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Abstract Severe asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease with great therapeutic challenges. Understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms of severe asthma may help identify therapeutic strategies for this complex condition. RNA expression data were analyzed using a combination of artificial intelligence methods to identify novel genes related to severe asthma. Through the ANOVA feature selection approach, 100 candidate genes were selected among 54,715 mRNAs in blood samples of patients with severe asthmatic and healthy groups. A deep learning model was used to validate the significance of the candidate genes. The accuracy, F1-score, AUC-ROC, and precision of the 100 genes were 83%, 0.86, 0.89, and 0.9, respectively. To discover hidden associations among selected genes, association rule mining was applied. The top 20 genes including the PTBP1, RAB11FIP3, APH1A, and MYD88 were recognized as the most frequent items among severe asthma association rules. The PTBP1 was found to be the most frequent gene associated with severe asthma among those 20 genes. PTBP1 was the gene most frequently associated with severe asthma among candidate genes. Identification of master genes involved in the initiation and development of asthma can offer novel targets for its diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted-signaling therapy.

Background: The economic burden of asthma is a major public health concern. This study estimates the economic burden of asthma in Northwest of Iran.Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted between 2017 and 2018 in Tabriz, Iran using the Persian version of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. Direct and indirect costs associated with asthma were estimated based on the societal perspective, prevalence-based approach, and bottom-up method. Annual indirect costs were estimated using the human capital (HC) method. The structural equation model was used to evaluate the relationship between costs, sex, and asthma severity. Results: A total of 621 patients with asthma were enrolled in the study. Significant differences were found between female and male patients for the mean cost of radiology (P=0.006), laboratory (P=0.028), and diagnostic (P=0.017) tests at baseline, and for laboratory (P=0.012), and diagnostic (P=0.027) tests at one-year follow-up. The more severe asthma, the more significant the costs for annual physician office visits (P=0.040) and medications (P=0.013). As asthma severity increased, significantly higher expenditures were observed in women for days lost from work at baseline (P=0.009) and one-year follow-up (P=0.001), and in men for productivity loss at work due to impairment at baseline (P=0.045). A significant association between indirect costs and the cost of impairment-related lost productivity at work (β=3.29, P

ABSTRACT Objective: Globally developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence as a major health problem can be related to multiple factors of genetic and environmental. Dimethylaminohydrolase 2 (DDAH2) is the main enzyme implicated in the cardiovascular system, which regulates the nitric oxide pathway. This study investigated the association of DDAH2 polymorphism −499C/G (rs805305) with the risk of MetS among the Azar-Cohort population. Subjects and methods: The occurrence of SNP rs805305 in the DDAH2 gene was tested using the PCR-RFLP method in 332 MetS cases and 294 healthy controls. Afterward, the association of the allele and genotypes with the risk of MetS and its components were examined. Results: The G allele and GC genotype were significantly associated with a reduced risk of MetS (P ≤ 0.001). Also, the dominant genetic model (GG+GC) significantly decreased the risk of MetS (P = 0.001), however, in sex subtypes MetS risk was significantly reduced in males before and in females after adjustment for age (P ≤ 0.02). Conclusion: The −499C/G polymorphism of DDAH2 may play a protective role and reduce MetS risk among the Azar-Cohort population.

Objective(s): We investigated whether NOS3-c.894G>T transversion (rs1799983), which causes the substitution of glutamate with aspartate (E298D) in the oxygenase domain of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), is associated with susceptibility to metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk in Iranian-Azerbaijanis. Materials and Methods: The frequencies of the alleles and genotypes were compared in the 300 cases and 300 controls using PCR-RFLP assay. Also, higher-order MetS interaction with the genotypes, gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) was evaluated by classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. In silico analysis was done to introduce a hypothesis describing the molecular effects of NOS3-c.894G>T. Results: The T allele (OR:1.46; CI:1.054-2.04; P=0.02), GT genotype (OR:1.44; CI:1.02-2.03; P=0.03), and dominant model (TT+GT vs GG, OR:1.48; CI:1.06-2.06; P=0.01) were found to be associated with increased risk of MetS. In the male subpopulation TT genotype (OR:7.19; CI:1.53-33.70; P=0.01) was discovered to be associated with increased odds of MetS. CART analysis showed that NOS3-c.894G>T genotypes and BMI significantly contribute to modulating MetS risk. Furthermore, in silico investigation revealed that c.894G>T may alter eNOS function through affecting interactions of its oxygenase domain with proteins such as B2R, b-actin, CALM1, CAV1, GIT1, HSP90AA1, NOSIP, and NOSTRIN. Conclusion: We showed that NOS3-c.894G>T was associated with an increased risk of MetS in Iranian-Azerbaijanis, and BMI modulates the effects of NOS3-c.894G>T genotypes on MetS risk. Also, in silico analysis found that NOS3-c.894G>T may affect the interaction of the eNOS oxygenase domain with its several functional partners.

Background: Recent evidence underscores to the important regulatory roles of microRNAs as a biomarker for diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); this disease often has poor prognosis, and it is the most prevalent cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This study investigated the levels of miR-146a-5p and miR-196a-2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Methods: In the present case-control research, we collected the PBMCs through isolating blood from 22 NSCLC patients and 22 healthy individuals. Following the extraction of total RNA and cDNA synthesis, we studied the expression levels of miR-146a and miR-196a-2 by using qPCR. Results: Both the miR-146a-5p and miR-196a-2 were significantly down-regulated in the PBMCs of NSCLC patients in comparison with normal healthy ones (P=0.002 and p

Background: Understanding the contributing of influence inflammatory biomarkers in asthmatic patients with metabolic syndrome is more important. Whereby, the present study considering the important association of NADPH oxidase4 (NOX4) and Toll- like receptor4 (TLR4) in the respiratory inflammatory responses in asthmatic patients with metabolic syndrome (AS-MetS) and asthmatic (AS) patients. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 30 AS and 34 AS-MetS patients were enrolled. The Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 and NOX4 were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Then their correlation was evaluated. Results: The significant down-regulation of mRNA and protein PBMCs expression levels of TLR4 were observed in the AS-MetS group in comparison to AS one (P=0.03), but the NOX4 expression was non-significant. Additionally, the significant correlation was exhibited between mRNA expression levels of NOX4 and TLR4 in both AS-MetS (r= 0.440, P=0.009) and AS groups (r=0.909, P=0.0001). The association between TLR4 mRNA level and triglyceride in AS-MetS group (r=0.454, P=0.008,) and also white blood cells (WBC) in AS group (r= -0.507, P=0.006,) were significant. Conclusion: The metabolic syndrome can significantly influence the expressions of TLR4 in AS-MetS. This study indicated that TLR4 and NOX4 altogether may provide valuable molecular knowledge of their relation with metabolic syndrome criteria for finding major pathways in different phenotype of asthma.

The effects of hesperetin plus naringenin, orange juice and grapefruit juice on mRNA expression of TNF-α, TGF-β1 and TTF-1 in a house dust mite (HDM)-induced asthma animal model were investigated. Interventional mice exposed to HDM for 6 weeks received hesperetin plus naringenin, orange plus grapefruit juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice or water during the last 4 weeks, whereas non-asthmatic control mice consumed water. Lung tissue TNF-α and TGF-β1 expressions in supplemented groups were significantly reduced (p

Severe asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease with great therapeutic challenges. Understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms of severe asthma may help identify therapeutic strategies for this complex condition. RNA expression data were analyzed using a combination of artificial intelligence methods to identify novel genes related to severe asthma. Through the ANOVA feature selection approach, 100 candidate genes were selected among 54,715 mRNAs in blood samples of patients with severe asthmatic and healthy groups. A deep learning model was used to validate the significance of the candidate genes. The accuracy, F1-score, AUC-ROC, and precision of the 100 genes were 83%, 0.86, 0.89, and 0.9, respectively. To discover hidden associations among selected genes, association rule mining was applied. The top 20 genes including the PTBP1, RAB11FIP3, APH1A, and MYD88 were recognized as the most frequent items among severe asthma association rules. The PTBP1 was found to be the most frequent gene associated with severe asthma among those 20 genes. PTBP1 was the gene most frequently associated with severe asthma among candidate genes. Identification of master genes involved in the initiation and development of asthma can offer novel targets for its diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted-signaling therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nitric-oxide pathway plays a crucial role in the pathogeneses of asthma and NOS3-encoded endothelial nitric oxide synthase is one of the main components of the pathway. Variants of NOS3 are known to contribute to asthma development and pathophysiology. We investigated the association of NOS3-c.894G/T (rs1799983) with asthma risk and severity by studying frequencies of its genotypes and alleles in 555 asthmatics (93 intermittent, 240 mild, 158 moderate, and 64 severe asthma cases) and 351 control participants using the PCR-FRLP method, logistic regression analysis and generalized ordered logit estimates. GT genotype (ORadj: 1.39; CI: 1.04–1.85; p = 0.026), dominant model GT + TT (ORadj: 1.41; CI: 1.07–1.87; p = 0.015), and T allele (ORadj: 1.32; CI: 1.05–1.67; p = 0.018) was associated with increased ORs in asthmatics. Also, the frequency of GT + TT (ORadj: 1.55; CI: 1.01–2.38; p = 0.044) was significantly higher in males. Furthermore, GT genotype (ORadj: 1.39; CI: 1.04–1.85; p = 0.024), GT + TT (ORadj: 1.42; CI: 1.07–1.87; p = 0.014), and T allele (ORadj: 1.32; CI: 1.05–1.66; p = 0.018) in total population and GT + TT (ORadj: 1.56; CI: 1.02–2.37; p = 0.04) in males were significantly associated with increased risk of severe, moderate, mild, intermittent asthma vs. controls. Also, GT genotype (ORadj: 1.39; CI: 1.02–1.91; p = 0.039) was significantly more frequent in severe, moderate grades vs. lower severity grades in the total population. Frequencies of GT genotype (ORadj: 1.77; CI: 1.05–3.00; p = 0.032) and GT + TT (ORadj: 1.74; CI: 1.04–2.90; p = 0.036) in total population and GT genotype (ORadj: 2.40; CI: 1.16–4.97; p = 0.018) and GT + TT (ORadj: 2.30; CI: 1.12–4.74; p = 0.023) in male subpopulation were significantly higher in severe cases compared to lower grades. NOS3-c.894G/T may be associated with asthma risk and its severer grades, with greater effects in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The international agency for cancer research (IARC) has classified welding fumes as definitive carcinogens. The aim of the present study was to assess health risk due to exposure to welding fumes in different welding types. In this study, exposure to fumes of iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) in the breathing zone air of 31 welder engaged in arc, argon and CO2 welding was assessed. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessments due to exposure to fumes were performed using the method proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by Monte Carlo simulation. The results showed that in the CO2 welding, concentration of Ni, Cr, and Fe was lower than the 8-h Time-Weighted Average Threshold Limit Value (TWA-TLV), recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). In argon welding, Cr and Fe concentrations were higher than the TWA-TLV. In arc welding, concentrations of Ni and Fe were more than the TWA-TLV. In addition, the risk of non-carcinogenicity due to exposure to Ni and Fe in all three types of welding was more than standard level (HQ>1). The results indicated that the welders are at health risk due to exposure to metal fumes. Preventive exposure control measures such as local ventilation need to be implemented in welding workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nitric oxide (NO) pathway contributes to the pathogeneses of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and asthma. NOS2 encodes inducible-NO synthase, which is an important enzyme of the pathway, and its variations could affect the risk of asthma and MetS and thereby co-susceptibility to them. This study aims to estimate the association of NOS2-c.1823C>T with risk of asthma, MetS, and asthma with MetS condition (ASMetS), and with asthma stages: intermittent, mild, moderate, and severe asthma. The study included asthmatics (n = 555), MetS (n = 334), and ASMetS cases (n = 232) and 351 controls, which were genotyped by the PCR-RFLP method. The T allele was significantly associated with an increased risk of asthma and MetS in the sample population and females. CT genotype and CT+TT model were significantly associated with increased risk of ASMetS in females. A significant association between CT genotype and increased risk of ASMetS in the sample population and females was found in ASMetS versus MetS. In the sample population and among females, the T allele was significantly associated with severe asthma. The rs2297518 single nucleotide polymorphism of NOS2 contributes to the risk of MetS, asthma, and co-susceptibility to them, and this contribution may be stronger in females compared to males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global morbidity and mortality associated with asthma have been dramatically raised. We aimed to determine the prevalence of asthma symptoms in northwestern Iran and identify the potential risk factors. A cross-sectional survey was performed from November 2019 to February 2020 among 1,459 adolescents residing in areas representing urban and semi-urban communities. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was used to identify the participants with asthma defined based on meeting the criteria of physician diagnosis or self-report of wheezing episodes previously. Multivariable logistic regression was applied for data analysis. The prevalence of current asthma, asthma ever in life, and severe asthma were 12.2, 4.9, and 5.7%, respectively, which varied with urbanization. Overall, asthma prevalence in urban area was 13.4%, whereas in the semi-urban area was 8.3%. The related risk factors for asthma were having a pet at home [OR: 1.75 (1.11, 2.74)], current smoking [OR: 1.91 (1.21, 3.02)], artificial ventilation at home [OR: 2.67 (1.02, 7.03)], intake of fast-foods [OR: 4.51 (1.19, 17.04)], and history of allergy [OR: 1.99 (1.36, 2.92)]. However, physical activity [OR: 0.37 (0.16, 0.90)] and fruit consumption [OR: 0.11 (0.02, 0.77)] were associated with lower odds of asthma. We found that the prevalence of asthma was more common in people living in urban area compared to those living in semi-urban area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epithelial malignancy in lung cancer, which is initiated with myofibroblast differentiation and remodeling, promotes hypoxia and intracellular ROS generation most affected by the prototypical enzyme, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4). In addition, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) acts as a critical transcription factor by stimulating antioxidant proteins as redox homeostasis regulators. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible correlation between lung tissue NOX4 and Nrf2 genes (NOX4 and Nrf2) mRNA expression and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein expression in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients. Methods: Samples from 25 patients with various NSCLC types and stages and 20 healthy controls were collected. NOX4 and Nrf2 mRNA were measured by qRT-PCR, and protein by western blot analysis. Results: NOX4 mRNA and protein expression was significantly up-regulated in NSCLC patients' lung tissues and BALFs (p= 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). In addition, by adjusting for age, sex, and NSCLC types and stages, a significant and positive correlation was observed between NOX4 and Nrf2 mRNA expression (r= 0.927, p= 0.001). This was also true when not adjusted as above (r= 0.944, p< 0.001). Conclusions: NOX4 mRNA and protein expression is significantly up-regulated in NSCLC patients' lung tissues and BALFs, and NOX4 and Nrf2 mRNA expression is positively correlated in NSCLC tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

However, the eNOS-298D variant had slightly changed RMSD when it submitted as a ligand in eNOS-298E/ eNOS-298D (RMSD=0.29) or eNOS-298D/eNOS-298D dimer (RMSD=0.31). STRING identified 11 eNOS-interacting proteins, among which literature search showed, four proteins CAV1 (37), HSP90AA1 (38), CALM1 (39), and NOSTRIN (40) bound to eNOS through its oxygenase domain. Also, RMSD (Root mean square deviation) of eNOS-298E variant in both eNOS-298E/eNOS-298E and eNOS-298D/eNOS-298E dimers was the same (0.32). However, by reviewing the literature it is concluded that among STRING-reported functional partners of eNOS, CAV1 (37), HSP90AA1 (38), CALM1 (39), and NOSTRIN (40) interact directly with the eNOS oxygenase domain Docking Docking energy score Ligand RMSD (Å) Receptor Ligand eNOS-298E eNOS-298E-1036.83 0.32 eNOS-298E eNOS-298D-968.28 0.29 eNOS-298D eNOS-298E-1012.05 0.32 eNOS-298D eNOS-298D-1037.89 0.31 Figure 8. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Recent evidence underscores to the important regulatory roles of microRNAs as a biomarker for diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); this disease often has poor prognosis, and it is the most prevalent cause of cancerrelated mortality worldwide. This study investigated the levels of miR-146a-5p and miR-196a-2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Methods: In the present case-control research, we collected the PBMCs through isolating blood from 22 NSCLC patients and 22 healthy individuals. Following the extraction of total RNA and cDNA synthesis, we studied the expression levels of miR-146a and miR-196a-2 by using qPCR. Results: Both the miR-146a-5p and miR-196a-2 were significantly down-regulated in the PBMCs of NSCLC patients in comparison with normal healthy ones (P=0.002 and P<0.001, respectively). There was an association between the expression levels of microRNAs and the types of tumors, which was significant for miR-146a-5p (P=0.02). Furthermore, in NSCLC cases, a significant positive correlation existed between miR-196a-2 and miR-146a-5p expression levels (r=0.71, P=0.002). Conclusion: According to the study results, miR-146a-5p and miR-196a-2 that were down-regulated in the PBMCs of NSCLC patients might serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosis if confirmed in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between dietary pattern and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been described; however, the exclusive role of dietary factors remains controversial. Hence, we conducted this systematic meta-analysis to clarify the role of some nutrients and antioxidant vitamins in the risk of COPD. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched for studies evaluating the associations between COPD outcome measures, symptoms, and mortality, and intake of fruits and vegetables, fiber, fish, n-3 or n-6 fatty acids, and antioxidant vitamins in adults. The randomeffect model meta-analyses were used to pool the results. Results: Ten cohort, six case-control, and 20 cross-sectional studies were identified. The pooled relative risks (RRs) of the COPD and confidence intervals (CIs) for the highest intake group compared with the lowest intake group were 0.74 (95% CI: 0.65-0.85) for fruit, 0.65 (95% CI: 0.55-0.78) for dietary fiber, 0.71 (95% CI: 0.58-0.85) for fish, and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.76-0.99) for vitamin C. No association was observed between the risk of COPD and the intake of vegetables, n-3 f atty a cids, v itamin E, a nd ß -carotene; however, it was associated with n-6 fatty acids 1.06 (95% CI: 0.87-1.30). Conclusion: The results suggested that a higher intake of fruits, probably dietary fiber, and fish reduce the risk of COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although ambient air pollution has been linked to reduced lung function in healthy students, longitudinal studies that compare the response of asthmatic and healthy adolescents are lacking. To evaluate lung function responses to short-term ambient air particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1) levels, we conducted a study on high school students aged 15-18 years. The aim of this study was to assess effects of acute exposure to ambient air particulate matter (PM) on lung function in healthy and asthmatic late adolescents. We examined associations of lung function indices and ambient PM levels in 23 asthmatic and 23 healthy students. Paired-samples T test was used to evaluate the association of exposure to airborne PM concentrations with lung function test results (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75). We observed negative impact of exposure to an increased concentration of ambient air PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 on lung function parameters of asthmatic and healthy late adolescents. These findings are consistent with other similar short-term studies which have confirmed the adverse effect of PM air pollution. These associations were stronger in asthmatic subjects compared with those in healthy ones. There are significant adverse effects of ambient air PM on pulmonary function of adolescents, especially asthmatics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the contributing of influence inflammatory biomarkers in asthmatic patients with metabolic syndrome is more important. Whereby, the present study considering the important association of NADPH oxidase4 (NOX4) and Toll- like receptor4 (TLR4) in the respiratory inflammatory responses in asthmatic patients with metabolic syndrome (AS-MetS) and asthmatic (AS) patients. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 30 AS and 34 AS-MetS patients were enrolled. The Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 and NOX4 were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Then their correlation was evaluated. Results: The significant down-regulation of mRNA and protein PBMCs expression levels of TLR4 were observed in the AS-MetS group in comparison to AS one (P=0.03), but the NOX4 expression was non-significant. Additionally, the significant correlation was exhibited between mRNA expression levels of NOX4 and TLR4 in both AS-MetS (r= 0.440, P=0.009) and AS groups (r=0.909, P=0.0001). The association between TLR4 mRNA level and triglyceride in AS-MetS group (r=0.454, P=0.008,) and also white blood cells (WBC) in AS group (r= -0.507, P=0.006,) were significant. Conclusion: The metabolic syndrome can significantly influence the expressions of TLR4 in AS-MetS. This study indicated that TLR4 and NOX4 altogether may provide valuable molecular knowledge of their relation with metabolic syndrome criteria for finding major pathways in different phenotype of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the relationship between obesity and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) Pro12Ala polymorphism in healthy adults. Summary: Weighted mean differences (WMDs) of body mass index (BMI) were calculated for different inheritance models and subgroups. Fifty-six studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The result shows that the Ala allele of this polymorphism was associated with increased WMD in mean BMI (WMD = 0.29, 95% CI 0.10-0.48, p = 0.003). The Ala carriers were associated with increased WMD in mean BMI values in both genders and in the Caucasian subgroup. The associations were seen among people with higher levels of BMI (BMI ≥35). Message: The Ala allele of the PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism in healthy adults was associated with increased BMI under a dominant model of inheritance. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated whether flavanones, hesperetin-naringenin, orange, and grapefruit juices reduce airway inflammation and remodeling in murine chronic asthma model. To establish chronic asthma, mice received house dust mite (HDM) for 3 days in 2 weeks, followed by twice per week for 4 weeks. Concurrently, during the last 4 weeks, mice received hesperetin plus naringenin (HN), orange plus grapefruit juice (OGJ), orange juice (OJ), or grapefruit juice (GJ); whereas the asthmatic control (AC) group and non-asthmatic control (NC) group consumed water ad libitum. In histopathological examination, no goblet cells metaplasia was observed in the HN, OJ, and GJ groups; also, intra-alveolar macrophages decreased compared with those of the AC group. Hesperetin plus naringenin significantly decreased subepithelial fibrosis, smooth muscle hypertrophy in airways, and lung atelectasis compared with the AC group. Also, there was a reduction of subepithelial fibrosis in airways in OJ and GJ groups compared with AC group, but it was not noticed in OGJ group. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, macrophages numbers decreased in OJ and OGJ groups, whereas eosinophil numbers were increased in OJ group compared with NC group. Our finding revealed that hesperetin plus naringenin ameliorate airway structural remodeling more than orange juice and grapefruit juice in murine model of HDM-induced asthma. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major bibliographic databases were searched for studies examining the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and the risk of wheezing and asthma. Random-effects models were used to pool study results. Subgroup analyses were conducted by fruit and vegetable categories, study design, and age group. Twelve cohorts, 4 population-based case-control studies, and 26 cross-sectional studies published between January 1990 and July 2013 were identified. For the meta-analysis of adults and children, the relative risk ( RR) and confidence intervals ( CI) when comparing the highest intake group with the lowest intake group were 0.78 (95% CI, 0.70-0.87) for fruit and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75-0.98) for vegetables. High intake of fruit and vegetables ( RR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.68-0.86 and RR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72-0.96) reduced the risk of childhood wheezing. Total intake of fruit and vegetables had a negative association with risk of asthma in adults and children ( RR = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.41-0.69). Consuming fruit and vegetables during pregnancy had no association with the risk of asthma in offspring. High intake of fruit and vegetables may reduce the risk of asthma and wheezing in adults and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient deficiencies are thought to be the most common cause of secondary immunodeficiency and may reduce resistance to infection. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of vitamin A with Zinc and vitamin D with Calcium supplementation on sputum conversion and blood profile during the initial two months of therapy. The study was carried out in forty sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients out of whom only thirty seven cases completed the study. The patients were divided into Group I (n=13) received antitubercular drugs only while group II (n=11) and group III (n=13) received vitamin D with Calcium and vitamin A with zinc respectively along with anti tubercular therapy. After two months of therapy all patients of group III become sputum negative (100%) while in group II and group I, the sputum conversion rate was 90.90% and 84.61% respectively. The two month supplementation of vitamin-A with Zinc and vitamin-D with Calcium in sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients taking anti tubercular therapy complemented the recovery of patients with active tuberculosis and blood profile of these patients was also improved significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Increased production of reactive oxygen species secondary to phagocyte respiratory burst occurs in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The present study evaluated the efficacy of vitamin E–selenium supplementation on oxidative stress in newly diagnosed patients treated for pulmonary TB. Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial including patients with newly diagnosed TB was conducted. The intervention group ( n = 17) received vitamin E and selenium (vitamin E: 140 mg α-tocopherol and selenium: 200 μg) and the control group ( n = 18) received placebo. Both groups received standard anti-TB treatment. Assessment of micronutrient levels, oxidative markers and total antioxidant capacity were carried out at baseline and 2 months after the intervention. Results: Malondialdehyde levels were significantly reduced in the intervention group ( P = 0.01), while there was minimal reduction in the control group. The mean plasma level of total antioxidants was increased significantly ( P = 0.001) in both the intervention and the control groups. Conclusion: A 2-month intervention with vitamin E and selenium supplementation reduces oxidative stress and enhances total antioxidant status in patients with pulmonary TB treated with standard chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]