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Effects of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and curcumin on the premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea: A systematic review
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea, in addition to harming the physical and mental health of women, also disrupt their daily life and quality of life. We aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and curcumin on PMS and dysmenorrhea. PRISMA guideline 2020 was followed for conducting this systematic review. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Finally, 17 articles were found after considering the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria into account. Data were extracted and entered into an Excel file for further investigation and drew the results. Curcuma longa and curcumin affect PMS and dysmenorrhea through various mechanisms. They inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the production of prostaglandins, thus reducing inflammation and pain. Additionally, curcumin’s antioxidant properties protect against oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation helps maintain hormonal balance, exert analgesic effects, and relieve the symptoms of PMS and dysmenorrhea. They also insert neurotransmitter modulatory properties, such as increased serotonin and dopamine levels, which may contribute to their antidepressant, and sedative effects. Curcuma longa and curcumin indicated promising therapeutic effects in reducing PMS and dysmenorrhea symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Although, further well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish their efficacy and optimal dosage
Curcumin effects on glycaemic indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammatory markers and anthropometric measurements of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Objectives: Curcumin has antioxidant properties and has been proposed as a potential treatment for NAFLD. The aim of current systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate previous findings for the effect of curcumin supplementation on glycaemic indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and anthropometric measurements of NAFLD patients. Methods: Relevant studies published up to January 2024 were searched systematically using the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, WOS, Science Direct, Ovid and Cochrane. The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. The quality of the papers was assessed the using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model and reported as the WMD and 95% CI. Also, subgroup analyses were done to find probable sources of heterogeneity among studies. Results: Out of 21010 records initially identified, 21 eligible RCTs were selected for inclusion in a meta-analysis. Overall, 1191 participants of both genders, 600 in the intervention and 591 in the control group with NAFLD were included. There are several limitations in the studies that were included, for instance, the results are weakened substantially by potential bias or failure to account for potential adulteration (with pharmaceuticals) or contamination (with other herbs) of the curcumin supplements that were tested. However, previous studies have reported curcumin to be a safe complementary therapy for several conditions. Our study indicated that curcumin supplementation in doses of 50−3000 mg/day was associated with significant change in FBG [WMD: −2.83; 95% CI: −4.61, −1.06), I2 = 51.3%], HOMA-IR [WMD: −0.52; 95% CI: −0.84, −0.20), I2= 82.8%], TG [WMD: −10.31; 95% CI: −20.00, −0.61), I2 = 84.5%], TC [WMD: −11.81; 95% CI: −19.65, −3.96), I2 = 94.6%], LDL [WMD: −8.01; 95% CI: −15.79, −0.24), I2 = 96.1%], weight [WMD: −0.81; 95% CI: −1.28, −0.35), I2= 0.0%] and BMI [WMD: −0.35; 95% CI: −0.57, −0.13), I2= 0.0%] in adults with NAFLD. There was no significant change in HbA1C, plasma insulin, QUICKI, HDL, SBP, DBP, CRP, TNF-α and WC after curcumin therapy. Subgroup analysis suggested a significant changes in serum FBG, TG, SBP, WC in RCTs for intervention durations of ≥ 8 weeks, and SBP, TG, LDL, HDL, BMI, WC in RCTs with sample size > 55 participants. Conclusion: Curcumin supplementation in doses of 50−3000 mg/day over 8–12 weeks was associated with significant reductions in levels of FBG, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, LDL, weight and BMI in patients with NAFLD. Previous studies have reported curcumin as a safe complementary therapy for several diseases. We would suggest that should curcumin supplements be used clinically in specific conditions, it should be used with caution. Also, difference in grades of NAFLD may effect the evaluated outcomes, so it is suggested that future studies be conducted with an analyses on subgroups according to their NAFLD grade. Furthermore, because of the failure to conduct independent biochemical assessment of the turmeric/curcumin product used in most studies as well as potential sources of bias, results should be interpreted with caution
SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron (BA.4, BA.5) variant: Lessons learned from a new variant during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Background and Aim: In late 2021, the world faced the rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, which quickly became the variant of concern. In April 2022, two new lineages of Omicron (BA.4/BA.5) emerged from Africa, where they caused the fifth wave of infection. Method: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus online databases up to December 2023 for founding relevant studies. Results: BA.4 and BA.5 subgroups, with changes in the spike protein, have a greater ability to escape from the immune system, which was possible with the help of L452R and F486V mutations. Epidemiologically, these evolving subtypes show similarities to seasonal influenza but with higher mortality rates. The symptoms of these subgroups are different from the previous types in the form of upper respiratory symptoms. Antiviral treatments, the use of antibodies such as bebtelovimab, and the development of vaccines are promising. Conclusion: Consequently, we must continue to be vigilant in our joint surveillance efforts against COVID-19 in diagnosis and treatment
Temporal patterns of cancer burden in Asia, 1990–2019: a systematic examination for the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study
Background: Cancers represent a challenging public health threat in Asia. This study examines the temporal patterns of incidence, mortality, disability and risk factors of 29 cancers in Asia in the last three decades. Methods: The age, sex and year-wise estimates of incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of 29 cancers for 49 Asian countries from 1990 through 2019 were generated as a part of the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries and Risk Factors 2019 study. Besides incidence, mortality and DALYs, we also examined the cancer burden measured in terms of DALYs and deaths attributable to risk factors, which had evidence of causation with different cancers. The development status of countries was measured using the socio-demographic index. Decomposition analysis was performed to gauge the change in cancer incidence between 1990 and 2019 due to population growth, aging and age-specific incidence rates. Findings: All cancers combined claimed an estimated 5.6 million [95% uncertainty interval, 5.1–6.0 million] lives in Asia with 9.4 million [8.6–10.2 million] incident cases and 144.7 million [132.7–156.5 million] DALYs in 2019. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of all cancers combined in Asia was 197.6/100,000 [181.0–214.4] in 2019, varying from 99.2/100,000 [76.1–126.0] in Bangladesh to 330.5/100,000 [298.5–365.8] in Cyprus. The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) was 120.6/100,000 [110.1–130.7] in 2019, varying 4-folds across countries from 71.0/100,000 [59.9–83.5] in Kuwait to 284.2/100,000 [229.2–352.3] in Mongolia. The age-standardized DALYs rate was 2970.5/100,000 [2722.6–3206.5] in 2019, varying from 1578.0/100,000 [1341.2–1847.0] in Kuwait to 6574.4/100,000 [5141.7–8333.0] in Mongolia. Between 1990 and 2019, deaths due to 17 of the 29 cancers either doubled or more, and 20 of the 29 cancers underwent an increase of 150% or more in terms of new cases. Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer (both sexes), breast cancer (among females), colon and rectum cancer (both sexes), stomach cancer (both sexes) and prostate cancer (among males) were among top-5 cancers in most Asian countries in terms of ASIR and ASMR in 2019 and cancers of liver, stomach, hodgkin lymphoma and esophageal cancer posted the most significant decreases in age-standardized rates between 1990 and 2019. Among the modifiable risk factors, smoking, alcohol use, ambient particulate matter (PM) pollution and unsafe sex remained the dominant risk factors between 1990 and 2019. Cancer DALYs due to ambient PM pollution, high body mass index and fasting plasma glucose has increased most notably between 1990 and 2019. Interpretation: With growing incidence, cancer has become more significant public health threat in Asia, demanding urgent policy attention and guidance. Its heightened risk calls for increased cancer awareness, preventive measures, affordable early-stage detection, and cost-effective therapeutics in Asia. The current study can serve as a useful resource for policymakers and researchers in Asia for devising interventions for cancer management and control. Funding: The GBD study is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
New anthracene-based Oxime-Palladium complexes loaded on albumin nanoparticles, in vitro cytotoxicity, mathematical release mechanism studies and biological macromolecules interaction investigation
In this research work, two new palladium complexes [trans-Pd(C15H10NOCH3)2]Cl2 (1) and [cis- Pd(C15H10NOCH3)(PPh3)2Cl]Cl (2) were synthesized using an alkoxyme ligand named isophethalaldoxime. Then structure characterization has been done by FT-IR and different NMR (1H, 13C and 31P) spectroscopy. Then, their interactions with biological macromolecules including deoxyribonucleic acid and bovine serum albumin were studied using various spectroscopic methods such as UV–Vis absorption, fluorescence emission spectroscopy and circular dichroism. The results showed the binding of the prepared complexes to the deoxyribonucleic acid via grooves and different binding sites of bovine serum albumin. Fluorescence emission data showed that the mechanism of extinction of albumin emission by these compounds is static. Competitive titration was performed on albumin with eosin-Y, ibuprofen and digoxin as site markers I, II and III. The antitumor activity and toxicity of these compounds were evaluated on cancer cell lines A549 (leukemia) and K562 by in-vitro cytotoxicity test. The IC50 values showed the good activity of these complexes in inhibiting cancer cells. In the last section, the release mechanism of synthesized complexes from albumin nanoparticles (BNPs) was investigated and theoretical calculations were performed that showed Korsmeyer-Peppas mechanism for complex (1) and Quadratic mechanism for complex (2)
The Effect of a Program Based on Roy’s Adaptation Model on Coping Skills of Children of People with Multiple Sclerosis
Background: The health of children is affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in their parents and various complications of it. Given this, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of a program based on Roy's adaptation model on the coping skills of children of MS patients. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 78 children of 78 MS patients from Shahrekord Support Association of MS patients including around 1800 patient members in 2018 using a quasi-experimental method. Samples were selected by the convenience sampling method, and a researcher-made checklist was completed based on Roy's adaptation model by them, and those who scored less than 80% on the checklist were included in the study and randomly allocated to control and intervention groups. The coping skills questionnaire was completed before, immediately, and 2 months after the intervention in two groups. In the intervention group, a supportive training program was developed and implemented based on Roy's adaptation model in six sessions and followed up for 2 months. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 23 using statistical tests. Results: There was a significant difference in changes in mean coping skills scores during the intervention between control and intervention groups (p < 0.001) so that the coping skills scores showed a significant increase in the intervention group. Conclusions: It is possible to increase the level of adaptation in children of MS patients and improve their coping skills by using educational and supportive programs based on Roy's adaptation model
The Antidiabetic Mechanisms of Hesperidin: Hesperidin Nanocarriers as Promising Therapeutic Options for Diabetes
A natural flavonoid with exceptional medicinal capabilities, hesperidin, has shown encouraging results in the treatment of diabetes. Thoughts are still being held on the particular processes through which hesperidin exerts its anti-diabetic effects. This work clarifies the complex antidiabetic mechanisms of hesperidin by investigating the molecular pathways involved in glucose homeostasis, insulin signaling, and oxidative stress control. Additionally, the article explores the newly developing field of nanocarrier-based systems as a prospective means of boosting the therapeutic efficiency of hesperidin in the treatment of diabetes. This is because there are difficulties connected with the efficient delivery of hesperidin. These cutting-edge platforms show enormous potential for changing diabetes therapy by utilizing the benefits of nanocarriers, such as enhanced solubility, stability, and targeted delivery. In conclusion, our comprehensive review emphasizes the antidiabetic potential of hesperidin and underscores the intriguing possibilities provided by hesperidin nanocarriers in the search for more effective and individualized diabetes therapies
Effects and Mechanisms of Fisetin against Ischemia-reperfusion Injuries: A Systematic Review
Background: Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a well-known ailment that can disturb organ function. Objectives: This systematic review study investigated fisetin's effects and possible mechanisms in attenuating myocardial, cerebral, renal, and hepatic IRIs. Methods: This systematic review included studies earlier than Sep 2023 by following the PRISMA statement 2020. After determining inclusion and exclusion criteria and related keywords, bibliographic databases, such as Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases, were used to search the relevant studies. Studies were imported in End-Note X8, and the primary information was recorded in Excel. Results: Fisetin reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and upregulated antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), in ischemic tissues. Moreover, fisetin can attenuate oxidative stress by activating phosphoinositide-3-kinase–protein kinase B/Akt (PI3K/Akt) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways. Fisetin has been indicated to prevent the activation of several pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, including NF-κB (Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) and MAPKs (Mitogen-activated protein kinases). It also inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes like tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), inducible-NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-1, and IL-6. Fisetin attenuates IRI by improving mito-chondrial function, anti-apoptotic effects, promoting autophagy, and preserving tissues from histological changes induced by IRIs. Conclusion: Fisetin, by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, mitochondrial protection, promoting autophagy, and anti-apoptotic properties, can reduce cell injury due to myocardial, cerebral renal, and hepatic IRIs without any significant side effects
The Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and Fibrocystic Breast Disorder
Background: The role of deficiency of vitamin D in a wide range of human cancer, including breast cancer, has been proven, but its role in benign breast diseases remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with fibrocystic breast (FB) disease. Methods: First, the hospital prevalence of fibrocystic breast was determined by a cross - sectional study. Then, patients were divided into two groups by a case-control study; women with confirmed fibrocystic breasts based on b reast pain, physical examination, and ultrasonography were included as a case group (N=48), and age-matched women without fibrocystic breasts were also included as a control group (N=48). After recording the demographic and gynecological characteristics and exposure to the sun, gynecological records, and family history of fibrocystic breast, the blood sample was taken to determine vitamin D. Data were analyzed by Stata software. Results: The result indicated that the studied groups had significant differences in regards to weight, breast pain, the severity of breast pain, breast heaviness, family history of fibrocystic breast, history of breast disease, caffeine consumption, and exposure to sunlight (p <0.05), but did not show significant differences based on age, occupation, education, gynecological history, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity and hypothyroidism, vegetable, fast food, and dairy products consumption. The frequency of vitamin D deficiency in the case group was 45.8%, and in the control group, it was 20.8%, and there was a statistically significant difference (p <0.05). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is more common in women with fibrocystic breast disease and may play a role in the development of the disease