Effects of weight change on taste function; a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this review is to evaluate the relationship between weight status and taste perception and preference of sweet, salt, fat, bitter, and sour through reviewing observational and interventional studies with objective methods. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed in 6 online databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar up to October 2021. The following keywords were used in the search strategy: (Taste OR "Taste Perception" OR "Taste Threshold" OR "Taste preference" OR "Taste sensitivity" OR "Taste changes") AND (weight OR "Weight gain" OR "weight loss" OR "weight change"). RESULTS: Most observational studies indicate that four taste sensitivities or perceptions (especially sweet and salt taste perception) are lower in subjects with overweight and obesity. The longitudinal studies reported that sweet and fat preference is increased along with weight gain in adults. It is concluded that taste perceptions are decreased in individuals with overweight and obesity, especially in men. Also, taste perception and preference change after weight loss but not significantly. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the results of the interventional studies are not conclusive and need further studies with the same and standard design adjusting cofounding variables including genetic, gender, age and food condition of subjects.

Testing the Effects of Cinnamon Extract Supplementation on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Induced by Acrylamide.

We investigated the effects of cinnamon water extract supplementation on inflammation and oxidative stress induced by acrylamide in rats. This revealed acrylamide-intoxicated control group had significant higher levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), leptin and alanine transaminase, and lower levels of total antioxidant capacity compared to the negative control group. In contrast, cinnamon extract administration remedied the levels of total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, hs-CRP, and leptin in the treatment groups. However, there was no significant effect on adiponectin or liver enzymes. This chapter presents a protocol involving production of the acrylamide-induced oxidative stress model, the aqueous extraction of cinnamon powder, and measurement of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.

The effects of zinc supplementation on metabolic profile and oxidative stress in overweight/obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence indicates the positive effects of zinc on insulin resistance and oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome or diabetes. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the main hepatic manifestation of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The present study is the first clinical trial that evaluated the effects of zinc supplementation on metabolic and oxidative stress status in overweight/obese patients with NAFLD undergoing calorie- restriction diet. METHODS: Fifty six overweight/obese patients with confirmed mild to moderate NAFLD using ultrasonography were randomly allocated to receive 30 mg elemental zinc supplement (n = 29) or placebo (n = 27) along with weight loss diet for 12 weeks. Serum levels of zinc, homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, serum superoxide dismutas1 (SOD1) and malondialdhyde (MDA) levels were assessed. RESULTS: Serum levels of insulin, SOD1, MDA and HOMA-IR were improved in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Within group comparison showed significant reduction in serum FBS, HbA1C, TC, LDL-c and TG in the treatment group. CONCLUSION: Zinc supplementation for three months improved insulin resistance and oxidative stress status in overweight/obese NAFLD patients with no beneficial effects on lipid profiles over weight loss diet. Registration ID in IRCT (IRCT NO: 20181005041238N1).

Cinnamon extract supplementation improves inflammation and oxidative stress induced by acrylamide: An experimental animal study.

OBJECTIVE: Toxic effects of acrylamide on body organs incline researches to prevent or decrease these effects. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of cinnamon extract (CE) supplementation on inflammation and oxidative stress induced by acrylamide in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty two rats were divided into four groups as follow 1) The control group received distilled water, 2) Acrylamide- intoxicated group was administrated with 35 ml/kg/day acrylamide for two weeks, 3) Acrylamide- intoxicated rats treated with CE 250 mg/kg/day for 28 days, and 4) Acrylamide- intoxicated rats treated with CE 500 mg/kg day for 28 days. Fasting blood sample was obtained for subsequent analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that acrylamide- intoxicated group had significantly higher levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor alpha, high sensitive C reactive protein, leptin and alanine transaminase (p<0.05 to p<0.01) and lower levels of total antioxidant capacity compared to the control group; whereas, cinnamon extract administration remedied levels of total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor alpha, high sensitive C reactive protein and leptin in the treatment groups, but it did not have a significant effect on adiponectin and liver enzymes (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that cinnamon extract may potentially be effective as a dietary source of bioactive compounds for managing acrylamide intoxication.

The Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Steatosis Severity and Liver Function Enzymes in Overweight/Obese Patients with Mild to Moderate Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Following Calorie-Restricted Diet: a Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

The role of zinc is known in balancing the oxidant/antioxidant system and also in improving insulin resistance in many diseases. Recently, in vivo and in vitro studies revealed roles of zinc on lipophagy and suppressing hepatic lipid deposition. The present study is the first double-blind randomized clinical trial that investigated the effect of zinc supplement on clinical manifestations and anthropometric parameters of overweight/obese non-alcoholic fatty liver patients following calorie-restricted diet. Fifty-six overweight/obese subjects with confirmed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using ultrasonography were randomized to treatment (calorie-restricted diet plus 30 mg/day zinc supplement) or placebo (calorie-restricted diet and placebo) groups. Serum liver enzymes and liver steatosis were measured at the baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention. Anthropometric measurements and food recalls were collected at the beginning, weeks 6 and 12. Zinc supplementation significantly elevated serum zinc concentrations in the treatment group (p < 0.001). Treatment also reduced alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase enzymes in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Waist circumference was also significantly lowered in the zinc group (p < 0.05). Liver steatosis and fatty liver index changes were not significant between the groups. Overall, beneficial effects of zinc supplementation were shown on serum levels of zinc and liver enzymes in overweight/obese NAFLD patients.

Effect of fenugreek extract supplement on testosterone levels in male: A meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Different types of glycosides extract of fenugreek have shown androgenic and anabolic effect in male. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of fenugreek extract on total testosterone levels in male. Medline via PubMed, Scopus databases, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to November 2018 for randomized clinical trials comparing intake of fenugreek extract with control group. Data on change in serum total testosterone were pooled using random-effects models. A total of four trials were included. Fenugreek extract has a significant effect on total serum testosterone. Results from clinical trials suggest that fenugreek extract supplement has an effect on serum total testosterone levels in male.