Search

Background: Athletes are seeking ways to enhance sports performance and protect themselves from the long-term effects of exercise. One potentially effective solution is the administration of colostrum supplements. Evidence suggests that it can support immune system function by maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of colostrum supplementation on athletes' immune system performance. Methods: This systematic review searched English and Farsi databases including Medline, Scopus, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scientific Information Database, Islamic World Science Citation, Cochrane, and Google Scholar website without a time limit until November 2023. Eighteen randomized clinical trials, following the Cochrane protocol, were analyzed to assess the effects of colostrum supplementation on athletes' immune systems. The studies measured various factors, such as the amount of cytokines, concentration of serum immunoglobulins, salivary immunoglobulin, white blood cell count, neutrophil oxidative reactions, and the rate of respiratory system-related diseases in athletes during the consumption of colostrum supplements or its derivatives. The potential risks of bias in the studies were evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool for randomized controlled trials. Results: The findings of these studies indicate that daily consumption of 3.2 grams of colostrum for 24 weeks can decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines caused by exercise and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, a daily intake of 20 grams of colostrum supplement can protect against the reduction of neutrophil function and immune responses resulting from long-term exercise. The group receiving colostrum experienced fewer upper respiratory tract diseases compared to the placebo group in studies that investigated this indicator. No significant effects on leukocyte count were observed with any dosage of supplementation, and the results of studies on other immune indicators were inconsistent. Conclusion: Bovine colostrum can improve athletes' immune system performance by regulating immune parameters and mitigating the negative effects of intense exercise. However, the contradictory results of existing studies call for further research that examines different doses of colostrum in various sports.

Summary: Background: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is the most widespread reason for admission to the hospital during the first half of pregnancy. HG etiology is not clear in many cases. However, maternal body composition and pre-pregnancy diet are suggested as possible factors. This hospital-based case-control study aims to determine the link between the Mediterranean diet score (MDS) and pre-pregnancy anthropometric indicators with Hyperemesis gravidarum. Methods: A total of 45 women with incident HG and 126 controls were entered into this case-control study between April 2020 and June 2021. A repeatable and accurate 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to define the MDS. The association between MDS and HG odds was examined through adjustment by possible confounders by the estimation of multivariate regression models. Results: The median (interquartile range) pre-pregnancy body mass index of participants was 22.7 (21.7–25.9) and 22.9 (21.4–25) Kg/m2 in cases and controls, respectively (P=0.284). The adjusted analyses found that the MDS was associated with a 25% reduced odds of HG (odds ratio (OR): 0.75, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.24–0.91). Body mass index and waist circumference before pregnancy were not significantly associated with HG odds in both regression models. Conclusions: The odds of HG during pregnancy are lower in women with a higher MDS before pregnancy. Also, a high intake of fruits and nuts, vegetables, legumes, and fish before pregnancy is liked with a lower HG odds.

Abstract Background Recent evidence shows the role of sirtuin 1(SIRT1), a family of evolutionarily conserved proteins, as a potential therapeutic target in the prevention and treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases. Some evidence shows the moderating effects of weight loss interventions on this factor. However, the findings are contradictory. In order to obtain a better viewpoint from them, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate the effects of weight loss interventions on SIRT 1 modulation. Methods For this study, we searched four electronic databases using predefined keywords from inception until March 2024. We includedrandomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of weight reduction strategies on SIRT1 levels. The random-effects model analysis was used to obtain the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan version 5.3 software and Stata version 12.0. Results Twelve studies with 627 volunteers were included. The pooled findings showed that weight loss interventions have no significant effect on the modulation of SIRT1 compared to the control group (pooled WMD of 0.58 ng/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.17 to 1.33; p = 0.130). However, subgroup analysis showed that weight loss interventions significantly modulate SIRT1 at metabolic disease (WMD: 1.2 ng/mL, 95% CI: 0.11 to 2.62, I2 = 82.9%). In addition, subgroup findings indicated health status and body mass index (BMI) as sources of high and potential heterogeneity. Conclusions Based on the findings, weight loss therapies in individuals having a metabolic disorder appear to generate a considerable increase in SIRT1 levels.

Abstract Introduction By studying the dietary habits of patients with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and the controls, we aim to find out whether the dietary intakes of phytochemicals could reduce the odds of BV. To the best of our knowledge, no study has ever examined the matter before. Therefore, we decided to conduct this secondary analysis of case-control study to examine the association between dietary phytochemicals and BV. Method This case-control study was conducted at the gynecological clinic of Imam Hossein Hospital using a convenience sampling method from November 2020 to June 2021. To diagnose BV, all participants underwent examination by a gynecologist, assessing the presence of 3 or 4 criteria from the Amsel criteria. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used. The phytochemical index was determined using McCarty’s method. To assess the association between dietary phytochemical intake and the odds of BV, binary logistic regression was utilized. Results After adjusting for potential confounders, the association between phytochemical index and BV remained significant (odds ratio (OR) = 0.349, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.176–0.695, p-value = 0.003). Furthermore, each unit increase in fat intake was associated with higher odds of BV (OR = 1.008, 95% CI: 1.002–1.014, p-value = 0.006), and a positive family history of BV continued to show significantly increased odds of BV (OR = 3.442, 95% CI: 2.068–5.728, p-value

Introduction: Excessive visceral adiposity is known to drive the onset of metabolic derangements, mostly involving oxidative stress, prolonged inflammation, and cellular senescence. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a synthetic form of l-cysteine with potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-senescence properties. This ex-vivo study aimed to determine the effect of NAC on some markers of senescence including β-galactosidase activity and p16, p53, p21, IL-6, and TNF-α gene expressions in visceral adipose tissue in obese adults. Methods: This ex-vivo experimental study involved 10 obese participants who were candidates for bariatric surgery. Duplicate biopsies from the abdominal visceral adipose tissue were obtained from the omentum. The biopsies were treated with or without NAC (5 and 10 mm). To evaluate adipose tissue senescence, beta-galactosidase (β-gal) activity and the expression of P16, P21, P53, IL-6, and TNF-α were determined. ANOVA test was employed to analyze the varying markers of cellular senescence and inflammation between treatment groups. Results: The NAC at concentrations of 5 mm and 10 mm resulted in a noteworthy reduction β-gal activity compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the expression of P16, P21, and IL-6 was significantly reduced following treatment with NAC (5 mm) and NAC (10 mm) compared to the control group (All p < 0.001). Discussion/Conclusion: Taken together, these data suggest the senotherapeutic effect of NAC, as it effectively reduces the activity of SA-β-gal and the expression of IL-6, P16, and P21 genes in the visceral adipose tissue of obese individuals.

Introduction: Interventions which improve the body composition and metabolic health of women with breast cancer are essential because they can improve the prognosis of this disease. Ketogenic diets have been suggested as complementary nutritional treatments for cancer patients. This systematic review was conducted with aim to determine the effect of ketogenic diets on the therapeutic and metabolic outcomes of breast cancer. Methods: In this systematic review, in order to find the related articles, Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Magiran, SID, ISC, and Cochrane databases were searched with the keywords of low carbohydrate, carbohydrate restriction, Ketogenic diet, breast cancer, breast tumor, and breast neoplasms in English and Persian languages until November 2022. Results: Five studies were reviewed. The results showed that breast cancer patients following a ketogenic diet had significant improvements in emotional and social functions, reduced disease symptoms, and improved metabolic health biomarkers (creatinine, triglycerides, insulin and free insulin-like growth factor I). Conclusion: Long-term adherence to a ketogenic diet can lead to weight loss, tumor size reduction, improved quality of life, improved inflammatory factors, body composition, insulin resistance, and serum lipid profile disorders in breast cancer patients. Clinical trials are suggested to evaluate the effects of ketogenic diets on these metabolic factors, treatment, and quality of life in women with breast cancer.

Abstract Background COVID–19 pandemic caused university closures, which created learning challenges for students worldwide. Switching to online educational systems had significant impact on students’ performances. The current study aims to investigate the perception of university students from the Nutrition Science department regarding e-learning in Iran. Methods The design of the study is cross-sectional. Data were collected through online surveys from Iranian students from the Nutrition Sciences Department. Stratified random sampling was used to randomly select 955 participants. A self-administered validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Chi-Square tests were used for analysis of the data. Results Results revealed that 67.2% of students didn’t have any former experience of e-learning. About 38.3% had moderate levels of Information Technology (IT) skills. Our results revealed that based on students’ responses, being able to stay at home was one of the most common benefits of e-learning (39.1%). However, the most common challenge that students faced was related to technical problems (39.6%). When compared to e-learning, most students preferred face-to face type of learning. Students believed that this method no only increased their knowledge but also their skills and social competence as compared to e-learning. Only 28% of students rated e-learning as enjoyable. Furthermore, acceptance of online based education was statistically associated with students’ degree level. Conclusion In conclusion, students reported both advantages and disadvantages of e-learning but still reported that face-to-face learning is considered the most effective form of learning.

Introduction: Gestational diabetes is one of the most common pregnancy complications, which has negative consequences for both mother and fetus. A crucial treatment strategy is modifying the mother's diet. The present study was performed with aim to determine the effects of low carbohydrate (LC) diets on the outcomes of gestational diabetes. Methods: In this systematic review, search was done with the keywords including low carbohydrate diet, carbohydrate restriction, ketogenic diet, gestational diabetes, hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and clinical trials in Persian and English languages in databases of Medline, PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, Magiran, ISD, ISC, and Cochrane until March 2023. Results: This systematic review examined seven studies. Some studies showed that carbohydrate restriction can have beneficial effects on metabolic outcomes, glycemic control, less insulin therapy needs, delivery method, and fetal weight. The LC diet did not lead to ketonemia in pregnant women. However, in other studies, adherence to the LC regimen did not reduce the number of women requiring insulin. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of insulin dose or time of insulin treatment initiation, and both groups had similar pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion: Adherence to the low carbohydrate diet (about 40%) in pregnant mothers with gestational diabetes could have beneficial effects on some metabolic outcomes, delivery method, weight and health of the fetus. It did not lead to ketonemia in pregnant mothers. However, there are contradictions in the findings of the studies due to the amount and type of carbohydrates. It is recommended to conduct more clinical trials with different percentages of carbohydrates and a higher sample size.

Abstract Background: Changing the dietary pattern may be an alternative treatment for bacterial vaginosis, the prevalent vaginal infection in women. Methods: One hundred and forty-three bacterial vaginosis-affected women diagnosed by Amsel criteria and 151 healthy controls aged 18 to 45 entered the current case-control research. To calculate the alternative healthy eating index and dietary acid load score, food consumption was recorded with an accurate and precise food frequency questionnaire. The dietary acid load was measured by potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) indices. Using logistic regression models, the association between the alternative healthy eating index and dietary acid load score with bacterial vaginosis was investigated. Results: The last tertile of the alternative healthy eating index had a 75% decreased odds of experiencing bacterial vaginosis in the adjusted model (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.12–0.53, P for trend = 0.001). Besides, vegetables (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.17–0.69, P for trend = 0.003), nuts and legumes (aOR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.23–0.87, P for trend = 0.028), and meats (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.16–0.60, P for trend = 0.001) intake was linked to a decreased bacterial vaginosis odds. However, sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice (aOR = 3.47, 95% CI = 1.68–7.17, P for trend

Background and aimsDifferent factors, such as environmental, epigenetic, genetic and immunological, have been identified as potential risks for developing endometriosis. However, the correlation between dietary patterns and endometriosis is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the potential link between fertility diet score and the odds of endometriosis.MethodsThis study was a hospital-based case–control study that took place in a gynecology clinic in Tehran, Iran, between February 2021 and January 2022. A total of 107 newly diagnosed endometriosis cases and 210 controls were included. The participants' habitual diets were evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire, and their fertility diet score was estimated using a point system based on Chavarro et al.'s criteria. The logistic regression was utilized to calculate the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe study found that women who adherence to fertility diet have a lower odds of endometriosis. This was observed in both the base model and the adjusted model, with a significant decrease in odds of endometriosis by 66% (OR = 0.44, 95%CI = 0.27–0.71, p = 0.001) and 54% (aOR = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.23–0.90, p = 0.022), respectively. Additionally, consuming vegetable proteins and multivitamins were also associated with lower odds of endometriosis. On the other hand, consuming animal proteins, heme iron, and having a high glycemic load were associated with significantly higher odds of endometriosis.ConclusionOur research supports the hypothesis that following a fertility diet may decrease the odds of endometriosis in Iranian women. However, these findings should be verified through extensive, prospective studies.

BackgroundWe decided to conduct this study with the aim of investigating the effects of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) on obesity complications and senescence of visceral adipose tissue in obese adults.Methods and analysisThe present study was conducted as a randomized clinical trial (RCT) (Clinical trial registry number: IRCT20220727055563N1) on 40 obese adults candidates for bariatric surgery, who were randomly assigned to receive 600 mg of NAC (n = 20) or placebo as a control (n = 20) for 4 weeks. During bariatric surgery, visceral adipose tissue was used to examine gene expression and senescence cells using SA-β-gal.ResultsOur findings showed that intervention with NAC significantly reduces SA-β-gal activity (as a marker of senescence) and expression of p16 and interleukin 6 (IL-6) genes in the visceral adipose tissue compared to placebo in obese adults for 4 weeks. In addition, our findings showed the potential and beneficial effect of NAC administration on reducing the levels of inflammatory factors including IL-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), as well as the level of fasting blood sugar (FBS), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and insulin compared to placebo after adjusting for confounders. No significant effect was indicated on anthropometric factors and lipid profile.ConclusionFindings showed that NAC, in addition to having a potential beneficial effect on reducing some of the complications caused by obesity, seems to have synolytic/senomorphic potential as well.Clinical trial registration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [IRCT20220727055563N1].

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a major cause of anovulation and infertility in women that is associated with chronic diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease. This systematic review was performed aimed to determine the effects of ketogenic diet on the outcomes of polycystic ovary syndrome.Methods: In this systematic review, the keywords of “polycystic ovary syndrome”, “ketogenic diet”, “low carbohydrate diet”, and “clinical trials” were searched in databases of Medline, PubMed, Science Direct, Magiran, ISD, ISC and Cochrane in English and Persian language without time restrictions. Then, the articles relevant to the study's aim were reviewed.Results: In this research, 4 studies were examined. The results showed that following a ketogenic diet in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in these patients by lowering weight and body mass index, blood pressure, serum total cholesterol, and triglycerides.Conclusion: Long-term adherence to a ketogenic diet may result in weight loss, improved insulin resistance, and serum lipid profile disorders in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical trials are suggested to evaluate the effects of ketogenic diet on these metabolic and endocrine factors in PCOS women.

Background Malnutrition affects normal body function and is associated with disease severity and mortality. Due to the high prevalence of malnutrition reported in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the current study examined the association between malnutrition and disease severity in hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 in Iran. Methods In this prospective observational study, 203 adult patients with COVID-19 verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction test and chest computed tomography were recruited from those admitted to a university hospital in Iran. To determine COVID-19 intensity, patients were categorized into four groups. Malnutrition assessment was based on the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and nutrition risk screening score (NRS-2002). An ordinal regression model was run to assess the association between malnutrition and disease severity. Results In the studies sample of Iranian patients with COVID-19, 38.3% of patients had severe COVID-19. According to NRS-2002, 12.9% of patients were malnourished. Based on MUST, 2% of patients were at medium, and 13.4% of patients were at high risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition was associated with a higher odds of extremely severe COVID-19 according to NRS-2002 (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.21–2.56; P=0.021). Conclusions Malnutrition was not prevalent in the studies sample of Iranian patients with COVID-19; however, it was associated with a higher odds of extremely severe COVID-19.

Background: Among multiple factors that affect the etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diet hasan important contribution. Chronic oxidative stress has also been implicated in the development of PCOS. Thepresent study is an attempt to evaluate dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and its relationship with odds ofPCOS in Iran.Materials and Methods: The study was carried out as a case-control study in hospital outpatient clinics, Tehran,Iran. Totally, 310 female participants with a history of PCOS and 602 age-matched controls took part in thisstudy between June 2015 and December 2018. A reproducible and valid 168-item semi-quantitative food frequencyinventory was utilized to determine the entire antioxidants of the usual diet in order to calculate dietaryTAC. The relationship of dietary TAC with odds of PCOS were assessed adjusting for potential confoundersthrough an estimation of two multivariable conditional regression models. The first tertile was presented as areference category.Results: In a fully adjusted model, the highest tertile of dietary TAC was associated with a reduced odds ofPCOS [odds ratio (OR): 0.81, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.59, 0.96, P for trend: 0.038). In addition,PCOS odds decreased in the highest tertile of α-tocopherol intake (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.88, P for trend:0.023). The adjusted ORs in the highest tertile of vitamin C, β-carotene and magnesium were 0.79 (95% CI:0.83-0.97), 0.81 (95% CI: 0.67-0.98) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.55-0.9 8) respectively, with a significant trend.Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that there was a relationship between high TAC diets and lower odds ofPCOS.

Abstract Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a predominant vaginal disturbance that affects about 25% of childbearing-aged women. Dietary consumption may have a crucial role in vaginal flora imbalances. This study was a hospital-based case–control study. In total, 144 incident BV cases and 151 healthy participants were recruited from the gynecology clinic in Tehran, Iran, between November 2020 and June 2021. Participants' typical diets were collected by a food frequency questionnaire. Vaginal flora was characterized based on the Amsel criteria. Factor analysis was used to pinpoint the principal dietary patterns. For logistic regression, the first tertile was assumed as a reference. Five principal dietary patterns emerged and were nominated as "Healthy diet," "Unhealthy diet," "Ovo-vegetarian diet," "Pseudo-Mediterranean diet," and "Western diet." The "Unhealthy diet" pattern were positively associated with BV (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41, 7.94; ptrend: 0.006), while adherence to the "Ovo-vegetarian diet" pattern was associated with a reduced odds of BV (aOR = 0.16; 95% CI 0.07, 0.34; ptrend

Abstract Background Bacterial vaginosis, BV, is a common inflammatory vaginal dysbiosis. The Mediterranean diet, MD, containing foods rich in antioxidant compounds, is shown to be beneficial for inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to investigate the association between MD adherence and dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) with BV. Methods This case–control study was conducted on 143 BV-affected and 151 healthy individuals aged between 15 and 45 years. The Amsel criteria were used to detect newly diagnosed patients with BV by a gynecologist. The 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to record participants' dietary intakes in the last year. The reported data in the FFQ was used to measure adherence to the MD by calculating the Medi-Lite score and to measure the DTAC by calculating ferric-reducing antioxidant power, FRAP, based on the related databases. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association between Medi-Lite and DTAC and BV odds. Results The highest tertile of Medi-Lite score was associated with a reduced odds of BV in the crude model (Odds Ratio, OR: 0.49, 95% Confidence Interval, 95% CI 0.25, 0.96, P for trend: 0.023). This significant inverse association was not observed in the last model adjusted for age, body mass index (kg/m2), waist circumferences (cm), cigarette smoking, frequency of pregnancy, and physical activity (MET/h/d). In crude and adjusted odels, BV odds decreased in the highest tertile of vegetable (adjusted OR, aOR: 0.32, 95% CI 0.16, 0.63, P for trend: 0.001), fish (aOR: 0.46, 95% CI 0.25, 0.84, P for trend: 0.009), legumes (aOR: 0.26, 95% CI 0.14, 0.50, P for trend

Introduction: Endometriosis is a multifactorial disease. Limited studies have been published on the relationship between nutritional factors and endometriosis. This study was performed with aim to determine the association between dietary intake and anthropometric indices with endometriosis.Methods: This case-control study was performed in 2020-2021 on 317 women aged 18 to 49 years in Tehran. Endometriosis was diagnosed using laparoscopy and women were divided into case (n=107) and control (n=210) groups. Food intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative and reliable food frequency questionnaire including 168 food items and analyzed with N4 nutrition software. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22) and logistic regression test. P

Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. Identifying nutritional risk factors as a potential therapeutic target can be important. This study was performed with aim to determine the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and bacterial vaginosis. Methods: This case-control study was performed in 2020 on 144 women with bacterial vaginosis and 151 healthy women aged 15-45 years referred to the gynecology clinic of Imam Hossein Hospital in Tehran. Bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed using the Amsel criteria and participants were divided into case and control groups based on it. Food intake of participants during 1 last year was collected using a valid semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire with 168 food items. Ultra-processed foods were classified according to the NOVA classification system. A logistic regression test was used to investigate the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods with bacterial vaginosis, and then the odds ratio was calculated. P< 0.05 was considered significant. Results: After adjusting for confounding variables, it was seen that participants in the upper tertile of intakes of the ultra-processed foods (OR=2.13, CI: 1.19-3.8, P=0.004), processed meats and fast foods (OR=2.27, CI: 1.23-4.2, P=0.008), oils and sauces (OR=2.47, CI: 1.34-4.54, P=0.004) and sweets (OR=2.82, CI: 1.5-5.3 P=0.001) were significantly more likely to be suffering from bacterial vaginosis than the group in first tertile. Conclusion: There was a direct relationship between the intake of ultra-processed foods, processed meats and fast foods, oils and sauces and sweets with bacterial vaginosis.

Introduction: Some of the etiological factors of hyperemesis gravidarum are increased fatty acid peroxidation and deficiency of vitamins and antioxidants. This study was performed with aim to determine the relationship between pre-pregnancy food group intakes and severe hyperemesis gravidarum.Methods: This case-control study was performed in 2020-2021 on 171 pregnant women aged 18-35 years referred to the hospitals of Tehran. Hyperemesis gravidarum was diagnosed using the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology criteria, and participants were divided into the case and control groups. A semi-quantitative valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire containing 168 food items was used to assess food intake of participants in the past year before pregnancy. Data analysis was performed by SPSS statistical software (version 22), using Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and logistic regression tests. A p-value lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significantResults: The case group had significantly higher total fat and saturated fat intakes compared with controls. Median intakes of vitamin B groups, vitamin A and vitamin C were significantly higher among controls than cases. After adjusting for confounding variables, participants in the upper tertile of intakes of vegetables (OR=0.39, CI: 0.19-0.43) and fruits (OR=0.51, CI: 0.31-0.83) had a lower possibility of hyperemesis gravidarum. However, participants in the upper tertile of intakes of processed meats (OR=3.93, CI: 1.04-6.11) and organ meats (OR=2.39, CI: 1.23-5.03) were significantly more likely to be suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum.Conclusion: There was a significant inverse association between intake of vegetables, fruits, fish and seafood, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olives and olive oil with hyperemesis gravidarum. However, intake of high-fat dairy products, processed meats, organ meats, sweets, solid fats had a significant direct association with hyperemesis gravidarum.

Background As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to escalate, it is important to identify the prognostic factors related to increased mortality and disease severity. To assess the possible associations of vitamin D level with disease severity and survival, we studied 248 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in a single center in a prospective observational study from October 2020 to May 2021 in Tehran, Iran. Methods Patients who had a record of their 25-hydroxyvitamin D level measured in the previous year before testing positive with COVID-19 were included. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was measured upon admission in COVID-19 patients. The associations between clinical outcomes of patients and 25-hydroxyvitamin D level were assessed by adjusting for potential confounders and estimating a multivariate logistic regression model. Results The median (interquartile range) age of patients was 60 years (44–74 years), and 53% were male. The median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level prior to admission decreased with increasing COVID-19 severity (P=0.009). Similar findings were obtained when comparing median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D on admission between moderate and severe patients (P=0.014). A univariate logistic regression model showed that vitamin D deficiency prior to COVID-19 was associated with a significant increase in the odds of mortality (odds ratio, 2.01; P=0.041). The multivariate Cox model showed that vitamin D deficiency on admission was associated with a significant increase in risk for mortality (hazard ratio, 2.35; P=0.019). Conclusions: Based on our results, it is likely that deficient vitamin D status is associated with increased mortality in COVID-19 patients. Thus, evaluating vitamin D level in COVID-19 patients is warranted.

Background Malnutrition is a serious condition in critically ill patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationships between the Onodera’s prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) and intestinal permeability and between OPNI and systemic inflammation in critically ill patients. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the general intensive care unit (ICU) of a university-affiliated hospital. A total of 162 patients admitted between May 2018 and December 2019, was included in the study. The OPNI was calculated at admission and categorized as ≤40 or >40. We assessed plasma endotoxin and zonulin concentrations as markers of intestinal permeability as well as serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as markers of systemic inflammation upon admission under stringent conditions. The relationships between these markers and OPNI were assessed after adjusting for potential confounders through estimation of a binary logistic regression model. Results Median (interquartile range) hs-CRP, IL-6 zonulin, and endotoxin were significantly greater in the low OPNI subgroup than in the high OPNI subgroup (all P

Despite the increased emphasis on chronic non-communicable diseases, there are notable deficits about nutrition education in many medicine training programs particularly gastroenterology fellowship programs. In the present cross-sectional study, we examined the nutritional knowledge related to clinical nutrition among Iranian gastroenterology fellows. Thirty-six gastroenterology fellows currently enrolled in a gastroenterology fellowship program completed a questionnaire, including two sections. The first of which assessed the gastroenterology fellows experience about nutrition training, nutrition management of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and evaluating perceived nutrition education needs. The second section consisted of multiple choice questions that assessed nutritional knowledge. A total of 32 gastroenterology fellows completed the first section. The majority of gastroenterology fellows failed to partake in any nutrition education during their fellowship training particularly for inpatients despite the availability to participate in the nutrition training especially for the purpose of nutrition support. Mean correct response rates for the second section was 38%. The highest mean score was seen in nutrition assessment (48.1%), followed by scores of 40.5% in nutrition support, 37.0% nutrition in GI disease, and 25.0% in micro and macronutrients. Iranian gastroenterology fellows have serious deficits in their nutrition knowledge. This study paves the way for the development of an education program to improve nutritional knowledge of gastroenterology fellows.

Resumo Fundamento Os glicocorticóides (GCs) são amplamente prescritos para o tratamento de numerosos distúrbios clínicos devido às suas propriedades anti-inflamatórias e imunomoduladoras, e um dos efeitos indesejáveis mais comuns desses medicamentos é a dislipidemia. Objetivo Avaliar o efeito da quercetina, um flavonoide derivado de plantas, no perfil lipídico de ratos tratados com glicocorticóides em altas doses. Métodos Um total de 32 ratos Sprague-Dawley foram distribuídos aleatoriamente entre quatro grupos (8 ratos por grupo) e tratados por 6 semanas com uma das seguintes opções : (i) solução salina normal; (ii) 40 mg/kg de succinato sódico de metilprednisolona (MP); (iii) MP + 50 mg/kg de quercetina; (iv) MP + 150 mg/kg de quercetina. O MP foi injetado por via subcutânea e a quercetina foi administrada por gavagem oral 3 dias por semana. No final do estudo, o perfil lipídico dos animais foi medido através de kits enzimáticos. Os dados foram analisados e a significância estatística foi estabelecida em p