Search

Several articles have shown a positive effect of Inulin Type-Carbohydrates (ITC) on blood pressure (BP); nevertheless, these findings are controversial. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) proposed to investigate the effects of ITC supplementation on BP. An online search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar up to December 2019. Weighted Mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a Random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using Q tests and the I2 statistic. Subgroup analysis was accomplished based on the clinical characteristics (Gender and health status) of the subjects to exclude heterogeneity. We used Begg’s rank correlation and Egger’s regression asymmetry tests to assess publication bias. The proportion of each study in the overall effect was evaluated by sensitivity analysis. The current meta-analysis of five trials (with six arms) RCTs with 233 participants indicated that supplementation with ITC cannot reduce both systolic BP (WMD: −5.83 mmHg; 95% CI: −12.49, 0.82, P = .086) and diastolic BP (WMD: −2.62 mmHg, 95% CI: −6.15 to 0.92, P = .147). Subgroup analysis based on gender revealed meaningful effects of ITC on SBP in subsets of females. Further well-designed RCTs in subjects with hypertension are required for a more robust assessment of the anti-hypertensive properties of this type of prebiotics.

Current evidence suggests that gut dysbiosis has a pivotal role in progression of obesity. Probiotics fermented milk products (PFMP) by influencing the functions of gut microbiota might bring protective effects against obesity; however, findings of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are conflicting. The aim of this study was systematically review and analyse RCTs assessing the effects of PFMP supplementation on anthropometric indices. PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of science and Cochrane Library were searched up to August 2020. A total of 19 RCTs (with 22 treatment arms) were included and reporting data about PFMP and body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and body fat percentage (BF%) were analyzed. Two authors independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochran risk of bias tool PFMP intervention indicated a significant reduction in BW and BMI. Although this reduction in WC and BF% were non-significant. PFMP provide new opportunities to manage obesity.

Abstract BACKGROUND: With reference to the importance of physical activity during childhood and adolescence in their health promotion and prevention of chronic diseases during adulthood, it is necessary to have a reliable and valid method for evaluating physical activity level in this age group. Physical activity questionnaire child (PAQ-C) and adolescents (PAQ-A) have been designed for this purpose. This study aimed to validate these questionnaires in a representative sample of Iranian children and adolescents. METHODS: After translating the PAQ-C and PAQ-A to Persian, the face and content validities of these questionnaires were assessed by a committee of experts of different specialties including specialists in pediatrics, community medicine, social specialist and sport medicine. After minor modification of some items of the questionnaires according to the available types of physical activity and the socio-cultural conditions, the final questionnaires were prepared. Thereafter, 82 children and adolescents with 8 to 18 years of age completed the questionnaires. RESULTS: To assess the questionnaire reliability Iranian students and the validity accreditation was modified and got from the committee. A Cronbach’s alpha of 0.894 was produced at the end of the analysis showing it has been reliable for this population. CONCLUSION: According to the results found in this survey, PAQ questionnaire can be used as a reliable and valid method for next studies; so health planning based on Iranian students’ physical activity will be possible in future. Keywords: Physical Activity Questionnaire, Reliability, Validity.

Background: Emerging prevalence of obesity and subsequently metabolic syndrome induced increment in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Incidence no definite treatment is still available for NAFLD and different groups of drugs were used to treat this condition and it’s related hypertranaminasemia. This study aimed to compare efficacy of vitamin E with or without ursodexycholic acid (UDCA) as two routine treatment modalities in NAFLD. Methods: The study was done in a parallel-arms clinical trial; one using 400 IU vitamin E alone and another associated with 250 mg UDCA TDS. The patients enrolled in the study if they had ultrasound report of NAFD and abnormal ALT level, and were randomized in two groups, than followed for 6 months. ALT decrease to less than 1.5 times upper limit normal was assumed as the target therapeutic response. Findings: Age of two groups (58.5 ± 4.2) did not differ, neither the gender portion varied (54% were male). Body mass index was not different in two groups before the intervention and did not change significantly during the study (28.8 ± 1.2 kg/m2). In the combination treatment group, 13 cases and in the single therapy, 4 persons reached to therapeutic target (P = 0.46). Mean of ALT and AST variations following intervention did not differ in two groups, but transaminase levels significantly decreased at least for 30 IU/L after treatment (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Single therapy with vitamin E or combined therapy with UDCA caused recovery of NAFLD in 60% of patients; although adding UDCA had no significant effect on treatment outcome. Small sample size could cause a pitfall in this study that limits ability to establishing equivalence of two modalities. Key words: Vitamin E, Ursodeoxycholic acid, Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Background: Rapid increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus is a serious health concern in the world. New data determined that the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus is chronic low-grade inflammation, resulting insulin resistance. Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) has anti-inflammatory effects; though it may reduce insulin resistance and improve glycemia in diabetes mellitus. The present study has been designed to investigate the effects of PSO as a natural dietary component on metabolic state of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: In a randomized double-blind clinical trial study, 80 patients (28 men) with Type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group consumed PSO capsules, containing 1000 mg PSO twice daily (2000 mg PSO), whereas controls take placebo for 8 weeks. The participants followed their previous dietary patterns and medication use. Dietary factors and metabolic factors including lipid profile, fasting plasma sugar, and insulin and were assayed at the baseline and after 8 weeks. Results: Participants in two intervention and control group were similar regarding anthropometric and the dietary factors at baseline and after trial (P > 0.05). Mean level of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein was not different significantly between groups after trial (P > 0.05). Consumption of PSO did not significantly affect the levels of parameters such as fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, HbA1c, alanine transferase, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance. Conclusions: Consumption of 2000mg PSO per day for 8 weeks had no effect on FBS, insulin resistance and lipid profile in diabetic patients.