Effects of Synbiotics on Inflammatory Markers in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: With regard to the relationship between inflammation and insulin resistance and due to the lack of researches conducted about the effect of synbiotics on inflammatory markers in diabetes patients, this study was designed to investigate the effect of these markers. METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 44 type 2 diabetes patients. They were randomized to symbiotic or placebo group. Patients in the symbiotic group received one symbiotic tablet daily for 8 weeks whereas the placebo group received 1 placebo tablet. The hs-CRP concentration, TNF-α and IL-6 were measured by using ELISA kits. The dietary intakes of patients were assessed at the first and the end of the study and analyzed by Nutritionist IV. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 16.0 via paired and independent t-test. RESULTS: Anthropometric and dietary data were not significantly different between the two groups at the first and the end of the study. The serum concentrations of hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α decreased significantly in the symbiotic group at the end of week 8 compared to baseline (p<0.05). Also, no significant changes were seen in the placebo group (p>0.05). The reduction in inflammatory markers in the symbiotic group were significant in compared to the placebo group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Symbiotic supplementation can reduce serum hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

The association between serum C-reactive protein and macronutrients and antioxidants intake in hemodialysis patients.

Background:Despite the high levels of inflammation in hemodialysis patients and the effects of diet on systemic inflammation, such as the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, few studies have evaluated the relationship of macronutrients and antioxidants intake with serum C-reactive protein (CRP). Therefore, this study assessed the relationship between serum high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) with macronutrients and antioxidants intake and serum albumin. Methods:This cross-sectional study used census sampling to select 75 hemodialysis patients (35 men and 40 women) who attended the hemodialysis department of Vaseie Hospital of Sabzevar, Iran. After obtaining the written consent, all the patients were interviewed and dietary data was collected by using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire including 160 food items. Diet analysis was performed with Nutritionist IV. Before being connected to the dialysis machine, 5 cc fasting blood samples were obtained from all participants and serum hs-CRP and albumin levels were measured. All the statistical analyses were conducted with SPSS -for Windows, version 16.0. Results:The patients' mean body mass index was 20.09 ± 3.27 kg/ m2. The participants' intake of antioxidants and all macronutrients, except for carbohydrates and proteins, was less than the standard levels. Moreover, the hs-CRP had significant inverse relationships with serum albumin (P=0.0001) and vitamin E and C intakes but was not significant. Also, a significant relationship was observed between hs-CRP levels and the intake of energy (P=0.002) and protein (P=0.0001). Conclusion:Our findings indicated hs-CRP levels of hemodialysis patients to have significant inverse relationships with serum albumin and vitamin E and C intakes but was not significant. Also, a significant relationship was observed between hs-CRP levels and the intake of energy and protein.

Effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids on serum systemic and vascular inflammation markers and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: High concentrations of serum inflammation markers, especially vascular inflammation markers, are an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in hemodialysis patients. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids on serum systemic and vascular inflammation markers and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: Thirty-four hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to either the marine omega-3 fatty acid or the placebo group. Patients in the omega-3 fatty acid group received 2,080 mg marine omega-3 fatty acids daily for 10 weeks, whereas the placebo group received a corresponding placebo.At baseline and the end of week 10, 5 ml blood was collected after a 12- to 14-hour fast. RESULTS: Mean serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (sICAM-1) decreased significantly in the omega-3 fatty acid group at the end of week 10 compared to baseline (p < 0.05) and this reduction was significant in comparison with the placebo group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in mean changes in serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule type 1, sE-selectin, sP-selectin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that marine omega-3 fatty acids can reduce serum sICAM-1, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but it has no effect on serum systemic inflammation markers and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients.