Higher Adherence to the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Is Inversely Associated With Severity of COVID-19 and Related Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and AimsAdherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with a decreased risk of developing a variety of chronic diseases that are comorbidities in COVID-19 patients. However, its association to the severity and symptoms of COVID-19 are still unknown. This study aimed to examine the association between adherence to the MD pattern and COVID-19 severity and symptoms in Iranian hospitalized patients.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 250 COVID-19 patients aged 18 to 65 were examined. We employed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to obtain data on dietary intake of participants in the year prior to their COVID-19 diagnosis. COVID-19 severity was determined using the National Institutes of Health's Coronavirus Disease 2019 report. Additionally, symptoms associated with COVID-19, inflammatory markers, and other variables were evaluated. The scoring method proposed by Trichopoulou et al. was used to assess adherence to the MD.ResultsThe participants' mean age was 44.1 ± 12.1 years, and 46% of them had severe COVID-19. Patients who adhered more closely to the MD had lower serum C-reactive protein levels (7.80 vs. 37.36 mg/l) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (14.08 vs. 42.65 mm/h). Those with the highest MD score were 77% less likely to have severe COVID-19 after controlling for confounding variables. The MD score was also found to be inversely associated with COVID-19 symptoms, including dyspnea, cough, fever, chills, weakness, myalgia, nausea and vomiting, and sore throat.ConclusionHigher adherence to the MD was associated with a decreased likelihood of COVID-19 severity and symptoms, as well as a shorter duration of hospitalization and convalescence, and inflammatory biomarkers

Breast Cancer and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report of a Rare Cancer Combination

Introduction: The incidence of second malignancies in breast cancer survivors has increased because of early detection and improved cancer treatment modalities. The synchronous occurrence of chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the same patient is higher than in the general population. Several factors, including the history of chemotherapy with alkylating agents, genetic alteration, and long-term survival of breast cancer patients may explain this condition, but further research is needed. Case Presentation: In the present report, we discussed the case of a 48-year-old female who had clear cell RCC; 5 months after the diagnosis of CLL and 15 years after invasive ductal carcinoma. Conclusion: Considering the continued elevated risk of second cancers in patients with breast cancer and CLL in a clinical setting, clinicians should be made aware of ongoing medical surveillance

Effect of Chemotherapy on Zinc, Copper, Vitamin D Levels and Inflammatory Marker in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Background: In acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) the bone marrow loses its ability in the differentiation and maturation of blood cells at different stages. Zinc and copper are important co-factors for several enzymes and play an important role in maintenance of DNA integrity. Changes in serum levels of zinc and copper have been found in lymphoproliferative disorders. In the present study, the aim was to compare serum levels of zinc, copper, vitamin D, and inflammatory markers after eight courses of chemotherapy. Methods: Participants of this study included 30 ALL patients in the age range of 15 to 65 years. A 10 mL blood sample was taken before and after eight courses of chemotherapy. The concentration of Zinc, Copper, hs-CRP, vitamin D and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Results: There was a significant increase in serum zinc (121.7 ± 18.05 µg/dL before chemotherapy and 156.6 ± 25.00 µg/dL after chemotherapy) and a significant decrease in serum copper (661.9 ± 190.1 µg/dL before chemotherapy and 402.2 ± 93.5 µg/dL after chemotherapy) and a significant decrease in Malondialdehyde and serum vitamin D were observwd. Further, no significant differences were observed in hs-CRP after chemotherapy. Conclusion: Results showed that chemotherapy could decrease the burden of disease by increasing serum zinc and decreasing serum copper.&nbsp

The effects of intermittent fasting diet in comparison with low-calorie diet on lipid profile, glycemic status, and liver fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD): a study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract Introduction Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease characterized by an increase in fat in liver cells. The outbreak of NAFLD is estimated to be 32.4% worldwide, with higher rates in Asia and Iran. Nutritional factors such as excessive calorie intake, high fructose intake, copper deficiency, and increased iron intake play an important role in NAFLD. Since there is no specific treatment for NAFLD, intermittent fasting (IF) diet has been suggested as an alternative treatment for obesity and related complications. Previous studies showed the potential positive effects of IF on metabolic health and the reduction of oxidative stress in NAFLD. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be aimed to examine the effect of the IF diet in comparison with a low-calorie diet (LCD) on lipid profile, glycemic status, and liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Methods and analysis This is a parallel randomized clinical trial conducted on 52 overweight and obese patients with NAFLD. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 16:8 IF (fasting from 8 P.M. to 12 P.M. the next day) or a low-calorie (55% carbohydrate- 30% fat, 15% protein) diet for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, liver assessments, and metabolic evaluations will be assessed before and after the intervention. Primary outcomes include liver steatosis and fibrosis, while secondary outcomes include liver function enzymes, insulin resistance, lipid profile, and anthropometric measurements. Discussion Since obesity and insulin resistance are the most important risk factors of NAFLD, and there is no treatment for it, it seems that lifestyle changes such as low caloric diet like IF and exercise can improve lipid metabolism and liver enzymes. Trial registration Iranian registry of clinical trials (IRCT20170202032367N5)