Dietary patterns and the risk of Alzheimer's disease in an elderly Iranian population: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of studies in Western countries have shown that healthy eating patterns have a protective effect against cognitive decline and dementia, however, information about this relationship among non-western populations with different cultural environments is scarce. The present study investigated the association between dietary patterns (DPs) and cognitive function in the Iranian elderly. METHODS: In this case-control study, the data of 290 elderly people in two groups of case and control (Mean age in case: 74.2 ± 8.6, in control: 67.3 ± 7.3 year) were analyzed. Two DPs of healthy and unhealthy were extracted from a 142-item dish-based food frequency questionnaire, and patterns driven by principal components analysis (PCA) of 25 food groups. Multivariate binary logistic regression calculated the odds ratio (OR) of cognitive impairment with adjustment for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: A healthy DP, characterized by high consumption of fruits and vegetables, legumes, and nuts, was related to a decrease in the odds of Alzheimer's disease in Iranian elderly people. Also, moderate adherence to an unhealthy food pattern was associated with an increase in the probability of the disease; however, the association was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In this elderly population, a healthy eating pattern was associated with reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Further prospective studies are recommended.

Relationship between healthy eating index and sarcopenia in elderly people.

BACKGROUND: Data on the association of Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010) with sarcopenia are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the association between adherence to AHEI-2010 and sarcopenia and its components including low muscle mass, low muscle strength, and low muscle performance among elderly people. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, which was conducted on 300 older people (150 men and 150 women) aged ≥55 years. Dietary information was done using a valid 117-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). To construct AHEI-2010 score, earlier studies were used. Sarcopenia and its components were described based on both former and new European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) guidelines. RESULTS: We found no significant association between AHEI-2010 score and odds of EWGSOP2-sarcopenia, either before (OR for the highest vs. lowest tertiles: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.19, 1.55) or after (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.14, 1.34) adjustment for confounders. In gender-stratified analyses, we found a significant protective association between adherence to the AHEI-2010 score and odds of EWGSOP2-sarcopenia among women after controlling for confounders (0.20; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, healthy eating was inversely associated with odds of sarcopenia among women, but not in men. Further studies with a large sample size and prospective design are needed to examine this association.

Association of Recent and Long-Term Supplement Intakes With Laboratory Indices in Patients With COVID-19 in Tehran, Iran, During 2020.

Background: Although previous studies observed the relationship between individual dietary supplements and enhancing body resistance against viruses, few studies have been conducted regarding the role of different supplements in treatment of COVID-19. This article aims to determine the association of recent and long-term supplement consumption on the biochemical indices and impatient duration among patients with COVID-19. Methods: In this cross-sectional study on 300 adult men and women with COVID-19, recent and long-term supplement intakes were investigated by using a questionnaire. In addition, lifestyle was also assessed in aspects of fruits and vegetable consumption, physical activity, sleeping duration, fluid intake, and smoking status. Furthermore, the laboratory and paraclinical parameters were obtained from medical records. The relationship between supplement intake with the length of hospitalization and clinical laboratory tests was investigated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Those patients with supplement intake in the last 2 months had a significantly lower amount of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (31.31 ± 13.87 vs. 37.57 ± 19.77 mg/dL, P: 0.002) and higher serum 25(OH)D (28.13 ± 14.09 vs. 23.81 ± 13.55 ng/mL, P: 0.03). Subjects with long-term supplement intake had a significantly lower invasive oxygen support (0.00 vs 5.10 %, P: 0.05), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (498.11 ± 221.43 vs. 576.21 ± 239.84 U/L, P: 0.02), fewer days of fever (0.49 ± 3.54 vs. 2.64 ± 9.21, P: 0.02), and higher serum 25(OH)D (31.03 ± 13.20 vs. 22.29± 13.42 ng/mL, P < 0.001). The length of hospital stay was practically the same between groups who received and did not receive supplementation during the 2 months prior to hospitalization (6.36 ± 3.32 vs. 6.71 ± 4.33 days, P: 0.004). Similarly, people who took supplements during the past year had practically similar hospitalization lengths (6.29 ± 4.13 vs. 6.74 ± 3.55 days, P: 0.004). Conclusion: In conclusion, although practically the length of hospital stay was the same in both groups of supplement consumers and others, immune-boosting supplements were associated with improved several laboratory indices. However, due to the cross-sectional nature of our study, further longitudinal studies seem to be essential.

Association between dietary intake of branched-chain amino acids and sarcopenia and its components: a cross-sectional study.

There is no previous study that investigated the association between dietary intake of total and individual branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and odds of sarcopenia. The present study aimed to examine the association between dietary intake of BCAAs and sarcopenia and its components among Iranian adults. The data for this cross-sectional study was collected in 2011 among 300 older people (150 men and 150 female) with aged ≥ 55 years. We used a Block-format 117-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to evaluate usual dietary intakes. BCAAs intake was calculated by summing up the amount of valine, leucine and isoleucine intake from all food items in the FFQ. The European Sarcopenia Working Group (EWGSOP) definition was used to determine sarcopenia and its components. Mean age of study participants was 66.8 years and 51% were female. Average intake of BCAAs was 12.8 ± 5.1 g/day. Prevalence of sarcopenia and its components was not significantly different across tertile categories of total and individual BCAAs intake. We found no significant association between total BCAAs intake and odds of sarcopenia (OR for comparison of extreme tertiles 0.48, 95% CI 0.19-1.19, P-trend = 0.10) and its components (For muscle mass 0.83, 95% CI 0.39-1.77, P-trend = 0.63; for hand grip strength 0.81, 95% CI 0.37-1.75, P-trend: 0.59; for gait speed 1.22, 95% CI 0.58-2.57, P-trend = 0.56). After adjusting for potential confounders, this non-significant relationship did not alter. In addition, we did not find any significant association between individual BCAAs intake and odds of sarcopenia or its components. We found no significant association between dietary intakes of BCAAs and sarcopenia in crude model (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.29-1.26). After controlling for several potential confounders, the result remained insignificant (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.19-1.19). In this cross-sectional study, no significant association was observed between dietary intakes of total and individual BCAAs and odds of sarcopenia and its components.

Inflammatory cytokines and sarcopenia in Iranian adults-results from SARIR study.

Some studies suggested the effects of inflammatory cytokines in reducing muscle mass and muscle strength and, performance. This study aimed to compare pro-inflammatory cytokines in sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic subjects. 120 men and women were selected out from the cross-sectional study 'sarcopenia and its determinants among Iranian elders' (SARIR). Sarcopenia was defined based on the first 'European Working Group on sarcopenia in older people' (EWGSOP1) guidelines. A fasting blood sample was taken from each participant to measure serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). A total of 120 participants were included in this study. Mean age was 66.7 ± 7.7 years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.3 ± 4.2 kg/m2. Forty participants had the criteria of EWGSOP1 sarcopenia. A statistically significant difference was seen between normal and abnormal groups of muscle strength in hs-CRP (P-value = 0.04). Furthermore, we did not observe any remarkable association between inflammatory biomarkers including IL-6 (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.31-4.28), TNF-α (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.17-2.77), and hs-CRP (OR 2.39; 95% CI 0.87-6.55) and the presence of sarcopenia even after controlling for plausible confounders. We found that inflammatory biomarkers level was not associated with odds of sarcopenia. The lack of correlation between inflammatory cytokines and sarcopenia could be due to the participants' age and genetics. Future studies are required to confirm these findings.

Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment and Malnutrition in the Elderly (PCIME): study design and protocol.

PURPOSE: Stroke and dementia are burdensome non communicable diseases but preventable. A joint prevention of stroke and dementia requires a comprehensive approach by controlling common risk factors. Little is known about the role of malnutrition in post-stroke cognitive impairments. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of cognitive impairment after stroke and its association with malnutrition. METHODS: Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment and Malnutrition in the Elderly (PCIME) is a prospective hospital-based cohort study, started on January 2nd, 2018 at Ziaeian Hospital, a referral center for elderly, Tehran, Iran, Middle East. We have used a battery of neuropsychiatric tests, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mini-Mental State Examination. We have assessed malnutrition using the Mini Nutritional Assessment and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index. CONCLUSION: PCIME will enable us to assess the role of malnutrition in development of post stroke dementia. This study will help clinicians and researchers develop preventive measures to reduce the burden of stroke and dementia.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation improve clinical symptoms in patients with Covid-19: A randomised clinical trial.

AIMS: We hypothesised that omega-3 fatty acids would be an appropriate adjunct therapy for alleviating the inflammatory response and clinical manifestation in hospitalised patients with Covid-19 disease. METHODS: This was a single-blind randomised controlled trial in Amir-Alam hospital in Tehran. Thirty adult men and women diagnosed with Covid-19 were allocated to either control group (receiving Hydroxychloroquine) or intervention group (receiving Hydroxychloroquine plus 2 grams of Docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] + Eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]) for 2 weeks. Primary outcome of the intervention including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as well as clinical symptoms including body pain, fatigue, appetite and olfactory and secondary outcomes including liver enzymes were determined at the baseline and after omega-3 supplementation. Clinical signs were measured using self-reported questionnaires. There were commercial kits for determination of CRP and liver enzymes concentrations in the serum of patients. For determination of ESR automated haematology analyser was applied. The study of "Comparison of the effectiveness of omega-3 and Hydroxychloroquine on Inflammatory factors, liver enzymes and clinical symptoms in diabetic Covid-19 patients" was registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) with ID number: IRCT20200511047399N1. RESULTS: In comparison to control group, patients receiving omega-3 indicated favourable changes in all clinical symptoms except for olfactory (P < .001 for body pain and fatigue, P = .03 for appetite and P = .21 for olfactory). Reducing effects of omega-3 supplementation compared with control group were also observed in the levels of ESR and CRP after treatment (P < .001 for CRP and P = .02 for ESR). However, no between group differences in the liver enzymes serum concentrations were observed after supplementation (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Current observations are very promising and indicate that supplementation with moderate dosages of omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial in the management of inflammation-mediated clinical symptoms in Covid-19 patients.

Iranian children with overweight and obesity: an internet-based interventional study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity or overweight in children is an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that can potentially regress health indicators and increase the likelihood of various diseases. OBJECTIVES: This model was implemented to improve the nutritional status and lifestyle behavior of children aged 6-12 years with overweight/obesity. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design with 90 participants in each control and intervention group with a multistage cluster random sampling method after reviewing the literature, and their screening by experts were adopted. RESULTS: After 6 months there were significant differences in Body Mass Index and weight for age percentile values of children allocated in control and intervention groups after controlling for beginning values (p = 0.024, Partial eta2 = 0.028, 0.044, Partial eta2 = 0.023), respectively. Although there was an increased rate in BMI and weight for age percentile in both groups this increase in the control group after the 6th month significantly was more than that in the intervention group after the 6th months. A considerable difference in BMI of girls after the intervention was observed in the experimental group (p = 0.006, Partial eta2 = 0.092). However, our results showed that there was no significant difference in BMI of boys in the intervention and control groups before and 6 months after the intervention (p = 0.507). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that though the weight increase rate was lower in the experimental group, the implemented model alone was not enough. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20200717048124N1 at 05/08/2020, retrospectively registered.

The Relationship Between Food-Based Pro-inflammatory Diet and Sarcopenia: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Study in Iranian Elderly People.

Background: Sarcopenia has rarely been linked to Food-based Inflammatory Potential of the Diet (FIPD) in earlier studies. This study was performed to examine the association of FIPD and sarcopenia and its components. Method: In the cross-sectional research, dietary intakes of 300 randomly-selected elderly adults aged 55 years or older were collected through a validated food frequency questionnaire. We constructed FIPD score based on average consumptions of 28 food items. According to The European Working Group on Sarcopenia definition, sarcopenia and its components such as muscle strength, muscle mass, and gait speed were defined. Result: No significant difference was found between the prevalence of sarcopenia (P = 0.05), low muscle mass (P = 0.27), low handgrip strength (P = 0.72), and lower gait speed (P = 0.14) across tertiles of FIPD score. Moreover, we did not find significant differences among means of handgrip strength (P = 0.65), muscle mass (P = 0.33), and walking speed (P = 0.89) across FIPD categories. However, binary logistic regression analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between FIPD score and odds of sarcopenia; such that subjects in the top vs. those in the bottom FIPD tertile had 155% greater chance of having sarcopenia (OR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.17-5.55). After controlling for all confounding factors, this association strengthened (OR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.18-6.01). Conclusion: We found that greater FIPD score, which means a more pro-inflammatory diet, was positively linked with sarcopenia.

Patterns of Nutrient Intake in Relation to Sarcopenia and Its Components.

Background: Despite the associations between individual nutrients and sarcopenia, we are aware of no information about the link between patterns of nutrient intake and odds of sarcopenia and its components. The present study aimed to examine the association between nutrient-based dietary patterns and sarcopenia and its components among the Iranian adult population. Methods: In this population-based, cross-sectional study, we enrolled 300 elderly adults (150 men and 150 women) aged ≥55 years by using a cluster random sampling method. Dietary intakes of the study population were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis was conducted to derive nutrient patterns based on a daily intake of 33 nutrients. Muscle mass, muscle strength, and gait speed were measured according to standard methods. Sarcopenia and its components were defined based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia. Results: Three major nutrient-based dietary patterns were identified: (1) the "pro-vit pattern" that was high in pantothenic (B5), cobalamin (B12), calcium, protein, phosphor, riboflavin (B2), zinc, cholesterol, saturated fat, folate, niacin (B3), selenium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and vitamin A; (2) the "anti-inflammatory" pattern, which was rich in polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, copper, vitamin E, omega-3, magnesium, iron, pyridoxine (B6), sodium, and caffeine; and (3) the "carbo-vit" patternm which is characterized by high intake of fructose, glucose, dietary fiber, biotin, potassium, thiamin (B1), vitamin C, and chromium. After adjusting for confounders, subjects in the top tertile of the anti-inflammatory pattern had lower odds of sarcopenia (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.10-0.63) and low muscle strength (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.22-0.96) than those in the bottom tertile. Greater adherence to the carbo-vit pattern was inversely associated with the odds of low gait speed (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.235-0.93). Conclusion: Major nutrient-based dietary patterns were significantly associated with sarcopenia and its components. Further studies are required to confirm our findings.

Association of dietary approaches to stop hypertension eating style and risk of sarcopenia.

The association between habitual intake of the "dietary approaches to stop hypertension" (DASH) eating plan and sarcopenia has received limited attention. The present study aimed to investigate the association between adherence to DASH dietary pattern and sarcopenia and its components including muscle mass, muscle strength, and muscle performance among community-dwelling older adults population. This population-based cross-sectional study was performed in 2011 among 300 older people (150 men and 150 women) aged ≥ 55 years, who were selected using cluster random sampling method. Dietary intake of study participants were examined by the use of a Block-format 117-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The DASH score was constructed based on eight main foods and nutrients emphasized or minimized in the DASH diet. All components of sarcopenia was measured using standard protocols and sarcopenia was defined based on both former and new European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) guidelines. Mean age and BMI of study participants were 66.7 ± 7.7 years and 27.3 ± 4.2 kg/m2, respectively. Totally, 31 individuals meet the criteria of EWGSOP2-sarcopenia. We found no significant association between adherence to the DASH diet and EWGSOP2-sarcopenia either before (OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.45-2.54) or after adjustment for potential confounders (OR 1.04; 95% CI 0.39-2.75). The same findings were obtained in the gender-stratified analyses (men: OR 2.29; 95% CI 0.39-13.29 and women: 0.75; 95% CI 0.23-2.45). In conclusion, we found that adherence to the DASH-style diet was not significantly associated with odds of sarcopenia. Future prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

Inflammatory potential of the diet and risk of sarcopenia and its components.

BACKGROUND: Despite a large body of evidence on the link between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and several chronic conditions, limited data are available about the association of DII and sarcopenia. This study aimed to examine the relationship between inflammatory potential of the diet (as measured by DII) and sarcopenia and its components among community-dwelling elderly population. METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study was performed in 2011 among 300 elderly people (150 men and 150 women) aged ≥55 years, who were selected using cluster random sampling method. Dietary assessment was done using a pre-tested food frequency questionnaire. Energy-adjusted DII was calculated based on earlier studies. Sarcopenia and its components were determined based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia (EWGSOP) definition. RESULTS: Mean age of study participants was 66.7 ± 7.7 y. Subjects in the highest tertile of DII score (i.e. those with a more pro-inflammatory diet) were more likely to be older (P = 0.02). The prevalence of sarcopenia (P = 0.016) and low muscle mass (P = 0.041) was significantly higher among subjects in the top tertile compared with those in the bottom tertile of DII. After adjustment for potential confounders, those with the highest DII were 2.18 times (95% CI: 1.01-4.74) more likely to have sarcopenia than those with the lowest DII. With regard to components of sarcopenia, subjects in the top tertile of DII had not significantly greater odds of low muscle mass (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 0.72-2.63), abnormal handgrip strength (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.49-1.89), and abnormal gait speed (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 0.84-3.08) than those in the bottom tertile. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, a diet with more pro-inflammatory potential was associated with a greater odds of sarcopenia. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.

The Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Serum BDNF, Dopamine, and Serotonin in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in childhood. The exact etiology of this disease is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the disorder of catecholaminergic and serotonergic systems. Also, serum vitamin D levels in patients with ADHD is lower. Several studies have also shown the effect of vitamin D on the synthesis pathways of dopamine, serotonin, and a number of neurotrophic factors. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on serum levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), dopamine, and serotonin in school-aged children with ADHD. METHODS: Eighty-six children with ADHD were divided into two groups, based on randomized permuted blocks. Patients received 2000 IU vitamin D/day or a placebo for 12 weeks. Serum levels of BDNF, dopamine, serotonin, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS: Serum levels of 25(OH)D and dopamine significantly increased in the vitamin D group, compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). However, serum BDNF and serotonin levels did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D3 supplementation in children with ADHD can increase serum dopamine levels, but further studies are needed to determine the effects of vitamin D on neurotrophic factors and serotonin.

Magnesium status and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A meta-analysis.

Current research suggests conflicting evidence surrounding the association between serum magnesium levels and the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore, summarize and quantify the published literature addressing this topic. We conducted an exhaustive literature search on Scopus and PubMed for all the relevant observational studies published up to August 2018. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was used to summarize the overall association between serum magnesium level and ADHD from the available data. We identified seven studies which reported the mean and standard deviation (SD) of magnesium concentration in both ADHD and control groups. The random-effects meta-analysis showed that subjects with ADHD had 0.105 mmol/l (95% CI: -0.188, -0.022; P < 0.013) lower serum magnesium levels compared with to their healthy controls. Moreover, we observed striking and statistically significant heterogeneity among the included studies (I2 = 96.2%, P = 0.0103). The evidence from this meta-analysis supports the theory that an inverse relationship between serum magnesium deficiency and ADHD exists. High heterogeneity amongst the included studies suggests that there is a residual need for observational and community-based studies to further investigate this issue.

The effect of an oral ginger supplementation on NF-κB concentration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and anthropomorphic data of patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The complications of diabetes are extensive which can be caused by excessive oxidative stress, inflammation and impaired insulin system. Plant-sourced bioactive compounds can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. The aim of present study was to determine the effect of ginger supplementation on diabetic complications. METHODS: The present study is a randomized double blind clinical trial which is conducted with 48 diabetic patients. The participants were randomly divided into two intervention and placebo groups which were received 2 g ginger powder and 2 g wheat flour respectively for 10 weeks. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) concentration and anthropometric measurements were evaluated at the baseline and at the end of study. RESULTS: The effect of ginger supplementation on hip circumference was marginal and there was no significant effect on BMI and waist circumference. Mean NF-κB p65 concentrations were reduced in ginger supplementation group, however, the amount was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Ginger supplementation had significant effects on anthropometric evaluations. Ginger supplementation decreased mean NF-κB concentration in comparison with placebo, however the significance level was marginal. In order to achieve reliable information, more researches should be complemented with uptake of other diagnostic tools.

Pain: The Neglect Issue in Old People's Life.

BACKGROUND: As the elderly population increases dramatically, the chronic age-related disease should be noted. In the elderly, chronic pain is a common health problem. METHODS: This search was performed in 3 databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase). We have reviewed articles related to pain management in the elderly. RESULT: The prevalence of pain in people aged above 60 is twice that in younger people. Pain is estimated to be 45-85 per cent in the elderly. Pain is not a part of the ageing process, but many older people can experience it. Perception of pain can be affected by environmental, emotional, cultural and cognitive factors. Pain in the elderly often remains untreated and misdiagnosed. CONCLUSION: Pain management in elderly needs different approach because of unreported pain in this population, and usually they have multiple problems and comorbidities that complicate evaluation and treatment.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine and soluble inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 serum levels alteration following ginger supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Aims Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are prone to cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to inflammation process and oxidative stress. ADMA (Asymmetric dimethylarginine) and ICAM-1 (inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1) play an important role in CVD pathogenesis. Ginger as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation can effect on these biomarkers. The aim of present study was to characterize the effect of ginger supplementation on ADMA and ICAM-1 serum levels in patients with T2DM. Methods The present study is a randomized double-blind clinical trial which is conducted among 45 diabetic patients (nginger=23, nplacebo=22). The participants were randomly divided into two intervention and placebo groups which were received 2 g ginger powder and 2 g wheat flour for 10 weeks, respectively. ADMA and ICAM-1 concentration were measured by ELISA method. Results Ginger supplementation decreased ADMA serum levels significantly (P=0.002) and sICAM-1 serum levels marginally (P=0.097) in supplementation group after intervention. No significant difference was observed between placebo and supplementation groups. Conclusions Present study was conducted among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to investigate the effect of ginger supplementation on ADMA and sICAM-1 levels. There was a significant decrement in ADMA serum concentration and slight reduction in sICAM-1 levels in intervention group. The amount of reduction in both biomarkers was not statistically significant in between-groups comparison.

Vitamin D's Molecular Action Mechanism in Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder: A Review of Evidence.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Children with ADHD have challenges with learning, behavior and psychosocial adjustments, sometimes retained into adulthood. The exact etiology of ADHD is unknown, and the pathophysiology of this disease is complex. Several hypotheses have been raised regarding ADHD pathogenesis, including serotonergic and catecholaminergic signalling pathway dysfunction, neurotropic-related factors, oxidative stress, or neuroinflammation. Vitamin D has an important protective effect against inflammation, oxidative stress and certain neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitter, as well as facilitating dopaminergic and serotonergic functions. Vitamin D levels in children with ADHD are lower than in healthy children, and thus may be involved in the pathogenesis of ADHD. These observations, therefore, confirm the neuroprotective role of vitamin D through multiple molecular mechanisms and can be considered as a promising target in understanding ADHD pathology. CONCLUSION: In this context, the present study reviews the molecular pathways of vitamin D in ADHD patients.

Screening of scoliosis in school children in Tehran: The prevalence rate of idiopathic scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Scoliosis is the abnormal sideways curve of the spine. Screening for scoliosis is controversial, and there has been significant heterogeneity between studies. In Iran, there is still no suitable device to screen sideways curves in spine. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the simple scolioscreen software for screening the students of elementary schools for detecting schoolchildren scoliosis. This students has been examined by trained medical student and data entered in scolioscreen application of an iPhone. METHODS: One hundred forty-four 7-12 years old students from primary schools in the 17th district of Tehran were randomly invited to participate. Initial screening of the students was done in schools by health care provider or medical student who has been trained by a pediatrician to undergo a vertebral examination. Scoliometer for iPhone's smartphone has been used for measuring the angle of deviation. RESULTS: 1.4% of students had overt scoliosis and 10.4% were suspected to have a kind of mild abnormality in spine curve. These individuals were referred to clinic for radiologic evaluation and it was confirmed that relative frequency of this abnormality was defined as 4.86% in our population study. There was no significant correlation between sex and degree of spinal curve. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the high rate of scoliosis in our population and approval of this screening test in different studies, routine use of this screening method is highly recommended in schoolchildren. It is cost beneficial and can be effective in prevention and early treatment of scoliosis.

The association between blood vitamins D and E with age-related macular degeneration: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to evaluate the association of serum vitamins D and E level with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: This pilot study was performed in two groups of 15 patients in treatment group and 15 patients in control group. Measurements of blood factors [such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)] were performed after 12 h of fasting. To measure vitamins D and E, the serum was isolated from 5 cc blood samples. RESULTS: HDL was higher in the control group as compared with the AMD group. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups (p = 0.08). On the other hand, serum vitamin E in the AMD group was remarkably higher as compared to the control group (p < 0.002). However, no significant difference was found in serum vitamin D levels between the two groups (p = 0.662). Our findings also revealed that there was no statistically significant relationship between BMI and AMD. Moreover, no significant correlation was determined between serum CRP and AMD (p = 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicated that none provides evidence for associations between AMD and serum vitamin D levels. The association between vitamin D and AMD requires further investigations in a large population studies, to elucidate whether vitamin D deficiency can be an important risk factor for AMD.