Is there a link between the inflammatory potential of a diet and mental health among patients with migraine? Findings from a cross-sectional survey.

AIMS: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and mental health outcomes among patients with migraine headaches. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 262 subjects were included. The dietary intakes were collected using a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Items were scored according to their inflammatory potential, so a higher DII indicated a more pro-inflammatory diet. The association between DII and the mental health of participants was investigated using multinomial logistic regression and odds ratio (OR) with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported. RESULTS: Overall, 224 women and 38 men, with a mean (standard error) DII of -2.96 (0.06), age of 36.1 (0.53) years, and BMI of 25.55 (0.21) kg/m2, comprised our study population. DII was positively associated with a higher risk of depression in patients with the highest adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet compared to those with the lowest adherence (OR = 1.76; 95%CI: 1.04, 3.00; Ptrend = 0.035). Adjustments for age, sex, marital status, smoking status, migraine headache index score, number of family members, mean arterial pressure, medication, physical activity, and BMI intensified the association in a way that the risk of depression was 2.03 times higher in patients with the highest adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet compared to those with the lowest adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet (OR = 2.03; 95%CI: 1.18, 3.49; Ptrend = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that depression was positively associated with adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet. However, no significant association was observed between anxiety and stress with DII.

Propolis as an adjunctive therapy for treatment of uncomplicated cystitis in women: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

The current research is designed to investigate the effect of propolis supplementation on the clinical manifestations in women suffering from uncomplicated cystitis. In this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 120 women with uncomplicated cystitis were selected and randomly assigned into two groups to receive two 500 mg capsules of propolis or placebo daily for 7 days along with ciprofloxacin (250 mg). Clinical symptoms including hematuria, urinary frequency, dysuria, suprapubic pain, and urgency, as well as bacteriuria, were assessed before and after the intervention. After supplementation, participants in the intervention group had significantly fewer days of urinary frequency (p < 0.001), dysuria (p = 0.005), and urgency (p = 0.03). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding hematuria and suprapubic pain (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the severity of bacteriuria decreased significantly in both groups. In conclusion, it seems that propolis supplementation in women with uncomplicated cystitis could improve urinary frequency, dysuria, and urgency. However, further clinical trials should be conducted to fully understand the effects of propolis in women suffering from uncomplicated cystitis.

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.

Associations between diet quality and migraine headaches: a cross-sectional study.

AIMS: We evaluated associations between diet quality and migraine outcomes. METHODS: The current work represented a cross-sectional study on 262 patients with migraine (20-50 y). Diet quality was assessed using the standard healthy eating index 2015 (HEI-2015) and alternative healthy eating index 2010 (AHEI-2010). A validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake. Migraine outcomes included clinical factors (severity, duration, frequency, and disability related to migraine) and serum nitric oxide (NO). Associations between diet quality indices and migraine outcomes were evaluated using linear regressions, and ß and 95% corresponding confidence interval (CI) were reported. RESULTS: HEI-2015 was inversely associated with migraine frequency (ß = -4.75, 95% CI: -6.73, -2.76) in patients with the highest HEI scores (third tertile) vs. those with the lowest scores (first tertile) after adjusting for relevant confounders. AHEI-2010 was inversely associated with migraine frequency (ß = -3.67, 95% CI: -5.65, -1.69) and migraine-related disability (ß = -2.74, 95% CI: -4.79, -0.68) in adjusted models. Also, AHEI-2010 was inversely associated with migraine severity in patients in the second vs. first tertile (ß = -0.56; 95% CI: -1.08, -0.05). We detected no associations between diet quality and NO levels (All P > 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: Improved diet quality may be associated with favorable migraine outcomes (lower headache frequency, severity, and migraine-related disability). Future studies are required to confirm and delineate the causal mechanisms of our observations.

Watermelon consumption decreases risk factors of cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effects of watermelon supplementation on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk factors in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The comprehensive search was done in Cochrane Library databases, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus up to March 2022. A random-effect model was used for computing weighted mean differences (WMD). Standard methods were applied to examine publication bias, sensitivity analysis, and heterogeneity. Of the 8962 identified studies, 9 RCTs were included in the final analysis. Watermelon consumption significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP), totalcholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In addition, watermelon consumption led to a significant increase in fasting blood sugar (FBS). However, there was not any significant difference in other outcomes of interest including diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), BMI, body fat, and serum levels of arginine, insulin, and CRP after watermelon supplementation. The current findings provide promising evidence of the antihypertensive effect of watermelon. However, due to the lack of evidence in human research, the result regarding the remaining outcomes needs to be used with caution. Furter RCTs with longer follow-ups and larger sample sizes should be done to confirm the current findings.

Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation on heat shock protein 27, glycemic status and anthropometric indices in type 2 diabetes patients.

Purpose: Heat shock proteins (HSP-27) are reported to be involved in the pathophysiology of diabetes complications. The purpose of the current study is to assess the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation on serum HSP-27, glycemic status and anthropometric indices in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: Thirty-six patients with T2DM were randomly allocated to obtain 2 g per day EPA (n = 18) or placebo (n = 18) for 8 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Fasting serum levels of HSP 27, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C, as well as anthropometric indices were measured. Results: EPA supplementation reduces the serum level of HSP 27 in the EPA group compared with the placebo (P < 0.03). Although waist circumference (WC) decreased significantly in the EPA group at the end of the trial (P < 0.02), there was no significant difference in weight, WC, body mass index (BMI), and glycemic markers in both groups after intervention (P > 0.05). Conclusions: We found that EPA supplementation reduces HSP 27 serum level in T2DM patients. However, future large-scale trials are needed.

The effect of a low versus high sodium diet on blood pressure in diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

There have been numerous clinical trials that have investigated the effect of sodium intake on blood pressure in diabetic patients. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the clinical trial studies performed on the effect of low sodium diet (LSD) versus high sodium diet (HSD) on blood pressure in diabetic patients. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched from database inception to July 10, 2021. Both type 1 and 2 diabetes was considered. Overall, there were 15 studies included in this meta-analysis. The weighted (WMD) mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random-effects model. Risk of bias in the studies was assessed based on the Cochrane collaboration tool and the quality of all the studies was considered as good. Overall, LSD significantly reduced SBP (systolic blood pressure) (WMD: -3.79 mmHg, 95% CI: -6.02, -1.56) and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) (WMD: -1.62 mmHg, 95% CI: -2.84, -0.40), in comparison with HSD, in diabetics. However, LSD had no significant effect on MAP (mean arterial pressure) in comparison with HSD (WMD: -1.81, 95%CI: -5.49, 1.87). Although subgroup analysis could not attenuate heterogeneity in SBP, subgroup analysis in DBP based on duration (≤1 week: WMD: -2.35, 95%CI: -3.69, -1.00, I 2  = 48.9%, p = 0.081, >1 week: WMD: -1.04, 95% CI: -2.83, 0.76, I 2  = 74.7%, p = 0.003) and study design (cross-over: WMD: -1.94, 95% CI: -2.71, -1.17, I 2  = 32.1%, p = 0.183, parallel: WMD: -2.17, 95% CI: -6.48, 2.13, I 2  = 82.4%, p = 0.001) successfully detected sources of heterogeneity. LSD significantly reduced SBP and DBP, however, had no effect on MAP, in comparison with HSD.

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.

Effects of pistachios on glycaemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

To evaluate the effects of pistachio consumption on the glucoregulatory status in individuals with a high risk of CVD, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) were conducted. Online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched from inception until June 2019. Human trials that reported data for fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were included. Data were pooled using the random effect models and expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95 % CI. Eight RCTs were included in the analyses. Pistachio consumption, exchanged isocalorically for other foods, decreased FBS (WMD: -5·32 mg/dl, 95 % CI (-7·80, -2·64), P < 0·001) and insulin (WMD: -1·86 µIU/ml, 95 % CI (-3·13, -0·59), P < 0·01) concentrations in individuals with a high risk of CVD. However, no changes were observed in the levels of HOMA-IR between the groups (WMD: -0·66, 95 % CI (-1·89, 0·58), P = 0·30). Pistachio consumption may improve glucoregulatory status in individuals at risk for CVD, as evidenced by reduced FBS and insulin concentrations. However, due to the limited availability of studies with diabetic cases and relatively small sample sizes of available studies, well-designed trials with adequate sample sizes aimed at diabetic populations are recommended.

Associations between adherence to Mediterranean dietary pattern and frequency, duration, and severity of migraine headache: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to explore the association between adherence to Mediterranean dietary pattern and migraine headache features including frequency, duration, and severity, as well as patients' migraine-related disabilities among the Iranian population diagnosed with migraine. METHODS: In the present cross-sectional study on 262 migraine patients aged 20-50 years old, a validated 168-item, food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intakes of participants. The Mediterranean diet score was calculated for each subject using nine pre-defined dietary components and ranged from 0-9. The headache severity, duration, frequency, migraine headache index score (MHIS), and headache impact test-6 (HIT-6) were measured using related questionnaires. RESULTS: After controlling for potential confounders, Mediterranean diet tended to be associated with lower headache frequency (ß = -1.74, 95% CI: -3.53,0.03) and duration (ß = -0.28, 95% CI: -0.59, -0.02) and was significantly associated with lower MHIS (ß = -29.32, 95% CI: -51.22, -7.42), and HIT-6 score (ß = -2.86, 95% CI: -5.40, -0.32) for those in the highest category of Mediterranean diet scores compared to the lowest category. A subgroup analysis of women also revealed a negative association between Mediterranean diet and headaches frequency (ß = -2.30, 95% CI: -4.27, -0.32), duration (ß = -0.42, 95% CI: -0.78, -0.07), scores of MHIS (ß = -47.44, 95% CI: -71.90, -22.99), and HIT-6 (ß = -3.45, 95% CI: -6.29, -0.61), after controlling for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with lower headache frequency, duration, MHIS, and HIT-6 score.

Consumption of pistachio nuts positively affects lipid profiles: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effects of consuming pistachio nuts on lipid profiles (total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], and triglyceride [TG]). Databases of PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to June 2019 to identify RCTs documenting the effects of consuming pistachio nuts on blood lipid profiles in adults. Effect sizes were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects models (DerSimonian-Laird method). Twelve eligible RCTs were included. Consumption of pistachio nuts decreased TC (WMD: -7.48 mg/dL; 95% CI, -12.62 to -2.34), LDL-C (WMD: -3.82 mg/dL; 95% CI, -5.49 to -2.16) and TG (WMD: -11.19 mg/dL; 95% CI, -14.21 to -8.17) levels. However, HDL-cholesterol levels (WMD: 2.45 mg/dL; 95% CI, -2.44 to 7.33) did not change following pistachio consumption. Consuming pistachio nuts may improve lipid profiles (TC, LDL-C, TG) in adults and may be protective against cardiometabolic diseases. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these results.

Effects of L-arginine supplementation on biomarkers of glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials.

The present meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of L-arginine supplementation in improving biomarkers of glycemic control in adults. Electronic databases including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Collaboration Library were searched up to January 2020. The meta-analysis of twelve randomised clinical trials indicated that L-arginine had no significant effect on serum fasting blood sugar (FBS) (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -3.38 mg/dl, 95% CI: -6.79 to 0.04, p = .53), serum insulin (WMD: -0.12 Hedges' g 95% CI: -0.33 to 0.09, p = .27), glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c; WMD: -0.04%, 95% CI: -0.25 to 0.17, p = .71), and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (WMD: -0.48, 95% CI: -1.15 to 0.19, p = .15). Although several animal studies have proposed that L-arginine supplementation might improve blood glucose control, the present study could not confirm this benefit in humans.

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 Effect of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Supplementation on Renal Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials.

Background: The present systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed at determining the effect of saffron supplementation on renal function. Methods: Electronic databases were searched up to February 2021. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The overall weighted mean difference (WMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effect models. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 11 trials were included in this study. Saffron had beneficial effect on BUN (WMD = -0.69 mg/dl; 95% CI, -1.36 to -0.01; P=0.046) compared to placebo, with significant heterogeneity (I 2 = 49.6%, P=0.037). However, it had no significant effect on serum Cr (WMD = 0.04 mg/dl; 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.09; P=0.127). Conclusion: It seems that saffron supplementation had no significant effect on Cr as a renal function factor. However, BUN reduction was significant in the saffron group compared to placebo.

The effect of nigella supplementation on blood pressure: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

This study was performed to assess the effect of nigella supplementation on blood pressure levels among the adult population. A comprehensive search was carried out through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library by using relevant keywords to find out the randomized clinical trials evaluating the effect of nigella administration on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). A random-effect model was applied to achieve the overall effect size. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to explore the source of heterogeneity and the effects of the possible moderators. Of the twenty-two trials that were eligible for the present study, seventeen studies consisting of 1048 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that nigella administration could significantly reduce both SBP (-4.58 mmHg; 95%CI: -6.22, -2.94) and DBP (-3.08 mmHg; 95%CI: -4.62, -1.55). Subgroup analysis did not show any superiority between subgroups of variables. Dose-response analysis detected a nonlinear association between dose and duration of administration and change in blood pressure outcomes, highlighting that maximum SBP and DBP reduction was experienced at 2000 mg/day and 8 weeks of nigella administration, respectively. The present study suggests that nigella supplementation can be beneficial for managing blood pressure.

The effects of butyrate supplementation on glycemic control, lipid profile, blood pressure, nitric oxide level and glutathione peroxidase activity in type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized triple -blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral NaBut on metabolic parameters, blood pressure, and oxidative stress indices including glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and nitric oxide (NO) status in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: In the current interventional trial, 42 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were randomly allocated into either NaBut (n = 21) or placebo (n = 21) group for six weeks. Serum concentrations of metabolic parameters, GPx, NO as well as blood pressure were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Within-group findings demonstrated that NaBut administration significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.016 and p = 0.002, respectively). Blood sugar 2-hr postprandial (BS2hpp) was also significantly decreased in the intervention and placebo groups (p = 0.016 and p = 0.019, respectively), but the between-group differences were not statistically significant. Differences in homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were not significant between groups after adjustment for potential confounders (p = 0.061). NaBut supplementation was also found to significantly increase total cholesterol (p = 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.005), and insulin levels (p = 0.047) compared to the baseline, while decreased NO levels (p = 0.040). However, there were no significant between-group differences in these parameters. No significant differences were also found in other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: We observed significant within-group decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as BS2hpp following oral butyrate treatment. While no or even adverse changes in other biochemical parameters were found. Further investigations with longer durations are warranted to more vividly elucidate the effects of NaBut supplementation on patients with T2DM. Registered under Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials website (http://www.irct.ir), Identifier no. IRC T20090609002017N33.

Empirically derived dietary patterns and their association with mental health: a cross-sectional sample of Iranian migraine patients (2019-2020).

OBJECTIVES: Based on a comprehensive search, we realized that there is no previous study conducted among migraine patients to assess the association between major dietary patterns and mental health. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the relationship between empirically-derived dietary patterns and depression, anxiety, and stress in a sample of Iranian migraine patients. METHODS: A total of 262 migraine patients (20-50 years) were selected through simple random sampling method for this study. Dietary intake during the previous year was determined using a validated 168-item, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and major dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis (PCA). For mental health evaluation, authors used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS- 21) questionnaire. Statistical analysis included multinomial logistic regression analysis and results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: We identified three major dietary patterns including "traditional", "western", and "healthy". After controlling for potential confounders, those in the highest tertile of the healthy dietary pattern had lower odds of depression (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.88; P for trend: 0.030) and stress (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.99; P for trend: 0.049). However, no significant association was observed between western and traditional dietary patterns and mental disorders. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, significant associations were documented between healthy dietary patterns and risk of depression and stress. Current findings urge migraine patients to increase their intakes of fruits, vegetables, eggs, whole grains, nuts and seeds, meat, and poultry and reduce the intake of fast foods and snacks, processed meat, fish, cola drink, condiments, dairy, and vegetable pickles to diminish the chance of depression and stress.

Efficacy of synbiotic interventions on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

PURPOSE: The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of synbiotic interventions on blood pressure levels in adults. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases of MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane through March 2020 to identify all randomized control trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of synbiotic interventions on blood pressure parameter, including systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) scale was used to assess the certainty of evaluated outcomes and determine the strength of recommendations. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Synbiotic interventions significantly reduced SBP (-3.02 mmHg; 95% CI: -4.84, -1.21; I2 = 55%) without changing DBP levels (-0.57 mmHg; 95% CI: -1.78, 0.64; I2 = 50%). Subgroup analyses revealed that the SBP-lowering effects of synbiotic interventions were more pronounced wherein trials were longer (≥12 weeks), synbiotic interventions were administrated as a supplement, and participants were younger (<50 years old). Also, a significant improvement in both SBP and DBP levels was evident in subgroups with a lower (<30 kg/m2) body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Synbiotic interventions may significantly improve SBP levels in adults.

The Effects of Curcumin Supplementation on Muscle Damage, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Markers in Healthy Females with Moderate Physical Activity: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammation represent major contributors to why athletes use ergogenic aids. Turmeric is used as a spice because of its polyphenol ingredient named curcumin. We assessed the effects of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory, oxidative stress markers, muscle damage, and anthropometric indices in women with moderate physical activity. METHODS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 80 women with moderate physical activity levels (defined as walking or swimming for at least 1 h per day) for 8 weeks. Mean ± SD of age (years) all participants was 21 ± 2. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: curcumin (500 mg/day) and placebo (500 mg/day cornstarch). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, body composition, and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) were evaluated before and after an intervention. RESULTS: Sixty-five subjects completed the 8-week intervention. Within analysis indicated a significant decrease in CRP, LDH, MDA levels, and a significant increase in VO2 max in the curcumin group after an intervention (P < 0.05). There were significant decreases in CRP (P = 0.002), LDH (P = 0.041), and MDA (P = 0.005), no significant increase in TAC, and significant increase in VO2 max (P = 0.0001) levels in the curcumin group compared with placebo group. There were no significant changes in weight, body mass index, body fat, and lean body mass between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that 8-week curcumin administration could significantly improve CRP, LDH, MDA, and VO2 max. Curcumin supplementation did not elicit significant changes in anthropometric indices in this study.

Vitamin D and thyroid disorders: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: The contribution of vitamin D to thyroid disorders has received paramount attention; however, results are mixed. Hence, we designed a systematic review and meta-analysis to obtain a definitive conclusion. METHODS: The search included PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases up to March 2021 to collect available papers reporting the relationship between serum levels of vitamin D and thyroid disorders. The pooled effect was reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Out of 6123 datasets, 42 were eligible to get into this systematic review and meta-analysis. Serum vitamin D was markedly lower in autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) (WMD - 3.1 ng/dl; 95% CI, - 5.57 to - 0.66; P = 0.013; I2 = 99.9%), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) (WMD - 6.05 ng/dl; 95% CI, - 8.35 to - 3.75; P < 0.001; I2 = 91.0%) and hypothyroidism patients (WMD - 13.43 ng/dl; 95% CI, - 26.04 to - 0.81; P = 0.03; I2 = 99.5%), but not in subjects with Graves' disease (GD) (WMD - 4.14 ng/dl; 95% CI, - 8.46 to 0.17; P = 0.06; I2 = 97.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested lower vitamin D levels in patients with hypothyroidism, AITD, and HT compared to healthy subjects. However, the link between serum vitamin D and GD was only significant among subjects ≥40 years old.