Syndecans and diabetic complications: A narrative review.

Syndecan (SDC) is a member of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) family. It appears to play a role in the aetiology of diabetic complications, with decreased levels of SDCs being reported in the kidney, retina, and cardiac muscle in models of diabetes mellitus (DM). The reduced levels of SDCs may play an important role in the development of albuminuria in DM. Some studies have provided the evidence supporting the mechanisms underlying the role of SDCs in DM. However, SDCs and the molecular mechanisms involved are complex and need to be further elucidated. This review focuses on the underlying molecular mechanisms of SDCs that are involved in the development and progression of the complications of DM, which may help in developing new strategies to prevent and treat these complications.

Personalized Approaches to Cardiovascular Disease: Insights into FDA-Approved Interventions and Clinical Pharmacogenetics.

Cardiovascular diseases place a considerable burden on global health systems, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality. Current approaches to detecting and treating Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) often focus on symptomatic management and are initiated after the disease has progressed. Personalized medicine, which tailors medical interventions to individual characteristics, has emerged as a promising strategy for improving cardiovascular health outcomes. This article provides an overview of personalized medicine in the context of CVD, with a specific emphasis on FDA-approved interventions. It explores the potential benefits, challenges, and future directions of personalized medicine in cardiovascular disorders. By reviewing the advancements in this field, this article underscores the importance of early detection, intervention, and innovative treatment options in reducing the impact of CVD on individuals and society.

The Therapeutic Application of Hydrogen in Cancer: The Potential and Challenges.

Hydrogen therapy has emerged as a possible approach for both preventing and treating cancer. Cancers are often associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Hydrogen, with its unique physiological functions and characteristics, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, making it an attractive candidate for cancer treatment. Through its ability to mitigate oxidative damage, modulate inflammatory responses, and sustain cellular viability, hydrogen demonstrates significant potential in preventing cancer recurrence and improving treatment outcomes. Preclinical studies have shown the efficacy of hydrogen therapy in several cancer types, highlighting its ability to enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments while reducing associated side effects. Furthermore, hydrogen therapy has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in clinical settings. Nonetheless, additional investigations are necessary to improve a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying hydrogen's therapeutic potential and refine the administration and dosage protocols. However, further clinical trials are still needed to explore its safety profile and capacity. In aggregate, hydrogen therapy represents an innovative and promising treatment for several malignancies.

Factors associated with prolonged QTc interval in Iranian population: MASHAD cohort study.

AIM: QTc interval prolongation is a growing global issue which can cause torsades de pointes, a potentially fatal arrhythmia. We aimed to identify risk factors for prolonged QT interval in men and women. METHODS: The Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder (MASHAD) cohort study collected electrocardiogram interval data. QT was corrected for heart rate using the Bazett's formula. Ordinal logistic regression with crude (univariable) and adjusted (multivariate) association analyses in the form of odds ratio and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to identify the factors associated with QTc prolongation. RESULTS: A total of 8878 individuals including 5318 females and 3560 males, aged 35 to 65 years, were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants with QTc prolongation were more likely to be older and have hypercholesterolemia, hypertension (HTN), and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but to have lower levels of physical activity (P < 0.05). Age (OR = 1.68, 95%CI = 1.18-2.39), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.77, 95%CI = 1.24-2.51), HTN (OR = 1.36, 95%CI = 1.06-1.73), T2DM (OR = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.19-2.13), severe anxiety (OR = 1.80, 95%CI = 1.05-3.11) and mild depression (OR = 1.38, 95%CI = 1.01-1.88) were independent risk factors for prolonged QTc interval in men. For women, only HTN (OR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.02-1.63) and T2DM (OR = 1.50, 95%CI = 1.14-1.97) were independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Older age, Hypercholesterolemia, HTN, T2DM, severe anxiety and mild depression in men, and HTN and T2DM in women were associated with high risk of prolonged QTc interval. Healthcare practitioners should be aware of the risk factors of QTc interval prolongation and should exercise caution in the management of certain patients.

Wortmannin Inhibits Cell Growth and Induces Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells by Suppressing the PI3K/AKT Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant contributor to mortality, often exacerbated by metastasis and chemoresistance. Novel therapeutic strategies are imperative to enhance current treatments. The dysregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is implicated in CRC progression. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Wortmannin, combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), to target the PI3K/Akt pathway in CRC. METHODS: Anti-migratory and antiproliferative effects were assessed through wound healing and MTT assays. Apoptosis and cell cycle alterations were evaluated using Annexin V/Propidium Iodide Apoptosis Assay. Wortmannin's impact on the oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium was examined via ROS, SOD, CAT, MDA, and T-SH levels. Downstream target genes of the PI3K/AKT pathway were analyzed at mRNA and protein levels using RTPCR and western blot, respectively. RESULTS: Wortmannin demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, modulating survivin, cyclinD1, PI3K, and p-Akt. The PI3K inhibitor attenuated migratory activity, inducing E-cadherin expression. Combined Wortmannin with 5-FU induced apoptosis, increasing cells in sub-G1 via elevated ROS levels. CONCLUSION: This study underscores Wortmannin's potential in inhibiting CRC cell growth and migration through PI3K/Akt pathway modulation. It also highlights its candidacy for further investigation as a promising therapeutic option in colorectal cancer treatment.

The associations of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers with obesity in Iranian population: MASHAD cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade inflammation and stress oxidative condition play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity, and the serum levels of these markers, such as pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and uric acid may indicate obesity progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity with PAB, hs-CRP, and uric acid in the Iranian population. METHODS: This study was derived from the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) study. A total of 7985 subjects aged 35 to 65 years were divided into three groups according to body mass index (BMI) as: normal, overweight and obese groups. Anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters such as PAB, superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1), hs-CRP, and uric acid were measured in all the participants. We evaluated the association of obesity with inflammatory factors by using multivariate regression analysis. Also, those participants with hypertension, an endocrine disorder, history of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus were excluded from the study. RESULTS: There was a positive significant correlation between BMI and serum PAB, hs-CRP and uric acid (p < 0.001). While no statistically significant relation was observed between BMI and SOD1 (p = 0.85). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the risk of overweight and obesity increased 1.02 and 1.03-fold according to increase 10 units of PAB raise in comparison to reference group (normal weight) [(odds ratio (OR): 1.02, 95% CI (1.01-1.03)] and [OR: 1.03, 95% CI (1.01-1.04)], respectively). In addition, hs-CRP serum concentration was significantly associated with a high risk of obesity [(OR: 1.02; 95% CI (1.01-1.03)]. While the high levels of serum uric acid were associated with increased odds of overweight and obesity risk [OR: 1.4; CI (1.39-1.58) and OR: 1.76; CI (1.63-1.89), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, we showed a significant association between BMI and serum PAB, hs-CRP values and uric acid levels, suggesting the role of these factors as risk stratification factors for obesity.

Association of a genetic variant in angiopoietin-like 3 with serum HDL-C and risk of cardiovascular disease: A study of the MASHAD cohort over 6 years.

BACKGROUND: Loss-of-function (LOF) variants of the angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) gene are reported to be associated with serum triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations and thereby affect the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we examined the association of rs10789117 in the ANGPTL 3 gene locus and the risk of CVD in the group of people who were part of the Mashhad-Stroke and Heart-Atherosclerotic-Disorders (MASHAD) cohort. METHODS: One thousand and two healthy individuals enrolled in this study of whom 849 subjects were healthy and 153 subjects developed CVD outcomes after 6 years of follow-up. After a 12-h overnight fasting, 20 mL of blood samples were collected for the measurement of fasting blood glucose and lipid profile. DNA was extracted, and the Tetra-ARMS PCR (amplification refractory mutation system) was used for genotyping of rs10789117 in the ANGPTL3 gene. The genotype frequencies of the variant of rs10789117 in the ANGPTL3 gene were estimated using χ2 tests. Eventually, the statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Individuals with AC/CC genotypes (rs10789117) were found to have to greater risk of CVD events compared to AA genotype (OR = 1.43, 95%CI = 1.01-2.02, p = 0.041). There was a 1.3-fold increase in cardiovascular events in individuals carrying the C allele of rs10789117 variant compared to non-carriers (OR = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.06-1.72, p value = 0.038). There were significant differences between different genotypes for serum triglyceride levels within the control group, but this difference was not significant in the group with CVD. Moreover, there was a significant association between CC genotype and CVD risk in the individuals with a normal serum HDL-C. CONCLUSION: We have found that a rs10789117 C>A in ANGPTL3 gene polymorphism was associated with incident CVD events, and this may be of value as a risk stratification biomarker in CVD in the Iranian population.

Harmaline induces apoptosis and inhibits migration in A2780 ovarian cancer cells in vitro.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in women. Harmaline is reported to have powerful anticancer properties. We aimed to investigate the apoptotic and antimetastatic properties of harmaline in A2780 ovarian cancer cells. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were investigated in cells treated with harmaline. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mRNA expression of apoptosis-associated genes, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were measured. Harmaline attenuated the viability of A2780 ovarian cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent way. Furthermore, compared to NIH/3T3 mouse normal cell line (IC50 = 417 µM), the malignant A2080 cells were more sensitive to harmaline (IC50 = 300 µM after 24 h). Harmaline increased the production of ROS, raised the mRNA expression of p53 and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Harmaline also increased the proportion of cells in the late apoptotic and necrotic phases. MMP-2 and MMP-9's mRNA expression, gelatinase activity, and migration of A2780 cells also decreased by harmaline. These findings suggest that harmaline may have the potential to be a therapeutic drug for ovarian cancer by triggering apoptosis and suppressing invasion and migration.

The Application of Nanotechnological Therapeutic Platforms against Gynecological Cancers.

Gynecological cancers (GCs), ovarian, cervical, and endometrial/uterine cancers, are often associated with poor outcomes. Despite the development of several therapeutic modalities against GCs, the effectiveness of the current therapeutic approaches is limited due to their side effects, low therapeutic index, short halflife, and resistance to therapy. To overcome these limitations, nano delivery-based approaches have been introduced with the potential of targeted delivery, reduced toxicity, controlled release, and improved bioavailability of various cargos. This review summarizes the application of different nanoplatforms, such as lipid-based, metal-based, and polymeric nanoparticles, to improve the chemo/radio treatments of GC. In the following work, the use of nanoformulated agents to fight GCs has been mentioned in various clinical trials. Although nanosystems have their own challenges, the knowledge highlighted in this article could provide deep insight into translations of NPs approaches to overcome GCs.

Dietary mineral intakes predict Coronavirus-disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence and hospitalization in older adults.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the association between dietary mineral intake and Coronavirus-disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and its associated hospitalization. METHODS: This cohort study utilized the MASHAD study population, which comprised individuals aged 35-65. Upon recruitment in 2007, dietary intake was documented using a validated 65-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Data on COVID-19 PCR test results was collected from all relevant medical centers in Mashhad between February 2020 and June 2022. The regression model included dietary minerals and employed the backward variable selection method, along with advanced data analysis techniques. RESULTS: The final analysis involved 1957 participants, including 193 COVID-19-positive patients. The mean age was 49.71 and 50.28 years in the COVID-19-positive and negative groups, respectively (p = 0.12). Dietary intakes of magnesium, iron, and potassium were notably lower in COVID-19-positive patients (P < 0.05). Following adjustments for age and sex, dietary iron remained significantly associated with COVID-19 incidence (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90-0.98). Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was observed between dietary zinc and hospitalization due to COVID-19 (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.51-0.93). In dynamical system models, intakes of calcium, zinc, and iron below the cut-offs of 1138, 9.7, and 8.17 mg/day, respectively, were linked to an increased risk of COVID-19 incidence. CONCLUSION: Higher dietary iron and zinc intake are associated with decreased risk of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization, respectively.

Micronutrients intake and genetic variants associated with premature ovarian insufficiency; MASHAD cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as the menopause before 40 years of age, and its prevalence is reported to be two-fold higher in Iranian women than the average for woman globally. POI is associated with several cardio/cerebrovascular complications as well as an increased overall mortality. Genetic factors, and serum levels of minerals and vitamin D, have been reported to be related to the prevalence of POI. We have investigated the association between some POI -related genotypes with the serum levels of some important micronutrients. METHODS: One hundred and seventeen women with POI and 183 controls without any renal, hepatic, and thyroid abnormalities were recruited as part of the MASHAD study. Demographic and anthropometric features were recorded and blood samples were collected and processed. DNA was extracted from the buffy coat of blood samples from all participants and 8 POI-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined using ASO-PCR or Tetra ARMS-PCR. Serum minerals and vitamin D concentrations were measured using routine methods. RESULTS: In women with POI, serum copper, phosphate, and calcium were significantly different for those with rs244715, rs16991615, and rs4806660 genotypes, respectively. In our control population, significant differences were also found in serum copper concentrations between different genotypes of rs4806660, rs7246479, rs1046089, and rs2303369. After adjusting for all confounding factors, the women with POI carrying TC genotype (rs4806660) had a lower risk to have serum copper levels < 80 (µg/dL) than those carrying a TT genotype. Furthermore, women with POI carrying GG genotype (rs244715) had a 6-fold higher risk to have serum copper levels > 155 than those carrying AA genotype. CONCLUSION: The C and G alleles of the rs4806660 and rs244715 polymorphisms respectively are independently associated with serum copper in women with POI. Further studies are necessary to investigate the association of serum copper and other micronutrients in women and other POI -related polymorphisms.

Association between Genetic Variants Linked to Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Inflammatory Markers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Premature menopause (PM) is the cessation of ovarian function before age 40. PM women are more likely to have cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, and mental disorders. This is the first study that assessed the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with anti-heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs- CRP), and PM and serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), as putative risk factors for CVDs. We aimed to explore the association of oxidative stress markers with eight different SNPs shown to be related to premature menopause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional research, we included 183 healthy women and 117 premature menopausal women. We determined baseline characteristics for all participants and measured serum hs-CRP, anti-HSP-27 antibody titer, and PAB levels using the established methods. Genotyping for eight SNPs was done using the tetra amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (Tetra-ARMS PCR) and allele-specific oligonucleotide PCR (ASO-PCR) methods. RESULTS: We found a significant difference between mean serum PAB levels and the genetic variant of rs16991615 (P=0.03). ANCOVA showed a significant effect of the genotypes rs4806660 and rs10183486 on hs-CRP serum levels in the case and control groups, respectively (P=0.04 and P=0.007). ANCOVA also showed an association between rs244715 genotypes and anti-hsp27 serum levels in the case group (P=0.02). There was a significant effect of the genotypes of rs451417 on the serum hs-CRP level in the control group (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: There was a significant association of the genetic variants related to PM with oxidative stress and inflammatory markers (serum PAB, anti-hsp27 antibody, and hs-CRP). Accordingly, this seems to be an effective approach to predicting susceptible subjects for cardiovascular and mental disorders as well as various cancers.

Interplay between LncRNA/miRNA and TGF-ß Signaling in the Tumorigenesis of Gynecological Cancer.

Gynecologic cancers are among the most common malignancies with aggressive features and poor prognosis. Tumorigenesis in gynecologic cancers is a complicated process that is influenced by multiple factors, including genetic mutations that activate various oncogenic signaling pathways, including the TGF-ß pathway. Aberrant activation of TGF-ß signaling is correlated with tumor recurrence and metastasis. It has been shown that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have crucial effects on cancer cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. Upregulation of various ncRNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs), has been reported in several tumors, like cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, but their cellular mechanisms remain to be investigated. Thus, recognizing the role of ncRNAs in regulating the TGF-ß pathway may provide novel strategies for better treatment of cancer patients. The present study summarizes recent findings on the role of ncRNAs in regulating the TGF-ß signaling involved in tumor progression and metastasis in gynecologic cancers.

The effects of powdered drinks enriched with curcumin and probiotics on lipid profile and atherogenic indices in patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Cardiovascular disease is prevalent globally and is the most common complication of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Previous studies have suggested that curcumin and probiotics may improve the lipid profile, so we aimed to investigate the effects of the edible powder enriched with these substances on lipid profile level and atherogenic indices such as Atherogenic Coefficient (AC), Castelli Risk Index-I (CRI-I), Castelli Risk Index-II (CRI-II), and Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP). In the present parallel randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial, 124 people with MetS with overweight or obesity were randomly allocated to 4 groups and were followed up for 8 weeks. The participants received a low-calorie diet and a daily sachet of enriched powder drink. The sachets contained either 109 CFU of probiotics or 1 g of curcumin, or probiotic + curcumin (pro + cur), or placebo, respectively. The fasting lipid profile and atherogenic indices were measured at the beginning and end of the study. One hundred and fourteen participants completed the study. At the end of the study, the within- and between-group comparisons showed no significant differences in lipid profile and atherogenic indices (p > .05). Based on the results of the current study, taking an oral powder containing 1 g curcumin and 109 CFU probiotics for 8 weeks had no effect on the lipid profile level and atherogenic indices; however, more studies are recommended.

The association between lifelines diet score (LLDS) with depression and quality of life in Iranian adolescent girls.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that a greater degree of adherence to a healthy dietary pattern is associated with a lower risk of depression and a poor quality of life (QoL). The Lifelines diet score (LLDS) is a new, evidence-base scoring system to define the quality of diet. We designed a cross-sectional study to investigate the association between LLDS with depression and QoL in Iranian adolescent girls. METHODS: A total of 733 female adolescents were recruited from Mashhad and Sabzevar cities, Iran. Depression and QoL were assessed utilizing the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and SF-12v2 questionnaires, respectively. The LLDS was defined by dividing intakes of 12 food groups with negative or positive health effects into quintiles ranging 12 to 60 points. To explore the association between LLDS with QoL and depression, logistic regression was used in crude and adjusted models. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression and poor QoL was 24% and 49%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, adolescent girls in the highest quartile of LLDS compared with the participants in the lowest quartile had a 42% lower probability of reporting depressive symptoms (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.35-0.97, P = 0.03). In addition, the participants in the highest quartile of LLDS had lower odds of poor QoL compared with the subjects in the lowest quartile (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.42-0.92, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: There is an inverse relationship between LLDS with risk of depression and poor QoL. Prospective and interventional investigations are needed to reach a clear vision.

Essential dataset features in a successful obesity registry: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity and the diversity of available treatments makes the development of a national obesity registry desirable. To do this, it is essential to design a minimal dataset to meet the needs of a registry. This review aims to identify the essential elements of a successful obesity registry. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature review adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis recommendations. Google Scholar, Scopus and PubMed databases and Google sites were searched to identify articles containing obesity or overweight registries or datasets of obesity. We included English articles up to January 2023. RESULTS: A total of 82 articles were identified. Data collection of all registries was carried out via a web-based system. According to the included datasets, the important features were as follows: demographics, anthropometrics, medical history, lifestyle assessment, nutritional assessment, weight history, clinical information, medication history, family medical history, prenatal history, quality-of-life assessment and eating disorders. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the essential features in the obesity registry dataset were demographics, anthropometrics, medical history, lifestyle assessment, nutritional assessment, weight history and clinical analysis items.

Genetic Determinants of Response to Statins in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Despite extensive efforts to identify patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) who could most benefit from the treatment approach, patients vary in their benefit from therapy and propensity for adverse drug events. Genetic variability in individual responses to drugs (pharmacogenetics) is considered an essential determinant in responding to a drug. Thus, understanding these pharmacogenomic relationships has led to a substantial focus on mechanisms of disease and drug response. In turn, understanding the genomic and molecular bases of variables that might be involved in drug response is the main step in personalized medicine. There is a growing body of data evaluating drug-gene interactions in recent years, some of which have led to FDA recommendations and detection of markers to predict drug responses (e.g., genetic variant in VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes for prediction of drug response in warfarin treatment). Also, statins are widely prescribed drugs for the prevention of CVD. Atorvastatin, fluvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, and lovastatin are the most common statins used to manage dyslipidemia. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the pharmacogenetics of statins, which are being used to treat cardiovascular diseases.

Curcumin effects on glycaemic indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammatory markers and anthropometric measurements of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: Curcumin has antioxidant properties and has been proposed as a potential treatment for NAFLD. The aim of current systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate previous findings for the effect of curcumin supplementation on glycaemic indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and anthropometric measurements of NAFLD patients. METHODS: Relevant studies published up to January 2024 were searched systematically using the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, WOS, Science Direct, Ovid and Cochrane. The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. The quality of the papers was assessed the using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model and reported as the WMD and 95% CI. Also, subgroup analyses were done to find probable sources of heterogeneity among studies. RESULTS: Out of 21010 records initially identified, 21 eligible RCTs were selected for inclusion in a meta-analysis. Overall, 1191 participants of both genders, 600 in the intervention and 591 in the control group with NAFLD were included. There are several limitations in the studies that were included, for instance, the results are weakened substantially by potential bias or failure to account for potential adulteration (with pharmaceuticals) or contamination (with other herbs) of the curcumin supplements that were tested. However, previous studies have reported curcumin to be a safe complementary therapy for several conditions. Our study indicated that curcumin supplementation in doses of 50-3000 mg/day was associated with significant change in FBG [WMD: -2.83; 95% CI: -4.61, -1.06), I2 = 51.3%], HOMA-IR [WMD: -0.52; 95% CI: -0.84, -0.20), I2= 82.8%], TG [WMD: -10.31; 95% CI: -20.00, -0.61), I2 = 84.5%], TC [WMD: -11.81; 95% CI: -19.65, -3.96), I2 = 94.6%], LDL [WMD: -8.01; 95% CI: -15.79, -0.24), I2 = 96.1%], weight [WMD: -0.81; 95% CI: -1.28, -0.35), I2= 0.0%] and BMI [WMD: -0.35; 95% CI: -0.57, -0.13), I2= 0.0%] in adults with NAFLD. There was no significant change in HbA1C, plasma insulin, QUICKI, HDL, SBP, DBP, CRP, TNF-α and WC after curcumin therapy. Subgroup analysis suggested a significant changes in serum FBG, TG, SBP, WC in RCTs for intervention durations of ≥ 8 weeks, and SBP, TG, LDL, HDL, BMI, WC in RCTs with sample size > 55 participants. CONCLUSION: Curcumin supplementation in doses of 50-3000 mg/day over 8-12 weeks was associated with significant reductions in levels of FBG, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, LDL, weight and BMI in patients with NAFLD. Previous studies have reported curcumin as a safe complementary therapy for several diseases. We would suggest that should curcumin supplements be used clinically in specific conditions, it should be used with caution. Also, difference in grades of NAFLD may effect the evaluated outcomes, so it is suggested that future studies be conducted with an analyses on subgroups according to their NAFLD grade. Furthermore, because of the failure to conduct independent biochemical assessment of the turmeric/curcumin product used in most studies as well as potential sources of bias, results should be interpreted with caution.

Night eating habits, sleep quality, and depression, are they associated with vitamin D status?

INTRODUCTION: In addition to the well-established roles of vitamin D on bone health, it also appears to be an effective factor on mental health and circadian behaviors, that include eating and sleeping habits. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the association between vitamin D status with night eating habits, sleep quality and depression in female college students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study studied healthy female students from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Demographic and anthropometric information as well as data on sleep quality and depression were recorded and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured. A 3-day food record questionnaire was completed to assess night eating habits. Data analyses were undertaken using Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The study participants comprised of 272 female students with median (Inter Quartile Range) age of 22 (21-24) years. The majority of the participants (82.3 %) were classified as night eaters, who had higher rates of poor sleep quality compared to non-night eaters (P < 0.05). With 1 ng/ml increase in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the odds of being a night eater fell by 3 % (OR = 0.97; 95%CI = 0.95, 0.99), and the odds of having depression or poor sleep quality decreased by 5 % (OR = 0.95; 95%CI = 0.93, 0.97) and 6 % (OR = 0.94; 95%CI = 0.91, 0.97), respectively. CONCLUSION: There was an inverse association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level with night eating habits, depression and poor sleep quality. This association needs be confirmed using cohort and interventional studies.

Pegylated nanoliposomal cisplatin ameliorates chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a serious adverse effect of cisplatin. The current study aimed to determine whether PEGylated nanoliposomal cisplatin can limit CIPN in an animal model. METHODS: Cisplatin-loaded PEGylated liposome nanoparticles (Cis-PL) were produced as a combination of lecithin, cholesterol, and DSPE-mPEG2000 in a molar ratio of 50:45:5 and were characterized by polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis, as well as encapsulation efficiency (EE). Fifteen male rats were provided and randomly divided into 3 groups including Cis-PL group, cisplatin group, and control group. Behavioural tests (hot-plate test and acetone drop test) were used for evaluating CIPN. Moreover, oxidative stress markers and histopathological analysis were applied. Treatment-related toxicity was assessed by haematological analysis as well as liver and renal function tests. RESULTS: Cis-PL had an average particle size of 125.4, PDI of 0.127, and zeta potential of -40.9 mV. Moreover, the Cis-PL exhibited a high EE as well as low levels of leakage rate at 25 °C. In a hot-plate test, paw withdrawal latency was longer in Cis-PL group in comparison to rats treated with cisplatin. A lower number of withdrawal responses was detected during acetone drop test in Cis-PL group than in cisplatin-treated rats. Assessment of oxidative stress markers showed that Cis-PL could improve oxidative stress. Additionally, histopathological assessment demonstrated that the number of satellite cells was significantly reduced in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of Cis-PL-treated rats compared with those treated with cisplatin. The cisplatin group had elevated white blood cells counts, reduced platelet counts, and higher levels of bilirubin, ALT (alanine aminotransferase, and AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and creatinine compared with the control group, which was ameliorated in Cis-PL group. CONCLUSIONS: Data from the current study support the previous hypothesis that Cisplatin-loaded PEGylated liposome could be a promising solution for CIPN in the future by modulating oxidative stress and preventing glial cell activation in DRG, suggesting further clinical studies to investigate the efficacy of this agent and its potential application in clinical practice.