameters of patients diagnosed with depression based on DSM-IV-TR criteria. METHODS: A total of 59 individuals, aged 18-60 years admitted to Mental Health Centre of Kayseri Education and Research Hospital, were included in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups; depression group (n = 29) and control group (n = 30). Anthropometric measurements, some biochemical parameters, demographic data, and 24-hour dietary recall were evaluated. RESULTS: 65.5% of depression and 60.0% of control group were female. Intake of vitamins A, thiamine, riboflavin, B6, folate, C, Na, K, Mg, Ca, P, Fe, Zn, and fibre (p < 0.05) were lower in depression group. Median levels of body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in depression group. Fasting blood glucose levels, serum vitamins B12, and folic acid (p < 0.05) in depression group were lower than controls. Serum insulin and HOMA levels of two groups were similar. CONCLUSION: Some vitamin B consumption and serum vitamin B12 and folic acid levels were low while signs of abdominal obesity were high among patients with depression. Future research exploring nutritional status of individuals with depression is warranted.

Comparing school lunch and canteen foods consumption of children in kayseri, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: School Nutrition Programs (SNPs) may have positive effects on children's food choices through high nutritional quality meals. This cross-sectional & descriptive study was conducted to determine nutritional quality of school lunch and to compare lunch consumption of students who participated in SNP and who did not, at the first governmental school serving school lunch in Kayseri, Turkey. METHODS: One hundred and sixteen students aged 9-14 years were divided into two groups after being matched according to gender, age, grade; 58 participants (school lunch group; SL-G) and 58 nonparticipants (school canteen group; SC-G) were recruited. Energy-nutrient content of 5-day school lunch was determined by recipes. Socio-demographic data and lunch consumption on 5 consecutive weekdays with weighed left overs were obtained. Lunch energy-nutrient intakes and anthropometric measurements were compared. RESULTS: School lunch was adequate for vitamins (E & C), fibre, iron, inadequate for energy, carbohydrate, folate, calcium. Contribution of fat (36.6±6.8%) and saturated fat (12.2±3.5%) to energy and sodium content was high (1001 mg) in school lunch. SL-G consumed significantly higher protein, vitamin C, thiamine, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc (p<0.001 for each) than SC-G. Energy (p<0.001), carbohydrate (p<0.001), fat (p<0.05), vitamin E (p<0.001) intakes of SC-G were significantly higher than SL-G. Body weights, height, body mass index of groups were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Foodservice at school should be revised with collaboration of school management, catering firm, dietetic professionals. Policy should focus on reducing fat, saturated fat, sodium content and meeting energy-nutrient requirements of school aged children.

Impact of Omega-3 and Omega-9 fatty acids enriched total parenteral nutrition on blood chemistry and inflammatory markers in septic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Lipid emulsions containing omega-3 are known to have positive effects on patient's prognosis due to anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of omega-3 enriched total parenteral nutrition (TPN) emulsion containing omega-9 on biochemical parameters, inflammatory mediators in septic patients. METHODS: Thirty-two participants who were not fed orally for over five days and needing TPN support were included in this prospective, randomized and double-blind clinical study. Patients were randomly divided into control (n=16), treatment (n=16) groups. The treatment group received TPN containing 80% olive oil+20% soy oil additionally 10 g fish oil enriched TPN. Control group received only olive oil containing standard lipid emulsion (1.3±0.1 g/kg/day). Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis on the 1(st) and 6(th) days of study. RESULTS: The serum albumin levels significantly increased (p<0.05) in both groups whereas total protein and prealbumin levels did not show any significant changes. In treatment group, significant decreases were determined in LTB4 and CRP levels (p<0.05) while decreases in IL-6, TNF-α and leukocyte levels were not significant. No statistically significant changes were found in LTB4, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α and leukocyte levels of controls. CONCLUSION: RESULTS of the study have shown that omega-3 enriched TPN solution containing omega-9 contributes to decrease in the levels of inflammatory mediators and to improvement in the biochemical parameters in septic patients.

Obesity prevalence, waist-to-height ratio and associated factors in adult Turkish males.

SUMMARY: This study was performed to determine the obesity prevalence and associated risk factors in aged 20 and over years old males living in 11 towns in Kayseri, Turkey between July and August 2007. 1530 men were recruited, of which 6 were excluded because of incomplete information. Data were collected by a questionnaire. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were measured. Body mass index (BMI) of 25.0-29.9 kg/m(2) was accepted as overweight and above 30 kg/m(2) as obesity, waist-to-hip ratio (WHpR) > 1.0 and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) ≥ 0.5 were accepted as abdominal obesity. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were performed. According to BMI, overweight and obesity prevalences were 39.6% and 16.9%, respectively. Obesity prevalence was 29.9% (50-59 years) according to WHpR, 50.4% (60-69 years) according to waist circumference (WC) and 24.8% (40-49 years) according to WHtR. The logistic regression analysis revealed age of 60-69 years, being a graduate from university, being widowed and having positive familial history of obesity as risk factors of having BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2). In conclusion, obesity is a serious issue for the males residing in Kayseri and among the anthropometric measurements WHtR is a simple and effective index to identify health related risks even in male of younger ages.:

Use of herbs or vitamin/mineral supplements by patients with cancer in Kayseri, Turkey.

This cross-sectional study was performed to determine the consumption rate, duration, and methods of herb or vitamin/mineral use by patients with cancer and to evaluate the effects of alternative therapies in Kayseri, Turkey. A face-to-face interviews was conducted with 203 patients. Results showed that 32% and 18.2% of the patients used herbs or vitamin/mineral supplements, respectively. Nettle was the most commonly used herb, and iron and vitamin C were the most commonly used supplements. There was a significant difference between herb or vitamin/mineral users and nonusers with regard to educational levels. In conclusion, patients with cancer highly tended to use herb or vitamin/mineral supplements.

Evaluation of bone mineral density in children with cerebral palsy.

In the present study, bone mineral density of 40 children with cerebral palsy (study group) and the effects of various risk factors on bone mineralization in these children were investigated by comparing with 40 age-matched healthy children (control group). Weight, height, skinfold thickness, body-mass index measurements, and serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and 25 OH vitamin D were not significantly different between the study and control groups (p>0.05). The mean bone mineral density value of the study group measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry method at L2-L4 levels of lumbar vertebrae was significantly lower than that of the control group (p<0.05). When the patients in the study group were assessed with respect to ambulation status, pattern of involvement, calcium and energy intakes, and whether or not they had taken and/or were taking a regular physical therapy program, there was a significant difference only between the hemiplegic and tetraplegic patients (p<0.05), while there were no significant differences among the patients who were ambulant versus non-ambulant, who had sufficient versus insufficient calcium and energy intakes, and who did and did not take a regular physical therapy (p>0.05). Although the ambulatory status, quantity of calcium and energy intakes, and the presence or absence of a physical therapy program had no effects on bone mineral density values of the children with cerebral palsy in this study, the exact factors and mechanisms responsible for the reduced bone mineral density in children with cerebral palsy should be investigated in further large-scale studies considering the increased risk of pathological fractures in these patients.