emad yuzbashian

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) has recently been studied for its potential influence on the functional response of the human body to exercise. We aimed to investigate the association of habitual physical activity (PA) with PPARγ mRNA level in the visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues (VAT and SAT) in non-obese and obese non-diabetic adults.

VAT and SAT were obtained from 95 individuals, including 40 non-obese (BMI<30kg/m2) and 55 obese (BMI≥30kg/m2) who underwent elective abdominal surgery (Tehran, Iran, 2012-2015). The assessment of habitual PA was performed by a valid and reliable International PA Questionnaire-long form, and the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) was evaluated. Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR evaluated the PPARγ expression in VAT and SAT.

PPARγ expression in both VAT (1.18 vs. 0.37 fold change, P<0.001) and SAT (2.07 vs. 0.29 fold change, P=0.004) among obese subjects was higher than the non-obese group. After controlling for age, sex, and total energy intake, a positive association was found between total METs and PPARγ expression in both VAT and SAT among obese participants (β=0.22, P=0.007 and β=0.12, P<0.001, respectively). Among obese participants, there was a direct association between leisure time-related METs with VAT PPARγ expression (β=0.05, P=0.026). Moreover, in this group, an association was observed between occupation-related METs with PPARγ in both fat tissues (β=0.11, P=0.002 and β=0.17, P=0.013, respectively), and household work-related METs with SAT PPARγ (β=0.21, P=0.011).

High PA as an indispensable part of a healthy lifestyle may exert its beneficial effect by regulating PPARγ expression.

Vaspin is an adipokine that reduces insulin resistance and obesity. There is little evidence suggesting an association between diet and plasma vaspin levels, and no studies have investigated the vaspin gene expression. The current study aimed to investigate the association of dietary fatty acid (FAs) intake with vaspin gene expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues (ATs) among obese and non-obese individuals.

Visceral and subcutaneous ATs were obtained from 50 obese and 47 non-obese individuals with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 and BMI <30kg/m2, respectively, who underwent open abdominal surgery. The dietary intake was evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and the daily intake of FAs, including total dietary fat, saturated FAs, monounsaturated FAs, and polyunsaturated FAs, was calculated. The relative expression of vaspin gene in ATs was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using SYBR® Green.

The mean±SD of BMI in obese and non-obese subjects was 41.4±5.87 and 24.8±2.86 kg/m2, respectively. Comparison of vaspin gene expression in visceral and subcutaneous ATs of obese and non-obese individuals. showed higher expression leveles in the subcutaneous AT of obese individuals (P<0.034). In obese subjects, the dietary intake of polyunsaturated FAs (r=0.28, P=0.05) had a marginally significant positive association with vaspin gene expression in the visceral AT.

The results of the present study showed that vaspin gene expression was only higher in the subcutaneous AT of obese individuals as compared to non-obese subjects. There was no significant association between dietary FAs and vaspin gene expression. Therefore, further extensive studies are necessary to determine the underlying mechanism of the effect of vaspin on insulin resistance and to illustrate the possible role of dietary FAs in this regard.

There is controversy over the association between habitual physical activity and incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this research was to investigate the association between physical activity and incidence of CKD in a population-based cohort study.

In Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) a prospective investigation was performed in 4226 individuals (1872 males and 2354 females) with no known CKD who were followed-up for six years (from phase 3 (2005-2007) to phase 5 (2012-2015). Baseline physical activity was accessed, and the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) hours per week was calculated. Glomerular filtration estimation (eGFR) was done using Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and CKD was determined as eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between CKD and MET categories by reporting odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

The average MET values in males and females were 913 and 638 min/week, respectively. The incidence of CKD was 10.7% in men and 15.4% in women. After adjusting for potential confounders, men with high physical activity had a 30% (95% CI: 0.51-0.95) lower risk of incident of CKD than those with light physical activity (P=0.012). There was no significant association between levels of physical activity and CKD in women (P=0.059).

In this study, higher physical activity levels were associated with lower risk of CKD among men.

Adipose tissue affects body hemostasis by secreting a variety of proteins named adipokines. Plasma levels of apelin decreases after exercise; however, the evidence on gene regulation in adipocytes is rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of daily physical activity and applein gene expression and its serum levels in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues in non-obese and morbid obese subjects.

In this cross-sectional study, samples of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues were collected from patients (64) undergoing abdominal surgery. Data on physical activity was gathered using a valid and reliable International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the metabolic equivalent (MET) was calculated. Apelin expression in fats was evaluated using the qRT-Real Time PCR method.

Mean age for non-obese and morbid obese groups was 45.6 and 39.6 years, and total physical activity was 1093 and 894 (MET), respectively. The expression of apelin was significantly higher in subcutaneous fat in morbid obese subjects, compared to non-obese adults (P=0.038). After controling age, waist circumference and insulin levels, total MET was significantly associated with subcutaneous adipose tissue (β=0.519 and β=0.395) in both, the non-obese and obese groups. Among obese individuals, occupational-related activity was associated with apelin expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (β=0.391).

The association of physical activity and adipose tissue gene expression in non-obese and obese individuals indicates the positive effects of active lifestyles on adipokines secreted from adipose tissues.

Snack consumption is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in children and adolescents. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of snack consumption and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) among overweight and obesity children and adolescents.

In this cross sectional study, a total of 339 participants, aged 6 to 13 years with the body mass index Z score ≥1 enrolled in this study. Data on anthropometric measurements, pubertal status, and CIMT were documented. Food intakes of participants were measured by a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Linear and logistic regression were estimated. 

Mean age of study participants was 9.3 years and with 68.4% of obesity. After controlling for confounders, including age, sex, energy intake, puberty status, physical activity, and body mass index, one SD increase in intake of nuts decreased the CIMT, by 0.126 mm (P value=0.019). Moreover, participants in the last tertile of nuts intake had 63% lower risk of high CIMT in comparison with those who consumed less than 1.74 serving/wk of nuts (P for trend=0.006). When nuts intake was replaced by the sweet unhealthy snacks the CIMT decreased by 0.15 mm.

Our findings emphasize the positive impact of nuts consumption as a healthy snack on subclinical stages atherosclerosis. Clinical trial studies could examine the effect of different kinds of nuts consumption on CIMT and complications of CVD risk factors.

Omentin, an adipokine, with anti-inflammatory effects reduces insulin resistance, and can hence, play an important role in prevention of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the association of plasma and dietary fatty acids with gene expression of omentin in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues.

Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues and fasting blood samples were obtained from 50 obese and 47 non-obese participants, who had undergone elective abdominal surgery. Dietary intakes were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Relative gene expression of omentin in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues was measured by Real-Time PCR and plasma fatty acids were measured using gas chromatography.

Omentin gene expression in visceral adipose tissue was higher in non-obese participants, compared to obese ones; however, no difference was found in subcutaneous adipose tissue. A significant direct association was observed between omentin gene expression in visceral adipose tissue with dietary monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (P=0.011, β=0.394) in obese subjects and the plasma omega 6: omega 3 ratio (P=0.029, β=0.385) in non-obese subjects after adjustment for confounders. No association was observed between omentin gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue and plasma and dietary fatty acids.

Dietary intakes of MUFA in obese participants and plasma omega 6: omega 3 ratio in non-obese ones were directly associated with omentin gene expression in visceral adipose tissue. Therefore, higher omentin gene expression by increasing dietary MUFA may be related to improvement of obesity and its associated comorbidities.

Leptin, as an adipokine, plays a role in the regulation of metabolism and could be affected by dietary intake. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the association of usual dietary intakes of fats with leptin gene expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues in adults. Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues were gathered from 97 participants aged ≥20, who had undergone elective abdominal surgery. Dietary fats including olive oil, hydrogenated oil, non-hydrogenated oil, and animal fat were collected using a valid and reliable food-frequency questionnaire. Leptin gene expression in adipose tissues was measured using Real-Time PCR. A significant inverse relation was observed between olive oil intake and leptin gene expiration in subcutaneous (β=-0.441, P=0.017) and visceral (β=-0.552, P<0.001) adipose tissue. In addition a direct association was also observed between dietary animal fat and leptin gene expression in subcutaneous (β=0.328, P=0.020) and visceral (β=0.305, P=0.015) adipose tissue. Furthermore, non-hydrogenated oil consumption was inversely associated with leptin gene expression visceral adipose tissue (β=-0.348, P=0.031). Dietary intake of olive oil was inversely and animal fat was directly associated with leptin gene expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues independent of body mass index and insulin indicating the importance of fat sources on adipose tissue leptin gene expression.

Context: In recent decades, investigations have been focused on the definition, incidence and predictors of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Iranians. This study aimed to review systematically investigations on MetS, conducted among the Tehran lipid and glucose study (TLGS) participants. Evidence Acquisition: Literature on MetS documented by TLGS studies published from 2000 to 2017 were searched using Pubmed and Scopus database in English language with a combination of following keywords: Metabolic syndrome, TLGS. The harmonized definition of MetS was confirmed, based on the estimated cut point of waist circumference (WC) ≥ 95 cm for both genders in Iran. The incidence rate was 550.9/10000 person/years, lower among women (433.5/10000) than men (749.2/10000). The prevalence of abdominal obesity, high triglycerides (TG), low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high blood pressure (BP), and high fasting blood glucose (FBG) was 30, 46, 69, 34, and 12%, respectively. The prevalence of MetS in adolescents was 10.1% with no significant difference between boys and girls (10.3% in boys and 9.9% in girls). A strong association of WC (OR: 2.32, CI: 2.06 - 2.59) and TGs (OR: 1.95, CI: 1.65 - 2.11) with development of MetS was found. In adolescent boys, WC had the highest OR for MetS risk. WHO-defined MetS was a significant predictor of total and cardiovascular mortality both in men (HR: 1.66, CI: 1.23 - 2.24; HR:1.93, CI: 1.26 - 2.94) and women (HR: 2.01, CI: 1.39 - 2.88; HR:2.71, CI: 1.44 - 5.09). Our results indicate high incidence of MetS in Tehranian adults and adolescents; high WC also appears to be a strong predictor of MetS. All definitions of MetS predicted cardiovascular disease.

Context: The high prevalence of chronic diseases can be prevented or managed by specific changes in lifestyle patterns of individuals of which dietary factors is emphasized. The objective of this study was to review all findings of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study regarding validity and reliability of food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), evaluating dietary quality and association of dietary factors in relation to diabetes, dysglycemia, cardiovascular (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Evidence Acquisition: Related documents were searched through PubMed and Scopus databases, in English language from 2000 to 2017. Finally, 52 relevant documents were eligible for inclusion in this review. The FFQ proved to be an acceptable tool for assessing nutrient and food group intakes and rank individuals accurately according to the levels of their dietary intakes. After 8 years of follow-up, the western dietary pattern (DP) was fairly stable but there was instability of traditional Iranian DP. DPs of over two-thirds of Tehranian populations were not in accordance with the dietary recommendations. Higher dietary scores of variety and healthy DPs were also associated with reduced odds of dysglycemia. The main dietary factor related to increased risk of CVD in our population was western DP. Patterns of amino acid intakes may contribute to the development of CVD. Higher intakes of several micronutrients and macronutrients, DPs and some vegetables decrease the risk of CKD. In conclusion DPs of most Tehranian adults need improvement. This review showed that higher adherence to healthy food choices was associated with reduced odds of dysglycemia and CVD. Dietary sources of renal-protective nutrients should be encouraged among the general population.

Introduction. The objective was to examine whether dietary acid load was associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults.
Materials and Methods. The cross-sectional analyses included 4564 participants, aged 20 years and older, who participated in the 4th phase of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study and had complete dietary and serum creatinine data. Dietary data were obtained from using a 147-item food-frequency questionnaire. Dietary acid load was calculated as the potential renal acid load (PRAL). Anthropometrics, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose, and lipids were measured. Chronic kidney disease was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Risk of CKD was obtained in quartiles of PRAL with logistic recreation.
Results. The mean dietary PRAL of the participants was -22.0 mEq/d. After adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index, the odds ratio for CKD in the highest compared to the lowest quartile of PRAL was 1.38 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 1.83). After additional adjustment for energy intake and smoking, the odds ratio for CKD in the 4th quartile of PRAL compared to the 1st was 1.42 (95% CI, 1.06 to 1.91). In the final model, after additional adjustment for dietary intake of total fat, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, fructose, sodium, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, the risk of CKD in the highest dietary PRAL category, compared to the lowest, increased by 42%.
Conclusions. After adjusting for possible confounding factors, we found that higher PRAL (more acidic diet) was associated with higher prevalent CKD in Iranian adults.

Leemoo is a user-friendly software designed for nutritional planning and dietary assessment applications by cooperation of Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, which uses fuzzy logic for the first time. It provides a range of recommended servings for food groups, which are easier for people to follow.. The aim of this research was to describe the applications of this newly introduced software..Methods and Materials: Leemoo contains the following databases: food, nutrients, MyPyramid equivalents and physical activity. These databases facilitate diet analysis and planning. The food composition database includes 2920 Iranian food items, with the nutrient composition for up to 64 nutrients.. All databases are flexible for updating. The program can calculate the amounts of nutrients and food group intakes and compare these with Dietary Reference Intakes and MyPyramid recommendations. This software has the ability of nutritional planning and estimates normal intake ranges of seven food groups based on person need.. This software was envisaged for use by health professionals, researchers and ordinary people and can be recommended for educational purpose and nutrition research in Iran. Future studies must be conducted to evaluate the effects of this software on users’ dietary habits and nutrition knowledge..