Association of neck circumference-related indices with metabolic, atherogenic and liver function biomarkers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to establish the association of neck circumference (NC)-related indices with metabolic, atherogenic and liver function biomarkers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Outpatient clinics of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 175 adult patients with NAFLD diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography were included in this study. Sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measures and metabolic, atherogenic and liver function biomarkers were assessed. RESULTS: Results on 107 women and 68 men with NAFLD showed that 52%, 45.1% and 2.9% of patients had mild, moderate and severe NAFLD, respectively. There were significant differences in most of the anthropometric indices, serum levels of ferritin, creatinine and uric acid as well as liver enzymes, and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) between the genders (p<0.01). However, no significant differences were found in the glycaemic, lipid profile and atherogenic biomarkers. Both NC and neck-to-height ratio (NHtR) were significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) (p=0.018, p<0.001, respectively), waist circumference (WC) (p<0.001, p=0.044, respectively) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (p<0.001, p=0.026, respectively) while results showed only a significant relationship between neck-to-waist ratio (NWR) with BMI (p<0.001) and WC (p<0.001). Among metabolic factors, there were significant and positive correlations between NC and serum haemoglobin A1c (r=0.198, p<0.001), AST (r=0.300, p<0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r=0.348, p<0.001), ferritin (r=0.403, p<0.001) and uric acid (r=0.347, p=0.003) while AST/ALT ratio was inversely related to NC (r=-0.226, p=0.003). APRI, Lipid Accumulation Product Index and also Hepatic Steatosis Index were significantly correlated with NC, NHtR and NWR (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: NC-related indices, particularly NC and NHtR, were correlated with some metabolic and liver function biomarkers (apart from lipid profile and atherogenic factors) in patients with NAFLD.

The association between food diversity and serum antioxidant indices in cataract patients compared to healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: Cataract is a chronic disorder that is related to antioxidant-oxidant imbalance situation. We aimed to investigate the association between food diversity and serum antioxidant and oxidant indices in cataract patients compared to healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, ninety volunteers (aged > 50 years) were divided into the cataract (n = 45) and healthy control (n = 45) groups. Anthropometric variables, physical activity and stress levels, food diversity score, serum total oxidant capacity (TOC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) measurements were done for all participants. RESULTS: Serum TAC, even after adjustment for stress level, was significantly higher in healthy people compared to cataract patients (P < 0.001). In addition, serum TOC was significantly lower in healthy controls compared to cataract patients (P < 0.002). In healthy group, there was a weak significant positive association between serum TAC and meats group diversity (r = 0.149, P = 0.047). In addition, there was a moderate negative association between meats group diversity and TOC in the healthy controls (r = -0.712, P = 0.041). In the cataract group, there was a significant negative association between serum TOC and diversity score of fruits (r = -0.811, P = 0.017) and meats group (r = -0.926, P = 0.046) as well as total score of food diversity (r = -0.466, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: It seems that increase in total dietary diversity and food groups' diversity can have a beneficial effect on oxidant situation among cataract patients.

The impact of vitamin D3 intake on inflammatory markers in multiple sclerosis patients and their first-degree relatives.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In our previous study, a Seesaw model was proposed for the fluctuation of crucial anti- (IL-10) and pro-inflammatory (Il-6 & IL-17A) cytokines through vitamin D3. In this paper, however, it is intended to extend the mentioned model by assessing the expression mRNA levels of IL-27 and TGF-ß1 as well as the changes of plasma levels of IL-27, TGF-ß1, IL-17A, IL-10, and IL-6 after treatment by vitamin D3. METHOD: Venous blood samples were drawn from Healthy Participants (HP, n = 25) and First-Degree Relative Participants (FDRP, n = 25) as control groups and Multiple Sclerosis Participants (MSP, n = 25) before and after eight weeks of supplementation with 50000 IU vitamin D3. The mRNA expression and plasma concentrations were gauged by using Real-Time PCR and ELISA assay, respectively. RESULTS: The mRNA surfaces of IL-27, as well as TGF-ß1, were up-regulated. However, the plasma levels of TGF-ß1, IL-17A, and IL-6 were significantly different among the three groups. In addition, the plasma levels of IL-27, TGF-ß1, IL-10, IL-17A, and IL-6 significantly changed following the administration of vitamin D3. CONCLUSION: The findings of this paper illustrate that anti-inflammatory cytokines could have a key role in immunomodulatory functions due to their anti-inflammatory functions. To conclude, this might contribute to preventing the pathophysiological process of MS. Also, the proposed model could be used as a preventive way on disposed people to multiple sclerosis, particularly in first degree relatives of these patients.

Effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation in combination with weight loss diet on glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, and matrix metalloproteinases in obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

As there is limited and inconsistent evidence in potential role of vitamin D on insulin resistance and matrix metalloproteinases, this study aimed to examine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, and matrix metalloproteinases in obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency. A total of 44 participants with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level ≤ 50 nmol/L and body mass index (BMI) 30-40 kg/m2 were randomly allocated into receiving weight reduction diet with either 50 000 IU vitamin D3 pearl (n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) once weekly for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in fasting serum glucose (FSG), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Secondary outcomes were changes in weight, BMI, 25(OH)D, calcium, phosphorous and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Sun exposure and dietary intakes were also assessed. Serum levels of 25(OH)D3 increased significantly with a simultaneous decrease in serum concentration of PTH in the vitamin D group. Weight, BMI, FSG, and MMP-9 decreased significantly in both groups, and there were significant differences in changes in weight, serum 25(OH)D3, PTH, and MMP-9 levels between the groups. Within- and between-groups analysis revealed no significant differences in serum calcium, phosphorous, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and MMP-2 after intervention. Our results indicated that improvement in vitamin D status resulted in greater reductions in weight and MMP-9 during weight loss. These preliminary results are sufficient to warrant a bigger study group.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation in combination with weight loss diet on lipid profile and sirtuin 1 in obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency: a double blind randomized clinical trial.

Background: Due to inconsistent evidence regarding the potential role of vitamin D on lipid profile and sirtuin 1 (SIRT-1), this study was designed to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation in combination with weight loss diet on lipid profile and SIRT-1 in obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency. Methods: Forty-four obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency were randomly assigned in a randomized clinical trial to receive either a weight reduction diet supplemented with 50000IU vitamin D3 pearl (n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) once weekly for 12 weeks. Changes in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG) and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and SIRT-1 were the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were changes in body mass index (BMI), 25(OH) D and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Physical activity and dietary intakes were also assessed. Results: During the intervention, PTH (mean difference, -33.36; 95% CI: -49.15 to -17.57;P<0.001) and LDL-C (mean difference, -15.91; 95% CI: -21.76 to -10.07; P<0.001) decreased and 25(OH) D (mean difference, 36.44; 95% CI: 29.05 to 43.83; P<0.001) increased significantly in the vitamin D group. BMI (mean differences: -2.40; 95% CI: [-2.92 to-1.88] in vitamin D group and mean differences: -1.90; 95% CI [-6.58 to -3.01] in placebo group, P<0.05 for both groups), TC (mean difference,-21.31; 95% CI: -27.24 to -15.38; P<0.001 in vitamin D group and mean difference, -12.54; 95% CI: -19.02 to -6.06; P<0.001 in placebo group) and TG (mean difference,-21.31; 95% CI: -27.24 to -15.38; P<0.001in vitamin D group and mean difference, -12.54; 95% CI: -19.02 to -6.06; P<0.001 in placebo group) decreased and SIRT-1(mean difference, 3.95; 95% CI: 1.18 to 6.73; P=0.007in vitamin D group and mean difference,1.91; 95% CI: 0.31 to 3.63 in placebo group, P=0.022) increase significantly in both group. At end of the study, 25(OH) D and PTH showed significant differences in between-group analyses(P<0.05). No significant difference was detected for HDL-C in within and between groups. Conclusion: This study gives no support for any beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile and SIRT-1 in obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency.

Household food security status and its associated factors in Baft-Kerman, IRAN: a cross-sectional study.

Food insecurity is prevalent in both developed and developing countries, which has considerable health impacts on the social, physical, and psychological status. This study aimed to examine the food security status and its related sociodemographic factors among the households living in Baft city of Iran. A sample of 702 households was selected by a simple random sampling method from January to March 2017. Using U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Security questionnaire, 34.3% of households showed some degree of food insecurity. Lower household size (OR = 0.84, CI: 0.73-0.97, P = .02), higher welfare facilities (OR = 1.55, CI: 1.32-1.81, P < .001), educational levels of the mothers and their spouse (being diploma as compared to under-diploma) (OR = 1.57, CI: 0.98-2.53, P = .04 and OR = 1.65, CI: 1.05-2.57, P = .02), governmental employment as compared to unemployment of the spouse (OR = 1.85, CI: 1.14-2.99, P = .01), and house ownership (rent compared to owner house; OR = 0.41, CI: 0.21-0.81, P = .01) were significantly associated with food security. The findings showed food insecurity was associated with some sociodemographic factors among households in Baft. These findings demonstrate that the government needs to continue its efforts to provide appropriate funding for population-based programs and policies, to enhance food security of the people living in this city.

Iodine status, and knowledge about iodine deficiency disorders in adolescent school girls aged 14-19 years, 2016.

Background: Adequate iodine intake by women in child-bearing age affects fetus neurodevelopment during pregnancy. A majority of previous studies has investigated iodine status among children, and there is limited data on female adolescents who are more exposed to consequences of iodine deficiency (ID) in their near-future pregnancies; thus, we aimed to assess iodine status, and knowledge on iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) among adolescent school girls (14-19 years old) in Shahriar, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 223 female students selected through multi-stage cluster sampling from 12 schools. Iodine and creatinine concentrations were measured in casual urine samples. Iodine content of household salts was also assessed.Data on intake of salt and iodine-rich food sources were collected applying a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and knowledge about iodine and IDDs were assessed by a questionnaire. Results: Median and Mean (95% CI) concentrations of urinary iodine and creatinine were 129 µg/L, 137.62 µg/L (95% CI: 126.28, 148.95) and 1.72 g/L, 1.86 g/L (95% CI: 0.55-3.17),respectively. The frequency of mild, moderate and severe ID were 22.4%, 14.3% and 0%,respectively; 43.5% had adequate, and 3.1% had excessive urinary iodine levels. Mean saltiodine concentration was 21.69 (SD=10.56) ppm. Mean knowledge score was 12.7 (SD=3.44).About half of the students had a poor (25.1%) or fair (24.2%) knowledge about iodine deficiency.Adjusting for the confounders, no significant positive association was found between knowledge about iodine-rich food sources and goitrogens with urinary iodine excretion. Conclusion: Adolescent girls in Shahriar had relatively poor knowledge of iodine, and about one third of them suffered from ID.

Determination of Enrofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin Residues in Five Different Kinds of Chicken Tissues by Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Coupled with HPLC.

Contamination of food producing animals by veterinary drug residues, particularly quinolones, is an essential issue in food safety that causes increasing concern in consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of enrofloxacin and its main metabolite, ciprofloxacin, in chicken tissue samples slaughtered in Tabriz, Iran. Totally 250 samples including liver, muscle, gizzard, heart, and skin were studied. Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction technique (DLLME) was used as a simple, high performance, low-cost, and fast sample pre-treatment method followed by a high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection for quantitative analysis. The residues of enrofloxacin were detected and quantified in 26 liver (52%) and 10 skin (20%) samples and ciprofloxacin residues were detected in 3 skin (6%) samples and accurately determined in 15 liver (30%) samples; however they were not detected in gizzard, heart, and muscle samples. The results showed the accumulation of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin residues in chicken liver and skin.

Depression and anxiety symptoms are associated with prooxidant-antioxidant balance: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are significantly associated with systemic inflammation. Moreover, oxidative stress resulting from a disturbance in the prooxidant-antioxidant balance is linked to inflammation-related conditions. Therefore, depression/anxiety symptoms may also be associated with oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between depression/anxiety symptoms and serum prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) in adults who participated in a large population-based, cross-sectional study. METHODS: Serum PAB values were measured in 7516 participants (62% females and 38% males) aged 35-65 years, enrolled in a population-based cohort study. beck depression and anxiety inventories were used to evaluate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the effect of confounders on the status of serum PAB change. RESULTS: Among men, serum PAB values were increased incrementally from 1.55 ±â€¯0.47 to 1.59 ±â€¯0.47, 1.69 ±â€¯0.38, and 1.68 ±â€¯0.38 in the no or minimal, mild, moderate and severe depression groups, respectively (Ptrend < 0.001). Serum PAB values also increased significantly across these four corresponding groups among women [1.70 ±â€¯0.45, 1.73 ±â€¯0.44, 1.75 ±â€¯0.44, and 1.76 ±â€¯0.40, (Ptrend = 0.005)]. About anxiety, serum PAB values increased significantly across the four groups in men (Ptrend = 0.02) but not in women (Ptrend = 0.2). The adjusted odds ratios for serum PAB values among men with severe depression and anxiety symptoms were 1.75 and 1.27, respectively. Moreover, the adjusted odds ratios for serum PAB values among women with severe depression and anxiety symptoms were 1.40 and 1.17, respectively. CONCLUSION: Symptoms of depression and anxiety appear to be associated with higher degrees of oxidative stress, expressed by higher serum PAB values.

Association between serum uric acid, high sensitive C-reactive protein and pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance in patients with metabolic syndrome.

There is persuasive evidence that oxidative stress and inflammation are features of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). We have investigated the relationship between serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), serum uric acid, and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in 7,208 participants from the MASHAD study cohort, who were categorized as having MetS, or not, using International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) criteria. Serum hs-CRP was measured by Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-enhanced immunoturbidimetry method using an Alycon analyzer (ABBOTT, Chicago, IL, USA). A colorimetric method was used to determine serum PAB. Serum PAB values were significantly higher in the individuals with MetS compared to those without (P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a step-wise increase in mean serum PAB concentrations as the number of components of the MetS increased. The combination of features of MetS had different association with serum PAB and hs-CRP. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that body mass index (BMI, B = 2.04, P < 0.001), physical activity level (PAL, B = 18.728, P = 0.001), serum uric acid (B = -1.545, P = 0.003), and serum C-reactive protein (B = 0.663, P < 0.001) were associated with serum PAB in individuals with MetS. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that serum PAB (B = 0.002, P < 0.001, CI = 1.001-1.003), serum C-reactive protein (B = 0.007, P < 0.015, CI = 1.001-1.013), and serum uric acid (B = 0.207, P < 0.001, CI = 1.186-1.277) were all significantly associated with MetS. Serum PAB was strongly associated with serum uric acid and serum hs-CRP. Moreover, serum PAB as well as serum uric acid and serum hs-CRP were independently associated with MetS. Individual features of MetS were also associated with serum hs-CRP and PAB. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(3):263-271, 2018.

Alteration of delta-6-desaturase (FADS2), secretory phospholipase-A2 (sPLA2) enzymes by Hot-nature diet with co-supplemented hemp seed, evening primrose oils intervention in multiple sclerosis patients.

BACKGROUND: The effect of nutrition and dietary supplements as environmental factors has been suggested as possible factors affecting both disease risk and progression in on the course of multiple sclerosis with complex genetic-risk profiles. This study was aimed to assess regulation of surface-membrane enzymes such as Delta-6-desaturase (FADS2), secretory Phospholipase A2(sPLA2) by hemp seed and evening primrose oils as well as Hot-natured dietary intervention in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this double blind, randomized trial, 100 RRMS patients with Extended disability status score (EDSS)<6 were allocated into 3 groups: "Group A" who received co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils along with advised Hot nature diet; "Group B", who received olive oil; "Group C", who received the co-supplemented oils. Clinically EDSS and functional score as well as biochemical parameters [blood cells polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), FADS2, sPLA2] were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 180±2.9SD days (N=65, 23 M and 42 F aged 34.25±8.07 years with disease duration 6.80±4.33 years). There was no significant difference in studies parameters at baseline. After 6 months, significant improvements in EDSS and functional score were found in the groups A and C while EDSS and pyramidal score showed significant increase in group B. Alteration of biochemical parameters showed improvement in groups A and C whereas there was worsening condition for group B after the intervention. CONCLUSION: The co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils with Hot nature diet can have beneficial effects in improving clinical symptoms and signs in RRMS patients which were confirmed by regulation of surface-membrane enzymes.

Aflatoxin B1 in eggs and chicken livers by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and HPLC.

A rapid, low-cost and simple technique has been developed for the determination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in eggs and livers using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection. In this study, the presence of AFB1 was investigated in 150 eggs and 50 chicken livers from the local market of Tabriz, Iran. AFB1 was extracted with a mixture of acetonitrile:water (80:20) and cleaned up by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction which is a very economical, fast and sensitive method. AFB1 was quantified by HPLC-UV without need for any complex derivatisation in samples to enhance the detection. The results showed that 72% of the liver and 58% of the egg samples were contaminated with AFB1 ranging from 0.30 to 16.36 µg kg (̶1). limit of detection and limit of quantification for AFB1 were 0.08 and 0.28 µg kg (̶ 1), respectively. The proposed method is suitable for fast analysing of AFB1 in egg and liver samples.

Adiponectin as a potential biomarker of vascular disease.

The increasing prevalence of diabetes and its complications heralds an alarming situation worldwide. Obesity-associated changes in circulating adiponectin concentrations have the capacity to predict insulin sensitivity and are a link between obesity and a number of vascular diseases. One obvious consequence of obesity is a decrease in circulating levels of adiponectin, which are associated with cardiovascular disorders and associated vascular comorbidities. Human and animal studies have demonstrated decreased adiponectin to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, in animal studies, increased circulating adiponectin alleviates obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction and hypertension, and also prevents atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and diabetic cardiac tissue disorders. Further, metabolism of a number of foods and medications are affected by induction of adiponectin. Adiponectin has beneficial effects on cardiovascular cells via its antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antiatherogenic, vasodilatory, and antithrombotic activity, and consequently has a favorable effect on cardiac and vascular health. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of adiponectin secretion and signaling is critical for designing new therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the recent evidence for the physiological role and clinical significance of adiponectin in vascular health, identification of the receptor and post-receptor signaling events related to the protective effects of the adiponectin system on vascular compartments, and its potential use as a target for therapeutic intervention in vascular disease.

Activity of liver enzymes in multiple sclerosis patients with Hot-nature diet and co-supplemented hemp seed, evening primrose oils intervention.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether diets with a high dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) can modify oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, or liver dysfunction, all of which are risk factors for multiple sclerosis disease. This study assesses alanine amino-transferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities in MS patients treated with co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils as well as Hot-nature diet and the therapeutic potential this intervention. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this double blind, randomized trial, 100 MS patients with EDSS<6 were allocated into 3 groups: "group A", who received co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils with advised Hot-nature diet; "group B",who received olive oil; and "group C", who received the co-supplemented oils. Clinically, EDSS as well as serum level of liver enzymes (GGT, AST, and ALT) were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 180±2.9 SD days (N=65, 23 M and 42 F aged 34.25±8.07 years with disease duration of 6.80±4.33 years). There was no significant difference in the study parameters at baseline. Serum levels of liver enzymes (GGT, AST, and ALT) were serially monitored. Intervention was associated with liver function alteration in three groups. Significance decreased in EDSS score and the levels of liver enzymes were found in groups A and C, whereas elevated serum liver enzymes and EDSS score were observed in group B after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Selecting foods according to their Total antioxidant capacity such as co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils with Hot-nature diet affects antioxidant intake and can have beneficial effects on improving EDSS score and activity of liver enzymes in RRMS patients.

Erythrocyte membrane fatty acids in multiple sclerosis patients and hot-nature dietary intervention with co-supplemented hemp-seed and evening-primrose oils.

The risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with increased dietary intake of saturated fatty acids. For many years it has been suspected that this disease might be associated with an imbalance between unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. We determined erythrocyte membrane fatty acids levels in Hot nature dietary intervention with co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils in multiple sclerosis patients. To determine the erythrocyte membrane fatty acids levels and correlate it with expanded disability status scale (EDSS) at baseline after 6 months intervention in MS patients by gas chromatography, in this double blind, randomized trial, 100 RRMS patients with EDSS<6 were allocated into three groups: "Group A" that received co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils with advised Hot nature diet. "Group B" received olive oil and "Group C" received the co-supplemented oils. The results showed that the mean follow-up was 180 ± 2.9SD days (N=65, 23 M and 42 F aged 34.25 ± 8.07 years with disease duration of 6.80 ± 4.33 years). There was no significant difference in the study parameters at baseline. After 6 months, EDSS, Immunological parameters and the erythrocyte cell membrane with regard to specific fatty acids showed improvement in the group A and C, whereas there was worsening condition for the group B after the intervention. We concluded that Hot-nature dietary intervention with co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils caused an increase PUFAs in MS patients and improvement in the erythrocyte membrane fatty acids composition. This could be an indication of restored plasma stores, and a reflection of disease severity reduction.

Immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects of Hot-nature diet and co-supplemented hemp seed, evening primrose oils intervention in multiple sclerosis patients.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most chronic and inflammatory disorder. Because of limited efficacy and adverse side effects, identifying novel therapeutic and protective agents is important. This study was aimed to assess the potential therapeutic effects of hemp seed and evening primrose oils as well as Hot-nature dietary intervention on RRMS patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this double blind, randomized trial, 100 MS patients with EDSS<6 were allocated into 3 groups: "Group A" who received co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils with advised Hot-nature diet, "Group B" who received olive oil, "Group C" who received the co-supplemented oils. Mizadj, clinically EDSS and relapse rate as well as immunological factors (IL-4, IFN-γ and IL-17) were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 180±2.9 SD days (N=65, 23 M and 42 F aged 34.25±8.07 years with disease duration 6.80±4.33 years). There was no significant difference in studies parameters at baseline. After 6 months, significant improvements in Mizadj, EDSS and relapse rate were found in the groups A and C, while the group B showed a border significant decrease in relapse rate. Immunological parameters showed improvement in groups A and C, whereas there was worsening condition for group B after the intervention. CONCLUSION: The co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils with Hot-nature diet have beneficial effects in improving of clinical score in RRMS patients which were confirmed by immunological findings.

Association of Expanded Disability Status Scale and Cytokines after Intervention with Co-supplemented Hemp Seed, Evening Primrose Oils and Hot-natured Diet in Multiple Sclerosis Patients(♦).

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Because of limited efficacy and adverse side effects, identifying novel therapeutic and protective agents is important. The aim of this study is to examine the correlations between expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and cytokines after intervention with co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils and hot-natured diet in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). METHODS: We studied a group of 23 patients with clinically definite RRMS, with EDSS<6 who received co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils with advising hot-natured diet. Clinically EDSS and immunological factors (plasma cytokines of IL-4, IFN-γ and IL-17) were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 180±2.9 days (N=23, 7 Male and 16 Females aged 25.0±7.5 years with disease duration 6.26±3.9 years). After 6 months, significant improvements in extended disability status score were found in the patients in agreement with decrease cytokines of IFN-γ and IL-17 and increase cytokines of IL-4. Clinical and immunological parameters showed improvement in the patients after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils with hot-natured diet can have beneficial effects in improving clinical symptoms in relapsing remitting MS patients and significant correlation was found between EDSS and immunological findings.

Effects of Vitamin E and Zinc Supplementation on Antioxidants in Beta thalassemia major Patients.

OBJECTIVE: In beta thalassemic patients, tissue damage occurs due to oxidative stress and it happens because of the accumulation of iron in the body. This study was conducted to determine the effect of zinc and vitamin E supplementation on antioxidant status in beta-thalassemic major patients. METHODS: This double blind randomized clinical trial was carried out on 120 beta thalassemic patients older than 18 years. Patients were randomly categorized in four groups. Zinc (50mg/day) and vitamin E (400mg/day) supplements were administered for former and latter group, respectively. In the third group both supplements were administered in similar doses. The fourth (control) group received no supplement. The effect of supplementations on serum zinc and vitamin E, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and body mass index (BMI) were measured at the beginning and the end of the study. FINDINGS: Serum zinc levels in group 1 and 3 were significantly increased (P<0.007 and P<0.005, respectively). Serum vitamin E levels in group 2 and 3 were also increased significantly (P<0.001). Mean GPX activity in group1, 2 and 3 decreased significantly (P<0.015, P<0.032 and P<0.029, respectively). Mean SOD activity and TAC did not show significant change after supplementation. BMI had significant increase in all treated groups (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that beta thalassemic patients have enhanced oxidative stress and administration of selective antioxidants may preclude oxidative damage.

Lifestyle Modification through Dietary Intervention: Health Promotion of Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is more common worldwide and no certain treatment apart from lifestyle modification has been established yet. Available data consistently show that energy intake is significantly higher in patients with NAFLD than in individuals with no evidence of fatty liver. Changing nutritional behaviors seems to be the primary approach for treatment, simultaneously addressing all the clinical and biochemical defects. This study was aimed to examine the effects of two different composition of low energy diet (diet I vs. diet II) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients. METHODS: In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, 44 ultrasonography-proven overweight non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients were divided into two groups and received two low-energy diets (-500 kcal less than energy requirement individually) inc. diet I (Carbohydrate: Fat: Protein: 55:25:20) and diet II (Carbohydrate: Fat: Protein: 40:40:20) for six weeks. Anthropometric and biochemical measures as well as liver enzymes were assessed after 12 hours fasting. RESULTS: After diet I and diet II, weight decreased significantly (%1.82 and %2.45, respectively). Liver enzymes and echogenicity decreased significantly by both diet I and diet II. Mean of triglyceride concentration decreased (%18.09) after diet II (P=0.023), while there was no significant change after diet I. Significant correlations were found between changes in aspartate aminotransferase with triglyceride and LDL-C diet I. CONCLUSION: Low energy diets can decrease liver enzymes regardless of their composition, while diet II seems to be more effective than diet I in reduction of weight and triglyceride level.