The effect of cinnamon consumption on lipid profile, oxidative stress, and inflammation biomarkers in adults: An umbrella meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

AIMS: Cinnamon is a polyphenol-rich spice that has beneficial effects on markers of cardio metabolic health such as lipid profile, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Despite the accumulating evidence from meta-analyses on the effects of cinnamon on these markers, their findings are controversial. Thus, this umbrella meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the present evidence and provide a conclusive clarification. DATA SYNTHESIS: We searched the following international databases from inception to January 2022: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase, and Google Scholar. Our findings of eleven meta-analyses showed that cinnamon consumption can significantly improve total cholesterol (TC) (WMD = -1.01 mg/dL; 95% CI: -2.02, -0.00, p = 0.049), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD = -0.82 mg/dL; 95% CI: -1.57, -0.07, p = 0.032), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD = 0.47 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.77, p = 0.002) levels but not triglyceride (TG) levels (WMD = -0.13 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.58, 0.32, p = 0.570). Our results did not show any significant effect of cinnamon on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (WMD = -0.47; 95% CI: -0.99, 0.05, p = 0.078) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (WMD = -1.33; 95% CI: -2.66, 0.00, p = 0.051) but there was enhanced total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (WMD = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.64, p = 0.026) and increased levels of interleukin-6 (WMD = -1.48; 95% CI: -2.96, -0.01, p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the usefulness of cinnamon intake in modulating an imbalanced lipid profile in some metabolic disorders, particularly PCOS, as well as in improving TAC and interleukin-6. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO as CRD42022358827.

Probiotic therapy, a novel and efficient adjuvant approach to improve glycemic status: An umbrella meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics exert several promoting effects on the glycemic status, however, the results of meta-analyses are inconsistent. we conducted an umbrella meta-analysis, across existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials to determine the definite effects of supplementation with probiotics on glycemic indices. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic search of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science was carried out till August 2021. The random-effects model was employed to conduct meta-analysis. Meta-analysis studies of randomized clinical trials examining the impacts of probiotics supplementation on glycemic indices were qualified in the current umbrella meta-analysis. RESULTS: 48 articles out of 693 in the literature search qualified for inclusion in the umbrella meta-analysis. Pooled effects of probiotics on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and insulin levels were reported in articles 45, 21, 35, and 33, respectively. The analysis indicated a significant decrease of FPG (ES= -0.51 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.63, -0.38, p < 0.001), HbA1c (ES = -0.32 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.44, -0.20, p < 0.001), HOMA-IR (ES= -0.56; 95% CI: -0.66, -0.47, p < 0.001), and insulin levels (ES= -1.09 IU/mL; 95% CI: -1.37, -0.81, p = 0.006) by probiotics supplementation. CONCLUSION: Probiotics have amending effects on FPG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and insulin levels. A < 8-week period of probiotic supplementation in the moderate dosages (108 or 109 CFU) is an efficacious approach in improving glycemic parameters. Overall, probiotics could be recommended as an adjuvant anti-hyperglycemic agent.

The effects of date seed (Phoenix dactylifera) supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress and aerobic and anaerobic performance following high-intensity interval training sessions: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an efficient method to improve vascular function, maximal oxygen consumption, and muscle mitochondrial capacity. However, acute HIIT overstresses the oxidative system and causes muscle soreness and damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of date seeds on exercise-induced oxidative stress and aerobic and anaerobic performance following HIIT sessions. Thirty-six physically active men and women aged 18-35 years were assigned to take 26 g/d of date seed powder (DSP, n 18) or wheat bran powder (placebo, n 18) before and after HIIT workouts for 14 d. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), uric acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-iso-PGF2α were determined at baseline, at the end of the intervention, and 24-h post-intervention. We used the Cooper and running-based anaerobic sprint test to assess aerobic and anaerobic performance at the study's beginning and end. Independent-samples Student's t tests, ANCOVA and repeated-measures ANOVA were used to compare the quantitative variables. Positive changes were observed in TAC, TOS, OSI, GPx, MDA and visual analogue scale after intervention and at 24-h post-exercise (P < 0·05). Likewise, peak power and fatigue index were significantly improved in DSP in comparison with the placebo group. Levels of SOD, uric acid, 8-iso-PGF2α, VO2 max and average power were not changed after training. Our results showed that date seed supplementation in active participants performing HIIT bouts ameliorated oxidative stress and improved performance parameters.

Improvement of sleep by resistant dextrin prebiotic in type 2 diabetic women coincides with attenuation of metabolic endotoxemia: involvement of gut-brain axis.

BACKGROUND: Resistant dextrin, as a prebiotic and functional food, may possess favorable effects in type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted to assess whether supplementation with resistant dextrin can improve sleep and quality of life in obese type 2 diabetic women. RESULTS: In this randomized controlled trial, female obese type 2 diabetic patients (n = 76) were randomly assigned into intervention group (n = 38) and placebo group (n = 38), and received 10 g day-1 of resistant dextrin or maltodextrin for a period of 8 weeks, respectively. Sleep quality and quality of life (QOL) were assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and SF-36 health survey, respectively. Fasting blood samples were driven to measure serum bacterial endotoxin, fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory biomarkers (IL-18, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α), and biomarkers of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function [tryptophan (TRP), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), kynurenine (KYN), cortisol]. Supplementation with resistant dextrin improved sleep (P < 0.001) and QOL (P < 0.001) significantly. It also caused a significant decrease in levels of endotoxin, HbA1c, IL-18, IL-6, TNF-α and a significant increase in IL-10 levels. Significant and positive correlations were found between endotoxin (r = 0.488, P = 0.003), IL-6 (r = 0.436, P = 0.008), IL-18 (r = 0.475, P = 0.003), cortisol (r = 0.545, P = 0.048), KYN/TRP (r = 0.527, P = 0.001), and PSQI scores. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that resistant dextrin improves sleep and QOL in obese women with type 2 diabetes. Its beneficial effects may be attributed in part to modulation of glycemia, metabolic endotoxemia and subsequently a decrease in biomarkers of inflammation and HPA axis activity. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Rare Case of Peripheral Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm and Cavitating Pneumonia in a Patient with COVID-19 Managed with an Endovascular Method.

Peripheral pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA), being a rare condition, is considered extremely rare following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We present a 58-year-old male who presented with fever, malaise, and dry cough. SARS-CoV-RNA transcription-mediated amplification test was positive for the patient. After 2 days, he developed hemoptysis and back pain, and a CT scan revealed a pulmonary aneurysm, evidence of alveolar hemorrhage, and Necrotizing pneumonia. He was scheduled for pulmonary artery angiography. The angiography confirmed a fusiform aneurysm and partial coiling of the aneurysmal sac, and indoor and backdoor embolization was performed. In the follow-up, a CT scan showed complete thrombosis of the aneurysmal sac, and the patient was free of symptoms. Peripheral PAAs can show a variety of symptoms. They can even be asymptomatic. The infectious pathologies of this condition are less common than the other. COVID-19 is an extremely rare pathology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of necrotizing pneumonia and peripheral PPA in an adult. Moreover, it was followed by COVID-19. A vital takeaway note for physicians is to consider PAAs as a complication when treating COVID-19 patients who don't show signs of improvement or even show signs of exacerbation.

Efficacy of the omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers: An umbrella meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Existing meta-analyses on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their anti-inflammatory effects have reported uncertain findings. The current umbrella meta-analysis aimed to assess the findings of multiple meta-analyses on the efficacy of n-3 PUFAs on inflammatory biomarkers in adults with different health conditions. METHODS: Using suitable keywords, articles published until December 2021 were searched in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Meta-analyses investigating the impact of supplementation of n-3 PUFAs on inflammatory biomarkers in adults were included. We performed this meta-analysis using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Overall, 32 meta-analyses were qualified in this umbrella meta-analysis. Our findings demonstrated that the n-3 PUFA supplementation significantly reduced serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (ES = -0.40; 95 % CI: -0.56, -0.24, p < 0.001; I2 = 89.5 %, p < 0.001), Tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) (ES = -0.23; 95 % CI: -0.37, -0.08, p = 0.002; I2 = 60.1 %, p < 0.001), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentrations (ES = -0.22; 95 % CI: -0.39, -0.05, p = 0.010; I2 = 66.2 %, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The current umbrella meta-analysis found that supplementation of n-3 PUFAs in adults can improve CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 concentrations under various health conditions. n-3 PUFAs can be recommended as adjuvant anti-inflammatory agents.

Validation Study on the Simultaneous Quantitation of Multiple Wine Aroma Compounds with Static Headspace-Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry.

A new quantitative method based on static headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (SHS-GC-IMS) is proposed, which enables the simultaneous quantitation of multiple aroma compounds in wine. The method was first evaluated for its stability and the necessity of using internal standards as a quality control measure. The two major hurdles in applying GC-IMS in quantitation studies, namely, nonlinearity and multiple ion species, were also investigated using the Boltzmann function and generalized additive model (GAM) as potential solutions. Metrics characterizing the model performance, including root mean squared error, bias, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, repeatability, reproducibility, and recovery, were investigated. Both nonlinear fitting methods, Boltzmann function and GAM, were able to return desirable analytical outcomes with an acceptable range of error. Potential pitfalls that would cause inaccurate quantitation, that is, effects of ethanol content and competitive ionization, were also discussed. The performance of the SHS-GC-IMS method was subsequently compared against that of a currently established method, namely, GC-MS, using commercial wine samples. These findings provide an initial validation of a GC-IMS-based quantitation method, as well as a starting point for further enhancing the analytical scope of GC-IMS.

A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of resistant dextrin, as functional food, in women with type 2 diabetes: Targeting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and immune system.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this trial was to determine the efficacy of a resistant dextrin on immune-mediated inflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Females (n = 55) with T2DM were randomly allocated into intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 25), in which they received 10 g/d of Nutriose®06 (a resistant dextrin) or maltodextrin for 8 weeks, respectively. Fasting blood samples were taken to measure immune system related parameters like white blood cell count, CD4, CD8, interferon-γ (IFNγ), interleukins (IL12, IL4, IL10), cortisol, tryptophan (TRP), ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone), Kynurenine (KYN) and plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at the beginning and end of trial. Mental health was assessed using general health questionnaire (GHQ) and depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS). RESULTS: Resistant dextrin caused a significant decrease in levels of cortisol, KYN, KYN/TRP ratio, IFNγ, IL12, IFNγ/IL10 ratio, LPS, and a significant increase in the monocyte, GHQ, DASS, CD8, IL10, IL4 in the intervention group as compared with baseline. A significant decrease in the level of LPS (-6.20 EU/mL, -17.8%), IFNγ (-0.6 pg/ml, -26.8%), cortisol (-2.6 µg/dl, -20.9%), IFNγ/IL10 ratio (0.01, 10%), GHQ (-5.1, -12.5%), DASS (-10.4, -38.4%), KYN/TRP ratio (6.8, 29.1%), and a significant increase in levels of CD8 (6.4%, 6.1%) and IL10 (2.6 pg/ml, 21.6%) in the intervention group as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in white blood cell count, CD4, CD4/CD8 ratio, ACTH, KYN, TRP, IL4 and IL12 in the intervention group as compared with the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Supplementation of Nutriose®06 may have beneficial effects on mental health and the immune system response in women with T2DM.

Is there any place for resistant starch, as alimentary prebiotic, for patients with type 2 diabetes?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine effects of Resistant Starch (RS2) on metabolic parameters and inflammation in women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 60 females with T2DM were divided into intervention (n = 28) and placebo groups (n = 32). They received 10 g/d RS2 or placebo for 8 weeks, respectively. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured at baseline and at the end of the trial. Paired t test, unpaired t-test and ANCOVA were used to compare the quantitative variables. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 13.0. RESULTS: RS2 decreased HbA1c (-0.3%, -3.6%), TNF-α (-3.4 pg/mL, -18.9%), triglyceride (-33.4 mg/dL, -15.4%), and it increased HDL-c (+9.4 mg/dL, +24.6%) significantly compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). Changes in FBS, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, hs-CRP and IL-6 were not significant in the RS2 group compared with the control group. RS2 can improve glycemic status, inflammatory markers and lipid profile in women with T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: Although findings of the present study indicated positive effects of RS2 on inflammation and metabolic parameters, more studies are needed to confirm efficacy of RS2 as an adjunct therapy in diabetes.

Hypoglycemic effects of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) autolysates.

Fat, alkaloid and polyphenol contents of two clones of cocoa (UIT1 and PBC 140) were removed and the remaining powder was autolyzed at pH 3.5 and 5.2. Based on the results, autolysates of UIT produced at pH 3.5 exhibited the highest ability to inhibit α-amylase activity. However, no α-glucosidase inhibition activity was observed under the conditions specified. Autolysates produced under pH 3.5 caused the highest amount of insulin secretion. In streptozotocin-diabetic rats, all cocoa autolysates significantly decreased blood glucose at 4h. To assure that the results from the assays were not due to the polyphenols of cocoa autolysates qualitative and quantitative tests were applied. According to their results cocoa autolysates were found to be free from polyphenols. Analysis of amino acid composition revealed that cocoa autolysates were abundant in hydrophobic amino acids. It can be suggested that besides other compounds of cocoa, its peptides and amino acids could contribute to its health benefits.

Antioxidative peptides from food proteins: a review.

Bioactive peptides, as products of hydrolysis of diverse food proteins, are the focus of current research. They exert various biological roles, one of the most crucial of which is the antioxidant activity. Reverse relationship between antioxidant intake and diseases has been approved through plenty of studies. Antioxidant activity of bioactive peptides can be attributed to their radical scavenging, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and metal ion chelation properties of peptides. It also has been proposed that peptide structure and its amino acid sequence can affect its antioxidative properties. This paper reviews bioactive peptides from food sources concerning their antioxidant activities. Additionally, specific characteristics of antioxidative bioactive peptides, enzymatic production, methods to evaluate antioxidant capacity, bioavailability, and safety concerns of peptides are reviewed.