Interleukin-6 positively correlates with cardiovascular disease predictor algorithms and biomarker in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Chronic inflammation is believed as the main culprit of the link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine with a key role in RA pathophysiology and also correlates with joint destruction and disease activity. This study evaluates the association between IL-6 plasma level and cardiac biomarker NT-proBNP, HS-CRP, CVD predictor algorithms, Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), as well as with CXCL9 and its receptor, CXCR3 in RA patients compared to the controls. Sixty RA patients (30 early and 30 late) and 30 healthy persons were included in this study. IL-6 and NT-proBNP plasma levels were measured by the ELISA. Also, HS-CRP plasma levels were quantified using the immunoturbidimetric assay. The CVD risk was assessed by the FRS and SCORE. IL-6 plasma levels were significantly higher in the early and late RA patients compared to the controls (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between IL-6 with DAS-28 (p = 0.007, r = 0.346), BPS (p = 0.002, r = 0.396), BPD (p = 0.046, r = 0.259), SCORE (p < 0.001, r = 0.472), and FRS (p < 0.001, r = 0.553), and a negative association with HDL (p = 0.037, r = -0.270), in the patients. Also, IL-6 plasma level positively correlated with HS-CRP (p = 0.021, r = 0.297) and NT-proBNP (p = 0.045, r = 0.260) in the patients. Furthermore, a positive association was found between IL-6 plasma levels and CXCL9 (p = 0.002, r = 0.386), and CXCR3 (p = 0.018, r = 0.304) in the patients. Given the interesting association between IL-6 with various variables of CVD, IL-6 may be considered a biomarker for assessing the risk for future cardiovascular events in RA patients.

Partners in crime: Autoantibodies complicit in COVID-19 pathogenesis.

Autoantibodies (AABs) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases (AIDs) and serve as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in assessing these complex disorders. Viral infections have long been recognized as a principal environmental factor affecting the production of AABs and the development of autoimmunity. COVID-19 has primarily been considered a hyperinflammatory syndrome triggered by a cytokine storm. In the following, the role of maladaptive B cell response and AABs became more apparent in COVID-19 pathogenesis. The current review will primarily focus on the role of extrafollicular B cell response, Toll-like receptor-7 (TLR-7) activation, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation in the development of AABs following SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the following, this review will clarify how these AABs dysregulate immune response to SARS-CoV-2 by disrupting cytokine function and triggering neutrophil hyper-reactivity. Finally, the pathologic effects of these AABs will be further described in COVID-19 associate clinical manifestations, including venous and arterial thrombosis, a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and recently described post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long-COVID.

Utility of vitamin C in ameliorating citalopram-induced testicular toxicity via modulating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice.

There is a growing concern that antidepressant drugs impair sexual function and adversely impact spermatogenesis and male fertility. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that plays a vital role in the male reproductive system. The present study investigated the ameliorating potential of vitamin C against citalopram (CTL)-evoked testicular toxicity and spermatogenesis impairment in mice. Mice were randomly divided into six groups: control, CTL, vitamin C 100, vitamin C 200, CTL plus vitamin C 100, and CTL plus vitamin C 200. Adult male mice were intraperitoneally (ip) injected with 10 mg/kg of CTL for 35 days with or without vitamin C. At the end of the study, body and testes weight, sperm parameters, histopathology of testes, testosterone level, testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and apoptosis (TUNEL assay) were evaluated. Our findings revealed that vitamin C restored spermatogenesis by improving sperm count, motility, viability, morphology, and chromatin integrity. Testosterone levels and testes histopathology were significantly improved in the vitamin C-administrated groups. Furthermore, vitamin C administration markedly alleviated CTL-induced nitro-oxidative damage, enhancing TAC levels, and reducing NO and MDA levels. Whilst CTL therapy induced a significant increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells compared to the control, the administration of vitamin C significantly prevented the apoptotic effects of CTL. Together, vitamin C therapy protects against CTL-induced testicular damage via mitigating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis, which provides evidence for vitamin C as a beneficial therapy against antidepressant drug-associated reproductive toxicity and male sub/infertility.

The relationship between aflatoxin B1 with the induction of extrinsic/intrinsic pathways of apoptosis and the protective role of taraxasterol in TM3 leydig cell line.

Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) a dangerous type of aflatoxin, poses a serious threat to human health. Meanwhile, Taraxasterol, a bioactive compound in dandelion, exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of AFB1 on the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis, as well as evaluate the protective role of taraxasterol in the TM3 Leydig cell line. Cell viability was evaluated using an MTT assay, measuring the effects of 3.6 µM AFB1 and varying concentrations of taraxasterol. Expression levels of Caspase 3,8, and 9 were analyzed with RT-qPCR, and flow cytometry was used to assess cell cycle progression and apoptotic alterations. The findings of this study demonstrated that exposure to 3.6 µM of AFB1 resulted in an upregulation of Caspase 3 and Caspase 9 expression, indicating an activation of apoptotic pathways in TM3 cells. Additionally, the analysis of apoptosis revealed a significant increase in cellular apoptosis at this AFB1 concentration. However, when TM3 cells were exposed to 5 µM of taraxasterol, a downregulation of Caspase 3 and Caspase 9 expression was observed, suggesting a protective effect against apoptosis. Moreover, the apoptotic rate in TM3 cells was reduced in the presence of 5 µM of taraxasterol. Consequently, this study highlights the potential of taraxasterol as a protective agent against AFB1-induced apoptosis and suggest its potential application in regulating cell survival and apoptosis-related processes. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the clinical implications of taraxasterol in the context of fertility disorders and other conditions associated with AFB1 exposure.

The effects of citrus flavonoids supplementation on endothelial function: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

The present systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize existing data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) concerning the impact of citrus flavonoids supplementation (CFS) on endothelial function. Relevant RCTs were identified through comprehensive searches of the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to May 30, 2023. Weighted mean differences and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled utilizing a random-effects model. A total of eight eligible RCTs, comprising 596 participants, were included in the analysis. The pooled data demonstrated a statistically significant augmentation in flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) (2.75%; 95% CI: 1.29, 4.20; I2 = 87.3%; p < 0.001) associated with CFS compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, the linear dose-response analysis indicated that each increment of 200 mg/d in CFS led to an increase of 1.09% in FMD (95% CI: 0.70, 1.48; I2 = 94.5%; p < 0.001). The findings from the nonlinear dose-response analysis also revealed a linear relationship between CFS and FMD (Pnon-linearity = 0.903, Pdose-response <0.001). Our findings suggest that CFS enhances endothelial function. However, more extensive RTCs encompassing longer intervention durations and different populations are warranted to establish more precise conclusions.

Reduction of UreB and CagA expression level by siRNA construct in Helicobacter pylori strain SS1.

BACKGROUND: Two important virulence factors, urease and cagA, play an important role in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastric cancer. Aim of this study was to investigate the expression level and function of ureB and cagA using small interfering RNAs (siRNA). METHODS: SS1 strain of H. pylori was considered as host for natural transformation. siRNA designed for ureB and cagA genes were inserted in pGPU6/GFP/Neo siRNA plasmid vector to evaluate using phenotypic and genotypic approaches. Then, qPCR was performed for determining inhibition rate of ureB and cagA gene expression. RESULTS: The expression levels of siRNA-ureB and siRNA-cagA in the recombinant strain SS1 were reduced by about 5000 and 1000 fold, respectively, compared to the native H. pylori strain SS1. Also, preliminary evaluation of siRNA-ureB in vitro showed inhibition of urea enzyme activity. These data suggest that siRNA may be a powerful new tool for gene silencing in vitro, and for the development of RNAi-based anti-H. pylori therapies. CONCLUSION: Our results show that targeting ureB and cagA genes with siRNA seems to be a new strategy to inhibit urease enzyme activity, reduce inflammation and colonization rate.

Effects of collagen peptide supplementation on cardiovascular markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised, placebo-controlled trials.

Previous studies have advocated that collagen peptide supplementation (CPS) can positively affect cardiovascular health. However, the widespread impact of CPS on CVD-related markers is not fully resolved. Consequently, the current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of CPS on CVD-related markers. A systematic search in the Scopus, PubMed and ISI Web of Science databases were completed to identify relevant randomised, placebo-controlled trials (RCT) published up to November 2021. Mean Differences were pooled using a random-effects model, while publication bias, sensitivity analyses and heterogeneity were assessed using previously validated methods. Twelve RCT, comprising of a total of eleven measured markers, were selected for the quantitative analysis. Pooled data revealed that CPS significantly decreased fat mass (-1·21 kg; 95 % CI: -2·13, -0·29; I2 = 0·0 %; P = 0·010) and increased fat-free mass, based on body mass percentage (1·49 %; 95 % CI: 0·57, 2·42; I2 = 0·0 %; P = 0·002). Moreover, collagen peptide supplementation led to a significant decrease in serum LDL (-4·09 mg/dl; 95 % CI: -8·13, -0·04; I2 = 93·4 %; P = 0·048) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (-5·04 mmHg; 95 % CI: -9·22, -0·85; I2 = 98·9 %; P = 0·018). Our analysis also indicated that CPS did not affect glycemic markers. Our outcomes indicate that CPS reduces fat mass, LDL and SBP while increasing fat-free mass. Future investigations with longer CPS duration are needed to expand on our results.

Synthesis, characterization and hypolipidemic effects of urazine derivatives on rat: Study of molecular modeling and enzyme inhibition.

The prevalence of hyperlipidemia has increased dramatically worldwide. It is a major public health threat, characterized by the presence of an abnormal lipid profile, primarily with elevated serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels, and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level. Genetic factors, dietary and lifestyle habits play important roles in hyperlipidemia. It can increase the risk of chronic metabolic disorders, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type II diabetes. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of urazine derivatives on serum triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and nitric oxide (NO) levels in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Synthetic compounds were prepared and confirmed by spectroscopic methods. Then, 88 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 11 groups: control, HFD-treated group, HFD plus atorvastatin-treated group, and HFD plus 8 synthetic compounds-treated groups. The body weight, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and NO levels were measured. The data with p < 0.05 were considered significant. The results indicated that HFD significantly increased cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels and decreased NO concentration and HDL level compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, HFD plus urazine derivatives significantly decreased NO, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and increased HDL levels compared to the HFD-treated group (p < 0.05). Urazine derivatives may improve liver dysfunction in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic rats by modulation of detoxification enzymes and their anti-oxidant effects and also blood lipid profile.

Effects of camelina oil supplementation on lipid profile and glycemic control: a systematic review and dose‒response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to determine the effectiveness of camelina oil supplementation (COS) on lipid profiles and glycemic indices. METHODS: Relevant RCTs were selected by searching the ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases up to July 1, 2022. RTCs with an intervention duration of less than 2 weeks, without a placebo group, and those that used COS in combination with another supplement were excluded. Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were pooled by applying a random-effects model, while validated methods examined sensitivity analyses, heterogeneity, and publication bias. RESULTS: Seven eligible RCTs, including 428 individuals, were selected. The pooled analysis revealed that COS significantly improved total cholesterol in studies lasting more than 8 weeks and utilizing dosages lower than 30 g/d compared to the placebo group. The results of fractional polynomial modeling indicated that there were nonlinear dose-response relations between the dose of COS and absolute mean differences in low-density cholesterol, high-density cholesterol, and total cholesterol, but not triglycerides. It appears that the greatest effect of COS oil occurs at the dosage of 20 g/day. CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis indicates that COS may reduce cardiovascular disease risk by improving lipid profile markers. Based on the results of this study, COS at dosages lower than 30 g/d may be a beneficial nonpharmacological strategy for lipid control. Further RCTs with longer COS durations are warranted to expand on these results.

Evaluation of co-cultured spermatogonial stem cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel with Sertoli cells and their transplantation into azoospermic mice.

An in vitro spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) culture can serve as an effective technique to study spermatogenesis and treatment for male infertility. In this research, we compared the effect of a three-dimensional alginate hydrogel with Sertoli cells in a 3D culture and co-cultured Sertoli cells. After harvest of SSCs from neonatal mice testes, the SSCs were divided into two groups: SSCs on a 3D alginate hydrogel with Sertoli cells and a co-culture of SSCs with Sertoli cells for 1 month. The samples were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) tracing, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining after transplantation into an azoospermic testis mouse. The 3D group showed rapid cell proliferation and numerous colonies compared with the co-culture group. Molecular assessment showed significantly increased integrin alpha-6, integrin beta-1, Nanog, Plzf, Thy-1, Oct4 and Bcl2 expression levels in the 3D group and decreased expression levels of P53, Fas, and Bax. BrdU tracing, and H&E and PAS staining results indicated that the hydrogel alginate improved spermatogenesis after transplantation in vivo. This finding suggested that cultivation of SSCs on alginate hydrogel with Sertoli cells in a 3D culture can lead to efficient proliferation and maintenance of SSC stemness and enhance the efficiency of SSC transplantation.

Overview of biological effects of melatonin on testis: A review.

Infertility is a major global health issue and male factors account for half of all infertility cases. One of the causes of male infertility is the loss of spermatogonial stem cells, which may occur because of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or genetic defects. In numerous animal species, the evidence suggests the pineal gland and melatonin secretion in their reproductive activities are involved. Recently, considerable attention has pointed to the usage of melatonin in the treatment of diseases. Melatonin is associated with the regulation of circadian and seasonal rhythmic functions, immune system functions, retinal physiology, spermatogenesis and inhibition of tumour growth in different species. Several studies demonstrated that melatonin acts as an anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant agent. Melatonin can also protect testicles and spermatogonia against oxidative damage, chemotherapy drugs, environmental radiation, toxic substances, hyperthermia, ischemia/reperfusion, diabetes-induced testicular damage, metal-induced testicular toxicity, improve sperm quality and it affects the testosterone secretion pathway by affecting Leydig cells. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the biological effects of melatonin as a natural antioxidant on testicles and their disorders.

Effects of almond on cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

An enhanced risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) still exists even when T2DM patients have tight control on blood sugar. Thus, identification of treatment approaches that address CVD risk factors may be useful for patients beyond the blood sugar management. Although emerging evidence suggests that nuts consumption have beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health, the effects of almond intake in patients with type 2 diabetes are still controversial. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the effect of almond on cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with T2DM through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar to identify relevant RCTs up to March 2021. There was no language and time limitation. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was pooled using a random effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were reported using standard methods. Nine RCTs were included in the final analysis. Almond intake resulted in significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: -5.28 mg/dL; 95% CI, -9.92, -0.64; p = .026) compared with the control group. This lowering effect of LDL-C was robust in subgroups with almond consumption >50 g/day, and baseline LDL-C level <130 mg/dL. However, the effect of almond on total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, weight, body fat, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and CRP was not significant compared with the control group. In summary, the current meta-analysis indicated that almond consumption decreased LDL-C, and had no favorable effect on other cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with T2DM. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the almond.

Associations between exposure to heavy metals and the risk of chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the relationship between heavy metals (HMs) exposure and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Databases of Web of Science, Embase, MEDLINE, and Scopus were searched through June 2020 to identify studies assessing the relationships between exposure to HMs (i.e. cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury) and the risk of CKD, evaluated by decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and/or increased proteinuria risks in adults (≥18 years). Data were pooled by random-effects models and expressed as weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. The risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Twenty-eight eligible articles (n = 107,539 participants) were included. Unlike eGFR risk (p = 0.10), Cadmium exposure was associated with an increased proteinuria risk (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.61; p < 0.001; I2 = 79.7%). Lead exposure was associated with decreased eGFR (OR = 1.12; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.22; p = 0.008; I2 = 87.8%) and increased proteinuria (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.49; p = 0.02; I2 = 79.6) risks. Further, arsenic exposure was linked to a decreased eGFR risk (OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.28; p = 0.03; I2 = 89.1%) in contrast to mercury exposure (p = 0.89). Only two studies reported the link between arsenic exposure and proteinuria risk, while no study reported the link between mercury exposure and proteinuria risk. Exposure to cadmium, lead, and arsenic may increase CKD risk in adults, albeit studies were heterogeneous, warranting further investigations. Our observations support the consideration of these associations for preventative, diagnostic, monitoring, and management practices of CKD.

Genetic, biochemical and histopathological evaluations of thymoquinone on male reproduction system damaged by paclitaxel in Wistar rats.

This study was aimed to evaluate therapeutic effects of thymoquinone on male reproductive damages induced by paclitaxel. Forty-eight male rats were divided; control, paclitaxel (4 mg/kg), paclitaxel + thymoquinone (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg) and thymoquinone (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg). Paclitaxel and thymoquinone were administrated intraperitoneally for 4 and 14 days respectively. Then, the testes were removed for H&E staining, sperm parameters and apoptotic genes expression assessments. Serum levels of nitric oxide, total antioxidant capacity and testosterone were evaluated, and sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed. Paclitaxel significantly (p < .05) increased nitric oxide, decreased total antioxidant capacity and reduced testosterone levels than control group. Sperm motility, viability and count were significantly (p < .05) reduced in paclitaxel group than control. Co-administration of thymoquinone + paclitaxel caused decreased levels of nitric oxide and increased total antioxidant capacity, testosterone levels and reproductive parameters than paclitaxel group significantly (p < .05). Paclitaxel significantly (p < .05) increased caspase-3 and p-53 and decreased Bcl-2 genes expression than control. Sperm DNA fragmentation index was also increased significantly (p < .05) in paclitaxel group than control, and this value was decreased in whole doses of paclitaxel + thymoquinone groups than paclitaxel. Thymoquinone can alleviate the side effects of paclitaxel on the male reproductive system.

The effect of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) supplementation on glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the effect of cumin supplementation on markers of glycemic control in adults. A comprehensive literature search was conducted up from inception to November 2020 on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane electronic databases. Studies that compared the effect of cumin with placebo on fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum insulin, and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index in adults were considered eligible. Weighted mean difference (WMD) (with 95% confidence intervals) for endpoints were calculated using the random-effects model. Finally, a total of eight RCT studies involving 552 participants were included in the review. The results of the meta-analysis suggest that cumin supplementation did not significantly alter serum FBS (WMD: -17.77 mg/dl; 95% CI: -36.42 to 0.87, p = .06), insulin (WMD: -0.49 Hedges' g; 95% CI: -1.19 to 0.21, p =.16) levels and HOMA-IR (WMD: -0.06; 95% CI: -0.21 to 0.10, p = 0.48) index. These results do not support the use of cumin supplementation for improving glycemic markers in adults. However, further high-quality trials are still needed to confirm these results.

Plasma Leptin Does Not Reflect the Effect of High Body Mass Index on Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background: The effect of obesity on disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains controversial. Adipocytes secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines which may contribute to RA disease activity. The goal of the present study is to address the association between body mass index (BMI) with plasma levels of leptin, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and RA disease severity.Methods: Fifty RA patients (20 newly diagnosed and 30 under treatment) as well as 30 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were included in this survey. The plasma levels of leptin and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, were measured, and the results were compared among the patients in the three different categories of BMI, including <25, ≥25-30, and ≥30.Results: In our study, a significant positive correlation was observed between disease activity score-28 (DAS-28) and BMI in overweight (OW) RA patients (p = .036 r = 0.440). The plasma levels of leptin were significantly higher in patients group, compared to healthy subjects (p < .05); moreover, leptin levels were significantly higher in OW and obese patients compared to RA patients with normal BMI (p = .011, p = .001, respectively) and also BMI had positive correlation with leptin concentrations just in the newly diagnosed patients (p < .0001, r = 0.748). There was no correlation between leptin and DAS-28. The plasma IL-6 and TNF-α did not show significant differences between RA patients and healthy subjects, and also the plasma leptin did not have any correlation with plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α.Conclusion: BMI contribution to RA disease severity is independent of systemic levels of leptin and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Food insecurity and mental health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Food security has been suggested to be a risk factor for depression, stress and anxiety. We therefore undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of available publications to examine these associations further. DESIGN: Relevant studies were identified by searching Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and PubMed databases up to January 2019. SETTING: OR was pooled using a random-effects model. Standard methods were used for assessment of heterogeneity and publication bias. PARTICIPANTS: Data were available from nineteen studies with 372 143 individual participants from ten different countries that were pooled for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The results showed there was a positive relationship between food insecurity (FI) and risk of depression (OR = 1·40; 95 % CI: 1·30, 1·58) and stress (OR = 1·34; 95 % CI: 1·24, 1·44) but not anxiety. Subgroup analysis by age showed that subjects older than ≥65 years exhibited a higher risk of depression (OR = 1·75; 95 % CI: 1·20, 2·56) than younger participants (OR = 1·34; 95 % CI: 1·20, 1·50), as well as a greater risk of depression in men (OR = 1·42; 95 % CI: 1·17, 1·72) than women (OR = 1·30; 95 % CI: 1·16, 1·46). Finally, subgroup analysis according to geographical location illustrated that food insecure households living in North America had the highest risk of stress and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence from this meta-analysis suggests that FI has a significant effect on the likelihood of being stressed or depressed. This indicates that health care services, which alleviate FI, would also promote holistic well-being in adults.

Sleep duration and sarcopenia risk: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Present systematic literature review and dose-response meta-analysis were carried out to evaluate the association between sleep duration and sarcopenia risk. METHODS: Related studies were found by searching ISI Web of science databases, Scopus, and PubMed, up to May, 2019. Data were available from four studies. A total odds ratio of 17551 participants in these studies was pooled for the current study. RESULTS: Pooled outcomes from random effects model demonstrated that lowest category of sleep duration (under 6 h) versus reference category (6-8 h) was significantly related with increased risk of sarcopenia (OR: 1.71 95% CI, 1.11, 2.64). Pooled OR also indicated that highest category (more than 8 h) of sleep duration versus reference category (6-8 h) was significantly associated with increased risk of sarcopenia (OR: 1.52 95% CI, 1.23, 1.88). Moreover, subgroup analysis by sex showed that women were affected by both short and long sleep while men were only affected by long sleep duration. The nonlinear dose-response meta-analysis revealed a U-shaped association between sleep duration and the risk of sarcopenia, with a nadir at 8 h per day. The linear dose-response meta-analysis illustrated that the risk of sarcopenia did not change significantly nor for a 0.5-h increment neither for 1-h increment in sleep duration per day. CONCLUSION: The outcomes from this meta-analysis indicate that the public should be made aware of the negative consequences of long and short sleep for sarcopenia especially among women. Further studies should now be undertaken to establish possible links between risk of sarcopenia and sleep duration.

Evaluating the effects of acacetin versus a low dose of cisplatin drug on male reproductive system and kidney in mice: With emphasis on inflammation process.

This study aimed to compare acacetin adverse effect besides a cisplatin low dose on male reproductive and urinary systems on mice. In this study, 36 male Balb/c mice were received Dimethyl sulfoxide, cisplatin (1 mg/kg) or acacetin (10, 25, 50 mg/kg) for 3 days, while the sixth group, treated with acacetin (50 mg/kg) for 10 days. All treatments were done consequence daily and intraperitoneally. Histological and biochemical factors to male reproductive and urinary systems were assayed. Only in cisplatin exposed group, significant differences were seen with the others. So that, some reproductive criteria were significantly decreased; serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, sperm parameters, the diameters of seminiferous tubules, Johnsen's score and from the urinary system; renal corpuscles' space, Mg2+ concentration (p < .01). Moreover, significant increases were seen in serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, testis myeloperoxidase activity and tumour necrosis factor-alpha expression, kidney histological damage and renal corpuscle diameter (p < .01). Cisplatin exposure disrupts histological and functional characteristics of either male reproductive or urinary systems, suggesting by inflammation-promoting. Acacetin does not induce any harmful impact on these two systems and could be considered as a safe flavonoid by high dose and prolonged usage.

Effects of cardamom supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

Cardiovascular disease is a highly prevalent issue worldwide and one of its main manifestations, dyslipidemia, needs more attention. Recent studies have suggested that cardamom has favorable effects beyond lipid lowering, but the result are contradictory. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effect of cardamom on lipids. The search included PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane library (up to March, 2019) to identify RCTs investigating the effects of cardamom supplementation on serum lipid parameters. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were pooled using a random-effect model. Meta-analysis of data from five eligible RCTs showed that cardamom supplementation did not significantly change the concentrations of total cholesterol (WMD: -6.11 mg/dl, 95% CI [-13.06, 0.83], I2 = 0.0%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -4.31 mg/dl, 95% CI [-9.75, 1.13], I2 = 0.0%), or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 1.75 mg/dl, 95% CI [-1.95 to 5.46], I2 = 71.4%). However, a significant reduction was observed in serum triglyceride (TG; WMD: -20.55 mg/dl, 95% CI [-32.48, -8.63], I2 = 0.0%) levels after cardamom supplementation. Cardamom might be able to change TG, but for confirming the results, more studies exclusively on dyslipidemia patients and considering the intake of lipid lowering agents as exclusion criteria are necessary.