Comparison of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on the eradication of helicobacter pylori infection, serum inflammatory factors and total antioxidant capacity

Helicobacter pylori infection, the most common chronic bacterial infection in the world, and an important cause of gastrointestinal disorders, may be involved in the pathogenesis of some extra-gastrointestinal disturbances, as well as an increase in blood levels of certain inflammatory markers. Anti-bacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori and anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids have been studied in several research studies. The purpose of the present study was the comparison of the effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication, serum levels of some inflammatory markers and total antioxidant capacity. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 97 Helicobacter pylori positive patients (64 patients in the two intervention groups and 33 in the control group), received 2 grams daily of Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid or Medium Chain Triglyceride oil as placebo, along with conventional tetra-drug Helicobacter pylori eradication regimen, for 12 weeks. Helicobacter pylori eradication test and measurement of concentration of interleukine-6, interleukine-8, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and total antioxidant capacity were performed after the intervention. There was no significant difference in eradication rate of the infection, levels of interleukine-6 and total antioxidant capacity among the three groups, while the levels of interleukine-8 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were statistically different. Eicosapentaenoic Acid or Docosahexaenoic Acid supplementation had no significant differential impact on the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, and serum levels of interleukine-6 and total antioxidant capacity. However, it had a desirable effect on the levels of interleukine-8 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in Helicobacter pylori positive patients. © 2015 by School of Pharmacy Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services

Comparison of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid with docosahexaenoic acid on the level of serum lipoproteins in helicobacter pylori: A randomized clinical trial

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common chronic bacterial infection around the world and an important cause of gastrointestinal disorders, which might be involved in the pathogenesis of some extragastrointestinal disturbances as well as changes in serum lipid profile. Hypolipemic properties of omega-3 fatty acids have been studied in several studies. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on the level of serum lipoproteins in H. pylori. Patients and Methods: In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial in Iran, 105 Helicobacter pylori were randomly allocated to receive 2 g of daily EPA (35 patients), DHA (35 patients), or medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil as placebo (33 patients) along with conventional tetra-drug H. pylori eradication regimen for 12 weeks. Results: From 105 included patients, 97 (31 in EPA, 33 in DHA, and 33 in control groups) completed the study and were included in final analysis. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and the ratios of TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C were not significantly different among the three groups, while the level of triglyceride (TG) was statistically different. DHA (-16.6 ± 30.34) and control (+ 15.32 ± 56.47) groups were statistically different with regard to changes in TG levels (P = 0.000). Conclusions: There was no difference between the effects of 2 g of EPA or DHA supplementation for 12 weeks on the levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C; however, it had a desirable effect on the level of TG in a way that the effect of DHA was clearer. © 2015, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal

Beneficial effects of whey protein preloads on some cardiovascular diseases risk factors of overweight and obese men are stronger than soy protein preloads - A randomized clinical trial

Background The hypothesis that long term supplemental preloads of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and soy protein isolate (SPI) 30 min before the largest meal, will improve blood pressure (BP), fasting blood sugar (FBS) and lipid profile of overweight and obese men in their in free living condition was tested. Methods Forty - five men of 52, BMI = 25-40 kg/m2, after random allocation in WPC (n = 26) or SPI (n = 19) groups, drank 65 gr WPC or 60 gr SPI dissolved in 500 ml water 30 min before their ad libitum lunch for 12 weeks. Lipid profile and FBS were assessed before and after the study. Systolic and diastolic BP were measured before and after the study and every two weeks. Results After 12 weeks, mean changes between the groups were significant for SBP (p < 0.02), DBP (p = 0.001), apo A-I, apo B (p < 0.001), LDL (p = 0.015), HDL (p = 0.017). Within group mean changes of WPC were significant for reduction of DBP, FBS, apo B, VLDL, LDL, TG (p < 0.001), SBP, TC (p = 0.001), and for increase of apo A-I (p < 0.001) and HDL (p = 0.001) relative to baseline. In SPI group, mean changes were significant relative to baseline for decrease of SBP (p < 0.02), DBP (p = 0.001), apo B (p < 0.001), LDL (p = 0.015) and for increase of apo A-I (p < 0.001) and HDL (p = 0.017). Conclusion According to this study, WPC preloads at 30 min before ad libitum main meal, exert stronger beneficial effects than SPI preloads on BP, FBS and lipid profile of free living overweight and obese men after 12 weeks. Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT201109062365N3. © 2015 Published by Elsevier Inc

The impact of probiotic yogurt consumption on lipid profiles in subjects with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and aims: Potential beneficial effect of probiotic yogurt on the lipid profile has raised much interest. However, the results are inconsistent in this regard. The aim of the study is to determine the effects of probiotic yogurt on serum lipid profile in individuals with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia. Methods and results: Online databases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Igaku Chuo Zasshi were searched until March 19th 2019. The effect sizes were expressed as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95 confidence interval (CI). Seven eligible trials with 274 participants were included in this systematic review. Pooling of 9 effect sizes from these seven articles revealed a significant reduction in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels following probiotic yogurt consumption (mean difference: �8.73 mg/dl, 95 CI: �15.98, �1.48, p-value = 0.018 and mean difference: �10.611 mg/dl, 95 CI: �16.529, �4.693, p-value = 0.000, respectively) without significant heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 40.6, p-value = 0.1 and I2 = 24.2, p-value = 0.229, respectively). The results showed no significant changes in high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Also, none of the variables showed a significant change for sensitivity analysis. Conclusion: Available evidence suggests that probiotic yogurt can significantly reduce total cholesterol and LDL-c in subjects with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia without a significant effect on HDL-c and triglyceride levels. © 2019 The Italian Society of Diabetology, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition, and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II Universit

The Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Alanine Aminotransferase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, and Ultrasonographic Indices of Hepatic Steatosis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients Undergoing Low Calorie Diet

Background. Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of death in the patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Studies have shown that there is a strong relation between the increase in the aminotransferase levels and fat accumulation in the liver with cardiovascular complications, independent of all aspects of the metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to examine the effect of virgin olive oil on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the severity of steatosis in the NAFLD patients undergoing a weight-loss diet. Methods. This clinical trial was carried out on 50 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver (mean age of 45.91 ± 9.61 years, mean BMI of 29.7 ± 0.58 Kg/m2) and the subjects were randomly assigned to the olive oil group (receiving the equivalent of 20 of their total daily energy requirement from olive oil) or the control group (with normal consumption of oil) for 12 weeks. All the patients received a hypocaloric diet during the study. At the beginning and the end of the study, the serum levels of ALT and AST and liver steatosis were measured. Findings. A significant decrease in the level of ALT enzymes was observed in the control group at the end of the study (P = 0.004). In the olive oil group, both enzymes decreased compared to baseline measurements (P<0.01). There were significant differences in the ALT and AST levels between the two groups (P<0.02). The severity of liver steatosis did not change significantly during the study. Conclusion. The consumption of a low calorie diet enriched with olive oil, along with slight weight reduction, reinforces the desired effects of weight loss in improving the levels of the hepatic enzymes. © 2018 Farzad Shidfar et al

The effects of ginger on fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetic patients

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder, causes many complications such as micro- and macro-vascular diseases. Anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic and anti-oxidative properties of ginger have been noticed in several researches. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of ginger on fasting blood sugar, Hemoglobin A1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I, and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetic patients. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial, a total of 41 type 2 diabetic patients randomly were assigned to ginger or placebo groups (22 in ginger group and 19 in control group), received 2 g/day of ginger powder supplement or lactose as placebo for 12 weeks. The serum concentrations of fasting blood sugar, Hemoglobin A1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I and malondialdehyde were analyzed before and after the intervention. Ginger supplementation significantly reduced the levels of fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I and malondialdehyde in ginger group in comparison to baseline, as well as control group, while it increased the level of apolipoprotein A-I (p<0.05). It seems that oral administration of ginger powder supplement can improves fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetic patients. So it may have a role in alleviating the risk of some chronic complications of diabetes. © 2015 by School of Pharmacy Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services

Comparison of maternal isocaloric high carbohydrate and high fat diets on osteogenic and adipogenic genes expression in adolescent mice offspring

Background: Maternal high fat/high calorie diet leads to adiposity and bone fracture in offspring. However, the effects of macronutrient distribution in maternal isocaloric diet have not been studied. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that maternal isocaloric pair-fed high-carbohydrate diet will increase osteoblastic and decrease osteoclastic and adipogenic gene expression compared with high-fat diet in adolescent mice offspring. Methods: Virgin female C57BL/6 mice were impregnated and fed either the AIN 93G isocaloric pair-fed high-carbohydrate (LF-HCD) or a high fat (HF-LCD) diet from the time of vaginal plug confirmation until the offspring was weaned. Results: After adjusting for the sex of offspring, osteoprotegrin (OPG) and Ctnnb1 (beta-catenin) genes expression were significantly reduced by 98 and 97 in the bone of offspring born from the HF-LCD compared with the LF-HCD-fed mothers (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-2 (PPAR γ2) gene expression in the bone of offspring born from the HF-LCD was 7.1-folds higher than the LF-HCD-fed mothers (p = 0.004). In the retroperitoneal fat mass of offspring born from HF-LCD, AdipoQ and LPL genes expression were respectively up-regulated 15.8 and 4.2-folds compared with the LF-HCD-fed mothers (p < 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusions: Maternal isocaloric pair-fed high-carbohydrate diet enhances osteoblastogenesis and inhibits adipogenesis compared with high-fat diet in adolescent mice offspring. © 2016 The Author(s)

Dietary phytochemical index and overweight/obesity in children: A cross-sectional study

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between the dietary phytochemical index (DPI) and overweight/obesity in children. This cross-sectional study was comprised of 356 children aged 7 to 10 years-old study in the city of Tehran, Iran. The dietary intake of participants was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The DPI was calculated based on the daily energy derived from phytochemical-rich foods. The definition of overweight and obesity was based on the criteria developed by the US Chronic Disease Center for prevention and health promotion. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity was 35.1. The mean (standard deviation) of the DPI was 14.25 (4.13), 24.12 (2.64), 35.41 (3.62) and 61.52 (16.47) in the first, second, third and fourth quartiles (Q), respectively. Subjects in the higher quartiles of DPI had a significantly higher intake of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium compared to those in the lower quartiles. In the multiple regression analysis, subjects in the highest quartile of DPI had significantly lower odds of being overweight/obese compared to those in the first quartile odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals for Q4 vs. Q1: 0.47 (0.25, 0.87); P for trend = 0.02. © 2020 The Author(s)

Effects of thylakoid intake on appetite and weight loss: a systematic review

Background: Previous studies have shown thylakoids, the membrane proteins which are extracted from green leaves like spinach, can induce satiety through homeostatic and non-homeostatic pathways. In this study, we reviewed the current human literature on thylakoids� characteristics and their relationship to satiety regulation and weight loss. Methods: A systematic search of literature published between January 1990 and May 2019 was conducted on the electronic databases; including WEB OF SCIENCE, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Scopus, and EMBASE databases. We included all clinical trials that addressed the effects of thylakoids or chloroplast intake on satiety and weight loss. Results: After excluding non-human studies, non-RCTs, duplications, studies with irrelevant data and interventions, eight studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. All studies supported this hypothesis that thylakoids reduce the feeling of hunger by increasing postprandial cholecystokinin and leptin and decreasing serum ghrelin, but the consequences of thylakoid intake on anthropometric characteristics were controversial. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results may approve this postulation that receiving a thylakoid-enriched meal can decrease appetite and probably food intake in short term; however, more studies are needed to explore the effects of long term supplementation with thylakoids on weight loss in human subjects. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Prevalence and associated factors of cardio-metabolic risk factors in Iranian seafarers

BACKGROUND: Since Iran's economy is based on the sale of petroleum products, seafaring is considered a crucial job. Little research has been done on issues related to seafarers' health in Iranian maritime industry. The present study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of cardio-metabolic risk factors in seafarers of National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 234 Iranian male seafarers of NITC in 2015. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was diagnosed according to the reports of National Committee of Obesity. Three main blood parameters (of elevated total cholesterol, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and general obesity were included as additional cardio-metabolic risk factors. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 36.0 ± 10.3 years. The prevalence of MetS was 14.9. The common cardio-metabolic risk factors were excess weight (51.1), abdominal obesity (38.5), and smoking (27.8) among Iranian seafarers. In multivariate analysis, age (OR: 1.05, 95 CI: 1.01-1.09) and body mass index (OR: 1.14, 95 CI: 1.01-1.27) were associated with the increase in hypertension risk. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding showed that the current prevalence of MetS among Iranian male seafarers working on tankers can affect negatively their health and career at sea