Search

Background: No studies thus far have addressed the efficacy of probiotics, especially synbiotics, on management and improving the symptoms of hypothyroidism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of synbiotic supplementation in fatigue management and mental health status in patients with hypothyroidism on levothyroxine treatment. Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Sixty patients with levothyroxine-treated hypothyroidism were randomly divided into two groups to receive either 500 mg/day of synbiotic (n = 30) or a placebo (n = 30) for 8 weeks. Findings: Synbiotic supplementation led to a significant decrease in general fatigue (P = 0.002) in synbiotic group. In the synbiotic group, other aspects of fatigue showed a decreasing trend, whereas the changes were not statistically significant. In addition, synbiotic supplementation significantly reduced the anxiety score in the synbiotic group at the end of the study (P = 0.028), while no significant effect was found from probiotics on depression, anxiety, and stress score in the intervention group compared to the placebo group. Conclusion: Synbiotic supplementation for 8 weeks may have beneficial effects on general fatigue and anxiety among the patients with hypothyroidism, whereas these effects were not statistically significant between the two groups. Synbiotic supplements can be considered as a therapeutic strategy to improve the symptoms of patients with hypothyroidism. Further studies with larger sample size and longer duration are needed to confirm the current findings.

Background: Infertility is defined as failure in fertility after having sex for at least one year, if no contraceptive method is used, and 15% of the world's population is involved, of which 20-70 percent is related to men. Studies show that infertility is associated with a decrease in Q10 levels in the serum and seminal fluid, and its supplementation can reduce the symptoms of infertility, and improve it as well. Methods: The purpose of this study was to review the research done to investigate the relationship between Q10 and infertility. Clinical trial studies on the effect of supplementation of Q10 on male infertility from PubMed, Scopus, ISI, and Google Scholar databases between 2000 and 2017 were assessed using the keywords of coenzyme Q10, ubiquinol-10, infertility, male infertility, male fertility problems, semen parameters, sexual dysfunction. Findings: In most clinical trial studies, supplementation of Q10 had a positive effect on sperm parameters such as concentration, morphology, and movement. DNA fragmentation was also reduced; moreover, antioxidant enzymes of catalase and superoxide dismutase as well as total antioxidant capacity were significantly higher than before the intervention. However, some studies found no significant effect of Q10 on the sperm parameters. Conclusion: In most studies, the positive effects of Q10 supplement on sperm parameters, DNA damage, antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant enzymes have been proven, but due to the lack of studies, more clinical trial studies are needed in this area.

Background: The prevalence of children obesity is increasing all over the world. Healthy diet is one of the interventions for obesity treatment. Behavioral therapy approaches can affect child’s food behaviors. One of these approaches is motivational interviewing. Methods: This study was a paralleled randomized clinical trial. 96 children were randomly allocated to 3 groups: first group, diet and motivational interview, second group, diet, and the third one, control. Participants were under intervention for 8 weeks. Anthropometric indecies and blood pressure were measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention. To make sure about the maintenance of intervention effects, participates were assessed 3 month later again. Adherence to diet was assessed by measuring healthy eating index. Findings: The mean body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in first (P < 0.001) and second (P = 0.001) groups decreased after intervention, but this difference were not significant in control group. In first group, this reduction was more than the second group. The mean blood pressure had no significant difference between the 3 groups. The mean healthy eating index was higher in first group than the second group. There was an inverse relation between healthy eating index with body mass index and waist circumference (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Healthy diet can reduce mean body mass index and waist circumference in overweight and obese children. Using diet therapy with motivational interview increases this effect and also the adherence to diet.

Background: Population-based studies in many countries have shown that carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) has a positive relationship with stroke. Some studies have suggested that many of the foods or body composition have effect on the risk of stroke. However, previous studies have not investigated the relationship between dietary intake and body composition with carotid intima-media thickness. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between dietary intakes and body compositions with carotid intima-media thickness in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients (35 to 85 years old) with transient ischemic attack, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. The carotid intima-media thicknes was measured, usual dietary intakes was assessed and body composition was examined for each patient. Pearson’s correlation was used to examine the relationship between the carotid intima-media thickness and other variables. Findings: The carotid intima-media thickness had a significant negative correlation with intake of linoleic acid and vitamin E, but there was not any relationship with other macronutrients and micronutrients. On the other hand, carotid intima-media thickness was significantly associated with body fat mass, visceral fat area, abdominal circumference, mineral and protein of body. Conclusion: These data indicated that many of dietary intakes may not have any effect on carotid intima-media thickness but body fat and abdominal obesity indices may be associated with carotid intima-media thickness.

Background: Overweight and obesity are two important risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Controling the weight via using dietary fiber may help to manage patients with NAFLD by diet and physical activity. Psyllium as a fiber can reduce obesity and its consequences. Methods:This was a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial study. 80 overweight or obese patients with NAFLD (age: 18-77 years) diagnosis via elastography were enrolled. Participants assigned to intervention and placebo groups using randomized block design; which were supplemented with 10 g psyllium or 10 g ground wheat, respectively. Both groups followed weight-loss diet and physical activity (PA) recommendations for 10 weeks. Serum liver enzymes (using enzymatic photometric method), dietary intake (via 3-day food record) physical activity (using physical activity questionnaire) and anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline and the end of the study. Findings: 75 participants (mean age: 44.9 years) met the inclusion criteria, 13 men and 25 women in intervention group and 22 men and 15 women in placebo group. At the beginning, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.4 and 31.1 kg/m2 and the mean calorie intake was 2044.8 and 2449.7 kcal in intervention and placebo groups, respectively. Controling the confounding variables, calorie intake (P = 0.020), carbohydrate intake (P = 0.010), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P = 0.006), waist circumference (P = 0.006), body mass index (P = 0.006) and weight (P = 0.030) were reduced in intervention group as compared with placebo group. Waist to hip ratio reduced at a boarderline significancy (P = 0.050); and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) reduced unsignificantly (P = 0.980). Conclusion: Weight-loss diet program supplemented with psyllium, in parallel with increasing the physical activity, can be useful in reducing NAFLD outcomes.

مقدمه: کبد چرب غیر الکلی، از شایع‌ترین بیماری‌های مزمن کبدی در سراسر دنیا می‌باشد. شیوع این بیماری در ایران، در حدود 35 درصد است. اختلالات شاخص‌های قندی در بیماران مبتلا به کبد چرب غیر الکلی دیده می‌شود. در چندین مطالعه، مکمل یاری با ویتامین D، باعث متعادل شدن شاخص‌های قندی شده است. هدف از این مطالعه، بررسی اثر مکمل یاری ویتامین D بر شاخص‌های قندی در بیماران مبتلا به کبد چرب غیر الکلی بود. روش‌ها: این مطالعه به صورت کارآزمایی بالینی تصادفی انجام شد. 60 بیمار مبتلا به کبد چرب غیر الکلی در گروه مورد و شاهد (دارونما) قرار داشتند و به مدت 10 هفته، به گروه مورد، هفته‌ای یک عدد پرل 50000 واحد بین‌الملل ویتامین D داده شد و به گروه شاهد نیز هفته‌ای یک عدد دارونما داده شد. اندازه‌گیری شاخص گلایسمیک افراد در ابتدا و انتهای مطالعه انجام گردید. داده‌ها با استفاده از آزمون ANCOVA (Analysis of covariance) و Regression در نرم‌افزار SPSS تجزیه و تحلیل شد. یافته‌ها: در پایان مطالعه، سطح ویتامین D سرم در مقایسه با گروه شاهد به طور معنی‌داری افزایش یافته بود. مقاومت انسولینی و سطح قند خون ناشتا در مقایسه با گروه شاهد کاهش داشت؛ اما این اثر، از نظر آماری معنی‌دار نبود. مکمل یاری ویتامین D بر سایر متغیرها اثر معنی‌داری نشان نداد. نتیجه‌گیری: مکمل یاری ویتامین D در بیماران مبتلا به کبد چرب غیر الکلی، ممکن است مقاومت انسولینی را کاهش دهد. مطالعات بیشتری با تعداد نمونه‌ی بیشتر و طراحی قوی‌تر باید در این زمینه انجام شود.

مقدمه: کبد چرب غیر الکلی یک بیماری مزمن کبدی بسیار شایع می‌باشد. این بیماری، باعث سیروز کبد و در نهایت، پیوند کبد می‌شود. در بیماران مبتلا به کبد چرب، تعادل شاخص‌های لیپیدی به هم می‌خورد. هدف از انجام این مطالعه، بررسی اثر مکمل یاری ویتامین D بر شاخص‌های لیپیدی در بیماران مبتلا به کبد چرب غیر الکلی بود. روش‌ها: در این مطالعه، که به صورت کارآزمایی بالینی تصادفی موازی انجام شد، 60 بیمار مبتلا به کبد چرب غیر الکلی در گروه مداخله و دارونما قرار گرفتند. به مدت 10 هفته، گروه مداخله هفته‌ای یک عدد پرل حاوی 50000 واحد بین‌الملل ویتامین D و گروه شاهد، هفته‌ای یک عدد دارونما دریافت کردند. شاخص‌های لیپیدی افراد در ابتدا و انتهای مطالعه اندازه‌گیری شد. برای تشخیص کبد چرب غیر الکلی از اولتراسوند استفاده شد. داده‌ها بااستفاده از تست آنالیز کوواریانس و Regression ترتیبی آنالیزگردید. یافته‌ها: در پایان، سطح ویتامین D سرم گروه مداخله در مقایسه با گروه دارونما به طور معنی‌داری افزایش یافته بود. همچنین، کلسترول تام و لیپوپروتئین با چگالی کم (Low-density lipoprotein یا LDL) به طور معنی‌داری در مقایسه با گروه دارونما کاهش نشان داد. تأثیر مکمل‌یاری ویتامین D بر روی دیگر متغیرها در سطح معنی‌داری نبود. نتیجه‌گیری: مکمل‌یاری ویتامین D در بیماران مبتلا به کبد چرب غیر الکلی می‌تواند سطح کلسترول تام و لیپوپروتئین با چگالی کم را کاهش دهد. اما مطالعات بیشتر با تعداد نمونه‌ی بیشتر و طراحی قوی‌تر برای تأیید یافته‌ها باید در آینده انجام شود.

Background: Epidemiological evidence has shown that antioxidant supplements may play an important role in preventing exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress. Recent years, some researchers have shown high levels of unique compounds in pomegranate polyphenol antioxidants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of natural pomegranate juice on oxidative stress, muscle damage and inflammation induced by exercise in healthy young men. Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted on 30 healthy young men who exercised 3 times a week and were eligible for the study. They was randomly divided into two experimental (supplement) and control (placebo) groups. Experimental group received a daily cup of 250 ml of natural pomegranate juice, prepared by the researcher, and the control group received a daily cup of 250 ml of placebo, for 8 weeks at the same time. Blood samples were collected after at least 8 hours of fasting to assess indicators of muscle damage including creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipid peroxidation including malondialdehyde (MDA) and inflammation including C-reactive protein (CRP), at the beginning and end of the study. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired and independent-samples t test. Findings: Following 8 weeks of consumption of pomegranate juice, MDA levels decreased from 1.5 to 1.1 μmol/l in pomegranate group and increased from 1.5 to 1.7 μmol/l in control group. The change of this indicator was significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.047). Changes in LDH, CRP and CK were not significant in any of the groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest potential beneficial effects of pomegranate juice in strengthening the antioxidant defense system and reducing oxidative stress.

Background: From ancient times, people believed the role of garlic in lowering blood pressure. However, no study has been done about mixture of garlic and lemon juice. So, this study aimed to investigate the effect of garlic and lemon juice mixture on fasting blood sugar, diastolic and systolic blood pressure and body mass index. Methods: In this study, 120 patients of the age of 30-65 years, with newly diagnosed hyperlipidemia, were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. First group recieved 20 grams of garlic daily, plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice, second group recieved 20 grams garlic daily and the third group recieved 1 tablespoon lemon juice daily, 2 hours after. The fourth group did not receive garlic or lemon juice during 2-monthes intervention. The fasting blood sugar, blood pressure and body mass index levels were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Findings: The garlic and lemon juice mixture, after 8 weeks, significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index, compared with the control group. However, this reduction was not significant compared to the garlic group. The mixture did not have any effect on fasting blood sugar. Conclusion: According to the results, the garlic and lemon juice mixture is not better than garlic alone, in reducing blood pressure and body mass index. Other studies are suggested to be done in different ways to ensure the effectiveness of this product.

Background: Type II diabetes is one of the carbohydrate disorders that is one of the most common types of chronic diseases in many countries of the world including Iran. Recently, pumpkin consumption is recognized as one of the herbs in treatment of the diabetes. In addition, consumption of fermented dairy products and probiotics have beneficial effects on people with type II diabetes. The aim of this study was investigation the effect of pumpkin and probiotic yogurt consumption separately or/and simultaneously on type II diabetes. Methods: This was a parallel randomized clinical trial study. 80 eligible participants randomly were divided to 4 groups: 1- green pumpkin (100 g); 2- probiotic yoghurt (150 g); 3- pumpkin and probiotic yoghurt (100 g pumpkin plus 150 g yoghurt); and 4- control (dietary advice). Pumpkin and probiotic yoghurt were consumed at lunch time. Findings: Total cholesterol levels decreased in all intervention groups; however these changes in probiotic yogurt and probiotic yogurt + pumpkin groups were significant. In all interventional groups, the level of triglyceride decreased and the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased; the changes were significant in yogurt + pumpkin group. Probiotic yogurt consumption separately or simultaneously with pumpkin decreased the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). All interventional treatments led to significantly decreased fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) decreased significantly in pumpkin and probiotic yogurt groups. Conclusion: According to present study, pumpkin consumption separately or simultaneously with probiotic yogurt have beneficial effects on lipid profiles, FBS, HbA1C and hsCRP.

Background: 10 to 35% of the adult population all round the world is infected with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). So far, no cure is recommended for this disease. Omega-3 fatty acids have beneficial effects in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disease; the resort is recently used for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The aim of this study was to review the studies about the role of omega-3 fatty acids on the prevention and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods: First, PubMed and ISI databases were searched for the papers in their text there were the words NAFLD, NASH, nonalcoholic fatty liver, steatosis, DHA, EPA, fish oil and omega 3. Then, the papers were divided into tree groups: animal studies, cross-sectional studies, and case-control studies and clinical trials. Totally, 21 articles were evaluated. Findings: The results of cross-sectional and case-control studies were not similar, but more robust studies showed that inadequate intakes of dietary sources of omega-3 was associated with fatty liver disease. Most interventions have been conducted in animal and human studies that have been reported positive effects of omega-3 supplementation in reducing triglycerides and fatty liver in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver. Conclusion: According to the available evidence, it seems that reduction of omega-3 food sources due to poor eating habits can be one of the reasons of multi-factorial fatty liver disease. In addition, the use of omega-3 supplement along with modification of the diet pattern and lifestyle is beneficial for patients.

Background: Migraine is a neurovascular disorder of the brain. It is chronic, debilitating, and progressive and has important effects on the patient’s life. Migraine is one of the most common types of headaches in many countries of the world including Iran. In recent years, vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a global public health problem. Since previous studies have suggested the benefits of vitamin D in treating migraine headaches, we reviewed available literature on vitamin D and migraine. Methods: Using migraine, vitamin D, and headache as keywords, we searched PubMed and Scopus for articles published during 1994-2012. Findings: Case reports had emphasized the role of vitamin D in reducing the number and duration of headaches and migraines. The relationship between low levels of serum vitamin D and higher incidence of chronic pain and headaches (including migraines) had been suggested by a number of studies. Although the exact role of vitamin D deficiency in headaches and muscle and bone pain has not been identified, possible mechanisms are serum magnesium deficiency and presence of vitamin D receptors, alpha 1-hydroxylase, and vitamin D-binding protein in the brain and particularly hypothalamus. Conclusion: Vitamin D can be effective in the treatment of chronic pain and headaches including migraines. However, due to the small number of available studies, more research in this field is warranted.

Background: The need for energy in strenuous exercises necessitates increased oxygen consumption and hence increased production of reactive oxygen species. It seems that vitamins C and E supplementation reduces exercise-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamins C and E supplementation on muscle damage and oxidative stress in female athletes. Methods: This four-week randomized, double-blind clinical trial, recruited 64 trained female athletes from gyms in Isfahan, Iran. The subjects were randomly assigned to groups A-D and received vitamin C (250 mg/day), vitamin E (400 international units), both vitamins C and E, and placebo. Blood samples were obtained before and after the intervention to measure muscle damage indices, i.e. aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase, and malondialdehyde. Findings: Among muscle damage indices, only creatine kinase levels significantly reduced between groups at the end of the study (P = 0.030). Considering within group differences, creatine kinase significantly decreased in group A (P = 0.002). No within or between group differences were observed in aspartate aminotransferase levels. Lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly decreased in group B (P = 0.020). Significant reductions in malondialdehyde levels were also detected in groups A, C and D (P < 0.05). Conclusion: According to our findings, vitamins C and E supplementation can be beneficial in reducing muscle damage indices during aerobic exercises. Keywords: Oxidative stress, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Supplementation, Female athlete, Muscle damage, Clinical trial

Background: During recent decades, a strong tendency to consume supplements in order to enhance muscular power and exercise endurance has grown among athletes. Quercetin is one of the flavonoid substances that received great attention due to its known benefits to health. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of quercetin supplement intake on the above mentioned variables. Methods: An online search has been performed using the keywords "quercetin, endothelial function, oxidative stress, performance, inflammation, muscle damage and athletes" in ISI, Scopus and PubMed journals published during 1997-2011. All clinical trials were included in this study. Findings: A number of studies have suggested the positive effects of quercetin intake on exercise performance in athletes. These studies suggested quercetin to increase the muscles' mitochondrial biogenesis by boosting VO2max and thus delay fatigue during exercise. In addition, it did not allow NADPH oxidase, activated eNOS, augmented nitrate oxide and decreased endothelin-1 concentration, and resulted in an improvement of endothelial function. However, some other did not confirm the significant improvement of oxidative status. Conclusion: Most of the studies have acknowledged the positive effects of quercetin supplement intake in untrained athletes. However, due to the small number of investigations conducted on humans and the contradictory results, more controlled clinical trials are needed.