Effect of Ganoderma lucidum on serum lipid profiles: A systematic review and meta-analysis on animal studies.

Background: Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) is one of the most popular edible mushrooms in the world which has various pharmacological components. Recently, some animal studies have investigated the lipid-lowering effects of G. lucidum and have shown contradictory results. This study aims to systematically review the effects of G. lucidum on lipid parameters in animal studies. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to the end of January 2022. Only animal studies and all eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including cluster RCTs and randomized crossover trials were included. The English language studies that assessed the effects of G. lucidum on lipid profiles including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) were selected. Results: Among 358 studies, 49 articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. G. lucidum consumption was associated with decreased levels of TG (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1.52, 95% CI: -1.79, -1.24), TC (SMD = -1.51, 95% CI: -1.75, -1.27), LDL-C (SMD = -2.03, 95% CI: -2.37, -1.69) and VLDL (SMD =-1.06, 95% CI: -1.638, -0.482). Furthermore, G. lucidum consumption was associated with increased levels of HDL-C (SMD = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.73, 1.33). Conclusion: G. lucidum has favorable effects on TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and VLDL. Different doses of G. lucidum have various degrees of effectiveness on lipid profiles.

Effect of epigenetics on vitamin D levels: a systematic review until December 2020.

BACKGROUND: The association between epigenetic modification of the genes involved in the vitamin D metabolic pathway and vitamin D metabolites' status has been elucidated incompletely. This study aims to review the studies on the mentioned association and create a brighter view of this topic. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science up to the end of November 2020. Original articles which reported the effect of epigenetic alteration-methylation level or its changes-of genes involved in vitamin D regulation on the vitamin D metabolites serum level or its changes were included. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) checklist was used to assess the quality of included articles. RESULTS: Among 2566 records, nine reports were included in the systematic review according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies discussed the contribution of methylation status of members of the cytochrome P450 family (CYP2R1, CYP27B1, CYP24A1), and Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) genes to vitamin D level variance. CYP2R1 methylation status could regulate the contributing factors affecting the vitamin D serum level and predict response to vitamin D supplementation. Studies revealed that impaired methylation of CYP24A1 occurs in response to an increase in serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). It is reported that the association between methylation levels of CYP2R1, CYP24A1, and VDR genes and 25(OH)D level is not affected by the methyl-donors bioavailability. CONCLUSIONS: The epigenetic modification of the vitamin D-related genes could explain the vitamin D levels variation among populations. Large-scale clinical trials in various ethnicities are suggested to find the effect of epigenetics on vitamin D response variation. REGISTRATION: The systematic review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022306327).

The association between vitamin C dietary intake and its serum levels with anthropometric indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: studies showed inflammatory background of overweight and obesity. Prevalence of weight disorders has dramatically increased over the past few decades. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and may be associated with weight disorders. This study aims to systematically review the relationship between dietary and serum vitamin C levels with anthropometric indices. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library and Google Scholar up to the end of August 2021. All observational studies that assessed the relationship between dietary or circulating vitamin C levels and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) on adults were included. The quality of included studies was assessed using the National Institute of Health quality assessment tool. RESULTS: Among 11,689 studies, 47 and 37 articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. There was an inverse significant correlation between WC and serum vitamin C levels (r = -0.28, 95% CI: -0.35,-0.21, I2 = 14.2%) and between BMI and serum vitamin C levels (r = -0.17, 95% CI: -0.25, -0.09, I2 = 72.8%). Higher vitamin C consumption was significantly associated with lower BMI. There were no significant differences in serum vitamin C levels between normal-weight and overweight subjects, but serum vitamin C levels were significantly higher in obese subjects in comparison with normal-weight subjects. CONCLUSION: Results showed that both dietary and serum vitamin C levels were inversely associated with BMI and WC. More well-designed clinical trials are needed to assess the effect of vitamin C supplementation in prevention and treatment of obesity.

Effects of synbiotic supplementation on anthropometric indices and body composition in overweight or obese children and adolescents: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Recently, beneficial effects of probiotics and/or prebiotics on cardio-metabolic risk factors in adults have been shown. However, existing evidence has not been fully established for pediatric age groups. This study aimed to assess the effect of synbiotic on anthropometric indices and body composition in overweight or obese children and adolescents. METHODS: This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 60 participants aged 8-18 years with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or higher than the 85th percentile. Participants were randomly divided into two groups that received either a synbiotic capsule containing 6 × 109 colony forming units (CFU) Lactobacillus coagulans SC-208, 6 × 109 CFU Lactobacillus indicus HU36 and fructooligosaccharide as a prebiotic (n = 30) or a placebo (n = 30) twice a day for eight weeks. Anthropometric indices and body composition were measured at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation, SD) age was 11.07 (2.00) years and 11.23 (2.37) years for the placebo and synbiotic groups, respectively (P = 0.770). The waist-height ratio (WHtR) decreased significantly at the end of the intervention in comparison with baseline in the synbiotic group (0.54 ± 0.05 vs. 0.55 ± 0.05, P = 0.05). No significant changes were demonstrated in other anthropometric indices or body composition between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Synbiotic supplementation might be associated with a reduction in WHtR. There were no significant changes in other anthropometric indices or body composition.

Birth Size Outcomes in Relation to Maternal Blood Levels of Some Essential and Toxic Elements.

Exposures to toxic trace elements and deficiencies of essential trace elements during pregnancy may impact fetal growth. This study was conducted to determine the association between maternal blood levels of essential elements including manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) and toxic elements including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) at the first trimester with neonatal anthropometric parameters. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019-2020 in Isfahan, Iran. Overall, 263 mother-infant pairs were recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy. Maternal whole blood was collected, and essential and toxic elements were determined by mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)-based method. Birth size measurements were performed according to standardized protocols. Geometric means and standard deviations of maternal blood concentrations of Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb were 3.94 ± 0.82, 5.22 ± 0.57, 7.67 ± 0.58, 2.21 ± 0.77, - 0.59 ± 0.98, and 3.23 ± 0.72 µg/l, respectively. Mean age of mothers was 29.94 ± 5.22 years. Thirty-one (12.1%) neonates were preterm. Maternal blood Pb levels were negatively correlated with birth weight (ß = - 0.22 (CI 95%: - 0.38, - 0.05) p = 0.010) and marginally with birth head circumference (ß = - 0.14(CI 95%: - 0.29, 0.02), P = 0.094) after adjustment for potential confounder variables. There was no significant association between Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and birth size measurements. Reverse association was found between maternal blood Pb levels and birth weight and birth head circumference. There is limited evidence related to the association between essential and toxic elements during pregnancy with birth size measurements and pregnancy disorders. More studies are suggested to assess of the effect of the trace elements and birth outcomes.

Effects of shrimp oil on cardio-metabolic risk factors in children and adolescents.

Background: Antioxidants have beneficial effects on health. Shrimp oil has Astaxanthin and omega 3 that act as powerful antioxidants and might have anti-inflammatory effects on cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to investigate the effects of shrimp oil supplementation on cardio-metabolic risk factors in overweight and obese children and adolescents. Methods: This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 64 overweight and obese participants with 10-18 years of age. They were randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg shrimp oil or identical placebo that contained medium-chain triglycerides once per day for eight weeks. Dietary intake was obtained using food record questionnaire for three days at baseline and at the end of the study. Fasting blood samples were obtained at baseline and after eight weeks of intervention. Results: Overall, 53 participants completed the study; 30 subjects received shrimp oil and 23 subjects received placebo. There were no significant effects of shrimp oil on total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, LDL-C and blood pressure compared with the placebo group (p>0.05). Shrimp oil had no significant effects on body mass index, waist circumference and hip circumference compared with the placebo group (p>0.05). Conclusions: Supplementation with shrimp oil had no significant effects on improving the anthropometric measures and cardio-metabolic risk factors. Future clinical trials are needed to investigate the beneficial effects of higher doses of shrimp oil on cardio-metabolic risk factors in the pediatric age groups.

Growth Hormone Response to L-Arginine Alone and Combined with Different Doses of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Arginine (ARG) can modulate growth hormone (GH) release by suppressing its endogenous inhibitory regulator, somatostatin. ARG also induces the release of the GH-releasing hormone (GHRH). This study aims to review the effects of L-arginine supplementation alone and combined with GHRH in different doses on GH secretion. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, an electronic literature search was conducted on Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases. All eligible studies were randomized clinical trials that reported the effects of ARG supplementation alone or with GHRH on GH levels. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed as the effect size. Results: Meta-analyses showed significant effects of ARG alone on GH release (MD = 10.07, 95% CI: 7.87, 12.28). Moreover, the response of GH was greater with ARG in combination with GHRH (MD = 24.96, 95% CI: 17.51, 32.42). There was no significant difference between the patients and healthy individuals and between oral and injection use of ARG. The systematic review revealed the important role of ARG in combination with other amino acids on GH secretion in patients with GH deficiency. Conclusion: This study revealed that in GH-deficient individuals, high doses of ARG supplementation in combination with GHRH and/or other amino acids might have potential therapeutic effects on increasing GH concentrations. These findings propose that ARG supplementation can be considered as a potential stimulator in management of GH deficiency.

Socioeconomic inequality in different phenotypes of childhood obesity and its determinants in Iran: a Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition method.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity has become a significant public health issue worldwide. Socioeconomic status is among its key determinants. This study examined the socioeconomic inequality in different phenotypes of childhood obesity at the national level in Iran. METHODS: This national, multistage school cross-sectional study was undertaken in 2015 on 14,400 students aged 7-18 years from urban and rural areas of 30 provinces of Iran. Using principal component analysis, socioeconomic status (SES) was categorized into tertiles. SES inequality in different phenotypes of obesity (i.e., generalized obesity", "abdominal obesity", and combined obesity) was estimated using the concentration index. The determinants of this inequality were assessed by the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition method. RESULTS: Overall, 14,274 students completed the study (response rate: 99%). The mean age was 12.28 years, 50.6% were boys, and 71.42% lived in urban areas. The prevalence of generalized obesity and abdominal obesity was 20.8% and 11.3%, respectively. The concentration index for different phenotypes of obesity was positive, indicating that inequality is more common amongst the low SES groups. High SES, being male, living in a rural, and having a positive family history of obesity were associated with general obesity. Moderate physical activity and living in a rural area were associated with abdominal obesity. In addition, living in a rural area, having a high SES, being male, and having a positive family history of obesity were associated with combined obesity. CONCLUSION: According to the present study findings, all childhood obesity phenotypes were more prevalent in Iranian children with high SES. Therefore, due to obesity and other diseases, it is essential to implement environmental changes in addition to designing macro-educational programs and prevention strategies.

Effects of DNA methylation on cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Epigenetic changes, especially DNA methylation have a main role in regulating cardiometabolic disorders and their risk factors. This study provides a review of the current evidence on the association between methylation of some genes (LINE1, ABCG1, SREBF1, PHOSPHO1, ADRB3, and LEP) and cardiometabolic risk factors. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar and Scopus up to end of 2020. All observational human studies (cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort) were included. Studies that assessed the effect of DNA methylation on cardiometabolic risk factors were selected. RESULTS: Among 1398 articles, eight studies and twenty-one studies were included in the meta-analysis and the systematic review, respectively. Our study showed ABCG1 and LINE1 methylation were positively associated with blood pressure (Fisher's zr = 0.07 (0.06, 0.09), 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.08). Methylation in LINE1, ABCG1, SREBF1, PHOSPHO1 and ADRB3 had no significant association with HDL levels (Fisher's zr = - 0.05 (- 0.13, 0.03), 95% CI:-0.12 to 0.02). Positive association was existed between LINE1, ABCG1 and LEP methylation and LDL levels (Fisher's zr = 0.13 (0.04, 0.23), 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.23). Moreover, positive association was found between HbA1C and ABCG1 methylation (Fisher's zr = 0.11 (0.09, 0.13), 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.12). DNA methylation of LINE1, ABCG1 and SREBF1 genes had no significant association with glucose levels (Fisher's zr = 0.01 (- 0.12, 0.14), 95% CI:-0.12 to 0.14). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed that DNA methylation was associated with some cardiometabolic risk factors including LDL-C, HbA1C, and blood pressure. REGISTRATION: Registration ID of the protocol on PROSPERO is CRD42020207677 .

A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies on the effects of epigenetic factors on serum triglycerides

ABSTRACT Epigenetic modifications might be associated with serum triglycerides (TG) levels. This study aims to systematically review the studies on the relationship between the methylation of specific cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites and serum TG levels. This systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, and Cochrane library up to end of 2020. All observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort) were included. Studies that assessed the effect of DNA methylation of different CpG sites of ABCG1, CPT1A, and SREBF1 genes on serum TG levels were selected. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) checklist was used to assess the quality of included articles. Among 2790 articles, ten studies were included in the quantitative analysis and fourteen studies were included in the systematic review. DNA methylation of ABCG1 gene had significant positive association with TG levels (β = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.05, P heterogeneity < 0.001). There was significant inverse association between DNA methylation of CPT1A gene and serum TG levels (β = −0.03, 95% CI = −0.03, −0.02, P heterogeneity < 0.001). DNA methylation of SREBF1 gene was positively and significantly associated with serum TG levels (β = 0.03; 95% CI = 0.02-0.04, P heterogeneity < 0.001). DNA methylation of ABCG1 and SREBF1 genes has positive association with serum TG level, whereas this association is opposite for CPT1A gene. The role of epigenetic factors should be considered in some populations with high prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia.

A systematic review and metaanalysis of observational studies on the effects of epigenetic factors on serum triglycerides.

Epigenetic modifications might be associated with serum triglycerides (TG) levels. This study aims to systematically review the studies on the relationship between the methylation of specific cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites and serum TG levels. This systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, and Cochrane library up to end of 2020. All observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort) were included. Studies that assessed the effect of DNA methylation of different CpG sites of ABCG1, CPT1A, and SREBF1 genes on serum TG levels were selected. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) checklist was used to assess the quality of included articles. Among 2790 articles, ten studies were included in the quantitative analysis and fourteen studies were included in the systematic review. DNA methylation of ABCG1 gene had significant positive association with TG levels (ß = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.05, P heterogeneity < 0.001). There was significant inverse association between DNA methylation of CPT1A gene and serum TG levels (ß = -0.03, 95% CI = -0.03, -0.02, P heterogeneity < 0.001). DNA methylation of SREBF1 gene was positively and significantly associated with serum TG levels (ß = 0.03; 95% CI = 0.02-0.04, P heterogeneity < 0.001). DNA methylation of ABCG1 and SREBF1 genes has positive association with serum TG level, whereas this association is opposite for CPT1A gene. The role of epigenetic factors should be considered in some populations with high prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia.

Association between dietary fat quality indices with anthropometric measurements in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The association between anthropometric measures and dietary fat quality indices is unclear in pediatric age groups. The present study aimed to assess the association between dietary lipophilic index (LI) and thrombogenic index (TI) as dietary fat quality indices with anthropometric measurements in children and adolescents. METHOD: This nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted on 4323 students aged 6-18 years that were selected by multistage cluster sampling from 31 provinces of Iran. Dietary intake was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire and dietary LI and TI were calculated by formula. Data on anthropometric measures were collected by standard protocols. RESULTS: The multivariate regression analysis revealed that TI and LI had inverse association with neck circumference Z-score (ß = 0.11, p = 0.013 and ß = 0.12 p = 0.006, respectively). There was a positive correlation between LI with height Z-score (ß = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.01, p = 0.009). However, there was no significant association between LI and TI with other anthropometric indices (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The quality of dietary fats was associated with some anthropometric indices. Further large-scale studies are required to highlight the importance of dietary fat quality indices in relation to cardio-metabolic risk factors in pediatric age groups. Reducing intake of saturated fatty acids, increasing consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids and a balanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases risk factors are recommended.

Normal Weight Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Obesity is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current studies suggest a new type of obesity, normal weight obesity (NWO), which is defined as having a normal body mass index (BMI), but a high-fat percentage increases the risk of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to pool the association between NWO with CMRFs. Methods: A systematic search of the literature in all available electronic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and PubMed, was performed until October 2021. All English studies that assessed the association of NWOs [compared to normal weight non-obese (NWNO)] and the CMRFs were included. Two investigators extracted data and performed a quality assessment. The heterogeneity between studies was assessed with I-squared and Cochran's Q tests. Odds ratio (OR) was used as an effect size to pool the association of NWO with CMRFs. Results: Twenty-five articles that met the inclusion criteria entered the study. The total number of participants was 177,792, with an age range of 13 to 75 years. Most studies were conducted on the general population (adults) and were from China. The result of fixed-effect model meta-analysis indicated an increased odds of hyperglycemia (OR:1.50, 95%:1.23, 1.76), high TG (OR:1.90, 95% CH:1.44, 2.35), low HDL (OR: 1.28, 95% CI:1.06, 1.49) and diabetes (OR:1.39, 95% CI:1.30, 1.49). Moreover, the random effect meta-analysis showed that NWO increased the odds of dyslipidemia (OR:1.83, 95% CI:1.61, 20.4), HTN (OR:1.40, 95% CI:1.28, 1.51) and metabolic syndrome (OR:1.92, 95% CI:1.58, 2.26). Moreover, the mean of all CMRFs except plasma glucose in NWO subjects was statistically higher than NWNO subjects (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed that NWO increased the odds of CMRFs. These findings indicate the inadequacy of the BMI measurement and the need for body fat assessment for a better obesity risk assessment.

Association between maternal plasma total antioxidant capacity and dietary antioxidants intake with birth size outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Maternal antioxidants intake and plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) concentration during pregnancy might influence on birth outcomes. This study was conducted to determine the association between dietary antioxidants intake and plasma TAC during pregnancy with birth outcomes. METHODS: Overall, 220 mother-infant pairs were recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy. Maternal whole blood was collected and TAC was determined by the ELISA kit. Food frequency questionnaire was used to collect information regarding usual dietary intake. Birth size measurements including birth weight, length and head circumference were measured according to standardized protocols. RESULTS: Energy-adjusted intake of beta-carotene in the first trimester of gestation [beta (SE) = 0.0002 (0.00008); p = 0.016] and energy-adjusted intake of vitamin E in third trimester of pregnancy [beta (SE) = -0.31 (0.15); p = 0.046] had significantly positive and negative associations with birth length, respectively. The maternal plasma TAC was positively correlated with birth weight in both unadjusted and adjusted models [beta (SE) = 2.75 (1.35); p = 0.043 and beta (SE) = 3.43 (1.50); p = 0.023, respectively]. In addition, the adjusted model showed a significant positive relationship between the maternal plasma TAC and birth length [beta (SE) = 0.023 (0.009); p = 0.01]. CONCLUSION: This study showed the positive association of maternal plasma TAC with birth weight and length. Moreover, maternal dietary intake of beta-carotene in the first trimester and vitamin E in the third trimester of pregnancy had significant positive and negative correlations with birth length, respectively.

Association of selenium, zinc and copper concentrations during pregnancy with birth weight: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Normal fetal growth is associated with maternal nutrition. Trace elements play important roles in fetus growth. This review aims to provide a summary of the literature evaluating the relation between selenium, zinc and copper levels during pregnancy with birth weight. METHOD: A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, Web of science and Google scholar up to September 2020. Fifty observational studies were included in the final analyses. The desired pooled effect size was considered as standardized mean differences with 95 % CI or correlation. Cochran's Q statistic was used to test the heterogeneity between the included studies (I2). RESULT: A significant differences were found between pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) of umbilical cord blood copper levels in small-for-gestational age birth weight (SGA) and appropriate-for-gestational age birth weight (AGA) (SMD: 0.34 µg/L, 95 % CI: 0.13 to 0.56). There was a significant pooled correlation between umbilical cord blood selenium concentrations and birth weight (r: 0.08, 95 % CI: 0.01 to 0.16). A significant pooled correlation was found between umbilical cord blood zinc concentrations and birth weight (r: 0.09, 95 % CI: 0.04 to 0.15), with significant heterogeneity (I2 % = 0.63). There was significant positive association between maternal blood zinc concentrations and birth weight. CONCLUSION: Findings showed the association of trace elements including selenium, zinc and copper during pregnancy with birth weight. There was significant correlation between umbilical cord and maternal blood selenium and zinc levels with birth weight. The umbilical cord blood copper levels in SGA birth weight was higher than copper levels in AGA birth weight.

Changes in Lifestyle Behaviors of Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Impact on the Development of Non-Communicable Diseases: A Narrative Review.

Background: Quarantine restrictions have changed the usual lifestyle habits of children and adolescents. In this review, we summarize how the COVID-19 outbreak changed lifestyle during childhood and discuss potential short- and long-term effects of NCD high-risk behaviors on health outcomes. Methods: literature search was conducted in Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. All studies that assessed the relationship between COVID-19 outbreak and lifestyle changes were included. Results: NCD risk factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, prolonged screen time and sedentary behavior, disrupted sleep schedules and sleep quality, as well as mental disorders during COVID19 in childhood, may increase the susceptibility to NCDs in adulthood. These changes in lifestyle behaviors have short and long-term cardio-metabolic and psychological health outcomes. Since it is not clear when COVID-19 is completely controlled, assessment of the interactions between COVID-19 and lifestyle activities in the pediatric age group is critical. Conclusion: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has greatly influenced all levels of health systems. During the COVID-19 pandemic, prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) will need to be prioritized even further.

Dietary Fatty Acid Intakes and the Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technique in Infertile Women.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was evaluating the relationship between fatty acid (FA) intakes and the Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) outcomes in infertile women. METHODS: In this descriptive longitudinal study, a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to measure dietary intakes among 217 women with primary infertility seeking ART treatments at Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran. The average number of total and metaphase II (MII) oocytes, the fertilization rate, the ratio of good and bad quality embryo and biochemical and clinical pregnancy were assessed. Analyses were performed using mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, ANOVA, ANCOVA, logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 140 women were finally included in the study. There was a positive relationship between the average number of total and MII oocytes and the amount of total fatty acids (TFAs), saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), linoleic acids, linolenic acids, and oleic acids intakes, while eicosapentaenoic acids (EPAs) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHAs) intakes had an inverse relationship. Consuming more amounts of TFAs, SFAs, PUFAs, MUFAs, linoleic acids, and oleic acids was associated with the lower fertilization rate, whereas the consumption of linolenic acids and EPAs increased the fertilization rate. The ratio of good quality embryo was directly affected by the amount of PUFAs intakes. Additionally, there was a negative correlation between the amount of SFAs intakes and the number of pregnant women. CONCLUSION: TFAs, SFA, PUFA, and MUFA intakes could have both beneficial and adverse impacts on ART outcomes.

Association of vitamin D status and cardio-metabolic risk factors in children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) starts from early life and is one of the important underlying factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adulthood. Controversial evidence exists on the role of vitamin D deficiency in increasing the risk of pediatric MetS. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the relationship between vitamin D level with MetS and its components in children and adolescents. METHODS: This nationwide cross-sectional study was performed as part of a surveillance program in Iran. Participants were 2596 students, aged 7 to 18 years, living in 30 provinces. In addition to filling questionnaires, a physical examination was conducted, and blood samples were collected. The serum concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured using the direct competitive immunoassay chemiluminescence method. RESULTS: 2596 students with a mean age of 12.2 y (55.1% boys) were recruited. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in participants was 10.6% (n = 276), and 60.5% (n = 1570), respectively. The prevalence of MetS was higher in the vitamin D deficient group. Students with deficient vitamin D levels had higher odds of MetS (OR: 4.25, 95%CI: 2.26-7.98), abdominal obesity (OR: 2.24, 95%CI: 1.61-3.12), low HDL-C (OR: 1.65, 95%CI: 1.18-2.30) and high fasting blood sugar (OR: 2.56, 95%CI: 1.43-4.57) in comparison to those with sufficient level of vitamin D. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased odds of MetS and its components in the Iranian pediatric population. These findings underscore the importance of prevention and control of vitamin D deficiency in preventative programs against NCDs.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the most common processed foods consumed by Iranian children.

BACKGROUND: The trend of increasing overweight and obesity among children is a huge burden on health systems. In this regard, the growing availability of processed foods, often energy dense and nutrient poor, has become a major concern. Changing this trend will require evidence-based policies. AIMS: This systematic review aimed to identify the most common processed/ultraprocessed foods consumed by 4-12-year-old Iranian children. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of science, as well as Persian scientific search engines, including Iran Research Information System, Scientific Information Database and Mag-Iran. We also assessed grey literature, that is, national studies and papers presented at relevant Iranian congresses. All data collected from studies were converted to daily servings (S/D). Mean and standard deviations of the included results were combined by performing meta-analysis with a random effects model. The I2 test was used to compute heterogeneity. Egger's test was used to assess publication bias. RESULTS: Ten studies with 67 093 children were included in this review. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the highest consumption of processed foods belonged to the sugars and sweets group with 8.01 S/D, followed by oils, and biscuits and cakes with 5.58 S/D and 3.33 S/D, respectively. CONCLUSION: Given the high consumption of less healthy processed foods, robust policies to support healthy eating and help improve Iranian children's food environment are recommended.