Effects of Probiotic and Selenium Co-supplementation on Lipid Profile and Glycemia Indices: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The current systematic review and meta-analysis was done to evaluate the effects of selenium and probiotic co-supplementation on lipid profile and glycemia indices of the adult population using randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). RECENT FINDINGS: Five studies involving 282 participants with a sample size ranging from 38 to 79 were eligible to be enrolled in the current study. Co-supplementation with probiotic and selenium reduced fasting plasma glucose (WMD = -4.02 mg/dL; 95% CI: -5.87 to -2.18; P < 0.001), insulin (WMD = -2.50 mIU/mL; 95% CI: -3.11 to -1.90; P < 0.001), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (WMD = -0.59; 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.43; P < 0.001), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (WMD = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.02; P < 0.001), total cholesterol (WMD = -12.75 mg/dL; 95% CI: -19.44 to -6.07; P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = -7.09 mg/dL; 95% CI: -13.45 to -0.73; P = 0.029), and triglyceride (WMD = -14.38 mg/dL; 95% CI: -23.13 to -5.62; P = 0.001). The findings of the current systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that co-supplementation with probiotics and selenium may benefit adults in terms of glycemia indices and lipid profile. However, due to the small number of included studies, further trials are needed to confirm our findings.

The effect and underlying mechanisms of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on glucose homeostasis: A literature review.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) is used extensively as a white pigment in the food industry, personal care, and a variety of products of everyday use. Although TiO2 has been categorized as a bioinert material, recent evidence has demonstrated different toxicity profiles of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and a potential health risk to humans. Studies indicated that titanium dioxide enters the systemic circulation and accumulates in the lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, and central nervous system and may cause oxidative stress and tissue damage in these vital organs. Recently, some studies have raised concerns about the possible detrimental effects of TiO2 NPs on glucose homeostasis. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the methodological issues. This article aims to evaluate current evidence regarding the effects of TiO2 NPs on glucose homeostasis, including possible underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, the limitations of current studies are discussed, which may provide a comprehensive understanding and new perspectives for future studies in this field.

What is the influence of grape products on liver enzymes? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis were aimed to determine the effects of grape products on liver enzymes in adults. METHODS: Databases including PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus were searched up to February 2021. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of grape products on serum concentrations of liver enzymes were included. Data were pooled using the random-effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the summary effect size. RESULTS: Eight RCTs enrolling 291 participants met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. The overall effect illustrated no significant change in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (WMD: - 2.04; 95 % CI: - 5.50 to 1.42; P = 0.24; I2 = 72.5 %), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (WMD: - 1.40; 95 % CI: - 3.80 to 0.99; P = 0.25; I2 = 76.0 %) in intervention group compared with the control group. Subgroup analyses revealed that the effect of grape products on ALT (WMD: - 4.97; 95 % CI: - 8.73 to - 1.21; P = 0.01) and AST (WMD: - 2.89; 95 % CI: - 5.69 to - 0.08; P = 0.04) levels was significant when the intervention period was equal or more than 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: Overall, grape products had no significant effect on liver enzymes in adults. However, due to the low number of included studies, these findings must be interpreted with great caution. Larger, well-designed RCTs are still needed to further evaluate the capacity of the grape products as a complementary treatment to improve liver enzymes.

Assessment of ideal cardiovascular health metrics in refugees, East of Iran.

BACKGROUND: In 2013, there was an estimation of greater than 4.5 million Afghan refugees who had migrated to the least developed countries. Over one million are legally registered in Iran. We assessed the heart health status as described by the American Heart Association (AHA) in the Afghan refugee populace. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was carried out on 1,634 Afghan refugees, including 746 males (45.7%) and 888 females (54.3%), selected through a convenience sampling method in 2016. The American Heart Association's seven cardiovascular health metrics were evaluated to specify the status of heart health in Afghan refugees. Differences with age and sex were analyzed using the χ2 test. RESULTS: Only one (0.1%) participant met the ideal for all seven cardiovascular health metrics. No significant differences were found between women and men in meeting the ideal criteria for more than five cardiovascular health metrics. As age increased, the proportion of refugees who met the ideal for more than five cardiovascular health metrics declined. CONCLUSIONS: Refugees were not meeting the ideal cardiovascular health for some of the assessed metrics. Intervention to improve and monitor heart health in Afghan refugees is needed.