Effect of curcumin on inflammatory biomarkers and iron profile in patients with premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and primary dysmenorrhea are common gynecological problems and inflammation may have a role in their etiology. Curcumin is a polyphenolic natural product for which there is increasing evidence of anti-inflammatory and iron chelation effects. This study assessed the effects of curcumin on inflammatory biomarkers and iron profile in young women with PMS and dysmenorrhea. A sample of 76 patients was included in this triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomly allocated to curcumin (n = 38) and control groups (n = 38). Each participant received one capsule (500 mg of curcuminoid+ piperine, or placebo) daily, from 7 days before until 3 days after menstruation for three consecutive menstrual cycles. Serum iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), as well as white blood cell, lymphocyte, neutrophil, platelet counts, mean platelet volume (MPV) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW), were quantified. Neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet: lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and RDW: platelet ratio (RPR) were also calculated. Curcumin significantly decreased the median (interquartile range) serum levels of hsCRP [from 0.30 mg/L (0.0-1.10) to 0.20 mg/L (0.0-1.3); p = 0.041] compared with placebo, but did not show any difference for neutrophil, RDW, MPV, NLR, PLR and RPR values (p > 0.05). The treatment schedule was well-tolerated, and none of markers of iron metabolism statistically changed after the intervention in the curcumin group (p > 0.05). Curcumin supplementation may have positive effects on serum hsCRP, a marker of inflammation, with no any changes on iron homeostasis in healthy women with PMS and dysmenorrhea.

Association between the rs2241883 polymorphism of the fatty acid-binding protein-1 (FABP1) gene and obesity in a population of MASHAD study cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) gene polymorphisms are related to several metabolic properties. We investigated the association of SNPs rs2241883 of FABP 1 gene with obesity to evaluate the role of FABP1 gene in the pathogenesis of obesity in the population of MASHAD study cohort. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 2731 individuals (1883 Obese and 848 nonobese) aged 35 to 65 years old, were enrolled from the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) study cohort. DNA Quantitation was determined using the NanoDrop®-1000 instrument (NanoDrop-Technologies). The rs2241883 polymorphisms were genotyped by double ARMs PCR (double amplification refractory mutation system) reactions. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 22 and a p < 0.05 was set for statistical significance. RESULTS: The results showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, subjects having the CC genotype for rs2241883 polymorphism were at a higher risk of BMI ≥ 30 mg/kg2 with OR of 1.79 (CI = 1.05-3.07; p = 0.03) and 1.76 (CI = 1.04-2.99; p = 0.04) comparing with reference group using codominant and dominant models, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results showed that CC genotype for rs2241883 polymorphism is related to an increased risk of the obesity in dominant and codominant models in a population of MASHAD study cohort.

Evaluation of rs1748195 ANGPTL3 gene polymorphism in patients with angiographic coronary artery disease compared to healthy individuals.

SUBJECT: The Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) gene has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular risk. This study is designed to compare the genetic variant (rs1748195) of the ANGPTL3 gene and the presence of a coronary artery occlusion of >50% in Iranian nation. METHOD: In this study, 184 patients underwent angiography and 317 healthy individuals were evaluated for polymorphism of rs1748195 the ANGPTL3 gene using Tetra-ARMs PCR. Coronary patients who experience angiography were categorized into two groups: 54 patients who had an angiography indication for the first time and coronary occlusion was <50% (Angio-) and 134 patients who formerly underwent coronary stent implanting at least 1 month before with coronary occlusion of ≥50% that again have an angiography indication (Angio+). In addition, individuals with angio+ are categorized in two groups: (1) non-in-stent restenosis (NISR); patient with a patent stent (N = 92). (2) in-stent restenosis (ISR); in-stent stenosis >50% (N = 42). RESULT: The fundamental of characteristics of our study design population was categorized based on undergoing angiography or not. In the present study, we investigated that the CC genotype, and also the A allele corresponding to rs1748195 at the ANGPTL3 gene loci, was associated with negative angiogram and directly related to the risk of coronary occlusion >50%. In contrast, this result was not significant in genotypes of ANGPTL3 between non-ISR and ISR groups. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this study showed that rs1748195 polymorphism at the ANGPTL3 gene loci is associated with an elevated risk for the existence of a coronary occlusion of >50%.

Adherence to dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet in relation to psychological function in recovered COVID-19 patients: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Follow-up of patients after recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and identifying the adverse effects of the disease in other organs is necessary. Psychiatric symptoms can persist after patients recover from the infection. AIM: We aimed to examine the adherence to the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet in relation to psychological function in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. METHOD: This case-control study was conducted on 246 eligible adults (123 cases and 123 controls). A valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to determine dietary intake. Depression, anxiety and stress, insomnia, sleep quality, and quality of life of participants were evaluated using DASS, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and SF-36 questionnaires, respectively. RESULTS: There was a significant inverse correlation between total depression score with vegetables, depression, anxiety, and stress score and dietary intake of nuts, legumes, and whole grains (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between stress scores and the intake of red and processed meat (P < 0.05). In multivariate-adjusted regression model, a significant association was found between adherence to DASH diet and depression and stress only in case group (OR = 0.7863, 95% CI 0.746-0.997, p = 0.046 and OR = 0.876, 95% CI 0.771-0.995, p = 0.042, respectively). CONCLUSION: Adherence to a DASH diet might be associated with depression and stress reduction in recovered COVID-19 patients.

Relationship Between Clinical, Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors with Suicide Ideation; A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Suicide has grown in global prevalence as a public health problem. We aimed to evaluate the association of socioeconomic factors, biochemical and hematologic tests, and suicide ideation. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 8267 Iranian adults aged 35 - 65 years old were enrolled. The assessment of suicide ideation was made by the completion of Beck's depression inventory (BDI) questionnaire; according to one specific item on the questionnaire: "have you ever decided to suicide in the past week?" RESULTS: According to our results, 6.9 % of subjects had ideation of suicide. The results showed high levels of FBG, RBC, MCHC, and hs-CRP were associated with suicide ideation. Obese, single subjects, and current-smokers had a higher risk of suicide ideation. CONCLUSION: Increased physical activity, obesity, and smoking are associated with a high risk of suicide ideation; whilst, a high MCHC is related to a low risk of suicide ideation in Iranian adults.

Age and sex-specific reference intervals for prooxidant-antioxidant balance, anti-heat-shock protein 27 (anti-hsp27), and routine laboratory tests in the middle-aged adult population.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to define specific reference intervals (RIs) for 11 biomarkers including inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, liver, and renal function tests in a healthy Iranian adult population for the first time. METHODS: CLSI Ep28-A3 guidelines were then used to calculate accurate age- and sex- as well as body mass index (BMI)-specific RIs. RESULTS: RIs for studied biomarkers showed no significant age and sex-specific differences, except for uric acid, which had higher concentrations in men when compared to women. Additionally, after partitioning the participants based on the BMI with a cutoff point of 25 kg/m2 , only the levels of hs-CRP were positively associated with higher BMI (RI for BMI>25: 0.51-7.85 mg/L and for BMI<25: 0.40-4.46 mg/L). RI for PAB and anti-hsp-27 were reported 4.69-155.36 HK and 0.01-0.70 OD in men and women aged 35-65 years old. CONCLUSION: Partitioning by sex and BMI was only required for uric acid and hs-CRP, respectively, while other biomarkers required no partitioning. These results can be expected to valuably contribute to improve laboratory test result interpretation in adults for improved monitoring of various diseases in the Iranian population.

Interaction between the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin and food intake and obesity and dyslipidemia.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin and fasted lipid profile, indices of obesity, and environmental parameters. Amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMs-PCR) was used for genotyping 1118 individuals recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) cohort study. The interaction between the presence of the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin and nutritional intake and other major determinants of obesity and lipid profile was examined in the MASHAD study population. Individuals with the TT genotype at the locus had the lowest prevalence of obesity compared to other genotypes among the individuals. No significant relationship was found between the two groups regarding the lipid profile and TT genotype. Furthermore, no significant association was found between dietary intake and the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin in the population under study. Individuals with a TT or GT genotype appear to be at a higher risk of obesity, compared to those with a GG genotype. The results of the current study revealed a significant association between the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin and obesity; however, this gene did not correlate with the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and dyslipidemia in the Iranian population.

FABP1 Gene Variant is Associated with Risk of Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is defined by a clustering of metabolic abnormalities associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. There has been an increasing interest in the associations of genetic variant involved in diabetes and obesity in the FABP1 pathway. The relationship between the rs2241883 polymorphism of FABP1 and risk of MetS remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the association between this genetic polymorphism and the presence of MetS and its constituent factors. METHODS: A total of 942 participants were recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerosis Disorders (MASHAD study) Cohort. Patients with MetS were identified using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria (n=406) and those without MetS (n=536) were also recruited. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples that was used for genotyping for the FABP1 rs2241883T/C polymorphism using Tetra-Amplification Refractory Mutation System Polymerase Chain Reaction (Tetra-ARMS PCR). Genetic analysis was confirmed by gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Using both univariate and multivariate analyses after adjusting for age, sex and physical activity, carriers of C allele (CT/CC genotypes) in FABP1 variant was related to an increased risk of MetS, compared to non-carriers (OR: 1.38, 95%CI: 1.04,1.82, p=0.026). CONCLUSION: The present study shows that C allele in FABP1 variant can be associated with an increased risk of MetS. The evaluation of these factors in a larger population may help further confirm these findings.

Physical activity level (PAL) and risk factors of cardiovascular disease in the MASHAD study cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The relationship between physical activity levels (PAL) and the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as anthropometric and biochemical indices and heat shock proteins 27 antibody (anti-HSP-27) concentration, and serum inflammatory markers, was investigated in the MASHAD cohort study. METHODS: The overall study population consisted of 9,684 subjects (3,858 men, 5,826 women) with a mean age of 47.73 ± 8.08 to 48.87 ± 9.26 years respectively. They were divided into four categories based on their PAL. Biochemical parameters were determined for all participants. Also, serum anti-HSP-27 levels were measured using an in-house enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay method. Multiple regression analysis was used to explore the association between the anti-HSP antibody titers and physical activity after adjusting for confounding factors. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Several CVD risk factors were associated with the level of PAL including: body mass index, waist hip ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum HDL-C and TG (p < 0.001) and also fasting blood glucose (0.004). Also, serum anti-HSP-27 titers were significantly higher in inactive subjects (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found that PAL was significantly associated with several established CVD risk factors. Also, the level of anti-HSP-27 was lower in individuals with moderate and high PAL.

Association of macro-and micro-nutrients dietary intakes with rs2241883 genetic variants of FABP 1 gene in MASHAD study population.

INTRODUCTION: There is a relationship between macro-nutrient-intakes and the genes implicated in lipid metabolism. In this study, we assessed the association between macro-and micro-nutrients dietary intakes with rs2241883 genetic variants of the FABP1 gene. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study 2737 subjects (including 2203 subjects with dyslipidemia and 534 healthy volunteers) were enrolled as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) study cohort. Dyslipidemia was defined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III). A NanoDrop®-1000 instrument was used to do the quantitation of DNA. The rs2241883 polymorphisms were genotyped using double ARMs PCR reactions. Genotyping reagents were obtained from Applied Biosystems. Dietary intake was evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and validated by 2 consecutive 24-h food recalls. RESULTS: The results showed no significant association between subjects with and without dyslipidemia (P > 0.05), except for the zinc to copper ratio, the value for which was higher in the subjects with dyslipidemia (4.78 (1.62)) when compared to subjects without dyslipidemia (4.68 (1.82)) (p = 0.05). Using different genetic models we found that zinc and copper were significantly different in the additive (p = 0.01) and dominant (p = 0.01) genetic models. Although, this association was no longer significant after adjusting for confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: There were no associations between macro-and micro-nutrient dietary intakes with rs2241883 genetic variants after adjusting for confounding factors in the MASHAD study population.

The association between a Fatty Acid Binding Protein 1 (FABP1) gene polymorphism and serum lipid abnormalities in the MASHAD cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Dyslipidemia is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is partially determined by genetic variations in the genes involved in lipoprotein metabolism. Therefore, we aimed to assess the association between a polymorphism of the Fatty Acid Binding Protein1 (rs2241883) gene locus and dyslipidemia in an Iranian cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a case-control study 2737 individuals were recruited (2203 subjects with dyslipidemia and 534 controls). Dyslipidemia was defined as total cholesterol≥200 mg/dl, or TG≥150 mg/dl, or LDL-C≥130 mg/dl, or HDL-C<40 mg/dl in males and <50 mg/dl in females. Serum lipid profile was determined using a Alcyon Abbott biochemical auto analyzer, USA. Genotyping was made through double amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMs PCR). RESULT: The frequency of TT, CT, CC genotypes of rs2241883 polymorphism of FABP1 gene were 65.5, 33.4, 5.1 in subjects with dyslipidemia and 56.9%, 40.4%, 2.6% in subjects without dyslipidemia, respectively. Using a dominant genetic model, subjects carrying C allele (CC&CT genotypes) had a 22% lower risk of dyslipidemia (OR: 0.78, CI 95%: 0.62-0.98 P, 0.03). Individuals with CT vs. TT genotypes had a significantly lower risk of a high serum TC and LDL level. Further analysis showed that there was a positive association between FABP1 genotype (CT) and isolated HTG as well as combined dyslipidemia. The change of a polar amino acid (threonine) in position T94A to a hydrophobic amino acid (alanine) can cause transformation protein. CONCLUSIONS: A CC genotype of the rs2241883 polymorphism of the FABP1 gene appears to confer a higher risk of dyslipidemia in our representative cohort of Iranian individuals.

Age- and sex-specific reference intervals for superoxide dismutase enzyme and several minerals in a healthy adult cohort.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to establish RIs for clinically important markers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), serum copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate in a cohort of healthy Iranian adults. MATERIALS: A subsample from MASHAD cohort study was used to assess serum SOD, copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium and phosphate. Serum SOD was measured according to its inhibitory potential of pyrogallol oxidation. Micro- and macro-minerals were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry and a BT3000 autoanalyzer, respectively. Sex- and age-specific RIs were then calculated based on CLSI Ep28-A3 guidelines. RESULTS: Reference value distributions for studied parameters did not demonstrate any age-specific differences that were statistically significant. In addition, sex partitioning was not required for all parameters, apart from serum magnesium, which showed a wider range in females (0.81-1.26 mg/dl) compared with males (0.82-1.23 mg/dl). CONCLUSION: The RIs established in this study can be expected to improve mineral assessment and clinical decision-making in the Iranian adult population.

The role of serum monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in cardiovascular disease risk.

BACKGROUND: Fatty acids have been observed as independent risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this study we investigated FFA levels in patients with CVD, and, its risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 346 unrelated Iranian patients who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled. Participants were categorized into two groups: who had >50% stenosis were assigned to the angiogram positive group (N=90) and those with <30% stenosis were assigned to the angiogram negative group (N=124) and also 222 subjects were healthy. Several risk factors were assessed in all participants, including anthropometric indices, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and biochemical factors. The levels of FFAs were determined using gas chromatography. Serum FFA concentrations were compared between healthy and patients with positive and negative angiograms. The association of serum FFA levels with four major risk factors (hypertension, high fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, high BMI and WHR) were also assessed. RESULTS: According to our data, it has been shown that median of FFAs was higher in patients than healthy subjects (p<0.0001), such as SFA and n6-FFAs (in patients 1.59 (1.27) and 1.22 (1.06), respectively and healthy subjects 0.33 (0.38) and 0.36 (0.35)). According to anthropometric and biochemical data, we did not show statistical differences between the groups, except FBG, SBP and hs-CRP that showed significantly higher levels in the patients than controls (p<0.0001, p=0.001). Also, lower median levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and DBP were observed in patients which can due to lipid-lowering medication use like Statins. CONCLUSION: High serum levels of FFAs are considered as an independent risk factor for CVDs, while various types of FFAs can have different influences on CVD risk factors. Therefore, longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the association between FFAs and CVD risk factors. High serum levels of FFAs are considered as an independent risk factor for CVDs, while various types of FFAs can have different influences on CVD risk factors. Therefore, longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the association between FFAs and CVD risk factors.

A haplotype of the ANGPTL3 gene is associated with CVD risk, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidemia.

SUBJECT: There have been a few studies on the association between the angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). But there is no consensus about the association of ANGPTL3 haplotypes and cardiometabolic disorders. We aimed to determine the association of three variants of the ANGPTL3 gene and CVD risk factors, which included: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidaemia in the MASHAD population cohort. METHOD: DNA extraction and genotyping were undertaken in1002 individuals who were recruited as part of the Mashhad-Stroke and Heart-Atherosclerotic-Disorders (MASHAD) cohort. The association between the rs1748195, rs11207997, and rs10789117 variants with CVD event following 6 years follow-up and individual CVD risk factors were assessed using multivariate analysis. RESULT: Individuals with a GTC haplotype had a reduced risk of CVD, dyslipidaemia, obesity, and DM. Moreover, we found that of all 8 haplotypes, the CTC was associated with a 1.5-fold higher risk of HTN. Carriers of an uncommon allele of the ANGPTL3 gene had a lower risk of obesity, HTN, MetS and DM (rs10789117), and in those with the rs1748195 variant there was a lower risk of obesity compared to the wild-type genotype. CONCLUSION: We found that the GTC and CTC haplotypes of the ANGPTL3 gene may help identify individuals with a genetic susceptibility to cardiometabolic disorders.

Reference intervals for routine biochemical markers and body mass index: A study based on healthcare center database in northeastern Iran.

Age- and sex-specific reference intervals (RIs) for some biochemical tests may be useful for their interpretation, due to the variations in lifestyle and genetic, or ethnic factors. The aim of this study was to obtain RIs for some routine biochemical markers including a serum lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT), uric acid, and body mass index (BMI) in subjects who attended primary healthcare centers. The large database of primary healthcare centers uses RIs to report results for children, adolescents, and young and old adults. RIs were obtained by using the indirect method, recommended by the CLSI Ep28-A3 guidelines. RIs for FBG, BMI, and serum lipid profile, including triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in people aged 18 to 120 years, were obtained without age/sex segmentation. RIs for serum AST, ALT, and uric acid were obtained without age segmentation, though these RIs were higher in males than females. The RIs for AST, ALT, and uric acid were higher in men, while the RIs for the other variables were similar in both sexes. This is the first study reporting the use of indirect RIs for BMI.

A Positive Association between a Western Dietary Pattern and High LDL-C among Iranian Population.

BACKGROUND: The association between the presence of dyslipidemia and major dietary patterns was examined in an adult Iranian population. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 4672 adults aged 35-65 yr old based on data from the Mashhad Stroke And Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) Study initiated in 2010. Anthropometric and blood laboratory measurements were collected for all participants. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 65-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 88% including elevated total cholesterol (38.9%), triglyceride (35.2%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (35.3%) or decreased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (68.9%). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, participants with higher scores for a Western pattern with lower physical activity level and educational attainment, and higher current smoking habit, increased the risk of having a raised LDL-C (OR=1.17; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.34; P=0.02). However, there was no significant association between adherence to this dietary pattern and other types of dyslipidemia. There was no significant association between a balanced dietary pattern and dyslipidemia and its components (OR=0.90; 95% CI: 0.68, 1.18; P=0.431). CONCLUSION: Dyslipidemia was more prevalent among individuals with higher consumption of a western dietary pattern. A direct association was found between adherence to Western dietary pattern and LDL-C level.

Comprehensive laboratory reference intervals for routine biochemical markers and pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) in male adults.

BACKGROUND: Reference values of biochemical markers are influenced by various parameters including age, sex, region, and lifestyle. Hence, we aimed to determine age- and BMI-specific reference intervals (RIs) for important clinical biomarkers in a healthy adult male population from northeastern Iran. This is also the first study to investigate reference values for pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB). METHODS: Seven hundred and twenty (720) healthy men, aged 20-60 years, were recruited from Sarakhs in the northeast region of Iran. Reference values for lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C and LDL-C), fasting blood glucose, inflammatory factors (hs-CRP and PAB), minerals (zinc and copper), uric acid, and blood pressure were measured and statistically analyzed to establish accurate age- and BMI-specific RIs in alignment with CLSI Ep28-A3 guidelines. RESULTS: RIs for lipid profiles, inflammatory factors, minerals, and uric acid required no age partitioning with the exception of fasting blood glucose and blood pressure, which demonstrated significantly higher values in subjects aged 50 years and older. Among these biomarkers, only uric acid, blood pressure, and triglycerides demonstrated statistically significant increases in reference value concentrations with increasing BMI. CONCLUSION: In this study, age- and BMI-specific RIs for several biochemical markers were determined in healthy adult Iranian men. Partitioning by age and BMI was only required for a few analytes with most demonstrating no statistically significant changes with these covariates. These data can be useful to monitor various diseases in male adults with varying BMI in this region and others.

Dietary Inflammatory Index is associated with Healthy Eating Index, Alternative Healthy Eating Index, and dietary patterns among Iranian adults.

BACKGROUND: Recent investigations have evaluated the effect of the inflammatory potential of diet in several populations by calculating the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) score. We aimed to evaluate the association of the DII with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), and dietary pattern (DP) among healthy Iranian adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 4365 middle-aged adults. Major DPs and DII score were identified using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Poisson regression was used to evaluate the association of DPs, HEI, and AHEI across tertiles of DII. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounding variables, a low HEI (HEI < 55) and AHEI (AHEI < 56.5) were more prevalent among the participants in the highest tertile of DII compared to the first tertile (PR: 1.13, P-value <.05; PR: 1.10, P-value <.05; respectively). Adherence to a balanced healthy dietary pattern was significantly lower in subjects with a diet that was more pro-inflammatory compared to those with anti-inflammatory diet (PR: 0.85, P-value P < .01). No significant association was found between the DII and a western DP. High levels of HDL and hip and waist circumference were observed in the highest tertile of DII, and high levels of dietary intake of protein and fiber, minerals, fasting blood glucose, and monounsaturated fat were reported in the lowest tertile of DII. CONCLUSION: The highest tertile of the DII (a pro-inflammatory diet) was associated with a lower HEI, AHEI, and lower adherence to balanced DP in a representative sample of adults in Iran.

Association between Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) and depression and anxiety in the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) Study population.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation is emerging as an important factor in the etiology of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. Therefore, the inflammatory potential of the diet may also be an etiological factor for these conditions, and this may be estimated by calculating the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) score. We aimed to investigate the association between DII score and incidence of depression and anxiety among a representative sample in northeastern Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study undertook in a sub-sample of 7083 adults aged 35 to 65 years recruited as part of Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder (MASHAD) cohort study population, and after excluding subjects with incomplete data. All participants completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), and a validated 65-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between DII score and depression/anxiety score. RESULTS: Of the study participants, 37.1% (n = 2631) were found to have mild to severe depression, and 50.5% (n = 3580) were affected by mild to severe anxiety. After adjusting for confounding factors, in women, the third (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.06-1.88, p-values< 0.05) and fourth quartiles (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.83, p-values< 0.05) of DII score were associated with increased risk of a high depression score compared to the first quartile of DII score. CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between DII score and severe depression among women but not men in this Iranian population. In order to confirm the association between DII food score, depression, and anxiety, further research is required in different populations, and perhaps an intervention study.

Comprehensive hematological reference intervals in a healthy adult male population.

Reference intervals (RIs) are important tools for improving medical decision-making. Hematology reference values can be influenced by important covariates such as genetic and environmental factors, rendering it essential to define RIs for specific populations. Therefore, we aimed to establish accurate and robust RIs for hematological markers in a healthy adult male Iranian population. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a population of 723 males aged 20-60 years old. Hematological parameters were routinely measured using a Sysmex auto analyser system (KX-21 N). The quality of assays was monitored using commercial quality control samples. The nonparametric rank method, as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, was used to calculate the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles as the lower and upper reference limits, respectively. Of the 12 hematological parameters assessed, only mean platelet volume (MPV) demonstrated significant age-specific differences, requiring two partitions from 20 to 35 years (8.7-12.2 fL) and 35 to 65 years (8.5-11.5 fL). The remaining hematological parameters (e.g. leukocyte, erythrocyte, and platelet parameters) could be defined by one age range. This study established RIs for 12 routinely used hematological parameters in a healthy male population living in the northeastern region of Iran. Established RIs differed from those previously reported by other cohorts, highlighting the importance of population-specific RIs.