Comparison of nutritional supplements in improving glycolipid metabolism and endocrine function in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Objective: To explore the comparative effectiveness of nutritional supplements in improving glycolipid metabolism and endocrine function in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Method: Randomized controlled clinical trials on the effects of nutritional supplements in PCOS patients were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from their establishments to March 15, 2023. Then, literature screening, data extraction, and network meta-analysis were performed. This study was registered at PROSPERO (registration number CRD 42023441257). Result: Forty-one articles involving 2,362 patients were included in this study. The network meta-analysis showed that carnitine, inositol, and probiotics reduced body weight and body mass index (BMI) compared to placebo, and carnitine outperformed the other supplements (SUCRAs: 96.04%, 97.73%, respectively). Omega-3 lowered fasting blood glucose (FBG) (SUCRAs: 93.53%), and chromium reduced fasting insulin (FINS) (SUCRAs: 72.90%); both were superior to placebo in improving insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and chromium was more effective than Omega-3 (SUCRAs: 79.99%). Selenium was potent in raising the quantitative insulin sensitivity index (QUICKI) (SUCRAs: 87.92%). Coenzyme Q10 was the most effective in reducing triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (SUCRAs: 87.71%, 98.78%, and 98.70%, respectively). Chromium and probiotics decreased TG levels, while chromium and vitamin D decreased TC levels. No significant differences were observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total testosterone (TT), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and C-reactive protein (CRP) between nutritional supplements and placebo. Conclusion: Carnitine was relatively effective in reducing body mass, while chromium, Omega-3, and selenium were beneficial for improving glucose metabolism. Meanwhile, coenzyme Q10 was more efficacious for improving lipid metabolism. However, publication bias may exist, and more high-quality clinical randomized controlled trials are needed.

Curative effect of medicine cake sticking ultrasound drug penetration combined with body training on hemiplegia after stroke: An in vitro ultrasound targeted drug controlled release technology.

To explore the efficacy of ultrasound drugs in the treatment of hemiplegia after stroke. The evaluation included clinical symptoms and signs, the Stroke Scale, activities of daily living, sensory disorder Fugl-Meyer and Lindmark, electromyography sensory nerve amplitude, and conduction velocity indexes in both groups. There was no significant difference in the improved Fugl-Meyer and Lindmark score between treatment (26.97 ± 2.78) and the control group (27.45 ± 3.1) (t = 14.528, P = 0.593). After treatment, the observation group (37.10 ± 4.2) was significantly different from the control group (34.76 ± 4.36) (t = 11.259, P = 0.005) and (t = 10.15 ± 1.69), (40.87 ± 6.58) (t = 7.943,9.538, P = 0.564,0.826). After treatment, the observation group the Stroke Scale (4.27 ± 0.57), activities of daily living score (76.15 ± 12.38) and the control group (5.36 ± 0.89), (58.41 ± 9.69) (t = 16.274,5.379, P = 0.035,0.000) after treatment and F wave and M wave. The cure rate of the observation group was 77.50% (31/40), which was significantly better than that of the control group, 47.50% (19/40), with a significant difference (χ2 = 11.724,P = 0.000). After comparison, the total response rate of the observed group reached 92.500% (37 / 40), which was significantly higher than the 80.00% (32 / 40) of the control group. This difference was statistically significant (χ 2 = 9.458, P = 0.015). This therapy closely links the theoretical knowledge of modern medicine with the theoretical knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, and uses the meridian theory to give full play to the unique advantages of traditional Chinese medicine.

Qigong mind-body program for caregivers of cancer patients: design of a pilot three-arm randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Informal caregivers, often family and friends, experience significant psychological and physical distress leading to reductions in health and quality of life (QOL). Mind-body interventions focused on caregivers are often limited and do not address multiple barriers, including caregivers' economic, geographic, and time constraints. Translation of in-person, community-based interventions to Internet-based delivery may offer greater accessibility for caregivers, leading to increased adherence. METHODS: Caring for Caregivers with Mind-Body implements a three-arm, pilot, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility of delivering a Qigong intervention (Eight Brocades) to cancer caregivers. A total of 54 cancer caregivers will be randomized into one of three 12-week programs: (1) community-based Qigong, (2) Internet-based Qigong, or (3) a self-care control group. Study-specific aims include (1) modify intervention content for online delivery, (2) evaluate the feasibility of recruiting and retaining cancer caregivers into a 12-week clinical trial, and (3) evaluate the feasibility of collecting and managing data, and the suitability of questionnaires for this population. Several outcomes will be assessed, including caregiver QOL, caregiver burden, caregiver distress, perceived social support, physical function, and cognitive function. A 6-month follow-up will also assess longer-term changes in QOL and psychosocial well-being. DISCUSSION: Findings will be used to inform the design and conduct of a large-scale comparative effectiveness trial evaluating caregivers who received Qigong training delivered through community-based vs Internet-based programs. A finding that either or both programs are effective would inform care and options for caregivers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04019301 ; registered on July 15, 2019; clinicaltrials.gov.

Comparison of a standard computer-assisted cognitive training program to a music enhanced program: A mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Between 17 and 75% of breast cancer survivors (BCS) experience long-term cognitive deficits such as deficits in memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function. AIMS: This study aimed to (a) compare effects of a standard computer-assisted cognitive training (CACT) program to a CACT program enhanced with music (CACT+A) to improve focus and concentration on BCS' memory, cognition, quality of life (QOL), and participation in everyday activities; and (b) garner participants' perspectives of effects of the programs to determine best practice. METHODS: An embedded design was employed in this mixed methods study. Participants who reported cognitive problems were recruited through breast cancer support groups. Four pre and post-tests were used followed by a qualitative interview. RESULTS: Twenty-five BCS, ages 31 to 72 years participated. The CACT group demonstrated significantly improved pre to post-test scores for working memory, QOL, and three subscales of the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST) measuring participation in everyday activities. The CACT+A group had significant improvement for four FACT-Cog cognitive function subscales and the total score. Five themes emerged from the interview: Cognitive skill, Strategy learned, No change, QOL factors, and Participation in everyday activities. The CACT+A group expressed experiencing a larger ratio of improvements, most notably for memory and QOL factors. CONCLUSION: CACT+A is an auspicious intervention option for BCS who self-report cognitive issues. It is convenient to participate in at home and allows BCS to safely self-isolate if need be. This study is a registered clinical trial protocol: TexasWU record 19 959.

Chilled Potatoes Decrease Postprandial Glucose, Insulin, and Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Peptide Compared to Boiled Potatoes in Females with Elevated Fasting Glucose and Insulin.

Resistant starch (RS) has been shown to improve postprandial glycemia and insulin sensitivity in adults with metabolic syndrome. RS is found naturally in potatoes, where the amount varies based on cooking method and serving temperature. Thirty females with a mean BMI of 32.8 ± 3.7 kg/m2, fasting glucose of 110.5 mg/dL, and insulin of 10.3 µIU/L, completed this randomized, crossover study. A quantity of 250 g of boiled (low RS) and baked then chilled (high RS) russet potatoes were consumed on two separate occasions. Glycemic (glucose and insulin) and incretin response, subjective satiety, and dietary intake were measured. Results showed that the chilled potato elicited significant reductions at 15 and 30 min in glucose (4.8% and 9.2%), insulin (25.8% and 22.6%), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) (41.1% and 37.6%), respectively. The area under the curve for insulin and GIP were significantly lower after the chilled potato, but no differences were seen in glucose, glucagon-like peptide-1, and peptide YY, or overall subjective satiety. A higher carbohydrate and glycemic index but lower fat diet was consumed 48-hours following the chilled potato than the boiled potato. This study demonstrates that consuming chilled potatoes higher in RS can positively impact the glycemic response in females with elevated fasting glucose and insulin.

L-Alanylglutamine inhibits signaling proteins that activate protein degradation, but does not affect proteins that activate protein synthesis after an acute resistance exercise.

Sustamine™ (SUS) is a dipeptide composed of alanine and glutamine (AlaGln). Glutamine has been suggested to increase muscle protein accretion; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of glutamine on muscle protein metabolism following resistance exercise have not been fully addressed. In the present study, 2-month-old rats climbed a ladder 10 times with a weight equal to 75 % of their body mass attached at the tail. Rats were then orally administered one of four solutions: placebo (PLA-glycine = 0.52 g/kg), whey protein (WP = 0.4 g/kg), low dose of SUS (LSUS = 0.1 g/kg), or high dose of SUS (HSUS = 0.5 g/kg). An additional group of sedentary (SED) rats was intubated with glycine (0.52 g/kg) at the same time as the ladder-climbing rats. Blood samples were collected immediately after exercise and at either 20 or 40 min after recovery. The flexor hallucis longus (FHL), a muscle used for climbing, was excised at 20 or 40 min post exercise and analyzed for proteins regulating protein synthesis and degradation. All supplements elevated the phosphorylation of FOXO3A above SED at 20 min post exercise, but only the SUS supplements significantly reduced the phosphorylation of AMPK and NF-kB p65. SUS supplements had no effect on mTOR signaling, but WP supplementation yielded a greater phosphorylation of mTOR, p70S6k, and rpS6 compared with PLA at 20 min post exercise. However, by 40 min post exercise, phosphorylation of mTOR and rpS6 in PLA had risen to levels not different than WP. These results suggest that SUS blocks the activation of intracellular signals for MPB, whereas WP accelerates mRNA translation.

The effect of an amino acid beverage on glucose response and glycogen replenishment after strenuous exercise.

PURPOSE: We previously reported that an amino acid mixture (AA) was able to lower the glucose response to an oral glucose challenge in both rats and humans. Increased glucose uptake and glycogen storage in muscle might be associated with the faster blood glucose clearance. We therefore tested the effect of two different doses of AA provided with a carbohydrate supplement on blood glucose homeostasis and muscle glycogen replenishment in human subjects after strenuous aerobic exercise. METHODS: Ten subjects received a carbohydrate (1.2 g/kg body weight, CHO), CHO/HAA (CHO + 13 g AA), or CHO/LAA (CHO + 6.5 g AA) supplement immediately and 2 h after an intense cycling bout. Muscle biopsies were performed immediately and 4 h after exercise. RESULTS: The glucose responses for CHO/HAA and CHO/LAA during recovery were significantly lower than CHO, as was the glucose area under the curve (CHO/HAA 1259.9 ± 27.7, CHO/LAA 1251.5 ± 47.7, CHO 1376.8 ± 52.9 mmol/L 4 h, p < 0.05). Glycogen storage rate was significantly lower in CHO/HAA compared with CHO, while it did not differ significantly between CHO/LAA or CHO (CHO/HAA 15.4 ± 2.0, CHO/LAA 18.1 ± 2.0, CHO 21.5 ± 1.4 µmol/g wet muscle 4 h). CHO/HAA caused a significantly higher insulin response and a greater effect on mTOR and Akt/PKB phosphorylation compared with CHO. Phosphorylation of AS160 and glycogen synthase did not differ across treatments. Likewise, there were no differences in blood lactate across treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The AA lowered the glucose response to a carbohydrate supplement after strenuous exercise. However, it was not effective in facilitating subsequent muscle glycogen storage.

[Isolation and characteristic of SmbHLH1 gene in Salvia miltiorrhiza].

OBJECTIVE: A novel bHLH-like gene, designated SmbHLH1, was isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza, in order to identify a bHLH gene in related to danshinone biosysnthesis. METHOD: SmbHLH1 was isolated by RT-PCR,and Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect the gene expression level. RESULT: The full length of SmbHLH1 cDNA has an open reading frame of 999 bp. The deduced amino acid sequence of SmbHLH1 has 332 amino acid residues which forms a 36 kDa polypeptide with a calculated pI of 5.4. SmbHLH1 gene was expressed at high level in root, but low level in stem, leaf and flower of S. miltiorrhiza. The transcripts of SmbHLH1 was suppressed when the plants were treated with exogenous MeJA, Yeast + Ag+. The transcripts of SmbHLH1 constitutively accumulated in response to exogenous ABA and low concentration of salicylic acid. CONCLUSION: SmbHLH is a new member of the S. miltiorrhiza bHLH family, and its possible roles in brassinosteriods signaling responses.

[Cloning and polymorphism analysis of SmERF in Salvia miltiorrhiza].

The transcription factor of ethylene responsive factor binding protein (ERF) is belonged to AP2/ERF superfamily, which is known to be unique in plants. AP2/ERF proteins have important functions in the transcriptional regulation of a variety of biological processes related to growth and development, as well as various responses to environmental stimuli. An ERF gene from Salvia miltiorrhiza is cloned and divided into ERF gene family group VII of Arabidopsis and Rice. It contains a MCGGAI (I/L) motif referred to as CMVII-1 and a single intron in the 5'-flanking region of the AP2/ERF domain. Sequence analysis reveals that the region of second extron has abundant polymorphism sites. There are 21 single nucleotide polymorphism sites (SNPs) in the 264 bp region, among them, 14 SNPs are synonymous substitutions and 7 SNPs are non-synonymous substitutions. Though analysis of 181 samples from Shandong, Shaanxi and Sichuan Provinces, it reveals that each production area has its own special genotypes, 5 SNPs show significant difference. Cluster based on UPGMA method reveals that different populations from specific province have clustered together. It shows that SmERF gene will be a candidate molecular marker for the identification of Salvia miltiorrhiza from different areas.

Identification and characterization of oligonucleotides that inhibit Toll-like receptor 2-associated immune responses.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play important roles in the immune responses against invading microorganisms. Development of TLR antagonists is recognized as a promising direction in suppressing the associated inflammatory reactions of the TLRs. Aptamers are single-stranded RNA or DNA molecules isolated through an in vitro selection process. Using a novel molecular evolution strategy that combines immunoprecipitation (IP) with systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), we developed an IP-SELEX selection method to facilitate the screening of high-affinity aptamers for the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Also, human TLR2 functional aptamers were identified and characterized using NF-kappaB reporter assays. Among the functional aptamers, the most effective, AP177, with a dissociation constant of 73 pM, was characterized with TLR2-expressing cells challenged with bacterial cells and purified ligands. The aptamer could effectively antagonize TLR2, significantly inhibit NF-kappaB activity, and suppress the secretion of the cytokines by >80%. In addition, the precise region within the functional aptamer that specifically bound TLR2 was resolved using aptamer microarray analysis. The results of functional assays showed that AP177 acted as a TLR2 antagonist and may hold therapeutic potential in the treatment of diseases related to dysregulated TLR2 immune responses.