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Introduction: Although breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women worldwide, only a few investigations have addressed the role of dietary patterns. Our main objective, was to identify the relationship of major dietary patterns and breast cancer. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 100 patients, 30-65 years old, with breast cancer, and 174 controls from the Shohada hospital in Tehran, were sampled. Dietary intake was measured with a food frequency questionnaire. Physical activity, demographic factors and health status were questioned. The questionnaires were completed by an interviewers. Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns. The association between major dietary patterns and breast cancer risk were examined by logistic regression analysis. Result: Two dietary patterns were identified. The healthy food pattern was characterized by the consumption of vegetables, fruits, low fat dairy, legumes, olive and liquid oils, Condiments, fish, organic meat, poultry, pickles, soya, and whole grains and the unhealthy food pattern was characterized by consumption of colas, sugar, tea, coffee, potato chips, fried potatoes, salt, sweets, desserts, hydrogenated fats, nuts, commercial fruit juice, refined grains, and red and processed meat. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, women in the highest tertile of the healthy dietary pattern scores, had a 66% decreased risk of breast cancer compared to those in the lowest (OR: 0.34 CI: 0.11-1.05) the unhealthy dietary pattern significantly increased the risk of breast cancer (OR: 5.17 CI: 1.56-17.14). Conclusion: The healthy dietary pattern was inversely, and the unhealthy dietary pattern was directly associated with breast cancer risk.

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Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low and high intensity aerobic exercises on energy intake, appetite and energy-regulating hormones. Materials and Methods: Sixteen sedentary women (age 22.50±1.46 yr, height 160±4.30 cm, weight 57.83±4.25 kg, fat percent 28.26±1.79) were randomly divided into two groups, of low (55% MHRR for 45 min/day) and high (75% MHRR for 30 min/day) intensity. All subjects participated in two experimental durations, two days apart five days control with no exercise, and five days exercise. Subjects dietary intakes were recorded using a food diary and self-weighed intakes during each of the five days. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was completed at each morning in a fasted state. Levels of acylated ghrelin, insulin, leptin, and glucose were measured in the morning on the 6th day in fasting status after control and exercise conditions. Results: No significant changes were found in absolute and relative energy intakes, level of acylated ghrelin and leptin between the two durations (p>0.05). However, insulin concentration reduced significantly after the exercise duration in the low-intensity exercise group (p=0.007). Also, the desire to eat (p=0.02) and prospective food consumption (p=0.03) increased significantly during exercise days in the high-intensity exercise group. Exercise-induced energy deficits were compensated by 23% and 14% in low and high-intensity exercise groups respectively. Conclusion: Five consecutive days exercise with low and high intensities do not create a negative energy balance and it is recommended that women need to increase energy expenditure and decrease energy intake concurrently for weight control.

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Introduction: Unhealthy nutrition plays an effective role in increasing non-communicable diseases. The aim of this study is to assess the experiences of patients with cardiovascular disease(CVD) risk factors, and healthcare providers working in diabetes unit of health centers, to ascertain the defeaminants of nutritional behavior based on the Health Belief Model. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study utilized the content analysis approach, conducted over a six month period in 2012, at the diabetes units of health centers, associated with Alborz University of Medical Sciences, located in Karadj- Iran. The data was collected based on individual semi-structured interviews with 50 patients and 12 healthcare providers in the diabetes unit. Data analysis was performed simultaneous with data collection, using the content analysis directed method. Results: Analysis of the data resulted in finding 54 primary codes, all of which were placed into pre-determined categories of the Health Belief model, including threat perceived, benefits and barrier perceived, self efficacy and social support. Most patients were unable to follow healthy diets on a regular or continuous basis. Conclusion: Study results demonstrate the determinants of nutrit­ional behavior as perceived by patients and healthcare providers and can help program planners in designing programs to select the most appropriate methods and applications to address these determinants in order to reduce unhealthy nutritional behavior and to eventually prevent CVDs. 

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Introduction: Leptin is a polypeptide produced by many cells, including adipocytes and appetite regulation is one of the most important functions. This hormone is a molecule with high potential to participate in a wide range of physiological and pathological functions that increase during pregnancy. During labour, leptin levels increase significantly, which can explain the difference between maternal serum leptin levels in  vaginal delivery and cesarean section. Therefore, In this study, we compared maternal serum leptin levels during the third trimester of pregnancy and postpartum in the two groups of women delivered by vaginal delivery and caesarean section. Materials and Methods: In this a nested case-control study of 166 pregnant women, maternal serum leptin levels at 28-32 weeks gestation and the first 24 hours after birth were measured. Data were analyzed by using the t-test, Fisher and Chi-square tests. Results: Test results indicated a significant difference in serum leptin levels in both women before and after vaginal delivery and elective caesarean delivery (P>0.001) and (P=0.004) respectively. Maternal serum leptin levels in the first 24 hours after birth in the two groups showed significant difference (P>0.001). Conclusion: Maternal serum leptin levels were significantly higher after vaginal delivery than after cesarean section. Given the widespread effects of leptin on maternal and neonatal outcomes, vaginal delivery is recommended as the preferred method.