Unraveling atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors through conditional probability analysis with Bayesian networks: insights from the AZAR cohort study.

This study aimed at modelling the underlying predictor of ASCVD through the Bayesian network (BN). Data for the AZAR Cohort Study, which evaluated 500 healthcare providers in Iran, was collected through examinations, and blood samples. Two BNs were used to explore a suitable causal model for analysing the underlying predictor of ASCVD; Bayesian search through an algorithmic approach and knowledge-based BNs. Results showed significant differences in ASCVD risk factors across background variables' levels. The diagnostic indices showed better performance for the knowledge-based BN (Area under ROC curve (AUC) = 0.78, Accuracy = 76.6, Sensitivity = 62.5, Negative predictive value (NPV) = 96.0, Negative Likelihood Ratio (LR-) = 0.48) compared to Bayesian search (AUC = 0.76, Accuracy = 72.4, Sensitivity = 17.5, NPV = 93.2, LR- = 0.83). In addition, we decided on knowledge-based BN because of the interpretability of the relationships. Based on this BN, being male (conditional probability = 63.7), age over 45 (36.3), overweight (51.5), Mets (23.8), diabetes (8.3), smoking (10.6), hypertension (12.1), high T-C (28.5), high LDL-C (23.9), FBS (12.1), and TG (25.9) levels were associated with higher ASCVD risk. Low and normal HDL-C levels also had higher ASCVD risk (35.3 and 37.4), while high HDL-C levels had lower risk (27.3). In conclusion, BN demonstrated that ASCVD was significantly associated with certain risk factors including being older and overweight male, having a history of Mets, diabetes, hypertension, having high levels of T-C, LDL-C, FBS, and TG, but Low and normal HDL-C and being a smoker. The study may provide valuable insights for developing effective prevention strategies for ASCVD in Iran.

Effects of oleoylethanolamide supplementation on the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes and serum NRG4 levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of oleoylethanolamide (OEA) supplementation on the expression levels of SIRT1, AMPK, PGC-1α, PPAR-γ, CEBP-α and CEBP-ß genes and serum neuregulin 4 (NRG4) levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). METHODS: Sixty obese patients with NAFLD were equally allocated into either OEA or placebo group for 12 weeks. The mRNA expression levels of genes were determined using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Serum NRG4 level was also assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. RESULTS: At the endpoint, mRNA expression levels of SIRT1(p = 0.001), PGC-1α (p = 0.011) and AMPK (p = 0.019) were significantly higher in the OEA group compared to placebo group. However, no significant differences were observed in the expression levels of PPAR-γ, CEBP-α and CEBP-ß between the two groups. Serum NRG4 levels significantly increased in the OEA group compared with the placebo group after controlling for confounders (p = 0.027). In the OEA group, significant relationships were found between percent of changes in the expression levels of the SIRT1, AMPK and PGC-1α as well as serum NRG4 level with percent of changes in some anthropometric measures. Moreover, in the intervention group, percent of changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was positively correlated with percent of changes in the expression levels of the SIRT1 and AMPK. While, percent of changes in triglyceride was inversely correlated with percent of changes in the expression levels of SIRT1. CONCLUSION: OEA could beneficially affect expression levels of some lipid metabolism-related genes and serum NRG4 level. "REGISTERED UNDER IRANIAN REGISTRY OF CLINICAL TRIALS IDENTIFIER NO: IRCT20090609002017N32".

Novel Aortic Valve Replacement Technique for Reducing Complete Heart Block.

Background: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) may complicate conduction abnormalities and require permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation. New techniques that lessen this challenge may lead to the development of new approaches. Our objective was to evaluate the contemporary incidence of early postoperative PPM implantation in patients undergoing isolated AVR and root disease with the standard AVR surgical technique compared with the novel suture AVR technique. Methods: The clinical data of 354 patients (250 male, 104 female) who underwent surgery for isolated AVR and root disease in different referral cardiology departments in Tabriz, Iran, over 4 years were analyzed. Patients with preoperative significant conduction abnormalities were excluded from the study. The patients were evaluated for in-hospital mortality, postoperative PPM implantation, and their stay in the ICU after surgery. Results: The mean age of the patients was 52.46±16.13 years. Totally, 183 patients (51.7%) were operated on with the new suture AVR technique. In-hospital mortality was lower in this group than in the group that underwent the "classic" surgical technique (2.5% vs 3.7%). PPM implantation was required in 3 patients (0.8%) after the novel suture AVR technique, whereas it was needed in 12 patients (3.4%) in the other group (P=0.024). The mortality rate was 9 patients (2.5%) in group 1 and 13 patients (3.7%) in group 2, which was not statistically significant (P=0.296). According to the logistic regression, the survival rate in the group operated on with the classical surgical method was 0.27 times higher than that in the patients operated on with the new method. Conclusion: Permanent complete AV block is a critical complication after AVR surgery. A lower PPM requirement and higher survival in patients operated on with the new method was the main finding of this study. New techniques with lower PPM requirements may be suitable for cardiac surgery.

Human cardiac organoids: A recent revolution in disease modeling and regenerative medicine.

Three-dimensional (3D) myocardial tissues for studying human heart biology, physiology and pharmacology have recently received lots of attention. Organoids as 3D mini-organs are created from multiple cell types (i.e. induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or embryonic stem cells (ESCs)) with other supporting co-cultured cells such as endothelial cells or fibroblasts. Cardiac organoid culture technologies are bringing about significant advances in organ research and allows for the establishment of tissue regeneration and disease modeling. The present review provides an overview of the recent advances in human cardiac organoid platforms in disease biology and for cardiovascular regenerative medicine.

The effect of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid profile in adults: an umbrella meta-analysis on interventional meta-analyses.

Introduction: Previous meta-analyses investigating the therapeutic effects of L-carnitine on lipid profiles have demonstrated inconsistent results. The present umbrella meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of efficacy of L-carnitine on lipid profiles in adults. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to June 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Results: Our results from thirteen meta-analyses indicated that L-carnitine supplementation significantly total cholesterol (TC) (ES = -1.05 mg/dL, 95% CI: -1.71, -0.39; p = 0.002), triglycerides (TG) (ES = -2.51 mg/dL; 95% CI: -3.62, -1.39, p < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (ES = -4.81 mg/dL; 95% CI: -6.04, -3.59; p < 0.001). It also increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (ES: 0.66 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.20, 1.12, p = 0.005) levels. Conclusion: The present umbrella meta-analysis suggests supplementation with L-carnitine in a dosage of more than 2 g/day can improve lipid profile. Thus, L-carnitine supplementation can be recommended as an adjuvant anti-hyperlipidemic agent.

The effects of sodium butyrate supplementation on the expression levels of PGC-1α, PPARα, and UCP-1 genes, serum level of GLP-1, metabolic parameters, and anthropometric indices in obese individuals on weight loss diet: a study protocol for a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a multifaceted disease characterized by an abnormal accumulation of adipose tissue. Growing evidence has proposed microbiota-derived metabolites as a potential factor in the pathophysiology of obesity and related metabolic conditions over the last decade. As one of the essential metabolites, butyrate affects several host cellular mechanisms related to appetite sensations and weight control. However, the effects of butyrate on obesity in humans have yet to be studied. Thus, the present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator activated-receptor (PPAR) gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), PPARα and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) genes, serum level of glucagon-like peptide (GLP1), and metabolic parameters, as well as anthropometric indices in obese individuals on a weight loss diet. METHODS: This triple-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) will include 50 eligible obese subjects aged between 18 and 60 years. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: 8 weeks of SB (600 mg/day) + hypo-caloric diet or placebo (600 mg/day) + hypo-caloric diet. At weeks 0 and 8, distinct objectives will be pursued: (1) PGC-1α, PPARα, and UCP1 genes expression will be evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction; (2) biochemical parameters will be assayed using enzymatic methods; and (3) insulin and GLP1 serum level will be assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. DISCUSSION: New evidence from this trial may help fill the knowledge gap in this realm and facilitate multi-center clinical trials with a substantially larger sample size. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20190303042905N2 . Registered on 31 January 2021.

The expression levels of PPAR-α/γ and UCP1/2 on the slow coronary flow phenomenon; results from a case-control study.

PURPOSE: The slow coronary flow (SCF) phenomenon is considered a coronary artery disorder. Because of the critical function of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in regulating the oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in cardiovascular disease, The aim of the current study was to investigate the expression of the genes for uncoupling proteins 1 and 2 (UCP1 and UCP2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and (PPAR- PPAR-), and PPAR- in SCF patients. METHODS: In this case-control study, coronary angiography examination was used to analyze 35 individuals with SCF and 35 subjects with normal coronary flow (NCF). SCF was diagnosed using the TIMI (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count) method. The SCF phenomenon is thought to be the TIMI > 27. In the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels of the PPAR-, PPAR-, UCP1, and UCP2 genes were evaluated. RESULTS: UCP1 and UCP2 expression levels were significantly higher in the SCF group compared to the NCF group (P = 0.034 and P0.001, respectively). The PPAR- and PPAR- levels were found to be significantly lower in the SCF group compared to the NCF group (P = 0.015, P0.001, respectively). According to the results of the logistic regression analysis, high UCP1 and UCP2 levels and low PPAR- and PPAR- levels are each independent predictors of the SCF phenomenon. CONCLUSION: This research provided evidence about the potential role of PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, UCP1, and UCP2 as biomarkers in SCF. More investigations are suggested to assess the functions of these factors in SCF patients mechanistically.

Cardiac angiogenesis enhances by activating Mir-126 and related target proteins in type 2 diabetic rats: Rescue combination effect of Sodium butyrate and voluntary exercise therapy.

Objective: type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorder, is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease, leading to angiogenesis injury. The present study wanted to discover the effect of sodium butyrate (NaB) and voluntary exercise, alone or together, on miR-126 and related proteins in rats with type 2 diabetes. Methods: thirty-five male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into five groups: control, diabetes, diabetes-NaB, diabetes-exercise, and diabetes-NaB-exercise. Type 2 diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) and high-fat diet. The rats were then administrated NaB (200 mg/kg. ip) or were subjected to voluntary exercise, or combined NaB and voluntary exercise for 8 weeks. MiR-126 expression in the cardiac tissue was determined by real-time PCR, and the SPRED-1 and RAF proteins expression levels were measured by western blot. Results: NaB and voluntary exercise up-regulated cardiac miR-126 and RAF expression levels and down-regulated SPRED-1 in cardiac tissue of type 2 diabetic rats. Moreover, the combination of NaB and voluntary exercise amplified their effects on those parameters. Both NaB and voluntary exercise or together markedly modulated serum glucose and HbA1c. Conclusion: The present findings demonstrated that NaB combined with exercise could improve cardiac angiogenesis by increasing miR-126 and affecting related proteins. Thus, NaB together with voluntary exercise might be a promising intervention for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Machine learning framework for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk assessment.

Introduction: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the first leading cause of mortality globally. To identify the individual risk factors of ASCVD utilizing the machine learning (ML) approaches. Materials & methods: This cohort-based cross-sectional study was conducted on data of 500 participants with ASCVD among Tabriz University Medical Sciences employees, during 2020. The data with ML methods were developed and validated to predict ASCVD risk with naive Bayes (NB), spurt vesture machines (SVM), regression tree (RT), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), artificial neural networks (ANN), generalized additive models (GAM), and logistic regression (LR). Results: Accuracy of the models ranged from 95.7 to 98.1%, with a sensitivity of 50.0 to 97.3%, specificity of 74.3 to 99.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.0 to 98.0%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 68.4 to 100.0%, positive likelihood ratio (LR +) of 13.8 to 96.4%, negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 3.6 to 51.9%, and area under ROC curve (AUC) of 62.5 to 99.4%. The ANN fit the data best with an accuracy of 98.1% (95% CI: 96.5-99.1), a specificity of 99.1% (95% CI: 97.7-99.9), a LR + of 96.4% (95% CI: 36.2-258.8), and AUC of 99.4% (95% CI: 85.2-97.0). Based on the optimal model, sex (females), age, smoking, and metabolic syndrome were shown to be the most important risk factors of ASCVD. Conclusion: Sex (females), age, smoking, and metabolic syndrome were predictors obtained by ANN. Considering the ANN as the optimal model identified, more accurate prevention planning may be designed.

Myo-inositol supplementation improves cardiometabolic factors, anthropometric measures, and liver function in obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome is closely associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Myo-inositol (MI)-a 6-C sugar alcohol-with insulin-mimetic, anti-diabetic, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory properties has exerted favorable effects on insulin resistance-related disorders and metabolic disease, while recent animal studies revealed its positive effects on liver function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MI supplementation on cardiometabolic factors, anthropometric measures, and liver function in obese patients with NAFLD. Methods: This double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was carried out on 48 obese patients with NAFLD who were randomly assigned to either MI (4g/day) or placebo (maltodextrin 4g/day) along with dietary recommendations for 8 weeks. Glycemic indices, lipid profile, liver enzymes anthropometric measures, and blood pressure were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Dietary intakes were assessed using a 3-day 24 h recall and analyzed by Nutritionist IV software. Insulin resistance was estimated using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and beta-cell function (HOMA-B) was also estimated. Results: Anthropometric measures decreased significantly in both groups, while the reduction in weight (p = 0.049) and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.006) in the MI group was significantly greater than in the placebo group after adjusting for baseline values and energy intake. Although energy and macronutrient intakes decreased significantly in both groups, between-group differences were not significant after adjusting for the potential confounders. MI supplementation led to a significant reduction in serum fasting insulin (p = 0.008) and HOMA-IR (p = 0.046). There were significant improvements in lipid profile, liver enzymes, and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio as well as serum ferritin level in the MI group, compared to the placebo group at the endpoint. By MI supplementation for eight weeks, 1 in 3 patients reduced one- grade in the severity of NAFLD. Conclusion: MI supplementation could significantly improve IR, lipid profile, and liver function in patients with NAFLD. Further clinical trials with larger sample sizes, longer duration, different MI doses, and other inositol derivatives are recommended.

Sodium butyrate and voluntary exercise through activating VEGF-A downstream signaling pathway improve heart angiogenesis in type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate angiogenesis in patients with type 2 diabetic heart could result in deprived collateral formation. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (NaB) along with voluntary exercise simultaneously on the mechanisms acting on cardiac angiogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals were divided into the following five groups: control (Con), diabetic rats (Dia), diabetic rats treated with NaB (200 mg/kg, i.p.) (Dia-NaB), diabetic rats receiving voluntary exercise (Dia-Exe), and diabetic rats treated with NaB and exercise simultaneously (Dia-NaB-Exe). After an eight-week duration, NO metabolites levels were measured using Griess method, the VEGF-A and VEGFR2 expressions was examined by PCR, the expressions of VEGF-A and VEGFR2 proteins was investigated by western blot, and ELISA method was used for Akt, ERK1/2 expression. RESULTS: Cardiac VEGF-A and VEGFR2 expressions were higher in the Dia-Exe and Dia-NaB-Exe groups compared to the Dia group. However, a combination of exercise and NaB enhanced the VEGF-A expression in cardiac tissue compared to the Dia-NaB and Dai-Exe groups. Heart NOx concentration was higher in the treated groups compared to the Dia group. The expression of cardiac Akt levels increased in both the Dia-Exe and Dia-NaB-Exe groups compared to the Dia groups. In addition, cardiac ERK1/2 expression was found to be higher in the Dia-NaB-Exe group compared to the Dia group. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed the therapeutic potential of a novel combination therapy of sodium butyrate and voluntary exercise in improving cardiac angiogenesis with the enhanced involvement mechanism in high fat/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats.

A comprehensive systematic review of the effectiveness of Akkermansia muciniphila, a member of the gut microbiome, for the management of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Obesity is recognised as a significant public health burden worldwide. Recently the cross-talk between gut microbiota and obesity has attracted much attention. To that end, Akkermansia muciniphila has been proposed as a promising microbe to manage obesity. In the present systematic review, we evaluated evidence on the effectiveness and mechanisms of action of Akkermansia muciniphila supplementation in the management of obesity. METHODS: Electronic databases of MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched thought March 2020 to identify relevant published articles, and eligible articles were systematically reviewed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Fifteen studies were included in the present study. Findings from the present review, which included human and animal (rodent) models support the effectiveness of Akkermansia supplementation as a novel therapeutic approach for the management of obesity and metabolic complications associated with obesity. However, future clinical trials are warranted to verify these outcomes.

The roles of quercetin in diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders; special focus on the modulation of gut microbiota: A comprehensive review.

Quercetin is a dietary flavonoid that can affect the balance between anti-oxidant defense system and oxidative stress. A number of studies showed the positive effects of quercetin on diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders through different pathways such as gut flora. However, findings are conflicting. In addition, it seems no studies have summarized all potential mechanisms of quercetin in diabetes mellitus, so far. Therefore, the aims of the present comprehensive review were to provide an overview on biological and biochemical characteristics of quercetin and investigate the effect of quercetin on diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders by focusing on its effects on the modulation of gut microbiota. For this purpose, findings of In vitro, animal studies, clinical trials, and review studies with the English language published until January 2021 were summarized. They were identified through electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) and Google Scholar. Findings showed that quercetin can be an effective component for improving glycemic status and other metabolic disorders related to diabetes mellitus based on In vitro and animal studies. However, environmental factors, food processing and using nanoformulations can affect its efficacy in human studies. Several potential mechanisms, including the modulation of gut flora are proposed for its actions. However, due to limited clinical trials and contradictory findings, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to make a decision on the efficacy of supplementation with quercetin as a complementary therapy for the management of diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders, and modulating gut flora.

Probiotics act as a potent intervention in improving lipid profile: An umbrella systematic review and meta-analysis.

Several meta-analysis studies have revealed improving effects of probiotics on lipid profile, while some studies have reported controversial findings. The purpose of present study was to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics on blood lipids. Relevant studies were searched in the international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Library up to August 2021. The pooled results were calculated with the use of a random-effects model to assess the effects of probiotics on blood lipids. Overall, 38 meta-analyses were inclueded in the study. The results indicated that the probiotics supplementation was effective on reduction of total cholesterol (TC) (ES= -0.46 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.61, -0.30, p < 0.001; I2= 83.8%, p < 0.001), triglycerides (TG) (ES= -0.13 mg/dl; 95% CI: -0.23, -0.04, p = 0.006; I2= 74.7%, p < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)levels (ES= -0.29 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.40, -0.19, p < 0.001; I2= 77.8%, p < 0.001). There was no significant effect of probiotics on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (ES= 0.02 mg/dl; 95% CI: -0.04, 0.08, p = 0.519; I2= 72.5%, p= <0.001). The results of present umbrella meta-analysis strongly support supplementation with probiotics as an influential intervention for improving lipid profile.

The effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on glycemia, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.

In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of saffron supplementation on glycemic status, lipid profile, atherogenic indices, and oxidative status in patients with type-2 diabetes (T2DM). In a randomized, double-blind controlled trial, 70 patients were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 35, each) and received 100 mg/day of saffron or placebo for eight weeks. Dietary intake, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences (WC and HC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin, and Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, atherogenic indices, oxidative status, and liver enzymes were determined before and after the intervention. At the end of the eighth week, saffron intervention could significantly reduce FBS (7.57%), lipid profile (except high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]), atherogenic indices, and liver enzymes (p < .05). Moreover, saffron could improve oxidative status (nitric oxide [NO] and malondialdehyde [MDA] reduced by 26.29% and 16.35%, respectively). Catalase (CAT) concentration remained unchanged. Saffron supplementation may alleviate T2DM by improving glycemic status, lipid profile, liver enzymes, and oxidative status. Further investigation is necessary to assess possible side effects and confirm the positive effect of saffron as a complementary therapy in clinical recommendations for T2DM.

Curcumin as a novel approach in improving lipid profile: An umbrella meta-analysis.

AIMS: Several meta-analyses exist supporting the beneficial effects of curcumin supplementation on lipid profile parameters; however, some studies' findings are inconsistent. Therefore, the current umbrella of meta-analysis of clinical trials was performed to evaluate the findings of multiple meta-analyses on the efficacy of curcumin on lipid profiles in adults. DATA SYNTHESIS: A comprehensive systematic search of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and Google Scholar were carried out up to May 2022 (in English only). Random-effects model was employed to conduct meta-analysis. The quality assessment of the selected meta-analyses was measured using a measurement tool to assess multiple systematic reviews (AMSTAR). From 101 articles returned in the literature search, 19 articles were met the qualified for inclusion in the umbrella meta-analysis. The results revealed that the curcumin supplementation was effective on reduction of total cholesterol (TC) (ES = -0.81 mg/dl; 95% CI: 1.39, -0.24, p = 0.006; I2 = 68.8%, p < 0.001), triglycerides (TG) (ES: 0.84 mg/dl, 95% CI: 1.42, -0.27, p = 0.004; I2 = 84.2%, p < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (ES: 0.49 mg/dl, 95%CI: 0.85, -0.13, p = 0.007; I2 = 51.9%, p = 0.004). Beyond that, Curcumin intake significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (ES: 1.34 mg/dl, 95% CI: 0.37, 2.31, p = 0.007; I2 = 97.8%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Curcumin have ameliorating effects on TC, TG, LDL-c, and HDL-c levels. Overall, Curcumin could be recommended as an adjuvant anti-hyperlipidemic agent. REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO, CRD42021289500.

A glance at the application of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology in cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain major causes of global mortality in the world. Genetic approaches have succeeded in discovery of the molecular basis of an increasing number of cardiac diseases. Genome editing strategies are one of the most effective methods for assisting therapeutic approaches. Potential therapeutic methods of correcting disease-causing mutations or of knocking out specific genes as approaches for the prevention of CVDs have gained substantial attention using genome editing techniques. Recently, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system has become the most widely used genome-editing technology in molecular biology due to its benefits such as simple design, high efficiency, good repeatability, short-cycle, and costeffectiveness. In the present review, we discuss on the possibilities of applying the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tool in the CVDs.

The engineered probiotics for the treatment of chronic diseases: A systematic review.

Engineered probiotics (EPs) are a group of probiotics whose proteome is manipulated by biotechnological techniques. EPs have attracted a lot of attention in recent researches for preventing and treating chronic diseases. The current study has been conducted to provide an overview regarding the EPs application in the treatment of chronic disease by a comprehensive systematic review of the published articles up to January 2022. To retrieve the related publications, three databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Sciences, and Scopus) were searched systematically. Finally, all human (n = 2) and animal (n = 37) studies were included. The included articles evaluated the effects of EPs on treatment of arthritis (n = 3), cancer (n = 2), autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE; n = 6), Parkinson disease (PD; n = 1), Alzheimer diseases (AD; n = 1), colitis (n = 11), celiac disease (n = 1), diabetes (n = 8) and cardiovascular disease (CVD; n = 6). Induction of oral tolerance (OT) is the most important mechanism of EPs action in the treatment of chronic disease. Providing oral vaccine and bioactive compounds are the other mechanisms of EPs action. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The current systematic review gathered evidence about the application of EPs in the treatment of chronic diseases. Evidence suggests that EPs have very broad and potent effects in the treatment of chronic and even genetic diseases.