Hassan Solhi, Mostafa Delavar, Amir Cheshm Jahanbin, Mehdi Abdolahi,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (10-2009)
Abstract
Abstract Background: Methanol causes so many severe toxicities. Chronic low dose methanol ingestion can cause severe toxicity. There are many unpublished reports from doctors about side effects of toxicity by methanol like blinding in chronic user of herbal essences. Regarding to kinds of herbal essences producing and side effects of its chronic using, probability, there is methanol in the process of making. Therefore we decided to evaluate rate of methanol in various products. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional analytic study, 3 samples of high consumption homemade herbal essences in Arak (Pussy, Mint, Fenugreek, Hedysarum, Dill and Chicory) and 3 samples of the same herbal essences from industrial products with trademarks were gathered. All of them have been analyzed with spectrophotometer in five times. Results: The maximum methanol concentration was related to a sample of industrial Mint (415.04 ppm) and the minimum methanol concentration was related to a sample of handmade Fenugreek (60.26 ppm). There was no significant difference between methanol concentration in handmade and industrial herbal essences. Conclusion: There is probability of methanol toxicity after chronic usage of some herbal essences. Due to lack of maximum permissible concentration for non methanol essences, it is recommended that a cut of point of methanol concentration was determined and inform people about it.
Nahid Salarkia, Maryam Amini, Maryam Eslami, Monireh Dadkhah, Telma Zoghi, Homa Haidari, Morteza Abdollahi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (6-2010)
Abstract
Background: Inappropriate feeding is one of the major causes of malnutrition in children. This study was carried out to get an insight into mothers’ views and beliefs about the role of complementary feeding in children under the age of two. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative study, data were collected through 11 focus-group discussions (FGDs) with mothers, who had children under the age of two, in urban and rural areas of Damavand in 2007. Each FGD was held in the presence of a moderator, two note takers, and an observer. At the end of field work, all notes were collected and coded according to the objectives of the study. Then the subgroups for each objective were obtained, and emerging themes were extracted and reported. Results: In the study, six general themes were identified:(1) The mothers viewed complementary feeding as simple, soft, light foods which are especially made for children (2) the best time for introducing complementary feeding was 6 months of age (3) there were no complementary local foods in Damavand (4) for children under the age of one, a different type of food was separately prepared (5) home-made complementary food was preferred over the ready made type, and (6) children were fed with table food from the first year of life. Conclusion: Despite their sufficient knowledge about the advantages of complementary feeding, the majority of mothers, due to some socio-cultural limitations, had a weak performance. In this regard, in addition to making revisions in current training programs and protocols, providing effective and goal-oriented educational programs for mothers and others who take care of children is strongly recommended.
Mahmoud Reza Nakhaei, Mohammad Reza Palizvan, Nahid Mouris,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2011)
Abstract
Background: Nutrition assessment is a routine method for determining the nutritional needs of individuals, especially for vulnerable groups (women, infants, and children). One of the important criteria for assessment of nutritional status is determining the concentration of a nutrient after its intake. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 80 lactating mothers were selected from private and public hospitals in Tabriz. Data gathered through the questionnaire included general information concerning lactating mothers and also their nutritional diet. Since vitamin A and beta-carotene were measured through Karr-Price method, vitamin A and beta-carotene concentrations were measured at 620 nm wavelength. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between retinol intake and colostrum retinol of lactating mothers (p≤0.01) (r = 0.28). Also, retinol intake showed a positive and significant correlation with total vitamin A (retinol equivalent) in colostrum (p≤0.002) (r= 0.33). Conclusion: Daily retinol and beta-carotene intake affect retinol of colostrum which its proper concentration in mother’s milk can play an important role in better function of this vitamin for both mother and child.
Zatolah Asemi, Mohsen Taghizade, Mansore Samimi,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (5-2011)
Abstract
Background: There is inconsistent evidence indicating that serum Zn deficiency in pregnant women may adversely affect fetal growth. In order to survey this matter in Iran, a study was conducted with the aim of determining the association between serum Zn in pregnant women of Kashan and anthropometric factors of their neonates in 2008-2009.
Materials and Methods: In this eross-secrional study, of all the pregnant women referring to Naghavi Polyclinic of Kashan University of Medical Sciences, 128 women and their neonates were selected. Serum Zn concentration in 6-9 month pregnant women and anthropometric factors of their neonates (weight, height, and head circumference) were measured. Then the relationship between the prevalence of Zn deficiency and the neonates’ anthropometric factors was reported. T-test and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used for data analysis.
Results: Mean weight and height of the infants whose mothers had low serum Zn concentration (below normal) were 130.1g and 0.6 cm less than the infants whose mothers had high Zn concentrations. A significant positive correlation was found between birth size height of the neonates and serum Zn concentration of the mothers (P=0.02).
Conclusion: The results suggest that maternal serum zinc level affects neonates’ height.
Arash Shams, Sedighe Mehrabian, Nor-Amir Mozafari,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (4-2012)
Abstract
Background: Olive oil as a mjor source of fat in diet, besides having a high level of unsaturated fatty acid contains biological components, such as the antioxidant phenolic compounds that can prevent the destructive effect of free radicals and their resulting mutation on cellular structures. The main goal of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and anticancer effects of olive oil through Salmonella typhimurium and microsome.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 16 Iranian olive oil samples and one Spanish sample were used. The determination test of anti-mutagenic potential was based on the method proposed by Ames et al. using mutant strain of Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and a well-known carcinogenic material (sodium azide) which by adding microsome of rat liver (S9), its anticancer effect was examined. Positive and negative controls which respectively contained sodium azide and distilled water were studied. Each test was simultaneously done three times and the percentage of inhibition was determined according to (1-T/M) × 100.
Results: The inhibitory percentage in its highest level in darkness was equal to 63.64% based on the variety of olive oil and in light was equal to 60.70%.
Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the antioxidant and anticancer properties of olive oil decrease with exposure to light
Zatollah Asemi, Ashraf Khorrami, Mohsen Taghizadeh, Zahra Abedini, Ali Akbar Rashidi,
Volume 15, Issue 6 (11-2012)
Abstract
Background: Protein-energy malnutrition is regarded as one of the public health problems in developing countries as a result of poor feeding due to poverty. This study was conducted to compare protein quality of two samples of commercial weaning food, Cerelac (based on dry milk, wheat and banana containing probiotic Bifidobactriumlactis) and Ghoncheh (based on dry milk, wheat, and honey), in rats. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 64 male rats aged 23 days in 8 groups under 8 diets, including 2 test diets (Cerelaccontaining probiotic Bifidobactriumlactis and Ghoncheh), 1 standard diet (casein), 1 basal diet (protein free) for true protein digestibility and apparent digestibility study, 2 test diets, 1 standard diet, and 1 basal diet for net protein ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and food efficiency ratio study. Results: The contents of true protein digestibility for casein, Cerelac, and Ghoncheh were 93.77, 84.23 and 89.82, respectively and the results were significant in all of the groups (p<0.001). The content of net protein ratio for casein, Cerelac, and Ghoncheh was 4.38, 4.1 and 3.17, respectively and the results were significantin all of the groups (p=0.009). The contents of protein efficiency ratio for casein, Cerelac, and Ghoncheh were 3.05, 2.59, and 2.01, respectively and the results were significant in all of the groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the protein value of Cerelaccontaining Bifidobactriumlactis was higher than Ghoncheh.
Sedighe Mehrabian, Maryam Tajabadi-Ebrahimi, Maryam Abbas-Ahmadi, Hoda Bahrami,
Volume 15, Issue 7 (12-2012)
Abstract
Background: Deaths due to cancer have been increasing in many countries in recent years. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have beneficial effects on consumer’s health. The aim of this study was to investigate antimutagenic and anticancer effects of Lactobacilli strains isolated from Tarkhineh in order to select potential probiotic strains. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 25 strains of Lactobacillus that had previously been isolated from Tarkhineh were used. Antimutagenicity test was performed based on proposed method of Ames. The results of the test were individuated after comparison between samples (suspensions of Lactobacilli) and positive (sodium azide) and negative (distilled water) controls. SPSS version 16 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Antimutagenic activity was observed only in four strains of Lactobacilli. The inhibitory percentage in the four strains of Lactobacilli, in its highest level was equal to 60.38 and in its lowest percentage equal to 39.37%. Also, the inhibitory percentage of mutation among the four strains in the presence of microsome were significantly different (P<0.05) than the absence of microsome. Adding the microsome of rat liver (S9) proved the anticancer effects of four Lactobacilli strains. Conclusion: Of the 25 strains of Lactobacilli, 4 strains which had the highest antimutagenicity effects were chosen as the potential probiotic strains.
Ali Aghanuri, Mahmoud Mahmoudi, Mina Asadi, Fatemeh Mortaji, Hamideh Salehi, Kurosh Djafarian,
Volume 15, Issue 9 (2-2013)
Abstract
Background: In recent years, changes in the composition of Iranian population into aged population have increased the need for more information about the quality of life (QOL) of this group. Proper planning for this age group for increasing their quality of life depends on the identification of factors associated with QOL. The aim of the current study was to assess the quality of life and its relationship with the quality of diet in elderly people aged 60 years and more living in the urban areas of Markazi province. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 165 elderly people in the urban areas of Markazi Province in 2010. Data obtained via general and QOL (SF-36) questionnaires and three 24-hour recalls on food. The quality of diet was measured using Healthy Eating index. Results: The means of total SF-36, physical and mental components scores were 55.66, 51.32 and 57.30, respectively. Additionally, the average overall healthy eating index score was 82.83. The results showed that the total, physical, and mental components of SF-36 scores in the elderly were positively associated with the healthy eating index but not significantly (P=0.2). QOL and diet scores were significantly associated with age, sex, education, previous employment, income, leisure activities, exercise, insurance, smoking, present disease, and drug consumption (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that the QOL in the elderly was not related to their quality of diet.
Laleh Payahoo, Fariborz Akbarzadeh, Morad Ghalibaf, Aziz Homayouni Rad,
Volume 15, Issue 10 (3-2013)
Abstract
Background: Probiotics are live microorganisms that have positive effects on the host when consumed in sufficient amounts. According to several studies, probiotics have beneficial effects on prevention and treatment of many diseases. The aim of this study was to review animal and human studies on the role of probiotics in reducing serum cholesterol, their mechanisms of action, and a brief explanation of functional probiotic foods. Materials and Methods: This review article focused on all papers indexed in scientific databases from 2000 to 2012 using the related keywords, including cardiovascular diseases, probiotics, and serum cholesterol. Results: Probiotics are used both in dairy and non-dairy products. Nowadays, the role of many probiotic strains in health is confirmed. From the studies done in this field, it can be inferred that probiotics through several mechanisms, such as binding cholesterol to cell walls of probiotics in intestine, conversion of cholesterol into coprostanol, production of short chain fatty acids, and deconjugation of bile acids, reduce serum cholesterol. Conclusion: Certain strains of probiotics have demonstrated cholesterol-lowering properties and others are under study. Further studies are needed to identify other mechanisms involved in lowering serum cholesterol and determine their safety
Narjes Najibi, Ahmad Reza Dorosty Motlagh, Haleh Sadrzadeh Yeganeh, Mohammad Reza Eshraghian, Milad Daneshi, Samaneh Azizi,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (4-2013)
Abstract
Background: Food insecurity is defined as the limited or uncertain availability of enough food for an always active and healthy life. Diabetes mellitus, one of the most common metabolic diseases, has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality and it is considered a health priority in Iran. Recent studies indicate the widespread prevalence of food insecurity and diabetes mellitus in Iranian society. This study reviews the status of food insecurity and effective socio-economic factors in people with type 2 diabetes.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 135 patients, aged between 30 and 55, who had recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and food insecurity status were assessed using demographic and the 18-item USDA household food security questionnaires, respectively. Physical activity also was evaluated by MET, physical activity questionnaire. Data were analyzed by Chi-square, t-test, and logistic regression.
Results: Prevalence of food insecurity was 66.7%. Food insecurity was significantly associated with economic status, education level, income, having child under 18 years of age, family size, and number of children (p<0.05) however, there was not a significant relationship between food insecurity and occupation, marital status, family history of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, age, and the amount of physical activity.
Conclusion: Considering the higher prevalence of food insecurity in diabetic patients, it can be said that it is likely that the incidence of diabetes is higher in food insecure people.
Mahmoud Reza Nakhaei, Amir Almasi Hashyani, Behrouz Ebrahim Zadeh Kor,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (7-2013)
Abstract
Background: Nutritional status assessment is a method for nutritional care which aims to determine nutritional needs and to meet nutritional requirements. Pregnant and lactating mothers are considered vulnerable groups. The use of this method, especially for determination of calorie and protein intake has positive effects on growth of neonates. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the nutritional status of pregnant women.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 80 pregnant mothers were selected from private and public hospitals in Arak. Data were gathered through a questionnaire including general information concerning pregnant mothers and their nutritional diet. The analysis of dietary intake was done by nutritionist IV software. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: The average weight gain for pregnant mothers at the end of pregnancy was 10.1kg. The mean of body mass index for the mothers was 22.2 kg/m2, and the average weight for neonates was 2.5 kg. The average energy intakes in mothers were equal compared with RDA, and the average protein intake was greater compared with RDA. There was a significant positive correlation between weight gain during and total body weight at the end of pregnancy (r=0.93) (p<0.01). Also, there was a significant negative correlation between weight of pre pregnancy and percent of weight gain at the end of pregnancy (r=-0.39) (p<0. 01). A significant positive correlation was found between total body weight at the end of pregnancy and birth weight of neonates (r=0.34) (p<0. 01).
Conclusion: Adequate nutritional status of mothers influenced normal body weight in neonates.
Mahmoud Reza Nakhaei, Amir Almasi-Hashyani, Fatemeh Iman Parast, Saeid Babaei,
Volume 16, Issue 5 (8-2013)
Abstract
Background: There is priority for evaluation of micronutrients (vitamin A) in the world, especially in develpoing countries like Iran. Vitamin A has an essentiall role in growth, reproduction, and maintenace of epithelial cells. Vitamin A, especially retinoic acid, acts like a hormone for gene expression. Vitamin A is necessary for growth of bones and immune system. The role of vitamin A in reducing mortality rates of neonates is well recognized. The aim of research is to evaluate this micronutrient (vitamin A) and the rate of transportation from mother to fetus and its positive effects on birth weight.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, 90 pregnant mothers were selected from private and public hospitals in Arak. Data were gathered through a questionnaire including general information concerning pregnant mothers and also their nutritional diet. The analysis of dietary intake was done by Nutritionist IV software. The measurements of serum and cord blood retinol samples were carried with reverse phase HPLC. Data analysis was done by Pearson correlation.
Results: The results indicated a positive and significant correlation between cord blood retinol of mothers and birth weight of neonates (r=0.22) (p&ge0.05). There was not a significant correlation between serum retinol of the mothers and birth weight of the neonates. Also, there was no significant correlation between retinol intakes of the mothers and birth weight of the neonates.
Conclusion: Improvement of the retinol status of mothers has an effective role in normal birth weight of neonates.
Navid Mazruei Arani, Homa Baghaei, Ashraf Khorrami Rad, Zatollah Asemi, Sabiheosadat Alizadeh, Ahmad Esmaeilzadeh,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (9-2013)
Abstract
Background: Increased insulin resistance, inflammatory factors and parameters of oxidative stress are associated with the development of diabetes complications. This study was designed to determine the beneficial effects of synbiotic Gaz on insulin resistance, inflammatory factor and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Materials and Methods: This randomized crossover double-blinded controlled clinical trial was performed among 62 diabetic patients aged 35-70 y. Subjects were randomly assigned to consume of either the synbiotic (n=62) or control Gaz (n=62) for 6 weeks. A 3-week washout period considered. The synbiotic Gaz was consisted of a probiotic viable and heat-resistance strain Lactobacillus sporogenes (1×107 CFU), 0.04 g inulin and 0.05 g stevia per 1 g as sweeteners' substances. Control Gaz (the same substance without probiotic bacteria and prebiotic inulin) was. Patients were received synbiotic and control foods in a 7 g package thrice a day. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 6-week intervention to measure insulin resistance, hs-CRP and biomarkers of oxidative stress.
Results: Consumption of synbiotic Gaz, compared with control, resulted in a significant decrease in serum insulin (p=0.02) and hs-CRP levels (p=0.008). Supplementation with synbiotic Gaz led also to a significant increase in plasma total glutathione (p<0.0001) compared to the control.
Conclusion: In conclusion, consumption of synbiotic Gaz for 6 weeks resulted in decreased levels of serum insulin, hs-CRP and increased levels of plasma total glutathione.
Bahram Pourghassem Gargari, Parvin Dehghan, Elham Mirtaheri, Zeynab Faghfouri, Pouran Karimi,
Volume 16, Issue 8 (11-2013)
Abstract
Background: Considering the high prevalence of diabetes and developing cardiovascular diseases via dyslipidemia and inflammation in type 2 diabetic patients, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Oligofructose-enriched inulin on serum lipid concentrations and inflammation in type2 diabetic patients.
Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 52 patients with type 2 diabetes were assigned to one of two groups. Experimental group (n=27) received 10g/d oligofructose-enriched inulin and control group (n=25) received 10 g/d maltodextrin for 8 weeks. Dietary intakes, anthropometric measurements, hs-CRP and serum lipids concentrations were measured at the baseline and at the end of the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (verision11.5). Paired, independent t-test and ANCOVA were used to compare comparison of quantitative variables.
Results: At the end of study, we observed significant decrease in total cholesterol (28.00 mg/dL, 14.10%), LDL-c (22.00 mg/dL, 21.7%), TC/HDL-c ratio (-0.73, 20.7%) and LDL-c/HDL-c ratio (-0.55, 27.5%) in oligofructose-enriched inulin compared with the maltodextrin group (p<0.05). Changes in concentrations of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein were not significant in oligofructose-enriched inulin compared to maltodextrin group.
Conclusion: Oligofructose-enriched inulin supplementation with improving in inflammtion and lipid profile help in management of type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Siavash Fazelian, Ahmad Saedi Someeh Olia, Mrayam Mirftahi, Mostafa Hoseini, Haleh Sadrzade Yegane, Javad Heshmati, Nazli Namazi,
Volume 16, Issue 9 (12-2013)
Abstract
Background: Considering that pre-diabetes is one of disorders that increases developing of diabetes, this study was performed to investigate the effect of L-Arginine supplementation on antioxidant enzyme activity, total antioxidant capacity, and body composition in patients with pre-diabetes.
Materials and Methods: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial was performed on 46 pre-diabetic patients. Patients in intervention (n=23) and placebo groups received 3g/day L-arginine and placebo (three 1gr L-arginine capsules), respectively for 8 weeks. Anthropometric, body composition, and dietary intake assessments, and also biochemical tests were done at baseline and end of study. Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase enzyme and superoxide dismutase activity were measured. Paired t-test, independent t-test and ANOVA were used to analyze quantitative variables.
Results: Thirty eight patients (19 subjects in each group) completed the study. After adjusting confounding factors, no significant difference in body composition, anthropometric indices and dietary intake was observed at the end of study (p<0.05 in all factors), but a significant difference in TAC level was observed in the intervention group at the end of study (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Supplemenation with 3gr/day L-arginine for 8 weeks led to raised serum TAC level without changes in body composition in pre-diabetic patients.
Bahareh Jalalvandi, Parichehr Hanachy, Parvaneh Nazarali, Saeed Naghibi,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Background: In recent years, studies have been conducted on the role of coenzyme Q10 in improvement of sport performance and also cardiovascular health. The present study investigate effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation combined with swimming aerobic exercises on Heart Rate Deflection Point (HRDP) and VO2max in active women.
Materials and Methods: A number of 32 trained women with the average age of 21/25 ± 0.86 years and Body Mass Index (BMI) of 20/127± 1.06 kg/square meter were selected randomly and were divided into eight -member each groups: Control, Supplement, Supplement – Exercise and Exercise. The subjects participated in four-week consumption of coenzyme Q10 and swimming exercises (three sessions in a week).The consumption rate of coenzyme Q10 100 mg/kg/d was in the form of capsule that subjects took it during lunchtime. Before and after a four-week period, the subjects performed an incremental exhaustive test on treadmill, using respiratory gas analyzer to determine HRDP and VO2max. It should be noted that data analysis was conducted using One-Way Variance Analysis Test (ANOVA) in P<0.05 significant level.
Results: Based on paired T-Test results, despite HRDP had increased in each four groups but the significant increase was observed only among groups in VO2max (P=0.008) based on ANOVA Test (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Although positive changes were observed inside the group after passage of four weeks, coenzyme Q10 supplementation combined with swimming aerobic exercise had not any significant effect on HRDP only increased VO2max.
Fatemeh Keikhaei, Nooshin Naghsh, Mehrdad Modaresi,
Volume 17, Issue 6 (9-2014)
Abstract
Background: Leukemiais a malignant and progressive disease of the Hematopoietic tissues of the body. The pistacia atlantica tree base, the geographic in large areas of the Mediterranean and the Middle East is growing. K562Cell class is considered as laboratory model of chronic phase of human CML. We compared the growth inhibitory effects SUZIN as a chemical compared with pistacia atlantica as a combined Zn plant antioxidant capacity in reducing cancer has been studied.
Materials and Methods: Pistachio nut was collected from around Kerman, then they were dried in room temperature and extraction was performed for 48 hours by maceration method. K562 cell class was incubated in medium RPMI-1640 fortified with 10%(v/v) FBS and 50% Streptomycin-Penicillin. Cytotoxic effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of pistacia atlantica against cancer cells K562 was evaluated in three interval by MTT method. Light absorbance by Eliza device was measured in wave length 540 nm. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS15 software and ANOVA test.
Results: Pistacia atlantica in 24h and in concentration 100&mug/ml andSuzin in48h and in 12.5 &mug/ml,72 h and in 50 &mug/ml induced growth inhibition half of the cells were K562. Results obtained from changes in cell morphology influenced by hydro-ethanolic extract of pistacia atlantica and SUZIN suggest abnormal transformation of cells that probably represents apoptosis and necrosis.
Conclusion: Time and concentration against cytotoxic effect of Pistacia atlantica have the combined effect. Whileiron supplementation, alone time is due. Special concentration of pistacia atlantica having high antioxidant capacity with the Suzincan be considered as a potential target for inhibiting K562 cells in treatment of blood cancer.
Yaser Khaje Bishak, Laleh Payahoo, Aziz Homayouni Rad, Behjat Shokrvash,
Volume 17, Issue 9 (12-2014)
Abstract
Background: Obesity, the most common health problem, can result in the incidence of many chronic diseases. genetic and environmental factors can affect its incidence. Differences in the population of gut microbiota in lean and obese subjects and interaction between them, has led to a field of investigation about the effects of intestinal microbiota in the obesity occurrence. In the other hand, the use of functional foods has been shown positive effects in the prevention of obesity. This study was aimed to assess the differences between gut microbiota in obese and normal people, their roles in energy homeostasis and the mechanisms of probiotics and prebiotics in the management of obesity.
Materials and Methods: All articles indexed in the valid scientific data bases published between 2000 And 2014 were Searched and reviewed using probiotics, prebiotics, obesity and gut microbiota as key words and results were examined.
Results: A group of gut microbiota facilitates energy extraction from the diet that results in fat storage in adipose tissues. bacteroidetes as a residing bacterial in the gut is in fewer amount, inversely, firmicutes as another residing bacterial is in higher amount in obese people, and it changed in lean individuals, inversely. Differences in the extraction of energy in subjects were attributed to differences in the composition in gut microbiota. archaea species that resident in the gut involved in energy homeostasis through increasing the ability of fermentation, electron production and removing the energy. In addition to, the probiotic and prebiotic supplements have roles in the prevention of obesity via stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria, production of short chain fatty acids, modulating the secretion of hormones involved in energy homeostasis.
Conclusion: Further studies are needed to identify the specific probiotic bacteria and other effective functional foods in management of obesity.
Bahram Pourghassem Gargari, Fereshteh Aliasghari, Sousan Kolahi, Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi, Elham Mirtaheri,
Volume 17, Issue 12 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease. Hypertension could occur as a result of chronic inflammation in RA patients. Some evidence demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects of alpha-lipoic acid in inflammatory diseases. However, a limited number of studies have evaluated the effects of alpha-lipoic acid in rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on blood pressure and some inflammatory factors.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which 70 female patients aged 20–50 years were randomized to two groups to receive either alpha-lipoic acid (1200 mg/day) or placebo. The intervention duration was 8 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured before and after the supplementation period. Also, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS13 software.
Results: 65 RA patients completed the trial. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure in alpha-lipoic acid group was significantly decreased in comparison with placebo group (p<0.05). But, CRP and IL-6 serum levels did not indicate any significant within- and between group changes.
Conclusion: In the present study, alpha-lipoic acid supplementation resulted in significant blood pressure reduction in rheumatoid arthritis participants.
Alireza Shahab Jahanlou, Kamyar Kouzekanani,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (7-2015)
Abstract
Background: Body Mass Index (BMI) is commonly used to determine overweightness and obesity in epidemiological studies regardless of the sex and age of the subjects. Golden Standards were presented by the World Health Organization to estimate obesity by measuring body fat percentiles. The primary purpose of this study was to estimate the accuracy of the BMI by Cut-points of gold standard.
Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study. Measuring body composition was done by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) method. Accuracy of the BIA method is documented in comparison with more complicated methods Diagnosis performance to estimate the accuracy of Body Mass Index was based on measuring specificity, sensitivity, percentile of the power of positive anticipation, and percentile of the power of negative anticipation to diagnose obesity, with due attention to the cut-points of world health organization gold standards and according to sex and age ranking. Data analysis was performed by T-test, Chi-Square and Roc curve. Two Roc curves were compared by Honely formule and regression analysis.
Results: According to the cut-point of gold standard, statistical findings showed that the amounts of sensitivity and specifity were 66% and 90.5% for all persons, respectively. With due attention to data analysis, the level of sensitivity was 50.2% to 73.3% in males and 28.9% to 69.7% in females. Also, with respect to age ranking, percentile of the power of negatire anticipation was reported between 26.7% to 63.6% in males and between 28.9% to 69.7% in females.
Conclusion: Body Mass Index could not accurately classify people in obesity and overweightness groups. The power of BMI for classifying obese and overweight people decreases with increasing age. Overall, comparing BMI and the cut-points of gold standard showed the medium effect of this index in classifying obese and overweight persons. The appropriate cut-point to diagnose obesity was 27.8.
