The effect of vitamin C supplementation in the last month of pregnancy on neonatal bilirubin levels; A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Jaundice is a typical condition in the neonatal period, particularly in the Asian continent. Drowsiness and disruption of breastfeeding, behavioral and neurological disorders, hearing loss and mental retardation are the results of impairment in controlling it. The increase in oxidant substances can stimulate the heme oxygenase enzyme and increase the conversion of heme to bilirubin. In some studies, vitamin C levels in the blood of infants with hyperbilirubinemia were lower than in healthy infants. DESIGN: In this double-blind clinical trial study, 144 healthy pregnant women aged 20-40 years who were in 34th weeks of gestation were randomly divided into intervention, and control groups and until the end of pregnancy, they took a 500 mg tablet of vitamin C or placebo (Preparation of starch) daily. Demographic information, dietary intake, and physical activity level of the participants were also evaluated. The total blood bilirubin level was measured on the fifth day after birth using a sample of the neonatal heel. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22. In this study P-value < 0. 05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Of the 144 participants, 128 of them completed the intervention. There was no significant difference between the two groups at the level of vitamin C intake through diet, and anthropometric indices, but the total bilirubin level in the neonates of the two groups was statistically different (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Vitamin C supplementation in the last month of pregnancy had a significant effect on neonatal bilirubin level and decreased it significantly.

The effects of Nobiletin, Hesperetin, and Letrozole in a combination on the activity and expression of aromatase in breast cancer cells.

Nobiletin (NOB) and hesperetin (HES) are the citrus polymethoxyflavone and flavonone. Aromatase or cytochrome P450 (CYP19) enzyme is a key enzyme in estrogen biosynthesis. The objective of this study was to investigate the combinational effects of HES, NOB and letrozole (LET) as aromatase inhibitors on the activity and expression of aromatase in MCF-7 cells. In this study, aromatase enzyme activity based on the conversion of androgen substrate testosterone to 17ß-Estradiol was determined. Estradiol concentrations were measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. CYP19 gene expression was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Our findings demonstrated that none of combinations including LET+NOB, LET+HES, LET+NOB+HES, and NOB+HES had no significant effects on aromatase activity and expression. The present study showed for the first time that the combination of HES, NOB, and LET had no effects on activity and expression of aromatase in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Relationship between leptin concentration and body fat with peripheral blood mononuclear cells cytokines among obese and overweight adults.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity has been suggested to be well correlated with altered levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. AIM: The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship of body fat mass (BFM), body fat percentage (BFP) and leptin levels with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cytokines among obese and overweight adults. METHODS: Eighty-two overweight and obese individuals were divided into two BMI-category groups (BMI <30 and BMI ≥30 kg/m2) in this study. Balanced blocked randomization was used based on their sex and BMI ranges. Fasting blood samples, PBMCs cytokines, leptin and anthropometric indices were measured and PBMCs were cultured. RESULTS: Mean of leptin concentrations were 23.14 ± 4.07 and 28.25 ± 4.35 pg/ml among individuals with BMI <30 and BMI ≥30 kg/m2, respectively. The mean values of anthropometric measurements (all P < 0.001), the concentrations of TNF-α (P = 0.028) and IFN-γ (P = 0.029) were significantly higher among obese individuals. BFP had a significant positive correlation with leptin (P < 0.001, r = 0.445) and TGF-ß (P = 0.03, r = 0.243). BFM has significant positive correlation with leptin (P < 0.001, r = 0.521). Leptin had a positive significant correlation with IFN-γ (p = 0.03, r = 0.251). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding these results, we proved that BFP, BFM and leptin levels have significant correlations with some PBMC cytokines. Focusing on such strategies may lead to promises for alleviating obesity and its co-morbidities.

The individual or combinational effects of Hesperetin and Letrozole on the activity and expression of aromatase in MCF-7 cells.

Aromatase catalyzes the last and rate-limiting step in estrogen biosynthesis. Inhibition of estrogen production is a common strategy for breast cancer treatment. Citrus flavonoids have been confirmed to exhibit efficacious biological activities, particularly in cancer therapy. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of hesperetin on the activity and expression of aromatase and compare this property with letrozole as an aromatase inhibitor in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays in this study demonstrated that hesperetin at a concentration of 200 µM decreased cell viability in a time dependent manner (P<0.05). Aromatase activity assay, based on 17ß-Estradiol (E2) production from testosterone, revealed that hesperetin had no effect. Real-time PCR results indicated that treatment with 1µM concentration of hesperetin for 48 h significantly decreased relative aromatase expression (P =0.004). Combination of letrozole and hesperetin also had no effect on aromatase. The changes in activity paralleled the expression of aromatase. Likely, the reduction in aromatase activity was delayed in time along with the reduction in expression ratio; however additional studies are needed to confirm this. In conclusion, the present study showed that hesperetin could decrease expression of aromatase at low concentrations in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Does consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids influence on neurorehabilitation in traumatic spinal cord-injured individuals? A double-blinded clinical trial.

STUDY DESIGN: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial. OBJECTIVES: The anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown so far, but still its influence on clinical measures in spinal cord-injured human models were not known. We tried to investigate changes in disability and dependency scores in chronic traumatic spinal cord-injured patients after 14 months of ω-3 fatty-acid consumption. METHODS: Main inclusion criteria were: traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and post injury duration longer than 1 year. Disability and dependency was assessed using U.K Functional Independence Measure and Functional Assessment Measure (FIM+FAM) scale. MorDHA capsules (435 mg of docosahexaenoic acid and 65 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid) were administered in treatment group, whereas control group received placebo capsules for 14 months. U.K. FIM+FAM scale were estimated before intervention and at the end of the trial. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients in treatment group and 50 patients in placebo group completed the trial. Highest scores were detected in cognitive domain in both groups before and after intervention. Most dependency was observed in locomotion subscale and secondly in sphincter control. Scores of none of these components were changed by ω-3 fatty-acid consumption. CONCLUSION: Although omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have neuroprotective effect in acute phase of SCI, it seems that they have no significant influence in chronic inflammatory state of SCI. The positive effect of ω-3 fatty acid in chronic neurorecovery process, if exists, is weaker to exert any significant improvement in UK FIM+FAM scores in spinal cord-injured individuals.

Effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on antioxidant enzymes activity and oxidative stress of seminal plasma: a double-blind randomised clinical trial.

Low seminal plasma concentrations of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been correlated with impaired sperm parameters, but the exact mechanism remains of dominating interest. This randomised, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of CoQ10 on catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and F2 -isoprostanes in seminal plasma in infertile men and their relation with CoQ10 concentration. Sixty infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) were randomised to receive 200 mg d(-1) of CoQ10 or placebo for 3 months. 47 persons of them completed the study. Semen analysis, anthropometric measurements, diet and physical activity assessment were performed for subjects before and after treatment. Independent and paired t-test, chi-square test and ancova were compared outcomes of supplementation between two groups. CoQ10 levels increased from 44.74 ± 36.47 to 68.17 ± 42.41 ng ml(-1) following supplementation in CoQ10 (P < 0.001). CoQ10 group had higher catalase and SOD activity than the placebo group. There was a significant positive correlation between CoQ10 concentration and normal sperm morphology (P = 0.037), catalase (P = 0.041) and SOD (P < 0.001). Significant difference was shown between the mean of changes in seminal plasma 8-isoprostane in two groups (P = 0.003) after supplementation. Three-month supplementation with CoQ10 in OAT infertile men can attenuate oxidative stress in seminal plasma and improve semen parameters and antioxidant enzymes activity.

Does vitamin D3 supplementation improve glucose homeostasis in overweight or obese women? A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

AIMS: Vitamin D deficiency is considered as a risk factor in cardiometabolic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. We have investigated the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on glucose homeostasis in healthy overweight and obese women. METHODS: In a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, 77 healthy overweight or obese women (mean age 38 ± 8 years; BMI 29.9 ± 4.2 kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned to the vitamin D3 group (25 µg/day as cholecalciferol tablets) or the placebo group. Selected anthropometric indices, glucose, insulin, HbA(1c) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance at baseline and after 12 weeks were measured. Dietary intakes using 24-h food recall and food frequency questionnaires were assessed. Physical activity was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Adjusted mean differences were calculated using analysis of covariance. Correlation coefficients were calculated by Pearson's analysis. RESULTS: Mean fasting blood glucose concentrations declined in the vitamin D3 and placebo groups (-0.28 ± 0.4 vs. -0.65 ± 0.4 mmol/l, P < 0.001) and the mean percentage of HbA(1c) was decreased (-13 ± 18 vs. -19 ± 17 mmol/l, P = 0.06) in both groups, respectively. Mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations increased in the vitamin D3 and placebo groups (38.2 ± 32 vs. 4.6 ± 14 nmol/l, P < 0.001), respectively. There was a significant correlation between HbA(1c) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations (r = -0.271; P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the vitamin D3 supplement of 25 µg/day had no beneficial effect on glycaemic indices in healthy overweight or obese women.

Coenzyme Q10 improves seminal oxidative defense but does not affect on semen parameters in idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia: a randomized double-blind, placebo controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Several lines of evidence show the implication of oxidative stress in the etiology of male infertility. Recently, the role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the prevention and treatment of disease has been intensively probed. However, definitive efficacy studies in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) have not been completed yet. AIM: To evaluate the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on semen parameters in idiopathic OAT (iOAT). MATERIAL/SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial was carried out. A total of 47 infertile men with iOAT were randomly assigned to receive 200 mg CoQ10 daily or placebo during a 12- week period. Semen parameters were determined using microscopic evaluation according to World Health Organization guidelines. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring the concentration of plasma malondialdehyde. We evaluated the total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma. To compare variables between and within the 2 groups we used independent t-test and Paired t-test. RESULTS: The trial showed non-significant changes in semen parameters of CoQ10 group. However, concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in serum of treated groups compared with the control. Furthermore, total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma significantly increased in the CoQ10 group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results provide further evidence suggesting that CoQ10 supplementation is associated with alleviating oxidative stress, although it does not show any significant effects on sperm concentration, motility and morphology. It may be suggested that CoQ10 could be taken as an adjunct therapy in cases of OAT. Further studies are needed to draw a final conclusion.

The relationship between BMI and iron status in iron-deficient adolescent Iranian girls.

OBJECTIVE: Many Iranian adolescent girls are Fe-deficient, but it is unclear whether Fe deficiency is associated with other nutritional risk indicators. The present study aimed to investigate the association between Fe deficiency and weight status (measured as BMI) among a representative sample of adolescent girls. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. Fe-deficient high-school girls (with or without anaemia) were selected by systematic random sampling among all students in grades 1 to 4 from high schools for girls. Blood samples were collected and analysed for Hb, haematocrit, serum ferritin, Fe and total Fe binding capacity. Weight and height were measured. BMI was calculated and compared with age- and gender-specific BMI reference values. SETTING: South Iran. SUBJECTS: A total of 431 adolescent girls aged 13-20 years. RESULTS: Some 15.3 % of the participants were at risk for overweight and 9.5 % of them were overweight. An inverse association was found between serum ferritin and BMI (r = -0.38, beta = -0.21, P < 0.001). Anaemia was more prevalent among overweight Fe-deficient adolescents than among those Fe-deficient and at risk for overweight or normal weight (34.1 % v. 28.8 % v. 27.8 %, respectively; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An inverse association was found between BMI and serum ferritin. Overweight adolescents demonstrated an increased prevalence of Fe-deficiency anaemia. It seems that both abnormalities of weight and Fe status should simultaneously be targeted in overweight female adolescents.

Effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplements on serum lipids, apolipoproteins and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetes patients.

In order to test whether hyperlipidaemia and glycaemic control can be improved among diabetes patients by dietary supplementation with purified omega-3 fatty acids, we carried out a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on 50 type 2 diabetes patients randomized to 2 g/day purified omega-3 fatty acids or placebo for 10 weeks. Fasting triglycerides decreased significantly with supplementation relative to placebo (P = 0.01). There was a significant decrease in ApoB-100 and malondialdehyde compared to baseline values and compared to the control group. Omega-3 fatty acids had no significant effect on serum lipid levels, ApoA-I, glucose, insulin and HbA1c.

Effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplements on serum lipids, apolipoproteins and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetes patients

In order to test whether hyperlipidaemia and glycaemic control can be improved among diabetes patients by dietary supplementation with purified omega-3 fatty acids, we carried out a doubleblind, placebo-controlled trial on 50 type 2 diabetes patients randomized to 2 g/day purified omega-3 fatty acids or placebo for 10 weeks. Fasting triglycerides decreased significantly with supplementation relative to placebo [P = 0.01]. There was a significant decrease in ApoB-100 and malondialdehyde compared to baseline values and compared to the control group. Omega-3 fatty acids had no significant effect on serum lipid levels, ApoA-I, glucose, insulin and HbA1[c]

Comparison of plasma and leukocyte vitamin C status between asthmatic and healthy subjects.

In a case-control study the vitamin C status of 50 adults with chronic controlled asthma was compared with that of 50 randomly selected healthy controls. Vitamin C intake was assessed by 3-day dietary recall, and plasma and leukocyte vitamin C concentrations were measured colorimetrically. A positive significant correlation was found between plasma vitamin C and dietary vitamin C intake. Plasma and leukocyte vitamin C levels were significantly lower in the asthma group. Plasma vitamin C was deficient (< 0.4 mg/dL) in significantly more patients than controls (38.0% versus 0%) and leukocyte vitamin C (< 20 microg/10(8) leukocytes) was deficient in 92.0% of asthmatics versus 8.0% of controls. A significant association was observed between duration of asthma and plasma vitamin C level.

Comparison of plasma and leukocyte vitamin C status between asthmatic and healthy subjects

In a case-control study the vitamin C status of 50 adults with chronic controlled asthma was compared with that of 50 randomly selected healthy controls. Vitamin C intake was assessed by 3-day dietary recall, and plasma and leukocyte vitamin C concentrations were measured colorimetrically. A positive significant correlation was found between plasma vitamin C and dietary vitamin C intake. Plasma and leukocyte vitamin C levels were significantly lower in the asthma group. Plasma vitamin C was deficient [< 0.4 mg/dL] in significantly more patients than controls [38.0% versus 0%] and leukocyte vitamin C [< 20 micro g/10[8] leukocytes] was deficient in 92.0% of asthmatics versus 8.0% of controls. significant association was observed between duration of asthma and plasma vitamin C level