The Effect of Pycnogenol Supplementation on Plasma C-Reactive Protein Concentration: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Pycnogenol is a standardized extract from the bark of the French maritime pine. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to clarify the effect of Pycnogenol supplementation on C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration. To identify eligible studies in order to find clinical trials which examined the effect of Pycnogenol supplementation on the level of CRP in adult participants, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were systematically searched until December 2017. Mean of CRP was collected to estimate the effect size of the supplementation. Potential sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analysis. Five trials including 324 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled effect size showed significant effect of Pycnogenol supplementation on CRP (−1.22 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval, −2.43, −0.003; I2 = 99%, pheterogeneity 150 mg/d category (I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.42). There was significant difference between-subgroup heterogeneity (p < 0.001). Furthermore, no evidence of publication bias for CRP (p = 0.27, Begg's test and p = 0.62, Egger's test) was seen. Present systematic review and meta-analysis suggested Pycnogenol consumption can decrease the level of CRP and have anti-inflammatory effect. So, Pycnogenol as an anti-inflammatory agent might be a priority in interventions. Further studies with large-scale and better design are needed to confirm this result.

Urinary and milk iodine status in neonates and their mothers during congenital hypothyroidism screening program in eastern Azerbaijan: a pilot study

Iodine is essential element in thyroid hormones synthesis and normal growth and development of the brain. Milk and iodine concentrations can be appropriate indicator of body iodine status; in this study, we evaluated the concentrations of urine and milk iodine in newborns and their mothers. In a cross-sectional study conducted in 2013, urine and milk iodine in 106 neonates and their mothers referred to healthcare center in Shabestar, Eastern Azerbaijan for congenital hypothyroidism screening program were determined. Median urinary iodine < 100 micro g/L and milk iodine < 50 micro g/L was considered as iodine deficiency. The median urine iodine concentrations [UIC] in mothers and infants were 142.31 micro g/L [.0 - 1260] and 306.76 micro g/L [23.56-1020] respectively. Urine iodine concentrations were < 100 micro g/L in 33.9% of mothers and 14.2% of neonates. The median milk iodine concentration [MIC] was 58.23 micro g/L [20.31- 425] and in 41.9% of mothers was <50 micro g/L. A positive significant correlation was found between milk iodine and maternal urinary iodine concentration [r=0.533, P= 0.000]. There was significant correlation between neonatal UIC and maternal UIC [r=0.462, P= 0.000], neonatal UIC and MIC [r=0.414, P= 0.000]. Urinary and milk iodine concentrations in mothers and infants were within acceptable range, which indicates adequate iodine intake. However, there were moderate and marginal iodine deficiencies in about half percentage of participants. Insufficient amount of milk iodine in about half of the mothers can result in iodine deficiency in breast-fed infants