ABSTRACT
Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is associated with progressive changes contributing to clinical complications related to macro- and microvascular diseases. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and its organosulfur components have been related to beneficial cardiovascular effects and could improve endothelial function. The ENDOTALLIUM Study aimed to evaluate the effect of the regular consumption of encapsulated purple garlic oil on microvascular function, endothelial-related biomarkers, and the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in untreated subjects with cardiometabolic alterations. Fifty-two individuals with at least one MetS component were randomized (1:1) in a single-center, single-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. The participants received encapsulated purple garlic oil (n = 27) or placebo (n = 25) for five weeks. Skin microvascular peak flow during post-occlusive reactive hyperemia significantly increased in the purple garlic oil group compared to the placebo group (between-group difference [95%CI]: 15.4 [1.5 to 29.4] PU; p = 0.031). Likewise, hs-CRP levels decreased in the purple garlic group compared to the control group (-1.3 [-2.5 to -0.0] mg/L; p = 0.049). Furthermore, we observed a significant reduction in the mean number of MetS components in the purple garlic group after five weeks (1.7 ± 0.9 vs. 1.3 ± 1.1, p = 0.021). In summary, regular consumption of encapsulated purple garlic oil significantly improved microvascular function, subclinical inflammatory status, and the overall MetS profile in a population with cardiometabolic alterations.
Subject(s)
Garlic , Metabolic Syndrome , Humans , Metabolic Syndrome/drug therapy , Male , Garlic/chemistry , Female , Middle Aged , Single-Blind Method , Adult , Sulfides/pharmacology , Sulfides/administration & dosage , Allyl Compounds/pharmacology , Allyl Compounds/administration & dosage , Biomarkers/blood , Plant Oils/pharmacology , Plant Oils/administration & dosage , Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects , Endothelium, Vascular/physiopathology , Skin/blood supply , Skin/drug effects , Microcirculation/drug effects , Microvessels/drug effects , Microvessels/physiopathologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the pregnancy rate in an artificial insemination donor program in women with minimal endometriosis and in women without endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective double-blinded study was conducted in women with azoospermic partners. RESULTS: The per-cycle pregnancy rate was 8.6% (9/104 women) in the minimal endometriosis group vs 13.3% (26/196 women) in the control group. The per-woman pregnancy rate was 37.5% (9/24 women) in the minimal endometriosis group and 51.0% (26/51 women) in the control group. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy rates were statistically similar in normal women and in women with minimal endometriosis.
