Comprehensive review of melatonin as a promising nutritional and nutraceutical supplement.

Background: Melatonin is an indoleamine hormone secreted by the pineal gland at night and has an essential role in regulating human circadian rhythms (the internal 24-h clock) and sleep-wake patterns. However, it has recently gained considerable attention for its demonstrated ability in disease management. This review discusses the major biological activities of melatonin, its metabolites as nutritional supplements, and its bioavailability in food sources. Methods: The information acquisition process involved conducting a comprehensive search across academic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Wiley, Embase, and Springer using relevant keywords. Only the most recent, peer-reviewed articles published in the English language were considered for inclusion. Results: The molecular mechanisms by which melatonin induces its therapeutic effects have been the subject of various studies. Conclusion: While melatonin was initially understood to only regulate circadian rhythms, recent studies indicate that it has a far-reaching effect on various organs and physiological systems, such as immunity, cardiovascular function, antioxidant defense, and lipid hemostasis. As a potent antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory agent, multiple therapeutic applications have been proposed for melatonin.

What Dietary Patterns and Nutrients are Associated with Pancreatic Cancer? Literature Review.

This narrative review summarizes the main findings of observational studies (case-control and cohort) as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the role of nutrients and dietary patterns on pancreatic cancer (PC) risk and elucidates possible mechanisms for the association between nutrients or specific food components and the risk of PC. A literature search of MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus was performed. An extensive search of related articles published in the English language from 1985 to 2022 was carried out. Our search included macro- and micronutrient intake as well as dietary patterns associated with PC. In conclusion, the consumption of a diet high in nutrients such as sugar, fats, and red and processed meats can increase the risk of PC. Conversely, a high dietary intake of fresh fruit and vegetables and their associated nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and polyphenols may prevent PC. Dietary patterns loaded with red and processed meats were also linked to an increased risk of PC, whereas dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes were associated with a reduced risk of PC. Dietary fiber, fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, and minerals might also play a protective role against PC.

Macronutrients Not Micronutrients Are Associated With the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Jordanian Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES: Pancreatic cancer (PC) has been related directly to many risk factors; however, diet is considered one of the most modifiable risk factors. This study is designed to observe the associations between the intake of macromicronutrients and the risk of pancreatic cancer in a Jordanian population. METHODS: A case-control study included 100 patients with the incident and histologically confirmed PC and 309 control subjects frequency-matched on age, educational level, occupation, and marital status. Face-to-face interview was used to collect the study's sociodemographic, physical activity, and dietary information. Intakes of macronutrients and micronutrients were assessed by a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and confidence intervals. RESULTS: The patients reported higher consumption of almost all the macromicronutrients and micronutrients as compared with control subjects. The highest tertile of dietary intake of carbohydrates, sugars, fats, saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and vitamin B3 was positively associated with PC risk (Ptrend < 0.05). However, dietary intakes of polyunsaturated fats, omega-3, and some vitamins and minerals were not associated (Ptrend > 0.05) with the risk of PC. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the positive role of proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, fats, saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol on pancreatic carcinogenesis.

Hepatitis C core antigen testing: a reliable, quick, and potentially cost-effective alternative to hepatitis C polymerase chain reaction in diagnosing acute hepatitis C virus infection.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is increasingly common among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men. We evaluated the efficacy of HCV core antigen in diagnosing acute HCV in an HIV-infected cohort. Compared with HCV polymerase chain reaction, core antigen proved sensitive (100%) and specific (97.9%). As a quick, simple, and cost-effective test, it has considerable utility in screening for acute HCV.