The Effect of Calorie Restriction and Intermittent Fasting on Impaired Cognitive Function in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Started Post-Weaning in Male Wistar Rat.

Background: Calorie Restriction (CR) is known as one of the most effective life-extending interventions. Therefore researchers are looking for other interventions or drugs to mimic the mentioned effects. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) has recently gained more attention recently as one of the CR mimetics. Here we evaluate and compare the effects of CR or TRF on cognitive function in young animals fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: This is an experimental study that three-week-old male Wistar rats (n:52) were subjected to a control diet (n:11) or HFD (n:42). Then the HFD group was divided into 1) 30% calorie restriction (CR), 2) Night Intermittent Fasting (NIF), 3) Day Intermittent Fasting (DIF), and 4) Ad-Libitum (AL) with the standard diet for ten weeks (each of 9). An independent T-test or Mann-Whitney test was used for the first phase and in the second phase of the study, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey post-hoc tests, or Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Bonferroni test were used. P-values of <0.05 were considered significant. Results: Deteriorated mental function was significantly lower in HFD than CON (p= 0.041). CR was still more efficient than NIF in cognitive function in obese subjects. Post-hoc test indicated that from day 2-4, escape latency was significantly shorter in NIF and CR, which was not seen in other groups (p=0.045). Conclusion: While TRF has garnered much attention recently, here we show that CR is still more efficient in learning and memory tasks. Longer fasting times and different fasting periods are recommended to study.

Improving healthy work culture measures using participatory ergonomic interventions.

Objectives. The productivity outcomes from proper implementation of participatory ergonomic interventions in industrial developing countries (IDCs) are important to have management support. However, the role of awareness promotion in engaged groups of intervention has been overlooked. This article explains the health effects of some ergonomic interventions including nutrition awareness, training and workstation redesign on the labor productivity indices of an industry using participatory ergonomics. Methods. The study design was a semi-experimental study. After the field study, the proper model of participatory ergonomics was presented to implement the interventions. The International Labour Organization (ILO) checkpoint, quick exposure check (QEC) checklist and Nordic questionnaire were applied to assess ergonomic risk factors. Labor productivity was measured using some indicators of health and production. Statistical tests including paired-sample t tests were performed for data analysis using SPSS version 22.0. Results. The ergonomic interventions with a focus on awareness promotion resulted in positive outcomes (p < 0.05) including a decrease of blood pressure (equally 3.1%), improvement in optimum monthly performance of labors, better QEC number and also time saving of about 18.93% in doing tasks. Conclusion. Awareness promotion and productivity outcomes were found to be important in management commitment and support to persuade participatory ergonomic interventions.

Vitamin D supplementation for primary dysmenorrhea: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have shown a possible association between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of primary dysmenorrhea. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on pain and systemic symptoms in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on female students aged 18 to 32 years with primary dysmenorrhea and vitamin D deficiency (25 [OH]D <30 ng/mL). The participants (n=116) received either 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) or placebo capsules on a weekly basis for eight consecutive weeks. The outcomes were pain intensity (scored 0 to 10), number of days with pain, number of consumed pain-relief medications (per day), and severity of systemic symptoms (fatigue, headache, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea; total score of 0 to 12). RESULTS: Compared with baseline, our participants who received vitamin D experienced significant reductions in pain intensity (-1.0 and -1.5 score at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001), the number of days with pain (-1.0 day at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001), the number of consumed pain-relief medications (-1.0 at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001), and systemic symptoms severity (-1.0 score at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001). No significant improvements were observed in the placebo group in terms of these outcomes. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation in women with primary dysmenorrhea and vitamin D deficiency could improve systemic symptoms and reduce pain intensity, the number of days with pain, and the need for consuming pain-relief medications.

The Effects of Calorie Restriction and Time-Restricted Feeding on IGF1 Serum Level and Lipid Profile in Male Wister Rats with Previous Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Calorie restriction (CR) is known as a nutritional gold standard for life extension and different studies have shown that insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) reduction through CR may be involved in CR's anti-aging effects. Besides, time-restricted-feeding (TRF) is also highlighted due to more feasibility and positive health effects. We designed this study to compare the effects of CR and TRF on IGF1 and other metabolic parameters. METHODS: Fifty-two male Wistar rats (3 weeks old) were subjected to either a control (CON, n = 11) diet or high-fat diet (HFD, n = 42) for 17 weeks. In the second phase of the study, the HFD group were divided into four groups (n = 9) 1) 30% CR, 2) Night Intermittent Fasting (NIF, active phase), 3) day intermittent fasting (DIF, rest phase), and 4) Ad-Libitum (AL) with a standard diet for 10 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the end of both phases. RESULTS: HFD increased IGF1 and deteriorated lipid profiles, except for triglycerides (P: 0.018, 0.008.0.012, 0.032) but CR in these obese subjects could not lower the IGF1 level. HDL significantly decreased in DIF compared to CON and CR (P; 0.001). Meanwhile, HOMA-IR increased in DIF and was significant compared to CR (P: 0.002). Serum glucose levels decreased in CR compared to all groups except for CON (P: 0.001). CONCLUSION: Data indicates the role of previous obesity on the effect of CR on the IGF1 level and highlights the effect of inappropriate time of food intake on HDL and APOA1.

Effect of turmeric on glycemic status, lipid profile, hs-CRP, and total antioxidant capacity in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide. This study examined the effect of turmeric supplementation on glycemic status, lipid profile, hs-CRP and total antioxidant capacity in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients. In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 80 hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients were divided into turmeric (2,100 mg powdered rhizome of turmeric daily) and placebo groups for 8 weeks. Body weight, fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), serum insulin, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, low density lypoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high density lypoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and total antioxidant capacity were measured before and after intervention. Statistical analysis was carried out using paired and independent t and chi-square tests. Seventy five patients completed the study. The turmeric group showed significant decreases in body weight, TG, and LDL-c compared with baseline (p value < 0.05). Body mass index, TG, and total cholesterol decreased significantly in the turmeric group compared with the placebo group (p value < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in other parameters between the two groups after intervention (p value < 0.05). Turmeric improved some fractions of lipid profile and decreased body weight in hyperlipidemic patients with type 2 diabetes. It had no significant effect on glycemic status, hs-CRP, and total antioxidant capacity in these patients.

Psychological disorders and dietary patterns by reduced-rank regression.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between dietary patterns identified by reduced-rank regression method and psychological disorders in a large group of Iranian adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 3363 Iranian adults between 20 and 55 years. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated dish-based semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Psychological health was examined through validated Iranian version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and General Health Questionnaires. Reduced-rank regression was applied to identify dietary patterns based on the ratio of omega-3/omega-6, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6, and folic acid intake. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between dietary patterns and psychological disorders. RESULTS: Three major dietary patterns were derived: "healthy," "fish and poultry," and "transitional." After adjustment for potential confounders, "healthy" was associated with reduced depression (odds ratio (OR) for the highest vs. lowest quintile: 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25-0.50), anxiety (OR: 0.47; CI: 0.30-0.74), and psychological distress (OR: 0.52; CI: 0.36-0.75). Greater adherence to the "fish and poultry" was related with lower odds of depression (OR: 0.64; CI: 0.47-0.87). Participant in the third quintile of "fish and poultry" dietary pattern were less likely to be anxious (OR: 0.61; CI: 0.41-0.91). Additionally, we found an inverse significant correlation between adherence to the "transitional" dietary pattern and odds of depression (OR: 0.36; CI: 0.21-0.62), anxiety (OR: 0.43; CI: 0.21-0.88), and psychological distress (OR: 0.41; CI: 0.23-0.72). CONCLUSION: We found that "healthy," "fish and poultry," and "transitional" dietary patterns have inverse significant relationship with odds of psychological disorders, but prospective studies are needed for causal conclusion.

A double blind randomized clinical trial to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic and hepato-renal markers in type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Background: According to the recent studies, vitamin D deficiency has been correlated with progress in type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on glucose and lipid profiles, blood pressure, and biomarkers of liver and kidney in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: In this Double blinded randomized clinical trial, 90 patients with type 2 diabetes and serum 25-Hydroxy vitamin D levels of less than 30 ng/ml recruited from "Besat Diabetes Clinic" in Rasht, North of Iran. The subjects took 50000 IU vitamin D supplements or placebo for 8 weeks. We assessed the levels of serum 25 (OH) vitamin D, glucose and lipid profiles, oxidative and inflammatory indices, liver and kidney biomarkers, blood pressure, and sun exposure time, physical activity before and after intervention, and compared them between cases and controls. Results: Vitamin D supplementation significantly increased serum vitamin D level, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity, and significantly decreased serum HbA1C (Glycosylated Hemoglobin) level (p<0.001). High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol increased significantly (p=0.016), and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) significantly decreased (p=0.039) after the intervention. Conclusion: Our results represented that weekly supplementation with 50000 IU vitamin D for 8 weeks may be effective by improving HbA1C and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Effects of Nanoparticles Containing Iron on Blood and Inflammatory Markers in Comparison to Ferrous Sulfate in Anemic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Ferrous sulfate is the most used supplement for treating anemia, but it can result in unfavorable side effects. Nowadays, nanotechnology is used as a way to increase bioavailability and decrease the side effects of drugs and nutrients. This study investigates the effects of nanoparticles containing iron on blood and inflammatory markers in comparison to ferrous sulfate in anemic rats. METHODS: To induce the model of hemolytic anemia, 50 mg/kg bw phenylhydrazine was injected intraperitoneally in rats on the 1st day and 25 mg/kg bw for the four following days. Then, rats were randomly divided into five groups. No material was added to the nipple of the Group 1 (control). Group 2 received 0.4 mg/day nanoparticles of iron; Group 3 received 0.4 mg/day ferrous sulfate, and Groups 4 and 5 received double dose of iron nanoparticle and ferrous sulfate, respectively for ten days. RESULTS: Hemoglobin and red blood cell (RBC) in Group 2 were significantly higher than Group 3 (P < 0.05). In addition, hemoglobin and RBC in Group 4 and 5 were significantly higher than Group 3 (P < 0.05). The average level of serum iron in Groups 2 and 4 was remarkably more than the groups received ferrous sulfate with similar doses (P < 0.05). C-reactive protein in Group 3 was more than Group 2 and in Group 5 was more compare to all other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Single dose of nanoparticles had more bioavailability compare to ferrous sulfate, but this did not occur for the double dose. Furthermore, both doses of nanoparticles caused lower inflammation than ferrous sulfate.

Relationship between leptin and adiponectin concentrations in plasma and femoral and spinal bone mineral density in spinal cord-injured individuals.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Previously, the associations between leptin and adiponectin levels with bone mineral density (BMD) have been reported in different populations, and occasionally, controversial results have been demonstrated. Until now, these relationships in spinal cord-injured individuals have not yet been described. PURPOSE: We tried to investigate the correlation between leptin and adiponectin concentrations in plasma and BMD in Iranian patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Cross-sectional investigation. PATIENT SAMPLE: Referred patients with SCI who did not meet our exclusion criteria such as pregnancy, lactation, amputation, history of diabetes, cancer, endocrinology disease, and use of special medications entered the study. OUTCOME MEASURES: Bone mineral density of femoral neck, trochanter, intertrochanteric zone, total hip, and lumbar vertebrae assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and serum leptin and adiponectin levels measured by blood sample analysis using immunoassay techniques. METHODS: Patient demographic characteristics were measured during face-to-face visits. Injury level and Spinal cord Injury Association (ASIA) score were assessed by clinical examination and were confirmed by imaging aids. Measured levels of leptin and adiponectin and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry results were analyzed with partial correlation analysis method after adjustment for weight, body mass index (BMI), and age. RESULTS: Total of 104 patients (19 females and 85 males) entered this investigation. Higher leptin concentration was significantly associated with higher BMD in femoral neck (p=.006, r=0.73), femoral intertrochanteric zone (p=.001, r=0.83), and hip (p=.001, r=0.81) only in female patients, whereas no such association was detected in male participants after adjusting for BMI and age. Leptin and adiponectin levels were not associated with lumbar spine BMD in both genders. Neither injury level nor ASIA score and plegia type (paraplegia or tetraplegia) influenced on leptin and adiponectin concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: We found no association between leptin concentration and BMD in male individuals, whereas a positive correlation between leptin and BMD of femoral neck, intertrochanter, and hip was observed in female patients that shows a sexual polymorphism in this relationship. However, by considering the low number of female participants, these results should be interpreted cautiously. Lumbar spine BMD was associated with neither leptin nor adiponectin level in both genders.

Omega-3 fatty acids' effect on leptin and adiponectin concentrations in patients with spinal cord injury: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT: Omega-3 fatty acids have been recently proposed to induce neural improvement in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) while affecting some hormones including leptin and adiponectin. OBJECTIVES: We tried to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on circulatory concentrations of leptin and adiponectin among these patients. DESIGN: This study is a double-blinded randomized clinical trial with intervention duration of 14 months. SETTING: A tertiary rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: Total of 104 patients with SCI who did not meet our exclusion criteria entered the study. Those with history of diabetes, cancer, endocrinology disease, acute infection, and use of special medications were excluded. Patients were divided randomly into the treatment and control group by using permuted balanced block randomization. INTERVENTION: The treatment group received two MorDHA® capsules per day (each capsule contain 465 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 63 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)) for 14 months while the control group received placebo capsules with similar color, shape, and taste. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Leptin and adiponectin concentrations in plasma were measured at the beginning of trial and then after 6 and 14 months. RESULTS: Fourteen months of treatment with DHA and EPA did not influence concentrations of leptin but adiponectin level was significantly decreased (P: 0.03). Weight was positively correlated with leptin level at stage 0 of trial (P: 0.008, r=0.41) while this association was attenuated through stages of trial after intervention. CONCLUSION: Our data show that omega-3 fatty acids may not affect plasma concentrations of leptin but adiponectin level is decreased in patients with SCI. Moreover, this intervention influences the linear relationship between weight and leptin after 14 months administration of DHA and EPA.

Is lipid profile associated with bone mineral density and bone formation in subjects with spinal cord injury?

Purpose. The association between serum lipids and bone mineral density (BMD) has been investigated previously but, up to now, these relationships have not yet been described in spinal cord injury (SCI). We tried to assess the correlation between serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and BMD in male subjects with SCI. Methods. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to assess BMD in femoral neck, trochanter, intertrochanteric zone, and lumbar vertebras. Blood samples were taken to measure serums lipids and bone biomarkers including osteocalcin, cross-linked type I collagen (CTX), and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP). Partial correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between mentioned measurements after adjustment for weight and age. Results. We found a positive correlation between HDL and femoral neck BMD (P: 0.004, r = 0.33). HDL was negatively correlated with osteocalcin (P: 0.017, r = -0.31) which was not in consistency with its relationship with BMD. TC and LDL were not related to CTX, BALP and BMD. Conclusion. This study does not support a strong association between serum lipids and BMD in subjects with SCI. Moreover it seems that positive association between HDL and BMD is not mediated through increased bone formation.

Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of wheezing and asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Major bibliographic databases were searched for studies examining the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and the risk of wheezing and asthma. Random-effects models were used to pool study results. Subgroup analyses were conducted by fruit and vegetable categories, study design, and age group. Twelve cohorts, 4 population-based case-control studies, and 26 cross-sectional studies published between January 1990 and July 2013 were identified. For the meta-analysis of adults and children, the relative risk (RR) and confidence intervals (CI) when comparing the highest intake group with the lowest intake group were 0.78 (95%CI, 0.70-0.87) for fruit and 0.86 (95%CI, 0.75-0.98) for vegetables. High intake of fruit and vegetables (RR = 0.76; 95%CI, 0.68-0.86 and RR = 0.83; 95%CI, 0.72-0.96) reduced the risk of childhood wheezing. Total intake of fruit and vegetables had a negative association with risk of asthma in adults and children (RR = 0.54; 95%CI, 0.41-0.69). Consuming fruit and vegetables during pregnancy had no association with the risk of asthma in offspring. High intake of fruit and vegetables may reduce the risk of asthma and wheezing in adults and children.

Evaluation of bone mineral loss in patients with chronic traumatic spinal cord injury in Iran.

OBJECTIVES: We described the associations between demographic and injury-related factors on bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine and the hip among adult patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: BMD in spinal and femoral bone sites were assessed. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between anthropometric and injury-related factors with BMD. Serum level and amount of dietary intake of calcium, phosphor, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D were measured. SETTING: A referral tertiary rehabilitation center in Iran. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with SCI who had no previous history of endocrine disorders and were not on specific medications entered the investigation. Those with non-traumatic SCI, pregnant, or with substance dependency were excluded as well. INTERVENTIONS: No interventions were applied. MAIN STUDY OUTCOME MEASURES: Dual X-ray absorptiometry was performed to estimate BMD. Body mass index was positively associated with higher femoral (P < 0.01, r = 0.56) and hip (P < 0.0001, r = 0.82) BMD only in female participants. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (60%) was noticeable. RESULTS: Older male patients revealed lower BMD only in spinal vertebrae (P < 0.02, r = -0.21). A significant higher BMD loss in lumbar vertebras in male patients with complete spinal cord lesion (P < 0.009) was detected. Spinal reduction of BMD was more severe when the level of injury was above T6 (P < 0.02). CONCLUSION: Along with the clarification of age, gender, post injury duration, and the other factors' effect on the BMD in the SCI patients, here we have also shown the noticeable prevalence of the 25-hydoxy vitamin D deficiency in these patients which needs attention.

Bone biomarkers in patients with chronic traumatic spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Bone loss after spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs because of pathologic changes in osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities due to mechanical unloading. Some biochemical changes in bone metabolism after SCI are described before that were related to bone mineral loss. PURPOSE: Our purpose was to determine bone markers' changes and related effective factors in patients with chronic traumatic SCI. STUDY DESIGN: This investigation was designed as an observational cross-sectional study. PATIENT SAMPLE: All patients with chronic SCI who were referred to Brain and Spinal Injury Research Center and did not meet our exclusion criteria entered the study. OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reporting measures including patient's demographic features and date of accident were obtained using a questionnaire and physiologic measures including spinal magnetic resonance imaging to determine the level of injury accompanied with physical examination along with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were performed. Blood samples were analyzed in the laboratory. METHODS: Dual-energy X-ray was used to determine bone mineral density in femoral and spinal vertebrae bone sites. Serum level of C-telopeptide cross-linked Type 1 collagen (CTX), parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, osteocalcin, and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) were measured. RESULTS: We detected a negative association between CTX level and bone mineral density in femoral and spinal bone sites that confirms that CTX is a bone resorption marker. C-telopeptide cross-linked Type 1 collagen and BALP levels did not show any significant correlation with postduration injury. Patients with spinal injury at lumbar level had the highest calcitonin level (p<.04). C-telopeptide cross-linked Type 1 collagen was positively related with osteocalcin and BALP (p<.0001, r=0.51), and osteocalcin was positively related with BALP (p<.0001, r=0.44). Osteocalcin was related negatively only to femoral intertrochanteric zone bone mineral density. CONCLUSIONS: Some bone biomarkers undergo noticeable changes after SCI. C-telopeptide cross-linked Type 1 collagen was positively correlated with BALP and osteocalcin that shows the coincidental occurrence of osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities. Our data also support this fact that although bone reduction after 2 years is slower than acute phase after SCI, bone resorption rate is higher than bone formation. These bone markers also revealed different site of action as osteocalcin level only affected femoral intertrochanteric bone mineral density. Generally, it seems that the coincidental consideration of these factors that influence bone mineral density can lead to a better understanding of bone changes after SCI.

Cardiometabolic risk factors in Iranians with spinal cord injury: analysis by injury-related variables.

Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) have a high prevalence of abnormalities in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. These abnormalities cause adverse coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with SCI. In this study, we performed a detailed analysis of the level-specific cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with SCI and analyzed the association of injury level on these risk factors. This was a cross-sectional study of 162 patients with SCI, assessing the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, and smoking. Fasting blood sugar (>100) was diagnosed in 27 patients (16.7%). Of the total patients, 36 (22.2%) had a total cholesterol (TC) level of >200. A triglyceride level of >150 was present in 56 patients (34.6%). Hypertension was present in 2.5% of the entire patient group. Body mass index (BMI), TC, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly higher in the paraplegia group than the tetraplegia group (24.44 +/- 4.23 vs 22.65 +/- 4.27, p = 0.01; 185.71 +/- 40.69 vs 163.28 +/- 37.92, p < 0.001; and 102.51 +/- 28.20 vs 89.15 +/- 22.35, p = 0.01, respectively). Patients with paraplegia may have increased hypertension, higher BMI, and increasing levels of serum LDL-C and TC than those with tetraplegia. Conventional risk factors for CHD should be identified and treated in individuals with SCI.

Nutritional supplement use among fitness club participants in Tehran, Iran.

The aim of this study was to assess nutritional supplement use among fitness club participants in Tehran, Iran. A cross sectional study was conducted in 24 fitness clubs throughout the city of Tehran, Iran. A total of 1625 fitness club participants were recruited to participate in this study. They were asked to complete a self-administered pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were performed to determine the characteristics of participants, reasons for supplement use, sources of information and also the influential advisors regarding nutritional supplement use. A high prevalence rate of nutritional supplement use (66.7%) was reported. Overall, multivitamin-mineral (43.8%) and iron tablets (30.5%) were the common nutritional supplements used and only a small number of participants used illegal substances (0.5%). Younger participants were more likely to use ergogenic aids, whereas, older participants were more likely to use vitamin D. Males were more likely than females to use creatine and amino acids, whereas, iron tablets and mint water were more common among females. Also, males were more likely to use nutritional supplements for increasing energy, whereas, females were more likely to use nutritional supplements for nutritional deficiencies. In conclusion, a high prevalence rate of nutritional supplement use was seen among participants.

The effects of n-3 fatty acids on inflammatory cytokines in osteoporotic spinal cord injured patients: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Clinical studies have reported that osteoporosis after spinal cord injury (SCI) can be the inflammation-induced base condition and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study documents the effects of n-3 PUFAs on cytokines in a group of patients after chronic SCI. METHODS: This double-blind, placebo- controlled trial was designed in 82 (69 males and 13 females) osteoporotic patients with SCI for 4 months. All participants received 1000 mg calcium and 400 IU vitamin D daily. The patients received two MorDHA capsules (435 g of DHA and 65 mg of EPA per day) or two placebo capsules (one with lunch, and the other with dinner) in the treatment and control groups, respectively. Serum interleukins and Dietary intakes were assessed in the beginning and end of the study. Mean difference for each group was compared by using Student's t test. RESULTS: A total of 75 (13 females, 62 males) participants completed the study over 4 months. The supplemented and control groups did not show any difference in their baseline characteristics. There were significant difference neither between two groups at the end of the study nor in each group between beginning and end of the study. CONCLUSINS: MorDHA supplementation for 4 months had no significant effect on inflammatory markers. Although mean difference in all pro-inflammatory cytokines were not significant in both treatment and control groups during the study (P>0.05), the decrease in treatment group was weakly higher that it may be important in point of clinical view.

Calorie and macronutrients intake in people with spinal cord injuries: an analysis by sex and injury-related variables.

OBJECTIVE: Current studies suggest that two of every three persons with spinal cord injury are at risk for the metabolic consequences of obesity. The objective of this study was to assess the dietary intakes in people with spinal cord injury based on sex- and injury-related variables. METHODS: In total 162 people with spinal cord injury participated in this cross-sectional study. Their dietary intakes were assessed by a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: The percentages of total energy intake derived from macronutrients were 53% carbohydrate, 10% protein, and 37% fat for men and 52% carbohydrate, 11% protein, and 39% fat for women. There was excessive consumption of simple carbohydrates (102.17 ± 40.83). The participants with longer times since injury had lower cholesterol intakes (P = 0.02). The individuals with an incomplete injury consumed significantly more monounsaturated fatty acids (n = 114, 27.2 ± 12.01 g) than those with a complete injury (n = 48, 23.6 ± 8.08 g, P = 0.03). There was a significant positive correlation of age and time since injury with fiber intake (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The balance of macronutrients shifted toward intakes of fat and simple carbohydrates at the expense of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein in these participants. Mean amounts of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in these participants were above the recommended intakes. Older participants and those with a longer time since injury tended to have lower calorie, fat, carbohydrate, saturated fat, and cholesterol intakes and higher fiber intakes.

Obesity predictors in people with chronic spinal cord injury: an analysis by injury related variables.

BACKGROUND: Despite an elevated obesity risk in people with spinal cord injury (SCI), investigation on the effects of age, obesity predictors, and injury related factors is yet to be unknown within the SCI population. METHODS: Obesity predictors were measured in 162 patients. RESULTS: 27.5% of the participants were overweight and 5.6% of them were obese. Mean BMI was different between patients with tetraplegia and paraplegia (p < 0.01). More than 20% of participants had central obesity, significantly patients with higher age and time since injury. CONCLUSIONS: Significant positive relationship was found between level of injury and BMI. Participants with higher age and time since injury had higher waist circumference.

Effects of apple consumption on lipid profile of hyperlipidemic and overweight men.

OBJECTIVES: Fruits and vegetables may be beneficial on lipid profile of hyperlipidemic subjects. The present study was aimed to verify the effect of golden delicious apple on Lipid Profile in hyperlipidemic and overweight men. METHODS: Forty six hyperlipidemic and overweight men were randomly divided into two groups. Intervention group received 300g golden delicious apple per day for 8 weeks. Control group had the regular dietary regimen for the same period of time. Blood samples were analyzed for serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), lipoprotein a (Lp a) and LDL/HDL ratio at baseline and after intervention. RESULTS: Total polyphenols and fibers were 485 mg/kg and 4.03 g/100g in fresh apple respectively. After 8 weeks, significant statistical differences were observed considering the TG and VLDL levels between two groups, but no significant differences were observed regarding TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, Apo (B), Lp (a) and LDL/HDL ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of Golden delicious apple may be increased serum TG and VLDL in hyperlipidemic and overweight men. We need more studies to assay the effect of apple consumption on serum TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, Apo (B), Lp (a) and LDL/HDL ratio.