Prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and associated factors among adults from southwest Iran: Baseline data from Hoveyzeh Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) were the number one cause of death in Iran. The main risk factors of CVDs include unhealthy lifestyles, insulin resistance, hypertension (HTN), and hyperlipidemia. Given that there are modifiable risk factors for CVDs, this cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CVDs and their risk factors among adults. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 9828 adults 35-70 years (both sexes). The demographic data, lifestyle habits, anthropometric data, and clinical and biochemical parameters were collected from the baseline data of the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study. The odds ratio (OR) of CVDs was assessed by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of CVDs was higher in females than males (16.2 vs. 12.6, p ≤ 0.001). The prevalence of CVDs was related to age, gender, marital status, lifestyle, anthropometric measurements, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, HTN, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (p ≤ 0.05). The participants aged 65-70 y showed the highest odds of CVDs (OR: 3.97, 95% CI: (3.14, 5.01), (p ≤ 0.001)). Males (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: (1.51, 2.05), p ≤ 0.001), married status (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: (1.08, 2.47), p = 0.021), more using a mobile phone (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: (1.09, 1.46), p ≤ 0.002), and smoking cigarettes (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: (1.24, 1.68), p ≤ 0.001) associated with CVDs. Higher odds of CVDs were related to low physical activity (PA) (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: (1.34, 1.8), p ≤ 0.001), body mass index > 30 (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: (1.01, 2.8), p ≤ 0.047). Moreover, odds of CVDs were related to systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mm Hg (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: (1.04, 1.51), p = 0.017), FPG = 100-126 mg/dl (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: (1.07, 1.43), p = 0.003), and FPG > 126 mg/dl (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: (1.47, 1. 98), p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study showed the main risk factors of CVDs were older age, married status, using a mobile phone, low PA, smoking, obesity, and abnormal FPG and SBP. The lower odds of CVDs were found in the participants with normal cholesterol.

Prevalence of prediabetes and associated factors in southwest iran: results from Hoveyzeh cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Increasing trend of prediabetes and diabetes is a global public health issue. On the other hand, prediabetes can increase the risk of developing some non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, fatty liver disease, etc. Given that there are modifiable various risk factors for prediabetes, this cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of prediabetes and its risk factors among adults. METHODS: The present study included the baseline data from the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies of the Iranian Adult and Neonates (PERSIAN), Hoveyzeh Cohort Study (N = 10,009). The demographic data, lifestyle habits, anthropometric data, and clinical and biochemical parameters were gathered. The odds ratio of prediabetes was assessed by logistic regression. RESULTS: The final analysis was conducted on 7629 participants. The prevalence of overweight (36.7%), obesity (37.5%), prediabetes (30.29%), abnormal high density lipoprotein (35.4%), cholesterol (33.8%) and triglyceride (39.7%), and HTN (21.3%) were common. In the adjusted analysis, there were higher odds of having prediabetes for overweight (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: (1.19, 3.03), p = 0.007), obesity (OR = 3.18, 95% CI: (1.99, 5.07), p < 0.001), waist circumstance (WC) (OR = 1.024, 95% CI: (1.002, 1.03), p < 0.001), hip circumstance (HC) (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: (1.003, 1.02), p = 0.008), older age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: (1.04, 1.05), p < 0.001), hypertension (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: (1.21, 1.57), p < 0.001),), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (OR = 1.013, 95% CI: (1.007, 1.019), p = 0.001), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: (1.006, 1.013), p < 0.001), triglyceride = 150-199 mg/dl (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: (1.16, 1.51), p < 0.001), triglyceride ≥ 200 mg/dl (OR = 1.64 (95% CI: 1.44, 1.86), p < 0.001), cholesterol = 200- 239 mg/dl (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: (1.18, 1.49), p < 0.001), and cholesterol ≥ 240 mg/dl (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: (1.72, 2.42), p < 0.001) in general population. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of prediabetes, overweight, obesity, HTN, and dyslipidemia was common. The greater chances of prediabetes were related to aging, overweight, obesity, HTN, higher liver enzymes, HC, abnormal WC, and dyslipidemia. It seems that practical interventions are necessary to prevent prediabetes.

Curcumin and zinc co-supplementation along with a loss-weight diet can improve lipid profiles in subjects with prediabetes: a multi-arm, parallel-group, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is one of the major public health concerns. Prediabetes can increase the risk of developing some non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Given the increasing trend of prediabetes, it is critical to control it and prevent its complications. Curcumin is a major bioactive component of turmeric. Zinc is an antioxidant nutrient. The present trial aimed to evaluate the effect of curcumin and zinc co-supplementation along with a loss-weight diet on serum lipid profiles in overweight or obese patients with prediabetes. METHODS: Eighty-four participants were randomized to four groups (curcumin (500 mg/day), zinc (30 mg/day), "curcumin and zinc", and placebo) for 90 days. Serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), non-HDL, HDL/LDL ratio, weight, BMI, waist circumstance (WC), hip circumstance (HC), physical activity (PA) and dietary intake were determined pre and post-intervention. This study will be conducted at Yazd Diabetes Research Clinic, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences. RESULTS: Totally, 82 participants were included in the final analysis. After the adjusted PA effect, changes in serum TG (adjusted p = 0.001), LDL (adjusted p = 0.035), non-HDL (adjusted p = 0.003), HDL/LDL ratio (adjusted p = 0.002), and HDL (adjusted p < 0.0001) revealed a significant difference between the groups. However, the changes in weight (adjusted p = 0.004) and BMI (adjusted p = 0.006) were significant but the changes in dietary intake, PA, WC, and HC were non-significant (adjusted p ≥ 0.05). Despite that there was a significant difference for post-intervention HDL levels (adjusted p = 0.016), other lipid profiles showed no significant difference (adjusted p ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The beneficial effects of "curcumin and zinc" co-supplementation was reported for the changes of some lipid profiles (TG, LDL, HDL, non-HDL, and HDL to LDL ratio), BMI, and weight with no positive effects on TC, dietary intake, PA, WC, and HC. Therefore, it may play a potential role in the prevention of macro and microvascular complications. Trial registration The project is a registered clinical trial (Registration number: IRCT20190902044671N1, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), registered October 11, 2019.

Serum and follicular fluid chemerin and chemerin mRNA expression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age. Chemerin, a novel adipokine, is involved in inflammation, energy metabolism, adipogenesis, angiogenesis and insulin secretion in the adipose cells and ovary. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to compare serum and follicular fluid (FF) chemerin and ovarian chemerin mRNA expression among women with PCOS and non-PCOS. METHODS: Electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane and CINAHL were used for a comprehensive search through April 2021. Of the 174 articles initially identified, 22 studies met the eligibility criteria. A random-effects model with a weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was performed to compare the outcomes between groups. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to detect the sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Women with PCOS compared to without PCOS showed significantly higher serum chemerin [WMD: 12.02 pg/ml (95% CI: [10.92, 13.13]), p < .001], chemerin mRNA expression [WMD: 0.38% (95% CI [0.25, 0.52]), p = .001] and FF chemerin [(WMD): 41.7 pg/ml (95% CI [17.89, 65.5]) p < .001]. Further, serum chemerin remained high in PCOS women even with subgroup analysis based on body mass index (BMI) or sample size (p < .001). Serum chemerin was higher in women with PCOS and higher BMI [(WMD): 3.29 pg/ml (95% CI: [2.73, 3.384]), p < .001]. The expression of chemerin mRNA was significantly higher in the PCOS group compared to the control group [WMD: 0.38% (95% CI [0.25, 0.52]), p < .001]. CONCLUSION: Serum and FF chemerin and mRNA expression were higher in the PCOS group compared to the controls. Further, serum chemerin was higher in PCOS women with higher BMI compared to lower BMI. The present findings illustrate that chemerin may be associated with PCOS status and BMI, independently.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviors (screen time and homework) among overweight or obese adolescents: a cross-sectional observational study in Yazd, Iran.

BACKGROUND: The growing number of adolescents who are overweight or obese (OW / OB) is a public concern. The present study was aimed to evaluate physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) (screen time (ST) and homework time (HT)) among Yazd OW/OB adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed among 510 students aged 12-16 in Yazd, Iran. The general information, PA, and SB (ST and HT) were collected by interview based on the WHO standard questionnaire. Anthropometric data were assessed by precise instruments. Daily energy intake (Energy) was obtained from a 7-day food record. Nutritionist 4 software (version I) was run to estimate the energy. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of SB > 2h/day (97.6), ST > 2h/day (70.3%), overweight or obesity (40%), abdominal obesity (36.9%), physical inactivity (29.8%) among the students. The younger age (p = 0.014), energy (p < 0.001), no access to the yard (p < 0.001), family size ≤ 2 (p = 0.023), passive transportation, (p = 0.001), the highest school days' HT (p = 0.033) and SB (p = 0.021), and the highest weekends' HT among the students were the risk factors for OW/OB. The highest PA level was associated with a lower risk of OW/OB (p < 0.001). The findings were not the same in both sexes. Compared to the normal weight students, OW / OB spent more time on school days and weekdays for ST (P <0.001), HT (P <0.001, P = 0.005) and SB (P <0.001), respectively. OW/OB students showed a higher weekends' ST (p < 0.001) and lower HT (p = 0.048) than normal-weight students. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SB, ST, OW/OB, and physical inactivity were common. The school days and weekends' HT, the school days' SB and HT, age, energy, PA, and access to the yard, family size, and passive transportation were related to the greater chances of OW/OB students. Given that the expansion of online education and self-isolation in a new situation with COVID-19, it seems we will meet the worrying results.

The effect of curcumin and zinc co-supplementation on glycemic parameters in overweight or obese prediabetic subjects: A phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a multi-arm, parallel-group design.

Management of prediabetes is a critical step to prevent type-2 diabetes. Curcumin and zinc have been studied as an antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antidiabetic agents. In this clinical trial, 84 subjects were randomized into curcumin (500 mg), zinc (30 mg), zinc and curcumin, and placebo groups for 90 days. At the baseline and the end of the study, the outcomes (fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hpp), HbA1 C, insulin, insulin sensitivity (IS), insulin resistance (IR), ß-cell function (BCF), weight, body mass index (BMI), dietary intake, and physical activity (PA)) were measured. A hypocaloric diet and PA were recommended for all subjects. In total, 82 subjects completed the study. After the intervention, dietary intake, PA, weight, and BCF% did not show a significant difference among the groups. However, subjects taking only zinc and zinc and curcumin groups experienced decreased BMI compared to the placebo (p = .01 and .007, respectively). The three treated groups had improved FPG (p = .01), 2hpp (p = .003), HbA1C (p = .004), insulin (p = .001), IS% (p = .001), and IR (p < .001) compared to the placebo. Based on these results, zinc and curcumin supplementation exerted a beneficial effect on several key glycemic parameters.

The Comparison of Clinical and Histopathological Effects of Topical Psyllium (Plantago ovata) Powder and Silver Sulfadiazine on Second-Degree Burn Wound Healing in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Burn wounds are a worldwide health problem, leading to physical and psychological disabilities in all age's groups. With regard to absorbent properties of Plantago ovata mucilage which can decrease wound moisture, we aimed to compare the effect of silver sulfadiazine (SSD) 1% and powdered P. ovata on second-degree burn wound healing in rats. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted on 30 male Wistar rats with second-degree burn in three groups. Group 1 (control) did not receive any treatment; group 2 and group 3 (treated groups) were dressed daily using SSD cream and P. ovata powder, respectively. The weight of rats, wound size (by applying ImageJ software) and percentage of wound healing on the 5th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd days (by diagnosing a plastic surgeon) and histological cutaneous changes at day 22 were evaluated. The Prism software was applied for data analysis. The Haematoxylin & Eosin as well as Masson's trichrome staining were performed on wound skin biopsies. RESULTS: On day 22nd, 20%, 50% and 60% of the rats had complete wound healing in the control, SSD and P. ovata groups, respectively. A significant decrease in wound size was shown in the treated groups compared to the control group (P<0.01), but no significant difference was shown between the treated groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: However, the wound healing in P. ovata group or SSD was better than the control group, and the significant difference was not found with the treated group.

Evaluation of the effect of curcumin and zinc co-supplementation on glycemic measurements, lipid profiles, and inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers in overweight or obese prediabetic patients: a study protocol for a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of prediabetes is increasing worldwide. Unfortunately, prediabetes is related to non-communicable diseases. A high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is reported in people with prediabetes. Curcumin, a polyphenol, might lead to its therapeutic role in obesity and some obesity-related metabolic diseases. Zinc is a trace element that plays a key role in the synthesis and action of insulin, carbohydrate metabolism, and decreasing inflammation. There has been no clinical trial of zinc and curcumin co-supplementation in patients with prediabetes. In previous studies, the single administration of zinc or curcumin has not been conducted on many of the studied markers in prediabetic patients. METHODS: The purpose of this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial is to investigate the effect of curcumin and zinc co-supplementation on glycemic measurements, lipid profiles, and inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers among 84 prediabetic patients with body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35. Also, liver enzyme, serum zinc, urine zinc, blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, quality of life, adherence to co-supplementation, the side effects of co-supplementation, physical activity, and dietary intake will be assessed. Women or men (18-50 years old for men and 18 years to before menopause for women) will be followed for 3 months (90 days). This study will be conducted at Yazd Diabetes Research Clinic, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences. DISCUSSION: A diet rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and phytochemicals has been shown to have a beneficial role in prediabetes. According to the beneficial properties of curcumin or zinc and inadequate evidence, RCTs are needed to assess the effect of curcumin and zinc co-supplementation in native prediabetes patients. We hope the results of the present trial, negative or positive, fill this gap in the literature and facilitate the approach for a much larger, multi-center clinical trial. In conclusion, a synergic effect of co-supplementation along with a weight-loss diet may delay the progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) IRCT20190902044671N1 . Registered on 11 October 2019.

Red vine leaf extract (AS 195) can improve some signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, a systematic review.

AIM: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is common in adults. Some complications include skin changes, edema, heavy legs, muscle cramps, pain, and varicose veins. In traditional medicine, red vine leaf extract (AS 195) has been used to cure the symptoms of CVI. This systematic review was aimed to assess the effects of AS 195 in patients with CVI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify trials that reported the impact of red vine leaf extract on CVI. The primary outcomes investigated were Leg (limb) volume, calf circumference, ankle circumference, tired and heavy legs, a sensation of tension, tingling sensation, and pain. RESULTS: From the 56 studies, 5 trials were selected according to our inclusion criteria. Red vine leaf extract significantly improved numbers of outcomes (lower leg volume, calf and ankle circumference, tired, heavy legs, tingling sensation, pain, the sensation of tension in the legs, cutaneous microcirculation, and transcutaneous oxygen pressure) in only some trials. The tolerability for red vine leaf extract was reported good or satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Red vine leaf extract had a beneficial therapeutic role in patients with CVI. Further high-quality trials are required to be carried out to provide strong evidence.

Metabolic benefits of curcumin supplementation in patients with metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The finding of studies on the effect of curcumin extract on metabolic factor in patients with metabolic syndrome has had arguable results. This systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) aimed to analyze the effect of curcumin/turmeric on metabolic factors in patients with metabolic syndrome. The PICO strategy was used to establish the guiding question of this review. Several databases for RCT were searched until September 2018. Of the 144 articles initially identified, seven trials met the eligibility criteria. A random-effects model with a mean weight difference (WMD) and a 95% confidence interval was performed for quantitative data synthesis. Pooled estimates of WMD were calculated between intervention and control groups using random-effects model in the presence of high level of heterogeneity between the studies. The results showed significant improvement of fasting blood glucose (p = 0.01), triglycerides (p < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.003), and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.007) levels. Curcumin was not associated with a significant change in waist circumference measurement (p = 0.6) and systolic blood pressure level (p = 0.269). Curcumin supplementation improves some components of metabolic syndrome.

The Effect of Oral L-glutamine on the Healing of Second-degree Burns in Mice.

UNLABELLED:  Background. The effect of oral L-glutamine on wound healing in two groups of mice with superficial second-degree burns was evaluated. METHODS: Thirty (30) male mice were included and randomly divided into two groups. First, the mice underwent general anesthesia, then an iron plate heated to 80˚C was placed on each animal's skin for 1 second to create a second-degree burn injury. The test group mice received glutamine powder (1 g/kg/day) dissolved in water; the control group did not receive this supplementation. The variables were weight, burn wound surface area (cm3), wound contraction, and wound healing percentage on days 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, and 22. Serum levels of albumin, urea, and creatinine were assayed on days 1 and 22. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding weight or serum albumin, urea, and creatinine levels. However, mean wound contraction was significant between the groups on days 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, and 22. Complete wound healing (100%) was achieved on day 22 in the test group compared to 71% healing in the control group. CONCLUSION: A significant and positive effect of oral glutamine on burn wound healing was found. However, further research is necessary in order to understand which stage of the healing process glutamine supplementation affected .