Unhealthy dietary patterns are related to low ceruloplasmin in female nurses.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Few studies have examined the relationship between dietary patterns and antioxidant status. We aimed to explore the association between major dietary patterns and oxidative stress biomarkers including serum protein carbonyl (PC), ceruloplasmin and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, we randomly selected 320 female nurses aged 20-45 years. General information of participants was collected by trained interviewers. Their weight and height were measured and dietary intakes were determined by the 147-food-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis of yielding 25 food groups. In this study, 90 subjects were randomly selected from all participants with serum levels of PC, ceruloplasmin and TAC measured further. To determine the association between dietary patterns' score and oxidative stress biomarkers, multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Three dietary patterns were derived: healthy, unhealthy and traditional. After adjusting for several confounding factors, the unhealthy dietary pattern was inversely related to the serum concentration of ceruloplasmin and PC (p<0.05). The relationship between other dietary patterns and antioxidant biomarkers was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, unhealthy dietary patterns may have an adverse effect on serum ceruloplasmin.

Dietary patterns in relation to inflammation in shift workers.

INTRODUCTION: Rotational shift work has a considerable effect on immune function and cause inflammation. In addition, it may lead to unhealthy dietary intake. No earlier study has examined the association between dietary patterns and inflammation in rotational shift workers. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the association between dietary patterns and circulating proinflammatory cytokines among shift workers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 257 male shift workers. Dietary intake of participants was examined using the semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured using suitable commercial kits. RESULTS: Three main dietary patterns included green vegetables, yellow vegetables and cruciferous vegetables (VEG), liquid oils and mayonnaise, fast food and eggs (LFE), as well as tea and coffee, refined grains and spice (TRS). Subjects with the highest adherence to VEG dietary pattern had a significantly lower concentration of IL-6 (p<0.01) and TNF-α (p<0.001) as compared with those with the lowest adherence. On the other hand, a significant negative association was found between LFE dietary pattern and serum concentrations of IL-6 (p=0.01) and TNF-α (p=0.02). However, no significant association was found between adherence to VEG (p=0.34) or LFE (p=0.99) dietary patterns and levels of hs-CRP and between adherence to TRS dietary pattern and any of the inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION: Adherence to VEG and LFE dietary patterns was inversely and directly associated to serum IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations in shift workers, respectively. However, no significant association was found between adherence to these two dietary patterns and serum hs-CRP concentrations and between TRS dietary pattern and any of the inflammatory cytokines.

Higher intake of dietary n-3 PUFA and lower MUFA are associated with fewer menopausal symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary fat quality and menopausal symptoms. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study with 393 Iranian postmenopausal women. Dietary intakes and menopausal symptoms were assessed, using a validated food frequency questionnaire and a menopausal rating scale (MRS) questionnaire, respectively. Participants were divided into low and high total MRS and its domain scores. RESULTS: Women in the highest quartiles of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) had higher somatic symptoms compared with women in the lowest quartile (odds ratio [OR] 3.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-9.95). Women in the highest quartiles of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.32-1.05), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.37-1.20), and n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.25-0.97) had lower somatic symptoms compared to the lowest quartiles. The OR for psychological symptoms decreased from the lowest to the highest quartiles of n-3 PUFA (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.20-1.11) and n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.24-0.86). Higher intakes of EPA (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.29-0.99) and docosahexaenoic acid (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.27-0.95) were found to be related with fewer urogenital symptoms. CONCLUSION: Consuming diets low in MUFA intake, but high in n-3 PUFA, and with a more favorable ratio of n-3:n-6 PUFA may be helpful for improving menopausal symptoms.

The association between metabolic syndrome and its components with systemic lupus erythematosus: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVES: Based upon inflammatory-related factors in chronic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as the long-term prescription of corticosteroids, metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence is expected to be higher in SLE patients than among those without SLE. The aim of this study was to systematically analyze: (1) the worldwide prevalence of MetS in patients with SLE using different criteria, (2) the risk of MetS in patients with SLE compared with those without SLE, and (3) the risk of MetS component in patients with SLE compared with healthy controls. METHODS: We searched international databases, such as: Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CABI, CINAHL, DOAJ and Google Scholar. The articles which reported the prevalence of MetS in SLE patients, between 2006 and 2017, were included in the study if they had a: clear study design, study time and location, sound sampling approach and appropriate statistical analyses. Studies without sufficient data to determine the prevalence of MetS were excluded. Also, studies in patients suffering from other clinical diseases were not included. RESULTS: The meta-analyses of the prevalence (40 studies (n = 6085)) and risk (20 studies (n = 2348)) of MetS in SLE patients were conducted separately. The pooled prevalence of MetS among SLE patients was found to be 26% (95% confidence interval (CI): 22-30%), but varied from 18% (95% CI: 11-25%) to 34% (95% CI: 25-42%), depending upon the diagnostic criteria used. The overall pooled odds ratio (OR) of MetS in SLE patients, compared with healthy controls, was (OR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.86-3.35), but this ranged from (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 0.61-2.49) to (OR = 10.71; 95% CI: 1.33-86.48), depending upon the criteria used. Also, the risk of high fasting blood sugar (FBS; OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.05-2.40), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.02-2.01), high blood pressure (BP; OR = 2.76; 95% CI: 2.19-3.47), high triglycerides (TG; OR = 2.85; 95% CI: 2.05-3.95) and high waist circumference (WC; OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 0.97-1.94) were all found to be higher in SLE patients compared with healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of MetS was significantly higher in SLE patients, compared with healthy controls, even after adjusting for publication bias. Among MetS components, high TG and high BP were most strongly associated with SLE. Considering that high TG and high BP are preventable, there is an international need to implement effective interventions to reduce MetS components in SLE patients in order to prevent serious outcomes such as cardiovascular diseases and mortality.

Prevalence of androgen deficiency in chronic spinal cord injury patients suffering from erectile dysfunction.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of biochemical androgen deficiency in Iranian spinal cord injured men suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) and to determine factors related to this problem. SETTING: An andrology clinic of a teaching hospital in Tehran. METHODS: Men, 18 years of age and older, with chronic (>2 years) spinal cord injury (SCI) suffering from ED were recruited. Demographic data, hormonal and lipid levels, injury variables and drug history were obtained from the medical records. The relationships between biochemical androgen deficiency (unequivocally low serum testosterone levels) and patient characteristics, injury variables and laboratory data were determined. RESULTS: Out of 319 patients, 32.6% had total testosterone deficiency and 29.1% had biochemical androgen deficiency. Of those with biochemical androgen deficiency, 93.5 and 85.7% had luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) within or below the normal ranges, respectively. Opioid use, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were associated with biochemical androgen deficiency. Significant correlations between total testosterone level and sex hormone binding globulin (r=0.3, P<0.001), LH (r=0.2, P=0.02), TC (r=-0.1, P=0.04) and TG (r=-0.3, P<0.001) were found. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of our patients with chronic SCI and ED had biochemical androgen deficiency. Opioid use, TG and TC levels were associated with biochemical androgen deficiency in our studied population. Standard screening of androgen deficiency and testosterone replacement therapy are recommended in men with chronic SCI suffering from ED. SPONSORSHIP: Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Association between breakfast intake with anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and food consumption behaviors among Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-IV study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the association between breakfast intake with anthropometric measurements and blood pressure among Iranian children and adolescents. The second goal is to investigate the correction of breakfast consumption with other food consumption behaviors. RESEARCH METHODS & PROCEDURES: In this national survey, 13,486 children and adolescents, aged 6-18 years, were selected by multistage, cluster sampling method from rural and urban areas of 31 provinces of Iran (2011-2012). Physical measurements included height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Food habits were assessed by self-reported questionnaire. Breakfast frequency was defined as skippers (eating breakfast 0-2 days/week), semi-skippers (eating breakfast 3-4 days/week) and non-skippers (eating breakfast 5-7 days/week). The data were analyzed by the STATA package. RESULTS: Of the participants, 18.9%, 13.2% and 67.9%, were breakfast skippers, semi-skippers and non-skippers respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among breakfast skippers were higher than non-skippers counterparts (P-value < 0.001). The percentage rates of abdominal obesity among breakfast skippers and non-skippers group were 22.6% (CI 95%: 21-24.3) and 17.9% (CI 95%: 17-18.6), respectively. Blood pressure did not significantly differ between non-skippers students and breakfast skippers (P-value = 0.1). Non-skipping adolescents ate more fresh fruits, dried fruits, vegetables and drank milk more frequently compared with breakfast skipper; while the skippers showed a higher intake of salty snack, soft drinks, packed fruit juice and fast foods (all P-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Regular breakfast consumption is significantly associated with lower body fatness and healthier dietary habits but that further study, using controlled intervention trials, is required to test whether this represents a causal relationship.

Prevalence and associated factors of T-score discordance between different sites in Iranian patients with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of T-score discordance and its risk factors in a group of patients with spinal cord injury in a university teaching hospital in the Iranian capital of Tehran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on paraplegic men undergoing bone density testing in an outpatient clinic at a hospital in the Iranian capital, Tehran, between March 2011 and 2012. A questionnaire on demographic and anthropometric characteristics, including age, height, weight, engagement in physical activity and personal smoking habits, was filled out for each subject. All the subjects underwent bone mineral density measurement and blood samples were sent for laboratory testing. RESULTS: Major T-score discordance between two sites was noted in 54 (41.22%) patients. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that every unit increase in serum calcium levels, as the only factor influencing T-score discordance, was associated with a 2.49-fold increased risk in T-score discordance in the area. As for the spine and radius, BMI was the only influencing factor as every unit increase in BMI was associated with a 14% lower risk for T-score discordance in these regions. Body mass index was the only factor, based on the multivariate model, affecting the risk of developing T-score discordance between two sites. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed the high prevalence of T-score discordance in patients with spinal cord injury. Physicians should therefore be encouraged to perform BMD at three sites when visiting patients with such injuries.

Vitamin D status and its association with antioxidant profiles in diabetic patients: A cross-sectional study in Iran.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are increasing evidences about the relationship between vitamin D status and the control of diabetes. Several studies showed that vitamin D has an antioxidant property. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D) and glycemic, antioxidant profile in diabetes compared to healthy groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 100 healthy controls. Fasting serum levels of 25-OH-D, calcium, phosphorous, parathyroid hormone, glucose, HbA(1C), insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) were measured. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent of type 2 diabetic patients and 75% of healthy subjects were suffering from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. The activities of GR and GSH-PX were higher in diabetic patients compared to control. There was a negative relationship between 25-OH-D and activity of GR, GSH-PX. Also, 25-OH-D had a positive association with activity of SOD in diabetic patients. In the control group, 25-OH-D had an inverse relationship with SOD, GSH-PX, and positively with GR activities. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency has a high prevalence among Iranian adult population with and without type 2 diabetes. Our results showed that vitamin D may have a beneficial effect on the control of glycemic profiles and oxidative stress in T2DM patients.

Stochastic nature of series of waiting times.

Although fluctuations in the waiting time series have been studied for a long time, some important issues such as its long-range memory and its stochastic features in the presence of nonstationarity have so far remained unstudied. Here we find that the "waiting times" series for a given increment level have long-range correlations with Hurst exponents belonging to the interval 1/2

Effect of air pollution on onset of acute coronary syndrome in susceptible subgroups.

While long-term exposure to air pollutants is associated with an increase in heart diseases and mortality, little information is available about the short-term effects of air pollution. This case-crossover study assessed the relationship of particulate matter (PM10) and carbon monoxide (CO) levels with hospital admission for acute coronary syndrome in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. We interviewed 250 patients with a first episode of acute coronary syndrome and obtained data from hospital records and Tehran Air Quality Control Company. The risk of acute coronary syndrome was significantly associated with elevated concentrations of CO the day before the event (OR 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03-1.34) but not significantly with PM10 (OR 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99-1.02). Stratification by age, sex, diabetes, hypertension and smoking status did not affect the results, but women were more susceptible than men to CO levels (OR for women/men 1.68; 95% CI: 1.25-2.26).

Effect of air pollution on onset of acute coronary syndrome in susceptible subgroups

While long-term exposure to air pollutants is associated with an increase in heart diseases and mortality, little information is available about the short-term effects of air pollution. This case-crossover study assessed the relationship of particulate matter [PM[10]] and carbon monoxide [CO] levels with hospital admission for acute coronary syndrome in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. We interviewed 250 patients with a first episode of acute coronary syndrome and obtained data from hospital records and Tehran Air Quality Control Company. The risk of acute coronary syndrome was significantly associated with elevated concentrations of CO the day before the event [OR 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03-1.34] but not significantly with PM[10] [OR 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99-1.02]. Stratification by age, sex, diabetes, hypertension and smoking status did not affect the results, but women were more susceptible than men to CO levels [OR for women/men 1.68; 95% CI: 1.25-2.26]

Prevalence of stress among Iranian medical students: a questionnaire survey.

A cross-sectional study measured the frequency of self-reported stress symptoms among a weighted random sample of medical students in Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran. The data were gathered using the Kessler 10-item psychological distress scale. The overall prevalence of stress among 222 students was 61.3% and there were no statistically significant differences in stress levels between students in the pre-clinical and clinical phases or different years of study. Married students had significantly lower scores than single students but there were no differences between the sexes. Students who chose to study medicine had lower stress scores than those who were influenced by family or had no choice about the subject. Students with mild to moderate stress were significantly more likely to suffer physical problems (OR = 4.42). Interventions are needed to tackle stress and improve Iranian medical students' physical and psychological well-being.

Prevalence of stress among Iranian medical students: a questionnaire survey

A cross-sectional study measured the frequency of self-reported stress symptoms among a weighted random sample of medical students in Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran. The data were gathered using the Kessler IQ-item psychological distress scale. The overall prevalence of stress among 222 students was 61.3% and there were no statistically significant differences in stress levels between students in the pre-clinical and clinical phases or different years of study. Married students had significantly lower scores than single students but there were no differences between the sexes. Students who chose to study medicine had lower stress scores than those who were influenced by family or had no choice about the subject. Students with mild to moderate stress were significantly more likely to suffer physical problems [OR = 4.42]. Interventions are needed to tackle stress and improve Iranian medical students' physical and psychological well-being