Detection of Opportunistic Fungi from the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Specimens of Patients with Pulmonary Diseases.

Background: Opportunistic fungi are a constantly evolving group of pathogens that become active when the immune system is compromised, begin to multiply, and soon overwhelm the weakened immune system. This study was performed to evaluate the number of opportunistic fungi in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples of patients with pulmonary diseases. Materials and Methods: After receiving patients' consent and demographic forms, a total of 120 BAL samples were taken by a pulmonary physician. The etiologic agents were identified by standard morphological and molecular methods. Yeast cells were counted on culture media, and direct smears were precisely examined for the presence of yeasts elements, Pneumocystis, and filamentous fungi. Results: In this study, 29 (24.1%) patients showed positive direct smears for yeast elements in their BAL samples. The mean colony count of yeasts was 42,000 (CFU/mL) on culture media. Six (5%) species of filamentous fungi, including three (2.5%) isolates of Penicillium species (P. variabile, P. glabrum, and P. thomii), two (1.67%) Aspergillus species (A. flavus and A. fumigatus), 1 case (0.83%) Pseudallescheria boydii were detected. Seven cases (5.83%) of Pneumocystis cysts were observed in the direct smears stained with Giemsa. Identification of all fungi confirmed by molecular or sequencing methods. Conclusions: Due to the presence of a large number of fungi in the BAL samples and possible physical interference with the selected drugs for treatment, we draw the attention of pulmonologists to this important issue. Rapid diagnosis of fungal infections is essential to optimize treatments and outcomes.

Evaluation and comparison of antifungal effect of voriconazole with nystatin on candida species derived from neoplastic patients undergoing maxillofacial radiotherapy.

Background: Radiotherapy is a common treatment for head-and-neck malignancies and causes complications such as oral candidiasis and the change of oral Candida species from albicans to nonalbicans. Voriconazole has acceptable antifungal effect. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the antifungal effect of nystatin with voriconazole on these species. Materials and Methods: The samples used in this in vitro study were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism from patients before and 2 weeks after head-and-neck radiotherapy in Seyed Al-Shohada Hospital. The antifungal effect of nystatin and voriconazole was determined by microdilution method and measurement of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration, and the results were analyzed by Mann-Whitney analysis. Results: The results showed that all species before and after radiotherapy showed 100% sensitivity to nystatin. Prior to radiotherapy, 57.1% of albicans species isolated were in the sensitive range (MIC ≤1) and 42.9% were in the dose-dependent range (MIC = 2) to voriconazole. After radiotherapy, 58.3% of albicans species were in the sensitive range and 41.7% of these species were in the dose-dependent range to voriconazole. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that before radiotherapy, all species were sensitive to nystatin, while a percentage of albicans and nonalbicans were resistant to voriconazole. In the 2nd week of radiotherapy similar to prior to radiotherapy, all species isolated from patients were sensitive to nystatin, while a percentage of albicans and nonalbicans were resistant to voriconazole.

The role of probiotic supplementation in inflammatory biomarkers in adults: an umbrella meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the increasing evidence for probiotics' anti-inflammatory effects, the results of meta-analyses remain inconsistent. The present umbrella meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS: We performed a wide-ranging systematic search in several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar up to April 2023. The overall effect sizes were calculated using effect size (ES) values and their corresponding confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Out of a total of 580 related articles, 39 studies were qualified for inclusion in the analysis. The results of the analysis revealed a significant reduction of C-reactive protein (CRP) (ES = -1.02; 95% CI: -1.23, -0.80, p < 0.001; I2: 94.1%, p < 0.001), TNF-α (ES = -0.35; 95% CI: -0.50, -0.20, p < 0.001; I2: 75.6%, p < 0.001), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (ES = -0.36; 95% CI: -0.59, -0.13, p = 0.002; I2: 85.6%, p < 0.001), following probiotic supplementation. CONCLUSION: Probiotic supplementation significantly reduced serum concentrations of TNF-a, CRP, and IL-6. Thus, probiotic supplementation can be considered adjuvant therapy to alleviate inflammation in various inflammatory conditions.

Alleviating effects of coenzyme Q10 supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: results from an umbrella meta-analysis.

Introduction: Although several meta-analyses support the positive effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, the results of some other studies reject such effects. Methods: Therefore, in this umbrella meta-analysis, we performed a comprehensive systematic search in such databases as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar up to January 2023. Results: Based on standardized mean difference analysis, CoQ10 supplementation significantly decreased serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (ESSMD = -0.39; 95% CI: 0.77, -0.01, p = 0.042) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (ESSMD = -1.17; 95% CI: 1.55, -0.79, p < 0.001), while it increased the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (ESSMD = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.61, 1.81, p < 0.001) and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (ESSMD = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.37, 1.79, p = 0.003). However, CoQ10 supplementation had no significant reducing effect on tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α) (ESSMD = -0.70; 95% CI: 2.09, 0.68, p = 0.320) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (ESSMD = -0.85; 95% CI: 1.71, 0.01, p = 0.053). Based on weighted mean difference analysis, CoQ10 supplementation considerably decreased TNF-α (ESWMD = -0.46, 95% CI: 0.65, -0.27; p < 0.001), IL-6 (ESWMD = -0.92, 95% CI: 1.40, -0.45; p < 0.001), and CRP levels (effect sizes WMD = -0.28, 95% CI: 0.47, -0.09; p < 0.001). Discussion: The results of our meta-analysis supported the alleviating effects of CoQ10 on markers of inflammation cautiously. However, CoQ10 had antioxidant effects regarding the improvement of all the studied antioxidant and oxidative stress biomarkers. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=323861, identifier CRD42022323861.

The effect of cinnamon consumption on lipid profile, oxidative stress, and inflammation biomarkers in adults: An umbrella meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

AIMS: Cinnamon is a polyphenol-rich spice that has beneficial effects on markers of cardio metabolic health such as lipid profile, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Despite the accumulating evidence from meta-analyses on the effects of cinnamon on these markers, their findings are controversial. Thus, this umbrella meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the present evidence and provide a conclusive clarification. DATA SYNTHESIS: We searched the following international databases from inception to January 2022: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase, and Google Scholar. Our findings of eleven meta-analyses showed that cinnamon consumption can significantly improve total cholesterol (TC) (WMD = -1.01 mg/dL; 95% CI: -2.02, -0.00, p = 0.049), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD = -0.82 mg/dL; 95% CI: -1.57, -0.07, p = 0.032), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD = 0.47 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.77, p = 0.002) levels but not triglyceride (TG) levels (WMD = -0.13 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.58, 0.32, p = 0.570). Our results did not show any significant effect of cinnamon on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (WMD = -0.47; 95% CI: -0.99, 0.05, p = 0.078) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (WMD = -1.33; 95% CI: -2.66, 0.00, p = 0.051) but there was enhanced total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (WMD = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.64, p = 0.026) and increased levels of interleukin-6 (WMD = -1.48; 95% CI: -2.96, -0.01, p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the usefulness of cinnamon intake in modulating an imbalanced lipid profile in some metabolic disorders, particularly PCOS, as well as in improving TAC and interleukin-6. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO as CRD42022358827.

Comparison of oral candidiasis characteristics in head-and-neck cancer patients before and during radiotherapy.

Background: Patients undergoing head-and-neck radiotherapy are susceptible to Candida colonization and infection. This study aimed to identify oral Candida species type (ST), colony count (CC), and oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) in head-and-neck cancer patients, undergoing radiotherapy, before and 2 weeks after radiation. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy (up to 6000 cGy) were recruited. Samples were taken before and 2 weeks after radiation therapy (RT). CC was assigned using Sabouraud dextrose agar culture medium and morphological studies were performed to confirm OPC. For identification, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed. Data were analyzed using Chi-square-test and kappa coefficient. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Twenty-one of 33 patients were Candida positive. The detected fungal species included Candida albicans (60%), Candida tropicalis (22%), Candida glabrata (9%), and other species (9%). Following RT, OPC and CC changed significantly (P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively), whereas ST did not significantly change (P = 0.081). Two new species (Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis) were detected after the intervention. The OPC, CC, and ST changes after RT were not significantly related to malignancy site or radiation dose (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed that OPC, CC, and ST were not related to the malignancy site. Following RT, OPC and CC changed significantly, while ST showed no significant change. The radiation dose and malignancy site had no effects on the OPC, CC, or ST alterations following RT.

Effectiveness of supplementation with date seed (Phoenix dactylifera) as a functional food on inflammatory markers, muscle damage, and BDNF following high-intensity interval training: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the most effective protocols, even though acute HIIT causes inflammatory and oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of date seeds powder (DSP) during HIIT sessions on inflammation markers, oxidants and antioxidants, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), exercise-induced muscle damage, and body composition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six recreational runners (men and women), aged 18-35 years, were randomly assigned to consume 26 g/day of DSP or wheat bran powder during HIIT workouts for a period of 14 days. At baseline, at the end of the intervention, and 24 h after the intervention, blood samples were obtained to determine inflammatory, oxidant/antioxidant, and muscle damage markers, as well as BDNF. RESULTS: DSP supplementation resulted in a significant downward trend in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Psupplement × time = 0.036), tumor necrosis factor alpha (Psupplement × time = 0.010), interleukin-6 (Psupplement × time = 0.047), malondialdehyde (Psupplement × time = 0.046), creatine kinase (Psupplement × time = 0.045), and lactate dehydrogenase (Psupplement × time = 0.040) after the intervention, as well as a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (Psupplement × time ≤ 0.001). However, interleukin-10 (Psupplement × time = 0.523), interleukin-6/interleukin-10 (Psupplement × time = 0.061), BDNF (Psupplement × time = 0.160), and myoglobin (Psupplement × time = 0.095) levels did not change significantly in comparison to the placebo group. Moreover, analysis demonstrated that DSP supplementation over 2 weeks had no significant effect on body composition. CONCLUSION: During the 2 weeks of the HIIT protocol, the consumption of date seed powder by participants who had engaged in moderate or high physical activity alleviated inflammation and muscle damage. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of TBZMED (No.IR.TBZMED.REC.1399.1011). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials website ( www.IRCt.ir/ , IRCT20150205020965N9).

The effects of camelina sativa oil and high-intensity interval training on liver function and metabolic outcomes in male type 2 diabetic rats.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the independent and combined effects of camelina sativa oil and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on liver function, and metabolic outcomes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five equal groups (8 per group): Normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), diabetic + camelina sativa oil (300 mg/kg by oral gavage per day; D + CSO), diabetic + HIIT (running on a treadmill 5 days/week for 8 weeks; D + HIIT), diabetic + camelina sativa oil + HIIT (D + CSO + HIIT). Results: In all three intervention groups (D + CSO, D + HIIT, and D + CSO + HIIT) compared to the DC, hepatic TNF-α, MDA, and histopathology markers, decreased and hepatic PGC-1α, and PPAR-γ increased (p < 0.05). However, the effect of D + CSO was greater than D + HIIT alone. Hepatic TG decreased significantly in D + HIIT and D + CSO + HIIT compared to other groups (p < 0.001). Fasting plasma glucose in all three intervention groups (D + CSO, D + HIIT, and D + CSO + HIIT) and HOMA-IR in D + CSO and D + CSO + HIIT were decreased compared to DC (p < 0.001). Only hepatic TAC and fasting plasma insulin remained unaffected in the three diabetic groups (p < 0.001). Overall, D + CSO + HIIT had the largest effect on all outcomes. Conclusions: At the doses and treatment duration used in the current study, combination of CSO and HIIT was beneficial for reducing liver function and metabolic outcomes other than CSO and HIIT alone.

Alarming impact of the excessive use of tert-butylhydroquinone in food products: A narrative review.

Tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) is a food additive commonly used as a more effective protectant in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. However, the long-term exposure to TBHQ at higher doses (0.7 mg/kg) results in substantial danger to public health and brings a series of side effects, including cytotoxic, genotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic effects. As a result, the global burden of chronic diseases has fascinated consumers and governments regarding the safety assessment of food additives. Regarding contradictory reports of various research about the application of food additives, the accurate monitoring of food additives is urgent. Notwithstanding, there are reports of the therapeutic effects of TBHQ under pathologic conditions through activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. Thus, further investigations are required to investigate the impact of TBHQ on public health and evaluate its mechanism of action on various organs and cells. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate TBHQ safety through an overview of its impacts on different tissues, cells, and biological macromolecules as well as its therapeutic effects under pathologic conditions.

Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation as an adjunct therapy for improving inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers: An umbrella meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D supplementation has attracted a lot of attention as a potential modulator of inflammation and oxidative stress, while some studies have reported controversial findings. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to summarize existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials that determined the effects of supplementation with vitamin D on inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers. METHODS: The following international databases were systematically searched till March 20th, 2022: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A random-effects model was applied to evaluate the effects of vitamin D on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. RESULTS: Overall, 23 meta-analyses were qualified in this umbrella meta-analysis. Our findings revealed that the vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (ES = -0.42; 95% CI: -0.55, -0.29, p < 0.001), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (ES = -0.27; 95% CI: -0.42, -0.12; p < 0.001), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (ES = -0.37; 95% CI: -0.48, -0.25, p < 0.001). However, no significant changes were illustrated regarding interleukin-6 (IL-6) (ES = -0.35, 95% CI: -0.80, 0.10; p = 0.125), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (ES = 0.68; 95% CI: -0.31, 1.66, p = 0.179), and glutathione (GSH) activity (ES = 0.08; 95% CI: -0.44, 0.60, p = 0.757). CONCLUSION: The present umbrella meta-analysis indicated that supplementation of vitamin D in adults can improve CRP, TNF-α, and MDA levels under various health conditions. Vitamin D could be considered an adjuvant therapy for relieving inflammation and oxidative stress.

Effect of nystatin and licorice on yeasts isolated from the oral lesions of patients with cancer under chemotherapy (in vitro study).

Background: Oral candidiasis is one of the most common manifestations of patients with cancer under chemotherapy. Due to many side effects of chemical antifungal products and various advantages of herbal extracts like licorice, this study was performed to compare the antifungal effects of nystatin and licorice on yeasts isolated from oral mucosa of patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, a total number of 30 patients with oral candidiasis who received chemotherapy were examined. The samples were prepared by using swabs taken from the lesions, and after 48 h, they were transferred and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The antifungal effect of licorice was compared with nystatin using agar disk diffusion method. These data were entered in SPSS statistical software and were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. (α = 5%). Results: Four types of candida were identified among all 30 oral lesions (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida stellatoidea, and Candida SP). The mean inhibition zone diameter around nystatin showed a significant difference (P < 0.001) between C. albicans (9.486), C. glabrata (8.627), C. stellatoidea (7.00), and C. sp (7.06) but the inhibition zone diameter around licorice was almost zero in all groups. Conclusion: Licorice extracts did not show any antifungal effects whereas nystatin showed the most antifungal effect against C. albicans.

The association between dietary inflammatory index, dietary antioxidant index, and mental health in adolescent girls: an analytical study.

BACKGROUND: Diet is considered as one of the modifiable factors that appears to exert a vital role in psychological status. In this way, we designed this study to examine the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII), dietary antioxidant index (DAI), and mental health in female adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 364 female adolescents selected from high schools in the five regions of Tabriz, Iran. A 3-day food record was used to extract the dietary data and calculate DII/DAI scores. DII and DAI were estimated to assess the odds of depression, anxiety, and stress based on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21. Adjusted relationships of the DII and DAI with depression, anxiety, and stress were determined using multiple regression after adjusting for age, energy intake, BMI, family income and mother and father education. Overweight was defined as body mass index (BMI)-for-age > + 1 z-score relative to world health organization standards. RESULTS: Depression, anxiety, and stress were observed in 21.4%, 26.6%, and 25.7% of subjects, respectively. The percentage of overweight among adolescents was 19.4%. The association between DII and score of mental health profile was positive among subjects in the third tertile of DII compared to subjects in the first tertile. However, this association was not statistically significant after adjusting for confounding variables. Moreover, there was a significant inverse association between DAI and depression and anxiety; and a statistically insignificant association between DAI and stress after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlighted the importance of a healthy and anti-inflammatory diet on mental health in female adolescents. Therefore, modifying unhealthy dietary habits are likely to be effective in the management of psychosocial disorders.

The effect of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and performance of recreational runners: study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: High intensity and endurance exercises lead to exercise-induced oxidative stress (EIOS), exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), and inflammation, which are the influencing factors on muscle soreness, localized swelling, and sports performance decrease. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of Tribulus terrestris (TT) as an herbal supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties on the nutritional, oxidative, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory status, as well as the sports performance of recreational runners. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which will be conducted among recreational runners of Tabriz stadiums, Iran. Thirty-four recreational runners will be selected, and participants will be assigned randomly to two groups: to receive 500 mg TT supplement or placebo capsules twice daily for 2 weeks. Both groups will do high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts during the study. Baseline and post-intervention body composition, muscle pain, and aerobic and anaerobic performance will be assessed. In addition, assessment of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), uric acid (UA), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), protein carbonyl (PC), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (MYO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) irisin, cortisol, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) will be done during three blood samplings. Changes in oxidative stress, anti/inflammatory biomarkers, and sports performance will be assessed as primary outcomes. DISCUSSION: This study will be the first to assess the potential effects of TT on recreational runners. Our results will contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding TT supplementation on the nutritional, oxidative, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory status and sports performance in recreational runners. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials ( www.irct.ir ) (ID: IRCT20150205020965N8 ). Registration date: 13 February 2021.

Efficacy of the omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers: An umbrella meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Existing meta-analyses on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their anti-inflammatory effects have reported uncertain findings. The current umbrella meta-analysis aimed to assess the findings of multiple meta-analyses on the efficacy of n-3 PUFAs on inflammatory biomarkers in adults with different health conditions. METHODS: Using suitable keywords, articles published until December 2021 were searched in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Meta-analyses investigating the impact of supplementation of n-3 PUFAs on inflammatory biomarkers in adults were included. We performed this meta-analysis using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Overall, 32 meta-analyses were qualified in this umbrella meta-analysis. Our findings demonstrated that the n-3 PUFA supplementation significantly reduced serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (ES = -0.40; 95 % CI: -0.56, -0.24, p < 0.001; I2 = 89.5 %, p < 0.001), Tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) (ES = -0.23; 95 % CI: -0.37, -0.08, p = 0.002; I2 = 60.1 %, p < 0.001), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentrations (ES = -0.22; 95 % CI: -0.39, -0.05, p = 0.010; I2 = 66.2 %, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The current umbrella meta-analysis found that supplementation of n-3 PUFAs in adults can improve CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 concentrations under various health conditions. n-3 PUFAs can be recommended as adjuvant anti-inflammatory agents.

The effects of date seed (Phoenix dactylifera) supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress and aerobic and anaerobic performance following high-intensity interval training sessions: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an efficient method to improve vascular function, maximal oxygen consumption, and muscle mitochondrial capacity. However, acute HIIT overstresses the oxidative system and causes muscle soreness and damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of date seeds on exercise-induced oxidative stress and aerobic and anaerobic performance following HIIT sessions. Thirty-six physically active men and women aged 18-35 years were assigned to take 26 g/d of date seed powder (DSP, n 18) or wheat bran powder (placebo, n 18) before and after HIIT workouts for 14 d. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), uric acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-iso-PGF2α were determined at baseline, at the end of the intervention, and 24-h post-intervention. We used the Cooper and running-based anaerobic sprint test to assess aerobic and anaerobic performance at the study's beginning and end. Independent-samples Student's t tests, ANCOVA and repeated-measures ANOVA were used to compare the quantitative variables. Positive changes were observed in TAC, TOS, OSI, GPx, MDA and visual analogue scale after intervention and at 24-h post-exercise (P < 0·05). Likewise, peak power and fatigue index were significantly improved in DSP in comparison with the placebo group. Levels of SOD, uric acid, 8-iso-PGF2α, VO2 max and average power were not changed after training. Our results showed that date seed supplementation in active participants performing HIIT bouts ameliorated oxidative stress and improved performance parameters.

The effect of date seed (Phoenix dactylifera) supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress biomarkers, and performance in active people: A blinded randomized controlled trial protocol.

Introduction: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an efficient training method to improve vascular function, maximal oxygen consumption, and muscle mitochondrial capacity while maximizing muscular damage. Recently, functional foods have been considered a practical approach to avoiding HIIT damage and improving sports performance. Thus, the present study will evaluate the effectiveness of date seed powder as a functional food on the nutritional, oxidative stress, anti/inflammatory status, mental health, and performance of active people. Methods: This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which will be conducted among recreational runners at Tabriz stadiums, Iran. Thirty-six recreational runners will be randomly selected into two groups to consume 26 g/d date seed powder or placebo for 14 days. Both groups will do HIIT workouts. Body composition, food intake, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), uric acid, protein carbonyl (PC), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-6/IL-10, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), myoglobin (MYO), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), irisin, cortisol, muscle pain, aerobic and anaerobic performance will be evaluated at the beginning, end of the intervention and 24 h later. Ethics and dissemination: This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of TBZMED (No.IR.TBZMED.REC.1399.1011). This research's findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences. Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials website (www.IRCT.ir/, IRCT20150205020965N9).

Improvement of sleep by resistant dextrin prebiotic in type 2 diabetic women coincides with attenuation of metabolic endotoxemia: involvement of gut-brain axis.

BACKGROUND: Resistant dextrin, as a prebiotic and functional food, may possess favorable effects in type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted to assess whether supplementation with resistant dextrin can improve sleep and quality of life in obese type 2 diabetic women. RESULTS: In this randomized controlled trial, female obese type 2 diabetic patients (n = 76) were randomly assigned into intervention group (n = 38) and placebo group (n = 38), and received 10 g day-1 of resistant dextrin or maltodextrin for a period of 8 weeks, respectively. Sleep quality and quality of life (QOL) were assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and SF-36 health survey, respectively. Fasting blood samples were driven to measure serum bacterial endotoxin, fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory biomarkers (IL-18, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α), and biomarkers of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function [tryptophan (TRP), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), kynurenine (KYN), cortisol]. Supplementation with resistant dextrin improved sleep (P < 0.001) and QOL (P < 0.001) significantly. It also caused a significant decrease in levels of endotoxin, HbA1c, IL-18, IL-6, TNF-α and a significant increase in IL-10 levels. Significant and positive correlations were found between endotoxin (r = 0.488, P = 0.003), IL-6 (r = 0.436, P = 0.008), IL-18 (r = 0.475, P = 0.003), cortisol (r = 0.545, P = 0.048), KYN/TRP (r = 0.527, P = 0.001), and PSQI scores. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that resistant dextrin improves sleep and QOL in obese women with type 2 diabetes. Its beneficial effects may be attributed in part to modulation of glycemia, metabolic endotoxemia and subsequently a decrease in biomarkers of inflammation and HPA axis activity. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effects of N-acetylcysteine on recovery biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is one of the antioxidant supplements which is thought to improve recovery. Existing studies regarding NAC and recovery presented conflicting results. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the existing trials and determined the efficacy of acute and chronic NAC administration on recovery biomarkers. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched up to July 2021. The random effects or fixed effects model was applied in the meta-analysis. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed. In case of the presence of publication bias, standard methods were applied. The meta-analysis comprised 37 papers (1,388 participants). All included studies were in English language. Acute NAC administration indicated no significant effects on lactate, pH, VO2 , and CPK-MB ([SMD = -0.06 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.40, 0.28; p = .714], [SMD = 0.17; 95% CI: -0.28, 0.62; p = .454], [SMD = -0.11 L/min; 95% CI: -0.63, 0.41; p = .686], and [SMD = -0.19 units/L; 95% CI: -0.62, 0.24; p = .395]). Additionally, no evidence of significant influence of chronic NAC administration on lactate, pH, VO2 , and CK was revealed ([SMD = 0.01 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.25, 0.27; p = .950], [SMD = -0.51; 95% CI: -1.73, 0.70; p = .424], [SMD = -0.18 L/min; 95% CI: -0.56, 0.20; p = .361], and [SMD = -0.04 units/L; 95% CI: -0.36, 0.29; p = .821]). No considerable effect of NAC on recovery was found. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Previous studies on the influence of NAC administration on recovery biomarkers have presented conflicting results. This systematic review and meta-analysis offers a broad range of detailed information on the influence of chronic and acute NAC supplementation outcomes regarding recovery biomarkers. Overall, the results support that NAC supplementation may not be effective in improving recovery biomarkers. However, subgroup analyses based on NAC dosage indicated the meaningful effect of NAC on CK-MB at the dosage of ≥100 mg/kg.

The evaluation of the overexpression of the ERG-11, MDR-1, CDR-1, and CDR-2 genes in fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans isolated from Ahvazian cancer patients with oral candidiasis.

INTRODUCTION: Resistance to azole drugs has been observed in candidiasis due to their long-term use and poor response to treatment. Resistance to azole drugs in Candida albicans isolates is controlled by several genes including ERG11, CDR1, CDR2, and MDR1. In this study, the expression of the mentioned genes was evaluated in C. albicans isolates susceptible and resistant to fluconazole. METHODS: After identifying the Candida isolates using morphological and molecular methods, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and drug susceptibility were determined using the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) method. RNA was then extracted and cDNA was synthesized from 24 C. albicans isolates from patients with cancer. Then, the mean expressions of these genes were compared in two groups using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: A total of 74 Candida isolates were obtained from the oral cavity of 61 cancer patients with oral candidiasis. After 24 h, 21.6% of the isolates were fluconazole-resistant, 10.8% were identified as dose-dependent, and the rest of the isolates (67.6%) were fluconazole-sensitive. The mean expressions of the CDR1 and MDR1 genes were significantly higher in the resistant isolates than in the sensitive ones. However, the ERG11 and CDR2 genes were not significantly increased in the resistant isolates. CONCLUSION: The increased mean expressions of the CDR1 and MDR1 genes had a greater effect on fluconazole resistance among the drug-resistant strains of C. albicans in chemotherapy patients. It seemed that the accumulation of chemotherapeutic drugs in this organism stimulated some regulatory factors and increased the expression of these two genes and ultimately helped to further increase their expression and resistance to fluconazole.

Comparison of the antifungal effect of voriconazole and fluconazole on oral candidiasis before and during radiotherapy.

Background: Head-and-neck radiotherapy can change oral Candida species and cause candidiasis resistance to common antifungals by making the changes to the oral cavity environment. Voriconazole is a synthetic azole with extensive antifungal activity. The current study aimed at comparing the antifungal activity of fluconazole and voriconazole on Candida species isolated from the oral cavity of patients undergoing head-and-neck radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: The present in vitro study was performed on samples isolated from patients undergoing head-and-neck radiotherapy, before and during radiotherapy. After the identification of the species, the antifungal effect of fluconazole and voriconazole was determined by the microdilution method, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the minimum fungicidal concentration, and the antifungal susceptibility of the isolated strains were also measured. The data were analyzed by the Chi-squared and then two-sided Fisher's exact tests. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study findings showed no significant difference in the susceptibility of Candida albicans to voriconazole and fluconazole before and during radiotherapy. Before radiotherapy, both voriconazole and fluconazole had similar effects on Candida tropicalis, but after radiotherapy, voriconazole was less effective. However, both before and during radiotherapy, fluconazole had a greater antifungal effect than voriconazole on Candida glabrata strains. The MICs of voriconazole and fluconazole for both Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei isolates were within the susceptible or dose-dependent range. Conclusion: The current study results showed that voriconazole was not more effective than fluconazole in the treatment of oral candidiasis in patients undergoing head-and-neck radiotherapy.