The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in an Apparently Healthy, Normotensive and Non-Diabetic Population in Saudi Arabia by Two Definitions: Implications for Local Practice

Objectives: We aimed to 1) investigate the prevalence of MS in apparently healthy, non-hypertensive non-diabetic individuals living in Jeddah using the IDF and the NCEP-ATP III criteria to test for agreement in classification, and to determine the characteristics of subjects identified by either definition, and 2) examine the significance of family medical history and life style habits. Methods: 557 apparently healthy individuals aged 18 - 50 y were randomly approached in Jeddah health centres. 412 agreed to participate, while 55 were excluded because they were found to be frankly hypertensive and/or diabetic. Finally, 357 apparently healthy subjects with no hypertension or diabetes were fully studied. Anthropometric and demographic information were collected. Insulin, glucose, and lipid profile were obtained in fasting blood samples. Individuals were identified using the two definitions of metabolic syndrome, and their characteristics were compared statistically to the rest of the population. Results: Of the 233 subjects fulfilling the inclusion criteria, 44 and 39 (18.9% and 16.7%) were identified as having MS by the IDF or ATPIII definitions, respectively. The most common characteristic was central obesity using the IDF definition, and low HDL-cholesterol using the NCEP-ATP III definition. As expected from our exclusion criteria, the least common feature was high blood pressure in both cases. There was no significant difference between subgroups with and without MS with regard to smoking, exercise, and family history of disease. Regression analysis indicated the strongest predictors of MS were: blood glucose, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and plasma insulin using the NCEP-ATPIII definition, and blood glucose, Waist /Hip ratio and plasma atherogenic index (PAI) using the IDF definition. Conclusions: In the absence of local cut-off thresholds for waist circumference, subjects might escape diagnosis using the IDF definition. The use of waist/Hip ratio, LDL-C: HDL-C, PAI and circulating insulin help with the diagnosis.

An Investigation of the Effects of Curcumin on Anxiety and Depression in Obese Individuals:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective： To investigate the effectiveness of curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, on the frequency of symptoms of anxiety and depression in obese individuals. Methods： In this double blind, cross-over trial, 30 obese subjects were randomized to receive either curcumin （1 g/day） or placebo for a period of 30 days. Following a wash-out interval of 2 weeks, each subject was crossed over to the alternative regimen for a further 30 days. Severity of anxiety and depression was assessed at baseline and at weeks 4, 6 and 10 of the trial using the Beck Anxiety Inventory （BAI） and Beck Depression Inventory （BDI） scales, respectively. Results： Mean BAI score was found to be significantly reduced following curcumin therapy （P=0.03）. However, curcumin supplementation did not exert any significant impact on BDI scores （P=0.7）. Conclusion： Curcumin has a potential anti-anxiety effect in individuals with obesity.