The effects of raspberry consumption on lipid profile and blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Research into the effects of raspberry on blood pressure and lipid profiles is inconclusive. This meta-analysis was aimed to determine whether raspberry has beneficial effects in clinical practice and to what extent these effects are associated with blood pressure and lipid profiles. A systematic literature search up to September 2023 was completed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify eligible RCTs. Heterogeneity tests of the selected trials were performed using the I 2 statistic. Random effects models were evaluated based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as weighted mean differences with a 95% confidence interval. Eleven randomized controlled trials (with 13 arms) were eligible for this meta-analysis. Our findings revealed that Raspberry consumption had no significant effects on the blood pressure and lipid profile markers, including systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD, -0.37 mm Hg; 95%CI: -2.19 to 1.44; p = .68), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD, -2.14 mm Hg; 95%CI: -4.27 to 0.00; p = .05), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD, -6.83 mg/dL; 95%CI: -15.11 to 1.44; p = .10), triglycerides (TG) (WMD, -5.19 mg/dL: 95%CI: -11.76 to 1.37; p = .12), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD, -5.19 mg/dL; 95%CI: -11.58 to 1.18; p = .11), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD, 0.82 mg/dL; 95%CI: -1.67 to 3.32; p = .51), compared to control groups. Subgroup analysis showed that raspberry consumption significantly decreased total cholesterol and LDL-C levels in people with elevated TC levels, metabolic syndrome, and andropause symptoms, as well as those older than 35, while the consumption of raspberries led to a significant increase in HDL-C levels in females, obese, under 35, and healthy individuals. Raspberry can improve lipid profile and blood pressure, but it is important to keep in mind that further research is necessary to fully understand the exact mechanism of action and a definite conclusion in this regard.

The effect of pomegranate juice supplementation on C-reactive protein levels: GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response updated meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials.

Pomegranate juice (PJ) has a possible anti-inflammatory effect because of its polyphenol content and antioxidants. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of PJ in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has not been consistent. A previous meta-analysis conducted in 2016 reported a nonsignificant lowering effect of PJ on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to update the pooled effect size of PJ supplementation on CRP levels in RCT studies. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched until July 2023. Eligible studies were found by screening, their relevant data was extracted, and a risk of bias assessment was performed. The pooled effect size was calculated using a random effect model as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval. This systematic review included 11 studies with 13 effect sizes and 696 participants. Meta-analysis showed that PJ supplementation led to a significant decrease in CRP levels compared to control groups (WMD: -2.55 mg/L; 95%CI: -3.44 to -1.66; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the significant reduction effect of PJ on CRP levels in studies conducted on the both sexes or only females as well as Iranian population, individuals with 40 years≤, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, or trials that intervened with PJ dosage of <250 ml/day. Meta-regression and dose-response analysis reported a nonsignificant linear and nonlinear relationship between intervention characteristics (duration and dose of PJ) and CRP changes. The current meta-analysis revealed that PJ supplemantation has a beneficial effect in improving CRP levels. It is recommended to understand this effect better, and find the optimal dose and duration of PJ supplementation to reduce CRP levels in the blood, and repeat meta-analysis after related RCTs are available. For the final proof of these effects, more detailed human studies are needed.

The effects of silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Owing to the rich phytochemical content of Silymarin, it may effectively manage inflammation and oxidative stress. We, therefore, aimed to examine the existing evidence on the effect of Silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress factors by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. METHODS: A systematic literature search up to September 2023 was completed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify eligible RCTs. Heterogeneity tests of the selected trials were performed using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as weighted mean differences with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Fifteen RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Our findings showed that Silymarin consumption significantly decreased CRP (WMD, - 0.50 mg/L; 95% CI, (- 0.95 to - 0.04); p = 0.03), MDA (WMD, - 1.19 nmol/mL; 95% CI, (- 1.99 to - 0.38); p = 0.004), and IL-6 (WMD, - 0.44 pg/ml; 95% CI, (- 0.75 to - 0.12); p = 0.006). Silymarin consumption had no significant effects on IL-10, TAC, and GSH. A significant non-linear relationship was observed between the duration of the intervention and MDA changes. CONCLUSIONS: Silymarin can help reduce inflammation in patients with diabetes and thalassemia by reducing MDA as an oxidative stress marker and CRP and IL-6 as inflammatory markers.

Prediction of cardiovascular disease risk by serum zinc and copper concentrations and anthropometric measurements.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate the association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and various anthropometric indices, as well as the serum levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), copper-zinc ratio (Cu/Zn ratio) and zinc-copper ratio (Zn/Cu ratio), in a large population sample from northeastern Iranian. METHOD: 9704 individuals aged 35 to 65 were enrolled in the first phase of the study. After a 10-year follow-up, 7560 participants were enrolled into the second phase. The variables used in this study included demographic characteristics, such as gender and age; biochemical parameters including: serum Zn, Cu, Cu/Zn ratio, and Zn/Cu ratio; anthropometric parameters including: waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The relationship between the aforementioned indices and CVD was examined using decision tree (DT) and logistic regression (LR) models. RESULTS: A total of 837 individuals were diagnosed with CVD among the 7560 participants. LR analysis showed that BMI, age, WH zinc-copper ratio (Zn/Cu ratio), and serum Zn/Cu ratio were significantly associated the development of CVD in men, and WHR, age, BMI, serum Cu, and Cu/Zn ratio in women. DT analysis showed that, age was the most important predictor of CVD in both genders. 71% of women, older than 49 years, with a WHR≥ 0.89, serum Cu< 75 (µg/dl), BMI≥ 22.93 (kg/m2), and serum Cu≥ 14 (µg/dl), had the highest risk of CVD. In men, among those who were ≥ 53 years, with a WHR≥ 0.98, serum Zn/Cu ratio< 1.69, and BMI≥ 22.30, had the highest risk of CVD. CONCLUSION: Among Iranian adult population, BMI, age, and WHR were one of the predictors of CVD for both genders. The Zn/Cu ratio was CVD predictor for men while Cu/Zn ratio was CVD predictor for women.

The association of hematological inflammatory markers and psychological function in COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional study.

Mental health disorders are linked to systemic inflammation. Due to high inflammation and mental health disorders in COVID-19 patients, we aimed to investigate the relationship between blood inflammatory markers such as red cell distribution width to platelet ratio (RPR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), red cell distribution width (RDW), white blood cell (WBC), and psychological function in COVID-19 patients. In the current cross-sectional study, neuro-psychological function, and a complete blood count (CBC) were measured on 120 COVID-19 patients aged >30 years from the Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Our results showed that anxiety related to MCHC (mean ± SD: 32.71 ± 1.68, p < 0.05), WBC (mean ± SD: 12.23 ± 5.43, p < 0.05), and PLR (median (IQR): 28.72 (15.88-41.31), p < 0.05) significantly. In the stress subgroup, only RPR was associated with stress (p < 0.05). Linear regression between hematological parameters and psychological score indicated that RDW and PLR had a significantly positive association with depression (ß = 0.086; p = 0.045 and ß = 1.326; p = 0.016, respectively) and anxiety scores (ß = 0.100; p = 0.038 and ß = 1.356; p = 0.010, respectively). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between PLR and stress (ß = 1.102; p = 0.012). This study showed a positive association between depression/anxiety/stress symptoms and levels of hematological inflammatory markers including PLR and RDW. The findings of this study provide novel insights into mental health and physiological markers, underscoring the potential influence of inflammation on mood disorders. Our findings offer exciting prospects for future research and may lead to innovative approaches in the management and treatment of depression, anxiety, and stress.

The effects of low-fat dairy products fortified with 1500 IU vitamin D3 on serum liver function biomarkers in adults with abdominal obesity: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency has been reported to affect liver function biomarkers. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of consuming vitamin D fortified low-fat dairy products on liver function tests in adults with abdominal obesity. METHODS: This total blinded randomized controlled trial was undertaken on otherwise healthy abdominally obese adults living in Mashhad, Iran. Milk and yogurt were fortified with 1500 IU vitamin D3 nano-capsules. Participants were randomized to receive fortified milk (n = 73), plain milk (n = 73), fortified yogurt (n = 69), and plain yogurt (n = 74) for 10 weeks. Blood samples were taken at baseline and at the end of the study to assess serum levels of vitamin D, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Gamma glutamyl transferase. RESULTS: A total of 289 participants completed the study (54% female). The groups were homogenous in terms of age, sex, weight, energy intake, and physical activity level (p-value > 0.05). After the trial, vitamin D serum levels were significantly increased in both groups receiving fortified products (both p < 0.001). There was a significant time*group effect only in serum ALP (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Consumption of dairy products fortified by 1500 IU vitamin D3 might have detrimental effects on serum levels of some liver enzymes in individuals with abdominal obesity. Further studies needed to determine these effects and underlying mechanisms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20101130005280N27 .

The effect of Royal jelly on liver enzymes and glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Royal jelly (RJ) may contribute to glycemic control and liver function through various mechanisms. The present study aimed to quantify the effect of RJ supplementation on these outcomes. METHODS: A literature search of Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed/Medline, was conducted for RCTs investigating the efficacy of RJ on plasma liver enzymes and glycemic indices. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for net changes using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Ten RCTs were selected for inclusion in this meta-analysis. Combined estimate of effect sizes for the impact of RJ on neither the plasma liver enzymes nor the glycemic indices were statistically significant. Subgroup analysis showed a significant reduction of serum FPG in trials with intervention duration ≥ 8 weeks (WMD: -4.28 mg/dl, 95% CI -7.41 to -1.14 mg/dl, p = 0.007), and those conducted in non-healthy populations (WMD: -4.28 mg/dl, 95% CI -7.41 to -1.14, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: RJ does not significantly affect liver function and glycemic profile of adult population. In trials with longer intervention and those conducted in non-healthy populations a significant reduction of serum FBG was observed. This meta-analysis should be repeated in the future, with more primary articles included, in order to provide conclusive results.

Use of data mining approaches to explore the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus with SARS-CoV-2.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Corona virus causes respiratory tract infections in mammals. The latest type of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona-viruses 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Corona virus spread in humans in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and their biochemical and hematological factors with the level of infection with COVID-19 to improve the treatment and management of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study was conducted on a population of 13,170 including 5780 subjects with SARS-COV-2 and 7390 subjects without SARS-COV-2, in the age range of 35-65 years. Also, the associations between biochemical factors, hematological factors, physical activity level (PAL), age, sex, and smoking status were investigated with the COVID-19 infection. RESULT: Data mining techniques such as logistic regression (LR) and decision tree (DT) algorithms were used to analyze the data. The results using the LR model showed that in biochemical factors (Model I) creatine phosphokinase (CPK) (OR: 1.006 CI 95% (1.006,1.007)), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (OR: 1.039 CI 95% (1.033, 1.047)) and in hematological factors (Model II) mean platelet volume (MVP) (OR: 1.546 CI 95% (1.470, 1.628)) were significant factors associated with COVID-19 infection. Using the DT model, CPK, BUN, and MPV were the most important variables. Also, after adjustment for confounding factors, subjects with T2DM had higher risk for COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between CPK, BUN, MPV and T2DM with COVID-19 infection and T2DM appears to be important in the development of COVID-19 infection.

Double blind control trial of vitamin D fortified milk on the expression of lncRNAs and adiponectin for patients with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (Mets) is a common metabolic disorder in which hypoadiponectinemia is one of the consequences for the body caused by inflammation, and vitamin D may help improve inflammatory symptoms. LncRNAs (long non-coding RNA) play several different regulatory roles in the body. The goal of this study was to see how adding vitamin D to milk affected the levels of adiponectin and inflammatory lncRNAs in the serum of people with Mets. METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted on staff and students between the ages of 30 and 50 at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and met the International Diabetes Federation's criteria for Mets. Eighty-two Mets were assigned randomly to one of two groups for ten weeks: fortified milk (FM) with 1500 IU vitamin D or non-fortified milk (NFM). Total RNA was extracted from both frozen clinical samples using Trizol reagent. APQ AS and MALAT1 lncRNA gene expression were measured by Real-Time PCR. RESULTS: Serum adiponectin levels in the FM group increased significantly compared to the NFM group (p = 0.01). Also, the expression of APQ AS and MALAT1 genes decreased after ten weeks, which showed a significant decrease in APQ AS (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: As in FM, vitamin D may have anti-inflammatory effects and increase adiponectin levels in people with Mets via decreasing APQ AS gene expression.

Evaluation of rs1748195 ANGPTL3 gene polymorphism in patients with angiographic coronary artery disease compared to healthy individuals.

SUBJECT: The Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) gene has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular risk. This study is designed to compare the genetic variant (rs1748195) of the ANGPTL3 gene and the presence of a coronary artery occlusion of >50% in Iranian nation. METHOD: In this study, 184 patients underwent angiography and 317 healthy individuals were evaluated for polymorphism of rs1748195 the ANGPTL3 gene using Tetra-ARMs PCR. Coronary patients who experience angiography were categorized into two groups: 54 patients who had an angiography indication for the first time and coronary occlusion was <50% (Angio-) and 134 patients who formerly underwent coronary stent implanting at least 1 month before with coronary occlusion of ≥50% that again have an angiography indication (Angio+). In addition, individuals with angio+ are categorized in two groups: (1) non-in-stent restenosis (NISR); patient with a patent stent (N = 92). (2) in-stent restenosis (ISR); in-stent stenosis >50% (N = 42). RESULT: The fundamental of characteristics of our study design population was categorized based on undergoing angiography or not. In the present study, we investigated that the CC genotype, and also the A allele corresponding to rs1748195 at the ANGPTL3 gene loci, was associated with negative angiogram and directly related to the risk of coronary occlusion >50%. In contrast, this result was not significant in genotypes of ANGPTL3 between non-ISR and ISR groups. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this study showed that rs1748195 polymorphism at the ANGPTL3 gene loci is associated with an elevated risk for the existence of a coronary occlusion of >50%.

Association between Inflammatory Factors, Vitamin D, Long Non-Coding RNAs, MALAT1, and Adiponectin Antisense in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common clustering of cardiovascular risk factors associated with increased inflammation. Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) are involved in many of the body's metabolic activities, including inflammation. Vitamin D may play a vital role in preventing metabolic syndrome risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the status of inflammation and expression of LncRNA and their relationship with serum vitamin D levels in patients with metabolic syndrome. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included staff and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences students between 30 and 50 years old who met the International Diabetes Federation criteria for Mets. Total RNA was extracted from both frozen clinical samples using the Trizol reagent. RESULTS: A total of eighty people were recruited into the two groups, with and without MetS. Inflammatory markers were higher in the individuals in the MetS group, and linear regression showed an inverse association between serum vitamin D and LncRNAs. There was a positive association between inflammatory biomarkers, lipid profiles and Adiponectin Antisense (APQ AS) expression. CONCLUSION: APQ AS and MALAT1 levels are positively associated with inflammatory biomarkers and inverse relation between MALAT1 and serum 25 (OH) D concentration.

Long non-coding RNAs: a valuable biomarker for metabolic syndrome.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have become important regulators of gene expression because they affect a wide range of biological processes, such as cell growth, death, differentiation, and aging. More and more evidence suggests that lncRNAs play a role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. When certain lncRNAs are out of balance, metabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease get worse. In this review, we talk about what we know about how lncRNAs control metabolism, with a focus on diseases caused by long-term inflammation and the characteristics of the metabolic syndrome. We looked at lncRNAs and their molecular targets in the pathogenesis of signaling pathways. We also talked about how lncRNAs are becoming more and more interesting as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for improving metabolic homeostasis.

Association between dietary patterns and body composition in normal-weight subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Background and aims: The development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been proposed to be related to dietary pattern and body compostion indexes. Diet is one of the most important lifestyle-related factors which may regulate the inflammatory process. Numerous individual foods and dietary patterns can have a valuable health effect that is associated with their anti-inflammatory properties. Here we aimed to investigate the association between body composition indexes and dietary patterns in individuals with metabolic syndrome who were nnormal for weight. Methods and materials: Normal weight subjects with MetS were recruited as part of Survey of Ultraviolet Intake by Nutritional Approach (SUVINA). A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to determine dietary patterns that were: low-, or high in antioxidant; dietary inflammation index (DII) and health eating index (HEI) were also determined. Body composition indexes including basal metabolic rate (BMR), body free fat mass (BFFM), body fat mass (BFM), body fat percentage (BFP), trunk fat and total body water (TBW) were measured using a InBody body composition analyser. A P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total 77 individuals including 29 males and 48 females were recruited into the study. A high-antioxidant dietary pattern was significantly correlated with BMR (p = 0.002), BFFM (p = 0.007) and TBW (p = 0.002). There was no significant relationship between body compostion with a low-antioxidant dietary pattern, DII and HEI. After adjusting for age and sex, our findings showed that a high-antioxidant dietary pattern were independently associated with BMR, BFFM and TBW. Conclusion: A high-antioxidant dietary pattern was independently associated with decreased BMR, BFFM and TBW, while no association was found between body composition indexes and DII and HEI in normal weight paticipants with MetS.

The effect of nigella sativa supplementation on cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the metabolic disturbances associated with liver cell inflammation. Nigella sativa (N.sativa) is a widely used medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hepato-protective properties. This study aimed to assess the effect of supplementation of N. sativa oil on plasma levels of adiponectin, leptin, and blood pressure (BP) in patients diagnosed with NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 44 NAFLD patients. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 22/group); the experimental group received 1000 mg of N. sativa oil per day, while the control group received a placebo for eight weeks. The primary outcome measures were serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured at the baseline and the end of the intervention. RESULTS: After eight weeks of supplementation with N. sativa oil, no statistically significant differences were found in serum levels of adiponectin (p = 0.40), leptin (p = 0.89), systolic BP (p = 0.13), and diastolic BP (p = 0.09) between the two groups. Furthermore, after supplementation with N. sativa, no significant changes were observed in leptin (p = 0.07), adiponectin (p = 0.13), systolic BP (p = 0.82), and diastolic BP (p = 0.38) within the two groups. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that administration of N. sativa oil 1000 mg/day for 8 weeks has no favorable effect on cardiometabolic measures in NAFLD patients. Further studies with higher dosage over a longer period are needed to investigate whether this effect is dose- and time-dependent.

Does propolis have any effect on rheumatoid arthritis? A review study.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in its pathophysiology. Complementary therapies along with medications may be effective in the control of RA. Propolis is a natural substance extracted from beehives, which have confirmed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study aimed to review the possible effects of propolis on inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid profile in patients with RA. English articles in online databases such as PubMed­Medline, AMED, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched. Pieces of evidence show that supplementation with propolis may have therapeutic effects on RA patients. Due to increased inflammation and oxidative stress in the affected joints of RA patients, propolis could inhibit the inflammatory cascades by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B pathway and reducing reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-17 by increasing some antioxidants. Therefore, inflammation and pain reduce, helping improve and control RA in patients. Further investigations are required with larger sample sizes and different doses of propolis to demonstrate the definite effects of propolis on various aspects of RA.

Efficacy of low-fat milk and yogurt fortified with vitamin D3 on systemic inflammation in adults with abdominal obesity.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is increasing globally and is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disease, and cardiovascular disease. Vit D deficiency is also associated with increased systemic inflammation. The current study aimed to determine the efficacy of low-fat milk and yogurt fortified with 1500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D, on systemic inflammation in abdominal obese participants. METHOD: This multi-center study was conducted using a 2.5-month parallel total-blind randomized clinical trial design. Two hundred and eighty nine subjects were allocated to four groups: low-fat milk fortified by 1500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D3 (200 mL/day). Simple milk (200 mL/day), low-fat yogurt fortified by 1500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D3 (150 g/day), and simple yogurt (150 g/day). RESULTS: The results showed that serum levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) were significantly lower before and after the intervention in fortified dairy groups. The results showed that serum levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, and RDW before and after intervention in the fortified dairy groups were significantly lower (p < 0.05). The values of = neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelets to lymphocyte ratio, and RDW to platelets ratio (RPR) reduced significantly in the fortification group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fortification with nano-encapsulated vitamin D3 of dairy products may decrease inflammation in individuals with abdominal obesity.

The effect of vitamin D fortified products on anthropometric indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The reported effects of vitamin D on anthropometric indices have been inconsistent. This meta-analysis was conducted in order to assess the impact of vitamin D fortified food on weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and waist to hip ratio (WHR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were searched up to the end of 2019. We selected only randomized controlled trials in which vitamin D fortified food was used as the intervention, and a regular diet was used in the control group. RESULTS: Vitamin D fortified products appeared to have a significant effect on WC (MD: -1.283; 95% CI,-1.892 to -0.674) and WHR (MD: -0.020; 95%CI: -0.035 to -0.004). CONCLUSION: This meta-an-alysis showed that whilst a diet containing vitamin D fortified foods does not reduce body weight or BMI, it has beneficial effect on WHR and WC.

A genetic variant in the cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily R member 1 determines response to vitamin D supplementation.

BACKGROUND: Globally, about 1 billion people have inadequate levels of serum vitamin D and it is prevalent in all ethnicities and age groups. Few foods naturally contain sufficient vitamin D; therefore, most people get their requirements through supplementation. Hence vitamin D status is affected by genetic and environmental determinants including season of measurement, diet habitual, health status, body mass index and concurrent medication. Further studies are necessary to understand how genetic variation influences vitamin D metabolism. We aimed to explore the association between a potential vitamin D-related polymorphism (the rs10766197 polymorphism in the CYP2R1 gene) with the response to supplementation of vitamin D in 253 healthy Iranian girls. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 253 healthy subjects received 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 weekly for 9 weeks. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations and metabolic profiles were measured at baseline and after 9 weeks of supplementation. The genotypes of the CYP2R1 variant (rs10766197) were identified using TaqMan genotyping assays. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D during the supplementation, increased in all individuals. Subjects with a AA major genotype at this locus had higher vitamin D concentrations after intervention (Changes (%) 448.4% ± 425% in AA vs 382.7% ± 301% in GG). This genetic variant modulated the response to supplementation (p < 0.001 and p-value SNP = 0.05). Regression analysis showed that the probability of affecting serum 25(OH)D, in individuals who had homozygous major allele GG was two-fold higher than carriers of the uncommon allele A (OR = 2.1 (1-4.2); p = 0.03). Interestingly, the Hs-CRP was reduced in AA carries while was elevated in individuals with GG and AG genotypes, after high-dose vitamin D supplementation. CONCLUSION: Changes in serum vitamin D and metabolic profile following high dose supplementation with vitamin D were associated with CYP2R1 polymorphism. Although carriers of the common G allele showed a greater response in the serum vitamin D.

The effect of Nigella sativa oil on serum levels of inflammatory markers, liver enzymes, lipid profile, insulin and fasting blood sugar in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the metabolic disturbances associated with inflammation. Nigella sativa (NS) seed oil has different chemical compounds including Thymoquinone (TQ), unsaturated fatty acids, and flavonoids. NSs are used as anti-inflammatory and antioxidants in medical sciences. This study aimed to investigate the effect of NS oil on several parameters in serum levels of patients with NAFLD. METHODS: Forty-four patients diagnosed with NAFLD participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups; one receiving NS oil and the other receiving placebo (paraffin oil), for 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken from the patients at the beginning and the end of the study. Afterwards, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and GGT), inflammatory markers (Hs-CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6), insulin, lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDL, LDL-C, and HDL-C), FBS, and blood pressure were measured. RESULTS: Consumption of NS seed oil as supplement decreased the FBS level, lipid profiles (TG, TC, LDL, VLDL), liver enzymes (AST and ALT), hs-CRP inflammatory marker, IL-6, TNF-α, while it increased the HDL-C levels, compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05). Receiving NS oil had no significant effect on serum levels of insulin, blood pressure, and GGT in comparison with the beginning of the study (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: NS seed oil supplements may decrease the liver enzymes and lipid profiles in the patients with NAFLD and play a protective role in the liver via reducing the inflammation in this group of patients.