Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α Genes in Ulcerative Colitis Patients: a Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Selenium (Se) supplementation may decrease the severity of ulcerative colitis (UC) through the activation of genes responsible for immune modulation. The present research was aimed to assess the effect of Se supplementation on the expression of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in UC patients. In a double-blind randomized parallel clinical trial, 100 patients with mild-to-moderate active UC met inclusion criteria and divided into 2 groups of treatment (50 patients received selenomethionine [200 µg daily]) and placebo (50 patients received placebo [1 capsule daily]) for 10 weeks. The expression rates of SIRT1 and PGC-1α were examined in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) using the real-time polymerase chain reaction. There was no considerable difference in the mean of baseline demographic and clinical characteristics between groups. Also, there were no significant differences in total energy intake, macronutrients, and micronutrients between groups. The SIRT1 gene expression in the Se group was significantly increased compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). An increase in the expression of the PGC-1α gene in the Se group was not statistically significant. It seems that Se supplementation caused a significant decrease in the inflammatory response of the colon by a significant increase in the expression of the SIRT1 gene.

Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α Genes in Ulcerative Colitis Patients: a Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Selenium (Se) supplementation may decrease the severity of ulcerative colitis (UC) through the activation of genes responsible for immune modulation. The present research was aimed to assess the effect of Se supplementation on the expression of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in UC patients. In a double-blind randomized parallel clinical trial, 100 patients with mild-to-moderate active UC met inclusion criteria and divided into 2 groups of treatment (50 patients received selenomethionine [200 µg daily]) and placebo (50 patients received placebo [1 capsule daily]) for 10 weeks. The expression rates of SIRT1 and PGC-1α were examined in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) using the real-time polymerase chain reaction. There was no considerable difference in the mean of baseline demographic and clinical characteristics between groups. Also, there were no significant differences in total energy intake, macronutrients, and micronutrients between groups. The SIRT1 gene expression in the Se group was significantly increased compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). An increase in the expression of the PGC-1α gene in the Se group was not statistically significant. It seems that Se supplementation caused a significant decrease in the inflammatory response of the colon by a significant increase in the expression of the SIRT1 gene.

Effects of maternal isocaloric diet containing different amounts of soy oil and extra virgin olive oil on weight, serum glucose, and lipid profile of female mice offspring

Background: Health status of offspring is programmed by maternal diet throughout gestation and lactation. The present study investigates the lasting effects of maternal supplementation with different amounts of soy oil or extra virgin olive oil [EVOO] on weight and biochemical parameters during gestation and lactation of female mice offspring

Methods: Eight weeks old female C57BL/6 mice [n=40] were assigned through simple randomization into four isocaloric dietary groups [16% of calories as soy oil [LSO] or EVOO [LOO] and 45% of calories as soy oil [HSO] or EVOO [HOO]] during three weeks of gestation and lactation. After weaning [at 3 weeks], all offspring received a diet containing 16% of calories as soy oil and were sacrificed at 6 weeks. Two-way ANOVA was used to adjust for confounding variables and repeated measures test for weight gain trend. Statistical analyses were performed with the IBM SPSS package

Results: At birth and adolescence, the weight of offspring was significantly higher in the soy oil than the olive oil groups [P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively]. Adolescence weight was significantly higher in the offspring born to mothers fed with 16% oil than those with 45% oil [P=0.001]. Serum glucose, triglyceride and total cholesterol were significantly higher in the LSO than LOO [P<0.001, P<0.001 and P<0.001], LSO than HSO [P<0.001, P=0.03 and P<0.001], and LOO than HOO [P<0.001, P<0.001 and P<0.001] dietary groups, respectively. Serum triglyceride and total cholesterol were significantly higher in the offspring of HSO than HOO fed mothers [P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively]

Conclusion: A maternal diet containing EVOO has better effects on birth weight, as well as weight and serum biochemical parameters in offspring at adolescence

Association between nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase and de novo lipogenesis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective: Jh//s study explored the association between serum nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase [NAMPT] and hepatic de novo lipogenesis [DNL] in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] and determined whether or not this association is sex dependent

Subjects and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 62 consecutive patients [32 males, 30 females] with NAFLD were recruited. Serum NAMPT [by ELI-SA], palmitic acid, and the DNL index of erythrocyte membranes as markers of hepatic DNL [by gas chromatography] were analyzed

The controlled attenuation parameter [CAP] and body impedance analyzer were used to assess hepatic and body fat respectively. Univariate and multiple linear regressions [to adjust for confounders] were used to analyze the association of serum NAMPT with palmitic acid, DNL index, CAP, and body fat

Results: The respective values of serum NAMPT [2.44 +/- 1.03 vs. 2.45 +/-1.13 ng/mL,p = 0.98], DNL index [3.11 [2.60-3.71 ] vs. 3.05 [2.40-3.59],p = 0.90], and pal-mitic acid [20.55% [15.34-24.04] vs. 22.64% [21.15-25.95], p = 0.07] were not significantly different between men and women, but those of CAP [326 [300-340] vs. 300 [261.25-329], p = 0.002] and body fat [37.71 +/- 3.80 vs. 26.60 +/- 5.70, p < 0.001] were significantly higher in women. In women, serum NAMPT had a significant negative association with the DNL index [p = -0.56, p = 0.01]. The DNL index also hada significant negative association with body fat [P = -0.46, p = 0.02]

In men, the only significant association was the positive association between serum NAMPT and CAP [p = 0.35, p = 0.035]

Conclusion: Higher serum NAMPT in women was associated with a lower hepatic DNL index, while in men it was associated with higher hepatic fat and had no association with the DNL index. Therefore, the serum NAMPT level interpretation for NAFLD prognosis is probably sex dependent

effects of ginger on fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetic patients

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder, causes many complications such as micro- and macro-vascular diseases. Anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic and anti-oxidative properties of ginger have been noticed in several researches. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of ginger on fasting blood sugar, Hemoglobin A1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I, and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetic patients. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial, a total of 41 type 2 diabetic patients randomly were assigned to ginger or placebo groups [22 in ginger group and 19 in control group], received 2 g/day of ginger powder supplement or lactose as placebo for 12 weeks. The serum concentrations of fasting blood sugar, Hemoglobin A1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I and malondialdehyde were analyzed before and after the intervention. Ginger supplementation significantly reduced the levels of fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I and malondialdehyde in ginger group in comparison to baseline, as well as control group, while it increased the level of apolipoprotein A-I [p<0.05]. It seems that oral administration of ginger powder supplement can improves fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetic patients. So it may have a role in alleviating the risk of some chronic complications of diabetes

Comparison of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, serum inflammatory factors and total antioxidant capacity

Helicobacter pylori infection, the most common chronic bacterial infection in the world, and an important cause of gastrointestinal disorders, may be involved in the pathogenesis of some extra-gastrointestinal disturbances, as well as an increase in blood levels of certain inflammatory markers. Anti-bacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori and anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids have been studied in several research studies. The purpose of the present study was the comparison of the effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication, serum levels of some inflammatory markers and total antioxidant capacity. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 97 Helicobacter pylori positive patients [64 patients in the two intervention groups and 33 in the control group], received 2 grams daily of Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid or Medium Chain Triglyceride oil as placebo, along with conventional tetra-drug Helicobacter pylori eradication regimen, for 12 weeks. Helicobacter pylori eradication test and measurement of concentration of interleukine-6, interleukine-8, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and total antioxidant capacity were performed after the intervention. There was no significant difference in eradication rate of the infection, levels of interleukine-6 and total antioxidant capacity among the three groups, while the levels of interleukine-8 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were statistically different. Eicosapentaenoic Acid or Docosahexaenoic Acid supplementation had no significant differential impact on the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, and serum levels of interleukine-6 and total antioxidant capacity. However, it had a desirable effect on the levels of interleukine-8 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in Helicobacter pylori positive patients

impact of training on women's capabilities in modifying their obesity- related dietary behaviors: applying family-centered empowerment model

Dietary behaviors affect obesity; therefore, it seems necessary to conduct inter-ventions to modify behavioral patterns leading to weight-gain in the family. Our goal was to de-termine the impact of training on women's capabilities in modifying their obesity-related dietary behaviors in Urmia, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran: applying family-centered empowerment model. A quasi-experimental study with Pretest-Posttest design was conducted on 90 over-weight/obese women in 2012 in two Health Centers of Urmia. Convenience sampling was done and the participants were randomly assigned to two 'test' and 'control' groups. Data collection was done by completing the demographic data questionnaire, the empowerment tool and dietary behavior checklist. The intervention was conducted in the form of 6 educational classes held for the 'test' group. After two months, posttest was performed by completing the forms once again. Data were analyzed with descriptive tests, t-tests, Chi2 and Fisher's test. The dietary behavior scores of the intervention group had risen from 7.4 +/- 2.11 to 9.95 +/- 2.41 [P<0.001], and the good dietary behaviors had risen from 21.4% to 61.9% [P=0.002]. The 'good' capability level of this group had risen from 23.8% to 97.61% [P<0.001], and their mean capability score had risen from 54.61 +/- 7.34 to 70.26 +/- 6.04 [P<0.001]. However, the changes were not significant in the control group. The educational intervention performed whit applying family-centered empowerment model in this study was proven effective in women. Hence it is advised to consider it in behavior changing interventions to promote the health of the family and community.

effect of sumac rhuscoriaria L. powder on serum glycemic status, ApoB, ApoA-I and total antioxidant capacity in type 2 diabetic patients

Sumac Rhuscoriaria L. is used as an herbal remedy in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sumac [R. coriaria] on serum glycemic status, apolipoprotein [apo] B, apoA-I and total antioxidant capacity [TAC] in type 2 diabetic patients. This double blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 41type 2 diabetic volunteers randomly assigned into 3g/day sumac powder [n=22] or placebo [n=19] groups over 3 months. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention. Serum glucose and HbA1c were measured using enzymatic and turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay methods, respectively. ApoB, apoA-I and TAC were determined using turbidimetric immunoassay and spectrophotometric methods, respectively. There were significant decreases in serum glucose and HbA1c and als oapoB levels at the end of study compared with initial values [P< 0.0001, P= 0.002 and P< 0.0001, respectively]. Also, there was a significant difference in HbA1c and TAC levels between placebo and sumac groups at the end of study [P< 0.05]. In sumac group, there were significant increase in apoA-I and TAC [P< 0.0001] compared with initial values. The mean of differences of serum glucose, HbA1c, apoB, apoA-I, apoB/apoA-I ratio and TAC between groups were significant [P< 0.05]. In conclusion, these results showed the favorite effect of sumac consumption on serum glycemic status, apoB, apoA-I and TAC levels in in type 2 diabetic patients

Major dietary patterns and related factors among workers of oil terminal company in Kharg island, Iran

This study was conducted to identify the dietary patterns among workers of Oil Terminals Company and to assess their association with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. The sample size [392] was estimated by considering minimum correlation [r=0.2] between variables. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of workers selected by a stratified random-sampling method [all offices of the company]. The head of company provided a list of workers, and the proportion of each center was specified via ni=ki/N × n [ni=number of participants from each center, ki=number of each center workers, N=number company workers, n= sample size [392]].Dietary pattern was identified by valid food frequency questionnaire containing 168 food items with specific serving size consumed by Iranians. Major dietary patterns analyzed by factor analysis. General characteristics across tertiles were compared by ANOVA and chi-square tests were used where appropriate. In addition, we used multivariate logestic regression tests to assess the relationship between demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle variables and the adherence to the dietary patterns. Two major dietary patterns were extracted: "Healthy pattern" characterized by high consumption of fruits, fish, yellow vegetables, potato, garlic, whole cereals, yogurt drink, and salt. The second one named "unhealthy pattern" characterized by high consumption of soft drinks, sugar, mayonnaise, sweets, eggs, butter, and processed meat, high- fat dairy products, organ meat, French fries, refined cereals, snacks and artificial juice. Work hours were positively correlated [b=0.14; p<0.01] and being single [b=-0.4, p<0.05] and full time work in comparison with part-time work [b=-0.5, p<0.01] was negatively correlated with healthy dietary pattern, whereas age [b=-0.3, p<0.05], dieting [b=-0.4, p<0.01] and history of hyperlipidemia had negative correlation [b=-0.41, p<0.01] with unhealthy dietary pattern. Our findings show the association between socio-demographic, lifestyle factors and dietary patterns of the workers

Relation between body iron status and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with cardiovascular disease

There is conflicting evidence regarding the relationship between iron stores and cardiovascular disease [CVD]. The present study aimed to investigate the association between body iron indices and some cardiovascular risk factors. In a case-control study conducted in the south of Shiraz, Iran, we determined ferritin, iron, total iron binding capacity [TIBC], metabolic risk factors, C reactive protein [CRP], and anthropometric measurements in 100 men aged 45 years and higher with newly diagnosed CVD and 100 adjusted controls without evidence for CVD. The mean of low density lipoprotein [LDL c], CRP, and ferritin concentrations were significantly higher in cases than controls, and high density lipoprotein [HDL c] was significantly lower in cases than controls. Pearson correlation coefficient between CRP and the other risk factors in case group showed that only ferritin, serum iron, waist circumference, and LDL c significantly correlated with CRP [r = 0.32 with P < 0.001, r = 0.29 with P < 0.05, r = 0.41 with P < 0.01, and r = 0.36 with P < 0.001, respectively]. This study indicated an association between a positive balance of body iron and CVD. Hence, caution should be exercised in administration of iron supplements to patients with CVD and in consumption of food rich in iron by them

[ effects of docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] on helicobacter pylori eradication, some serum inflammatory factors and total antioxidant capacity]

As regard to high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and complications of it's persistence, as well as anti-bacterial activity against of Helicobacter pylori and anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation with Docosahexaenoic Acid [DHA] on the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, some serum inflammatory markers and total antioxidant capacity. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 66 H. pylori positive patients [33 in the intervention group and 33 in the control group], along with tetradrugs H. pylori eradication regimen, randomly received daily two grams morDHA supplement or Medium Chain Triglyceride [MCT] oil as placebo for 12 weeks. Dietary intake data was collected by 24 hour food recall and analyzed by Nutritionist IV software. Sampling from fasting blood and measuring weight, height, body mass index [BMI] and level of physical activity were done at the first and the end of the study. As well as, eradication test of the infection was performed for all patients at the end of the intervention. Eradication rate of the infection, the level of interleukin-6 [IL-6], high sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] and total antioxidant capacity [TAC] didn't have significant difference between two groups at the end of the study [P>0.05], while the level of interleukin-8 [IL-8] was different between two groups [P=0.008]. Difference of the concentration between the beginning and the end of the study was not significant in any factors between two groups [P>0.05]. Intake of morDHA supplement didn't have significant effect on the eradication of H. pylori, serum levels of IL-6, hs-CRP and TAC, while it was effective on the level of IL-8.

[Effect of royal jelly intake on serum glucose, HbA1c, and total antioxidant capacity [TAC] in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized, double blind clinical trial study]

Type 2 diabetes melitus [DM] is highly prevalent worldwide. Evidence supports a role for royal jelly in reduction of serum glucose and lipids. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of royal jelly intake on serum glucose, HbA1c, and Total Antioxidant Capacity [TAC] in type 2 diabetic patients. Fifty patients with type 2 DM participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-weeks study. The patients with type 2 DM were divided randomly into placebo and royal jelly groups of 25 each. Both groups received the treatment for 8 weeks. In royal jelly group participants received three 1000 mg royal jelly capsules daily and placebo group received three 1000 mg placebo capsules daily. Blood samples were taken after 12 hours of fasting at the beginning and the end of the study. Serum glucose, HbA1c, and TAC were evaluated. Forty six participants completed the study. Royal jelly intake reduced FBS levels [p=0.006] and increased TAC [p=0.016] significantly after 8 weeks compared with placebo. Royal jelly did not affect serum HbA1c levels. This study shows that royal jelly has some benefits in type 2 diabetic patients

effects of berberis vulgaris fruit extract on serum lipoproteins, apob, apoa-i, homocysteine, glycemic control and total antioxidant capacity in type 2 diabetic patients

Type 2 diabetes is a well-known endocrine and metabolic disorder which has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and represents a serious public health concern. Hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia are two major abnormalities which are major cardiovascular risk factors. Berberine is a major alkaloid in Berberis vulgaris fruit extract [BVFE] which have important role in regulation of serum glucose and fat metabolism in-vivo and in-vitro but its role in type 2 diabetes have not been extensively examined. The aim of this study was the effect of BVFE on serum lipoproteins, apoB, apoA-I, homocysteine, glycemic control and total antioxidant capacity in type 2 diabetic patients. In a double-blind randomised clinical trial, 31 diabetic patients were randomly assigned to 3 g/d BVFE or placebo for 3 months. Serum glucose, lipoproteins, apoB, apoA-I, insulin, homocysteine and HbA1c were measured at the baseline and also at the end of the 3[rd] month. At the beginning and end of 1[st], 2[nd] and 3[rd] months, a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire about each patients was completed. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16. There were significant decreases in serum TG, TC, LDL-c, apo B, glucose, and insulin and also a significant increase in TAC at the end of the study in BVFE group compared to the control group [p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.01 and p = 0.0001 respectively]. There were significant differences in serum TG [p = 0.0001], TC [p = 0.001], LDL-c [p = 0.001], apoB [p = 0.001], glucose [p = 0.002], insulin [p = 0.01], TAC [p = 0.005], and insulin resistance [p = 0.01] between the two groups at the end of the study; but homocysteine, HbA[1c] and HDL-c showed no significant changes between the two groups at the end of study. The intake of 3 g/d BVFE for 3 months may have benefical effects on lipoproteins, apoproteins, glycemic control and TAC in type 2 diabetic patients

Effects of cinnamon consumption on glycemic status, lipid profile and body composition in typeÿ2 diabetic patients

Type 2 diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide. Traditional herbs and spices can be used to control blood glucose concentrations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the daily intake of three grams cinnamon over eight weeks on glycemic status, lipid profiles and body composition in type 2 diabetic patients. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted on 44 patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants were randomly assigned to take either a three g/day cinnamon supplement [n=22] or a placebo [n=22] for eight weeks. Weight, height, body fat mass and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured at baseline and after intervention. The fasting blood glucose, insulin, HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL C, HDL C, Apo lipoprotein A I and B were measured at baseline and endpoint. From 44 subjects participated in this study 37 completed the study. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, dietary intake and physical activity between groups. In the treatment group, the levels of fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, triglyceride, weight, BMI and body fat mass decreased significantly compared to baseline, but not in placebo group. No significant differences were observed in glycemic status indicators, lipid profile and anthropometric indicators between the groups at the end of intervention. These data suggest that cinnamon may have a moderate effect in improving glycemic status indicators

[Relationship of dietary intake and metabolic factors in chronic spinal cord injury [2010-2011]]

Studies have shown that patients with Spinal Cord Injury [SCI] are susceptible to various diseases including dislipidemia and Cardiovascular Disease [CVD]. In this study for the first time, we evaluated the relationship between dietary intake and metabolic variables of 162 patients. This cross sectional study was done in Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All of the consumed food items and the variables were measured. Independent-sample t-test was used for comparison of dietary intake and serum profile. Multiple regression analysis was used to estimate predicting variables of serum variables. Men as compared to women had higher triglycerides [TG] levels and lower HDL-C levels [p<0.05]. Patients with paraplegia compared to those with tetraplegia had significantly higher total cholesterol and LDL-C levels [p<0.001]. In regard to serum profile, there is a positive correlation between LDL-C levels and age [p<0.05]. Dietary intake of saturated fat showed positive correlation with FBS [p<0.05]. Moreover, there is a significant negative correlation between LDL-C levels and dietary intake of PUFA [p<0.05]. Body Mass Intake [BMI], cholesterol intake and level of trauma were positive predictors for serum cholesterol. Waist circumference, level of injury and cholesterol intake were positive predictors for serum LDL. Moreover, PUFA intake and education level were negative predictor for serum LDL. Despite low intake of saturated fat and cholesterol in older participants, serum LDL level was high. Male group had higher levels of TG. So, attention to dietary intake of patients with SCI and encouraging healthy dietary habits may have important effects on their health

[Effects of hazelnut consumption on fasting blood sugar, total antioxidant capacity, hs-CRP and paraoxonase-1 activity in patients with type 2 diabetes]

Diabetes is associated with increased inflammatory biomarkers and decreased paraoxonase-1 activity and total antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hazelnut on hs-CRP, total antioxidant capacity and paraoxonase-1 activity in type 2 diabetes. In an 8-week randomized clinical trial, 50 patients were assigned to either the control or intervention groups. Hazelnuts replaced 10% of total daily calorie intake in the intervention group. Blood samples were obtained at the start and at the end of week 8. Dietary data were obtained using 24-dietary recall and were analyzed by Nutritionist IV software. All data were analyzed by SPSS version 15. Compared with baseline, total antioxidant capacity decreased in both groups, but at the end of the study, there were no statistical differences between two groups. Also, no differences were observed in Fasting blood sugar [FBS], paraoxonase-1 activity and hs-CRP levels. Hazelnuts consumption had no effect on FBS, hs-CRP, total antioxidant capacity and paraoxonase-1 activity in type 2 diabetic patients

Plasma total antioxidant capacity and its related factors in Iranian pregnant women

To determine the plasma total antioxidant capacity [TAC] and its related factors in pregnant Iranian women attending maternity clinics. In a cross-sectional study carried out in Naghavi Maternity Clinic, Shaheed Beheshti Specialty and Subspecialty Polyclinic and 10 antenatal centers, affiliated to Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran, we determined the plasma TAC and its related factors including maternal age, weight, and body mass index [BMI] at the beginning, thirteenth, and twenty-first to twenty-fourth weeks of pregnancy, and gestational age at the twenty-first to twenty-fourth weeks of pregnancy in 137 primigravid pregnant women, 18-30 years old from October 2010 to March 2011. We used multiple linear regression to assess the relationship between TAC and its related factors. Plasma TAC in the twenty-first to twenty-fourth weeks of pregnancy was 0.75 +/- 0.11 mmol/l. The BMI at the beginning was 25.06 +/- 4, 25.72 +/- 4.13 at the thirteenth, and 26.95 +/- 4.19 kg/m[2] at the twenty-first to twenty-fourth weeks of pregnancy. Multiple regression analysis showed that gestational age was inversely associated with the plasma TAC [beta: -0.234, p=0.007]. Regression analysis also suggested a trend toward significant association between maternal age and plasma TAC [beta: 0.150, p=0.080], but there was no association between other variables and plasma TAC. Gestational age was inversely correlated with plasma TAC and maternal age had a trend toward significant association with TAC in 18-30 year-old Iranian pregnant women in their sixth month of pregnancy

[Anthropometric indices, fat-free mass index and their relationship with pulmonary function in COPD patients]

Loss of body weight and depletion of muscle mass are common nutritional problems in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD] patients. They are associated with increase disability, reduction of respiratory and skeletal muscle mass and strength, and these exert destructive effects on pulmonary function and quality of life in COPD patients. The aim of the current study was to assess the anthropometric indices and Fat-Free Mass Index and their relationship with pulmonary function in COPD patients in Hazrat Rasool Akram hospital in Tehran. This cross sectional study comprised 63 stable COPD patients, with a mean age [SD] of 67.6 [9.4] years in disease stages 2 to 4. In this study, assessment of anthropometric indices included BMI [Body Mass Index], TSF [Triceps Skinfold Thickness], MAMC [Mid Arm Muscle Circumference] and FFMI [Fat-Free Mass Index] analyzed by bioelectric impedance categorized by percentiles according to the severity of disease. Also spirometry for measuring FEV1, FVC, FEV1/ FVC, VC was performed on all participating COPD patients. Fisher's Exact Test was used for assessing relation between anthropometric indices and FFMI with stages of disease. Assessment of relationship between anthropometric indices, FFMI and respiratory factors was performed using Pearson's Correlation Coefficient test. SPSS V.12 was used for data analysis. Reduction of weight, depletion of fat mass and fat-free mass was observed in different disease stages. Reduction of body mass index, and depletion of muscle mass showed a significant increase as the disease progressed, MAMC [P=0/02] and BMI [P=0/04]. After assessing relationship between anthropometric indices and FFMI with respiratory factors, results showed significant relationship between BMI [P=0.02, r = 0.2] and MAMC [P=0.03, r = 0.2] with FEV1. Reduction of weight, depletion of muscle and fat mass were observed in many patients along with an increase in the severity of the disease. In regard to these results, measurement of anthropometric indices in addition to BMI in routine evaluation of COPD patients, provide more information about nutritional abnormalities and alterations in body composition usually occurs in COPD patients

[Effect of apple consumption on lipid profile and oxidative stress indices among hyperlipidemic men]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of apple consumption on lipid profile and oxidative stress indices among hyperlipidemic men. We performed an experimental study on 46 hyperlipidemic men [Total Cholesterol [TC]=200-240 mg/dl, Triglyceride[TG]=150-350mg/dl] aged 30-50 years who were randomly divided into two [apple and control] groups. The apple group [23 subjects] received 300 gr of whole apple per day [Golden delicious] for 8 weeks. Control group [23 subjects] had the regular dietary pattern for the same period of time. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after intervention [after 8 weeks] and analyzed for serum TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and plasma oxidative stress indices of Malondialdehyde [MDA] and Total Antioxidant Capacity [TAC] level. Before study, education level and family size were compared in both the groups. Before and after intervention, physical activity and dietary intake were compared between the two groups. Both total polyphenol and total fiber in the consumed apples were measured. Total polyphenol and total fiber were 485 mg/kg fresh apple and 4.03 gr/100 gr fresh apple, respectively. Chi square and t-tests with SPSS V.16 were used for data analysis. After 8 weeks, mean different TG concentrations increased significantly in apple group as compared to control group; however, no significant differences were observed in regards to TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, MDA and TAC level between the two groups. Consumption of Golden delicious apple may increase serum TG concentration in hyperlipidemic men. However, we need more studies to study the effect of Golden delicious apple on serum TC, LDL-C, HDL-C concentrations and plasma MDA and TAC indices