Does three months genistein and daidzein in the form of soy protein supplementation have any effects on bone formation markers after menopause?

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is caused by a sharp decrease in estrogen levels leading to an increased rate of bone remodeling. Dietary supplements are preferred as alternative therapeutic options for many women instead of estrogen therapy. These alternative therapies include the use of natural substances such as soy isoflavones due to their weak estrogenic activity and affinity for estrogen receptors.Present study was carried out as a "before and after clinical trial" on 25 postmenopausal women aged 45-64 years. Soy protein at 35g level containing 98.3mg isoflavones (containing 47.2 genistein and 37.8 daidzein) were given to subjects daily for 12 weeks. Blood and urine samplings were done in 3 stages, in the beginning and at the end of 6th and 12th week. Repeated measurement analysis was employed to analyze any possible changes in food intake and biochemical variables in 3 stages. The level of significance was set at below 5 percent (P<0.05). Mean body mass index and physical activity level had no change and mean daily intake of macronutrients and important micronutrients were not different at 6 and 12 weeks compared to the start of the study The results showed a total serum alkaline phosphatase (TALP) significant increase while the other bone formation indicators namely osteocalcin and insulin growth factor binding protein (IGFBP3) did not change significantly. These data suggest that soy protein or its isoflavones may increase bone formation by supplementation

Benzothiazole Thioflavin T improves obesity-related symptoms in mice

Background and Purposes: In order to counteract the obesity epidemics, novel therapeutics are needed. Thioflavin T (ThT) is a benzothiazole used as an amyloid probe and has other properties such as anti-aging and antihyperglycemic effects. The current study aimed at investigating its effect on obesity. Materials and Methods: A mouse model of obesity was generated by feeding male NMRI mice with a high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. After this period, mice diet was switched to normal rodent diet, and ThT was orally administered with a 12 mg/Kg dose. The treatment effect was assessed on biochemical parameters, adipokines (adiponectin and leptin), total antioxidant capacity and TNF-α. Histological investigation was made on samples taken from adipose tissue and liver. Results and Conclusion: After receiving HFD, mice exhibited significantly increased body weight compared with a control group as well as well as abnormality in biochemical parameters. A significantly effective result was obtained on body weight, blood glucose, cholesterol and ALT serum levels which decreased in the treated group. ThT caused also a significant decrease in leptin levels and TNF-α. Furthermore, the compound led to a reduction in the size of adipose tissue cells, as well as the number of lipid droplets in hepatic tissue. In conclusion, it is suggested that ThT possess an interesting potential for being used as an anti-obesity drug, especially when considering its previously reported effects as potential anti-diabetic and anti-ageing compound

The effect of food service system modifications on staff body mass index in an industrial organization

Due to the adverse effects of obesity and overweight on health status of people, organizations that provide daily food aim for a healthy Body Mass Index among their staff. The purpose of this applied randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to study the effect of modifications in the food service section and nutritional intervention on the BMI of staff in an industrial center. In this applied randomized controlled trial which lasted for 40 days, 116 overweight people (BMI ≥ 26) were randomly selected and divided into control and test groups. Individual daily food plan was prepared by a dietitian and nutritional education sessions were held for test group. At the management level, food menu was modified reduce the calorie intake by at least 1000 Kcal per day for the test group and also cost less for the center. The kitchen staffs were trained to promote healthy cooking and improving the food taste. The satisfaction level of food service was also evaluated before and after the intervention, using a questionnaire. To analyze the findings, SPSS 16 software, independent t-test and paired t-test, and Macnemar test were used. The results showed that BMI in test group decreased from 27.5 ± 2.36 to 26.8 ± 2.15 (p<0.05), while in control group increased by 0.5 Kg/m2. Similar result was observed in weight change. The level of satisfaction of food service following changes in the menu increased significantly in both groups. Also, cost of food and use of fat were reduced by 15% and 8%, respectively.  Dietary interventions and improving the nutritional knowledge along with modification in food service system could result in better weight management in organization staff using canteen food.  

Assessment of soy phytoestrogens' effects on bone turnover indicators in menopausal women with osteopenia in Iran: a before and after clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is the gradual declining in bone mass with age, leading to increased bone fragility and fractures. Fractures in hip and spine are known to be the most important complication of the disease which leads in the annual mortality rate of 20% and serious morbidity rate of 50%. Menopause is one of the most common risk factors of osteoporosis. After menopause, sex hormone deficiency is associated with increased remodeling rate and negative bone balance, leading to accelerated bone loss and micro-architectural defects, resulting into increased bone fragility. Compounds with estrogen-like biological activity similar to "Isoflavones" present in plants especially soy, may reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women as they are similar in structure to estrogens. This research, therefore, was carried out to study the effects of Iranian soy protein on biochemical indicators of bone metabolism in osteopenic menopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial of before-after type was carried out on 15 women 45–64 years of age. Subjects were given 35 g soy protein per day for 12 weeks. Blood and urine sampling, anthropometric measurement and 48-h-dietary recalls were carried out at zero, 6 and 12 weeks. Food consumption data were analyzed using Food Proccessor Software. For the study of bone metabolism indicators and changes in anthropometric data as well as dietary intake, and repeated analyses were employed. RESULTS: Comparison of weight, BMI, physical activity, energy intake and other intervening nutrients did not reveal any significant changes during different stages of the study. Soy protein consumption resulted in a significant reduction in the urinary deoxypyridinoline and increasing of total alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.05), although the alterations in osteocalcin, c-telopeptide, IGFBP3 and type I collagen telopeptide were not significant. CONCLUSION: In view of beneficial effect of soy protein on bone metabolism indicators, inclusion of this relatively inexpensive food in the daily diet of menopausal women, will probably delay bone resorption, thereby preventing osteoporosis

Food Intake, Body Composition And Endurance Capacity Of National Basketball Team Players In I.R. Of Iran

In this descriptive cross-sectional study 14 national basketball team players attending the preparatory camp for the Asian games with mean age of 25.6 ± 3.1 yrs, height of 191 ± 6 cm, weight of 87.3 ± 8.1 kg and BMI of 23.9±1.7 were surveyed. The subjects underwent anthropometric, aerobic power, body fat content and VO2max measurements in three stages of the training period (before training, during training and before the actual competition). In two stages (before and during training) nutritional assessment and food intake using weighing method in 7 intermittent days was made. Anthropometric measurements showed body weight and BMI changes during the period of study to be negligible and non-significant. Subcutaneous fat was reduced significantly (p< 0.02). Also VO2 max increased appreciably (p<0.001) from 42.3± 3.3 in the first stage to 44.3 ± 4.4 and 44.5 ± 2.2 mL/Kg body weight per minute in the second and third stage respectively which demonstrates the positive role of exercise on maximum oxygen uptake or VO2max. The results of quantitative food intake assessment showed the energy intake to be at 3900 kcal per day. At this stage carbohydrate, fat and protein provided 50, 35 and 15% of energy respectively. In the second stage energy intake was 3600 kcal with 55, 30 and 15% of energy coming from carbohydrate, fat and protein respectively which were in the normal range in both stages. Regarding vitamins and minerals, intake of iron, calcium and ascorbic acid was above the range, while thiamin, riboflavin and niacin were within the range and vitamin A as well as B6 were below the recommended levels. Further research regarding nutrient intake monitoring, nutrition education of athletes and coaches as well as international nutrition research offering a defined menu in preparatory camps is necessary

The effects of omega-3 plus vitamin E and zinc plus vitamin C supplementation on cardiovascular risk markers in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes

Background: We investigate the effects of omega-3 plus vitamin E and vitamin C plus zinc supplementations on cardiovascular risk markers in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 75 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to one of three groups to take, daily, for 12 weeks: (1) 1.8 g omega-3 fatty acids plus 400 mg vitamin E; (2) 5 mg zinc plus 300 mg vitamin C; or (3) a placebo. Results: Although the cardiovascular risk markers variations decreased at the end of intervention, we did not find any significant differences in cardiovascular risk markers between therapeutic groups and the control group. Results of repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) of markers showed that total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, Apo A1 and Apo B100 in two time periods were significant ( p = 0.001). The level of total and LDL cholesterol decreased significantly ( p = 0.05) in patients diagnosed with diabetes equal or less than 7 years in the group receiving omega-3 plus vitamin E. However, decreased LDL cholesterol ( p = 0.003) and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ( p = 0.03) were predominant in patients who had been diagnosed with diabetes equal or less than 7 years in the group receiving zinc plus vitamin C. Conclusion: The effectiveness of nutraceutical supplementation was varied on biochemical biomarkers based on the kind of supplement or supplement pharmacogenomics, duration of diabetes affected and other pathophysiologic status in studied groups

The relationship between obesity and serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride level in men 18-34 years old living in district 6 of Tehran: comparison of BMI,waist and waist to hip ratio

Background : Cardiovascular diseases are among the most important causes of mortality and major health problems in developed as well as developing countries including Iran. This study aimed to develop percentile reference data for serum lipids including total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride and to determine the prevalence of overweight and fat distribution in male adults living in Tehran. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 141 men aged 18-34 years living in district 6 of Tehran.According to list of primary schools located in district 6 of Tehran, subjects were chosen from residents around these schools. Sociodemographic and anthropometric questionnaires were filled in at the subjects' home. They were asked to attend the study center the next day at 8:00-8:30 am and 5 ml of fasting blood (at least 12 hours) was collected from each subject. Data statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software Ver 11.5. Chi square test was used for qualitative variables and Pearson correlation was calculated for quantitative variables. Results: Data showed 24.8% hypercholesterolemia, 29.8% hypertriglyceridemia, 21.3% LDL>130mg/dl and 36.2% HDL<40mg/dl in the subjects. BMI was positively and significantly correlated with total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol but no significant correlation was observed for waist circumference and waist to hip ratio with blood indices. Conclusion: The study shows that BMI can be a predictive factor for cardiovascular disease in Iranian population. In order to clarify waist circumference and waist to hip ratio correlations with and blood lipids and also to develop percentile reference data for blood lipids, more studies with larger study population is recommended

Pomegranate (Punicagranatum) juice decreases lipid peroxidation, but has no effect on plasma advanced glycated end-products in adults with type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus characterized by hyperglycemia could increase oxidative stress and formation of advanced glycated end-products (AGEs), which contribute to diabetic complications. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of pomegranate juice (PJ) containing natural antioxidant on lipid peroxidation and plasma AGEs in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials and methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 44 patients (age range 56±6.8 years), T2D were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group A (PJ, n=22) and group B (Placebo, n=22). At the baseline and the end of 12-week intervention, biochemical markers including fasting plasma glucose, insulin, oxidative stress, and AGE markers including carboxy methyl lysine (CML) and pentosidine were assayed. Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences in plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels between the two groups, but malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased levels were significantly different (P<0.001). After 12 weeks of intervention, TAC increased (P<0.05) and MDA decreased (P<0.01) in the PJ group when compared with the placebo group. However, no significant differences were observed in plasma concentration of CML and pentosidine between the two groups. Conclusions: The study showed that PJ decreases lipid peroxidation. Therefore, PJ consumption may delay onset of T2D complications related to oxidative stress

Acarbose versus trans-chalcone: comparing the effect of two glycosidase inhibitors on obese mice

Objective Acarbose and trans-chalcone are glucosidase inhibitors whose beneficial effects have been demonstrated in diabetes. The present study aimed at investigating their potential effects in obesity.Materials and methods NMRI male mice (n = 48) were subjected to a high fat diet for four weeks, which induced an initial state of obesity. One control group was given normal rodent diet. Obese animals were then switched to normal rodent diet, and divided to four groups (n = 12 in each): untreated, sham (receiving grape seed oil), and experimental groups receiving acarbose and trans-chalcone (12 mg/kg) during eight weeks. Body weight, blood glucose and other biochemical parameters including triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, HDL, AST, and ALT were measured, as well as leptin, adiponectin, TNF-α, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Histological studies were performed on adipose cells and liver tissue samples.Results All factors were affected in a positive manner by acarbose, save for body weight, blood sugar and leptin levels, on which acarbose effects, although observable, were not statistically significant. Grape seed oil, used as a solvent for trans-chalcone was found to possess significant effect on TG and TAC, and had beneficial effects on other factors including liver enzymes and cholesterol. Trans-chalcone effects were significant on HDL, leptin and ALT. All compounds seemed to be able to affect fat deposition in liver tissue, and decrease the size of adipose tissue cells to some extent.Conclusion In conclusion, the tested compounds were able to affect lipid accumulation in tissues and influence adipokines, which may result in an enhanced state with regard to inflammation and oxidative stress. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2015;59(3):202-

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INTAKE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH OSTEOPENIA

AbstractINTRODUCTION: Adequate intake of fruits and vegetables as part of the daily diet couldhelp prevent major non-communicable diseases including osteoporosis. Some nutrientsabundant in fruits and vegetables have been shown to affect bone health. In the presentstudy we evaluated fruit and vegetable intake in postmenopausal women with osteopeniawho had referred to bone mineral densitometry center of Shariati hospital in Tehran.METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was carried out on 51 healthypostmenopausal women aged 45-60 years. Bone mineral density was measured by DualEnergy X-ray Absorptiometry at lumbar spine and total hip. All women were osteopenicaccording to WHO criteria. Food groups&rsquo; intake was assessed by 2 days 24 hour recall.Bone resorption was calculated by measuring carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type &Iota; collagen(crosslaps) and bone formation by measuring serum osteocalcin.RESULTS: No significant correlation was found for current food groups&rsquo; intake and bonemineral density at either lumbar spine or total hip. Fruit and vegetable intake wassignificantly negatively correlated with osteocalcin level (r = -0.4, P&lt; 0.001). Serumosteocalcin level in those who consumed more than 400 grams of fruit and vegetable dailywas significantly lower than in the others (18&plusmn;6.5 compared with 30&plusmn;13.7, P&lt;0.05).DISCUSSION: Increasing fruit and vegetable intake up to WHO recommendations forprevention of many chronic diseases can also be effective in prevention of osteoporosis andreducing fracture risk in postmenopausal osteopenic women. Intake of at least 400 grams offruits and vegetables daily can complement what is currently recommended for osteoporosisprevention.Keywords &bull; Fruit and vegetable intake &bull; Osteoporosis &bull; Non-communicable disease