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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent and the second fatal cancer in the world. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are suggested to be related to various non-communicable diseases including cancers. However, studies on the relationship between UPFs and CRC are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the association between consumption of UPFs and CRC. In a case-control study conducted in four hospitals in Tehran, Iran, consumption of UPFs in 71 CRC patients and 142 controls (patients with non-neoplastic diseases) were compared. Using 125-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, dietary intakes were assessed. We used Multivariate logistic regression to estimate the association between UPFs intake and risk of CRC. Intake of nondairy beverages (P = 0.009), processed meat and fast food (P = 0.04) was significantly higher in those in the highest tertile of UPFs intake compared to the lowest tertile. In addition, intake of UPFs was associated with higher risk of CRC. The association remained constant after adjustment for BMI, income, smoking, type of job, educational level, and physical activity (OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.44–7.61; P = 0.003). Results of this study indicate that the intake of UPFs is associated with increased odds of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Overweight and obesity are the most serious public health challenges of developed and developing countries. The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased worldwide. This study aims to identify the behavioral determinants of overweight and obesity among adolescents. Methods: This is a qualitative study with directed approach to content analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews. A total of 27 obese and overweight students (11 girls, 16 boys) were recruited in this study based on the PRECEDE model (predisposing factor). The participants were recruited using a purposive sampling method to reach the maximum variation sampling. This sampling took over 6 months in 2018 at the Ghaemshahr middle school. Content analysis approach (directed) was used to analyze the interview. Results: Five main themes and 20 sub-themes of behavioral determinant were emerged from the interview. The main themes included perceived benefit, perceived threaten, self-efficacy, cues to action, and locus of control. The subthemes included self-empowerment, motivation and diligence role, enough information and parent pressure, long term benefits, physical health, doing favorite sports, perceived susceptibility and perceived severity, and internal and external locus of control. Conclusion: Self-efficacy and perceived benefit are the most significant determinants of preventive behavior in obese and overweight students; therefore, considering these variables in students can be applied in designing an interventional program that affect obesity preventive behaviors, increase parents’ awareness and school authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the levels of adiponectin receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 can reduce the ability of adiponectin in preventing inflammatory processes. Therefore, researches need to find a way to increase the gene expression of adiponectin receptors for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial was conducted on 67 CAD male patients. Participants received 4g/day ?3 plus 400IU/day vitamin E (OE) or 4g/ day ?3 plus vitamin E placebo (OP) or both ?3 and vitamin E placebos (PP) for two months. The Gene expression of adiponectin receptors in PBMCs and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in serum were measured. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduced the serum level of hsCRP as well as consumption of combined omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E supplements. Gene expression of AdipoR2 significantly increased in OP and OE groups. Consumption of combined omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E had a significant effect on the gene expression of AdipoR1. However, omega-3 fatty acids did not change the gene expression of AdipoR1 significantly. Administration of omega-3 fatty acids with or without vitamin E for two months results in significant increases in the gene expression of adiponectin receptors and hence improves serum levels of inflammatory process in CAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research was designed to study the effects of beta-carotene enriched carrot juice on the level of inflammatory indicators and fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetic patients. A double-blind randomized clinical trial was carried out on 44 patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients were classified into two groups based on their sex and BMI, receiving 200 ml of carrot juice fortified with 10 mg beta-carotene (Group A) and normal carrot juice (Group B). Both groups received 200 ml carrot juice daily for eight weeks. Serum C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and beta-carotene and fasting blood glucose were assessed. Serum beta-carotene in group A increased significantly, compared to group B (p = 0.01). However, neither the reduction rate of CRP nor the reduction of serum IL-6 in group A was statistically significant, compared to those in group B (-0.8 ±2.1 and -0.6 ±2.4, respectively; p = 0.085). Furthermore, no change in fasting blood glucose was seen. In conclusion, daily consumption of 200 ml of carrot juice fortified with 10 mg of beta-carotene for eight weeks improved serum beta-carotene levels in type 2 diabetic patients, with no significant effects on the serum level of glucose and inflammatory indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Omega 3 and vitamin E are two critical nutrients which include beneficial effects in coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of omega 3 alone supplementation or in combination with vitamin E on serum glucose and lipid levels and insulin resistance in CAD patients., Methods: Participants of this clinical trial included 60 male patients with CAD who selected from Tehran Heart Center in Tehran, Iran in 2014. They received 4 g/day omega 3 plus 400 IU/day vitamin E (OE), 4 g/day omega 3 with vitamin E placebo (OP), or omega 3 and vitamin E placebo (PP) for two months. Serum glucose, lipids and insulin were assessed and HOMA-IR was calculated before and after the trial and effects of these nutrients on the highlighted parameters were compared within the study groups., Results: Serum glucose level increased significantly in OP group ( P =0.004), but not in OE group. OE and OP groups showed a significant decrease in fasting serum TG ( P =0.020 and P =0.001, respectively). Serum insulin and HOMA-IR decreased significantly in OE group ( P =0.044 and P =0.039, respectively) but did not change significantly in OP group., Conclusion: Although, omega 3 supplementation may include adverse effects on serum glucose level, co-administration of omega 3 and vitamin E can beneficially decrease serum insulin and insulin resistance in CAD patients.

Background: Nephrotic syndrome is a disorder that leads to hyperlipidemia. L-carnitine and genistein can effect on lipid metabolism and the syndrome. In the present study, we have delved into the separate and the twin-effects of L-carnitine and genistein on the gene expressions of HMG-COA reductase and LDL receptor in experimental nephrotic syndrome., Methods: In this controlled experimental study, 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: NC (normal-control), PC (patient-control), LC (L-carnitine), G (genistein), LCG (L-carnitine-genistein). Adriamycin was used for inducing nephrotic syndrome and the spot urine samples and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio were measured. Hepatocytic RNA was extracted and real-time PCR was used for HMG-COA Reductase and LDL receptor gene Expression measurement., Results: The final weight of the patients groups were lower than the NC group (P=0.001), and weight gain of the NC group was higher than the other groups (P<0.001). The proteinuria and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio showed significant differences between PC group and LC, G and LCG groups at week 7 (P<0.001). The expression of HMGCOA Reductase mRNA down regulated in LC, G and LCG groups in comparison with PC group (P<0.001). ΔCT of LDLr mRNA showed significant differences between the PC group and the other patient groups (P<0.001)., Conclusion: This study shows a significant decreasing (P<0.001) and non-significant increasing trend in HMG-COA Reductase and LDLr gene expression, respectively, and synergistic effect of L-carnitine and genistein on these genes in experimental nephrotic syndrome.