Oral health behaviours in relation to caries and gingivitis in primary-school children in Tehran, 2008

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine the prevalence of caries, severe caries and gingivitis in Tehran primary-school children and to analyse the relationship between children's oral hygiene habits and prevalence of these oral health diseases. Data were collected on the oral hygiene habits of 1271 Tehran schoolchildren [637 boys, 634 girls] aged 9-13 years. Clinical examinations were performed to determine the decayed, missed and filled teeth [DMFT] and the presence of gingivitis. Total DMFT >/= 1 was observed in 83.3% of children; 55.5% had tDMFT >/= 4 and 87.7% had >/= 1 site affected by gingivitis. Dental visits of 48.2% of children were limited to toothache occasions and parents' lack of belief in the importance of oral health was the most commonly cited reason [P

[Effect of magnesium supplementation on calorie intake and weight loss of overweight or obese insomniac elderly subjects: a double-blind randomized clinical trial]

There is evidence suggesting an association between insomnia and obesity and probable beneficial effects of magnesium supplementation on insomnia. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary magnesium supplementation on the energy intake and weight reduction of insomniac overweight or obese elderly subjects. A double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 46 overweight or obese subjects randomly allocated into the magnesium or the placebo group, receiving, daily for 8 weeks, either 500 mg magnesium or a placebo, respectively. Using appropriate questionnaires, data were collected on insomnia [insomnia severity index = ISI], physical activity, and sleep-log at baseline and at the end of the intervention period. In addition, information was obtained on anthropometric confounding factors and daily intakes of magnesium, calcium, potassium, caffeine, energy form carbohydrates, fat and protein, and total daily energy intake using the 24-hr dietary recall questionnaire for 3 days. The N4 and SPSS software version 16 were used for data analysis, the level of significance being a p-value < 0.05. No significant differences were observed in the assessed variables between the two groups at baseline. As compared to the placebo group, in the experimental group diatery magnesium supplementation brought about statistically significant increases in sleep duration and sleep efficiency, as well as significant decreases in the total energy intake and energy from carbohydrate and fat. The total length of time in bed, morning awakening time, energy from protein, serum magnesium concentration, or body weight were not different between the experimental and the placebo groups. In this study diatery magnesium supplementation resulted in improvements in sleep indices and a decrease in energy intake in elderly subjects. However, it had no beneficial effect on their body weight

Effect of phytase supplementation on zinc, iron and calcium status in rats fed with diet containing Iranian high phytate bread [Sangak]

Restricted mineral bioavailability of minerals in Iranian breads due to high levels of phytic acid has been reported for more than 50 years. Bread intakes still provide over one-third of the food energy through out the country. Hence improving bread mineral bioavailability can play an important role in decreasing the prevalence of many mineral deficiencies. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of phytase supplementation on blood, liver and bone zinc, blood and liver iron and femur bone calcium in growing Wistar male rats, fed a diet containing high phytate Iranian bread [Sangak]. Thirty weaning Wistar rats were assigned to the phytase [Aspergillus niger] or the control group for 6 weeks. The diet was designed based on Iranian food patterns and 34.2% of energy was supplied from Sangak bread with high amount of phytic acid. Feed intakes, weight gain, liver and femur bone weight did not differ between the groups. Blood zinc was higher in the phytase group [p=0.03], indicating the positive effect of phytase supplementation on blood zinc levels, independent of the growth process. Other variables did not show any differences between groups. We conclude that the addition of high phytate Iranian bread phytase to the diet can improve blood zinc status in growing rats

Association between malnutrition and depression in elderly people in Razavi Khorasan: a population based-study in Iran

To determine the prevalence of malnutrition and depression in free-living elderly people and their relationships [If any] in Razavi Khorasan, Iran 2007. To evaluate nutritional status, we used Mini Nutritional Assessment [MNA] method in free-living elderly people [n=1565 using cluster sampling, 720 males and 845 females, aged>/= 60 yr] and their relationship to Socio Economic Conditions [SECs]. Based on the final scores, our patients were classified into three groups: score 17-23.5 [at risk for malnutrition], score less than 17 [with malnutrition], and score 24-30 [well nourished]. To determine the mood status [here depression], we used Geriatric Depression Score [GDS]. According to this score our participants turned out to be in two distinct groups: depressed [score >/=8] and non-depressed [score< 8]. From the total subjects entered the study [1495], 22.07% were depressed and 11.5% and 44% were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition respectively. In depressed group, the prevalence of malnutrition was 14.5% [48 out of 330] and the prevalence of "at risk of malnutrition" was 45.8%, whereas the prevalence of malnutrition and at risk of malnutrition in non-depressed population were 10.6% and 43.3% respectively. From the aforementioned information we have concluded that there is a significant statistical difference between the prevalence of malnutrition in depressed and non-depressed individuals [P= 0.047]. With respect to the high rate of vegetative symptoms in elderly depressed individuals, malnutrition would have a higher prevalence in the depressed people

[ effects of L-carnitine supplementation in different phases of menstrual cycle on the metabolic responses after exhausted exercise in active women]

Reports in the literature on the menstruation cycle and its effect on exercise performance are contradictory, while consumption of nutrient supplements by women aiming at enhancing performance is invreasing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of L-carnitine supplementation in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle on the aerobic capacity and metabolic responses and performance after exhausted exercise in active women. The study design was a double-blind cross-sectional trial. Twenty-six active volunteer college girl-students, 22.8 +/- 3.0 years old, with a regular menstrual cycle with the folowing anthropometric measurements were selected: weight, 56.6 +/- 6.0 Kg; height, 163.3 +/- 4.0 cm; BMI, 20.8 +/- 1.2 kg/m2. They were invited to come to our laboratory 3-9 days [i.e., in the follicular phase] and 18-25 days [i.e., in the luteal phase] after bleeding, at 2 consecutive months. They took either L-carnitine or placebo [40 mg/Kg body weight] capsules 2 hours before the Brunce test. The statistical tests used for data analysis were the one-way ANOVA with repeated measurement for parametric, and the Freidman test for non-parametric, data. The maximal oxygen consumption and time to exhaustion in both follicular and luteal phases increased significantly with L-carnitine supplementation by 5.5% and 6.7% [as compared to placebo], respectively. Also, L-carnitine supplementation in both phases led to a statistically significant decrease in blood lactate accumulation [F3,66 = 5.235, P =0.003]; the magnitude of reduction in the follicular phase was 28.2% higher than in the luteal phase. On the other hand, the respiratory ventilation in the luteal phase increased significantly with L-carnitine supplementation [15% higher compared to the follicular phase]. L-carnitine supplementation in the follicular phase, when estrogen is at its minimal level, can help decrease a reduction in VO2max and excrcise performance. The increased serum L-carnitine level may cause an increase in beta-oxidation and, thereby, increase VO2max and enhance performance

[Effects of high-fat diets based on butter or soybean, olive or fish oil on insulin resistance and plasma desacyl-ghrelin in rats

There is evidence on reciprocal effects of insulin and desacylghrelin [DAG], but associations between secretions of hormones [insulin and DAG] and saturated and unsaturated proportions of edible oils in high-fat diets have not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different sources of dietary fat and the extent of fatty acid saturation on plasma insulin and DAG levels and determine the association between DAG and insulin action in rats. Weaning male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups to be fed on one of 4 high-fat diets containing, as the source of fat, butter [HF-b], soybean oil [HB-S], olive oil [HF-O], or fish oil [HF-F]. A fifth group was put on a standard diet [SD]. Blood samples were collected after 8 weeks at non-fasting state and after a 24h fast. Body weight, food intake, and plasma parameters - glucose, insulin, DAG, and HOMA-IR, as an insulin resistance index - were measured. Body weight and food intake in the HF-S and HF-B groups were higher than in the other groups [p<0.05]. In the HF-B group the fasting insulin level and HOMA-IR were both higher as compared to the ST, HF-O or HF-F group [p<0.05]. In addition, the fasting DAG level in the HF-B group was lower than in HF-F, HF-O or ST group [p<0.05]. Finally, the HF-F group had a significantly higher DAG level than the HF-S group [P<0.05]. Diets containing polyunsaturated omega -3 and monounsaturated fatty acids cause lower weight gains and energy intakes. It is likely that these dietary fats could bring about a decrease in appetite through increasing the DAG level, thereby causing weight reduction. It is concluded, then, that they may have a role in lowering HOMA-IR or insulin level

[ relation between overweight and obesity with some lifestyle factors in the 3[rd] - 5[th] grade primary schoolgirls in Tehran City 6[th] district]

The increasing trend in recent years of overweight and obesity in children, known to be associated with adult obesity and other physical and mental diseases, makes them one of the most important health and social problems today. Lifestyle is an effective factor in the etiology of child overweight and obesity. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of overweight and obesity in primary schoolgirls in the 3[rd] -5[th] grades in the 6[th] district of Tehran with some lifestyle variables. This was a case-control study including 314 primary schoolgirls in the 3[rd] -5[th] grades, selected by simple cluster-sampling in the 6[th] district of Tehran. Data were collected on the following variables: body weight, height and body mass index [BMI]; pocket money; types of snacks usually consumed and the amount of money spent on them; duration of daily sedentary activities and snack consumption during these activities; sleeping hours; skipping main meals; type of snack taken in case of skipping breakfast; physical activity; and how the girls went to school [i.e., on foot, by bus, etc.]. The statistical tests used were Chi-square [or Fisher], Mann Whitney, one-way ANOVA, Turkey's HSD, and backward stepwise regression. The following variables were positively associated with overweight and obesity in the schoolgirls: media use [such as TV watching, electronic games, computer using] during weekdays and weekends, pocket money and the proportion of it spent on snacks, frequency and kinds of snacks during sedentary activities, meal skipping frequency and the kind of snack substituted for breakfast. Sleep duration, frequency of snacking, daily physical activity, and walking duration [between school and home] were inversely related to overweight and obesity. No associations were found between overweight and obesity on the one hand and after-dinner snack or homework duration on the other hand. Overweight and obesity among the 3[rd]-5[th] grade are related to schoolgirls' lifestyle variables, the most important of which are sleep duration, eating snacks when watching television or working with the computer, skipping breakfast or dinner, and pocket money and the proportion of it spent on snacks. Not all these associations are statistically significant

[Contributing factors to BMI decrease in women undergoing weight loss program]

Background and Aims: One of the problems hindering people's success in losing weight is their lack of knowledge about the limitations they face. The aim of this research was to investigate the contributing factors to BMI decrease in women referring to the clinic for weight reduction programs

Method: In this cross-sectional study, the medical files of 100 women [18-65 years old] with BMI>23, being at least 3 months under weight reduction programs, were observed. Data related to their anthropometric statue, demographic features, physical activity and some other features were recorded into four designed questionnaires. Data were analyzed by using paired t-test, One-way ANOVA, Chi-square and logistic regression and considering P<0.05 as the statistically significant level

Results: In women who had the highest rate of BMI decrease, reducing fat consumption [77%] and also consumption of starchy, sweet foods [74%] were the main reasons of weight loss success. Meanwhile, women with weight loss [3]10%, stated that the strategy of reducing food volume [43.8%] and substitution of fruits and vegetables in their diets [81.2%] had been main reasons of weight loss success. The most important obstacles in weight reduction program were respectively the difficulty of bearing a low-calorie diet [42%], dissatisfaction of husbands and families [33%] and medical problems [27%]. There was an indirect relation between educational level and fatness [P=0.005] and a direct relation between age and fatness [P=0.004]. The most efficient motives of weight loss were beauty reasons in women younger than 45 and physicians advice in women over 45 years. There was no significant relationship between physical activity and BMI decrease [r=0.08, P=0.93]

Conclusion: Nutritionists advice for avoiding high-fat foods and suggesting appropriate substitutes to people before starting weight loss program is essential. Difficulty of tolerating low-calorie diets necessitates nutritionists attempt to introduce appropriate weight loss diets

[Survey of Serum Iron, Zinc, and Copper Deficiency prevalence in urban and rural areas in Tehran district]

Background: in view of the importance of micronutrients in metabolism and their critical role in health improvement and due to the fact that no comprehensive information on biochemical status of micronutrients exists, this study was carried out to determine the deficiencies of serum iron, zinc and copper in Tehran district

Materials and Methods: 206 families including 612 subjects [320 subjects in the city and 292 subjects in villages], 265 males [43%] and 347 females [57%] aged 3 to 83 years and mean +/- SD 39+/-19 years were randomly selected by cluster sampling. Individual questionnaires and demographic data were filled.Height and weight were measured and Body Mass Index [BMI] was calculated. Then 10 ml of blood samples were collected and serum iron, zinc and copper assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometery

Results: the results showed that the micronutrients deficiency was highly prevalent in Tehran. Mean serum iron was 114+/-45 [micro]g/dl. No differences existed in mean concentrations between urban and rural areas. Mean serum copper was higher in the city compared to the villages [75+/-27 VS 67+/-23 [micro]g/dl] while mean serum zinc was higher in rural 140+/-36 compared to urban areas 101+/-33 [micro]g/dl. No one had zinc deficiency in rural areas while 19% of the city dwellers were zinc deficient. Iron deficiency was higher in urban compared to rural areas [6% and 3%]. Rural subjects were more deficient in copper [68%] compared to urban subjects [55%]. Percentage of zinc deficiency in males and females were similar. Iron deficiency prevalence was lower, while copper deficiency was higher in females compared to males. Iron and zinc deficiency were higher in older subjects, whereas copper deficiency was more prevalent in younger people

Conclusion: because of the high prevalence of the deficiencies of these micronutrients, further surveys in other districts and studies on the etiology and curative measures are recommended

[Comparison of the effects of cow's milk, fortified soy milk, and calcium supplement of plasma adipocytokines in overweight and obese women]

Obesity is an escalating public health problem. Adipose tissue synthesizes and secretes a variety of biological molecules, termed adipocytokines that may contribute to obesity-linked metabolic abnormalities, including cardiovascular diseases. We compared the effect of cow' milk, calcium fortified soy milk and calcium supplement of adipocytokines in premenopausal overweight and obese women. In this clinical trial, 100 healthy overweight or obese premenopausal women were randomly allocated to one of the following dietary regimens for 8 weeks: 1] a control diet 2] a calcium-supplemented diet containing 800mg/d calcium carbonate 3]a high milk diet containing three servings of low fat milk or a 4] a soy milk diet containing three servings of calcium fortified soy milk [all of them providing a 500kcal/day deficit]. At baseline and after 8 weeks, anthropometric indices and plasma leptin, adiponectin, TNF alpha, CRP, and IL-6 were measured. Plasma CRP and leptin were significantly correlated with all anthropometric indices except for WHR, and plasma adiponectin had significant negative correlation with WHR at baseline. Although plasma leptin, CRP, and IL-6 decreased significantly in all groups [P<0.01], except for CRP in the control group, there were no significant differences among four groups. Results showed that a 500kcal/d deficit diet has beneficial effects on plasma adipocytokines, but calcium intake, either as calcium carbonate or as milk, causes no differences, and merits further research

effects of omega-3 fatty acids plus vitamin E and vitamin C plus zinc supplementations on glycemic control in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes

Outcomes of diabetes mellitus play an essential role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its complications. Persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus have lower plasma vitamins E and C levels. Lower levels of these vitamins may increase the risk of oxidative stress. In this study we assessed the effects of omega-3 fatty acids plus vitamin E and vitamin C plus zinc supplementations on glycemic control in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes, compared with a control group. In this 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 75 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes from among those consulting the Iranian Diabetes Association, Tehran, participated. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups, to take, daily for 12 weeks, 1.8 g omega-3 fatty acids plus 400 mg vitamin E [group 1], 5 mg zinc plus 300 mg vitamin C [group 2], or a placebo [group 3]. Analysis of variance and repeated measure analysis of variance were used for inter-group comparisons and the changes in the three groups and adjustment of the other variables, respectively. At baseline, there were no significant differences in glycemic parameters among the three groups. Changes in HOMA-IR in group 1 were significantly higher than those in group 2 and the placebo group [-0.9 +/- 0.6 vs. 0.9 +/- 0.5 and 0.4 +/- 0.4, respectively] [p=0.012]. After intervention, changes in fasting plasma insulin [-1.6 +/- 1.3 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.8 and 1.6 +/- 0.7 mU/l, respectively] [p=0.038] were higher in group 1, while they were lower in the other 2 groups. The supplementation caused a significant decrease in the mean changes in fasting plasma glucose in group 1 and a significant increase in group 2 [-11.1 +/- 14.1 vs. 27.9 +/- 10.9 mg/dl, respectively][p= 0.039]. Simultaneous reductions in HOMA-IR and plasma insulin as the most important cardiovascular risk factors in group 1 taking daily 1.8 g omega-3 fatty acids plus 400 mg vitamin E is encouraging, because it can have practical clinical implications. Duration of diabetes may have influenced effectiveness of the treatments

[ effects of acute L-carnitine supplementation on anaerobic threshold and lactate accumulation during an incremental exercise]

Appropriate nutrition is an essential prerequisite for effective improvement of athletic performance, conditioning, recovery from fatigue after exercise, and avoidance of injury. Nutritional supplements containing carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals have been widely used in various sporting fields to provide a boost to the recommended daily allowance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute L-carnitine supplementation on anaerobic threshold and lactate accumulation during incremental exercise. The study was double-blind, randomized and crossover in design. The subjects were 12 randomly selected active male physical education students, 21.75 +/- 0.64 years old, with a mean body mass index [BMI] of 23.7 +/- 0.94, divided into 2 groups. They received orally either 2g of L-carnitine dissolved in 200 ml water plus 6 drops of lemon juice or a placebo [6 ml lemon juice dissolved in 200 ml water] 90 minutes before they began exercise on treadmill. They performed a modified protocol of Conconi test to exhaustion. Plasma lactate concentrations were recorded at rest and immediately after the test. One-way analysis of variance with repeated measurements was used for data analysis. The results showed that lactate accumulation immediately after exercise in the L-carnitine group [3.870 +/- 0.19] was significantly lower [p=0.000] than in the placebo [6.080 +/- 0.58] group. In addition, the intervention led to a higher increase [p=0.000] in the maximum oxygen consumption [50.54 +/- 1.48], as compared to the placebo group [45.16 +/- 1.51]. The data also showed that the length of time required to reach the anaerobic threshold was higher in the L-carnitin group [19.14 +/- 0.65, vs 16.00 +/- 0.28 for the placebo group]. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups with regard to the respiratory exchange ratio. L-carnitine supplementation seems to cause a reduction in the blood lactate accumulation and delay anaerobic threshold in an incremental exercise, resulting in improved performance

Assessment of health belief model structures along with HbAlC in diabetic patients with optimum and unfavorable diabetes control

Nowadays implementing educational models for identifying reasons of rejecting health issues in the treatment process is increasingly concerned. One of the models which has been a matter of concern in recent years is health belief model. The objective of this study is assessing the structures of this model along with HbAIC in diabetic patients. In this cross-sectional study 76 [insulin dependent and non-insulin dependent] diabetic patients who referred to diabetes clinic of Hormozgan University of Medical Science during July and August 2006 and had been detected as diabetic at least one year prior to recruitment, entered the study after filling consent form. Data collection was performed via 3 questionnaires including demographic information, health belief model and self-efficacy questionnaires. HbA1C was calculated by calorimetry and body mass index [BMI] were calculated. Data by SPSS software, using t-test and pearson's correlation coefficient. 46 women [60.5%] and 30 men were studied. Data analysis revealed that there is no significant difference between HbA1C and the following factors: amount of perceived barriers according to sugar control, amount of perceived self-efficacy based on sex, rate or perceived self-efficacy on the basis of literacy and sensitivity rate perceived by the number of years inflicted with diabetes. Diabetes control is not satisfactory in patients despite long term medication and prejudiced diets. The level of health belief model structures in patients with unfavorable diabetes control is lower than those with optimum control. Hence, a precise educational program based on health belief model is necessity for excelling severity and sensitivity perceived by patients, increasing the perceived benefits and removing perceived barriers

[Iron deficiency or overload:which is a better predictor for occurrence of acute coronary syndrome? the modares heart study]

Anemia is an independent risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with myocardial infarction [MI]. On the other hand, elevated Hct and Hgb level are associated with increased risk of MI. We sought to investigate whether increase or decrease of the hemoglobin level [Hgb] and the hematocrit [Hct] was an independent predictor for occurrence of acute coronary syndrome [ACS]. This retrospective case-control study included 594 MI patients, 596 unstable angina [UA] patients, and 590 controls who were hospitalized between 1994 and 2005. Patients were analyzed according to the baseline Hgb and Hct value. Prevalence of MI, based on Hgb and Hct in anemic patients was 17.9% and 14.0% and in patients with high level of normal range was 8.8% and 20.2%, respectively. Mean of Hgb and Hct concentration in patients with MI were [men: 14.79 +/- 1.94; women: 13.32 +/- 1.96] and [men: 44.90 +/- 5.63; women: 40.90 +/- 5.67], respectively. Mean differences of Hgb and Hct between MI patients, UA patients, and controls were significant only in men. A logistic regression between MI patients and controls showed that the odds ratio [OR] and 95%CI of MI for patients with low vs high Hgb and MCV were 0.215 [0.112-0.412] and 0.368 [0.243-0.558], respectively. The OR of MI for male vs female was 2.325 [1.749-3.090]. In MI and UA patients, anemia was an independent predictor of occurrence of ACS based on Hgb; while, based on Hct, both anemia and high Hct were predictors of occurrence of MI. Anemia was a predictor of occurrence of MI with age

Which foods do TV food advertisements entice our children to eat?

The objective of this study was to examine the content of food advertising in the children's and adolescents' program on the Iranian television. The study, a content analysis of advertisements, monitored 3 hours of children's and adolescents' TV programs broadcast on Channel 1 for one week [4-10 November 2000]. A detailed record of advertisement style and content was used for analysis. Advertisements for food products comprised 25% in number [second rank] and 21% in duration [third rank] of the total TV commercials during the monitoring period. Puffed cereals comprised the largest category [36%] of advertised foods. The messages most frequently used to promote the sale of a product were "quality" [59%] and "taste" [46%]. The most frequent appeals of food advertisements were "stimulation of hunger/thirst" [67%] and "attributed quality" [64%]. "A" puffed corn was the most frequent brand [23%] among the food brands advertised. In 37% of the food advertisements half of the nutritional properties attributed to products were scientifically untrue or misleading. Food advertisements aimed at children on TV were dominated by those for foods of questionable nutritional value, designed in a manner mainly to attract children

Dietary pattern analysis: a new approach to identify diet-disease relations

Recently, nutrition scientists have tended prefer to assess diet-disease relations through dietary pattern approach rather than previous traditional approaches [nutrient- or food-oriented approach]. Identifying dietary patterns allows us to consider the whole diet, not ingredients; a relationship helps to find associations beyond those described based on foods or nutrients. This approach is also beneficial when traditional analyses in nutritional epidemiology show weak associations. Dietary pattern approach is more realistic than the food- or nutrient-based approach. Inter-correlations and biological interactions between foods and nutrients confound the associations of single foods or nutrients with a certain chronic disease. Several studies have provided evidence supporting the use of dietary pattern approach in nutritional epidemiology. Most of these studies have indicated that dietary patterns identified by factor or cluster analysis are significantly associated with chronic diseases. Data on major dietary patterns in developing countries, including Iran, are scarce. This review aims to provide more detailed information about methods of measurement, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of dietary pattern approach to help and encourage nutrition scientists in the country to use this approach in future investigations

[ effects of soy consumption on markers of oxidative stress in postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome]

Postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome are at a high risk of oxidative stress. Several studies have suggested possible antioxidant properties of soy, but little evidence is available regarding the effect of soy on oxidative stress in postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of consumption of soy and soy protein on the plasma total antioxidant capacity [TAC] and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels in postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome. This randomized cross-over trial was conducted on 42 postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome as defined by ATP III. Participants were randomly assigned to consume a control diet, a soy-protein diet, or a roasted soy diet. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH] was used in all three intervention periods. Red meat [1 serving/day] was substituted by soy protein or roasted soy in the respective diets. Each intervention period was 8 weeks and each wash-out period 4 weeks. Means of the variables were calculated by the repeated measures analysis of variance. There were significant differences among the control, soy-protein and roasted soy diets as regards the final MDA values [0.70, 0.64, and 0.63, micro mol/L, respectively; global P<0.01]. The final TAC values were also different among the 3 groups in the same order [1.95, 2.03, and 2.11 micro mol/ml, respectively; P<0.01]. As compared to the control values, the final TAC values for TAC increased by +4.5% on the roasted soy diet [p<0.01] and by +5.8% on the soy-protein regimen [p<0.01], while MDA levels decreased [7.9% in the roasted soy group; p<0.01, and 9.4% in the soy protein group; p<0.01]. Soy consumption reduced plasma MDA and increased plasma TAC levels in postmenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome

[Prevalence of malnutrition and factors related to it in the elderly subjects in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran, 2006]

Malnutrition is a very common clinical disorder risk factor in elderly people, which is not diagnosed in most cases and, therefore, remains untreated. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in free-living elderly people and its relationship with socioeconomic factors [SEF] in the elderly subjects in Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran. To assess the nutritional status of the free-living elderly people [n=2000 using cluster sampling, 917 male/1045 female, aged >/= 60], the standard Mini Nutritional Assessment [MNA] was used. Socio-economic information was obtained through interviews. In 42.7% of the subjects the nutritional status was satisfactory, 12.0% were malnourished, and the remaining 45.3% were at risk of malnutrition. The MNA score was associated with some of the SEF, and the proportions of malnourished subjects were higher in females, rural subjects, the illiterate, subjects living alone, and the unemployed. Prevalence of central obesity in females and males was 63.1% and 18.6%, respectively. The findings of this study are alarming. The government, physicians, and nutrition experts need to be aware of the problem and its dimenensions. Nutritional status was associated with some socio-economic factors. In particular, problems such as loneliness and poverty have to be addressed

[Gender difference in myocardial infarction events between patients with and without conventional risk factors: the modares heart study]

Investigations show that gender may have an important role in cardiovascular disease. Some authors have reported differences in risk factor profiles between men and women, while others have been unable to reach such conclusions. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the profile of conventional risk factors and hematologic-metabolic parameters and relative risk between male and female patients with myocardial infarction [MI]. This cross-sectional study analyzed data between 1994 and 2006 on 594 MI patients [70.2% male and 29.8% female]. The gender subgroups were compared with regard to selected blood parameters and risk factors. Male ratio and relative risk of MI were also determined. The average age, hemoglobin [Hb], hematocrit [Hct], mean corpuscular hemoglobin [MCH], mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [MCHC], total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose [FBG] were significantly different between males and females [p<0.05]. The mean Hb and Hct in males with and without hyperlipidemia [HLP] and a family history of MI were significantly different [p<0.05]. Relative risks of HLP, diabetes mellitus [DM], and hypertension [HTN] for females were higher than males in all age groups. The relative risk was 6.16 times higher for females with three factors- HLP, DM, and HTN- combined. Hyeprlipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension were more common among women [p<0.001]. The results of this study confirm that the relative risks of HLP, DM, and HTN in causation of MI in women were higher than men in all age groups. With the exception of MCV, the other hematological parameters in men were higher than in women with MI, while metabolic parameters in women were higher than in men

[Association of major dietary Patterns with markers of systemic inflammation among women]

Few studies have examined the implication of major dietary patterns on plasma level of markers of inflammation. This study was conducted to evaluate the association of major dietary patterns with markers of systemic inflammation among Iranian women. In this cross-sectional study on 486 healthy women aged between 40 and 60, we assessed usual dietary intakes by means of a food-frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Anthropometric measurements were performed and fasting blood samples were taken for measuring inflammatory markers. The healthy pattern [high in fruits, vegetables, tomato and etc.] 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 controlling the potential confounders [further adjustment for BMI and waist circumference], the associations still remained significant for CRP [beta=-0.05, P<0.05] and sVCAM-1 [beta=-0.04, P<0.05]. In contrast, the western pattern [high in refined-grains, red meat, butter and etc] 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 [sICAM-1] [beta=0.05, P<0.05] and sVCAM-1 levels [beta=0.07, P<0.05]. however, after additional control for BMI and waist circumference, the associations remained significant just for SAA [beta=0.06, P<0.05] and interleukin-6 [IL-6] [beta=0.07, P<0.001]. The traditional dietary pattern [high in refined grains, potato, tea, whole-grains and so on] was positively associated with plasma levels of IL-6 [beta=0.04, P<0.05] when we controlled for confounders including BMI and waist circumference. Our findings suggest an independent association between major dietary patterns and plasma concentrations of markers of inflammation. Indeed, this issue provides further support of the concept that effects of nutritional pattern on chronic diseases are being exerted via the inflammatory biomarkers