[Association between healthy lifestyle score and upper gastrointestinal disorders in Iranian adults]

Background and Objective: Although lifestyle-related factors have separately been examined in relation to functional gastrointestinal disorders [FGIDs], there is no epidemiologic data on the combined association of lifestyle factors with these conditions. We aimed to examine how combinations of several lifestyle factors were associated with functional dyspepsia [FD], its symptoms and gastro-esophageal reflux disease [GERD] in a large group of Iranian adults

Methods: This descriptive -analytic study was conducted on 3363 Iranian adults [19-70 yr], whom were working in 50 health centers across Isfahan province in Iran during 2012. We used easy non-random sampling to select participants. The "healthy lifestyle score" for each participant was calculated by summing up the binary score given for five lifestyle factors, including dietary habits, dietary intakes, psychological distress, smoking and physical activity. A dish-based 106-item semi-quantitative validated food frequency questionnaire, General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire and other pre-tested questionnaires were used to assess the components of healthy lifestyle score. A validated Persian version of ROME III questionnaire was used, to assess functional gastrointestinal disorders

Results: The prevalence of FD and GERD among study participants was 14.5 and 23.6%, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, we found that individuals with the highest score of healthy lifestyle had 79 and 74% lower odds of FD [95% CI: 0.05-0.92, OR: 0.21, P=0.03] and GERD [95% CI: 0.09-0.69, OR: 0.26, P=0.01], respectively, compared with those with the lowest score. They were also less likely to have early satiation [95% CI: 0.11-0.73, OR: 0.28, P=0.001], postprandial fullness [95% CI: 0.09-0.50, OR: 0.22, P<0.001] and epigastric pain [95% CI: 0.21-0.92, OR: 0.44, P=0.03]. In addition to the combined healthy lifestyle score, low levels of psychological distress, a healthy diet, healthy dietary habits and non-smoking were separately associated with FGIDs [P<0.05]

Conclusion: This study showed that adherence to a healthy lifestyle was associated with lower odds of GERD, FD and its symptoms in this group of Iranian adults. Individual lifestyle-related factors were also associated with these conditions

[Relation between pattern of nutrient intake and obesity in Isfahanian Adults: SEPAHAN study]

Background and Objective: The growing evidence suggest on the association between dietary patterns and obesity. This study was done to determine the relation between pattern of nutrient intake and obesity in Isfahanian adults

Methods: In this descriptive - analytical study, dietary data were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire in 8,691 subjects aged 18-55 years. Complete data of 6,724 and 5,203 adults were available for general and abdominal obesity, respectively. Daily intakes of 38 nutrients and bioactive compounds were calculated for each participant. Factor analysis was applied to derive major nutrient patterns

Results: Three major nutrient patterns were identified: 1] pattern high in fatty acids, cholesterol, vitamin B12, vitamin E, zinc, choline, protein, pyridoxine, phosphorus, and pantothenic acid; 2] high in thiamine, betaine, starch, folate, iron, selenium, niacin, calcium, and manganese; and 3] high in glucose, fructose, sucrose, vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, copper and vitamin K. Men in the highest quintile of the second pattern were less likely to be generally obese in the fully adjusted model [95% CI: 0.20-0.76, OR: 0.39, P<0.05]. After adjustment for potential confounders, a significant positive association was observed between the third pattern and general obesity among men [95% CI: 1.04-3.04, OR: 1.77, P<0.05], but it was not in women [95% CI: 0.74-1.88, OR: 1.18, P>0.05]

Conclusion: Nutrient patterns were significantly associated with general, but not abdominal obesity in the male Iranians participating in SEPAHAN study

comparative evaluation of the effect of the foods with different glycemic indices on blood glucose and serum free fatty acids in cycling, male athletes

Carbohydrates are considered as the major source of energy in physical activity. Studies show that consumption of carbohydrate foods before exercise can balance blood glucose and free fatty acids and increase athletes' performance. In this study, we compared the effect of three kinds of foods with different glycemic indices on blood glucose [BG] and serum free fatty acids [FFA] in cycling ,male athletes. In this clinical trial, 21 members of national cycling team randomly allocated to three equal groups of glucose [low glycemic index]' lentil [low glycemic index] and potato [high glycemic index]. First, Fasting blood samples [5ml] were obtained to measure BG and FFA. Then the subjects were asked to eat their foods. After 45 mins of rest, they pedaled with maximal oxygen consumption VO2max for two hours and again their blood samples were taken to compare with the levels of before interventions. Glucose consumption resulted in a significant decrease in I FFA level after 2 hours of pedaling [P = 0.01] but no significant change j in BG level. Plasma glucose was higher after eating lentil than that of | potato [P<0.05], but it was not true for FFA level of both groups. Based on the results, the preexercise use of low glycemic index [lentil] compared to high glycemic index [potato] can better lead to increased blood glucose during exercise

[Association between legume consumption and circulating levels of adhesion molecules and inflammatory biomarkers among Iranian women]

Due to low consumption of leguminous foods across populations, not much information is available on possible independent role of legumes in inflammation. The traditional Iranian diet provides an opportunity to investigate possible association between intake of legumes and health. This study was carried out to determine the association between legume consumption and the serum levels of adhesion molecules and inflammatory biomarkers in Iranian women. In this cross-sectional study, trained dietitians administered a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire [FFQ] for assessment of usual dietary intakes in a sample of 486 Tehranian female- teachers aged 40-60 years selected by a multistage cluster random sampling method. Legumes in the FFQ included lentils, peas, chickpeas, different kinds of beans [broad beans, etc.], and chickling vetch. Blood samples were taken to measure the plasma concentrations of adhesion molecules and inflammatory biomarkers. After controlling for potential confounders, including dietary variables, as compared to women with the lowest legume intake, those with the highest legume intake had lower circulating levels of Eselectin [percent difference from bottom quintile [-14.1%, p-trend=0.04], soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1] [-20.3%, p-trend<0.01], and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [sVCAM- 1] [-15.6%, p-trend=0.01]. Subjects in the top tertile of legume intake had lower serum levels of high sensitive C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], TNF- alpha and interleukin-6 [IL-6] as compared to those in the lowest tertile, even after controlling for potential confounders and dietary variables. No significant association was found between legume intake and serum amyloid A levels. High legume consumption is associated with low circulating levels of adhesion molecules and inflammatory biomarkers among Iranian women

[ effects of dietary macronutrient distribution on chronic inflammation in the metabolic syndrome: a review]

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of type II diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome [MetS]. Despite high prevalence of MetS and its strong association with other chronic inflammatory diseases, the optimal dietary macronutrient composition to manage the inflammatory process in the MetS remains unknown. We aimed to review the evidence on the effects of variation in dietary macronutrient intakes on chronic inflammation in the MetS. We searched PubMed/MedLine between 1990 and 2011,using the following keywords: macronutrient, high/low-carbohydrate,-fat,-protein, ketogenic, metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammation, and the surrogate inflammatory biomarkers. Clinical trials and cross-sectional and prospective studies were included in this investigation. Dietary intakes of trans-fatty acids have been associated with elevated levels of inflammatory indices. Although strict restriction of dietary carbohydrates [ketogenic diet] has affected inflammatory biomarkers considerably, moderately-restricted carbohydrate diets were not different from low-fat diets in terms of their impacts on inflammation. High-protein diets do not seem to be suitable for alleviating inflammation, because of their probable deleterious effects on liver and kidney functions. Sever restriction of dietary carbohydrates [similar to ketogenic diets] seems to be essential if one intends to influence the inflammatory process in the metabolic syndrome; moderate dietary carbohydrate restriction does not seem to affect inflammation. Lack of sufficient evidenceon the subject in different groups of patients and limitations in the design of current studies warrants further investigation in this field

[Association between nuts consumption and abdominal obesity, overweight and obesity in female adolescents: an epidemiological study]

Nuts are one of the most healthy food groups, but due to their fat content and high energy density their consumption is mostly restricted for weight control. The aim of this study was to assess the association between nuts consumption and abdominal obesity, overweight and obesity. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected on 550 female adolescents, aged 15-18 years, selected by multistage cluster random sampling from Najafabad high schools. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standard methods. Intakes of nuts and other food groups were evaluated by a semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ] questionnaire. Other required variables were collected by general questionnaires. Abdominal obesity was defined on basis of the 75[th] Waist circumference percentiles for Iranian children and adolescents. Overweight and obesity were defined on the basis of International Obesity Task Force [IOTF] cut-points. The prevalence of abdominal obesity and overweight or obesity were 48.9 and 25.7 percent respectively. Mean and median intakes of nuts in this community were 22.36 and 10.35 gr/day respectively. After controlling for potential confounders, the subjects in the top quartile of nut consumption were less likely to have overweight and obesity [odds ratio [OR]:0.25; 95% Cl: 0.11-0.54] and abdominal obesity [OR: 0.54; 95% Cl, 0.28-1.03], compared to those in the lowest quartile. Consumption of nuts was associated with lower risk of abdominal obesity, overweight and obesity. The results of this study suggest that incorporating nuts into diets might help weight control

Macro and micro-nutrients intake, food groups consumption and dietary habits among female students in Isfahan university of medical sciences

Improving the dietary intake among different groups and population is important for improving the health status. This study determines the nutrients and food group intake as well as dietary habits among female students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Two hundreds and eighty nine healthy female youths who were randomly selected among students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Isfahan, Iran were enrolled. A validated semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used. Folate, iron, calcium and fiber intake were lower than the recommended dietary allowances [RDA] amounts [70, 76, 90, 56% of RDA, respectively]. Forty five percent of the population consumed fast foods 2 times a week and 35% used the frying oils for cooking most of the time. Female youths had lower amount of some micronutrients. Consuming frying oils, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and fast food intake should be limited among this group

[ effects of monounsaturated fatty acid-rich diet on the serum levels of visfatin, insulin and interleukin-6 in overweight women]

Little information is available on the effects of monounsaturated fatty acid-rich [MUFA-rich] diets on the serum adipocytokine levels. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a MUFA-rich diet on the serum levels of insulin, visfatin and IL-6 in overweight women [25.0 >/= BMI

[Relationship between major dietary patterns and stunting in Tehrani school children]

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between stunting and major dietary patterns among the first-grade pupils in Tehran in 2008. In this case-control study, children's height [n=3147] was measured in 5 areas of Tehran by expeienced nutritionists using standard protocols. Children with a height lower than the 5th percentile of height for age of the CDC2000 standard were considered as stunted [n = 86, the case group]. Control children were selected randomly from among healthy, non-stunted children with the same age and sex [n=308]. Data on demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, birth weight and length, and duration of breast feeding were collected using standard questionnaires. In addition, two 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires were completed for each subject on 2 cosecutive days by interviewing their mothers. Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns. Logistic regression models were adjusted for sex, mother's age and education, father's education, birth weight, family size, and energy intake. There were significant differences between the stunted children and their control group with regard to sex, birth weight, age of mother, and parents' education of [P<0.05]. Based on the 24-hour dietary recalls, the mean consumptions of dairy products [308 +/- 167 g/day] and dried fruits and nuts [2.58 +/- 9 g/day] in the case group were significantly lower than the respective control values [7.15 +/- 26 and 382 +/- 232 g/day, respectively; p<0.05]. However, consumption of the fat and oils group in the case group [37.85 +/- 29 g/day] was higher than in the control group [30.94 +/- 22 g/day; P< 0.05]. Three dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis: dietary pattern 1, high in bread, potatoes, fats, eggs, relish, other vegetables, sugar, and soft drinks; dietary pattern 2, high in leafy vegetables, fast foods, nuts, other cereals, fruits, legumes, and offal; and dietary pattern 3, high in biscuits and cakes, chicken, dairy products, fruits, etc. Dietary patterns 1 and 2 were not significantly associated with stunting, while children in the third quartile of dietary pattern 3 had a lower risk for stunting as compared to those in the first quartile of that dietary pattern [p<0.05]. It seems that following dietary patterns high in protein [e.g., dairy and meat products] and carbohydrate [e.g., fruits and biscuits/cakes] may reduce the risk of stunting in children

[Dietary glycemic index and glycemic load in relation to mortality from cardiovascular disease: a review of epidemiologic evidence]

A cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death worldwide in the last decades. Inappropriate changes in dietary patterns, including increased consumption of refined carbohydrates with high glycemic index [GI] and glycemic load [GL] are the most important environmental risk factors in increasing cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to review the current evidence on the association between dietary GI and GL and mortality from various cardiovascular diseases. A literature search in PubMed was done with the use of "Glycemic index", "cardiovascular disease" and "mortality" as keywords. So far, few studies have been performed in this area. Findings from these studies have been taken into account in this review. All available studies were prospective investigations performed among humans. Findings from the current evidence suggest no significant association between dietary GI, GL and cardiovascular mortality. The only significant finding we reached in the literature was about middle-aged and older Japanese women; where a positive significant association was reported between dietary GI and GL and mortality from ischemic stroke [RR: 2.45; CI:[95%] [1.01-5.92]]. It is concluded that reaching a definite conclusion based on current evidence is difficult. More information is required to determine the definite association between dietary glycemic index and glycemic load and mortality from various cardiovascular diseases

Major dietary patterns among female adolescent girls of Talaat Intelligent Guidance School, Tabriz, Iran

Increasingly nutritional experts express the necessity of research on dietary patterns to identify numerous modifiable risk factors of disease. This study was conducted to identify major dietary patterns among adolescent girls in Talaat intelligent guidance school, Tabriz, Iran. Among 257 adolescent girls aged 11-15 years, usual dietary intakes were assessed using a 162-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire [FFQ]. Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns in this Turkish population. We identified 6 major dietary patterns: [1] Western pattern high in pizza, meats and fruit juice; [2] Sweat junk foods pattern high in dried fruits, jams, honey and sugar; [3] Asian pattern high in legumes, potato and other vegetables; [4] Salty junk foods pattern high in carrot, puffs and potato chips and [6] Iranian traditional dietary pattern high in hydrogenated fats, garlic and broth. Our findings suggested that among the 6 major dietary patterns, Asian-like food was the healthiest one

[Association between major dietary patterns and risk factors for cardiovascular disease among women]

Some cardiovascular risk factors are more prevalent in Middle Eastern countries than in other parts of the world. Lifestyle-related factors, including diet, might account for this discrepancy. We aimed to identify the association between food intake patterns and cardiovascular risk factors among Iranian adult women. In this cross-sectional study, 486 apparently healthy Iranian women aged 40-60 years were studied. A Willett-format FFQ was used to collect dietary data. Fasting plasma glucose [FPG] concentrations, lipid profiles, and blood pressure were measured. Diabetes was defined as FPG > or = 126 mg/dl; diagnosis of dyslipidemia was based on Adult Treatment Panel III and that of hypertension on Joint National Committee VI recommendations. The presence of at least 1 or 2 of the 3 major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases [hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes] was also evaluated. We identified 3 major [healthy, Western, and Iranian] eating patterns. After controlling for potential confounders, the subjects in the top quintile of the healthy dietary pattern were less likely to have dyslipidemia [odds ratio [OR], 0.36; 95% CI, 0.19-0.53], hypertension [OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17-0.60], at least 1 [OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.18-0.58], and at least 2 risk factors [OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.20-0.77] compared with the lowest quintile. In contrast, those with greater adherence to the Western dietary pattern had greater odds for cardiovascular risk factors [OR, 2.59-3.11; P < 0.05]. The Iranian dietary pattern was significantly associated with dyslipidemia [OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.02-2.99] and at least 1 risk factor [OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.05-3.20]. The major dietary patterns were not associated with diablets risk. It seems that major dietary patterns are associated with cardiovascular risk factors among Tehranian women

[Home use of vegetable oils, markers of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction among women]

Most of the information on the adverse health effects of trans fats has been mainly obtained from studies done in western populations; very little information is available in this area from the Middle-East. The objective of this study was to determine the association between consumption of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils [PHVOs] and non-HVOs and circulating levels of inflammatory markers among Tehrani female-teachers 40-60 years old. Usual dietary intakes of 486 apparently healthy women were assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The vegetable oils consumed were catagorized into PHVOs [commonly used for cooking in Iran] and non-HVOs [sunflower, corn, canola, soybeanm., and olive oils] Anthropometric measurements were made and fasting blood samples were taken for measuring inflammatory markers. The energy-adjusted daily intakes of PHVOs and non-HVOs were 23 +/- 11 and 22 +/- 10 g/d, respectively. After controlling for potential confounders, the plasma levels of CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecules [sICAM-1] of the women in the top quintile of PHVOs intake [as compared to the lowest quintile] were 45% [P[trend]< 0.01], 66% [P[trend]< 0.1], 72% [P[trend]< 0.05], and 22%[P[trend]<0.01], respectively. In contrast, a higher consumption of non-HVOs was associated with lower circulating levels of CRP [-23%, P[trend]=0.05], TNF-alpha [-29%, P[trend]<0.01], SAA [-24%, P[trend]<0.01], and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule ICAM-1 [-19%, P[trend]<0.05] when the top intake quantile was compared with the lowest. Adjustment for body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profile slightly attenuated the associations in some cases. Higher intakes of PHVOs are associated with elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers, while higher intakes of non-HVOs are associated with lower plasma levels of these biomarkers in female-teachers

[Association between duration of breastfeeding and subsequent overweight and obesity in female adolescents]

In order to prevent obesity it is essential to identify its determinants. This study aimed to assess the association between duration of breastfeeding and subsequent obesity among female adolescents in Najafabad, Isfahan, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected on 550 female adolescents aged 15-18 years selected by multistage cluster random sampling from Najafabad high schools. Anthropometric measurements were made and the body mass index [BMI] was calculated. Information on duration of breastfeeding and other required variables was collected by interviewing parents using questionnaires. Overweight and obesity were defined on the basis of TOTF cut-points. The mean [ +/- SD] duration of breastfeeding was 19.7 +/- 8.1 months, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity 20.5% and 6%, respectively. Breastfeeding as such [that is, without considering its duration], was significantly associated with a reduced risk of overweight or obesity [25.8% for breastfed, vs 50% for non-breastfed, adolescent, P = 0.02]. However, no statistically significant association was found between duration of breastfeeding and either overweight or obesity in the subjects [r= -0.007, P=0.87]. Our findings indicate that breastfeeding may reduce subsequent risk of obesity and overweight in female adolescents, although we found no association between duration of breastfeeding and adolescent overweight or obesity

[Diet variety: a measure of nutritional adequacy and health]

Most studies in the field of nutritional epidemiology have focused on association of one single nutrient intake and non-communicable diseases. Due to co-linearity problems in nutrient intakes, it has been recommended to consider the whole diet instead of one single nutrient of food. Variety is one of the characteristics of healthy diet and a diverse diet can prevent from nutrient deficiency or overfeeding. Diet quality indices help assessing the dietary adherence to dietary guidelines. Evaluating dietary quality is an expensive and time-consuming method which requires a strong methodology. As the dietary diversity score [DDS] could be an indicator of diet quality, therefore it might be used as a simple and an inexpensive index for assessing the diet quality. Several reports have been published regarding the relationship between DDS and non-communicable disease risk factors. The prevalence of metabolic risks is almost high among the population with low DDS. Hence, DDS might be used as a measure of both diet quality and the incidence of non-communicable diseases. The aim of this review study was to discuss about DDS, the methods of measurements, and also the relationship between dietary quality and the risk of chronic disease

[Relationship between hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype with metabolic disorders in individuals with family history of diabetes]

Recent studies have used antropometric measures along with biochemical indicators as screening tools for chronic diseases. Few studies have assessed the relation of Enlarged Waist Elevated Triglycerdemic [EWET] phenotype with diabetes, particularly among individuals with family history of diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the EWET phenotype with diabetes among individuals with family history of diabetes. Antropometric and biochemical measurments were assessed in a pouplation-sbased cross-sectional study of 332 male and 991 female Isfahani adults, aged 35-55 years. The EWET phenotype was defined as serum trigcylglycerol concentrations >/= 150 mg/dl and concurrent waist circumference >/= 88 cm in women and > /=102 cm in men. The prevalence of the EWET phenotype was 9.6% among men and 23.6% among women. Individuals with the phenotype had significantly higher antropometric measurements as compared to other groups. After control for age and physical activity, men with the EWET phenotype were significantly more likely to have high serum cholestrol [P<0.001], systolic BP [P<0.01] and diastolic BP [P<0.001]. Even after aditional control for BMI the significant associations remained except for low HDL Cholestrol women with the EWET phenotype, who had significantly adverse metabolic risks as compared to other phenotypes, both before or after control for BMI [P<0.001]. Individuals with the EWET phenotype were more likely to have diabetes [both genders] and IGT [women only]. Our findings showed a significant association between the EWET phenotype and diabetes. This phenotype could be used for early identification of diabetes and IGT

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

[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

[Metabolic risks in individuals with normal body mass index and normal waist circumference]

It seems that the risk of cardiovascular diseases increases adults of the Middle-Eastern region within the normal limits of BMI and WC, as defined for universal application by the WHO. This study was conducted to determine a point of BMI and WC above which the chances of having cardiovascular risk factors increased. In this population-based cross-sectional study, a representative sample of 3447 subjects [1781 males and 1666 females] with normal body mass index [BMI = 19-<25 kg/m2 for both genders] and normal waist circumference [WC] [<102 cm for men and <88 cm for women] were included. Demographic data was collected anthropometric indices and blood pressure were measured according to standard protocol. Hypertension was defined based on Joint National Committee VI [JNC VI]. Biochemical analysis was conducted on fasting blood samples. Diabetes was defined as fasting plasma glucose [FPG] >/= 126 mg/dl or 2-hour plasma glucose [2hPG] >/= 200 mg/dl. Dyslipidemia was considered based on Adult Treatment Panel III [ATP III]. The presence of "at least one risk factor" and "at least two risk factors" of the three major risk factors for cardiovascular disease [hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes] were also evaluated. Men had higher WC than women [79.6 +/- 6.5 vs. 74.7 +/- 6.2 cm, P<0.001], while their BMIs was not statistically different [22.4 +/- 1.6 vs.22.4 +/- 1.6, P=0.224]. The prevalence of all metabolic risk factors increased with BMI and WC in both genders such that those in the highest category of BMI and WC had the highest prevalence of all metabolic abnormalities. Individuals in the highest category of BMI [24 -< 25 kg/m2] had significantly higher odds for being at risk for metabolic risk factors [odds ratios ranging from 1.3 to 1.6 for men and 1.36 to 2.0 for women for different risk factors] compared to those of the first category [19 -< 20 kg/m2]. Also, individuals in the highest category of waist circumference [95 -< 102 cm for men and 85-88cm for women] had significantly higher chances for having metabolic abnormalities [odds ratios ranging from 2.6 to 4.5 for men and 2.1 to 2.6 for women for different risk factors] compared to those in the first category [62-<70 cm for men and 60 -< 65 cm for women] in both genders. It is concluded that the cut-points of BMI and WC suggested by WHO are inappropriate for the Tehranian urban population and that the appropriate cut-points of BMI and WC should be lower in this population

[Beneficial effects of a DASH [Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension] eating plan on features of the metabolic syndrome]

This study aims at determining the effects of the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension [DASH] eating plan on metabolic risks, in patients with metabolic syndrome. This was a randomized controlled outpatient trial conducted on 116 patients with metabolic syndrome. Three diets were prescribed for 6 months a control diet, a weight reducing diet emphasizing on healthy food choice, and the DASH diet with reduced in calories and increased in fruit, vegetables, low fat dairies, whole grain and reduced in saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol and restricted to 2400 mg Na. The main outcome measures were the components of the metabolic syndrome. Relative to the control diet, the DASH diet resulted in higher HDL [7 and 10 mg/dL], lower TG [-18 and -14 mg/dL], SBP [-12 and -11 mmHg], DBP [-6 and -7 mmHg], weight [-16,-14 Kg], FBS [-15 and -8 mg/dL], and weight [-16 and -15 kg], among men and women respectively. [all P<0.001]. The net reduction among men and women in TG [-17 and -18 mg/dL], SBP [-11 and -11 mmHg], DBP [-5 and -6 mmHg] and FBS [-4 and -6 mg/dL], weight [-16,-15 Kg] and increase in HDL [5 and 10 mg/dL] was higher in the DASH group [all p<0.05]. The weight reducing diet resulted in significant change in TG [-13 and -10 mg/dL], SBP [-6 and -6 mmHg], weight [-13 and -12 kg] among men and women, respectively [all p<0.05]. Conclusions: The DASH diet can likely reduce most of the metabolic risks both in men and women the related mechanisms need further study