Low-Glycemic-Index Foods Can Decrease Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure in the Short Term

Background. We aimed to compare the effects of low- and high-GI foods on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure. Methods. This longitudinal study was performed on 30 women, aged 18 to 40 years, during 24 hours. In the first leg of study all recruited subjects were assigned to LGI period for 24 hours and, after a 2-week washout period, all subjects were assigned to HGI period. BP was measured every hour during the 24-hour monitoring. Results. After the intervention, there were significant decreases in SBP and DBP in the LGI period (102.26±14.18 mmHg versus 112.86±9.33 mmHg for SBP and 66.96±10.39 mmHg versus 74.46±7.61 mmHg for DBP) (P=0.00 and P=0.002, resp.). However, in the HGI period, there was no significant change in SBP or DBP (110.66±9.85 versus 111.80±9.57 for SBP and 71.16±9.16 versus 74.26±10.09 for DBP) (P=0.6 and P=0.06, resp.). Conclusion. The results suggest that LGI foods may be beneficial in reducing 24-hour BP

The Relationship of Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure with Corneal Biomechanical Parameters in Healthy Subjects

This study aimed to assess the possible relationship of body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) with corneal biomechanical parameters in healthy subjects. The study included 88 eyes of 88 healthy subjects aged 20–40 years. After a thorough medical history, a digital sphygmomanometer was used to measure the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). In addition, several hematological and biochemical parameters were determined to assess general health. Before the ophthalmic examination, the body height and weight were measured; then, the BMI was calculated. Finally, after comprehensive ophthalmic examination, all cases were evaluated with Pentacam (Oculus) in order to rule out corneal ectasia; then, the corneal biomechanical parameters of all individuals were measured using the Scheimpflug-based Corvis ST (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany). If the measurements of the hematological and biochemical parameters were within normal range, the results of the Corvis ST, BMI, and BP were included in the analysis carried out with SPSS software. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) BMI, SBP, DBP, intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), deformation amplitude, radius, and peak distance was 27.24 ± 4.80 kg/m2, 116.47 ± 11.21 mmHg, 80.51 ± 5.68 mmHg, 15.10 ± 1.70 mmHg, 533.10 ± 30.97 ï­m, 1.03 ± 0.11 mm, 7.51 ± 0.86 mm, and 5.03 ± 0.30 mm, respectively. According to the World Health Organization’s classification of BMI, the results showed no significant difference in IOP, CCT, peak distance, radius, and deformation amplitude between different BMI subcategories (all P > 0.05). The results of the Corvis ST showed that corneal biomechanical parameters had no significant correlation with BMI, SBP, and DBP in three subgroups of BMI and all participants (all P > 0.05) but the results showed a positive correlation between CCT and IOP (P < 0.001, r = 0.504) in all participants. CCT and IOP had no correlation with BMI, SBP, and DBP (all P > 0.05). This study showed that BMI and BP had no correlation with corneal biomechanical parameters in healthy subjects using the Corvis ST. Our results can be used in clinical practice.Â

VEGF gene polymorphism interactions with dietary trace elements intake in determining the risk of metabolic syndrome

There is a complex interaction between genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors in determining the risk of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between the dietary intake of iron, copper, zinc, manganese, selenium and iodine (assessed by 24 recall) with vascular endothelial growth factor variants (rs6921438, rs4416670, rs6993770, and rs10738760), on the risk of metabolic syndrome. Two hundred and forty eight individuals with MetS and 100 individuals without MetS recruited. Dietary intake and the daily average of energy and nutrients intake were obtained by questionnaire and quantified using Diet Plan 6 software. DNA was extracted from EDTA anticoagulated whole blood. The SNPs were assessed using using a Sequenom iPLEX Gold assay. Data analysis was undertaken using the Student’s t-test, χ2 test and logistic regression using SPSS 11.5 software. There was a significant interaction between low dietary iron intake with rs6993770 (β= 0.10, p<0.05), and a low dietary zinc and a high manganese intake with rs6921438 in relation to the presence of metabolic syndrome (β= -0.17, p<0.05, β= -0.30, p<0.05, respectively). Our data showed the association of rs6993770 with iron intake and rs6921438 with zinc and manganese intake, indicating further investigating in a larger population to evaluate their values

Metabolic effects of fasting in adolescents with diabetes type 1

Type I diabetes mellitus is a common chronic disease in adolescents. According to statistics, 12,243 diabetic Muslims fast in thirteen Islamic countries, 43% of whom have type I diabetes. This longitudinal study was conducted on volunteer adolescents with type I diabetes aged 13-18 years for 15 days using the census method. Three days before Ramadan and during the last three days of the study period, changes in the insulin dose, HbA1C, lipid profile, and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated. Among 10 volunteer patients, eight individuals could complete Ramadan fasting. Blood glucose analysis indicated a significant difference between the reported blood glucose levels (

Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and its soluble receptor in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinical pathologic condition, which leads to inflammation events in hepatocytes. The objective of present study was to compare the plasma levels of VEGF and sVEGFR-1 as inflammation factors in overweight and obese children and adolescents with and without NAFLD. Materials and Methods: A total sample of 70 overweight and obese children and adolescents (37 boys and 33 girls) were recruited from those admitted to a nutrition clinic in Mashhad, northeastern Iran. The presence of NAFLD was determined by FibroScan, ultrasound and elevation of liver enzyme. Plasma VEGF and sVEGFR1 were also determined for each individual. Results: VEGF levels (log transformed) showed a significant stepwise increase from “zero” to “first”, “second” and “third” grades (P tren

The Relationship of Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure with Corneal Biomechanical Parameters in Healthy Subjects

This study aimed to assess the possible relationship of body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) with corneal biomechanical parameters in healthy subjects. The study included 88 eyes of 88 healthy subjects aged 20–40 years. After a thorough medical history, a digital sphygmomanometer was used to measure the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). In addition, several hematological and biochemical parameters were determined to assess general health. Before the ophthalmic examination, the body height and weight were measured; then, the BMI was calculated. Finally, after comprehensive ophthalmic examination, all cases were evaluated with Pentacam (Oculus) in order to rule out corneal ectasia; then, the corneal biomechanical parameters of all individuals were measured using the Scheimpflug-based Corvis ST (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany). If the measurements of the hematological and biochemical parameters were within normal range, the results of the Corvis ST, BMI, and BP were included in the analysis carried out with SPSS software. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) BMI, SBP, DBP, intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), deformation amplitude, radius, and peak distance was 27.24 ± 4.80 kg/m2, 116.47 ± 11.21 mmHg, 80.51 ± 5.68 mmHg, 15.10 ± 1.70 mmHg, 533.10 ± 30.97 m, 1.03 ± 0.11 mm, 7.51 ± 0.86 mm, and 5.03 ± 0.30 mm, respectively. According to the World Health Organization’s classification of BMI, the results showed no significant difference in IOP, CCT, peak distance, radius, and deformation amplitude between different BMI subcategories (all P &gt; 0.05). The results of the Corvis ST showed that corneal biomechanical parameters had no significant correlation with BMI, SBP, and DBP in three subgroups of BMI and all participants (all P &gt; 0.05) but the results showed a positive correlation between CCT and IOP (P &lt; 0.001, r = 0.504) in all participants. CCT and IOP had no correlation with BMI, SBP, and DBP (all P &gt; 0.05). This study showed that BMI and BP had no correlation with corneal biomechanical parameters in healthy subjects using the Corvis ST. Our results can be used in clinical practice.

Evaluating the effect of an Iranian traditional medicine-based herbal candy on body composition and appetite in overweight and obese adults: A preliminary study

Objective: Obesity is an important public health concern in the world. Considering the limited medications and their side effects and lack of a known effective way to reduce appetite, traditional herbs have been considered a complementary treatment for obesity. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM)-based herbal candy on body composition and appetite in obese and overweight adults.Materials and Methods: In this preliminary study that conducted in nutrition clinic of Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad, participants were selected from overweight and obese people and randomly assigned to either groups. Participants in the intervention group received herbal candy which contained a combination of Portulaca oleracea, Plantago psyllium, and peanut oil, while participants in the control group received placebo candy for 8 weeks. The primary (appetite response, and weight changes) and secondary (body mass index (BMI), anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and laboratory variables) outcomes were collected at baseline and during the intervention.Results: Fifty participants between the age of 18 and 65 years old were included in this study. Herbal candy resulted in a greater reduction in mean weight and BMI compared to placebo (p<0.001). Mean of hunger, satiety, and eating capacity indicators decreased more significantly at all three intervals (30 min after herbal candy, 1 hour after meal and 2 hours after meal) at lunch and dinner meal in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.05).Conclusion: A combination of produced herbal candy at a dose of 4 g (2 pcs), given half an hour before each meal for 8 weeks, can be effective in reducing weight and appetite in obese and overweight people

Indirect Calorimetry during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Practical Guidance for Infection Control

Introduction: Indirect calorimetry (IC) is the optimal tool for the assessment of the resting energy expenditure, as well as the reference standard for energy expenditure measurement. During the outbreak of coronavirus, performing respiratory tests such as IC has become challenging. The current guidance was designed to prevent the virus spread at calorimetry centers. Methods: This protocol was devised in accordance with the latest recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as the related articles. Conclusion: Due to the specific features of COVID-19, unnecessary ICs should be avoided in the hotspots of the disease. If these tests must be performed, adherence to the validated infection control recommendations is critical

Polycystic ovary syndrome and inflammatory factors: Possible role of diet

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinological disorder in women of reproductive age. Several studies have shown that inflammation factors have a crucial role in the function of the ovary as ovarian dysfunction can be caused by an imbalance of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Other studies have shown that PCOS patients have high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), c-reactive protein (CRP(, interleukin-6 )IL-6(, and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors including diet, and diet-induced inflammation can contribute to insulin resistance and atherogenesis as well as ovulation problems in women with PCOS. It is possible to calculate the components of diet and inflammation caused by diet using many different indices. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) are relatively new indices. As HEI is the overall health index for diet and DII indicates the inflammatory index of the diet, it is possible that a person’s diet can be generally healthy but has a high risk of inflammation, so these two indices should be considered together. Furthermore, dietary management of PCOS patients can reduce hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenism, and inflammation, which in turn helps to control and reduce disease complications such as infertility

The Predictive Role of Parathyroid Hormone for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease following Bariatric Surgery

Background. Morbid obesity is frequently complicated by chronic liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and fibrosis. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is found to be elevated in morbid obesity due to the defective hepatic metabolism of vitamin D. Bariatric surgery is performed to help patients with BMI>40 kg/m2 to effectively lose weight, particularly in patients with obesity who are afflicted with complications such as NAFLD/NASH. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the PTH level as a predictor of hepatic function in individuals with morbid obesity who have undergone bariatric surgery. Methods. Ninety subjects with morbid obesity referred for Roux en-Y gastric bypass surgery were recruited. After IRB approval, demographic profiles, anthropometric factors, liver biopsy, and laboratory tests were obtained. The two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) technique was applied to assess hepatic stiffness. Results. A significant reduction occurred six months after bariatric surgery in the anthropometric indices p<0.001, hepatic elasticity p=0.002, alanine aminotransferase p<0.001, serum alkaline phosphatase p<0.001, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) p<0.001, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS) p<0.001. Serum PTH concentration was not predictive of postsurgical liver fibrosis and steatosis at six months but could predict weight loss success rate. No significant alteration in serum PTH levels was observed between presurgical vs. postsurgical time points. Conclusion. A significant reduction was observed in the anthropometric parameters, liver enzymes, and hepatic elasticity after bariatric surgery. No significant effect was found on PTH levels