A randomized controlled clinical trial in 196 obese subjects was performed to examine the effectiveness of body acupuncture on body weight loss, lipid profile and immunogenic and inflammatory markers. Subjects received authentic (cases) or sham (controls) acupuncture for 6 weeks in combination with a low-calorie diet. In the following 6 weeks, they received the low-calorie diet alone. Subjects were assessed at the beginning, 6 and 12 weeks later. Heat shock protein (Hsps)-27, 60, 65, 70 antibody titers and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were also assessed. A significant reduction in measures of adiposity and improvement in lipid profile were observed in both groups, but the levels of anti-Hsp-antibodies decreased in cases only. A reduction in anthropometric and lipid profile in cases were sustained in the second period, however, only changes in lipid profile were observed in the control group. Anti-Hsp-antibodies and hs-CRP levels continued to be reduced in cases but in controls only the reduction in hs-CRP remained. Changes in anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, and anti-Hsp-antibodies were more evident in cases. Body acupuncture in combination with diet restriction was effective in enhancing weight loss and improving dyslipidemia.

Auricular acupuncture in combination with diet restriction was effective for weight loss and dyslipidemia. Moreover, it was found that it has immunomodulatory but not anti-inflammatory effects on the immune system by regulation of the levels of anti-Hsp antibodies.

Objective To undertake a randomized controlled trial in 196 obese subjects to examine the effect of electro-acupuncture on serum pro-oxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) values. Methods Subjects received authentic acupuncture (cases) or sham acupuncture (controls) for 6 weeks in combination with a low-calorie diet. In the following 6 weeks, they received the low-calorie diet alone. Serum PAB was measured at baseline, and 6 and 12 weeks later. Results We found that serum PAB values decreased significantly in the group receiving the authentic acupuncture compared to the sham treatment (p<0.001) at week 6, and whilst serum PAB increased significantly (p<0.05) in the second phase of the study, a significant difference between two groups remained at 12 weeks (p<0.05). Conclusions Electro-acupuncture in combination with a low-calorie diet was more effective at reducing serum PAB values in obese subjects compared to diet alone. Further work is required to determine the mechanism by which electro-acupuncture has this effect.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming the most common cause of liver disease worldwide. However, there are few reports about the intake of various nutrients in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of dietary intake and their associations with NAFLD. METHODS: This case-control study was performed on 280 subjects (140 patients with NAFLD and140 healthy subjects) who attended nutrition clinic, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Dietary intake was assessed using an Iranian semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Dietary intake was compared with data reported by clinically healthy individuals. Regression models were fitted to assess the relation between dietary patterns and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. RESULTS:The means (and SD) age of the samples were 39.3 ± 11.4 years for NAFLD group and 38.6 ± 11.3 years for the controls. After adjustment for total energy intake, NAFLD group had higher carbohydrate intake (235.60 ± 31.12 g vs. 222.47 ± 21.18 g, P < 0.001). However, the consumption of vitamin E, folate and potassium was significantly less in patients than controls (P < 0.001.(After adjusting for confounders, higher intake of carbohydrate was significantly associated with an increased risk for NAFLD (OR = 4.15,; P < 0.05), While higher intake of fat, vitamin A and folate was significantly associated with lower odds of the disease (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that within an Iranian population, there may be an association between diet and NAFLD. A large-scale trial and more prospective studies are yet warranted.

Background and Aims Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the most common causes of mortality in heart failure (HF) patients with reduced ejection fraction. Patients have concerns about the disease and use the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to reduce the effects of HF disease. The current study aims to evaluate the barriers and factors affecting the implantation of the ICD for primary prevention. Methods One hundred‐forty‐seven patients with HF were studied in public hospitals in southern Iran by using a cross‐sectional design from April 2018 to June 2019. Demographic, researcher‐made questionnaire, World Health Organization Quality of life‐BREF (WHOQOL‐BREF), general self‐efficacy questionnaires, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were measured for investigating the barriers and impact factors in patent HF. Results Most participants were male (56.5%), married (88.4%), illiterate (54.1%), and unemployed (72.6%). 62.6% ( n = 92) of the participants did not know about HF and ICD. The total score of patients' concerns about using ICD was 47.11 ± 11.26, which showed a moderate level. The scores of knowledge about HF and ICD had a significant positive poor correlation with self‐efficacy, perceived social support and QoL. Also, the score of concerns about the ICD had a significant negative poor correlation with perceived social support. Conclusion Understanding HF patients' issues and obstacles can help us prevent sudden death. Doctors' advice has a significant impact on patients' acceptance. Poor knowledge is the most important reason for nonparticipation. Intervention is necessary to inform patients to understand the advantages and disadvantages.