Glycemic index, glycemic load, dietary insulin index, and dietary insulin load in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors among participants with atherosclerosis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: We examined the cross-sectional associations of dietary Glycemic Index (GI), Glycemic Load (GL), Dietary Insulin Index (DII), and Dietary Insulin Load (DIL) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) factors in subjects with atherosclerosis. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on subjects with atherosclerosis. Regular dietary intake was assessed using a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and GI, GL, DIL, and DII were also calculated. Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were estimated for general and central obesity according to the GI, GL, DII, and DIL. RESULTS: According to the continuous score of GL, there was a significant positive association between GL and central obesity for women in all models. Regarding the association between DIL score and biochemical variables, there was a significant positive association between Na and Aspartate transaminase (AST) with DII. Moreover, there was a significant positive association between LDL-c(p = 0.03) and AST (p = 0.04)with DIL score in all 3 models. CONCLUSION: In this study, GL was associated with greater odds of central obesity in women, but not in men. Neither dietary DII nor DIL was associated with BMI and central obesity. GI, GL, DII, and DIL were significantly associated with some CVD risk biomarkers in subjects with atherosclerosis.

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

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

Effects of PMS50 supplementation on psychological symptoms of students with premenstrual syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of PMS50 supplementation on psychological symptoms in university students in Iran. METHODS: This double-blind clinical trial was conducted at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, between December 2018 and March 2019. Fifty female students with moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) randomly received either 550 mg/day of PMS50 (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25), starting from 1 week before till the end of menstruation for three consecutive menstrual cycles. Anthropometric indices, dietary intake, physical activity level, and severity of PMS were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS (version 22). Independent t test was used to compare the results between groups. Paired t test was used to compare the results within groups before and after study. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in psychological symptoms including depression, anger, feeling of hopelessness, desire to be alone, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and poor concentration observed in the intervention group compared with the control group post-intervention. Restlessness was significantly reduced in both groups post-intervention. The mean scores of low self-esteem, change in appetite, and food cravings were decreased in both groups, but not significant between groups. CONCLUSION: PMS50 supplementation may be effective in improvement of psychological symptoms in PMS. Clinical Trial Registration No.: IRCT20181218042038 N1.

Associations between new and old anthropometric indices with type 2 diabetes mellitus and risk of metabolic complications: a cross-sectional analytical study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity can increase the risk of diabetes mellitus and complications associated with it. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the associations between new and old anthropometric indices and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its metabolic complications. METHODS: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 110 T2DM subjects and 110 healthy controls were selected by convenience sampling. Metabolic factors were evaluated including the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), glycemic status, lipid profile, blood pressure, kidney indices, new anthropometric indices (abdominal volume index [AVI], body shape index [ABSI], lipid accumulation product [LAP], body adiposity index [BAI], and conicity index [CI]), and old anthropometric indices (weight, body mass index [BMI], and waist and hip circumference [WC and HC]). RESULTS: Significant positive correlations were observed between AVI, LAP, and BAI and fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in the T2DM group (p < 0.001 for all associations). The odds ratio (OR) for T2DM elevated significantly with increasing BMI (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.20-1.42), LAP (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.13-1.27), and BAI (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.21-1.43). The indices AVI (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.57-2.29), LAP (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.13-1.27), BAI (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.12-1.26), WC (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.42), and HC (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.14) significantly increased the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). CONCLUSIONS: Associations were identified between obesity indices and diabetes. These indices could be used in clinical practice for evaluation and control of T2DM.

CONTEXTO: A obesidade pode aumentar o risco de diabetes melito e complicações associadas. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a associação de índices antropométricos novos e antigos com o risco de diabetes melito tipo 2 (DM2) e suas complicações metabólicas. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo analítico transversal, 110 indivíduos com DM2 e 110 controles saudáveis foram selecionados por amostragem de conveniência. Foram avaliados os fatores metabólicos, incluindo índice aterogênico plasmático, estado glicêmico, perfil lipídico, pressão arterial, índices renais, índices antropométricos novos [índice de volume abdominal (AVI), índice de formato corporal (ABSI), produto de acumulação lipídica (LAP), índice de adiposidade corporal (BAI) e índice de conicidade (CI)] e índices antropométricos antigos [peso, índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência de cintura e quadril]. RESULTADOS: Foi observada uma correlação positiva significativa de AVI, LAP e BAI com glicemia de jejum e hemoglobina glicada no grupo DM2 (p para todos < 0,001). A odds ratio (OR) do grupo DM2 foi significativamente elevada com aumento de IMC [OR: 1,30, intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%: 1,20-1,42], LAP (OR: 1,20, IC95%: 1,13-1,27) e BAI (OR: 1,32, IC95%: 1,21-1,43). Os índices AVI (OR: 1,90, IC95%: 1,57-2,29), LAP (OR: 1,19, IC95%: 1,13-1,27), BAI (OR: 1,19, IC95%: 1,12-1,26), WC (OR: 1,29, IC95%: 1,18-1,42) e HC (OR: 1,07, IC95%: 1,01-1,14) aumentaram significativamente o risco de síndrome metabólica. CONCLUSÕES: Foi reconhecida uma associação entre índices de obesidade e diabetes. Esses índices podem ser usados na prática clínica para avaliação e controle do DM2.

Male adiposity, sperm parameters and reproductive hormones: An updated systematic review and collaborative meta-analysis.

The present updated systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize the evidence from published studies with low risk for any important bias (based on methodological quality assessment) investigating the potential associations of adiposity with sperm quality and reproductive hormones. We conducted a systematic search of the literature published in MEDLINE-PubMed and EMBASE through June 2019. Based on the criteria in our review, 169 eligible publications were used for data abstraction. Finally, 60 articles were included in the qualitative analysis and 28 in the quantitative analysis. Our systematic review results indicated that overweight and/or obesity were associated with low semen quality parameters (i.e., semen volume, sperm count and concentration, sperm vitality and normal morphology) and some specific reproductive hormones (e.g., inhibin B, total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin). Overweight and/or obesity were also positively associated with high estradiol concentrations. Meta-analysis indicated that overweight and/or obesity categories were associated with lower sperm quality (i.e., semen volume, sperm count and concentration, sperm vitality, total motility and normal morphology), and underweight category was likewise associated with low sperm normal morphology. In conclusion, our results suggest that maintaining a healthy body weight is important for increasing sperm quality parameters and potentially male fertility.

Associations between new and old anthropometric indices with type 2 diabetes mellitus and risk of metabolic complications: a cross-sectional analytical study / Associação de índices antropométricos novos e antigos com diabetes melito tipo 2 e risco de complicações metabólicas: um estudo analítico de corte transversal

Abstract Background Obesity can increase the risk of diabetes mellitus and complications associated with it. Objectives The aim of this study was to estimate the associations between new and old anthropometric indices and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its metabolic complications. Methods In this cross-sectional analytical study, 110 T2DM subjects and 110 healthy controls were selected by convenience sampling. Metabolic factors were evaluated including the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), glycemic status, lipid profile, blood pressure, kidney indices, new anthropometric indices (abdominal volume index [AVI], body shape index [ABSI], lipid accumulation product [LAP], body adiposity index [BAI], and conicity index [CI]), and old anthropometric indices (weight, body mass index [BMI], and waist and hip circumference [WC and HC]). Results Significant positive correlations were observed between AVI, LAP, and BAI and fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in the T2DM group (p < 0.001 for all associations). The odds ratio (OR) for T2DM elevated significantly with increasing BMI (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.20-1.42), LAP (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.13-1.27), and BAI (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.21-1.43). The indices AVI (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.57-2.29), LAP (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.13-1.27), BAI (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.12-1.26), WC (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.42), and HC (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.14) significantly increased the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Conclusions Associations were identified between obesity indices and diabetes. These indices could be used in clinical practice for evaluation and control of T2DM.

Resumo Contexto A obesidade pode aumentar o risco de diabetes melito e complicações associadas. Objetivos O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a associação de índices antropométricos novos e antigos com o risco de diabetes melito tipo 2 (DM2) e suas complicações metabólicas. Métodos Neste estudo analítico transversal, 110 indivíduos com DM2 e 110 controles saudáveis foram selecionados por amostragem de conveniência. Foram avaliados os fatores metabólicos, incluindo índice aterogênico plasmático, estado glicêmico, perfil lipídico, pressão arterial, índices renais, índices antropométricos novos [índice de volume abdominal (AVI), índice de formato corporal (ABSI), produto de acumulação lipídica (LAP), índice de adiposidade corporal (BAI) e índice de conicidade (CI)] e índices antropométricos antigos [peso, índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência de cintura e quadril]. Resultados Foi observada uma correlação positiva significativa de AVI, LAP e BAI com glicemia de jejum e hemoglobina glicada no grupo DM2 (p para todos < 0,001). A odds ratio (OR) do grupo DM2 foi significativamente elevada com aumento de IMC [OR: 1,30, intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%: 1,20-1,42], LAP (OR: 1,20, IC95%: 1,13-1,27) e BAI (OR: 1,32, IC95%: 1,21-1,43). Os índices AVI (OR: 1,90, IC95%: 1,57-2,29), LAP (OR: 1,19, IC95%: 1,13-1,27), BAI (OR: 1,19, IC95%: 1,12-1,26), WC (OR: 1,29, IC95%: 1,18-1,42) e HC (OR: 1,07, IC95%: 1,01-1,14) aumentaram significativamente o risco de síndrome metabólica. Conclusões Foi reconhecida uma associação entre índices de obesidade e diabetes. Esses índices podem ser usados na prática clínica para avaliação e controle do DM2.

Impact of resveratrol supplementation on inflammatory, antioxidant, and periodontal markers in type 2 diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease are two common and chronic diseases with bidirectional relationship influence public health and quality of life. The aims of this study was to study the impact of resveratrol supplementation in adjunct with non-surgical periodontal therapy on inflammatory, antioxidant, and periodontal markers in patients with type 2 diabetes with periodontal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 43 patients with diabetes and chronic periodontitis were randomly allocated into two intervention and control groups receiving either resveratrol supplements or placebo for 4 weeks. Serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) as the main index of periodontal marker were measured pre-intervention and post-intervention. RESULTS: In the intervention group, the mean serum level of IL6 was reduced significantly (P = 0.039) post-intervention (2.19 ±â€¯1.09 and 1.58 ±â€¯1.06). No significant differences were seen in the mean levels of IL6, TNFα, TAC and CAL between two groups post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that daily consumption of resveratrol supplement may not change TNFα, TAC and CAL, but it would be beneficial in reducing serum levels of IL6. Therefore, further studies are suggested to investigate the effects of resveratrol supplementation along with NST on periodontal status.

The effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) in chronic stable angina on serum biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation and lipid profile.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death worldwide. Chronic stable angina (CSA) is the primary sign of CAD. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a substantial role in pathogenesis and progression of CAD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oral administration of powdered Melissa officinalis (MO) on biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid profile in patients with CSA. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in 80 patients with CSA. The subjects were randomly assigned to obtaineither oral MO 3 g/d (n=40) or placebo (n=40) for eight weeks. Anthropometric indices, biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid profile were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: The mean serum concentrations of triglycerides, total-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and malondialdehyde (MDA), and high sensitive C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) were lower in the intervention group compared with placebo (p<0.01) post intervention. Moreover, the mean serum concentration of paraxonase 1 (PNO1) and HDL-c were higher (p<0.001) in the intervention group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Oral MO supplementation improves the lipid profile, MDA, hs-CRP, and PNO1 in patients with CSA.

The effects of Melissa officinalis supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with chronic stable angina.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in recent decades, patients experience high levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Since the calming effect of Melissa officinalis (MO) has been known, this study aimed to determine the effects of MO supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances in patients with chronic stable angina (CSA). METHODS: In this double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 80 patients with CSA were divided randomly into two groups (taking 3 g MO supplement or placebo daily for 8 weeks). The shortened 21-item version of the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21) test and Pittsburgh sleep quality index were done before and after the intervention. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the intervention group receiving MO capsules had a significant reduction in scores of depression, anxiety, stress, and total sleep disturbance, compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that 8-week supplementation with 3 g MO can decrease depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with CSA.

A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of resistant dextrin, as functional food, in women with type 2 diabetes: Targeting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and immune system.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this trial was to determine the efficacy of a resistant dextrin on immune-mediated inflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Females (n = 55) with T2DM were randomly allocated into intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 25), in which they received 10 g/d of Nutriose®06 (a resistant dextrin) or maltodextrin for 8 weeks, respectively. Fasting blood samples were taken to measure immune system related parameters like white blood cell count, CD4, CD8, interferon-γ (IFNγ), interleukins (IL12, IL4, IL10), cortisol, tryptophan (TRP), ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone), Kynurenine (KYN) and plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at the beginning and end of trial. Mental health was assessed using general health questionnaire (GHQ) and depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS). RESULTS: Resistant dextrin caused a significant decrease in levels of cortisol, KYN, KYN/TRP ratio, IFNγ, IL12, IFNγ/IL10 ratio, LPS, and a significant increase in the monocyte, GHQ, DASS, CD8, IL10, IL4 in the intervention group as compared with baseline. A significant decrease in the level of LPS (-6.20 EU/mL, -17.8%), IFNγ (-0.6 pg/ml, -26.8%), cortisol (-2.6 µg/dl, -20.9%), IFNγ/IL10 ratio (0.01, 10%), GHQ (-5.1, -12.5%), DASS (-10.4, -38.4%), KYN/TRP ratio (6.8, 29.1%), and a significant increase in levels of CD8 (6.4%, 6.1%) and IL10 (2.6 pg/ml, 21.6%) in the intervention group as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in white blood cell count, CD4, CD4/CD8 ratio, ACTH, KYN, TRP, IL4 and IL12 in the intervention group as compared with the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Supplementation of Nutriose®06 may have beneficial effects on mental health and the immune system response in women with T2DM.

The effect of enriched chicory inulin on liver enzymes, calcium homeostasis and hematological parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS: Type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality is associated with immune system disturbances and metabolic abnormalities. In the current study we aimed to evaluate the effects of enriched chicory inulin supplementation on liver enzymes, serum calcium and phosphorous concentrations and hematological parameters in patients with T2DM. METHODS: Forty-six diabetic females patients were randomly allocated into intervention (n=27) and control (n=22) groups. Subjects in the intervention group received a daily dose of 10g of chicory and subjects in control group received a placebo for two months. Anthropometric variables, glucose homeostasis, hematological parameters and metabolic indices including serum alanine aminotransfersae (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium and phosphorous as well as creatinine concentrations, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and blood pressure were assessed at the beginning and end of the trial. RESULTS: Significant reductions in fasting serum glucose (FSG), Hb A1C, AST and ALP concentrations were observed in chicory-treated group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were also reduced in chicory-treated group. Serum calcium significantly increased after chicory supplementation but no change in placebo treated group has been occurred (P=0.014). Supplementation with enriched chicory for two months significantly reduced hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) values (P<0.05). Changes in serum insulin, creatinine and GFR were not significant. CONCLUSION: The present study showed beneficial effects of oligofructose-enriched chicory on the improvement of the glucose and calcium homeostasis, liver function tests, blood pressure and reduction in hematologic risk factors of diabetes in female patients with T2DM. Further studies in both genders are needed to generalize these findings to total population.

Determination of mercury and vanadium concentration in Johnius belangerii (C) fish in Musa estuary in Persian Gulf.

The main aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of mercury and vanadium in Johnius belangerii (C) fish in the Musa estuary. A total of 67 fishes were caught from the Musa estuary during five intervals of 15days in the summer of 2013. After biometric measurements were conducted, the concentrations of mercury and vanadium were measured in the muscle tissue of fish using a direct method analyzer (DMA) and a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively. The mean concentration of mercury and vanadium in the muscle tissue of fish was 3.154±1.981 and 2.921±0.873mg/kg w.w, respectively. The generalized linear model (GLM) analysis showed a significantly positive relationship among mercury concentration, length, and weight (P=0.000). In addition, there was a significantly negative relationship between vanadium concentration and fish length (P=0.000). A reverse association was found between concentrations of mercury and vanadium. Mercury concentration exceeded the allowable standards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in J. belangerii (C).

Effects of probiotic yogurt consumption on lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Alteration in plasma lipid and lipoprotein profile has been documented in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of probiotic and conventional yogurt on lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 44 patients with type 2 diabetes aged 30-60 years old who had low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) ≥100 mg/dl enrolled in this randomized, double - blind controlled trial and were assigned to two intervention and control groups. The subjects in the intervention group consumed 300 g/d probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 and subjects in the control group consumed 300 g/d conventional yogurt for 8 weeks. Anthropometric indices, dietary intake, and serum lipid profile were evaluated at the beginning and end of the intervention. Independent-sample t-test, paired sample t-test, ANCOVA, and repeated measures were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The consumption of probiotic yogurt caused significant decrease in LDL-c/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) ratio (3.13 ± 1.00-2.07 ± 0.71, P = 0.016). The levels of HDL-c were increased significantly (43.66 ± 6.80-50.42 ± 6.64, P = 0.023) in the intervention group postintervention. However, there were no significant differences in triglyceride and total cholesterol levels between two groups postintervention (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that probiotic yogurt consumption may be used as an alternative prevention approach and treatment method to improve dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes.