Effect of DASH diet on parameters of metabolic syndrome after liver transplantation

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Considering the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its complications in liver transplant patients, following a healthy lifestyle and proper diet can help prevent and reduce complications after liver transplantation. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of DASH diet on metabolic syndrome parameters. Methods: 148 patients who were one month after their liver transplant were included in two intervention groups (receivers of DASH diet) and control group (receivers of healthy food recommendations). Participants in the study were evaluated for six months regarding parameters of metabolic syndrome and liver enzymes (ALT and AST). Findings: 31 (57.4%) and 52 (55.3%) men were in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The average age in the intervention group was 41.78 ± 7.59 and in the control group was 44.15 ± 9.39. According to the results obtained from this study, after 6 months of dietary intervention with DASH diet, in the intervention and control groups, respectively, the average waist circumference was 102.13 ± 13.69 against 110.14 ± 12.68 (p- value<0.001), systolic blood pressure 115.12 ± 6.77 against 125.67 ± 9.67 (p-value<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure 71.90 ± 7.93 against 19.9 ± 9.70 79 (p-value=0.016). No significant difference was observed in other parameters of metabolic syndrome in the intervention group compared to the control group at the end of the study. Conclusion: DASH diet improves waist circumference and blood pressure in liver transplant recipients. However, it has no effect on other components of metabolic syndrome, including fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, and HDL. Components of metabolic syndrome can only be treated with targeted drugs; however, lifestyle intervention is a reasonable treatment approach for transplant patients with metabolic syndrome.

Keywords: liver transplant, metabolic syndrome, DASH diet.