The Effects of Cranberry Consumption on Glycemic and Lipid Profiles in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This study aims to update the evidence and clarify whether cranberry possesses lipid-lowering and hypoglycemic properties in humans. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify relevant articles published up to December 2023. In total, 3145 publications were reviewed and 16 of them were included for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. Stata 15.0 and Review Manager 5.4 were applied for statistical analyses. The results revealed a significant decrease in the total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-C) (MD = -0.24; 95% CI: -0.45, -0.04; peffect = 0.02) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (MD = -0.59; 95% CI: -1.05, -0.14; peffect = 0.01) with cranberry consumption. However, it did not influence total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting insulin. In subgroup analysis, cranberry consumption in dried form (capsules, powder, and tablets) was found to significantly decrease the fasting insulin level (three studies, one hundred sixty-five participants, MD = -2.16; 95% CI: -4.24, -0.07; peffect = 0.04), while intervention duration, health conditions, and dosage of polyphenols and anthocyanins had no impact on blood lipid and glycemic parameters. In summary, cranberry might have potential benefits in regulating lipid and glucose profiles.

Potential nutritional strategies to prevent and reverse sarcopenia in aging process: Role of fish oil-derived ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, wheat oligopeptide and their combined intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Nutritional support is potentially considered an essential step to prevent muscle loss and enhance physical function in older adults. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the role of potential nutritional strategies, i.e., fish oil-derived ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), wheat oligopeptide and their combined intervention, in preventing and reversing sarcopenia in aging process. METHODS: One hundred 25-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 10 groups, and 10 newly purchased 6-month-old rats were included in young control group (n = 10). Fish oil (200, 400 or 800 mg/kg body weight), wheat oligopeptide (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg body weight), fish oil + wheat oligopeptide (800 + 100, 400 + 200 or 200 + 400 mg/kg body weight) or the equal volume of solvent were administered daily by gavage for 10 weeks. The effects of these interventions on natural aging rats were evaluated. RESULTS: All intervention groups had a significant increase in muscle mass and grip strength and reduction in perirenal fat weight when compared to the aged control group (P < 0.05). The results of biochemical parameters, magnetic resonance imaging, proteomics and western blot suggested that the combination of wheat oligopeptide and fish oil-derived ω-3 PUFA, especially group WFM 2 (400 + 200 mg/kg body weight fish oil + wheat oligopeptide), was found to be more effective against aging-associated muscle loss than single intervention. Additionally, the interventions ameliorated fatty infiltration, muscle atrophy, and congestion in the intercellular matrix, and inflammatory cell infiltration in muscle tissue. The interventions also improved oxidative stress, anabolism, hormone levels, and inflammatory levels of skeletal muscle. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of fish oil-derived ω-3 PUFA and wheat oligopeptide was found to be a promising nutritional support to prevent and reverse sarcopenia. The potential mechanism involved the promotion of protein synthesis and muscle regeneration, as well as the enhancement of muscle strength.

Eremophilane and cadinane sesquiterpenoids from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla and their anti-inflammatory activities.

The fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla have been used for centuries in China as both edible resources and traditional Chinese medicine. In order to identify structurally interesting and bioactive constituents from the fruits of A. oxyphylla, bioassay-guided fractionation and purification of the crude extracts were performed, which led to the isolation of 38 sesquiterpenoids, including six previously undescribed eremophilane sesquiterpenoids (1-6), six new cadinane sesquiterpenoids (23-24, 26-29), and 26 known analogues (7-22, 25 and 31-38). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, single crystal X-ray diffraction, quantum chemistry calculations (13C-NMR and ECD), and Mo2(OAc)4 reaction. Several of the isolated compounds (8, 13, 17, 18, 30, 31 and 35) showed moderate to strong inhibition of the secretion of cytokines (NO, TNF-α and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. Furthermore, western blot, immunofluorescence, and real-time PCR assays indicated that 18 could down-regulate the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOS and the protein expression of COX-2 and iNOS. Meanwhile, 18 was able to partially inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38. Thus, the discovery of structurally diverse anti-inflammatory sesquiterpenoids from the fruits of A. oxyphylla in this study could benefit the further development and utilization of this plant.

Relationship between Serum Levels of Selenium and Thyroid Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Thyroid cancer is one of the most malignant tumors and a serious threat to human health. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that is critical for thyroid function. Since the relationship between Se and thyroid cancer remains unclear, a meta-analysis was performed to clarify the relationship. A total of five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane library) were searched for case-control studies and cohort studies on serum levels of Se and thyroid cancer published up to 13 July 2022. Seven articles consisting of 10 case-control studies and comprised of 2,205 subjects met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. From the 10 selected studies, pooled analysis indicated that thyroid cancer patients had lower serum levels of Se than healthy controls [standardized mean difference = -1.25, 95% confidence interval = (-2.07, -0.44), P = 0.003]. Our meta-analysis supports a significant relationship between serum levels of Se and thyroid cancer.

Effects of fish oil-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid on body composition, muscle strength and physical performance in older people: a secondary analysis of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: the effects regarding n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation on sarcopenia have been explored by several clinical trials. Nonetheless, the use of n-3 PUFA for improving body composition, muscle strength and physical performance in older people is conflicting. OBJECTIVES: our aim was to perform a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial to evaluate the effects of 6-month n-3 PUFA supplementation on body composition, muscle strength and physical performance in older Chinese people. METHODS: in this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 200 eligible subjects were randomly assigned to receive 4 g/day fish oil capsules (1.34 g eicosapentaenoic [EPA] + 1.07 docosahexaenoic [DHA]) or 4 g/day corn oil capsules (EPA + DHA <0.05 g) for 6 months. The primary outcomes were the changes of body composition, muscle strength (hand grip strength) and physical performance (Timed Up and Go time). Secondary outcomes were the changes in serum lipid profiles. RESULTS: compared with control group, fish oil-derived n-3 PUFA supplementation resulted in significant increases in thigh circumference (interaction time × group effect P < 0.001), total skeletal muscle mass (interaction time × group effect P < 0.001) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (interaction time × group effect P < 0.001); the differences were still significant even after height correction. Muscle strength and physical performance including hand grip strength (interaction time × group effect P < 0.001) and Timed Up and Go time (interaction time × group effect P < 0.001) were also improved after a 6-month fish oil-derived n-3 PUFA intervention. In terms of serum lipid profiles, fish oil-derived n-3 PUFA supplementation could significantly reduce serum level of triglyceride (interaction time × group effect P = 0.012) and increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol (interaction time × group effect P < 0.001); while no significant improvement was found in serum concentrations of total cholesterol (interaction time × group effect P = 0.413) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (interaction time × group effect P = 0.089). CONCLUSIONS: our present trial demonstrated that a 6-month fish oil-derived n-3 PUFA supplementation could beneficially affect the body composition, muscle strength, physical performance and serum lipid profiles in older people, which could be into considerations when making strategies aiming to the primary prevention of sarcopenia.

The Relationship between Dietary Patterns and High Blood Glucose among Adults Based on Structural Equation Modelling.

The aim of this study was to examine the association between dietary patterns and high blood glucose in Jiangsu province of China by using structural equation modelling (SEqM). Methods: Participants in this cross-sectional study were recruited through the 2015 Chinese Adult Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance Program in Jiangsu province using a multistage stratified cluster random sampling method. Dietary patterns were defined by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the fitness of EFA. SEqM was used to investigate the association between dietary patterns and high blood glucose. Results: After exclusion, 3137 participants with complete information were analysed for this study. The prevalence of high blood glucose was 9.3% and 8.1% in males and females, respectively. Two dietary patterns: the modern dietary pattern (i.e., high in red meats and its products, vegetables, seafood, condiments, fungi and algae, main grains and poultry; low in other grains, tubers and preserves), and the fruit−milk dietary pattern (i.e., high in milk and its products, fruits, eggs, nuts and seeds and pastry snacks, but low in vegetable oils) were established. Modern dietary pattern was found to be positively associated with high blood glucose in adults in Jiangsu province (multivariate logistic regression: OR = 1.561, 95% CI: 1.025~2.379; SEqM: ß = 0.127, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The modern dietary pattern­high intake of red meats­was significantly associated with high blood glucose among adults in Jiangsu province of China, while the fruit−milk dietary pattern was not significantly associated with high blood glucose.

Beneficial effects of monounsaturated fatty acid-rich blended oils with an appropriate polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio and a low n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio on the health of rats.

BACKGROUND: The effects of dietary fat on health are influenced by its fatty acid profile. We aimed to determine the effects of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich blended oils (BO) containing a balance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and with a low n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio on the health of rats fed normal or high-fat diets. The BO was obtained by mixing red palm oil, rice bran oil (RO), tea seed oil and flaxseed oil in appropriate proportions. RESULTS: BO consumption reduced the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), insulin (INS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid peroxide (LPO) and oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) concentrations and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); it increased the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations, and the bone mineral density (BMD) versus control oil-containing normal and high-fat diets. BO also reduced the triglyceride (TG), hs-CRP, MDA, ox-LDL and reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations; and increased the serum HDL-C and SOD, and BMD versus RO-containing high-fat diets. Finally, BO reduced the glucose (GLU) and INS, and HOMA-IR; it increased HDL-C, SOD, femoral weight and BMD versus RO-containing normal diets. CONCLUSION: BOs with an appropriate fatty acid profile have beneficial effects on the glucolipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress and bone quality of rats when included in both normal and high-fat diets. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Hot Tea Drinking and the Risk of Esophageal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study aimed to explore the association between hot tea drinking and the risk of esophageal cancer. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane library were searched for relevant studies from inception to October 29, 2020 by using (Tea OR "Green Tea" OR "Black Tea") AND ("Esophageal Neoplasms" OR "Esophageal Cancer" OR "Esophagus Cancer") as key words. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the literatures. The meta-analysis was performed using the Revman 5.3 and Stata 13.0 software. The subgroup analyses were conducted on publication year, population regions, tea type, tea temperature, and type of esophageal cancer, and the publication bias was calculated using the funnel plot and Begg's regression. A total of 12 case-control studies with 5253 cases and 8273 controls were included. The meta-analysis displayed that hot tea drinking was significantly associated with the risk of esophageal cancer (pooled odds ratio, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.78-2.31). However, the research evidence is still limited, therefore, it needs further discussion.

Folic Acid Inhibited Vasculogenic Mimicry in Esophageal Cancer Cell Line Eca-109, the One Target Was EphA2.

The degree of vasculogenic mimicry(VM) is correlated with the prognosis of esophageal cancer, and folic acid supplementation could decrease esophagus cancer deaths among populations. This study aimed to explore the effect of folic acid on VM formation of esophageal cancer cell, and the target. Human esophageal squamous cancer cell lines(Eca-109) were cultured with different concentrations of folic acid (0,1,10,100,200,400, 600,800 µg/ml). A cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to measure the cell proliferation. Then, the amount of VM under the effect of different concentrations of folic acid was observed. Target genes were screened out from several possible targets genes including MMP2, MMP9, EphA2, VE-cad or Ln-5γ2 by employing reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR). Finally, western blot analysis was used to verify the target proteins. In conclusion, this study found that folic acid inhibited the formation of VM in Eca-109 cells, and the one target protein was EphA2.

Effect of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Glucose and Lipid Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

In recent years, the prevalence and incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) have increased sharply worldwide. In order to evaluate the effect of chromium supplementation on patients with type 2 diabetes, a meta-analysis was conducted by searching the relevant literature. Randomized controlled trials on the effects of chromium supplements on glucose metabolism or lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes were retrieved from multiple databases. Literature screening, quality evaluation, and data extraction were conducted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and Review Manager 5.4.0 was used for data analysis. A total of 10 randomized controlled trials involving 509 patients were included, including 269 cases in the experimental group and 240 cases in the placebo control group. Statistical analysis was conducted on the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to evaluate the blood glucose and lipid levels. Meta-analysis results showed that the differences between the experimental group and the control group in only one indicator of HbA1c were statistically significant, while there were no statistically significant differences in other indicators. The use of chromium supplements can reduce the glycosylated hemoglobin of type 2 diabetic patients to a certain extent, but it cannot effectively improve the fasting blood glucose and blood lipid levels of type 2 diabetic patients.

Relationship Between Selenium in Human Tissues and Breast Cancer: a Meta-analysis Based on Case-Control Studies.

Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor in women, and the anti-cancer effect of selenium (Se) is recognized. This meta-analysis was designed to determine the relationship between selenium levels in human tissue and breast cancer risk. Literatures published before August 2020 were systematically screened through PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Elsevier. The related publication quality was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. We used random effect models for calculation and conducted sensitivity analysis and evaluation of publication bias. We identified 18 case-control studies, including 3374 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 3582 healthy controls. The results showed that the difference between the case group and the control group was - 0.53 µg/l [95%CI - 0.72 to - 0.34] (P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed a serum difference of - 1.14 µg/l [95%CI - 1.70 to - 0.58] (P < 0.001). The value of plasma was - 0.21 µg/l [95% CI - 0.37 to - 0.04] (P = 0.014). The value of toenail was - 0.21 µg/l [95% CI - 0.38 to - 0.03] (P = 0.021). In contrast, selenium levels in hair were not significantly associated with breast cancer risk. In the case-control studies, it was observed that selenium level in human tissues was negatively correlated with the risk of breast cancer, which may improve the understanding of the effects of selenium on human health.

Effects of Copper Supplementation on Blood Lipid Level: a Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis on Randomized Clinical Trials.

Studies have evaluated the effect of copper (Cu) supplementation on blood lipid level. We therefore investigated whether the supplement of Cu on blood lipid level will have an impact in a meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Literature search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library (from database to January 2020). Randomized controlled trials of Cu supplementation on blood lipid level were retrieved according to the requirements of systematic review, and the quality of the included research was evaluated. Then the meta-analysis was performed. Data from 5 trials representing 176 participants were examined. Pooled mean net change in total cholesterol (TC) (standard mean difference(SMD) [95% CI] = - 0.05 [- 0.52, 0.43]), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD [95% CI] = 0.22 [- 0.46, 0.89]), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (SMD [95% CI] = 0.18 [- 0.14, 0.49]) for those treated with Cu supplementation had no significant difference when compared with control. Cu supplementation has not affected blood lipids in the result of meta-analysis. More research is needed to determine if this pattern will apply broadly.

[Effects of the mannose, the major component of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, and its potential target metabolite inositol on mouse ß-TC6 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of mannose, the major component of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide, and its potential target metabolite, inositol, on mouse islet ß-TC6 cells. METHODS: Different concentrations(0, 4. 6875, 9. 375, 18. 75, 37. 5, 75 and 150 µg/mL) of mannose or inositol were used to intervene ß-TC6 cells for 24 hours, and the proliferation activity of cells was determined by CCK-8 method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect insulin secretion after the intervention of the ß-TC6 cells from different concentration of the mannose or inositol(0, 18. 75, 75 and 150 µg/mL) combining with glucose stimulation(20 mmol/L) for 60 minutes. Pioglitazone(3. 92 mg/L) was set up as positive group, and after intervention of the mannose or inositol(0, 9. 375, 18. 75, 75 and 150 µg/mL) for 24 h, the expression levels of insulin, glucose kinase(GK), glucose transporter 4(GLUT4) and glycogen synthase(GS) mRNA were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, mannose and inositol promoted the proliferation of ß-TC6 cells in a concentration-dependent manner(18. 75-150 µg/mL)(P<0. 05). Although the inositol solution of 4. 6875 µg/mL and 9. 375 µg/mL had a tendency to promote cell proliferation, there was no statistical difference(P>0. 05). After stimulation with 20 mmol/L glucose combining with different intervention concentrations(18. 75, 75 and 150 µg/mL) of mannose or inositol, no significant difference was observed in the insulin secretion of each group(P>0. 05) comparing with the control group. RT-qPCR result showed that 150 µg/mL mannose increased the expression level of GLUT4(P<0. 01) and the expression levels of GK and GLUT4 genes in the 75 µg/mL inositol group were significantly increased(P<0. 01). The expression level of GLUT4 was improved only when the concentration was decreased to 18. 75 µg/mL in inositol group(P<0. 01). CONCLUSION: Mannose and inositol can improve the expression of GLUT4 mRNA, which may help to increase glucose uptake by peripheral cells. In addition, inositol can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism by increasing the expression level of GK mRNA.

Compound Danshen Dripping Pills Prevented Leptin Deficiency-Induced Hepatic ER Stress, Stimulated Autophagy, and Improved Insulin Resistance of ob/ob Mice.

Compound Danshen dripping pills (CDDP) is widely used for the treatment of coronary arteriosclerosis and ischemic heart diseases for decades of years. In our study, we interestingly discovered the effects and mechanism of CDDP on insulin resistance that increase the risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Effects of CDDP on fasting blood glucose, the insulin tolerance test (ITT), the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), hepatic function, and underlying mechanism were analyzed in ob/ob mice. CDDP was found improving the impaired insulin signal sensitivity of ob/ob mice by ameliorating insulin and glucose tolerance, improving hepatic phosphorylation of the insulin receptor substrate-1 on Ser 307 (pIRS1) of ob/ob mice, and restoring hepatic function by decreasing serum ALT and AST, which increased in ob/ob mice serum. Decreasing hepatic phosphorylation of pancreatic ER kinase (PERK) and inositol-requiring enzyme-1 (IRE1) regulating hepatic ER stress in the liver of ob/ob mice were increased by CDDP. Furthermore, CDDP was also found stimulating ob/ob mice hepatic autophagy by increasing the expression of Beclin1 and LC3B, while decreasing P62 expression. Our study discovered an important role of CDDP on improving ob/ob mice insulin resistance and liver function probably through relieving hepatic ER stress and stimulating hepatic autophagy, which would broaden the application value and provide more benefits for treating cardiovascular patients. This trial is registered with NCT01659580.

The Evidence and Controversy Between Dietary Calcium Intake and Calcium Supplementation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies and Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective: Our objective was to synthesize both trial and observational studies and undertake a meta-analysis to explore the associations between calcium from dietary and supplemental intakes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks.Methods: Data sources were from PubMed, Cochrane Central, Scopus, and Web of Science, published from the inception dates up to March 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies with data on dietary or supplemental intake of calcium, with or without vitamin D, and cardiovascular outcomes, were included.Results: Of the 1,212 identified studies, 26 prospective cohort studies and 16 RCTs were included. Results of cohort studies reveled that dietary calcium intakes (DCIs) ranging from 200 to 1500 mg/d did not affect the risk of CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke (relative risk (RR) RR for CVD = 0.96, 95% CI, 0.87-1.05; RR for CHD = 0.98, 95% CI, 0.88-1.08; RR for stroke = 0.94, 95% CI, 0.85-1.04). Pooled RR of RCTs showed that the risk of CHD due to calcium supplements (CSs) increased 8% (RR = 1.08, 95% CI, 1.02-1.22; I2 = 0.0%) and increased 20% allocated to CSs alone (RR = 1.20, 95% CI, 1.08-1.33; I2 = 0.0%). CSs increased the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) by 14% (RR = 1.14, 95% CI, 1.05-1.25; I2 = 0.0%), and CSs alone increased the MI risk 21% (RR = 1.21, 95% CI, 1.08-1.35; I2 = 0.0%).Conclusions: We concluded that calcium intake from dietary sources do not adequately increase the risk of CVD including CHD and stroke, while calcium supplements might raise CHD risk, especially MI.

Phenolic acids and their glycosides from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga dahurica.

Phytochemical study on rhizomes of Cimicifuga dahurica resulted in the isolation of nine new neolignan and phenylpropanoid glycosides, cimicifugasides A-E (1, 2, 7-9), cimicifugamides B-D (3-5), shomaside G (6) along with four known compounds (10-13). Their structures were identified by extensive spectroscopic analyses (1D-, 2D-NMR, MS, CD, IR, UV) and chemical methods. Their anti-inflammatory potentials were evaluated by measuring their effects on PGE2 production of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and compounds 12 and 13 showed moderate anti-inflammatory activities.

An untargeted metabolomics approach reveals further insights of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in high fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), as one bioactive macromolecular abstracted from goji berry, has shown an abundance of potential function. The present study aimed to evaluate the metabolic effects of LBP on the urine and liver metabolomics on a high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. After 8 weeks of high-fat diet and streptozotocin induction of diabetes, 24 diabetic rats were randomly allocated to the diabetic control (DC) group, LBP low, moderate, and high dosage (LBP-L, LBP-M, LBP-H) groups and 6 non-diabetic rats were established as the non-diabetic control (NDC) group for 30 days' intervention. Metabolomics was performed on liver and urine. LBP positively regulated fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin-A1c, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, liver glycogen and SOD levels significantly, as compared to the DC group. Liver metabolomics showed higher levels of myo-inositol and lower levels of L-malic acid, fumaric acid, D-arabitol, L-allothreonine 1, xylitol, O-phosphorylethanolamine, ribitol, 5-methoxytryptamine 2 and digitoxose 2 in the LBP-H group vs. the DC group, which indicates that LBP may regulate the citrate cycle, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. Urine metabolomics showed increased levels of creatinine, D-galacturonic acid 2, 2,3-dihydroxybutyric acid and citric acid, and decreased levels of methylmalonic acid, benzoic acid and xylitol between the LBP-H and DC groups. The present study exhibited the effects of LBP on the urine and liver metabolomics in a high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced rat model, which not only provides a better understanding of the anti-diabetic effects of LBP but also supplies a useful database for further specific mechanism study.

A comparative study of the effects of palm olein, cocoa butter and extra virgin olive oil on lipid profile, including low-density lipoprotein subfractions in young healthy Chinese people.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of palm olein (POL), cocoa butter (CB) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on the lipid profile and low-density lipoprotein subfractions in a young, healthy Chinese population. After screening, 72 subjects were randomly assigned to three groups, and an 18-week randomized crossover trial was conducted. The first phase was a 2-week run-in period, followed by three phases of the 4-week experimental periods with a 2-week washout period between experimental periods. Three groups of subjects alternately consumed a Chinese diet enriched with the different test oils. The various indices of subjects were collected before and after each experimental period. Sixty-seven subjects completed the study, and there were no significant differences in conventional indices amongst the three groups at the beginning of the three experimental periods (p > .05). Each test oil accounted for approximately 40% of total fat intake and approximately 11.3% of the total energy supply. After controlling for dietary interventions, only the serum triglyceride level of the POL-Diet was significantly lower than that of the EVOO-Diet (p = .034), and most indices did not significantly differ amongst the three test oil diets (p > .05). POL, CB and EVOO have almost identical effects on serum lipids.

Investigation and Comparison of Nutritional Supplement Use, Knowledge, and Attitudes in Medical and Non-Medical Students in China.

The objective of this study is to investigate and compare the prevalence, knowledge, and attitudes of Chinese university students with respect to nutritional supplements. We conducted a cross-sectional study in several universities around China from January to December 2017, and enrolled a total of 8752 students. Of these, 4252 were medical students and 4500 were non-medical students. The use of nutritional supplements was reported by 58.9% in universities students, with a higher rate for medical students as compared to non-medical students. It was found 24.2% of participants had taken supplements in the past year. Medical students had a higher level of knowledge on nutritional supplements than non-medical students (p < 0.001). The most commonly used nutritional supplements were vitamin C, calcium, and vitamin B. Gender (p < 0.001), household income (p < 0.001), and health status (p < 0.001) were related to the nutritional supplement use after adjustment for related factors. In conclusion, in China, nutritional supplement use was found to be more common in medical students than those studying other disciplines, and was associated with sex, income, and health status. The attitude towards nutritional supplements by medical students was positive. Students' knowledge levels about nutritional supplements need to be improved.

Mathematical modeling of sign-and-symptom-oriented diagnostic procedure in traditional Chinese medicine based on the analytic hierarchy process: indications of Guizhi Decoction and its varieties in the Shanghanlun.

OBJECTIVE: This study explores the applicability of a multi-attribute decision-making method in assessing Guizhi Decoction (GZD) and its varieties as noted in the Shanghanlun. METHODS: A known multi-attribute decision-making method, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), was adopted to transform the clinical challenge of selecting optional decoction for a given combination of symptoms or signs into multiple criteria decision-making problem. RESULTS: A normative model based on the AHP was realized for indications of GZD and its varieties. The indications of sub-family GZD-f (indications of GZD itself) were exterior illness; the indications of GZD-vf1 (indications of GZD's variants which consist of fine adjustments to the ingredients or content on the basis of GZD) were exterior illness with interior excess, suggesting that GZD-vf1 consisted of most conservative variants of GZD; the indications of both GZD-vf2 (indications of Guizhi Qu Shaoyao Decoction and its derivative variants) and GZD-vf3 (indications of Guizhi Gancao Decoction and its derivative variants) showed evolution from exterior illness to interior deficiency in 2 directions. As to efficacy evaluation of the decoction, GZD and its varieties (restricted to those comparable ones) were of equal efficacy on 3 popular signs or symptoms indicating exterior illness: floating pulse, aversion to wind and spontaneous sweating, which were the common ground of indications for the GZD family. CONCLUSION: Modeling of diagnostic procedure based on the AHP is proved practicable to analyze the clinical judgment system of traditional Chinese medicine. Quantification research on syndrome differentiation and decoction evaluation system focused on signs and symptoms is suggested as a feasible and reliable model.