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Background and Objective: There are a few studies about wheat flour fortification with powdered Spirulina platensis microalgae to produce industrial cookies. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Spirulina platensis microalgae used in production of traditional Iranian cookies on their nutritional value, color and texture. Materials and methods: Samples of cookies were prepared using S. pirulina platensis at a level (% w/w) of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%. The protein, iron and poluunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents of the samples were measured by microkjeldahl, atomic absorption and GC mass chromatography, respectively the peroxide value in the four samples was also determined. Sensory evaluation (hedonic scale 1− 5) of the samples was made by 14 trained panelists. Results: The iron, protein and γ-linolenic acid contents of the fortified cookies were higher, and their peroxide value lower, than the respective control values. With regard to sensory evaluation, cookie samples containing 1.0% and 1.5% S. platensis scored highest following the control sample (p<0.05). Conclusion: It is possible to produce cookies fortified with1.0-1.5% S. platensis with desirable nutritional and sensory characterstics. Keywords: Spirulina platensis microalgae, Fortification, Cookie

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Flavonoids as a group of polyphenolic compounds, have recently gained considerable attention because of their potential beneficial effects on human health. A number of studies have indicated chemopreventive effects of flavonoids on cancer cells via suppression of PI3K/Akt pathway. Deregulation of PI3-Kinase/Akt pathway trigger a cascade of responses, from cell growth and proliferation to survival and motility, that drive tumor progression. In this article the anti carcinogenic features of flavonoids through involvement of PI3K/Akt pathway have been reviewed. Pubmed, Sciencedirect, Springer and Google scholar databases were searched in order to achieve the desired articles. Cellular and animal studies that have been conducted from 1995 till 2012 were recruited in this investigation. Researches indicate the anticancer effects of flavonoids through suppression of PI3k activity and subsequent inhibition of Akt activity. Inactivation of this pathway leads to subsequent inhibition of other signaling pathway such as mTOR and NF-kB. The suppression of mTOR and NF-kB cause to decrease of proliferation and cell growth as well as inhibit cell invasion and metastasise. Apoptosis Also increase via upregulation of proapoptotic proteins and downregulation of antiapoptotic proteins. Furthermore, repression of PI3K/ Akt pathway in endothelial cells blocks angiogenesis. Taken together, flavonoids as potent chemopreventive agents, through downregulation of PI3k/Akt signaling pathway, can possess effective role in cancer prevention and treatment. So, application of flavonoids as supplementary treatment with medicine therapy is suggested, but more researches in cellular and animal model are necessary. Keywords: Flavonoids, PI3k / Akt pathway, Apoptosis, Angiogenesis, Proliferation, Metastasis

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Casein possesses important physiological and biological properties with regard to promotion of health, as well as prevention of diseases. Anticarcinogenic activities, reduction in the risk factors of cardiovascular disease and anticariogenic features have been associated with casein. In addition, casein is known as a source of bioactive peptides. Casein-derived peptides have been found to have a variety of specific properties, such as antihypertensive and ACE inhibitor activity, antimicrobial, opioid, immunomodulatory traits. In this article some health- related aspects of casein are reviewed. Pubmed, Science direct, Springer and Google scholar databases were searched in order to achieve the desired articles. Cellular, animal as well as human studies that have been conducted from 1980 till 2012, were recruited in this investigation Researches indicate the biological benefits of casein and casein-derived peptides on health- related aspects. Several studies demonstrate impacts of casein on prevention of tumor incidence and growth as well as inhibition of carcinogenesis. Casein and casein hydrolysate products also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease via the reduction of blood cholesterol level and prevention of hypertension. Furthermore, Casein and its bioactive peptides prevent from dental caries by inhibiting the activity of cariogenic bacteria, stabilizing the amorphous calcium phosphate as well as reducing the hydroxyapatite dissolution. In addition, casein derived peptides regulate the immune responses through the regulation of proliferation and activity of immune cells. Collectively, with regard to the broad biological functions of casein in association with health conditions as well as prevention and treatment of diseases, consumption of these proteins in healthy subjects and patients could be beneficial. More human studies about health benefits of casein are necessary to achieve to substantial evidences. Keywords: Milk proteins, Casein, Bioactive peptides, Biological effects

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Whey proteins possess important nutritional and biological properties with regard to promotion of health, as well as prevention of diseases. Antimicrobial and antiviral actions, immune system stimulation, anticarcinogenic activity, impact on weight loss and other metabolic features have been associated with whey proteins. In addition, whey protein possesses high nutritional value and it has a high concentration of all the essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids. In this article some health-related aspects of whey proteins are reviewed. Pubmed, Sciencedirect, Springer and Google scholar databases were searched in order to achieve the desired articles. Cellular, animal as well as human studies that have been conducted from 1980 till 2012, were recruited in this investigation. Researches indicate the benefits of whey on health-related aspect. Several studies demonstrate impacts of whey proteins on prevention of tumor incidence and growth as well as inhibition of carcinogenesis. Whey enhances the immune system activity through stimulation of immune responses, increasing the number of immune cells and increase in glutatione level. Furthermore, the inhibitory activity of whey proteins against a wild range of bacteria and viruses such as gram-negative organisms and human immunodeficiency virus has been showed. Whey also contributes to the regulation of body weight and energy intake by providing satiety signals that affect both short-term and long-term food intake regulation. Collectively, with regard to the broad biological functions of whey protein in association with health condition as well as preventin and treatment of diseases, consumption of these proteins in healthy subjects and patients could be beneficial. Keywords: Whey protein, Nutritional value, Therapeutical effects, Biological feature

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Background and Objective: Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death among diabetics. Strawberries have high micronutrient and phenolic compound contents, which makes them the subject of considerable interest. This study investigated the effects of freeze-dried strawberry powder (FDS) on cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six subjects with T2D (23 females BMI: 27.90 ± 3.7 kg/m2 age: 51.57 ±10 yr (means ± SE)) consumed 2 cups of freeze-dried strawberry beverage (50 g freeze-dried strawberries ∼ 500 g fresh strawberries) or iso-caloric placebo powder that resembled FDS in flavor and color daily for 6 wk in a randomized-double blind controlled trial. Anthropometrics, assessment of dietary intake, HbA1c, and lipid profile were recorded at baseline and week 6 of the study. Results: Strawberry supplementation significantly decreased HbA1c (-5.5%, p = 0.002). Total cholesterol (-7.5%, p = 0.000) and the ratio of total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein (-7.1, p = 0.002) also decreased. There were no significant changes observed for low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). Conclusion: Supplementation with FDS can be considered an adjunct therapy to ameliorate the complications of type 2 diabetes. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Freeze-dried strawberry powder, Serum lipids, HbA1C

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Background and Objectives: Hesperidin is the most common flavonoid in citrus fruit and possesses anticancer proapoptotic and antiproliferative properties for some tumor cells. The present study assayed the effects of hesperidin in the presence and absence of insulin on the survival and apoptosis of Nalm-6 cells, an acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line that is resistant to chemotherapy. Material and Methods: Nalm-6 cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% FBS and 1% penicillin and streptomycin. The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of two concentrations of hesperidin (25 and 50 µM) in the presence or absence of insulin (100 nM) and the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of wortmannin (10 nM) were assayed using MTT assay and the cell death detection ELISA kit, respectively. Results: Hesperidin decreased the survival rate of Nalm-6 cells in a time dependent manner. After 48 h, cell survival for the 25 and 50 µM concentrations of hesperidin decreased 16.57± 7.75% and 29.33 ± 3.6%, respectively, in the absence of insulin, and 16.5 ± 6.81% and 28.27 ± 8.52%, respectively, in the presence of insulin in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Hesperidin also increased apoptotic death in Nalm-6 cells at 25 and 50 µM concentrations 6 and 2.84 fold in the absence of insulin and 5.98 and 2.17 fold in the presence of insulin in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05) . Conclusions: These results indicate the anti-cancer effects of hesperidin by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation in Nalm-6 cells in the presence and absence of insulin. Hesperidin can be suggested as a natural chemo-preventative agent in conjunction with other chemotherapy agents in the treatment of cancer. Keywords: Hesperidin, Cancer, Nalm-6 cells, Apoptosis, Cell survival

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Background and Objectives: Cellular senescence has been known as a tumor suppressor mechanism however, some evidence shows that cellular senescence is an inducer factor for metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance and diabetes. In this study, the effect of senescence was assayed in the peripheral tissues of diet-induced obese rats. Materials and Methods: 30 male 5-week old wistar rats were randomly assigned into high-calorie diet through 416 kcal/100 g (researcher made) or control diet for 12 weeks. Weight changes, lipid profile, glucose, insulin levels and QUICKI (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index) index were measured at the end of the 12th week. Also the tissue samples were isolated, and immune-blotting was performed to identify proteins P16INK4a and P53 (cell senescence markers). Results: P53 levels in the fat tissue and other peripheral tissues of obese rats were significantly higher compared to the control group. P16INK4a expression was increased only in fat tissue but protein was not expressed in other tissues. In the obese rats, the serum levels of glucose (183/60±34/90 vs. 152/40±15/48 P=0.019), cholesterol (60/70±6/88 vs.46/60±7/82 P0.001) and triglyceride (124/60±46/43 vs. 57/20±24/02 P0.001) were more than in the control group but The QUICKI index was significantly lower in the obese rats compared to the control group (p=0.01). Conclusion: Our results suggest that cell senescence in fat tissue can be predisposed to the development of insulin resistance and age-related diseases by generating some alternation in the fat tissue. Keywords: Cellular senescence, Diet-induced obesity, Insulin resistance alternation in fat tissue

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Background and Objectives: Patient education is an important part of diabetes control. Virtual education using messenger networks makes it easy for the patients to receive information they need remotely. Due to the high popularity of WhatsApp social network in Iran, this study was carried out to assess effects of WhatsApp nutrition education on blood sugar, fat profile and quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes.
 Materials & Methods: In this clinical trial study, 90 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. For the intervention group, a 45-d nutrition education program was provided via WhatsApp using images, videos and posters. Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and quality of life were assessed in the two groups before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS Software v.22.
Results: Results showed that WhatsApp nutrition training included effects on triglycerides (p = 0.008) and quality of life (p < 0.0001) but not on fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein (p > 0.05). No significant effects on HbA1c were observed at various times (p < 0.788).
Conclusion: Results of the present study revealed effects of WhatsApp nutrition education on decreasing blood triglycerides and increasing the quality of life of diabetic patients.