Is there a link between the inflammatory potential of a diet and mental health among patients with migraine? Findings from a cross-sectional survey.

AIMS: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and mental health outcomes among patients with migraine headaches. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 262 subjects were included. The dietary intakes were collected using a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Items were scored according to their inflammatory potential, so a higher DII indicated a more pro-inflammatory diet. The association between DII and the mental health of participants was investigated using multinomial logistic regression and odds ratio (OR) with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported. RESULTS: Overall, 224 women and 38 men, with a mean (standard error) DII of -2.96 (0.06), age of 36.1 (0.53) years, and BMI of 25.55 (0.21) kg/m2, comprised our study population. DII was positively associated with a higher risk of depression in patients with the highest adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet compared to those with the lowest adherence (OR = 1.76; 95%CI: 1.04, 3.00; Ptrend = 0.035). Adjustments for age, sex, marital status, smoking status, migraine headache index score, number of family members, mean arterial pressure, medication, physical activity, and BMI intensified the association in a way that the risk of depression was 2.03 times higher in patients with the highest adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet compared to those with the lowest adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet (OR = 2.03; 95%CI: 1.18, 3.49; Ptrend = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that depression was positively associated with adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet. However, no significant association was observed between anxiety and stress with DII.

First Iranian guidelines for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of hyperlipidemia in adults.

This guideline is the first Iranian guideline developed for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of hyperlipidemia in adults. The members of the guideline developing group (GDG) selected 9 relevant clinical questions and provided recommendations or suggestions to answer them based on the latest scientific evidence. Recommendations include the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) threshold for starting drug treatment in adults lacking comorbidities was determined to be over 190 mg/dL and the triglyceride (TG) threshold had to be >500 mg/dl. In addition to perform fasting lipid profile tests at the beginning and continuation of treatment, while it was suggested to perform cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk assessment using valid Iranian models. Some recommendations were also provided on lifestyle modification as the first therapeutic intervention. Statins were recommended as the first line of drug treatment to reduce LDL-C, and if its level was high despite the maximum allowed or maximum tolerated drug treatment, combined treatment with ezetimibe, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, or bile acid sequestrants was suggested. In adults with hypertriglyceridemia, pharmacotherapy with statin or fibrate was recommended. The target of drug therapy in adults with increased LDL-C without comorbidities and risk factors was considered an LDL-C level of <130 mg/dl, and in adults with increased TG without comorbidities and risk factors, TG levels of <200 mg/dl. In this guideline, specific recommendations and suggestions were provided for the subgroups of the general population, such as those with CVD, stroke, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, elderly, and women.

Associations between adherence to Mediterranean dietary pattern and frequency, duration, and severity of migraine headache: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to explore the association between adherence to Mediterranean dietary pattern and migraine headache features including frequency, duration, and severity, as well as patients' migraine-related disabilities among the Iranian population diagnosed with migraine. METHODS: In the present cross-sectional study on 262 migraine patients aged 20-50 years old, a validated 168-item, food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intakes of participants. The Mediterranean diet score was calculated for each subject using nine pre-defined dietary components and ranged from 0-9. The headache severity, duration, frequency, migraine headache index score (MHIS), and headache impact test-6 (HIT-6) were measured using related questionnaires. RESULTS: After controlling for potential confounders, Mediterranean diet tended to be associated with lower headache frequency (ß = -1.74, 95% CI: -3.53,0.03) and duration (ß = -0.28, 95% CI: -0.59, -0.02) and was significantly associated with lower MHIS (ß = -29.32, 95% CI: -51.22, -7.42), and HIT-6 score (ß = -2.86, 95% CI: -5.40, -0.32) for those in the highest category of Mediterranean diet scores compared to the lowest category. A subgroup analysis of women also revealed a negative association between Mediterranean diet and headaches frequency (ß = -2.30, 95% CI: -4.27, -0.32), duration (ß = -0.42, 95% CI: -0.78, -0.07), scores of MHIS (ß = -47.44, 95% CI: -71.90, -22.99), and HIT-6 (ß = -3.45, 95% CI: -6.29, -0.61), after controlling for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with lower headache frequency, duration, MHIS, and HIT-6 score.

Associations between diet quality and migraine headaches: a cross-sectional study.

AIMS: We evaluated associations between diet quality and migraine outcomes. METHODS: The current work represented a cross-sectional study on 262 patients with migraine (20-50 y). Diet quality was assessed using the standard healthy eating index 2015 (HEI-2015) and alternative healthy eating index 2010 (AHEI-2010). A validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake. Migraine outcomes included clinical factors (severity, duration, frequency, and disability related to migraine) and serum nitric oxide (NO). Associations between diet quality indices and migraine outcomes were evaluated using linear regressions, and ß and 95% corresponding confidence interval (CI) were reported. RESULTS: HEI-2015 was inversely associated with migraine frequency (ß = -4.75, 95% CI: -6.73, -2.76) in patients with the highest HEI scores (third tertile) vs. those with the lowest scores (first tertile) after adjusting for relevant confounders. AHEI-2010 was inversely associated with migraine frequency (ß = -3.67, 95% CI: -5.65, -1.69) and migraine-related disability (ß = -2.74, 95% CI: -4.79, -0.68) in adjusted models. Also, AHEI-2010 was inversely associated with migraine severity in patients in the second vs. first tertile (ß = -0.56; 95% CI: -1.08, -0.05). We detected no associations between diet quality and NO levels (All P > 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: Improved diet quality may be associated with favorable migraine outcomes (lower headache frequency, severity, and migraine-related disability). Future studies are required to confirm and delineate the causal mechanisms of our observations.

The effects of curcumin-piperine supplementation on inflammatory, oxidative stress and metabolic indices in patients with ischemic stroke in the rehabilitation phase: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide, which is associated with a heavy economic and social burden. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with curcumin-piperine combination in patients with ischemic stroke in the rehabilitation stage. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 66 patients with stroke were randomized into two groups receiving curcumin-piperine tablets (500 mg curcumin + 5 mg piperine) and matched placebo tablets for 12 weeks. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), thrombosis, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid profile, anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention. Statistical data analysis was done using SPSS22 software. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients with a mean age of 59.80 ± 4.25 years completed the trial. Based on ANCOVA test, adjusted for baseline values, curcumin-piperine supplementation for 12 weeks resulted in significant reductions in serum levels of hs-CRP (p = 0.026), total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.009), triglycerides (TG) (p = 0.001), CIMT (p = 0.002), weight (P = 0.001), waist circumference (p = 0.024), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), and a significant increase in TAC (p < 0.001) in comparison to the placebo. Pain score significantly increased in both groups; however, its increase was significantly higher in the placebo group compared with the intervention group (p = 0.007). No significant changes were observed between the two groups in terms of serum fibrinogen, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and quality of life indices. CONCLUSION: Curcumin-piperine supplementation had beneficial effects on CIMT, serum hs-CRP, TC, TG, TAC, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with ischemic stroke in the rehabilitation stage.

Novel insights into the role of circular RNAs in Parkinson disease: An emerging renaissance in the management of neurodegenerative diseases.

Parkinson's disease (PD), as a debilitating neurodegenerative disease, particularly affects the elderly population, and is clinically identified by resting tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Pathophysiologically, PD is characterized by an early loss of dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia nigra pars compacta, accompanied by the extensive aggregation of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) in the form of Lewy bodies. The onset of PD has been reported to be influenced by multiple biological molecules. In this context, circular RNAs (circRNAs), as tissue-specific noncoding RNAs with closed structures, have been recently demonstrated to involve in a set of PD's pathogenic processes. These RNA molecules can either up- or downregulate the expression of α-Syn, as well as moderating its accumulation through different regulatory mechanisms, in which targeting microRNAs (miRNAs) is considered the most common pathway. Since circRNAs have prominent structural and biological characteristics, they could also be considered as promising candidates for PD diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, PD has become a global health concern, and a large number of its pathogenic processes are still unclear; thus, it is crucial to elucidate the ambiguous aspects of PD pathophysiology to improve the efficiency of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In line with this fact, the current review aims to highlight the interplay between circRNAs and PD pathogenesis, and then discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of circRNAs in PD progression. This study will thus be the first of its kind reviewing the relationship between circRNAs and PD.

Is there a relationship between dietary sodium and potassium intake and clinical findings of a migraine headache?

Few studies have assessed the association between sodium (Na) and potassium (K) and migraine headaches. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between 24-hour urine Na and K intakes and clinical findings of migraine in an Iranian sample. In this cross-sectional study, 262 participants, aged 20-50 years, were included with a body mass index (BMI) of 18·5-30 kg/m2 and a diagnosis of migraine. One 24-hour urine sample was collected from each subject to estimate the Na and K intakes. The clinical features of migraine, including frequency, duration, severity, Migraine Headache Index Score (MHIS), and Headache Impact Test (HIT) score, were assessed. Besides, a multiple linear regression analysis was performed, and beta estimates and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Overall, 224 women and 38 men, with a mean age of 36·10 years and BMI of 25·55 kg/m2 comprised our study population. After controlling for potential confounders, the 24-hour urine Na was positively associated with a longer headache duration (ß = 0·29; 95% CI: 0·06, 0·53) in the group with the highest urine Na levels as compared to the group with the lowest levels. After adjustments for potential confounders, an increase of 13·05 in the MHIS was observed when the 24-hour urine Na level increased from the first to the third tertile (ß = 13·05; 95% CI: 1·70, 24·41). Our findings suggested that a higher 24-hour urine Na level was positively associated with a longer duration of migraine headaches and a higher MHIS.

Effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on clinical, quality of life and mental health outcomes in women with migraine: a randomised controlled trial.

The relationship between the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and clinical, quality of life and mental health outcomes in migraine is unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a parallel-group, randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effect of the DASH diet on these health outcomes in women with migraine. Of 102 eligible women (20-50 years), fifty one randomised to the DASH and fifty one to the usual dietary advice (control) groups completed a 12-week intervention. The DASH diet was designed using a 7-d menu cycle to provide 15-20 % of total daily energy requirements from proteins, 25-30 % from fats and 55-60 % from carbohydrates. Dietary records and serum vitamin C levels were used to assess women's compliance with the DASH diet. The clinical symptoms of migraine (i.e., frequency, duration and severity) and quality of life and mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety and stress) outcomes were assessed in groups pre-and post-intervention. We observed greater decreases in the frequency (-3·00 v. -1·40, P = 0·025) and severity (-1·76 v. -0·59, P < 0·001) of migraine in the DASH v. control group post-intervention. Similarly, the DASH group exhibited a tendency towards greater decreases in migraine duration (-0·58 v. -0·33 d, P = 0·053) and had lower scores of depression (-4·50 v. -2·73, P = 0·019) and stress (-5·84 v. -2·98, P = 0·011) v. controls. However, the quality of life and anxiety outcomes remained comparable in groups post-intervention. Together, evidence supports the benefits of the DASH diet on improving migraine health outcomes in reproductive-aged women. Further research is needed to confirm our findings.

"Incidence, characteristics and prognosis of cervical artery dissection-induced ischemic stroke in central Iran".

OBJECTIVES: Ischemic stroke is the most common presentation of cervical artery dissection (CAD). Information regarding CAD-induced stroke is scarce, especially in the Middle East. Here we investigated the incidence of CAD-induced stroke, its characteristics, and the clinical course in central Iran. METHODS: This is an observational study conducted in the city of Isfahan, Iran. We recruited patients with ischemic stroke during 2017-2019. We analyzed characteristics of the CAD-induced stroke patients with regards to the involved vessel (internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) or vertebral artery dissection (VAD)). We assessed functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]) and recanalization status after 1 year of follow-up. RESULTS: Among 3630 ischemic stroke patients, 51(1.4%) had CAD-induced stroke (mean age: 41.8 ± 12.6; 40.4% female; 28 and 19 ICAD and VAD cases, respectively). The crude incidence rate of CAD-induced stroke was 1.20/100,000/year (0.66/100,000/year and 0.45/100,000/year for strokes due to ICAD and VAD, respectively). mRS ≤ 2 was present in 63.8% of the patients after 1 year of follow-up. History of exercise during the last days before stroke occurrence was associated with a better follow-up mRS (ß = -3.1, p-value: 0.037). Administration of anticoagulant or double-antiplatelets was related neither to mRS nor recanalization results. Trauma (27.7%), smoking (21.3%), and headache disorders/migraine (21.3%) were the most common reported factors. CONCLUSION: We found a crude incidence rate of 1.20/100,000/year for CAD-induced stroke. Trauma, smoking, and headache disorders were the most common reported factors among our patients. CAD-induced stroke had a favorable long-term prognosis regardless of the type of the involved vessel or the used medication.

The effects of the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet on oxidative stress and clinical indices of migraine patients: a randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: The relationship between the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and oxidative stress (OS) in patients diagnosed with migraine is unknown and remains to be examined. Hence, we conducted a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial to investigate this issue. METHODS: Of the 102 women who met all the inclusion criteria, 51 individuals were randomized to the DASH diet group and 51 to the usual dietary advice group to receive allocated intervention for three months. In order to assess the compliance of participants to the DASH diet, dietary records, and serum vitamin C levels were examined. Parameters of OS status (e.g. nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidative stress index (OSI)) and clinical indices of migraine (e.g. migraine index (MI), headache dairy result (HDR), and migraine headache index score (MHIS)) were assessed at the beginning and the end of the study. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in NO (-5.75 vs. + 4.18, P = 0.025) and TOS (-1.55 vs. + 0.71, P = 0.034), and a marginally significant reduction in OSI (-0.10 vs. + 0.14, P = 0.060) in the DASH group compared with the control. Compliance with the DASH diet resulted in a significant decrease in the score of MI (-31.33 vs. - 15.09), HDR (-5.04 vs. -2.51), and MHIS (-44.21 vs. -26.74). Moreover, no significant change was observed in TAC, MDA, and total thiol content. CONCLUSION: This type of dietary approach can be considered as a complementary treatment for migraine patients, also further investigations are needed to replicate our findings.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: IRCT20121216011763N38.

Effect of soy isoflavones supplementation on migraine characteristics, mental status and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels in women with migraine: results of randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Literature suggests a relationship between estrogen levels and migraine headache pathogenesis. However, the effect of soy isoflavones on migraine characteristic remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of soy isoflavones on migraine characteristics and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels in women with migraine. METHODS: Eighty-three participants completed a randomized double-blind controlled trial, receiving 50 mg per day soy isoflavones or placebo supplementation for 8 weeks. Migraine severity, migraine days per month, frequency and duration of attacks, mental status, quality of life and serum CGRP levels were measured at baseline and the end of the intervention. Bivariate comparison and intention-to-treat (ITT) were used for analysis. RESULTS: Soy isoflavones intake resulted in a significant decrease in mean frequency (-2.36 vs -0.43, P < 0.001), duration (-2.50 vs -0.02, P < 0.001) of migraine attacks and CGRP level (-12.18 ng/l vs -8.62, P = 0.002) in compared to placebo group. Also, a significant improvement was found in quality of life (16.76 vs 2.52, P < 0.001). Although, reduction in the migraine severity and mental status did not reach a statistically significant level (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: soy isoflavones supplementation may be considered as a complementary treatment for women with migraine to improve migraine characteristics and reduce the burden of disease.

Effects of greater occipital nerve block with local anesthetic and triamcinolone for treatment of medication overuse headache: an open-label, parallel, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

AIM: There is a paucity of evidence and consensus on exactly how to carry out the detoxification process. To examine the effect of a greater occipital nerve block (GONB) in the detoxification process, we conducted an open-label, parallel, randomized, controlled clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to conduct this study, 54 medication-overuse headache (MOH) patients were recruited and allocated randomly to group A (n = 27) or B (n = 27). In both groups, patients underwent detoxification processes without any acute migraine medication or analgesics. During the run-in period, all patients in both groups received the same education, managed by a neurologist and nutritionist. All patients were offered maximally 300 mL of promethazine syrup (5 mg/5 mL) to be taken 10 mg every 8 h during the first 10 days of the study. A 2-mL syringe containing 1 mL of lidocaine 2% and 1 mL of triamcinolone 40 mg/mL was prepared for each patient of group A for conducting GONB. Characteristics of headache attacks, including headache severity, frequency, and duration, were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of intervention. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients in group A (96.3%) and twenty-three in group B (85.2%) completed detoxification, and were thus cured of MOH (P = 0.351). The present study revealed that GONB with local anesthetic and triamcinolone significantly improved the characteristics of headache, including frequency (- 13.66 in group A and - 7.55 in group B), duration (- 7.92 in group A and - 5.88 in group B), and severity (- 3.44 in group A vs. - 1.33 in group B) in group A compared to control (all P value < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although both detoxification programs were effective, detoxification with GONB resulted in better outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (registration number; IRCT20150906023922N2).

A novel technique of botulinum toxin injection around skull sutures for chronic migraine: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Migraine is a chronic headache manifested with attacks. Here we aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 15-point Dysport injection with 31-point Xeomin injections. Materials and Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial performed in 2020-2021 in Isfahan on patients with refractory chronic migraine. A total number of 60 patients entered the study. The pain of patients was also determined using headache impact test (HIT) questionnaire. Patients were randomized into two groups: Group 1 underwent 31-point Xeomin injection and Group 2 underwent 1 vial of Dysport injection into 15 points of the scalp. Results: Our study revealed that the data regarding aura, nausea, vomit, photosensitivity, sensitivity to sounds and smells did not change significantly between two groups compared to the beginning of the study. Frequency, duration, intensity of headaches, and the mean HIT score of all patients improved significantly within 3 months after interventions. Comparing both groups showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). HIT score was decreased from 21.26 ± 3.58 before intervention to 15.51 ± 4.58 after 3 months in Group 1 and 22.23 ± 2.59-10.33 ± 2.26 in Group 2. In both groups, these changes were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Although we found more decrease of HIT score in Group 2 comparing with Group 1 (10.33 ± 2.26 vs. 15.51 ± 4.58), this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.12). Conclusion: Although Xeomin and Dysport injections are both effective and reduced pain in patients with chronic migraine, our new technique is probably better than the standard technique. Because the injection points are halved, increase patients comfort and reduce overall cost.

New-onset acute ischemic stroke following COVID-19: A case-control study.

Background: Neurological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been highlighted. COVID-19 potentially increases the risk of thromboembolism. We aimed to compare patients with COVID-19 with and without new-onset acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Materials and Methods: In this single-center retrospective case-control study, demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes were compared between 51 patients with both COVID-19 and AIS (group A) and 160 patients with COVID-19 and without AIS (group B). Results: Patients in group A were significantly older, more likely to present with critical COVID-19 (P = 0.004), had higher rates of admission in the intensive care unit (P < 0.001), more duration of hospitalization (P < 0.001), and higher in-hospital mortality (P < 0.001). At the time of hospitalization, O2 saturation (P = 0.011), PH (P = 0.04), and HCO3 (P = 0.005) were lower in group A. White blood cell count (P = 0.002), neutrophil count (P < 0.001), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (P = 0.001), D-Dimer (P < 0.001), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P < 0.001), and BUN/Cr ratio (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with AIS. Conclusion: Stroke in COVID-19 is multifactorial. In addition to conventional risk factors of ischemic stroke (age and cardiovascular risk factors), we found that patients with more severe COVID-19 are more prone to ischemic stroke. Furthermore, leukocyte count, neutrophil count, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, D-Dimer, BUN, and BUN/Cr ratio were higher in patients with AIS following COVID-19 infection.

Effect of synbiotic supplementation on migraine characteristics and inflammatory biomarkers in women with migraine: Results of a randomized controlled trial.

Literature suggests a relationship between gut microbiome and migraine headache pathogenesis. However, the effect of manipulating gut microbiome on migraine remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of synbiotics on migraine characteristics and inflammatory markers in women with migraines. Sixty-nine participants completed a randomized double-blind controlled trial, receiving synbiotic (109 CFU of 12 types of probiotics + fructooligosaccharides prebiotic) or placebo supplementation, twice per day for 12 weeks. Migraine severity, migraine days per month, frequency and duration of attacks, number of painkillers consumed, gastrointestinal problems, serum High sensitive C-Reactive Protein (Hs-CRP) (a marker of inflammation) and zonulin (a marker of gut permeability) levels were measured at baseline and the end of the intervention. Bivariate comparison and intention-to-treat (ITT) were used for analysis. Synbiotic supplementation compare to the placebo resulted in a significant reduction in the mean frequency of migraine attacks (-1.02 vs -0.30, respectively, P = 0.011), percentage change of the number of painkillers used (-7.5% vs 27.5%, respectively, P = 0.008) and gastrointestinal problems (-35% vs -2.5%, respectively, P = 0.005), zonulin level (-4.12 vs 0.85 ng/ml, respectively, P = 0.034), and Hs-CRP level (-0.43 vs -0.09 mg/l, respectively, P = 0.022). Reduction in the migraine severity and duration did not reach a statistically significant level. Synbiotic supplementation may be considered as a complementary treatment for women with migraines to improve migraine characteristics and markers of inflammation and gut permeability and reduce the burden of disease.

The efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid in improving oxidative, inflammatory, and mood status in women with episodic migraine in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

AIM: Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder, which is associated with severe to moderate disabling headaches. Oxidative stress and inflammation might play a role in migraine pathogenesis and the mood disorders. Considering the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), this study was designed to investigate its effect on oxidative, inflammatory, and mood conditions in women with episodic migraine. METHODS: In total, 92 women with episodic migraine participated in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, receiving a 300-mg capsule of ALA or placebo twice daily for 3 months. To assess the oxidative and inflammatory status, the serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidative stress index (OSI), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. A depression, anxiety, stress scale (DASS-21-items) questionnaire was used to evaluate mood status. RESULTS: Finally, 79 patients reached the final analysis stage. At the end of the intervention, a significant decrease in the serum levels of MDA (means difference [MD]: -0.83, 95% confidence intervals (CI): -1.04, -0.62 nmol/mL vs MD: -0.32, CI: -0.48, -0.15 nmol/mL; P < .001) and CRP (MD: -0.78, CI: -1.17, -0.39 mg/L vs MD: -0.63, CI: -1.80, 0.52 mg/L; P < .001) was observed in the ALA as compared with the placebo group, but changes in serum GSH (P = .086), TAC (P = .068), TOS (P = .225), and OSI (P = .404) were not statistically significant. In addition, depression, anxiety, and stress (with P < .001, in all cases) had significantly decreased in the intervention as compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that ALA supplementation for 3 months has beneficial effects on improving the oxidative, inflammatory, and mood conditions of patients suffering from episodic migraine.

Zinc supplementation affects favorably the frequency of migraine attacks: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies have shown a link between zinc deficiency and migraine headaches. We aimed to examine the effect of zinc supplementation on the characteristics of migraine attacks in patients with migraine. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 80 patients with migraine. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either zinc sulfate (220 mg/d zinc sulfate) or placebo (lactose) for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measures, serum zinc concentrations, and characteristics of migraine attacks (headache severity, frequency and duration of migraine attacks, and headache daily results) were assessed at baseline and end of the trial. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo, zinc supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in headache severity (- 1.75 ± 1.79 vs. -0.80 ± 1.57; P = 0.01) and migraine attacks frequency (- 2.55 ± 4.32 vs. -0.42 ± 4.24; P = 0.02) in migraine patients. However, the observed reduction for headache severity became statistically non-significant when the analysis was adjusted for potential confounders and baseline values of headache severity. Other characteristics of migraine attacks including the duration of attacks and headache daily results were not altered following zinc supplementation either before or after controlling for covariates. CONCLUSION: Zinc supplementation had a beneficial effect on the frequency of migraine attacks in migraine patients. Additional well-designed clinical trials with a long period of intervention and different dosages of zinc are required. TRIAL REGISTRATION CODE: IRCT20121216011763N23 at www.irct.ir .

Effect of cinnamon on migraine attacks and inflammatory markers: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Migraine is the most common type of primary headaches. Increased levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) and nitric oxide (NO) lead to inflammation and neurogenic pain. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of cinnamon on migraine attacks and inflammatory status. Fifty patients with migraine were randomized to receive either cinnamon powder (three capsules/day each containing 600 mg of cinnamon) or three placebo capsules/day each containing 100 mg of corn starch (control group) for 2 months. Serum levels of IL-6, CGRP and NO were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. The frequency, severity and duration of pain attacks were also recorded using questionnaire. Serum concentrations of IL-6 and NO were significantly reduced in the cinnamon group compared with the control group (p < .05). However, serum levels of CGRP remained unchanged in both groups. The frequency, severity and duration of migraine attacks were significantly decreased in the cinnamon group compared with the control group. Cinnamon supplementation reduced inflammation as well as frequency, severity and duration of headache in patients with migraine. Cinnamon could be regarded as a safe supplement to relieve pain and other complications of migraine.

The Effect of Home Base Physical Activity Program based on the BASNEF Model on Motor Recovery in Patients with Stroke.

The present study aimed to determine the effect of education based on the BASNEF model on the physical activity and improvement of motor activity in patients with stroke. This randomized control trial study was conducted on 40 patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to a teaching hospital in Isfahan, Iran from August 2017 to September 2018. The patients were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention included personal education and a manual CD of physical activity for the intervention group. After education, the mean scores of the BASNEF model's constructs in the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < .001). Furthermore, the motor ability of the intervention group in upper and lower extremities was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < .001). Interventions based on educational models can increase the motivation of patients with stroke in performing recommended physical activity.

The effects of concurrent Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine supplementation in migraine prophylaxis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to determine the effects of combined supplementation of Coenzyme Q10 with L-carnitine on mitochondrial metabolic disorders marker and migraine symptoms among migraine patients. METHODS: A total of 56 men and women, between 20-40 years of age with migraine headache, participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 30 mg/day Coenzyme Q10 and 500 mg/day L-carnitine at the same time and/or placebo tablets for 8 weeks. The measurements were completed at the beginning and end of the study. The primary outcome was severity of headache attacks. The secondary outcomes included duration, frequency of headache attacks, the headache diary results (HDR), and serum levels of lactate. RESULTS: A significant reduction was obtained in serum levels of lactate (-2.28 mg/dl, 95% CI: -3.65, -0.90; p = 0.002), severity (-3.03, 95% CI: -3.65, -2.40; p ≤ 0.001), duration (-7.67, 95% CI: -11.47, -3.90; p ≤ 0.001), frequency (-5.42, 95% CI: -7.31, -3.53; p ≤ 0.001) and HDR (-103.03, 95% CI: -145.76, -60.29; p ≤ 0.001) after 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: This double-blind parallel study provides evidences supporting the beneficial effects of Coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine supplements on serum levels of lactate and migraine symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20121216011763N21.