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Abstract Background Migraine headache is a major public health problem. Routine medications for migraine treatment are not useful in treating all patients and may have some side effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation on clinical characteristics of migraine, daily functioning, mental health outcomes, and serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Methods In this randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, patients aged 18 to 55 years diagnosed with migraine based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 (ICHD-3) were randomized to either vitamin D (50,000 IU every 2 weeks) plus probiotic (4.5 × 1011 CFU per day) or placebo for 12 weeks. The Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaires were administered to patients at baseline and after 12 weeks. In addition, the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine headaches per month were assessed using a self-administered 30-day headache diary at baseline and the end of the intervention. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and hs-CRP were also examined at first and the end of the study. Results Seventy-two migraine patients with a mean age of 37.46 $$\pm$$ ± 8.32 years were included in this trial. Probiotic and vitamin D co-supplementation compared to placebo resulted in a significant increase in serum levels of vitamin D (+ 12.86 $$\pm$$ ± 1.64 vs. + 1.12 $$\pm$$ ± 0.80 ng/mL, P 0.05). Conclusions This trial showed that probiotic and vitamin D co-supplementation for 12 weeks has beneficial effects on migraine headache characteristics. Further research is needed to confirm this finding.

Abstract Background Migraine is a severe neurological disorder that is recognized as one of the most common debilitating diseases worldwide. Although the exact cause of migraine is not known, research suggests that inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and insufficient nutrients may contribute to its development. Studies indicate that nutrition-based approaches are safer and more cost-effective strategies for managing migraine symptoms compared to medication. In this regard, the impact of nutrition, as a complementary medicine, is largely attributed to that of certain nutrients on inflammation and mitochondrial function. It is hypothesized that alpha-linolenic acid and L-carnitine, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may be synergically beneficial for migraine patients. Therefore, this study will be conducted to assess the efficacy of alpha-linolenic acid and L-carnitine co-supplementation in patients with migraine. Methods This is a parallel, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, in which 80 women aged 20 to 50 years with migraine will be assigned to receive either intervention group (n = 40) receiving both 1000 mg/day flaxseed oil and 500 mg/day L-carnitine simultaneously for 12 weeks, or control group (n = 40) receiving both 1000 mg/day paraffin oil and 500 mg/day maltodextrin as the placebos for the same duration. The primary outcomes include changes in clinical symptoms of migraine, including frequency, severity, and duration of attacks, serum levels of C–reactive protein (CRP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Secondary outcomes include mental health, sleep quality, and quality of life (QOL). Discussion In this study, we aim to investigate the potential benefits of combining alpha-linolenic acid and L-carnitine as a treatment option for migraine sufferers. Migraine, characterized by recurrent severe headaches, affects a significant portion of the population and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. By studying alternative therapies such as alpha-linolenic acid and L-carnitine, researchers hope to expand the range of treatment options available and potentially provide relief to migraine sufferers. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials ( www.irct.ir ) (ID: IRCT20121216011763N57). Registration date: 29 March 2023. Trial status The protocol is version 1.0 dated December 30, 2023. Recruitment began on July 10, 2023, and is expected to be completed by January 22, 2024.

Abstract Background Multiple trauma has serious complications, which increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in the patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of supplementation with phytosomal curcumin on clinical and laboratory factors in critically ill patients with multiple trauma. Methods In this double-blind trial, 53 patients with multiple trauma, who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) were randomized to receive either 2 capsules, each capsule containing 250 mg phytosomal (a total of 500 mg daily) as an intervention group or 2 identical capsules (placebo capsules), each containing 250 mg maltodextrin for 7 days. Clinical and laboratory were parameters assessed before and after the intervention. Results After seven days of intervention, the mean increase from baseline in the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score was significantly higher in the curcumin compared with the placebo group (P-value: 0.028), while the reduction in the APACHE-II score in the curcumin group was greater than that the placebo group in a marginally non-significant fashion (P-value: 0.055). Serum total bilirubin (P-value: 0.036) and quantitative C-reactive protein (CRP) (P-value: 0.044) levels significantly decreased while potassium (P-value: 0.01) significantly increased in the curcumin compared with the placebo group. Moreover, supplementation with phytosomal curcumin significantly increased platelet count (P-value: 0.024) as compared with placebo. The 28-day mortality rate was 7.7% (n: 2 patients) and 3.7% (n: 1 patients) in the placebo and curcumin groups, respectively (P-value > 0.05). Conclusion Phytosomal curcumin had beneficial effects on several clinical and laboratory factors including GCS, APACHEII, serum total bilirubin, CRP, and platelet count in ICU-admitted patients with multiple trauma. Trial registration IRCT20090306001747N1, Available on: https://www.irct.ir/trial/52692 . The first registration date was 12/01/2021.

Abstract Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is associated with reduced fertility and poor reproductive outcomes. The association between dietary patterns and DOR was not well studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between adhering to the healthy eating index (HEI-2015) and the risk of DOR. In this case–control study, 370 Iranian women (120 with DOR and 250 age- and BMI-matched controls) were examined. A reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to collect diet-related data. We analyzed the HEI-2015 and their dietary intake data to determine major dietary patterns. The multivariable logistic regression was used in order to analyze the association between HEI-2015 and risk of DOR. We found no significant association between HEI-2015 score and risk of DOR in the unadjusted model (OR 0.78; 95%CI 0.59, 1.03). After controlling for physical activity and energy intake, we observed that women in the highest quartile of the HEI-2015 score had 31% decreased odds of DOR (OR 0.69; 95%CI 0.46, 0.93). This association remained significant even after adjusting for all potential confounders. Overall, increased adherence to HEI may lead to a significant reduction in the odds ratio of DOR. Clinical trials and prospective studies are needed to confirm this association.

Migraine is associated with inflammation and oxidative imbalance. This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and L-carnitine co-supplementation on inflammatory status and oxidative stress in 80 women with migraine. Serum markers were measured before and after the intervention. Compared to placebo, ALA and L-carnitine co-supplementation significantly reduced nitric oxide (−6.10; 95 % CI (−9.08, −3.12) vs. 1.77; 95 % CI (−3.21, 6.76) nmol/mL, P = 0.038), malondialdehyde (−5.47; 95 % CI (−6.33, −4.62) vs. −0.15; 95 % CI (−0.50, −0.20) nmol/mL, P = 0.011), and C-reactive protein (−0.44; 95 % CI (−0.47, −0.41) vs. −0.02; 95 % CI (−0.05, 0.007) mg/L, P = 0.007) levels. It also increased total antioxidant capacity (185.60; 95 % CI (159.69, 211.50) vs. 5.22; 95 % CI (−29.21, 39.66) nmol/mL, P = 0.045) and superoxide dismutase activity (301.42; 95 % CI (230.63, 372.21) vs. 15.20; 95 % CI (−8.15, 38.55) U/mL, P = 0.009), suggesting potential benefits for migraine management.

BackgroundMigraine is one of the most debilitating neurological disorders that causes frequent attacks of headaches and affects approximately 11% of the global population. Deficient or even insufficient levels of vital nutrients would increase the severity and frequency of migraine attacks. Therefore, we aimed to examine the practical supplements for the prevention and management of migraine attacks.MethodThis narrative review study was conducted by searching PubMed, ISI web of science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Scopus using the keywords of “dietary supplement” and “migraine” plus their MeSH terms. Original articles published in English language from their inception to July 27th, 2024, studies that investigated adult population (aged >18 years), and those assessing the impact of intended nutrient supplementation on clinical symptoms of migraine were included in the study.ResultOxidative stress and low intake of antioxidants would be risk factors for migraine attacks by inducing inflammation. The secretion of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, would lead to neuroinflammation and migraine episodes by increasing the cellular permeability and interactions. Evidence also indicated a direct association between phases of migraine attacks and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), mitochondrial disorders, monoaminergic pathway, disruption in brain energy metabolism, and higher serum levels of glutamate and homocysteine. Therefore, supplementation with nutrients involved in mitochondrial function, brain energy metabolism, and even methyl donors would relieve migraine attacks.ConclusionEvidence indicated that supplementation with riboflavin, omega-3 fatty acids, alpha lipoic acid, magnesium, probiotics, coenzyme Q10, ginger, and caffeine would have favorable effects on migraine patients. However, more prospective studies are required to evaluate the effect of other nutrients on migraine patients.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 12 weeks inulin supplementation (10 g/d) on clinical indices and biomarkers of inflammation, gut permeability, and oxidative stress in eighty women with migraine. Before and after the trial, we assessed the migraine index (MI), migraine headache index score (MHIS), headache diary results (HDR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), zonulin, nitric oxide (NO), and oxidative stress factors. Inulin supplementation improved total antioxidant capacity (284.07 vs. 26.92, P=0.046), and reduced hs-CRP (−0.69 vs. 0.14), NO (−5.65 vs. 2.57) and oxidative stress index levels (−0.21 vs. 0.05) compared to placebo. Moreover, inulin supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in the score of MHIS, MI, and HDR (all P-values

BackgroundHemodialysis (HD) patients have a low quality of life (QOL), and dietary intakes may impact both somatic and psychosocial aspects of QOL. Nevertheless, the relationship between QOL and different dietary fats has not yet been evaluated.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the association between QOL and the types/quantities of dietary fats intake in HD patients.MethodsIn this multi-center cross-sectional study, 251 adult patients under dialysis for at least 3 months were included. Participants’ dietary intakes were collected using a validated 168-item semi-quantitative FFQ during the past year. Moreover, to assess QOL, Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF 1/3) was used. The linear regression between QOL and different types of dietary fats was conducted. p

Introduction: Numerous clinical trials have investigated the effects of fenugreek, a traditional herbal medicine, on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the results from these studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis on the effects of fenugreek supplementation on weight, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, and glycemic indices in patients with T2DM. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify clinical trial studies until October 2023. The data were analyzed using a random-effects model and presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) along with the associated 95 % confidence interval (CI). Results: A total of 19 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated a significant impact of fenugreek supplementation on lowering fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (WMD: 20.32 mg/dl; 95 % CI: 26.65 to −13.99), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) (WMD: 0.54 %; 95 % CI: 0.80 to −0.28), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD: 0.36; 95 % CI: 0.67 to −0.05), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: 33.10 mg/dL; 95 % CI: 64.31 to −1.88), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: 29.14 mg/dL; 95 % CI: 55.45 to −2.83), BMI (WMD: 0.73 kg/m2; 95 % CI: 1.40 to −0.07), and increasing the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD: 5.68 mg/dL; 95 % CI: 3.51 to 7.85). However, the effect on fasting insulin, triglycerides, and weight was not significant. Conclusions: Fenugreek supplementation has been shown to improve FPG, HbA1C, HOMA-IR, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and BMI in patients with T2DM. The overall results suggest that fenugreek may have protective and therapeutic effects on T2DM parameters.

Objective: The observed impacts of Garcinia cambogia (GC) on serum leptin indicate inconsistency. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of GC on leptin levels. Methods: A thorough literature search was carried out using different online databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, until May 25, 2024. Using random effects, weighted mean differences (WMDs) and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Standard procedures were followed to account for publication bias, study quality, and statistical heterogeneity. Results: In this meta-analysis, a total of eight eligible trials with 330 participants were ultimately included. Quality assessment showed that half of the included trials were considered to have fair quality, while the other half were deemed to have poor quality. Our analysis, with no indication of publication bias, showed a significantly decreased effect of GC on leptin compared with the placebo (WMD: −5.01 ng/ml; 95 % CI: −9.22 to −0.80, p = 0.02). However, significant heterogeneity was detected between studies (I2 =93.5 %, p

Abstract We investigated the relationship between dietary phytochemical index (DPI) and migraine headaches in Iranian patients, analyzing both clinical and psychological traits. A cross-sectional study was conducted using non-obese adults aged 20–50 years who were diagnosed with migraine. The study used a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire to assess the usual dietary intake of participants. The DPI was calculated using the following formula: [daily energy derived from phytochemical-rich foods (in kJ)/total daily energy intake (in kJ)] × 100. Clinical outcomes of migraine including frequency, duration, and severity of headaches, as well as migraine-related disability were obtained using relevant questionnaires. Moreover, the mental health profile of patients including depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) were measured. A Poisson regression was used for headache frequency. Linear regression analyzed migraine-related outcomes including duration, severity, migraine-related disability, and serum NO levels. In addition, psychological traits were analyzed via logistic regression. A total of 262 individuals (85.5% females) with a mean age of 36.1 years were included in the analysis. The frequency of migraine attacks was lower in patients in the last DPI tertile compared to those in the first DPI tertile both in the crude [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63, 0.78, Ptrend

Abstract Background Despite a number of recommended strategies, effective treatment of migraine remains elusive. Given the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of migraine, selenium, as an antioxidant nutrient, may have a beneficial effect on migraine outcomes. However, no study has explored the effects of selenium supplementation on migraine symptoms, oxidative stress biomarkers, and mental health. Therefore, this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to examine the effects of selenium supplementation among migraine patients. Methods Seventy-two migraine patients will receive either 200 µg/day selenium supplement (n = 36) or placebo (n = 36) for 12 weeks in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. The severity, frequency, and duration of headaches, mental health indices including depression, anxiety, and distress, and quality of life, as well as biomarkers of oxidative stress such as nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS), will be measured at the baseline and end of the study. The intention-to-treat (ITT) approach will be used to estimate missing values. One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) will be performed to detect the effect of selenium supplementation on outcome variables. Discussion Oxidative stress is recognized as a key contributor to migraine pathogenesis. Selenium is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties, capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB), holding promise to alleviate the oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. Thus, selenium may beneficially affect clinical symptoms and oxidative stress as well as the quality of life in migraine patients. Trial registration This trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials ( https://www.irct.ir/ ) on 27 May 2023 with the code number IRCT20121216011763N60.

Abstract Background Sepsis, a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a host’s dysregulated response to infection with an inflammatory process, becomes a real challenge for the healthcare systems. L-carnitine (LC) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as in previous studies. Thus, we aimed to determine the effects of LC on inflammation, oxidative stress, and clinical parameters in critically ill septic patients. Methods A randomized double-blinded controlled trial was conducted. A total of 60 patients were randomized to receive LC (3 g/day, n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 7 days. Inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters (C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), 28-day mortality rate, and some monitoring variables were evaluated. Results There was no statistically significant difference between study arms in baseline characteristics and disease severity scores. CRP (p

Abstract Background Burn injuries are important medical problems that, aside from skin damage, cause a systemic response including inflammation, oxidative stress, endocrine disorders, immune response, and hypermetabolic and catabolic responses which affect all the organs in the body. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and clinical outcomes in burn patients. Methods In a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 60 burn patients were randomly assigned to receive 100 mg CoQ10 three times a day (total 300 mg/day) or a placebo for 10 days. Inflammatory markers including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), oxidative stress markers including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, white blood cells (WBC), and body temperature were assessed as primary outcomes and albumin, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), international normalized ratio (INR), other hematological parameters, blood pressure, O2 saturation, ICU duration, and 28-mortality rate were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results Fifty-two participants completed the trial. CRP and ESR levels were not significantly different between CoQ10 and placebo groups at the end of the study (P = 0.550 and P = 0.306, respectively). No significant differences between groups were observed for TAC (P = 0.865), MDA (P = 0.692), and SOD activity (P = 0.633) as well. Administration of CoQ10 resulted in a significant increase in albumin levels compared to placebo (P = 0.031). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in other measured outcomes (P > 0.05). Conclusion Results showed that in patients with burn injury, CoQ10 administration had no effect on inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, although serum albumin levels were improved after supplementation. Further studies with albumin as the primary outcome are needed to confirm this finding.

Objectives: The effects of jujube (Ziziphus jujube) consumption on metabolic and mental health outcomes in subjects diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (MetS) is unknown and remains to be examined. Hence, we carried out a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial to investigate this issue. Methods: Eligible participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 30) or the control (n = 30) groups to receive either jujube or a placebo for eight weeks. Subjects were provided with 30 g dried jujube powder or placebo and were asked to consume half of the powder at 10 a.m. and the rest at 4 p.m. Lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure were evaluated as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes collected were mental health measures (e.g., depression, anxiety, and stress). Results: Jujube consumption failed to decrease FBG, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood pressure, as well as depression and anxiety scores (P > 0.05). However, the between-group comparison revealed a significant improvement in WC (− 3.98 vs. − 0.51, P = 0.01), triglyceride (TG) (− 24.96 vs. − 0.73, P = 0.03), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (2.83 vs. 0.40, P = 0.01) in the jujube group compared to the placebo. In addition, compared to the control group, jujube consumption led to a significant improvement in the score of stress (− 5.80 vs. − 2.86, P = 0.01). Conclusion: Jujube consumption only had beneficial effects on WC, TG, and HDL-C in subjects with MetS. However, the current study has methodological weaknesses in blinding and herb purity/potency testing, which should be addressed in future studies.

Objective: Increased body mass index (BMI) seems to be a risk factor for migraine attacks. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-obesity effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of cinnamon on anthropometric indices and headache-related disability of patients with migraine.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 50 migraine patients. Patients were randomized to receive either 600 mg cinnamon powder or placebo capsules for two months. Height, body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were measured.Furthermore, Minimal or Infrequent Disability (MIDAS) and Headache Daily Result (HDR) Questionnaires were recorded.Results: At the end of the treatment period, BW and BMI did not change in the intervention group; however, both factors were significantly increased in the placebo group (p=0.001). The change of WC, HDR and MIDAS was significantly different between the intervention and placebo groups (p

Background Previous studies have shown that the dietary inflammatory index (DII) is associated with different health outcomes. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between DII and oral health. We aimed to assess the association between energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) and periodontal disease. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 on 213 Iranian participants. E-DII was calculated based on the data obtained by the food frequency questionnaire. The plaque control index was measured by the O’Leary method. Gingivitis was evaluated based on the signs of inflammation in the gums. The Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) are based on the number of decayed, filled, and missed teeth resulting from caries. Results the score of E-DII among subjects in the last tertile of the E-DII was ≥ -0.33/. Therefore, participants of the present study did not consume a high proinflammatory diet. No significant correlation between E-DII and dental plaque control index (r = 0.046, P = 0.518), gingival index (r = 0.001, P = 0.998), and DMFT (r = -0.021, P = 0.762) was observed. Conclusions In this study, inflammatory diet and plaque and gingival index were not associated; it should also be investigated in prospective studies.

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the complications of diabetes. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of curcumin-piperine on laboratory factors and macular vascular in DR. Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-arm clinical trial that was conducted on 60 patients with DR aged 30–65 years. Patients were randomized into two groups to receive (i) 1010 mg/day of curcumin-piperine (two tablets per day, each tablet containing 500 mg curcuminoids and 5 mg piperine) (n = 30) or (ii) the matched placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. The investigated factors included optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), oxidative stress factors, C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TGs), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine. Results: The trial was completed by 27 patients in the intervention group and 29 patients in the placebo group. Curcumin-piperine significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (0.86 ± 0.66 vs. 0.45 ± 0.89; P = 0.022) and superoxide dismutases (0.77 ± 2.11 vs. −0.45 ± 3.08; P = 0.031), while it decreased and malondialdehyde (MDA) (−1.06 ± 5.80 vs. 1.89 ± 6.12; P = 0.043) and creatinine (−0.04 ± 0.16 vs. 0.03 ± 0.05; P = 0.042) compared with placebo. However, this supplement had no significant effect on CRP, FBG, TG, BUN, OCT, and OCTA. There were no adverse reactions. Conclusion: Curcumin-piperine is effective in improving oxidative stress and reducing creatinine in DR. Further trials are necessary to confirm these promising findings.

Background and AimThe present double-blinded randomized clinical trial aimed to investigate the effect of selenium supplementation on oxidative stress, clinical, and physiological symptoms in patients with migraine.MethodsIn total, 72 patients with migraine were randomly assigned to receive either 200 μg/day selenium (n = 36) or placebo (n = 36) for 12 weeks. Clinical traits of migraine (e.g., severity, frequency, and duration of headaches), mental health indices (e.g., depression, anxiety, and distress), quality of life, biomarkers of oxidative stress (e.g., nitric oxide [NO], malondialdehyde [MDA], total antioxidant capacity [TAC], total oxidant status [TOS]), and anthropometric indices were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study.ResultsSelenium supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in NO (−1.24 ± 0.43 vs. 0.16 ± 0.43; p = 0.03) levels and a significant increase in TAC (9.89 ± 2.50 vs. −0.18 ± 2.50; p = 0.01) compared to the placebo group. Moreover, selenium supplementation had a significant protective effect against MDA levels compared to placebo (0.33 ± 0.57 vs. 1.83 ± 0.57; p = 0.03). In addition, selenium intake was associated with a lower headache frequency (−8.15 ± 0.77 vs. −4.12 ± 0.77; p

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) sought to evaluate the effects of quercetin on the components of (MetS) such as waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). A systematic literature search up to December 2023 was completed in Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, to identify eligible RCTs. Altogether, 20 studies with a total sample size of 1,164 subjects were included in the analysis. A pooled analysis showed that quercetin consumption led to a significant reduction in FBG (WMD: −1.03 mg/dL; 95 % CI: −1.87 to −0.19), and SBP (WMD: −1.96 mmHg; 95 % CI: −3.11 to −0.81). However, there were no significant effects on TG, HDL-C, WC, and DBP. It was found that quercetin intake can decrease FBG and SBP significantly without significant effects on other components of MetS.

Objective: Policosanol is a mixture of long chain alcohols refined from sugar cane. Significant reductions in liver enzymes have been observed in some studies. However, the impact of policosanol on liver enzymes remained controversial. The current meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of policosanol supplementation on the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Methods: The literature was systematically searched for studies published up to November 2023 in PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Scopus. Randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies were included to evaluate the intervention effect of policosanol compared to placebo on ALT and AST. DerSimonian and Laird models were used to calculate effect sizes. Results: Twenty-three trials including 2535 participants were included in the study. The combination of effect sizes, regarding the random-effects model, demonstrated significant changes in ALT serum levels after intervention (WMD: −1.48 U/L; 95% CI: −2.33 to −0.64; P = 0.001), and AST (WMD: −1.10 U/L; 95% CI: −1.70 to −0.51; P

The implementation of human research involving children and adolescents necessitates a nuanced understanding of the distinct ethical complexities and sensitivities that arise. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive review of ethical guidelines for research with these populations by extensively examining existing standards and applied studies. The review revealed a myriad of challenges inherent in the involvement of children and adolescents as research subjects. The most important ethical challenges relate to the principles of bioethics and their compliance with human studies involving children/adolescents, informed consent, and risk assessment in studies on children/adolescents. To facilitate appropriate participation of youth in research endeavors, meticulous planning is required, in conjunction with a re-examination of the definitions of ethical principles in pediatric research, close monitoring of potential risks and benefits, and the utilization of a combination of innovative and traditional approaches to obtain informed consent that adheres to ethical standards. Performing research with children and adolescents requires special considerations to address the unique ethical issues that can emerge. By adhering to ethical guidelines tailored specifically to these vulnerable populations, researchers can help ensure that studies are conducted in an appropriate and responsible manner.

Introduction and Aim: Research on the effects of propolis consumption on body composition, and blood pressure (BP) has produced inconsistent results. This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis was carried out to compile the data from the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on how propolis supplementation affects body composition, and BP level in adults. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane library, up to January 2024. The RCTs, evaluating the effects of propolis consumption on weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), fat mass (FM), systolic BP (SBP), and diastolic BP (DBP), were included in the study. We used the random-effects model to establish the pooled effect size. Results: A total of 22 RCTs involving 1082 participants were included in the study. Propolis supplementation demonstrated significant reductions in weight (weighted mean difference [WMD]: –0.37 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.63 to –0.12), and BMI (WMD: –0.11 kg/m2; 95% CI: –0.13 to –0.09). However, there were no significant effects on WC, WHR, FM, HC, SBP, and DBP levels. The dose-response analysis revealed a significant nonlinear relationship between propolis dosage and WC (P = 0.020). Moreover, the BMI (P = 0.047) and WC (P = 0.004) reduction trend continues until 8 weeks of intervention and then this impact plateaued. Conclusions: Supplementation with propolis seems to be effective in reducing weight and BMI. However, it should be noted that the anti-obesity properties of propolis supplementation were small and may not reach clinical importance. Therefore, future well-designed studies with a large sample size are needed to investigate the effect of propolis on body composition and BP in adults.

Due to an increase in the number of older people in recent years, neurodegenerative diseases as the most important age-related neurological disorders are considered as a great threat to human health. The treatment strategies for these disorders are symptomatic and there is no known definitive treatment; however, recently, several studies have investigated the effectiveness of some herbs and their components in limiting the progression and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we searched Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. The keywords used in the search were: saffron [title/abstract] or (saffron compound [title/abstract]) and (neurological disorders [title/abstract]), publication date range (2010–2023), and language (English). After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 articles remained. Of the 30 articles included in the study, six studies on the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders by saffron and its components were in the clinical trial phase, and 24 studies were in the preclinical phase. Saffron and its compounds can play an important role in inhibiting neuroinflammation and excitotoxic pathways, modulating autophagy and apoptosis, attenuating oxidative damage, and activating defensive antioxidant enzymes, resulting in neuroprotection against neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to review the studies on the effects of saffron and its compounds on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

BackgroundData linking joint healthy lifestyle factors to general and abdominal obesity are scarce, in particular in the Middle East. The aim of this study was to examine the association of combined healthy lifestyle factors with general and abdominal obesity in a large population of Iranian adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was done on 3,172 Iranian adults aged ≥18 years. We constructed healthy lifestyle score using information on dietary intakes, physical activity, smoking status, and psychological distress. To evaluate components of healthy lifestyle, we applied a validated 106-item semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and other pre-tested questionnaires. General obesity was defined as having a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 and abdominal obesity as a waist circumference (WC) of ≥102 cm in men and ≥88 cm in women.ResultsMean age of participants was 36.54 ± 7.97 years. General and abdominal obesity were prevalent among 8.7% and 21.5% of study participants, respectively. Linear analysis showed a significant positive relationship between healthy lifestyle score and BMI among men (β: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.54). However, no significant association was found between healthy lifestyle and abdominal obesity in men. Among women, one score increase in healthy lifestyle score was associated with a reduction of 0.65 cm in WC. In terms of individual components of healthy lifestyle, we found that low-distressed women had lower odds of abdominal obesity compared with high-distressed women.ConclusionWe found a significant inverse association between healthy lifestyle and WC among women. However, healthy lifestyle was positively associated with BMI among men.

Fasting diets (FDs) have drawn great attention concerning their contribution to health and disease over the last decade. Despite considerable interest in FDs, the effect of fasting diets on eating behaviors, sleep, and mood-essential components of diet satisfaction and mental health- has not been addressed comprehensively. Understanding the critical role that fasting plays in these elements will open up potential treatment avenues that have not yet been explored. The aim of the present paper was to conduct a comprehensive critical review exploring the effects of fasting on eating behaviors, sleep, and mood. There is currently a lack of clarity regarding which fasting option yields the most advantageous effects, and there is also a scarcity of consistent trials that assess the effects of FDs in a comparable manner. Similarly, the effects and/or treatment options for utilizing FDs to modify eating and sleep behaviors and enhance mood are still poorly understood. Further researches aiming at understanding the impacts of various fasting regimes, providing new insights into the gut-brain axis and offering new treatment avenues for those with resistant anxiety and depression, are warranted. Alteration of eating behaviors can have lasting effects on various physiological parameters. The use of fasting cures can underpin ancient knowledge with scientific evidence to form a new approach to the prevention and treatment of problems associated with co-morbidities or challenges pertaining to eating behaviors. Therefore, a thorough examination of the various fasting regimens and how they impact disease patterns is also warranted.