The effects of guar gum supplementation on lipid profile in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review, meta-regression and dose-response meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials.

Recent meta-analytic work indicated that guar gum supplementation might improve lipid profile markers in different populations. However, critical methodological limitations such as the use of some unreliable data and the lack of inclusion of several relevant studies, and the scarcity in assessments of regression and dose-specific effects make it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions from the meta-analysis. Therefore, current evidence regarding the effects of guar gum supplementation on lipid profile remains unclear. The present systematic review, meta-regression and dose-response meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of guar gum supplementation on lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), LDL, TAG and HDL) in adults. Relevant studies were obtained by searching the PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase and Web of Science databases (from inception to September 2021). Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95 % CI were estimated via a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were reported using standard methods. Pooled analysis of nineteen randomised controlled trials (RCT) revealed that guar gum supplementation led to significant reductions in TC (WMD: -19·34 mg/dl, 95 % CI -26·18, -12·49, P < 0·001) and LDL (WMD: -16·19 mg/dl, 95 % CI -25·54, -6·83, P = 0·001). However, there was no effect on TAG and HDL among adults in comparison with control group. Our outcomes suggest that guar gum supplementation lowers TC and LDL in adults. Future large RCT on various populations are needed to show further beneficial effects of guar gum supplementation on lipid profile and establish guidelines for clinical practice.

Variants of the cry 1 gene may influence the effect of fat intake on resting metabolic rate in women with overweight of obesity: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that the minor allele (C allele) for Cry 1 rs2287161, may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Low resting metabolic rate (RMR) caused by the diet has been shown to have, potentially, unfavorable effects on obesity. This study sought to investigate the interactions between the Cry 1 Gene and fat intake on RMR in women with overweight of obesity. METHODS: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 377 Iranian women with overweight of obesity. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), with 147 items, was used to assess dietary intake. Individuals were categorized into two groups based on the rs2287161 genotype. Body composition, dietary intake, and RMR were assessed for all participants. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between genotypes for fasting blood sugar (FBS) (P = 0.04), fat free mass (FFM) (P = 0.0009), RMR per FFM (P = 0.05), RMR per body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.02), and RMR deviation (P = 0.01). Our findings also showed significant interactions between total fat and C allele carrier group on RMR per kg body weight, RMR per body surface area (BSA), RMR per FFM, and RMR deviation (P for interaction < 0.1), in addition to a significant interaction between CC + CG group genotype and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake on RMR per BMI (P for interaction =0.00) and RMR per kg (P for interaction = 0.02) and RMR per BSA (P = 0.07), compared to the GG group, after control for confounder factors. CONCLUSION: These results highlight that dietary compositions, gene variants, and their interaction, should be acutely considered in lower RMR.

Association of plant-based diet index with inflammatory markers and sleep quality in overweight and obese female adults: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and sleep disturbances increase the risk of multiple diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia. Since diet plays a significant role in inflammatory responses and sleep quality, this study aimed to investigate the association of a plant-based diet index (PDI) with sleep quality and inflammatory markers in overweight and obese women. METHODS: 390 overweight and obese women aged 18-48 years participated in this cross-sectional study. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to create an overall PDI, healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI) and unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI). Sleep quality was assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Higher scores on the PSQI were indicative of poor sleep. Anthropometric measurements and serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) were evaluated. Linear regression models were used to determine the association between exposure and outcomes. RESULTS: After taking potential confounders into account, we found a significant inverse association between adherence to hPDI and hs-CRP (ß = -0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.22,0.06, P = .001) and a significant positive association between uPDI and hs-CRP (ß = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.05,0.21, P = .001). Overall, PDI was significantly associated with TGF-ß (ß = 2.04, 95% CI: 0.54,3.55, P = .008). No association was detected between PDI indices and IL-1ß. Higher adherence to uPDI was significantly associated with higher PSQI score (lower sleep quality) (ß= 0.20, 95% CI:0.007,0.40, P = .04). A significant positive association was found between TGF-ß (ß = 0.05, 95% CI:0.005,0.10, P = .03) and hs-CRP (ß = 0.32, 95% CI:0.02,0.62, P = .03) with PSQI. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated a significant association between adherence to a plant-based diet with inflammation and sleep quality in obese and overweight females. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Sleep is an essential part of life, and sleep quality has a significant impact on individual well-being and performance. There is a bidirectional relationship between disturbed sleep and elevated levels of inflammatory markers. Diet plays a major part in sleep quality and its related health consequences. Plant-based diets are associated with lower risk of chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD), type 2 diabetes, obesity and reduced level of inflammation. WHAT DOES THIS ARTICLE ADD?: Adherence to a healthful plant-based diet is associated with lower level of hs-CRP, while adherence to an unhealthful plant-based diet is associated with higher concentrations of hs-CRP. Adherence to an unhealthful plant-based diet is associated with lower sleep quality.

The association between meal specific low carbohydrate diet score and cardiometabolic risk factors: A cross-sectional study of Iranian adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Since evidence regarding low-CHO diet and cardiometabolic risk factors is controversial, this study aimed to assess the relation between low-CHO diet score and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiometabolic risk factors among a group of Iranian adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 840 subjects with the age range of 20-65 years. Dietary intakes were assessed by completing three 24-hour recalls. Total, animal- and vegetable-based low-CHO diet score were calculated. We used logistic regression with different models to determine whether there were relationships between low-CHO diet score and MetS and MetS components. RESULTS: We found that there was no significant association between low-CHO diet, animal-based and vegetable-based low-CHO diet scores and risk of MetS in three meals. Except for the animal-based low-CHO diet score, which was significantly associated with general obesity at lunch meal (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.76-1.82, P = .03). There were a significant association between low-CHO diet and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in lunch meal (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.06-2.14, P = .03). Vegetable-based low-CHO diet score was associated with a lower risk of elevated TG in lunch meal in the fully adjusted model (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.39-0.90, P = .04). CONCLUSION: Diets with lower amounts of carbohydrate and higher contents of fat and protein were not significantly associated with the risk for MetS in Iranian adults. Only animal-based low-CHO diet score was significantly associated with general obesity at lunch meal.

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.

Dietary Patterns and Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing worldwide. Dietary patterns may be associated with odds of this disease. Although previous reviews have attempted to summarize the evidence in this field, the growing body of investigations prompted us to conduct an updated comprehensive systematic review. METHODS: We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to evaluate the association between dietary patterns before disease onset and the risk of IBD. PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were searched using structured keywords up to November 20, 2023. RESULTS: Twenty-four publications (13 case-control, 1 nested case-control, and 10 cohort studies) were included in this review. The sample size of these studies ranged from 181 to 482 887 subjects. The findings were inconsistent across the included studies, showing inverse, direct, or no association between different dietary patterns and the risk of IBD. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides comprehensive data on the link between dietary patterns prior to IBD diagnosis and risk of this condition. The explicit finding of present review is the extent gap in our knowledge in this field. Therefore, large-scale, high-quality studies are warranted to improve our understanding of the relationship between dietary patterns and IBD risk.

Despite growing studies that have investigated the relationship between diet and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a definite conclusion has not been reached yet. In the present review, we summarized previous evidence on dietary patterns linked to risk of IBD to update the current knowledge in this field.

The effects of pomegranate consumption on obesity indices in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Evidence supports the potential application of polyphenols as agents against obesity. Pomegranate is one of the fruits that possess a high content of polyphenols. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) sought to evaluate the effects of pomegranate consumption on obesity indices, including body mass index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), body fat percentage (BFP), and fat-free mass (FFM) in adults. Relevant RCTs were obtained by searching databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, up to May 2023. Heterogeneity tests of the included trials were performed using the I 2 statistic. Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as the weighted mean difference with a 95% confidence interval. Pooled analysis of 28 trials revealed that pomegranate consumption led to a significant reduction in body weight (WMD: -1.97, 95% CI: -2.91, -1.03, p < .05), and a significant decrease in BMI (WMD: -0.48, 95% CI: -0.76, -0.20, p < .05) in comparison with the control group. However, there were no significant effects on WC, FM, FFM, and BFP in comparison with the control group. Pomegranate consumption may yield a beneficial effect on body weight and BMI in adults. However, there were no significant effects on WC, FM, FFM, and BFP, by pomegranate consumption. Also, pomegranate consumption can reduce body weight, BMI, WC, and BFP in obese adults. Long-term trials with different doses of pomegranate are needed.

Association Between Selenium and Circulating Adipokine Levels in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

There is increasing evidence that selenium (Se) and its major transport protein, selenoprotein-P (SePP), may be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the association of serum Se and SePP levels with circulating adipokines in this population has not received sufficient attention. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the associations of serum Se and SePP with circulating adipokine levels in patients with PCOS. In this cross-sectional study, 115 patients aged 18-45 years with PCOS diagnosed according to the Rotterdam Consensus Criteria were recruited. The general characteristics of the participants were collected using a general questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were taken. Blood samples were obtained and serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, resistin, and omentin-1, as well as markers of glucose metabolism, were measured. Serum levels of Se and SePP were inversely correlated with fasting blood glucose (FBS), serum insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In addition, serum levels of Se and SePP were positively correlated with serum levels of adiponectin and visfatin. Although there was no significant correlation between serum Se and serum omentin-1 levels, a significant positive correlation was found between serum SePP levels and this adipokine. The present study found that serum Se and SePP levels were positively correlated with serum adiponectin and visfatin levels. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Effect of Tart Cherry Juice Consumption on Body Composition and Anthropometric Measures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The present systematic review and meta-analysis were accomplished to understand the effects of tart cherry juice consumption on body composition and anthropometric measures. Five databases were searched using relevant keywords from inception to January 2022. All clinical trials investigating the effect of tart cherry juice consumption on body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and percentage body fat (PBF) were included. Out of 441 citations, 6 trials that enrolled 126 subjects were included. Tart cherry juice consumption significantly did not reduce BW (weighted mean difference [WMD], -0.4 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.25 to 2.46; p = 0.789; GRADE = low), BMI (WMD, -0.07 kg/m2; 95% CI, -0.89 to 0.74; p = 0.857; GRADE = low), FM (WMD, 0.21 kg; 95% CI, -1.83 to 2.25; p = 0.837; GRADE = low), FFM (WMD, -0.12 kg; 95% CI, -2.47 to 2.27; p = 0.919; GRADE = low), WC (WMD, 1.69 cm; 95% CI, -1.88 to 5.27; p = 0.353; GRADE = low), and PBF (WMD, 0.18%; 95% CI, -1.81 to -2.17; p = 0.858; GRADE = low). Overall, these data suggest that tart cherry juice consumption has no significant effect on BW, BMI, FM, FFM, WC, and PBF.

The Effects of Fenugreek Seed Consumption on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are growing health issues worldwide. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common among CVDs in all populations. Fenugreek has recently been the center of multiple investigations. AIM: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed at gathering and summing up the existing literature regarding the impact of fenugreek seed on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). METHODS: All major databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane library, EMBASE, and Web of Science) were searched from inception up to 28 June 2022. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the inclusion criteria were included and the required data was extracted. The pooled effects were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs). I-squared test was used to detect between-study heterogeneities. Subgroup analyses were conducted to find sources of heterogeneities. P-values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Six RCTs including a total of 373 participants were included in the final meta-analysis. Fenugreek seed supplementation significantly reduced SBP (WMD: 3.46 mmHg, 95% CI - 6.33, - 0.59, P=0.018), but not DBP (WMD: 3.19 mmHg; 95% CI, - 5.82 to 12.21, P=0.488). Subgroup analyses showed that fenugreek seed administered in dosages ≥ 15 g/day and durations ≤ 12 weeks significantly reduced SBP and DBP. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with fenugreek seed, especially in dosages ≥ 15 g/day and durations ≤ 12 weeks, might play a role in reducing SBP, but not DBP. However, further investigations are warranted to ensure the clinical relevance of these findings.

The effects of guar gum supplementation on glycemic control, body mass and blood pressure in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to evaluate the effects ofguar gum supplementation on glycemic control, blood pressure, and body mass in adults. METHODS: Relevant studies were obtained by searching the PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, and Web of Science databases (from inception to January 2022). Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were reported using standard methods. RESULTS: Pooled analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) revealed that guar gum supplementation led to significant reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (WMD: -0.47 mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.75, -0.18, p = 0.001). However, there was no effect on fasting blood sugar (FBS), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and body mass among adults in comparison with the control group. A subgroup analysis demonstrated that intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and high supplementation dosages (>15 g/d) significantly decreased FBS concentrations, but not in other subgroups. CONCLUSION: Guar gum supplementation may yield a beneficial effect on glycemic control in T2DM patients. However, the extant clinical trials, thus far, are not sufficient enough to form guidelines for clinical practice.

Potential roles of genistein in polycystic ovary syndrome: A comprehensive systematic review.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent polygenic endocrine disorders in reproductive-age women. Genistein is a soy-isolated phytoestrogen and isoflavone with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, estrogenic, and antineoplastic activity. This systematic review aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of actions of genistein in PCOS. The present study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases up to February 2022 using relative keywords. Studies published in English evaluated genistein's effects on PCOS, and its related symptoms were considered. Out of 298 records screened, only 13 articles met the inclusion criteria: Nine animal and 4 human studies. The results of the current study indicated that genistein supplementation may effectively improve PCOS-related symptoms by decreasing insulin resistance and anthropometric indices, improving ovarian morphology and regulating reproductive hormones, and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation by influencing biological pathways. According to the current literature, genistein may diminish the dues of PCOS. Therefore, this study shows that genistein can be considered an effective agent. in reducing the complications of PCOS. However, further studies are recommended for a broad conclusion on the exact mechanism of genistein in PCOS patients.

Association of dietary phytochemical index with metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity phenotype among Iranian women: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Phytochemicals have been recently studied as adjuvants for the treatment of obesity. No study has investigated the association of phytochemical-rich foods with metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity phenotype (MUOW/O). This study aimed to determine the association of dietary phytochemical index (DPI) with MUOW/O based on Karelis criteria among Iranian female adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 228 overweight and obese women aged 18-48 years were included. Anthropometric measurements were evaluated for all participants. A validated 147-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used for dietary assessment. DPI was calculated as [dietary energy derived from phytochemical-rich foods (kcal)/total daily energy intake (kcal)] × 100. Participants' body composition and biochemical parameters of Karelis criteria [triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), insulin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] were determined. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 36.69 ± 9.20, and the mean DPI score was 26.23 ± 9.48 among participants with MUOW/O phenotype. After controlling for potential confounders, women in the highest tertile of DPI had lower odds for MUOW/O phenotype [odds ratio (OR): 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.07-0.68, P = 0.008] compared to the lowest tertile. Among the components of Karelis criteria, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was significantly associated with MUOW/O phenotype in the fully adjusted model (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.10-0.79, P = 0.01). Conclusion: We found a significant association between DPI and MUOW/O phenotype in Iranian women. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Association of the Mediterranean Dietary Quality Index with handgrip strength and muscle endurance: A cross-sectional study.

Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating pattern associated with various health advantages. Different scoring methods of adherence to this diet have been used to investigate the association between the Mediterranean diet and muscle outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the association of the Mediterranean Dietary Quality Index (Med-DQI) with handgrip strength (HS) and muscle endurance (ME). The current cross-sectional study involved 268 Iranian adults aged 18-70 years. Anthropometric measures were evaluated. We used the 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to develop the Med-DQI score. The Med-DQI score ranges from 0 to 14 (lower score suggests higher adherence to Mediterranean diet). HS was measured by a digital handgrip dynamometer, and ME was the amount of time to reach a maximum of 50% of grip strength. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the association of Med-DQI and its components with HS and ME. Med-DQI score was not associated with mean handgrip strength (MHS) (p = .34) and mean muscle endurance (MME) (p = .69) in the crude model. The associations remained insignificant after the adjustment of covariates (p = .16, .31, respectively). Among the components of Med-DQI, cholesterol, meats, fish, and cereals were positively correlated with MHS (p < .001 for all). Meats (p = .02), olive oil (p < .001), cereals (p = .04), fruits and vegetables (p < .001 for all) were also positively correlated with MME. According to our findings, Med-DQI score is not associated with MHS and MME in a population of Iranian adults. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings.

Dose-dependent effect of vinegar on blood pressure: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: There are controversial findings regarding the effect of vinegar on blood pressure based on the evidence accumulated so far. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science up to April 2022. We estimated the change in blood pressure for each 30 ml/d increments in vinegar consumption in each trial and then, calculated the mean difference (MD) and 95 %CI using a fixed-effects model. A dose-response meta-analysis of differences in means provided us with the estimation of the dose-dependent effect. The certainty of evidence was rated by the GRADE tool. RESULTS: Each 30 ml/d increment in vinegar consumption reduced SBP by - 3.25 mmHg (95 %CI: - 5.54, - 0.96; I2 = 67.5 %, GRADE = low). Levels of SBP decreased linearly and slightly (Pnonlinearity = 0.69, Pdose-response = 0.02) up to vinegar consumption of 30 ml/d (MD30 ml/d: - 3.36, 95 %CI: - 5.77, - 0.94). Each 30 ml/d increment in vinegar consumption reduced DBP by - 3.33 mmHg (95 %CI: - 4.16, - 2.49; I2 = 57.1 %, GRADE = low). Levels of DBP decreased linearly and slightly (Pnonlinearity = 0.47, Pdose-response = 0.004) up to vinegar consumption of 30 ml/d (MD30 ml/d: - 2.61, 95 %CI: - 4.15, - 1.06) CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings, vinegar significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure and may be considered an adjunct to hypertension treatment. Thus, clinicians could incorporate vinegar consumption as part of their dietary advice for patients.

Evaluating the effects of curcumin nanomicelles on clinical outcome and cellular immune responses in critically ill sepsis patients: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial.

Introduction: In sepsis, the immune system is overreacting to infection, leading to organ dysfunction and death. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts of curcumin nanomicelles on clinical outcomes and cellular immune responses in critically ill sepsis patients. Method: For 10 days, 40 patients in the intensive care units (ICU) were randomized between the nano curcumin (NC) and placebo groups in a randomized study. We evaluated serum levels of biochemical factors, inflammatory biomarkers, the mRNA expression levels of FOXP3, NLRP-3, IFN-γ, and NF-κp genes in the PBMCs, and clinical outcomes before the beginning of the supplementation and on days 5 and 10. Results: NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) mRNA expression levels significantly P = 0.014, P = 0.014, and P = 0.019, respectively) decreased, but forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) mRNA expression levels increased significantly (P = 0.008) in the NC group compared to the placebo group after 10 days. NC supplementation decreased serum levels of IL-22, IL-17, and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, biochemical factors and nutritional status did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). NC supplementation resulted in decreased sequential organ failure assessment and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes scores, while it did not have significant impacts on length of stay in the ICU, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, a saturation of oxygen (%), and respiratory rate (breaths/min) PaO2/FiO2 (p > 0.05). Conclusion: For critically ill patients with sepsis, NC supplementation may be an effective therapeutic strategy. More randomized clinical trials involving longer follow-up periods and different doses are needed to achieve the best results.

The effect of Glucomannan on fasting and postprandial blood glucose in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: Glucomannan is a dietary fiber that slows the absorption of carbohydrates and suppresses appetite, thereby reducing blood glucose. This meta-analysis sought to examine the effect of glucomannan supplementation on Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) and Postprandial Glucose (PPG) in adults. Method: We searched PubMed, and SCOPUS databases, and Google Scholar from inception to May 2020, using relevant keywords. All randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of glucomannan supplementation on FBG and PPG in adults were included. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Stata. Subgroup analysis was used to discern possible sources of heterogeneity. Results: Overall, 6 trials were included, consisting of 124 participants. We found that glucomannan supplementation significantly reduced FBG (WMD): -0.60 mmol/L, 95% CI: -1.16, -0.05; P=0.03, but not PPG (WMD: -2.07mmol/L ; 95% CI: -5.09, 0.95; P=0.18), compared with controls group. We conducted subgroup analysis based on dosage and duration of intervention and health status of the population. Findings from subgroup analysis revealed a significant effect of glucomannan supplementation on FBG in diabetic patients (WMD: -1.28 mmol/L, 95% CI: -2.54, -0.02; P=0.04). Conclusion: Glucomannan supplementation can elicit significant reductions in FBG, but has no significant impact on PPG, in adults. More RCTs may find the exact effect of glucomannan on FBG and PPG. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-00993-6.

The effects of capsinoids supplementation on body composition and anthropometric measures: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of capsinoids on body mass index (BMI), body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), visceral fat area (VFA), and percentage body fat (PBF). METHODS: Four databases were searched from inception to November 2020 using relevant keywords. All clinical trials investigating the effects of capsinoids supplementation on body composition and anthropometric measures were retained. RESULTS: Overall, 19 effect sizes and 13 trials with a total sample size of 838 participants were included. Capsinoids supplementation had no effect on BW (P = 0.230), BMI (P = 0.182), WC (P = 0.611), FM (P = 0.946), FFM (P = 0.917), WHR (P = 0.599), VFA (P = 0.836), and PBF (P = 0.973). Findings from subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in BW in trials conducted on overweight participants, and lasted ≥12 weeks, However, no significant non-linear associations were found between capsinoids supplementation dosage and study duration with both BW (For dosage: Pnon-linearity = 0.527, for duration: Pnon-linearity = 0.410) and BMI (For dosage: Pnon-linearity = 0.308, for duration: Pnon-linearity = 0.578). CONCLUSION: Capsinoids supplementation has no significant effect on obesity indicators. However, capsinoids in trials conducted on overweight participants, and lasted ≥12 weeks may have a significant and modest reduction in BW. Well-designed RCTs with larger sample size and longer duration are needed to confirm these results.

Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Garlic (Allium sativum) on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Systematic Literature Review.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is globally the leading cause of hepatic dysfunction. Garlic has many physiological benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and antidiabetes effects. The present study aimed to systematically review the effects of garlic (Allium sativum) and its mechanisms of function in managing NAFLD and its associated complications. The guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statements were applied to perform the study (CRD42021289348). The Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane PubMed, and Google Scholar databases were searched until February 2022. According to the inclusion criteria, finally, 12 studies were entered into the study. The evidence provided in the study revealed that garlic could regulate the development of NAFLD via several mechanisms of action, such as lowering body weight, modulating lipid and glucose metabolism, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress (OS). Overall, the beneficial effects of garlic in the treatment of NAFLD make it a potential therapeutic and efficient agent in managing NAFLD and its related risk factors. There is an insufficient number of clinical trials addressing the effects of garlic in humans; therefore, conducting more human research in the future is recommended.

The Association of Dietary Energy Density and Body Composition Components in a Sample of Iranian Adults.

Background: We aimed to investigate the association between the energy density (ED) of diet and body composition components in Iranian adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 267 adults in Tehran. We obtained ED (kcal/g) using the two most common methods: ED1, ED from foods only with the exclusion of all beverages and ED2, from foods and all beverages. Body composition was measured using a multifrequency bio-impedance analysis. To find a strong association, we used both the linear and binary regression analysis in the three adjusted models. Results: The mean of ED1 and ED2 was 1.34 ± 0.23 and 0.89 ± 0.20 kcal/g, respectively. Increasing the ED of diet in both methods was associated with a high intake of dietary fat, of saturated fatty acid (SFA), of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), of oleic and linoleic acids, accompanied by a low intake of fruits, vegetables, and some vitamins and minerals. There was a significant positive relationship between fat-free mass index (FFMI) and ED1 (ß = 4.44, p = 0.02). However, we found no significant association between the consumption of ED1 and fat mass index (FMI) (0.28; 95% CI 0.08, 0.98; p = 0.07), and abdominal obesity (0.91; 95% CI 0.43, 1.94; p = 0.82). Also, ED2 had no association with FMI (0.86; 95% CI 0.26, 2.80; p = 0.81) and abdominal obesity (0.78; 95% CI 0.35, 1.72; p = 0.54). No significant associations were found between ED and other anthropometric indices and body composition components after considering the confounders. Conclusion: This study supports the positive association between ED and poor dietary quality. However, our findings did not show significant associations of dietary energy density (DED) with anthropometric indices and body composition components. Further well-designed studies are required to investigate the exact link between DED and body composition.