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Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the most important causes of mortality in Iran. Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Dietary modification such as cereal bran consumption is an approach to reduce this risk factor. The purpose of this present study was to compare the effects of rice bran and wheat bran on serum lipids in hypercholesterolemic women. Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial in which 19 women aged 35-65 years with fasting serum total cholesterol 240-300 mg/dl randomly allocated in two groups of wheat bran and rice bran. All subjects recieved 40 g/day bran in addition to their usual diet for 4 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, dietary assessments by using a 24-hr dietary recall questionnaire and determination of serum lipids were done at the beginning and the end of the study. Data were statistically analyzed by t-test and paired t-test. Results: There were no significant differences between groups for mean body weight, BMI and dietary confounding factors. During 4 weeks, wheat bran significantly reduced serum total cholesterol and LDL-C by 11% and 21% respectively (P

Background and objectives: Scrophularia atropatana (S. atropatana) is endemic to western and central regions of Iran. It belongs to the genus of Scrophularia (family: Scrophulariaceae). These species have been found to possess antibacterial, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties. Most of these effects were proven to be attributed to the non-volatile components, which were known as secondary metabolites. Iridoids, phenylpropanoids, phenolic acids and flavonoids have been identified as their main secondary metabolites. This investigation was performed to analyze the composition of the essential oil (EO) of S. atropatana and evaluation of its anti-oxidant and total toxicity properties. Methods: About 150 g powder of the air dried parts of S. atropatana was submitted to hydro-distillation and also was successively extracted (with n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH)), by using Clevenger and Soxhlet apparatus, respectively. In addition, Essential Oil (EO) was analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. Furthermore, the anti-oxidant activity of the extracts, fractions and EO as well as general toxicity were investigated by DPPH and brine shrimp larva assay, respectively. Results: Totally, sixty eight volatile compounds were identified, which constituted 91.78% of the total oil composition. Among the compounds, major constituents were identified as non-terpenoides (59.59%). Moreover, among the extracts and EO, methanol extract demonstrated high free radical scavenging and general toxic activities with RC50 equal 0.143±0.13 mg/mL and LD50 0.271 mcg/mL respectively. Conclusion: Overall, the main constituents of S. atropatana were hydrocarbons. In comparison to other genesis of Scrophularia, antioxidant activity of the essential oil of S. atropatana was less noticeable.

It has been found that people undergoing dialysis have a lower quality of life than the rest of the population. The aim of dialysis is to improve physical health, but also well-being. We were interested in the perception of the quality of life of patients undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis. We used the narrative interview method to collect their feelings, their daily experience, and their impressions about their care. We conducted four in-depth interviews, following the principle of theoretical data saturation, with adults treated at the Hospital of Nice. These interviews indicated that Peritoneal Dialysis rapidly improves physical and emotional health. Patients are satisfied with the technique, which allows them to return to a social, familial, and professional life. However, they regret that it does not relieve them of dietary restrictions, especially on salt. Patients appreciate the temporary support of a private nurse, which is systematically offered by our center at the beginning of treatment. They wish the involvement of peers to benefit from their experience, explanations and practical demonstrations. Quality of life is important to assess when choosing a renal replacement technique. Caregivers have to understand patients’ expectations and wishes in order to guide them towards the dialysis modality that suits their lifestyle and preferences best. This will improve treatment outcomes.

Aims: The present study was conducted to examine the association between dietary acid load (DAL) and markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and malnutrition in a group of Iranian hemodialysis (HD) patients., Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on individuals aged ≥18 years who were on HD at least 6 months before their enrollment in the study. A 4-day dietary recall was used for the evaluation of dietary intake. DAL was calculated using two methods including potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP). For assessing the malnutrition status, we used the subjective global assessment (SGA), dialysis malnutrition score (DMS), and malnutrition inflammation score (MIS). Fasting blood samples were collected from each participant to assess serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), sE-selectin, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and endothelin-1., Results: In total, 291 patients with a mean age of 57.73 ± 0.88 years and HD vintage of 4.27 ± 0.25 months were enrolled in the current study. Significant positive associations were observed between PRAL and hs-CRP ( β = 1.77, 95% CI: 0.88, 2.65), sICAM-1 ( β = 83.21, 95% CI: 10.39, 156.04), sVCAM-1 ( β = 194.63, 95% CI: 74.68, 314.58), and sE-selectin ( β = 6.66, 95% CI: 1.81, 11.50) among participants with the highest PRAL scores, compared to those with the lowest PRAL scores. NEAP was positively correlated with hs-CRP ( β = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.46, 2.22), sICAM-1 ( β = 88.83, 95% CI: 16.99, 160.67), and MDA ( β = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.005, 0.71). Additionally, marginally significant higher odds of SGA (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 0.95, 4.11) and DMS (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 0.92, 4.05) were observed in individuals in the third tertile of PRAL vs. the first tertile of PRAL. NEAP had also a marginally significant positive correlation with DMS (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 0.93, 4.31)., Conclusion: This study illustrates that higher consumption of acidic foods is correlated with markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and malnutrition in HD patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Balali, Nehls, Tabibi, As’habi and Arab.)

Objectives: The current survey aimed to investigate the link between energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) and risk factors for CVD including markers of endothelial and systemic inflammation in Iranian hemodialysis patients., Methods: Patients on hemodialysis for at least 6 months prior to enrollment were considered eligible in this cross-sectional study. The usual dietary intakes of the hemodialysis individuals were examined through 4 non-consecutive days including 2 dialysis days and 2 non-dialysis days using a 24-h recall approach to calculate E-DII. Multiple linear regression analysis was utilized to investigate the link between E-DII and selected biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress including high-sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM), serum vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM), malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide (NO), sE-selectin, and endothelin-1, and beta (β) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported. Value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: Overall, 291 hemodialysis patients make up our study population. In the crude model, the E-DII score was positively associated with a higher sVCAM-1 (β = 177.39; 95% CI: 60.51, 294.26; p trend = 0.003). Further adjustment for potential confounders attenuated the findings in a way that an increase of 128.72 in the sVCAM-1 was observed when the E-DII score increased from -2.68 to -1.14 (95% CI: 13.50, 243.94). After controlling for potential confounders, E-DII was associated with sE-selectin in hemodialysis patients in the highest category of E-DII as compared to the lowest category (β = 4.11; 95% CI: 0.22, 8.00; p trend = 0.039)., Conclusion: The present findings suggest that adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet among hemodialysis patients is associated with a higher inflammatory status as evidenced by sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin; however, bidirectionality may exist and the role of residual confounders should be taken into account. Therefore, more longitudinal investigations are needed to elucidate the role of diet on the inflammatory status of hemodialysis patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Arab, Karimi, Nazari, Tabibi and As’habi.)

In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) and a comprehensive profile of malnutrition in Iranian haemodialysis (HD) patients. In this cross-sectional study, 291 participants on HD for at least 6 months before enrollment were included. The current dietary intakes of participants were assessed using a 4-d diet diary-assisted recall, including 2 non-dialysis days and 2 dialysis days to calculate E-DII. To determine the malnutrition status of HD patients, BMI, subjective global assessment (SGA), dialysis malnutrition score (DMS) and malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) were used. Overall, 291 HD patients comprised our study population. After controlling for potential confounders, E-DII was associated with a higher risk of malnutrition, as evidenced by SGA (OR = 2·23; 95 % CI: 1·11, 4·49), DMS (OR = 2·31; 95 % CI: 1·16, 4·60) and MIS (OR = 2·50; 95 % CI: 1·28, 4·88). No significant association was detected between E-DII and BMI either before (OR = 1·78; 95 % CI: 0·83, 3·81) or after adjustment for possible confounders (OR = 1·43; 95 % CI: 0·58, 3·54). This study showed that E-DII was significantly associated with reliable malnutrition markers including SGA, DMS and MIS in HD patients. However, further longitudinal studies are warranted to infer a cause-and-effect relationship between DII and malnutrition.

Introduction: High serum concentrations of glucose, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and hypertension are some of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and peritoneal membrane fibrosis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Some investigations in nonuremic individuals have indicated that isoflavones can reduce serum glucose, blood pressure, and increase insulin sensitivity. However, such study in this field in PD patients is still lacking. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effects of isoflavones on serum glucose, fructosamine, AGEs, and blood pressure in PD patients., Methods: This study was a randomized, double blind, placebocontrolled trial. Thirty-eight PD patients were randomly assigned to either the isoflavone group or the placebo. The patients in the isoflavone group received 100 mg/d soy isoflavone for 8 weeks, while the control group received corresponding placebo. At baseline and the end of the 8th week, 7 mL of blood was collected from each patient and serum glucose, fructosamine, carboxymethyl lysine, pentosidine, accompanied by systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured., Results: Serum glucose and pentosidine reduced significantly in the isoflavone group at the end of 8th week compared with baseline (P < .05), whereas no statistically significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Serum carboxymethyl lysine, fructosamine, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures did not significantly change within each group during the study., Conclusion: This study indicates that soy isoflavones could decrease serum glucose and pentosidine in PD patients.

Introduction: Loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength is common in dialysis patients. Therefore, this investigation was designed to determine the association between body composition, muscle function, and physical activity with mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients., Methods: This was a multicenter cohort study on all eligible PD patients (n = 79) in Tehran PD centers. At baseline, skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength were determined using bioelectrical impedance analysis and handgrip strength, respectively. Physical performance was assessed by a 4-meter walk gait speed test. Physical activity level was estimated by using the long-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline. The mortality of PD patients was evaluated two years after the start of this study., Results: The total dialysis adequacy was significantly lower in dead patients in comparison with live patients (P < .05). In contrast, serum hs-CRP (P < .05), and the total amount of glucose absorbed daily from PD solutions (P < .05) were significantly higher in dead patients in comparison with live patients. There were no significant associations between body fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass index, muscle strength and physical performance with mortality in PD patients. However, in PD patients with physical activity ≤ median, odds of mortality was 7.4 times higher than those with physical activity > median (OR = 7.4, 95% CI: 1.3 to 43.3; P < .05)., Conclusion: This study indicates that low physical activity; low dialysis adequacy, high serum hs-CRP, and high amount of glucose absorbed from PD solutions are related with high mortality in PD patients.

Introduction: Poor nutritional status is prevalent in peritonealdialysis (PD) patients and is related to morbidity and mortality.Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the dietaryintake and its related factors in PD patients in Tehran, Iran., Methods: All eligible PD patients in Tehran peritoneal dialysiscenters were included in this cross-sectional study. Dietary intakeof PD patients was determined using a 3-day dietary recall. Also,a 4 mL blood sample was obtained from each patient to measureserum biochemical parameters., Results: Intake of energy, protein, and fiber were lower thanrecommended values in 81%, 92%, and 100% of PD patients;respectively. The prevalence of inadequate energy intake in PDpatients with dialysis vintage ≤ 5 years was significantly higheras compared to those with dialysis vintage > 5 years (P < .05). Asignificant association was observed between inadequate energyintake and inadequate vitamin B3 intake (P < .05). There was amarginally (not) significant association between inadequate energyintake and inadequate vitamin B1 intake (P = 0.06). Intake of thevitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, B12, E, C, and of the minerals,calcium, and zinc from both the diet and supplements were lowerthan recommended values in 15%, 38%, 23%, 39%, 52%, 32%, 47%,29%, 54%, and 50.5% of PD patients, respectively., Conclusion: Insufficient intake of energy and various nutrients arecommon in PD patients in Tehran, Iran; which may contribute tomorbidity and mortality in these patients.

Scrophularia atropatana ( S. atropatana ) , an Iranian plant belonging to the family of Scrophulariaceae, was assigned for its chemical compositions and biological activities of essential oil (EO) and extracts of the aerial parts of the plant during the flowering stage. Combination of GC-MS and GC-FID was assessed for analyzing the chemical compositions of the EO from the aerial parts of S. atropatana . Furthermore, Brine shrimp lethality test and DPPH assay were performed to evaluate general toxicity and free-radical-scavenging properties, respectively. Furthermore, anti-proliferative and antimicrobial activities were assessed by MTT assay and disc diffusion methods correspondingly. Additionally, all the potent samples (extracts) and its fractions in the MTT assay were further studied for the presence of various compounds by GC-MS apparatus . MeOH extract and 40% sep-pak fraction indicated high amounts of total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant properties. In the case of general toxicity, among the extracts, dichloromethane (DCM) extract showed noticeable effect. Furthermore, DCM extract was indicated potent ability to eliminate breast tumor cells and minimum efficacy on normal cells. Anti-microbial activity of all samples was ignorable. The potent extracts and fractions which had more anti-proliferative activity were further elucidated by GC-MS and showed high amounts of Alkanes and fatty acids. In the case of EO constituents, non-terpenoids were the major compounds. To sum up, it seems BSLT could be a good preliminary approach for evaluating the cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cell line. Additionally, antioxidant activity, TPC, and TFC contents of all samples were in consistent with each other.

Introduction: Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is prevalent in dialysis patients, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in these patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PEW and its relationship with CVD risk factors in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in Tehran, Iran., Materials and Methods: All eligible PD patients in Tehran peritoneal dialysis centers were included in this cross-sectional study. The diagnosis of PEW was done based on the criteria of the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1, malondialdehyde, and lipid profile were measured., Results: The prevalence of PEW was 29% in the PD patients. Significant associations were found between the prevalence of PEW in PD patients and sex (P = .01), age (P = .03), type of PD dialysis solution (P = .04), and microinflammation (P = .03). Serum C-reactive protein (P = .02), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (P = .001), and triglyceride (P = .03) were significantly higher in the PD patients without PEW as compared to those with PEW, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was significantly lower in the PD patients without PEW as compared to those with PEW (P = .003)., Conclusions: Our study shows that PEW is prevalent in Iranian PD patients. In addition, serum concentrations of CVD risk factors are dependent on the amount of glucose absorbed from PD solutions and are more impaired in PD patients without PEW as compared to those with PEW.

Background: Dynapenic obesity and sarcopenic obesity increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in nonuremic patients. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of dynapenic obesity and sarcopenic obesity and their associations with CVD risk factors in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients., Methods: All eligible PD patients in Tehran peritoneal dialysis centers were included in this cross-sectional study. Skeletal muscle mass and fat mass were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Muscle strength and physical performance were determined using hand grip strength and a 4-meter walk gait speed test, respectively. In addition, a 5-mL blood sample was obtained from each patient., Results: The prevalence of dynapenic obesity and sarcopenic obesity were 11.4% and 3.8% in PD patients, respectively. Serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly higher in PD patients with dynapenic obesity than in dynapenic nonobese and nondynapenic nonobese patients. Similarly, serum concentrations of CVD risk factors in PD patients with sarcopenic obesity were higher than in nonsarcopenic nonobese patients, but these differences were statistically significant only for serum hs-CRP and triglyceride. In addition, muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass percentage were negatively associated with markers of inflammation and dyslipidemia, whereas body fat percentage was positively associated with these CVD risk factors., Conclusion: This study indicates that although the prevalence of dynapenic obesity and sarcopenic obesity are relatively low in PD patients, these disorders may be associated with CVD risk factors., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest All authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder is a common complication in hemodialysis patients. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of flaxseed oil, a rich source of plant omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, on serum markers of bone formation and resorption in hemodialysis patients., Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 34 hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to either the flaxseed oil or the control group. The patients in the flaxseed oil group received 6 g/d of flaxseed oil for 8 weeks, whereas the control group received 6 g/d of medium chain triglycerides oil. At baseline and the end of the 8th week, 7 mL of blood was obtained from each patient after a 12- to 14-hour fast and serum concentrations of osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, N-telopeptide, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand were measured., Results: Serum N-telopeptide concentration decreased significantly up to 17% in the flaxseed oil group at the end of week 8, as compared to baseline (P < .01), and the reduction was significant in comparison with the control group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the mean changes of serum osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, or receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand., Conclusions: This study indicates that daily consumption of 6 g/d of flaxseed oil may reduce bone resorption in hemodialysis patients.

Introduction: Uremic sarcopenia and dynapenia are prevalent in chronic kidney disease patients, including dialysis patients. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and dynapenia and their determinants in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in Tehran, Iran., Materials and Methods: All eligible PD patients at the peritoneal dialysis centers of Tehran were included in this cross-sectional study. Skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis and hand grip strength, respectively. Physical performance was determined by a 4-m walk gait speed test., Results: The prevalence rates of dynapenia and sarcopenia were 43.0% and 11.5% in the PD patients, respectively. There were significant associations between the prevalence of dynapenia and the age of patients (P = .03), physical activity level (P = .04), and the presence of diabetes mellitus (P = .005). In addition, a significant association was found between the prevalence of sarcopenia and sex (P = .009)., Conclusions: This study indicates that uremic sarcopenia and dynapenia are prevalent in PD patients in Tehran, Iran. These conditions may contribute to physical disability, decreased the quality of life, increased morbidity, and a high mortality rate. Therefore, prevention and treatment of uremic sarcopenia and dynapenia are necessary for Iranian PD patients.

Aspartame is one of the most popular artificial sweeteners over the world. Although its consumption is considered to be safe in acceptable daily intake ranges which were set by the United States Food and Drugs Administration and other regulatory agencies, there are lots of controversies regarding its safety nowadays. Some of the recent experimental and epidemiological studies showed that consumption of aspartame may causes some adverse health effects including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and alteration in gut microbiota. Moreover, studies on the nephrotoxic effect of aspartame have increased. A search of several literature databases for publications on adverse effects of aspartame on the kidney function from 1980 to 2016 showed that long-term consumption of aspartame led to a dose-dependent increased production of free radicals in renal tissues as well as kidney injury, based on several studies on animals However, given the lack of clinical data in this area, it is difficult to make a definitive conclusion regarding nephrotoxic effect of aspartame. Overall, consumers should be aware of the potential side effects of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners. At present it may be recommended that only a minimal amount of them would be consumed.

Introduction: One of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease is lipid abnormalities among hemodialysis patients. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of flaxseed oil consumption on serum lipids and lipoproteins in hemodialysis patients., Materials and Methods: In a randomized double-blinded controlled trial, 34 hemodialysis patients were assigned to either the flaxseed oil or the control group. The patients in the flaxseed oil group received 6 g/d of flaxseed oil for 8 weeks, whereas the control group received 6 g/d of medium chain triglycerides oil. At baseline and the end of week 8, blood samples were obtained after a 12- to 14-hour fast and serum concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) were measured., Results: Serum triglyceride concentration decreased significantly up to 23% in the flaxseed oil group at the end of week 8 compared to baseline, and the reduction was significant in comparison with the medium chain triglycerides oil group (P < .01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the mean changes of serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a)., Conclusions: This study indicates that daily consumption of 6 g of flaxseed oil reduces serum triglyceride concentration, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients, whereas it has no effects on other lipid parameters, especially lipoprotein(a).

Data on the association of adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-style and glioma are scarce. We aimed to examine the association between adherence to the DASH-style diet and glioma in Iranian adults. In this study, 128 pathologically confirmed cases of glioma were recruited from hospitals and 256 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled from other wards of the hospital. Dietary intakes were assessed using a 126-item validated FFQ. Adherence to the DASH-style diet was followed considering the healthy and non-healthy foods emphasised in the DASH dietary pattern. After controlling for potential confounders, individuals with the greatest adherence to the DASH diet were 72 % less likely to have glioma compared with those with the lowest adherence (OR 0·28; 95 % CI 0·13, 0·57). Individuals with the highest consumption of fruits had lower odds for having glioma compared with those with the lowest intake (OR 0·31; 95 % CI 0·14, 0·68). A protective association was also observed between consumption of legumes and nuts and risk of glioma (OR 0·23; 95 % CI 0·10, 0·53). We found a significant positive association between red and processed meat (OR 2·60; 95 % CI 1·16, 5·81) and salt intakes (OR 2·87; 95 % CI 1·30, 6·34) and risk of glioma, after taking all potential confounders into account. Adherence to the DASH-style dietary pattern was inversely associated with glioma. In addition, some components of the DASH diet, including red meats and salt intakes, were positively associated with glioma. Consumption of nuts and legumes as well as fruits was inversely associated with glioma. Prospective cohort studies are required to confirm our findings.

Unlabelled: ♦, Background: In peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease is lipid abnormalities. This study was designed to investigate the effects of ginger supplementation on serum lipids and lipoproteins in PD patients. ♦, Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 36 PD patients were randomly assigned to either the ginger or the placebo group. The patients in the ginger group received 1,000 mg ginger daily for 10 weeks, while the placebo group received corresponding placebos. At baseline and at the end of week 10, 7 mL of blood were obtained from each patient after a 12- to 14-hour fast, and serum concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] were measured. ♦, Results: Serum triglyceride concentration decreased significantly up to 15% in the ginger group at the end of week 10 compared with baseline (p < 0.01), and the reduction was significant in comparison with the placebo group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in mean changes of serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and Lp (a). ♦, Conclusion: This study indicates that daily administration of 1,000 mg ginger reduces serum triglyceride concentration, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, in PD patients., (Copyright © 2016 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.)

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus characterized by hyperglycemia could increase oxidative stress and formation of advanced glycated end-products (AGEs), which contribute to diabetic complications. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of pomegranate juice (PJ) containing natural antioxidant on lipid peroxidation and plasma AGEs in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D)., Materials and Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 44 patients (age range 56±6.8 years), T2D were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group A (PJ, n=22) and group B (Placebo, n=22). At the baseline and the end of 12-week intervention, biochemical markers including fasting plasma glucose, insulin, oxidative stress, and AGE markers including carboxy methyl lysine (CML) and pentosidine were assayed., Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences in plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels between the two groups, but malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased levels were significantly different (P<0.001). After 12 weeks of intervention, TAC increased (P<0.05) and MDA decreased (P<0.01) in the PJ group when compared with the placebo group. However, no significant differences were observed in plasma concentration of CML and pentosidine between the two groups., Conclusions: The study showed that PJ decreases lipid peroxidation. Therefore, PJ consumption may delay onset of T2D complications related to oxidative stress.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of continuous care model with routine care on the quality of life among patients who receive a kidney transplant., Materials and Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 90 kidney transplant patients were selected from 4 hospitals in Tehran, Iran, and were randomly assigned to 2 group. In the experimental group, continuous care model was applied for 3 months and the control group received routine care. The scale scores of the Kidney Transplant Questionnaire concerning quality of life were monthly compared between the two groups., Results: Of 90 patients, 4 in the experimental and 8 in the control group were excluded from the study. Final analysis was performed on 41 in the experimental and 37 in the control groups. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of demographic variables. Although the quality of life scores increased in both groups, the mean scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group at 1, 2, and 3 months., Conclusions: Continuous care model may improve the kidney transplant patients' quality of life.