Association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with the different types of dietary carbohydrates: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Many factors like sedentary lifestyle, metabolic syndrome, and obesity are involved in the increased prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Dietary consumption of carbohydrates may has a role in the risk of NAFLD. This study aimed to investigate the association of NAFLD with the different types of dietary carbohydrates. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 4200 participants including 660 patients with NAFLD and 3540 helathy individuals without NAFLD ages 35 to 70 in sabzevar, Iran. Data on socio-deomgraphic status, anthropomrtric measurments, blood tests, and dietary intake of different types of dietary carbohydrates was collected. Results: The patients with NAFLD had a significantly higher dietary intake of glucose (29.38 ± 18.29 vs. 27.42 ± 15.96 g/d, P = 0.01) and fructose (33.99 ± 20.19 vs. 31.95 ± 18.34 g/d, P = 0.01) compared to the healthy people. A positive association was observed between NAFLD with the total intake of carbohydrates after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI (OR: 1.001, CI 95%: 1-1.002, P = 0.04) The association remained significant after further adjustments for for education level, marital status, physical activity, smoking, and drinking alcohol (Model 2) and after additional adjustments for calorie intake (Model 3). Conclusions: This study showed a positive association between total dietary carbohydrate and NAFLD. In particular, the amount of dietary of carbohydrates (regardless of the type of carbohydrate) may worsen NAFLD. Further longitudinal studies are warranted.

Impact of Curcumin Supplementation on Radiation Dermatitis Severity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a common side effect of radiotherapy in most breast cancer patients. Curcumin has recently attracted more attention for managing the side effects of breast cancer treatments. This review study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin on the severity of radiation dermatitis in patients with breast cancer.   Methods: All eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected by searching PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The effect size was expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Study heterogeneity was assessed through Q statistics and I-squared. RESULTS: Four RCTs with 882 patients were included in the final analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that curcumin supplementation significantly reduced radiation dermatitis severity (RDS) score in the intervention group compared to the control group (WMD=-0.50; 95% CI -0.72 to -0.27, P <0.001). A significant heterogeneity was observed between the studies (I2 = 95.7%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, curcumin has significant effects in reducing the severity of radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Further well-designed longitudinal studies are recommended to confirm these results and to discover the underlying mechanisms of the effects of curcumin on the severity of radiation dermatitis in patients with cancer.

The effect of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between colorectal cancer and dietary fiber.

Background: Gene polymorphisms may explain the controversy on the association between colorectal cancer (CRC) and dietary fibers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between colorectal cancer and dietary fiber. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 160 CRC cases and 320 healthy controls in Tehran, Iran. The participants' food intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The frequency of rs9939609 FTO polymorphism in the case and control groups was determined using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation (tetra-ARMS) method. Results: In the participants with the TT genotype of the FTO rs9939609, the cases had higher BMI and lower intake of dietary fiber compared to the controls (P = 0.01). Among A allele carriers of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism, the cases had higher BMI (P = 0.04) and lower intake of total fiber (P = 0.02) and soluble fiber (P = 0.02). An inverse association was found between CRC and dietary fiber intake among those with the AA/AT FTO rs9939609 genotype after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, BMI, and calorie intake (OR = 0.9, CI 95%:0.84-0.92, P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study found a link between higher dietary fiber consumption and a lower risk of CRC in A-allele carriers of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism. Future studies are needed to identify the underlying mechanisms of the association between CRC and dietary fibers in people with different FTO genotypes.

Association between dietary intake of fatty acids and colorectal cancer, a case-control study.

Background: The association of dietary fat and colorectal cancer (CRC) was frequently reported. However, few studies assessed the effects of different types of dietary fats on CRC. This study aimed to investigate the association between intakes of different types of dietary fatty acids with colorectal cancer risk. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 480 participants including 160 CRC cases and 320 healthy controls in Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The intake of dietary fatty acids of the participants was assessed using a semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results: The mean intake of cholesterol (273.07 ± 53.63 vs. 254.17 ± 61.12, P = 0.001), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (16.54 ± 4.20 vs. 15.41 ± 4.44, P = 0.012), and calorie (2,568.76 ± 404.48 vs. 2,493.38 ± 176.03, P = 0.006) was higher and the mean intake of oleic acid (5.59 ± 3.17 vs. 8.21 ± 5.46) and linoleic acid (6.03 ± 3.44 vs. 7.02 ± 4.08, P = 0.01) was lower in the case group compared to the control group. An inverse association was found between colorectal cancer (CRC) and dietary intake of oleic acid (OR: 0.85, CI 95% 0.80-0.90, P = 0.001), linoleic acid (OR: 0.85, CI 95% 0.78-0.93, P = 0.001), and α-linolenic acid (OR: 0.75, CI 95% 0.57-0.98, P = 0.04). The association remained significant after adjusting for age and sex, sleep, smoking, and alcohol consumption, and BMI. Conclusions: The results of this study support a protective effect of oleic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid against CRC. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these results.

Relationship between breast cancer and dietary inflammatory index; a case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women around the world. The relationship between the inflammatory potential of diet and breast cancer has been studied extensively, but results remain inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and odds of breast cancer. METHODS: This case-control study includes 180 women with breast cancer and 360 healthy women randomly selected from those referred to Shohadaye Tajrish hospital in Tehran, Iran. The DII scores were computed based on a 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) assessed based on dietary intake. After adjusting the potential confounders, logistic regression models were used to estimate multivariable odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: The positive association was found between DII and breast cancer risk. A higher level of DII was associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer after being adjusted for age (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.01-4.46, P = 0.04). Additional adjustments for BMI, alcohol consumption, smoking, pregnancy number, abortion number, breastfeeding duration, menopause age, and total calorie intake did not change the results (OR: 5.02, 95% CI: 1.43-17.58, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Following a pro-inflammatory diet was associated with an increased risk of BC. Further longitudinal studies are warranted.

The association among calorie, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake with colorectal cancer: A case-control study.

The risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be influenced by dietary components. This study aims to investigate the association between dietary intake and CRC in Iranian adults. This hospital-based case-control study was performed on 160 patients with CRC and 320 healthy people. General and pathological data were collected through face-to-face interviews. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the intake of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients. The case group had a significantly higher intake of calories, carbohydrates, vitamin A, vitamin K, fluoride, and molybdenum and a lower intake of vitamin E, vitamin B1, beta carotene, biotin, folate, magnesium, selenium, manganese, and fiber (all p < .001). CRC was positively associated with the intake of carbohydrate (OR: 1.01, CI% 1.03-1.01, p = .001), and vitamin A (OR: 1.009, CI 95% 1.006-1.01, p = .001) and negatively associated with intake of fiber (OR: 0.67, CI 95% 0.59-0.76, p = .001), beta carotene (OR: 0.99, CI 95% 0.99-0.99, p = .001), vitamin E (OR: 0.27, CI 95% 0.15-0.47, p = .001), folate (OR: 0.98 CI 95% 0.97-0.98, p = .001), and biotin (OR: 0.83, CI 95% 0.77-0.90, p = .001). The associations remained significant after adjusting for age and sex. Further adjustments for physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking did not change the results. The results identified that the risk of colorectal cancer can be influenced by dietary intake. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms of the effects of dietary components on the risk of colorectal cancer.

The effects of dietary fiber on common complications in critically ill patients; with a special focus on viral infections; a systematic reveiw.

BACKGROUND: Viral infections are mostly highly contagious and may cause widespread health problems. Some studies reported that the dietary fiber (DF) may be effective in reducing the complications of viral infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The present review study aimed to investigate the effect of DF on common complications in critically ill patients with viral infections. METHODS: A literature review was conducted for the published papers in English from January 2001 to July 2021 using related keywords. Studies with clinical trial or case-control design described the effects of fiber intake on the complications of viral infections in patients admitted to the ICU were collected. RESULTS: DF may reduce the mortality rate of viral infections through modulating inflammatory processes. A higher intake of DF intake may improve hyperglycemia and impaired glucose tolerance in patients with viral infections. A high-fiber formula in enteral nutrition was reported to reduce the risk of diarrhea in patients with viral infections. CONCLUSION: DF may reduce the complications of viral infections such as inflammation, diarrhea, hyperglycemia, and mortality in critically ill patients. Future longitudinal studies on the amount and type of DF are warranted.

Comparison of the Index of Nutritional Quality in Breast Cancer Patients With Healthy Women.

Background: The index of nutritional quality (INQ) is derived from the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and is a method of quantitative and qualitative analysis of diet. This study aimed to compare the INQ for different dietary components between breast cancer (BC) patients and healthy control. Methods: This case-control study was performed on 180 women with BC and 360 healthy women. Data on general characteristics, medical history, anthropometric indices, physical activity, alcohol consumption, reproductive history, smoking, and dietary intake were collected. A valid FFQ was used to assess the intake of nutrients and the INQ was calculated based on the daily intake of the nutrients. Results: There was a significant association between BC and INQ of vitamin A (OR = 0.07, 0.01-0.29), vitamin E (OR = 0.43, 0.20-0.93), vitamin B6 (OR = 0.003, 0.000-0.021), riboflavin (OR = 0.25, 0.11-0.59), vitamin K (OR = 0.58, 0.37-0.90), biotin (OR = 0.07, 0.02-0.26), vitamin B12 (OR = 0.32, 0.18-0.56), vitamin C (OR = 0.72, 0.55-0.95), zinc (OR = 0.020, 0.005-0.083), calcium (OR = 0.14, 0.04-0.54) and magnesium (OR = 0.003, 0.000-0.024). Further adjustment for BMI disappeared the association between INQ of vitamin C and BC. The results did not change after further adjustments for waist circumstance and total calorie intake. Conclusion: A significant association was observed between BC and the INQ of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B6, riboflavin, vitamin K, biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin C, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. The INQ can be used as an indicator in assessing clinical nutrition-related problems. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these results.

Effects of quercetin on spatial memory, hippocampal antioxidant defense and BDNF concentration in a rat model of Parkinson's disease: An electrophysiological study.

OBJECTIVE: Quercetin is one of the most popular flavonoid with protective effects against neural damages in Parkinson's disease (PD). We assessed the effect of quercetin administration on memory and motor function, hippocampal oxidative stress and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in a 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson's rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The animals were divided into the following five groups (n=8): control, sham-surgery (sham), lesion (PD), and lesion animals treated with quercetin at doses of 10 (Q10) and 25 (Q25) mg/kg. For induction of a model of PD, 6-OHDA was injected into the striatum of rats. The effects of quercetin were investigated on spatial memory, hippocampal BDNF and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Spatial memory was assessed by Morris water maze test, and the neuronal firing frequency in hippocampal dentate gyrus (HDG) was evaluated by single-unit recordings. RESULTS: Mean path length and latency time, rotational behavior and hippocampal MDA concentration were significantly increased, while time spent in the goal quadrant, swimming speed, spike rate, and hippocampal levels of TAC and BDNF were significantly decreased in the PD group compared to the sham group (p<0.01 to p<0.001). Quercetin treatment significantly enhanced time spent in goal quadrant (p<0.05), swimming speed (p<0.001) and spike rate (p<0.01), improved hippocampal TAC (p<0.05 to p<0.001) and BDNF (p<0.01 to p<0.001) level, and decreased mean path length (p<0.001), latency time (p<0.05 to p<0.001), rotational behavior and hippocampal MDA concentration (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The cognitive-enhancing effect of quercetin might be due to its antioxidant effects in the hippocampus.

The effects of magnesium supplementation on serum level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and depression status in patients with depression.

OBJECTIVE: Recent researches suggest that there is a relationship between the pathogenesis of depression and serum Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels. Therefore, the purpose of this clinical trial was to determine effect of magnesium supplementation on serum Level of BDNF, magnesium and depression status in patients with depression. METHODS: A double blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 46 depressed subjects. The participants were randomly allocated into the magnesium (MG) and the placebo (PG) group and received 500 mg magnesium and placebo daily for 8 weeks. Beck's test was conducted and blood samples were taken at baseline and after the intervention period for analysis of serum magnesium and BDNF. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in assessed variables between the two groups at the baseline. At the end of intervention, supplementation with magnesium oxide had a significant effect on Beck's test (P = 0.01) and serum magnesium (P = 0.001), but had no significant effect on BDNF levels (P = 0.507) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Daily intake of 500 mg magnesium oxide for at least 8 weeks improved Beck's test score and serum magnesium in depressed patients, but had no significant effect on BDNF levels between the two groups, Which Further research is recommended.