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Background: Diabetes is considered as a major metabolic disease with high rates of mortality. This study was performed to assess the effects of low and high energy dense vs diets on anthropometric measures, glycemic index, and lipid profiles of type 2 diabetic women. Methods: In a randomized controlled parallel design clinical trial, a total of 60 diabetic women [age: 30-60 years; body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2] participated. After matching for age, BMI, and menopausal status, subjects were randomly assigned to consume either a low energy dense [charbohydrate: 65% and fat: 25% of total energy], high energy dense (charbohydrate: 55% and fat: 35%), or normal-energy-dense diets (charbohydrate: 60% and fat: 30%) for 8 weeks. Compliance was assessed through a 3-day dietary record during the intervention. Anthropometric measures, plasma glucose and serum insulin, and lipid profiles were evaluated on fasting state at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Findings: Difference in dietary energy density did not result in different changes in weight and BMI between groups. Mean change in weight and BMI were almost -3 kg and 1-1.5 kg/m2 for all groups. Consumption of high energy dense diet resulted in significantly lower serum triglyceride levels compared to low and normal energy dense diets (-41.16 vs. 2.56 and 14.64 mg/dL, P = 0.01). Within-group differences revealed significant effect of low energy dense diet on serum low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels (-13.25 mg/dL, P = 0.004 and -17.68 mg/dL, P = 0.003 respectively). No overall significant differences in fasting plasma glucose and serum insulin levels were observed between the 3 groups. Conclusion: Consumption of a high energy dense diet might reduce elevated serum triglyceride levels among Iranian women with type 2 diabes. However, adherence to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables might improve serum low density lipoprotein and total-cholesterol levels of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is commonly associated with abnormalities in plasma lipoprotein levels, especially a significantly low level of high density lipoprotein (HDL). Most treatments for RA, particularly biological drugs, decrease atherogenic index. Improvement in lipoprotein profile has been found to be associated with decrease in inflammation in RA patients. This study was designed to survey the relationship between lipid profile and RA activity index. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 200 randomly selected RA patients. After blood sampling, plasma levels of triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), HDL were measured. The correlations between these indices and disease activity index were then evaluated using disease activity score calculator (DAS28). The collected data was statistically analyzed by SPSS18. Pierson and Spearman correlation coefficients were applied for data analysis. Multiple regression test and factorial model were used to control bias.. Findings: Examination of the relation between LDL levels and RA criteria revealed a direct significant association of 0.13. A significant association of 0.17 was also found between pain intensity (based on visual analogue scale) and LDL levels. Moreover, LDL and tender joints were significantly associated (0.16). There were no statistically significant associations between LDL, joint swelling and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). HDL levels did not show significant relations with ESR, pain intensity and tender joints (P > 0.05). However, there was a significant reverse association between HDL levels and joint swelling (0.16). Conclusion: This study showed that lipid profile and RA were significantly related in many aspects. This finding was in accordance with the results of other similar studies. Therefore, it seems advisable to check the lipid profile of patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, especially RA, on a regular basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soluble Intercellular adhesion molecule sICAM-1 has been identified as an biomarker of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 12 weeks endurance training on soluble intercellular adhesion molecules -1 (sICAM -1) (cardiovascular inflammation factor) and lipid profiles on elderly men. Methods: Among elderly men who volunteered to participate in this study, 24 persons were chosen randomly as the samples and were divided into two groups: control group (n=12) and experimental group (n=12).Training schedule was performed in 12 weeks, 3 sessions a week, using determined time and intensity (between 50 - 75 % HR max).Blood sampling was conducted after 14 hours of fasting and 24 hours after the last session of training, both in a similar condition. The commercial kit of Diaclone, made in France, was used for biochemical analysis and evaluation of sICAM-1 values. The laboratory kits of Pars Azmoon Company i.e. Hyperion model of Elisa Reader instrument was used for evaluation of lipid profile values. Resulting data were analyzed using SPSS15 software and Kolmogrov-Smirnov, both t-dependent and t-independent at a meaningful level (α ≤ 0.05). Findings: The results of this study revealed that 12 weeks of endurance training has a significant reduction in sICAM-1 values (P≤0.05) which is a new biomarker for the prediction of cardiovascular accidents, however, no significant reduction (P≥0.05) observed in lipid profile values of elderly men(TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C). Conclusion: By noticing significant reduction in inflammatory biomarker of sICAM-1, contrary to the lack of significant reduction in lipid profile caused by endurance training, perhaps sICAM-1 biomarker can be introduced as a more sensitive and accurate marker for the prediction of cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to controversies in different studies about the effects of dark chocolate consumption on cardiovascular risk factors, this study aimed to review the current evidence on chocolate consumption and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: By the use of dark chocolate, dark chocolate and cardiovascular disease, and dark chocolate and atherosclerosis, as keywords, we searched in PubMed through 1990 till 2008. Just clinical trials on apparently healthy people or those suffering from lipid disorders were included. Findings: In most studies, consumption of chocolates with plant sterols induced a reduction in serum total cholesterol and LDL in hypercholesterolemic individuals. Positive effects of dark chocolate on reduction of platelet aggregation has been reported in some investigations while others found neutral effects of white and dark chocolate on platelet aggregation. The effect of dark chocolate intake on insulin sensitivity and reduction of insulin resistance are mentioned in some but not all studies. Dark chocolate consumption significantly reduced blood pressure. A reduction in biomarkers of oxidative stress like 8-isoprostane and MDA has also been rpeported in some trials. Conclusion: Most of the clinical trials indicated favorable effects of dark chocolate and cocoa consumption on cardiovascular risk factors. More research is needed to identify the related mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]