High protein diets do not affect anthropometric indexes and cardiometabolic risk factors among children with excess weight: A randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Limited information exists regarding the effects of high protein (HP) diets on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among overweight and obese children. Our aim was to determine the effects of an HP diet on anthropometric indexes and CVD risk factors among overweight and obese children. Methods: In a parallel randomized controlled trial, we recruited 50 overweight and obese children, aged 6-11 years, for a 10 week HP or control diet (protein, carbohydrate, fat: 25%, 45%, 30% in the HP diet vs. 15%, 55%, 30% in the control diet, respectively). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) serum insulin levels, lipid profiles, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and anthropometric measurements were assessed using standard guidelines. Results: 86% of children completed the trial. Percent changes (PC) for anthropometric and biochemical variables were not significantly different between the two groups. The PC of serum triglyceride (TG) level was significantly decreased in the HP group compared to in the control group (PC: -10.16±4.30% vs.12.11±7.80%; P = 0.01) in the crude model, but not in the adjusted model. For other variables, we did not find any significant differences between the HP group and the controls. Conclusion: In the present study, we did not find any significant effect of adherence to an HP diet in improving anthropometric measurements or other CVD risk factors among obese and overweight children.

Effect of Low-Energy-Dense Diet Rich in Multiple Functional Foods on Weight-Loss Maintenance, Inflammation, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There are no investigations regarding the effects of consuming low-energy-dense diets rich in multiple functional foods on weight-loss maintenance, inflammatory markers, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors simultaneously. METHOD: This randomized controlled trial design was conducted on 90 men and women who were under a previous weight loss diet. Three months of intervention with recruitment at Allzahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, was done. Intervention was conducted following achieving 7-11 kg weight loss. Participants were encouraged to consumed these three: an isocaloric control diet (50% of energy from carbohydrate, 35% from fat, 15% from protein), a low-glycemic-index diet (LE) (60% from carbohydrate, 25% from fat, and 15% from protein), and a low-glycemic-index diet rich in multiple functional foods (LE + FF) (60% from carbohydrate, 25% from fat, and 15% from protein). Fasting blood glucose, serum insulin level, lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, adiponectin, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements were assessed using standard guidelines. RESULTS: The percent changes of weight, waist, and body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, malondialdehyde (MDA), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose (FBS) were substantially more decreased in the LE + FF group compared to the LE and control groups (p ≤ 0.03). Percent change of adiponectin among the LE + FF group was significantly more enhanced (7.29 ± 0.10) compared with the LE group (1.28 ± 0.20) (p = 0.001). Significantly more increment in the percent change of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (6.91 ± 0.10) was obtained among the LE + FF group compared to the LE group (1.79 ± 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides established evidence supporting the beneficial effects of a low-energy-dense diet rich in multiple functional foods diet on improving weight-loss maintenance, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Is Coffee and Green Tea Consumption Related to Serum Levels of Adiponectin and Leptin?

Coffee and green tea are two of most usual consumed beverages in the world which have several benefit components. Coffee and green tea have significantly inverse correlation with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Adiponectin and leptin are the adipokines mostly secreted from adipose tissue and play the important roles on the status of chronic diseases. In the present study, we aimed to review the evidence about relationship between these beverages and adiponectin and leptin levels. We searched in PubMed to January 2013 using several key words such as coffee, green tea, caffeine, leptin, adiponectin, and adipokines. Finally, most related articles were recruited in this regard. Several findings suggested the positive association between coffee and adiponectin level. Different studies showed contradictory results regarding green tea and adiponectin level. However, most of them reported the positive role of green tea in adiponectin concentration. Fewer studies are conducted about the association between these beverages and leptin, and their results are controversial. More longitudinal investigations should be conducted in this regard to declare these associations.

Adherence to the DASH and Mediterranean diets is associated with decreased risk for gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: Few studies have examined the association between adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) or Mediterranean (MED) diets and prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the two diets and GDM. METHODS: In a case-control hospital-based study, pregnant women with (n = 200) and without (n = 260) GMD were recruited. An average of three 24-h dietary records were used to assess participants' dietary intakes. DASH scores were calculated based on the Fung method and MED scores were calculated using the Trichopoulou method. GDM was defined as fasting glucose >95 mg/dL or 1-h postprandial glucose >140 mg/dL for the first time in the pregnancy. The risk for GDM was assessed across tertiles of DASH and MED scores. RESULTS: DASH and MED diets were negatively related to fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and serum triacylglycerol concentrations. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly higher for those in the top tertile of the DASH diet but not the MED diet in comparison with the lowest tertile. Total serum cholesterol level was lower in the third tertile of the MED diet but not in the DASH diet. Participants in the highest tertile of the MED diet had 80% lower risk for GDM compared with those in the lowest tertile (Ptrend = 0.006). Greater adherence to the DASH eating plan was associated with 71% reduced risk for GDM (Ptrend = 0.006) after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSION: Adherence to either the DASH or Mediterranean diet is associated with decreased risk for GDM.

Effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Eating Plan on the Metabolic Side Effects of Corticosteroid Medications.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on the metabolic side effects of corticosteroid medication use. DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial was undertaken in 60 patients on corticosteroid therapy for 10 weeks. Patients were randomly assigned to a DASH or control diet. Carbohydrate, protein, and fat in both groups were 50-60%, 15-20%, 30%, respectively. DASH diet was a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and low in total and saturated fat and cholesterol, refined grains, and also sweets. Fasting blood samples were collected to determine blood glucose and lipid profile. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were measured based on the standard guidelines. RESULTS: The mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 31.1 ± 3.6 year and 26.9 ± 2.6 kg/m(2), respectively. There were no significant differences between age and BMI in two groups at baseline. No significant difference was observed in body weight and waist circumference following the DASH diet compared to control diet. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly different following the DASH eating pattern (P = 0.04). Serum total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose significantly decreased in those following the DASH diet after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSION: The DASH diet had beneficial effects on several metabolic side effects among patients using corticosteroid medications.

Soy product consumption and association with health characteristics and dietary quality indices in Isfahan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: To determine the average intake of soy products and its association with socio-demographic, general and health characteristics, and dietary quality indices among the population of Isfahan, Iran. METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 491 subjects in 2013-2014, grocery stores, nuts stores, chain stores, and supermarkets from different areas of Isfahan Municipality were visited. Shop owners were asked to report the amounts of soy products sales (soy nut, processed soy protein, soy milk and soy yogurt). Furthermore, a food frequency questionnaire was completed from 496 customers by an experienced nutritionist. Mean sales and intake of soy products and dietary intakes including dietary quality indices and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) as well as anthropometric and socio-demographic variables were assessed. RESULTS: Soy protein and soy yogurt are the highest [673 ± 81 (g/month)] and lowest [420 ± 148 (g/month)] purchased soy products, respectively. While soy nut [63 ± 10 (g/month)] was consumed to the lowest amount, soy protein [236 ± 39 (g/month)] was the most consumed soy product. Subjects with higher consumption of soy products were older and had higher intake of protein, vitamin C, zinc and iron, and lower intake of whole grains, legumes, and vegetables as well as greater values of MAR and dietary diversity score as well as nutrient adequacy ratio for vitamin C. CONCLUSION: Soy protein is the most purchased and consumed soy product among people living in Isfahan. More intakes of whole grains and vegetables among those with higher consumption of soy foods could define greater quantities of zinc, iron and vitamin C in the diet. Soy consumption had a reverse correlation with body mass index.

Is there any association between rice consumption and some of the cardiovascular diseases risk factors? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: White rice is considered as a staple food in most population in the world, and there may be an association between rice intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. The present article was reviewed the correlation between rice intake and CVD and some of its risk factors. METHODS: We searched in PubMed, Google scholar, and SCOPUS to February 2015 by using several keywords such as low and high density lipoprotein, triglyceride, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, CVD or risks, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, lipid profile, and refined grains or rice and white rice. Finally, 14 studies were included in our systematic review. RESULTS: There was found a positive association between white rice intake and risk factors of CVD including metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, it seems that there is no any significant correlation between white rice consumption and incidence of CVD and its mortality. CONCLUSION: Finding from available data suggested the important roles of higher white rice consumption on CVD risk factors.

Specific dietary patterns and concentrations of adiponectin.

BACKGROUND: One of the adipokines mostly secreted from adipose tissue is adiponectin. Adiponectin is well known as the anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and cardio-protective factor. Present study focused on the review the previous studies about relationship between adherence to healthy dietary pattern, independent of one or two special dietary components, and concentration of adiponectin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched in PubMed search engine from 2003 to July 2014 using the following key words: Healthy dietary pattern, mediterranean dietary pattern, dietary pattern, diet intervention and adiponectin and adipokines. Then, we recruited 10 articles to review in the present study. RESULTS: Cohort studies that are examined this relationship among women showed the strong positive association in this regard. According to cross-sectional studies adherence to healthy dietary pattern like Mediterranian intervention with moderate weight loss had a positive association with concentration of adiponectin. CONCLUSION: It seems that adherents to the healthy dietary patterns have great levels of circulating adiponectin. However, it is not clear that whether the separate components of healthy dietary patterns like good sources of fats or protein or fibers mostly have important roles in these beneficial effects of such dietary patterns or not.

Does lipoic acid consumption affect the cytokine profile in multiple sclerosis patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: A limited amount of data exists regarding the effect of lipoic acid (LA), an oral antioxidant supplement, on cytokine profiles among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the effect of daily consumption of LA on the cytokine profiles in MS patients. METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, 52 relapsing-remitting MS patients with an age range of 18-50 years were recruited into 2 groups: LA consumption (1,200 mg/day) or placebo. Patients followed their prescribed supplements for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples for cytokine profile measurement were collected at baseline and after the intervention. Anthropometric parameters were measured based on the standard guidelines. RESULTS: INF-γ, ICAM-1, TGF-ß and IL-4 were significantly reduced in the LA group compared to the placebo group [(INF-γ: 0.82 ± 0.2 vs. 0.2 ± 0.2 pg/ml, p < 0.0001), (ICAM-1: 20.2 ± 9.4 vs. 8 ± 10 ng/ml, p = 0.0001), (TGF-ß: 103.1 ± 20.2 vs. 54.9 ± 26 ng/ml, p < 0.0001) and (IL-4: 0.1 ± 0.1 vs. 1.02 ± 1.7 ng/ml, p = 0.0112)]. No significant changes in TNF-α, IL-6, EDSS and MMP-9 were found between the LA and placebo groups (p = 0.6, p = 0.8, p = 0.09 and p = 0.8, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results suggested that consumption of 1,200 mg LA per day beneficially affects several inflammatory cytokines including INF-γ, ICAM-1 TGF-ß and IL-4. Further investigations are needed to verify the beneficial role of LA on other cytokine profiles among MS patients.

Effect of a High Protein Weight Loss Diet on Weight, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, and Cardiovascular Risk among Overweight and Obese Women: A Parallel Clinical Trial.

Studies regarding the effects of high protein (HP) diets on cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors have reported contradictory results. We aimed to determine the effects of an HP diet on CVD risk factors and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) among overweight and obese women. In this randomized controlled trial, we recruited 60 overweight and obese women, aged 20-65, into an HP or energy-restricted control diet for three months (protein, carbohydrate, and fat: 25%, 45%, and 30% versus 15%, 55%, and 30%, resp.). Total protein was divided between animal and plant sources in a 1 : 1 ratio, and animal sources were distributed equally between meats and dairy products. Fasting blood samples, hs-CRP, lipid profile, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements were assessed using standard guidelines. Percent change was significantly different between the two diet groups for weight (standard protein (SP): -3.90 ± 0.26 versus HP: -6.10 ± 0.34%; P < 0.0001, resp.) and waist circumference (SP: -3.03 ± 0.21 versus HP: -5.06 ± 0.28%; P < 0.0001, resp.). Percent change of fasting blood glucose (FBG) substantially decreased in the control group compared to the HP group (-9.13 ± 0.67 versus -4.93 ± 1.4%; P = 0.01, resp.). Total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased both in the HP and in the control diet groups (P = 0.06, P = 0.07, and P = 0.09, resp.); however, the results were marginally significant. Serum levels of hs-CRP were reduced both in the control (-0.08 ± 0.11%, P = 0.06) and in the high protein groups (-0.04 ± 0.09%, P = 0.06). The energy-restricted HP diet resulted in more beneficial effects on weight loss and reduction of waist circumference. CVD risk factors may improve with HP diets among overweight and obese women. When using isoenergetic weight loss diets, total cholesterol, hs-CRP, and SBP were marginally significantly reduced, independent of dietary protein content. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01763528.

Duration of breast-feeding and cardiovascular risk factors among Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN III study.

OBJECTIVES: Studies examining the relationship between breast-feeding (BF) duration and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors have reached contradictory results. This study aims to investigate the relationship between BF duration and CVD risk factors in adolescents. METHODS: This national population-based study was conducted among 5258 Iranian students, ages 10 to 18 y living in central cities of 27 provinces of Iran. Association was examined between duration of BF and adolescent blood pressure, overweight, obesity, and fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: Low birth weight was less frequent in the longer than in the shorter BF duration categories (P < 0.0001). Number of children was lower in individuals with longer BF duration (P = 0.01). Individuals with longer BF duration used more homemade food than those with shorter BF duration (P < 0.0001). Means of total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure were lower in participants with the longest BF period compared with those with the shortest BF duration; this difference was marginally significant (P = 0.06). No significant association was found between BF duration and CVD risk factors in logistic regression after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Although the long-term benefits of BF on preventing CVDs are well documented, controversies exist as to the association of BF duration with such beneficial effects. In this study, there was no substantial evidence that longer BF duration was protective against CVD risk factors among adolescents. More prospective studies are recommended to clarify this association.

Epidemiologic evidence on serum adiponectin level and lipid profile.

The concentration of adiponectin, a hormone which is secreted from adipose tissue, is inversely correlated with body fat mass. This hormone has anti inflammatory and anti atherogenic properties. Its concentration reduces in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. This study reviews the evidence on the relationship between serum adiponectin concentration and lipid profile. In this study former clinical trials, cross sectional and prospective studies have been reviewed. The PubMed search engine has been used to find related research for the topic by considering dyslipidemia, total cholesterol (TC), high and low density protein (HDL and LDL), triglyceride (TG), lipid profile (LP) and adiponectin as the key words. Finally, 25 articles were recruited to review in the present article. Serum adiponectin level was positively correlated with plasma HDL cholestrol concentrations. There was a significant inverse relationship between plasma triglyceride and serum adiponectin. An inverse correlation between very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and LDL levels and adiponectin was reported from the studies. So, Adiponectin has an important role in the metabolism of lipid profile including HDLc.

Serum adiponectin level and different kinds of cancer: a review of recent evidence.

Background. Adiponectin, an adipokine secreted from adipose tissue, has antiobesity, anti-insulin resistance, and anticancer roles. The present study aimed to review the epidemiologic evidence about the association between adiponectin and cancers. Method. We searched in PubMed from 2002 to October 2011 by using the following key words: cancer, malignancy, cell proliferation, and adiponectin. Finally, 45 articles were recruited to review in the present paper. Findings. Several findings suggested inverse association between concentration of hormone and breast cancer risk. Low levels of adiponectin increase the risk of endometrial cancer in women. Adiponectin levels were significantly associated with prostate cancer in men. It seems that there is an inverse relationship between levels of adiponectin or its gene and colorectal cancer. Significant association between hormone and pancreatic cancer was found. Conclusion. Several findings suggested the negative correlation between adiponectin and risk of cancers. This relationship was more elucidated by the correlation between the hormone with obesity and insulin resistance. Suppression of growth and proliferation of cancer cells by adiponectin were explained via several mechanisms.