Sani Hlais

Effect of Lysine, Vitamin B6, and Carnitine Supplementation on the Lipid Profile of Male Patients With Hypertriglyceridemia: A 12-Week, Open-Label, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND Fat metabolism is known to be altered in hypertriglyceridemia. Fat oxidation requires carnitine, which can be obtained either from the diet (animal or dairy products) or through synthesis in the body using both lysine and vitamin B(6). OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of lysine, vitamin B(6), and carnitine supplementation on both glycemia and the lipid profiles, specifically triglyceride (TG) levels, in men with hypertriglyceridemia. METHODS This 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted at a Lebanese medical center. A total of 85 hypertriglyceridemic (TG> 150 mg/dL) male patients were randomized to 1 of 5 groups and given supplements of lysine (1 g/d), vitamin B(6) (50 mg/d), lysine (1 g/d) + vitamin B(6) (50 mg/d), carnitine (1 g/d), or placebo for 12 weeks. The lipid profile (TG, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C) and fasting plasma glucose levels were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS Adults (∼50 years) Lebanese males from a low socioeconomic status in Beirut were given the appropriate supplements. Vitamin B(6) supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in total cholesterol and HDL-C of ∼10%. In addition, plasma TG was reduced by 36.6 mg/dL at 6 weeks, whereas levels in the placebo group increased by 18 mg/dL; this difference failed to reach statistical significance. No major changes in the lipid profile were observed in the lysine and carnitine groups or when lysine was added to vitamin B(6). CONCLUSION Vitamin B(6) supplementation in these male patients with hypertriglyceridemia reduced plasma total cholesterol and HDL-C concentrations.

Developing and testing an original Arabic religiosity scale

IntroductionReligion was and still is considered to be a major aspect of life, affecting mental health outcome worldwide and more particularly in the Middle Eastern Arab patients. The aim of this study was to develop an original Arabic religiosity scale and to test its psychometric properties to be used in clinical settings. Patients and methodsThe study was conducted in two steps: (i) development and initial content validation of items through comprehensive literature review and discussion of the existing scales and (ii) distribution of the questionnaire (which included written consent for the participation in this study) among 236 consecutive mental health adult patients consulting at a private clinic, and statistical analysis was performed to test the structure validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability. ResultsPrincipal component analysis referred to as factor analysis revealed good structure validity with one-factor solution. Cronbach’s &agr; coefficient (to test internal consistency) was very satisfactory and was found to be 0.85 for the total scale. Test–retest reliability was also high with &kgr; coefficient of 0.77 using the first 20 consecutive patients of the main sample, who were reassessed 2 weeks after the initial administration of the scale. ConclusionThe resulting Arabic religiosity scale is an acceptable, reliable, and valid general measure of religious belief, practice, and importance in the daily life of adult psychiatric patients (including times of difficulties). We hope that this scale will be used widely in Lebanon and the Middle East Arab countries.

Depression and Religiosity and their Correlates In Lebanese Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer bears considerable morbidity and mortality and is well known to increase the risk of major depression, whereas religiosity has been reported to be protective.

Are the Level of Knowledge and Practices of Pregnant Women Regarding Folic Acid Supplementation Still Inadequate? A Cross-Sectional Study in a Middle Eastern Urban Setting

ABSTRACT This observational cross-sectional study aimed to examine the knowledge and practices of pregnant women in North Lebanon regarding periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation. A convenience sample of pregnant women attending gynecology clinics in North Lebanon was recruited between May and September 2013. Data were collected from a face-to-face interview performed by a trained local dietician as well as from review of obstetric charts. A total of 465 women were included in the study. Only 37 (7.9%) were aware of the role of FA in preventing birth defects, while 129 (27.7%) were able to identify one food item rich in FA or folate. Only 125 (26.9%) were taking FA supplementation before pregnancy. While 440 (94.6%) participants were taking FA supplements during pregnancy, 158 (34%) were receiving an inadequate dose. Adequate preconceptional supplementation of FA was significantly associated with the womens level of education (p =.008), planned pregnancy (p <.0001), and gynecologic visit before pregnancy (p <.0001). Moreover, young age (p =.003) and small number of children (p =.019) were significant predictors of adequate supplementation during pregnancy. Our study revealed deficient knowledge and inadequate intake of FA supplements before and during pregnancy.