Effects of probiotic and prebiotic supplementation on leptin, adiponectin, and glycemic parameters in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized clinical trial

Background: According to previous studies, probiotic and prebiotic supplementation have desirable effects on glycemic parameters. Thus far, the effect of supplementation on the glycemic parameters and adipokines in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] has not been assessed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with probiotic and prebiotic on adiokines and glycemic parameters in the patients with NAFLD

Methods: In the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 89 patients with NAFLD were randomly divided into three groups to receive one probiotic capsule + 16 g/d maltodextrin [probiotic group] or 16 g/d oligofructose powder + one placebo capsule [prebiotic group], and one placebo capsule + 16 g/d maltodextrin [control group] for 12 weeks. All the subjects in the study were advised to follow the weight loss diet and physical activity recommendations during the intervention. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after the intervention to measure leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and fasting blood sugar

Results: At the end of the study, serum concentrations of leptin, insulin, and HOMA-IR decreased significantly in the probiotic and prebiotic groups compared with the control group. Despite the changes within the groups, serum concentrations of adiponectin did not change significantly between the three groups. Also, fasting blood sugar did not change between the groups, but decreased in the prebiotic group. Quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index [QUICKI] increased significantly in probiotic and prebiotic groups compared with the control group

Conclusion: Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation along with lifestyle intervention has a favorable impact on glycemic parameters and leptin levels compared with lifestyle intervention alone

effect of quercetin on plasma oxidative status, C-reactive protein and blood pressure in women with rheumatoid arthritis

Considering the increased production of free radicals and inflammatory factors in rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and the effects of bioflavonoid quercetin on reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and blood pressure, the present study examined the effects of bioflavonoid quercetin on total antioxidant capacity [TAC] of plasma, lipid peroxidation and blood pressure in women with RA. The current study was a randomized double-blind clinical trial in which 51 women with RA aged 19-70 years, were participated. Patients were assigned into quercetin [500 mg/day] or placebo groups for 8 weeks. Dietary intake was recorded using 24-h dietary recall questionnaire and the physical activity was assessed through an international short questionnaire of physical activity at the beginning and end of the study. Plasma TAC and malondialdehyde [MDA] using colorimetric method, oxidized low density lipoprotein [ox-LDL] and high sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and also blood pressure were measured at the beginning and end of intervention. After 8 weeks there were no significant differences in TAC of plasma, ox-LDL, MDA, hs-CRP, systolic and diastolic blood pressure between quercetin and placebo groups and in each group comparing before and after. In this study, quercetin had no effect on oxidative and inflammatory status of plasma and blood pressure in patients with RA. Further studies are needed to ensure the effect of quercetin on oxidative stress and inflammation in human

Effect of conjugated linoleic acid, vitamin E, alone or combined on immunity and inflammatory parameters in adults with active rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Little information about the effects of conjugated linoleic acids [CLAs] on inflammation and immune function in humans is available. This study investigated the effects of CLAs, with and without Vitamin E on immunity and inflammatory parameters in adults with active rheumatoid arthritis [RA]. In a double-blind clinical trial, 78 patients were randomly divided into four groups, each group receiving one of the following daily supplement for 3 months; group C: 2.5 g CLAs, group E: 400 mg Vitamin E, group CE: CLAs plus Vitamin E, group P: Placebo. Cytokines, matrix metalloproteinase 3 [MMP-3] and citrullinated antibody [CCP-A] were measured by ELISA method and Vitamin E by high-performance liquid chromatography. Consider statistical methods there were no significant differences between groups in cytokines interleukin-2 [IL-2], IL-4, tumor necrosis factor-alpha[TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2/IL-4, CCP-A white blood cells and neutrophils, lymphocyte, monocytes, and eosinophils numbers. TNF-alpha decreased in all groups, but its reduction was significant in group CE. IL-1beta increased in groups P [P = 0.004] and E [P = 0.041] but the difference between group P and CE was significant. IL-4 decreased in groups C, CE and E [P = 0.03, P =0.03P = 0.07 respectively]. IL2 did not change significantly within groups. CCP-A increased in groups P [P = 0.035] and E [P = 0.05], while it decreased in groups CE [P = 0.034]. CCP-A and MMP-3 decrease were significant between groups P and CE. MMP-3 reduction was significant in group CE. Co-supplementation CLAs and Vitamin E may be effective in the level of inflammatory markers in RA patients

[Evaluation of consumed bread in hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences]

Objective: To evaluate bread consumption in the hospitals and health centers [South, Shahr-e-rey, Eslamshahr] that are under covering of Tehran University of medical control

Methods: In a descriptive study, Usability of breads in hospitals and health networks covered by Tehran University of medical sciences, randomly were investigated. Our tests were Colorimetric, alkalinity and the amount of salt. All samples were selected from bread bakeries producing breads Barbari and Lavash or hospitals in the areas at least once a term study, and at every turn three specimens of bread [overall 615 No] in the sealed packages were collected

Results: This study showed that 46% and 41% of Barbari bread samples respectively [south of Tehran, Shahr- e - rey and Islamshahr] had mean test colorimetric positive and high alkalinity [PH>6], 8% High salt[salt>2%] and overall 45% of Barbari bread samples and 80% of their rumal was unusable. And respectively 55% and 55% of Lavash bread samples had mean test colorimetric positive and high alkalinity and 32% had High salt and overall 65% of Lavash bread samples in that three mentioned areas were unusable and finally the result shows that 64% of Tehran university hospitals Lavash bread samples also were unusable

Conclusion: In this study, respectively 59 and 64 percent of bread consumed in the three regions and hospitals for their high alkalinity were unusable and contained high salt and soda so their consumption is Harmful for everybody specially for patients that must limit their Na intake, so preventing from taking soda has special importance and Pervasive action for controlling of bread alkalinity must be done