The effect of Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Okra) extract supplementation on glycaemic control, inflammation, kidney function and expression of PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, TGF-ß and Nrf-2 genes in patients with diabetic nephropathy: a triple-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of okra extract supplementation on kidney function, glycaemic control, inflammation and gene expression in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). A total of sixty-four DN patients based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited in this triple-blind placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial. Participants were randomly allocated to receive a 125-mg capsule of dried okra extract (DOE) (n 32) or placebo (n 32) for 10 weeks. At the baseline and endpoint of the trial, kidney function, glycaemic indices, inflammation and gene expression were evaluated. Statistical analysis showed that fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and insulin resistance significantly reduced in the DOE group although between-group analysis did not show any significant difference. Also, no significant difference was observed in urine protein, urine creatinine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein between the two groups. Furthermore, gene expression of PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, transforming growth factor-beta and Nrf-2 did not affect the end of the trial in comparison with the baseline. According to the present study, DOE did not have impressive effects on kidney function, inflammation, glycaemic management and gene expression in patients with DN.

Expression of NF-κB, IL-6, and IL-10 genes, body composition, and hepatic fibrosis in obese patients with NAFLD-Combined effects of oleoylethanolamide supplementation and calorie restriction: A triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of oleoylethanolamide (OEA) supplementation combined with calorie restriction on inflammation, body composition, and hepatic fibrosis among obese patients with NAFLD. In this 12-week randomized clinical trial, 76 obese patients newly diagnosed with NAFLD were randomly allocated into either OEA or placebo group. The weight-loss diet was also designed for both groups. Pre- and postintervention messenger RNA expression levels of the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10, body composition, and NAFLD fibrosis score were assessed. At the end of the study, the OEA group showed lower NF-κB and IL-6 expression levels compared to the placebo (p < .01). However, IL-10 expression level was approximately twofold higher in the OEA group compared to the placebo group (p = .008). A significant reduction was observed in the fat mass of the OEA group compared to the placebo (p = .044) postintervention. In addition, OEA supplementation led to a significant increase in fat-free mass in the OEA group compared to the placebo (p = .032). A remarkable increase was observed in resting metabolic rate (RMR) in the OEA group (p = .009); however, it was not found in the placebo group. There were no significant between-group differences in RMR postintervention. In addition, no significant within-and between-group differences were observed in the NAFLD fibrosis score at the end of the trial. Treatment with OEA along with weight-loss intervention could significantly improve inflammation and body composition in patients with NAFLD.

Food Insecurity and Lipid Profile Abnormalities Are Associated with an Increased Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Case-Control Study.

This case-control study aimed to assess the relationship between food insecurity, its related risk factors and NAFLD among 210 subjects. The demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, anthropometric indices, and food insecurity and depression status were assessed. The prevalence of food insecurity was 56.8% and 26.1% in cases and controls (p < .001), respectively. The chance of NAFLD in the food insecure, depressed, overweight, and obese subjects was 2.2 (95%CI: 1.12-3.43), 1.9 (95%CI: 1.02-3.62), 2.6 (95%CI: 1.81-3.92), and 2.9 (95%CI: 2.02-5.34) times higher than food secured, normal, and normal weight subjects, respectively. A higher waist circumference (men, OR = 2.9, p < .001; women, OR = 2.6, p < .001), a high waist-to-hip ratio (men, OR = 2.3, p < .001; women, OR = 2.7, p < .001), an increased waist-to-height ratio (OR = 2.9, p < .001), and a higher body fat percentage (men, OR = 3.0, p < .001; women, OR = 3.3, p < .001) were associated with an increased risk of NAFLD. The odds of NAFLD increased by increment in serum triglyceride (TG) levels (OR = 2.6, p < .001) and decreased by increase in serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR = 0.34, p < .001). Compared to controls, patients with NAFLD were more likely to have higher TG/HDL-C ratio (OR = 3.3, p < .001). It seems food insecurity was an important risk factor for NAFLD. Additionally, some indicators of dyslipidemia significantly increased the risk of NAFLD.

The potential therapeutic effects of the gut microbiome manipulation by synbiotic containing-Lactobacillus plantarum on neuropsychological performance of diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: The manipulation of gut microbiota as a target has been suggested to reduce the risks for a number of diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Conversely, T2DM is associated with complications such as gut and brain disorders. Furthermore, the impact of probiotics and prebiotics to improve T2DM complications are reported. Thus, the present study seeks to investigate the therapeutic and neuropsychological effects of L. plantarum and inulin in diabetic rats. METHODS: Throughout the investigation, L. plantarum, inulin or their combination (synbiotic) was administered to diabetic rats. in the end, fecal samples were collected to evaluate the gut microbial composition. Then behavioral tests were conducted. Subsequently, the obtainment of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampal samples. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated that administration of L. plantarum and inulin could improve gut dysbiosis and oxidative stress status. In addition, it could ameliorate serotonin and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway. Notably, a strong correlation between the gut microbiota changes and cognition responses was observed. Interestingly, synbiotics intake exploited a rather powerful effect on oxidative stress markers. CONCLUSION: The findings confirm that there is a beneficial therapeutic potential of supplements, especially symbiotic. Moreover, neuropsychological improvement associated with balanced gut microbiome.

Oleoylethanolamide supplementation in obese patients newly diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Effects on metabolic parameters, anthropometric indices, and expression of PPAR-α, UCP1, and UCP2 genes.

The effects of oleoylethanolamide (OEA) on NAFLD are yet to be examined in human. The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of OEA supplementation along with weight loss intervention on the expression of PPAR-α, uncoupling proteins 1and 2 (UCP1 and UCP2) genes in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), metabolic parameters, and anthropometric indices among obese patients with NAFLD. In this triple-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 76 obese patients newly diagnosed with NAFLD were randomly allocated into either OEA or placebo group along with calorie-restricted diets for 12 weeks. At pre-and post-intervention phase, mRNA expression levels of PPAR-α, UCP1, and UCP2 genes in the PBMCs, serum levels of metabolic parameters as well as diet and appetite sensations were assessed. There was a significant increase in the expression levels of PPAR-α, UCP1, and UCP2 genes in the PBMCs, compared to the placebo at the endpoint. A significant decrease in the anthropometric indices, energy and carbohydrate intakes, glycemic parameters, except for hemoglobin A1c concentration was also observed in the OEA group, compared to the placebo group. OEA treatment significantly resulted in decreased serum levels of triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALT/AST, increased serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and improved appetite sensations. Importantly, a significant improvement in TG, ALT, AST, ALT/AST, HDL-C levels as well as appetite sensations by OEA were under the influence of body mass index (BMI). Although liver steatosis severity was significantly reduced in both groups, the between-group differences did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.061). In conclusion, the present study, for the first time, revealed that OEA supplementation significantly improved anthropometric and metabolic risk factors related to NAFLD.

A systematic review of the effects of oleoylethanolamide, a high-affinity endogenous ligand of PPAR-α, on the management and prevention of obesity.

Along with an increase in overweight and obesity among all age groups, the development of efficacious and safe anti-obesity strategies for patients, as well as health systems, is critical. Oleoylethanolamide (OEA), a high-affinity endogenous ligand of nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), plays important physiological and metabolic actions. OEA is derived from oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, which has beneficial effects on body composition and regional fat distribution. The role of OEA in the modulation of food consumption and weight management makes it an attractive molecule requiring further exploration in obesogenic environments. This systematic review was conducted to assess the effects of OEA on the obesity management, with emphasizing on its physiological roles and possible mechanisms of action in energy homeostasis. We searched PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, ProQuest, and EMBASE up until September 2019. Out of 712 records screened, 30 articles met the study criteria. The evidence reviewed here indicates that OEA, an endocannabinoid-like compound, leads to satiation or meal termination through PPAR-α activation and fatty acid translocase (FAT)/CD36. Additionally, the lipid-amide OEA stimulates fatty acid uptake, lipolysis, and beta-oxidation, and also promotes food intake control. OEA also exerts satiety-inducing effects by activating the hedonic dopamine pathways and increasing homeostatic oxytocin and brain histamine. In conclusion, OEA may be a key component of the physiological system involved in the regulation of dietary fat consumption and energy homeostasis; therefore, it is suggested as a possible therapeutic agent for the management of obesity.

Association of proinflammatory genes expression with serum interleukin 1ß and free fatty acids in metabolically healthy and unhealthy abdominally obese individuals: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Proinflammatory genes are highly expressed in several metabolic disorders associated with obesity. But it is not clarified whether gene expression levels and downstream inflammatory markers are related to the metabolic state or the presence of obesity. Hence, the present study aimed to compare Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR2), Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 (MyD88), and NFĸB mRNA expression levels between metabolically healthy abdominally obese (MHAO) and metabolically unhealthy abdominally obese (MUAO) individuals. RESULTS: We compared mRNA expression levels of the genes as well as serum FFAs and IL-1ß in MUAO (n = 36) and MHAO (n = 34) groups. Serum FBS, TG, and HDL-C in addition to systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in MUAO than MHAO groups (p < 0.05). The odds of MUAO was significantly decreased with high HDL-C (OR = 0.22, 95%CI: 0.08-0.63) and increased with high FBS (OR = 7.04, 95%CI: 1.42-34.69) and TG (OR = 30.55, 95%CI: 7.48-60.67). There were no significant differences in proinflammatory genes as well as serum FFAs and IL-1ß between the two groups. No associations were found between the genes expression and serum markers. However, NFĸB expression was significantly correlated with TLR2 and MyD88 (r = 0.747; p < 0.001). Significant correlations were also noticed between TLR2 and MyD88 expression as well as between serum FFAs and IL-1ß in each group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Serum concentration of IL-1ß, FFAs, and mRNA expression levels of TLR2, MyD88, and NFĸB may be resulted from abdominal obesity and not be related to the presence or absence of metabolic health.

Inflammatory Potential of Diet: Association With Chemerin, Omentin, Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Protein, and Insulin Resistance in the Apparently Healthy Obese.

OBJECTIVE: Low-grade inflammation is a characteristic of various conditions, including obesity. Diet is regarded as a strong modifier of inflammation. The potential links between inflammatory properties of diet and adipokines as well as insulin resistance (IR) warrant further investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the associations of the dietary inflammatory index (DII) with serum chemerin, omentin, and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) as well as IR among apparently healthy obese adults. DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, 171 abdominally obese subjects were recruited in the northwest of Iran. Demographic data, dietary intake, anthropometric indices, and physical activity (PA) were assessed. DII scores were calculated based on dietary intake, using a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Basal blood samples were collected to determine the biochemical parameters. A linear regression test with adjusted beta estimates was applied for data analysis. RESULT: Compared to those with higher DII score, the group with lower DII score (anti-inflammatory diet) had higher protein (83.62 ± 36.42 g vs. 71.61 ± 25.94 g) and lower carbohydrate (325.00 ± 125.76 g vs. 378.19 ± 137.69 g) intake. Participants with higher DII score had lower consumption of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats as well as fiber and higher saturated fats (p < .001). Those with elevated DII score had higher levels of chemerin (p = .034) and LBP (p = .040), compared to those with lower DII. Omentin showed no significant differences between groups with different DII scores. Additionally, people with a more proinflammatory diet had higher FBS (p = .005); however, other markers of IR did not differ by DII scores. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that increased inflammatory potential of diet, as indicated by higher DII score, is associated with elevated levels of chemerin and LBP. While DII was positively associated with FBS, no significant correlation was found for insulin and other indices of IR.

The novel insight into anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic effects of psychobiotics in diabetic rats: possible link between gut microbiota and brain regions.

PURPOSE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was associated with gut microbial impairment (dysbiosis) and neurological and behavioral disorders. The role of the gut-brain axis in the management of many diseases including T2DM has been the focus of much research activity in the recent years. However, a wide knowledge gap exists about the gut microbial effects on the function of glia cells. Hence, the present study was aimed to examine the effects of psychobatics on dysbiosis and glia cells function in enteric and central nervous system with an inflammatory insight in T2DM. METHODS: Thirty rats were treated by Lactobacillus (L.) plantarum, inulin, or their combination (synbiotic) for 8 weeks after inducing T2DM. Fecal sample was collected to evaluate gut microbial composition. Then, the rats were sacrificed, and the colon, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were studied. RESULTS: T2DM resulted in dysbiosis and increased levels of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and inflammatory markers (IL-17, IL-6, and TLR-2) in the colon and brain. However, concurrent supplementation of L. plantarum and inulin could improve the gut microbial composition as well as reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines. While the administration of L. plantarum led to a significant decrease in TLR-2 as well as GDNF and GFAP only in the amygdala, the synbiotic intake could make such changes in the colon, amygdala, and PFC. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated an innovative approach to the beneficial effects of psychobiotics in neuroinflammation and behavioral performance through gut microbiota changes, focusing on possible role of glial cells in gut-brain axis.

Correction to: The novel insight into anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic effects of psychobiotics in diabetic rats: possible link between gut microbiota and brain regions.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake in the order of the author list.

Geriatric nutritional risk index as a simple tool for assessment of malnutrition among geriatrics in Northwest of Iran: comparison with mini nutritional assessment.

BACKGROUND: Older people are more likely to develop nutritional problems and timely diagnosis of malnutrition is crucial to prevent hazardous consequences following poor nutrition. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) to assess nutritional status among non-hospitalized elderly, compared to mini nutritional assessment (MNA) among Iranian seniors. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-four subjects, aged ≥ 65 years old were recruited to our cross-sectional study from various districts of Tabriz (Tabriz, Iran). Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were performed, short- and long-form MNAs and GNRI were assessed in our study subjects. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the three indices, agreement between them, and their correlation with anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off point for GNRI in our study population. RESULTS: GNRI had lower sensitivity (50, 57%), but optimal specificity (94, 93%) and lower negative predictive value (NPV; 68, 71%) compared to MNA-LF and MNA-SF, respectively. We found a moderate agreement between GNRI and MNA-SF (K = 0.52) and MNA-LF (K = 0.46) scores. Significant correlations were observed between re-categorized MNAs as well as GNRI scores, and age, weight, MAC, CC, WC, albumin, and pre-albumin. The cut-off point of 110.33 was obtained for GNRI, according to the ROC curve. CONCLUSIONS: Although GNRI may not be an efficient tool for screening malnutrition due to its lower sensitivity, it is moderately correlated with MNAs and also more useful when limited funding needs to target the truly malnourished seniors.

The effects of Spirulina Platensis on anthropometric indices, appetite, lipid profile and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in obese individuals: a randomized double blinded placebo controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, a great attention has been focused on Spirulina platensis as a source of potential valuable nutrients for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. The objectives of the current study were to determine the effects of Spirulina platensis on anthropometric parameters, serum lipids, appetite and serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in obese individuals. METHODS: In the current study sixty four obese individuals aged 20-50 years were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups of intervention and placebo. Intervention group (n = 29) received each 500 mg of the Spirulina platensis a twice-daily dosage while the control group (n = 27) received two pills daily starch for 12 weeks. Anthropometric parameters and serum VEGF and lipid profile were measured in fasting blood samples at the beginning and end of the study period. Dietary intakes were assessed by a 24-h recall method and appetite was measured using standard visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: Body weight and body mass index (BMI) were decreased in intervention and placebo treated groups although the mean reduction in Spirulina platensis-treated group was significantly higher (P < 0.05). Serum total cholesterol (TC) significantly reduced in intervention group (P < 0.05). Also, treatment with Spirulina platensis significantly reduced appetite (P = 0.008). Mean serum VEGF, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides did not change significantly after intervention. Serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations (HDL-c) significantly increased in both groups while no difference in mean difference of this change has been observed. CONCLUSION: Spirulina supplementation at a dose of 1 g/d for 12 weeks is effective in modulating body weight and appetite and partly modifies serum lipids. This can further confirm the efficacy of this herbal supplement in control and prevention of obesity and obesity- related disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian registry of clinical trials (IRCT registration number: IRCT2015071219082N7 ; Date registered: September 12, 2015).

Association of insulin resistance with lipid profile, metabolic syndrome, and hormonal aberrations in overweight or obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

This cross-sectional study was aimed to better clarify the associations of insulin resistance (IR) with endocrinometabolic parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Anthropometric measurements, endocrine and metabolic profiles, and the presence of IR and metabolic syndrome (MetS) were assessed in 63 overweight or obese PCOS patients subdivided into insulin-resistant (IR) and insulin-sensitive (IS) groups. Fasting insulin concentration and HOMA-IR were higher (p<0.001), and quantitative insulin check index (QUICKI), glucose-to-insulin ratio (p<0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p=0.012) were lower in IR group. MetS (p=0.034) and obesity (p=0.038) were more prevalent in IR group. For all PCOS patients, significant correlations of total cholesterol (TC) with dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) (r=-0.27, p=0.031), HDL-C with QUICKI (r=0.26, p=0.036) were found. Partial correlations also showed significant associations between TG and BS2h (r=0.30, p=0.026) as well as TC and LH/FSH ratio (r=0.30, p=0.032). When the patients were divided into IR and IS groups, significant correlations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with luteinizing hormone (LH) (r=0.50, p=0.017) as well as TC (r=0.42, p=0.043) and LDL-C (r=0.50, p=0.016) with LH/FSH ratio were observed in IR group. However, partial correlation suggested significant associations of HDL-C with testosterone (r=-0.35, p=0.049) as well as serum LDL-C (r=0.38, p=0.033), HDL-C (r=-0.32, p=0.047), and TC (r=0.34, p=0.056) with progesterone level only in the IS group. The findings of this study indicated that lipid abnormalities may occur in PCOS, irrespective of IR.

Effects of raw red onion consumption on metabolic features in overweight or obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

AIM: We aimed to evaluate the effects of raw red onion consumption on metabolic features in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, the patients (n=54) were randomly allocated to the intervention group as 'high-onion' (raw red onions: 2 × 40-50 g/day if overweight and 2 × 50-60 g/day if obese) or to the control group as 'low-onion' (raw red onions: 2 × 10-15 g/day) along with limited liliaceous vegetables for 8 weeks. Body mass index, dietary record, and metabolic parameters (fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein (a)) were evaluated in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle at baseline and after 8 weeks. Hormonal variables (progesterone, prolactin, and 17-OH progesterone) were also measured at baseline. RESULTS: Onion significantly decreased the levels of total cholesterol within each group; however, these changes were stronger in the high-onion group (weighted mean differences [WMD]: -5.60 [95% confidence interval [CI]: -9.16, -2.03]; P=0.003) than in the low-onion group (WMD: -6.42 [95%CI: -11.97, -0.87]; P=0.025). Similarly, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly (WMD: -5.13 [95%CI: -9.46, -0.81); P=0.022) in the high-onion group, and (WMD: -2.90 [95%CI -5.57, -0.21]; P=0.035) in the low-onion group after treatment. The levels of fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) did not differ significantly after 8-week onion treatment. Adjustment for confounders did not make any significant changes in any of the parameters in post-treatment levels. CONCLUSION: Raw red onion consumption appears to be effective as a cholesterol-lowering food agent in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, further investigation is warranted.

Effects of dried okra extract on lipid profile, renal function and some RAGE-related inflammatory genes expression in patients with diabetic nephropathy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L) is reported to have anti-diabetic effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dried okra extract (DOE) supplementation on lipid profile, renal function indices, and expression of inflammatory genes, as well as serum level of soluble Receptor for Advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) in patients with DN. METHODS: In this triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, 64 eligible patients with DN received either 125 mg of DOE or placebo daily along with DN-related nutritional recommendations for 10 weeks. Changes in kidney indices including proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), lipid profile, serum SRAGE, as well as the expression of RAGE, ICAM-1, and IL-1 genes were measured over 10 weeks. RESULTS: After adjustment for the potential confounders, between-group analyses showed no significant differences in terms of lipid profile, kidney function indices, sRAGE, and RAGE-related inflammatory genes expression after 10 weeks. CONCLUSION: Daily 125 mg DOE along with nutritional recommendations on top of usual care did not lead to significant changes in renal function indices, lipid profile, and inflammatory genes expression in patients with DN.

The effects of sodium butyrate supplementation on the expression levels of PGC-1α, PPARα, and UCP-1 genes, serum level of GLP-1, metabolic parameters, and anthropometric indices in obese individuals on weight loss diet: a study protocol for a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a multifaceted disease characterized by an abnormal accumulation of adipose tissue. Growing evidence has proposed microbiota-derived metabolites as a potential factor in the pathophysiology of obesity and related metabolic conditions over the last decade. As one of the essential metabolites, butyrate affects several host cellular mechanisms related to appetite sensations and weight control. However, the effects of butyrate on obesity in humans have yet to be studied. Thus, the present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator activated-receptor (PPAR) gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), PPARα and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) genes, serum level of glucagon-like peptide (GLP1), and metabolic parameters, as well as anthropometric indices in obese individuals on a weight loss diet. METHODS: This triple-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) will include 50 eligible obese subjects aged between 18 and 60 years. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: 8 weeks of SB (600 mg/day) + hypo-caloric diet or placebo (600 mg/day) + hypo-caloric diet. At weeks 0 and 8, distinct objectives will be pursued: (1) PGC-1α, PPARα, and UCP1 genes expression will be evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction; (2) biochemical parameters will be assayed using enzymatic methods; and (3) insulin and GLP1 serum level will be assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. DISCUSSION: New evidence from this trial may help fill the knowledge gap in this realm and facilitate multi-center clinical trials with a substantially larger sample size. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20190303042905N2 . Registered on 31 January 2021.

Association of dietary patterns of pregnant women with pregnancy outcomes: A hospital-based study.

Diet is one of the main factors influencing pregnancy outcomes. Maternal and child health both seem to be related to dietary patterns. So far, no study on dietary pattern has been performed on pregnant women and its association with pregnancy outcomes in Rasht. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between dietary patterns and pregnancy outcomes in Rasht. In this cross-sectional study, 300 healthy pregnant women were included from three public hospitals in Rasht. Data on demographic, dietary intake, physical activity (PA), and anthropometric measurements of mothers were recorded. Outcomes of newborns were also gathered. Dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis. General linear model was used for data analysis. Prior to pregnancy, only 40% of women had a normal body mass index (BMI). More than half of them (52.3%) had a gestational weight gain in excess of the guidelines. The dominant dietary patterns among pregnant women were traditional, Western, and healthy, respectively. High adherence to the Western pattern had a direct association with gestational weight gain (B = 1.48, p = .046) and inverse association with birth length (B = -0.71, p = .043). However, the results did not remain significant after adjusting for covariates. The present study indicated that several factors can affect the association of the Western diet with pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, making policies for interventional programs to improve maternal lifestyle factors along with their diet quality is recommended.

Insulin Receptor Substrates Regulation and Clinical Responses Following Vanadium-Enriched Yeast Supplementation in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Increasing evidence suggests that organic vanadium compounds are bioavailable and safe therapeutic agents with insulin-mimetic and insulin-enhancing features. The objective of the current study was to examine the effect of vanadium-enriched yeast (VEY) supplementation on the gene expression level of insulin receptor substrates and clinical manifestations of obese type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 44 obese T2DM patients were randomly allocated into either VEY (0.9 mg/day vanadium pentoxide) or placebo group for 12 weeks. The mRNA expression level of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFƘB) genes in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells, serum levels of metabolic parameters, anthropometric indices, as well as the quality of life, and dietary intake were collected at pre- and post-intervention phases. Analysis of covariance was performed to obtain the corresponding effect size. Results showed that VEY administration significantly decreased anthropometric indices and glycemic parameters and increased insulin sensitivity after adjusting for potential covariates (p < 0.05), in comparison to the placebo group. Additionally, VEY supplementation was significantly effective on MAPK, PTP1B, and NFƘB gene expression level, compared to the placebo group. No significant changes were noticed for dietary intake, quality of life, and lipid profile in the VEY group, compared to the placebo group. Overall, VEY supplementation can be considered as a promising safe adjunct therapy for improving anthropometric indices and glycemic parameters in T2DM patients.

Vanadium and diabetic dyslipidemia: A systematic review of animal studies.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic dyslipidemia is caused by hyperglycemia and excessive mobilization of storage lipids, leading to increasing concentrations of triglycerides and total cholesterol. Due to the insulin-mimetic or insulin-enhancer features of vanadium, it has been recognized as a regulator of cell metabolism with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. The purpose of the current animal systematic review was to evaluate the effect of vanadium administration on diabetic dyslipidemia in diabetic animals. METHODS: This is, to our knowledge, the first systematic review with the aim of investigating the relationship between vanadium and diabetic dyslipidemia among diabetes induced animals. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and web of science databases for animal studies examining the effect of vanadium on diabetic dyslipidemia in diabetic animals. RESULTS: Of 124 full-text articles assessed, 48 animal studies were included in the present study with minor risk of bias. The majority of the studies confirmed the beneficial effects of different vanadium compounds in at least one of the parameters of lipid profile, especially regarding triglyceride and total cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Current findings lend support to assess the long-term effects of different forms and doses of vanadium on lipid profile through well-designed clinical trials.

Vanadium and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetes: A systematic review of animal studies.

Background: Oxidative stress has a significant role in the commencement and development of hyperglycemia. Vanadium, as a transitional metal with redox properties, enters the redox process, produces free radicals, and distracts the pro-antioxidant balance. The present animal systematic review aimed to assess the effect of vanadium supplementation on inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in diabetes-induced animals. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and web of science databases from 1990 to 2021, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search strategy was based on the guidelines for systematic review of animal experiments and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA). Criteria for eligibility were animal-based studies, evaluating the therapeutic effects of vanadium on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in diabetes. The Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool was used for assessing the methodological quality of included studies. Results: In the present study, 341 articles were evaluated out of which 42 studies were eligible for inclusion. The majority of the studies confirmed the advantageous properties of vanadium on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. A minor risk of bias was reported, based on the SYRCLE's tool. Conclusion: According to the findings, well-designed clinical trials are warranted to assess the long-lasting effects of various vanadium compounds on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.