Are resting metabolic rate and clinical symptoms affected by variation of serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels within the normal range in healthy and women with hypothyroidism? A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether variation in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels within the reference range affect energy expenditure and clinical symptoms and even within the normal range of TSH levels, resting energy expenditure may alter. The aim of the present study was to determine whether treated hypothyroid subjects and healthy subjects with a low-normal TSH range (0.3-2.3 mIU/L) have better clinical outcomes and increased energy expenditure than those with a high-normal TSH range (2.3-4.3 mIU/L). METHODS: This was a case-control study of 160 overweight/obese women with TSH levels across the reference range of 0.3-4.3 mU/l. Subjects were paired in four groups: healthy subjects with low-normal target TSH (n = 40), healthy subjects with high-normal target TSH (n = 40), subjects with treated hypothyroidism with low-normal target TSH (n = 40), and subjects with treated hypothyroidism with high-normal target TSH (n = 40). Resting energy expenditure (RMR), dietary intake, body composition, physical activity, and biochemical markers were assessed. RESULTS: Subjects with low-normal (≤2.3 mU/L) and high-normal (>2.3 mU/L) TSH levels did not differ in terms of RMR, serum T3 levels, and clinical symptoms except fatigue (P = 0.013). However, serum fT4 levels were found to be significantly different between the study groups (P = 0.002). Serum fT4 concentration was the highest in subjects with treated hypothyroidism with low-normal target TSH. CONCLUSION: Variation in serum TSH levels within the reference range did not significantly affect REE and clinical symptoms except fatigue in healthy and women with hypothyroidism.

The effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation in comparison with omega-6 and omega-9 on lipid profile: a graded, dose-response systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a geometrical isomer of linoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity properties. However, the studies reported inconstant results about the CLA-related effects on lipid profiles. As a result, meta-analysis and systematic review were performed to survey the CLA supplementation-related effect on lipid profile including high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). To identify the relevant research, a systematic comprehensive search was initiated on the medical databases such as Scopus and PubMed/Medline until December 2022. The overall effect size was estimated by weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random effect meta-analysis. In the final quantitative analysis, the meta-analysis considered 35 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 1,476 participants (707 controls and 769 cases). The pooled results demonstrated that CLA supplementation, compared with olive oil, significantly increased serum TG levels (WMD: 0.05 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.1; p = 0.04; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.91). With regard to TC level, CLA supplementation compared with placebo significantly reduced TC concentrations (WMD: -0.08 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.14 to -0.02; p < 0.001; I2 = 82.4%). Moreover, the non-linear dose-response analysis indicated a decreasing trend of TC serum level from the 15th week of CLA supplementation compared with olive oil (Pnon-linearity = 0.01). The present meta-analysis and systematic review of 35 RCTs showed that the CLA intervention was able to raise the level of TG in comparison to olive oil; however, it can decrease TC level compared with placebo and olive oil.

The effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet levels of patients with ESRD condition undergoing dialysis.

Background: Concomitant inflammation may boost the cardiovascular complications in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Omega-3 fatty acids may have certain health benefits in HD patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HB) level and platelet (PLT) counts of HD patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on HD patients at a private dialysis center in Rasht, Iran. Three omega-3 fatty acid supplement capsules (3 g/d) were administered daily for two months to patients in the intervention group (n = 55). The control group (n = 60) were given three placebo capsules containing medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, similar to the supplemental dose of the intervention group at the same period. Three parameters of HCT, HB and PLT were measured at baseline and after the intervention. Results: The PLT count decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group (173.38 ± 74.76 vs. 227.68 ± 86.58 103/mm3, F = 4.83, P = 0.03). No significant change was found on the levels of HCT and HB parameters between the two groups after the intervention. Conclusion: Omega-3 supplementation in HD patients may decrease the risk of forming blood clots in the blood vessels. Further studies are warranted.

Association of phase angle with sarcopenia and muscle function in patients with COPD: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The predictive value of phase angle for sarcopenia diagnosis has been discussed for years. The present investigation was conducted to determine the association between phase angle and sarcopenia in patients with COPD. METHODS: In this case-control study, 222 smoker men were divided into healthy and COPD groups. COPD was diagnosed by a pulmonologist through spirometry. Anthropometric indices, phase angle, muscle function, sarcopenia, and dietary intake were assessed. RESULTS: A significant inverse association was observed between phase angle and sarcopenia after adjustment for age and energy intake (OR: 0.31, 95% CI 0.18-0.52) and after adjustment for BMI (OR: 0.31, 95% CI 0.18-0.52). A significant decrease was detected in anthropometric indices and indicators of sarcopenia and muscle function in COPD cases compared to the healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Although further studies are suggested, phase angle might be considered an indicator of sarcopenia and muscle function in COPD patients.

Does dietary intake of caffeine have an effect on transient global amnesia?

AIM: Amnesia is a cognitive disorder that may lead to memory loss. Caffeine is a psychoactive substance which have an effect on memory and cognitive functions. This study aimed to assess the association of transient global amnesia (TGA) with dietary intake of caffeine. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the Sabzevar Persian cohort data of 258 patients with TGA and 520 healthy individuals in Sabzevar, Iran. The Nutritional data were gathered in face-to-face interviews using a valid Food Frequency Questionnaire. Different models of logistic regression were used to determine the association between TGA and dietary caffeine intake after adjusting the confounders including age, sex, education, job, marital status, physical activity, BMI, and calorie intake. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in terms of dietary calorie intake of (2279.5 ± 757.9 vs. 2365.5 ± 799.5, p = 0.19), protein (70.79 ± 25.27 vs. 72.94 ± 24.83, p = 0.31), fat (59.97 ± 23.79 vs. 60.13 ± 26.38, p = 0.93), carbohydrate (376 ± 134 vs. 393.1 ± 137.8, p = 0.14), and caffeine (196.4 ± 127.9 vs. 186.3 ± 128.5, p = 0.36) between the groups. No significant association was found between TGA and dietary intake of caffeine (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.99-1.01, p = 0.36). The results did not change after adjusting the confounders. CONCLUSIONS: No significant association was found between TGA and dietary intake of caffeine. Further prospective studies are required to confirm this finding.

Fiber intake and risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and dose response meta-analysis.

This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis examined the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) following dietary fiber intake. Relevant articles were retrieved from a variety of databases, including Scopus, Embase, and Medline, until March 2023. Spirometry was the most frequently used method for determining the presence of COPD. Based on the search, there were a total of 213,912 participants across five separate studies. Random effects model was used to combine the data and a dose-response analysis was further conducted. Five distinct cohort studies were identified. Based on highest versus lowest analysis, there was an inverse correlation between the intake of total fiber (RR, 0.72; 95%, CI: 0.64-0.80), cereal fiber (RR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.68, 0.86), and fruit fiber (RR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.83). Although this result was not significant for vegetable fiber (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.84-1.07). Dose-response analysis revealed that daily increase of 10 g of total dietary fiber, cereal fiber, or fruit fiber reduced the risk of COPD by 26%, 21%, and 37%, respectively. The ROBINS-E tool classified all cohort studies as having a moderate risk of bias. Total fiber, cereal fiber, and fruit fiber intake were found to have low credibility using the NutriGrade tool. Additionally, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the use of vegetable fiber. Larger, more comprehensive studies are required to confirm these findings.

The effects of FTO gene rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between colorectal cancer and dietary intake.

Background: FTO gene is associated with obesity, dietary intake, and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, patients with colorectal cancer were assessed for the interactions between FTO gene polymorphisms and dietary intake. Methods: This case-control study was carried out on 450 participants aged 35-70 years including 150 patients with colorectal cancer and 300 healthy controls. Blood samples were collected in order to extract DNA and genotyping of FTO gene for rs9939609 polymorphism. A validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the Nutritionist-IV software were used to assess dietary intake. Results: In the participants with the TT genotype of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism, CRC risk was significantly associated with higher intake of dietary fat (OR:1.87 CI95%:1.76-1.99, p = 0.04), vitamin B3 (OR:1.20 CI95%:1.08-1.65, p = 0.04), and vitamin C (OR:1.06 CI95%:1.03-1.15, p = 0.04) and lower intake of ß-carotene (OR:0.98 CI95%:0.97-0.99, p = 0.03), vitamin E (OR:0.77 CI95%:0.62-0.95, p = 0.02), vitamin B1 (OR:0.15 CI95%:0.04-0.50, p < 0.01), and biotin (OR:0.72 CI95%:0.0.57-0.92, p = 0.01). No significant association was found between CRC and dietary intake in carriers of AA/AT genotypes after adjustments for the confounders. Conclusion: CRC risk may be decreased by ß-carotene, vitamins E, B1, and biotin only in those without the risk allele of the FTO gene. The association of CRC and diet may be influenced by FTO genotype. Further studies are warranted.

The mediatory effect of inflammatory markers on the association between a body shape index and body roundness index with cardiometabolic risk factor in overweight and obese women: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Obesity affects body composition and anthropometric measurements. A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and Body Roundness Index (BRI) are reportedly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between ABSI, BRI, cardiometabolic factors, and inflammatory elements is not well-elucidated. Therefore, this study sought to examine the mediatory effect of inflammatory markers on the association between ABSI and BRI with cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 394 obese and overweight women. The typical food intake of individuals was assessed using a 147-item semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Biochemical parameters, such as inflammatory markers and anthropometric components, were also assessed. For each participant, all measurements were carried out on the same day. Result: There was a significant positive association between ABSI and AC and CRI.I in subjects with higher ABSI scores before and after adjustment (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant positive association between BRI and FBS, TC, TG, AIP, AC, CRI.I, CRI.II, and TyG in participants with higher BRI scores before and after adjustment (P < 0.05). We found that hs-CRP, PAI-1, MCP-1, TGF-ß, and Galectin-3 were mediators of these relationships (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Inflammation can play an important role in the relationship between body shape indices and cardiometabolic risk factors among overweight and obese women.

The status of clinical nutrition in hospitals of Guilan province, Iran — A mixed-method study / El estado de la nutrición clínica en los hospitales de la provincia de Guilan, Irán: estudio de método mixto

Background: nutritional therapy has an important role in the development of medical care services, and quantitative and qualitative assessments of the status of clinical nutrition in hospitals is crucial. This study aimed to explore the current status of clinical nutrition in hospitals of Guilan province, Iran. Methods: this quantitative-qualitative (mixed method) study was performed on public hospitals in Guilan province, Iran (n = 26). The required information was collected by visiting the hospitals and interviewing with hospital dietitians. The data collection tool had two quantitative and qualitative subscales. The quantitative subscale included a 21-item checklist containing information about the referral system, cooperation of hospital staff in clinical nutrition, clinical nutrition staff status, enteral nutrition, and parenteral nutrition. Results: in more than 55 % of hospitals the patients were not adequately referred to a dietitian. In about 31.2 % of hospitals, cooperation of other departments in the field of clinical nutrition was insufficient. In 37 % of hospitals with intensive care unit (ICU), enteral nutrition was not provided properly. Only 27 % of the hospital properly provided parenteral nutrition for their patients. The most important problems mentioned by hospital dietitians included noncompliance of the food services employers with recommended diets, insufficient number of hospital dietitians, and lack of per case payment method for dietitians. Coverage of diet services by health insurance was the most common suggestion of dietitians to promote diet therapy in public hospitals. (AU)

Antecedentes: la terapia nutricional tiene un papel importante en el desarrollo de los servicios de atención médica, y las evaluaciones cuantitativas y cualitativas del estado de la nutrición clínica en los hospitales son cruciales. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar el estado actual de la nutrición clínica en los hospitales de la provincia de Guilan, Irán. Métodos: este estudio cuantitativo-cualitativo (método mixto) se realizó en hospitales públicos de la provincia de Guilan, Irán (n = 26). La información requerida se recopiló visitando los hospitales y entrevistando a los dietistas de los hospitales. La herramienta de recolección de datos tenía dos subescalas, cuantitativa y cualitativa. La subescala cuantitativa incluía una lista de verificación de 21 ítems que contenía información sobre el sistema de derivación, la cooperación del personal del hospital en nutrición clínica, el estado del personal de nutrición clínica, la nutrición enteral y la nutrición parenteral. Resultados: en más del 40 % de los hospitales, los pacientes no fueron derivados adecuadamente a un dietista. En el 35 % de los hospitales, la cooperación de otros departamentos en el campo de la nutrición clínica fue insuficiente. En el 55 % de los hospitales con unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI), la nutrición enteral no se brindó adecuadamente. Ninguno de los hospitales proporcionó nutrición parenteral adecuada para los pacientes. Los problemas más importantes mencionados por los dietistas hospitalarios incluyeron el incumplimiento de los programas de alimentos por parte del empleador del sector alimentario, un número insuficiente de dietistas hospitalarios y la falta de pago de honorarios de consulta a los dietistas. La cobertura de los servicios de dietética por parte del seguro de salud fue la sugerencia más común de los dietistas para promover la dietoterapia en los hospitales. (AU)

The status of clinical nutrition in hospitals of Guilan province, Iran - A mixed-method study.

Introduction: Background: nutritional therapy has an important role in the development of medical care services, and quantitative and qualitative assessments of the status of clinical nutrition in hospitals is crucial. This study aimed to explore the current status of clinical nutrition in hospitals of Guilan province, Iran. Methods: this quantitative-qualitative (mixed method) study was performed on public hospitals in Guilan province, Iran (n = 26). The required information was collected by visiting the hospitals and interviewing with hospital dietitians. The data collection tool had two quantitative and qualitative subscales. The quantitative subscale included a 21-item checklist containing information about the referral system, cooperation of hospital staff in clinical nutrition, clinical nutrition staff status, enteral nutrition, and parenteral nutrition. Results: in more than 55 % of hospitals the patients were not adequately referred to a dietitian. In about 31.2 % of hospitals, cooperation of other departments in the field of clinical nutrition was insufficient. In 37 % of hospitals with intensive care unit (ICU), enteral nutrition was not provided properly. Only 27 % of the hospital properly provided parenteral nutrition for their patients. The most important problems mentioned by hospital dietitians included noncompliance of the food services employers with recommended diets, insufficient number of hospital dietitians, and lack of per case payment method for dietitians. Coverage of diet services by health insurance was the most common suggestion of dietitians to promote diet therapy in public hospitals. Conclusion: the situation of providing nutritional services to patients in public hospitals is not favorable in terms of quantity and quality in Guilan province, Iran. Designing the necessary policies and reorient the clinical nutrition system in hospitals to promote patients' health and accelerate patient recovery is warranted.

Introducción: Antecedentes: la terapia nutricional tiene un papel importante en el desarrollo de los servicios de atención médica, y las evaluaciones cuantitativas y cualitativas del estado de la nutrición clínica en los hospitales son cruciales. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar el estado actual de la nutrición clínica en los hospitales de la provincia de Guilan, Irán. Métodos: este estudio cuantitativo-cualitativo (método mixto) se realizó en hospitales públicos de la provincia de Guilan, Irán (n = 26). La información requerida se recopiló visitando los hospitales y entrevistando a los dietistas de los hospitales. La herramienta de recolección de datos tenía dos subescalas, cuantitativa y cualitativa. La subescala cuantitativa incluía una lista de verificación de 21 ítems que contenía información sobre el sistema de derivación, la cooperación del personal del hospital en nutrición clínica, el estado del personal de nutrición clínica, la nutrición enteral y la nutrición parenteral. Resultados: en más del 40 % de los hospitales, los pacientes no fueron derivados adecuadamente a un dietista. En el 35 % de los hospitales, la cooperación de otros departamentos en el campo de la nutrición clínica fue insuficiente. En el 55 % de los hospitales con unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI), la nutrición enteral no se brindó adecuadamente. Ninguno de los hospitales proporcionó nutrición parenteral adecuada para los pacientes. Los problemas más importantes mencionados por los dietistas hospitalarios incluyeron el incumplimiento de los programas de alimentos por parte del empleador del sector alimentario, un número insuficiente de dietistas hospitalarios y la falta de pago de honorarios de consulta a los dietistas. La cobertura de los servicios de dietética por parte del seguro de salud fue la sugerencia más común de los dietistas para promover la dietoterapia en los hospitales. Conclusión: la situación de la prestación de servicios nutricionales a pacientes en hospitales públicos no es favorable en términos de cantidad y calidad en la provincia de Guilan, Irán. Se justifica diseñar las políticas necesarias para reorientar el sistema de nutrición clínica en los hospitales y, en definitiva, promover la salud y acelerar la recuperación de los pacientes.