Triglyceride glucose index and triglyceride HDL ratio as predictors of coronary artery stenosis in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The current study investigated the association between triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and triglyceride/HDL-C indices and coronary atherosclerosis extent in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this case-control study, 1538 individuals were classified into two groups: diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Each group was further grouped as follows: (1) angiography+ (2) angiography-and (3) subjects without a history of cardiovascular diseases. The TyG and TG/HDL-C indices were compared between the subgroups of the diabetic (n = 407) and non-diabetic (n = 1131) groups. In both diabetic and non-diabetic patients, there was no significant association in TG/HDL-C; and diabetic subjects, angiography+ and angiography-groups had significantly higher TyG (p < 0.05). A high TyG index was associated with a higher risk of angiography+ (OR: 1.883 (1.410-2.514)). CONCLUSIONS: The TyG index, but not the TG/HDL-C, was an independent marker for predicting the severity of coronary stenosis in non-diabetic patients.

Anxiety, a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease: what is the best index.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is known as the leading cause of disability and death globally. Anxiety disorders are also recognized as common types of mental disorders that substantially impact global health. Iran ranks among the countries with a high incidence of CAD and anxiety disorders. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the potential association and epidemiological aspects of anxiety and CAD within the population of Mashhad, the second most popoulos city in Iran. METHODS: The present study is based on extracted data from the Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder (MASHAD) study which is a 10-year prospective cohort study intended to assess the effects of various CAD risk factors among Mashhad city residents. Anxiety scores were assessed at the baseline using Beck Anxiety Inventory and individuals were classified based on the BAI 4-factor structure model which included autonomic, cognitive, panic, and neuromotor components. Accordingly, the association between baseline anxiety scores and the BAI four-factor model with the risk of CAD events was analyzed using SPSS software version 21. RESULTS: Based on the results, 60.4% of the sample were female, and 5.6% were classified as having severe forms of anxiety. Moreover, severe anxiety was more prevalent in females. Results showed a 1.7% risk of CAD (p-value < 0.001) over 10 years with one unit increase in anxiety score. Based on the 4-factor model structure, we found that only panic disorder could significantly increase the risk of CAD by 1.1% over the 10-year follow-up (p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Anxiety symptoms, particularly panic disorder, are independently and significantly associated with an increased overall risk of developing CAD over a 10-year period. Therefore, further studies are warranted to investigate the mechanisms through which anxiety may cause CAD, as well as possible interventions to mitigate these processes.

Association of dietary and blood inflammatory indicators with depression, anxiety, and stress in adults with vitamin D deficiency.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that vitamin D may be related to mental health. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association of dietary and blood inflammatory factors with mental health disorders in subjects with vitamin D deficiency, shedding further light on the complex interplay of these conditions. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, 306 subjects completed the validated Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale questionnaire to evaluate their depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Dietary inflammatory index (DII) and healthy eating index (HEI) were calculated using a validated 65-item food frequency questionnaire. Blood samples were taken and vitamin D, cytokine, and hs-CRP levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were calculated using standard laboratory methods. RESULTS: The subjects were divided into two groups based on their vitamin D levels: a vitamin D < 20 µg/dl group (N = 257) and a vitamin D ≥ 20  µg/dl group (N = 49). Between group analysis revealed that only DII (p = 0.015), platelet (p = 0.04), and hs-CRP (p = 0.015) were significantly different. In adults with vitamin D levels below 20 µg/dl, NLR and DII were significantly higher in subjects with anxiety (p < 0.05), and this relationship remained significant only for NLR after adjusting for age and sex. Additionally, PLR and HEI were significantly different in depressed compared to non-depressed subjects, and this association remained significant only for HEI after adjusting for age and sex. CONCLUSION: In subjects with vitamin D deficiency, increased levels of PLR, NLR, and DII were associated with depression and anxiety, while HEI was negatively associated with depression. These associations were not found in subjects with vitamin D levels ≥20 µg/dl.

Non-HDL cholesterol and long-term follow-up outcomes in patients with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) has been identified as a potential biomarker for metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, its predictive capability for MetS varies among different ethnic groups, necessitating further investigation. This study aimed to assess the role of non-HDL-C in the early diagnosis of MetS in the Iranian population through a longitudinal study with a 10-year follow-up period. METHODS: Our study enrolled 4684 individuals from the MASHAD (Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder) cohort who were followed for 10 years to examine the association between non-HDL-C and the incidence of MetS. Additionally, the contribution of individual MetS components to the overall burden was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 1599 subjects developed MetS, while 3085 did not. Non-HDL-C levels ≥ 130 were associated with a 42% higher risk of developing MetS (relative risk (RR), 1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25-1.62). Regarding MetS components, elevated waist circumference (WC) showed the strongest association with MetS incidence (RR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.45-2.9), whereas triglyceride (TG) levels ≥ 150 mg/dL demonstrated the weakest association (RR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.04-1.46). Additionally, higher HDL-C levels were reported to be 20% protective against the risk of MetS (RR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.73-0.86). Moreover, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels ≥ 100 mg/dL were not significantly linked to MetS burden, while systolic blood pressure (BP) levels ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic BP levels ≥ 85 mmHg increased the risk of MetS incidence (RR, 1.25; 95% CI: 1.11-1.41). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated non-HDL-C and increased WC serve as significant predictors of MetS in Iranians. Strategies targeting non-HDL-C levels and weight loss should be emphasized to mitigate the risk of MetS development.

Factors Associated With Trabecular Bone Score and Bone Mineral Density; A Machine Learning Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Bone indexes including trabecular bone score (TBS) and bone mineral density (BMD) have been shown to be associated with wide spectrum of variables including physical activity, vitamin D, liver enzymes, biochemical measurements, mental and sleep disorders, and quality of life. Here we aimed to determine the most important factors related to TBS and BMD in SUVINA dataset. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Survey of Ultraviolet Intake by Nutritional Approach (SUVINA study) including all 306 subjects entered this survey. All the available parameters in the SUVINA database were included the analysis. XGBoost modeler software was used to define the most important features associated with bone indexes including TBS and BMD in various sites. RESULTS: Applying XGBoost modeling for 4 bone indexes indicated that this algorithm could identify the most important variables in relation to bone indexes with an accuracy of 92%, 93%, 90% and 90% respectively for TBS T-score, lumbar Z-score, neck of femur Z-score and Radius Z-score. Serum vitamin D, pro-oxidant-oxidant balance (PAB) and physical activity level (PAL) were the most important factors related to bone indices in different sites of the body. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that XGBoost could identify the most important variables with an accuracy of >90% for TBS and BMD. The most important features associated with bone indexes were serum vitamin D, PAB and PAL.

Physical Activity and Well-being Status among Employees of University of Medical Sciences.

Background: Workplace physical activity plays an important role in employees' health. As university employees are a population at risk for a sedentary working pattern, this study aimed to investigate the physical activity status of employees of Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) and its subsequent effects on their well-being. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 472 employees from different units of IUMS in Tehran. The participants were selected by a multistage sampling method. Interviews were conducted by using an international physical activity questionnaire, a questionnaire for stages of behavioral change, the World Health Organization Well-being Questionnaire, and a demographic checklist from July to October 2019. Analysis of variance, t test, and logistic regression analysis were used. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS (Version 21.0). Results: Total physical activity in the study population was 6216.58 ± 5886.09 MET-minutes/week. The mean score of the well-being index was 54.72 ± 22.4; there was an association between sex and location of work with physical activity in domains (p<0.05). The highest prevalence rates for change of stage of physical activity were found in the maintenance stage for men and the contemplation stage for women. There was a significant difference between men and women's well-being index-men reported being more active and energetic than women (p<0.001). Results also revealed that having vigorous physical activity compared with a moderate level could increase the well-being index. Conclusion: Physical activity behavior at the workplace was associated with well-being level. It could, therefore, be postulated that enhancing physical activity may be beneficial to improving well-being in an academic environment.

Association between dietary inflammatory index and risk of cardiovascular disease in the Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder study population.

The dietary inflammatory index (DII) is a novel way of describing diet that has been studied in relation to various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) in several populations. We aimed to investigate the association between DII and CVD events among a representative population sample in northeastern Iran. This prospective cohort study was a subsample of 4,672 adults aged 35-65 years, and recruited as part of Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder cohort study population. The DII was computed at baseline according to a 65-item validated food frequency questionnaire. Cox regression was used to determine the association of DII with incident CVD. One hundred twenty-four participants developed CVD (including 24 cases of myocardial infarction [MI], 34 cases of stable angina [SA], and 66 cases of unstable angina [UA]). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, a hazard ratios of 1.06 (95% confidence interval: 0.70-1.60), 1.36 (95% confidence interval: 0.52-3.52), 1.33 (95% confidence interval: 0.60-2.94), and 0.86 (95% confidence interval: 0.48-1.53) were found for total CVD, MI, SA, and UA events, respectively, among the participants with proinflammatory diet (DII ≥ 0) versus those with anti-inflammatory diet (DII < 0). There was no statistically significant association between the DII and total CVD, MI, SA, or UA in this population of middle-aged Iranian men and women.

Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates of Mental Health Problems Among Iranian Health Sciences Students.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of the present study was to compare the mental health status of Iranian medical vs other health sciences students and to examine how demographic factors relate to their mental health problems. METHODS: A total of 560 medical and other health sciences students (250 (44.6%) males and 310 (55.4%) females) were recruited from Iran University of Medical Sciences. Data were obtained by self-administered questionnaire, including questions on socio-demographic characteristics. The Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, General Health Questionnaire, and WHO well-being index were used to assess mental health status of students. RESULTS: Ten percent of students had BDI scores consistent with clinically significant depression (6.6% mild, 1.8% moderate, 1.6% severe), and 28.7% had BAI scores consistent with clinically significant anxiety (20.7% mild, 7.1% moderate, 0.9% severe). Kurdish students had an odds ratio (OR) of 2.71 (95% CL, 1.22-6.02) for mild to severe depression symptoms when compared to Persian students. The prevalence of distressed health sciences students and poor psychological well-being was 13.4% and 14.1%, respectively. Maternal education gave an OR of 0.57 (0.35-0.93) for anxiety symptoms, after adjustment for all other factors. The possibility of general psychiatric morbidity was significantly lower in students who studied medicine (OR, 0.40 (0.21-0.71)). Being born in the capital city was associated with better psychological well-being (OR, 0.48 (0.26-0.86)). CONCLUSIONS: Ethnicity, birthplace, discipline, and maternal educational level were major determinants of mental health status among health sciences students. Further research should be undertaken to determine the prevalence of psychological disorders using more reliable diagnostic interview.

Prevalence of combined and noncombined dyslipidemia in an Iranian population.

BACKGROUND: Combination of dyslipidemic phenotypes, including elevated plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), elevated plasma triglycerides (TG), and decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations, is important because of the association of individual phenotypes with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated the prevalence of combined dyslipidemias and their effects on CVD risk in an Iranian large population. METHOD: A total of 9847 individuals were recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorders (MASHAD) cohort study. Anthropometric parameters and biochemical indices were measured in all of the subjects. Different types of combined dyslipidemias including high TG + low HDL-C, high TG + low HDL-C + high LDL-C, low HDL-C + high LDL-C, high TG + high LDL-C, and finally high TG + high LDL-C + low HDL-C were considered. Ten-year CVD risk was calculated using the QRISK2 risk algorithm and adjustments were made as suggested by the Joint British Societies' (JBS2). Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between different combined dyslipidemias and categorical QRISK. RESULTS: A total of 3952 males and 5895 females were included in this current study. Among the included subjects, 83.4% had one form of dyslipidemia, and 16.6% subjects were not dyslipidemic. The mean age was 48.88 ± 7.9 and 47.02 ± 8.54 years for dyslipidemic and nondyslipidemic groups, respectively. The results showed that the frequency of dyslipidemia was 98%, 87.1%, and 90% in subjects with metabolic syndrome, CVD, and diabetes, respectively. Our results suggested that around 15.7% of study population were at 10 years CVD risk (high ≥20) and it was higher in men than women (P < .001). Moreover, risk of CVD was higher in TG↑ & HDL↓ & LDL↑ group than other groups. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of dyslipidemia was 83.4% among Iranian adults. The results showed that individuals with increased plasma TG and LDL-C, and low HDL-C levels had the highest 10 years CVD risk compared to other combined dyslipidemic phenotypes.

Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations and Dyslipidemia as Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults: Data Mining Techniques.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between serum cholesterol levels and the ratio of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in the blood serum and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In Phase I of the study, 9704 individuals between the age of 35 and 65 years were recruited. Phase II of the cohort study comprised 7561 participants who completed the 10-year follow-up. The variables which were measured at the baseline of the study included gender, age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP); biochemical parameters including serum Cu, Zn, copper-zinc ratio (Cu/Zn), zinc-copper ratio (Zn/Cu); fasted lipid profile consisting of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as well as fasting serum glucose, and triglycerides-glucose (TyG) index. Decision tree (DT) and logical regression (LR) models were applied to examine the relationship between the aforementioned factors and CVD. CVD was diagnosed in 837 individuals (378 males and 459 females) out of 7561 participants. According to the LR models, SBP, TC, HDL, age, Zn/Cu, and TyG index for males and SBP, age, TyG index, HDL, TC, Cu/Zn, and Cu for females had the highest correlation with CVD (p-value ≤ 0.033). Based on the DT algorithm, 88% of males with SPB < 129.66 mmHg, younger age (age < 53 years), TyG index < 9.53, 173 ≤ TC < 187 mg/dL, and HDL ≥ 32 mg/dL had the lowest risk of CVD. Also, 98% of females with SBP < 128 mmHg, TyG index < 9.68, age < 44, TC < 222 mg/dL, and HDL ≥ 63.7 mg/dL had the lowest risk of CVD. It can be concluded that the Zn/Cu for men and Cu/Zn for women, along with dyslipidemia and SBP, could significantly predict the risk of CVD in this cohort from northeastern Iran.

Prediction of cardiovascular disease risk by serum zinc and copper concentrations and anthropometric measurements.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate the association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and various anthropometric indices, as well as the serum levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), copper-zinc ratio (Cu/Zn ratio) and zinc-copper ratio (Zn/Cu ratio), in a large population sample from northeastern Iranian. METHOD: 9704 individuals aged 35 to 65 were enrolled in the first phase of the study. After a 10-year follow-up, 7560 participants were enrolled into the second phase. The variables used in this study included demographic characteristics, such as gender and age; biochemical parameters including: serum Zn, Cu, Cu/Zn ratio, and Zn/Cu ratio; anthropometric parameters including: waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The relationship between the aforementioned indices and CVD was examined using decision tree (DT) and logistic regression (LR) models. RESULTS: A total of 837 individuals were diagnosed with CVD among the 7560 participants. LR analysis showed that BMI, age, WH zinc-copper ratio (Zn/Cu ratio), and serum Zn/Cu ratio were significantly associated the development of CVD in men, and WHR, age, BMI, serum Cu, and Cu/Zn ratio in women. DT analysis showed that, age was the most important predictor of CVD in both genders. 71% of women, older than 49 years, with a WHR≥ 0.89, serum Cu< 75 (µg/dl), BMI≥ 22.93 (kg/m2), and serum Cu≥ 14 (µg/dl), had the highest risk of CVD. In men, among those who were ≥ 53 years, with a WHR≥ 0.98, serum Zn/Cu ratio< 1.69, and BMI≥ 22.30, had the highest risk of CVD. CONCLUSION: Among Iranian adult population, BMI, age, and WHR were one of the predictors of CVD for both genders. The Zn/Cu ratio was CVD predictor for men while Cu/Zn ratio was CVD predictor for women.

The importance of sleep patterns in the incidence of coronary heart disease: a 6-year prospective study in Mashhad, Iran.

Chronic shortened sleep can increase several cardiovascular risk factors, including depression, anxiety, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and hypertension. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep patterns and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). A total of 9704 healthy participants were recruited for the MASHAD cohort study. Within 6 years of follow-up, participants were categorized into four groups based on their number of hours of nightly sleep. Cox's proportional hazard model was used to assess relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During the study, 235 heart problems, including myocardial infarction, stable angina and unstable angina, were confirmed. There were significant differences between men and women who had short and long nightly sleep (p < 0.05). The incidence of CHD was significantly higher in participants with very short night sleep durations than in those with longer hours of night sleep. The subjects with very short nightly sleep were more susceptible to unstable angina (RR: 2.614 (CI 1.354-5.047)) (p < 0.05). We found that shortened nightly sleep was associated with an increased incidence of coronary heart disease in an Iranian population. These findings suggest that sleep disorders, especially shortened night sleep, can be a risk factor for CHD.

Prognostic Factors Associated With Sleep Duration: Serum Pro-Oxidant/Antioxidant Balance and Superoxide Dismutase 1 as Oxidative Stress Markers and Anxiety/Depression.

Objectives: Sleep is a conserved vital behavior in humans, and insufficient sleep is associated with several disorders. Recent studies have investigated the association of sleep duration, oxidative stress markers, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, we aim to assess the relationship between sleep duration, serum pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) levels as markers of oxidative stress, anxiety, and depression. Methods: Participants included in our cross-sectional analysis were recruited as part of the MASHAD study (n = 9,184). Nocturnal sleep duration was identified using a self-reported questionnaire, and serum pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) levels were assessed using methods that have been previously reported. Results: Serum PAB, depression, and anxiety scores were found significantly higher in subjects with very short sleep duration. In an adjusted model using MANOVA regression analysis, serum PAB was significantly higher in the subjects with a very short sleep duration (p: 0.016 in depression and p: 0.002 in anxiety). Conclusion: The present cross-sectional study demonstrates a relationship between sleep duration, oxidative balance, and depression/anxiety, especially in anxiety subjects that might predict each other.

The effects of low-fat dairy products fortified with 1500 IU vitamin D3 on serum liver function biomarkers in adults with abdominal obesity: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency has been reported to affect liver function biomarkers. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of consuming vitamin D fortified low-fat dairy products on liver function tests in adults with abdominal obesity. METHODS: This total blinded randomized controlled trial was undertaken on otherwise healthy abdominally obese adults living in Mashhad, Iran. Milk and yogurt were fortified with 1500 IU vitamin D3 nano-capsules. Participants were randomized to receive fortified milk (n = 73), plain milk (n = 73), fortified yogurt (n = 69), and plain yogurt (n = 74) for 10 weeks. Blood samples were taken at baseline and at the end of the study to assess serum levels of vitamin D, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Gamma glutamyl transferase. RESULTS: A total of 289 participants completed the study (54% female). The groups were homogenous in terms of age, sex, weight, energy intake, and physical activity level (p-value > 0.05). After the trial, vitamin D serum levels were significantly increased in both groups receiving fortified products (both p < 0.001). There was a significant time*group effect only in serum ALP (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Consumption of dairy products fortified by 1500 IU vitamin D3 might have detrimental effects on serum levels of some liver enzymes in individuals with abdominal obesity. Further studies needed to determine these effects and underlying mechanisms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20101130005280N27 .

Altered triglyceride glucose index and fasted serum triglyceride high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio predict incidence of cardiovascular disease in the Mashhad cohort study.

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and triglyceride/high lipoprotein density cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) are two important risk markers to evaluate the insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). To assess the association between TG/HDL-C and TyG index and CVDs. The Mashhad stroke and heart association disorder cohort study started in 2010 and has been continued until 2020. During 6-year follow-up of 9704 participants, 235 events including 118 acute coronary syndrome (ACS), 83 chronic coronary syndrome, 27 myocardial infarction, and 27 cardiac death were confirmed. SPSS software (version 21) was used for statistical analysis and figures were drawn by GraphPad Prism 6 software. The prevalence of ACS and cardiac death were higher in the fourth quartile of serum TG/HDL-C (>4.43) and higher prevalence of ACS was considered in subjects classified in the fourth quartile of TyG index (>8.98). A high TyG index was associated with an increased risk of ACS and cardiac death [1.362 (95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.013-1.831]) and 2.3 (95% CI: [1.247-4.241])] respectively; based on Cox regression analysis elevated TyG and TG/HDL-C increased the chance of CVD by [1.634 (95% CI: 1.304-2.047) and 1.068 (95% CI: 1.031-1.105)], respectively. Our results strongly showed that TyG index and TG/HDL-C are independent risk factors for incident CVD, suggesting that TyG index and TG/HDL-C may be as an important unique biomarker for predicting CVD outcomes and progression.

Association between dietary patterns and body composition in normal-weight subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Background and aims: The development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been proposed to be related to dietary pattern and body compostion indexes. Diet is one of the most important lifestyle-related factors which may regulate the inflammatory process. Numerous individual foods and dietary patterns can have a valuable health effect that is associated with their anti-inflammatory properties. Here we aimed to investigate the association between body composition indexes and dietary patterns in individuals with metabolic syndrome who were nnormal for weight. Methods and materials: Normal weight subjects with MetS were recruited as part of Survey of Ultraviolet Intake by Nutritional Approach (SUVINA). A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to determine dietary patterns that were: low-, or high in antioxidant; dietary inflammation index (DII) and health eating index (HEI) were also determined. Body composition indexes including basal metabolic rate (BMR), body free fat mass (BFFM), body fat mass (BFM), body fat percentage (BFP), trunk fat and total body water (TBW) were measured using a InBody body composition analyser. A P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total 77 individuals including 29 males and 48 females were recruited into the study. A high-antioxidant dietary pattern was significantly correlated with BMR (p = 0.002), BFFM (p = 0.007) and TBW (p = 0.002). There was no significant relationship between body compostion with a low-antioxidant dietary pattern, DII and HEI. After adjusting for age and sex, our findings showed that a high-antioxidant dietary pattern were independently associated with BMR, BFFM and TBW. Conclusion: A high-antioxidant dietary pattern was independently associated with decreased BMR, BFFM and TBW, while no association was found between body composition indexes and DII and HEI in normal weight paticipants with MetS.

Efficacy of low-fat milk and yogurt fortified with vitamin D3 on systemic inflammation in adults with abdominal obesity.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is increasing globally and is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disease, and cardiovascular disease. Vit D deficiency is also associated with increased systemic inflammation. The current study aimed to determine the efficacy of low-fat milk and yogurt fortified with 1500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D, on systemic inflammation in abdominal obese participants. METHOD: This multi-center study was conducted using a 2.5-month parallel total-blind randomized clinical trial design. Two hundred and eighty nine subjects were allocated to four groups: low-fat milk fortified by 1500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D3 (200 mL/day). Simple milk (200 mL/day), low-fat yogurt fortified by 1500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D3 (150 g/day), and simple yogurt (150 g/day). RESULTS: The results showed that serum levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) were significantly lower before and after the intervention in fortified dairy groups. The results showed that serum levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, and RDW before and after intervention in the fortified dairy groups were significantly lower (p < 0.05). The values of = neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelets to lymphocyte ratio, and RDW to platelets ratio (RPR) reduced significantly in the fortification group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fortification with nano-encapsulated vitamin D3 of dairy products may decrease inflammation in individuals with abdominal obesity.

The visceral adiposity index and lipid accumulation product as predictors of cardiovascular events in normal weight subjects.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) has an important role in the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than obesity by itself. The visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) are surrogate indices for measuring VAT. The aimed of this study was to investigate the association of these markers with cardiovascular events among populations with different BMI category in Mashhad, northeast of Iran. METHOD: The present study comprised a prospective cohort of 9685 men and women (35-65 years) who were recruited from MASHAD study. BMI category was defined as normal weight (BMI <25), over weight (25 ≤ BMI<30) and obese (BMI≥30). Demographic, laboratory evaluations, anthropometric and metabolic parameters were performed. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to determine the association and risk of cardiovascular events with VAT and LAP. RESULTS: The mean VAI and LAP in CVD patients were significantly higher than in healthy ones in all 3 groups. In terms of CVD event prediction, VAI and LAP had significant association with the incidence of CVD in the second (RR (95% CI): 2.132 (1.047-4.342) and 2.701 (1.397-5.222), respectively) and third tertiles (RR (95% CI): 2.541 (1.163-5.556) and 2.720 (1.159-6.386), respectively) in the normal group, but this association was only found in the third tertiles (RR (95% CI): 2.448 (1.205-4.971) and 2.376 (1.086-5.199), respectively) in the overweight group. The result couldn't find this association for the obese group. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that there was a significant association between LAP and VAI and cardiovascular events in normal weight and over-weight groups; however, no significant relationship was found in the obese group.

Effects of Vitamin D3 Fortified Low-fat Dairy Products on Bone Density Measures in Adults with Abdominal Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Bone disease-related fractures constitute a heavy burden on the healthcare systems and economy. Vitamin D is an important regulator of bone health and its deficiency is a global problem. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the 1,500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D used for fortifying low-fat dairy products (milk and yogurt) on bone health parameters. Methods: This parallel totally blinded, randomized controlled trial was part of the Ultraviolet Intake by Nutritional Approach study and conducted on 306 individuals with abdominal obesity. Individuals were randomly assigned to four groups, including fortified low-fat milk (1,500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D3 per 200 g/d), non-fortified low-fat milk, fortified low-fat yogurt (1,500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D3 per 150 g/d), and non-fortified low-fat yogurt, for 10 weeks between January and March 2019. Bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) were measured at the baseline and end of the trial. Trabecular bone score and BMD were defined as primary and secondary outcomes. Results: There were no significant differences in TBS and BMD between the intervention and control groups at the end of the trial (P>0.05). Conclusion: This trial demonstrated no significant effect of nano-encapsulated vitamin D fortified milk and yogurt on BMD and TBS. There remains a need for longer-term trials regarding bone health outcomes to establish optimal doses of fortification.

Synthesis of nano-fibers containing nano-curcumin in zein corn protein and its physicochemical and biological characteristics.

Curcumin contains many biological activities as a natural bioactive substance, however, its low solubility stands as a huge bioavailability disadvantage. Recently, different methods have been developed for utilizing the tremendous medicinal properties of this material. In this study, an Oil/Water nano-emulsion of curcumin (Nano-CUR) has been woven in zein polymer at three percentages of 5%, 10%, and 15% (v/v). We have investigated the physicochemical properties of nanofibers (NFs) including FESEM, FTIR, tensile strength, encapsulation efficiency, and release profile, as well as biological properties. According to the data, the NFs have been observed to become significantly thinner and more uniformed as the involved percentage of Nano-CUR had been increased from 5 to 15%. It is considerable that the tensile strength can be increased by heightening the existing Nano-CUR from 5% towards 15%. The resultant NFs of zein/Nano-CUR 15% have exhibited higher in vitro release and lower encapsulation efficiency than the other evaluated zein/Nano-CUR NFs. It has been confirmed through the performed viability and antioxidant studies that zein/Nano-CUR 10% NFs are capable of providing the best conditions for cell proliferation. Considering the mentioned facts, this work has suggested that Nano-CUR can be successfully woven in zein NFs and maintain their biological properties.