The effect of soy isoflavones supplementation on metabolic status in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized placebo controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) accounts as a crucial health concern with a huge burden on health and economic systems. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of soy isoflavones supplementation on metabolic status in patients with NAFLD. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 50 patients with NAFLD were randomly allocated to either soy isoflavone or placebo groups for 12 weeks. The soy isoflavone group took 100 mg/d soy isoflavone and the placebo group took the similar tablets containing starch. Anthropometric indices, blood lipids, glycemic parameters and blood pressure were measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. RESULTS: At the end of week 12 the level of serum triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) was significantly decreased only in soy isoflavone group compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Although waist circumference (WC) decreased significantly in both groups after 12 weeks of intervention (P < 0.05), hip circumference (HC) decreased significantly only in soy isoflavone group (P = 0.001). No significant changes observed regarding high density lipoprotein (HDL) and blood pressure in both groups. At the end of the study, serum glucose level was significantly decreased in the placebo group compared to baseline (P = 0.047). No significant changes demonstrated in the soy isoflavone group in regard to glycemic parameters (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that soy isoflavones could significantly reduce TG, LDL TC, WC and HC in NAFLD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Ethics committee of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences approved the protocol of the present clinical research (IR.AJUMS.REC.1401.155). The study was in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. This study's registered number and date are IRCT20220801055597N1 and 20.09.2022, respectively at https://fa.irct.ir .

Association between dietary selenium and zinc intake and risk of dilated cardiomyopathy in children: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) is characterized by the enlargement and weakening of the heart and is a major cause of heart failure in children. Infection and nutritional deficiencies are culprits for DCMP. Zinc is an important nutrient for human health due to its anti-oxidant effect that protects cell against oxidative damage. This case-control study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary intake of zinc and selenium and the risk of DCMP in pediatric patients. METHODS: A total of 36 DCMP patients and 72 matched controls were recruited, and their dietary intakes were assessed via a validated food frequency questionnaire. We used chi-square and sample T-test for qualitative and quantitative variables, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the relationship between selenium and zinc intake with the risk of DCMP. RESULTS: After fully adjusting for confounding factors, analyses showed that selenium (OR = 0.19, CI = 0.057-0.069, P trend < 0.011) and zinc (OR = 0.12, CI = 0.035-0.046, P trend < 0.002) intake were strongly associated with 81% and 88% lower risk of pediatric DCMP, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the protective role of adequate dietary intake of selenium and zinc in decreasing the risk of DCMP in children. Malnutrition may exacerbate the condition and addressing these micronutrient deficiencies may improve the cardiac function. Further studies are recommended to detect the underlying mechanisms and dietary recommendations for DCMP prevention.

The effect of soy isoflavones on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the level of fibroblast growth factor-21 and fetuin A.

A two-arm randomized open labeled controlled clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Subjects were randomized to either receive two tablets of soy isoflavone (100 mg/day) or placebo. At week 12, the serum levels of alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score were significantly decreased only in the soy isoflavone group (P < 0.05). A significant decline in the gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) level was observed only in the placebo group (P = 0.017). A significant increase in the serum level of fetuin A was shown in both groups at the end of the trial with a significantly greater increment in the soy isoflavone group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05). The changes in the serum level of FGF-21 were not significant in any of the two groups. Steatosis grade significantly improved only in the soy isoflavone group (P = 0.045). There was no significant change in the fibrosis grade in the groups. Soy isoflavone intake led to a decrease in ALT, AST, CAP score, steatosis grade and an increase in the level of fetuin A. However, no significant changes were observed in the fibrosis grade and serum levels of GGT and FGF-21.

The association of the healthy food diversity index with the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among the adult population.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dietary diversity index is a useful evaluation index for examining the role of dietary pattern in predicting chronic diseases risk, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). In the present study, we aimed to examine the possible association of dietary diversity using US Healthy Food Diversity(US HFD) index and the NAFLD risk in Iranian adults. METHODS: A total of 675 individuals (225 patients with NAFLD and 450 controls) aged 20-60 years were recruited for the current case-control study. Data on dietary intakes were determined using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and dietary diversity was calculated using the US HFD index. In patients with NAFLD, an ultrasound scan of the liver was used to detect NAFLD. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios(ORs) and 95 % confidence interval(CI) of NAFLD across tertiles of the US HFD index. RESULTS: Mean ± SD age of the study population were 38.13 ± 8.85 years. The median (interquartile) score of the US HFD index in patients with NAFLD and healthy subjects was 0.08(0.07-0.09) and 0.09(0.08-0.10), respectively. In the age and sex-adjusted model, the odds of NAFLD were considerably reduced across tertiles of the US HFD index (OR:0.48; 95%CI:0.32-0.72, Ptrend<0.001). Also, in the final model, after adjusting for age, sex, waist-to-hip ratio, smoking, physical activity, marital status, socioeconomic status, and energy intake, the odds of NAFLD were significantly reduced across tertiles US HFD index (OR:0.55; 95%CI:0.31-0.97, Ptrend<0.001). Furthermore, for each SD increase in the US HFD index, the odds of NAFLD are reduced by 23 % (OR:0.77;95%CI:0.60-0.97,P-Value<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that greater adherence to dietary pattern with a high US HFD score, defined by higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, low-fat dairy, seeds, soya products, and plant oils may be related to reducing the odds of NAFLD.

Dietary protein intake and mortality among survivors of liver cirrhosis: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Liver cirrhosis is a worldwide burden and is associated with poor clinical outcomes, including increased mortality. The beneficial effects of dietary modifications in reducing morbidity and mortality are inevitable. AIM: The current study aimed to evaluate the potential association of dietary protein intake with the cirrhosis-related mortality. METHODS: In this cohort study, 121 ambulatory cirrhotic patients with at least 6 months of cirrhosis diagnosis were followed-up for 48 months. A 168-item validated food frequency questionnaire was used for dietary intake assessment. Total dietary protein was classified as dairy, vegetable and animal protein. We estimated crude and multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), applying Cox proportional hazard analyses. RESULTS: After full adjustment for confounders, analyses showed that total (HR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.2-1.1, p trend = 0.045) and dairy (HR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.13-1.1, p trend = 0.046) protein intake was associated with a 62% lower risk of cirrhosis-related mortality. While a higher intake of animal protein was associated with a 3.8-fold increase in the risk of mortality in patients (HR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.7-8.2, p trend = 0.035). Higher intake of vegetable protein was inversely but not significantly associated with mortality risk. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive evaluation of the associations of dietary protein intake with cirrhosis-related mortality indicated that a higher intakes of total and dairy protein and a lower intakes of animal protein are associated with a reduced risk of mortality in cirrhotic patients.

The association of healthy lifestyle score and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: The combined role of important environmental factors as a single lifestyle index in predicting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk is not fully assessed. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of healthy lifestyle factor score (HLS) with the odds of NAFLD in Iranian adults. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 675 participants, aged ≥ 20-60 years, including 225 new NAFLD cases and 450 controls. We measured dietary intake information using a validated food frequency questionnaire and determined diet quality based on the alternate healthy eating index-2010(AHEI-2010). The score of HLS was calculated based on four lifestyle factors, including a healthy diet, normal body weight, non-smoking, and high physical activity. An ultrasound scan of the liver was used to detect NAFLD in participants of the case group. Logistic regression models were used to determine the odds ratios(ORs) and 95% confidence interval(CI) of NAFLD across tertiles of HLS and AHEI. RESULTS: Mean ± SD age of the participants were 38.13 ± 8.85 years. The Mean ± SD HLS in the case and control groups was 1.55 ± 0.67 and 2.53 ± 0.87, respectively. Also, the Mean ± SD AHEI in the case and control groups was 48.8 ± 7.7 and 54.1 ± 8.1, respectively. Based on the age and sex-adjusted model, the odds of NAFLD were decreased across tertiles of AHEI (OR:0.18;95%CI:0.16-0.29,Ptrend<0.001) and HLS(OR:0.03;95%CI:0.01-0.05,Ptrend<0.001). Also, in the multivariable model, the odds of NAFLD were decreased across tertiles AHEI (OR:0.12;95%CI:0.06-0.24,Ptrend<0.001) and HLS(OR:0.02;95%CI:0.01-0.04,Ptrend<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reported that higher adherence to lifestyle with a higher score of HLS was associated with decreased odds of NAFLD. Also, a diet with a high AHEI score can reduce the risk of NAFLD in the adult population.

Dietary advanced glycation end products are associated with an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Iranian adults.

BACKGROUND: Dietary advanced glycation end products(AGEs) may contribute to increased inflammation and oxidative stress as risk factors for chronic diseases such as liver disease. In the current study, we aimed to examine the possible association of dietary AGEs with the odds of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Iranian adults. METHODS: A total of 675 participants (225 newly diagnosed NAFLD cases and 450 controls), aged 20-60 years, were recruited for this case-control study. Nutritional data were measured using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and dietary AGEs were determined for all participants. An ultrasound scan of the liver performed the detection of NAFLD in participants of the case group without alcohol consumption and other causes of hepatic disorders. We used logistic regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, to estimate the odds ratios(ORs) and 95% confidence interval(CI) of NAFLD across tertiles of dietary AGEs. RESULTS: Mean ± SD age and body mass index of the participants were 38.13 ± 8.85 years and 26.85 ± 4.31 kg/m2, respectively. The median(IQR) of dietary AGEs in participants was 3262(2472-4301). In the sex and age-adjusted model, the odds of NAFLD were increased across tertiles of dietary AGEs intake(OR:16.48;95%CI:9.57-28.40, Ptrend<0.001). Also, in the final model, after controlling for confounding effects of BMI, smoking, physical activity, marital status, socio-economic status, and energy intake, the odds of NAFLD were increased across tertiles of dietary AGEs intake(OR:12.16; 95%CI:6.06-24.39, Ptrend<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that greater adherence to dietary pattern with high dietary AGEs intake was significantly related to increased odds of NAFLD.

Hemolysis and acquired methemoglobinemia associated with lidocaine and benzocaine topical application: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Topical anesthetics are commonly used over the counter, and one of the adverse effects of these medications is methemoglobinemia, which is a serious and life-threatening condition. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 25-year-old Persian male presenting with generalized weakness, dizziness, headache, and cyanosis. In addition, he had genital warts starting 3 weeks ago, which were self-treated with podophyllin, resulting in itching and pain. He used over-the-counter topical anesthetics, including benzocaine and lidocaine, to reduce the symptoms. According to the lab data, signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia and hemolysis were diagnosed. Considering the hemolysis, ascorbic acid was used for treatment. The patient was discharged after 5 days with normal arterial blood gas and pulse oximetry and no signs and symptoms. CONCLUSION: This case highlights that self-administration of some topical anesthetics may lead to potentially fatal conditions.

The association of dietary and lifestyle indices for insulin resistance with the risk of cardiometabolic diseases among Iranian adults.

The current study aimed to examine the possible association of the dietary index for insulin resistance (DIR) and the lifestyle index for insulin resistance (LIR), determined by dietary components, body mass index, and physical activity, with the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, including insulin resistance (IR), hypertension (HTN), diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). This prospective cohort study was performed on 2717 individuals aged ≥ 19 years in the framework of the Tehran Lipid-Glucose Study. Data on nutritional intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to determine the odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (ORs and 95% CIs) of cardiometabolic diseases across tertiles of DIR and LIR scores. During 3-years of follow-up, the incidence rate of diabetes, IR, HTN, and MetS was 3%, 13%, 13.9%, and 17%, respectively. In the multi-variables model, after controlling all potential confounders, the risk of IR(OR: 1.65, 95% CI 1.01-2.69, P-trend = 0.047), diabetes (OR: 1.95, 95% CI 1.02-3.74, P-trend = 0.058), and HTN(OR: 1.52, 95% CI 1.07-2.15, P-trend = 0.016) was increased across tertiles of DIR score. Also, the risk of IR (OR: 2.85, 95% CI 1.72-4.73, P-trend < 0.001), diabetes(OR: 2.44, 95% CI 1.24-4.78, P-trend = 0.004), HTN(OR: 1.95, 95% CI 1.35-2.81, P-trend < 0.001), and MetS (OR: 2.87, 95% CI 1.96-4.18, P-trend < 0.001) were increased across tertiles of LIR score. Our findings reported that a dietary pattern with a higher DIR score and a lifestyle with a higher LIR score might be related to increased cardiometabolic disorders, including diabetes, HTN, Mets, and IR in Iranian adults.

Dietary fiber intake and risk of gallstone: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Gallstone disease (GSD) and its complications are major public health issues globally. Although many community-based studies had addressed the risk factors for GSD, little is known about the associations between dietary factors and risk of disease. The present study aimed to investigate the potential associations between dietary fibers with the risk of gallstone disease. METHODS: In this case-control study, 189 GSD patients with less than one month of diagnosis and 342 age­matched controls were enrolled. Dietary intakes were assessed using a 168-item semi-quantitative validated food frequency questionnaire. Crude and multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated through cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: Comparing the highest versus the lowest tertile, significant reverse associations were observed between odds of GSD and each category of dietary fiber intake including total (OR T3 vs. T1 = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.37-0.7, P for trend = 0.015), soluble (OR T3 vs. T1 = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8, P for trend = 0.048) and insoluble (OR T3 vs. T1 = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.3-0.9, P for trend < 0.001). The relationship between dietary fiber intake and the risk of gallstones was more prominent in overweight and obese subjects than in subjects with a normal body mass index. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive assessment of the associations of dietary fiber intake with GSD showed that higher intakes of dietary fiber were significantly associated with reduced GSD risk.

The relationship between the insulinemic potential of diet and lifestyle and risk of breast cancer: a case-control study among iranian adult women.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer, with a higher mortality rate in women worldwide. We aimed to investigate the association of the insulinemic potential of diet and lifestyle with the odds of BC using empirical indices, including the empirical dietary index for hyperinsulinemia (EDIH), empirical lifestyle index for hyperinsulinemia (ELIH), the empirical dietary index for insulin resistance (EDIR), and empirical lifestyle index for insulin resistance (ELIR). METHODS: This hospital-based case-control study was conducted among Tehranian adult women aged≥30 years. The final analysis was performed on 134 women newly diagnosed with histologically confirmed BC as a case and 267 healthy women of the same age as control. A 168-food item food frequency questionnaire was used for assessing dietary intakes at baseline. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of BC across tertiles of EDIH, ELIH, EDIR, and ELIR were determined using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean ± SD of age and BMI of participants were 47.9±10.3 years and 29.4±5.5 kg/m2, respectively. EDIH score was related to the higher risk of BC based on fully adjusted models (OR:2.24;95%CI:1.21-4.12, Ptrend=0.016). Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed a higher BC risk with increasing EDIH score in postmenopausal women (OR:1.74, 95%CI:1.13-2.69) and those without a history of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use (OR:1.44;95%CI:1.02-2.04). Moreover, ELIH scores were positively associated with an increased risk of BC in postmenopausal women (OR; 1.98; 95% CI: 1.35 - 2.89), those with a family history of cancer (OR:1.94;95%CI:1.10-3.42), and in individuals who did not use OCP (OR:1.46; 95% CI:1.00-2.12). CONCLUSION: Our results showed a possible link between EDIH and higher BC risk. Also, higher EDIH and ELIH scores were strongly associated with a higher risk of BC in postmenopausal women, those with a family history of BC, and those who do not use OCP.