1,721,078 research outputs found
Change of some oxidative stress parameters after supplementation with whey protein isolate in patients with type 2 diabetes
No full textObjectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of undenatured whey protein isolate (WPI; ≥92.5%) with a high content of native cysteine (2.7%) and a standardized content of lactoferrin (≥0.7%) on parameters related to oxidative stress and inflammation in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: We assigned 120 white patients with type 2 diabetes and glycated hemoglobin ≥6.5% to two groups. The patients were supplemented daily with WPI or placebo for 3 mo. After 3 mo, the markers of oxidation (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, and reduced glutathione-to-oxidized glutathione ratio) and inflammation (high sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor -α, malondialdehyde) were significantly lower in the WPI group than in the placebo group (P < 0.05). The WPI group obtained a significant improvement in the lipid profile and a reduction in fasting plasma glucose compared with baseline and placebo (P < 0.05). No variations of body weight, body mass index or circumferences and metalloproteinase-2 and -9, or soluble receptor for advanced glycation end product were recorded in either groups. Conclusion: Supplementation with WPI may be useful in patients with diabetes to control fasting glycemia. Moreover, it can help to improve inflammatory and oxidative stress, which play a crucial role in the development of diabetes complications and also in the progression of other chronic diseases
AMLODIPINE ALONE COMPARED TO AMLODIPINE plus ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID ON INFLAMMATION AND ENDOTHELIAL DAMAGE MARKERS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
No full textObjective:
To evaluate the effects of amlodipine alone, compared to amlodipine + acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), on some inflammatory and endothelial damage markers in patients affected by essential hypertension.
Design and method:
We enrolled 213 hypertensive patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Patients were randomised to amlodipine 5 mg, or amlodipine 5 mg + ASA for three months; then, if adequate blood pressure control was not reached, amlodipine was up-titrated to 10 mg/day for further 3 months and compared to amlodipine 10 mg + ASA 100 mg.
We evaluate, at baseline, after 3 and 6 months: high sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), adiponectin (ADN), tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-alfa), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), myeloperoxidase (MPO), soluble CD40 ligand (sCDL40).
Results:
After 3 months of therapy, no variations of the above cited markers were recorded with amlodipine alone. Patients treated with amlodipine 5 mg + ASA 100 mg, instead, showed a reduction of Hs-CRP, TNF-alfa, MPO, and sCDL40, and an increase of ADN, both compared to baseline (p < 0.05 for all) and to amlodipine alone (p < 0.05 for all). Regarding IL-1beta, it decreased with amlodipine 5 mg + ASA 100 mg compared to baseline (p < 0.05 for all), but no differences were recorded compared to amlodipine alone. One hundred and seven patients continued the study, and were up-titrated to amlodipine 10 mg + ASA 100 mg or to amlodipine 10 mg alone. We observed a decrease of Hs-CRP, TNF-alfa, MPO, and sCDL40 and an increase of ADN in both groups compared to baseline (p < 0.05 for amlodipine alone, and p < 0.01 for amlodipine + ASA). Values recorded with amlodipine 10 mg + ASA were better than the ones recorded with amlodipine 10 mg alone (p < 0.05 for all). Regarding IL-1beta, it decreased compared to baseline only with amlodipine 10 mg + ASA. No significant serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
The addition of ASA to anti-hypertensive therapy gave a better improvement of inflammatory parameters compared to amlodipine alone, suggesting a role of ASA in reducing inflammation and endothelial damage independently from the blood pressure reduction
Nutraceutical Approach to Preventing Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Related Complications
No full textIntroduction Several months ago, Chinese authorities identified an atypical pneumonia in Wuhan city, province of Hubei (China) caused by a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV or SARS-CoV-2). The WHO announced this new disease was to be known as "COVID-19". Evidence Acquisition Several approaches are currently underway for the treatment of this disease, but a specific cure remains to be established. Evidence Synthesis This review will describe how the use of selected nutraceuticals could be helpful, in addition to pharmacological therapy, in preventing some COVID-19-related complications in infected patients. Conclusions Even if a specific and effective cure for COVID-19 still has some way to go, selected nutraceuticals could be helpful, in addition to pharmacological therapy, in preventing some COVID-19-related complications in infected patients
A role for quercetin in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
No full textSeveral months ago, an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown aetiology was detected in Wuhan City (China) and the aetiological agent of the atypical pneumonia was isolated by the Chinese authorities as novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV or SARS-CoV-2). The WHO announced this new disease was to be known as “COVID-19.” When looking for new antiviral compounds, knowledge of the main viral proteins is fundamental. The major druggable targets of SARS-CoV-2 include 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and spike (S) protein. Quercetin inhibits 3CLpro and PLpro with a docking binding energy corresponding to −6.25 and −4.62 kcal/mol, respectively. Quercetin has a theoretical, but significant, capability to interfere with SARS-CoV-2 replication, with the results showing this to be the fifth best compound out of 18 candidates. On the basis of the clinical COVID-19 manifestations, the multifaceted aspect of quercetin as both antiinflammatory and thrombin-inhibitory actions, should be taken into consideration
Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus on glycemic status and on endothelial damage markers in dysglicemic patients.
No full textThe aim of this study was to evaluate a nutraceutical combination containing polyphenols extracted from Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus and chromium picolinate on glyemic status; secondary outcomes were considered the changes on endothelial markers. We randomized 65 dysglycemic patients to placebo or the nutraceutical agent for 6 months. We evaluated fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), HbA1c , fasting plasma insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and adhesion molecules. At baseline and at 3 and 6 months, all patients underwent an oral glucose tolerance test. We recorded a reduction of HbA1c , FPG, PPG, and HOMA-IR compared with placebo (p < 0.05). After 6 months, 18.2% of patients retuned to a normal glycemic status in the nutraceutical group versus 0 patients in placebo group (p < 0.05); 69.7% were classified as impaired fasting glycemia and 12.1% as impaired glucose tolerance in the nutraceutical group versus 17.2% and 82.8 in placebo group (p < 0.01) for both. A reduction of Hs-CRP and TNF-α was recorded with the nutraceutical. The administration of a nutraceutical combination containing A. nodosum and F. vesiculosus can be helpful in improving insulin sensitivity and glycemic status. Larger randomized studies are required to confirm the positive effects of these agents
Evaluation of the Effect on Sexual Performance of a Nutraceutical Combination Containing Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitis vinifera L. and Ginkgo biloba, Compared to Placebo, Avanafil or a Combination of Nutraceutical Plus Avanafil in Males With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus With Erectile Dysfunction
No full textAim: To evaluate if therapy with a nutraceutical combination of alpha lipoic acid, Vitis vinifera L. and Ginkgo biloba (Blunorm forte®) can be helpful and be synergic with Avanafil. Methods: The trial included 123 males with type 2 diabetic mellitus and with erectile dysfunction (ED), aged ≥18 years. Patients were divided in four different arms: 1st arm: placebo during the three months of treatment and before sexual act; 2nd arm: placebo for three months and Avanafil: 1 tablet, 200 mg, 15-30 minutes before sexual act; 3rd arm: Blunorm forte: 1 tablet, 40 minutes before the meal (breakfast) during the three months and Avanafil: 1 tablet, 200 mg, 15-30 minutes before sexual act; 4th arm: Blunorm forte: 1 tablet, 40 minutes before the meal (breakfast and dinner) during the three months and placebo 15-30 minutes before sexual act. Results: A significant reduction of fasting plasma glucose, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index were recorded both in Avanafil + Blunorm forte and with Blunorm forte. Metalloproteinases-2, and -9 were reduced in the Avanafil + Blunorm forte group. High sensitivity-C-reactive protein was decreased by both Avanafil, and Avanafil + Blunorm forte group. No variations were recorded with the other treatments. The group treated with Blunorm forte and Avanafil reached a higher International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score after 3 months of therapy compared to baseline and placebo and compared to Avanafil and Blunorm forte taken alone. Conclusion: Blunorm forte® can be helpful and synergic with Avanafil in increasing sexual performance compared to placebo
Female Sexual Dysfunction in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
No full textThe correlation of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) with the degree of glycemic control, the duration and complications of diabetic disease and cardiovascular risk factors are not so clear. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of FSD in a sample of females with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to identify factors involved in its pathogenesis. We enrolled 81 females who have T2DM. We administered the female sexual function index (FSFI), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) questionnaires. We also estimated anthropometric parameters, glyco-metabolic control, comorbidities, autonomic nervous system assessment, some adipocytokines and ongoing therapy. 87% of participants were affected by FSD. There was evidence of an inverse correlation between the total score of the FSFI questionnaire and the mean of the values of HbA1c in the previous years. There was an inverse correlation with the duration of diabetes and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index in participants not affected by FSD. Participants with FSD have a higher prevalence of anxiety (p = 0.043) and participants with depression and ischemic heart disease scored less on the FSFI questionnaire (p = 0.005 and p = 0.010, respectively). Homocysteine and E-selectin values were higher in participants with FSFI (p = 0.002, and p = 0.017, respectively). Most of the enrolled females with T2DM had FSD. Glycemic control, ischemic heart disease, endothelial dysfunction, autonomic neuropathy, and psychological conditions, such as anxiety and depression, seem to have a close correlation with FSD. An early diagnosis of FSD can help to improve not only participants’ quality of life, but also to early identify and treat risk factors related not only to FSD, but also to cardiovascular risk. Therefore, we highly recommend that clinicians have a high index of suspicion for FSD in females with T2DM
Safety and efficacy of alpha lipoic acid during 4 years of observation: A retrospective, clinical trial in healthy subjects in primary prevention
No full textAim: To evaluate the safety of four different dosages of alpha lipoic acid (400, 600, 800, and 1200 mg) as food supplement on adverse events related to alpha lipoic acid consumption and efficacy on glycemic status and lipid profile in subjects with euglycemia or dysglycemia. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational study enrolling 322 patients, 83 taking 400 mg/day, 78 taking 600 mg/day, 80 taking 800 mg/day, and 81 taking 1200 mg/day alpha lipoic acid, respectively. Results: In the groups treated with alpha lipoic acid 800 and 1200 mg/day, we registered a reduction of FPG, TC, LDL-C, and Tg compared to baseline (p < 0.05 for all with alpha lipoic acid 800 mg/day, and p < 0.01 for all with alpha lipoic acid 1200 mg/day). The values recorded in the group treated with alpha lipoic acid 1200 mg/day were significantly lower compared to the ones obtained with alpha lipoic acid 400 mg/day. Moreover, alpha lipoic acid 1200 mg/day reduced Hs-CRP levels compared to baseline and compared to 400 mg/day (p < 0.05 for both). In the group treated with alpha lipoic acid at 800 mg/day, 5 subjects with IFG and 1 subject with IGT returned euglycemic. In the group treated with alpha lipoic acid at 1200 mg/day, 11 subjects with IFG and 3 subjects with IGT returned euglycemic. Adverse events of patients during alpha lipoic acid treatment included nausea, vomiting, dizziness, cutaneous rash, hypoglycemia, and hypotension. Adverse events did not differ among the four groups. Conclusion: The chronic use (4 years) of a food supplement containing alpha lipoic acid is well tolerated, without significant differences between lower and higher dosages and improves glycemic status and lipid profile but only if administered at high dosage
Adipose tissue dysfunction and metabolic disorders: Is it possible to predict who will develop type 2 diabetes mellitus? Role of markErs in the progreSsion of dIabeteS in obese paTIeNts (The RESISTIN trial)
No full textThe aim of this study was to valuate if there are some differences in metabolic parameters among obese which will develop diabetes and those that will not develop diabetes. We enrolled 959 obese, normal glucose tolerant, of either sex, outpatients and evaluated them for 8 years. We evaluated: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index, blood pressure, lipid profile, lipoprotein(a), adiponectin (ADN), resistin, leptin, high sensitivity reactive protein (Hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4), adipsin, vaspin, visfatin, omentin-1, chemerin. After 8 years of observation, 429 patients maintained euglycemia, while 133 patients developed dysglycemia, and 90 developed diabetes. In dysglycemic patients, ADN was lower, and resistin was higher compared to baseline, while in diabetic patients ADN was lower, and resistin was higher both compared to baseline, and compared to euglycemic and dysglycemic patients. High sensitivity C-reactive protein, TNF-α were higher in both dysglycemic and diabetic patients compared to baseline, but the values recorded in diabetics were higher both compared to euglycemic and dysglycemic. Visfatin was higher and omentin-1 was lower compared to baseline, and compared to euglycemic patients in diabetics. Odds ratio showed that lower levels of adiponectin and higher levels of resistin, but not of other cytokines, increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data seem to suggest that lower levels of adiponectin, and higher levels of resistin can be predictive of a future diabetes in obese people, even years before the disease onset
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