The effect of acarbose on inflammatory cytokines and adipokines in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Although a large number of trials have observed an anti-inflammatory property of acarbose, the currently available research remains controversial regarding its beneficial health effects. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acarbose on inflammatory cytokines and adipokines in adults. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched until April 2023 using relevant keywords. The mean difference (MD) of any effect was calculated using a random-effects model. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated via the random-effects model. RESULTS: The current meta-analysis of data comprised a total of 19 RCTs. Meta-analysis showed that acarbose significantly decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (weighted mean difference [WMD]) = - 4.16 pg/ml, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 6.58, - 1.74; P = 0.001) while increasing adiponectin (WMD = 0.79 ng/ml, 95% CI 0.02, 1.55; P = 0.044). However, the effects of acarbose on TNF-α concentrations were observed in studies with intervention doses ≥ 300 mg/d (WMD = - 4.09; 95% CI - 7.00, - 1.18; P = 0.006), and the adiponectin concentrations were significantly higher (WMD = 1.03 ng/ml, 95%CI 0.19, 1.87; P = 0.016) in studies in which the duration of intervention was less than 24 weeks. No significant effect was seen for C-reactive protein (CRP; P = 0.134), interleukin-6 (IL-6; P = 0.204), and leptin (P = 0.576). CONCLUSION: Acarbose had beneficial effects on reducing inflammation and increasing adiponectin. In this way, it may prevent the development of chronic diseases related to inflammation. However, more studies are needed.

The effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on anthropometrics and body composition indices in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

Prior meta-analytic investigations over a decade ago rather inconclusively indicated that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation could improve anthropometric and body composition indices in the general adult population. More recent investigations have emerged, and an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic must be improved. Therefore, this investigation provides a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) on the impact of CLA supplementation on anthropometric and body composition (body mass (BM), BMI, waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), body fat percentage (BFP) and fat-free mass (FFM)) markers in adults. Online databases search, including PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science up to March 2022, were utilised to retrieve RCT examining the effect of CLA supplementation on anthropometric and body composition markers in adults. Meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects model. The I2 index was used as an index of statistical heterogeneity of RCT. Among the initial 8351 studies identified from electronic databases search, seventy RCT with ninety-six effect sizes involving 4159 participants were included for data analyses. The results of random-effects modelling demonstrated that CLA supplementation significantly reduced BM (weighted mean difference (WMD): -0·35, 95 % CI (-0·54, -0·15), P < 0·001), BMI (WMD: -0·15, 95 % CI (-0·24, -0·06), P = 0·001), WC (WMD: -0·62, 95% CI (-1·04, -0·20), P = 0·004), FM (WMD: -0·44, 95 % CI (-0·66, -0·23), P < 0·001), BFP (WMD: -0·77 %, 95 % CI (-1·09, -0·45), P < 0·001) and increased FFM (WMD: 0·27, 95 % CI (0·09, 0·45), P = 0·003). The high-quality subgroup showed that CLA supplementation fails to change FM and BFP. However, according to high-quality studies, CLA intake resulted in small but significant increases in FFM and decreases in BM and BMI. This meta-analysis study suggests that CLA supplementation may result in a small but significant improvement in anthropometric and body composition markers in an adult population. However, data from high-quality studies failed to show CLA's body fat-lowering properties. Moreover, it should be noted that the weight-loss properties of CLA were small and may not reach clinical importance.

The Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Blood Pressure in Adults: A Systematic Review and Dose-response Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Hypertension stands as a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, making it of utmost importance to address. Studies have shown that L-carnitine supplementation may lower blood pressure (BP) parameters in different populations. Therefore, we have conducted a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of published Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), including the most recent articles on the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on BP. METHODS: PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane databases, and Scopus were used to collect RCT studies published up to October 2022 without limitations in language. Inclusion criteria were adult participants and recipients of L-carnitine in oral supplemental forms. The funnel plot test, Begg's test, and Egger's test were used to examine publication bias. FINDINGS: After the search strategy, 22 RCTs (n = 1412) with 24 effect sizes fulfilled the criteria. It was found L-Carnitine supplementation did not have a significant effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP) (mm Hg) (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -1.22 mm Hg, 95% CI: -3.79, 1.35; P = 0.352; I2 = 85.0%, P < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (mm Hg) (WMD = -0.50 mm Hg, 95% CI: -1.49, 0.48; P = 0.318; I2 = 43.4%, P = 0.021) in the pooled analysis. Subgroup analyses have shown that L-carnitine supplementation had no lowering effect on SBP in any subgroup. However, there was a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure in participants with a baseline body mass index >30 kg/m2 (WMD = -1.59 mm Hg; 95% CI: -3.11, -0.06; P = 0.041; I2 = 41.3%, P = 0.164). There was a significant nonlinear relationship between the duration of L-carnitine intervention and changes in SBP (coefficients = -6.83, P = 0.045). IMPLICATIONS: L-carnitine supplementation in adults did not significantly affect BP. But anyway, more studies should be done in this field on different individuals.

The effects of caffeine supplementation on blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hypertension is a serious complication linked to a higher risk for organs. Caffeine is a natural component that affects the cardiovascular system, while the mechanisms of its effects are not fully established. Therefore, we aimed to examine the impact of caffeine supplementation on blood pressure (BP) by conducting a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). METHODS AND RESULTS: We searched online databases using relevant keywords up to July 2022 to identify RCTs using caffeine on systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in adults. Inclusion criteria were adult participants ≥18 years old for subjects, examining the effect of caffeine supplementation on BP, and RCTs studies. A random-effects model was used to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence (CI). The pooled of 11 effect sizes analysis of 8 studies demonstrated significant increases in SBP (WMD:1.94 mmHg; 95%CI:0.52, 3.35; p = 0.007) and DBP (WMD:1.66 mmHg; 95% CI:0.75, 2.57; p = 0.000) after caffeine supplementation. The subgroup analysis showed that caffeine supplementation more effectively increased SBP and DBP in males than females. Moreover, meta-regression analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between the dose of caffeine intake and changes in SBP (p = 0.000), DBP (p = 0.000), and duration of the trial in SBP (p = 0.005), and DBP (p = 0.001). The non-linear dose-response analysis detected the dosage of supplementation >400 mg/day is effective for increasing DBP (p = 0.034), and the duration of supplementation of more than nine weeks makes increasing in both SBP and DBP. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis shows that caffeine supplementation significantly increased SBP and DBP in adults.

The effect of acarbose on lipid profiles in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

PURPOSE: Dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated levels of triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Several studies have shown the potential of acarbose in improving serum lipid markers. However, there have been conflicting results on the topic in adults. Therefore, a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the impact of acarbose on lipid profiles. METHODS: The random-effects approach was used to combine the data, and the results were provided as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included a total of 74 studies with a combined sample size of 7046 participants. The results of the analysis showed that acarbose resulted in a reduction in levels of TG (WMD = - 13.43 mg/dl, 95% CI: - 19.20, - 7.67; P < 0.001) and TC (WMD = - 1.93 mg/dl, 95% CI: - 3.71, - 0.15; P = 0.033), but did not affect other lipid markers. When conducting a nonlinear dose-response analysis, we found that acarbose was associated with an increase in levels of HDL (coefficients = 0.50, P = 0.012), with the highest increase observed at a dosage of 400 mg/d. Furthermore, our findings suggested a non-linear relationship between the duration of the intervention and TC (coefficients = - 18.00, P = 0.032), with a decline observed after 50 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that acarbose can reduce serum levels of TG and TC. However, no significant effects were observed on LDL or HDL levels.

The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

L-carnitine supplementation may be beneficial in improving inflammatory conditions and reducing the level of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, according to the finding of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on inflammation in adults. To obtain acceptable articles up to October 2022, a thorough search was conducted in databases including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus. A random-effects model was used to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD). We included the 48 RCTs (n = 3255) with 51 effect sizes in this study. L-carnitine supplementation had a significant effect on C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.001), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (p = 0.001), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (p = 0.002), malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = 0.001), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p = 0.029), alanine transaminase (ALT) (p < 0.001), and aspartate transaminase (AST) (p < 0.001) in intervention, compared to the placebo group. Subgroup analyses showed that L-carnitine supplementation had a lowering effect on CRP and TNF-α in trial duration ≥ 12 weeks in type 2 diabetes and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. L-carnitine supplementation reduced ALT levels in overweight and normal BMI subjects at any trial dose and trial duration ≥ 12 weeks and reduced AST levels in overweight subjects and trial dose ≥ 2 g/day. This meta-analysis revealed that L-carnitine supplementation effectively reduces the inflammatory state by increasing the level of TAC and decreasing the levels of CRP, IL-6, TNF-α and MDA in the serum.

The effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on inflammatory cytokines and adipokines in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

Background and aims: Many studies have investigated the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on inflammatory cytokines and adipokines. However, the results of these studies are not consistent. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis were designed to comprehensively evaluate the effect of CLA supplementation on inflammatory cytokines and adipokines. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of CLA supplementation on C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), adiponectin, and leptin, published up to March 2022, were identified through PubMed, SCOPUS, and ISI Web of Science databases. A random-effects model was used to calculate weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for 42 studies that included 1,109 participants. Results: Findings from 42 studies with 58 arms indicated that CLA supplementation significantly decreased IL-6 and TNF-α levels and also slightly increased CRP levels. However, adiponectin and leptin levels did not change after CLA supplementation. A subgroup analysis found that CLA supplementation reduced adiponectin and leptin in women. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that CLA supplementation increased CRP levels and decreased TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Therefore, it seems that CLA can have both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier (CRD42022331110).

The effects of folic acid supplementation on endothelial function in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction serves as an early marker for the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD); therefore, it is an attractive site of therapeutic interventions to reduce the risk of CVD. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of folic acid supplementation on endothelial function markers in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: PubMed, ISI web of science, and Scopus databases were searched up to July 2022 for detecting eligible studies. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis, and linear Meta-regression and non-linear dose-response analysis were performed to assess whether the effect of folic acid supplementation was affected by the dose and duration of intervention. Cochrane tools were also used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies, including 2025 participants (1010 cases and 1015 controls), were included in the present meta-analysis. Folic acid supplementation significantly affected the percentage of flow-mediated dilation (FMD%) (WMD: 2.59%; 95% CI: 1.51, 3.67; P < 0.001) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) (WMD: 24.38 µm; 95% CI: 3.08, 45.68; P = 0.025), but not end-diastolic diameter (EDD) (WMD: 0.21 mm; 95% CI: - 0.09, 0.52; P = 0.176), and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) (WMD: 0.18 ng/ml; 95% CI: - 10.02, 13.81; P = 0.755). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that folic acid supplementation may improve endothelial function by increasing FMD and FMD% levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration cod: CRD42021289744.

Growth and Nutritional Status of Phenylketonuric Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to assess the anthropometric and biochemical parameters of children and adolescents with phenylketonuria (PKU). METHODS: The participants in this cross-sectional study ranged in age from four to 18 years old. Biochemical markers such as vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, ferritin, calcium, 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, zinc, plasma phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr) levels in blood were evaluated, as well as demographics and anthropometric measurements. A three-day dietary recall questionnaire was completed by all individuals. RESULTS: 80% (64) of the 80 patients (42 females, 52.5%) had typical PKU. Consanguineous marriages were found in 57.5% (46) of the patients' parents. According to the height for age index, 17.5% of the study group (n = 14) were short or very short. According to age-related weight and body mass index (BMI), 37.5% (n = 30) and 43.8% (n = 35) of people are obese or overweight, respectively. Biochemical tests revealed increased vitamin B12 levels and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 deficiency in 35% (n = 28) of the patients, insufficient folic acid in 12.5% (n = 10), and elevated phenylalanine levels in 70.3% (n = 45) of children under 12 years old, and adolescents 62.5% (n = 10). A high Phe intake (OR = 4.44, CI %95 = 1.27-15.57) is a risk factor for obesity and overweight. CONCLUSION: Patients with PKU had a high rate of overweight and obesity. PKU patients who are overweight or obese do not differ from normal-weight patients in terms of dietary intake or laboratory findings (except for serum iron levels). One-third of patients with phenylketonuria were vitamin D deficient and had a BMI/A index of overweight/obese. It is recommended to use special medical food to help solve energy and nutrient deficiencies.

Intake of food groups and cervical cancer in women at risk for cervical cancer: A nested case-control study.

Background: The risk of cervical cancer was reported to be influenced by dietary components. This study aimed to illustrate the association between cervical cancer with the intake of food groups in women with a history of cervical neoplasia. Methods: This nested case-control study was conducted in 558 people with a history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), including 279 women with cervical cancers and 279 controls with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL). A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the intake of food groups. Results: The intake of fruits and vegetables in the case group was significantly lower than the control group (P=0.001). Low intake of dairy products, vegetables, and fruits was associated with cervical cancer risk (OR=4.67; 95% CI 1.2-9.49, P=0.001; OR=9.75, 95% CI 1.36-19. 51, P=0.001; and OR=4.82, 95% CI 1.09-7.25, P=0.001, respectively). After adjusting for age, family history, age at first menstruation, number of children, history of vaginal infection, and age at first sexual intercourse, the results were still significant. Additional adjustments to BMI did not change the results. Conclusion: The results indicate that the risk of cervical cancer can be affected by the intake of certain food groups. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the underlying mechanism of the influence of dietary components on cervical cancer risk.

Association between the index of nutritional quality and lipid profile in adult women.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidaemia is a group of abnormalities that predispose people to heart disease. The index of nutritional quality (INQ) is a tool for qualitative and quantitative nutritional assessment, which has special significance in assessing clinical nutritional problems. The objective of this study was to determine the association between the INQ and lipid profile in adult women. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on 360 healthy women referring to the nutrition clinic of Shohadaye Tajrish hospital, Tehran, Iran. Calorie and nutrient intake were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The amount of physical activity was estimated using a validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire. To measure serum lipid levels, 5 ml of venous blood samples was taken from the participants. RESULTS: The results showed a negative association between total cholesterol and the INQ of niacin (B = -0.110, p = .02) and between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with the INQ of biotin (B = -0.119, p = .01). Also, a positive association was found between triglyceride and the INQ of B6 (B = 0.096, p = .04). The results remained significant after adjusting for body mass index, waist circumference and total energy intake (except for niacin). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the present study suggest that a diet rich in niacin and low in vitamin B6 and biotin may be associated with an improved lipid profile that reduces lipid-related diseases such as fatty liver, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms.

FTO genotype was associated with breast cancer in HER2 negative patients.

BACKGROUND: The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene may influence the risk of breast cancer (BC). The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FTO gene may exert different impacts on different types of BC. In this study, we investigated the association between FTO SNP rs9939609 and the status of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), P53, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) in BC patients. METHODS: Our case-control study was included 540 Iranian participants aged 35 to 70 (180 women with BC as the case group and 360 healthy controls). After genotyping for risk allele rs9939609 of the FTO gene, a logistic regression was applied to elucidate the association between FTO SNP rs9939609 and BC risk based on the receptor status. RESULTS: The number of HER-2 negative patients was significantly higher in FTO rs9939609 risk allele carrier group (61.5% vs. 41.4%, P < 0.05). A significant association was found between BC and rs9939609 FTO gene polymorphism only in HER2 negative BC patients (OR = 1.79, CI95%: 1.2-3.56, P = 0.03). No association was identified between FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and the status of ER, PR, and P53. CONCLUSION: We indicated that FTO SNP rs9939609 can be a potential therapeutic target particularly in HER-2 negative BC cases. The importance of this risk allele in BC pathogenesis needs to be further highlighted.

The effect of low FODMAP diet with and without gluten on irritable bowel syndrome: A double blind, placebo controlled randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Although the effects of low fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyol (FODMAP) diet on amelioration of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms have been reported previously, it has not yet been elucidated whether the gluten of wheat and barley induces the symptoms or only their fructans lead to aggravation of the symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of low FODMAPs diet with vs. without gluten on clinical symptoms in IBS patients. METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial, forty nine IBS patients were randomly assigned to placebo and/or intervention group. Patients in the intervention group received 5 gr/day of gluten powder with low FODMAP diet, while placebo group received 5 gr of rice flour as placebo, with low FODMAP diet. Quality of life (QoL) and IBS-SSS (symptom severity score) were measured before and after the intervention using a valid QoL questionnaire and a standard visual analog scale, respectively. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in total scores of IBS-SSS (-32% vs. - 49%), abdominal pain intensity (-45% vs. -52%), and frequency (-26 vs. -46%), abdominal distension (-29% vs. -63%), Interference with community function (-14% vs. -45%) and quality of life (+23 vs. +32%) in both gluten and placebo groups respectively (P < 0.05). Only 5 patients in the gluten-containing diet reported exacerbation of their symptoms. CONCLUSION: Exacerbation of IBS symptoms after wheat and barley consumption is due to their fructan, and not related to their gluten content in most of the patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NO: IRCT20100524004010N29.

The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on glycemic markers in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

Background and aims: Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are concerns today worldwide. Recently, L-carnitine supplementation has been suggested as an effective adjunctive therapy in glycemic control. Therefore, it seems important to investigate its effect on glycemic markers. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane databases were searched in October 2022 for prospective studies on the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on glycemic markers. Inclusion criteria included adult participants and taking oral L-carnitine supplements for at least seven days. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated using a random-effects model. Results: We included the 41 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 2900) with 44 effect sizes in this study. In the pooled analysis; L-carnitine supplementation had a significant effect on fasting blood glucose (FBG) (mg/dl) [WMD = -3.22 mg/dl; 95% CI, -5.21 to -1.23; p = 0.002; I 2 = 88.6%, p < 0.001], hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (%) [WMD = -0.27%; 95% CI, -0.47 to -0.07; p = 0.007; I 2 = 90.1%, p < 0.001] and homeostasis model assessment-estimate insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) [WMD = -0.73; 95% CI, -1.21 to -0.25; p = 0.003; I 2 = 98.2%, p < 0.001] in the intervention compared to the control group. L-carnitine supplementation had a reducing effect on baseline FBG ≥100 mg/dl, trial duration ≥12 weeks, intervention dose ≥2 g/day, participants with overweight and obesity (baseline BMI 25-29.9 and >30 kg/m2), and diabetic patients. Also, L-carnitine significantly affected insulin (pmol/l), HOMA-IR (%), and HbA1c (%) in trial duration ≥12 weeks, intervention dose ≥2 g/day, and participants with obesity (baseline BMI >30 kg/m2). It also had a reducing effect on HOMA-IR in diabetic patients, non-diabetic patients, and just diabetic patients for insulin, and HbA1c. There was a significant nonlinear relationship between the duration of intervention and changes in FBG, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR. In addition, there was a significant nonlinear relationship between dose (≥2 g/day) and changes in insulin, as well as a significant linear relationship between the duration (weeks) (coefficients = -16.45, p = 0.004) of intervention and changes in HbA1C. Conclusions: L-carnitine could reduce the levels of FBG, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42022358692.

The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) Polymorphisms in Gastric Cancer: a Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is an inflammatory cytokine which may play a role in the development of gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to investigate the association of five TNF-α polymorphisms including TNF-α-857, TNF-α-1031, TNF-α-863, TNF-α-308, and TNF-α-238 polymorphisms with GC risk. METHODS: All eligible case-control studies were collected by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The association of the risk of GC with TNF-α polymorphisms was estimated using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed via Cochrane's Q and I2 analyses. RESULTS: A total of 46 publications involving 16, 715 cases with GC and 27, 998 controls were recruited. The study revealed a significant association for TNF-α 308 (recessive model: OR = 0.646, P = 0.035), TNF-α-1031 (homozygote model: OR = 1.584, P = 0.027), and TNF-α-857 (homozygote model: OR = 1.760, P = 0.001) polymorphisms with the GC risk. The results of subgroup analysis based ethnicity found a significant association between GC risk and TNF-α-857 polymorphism in Caucasian subgroup (P = 0.005) and TNF-α-1031 polymorphism and GC risk in Asians (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that TNF-α-857 and TNF-α-1031 polymorphisms may be associated with the increased gastric cancer risk.

Association between different types of dietary carbohydrate and breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Among modifiable lifestyle factors, unhealthy dietary intake is associated with higher risks of breast cancer (BC). This paper aimed to investigate the association of different types of dietary carbohydrate with BC risk among women 20-75 years old. DESIGN: This case-control study was carried out on 180 women with BC and 360 healthy individuals as the control group. Basic information including anthropometric measurements, medical history, physical activity, alcohol consumption, reproductive histories, smoking, and education level were collected. The amount of intake of carbohydrate, simple sugar, sucrose, maltose, and fructose were assessed using food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). RESULTS: The amounts of intake of total carbohydrate [odds ratio (OR) = 1.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.24-2.14); P = 0.01], simple sugar (OR = 1.95, 95% CI (1.42-3.39); P = 0.01), sucrose (OR = 1.97, 95% CI (1.18-3.12); P = 0.02), maltose (OR = 4.07, 95% CI (1.68-8.14); P = 0.03), and fructose (OR = 1.104, 95% CI (1.06-1.36); P = 0.01) were positively associated with BC after adjustments for age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, using alcohol, physical activity, and dietary intake of calorie, protein, and fat. No significant association was found between the intake of glucose, galactose, and lactose with BC. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study identified that some types of dietary carbohydrates may play a role in the development of BC. Different monosaccharides and disaccharides may have different effects on the risk of breast cancer. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to identify the effects of carbohydrates on BC and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

The association between FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and serum lipid profile in adult women.

BACKGROUND: FTO gene is considered to play an important role in many metabolic diseases. Evidence from studies indicated the possible association between the FTO rs9939609 polymorphisms with serum lipid profile. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism with lipid profile in Iranian women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 380 adult women. Information about age, height, weight, BMI, physical activity, and dietary intake were collected. The serum levels of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol were measured. The FTO gene was genotyped for rs9939609 polymorphism. The participants were divided into two groups of TT and AT/AA considering dominant model of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism. RESULTS: General characteristics of the participants with different FTO genotypes were not significantly different. The lower levels of HDL were observed in AT/AA genotypes compared to the TT wild type genotype of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism (P = 0.004). Adjustments of age, BMI, and physical activity did not change the results. CONCLUSIONS: However, the significant association between FTO genotype and the HDL level was disappeared after further adjustments for dietary intake. Further studies are warranted to identify the underlying mechanisms of the possible association between FTO gene and serum lipid profile.

Comparison of Biochemical and Pathological Parameters and Parenteral Nutrition of ICU Patients Under Supervision of Dietitians and Surgeons.

Background: Nutrient imbalance can frequently occur in patients with indications for parenteral nutrition (PN) after gastrointestinal surgery. This study aimed to compare the recommendations of a surgeon to those of a dietitian in the field of parenteral nutrition. Methods: This study was performed on 256 patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery who received PN, which included 120 patients who received PN based on recommendations of the surgeons and 136 patients who were referred to receive PN under the supervision of a dietitian in Razi Hospital in Rasht, Iran. Data on PN and clinical outcomes of the patients were collected. Results: Patients under the supervision of dietitians received higher vitamin B complex and lipids and lower vitamin A and vitamin E than the surgeon-supervised patients (all P < 0.001). In the group receiving PN under the supervision of a surgeon, the level of blood glucose (207 vs. 182, P < 0.01), sodium (138 vs. 136, P = 0.01), potassium (3.97 vs. 3.53, P < 0.01), and white blood cell count (9.83 vs. 9.28, P < 0.01) increased significantly at the end of the PN compared to baseline. In the group receiving PN under the supervision of a dietician, the level of serum Cr (1.23 vs. 1.32, P = 0.04), Mg (2.07 vs. 1.84, P < 0.01), and pH (7.45 vs. 7.5, P = 0.03) significantly improved after receiving parenteral nutrition compared to baseline. Conclusion: The amounts of nutrients recommended for PN by the surgeon and dietitian were different. Implementation of dietitian recommendations in critically ill patients under PN can improve patients' clinical parameters.

The Association of Fat-Mass-and Obesity-Associated Gene Polymorphism (rs9939609) With Colorectal Cancer: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The association between the rs9939609 polymorphism of fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) and risk of colorectal cancer is controversial. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CRC) in Iranian people. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 125 patients with CRC and 250 healthy subjects in Tehran, Iran. Demographic data and blood samples were collected from all participants. Genotyping of rs9939609 polymorphism was performed by the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) method. RESULTS: The occurrence of AA genotype of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism in the colorectal cancer patients was significantly higher compared to that of healthy subjects (16.4 vs. 2.9%, respectively, P=0.02). The association between the frequency of risk allele of the FTO polymorphism and CRC (B=1.67, P=0.042) remained significant after adjustment for age. Further adjustment for gender (model 2) and marital status (model 3) did not change this result (B=1.67, P= 0.042 and B=1.67, P=0.043, respectively). The results remained significant after additional adjustment for ethnicity (B=1.57, P= 0.047). CONCLUSION: We found a positive association between the A allele of the rs9939609 polymorphism and CRC. Future studies are required to identify the underlying mechanisms.

The effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on clinical and biochemical parameters of critically ill patients with COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFAs) may exert beneficial effects on the immune system of patients with viral infections. This paper aimed to examine the effect of n3-PUFA supplementation on inflammatory and biochemical markers in critically ill patients with COVID-19. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 128 critically ill patients infected with COVID-19 who were randomly assigned to the intervention (fortified formula with n3-PUFA) (n = 42) and control (n = 86) groups. Data on 1 month survival rate, blood glucose, sodium (Na), potassium (K), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), albumin, hematocrit (HCT), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), mean arterial pressure (MAP), O2 saturation (O2sat), arterial pH, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), bicarbonate (HCO3), base excess (Be), white blood cells (WBCs), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (Plt), and the partial thromboplastin time (PTT) were collected at baseline and after 14 days of the intervention. RESULTS: The intervention group had significantly higher 1-month survival rate and higher levels of arterial pH, HCO3, and Be and lower levels of BUN, Cr, and K compared with the control group after intervention (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between blood glucose, Na, HCT, Ca, P, MAP, O2sat, PO2, PCO2, WBCs, GCS, Hb, Plt, PTT, and albumin between two groups. CONCLUSION: Omega-3 supplementation improved the levels of several parameters of respiratory and renal function in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Further clinical studies are warranted. Trial registry Name of the registry: This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT); Trial registration number: IRCT20151226025699N3; Date of registration: 2020.5.20; URL of trial registry record: https://en.irct.ir/trial/48213.