Search

Context: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is progressing considerably worldwide. Identifying the risk factors of NAFLD is a critical step in preventing its progression. Methods: In November 2022, two independent researchers studied seven databases, including PubMed, ISI/WoS, ProQuest, Scopus, SID, Magiran, and Google Scholar, and reference list of relevant articles, searching studies that assessed NAFLD risk factors in the Iranian adult population. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed by Cochran's test and its composition using I² statistics. A random-effects model was used when heterogeneity was observed; otherwise, a fixed-effects model was applied. Egger's regression test and Trim-and-Fill analysis were used to assess publication bias. Comprehensive Meta-analysis software (version 3) was used for the analyses of the present study. Results: The results of this study showed significant associations between NAFLD with age (n = 15, odds ratio (OR) = 2.12,95% CI: 1.79 - 2.51), body mass index (n = 46, OR= 5.00,95% CI: 3.34 - 7.49), waist circumference (n = 20, OR = 6.37,95% CI: 3.25 -12.48), waist-to-hip ratio (n = 17, OR = 4.72, 95% CI: 3.93 - 5.66), total cholesterol (n = 39, OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.52 - 2.13), high-density lipoprotein (n = 37, OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.44-0.65), low-density lipoprotein (n = 31, OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.38 - 2.05), triglyceride (n = 31, OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 2.67-3.87), alanine aminotransferase (n = 26, OR = 4.06,95% CI: 2.94 - 5.62), aspartate aminotransferase (n = 27, OR = 2.16,95% CI: 1.50-3.12), hypertension (n =13, OR = 2.53,95% CI: 2.32 - 2.77), systolic blood pressure (n = 13, OR = 1.83,95% CI: 1.53 - 2.18), diastolic blood pressure (n = 14, OR=1.80,95% CI: 1.48-2.20), fasting blood sugar (n = 31, OR=2.91,95% CI: 2.11-4.01), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (n = 5, OR = 1.92,95% CI: 1.48 - 2.59), diabetes mellitus (n =15, OR = 3.04,95% CI: 2.46-3.75), metabolic syndrome (n = 10, OR = 3.56,95% CI: 2.79 - 4.55), and physical activity (n = 11, OR= 0.32, 95% CI: 0.24-0.43) (P< 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, several factors are significantly associated with NAFLD. However, anthropometric indices had the strongest relationship with NAFLD in the Iranian adult population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Laboratory studies have shown that gastric epithelial infection cells with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can increase autophagy. Disruption in this process can cause various diseases, including cancer. Objective This study aims to compare the serum level of Autophag -Related Gene 5 (ATG5 ) in individuals with and without H. pylori infection. Methods This case-control pilot study was conducted in 2018 on 44 individuals aged 35-50 years referred to the endoscopy ward of Razi Hospital in Rasht, Iran. Their age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking, and symptoms were first recorded in a form. Based on Rapid Urease Test and pathology results, they included in two groups of patient (n=22) and healthy (n=22). Serum ATG5 levels were quantitatively assessed by an ELISA kit (EIAab, USA). Results Most of participants (56.8%) were male, aged over 40 years (77.3%), a BMI < 25 kg/m2 (52.3%) and not smoking cigarettes (70.5%). The mean serum levels of ATG5 in individuals with and without H. pylori infections were 63.5 ± 15.4 and 57.1±18.9, respectively (P>0.05). The mean ATG5 level was higher in women than in men (P= 0.0047). Conclusion Serum level of ATG5 is not significantly different between people with and without H. pylori infection. Further study is recommended using a larger sample size and based on a comparing gastrointestinal lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]