Effects of saffron on homocysteine, and antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common health problems worldwide. Studies have shown that saffron and its derivatives may have therapeutic potentials in T2DM through reducing plasma glucose. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of saffron extract on serum anti-inflammatory and antioxidant variables in T2DM patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted on 64 T2DM patients. Participants received either 15 mg of saffron or placebo capsules (two pills per day) for 3 months. Anthropometric indices, homocysteine, serum anti-inflammatory and antioxidant variables and dietary intake were assessed pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: After 3 months of treatment, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) increased significantly in both group (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin 10(IL-10) after the treatment period (p>0.05). Homocysteine decteased significantly in control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results showed no improvement in homocystein levels, antioxidant status and inflammatory biomarkers in T2DM patients after treatment with saffron.

The effect of hydroalcoholic Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver, and renal function tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind clinical trial.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that manifested as hyperglycemia due to the defect in secretion or function of insulin. Studies have shown that saffron and its derivatives cause a significant reduction in plasma glucose levels in experimental models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the saffron extract on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c), lipid profile, liver enzymes, and renal function tests in type 2 diabetic patients. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 64 type 2 diabetic patients who were on oral anti-diabetic drugs were examined. Participants received either 15 mg of saffron or placebo capsules (two pills per day) for 3 months. Anthropometric indices, dietary intake, FPG, HbA1c, lipid profiles, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), and renal function (BUN, Cr.) tests were measured pre and post intervention after 3 months. Independent t test and paired t test were used for data analysis. After 3-months intervention, mean difference of FPG, Cholesterol, LDL-c, and LDL/HDL ratio between two groups showed significant reduction(p < 0.0001), but HbA1c, HDL-C, API, TG showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). In saffron group, FPG, HbA1c, cholesterol, LDL-c, and LDL/HDL ratio decreased significantly after 3-months intervention compare with baseline (p < 0.0001).

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its correlated factors among children and adolescents of Ahvaz aged 10 - 19.

BACKGROUND: Population-based studies for prevalence of metabolic syndrome (M.S) in children and adolescents are relatively rare. The aim of this study was to assess the Prevalence of M.S and correlated factors among children and adolescents aged 10 to 19 years in Ahvaz. METHODS: In this descriptive-analytical population- based study, 2246 children and adolescents, 10-19 years old (1113 male and 1133 female) in Ahvaz, were evaluated. Anthropometry, biochemical measurement and blood pressure (BP) were assessed. Modified ATP III criteria 2005 were used for M.S. definition. Center for disease and Control preventions (CDC) percentile were applied to define cut off points of waist circumference and BP. RESULTS: Prevalence of M.S. was 9% (95% CI: 8-10%) with prevalence in male 11% (95% CI: 10-12%) and female 7% (95% CI 6-8%). Among individuals with M.S, triglyceride (TG) and decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were the most common components (33.5% and 24.1%, respectively). Prevalence of M.S was higher in overweight persons comparing to participants with at risk and normal weight group (in male: 24.1%, 14.3% and 9.9% respectively P = 0.0001), (in female: 22.6%, 18.3% and 4.5% respectively P = 0.0001). Among the correlated factors of M.S age (P = 0.0006), sex and BMI (P = 0.0001) had significant differences between subjects with and without M.S. whereas there was no significant difference between two groups in ethnicity, history of breast fed, birth weight neonatal ICU admission, maternal history(GDM, gestational HTN, Parity) and family history of HTN, obesity and DM (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows high prevalence of M.S in Children and Adolescents in south west of Iran (Ahvaz) especially in overweight persons.

Albuminuria and its correlates in type 2 diabetic patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of albuminuria and its correlates and investigate disease management for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ahvaz. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on the 350 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the Diabetes Clinic at Golestan Hospital, from October 2010 to September 2011. Demographic characteristics were recorded and height, weight, and blood pressure were measured. Blood urea nitrogen and serum levels of creatinine, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and glycosylated hemoglobin A were measured in fasting blood samples. Spot urine and 24-hour urine collection were tested for albumin and kidney ultrasonography was done. RESULTS: A total of 72 of 350 patients (20.6%) had microalbuminuria and 18 (5.1%) had macroalbuminuria. Elevated serum creatinine was seen in 6.9% and azotemia in 6.0%. In multivariable analysis, blood urea nitrogen level, glycosylated hemoglobin A, and duration of diabetes mellitus were associated with urinary albumin excretion (P = .04). A small proportion of the participants achieved optimal treatment goals for modifiable risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal urinary albumin excretion is seen in one-quarter of type 2 diabetic patients and a small but important number of them have azotemia. Albuminuria was found to be associated with long-term duration of diabetes mellitus, poor glucose control (revealed by high glycosylated hemoglobin A levels), and high blood urea nitrogen. Poor glycemic control may have a significant role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy in these patients.