The effect of coenzyme Q10 intake on metabolic profiles in women candidates for in-vitro fertilization: a randomised trial.

Objective: Infertility and the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are both influenced by insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Presumably, adding coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to these patients' diets will be beneficial. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on metabolic profiles in women candidates for in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Trial design and methods: For this randomized, double-blinded, parallel, placebo-controlled clinical experiment, 40 PCOS-positive infertile women who were IVF candidates were included. They ranged in age from 18 to 40. The 20 participants in the two intervention groups received either CoQ10 or a placebo for 8 weeks. The expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), as well as metabolic profiles such as insulin metabolism and lipid profiles were evaluated. Quantitative RT-PCR determined the expression of GLUT-1, PPAR-γ, and LDLR on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Lipid profiles and fasting glucose were assessed using enzymatic kits, and insulin was determined using Elisa kit. Results: In comparison to the placebo, CoQ10 supplementation significantly reduced blood insulin levels (-0.3±1.0 vs. 0.5±0.7, P=0.01) and insulin resistance (-0.1±0.2 vs. 0.1±0.2, P=0.01), and increased PPAR-γ expression (P=0.01). In infertile PCOS patients' candidates for IVF, CoQ10 supplementation showed no appreciable impact on other metabolic profiles. Also, CoQ10 supplementation revealed no significant impact on GLUT-1 (P=0.30), or LDLR (P=0.27) expression. Within-group changes in insulin levels (P=0.01) and insulin resistance (P=0.01) showed a significant elevation in the placebo group. When we adjusted the analysis for baseline BMI, baseline values of variables, and age, our findings were not affected. Conclusions: Eight weeks of CoQ10 supplementation demonstrated positive benefits on PPAR-γ expression, insulin resistance, and serum insulin in infertile PCOS women candidates for IVF.

Effects of curcumin on body weight, glycemic control and serum lipids in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of curcumin on body weight, glycemic control and serum lipids in women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: The current randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 60 subjects with PCOS, aged 18-40 years old. Subjects were randomly allocated to take 500 mg/day curcumin (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Glycemic control and serum lipids were measured at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. Using RT-PCR method, gene expression related to insulin and lipid metabolism was evaluated. RESULTS: Curcumin significantly decreased weight (-0.8 ± 0.9 vs. -0.2 ± 0.8 kg, P = 0.03) and BMI (-0.3 ± 0.4 vs. -0.1 ± 0.3 kg/m2, P = 0.03). Curcumin, compared with the placebo, significantly reduced fasting glucose (ß -2.63 mg/dL; 95% CI, -4.21, -1.05; P = 0.002), serum insulin (ß -1.16 µIU/mL; 95% CI, -2.12, -0.19; P = 0.02), insulin resistance (ß -0.26; 95% CI, -0.48, -0.03; P = 0.02), and significantly increased insulin sensitivity (ß 0.006; 95% CI, 0.001, 0.01; P = 0.02). In addition, taking curcumin was associated with a significant reduction in total cholesterol (ß -15.86 mg/dL; 95% CI, -24.48, -7.24; P = 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (ß -16.09 mg/dL; 95% CI, -25.11, -7.06; P = 0.001) and total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio (ß -0.62; 95% CI, -0.93, -0.30; P < 0.001), and a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol levels (ß 2.14 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.36, 3.92; P = 0.01) compared with the placebo. Additionally, curcumin administration up-regulated gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) (P = 0.03) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) (P < 0.001) compared with the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, curcumin administration for 12 weeks to women with PCOS had beneficial effects on body weight, glycemic control, serum lipids except triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol levels, and gene expression of PPAR-γ and LDLR. Registered under Clinical Trials.gov Identifier no. http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20170513033941N50.

The effects of n-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil on genetic and metabolic profiles in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of n-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil on genetic and metabolic profiles in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in sixty women with GDM. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to intake either 2 × 1000 mg/d n-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil containing 400 mg α-linolenic acid in each capsule (n 30) or placebo (n 30) for 6 weeks. n-3 Fatty acid intake up-regulated PPAR-γ (P < 0·001) and LDL receptor (P = 0·004) and down-regulated gene expression of IL-1 (P = 0·002) and TNF-α (P = 0·001) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of subjects with GDM. In addition, n-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced fasting plasma glucose (P = 0·001), insulin levels (P = 0·001) and insulin resistance (P < 0·001) and increased insulin sensitivity (P = 0·005) when compared with the placebo. Additionally, n-3 fatty acid supplementation was associated with a decrease in TAG (P < 0·001), VLDL-cholesterol (P < 0·001), total cholesterol (P = 0·01) and total cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio (P = 0·01) when compared with placebo. n-3 Fatty acid administration was also associated with a significant reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = 0·006) and malondialdehyde (P < 0·001), and an increase in total nitrite (P < 0·001) and total glutathione levels (P = 0·006) when compared with the placebo. n-3 Fatty acid supplementation for 6 weeks to women with GDM had beneficial effects on gene expression related to insulin, lipid and inflammation, glycaemic control, lipids, inflammatory markers and oxidative stress.

Effects of Chromium and Carnitine Co-supplementation on Body Weight and Metabolic Profiles in Overweight and Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

The primary aim of our study was to determine the influence of taking chromium plus carnitine on insulin resistance, with a secondary objective of evaluating the influences on lipid profiles and weight loss in overweight subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 54 overweight women were randomly assigned to receive either supplements (200 µg/day chromium picolinate plus 1000 mg/day carnitine) or placebo (27/each group). Chromium and carnitine co-supplementation decreased weight (- 3.6 ± 1.8 vs. - 1.0 ± 0.7 kg, P < 0.001), BMI (- 1.3 ± 0.7 vs. - 0.3 ± 0.3 kg/m2, P < 0.001), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (- 5.1 ± 6.0 vs. - 1.1 ± 4.9 mg/dL, P = 0.01), insulin (- 2.0 ± 1.4 vs. - 0.2 ± 1.2 µIU/mL, P < 0.001), insulin resistance (- 0.5 ± 0.4 vs. - 0.04 ± 0.3, P < 0.001), triglycerides (- 18.0 ± 25.2 vs. + 5.5 ± 14.4 mg/dL, P < 0.001), total (- 17.0 ± 20.3 vs. + 3.6 ± 12.0 mg/dL, P < 0.001), and LDL cholesterol (- 13.3 ± 19.2 vs. + 1.4 ± 13.3 mg/dL, P = 0.002), and elevated insulin sensitivity (+ 0.007 ± 0.005 vs. + 0.002 ± 0.005, P < 0.001). In addition, co-supplementation upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (P = 0.02) and low-density lipoprotein receptor expression (P = 0.02). Overall, chromium and carnitine co-supplementation for 12 weeks to overweight women with PCOS had beneficial effects on body weight, glycemic control, lipid profiles except HDL cholesterol levels, and gene expression of PPAR-γ and LDLR. Clinical trial registration number: http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20170513033941N38.

Effects of Flaxseed Oil Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Regression and Metabolic Status in Endometrial Hyperplasia: A randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Data on the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on clinical symptoms and metabolic profiles in patients with endometrial hyperplasia (EH) are limited. This intervention was performed to assess the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on clinical symptoms and metabolic profiles in patients with endometrial hyperplasia (EH). METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 40 women diagnosed with simple endometrial hyperplasia (EH). EH diagnosis was performed based on specific diagnostic procedures of biopsy. Participants were randomised into two groups to intake 1,000 mg omega-3 fatty acid supplements from flaxseed oil (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20), twice a day for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after the 12-week intervention to determine related markers. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (-7.1 ± 9.6 vs. +2.0 ± 4.9 mg/dL, P = 0.001), serum insulin levels (-1.5 ± 4.6 vs. +1.6 ± 3.9 µIU/mL, P = 0.02) and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (-0.4 ± 1.1 vs. +0.4 ± 1.0, P = 0.02). In addition, a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (+102.6 ± 69.6 vs. +5.0 ± 37.1 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and total glutathione (GSH) levels (+63.6 ± 84.9 vs. -3.0 ± 69.4 µmol/L, P = 0.01) were seen following the supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid compared with the placebo. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation had no significant effect on regression, lipid profiles, and other biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we found that omega-3 fatty acid administration for 12 weeks to subjects with EH significantly improved FPG, insulin, HOMA-IR, TAC and GSH levels, but did not influence regression, lipid profiles, and other biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress.

Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Hormonal, Inflammatory, Genetic, and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin administration on clinical, hormonal, inflammatory, and genetic parameters in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods: The present randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 56 patients with PCOS, aged 18-40 years old. Subjects were randomly allocated to take either 5 mg melatonin supplements (n = 28) or placebo (n = 28) twice a day for 12 weeks. Results: Melatonin administration significantly reduced hirsutism (ß -0.47; 95% CI, -0.86, -0.09; P = 0.01), serum total testosterone (ß -0.11 ng/mL; 95% CI, -0.21, -0.02; P = 0.01), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (ß -0.61 mg/L; 95% CI, -0.95, -0.26; P = 0.001), and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (ß -0.25 µmol/L; 95% CI, -0.38, -0.11; P < 0.001), and significantly increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (ß 106.07 mmol/L; 95% CI, 62.87, 149.28; P < 0.001) and total glutathione (GSH) (ß 81.05 µmol/L; 95% CI, 36.08, 126.03; P = 0.001) compared with the placebo. Moreover, melatonin supplementation downregulated gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) (P = 0.03) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (P = 0.01) compared with the placebo. Conclusions: Overall, melatonin administration for 12 weeks to women with PCOS significantly reduced hirsutism, total testosterone, hs-CRP, and MDA, while increasing TAC and GSH levels. In addition, melatonin administration reduced gene expression of IL-1 and TNF-α. Clinical Trial Registration: www.irct.ir, identifier IRCT2017082733941N9, Available online at: https://www.irct.ir/trial/26051.

Carnitine and chromium co-supplementation affects mental health, hormonal, inflammatory, genetic, and oxidative stress parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the co-administration of carnitine and chromium on mental health, hormonal, inflammatory and genetic parameters in women with PCOS. METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 54 subjects, aged 18-40 years old. Subjects were randomly allocated to take either 1000 mg/d carnitine plus 200 µg/d chromium as chromium picolinate (n = 26) or placebo (n = 27) for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Carnitine and chromium co-supplementation, compared with the placebo, significantly improved beck depression inventory (ß - 0.84; 95% CI, -1.51, -0.17; p = 0.01), general health questionnaire scores (ß - 1.13; 95% CI, -2.13, -0.14; p = 0.02) and depression anxiety and stress scale scores (ß - 0.96; 95% CI, -0.78, -0.14; p = 0.02). Participants who received carnitine plus chromium supplements had significantly lower total testosterone (ß - 0.15 ng/mL; 95% CI, -0.24, -0.06; p = 0.002), hirsutism (ß - 0.48; 95% CI, -0.91, -0.06; p = 0.02), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (ß - 1.02 mg/L; 95% CI, -1.79, -0.25; p = 0.01), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (ß - 0.38 µmol/L; 95% CI, -0.56, -0.20; p < 0.001), and higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (ß 107.18 mmol/L; 95% CI, 44.24, 170.12; p = 0.001) compared with the placebo. Moreover, carnitine and chromium co-supplementation upregulated gene expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (p = 0.02) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (p = 0.02) compared with the placebo. CONCLUSION: Overall, the co-administration of carnitine and chromium for 12 weeks to women with PCOS had beneficial effects on mental health parameters, serum total testosterone, mF-G scores, hs-CRP, TAC and MDA levels, and gene expression of IL-6 and TNF-α.

Vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation affects mental health, hormonal, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin D and probiotic co-administration on mental health, hormonal, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out on 60 subjects, aged 18-40 years old. Subjects were randomly allocated to take either 50,000 IU vitamin D every 2 weeks plus 8 × 109 CFU/day probiotic (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation, compared with the placebo, significantly improved beck depression inventory [ß (difference in the mean of outcomes measures between treatment groups) - 0.58; 95% CI, - 1.15, - 0.02; P = 0.04], general health questionnaire scores (ß - 0.93; 95% CI, - 1.78, - 0.08; P = 0.03) and depression, anxiety and stress scale scores (ß - 0.90; 95% CI, - 1.67, - 0.13; P = 0.02). Vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in total testosterone (ß - 0.19 ng/mL; 95% CI, - 0.28, - 0.10; P < 0.001), hirsutism (ß - 0.95; 95% CI, - 1.39, - 0.51; P < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (ß - 0.67 mg/L; 95% CI, - 0.97, - 0.38; P < 0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (ß - 0.25 µmol/L; 95% CI, - 0.40, - 0.10; P = 0.001), and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (ß 82.81 mmol/L; 95% CI, 42.86, 122.75; P < 0.001) and total glutathione (GSH) levels (ß 40.42 µmol/L; 95% CI, 4.69, 76.19; P = 0.02), compared with the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the co-administration of vitamin D and probiotic for 12 weeks to women with PCOS had beneficial effects on mental health parameters, serum total testosterone, hirsutism, hs-CRP, plasma TAC, GSH and MDA levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered in the Iranian website ( www.irct.ir ) for registration of clinical trials ( IRCT20170513033941N37 ).

The Effect of Magnesium and Vitamin E Co-Supplementation on Glycemic Control and Markers of Cardio-Metabolic Risk in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Data on the effects of magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation on glycemic control and markers of cardio-metabolic risk of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were collected. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation on glycemic control and markers of cardio-metabolic risk in women with PCOS. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out on 60 women with PCOS, aged 18-40 years old. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive 250 mg/day magnesium plus 400 mg/day vitamin E supplements or placebo (n=30 each group) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after the 12-week intervention to quantify related variables. After the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation led to a significant reduction in serum insulin levels (-1.1±3.0 vs. +1.6±3.7 µIU/ml, p=0.003) and homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (-0.2±0.7 vs. +0.4±0.9, p=0.002), and a significant increase in the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01±0.01 vs. -0.009±0.02, p=0.003). Furthermore, magnesium plus vitamin E supplementation significantly decreased serum triglycerides (-15.0±24.4 vs. +6.7±22.2 mg/dl, p=0.001) and VLDL-cholesterol concentrations (-3.0±4.9 vs. +0.6±2.4 mg/dl, P=0.01) compared with the placebo. A trend toward a greater decrease in total cholesterol levels was observed in magnesium plus vitamin E group compared to placebo group (-7.0±32.6 vs. +8.1±26.6 mg/dl, p=0.05). In conclusion, magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation for 12 weeks to PCOS women had beneficial effects on parameters of insulin metabolism and few markers of cardio-metabolic risk.

The Effects of Folic Acid Supplementation on Recurrence and Metabolic Status in Endometrial Hyperplasia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Data on the effects of folic acid supplementation on clinical symptoms and metabolic profiles of patients with endometrial hyperplasia (EH) are limited. This investigation was performed to evaluate the effects of folic acid supplementation on clinical symptoms and metabolic status of patients with EH. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 60 women diagnosed with EH. Diagnosis of EH was made based on biopsy results. Participants were randomly allocated to 2 groups to take 5 mg/d folic acid supplements (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. RESULTS: After the 12-week intervention, folic acid supplementation significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (ß -3.99 mg/ dL; 95% CI, -7.39, -0.59; P = 0.02), serum insulin levels (ß -2.82 µIU/mL; 95% CI, -4.86, -0.77; P = 0.008), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (ß -0.68; 95% CI, -1.20, -0.17; P = 0.009), triglycerides (ß -16.47 mg/dL; 95% CI, -28.72, -4.22; P = 0.009) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol (ß -3.29 mg/dL; 95% CI, -5.74, -0.84; P = 0.009), and significantly increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (ß 0.01; 95% CI, 0.004, 0.03; P = 0.01) compared with the placebo. Additionally, folic acid intake resulted in a significant reduction in serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (ß -0.36 mg/L; 95% CI, -0.52, -0.21; P < 0.001) compared with the placebo. Folic acid supplementation did not affect other metabolic parameters. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we found that folic acid administration for 12 weeks to subjects with EH improved glycemic control, triglycerides, VLDL-cholesterol and hs-CRP levels, but did not influence recurrence and other metabolic profiles.

The effects of probiotic and selenium co-supplementation on parameters of mental health, hormonal profiles, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the co-administration of probiotic and selenium on parameters of mental health, hormonal profiles, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in women with PCOS. Data on the effects of selenium and probiotic co-supplementation on mental health, hormonal and inflammatory parameters of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are scarce. This investigation was carried out to evaluate the effects of selenium and probiotic co-supplementation on mental health, hormonal and inflammatory parameters in women with PCOS. METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 subjects, aged 18-40 years old. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups to intake 8 × 109 CFU/day probiotic plus 200 µg/day selenium supplements (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Hormonal and inflammatory parameters were measured at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. RESULTS: Probiotic and selenium co-supplementation resulted in a significant improvement in beck depression inventory (ß - 0.76; 95% CI, - 1.26, - 0.26; P = 0.003), general health questionnaire scores (ß - 1.15; 95% CI, - 1.97, - 0.32; P = 0.007) and depression anxiety and stress scale scores (ß - 1.49; 95% CI, - 2.59, - 0.39; P = 0.009) compared with the placebo. Furthermore, probiotic and selenium co-supplementation significantly reduced total testosterone (ß - 0.26 ng/mL; 95% CI, - 0.51, - 0.02; P = 0.03), hirsutism (ß - 0.43; 95% CI, - 0.74, - 0.11; P = 0.008), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (ß - 0.58 mg/L; 95% CI, - 0.97, - 0.19; P = 0.004) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (ß - 0.29 µmol/L; 95% CI, - 0.56, - 0.02; P = 0.03), and significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (ß + 84.76 mmol/L; 95% CI, + 48.08, + 121.44; P < 0.001) and total glutathione (GSH) levels (ß + 26.78 µmol/L; 95% CI, + 4.33, + 49.23; P = 0.02) compared with the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the co-administration of probiotic and selenium for 12 weeks to women with PCOS had beneficial effects on mental health parameters, serum total testosterone, hirsutism, hs-CRP, TAC, GSH and MDA levels. This study was prospectively registered in the Iranian website ( www.irct.ir ) for registration of clinical trials ( http://www.irct.ir : IRCT20170513033941N22). TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20170513033941N22 .

The influences of vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation on clinical, metabolic and genetic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the co-administration of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid on clinical, metabolic and genetic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 subjects, aged 18-40 years old with PCOS. Subjects were randomly allocated to take either 50,000 IU vitamin D every 2 weeks plus 2000 mg/day omega-3 fatty acid from fish oil (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Gene expression analysis of inflammatory cytokines was conducted on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PCOS women using RT-PCR method. RESULTS: Vitamin D and omega -3 fatty acid co-supplementation significantly decreased serum total testosterone levels (-0.2 ±â€¯0.5 vs. + 0.1 ±â€¯0.4 ng/mL, P = 0.02) compared with the placebo. In addition, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid co-supplementation resulted in a significant improvement in beck depression inventory (-1.4 ±â€¯1.6 vs. -0.5 ±â€¯0.6, P = 0.01), general health questionnaire scores (-4.5 ±â€¯4.3 vs. -1.9 ±â€¯2.3, P = 0.005) and depression anxiety and stress scale scores (-5.0 ±â€¯5.1 vs. -2.3 ±â€¯3.5, P = 0.01) compared with the placebo. Additionally, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid co-administration significantly decreased serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (-1.2 ±â€¯1.9 vs. + 0.1 ±â€¯0.7 mg/L, P = 0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (-0.4 ±â€¯0.4 vs. + 0.2 ±â€¯0.6 µmol/L, P < 0.001), and significantly increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (+ 114.6 ±â€¯122.2 vs. -2.4 ±â€¯168.2 mmol/L, P = 0.003) compared with the placebo. Results of RT-PCR demonstrated that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid co-supplementation significantly downregulated gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) (P = 0.03), and upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (P = 0.004) in PBMCs of subjects with PCOS, when compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the co-administration of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on mental health parameters, serum total testosterone, hs-CRP, plasma TAC and MDA levels, and gene expression of IL-1 and VEGF among women with PCOS.

The effects of synbiotic supplementation on hormonal status, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, no reports are available indicating the effects of synbiotic supplementation on hormonal status, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This research was done to assess the effects of synbiotic supplementation on hormonal status, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in subjects with PCOS. METHODS: This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 60 subjects diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups to take either synbiotic (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Endocrine, inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers were quantified at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. RESULTS: After the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, synbiotic supplementation significantly increased serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (changes from baseline in synbiotic group: + 19.8 ± 47.3 vs. in placebo group: + 0.5 ± 5.4 nmol/L, p = 0.01), plasma nitric oxide (NO) (changes from baseline in synbiotic group: + 5.5 ± 4.8 vs. in placebo group: + 0.3 ± 9.1 µmol/L, p = 0.006), and decreased modified Ferriman Gallwey (mF-G) scores (changes from baseline in synbiotic group: - 1.3 ± 2.5 vs. in placebo group: - 0.1 ± 0.5, p = 0.01) and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (changes from baseline in synbiotic group: - 950.0 ± 2246.6 vs. in placebo group: + 335.3 ± 2466.9 ng/mL, p = 0.02). We did not observe any significant effect of synbiotic supplementation on other hormonal status and biomarkers of oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, synbiotic supplementation for 12 weeks in PCOS women had beneficial effects on SHBG, mFG scores, hs-CRP and NO levels, but did not affect other hormonal status and biomarkers of oxidative stress. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered in the Iranian website ( www.irct.ir ) for registration of clinical trials ( IRCT201509115623N53 ), on 2015-09-27.

Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Hormonal Profiles, Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: To the best of our knowledge, data on effects of probiotic administration on hormonal profiles, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are scarce. This investigation was conducted to assess the effects of probiotic supplementation on hormonal profiles, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in women with PCOS. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with PCOS, aged 18-40 years old. Subjects were randomly assigned into 2 groups to receive either probiotics or placebo (n = 30 each group) for 12 weeks. Metabolic profiles were quantified at baseline and after a 12-week intervention. RESULTS: After the 12-week intervention, compared with placebo, probiotic supplementation significantly increased serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (+25.9 ± 32.5 vs. +0.5 ± 15.6 nmol/L, P < 0.001) and plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (+8.8 ± 120.5 vs. -98.3 ± 246.4 mmol/L, P = 0.04), and significantly decreased serum total testosterone (-0.2 ± 0.7 vs. +0.2 ± 0.6 ng/mL, P = 0.03), modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mF-G) scores (-1.7 ± 1.5 vs. -0.2 ± 1.0, P < 0.001), serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (-1150.0 ± 1295.2 vs. +202.5 ± 1426.3 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (-0.2 ± 0.6 vs. +0.9 ± 1.3 µmol/L, P < 0.001). We did not observe any detrimental effect of probiotic supplementation on other metabolic profiles. CONCLUSION: Overall, probiotic supplementation of PCOS women for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on total testosterone, SHBG, mFG scores, hs-CRP, TAC and MDA levels but did not affect other metabolic profiles.

A Randomized Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial Investigating the Effect of Fish Oil Supplementation on Gene Expression Related to Insulin Action, Blood Lipids, and Inflammation in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus-Fish Oil Supplementation and Gestational Diabetes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy, and it is mostly associated with postpartum diabetes, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Fish oil (omega-3) supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk of different chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancers, though the evidence of its impact on gestational diabetes is scarce. Our goal in this study was to determine the effect of fish oil administration on gene expression related to insulin action, blood lipids, and inflammation in women with GDM. Participants with GDM (n = 40), aged 18-40 years, were randomized to take either 1000 mg fish oil capsules, containing 180 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 mg docosahexaenoic acid (n = 20), or placebo (n = 20) twice a day for 6 weeks. Gene expression related to insulin, lipids, and inflammation was quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of GDM women using Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method. Results of RT-PCR indicated that omega-3 supplementation upregulated gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) (P = 0.04) in PBMCs of patients with GDM, compared with the placebo. In addition, gene expression of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) (P < 0.001), interleukin-1 (IL-1) (P = 0.007), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (P = 0.01) was downregulated in PBMCs of women with GDM, following omega-3 supplementation. No significant effect of omega-3 supplementation was indicated on gene expression of IL-8 in PBMCs of patients with GDM. Overall, fish oil supplementation for 6 weeks in women with GDM significantly improved gene expression of PPAR-γ, IL-1, and TNF-α, but not gene expression of IL-8.

The Influences of Chromium Supplementation on Glycemic Control, Markers of Cardio-Metabolic Risk, and Oxidative Stress in Infertile Polycystic ovary Syndrome Women Candidate for In vitro Fertilization: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of chromium intake on glycemic control, markers of cardio-metabolic risk, and oxidative stress in infertile polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women candidate for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done among 40 subjects with infertile PCOS candidate for IVF, aged 18-40 years old. Individuals were randomly allocated into two groups to take either 200 µg/day of chromium (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) for 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and at end-of-trial. Compared with the placebo, taking chromium supplements led to significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (- 2.3 ± 5.7 vs. + 0.9 ± 3.1 mg/dL, P = 0.03), insulin levels (- 1.4 ± 2.1 vs. + 0.4 ± 1.7 µIU/mL, P = 0.004), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (- 0.3 ± 0.5 vs. + 0.1 ± 0.4, P = 0.005), and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+ 0.004 ± 0.008 vs. - 0.001 ± 0.008, P = 0.03). In addition, chromium supplementation significantly decreased serum triglycerides (- 19.2 ± 33.8 vs. + 8.3 ± 21.7 mg/dL, P = 0.004), VLDL- (- 3.8 ± 6.8 vs. + 1.7 ± 4.3 mg/dL, P = 0.004) and total cholesterol concentrations (- 15.3 ± 26.2 vs. - 0.6 ± 15.9 mg/dL, P = 0.03) compared with the placebo. Additionally, taking chromium supplements was associated with a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity (+ 153.9 ± 46.1 vs. - 7.8 ± 43.9 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and a significant reduction in malondialdehyde values (-0.3 ± 0.3 vs. + 0.1 ± 0.2 µmol/L, P = 0.001) compared with the placebo. Overall, our study supported that chromium administration for 8 weeks to infertile PCOS women candidate for IVF had beneficial impacts on glycemic control, few variables of cardio-metabolic risk, and oxidative stress.

The effects of fish oil on gene expression in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the effects of fish oil administration on gene expression related to insulin, lipid and inflammation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 40 subjects with PCOS, aged 18-40 years. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups to take either 1000 mg omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) twice a day for 12 weeks. Gene expression related to insulin, lipid and inflammation was quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of PCOS women with RT-PCR method. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated that after the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, fish oil supplementation upregulated gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) (P < .001) in PBMC of subjects with PCOS. In addition, compared to the placebo, taking fish oil supplements downregulated gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) (P = .02) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) (P = .01) in PBMC of subjects with PCOS. We did not observe any significant effect of fish oil supplementation on gene expression of lipoprotein(a) [LP(a)], low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) in PBMC of subjects with PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, fish oil supplementation for 12 weeks to subjects with PCOS significantly improved gene expression of PPAR-γ, IL-1 and IL-8, but did not influence gene expression of LP(a), LDLR, GLUT-1, TNF-α and TGF-ß.

The effects of omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation on parameters of mental health and gene expression related to insulin and inflammation in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation on parameters of mental health and gene expression related to insulin and inflammation in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Forty PCOS women were allocated into two groups and treated with 1000mg omega-3 fatty acids plus 400 IU vitamin E supplements (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) per day for 12 weeks. Parameters of mental health were recorded at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. Gene expression related to insulin and inflammation were measured in blood samples of PCOS women. RESULTS: After the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation led to significant improvements in beck depression inventory total score (- 2.2 ± 2.0 vs. - 0.2 ± 1.3, P = 0.001), general health questionnaire scores (- 5.5 ± 4.6 vs. - 1.0 ± 2.3, P < 0.001) and depression anxiety and stress scale scores (- 7.2 ± 5.2 vs. - 1.3 ± 1.3, P < 0.001). Compared with the placebo, omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation could up-regulate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) expression (P = 0.04) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of PCOS women. In addition, compared with the placebo, omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation down-regulated interleukin-8 (IL-8) (P = 0.003) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) expression (P = 0.001) in PBMC of PCOS women. There were no significant difference between-group changes in glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1), IL-6 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) in PBMC of PCOS women. CONCLUSION: Omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation was effective in improving parameters of mental health, and gene expression of PPAR-γ, IL-8 and TNF-α of women with PCOS.

The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on gene expression related to insulin, lipid and inflammation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: This research was conducted to assess the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) intake on gene expression related to insulin, lipid and inflammation in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 40 subjects diagnosed with PCOS. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups to intake either 100 mg CoQ10 (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) per day for 12 weeks. Gene expression related to insulin, lipid and inflammation were quantified in blood samples of PCOS women with RT-PCR method. RESULTS: Results of RT-PCR shown that compared with the placebo, CoQ10 intake downregulated gene expression of oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LDLR) (p < 0.001) and upregulated gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) (p = 0.01) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of subjects with PCOS. In addition, compared to the placebo group, CoQ10 supplementation downregulated gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) (p = 0.03), interleukin-8 (IL-8) (p = 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (p < 0.001) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of subjects with PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, CoQ10 intake for 12 weeks in PCOS women significantly improved gene expression of LDLR, PPAR-γ, IL-1, IL-8 and TNF-α.