Effect of probiotic yogurt on gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gestational diabetes mellitus is one of the important complications of pregnancy and is related to many adverse events. There is evidence that probiotics can be considered a preventive and therapeutic option in gestational diabetes mellitus. In this meta-analysis, we have focused on the effect of probiotic yogurt as a natural product on gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A systematic literature search was done through PUBMED/Medline, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and EBSCO up to December 2022. This meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for the evaluation of the effect of probiotic yogurt on gestational diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: Four manuscripts with a total of 533 participants were included in this meta-analysis. There was a statistically significant association between probiotic yogurt and reduced risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (Pooled OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.19-0.62; I2 = 0.0%). Furthermore, the mean reduction in the fasting plasma glucose was significantly higher in the probiotic yogurt groups (Hedges' g = -0.37; 95% CI -0.68 to -0.05; I2 = 0.0%). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that probiotic yogurt lowers the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Also, it is related to a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose. These findings promise that probiotic yogurt could be regarded as a safe and low-cost therapy and preventive option for gestational diabetes mellitus. However, more randomized controlled trials with different doses and more probiotic strains with varying systems of delivery are warranted.

Zinc supplementation and COVID-19 mortality: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the agent of a pneumonia outbreak and was called 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 emerged in December 2019 and now considered a pandemic. Zinc supplementation can reduce mortality in patients with severe pneumonia. This study aimed at meta-analysis of the results of related studies and evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on COVID-19 mortality. METHODS: A systematic search has conducted for manuscripts through PUBMED/Medline and Google Scholar (Cochrane guideline has considered it as the gray literature) up to September 2021. This meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Guideline for evaluation of the effect zinc supplementation on COVID-19 mortality. Based on the heterogeneity a fixed-effect or random-effect model, the OR and 95% CI were used to assess the combined risk. RESULTS: After assessment, five studies with 1506 participants in case and control groups were included in meta-analysis. The OR for one study was not estimable, and the pool OR was estimated for other studies with 1398 participants. The meta-analysis showed that zinc supplementation in cases led to a significant lower risk of mortality when it was compared with the control group; pooled OR (95% CI) was 0.57 [0.43, 0.77] (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis has suggested that zinc supplementation is associated with a lower mortality rate in COVID-19 patients. Zinc supplementation could be considered as a simple way and cost benefit approach for reduction of mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Nutritional knowledge, attitude and behaviours regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 among residents of Gonabad, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease and a major global health-related issue. Knowledge, attitude and behaviours associated with this disease are being developed. Infected animals and consumption of contaminated foods are probably the main sources of this viral infection. Adhering to a healthy diet is effective in preventing patient affliction and recovery. Thus, the present research aims to determine the nutritional knowledge, attitude and behaviours associated with COVID-19 among Residents of Gonabad, Iran. DESIGN: The present online cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2020 on 389 people selected through convenient sampling method. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire developed by the present researchers comprising four sections: demographic information, knowledge, attitude and nutritional behaviour. The collected data were analysed statistically in SPSS. SETTING: Gonabad city in Khorasan Razavi in the Northeast of Iran. PARTICIPANTS: All people at or above 18 years of age. RESULTS: The present results revealed that the mean age of the participants was 37·3 ± 11·3 years. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude and nutritional behaviour were, respectively, 9·7 ± 1·4, 14·3 ± 3·5 and 29·6 ± 4·2. The mean scores for nutritional knowledge and attitude showed no statistically significant correlation with age, education, occupation, marital status and economic status. However, the mean nutritional behaviour score was significantly higher among women than men (P = 0·004). CONCLUSIONS: Participants' nutritional attitude and behaviour regarding COVID-19, at its early stage in Iran, were average and above average. The public education provided with this regard can have affected this result.

Airborne transmission of COVID-19 and the role of face mask to prevent it: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), belonging to the Coronaviridae family, is agent of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, Hubei province of China, in early December 2019 and is now considered a pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the airborne transmission of COVID-19 and the role of face mask to prevent it. METHODS: A systematic search for English-language literature was done via PUBMED/Medline and Google Scholar up to October 2020. There was two search strategy; for airborne transmission and the role of face mask for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on a fixed and random effects model, the RR and 95% CI were used to evaluate the combined risk. This meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Guidelines. RESULTS: After eligibility assessment, four articles with a total of 7688 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The result of this meta-analysis has shown significant reduction in infection with face mask use; the pooled RR (95%CI) was 0.12 [0.06, 0.27] (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that there is association between face mask use and reduction of COVID-19. However, COVID-19 spreads primarily with contact routes and respiratory droplets, but its transmissibility has many mysteries yet and there is controversy about airborne transmission of COVID-19.

The role of vitamin D in prevention of type 2 diabetes. A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recently, there are evidences that have shown vitamin D homeostasis has an impact in the development of type 2 diabetes. However, still it is unclear if vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of overt diabetes. This meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies and RCTs was conducted to evaluate the role of vitamin D in prevention of type 2 diabetes and to elucidate this controversial topic. METHODS: A systematic search for English-language literature was done via PUBMED/Medline and Google Scholar up to March 2020. Based on a fixed and random effects model, the OR, HR and 95% CI were used to evaluate the combined risk. This study followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Guidelines. RESULTS: After eligibility assessment 10 studies with a total of 34,882 participants were included in meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies suggested that there was a statistically significant association between the vitamin D and type 2 Diabetes; the pooled OR (95%CI) was 1.77 [1.51, 2.07] (P < 0.001). Meta-analysis of RCTs have shown that there was no statistically significant association between vitamin D supplementation and prevention of type 2 Diabetes, the pooled HR (95%CI) was 0.89 [0.77, 1.02] (P = 0.08). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that there is association between the vitamin D and type 2 diabetes. However, the result of RCTs suggests emphasis of future studies for genetic factors such as polymorphic variants of the VDR gene as one factor in this complex process.

Natural products as promising targets in glioblastoma multiforme: a focus on NF-κB signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), as the broadest cerebrum tumor, is resistant to current medical interventions, particularly chemo/radiation. Hence, it necessitates further therapeutic options that could enhance the efficacy of existing modalities. METHODS: A comprehensive and systematic review of literature on the NF-κB signaling pathway-contributed in the pathogenesis of GBM with a focus on natural products was carried out. RESULTS: Several examinations have shown that nuclear factor (NF)-κB is participated in apoptosis, cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, invasion, and many other processes implicated in GBM pathobiology. Recent studies have provided that NF-κB regulation is the primary pharmacological target for GBM therapy. Specific natural products are involved in several signaling pathways implicated in tumor growth and apoptosis of GBM cells. CONCLUSION: In the current review, we elaborate on the role of NF-κB as a promising target in GBM and discuss some natural products affecting the NF-κB signaling pathway.

The effects of high doses of vitamin D on the composition of the gut microbiome of adolescent girls.

BACKGROUND: Animal studies suggest that vitamin D can change the gut microbiome. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a high dose supplementation of vitamin D on the composition of the gut microbiome. METHODS: After DNA extraction, TaqMan assays were used for the quantitation of selected microbiome in the feces of 50 adolescent girls before and after vitamin D supplementation. RESULTS: The expression fold changes for Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were; 1.05, 1.20, 0.76, 0.28 and 1.50 respectively. Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus fell by 72% (P < 0.0001) and 24% (P = 0.006) respectively, whilst Firmicutes and Bifidobacterium were increased by 1.5 (P < 0.0001), 1.2 (P < 0.0001) fold after supplementation. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that a high dose supplementation of vitamin D alter the human gut microbiome composition. Future studies are required for a better understanding of the mechanisms by which vitamin D affects the gut microbiome.

The relationship between short stature and menstrual pattern in a large cohort of Iranian girls.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between stature and menstrual pattern. Nine hundred and seventy six girls were selected from regions within two cities in north-eastern Iran in 2015. They were assessed with respect to: their stature and menstrual pattern, age of menstruation, severity of dysmenorrhoea, duration of their menstrual cycle and flow. 841 girls had experienced menarche. 10.5% had a short stature. There were significant differences in age, height, weight and body mass index between those who had experienced their first menstrual cycle and others (p < .001). There were weak and negative correlation between age of menarche and height percentiles (r = -0.12, p < .001). Premenstrual syndrome, duration of menstruation cycle and bleeding period did not differ between these two groups (p > .05). We found that dysmenorrhoea was significantly influenced by height. Although the mean age at menarche was statistically significant among different statures, the range was narrow (12.2-12.7). Further studies considering environmental factors, including socioeconomic status and nutrition concurrently, are also required.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Various menstrual characteristics, including age of menarche, severity of dysmenorrhoea and duration of menstrual period may be associated with height. But, there have been few studies on the relationship between short stature and its impact on health status and menstrual patterns in adolescents.What do the results of this study add? There were significant differences in age, height, weight and body mass index between adolescent girls who had experienced their first menstrual cycle, and others. There were weak, negative, significant correlations between age of menarche and height percentiles. Dysmenorrhoea was significantly influenced by height.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Life style modification and nutritional interventions that optimise the height of girls may resolve their menstrual problems and dysmenorrhoea.

Vitamin D, the gut microbiome and inflammatory bowel disease.

Vitamin D has an important role in bone metabolism but recently has been recognized as an immunoregulator, and this has led to investigations on the effect of Vitamin D supplementation in various autoimmune diseases and its anti-inflammatory effects. There is some evidence that Vitamin D can regulate gastrointestinal inflammation. In addition, previous studies have shown that Vitamin D can affect the gut microbiome. The aim of this review is to evaluate the effect of Vitamin D on inflammatory processes, especially its relation to the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and gut microbiome. There is some evidence that Vitamin D can regulate gastrointestinal inflammation, with epidemiological studies showing that individuals with higher serum Vitamin D have a lower incidence of IBD, particularly Crohn's disease. Vitamin D changes transcription of cathelicidin and DEFB4 (defensin, beta 4) that can affect the gut microbiome. Several cell types of the immune system express Vitamin D receptor, and hence the use of Vitamin D in immune regulation has some potential. Furthermore, Vitamin D deficiency leads to dysbiosis of gut microbiome and reported to cause severe colitis. Vitamin D supplementation is low cost and available and can be a therapeutic option.

Relationship of Dietary and Serum Zinc with Depression Score in Iranian Adolescent Girls.

Zinc deficiency, which is common among Iranian populations, is believed to play a crucial role in the onset and progression of mood disorders such as depression in different stages of life. We have therefore investigated the relationship between serum/dietary zinc status and depression scores among adolescent girls living in northeastern Iran. Serum zinc was measured by flame atomic absorption (Varian AA240FS) and the mean zinc intake was assessed using 3-day food record. A validated Persian version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to determine the severity of depressive symptoms for all subjects. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18 software. There was a statistically significant correlation between dietary zinc intake and serum zinc concentration (r = 0.117, p = 0.018). Dietary intake of zinc (7.04 ± 4.28 mg/day) was significantly lower among subjects with mild to severe depression symptoms than those with no or minimal depression symptoms (8.06 ± 3.03 mg/day). Dietary zinc intake was inversely correlated with depression score (r = 0.133, p = 0.008). However, there was no significant difference in serum zinc concentrations among individuals with no or minimal and mild to severe depression symptoms (p = 0.5). Dietary zinc intake, but not serum zinc concentration, was inversely associated with depression symptoms. Therefore, controlled clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy of zinc supplementation in the treatment of depression disorders.

There is an association between serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations and depression score in adolescent girls.

BACKGROUND: Whilst there is evidence of an association between depression and inflammation in adults, there is limited data on this in adolescents particularly in non-westernized populations. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum hs-CRP level and depression score in adolescent girls living in northwestern Iran. METHOD: Serum hs-CRP was measured in 563 adolescent girls aged 12-18 years. Depression score was assessed using the Beck's depression inventory II (BDI-II). RESULTS: Serum hs-CRP was 0.61 (0.30-0.88) mg/L [median (interquartile range)] in the non-depressed group, 0.97 (0.50-1.82) mg/L in the group with a mild depression score, 1.04 (0.57-1.60) mg/L in those with a moderate depression score, and 0.84 (0.45-2.64) mg/L in girls with severe depression (Kruskal-Wallis test, P<0.001). It has shown that hs-CRP is significantly higher in depressed groups. Multinomial logistic regression analysis, controlling for age, BMI, waist circumference, social class, alcohol consumption, smoking or being passive smoker and recent infections, showed that depression scores were positively associated with serum hs-CRP level (OR=1.93, P<0.001). Using a linear model after adjustment, B (the unstandardized beta) of hs-CRP according to the depression score was 1.43, P<0.001. CONCLUSION: There is a significant association between serum hs-CRP and depression score in adolescent girls. The cross sectional study design does not allow us to conclude that there is a direct relationship between inflammation and depression, and this would need to be tested in an intervention study.

Genetic and epigenetic factors influencing vitamin D status.

The global prevalence of vitamin D deficiency appears to be increasing, and the impact of this on human health is important because of the association of vitamin D insufficiency with increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. There are few studies on the genetic factors that can influence vitamin D levels. In particular, the data from twin and family-based studies have reported that circulating vitamin D concentrations are partially determined by genetic factors. Moreover, it has been shown that genetic variants (e.g., mutation) and alteration (e.g., deletion, amplification, inversion) in genes involved in the metabolism, catabolism, transport, or binding of vitamin D to it receptor, might affect vitamin D level. However, the underlying genetic determinants of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D] concentrations remain to be elucidated. Furthermore, the association between epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and vitamin D level has now been reported in several studies. The aim of current review was to provide an overview of the possible value of loci associated to vitamin D metabolism, catabolism, and transport as well epigenetic modification and environmental factors influencing vitamin D status.

High Dose Supplementation of Vitamin D Affects Measures of Systemic Inflammation: Reductions in High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Level and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) Distribution.

The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency is increasing worldwide, which has be shown to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), autoimmune disease, and metabolic syndrome. These conditions are also associated with a heightened state of inflammation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) level and Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) distribution in a large cohort of adolescent girls. A total of 580 adolescent girls were recruited follow by evaluation of CRP and hematological parameters before and after supplementation with vitamin D supplements as 9 of 50000 IU cholecalciferol capsules for 9 weeks taken at weekly intervals. At baseline, serum hs-CRP level was 0.9 (95%CI: 0.5-1.8), while this value after intervention was reduced to 0.8 (95%CI: 0.3-1.6; P = 0.007). Similar results were also detected for NLR (e.g., NLR level was 1.66 ± 0.72 and 1.53 ± 0.67, P = 0.002, before and after therapy with compliance rate of >95.2%). Moreover, we found an association between hs-CRP and BMI, triglyceride, white blood cell count, and lymphocytes. Interestingly we observed a significant reduction in neutrophil count and CRP level after high dose vitamin D supplementation. Our findings showed that the high dose supplementation of vitamin D affects measures of systemic inflammation: reductions in High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein level and Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) distribution. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4317-4322, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.