Antihypertensive and antihyperlipemic of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) sauce on patients with hypertension: A randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Systemic arterial hypertension is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and chronic kidney diseases. Spirulina is microalgae with nutritious ingredients and has potential attenuating effects on chronic diseases including hypertension. Spirulina can be added to food products in order to develop functional foods. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of 8-week consumption of a salad dressing containing 2 g of spirulina platensis powder versus a placebo dressing on patients with hypertension. In this triple-blind randomized clinical trial, 48 patients with hypertension were enrolled to receive daily either spirulina-fortified dressing or placebo for 2 months. A total of 41 patients completed this study. We observed that the consumption of spirulina dressing significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (p = .02), diastolic blood pressure (p = .03), serum triglyceride (p = .01), total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, compared to nonsignificant changes in the placebo group. Significant changes in TAC and hs-CRP levels were observed in none of the groups. According to our findings, spirulina-fortified dressing as a functional food can be used a supportive treatment for patients with hypertension along with standard antihypertensive drugs. However, further investigations are required for a more comprehensive conclusion.

The effect of spirulina sauce on glycemic index, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized double-blind clinical trial.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of spirulina sauce on glycemic indices, lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, and anthropometric measurement in type 2 diabetic patients. Forty patients were randomly assigned to receive 20 g/day spirulina sauce (containing 2 g of spirulina) or placebo for 2 months. Anthropometric and biochemical indices were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention. Fasting blood glucose (mean difference (MD): -15.3 mg/dL, 95% confidence (CI): -44.2 to 13.60, p = .26), HbA1c (MD: 0.13%, 95% CI: -0.83 to 0.57, p = .75), insulin (MD: -1.46 µIU/mL, 95% CI: -4.0 to 1.09, p = .28), and HOMA-IR (MD: -0.35, 95% CI: -2.0 to 1.32, p = .68) did not change significantly between groups. QUICKI increased significantly (MD: 0.025, 95% CI: 0.006 to 0.045, p = .03). Among the lipid profile, triglyceride (TG) (MD: -68.6 mg/dL, 95% CI: -107.21 to -29.98, p < .001), total cholesterol (MD: -29.55 mg/dL, 95% CI: -55.28 to -3.81, p = .02), and LDL (MD: -17.7 mg/dL, 95% CI: -33.24 to -2.15, p = .01) were significantly decreased in the spirulina group compared to the control; whereas, the change in HDL was non-significant. No significant change was observed in body composition and anthropometric measurements, except waist circumference, which was reduced (MD: -2.65 cm, 95% CI: -3.91 to -1.38, p = .001). Hunger index significantly decreased and fullness increased marginally significantly. Although malondialdehyde was significantly reduced, no change was observed in total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Spirulina sauce was not effective for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes; however, could be useful for controlling appetite and ameliorating lipid profile.

Bacterial Flora of the Conjunctiva One Year after Dacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes of conjunctival bacterial flora 1 year after successful dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive adult patients with successful DCR were enrolled in this study. We obtained conjunctival cultures from the operated eyes, fellow eyes, and nasal mucosa of the operated side 1 year after the operation. After the period of incubation, further evaluation was performed using standard laboratory techniques. RESULTS: In the conventional media, positive bacterial growth was detected in 48 (66.7%) of the 72 operated eyes and in 31 of the 72 normal fellow eyes (43.1%). Nasal specimens were positive for bacterial growth in 65 (90.3%) patients. Isolation rate was significantly different between the operated and the fellow (nonoperated) eyes (P = 0.0074). Colony count, type, and frequencies of bacterial isolation from the operated eyes were similar to nonoperated eyes. CONCLUSION: One year after DCR, conjunctival bacterial isolation rate increased compared with the normal fellow eyes. Remote DCR may be considered as a local risk factor for developing postoperative endophthalmitis.