Olive Leaf Extract Supplementation Combined with Calorie-Restricted Diet on Reducing Body Weight and Fat Mass in Obese Women: Result of a Randomized Control Trial.

The present trial aims to evaluate a supplementation of the olive leaf extract (OLE) in adjunct with a weight loss diet on anthropometric indices, glycemic indices, lipid profile, as well as the level of adipokines, and free fatty acid in obese women. We carried out an 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, clinical trial. The participants were randomly stratified according to age and they were assigned to one of the two study groups: Standard weight loss diet (estimated daily energy requirements minus 500 kcal) + OLE supplementation (n = 35) in intervention group or Standard weight loss diet (estimated daily energy requirements minus 500 kcal) + placebo (n = 35) in placebo group. The study groups were homogeneous regarding the baseline age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences, married status, and physical activity levels (p > 0.05). The results of analysis of covariance presented significant decreases in BMI, fat mass, and body weight in the OLE group compared to those in the placebo group (p < 0.05). At the end of the study, the serum levels of fasting blood sugar, insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, leptin, fatty free acid, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance significantly decreased, and serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin elevated in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Based on results it seems that the addition of OLE to a hypocaloric diet for 8-week compared with a hypocaloric diet alone may be more effective in modifying obesity and metabolic risk factors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: IRCT20190129042552N2.

Combined cranberry supplementation and weight loss diet in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

A double-blind placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial was conducted on 41 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Participants were randomly allocated to receive either a cranberry supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks. Both groups were assigned to follow a weight loss diet. At the end of the study, alanine aminotransferase and insulin decreased significantly in both groups (p < .05); however, this reduction was significantly greater in the cranberry group than in the placebo group (p < .05). Significant improvements in insulin resistance were observed in the cranberry group and between the two groups (p < .001 and p = .020, respectively). Also, there was an improvement in steatosis grade and anthropometric measurements in both groups (p < .05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups in regard to these factors (p > .05). It seems that 288 mg of cranberry extract might improve managing NAFLD, which is equivalent to 26 g of dried cranberry.

Effects of Phytosterol Supplementation on Serum Levels of Lipid Profiles, Liver Enzymes, Inflammatory Markers, Adiponectin, and Leptin in Patients Affected by Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Considering the high prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and based on the evidence about the role of dietary cholesterol in liver inflammation, and also with regard to the effect of phytosterols on the metabolism of cholesterol, we aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential of phytosterol supplementation against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. METHOD: Thirty-eight patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease were randomly divided into two groups: The phytosterol group (n = 19) received a 1.6-g phytosterol supplement daily and the control group (n = 19) received 1.6 g starch daily as placebo for an 8-week period. Blood samples of all patients were taken at baseline (week 0) and at the end of the study (week 8) for measurement of lipid profiles, liver enzymes, inflammatory markers, adiponectin, and leptin. RESULTS: Phytosterol supplementation significantly improved the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and tumor necrosis factor alpha compared to the placebo group. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between the two groups in total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, ratios of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, gamma-glutamyl transferase, interleukin 6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, adiponectin, and leptin. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that daily consumption of 1.6 g phytosterols efficiently lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and tumor necrosis factor alpha in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Effect of Sesamin Supplementation on Glycemic Status, Inflammatory Markers, and Adiponectin Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Sesamin is one of the most abundant lignans in sesame and has multiple functions and high values such as antioxidative effect and promoting-immunity function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sesamin supplementation on glycemic status, serum levels of inflammatory markers and adiponectinin patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients with type 2 diabetes participated in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention group (sesamin capsules; 200 mg/day, n = 24) and control group (placebo capsules; 200 mg/day starch, n = 24). Anthropometric indices and serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and adiponectin were assessed at the baseline and after 8 weeks. RESULT: Sesamin supplementation caused a significant reduction in FBS, HbA1C and TNF-α levels compared with the placebo (p < 0.05). Waist circumference, hip circumference, body adiposity index (BAI), FBS, HbA1c, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were decreased, and adiponectin levels were increased significantly in the intervention group at the end of study (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the beneficial effects of sesamin supplement on glycemic status and inflammatory factors, it may be considered as a supplementary therapeutic approach for diabetic patients. However, future investigations are needed in this field.

Effects of Concentrated Pomegranate Juice on Subclinical Inflammation and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: The health benefits of pomegranate juice have been reported in several studies. However, limited clinical trials have examined the effects of concentrated pomegranate juice (CPJ) on inflammatory factors. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of CPJ on metabolic risk factors, including inflammatory biomarkers, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a quasi-experiment trial, 40 type 2 diabetic patients were asked to consume 50 g of CPJ daily for 4 weeks. Anthropometric indices, dietary intake, blood pressure measurements, and fasting blood samples were conducted at baseline and 4 weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: The intake of CPJ produced a significant increase in both total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (4.7% and 3.9%, respectively) from baseline (P < 0.05). However, changes that were observed in serum triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure were not statistically significant. Administration of CPJ caused significant reduction in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P < 0.05), but tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) remained unchanged during the study. The mean value of serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was substantially increased (~ 75%) from 381.88 ± 114.4 at baseline to 1501 ± 817 after 4 weeks of CPJ consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of CPJ (50 g/day) appears to have favorable effects on some markers of subclinical inflammation, and to increase plasma concentrations of antioxidants in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Protective effect of soy protein on collagen-induced arthritis in rat.

To evaluate preventive and therapeutic effects of soy protein on collagen-induced arthritis rats. Sprague-Dawley rats immunized with bovine type II collagen emulsified in adjuvant and treated with soy protein (7 g/kg), dexamethasone (1 mg/kg), and casein (in control groups) by daily gavages feedings for 30 days. Score of arthritis recorded every day for each paws of animal. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin6, leptin, and adiponectin were measured in serums. Treatment with soy protein resulted in significant delay in time to onset of arthritis as well as significantly decreased arthritis incidence, clinical arthritis severity score, histopathological arthritis severity score, and in vivo cell-mediated immunity to collagen (P < 0.05). Administration of soy protein significantly suppressed the progression of collagen II-induced arthritis and inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin6, leptin, and adiponectin. Soy protein appeared to be a potent immunomodulatory inhibitor of collagen II-induced arthritis in rats. It could delay onset of RA and reduced cartilage erosion and synovitis inflammation. Therefore, it may be a useful protein in the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patient.

Effects of orange juice and hesperetin on serum paraoxonase activity and lipid profile in hyperuricemic rats.

INTRODUCTION: Hypouricemic, antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory effects of orange juice and hesperetin have been already indicated. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of orange juice and hesperetin on paraoxonase and arylesterase activity and lipid profile of hyperuricemic rats. METHODS: Forty eight male Wistar rats were divided into 8 equal groups of healthy control, healthy+orange juice, healthy+hesperetin, healthy+allopurinol, hyperuricemic control, hyperuricemic+orange juice, hyperurice-mic+hesperetin and hyperuricemic+allopurinol. Hyperuricemia was induced using potassi-um oxonate (250 mg/kg ip). The treatments were carried out by daily gavage of 5 ml/kg orange juice, 5 mg/kg hesperetin and 5 mg/kg allopurinol for 2 weeks. Paraoxonase activi-ty in serum was measured spectrophotometrically using paraoxon and phenylacetate as substrates. Serum lipids levels were determined using enzymatic colorimetric methods. RESULTS: Hyperuricemia-induced reduction of paraoxonase and arylesterase activity was restored after treatment with orange juice and hesperetin (p<0.05). The effect of both treatments on lipid profile was marginal and only orange juice could significantly increase the levels of HDL-C. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of orange juice and hesperetin could restore paraoxonase and arylesterase activity in hyperuricemic rats. Orange juice could also partially improve the lipid profile. These effects could have major implications with respect to the prevention of cardiovascular disease in hyperuricemic patients. However, more studies are needed in future investigations.

Comparison of the effects of genistein and daidzein with dexamethasone and soy protein on rheumatoid arthritis in rats.

INTRODUCTION: We have already shown the protective effects of soy protein on rheumatoid arthritis in rats. In this study, the effects of genistein and daidzein, two isoflavones from soy on rheumatoid arthritis prognosis and prevention in rats have been investigated. METHODS: Rheumatoid arthritis was induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats using collagen type II plus adjuvant. Rats were then treated with soy protein (7 g/kg), dexamethasone (1 mg/kg), genistein (20 mg/kg genistein), daidzein (20 mg/kg genistein) and casein (in control groups) by daily gavage feedings for 50 days. Scores of arthritis were recorded every day for each paw of animal. Serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, adiponectin and leptin were characterized. Tibiotarsal tissue was used for histopathologic analyses. RESULTS: Treatment with genistein and daidzein resulted in not only a reduction in disease symptoms but also a delay in the onset of symptoms. Results from delayed-type hypersensitivity test demonstrated that the ear thickness in treated rats was significantly lower than that in the control group (p<0.05). There was a reduction in TNF-α, IL-6, adiponectin and leptin serum concentrations after treatment with genistein and daidzein. Dexamethasone reduced the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and adiponectin but increased leptin serum level. Prevention of the tissue damage and joint inflammation was also observed following treatment with two soy isoflavones. CONCLUSION: soy isoflavones, daidzein and especially genistein, could significantly improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in rats. The structural similarity of isoflavones to estrogen could be the possible underlying mechanism involved in the function.

Effects of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and its Flavonol Constituents, Kaempferol and Quercetin, on Serum Uric Acid Levels, Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Liver Xanthine Oxidoreductase Aactivity inOxonate-Induced Hyperuricemic Rats.

Increased serum uric acid is known to be a major risk related to the development of several oxidative stress diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of parsley, quercetin and kaempferol on serum uric acid levels, liver xanthine oxidoreductase activity and two non-invasive biomarkers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde concentration) in normal and oxonate-induced hyperuricemic rats. A total of 60 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into ten equal groups; including 5 normal groups (vehicle, parsley, quercetin, kaempferol and allopurinol) and 5 hyperuricemic groups (vehicle, parsley, quercetin, kaempferol and allopurinol). Parsley (5 g/Kg), quercetin (5 mg/Kg), kaempferol (5 mg/Kg) and allopurinol (5 mg/Kg) were administrated to the corresponding groups by oral gavage once a day for 2 weeks. The results showed that parsley and its flavonol did not cause any significant reduction in the serum uric acid levels in normal rats, but significantly reduced the serum uric acid levels of hyperuricemic rats in a time-dependent manner. All treatments significantly inhibited liver xanthine oxidoreductase activity. Parsley, kaempferol and quercetin treatment led also to a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity and decrease in malondialdehyde concentration in hyperuricemic rats. Although the hypouricemic effect of allopurinol was much higher than that of parsley and its flavonol constituents, it could not significantly change oxidative stress biomarkers. These features of parsley and its flavonols make them as a possible alternative for allopurinol, or at least in combination therapy to minimize the side effects of allopurinol to treat hyperuricemia and oxidative stress diseases.

Orange juice and hesperetin supplementation to hyperuricemic rats alter oxidative stress markers and xanthine oxidoreductase activity.

Our objective was to examine the effect of orange juice and hesperetin on serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation (MDA), uric acid and hepatic xanthine oxidase (XO) and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) activity in hyperuricemic rats. Experimentally hyperuricemia in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of potassium oxonate (250 mg/kg). Orange juice (5 ml/kg) and hesperetin (5 mg/kg) was given by oral gavage to rats for 2 weeks and biochemical data was measured. Data showed that orange juice supplementation increased serum TAC and decreased MDA concentration (p