Association between ischemic heart disease and dietary intake of lycopene: a case-control study.

Aim: The effect of dietary lycopene on ischemic heart disease (IHD) is not clear. Hence, this study aimed to determine the association between dietary lycopene and IHD. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 443 patients with physician confirmed diagnosis of IHD as the case group and 443 healthy individuals as the control group. Data on demographic, medical history, anthropometric, and physical activity of the participants were collected. Food intake was evaluated using a 237-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The dietary intake of lycopene was assessed using Nutritionist IV software. Results: A negative association was found between IHD and lycopene (OR: 0.98, CI 95%: 0.963-0.996, p = 0.02). The results remained significant after adjustment for age and sex, additional adjustment for dietary intake of calorie and fat, further adjustments for BMI, and additional adjustment for smoking, drinking alcohol, and physical activity. The risk of IHD in people with the highest quartile of dietary intake of lycopene was significantly lower than those with the lowest quartile (OR = 0.67, CI 95%: 0.46-0.97, p = 0.036). Conclusion: There was a significant inverse relationship between intake of lycopene and IHD. Further prospective studies in different populations are required to elucidate the roles of lycopene against IHD.

Interactions of Colorectal Cancer, Dietary Fats, and Polymorphisms of Arachidonate Lipoxygenase and Cyclooxygenase Genes: A Literature Review.

Objective: Genetics and dietary factors play important roles in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the underlying mechanisms of the interactions between CRC, gene polymorphisms, and dietary fat are unclear. This review study investigated the effects of polymorphisms of arachidonate lipoxygenase (ALOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX) genes in the association between CRC and dietary fat. Methods: All the related papers published from 2000 to 2022 were collected from different databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Cochran using related keywords such as colorectal cancer, ALOX, COX, polymorphism, and dietary fat. Non-English and unrelated documents were excluded. Results: Some single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ALOX and COX genes, such as rs2228065, rs6413416, and rs4986832 in the ALOX gene, and rs689465 in the COX gene may play significant roles in the association between the risk of CRC and dietary fats. SNPs of ALOX and COX genes may influence the effects of dietary fatty acids on the risk of CRC. Conclusion: Some polymorphisms of the ALOX and COX genes may have important roles in the effects of dietary fat on the risk of CRC. If future studies confirm these results, dietary recommendations for preventing colorectal cancer may be personalized based on the genotype of the ALOX and COX genes.

The impact of dietary habits and metabolic risk factors on cardiovascular and diabetes mortality in countries of the Middle East and North Africa in 2010: a comparative risk assessment analysis.

OBJECTIVE/DESIGN: We conducted a comparative risk assessment analysis to estimate the cardiometabolic disease (CMD) mortality attributable to 11 dietary and 4 metabolic risk factors in 20 countries of the Middle East by age, sex and time. The national exposure distributions were obtained from a systematic search of multiple databases. Missing exposure data were estimated using a multilevel Bayesian hierarchical model. The aetiological effect of each risk factor on disease-specific mortality was obtained from clinical trials and observational studies. The number of disease-specific deaths was obtained from the 2010 Global Burden of Disease mortality database. Mortality due to each risk factor was determined using the population attributable fraction and total number of disease-specific deaths. SETTING/POPULATION: Adult population in the Middle East by age, sex, country and time. RESULTS: Suboptimal diet was the leading risk factor for CMD mortality in 11 countries accounting for 48% (in Morocco) to 72% (in the United Arab Emirates) of CMD deaths. Non-optimal systolic blood pressure was the leading risk factor for CMD deaths in eight countries causing 45% (in Bahrain) to 68% (in Libya) of CMD deaths. Non-optimal body mass index and fasting plasma glucose were the third and fourth leading risk factors for CMD mortality in most countries. Among individual dietary factors, low intake of fruits accounted for 8% (in Jordan) to 21% (in Palestine) of CMD deaths and low intake of whole grains was responsible for 7% (in Palestine) to 22% (in the United Arab Emirates) of CMD deaths. Between 1990 and 2010, the CMD mortality attributable to most risk factors had decreased except for body mass index and trans-fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight key similarities and differences in the impact of the dietary and metabolic risk factors on CMD mortality in the countries of the Middle East and inform priorities for policy measures to prevent CMD.

Dietary patterns and breast cancer risk among women.

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide. Several studies have examined the role of single nutrients and food groups in breast cancer pathogenesis but fewer investigations have addressed the role of dietary patterns. Our main objective was to identify the relationship between major dietary patterns and breast cancer risk among Iranian women. DESIGN: Hospital-based case-control study. SETTING: Shohada Teaching Hospital, Tehran, Iran. SUBJECTS: Overall, 100 female patients aged 30-65 years with breast cancer and 174 female hospital controls were included in the present study. Dietary intake was assessed using a valid and reliable semi-quantitative FFQ consisting of 168 food items. RESULTS: Two dietary patterns were identified explaining 24·31 % of dietary variation in the study population. The 'healthy' food pattern was characterized by the consumption of vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, legumes, olive and vegetable oils, fish, condiments, organ meat, poultry, pickles, soya and whole grains; while the 'unhealthy' food pattern was characterized by the consumption of soft drinks, sugars, tea and coffee, French fries and potato chips, salt, sweets and desserts, hydrogenated fats, nuts, industrial juice, refined grains, and red and processed meat. Compared with the lowest tertile, women in the highest tertile of the 'healthy' dietary pattern score had 75 % decreased risk of breast cancer (OR = 0·25, 95 % CI 0·08, 0·78), whereas women in the highest tertile of the 'unhealthy' dietary pattern had a significantly increased breast cancer risk (OR = 7·78, 95 % CI 2·31, 26·22). CONCLUSIONS: A healthy dietary pattern may be negatively associated with breast cancer risk, while an unhealthy dietary pattern is likely to increase the risk among Iranian women.

Is dairy intake associated to breast cancer? A case control study of Iranian women.

Current epidemiologic data lack consistent evidence for an association between consumption of dairy products and breast cancer risk. In this study we assessed the relationship between consumption of dairy products and the odds of breast cancer. This case-control study was conducted on 275 women (100 cases and 175 controls). Data regarding sociodemographic factors, medical history, medications, and anthropometric measurements were collected. Dietary data were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The odds [95% confidence interval (CI)] of breast cancer were estimated across quartile categories of energy-adjusted dairy intake using multiple logistic regression models with adjustment for confounders. We observed that higher consumption of total dairy intake was accompanied with reduced breast cancer risk [odds ratio (OR) = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.04-0.38]. A similar inverse association was also observed for higher intakes of low-fat and fermented dairy products (P for trend <0.05). Lower intake of high-fat dairy was associated with reduced odds of breast cancer, and no significant association was found between nonfermented dairy and breast cancer risk. Our study demonstrates the protective effects of high intakes of total dairy, low-fat and fermented dairy, as well as low intakes of high-fat dairy products against breast cancer risk and shows no association with nonfermented dairy.

Is household food insecurity associated with overweight/obesity in women?

BACKGROUND: Despite reports on association between overweight/obesity among women and household food insecurity (FI) in developed countries, such association is not evident in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the association between household FI and weight status in adult females in Tehran, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 418 households were selected through systematic cluster sampling from 6 districts of Tehran. Height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Socio-economic status of the household was assessed by a questionnaire. Three consecutive 24-hour diet recalls were completed. FI was measured using adapted Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Logistic regression was used to test the effects of SES and food security on weight status, simultaneously. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) potential causal relationships between FI and weight status was explored. RESULTS: Only 1.0% of women were underweight, while 40.3% were overweight and 33% were obese, respectively. Severe, moderate, and mild food insecurity was observed in 11.5, 14.7, and 17.8%, respectively. Among women in moderately food insecure households, the possibility of overweight was lower than those of food secure households (OR 0.41; CI95%:0.17-0.99), while in severely food insecure households, the risk of abdominal obesity for women was 2.82 times higher than food secures (CI95%:1.12-7.08) (P<0.05). SEM detected no causal relationship between FI and weight status. CONCLUSION: Association of severe food insecurity with abdominal obesity in adult females of households may indicate their vulnerability and the need for tailoring programs to prevent further health problems in this group.

Dietary phytochemical index and the risk of breast cancer: a case control study in a population of Iranian women.

In this study we assessed the dietary phytochemical index in relation to the risk of breast cancer in women. This case-control study was conducted on 100 incident breast cancer cases and 175 healthy controls. Data regarding socio-demographic factors, medical history, medications, and anthropometric measurements were collected. Dietary data were obtained using a validated food frequency questionnaire and a energy-adjusted dietary phytochemical index (PI) was calculated. The odds ratios of breast cancer were assessed across energy- adjusted PI quartile categories. The mean age of participants was 46.2±8.9 and 45.9±9.4 years in cases and controls, respectively. The mean PI across quartile categories was 13.9±2.6, 21.1±1.8, 26.7±2.1, 41.6±10.2 in the first, second, third and fourth quartiles, respectively. After adjustment for all potential confounders, the risk of breast cancer in the forth quartile of dietary PI was significantly decreased (OR=0.08, 95%CI=0.01-0.84). Higher intake of phytochemical-rich foods is associated with lower risk of breast cancer.

Validity of an adapted Household Food Insecurity Access Scale in urban households in Iran.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity of a locally adapted Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) in the measurement of household food insecurity (FI) in the city of Tehran. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Urban households were selected through a systematic cluster sampling method from six different districts of Tehran. The socio-economic status of households was evaluated using a questionnaire by means of interviews. An adapted HFIAS was used to measure FI. Content validity was assessed by an expert panel, and the questionnaire was then tested among ten households for clarity. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing the measure with a number of determinants and consequences of FI. Internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach's α and exploratory factor analysis. For repeatability, the questionnaire was administered twice to twenty-five households at an interval of 20 d and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated. SUBJECTS: A total of 416 households. RESULTS: In all, 11·8 %, 14·4 % and 17·5 % of the households were severely, moderately and mildly food insecure, respectively. Cronbach's α was 0·855. A significant correlation was observed between the two administrations of the questionnaire (r = 0·895, P < 0·001). Factor analysis of HFIAS items revealed two factors: the first five items as factor 1 (mild-to-moderate FI) and the last four as factor 2 (severe FI). Heads of food-secure households had higher education and higher job position compared with heads of food-insecure households (P < 0·001). Income and expenditure were lower in food-insecure households compared with food-secure households. CONCLUSIONS: Adapted HFIAS showed acceptable levels of internal consistency, criterion validity and reliability in assessing household FI among Tehranians.

Dietary assessment of hemodialysis patients in Tehran, Iran.

Inadequate dietary intakes are a major determinant of malnutrition in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Considering the lack of information available on dietary intakes of HD patients in Iran, the present study was designed to assess the dietary intakes of HD patients in Tehran, Iran. For this cross-sectional study, from among adult HD patients of 50 Tehran hemodialysis centers, 291 patients were randomly selected. Dietary intakes of these patients were assessed using a 4-day dietary recall. In addition, 4 mL of blood was obtained from each patient before dialysis to measure serum urea, creatinine, albumin, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and high sensitive C-reactive protein levels. Dietary intakes of energy, protein and fiber were lower than recommended intakes in 88%, 84.5%, and 99% of HD patients, respectively. There were significant associations between dietary energy intake with the patient's age (p < 0.05), and HD vintage (P < 0.001). In addition, a significant association was found between dietary protein intake and sex (P < 0.05). Intakes of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, E, folic acid, and of the minerals calcium and zinc (from both the diet and supplements) were lower than recommended intakes in 13.5%, 41.5%, 19%, 66%, 61%, 78%, 77%, 24%, 34%, and 98.5% of HD patients, respectively. Inadequate intakes of energy and various nutrients are prevalent in HD patients in Tehran, Iran, which may contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in these patients. Therefore, nutrition counseling and the administration of vitamin and mineral supplements are necessary in Iranian HD patients.

Is the adapted Radimer/Cornell questionnaire valid to measure food insecurity of urban households in Tehran, Iran?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity of the adapted Radimer/Cornell questionnaire to measure food insecurity in low-income urban households in Tehran, the capital of Iran. DESIGN: The Radimer/Cornell questionnaire was modified and used to assess the applicability, validity and reliability of such a measure in a culturally different context of urban households in Tehran. Factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha were used to assess validity and reliability, respectively. Socio-economic characteristics and food consumption frequency of the household were used to assess the criterion validity of the questionnaire. SETTING: District 20 of Tehran. SUBJECTS: A sample of 250 Iranian nuclear households with at least one child aged 1-18 years and a non-pregnant, non-lactating woman of reproductive age, selected through a multistage random sampling method. RESULTS: Three scales, labelled as household, individual and child hunger, were extracted through factor analysis using varimax rotation. Internal consistency of the scales was 0.897, 0.820 and 0.796, respectively. Individual insecurity and child hunger were inversely correlated with monthly per capita income, father's education, mother's education and father's occupational status, and positively correlated with household size, as expected. However, household insecurity did not follow the same pattern. Consumption frequency of fruits, vegetables, dairy, red meat and rice declined as food insecurity status worsened, while bread and potato consumption increased. CONCLUSION: The results show that a modified version of the Radimer/Cornell questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument to measure household food insecurity in a culturally different context. However, further modifications seem necessary to measure food insecurity at household level. Results lend support to the utility and applicability of experience-based measures in varying cultural communities.