Middle Eastern Population Research Articles

The association between religiosity, suicidality, psychological distress, and quality of life among breast cancer patients, an example of a Middle Eastern population.

The study aimed to explore the relationship between religiosity, psychological distress, and quality of life (QOL) in Saudi breast cancer patients. Utilizing a multi-center cross-sectional design, 277 patients were recruited. Patients completed questionnaires assessing religiosity, depression, anxiety, suicidality, and QOL. Results revealed a high prevalence of depression (35.7%) and anxiety (18.1%), with no significant variations in internal religiosity across different health stages, despite high levels of perceived social support. Suicidal ideation was reported by a small proportion of patients (2.5%). Multivariate analysis identified anxiety, therapy side effects, and breast symptoms as significant predictors of depression, while depression and previous psychiatric treatment predicted anxiety levels. QOL assessments indicated that body image received the highest satisfaction ratings, while sexual function received the lowest. These findings highlight the critical need for integrated mental health support in the treatment regimen of breast cancer patients.

Accuracy of Mandibular Foramen Localization Using Digital Orthopantomogram (OPG) in Middle Eastern Population.

Locating the mandibular foramen (MF) through imaging is clinically important for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) anesthesia and mandibular ramus osteotomies. Although cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is superior in imaging the mandible, an orthopantomogram (OPG) is preferred for its ease of use and availability. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of digital OPG in localizing the MF, in a subset of the Middle Eastern population. Radiographic images (OPG and CBCT) of selected patients (adults, dentulous and no mandibular abnormalities) were used to locate the MF through digital measurements (mm) of the anteroposterior distance from the anterior border of the ramus (MF-AP) and the superoinferior position from the mandibular occlusal plane (MF-SI). Measurements were statistically compared between OPG and CBCT for accuracy. Differences in measurements between OPG and CBCT were compared against the anatomic location (right/left), age and biological sex, assuming a p-value < 0.05 as significant. A total of 204 radiographic records (males: 100/females: 104/mean age: 34.65 ± 11.55 years) were evaluated. The measurements for the MF were MF-AP-OPG (right: 13.53 ± 2.44/left: 13.19 ± 2.25), MF-AP-CBCT (right: 13.61 ± 2.39/left: 13.36 ± 2.19), MF-SI-OPG (right: 5.25 ± 1.71/left: 5.41 ± 1.65) and MF-SI-CBCT (right: 5.59 ± 1.66/left: 5.52 ± 1.61). Measurements between OPG and CBCT were not significantly different, except for MF-SI (right) (p = 0.042). While the overall difference between OPG and CBCT (MF-AP/MF-SI) measurements showed a significant association (p < 0.01) with the anatomic location (right/left), a significant association (p < 0.05) with biological sex was observed only for MF-AP. Based on this study's outcomes, digital OPG is an accurate modality to locate the MF based on anteroposterior (MF-AP) and superoinferior (MF-SI) measurements. This would be clinically beneficial for dental and oral surgeons to achieve the optimum IAN block anesthesia based on preoperative panoramic radiographs. Similarly, it would assist maxillofacial surgeons in planning mandibular orthognathic surgeries and ramus osteotomies without complications.

No single safe zone exists for the valgus cut angle to reproduce neutral mechanical alignment in the presence of femoral bowing in total knee arthroplasty.

The aim of this study is to report the prevalence of femoral bowing in the Egyptian arthritic knees as a representative of the middle eastern population and to study the correlation between the femoral bowing and the degree of arthritis, varus deformity and the distal femoral valgus cut angle (VCA). This is a single-center observational cross-sectional study. Out of 562 knees Scheduled for TKA, 124 knees were excluded leaving 438 knees eligible for the study. The following angles were measured by two independent orthopedic surgeons: Femoral bowing angle (FBA), HKA angle, LDFA, MPTA and VCA. Out of 438 knees, 21knees (4.8%) had medial bowing (< - 3°), 111 (25.3%) had normal bowing (+ 3° to - 3°) and 306 (69.9%) had LFB of which 111 (25.34%) had mild LFB (+ 3 to + 5°) and 195 (44.52%) had severe LFB (> + 5°) bowing. LFB was more in older age group (p = 0.005), in females (p < 0.001), and in grade 4 OA, (p < 0.001). Also, there was a significant positive correlation between FBA and age and increasing varus HKA, and with varus orientation of the distal femur and the tibial plateau. The mean and the 95% confidence interval of the VCA for the medial bowing group was 3.43 (3.01-3.85°), for the normal bowing group was 5.42 (5.15-5.68°), for the mild lateral bowing was 6.74 (6.47-7°), and for the severe bowing group was 9.23 (8.89-9.55°). There is no single safe zone for the VCA to reproduce postoperative neutral coronal alignment especially in cases of severe lateral femoral bowing in TKA. However, the VCA should be analyzed in term of how much femoral bowing exists. In other words, for each subset of femoral bowing there is a safe zone for the VCA.

Application of Afirma Gene Sequencing Classifier in assessment of Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: A Middle Eastern Population Study

Application of Afirma Gene Sequencing Classifier in assessment of Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: A Middle Eastern Population Study

The prevalence, severity, and risk factors of erosive esophagitis in a Middle Eastern population.

Erosive esophagitis (EE) is frequently present in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), some of which may not have GERD symptoms. The prevalence of EE in the Saudi population is unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of EE among patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). We retrospectively reviewed consecutive adults who underwent EGD at an academic tertiary care center. Clinical and endoscopic data were collected. The prevalence and severity of EE were determined. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for EE. Records for 3230 patients were reviewed, of which 2805 were included in this study. The mean age was 48.6 ±18.6 years, and 1088 (38.7%) were male. Two hundred and twenty six (8%) patients underwent EGD for GERD-related indications. EE was noted in 309 (11%) patients and 58 (25.6%) with GERD-related indications. For patients with EE, the mean age was 49.2 ± 18.7 years, and 132 (42.7%) were males. LA Grade A esophagitis was the most common (53.9%), followed by grade B (29.6%). Among all patients, only EGD for GERD-related indications and hiatal hernia were significantly associated with EE on multivariate analysis [(aOR = 3.1, 95% CI 2.2-4.4, P < 0.01) and (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.9, P < 0.01), respectively]. Age, gender, and body mass index were not associated with EE. In this large cohort, EE was present in 11% of patients who underwent EGD and in 25% of patients with GERD. EGD for GERD-related indications and hiatal hernia are independent risk factors for the presence of EE.

A healthful plant-based diet can reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer: case-control study

IntroductionThe benefit of adherence to a plant-based diet concerning colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been investigated among Middle Eastern population. This study aimed to investigate how adherence to a plant-based diet influences the risk of CRC in this understudied population.MethodsThis case-control study was conducted in the CRC surgery departments of general hospitals in Tehran, Iran. A total of 71 individuals with newly diagnosed CRC (cases) and 142 controls subjects free of cancer and acute illness were concurrently recruited from the same hospital. Dietary information was collected using a semi-quantitative 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were characterized using the plant-based diet index (PDI), unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPDI) and healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI). Multivariate logistic regression was employed to assess the association between these dietary patterns and the risk of CRC.ResultsAfter adjusting the potential confounders, the risk of CRC was significantly lower in the highest tertile of hPDI compared to the lowest tertile (odds ratio (OR) = 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.07–0.56, representing 79% risk reduction). Conversely, the risk of CRC was significantly higher in the highest tertile of uPDI compared to the lowest tertile (OR = 6.76; 95% CI: 2.41–18.94). PDI was no significant associated with the risk of CRC.ConclusionsThis study found that higher scores on the hPDI was significantly associated with a decrease risk of CRC, while greater adherence to the uPDI contributed to a significantly increase risk.

Features and associations of optic neuritis in the Middle East: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundDifferences exist in the clinical profile of optic neuritis (ON) among various populations. The present study outlines the features of optic neuritis and its associations in Middle Eastern population. MethodsIn a single tertiary care neuro-ophthalmology clinic, we reviewed charts between 2016 and 2021, to identify patients with optic neuritis. Patients with at least one single episode of ON, and a follow up for at least 6 months were only included. Patients from countries outside the Middle East were not eligible. We performed a sub-analysis using data from the clinic, laboratory, and radiological findings to classify patients with optic neuritis into 4 groups: idiopathic ON, multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis (MS-ON), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder associated optic neuritis (NMOSD-ON), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein associated disease optic neuritis (MOGAD-ON). Results77 patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Approximately, two thirds of the patients (64%, 95% CI [0.52–0.74]) had MS-ON, 17 patients had idiopathic ON (22.6%, 95% CI [0.13–0.33]), 6 patients were diagnosed with NMOSD-ON (8%, 95% CI [0.02–0.16]), and 4 patients had MOG-ON (5.3%, 95% CI [0.01–0.13]). More than half of patients with idiopathic ON were found to have clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and thus to be at high risk of developing MS. Among all patients enrolled in the study, the mean age was 29.8 ± 9.53 years. Patients with MS-ON and MOG-ON were relatively younger compared to patients from other groups (P = 0.0005). There was a female preponderance among all groups except MOG-ON, where 80% were males (P = 0.11). The pre- and post-treatment logMAR visual acuity (VA) tended to be worse in NMOSD-ON than other categories (P = 0.062). Optic disc swelling was more common among patients with MOGAD-ON, and least common in patients with NMOSD (100% vs 0%, P = 0.001). 5 patients presented with simultaneous bilateral involvement, and all but one had NMOSD-ON. 29% of patients had recurrence during the time of the study with significant difference in prevalence across groups. There was no difference in the involvement of the chiasm, or the retro-chiasmal pathways across groups. ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that multiple sclerosis (MS) is the predominant CNS demyelinating disease associated with optic neuritis (ON) in the Middle Eastern population, mirroring trends observed in Western populations. The clinical and radiological features of each subtype showed no significant divergence compared to findings from studies conducted in other regions globally. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of ON's clinical spectrum and aid in refining diagnostic and management strategies in the Middle Eastern population.

ADH1B, the adipocyte-enriched alcohol dehydrogenase, plays an essential, cell-autonomous role in human adipogenesis

Alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) is a primate-specific enzyme which, uniquely among the ADH class 1 family, is highly expressed both in adipose tissue and liver. Its expression in adipose tissue is reduced in obesity and increased by insulin stimulation. Interference with ADH1B expression has also been reported to impair adipocyte function. To better understand the role of ADH1B in adipocytes, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to delete ADH1B in human adipose stem cells (ASC). Cells lacking ADH1B failed to differentiate into mature adipocytes manifested by minimal triglyceride accumulation and a marked reduction in expression of established adipocyte markers. As ADH1B is capable of converting retinol to retinoic acid (RA), we conducted rescue experiments. Incubation of ADH1B-deficient preadipocytes with 9-cis-RA, but not with all-transretinol, significantly rescued their ability to accumulate lipids and express markers of adipocyte differentiation. A homozygous missense variant in ADH1B (p.Arg313Cys) was found in a patient with congenital lipodystrophy of unknown cause. This variant significantly impaired the protein's dimerization, enzymatic activity, and its ability to rescue differentiation in ADH1B-deficient ASC. The allele frequency of this variant in the Middle Eastern population suggests that it is unlikely to be a fully penetrant cause of severe lipodystrophy. In conclusion, ADH1B appears to play an unexpected, crucial and cell-autonomous role in human adipocyte differentiation by serving as a necessary source of endogenous retinoic acid.

352P Germline profiling of pancreatic cancer in a Middle Eastern population: A comprehensive cancer center prospective study

352P Germline profiling of pancreatic cancer in a Middle Eastern population: A comprehensive cancer center prospective study

Higher burden of classical, novel and socioeconomic risk factors in young women with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a middle eastern population. Results from the ANCORS-YW Study

Higher burden of classical, novel and socioeconomic risk factors in young women with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a middle eastern population. Results from the ANCORS-YW Study

Presenting clinical symptoms of post-COVID-19 breakthrough infection: Predictors of mortality in a Middle Eastern population

ObjectiveBreakthrough COVID-19 infections are common following immunisation with various types of vaccines. The patterns of infections have not been well established. We aimed to analyse the signs and symptoms of post vaccination infections in addition to the need for hospital admission, ER visit and supplemental oxygen in relation to age and gender. MethodsA cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in JUH from March 2021 to August 2022, we interviewed 1479 individuals who are >15 years of age and got a breakthrough infection. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA statistical software. ResultsOut of the 1479 cases, 50.2 % and 69.4 % were females and less than 45 years of age respectively. Symptoms of cough, fever and headache were reported by nearly 50 % of the patients, while one-third complained of dyspnoea. We found that participants older than 45 years had worse clinical outcomes (P-value < 0.001). 13 deaths were identified in this study due to breakthrough infection, 92.3 % of them were older than 45 years (P-value < 0.001). Participants ≥45 years who experienced a breakthrough infection of COVID-19 were 0.7 times less likely to be females using adjusted logistic regression. ConclusionThis study indicates that despite more severe symptoms reported in younger patients, the major clinical outcomes were worse among older patients, which makes age a major risk for poor outcomes regardless of symptoms. Thus, older people should be evaluated carefully when presenting with mild symptoms of COVID-19 breakthrough infection. The study also confirms that there is no difference in the incidence of COVID-19 breakthrough infections between males and females. Prospective studies are needed to risk stratify COVID-19 breakthrough infections, which should take into account variants of the virus and comorbidities.

Genome-wide association study and trans-ethnic meta-analysis identify novel susceptibility loci for type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundThe genetic basis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is under-investigated in the Middle East, despite the rapidly growing disease prevalence. We aimed to define the genetic determinants of T2D in Qatar.MethodsUsing whole genome sequencing of 11,436 participants (2765 T2D cases and 8671 controls) from the population-based Qatar Biobank (QBB), we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of T2D with and without body mass index (BMI) adjustment.ResultsWe replicated 93 known T2D-associated loci in a BMI-unadjusted model, while 96 known loci were replicated in a BMI-adjusted model. The effect sizes and allele frequencies of replicated SNPs in the Qatari population generally concurred with those from European populations. We identified a locus specific to our cohort located between the APOBEC3H and CBX7 genes in the BMI-unadjusted model. Also, we performed a transethnic meta-analysis of our cohort with a previous GWAS on T2D in multi-ancestry individuals (180,834 T2D cases and 1,159,055 controls). One locus in DYNC2H1 gene reached genome-wide significance in the meta-analysis. Assessing polygenic risk scores derived from European- and multi-ancestries in the Qatari population showed higher predictive performance of the multi-ancestry panel compared to the European panel.ConclusionOur study provides new insights into the genetic architecture of T2D in a Middle Eastern population and identifies genes that may be explored further for their involvement in T2D pathogenesis.

Self-esteem and body image satisfaction in women with PCOS in the Middle East: Cross-sectional social media study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age, associated with increased incidence of emotional disorders, anxiety and depression. The aim was of this study was to investigate whether those women reporting PCOS differed to women without PCOS in measures of psychological well-being including body-image satisfaction and self-esteem across a Middle Eastern population. An online survey link of 21 questions was shared and distributed across social media platforms (Instagram and WhatsApp). The main outcome measured was levels of self-esteem and body image satisfaction in association with symptoms experienced by the participants. 12,199 female subjects completed the survey of whom 3,329 respondents (27.3%) self-reported a diagnosis of PCOS. PCOS respondents felt less attractive compared to non-PCOS respondents (73.9% vs 80.5%, p<0.0001). More respondents with PCOS reported avoidance of their reflection in the mirror (61.7% vs 49.8%, p<0.001) and avoidance of social interactions (22.3% vs 32.3%, p<0.0001). More PCOS respondents wanted to lose weight (75.2% vs 68.5%, p<0.001) with increasing weight being associated with being less attractive (p<0.001). Fewer PCOS respondents felt satisfied/confident compared non-PCOS respondents (38.6% vs 50.7%, p<0.001). PCOS respondents reported significantly lower measures of self-esteem and body image satisfaction compared to non-PCOS respondents in this population.

Nasal Morphology in a Young Adult Middle-Eastern Population: A Stereophotogrammetric Analysis.

This study aimed to describe gender-specific three-dimensional morphology of the soft-tissue nose in Lebanese young adults and to explore the associations between nasal morphology with age and body mass index (BMI). Three-dimensional photographs were captured for 176 young healthy Lebanese adults (75 males and 101 females) aged 18.1-37.68 years. Linear and angular nasal measurements were computed and compared between genders, in addition to other established norms. Associations with age and BMI were also assessed. All linear measurements were greater in males than in females, and only the nasolabial angle was significantly larger in females by 2.97 degrees on average. Most of the measurements were found to be larger than the Caucasian norms. A few significant correlations were found between the measurements and age or BMI. This study is the first to present the sex-specific norms for nasal morphology in the Lebanese population and highlights the presence of gender dimorphism in the majority of measurements. Additional studies are needed to validate our data and expand the associations with age and BMI. The data offered in this study could help enhance the accuracy of facial reconstructive surgery and aid in personalized treatment planning for both medical and cosmetic nasal interventions. How to cite this article: Saadeh M, Shamseddine L, Fayyad-Kazan H, et al. Nasal Morphology in a Young Adult Middle-Eastern Population: A Stereophotogrammetric Analysis. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(3):199-206.

Burden of Mendelian disorders in a large Middle Eastern biobank

BackgroundGenome sequencing of large biobanks from under-represented ancestries provides a valuable resource for the interrogation of Mendelian disease burden at world population level, complementing small-scale familial studies.MethodsHere, we interrogate 6045 whole genomes from Qatar—a Middle Eastern population with high consanguinity and understudied mutational burden—enrolled at the national Biobank and phenotyped for 58 clinically-relevant quantitative traits. We examine a curated set of 2648 Mendelian genes from 20 panels, annotating known and novel pathogenic variants and assessing their penetrance and impact on the measured traits.ResultsWe find that 62.5% of participants are carriers of at least 1 known pathogenic variant relating to recessive conditions, with homozygosity observed in 1 in 150 subjects (0.6%) for which Peninsular Arabs are particularly enriched versus other ancestries (5.8-fold). On average, 52.3 loss-of-function variants were found per genome, 6.5 of which affect a known Mendelian gene. Several variants annotated in ClinVar/HGMD as pathogenic appeared at intermediate frequencies in this cohort (1–3%), highlighting Arab founder effect, while others have exceedingly high frequencies (> 5%) prompting reconsideration as benign. Furthermore, cumulative gene burden analysis revealed 56 genes having gene carrier frequency > 1/50, including 5 ACMG Tier 3 panel genes which would be candidates for adding to newborn screening in the country. Additionally, leveraging 58 biobank traits, we systematically assess the impact of novel/rare variants on phenotypes and discover 39 candidate large-effect variants associating with extreme quantitative traits. Furthermore, through rare variant burden testing, we discover 13 genes with high mutational load, including 5 with impact on traits relevant to disease conditions, including metabolic disorder and type 2 diabetes, consistent with the high prevalence of these conditions in the region.ConclusionsThis study on the first phase of the growing Qatar Genome Program cohort provides a comprehensive resource from a Middle Eastern population to understand the global mutational burden in Mendelian genes and their impact on traits in seemingly healthy individuals in high consanguinity settings.

Risk factors for chronic kidney disease in middle eastern patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study using the KDIGO classification

AimsChronic kidney disease (CKD) is prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to investigate risk factors for CKD progression across the kidney disease-Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)categories in a Middle Eastern population beyond hyperglycemia as emphasized by KDIGO guidelines which classifying CKD by cause and severity. MethodsThis cross-sectional study targeted 1603 patients with T2DM. Risk factors for CKD progression were determined using odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). ResultsOverall, 35.5 %, 31.7 %, and 32.8 % of patients were classified as low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-/very high-/highest-risk, respectively. Several factors were associated with high/very high/highest risk categorization, including being aged >45 years (OR: 1.85, 95 % CI: 1.36–2.49; P < 0.001), male gender (OR: 1.87, 95 % CI: 1.38–2.54; P < 0.001), hypertension (OR: 3.66, 95 % CI: 2.32–5.78; P < 0.001), and T2DM duration of ≥15 years (OR: 3.2, 95 % CI: 2.27–4.5; P < 0.001). Patients with more concurrent risk factors were notably represented in the high/very high/highest risk category. ConclusionsMale patients, older patients, and those with comorbid hypertension, longstanding T2DM, and additional concurrent risk factors have a significantly higher risk of advanced CKD. Such findings should be considered when planning management approaches for patients with CKD.

The genetic landscape of autism spectrum disorder in the Middle Eastern population.

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by aberrations in social interaction and communication associated with repetitive behaviors and interests, with strong clinical heterogeneity. Genetic factors play an important role in ASD, but about 75% of ASD cases have an undetermined genetic risk. Methods: We extensively investigated an ASD cohort made of 102 families from the Middle Eastern population of Qatar. First, we investigated the copy number variations (CNV) contribution using genome-wide SNP arrays. Next, we employed Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to identify de novo or inherited variants contributing to the ASD etiology and its associated comorbid conditions in families with complete trios (affected child and the parents). Results: Our analysis revealed 16 CNV regions located in genomic regions implicated in ASD. The analysis of the 88 ASD cases identified 41 genes in 39 ASD subjects with de novo (n = 24) or inherited variants (n = 22). We identified three novel de novo variants in new candidate genes for ASD (DTX4, ARMC6, and B3GNT3). Also, we have identified 15 de novo variants in genes that were previously implicated in ASD or related neurodevelopmental disorders (PHF21A, WASF1, TCF20, DEAF1, MED13, CREBBP, KDM6B, SMURF1, ADNP, CACNA1G, MYT1L, KIF13B, GRIA2, CHM, and KCNK9). Additionally, we defined eight novel recessive variants (RYR2, DNAH3, TSPYL2, UPF3B KDM5C, LYST, and WNK3), four of which were X-linked. Conclusion: Despite the ASD multifactorial etiology that hinders ASD genetic risk discovery, the number of identified novel or known putative ASD genetic variants was appreciable. Nevertheless, this study represents the first comprehensive characterization of ASD genetic risk in Qatar's Middle Eastern population.

Parental refusal of prenatal screening for aneuploidies.

To analyze the reasons for refusal of aneuploidy screening in a multicultural Middle Eastern population. The study included patients delivering in a university hospital, who had refused aneuploidy screening during their pregnancy. We evaluated through a questionnaire submitted during the postpartum period the sociodemographic characteristics, beliefs, attitudes, and the main reason underpinning their choice. Religious, ethical, and financial factors, personal beliefs, medical information, perceived media information, and familial input were assessed through a Likert scale. Our pilot study included 70 patients. The main reason (33 %) was the refusal to terminate pregnancy if the screening tests ultimately led to a diagnosis of aneuploidy. Lack of adequate information on the availability and benefits of this screening method (28 %), religious beliefs (17 %), in addition to other minor reasons such as financial considerations, familial recommendations, late pregnancy follow-ups, and media influence were also identified as contributing factors. Aneuploidy screening is routinely offered to couples, with varying uptake rates observed worldwide. Sufficient information on prenatal screening and diagnosis should be provided to all pregnant women, presenting all available options, thus enabling them to make a free and informed choice during their pregnancy.

Association between dietary phytochemical index and risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a case-control study

BackgroundDietary intake of phytochemicals has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, but research on their relationship with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is limited. This case-control study aimed to investigate the association between a Dietary Phytochemical Index (DPI) and BPH risk in a Middle-Eastern population.MethodsThe study recruited 112 BPH patients and 112 age-matched healthy controls (40–75 years) from Al-Zahra Hospital Clinic in Isfahan, Iran between 2021 and 2022. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire, and DPI was calculated as the ratio of energy intake from phytochemical-rich foods to total daily energy intake. Logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsIn the crude model, participants in the highest DPI tertile had a 70% lower odds of BPH compared to those in the lowest tertile (OR:0.3, 95% CI 0.15–0.61, P-trend = 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, this inverse association remained significant (OR:0.23, 95% CI 0.15–0.63, P-trend = 0.001). Participants with higher DPI consumed more whole grains (p = 0.02), nuts (p < 0.001), legumes (p = 0.02), fruits (p < 0.001), vegetables (p < 0.001), olives and oilve products (p = 0.02), and tomato and its products (p < 0.001) in their diet compared to the lowest tertile. However, red meat (p = 0.03) and refined grains (p < 0.001) were consumed in higher amounts in the lowest tertile compared to the highest DPI tertile.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a protective association between DPI and BPH risk in the Middle-Eastern population. Encouraging higher intake of phytochemical-rich foods may help reduce the risk of BPH, highlighting the relevance of nutritional science in promoting prostate health.

P423 Incidence of Colorectal Cancer among Patients with Ulcerative Colitis in the Middle East: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by mucosal inflammation of the colon. A well-documented long-term complication of UC is an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). The Middle Eastern population, with its unique genetic and environmental factors, presents a distinctive context for the investigation of CRC risk in UC patients. This meta-analysis aims to systematically evaluate and synthesize the available data on the incidence of CRC among UC patients in the Middle East Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted, identifying relevant studies from various databases and sources. A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to quantitative synthesis. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of CRC among UC patients in the Middle East. A random-effects model was used for data synthesis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I^2 statistic. Results The meta-analysis included a total of 12 studies, comprising 13,881 UC patients in the Middle East. The overall estimated incidence of CRC in this population was 1.41% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32% to 1.50%). Notably, there was substantial heterogeneity across the studies (I² = 100%). Conclusion This meta-analysis provides insights into the incidence of CRC among UC patients in the Middle East. The findings underscore the significance of recognizing and addressing the elevated risk of CRC in UC patients, particularly in the context of unique genetic and environmental factors in the Middle East. Further research is needed to refine risk assessment and optimize preventive strategies in this specific population. Ultimately, this study serves as a vital resource for clinicians and researchers seeking to combat the burden of CRC in Middle Eastern UC patients.