Association between Blastocystis and body mass index in healthy subjects; a theoretical pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Blastocystis is a prevalent protozoan of the gut lumen with worldwide distribution. Recent studies showed that this microorganism may alter both richness and diversity of the gut microbiota. In the current study we assessed the dietary intakes in two Blastocystis-positive and Blastocystis-negative groups to evaluate the impact of this protozoan on the body mass index (BMI) and the dietary intakes. METHODS: In total, ninety-three participants consisted of 17 and 76 Blastocystis-positive and Blastocystis-negative subjects, respectively, were included in this study. Positive cases of Blastocystis had been confirmed by microscopy and culture medium. Moreover, a standard FFQ was filled out for all participants and independent t-test was employed to evaluate the correlation between Blastocystis and the dietary intakes. RESULTS: From participants, 21/93 (22.58%) and 72/93 (77.42%) were male and female, respectively. The mean age ± SD among Blastocystis-positive and Blastocystis-negative individuals was 39.41 ± 14.60 years and 37.37 ± 13.16 years, respectively. Furthermore, Blastocystis-positive participants had lower weight (67.84 ± 12.29 kg) in comparison to Blastocystis-negative individuals (69.80 ± 14.99 kg). Indeed, BMI of Blastocystis-positive subjects was 25.46 ± 4.66 and lower than Blastocystis-negative subjects 25.89 ± 5.01; (P value = 0.745). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that BMI in Blastocystis-positive subjects was lower than Blastocystis-negative persons. Blastocystis probably affects the dietary intakes and energy metabolism.

Advances in the Diagnosis of GERD Using the Esophageal pH Monitoring, Gastro-Esophageal Impedance-pH Monitoring, And Pitfalls.

PH monitoring is not capable of detecting all types of reflux, especially when the amount of acid is very low or not at all in the refluxate. Multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) is used as a new method to assess bolus transport. The types of reflexes including acid, weak acid and weak alkaline MII-pH is capable of distinguishing more reflux episodes based upon use of physical and chemical parameters of the refluxate, leads to a diagnosis of normal acid reflux from abnormal nonacidic reflux. 24-h oesophagal pH monitoring can be effectively used to assess the potential relationship between symptoms and refluxes. MII-pH is capable of distinguishing more reflux episodes based upon use of physical and chemical parameters of the refluxate, leads to a diagnosis of normal acid reflux from abnormal nonacidic reflux. It can be used to confirm gastro-oesophagal reflux episodes, where has a sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing GERD in comparison with endoscopy or pH-metry.

Effect of diet based on the principles of Iranian traditional medicine on cirrhosis (a clinical trial).

OBJECTIVES: Cirrhosis is associated with morbidity and mortality worldwide. Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) focused on nutritional intervention in order to improve liver function. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a diet designed based on ITM and current dietary recommendations. DESIGN: This controlled trial study was performed on 57 subjects with cirrhosis in 5 tertiary hospitals in Teharn, Iran. SETTING: Subjects were included if they were diagnosed with class A or B cirrhosis between October 2013 and December 2014. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomly allocated into intervention (28 subjects) who received dietary and lifestyle recommendations based on ITM and controls (29 subjects) who received routine dietary and lifestyle recommendations for 3 months. Subjects were assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention for anthropometric measures, liver function tests and cirrhosis severity scoring. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), anthropometric measures, serum albumin, liver function tests, International Normalized Ratio and alkaline phosphatase as well as subjective findings. RESULTS: Mean age of the subjects was 51.19±11.88years. Weight reduction was observed in 41 subjects (22 subjects in intervention and 19 in control group). Dietary intervention resulted in a significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase (AST) (p=0.04) and significant resolution of icterus in sclera (p=0.02) in weight loss group and increase serum albumin in weight gain group (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: ITM recommendations could be beneficial for cirrhotic patients both for the purpose of weight reduction and weight gain.