The Relationship of Lifestyle with Disease Activity among Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Descriptive-Correlational Study

Effects of an intervention with EVOO and physical exercise in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Efinutriles trial protocol

BACKGROUND

Health-related lifestyle management could improve related symptoms and adverse events in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The phenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and physical exercise (PE) have both shown benefits for autoimmune conditions, but no intervention has synergised the two approaches.

AIM

To analyse the effects of an intervention combining EVOO and a multicomponent health promotion and PE programme on disease activity, clinical characteristics, cardiovascular risk, physical fitness, and the molecular level in SLE sufferers.

METHODS

Three-arm prospective randomised controlled 24-week clinical trial. 90 participants will be randomised into one of three groups: control; EVOO supplements; or EVOO and multicomponent health promotion and PE programme.

RESULTS

Pre-, mid- and post-intervention assessments will record disease activity, clinical characteristics, nutritional evaluation, cardiovascular risk assessment, physical condition and functioning, and molecular markers.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed trial will help clarify whether a combined intervention adding an EVOO supplement to a Mediterranean Diet intake pattern and adherence to an active-healthy lifestyle are beneficial for SLE patients, as well as the need for health and pharmacological care, increasing knowledge of the organic mechanisms mediated by EVOO and PE adherence, allowing new useful biomarkers to be characterised at the diagnostic/prognostic level.

Oral Health and Lifestyle Factors in Rural Adults of Jharkhand, India

Background

There is a lack of health care facilities and poor oral health awareness among the rural adult population of Jharkhand which may significantly influence oral health status and lifestyle scores.

Aim

To assess the oral hygiene status, lifestyle factors, and various risk factors associated with poor lifestyle scores in the rural adult population of Jharkhand.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study included 400 rural adults (35-44 years) populations. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect sociodemographic data and data on oral hygiene practices. Lifestyle factors were assessed using Health Practice Index (HPI). Oral health status was assessed using the oral health assessment proforma provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Results

A significantly higher (p value < 0.0001) prevalence of tobacco consumption was reported by males (94.0%) compared to females (4.0%). The males (54.0%) reported significantly higher (p value < 0.0001) poor lifestyle scores compared to females (38.0%). A significantly higher (p value < 0.0001) number of oromucosal lesions (13.0%) was found in males compared to females (1.0%). There was a significant difference (p value < 0.0001) in the oral hygiene status between males and females with majority of males (60.0%) having poor oral hygiene. A bivariate analysis was performed, and unadjusted odds ratio was computed. The factors that became significant were then entered into logistic regression model (enter method). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that education (OR = 0.3, p value = 0.003), systemic diseases/long-term medication (OR = 2.9, p value = 0.004), tobacco consumption (OR = 2.9, p value = 0.006), oral hygiene status (OR = 2.4, p value = 0.007), and dental caries (OR = 2.9, p value = 0.004) were significant predictors of poor lifestyle scores.

Conclusion

The rural adult population in Jharkhand has poor oral hygiene status and poor lifestyle scores. It is important to raise awareness regarding good oral hygiene and the negative effects of tobacco consumption. The dental visit should be encouraged, and the concept of preventive care needs to be instilled.

Intermittent fasting: A promising dietary intervention for autoimmune diseases

Intermittent fasting, which includes periods of fasting and nutrition, has been considered a dietary approach for weight loss and metabolic health improvement. However, its potential benefits in autoimmune diseases have not been widely studied. This study aims to review the existing studies on the role and effects of intermittent fasting on autoimmune diseases. A comprehensive search was conducted on electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, and relevant studies were included based on inclusion criteria. Studies show that intermittent fasting may have beneficial effects on various autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, by reducing inflammatory markers, modulating the immune system, altering and improving gut microbiota, and enhancing cellular repair mechanisms through autophagy. However, evidence regarding the effects of intermittent fasting on other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroid diseases, and psoriasis is limited and inconclusive. Nevertheless, further research is needed to determine optimal intermittent fasting guidelines and its long-term effects on autoimmune diseases. Overall, this literature review proves intermittent fasting may be a promising dietary intervention for managing autoimmune diseases.