Investigating the Antiangiogenic, Anti-drug Resistance and Apoptotic Effects of Soy Isoflavone Extract Alone or in Combination with Docetaxel on Murine 4T1 Breast Tumor Model.

BACKGROUND: One major concern in the treatment of cancer patients during chemotherapy is drug resistance. Here we investigated the effects of soy isoflavone extracts alone or in combination with Docetaxel on the drug resistance, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and tumor volume in mouse 4T1 breast tumor model. METHODS: Sixty female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, dietary soy isoflavone extract [Iso, 100 mg/kg diet (0.01%)], Docetaxel (10 mg/kg) injection, and the combination of dietary soy isoflavone extract and intravenous Docetaxel injection (Docetaxel + Iso). One week after the third injection, the breast tumors of eight mice from each group were excised to analyze NF-κBp65' vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) and Pgp gene and protein expressions and the other seven mice were monitored for survival rate analysis until they died. RESULTS: NF-κBp65 gene and protein expressions were significantly lower in the Docetaxel + Iso group in comparison with that of the Docetaxel group. VEGFR2 protein expression in the Docetaxel + Iso and Iso groups was significantly lower than that of the Docetaxel group. CONCLUSION: These findings may indicate that the combined use of isoflavone extracts together with chemotherapeutic agents has more efficient anti-carcinogenic effects than their individual use.

Pomegranate (Punicagranatum) juice decreases lipid peroxidation, but has no effect on plasma advanced glycated end-products in adults with type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus characterized by hyperglycemia could increase oxidative stress and formation of advanced glycated end-products (AGEs), which contribute to diabetic complications. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of pomegranate juice (PJ) containing natural antioxidant on lipid peroxidation and plasma AGEs in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 44 patients (age range 56±6.8 years), T2D were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group A (PJ, n=22) and group B (Placebo, n=22). At the baseline and the end of 12-week intervention, biochemical markers including fasting plasma glucose, insulin, oxidative stress, and AGE markers including carboxy methyl lysine (CML) and pentosidine were assayed. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no significant differences in plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels between the two groups, but malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased levels were significantly different (P<0.001). After 12 weeks of intervention, TAC increased (P<0.05) and MDA decreased (P<0.01) in the PJ group when compared with the placebo group. However, no significant differences were observed in plasma concentration of CML and pentosidine between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that PJ decreases lipid peroxidation. Therefore, PJ consumption may delay onset of T2D complications related to oxidative stress.

Acarbose versus trans-chalcone: comparing the effect of two glycosidase inhibitors on obese mice.

OBJECTIVE: Acarbose and trans-chalcone are glucosidase inhibitors whose beneficial effects have been demonstrated in diabetes. The present study aimed at investigating their potential effects in obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NMRI male mice (n = 48) were subjected to a high fat diet for four weeks, which induced an initial state of obesity. One control group was given normal rodent diet. Obese animals were then switched to normal rodent diet, and divided to four groups (n = 12 in each): untreated, sham (receiving grape seed oil), and experimental groups receiving acarbose and trans-chalcone (12 mg/kg) during eight weeks. Body weight, blood glucose and other biochemical parameters including triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, HDL, AST, and ALT were measured, as well as leptin, adiponectin, TNF-α, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Histological studies were performed on adipose cells and liver tissue samples. RESULTS: All factors were affected in a positive manner by acarbose, save for body weight, blood sugar and leptin levels, on which acarbose effects, although observable, were not statistically significant. Grape seed oil, used as a solvent for trans-chalcone was found to possess significant effect on TG and TAC, and had beneficial effects on other factors including liver enzymes and cholesterol. Trans-chalcone effects were significant on HDL, leptin and ALT. All compounds seemed to be able to affect fat deposition in liver tissue, and decrease the size of adipose tissue cells to some extent. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the tested compounds were able to affect lipid accumulation in tissues and influence adipokines, which may result in an enhanced state with regard to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Acarbose versus trans-chalcone: comparing the effect of two glycosidase inhibitors on obese mice

Objective Acarbose and trans-chalcone are glucosidase inhibitors whose beneficial effects have been demonstrated in diabetes. The present study aimed at investigating their potential effects in obesity.Materials and methods NMRI male mice (n = 48) were subjected to a high fat diet for four weeks, which induced an initial state of obesity. One control group was given normal rodent diet. Obese animals were then switched to normal rodent diet, and divided to four groups (n = 12 in each): untreated, sham (receiving grape seed oil), and experimental groups receiving acarbose and trans-chalcone (12 mg/kg) during eight weeks. Body weight, blood glucose and other biochemical parameters including triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, HDL, AST, and ALT were measured, as well as leptin, adiponectin, TNF-α, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Histological studies were performed on adipose cells and liver tissue samples.Results All factors were affected in a positive manner by acarbose, save for body weight, blood sugar and leptin levels, on which acarbose effects, although observable, were not statistically significant. Grape seed oil, used as a solvent for trans-chalcone was found to possess significant effect on TG and TAC, and had beneficial effects on other factors including liver enzymes and cholesterol. Trans-chalcone effects were significant on HDL, leptin and ALT. All compounds seemed to be able to affect fat deposition in liver tissue, and decrease the size of adipose tissue cells to some extent.Conclusion In conclusion, the tested compounds were able to affect lipid accumulation in tissues and influence adipokines, which may result in an enhanced state with regard to inflammation and oxidative stress. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2015;59(3):202-9.

Effects of Combined Soy Isoflavone Extract and Docetaxel Treatment on Murine 4T1 Breast Tumor Model.

BACKGROUND: Emergence of drug resistance has brought major problems in chemotherapy. Using nutrients in combination with chemotherapy could be beneficial for improvement of sensitivity of tumors to drug resistance. Soybean-derived isoflavones have been suggested as chemopreventive agents for certain types of cancer, particularly breast cancer. In this study, the synergistic effects of soy isoflavone extract in combination with docetaxel in murine 4T1 breast tumor model were investigated. METHODS: In this study, mice were divided into 4 groups (15 mice per group) of control, the dietary Soy Isoflavone Extract (SIE, 100 mg/kg diet), the Docetaxel (DOCE, 10 mg/kg) injection and the combination of dietary soy isoflavone extract and intravenous docetaxel injection (DOCE+SIE). After 3 injections of docetaxel (once a week), 7 mice were sacrificed to analyze MKI67 gene and protein expressions and the rest were monitored for diet consumption, tumor growth and survival rates. RESULTS: In DOCE+SIE group, diet consumption was significantly higher than DOCE group. While lifespan showed a trend towards improvement in DOCE+SIE group, no significant difference was observed among the 4 studied groups. Tumor volume was not significantly affected in treated groups. A lower but not significant MKI67 protein expression was detected in western blot in DOCE+SIE group. The mRNA expression was not significantly different among groups. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the combination of soy isoflavone as an adjunct to docetaxel chemotherapy can be effective in improving diet consumption in breast cancer.

The effects of omega-3 plus vitamin E and zinc plus vitamin C supplementation on cardiovascular risk markers in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: We investigate the effects of omega-3 plus vitamin E and vitamin C plus zinc supplementations on cardiovascular risk markers in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In this double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 75 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to one of three groups to take, daily, for 12 weeks: (1) 1.8 g omega-3 fatty acids plus 400 mg vitamin E; (2) 5 mg zinc plus 300 mg vitamin C; or (3) a placebo. RESULTS: Although the cardiovascular risk markers variations decreased at the end of intervention, we did not find any significant differences in cardiovascular risk markers between therapeutic groups and the control group. Results of repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) of markers showed that total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, Apo A1 and Apo B100 in two time periods were significant (p = 0.001). The level of total and LDL cholesterol decreased significantly (p = 0.05) in patients diagnosed with diabetes equal or less than 7 years in the group receiving omega-3 plus vitamin E. However, decreased LDL cholesterol (p = 0.003) and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p = 0.03) were predominant in patients who had been diagnosed with diabetes equal or less than 7 years in the group receiving zinc plus vitamin C. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of nutraceutical supplementation was varied on biochemical biomarkers based on the kind of supplement or supplement pharmacogenomics, duration of diabetes affected and other pathophysiologic status in studied groups.

Effects of pomegranate juice consumption on inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes causes the increased concentration of circulatory cytokines as a result of inflammation. Considering that pomegranate juice (PJ) is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of PJ consumption on markers of inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial study, 50 patients with T2D (40-65 years old) were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Participants in each group received either 250 mL/day PJ or a control beverage for 12 weeks. Biochemical markers including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin and inflammatory markers were assayed on the baseline and follow-up blood samples. RESULTS: In all, 44 patients in two groups were included in the analysis: PJ (n = 22) and placebo (n = 22). After 12 weeks of intervention, in the PJ group, there were 32% and 30% significant decreases in plasma C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and Interlukin-6, respectively (P < 0.05). The mean ± SD plasma interlukin-6 (7.1 ± 5.6 vs. 11.9 ± 14.4 mg/L) and hs-CRP (1791 ± 1657 and 1953 ± 1561 ng/mL) concentrations in the PJ group were significantly lower than the placebo group after intervention (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PJ consumption by patients with T2D does not affect FPG or the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), whereas it does reduce Interlukin-6 and hs-CRP concentrations in plasma. Therefore, PJ consumption may have an anti-inflammatory effect in patients with T2D.

Nutritional assessment for primary school children in tehran: an evaluation of dietary pattern with emphasis on snacks and meals consumption.

BACKGROUND: In order to provide better advice for prevention of obesity and eating disorders among children, there is a need to have more knowledge of their dietary patterns. This study examined meal and snacking patterns of primary school children in Tehran. METHODS: A total of 761 male and female primary school children from all educational areas in Tehran were recruited in a cross-sectional survey. The data was collected by interviewing the students and their mothers or caregivers. Information on food consumption patterns was collected by one 24-h-recall and one snack-oriented food frequency questionnaire which covered a period of 1 month. Means, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages, energy and nutrient analyzes and nutrient densities were reported. RESULTS: All of the students snacked at least once on the day of the survey. Snacks provided 38% of total energy intake by the students. Fruits and sweet snacks were consumed by almost all of the students during a week. Energy and most nutrient intakes from meals were greater than those consumed from snacks. Snacks had a higher density of fiber, carbohydrate, calcium, iron, vitamin C, riboflavin and thiamin and had a lower density of protein, fat and niacin, compared with main meals. Salty snacks such as extruded cheese curls (Cheetos) and chips were not consumed so often. CONCLUSIONS: Results provide detailed information about dietary patterns, which in turn enable development of targeted messages and/or interventions to improve nutritional status of school children.

Phytase supplementation improves blood zinc in rats fed with high phytate Iranian bread.

BACKGROUND: More than one third of energy intake in Iran is provided from bread. Therefore, improving bread mineral bioavailability through dephytinization can play an important role in decreasing the prevalence of many mineral deficiencies. In this study, effect of phytase supplementation on zinc, iron and calcium status in growing rats fed with a diet containing high phytate Iranian bread (Sangak) was assessed. METHODS: Thirty weanling Wistar male rats were assigned to phytase (Aspergillus niger) or control group for 6 weeks. The diet was designed based on Iranian's food pattern and 34.2% of the energy was supplied from Sangak bread. Food intake, body and organ weight and body height were measured. Zinc was measured in blood, liver and femur. Iron was assessed in blood and liver and calcium was titrated from femur bone. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Paired sample t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and repeated measurement ANOVA were used for proper analysis of data. RESULTS: Although weekly weight gain was not different between groups, final weight was in favor of control group. Food intakes, liver and femur bone weight did not differ between the two groups. However, the blood zinc was higher in the phytase group (26.2 ± 7.4 vs. 19.2 ± 5.2, P = 0.03). Thus positive effects of phytase supplementation on zinc, independent of growth was found. Other variables did not show any differences between groups. CONCLUSION: Addition of phytase to diet containing high phytate Iranian bread can improve blood zinc status in growing rats.

The modifying effects of fish oil on fasting ghrelin mRNA expression in weaned rats.

Ghrelin expression and secretion seem to be influenced by the fat content of the diet. However, data on the probable adverse effect of high fat diet (HFD) with different dietary fats and saturation level of fatty acids is inconclusive. This study aimed at investigating the effects of HFDs on fasting total and acyl-ghrelin plasma levels, gastric fundus and duodenum ghrelin mRNA expressions. Weaned Wistar rats (n=50) were randomly divided to five groups of HFDs with fish oil (HF-F), olive oil (HF-O), soy oil (HF-S), butter (HF-B) and the controls. After 8 weeks, blood samples were collected. While the animals were fasting for 24h, their blood and tissue samples were obtained. Plasma parameters of total and acyl ghrelin and ghrelin mRNA expression level in stomach and duodenum were measured. The HF-B fed group had lower fasting plasma acyl ghrelin level than the control, HF-F and HF-O groups (P<0.05); furthermore, the HF-F group had significantly higher acyl ghrelin level than the HF-S one (P<0.05). After feeding, all the groups, except for the HF-B one, had a significantly lower plasma acyl ghrelin levels (P<0.05), compared with the fasting state. Ghrelin mRNA expression levels in the gastric fundus and duodenum were significantly lower in the HF-B as compared to the control group. Furthermore, the HF-F group had significantly higher mRNA level in the duodenum, in comparison with the HF-B and HF-S groups. As HF-F and HF-O diets had the highest stimulatory effect on fasting ghrelin expression and plasma level, consumption of these dietary oils can play an important role in ghrelin regulation, which might affect feeding behavior and energy intake.

Fish oil and olive oil can modify insulin resistance and plasma desacyl-ghrelin in rats.

BACKGROUND: Evidence exists for reciprocal effects of insulin and desacyl-ghrelin (DAG) concentration, but the association between different fatty acid saturation in high fat diet (HFD) and these hormones remain to be established. To evaluate the impact of different sources of dietary fat and the level of fatty acid saturation on plasma insulin and DAG levels and also the association of DAG with insulin action this study was carried out. METHODS: Male weaning Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of HFDs, high fat butter (HF-B), high fat soy (HF-S), high fat olive (HF-O), high fat fish (HF-F), and a group of standard diet (SD). Blood samples were collected after 8 weeks and after they were fasted for 24 h. Body weight, food intake, plasma glucose, insulin, DAG and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured. RESULTS: Plasma insulin levels at fed and fasted status, were significantly higher in rats on HF-B compared to those on SD, HF-F and HF-O diets (P<0.05). Insulin concentration in rats on HF-S was also higher than those on SD, HF-F and HF-O diets (P<0.05), in the feeding status. Insulin resistance was significantly higher in rats on HF-B, compared to those on SD, HF-F and HF-O (P<0.05). Rats that were fed with HF-B diet had lower fasting plasma DAG levels than the SD, HF-F and HF-O groups (P<0.05); furthermore, the HF-F group had significantly higher DAG level than the HF-S groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Fish and olive oils may hence contribute to lower insulin level and HOMA-IR by increasing DAG concentration and may have more health benefits than other fat sources in diets.

Peanut consumption and cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effects of peanut consumption on lipid profiles, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and CHD risk in hypercholesterolaemic men. DESIGN: Randomised crossover clinical trial. SETTING: Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. They were asked to consume peanut supplements (about 77 g) with their habitual diet for 4 weeks. SUBJECTS: Fifty-four hypercholesterolaemic men with total cholesterol (TC) concentrations between 200 and 350 mg/dl. RESULTS: Compared with the habitual diet, peanut supplementation of the habitual diet significantly reduced TC/HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (mean 1 (se 0.3) P = 0.001) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C ratio (mean 0.7 (se 0.2); P = 0.001). Peanut consumption increased HDL-C (mean 6.1 (se 1.5) mg/dl; P < 0.001) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (mean 1.2 (se 0.6) U/mL P = 0.04). In addition, peanut consumption significantly reduced the AIP (mean 0.1 (se 0.03) P = 0.01) and CHD estimated risk over 10 years based on systolic and diastolic blood pressures (mean 1.4 % (se 0.5 %) P = 0.004 and mean 2.2 % (se 0.5 %) P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term peanut consumption might improve lipid profiles, the AIP and CHD risk in free-living hypercholesterolaemic men.

Patterns of food and nutrient consumption in northern Iran, a high-risk area for esophageal cancer.

Our objectives were to investigate patterns of food and nutrient consumption in Golestan province, a high-incidence area for esophageal cancer (EC) in northern Iran. Twelve 24-h dietary recalls were administered during a 1-yr period to 131 healthy participants in a pilot cohort study. We compare here nutrient intake in Golestan with recommended daily allowances (RDAs) and lowest threshold intakes (LTIs). We also compare the intake of 27 food groups and nutrients among several population subgroups using mean values from the 12 recalls. Rural women had a very low level of vitamin intake, which was even lower than LTIs (P < 0.01). Daily intake of vitamins A and C was lower than LTI in 67% and 73% of rural women, respectively. Among rural men, the vitamin intakes were not significantly different from LTIs. Among urban women, the vitamin intakes were significantly lower than RDAs but were significantly higher than LTIs. Among urban men, the intakes were not significantly different from RDAs. Compared to urban dwellers, intake of most food groups and nutrients, including vitamins, was significantly lower among rural dwellers. In terms of vitamin intake, no significant difference was observed between Turkmen and non-Turkmen ethnics. The severe deficiency in vitamin intake among women and rural dwellers and marked differences in nutrient intake between rural and urban dwellers may contribute to the observed epidemiological pattern of EC in Golestan, with high incidence rates among women and people with low socioeconomic status and the highest incidence rate among rural women.

Dietary soya intake alters plasma antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome.

Postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome are at high risk of oxidative stress. Several studies have suggested possible antioxidant properties of soya, but little evidence is available regarding the effect of soya on oxidative stress in postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of soya consumption on plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome. A randomised cross-over trial was undertaken on forty-two postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to consume a control (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension; DASH) diet, a soya protein diet, or a soya nut diet, each for 8 weeks. Red meat in the DASH diet (one serving per d) was replaced by soya protein in the soya protein period and by soya nuts in the soya nut period. Significant differences between the end values of the control diet, soya protein diet and soya nut diet were seen for MDA (0.70, 0.64 and 0.63 mumol/l; global P < 0.01). The results also showed a significant difference between the end values for TAC (1950, 2030 and 2110 mumol/l, respectively; P < 0.01). The difference from control for TAC was +4.5 % (P < 0.01) in the soya nut period and +5.8 % (P < 0.01) in the soya protein regimen. Both soya nuts and soya protein decreased MDA significantly compared with the control diet (difference from control was - 7.9 % (P < 0.01) in the soya nut period and - 9.4 % (P < 0.01) in the soya protein diet). We conclude that soya consumption reduces plasma MDA and increases plasma TAC levels in postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome.

Dietary patterns, insulin resistance, and prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in women.

BACKGROUND: Although individual foods and nutrients have been associated with the metabolic syndrome, whether dietary patterns identified by factor analysis are also associated with this syndrome is not known. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the association of major dietary patterns characterized by factor analysis with insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome among women. DESIGN: Usual dietary intakes were assessed in a cross-sectional study of 486 Tehrani female teachers aged 40-60 y. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were performed, and fasting blood samples were taken for biomarker assessment. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines, and insulin resistance was defined as the highest quartile of the homeostasis model assessment scores. RESULTS: We identified 3 major dietary patterns by factor analysis: the healthy dietary pattern, the Western dietary pattern, and the traditional dietary pattern. After control for potential confounders, subjects in the highest quintile of healthy dietary pattern scores had a lower odds ratio for the metabolic syndrome (odds ratio: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.79; P for trend < 0.01) and insulin resistance (0.51; 0.24, 0.88; P for trend < 0.01) than did those in the lowest quintile. Compared with those in the lowest quintile, women in the highest quintile of Western dietary pattern scores had greater odds for the metabolic syndrome (1.68; 1.10, 1.95; P for trend < 0.01) and insulin resistance (1.26; 1.00, 1.78; P for trend < 0.01). Higher consumption of traditional dietary pattern was significantly associated only with abnormal glucose homeostasis (1.19; 1.04, 1.59; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant associations exist between dietary patterns identified by factor analysis, the metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance.

Soy consumption, markers of inflammation, and endothelial function: a cross-over study in postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of soy consumption on markers of inflammation and endothelial function in postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This randomized cross-over clinical trial included 42 postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to consume a control diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH]), soy protein diet, or soy nut diet, each for 8 weeks. Red meat in the DASH diet (one serving/day) was replaced by soy protein in the soy protein diet and by soy nut in the soy nut diet. RESULTS: For nitric oxide levels, the difference from the control diet was 9.8% (P < 0.01) on the soy nut and -1.7% (P = 0.10) on the soy protein diets. The difference from the control diet for serum E-selectin was -11.4% (P < 0.01) on the soy nut consumption and -4.7% (P = 0.19) on the soy protein diet. Soy nut consumption reduced interleukin-18 compared with the control diet (difference from the control diet: -9.2%, P < 0.01), but soy protein did not (difference from the control diet: -4.6%, P = 0.14). For C-reactive protein, the difference from the control diet was -8.9% (P < 0.01) on the soy nut diet and -1.6% (P < 0.01) on the soy protein diet. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term soy nut consumption reduced some markers of inflammation and increased plasma nitric oxide levels in postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome.

Soy inclusion in the diet improves features of the metabolic syndrome: a randomized crossover study in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Little evidence exists regarding the effects of soy consumption on the metabolic syndrome in humans. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the effects of soy consumption on components of the metabolic syndrome, plasma lipids, lipoproteins, insulin resistance, and glycemic control in postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome. DESIGN: This randomized crossover clinical trial was undertaken in 42 postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to consume a control diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, DASH), a soy-protein diet, or a soy-nut diet, each for 8 wk. Red meat in the DASH period was replaced by soy-protein in the soy-protein period and by soy-nut in the soy-nut period. RESULTS: The soy-nut regimen decreased the homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance score significantly compared with the soy-protein (difference in percentage change: -7.4 +/- 0.8; P < 0.01) or control (-12.9 +/- 0.9; P < 0.01) diets. Consumption of soy-nut also reduced fasting plasma glucose more significantly than did the soy-protein (-5.3 +/- 0.5%; P < 0.01) or control (-5.1 +/- 0.6%; P < 0.01) diet. The soy-nut regimen decreased LDL cholesterol more than did the soy-protein period (-5.0 +/- 0.6%; P < 0.01) and the control (-9.5 +/- 0.6%; P < 0.01) diet. Soy-nut consumption significantly reduced serum C-peptide concentrations compared with control diet (-8.0 +/- 2.1; P < 0.01), but consumption of soy-protein did not. CONCLUSION: Short-term soy-nut consumption improved glycemic control and lipid profiles in postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome.

Dietary patterns and markers of systemic inflammation among Iranian women.

Few studies have examined the contribution of major dietary patterns to markers of systemic inflammation. This study was conducted to evaluate the association of major dietary patterns with markers of systemic inflammation among Iranian women. In a cross-sectional study of 486 healthy women aged 40-60 y, we assessed usual dietary intakes by means of an FFQ. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Anthropometric measurements were made and blood samples from fasting were taken for measuring inflammatory markers. The healthy pattern (high in fruits, vegetables, tomato, poultry, legumes, tea, fruit juices, and whole grains) was inversely related to plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) (beta = -0.09, P < 0.001), E-selectin (beta = -0.07, P < 0.05), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) (beta = -0.08, P < 0.001) after control for potential confounders; with further adjustment for BMI and waist circumference (WC), the associations remained significant for CRP (beta = -0.05, P < 0.05) and sVCAM-1 (beta = -0.04, P < 0.05). In contrast, the western pattern score (high in refined grains, red meat, butter, processed meat, high-fat dairy, sweets and desserts, pizza, potato, eggs, hydrogenated fats, and soft drinks) was positively related to CRP (beta = 0.08, P < 0.001), serum amyloid A (SAA) (beta = 0.11, P < 0.05), IL-6 (beta = 0.09, P < 0.001), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (beta = 0.05, P < 0.05), and sVCAM-1 concentrations (beta = 0.07, P < 0.05). However, after additional control for BMI and WC, the associations remained significant only for SAA (beta = 0.06, P < 0.05) and IL-6 (beta = 0.07, P < 0.001). The traditional dietary pattern (high in refined grains, potato, tea, whole grains, hydrogenated fats, legumes, and casserole) was positively associated with the plasma IL-6 concentration (beta = 0.04, P < 0.05) when we controlled for confounders including BMI and WC. The findings suggest an independent association between major dietary patterns and plasma concentrations of markers of inflammation.

Effect of zinc and iron supplementation on indicators of iron, zinc and vitamin A status of primary school children.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation of iron and zinc, alone or combined, on iron, zinc and vitamin A status in primary school children. The study was a randomized double-blind clinical trial in which 79 primary school children, 11 year of age, were randomly supplemented for 4 months with iron (20 mg day(-1)), zinc (20 mg day(-1)), or iron+ zinc (20 mg of each day(-1)). Serum zinc significantly increased in all supplemented groups. Compared with iron alone, zinc supplementation and zinc plus iron were associated with higher serum zinc and plasma ferritin levels. Zinc supplementation resulted in a decrease in serum ferritin. Children deficient in zinc at the beginning of the study had a significantly greater increase in serum zinc than did children with adequate serum zinc. Four months after supplementation, hemoglobin remained unchanged in all supplemented group. Plasma retinol levels decreased in all supplemented groups. Supplementation with iron plus zinc improved serum zinc and plasma ferritin. However, since plasma retinol levels decreased as a result of supplementation, more studies are needed on the matter.

Fruit and vegetable intakes, C-reactive protein, and the metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Limited data on the relation between the risk of the metabolic syndrome and fruit and vegetable intakes and inflammatory marker concentrations are available. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the relation between fruit and vegetable intakes and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. DESIGN: Fruit and vegetable intakes were assessed with the use of a validated semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire in a cross-sectional study of 486 Tehrani female teachers aged 40-60 y. Anthropometric measurements were made and blood pressure was assessed according to standard methods. Fasting blood samples were taken for biochemical measurements. The metabolic syndrome was defined on the basis of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. RESULTS: The reported mean daily fruit and vegetable intakes were 228 +/- 79 and 186 +/- 88 g/d, respectively. Both fruit and vegetable intakes were inversely associated with plasma CRP concentrations. After statistical control for age, body mass index, and waist circumference, mean plasma CRP concentrations across increasing quintile categories of fruit intakes were 1.94, 1.79, 1.65, 1.61, and 1.56 mg/L and of vegetable intakes were 2.03, 1.82, 1.58, 1.52, and 1.47 mg/L (P for trend < 0.01 for both). These inverse associations remained significant after additional control for other potential confounding variables and dietary factors. After control for potential confounders, persons in the highest quintile of fruit intake had a 34% (95% CI: 20%, 46%) lower and those in the highest quintile of vegetables intake had a 30% (95% CI: 16%, 39%) lower chance of having the metabolic syndrome than did those in the lowest quintiles. CONCLUSIONS: Higher intakes of fruit and vegetables are associated with a lower risk of the metabolic syndrome; the lower risk may be the result of lower CRP concentrations. These findings support current dietary recommendations to increase daily intakes of fruit and vegetables as a primary preventive measure against cardiovascular disease.