Effects of Zataria oxymel on obesity, insulin resistance and lipid profile: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind trial / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Obesity is a major public health problem and its occurrence is markedly increasing in developed and developing countries. However, few studies have investigated the use of natural products to treat obesity. The effects of taking a combination of oxymel and Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZM), herein referred to as Zataria oxymel (ZO), on obesity, lipid profile and insulin resistance have not yet been studied.@*OBJECTIVE@#This study evaluates the effects of oxymel and ZO on obesity, lipid profile and insulin resistance.@*DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS@#In this randomized, controlled, triple-blind trial, overweight patients were randomly divided into three groups and received doses of study compounds twice per day for twelve weeks. Group A received 0.75 g ZM in 10 mL oxymel in each treatment; group B received 1.5 g ZM in 10 mL of oxymel in each treatment and group C (control) only received 10 mL of oxymel in each treatment.@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#Anthropometric parameters, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and hip circumference, were measured at the time of registration. Blood tests were carried out at the beginning and once again at end of the study. Blood parameters included fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin levels, serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase). Serum creatinine was also measured at the beginning of the project and in monthly intervals for three months. The homeostasis model assessment index was calculated as fasting insulin (μIU/mL) × FBS (mg/dL)/405.@*RESULTS@#The results showed that patients receiving ZO experienced significant reduction in waist circumference in groups A, B and C, respectively (P < 0.001) but no significant change in BMI. Group A also experienced reduction in hip circumference (P = 0.01). Groups B and C had reduction in the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (P = 0.05 and P = 0.01, respectively), with no significant reduction in FBS. No effect on lipid profile, liver enzymes or serum creatinine was observed in the three groups.@*CONCLUSION@#In this study, treatment with ZO and oxymel reduced insulin resistance, and waist and hip circumferences in overweight patients. Nonetheless, the traditional Persian use of ZO as a beverage to improve the anthropometric indices in overweight individuals still requires further research with a larger sample size.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Code IRCT20171220037976N1.

Effects of Zataria oxymel on obesity, insulin resistance and lipid profile: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind trial / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Obesity is a major public health problem and its occurrence is markedly increasing in developed and developing countries. However, few studies have investigated the use of natural products to treat obesity. The effects of taking a combination of oxymel and Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZM), herein referred to as Zataria oxymel (ZO), on obesity, lipid profile and insulin resistance have not yet been studied.@*OBJECTIVE@#This study evaluates the effects of oxymel and ZO on obesity, lipid profile and insulin resistance.@*DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS@#In this randomized, controlled, triple-blind trial, overweight patients were randomly divided into three groups and received doses of study compounds twice per day for twelve weeks. Group A received 0.75 g ZM in 10 mL oxymel in each treatment; group B received 1.5 g ZM in 10 mL of oxymel in each treatment and group C (control) only received 10 mL of oxymel in each treatment.@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#Anthropometric parameters, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and hip circumference, were measured at the time of registration. Blood tests were carried out at the beginning and once again at end of the study. Blood parameters included fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin levels, serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase). Serum creatinine was also measured at the beginning of the project and in monthly intervals for three months. The homeostasis model assessment index was calculated as fasting insulin (μIU/mL) × FBS (mg/dL)/405.@*RESULTS@#The results showed that patients receiving ZO experienced significant reduction in waist circumference in groups A, B and C, respectively (P < 0.001) but no significant change in BMI. Group A also experienced reduction in hip circumference (P = 0.01). Groups B and C had reduction in the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (P = 0.05 and P = 0.01, respectively), with no significant reduction in FBS. No effect on lipid profile, liver enzymes or serum creatinine was observed in the three groups.@*CONCLUSION@#In this study, treatment with ZO and oxymel reduced insulin resistance, and waist and hip circumferences in overweight patients. Nonetheless, the traditional Persian use of ZO as a beverage to improve the anthropometric indices in overweight individuals still requires further research with a larger sample size.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Code IRCT20171220037976N1.

Nutritional assessment in critically III patients

Background: Malnutrition is an important factor in the survival of critically ill patients. The purpose of the present study was to assess the nutritional status of patients in the intensive care unit [ICU] on the days of admission and discharge via a detailed nutritional assessment

Methods: Totally, 125 patients were followed up from admission to discharge at SICUs in Shiraz, Iran. The patients' nutritional status was assessed using subjective global assessment [SGA], anthropometric measurements, biochemical indices, and body composition indicators. Diet prescription and intake was also evaluated

Results: Malnutrition prevalence significantly increased on the day of discharge [58.62%] compared to the day of admission [28.8%] according to SGA [P<0.001]. The patients' weight, mid-upper-arm circumference, mid-arm muscle circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, and calf circumference decreased significantly as well [P<0.001]. Lean mass weight and body cell mass also decreased significantly [P<0.001]. Biochemical indices showed no notable changes except for magnesium, which decreased significantly [P=0.013]. A negative significant correlation was observed between malnutrition on discharge day and anthropometric measurements. Positive and significant correlations were observed between the number of days without enteral feeding, days delayed from ICU admission to the commencement of enteral feeding, and the length of ICU stay and malnutrition on discharge day. Energy and protein intakes were significantly less than the prescribed diet [26.26% ancf 26.48%, respectively]

Conclusion: Malnutrition on discharge day increased in the patients in the ICU according to SGA. Anthropometric measurements were better predictors of the nutritional outcome of our critically ill patients than were biochemical tests

Supplementation with glucosamine has no adverse effects on glycemic level and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients

Background: Use of glucosamine as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis is becoming more frequent, including in those who have diabetes at the same time. The results from in vitro and animal studies propose that glucosamine may inversely affect glucose metabolism. However, the recommended dose of oral glucosamine in healthy people or diabetics did not have such effects consistently. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of glucosamine on glycemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients

Methods: Fifty-four patients with type 2 diabetes participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The participants were assigned to receive 1500 mg glucosamine hydrochloride or placebo for 12 weeks. After determining their baseline characteristics, body mass index and dietary intake components, fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin were measured at weeks of 0, 8, and 12. Indices of insulin function including quantitative insulin sensitivity check index [QUICKI] and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] were calculated by specific formulas. Independent t-test and general linear model repeated measures were used to analyze the data

Results: In the glucosamine group, the means of fasting blood glucose and insulin were 107.31 +/- 24.07 mg/dl and 8.75 +/- 4.37 [micro]u/ ml, respectively at baseline, which reached 112.38 +/- 31.50 and 9.10 +/- 4.17 at week 12. In the placebo group, the mean for fasting blood glucose and insulin were 103.84 +/- 24.15 and 9.79 +/- 4.02 at the beginning of the study, which reached to 111.40 +/- 26.43 and 8.58 +/- 3.68 at week 12. The results showed that there were no significant differences in fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and QUICKI indices at all the studied time points [weeks of 0, 8 and 12] within or between the groups

Conclusion: Twelve weeks of a normal recommended dose of glucosamine supplements may not have adverse effects on glycemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients

prevalence of dyspepsia symptoms and its correlation with the quality of life among Qashqai Turkish migrating nomads in Fars Province, Southern Iran

To determine the prevalence of dyspepsia and its correlation with quality of life in Fars Qashqai Turkish migrating nomads from Southern Iran. During 2010 we enrolled 397 Qashqai migrating nomads from Southern Iran who were 25 years of age or older. Participants completed a questionnaire that consisted of demographic factors, lifestyle data, gastrointestinal symptoms, and the Short-Form 36 Health Survey [SF-36] questionnaire. There was a 48% prevalence of dyspepsia symptoms among participants. The prevalence was higher among females, those less than 35 years of age, married participants, and those with a low body mass index [BMI]. The correlation between dyspepsia and quality of life was significant. Dyspeptic patients were classified into ulcer-like [27.9%], dysmotility-like [26.2%], and unspecified [45.9%] groups. A significant correlation existed between dyspepsia symptoms and consumption of dairy products, drinking water and tea before and after meals, smoking, dysphagia, reflux, heartburn, and use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen. The high prevalence of dyspepsia in Qashqai nomads necessitates educational health programs for the migrating tribes in order to decrease prevalence of this disease

effect of quercetin supplementation on oxidative stress, glycemic control, lipid profile and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Diabetes Mellitus [DM] is closely associated with reduction of antioxidant defense system. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant effect of quercetin supplementation on the glycemic control, lipid profile and oxidative stress indices in patients with type 2diabetes

Methods: Forty seven patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 30-60 years old, were randomly assigned to supplement their daily diet with either an oral quercetin [250 mg/d] or identical placebo [cellulose] capsules for 8 weeks. The supplements were provided to the patients biweekly. Anthropometric data as well as glycemic indices, lipid profile and oxidative stress parameters of blood samples were determined at the baseline and endpoint of the study

Results: Dietary quercetin supplementation significantly improved the total antioxidant capacity [TAC] in the intervention group, when compared to the placebo group [P=0.043]. It also resulted in a statistically significant reduction in serum concentration of atherogenic oxidized LDL [ox-LDL] [P<0.001]. However, the 8-week supplementation of this natural flavonol neither altered glycemic parameters [FBS, serum insulin and glycosylated Hb [HbA1c] level] nor lipid profile and insulin function measurement in diabetic patients [P>0.05]

Conclusions: Oral quercetin supplementation was beneficial in improving the antioxidant status of patients with type 2 diabetes while having no other significant effect on glycemic control and lipid profile; however, conducting further studies, using different doses, on the glycemiccontrol and/or hyperlipidemia of thepopulation seems to be valuable

Effect of probiotics on lipid profile, glycemic control, insulin action, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes: a clinical trial

Background: The dramatic increase in the incidence of diabetes and its associated complications require a natural and safe solution to control and delay such complications. The present study tested the hypothesis that probiotics may affect biochemical indices of diabetic patients

Methods: Thirty four types 2 diabetic patients aged between 25 to 65 years, and diagnosed with diabetes for less than 15 years were selected for this single- blinded clinical trial. Using balanced block random sampling, the patients were divided into two groups of intervention [probiotics] and placebo. Blood samples tested for baseline glucose, insulin, TG, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, malondialdehyde, high sensitive CRP [hs-CRP] and IL-6. After six weeks of experiment, fasting blood samples were re-tested and the data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software

Results: There were no significant differences between anthropometric data including body mass index and waist to hip ratio in placebo and treatment groups. There was no significant difference in FBS, Serum TG concentration total cholesterol and LDL-C levels between placebo and treatment groups. HDL-C levels were slightly elevated after probiotic treatment, which were not statistically significant. Insulin, MDA and IL-6 levels were reduced and high sensitive CRP hs.CRP levels were elevated, although, not statistically significant

Conclusion: The result of this study indicates a non- significant declining trend in the level of TG, MDA and IL-6 and insulin resistance after consumption of probiotics

Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on blood glucose, insulin resistance and glutathione peroxidase of type 2 diabetic patients

To examine the effects of alpha-lipoic acid [ALA] treatment over a period of 2 months on fasting blood glucose [FBG], insulin resistance [IR], and glutathione peroxidase [GH-Px] activity in type 2 diabetes [T2DM] patients. This study took place in Motahari Clinic, Shiraz, Iran, which is affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from May to October 2006. Type 2 DM patients [n=57] were divided into 2 groups to receive either ALA [300 mg daily] or placebo by systematic randomization, and were followed-up for 8 weeks. After an overnight fasting and 2 hours after breakfast, patients' blood samples were drawn and tested for FBG, 2 hours PPG, serum insulin level, and GH-Px activity. The result of the study showed a significant decrease in FBG and PPG levels, IR-Homeostasis Model Assessment [IR-HOMA index] and GH-Px level in the ALA group. The comparison of differences between FBG and IR at the beginning and at the end of study in the ALA treated group and the placebo group were also significant. This study supports the use of ALA as an antioxidant in the care of diabetic patients

[Comparison of the effect of low-glycemic index versus low-fat diet on the body weight and plasma lipid profile in obeses women]

The rate of carbohydrate absorption after a meal, as quantified by glycemic index, has an effect on postprandial hormonal and metabolic response. The aim of the present study is to determine the effects of low-glycemic index diet, versus low-fat diet on the body weight, BMI, WHR [waist/hip ratio] and plasma lipid profile of obese patients. A randomized controlled trial compared the effect of two dietary treatments [low glycemic index and low fat] in 46 adults, ages 18 to 55 years old, BMI >27, who proceeded to Motahary Clinic in Shiraz, Iran. Body weight, BMI, WHR [waist/hip ratio], fast and post-prandial Plasma lipid profile [Triacylglycerol, total Cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C concentration] level of obese women were measured at the beginning and end of 6 weeks. Changes in Body weight, BMI, WHR [waist/hip ratio] and Plasma lipid profile [Triacylglycerol, total Cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C concentration] were significant in both dietary groups. But no significant differences were observed in any parameter measured between two groups, except for the post-prandial HDL-C in which significant difference were observed. From these findings, it can be concluded that the isolated bacterial strain can utilize Organ phosphorus pesticides as a source of carbon and phosphorus. Utilization of these compounds by soil microorganisms is a crucial phenomenon by which these compounds are removed from the environment, thus, preventing environmental pollution. Both diets can equally be effective in decreasing the body weight and Plasma lipid profile