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Efficacy of �-3 supplementation in patients with psoriasis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Get PDFSeveral studies have been conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of Omega(�)-3 on different psoriasis indices including Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, erythema, scaling, itching, area involved, and infiltration. Nevertheless, a pooled analysis of trials that evaluated these variables has not been conducted. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of �-3 fatty acids in treating patients with psoriasis. We searched through different electronic, references of retrieved articles, and previous related reviews databases up to November 2018. Both combined and stratified analyzes were conducted. A fixed-effects or random effects model was used to assess the mean effect sizes. An eventual 10 studies involving 560 participants were considered as eligible for inclusion in the present meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in PASI score by � 1.58 (95 confidence interval (CI), � 2.24, � 0.92; P < 0.001) in favor of �-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) group. The random effects model showed a statistically significant beneficial effect of �-3 PUFA supplementation on reducing erythema by � 1.66 unit and reducing scaling (weighted mean difference (WMD), � 0.69; 95 CI, � 1.26, � 0.13; P = 0.02). Significant improvements in erythema, itching, and scale were observed in the trials which used the higher dosage of �-3 supplementation. The results of current meta-analysis study support the use of �-3 PUFA supplementation for the improvement of the evaluated parameters in psoriatic patients. However, well-controlled and randomized studies are needed to confirm the veracity of non-significant and/or equivocal findings. © 2019, International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR)
Melatonin as an adjuvant in radiotherapy for radioprotection and radiosensitization
Get PDFIt is estimated that more than half of cancer patients undergo radiotherapy during the course of their treatment. Despite its beneficial therapeutic effects on tumor cells, exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation (IR) is associated with several side effects. Although improvements in radiotherapy techniques and instruments could reduce these side effects, there are still important concerns for cancer patients. For several years, scientists have been trying to modulate tumor and normal tissue responses to IR, leading to an increase in therapeutic ratio. So far, several types of radioprotectors and radiosensitizers have been investigated in experimental studies. However, high toxicity of chemical sensitizers or possible tumor protection by radioprotectors creates a doubt for their clinical applications. On the other hand, the protective effects of these radioprotectors or sensitizer effects of radiosensitizers may limit some type of cancers. Hence, the development of some radioprotectors without any protective effect on tumor cells or low toxic radiosensitizers can help improve therapeutic ratio with less side effects. Melatonin as a natural body hormone is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that shows some anti-cancer properties. It is able to neutralize different types of free radicals produced by IR or pro-oxidant enzymes which are activated following exposure to IR and plays a key role in the protection of normal tissues. In addition, melatonin has shown the ability to inhibit long-term changes in inflammatory responses at different levels, thereby ameliorating late side effects of radiotherapy. Fortunately, in contrast to classic antioxidants, some in vitro studies have revealed that melatonin has a potent anti-tumor activity when used alongside irradiation. However, the mechanisms of its radiosensitive effect remain to be elucidated. Studies suggested that the activation of pro-apoptosis gene, such as p53, changes in the metabolism of tumor cells, suppression of DNA repair responses as well as changes in biosynthesis of estrogen in breast cancer cells are involved in this process. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms for radioprotection and radiosensitizer effects of melatonin. Furthermore, some other proposed mechanisms that may be involved are presented. © 2018, Federación de Sociedades Españolas de OncologÃa (FESEO)
Effects of Chromium and Carnitine Co-supplementation on Body Weight and Metabolic Profiles in Overweight and Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Get PDFThe primary aim of our study was to determine the influence of taking chromium plus carnitine on insulin resistance, with a secondary objective of evaluating the influences on lipid profiles and weight loss in overweight subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 54 overweight women were randomly assigned to receive either supplements (200 μg/day chromium picolinate plus 1000 mg/day carnitine) or placebo (27/each group). Chromium and carnitine co-supplementation decreased weight (� 3.6 ± 1.8 vs. � 1.0 ± 0.7 kg, P < 0.001), BMI (� 1.3 ± 0.7 vs. � 0.3 ± 0.3 kg/m 2 , P < 0.001), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (� 5.1 ± 6.0 vs. � 1.1 ± 4.9 mg/dL, P = 0.01), insulin (� 2.0 ± 1.4 vs. � 0.2 ± 1.2 μIU/mL, P < 0.001), insulin resistance (� 0.5 ± 0.4 vs. � 0.04 ± 0.3, P < 0.001), triglycerides (� 18.0 ± 25.2 vs. + 5.5 ± 14.4 mg/dL, P < 0.001), total (� 17.0 ± 20.3 vs. + 3.6 ± 12.0 mg/dL, P < 0.001), and LDL cholesterol (� 13.3 ± 19.2 vs. + 1.4 ± 13.3 mg/dL, P = 0.002), and elevated insulin sensitivity (+ 0.007 ± 0.005 vs. + 0.002 ± 0.005, P < 0.001). In addition, co-supplementation upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (P = 0.02) and low-density lipoprotein receptor expression (P = 0.02). Overall, chromium and carnitine co-supplementation for 12 weeks to overweight women with PCOS had beneficial effects on body weight, glycemic control, lipid profiles except HDL cholesterol levels, and gene expression of PPAR-γ and LDLR. Clinical trial registration number: http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20170513033941N38. © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature
Royal jelly does not improve markers of glycemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
No full textBee products including propolis, bee wax, pollen and royal jelly (RJ)have been used as medicine from ancient times. A vast number of in-vivo and in-vitro studies as well as clinical trials have been conducted to investigate potential health related properties of RJ. A growing number of clinical trials have been performed to assess effects of RJ ingestion on different metabolic markers including glycemia, with diverse results. In the current meataanalysis, we aimed to evaluate effects of RJ ingestion on glycemic markers compared with placebo and set directions for future research. Electronic databases including Scopus, Pubmed, Scholar, Cochrane, Proquest, SID and Magiran were searched and 5 eligible studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Review Manager Software was used for statistical analysis and random effects model was used for pooling data. A total of 205 participants for FPG and 130 participants for HbA1c were included. The overall analysis revealed that RJ consumption reduced FPG by 0.95 mg/dl (95 CI: �5.83 to 3.87; p = 0.69; I2 = 0; Tau 2 = 0.00)and HbA1c by 0.32 (95 CI: �0.87 to 0.23; p = 0.25; I2 = 69 ; Tau 2 = 0.16)which were not statistically significant. Funnel plot demonstrated no publication bias. In conclusion, RJ supplementation did not beneficially affect markers of glycemia. However, due to methodology issues and potential confounders like diet as well as diverse populations, we recommend future studies well designed and well controlled for major confounders so we can update these data to more precise results and more accurate conclusion. © 2019 Elsevier Lt
Effect of probiotic supplementation on seizure activity and cognitive performance in PTZ-induced chemical kindling
Get PDFEpilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders that severely affect life quality of many people worldwide. Ion transport in the neuronal membrane, inhibitory�excitatory mechanisms, and regulatory modulator systems have been implicated in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. A bidirectional communication is proposed between brain and gut where the brain modulates the gastrointestinal tract, and the gut can affect brain function and behavior. The gut microbiome takes an important role in health and disease where dysbiosis is involved in several neurological disorders. Probiotics as living microorganisms are beneficial to humans and animals when adequately administered. In the present work, we evaluated the effect of a probiotic bacteria mixture on seizure activity, cognitive function, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), nitric oxide (NO), malondealdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level of the brain tissue in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindled rats. The Racine score and performance in water maze were considered as indices of the epileptic severity and the spatial learning and memory, respectively. We found that the probiotic supplementation substantially reduces seizure severity so that almost no probiotic-treated animals showed full kindling. The oral bacteriotherapy partially improved the spatial learning and memory in the kindled rats. The intervention decreased NO and MDA and increased TAC concentration of the brain. The probiotic treatment also increased the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Our findings are the first preclinical report to show positive effect of probiotic bacteria on seizure-induced neurological disorders. Further investigation is required to answer the questions raised about the probable mechanisms involved. © 2019 Elsevier Inc
The Effects of Synbiotic Supplementation on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in People with Overweight, Diabetes, and Coronary Heart Disease: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Get PDFSynbiotics are known to exert multiple beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), biomarkers of inflammation, and oxidative stress in people with overweight, diabetes, and coronary heart disease (CHD). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted and involved 60 people with overweight, diabetes, and CHD, aged 50�85 years old. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups to take either synbiotic supplements containing three probiotic bacteria spices Lactobacillus acidophilus strain T16 (IBRC-M10785), Lactobacillus casei strain T2 (IBRC-M10783), and Bifidobacterium bifidum strain T1 (IBRC-M10771) (2 � 10 9  CFU/g each) plus 800 mg inulin or placebo (n = 30 each group) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after the 12-week intervention period to determine metabolic variables. After the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, synbiotic supplementation significantly reduced serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (� 3101.7 ± 5109.1 vs. � 6.2 ± 3163.6 ng/mL, P = 0.02), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) (� 0.6 ± 1.0 vs. � 0.1 ± 0.3 μmol/L, P = 0.01), and significantly increased nitric oxide (NO) levels (+ 7.8 ± 10.3 vs. � 3.6 ± 6.9 μmol/L, P < 0.001). We did not observe any significant changes of synbiotic supplementation on other biomarkers of oxidative stress and CIMT levels. Overall, synbiotic supplementation for 12 weeks among people with overweight, diabetes, and CHD had beneficial effects on serum hs-CRP, plasma NO, and MDA levels; however, it did not have any effect on other biomarkers of oxidative stress and CIMT levels. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
Delayed diagnosis of hereditary angioedema with C1-inhibitor deficiency in iranian children and adolescents
No full textComparing the mental skills of injured and uninjured elite male student athletes
No full textBACKGROUND: Mental skills are important aspects of successful sport performance and distinguish elite athletes from the less elite ones. This study was designed to compare the mental skills of injured with the uninjured athletes participating in a college student sport Olympiad. METHODS: This case-control research compared the mental skill of injured versus the uninjured athletes participating in the sport Olympiad by using OMSAT -3. Thirty-four elite male student athletes who were injured during the competitions were compared with 34 other elite athletes who were not injured in the same Olympiad. Both groups completed OMSAT -3 questioner. SPSS: PC 16.0 software was employed to analyze the data and independent t-test was used to compare the two groups. RESULTS: The result of analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the majority of sub-scales of mental skills of the two groups (P<0.05). The uninjured athletes scored higher on the sub skills of self-confidence, commitment and goal setting in addition to stress reactions, relaxation, activation, imagery, mental practice and competition plan. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study showed that mental skill is an important aspect of sport performance and may play a role in protecting the athletes against sport injury. Further research is needed to determine whether such differences is present among other league competitions. © 2018 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDIC
Neuro-Immuno-Endocrine Interactions in Early Life Stress and Heroin Withdrawal Timeline
Get PDFBoth heroin abuse and early life stress (ELS) affect the immune system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Additionally, accelerated aging due to mild inflammation has been indicated in these conditions. The present study aims to compare plasma levels of apoptosis markers, inflammatory markers, and stress hormones during early heroin abstinence period. Thirty-one individuals with heroin/opioid use disorder who had heroin-ELS and 26 of their siblings who were not abusing substances (ELS), and 32 individuals with heroin/opioid use disorder without a history of ELS (heroin-no ELS) were included in the study. The levels of interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, albumin, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and white blood cell count were assessed as the inflammatory and biochemistry markers. Also, apoptosis markers including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related weak inducer of apoptosis, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type I as apoptosis markers were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ELS was simultaneously evaluated using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, and beck depression inventory scales. Besides, heroin craving was assessed by Daily Drinking/Drug Questionnaire score in individuals with heroin use disorder. This is the first study to evaluate the inflammatory, stress, and apoptosis markers during heroin abstinence, supporting the association between ELS and peripheral pro-inflammatory markers' levels and HPA axis. © 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel
Immunoregulatory effects of human amnion epithelial cells on natural killer and t cells in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) Tekrarlayan gebelik kaybı olan kadınlarda insan amniyon epitel hücrelerinin do�al öldürücü ve t lenfositleri üzerine olan etkisi
No full textIntroduction: Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion (URSA) is the most common immunological complication during pregnancy. It has been found that the cells such as human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) have the potency to modulate immune responses in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we assessed the immunomodulatory effect of hAECs on NK cells and T cells in women with URSA. Materials and Methods: Peripheral Blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from 14 URSA patients and co-cultured with isolated hAECs. NK cells and T cells were identified using anti-CD56 and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies (mAb). The expression of the activating receptor CD69 and the degranulation marker CD107a on NK cells and T cells were detected using specific mAb and analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: We found that CD69 activating receptor expression on NK cells and T cells was significantly decreased by incubation with hAECs in a dose-dependent manner (p=0.049). Also, the degranulation marker CD107a was significantly downregulated on NK cells and T cells following incubation with hAEC (p=0.003). Conclusion: Our results suggest hAECs have immune regulatory effects on activation and cytotoxicity of NK and T cells. Potential therapeutic application of hAECs for dysregulated NK and T cells immunity should be investigated in the future. ©2019 Turkish Journal of Immunology. All rights reserved