Effects of chia (salvia hispanica. L) on anthropometric measures and other cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Findings of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of chia are inconsistent. Although previous meta-analyses summarized available findings in this regard, some limitations may distort their findings. Moreover, none of these meta-analyses examined the dose-response association of chia on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs). Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chia consumption on CMRFs. METHODS: Relevant RCTs were included by searching the ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases up to June 2, 2023. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using random-effects model. RESULTS: Ten publications were included in this systematic review and the meta-analysis. The results showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (MD =-7.87mmHg; 95% CI: -12.92 to -2.82; I2 =71.3%, P heterogeneity =0.004), diastolic blood pressure (MD=-6.33mmHg; 95%CI: -7.33 to -5.34, I2=0%, P heterogeneity=0.42) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (MD=-4.09mg/dl; 95%CI: -6.76 to -1.43, I2=12.4%, P heterogeneity=0.33). However, the effects of chia on the other risk factors were not significant. Based on the dose-response analysis, a 10-g/d increase in chia consumption significantly reduced SBP (MD=-2.20mmHg; 95%CI: -3.75 to -0.66, I2=78.9%, P heterogeneity <0.001) and HDL-c (MD=-1.10mg/dl; 95%CI: -1.72 to -0.49, I2=0%, P heterogeneity =0.52). CONCLUSION: Chia consumption might have a beneficial effect on lowering blood pressure. Chia consumption can also lead to a slight reduction in HDL-c levels. As the quality of the included studies was mostly low, the findings should be interpreted with caution. Well-designed trials with larger sample sizes and long duration of follow-up are needed to provide additional insight into the dose-dependent effects of chia consumption.

Effects of dried okra extract on lipid profile, renal function and some RAGE-related inflammatory genes expression in patients with diabetic nephropathy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L) is reported to have anti-diabetic effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dried okra extract (DOE) supplementation on lipid profile, renal function indices, and expression of inflammatory genes, as well as serum level of soluble Receptor for Advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) in patients with DN. METHODS: In this triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, 64 eligible patients with DN received either 125 mg of DOE or placebo daily along with DN-related nutritional recommendations for 10 weeks. Changes in kidney indices including proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), lipid profile, serum SRAGE, as well as the expression of RAGE, ICAM-1, and IL-1 genes were measured over 10 weeks. RESULTS: After adjustment for the potential confounders, between-group analyses showed no significant differences in terms of lipid profile, kidney function indices, sRAGE, and RAGE-related inflammatory genes expression after 10 weeks. CONCLUSION: Daily 125 mg DOE along with nutritional recommendations on top of usual care did not lead to significant changes in renal function indices, lipid profile, and inflammatory genes expression in patients with DN.

The effect of Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Okra) extract supplementation on glycaemic control, inflammation, kidney function and expression of PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, TGF-ß and Nrf-2 genes in patients with diabetic nephropathy: a triple-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of okra extract supplementation on kidney function, glycaemic control, inflammation and gene expression in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). A total of sixty-four DN patients based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited in this triple-blind placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial. Participants were randomly allocated to receive a 125-mg capsule of dried okra extract (DOE) (n 32) or placebo (n 32) for 10 weeks. At the baseline and endpoint of the trial, kidney function, glycaemic indices, inflammation and gene expression were evaluated. Statistical analysis showed that fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and insulin resistance significantly reduced in the DOE group although between-group analysis did not show any significant difference. Also, no significant difference was observed in urine protein, urine creatinine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein between the two groups. Furthermore, gene expression of PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, transforming growth factor-beta and Nrf-2 did not affect the end of the trial in comparison with the baseline. According to the present study, DOE did not have impressive effects on kidney function, inflammation, glycaemic management and gene expression in patients with DN.

Association of dietary patterns of pregnant women with pregnancy outcomes: A hospital-based study.

Diet is one of the main factors influencing pregnancy outcomes. Maternal and child health both seem to be related to dietary patterns. So far, no study on dietary pattern has been performed on pregnant women and its association with pregnancy outcomes in Rasht. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between dietary patterns and pregnancy outcomes in Rasht. In this cross-sectional study, 300 healthy pregnant women were included from three public hospitals in Rasht. Data on demographic, dietary intake, physical activity (PA), and anthropometric measurements of mothers were recorded. Outcomes of newborns were also gathered. Dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis. General linear model was used for data analysis. Prior to pregnancy, only 40% of women had a normal body mass index (BMI). More than half of them (52.3%) had a gestational weight gain in excess of the guidelines. The dominant dietary patterns among pregnant women were traditional, Western, and healthy, respectively. High adherence to the Western pattern had a direct association with gestational weight gain (B = 1.48, p = .046) and inverse association with birth length (B = -0.71, p = .043). However, the results did not remain significant after adjusting for covariates. The present study indicated that several factors can affect the association of the Western diet with pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, making policies for interventional programs to improve maternal lifestyle factors along with their diet quality is recommended.

The effects of sodium butyrate supplementation on the expression levels of PGC-1α, PPARα, and UCP-1 genes, serum level of GLP-1, metabolic parameters, and anthropometric indices in obese individuals on weight loss diet: a study protocol for a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a multifaceted disease characterized by an abnormal accumulation of adipose tissue. Growing evidence has proposed microbiota-derived metabolites as a potential factor in the pathophysiology of obesity and related metabolic conditions over the last decade. As one of the essential metabolites, butyrate affects several host cellular mechanisms related to appetite sensations and weight control. However, the effects of butyrate on obesity in humans have yet to be studied. Thus, the present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator activated-receptor (PPAR) gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), PPARα and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) genes, serum level of glucagon-like peptide (GLP1), and metabolic parameters, as well as anthropometric indices in obese individuals on a weight loss diet. METHODS: This triple-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) will include 50 eligible obese subjects aged between 18 and 60 years. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: 8 weeks of SB (600 mg/day) + hypo-caloric diet or placebo (600 mg/day) + hypo-caloric diet. At weeks 0 and 8, distinct objectives will be pursued: (1) PGC-1α, PPARα, and UCP1 genes expression will be evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction; (2) biochemical parameters will be assayed using enzymatic methods; and (3) insulin and GLP1 serum level will be assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. DISCUSSION: New evidence from this trial may help fill the knowledge gap in this realm and facilitate multi-center clinical trials with a substantially larger sample size. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20190303042905N2 . Registered on 31 January 2021.

Insulin Receptor Substrates Regulation and Clinical Responses Following Vanadium-Enriched Yeast Supplementation in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Increasing evidence suggests that organic vanadium compounds are bioavailable and safe therapeutic agents with insulin-mimetic and insulin-enhancing features. The objective of the current study was to examine the effect of vanadium-enriched yeast (VEY) supplementation on the gene expression level of insulin receptor substrates and clinical manifestations of obese type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 44 obese T2DM patients were randomly allocated into either VEY (0.9 mg/day vanadium pentoxide) or placebo group for 12 weeks. The mRNA expression level of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFƘB) genes in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells, serum levels of metabolic parameters, anthropometric indices, as well as the quality of life, and dietary intake were collected at pre- and post-intervention phases. Analysis of covariance was performed to obtain the corresponding effect size. Results showed that VEY administration significantly decreased anthropometric indices and glycemic parameters and increased insulin sensitivity after adjusting for potential covariates (p < 0.05), in comparison to the placebo group. Additionally, VEY supplementation was significantly effective on MAPK, PTP1B, and NFƘB gene expression level, compared to the placebo group. No significant changes were noticed for dietary intake, quality of life, and lipid profile in the VEY group, compared to the placebo group. Overall, VEY supplementation can be considered as a promising safe adjunct therapy for improving anthropometric indices and glycemic parameters in T2DM patients.

Vanadium and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetes: A systematic review of animal studies.

Background: Oxidative stress has a significant role in the commencement and development of hyperglycemia. Vanadium, as a transitional metal with redox properties, enters the redox process, produces free radicals, and distracts the pro-antioxidant balance. The present animal systematic review aimed to assess the effect of vanadium supplementation on inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in diabetes-induced animals. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and web of science databases from 1990 to 2021, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search strategy was based on the guidelines for systematic review of animal experiments and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA). Criteria for eligibility were animal-based studies, evaluating the therapeutic effects of vanadium on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in diabetes. The Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool was used for assessing the methodological quality of included studies. Results: In the present study, 341 articles were evaluated out of which 42 studies were eligible for inclusion. The majority of the studies confirmed the advantageous properties of vanadium on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. A minor risk of bias was reported, based on the SYRCLE's tool. Conclusion: According to the findings, well-designed clinical trials are warranted to assess the long-lasting effects of various vanadium compounds on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.

The effect of Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Okra) extract supplementation on dietary intake, appetite, anthropometric measures, and body composition in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Background: Diabetes is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease because it induces nephropathy. Okra is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fibers, of which favorable effects in diabetes have been reported in many animal studies. The present trial aimed to investigate the effect of dried okra extract (DOE) supplementation on anthropometric measures, body composition, appetite, and dietary intake in diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients. Methods: In this triple-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 64 DN patients were randomly allocated to receive a 125-mg capsule of DOE (n=32) or placebo (n=32) for 10 weeks. At baseline and endpoint of the trial, anthropometric variables, body composition indices, dietary intake, and appetite scores were evaluated. Results: The results showed that energy (P=0.047, CI: -425.87, -3.25, ES: 0.539) and carbohydrate (P=0.038, CI: -85.64, -2.53, ES: 0.555) intake as well as desire to eat salty food (P=0.023) were reduced in DOE group at the endpoint, compared to the baseline values. However, anthropometric measures, body composition, and appetite score were not significantly different between the two study groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present clinical trial showed that DOE could significantly decrease energy intake and carbohydrate consumption in the DN patients. Further clinical trials are needed to determine the effects of this supplement.

Vanadium and diabetic dyslipidemia: A systematic review of animal studies.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic dyslipidemia is caused by hyperglycemia and excessive mobilization of storage lipids, leading to increasing concentrations of triglycerides and total cholesterol. Due to the insulin-mimetic or insulin-enhancer features of vanadium, it has been recognized as a regulator of cell metabolism with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. The purpose of the current animal systematic review was to evaluate the effect of vanadium administration on diabetic dyslipidemia in diabetic animals. METHODS: This is, to our knowledge, the first systematic review with the aim of investigating the relationship between vanadium and diabetic dyslipidemia among diabetes induced animals. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and web of science databases for animal studies examining the effect of vanadium on diabetic dyslipidemia in diabetic animals. RESULTS: Of 124 full-text articles assessed, 48 animal studies were included in the present study with minor risk of bias. The majority of the studies confirmed the beneficial effects of different vanadium compounds in at least one of the parameters of lipid profile, especially regarding triglyceride and total cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Current findings lend support to assess the long-term effects of different forms and doses of vanadium on lipid profile through well-designed clinical trials.

Nutritional approach for increasing public health during pandemic of COVID-19: A comprehensive review of antiviral nutrients and nutraceuticals.

Background: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is considered as the most life-threatening pandemic disease during the last decade. The individual nutritional status, though usually ignored in the management of COVID-19, plays a critical role in the immune function and pathogenesis of infection. Accordingly, the present review article aimed to report the effects of nutrients and nutraceuticals on respiratory viral infections including COVID-19, with a focus on their mechanisms of action. Methods: Studies were identified via systematic searches of the databases including PubMed/ MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar from 2000 until April 2020, using keywords. All relevant clinical and experimental studies published in English were included. Results: Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is common in severe respiratory infections and should be considered in the management of COVID-19 patients. On the other hand, obesity can be accompanied by decreasing the host immunity. Therefore, increasing physical activity at home and a slight caloric restriction with adequate intake of micronutrients and nutraceuticals are simple aids to boost host immunity and decrease the clinical manifestations of COVID-19. Conclusion: The most important nutrients which can be considered for COVID-19 management are vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, zinc, and probiotics. Their adequacy should be provided through dietary intake or appropriate supplementation. Moreover, adequate intake of some other dietary agents including vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, alpha linolenic acid and phytochemicals are required to maintain the host immunity.

Correction: Factors influencing weight management behavior among college students: An application of the Health Belief Model.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228058.].

The association of dietary patterns with dietary inflammatory index, systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance, in apparently healthy individuals with obesity.

Inflammation is considered a key mechanism leading to obesity. Dietary patterns and certain food items influence inflammation. Few studies have investigated the contribution of major dietary patterns to biological measures of inflammation. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the associations of different dietary patterns with dietary inflammatory index (DII), systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance (IR) in the apparently healthy obese. In this cross-sectional study, 151 abdominally obese subjects were recruited from the Northwest of Iran. Dietary intake, demographic data, anthropometric indices, and physical activity (PA) was assessed. DII scores were calculated based on a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Three dietary patterns were identified, using principal component analysis. Basal blood samples were collected to determine biochemical parameters. Linear regression test with adjusted beta estimates was applied for data analysis. Three dietary patterns were extracted as Healthy, Western, and Traditional. Body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.01) and fat mass (p < 0.001) were directly associated with the Western dietary pattern. Conversely, serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) (b = - 0.1, p < 0.04) was negatively associated with Healthy dietary pattern, after controlling for confounders. The Traditional pattern was found to be inversely related to DII (b = - 0.3, p < 0.001). The association was also reveresed between Traditional pattern and IR (Odds Ratio: 0.3 (95% Confidence Interval 0.1-0.9)). The results suggested that the Western dietary pattern was related to higher BMI and fat mass. In addition, the Healthy pattern was associated with decreased levels of LBP. Adherence to the Traditional dietary pattern was inversely related to DII as well as IR.

Nutritional management of diabetes mellitus during the pandemic of COVID-19: a comprehensive narrative review.

Objectives: According to the recent epidemiological studies, patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) may be at higher risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19. Regarding the important role of nutrition on the immunity, the present review article aimed to outline nutritional support of DM during the outbreak of COVID-19 with a mechanistic insight. Methods: Searches were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from 2000 until December 2020 using the following keywords. All relevant clinical and experimental studies published in English were included. Results: Evidences revealed that hyperglycemia is a significant predictor of some viral infections including COVID-19 which can exacerbate the complications of DM. According to the literature review, adequate intake of dietary protein, fiber, essential fatty acids and some micronutrients especially vitamins D, C, B12, folate, zinc and selenium has beneficial effects on the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in diabetic patients through modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses or direct effects on virus enzymes or the rate of cell entrance. Conclusions: It is well understood that malnutrition may increase susceptibility to viral infections and disease progression. Therefore, considering nutritional status of diabetic patients and reasonable supplementation of the above mentioned nutrients can ameliorate the symptoms of COVID-19 in DM. However, further well-designed clinical trials are needed to determine their therapeutic dose.

Food Insecurity and Lipid Profile Abnormalities Are Associated with an Increased Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Case-Control Study.

This case-control study aimed to assess the relationship between food insecurity, its related risk factors and NAFLD among 210 subjects. The demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, anthropometric indices, and food insecurity and depression status were assessed. The prevalence of food insecurity was 56.8% and 26.1% in cases and controls (p < .001), respectively. The chance of NAFLD in the food insecure, depressed, overweight, and obese subjects was 2.2 (95%CI: 1.12-3.43), 1.9 (95%CI: 1.02-3.62), 2.6 (95%CI: 1.81-3.92), and 2.9 (95%CI: 2.02-5.34) times higher than food secured, normal, and normal weight subjects, respectively. A higher waist circumference (men, OR = 2.9, p < .001; women, OR = 2.6, p < .001), a high waist-to-hip ratio (men, OR = 2.3, p < .001; women, OR = 2.7, p < .001), an increased waist-to-height ratio (OR = 2.9, p < .001), and a higher body fat percentage (men, OR = 3.0, p < .001; women, OR = 3.3, p < .001) were associated with an increased risk of NAFLD. The odds of NAFLD increased by increment in serum triglyceride (TG) levels (OR = 2.6, p < .001) and decreased by increase in serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR = 0.34, p < .001). Compared to controls, patients with NAFLD were more likely to have higher TG/HDL-C ratio (OR = 3.3, p < .001). It seems food insecurity was an important risk factor for NAFLD. Additionally, some indicators of dyslipidemia significantly increased the risk of NAFLD.

Association between Dietary Patterns and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Results from a Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary patterns and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among Iranian adults. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 210 subjects. NAFLD diagnosis was made by ultrasound examination. Anthropometric measures, physical activity, fasting serum levels of glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, and lipid profile were assessed. A three-day food diary was used to assess dietary intakes of the subjects. Dietary patterns were determined using factor analysis. To determine the relationship between dietary patterns and NAFLD, multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) obtained from the logistic regression analysis was used. RESULTS: Two dietary patterns were extracted as follows: vegetables, legumes, fruits, and low-fat dairy products (VLFD) ; and sweet, hydrogenated fat, red and processed meat, and soft drink (SHMS) dietary patterns. By taking all possible confounders into account, the VLFD dietary pattern was found to be significantly related to lower odds of NAFLD, while the SHMS dietary pattern was independently related to higher odds of NAFLD (P < 0.05). Among major food groups, high consumption of processed meat, hydrogenated fats, sweets and desserts, and soft drinks was positively related to NAFLD (P < 0.05), whereas vegetable consumption exhibited a protective role against NAFLD (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The VLFD dietary pattern was associated with reduced likelihood of having NAFLD, while the SHMS dietary pattern was associated with higher likelihood. Therefore, the VLFD dietary pattern might be useful in the nutritional strategies for NAFLD patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and prospective design are warranted.

From the gut to the heart: L. plantarum and inulin administration as a novel approach to control cardiac apoptosis via 5-HT2B and TrkB receptors in diabetes.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, as a metabolic disorder, can lead to diabetic cardiomyopathy, identified by cardiomyocyte apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serotonin are two neurotransmitters that can control cardiomyocyte apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis through their cardiac receptors. In the present study, we investigated the impacts of L. plantarum and inulin supplementation on the inhibition of cardiac apoptosis and fibrosis by modulating intestinal, serum, and cardiac levels of serotonin and BDNF as well as their cardiac receptors. METHODS: Diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin in male Wistar rats. Rats were divided into six groups and were supplemented with L. plantarum, inulin or their combination for 8 weeks. Finally, the rats were killed and levels of intestinal, serum, and cardiac parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Concurrent administration of L. plantarum and inulin caused a significant rise in the expression of cardiac serotonin and BDNF receptors (P < 0.001) as well as a significant fall in cardiac interstitial and perivascular fibrosis (P < 0.001, both) and apoptosis (P = 0.01). Moreover, there was a strong correlation of cardiac 5-Hydroxytryptamine 2B (5-HT2B) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptors with interstitial/perivascular fibrosis and apoptosis (P < 0.001, both). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Results revealed beneficial effects of L. plantarum, inulin or their combination on intestinal, serum, and cardiac serotonin and BDNF accompanied by higher expression of their cardiac receptors and lower levels of cardiac apoptotic and fibrotic markers. It seems that L. plantarum and inulin supplementation could be considered as a novel adjunct therapy to reduce cardiac complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Expression of NF-κB, IL-6, and IL-10 genes, body composition, and hepatic fibrosis in obese patients with NAFLD-Combined effects of oleoylethanolamide supplementation and calorie restriction: A triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of oleoylethanolamide (OEA) supplementation combined with calorie restriction on inflammation, body composition, and hepatic fibrosis among obese patients with NAFLD. In this 12-week randomized clinical trial, 76 obese patients newly diagnosed with NAFLD were randomly allocated into either OEA or placebo group. The weight-loss diet was also designed for both groups. Pre- and postintervention messenger RNA expression levels of the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10, body composition, and NAFLD fibrosis score were assessed. At the end of the study, the OEA group showed lower NF-κB and IL-6 expression levels compared to the placebo (p < .01). However, IL-10 expression level was approximately twofold higher in the OEA group compared to the placebo group (p = .008). A significant reduction was observed in the fat mass of the OEA group compared to the placebo (p = .044) postintervention. In addition, OEA supplementation led to a significant increase in fat-free mass in the OEA group compared to the placebo (p = .032). A remarkable increase was observed in resting metabolic rate (RMR) in the OEA group (p = .009); however, it was not found in the placebo group. There were no significant between-group differences in RMR postintervention. In addition, no significant within-and between-group differences were observed in the NAFLD fibrosis score at the end of the trial. Treatment with OEA along with weight-loss intervention could significantly improve inflammation and body composition in patients with NAFLD.

Effects of oleoylethanolamide supplementation on atherogenic indices and hematological parameters in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A clinical trial.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent cause of chronic liver disease in the world. The current interventional trial aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with oleoylethanolamide (OEA) in combination with weight loss intervention on some atherogenic indices as well as hematological parameters in patients newly diagnosed with NAFLD. Methods: In this triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 76 obese patients with NAFLD confirmed by ultra-sonographic findings were randomly assigned to receive a weight reduction diet plus either 250 mg OEA (n=38) or placebo (n=38) for 12 weeks. Atherogenic factors including total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C, triglyceride (TG)/HDL-C, non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratios and non-HDL-C level, as well as hematological parameters were assessed before and after intervention. Results : After adjustment for potential confounding factors, between group analyses demonstrated a significantly lower LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratios in the OEA group compared to the placebo, post-intervention (95% confidence interval [CI]:0.06 to 0.85, P = 0.024; 95% CI: -2.06 to -0.05, P = 0.039; 95% CI: -1.05 to -0.02, P = 0.042,respectively). Additionally, OEA supplementation could significantly decrease the levels of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) compared to the placebo at the endpoint after considering potential confounding variables (95% CI: -0.56 to -0.003, P = 0.041). No significant differences were found between the two study groups in terms of other hematological parameters. Conclusion: The results of the current study indicated that OEA supplementation had beneficial effects on LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratios as well as RDW in obese patients with NAFLD. Trial Registration: IRCT20110530006652N2; https://www.irct.ir/trial/37228.

Antioxidative and Metabolic Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum, Inulin, and Their Synbiotic on the Hypothalamus and Serum of Healthy Rats.

Nowadays, much attention has been paid to the link between gut microbiota and brain. The beneficial metabolic effects of probiotics and prebiotics in several diseases such as diabetes and obesity have been reported. However, studies bridging the association of gut microbiome with brain function in healthy states are rare. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the administration of Lactobacillus plantarum (L plantarum) and inulin may affect serum and hypothalamic metabolic parameters as well as oxidative markers in healthy male rats. Daily L plantarum (107 CFU/mL) and inulin (5% of daily food weight) or their combination (synbiotic) was given to healthy rats. Then, serum and hypothalamic levels of leptin, insulin, and oxidative markers were measured. Administration of synbiotic for 8 weeks led to significant changes in serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio, triglyceride, and total cholesterol. The intake of synbiotic also resulted in a significantly reduced hypothalamic level of malondialdehyde and increased hypothalamic superoxide dismutase (SOD). Also, L plantarum could significantly increase hypothalamic SOD level. Furthermore, synbiotic administration insignificantly increased the hypothalamic and serum levels of insulin and leptin. These findings suggest that the synbiotic could significantly improve oxidative markers and lipid profile in healthy rats. Therefore, simultaneous intake of L plantarum and inulin appears to be more effective in the amelioration of metabolic and oxidative parameters.

The potential therapeutic effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and inulin on serum and testicular reproductive markers in diabetic male rats.

BACKGROUND: It is well established that diminished reproductive health is one of the notable long-term outcomes of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially among males. Due to the global increasing rate of T2DM and infertility, we aimed to investigate the impact of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum), inulin, and their combinatory supplementation on fertility markers as well as testicular kisspeptin and androgen receptor (AR)'s expression in diabetic male rats. METHODS: Thirty-five Male Wistar rats with Streptozotocin-induced T2DM were supplemented with L. plantarum, inulin, or their combination for 8 weeks. At the end-point, the animals were sacrificed and serum, testicular, and seminal parameters were studied. RESULTS: Administration of L. plantarum and inulin in diabetic male rats improved sperm motility and viability (P < 0.001, both) as well as testicular tissue development via increasing leydig cell number, testicular spermatid count, and diameter of seminiferous tubules (P < 0.001, all). Testicular expression of Kisspeptin was elevated by inulin supplementation (P = 0.01). L. plantarum administration increased testicular AR expression (P = 0.01). The expression of Kisspeptin showed a remarkable correlation with fertility markers (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Supplementation with either L. plantarum, inulin, or their combination can prevent infertility caused by T2DM in male rats via improving testicular kisspeptin and AR expression, leydig cell count, and effectively increasing epididymal sperm motility and viability.