New horizons for the study of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its active ingredients in the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of clinical evidence and mechanisms.

Saffron (Crocus sativus), as an herbal medicine, has been extensively investigated for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. This systematic review aimed to assess the overall effects of saffron on cognition, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by searching PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials databases up to June 2023 according to search terms and inclusion criteria. The participants were either healthy or suffering from some diseases, including neurological and psychiatric disorders, and consumed saffron or its extracts as an intervention. The risk of bias was assessed according to the Cochrane guidelines, and the PRISMA statement was followed. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan and STATA software. A random-effects or fixed-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect sizes. Forty-six RCTs were enrolled, and the duration of these trials ranged from 4 to 48 weeks with saffron or its extracts, both alone or in combination with conventional drugs. Saffron was more effective than placebo in improving cognition, depression with an overall effect size of -4.26 (95% CI: -5.76, -2.77), anxiety of -3.75 (95% CI: -5.83, -1.67), and sleep disorders of -1.91 (95% CI: -2.88, -0.93). Saffron was non-inferior to conventional drugs for treating cognitive disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, and it exhibited good tolerance with few side effects. Saffron may exert protective roles for neurological and psychiatric disorders and represents a relatively favorable and safe treatment.

Effects of betaine supplementation on inflammatory markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Several studies have suggested that betaine is closely related to inflammatory biomarkers that contribute to the development of metabolic diseases, but the effect remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of betaine supplementation on inflammatory markers based on randomised controlled trials (RCTs). PubMed, Web of Science and ResearchGate databases were searched up to March 2023. A total of 6 RCTs with 7 intervention trials involving 277 participants were included. Betaine supplementation led to a slight reduction in levels of circulating IL-1ß of 0.65 pg/mL (95% CI, -1.23 to -0.06) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 95%). Betaine produced a small but nonsignificant reduction in levels of circulating CRP (0.33 mg/L; 95% CI, -1.79 to 1.14), IL-6 (0.47 pg/mL; 95% CI, -1.13 to 0.18) and TNF-α (0.25 pg/mL; 95% CI, -0.98 to 0.48). The present meta-analysis does not provide sufficient evidence to conclude that betaine supplementation improved the inflammation state.

Crocin alleviates cognitive impairment associated with atherosclerosis via improving neuroinflammation in LDLR-/- mice fed a high-fat/cholesterol diet.

Crocin has been extensively investigated in treating neurodegenerative diseases. However, its effect on cognitive impairment associated with atherosclerosis remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of crocin on cognitive impairment in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. LDLR-/- mice fed a high-fat/cholesterol diet were administered variable-dose crocin for 56 days through gavage. Biochemical tests showed that serum triglycerides and circulating lipopolysaccharide decreased in mice treated with crocin. Behavioral tests indicated that crocin alleviated cognitive impairment by reducing latency to the platform and increasing the swimming distance in the target quadrant. This mechanism might be associated with crocin inhibiting Aß deposition by decreasing Aß1-42 and tau phosphorylation. Crocin improved neuroinflammation by inhibiting the increase in reactive microglia and astrocytes, weakening NLRP3 inflammasome activation accompanied by a reduction in Caspase-1 and IL-1ß, and blocking TLR4 signaling accompanied by a decrease in NF-kB p65 and MyD88. In addition, crocin raised the protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin. These findings provide experimental support that crocin attenuates cognitive impairment associated with atherosclerosis by repressing neuroinflammation, which is attributed to its suppression on the activation of microglia and astrocytes, and the production of inflammatory cytokines via targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome and TLR4 signaling.

[Effects of wheat bran fiber on lipid metabolism in ApoE~(-/-) mice].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect and mechanism of wheat bran fiber on lipid metabolism in ApoE~(-/-)mice fed a high fat diet. METHODS: Twenty 7-week-old male ApoE~(-/-)mice were randomly divided into two groups and fed either a high fat diet as AS model group or a high fat diet adding 0. 8% wheat bran fiber as W-fiber group. And five C57 BL/6 mice with the same genetic background were used as control group. After 18 weeks feeding, HE staining were performed for atherosclerotic lesions from transverse section of the aorta and hepatic histological examination. Liver homogenate total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG)and free fatty acids(FFAs)were analyzed. Western blot was used to determine the protein expressions involved in hepatic lipid metabolism, including sterol regulatory element binding protein 1(SREBP-1), fatty acid synthase(FAS), acetyl-coA carboxylase(ACC), sterol regulatory element binding protein 2(SREBP-2), low-density lipoproteins receptor(LDLR) and scavenger receptor B1(SR-B1). RESULTS: At the end of the experiment, compared with control group, atherosclerotic plaque of the aorta and hepatic steatosis was obvious in the mice of AS model group, and wheat bran fiber alleviated the area of atheromatous plaque and hepatic lipid accumulation. Compared with AS model group, wheat bran fiber decreased liver homogenate TC level((60. 56±13. 49) µmol/g vs. (51. 10±5. 94) µmol/g)(P<0. 05), reduced protein expression of SREBP-1, FAS and ACC(P<0. 05), increased protein expression of SREBP-2SR-B1(P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: Taken together, wheat bran fiber can delay the occurance of AS by regulating the related protein expressions involved in lipid metabolism and improving hepatic lipid metabolism.

Effects of low-glycemic-index diets in pregnancy on maternal and newborn outcomes in pregnant women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Maternal diet with a high glycemic index (GI) is associated with fetal overgrowth and higher infant body adiposity. Effects of low-GI diet on maternal and newborn outcomes have been assessed in both healthy pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus, but the results remain inconclusive. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of low-GI diets on maternal and newborn outcomes. METHODS: PubMed, Clinical Trials, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant randomized trials up to January 2016. Random- or fixed-effects models were used to calculate combined treatment effects. RESULTS: A total of 11 trials involving 1985 women were eligible for analysis. This meta-analysis assessed 7 maternal and 11 newborn outcomes. Of these, gestational weight gain (GWG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), newborn birth weight, ponderal index (PI), proportion of macrosomia, and large for gestational age (LGA) were investigated in more than 8 trials. Compared with control diets, low-GI diets significantly reduced FBG (weight mean differences (WMD) = -0.18 mmol/L, 95 % CI: -0.33, -0.02), 2-h postprandial glucose level (WMD = -0.33 mmol/L, 95 % CI: -0.54, -0.12), and the proportion of LGA (RR = 0.52, 95 % CI: 0.31, 0.89). A lower GWG (WMD = -0.69 kg, 95 % CI: -1.74, 0.36) and birth weight (WMD = -0.10 kg, 95 % CI: -0.23, 0.03) were also observed without significant differences. Heterogeneity was observed in the GWG, FBG, and birth weight analyses. Low-GI diets did not affect other maternal and newborn outcomes. In subgroup and sensitivity analyses, the intervention effects of low GI on GWG and FBG varied. CONCLUSIONS: Low-GI diets may have beneficial effects on maternal outcomes for those at risk of developing high glucose levels, without causing adverse effects on newborn outcomes. However, results should be interpreted with caution because of the evidence of heterogeneity and limited number of studies.

Effect of dietary fiber on circulating C-reactive protein in overweight and obese adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Previous studies suggested that dietary fiber intake may have a lowing effect on circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) level, a sensitive marker of inflammation, in overweight/obese adults with inconsistent results. A literature search was performed in April 2014 for related randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analysis was conducted. Meta-analysis including 14 RCTs showed that intervention with dietary fiber or fiber-rich food, compared with control, produced a slight, but significant reduction of 0.37 mg/L (95% CI -0.74, 0) in circulating CRP level among this population. Subgroup analyses showed that such a significant reduction was only observed after combining studies where the total fiber intake was 8 g/d higher in the intervention group than in the control group. No obvious heterogeneity and publication bias were found in the meta-analysis. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides evidence that dietary fiber or food naturally rich in fiber has beneficial effects on circulating CRP level in overweight/obese adults.

[Effects of compound whole grain-soybean on insulin resistance and serum adipocytokines in impared fasting glucose population].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of compound whole grain-soybean on insulin resistance and serum adipocytokines levels in impared fasting glucose population. METHODS: According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 163 cases of impared fasting glucose (IFG) Chinese Han population from the age of 40 to 75 years old, were screened from 12 community health centers of three main districts of Nanjing city by the multi-stage cluster and simple randomization method from March to September, 2008. The IFG subjects were randomly divided into the intervention group (87 individuals) and control group (76 individuals) by quasi-experimental design. The intervention group was provided with compound whole grain-soybean and health education, while only health education was provided for the control group. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), lipid profiles, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), adipocytokines including leptin, lipocalin 2 (LCN-2) and adiponectin (ADP) levels were measured before and after the half a year intervention period. Chi square test was used to analyze the distribution differences. Two-sample t-test was used to compare the differences of the two groups before and after the half a year intervention period, and paired t-test was used to compare the differences between before and after intervention in the intervention group or control group. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the differences of all indexes between after and before dietary intervention. RESULTS: After dietary intervention for half a year on the IFG population, BMI ((24.87 ± 3.69) kg/m(2)), FBG((6.27 ± 0.24) mmol/L), FINS((7.14 ± 1.05) mU/L) , HOMA-IR (1.99 ± 0.31), leptin ((13.07 ± 2.22) µg /L), LCN-2 ((67.42 ± 18.20) µg/L) of intervention group were decreased significantly compared to the levels of BMI ((25.16 ± 4.07) kg/m(2)), FBG((6.40 ± 0.28) mmol/L), FINS ((7.32 ± 1.54) mU/L), HOMA-IR (2.08 ± 0.45), leptin ((13.43 ± 2.52) µg/L), LCN-2((74.87 ± 17.81) µg/L) before dietary intervention, t values were 4.48, 7.08, 2.05, 3.39, 3.28 and 6.36, respectively, and all P values were < 0.05, while ADP ((5.07 ± 1.51) mg/L) of intervention group after dietary intervention was increased significantly compared to the level of ADP ((4.92 ± 1.53) mg/L) before dietary intervention, t = -2.47 and P < 0.05. The medians (P25, P 75) of differences after and before dietary intervention in the intervention group were BMI (-0.25(-0.68, 0.02) kg/m(2)), FBG (-0.08 (-0.20, 0.00) mmol/L), FINS (-0.15(-0.32, 0.00) mU/L), HOMA-IR (-0.07(-0.12, -0.03)), leptin (-0.36(-0.77, 0.12) µg/L), LCN-2 (-5.85(-14.29, -0.71) µg/L) and ADP (0.15(-0.13, 0.36) mg/L), and the medians of differences of after and before dietary intervention in the control group were BMI (0.00(-0.23, 0.29) kg/m(2)), FBG (0.00(-0.03, 0.04) mmol/L), FINS (-0.01(-0.13, 0.04) mU/L), HOMA-IR (-0.01(-0.05, 0.02)), leptin (-0.07 (-0.57, 0.46) µg/L), LCN-2 (-0.85(-5.39, 1.63) µg/L) and ADP (0.02(-0.19, 0.13) mg/L). There were significantly statistical differences between them (Z values were -3.65, -4.88, -3.08, -5.23, -2.16, -4.43 and 3.05, all P values were <0.05). CONCLUSION: Dietary intervention of compound whole grain-soybean can improves glucose level, increase insulin sensitivity and ameliorate insulin resistance state of IFG population.

[Effects of genistein on apoptosis in HCT-116 human colon cancer cells and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of genistein on cell proliferation and apoptosis in HCT-116 human colon cancer cells and its possible mechanism. METHODS: After treatment with genistein, cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle, cell apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species ( ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential were determined by flow cytometry. Furthermore, ultrastructural change was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: Genistein inhibited cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Genistein treatment in 0 - 100 micromol/L resulted in G2/M cell cycle arrest. The ratio of Sub-G1 increased from (1.63 +/- 0.44)% to (8.33 -1.51)% (P < 0.01). The ratio of early apoptosis increased from (1.93 +/- 0.32)% to (7.25 +/- 0.86)% (P < 0.01). Genistein caused characteristic apoptotic changes in TEM observation. Genistein treatment in 100 micromol/L increased intracellular ROS level to a peak at 2 h [2 h, (15.53 +/- 1.55)% vs. 0 h, (8.57 +/- 0.35)%, P < 0.01] and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential to a bottom at 1 h [1 h, (0.82 +/- 0.02)% vs. 0 h, (6.70 +/- 0.21)%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that genistein inhibits cell proliferation, induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in colon cancer cell line HCT-116, with the increase of intracellular ROS level and decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential.

Gallic Acid Attenuates Sepsis-Induced Liver Injury through C/EBPß-Dependent MAPK Signaling Pathway.

SCOPE: Liver injury is a major complication associated with sepsis. Together with others, the study has shown that gallic acid (GA) exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in vivo. However, the role of GA in sepsis-mediated hepatic impairment and the underlying mechanisms remains to be elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS: C57BL/6J mice are pretreated with saline or GA and subjected to sham or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The pathological alterations are assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining as well as immunohistochemical staining. RNA sequencing is employed to analyze hepatic transcriptome modifications. The study finds that GA supplementation significantly ameliorates CLP-induced mortality, liver dysfunction, and inflammation. RNA sequencing reveals that 1324 genes are markedly differentially regulated in livers of saline- or GA-treated sham or CLP mice. Gene ontology analysis demonstrates that the differentially expressed genes regulated by GA are predominantly correlated with the immune system process, oxidation-reduction process, and inflammatory response. Furthermore, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling is localized in the center of the GA-mediated pathway network. Notably, activation of MAPK by C16-PAF significantly blocks GA-mediated protective effects on hepatic injury, inflammation, as well as CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-ß (C/EBPß) dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling. CONCLUSION: Therefore, this study indicates that GA may offer a promising therapeutic opportunity for sepsis-associated liver injury.

[Effects of Chinese wild rice on lipid metabolism and lipotoxicity in rats fed with high fat/cholesterol diet].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of four kinds of experimental diet, including high fat/cholesterol diet, Chinese wild rice diet, white rice-flour diet and basal diet on the lipotoxicity and disordered lipid metabolism in rats. METHODS: 44 male SD rats were divided into four groups, the basal group, high fat/cholesterol diet group, white rice-flour group and Chinese wild rice group. All rats of four groups were given different diets. Body weights were measured every week, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), free fatty acids (FFA) and leptin concentrations were measured, and liver pathology were observed. RESULTS: When compared with the basal diet group, the hyperlipidemic rat model was successfully made in high fat/cholesterol diet group. When compared with the high fat/cholesterol diet group and white rice-flour diet group, the serum TG and TC contents were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and HDL-C concentration significantly increased (P < 0.05) in Chinese wild rice group. Moreover, Chinese wild rice group had lower contents of serum and liver FFA than those of the high fat/cholesterol diet group and white rice-flour diet group (P < 0.05). Although Chinese wild rice group had a lower serum leptin level than the high fat/cholesterol diet group and white rice-flour diet group, there was no significant differences among the three groups (P > 0.05). The conditions of liver cell fatty degeneration in Chinese wild rice group were slight. CONCLUSION: Compared to the white rice-flour diet, Chinese wild rice could improve the lipid metabolism and liver lipotoxicity of hyperlipidemic rats induced by high fat/cholesterol diet.

[Effect of compound whole grain-soybean on oxidative stress].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the in vitro oxidation resistance of compound whole grain and the effect on improving the disorder of lipid metabolism and the oxidative stress in rats. METHODS: Make extracting of compound whole grain, rice, flour and black rice, method use chemical colorimetry to detect total antioxidant capacity, hydroxyl radical (*OH) and superoxide anion (O2-*). Forty-four male SD rats were divided into four groups in random: negative control group, model control group, white rice-flour group and compound whole grain. All 4 groups were fed for 8 weeks with different experimental diets. Weight, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG ), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were detected in serum. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), super oxygen dehydrogenizes (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were detected in serum and liver. RESULTS: The T-AOC, the ability of body cleaning hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion were enhanced,quite with the black rice. In all 3 treatment groups, compound whole grain group had higher HDL-C, T-AOC, SOD, GSH-Px, while TC, TG, MDA were lower. Compared with negative control groups, there is no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Compound whole grain can have good effect on oxidative stress. This effect is the important mechanism of lipid metabolism disorders.

A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized clinical trials on the effect of coffee consumption on heart rate.

CONTEXT: Resting heart rate (HR) is increasingly recognized as an indicator of disease and overall morbidity and mortality. Whether chronic coffee consumption affects resting HR is an important consideration for individual consumers as well as from a public health perspective. OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to examine the effectiveness of coffee consumption on resting HR. DATA SOURCES: Original RCTs assessing the effect of coffee consumption on resting HR and published prior to March 2023 were identified by searching online databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: Data searches and extraction and risk-of-bias assessments were performed according to the Cochrane guidelines, and the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. Data on study characteristics, type, and amount of coffee and net change and measurement resting HR were extracted. A random-effects or a fixed-effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect sizes. Homogeneity was determined with the Cochran Q test, and publication bias was assessed through Begg's test, Egger's test, and funnel plots. RESULTS: A total of 6 RCTs with 11 intervention trials or arms involving 485 individuals were included. The participants were generally healthy, although some had hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or were overweight. The trial duration ranged from 2 weeks to 24 weeks. The overall pooled analysis showed that coffee consumption resulted in a negligible increase in resting HR of 0.40 beats per minute (95% CI: -0.78 to 1.57; P = 0.506), which was statistically insignificant. Subgroup analysis of all specified categories was consistent with the overall analysis. No heterogeneity was observed among included trials (I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.756). CONCLUSION: The results of the present meta-analysis study demonstrate that daily coffee consumption of 3 to 6 cups for a period of 2 to 24 weeks has no statistically significant effect on resting HR.

Concentrations and homologue patterns of SCCPs and MCCPs in the serum of the general population of adults in Hangzhou, China.

Due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment and humans, chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are a major environmental and public health concern. CPs are known to persist, bioaccumulate and potentially threaten human health, but reports on their internal exposure in the adult general population are still scarce. In this study, serum samples collected from adults living in Hangzhou, China, were quantified for SCCPs and MCCPs using GC-NCI-MS methods. A total of 150 samples were collected and subjected to analysis. ∑SCCPs were detected in 98% of the samples with a median concentration of 721 ng/g lw. MCCPs were found in all serum samples with a median concentration of 2210 ng/g lw, indicating that MCCPs were the dominant homologous group. For SCCPs and MCCPs, ∑C10 and ∑C14 were found to be the dominant carbon chain length homologues. Our results showed that age, BMI and lifestyle were not found to be significantly associated with internal exposure to CPs for the samples in this study. Based on PCA analysis, an age-specific distribution of CP homologues was observed. This suggests that internal exposure to CPs in the general population is related to exposure scenarios and history. The results of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the internal exposure to CPs in the general population and may provide a direction for the investigation of the source of exposure to CPs in the environment and daily life.

Apple Polyphenol Extract Ameliorates Atherosclerosis and Associated Cognitive Impairment through Alleviating Neuroinflammation by Weakening TLR4 Signaling and NLRP3 Inflammasome in High-Fat/Cholesterol Diet-Fed LDLR-/- Male Mice.

Although studies have supported the beneficial effects of the ingredients of apple polyphenol extract (APE), a polyphenol mixture being extracted from whole fresh apples, on neurodegenerative diseases, the role of APE in atherosclerosis-related cognitive impairment remains unclear. To clarify the role of APE in regulating cognitive dysfunction in mice with atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanisms, high-fat/cholesterol diet-fed male LDLR-/- mice were gavaged with 125 or 500 mg/(kg·bw·d) APE solution or sterile double-distilled water for consecutive 8 weeks, and age-matched C57BL/6 male mice were employed as normal control. APE intervention increased the serum concentration of high-density apolipoprotein cholesterol, improved atherosclerosis, and ameliorated cognitive function of mice by inhibiting the phosphorylation of tau protein, supporting with significantly reduced platform latency and obviously increased swimming distance in the target quadrant according to the Morris water maze test. APE intervention alleviated neuroinflammation by attenuating the activation of microglia and astrocytes and inhibiting TLR4 signaling with reduced protein expression of NF-κB, MyD88, TRIF, and IKKß. Meanwhile, APE intervention inactivated NLRP3 inflammasome with downregulated protein expression of caspase-1, IL-18, and IL-1ß. Additionally, APE intervention improved the damaged brain barrier structure by upregulating the protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin. Therefore, our research supplemented new data, supporting the potential of APE as an effective dietary bioactive ingredient to improve atherosclerosis and associated cognitive impairment.

Effect of low-glycemic index diet advice on pregnant outcomes in women with elevated risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trails.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The beneficial effect of low-glycemic index (GI) diet on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been suggested in many observational studies; however, results from intervention trials remain inconsistent. This study aims to estimate the effect of interventions with low-GI dietary advice on pregnant outcomes in women with elevated risk of GDM. DESIGN: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) through March 2022. Studies reporting the effect of low-GI diet advice intervention on maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with increased risks of GDM were included. Random or fixed effects model was used to calculate combined treatment effects. Publication bias was assessed via Begg's and Egger's tests and funnel plot inspection. RESULTS: Nine RCTs recruiting 3416 participants were included. Low-GI diet advice did not modulate the risk of GDM. Compared with control diets, low-GI diet advice significantly reduced gestational weight gain (GWG) (weighted mean differences, WMD = -0.93 kg, 95% CI: -1.31, -0.55; p < 0.001; n = 7) and the risk of premature birth (RR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.88; p = 0.012; n = 5). In subgroup analyses, the effect of low-GI diet interventions on premature birth was significant only in women with BMI higher than 30 kg/m2 (RR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.77, p = 0.014; n = 3); the significant effect on GWG was not altered by stratification of BMI and the type of GDM risk factors. No significant changes in other maternal and newborn outcomes were found. CONCLUSIONS: Low-GI diet advice interventions during pregnancy decreased GWG and the risk of premature birth in women with elevated GDM risk; however, the interventions did not significantly prevent GDM development in these women.

[Influences of compound whole grain on oxidative stress to hyperlipidemia population].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of compound whole grain complex antioxidant chain on oxidative stress to the hyperlipidemia population. METHODS: From March 2008 to March 2009, 418 hyperlipemia residents (45 to 75 years of age) of Han group were screened from 3 main districts in Nanjing, according to the community, blood lipids and oxidative indicators, stratified into intervention and control group by quasi-experimental design. The intervention group (212 individuals) were provided with compound whole grain and health education while only health education was provided for the control group (206 individuals). Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and oxidative indicators (including T-AOC, MDA, SOD, GSH-Px) were measured before and after the one-year intervention period. Analyses of the correlation between posture, biochemical markers and oxidative stress indicators before and after intervention were carried out. RESULTS: After intervention, BMI ((25.53 ± 2.77) kg/m(2)), WHR (0.82 ± 0.03), TC ((4.60 ± 0.98) mmol/L), TG ((1.26 ± 0.88) mmol/L) in the intervention group were decreased significantly compared to the levels of BMI ((26.60 ± 3.18) kg/m(2)), WHR (0.93 ± 0.05), TC ((4.97 ± 1.02) mmol/L), TG ((1.98 ± 1.11) mmol/L) in the control group (all P values < 0.05); while HDL-C ((1.34 ± 0.26) mmol/L) in the intervention group was increased significantly compared to the level of HDL-C ((1.18 ± 0.17) mmol/L) in the control group (P < 0.05); After intervention, levels of T-AOC (19.52 ± 0.81), SOD ((85.42 ± 21.65) U/ml) and GSH-Px ((128.26 ± 33.65) µmol/L) were increased significantly compared to the levels of T-AOC (11.11 ± 1.30), SOD ((78.68 ± 30.48) U/ml) and GSH-Px ((118.48 ± 24.19) µmol/L) in the control group (all P values < 0.05); while MDA ((1.78 ± 1.16) nmol/ml) decreased significantly compared to the level of MDA ((2.12 ± 1.37) nmol/ml in the control group (P < 0.05); Pearson product moment correlation analysis showed that: T-AOC with TC, TG, BMI showed a negative correlation (r values were -0.258, -0.266, -0.230, respectively, all P values < 0.05), while with HDL-C was a positive correlation (r values was 0.194, P < 0.05); SOD with TC, TG, BMI showed a negative correlation (r values were -0.282, -0.311, -0.217, respectively, all P values < 0.05), while with HDL-C was a positive correlation (r values was 0.169, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compound whole grain could improve lipid metabolism to the hyperlipidemia population. There was a correlation between common human metabolism and the levels of oxidative stress.

[Active constituents in compound whole grain and its regulation on bile acids metabolism].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the contents of dietary fiber, resistant starch, flavonoid and total saponins in the compound whole grain, to observe the effects of compound whole grain on the excretion of bile acid and its regulation mechanisms. METHODS: The contents of dietary fiber, resistant starch, flavonoid and saponins in compound whole grain were determined according to the national standard methods and other methods in literatures. Forty-four SPF grade SD rats were allocated randomly into four groups: the negative control group, hyperlipemia model group, rice-flour group and compound whole grain group, and each group was provided with corresponding diet for 8 consecutive weeks. The excrements of rats were collected at the beginning and the ending of the experiment by using metabolic cages. The expression of CYP7A1 mRNA and LXRalphamRNA were also observed. RESULTS: The composition of compound whole grain was dietary fiber 15.3g, resistant starch 9.03g, flavonoid 0.45g and saponins 0.24g per 100g. The excretion of bile acid was increased significantly (P < 0.05), and the expression of CYP7A1 mRNA and LXRalphamRNA was significantly higher in the compound whole grain group than the other three groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compound whole grain is rich in DF, RS, flavonoid and saponins than common flour and rice. The expression of rate-limiting enzyme CYP7A1 mRNA in the classical pathway of bile acid synthesis and its upstream acceptor LXRalpha mRNA could be up-regulated by compound whole grain, thus effectively increasing bile acid excretions, and improving the disorders of lipid metabolism.

Effect of Probiotics Supplementation on Heart Rate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Background and Aims: Probiotics consumption lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, but whether it affects heart rate (HR) remains controversial. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the chronotropic effects of probiotics on heartbeat via a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Methods: Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, Cochrane library, and Clinical Trials databases up to October 2021. Either a fixed-effects or a random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: This meta-analysis included 13 studies involving 16 interventional trial arms and 931 participants according to inclusion criteria. The overall pooled estimate showed that probiotics supplementation had a slight, but no significant reduction of 0.28 bpm (95% CI: -1.17, 0.60) on HR. Relatively high heterogeneity was observed among included trials (I 2 = 80.8%, P heterogeneity < 0.001). Subgroup analysis displayed that probiotics supplementation significantly reduced HR by 2.94 bpm (95% CI: -5.06, -0.82) among participants with baseline HR ≥ 75 bpm, by 1.17 bpm (95% CI: -2.34, -0.00) with probiotics dose ≥1 × 1010 CFU/day, and by 1.43 bpm (95% CI: -2.69, -0.17) with multiple-strain intervention. Meta-regression analysis showed that baseline HR was a major potential effect modifier of probiotics supplementation on lowering HR. Conclusion: Hitherto, the overall evidence in the literature was insufficient to support the notion that probiotics supplementation has a class effect on HR reduction. However, in subgroup analysis, probiotics reduced HR significantly in those who had higher baseline HR, received a higher dose or multiple strains of probiotics.

Oat fiber supplementation alleviates intestinal inflammation and ameliorates intestinal mucosal barrier via acting on gut microbiota-derived metabolites in LDLR-/- mice.

OBJECTIVE: Gut microbiota-derived metabolites are involved in intestinal inflammation, which can affect the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Previous studies have shown that oat fiber can delay the progression of atherosclerosis via improving lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate how oat fiber acted on gut microbiota-derived metabolites, inhibited intestinal inflammation, and protected the intestinal mucosal barrier. METHODS: Male low-density lipoprotein receptor knock-out (LDLR-/-) mice were fed a high-fat/cholesterol diet with or without oat fiber for 14 wk. Histopathology of the aorta was detected by Oil Red O staining, and the small intestine mucosal pathology was measured through hematoxylin and eosin staining. Non-targeted metabolomics of feces was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Western blot method was used to assess the relative levels of the proteins involved in the toll-like receptor (TLR)4 signal pathway and intestinal mucosal barrier in interest tissues. RESULTS: Pathologically, oat fiber reversed the increment of the atherosclerotic lesion and ameliorated intestinal mucosal barrier in LDLR-/- mice. Oat fiber regulated the levels of gut microbiota-derived metabolites along with a decrease in isobutyrylcarnitine, valerylcarnitine, 1-methylguanosine, and 2-methylguanosine, and an increase in l-tyrosine and niacinamide. Notably, oat fiber blocked the TLR4 signal pathway and decreased the expression of nuclear factor-κB p65 in both the aorta and gut tissues. Also, oat fiber raised the expression of tight junction proteins including ZO-1 and occludin. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the present study revealed that oat fiber feeding effectively attenuated the development of atherosclerosis, at least partly via affecting gut microbiota-derived metabolites, inhibiting the intestinal inflammatory response, and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier.

B-type natriuretic peptide, vascular endothelial growth factor, endothelin-1, and nitric oxide synthase in chronic mountain sickness.

The pathogenesis of chronic mountain sickness (CMS) may involve vasoactive peptides. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between CMS and levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). A total of 24 patients with CMS and 50 control subjects residing at 4,300 m participated in this study. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was measured by echocardiography. Serum BNP, VEGF, ET-1, and eNOS were measured. Receiver operator characteristic curves to assess the balance of sensitivity and specificity for CMS were constructed. As a result, patients with CMS had significantly greater mPAP compared with controls and had lower arterial O(2) saturation (Sa(O(2))). Both BNP and ET-1 correlated positively with mPAP and negatively with Sa(O(2)), whereas serum VEGF levels were inversely correlated with Sa(O(2)); eNOS correlated negatively with mPAP and positively with Sa(O(2)). Median concentrations of BNP were greater in patients with CMS compared with those without CMS: 369 pg/ml [interquartile range (IQR) = 336-431] vs. 243 pg/ml (IQR = 216-279); P < 0.001. Similarly, concentrations of VEGF [543 pg/ml (IQR = 446-546) vs. 243 pg/ml (IQR = 216-279); P < 0.001] and ET-1 [14.7 pg/ml (IQR = 12.5-17.9) vs. 11.1 pg/ml (IQR = 8.7-13.9); P = 0.05] were higher in those with CMS compared with those without, whereas eNOS levels were lower in those with CMS [8.90 pg/ml (IQR 7.59-10.8) vs. 11.2 pg/ml (9.13-13.1); P < 0.001]. The areas under the receiver operator characteristic curves for diagnosis of CMS were 0.91, 0.93, 0.77, and 0.74 for BNP, VEGF, ET-1, and eNOS, respectively. In age- and biomarker-adjusted logistic regression, BNP and VEGF were positively predictive of CMS, whereas eNOS was inversely predictive. In conclusion, severe chronic hypoxemia and consequent pulmonary hypertension in patients with CMS may stimulate release of natriuretic peptides and angiogenic cytokines. These vasoactive peptides may play an important role in the pathogenesis and clinical expression of CMS and may indicate potential prognostic factors in CMS that could serve as targets for therapeutic trials or clinical decision making.