Maryam Javadi

Background and Objectives: Premenstrual syndrome is a common problem in young females, characterized by a variety of physical, psychological, emotional and behavioral symptoms. Studies on the effectiveness of zinc supplementation in decreasing premenstrual syndrome symptoms have shown contradictory results. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the available ...

In the current study the potential effect of dietary nitrate (NO3)/nitrite (NO2) on the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) was investigated. Total of 1911 men and women (mean age of 37.5 ± 12.8 and 58.9% women), participated in the third (2006–2008) examinations of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), were included and followed up to 2018–2022. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used at baseline to estimate dietary intakes of NO3 and NO2. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incidence of MetS across quartile categories of NO3 and NO2 dietary intakes. Mean (SD) daily intake of NO3 and NO2 were 436 (246) mg/d and 9.5 (4.7) mg/d, which were mostly derived from plant sources (95.2% and 56.1% respectively). The highest compared to the lowest quartile of total and plant-based dietary NO3 was accompanied with a significant decreased risk of MetS (HR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.54–0.98, HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.56-1.00); however, no significant association was observed between animal-based NO3 intakes and incidence of MetS. Morover, no significant association between total, plant-based and animal-based dietary intakes of NO2 and the incidence of MetS was found. Higher total and plant-based NO3 intakes may reduce risk of MetS in adults.

We investigated the potential effect of dietary nitrate (NO3)/nitrite (NO2) on the incidence of pre-diabetes (Pre-DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This longitudinal study was conducted on 2417 T2D- and Pre-DM free adults, aged 21–70 years (mean age of 39.6 ± 13.3 and 45.8% men) who participated in the third (2006–2008) examinations of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) and followed up to 2018–2022. The participants’ habitual dietary intakes of NO3 and NO2 were estimated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at baseline. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incidence of Pre-DM and T2D across quartile categories of NO3 and NO2 intakes. Mean (SD) daily intake of NO3 and NO2 were 489 (206) mg/d and 9.6 (3.8) mg/d; NO3 intakes mainly were derived from plant sources (95.7%). The highest compared to the lowest quartile of total and plant-based dietary NO3 intakes was accompanied by a significantly decreased risk of Pre-DM (HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.50–0.85, HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.52–0.88). A reduced risk of T2D was observed in medium intakes of NO3 (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.47–0.97, HR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.49–1.00, in the total and plant-based sources, respectively). The lowest compared to the highest quartile of dietary NO2 was accompanied by a reduced incidence of T2D (HR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.51–0.98, HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.44–0.84 in the total and plant-based sources, respectively). Higher and medium intakes of NO3 are associated with a reduced incidence of Pre-DM and T2D, respectively.

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common issue that impacts many women, and a well-balanced diet can help alleviate PMS symptoms. Evidence suggests that dietary factors and eating disorders may influence PMS severity, yet the specific relationships remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association of specific dietary components and eating behaviors with PMS symptoms. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 252 women with PMS who were referred to healthcare centers in Qazvin province. Data concerning PMS, dietary factors, and eating disorders were collected using online questionnaires, including the premenstrual symptoms screening tool (PSST), 3-day dietary recall, and Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) questionnaires. Statistical analysis utilized ANOVA and chi-square tests. The adequacy of the sample was evaluated using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test. To examine the relationship between eating disorders, dietary factors, and PMS symptoms, multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: According to the PSST, 28.7% of individuals reported mild severity, 21.9% reported moderate severity, and 49.4% reported severe severity. The study revealed that higher sodium (p = 0.003, OR = 1.000, 95% CI = [1.000, 1.001]), vitamin D (p = 0.044, OR = 1.298, 95% CI = [1.007, 1.674]), and vitamin C intake were positively linked to increased psychological PMS symptoms, (p = 0.036, OR = 1.006, 95% CI = [1.000, 1.012]) while magnesium showed a negative association with these symptoms. Also, sodium and vitamin D intake were significantly associated with increased physical symptoms (p < 0.05). Individuals with eating disorders showed higher rates of severe PMS symptoms, though differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential influence of specific nutrients on PMS severity. This insight could inform dietary recommendations for managing PMS symptoms, providing young women with potential non-pharmacological options to relieve discomfort.

Sleep disorders are recognized as one of the significant risk factors for premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Therefore, this study aimed to identify the relationship between sleep quality and PMS symptoms among young women. In this cross-sectional study, 252 women from health centers of Qazvin province participated according to the inclusion criteria. The data of premenstrual symptoms and sleep quality was received through online premenstrual symptoms screening (PSST) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires. For analyzing data, ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to evaluate quantitative and qualitative variables. Sampling adequacy was assessed using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test. According to the PSST, 28.7% of individuals experienced mild severity, 21.9% experienced moderate severity, and 49.4% experienced severe severity. The correlation between PSQI and PSST showed a significant relationship (p < 0.05) with anger/temper, anxiety/tension, crying/sensitivity to negative responses, depressed mood/disappointment, and fatigue/lack of energy. Based on the results, it has been established that there is a notable correlation between the quality of sleep and the severity of PMS symptoms. This underscores the crucial role of sleep in the management of PMS.

Introduction: The social restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic likely influenced children's and adolescent's lifestyles and nutrition. This study sought to assess student dietary quality and physical activity levels during the pandemic, as well as examine their association with overweight risk. Methods: Four hundred and fifty-eight students aged 7–12 years old in Karaj, Iran, completed online self-administered questionnaires assessing diet, physical activity, and coronavirus fear. Using Kant's method and the Food Frequency Questionnaire, we obtained diversity scores for five food groups. Data were analyzed using R statistical software. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The mean dietary diversity score (DDS) was the lowest for the meat group and highest for the fruit group. A significant inverse relationship was observed between the meat group diversity score and student weight status ( P = 0.02). The interaction of coronavirus fear and weight status with the meat group DDS was also significant in multivariate adjustment modeling ( P = 0.018). Among overweight students, body mass index had a meaningful negative correlation with physical activity levels ( r = −0.018, P = 0.016). In addition, a significant inverse association was detected between coronavirus fear and physical activity in univariate modeling (β = −145.47, 95% confidence interval: −248.81–−42.12, P ≤ 0.006). Conclusion: A significant association between coronavirus fear and reductions in physical activity as well as weight gain was observed. The study group also did not demonstrate sufficient dietary diversity. Therefore, we recommend promoting diet variety and physical activity for students as part of health-focused school curricula.

Background: Although the burden of anemia in pregnant women and its consequences on the pregnancy outcome are well documented, there is limited evidence on the association be-tween maternal hemoglobin concentration and low birth weight (LBW) in the study area. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the association between maternal hemoglobin concentra-tion and neonatal birth weight (BW) in Qazvin, Iran, 2018-2019. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted among 450 neonates with BW < 2500 gm (LBW) and 451 neonates with BW > 2500 gm. In this study, neonates with BW less than 2500 gm were cases, while those who were greater than 2500 gm were considered as control. Multiple logistic regression model was used to calculate OR with 95% Confidence Interval (95 % CI) to determine the association between maternal anemia and other maternal attributes and neonate BW. Results: Maternal hemoglobin (g/dl) was not significantly associated with neonate BW (OR: 1.03 (95 % CI: 0.58 - 1.81), p = 0.93). However, maternal initial weight (Kg) (OR: 0.96 (95 % CI: 0.94 - .098), p < 0.001), mother's age in year (OR: 1.04 (95 % CI: 1.00 - 1.09), p = 0.038), gestational age (OR: 0.49 (95 % CI: 0.43 - 0.57), p < 0.001) were significantly associated with neonatal BW. Conclusion: Maternal hemoglobin concentration was not significantly associated with LBW. How-ever, other maternal attributes such as low initial maternal weight, low gestational age, low educa-tion status and old age were significantly associated with LBW. Intervention that targeted mothers with low initial weight, low educational status and older age is required to minimize LBW among neonates in the study area.

The hypothesis of the effect of the insulinogenic effects of diet on the development of cardiovascular diseases has been proposed, but the findings of previous studies are very contradictory. We investigated the association between dietary insulin index (DII) and dietary insulin load (DIL), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk. Another objective was to examine the extent to which lifestyle (physical activity, smoking status, and weight change) and sex influence the relationship between DII, DIL, and MetS risk. We followed 1915 participants in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. DIL and DII were calculated based on a validated food frequency questionnaire. Weight change was measured, and participants were categorized into > 3% weight loss, weight stable (± 3%), and > 3% weight gain. By joint classification, the association between DII and DIL (< median and ≥ median) and risk of MetS was assessed according to weight change, sex, physical activity levels, and smoking status. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the HRs (95% CI), adjusting for potential confounders. During 8.9 years of follow-up, among 1915 participants, we documented 591 new cases of MetS. DII and DIL were not associated with MetS risk in the crude and adjusted models. However, DIL and DII were associated with weight gain (≥ 3%). In the crude model, DIL and DII were associated with a higher risk of weight gain [HR: 1.74: 95% CI 1.50–2.03, and 1.70 (1.46–1.98), respectively]. These associations remained significant after further adjustment for confounders. The HRs were 1.61 (1.35–1.92) for DIL and 1.64 (1.39–1.93) for DII. Among men, women, participants with low physical activity levels, and smokers, the risk of MetS, independent of DIL and DII, only increased in a participant with weight gain. In women with weight stability, DIL and DII, higher than the median, were positively associated with MetS risk. Our findings suggest that the association between MetS risk and a hyperinsulinemic diet depended on weight change.

Background: Patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), have a higher risk of future cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Meanwhile, probiotics are shown to positively impact CVD-related parameters. This randomized controlled trial sought to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on fundamental CVD-related parameters including atherogenic index of plasma (AIPs), blood pressure, the Framingham risk score, and antioxidant markers in patients with T2DM. Methods: Eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive 2 capsules/day of probiotics [each containing 500 mg of L.acidophilus(5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/g), L.plantarum(1.5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/g), L.fermentum(7 × 10⁹ CFU/g), L.Gasseri(2 × 10¹⁰ CFU/g) and 38.5 mg of fructo-oligo-saccharides], or placebo for 6 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), atherogenic indices (the ratios of TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and logTG/HDL-C), the 10-year Framingham CVD risk score, as well as total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), paraoxonase (PON) and total oxidant status (TOS) were evaluated before and after the study. Final analyses were adjusted based on baseline parameters, and potential covariates including age, sex, PUFA and sodium intakes. Results: Sixty participants completed the study. Compared with placebo, probiotic supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in SBP[-9.24 mmHg(− 14.5, − 3.9)], DBP[− 3.71 mmHg(− 6.59, − 0.83)], MAP[− 5.55 mmHg(− 8.8, − 2.31)], the Framingham risk categories [medium–low(1.5) vs. 2 (medium)] and logTG/HDL-C ratio [− 0.08 (− 0.14, 0)] (All P < 0.05) at the end of the study. No significant changes were observed in the antioxidant markers. Conclusion: Overall, probiotic supplementation for 6 weeks led to a significant improvement in major CVD-related parameters in populations with T2DM, suggesting the possible beneficial role of probiotics in lowering the risk of future CVDs associated with diabetes. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to confirm the veracity of these results. Trial registration: IRCT2013100714925N1 (registered on November, 9th, 2013).

Saccharomyces boulardii, a variety of S. cerevisiae, is used as a probiotic yeast in food and drug industries. However, S. boulardii is an opportunistic pathogen, and the supernatant of this organism has recently been recommended for its health-promoting benefits. Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer disease in women worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of S. boulardii supernatant (SBS) on cell viability, inducing apoptosis and suppression of survivin gene expression in MCF-7 and MCF-7/MX as human non-drug-resistant and multidrug-resistant breast cancer cells respectively. The IC₅₀ value of SBS against MCF-7 was calculated 1037, 542, and 543 µg/mL for 24, 48, and 72 h treatments, respectively. Also, this value against MCF-7/MX cells were measured 1242, 616, and 444 µg/mL after 24, 48, and 72 h respectively. We found that suppression of survivin gene expression should be one of the main molecular antitumor mechanisms which is contributed to apoptosis in breast cancer cells. However, anticancer activity of SBS was observed more efficient against MCF-7 than that against MCF-7/MX cells. SBS is suggested to be considered as one of the prospective anticancer drugs to treat human breast carcinoma. More investigations especially in vivo studies are strongly recommended to be implemented to characterize other antitumor mechanisms of SBS against breast carcinoma.