The association between dietary patterns and disease severity in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the colon and rectum. One of the most modifiable environmental factors affecting UC severity is the patient's dietary pattern. Although the role of dietary patterns on UC aetiology has been investigated previously, its relationship with disease severity has not yet been elucidated. This study examined the association between UC patients' dietary patterns and disease severity. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 340 UC patients. Using an FFQ, food patterns were assessed. Twenty-five food categories were categorised based on the similarity of the nutrient composition of the food using the factor analysis method. A simple clinical colitis activity index was used to determine disease severity. Three dietary patterns were identified based on the factor analysis: healthy, unhealthy and Western dietary pattern. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, patients who were in the highest tertile of healthy dietary pattern compared with the lowest tertile were 92 % less likely to have severe UC (OR: 0·08; 95 % CI: 0·03, 0·22). Also, those in the highest tertile of the Western dietary pattern were 3·86 times more likely to have severe UC than those in the lowest tertile (OR: 3·86; 95 % CI: 1·86, 8·00). Even after controlling for confounding variables, unhealthy dietary pattern did not increase the risk of severe UC. Our data indicate the beneficial role of healthy dietary pattern in amelioration of disease severity in UC patients. To confirm this association, more studies are needed, especially prospective cohort studies.

Effect of ketogenic diet on blood pressure: A GRADE-Assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

AIMS: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are major causes of mortality around the world. High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension is one of the most significant predisposing factors to CVDs. Ketogenic diets (KDs) have been the center of attention for their possible health benefits. The aim of this analysis is to study the impact of KDs on BP through the existing literature. DATA SYNTHESIS: We investigated the impact of KDs on systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) conducted in the format of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Four online databases (PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) were searched from inception up to November 2022. Subgroup analyses were carried out to find the sources of heterogeneities. Twenty-three RCTs with 1664 participants were identified. KDs did not exert any significant impacts on SBP (WMD: -0.87 mmHg, 95% CI: -2.05, 0.31) nor DBP (WMD: -0.11 mmHg, 95% CI -1.14, 0.93). Subgroup analyses did not reveal any further information. Also, non-linear dose-response analysis could not detect any associations between the percentage of calorie intake from fat in the KD format and BP levels. CONCLUSION: KDs do not seem to be effective in improving BP. Nonetheless, further investigations are recommended to examine the proportion of fat intake needed to induce favorable clinical impacts.

The effects of Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Garcinia cambogia (GC) has antioxidant, anticancer, antihistamine, and antimicrobial properties. To determine the effect of GC on lipid profiles, a systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out. Up to February 9, 2023, six electronic databases (Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched at any time without limitations. Trials examining the impact of GC on serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in adults were included. The total effect was shown as a weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects meta-analysis approach. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 14 trials involving 623 subjects. Plasma levels of TC (WMD: -6.76 mg/dL; CI: -12.39 to -0.59, p-value = 0.032), and TG (WMD: -24.21 mg/dL; CI: -37.84 to -10.58, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced after GC use, and plasma HDL-C (WMD: 2.95 mg/dL; CI: 2.01 to 3.89, p < 0.001) levels increased. low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (WMD: -1.15 mg/dL; CI: -16.08 to 13.78, p-value = 0.880) were not significantly affected. The effects of lowering TC and TG were more pronounced for periods longer than 8 weeks. Consuming GC has a positive impact on TC, TG, and HDL-C concentrations. The limitations of this study include the short duration of analyzed interventions and significant heterogeneity. Nevertheless, it is imperative to conduct well-structured, and high-quality long-term trials to comprehensively evaluate the clinical effectiveness of GC on lipid profile, and validate these findings.

The effects of astaxanthin supplementation on liver enzyme levels.

According to previous studies, astaxanthin exerts various biological effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities; however, its effects on liver enzymes have not yet been well elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess astaxanthin's effects on liver enzymes. A systematic literature search was conducted using scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane databases, and Google Scholar up to February 2023 to find relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of astaxanthin supplementation on alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). A random-effects model was used for the estimation of the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD). Overall, we included five trials involving 196 subjects. The duration of the intervention was between 4 and 48 weeks, and the dose was between 6 and 12 mg/day. ALT levels increased in the intervention group compared to the control group following astaxanthin supplementation (WMD: 1.92 U/L, 95% CI: 0.16 to 3.68, P=0.03), whereas supplementation with astaxanthin had a non-significant effect on AST (WMD: 0.72 U/L, 95% CI: -0.85 to 2.29, P=0.36), GGT (WMD: 0.48 U/L, 95% CI: -2.71 to 3.67, P=0.76), and ALP levels (WMD: 2.85 U/L, 95% CI: -7.94 to 13.63, P=0.60) compared to the placebo group. Our data showed that astaxanthin supplementation increases ALT concentrations in adults without affecting the levels of other liver enzymes. Further long-term and well-designed RCTs are necessary to assess and confirm these findings.

The effects of silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Owing to the rich phytochemical content of Silymarin, it may effectively manage inflammation and oxidative stress. We, therefore, aimed to examine the existing evidence on the effect of Silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress factors by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. METHODS: A systematic literature search up to September 2023 was completed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify eligible RCTs. Heterogeneity tests of the selected trials were performed using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as weighted mean differences with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Fifteen RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Our findings showed that Silymarin consumption significantly decreased CRP (WMD, - 0.50 mg/L; 95% CI, (- 0.95 to - 0.04); p = 0.03), MDA (WMD, - 1.19 nmol/mL; 95% CI, (- 1.99 to - 0.38); p = 0.004), and IL-6 (WMD, - 0.44 pg/ml; 95% CI, (- 0.75 to - 0.12); p = 0.006). Silymarin consumption had no significant effects on IL-10, TAC, and GSH. A significant non-linear relationship was observed between the duration of the intervention and MDA changes. CONCLUSIONS: Silymarin can help reduce inflammation in patients with diabetes and thalassemia by reducing MDA as an oxidative stress marker and CRP and IL-6 as inflammatory markers.

Evaluation of foot self-care status and foot screening problems in patients with diabetes in Iran: a national multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The lack of timely foot care among individuals with diabetics often lead to ulceration followed by infection and amputation. This study aimed to evaluate the foot self-care status and foot screening practices among patients with type 2 diabetes in various cities across Iran. METHODS: The cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on patients with type 2 diabetes in 10 main cities of Iran. The information about demographic and lifestyle factors, diabetes history, and diabetic foot self-care (DFSQ) was assessed. Additionally, the neurological and vascular condition of the foot were screened by Inlow's 60-Second Screen. RESULTS: The study included 1094 diabetic patients with, with a majority being female (64.8%) and married (92.5%). The average age of the participants was 57.6 ± 10.21 (mean ± SD), and the mean duration of diabetes was 11.56 ± 7.41 years. Based on Inlow's 60-Second Screen criteria, 58% of the patients should undergo yearly foot ulcer screening, 47% exhibited peripheral neuropathy, and 37% were found to have inappropriate footwear. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of peripheral neuropathy observed in approximately half of the participants across different regions of Iran underscores the importance of continuous patient education regarding foot care and appropriate footwear. Furthermore, regular foot ulcer screenings, following the recommended intervals outlined in Inlow's screening protocol, should be implemented to effectively manage diabetic foot complications.

Molecular Characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Nasal Cavity and Wound Infections Among Diabetic Patients.

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen contributing to diabetic foot infections (DFI). Nasal transmission of S. aureus potentially increases the risk of endogenous infection. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance profile of S. aureus isolates in nasal and wound samples from diabetic patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2018 to September 2019. S. aureus was isolated from the anterior nares and wounds of diabetic patients. All S. aureus isolates were characterized by detection of resistance and virulence genes (mecA, ermA, ermC, hla, hlb, hlg, sea, lukDE, pvl), staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec)-typing and staphylococcal protein A (spa)-typing. A total of 34 S. aureus were isolated from the wounds of 115 diabetic patients with DFI. Twenty-four S. aureus isolates were collected from the anterior nares of patients, and thirteen patients had concurrent S. aureus in nasal and wound specimens. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in nasal specimens was noticeable (41.7%), and the most common spa-type in nasal and wound specimens was t14870. Nearly half of the patients with concurrent S. aureus in wound and nasal specimens had similar isolates from both sites. Our data suggest that detection and screening of S. aureus colonization in the nasal cavity may prevent subsequent endogenous infections, particularly with MRSA strains.

Effects of chromium supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers.

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of chromium supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), catalase (CAT), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and protein carbonyl. Methods: Relevant studies, published from inception until July 2019, were searched through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. All randomized clinical trials investigating the effect of chromium supplementation on oxidative stress were included. Results: Out of 252 citations, 10 trials that enrolled 595 subjects were included. Chromium supplementation resulted in a significant increase in GSH (WMD: 64.79 mg/dl, 95% CI: 22.43 to 107.15; P=0.003) but no significant change in MDA, TAS, TBARS levels, SOD, CAT levels and GPX. Chromium picolinate supplementation resulted in a significant increase in TAC while failing to have a significant effect on NO. Moreover, both chromium picolinate and chromium dinicocysteinate supplementation reduced protein carbonyl levels. Conclusion: Overall, this meta-analysis demonstrated that chromium supplementation increased GSH without any significant changes in the mean of GPX, MDA, TAS, TBARS, CAT and SOD.

The effect of ketogenic diet on body composition and anthropometric measures: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This study aimed to summarize earlier randomized controlled trials on the effects of ketogenic diet (KD) on body composition and anthropometric measures. Four databases were searched from inception to May 2020 using relevant keywords. All clinical trials investigating the effects of KD on body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), lean body mass (LBM), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and percentage body fat (PBF) in adults were included. Overall, 18 trials were included in the review. Pooled effect sizes revealed a significant effect of KD on BW (weighted mean differences [WMD]: -2.87 kg, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.84 to -1.89), BMI (WMD: -1.44 kg/m2, 95% CI: -2.07, -0.81), FM (WMD: -1.40 kg, 95% CI: -2.50, -0.30), FFM (WMD: -0.81 kg, 95% CI: -1.32, -0.30), LBM (WMD: -0.63 kg, 95% CI: -1.21, -0.06), WC (WMD: -3.23 cm, 95% CI: -4.38, -2.09), VAT (WMD: -28.91 g, 95% CI: -50.57, -7.24) and PBF (WMD: -2.81 kg, 95% CI: -3.82, -1.80), respectively. Taken together, the data suggest that KD has beneficial effects on BW, BMI, FM, FFM, LBM, WC, VAT, and PBF. However, the effectiveness of the long term effect of this dietary pattern is unclear.

The association between adherence to MIND diet and risk of breast cancer: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Recently, a new eating pattern called "Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND)" has been coined. This study was aimed to examine the association between adherence to the MIND diet and risk of breast cancer (BC) among Iranian women. METHODS: In this hospital-based case-control study, 150 newly diagnosed BC cases and 150 age-matched controls were included. All cases were pathologically confirmed BC patients, with no history of any type of other pathologically confirmed cancers. Controls were selected from visitors, relatives and friends of non-cancer patients in other wards, which had no family relationship with cases. Dietary intakes of study participants were assessed using a validated 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The MIND diet score was computed based on participants' dietary intakes obtained from FFQ, Regression logistic models were used to examine the association between the MIND diet score and BC. RESULTS: Examining the whole study population, we found no significant association between the MIND diet score and odds of BC, either before (ORs for comparing T3 vs. T1: 0.818; 95% CI: 0.469-1.42, P-trend = .48) or after controlling for potential confounders (ORs for T3 vs. T1: 1.32; 95% CI: 0.31-5.64, P-trend = .633). This was also the case for pre-menopausal and post-menopausal when analyzed separately. We also failed to find any significant association between the MIND diet score and odds of BC after controlling for potential confounders in both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we found that adherence to the MIND diet was not associated with odds of BC in this case-control study. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.

The association of dietary energy density and the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVES: There is a growing body of evidence linking dietary energy density (DED) with metabolic disorders like obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, according to our knowledge, there has been no systematic review and mate-analysis on T2D and MetS with DED. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between DED with the risk of obesity, T2D and MetS in a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. METHODS: We searched all published studies according to the defined keywords up to march 2020 in the PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases. We excluded those that did not calculate DED for total intake, no observed association between obesity, T2D, MetS as the primary or one of the outcomes with DED, no reported odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR) or hazard ratio (HR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), studies in children under 2 years old, patients with cancer and pregnant women. RESULTS: From 2282, after deleting the duplicates and irrelevant studies, we entered 58 articles ( 47 systematic reviews and 11 meta-analyse). We indicated an increased risk of T2D in relation to DED (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.18-1.33, P < .001). But studies reviewed were inconsistent. All studies which examined the relationship between DED and MetS showed a positive relationship with an increased significant risk (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.22-2.07, P < .001). Most articles reported a direct association between DED and obesity but the relationship between DED and risk of obesity was not significant (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.92-1.17, P = .543). CONCLUSION: In this systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, we found that the DED increased the risk of T2D and MetS but was not significant with the risk of obesity.

The effects of capsinoids and fermented red pepper paste supplementation on Glycaemic Control: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The present systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the effects of capsinoids supplementation on glycaemic control. METHODS: Relevant studies, published up to May 2020, were searched through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar. All randomised clinical trials investigating the effect of capsinoids supplementation on glycaemic control were included. RESULTS: Of 326 citations, eight trials with nine effect sizes that enrolled 530 subjects were included. Capsinoids and red pepper resulted in no significant reduction in glucose (Weighted mean differences (WMD): -0.27 mg/dL; 95% CI: -1.9 to 1.37, P = .75), insulin (WMD: -0.09 µU/mL; 95% CI: -1.76 to 1.57, P = .913), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD: 0.52; 95% CI: -0.29 to 1.32, P = .208) and haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) (WMD: 0.01%; 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.05, P = .712). Greater effects on glucose were detected in trials performed on both gender, using red pepper, lasted ≥12 weeks, and participants aged >40 years old and recruited greater sample size >50. Insulin and HOMA-IR were reduced by using red pepper. CONCLUSION: Overall, these data suggest that capsinoids and red pepper supplementation did not have beneficial effects on glucose, insulin, HbA1C and HOMA-IR but significantly reduce glucose in people older than 40 years.

Effect of orlistat on serum uric acid level in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperuricemia increases the risk of gout and cardiovascular diseases. Obesity increases the risk of hyperuricemia while weight loss (>5 kg) has been reported to decrease urate. The effects of orlistat on serum uric acid (SUA) are still controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the influence of orlistat on SUA levels in adults. METHODS: Relevant studies, published up to May 2020, were searched systematically through PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Google Scholar. All relevant randomised controlled clinical trials were included. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect model. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were also carried out. RESULTS: Overall 7 trials (9 datasets) that enrolled 1786 subjects were included. Orlistat showed in a significant change in SUA level (Difference in means: -17.661 µmol, 95% CI: -31.615 to -3.707, P = .01). A low heterogeneity observed across the studies (I2 = 25.119%). After categorising studies on the basis of duration and sample size, the effect of orlistat on SUA was significant. The results of meta-regression were showed that significant relationships were not found between orlistat and SUA in the duration of intervention. CONCLUSION: We found a significant reduction in SUA following orlistat therapy in adults.

Effects of artichoke leaf extract supplementation or artichoke juice consumption on lipid profile: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Accumulating evidence regarding the effect of artichoke on lipid profile is equivocal. We updated a previous meta-analysis on the effect of artichoke extract supplementation on lipid profile and performed dose-response analysis. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to June 2021 using relevant keywords. Papers from identified articles were collected. Two researchers rated the certainty in the estimates using the GRADE approach. Combining 15 effect sizes from 14 studies based on the random-effects analysis, we found that artichoke significantly reduced TG (weighed mean difference [WMD]: -17.01 mg/dl, 95% CI: -23.88, -10.13, p = .011), TC (WMD: -17.01 mg/dl, 95% CI: -23.88, -10.13, p < .001), and LDL-C (WMD: -17.48 mg/dl, 95%CI: -25.44, -9.53, p < .001). No significant effect of artichoke on HDL-C level was detected (WMD: 0.78 mg/dl, 95%CI: -0.93, 2.49, p = .371). Combining the two effect sizes revealed that artichoke juice supplementation significantly reduced TG (WMD: -3.34 mg/dl, 95%CI: -5.51, -1.17, p = .003), TC (WMD: -18.04 mg/dl, 95%CI: -20.30, -15.78, p < .001), LDL-C (WMD: -1.75 mg/dl, 95%CI: -3.02, -0.48, p = .007), and HDL-C levels (WMD: -4.21 mg/dl, 95%CI: -5.49, -2.93, p < .001). In conclusion, we found that artichoke supplementation may favor CVD prevention by acting in improving the lipid profile.

Effects of garlic supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidative capacity biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Evidence suggests that garlic supplementation may have an effect on oxidative stress by augmenting the rate of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and diminishing pro-oxidant enzymes. Given inconsistencies across studies, we aimed to systematically review the current literature and quantify the effects of garlic supplementation on oxidative stress. We conducted a systematic search with multiple databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) to find relevant articles published prior to October 2020. Results were reported as bias-corrected standardized mean difference (Hedges' g) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random-effects models. Cochrane's Q and I squared (I2 ) tests were used to determine heterogeneity among the studies included. Twelve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Garlic doses ranged from 80 to 4,000 mg/day, and intervention duration varied between 2 and 24 weeks. Garlic supplementation increased serum level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (Hedges' g: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.37 to 4.17, p < 0.001) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (Hedges' g: 13.76, 95% CI: 4.24 to 23.29, p = 0.004), while it reduced the malondialdehyde serum level (MDA) (Hedges' g: -1.94, 95% CI: -3.17 to -0.70, p = 0.002). Due to limited data available, glutathione (GSH) was not considered for the current meta-analysis. The nonlinear dose-response effect of garlic supplementation was not observed with regard to serum TAC and MDA levels (TAC: p-nonlinearity = 0.398; MDA: p-nonlinearity = 0.488). Garlic supplementation appears to improve serum levels of TAC, MDA, and SOD. Garlic supplementation may be useful to reduce oxidative stress and related diseases. Future studies with large sample sizes and longer duration are required to confirm these findings.

Major dietary patterns and predicted cardiovascular disease risk in an Iranian adult population.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on the association of major dietary patterns and predicted risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). AIM: To investigate the association between major dietary patterns and the predicted 10-year CVD risk in an Iranian population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 522 apparently healthy adults referred to health centers in Tehran. Usual dietary intake was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The association between dietary patterns and the predicted risk of development of CVD was evaluated using linear multiple regression. Principal component analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns. RESULTS: In total, 41% of the men (n = 95) and 46% of women (n = 134) were in the low risk (<10%) and 6% of men (n = 14) and 1% of women (n = 3) were in the high risk (> 20%) category of the FRS. A significant decrease was found for body mass index (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.003), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.005), and triglyceride (p = 0.02) in the higher tertile of healthy dietary pattern. Adherence to an unhealthy dietary pattern was associated with a significant increase in body weight (p = 0.03) and a significant decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001). The healthy dietary pattern score was negatively associated with SBP (p = 0.04) and FRS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although we observed improvements in CVD risk factors with greater adherence to healthy dietary patterns, there was no association between identified dietary patterns and the predicted risk of 10-year CVD.

The association between plant-based diet indices and metabolic syndrome in Iranian older adults.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the association between plant-based diets indices - an overall plant-based diet index; a healthful plant-based diet index; and an unhealthful plant-based diet index - and metabolic syndrome among Iranian older adults. AIM: We aimed to examine the relationship between plant-based diet indices and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 178 older adults (51 men and 127 women), with a mean age of 67.04 (60-83) who were referred to health centers in Tehran, Iran. Blood and urine samples were collected to measure serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. We created an overall plant-based diet index, healthful plant-based diet index, and unhealthful plant-based diet index from semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire data. Anthropometric measures were done. RESULTS: Our crude model results showed that triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and waist circumference did not significantly differ between tertiles of plant-based diet index and healthful plant-based diet index; also triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and waist circumference did not significantly differ between tertiles of unhealthful plant-based diet index, but high-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly differed between tertiles of unhealthful plant-based diet index. After adjusting for confounders the results remained non-significant for plant-based diet index but high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significant for healthful and unhealthful plant-based diet indices. There was also no significant association between plant-based diet index (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.53-2.33), healthful plant-based diet index (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.39-1.68), and unhealthful plant-based diet index (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.38-1.72) with metabolic syndrome, even after adjustment for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that plant-based diets are not significantly associated with risk of metabolic syndrome in older adults. To confirm the veracity of these findings, more studies should be conducted.

Clinical effectiveness of zinc supplementation on the biomarkers of oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the occurrence of chronic diseases. Zinc supplementation is also known to be an antioxidant agent. While, there is no review on the effects of zinc supplementation on oxidative stress, this study aimed to systematically summarize randomized clinical trials (RCTs) which have evaluated the impacts of zinc supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers. METHODS: Systematic searches were performed using the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, up to April 2020. All RCTs assessed the effect of oral zinc supplementation on serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) levels, were included. For each variable, mean differences (MD) and standard deviations (SDs) were combined using the random-effects model, and the fractional polynomial model was used to implement the dose-response analysis. RESULTS: Ten RCTs were included. The pooled analysis of data showed that zinc supplementation significantly reduced MDA levels (MD: -0.42 µmol/L; 95 % CI: -0.71 to -0.13), increased serum TAC (MD: 225.96 mmol/L; 95 % CI: 68.42-383.5) and GSH levels (MD: 49.99 µmol/L; 95 % CI: 2.25 t 97.73), compared with the placebo group. In contrast, no significant changes were seen in NO levels following zinc supplementation (MD: -1.66 µmol/L; 95 % CI: -5.89 to 2.57). Dose-response analysis showed a significant non-linear relationship between zinc supplementation dosage and serum levels of MDA (p < 0.01), but not other biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed that zinc supplementation would significantly decrease MDA and increase TAC and GSH, but not NO levels. Thus, it encourages the use of zinc supplementation in oxidative stress-related diseases.

Anti-hypertensive effects of cinnamon supplementation in adults: A systematic review and dose-response Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background & Objectives: Despite controversies, no earlier study has systematically summarized findings from earlier studies on the effect of cinnamon supplementation on blood pressure. Therefore, current systematic review and meta-analysis was done on the effect of cinnamon supplementation on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in adults.Methods: Relevant studies published up to July 2019 were searched through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar. All randomized clinical trials investigating the impact of oral cinnamon supplementation on any of the blood pressure parameters including SBP or/and DBP were included.Results: Out of 469 citations, 9 trials that enrolled 641 subjects were included. Cinnamon supplementation resulted in significant reduction in SBP (Weighted Mean Differences (WMD): -6.23 mmHg, 95% CI: -10.69 to -1.77, P = 0.006) and DBP (WMD: -3.93 mmHg, 95% CI: -6.33 to -1.52, P = 0.001). Greater effects on SBP were detected in trials using ≤2 g cinnamon, lasted ≥12 weeks and participants aged <50 years' old. DBP was also reduced by using lower doses. However, no significant non-linear associations were found between cinnamon supplementation dosage and study duration with both SBP (For dosage: Pnon-linearity = 0.35, for duration: Pnon-linearity = 0.21) and DBP (For dosage: Pnon-linearity = 0.27, for duration: Pnon-linearity = 0.41).Conclusions: We found a significant reduction in both SBP and DBP following cinnamon supplementation in adults. It could be proposed as a hypotensive supplement in hypertension management.

Biology-Oriented Drug Synthesis (BIODS) Approach towards Synthesis of Ciprofloxacin-Dithiocarbamate Hybrids and Their Antibacterial Potential both in Vitro and in Silico.

A novel series of ciprofloxacin-dithiocarbamate hybrids 7a - 7l were designed, synthesized, and evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. A significant part of the title compounds showed considerable antibacterial activity against Gram-positive species. The most potent compound against Gram-positive bacteria was 2-chloro derivative 7h and the most potent derivative against Gram-negative bacteria was 3-chloro compound 7i. In vitro antibacterial evaluation of compound 7h against clinically isolated bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) showed that this compound acted better than ciprofloxacin against the latter bacteria. Docking study of compound 7h in the active site of S. aureus DNA gyrase revealed that this ciprofloxacin-dithiocarbamate derivative interacted with the main components of the active site of the enzyme.