Therapeutic effects of saffron and its components on neurodegenerative diseases.

Due to an increase in the number of older people in recent years, neurodegenerative diseases as the most important age-related neurological disorders are considered as a great threat to human health. The treatment strategies for these disorders are symptomatic and there is no known definitive treatment; however, recently, several studies have investigated the effectiveness of some herbs and their components in limiting the progression and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we searched Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. The keywords used in the search were: saffron [title/abstract] or (saffron compound [title/abstract]) and (neurological disorders [title/abstract]), publication date range (2010-2023), and language (English). After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 articles remained. Of the 30 articles included in the study, six studies on the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders by saffron and its components were in the clinical trial phase, and 24 studies were in the preclinical phase. Saffron and its compounds can play an important role in inhibiting neuroinflammation and excitotoxic pathways, modulating autophagy and apoptosis, attenuating oxidative damage, and activating defensive antioxidant enzymes, resulting in neuroprotection against neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to review the studies on the effects of saffron and its compounds on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Antiviral Mechanisms of Curcumin and Its Derivatives in Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19: A Review.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has now plagued the world for almost 3 years. Although vaccines are now available, the severity of the pandemic and the current dearth of approved effective medications have prompted the need for novel treatment approaches. Curcumin, as a food nutraceutical with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, is now under consideration for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Curcumin has been demonstrated to retard the entrance of SARS-CoV-2 into cells, interfere with its proliferation inside cells, and curb the hyperinflammatory state caused by the virus by modulating immune system regulators, minimizing the cytokine storm effect, and modulating the renin-angiotensin system. This chapter discusses the role of curcumin and its derivatives in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection, considering the molecular mechanisms involved. It will also focus on the molecular and cellular profiling techniques as essential tools in this research, as these can be used in the identification and development of new biomarkers, drug targets, and therapeutic approaches for improved patient care.

An Investigation into the Effects of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Herbal Compounds on Neuroglobin: A Literature Review.

Neuroglobin (Ngb) is an oxygen-binding globin protein that is mainly expressed in the neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system. However, moderate levels of Ngb have also been detected in non-neural tissues. Ngb and Ngb modulating factors have been increasingly studied over the last decade due to their neuroprotective role in neurological disorders and hypoxia. Studies have shown that a number of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and herbal compounds can modulate the expression of Ngb at different dose levels, indicating a protective role against neurodegenerative diseases. Iron chelators, hormones, antidiabetic drugs, anticoagulants, antidepressants, plant derivatives and short-chain fatty acids are among these compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to review the literature focused on the possible effects and mechanisms of chemical, pharmaceutical, and herbal compounds on Ngbs.

Effects of lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet vs. standard-weight-loss diet on obese and overweight adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomised clinical trial.

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet (LOV-D) vs. a standard weight-loss diet (SWL-D) on obese/overweight adults with NAFLD. Present randomised clinical trial recruited 75 overweight/obese adults with NAFLD, who were randomly assigned into LOV-D and SWL-D groups for 3 months. The LOV-D was designed based on eliminating meat, poultry, and fish; while including dairy products and eggs. The SWL-D was planned according to the standard food pyramid, which was free in all sources of food. Adherence to LOV-D significantly outperformed SWL-D in reducing levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), body weight, waist circumference, BMI, fasting blood sugar, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triacylglycerol (TG), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Furthermore, ultrasonography revealed a higher alleviation in NAFLD grade among LOV-D, compared with SWL-D. This study suggests that adherence to LOV-D for 3 months has beneficial effects on NAFLD improvement, anthropometric measures, glycaemic-related markers, and lipid profiles.

The association between dietary patterns and the risk of developing ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis is a recurrent inflammatory disorder of the colonic mucosa with a growing global prevalence. Diet is known as a key factor related to the risk of developing UC. This study aimed to determine the association between dietary patterns and UC risk. METHODS: In this case-control study, participants' dietary data were recorded using a 168-item Food Frequency Questionnaire, and then the obtained information was classified into 33 food groups. To identify major dietary patterns, a factor analysis method was applied. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the association between identified dietary patterns and UC risk. RESULTS: Data of 81 patients, who suffered from UC, and 163 healthy controls were assessed. Three dietary patterns were identified and named as "western", "traditional", and "healthy" dietary patterns. After the potential confounders were taken into account, the healthy dietary pattern was associated with a reduced odds of UC (OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.08-0.57, p < 0.05), whilst the traditional dietary pattern was related to a greater risk of the disease (OR = 4.67, 95% CI = 3.55-23.36, p < 0.05). However, we failed to find any significant relationship between the western dietary pattern and UC risk. CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that adherence to a healthy diet might decrease the risk of developing UC, whereas, following Iranian traditional dietary patterns could enhance the odds of the outcome.

The effect of nigella supplementation on blood pressure: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

This study was performed to assess the effect of nigella supplementation on blood pressure levels among the adult population. A comprehensive search was carried out through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library by using relevant keywords to find out the randomized clinical trials evaluating the effect of nigella administration on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). A random-effect model was applied to achieve the overall effect size. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to explore the source of heterogeneity and the effects of the possible moderators. Of the twenty-two trials that were eligible for the present study, seventeen studies consisting of 1048 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that nigella administration could significantly reduce both SBP (-4.58 mmHg; 95%CI: -6.22, -2.94) and DBP (-3.08 mmHg; 95%CI: -4.62, -1.55). Subgroup analysis did not show any superiority between subgroups of variables. Dose-response analysis detected a nonlinear association between dose and duration of administration and change in blood pressure outcomes, highlighting that maximum SBP and DBP reduction was experienced at 2000 mg/day and 8 weeks of nigella administration, respectively. The present study suggests that nigella supplementation can be beneficial for managing blood pressure.

The relationship between animal flesh foods consumption and rheumatoid arthritis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory, and debilitating autoimmune illness. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between animal flesh foods consumption and rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Meat consumption was assessed by using a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (168 items) in a case-control study of 297 subjects (100 newly diagnosed cases and 197 healthy controls). An expert rheumatologist diagnosed patients based on the American College of Rheumatology definitions, 2010. Multivariate logistic regression, adjusted for lifestyle and nutritional confounders, was used to evaluate the relationship between dairy consumption and rheumatoid arthritis. RESULTS: Participants with greater consumption of fish and seafood were less likely to have RA (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.27-0.98). Conversely, a higher processed meat intake was associated with increased odds of RA (OR 3.45; 95% CI 1.78-6.68). However, no significant association was found between red meats and poultry consumption and the risk of RA in the fully adjusted model. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests an inverse association between fish and seafood consumption and the risk of RA. On the contrary, a higher amount of processed meat intake was associated with increased odds of RA. However, further studies are warranted to confirm the veracity of our findings.

Sodium and potassium intakes and adiposity among Iranian pre-adolescents and adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: High sodium and low potassium intakes are associated with the early development of chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension, obesity). Taking into account the limited data on sodium and potassium intakes by 24-h excretion in urine in pre-adolescents and adolescents, we wished to determine baseline salt intake in Iranian subjects aged 11-18 years. METHODS: This was an observational study involving 374 pre-adolescents and adolescents (154 boys and 220 girls). Sodium and potassium intakes were ascertained by measuring sodium and potassium excretion in urine over 24 h. Creatinine level was used to validate the completeness of the urine collections. The association between sodium and potassium intake and adiposity was determined based on body fat percentage. RESULTS: The mean 24-h urine sodium concentration was 3130 ± 2200 mg/day, equal to 7.961 ± 5.596 g/day salt intake. Approximately half of the study participants exceeded the upper limit of Na intake. The mean potassium intake was estimated 1480 ± 1050 mg/day. There was a positive association between urinary sodium excretion and adiposity in crude (OR 1.79; 95% CI: 1.08-2.74) and full adjusted model (OR: 3.15; 95% CI: 2.28-4.63). Also, in subsample analysis, there was a positive correlation between urinary sodium and adiposity in both pre-adolescents (OR: 2.71; 95% CI: 2.29-3.93) and adolescents (OR: 3.55; 95% CI: 2.17-4.74). However, no significant association was found between 24-h urinary potassium and adiposity. CONCLUSION: Sodium intake, as estimated by 24-h urinary excretion, was higher than recommended and it was positively associated with adiposity. Also, this study reported low compliance of potassium intake recommendations in 11-18 years' Iranian pre-adolescents and adolescents. Health promotion interventions are needed in order to broaden public awareness of high sodium intake and potassium inadequacy to reduce chronic diseases.

Dietary acid load and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case-control study.

AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the association between dietary acid load and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Iranian adults. METHODS: This was a case-control study including 125 newly diagnosed T2D patients as cases and 190 healthy individuals as controls. A 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was applied to collect the participant's dietary intake information. Potential renal acid load (PRAL), net endogenous acid production (NEAP), protein/potassium ratio, animal protein/potassium ratio, and plant protein/potassium ratio were derived from the nutrient intake. RESULTS: We found that higher PRAL and NEAP scores are positively associated with the chance of T2D in the unadjusted model. Such that, when multiple potential confounders were taken into account, participants in the highest tertile of PRAL (OR: 4.37; 95% CI: 1.35-14.18) and NEAP score (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.01-7.03) had a greater risk of T2D. No significant association was found between other indices including total protein/potassium ratio, animal protein/potassium ratio, and plant protein/potassium ratio, and T2D risk. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that high dietary acid load could be associated with the risk of T2D disease.

Efficacy of synbiotic interventions on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

PURPOSE: The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of synbiotic interventions on blood pressure levels in adults. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases of MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane through March 2020 to identify all randomized control trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of synbiotic interventions on blood pressure parameter, including systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) scale was used to assess the certainty of evaluated outcomes and determine the strength of recommendations. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Synbiotic interventions significantly reduced SBP (-3.02 mmHg; 95% CI: -4.84, -1.21; I2 = 55%) without changing DBP levels (-0.57 mmHg; 95% CI: -1.78, 0.64; I2 = 50%). Subgroup analyses revealed that the SBP-lowering effects of synbiotic interventions were more pronounced wherein trials were longer (≥12 weeks), synbiotic interventions were administrated as a supplement, and participants were younger (<50 years old). Also, a significant improvement in both SBP and DBP levels was evident in subgroups with a lower (<30 kg/m2) body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Synbiotic interventions may significantly improve SBP levels in adults.

The relationship between major dietary patterns and fertility status in iranian men: a case-control study.

In this case-control study, we aimed to investigate the association between major dietary patterns and fertility status in Iranian men. The study population included 400 newly diagnosed infertile men and 537 healthy individuals without a history of infertility in Yazd, Iran. Infertility was confirmed clinically, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Dietary intake was assessed using a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and dietary patterns were determined based on a principal component analysis. Four major dietary patterns were found in this study, including healthy, Western, mixed, and traditional dietary patterns. After adjustments for potential confounders, men above the median of a healthy dietary pattern showed a reduced risk of infertility compared to those below the median (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.33-0.83). In contrast, men with greater adherence to Western and mixed dietary patterns were more likely to be infertile (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.70-4.17 and OR 2.82; 95% CI 1.75-4.56, respectively). Also, there was no significant association between the traditional dietary pattern and the odds of infertility. The present study suggests that greater adherence to a healthy dietary pattern may have an inverse association with the odds of infertility; however, Western and mixed dietary patterns may be associated with an increased risk of infertility.

The effect of spirulina on type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of spirulina on lipid profiles and glycemic related markers in type 2 diabetes patients. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to August 2020. All clinical trials which investigated the effect of spirulina supplementation on glycemic related markers and lipid profile among type 2 diabetes patients were included. Random effects modeling was utilized for pooling analysis to compensate for the between-study heterogeneity. RESULTS: Eight studies (9 arms) were included in the meta-analysis. We found a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (-17.88 mg/dl; 95% CI: -26.99, -8.78; I 2 : 25%), triglyceride (-30.99 mg/dl; 95% CI: -45.20, -16.77; I 2 : 50%), total-cholesterol (-18.47 mg/dl; 95% CI: -33.54, -3.39; I 2 : 73%), LDL-C (-20.04 mg/dl; 95% CI: -34.06, -6.02; I 2 : 75%), VLDL (-6.96 mg/dl; 95% CI: -9.71, -4.22; I 2 : 33%), in addition to a significant increase in HDL-C (-6.96 mg/dl; 95% CI: -9.71, -4.22; I 2 : 33%), after spirulina administration. No significant effect was observed on HbA1C or post prandial blood sugar following spirulina consumption. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that spirulina supplementation can elicit beneficial effects on fasting blood glucose and blood lipid profiles. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-021-00760-z.

The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Elevated lipid profiles and impaired glucose homeostasis are risk factors for several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which, subsequently, represent a leading cause of early mortality, worldwide. The aim of the current study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of apple cider vinegar (ACV) on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters in adults. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases, including Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Knowledge, from database inception to January 2020. All clinical trials which investigated the effect of ACV on lipid profiles and glycemic indicators were included. Studies were excluded if ACV was used in combination with other interventions or when the duration of intervention was < 2 weeks. To account for between-study heterogeneity, we performed meta-analysis using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Overall, nine studies, including 10 study arms, were included in this meta-analysis. We found that ACV consumption significantly decreased serum total cholesterol (- 6.06 mg/dL; 95% CI: - 10.95, - 1.17; I2: 39%), fasting plasma glucose (- 7.97 mg/dL; 95% CI: - 13.74, - 2.21; I2: 75%), and HbA1C concentrations (- 0.50; 95% CI: - 0.90, - 0.09; I2: 91%). No significant effect of ACV consumption was found on serum LDL-C, HDL-C, fasting insulin concentrations, or HOMA-IR. The stratified analysis revealed a significant reduction of serum TC and TG in a subgroup of patients with type 2 diabetes, those who took ≤15 mL/day of ACV, and those who consumed ACV for > 8-weeks, respectively. Furthermore, ACV consumption significantly decreased FPG levels in a subgroup of studies that administered ACV for > 8-weeks. Further, ACV intake appeared to elicit an increase in FPG and HDL-C concentrations in apparently healthy participants. CONCLUSION: We found a significant favorable effect of ACV consumption on FPG and blood lipid levels.

A healthy dietary pattern may be associated with primary insomnia among Iranian adults: A case-control study.

Objective: While it has been reported that both foods and nutrients for individuals are connected with sleep, there is no evidence regarding the association of dietary patterns, identified by factor analysis, with primary insomnia. The present study sought to evaluate the association between major dietary patterns and the chance of having primary insomnia. Methods: The present case-control study was performed using 444 people (111 cases and 333 control), aged 18 to 60 years, referred to Isfahan health centers. Dietary intake was assessed via a food frequency questionnaire in a case-control study in Isfahan, Iran. Principal component analysis was used to determine major dietary patterns. The presence of primary insomnia was measured via the insomnia severity index questionnaire, and the subjects were grouped as healthy or insomniac. Results: Three major dietary patterns were recognized, and named; Western, Iranian Traditional and Healthy, respectively. The cumulative percentage of variance explained by three dietary patterns was 48.2%. Those in second (OR = 0.30; 95%CI: 0.2-0.46) and third (OR = 0.22; 95%CI: 0.15-0.35) tertiles of healthy dietary pattern were less likely suffer with insomnia. This association remained significant only in the highest tertile after adjusting potential confounders (OR = 0.45; 95%CI: 0.32-0.95). We found no significant association between greater adherence to Western or Iranian traditional dietary patterns and primary insomnia. Conclusions: The findings showed that although no statistically significant association was observed between both Western and Iranian traditional dietary patterns with primary insomnia, people with greater adherence to the healthy dietary pattern are less likely to have primary insomnia.

The Effect of Green Coffee Bean Extract on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cardiovascular disease remains the primary cause of noncommunicable disease- related death. The present systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the possible benefit of the green coffee bean extract on cardio-metabolic markers. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify clinical trials that examined the effect of green coffee bean extract on cardio-metabolic risk factors including serum lipid profiles, glycemic status-related markers, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices. Since the included RCTs were carried out in different settings, random effect models were used to conduct all meta-analyses. RESULTS: Fifteen studies (19 arms) consisting of 637 participants were included. The results indicated that green coffee bean extract significantly reduced levels of total cholesterol (-5.93 mg/dl; 95% CI: -9.21, -2.65; I2: 0%), fasting plasma glucose (-2.21 mg/dl; 95% CI: -3.94, -0.48; I2: 32%), systolic blood pressure (-3.08 mmHg; 95% CI: -4.41, -1.75; I2: 26%), diastolic blood pressure (-2.27 mmHg; 95% CI: -3.82, -0.72; I2: 61%), body weight (-1.24 kg; 95% CI: -1.82, -0.66; I2: 15%), and BMI (-0.55 kg/m2; 95% CI: -0.88, -0.22; I2: 73%). Although the pooled effect size of LDL-C, fasting insulin, and waist circumstance were significant, the results were significantly influenced by individual studies. No significant effect was detected for triglycerides, HDL-C, HbA1C, and HOMA-IR. However, the nonsignificant pooled effect size for triglyceride levels was influenced by one individual study. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that green coffee been extract consumption can improve total cholesterol, triglycerides, body weight, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose.

The association between dietary diversity score and general and abdominal obesity in Iranian children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the association between diet and disease, the consideration of a whole diet has appeared to be more effective than the examination of single-nutrient intake. This study aimed to examine the relationship between dietary diversity score (DDS) and obesity in Iranian children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 456 children aged 11-18 years, who were selected by random cluster sampling. The usual food intake for each participant assessed using a validated Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). To calculate the dietary diversity score, food items were categorized into 5 broad groups and 23 subgroups based on the US Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid. Participants were categorized based on the DDS tertile cut-off points. Anthropometric measurements were conducted based on standard protocols. Overweight and obesity were defined as 85th ≤ BMI < 95th, and ≥ 95th percentiles of BMI, respectively. Additionally, abdominal obesity was considered as WC ≥ 85th percentile. RESULTS: Mean and standard deviation (SD) of subjects' Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference were 20.88 (SD 4.22) kg/m2 and 74.27 (SD 10.31) cm, respectively. The probability of overweight and obesity was increased as tertiles of DDS increased (OR among tertiles: 1.00, 1.82 and 2.13 for overweight and 1.00, 2.60 and 3.45 for obesity; this was the same for abdominal obesity: 1.00, 2.22 and 3.45, P <  0.001 for all). However, no statistically significant results were found after adjustment for energy intake. CONCLUSION: Dietary diversity positively affected obesity through higher energy intake. Despite the wide recommendation of having high dietary diversity, public health programs should emphasize to improve dietary diversity only in selective food items.

The association between animal flesh foods consumption and semen parameters among infertile Iranian men: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated the association between dietary patterns and semen quality indicators, but research on the possible association between animal flesh foods consumption and semen quality is limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the association between animal flesh foods consumption with semen quality. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 400 newly-identified (< 6 months) infertile men, as diagnosed by an andrologist, were recruited into the study. Dietary intake was assessed by using a semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. The total meat consumption was defined as the sum of red meat, poultry, fresh fish, canned fish, processed meats, and organ meats in the diet. A linear mixed model was used to assess the relationship between meat consumption and semen quality indicators of participants. RESULTS: Consumption of canned fish was inversely related to sperm immotility. Compared with the men in the lowest quartile of canned fish intake, those in the highest quartile had a lower sperm immotility [lowest quartile: 52.5%; (95% CI: 47-57) vs 47.4%; (95% CI: 43-51) P-trend = 0.026]. Similarly, a trend toward an inverse significant association between fresh fish intake and sperm immotility was observed (P-trend = 0.074). In contrast, fresh and canned fish intake was unrelated to other outcomes of sperm quality (P-trend > 0.05). No association was found between consumption of processed red meat, red meat, poultry, and organ meat, and semen quality indicators (P-trend > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that consumption of canned fish is associated with a lower percentage of immotile sperm, whilst a high consumption of fresh fish increased the percentage of immotile sperm in Iranian infertile men. Further studies are recommended in this regard.

The relationship between dietary patterns and rheumatoid arthritis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: A number of studies have investigated the effects of individual foods and/or nutrients on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but research focusing on whole dietary patterns remains limited. The association of dietary patterns and rheumatoid arthritis is therefore not well elucidated. This study aims to determine existing relationships between major identified dietary patterns and RA. METHODS: This matched case-control study was conducted on 297 individuals in Isfahan, Iran. The presence of RA was determined by an expert rheumatologist, based on the American College of Rheumatology definitions, 2010. A 168-item questionnaire was used to collect dietary data. Major dietary patterns were identified using the factor analysis method. RESULTS: Two major dietary patterns, namely, healthy and western dietary patterns, were identified. Lower adherence to the healthy dietary pattern was associated with increased risk of RA (OR = 2.80; 95% CI 1.74-4.67; P < 0.001). The association remained significant even after taking other confounders into account (OR = 2.85; 95% CI 1.12-7.45; P = 0.03). A positively significant association was also observed between adherence to western dietary pattern and RA in the fully-adjusted final model (OR = 2.22; 95% CI 1.04-4.72; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that there is an inverse association between adherence to a healthy dietary pattern and the odds of RA, and a positive significant relationship was found between western dietary pattern and RA. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.

Effects of synbiotic consumption on lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Existing evidence on the possible effects of synbiotics on lipid profile is inconclusive. The aim of the present systematic review was to clarify the effects of synbiotics consumption on lipid profile. METHODS: A systematic literature search of online databases PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of science, Cochrane's library and Google Scholar was conducted up to January 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of synbiotics on lipid profile in adults were included. The overall effect was presented as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects meta-analysis model. RESULTS: A total of 23 RCTs with 1338 participants were included. Synbiotic consumption resulted in a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (WMD = - 10.17 mg/dL; 95% CI - 15.74 to - 4.60; p < 0.001), triglyceride (WMD = - 14.30 mg/dL; 95% CI - 25.32 to - 3.28; p = 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = - 8.32 mg/dL; 95% CI - 13.21 to - 3.43; p < 0.001), and an increase in plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = 1.3 mg/dL; 95% CI 0.03 to 2.56; p = 0.04) levels compared to control (placebo supplements/control foods/conventional products). The effects are more pronounced when synbiotics supplements are consumed for > 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: Synbiotic supplements may be beneficial to improve lipid profile, especially when they are consumed for > 8 weeks.

The effect of cinnamon supplementation on blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Several clinical trials have shown that cinnamon can reduce blood pressure, but the results are controversial. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a more precise estimate of the overall effects of cinnamon supplementation on blood pressure in adults. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases through September 2019 to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of cinnamon supplementation on blood pressure. Data were pooled by using the random-effects model, and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the summary effect size. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave-one-out method. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of 9 RCTs with 641 participants showed significant reductions in both systolic (WMD: -5.17 mmHg, 95% CI: -9.35 to -0.99, P = 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (WMD: -3.36 mmHg, 95% CI: -5.67 to -1.04, P ≤ 0.001) after cinnamon supplementation. Subgroup analyses indicated that these results were significant only when cinnamon was administered at the dosages of ≤2 g/day, for a period longer than 8 weeks, and in participants with a baseline BMI of ≥30 kg/m2. CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis suggests that cinnamon supplementation can improve blood pressure by a modest degree. However, due to limited availability of studies with hypertensive cases and relatively small sample sizes of available studies, well designed trials with adequate sample sizes aimed at hypertensive populations are recommended.