Search results

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) considering a comparative study.

A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out with 247 respondents which include 123 HIV patients and 124 people without HIV (PWoH) recruited using a simple random sampling method. Anthropometric measurements were taken using the standard procedures and instruments. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured in all the subjects. The lipid level and blood glucose were obtained using a vacutainer method to collect at least 5 ml of venous blood into a heparin-containing bottle and fluoride bottle, and a chemical pathology analysis was conducted at the pathology laboratory.

Using the International Diabetes Federation criteria, the overall prevalence of MetS was 21.1%, while 27.6% and 14.5% prevalence were observed among the PLWHIV and PWoH, respectively. In all, 4% of the respondents were underweight, 40.9% had normal body mass index, 29.6 were overweight and 18.6 were obese I. The mean total cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) for PLWHIV and controls were 162.59 ± 37.80, 177.54 ± 34.23, 91.62 ± 51.74 and 69.59 ± 33.87 mg/dl, respectively. There was no significant association between gender and MetS. Of all the determinants of MetS, central obesity has the highest prevalence (71.5%, 65.3%) among the PLWHIV and the controls. Raised TGs were the components of MetS with the least prevalence (9.8% and 4.8%) among PLWHIV and PWoH. There was a significant association between reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.001) and raised blood pressure (p = 0.001) of PLWHIV and PWoH. This study reveals that the burden of MetS among PLWHIV is higher than apparently healthy individuals.

This study could not measure the association between specific antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens and MetS because all the PLWHIV in the study are on one regimen Tenofovir disoproxil/lamivudine/dolutegravir. Therefore, longitudinal studies on the extent of ART on MetS should be carried out while using newly diagnosed HIV patients who are not yet on ART as controls.

Prevalence of MetS and its components toward the high range among PLWHIV compared to the PWoH who are apparently healthy individuals was found. Higher prevalence of central obesity and reduced HDL-C among PLWHIV was also found. Overall, MetS is high among PLWHIV, and this might predispose them to adverse metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and kidney diseases among others. Therefore, screening for metabolic risk factors should be adopted as part of routine HIV care.

The findings reveal the magnitude of MetS among PLWHIV compared to the apparently healthy individuals.

This study aims to assess the association of Healthy Eating Index (HEI) with levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS) and lipid profile in normoglycemic and elevated FBS patients.

This case-control study was conducted on 144 participants, namely, 72 normoglycemic subjects (FBS < 100 mg/dl) and 72 high-glycemic patients (FBS ≥ 100 mg/dl) aged 20–60 years of age, who were selected from the nutrition and diet clinics in Tehran city. The dietary intake was collected by using a validated food frequency questionnaire to determine the HEI score.

The mean±SD age and body mass index of participants were 47.1 ± 12.7 years and 29.6 ± 6.0 kg/m², respectively. The median (interquartile range) of HEI scores in the normoglycemic group and the high-glycemia group were 19.34 (15.24–24.31) and 16.53 (13.35–24.07), respectively. In the overall population, the findings of the multi-variable linear regression model indicated a positive association between the HEI score and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (ß = 0.34; 95%CI: 0.05–0.64, P = 0.01). However, there is no significant association between HEI and HDL-C in normoglycemic (ß = 0.19; 95%CI: −0.31, 0.69, P = 0.45) and hyperglycemic subjects (ß = 0.28; 95%CI: −0.10–0.66, P = 0.15). Furthermore, the association of HEI with levels of FBS, triglycerides (TGs) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) was not significant in any of the analyzed groups, including the total population, normoglycemic individuals and hyperglycemic subjects.

This study was the first study to assess the role of HEI and its components with levels of FBS and lipid profile in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic individuals in Iran. The findings suggested that higher adherence to HEI may be associated with an increase in the HDL-C level. However, HEI could not predict FBS, TGs and LDL-C levels in the adult population.

Normal-weight obesity (NWO), characterized by normal body mass index (BMI) but excess body fat, is a potential contributor to chronic diseases. This study aims to assess the relationship between this phenomenon and some metabolic factors in a population of Iranian employees.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on Iranian employees from the baseline data of Employees Health Cohort Study, Shiraz, Iran. Anthropometric measures, including weight, height, waist circumference and percentage of body fat, were obtained from the cohort database. The participants were divided into three groups: healthy, normal-weight obese and overweight/obese. Metabolic variables including blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, liver function enzymes and metabolic syndrome were assessed in relation to the study groups.

A total of 985 participants aged 25–64 years were included. Males with NWO had significantly higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels compared to the healthy group in the fully adjusted model. Also, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was significantly lower among females with overweight/obesity than healthy group when adjusted for age and energy intake. Furthermore, after adjusting for age and energy intake, both genders in the overweight/obese group showed significantly elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while this was not observed for the NWO group. Lastly, metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in NWO as well as overweight/obesity.

These findings further encourage identification of excess body fat, even in normal-weight individuals, to prevent chronic metabolic diseases. Special attention should be paid to subgroups with sedentary occupations, as they may be at increased risk for NWO-related health issues.

Due to the increase in the prevalence of other risk factors of heart diseases, the age of heart disease has decreased and it has led to premature heart disease. One of the main risk factors of this disease is metabolic syndrome (MetS). One of the key ways to control MetS is dietary modification. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and MetS in patients with premature heart disease.

This study was conducted on 409 people with premature heart disease. The diagnosis of MetS was made based on the ATP III criteria. Dietary intake for the past year was collected using the validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were determined by factor analysis with principal components approach.

Three dietary patterns were identified, including the healthy, western and traditional patterns. The findings showed that people who followed the traditional pattern more than those who followed less had a lower risk of MetS. (OR:0.23; 95% CI: 0.11–0.52). But, no relation was observed between healthy (OR:1.45; 95% CI:0.64–3.25) and western (OR:1.04; 95% CI:0.51–2.13) patterns with MetS.

The findings of this study showed that following a traditional dietary pattern based on high consumption of whole grains, red meat, viscera, fish, eggs, high-fat dairy products, soft drinks, mayonnaise and solid oil was associated with a lower risk of MetS.

This systematic review aims to gain the studies regarding the effect of Nigella Sativa (N. sativa) on adipokines including leptin, adiponectin and resistin.

Search was carried out using databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar with no restriction on language or date until February 2023 and alert services were applied to identify any paper after the primary search.

Eighteen animal and human studies were eligible for the current systematic review. Leptin and resistin levels showed a downward tendency after consuming N. sativa and its ingredients [e.g. oil, thymoquinone (TQ) and thymol] as well as its extracts (e.g. water extract). Furthermore, considering 4 of 8 animal research studies and 2 of 5 human studies that evaluated adiponectin levels, a significant increase was observed after using N. sativa and its ingredients (e.g. oil, TQ and thymol).

The present paper collates evidence from animal and human studies regarding the effect of N. sativa on adipokines including leptin, adiponectin and resistin.

Nutrition labels provide a cost-effective method of conveying nutrition information to consumers. This study aimed to assess the use of nutrition facts panels, knowledge of traffic light labelling (TLL) and perceived healthiness of food items using TLL among consumers.

A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (n = 1,322). TLL knowledge score was derived for each participant. Conjoint analysis was used to calculate the utilities and relative importance of the perceived healthiness scores for four attributes (fat, saturated fat, total sugar, salt) at the aggregate level.

Participants had a positive attitude towards TLL but were less familiar with TLL than the nutrition facts panel (47.4 vs 85.8%). The mean TLL knowledge score was 3.6 out of 7 (51.6%). Younger age, higher education, higher income, and health-related qualifications were associated with higher scores. Conjoint analysis showed that participants tend to choose products with greener labels, especially for sugars (80.1%) and avoid red labels for fats. Sugars had the highest percentage value of relative importance compared to the other attributes (27.1%).

The study outcomes offer valuable insights into the extent of consumer awareness, comprehension and utilization of nutrition facts panels in the UAE. These findings contribute essential knowledge for a deeper understanding of the impact of nutrition labels on consumer behaviour and decision-making in the region.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder that significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. Diet has been identified as a potential modifiable risk factor for IBS, yet its association with IBS risk in the Kurdish adult male population remains understudied. This case-control study aimed to investigate the association between the lifeline diet score (LLDS), a validated tool assessing overall diet quality and the risk of IBS in Kurdish adult men.

A total of 200 Kurdish adult men were recruited, comprising 100 IBS patients (cases) and 100 healthy controls without IBS. Medical records and interview questionnaires were used to confirm IBS diagnoses, while detailed dietary questionnaires were administered to assess participants’ dietary habits and calculate their respective LLDS scores. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between LLDS and IBS risk, adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Participants with higher LLDS scores exhibited a significantly reduced risk of IBS compared to those with lower LLDS scores (OR= 0.38, 95% confidence intervals = 0.18–0.77; p <0.001). The association remained statistically significant even after controlling for potential confounders such as socioeconomic status, age, eating rate, protein, fat, physical activity and body mass index.

This case-control study demonstrates a significant inverse association between the LLDS and the risk of IBS in Kurdish adult men. Higher LLDS scores, indicative of a healthier and more balanced diet, were associated with a decreased risk of IBS. These findings highlight the potential role of dietary patterns in IBS prevention and management within the Kurdish adult male population.

This study aims to examine the relationship between muscle strength, eating index and blood pressure in adolescent girls. Growing studies show earlier onset of hypertension in youth. The prevalence may deteriorate during the COVID-19 pandemic due to unhealthy behavioral changes. Muscle mass (MM) is reported to be associated with blood pressure (BP), but there are limited studies that observed the relationship between the functional properties of muscle (muscle strength [MS]), healthy eating index (HEI) and BP.

This cross-sectional study involved 499 girls aged 15–18 years. HEI was generated from a 24-h food recall. MM and body fat (BF) were measured by bioelectrical impendence analysis (BIA), and MS and BP were measured by hand grip and Tensimeter, respectively. Multiple linear tests were performed to obtain an adjusted model.

Almost five out of 100 girls had high BP (4.8%) and a good diet (4%). The majority of them had desirable MM (75.9%) and low MS (50.1%). HEI negatively and MS are positively associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP). The inclusion of MM in the model diminished the association between MS and SBP completely. After adjustment for age and BF, only MM (ß = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.35, 0.95) was associated with SBP. HEI was inversely (ß = −0.16, 95% CI = −0.31, −0.09) whereas MM (ß = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.53) was positively associated with diastolic BP.

Studies associating MM or MS with better physical performance and metabolic health are mostly reported in the elderly; current finding contributes to the lack of literature and implies the importance of examining those associations at a younger age.

HEI and MM are associated with young girls’ BP in different directions. Healthy eating and engagement in activities to optimize muscle function should be promoted in adolescent girls to alleviate the risk of getting cardiovascular disease.

Burnout is defined as the syndrome that causes emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduction in personal achievement, and concerns people-oriented professions. This study explores the impact of burnout on the health, social and family life of mental health nurses.

A qualitative method with face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews was implemented with 16 mental health nurses working in Athens, Greece.

Nursing staff experience emotional exhaustion intensely due to stress since psychiatric patients require constant contact and communication and increased needs that workers have to meet. Regarding the feeling of personal achievement, they evaluated their performance positively and were satisfied with the effectiveness of the care provided. Regarding depersonalisation, the interviewees stated that they do experience it; however, in their majority they express that they do not wish to distance themselves from their duties. Their social and family life is not significantly affected and communication and support from family members is highly rated.

The research has focused on samples of nurses without mentioning their specialisation, while few studies in Greece have focused on the phenomenon in mental health nurses using qualitative research methods. This study aimed to fill this gap in the literature by examining burnout syndrome using a qualitative methodology.

Probiotic coadministration with soy beverages has been shown to have favorable results in human health. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of randomized clinical trials to examine the effect of probiotic soy beverages (PSB) on human health aspects such as lipid profile, oxidative stress and kidney function.

The study was conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Relevant articles were extracted from PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Science Direct and Google Scholar up to April 2024. This paper searched all databases using the following keywords: (“Soy milk” OR “Soy beverage” OR “Fermented soy milk” OR “Soy Fermented Beverages”) AND (“Probiotic” OR “Probiotics”). The literature search did not consider language, age and publication date restrictions.

A total of 2,183 subjects were included in this review. PSB beneficially decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol levels and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. PSB beneficially affected superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione. PSB decreased serum creatinine and increased estimated glomerular filtration rate. Cystatin-C and progranulin decreased significantly in the PSB group. PSB had no significant effect on anthropometric indices, while decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

This study provides a brief overview of the effect of PSB on lipid profile, oxidative stress, inflammation and kidney function for the first time.